The National Olympic Committee (NOC) of the UAE in cooperation with the UAE Winter Sports Federation and Ski Dubai, on Sunday honoured the athletes

There are 206 National Olympic Committees worldwide, which are devised by the IOC and the International Sport Federation. These two organizations are the sole authorities who come together to recognize NOCs for the official Summer and Winter Games.

The UAE’s participation in the Winter Olympics is particularly noteworthy, as it will be their first appearance in this prestigious event. Historically, Middle Eastern nations have faced challenges in winter sports due to their predominantly warm climates,

It’s amazing for all the kids back in Ski Dubai because they can see that there's a pathway and there's an end goal."

Alex Astridge and Piera Hudson to fly flag for Emirates in Alpine skiing events at February's Games in Italy

2026 Winter Olympics: For the first time in Olympic history, the Winter Games will be jointly hosted by two cities separated by more than 250 miles. Milan, Italy’s economic and cultural centre, will host the opening ceremony and stage the ice events.

The U.N. and IOC are asking for a pause in wars, an ancient Olympic tradition, amid the Winter Games. Athletes from countries beset by violence are set to compete.