Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
More than 7,900 women took part in the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, competing across multiple disciplines and assuming roles beyond the field of play in a tournament that placed women at the forefront of organisation and community life.
According to Emirati athlete and coach Abeer Al Khaja, the scale of participation and the visibility of women across all aspects of the Games showed that the event went beyond competition, serving as a practical platform for female empowerment.
"The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 translated the concept of women's empowerment into tangible opportunities for participation, achievement and visibility," she told Aletihad.
"The Games also created an environment where women participated not only as athletes but also as organisers, volunteers and community members, reinforcing the message that empowerment is rooted in opportunity and sustained engagement."
Al Khaja, who also serves as one of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 champions, pointed out that the female competitors balanced their roles as mothers, professionals and active members of the community while pursuing athletic ambitions. Their participation, she said, proved that an active lifestyle can be integrated into daily life rather than treated as a separate pursuit.
Al Khaja referred to the dedicated women-only tournaments hosted at the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy as another clear example of the event's inclusive approach.
The academy staged competitions in basketball, volleyball, football, padel and athletics within a supportive setting designed to encourage participation. These initiatives, she said, ensured accessible pathways into sport while respecting different cultural contexts and personal preferences.
The tournament, Al Khaja added, also reflected changing attitudes towards women's roles in competitive sport, especially among older age groups.
Senior participants from within the UAE and abroad took to the same arenas as younger athletes, confidently competing in disciplines ranging from athletics and swimming to martial arts and racquet sports.
"The participation of senior women from all over the world and community groups like the Family Development Foundation reinforced the understanding that sport remains a lifelong pursuit and an important contributor to health and wellbeing," she said.
"By placing these athletes on an international stage, the Games further normalises staying active and competitive well into later stages of life."
As an intergenerational event, Al Khaja pointed out that the Games also aligned with the Year of Family and the UAE's broader social goals. By bringing together parents, siblings and grandparents, it created opportunities for women to compete alongside relatives and celebrate achievements collectively, and reinforced the idea that sport is a shared experience that strengthens family bonds and social cohesion.
"This approach reflects the UAE's priorities during the Year of Family, where wellbeing and family cohesion remain central," Al Khaja said.
"By creating an inclusive environment that encouraged families to engage in sport together, the Games supported a culture of lifelong physical activity while reinforcing the role of women as active contributors to healthier and more connected communities."
