At its core, the Games align closely with the UAE’s national wellbeing agenda, positioning sport as a powerful tool to promote healthier lifestyles, social cohesion and active ageing across generations.

Championing Lifelong Health and Community Wellbeing

A central pillar of the sustainability vision for Abu Dhabi 2026 is the promotion of physical activity as a lifelong habit rather than a short-term intervention. Initiatives such as the national “Walk to Mars” campaign and the Open Masters Games Blueprint Training Programme exemplify this approach.

Running until 2 February 2026, the Blueprint Training Programme offers free, inclusive community sessions at locations including Khalifa Square, Zayed Sports City Majlis and HARAKA gym. Activities range from family fitness and guided walking sessions to mobility, strength and functional training — all designed to encourage movement as part of everyday life, regardless of age or ability.

These initiatives reinforce a broader message: that sustainable sport is about participation, prevention and long-term health outcomes, not simply elite performance.

Active Ageing at the Heart of the Games

Inclusivity sits at the heart of the Open Masters Games model. Open to participants aged 30 and above, with no upper age limit or experience requirements, the Games challenge conventional perceptions of ageing and athleticism.

With more than 30 sports on the programme — including six traditional Emirati disciplines and 18 events open to People of Determination — the Games celebrate diversity, cultural heritage and accessibility. This inclusive framework highlights the role of sport in supporting mental wellbeing, social connection and quality of life at every stage of life.

Community activations, such as the Masters Games Community Cycling Race held at Hudayriyat, further demonstrate how the event is engaging local residents long before the Opening Ceremony, embedding healthy behaviours into daily routines.

Strategic Partnerships Driving Long-Term Impact

The sustainability ambitions of Abu Dhabi 2026 are underpinned by a strong network of strategic partnerships. Agreements have been signed with leading organisations including PureHealth, AD Ports Group, LuLu Group International, Miral, Mubadala Investment Company, Etihad Rail and Choueiri Group — each aligned around a shared commitment to health, longevity and community wellbeing.

H.E. Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that: “The Games aims to act as a bridge between nations and communities where sport serves as a language of connection and mutual respect”.

These partnerships position the Games not simply as a sporting spectacle, but as a platform for cross-sector cooperation in support of healthier, more inclusive societies.

A Legacy Beyond the Finish Line

Jens Holm, CEO of the International Masters Games Association, has emphasised that: “Abu Dhabi 2026 will leave a sustainable sporting and community legacy, building on the UAE’s proven track record of hosting events with long-term social impact, including the Abu Dhabi 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games. “

With more than 25,000 participants expected from around the world, the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 represents a significant moment for the global masters sport movement — and a powerful example of how major sporting events can be designed around people, purpose and participation.

By embedding sustainability into community engagement, health promotion and inclusive design, Abu Dhabi 2026 is setting a new benchmark for what a truly sustainable sporting legacy can look like in the Middle East.