Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 To Showcase UAE’s Organisational Excellence With Over 25,000 Athletes

Abu Dhabi is gearing up to host the Open Masters Games from 6th to 15th February 2026. This event will see over 25,000 athletes from more than 100 countries competing in 37 sports. The Games are organised by the International Masters Games Association (IMGA), which is recognised by the International Olympic Committee as the global representative for Masters sport.

The vision for Abu Dhabi 2026 is to engage all societal segments in sports, promoting vitality and activity among people of all ages. The event aims to celebrate the UAE’s rich culture and showcase it as a prime destination for international sporting events. The Games will be open to adults aged 30 and above, with swimming open to those aged 25 and above.

Aref Al Awani, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, highlighted that focusing on senior citizens aligns with the UAE’s vision of hosting diverse community events. These initiatives encourage people of all ages to embrace sport, expanding participation across generations and creating a lasting legacy for sport in the UAE.

The Open Masters Games will feature a variety of sports, including football, volleyball, athletics, cycling, swimming, triathlon and endurance horse racing. Martial arts such as jiu-jitsu, karate, taekwondo and judo will also be included. Additionally, tennis, table tennis, badminton and padel will be part of the competitions.

Traditional Emirati sports like camel racing, falconry and traditional dhow sailing will have a significant presence. Football is expected to draw the most participants with 14,000 players. Volleyball will have 2,160 players while seven-a-side football will see 2,000 participants.

Economic Impact and Infrastructure

Jens Holm, CEO of IMGA, expressed confidence in Abu Dhabi's ability to host an exceptional edition due to its advanced infrastructure. The Games are projected to generate over 140,000 hotel nights and achieve more than five billion social media impressions. Sponsorships are expected to exceed AED165 million.

The event will take place at more than 20 venues across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. This extensive use of facilities highlights the emirate's capability to host major sporting events on a global scale.

Peter Wheeler, Senior Advisor to Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, noted that athletics and cycling would each attract around 1,500 athletes. Swimming is expected to feature 1,000 competitors alongside triathlon and endurance horse racing.

Since its founding in 1985 by IMGA, hundreds of thousands have participated in various Masters Games worldwide. These include the World Masters Games and Winter World Masters Games. The organisation supports the Olympic movement with a philosophy centred on "sport for all".

The upcoming Open Masters Games in Abu Dhabi promises not only a celebration of sport but also an opportunity for cultural exchange among diverse nationalities. It underscores Abu Dhabi's commitment to fostering an inclusive sporting environment that welcomes participants regardless of skill level.

With inputs from WAM