Special Olympics UAE heads to Cairo for second phase of 10th MENA Regional Games
A 28-member Special Olympics UAE delegation — including 15 athletes — will compete in rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, powerlifting and equestrian at the Cairo phase of the 10th MENA Regional Games.
Special Olympics UAE competes in Cairo phase of MENA Regional Games
Special Olympics UAE will send a 28-member delegation to the second phase of the 10th Special Olympics MENA Regional Games in Cairo from 17 to 23 September 2026. The contingent comprises coaches, technical and support staff and 15 athletes who will contest four disciplines: rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, powerlifting and equestrian.
The delegation travelled following a sustained preparation programme that combined specialised technical coaching with targeted physical conditioning. The focus, organisers said, was to enhance athletes’ skills, bolster their physical readiness and ensure they approach competition with confidence.
Talal Al Hashmi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, said the participation represented an important step in the federation’s work to empower athletes and broaden competitive opportunities at regional level. He underlined the delegation’s readiness to represent the UAE with pride and to gain valuable sporting and personal experience.
The Cairo phase forms part of a revised regional model for the MENA Games. Under the new approach adopted by the Regional Presidency, competitions will take place across five countries and multiple cities during the year, replacing the former model of staging the Games in a single city every four years. The change is intended to widen access and increase participation across the region.
The UAE team’s schedule in Cairo begins with arrival on 17 September, followed by training and divisioning on 18 September. Divisioning will continue on 19 September alongside the official Opening Ceremony. Finals and medal ceremonies are scheduled for 20 September, with a Host Town Programme and Egyptian Cultural Day on 21 September. The Closing Ceremony is planned for 22 September, ahead of delegations departing on 23 September 2026.
Officials also noted that the MENA Regional Games provide an important competitive pathway for athletes aiming to qualify and prepare for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile, in 2027.
By participating in the multi‑country regional format, Special Olympics UAE aims to expose athletes to a broader competitive environment while reinforcing the technical and support systems that underpin long‑term development.
Source: WAM