Al Ain, United Arab Emirates – The Special Olympics Regional Equestrian Competition for the Middle East and North Africa, “Al Ain 2025”, kicked off on Tuesday.
This took place in the stables of the Abu Dhabi Police Knights “Special Patrols Department” in the Al Ain area.
The event kicked off with the participation of 40 male and female riders from 11 countries.
The event will be organized by the UAE Special Olympics, from August 24 to 28.
This is in cooperation with Special Olympics International for the Middle East and North Africa. It is sponsored by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
It is also organized with the support of the Abu Dhabi Police General Command as a host partner. The Emirates Equestrian Federation acts as a supporting partner.
The event will witness accompanying community activities.
With the aim of raising awareness of integration issues and introducing Special Olympics and its humanitarian mission.
In addition to organizing introductory and interactive sessions for visitors about equestrian sports and its role in empowering people with disabilities.
8 knights representing the Emirates
The UAE is represented in the competition by 8 male and female knights: Mohammed Al Shamsi, Sultan Al Khaili, Mohammed Al Yamahi, Denal Navendra, Zuleikha Al Mansouri, Mahra Al Kaabi, Zakia Al Mazmi, and Basma Al Qussain.
His Excellency Eng. Ayman Abdel Wahab, Regional President of Special Olympics International for the Middle East and North Africa, stressed that equestrianism is establishing its role as one of the inclusive sports. This is especially since the event is held in the UAE, a pioneer in empowering people with mental and developmental challenges.
He expressed his hope that the competition would turn into an annual event. This would strengthen the links of Special Olympics programs in countries of the region.
His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of the UAE Special Olympics, pointed out that the presence of this number of participating delegations confirms the continuation of what we started in the World Games “Abu Dhabi 2019”.
The UAE has provided a pioneering model of integration and empowerment, the impact of which continues to this day.
He stated that the Al Ain region is the primary incubator for this regional achievement. It is related to equestrianism and its deeply rooted values of discipline and respect.
Coordination and cooperation
This is done in coordination and cooperation with several parties to organize the event. This is done in accordance with the best standards and practices.
For his part, Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director of the Tourist Destinations Department at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said that organizing the event in Al Ain, with its heritage and historical symbolism, reflects their vision. Their vision is of making heritage an effective means of empowerment and human communication.
In addition to opening new horizons for participants of various abilities and consolidating the role of culture. Culture acts as a bridge for understanding and integration.
