For over a year, a group of determined Emirati athletes with developmental and learning disabilities has been training rigorously on indoor ski slopes, snow parks, and ice rinks across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain. Their goal? To represent the UAE for the first time at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin.
Supported by dedicated coaches, the 11-member team—six women and five men—will compete in snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, Alpine skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, and short-track speed skating in the week-long competition beginning on March 8.
Described as the world’s largest sporting and humanitarian event, the Special Olympics World Winter Games will bring together over 1,500 athletes from more than 100 delegations. Each Emirati athlete carries a unique story of perseverance, passion, and the determination to push beyond boundaries.
The Unlikely Path to the Winter Olympics
Many desert nations have attempted to participate in the Winter Olympics, and some have successfully sent athletes to compete in sports like skiing, snowboarding, and even bobsledding. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain—places where snowfall is almost non-existent—have managed to train and qualify athletes for winter sports.
One of the key factors that make this possible is access to artificial training facilities. These countries have invested in indoor ski domes, artificial ice rinks, and high-altitude training camps in colder regions abroad. For instance, athletes from desert nations often travel to Europe or North America to train on natural snow and ice.
The Role of Naturalized Athletes
Another common strategy is the recruitment of athletes with dual nationality. Some competitors representing desert nations were either born or trained in colder regions but later acquired citizenship through heritage or residency. This has allowed desert countries to field experienced athletes without having to develop a full-fledged winter sports infrastructure.
Historic Desert Nations in the Winter Olympics
Several desert countries have already made history at the Winter Olympics:
- Jamaica (though not a desert nation, it shares a similar warm-climate challenge): The Jamaican bobsled team’s inspiring journey, which was even turned into the popular movie Cool Runnings, proved that determination can defy climate limitations.
- Saudi Arabia: In 2022, Saudi Arabia sent its first-ever Winter Olympic athlete, Fayik Abdi, who competed in Alpine skiing.
- Morocco & Lebanon: These Middle Eastern and North African nations have had representation in skiing events, despite being known for their arid landscapes.
The Challenges and Triumphs
Desert nations face significant challenges in competing at the Winter Olympics, including:
- Lack of natural snow and ice: Training facilities are either artificial or require travel abroad.
- High costs: Competing in winter sports often requires expensive equipment, training, and travel expenses.
- Limited local support: Since winter sports are not widely practiced in these regions, gaining sponsorships and government support can be difficult.
Despite these hurdles, athletes from desert nations have showcased remarkable resilience. Their participation is a testament to the spirit of the Olympic Games—where dedication, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence matter more than geography.
The UAE’s commitment to winter sports is growing stronger. World-class facilities allow year-round training, and the passion of Emirati athletes is fueling the nation’s rise in winter sports.
“People are surprised that the UAE has a winter sports team,” says Oliver Saez, Vice President of Global Snow.
“But the facilities here meet international standards. We have the perfect setup for athletes to train all year round.”
This historic debut at the Special Olympics World Winter Games is just the beginning. These trailblazing athletes are not only competing but paving the way for future generations.
“I’m going to be number one, pray for me,” says Salma Al Salami with a confident smile.
With resilience, passion, and unwavering support, the UAE is proving that even in a desert nation, winter sports can thrive.
