Special Olympics UAE has finalized preparations for the UAE Games 2026, which will take place in Abu Dhabi from June 6 to 10 and bring together more than 1,000 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities alongside international delegations.

Building on the success of the inaugural edition in 2024, the Games will feature a comprehensive program of sports competitions, health initiatives, community activities, and inclusion-focused events supported by a broad network of strategic and official partners.

Organizers also unveiled an enhanced visual identity inspired by the colors of the UAE flag, reflecting the event’s national significance and the success of the first edition.

The UAE Games 2026 program will begin on June 3 with Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics competitions at Wellfit – Circle Mall in Dubai. International delegations are scheduled to arrive in Abu Dhabi on June 5 and will participate in host city activities ahead of the official start of the Games.

On June 6, athletes and officials will participate in technical meetings for basketball, bocce, badminton, football, bowling, and esports, as well as preparatory sessions and training activities for the Healthy Athletes® program.

Official competition will begin on June 7 with divisioning sessions across all sports. The Opening Ceremony will be held that evening at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), bringing together athletes, families, partners, and supporters to celebrate the start of the Games.

The same day will also feature a Family Recognition Ceremony honoring the vital role families play in supporting athletes throughout their sporting and personal journeys.

A major component of the Games will be the Healthy Athletes® program, which begins on June 6 and continues for three days at ADNEC. The initiative will provide specialized health screenings for athletes while promoting health awareness, preventive care, and overall well-being. A VIP tour of the health activation facilities and athlete screening areas is also scheduled as part of the program.

Activities will continue on June 8 with the Fit 5 fitness program, delivered in collaboration with Active Abu Dhabi. Designed for athletes with lower physical abilities, the initiative will offer training workshops for more than 250 participants, reinforcing Special Olympics UAE’s commitment to ensuring inclusion for athletes of all abilities.

The UAE Games 2026 are supported by an integrated network of national partners led by ADNOC and Aldar. Official supporting partners include AD Ports Group, the Integrated Transport Center (Abu Dhabi Mobility), ADNEC Group, Appolonia World Dentistry, and Zayed Sports City. NEDAA and Wellfit – Circle Mall will provide logistical support, reflecting a collaborative effort between government and private sector organizations to advance inclusion through sport.

On June 8, supporting organizations will be recognized, and several memorandums of understanding and cooperation agreements will be signed through the Games’ Partners Platform. The initiative aims to expand partnerships supporting the Games and strengthen institutional collaboration in sports for People of Determination.

“The UAE Games 2026 represent an important milestone in the continued development of sports for People of Determination in the UAE,” said Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE. “The growth in athlete participation, the diversity of sports and complementary initiatives, and the expansion of institutional and community partnerships reflect the UAE’s commitment to empowering athletes and providing opportunities for them to develop their abilities within an integrated sporting environment.”

He added that Special Olympics UAE is committed to ensuring the second edition of the Games serves as a leading national platform that promotes inclusion, enhances athletes’ quality of life, and creates new pathways for success in line with the UAE leadership’s vision of empowering People of Determination.

On June 9, the Games will host the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP), which will be officially included for the first time. The day will also feature a dedicated bocce competition for members of government People of Determination centers affiliated with the Ministry of Family, helping ensure participation from all Emirates in the country’s largest event for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The program will also include Majlis sessions and community activities that bring together athletes, families, partners, and participants to discuss inclusion, sports, health, and empowerment. The sessions will highlight the role of youth in advancing the inclusion movement and strengthening community awareness and engagement.

As the UAE Games enter their second edition, organizers say the event continues to build on the momentum established in 2024, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to community inclusion, empowering People of Determination, and strengthening their role as active contributors to the nation’s development.