Disabilities and sports are quite the strange bedfellows, can you tell us how the partnership between Topgolf and Special Olympics UAE came about?
The collaboration between Topgolf and Special Olympics UAE was born from a deep-rooted belief that golf should be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. This wasn’t just a corporate initiative, it was a personal mission developed over two years, driven by a desire to bridge the gap and create opportunities for people of determination to engage in a sport that provides joy, accomplishment, and community.
Golf is often seen as exclusive, yet it embodies precision, patience, and passion—qualities that make it accessible to individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. When I examined the UAE’s sporting landscape, I saw an opportunity to expand inclusivity meaningfully.
The Special Olympics has empowered athletes with disabilities across many disciplines, but what if we could take it further? A dedicated venue for golf would not only welcome more athletes but give them space to thrive and find joy.
That’s where Topgolf stepped in. We saw an opportunity not just to introduce golf to Special Olympics athletes, but to create an inclusive space where they could thrive, enjoy, and succeed. The game itself can be adapted to ensure everyone, regardless of mobility or cognitive difference, experiences the thrill of the game.
For me, this wasn’t just about offering a new sport, it was about creating a space where people of determination could stand tall and be champions. Golf fosters confidence, concentration, and community. This partnership isn’t just about competition; it’s about changing perceptions, breaking barriers, and showing that golf has the power to uplift, inspire, and include everyone.
Inclusion, always and forever, the main obstacle. How is Topgolf handling this in terms of access?
At Topgolf Dubai, inclusion is not an afterthought – it’s at the heart of everything we do. The venue has been thoughtfully designed to be accessible to guests of all abilities, including those using mobility aids. From wheelchair-friendly hitting bays to quiet zones for guests with sensory sensitivities, every detail aims to create a welcoming, barrier-free experience.
Our technology is intuitive and easy to use, and our team members are trained to ensure every guest feels supported, respected, and included, reinforcing our belief that play should be accessible to everyone, without exception.
The term handicapped morphed into disabled because a person can be born with or acquire a disability, but it is society that makes him/her disabled by denying them the rights that abled people have. Can you tell us about the technological aspects used at Topgolf to erase this gap?
Technology plays a powerful role in levelling the playing field at Topgolf Dubai. Our ball-tracking system uses microchip-enabled golf balls and real-time feedback screens, allowing players of all abilities to see their progress instantly, regardless of experience or skill level. This gamified format encourages engagement without judgment and celebrates improvement, not just competition.
Additionally, the system is intuitive, user-friendly, and designed for ease of access, eliminating many of the traditional barriers associated with golf and making the game more accessible, social, and fun for everyone.
Where does the Topgolf program fall with the UAE at large’s effort to support people with determination?
Topgolf Dubai’s partnership with Special Olympics UAE reflects our shared commitment to building a more inclusive society for People of Determination. The UAE has made tremendous strides in championing accessibility, integration, and empowerment and this collaboration directly supports those national efforts.
Through the partnership, we provide opportunities for training, friendly competition, and meaningful community engagement, allowing individuals of all abilities to thrive through the power of sport. We are proud to contribute to the UAE’s broader vision by empowering individuals, promoting inclusion through sport, and breaking down societal barriers.
Disabled people, by no fault of their own, sometimes face stigma in society and have their abilities always questioned. Not just in terms of sports. Any ideas on this topic, specifically related to this topic outside of sports?
Stigma often stems from a lack of understanding, exposure, and genuine visibility. That’s why initiatives like this go beyond the realm of sport – they create platforms for People of Determination to be seen, celebrated, and respected.
Outside of the game, Topgolf supports broader inclusion through community engagement, storytelling, and by showcasing the diverse talents and potential of every individual. Beyond the bays, we aim to challenge outdated perceptions, whether in employment, education, or everyday social settings.
We believe that when inclusion is normalized in leisure settings, it sends a powerful ripple effect through society. By starting with play, we can influence attitudes far beyond the game, and help build a more understanding, empathetic world – one swing at a time.
