A diverse group of ice sports enthusiasts, seasoned athletes, and first-timers converged at Ski Dubai for the 15th Ice Warrior Challenge, all fueled by a common excitement. The event, which took place on Sunday morning, transformed Mall of the Emirates into a winter-themed 3.5-km assault course featuring over 20 obstacles. Participants encountered a variety of challenges, such as wall climbing, crawling under nets, rolling on snow, and even swimming in icy water. The competition commenced at 6:30am, with participants starting in waves, each donning a racing number and timing chip, all eager to conquer the course and earn medals and commemorative shirts.
Among the determined participants were four Emirati teenagers—Rashid Khawash, Khaled Bin Kharboush, Ahmed Bin Kharboush, and Mohammed Bin Kharboush—aged 14 to 16. As part of a running team, they found the experience both demanding and fulfilling. "It was a fantastic challenge! At times, you feel like giving up, but seeing the other competitors and hearing the Ski Dubai team cheer, it motivates you to keep pushing," Rashid shared with Khaleej Times. Khaled added, “It was tough. We’re accustomed to running, but running on snow is a different story. There were numerous obstacles, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.” Their dedication highlighted the spirit of enthusiasm and teamwork that characterized the event.
For Russian expats Elizaveta Dod and Alexander Lebedev, it was their inaugural visit to Ski Dubai, and the experience evoked nostalgic memories. "I missed the snow," Elizaveta remarked. Alexander chimed in, "The challenge was incredible. It was a unique and enjoyable experience. It was worth it. I think I’ll return more often just to relive that feeling of being home.” The couple learned about the event through a Telegram group while seeking a weekend adventure. “The atmosphere here is fantastic,” Elizaveta continued. “Despite the cold, it feels so heartwarming to be in the snow again.”
Since its inception in 2010, the Ice Warrior Challenge has grown into one of Dubai's most celebrated sporting events. This year’s edition welcomed over 500 participants from 65 countries, all navigating a series of challenges in a frigid environment of minus four degrees Celsius. South African visitor Gorge Schempers, accompanied by his Scottish friend Shona Forpes, found the event to be a refreshing break from the ordinary. “It was challenging, but the excitement of everyone participating was thrilling. Everyone was cheering and having fun in the snow. The energy was high,” he said. “This is the ideal activity for this weather and time of year. I wouldn’t mind returning next year!” Gorge, who had never been to Ski Dubai before, was captivated by the unique venue. “It’s amazing to see something like this in Dubai,” he commented.
Among the crowd were also teams from government institutions, such as The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Participants like Khawla Al Shamri, Maryam Al Balushi, Ahlam Al Banna, and Jamila Al Shehhi expressed their collective enthusiasm. “This is a challenge we’ll definitely repeat,” Khawla noted. “The water obstacle was the toughest for me,” she admitted. “Jumping into freezing water isn’t an everyday occurrence, but we persevered and finished strong!” Maryam added, “We did it as a team, and it was incredibly fun for all of us. The experience brought us closer together.”
