Etihad Airways to fly athletes and fans to Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026
More than 30,000 athletes expected across 20 venues in February 2026
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways has been confirmed as the Official Airline Partner of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, strengthening the capital’s credentials as a global destination for major international sporting events.
The multi-sport competition will take place from 6 to 15 February 2026 across more than 20 venues in Abu Dhabi. It will mark the inaugural staging of the Open Masters Games in the Middle East.
The partnership brings together the UAE’s national airline and one of the world’s largest multi-sport events dedicated to masters athletes, underlining a shared focus on accessibility, community participation and international engagement. The Open Masters Games promote sport as a lifelong activity, welcoming competitors aged 30 and above from around the world.
Official partnership
The agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony attended by senior officials from the International Masters Games Association and Etihad Airways. The partnership was signed by Aref Al Awani, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Dr Nadia Bastaki, Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways.
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Martyrs' Families Affairs and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Games. The appointment of Etihad as Official Airline Partner adds a major transport and tourism component to the event’s delivery.
With its expanding global network and award-winning service, Etihad is expected to play a central role in facilitating travel for athletes, officials and spectators. The airline’s involvement supports Abu Dhabi’s ambition to host large-scale international events that attract visitors from diverse markets.
Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 are expected to welcome more than 30,000 participants from over 140 nationalities. Athletes will compete in 38 sporting disciplines over 10 days, making it one of the largest sporting events ever hosted in the emirate.
Competitions will be staged across a wide range of venues, showcasing Abu Dhabi’s sporting infrastructure and its ability to host events of significant scale. The Games are designed to combine high-level competition with community engagement, offering opportunities for both elite and recreational athletes to participate.
By attracting a large international audience, the event is set to generate increased visitor flows to the capital, supporting tourism, hospitality and related sectors. Etihad’s role as Official Airline Partner is positioned as a key enabler in bringing participants and supporters to the city.
Abu Dhabi Sports Council has highlighted the partnership as a strategic step in delivering a standout edition of the Open Masters Games. The collaboration reflects broader efforts to promote sport as a lifelong pursuit and to integrate sporting activity into everyday life across the community.
For Etihad Airways, the partnership aligns with its ongoing support for international events hosted in the UAE. As the national carrier, the airline will facilitate global access to Abu Dhabi, connecting participants to the city’s cultural attractions, sporting venues and Emirati heritage.