Latest news with #SpecialOlympicsUAE
Al Etihad
16-05-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Part of PureHealth, Sakina launches strategic partnerships to support neurodiversity and mental health services
16 May 2025 13:43 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Sakina, a subsidiary of PureHealth, has signed two agreements with the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education, operated by The New England Center for Children (NECC), and Special Olympics UAE for comprehensive mental health agreements aim to significantly enhance access to specialised neurodiversity and mental health services for children and People of Determination across Abu agreements reflect significant advancements in expanding Sakina, reinforcing inclusive, person-centred care through integrated service delivery models and active community combining clinical expertise with institutional capabilities, these collaborations aim to meet the growing needs of neurodiverse individuals and their families through early intervention, tailored therapies, inclusion, and capacity-building for the professional collaboration with NECC, Sakina clinicians will deliver services in autism care and education, such as training programmes for parents, educators, therapists, and other healthcare professionals. By partnering with Special Olympics UAE, Sakina enhances inclusive mental health support by leveraging the organisation's expertise in community engagement. This collaboration introduces tailored initiatives for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering awareness and connecting more families to essential resources for a stronger, more inclusive of Mental Health Initiatives and the Wellbeing of Children at Sakina, Shaikha Hamda Khalifa Al Nahyan, said, 'This is more than just a signing, it represents a shared commitment to something far greater than ourselves. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Sakina and all the partners for establishing this important collaboration. This moment is deeply meaningful to me personally and holds great promise for the many lives that will be positively impacted by what we are building together. We are united in advocating for every child's right to thrive, to be empowered, and to reach their full potential. Moments like these reflect our nation's strong belief in the power of support, compassion, and collaboration. We are not addressing a challenge that needs to be fixed, we are standing alongside remarkable children whose unique abilities are to be understood, celebrated, and supported.'Chief Executive Officer, Sakina, Dr Zain Al Yafei, said, "By partnering with NECC, and Special Olympics UAE, we exemplify our commitment to inclusive care. These collaborations revolutionise access to specialised mental health and neurodiversity services, empower individuals, support families, and foster tailored initiatives for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, we are bridging gaps, promoting equity, and building a compassionate, resilient community where everyone can thrive." These collaborations reflect Abu Dhabi's strategic vision of fostering inclusive communities and advancing excellence in healthcare. By uniting specialist expertise, empowering caregivers, and raising community awareness, Sakina and its partners are establishing a new standard for neurodiversity-focused mental health services in the region, ensuring that every individual has access to compassionate, high-quality care.
Gulf Today
27-04-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
ECAE hosts 11th edition of annual Autism Day Forum
In line with the UAE's leadership vision to promote inclusivity in education and as part of the Year of Community 2025, the Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) hosted the 11th edition of its annual Autism Day Forum on April 24. Held during Autism Awareness Month, the forum brought together educators, families, and advocates for educational and social inclusion with an aim to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders and promote inclusive practices that strengthen family and community ties, encourage cooperation, and support integration within the education system. Since its launch in 2014, the annual forum has been an integral part of ECAE's ongoing efforts to involve the UAE community in building a more supportive and inclusive educational environment. The 2025 edition featured in-depth discussions on inclusion, community engagement, and collaboration. It opened with a speech by a student with autism from Special Olympics UAE, followed by a keynote address from Dr May Laith Al Taee, Vice Chancellor of ECAE. Dr Al Taee said: 'At ECAE, we believe that inclusion is a shared social responsibility that extends beyond schools, classrooms, and institutions. It requires comprehensive collaboration across all segments of society to integrate individuals on the autism spectrum and empower them to take active roles within the community. This vision aligns with the goals of the Year of Community and creating inclusive spaces rooted in the values of cooperation and collective responsibility, ultimately driving progress for all.' Dr Al Taee highlighted that Autism Day is recognised as a national platform that unifies educational and community efforts to improve learning opportunities, raise awareness, and enhance the educational capabilities of individuals with autism. Including autistic students in UAE schools enriches the educational experience for all learners. The forum featured a range of innovative activities and initiatives highlighting the importance of inclusive education and presenting successful integration models. The programme included awareness sessions, student-produced videos on inclusion, and a segment focused on different types of inclusive education that addresses learning challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and anxiety. A panel discussion titled Inclusion: From the Classroom to the Community brought together educators and policymakers to offer a comprehensive perspective on inclusion, exploring both its challenges and opportunities. The session included contributions from the Ministry of Education, Hemam for Inclusive Education services – ALAZZA, Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education, and Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, along with examples of collaborative models that emphasised the essential role of families, schools, and communities in building an inclusive society. More than 13 organisations and institutions participated in the forum, including the Ministry of Education-affiliated schools, local and international centres, and students of determination, who presented their innovative projects and initiatives. The forum served as a unified platform for sharing experiences and best practices, supporting the advancement of an inclusive educational ecosystem in the UAE. Attendees also participated in interactive activities that celebrated the achievements of individuals with autism and highlighted successful inclusive education practices. The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the UAE's commitment to building an educational and social environment that values diversity and recognises the essential role each individual plays in building a sustainable and inclusive future. The Dubai Autism Centre launched its 19th month-long Autism Awareness Campaign on April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day. The campaign features a diverse range of events and activities, including the commemorative illumination of several iconic landmarks in Dubai in blue in celebration of World Autism Awareness Day. Additionally, the campaign will include weekly workshops in schools across the UAE to educate teachers and staff on early detection methods for autism, along with weekly segments on the 'Balsam' show on Noor Dubai TV to raise autism awareness. The Dubai Autism Centre will also offer free early detection and comprehensive assessment sessions for children with autism and developmental disorders.
Zawya
26-04-2025
- General
- Zawya
Emirates College for Advanced Education marks UAE Year of Community with 11th Annual Autism Day Forum
Abu Dhabi: In line with the UAE's leadership vision to promote inclusivity in education and as part of the Year of Community 2025, the Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) hosted the 11th edition of its annual Autism Day Forum on April 24. Held during Autism Awareness Month, the forum brought together educators, families, and advocates for educational and social inclusion with an aim to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders and promote inclusive practices that strengthen family and community ties, encourage cooperation, and support integration within the education system. Since its launch in 2014, the annual forum has been an integral part of ECAE's ongoing efforts to involve the UAE community in building a more supportive and inclusive educational environment. The 2025 edition featured in-depth discussions on inclusion, community engagement, and collaboration. It opened with a speech by a student with autism from Special Olympics UAE, followed by a keynote address from Dr May Laith Al Taee, Vice Chancellor of ECAE. Dr Al Taee said: 'At ECAE, we believe that inclusion is a shared social responsibility that extends beyond schools, classrooms, and institutions. It requires comprehensive collaboration across all segments of society to integrate individuals on the autism spectrum and empower them to take active roles within the community. This vision aligns with the goals of the Year of Community and creating inclusive spaces rooted in the values of cooperation and collective responsibility, ultimately driving progress for all.' Dr Al Taee highlighted that Autism Day is recognised as a national platform that unifies educational and community efforts to improve learning opportunities, raise awareness, and enhance the educational capabilities of individuals with autism, including autistic students in UAE schools enriches the educational experience for all learners. The forum featured a range of innovative activities and initiatives highlighting the importance of inclusive education and presenting successful integration models. The programme included awareness sessions, student-produced videos on inclusion, and a segment focused on different types of inclusive education that addresses learning challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and anxiety. A panel discussion titled Inclusion: From the Classroom to the Community brought together educators and policymakers to offer a comprehensive perspective on inclusion, exploring both its challenges and opportunities. The session included contributions from the Ministry of Education, Hemam for Inclusive Education services – ALAZZA, Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education, and Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, along with examples of collaborative models that emphasised the essential role of families, schools, and communities in building an inclusive society. More than 13 organisations and institutions participated in the forum, including the Ministry of Education-affiliated schools, local and international centers, and students of determination, who presented their innovative projects and initiatives. The forum served as a unified platform for sharing experiences and best practices, supporting the advancement of an inclusive educational ecosystem in the UAE. Attendees also participated in interactive activities that celebrated the achievements of individuals with autism and highlighted successful inclusive education practices. The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the UAE's commitment to building an educational and social environment that values diversity and recognises the essential role each individual plays in building a sustainable and inclusive future.
Gulf Today
15-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE athletes from Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin get heroes' welcome
Majid Al Futtaim's Ski Dubai, in partnership with the UAE Winter Sports Federation, welcomed the UAE delegation of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 at a homecoming celebration in their honour. The ceremony was held at the Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, reinforcing the nation's commitment to championing and advancing inclusion in sports. The UAE delegation, composed of 11 athletes of determination, proudly represented the nation as their largest team to date at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. Held from March 8-15, the delegation achieved outstanding success, securing an impressive tally of 16 medals, including four gold, five silver, and seven bronze medals. During their homecoming celebration, the athletes showcased their world-class talent by performing a synchronised skiing and snowboarding run and carrying the UAE Flag and Special Olympics Flag on the snow-covered slopes of Ski Dubai, in front of their families, coaches, senior officials from the UAE Government and Special Olympics UAE, Majid Al Futtaim. The event was graced by Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of the Special Olympics UAE, Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, Ignace Lahoud, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, Mohammad El Etri, Managing Director of Operations of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, and representatives of Special Olympics UAE. Hashemi said 'We are incredibly proud of our athletes who represented the UAE with passion, perseverance, and pride at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. Their remarkable achievement of 16 medals is not just a testament to their talent, but also to the power of inclusion and what can be accomplished when individuals of determination are given the opportunity to thrive. 'Our heartfelt thanks go to Majid Al Futtaim and the UAE Winter Sports Federation for their unwavering support in preparing our delegation. This homecoming celebration is a reminder of the progress we are making as a nation towards building a more inclusive sporting community.' Lahoud said: 'We are extremely proud to see our homegrown athletes achieve the historic victory they deserve. For over a year, our world-class facilities at Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi have been a training ground for their incredible talent, determination, and resilience, and now the rest of the world has witnessed it too.' 'Majid Al Futtaim is committed to making winter sports accessible for all, right in the heart of the desert. Through the transformative power of sports, we aim to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity among people of determination. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Special Olympics and UAE Winter Sports Federation to continue achieving the extraordinary.' Since 2024, the ongoing partnership between Majid Al Futtaim and Special Olympics UAE have made winter sports even more accessible to athletes with intellectual disabilities by focusing on talent identification, team building, skill development, performance monitoring, and overall readiness, empowering them to reach new heights and represent their country on the global stage.
Mid East Info
14-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE Athletes from Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 Celebrate Homecoming at Ski Dubai - Middle East Business News and Information
11 UAE athletes of determination return home with 16 medals after competing in six winter sports from 08-15 March in Turin, Italy Homecoming celebration was hosted by Majid Al Futtaim's Ski Dubai, in partnership with Special Olympics UAE and UAE Winter Sports Federation Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Majid Al Futtaim's Ski Dubai, in partnership with the UAE Winter Sports Federation, proudly welcomed the UAE delegation of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 at a homecoming celebration in their honour on 10 April at Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, reinforcing the nation's commitment to championing and advancing inclusion in sports. The UAE delegation, comprised of 11 athletes of determination, proudly represented the nation as its largest team to date at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. Held from 08-15 March, the delegation achieved outstanding success, securing an impressive tally of 16 medals, including 4 Gold, 5 Silver, and 7 Bronze medals. During their homecoming celebration, the athletes showcased their world-class talent by performing a synchronised skiing and snowboarding run and carrying the UAE Flag and Special Olympics Flag on the snow-covered slopes of Ski Dubai, in front of their families, coaches, senior officials from the UAE Government, Special Olympics UAE, Majid Al Futtaim, and key media partners. The exclusive event was held in the presence of H.E. Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of the Special Olympics UAE, Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, Ignace Lahoud, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, Mohammad El Etri, Managing Director of Operations of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, and representatives of Special Olympics UAE. H.E. Talal Al Hashemi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE, said 'We are incredibly proud of our athletes who represented the UAE with passion, perseverance, and pride at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. Their remarkable achievement of 16 medals is not just a testament to their talent, but also to the power of inclusion and what can be accomplished when individuals of determination are given the opportunity to thrive. Our heartfelt thanks go to Majid Al Futtaim and the UAE Winter Sports Federation for their unwavering support in preparing our delegation. This homecoming celebration is a reminder of the progress we are making as a nation towards building a more inclusive sporting community.' Ignace Lahoud, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, said, 'We are extremely proud to see our homegrown athletes achieve the historic victory they deserve. For over a year, our world-class facilities at Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi have been a training ground for their incredible talent, determination, and resilience, and now the rest of the world has witnessed it too.' 'Majid Al Futtaim is committed to making winter sports accessible for all, right in the heart of the desert. Through the transformative power of sports, we aim to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity among people of determination. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Special Olympics and UAE Winter Sports Federation to continue achieving the extraordinary.' Since 2024, the ongoing partnership between Majid Al Futtaim and Special Olympics UAE have made winter sports even more accessible to athletes with intellectual disabilities by focusing on talent identification, team building, skill development, performance monitoring, and overall readiness, empowering them to reach new heights and represent their country on the global stage.
