Special Olympics UAE has officially revealed its delegation for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. The UAE delegation, which will be led by His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, consists of 30 members, including 11 Athletes of Determination, who will compete in a diverse range of winter sports.
Special Olympics UAE athletes are set to represent the UAE in six disciplines: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, short-track speed skating, and snowboarding. The UAE’s delegation is the largest from the region, competing in the largest number of different sports.
The UAE’s participation in the upcoming World Winter Games Turin 2025 is made possible through strong nationwide support. Majid Al Futtaim has been announced as the official partner of the delegation, while the UAE Winter Sports Federation plays a key role as a supporting partner. This collaboration reflects a deep commitment to providing the necessary resources and infrastructure to ensure the athletes are fully equipped for their journey to Italy next month.
His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of the UAE Special Olympics, said: “We are proud to officially announce the UAE’s delegation for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, which will take place next month. Our goal is to build on the legacy of success achieved at the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 and to see our athletes once again excel on the global stage, raising the UAE flag high on the winners’ podium in Italy.
“We appreciate the commitment of Majid Al Futtaim, the official partner of our delegation, for providing world-class training facilities that have enabled our athletes to prepare at the highest level. Additionally, the UAE Winter Sports Federation has been instrumental throughout our preparations with its experts providing invaluable technical knowledge of sports that are somewhat new for us. This collaboration with public entities and private sector institutions highlights the UAE’s strong commitment to building an inclusive society, where People of Determination are empowered and given opportunities to thrive in all sports.”
The 11 athletes representing the UAE in Turin have been selected from various People of Determination clubs across the UAE. Their preparation for the Winter Games has been rigorous, with intensive training sessions held at Snow Abu Dhabi and Ski Dubai. The team recently participated in an international training camp in Uzbekistan to further refine their technical skills and acclimatize to winter sports conditions.
His Excellency Hamel Al Qubaisi, Vice President of the UAE Winter Sports Federation, reinforced the federation’s dedication to supporting the UAE delegation, and said: “The UAE Winter Sports Federation is honoured to play a role in supporting the national team as they prepare for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. The participation of our athletes reflects the UAE’s commitment to empowering People of Determination and providing them with opportunities to achieve excellence in every field. As a federation, we are dedicated to expanding winter sports within the UAE, ensuring that people from all backgrounds, including People of Determination, have access to training, development, and competitive opportunities. Our goal is to create an inclusive sporting environment that aligns with the UAE’s vision of building an active and diverse sporting community.”
Mohammad El Etri, Managing Director, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, said: “We are incredibly proud to support the UAE National Team as they prepare to compete on the world stage at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. At Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi, we have not only provided world-class training facilities but also created a space where these incredible athletes can push their limits, build confidence, and chase their dreams. Watching them train with such determination and passion is truly inspiring. Our dedicated coaches have worked hand in hand with Special Olympics UAE, ensuring that each athlete receives unwavering support, expert guidance, and the belief that they can achieve greatness. This initiative is more than just about training, it’s about breaking barriers, fostering inclusivity, and proving that talent knows no boundaries. We cannot wait to see them shine on the global stage and make the UAE proud.”
The final stage of training will take place at Ski Dubai in March, just before the delegation departs for Turin. This last training camp will allow athletes to fine-tune their techniques and build confidence ahead of their competitions on the world stage.
In 2024, Special Olympics UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, a subsidiary of Majid Al Futtaim, with the goal of strengthening cooperation between the two parties to empower Special Olympics UAE athletes. The partnership aims to provide specialised training and competition opportunities in winter sports throughout the year.
Special Olympics UAE athletes selected for the upcoming World Winter Games Turin 2025 are:
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
Hazza Al Mehairbi, Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination
