His Highness Sheikh Diab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the launch of the “From Our Homeland: Steps to Mars” initiative, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to innovation and development in the fields of sports and exploration. This initiative is a creative step encouraging citizens and residents to actively participate in a project aimed at covering 54 million kilometers, the distance between Earth and Mars, reflecting our growing ambitions toward space.
Launch of the Initiative in Abu Dhabi
His Highness Sheikh Diab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Head of the Presidential Court for Development Affairs and Families of Martyrs, and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee for the Abu Dhabi 2026 Masters Games, witnessed the launch of the national initiative “From Our Homeland: Steps to Mars” at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. This event coincided with the countdown to less than 100 days until the largest international multi-sport event in the Middle East.
A number of prominent figures attended the event, including Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber and Minister of Education Sarah bint Youssef Al Amiri, along with several senior officials and partners. The spirit of unity and commitment was embodied during the event, where attendees participated in “the first steps towards Mars” on stationary treadmills, resulting in initial contributions toward the collective national goal.
Objectives of the Initiative and Promoting Physical Activity
The “From Our Homeland: Steps to Mars” initiative seeks to transform physical movement into a community achievement. The goal is to encourage individuals to walk, run, cycle, swim, and engage in other activities to collectively cover the total distance of 54 million kilometers that separates us from Mars, as part of the celebrations for the 54th anniversary of the UAE’s founding.
The initiative invites all age groups and fitness levels to join under the slogan “Every Step Makes a Difference.” It aims to promote daily movement and enhance community well-being, contributing to the spread of an active lifestyle culture across all Emirates in preparation for the upcoming sports event.
Inspiring Words from Attendees
Commenting on the initiative, Sarah bint Youssef Al Amiri stated: “The ‘From Our Homeland: Steps to Mars’ initiative embodies the spirit of continuous progress that characterizes the UAE. Every step we take is not just a distance we cover, but an investment in our health and a more prosperous future.”
The Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Aref Hamad Al Awani, expressed his pride in the initiative, stating: “This national movement embodies the spirit of collective ambition. Our goal is to inspire all individuals to adopt an active lifestyle and participate in a challenge that transcends the limits of physical fitness.”
Preparations for Participation and Engagement
Following the event, interactive and community activities will be organized to raise awareness of healthy lifestyles. The official games application will allow participants to track their progress and record contributions from all over the Emirates, with the Abu Dhabi Masters Games 2026 open to all individuals aged 30 and above, regardless of their level of experience or professionalism.
For more information on how to register, you can visit the website: abudhabimasters2026.com.
The Abu Dhabi Masters Games 2026 is one of the most prominent international multi-sport events, set to take place in the UAE from February 6 to 15, 2026, across more than 20 sports venues in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The event aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and strengthen community belonging, with over 25,000 participants from different continents expected to join, contributing to enhancing the UAE’s status as a unique sports destination in the Middle East.