Emirati skiers to celebrate UAE National Day by raising the flag on the French Alps

Emirati skiers to mark UAE National Day with a flag hoisting in the French Alps

A twelve-member Emirati team will embark on an adventure to the snowy peaks of France’s Val Thorens region to celebrate National Day on December 2. Skiers will climb the Alps and raise the UAE flag over 3,000 meters above sea level.

On Thursday, November 14, UAE Skiers launched the National Skiing Talents initiative to identify and promote Emirati skiers.

Preparation for the trip has been going on for over six months, involving meticulous planning, booking, marketing and technical training. “A dedicated team of photographers will be on hand to capture this momentous event, documenting the journey of these aspiring athletes as they tackle the challenges of high altitude skiing,” he added.

“This initiative aims to nurture local skiing talent and provide a robust training environment beyond the familiar slopes of Ski Dubai,” emphasized Ibrahim. “The rigorous training sessions are designed to prepare these athletes with the utmost readiness to represent the UAE on international platforms.”

He pointed out that the selected team has undergone intensive training, describing the adventure as a sporting and cultural achievement that embodies the spirit of challenge and creativity among Emirati youth.

The selection process of participants for the National Skiing Talents involves assessing their skills at Ski Dubai

“Those who showed professional-level skiing qualified for the trip, while others will get a chance to train and improve,” explained UAE Skiers’ partner and founder Ibrahim Ali Khadem to Khaleej Times. Focused mainly on adults aged 18 and over; However, younger talent may also be considered if they demonstrate the required readiness and ability.

“We launched this initiative in conjunction with the UAE National Day to highlight our national aspirations and the strategic role of the General Sports Authority in developing the talent of Emiratis in various sports,” said Mr Mohammed Khadem, Director of UAE Sports.

The inaugural trip for UAE skiers took place in 2013, when the UAE flag was raised at an altitude of 3,340 meters in Solden, Austria. The initiative has grown with trips to the Matterhorn summit in Switzerland and the Bouglet summit in France.