Abu Dhabi Summer Sports 2026 opens as largest-ever edition
More than 365 activities planned
ABU DHABI – The fifth edition of Abu Dhabi Summer Sports (ADSS), the Middle East and North Africa region’s largest indoor sporting event, has officially opened at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
Running from June 6 to August 23, 2026, the event returns with a significantly expanded footprint, a broader sports programme and a packed calendar of activities designed to keep the community active throughout the summer.
Organised by ADNEC Group, a Modon company, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and sponsored by ADNOC, ADSS 2026 has increased in size by 26 per cent to cover approximately 48,000 square metres. The expanded venue reinforces the event’s position as a major platform for indoor sport, wellness and community engagement in the UAE.
Expanded programme
This year’s edition features 29 sporting activities, including 10 new sports making their debut at the event. More than 70 fields, courts and pitches have been created across the venue, marking a 27 per cent increase compared with the previous edition.
Among the returning favourites are football, basketball, padel, running, badminton, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, action cricket, chess, functional fitness and obstacle course challenges. New additions include a bouldering wall, Ninja Warrior activities, MyWhoosh Virtual Cycling, golf simulators, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, mixed martial arts, handball, pickleball and beach volleyball.
Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said Abu Dhabi Summer Sports reflects the emirate’s vision of making sport a way of life for all members of the community. He noted that the event supports the ongoing development of the sports sector while encouraging wider participation in physical activity, recognising the role of sport in enhancing quality of life and building a healthier, happier and more productive society.
Al Awani added that ADSS continues to strengthen its position as the region’s leading community sports event, supported by Abu Dhabi’s advanced sporting infrastructure and world-class facilities. These strengths, he said, have helped attract growing numbers of participants every year while delivering a comprehensive sporting experience for all segments of society.
Abu Dhabi Summer Sports
Humaid Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC Group, highlighted the event’s continued growth, saying the rising number of visitors, expanded facilities and increasing variety of sports demonstrate its success in bringing people together through sport and community activities.
He said ADSS provides a platform that encourages active lifestyles, strengthens community spirit and showcases Abu Dhabi’s ability to organise world-class events for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Saif Ateeq Al Falahi, Acting Director, People, National Identity & Business Support at ADNOC, said sport has the power to inspire, unite and improve wellbeing. He noted that ADNOC is proud to support Abu Dhabi Summer Sports and the positive impact it creates by offering opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, connect with others and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Designed to provide residents with a state-of-the-art, air-conditioned environment during the hottest months of the year, ADSS 2026 will operate daily from 6am until 1am.
More attractions
More than 365 major events and activities are scheduled to take place throughout the summer. Highlights include the Core X Obstacle challenge, Tactical Games and the Special Olympics UAE National Games, alongside a wide range of competitions, exhibitions and fitness activities.
Dedicated themed days will also form part of the programme, creating additional opportunities for community engagement. These include Emirati Women’s Day, International Chess Day and Emirati Seniors Day, reflecting the event’s focus on inclusivity and participation across different age groups and interests.
The Department of Community Development (DCD) will deliver programmes centred on social priorities, inclusion and community wellbeing. Activities will include educational workshops on child protection and inclusion in sport, community activations through Nabdh Community Hub Partners, Degayeg wellness festivals and Run With Us initiatives aimed at encouraging greater public participation.
The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi will introduce a new Community Zone dedicated to Emirati families, schools and cultural engagement. The space will celebrate heritage through traditional games tournaments for participants aged four and above, crafts workshops, Bait Al Gahwa sessions, falconry displays and educational activities for children and families.
Another new addition to the programme is ADSS Talks, a series of expert-led discussions covering health, sports nutrition, sports medicine and social wellbeing. The sessions are designed to provide participants with practical knowledge and insights from specialists across multiple fields.
Registration is now open through the official ADSS website and mobile application, with organisers expecting thousands of visitors to take part in what is set to be the largest edition of the event to date.