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 fervor and cultural celebration.
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, commonly known as the Abu Dhabi Masters, stands out as a truly unique event in the world of masters sports. It 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 emphasizes inclusivity through prominent women-only categories in sports such as athletics, volleyball, basketball, padel, and 7-a-side football, while delivering a powerful community legacy through over 255 engagement initiatives reaching more than 60,000 people.
Competitions in 20 sports launched on Day 1 (February 7), with the full program running through February 14, culminating in a farewell ceremony on Hudayriat Island on February 15. The roster spans 38 disciplines, including modern favorites like chess, athletics, badminton, triathlon, and cricket; 13 para-sports (a regional first); and six traditional Emirati heritage events such as falconry, camel racing, and dhow sailing. Women-only categories feature prominently in athletics, volleyball, basketball, paddle, and 7-a-side football. Key venues include Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub, Al Wathba Race Track, and Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Academy. Over 7,200 volunteers support the operations, with an expected 500,000 spectators boosting local economies through hotels, restaurants, and facilities.
