Dubai has been officially confirmed as the host city for the Games of the Future 2025, the world's premier phygital sports event that blends physical and digital competition. The UAE selection was announced following a ceremony in Istanbul, cementing Dubai's reputation as a global hub for sports innovation and technology.
Dubai Wins the Right to Host the Games of the Future 2025
Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director-General of the General Authority of Sports, UAE, welcomed the announcement: "There can be no doubt of Dubai's status as the world leader and a hub for the brightest and best in sports and technology. The Games of the Future 2025 will showcase the emirate's capacity to stage major international sporting events and demonstrate its commitment to promoting a phygital world powered by technological advancement and innovation."
Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, echoed the sentiment: "We are thrilled to announce that Dubai, the world's leading technology powerhouse, will be hosting the Games of the Future 2025. The most important event in the phygital sporting calendar will take place in a city that is constantly pushing the boundaries of sporting and technological advancement."
What Is the Games of the Future?
The Games of the Future is a global event that fuses offline and online sports into a single competitive format — what organisers call "phygital" sport. Teams qualify through the World Phygital Cup (WPC) and the Phygital Games 2024/25 season before competing on the world stage.
The 2025 edition aims to engage more than 100 countries, with thousands of elite athletes and esports competitors taking part. Critically, the Games place no restrictions on participants — competitors of any age, gender, or nationality are welcome, making it one of the most inclusive international sporting events on the calendar.
Dubai's Phygital Ecosystem: The Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033
Dubai's hosting ambitions are underpinned by the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033, a ten-year strategy designed to attract international technology corporations and gaming specialists to the emirate. The initiative aims to build a robust phygital ecosystem, positioning Dubai as a long-term global leader in the space — not just a one-time host.
Global Interest Already Building for 2026 and 2027
The enthusiasm surrounding the Games of the Future 2025 Dubai announcement has already triggered interest from cities worldwide. Bidding for the right to host the 2026 and 2027 editions is underway, reflecting rapid growth in the phygital sports movement since the inaugural edition was held in Kazan, Russia, in 2024.
