Emirati Skiers Aim for Winter Olympics Qualification

Photo : WAM

Emirati skiers proudly don the UAE colors as they pursue qualification for the Winter Olympics 2026, capturing hearts on the international stage despite their unlikely origins in a desert nation. Celebrated for their unique journey, these athletes receive enthusiastic support wherever they compete.

Coach Mohammed Moulay, speaking to The National, reflects on the curiosity surrounding their backgrounds: “People are always asking us, even journalists and TV shows, 'You’re from Dubai, how do you guys ski?' We tell them nothing is impossible; we can ski indoors anytime.”

The Emirati team comprises diverse members—from high school students to university scholars and software engineers—united by their singular goal: representing their country at Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in Italy. To secure their Olympic berth, they must meet rigorous criteria, participating in international Alpine skiing events and accumulating essential points.

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Alpine skiing and slalom are pivotal disciplines for their qualification, requiring rapid descents and precise gate navigation. They also embrace freestyle competitions, showcasing acrobatic skills with spins and flips.

Hamda Al Suwaidi, the UAE’s first female Alpine skier, shares her dedication: “I love this sport. I’m the first female Emirati to represent the UAE in Alpine skiing and it’s my No. 1 priority to qualify for the Olympics. I know I can make it happen by training every day, being disciplined, and believing in the goal.”

Her journey began as a teenage hobby, evolving into a passion five years ago. Despite starting later than her European counterparts, Al Suwaidi remains undeterred, training daily after her IT engineering job in Dubai.

The team’s foundation lies at Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates, where they hone their skills under Coach Moulay’s guidance. A former competitive skier himself, Moulay nurtures their potential: “My dream since I was a kid was to participate in the Olympics, but it didn’t happen. I’m not going to compete but I want to be there with my athletes from the desert; it will be a proud moment.”

The UAE’s formal recognition by the International Ski Federation in 2022 paved the way for these athletes, ushering in FIS-accredited competitions at Ski Dubai. Despite challenges such as limited mountain access, they train tirelessly, even traveling to Switzerland and Austria for camps to acclimate to outdoor conditions.

Abdullah Al Rasheed, an aviation engineering student and avid skier, embodies their spirit: “It’s about excitement, joy, adrenaline. No matter how good you are, you need to keep practicing because at any time someone could take your spot. It’s about loving the sport and keeping on going.”

As they strive to break stereotypes and compete with seasoned winter sports nations, these Emirati skiers embody resilience and determination. Their journey not only challenges perceptions but also inspires a growing fan base eager to witness their progress toward Olympic qualification.

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