With the New Year almost upon us, Abu Dhabi is preparing to welcome the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026. A major international sporting event in the calendar, this is set to be one of the best yet.
Taking place from 6 to 15 February 2026, the ten-day multi-sport festival brings together thousands of participants from around the world for competition and camaraderie.
Open Masters Games Format
The Open Masters Games are built around a simple, empowering idea. The theme is that sport and activity should be for everyone and at every stage of life.
Designed for competitors aged 30 and above (with slightly younger age thresholds for selected disciplines), the Games are open to adults of all skill levels.
No matter if you’re a seasoned athlete who competes in triathlons for fun or someone rediscovering their competitive spark, it’s an occasion built for all who want to take part.
With more than 25,000 participants expected to take part across 33+ sports, the Games will be the largest mass-participation sporting event ever held in the Middle East.
The athletes will compete in everything from athletics to cycling, as well as swimming and racket sports. To top it off, these events will all be hosted at world-class venues across Abu Dhabi.
Celebrating UAE Culture
Although competition is the main component of this great event, there is still much more to this great spectacle. The Open Masters Games celebrates health, heritage, and unity in the UAE.
Its programme includes six traditional Emirati sports that honour the country’s cultural legacy, including camel racing, falconry, and endurance horse racing.
There will also be events tailored for athletes of determination, underscoring the organisers’ commitment to inclusive, accessible sport for all.
In the lead-up to the Games, the community has already been buzzing and proactive with activity. Free training sessions and fitness-focused programmes have been offered to residents, creating opportunities for people of all ages to get moving, connect with neighbours and embrace a more active lifestyle in the city.
Taking Part
The Open Masters Games is an invitation to be part of a global gathering that highlights the joy of sport and supports healthy living for individuals.
Whether you’re cheering from the stands, volunteering behind the scenes, or stepping onto the field yourself, the Games promise a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere and an event that you will want to be part of.
Registration is open for participants and volunteers alike, and organisers are encouraging people to join as they look to make this first-ever Masters Games in the region a shared success.
For more details and to get involved, visit Abu Dhabi Masters
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