UAE Makes Winter Olympic Debut at Milano-Cortina 2026 with Pira Hudson and Alexander Astridge

UAE Becomes First Arab Nation to Compete in the Women’s Giant Slalom

The United Arab Emirates marked a historic milestone in its sporting journey with its first participation in the Olympic Winter Games at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, held from 6 to 22 February and featuring around 2,900 athletes competing in 114 medal events across eight sports and 16 disciplines.

Pira Hudson, representing the UAE national ski team, competed in the women’s alpine skiing giant slalom, recording a time of 1:08.1 in the first run. The discipline is among the most technically demanding on the Olympic programme, requiring exceptional edge control and rapid turning precision.

The event saw Italy’s Federica Brignone take gold, Sweden’s Sara Hector secure silver, and Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund claim bronze.

Hudson is scheduled to continue her participation in the slalom event next Wednesday at the Olimpia delle Tofane course in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Meanwhile, Alexander Astridge competed in the men’s alpine skiing event alongside 96 athletes, confirming the UAE’s presence in both the men’s and women’s categories at the Games.

His Excellency Juma Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the UAE Winter Sports Federation, said the UAE’s participation in the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its international presence in winter sports and showcasing national talent across disciplines, adding that competing in the Women’s Giant Slalom represents a landmark moment in the history of winter sports in the UAE.

Hudson expressed her pride in representing the UAE at the global event, noting that commitment, hard work and continuous development define belonging, and that wearing the national emblem carries a responsibility she values as she strives to deliver a performance reflecting the trust and support she has received.

His Excellency Ibrahim Khadem, Board Member of the UAE Winter Sports Federation, said the participation of Team UAE reflects the country’s dedication to developing winter sports despite climatic challenges, highlighting that it is the outcome of advanced preparation and training programmes designed to enhance athletes’ readiness for international competition and to reinforce the UAE’s global sporting presence.

Astridge added that his journey in skiing began in the UAE, where he learned the sport and developed values of commitment and respect, describing representing the country as both a responsibility and an honour and noting that his Olympic participation is a story that started at home.