UAE Shines with 16 Medals at 2025 Special Olympics Winter Games

The UAE’s Special Olympics team made a remarkable mark on the global stage at the 2025 Winter Games held in Turin, Italy, winning 16 medals and bringing pride to the nation and the region. Their triumph stands as a testimony to hard work, preparation, and unwavering support from leadership and the community.

A Landmark Moment in UAE Sporting History

The UAE delegation’s participation in the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 became a historic milestone as the team returned home with an impressive haul of 16 medals, including 4 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze. Competing among 1,500 athletes from 102 countries, the UAE team emerged as the highest-ranking contingent from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This outstanding performance showcased the nation’s growing commitment to inclusive sports and positioned the UAE as a serious contender in winter sporting events, despite its desert climate.

Behind the Scenes: Intense Training and Preparation

The journey to success at the Winter Games was paved with months of meticulous training and preparation. Given the UAE’s natural landscape, where snow is rare, athletes had to undergo specialized coaching to adapt to winter sports. To bridge this environmental gap, two rigorous training camps were organized — one in Uzbekistan and another in Dubai. These camps enabled athletes to experience and practice in snow-based environments and enhance their physical and mental endurance. The training also focused on fine-tuning their techniques and building team spirit, which played a crucial role in their performance during the games.

Medal-Winning Performances that Made the Nation Proud

• Meena Al Mazrouei – Gold in Novice Super-G Snowboarding, Silver in Slalom, Bronze in Giant Slalom. Known for her composure and agility.
• Zulekha Al Mansoori – Gold in 100m Cross-Country Skiing. Displayed unmatched stamina and determination.
• Yousif Al Mulla – Gold in Novice-G Alpine Skiing, Bronze in Slalom and Super-G. Demonstrated excellent technique and balance.
• Abdullah Al Nuaimi – Gold in Giant Slalom Snowboarding, Bronze in Novice Super-G. Impressed with his dynamic and youthful energy.
• Kholoud Al Khoori – Silver in 500m Speed Skating, Bronze in 333m and 777m. Excelled in speed and timing.
• Salma Al Salami – Silver in 200m Snowshoeing, Bronze in 100m. Showed great athleticism and drive.
• Hazza Al Mehairbi – Silver in Figure Skating Singles. Noted for his graceful performance.
• Ahmed Al Jilani – Silver in 100m Snowshoeing. Made a strong impact with speed and endurance.
• Hamda Al Hosani & Khalifa Al Amiri – Finished close to podium positions. Praised for their spirit, resilience, and sportsmanship.

National Support and Vision that Fueled the Success

One of the key factors behind the UAE team’s incredible performance was the unwavering support they received from national leadership, sports federations, and various organizations. The athletes were not alone in their journey — they had behind them a strong network of coaches, mentors, and supporters who believed in their potential.

The government’s vision of creating an inclusive society where people of determination are empowered and celebrated was evident in the level of preparation and resources allocated to the athletes. This support came in the form of infrastructure, world-class training facilities, and expert coaching, along with moral encouragement that motivated athletes to perform with pride.

Various organizations across the UAE worked collaboratively to ensure that the athletes were not only ready to compete but were also confident in their abilities. The synergy between institutions and individuals laid a solid foundation for success.

More Than Medals: A Celebration of Well-being and Inclusion

Beyond athletic performance, the UAE team also focused on overall well-being. Athletes underwent comprehensive health assessments before the event as part of a broader program to ensure they were physically fit and mentally prepared. This holistic approach helped boost confidence and eliminated stress, allowing athletes to focus purely on the competition.

The Special Olympics movement emphasizes inclusion, friendship, and growth, and the UAE team embodied these values throughout their participation. The athletes built new friendships, exchanged cultural values with peers from across the globe, and returned home not just with medals, but with stories of inspiration and experiences that would shape their lives forever.

A Legacy That Will Inspire Generations

The achievements at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 will remain etched in the memory of the nation. The UAE delegation’s performance has redefined what is possible for athletes with determination and has set a new benchmark for sporting excellence in the region.

Their journey has become a beacon of hope, showing that with the right environment, support, and passion, even the most challenging goals can be accomplished. These athletes are more than just medalists — they are ambassadors of courage, unity, and the human spirit.

The UAE has proven that it is not just a participant in global sports but a leader in embracing inclusivity and celebrating the power of diversity. The triumph in Turin is not the end but the beginning of a larger journey where more athletes will rise, dream bigger, and make the nation proud on international platforms.