• Program includes 29 Clinical Directors across multiple Healthy Athletes® disciplines during the Games
• More than 400 volunteers and healthcare professionals will support over three days.
• All Healthy Athletes® screenings delivered in collaboration with ADNOC,Strategic Health Programs Partner of Special Olympics UAE

Abu Dhabi, UAE May 18, 2026:Special Olympics UAE announced a comprehensive athlete health program to be delivered as part of the second edition of the UAE Games 2026, taking place from 6–10 June 2026 in Abu Dhabi. The Games will bring together athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities from across the UAE, with the aim of supporting athlete health and advancing their overall well-being and quality of life.

The 2026 edition of the UAE Games is expected to welcome more than 1,000 athletes competing across a diverse sports program that builds on the success of the inaugural Games, further promoting inclusion and competitive opportunities for athletes. Alongside the competitions, the Healthy Athletes® program will be delivered in collaboration with a number of healthcare partners. The initiative will engage 29 Clinical Directors across various disciplines, including seven for Fit Feet, nine for Special Smiles, seven for Opening Eyes, and six for Health Promotion. In addition, 127 clinical volunteers and 280 supporting volunteers will contribute to the program over a three-day period.

The Healthy Athletes® program has evolved beyond screenings into a full athlete wellness ecosystem.In addition to providing free health screenings, a dedicated recovery lounge will be available to support athlete wellness following competitions, with a focus on physical recovery, injury prevention, and promoting overall health.

Commenting on the comprehensive health programat the Games, His Excellency  Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, said:“The 2026 UAE Games mark an important milestone in the continued development of the sports movement for People of Determination in the UAE and reinforce our commitment to holistic inclusion; not only in sports, but also in health. Through the Healthy Athletes® program, we are committed to delivering specialized screenings that address key health challenges faced by our athletes, including vision care, oral health, foot health, and healthy lifestyle promotion.”

He added:“These efforts reflect the vision of Special Olympics UAE to integrate health and sport in ways that empower athletes, enhance their quality of life, and strengthen their active inclusion within society. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to our health sector partners and all supporting institutions whose collaboration continues to strengthen our efforts in safeguarding the health and well-being of our athletes.”

The program also includes follow-up support for health conditions identified during the screenings, including support in scheduling appropriate medical appointments in collaboration with partners experienced in providing accessible and specialized care for people of determination. Health Messengers will also participate in the program by supporting athletes and volunteering during the screenings, which will take place in an interactive environment featuring educational materials and engaging activities designed to promote health awareness in an inclusive and enjoyable way.

Speaking about his participation in the Games’ health program, Ahmed Al Amoudi, a Health Messenger with Special Olympics UAE, said:“I feel proud and excited to participate as a Health Messenger and volunteer during the health screenings at the UAE Games. This experience is a unique opportunity to be part of an inspiring national event that brings together positive energy, teamwork, and support for the health of athletes and the wider community.”

Strategic Partnerships

All Healthy Athletes® screenings are delivered in collaboration with ADNOC, Strategic Health Programs Partner of Special Olympics UAE, along with nearly 20 government and private sector partners. Together, they provide health screenings, medical services, and personal care products for athletes throughout the Games.

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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 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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