The Special Olympics UAE team delegation has secured 16 medals – 4 gold, 5 silver and 7 bronze – at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, which took place in Italy. The historic victory presents the best results for a delegation from the MENA region at the games and reinforces the UAE’s commitment to inclusion, building on the legacy of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.
Competing in the largest number of sports among delegations from across the MENA Region, the 11-member UAE team showcased their talents across six disciplines: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, speed skating and snowboarding.
His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE and Head of Delegation to Turin 2025, said. “I have witnessed firsthand the resilience and determination of our athletes as they competed on the snow-covered slopes of Turin. Their success is the result of months of rigorous training and preparation. Today, they return home with remarkable achievements, a testament to their diligent training and preparation.
“We proudly dedicate this success to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, a steadfast supporter of People of Determination and a champion of inclusion. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of our partners, coaches, and the families who supported our athletes every step of the way.”
The UAE’s participation in the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, which hosted 1,500 athletes from 102 countries, highlights the nation’s commitment to advancing inclusion in sports. The Special Olympics UAE athletes underwent extensive training programmes in the lead-up to the games, including two training camps—one in Uzbekistan in January 2025 and another in Dubai in March 2025, before their departure to Italy.
As the official team sponsor, Mubadala played a pivotal role in supporting the delegation, alongside supporting partner the UAE Winter Sports Federation, and Majid Al Futtaim through Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi, the delegation’s official partner. Additionally, a specialised coaching programme was conducted in November 2024 to ensure the team was fully prepared for competition.
Homaid Al Shimmari, Deputy Group CEO and Chief Corporate & Human Capital Officer at Mubadala, said: “Mubadala is proud to stand behind our athletes as they competed on the world stage. Sports are a powerful tool for inclusion, fostering unity and opportunity for all. Special Olympics UAE team’s participation reflects both our and the nation’s dedication to ensuring empowerment and excellence in sports. Their journey to Turin and the great wins that they have secured are truly inspiring and we are all delighted to have wholeheartedly supported them every step of the way.”
Hamel Al Qubaisi, Vice President, UAE Winter Sports Federation, said: “Seeing our athletes excel at the Winter Games fills us with pride. Their hard work inspires us immensely and reflects the UAE’s commitment to inclusive sports. We hope that these incredible results will encourage greater participation in winter sports across the UAE.”
Mohammad El Etri, Managing Director, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, said: "The incredible athletes’ achievement at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 fills us with immense pride. This success is not only a testament to their talent, but also to their perseverance and the unwavering support of their coach, Leena Reda. Despite the challenges posed by the absence of natural snow in the UAE, Ski Dubai provided them with the chance to train relentlessly, fostering their growth and passion for winter sports. Leena’s guidance and inspiration were truly transformative, and this victory is a culmination of hard work, dedication, and belief in their potential."
The Special Olympics UAE team’s achievements comprise: Mina Al Mazrouei, who won Gold in Novice Super-G Snowboarding, Silver in Slalom Snowboarding, and Bronze in Giant Slalom Snowboarding; Zulekha Al Mansoori, who won Gold in 100m Cross-Country Skiing; Yousef Al Mulla, who won Gold in Novice-G Alpine Skiing, and Bronze in Slalom Alpine Skiing and Novice Super-G Alpine Skiing respectively; Kholoud Al Khoori, who won Silver in the 500m Speed Skating event, and a bronze medal respectively for the 333m Speed Skating and 777m Speed Skating events; Abdullah Al Nuaimi won a Gold and Bronze medal for Giant Slalom Snowboarding and Novice Super-G Snowboarding respectively; Salma Al Salami won respective Silver and Bronze medals in the 200m Snowshoeing and 100m Snowshoeing events; Hazza Al Mehairbi won Silver in the Figure Skating – Singles competition; Ahmed Al Jilani, who won Silver in the 100m Snowshoeing event, and Hamda Al Hosani who secured fourth place in the Figure Skating – Singles event; and Khalifa Al Ameri, who secured fourth place in the 100m Cross-Country Skiing event.
UAE athletes underwent comprehensive health screenings as part of the Healthy Athletes Program, ensuring their well-being throughout the competition. This initiative is a core component of Special Olympics International’s ongoing commitment to athlete health and development.
