ABU DHABI, 2nd June, 2025 — In a major milestone for regional sports, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee for the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, witnessed the signing of a high-profile sponsorship agreement between the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). Under this agreement, ADNOC becomes the official Presenting Sponsor of the inaugural edition of the event, which will be hosted in the Middle East for the first time.
The agreement was inked in the presence of Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, as well as Mohammed Al Junaibi, Vice Chairman of the Open Masters Abu Dhabi 2026 Organising Committee. The official signatories were Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Saif Al Falahi, Director of Group Business Support and Special Tasks at ADNOC.
Prominent senior officials from ADNOC and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, along with local athletes, were among those in attendance at the ceremonial signing event.
The occasion also marked the official unveiling of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 logo, a design inspired by the UAE’s diverse natural landscape and the ethos of healthy living and community values. The ceremony highlighted the UAE leadership’s long-term commitment to social cohesion, lifestyle wellness, and establishing the nation as a global hub for sport and longevity.
Aref Al Awani said:
“We are delighted to welcome ADNOC as the Presenting Sponsor of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026. This is a collaboration that reflects our shared commitment to empowering communities, promoting healthy lifestyles, and showcasing the UAE on the global sporting stage. With ADNOC’s support, we will deliver a world-class event that celebrates inclusion, heritage, and excellence, while inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace the joy of sport.”
He emphasized the synergy between the partnership and the UAE’s vision for health promotion, community inclusion, and sustainable development, as well as the country’s modern infrastructure and cultural richness.
Saif Al Falahi stated:
“ADNOC is proud to support the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 as Presenting Sponsor, reinforcing our commitment to promoting healthier, more active lifestyles and stronger communities. In the UAE Year of Community, this important event will harness the power of sports to unite communities, enhance wellbeing, and inspire national pride. We look forward to welcoming competitors and their friends and families from around the world to what promises to be an unforgettable event in the UAE.”
Scheduled for February 2026, the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 aims to host over 25,000 participants from across the globe. The competition will feature 33 sports disciplines tailored to various age groups, including events specially designed for senior citizens. Transforming it into a truly inclusive event, the games will also incorporate 18 disciplines open to People of Determination.
Highlighting the UAE’s deep cultural roots, the program will feature traditional sports such as dhow sailing, falconry, and camel racing, serving as a vibrant showcase of the nation’s heritage alongside modern global sports.
Beyond athletic competition, the event seeks to become a cornerstone for public health, intergenerational dialogue, and community development. It is anticipated to deliver a lasting impact across sports, tourism, and the national economy, creating a resilient and enduring legacy for the future.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
