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Athletes

UAE Athlete Starts Bakery Business

“I Can Cookies” – baked with love!
Alia and Tim Shriver pose for a photo together.
Alia and Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver after she won gold in the DanceSport competition at the 2019 World Games in Abu Dhabi.

Alia Al Zaabi is a skilled artistic gymnast who took gold at the 2019 World Games DanceSport competition for Team United Arab Emirates. Now, she’s also a business woman, launching her own cookie company.

“I am proud of my Special Olympics gold medal and how appreciated I felt at the Games. Baking makes me happy and I am optimistic about the future of I Can Cookies.”
Alia Al Zaabi

Through sport and through her work, Alia aims to show the world all that people with intellectual disabilities can do. So, naturally, her business is called, “I Can Cookies.”

And these aren’t just any cookies—they are plant-based, vegan cookies made from 100% natural ingredients. Alia says she wants to promote a more healthy, natural lifestyle that is also good for the environment.

Alia’s start-up business is being supported by the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination in the UAE, as part of a 2019 World Games legacy project. ZHO has launched a number of job-related initiatives for people with disabilities through work training, placement and apprenticeship programs.

Alia is also launching her business on Instagram: @I_Can_Cookies

Meet Alia and learn more about her awesome cookies in this video:

I Can Cookies
Alia Al Zaabi is a skilled artistic gymnast who took gold at the 2019 World Games DanceSport competition for Team United Arab Emirates. Now, she’s also a business woman, launching her own cookie company.

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