The Global Encounters Festival 2025, held from July 20–27 in Dubai, marks the first-ever unified edition of Jubilee Arts and Jubilee Games. Organised by the Ismaili Muslim community, the event brought together over 4,000 young artists and athletes from more than 50 countries, showcasing a powerful blend of culture, sports, and creative expression.
The week-long festival featured 18 sports tournaments, art exhibitions, theatrical performances, musical showcases, and leadership workshops, aiming to promote global unity, intercultural dialogue, and youth empowerment.
Dubai World Trade Centre Hosted the Global Encounters Festival 2025#GEFestival2025 #UAE #Dubai #GlobalEncounters@uaetolerance@TheIsmaili@DWTCOfficial pic.twitter.com/V9EVRvaTXQ
— UAE Forsan (@UAE_Forsan) July 21, 2025
The event was inaugurated at the Dubai World Trade Centre by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and attended by over 25,000 visitors, reports Times of India.
Members of the Aga Khan family, including Princes Aly and Amyn, participated under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The festival highlighted the UAE’s support for coexistence through arts and sports.
New features this year included a strong focus on sustainability, with eco-conscious initiatives such as electric rideshare programs, zero-waste goals, and the Roots for Change campaign, which aims to plant one million trees globally. Enhanced virtual access and mentorship programs further broadened participation and impact.
