Zahra Lari was born in March 3, 1995 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. She was inspired at a young age to try figure skating, after watching the movie Ice Princess. Shortly afterwards, she started skating lessons and eventually becoming the first figure skater from the UAE and the Middle East to compete internationally. She debuted internationally at the junior level European Cup where she received a deduction for her head scarf, as the judges claimed it was not allowed in the costume. She petitioned the ISU, who eventually changed the rule to allow headscarves to be worn. Zahra’s first competition at the senior level - at the FBMA Trophy - saw her place 4th, her best international placement during the 2014 to 2015 season. She has also competed at the Asian Winter Games, the Winter Universiade, the UAE National Championship, and the Merano Cup, among others. Her talent has landed her a number of awards and recognitions including the Forbes list 30 under 30, Nike Ambassador, Nike Pro Hijab Campaign, UNICEF’s Voice of Youth Inspire Portrait, Young Arab Awards, and Arab Women’s Awards. Zahra has also been featured on the cover of Women’s Health and Vogue Arabia. Despite her career in figure skating, she stayed committed to her academics, graduating from Abu Dhabi University with a degree in Environmental Health and Safety. She also founded the Emirates Skating Club, the first figure skating club in the country.