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Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 Opens in Middle East Debut With 25,000 Athletes

The region’s first Masters festival centers on participation over podiums, with organisers pitching a lasting community-sport legacy across the UAE.

Overview

  • Competitions run February 6–15 across venues in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, drawing participants from about 92 countries.
  • The programme spans 38 sports, including 13 for athletes with disabilities, and is open to entrants aged 30 and above with no upper age limit.
  • Football leads entries with about 14,000 players, followed by volleyball and seven-a-side football, according to organisers.
  • The opening ceremony at Zayed Sports City featured performances by Rita Ora, Leona Lewis, Carole Samaha and Rashed Al Nuaimi, with a global livestream.
  • Officials stressed community impact and lifelong activity, with legacy initiatives underway and competitors ranging up to 91 years old.