Ski and snowboard competition a huge success in Dubai – News

Athletes representing 7 countries take part in international ski competition, including 12 Emiratis

participants of the event. – Photos provided

Ski Dubai, in association with Dubai Sports Council and the UAE Winter Sports Federation, hosted West Asia’s first FIS-level slopestyle skiing and snowboarding competition.

The UAE was approved as a full member of the International Ski Federation (FIS) at this year’s International Ski Congress, following a five-year campaign between Majid Al Futtaim and Ski Dubai in partnership with the UAE Winter Sports Federation.

Over two days (October 17-18), Ski Dubai hosted four FIS-sanctioned ski and snowboard competitions involving more than 28 skiers and snowboarders from seven countries Contest.

As many as 12 Emiratis also participated in the event.

Vidmar Klemen and Povilaviciute Medeine won gold medals in the men’s and women’s ski events. Coleman Harry and Lieshout Van Sam, on the other hand, claimed gold in both men’s and women’s singleboard events.

Mohammad El Etri, Vice President, Global Skiing, Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment & Cinemas, said: “We are very proud to be partnering with the Dubai Sports Council and the Emirates Winter Sports Federation to host the first ever FIS-level slopestyle skiing and snowboarding competition in Dubai. .

“At Ski Dubai, we are committed to developing young talent and fostering a winter sports culture. We have been really impressed by the amount of talent we have seen on the ski slopes over the past two days.

“Having an event like this is vital to realizing our ambition to establish a global snowsports destination in the heart of the desert, and paves the way for skiers and snowboarders from around the world to represent their countries on the international stage.”

Ski Dubai has been driving a huge increase in sports tourism in the region in recent years and has fostered a winter sports culture in the UAE.

Over 80,000 people ski and snowboard every year. This state-of-the-art facility has also become a hub for international competitions such as the World Cup and Para Snowboard World Cup, attracting competitors and spectators from around the world and contributing to the UAE’s tourism industry.

Ski Dubai is the world’s best indoor ski resort, a title it has held for the sixth year in a row.