VIDEO: UAE President meets Fatima Al Awadhi, youngest Arab to summit Antarctica’s Mount Vinson

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi, the youngest Emirati and Arab woman to climb Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica.

Fatima Al Awadhi is also the youngest Emirati to have climbed Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain peak in Europe.

Historic Achievement

Earlier this year, Emirati mountaineer Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi achieved an unprecedented milestone for the Arab world by reaching the summit of Mount Vinson, Antarctica’s highest peak, standing at 4,892 metres. At the age of 18, she became the youngest and first Arab woman to reach the summit.

Seven Summits Challenge

This achievement marks the third stage of Al Awadhi’s ambitious quest to complete the “Seven Summits” challenge, which involves climbing the highest mountain on each continent. The accomplishment reflects the determination of Emirati youth and their ability to take on some of the world’s most demanding challenges.

Fatima dedicated this historic achievement to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation,” Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, in recognition of their continuous support for Emirati youth and women and their commitment to empowering future generations to achieve their ambitions and elevate the UAE’s name on the global stage.

One of the Harshest Environments on Earth

The accomplishment came after a gruelling expedition in one of the world’s harshest natural environments. During the climb, Al Awadhi faced freezing temperatures exceeding minus 40 degrees Celsius, along with severe weather conditions and powerful winds that demanded exceptional physical preparation and endurance.