Etihad Airways named Official Airline Partner for Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026

Etihad Airways named Official Airline Partner for Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026

Etihad Airways has been named the Official Airline Partner for the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, scheduled from 6 to 15 February 2026 across more than 20 venues in Abu Dhabi.

The partnership underscores the role of sport in encouraging active participation across age groups and backgrounds, while also supporting Abu Dhabi’s position as a destination for international sporting events. It reflects Etihad’s continued engagement with community-focused initiatives in its home city.

The agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony between the International Masters Games Association and Etihad Airways. The MoU was signed by H.E. Aref Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Dr Nadia Bastaki, Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways. The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Martyrs’ Families Affairs and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee.

As the Official Airline Partner, Etihad will support travel for athletes, officials, and spectators attending the Games. The airline’s global network will help facilitate access to Abu Dhabi for participants arriving from multiple international markets, supporting the event’s logistics and connectivity.

Commenting on the partnership, H.E. Aref Al Awani said the collaboration with Etihad Airways will support the delivery of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 and aligns with the emirate’s efforts to encourage sports participation as a lifelong activity while engaging the wider community.

Dr Nadia Bastaki stated that the partnership reflects Etihad’s focus on connecting people and supporting events that bring visitors from the UAE and international markets to Abu Dhabi. She added that the airline looks forward to welcoming athletes and supporters travelling to the Games.

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is open to participants aged 30 and above and aims to bring together more than 30,000 athletes from over 140 nationalities. The programme will include 38 sporting disciplines over 10 days, hosted across multiple venues in the emirate. Etihad’s role as the UAE’s flag carrier will support travel needs associated with the event while showcasing Abu Dhabi’s sporting infrastructure and cultural offerings.