Al Ain Region, United Arab Emirates – August 26, 2025: The Special Olympics MENA Regional Equestrian Competition opened in Al Ain Region bringing together athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities from 11 national programs across the region. Organized jointly by Special Olympics UAE and Special Olympics MENA, the event features participants from Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, alongside the host nation, the UAE. Eight athletes represent the UAE at the competition, and they are: Mahra Alkaabi, Zakeya Almazmi, Zalikha Almansoori, Basma AlQusain, Sultan Alkhayali, Mohammed Alshamsi, Mohammed AlYamahi and Dinal Ekanayake.
The competition marks the first regional Special Olympics equestrian event in the Middle East and North Africa, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to empowering People of Determination and expanding their role in sport and community life. A regional coaches training seminar, led by UAE National Olympic Academy and the European Olympic Academies will take place alongside the competition. The competition is backed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi as Strategic Event Partner, Abu Dhabi Police as Host Partner, and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation as Supporting Partner.
UAE News 24/7 