Theyab bin Mohammed witnesses the launch of the “From the Homeland: Steps to Mars” initiative

His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office for Development Affairs and Families of Martyrs, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee for the Abu Dhabi Masters Games 2026, witnessed the launch of the national initiative “From the Homeland: Steps to Mars” at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, coinciding with the start of the countdown of less than 100 days separating the country from the launch of the largest international multi-sport sporting event in the Middle East.

The event was attended by the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, the Minister of Education, Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, in addition to a number of senior officials and partners.

The event concluded with the participation of inspiring public figures from various sectors who actually took the first steps “towards Mars” on treadmills, recording the first contributions to the countdown and the collective national goal.

The “From Homeland: Steps to Mars” initiative aims to transform movement into an achievement, and encourage participants to collectively cover a total distance of 54 million kilometers, which is the total distance between planet Earth and Mars, in celebration of the 54th anniversary of the founding of the Union.

The initiative invites participants of all ages and fitness levels to join under the slogan “Every step makes a difference,” by practicing walking, running, cycling, swimming, and other physical activities. The initiative aims to enhance daily movement, achieve community well-being, and spread the culture of active life throughout the Emirates, to ensure that the goal is achieved before the launch of the upcoming Games.

Sarah bint Youssef Al Amiri said: The “From the Homeland: Steps to Mars” initiative embodies the spirit of continuous pursuit of progress that distinguishes the UAE. Just as our passion for science led us to explore space and reach Mars, the movement of society today leads us towards a unified goal that reflects the strength of will and teamwork. Every step we take is not just a distance we travel, but rather an investment in our health, and in a more prosperous and vibrant future for our coming generations. Through this joint journey, we affirm that ambition begins with the human being, and with his constant ability to move, learn, and grow.

Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Arif Hamad Al Awani, said: This national movement, the first of its kind in the world, embodies the spirit of collective ambition that distinguishes the UAE, and through this initiative we aim to inspire every individual to follow an active lifestyle and participate in a collective challenge that goes beyond the limits of physical fitness, to consolidate the concepts of unity, progress and pride. Together, we can show the world what it means to dream and achieve our ambitions with our determination and determination.

Following the event, interactive and community activities will be organized to encourage participation and raise awareness of healthy lifestyles. The official game application will allow participants to track progress and record their contributions from all over the Emirates. The Abu Dhabi 2026 Masters Games will open its doors to all individuals aged 30 years and above, without requiring any specific level of experience or professionalism.

For registration and more information, please visit the website:

The Abu Dhabi 2026 Masters Games are one of the most prominent international multi-sport events, which will be hosted in the United Arab Emirates from February 6 to 15, 2026, in more than 20 sports venues throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The games focus on encouraging a healthy lifestyle and enhancing a sense of belonging, in addition to celebrating the collective passion for sports. The event witnesses the participation of more than 25,000 participants from various continents of the world in more than 30 sports, in addition to 6 traditional Emirati games, in addition to 2018 sports available for people of determination.

The Games contribute to consolidating the country’s position as an exceptional sports destination in the Middle East region, and reflect its commitment to supporting sports as a space for global communication and community participation.