The Abu Dhabi Masters 2026, officially known as the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, has officially commenced, marking the West Asia’s largest-ever mass participation multi-sport event dedicated to athletes aged 30 and above. Kicking off with a sold-out opening ceremony at Zayed Sports City Stadium, the 10-day event has drawn over 25,000 competitors from more than 92 nationalities, transforming Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra into hubs of athletic fervour and cultural celebration.
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, commonly known as the Abu Dhabi Masters, marks the first-ever major masters multi-sport games to be held in West Asia. Unlike traditional World Masters Games that often impose qualification standards, this edition introduces a fully inclusive “Open” format with no barriers to entry, welcoming athletes aged 30 and above of all abilities, skill levels, and backgrounds. The Games also set a regional precedent by incorporating 13 dedicated para-sports categories, making it the first masters event in West Asia to champion such extensive accessibility for people of determination.
Adding a distinctive cultural dimension, the program blends international Olympic-style disciplines with six authentic Emirati heritage sports, including camel racing, falconry, dhow sailing, endurance horse racing, Al Tabaa, and traditional diving, creating a rare fusion of global competition and local tradition. The event further emphasises inclusivity through prominent women-only categories in sports such as athletics, volleyball, basketball, padel, and 7-a-side football. Competitions in 20 sports launched on February 7, with the full program running through February 14, will culminate in a farewell ceremony on Hudayriat Island on February 15.
Must Read
- Advertisement -
