Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, the International Military Sports Council (CISM) Scientific Symposium will kick off in Abu Dhabi next Monday (October 20). The symposium will bring together a group of senior military officials, experts, academics, and researchers from around the world.
The symposium, which is held biennially in one of the GCC member states, is the first time it has been held in the UAE. The aim is to highlight “Physical Readiness and Resilience in the Armed Forces: Challenges and Future Foresight.” It is considered one of the world’s most prominent events specializing in military sports. It also serves as a strategic platform for exchanging expertise and enhancing international cooperation on topics related to military training and physical readiness.
A global event with wide participation
This year’s three-day symposium, held at the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi Hotel from October 20-22, will attract more than 130 participants representing 35 member countries. Forty-three speakers will participate to provide advanced scientific insights and practical experiences. This will include 39 specialized lectures on physical readiness and resilience in the armed forces.
The symposium, the second largest event on the CISM agenda after the World Military Games, will be attended by prominent international figures. Among them will be the CISM President and his deputies, members of the Board of Directors, and the Secretary General of CISM. Heads of military delegations and military attachés accredited to the country will also be in attendance. This attendance reflects the great confidence and prestigious status the country enjoys internationally.
This came during a press conference held in Abu Dhabi (Friday) to announce the details of the symposium. The conference was attended by His Excellency Major General Obaid Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of CISM 2025, and Colonel Nilton Gomes Filho, President of the International Military Sports Council (CISM). Also present were Navy Colonel Roberto Recchia, Secretary General of the CISM, Major General Rashid Al Dosari, Vice President of the Council for Asia, and Brigadier General Ayoub Al Falasi, Head of the UAE Delegation to the CISM. Dr. Jassim Mohammed Al Zaabi, Vice President of Business Development at EDGE Group, also attended.
Promoting peace through sport
His Excellency Major General Obaid Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the CISM 2025 Symposium, said: “The UAE’s hosting of this global event reflects the directives of our wise leadership to enhance the country’s position as a major destination for major international events. It also reinforces the high level of confidence the UAE enjoys on the global stage.”
His Excellency the Major General added: “The Ministry of Defense has pioneering expertise that has proven its capabilities and potential in organizing qualitative initiatives in various fields related to the defense sector. This is what we see today through this symposium, which combines scientific research and military training. This scene supports the promotion of peace through sports. It is also in line with the country’s approach to supporting initiatives that promote stability and development around the world.”
For his part, Colonel Nilton Gomes Filho, President of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), praised the Ministry of Defense’s organization of CISM 2025. He also highlighted the UAE’s hospitality, capabilities, and potential to manage and host major global events with the highest levels of readiness and flexibility.
For his part, Brigadier General Ayoub Al Falasi, Head of the UAE Delegation to the International Military Sports Council, said: “Since joining the Council in 1974, the UAE has played an active role in supporting military sports and developing its systems within an international cooperative framework. Our commitment as a country is also reflected in our active contribution to the sessions of this symposium through the participation of a group of our national universities and our researchers specializing in military and academic fields. They have presented scientific papers and specialized research that enrich the symposium sessions and its various topics.”
Integrated scientific program
The symposium’s scientific program includes panel discussions, workshops, and specialized presentations by a select group of academics, experts, and researchers from around the world. The topics discussed cover vital topics, most notably sports medicine, combat sports, modern technology, and climate change.
These sessions aim to present the latest scientific studies and exchange best practices and experiences. This contributes to the development of armies and enhancing their capabilities to meet future challenges. The scientific program also provides a platform for launching research initiatives. The goal is to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, keeping pace with future military requirements in the areas of training and readiness.
A platform for understanding and peace
In addition to its scientific and research role, this symposium gains additional importance. It serves as a platform for promoting defense diplomacy and building bridges of understanding and peace among the peoples of the world through sports. Military sports represent an effective means of bringing viewpoints closer and enhancing international cooperation. The UAE’s hosting of the event affirms its unwavering commitment to the humanitarian values that call for spreading peace, stability, and rapprochement among peoples.
Abu Dhabi’s hosting of this prestigious international event, which dates back to 1948, embodies the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership to consolidate the country’s position as a leading global center for organizing and hosting major international events. The hosting is the result of the continuous efforts of the Ministry of Defense. It submitted a comprehensive bid to host the event, which gained the confidence of the General Assembly of the International Military Sports Council at its meeting in Moscow in 2023.
Consolidating the UAE’s global standing
Since joining the 140-member International Military Sports Council (CISM) in 1974, the UAE Ministry of Defense has played a pivotal role in supporting the council’s activities by hosting and organizing major international tournaments and initiatives. It has also actively contributed to promoting scientific research in the field of military sports through its ongoing participation in specialized conferences and seminars.
The UAE’s selection to host the CISM International Symposium reflects the country’s prestigious global standing in hosting and organizing major events. It demonstrates its ability to provide an ideal environment for the success of international conferences. This selection also confirms the international community’s confidence in the country’s institutions’ ability to provide a pioneering model of professional organization. This reinforces the UAE’s role in the development of military sports.
Sustainable legacy
By hosting this international symposium, the UAE continues to consolidate its vital role in launching initiatives that enhance international cooperation. It supports scientific research and military training, creating a sustainable legacy that will impact future generations. The event is not just a global forum for military experts and researchers; it also represents a strategic step toward consolidating the UAE’s position as a leading global platform in the fields of military sports, defense, and international cooperation.
