Dubai set to host 4,000 young talents, 25,000 visitors for mega Global Encounters Festival

Dubai: Dubai is set to host the Global Encounters Festival, an unprecedented international gathering celebrating the creative and athletic brilliance of over 4,000 young Ismaili Muslim artists and athletes from more than 50 countries.

The event, which is expected to attract over 25,000 visitors from around the world, span multiple iconic venues across the city, showcasing a rich mix of sports competitions, art showcases, concerts, exhibitions, and immersive cultural experiences. Most of the activities will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Duba’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has also extended on Sunday until 1am the next day to facilitate the thousands of visitors to the Global Encounters Festival.

According to the organisers, the festival is not only a celebration of youth talent, but also a powerful platform for global dialogue, innovation, and sustainability. It marks one of the largest international events ever organised by the Ismaili Muslim community and reaffirms Dubai’s position as a global crossroads for culture, collaboration, and change.

A festival of global unity and vision

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the Festival aligns with the UAE’s “Year of Community 2025”, promoting values of inclusion, sustainability, and collective progress in a country where more than 200 nationalities live in harmony.

Supported by major institutions including the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Sports, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the event reflects the UAE’s commitment to hosting world-class initiatives that bring people together through shared purpose.

Spotlight on youth

With a volunteer force of more than 4,000 community members, the Global Encounters Festival provides a platform for the next generation of artists, athletes, and civic leaders to demonstrate not only their talents, but their commitment to creating positive change.

Whether on stage or on the field, participants are united by a desire to foster social impact, champion climate action, and promote intercultural understanding.

The festival will feature two cornerstone initiatives

Jubilee Arts

Hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this multidimensional programme celebrates creativity across visual arts, film, media, and performance. Audiences can expect everything from experimental films and digital art to street theatre and live music.

Jubilee Games

A world-class sports tournament featuring 18 international competitions including football, cricket, squash, swimming, and basketball. Events will be held in premier sports venues across Dubai, fostering global sportsmanship and teamwork.

A cultural tapestry

The Global Concert: Headlined by world-renowned performers including Shreya Ghoshal, Salim—Sulaiman, and Shehzad Roy, the concert promises a vibrant blend of musical genres and global rhythms.

The event will feature an interactive marketplace offering authentic cuisine, crafts, and cultural displays from around the world.

A powerful, immersive exhibition hosted by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), highlighting its work in health, education, heritage, conservation, and climate resilience, will also part of the event.

Aga Khan Museum pop-up: Visitors will have the chance to view a curated display of artefacts, digital installations, and historic works that celebrate Muslim heritage and pluralistic identity.

Symbolism and sustainability

At the heart of the festival is the Faanoos — a lantern that has travelled from remote mountain villages to global cities, symbolising hope, unity, and the light of shared values in an increasingly interconnected world.

Sustainability is a core pillar of the festival. Through electric rideshares, zero-waste venues, and responsible sourcing, the event is committed to reducing its environmental impact. Participants are actively engaged in the Roots for Change initiative, a global effort to plant 1 million trees in alignment with the Aga Khan Development Network’s Net Zero 2030 goals.

A legacy of collaboration

The festival builds on a deep history of partnership between the Ismaili community, the AKDN, and the Gulf region, working together with both public and private institutions to promote inclusion, education, and sustainable development.

As Dubai once again opens its doors to the world, the Global Encounters Festival 2025 stands as a bold expression of youth leadership, cultural celebration, and global solidarity.

What to expect

Live concerts featuring Shreya Ghoshal, Salim—Sulaiman, Shehzad Roy, and more — plus dazzling Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

18 International Sports Competitions

From cricket and football to squash and swimming — the Jubilee Games bring together elite athletes in a spirit of teamwork and global camaraderie.

Explore film, visual arts, performance, and media through Jubilee Arts, hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Global village

Immerse yourself in diverse cultures, flavours, music, and traditions from across the globe.

Why Dubai

As a city of over 200 nationalities and a beacon of innovation, Dubai offers the perfect stage for this extraordinary global event.