Abu Dhabi will host the Open Masters Games, one of the world's biggest multisport events of its kind, from February 6 to 16. More than 25,000 participants, aged 30 years and above, are expected to take part and will compete across 33 games to be held at various venues across the emirate.
The event is an offshoot of the World Masters Games, which is held every four years, and is popular with retired professional athletes. Open Masters Games, however, is an event open to all, from seasoned athletes to former competitors.
The Masters Games were founded in 1985 and organised by the International Masters Games Association, a body officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee.
What is Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi?
An international sporting series, Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi will mark the first time the event is being hosted in the Middle East. A celebration of sport, camaraderie and competition – particularly among the older generation – the event is open to all participants from around the world. Competitors need to be aged 30 or above, save for swimming and endurance horse racing (25+) and rugby (27+).
Participants will compete in 29 official sports and four traditional sports including falconry, camel racing, endurance horse racing and dhow sailing.
Unlike other international sporting events, participants compete for themselves and there are no country delegations.
Who can participate?
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi is open to all, from seasoned athletes to first-timers, as long as they meet the age requirement. Of the 33 games, 18 will be open to para athletes and people of determination.
How much does it cost to take part?
Registration costs $75 (Dh275) for UAE residents and $150 (Dh550) for international participants.
All participants will get 90 per cent of the registration fee back upon check-in at the Athlete Welcome Centre, which they can use against meals, hotels and select experiences.
Registration for participants closes on December 31 or until capacity is reached. All the venues will be free to enter for spectators.
Calling all volunteers
Organisers have kicked off volunteer sign-ups to give those interested a chance to be part of one of the biggest sporting events in the country. A total of 20,000 volunteers will be hired, spanning everything from sports management to medical services and catering. The opportunity is open to all, from students to professionals to sports enthusiasts.
“Volunteering in the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is more than just a contribution of time – it is a message of passion and belonging,” said Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, chief executive at Emirates Foundation, which is spearheading the volunteer programme.
“The unity of volunteers embodies the spirit of collaboration to work together towards a shared goal: promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging movement and healthy ageing among all members of the community, and across all age groups.”
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Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?
The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.
The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.
He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.
He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.
He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.
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- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
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About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
