DUBAI // The first World Future Sports Games will involve teams from around the world competing in Dubai next year.
The games, which will take place in December next year, will feature futuristic, technology-based sports competitions organised by the new World Federation of Future Sports, which will be based in Dubai.
The plans have been launched under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.
“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 and Robotics Award for Good,” said Sheikh Hamdan.
“Over the past 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.”
He said a future sports competition will act as a catalyst to drive innovation and research and development, state news agency Wam reported on Sunday.
“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,” he said.
The World Federation of Future Sports will work with 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, said Sheikh Hamdan.
Organisers want the games to contribute to attracting thousands of researchers and professionals from around the world to create economic value worth billions of dollars.
The games, which will run from December 28 to 30, 2017, were announced at the conclusion of the World Drone Prix in Dubai.
The three-day event will be held every two years and will involve nine competitions that employ modern technology and artificial intelligence: driverless car racing, robotic soccer, running, table tennis, swimming and wrestling, manned drones racing, drones races and cybathlon competition.
Sheikh Hamdan called on the youth around the world to explore innovative ideas in all areas, and actively participate in the games to create innovative applications that can help enhance human life.
Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, managing director of Dubai Museum of the Future Foundation, will head the newly set-up federation, while Mattar Al Tayer, vice chairman of Dubai Sports Council, will be the vice chairman and Saif Al Aleeli, CEO of Dubai Museum of the Future Foundation, will be the secretary general.
Mr Al Gergawi said traditional sports throughout history have contributed to social and economic development and attracted billions of dollars in investments, and future sport is capable of achieving the same in the coming period and it will also contribute to promoting research and development in various technology-related sectors.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
