Official Announcement of 5th Regional Games On 26 July 2006 the Dubai Press Club hosted a press conference officially announcing the Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Regional Games. These 5th Regional Games will take place 11-15 November 2006 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister, United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai. More than 1,000 athletes representing 20 Special Olympics Programs in the region have been invited to compete. Bani Hamad Ahmad Mohammad Hassan, member of the board for Special Olympics United Arab Emirates (left) and Ayman Aly A. Wahab, Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Managing Director (right) at the press conference at the Press Club in Dubai Media City. [Photos courtesy Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa] Ayman Aly A. Wahab, Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Managing Director, expressed his pleasure in the fact that the Regional Games will be held in the Gulf Area for the first time. "Dubai has always been famous for hosting international, multinational and 'mega' events with great efficiency. We really are looking forward to the arrival and participation of each of our athletes, where I am sure that the contagious optimistic air of this glorious city will fill them with hope and determination," said Wahab. Special Olympics United Arab Emirates Sports Director, Mr. Ahmed Hassan, pointed out that so far 14 of the 20 Programs in the region have accepted the invitation to take part in what is anticipated to be the strongest ever Regional Games in the history of the Middle East/North Africa region. "It gives us great pride in hosting such a historical event," said Hassan, who also announced the additional Special Olympics Initiatives and events that will take place, including a Families Forum and Healthy Athletes® screenings. Special Olympics United Arab Emirates athlete Hareb Abdullah Ohod, right, was one of the speakers at the press conference announcing the Games; here he poses with Bani Hamad Ahmad Mohammad Hassan, member of the board for Special Olympics United Arab Emirates (left) and Ayman Aly A. Wahab, Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Managing Director (center). Special Olympics United Arab Emirates athlete Hareb Abdullah Ohod, who won two gold medals and one bronze medal during the previous Regional Games (held in Tunisia in 2004) participated in the press conference. He noted how happy he was that his homeland will host such an important event and that all United Arab Emirates athletes selected to compete at the Games are determined to make their country proud of them. The Regional Games Organizing Committee also unveiled the Games logo, which features the three colors of the United Arab Emirates Flag: red, green and black. The vibrant logo is meant to send a message to all participants that the country will embrace them with love and sincerity; the United Arab Emirates is confidently and quickly moving towards prosperity and progress, never forgetting the role, importance and significance of its citizens with intellectual disabilities. Currently, Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa is home to more than 107,447 athletes.