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 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.

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.”

MENAFN05122025000049011007ID1110443496