Abu dhabi: Jens Holm, CEO of the International Masters Games Association, announced that the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 will create a sustainable sporting and community legacy. This event will build on the historic success of the Abu Dhabi 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games and bolster the UAE's reputation as a global hub for major sporting events. According to Emirates News Agency, anticipation is high for the February event, with strong demand for registration to compete. Holm noted that participant numbers have already surpassed tens of thousands from around the world, with expectations of further increases until registration closes shortly. This positions the event as one of the largest and most significant sporting and community activation events in the Middle East. Holm emphasized that hosting the Games in the UAE is a first for the International Masters Games Association in the region, marking a pivotal milestone and setting a new benchmark in the Games' history. He highlighted that this reflects international confidence in the UAE's advanced sports infrastructure and proven organizational expertise.