Phygital Sports Summit Opens in Abu Dhabi Ahead of Games of the Future 2025

Coinciding with the launch of the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, the Summit examined AI-enhanced athlete performance, mixed-reality training systems, the evolution of fan engagement, and the rapid rise of hybrid phygital disciplines that merge physical skill with digital gameplay.

The Summit opened with a keynote address from His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports, who highlighted the UAE’s role in advancing innovation and youth empowerment across the global sporting landscape.

H.E. Al Falasi emphasized that hosting the Games of the Future marks a major milestone in strengthening the UAE’s position as an international hub for future sports—integrating advanced technology, competition formats and human potential into one unified platform.

Throughout the day, speakers from leading sports bodies, technology companies and government institutions discussed how digital transformation is reshaping infrastructure, athlete development and performance culture.

Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, noted that emerging technologies are creating new competitive formats that challenge athletes differently while enabling deeper audience engagement.

Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, reinforced that phygital sport reflects global shifts in how communities interact with competition: “Phygital sport enhances human potential rather than replacing it. The global digital community now spans over 115 nations, bringing us to this milestone moment in Abu Dhabi.”

With the Summit concluded, focus now turns to the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, running from 17–23 December. More than 850 athletes from over 60 countries will compete across 11 hybrid disciplines for a total prize pool of USD 5 million.

The competition delivered by ASPIRE, in collaboration with Ethara and Phygital International, and supported by national partners including ADNOC, EDGE, M42, Solutions+, The Galleria, ADNEC Group, and the Ministry of Sports.

To attend the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 or to view broadcast streams and schedules, visit gotfabudhabi.com.

Fans worldwide can watch all competitions live via tv.gofuture.games.