Post by : Maya Rahman

The Emirates Ski Academy has officially inaugurated the 14th edition of its cherished initiative entitled “Our Flag Above the Summit.” This annual campaign aspires to elevate the UAE flag atop the highest snowy giants globally, conveying a significant message of pride, unity, and determination. It celebrates the nation’s unwavering resolve to reach new heights—not only in the realm of mountaineering but across all avenues of development and achievement.

The launch took place during a press conference in Dubai, featuring key figures such as His Excellency Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports; Ibrahim Ali Khadem, co-founder of the Emirates Ski Academy; and Waleed Fakih, CEO of McDonald’s UAE, a prominent partner in the UAE Ski Talents Program. The event embodied the spirit of national unity and collaboration that the campaign champions annually.

During the proceedings, His Excellency Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajeri commended the academy for its ongoing dedication to this inspiring national endeavor. He remarked that the initiative transcends merely planting a flag on peaks; it’s about delivering a powerful message of perseverance and hope. “It’s more than just a flag on a mountaintop,” he articulated, “it's a declaration to the world showcasing that the Emirates’ citizens can reach the pinnacle through hard work, cooperation, and dedication.”

Al Hajeri emphasized that the initiative reflects the values of ambition, teamwork, and determination that characterize the Emirati spirit. He encouraged young citizens to aspire to greatness and labor diligently towards their ambitions. “We take pride in this initiative, which embodies our national values and unwavering spirit. We eagerly anticipate our heroes embarking on the Valorance Summit journey, promoting this universal message alongside our strategic partners,” he affirmed.

The Emirates Ski Academy has long been committed to fostering adventure sports among the youth of the UAE, honing their skills in skiing, climbing, and winter sports. This initiative not only promotes physical resilience but also enhances the UAE's image as a nation that cherishes excellence and international collaboration.

Since its inception over ten years ago, the “Our Flag Above the Summit” initiative has evolved into a proud annual event. Each year, skilled Emirati adventurers carry the UAE flag to snowy peaks worldwide, including mountains in Europe and Asia. Each ascent symbolizes a new milestone, representing the nation's unwavering quest for progress and leadership on the global platform.

The initiative aims not only to spur youth participation but also to cultivate international awareness. The Emirates Ski Academy regularly partners with schools, sponsors, and organizations to engage young athletes in training and cultural exchange initiatives. By merging sportsmanship with national pride, the campaign advocates values of bravery, teamwork, and perseverance.

This year’s campaign aligns with preparations for the Valorance Summit Expedition, an international mountaineering venture backed by UAE sports and adventure entities. Participants will strive to raise the UAE flag on one of the notable snowy peaks globally, marking another achievement for the Emirates Ski Academy and the nation’s athletic movement.

Waleed Fakih, CEO of McDonald’s UAE, expressed his pride in supporting this endeavor. He stated, “We are privileged to collaborate with the Emirates Ski Academy to empower young Emirati athletes in achieving excellence and representing our nation worldwide.” Fakih underscored that initiatives like this inspire future generations to embrace active lifestyles while celebrating their national identity.

Over the years, the “Our Flag Above the Summit” initiative has epitomized Emirati unity, pride, and resilience. It exemplifies the belief that success is rooted in teamwork, perseverance, and a vision that transcends limits. Each flag raised on a snowy summit serves as a reminder of the UAE’s transformative journey—from arid deserts to towering peaks—driven by the same ethos that forged a modern, ambitious nation.

The Emirates Ski Academy remains devoted to promoting sports participation, adventure training, and national pride among Emiratis. With robust support from government bodies and private sector allies, the academy aims to broaden its global reach and inspire more youth to represent the UAE in future international sports endeavors.

#Sports News