Ski Dubai, nestled in the heart of the Middle East, has become synonymous with winter wonder. While it may seem like an unlikely location for snow sports, this indoor ski resort has been a breeding ground for young talents in skiing and snowboarding. In 2023/2024, Ski Dubai proudly presents its Sponsored Team, a group of over 30 exceptional athletes from 11 different nationalities, including a junior team for athletes as young as 7. Join us as we delve into the world of these young snow sport prodigies and discover the commitment, dedication, and dreams that fuel their journey.
A Diverse Cohort of Rising Stars
Ski Dubai’s Sponsored Team for 2023/2024 is a melting pot of talent, boasting athletes from various backgrounds and ages. This diverse group of male and female athletes, hailing from 11 different countries, includes a remarkable 12 Emiratis. The age range of these young talents spans from 7 to 20 years old. This year, Ski Dubai takes a giant leap by extending its sponsorship program to junior snow sport athletes aged 7-10, setting the stage for the next generation of champions.
Ski Dubai’s Commitment to Nurturing Young Talent
Ski Dubai understands the importance of nurturing young talent, and this commitment shines through in their sponsorship program. These promising skiers and snowboarders will receive a comprehensive range of benefits, including unlimited access to the slopes and over 100 hours of coaching from Ski Dubai’s expert instructors, who have groomed numerous elite athletes.
Gear Up for Success
Equipped for excellence, Ski Dubai’s Sponsored Team will receive top-notch winter apparel from premium brands such as Spyder, Volcom, and RAKU. Additionally, they’ll have access to a wide selection of specialized equipment to help them push the boundaries of their sport.
A Multifaceted Team
The 2023/2024 Sponsored Team is not a monolith; it’s a mosaic of different snow sport disciplines. This includes:
- Ski Dubai Freeski Sponsored Team: Masters of freestyle skiing, these athletes will defy gravity with their tricks and jumps.
- Ski Dubai Snowboard Sponsored Team: Snowboarders who carve their way down the slopes with style and precision.
- Ski Dubai Alpine Ski Sponsored Team: Precision and speed define these alpine skiers.
- UAE National Alpine Ski Team: Representing the United Arab Emirates on the international stage.
- UAE National Snowboard Team: Snowboarders proudly flying the UAE flag.
- UAE National Freeski Team: Freestyle skiing ambassadors for the UAE.
Each of these teams will also feature both Main and Junior Development Teams, ensuring that young talent is nurtured from the grassroots to the elite level.
UAE’s Rising Stars
Ski Dubai, in partnership with the UAE Winter Sports Federation, has handpicked athletes who have the potential to become the pride of the UAE on the global snow sports stage. Among them are Amenah Al Muhairi, 16, and Sultan Al Ghandi, 17, who have previously competed in the prestigious FIS Park and Pipe Junior World Championships held in Cardrona Alpine Resort, New Zealand.
A Vision for the Future
Mohammad El Etri, Vice President, Global Snow, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, expresses his excitement, “Congratulations to the newest members of our Ski Dubai Sponsored Team! Given the wealth of talented skiers and snowboarders in the region, this year’s cohort has showcased remarkable progress. Together with our long-standing partners at the UAE Winter Sports Federation, Ski Dubai will continue to support our young emerging snow sport athletes with world-class training in our state-of-the-art indoor ski facilities. We look forward to seeing our Ski Dubai Sponsored Team fly the UAE flag at the world’s most prestigious sporting events.”
Rigorous Selection Process
The Sponsored Team selection process was no cakewalk. Ski Dubai and the UAE Winter Sports Federation left no stone unturned in choosing the cream of the crop. Several factors, including technical skill performance, fitness levels, and coach reports and recommendations, were taken into consideration.
A Shared Mission and Vision
Hamel AL Qubaisi, Vice President, UAE Winter Sports Federation, emphasizes their shared mission and vision, saying, “We have been monitoring closely for talents in snow sports and collaborated with our partner, Ski Dubai, to identify a unique cohort committed to our shared mission and vision. The Sponsored Team will continue to compete internationally and inspire new generations of snow sports’ athletes. We are extremely proud of their dedication and commitment to this emerging field of sports, and we will continue harnessing our resources for more developments in snow sports.”
Ski Dubai’s Decade-Long Legacy
Over the last decade, Ski Dubai has not only provided winter sports enthusiasts with a taste of the mountains but has also fostered a winter sports culture in the MENA region. Every year, more than 90,000 people are introduced to skiing and snow sports through their facilities.
From Athletes to Ambassadors
In 2017, Ski Dubai established the Sponsored Team program (formerly known as the Sponsored Athletes program) with the aim of nurturing young talent and providing a platform for athletes to learn, develop, and hone their skills. It’s not just about creating athletes; it’s about shaping ambassadors for winter sports in the region.
UAE’s Ascent in Snow Sports
The UAE’s journey in snow sports reached a significant milestone in 2022 when it was ratified as a Full Member of the International Ski Federation (FIS). This paved the way for Emirati snow sports athletes to compete on the international stage and for the UAE to host FIS-accredited international competitions.
A Thriving Hub for Snow Sports
Ski Dubai’s impact on the global snow sports scene is undeniable. In 2022 alone, they attracted over 2,000 professional athletes from 45 nations and hosted a total of 42 snow sport events, including 11 FIS-sanctioned events. This year, Ski Dubai has forged partnerships with the UAE Winter Sports Federation, Dubai Sports Council, and UAE Paralympic Committee to host 12 international-level snow sport events.
From January to November: A Snowy Extravaganza
The snow sport calendar at Ski Dubai is jam-packed. It kicks off with the FIS World Snow Day Alpine Ski Race and Freestyle Competitions in January and concludes with the UAE FIS Alpine Ski Slalom Race from 6-9 November. These events not only showcase top-tier athletes but also provide a platform for local talent to shine.
Conclusion
Ski Dubai’s 2023/2024 Sponsored Team is a testament to the region’s growing passion and talent for snow sports. These young athletes, guided by expert coaches and equipped with the best gear, are poised to make their mark on the international stage. As Ski Dubai continues to host top-tier events and nurture future champions, the UAE’s ascent in the world of snow sports shows no signs of slowing down. So, keep an eye on these rising stars as they carve their path through the snowy slopes and inspire generations to come.
