The Value Of Vision – How Zahra Lari Has Broken The Ice For Others

At just 28-years, inspirational sporting role model Zahra Lari has made history as the first figure skater from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East to compete internationally, as well as the first hijab-wearing professional skater.

When I met Zahra, it was abundantly clear that she has incredible vision, with a mindset that nothing is impossible. Vision is also the overarching value of her home country, the UAE. This value has become the keystone of a young country that only came into existence in 1971. The UAE is founded on the vision of its rulers and people and in it, you can see the hope for a better, more sustainable future.

It is this vision that has enabled Zahra to break down barriers, challenge perceptions about Muslim women in sport and inspire so many women around the world to be active.

Early inspiration

Unlike many of her international counterparts, Zahra only started skating at 12-years old. She shares that after being inspired by the Disney film Ice Princess and burning with ambition, she begged her parents to let her try ice skating. Initially, she was met with resistance – her father was concerned that her academic studies could suffer.

Eventually, however, her parents conceded. She told me that her dad would often pick her up from school – on one occasion though, instead of taking her home, she was surprised and overjoyed when he took her to the ice rink instead. This pattern continued and once a week on a Thursday - a day allocated for women - she was allowed to skate, on the proviso that her grades did not drop. In fact she tells me that skating had the opposite effect as she worked even harder in class, knowing that she would have limited time to study afterwards.

Her coaches identified early on that she had enormous natural talent and by 2015, she was training between four and seven hours a day. When the time came, she was excited to compete on an international stage. Her father’s initial reluctance disappeared when he realised how talented and passionate Zahra was.

Breaking barriers

Zahra’s initial excitement at taking part in her first competition was soon tempered with disappointment after she was deducted points for wearing a hijab. In a classic case of cultural misunderstanding, the judges labelled her hijab a ‘prop’ – they didn’t understand the religious symbolism and expression of modesty that comes with its use.

After the event Zahra was fuming. She met with the International Skating Union (ISU), eventually convincing them to allow Muslim skaters to cover their hair. A few years later, global icon Nike approached her to help design and front their new Nike Pro Hijab campaign. At the time Zahra commented, “It’s a reminder to us Muslim women that we can achieve anything in the world.” Elsewhere, in another break with ice skating tradition, Zahra chose to wear thicker darker leggings rather than skin-coloured tights – although these are now becoming more commonplace.

Muslim women in sport

Zahra’s influence and mentorship has spurred many other Muslim girls to realise their vision by competing at ice skating – and other sports at an international level.

Although ice skating remains a niche sport in the UAE, it is growing in popularity. Zahra’s success and campaigning has resulted in the UAE becoming the first Arab state to join the ISU. The UAE’s first ice skating club – Emirates Skating Club – was founded by the Lari family and now has more than 100 members, with many competing at international level.

Indeed, Zahra leads the #DreamBigPrincess campaign, which aims to empower women in sport in the Middle East and beyond. In almost every sport, opportunities are increasing for Muslim women and girls and barriers are being broken down.

While some Muslims around the world criticise Zahra for her choices, she remains dedicated to spreading the message that being female and Muslim shouldn’t be a barrier or prevent people from living their dreams.

A true visionary

Zahra Lari is a true visionary. For her, it isn’t just about being allowed to skate anymore - she is an activist with an inspiring message to women and girls around the world: widen your horizons, do what you love, be healthy and active. She has over 50,000 followers on Instagram, which she uses as a platform to share her vision – it is full of positive comments from inspired followers. Zahra’s fervent wish is that all young women should find their passion and look after their wellbeing.

It is such women with the value of vision - like Zahra Lari - who are paving the way for future generations.