Zahra Lari of the United Arab Emirates will compete in the figure skating competition at the Krasnoyarsk 2019 Winter Universiade ©Getty Images

Zahra Lari of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the first woman to compete in the sportinternationally wearing a traditional Muslim headscarf, is set to take part in the 2019 Winter Universiade here.

Dubbed the "Ice Princess" due to being inspired to skate by the Disney film with the same name, Lari is the first figure skater to represent the UAE internationally. 

The 23-year-old made her international debut at the 2012 European Cup in Canazei, allowing the UAE to become the first Arab state to join the International Skating Union. 

Her appearance generated controversy, however, when she was deducted a point for wearing a headscarf.

Lari then campaigned to change these regulations, leading the ISU to amend the rule and allow hijabs as part of an outfit. 

Zahra Lari became the first figure skater to compete in a headscarf in 2012 and was deducted a point for doing so ©Getty Images
Zahra Lari became the first figure skater to compete in a headscarf in 2012 and was deducted a point for doing so ©Getty Images

She has also had to struggle against the lack of ice in the Persian Gulf, as well as her father's initial disapproval.

The skater did not qualify for the last year's Winter Olympics but will compete at Krasnoyarsk 2019 to gain international experience, reported RT.

The Universiade is due to begin tomorrow and last until March 12, with the female figure skating taking place at the Platinum Arena on March 8 and 9.

The figure skating competition will also feature the Philippines first ever Universiade competitor, Misha Fabian.