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From Ski Dubai to Glory: UAE’s 16-Year-Old Snowboarder Makes History-Themagalogue

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From Ski Dubai to Glory: UAE’s 16-Year-Old Snowboarder Makes History-Themagalogue

A childhood holiday adventure at the age of eight sparked a passion that has now placed Emirati snowboarder Amenah Al Muhairi on the global stage. What began as a thrilling winter escapade has evolved into a groundbreaking journey, as she prepares to etch her name in history as the first athlete from the UAE to compete in snowboarding at the prestigious 2025 Asian Winter Games.

The 16-year-old athlete, set to compete in the championship from February 7 to 14, will proudly represent the UAE as the sole female contender among the nation’s seven-member delegation heading to China.

Before boarding her flight to the Games in Harbin, Amenah expressed her excitement, admitting that she occasionally forgets the historic significance of her journey as the first woman to represent the UAE in the sport. Her voice brimmed with enthusiasm as she shared, “It’s an incredible honor to represent my country on such a grand stage. Being the first at the Asian Games is a remarkable milestone, and I take immense pride in this achievement.”

The young athlete has continually made history for the UAE, achieving remarkable milestones in her sporting journey. Notably, in 2023, she became the first-ever snowboarder from the UAE to compete on the global stage at the prestigious Snowboarding Junior World Championships in Cardrona, New Zealand.

With determination and skill, she made history as she journeyed to the Youth Winter Olympic Games, marking a groundbreaking achievement as the first Emirati to compete in the prestigious event held in South Korea.

From Ski Dubai to Glory UAE’s 16-Year-Old Snowboarder Makes History-Themagalogue

Al Muhairi expressed immense pride in donning the UAE flag during every international competition, highlighting how each occasion serves as a profound reminder of his deep-rooted connection to his homeland.

Breaking barriers as the first woman to ascend to such remarkable heights in this sport undoubtedly brings its share of challenges. However, Amenah, affectionately known as ‘Moon,’ has been blessed with unwavering support from her family, community, and the federation in the Emirates.

“Sometimes, society may cast judgment when an Emirati girl chooses to pursue a sport, but that shouldn’t deter you. Block out the negativity and embrace your passion. Lead by example, trust your instincts, and most importantly, do what brings you joy. If this is your dream, follow it fearlessly,” she shared, offering valuable guidance to young girls aspiring to carve out a future in the world of sports.

Being the sole female in my team has been an incredible experience. It’s given me the opportunity to learn and grow from the remarkable individuals around me, each of them bringing something unique to the table. The dynamic within the team is truly on another level, and I’m grateful for all the lessons and skills I’ve gained. One day, I dream of witnessing an all-female team dominating the world of snowboarding, breaking barriers, and inspiring others along the way.
Teaming up with fellow snowboarder Humaid Al Ansari, this dynamic pair will make history as the first Emirati snowboarders to compete at the prestigious games. “I’m absolutely thrilled about the opportunity to participate in this competition, and I’m looking forward to reconnecting with my friends while we take on this incredible challenge,” they shared, expressing their excitement for the journey ahead.

From Sahara’s Heat to Mountain's Chill

At the age of 10, Moon made the bold decision to pursue a career in winter sports, dedicating herself to the craft with unwavering determination. By 13, she was already competing on the slopes, honing her skills through rigorous training at Ski Dubai and seizing every opportunity during family holidays to sharpen her technique. Her relentless commitment and passion quickly propelled her to the top, earning her the title of the UAE’s premier winter sports athlete.
“My journey into mastering new ski techniques began when I started coaching regularly in Austria, dedicating time each month to refine my skills. While I’m based in Dubai, I continue my training at Ski Dubai, a favorite spot to keep my techniques sharp. The only hurdle I face, however, is the frequent travel required to train internationally. It’s a challenge I gladly embrace for the growth it brings.”

The Story Behind the Name 'Moon'

The athlete shared an interesting insight, revealing that many people don’t recognize Amenah by her actual name, but rather by the nickname she’s come to be known by. “My coach gave me the name ‘Moon,'” she explained, “because the Arabic root of my name translates to ‘Moon.'” This unique connection to her name adds an extra layer of meaning to her identity.
This name was born from the early missteps in her career, where her challenges became a defining part of her journey. “I had a tendency to rush through my jumps and not execute them perfectly,” she recalls, “and my coach would often remind me, ‘Amenah needs to aim for the stars.'” It was these imperfections that became a part of her story, pushing her to reach for greater heights.

The Ultimate Routine to Prepare for Competitions

Amenah believes that physical strength alone isn’t enough to achieve success. While rigorous physical training and endurance are undeniably important, she understands the pivotal role of mental conditioning. She dedicates as much attention to cultivating a strong mindset, focusing on building resilience, focus, and determination. By incorporating mental training into her regimen, she ensures a holistic approach to growth, preparing not only her body but also her mind to overcome any challenges that may arise. This balance of physical and mental fortitude sets her apart in her pursuit of excellence.
Before every game, I carefully map out my approach and engage in a reflective discussion with my mindset coach to align my focus. Whenever I journey to a new country for a competition, I immerse myself in the culture by discovering a song that connects with the essence of the place, playing it repeatedly to inspire and ground me throughout my stay.
Before taking the leap, Amenah follows a series of personal rituals that help center her focus. She starts by slapping her thighs and giving herself a few hearty claps, creating a rhythm of energy. As her favorite song fills the air, she immerses herself in the music, each beat fueling her confidence. Repeating the mantra, “I got this,” she boosts her determination, mentally preparing herself for what’s to come, a perfect blend of self-assurance and readiness.
“While my run may not have gone exactly as I envisioned, I gave it my all,” she shared, reflecting on the experience. Though the outcome wasn’t as perfect as she’d hoped, she remained proud of the effort she put in.
For the Asian Winter Games, her approach to preparation remains strikingly similar to that of her previous competitions. She explains, “I’ve been honing the same set of tricks I intend to perform and constantly remind myself that the only difference here is the competition itself.”
Amenah is setting her sights high, with her eyes fixed firmly on the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. With determination and focus, she’s strategically honing her skills through various competitions, perfecting her technique, and conquering more challenging tricks.
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