Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 Wristband Launch

Photo:WAM

Abu Dhabi is gearing up to host one of the most anticipated international sports events in the Middle East, the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, and the excitement is already building. As part of the preparations, the official wristband for the Games was launched at the 22nd Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

The wristband launch was a momentous occasion, marked by the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was the first to wear the official wristband during his visit to the Games’ pavilion. His participation highlighted the UAE leadership’s strong support for sports, community engagement, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The wristband is not just a functional item—it is a symbol of unity, participation, and the global spirit of the Games, connecting athletes, officials, and supporters from around the world.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, described the wristband launch as a major milestone in the city’s preparations for the Games. He said, “This launch reflects the unwavering support of our wise leadership in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-class destination for sports and cultural exchange. It also serves as a symbol of our commitment to encouraging healthy and active lifestyles across all communities.”

Al Awani added that the Abu Dhabi Sports Council is fully committed to providing world-class facilities, resources, and support to ensure the success of the Games, which are being hosted for the first time in the Middle East. He emphasized that the event will invite athletes, sports enthusiasts, and fans from all corners of the world, showcasing Abu Dhabi as a center for international sports and cultural dialogue.

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The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 will feature over 30 sports, covering both modern and traditional disciplines. Traditional sports, including those deeply connected to Emirati heritage, will play a central role in the Games, highlighting the UAE’s efforts to preserve and promote its cultural traditions while embracing global sporting practices. The combination of traditional and modern sports reflects Abu Dhabi’s ambition to be a hub for sporting excellence and cultural celebration.

Thousands of athletes and participants are expected to take part, making it a truly international sporting festival. The Games aim not only to foster competition but also to encourage cultural understanding, community engagement, and friendship among nations. Through the official wristband, participants will be united under the same banner, reinforcing the values of unity, healthy living, and global sportsmanship.

The Games also provide a unique opportunity to showcase Abu Dhabi’s state-of-the-art sporting infrastructure, including world-class stadiums, training facilities, and leisure centers. By hosting such a large-scale event, the UAE continues to cement its reputation as a leading destination for international sports, capable of bringing together diverse cultures and communities in a shared celebration of physical activity and achievement.

The wristband itself serves a practical and symbolic purpose. It will accompany athletes, officials, and supporters throughout the event, helping identify participants while also serving as a memento of their involvement. Its design and launch at a prestigious event like ADIHEX underline the UAE’s commitment to combining tradition, innovation, and community spirit in all its initiatives.

The launch at ADIHEX is significant because this exhibition is one of the largest gatherings for hunting, equestrian sports, and cultural heritage in the region. By introducing the wristband at such a platform, the organizers have successfully bridged the gap between traditional Emirati sports and modern international competitions, showing how the UAE continues to honor its roots while embracing global trends.

Looking ahead, the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 promise to be more than just a sporting event. It will be a grand celebration of culture, wellness, and international friendship, offering participants a chance to engage in world-class competition while experiencing the rich heritage and hospitality of Abu Dhabi.

In addition to sports, the Games are expected to include cultural events, workshops, and community activities, making it an inclusive celebration for people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are an athlete, a fan, or a visitor, the event is designed to promote active lifestyles, global connections, and a sense of belonging.

The UAE leadership’s support, demonstrated by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s personal involvement, ensures that the Games will be successful, well-organized, and widely recognized on the international stage. The official wristband is a small yet meaningful symbol of this vision, connecting everyone involved in a shared commitment to sportsmanship, excellence, and cultural exchange.

With preparations already underway, Abu Dhabi is set to welcome the world in February 2026, offering a multi-sport experience that celebrates human achievement, unity, and the joy of physical activity. The Open Masters Games are not just a competition—they are a platform for international friendship, community engagement, and the promotion of healthy, active lifestyles, making Abu Dhabi a beacon of sporting and cultural excellence in the Middle East.