All the facts and figures about Abu Dhabi event

The Special Olympics world games will take place in Abu Dhabi next year from March 14 to 21.

It will be the first time the Games will be held in the Middle East and North Africa region.

About 7,500 athletes will take part in the various competitions, with about 20,000 volunteers helping and an estimated 500,000 spectators expected to attend.

The best competitors will receive gold, silver or bronze medals, although every athlete will also receive a participation medal.

Eleven venues will be used for the Games in Abu Dhabi. They will include Zayed Sports City, the National Exhibition Centre, the Yas Marina Circuit and the Abu Dhabi Yacht and Sailing Club.

Other venues are the New York University Abu Dhabi, Khalifa International Bowling Centre and The Armed Forces Officers Club.

Dubai will also play host at three venues: the Hamdan Sports Complex, the Dubai Police Academy and La Mer.

All seven emirates will welcome the athletes before the Games begin as part of a Host Town programme, where athletes will be invited to visit local residents’ homes.

There will be 24 sports included in the week-long event. Spectators can see badminton, basketball, bowling, cycling and football, among others.

There are about 4.9 million athletes with intellectual disabilities who are involved in Special Olympics worldwide.

The Special Olympics World Games take place every two years with the Games alternating between summer and winter competitions

Austria hosted the Winter Games last year.

The Abu Dhabi Games will mark the 50th year since the Special Olympics movement began.