'Walk to Mars' initiative launched ahead of Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi

With less than 100 days to go until the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, a nationwide fitness and lifestyle challenge called 'Walk to Mars' has been launched to inspire communities across the UAE to get moving.

The initiative aims to encourage people of all ages to collectively cover 54 million kilometres — the distance between Earth and Mars — symbolising both the nation’s 54th year and its spirit of ambition and unity.

Participants can contribute through walking, running, swimming, cycling and other physical activities under the theme 'Every Step Makes a Difference'.

The launch event at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club was attended by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, along with ministers and senior officials.

Public figures joined in by taking the first symbolic steps toward the goal.

Officials say the campaign promotes health, community wellbeing, and a culture of active living — while highlighting the UAE’s drive to achieve together as one nation.

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is set to be the largest mass-participation sporting event in the region, bringing together more than 25,000 participants across 37 sports over 10 thrilling days of competition, from February 6-15, 2026.

The events are open to all adults aged 30 and above (swimming events for ages 25 and above), regardless of skill level, embracing the philosophy of "lifelong sports" and "sports for all."

The Walk to Mars initiative, launched ahead of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, is inspiring communities to pursue active lifestyles, challenging participants to collectively cover 54 million km by walking, running, cycling, swimming, and completing other physical activity. pic.twitter.com/wOhVXoMqbb

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) November 11, 2025

Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed witnessed the launch of the Walk to Mars initiative, a national initiative ahead of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, which challenges participants to collectively cover 54m km, the distance between Earth and Mars, by walking, cycling, and more. pic.twitter.com/DkPWn9QFOX

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) November 11, 2025