Hamdan attends Open Masters Games, hails sport’s power to unite communities

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, on Monday attended competitions held as part of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026.

The event runs until February 15 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

During his visit, Sheikh Hamdan toured several competition venues, where he reviewed the wide range of sports and accompanying activities featured at the Games.

The strong community participation and sporting diversity on display reflect the concept of “sport for all” and contribute to promoting healthy and active lifestyles.

Sheikh Hamdan praised the exceptional organisation of the event and its role in strengthening the UAE’s position as a global destination for major sporting events.

He noted that such championships contribute to strengthening social cohesion, promoting sport as part of everyday life, and supporting national quality of life priorities.

Sheikh Hamdan added that hosting the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 reflects the UAE’s vision for community sport and its commitment to providing an inclusive environment that encourages participation across different ages and cultures.

“The event reflects the power of sport to unite people and communities,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote on X.

“We are proud of the scale of participation in the event and its high organisational standards, which reflect our country’s ability to host major international events, promote sport for all and enhance quality of life.”

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is among the region’s largest multi-sport community events, with the participation of more than 25,000 athletes representing over 92 nationalities, competing across 38 sports.

These include traditional sporting activities tailored for People of Determination, offering a comprehensive and inclusive sporting experience that reflects cultural diversity and openness.

The Games feature competitions across a wide range of sports, including athletics, basketball, cricket, cycling, football, golf, ice hockey, judo, jiu-jitsu, swimming, tennis, triathlon, volleyball, weightlifting, and beach wrestling, alongside several traditional sports such as camel racing, traditional sailing, diving, endurance riding, and falconry.

Traditional sports, women’s categories, and community competitions form a central part of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 programme, reflecting the event’s alignment with the objectives of the Year of the Family.

The event is supported by the International Masters Games Association (IMGA), a non-profit international organisation recognised by the International Olympic Committee.

Competitions are being held across a number of modern sports facilities in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, with strong public attendance, the support of thousands of volunteers, and supervision by the International Masters Games Association, reinforcing the event’s global message of spreading sports culture and enhancing quality of life.

The distributed venue programme further supports Abu Dhabi’s wider approach to developing an integrated and sustainable sports ecosystem across the Emirate.

Earlier, the welcome ceremony featured an integrated artistic performance inspired by Emirati heritage and the human connection to movement, discipline, and challenge. Through a symbolic narrative, the performance traced the athlete’s journey across different stages of life, highlighting commitment, belonging, and purpose, while reinforcing the official slogan of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, “United by Sports, Active for Life”, and reflecting the event’s mission to promote sport as a lifelong pursuit for individuals and families.