For the first time in history, the United Arab Emirates will be represented at the World Transplant Games (WTG), set to take place in August 2025 in Dresden, Germany. A driven and determined team of organ transplant recipients and living donors will carry the UAE flag under the banner of Hayat, the National Programme for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation.
This landmark moment follows the UAE’s 2024 membership in the World Transplant Games Federation (WTGF), a global initiative promoting health, athleticism, and the celebration of life after transplant. The WTG is the world’s largest event for transplant athletes, donor families, and living donors – showcasing the resilience, courage, and vitality of those who have experienced the life-changing gift of organ donation.
Dr. Ali Al Obaidli, Chairman of the UAE National Transplant Committee said: “Global statistics of the total number of transplants suggest that sadly only 10% of those who need organs to survive get them. We need to come up with more initiatives to increase the number of organ donation by investing in the systems and building integrated models within healthcare and other stakeholders that enables the population to exercise their right to donate and save lives.”
“The National Programme for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, ‘Hayat,’ is a synergy of collaborative efforts of many federal and local entities, as well as governmental and private institutions to achieve a lofty goal based on saving the lives of many, and instilling hope for the well-being of communities in the UAE and the region.”
Dr Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “The UAE’s debut at the World Transplant Games reflects the country’s belief in the transformative power of organ donation. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we are privileged to be part of a national ecosystem that delivers world-class transplant care, while reflecting its strength and the impact of medical innovation on the global stage.
These inspiring athletes are our ambassadors of hope, embodying the very purpose of our mission, to provide care and research for health. Their journeys are a testament to medical innovation, compassionate care, and the boundless potential that the UAE has to offer. We are honored to support this milestone and remain committed to advancing transplant care and wellness in the region.”
Team UAE is more than a group of athletes. They are living proof that life after transplant isn’t just about surviving, it’s about thriving. Each member’s journey stands as a testament to tenacity, medical innovation, and the transformative power of human generosity.
Meet the Athletes (@UAEtransplantathletes):
- Hind Juma – Living kidney donor. After years of watching her mother suffer through dialysis and a failed transplant, Hind donated her kidney in 2022. Today we’re both thriving with renewed energy, I’m back on the training track, carrying a shared reminder that resilience, patience, and a little stubborn love can rewrite even the toughest prognosis” she says. @Hind_Juma
- Katie Larkins – Liver transplant recipient & UAE Team Manager. Diagnosed in 2021 and saved through the first organ exchange between the UAE and Kuwait, Katie is now leading Team UAE. “I hope to inspire other recipients to take this gift and do amazing things with it, to honour my donor, to celebrate the hard work of the medical team who saved me, and thank the UAE for believing that my life was worth saving,” she shares. @the_expat_organ_lady
- Omar “OT” Tom – Two-time kidney transplant recipient. A transplant athlete and entrepreneur, OT is competing in the 100m and 200m sprints. “As one of the founding members of Team UAE, I’m not just racing for gold, I want to be able to inspire future transplant recipients and build a legacy for transplant athletes in the UAE,” he says. @OTofficial
- Fatima Rashid – Kidney transplant recipient. From her first 4.4 km jog one month after surgery to training for multiple track and field events, Fatima’s journey is rooted in advocacy and endurance. “I’m constantly pushing boundaries – because every
- movement now feels like a celebration. Each step and throw a tribute to resilience, recovery, and the incredible gift of life,” she says. @KidneySoldier
- Justin Anthony – Double lung transplant recipient. After battling pulmonary hypertension, Justin is now breathing freely and thriving. “May my story inspire others to never give up. I was living on borrowed time, with being on oxygen 24/7, and just when I thought it was the end, my miracle came through,” he reflects. @jusbreathe_ph
- Husena Beguwala – Double lung transplant recipient. After years of misdiagnosis, Husena found a second chance through transplant. Her mission is to raise awareness around PH, mental health support for transplant recipients, and the power of organ donation to rewrite lives. @HusenaSB
Team Manager Katie Larkins said: “The UAE’s participation in the games reflects its commitment to promoting organ donation, celebrating transplant recipients and encouraging active lifestyles, proving that life after transplantation can be active and fulfilling.”
As pioneers, Team UAE carries the spirit of Hayat and the promise of a better future – where second chances are celebrated, myths about life post-transplant are debunked, and hope is restored for thousands awaiting their turn. From honouring donors and building public awareness, to proving that transplant recipients can be elite competitors – Team UAE demonstrates purpose and pride.
