- Over 4,000 young Ismaili Muslim talents from 50+ countries to gather in Dubai.
- Festival spans July 20–27, featuring sports, arts, and civic programs.
- Aligns with UAE’s Year of Community 2025, backed by major national institutions.
Dubai is gearing up to welcome thousands of young creatives and athletes for the Global Encounters Festival 2025, scheduled from July 20 to 27.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Festival supports the UAE’s Year of Community initiative.
Global Encounters Festival 2025 in Dubai to Unite Youth Through Sport, Art, and Culture
This landmark festival will serve as a celebration of identity, collaboration, and shared values. Participants will engage in 18 international sports competitions that go beyond medals to emphasize ethics, resilience, and camaraderie. It’s not just about performance—it’s about how sport can build bridges across borders and communities.
Jubilee Arts will be a visual feast, showcasing works in film, painting, photography, spoken word, and live stage performances. Youth voices will lead the charge, offering perspectives on contemporary challenges, heritage, and global citizenship. The space encourages dialogue through art, opening doors for creative exchange.
In line with Dubai’s vision as a global cultural hub, the Festival will also host exhibitions in collaboration with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). These displays highlight global development projects, from architecture and healthcare to education and climate solutions, tying local creativity to international impact.
The Festival reflects a forward-looking UAE—one that invests in its youth while welcoming diverse cultural narratives. By embracing these stories in a shared space, the Global Encounters Festival becomes more than an event: it evolves into a movement that underscores the power of inclusion and global youth leadership.
The Global Encounters Festival 2025 promises a dynamic fusion of art, athletics, and purpose — a celebration not only of talent but of shared human values in a rapidly changing world.
“Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit.” — Jawaharlal Nehru
