UAE Honours Organ Transplant Athletes for Inspirational World Transplant Games Performance
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has recognised the Emirati delegation who made the nation proud at its first participation in the World Transplant Games held in Dresden, Germany. The celebration, hosted at the Ministry’s Dubai headquarters, honoured the remarkable achievements and compelling recovery stories of the team, while bringing attention to the vital message of organ donation and its transformative impact on lives.
The Emirati delegation, comprised of six living donors and organ-recipient athletes, demonstrated outstanding levels of courage, resilience, and determination as they competed among 2,500 athletes from 51 countries. Their impressive performances were highlighted by notable successes: gold medals in the 200-meter race and javelin throw, and bronze medals in the 200-meter race and pétanque doubles.
Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Health Regulation Sector and Supervisor of the National Programme for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation “Hayat,” presented honorary awards to the delegation members. The recognition underscored the collective efforts of donors, transplant teams, and the supportive infrastructure that have elevated the UAE’s organ donation system.
Reflecting on this significant milestone, Dr. Amin Al Amiri noted the participation was both a humanitarian and national achievement: “The UAE’s participation in the World Transplant Games is both a humanitarian and national milestone, showcasing the remarkable progress achieved in this field thanks to the wise vision and support of our leadership, as well as the constant cooperation of all competent authorities.”
He further emphasised that the Hayat programme embodies the nation’s values of generosity and solidarity, and that the delegation’s recognition serves as gratitude to all individuals—donors, recipients, ambassadors, and partners—who contribute to saving lives and offering new hope.
Dr. Al Amiri pointed out that these accomplishments align with the country’s vision to enhance the quality of life and reinforce its role as a regional leader in organ transplantation and advanced healthcare. Quoting Al Amiri: “Sport and physical activity are a fundamental pillar in the post-transplant recovery journey. Therefore, having the Emirati athletes participating in this edition carries a profound humanitarian message and opens new prospects for international cooperation in this field.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Al Amiri shared the Ministry’s ambitions to increase its presence at the 2027 World Transplant Games in Belgium with a larger team and greater preparedness. Collaborative planning with the Ministry of Sports, the Olympic Committee, and health authorities is already underway. Additionally, preparations to submit a candidacy to host the 2029 World Transplant Games reflect the UAE’s drive to become the first Arab and Gulf country to organise this important global event. The UAE also aims to host the “HAYAT International Transplant and Sport Congress,” further solidifying its commitment to this cause.
The event coincided with a scientific symposium organised by the ISOT, where experts highlighted the essential role of physical activity in boosting quality of life post-transplant, and called for sport to be embedded as an integral part of comprehensive transplant care.
The recognition of the Emirati team stands as a tribute to the country’s progressive healthcare vision and its unwavering commitment to spreading hope through organ donation and transplant medicine.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
