Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – The scientific seminar of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) “CISM 2025” concluded today in Abu Dhabi. Organised by the UAE Ministry of Defence under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, the three-day event was held under the theme: “Physical Readiness and Resilience in the Armed Forces: Challenges and Future Foresight.”
High-level patronage and attendance
The closing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Lieutenant General Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, alongside CISM leaders, board members, delegations and speakers.
Broad participation and international representation
As the first edition in the Middle East, the seminar featured a robust programme of lectures and specialised workshops. It included participation from more than 130 attendees and 43 speakers from 35 countries.
Keynotes and advanced research
General (Dr.) Evgeny Kryukov delivered a keynote on state-of-the-art protocols for diagnosing and rehabilitating sport-specific injuries. This was followed by a lecture from Professor Renner Marson on biosensors and artificial intelligence in monitoring human performance for military readiness.
Readiness: from physical to psychological
Sessions addressed the multi-dimensional readiness ecosystem—from physical rehabilitation to mental health. They included an Emirati study on chronic-pain prevention and papers from Romania, the United Kingdom, and Australia on mental resilience and contemplative practices.
Physiological readiness & technology
Researchers from the Brazilian Air Force presented applications of wearable technologies for tracking hydration and thermoregulation. Their aim was to enhance performance in hot environments, in addition to a scientific review on tactical readiness in elite units.
Official statements
Major General Obaid Ali Al Mansoori, Chair of the Higher Organising Committee, affirmed that the seminar embodied the leadership’s vision. The vision is to unite knowledge, cooperation, and innovation to strengthen future military readiness. It supports scientific research and global partnerships. Brigadier General Ayoub Al Falasi, Head of the UAE Delegation to CISM, noted that hosting the event is an important milestone. It advances academic–military cooperation and keeps pace with contemporary requirements.
Honouring partners
The Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Defence honoured several partners and supporters. These included EDGE Group, the Tawazun Council, Etihad Airways, Khalifa University, Palms Sports, and the UAE Archery Federation.
Raoul Mollet Award
The Raoul Mollet Award for Sports Sciences from the CISM Academy was presented to Associate Professor Arto Grasten of United Arab Emirates University. It was in recognition of his research contributions to military sport and fitness.
Closing recommendations
The seminar put forward frameworks to integrate artificial intelligence, biosensing technologies, and psychological conditioning into modern military readiness programmes. It also called for strengthening cooperation among member states. Furthermore, it encouraged deepening exchange between civilian academia and military research centres—advancing CISM’s message of “Friendship through Sport.”
Flag handover & next host
The proceedings concluded with the CISM flag handover. Brigadier General Ayoub Butti Al Falasi presented the flag to CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Filho, who then passed it to Major General Pilot Paulo de Melo, Head of the Brazilian delegation. Brazil assumes hosting of the next seminar in two years.
Commendation for the UAE
CISM leadership and participating delegations praised the meticulous organisation and preparation. They commended the enabling environment the UAE provided for dialogue and knowledge exchange—underscoring the country’s leading status in hosting international events and fostering global military and humanitarian cooperation.
