Noor Elakhdar: How an Egyptian athlete of determination found her home in Abu Dhabi

Elakhdar, who competes in swimming, cycling and running and is an active member of the UAE Special Olympics community, is a woman of determination. Her personal story shows how inclusive communities and sporting opportunities can help people pursue their ambitions.

“A home is not just a place where you live. It is a place where you feel you belong, where your dreams have room to grow, and where you can be proud of who you are. That is what Abu Dhabi means to me,” Elakhdar told Gulf News.

From Egypt to Abu Dhabi

Elakhdar’s journey in Abu Dhabi began in 2006, when her family relocated from Egypt seeking a new start. Like many families moving to a different country, they left behind familiar surroundings and memories. Over time, however, the city became their home.

As she grew older, Elakhdar discovered new interests and explored various activities, gradually developing a passion for sports. With the support of her family and those around her, she began taking on fresh challenges and finding ways to develop her abilities.

“I feel grateful that Abu Dhabi is where so many parts of my story have come together, my family, my friendships, my love of sport, and my dreams for the future,” she said.

More than a diagnosis

Elakhdar has trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), autism and ADHD. She is determined that people look beyond these labels and see her as an individual with her own personality, interests and goals.

“I am so much more than a diagnosis. I am an athlete who loves the sea, a young woman who enjoys learning, and a person with dreams and ambitions of her own,” she said.

Sport has become a key part of how she identifies her strengths and builds self-confidence. With guidance from her family and coaches, Elakhdar has learned that progress does not always come quickly and that seeking help is a normal part of the process.

“Abu Dhabi has given our family a place to build our lives and create lasting memories. For me, it is home, the place where I pursue my interests, take on new challenges, and continue to grow. I am grateful to live in a community where opportunities to participate in sport and connect with others can help people of determination feel included and most importantly safe and respectful,” she said.

Competing and inspiring

Elakhdar’s commitment has led to accomplishments she hopes will motivate other people of determination to follow their sporting dreams. One of her proudest moments was winning gold in the inspirational category for intellectual disability at the Oceanman World Finals in Dubai in 2025.

In 2026, she also won a gold medal in triathlon and a bronze medal in open-water swimming at the Special Olympics MENA Regional Games in Tunisia.

She said competing gives her the chance to show that people of determination deserve the same opportunities as anyone else to take part, improve and enjoy the activities they love.

“I hope that when families see my story, they feel encouraged to explore opportunities for their own children. And I hope that when people see me competing, they see an athlete who deserves the chance to participate, improve, and enjoy the sport she loves,” she explained.

Encouraging families and communities

Elakhdar’s experiences have shaped her view of what makes a community welcoming. She said she is thankful to live in Abu Dhabi, where she has been able to take part in sporting activities and connect with groups that encourage participation.

“Give yourself time to feel at home, explore new opportunities, and build connections with the people around you. To families of determination, I would say, believe in your children, discover what makes them happy, and give them opportunities to learn and participate. Their journey may look different from someone else’s, but that does not make it any less meaningful,” she said.

She encouraged families to consider therapeutic equestrian programmes, adaptive recreational activities, art, cooking and other creative programmes that can support independence and self-expression.

“Being part of an inclusive sporting community can be about more than competition. It can be about learning new skills, meeting people with shared interests, building confidence, and feeling that you belong,” she said.

Elakhdar noted that some children may need extra guidance, while others may benefit from repeated practice before they feel confident enough to take part independently.

“I hope more families discover the opportunities available in Abu Dhabi and experience the happiness of seeing their children participate, develop friendships, and celebrate their own achievements,” she said.

Advice and gratitude

Elakhdar’s advice to other people of determination is to allow themselves time to settle in, explore new opportunities and build connections with those around them. She stressed that every person’s journey is different and progress should not be measured by comparing one person with another.

“Abu Dhabi authorities are offering a lot of programmes and laws to improve lives of people of determination. Abu Dhabi communities understand the importance of inclusion,” she said.

“I am especially grateful that Abu Dhabi has become my home and that sport has helped me discover so much about myself. I hope to continue learning, competing, and inspiring others,” she added.

As her own journey continues, her message is that everyone deserves the chance to shine.

“Abu Dhabi is an incredible place for living in and my journey is still unfolding. I am Noor, an athlete, a dreamer and a sunflower who keeps turning towards the light,” she concluded.