OSAKA, Japan, thirtieth September, 2025 (WAM) – The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 marked a profitable presence at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, showcasing its imaginative and prescient and constructing momentum forward of the Games.
As a part of its participation, the Supreme Organising Committee of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 hosted a panel dialogue on the UAE Pavilion of Expo 2025, titled “From Abu Dhabi to Kansai: A Legacy for the Future of Sports and Wellbeing.”
The 60-minute session introduced collectively main voices from the UAE and Japan, together with Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and member of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026; Takeo Mori, Advisor to the President and Director General of Expo 2025 and CEO of the World Masters Games Kansai 2027; and Faisal Al Ketbi, five-time Jiu Jitsu World Champion. The dialogue was moderated by Salem Al Akbari, Chief Director – Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026.
The panel examined how world-class sporting occasions can go away a long-lasting influence by enriching communities, encouraging more healthy life, and provoking future generations. It additionally emphasised Abu Dhabi’s technique to place itself as a world sports activities hub, whereas aligning with Japan’s longstanding dedication to advancing well being, longevity, and wellbeing by way of sport.
Speakers underscored the position of worldwide occasions such because the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 and the World Masters Games Kansai 2027 as catalysts for dialogue on inclusion, energetic growing old, and the transformative position of sports activities in society. The dialogue additionally highlighted the significance of grassroots initiatives, which inspire residents to embrace sports activities and combine motion into their day by day lives.
Aref Al Awani mentioned: “The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 will mark a milestone in the region’s sporting journey, setting new benchmarks for inclusion, diversity and community participation. Our vision is to create a legacy that strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a global sports capital and leaves behind knowledge and cultural impact that extend far beyond the event itself. As the first Open Masters Games in the Middle East, the foundations built here will carry forward to Kansai in 2027, ensuring a continuity of purpose that unites societies through sport and wellbeing across generations.”
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 would be the largest and most numerous worldwide sporting occasion ever hosted within the Middle East. Taking place from 6 to fifteen February 2026 in Abu Dhabi, it would welcome greater than 25,000 athletes competing throughout greater than 30 totally different sports activities, together with 6 heritage sports activities that replicate the UAE’s nationwide identification and cultural legacy.
Participation within the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is open to all people aged 30 and above, with no restriction on expertise or sporting degree.
Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 will happen from 6 to fifteen February, making it the biggest and most complete worldwide multi-sport occasion within the Middle East. The Games will characteristic over 30 sports activities and welcome greater than 25,000 contributors from world wide throughout 10 days of inspiring competitors.