A phygital football experience redefining the future of competitive sports
Abu Dhabi continues to position itself at the forefront of global sports innovation by hosting one of the most forward-thinking sporting events of our time: Phygital Games of the Future – Abu Dhabi 2025.
The event introduced a new competitive model that blends physical athletic performance with digital intelligence, creating a fully immersive phygital sports experience that reflects the future of football and competitive sports worldwide.
Hosted at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the championship highlighted Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a hub for innovation-driven sports and large-scale international events.
Dr. Sawsan Saad at Phygital Games Abu Dhabi 2025
Dr. Sawsan Saad is a sports TV presenter, media professional, and PhD holder in sports media, with extensive experience across regional and international sports platforms.
She was selected as the official football presenter for Phygital Games of the Future – Abu Dhabi 2025, playing a central role in live event presentation and audience engagement.
Her role extended beyond traditional hosting. She led live coverage, on-ground interaction, and clear communication of the phygital football concept, ensuring audiences fully understood the hybrid competition format across both physical and digital platforms.
At the heart of the event’s media presence, Dr. Sawsan Saad delivered professional presentation, confident stage presence, and clear storytelling. Through her media execution, she connected audiences with the innovative nature of the competition and reinforced the event’s credibility on a regional and international level.
Understanding the Phygital Football Format
Unlike conventional football tournaments, the Phygital Games of the Future followed a dual-competition structure.
Athletes first competed in physical football matches, testing strength, speed, and tactical skills on the field. This was followed by a digital round, where the same players faced off in a virtual football environment, requiring strategic thinking, adaptability, and digital intelligence
The combined results of both stages determined the final outcomes, making versatility a decisive factor. This format reflects a global shift in sports, where success is no longer defined by physical ability alone. Instead, athletes must master both real-world performance and digital interaction, aligning with the growing influence of esports, gaming technologies, and immersive competition models.
Abu Dhabi’s decision to host this event highlights its vision to lead the future of technology-driven and hybrid sports experiences, supported by strong institutional backing from entities such as the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Media Presence and Audience Engagement
As a football presenter, Dr. Sawsan Saad contributed to shaping the narrative of the event. She explained the phygital concept to audiences, highlighted athlete performances, and connected viewers to the broader message of innovation behind the competition. Her coverage helped translate a complex, forward-thinking sports format into an engaging and accessible experience for fans.
The audience response reflected the success of this approach. Spectators were drawn not only to the matches themselves but also to the concept of athletes transitioning between physical and digital arenas. This sense of novelty and innovation appealed to both traditional football fans and a younger, tech-savvy audience interested in digital sports and interactive competition.
The Role of Professional Sports Media
Beyond the competition itself, the event highlighted the growing importance of professional sports communication in shaping modern sporting experiences. With hybrid sports formats becoming more complex, the role of presenters and media professionals is essential in bridging the gap between innovation and audience understanding.
Through clear delivery, live interaction, and on-ground engagement, Dr. Sawsan Saad helped translate the event’s vision into a compelling story that resonated with attendees and online viewers alike. This integration of advanced sports concepts with strong media execution positioned the championship as a reference point for future phygital sports events in the region and beyond.
From a media perspective, the event set a new benchmark. The integration of live presentation, on-ground coverage, and digital storytelling ensured that the competition was experienced as more than a tournament; it became a complete sports entertainment experience. Dr. Sawsan Saad’s professional delivery and on-stage presence reinforced the event’s credibility and global appeal, in line with international sports broadcasting standards seen on platforms such as beIN Sports.
Conclusion
The Phygital Games of the Future – Abu Dhabi 2025 represented a milestone in modern sports development. With Abu Dhabi leading the way and media professionals like Dr. Sawsan Saad playing a central role in its presentation, the future of football and competitive sports is already unfolding.
Smarter, more immersive, and powered by both athletic excellence and digital intelligence, phygital sports are redefining how global competitions will be experienced in the years ahead.