Dubai today announced that it will organize World Future Sports Games in December 2017 as the first initiative of its kind in the world featuring innovation and futuristic technology based sports competitions. The World Future Sports Games was unveiled as Dubai announced Future Sports as a new innovation driven economic sector supported by a new global entity, World Federation of Future Sports based in Dubai.

The first edition of the World Future Sports Games will be hosted in Dubai from December 28 to 30, 2017. The Games will be held over three days once every two years with the participation of teams from around the world in nine futuristic competitions that employ modern technology and artificial intelligence: driverless car racing, robotic soccer , robotic running competitions , manned drones racing , robotics swimming, robotic table tennis, robotic wrestling, drones races and cybathlon competition.

The future sports initiatives have been launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Museum of the Future Foundation.

“Today we start a new phase in our march to the future through the launch of these unique initiatives that are built on the success of our global platforms, the UAE Drones for Good Award and UAE AI & Robotics Award for Good. Over the last two years, these platforms have attracted thousands of entries and hundreds of teams from around the world to strengthen the position of the UAE in the field of innovation at the global level,” His Highness Sheikh Hamdan said.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan pointed out that Dubai will activate future sports as a catalyst to drive innovation and research and development. “Innovation in sports is an important part of building the UAE innovation system and achieving our vision to enhance the advanced status of the UAE in this area at the international level,” His Highness said.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan said the World Federation of Future Sports will work with specialized international federations to create an integrated global system to support the new Future Sports Sector by organising scientific and technological competitions in different parts of the world integrating research and technological development with sports. The initiative will contribute to attracting thousands of researchers and professionals from around the world to create economic value worth billions of dollars, His Highness added.

The World Federation of Future Sports will be headed by His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of Dubai Museum of the Future Foundation. HE Mattar Al Tayer, in his capacity as Vice Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, will be the Vice Chairman of the World Federation of Future Sports, while Saif Al Aleeli, CEO of Dubai Museum of the Future Foundation, will be the Secretary General of the Federation.
The global initiative has been announced at the conclusion of the World Drone Prix in Dubai. On the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan called on the youth around the world to explore innovative ideas in all areas, and actively participate in this championship to create innovative applications that can help enhance human life.
Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi said traditional sports throughout history have contributed to social and economic development and attracted billions of dollars in investments. He said future sport is capable of achieving the same in the coming period and it will also contribute to promoting R&D in various technology-related sectors.

World Federation of Future Sports aims to stimulate innovation through future sport competitions. It will also help develop international standards and regulatory frameworks for future sports and oversee the establishment of future sports entities.

The Federation will coordinate with existing global federations in organizing global competitions and activities around future sports. It will provide advice and propose initiatives aimed at creating economic value for the future sports sector.

Apart from the organizing the World Future Sports Games, the Federation will promote future sports competitions and set the standards for this sector.
World Federation of Future Sports is an initiative of Dubai Museum of the Future Foundation which aims to be an incubator for innovation ideas and a destination for inventors and entrepreneurs from around the world. In addition to becoming a major tourist destination, the Museum of the Future will offer advanced courses and specialized workshops, as well as public talks and events. It will serve as a platform to demonstrate the latest inventions from start-ups to the world’s technology giants. It will also host innovation facilities and design studios with universities, companies, and research partners.