Dubai is set to make a landmark return as it hosts the Asian Youth Para Games for the second time, welcoming 1,500 young Para athletes from 35 nations, the largest participation in the event’s history.

Having successfully hosted the Games in 2017, the 2025 edition will feature competitions in 11 sports across 8 world-class venues from 10-13 December, further cementing Dubai’s status as a global hub for Para sport excellence.

The Organising Committee has confirmed 10 December as the date of the Opening Ceremony at the Dubai Club for People of Determination Stadium. All preparations are now complete to deliver an exceptional continental event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.

Athletes will compete in Para athletics, Para swimming, boccia, Para powerlifting, Para table tennis, Para archery, goalball, Para badminton, wheelchair basketball, Para taekwondo, and Para Armwrestling – making its historic debut at the Asian Youth Para Games.

Among the nations, Iran – the table toppers at last edition in Bahrain 2021 with 51 gold – will field the largest delegation with 195 athletes, demonstrating their deep commitment to youth development and Para sport excellence.

The hosts UAE will have 55 athletes proving how Para sport has developed in the nation and the commitment of the organisations like Asian Paralympic Committer and Dubai Club for People of Determination to promote inclusion in the region.

This announcement was made during a press conference on Thursday at the Dubai Sports Council, where more than 40 sponsors and partners were officially unveiled. The press conference was attended by Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council; Thani Juma Berregad, Chairman of the Organising Committee; Majid Rashed, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee; and representatives from partner entities.

Sponsors include: Dubai Municipality, Community Development Authority, Chery International, Sobha Realty, Chalhoub Group, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Sports, Swank Real Estate Development, Buimerci, Emirates Sports, Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Emirates Transport, National Central Cooling Company – Tabreed, Roads & Transport Authority, Prescott Developments, Forum Group, Mai Dubai, Dubai Airports, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Ministry of Family Affairs, Shabab Al Ahli Club – Dubai, Dubai Police, Hamdan Sports Complex, Higher Colleges of Technology, American International School, Millennium Place Hotel Mirdif, Emirates Sports Arena, Berkeley Services, Dubai Civil Defence, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center, Hamdan Bin Rashid Space Centre, and Museum of the Future.

Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, praised the efforts of the Organising Committee and the event’s sponsors. “We are delighted that Dubai’s hosting of this major sporting event coincides with our national celebrations of the 54th UAE National Day – a day that embodies the unity between our leadership and our people, and celebrates a journey marked by excellence and achievement in every field.

“The UAE’s hosting of this international sporting event for the second time – following the resounding success of the first edition in 2017 – reaffirms the nation’s exceptional organisational capabilities, the world’s confidence in us, and the competence of our citizens, which continues to shine through in every sporting and non-sporting event we host.”

Thani Juma Berregad highlighted the significance of the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor, noting that it gives the Youth Games great momentum. “Dubai is proud to host this important event, despite the challenges we faced, including time constraints and logistical demands. Our belief in the mission of this edition – to empower People of Determination and support their sporting journeys – inspired us to transform challenges into opportunities and deliver a Games that will remain unforgettable.”

“Over the years, the UAE and Dubai have earned a distinguished reputation by hosting numerous major and successful regional and international sporting events. We continue to build on this legacy, offering the world exceptional experiences and setting a benchmark for others across Asia.”

APC President Majid Rashed reaffirmed the UAE’s leadership in advancing Para sport across the region: “The unwavering support of our wise leadership continues to inspire the Paralympic movement in the UAE, across Asia, and around the world. These Games reflect the values of solidarity, humanity, and fair competition that we are committed to instilling in our next generation.”

Representatives from sponsoring organisations, including Chery International, highlighted that their involvement stems from a shared belief in empowering People of Determination and reinforcing Dubai’s global leadership in inclusive sport.

With preparations complete, Dubai is ready once again to welcome the continent, this time with an even bigger, more ambitious edition that celebrates young athletes and shapes the future of Para sport in Asia.