Braving freezing temperatures of -3ºC, a UAE team scaled the French Alps and proudly displayed the national flag alongside portraits of the country’s founding leaders atop the snowy peaks.
On the snowy peaks of the French Alps, UAE team unfurls flag and founding leaders’ portraits in freezing -3ºC weather.
Eid Al Etihad is traditionally a time when the UAE comes alive in a spectacular display of patriotism, with buildings, monuments, cars, and streets adorned in a vibrant cascade of red, white, green, and black. Portraits of the nation’s founding fathers often accompany this visual celebration, reminding citizens and residents alike of the country’s journey, achievements, and heritage. Every year, the UAE’s streets, public spaces, and iconic landmarks transform into a tapestry of national pride, leaving one with the impression that they have already seen the pinnacle of celebration. Yet, in 2025, the spirit of Eid Al Etihad was taken to an entirely new level—this time, far from the desert landscapes that define much of the Emirates, and high above sea level, in the snow-clad heights of the French Alps.
Under an initiative titled “From Desert Dunes to Snowy Peaks,” a dedicated team of UAE skiers undertook a remarkable mission that fused national pride with adventure. The team embarked on the challenging ascent of the French Alps, navigating steep slopes, icy terrain, and subzero temperatures that ranged between -3 and -9 degrees Celsius, demonstrating both endurance and unwavering patriotism. At the summit, the team proudly unfurled large-scale images of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father and first president of the UAE, alongside Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the visionary ruler of Dubai who played a pivotal role in the country’s formation. Alongside these portraits, the UAE’s national flag was raised, its vibrant colors standing in bold contrast to the pristine white snow surrounding them.
This extraordinary act symbolized a seamless connection between the UAE’s iconic desert landscapes and the majestic snow-capped mountains of Europe. The initiative not only paid tribute to the nation’s founders but also underscored the UAE’s spirit of exploration, determination, and global presence. The visual of the national flag fluttering against the Alpine backdrop, with portraits of the nation’s visionaries, created a striking image of unity and reverence, reminding everyone that patriotism transcends geography and climate.
The team’s expedition required meticulous planning and preparation. Skiers had to equip themselves with specialized gear to endure the frigid Alpine conditions, including thermal clothing, protective equipment, and navigation tools. Every step of the journey, from trekking through icy trails to ascending steep slopes, demanded physical stamina, technical skill, and a disciplined approach to safety. Yet, the members of the UAE team remained undeterred, motivated by the profound significance of their mission: to honor the legacy of the country’s leaders while celebrating the unifying spirit of Eid Al Etihad in an unconventional and inspiring setting.
Beyond the physical and logistical challenges, the initiative carries a deeper symbolic meaning. It reflects the UAE’s journey from humble beginnings in desert lands to becoming a nation recognized globally for its vision, innovation, and achievements. The snowy peaks of the French Alps, while geographically distant, became a canvas for expressing the UAE’s pride, values, and the enduring legacy of its founding fathers. By taking Eid Al Etihad celebrations to such a dramatic and unusual environment, the country demonstrates that patriotism and national pride can be celebrated in bold, imaginative ways that resonate both locally and internationally.
In essence, the “From Desert Dunes to Snowy Peaks” initiative transcends the ordinary commemorations of Eid Al Etihad. It combines adventure, endurance, and national pride into a visually compelling and emotionally resonant tribute to the UAE’s heritage and founding leaders. The image of the UAE flag and portraits of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid fluttering atop the French Alps will remain a powerful reminder of the nation’s values, the resilience of its people, and the limitless possibilities that arise when courage and patriotism meet determination and vision. This year, Eid Al Etihad was celebrated not only in the deserts and cities of the UAE but also on the snow-draped heights of Europe, creating a story of national pride that transcends borders and climates alike.
A select team of the UAE’s most accomplished skiers, drawn from the UAE Skiers Academy, undertook a remarkable expedition that blended adventure with national pride. The team, consisting of ten elite athletes, began their journey in Dubai, departing for Geneva, Switzerland, which served as their international gateway to the French Alps. From Geneva, they traveled onward to the Valtrans Resort, a renowned Alpine destination known for its challenging slopes and breathtaking snow-covered vistas. This resort provided the ideal base for the skiers to acclimate, fine-tune their skills, and prepare for the arduous summit ascent that lay ahead.
Recognizing the extreme demands of the mission, the team underwent intensive preparatory training designed to equip them both physically and mentally for the climb. This rigorous preparation included navigation across icy slopes, balance exercises on challenging terrains, and acclimatization drills to adjust to the high-altitude, low-temperature environment. Temperatures in the Alps during this period ranged from -3 to -9 degrees Celsius, requiring not only stamina and endurance but also careful attention to safety protocols and weather conditions. Each skier had to be proficient not just in skiing but also in mountain survival techniques, ensuring that the team could handle sudden changes in weather, icy patches, and the technical complexities of the Alpine environment.
The culmination of their efforts was nothing short of spectacular. Standing over 3,300 metres above sea level, the summit provided a dramatic backdrop for a symbolic act of patriotism. At the peak, the team unfurled a 3×1-metre portrait of the UAE’s founding fathers, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, alongside the national flag of the UAE. The installation of these iconic symbols atop the snow-clad mountain was a testament to meticulous planning and coordination. Each element, from transporting the portraits to securing the flag in the Alpine winds, required careful execution and teamwork, reflecting the same discipline and dedication that had been instilled in the skiers throughout their preparation.
This expedition went beyond the mere physical challenge of climbing a snowy summit; it served as a vivid expression of national pride and cultural heritage, bringing a piece of the UAE to the highest points of the French Alps. The portraits of the nation’s founding fathers, coupled with the national flag, created a striking visual against the pristine snow, symbolizing the UAE’s unity, vision, and enduring respect for its leaders. The sight of these symbols standing tall amid the winter weather, in conditions that would challenge even the most experienced climbers, highlighted the determination, courage, and spirit of adventure that defines the UAE Skiers Academy and its athletes.
In essence, the journey of these ten skilled skiers transformed a challenging Alpine ascent into a celebration of Emirati identity on a global stage. The combination of careful training, high-altitude endurance, and patriotic symbolism made this expedition a unique homage to the country’s leaders, bridging the gap between the desert landscapes of the UAE and the snow-capped peaks of Europe. By the time the UAE flag and the portraits were proudly displayed atop the 3,300-metre summit, it was clear that the mission had succeeded not only in its adventurous objective but also in reinforcing the country’s enduring spirit of innovation, courage, and national pride.
In a heartwarming and symbolic extension of the UAE’s patriotic traditions, the latest expedition by the UAE Skiers Academy carried a special familial touch, perfectly aligning with the country’s official theme for 2026, ‘Year of the Family.’ Among the team of elite skiers undertaking the challenging Alpine ascent was a father and his sons, highlighting the values of family, unity, and intergenerational collaboration that the nation seeks to celebrate throughout the year. Their presence underscored the initiative’s commitment not only to fostering athletic excellence and adventure but also to promoting strong family bonds, which have long been central to the UAE’s social and cultural ethos. By including a multi-generational team member dynamic, the expedition added a deeply personal and human dimension to the national celebration, showing how patriotism and family pride can coexist in extraordinary, high-altitude endeavors.
Upon reaching the summit of the French Alps, standing more than 3,300 metres above sea level, the climbers were met with a breathtaking vista of snow-capped peaks stretching in all directions. It was here that the UAE’s national anthem was sung, a moment imbued with profound emotion and pride. The crisp Alpine air carried the notes of the anthem across the mountaintop, creating a moving experience for both the climbers and the observers documenting the occasion. This musical tribute, performed in such an extraordinary and unforgiving environment, captured the essence of the UAE’s identity and unity, linking a nation known for its deserts, modern cities, and coastal vistas to one of the world’s most iconic mountain ranges. Following the anthem, the summit team captured a series of photographs that immortalized the historic moment: the UAE flag flapping proudly in the wind, the portraits of the founding fathers standing tall amid the snow, and the climbers themselves beaming with accomplishment. These images are set to become emblematic reminders of the country’s pioneering spirit and love of adventure.
The expedition’s success was no accident; it was the culmination of a comprehensive training programme designed to prepare each participant for the unique challenges posed by the high-altitude, snow-covered terrain. The skiers underwent extensive conditioning to adapt to colder temperatures, thin air, and physically demanding slopes. Training modules included endurance drills, ice navigation techniques, avalanche safety education, and practical exercises in carrying and securing heavy equipment. Each member also received guidance on how to perform under extreme weather conditions, ensuring that the team could remain safe and coordinated while achieving their ambitious goal. This careful preparation was crucial not only for the physical success of the climb but also for maintaining the team’s morale and cohesion in one of the most challenging natural environments on the planet.
This latest mission forms part of the ‘Our Flag at the Summit’ initiative, which was launched by the UAE Skiers Academy 14 years ago with the goal of instilling a spirit of patriotism, resilience, and ambition among the country’s youth. The programme has become a symbol of national pride, inspiring young Emiratis to pursue excellence in sports, adventure, and humanitarian activities. Through this initiative, participants have been encouraged to raise the UAE flag on mountain peaks around the world, combining physical endurance with a symbolic gesture of national unity and pride. Over the past decade and a half, the initiative has seen the flag planted on numerous renowned summits, ranging from the challenging slopes of the Himalayas to Europe’s tallest peaks, each expedition reinforcing the ideals of courage, leadership, and dedication.
The broader significance of the initiative lies not only in its physical accomplishments but also in the way it inspires young people to channel their energy toward meaningful pursuits that reflect the UAE’s core values. Many participants, after completing summit missions, have gone on to engage in sporting competitions, educational projects, and humanitarian efforts, carrying forward the principles of perseverance, teamwork, and service to the nation. The programme thus serves as a bridge, connecting Emirati youth to a legacy of achievement and global engagement, while simultaneously reinforcing national identity and the importance of striving for excellence in every endeavour.
This year marked a particularly notable milestone for the initiative, as it partnered with a government entity for the first time. This collaboration highlights the growing recognition of the programme’s impact on fostering patriotism and inspiring younger generations. By involving a government partner, the initiative gains additional visibility, resources, and credibility, allowing it to extend its reach and inspire even more young Emiratis to undertake similar challenges. The partnership also reflects the UAE’s broader strategic vision of promoting youth engagement, sports development, and national pride as interconnected priorities, demonstrating a commitment to supporting programmes that encourage citizens to push their boundaries while honouring the country’s heritage.
In addition to its symbolic and cultural impact, the initiative underscores the UAE’s evolving role on the global stage. Planting the national flag and portraits of the founding leaders atop mountains in different continents is a way of projecting the nation’s identity, values, and accomplishments to an international audience. The combination of adventure, athleticism, and patriotic expression captures the UAE’s modern identity: a nation rooted in tradition, yet ambitious and globally oriented, unafraid to push its citizens to new heights—both literally and figuratively.
In essence, the recent French Alps expedition exemplifies the multifaceted goals of the ‘Our Flag at the Summit’ initiative: to cultivate patriotism, strengthen familial bonds, promote physical endurance and adventure, and inspire youth to embrace challenges with courage and determination. By including a father and his sons, performing the national anthem at a subzero summit, and partnering with a government entity for the first time, the UAE Skiers Academy has elevated the initiative to new heights—transforming it from a national programme into a symbol of the UAE’s enduring values, global reach, and commitment to its youth. The mission serves as a reminder that the spirit of the UAE transcends borders, climates, and generations, and that national pride can be celebrated in innovative and extraordinary ways that resonate both locally and internationally.
