Event in UAE: Open Masters Games to take place in Abu Dhabi next February; entry fee for locals set at AED 275
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is set to take place from February 6 to February 16, 2026, marking the first time this event is held in the Middle East. This grand sports festival will bring together over 25,000 athletes from more than 100 countries, promoting community, lifelong fitness, and cultural exchange for athletes aged 30 and above (or 25 in some sports), with no qualification requirements.
Participants can choose from 33 sports, including 29 international sports such as archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, bowling, canoeing/kayaking, cricket, cycling, football, golf, jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, muay thai, netball, obstacle course racing, orienteering, padel, rugby, sailing, shooting, squash, swimming, table tennis, tennis, triathlon, volleyball, weightlifting, and wrestling. Additionally, four traditional regional sports - camel racing, falconry, endurance horse racing, and dhow sailing - will also be featured. The event will also include 18 adaptive sports for para athletes.
Athletes can register for up to 3 sports and a maximum of 7 events. Registration fees are yet to be detailed but are expected to be accessible, given the inclusive nature of the event.
Volunteer opportunities are available for students, professionals, and community members, providing a chance to engage with the sporting community and cultural celebration. Details about the volunteer programs or how to apply are not yet provided.
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is supported by the International Masters Games Association (IMGA), the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and UAE sponsors like ADNOC, emphasizing its scale and importance in promoting healthy living and international sportsmanship in the region.
Notable figures involved in the event include Andy Fordham, Project Director at Zayed Sports City, who will compete in the cycling events, and Perry Gardiner, co-founder of Calibre Masters swimming club, who expressed excitement about the event as a fun and competitive event for their swimmers.
The event is expected to gather more than 25,000 participants from over 100 nationalities. Registration will close on December 31.
The unity of volunteers embodies the spirit of collaboration toward promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging movement across all age groups. Fordham, who witnessed the games in New Zealand in 2017, is looking forward to participating and competing in the event. Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation, stated that volunteering in the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is a message of passion and belonging.
For further details on registration, volunteering, and travel tips, official event websites or social media channels linked to the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 should be consulted as the event approaches.
- The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, a significant event in the entertainment and sports sectors, will take place from February 6 to February 16, 2026, in the Middle East.
- Over 25,000 athletes, aged 30 and above (or 25 in some sports), from more than 100 countries will participate, promoting community, lifelong fitness, and cultural exchange.
- The event will feature 33 sports, including 29 international sports, and four traditional regional sports, providing a diverse range for participants to choose from.
- Registration fees, while not yet detailed, are expected to be accessible, reflecting the inclusive nature of the event.
- The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is supported by several entities, including the IMGA, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and UAE sponsors, emphasizing its importance.
- Notable figures like Andy Fordham, Project Director at Zayed Sports City, and Perry Gardiner, co-founder of Calibre Masters swimming club, are involved and look forward to the competition.
- Volunteer opportunities are available for students, professionals, and community members, with details about the programs and application process yet to be announced.
