UAE’s First Male Alpine Skier at Winter Olympics 2026

The United Arab Emirates is set to mark a historic moment at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, as Alex Astridge becomes the first male alpine skier to represent the nation on the Olympic stage. Astridge, alongside teammate Piera Hudson, will compete in Alpine Skiing on 16 February, flying the UAE flag for the first time at a Winter Games.

This milestone is the result of a decade-long partnership between Majid Al Futtaim’s Ski Dubai, the UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC), and the Winter Sports Federation (WSF), aimed at developing world-class winter sports talent in the region.

Speaking about his achievement, Astridge said, “This moment is incredibly special to me. I’ve grown up here in the UAE, and every step of this journey has been shaped here. I dedicate this achievement to the UAE and I’m deeply grateful to Ski Dubai, the UAE Winter Sports Federation, and the UAE National Olympic Committee for believing in me, nurturing my talent, and giving me the opportunity to represent the nation at the Winter Olympic Games. Wearing the UAE colours on the Olympic stage is something I’m immensely proud of.”

Mohammad El Etri, Managing Director of UAE/Oman at Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, added, “Ski Dubai began as a bold idea—that world-class winter sports talent could be developed right here in the region. Today, that vision has become a powerful reality. This historic milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners who share our belief that the desert can produce winter champions. We wish Alex and Piera the very best as they take on this incredible challenge. Make us proud, as you make history.”

Astridge’s journey began at Ski Dubai, where he first learned to ski at age three. By age 10, he was selected for the Ski Dubai Sponsored Team, a programme designed to identify and develop promising talent through elite-level training. As the region’s first indoor ski resort and a ten-time winner of the World Ski Awards, Ski Dubai played a pivotal role in Astridge’s progression from grassroots enthusiast to Olympic-qualified athlete.

The achievement also reflects Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment’s long-term investment in the UAE’s winter sports culture. Since 2005, Ski Dubai has delivered over 1.5 million lessons, while flagship community events such as the Ice Warrior Challenge (since 2009) and DXB Snow Run (since 2020), in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council, have expanded participation across Dubai’s diverse population.

In 2022, Ski Dubai, in close collaboration with the UAE Winter Sports Federation, led the UAE’s ratification as a Full Member of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). This status enabled the country to host Para World Cups, Asian Cups, and Olympic qualifying races, giving homegrown athletes a platform to compete internationally.

Ski Dubai’s initiatives align with the UAE National Sports Strategy 2031, aiming to elevate the nation’s global sporting profile. Through regional ventures—including Snow Abu Dhabi, Snow Oman, and Ski Egypt—Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment continues to create sustainable pathways for local talent. Alex Astridge’s upcoming debut in Milano Cortina 2026 underscores the UAE’s emergence as a permanent contender in the global winter sports arena.