Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 Highlights Sports As Catalyst For Health And Inclusion At Expo 2025 Osaka

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 made a notable appearance at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan. This event highlighted its vision and built anticipation for the upcoming Games. The Supreme Organising Committee hosted a panel discussion titled "From Abu Dhabi to Kansai: A Legacy for the Future of Sports and Wellbeing" at the UAE Pavilion.

The session lasted 60 minutes and featured prominent figures from the UAE and Japan. Participants included Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Takeo Mori, Advisor to the President of Expo 2025, and Faisal Al Ketbi, a five-time Jiu Jitsu World Champion. Salem Al Akbari moderated the discussion.

The panel explored how major sporting events can leave a lasting legacy by enriching communities and promoting healthier lifestyles. It also focused on Abu Dhabi's strategy to become a global sports hub. This aligns with Japan’s commitment to advancing health and wellbeing through sport.

Speakers emphasised that events like the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 and World Masters Games Kansai 2027 are vital for fostering dialogue on inclusion and active aging. They discussed how sports can transform society by encouraging citizens to integrate movement into their daily lives.

Aref Al Awani stated: "The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 will mark a milestone in the region’s sporting journey, setting new benchmarks for inclusion, diversity and community participation. Our vision is to create a legacy that strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a global sports capital and leaves behind knowledge and cultural impact that extend far beyond the event itself."

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is set to be the largest international sporting event ever held in the Middle East. Scheduled from 6 to 15 February 2026, it will host over 25,000 athletes competing in more than 30 sports. Six heritage sports reflecting UAE's cultural identity will be included.

Participation Details

Participation is open to individuals aged 30 and above without restrictions on experience or skill level. The event promises ten days of inspiring competition featuring over 30 sports. It aims to be the most comprehensive multi-sport event in the Middle East.

This initiative seeks to create a legacy that extends beyond just hosting an event. The foundations laid here will continue with Kansai in 2027, uniting societies through sport across generations.

With inputs from WAM