Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meets Special Olympics Higher Committee members - in pictures

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has hailed organisers of the Special Olympics World Games for helping to share the country's "humanitarian message" with the world. Sheikh Mohamed received the Higher Committee and organisers of the Games at Qasr Al Bahr Majlis. The Games, held in the UAE capital and Dubai, came to a close last week after eight days of sporting events involving more than 7,500 athletes from 192 countries. "Thank you to all who contributed to achieving the goals of the Olympics and delivering the UAE’s humanitarian message to the world about the importance of solidarity with people of determination and empowering them in their communities, which will enable them to participate and be active," said Sheikh Mohamed. Mohammed Abdullah Al Junaibi, director of presidential protocols at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, said Sheikh Mohamed's monitoring, directives, direct participation and support ensured the success of the global event and showcased the UAE's civilised society to an international audience. He noted that the work of the committee provided a platform for excellent and ambitious young leaders, who were seconded from the UAE government, Etihad Airways, Mubadala and other organisations.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meets Special Olympics Higher Committee members - in pictures

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince praised organisers at the Qasr Al Bahr Majlis