Yesterday, the President of the International Masters Games Association (IMGA), Mr. Sergii Bubka, delivered the Welcome speech at the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026. The Welcome Ceremony was met with great appreciation, highlighted by a magnificent show celebrating sport, culture, and community, and setting a powerful tone for the Games.
In his address, President Bubka spoke about the unifying power of sport and the importance of remaining active, connected, and inspired at every stage of life, values that lie at the heart of the Masters movement.
Find link to speech here.
IMGA extends its sincere gratitude to the Leadership of the United Arab Emirates, the Organising Committee, and all partners involved for their outstanding efforts in delivering a Welcome Ceremony of the highest international standard. During his stay in Abu Dhabi, President Bubka also holds a series of important meetings, further strengthening relationships between IMGA and key institutional and sporting leaders. These included meetings with:
His Excellency Mohammed Al Junaibi, Chief of Presidential Protocol
His Excellency Aref Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai
Mr. Arthur Antunes Coimbra (Zico), football legend and Ambassador for the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026
First Masters Games in the Middle East
Reflecting on the experience, President Bubka said:
“The Masters Games are about people, connection, and shared values. Meeting leaders, partners, and athletes face to face is essential, it is how trust is built and how our community continues to grow together through sport.”
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 mark a historic moment as the first Masters Games in the Middle East, sending a strong message of unity, inclusion, and sport for life to the world.
