Etisalat will be the official telecoms partner of both the Special Olympics IX MENA Games Abu Dhabi 2018 and Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

A memorandum of understanding was signed to mark the partnership, which will see Etisalat manage the WiFi and phone connections at all the venues during the Games.

The arrangement should help the 1,000 competitors at the IX MENA Games, and the 7,000-plus athletes from around the world taking part in the World Games next year, stay in touch with family and friends in their home countries.

KEEPING ATHLETES CONNECTED

Eng. Saleh Al Abdooli, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Group, said: “Etisalat is immensely proud to be supporting the Special Olympics World Games in the UAE.

“It is in line with Etisalat’s endeavour to be at the forefront of international major sporting events and works towards fulfilling our responsibility to support world-renowned initiatives that benefit people of determination.”

“This strategic partnership serves as a great platform for us to connect with a larger global audience and host a prestigious event like Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi.

“As an official partner, Etisalat will also enable customers to enjoy the benefits of a nation-wide network, seamless connectivity and fast speeds.”

Mohamad Abdulla Al Junaibi, Chairman of the Higher Committee of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, added: “Having Etisalat’s support as our official telecoms provider for the Games is invaluable.

“There is a huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes for a global event such as Special Olympics and having a partner such as Etisalat on board means that athletes can easily reach their friends and families.

“Spectators can also seamlessly get online whilst at our Games venues and that our staff have access to tools to ensure they can do their jobs to the best of their ability – all of these things will ensure the Games are a huge success.”

The Special Olympics IX MENA Games will run from March 14-22 across several of Abu Dhabi’s world-class venues, including ADNEC, Zayed Sports City, Yas Marina Circuit, NYUAD, Officer’s Club, Mubadala IPC Arena, Al Jazira Sports Club and Al Forsan Club.

More than 20,000 overseas visitors are expected to join tens of thousands of spectators from across the UAE to watch what is likely to be the largest global event ever staged in the UAE capital.