The United Arab Emirates capital had been announced as host of the event in November, but this marked the first time a formal signing ceremony has taken place.

Taking place in the Middle East for the first time, the event is due to be held from March 14 to 21 in 2019,

Around 7,000 athletes spanning 170 countries would be expected to compete across 22 sports.

The Special Olympics World Games, an international sporting competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities, was first held in 1968 in Chicago.

The most recent and 14th edition took place in Los Angeles in 2015.

Political officials present for the meeting included Noura Bin Mohammed Al-Kaabi, the UAE Minister of State of Federal National Council Affairs, and Jaber Al-Suwaidi, general director of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi.

They were joined by Special Olympics chairman Timothy Shriver and chief executive Mary Davis. 

A "Higher Committee" under the chairmanship of Mohammad Abdullah Al-Junaibi has been set-up to oversee organisation.

“Abu Dhabi is the ideal choice to help bring about true change for millions of people with intellectual disabilities and their families in a strategically important region of the world," said Shriver.

"Selecting the city as host for the Special Olympic World Games in 2019 was an easy choice to make. 

"Both Abu Dhabi and the UAE have made disability a priority, promoting rights for people with intellectual disabilities for more than 20 years, making huge strides in integrating people with intellectual disabilities in the workplace and in schools. 

"Hosting the Special Olympics World Games is a way for the country to reinforce its long-standing commitment to creating inclusion. 

"Special Olympics transforms lives through the joy of sport each and every day, and we believe the Abu Dhabi Games will create lasting impact for the Special Olympics Movement, transforming lives and challenging perceptions. 

"We are certain that the city’s exceptional infrastructure, experience in hosting some of the world’s biggest sports events, and the warm welcome from the people of the UAE will make for a memorable event.”