The Supreme Organising Committee of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 has announced that the Family Development Foundation, through the Barakat Al Dar Social Clubs, will take part in the event by supporting the participation of 1,000 senior citizens in the first Masters Games of its kind in the Middle East.
The announcement was made during the 8th Forum for Senior Citizens, organised by the Family Development Foundation in cooperation with the Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi and ADNOC Group. Held under the theme, Our Seniors… Partners in Development and Enduring Generosity, the forum coincided with the International Day of Older Persons.
The Family Development Foundation’s participation aligns with the vision of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, which aims to encourage participation from all members of the community, with a particular focus on older age groups. The games are open to all individuals aged 30 and above (with swimming events open to those 25 and above), with no restriction on experience or sporting level, embracing the philosophy of lifelong sports and sports for all.
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and member of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Family Development Foundation and Barakat Al Dar Social Clubs to the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026. This partnership is an important step in encouraging senior citizens to embrace sport and movement as part of their daily lives. Offering 1,000 senior citizens the opportunity to participate in the games highlights our commitment to making sport accessible to all, while also supporting the health and wellbeing of this important segment of society.”
His Excellency Al Awani added that the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 goes beyond competition, serving as a platform to showcase the unifying power of sport and to inspire people of all ages to embrace active, healthy lifestyles.
Her Excellency Maryam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the Family Development Foundation, said: “We are proud to partner with the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 to support the participation of 1,000 senior citizens from Barakat Al Dar Social Clubs. This initiative reflects our mission to expand opportunities for senior citizens, giving them the chance to experience an international sporting event and demonstrate their creativity, talent, and contribution on a global stage. They remain inspiring role models, proving that the spirit of excellence and giving continues at every age.”
Her Excellency Al Rumaithi added that participation through Barakat Al Dar Social Clubs builds on the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to improve quality of life and promote the concept of active ageing. Her Excellency reaffirmed that by strengthening partnerships with national and international organisations, the foundation aims to empower senior citizens, create opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, reinforce Abu Dhabi’s status as a global sporting capital and support the UAE’s vision of a cohesive, healthy, and sustainable society.
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 will be the largest international multi-sport event ever hosted in the Middle East. Taking place from 6 to 15 February 2026 in Abu Dhabi, it will welcome more than 25,000 athletes competing across more than 30 different sports, including six heritage sports that reflect the UAE’s national identity and cultural legacy.
For registration and more information, please visit: abudhabimasters2026.com.
