Special Olympics MENA Regional Equestrian Competition to Be Held in Al Ain in August 2025
The upcoming edition of the Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Equestrian Competition will take place in the scenic Al Ain Region from 24 to 28 August 2025. Organised by the Special Olympics UAE in collaboration with Special Olympics MENA, the event will unite talented equestrian athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities from ten countries including 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 a variety of equestrian disciplines, such as classical equitation, endurance riding, and horse handling. The formats include inclusive divisions tailored to the specific skill levels of participating athletes, ensuring a safe and collaborative environment that celebrates talent and determination.
The prestigious event is organised with the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi as Strategic Event Partner, Abu Dhabi Police as the official venue and logistics partner, and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation as a Supporting Partner. The competitions will take place 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, stated:
“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 main competition, a diverse programme of community events and awareness activities will be rolled out. These include interactive sessions on the importance of equestrianism in the lives of People of Determination and opportunities for the public to learn more about the objectives and achievements 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.”
In preparation for the competition, UAE athletes and coaches will undergo a dedicated training programme, featuring weekly sessions every Sunday until 10 August 2025, followed by a closed training camp in Al Ain Region from 13 to 23 August.
Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director of Destination Management at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, remarked:
“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, added:
“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.”
As the first of its kind in the region, the Special Olympics MENA Regional Equestrian Competition in Al Ain Region represents a significant advancement toward inclusion and social integration through sport. It builds on the momentum of previous Special Olympics milestones and the UAE’s broader vision of a unified society that celebrates every individual’s abilities and potential.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
