Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, officially inaugurated the Global Encounters Festival 2025, a dynamic international celebration bringing together over 4,000 young artists and athletes from more than 50 countries in a powerful display of unity, creativity, and shared purpose.
The opening ceremony, held at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), welcomed an audience of more than 25,000 global visitors and featured the attendance of prominent dignitaries, including H.H. Prince Aly Mohammed Aga Khan and H.H. Prince Amyn Mohammed Aga Khan.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the festival runs from July 20 to 27 across several iconic venues in Dubai. The weeklong event showcases a vibrant program of sports tournaments, art exhibitions, musical performances, cultural experiences, and interactive workshops, reflecting Dubai’s status as a global hub for creativity and innovation.
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A message of unity and coexistence
In his keynote address, Sheikh Nahyan praised the festival for embodying the UAE’s national values of tolerance, coexistence, and global collaboration, highlighting the unique power of sports and the arts to foster cross-cultural understanding.
During his keynote address, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak 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 H.H. Prince Aly Mohammed Aga Khan and H.H. Prince Amyn Mohammed Aga Khan. Their respected world view, and their strong commitment to preserving our Islamic heritage and traditions, are well known. Their presence will certainly enrich this festival.”
He added: “You have assembled in Dubai under our country’s welcoming Arab tent that has sheltered a peaceful and innovative population at this global crossroads. This city and this country are showing the world that people from different nations, different ethnicities, different religions, and different cultures can live and work together in peace and harmony, in an environment marked by understanding, respect, and shared values.”
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak emphasized the UAE’s national ethos of coexistence and the role of sports and arts in building bridges across cultures.
“Under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, we in the UAE cherish the bridges that sports and the arts build between peoples and nations.”
Reflecting on his past attendance at the Jubilee Games 2016, he said: “I am glad to see how much the festival has grown. The festival’s focus on arts and sports reminds us that accomplishment comes from effort and persistence, and that these fields promote joy, friendship, and goodwill. They are important catalysts for peace, coexistence, and harmony in the world.”
Sheikh Nahyan also praised the hosts, saying: “I congratulate the hosts of the festival – the Prince Aga Khan Ismaili Council for the United Arab Emirates. They give us an opportunity to express our admiration for the strong commitment and success of the Ismaili community, under the leadership of His Highness the Aga Khan, to promote peace, tolerance, and understanding in the world.”
He concluded his remarks with a message of encouragement and gratitude: “I commend all of you for being here and for taking up the particular challenge that this festival represents. I share in your hopes and expectations that this festival will be a valuable contribution to promoting dialogue and establishing lasting friendships. My best wishes for successful games, exhilarating competition, and an outstanding artistic and cultural experience.”
A global platform for youth empowerment
The Global Encounters Festival serves as a platform to empower the next generation of changemakers: Young leaders who are excelling in their fields while advancing social impact, climate action, and intercultural dialogue.
Participants include emerging artists, top-performing athletes, and civic leaders who represent the future of global leadership —committed to excellence with a purpose.
“The Global Encounters Festival is not only a celebration of artistic and athletic talent – it is a testament to the enduring values that unite us as a global community,” said His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan.
“Throughout our history, the Ismaili community has sought to cultivate knowledge, foster mutual respect and encourage young people to lead lives of purpose and integrity. In today’s interconnected yet fragile world, the role of youth as bridge-builders is more critical than ever. This festival reflects our commitment to preparing the next generation not only to succeed, but to serve – to uplift the societies in which they live, and to be champions of peace, pluralism and a shared humanity,” His Highness added.
Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said: “Youth development, talent mobility, and cross-border collaboration are essential drivers of long-term economic growth. Hosting the Global Encounters Festival aligns with Dubai’s wider economic agenda, reinforcing our role as a global platform for innovation, cultural exchange, and human capital development. As we look to future-proof our economy, events like this provide an opportunity to engage tomorrow’s leaders, strengthen knowledge ecosystems, and advance Dubai’s position as a magnet for talent, enterprise, and ideas.”
Deep roots in collaboration and community
Organized in collaboration with the Ismaili community and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the festival builds on decades of partnership between civil society institutions and the Gulf region, underscoring a shared vision of inclusive progress and sustainable development.
Aligned with the UAE’s Year of Community 2025, the festival promotes values of inclusion, sustainability, and innovation, mirroring the country’s broader development goals.
One million trees for a greener future
A hallmark of this year’s festival is its unwavering commitment to sustainability. From electric rideshare options to zero-waste venues, environmental stewardship is embedded into every aspect of the event.
Participants are actively supporting the Roots for Change initiative — a global campaign aimed at planting 1 million trees worldwide, in support of Net Zero 2030 objectives.
Thousands of attendees have already pledged to contribute to the effort, making sustainability not just a message, but a movement.
The Global Encounters Festival 2025 stands as a testament to the power of youth, creativity, and collaboration in shaping a more compassionate, inclusive, and sustainable world.
Mahir Julfar, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) said: “We are proud to host the Global Encounters Festival 2025, a large-scale, purpose-driven event that reflects our enduring commitment to operational excellence and global collaboration. With over 25,000 visitors expected, DWTC is well-positioned to deliver a world-class experience that matches the ambition and energy of this remarkable youth-led gathering,”
“The Global Encounters Festival exemplifies the spirit of unity, service and excellence that the Ismaili community aspires to worldwide,” said Malik Talib, chair of the Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum (LIF).
“It offers young people a powerful platform to express their talents, build lasting friendships across borders and deepen their commitment to improving the societies in which they live.”
As Dubai hosts this international celebration, it further cements thew UAE’s position as a beacon for global dialogue and visionary leadership.
