Findings from a new study have found almost three-quarters (73 per cent) of people in the UAE believe the UAE government is highly supportive of People of Determination, compared with 46 per cent across the MENA region.

As the UAE prepares to host Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 next March, a further 76 per cent of UAE residents state that they are aware of government initiatives around disability, compared with 65 per cent in other MENA countries.

The findings of the study, conducted by Nielsen, were previewed at the World Games Unified Summit held to mark 100 days to go until Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

It is the first study of its kind in the MENA region, commissioned by The Local Organizing Committee of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 and Special Olympics MENA to get a better understanding of community attitudes towards disability across the Middle East and North Africa.

Almost nine out of 10 people (87 per cent) in the UAE believe that people with intellectual disabilities can form friendships with people without intellectual disabilities, compared to 78 per cent of people who think this across the MENA region – proving that perceptions in the Games' host nation are changing.

The results of the study are particularly significant given that the UAE is not only home to Emiratis, but also a large population of expats, with people from over 200 different nationalities residing in the country.

Over 68 per cent of people in the UAE and 67 per cent of people in the MENA region said they feel people with intellectual disabilities can play in sports teams alongside players without intellectual disabilities. This reinforces the importance of Unified Sports, a program which aims to break down stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities and encourage individuals with and without intellectual disabilities to interact and engage through shared sports training and competitions.

There is a shared belief in independence and empowerment for People of Determination, with 62 per cent of people in the UAE and 55 per cent of people in MENA countries believing that people with intellectual disabilities are capable of making decisions for themselves.

The majority of UAE residents also feel that members of the community have been open and inclusive with People of Determination, with less than one in three (23 per cent) respondents claiming that the attitude of students, employees and neighbors in the UAE is hindering inclusion.

The power of sport is prevalent across the UAE ahead of the World Games, with caretakers revealing a noticeable positive change in interaction with others and an overall increase in sense of happiness and pride due to participation in sport. Parents pointed out that their children felt more involved, included and welcome as part of a sports team.

The full findings of the study will be released during Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 in March and will include expert interviews to provide insight on the findings and proposed next steps in terms of policy recommendations, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics movement.

Tala Al Ramahi, Chief Strategy Officer at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, says: "As the first comprehensive study of people with intellectual disabilities in the region, this Nielsen study will play a pivotal role in helping us to ensure the correct policies are put in place to create long-term positive change for people with intellectual disabilities.

"As the host nation for the next World Games, one of our key priorities is to ensure that the Games serve as a platform to increase understanding, tolerance and inclusion throughout the region and this study is crucial in ensuring that we have the depth of understanding to create real long-term positive change for People of Determination."

Interest in issues surrounding disability is at an all-time high across the MENA region due to the World Games being hosted in the Middle East and North Africa for the first time next year in Abu Dhabi. The UAE's National Vision 2021 highlights the full integration of people with disabilities into society. As the host of the World Games, the UAE's leadership is spearheading awareness across the region.

With more than 7,500 athletes from 192 nations competing, Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will be the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world next year and will set the benchmark for the most unified Games in the 50-year history of Special Olympic. It promises to be an unforgettable experience for people with intellectual disabilities and those without.

View the study findings: Special Olympics World Games Nielsen Study.pdf

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