Zahra Lari

Zahra Lari is an Emirati figure skater, entrepreneur, and advocate for women's participation in sport. Widely recognized as the first figure skater from the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East to compete internationally, she has become a global symbol of perseverance, inclusion, and cultural representation in athletics. Competing while wearing a hijab, Lari helped inspire a rule change by the International Skating Union that formally allowed religious head coverings in international figure skating competitions, paving the way for greater inclusivity in the sport.

Born and raised in Abu Dhabi, Lari discovered figure skating at age 12 after watching the Disney film "Ice Princess." Despite growing up in a country with little tradition in winter sports, she dedicated herself to training and quickly emerged as one of the region's most accomplished athletes. She has won multiple Emirati National Championships and has represented the United Arab Emirates at numerous international competitions, including the Asian Winter Games, Olympic qualifying events, and the Winter Universiade, where she became the first Emirati athlete to compete.

Lari has played a pivotal role in developing figure skating in the UAE. She is the co-founder and CEO of Emirates Skating Club, the country's first dedicated figure skating club, where she mentors young athletes and works to expand access to the sport throughout the region. Her leadership has helped inspire a new generation of skaters while promoting healthy lifestyles and opportunities for girls and women in athletics.

Lari has also become an internationally recognized advocate for diversity and female empowerment. She has collaborated with global brands, including Nike, to promote greater visibility for Muslim women in sports and has spoken widely about overcoming barriers, embracing identity, and pursuing ambitious goals. Her story has been featured by major international media outlets as an example of resilience, leadership, and positive social change.

A graduate of Abu Dhabi University with a degree in Environmental Health and Safety, Lari continues to balance entrepreneurship, mentorship, and advocacy while serving as one of the Middle East's most influential ambassadors for winter sports.