Winter Sports in UAE Show Fast Growth and Big Global Goals
Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: WAM
ABU DHABI: Winter sports in the UAE are growing quickly, with strong results in world and regional competitions. Thanks to a clear development plan, the country is finding young talent, building strong national teams, and hosting major ice and winter sport events.
The UAE joined the International Ice Hockey Federation in 2001. Since then, it has worked with global partners, shared expert knowledge, and joined many international training programs. This support helps UAE teams stay active and competitive every year.
The UAE national ice hockey team takes part in the Ice Hockey World Championship each year and plays in the Asian Winter Games every four years. The women’s ice hockey team competes yearly in the Asian Challenge Cup. The under-20 youth team also joins continental tournaments every year. This shows the country’s steady and long-term commitment to winter sports.
Modern ice rinks and sports centers across the UAE have helped the sport grow faster. These facilities allow the country to host international tournaments, train young players, and support more women to join winter sports.
Ice hockey became an official sport in the UAE in December 1998. It quickly became popular among young people in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai. The sport grew with the help of new ice rinks and the large number of residents from countries where ice sports are common.
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In 2009, Abu Dhabi hosted the Asian Challenge Cup. The UAE team won first place, marking an important moment for the sport. After that success, the Abu Dhabi Ice Hockey Club was created, later renamed the Abu Dhabi Winter Sports Club.
UAE teams have earned many medals over the years. They won first place in the Hong Kong Asian Championship in 1999 and second place in 2000. In 2022, they won gold at the Gulf Games in Kuwait. On the world stage, the UAE won Division II of the Ice Hockey World Championship in Turkey in 2023 and Division III titles in Luxembourg in 2022 and 2019. They also won the Asian Para Ice Ski Championship in 2021 and the 10th Asian Ice Hockey Championship in 2017. In 2024, the team finished third in two major events — the World Championship Division II A in Serbia and the Asia-Oceania Championship.
Other winter sports are also moving forward. In 2026, the UAE qualified for the World Junior Championship in freestyle skating for the first time. The country also qualified for the Winter World Games in Cortina, Italy, in skiing in February 2026.
Sports officials say the federation will continue to grow winter sports through more competitions, better training plans, and talent search programs. Future goals include building stronger teams, helping women athletes, and increasing cooperation with international sports groups.
With steady planning and strong support, the UAE is working to become a recognized name in winter sports around the world.
