Special Olympics UAE Games opening ceremony - in pictures
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Athletes attend the Special Olympics UAE Games 2026 opening ceremony at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. All photos: Ryan Lim for The National -
The opening ceremony brought together competitors in swimming, powerlifting, badminton, basketball and football from clubs across the UAE, along with overseas Special Olympics delegations -
The spectacular opening ceremony at Adnec -
Members of the Moroccan squad at the UAE Games opening ceremony -
The games are a key part of the athletes’ preparation for the Special Olympics World Games -
As athletes and their families cheered, the opening celebrations featured a parade, an oath-taking ceremony, a torch relay, the lighting of the cauldron and dance and musical performances -
Special Olympics UAE provides year-round training and organises competitions in Olympic-recognised sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to ensure they are an integral part of the community and proudly represent the nation -
Athletes cheer before the opening ceremony -
The Special Olympics UAE Games 2026 logo -
Athletes arrive for the opening ceremony
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