Abu Dhabi Masters Games 2026 opens under patronage of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, marking Middle East first

Under the patronage of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the opening ceremony of the Abu Dhabi Masters Games 2026, the first event of its kind to be held in the Middle East.

The Games bring together more than 25,000 male and female athletes from over 90 countries, competing across more than 35 sports over ten days. The championship highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a global hub for major sporting events and reflects the UAE’s strategic commitment to sport as a pillar of sustainable human development, family cohesion, and quality of life, in line with the objectives of the UAE’s Year of the Family.

The opening ceremony was held at Zayed Sports City in the presence of several highnesses, senior officials, presidents, and representatives of international sports federations, as well as official delegations and athletes from around the world. The event showcased Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive vision for hosting global sporting events, combining professionalism, innovation, and strong national cultural identity to ensure a lasting community impact beyond the Games themselves.

Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirmed that hosting the Abu Dhabi Masters Games 2026 represents a practical application of the UAE’s strategic vision to harness sport as a comprehensive development tool. He noted its role in promoting preventive health, encouraging active lifestyles, and further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position on the international sporting map as a destination defined by world-class infrastructure and advanced organizational capabilities.

Sergey Bubka, president of the International Masters Games Association, described the Abu Dhabi Masters Games 2026 as a historic milestone, marking the first time the Masters Games have been staged in the Middle East. He said the event unites athletes from across the globe in a shared celebration of sport and active living, reinforcing the belief that sport enriches lives at every stage.

He added that the diversity of participants competing across different age groups sends a powerful message that passion for sport knows no limits. Bubka praised Abu Dhabi for providing an inspiring environment that welcomes the world, supports athletes, and embodies the core values of the Masters movement: friendship, respect, and lifelong participation in sport.

The opening ceremony featured an integrated artistic performance inspired by Emirati heritage and humanity’s deep connection to movement, discipline, and challenge. Through symbolic storytelling, it portrayed the athlete’s journey as a lifelong path built on commitment, belonging, and purpose. The performance reinforced the official slogan of the Games, “United by Sport, Living an Active Life,” underscoring sport as a way of life for individuals and families.

More than 25,000 athletes from over 92 nationalities are participating in the Abu Dhabi Masters Games 2026, competing in more than 35 sports, including six traditional Emirati heritage sports. Competitions are taking place across multiple modern venues in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, reflecting the emirate’s readiness to host large-scale international events to the highest global standards. The main competitions are being held from February 7 to 14, with the Games concluding on February 15, 2026. Participants are aged 30 and above, competing in modern, heritage, and community-focused sports.

Heritage sports, women’s categories, and community competitions form a central pillar of the Games’ program, reinforcing its role beyond elite competition. The event supports the values of the UAE’s Year of the Family by encouraging intergenerational participation, promoting healthy lifestyles, and strengthening community bonds through sport.

The organizing committee announced that tickets for the opening ceremony sold out completely, highlighting strong public interest. The Games are expected to attract more than 500,000 spectators, with events hosted across 18 indoor and 20 outdoor world-class venues. A total of 38 sports are featured, including six heritage sports and 13 para-sports, another first for the Middle East.

Around 7,200 male and female volunteers are supporting the organization of the Games, reflecting the scale and professionalism of the event. The tournament is also expected to generate significant economic benefits for local hotels, restaurants, and facilities, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for sports tourism.