Abu Dhabi: Over 3,500 schoolchildren, teachers and officials from special needs centres gathered on Wednesday at  Abu Dhabi Corniche  to create a human chain as part of the national campaign to integrate special needs people into society.

The event was held under the patronage of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the UAE General Women's Union, and organised by the Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care, Special Needs and Minor Affairs.

Mohammad Fade Al Hamili, Secretary-General of the organisation, said the event's aim was to pass a message to society about the need to integrate special needs people in all fields of development."