Qatar: Abu Dhabi has taken center stage in global masters sport with the official launch of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, the largest mass-participation multi-sport event ever staged in West Asia for athletes aged 30 and above.
The 10-day sporting festival began with a sold-out opening ceremony at Zayed Sports City Stadium, setting the tone for an event that has attracted more than 25,000 participants representing over 92 nationalities. With competitions spread across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, the Games have turned the emirate into a vibrant convergence of sport, culture and community engagement.
A First-of-Its-Kind “Open” Masters Event
Officially titled the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, the event is making history as the first major masters multi-sport games hosted in West Asia. Breaking away from traditional qualification-based formats, the Games follow an inclusive “Open” model, allowing athletes of all abilities and experience levels to compete without entry barriers.
Another milestone is the inclusion of 13 dedicated para-sports categories, making it the first masters event in the region to offer such comprehensive opportunities for people of determination.
Blending Global Sport with Emirati Heritage
What sets the Abu Dhabi Masters apart is its fusion of international sporting disciplines with local heritage. Alongside Olympic-style events, the program features six traditional Emirati sports—camel racing, falconry, dhow sailing, endurance horse racing, Al Tabaa and traditional diving—offering participants and spectators a unique cultural experience.
The Games also place strong emphasis on gender inclusivity, with women-only categories introduced across athletics, volleyball, basketball, padel and 7-a-side football.
Packed Schedule and Widespread Impact
Competitions in 20 sports began on the opening day, February 7, with the full schedule running until February 14. The event will conclude with a farewell ceremony on Hudayriat Island on February 15. In total, athletes are competing across 38 disciplines, ranging from athletics, badminton, chess, triathlon and cricket to para-sports and heritage events.
Key venues include Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub, Al Wathba Race Track and the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Academy. More than 7,200 volunteers are supporting operations, while organisers expect up to 500,000 spectators during the Games.
Beyond competition, the Open Masters Games aim to leave a lasting community legacy, with over 255 engagement initiatives reaching more than 60,000 people. The event is also expected to deliver a significant economic boost to the region through increased activity in hospitality, transport and local services.
With its inclusive philosophy and cultural depth, the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is setting a new benchmark for masters sport—both regionally and globally.
