Special Olympics UAE to Host UAE Games 2026 with 1,000+ Athletes

Scheduled for June, the UAE Games 2026, hosted by Special Olympics UAE, will gather more than 1,000 athletes nationwide. This remarkable event underscores the importance of inclusivity in sports for People of Determination.

Kicking off with Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics at Circle Mall, Dubai in collaboration with Wellfit Gymnastics Academy, the competition will move to venues like ADNEC in Abu Dhabi and the Khalifa International Bowling Center.

Participants will include athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, unified partners, coaches, and officials, alongside international teams from Special Olympics Morocco and Malta competing in selected events.

The sports program encompasses men’s and women’s basketball (3x3), 7-a-side football, badminton, powerlifting, bocce, and bowling. Notably, it will also highlight the Motor Activity Training Program, showcasing a growing array of inclusive sports within the UAE.

Key partners supporting the UAE Games include ADNEC Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Aldar Properties, ADNOC, the Ministry of Sports, the National Olympic Committee, and Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa, alongside various sports federations and academies.

As part of the initiative, Special Olympics UAE will present a Partners Platform Day, aimed at recognizing contributions from organizations and facilitating cooperation agreements for future collaborations.

His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, expressed that the success of these games is a testament to the effective collaboration between public and private sectors, emphasizing the empowerment of People of Determination in society.

Conducted biennially, the UAE Games witnessed over 600 athletes competing in six sports during its 2024 iteration in Abu Dhabi, supported by numerous volunteers.

The upcoming 2026 edition will also introduce initiatives such as the Golisano Health Leadership Awards, Young Athletes Program, esports events, Games of the Future, and the Fit 5 fitness initiative.

The UAE Games 2026 aims to further advance inclusiveness in sports and highlights the UAE's dedication to empowering People of Determination as key contributors to society.