SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Beyond merely the pride of hosting a global event, the Special Olympics have resulted in a more inclusive society and a more vibrant sporting culture in the UAE.
How do your role and responsibilities contribute to the preparation of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 and the establishment of a solid legacy of social inclusion of people of determination through sport activities?
TALAL AL HASHEMI Special Olympics UAE was founded in 1990 and is dedicated to serving athletes of determination through sports. My role involves developing and conducting a high-quality year-round program of sports training, competitions, athlete's leadership, and healthy athletes, for children and adults of determination. The Special Olympics UAE team works closely with the UAE athletes on a day-to-day basis to ensure they are getting the most out of their involvement with the program. The UAE plays a leadership role in expanding Special Olympics activity throughout the Middle East and North Africa region. Abu Dhabi hosted Special Olympics ninth MENA Games 2018, the third time it has hosted the regional Games. The 2018 edition was the most 'unified' in the history of the Special Olympics MENA, with inclusive teams featuring athletes with intellectual disabilities playing alongside athletes without intellectual disabilities in basketball, tennis, table tennis and football competitions. Through our hard work, we have ensured we have a team participating in all disciplines at the upcoming World Games. We recently recruited our first athlete who will represent the UAE in Tennis, which means the UAE is now taking part in every sports discipline. Special Olympics programming is being introduced through the nation's expanded educational and rehab facilities that allow many athletes to participate in sports and fitness activities and many other empowering programs. Once the World Games are over, Special Olympics UAE will continue its work with the thousands of people of determination it currently works with and ensure they have access to sports training, competitions, and leadership programs around the world.
TALA AL RAMAHI Developing a legacy for the Games means that we work on projects, programs, research and Games-time events that will promote inclusion and empower people with intellectual disabilities. We do so through partnerships with international organizations such as Special Olympics International, and federal and local governmental institutions, in addition to NGOs and the private sector. Part of my role is working on the Community and Legacy Committee. As part of the program, we have kicked off a representative comprehensive survey of people with intellectual disabilities in eight countries in the MENA region. This piece of research will provide the first true baseline of data and insight on people with intellectual disabilities in the region. Leading up to the games, we kicked off Walk Unified and Cycle Unified, two community programs with a simple premise—to get people with and without disabilities to walk and cycle together. These programs have grown into a national movement, and hopefully will become the norm in the UAE and beyond. We will also be commissioning public art pieces to commemorate the games and celebrate the value of inclusion and to raise awareness of people with intellectual disabilities through the arts. We hope to promote inclusion through pairing a person with intellectual disabilities with an artist in order to create a public art piece. Creating change through education will play a big role in the Legacy Program. The UAE aims to engage 100,000 youth through Special Olympics. We are currently working with education organizations to incorporate content on disabilities, inclusion, and Special Olympics into school curriculums. We hope to eventually incorporate the values of Special Olympics into the school curriculum of every single public and private school in the country. The games will serve as a platform to increase understanding, tolerance, and inclusion throughout the nation and region.
What is the strategic framework for the organization of the Special Olympics 2019, and what are the key areas of focus?
KHALFAN AL MAZROUEI The overall framework is clear and is focused on delivering a strategy and vision for the most unified Games in the history of Special Olympics. Taking place under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE's Armed Forces, the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 is an integral part of local, national, and regional plans to expand opportunities for people of determination in line with Abu Dhabi and the UAE's shared vision of a unified and inclusive society. A local organizing committee (LOC) has been formed to bring together talent and knowledge from within the UAE, around the region and internationally. The LOC works alongside Special Olympics International to develop and deliver a strategy as we progress towards the World Games. LOC has several key functional areas that are vital to the smooth running of the World Games, with experts working across each of these areas. Some of these areas include sport, ceremonies, community, and health, amongst others.
What is the hardest aspect of your role in the Special Olympics?
TAH We really want to educated people on the Special Olympics value of participation as opposed to focusing on winning—this is something that is unique about Special Olympics in comparison to other Olympic games. We recognized that we may face challenges in our ambition to find athletes to compete in every Special Olympics sport, so we devised a plan to introduce athletes to sports they may not have experienced, but had affinities with their interests, for example indoor and outdoor swimming.
TAR With any project of this scale, the sheer amount of work to be done is challenging but working on the games is a hugely rewarding experience. Ensuring that we are meeting our ultimate objective of creating long-term change across the region by working with entities and partners to ensure the correct policies are put in place for people of determination to be able to succeed is a huge task, but we are determined to do it.
KAM The major challenges are two-fold—infrastructure and understanding. Abu Dhabi is already a major sporting destination and hosts the Abu Dhabi Formula One each year along with other world-class events, so we just need to work with the skills that are already here and adapt them to the World Games. The public's awareness and understanding about what the World Games represents has massively improved since Abu Dhabi held the IX MENA Games in March 2018. This has helped to bring both the public and private sectors together in understanding what the World Games is all about. The IX MENA Games also provided us with a 'practice run' ahead of the World Games—many lessons were learned, and we have updated our strategic plan to ensure that we do not face the same problems as the World Games.
What are main lessons can be taken away from the experience of hosting the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019?
TAH Working as a Special Olympics National Director in a World Games host country is a unique opportunity—particularly with this being the first time that a World Games is hosted in the Middle East. Seeing the athletes develop as they prepare for the World Games in their home country is incredibly rewarding. We get to see first-hand not only their sports skills improve, but how their confidence improves and all areas of their life become much more positive due to Special Olympics. We also get to see their families' reaction to their development and how proud they are—Special Olympics changes the lives of so many people across the UAE. Prior to my roles with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Special Olympics UAE, I was a goalkeeper for Al Ain Football Club, so I have a unique understanding of how much it means to all of the athletes participating in the World Games to represent their country and interact with athletes from all over the world.
TAR The main lesson has to be meeting so many talented and inspiring athletes and hearing the stories of how Special Olympics has impacted their lives first-hand. I have learnt so much about the power of sport and had the opportunity to witness how it can break down boundaries and help to create a more unified nation. I've learnt that as a society, we have an obligation and national duty to provide people with disabilities with the right platform and opportunities for them to flourish and be an integral part of our nation-building process. This is what Special Olympics was about—it began as a sporting movement but has grown to become so much more because of the doors it has opened for our athletes. I am looking forward to seeing how the Legacy projects we are working on evolve over the next six months and how they will have an impact after the games.
KAM The idea that Abu Dhabi should host the World Games was a government initiative. There was firm backing from the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court as a key stakeholder in the bid for the Special Olympics—having strong government support from the host nation for a World Games is critical. The inclusion and integration of citizens and residents with special needs is a priority for the UAE leadership and is backed by legislation and comprehensive support for people with disabilities of all types, and their families. As well as working closely with government entities, outreach to local communities is key. We want to use such events to create a conversation that includes people of determination and that educates the public on not only their needs, but also how they can contribute to society. We want to build a more tolerant and inclusive society for every single person of determination in this region and around the world through all of the activity leading up to the Games as well as the actual Games.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Focus: Tackling Unlawful Cryptocurrency Use
Crypto Crime
The rapidity and anonymity of crypto-transactions make them attractive not only to risk-prone investors, but also to criminals. Finding an efficient solution that does not completely undermine or overturn the nature of digital currencies is proving to be extremely hard.
read articleGuest Speaker
Juan Carlos Varela, President, Republic of Panama
TBY talks to Juan Carlos Varela, President of the Republic of Panama, on expanding the country's diplomatic footprint, the importance of participating in Expo 2020, and both countries' respective leadership roles as regional entrepôts.
read articleInterview
Rashed A. Al Blooshi, Chief Executive, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
TBY talks to Rashed A. Al Blooshi, Chief Executive of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), on highlighting the opportunities available to companies on ADX, adopting best practices in the field, and further developing the market.
read articleFocus: ADNOC’s Partnership Model
Spheres of Influence
Following the announcement of an expanded partnership model and a more active approach to managing its businesses and portfolio of assets, a series of cooperation accords position the national oil company as a champion of commercial liberalism.
read articleInterview
hmed Omar Abdulla, CEO, Abu Dhabi Polymer Company Ltd (Borouge),
TBY talks to Ahmed Omar Abdulla, CEO of Abu Dhabi Polymer Company Ltd (Borouge), on the impact of its new Borouge 4 plant, specialized solutions for global challenges, and the need to continue to invest in innovation.
read articleInterview
Philippe Peccard, President Middle East Engineering & Investment Projects, Linde Group
TBY talks to Philippe Peccard, President Middle East Engineering & Investment Projects of Linde Group, on being a key partner of its regional partners, developing the downstream value chain, and further enhancing operations with technology.
read articleFocus: In-Country Value
Time to Commit
The announcement of the In-Country-Value program is a significant step for ADNOC and Abu Dhabi in growing the local private sector. Vertically, it will develop the energy industry through a trickle-down effect; horizontally, it will affect other sectors through a multiplier effect in the long-term.
read articleInterview
Ali Vezvaei, Executive President & CEO, Bilfinger Middle East
TBY talks to Ali Vezvaei, Executive President & CEO of Bilfinger Middle East, on its keys areas of focus in the UAE, trends in the hydrocarbons sector, and the application of energy efficiency technologies to new sectors.
read articleInterview
Samia Bouazza, Managing Director , Multiply Marketing Consultancy
TBY talks to Samia Bouazza, Managing Director of Multiply Marketing Consultancy, on satisfying sophisticated consumers with high purchasing power, targeting different categories of the population, and thinking globally while acting locally.
read articleInterview
Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)
TBY talks to Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), on the goals of the national space program, attracting youth to the program, and the significance of KhalifaSat.
read articleInterview
Abdulla Jassem bin Kalban, Managing Director & CEO , Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA)
TBY talks to Abdulla Jassem bin Kalban, Managing Director & CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), on its expansion upstream, strategies to grow the sector, and sustainability initiatives.
read articleInterview
Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman , Department of Health (DoH)
TBY talks to Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health (DoH), on facilitating investment for local and foreign investors and building and maintaining a sustainable workforce.
read articleFocus: Technical Training vs. Academic Teaching
Balanced Learnıng
Abu Dhabi's technical institutes are growing in popularity among young Emiratis; however, finding a balance with more traditional academic programs is paramount to ensure the development of a truly knowledge-based economy.
read articleInterview
Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister , Culture and Knowledge Development
TBY talks to Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, on the Creative Industries Contributions Index, bridging the AI-culture divide, and adopting a systems leadership approach moving forward.
read articleInterview
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman , Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT)
TBY talks to Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi, on the role of innovation, the late Sheikh Zayed's cultural vision, and strengthening cultural engagement among youth.
read articleInterview
Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary , Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT)
TBY talks to Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi, on becoming a beacon of cultural tourism, tailoring its approach to different markets, and penetrating the MICE segment.
read articleInterview
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO , Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC),
TBY talks to Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), on fast-tracking Abu Dhabi's economic diversification, the importance of the Year of Zayed, and technology's impact on the world of event planning.
read articleInterview
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister , Climate Change and Environment
TBY talks to Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, on the UAE's commitment to reducing its ecological footprint, transitioning to a climate-resilient green economy, and the importance of sustainable green finance.
read articleInterview
Neri Askland, Vice President , Middle East and UAE Country Manager of Statoil
TBY talks to Neri Askland, Vice President of Middle East and UAE Country Manager of Statoil, on its efforts to help reduce its carbon footprint, opportunities for R&D in the area, and its collaboration with Masdar.
read articleFocus: Nuclear Energy
The Nuclear Option
The UAE is the first country in the MENA region to develop nuclear power, with Abu Dhabi's Barakah nuclear power plant. The Emirate hopes to achieve energy security and embrace alternative sources of energy, ensuring full cooperation and support from the international community.
read articleInterview
Christer Viktorsson, Director General , Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR)
TBY talks to Christer Viktorsson, Director General of Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), on the role of the institution in advancing the nuclear energy regulatory environment, the Barakah Power Plant, and the importance of an integrated network.
read articleInterview
Eng. Omar Husain Al Hashmi, Acting Managing Director , Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC),
TBY talks to Eng. Omar Husain Al Hashmi, Acting Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC), on its successes with STEP, helping Abu Dhabi to reduce its carbon footprint, and its successful Emiratization policies.
read articleInterview
Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director General , Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA)
TBY talks to Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director General of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), on the Farmers Income Support Program, the UAE's agroecological climate, and introducing intelligent control systems.
read articleInterview
Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman, Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM)
TBY talks to Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman of Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM), on coordinating joint-investment programs and strategic alliances with the private sector and integrating technology within developments and services.
read articleInside Perspective
Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Undersecretary of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Economy
Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Undersecretary of Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Economy, on efforts to enhance the UAE's intellectual property framework, creating a knowledge-based economy, and fostering a culture of innovation.
read articleInterview
Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Mubadala Investment Company
TBY talks to Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Mubadala Investment Company, on the company's diversification strategy, its technology investments, and its focus on innovation.
read articleFocus: Economic Stimulus Package
Desert Breeze
Abu Dhabi unveiled the new stimulus package, Ghadan 21, in effort to counter the post-oil crisis slowdown. While it might be too soon to call for the end of austerity measures, it definitely signifies the leadership's commitment to grow the Emirate's economy.
read articleInterview
Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Chairman, Statistics Centre- Abu Dhabi (SCAD)
TBY talks to Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Chairman of Statistics Centre-Abu Dhabi (SCAD), on its efforts to improve data collection and lower costs, innovative statistical development tools, and its Emiratization policies.
read articleInterview
Saeed Al Neyad, Director General, Abu Dhabi Monitoring and Control Centre (ADMCC)
TBY talks to Saeed Al Neyadi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Monitoring and Control Centre (ADMCC), on being a critical enabler for various key partner organizations, efforts to increase Abu Dhabi's competitiveness in tourism and commerce, and improving the quality of life for citizens and visitors.
read articleInterview
Nick Cochrane-Dyet, Chairman, British Business Group (BBG)
TBY talks to Nick Cochrane-Dyet, Chairman of British Business Group (BBG), on Abu Dhabi's forward-looking strategy, the need for British firms to continue to bring value to the Emirate, and areas of opportunity for the UK.
read article
