Athlete finds home and support in Abu Dhabi
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Noor Elakhdar, an Egyptian athlete with multiple diagnoses, found a welcoming community and opportunities to pursue her ambitions when her family moved to Abu Dhabi in 2006.
Elakhdar participates in swimming, cycling, and running as a member of the UAE Special Olympics community. She believes Abu Dhabi is more than just a city to live in, it’s a place where she feels she belongs and can grow.
Elakhdar has trisomy 21, autism, and ADHD, but she wants others to see her as an athlete and individual first. She credits the support of her family, coaches, and the inclusive sporting environment in Abu Dhabi with helping her develop confidence and achieve success. Elakhdar recently won gold in the inspirational category at the Oceanman World Finals in Dubai and earned medals at the Special Olympics MENA Regional Games in Tunisia.
She hopes her accomplishments will encourage other families in the UAE to support their children's interests and recognize their abilities. Elakhdar believes that Abu Dhabi authorities are actively working to improve the lives of people of determination through programmes and legislation.
