• Taking place from 6–15 February 2026 across multiple venues including Hudayriyat Island, ADNEC and Zayed Sports City.
  • ADU invites residents, families and community organisations to join its Hudayriyat activation and visit the ADNEC community hub for practical demonstrations, learning and opportunities to take immediate steps toward healthier lifestyles

Abu Dhabi, UAE: As part of its commitment to supporting the UAE’s strategic priorities, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) announces its participation as an Official Supporting Partner in the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 (OMGAD 2026), running from 6–15 February 2026 across multiple venues including Hudayriyat Island, ADNEC and Zayed Sports City. ADU’s involvement aligns with the national objectives to increase physical activity, promote healthy ageing, and advance community wellbeing through inclusive, evidence-led interventions.

The OMGAD 2026 is a 10‑day multi-sport movement expected to convene tens of thousands of participants across 20+ venues, showcasing 38 sports, including six traditional sports that reflect the UAE’s cultural heritage. ADU will deliver a primary on-ground activation at Hudayriyat Island, led by the College of Health Sciences, which will feature health screenings, interactive education on active ageing and practical workshops tailored to older adults, families and community groups. Activities will translate ADU’s research and clinical expertise into practical guidance on mobility preservation, nutrition and everyday habits that increase healthspan.

Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, said: “Abu Dhabi University sees the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 as an opportunity to put research into action for our communities. By mobilising our College of Health Sciences and working alongside government and community partners, we will deliver science-backed practical, inclusive activities that empower residents to adopt healthier, more active lives, supporting the Emirate’s long-term vision for healthy ageing and a more active society.”

ADU’s participation at OMGAD 2026 demonstrates how higher education institutions can partner with government and event organisers to amplify national priorities, translating research, education and clinical capability into scalable community impact that advances Abu Dhabi Sports Vision 2040 and the UAE National Sports Strategy 2031.

Access to selected OMGAD 2026 community zones will be open to the public, enabling broad community participation and lowering access barriers to health-promoting activities. ADU invites residents, families and community organisations to join its Hudayriyat activation and visit the ADNEC community hub for practical demonstrations, learning and opportunities to take immediate steps toward healthier lifestyles.

About Abu Dhabi University:

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is one of the region’s leading academic institutions, translating the UAE Government’s National Agenda to deliver internationally accredited academic programs and world-class research.

Established in 2003, with campuses across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai, the University serves over 9000 students from over 100 nationalities. The University is home to five colleges across different disciplines including arts, education, social sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, and law, while offering a diverse range of over 65 undergraduate and graduate programs.

According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, ADU ranks in the top 250 globally. Additionally, it ranks second in the UAE and 75th globally for its research quality, and it is among the top three universities in the UAE, while holding the number one position in the teaching pillar. Additionally, THE Rankings has recognized the University’s Business and Economics subject area as number one in the UAE and the Arab region.

The University has made an impressive performance in THE Young University Rankings 2024, ranking in the 60th position globally among the world's best universities that are 50 years or younger. Furthermore, the University jumped to 70th place in the prestigious THE Asia University Rankings 2025 and was ranked third in the UAE for graduate employability as per the 2026 Global Employability University Ranking

Parallelly, ADU ranks 391 globally, according to the 2026 edition of the QS World University Rankings, advancing 110 places and 5th in the UAE, up 2 positions from the previous year.

ADU continues to empower faculty and students with state-of-the-art resources, facilities, and learning opportunities that foster innovation and support research-based problem-solving. The University maintains strong international collaborations with leading academic institutions and public and private sector organizations, with institutional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges' Senior College and University Commission (WASC).

Media Contacts
Weber Shandwick for Abu Dhabi University
Reem Al Taie rtaie@webershandwick.com