The National Olympic Committee (NOC) of the UAE in cooperation with the UAE Winter Sports Federation and Ski Dubai, on Sunday honoured the athletes

From deserts to snow-covered peaks, the Middle East and North Africa are making some serious noise at the Winter Olympics. Milano Cortina 2026 (February 6–22) isn’t just about medals, it’s about trailblazers rewriting what winter sport looks like.

Astridge was born in Cambridge but moved to the UAE as a baby.

It’s amazing for all the kids back in Ski Dubai because they can see that there's a pathway and there's an end goal."

"Amid pressing international conflicts, the Olympics is one of the most significant geopolitical events of the year."

The UAE’s participation in the Winter Olympics is particularly noteworthy, as it will be their first appearance in this prestigious event. Historically, Middle Eastern nations have faced challenges in winter sports due to their predominantly warm climates,

The winter Olympics will feature a new sport. In ski mountaineering, called “skimo” for short, athletes race both up and downhill, alternately wearing and carrying their skis in backpacks. This became an official sport in the 1980s. Switzerland, France, and Italy are likely to dominate the competition.

The 2026 Winter Olympics will officially get underway with a landmark Opening Ceremony to launch the Milano Cortina Games. Fans around the world will be tuning in, and key details around the date, location,