The torch was lit to open the Special Olympics UAE Games.
More than 1,000 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities gathered at the Adnec Centre in Abu Dhabi for the ceremony, joining swimmers, powerlifters, badminton, basketball and football players from clubs across the UAE and overseas delegations.
Talal Al Hashemi, national director of Special Olympics UAE, highlighted the collective effort behind the event.
What you see here today is the result of a collective effort,
— Talal Al Hashemi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE
He added that an “entire network of partners, sponsors and supporters” believes in the athletes’ potential.
The Games, held every two years, serve as a key preparation stage for the Special Olympics World Games scheduled for next year in Chile.
They will run until June 10 at the Adnec Centre and the Khalifa International Bowling Centre in Zayed Sports City.
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Opening ceremony highlights
The opening featured a parade of athletes, an oath ceremony, a ceremonial torch relay, the lighting of the cauldron, and dance and music performances. The atmosphere blended excitement with a sense of community, underscoring the Games’ role in fostering inclusion.
Athlete stories
Champion swimmer Omar Al Shami, 23, will compete in bowling this year. He said, “Swimming is my passion. I have been swimming since the age of five,” and added that training in bowling for two years has broadened his experience.
Swimming is my passion. I have been swimming since the age of five,
— Omar Al Shami, Athlete
Badminton player Khaloud Al Khoory, 21, expressed enthusiasm for trying new sports, noting that participation matters more than winning.
Community and sponsor support
Hollie Murphy, founder of Heroes of Hope Sports Academy, called the events “completely life‑changing” for participants. Her academy fields more than 30 athletes in the Games and has been involved since the 2019 World Games in Abu Dhabi.
These partnerships illustrate a shared commitment to creating opportunities, strengthening inclusion and empowering athletes on and off the field.
Schedule and venues
The Games will continue through June 10, with competitions split between the Adnec Centre and the Khalifa International Bowling Centre in Zayed Sports City. Spectators can expect a mix of swimming, powerlifting, badminton, basketball, football and bowling events.
Frequently asked questions
When do the Special Olympics UAE Games end?
The Games run through June 10, concluding at the Adnec Centre and the Khalifa International Bowling Centre in Zayed Sports City.
Where are the Special Olympics UAE Games being held?
The opening ceremony took place at the Adnec Centre in Abu Dhabi, and competitions continue at the Adnec Centre and the Khalifa International Bowling Centre in Zayed Sports City.
How many athletes are participating in the Special Olympics UAE Games?
More than 1,000 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities are competing in the Games.
What sports are featured at the Special Olympics UAE Games?
The Games include swimming, powerlifting, badminton, basketball, football and bowling, among other sports.
Who is the national director of Special Olympics UAE?
Talal Al Hashemi serves as the national director of Special Olympics UAE and highlighted the collective effort behind the event.
What is the purpose of the Special Olympics UAE Games?
Held every two years, the Games serve as a key preparation stage for the Special Olympics World Games in Chile and aim to foster inclusion and empower athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
