UAE flag and Zayed, Rashid portraits raised atop Alps

Held as part of Eid Al Etihad celebrations

Coinciding with the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, the initiative—held under the slogan “From Desert Dunes to Snowy Peaks”—was organised in partnership between Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, and the UAE Skiers Academy. It was also aligned with the ‘Zayed and Rashid’ campaign launched last year under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.

First collaboration with a government entity

Launched 14 years ago by the UAE Skiers Academy, this marks the initiative’s first official collaboration with a government body. The partnership with Brand Dubai also highlights the Year of the Community and anticipates the upcoming Year of the Family. Notably, the expedition team included a father and his sons, embodying the UAE's values of unity, family, and social cohesion.

A team reflecting Emirati society

The organisers ensured the expedition team represented the diversity of Emirati society and the initiative’s spirit of teamwork. The team travelled from Dubai to Geneva before continuing to the Valtrans resort. After intensive training, they completed the ascent, raising the UAE flag and the 3x1-metre portrait of Zayed and Rashid at the summit.

UAE skiers complete rigorous training

The 10-member expedition team—among the UAE’s most skilled skiers—underwent comprehensive training to navigate challenging Alpine terrain and extreme weather conditions. Their successful summit ascent and raising of the UAE flag created an unforgettable image of national pride. The team expressed deep satisfaction in elevating the UAE’s name after overcoming steep physical challenges.

Brand Dubai: Embodying the spirit of the Nation

Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, said:

“This initiative reflects the spirit of the UAE—a nation that strives for excellence and believes strongly in its youth. Raising our flag and the portraits of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid atop the French Alps showcases inspiring Emirati role models and the unity between our leadership and our people.”

UAE Skiers Academy highlights youth dedication

Ibrahim Khadem, Co-founder of the UAE Skiers Academy, said:

“We are proud to announce the arrival of our team in Geneva as part of this exceptional journey. This initiative aligns with Eid Al Etihad celebrations and highlights Emirati youth’s unwavering commitment to leadership, achievement, and raising the nation’s flag on global platforms.”

Patriotic Scenes at the Summit

Upon reaching the summit, the team raised the UAE flag and the portraits of Zayed and Rashid as the national anthem echoed across the snowy peak. Team members captured photos of the historic moment, marking the culmination of weeks of preparation and celebrating loyalty to the nation and its leadership.

14 years of inspiring patriotism

For over 14 years, the UAE Skiers Academy has led the ‘Our Flag at the Summit’ initiative to inspire patriotism, ambition, and excellence. The UAE flag has been raised on major peaks around the world, motivating young Emiratis to pursue sporting and humanitarian achievements that embody national values.

A journey of over 5,000 Kilometres

The expedition required extensive planning and logistical coordination. The team travelled more than 5,000 km from Dubai International Airport to the Valtourance resort. The journey included a 10-hour flight at 36,000 feet, followed by a 220 km road trip from Geneva—90 km of which involved steep, winding mountain roads. The UAE flag and the 1x3-metre portrait of Zayed and Rashid were finally unfurled at a summit over 3,300 metres above sea level in temperatures ranging from -3°C to -9°C.