Abu Dhabi, UAE: In the presence of H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the Local Organising Committee of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 has signed a partnership agreement with Emaar Properties, to launch programmes and initiatives that will enhance the lifestyle and entertainment aspects of the World Games to be hosted in Abu Dhabi in March next year.

The agreement was signed by H.E Mohamad Abdulla Al Junaibi, Chairman of the Higher Committee of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 and H.E Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties.

Commenting on the signing ceremony, His Excellency Mohamad Abdulla Al Junaibi said: “We are very pleased with the growing interest shown by major international companies such as Emaar in this national event that will boost the UAE's contribution in promoting solidarity and unity, amongst the various segments of society on a local, regional and global level.”

"It is not surprising that a leading multinational company such as Emaar is spearheading corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and projects to serve people with intellectual disabilities and support the Special Olympics movement. This provides a major boost to our efforts in integrating People of Determinations into society and changing the perceptions of people with intellectual disabilities," he added.

H.E Mohamed Alabbar said that Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, with its focus on promoting humanitarian and noble values, is an ideal initiative that aligns with the CSR commitment of Emaar. “The UAE has been at the forefront in promoting a culture of inclusion and empowerment, and by hosting the event in Abu Dhabi, we are making a strong statement to the world that we care and will work together to make a positive difference to humanity. We are honoured to support the event, which adds to the pride of our nation and celebrates the remarkable potential of People of Determination.”

After the success of the Special Olympics IX MENA Games in Abu Dhabi, it is expected that the World Games, in March next year, will make significant achievements at various levels. “This motivates us to play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this major event," added Alabbar.

Special Olympics Worlds Games Abu Dhabi 2019 is expected to attract more than 7,000 athletes of People of Determination from 170 countries who will compete in 24 different sports. The event will host some 4,000 guests and over 6,000 family members, as well as more than 50,000 spectators and millions of viewers around the world.

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About the 2019 Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi (AD2019)

Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, scheduled for March 14-21, will be the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world, with 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing more than 170 countries. The World Games will be an unprecedented display of the spirit, joy, courage and skill that are hallmarks of Special Olympics movement. The largest single event ever held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the first Special Olympics World Games in the Middle East and North Africa, the World Games features 24 officially sanctioned Olympic-style sports in venues throughout Abu Dhabi. The spectacular Opening Ceremony on March 14 is expected to attract 45,000 spectators while being viewed by millions worldwide via global broadcast partners ESPN and Abu Dhabi Media.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 2019 World Games will be the most unified Special Olympics competition in history, with inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in every aspect of the event. The Games are the most visible component of a planned series of initiatives by Abu Dhabi and the UAE to expand opportunity for people with disabilities, and to promote inclusion and understanding throughout the emirate, nation, and region. Plans for operation of the World Games include leaving a legacy of improved health, education, and inclusion that will benefit the UAE long after the event is over.


For more information on Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.AbuDhabi2019.org , and see us on social media.

Contacts:

Seven Media

Sharan Sunner

sharansunner@sevenmedia.ae 

00971 55 698 4327

Taghrid Alsaeed

Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019

taghrid.alsaeed@abudhabi2019.org 

00971 50 825 4776

About Emaar Properties PJSC:

Emaar Properties PJSC, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is a global property developer and provider of premium lifestyles, with a significant presence in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. One of the world’s largest real estate companies, Emaar has a land bank of 170 million sq m in the UAE and key international markets.

With a proven track-record in delivery, Emaar has delivered over 45,900 residential units in Dubai and other global markets since 2002. Emaar has strong recurring revenue generating assets with over 838,000 square metres of leasing revenue generating assets and 18 hotels and resorts with 3,490 rooms. Today, around 53 per cent of the Emaar’s revenue is from its shopping malls & retail, hospitality & leisure and international subsidiaries.

Burj Khalifa, a global icon, and The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, are among Emaar’s trophy developments. Emaar has now launched a magnificent new tower that will serve as the centrepiece of the Dubai Creek Harbour development. www.emaar.com 

Follow us: www.facebook.com/emaardubai ; www.twitter.com/emaardubai ; www.instagram.com/emaardubai 

For more information, please contact:

Kelly Home | Nivine William

ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller

+9714 4507 600

kelly.home@bm.com  | nivine.william@bm.com 

© Press Release 2018