Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 Set to Bring Global Athletes and Traditional Sports Together

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is an upcoming sporting event taking place in the United Arab Emirates. The games will run from February 6 to 15, 2026, in several locations across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. More than 20 venues will host the competitions, including well-known places like Zayed Sports City, Hudayriyat Island, and the ADNEC exhibition center. This event is designed for athletes aged 30 and above. It is expected to attract over 25,000 participants from various countries around the world. These athletes will compete in a total of 38 sports. Besides popular sports, the games will also feature some traditional Emirati disciplines such as camel racing, falconry, and dhow sailing. The official Welcome Ceremony for the Games was held on February 6, 2026, at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi. The ceremony marked the beginning of a series of competitions and activities that will take place during the event. The organizing committee is led by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee. The event’s logo, which highlights Emirati heritage and national values, was unveiled on June 2, 2025. Prior to the event, an inclusive, free community training program was launched. This program encourages local residents and visitors of all ages to participate in different sports activities. It has been active since its start and will continue until February 2, 2026. To support the event’s success, several strategic partnerships have been formed. These include collaborations with organizations such as AD Ports Group, PureHealth, LuLu Group International, Miral, Mubadala Investment Company, Etihad Rail, and Choueiri Group. International engagement has also been a focus. On December 23, 2025, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council held an introductory workshop. This aimed to foster cooperation with diplomatic missions and encourage them to coordinate with sports federations in their respective countries. A major part of the event’s planning involved showcasing sports as a driving force for health and inclusion. The Games participated in Expo 2025 Osaka, emphasizing their role in promoting sports and community well-being. Looking ahead, the schedule for the games was officially announced on January 14, 2026. Due to high interest, the registration period was extended until January 15, 2026, allowing more athletes to sign up. In addition to the competitions, a community cycling race was organized in November 2025 as part of the Games’ activities. This race was intended to engage the local community and promote active lifestyles. The event's organizers hope to establish a sustainable legacy. They aim to use the Games as an opportunity to boost community participation, improve sports infrastructure, and highlight the UAE’s capability to host international sporting events effectively. Overall, the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is set to be a significant event that brings together athletes, communities, and cultures. It underscores the importance of sports in fostering health, inclusion, and international friendship. With careful planning and collaboration, the Games are expected to leave a lasting impact on the region and its sporting community.