The initiative “Steps to Mars” marks an exciting kickoff to a thrilling countdown for athletes and sports enthusiasts in the UAE, as the region prepares for the prestigious multi-sport event, the Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026. This monumental event will showcase talent and foster unity while celebrating both sports and the spirit of community. As participants aim to take “Steps to Mars,” they are also contributing to a larger narrative intertwining sport, health, and national pride.
Recently, His Highness Sheikh Diab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy President of the Presidential Court for Development Affairs and Families of Martyrs, led the launch of the national initiative “From the Homeland: Steps to Mars” at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. This launch coincided with less than 100 days until the onset of the largest international multi-sport event in the Middle East. Esteemed attendees included His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Her Excellency Sara bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, alongside several senior officials and partners.
The event concluded with inspiring public figures from various sectors taking tangible steps “towards Mars” on stationary treadmills, marking the initial contributions toward collective goals in the countdown to the Games. The initiative “From the Homeland: Steps to Mars” aims to transform movement into accomplishment, encouraging participants to collectively cover a total distance of 54 million kilometers—the exact distance from Earth to Mars—as a tribute to the 54th anniversary of the union.
Encouraging Community Participation
This initiative invites participants of all ages and fitness levels to take part under the slogan “Every Step Makes a Difference” through activities such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, and various other physical pursuits. The goal is to promote daily movement, enhance community well-being, and foster a culture of active living throughout the UAE, ensuring the united objective is achieved before the upcoming Games.
Voices of Inspiration
Her Excellency Sara bint Yousef Al Amiri remarked, “The initiative ‘From the Homeland: Steps to Mars’ embodies the spirit of continuous pursuit for progress that characterizes the UAE. Just as our passion for knowledge has driven us to explore space and reach Mars, our community’s movement today leads us to a unified goal reflecting the strength of will and teamwork. Each step we take isn’t just a distance covered; it is an investment in our health and a vibrant future for generations to come. Through this shared journey, we affirm that ambition begins with the individual and their relentless capacity for movement, learning, and growth.”
A Milestone for the UAE’s Sports Community
According to Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, “This national movement, the first of its kind globally, demonstrates the spirit of collective ambition that defines the UAE. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire every individual to adopt an active lifestyle while engaging in a communal challenge that transcends physical fitness, reinforcing concepts of unity, progress, and pride; together, we can showcase to the world what it means to dream and achieve our goals with determination.”
Following the event, interactive and community activities will be organized to encourage participation and raise awareness of healthy lifestyles. The official app for the Games will allow participants to track their progress and log contributions from across the UAE. The Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is open to individuals aged 30 and above, with no specified level of experience or expertise required.
For registration and more information, please visit the website: https://abudhabimasters2026.com. The Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 stands out as one of the premier international multi-sport events, set to take place in the UAE from February 6 to 15, 2026, across over 20 sports venues throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The Games focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle while fostering a sense of belonging, celebrating the collective passion for sports. The event anticipates the participation of over 25,000 athletes from various continents across more than 30 sports, alongside six traditional Emirati games, while also featuring sports options catering to individuals of determination. The Games will further solidify the UAE’s position as an exceptional sports destination within the Middle East, reflecting its commitment to supporting sports as a platform for global connection and community engagement.