Special Olympics UAE hosted a ceremony at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre to mark the accreditation of 16 healthcare facilities as Unified Healthcare Providers and to honour strategic partners and medical leaders who champion inclusive health. Thirteen Special Olympics UAE athletes were also appointed as Health Messengers.
The accredited facilities completed training through the Unified Healthcare Providers Programme, launched 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. The programme trains medical and administrative teams to provide equitable, accessible care for People of Determination.
This year’s accredited organisations include Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Hospital, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, NMC Shahama Hospital and Sakina Platform, among others. Five clinical directors were also recognised for their contributions to advancing inclusive healthcare.
The UAE has maintained its Healthy Community designation for the fourth year in a row under the Special Olympics International Healthy Communities Programme, which aims to reduce global health inequities affecting People of Determination. In the UAE, the programme continues to expand, supported by strong participation from healthcare partners who deliver screenings, awareness campaigns and training. ADNOC, the strategic partner for all Special Olympics UAE health initiatives, played a central role in sustaining this achievement.
Partners acknowledged for their efforts in promoting 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. Eleven additional supporters — such as Dubai Health Authority, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha), Touch of Health Rehabilitation Center, Curaprox and Al Dana Medical Center — were also recognised.
Thirteen new Health Messengers and 15 health mentors were announced. This programme equips People of Determination with leadership, public-speaking and digital communication skills, enabling them to advocate for healthy lifestyles, challenge misconceptions and promote inclusion.
Health Messenger graduate Arti Shah said, “My experience in the Health Messenger programme was amazing. I learned many new things and how to express myself with more openness and confidence. It showed me that no matter what you dream of, never give up. Anyone can overcome challenges and make a difference.”
Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, emphasised that the organisation’s mission includes empowering People of Determination to contribute meaningfully to national development. He noted that inclusive health and community programmes — developed since 2019 as part of the legacy of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 — aim to ensure the highest standards of care and quality of life.
Through initiatives such as Healthy Communities, Unified Healthcare Providers and Health Messengers, Special Olympics UAE continues to strengthen inclusive healthcare and empower People of Determination to live active, fulfilling lives.
(Inputs from WAM)
