Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – June 17, 2025—Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Founder and Honorary President of Special Olympics UAE, has approved the new structure of the organization’s Board of Trustees. The new board reflects a renewed commitment to inclusive leadership and deeper engagement with families and athletes, placing them at the heart of institutional development.
Engineer Sharif Afif Al Shami, the father of a Special Olympics UAE athlete, will chair the new board. His appointment highlights the organization’s dedication to strengthening effective partnerships with families and ensuring their integral role in shaping programs and initiatives that serve People of Determination.
The new Special Olympics UAE Board of Trustees includes individuals with extensive experience across health, education, media, and social development sectors.
It also features members who are either athletes or athletes’ parents, reinforcing the core values of participation, representation, and inclusion.
The newly appointed members of the Board of Trustees are:
- Sharif Afif Al Shami, Engineer, Chairman and father of a Special Olympics UAE athlete
- His Excellency Talal Al Hashmi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE
- His Excellency Dr. Salem Al Darmaki, Advisor to the Minister of Health and Prevention
- His Excellency Mohammed Hamza Al Qasim, Undersecretary, Ministry of Education
- His Excellency Mohamed Khaleefa Al Nuami, Acting Executive – Support Services, Crown Prince’s Court
- His Excellency Saeed Saif Al Neyadi, Assistant Undersecretary, Presidential Court
- Mrs. Tala Al Ramahi, Director, Office of Development & Martyrs Families Affairs– Presidential Court
- Ms. Alia Abdallah Bin AlShaikh, Acting Executive Director of the StrategicCommunication and Development Sector – National Media Office
- Dr. Sharifa Al Yateem, Certified Consultant and Behavior Analyst
- Mr. Rashed Mohammed Al Otaiba
- Mr. Saif Ali Salem binSumaida, parent of a Special Olympics UAE athlete
- Mr. Omar Al Shami, Athlete, Special Olympics UAE
This development aligns with the UAE’s vision for the inclusion and empowerment of People of Determination and supports greater community participation in shaping inclusive programs, policies and practices.
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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 Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was appointed as the Honorary President..
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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