For the first time in the history of international figure skating, the Middle East and Africa will host a leg of the ISU Junior Grand Prix Figure Skating Championship. Abu Dhabi has been selected to stage the prestigious event in October 2025, marking a major milestone for both the UAE and the regional winter sports landscape.
International event to showcase 90 skaters from 35 countries
The championship will be held from 8th to 11th October 2025 at the Abu Dhabi Ice Rink, with 90 junior skaters from 35 countries expected to compete. The UAE is hosting the penultimate round of the global series, which includes five stops in total. Organised under the authority of the International Skating Union (ISU) and sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event will feature competition in three main categories:
- Men’s Singles
- Women’s Singles
- Pairs
Each discipline will spotlight top-performing young athletes from across the world.
Strong backing for UAE’s figure skating development
Commenting on the significance of the event, Hamel Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Vice President of the UAE Winter Sports Federation, said:“Hosting the championship reflects the International Skating Union’s confidence in the UAE’s distinguished position on the international sports scene.” He also stressed the developmental value the championship brings to young local athletes: “It represents an important opportunity to develop Emirati talent and enhance their skills through exposure to the world’s best junior athletes.” Al Qubaisi further emphasised that the championship fits into the UAE’s wider strategy to diversify its sports portfolio:“The event highlights the UAE’s status as a global destination for winter sports and aligns with the national strategy to diversify sports and support non-traditional activities such as figure skating, promoting sports tourism and fostering cultural exchange through sports.”
About the ISU Junior Grand Prix Series
Launched in 1997, the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series is one of the leading international platforms for emerging figure skating talent. The series includes seven events held across different countries, culminating in the ISU Junior Grand Prix Final. The series features skaters aged:
- 13 to 19 years (standard competitors)
- Up to 21 years (for male ice dance and pair skating partners)
It is open to competitors from Europe, North and South America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa, offering a unique chance to compete at high-level international events. A points-based ranking system is used throughout the series, with results from each of the seven events contributing to qualification. Only the top six skaters or pairs in each discipline advance to the Final. The ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating is funded by the ISU Development Program, and since 2011, all events have been live streamed on the official ISU Junior Grand Prix YouTube channel, offering broad accessibility to global audiences.
