The Moroccan Special Olympics arrives in Abu Dhabi.

The Moroccan Special Olympics is participating in the second edition of the "Emirati Games 2026" for the Special Olympics, which will be hosted in Abu Dhabi from June 7 to 10, with the participation of more than a thousand male and female athletes with disabilities, alongside international delegations.

These games represent a comprehensive sports and humanitarian event that enhances the concepts of community integration and empowers individuals with disabilities, reflecting the development of the Special Olympics experience in the UAE, and highlighting the growing role of sports as a tool for positive impact and building more inclusive and empowering communities.

Zainab Al-Ghareeb, the national director of the Moroccan Special Olympics, expressed her pride in participating in the second edition of the "Emirati Games 2026" in a statement to the press, noting the fruitful cooperation between the Moroccan Special Olympics and its Emirati counterpart, which reflects the depth of partnership between Special Olympics programs in the region.

Al-Ghareeb pointed out that the UAE continues to establish its position as a leading model in organizing and hosting sports events dedicated to individuals with disabilities, through the supportive environment and exceptional opportunities it provides for athletes to showcase their abilities and talents, emphasizing that the success achieved in the second edition confirms the country's status and organizational capacity in this field.

In the days leading up to the opening, competitions in artistic and rhythmic gymnastics commenced, which were included for the first time in the "Emirati Games," reflecting the ongoing expansion in the participating sports and enhancing the experience of athletes in the current edition.

This year's edition witnesses an expansion in the sports program, which includes competitions in basketball for males, three-on-three basketball for females, seven-a-side football, badminton, powerlifting, bocce, and bowling, alongside the "MATP" motor activities training program; the games also include a range of accompanying initiatives, including a young athletes program, esports and future games, and the "Fit 5" fitness program.

The "Emirati Games," in its second edition, offers a comprehensive experience that combines sports competitions with an internationally recognized "health screening" program, implemented in collaboration with several leading health institutions.

The program provides athletes with free screenings and specialized educational services, including oral and dental health, vision health, as well as health awareness programs.