International Teams Launch Dubai Games 2025 with Thrilling Burj Challenge

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai Games 2025 has officially begun with an exciting and physically demanding event—the Burj Challenge. This marks the start of the international sports tournament, where teams from across the world have come together to compete in various events. The ‘Battle of the Cities’ category saw teams push their limits as they raced up the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, in a grueling test of strength and endurance.

A Tough Race to the Top

Fifty teams representing different cities around the world took part in the Burj Challenge. Wearing weighted vests—10 kg for men and 7 kg for women—they climbed 160 floors to reach the top of Burj Khalifa. The challenge tested not only their physical fitness but also their mental strength and teamwork. This event plays an important role in the Dubai Games, as it allows teams to earn crucial bonus points in the ‘Battle of the Cities’ competition.

In an impressive display of endurance, the top three teams that completed the climb in record time were:

Colorado (USA) – 31 minutes 13 seconds

Oviedo (Spain) – 31 minutes 43 seconds

Kutná Hora (Czech Republic) – 31 minutes 48 seconds

These teams have set a high standard for the rest of the competition, showing incredible determination and skill.

Global Participation at Its Best

Dubai Games 2025 has reached a new milestone by attracting teams from across five continents. This year, cities from around the world have come together to compete, making it one of the biggest sporting events in Dubai. Some of the competing cities include:

United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai

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United States: Houston, St. Louis, Colorado, Hagåtña

United Kingdom: London, Oxford, Portsmouth

Spain: Barcelona, Oviedo, Irun

France: Paris, Besançon, Toulouse

Germany: Frankfurt, Aachen, Ulm

Poland: Gdańsk, Rybnik, Częstochowa

Australia: Sydney, Brisbane

South Korea: Seoul

South Africa: Cape Town

Canada: Montreal

These are just a few of the many teams competing in the Dubai Games, which has gained international recognition as a premier sporting event.

A Celebration of Strength and Teamwork

Marwan bin Essa, Director of Dubai Games, praised the athletes, saying, “The Burj Challenge is a true test of teamwork, strength, and ambition. This year, we have witnessed an incredible level of participation, proving that Dubai Games is a world-class event. We look forward to more exciting competitions in the coming days.”

Now in its sixth year, Dubai Games has received strong support from both public and private organizations. Some of the major partners and sponsors include:

DP World (Official Partner)

DAMAC Group and Emarat (Diamond Partners)

DEWA, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and M42 (Gold Sponsors)

C4 (Bronze Sponsor)

Dubai Festival City (Official Venue Partner)

du (Telecom Partner)

Dubai Media Incorporated and Arabian Radio Network (Media Partners)

Adidas, Viya, and Mai Dubai (Additional Sponsors)

What’s Next?

Dubai Games 2025 features a total of 244 teams competing in various categories:

Battle of the Government (Men): 84 teams

Battle of the Government (Women): 26 teams

Battle of the Community: 28 teams

Battle of the Cities: 50 teams

Battle of Juniors: 56 teams (held earlier in February at DAMAC Hills)

The main championship is set to take place from February 20 to 23 at Dubai Festival City, with a total prize pool of AED 3.1 million.

With an exciting lineup of events ahead, Dubai Games 2025 is not just a competition—it’s an inspiring platform that encourages people to stay active, push their limits, and embrace the values of perseverance and ambition.

For updates, follow @DubaiGames on Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.