His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, officially opened the Asian Youth Paralympic Games—Dubai 2025 on December 11, reinforcing the city’s commitment to global inclusivity and disability sports excellence. Staged from December 10–13 across eight state-of-the-art venues, this iteration marks the largest in the Games’ history, drawing 1,500 athletes from 35 nations to compete in 11 sports, with advanced artificial intelligence integrated into operations for enhanced efficiency.
The opening ceremony, held at the Dubai Club for People of Determination, featured a celebration of determination and regional cooperation. Sheikh Mansoor recognized Her Excellency Shakhnoza Shavkatovna Mirziyoyeva, First Deputy Director of the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, for her significant contributions to advancing sports initiatives for young people with disabilities across Asia.
Record Participation and Global Presence
Dubai’s selection as host city, following its successful organization of the 2017 Games, solidifies its reputation as a leading center for specialized sporting events. The competition roster includes a diverse range of sports: athletics, swimming, boccia, powerlifting, table tennis, archery, goalball, badminton, wheelchair basketball, arm wrestling, and taekwondo.
The ceremony drew a distinguished international and regional audience, underscoring the event’s importance. Notable attendees included His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports; Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai; and Her Excellency Dato Sri Hajjah Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development for the State Government of Sarawak, Malaysia. Key figures from the Paralympic movement, including His Excellency Majid Al Usaimi, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC), were also present.
A Fusion of Spirit and Technology
A highlight of the inaugural event was the parade of participating athletes, showcasing national pride and youthful enthusiasm. Organizers emphasized the seamless incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) across event operations, signaling a forward-thinking, innovative approach to large-scale specialized sports management.
Key Technical and Operational Innovations:
- AI Integration: Used extensively for managing schedules, logistics, and athlete support, ensuring a streamlined experience.
- World-Class Venues: Eight venues utilized to host the multitude of events, reflecting adherence to international standards.
His Excellency Thani Jumaa Al-Riqad, Chairman of the Organising Committee, praised the athletes for embodying the future of the Asian Paralympic movement. He acknowledged that organizing the demanding event within a condensed timeframe provided motivation, rather than serving as an obstacle, ultimately delivering a celebration of energy and aspiration.
Furthermore, Mr. Al-Otaibi, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee, lauded Dubai’s innovative use of AI, highlighting it as a bold step toward the future of adaptive sports. He reiterated the scale of the 2025 Games, describing it as a landmark moment for the region’s youth Paralympic development.
The event concluded with an oath sworn by athlete representative Mohammed Khalid Taleb and referee Tariq Al Ali, upholding the values of integrity and respect. The official ceremony was capped by a cultural showcase, including a performance by Emirati artist Eyadah Al Menhali, paying homage to the resilience and accomplishments of the competitors.
The Asian Youth Paralympic Games—Dubai 2025 serves as a crucial platform for nurturing rising talent and shaping a dynamic future for the continent’s emerging Paralympic athletes, while simultaneously solidifying Dubai’s status as a global leader in inclusive sport.