The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 marked a historic milestone as the largest mass-participation sporting event ever held in the region. Bringing together more than 25,000 participants across 38 sports over ten vibrant days of competition, the Games celebrated athleticism, diversity, and the spirit of lifelong sport.
The event opened with a magnificent Opening Ceremony attended by H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs.
All photos: Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi
Lifelong sport for all
Held between 6-15 February 2026 at multiple venues across Abu Dhabi, the Games welcomed athletes aged 30 and above from around the world, regardless of their skill level or nationality.
Guided by the theme “Stronger Together,” the Open Masters Games embraced the philosophy of lifelong sport and sport for all. The event fostered meaningful connections across generations and cultures, demonstrating the power of sport to build stronger and more socially engaged communities.
While much of Europe remained under winter snow, Abu Dhabi greeted participants with warm and sunny conditions – at times even hot – offering a welcome return to summer for many visiting athletes.
Among the 38 sports featured at the Games, orienteering proudly made its debut. This marked the first international orienteering competition ever held in the United Arab Emirates, introducing the sport to a new audience and region.
Although still relatively unknown in the UAE, orienteering sparked great curiosity and enthusiasm. International athletes were excited by the opportunity to compete in a completely new environment, while local participants embraced the chance to experience orienteering competition for the first time.
To support the many newcomers, the local organizing team conducted an online seminar ahead of the event, explaining the basic rules and principles of orienteering to ensure all participants could compete confidently and fairly.
Beach and desert orienteering
Maps and courses were prepared by Mr. Khamis Khamis Al Blooshi, President of the Orienteering Sport Foundation and Founder of Orienteering in the UAE. His work laid the foundation for a memorable first international competition in the country.
The orienteering events took place at Hudayriyat Island, combining sections of desert terrain with beautiful beachside areas. The courses offered fast-running routes with frequent direction changes, creating an exciting balance of physical speed and navigational challenge.
Athletes from different countries and age groups competed in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere. It was especially inspiring to see several local athletes successfully complete their courses and achieve medal positions, highlighting the potential for future growth of the sport in the UAE.
The athletes’ lounge provided a welcoming and relaxed environment where friendships quickly formed. Throughout the Games, a strong sense of community and shared passion for sport could be felt everywhere.
Many participants who came for orienteering also took part in other disciplines such as athletics and obstacle races, fully embracing the multi-sport spirit of the Masters Games. Beyond competition, athletes enjoyed exploring the cultural and architectural highlights of Abu Dhabi and its surroundings, making the experience both sporting and memorable.
More to come
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 has provided a powerful platform for introducing and developing orienteering in the region. The event is expected to serve as an important ignition point for the Orienteering Sport Foundation of the UAE, inspiring further development and future competitions.
There is great hope that this successful debut will pave the way for more international orienteering events in the UAE — and that athletes from around the world will return once again to run, navigate, and celebrate sport together in Abu Dhabi.