A UAE delegation represented by Special Olympics UAE, will participate in the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. Led by His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of the Special Olympics UAE, the delegation includes 30 members, among them 11 Athletes of Determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities, competing in six winter sports—the highest number a delegation from the Middle East and North Africa will compete in.
The six winter sports are snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, short-track speed skating, and snowboarding. This level of participation reflects the UAE’s growing commitment to expanding opportunities in winter sports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director at Special Olympics UAE, said: "Our athletes have shown exceptional dedication throughout their training, and we take great pride in their journey to Turin 2025. Participation in the 2025 winter games is part of our ongoing mission to provide global sporting opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring they are empowered to compete, succeed and inspire. Our leadership fully supports them, and we stand behind them as they represent the UAE. We also extend our deepest gratitude to our strategic partners and supporters, whose contributions have been instrumental in making this journey possible."
The athletes were selected from leading clubs across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination, Dubai Club for People of Determination, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, Ajman Club for Disabled and Ras Al Khaimah Club for People of Determination. The delegation has received strong institutional backing, with Majid Al Futtaim as the official partner and the UAE Winter Sports Federation as a supporting partner.
Mohammad El Etri, Managing Director at Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, said: “At Majid Al Futtaim, we take immense pride in having played a key role in shaping the UAE delegation on their journey to greatness. Through dedicated training led by our coaches — both at home and abroad — we have witnessed the unwavering resilience, determination, and heart of these athletes. Our partnership with Special Olympics UAE is about more than just competition; it is a commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and breaking barriers. As they set their sights on Turin 2025, myself and the coaches will be there cheering them on every step of the way. I look forward to celebrating their achievements and witnessing the incredible moments that will inspire generations."
Hamel Al Qubaisi, Vice President at UAE Winter Sports Federation, said: "We are honoured to support the UAE delegation as they prepare to participate in the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. The athletes have undergone extensive training, refining their skills across all six sports. Sport remains one of the most powerful tools for inclusion and empowerment, and this participation is a testament to the limitless potential of People of Determination. We hope their performance will inspire even greater engagement with winter sports across the UAE."
Special Olympics UAE organised an intensive training programme in collaboration with the UAE Winter Sports Federation, and Majid Al Futtaim (Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi), ensuring that the athletes are fully prepared for competition. Team preparations included two training camps, the first of which was held in Uzbekistan in January, while the second concluded recently in Dubai. Preparations also included winter sports coaching development programmes in November 2024 to enhance training strategies.
As the first World Winter Games since the landmark Special Olympics UAE World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, Turin 2025 represents a new chapter in the UAE’s leadership in inclusive sports. The delegation’s participation builds on previous international successes, including Special Olympics UAE’s record-breaking performance at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, where the UAE team secured the strongest results in the Middle East and North Africa.
The Special Olympics UAE athletes selected for the upcoming World Winter Games Turin 2025 include Yousef Al Mulla, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS); Mouza Al Hamed, Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination; Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Ras Al Khaimah Club for People of Determination; Mina Al Mazrouei, Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination; Khalifa Al Ameri, Dubai Club for People of Determination; Zulekha Al Mansoori, Ajman Club for Disabled; Kholoud Al Khoori, Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination; Salma Al Salami, Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination; Ahmed Al Jilani, Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination; Hamda Al Hosani, Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination, and Hazza Al Mehairbi, Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination.
In October 2017, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced Special Olympics UAE as an independent organisation dedicated to changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was appointed as the Honorary President, and Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.
The organisation aims to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through sports while providing them with leadership opportunities to help them display their talents and integrate them with mainstream society.
Special Olympics UAE has launched a variety of community programmes, including those focused on families and young athletes. It has also introduced a number of initiatives to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to create a more inclusive society.
The Special Olympics of the UAE received international recognition from the International Special Olympics Foundation-USA in December 2017.
