His Highness (H.H) Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and H.H Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, recognized the the efforts of organizations who sponsored the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 at a ceremony held in Al Bateen Palace, Abu Dhabi on 21 May 2019. Coinciding with the UAE’s Year of Tolerance, it was the very first time that the world’s biggest humanitarian sporting event, which ran from 14-21 March, was held in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as People with Determination (PWD) athletes from around the world descended on Abu Dhabi.
Tariq Ahmed Al Masaood Al Mehairbi, Board Member of Al Masaood Group, represented Al Masaood at the appreciation ceremony, which was also attended H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; and H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
Their highnesses extended their thanks and appreciation to the organizations and their respective employees who came together to support this iconic world event and contributed to its success. As official partner and exclusive automotive sponsor, Al Masaood in collaboration with Nissan provided a fleet of more than 315 vehicles to help transport 7000 athletes and international spectators.
Speaking on behalf of Al Masaood, Robert Schwarz the Group's Chief Operating Officer said: “We are extremely honored and privileged to receive such recognition from the UAE’s highest leadership. Our participation reflects our keenness and commitment to advance Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a platform for hosting International Humanitarian and Sporting events. As an Emirati organization, Al Masaood Group has made it part of our CSR to provide steadfast support to the country in every area that serves and realizes the best interests of the community.”