In a bold and heartfelt move that blends leadership with lived experience, Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has officially approved a new, inclusive Board of Trustees for Special Olympics UAE. But this isn’t just another boardroom reshuffle—it’s a landmark moment in the UAE’s unwavering mission to champion inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for People of Determination.
What makes this board truly special? For the first time, it will be led by Engineer Sharif Afif Al Shami, not just a seasoned professional, but the proud father of a Special Olympics UAE athlete. This sends a powerful message: families aren’t just participants in the journey—they are architects of the future. By placing a parent at the helm, the organization reinforces its deep commitment to family engagement and athlete-centered leadership.
The newly appointed board includes members from across the spectrum of UAE society—spanning healthcare, education, media, and government—many of whom are either parents or athletes themselves. This isn’t token inclusion; it’s authentic representation. The board now embodies the very spirit of the Special Olympics movement: driven by love, rooted in community, and focused on empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Through this restructuring, Sheikha Mariam continues to steer the Special Olympics UAE toward greater impact, aligning with the UAE’s national vision for inclusive growth. The emphasis is clear: build with the community, not just for it.
This revamped leadership team is tasked with more than oversight. They are the strategic storytellers, the voice of every athlete and family, guiding programs that promote social integration, athletic excellence, and national pride. With initiatives tailored by those who live the reality, the UAE is making it clear that inclusivity is not a policy—it’s a way of life.
