Abu Dhabi landmarks go red to celebrate Special Olympics 50th anniversary

Emirates Palace, Sheikh Zayed Bridge and Yas Hotel joined other major monuments, stadiums and famous buildings around the world in a global display of unity

Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain. More than a dozen UAE buildings were bathed in red light as they joined more than 225 landmarks around the world in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics on July 20, 2018. Courtesy Seven Media

Etihad Airways Centre. Courtesy Seven Media

Sheikh Zayed Bridge. Courtesy Seven Media

Emirates Palace. Courtesy Seven Media

Capital Gate. Courtesy Seven Media

Marina Mall.Courtesy Seven Media

FAB Headquarters. Courtesy Seven Media

Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi Courtesy Seven Media

Y Tower. Courtesy Seven Media

<p>Etisalat, Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Seven Media

Yas Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Seven Media

ADNOC Building. Courtesy Seven Media

Abu Dhabi Global Market Square. Courtesy Seven Media

Abu Dhabi's major landmarks were bathed in red light on Friday night in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics.

Emirates Palace, Sheikh Zayed Bridge and Yas Hotel joined major monuments, stadia and iconic buildings around the world in a global display of unity.

The event marked the ‘inclusion evolution’ - Special Olympics’ mission to end discrimination against People of Determination with intellectual disabilities and to create inclusive communities worldwide.

Timothy Shriver, Special Olympics International Chairman, said “We are grateful for the tremendous support to help celebrate and raise awareness for people with intellectual disabilities regardless of where they live in the world. ‘Light Up for Inclusion’ symbolises the continuation and evolution of Special Olympics’ mission.”

The 17 UAE buildings lit in red, joined more than 225 landmarks around the world, including the London Eye, the Empire State Building, Sydney Opera House, the Nelson Mandela Statue in Johannesburg, and The Water Cube in Beijing.

“The UAE is committed to encouraging and supporting People of Determination so that they can play a greater role in society. The host of national landmarks participating in the Light Up initiative symbolises the UAE’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, unified society as we look ahead to Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019,” said Khalfan al Mazrouei, Managing Director of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.