Source : WAM
Emirati mountaineer Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi has achieved a historic milestone for the Arab world by reaching the summit of Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica, on Tuesday, 6 January 2026.
Standing at 4,892 metres, Al Awadhi becomes the youngest and first Arab to reach this summit at just 18 years old. This accomplishment marks the third major peak in her ambitious quest to conquer the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on each continent.
Al Awadhi dedicated her unprecedented achievement to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), in recognition of their unwavering support for Emirati youth and women, and their continued efforts to empower new generations to realise their ambitions and raise the UAE’s profile on the global stage.
The expedition was sponsored by Palms Sports, a UAE-based sports management and training company renowned for empowering Emirati youth across sports and life disciplines.
The ascent came after a grueling expedition in one of the world’s harshest environments, where Al Awadhi faced temperatures dropping below minus 40 degrees Celsius, severe weather, and powerful winds. The climb demanded exceptional physical and mental resilience, endurance, and self-reliance.
Speaking about the experience, Al Awadhi said, “Mount Vinson is a huge step up compared to my previous summits. It is far colder and far more isolated, requiring a high level of self-reliance and mental strength. The expedition can last up to three weeks in extreme cold that reaches minus 40 degrees Celsius, surrounded by endless snow. At first, Vinson’s challenges frightened me, but once I stood at the summit and looked out over a sea of ice pierced by sharp peaks cutting through the horizon, I realised the mountain did not make me suffer — it made me much stronger. I know I will return to Antarctica one day; I am completely captivated by the vastness and beauty of this continent.”
She expressed deep gratitude to the UAE and its leadership for creating an environment that nurtures ambition and supports bold dreams.
“Raising the UAE flag with pride on the world’s highest peaks represents 54 years of a nation built on opportunity and inspiration,” she said. “It is a country I am deeply grateful to have grown up in, and I hope to give back. Without the continuous support the UAE offers its youth, this journey would have been far more difficult.”
Al Awadhi highlighted the significance of hoisting the UAE flag atop Antarctica’s highest mountain, emphasizing that Emiratis, with leadership support, can reach the highest summits and overcome the toughest challenges, no matter how extreme.
“Beyond pride, I feel immense gratitude towards my leadership, my country, my sponsors and everyone who supports me — especially my family,” she added. “I am fortunate not only to dream, but to have the support and resources that allow me to turn those dreams into reality. Everyone deserves the right to dream, and everyone deserves the chance to pursue those dreams, no matter how distant or impossible they may seem.”
Currently studying Economics at university, Al Awadhi stressed the importance of balancing ambition with education and career growth.
“It’s not just about summits,” she said. “I want Arab youth — especially young women — to answer the call to climb their own mountains. We are not just the generation of the future; we are the generation of today. So why wait to pursue our ambitions when we can start now and aim for the highest peaks across all fields?”
The expedition also received sponsorship from Dar Al Takaful Finance, a leading UAE financial institution, which had previously supported her successful ascent of Mount Elbrus (5,642 metres), Europe’s highest peak, on 6 July 2025, when she became the youngest Emirati to reach its summit.
Al Awadhi’s ascent of Mount Vinson represents another major step toward the prestigious Explorer’s Grand Slam a global challenge involving the Seven Summits and reaching both the North and South Poles. Her achievement further strengthens the UAE’s presence in adventure sports and high-altitude mountaineering, while inspiring youth and women across the region and beyond.
