From deserts to snow-covered peaks, the Middle East and North Africa are making some serious noise at the Winter Olympics. Milano Cortina 2026 (February 6–22) isn’t just about medals, it’s about trailblazers rewriting what winter sport looks like. Here are the MENA athletes proving that snow has no borders.
Fayik Abdi – Saudi Arabia
Alpine Skiing
Saudi Arabia’s winter pioneer, Fayik Abdi, shocked the world by competing in the Giant Slalom at Beijing 2022. Once a ski technician in Utah, he became the Kingdom’s first Winter Olympian — and finished a race that nearly half the field couldn’t. Desert-born, snow-tested, history made.
Rakan Alireza – Saudi Arabia
Alpine Skiing
From rowing in Jeddah’s waters to carving down icy slopes, Rakan’s journey is all about resilience. He narrowly missed Beijing 2022 when Saudi Arabia earned only one quota spot — but Milano Cortina 2026 is his moment. Patience, persistence, and a long-awaited Olympic debut.
Alexander Astridge – United Arab Emirates
Alpine Skiing
Raised on the indoor slopes of Ski Dubai, Alex Astridge is redefining what “home advantage” means. At just 19, he’s set to become the UAE’s Alpine skier at the Winter Olympics in the country’s debut. Proof that even in the desert, Olympic dreams can take flight — or rather, downhill.
Piera Hudson – United Arab Emirates
Alpine Skiing
A seasoned competitor with Youth Olympic experience, Piera Hudson brings an international pedigree to the UAE team. Having switched nationality to represent the Emirates, she’s part of a historic Winter Olympics debut for the country. Experience meets ambition on the Alpine stage.
Andrea Elie Antoine El Hayek – Lebanon
Alpine Skiing
Only 17 and already a lifetime on skis, Andrea started gliding down slopes at just two years old. Lebanon’s long skiing tradition lives on through young talents like him, blending early passion with big Olympic potential at Milano Cortina.
Samer Tawk – Lebanon
Cross-Country Skiing
A Winter Olympian from PyeongChang 2018, Samer Tawk represents Lebanon’s endurance spirit in cross-country skiing. Competing in one of the most physically demanding winter events, he carries experience — and serious stamina — into the snow.
Abderrahim Kemmissa – Morocco
Cross-Country Skiing
Morocco on cross-country skis? Absolutely. Abderrahim Kemmissa continues North Africa’s quiet but determined presence in winter endurance sports, proving that grit matters more than geography when it comes to icy distances.
Pietro Tranchina– Morocco
Alpine Skiing
Born in Italy’s Susa Valley and raised in Cesana, Pietro Tranchina competes for Morocco, his mother’s country. Making his World Cup debut at 22, he will race the giant slalom at Milano Cortina. For him, the Games are a milestone, not the finish line, as he targets a place among the world’s top thirty. the course at Milano Cortina.
Final Thoughts
These athletes aren’t just competing — they’re expanding the definition of winter sport itself. From indoor slopes and desert cities to Olympic start gates, MENA’s presence at Milano Cortina 2026 is historic, inspiring, and just getting started. Snow may be rare back home, but ambition clearly isn’t.
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