Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 is not only a game-changer for phygital sports, but also redraws the playing fields of education, cybersecurity, and high-speed competition.The event, running until 23 December 2025 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, brings together more than 850 participants from 60 countries under the theme "Next Gen Human. Play the Future".
Aletihad spoke with some of the participants about innovations in their respective fields.
Bachelor of Arts in Video Game Design
At Abu Dhabi University's stand, Bassam Murra, Director of Marketing, Enrollment, and Registration, presented ADU's new Bachelor of Arts in Video Game Design programme, the first of its kind in the region, developed with the Rubika School in France.
He said the programme is devised to help students "design, develop and produce world-class game experiences" with training that covers "concept development, storytelling, visual design, user experience, real-time engines and production pipelines".
Murra added that ADU's participation also reflects its collaboration with Abu Dhabi Gaming under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, supporting the emirate's ambition to become a global hub for gaming, esports, and interactive media".
In order to widen engagement, he said the university will involve more than 600 students, as well as partners and school groups, to explore the skills, tools, and workflows that define modern game development, guided by ADU students and its faculty.
Cybersecurity Escape Room
Abdulaziz Al Balushi, a cybersecurity consultant at the UAE Cybersecurity Council, said their participation is aimed at long-term awareness - not quick fixes.
Of all the threats in the digital environment, "the biggest risk we face today in cybersecurity is people themselves", he said.
He explained that the cybersecurity "escape room" recreates realistic situations from everyday life and the workplace.
"We draw inspiration from the risks that can happen to individuals or even within their organisations," Al Balushi said, citing suspicious email links and phishing attempts.
The simulation is designed to show users clearly what dangers they can encounter when awareness is low.
The experience explores the development of quantum computers, and the complex challenges with encryption that this presents.
Al Balushi added: "The main objective of the cybersecurity escape room is to raise awareness among youth and the wider community, while reinforcing basic standards and keeping people informed about the latest policies and updates."
Phygital Drone Racing
Shane Adams, Captain of the E7 Drone Team, said the team came with one goal: "We are here at the Games of the Future competing, and I have two of the world's fastest pilots here racing, and we are going for first [place]."
Games of the Future, he said, is a platform for the sport to grow. Sixteen teams representing various countries were competing at the event.
"It is pretty vital that we have these competitions and events to bring the mainstream forward in the UAE and across the globe," he said
Adams said the format also reflects how quickly the sport is evolving.
He explained: "The simulation with drones and real-life drones is very close, and unlike Formula 1 where the body is pushed by G-force, in drone racing it is psychological, allowing pilots to train on simulators and transfer those skills straight over to the real-life flyers."
What makes this event unique, he noted, is that the phygital format is very different to most typical drone races. Instead of short heats, they race 50 laps.
That demands more than speed. "We need to manage our LiPos, we need to manage the pilot changes, we need to be fast in our operations, not just fast on the track," he said.
"The team dynamic cooperation adds a whole new level to drone racing," he added.
