UAE Athletes Triumph at Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 with 16 Medals
Homecoming celebration at Ski Dubai honors the nation’s biggest-ever winter delegation of athletes of determination
Majid Al Futtaim’s Ski Dubai, in collaboration with the UAE Winter Sports Federation, warmly welcomed home the UAE’s delegation from the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 during a special homecoming celebration on April 10 at Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates.
The UAE delegation, consisting of 11 determined athletes, returned victorious from Turin, Italy, after securing 16 medals—including 4 Gold, 5 Silver, and 7 Bronze—across six winter sports disciplines from March 8 to 15. This marked the UAE’s largest-ever team to participate in the World Winter Games, proudly representing the country on the global stage.
During the celebration, the athletes performed a synchronized skiing and snowboarding run on the snowy slopes of Ski Dubai, carrying the UAE national flag and the Special Olympics flag. The performance took place in front of cheering families, coaches, UAE government representatives, Special Olympics UAE officials, senior executives from Majid Al Futtaim, and key media personnel.
The event was graced by the presence of H.E. Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE; Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding; Ignace Lahoud, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment; and Mohammad El Etri, Managing Director of Operations at Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment.
“We are incredibly proud of our athletes who represented the UAE with passion, perseverance, and pride,” said H.E. Talal Al Hashemi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE. “Their remarkable achievement is not only a reflection of their talent, but also a testament to the power of inclusion. We extend our deepest thanks to Majid Al Futtaim and the UAE Winter Sports Federation for their steadfast support.”
Ignace Lahoud, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, added:
“Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi have been training grounds for these extraordinary athletes for over a year. Their victory is a milestone not only for themselves but for the entire nation. We remain committed to making winter sports accessible and inclusive for all.”
The celebration also highlighted the success of the ongoing strategic partnership between Majid Al Futtaim and Special Olympics UAE, which began in 2024. Through this collaboration, winter sports have become increasingly accessible to athletes with intellectual disabilities. The program focuses on talent development, training, performance monitoring, and fostering readiness for global competition—paving the way for lasting inclusion and athletic excellence.
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