More than 1,000 athletes expected to participate from across the UAE and beyond

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates –April 20, 2026: Special Olympics UAE has announced the UAE Games 2026, set to take place in Abu Dhabi in June, marking the second edition of the Games and featuring international delegations for the first time.

The program will open with Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics competitions on 3 June, held in collaboration with Wellfit Gymnastics Academy at Circle Mall, Dubai. The official UAE Games will then take place from 6 to 10 June, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC Abu Dhabi) and Zayed Sports City – Khalifa International Bowling Center.

More than 1,000 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, students of determination, unified partners, coaches, technical staff, and supervisory teams from across the UAE are expected to participate. The UAE Games 2026 will feature international participation, with delegations from Special Olympics Morocco competing in 7-a-side football and Special Olympics Malta taking part in bocce and bowling.

The sports program includes a range of disciplines, including men’s basketball, 3×3 women’s basketball, 7-a-side football, badminton, powerlifting, bocce, and bowling, in addition to the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP), reflecting the continued expansion of the Games and the diversity of sports offered.

Reflecting the strength of national collaboration in supporting and empowering People of Determination, the UAE Games 2026 are supported by a number of strategic partners. These include the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Maritime, Aldar Properties, ADNOC, Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa, the Ministry of Sports, and the National Olympic Committee, in addition to several sports federations, clubs, and academies.

As part of the UAE Games 2026, Special Olympics UAE will host a Partners Platform Day to strengthen collaboration and expand the network of entities supporting the Games. The event will include the recognition of partners and supporting organizations, as well as the signing of cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding with participating entities. This reflects Special Olympics UAE’s commitment to building an integrated ecosystem of strategic partnerships that contribute to the development of sports for People of Determination and enhance the sustainability of their impact.

His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, said: “The success of the UAE Games since its launch reflects the strength of national collaboration across both the public and private sectors. These partnerships play a central role in supporting People of Determination, the continued development of the Games and their wider community impact. We look forward to building on this momentum to further strengthen the presence of Special Olympics UAE athletes as active partners in the nation’s development journey.”

His Excellency added, “The UAE Games underscore the continued support of the country’s leadership for People of Determination, reflecting a commitment to empowerment and the promotion of their abilities across various fields. Building on the success of the 2024 Games, this upcoming edition is set to be wider in reach.”

The UAE Games are held every two years. The 2024 edition, hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC Abu Dhabi), achieved remarkable success, bringing together more than 600 athletes competing across six sports, supported by 96 referees and technical officials, as well as volunteers from the Emirates Marshals Program, who contributed 5,760 volunteer hours to the success of the Games.

The Emirati Games 2026 will also bring together sports federations and entities across the UAE, including the UAE Basketball Federation, the UAE Football Association, the UAE Bowling Federation, the UAE Badminton Federation, the Emirates Bodybuilding Federation, the UAE Esports Federation, the UAE Aquatics Federation, the UAE Athletics Federation, the UAE Cycling Federation, and the UAE Sports for All Federation, in addition to Abu Dhabi Aquatics Club, Abu Dhabi Athletics Club, and Abu Dhabi Cycling Club.

During the Games, the Golisano Health Leadership Awards will be held to recognize healthcare institutions that make significant contributions towards equitable access to health, fitness, and wellness services for People of Determination. The Games will also include a number of complementary initiatives, including the Young Athletes Program, esports and Games of the Future, and the Fit 5 fitness program, further enhancing the inclusivity of the event.

The UAE Games continue to build on a sustainable success story, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to providing opportunities for all and strengthening the role of People of Determination as key partners in the nation’s development journey.

-Ends-

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 Maryam 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 in 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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