More Than 1,000 Athletes With Disabilities Set for UAE Games 2026

More than 1,000 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities are set to participate in UAE Games 2026, which will take place in Abu Dhabi from June 6th to 10th. Organised by Special Olympics UAE, the second edition of the event will also welcome international delegations and feature a programme combining sports competitions, health initiatives, awareness activities and community engagement programmes. Competition activities will begin on June 3rd with artistic and rhythmic gymnastics events at Wellfit – Circle Mall in Dubai, ahead of the arrival of international delegations in Abu Dhabi on June 5th. Technical meetings and training sessions for basketball, football, badminton, bowling, bocce and esports are scheduled for June 6th, with the official opening ceremony taking place on the evening of June 7th at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. A ceremony recognising athletes' families is also planned for the same day. A central component of the event is the Healthy Athletes programme, which will run at ADNEC from June 6th for three days. The initiative will provide specialised health screenings and promote awareness around health and wellbeing. On June 8th, the Fit 5 fitness programme will be held in collaboration with Active Abu Dhabi. Designed for athletes with lower physical abilities, the programme is expected to include workshops involving more than 250 athletes. The 2026 edition will also mark the first inclusion of the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP), scheduled for June 9th and tailored specifically for athletes with severe disabilities. According to Special Olympics UAE, the Games are supported by partners including ADNOC, Aldar, AD Ports Group, the Integrated Transport Centre, ADNEC Group and Zayed Sports City. Cooperation agreements related to sports for people of determination are also expected to be announced during the event.