Artists and athletes gather in UAE for festival of unity

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, inaugurated the Global Encounters Festival 2025 on July 21.

- Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

To run till July 27, it is a gathering of more than 4,000 young artists and athletes from over 50 countries, uniting in the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and shared humanity. The opening ceremony, held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), was attended by distinguished dignitaries, including Prince Amyn Aga Khan and Prince Aly Mohammed Aga Khan, alongside over 25,000 visitors from around the world.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, the Global Encounters Festival 2025 takes place across multiple venues in Dubai, featuring a programme of art showcases, sports competitions, concerts, exhibitions, and immersive cultural experiences. In his keynote address, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said: “I am pleased to express our country's great pleasure in welcoming so many festival participants from around the world. I am especially pleased to warmly greet and welcome His Highness Prince Aly Mohammed Aga Khan and His Highness Prince Amyn Mohammed Aga Khan. Their respected worldview, and their strong commitment to preserving our Islamic heritage and traditions, are well known. Their presence will certainly enrich this festival.”