TL; Dr.
-
Global encounter festival One isCultural and sports program The Ismaili was organized by the Muslim community, from July 20–27, 2025 in Dubai. - It brings together more than 4,000 young artists and athletes from over 50 countries to celebrate creativity and sportsmanship.
- Festival highlighted
Community value Like unity, leadership and environmental responsibility, characteristic of art, sports and cultural programs.
The Global Encounter Festival is a major event where young people from Ismaili Muslim community come together to share their talent in art and sports. It is set in Dubai this year and runs from 20 to 27 July, with an opening concert before night. This festival is not only about competition or performance; It is about creating friendship, learning from various cultures and showing what young people can do when working together. The program includes art exhibitions, music and theater shows, plus sports tournaments in 18 separate sports.This festival is unique because it is a global gathering designed to bring young Ismail from all over the world from more than 50 countries, under one roof. This idea is to inspire creativity, promote teamwork and encourage the spirit of the community.
A look back: Why the festival matters
The Global Encounter Festival began as a way of connecting Ismaili communities worldwide through culture and sports. It is a place to step into leadership roles for youth and express themselves in safe, supporting settings. This 2025 version is particularly important as it is the first leadership under the leadership of Rajkumar Rahim Aga Khan after the leadership of the late Aga Khan IV.The festival also shows a big message, inclusion, stability and respect for the environment. This supports the idea that community programs may be fun taking care of the planet. From tree planting to zero-illiterate goals, organizers are serious about keeping things green.
Which version is this?
The 2025 Global Encounter Festival is the first in many ways, the first Jubilee Arts and Jubilee Games come together as a big global program.Earlier, global encounters meant that youth camps held between 2013 and 2019 in Kenya and India. Those camps focused on leadership, service and cultural exchange, but they were not such public festivals. In the previous years, Jubilee Arts and Jubilee Games separate, spotlighting each art or game. This year, everything joins under a roof. More than 4,000 young artists and athletes from 50+ countries will participate, making it the largest and most inclusive festival.So if you are wondering how special this incident is, then this is the first official joint global encounter festival, which has to bring talent, culture and community together like never before.
What happens on the festival?
- Jubilee Arts: This part includes everything creative, from painting and films to music and theater. Young artists get their work to showcase and meet others from different countries. It is about sharing stories and ideas through art.
- Jubilee game: Sports fans get 18 games to follow or compete football, cricket, basketball, swimming, and more. Sports focus on bringing people together through fair play and favorable competition.
- Community and Culture: Visitors can detect Ismaili Center Dubai, which opens during the festival. It provides people guided tourism to help people understand the history and values of the community. The festival is welcoming everyone, no matter their background.
You should know the details of the festival
- When: July 20-27, 2025 (Opening Concert on 19 July)
- Main Sthal: Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC)
- other location: Dubai Sports City, ICC Academy, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Emirates Golf Club, and Ismaili Center Dubai
- Special events: Salim-Suleman’s specialty on July 20 Sufiana concert; A
Sustainable Fashion Show Climate on catwalk is called - stamp: Children under 10 are available for free; Tickets for others available online; Some events are needed
- Precaution of Kovid-19: There will be measures if necessary
What’s new in 2025?
This year’s festival includes more sports, large cultural workshops, focus on stability with environmentally friendly fashion and online live stream.
- The festival kicked on July 19 with programs going on throughout the week.
- Sufiana Concert: July 20, in 20:00 DWTC, ticket AED 160–1390; Salim-Suleman Performance.
- Climate on Catwalk: Sustainable Fashion Show Promoting Climate Awareness.
- Facing challenges on global care, creativity and stability.
- Virtual access and live-streaming are available.
- Extended sports and new competition categories.
- Increase in cultural exchange workshops and programs.
For more information, go on Official festival program brochure And Ismaili Community Global Website,
questions to ask
- Question: Who can participate in the Global encounter festival?
A: In art and sports, the youth of the Ismaili community around the world are the main participants. But some programs are also open to the public.
- Question: How can I participate in the festival or see?
A: Some events require tickets or passes, which you can get online. Others are free or open to the public. Many performances and competitions will also be live-stream.
- Question: How does the festival support environmental responsibility?
A: The organizers focus on green practices such as zero waste, tree planting, and encouraging permanent travel. There is also a fashion show to raise awareness about climate change.
