Press Release Details

Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre Gears Up for Special Olympics World Games

Publication Date: 10 Mar 2019

Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) signed an agreement with Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 Organising Committee to take part as an official gold-status partner and official gold-status venue partner when the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 makes its debut in the MENA region.

Set to run 14 to 21 March under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the event this year has the over-arching theme ‘Meet the Determined’.

The announcement was made at the signing of an agreement at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center between Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC and Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Managing Director of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 in the presence of Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development and Chairwoman of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) and His Excellency Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Junaibi, Director of Presidential Protocols at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, and Chairman of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 Organising Committee.

The debut Middle East edition of the Special Olympics World Games is expected that over 7,500 athletes representing 190 countries and accompanied by 3,000 coaches, who will compete in 24 individual and team sports.

Many of the indoor event categories such as badminton, basketball, judo, table tennis and volleyball are scheduled to take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development and Chairwoman of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), said: "In hosting Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, the UAE reiterates its continued support for the people of determination to ensure their equal participation and active role in the society by allowing their ambitions to contribute in driving sustainable development. It is also a validation of Abu Dhabi's leading status as the ideal destination to host such international sporting events due to our outstanding expertise and state-of-the-art facilities that will contribute to the success of this global event held for first time in the MENA region."

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, said: “Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company is proud to serve as an official, gold-status partner to the Special Olympics World Games. We are also excited that ADNEC will serve as an official, gold-status venue and play an important role as the venue of several of the Games’ competitions.”

Al Dhaheri added: “Various teams at ADNEC are currently finalising their preparations to host this mega sporting event in collaboration with several leading national organisations from both the public and private sectors. These efforts will allow us to ensure the successful delivery of the event in a manner befitting the country's reputation at both regional and international levels.

Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Managing Director of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, said: “Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 is a global event, which aims to highlight people of determination and their sports skills. Our goal is to spread solidarity across the UAE.  

“As we prepare to welcome over 7,500 athletes to participate in the World Games, we hope to show the world the principles of tolerance, diversity and humanity, which are the foundation of UAE society. The organization will be at a high level and the UAE will organize the world's largest events, thanks to world-class sporting facilities, particularly the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, which hosts many events and activities at this event."

The opening and closing ceremonies will be hosted at the nearby Zayed Sports City Stadium, which is also set to serve as the venue of several outdoor competitions. Other venues in play include the Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club at Yas Marina, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Hamdan Sports Complex and Dubai Police Officers’ Club Stadium in Al Jaddaf Dubai.

Admission is free at all venues.

Established in 1968 by the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics is the world’s largest organisation for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities, providing year-round training and competitions to five million athletes and Unified Sports partners in 172 countries. Although recognised by the International Olympic Committee, the Special Olympics Games is not held in the same year or in conjunction with the Olympic Games.