UAE Games 2026 Concludes with Over 1,000 Athletes Showcasing Inclusion and Empowerment
Abu Dhabi hosted the second edition of the UAE Games 2026, which concluded today after several days of competitive sports and community activities. The event highlighted the values of inclusion and empowerment, bringing together over 1,000 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities from various clubs and centers across the UAE, along with international delegations.
The competition saw the Abu Dhabi Sports Club for People of Determination, part of the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, emerge as the overall champion, securing 62 medals and placements. Al Thiqah Club for Disabled followed closely in second place with 55 medals, while Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services secured third place with 50 medals. These results underscore the growing prominence of Special Olympics sports within the UAE.
Robust Participation
The UAE Games attracted significant participation from government officials, sports leaders, and delegations from Special Olympics Morocco and Special Olympics Malta. This international involvement enriched the competitions and fostered opportunities for cultural and sporting exchanges among the athletes.
The event also saw enthusiastic engagement from families, volunteers, and both public and private sector organizations. A network of strategic partners played a crucial role in the event’s success, facilitating partnerships and memoranda of understanding aimed at expanding Special Olympics UAE programs and creating more opportunities for athletes, both on and off the field.
In addition to the sports competitions, the Games featured Healthy Athletes Screenings, a key initiative providing specialized health services focused on vision, oral health, fit feet, and overall health promotion. This initiative reflects Special Olympics UAE’s commitment to athlete health and well-being through a comprehensive approach.
Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, remarked on the event’s success, stating that it reflects the strong position of the Special Olympics movement in the UAE. He noted the record participation of over 1,000 athletes and emphasized the importance of support from partners, families, and volunteers in making the Games a leading national platform for inclusion and community engagement.
Strategic Partnerships
The UAE Games 2026 received extensive backing from a variety of strategic partners, including ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, AD Ports Group, Aldar, ADNOC, Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa, the Ministry of Sports, and the National Olympic Committee, among others. This collective support signifies a national commitment to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and expanding opportunities for their participation in sports and community life.
This year’s edition featured an expanded sports program that included Men’s Basketball, Women’s 3×3 Basketball, 7-a-Side Football, Badminton, Powerlifting, Bocce, and Bowling, as well as the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP). The Games also incorporated several accompanying initiatives, such as the Young Athletes Program, Esports, Games of the Future experiences, and the Fit 5 fitness program.
The collaborative efforts of all stakeholders have not only contributed to the success of the UAE Games but also ensured a lasting legacy for the Special Olympics movement in the region.
For more details, visit the source: www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-06-10 21:52:00 • By the Editorial Desk
