Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026: 38 Sports Across 20 Venues (Feb 6–15)

Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is set to run for 10 days, bringing together 38 sports across multiple age categories. Events will take place at more than 20 world-class venues across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, making it one of the biggest multi-sport gatherings hosted in the region.

At a press conference in Dubai, organisers highlighted the Games as a major step for participation sport and community wellbeing, with a strong turnout expected from international athletes.

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Key dates and programme schedule

• Opening ceremony: February 6 at Zayed Sports City
  
  

• Main competition programme: February 7–14
  
  

• Event window: February 6–15
  
  

If you’re competing, spectating, or supporting someone taking part, these dates help you plan your training blocks, travel days, and recovery time.

Where the Games will be held

Competitions will be distributed across more than 20 facilities, including major hubs and specialist venues such as:

• Zayed Sports City
  
  

• Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium
  
  

• ADNEC Centre
  
  

• Al Hudayriat Island
  
  

• Mubadala Arena
  
  

• Abu Dhabi Aquatics Club
  
  

• Al Wathba Racecourse
  
  

• Al Marfa (for sailing and heritage events)
  
  

• Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (women’s programme)
  
  

If you’re training locally before the Games, base your prep around access and convenience. For example, you can structure your week around strength, conditioning, and recovery at GymNation gyms in Abu Dhabi and SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE DAY PASS TODAY!

Sports included in the main programme

The main programme (Feb 7–14) spans a wide mix of endurance, strength, skill, and team sports. Highlights include:

• Athletics and hurdles
  
  

• Cycling and triathlon
  
  

• Swimming and rowing
  
  

• Basketball, volleyball, rugby, football, netball
  
  

• Tennis, padel, squash, table tennis, badminton
  
  

• Combat sports: judo, jiu-jitsu, karate, Muay Thai
  
  

• Strength sports: weightlifting
  
  

• Precision and strategy: shooting, archery, chess
  
  

• Other events: golf, sailing, orienteering, cricket, ice hockey, beach wrestling, show jumping
  
  

Traditional and heritage competitions

Traditional sport is a key part of the Abu Dhabi 2026 programme, with dedicated competition windows:

• “Al Tabba” competition: Feb 13–14 (Al Ain)
  
  

• Camel races: Feb 14 (Al Wathba Racecourse)
  
  

• Traditional sailing and heritage diving: Feb 7–8 (Al Marfa), with reserve days Feb 13–14
  
  

• Endurance horse races: Feb 7–14
  
  

• Falconry competitions: Feb 13–14 (Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Al Falah)
  
  

Women’s events

The women’s programme includes:

• Athletics
  
  

• Indoor volleyball
  
  

• Basketball
  
  

• Padel
  
  

• Seven-a-side football
  
  These events will be hosted at the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy.

How to prepare like a masters athlete

Multi-sport events reward smart, consistent preparation. Focus on the basics that transfer to almost every discipline:

Build repeatable fitness first

Prioritise steady weekly training you can recover from. For most athletes, that means a base of cardio work plus 2–3 structured strength sessions.

Train strength for performance and resilience

Strong legs, hips, back, and shoulders make everything feel easier, from running and rowing to racquet sports and combat. If you want guided programming, consider a coached strength session like Strength Development to build consistency.

Respect recovery as part of the plan

Sleep, hydration, and lighter training days matter more as volume increases. Plan at least one easier day per week and taper into competition week.

Practise the basics you’ll need on game day

Warm-ups, pacing, and fueling are not “extras.” Rehearse them in training so competition feels familiar.

Source: gulfnews.com

The opinions shared in the blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.