The countdown to the 5th Asian Youth Para Games has officially begun following the signing of the host city contract between the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) and the Dubai Club for People of Determination, which serves as the local organising committee for the event.

The contract was signed at the APC headquarters in Dubai by Majid Al Usaimi, President of the APC, and Thani Juma Berregad, Chairman of the Dubai Club for People of Determination.

Set to take place from 7 to 14 December 2025, the Games will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. The event will feature 11 sports and marks the second time Dubai has hosted the Games, following its previous edition in 2017.

During the ceremony, Al Usaimi expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Mansoor for ensuring the continuity of the Games, after Tashkent, the original host city, was unable to proceed with the event initially scheduled for October.

Al Usaimi underscored that this initiative reflects the UAE and Dubai’s enduring commitment to empowering People of Determination across all sectors. He also commended the Dubai Club for People of Determination for stepping in under challenging circumstances, reaffirming its dedication to the growth of the international Paralympic movement.

“The responsibility of continuing the Youth Games in the world’s largest continent remains a central mission of the Asian Paralympic Movement,” said Al Usaimi. “Our young athletes represent one of our most valuable investments, both in Asia and globally. At the APC, we strive to sustain our efforts to provide the highest quality of service for People of Determination in pursuit of our collective goals.”

He noted that the APC has adopted a long-term vision of developing youth athletes into elite professionals, supported by structured competitions throughout the season and continuous training for those working with the athletes, including classifiers and coaches.

Berregad, in turn, expressed his pride in Dubai’s role as host and affirmed the club’s readiness to deliver an outstanding edition of the Games.

“Over the years, the UAE and Dubai have earned a distinguished reputation for successfully hosting prominent regional and international sporting events. We continue to build on this legacy, offering unforgettable experiences and setting a benchmark for excellence on the Asian stage,” he said.

“We are fully committed to presenting a world-class Games and will exert every effort to make this edition the strongest and most successful yet,” Berregad added.