Key Points

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed personally wore the official wristband during his visit to the Games pavilion. The launch occurred at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, highlighting leadership support. This marks the first time the Open Masters Games will be hosted in the Middle East region. The 2026 event will bring together thousands of athletes from around the world for cultural exchange through sport.

Key Points: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Wears Open Masters Games 2026 Wristband

  • President Mohamed bin Zayed first to wear official 2026 Games wristband
  • Wristband launch at Abu Dhabi International Hunting Exhibition
  • Event features 30+ sports with thousands of global athletes
  • Games promote cultural exchange and active lifestyles worldwide
2 min read

Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 unveil official wristband at ADIHEX

UAE President launches official wristband for Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 at ADIHEX exhibition, supporting global sporting event and active lifestyles.

"The launch represents a significant milestone in our preparations for this global event - Aref Hamad Al Awani, Abu Dhabi Sports Council"

Abu Dhabi, September 8

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 officially launched its wristband during the 22nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) held at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi.

President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the first to wear the wristband, during his visit to the Games' pavilion, highlighting his support for the event and the values it represents. The launch reflects the UAE's commitment to fostering community engagement, encouraging active lifestyles, and promoting unity through sport.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said, "The launch of the official wristband for the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 represents a significant milestone in our preparations for this global event. It reflects the unwavering support of our wise leadership, led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in strengthening Abu Dhabi's status as a leading destination that brings the world together through sport, while inspiring the adoption of a healthy and active lifestyle."

He added, "The Abu Dhabi Sports Council is fully committed to supporting the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 by providing all the facilities and resources needed to ensure the success of this landmark event, being hosted for the first time in the Middle East. The Council is also dedicated to encouraging the participation of sports enthusiasts from around the world, underscoring its mission to advance the role of sport as a strategic driver in reinforcing Abu Dhabi's standing as a global centre of sporting excellence and a vibrant platform for cultural exchange."

The wristband serves as a symbolic identifier of the Games and will accompany athletes, participants, and supporters as they prepare for the multi-sport event scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi from 6 to 15 February 2026. With thousands of athletes expected to take part in more than 30 sports, the Games will bring together diverse cultures and sporting communities from around the world.

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 will feature a wide range of sports, including traditional sports that have long been an integral part of Emirati heritage, underscoring Abu Dhabi's role as a global destination for sporting excellence and cultural exchange. (ANI/WAM)

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative! The wristband launch at ADIHEX shows how UAE integrates sports with their cultural events. Hope Indian athletes participate in large numbers - we have so much talent in masters categories that often goes unrecognized.
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Aman W
While this looks impressive, I hope the organizers ensure affordable participation for athletes from developing countries. Sometimes these international events become too expensive for our athletes. Just a thought!
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Sarah B
Love how UAE is promoting active lifestyles across all age groups! The inclusion of traditional Emirati sports is particularly interesting. Would be great to see some Indian traditional sports featured too in future editions.
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Vikram M
February 2026 is perfect timing - great weather in Abu Dhabi! Hope our Indian sports authorities take note and send strong contingents. This could be a wonderful platform for our veteran athletes to showcase their skills internationally.
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Nisha Z
The wristband concept is nice, but I hope they focus on sustainable materials. These events generate so much waste sometimes. Otherwise, great to see Middle East hosting such inclusive sporting events! 🌍

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