DUBAI -- The UAE National Olympic Committee on Sunday announced the country's participation in the 9th Asian Winter Games, which will be held in Harbin, China, from February 7 to 14.

This marks the UAE's third participation in the Asian Winter Games and the largest delegation to date. Athletes will compete in three disciplines: alpine skiing, freestyle skiing and snowboarding.

The UAE first participated in the Asian Winter Games in 2011, competing in ice hockey in Almaty and Astana, Kazakhstan. Its second appearance came in 2017 in Sapporo, Japan, where it expanded its involvement to include both ice hockey and figure skating.

This year, the UAE will be represented by seven athletes - six males and one female. The delegation will showcase the UAE's growing presence in winter sports on the Asian stage.

The UAE National Olympic Committee expressed confidence in the athletes' preparation, emphasizing their dedication to enhancing the nation's profile in international winter sports events.