Special Olympics UAE Honors Winners of the Golisano Local Health Leadership Awards

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – May 15, 2025—Special Olympics UAE, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, hosted a special ceremony yesterday to present the prestigious Golisano Local Health Leadership Awards. These awards recognize exceptional efforts to advance inclusive healthcare for People of Determination. The event serves as a key milestone in promoting community health and inclusive practices by honoring organizations and individuals who have made a tangible impact on the care and empowerment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The ceremony, held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), coinciding with the 25th International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) World Conference, recognized ADNOC with the Golisano Award for its outstanding role as a strategic partner in health programs. Since 2023, ADNOC has been a steadfast supporter of Special Olympics UAE, contributing to its health programs that delivered over 1,200 health checks in 2024. ADNOC also provided essential training for healthcare and allied professionals to strengthen inclusive healthcare practices across the country.

This year, the Autism Intervention Specialists Centre was also recognized for its pioneering initiatives in training university students on inclusive care skills. The Centre successfully trained 766 students from over six universities, enhancing the capabilities of the next generation of care providers.

In a first for the awards in the UAE, the ceremony included the presentation of an individual award to Dr. Ilhaam Saeed Abbas, recognizing her instrumental role as Special Olympics Special Smiles Regional Clinical Advisor. Dr. Ilhaam has trained several new Clinical Directors, including 20 trainees from Saudi Arabia (12 from Dammam and eight from Jeddah), nine in Morocco, and 18 in the United Arab Emirates. She also supports mentors who work alongside Health Messengers with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Dr. Ilhaam has been actively involved in various volunteering initiatives across the MENA region, including the Special Olympics World Games, and UAE Games, reflecting her deep commitment to supporting the community.

His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE, said: “We are honored to celebrate the Golisano Health Leadership Awards, a milestone in our ongoing journey to advance inclusive health and care for People of Determination in the UAE. These achievements would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our wise leadership, which places the health and well-being of People of Determination as a national priority.

His Excellency also extended his gratitude to Special Olympics UAE’s partners: ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, and the Autism Intervention Specialists Centre—recognizing their invaluable contributions as an integral part of the nation’s progress toward providing efficient and professional care for all members of society.

H.E Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, said: “We believe that building a healthier society starts with inclusion. Health systems must be designed not only to treat, but to understand, empower, and uplift every individual, especially People of Determination, who continue to show us the true meaning of resilience and community. Our partnership with Special Olympics UAE reflects this vision and reinforces our commitment to developing accessible, person-centered models of care that prioritize dignity, participation, and long-term well-being for all.”

Supported by the Golisano Foundation, one of the world’s leading organizations promoting community inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Golisano Awards recognize national honorees who may be nominated for the Golisano International Health Leadership Award. This global distinction is one of the highest honors in inclusive healthcare within the Special Olympics movement.

Nomination for the international award is based on strict criteria set by Special Olympics International, including the organization’s commitment to serving the Special Olympics community and its contribution to advancing inclusive health services that promote sustainable community inclusion.

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About Special Olympics UAE:

In October 2017, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced Special Olympics UAE as an independent organization dedicated to changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was appointed as the Honorary President..

The organization aims to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through sports while providing them with leadership opportunities to help them display their talents and integrate them with mainstream society.

Special Olympics UAE has launched a variety of community programs, including those focused on families and young athletes. It has also introduced a number of initiatives to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to create a more inclusive society.

The Special Olympics of the UAE received international recognition from the International Special Olympics Foundation-USA in December 2017. 

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