- The UAE delegation has achieved the top results in the MENA region in Turin, securing an impressive tally of 16 medals.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 17 March 2025:The Special Olympics UAE delegation has secured16 medals – 4 gold, 5 silver and 7 bronze at the Special Olympics World Winter which took place in Turin, Italy from 8 to 15 March 2025. This 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 MENA, the 11-member UAE team showcased their talents across six disciplines: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, speed skating and snowboarding.
A Tribute to the Nation’s Leadership
His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE and Head of Delegation to Turin 2025, praised the athletes’ perseverance: “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.” He concluded.
UAE’s Road to Success: Intensive Preparation and Strong Partnerships
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 programs 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 the UAE Winter Sports Federation, the supporting partner, and Majid Al Futtaim through Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi, the delegation’s official partner. Additionally, a specialized coaching program was conducted in November 2024 to ensure the team was fully prepared for competition.
Voices of Support from Key Partners
Mubadala’s Homaid Al Shimmari, Deputy Group CEO and Chief Corporate & Human Capital Officer, 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’s team 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, highlighted the significance of this achievement:“Seeing our athletes excel at the Winter Games fills us with pride. Their hard work inspires us immensely andreflects 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.”
Prioritizing Athlete Well-Being
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.
With their inspiring performance at Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, the UAE team has once again reinforced the UAE’s position as a global leader in promoting sports for People of Determination.
-Ends-
Note to editor: Medal tally of the UAE Delegation at Turin 2025
| Name | Medal Colour | Competition |
| Meena Al Mazrouei | GoldSilver Bronze | Novice Super-G SnowboardingSlalom SnowboardingGiant Slalom Snowboarding |
| Zulekha Al Mansoori | Gold | 100m Cross-Country Skiing |
| Yousif Al Mulla | GoldBronzeBronze | Novice-G Alpine SkiingSlalom Alpine SkiingNovice Super-G Alpine Skiing |
| Kholoud Al Khoori | SilverBronzeBronze | 500m Speed Skating333m Speed Skating777m Speed Skating |
| Abdullah Al Nuaimi | GoldBronze | Giant Slalom SnowboardingNovice Super-G Snowboarding |
| Salma Al Salami | SilverBronze | 200m Snowshoeing100m Snowshoeing |
| Hazza Al Mehairbi | Silver | Figure Skating – Singles |
| Ahmed Al Jilani | Silver | 100m Snowshoeing |
| Hamda Al Hosani | Fourth Place | Figure Skating – Singles |
| Khalifa Al Amiri | Fourth Place | 100m Cross-Country Skiing |
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 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 International Special Olympics Foundation-USA in December 2017.
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