People&Co. created and delivered the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 Welcome Ceremony at Zayed Sports City Stadium on 6 February 2026, marking the start of the multi-sport event running through 15 February. The programme reflected the themes of enduring engagement in sport and the transition from tradition to contemporary athletic participation, with the ceremony designed to connect different stages of an athlete’s life.
The event brought together more than 25,000 athletes from over 90 countries, aged 30 and above, competing in a broad range of sports over the ten-day schedule. The ceremony combined cultural elements with presentations that highlighted both local heritage and global sporting participation.
The final segment of the Welcome Ceremony featured performances by Leona Lewis, Rita Ora, Carole Samaha and Rashed Al Nuaimi. This performance was part of the broadcast of the ceremony to audiences outside the UAE. In addition to the artistic and cultural elements of the programme, the focus remained on the athletes and their stories of participation and commitment to lifelong sport.
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 includes competitions in dozens of sports and traditional disciplines, with events taking place across multiple venues in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. Participants compete without qualification standards, with entries open to all adults meeting the age requirements and interested in taking part.
The event was supported by Abu Dhabi Live, AL Laith Group, CallaCrew FZ LLC, Clair Global, Creative Technology, Enjoy Technology, Film Quip Media, Fruition Events LLC, Gulf Crewing Company, Michael Curry Design Inc, Pitchblack Events Services LLC, PixMob, Simple Solutions Exhibition Manufacturing LLC, Stage FX Middle East, Stage One Creative Services Ltd, TAIT and VK Exhibition and Décor.
CREDITS
Artistic Director: Tim Elliott
Creative Director: Malia Johnston
Production Designer: Josh Zangen
Associate Production Designer: Mrinali Thanwani
Lighting Designer: Stephen Page
Content Designer: Luke Halls Studio
Composer: Eden Mulholland
Broadcast Director: Jan Genesis
Managing Director, Spectaculars: William Jensen
Project Director: Peter Germond
Project Coordinator: Assala Ladmia
Associate Director: Bridget Carpenter
Creative Producer: Giselle Harding
Segment Producers: Hazem Altattan and Mady Moubarak
Content & Music Producer: Mohamed Al Hourani
Sr. Creative Coordinator: Youssef Mezher
Lead Choreographer: Andy Turner
Production Stage Manager: Karena Letham
Show Caller: Claudia Cordova Zignago
Costume Designer & Head of Costumes: Justyna Dobyszewska
Head of Props: Pam Nichol
Head of Technical for People: Mark Fogwill
Technical Director: Karl Jenkins
Head of Operations for People: Carl Shaw
Operations Director: Alison Gusbeth
Broadcast Producer: Jeremy Azis
Majlis Project Manager: Joana Quilala
Anthem Music Producer: Harvey M.
Anthem Executive Producer: Taymoor Marmarchi
