Autistic Indian teen from Dubai honoured by UAE Sheikh for breaking barriers

Dubai: Indian teen from Dubai, Zayne Merzi Sodawaterwala, a trailblazing person of determination on the autism spectrum, was honoured last week for a remarkable achievement at just 14 years old.

On March 5, Zayne etched his name in the Guinness World Records as the youngest person to complete a 10km inline skate, clocking an impressive time of 40 minutes and 4 seconds.

But he didn’t stop there. Just three weeks later, Zayne powered through a staggering 42.55km – more than a full marathon – on skates in 4 hours and 27 seconds. Since then, he has continued to gain recognition from some of the UAE’s most influential figures.

During last week’s celebration of International Yoga Day, which coincided with Father’s Day in the UAE, Zayne was felicitated by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE; and Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza.

What stood out most for Zayne was the moment of personal encouragement from Sheikh Nahyan, which he described as “truly unforgettable.”
“That moment was more than an honour – it was a God-sent blessing that answered my father’s prayers, and one I will carry in my heart forever,” he said.

Zayne’s father, Merzi Sodawaterwala, always dreamed of seeing his son stand on his own feet and never let disability become a barrier to success. The proud father revealed that Zayne learned inline skating solely by watching YouTube videos and remained determined despite sustaining injuries during practice.

In recent months, Zayne has also been recognised by prominent personalities such as Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. Significantly, Special Olympics UAE has lauded his resilience and record-breaking accomplishments.

“In this Year of Community, being embraced by this great nation made me feel what every child deserves to feel: that you belong, you matter, and your story is seen,” Zayne said.

In a world racing ahead with artificial intelligence, Zayne says he relies on his own kind of AI – authentic intelligence.
“I wish to see a world where no one is left behind, and every person of every ability can thrive with dignity and purpose,” he said.

In March, the Indian Embassy honoured Zayne with a Diplomatic Award, and he continues to receive support from Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir.
“It is a blessing I will cherish forever,” Zayne said.

Being felicitated by India’s tennis legend Sania Mirza was yet another highlight.
“She is a global icon who broke barriers. She gives me hope that one day I too can break the glass ceiling not just in inline skating as a sport, but as a symbol of freedom, movement, and inclusion for all.”

His father Merzi added: “Such encouragement fuels Zayne’s fire to dream and achieve a limitless future.”