Al ain: The Special Olympics International - Middle East and North Africa (MENA) announced the participation of top Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities, representing 11 countries, in the Special Olympics MENA Regional Equestrian Competition in Al Ain Region from 24-28 August 2025.

According to Emirates News Agency, the Special Olympics MENA revealed the event's details and accompanying activities, confirming the participation of the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Iraq, Tunisia, Bahrain, and Iran.

The event is organized by Special Olympics UAE, in collaboration with Special Olympics MENA, under the patronage of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Police GHQ serves as the hosting partner, while the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation is a supporting partner.

Engineer Ayman Abdel Wahab, Regional President of Special Olympics MENA, stated that this inaugural event marks a pivotal moment and a qualitative step forward, given the significance of equestrian sports as one of the most prominent models of inclusive sports for elite Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities from 11 national programs.