Special Olympics UAE celebrated the successful conclusion of its 2026 Cooking Club with a graduation ceremony held on Sunday, 18 October, at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. The event welcomed over 70 participating athletes and caregivers, recognizing their achievements following a five-week program designed to build confidence, independence and sustainable, healthy lifestyle habits through cooking.
The Cooking Club is a flagship initiative that empowers People of Determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities by developing essential life skills, improving nutritional awareness, encouraging sustainability and creating opportunities for social connection in an inclusive setting. Over five virtual sessions, athletes learned to prepare balanced meals, make healthier food choices, practice kitchen safety and apply their skills at home.
Commenting on this year’s edition of the Cooking Club, Areen Abuhijleh, Health Program Manager at Special Olympics UAE, said:
“We are delighted to see the Cooking Club continue its success with each edition and to see the strong interest and engagement it has generated across the Special Olympics UAE community. With every edition, we draw on our athletes’ experiences and feedback to develop the program and introduce new activities that suit their needs and interests. Our goal goes beyond teaching cooking skills and preparing nutritious meals; we also aim to encourage athletes to adopt healthy eating habits that improve their health, build their self-confidence, and support their independence in daily life. We are proud of the enthusiasm and progress our athletes have shown over the five weeks, and we value the support of their families and our partners, who contributed to the success of this experience.”
During the closing celebration, athletes who participated in this year’s Cooking Club, along with caregivers and partners, took part in a live cook-along experience led by the culinary team at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. Reflecting on the experience, Chef Russell Impiazzi, Executive Chef at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, expressed his pleasure at being part of the initiative and described it as a valuable opportunity to witness participants’ growth through food. He said:
“It’s always a pleasure to welcome the Special Olympics UAE Cooking Club to Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. What makes this event so special is seeing the athletes come in with so much excitement and then watching their confidence grow as they cook, follow the steps and share the experience with their families. It’s a very genuine and joyful program to be part of and we’re proud to support it.”
Spinneys, the program’s Fresh Food Partner, provided a selection of fresh ingredients for the occasion. These ingredients enabled participants to prepare a variety of healthy dishes together, showcasing the skills and knowledge they had gained throughout the program while reinforcing the importance of making healthy eating accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Caroline Corr, Brand & Campaign Manager at Spinneys, shared:
“We are proud to support the Special Olympics UAE Cooking Club as Fresh Food Partner and to contribute to a program that makes healthy eating practical, enjoyable and accessible for athletes and their families. Seeing People of Determination build confidence in the kitchen, learn about fresh ingredients and take these skills back into their homes is incredibly meaningful. At Spinneys, we believe that good food brings people together and this initiative is a wonderful example of how nutrition, community and inclusion can create lasting impact. Food is health, food is connection, food is community, food is everything.”
This year’s edition continued to place athletes at the heart of the experience, giving them the opportunity to demonstrate their progress in a supportive, hands-on environment. From learning simple food preparation techniques to understanding nutrition and sustainability, the program encouraged athletes to take an active role in the kitchen while strengthening their confidence and independence.
Reflecting on Saif Ahmed Jalal’s journey, his mother, Dina Elhoseiny shared:
“We are truly grateful to Special Olympics UAE and the Cooking Club for this wonderful experience, which has contributed greatly to Saif’s development in many ways. The program has helped him build his skills, confidence and independence and become more comfortable and capable in the kitchen. The celebration was a fitting culmination of his journey, and we are very proud to see his progress highlighted through the Cooking Club.”
The event concluded with each participant receiving recognition for their dedication, enthusiasm and progress. The graduation marked not only the end of this year’s program but also a celebration of the confidence, friendships and practical life skills developed along the way.
About Special Olympics UAE:
In 2017, Special Olympics UAE was re-established as an independent public benefit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of People of Determination, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Her Highness Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was appointed Honorary President of the organization.
The organization aims to empower People of Determination with intellectual or developmental disabilities through sports, while providing leadership opportunities to help them showcase their talents and integrate into the wider community.
Special Olympics UAE has launched a variety of community programs, including those focused on families and young athletes. It has also introduced initiatives to support the inclusion of People of Determination in society.
Special Olympics UAE received international recognition from the International Special Olympics Foundation in the United States in December 2017.
