Dubai, 6 March 2019: Dubai Parks and Resorts, the largest integrated theme park destination in the region, is welcoming 4,200 athletes due to compete in the Special Olympics World Games 2019 in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to enjoy a thrilling day of adventure and excitement at MOTIONGATE™ Dubai on March 9th. Athletes will be able to enjoy numerous rides and attractions.

The Special Olympics World Games 2019 is the world's largest sporting event and a global movement focused on empowering people with disabilities through the power of sport. The UAE is the first MENA country to host the Games on March 14th, and as the leading theme-park destination in the Middle East, Dubai Parks and Resorts is proud to host the athletes and support the international event. 

Mohamed Almulla, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, DXB Entertainments, the company that owns Dubai Parks and Resorts, said: “We are delighted to announce that Dubai Parks and Resorts will host over 4,000 Special Olympics heroes at MOTIONGATE™ Dubai. This is a significant event in the UAE’s history as it enhances the awareness of people of determination and offers athletes and delegates the chance to learn more about UAE culture and tradition.” 

He added: “The event also reinforces Dubai’s aim to be an inclusive and tolerant city, especially for people of determination. Dubai Parks and Resorts is proud to be part of this vision and is committed to educating stakeholders on the importance of helping people of determination integrate into society. We encourage all participants to enjoy a fun and entertaining day at the park before they begin training for the Games.”

In an effort to support and contribute to the Special Olympics, Dubai will be organizing the Host Town Program where it will host two international games with participants and delegates from 51 nations, including the UAE.

Dubai also continues to actively support people of determination through the Dubai Disability Strategy 2020 which aims to empower disabled individuals through inclusive health and rehabilitation, inclusive employment, inclusive education and social protection.  Members of the public and private sector are coming together to implement initiatives and projects that support this discussion, and Dubai Parks and Resorts is proud to be one of them.