DUBAI – Emirati snowboarder Amenah Al Muhairi is on the brink of making history as the first UAE athlete to compete in snowboarding at the 2025 Asian Winter Games.
The 16-year-old, who took up the sport as a fun holiday activity at the age of eight, is now set to represent her country on one of Asia’s biggest winter sports stages.
Al Muhairi will be the only female in the seven-member UAE delegation heading to Harbin, China, where the championship will take place from February 7 to 14.
Speaking to Khaleej Times before her departure, she expressed her excitement and pride in representing the UAE.
“I am proud to be able to represent my country at these massive events, especially being the first one at the Asian Games, which is a big achievement,” she said.
A Trailblazer for Emirati Snowboarders
Al Muhairi has already etched her name in UAE sporting history. In 2023, she became the first Emirati snowboarder to compete internationally at the Snowboarding Junior World Championships in Cardrona, New Zealand.
Later that year, she made headlines again by qualifying for the Youth Winter Olympic Games in South Korea—another first for the UAE. “Wearing the UAE flag in every international competition is a tremendous source of pride for me,” Al Muhairi said.
Nicknamed “Moon,” Al Muhairi acknowledges the challenges of being a pioneer in a sport unfamiliar to many in the region. However, she has received immense support from her family, community, and the Emirates’ winter sports federation.
“There can be instances where people react negatively to an Emirati girl taking up this sport, but I don’t care about the judgment. Just do it, take the lead, and trust yourself. If you enjoy it, then you must do it,” she advised young girls aspiring to pursue a career in sports.
From the Desert to the Slopes
Al Muhairi’s journey began at Ski Dubai, where she trained rigorously before advancing to international competitions. By the age of 10, she had decided to take snowboarding seriously, and by 13, she was competing professionally.
Training in Austria on a monthly basis, she continues to refine her skills despite the challenges of living in a region without natural snow. “I think the only challenge I face living here is the constant travel abroad to train,” she said.
Competing alongside fellow snowboarder Humaid Al Ansari, Al Muhairi is determined to leave a mark at the Asian Winter Games. “I can’t wait to go there, take part in the competition, and meet my friends,” she said.
Preparing for the Big Stage
Apart from physical training, Al Muhairi emphasizes the importance of mental preparation. Before every competition, she visualizes her run, consults with her mindset coach, and listens to a specific song that resonates with the host country.
Her routine includes a unique ritual: slapping her thighs, clapping herself, and repeating the mantra, “I got this.”
With her sights set on the 2026 Winter Olympics, Al Muhairi is determined to keep pushing boundaries. “I have been practicing all the tricks I want to do, and I keep reminding myself that it is just the competition that is different,” she said.
For the young athlete, the journey is about more than just medals—it’s about breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.