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Every Olympics seems to feature a handful of nations making their Olympic debut, and this year is no exception. However, this year is even more significant since Saudi Arabia marked a historic first-time participation in the Winter Olympic Games since its start in 1924, raising their flag as the sole GCC member competing in the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
The opening ceremony was staged in Beijing’s national stadium, known as the “Bird’s Nest,” under tight COVID-19 containment procedures. It is the first time that the same country has hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics.
The event began with a small delegation from Saudi Arabia hoisting the Kingdom’s green and white flag while dressed in what seemed to be cold-weather versions of the country’s traditional ankle-length national dress. Faiq Abdi, who is representing Saudi Arabia in the Alpine Skiing competition, raised the Saudi flag at the ceremony.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal, Minister of Sports, Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee attended the ceremony.
“Filled with pride as I witness the first ever Saudi Winter Olympics Team at the opening ceremony in Beijing today! They inspire us by proving that there is no limit to their ambition,” Saudi Ambassador shared on instagram
