Abu dhabi: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, organized an introductory workshop on the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026. This workshop is part of a series of awareness initiatives aimed at preparing for the global sporting event, which marks its first occurrence in the Middle East and is anticipated to attract over 25,000 athletes worldwide.
According to Emirates News Agency, the inaugural workshop took place at MoFA's headquarters and saw the attendance of Omar Obaid Alhesan Al Shamsi, MoFA Undersecretary, and Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Member of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026. Heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the UAE also participated, aiming to boost international engagement and encourage coordination with sports entities and federations globally.
At the workshop's onset, Al Shamsi emphasized that hosting the Open Masters Games aligns with the UAE leadership's vision to promote sports across all age groups and enhance the nation's status as a premier global venue for major international sporting events. He noted the Games' role in fostering closer international relations and promoting cultural exchange.
Al Shamsi further underscored the workshop's significance as a pivotal awareness and coordination milestone with diplomatic missions, reflecting the UAE's diplomatic approach of collaborating closely with international partners to foster global participation and use sports as a platform for unifying communities worldwide.
Al Awani, on his part, stressed the importance of early planning and collaboration, stating, "The virtual introductory workshop represents one of the key pillars of our readiness strategy for hosting the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026." He emphasized the aim to deliver an exceptional edition that highlights Abu Dhabi's standing on the global sports stage.
He added that the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 extends beyond competition, promoting community sports, healthy lifestyles, and creating a sustainable legacy that aligns with the leadership's vision of sport as a development and quality of life driver.
The workshop featured presentations on organizational and technical preparations, participation mechanisms for international delegations, and the importance of early compliance with operational requirements, demonstrating a shared commitment to achieving readiness ahead of the Games.
Scheduled from February 6th to 15th, 2026, the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 epitomizes the UAE's vision of using sport as a form of soft power, a platform for intercultural dialogue, and a strategic pillar for enhancing its position as a leading global destination for major events, with sustainable economic and social impacts.
In a related development, a virtual coordination session was convened by the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 with UAE ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions abroad. This session covered the championship's vision, strategic objectives, and stakeholder roles to ensure successful hosting, focusing on organizational, technical aspects, and delegation participation in line with global standards.