Event Guide

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the Open Masters Games?
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is a celebration of sport, camaraderie, and competition for participants aged 30 and above (25+ for swimming and endurance horse racing, 27+ rugby), bringing together over 25,000 participants from around the world in 31 official sports and 6 traditional sports.
When and where will the Games be held?
The Games will take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 6 to 15 February 2026 across world-class venues throughout the city, Emirate, and United Arab Emirates.
Who can participate?
Anyone who meets the minimum age requirement is welcome! • Most sports: 30+ years • Swimming: 25+ years (Note: Age is determined as of 31 December 2026.)
What are the sports included?
The Games will feature 31 official sports (including athletics, cycling, football, basketball, tennis, etc.) and 6 traditional sports rooted in local culture. A full list with sport-specific guidelines is available here.
How do I register and is there a fee?
You can register online through our official website. Registration will remain open until 31 December 2025 or until capacity is reached. Early registration is encouraged.

Registration Fees:

  • International Participants: USD 150 (AED 550)
  • UAE Participants (Residents and Citizens): USD 75 (AED 275)
  • UAE and International Person with Disabilities (A.k.a POD in UAE) : USD 30 (AED 100)
  • Coach / Assistant Coach: USD 75 (AED 275)
  • Non-Playing Official: USD 75 (AED 275)
  • UAE Senior residents and citizens only (men aged 60 and above, women aged 50 and above): USD 30 (AED 100)
  • Family / Supporter: USD 50 (AED 180)

Bonus: Upon check-in at the Athlete Welcome Centre, 90% of your registration fee will be returned on a money card to use across the UAE—for meals, hotels, experiences, and more.

What are the age categories?
Most sports are organized in five-year age increments (e.g., 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, etc.). Please refer to each sport’s guidelines for specific age brackets and exceptions.
Is there a qualification process or do I need to be an elite athlete?
No qualifications are required. The Games are open to all – whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a former competitor, a first-timer, or returning to sport later in life. Everyone is welcome.
Can I participate in more than one sport?
Yes! Participants can register for up to 3 sports and a total of 7 events, as long as there are no scheduling conflicts. Please consult the competition schedule when choosing your events.
What’s included in the registration fee?
Registration typically includes: • Participation in selected sports • Accreditation badge • Participants welcome pack • Access to the Welcome Ceremony and athlete experiences • Access to Games transportation system
Are spectators allowed?
Absolutely! Friends, family, and fans are welcome to attend and cheer on athletes. Entry to most venues will be free and open to the public.
Will there be a Welcome Ceremony?
Yes – a vibrant, cultural Welcome Ceremony is planned to greet and celebrate all participants and guests. Stay tuned for date, location, and ticket details.
What are the traditional sports?
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 looks forward to welcoming you and sharing the rich heritage of traditional sports.

The six traditional sports celebrating UAE heritage include Falconry, Endurance Horse Racing, Camel Racing, Al Tabba, Traditional Diving and Dhow Races (traditional sailing).

You are invited to watch and make your experience truly memorable. A variety of engaging activities will be available for visitors, including camel rides, photo opportunities with majestic falcons, and live demonstrations of traditional training techniques.

Please note that official traditional sports are for demonstration only, and athletes cannot register to participate.

Further details on dates, times, locations, and activities will be shared in December 2025.

Where can I find sport-specific rules and schedules?
You can find detailed information on each sport, including rules, format, and schedules, in the Sports section of the website.
Is there support for international participants?
Yes, we are working with travel and accommodation partners to provide seamless options. Visit the Travel & Accommodation section for help with visas, hotels, and transport.
What is the difference beween competitive and recreational categories?

Competitive: is for elite players (athletes) who have competed at an international or national team level and for national, state or provincial master’s champions. 

Recreational: is for players who play in non-competitive or lower-grade club leagues, as well as social and casual players.

What is the difference between a Non-playing official and Family member/Supporter?

Feature

Non-Playing Official (NPO)

Please note that non-playing officials are defined as assistant coaches, guides for para athletes, POD (People of Determination) athletes, or accompanying persons strictly for translation purposes.

*At the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, POD athletes are defined as individuals who participate in general events rather than para-sport competitions.
Family Member / Supporter
Accompanying Limit
Limited to five (5) officials per athlete
No limit per athlete
Access to Athlete Zones
Access is granted to all athlete zones (Field of Play, warm-up areas, changing rooms, holding area) EXCEPT for the Athlete Lounge
No access to any athlete-restricted zones, general public areas only
Accreditation and Welcome kit
Receives accreditation and a welcome kit
Receives accreditation and a welcome kit
Welcome Ceremony
Complimentary access to the Welcome Ceremony
Complimentary access to the Welcome Ceremony
Transportation
Eligible to use Games transportation
Eligible to use Games transportation