Abu Dhabi, UAE: Athletes were not chasing just medals at the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026. They were chasing memories. Memories with family, friends, and loved ones. Across the tennis courts and football pitches of Zayed Sports City, sons cheered for fathers, wives supported husbands, and children discovered sport by watching their parents refuse to slow down. The first Open Masters Games in the region, held from February 6th to 15th, brought together more than 25,000 athletes from over 100 nationalities, competing across 37 sports.
Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 created multi-generational legacy
Among them was Mustafa Alhashmi, 63, who competed in the 60+ tennis category and has embraced the sport since retiring six years ago. After his Wednesday afternoon match, he joined his daughter-in-law Maryam, his son Ali, and his grandchildren for a friendly game, guiding the children as they practiced shooting balls into targets. The playground offered a variety of activities for adults and children alike, reinforcing the event as entertainment for the whole family. “We are very proud that this event is happening for the first time in Abu Dhabi, where I was born,” Mustafa said. Reflecting on Abu Dhabi over the past 15 years, Mustafa highlighted the city’s investment in sports infrastructure:
“The development has been remarkable. Wherever the government builds a new public park, you will find padel courts, tennis courts, table tennis tables, and walking areas. The city is clean, green, and very livable. It makes people feel at home.”
The intention of the Games was to expand participation across generations, leaving a lasting legacy for sport in the UAE. Aref Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, highlighted this goal, and many people at the event echoed his sentiment. Nvard Isaverdyan, 28, originally from Armenia and based in Al Ruwais, said that sport is everything to her: “It’s about sharing experiences and values.” After adding her own touch to a colorful “family wall” filled with drawings celebrating togetherness, she explained that her husband, Melechio Manayon, an engineer from Phillipines, competed in football and that she has been encouraging their five-year-old child to try different activities, embodying the multigenerational spirit evident throughout the event.
Tourism impact of the Open Masters Games 2026
Jens Holm, CEO of the International Masters Games Association, praised Abu Dhabi’s world-class infrastructure and expertise in hosting large-scale events. He added that the Games are projected to generate over 140,000 hotel nights, achieve more than 5 billion social media impressions, and secure sponsorships exceeding AED165 million. When viewed in the context of IMGA’s global events, the tourism potential of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi becomes even more evident. According to the IMGA’s event impact data, participants in past World Masters Games (the flagship IMGA competition) stayed an average of 16 days in the host city and country combined, often turning sport into extended travel experiences.
More than half of non-local athletes bring family or friends with them, increasing visitor numbers to over 50,000 in previous editions, while approximately 85% of visitors opt for paid accommodation, including hotels and serviced apartments. These trends underline how multi-day Masters events can generate substantial tourism and hospitality demand, as athletes and their companions explore local attractions, dine out, and contribute to extended hotel stays. In the end, the medals mattered. But not as much as the moments. At the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, victory was measured not only in podium finishes, but in shared experiences. Long after the final whistle, it is those memories that will travel home with athletes and their families. And bring them back.
