Special Olympics kicks-off in style

Friday, 15 March 2019 at 12:33

The Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 got under way on Thursday evening with a thrilling opening ceremony.

Thousands of people packed into Zayed Sports City Stadium to welcome the competitors, who have descended on the UAE from around the world, in the athletes parade.

The evening also featured performances from stars such as Avril Lavigne, Tamer Hosny, Luis Fonsi and Hussain al Jassmi, as well as a stunning rendition of the theme of the Special Olympics, Right Where I'm Supposed to Be.

More than 7,500 athletes from over 190 countries are competing in the event, which runs until March 21.

SPECIAL OLY 4

SPECIAL OLY 6

SPECIAL OLY 7

SPECIAL OLY 1

More from Local News

UAE postpones vehicle licensing limit for residents

The UAE Ministry of Interior has postponed the introduction of a limit on the number of vehicles residents can license, pending a further review of the proposed regulations.
UAE Government Annual Meetings key to reviewing national priorities

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has described the UAE Government Annual Meetings as an important opportunity to review national priorities, assess government performance and address key challenges.
New pedestrian bridge links Dubai Mall Metro Station and Coca-Cola Arena

A new pedestrian bridge linking Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station with Coca-Cola Arena at City Walk is set to open on Tuesday, improving access to the area and helping manage crowds during major events.
High-achieving Union teams honoured at UAE Government Annual Meetings

High-achieving Union teams have been honoured for their readiness and contribution to protecting the UAE community and safeguarding national achievements.
Al Gergawi: UAE accelerates development with over AED 4 trillion in projects

More than AED 4 trillion worth of vital projects are currently underway across the UAE as the country continues efforts to strengthen its economy and accelerate development.
Abu Dhabi launches lifestyle programme to help citizens get healthier

Abu Dhabi has launched a 24-week programme to empower eligible nationals in the Emirate to make lifestyle changes that will reduce health risks before they develop into chronic conditions.
UAE's foreign trade approaches record AED 3 trillion mark in nine months

The UAE's foreign trade has approached a record AED 3 trillion during the first nine months of 2026, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced on Sunday.
5 Esaad cards up for grabs in Dubai Police's 5-week traffic contest

Dubai Police has launched an awareness competition to educate the public about the traffic laws, while giving them a chance to win an "Esaad" discount card.
Nominations open for Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award

Aster DM Healthcare has announced the launch of the sixth edition of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, inviting registered nurses worldwide to showcase their contributions to healthcare and compete for a prize of $250,000.
Dubai Police warns against using phones while driving after four-way crash

Dubai Police has warned drivers of the dangers of using mobile phones while driving following a four-way crash that left two people injured.
RTA opens 1,650-metre Al Khaleej Street Tunnel

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened the Al Khaleej Street Tunnel on Sunday under the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project.
Sharjah Ruler allocates AED 4.5 million to stock libraries with book fair collection

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has allocated AED 4.5 million to stock local libraries with the collection unveiled at the Sharjah International Book Fair.
UAE expresses solidarity with Egypt over train collision

The UAE has expressed its solidarity with Egypt following a collision between two trains in south of Cairo that killed 7 people and injured 112 others on Sunday.
UAE President sends Diwali greetings in special message

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has congratulated all communities celebrating Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, in the UAE and worldwide.
UAE National Guard rescues 22 from cargo ship fire in Sea of Oman

The UAE National Guard announced on Sunday it rescued 22 crew members from a fire that broke out aboard a cargo ship in the Sea of Oman.
Sheikh Abdullah congratulates Venezuelan FM on appointment

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has congratulated Oliver Blanco on his appointment as Minister of People's Power for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Venezuela.
UAE President visits an Emirati family at Abu Dhabi home

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Saeed bin Lahej Al Mansoori at his home in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed sends message of peace and hope on Diwali

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has wished "peace, hope and goodness" for everyone celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights.
UAE strongly condemns shooting incident in Poland's Krakow

The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the shooting incident that took place in a public square in Krakow, Poland, which resulted in the death and injury of a number of people.
UAE foils attempt to smuggle 200,000 Captagon pills, dismantles drug network

The National Drug Enforcement Authority, in coordination with security forces in the UAE and Iraq, foiled an attempt to smuggle 200,000 Captagon pills and more than 30 kg of narcotics into the UAE.

News

UAE postpones vehicle licensing limit for residents
The UAE Ministry of Interior has postponed the introduction of a limit on the number of vehicles residents can license, pending a further review of the proposed regulations.
UAE Government Annual Meetings key to reviewing national priorities
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has described the UAE Government Annual Meetings as an important opportunity to review national priorities, assess government performance and address key challenges.
New pedestrian bridge links Dubai Mall Metro Station and Coca-Cola Arena
A new pedestrian bridge linking Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station with Coca-Cola Arena at City Walk is set to open on Tuesday, improving access to the area and helping manage crowds during major events.

Special Olympics kicks-off in style

More from Local News

News

Our Shows

Quick Links

Listen on the Go

Special Olympics kicks-off in style

Share

More from Local News

News

Our Shows

Quick Links

Listen on the Go