The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is a celebration of sport, camaraderie, and competition for participants aged 30 and above (25+ for swimming and endurance horse racing, 27+ rugby), bringing together over 25,000 participants from around the world in 31 official sports and 6 traditional sports.

The Games will take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 6 to 15 February 2026 across world-class venues throughout the city, Emirate, and United Arab Emirates.

Anyone who meets the minimum age requirement is welcome! • Most sports: 30+ years • Swimming: 25+ years (Note: Age is determined as of 31 December 2026.)

The Games will feature 31 official sports (including athletics, cycling, football, basketball, tennis, etc.) and 6 traditional sports rooted in local culture. A full list with sport-specific guidelines is available here.

You can register online through our official website. Registration will remain open until 31 December 2025 or until capacity is reached. Early registration is encouraged.

Registration Fees:

• International Participants: USD 150 (AED 550)
• UAE Participants (Residents and Citizens): USD 75 (AED 275)
• UAE and International Person with Disabilities (A.k.a POD in UAE) : USD 30 (AED 100)
• Coach / Assistant Coach: USD 75 (AED 275)
• Non-Playing Official: USD 75 (AED 275)
• UAE Senior residents and citizens only (men aged 60 and above, women aged 50 and above): USD 30 (AED 100)
• Family / Supporter: USD 50 (AED 180)

Bonus: Upon check-in at the Athlete Welcome Centre, 90% of your registration fee will be returned on a money card to use across the UAE—for meals, hotels, experiences, and more.

Most sports are organized in five-year age increments (e.g., 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, etc.). Please refer to each sport’s guidelines for specific age brackets and exceptions.

No qualifications are required. The Games are open to all – whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a former competitor, a first-timer, or returning to sport later in life. Everyone is welcome.

Yes! Participants can register for up to 3 sports and a total of 7 events, as long as there are no scheduling conflicts. Please consult the competition schedule when choosing your events.

Registration typically includes: • Participation in selected sports • Accreditation badge • Participants welcome pack • Access to the Welcome Ceremony and athlete experiences • Access to Games transportation system

Absolutely! Friends, family, and fans are welcome to attend and cheer on athletes. Entry to most venues will be free and open to the public.

Yes – a vibrant, cultural Welcome Ceremony is planned to greet and celebrate all participants and guests. Stay tuned for date, location, and ticket details.

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 looks forward to welcoming you and sharing the rich heritage of traditional sports.

The six traditional sports celebrating UAE heritage include Falconry, Endurance Horse Racing, Camel Racing, Al Tabba, Traditional Diving and Dhow Races (traditional sailing).

You are invited to watch and make your experience truly memorable. A variety of engaging activities will be available for visitors, including camel rides, photo opportunities with majestic falcons, and live demonstrations of traditional training techniques.

Please note that official traditional sports are for demonstration only, and athletes cannot register to participate.

Further details on dates, times, locations, and activities will be shared in December 2025.

You can find detailed information on each sport, including rules, format, and schedules, in the Sports section of the website.

Yes, we are working with travel and accommodation partners to provide seamless options. Visit the Travel & Accommodation section for help with visas, hotels, and transport.

Non-Playing Official (NPO) Policy and Entitlements

Definition of a Non-Playing Official (NPO)

NPOs are defined as essential personnel accompanying athletes who do not participate in competition. This category is strictly limited to:

• Assistant Coaches
• Guides for Para athletes / People of Determination (POD) athletes
• Accompanying Persons for essential translation purposes only

Note on POD Athletes at the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026: A POD athlete is defined as an individual who participates in general events and not in para-sport competitions.

NPO Entitlements

Accredited NPOs are entitled to the following benefits and access privileges:

• Receipt of official accreditation and a welcome kit
• Complimentary access to the Welcome Ceremony
• Eligibility to utilise Games transportation services
• Access is granted to all athlete zones, including: field of play, warm-up areas, changing rooms, holding area.

EXCLUSION: NPOs are excluded from accessing the dedicated Athlete Lounge.

 

 

 

Accredited Family Member / Supporter Benefits

As an Accredited Family Member or Supporter, you will receive:

• Official Accreditation and a Welcome Kit
• Complimentary access to the Welcome Ceremony
• The ability to use Games transportation

Important: You have no access to athlete-restricted zones. Your access is limited to general public areas only.