28 Athletes with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities set to compete in Athletics, Bowling, Swimming, Table Tennis, and Badminton.

Abu Dhabi, UAE – February 9, 2026: Special Olympics UAE athletes have begun their participation in the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, which kicked off last Friday. A delegation of 28 athletes is competing across five key sports: Athletics, Bowling, Swimming, Table Tennis, and Badminton. This participation aims to promote inclusion through sport, providing athletes with international exposure, opportunities for exchange, and a platform to showcase their empowerment on a global stage.

The Opening Ceremony featured a symbolic moment for the movement, as Special Olympics UAE athletes Saleh Al Marri and Alyaa Al Muhairi joined the parade of flags. Representing their respective sports, the duo carried flags in a display of belonging and the spirit of achievement.

H.E. Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, commented: “We are delighted to have Special Olympics UAE athletes participate in the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, the first edition of this prestigious event to be held in the region. This underscores Abu Dhabi’s status as a global hub for inclusive sport. The participation of 28 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities across five sports is a testament to their resilience, and the high resolve they bring to every arena. We look forward to seeing their preparation and commitment translate into strong performances.”

His Excellency added: “The presence of our athletes at the Opening Ceremony was a true moment of pride. It reflects their determination and confirms that sport is a universal language that facilitates international interaction. We remain committed to providing a supportive environment where athletes can reach their full potential and further embed a culture of inclusion within society, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a global model for empowering People of Determination through sport.”

Saleh Al Marri, a Special Olympics UAE athlete from the Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination competing in individual and doubles Bowling, expressed his excitement: “Participating in the Abu Dhabi 2026 Masters Games is a moment of great pride for me. It is an honor to represent the sport of Bowling and Special Olympics UAE. I look forward to delivering a performance that reflects our hard work and training while enjoying this unique sporting experience.”

Alya Al Mheiri, representing Special Olympics UAE and the Abu Dhabi Dolphin Sports Academy, will compete in the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly (Women’s 25–29 category). She shared: “Participating in the Opening Ceremony was a huge honor and motivates me to push myself further in swimming. I am proud to represent Special Olympics UAE and aim to compete with a positive spirit and achieve my personal best.”

The World Masters Games is the flagship event of the International Masters Games Association (IMGA). As the world’s largest multi-sport event for community participation, it is held every four years and attracts tens of thousands of athletes from across the globe.

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Editor’s Note

About Special Olympics UAE:

In October 2017, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced Special Olympics UAE as an independent organization dedicated to changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Her Highness Sheikha Mariam Bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was appointed as the Honorary President.

The organization aims to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through sports while providing them with leadership opportunities to help them display their talents and integrate them with mainstream society.

Special Olympics UAE has launched a variety of community programs, including those focused on families and young athletes. It has also introduced a number of initiatives to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to create a more inclusive society.

The Special Olympics of the UAE received international recognition from the International Special Olympics Foundation-USA in December 2017. 

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