Dubai Crown Prince opens Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026
Major multi-sport event welcomes athletes from 92 nations
DUBAI – His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, attended competitions at the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 today.
The Games are taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and will continue until 15 February. His visit formed part of ongoing engagement with major sporting events hosted in the UAE.
The Games have attracted strong public interest and wide international participation.
Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi
During his visit, Sheikh Hamdan toured several competition venues, reviewing the variety of sports and activities featured across the programme. The scale of community participation and the diversity of disciplines on display were highlighted as central to the Games’ philosophy of sport for all. The event brings together participants of different age groups and backgrounds, reinforcing the role of sport in encouraging active and healthy lifestyles within society.
Sheikh Hamdan praised the organisation of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, noting its contribution to strengthening the UAE’s standing as a global destination for major sporting events. He underlined the importance of such championships in promoting social cohesion, embedding sport into daily life, and supporting national quality of life priorities. He also highlighted that hosting the Games reflects the UAE’s vision for community sport and its commitment to creating an inclusive environment that encourages participation across cultures and generations.
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 ranks among the region’s largest multi-sport community events. More than 25,000 athletes representing over 92 nationalities are taking part, competing across 38 sports. The programme includes traditional sporting activities adapted for People of Determination, reinforcing the inclusive nature of the event and reflecting cultural diversity.
Competitions
Competitions span a broad range of disciplines, including athletics, basketball, cricket, cycling, football, golf, ice hockey, judo, jiu-jitsu, swimming, tennis, triathlon, volleyball, weightlifting, and beach wrestling. Traditional sports such as camel racing, traditional sailing, diving, endurance riding, and falconry are also featured. Supported by the International Masters Games Association, recognised by the International Olympic Committee, events are being staged across venues in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, with thousands of volunteers and strong spectator attendance supporting the Games’ global message of promoting sports culture and quality of life.