Special Olympics UAE Games opening ceremony - in pictures
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