UAE Flag And Portraits Of Zayed And Rashid Raised At French Alps For Eid Al Etihad Celebrations

The UAE flag and images of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum were displayed on the French Alps. This was part of the 'Our Flag at the Summit' initiative, symbolising the nation's journey and aspirations. The Emirati people's determination to excel in all fields was evident in this symbolic act on an Alpine peak.

The initiative coincided with the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, under the slogan ‘From Desert Dunes to Snowy Peaks’. It was a collaboration between Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, and the UAE Skiers Academy. This event was also part of the ‘Zayed and Rashid’ campaign launched last year under H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's directives.

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Fourteen years ago, the UAE Skiers Academy started its ‘Our Flag at the Summit’ initiative. For the first time, it partnered with a government entity for this event. The collaboration with Brand Dubai highlights the ‘Year of the Community’ in the UAE, soon to be followed by the ‘Year of the Family’. A father and his sons participated, showcasing Emirati unity and community values.

The expedition team included 10 skilled skiers from the UAE who underwent rigorous training. They prepared for challenging terrain and weather conditions at high altitudes. Their ascent culminated in raising both the UAE flag and a portrait of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, creating a powerful image.

The team travelled over 5,000 kilometres from Dubai International Airport to Valtourance resort in France. Their journey began with a 10-hour flight at 36,000 feet altitude followed by a road trip from Geneva Airport covering nearly 220 kilometres. This included about 90 kilometres through winding mountain roads leading to continuous ascents.

Upon reaching their destination, they unfurled a 1x3 metre portrait of Zayed and Rashid alongside the UAE flag on a summit over 3,300 metres above sea level. Despite winter temperatures ranging from -3 to -9 degrees Celsius, they completed their mission successfully.

Celebrating National Pride

Shaima Al Suwaidi from Brand Dubai stated that this initiative embodies UAE's spirit: striving for excellence while believing in youth's ability to achieve tangible results. She mentioned how raising their nation’s flag atop French Alps furthers Brand Dubai’s mission by showcasing inspiring role models among Emiratis across various domains.

Ibrahim Khadem from UAE Skiers Academy expressed pride in announcing their team's arrival in Geneva as part of an exceptional journey featuring ten champions from their academy during Eid Al Etihad celebrations. He highlighted Emirati youth dedication towards leadership ideals while honourably raising their nation’s name internationally.

A Historic Moment

Upon reaching their summit destination where they raised both symbols representing national pride amidst emotional atmosphere filled with prideful singing of national anthem; participants captured photos documenting this historic moment which marked culmination weeks-long preparation reinforcing sense belonging loyalty towards nation leadership.

This initiative aims at fostering patriotism ambition among young people by planting flags on mountain peaks worldwide since inception inspiring countless young Emiratis undertake sporting humanitarian efforts reflecting nation’s values pioneering spirit.

With inputs from WAM