Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026: MoFA And Abu Dhabi Sports Council Launch Introductory Workshop

The UAE is stepping up preparations for the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Abu Dhabi Sports Council jointly launching an introductory workshop for diplomats. The event, taking place from 6th to 15th February 2026, is expected to welcome more than 25,000 athletes, and will be held in the Middle East for the first time.

Hosted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, the first awareness session gathered Omar Obaid Alhesan Al Shamsi, MoFA Undersecretary, and Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Member of the Supreme Organising Committee. Heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the UAE joined the workshop, underscoring the focus on international outreach and coordinated promotion.

Al Shamsi stated that hosting the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 supports the UAE leadership’s view of sport as a priority for all age groups and as a tool to project the country as a key venue for major global tournaments. Al Shamsi explained that the Games help sport act as a shared space for closer ties between societies, encouraging cultural exchange and appreciation.

Al Shamsi also described the workshop as a significant step for awareness and coordination with foreign missions based in the country. The approach reflects UAE diplomacy that relies on active cooperation with embassies and international partners. According to Al Shamsi, this method seeks to deepen direct links between communities, widen international participation, and highlight sport as a common meeting point between people worldwide.

The virtual aspect of the introductory workshop plays a central role in the planning approach for the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026. Al Awani underlined the need for strong collaboration and early organisation, stressing that all partners should work from a shared plan to ensure the event presents Abu Dhabi as part of the global sporting landscape.

Al Awani said, "The virtual introductory workshop represents one of the key pillars of our readiness strategy for hosting the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026. We are keen to align visions and enhance coordination with all partners to ensure the delivery of an exceptional edition that reflects Abu Dhabi’s position on the global sporting map."

Highlighting the wider social dimension, Al Awani added, "The significance of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 goes beyond competition, extending to the promotion of community sport, reinforcement of healthy lifestyles, and creation of a sustainable legacy that aligns with the leadership’s vision of sport as a driver of development and quality of life." These comments linked athletic performance with long-term community and health benefits.

During the workshop, organisers delivered detailed presentations on organisational and technical planning, as well as on how international delegations can register and prepare. They emphasised the importance of meeting operational requirements early. The presence and engagement of participants signalled a shared determination to reach a high readiness level ahead of February 2026.

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is also designed as an instrument of soft power for the UAE. Officials see the event as a platform for intercultural dialogue and a strategic component in reinforcing the country’s status as a destination for high-profile international gatherings. Expected outcomes include long-lasting economic and social gains that extend beyond the closing ceremony.

In parallel with the domestic workshop, the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 organising team held a virtual coordination meeting with UAE ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions abroad. This session outlined the overarching vision and strategic objectives of the championship and clarified responsibilities for all parties to support successful hosting, especially on organisational, technical, and delegation participation matters, in line with recognised international standards.

Together, the workshops and virtual meetings show a structured framework for delivering the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026. Through early planning, diplomatic engagement, and clear operational guidelines, the UAE aims to host a large-scale international multi-sport event that strengthens global connections, supports active lifestyles, and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role in the international sporting calendar.

With inputs from WAM