Under the patronage of Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed/Zayed bin Mohammed bin Zayed, he witnesses the opening of the Games "Masters Abu Dhabi 2026"
ABU DHABI, 7 February / WAM / Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Office for Development Affairs and Families of Martyrs, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the opening ceremony of the Abu Dhabi 2026 Masters Games, the first sporting event of its kind in the Middle East, which embodies the pivotal role of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as a global center for organizing major sporting events, and reflects the UAE’s commitment. The United Arab Emirates aims to make sport one of the strategic pillars of sustainable human development, and an essential support for enhancing family cohesion and quality of life, in line with the goals of the Year of the Family in the UAE.
The opening ceremony took place in Zayed Sports City, in the presence of a number of Their Highnesses, Excellencies, senior officials, presidents and representatives of international sports federations, in addition to official delegations and athletes from different countries of the world.
The opening ceremony reflected Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive vision in holding international events, by combining the highest standards of professionalism and organization, innovation in providing the sporting experience, and consolidating the national cultural identity, ensuring a sustainable societal impact that goes beyond the boundaries of the sporting event itself.
His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed that hosting the Abu Dhabi 2026 Masters Games represents a practical translation of the UAE’s strategic vision to employ sport as a comprehensive development tool that contributes to promoting preventive health and consolidating active lifestyles. His Highness pointed out that organizing this global event confirms the advanced position that Abu Dhabi has established on the map of hosting international sporting events, as a global platform that combines advanced infrastructure and organizational expertise. Advanced.
For his part, Sergey Bubka, President of the International Masters Games Federation, said that the Abu Dhabi 2026 Masters Games constitute a prominent historical milestone as the first Masters Games to be held in the Middle East region, as it brings together athletes from around the world in a joint celebration of sports and active life.
He added that the Games reflect a firm belief that sports enrich our lives and give us happiness, health and purpose at different stages of life, and that the diversity of participants, including athletes competing across different age groups, sends a clear global message that passion for sports has no limits, pointing out that Abu Dhabi has provided an inspiring environment that welcomes the world and supports athletes, and embodies the authentic spirit of the Masters movement based on friendship, respect and the concept of sports for life.
The opening ceremony included an integrated artistic performance, carrying a symbolic narrative inspired by the Emirati heritage and the deep human relationship with movement, discipline and challenge, embodying the athlete’s journey as a continuous life journey across the different age stages, based on commitment, belonging and purpose, confirming the official slogan of the Abu Dhabi Masters Games, “We unite through sports, we live through activity”, which is consistent with the event’s message of promoting sports as an individual and family way of life.
More than 25,000 male and female athletes from more than 90 countries will participate in the Abu Dhabi Masters Games 2026, competing over a period of ten days in more than 35 sports, including 6 traditional Emirati sports, in an event that reflects international confidence in Abu Dhabi’s organizational capabilities, and strengthens its position as a global destination for hosting major multi-sport tournaments and events.
The tournament’s competitions will continue until February 15, 2026, with the participation of athletes aged 30 years and above, competing in a wide range of modern games, in addition to a number of traditional sports, while the main competitions will be held from February 7 to 14, 2026.
Traditional sports, categories designated for women, and community competitions have a central place within the Masters Games program, confirming that the event is not limited to the competitive dimension, but rather constitutes a platform that supports the values of the family in the UAE, by promoting sustainable community participation, encouraging family members to adopt active and healthy lifestyles, and establishing sport as a comprehensive space that enhances communication between generations.
The competitions are held in a number of modern sports facilities in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, which reflects the emirate’s comprehensive readiness and its ability to host and organize global events according to the highest international standards, and supports its strategy in building an integrated and sustainable sports sector.
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