The Open Masters Games 2026 is set to arrive in Abu Dhabi as the city is preparing to host the monumental international multi-sport event that will be the largest and most diverse of its kind ever held in the Middle East. The event is scheduled from February 6 to 15, 2026, bringing together passionate athletes aged 30 and above.
A Landmark Event for the Region
The Open Masters Games, organized in partnership with the International Masters Games Association (IMGA) and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, embodies the powerful philosophy of “sport for all.” Unlike elite-level championships, this event welcomes over 25,000 participants- from former Olympians to amateur enthusiasts- without any qualification requirements other than the age minimum.
Open Masters Games 2026 Abu Dhabi: Key Details
- Dates: February 6- 15, 2026
- Participants: Expected to exceed 25,000 athletes from over 100 nationalities.
- Sports: Over 30 diverse sporting disciplines.
- Eligibility: Open to all individuals aged 30 and above, regardless of ability or experience.
Also Read: Saudi Arabia To Host Asian Road Cycling Championships 2026
Diverse Sports, Inclusive Platform
The 10-day-event encompasses a vast array of sports program. The Games will feature a comprehensive mix of traditional international sports and unique cultural disciplines:
| International & Modern Sports | Traditional Emirati Heritage Sports |
| Athletics, Swimming, Cycling, Triathlon | Falconry |
| Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Rugby | Endurance Horse Racing |
| Tennis, Padel, Squash, Badminton, Table Tennis | Camel Racing |
| Judo, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Weightlifting | Dhow Sailing |
| Golf, Bowling, Archery, Shooting, Chess | Al Taba (a traditional game) |
| Obstacle Course Racing, Canoeing/Kayaking, Sailing | Diving |
Notably, in a move to further promote social integration and excellence at every level, participation categories in 18 sports have also been opened for people of determination.
Competitions will take place across more than 20 world-class venues, including Zayed Sports City, Hudayriyat Island, and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
A Lasting Legacy
Hosting this Masters Games for the first time in the Middle East is a point of pride for Abu Dhabi, reinforcing its reputation as a leading global destination for major sporting and cultural events. The event is set to deliver an economic boost, strengthen the local sports ecosystem, and showcase the city’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and world-renowned hospitality.
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the global Masters movement- a spectacular stage where age is truly just a number, and the pursuit of passion and healthy living knows no bounds.
