- Two-year partnership to advance inclusive health for People of Determination.
- Training will raise awareness within Gulf Medical University’s student body and strengthen capabilities and access to compassionate healthcare.
- Creates volunteer and hands-on opportunities for Gulf Medical University students within Special Olympics UAE programs.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – September 19, 2025: Special Olympics UAE and Gulf Medical University (GMU) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance collaboration in health and training, aligned with the UAE’s vision to empower People of Determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities and promote their full inclusion in society. The MoU was signed by Tala Al Ramahi, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at Special Olympics UAE and Director at the Office of Development and Martyrs Affairs at the Presidential Court, and Professor Manda Venkatramana, Chancellor, Gulf Medical University.
Spanning two years, the agreement sets out a framework for joint training programs for GMU students on the health of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including participation in the Healthy Athletes®️ program, which offers free health screenings and education to Special Olympics athletes.
The partnership aims to build capacity among GMU students to confidently receive and treat patients from the People of Determination community, with Special Olympics UAE providing targeted training on compassionate and inclusive healthcare. It also focuses on expanding access to healthcare and preventive services, while promoting an academic environment that develops innovative health solutions.
The MoU sets out a framework for volunteering opportunities for GMU students within Special Olympics UAE programs. Under this agreement, Gulf Medical University and its academic health centers will be included in the Special Olympics UAE Unified Healthcare Providers Network.
Tala Al Ramahi, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at Special Olympics UAE said: “This partnership builds on the UAE’s proud legacy of support for People of Determination and reflects a national commitment to dignity and inclusion. By equipping future health professionals to deliver world-class, inclusive care, we will help ensure more individuals can thrive and participate fully in sport, education, and society.”
The agreement highlights the pivotal role of academia in serving the community and ensures that inclusive health is embedded across both educational and healthcare systems in the UAE.
Professor Manda Venkatramana, Chancellor, Gulf Medical University, added: “We are proud of this partnership with Special Olympics UAE, which highlights Gulf Medical University’s commitment to inclusive health and community engagement. It provides our students and faculty with valuable opportunities to participate in impactful field initiatives. Through this MoU, we will integrate inclusive health concepts into our curricula, provide specialized training in working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and contribute to preventive screenings and awareness programs. People of Determination deserve healthcare built on the highest global standards, and we are committed to preparing medical professionals who can meet these needs.”
By leveraging academic expertise to advance community programs, the MoU is aligned with the UAE National Policy for People of Determination, which reinforces equal opportunities and participation in an inclusive society, and strengthens the UAE’s position as a global leader in improving the quality of life through health, education, and sport.
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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 International Special Olympics Foundation-USA in December 2017.
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