Special Olympics UAE Celebrates Unified Healthcare Providers and Advances Inclusive Health Initiatives
Special Olympics UAE hosted a ceremony at Abu Dhabi Energy Centre to celebrate the accreditation of 16 healthcare facilities as Unified Healthcare Providers. The event also recognised strategic partners and esteemed medical leaders dedicated to advancing inclusive health. In addition, thirteen Special Olympics UAE athletes were appointed as Health Messengers.
The accredited healthcare institutions successfully completed training as part of the Unified Healthcare Providers Programme, which was introduced in 2021 with support from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Department of Community Development, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education. This programme is designed to equip medical and administrative teams to deliver equitable healthcare to People of Determination.
Among the newly accredited facilities this year are Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Hospital, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, NMC Shahama Hospital and Sakina Platform, among others. Furthermore, five clinical directors received honours for their commitment to advancing health inclusion.
The UAE has maintained the Healthy Community designation for the fourth consecutive year under the Special Olympics International Healthy Communities Programme. This global initiative seeks to reduce health disparities for People of Determination. In the UAE, this mission is progressing through robust collaboration with healthcare partners who provide essential screenings, awareness activities, and training. A strategic partner, ADNOC, has played a crucial role in helping the UAE sustain this prestigious recognition.
Organisations recognised for championing inclusive health included Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Autism Intervention Specialist, Apollonia Dental Clinic, Zayed Authority for People of Determination, Aldar, Gulf Medical University, Healthpoint, Sebamed, University of Sharjah, and OneSight Foundation. Additionally, Dubai Health Authority, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company – Seha, Touch of Health Rehabilitation Center, Curaprox, Al Dana Medical Center, and several others received acknowledgment as programme supporters.
As part of the ceremony, thirteen new Health Messengers and 15 health mentors were named. This initiative provides People of Determination with leadership, public-speaking, and digital communication skills, empowering them to advocate for healthy lifestyles, challenge stereotypes, and promote inclusion.
Health Messenger graduate Arti Shah remarked:
“My experience in the Health Messenger programme was amazing. I learned many new topics and how to express myself more openly and confidently. It taught me that no matter what you dream of, don’t give up. Anyone can overcome challenges and make a difference.”
Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, stated that the organisation’s duty also involves enabling People of Determination to contribute to national development. He explained that the organisation’s inclusive health and community programmes, developed since the legacy of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, are designed to provide the highest standards of care and quality of life.
Through its key initiatives—Healthy Communities, Unified Healthcare Providers, and Health Messengers—Special Olympics UAE continues to reinforce inclusive healthcare and empower People of Determination to lead vibrant and active lives.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
