UAE Team Gears Up For 2026 Winter Olympics With Ski Dubai Partnership
The United Arab Emirates is taking significant strides towards enhancing its presence in winter sports, particularly skiing, as it gears up for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. In a landmark move, the UAE Winter Sports Federation and Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment’s Ski Dubai have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership underscores their dedication to the UAE National Team's preparation and success in the upcoming global event.
The collaboration between the two entities is set to provide the UAE National Team with comprehensive support through training camps, resources, and more. This initiative not only aims to bolster the team's performance but also marks a pivotal moment in the promotion and development of snow sports within the nation. The agreement was formalized in a ceremony attended by notable figures including Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director-General for the General Authority of Sports, and Ignace Lahoud, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment.
Since the inception of Ski Dubai in 2005, there has been a concerted effort to cultivate a vibrant winter sports scene in the UAE. This partnership is a continuation of those efforts, with both parties expressing their commitment to advancing this cause. Hamel Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Vice President of the UAE Winter Sports Federation, emphasized the federation's dedication to achieving excellence in skiing and other winter sports. This commitment has already borne fruit, as evidenced by the UAE's participation in the Winter Youth Olympics in South Korea.
Mohammad El Etri, Managing Director UAE & Oman & Global Snow Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, reflected on the journey since Ski Dubai's launch. He highlighted how the facility has been instrumental in discovering and nurturing young Emirati talents, enabling them to achieve significant milestones on both local and international stages. The partnership aims to continue this legacy by providing the UAE National Ski Team with unparalleled opportunities to excel at the 2026 International Winter Olympics.
The MoU signifies more than just a commitment to sports development; it represents a strategic alliance that will leverage Ski Dubai's facilities and expertise to prepare the national team for one of the most prestigious events in winter sports. Furthermore, this collaboration is set to work in tandem with efforts by the UAE National Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the Dubai Sports Council to enhance other sports sectors across the country.
This agreement heralds a new era for winter sports in the UAE, promising not only to elevate the performance of its athletes on the international stage but also to inspire a new generation of sports enthusiasts within the nation. As preparations for Cortina 2026 continue, this partnership stands as a testament to the UAE's ambitious vision for its athletes and its broader aspirations on the global sports landscape.
With inputs from WAM
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