• Study published in leading medical journal Frontiers in Oral Health
• Analysis based on 656 athletes screened across 10 health events
• Findings support the development of evidence-based oral health programs for People of Determination

Abu Dhabi, UAE – May 6, 2026 – Special Olympics UAE has announced the publication of a peer-reviewed scientific study in the internationally recognized medical journal, Frontiers in Oral Health, marking a significant milestone in inclusive health research and reinforcing the UAE’s global leadership in this field.

Drawing on data collected through the Healthy Athletes program, the study reflects a structured, institutional approach to leveraging field data to inform the development of specialized healthcare services for People of Determination, enhancing responsiveness to athletes’ needs and improving the quality of care provided.

The research covers 656 athletes screened across 10 health events held between September 2022 and July 2025, within the Healthy Athletes program’s Special Smiles Discipline. This represents one of the most comprehensive datasets of its kind in the UAE and the wider Middle East and North Africa region.

The findings identify key indicators that support the advancement of oral healthcare practices, enabling the design of more effective preventive and awareness programs. They further reinforce the critical role of early detection and systematic data collection in elevating healthcare services in line with international best practices.

His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, said: “This study represents a significant step in embedding an evidence-based national approach to the development of specialized health programs within Special Olympics UAE. It reflects the outcomes of health screenings conducted since 2022 and establishes a robust knowledge base to inform healthcare policy and guide the design of more precise and effective interventions. It further demonstrates the strength of collaboration between health, academic, and research institutions, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in developing inclusive healthcare models that empower athletes and enhance their quality of life in the long term.”

The study was developed in collaboration with Apollonia Dental Center, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Dubai Academic Health Corporation. Contributors included Areen Abu Hijleh, Health Program Manager at Special Olympics UAE; Dr. Asma Al Nabtah, Medical Education and Research Officer at Apollonia Dental Center and faculty member at the College of Health Sciences, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University; Dr. Salma Al Bahnasawi from the Clinical Services Department at Apollonia Dental Center; and Dr. Anas Salami, Consultant in Pediatric Dentistry and faculty member at Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Dr. Asma Al Nabtah said: “This research paper is the result of oral and general health screenings conducted by the Special Olympics UAE health programs team, in collaboration with health leaders and volunteers. The standardized and structured methodology used in collecting and recording data played a critical role in the study’s successful peer review and publication. The findings align with existing scientific literature indicating that People of Determination are at higher risk of oral health conditions due to biological and behavioral factors. This highlights the need for specialized care models, early preventive interventions, and targeted awareness programs.”

Dr. Anas Salami added: “Transforming real-world screening data from Special Olympics athletes into scientific evidence has enabled the development of the first comprehensive regional perspective on their oral health needs. Beyond presenting health indicators, this work establishes a scientific foundation to inform policy development, guide the design of targeted preventive and treatment programs, and strengthen the commitment to equitable healthcare for those most in need. We hope these efforts will contribute to sustainable improvements in awareness and access to specialized oral healthcare services for Special Olympics athletes across the UAE and the region.”

The Healthy Athletes program is one of the flagship initiatives of Special Olympics UAE, providing free, specialized health screenings across a range of disciplines, including oral health, hearing, and vision, with a focus on early detection, preventive practices, and connecting athletes to appropriate care.

This publication adds to a growing record of achievement, including the UAE’s recognition as a “Healthy Community” and the development of the Unified Healthcare program, which has since been adopted in multiple countries. These milestones reflect the UAE’s sustained leadership in advancing inclusive healthcare at both regional and global levels.

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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 Mohammed 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 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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