The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 made a notable appearance at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, showcasing its vision and generating momentum ahead of the Games.
During its participation, the Supreme Organising Committee of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 hosted a panel discussion at the UAE Pavilion titled “From Abu Dhabi to Kansai: A Legacy for the Future of Sports and Wellbeing.”
The 60-minute session featured leading figures from the UAE and Japan, including Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Supreme Organising Committee member; Takeo Mori, Advisor to the President and Director General of Expo 2025 and CEO of the World Masters Games Kansai 2027; and Faisal Al Ketbi, five-time Jiu Jitsu World Champion. Salem Al Akbari, Chief Director of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, moderated the discussion.
The panel explored how global sporting events can leave lasting legacies by enriching communities, promoting healthier lifestyles, and inspiring future generations. It also highlighted Abu Dhabi’s strategy to establish itself as a global sports hub, aligning with Japan’s commitment to health, longevity, and wellbeing through sport.
Speakers emphasised the importance of international events such as the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 and the World Masters Games Kansai 2027 as platforms for dialogue on inclusion, active aging, and the transformative impact of sports on society. The discussion also underscored the role of grassroots initiatives in encouraging citizens to integrate physical activity into their daily lives.
Aref Al Awani said: “The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 will mark a milestone in the region’s sporting journey, setting new benchmarks for inclusion, diversity and community participation. Our vision is to create a legacy that strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a global sports capital and leaves behind knowledge and cultural impact that extend far beyond the event itself. As the first Open Masters Games in the Middle East, the foundations built here will carry forward to Kansai in 2027, ensuring a continuity of purpose that unites societies through sport and wellbeing across generations.”
Scheduled from 6 to 15 February 2026 in Abu Dhabi, the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 will be the largest and most diverse international sporting event ever held in the Middle East, hosting over 25,000 athletes across more than 30 sports, including six heritage sports reflecting the UAE’s cultural identity.
The Games are open to all participants aged 30 and above, with no restrictions on experience or skill level, offering a comprehensive 10-day platform of international competition and sporting excellence.
(Inputs from WAM)
