Sheikh Khaled visits Summer Abu Dhabi Sports 2026 at ADNEC to promote community participation
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed toured Summer Abu Dhabi Sports 2026 at ADNEC, underscoring community programmes, inclusion and a 48,000 sqm indoor festival running until 23 August.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council, attended a segment of the fifth edition of Summer Abu Dhabi Sports at ADNEC on Wednesday. The event, organised by ADNEC in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and sponsored by ADNOC, runs through 23 August 2026 and aims to broaden public engagement in sport. During his visit the Crown Prince met participants, observed activities across multiple disciplines and reviewed initiatives targeting families, youth and people of determination.
Crown Prince Tours Summer Abu Dhabi Sports
The Crown Prince walked through key zones of the exhibition and engaged directly with athletes, coaches and organisers. Officials briefed him on the festival’s community outreach, inclusion measures and daily programming designed to increase physical activity across age groups.
He commended the work of government and private stakeholders in expanding grassroots participation and described sport as a central pillar for societal development. His remarks highlighted sport’s role in improving quality of life and supporting mental and physical well‑being across Abu Dhabi.
Scale and facilities detailed at ADNEC
Summer Abu Dhabi Sports occupies a 48,000 square metre indoor footprint at ADNEC, providing a climate‑controlled environment for year‑round activity. The venue houses more than 70 courts and covered sports spaces configured to host over 29 different sporting activities and events.
Organisers emphasised the festival’s 1,560‑metre indoor running track and a dedicated clubs area designed to showcase local teams and community organisations. The scale and variety of facilities are intended to make sport accessible to families and individuals regardless of experience or ability.
Programs designed for families, youth and people of determination
The festival schedule includes tailored programmes for children, youth training clinics and adaptive sports sessions for people of determination. Activities range from beginner lessons to community tournaments, with a focus on safe participation and long‑term habit formation.
Organisers said the mix of recreational and structured opportunities supports both casual engagement and pathways into organised sport. Specialised coaching and volunteer‑led sessions were highlighted as key tools to encourage repeat attendance and foster social interaction.
Panels, exhibitions and industry innovation
Alongside practical activity zones, the fifth edition features a series of expert panels addressing the role of sport in promoting healthy lifestyles. The dialogue series brings together coaches, health specialists and sports administrators to discuss community activation and talent development.
An accompanying exhibition showcases the latest advances in sports equipment, training technologies and recreational innovations. Exhibitors include local clubs and international suppliers presenting products aimed at improving participation, safety and performance.
Government and organisers attend the visit
The Crown Prince was accompanied by senior officials including Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, President of the Crown Prince’s Court, and Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Also present were Shams Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, head of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary‑General of the Executive Council and Head of the Crown Prince’s Office, and Hamid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group.
ADNEC, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and ADNOC were credited by organisers for their operational and sponsorship roles in staging the event. Officials said the partnership model underpins the festival’s objective to integrate public, private and community resources for greater societal impact.
Summer Abu Dhabi Sports continues at ADNEC until 23 August 2026, offering daily activities, educational sessions and an interactive exhibition aimed at increasing active participation across the emirate. The organisers encouraged families and individuals of all ages to attend and make use of the festival’s inclusive programmes.
