The Family Development Foundation (FDF) is taking a major step toward empowering senior citizens by supporting their participation in the upcoming Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026. Through its Barakat Al Dar Social Clubs, the foundation will help 1,000 seniors join the region’s first Masters Games of its kind. This initiative highlights the UAE’s commitment to active aging, social inclusion, and community wellness, ensuring that older adults remain connected, valued, and encouraged to pursue new experiences.
Encouraging Active and Healthy Aging
The announcement was made during the 8th Forum for Senior Citizens, organized by the Family Development Foundation in cooperation with the Department of Community Development and ADNOC Group. The forum emphasized the role of seniors in contributing to society and highlighted the importance of supporting them through programs that promote engagement, participation, and wellbeing.
This initiative aligns with the vision of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, which encourages individuals of all ages to view sports as a lifelong journey rather than an activity limited to youth. By involving seniors in an international sporting event, FDF reinforces a strong message: age should never be a barrier to health, achievement, or participation.
In the larger context, Abu Dhabi’s social development strategies have increasingly focused on holistic wellbeing for older adults. This includes physical health, mental wellness, social connection, and opportunities for seniors to continue learning and participating in community life. Supporting them in joining an international athletic event is a meaningful extension of these long-standing priorities.
A Platform for Inclusive Sports Participation
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 promotes an inclusive approach to sports by welcoming participants aged 30 and above, with swimming categories starting at age 25. One of the most defining features of the Games is that there is no requirement for prior sports experience or competitive training. The event celebrates participation, enthusiasm, and the philosophy of lifelong fitness.
This inclusive model encourages adults at every stage of life to embrace physical activity and challenge themselves in new ways. For seniors specifically, participating in sports can improve physical strength, enhance mood, boost self-confidence, and provide meaningful social interaction. It also helps break stereotypes about aging, showing that older adults are capable of excellence, vitality, and passion.
By enabling seniors to join such an event, the FDF is helping shift societal attitudes about aging. It reinforces the belief that personal growth, exploration, and achievement do not stop at a certain age but continue throughout life.
Supporting 1,000 Senior Citizens Through FDF
The FDF’s initiative to support 1,000 senior citizens represents one of the most significant senior-focused sports empowerment programs in the region. Through Barakat Al Dar Social Clubs, seniors will receive the guidance, encouragement, and preparation they need to participate in the Games confidently.
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, affirmed that this partnership promotes the integration of sports into the everyday lives of seniors. He noted that offering participation opportunities to older adults shows a deep commitment to making sports accessible to all and supporting the wellbeing of this important segment of society.
Her Excellency Maryam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the Family Development Foundation, emphasized the importance of giving seniors the chance to experience an international sporting event. She highlighted that seniors remain inspiring role models whose achievements, creativity, and spirit continue to shine at every stage of life. Their participation in the Games will not only celebrate their capabilities but also inspire younger generations.
The Largest Multi-Sport Event in the Region
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is expected to become the largest international multi-sport event ever hosted in the region. Scheduled to welcome more than 25,000 athletes, the Games will feature over 30 sports, providing participants with a wide range of opportunities to compete, learn, and experience the excitement of international sports.
The event will also include six heritage sports that showcase the UAE’s cultural identity. This unique blend of modern athletics and traditional activities makes the Games a celebration of both global sportsmanship and Emirati heritage. It offers visitors and athletes an immersive experience that highlights the nation’s culture, values, and welcoming spirit.
The scale of the event demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a global sports destination. Hosting an event of this magnitude strengthens the emirate’s position in international sports, tourism, and cultural exchange. It also reflects the UAE’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering participation across all age groups.
Promoting Wellness, Community, and National Identity
The involvement of the Family Development Foundation goes far beyond sports. It reflects a broader national mission to build a more cohesive, healthy, and supportive society. The UAE places strong importance on the role of senior citizens, recognizing their contributions as foundational to the nation’s growth and progress.
By empowering seniors to take part in a major international event, the initiative promotes social inclusion and reinforces the idea that every individual, regardless of age, has the ability to contribute and thrive. It also encourages younger generations to maintain an active lifestyle and view their elders as sources of inspiration, resilience, and wisdom.
The Masters Games initiative supports several national values, including:
• Community strength
• Lifelong learning
• Active living
• Social engagement
• Respect for cultural heritage
Through this effort, the UAE continues to build a society where seniors feel valued, supported, and encouraged to pursue meaningful opportunities.
Lifelong Sports as a Path to Wellbeing
Sports and regular physical activity play a vital role in maintaining physical health, emotional balance, and cognitive wellbeing. For older adults, these benefits are even more significant. Participation in physical activities helps reduce the risk of chronic illness, improves mobility, increases mental clarity, and contributes to overall happiness.
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is built on the guiding principle that sports should be accessible to everyone throughout their lifetime. The event encourages seniors to remain active, set new goals, and discover new passions. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and belonging that enhances emotional wellbeing and strengthens social connections.
Participating in sports events can also positively impact mental health by reducing stress, enhancing mood, and increasing confidence. Through this initiative, FDF ensures that seniors have access to these benefits in a supportive and motivating environment.
Empowering Seniors Through Community Support
The Barakat Al Dar Social Clubs play a critical role in preparing seniors for participation in the Games. These clubs provide a range of programs such as fitness sessions, educational workshops, cultural activities, and social gatherings that help seniors maintain a balanced and engaging lifestyle. Through their involvement, seniors receive not only physical training but also encouragement, community support, and a sense of belonging.
This initiative further strengthens the UAE’s long-term commitment to creating an age-inclusive society. It demonstrates that seniors are not only recipients of services but are also contributors, achievers, and active participants in the nation’s development.
Conclusion
The Family Development Foundation’s initiative to support 1,000 senior citizens in the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 marks a significant milestone in community engagement, sports inclusivity, and senior empowerment. It reflects the UAE’s vision of building a society where every individual has opportunities to participate, grow, and thrive regardless of age.
The Games will not only highlight athletic excellence but also celebrate the endurance, spirit, and determination of senior citizens. Through this initiative, Abu Dhabi reinforces its commitment to promoting active aging, strengthening community bonds, and honoring the contributions of older adults.
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