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The Abu Dhabi Masters Games 2026 continued to build momentum on its fourth day as competitions expanded across multiple venues in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, with growing community participation reflecting the broader impact of the games beyond competitive arenas. Athletes competed in various sports while students, families, and senior citizens flocked to event sites and community spaces to experience the atmosphere firsthand, according to organizers.
Participants and spectators engaged in diverse activities at dedicated venues including ADNEC and Al Hadariyat, where interactive platforms and community zones welcomed visitors of all ages. The games emphasized their focus on health and quality of life through specially designed experiences that allowed attendees to connect, learn, and participate alongside competing athletes.
Community Engagement Beyond Competition
Beyond the sporting competitions, the fourth day highlighted the role of the Abu Dhabi Masters Games as a platform for enhancing community interaction and intergenerational participation. Students from various schools visited event locations where they observed competitions across multiple sports disciplines and interacted directly with athletes participating in the games.
Additionally, young visitors explored the community space at ADNEC, accessing interactive platforms and diverse activities designed to promote active lifestyles. The initiative reflected the organizers’ commitment to making sports accessible and engaging for younger generations in the UAE.
Senior Citizens Take Center Stage
Senior citizens were among the most active participants in the day’s activities, demonstrating that the games embrace all age groups. A group of senior citizens from the Family Development Foundation visited the ADNEC center, with several women participating in sporting activities that embodied the spirit of the games.
However, the participation went beyond symbolic gestures. Fatima Mohammed Mohammed, an active member of the Family Development Foundation and strong advocate for sports, shared her belief that movement is essential for physical vitality and mental clarity. She holds a gold medal in running from the Fatima bint Mubarak Women’s Sports Academy and encourages people of all ages to make sports an integral part of daily life.
Health Experts Emphasize Sports Benefits
Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Institute for the Elimination of Infectious Diseases, addressed media outlets during the event, highlighting the importance of sports in maintaining physical and mental health. She emphasized the role of regular physical activity in supporting long-term health and helping individuals remain active and adaptable throughout their lives.
Meanwhile, Dr. Al Hosani stressed the importance of encouraging participation in sports and physical activity, particularly among senior citizens. Her remarks underscored the health benefits that extend beyond immediate fitness gains to encompass disease prevention and overall wellness.
International Athletes Find Community
The Abu Dhabi Masters Games 2026 also attracted international participants seeking competitive opportunities and community connections. Joan, an athlete who discovered badminton just three years ago after relocating to the United Arab Emirates, initially approached the sport recreationally, drawing on her previous experience in tennis and volleyball.
In contrast to casual participation, her involvement quickly evolved into a passion supported by a cohesive local community. She embraced the opportunity at the games to challenge herself, meet athletes from around the world, and continue developing her skills through competitive sport.
Competition schedules and community activities are expected to continue throughout the remaining days of the Abu Dhabi Masters Games 2026, with organizers maintaining their emphasis on accessibility and intergenerational participation. Further details about upcoming events and participant stories will likely be released as the games progress toward their conclusion.
