Abu Dhabi 2026 Open Masters Games Showcased at Expo 2025

Post by : Mamta

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 made a strong impression at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, promoting its vision and building excitement ahead of the Games. The event highlighted Abu Dhabi’s plans to become a global sports hub and emphasized the role of sports in improving community wellbeing.

As part of its participation, the Supreme Organising Committee of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 hosted a panel discussion at the UAE Pavilion. The session was titled “From Abu Dhabi to Kansai: A Legacy for the Future of Sports and Wellbeing” and lasted for 60 minutes. It brought together leading figures from the UAE and Japan, who discussed how international sports events can inspire communities and leave a lasting legacy.

Key speakers included Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and a member of the Supreme Organising Committee; Takeo Mori, Advisor to the President and Director General of Expo 2025 and CEO of the World Masters Games Kansai 2027; and Faisal Al Ketbi, a five-time Jiu Jitsu World Champion. The discussion was moderated by Salem Al Akbari, Chief Director of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026.

During the discussion, speakers emphasized that major sporting events do more than just provide entertainment. They said such events can encourage healthier lifestyles, bring communities together, and inspire younger and older generations. They also noted that grassroots programs are crucial to motivate citizens to participate in sports and include regular physical activity in their daily lives.

Aref Al Awani highlighted Abu Dhabi’s goals: “The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 will be a milestone in the region’s sports journey. It will set new standards for inclusion, diversity, and community participation. Our vision is to create a lasting legacy that strengthens Abu Dhabi’s role as a global sports capital and leaves behind cultural knowledge and inspiration that go beyond the Games themselves.”

He also stressed the connection between Abu Dhabi and Japan: “As the first Open Masters Games in the Middle East, the foundations built here will carry forward to Kansai in 2027. This will ensure a continuity of purpose that unites societies through sport and wellbeing across generations.”

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, scheduled from 6 to 15 February 2026, will be the largest and most diverse international sporting event ever hosted in the Middle East. The Games will feature more than 30 sports, including six heritage sports that reflect the UAE’s national identity and culture. More than 25,000 athletes from around the world are expected to participate.

Participation is open to anyone aged 30 and above, with no restrictions on skill level or experience. This makes the Games an inclusive and welcoming platform for athletes of all backgrounds. Over the course of 10 days, athletes will compete in a wide range of events, celebrating not just sports but also cultural exchange, community spirit, and healthy living.

The Games are part of Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to position the city as a leading destination for international sports, supporting wellness and active lifestyles for all citizens. By hosting the Open Masters Games, Abu Dhabi aims to create a long-lasting positive impact on society and inspire generations to come.

The panel at Expo 2025 also explored how international sporting events like the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 and the World Masters Games Kansai 2027 can act as catalysts for global dialogue on inclusion, active aging, and the social value of sports. Experts underlined that such events go beyond competition—they are opportunities for learning, cultural exchange, and community building.

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is set to be a landmark event, bringing together athletes and sports enthusiasts from around the world. Its combination of sports, culture, and wellbeing aims to create a lasting legacy for Abu Dhabi and inspire a healthier, more connected global community.

Expo 2025 Osaka, Abu Dhabi sports events, International multi-sport events, Global sports hub