Special Olympics MENA Regional Equestrian Competition Kicks Off in Al Ain Region

Al Ain Region, United Arab Emirates – August 26, 2025: The Special Olympics MENA Regional Equestrian Competition opened in Al Ain Region bringing together athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities from 11 national programs across the region. Organized jointly by Special Olympics UAE and Special Olympics MENA, the event features participants from Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, alongside the host nation, the UAE. Eight athletes represent the UAE at the competition, and they are: Mahra Alkaabi, Zakeya Almazmi, Zalikha Almansoori, Basma AlQusain, Sultan Alkhayali, Mohammed Alshamsi, Mohammed AlYamahi and Dinal Ekanayake.

The competition marks the first regional Special Olympics equestrian event in the Middle East and North Africa, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to empowering People of Determination and expanding their role in sport and community life. A  regional coaches training seminar, led by UAE National Olympic Academy and the European Olympic Academies will take place alongside the competition. The competition is backed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi as Strategic Event Partner, Abu Dhabi Police as Host Partner, and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation as Supporting Partner.

H.E. Eng. Ayman Abdel Wahab, President and Managing Director of Special Olympics MENA, said: “I am pleased to welcome the participating delegations and wish them every success. Hosting this event in the UAE, recognized for its leadership in empowering people with intellectual disabilities, reflects the depth of our partnership and our shared belief that collaboration is the path to real and lasting change. We look forward to making this an annual fixture that strengthens ties across the region under the umbrella of inclusion and excellence.”

The event cements equestrian sport as an official discipline within Special Olympics programs across the Middle East and North Africa, building on the region’s growing spirit of inclusion.

H.E. Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, said: “Launching the first regional equestrian competition within Special Olympics programs in the Middle East and North Africa is a milestone that reflects the aspirations of our athletes. The strong turnout builds on the legacy of the World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, when the UAE presented a leading model for inclusion and empowerment whose impact continues to grow.”

The competition also showcases Abu Dhabi’s cultural and heritage offering, with Al Ain Region providing a fitting stage for an equestrian showcase.

Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director of Destination Management at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “This competition is another step in our commitment to supporting People of Determination and placing them at the heart of cultural and community events. Hosting it in Al Ain Region, a place of deep heritage for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, reflects our vision to use heritage as a tool for empowerment and human connection. Equestrian sport embodies values we hold dear, such as courage, perseverance, inclusion, and respect.”

A Spokesperson for Abu Dhabi Police said: “We welcome all delegations to Al Ain Region for the Special Olympics MENA Regional Equestrian Competition. The event reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision as one of the safest destinations in the world, promoting community inclusion and creating an environment that encourages participation and creativity. Our partnership with Special Olympics underscores our commitment to empowerment and supporting initiatives that foster a culture of tolerance and respect for every individual.”

Throughout the week, athletes will compete in English riding, equitation jumping, working trails, equitation, and dressage, with divisions carefully designed to match abilities and ensure a safe, inclusive environment. The UAE is fielding the largest delegation with eight athletes, followed by Egypt, Morocco, and Oman with four each. Iran, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait each have three participants, while Iraq and Jordan have two each. The wide-ranging participation highlights the region’s growing momentum toward inclusion.

During the competition, the regional coach training seminar for coaches from participating programs will focus on equestrian coaching for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities and on the disciplined delivery of competition. The course will also include four athlete leaders, one from the UAE, two from Oman and one from Jordan, who will be trained as equestrian assistant coaches. Special Olympics UAE athletes have trained weekly, culminating in a closed training camp in Al Ain Region from 13 to 23 August to elevate technical readiness and fitness.

To promote athlete health, a “Fun Fitness” screening will take place on 26 August. Health partners include Sebamed, which will host a skincare booth, and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Medical City, which will provide volunteers as well as gifts and photography services. Healthpoint and Gulf Medical University will also contribute volunteers and onsite support. Community activities for families and local residents will run alongside the competition to raise awareness of inclusion, introduce Special Olympics programs and offer interactive sessions on equestrian sport and its role in empowering People of Determination.

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About Special Olympics UAE:

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 organization dedicated to changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Her Highness Sheikha Mariam Bint Mohammed 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 organization 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 the mainstream society.

Special Olympics UAE has launched a variety of community programs, 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 Special Olympics International Foundation-USA in December 2017.  

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