Special Olympics UAE, in collaboration with Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa (MENA), will organise the Special Olympics MENA Regional Equestrian Competition in Al Ain Region from 24-28 August 2025. This event will bring together equestrian athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities from ten countries across the region, including from Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Oman and the UAE.
Announced during a press conference at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain Region, the competition will feature multiple equestrian disciplines, including classical equitation, endurance riding, and horse handling, with inclusive divisions tailored to the athletes’ abilities. The formats are designed to highlight each athlete’s unique skills in a safe and welcoming environment.
The Special Olympics MENA Regional Equestrian Competition in Al Ain Region is organised with the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi as a Strategic Event Partner and the Abu Dhabi Police as official venue and logistics partner, and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation as Supporting Partner. It will be held at the Abu Dhabi Police Cavalry Special Patrols Department’s Al Ain Stables.
His Excellency Mohamed Al Nuami, Member of the Board of Trustees, Special Olympics UAE, said: “The Special Olympics MENA Regional Equestrian Competition in Al Ain Region marks more than just a new chapter in our journey; it’s a platform for meaningful inclusion. It gives our athletes the opportunity to express their full potential, especially when provided with the right support and environment. We’ve seen firsthand the positive impact of such competitions in strengthening the athletes’ confidence and transforming how society perceives their abilities. We are proud to host this event in Abu Dhabi, a global hub for inclusion and empowerment.
“With the wide participation of Special Olympics programmes from across the region, we hope this competition will help expand access to equestrian sport for People of Determination and inspire more athletes to explore its transformative power.”
In addition to the competition, a series of community events and awareness activities will be held for families and the public. These include interactive sessions on equestrianism and its role in empowering People of Determination, along with opportunities to learn more about the mission and impact of Special Olympics.
His Excellency Engineer Ayman Abdel Wahab, Regional President of Special Olympics MENA, said: “This competition reflects our ongoing commitment to elevate equestrian as one of the most powerful examples of inclusive sport.
“Our ambition is to see this pioneering event evolve into an annual tradition that strengthens collaboration between Special Olympics national programmes throughout the region. Equestrian is not merely a sport, it is one of the most transformative tools for the emotional, psychological, and social development of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“Studies have consistently shown that interaction with horses can build self-confidence, improve communication skills, and nurture deep emotional bonds.
“It is a proud moment to host the first regional equestrian competition in the UAE. This event builds on the powerful legacy of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, which established the UAE as a global leader in the empowerment of People of Determination. Today, we continue to see the lasting and tangible impact of that legacy through initiatives that promote inclusive sport and social cohesion.”
The competition is supported by a dedicated training programme, including weekly sessions every Sunday until 10 August, followed by a closed training camp in Al Ain Region from 13 to 23 August to prepare UAE athletes and coaches.
Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director of Destination Management at the Department of Culture and Tourism -Abu Dhabi, said: “We are proud to support the Special Olympics MENA Regional Equestrian Competition, building on our strong partnership with Special Olympics UAE and reinforcing our social responsibility to empower People of Determination. This initiative reflects our belief in creating inclusive opportunities that enable individuals to express their abilities and actively participate in sports, culture, and entertainment.
“Hosting the competition in Al Ain Region, a vibrant cultural hub and a destination for adventure and sport, especially a heritage sport such as equestrian, adds even greater value to this event. We warmly welcome all participants and invite them to explore Al Ain Region’s unique experiences, from its stunning oases and entertainment offerings to its historic landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.”
Lt Colonel Staff Pilot Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Director of Special Patrol Department, Abu Dhabi Police, official host partner, said: “Abu Dhabi Police takes pride in hosting this inspiring regional competition, held as part of the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination. The event reflects the humanitarian and social values deeply rooted in Abu Dhabi Police’s vision - empowerment, equality, and solidarity.
“This partnership with Special Olympics UAE underscores our ongoing commitment to supporting People of Determination and integrating them into all aspects of life, including sports, which serve as a powerful vehicle for achieving this goal.”
The Special Olympics MENA Regional Equestrian Competition in Al Ain Region marks a significant milestone in the growth of inclusive sports across the Middle East and North Africa. By championing equestrian as a platform for empowerment, the event reinforces the UAE’s ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive, compassionate, and united society.
