ADNEC reveals completion of preparations and readiness to host Special Olympics IX MENA Games Abu Dhabi 2018

Abu Dhabi, March 14, 2018 /ADNEC/ The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has revealed completion of its preparations to host the Special Olympics IX MENA Games Abu Dhabi 2018, the local edition of the Special Olympics World Games, which is the biggest humanitarian sporting event in the world. The event, which will be held from March 16 to March 20, 2018 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, falls in line with the continuing efforts to achieve the objectives set forth in UAE Vision 2021, that highlight full integration of people of determination into the community.

This year's ‘Every winning participant’ Olympic Games is expected to attract the participation of around 1,000 special athletes from 32 countries. The event is being held ahead of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, happening for the first time in the UAE from March 14 till 21, 2019 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, and will comprise more than 7,000 athletes from more than 170 countries. ADNEC hosting of this upcoming event reinforces its position as the leading venue for hosting live events and exhibitions in the MENA region. 

A total of 141 local special athletes will participate in 15 of the 16 approved games. The UAE Team, which is the largest contingent at this Special Olympics, will be carrying the name, ‘The Determined Team,’ and the games are due to officially start this Saturday.

Aside from the scheduled games during the event, a specially designed and developed healthcare program will also be held with the aim to provide an integrated health detection system for all participating athletes. The 2018 Special Olympics IX MENA Games will also highlight social activities for families of the special athletes, teaching them about key methods on how to deal with people of determination and help enhance the abilities of family members to adapt and communicate effectively with their children. 

The event agenda will also include an entertaining program entitled ‘The Hosting Country,’ which aims to introduce participants from 32 different countries to the UAE's tourism and heritage landmarks, which will be organized by the UAE Special Olympics.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO, ADNEC, said, “We are proud to host this event at our Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre with its world-class fully efficient infrastructure combined with our key capabilities will surely be able to meet the needs of people of determination at this year's Special Olympics IX MENA Games Abu Dhabi--providing quality services that will ensure their comfort and ease of movement during the exciting event.”

Hosting of such events aims to further enhance the country's vision of integrating people of determination into the everyday society, which in turn, consolidates the UAE's leading role in the field of Social Responsibility and the provision of essential support to humanitarian projects, highlighting Abu Dhabi's achievement as the first city in the Middle East to host both a regional and international Special Olympics Games within one year, added Al Dhaheri.

ADNEC is working to provide the highest quality standards all its services and facilities to ensure the success of hosting international events to maintain its leading position in the organization of exhibitions and conferences. ADNEC is an ideal platform to host the most important regional and international events and has attracted a large number of visitors and exhibitors in recognition of its advanced infrastructure and services according to the highest international standards of excellence and efficiency.