Discover Sports Talents and Empower Youth at Abu Dhabi's Inspiring Summer Sports Initiative

Abu Dhabi's annual Sports Summer festival has become one of the UAE capital's biggest community sports events, bringing families together through fitness and wellness activities. The 2025 edition expanded significantly, featuring over 50 sporting events across a 37,000 square meter venue - 10% larger than the previous year.

The fourth edition took place at ADNEC venues in both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, offering activities designed for all age groups. Organizers added new sections for fencing, weightlifting, archery, judo, Muay Thai, and boxing clubs, alongside dedicated fitness and CrossFit zones.

Here's what made this year different: the running track doubled its capacity to four lanes and extended to 1.2 kilometers. The total number of sports courts and tracks reached 52, covering 12 different sports including football, basketball, padel, badminton, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, cricket, chess, and obstacle courses.

The event focused heavily on talent discovery, with summer camps organized specifically for schools and dedicated competitions for children. This approach aligns with Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to make sports a lifestyle choice rather than just entertainment.

Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of Events at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said the expansion reflects the emirate's commitment to community sustainability and quality of life. The organizers deliberately created family-friendly entertainment programs alongside traditional sports activities.

The festival represents Abu Dhabi's growing emphasis on community wellness and active living. By providing free or affordable sports facilities during the summer months, when outdoor activities become challenging due to heat, the event fills a crucial gap in the city's recreational calendar.

For the sports industry, events like these demonstrate how government-backed initiatives can drive grassroots participation. The focus on talent discovery also suggests Abu Dhabi is building a pipeline for future athletic development, potentially feeding into its professional sports ambitions.