Emirates NBD determined on UAE Paralympic success

The UAE’s pursuit of a record haul of medals at the quadrennial Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2020 will receive a major boost with the support of Emirates NBD, one of the leading banks in the region.

A new partnership between Emirates NBD and the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) will provide essential funding for the NPC to prepare for next year’s event and the largest ever UAE team representation at a Paralympic Games. The UAE has delivered impressive performances in previous editions of the Games, winning three medals at the London 2012 Paralympics, and a total of seven medals at Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

H.E. Mohammed Al Hameli, Chairperson of the UAE Paralympic Committee said, “In recent years we have worked very hard to raise the Paralympic Movement in the UAE to a higher level, as evidenced by participation and success at recent championships. I would like to thank Emirates NBD for their support, which will not only provide valuable funding for our elite athletes, but also contribute to a schedule of community engagement activities to increase sporting opportunities for all individuals with physical disabilities.” 

Fuad Shaiban, Senior Vice President, Head of HR Business Partnership, Emirates NBD, said: “The visionary leadership of the UAE believes in the culture of willpower and determination and Emirates NBD shares this vision to make the impossible possible. The Paralympic movement embodies the very best values of sport and inclusivity, aligning perfectly with the goals of the UAE Year of Tolerance and the bank’s efforts for people of determination, under our flagship #TogetherLimitless advocacy platform. We hope to witness UAE Paralympic history in Tokyo next year, but our greatest wish is to continue the advancement of opportunities for people of determination, and to celebrate inclusivity in our society.”

The UAE is set to host the World Para Athletics Championship from 7-15 November, with more than 1,300 athletes from over 100 countries expected to participate. The Championships will take place at the new athletics stadium of the Dubai Club for People of Determination and will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

“The UAE continues to make great progress as a force in the International Paralympic movement,” said powerlifting gold medalist, Mohammad Khamis Khalaf. “As a proud Paralympian and UAE national athlete it provides great encouragement to see the business community supporting our cause. I commend Emirates NBD for their progressive support.”  

Emirates NBD joins two other NPC partners: Mubadala and Borealis.