Meet Ali Bin Sumaidaa: A Special Olympics athlete with a passion for life and the perfect brew
At just 20 years old, Ali has already made his mark as a silver medalist in Division 1 at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. But his talents extend beyond the fairways—he is also a skilled barista and the proud owner of Vivace, a speciality coffee shop in Abu Dhabi.
Whether he's fine-tuning his golf swing or perfecting a coffee blend, Ali approaches everything he does with equal precision and passion.
'I always knew I wanted to compete at the World Games in Abu Dhabi (March 2019), so I trained very hard to achieve my goal,' recalls Ali whose golf journey began when he was just 14 in September 2018 at the Yas Links in Abu Dhabi.
With the guidance of Omar Al Bastaki, a UAE golfer, Ali worked tirelessly on his game. 'We practised chipping, putting, and even shots over the bunker,' he says. 'Long putts, short putts—everything that you could encounter in a round of golf. I put in the hard work, and I knew I was ready to compete, maybe even win.'
His commitment paid off as Ali won a Silver Medal at Level 1.
'Omar helped me a lot. By 2023, we were pushing even harder to prepare for the Special Olympics in Berlin. I shot a 48 in the first round and improved to a 46 in the second round, which won me the silver medal,' Ali says proudly. The event was played in an alternate-shot foursomes format, testing strategy and skill.
For Ali, living with special needs has never been a limitation—it has been a driving force. He trains relentlessly, setting his sights on the 2027 Special Olympics in Santiago, Chile, where he hopes to bring home another medal for the UAE. 'For People of Determination, there are no boundaries,' he says.
Off the course, his love for coffee is just as strong. Ali has mastered the art of brewing, even winning competitions for his blends. 'I love experimenting with flavours,' he says. 'Making a cup of coffee is like playing a golf shot—precision and patience make all the difference.'
At Vivace, his café in Abu Dhabi, customers don't just come for coffee; they come for an experience, a conversation, and a glimpse into the extraordinary adventure of a young man who pours his heart into everything he undertakes.
Whether he's lining up a putt or crafting the perfect 'Latte Art', Ali approaches life with contagious enthusiasm. As he trains for the next chapter of his journey, one thing is certain – whether it is on the golf course or at his coffee shop Vivace, Ali Bin Sumaidaa is a champion in every sense.
'I hope to qualify for the next Special Olympics in 2027,' he says. 'See you in Santiago, Chile!'
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