UAE capital wins bid to host quadrennial multi-sports meet in 2026
Feeling like you’re past your prime as a competitive athlete?
Fret not. Abu Dhabi will host the world’s largest mass-participation international multi-event meet where you can test your skills against some of the most illustrious names in sport.
The International Masters Games Association (IMGA), an organisation recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), announced on Thursday the UAE capital’s successful bid to host the Masters Games Series – Abu Dhabi 2026 for Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East.
Between 5,000 and 10,000 athletes from more than 100 countries are expected to descend on Abu Dhabi to compete in 30 sports events, including basketball, football, jiu jitsu, swimming, triathlon, and even falconry and camel racing.
Apart from foreign participants, organisers are encouraging Emiratis and expatriates to compete, as part of Abu Dhabi’s drive to promote physical and mental health in the emirate.
The Masters Games is open to athletes aged 25 years and above – there is no maximum age for competitors. Athletes will compete in age brackets of five to ten years depending on the sport.
This makes it perfect for sports buffs and even seniors looking to compete at a high level against an international field.
Retired professional athletes and former Olympic competitors have been known to compete in the meet’s senior age divisions.
Just like the Olympic Games, the Masters Games are also held every four years in different countries.
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Organised under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the first-ever Masters Games in the Middle East will run from 23 March to 1 April 2026.
H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, credited the support of UAE President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a key element in Abu Dhabi’s winning bid.
Other events featured at the Masters Games are 3X3 basketball, volleyball, muaythai, archery, badminton, weightlifting, table tennis, tennis, padel, athletics, squash, football, ice hockey, cycling, obstacle courses, shooting, golf, kayaking, rowing, sailing, and futsal.
The Masters Games further expands an impressive list of world-class sporting events being hosted by Abu Dhabi. Among the top sports events to look forward to this year are UFC 294 mixed martial art championship, exhibition matches featuring the NBA-powered US basketball team, and Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao’s planned comeback fight from retirement.
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