Latest news with #SevenSummits
CairoScene
4 days ago
- Sport
- CairoScene
Fatima AlAwadhi on Becoming the Youngest Emirati to Summit Elbrus
At just 17, Fatima Al Awadhi climbed Mount Elbrus and set a national record. We spoke to her about altitude sickness, school stress, and why Emirati girls belong outdoors and in leadership. On a quiet night by a campfire, surrounded by friends, 17-year-old Fatima Al Awadhi took out her phone and typed a question into Google: What records can I break? Earlier that day, one of her teachers had joked that she'd seen Fatima on Mount Everest. The remark, meant in jest, lodged itself somewhere more serious. "That's why I decided I wanted to climb the seven summits and be the youngest to do so.' Fatima shares with SceneTraveller, calm and matter-of-fact. Six months later, she stood at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Another six, and she was on Mount Elbrus—Europe's highest peak—planting the UAE flag in the snow at 5,642 metres above sea level, and breaking a national record in the process. 'I wanted to show young Emirati girls that we belong outdoors, in challenge, and in leadership.' It's not a rallying cry. But it lands with quiet conviction—as self-definition. Climbing the Seven Summits isn't just a mountaineering milestone—it's a global proving ground, a rarefied pursuit often dominated by older, male adventurers from colder climates, backed by well-funded expeditions. Fatima, however, is stitching her ambitions between A-level coursework and the usual teenage rites of passage. 'I went through my A-level exams right before Elbrus,' she says. 'I graduated about a week before I summited.' Her prep was improvised—light gym sessions and runs where possible. 'It was actually quite hard to prepare for it because I was too busy studying.' Despite the minimal training, she made it. But day one nearly ended it. 'I got altitude sickness,' she recalls. 'I think I overexerted myself during training and it made me question whether I belonged on the mountains.' She pauses, then adds: 'But I was back at it the next day.' The climb itself took three days. 'We spent the first two days training—learning how to use the ice axe, wearing crampons,' she explains. 'Then, around midnight on the second day, we started the summit push. We didn't reach the top until sunrise.' The biggest challenge wasn't the tools or the terrain—it was staying mentally present. 'It's hard when you're walking on snow for hours—it feels like it's never-ending. That's the biggest lesson I learned—to motivate myself without any external forces.' But that's not the only wisdom she carries. For aspiring mountaineers—or anyone staring down an intimidating goal—Fatima is practical: 'Don't wait. Just do your research, know your limits, and most importantly: stay safe.' Her next summit attempt is already in the works. But what excites her most now is tying her climbs to something greater. 'My goal is not only to climb mountains—I want to integrate community service into it. Whether it's for specific people or the environment, I want it to matter.' Fatima Al Awadhi isn't trying to be a symbol. But symbols don't always come from intention—they emerge from action. In a region where ambition, especially female ambition, is often packaged to fit a mold, Fatima is neither scripted nor ceremonial. She is focused. Methodical. Her voice steady. Her lessons earned. She still remembers the altitude sickness. The heavy water bottle she carried and never used. The too-small backpack that barely fit the essentials. Her only regret? 'I didn't take enough pictures.' But she'll take more—of summits, of snow, of whatever comes next.
Free Malaysia Today
12-07-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
‘I lost my fingers, but I gained perspective': RJ's Everest ordeal
Thillaimuthu Nagarajan aka RJ – seen here at the summit of Denali, Alaska – has scaled formidable mountains across seven continents. (RJ Nagarajan pic) KUALA LUMPUR : On Dec 18, 2023, Thillaimuthu Nagarajan was recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the first person to have climbed nine known summits on seven continents. From 2010 to 2023, the 60-year-old, who is better known as RJ, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mount Aconcagua (Argentina), Mount Kosciuszko (Australia), Mount Elbrus (Russia), Carstensz Pyramid (province of Papua), Denali (Alaska), Mount Vinson (Antarctica), Mont Blanc (the Alps) and Mount Everest (the Himalayas). RJ not only completed the Seven Summits challenge – scaling the highest mountain on each of the seven continents – but also conquered two additional peaks to finish three variations of the challenge: the Bass list, Messner list, and Hackett list. It's an incredible feat, but what makes his journey extraordinary is that he barely survived his final climb to complete the three aforementioned lists – that of Everest in 2023. On International Day of Hope today, RJ shares his story of survival. 'That was a very unpredictable year. We usually climb during the spring season. But during the preceding winter, it did not snow – it was a dry winter,' he recalled. RJ left Kuala Lumpur for Kathmandu in mid-April. The weather on Everest remained unpredictable, with unusually heavy snowfall lasting days throughout the spring season. After arriving at the Everest Base Camp, RJ learnt that three sherpas had lost their lives owing to extreme weather conditions at the nearby Khumbu Icefall. After carefully assessing the weather, RJ and his sherpa, Ang Pasang, decided to proceed with their summit attempt. RJ at the summit of Everest and later, back at Base Camp. (RJ Nagarajan / Khafiz Al Kicok Facebook pics) They pressed on through Camps 1, 2, 3 and, finally, 4 – located just under 100m from the 'death zone', the perilous altitude above 8,000m, where oxygen levels are too low to sustain life for long. RJ and Ang left Camp 4 for the summit around 10pm. But along the way, blowing snow particles from a snowstorm injured RJ's right eye, leaving him barely able to see with it. They finally reached the summit just after 10am – a moment RJ described as 'surreal'. 'It was glorious,' he said of the view from the top of the world. The perilous descent It was on their way down that RJ began having difficulties catching his breath. 'I asked Ang to check my oxygen tank, and he said there was less than 5% left. His was running low, too.' With much of their oxygen supply having been used up during the snowstorm, Ang immediately radioed base camp to request for oxygen tanks. By the time they reached 8,749m above sea level, RJ had run out of oxygen. But given that they were still in the death zone, they had no choice but to keep going. As RJ grew weaker, Ang descended alone to get oxygen supplies. On his own, RJ kept moving but frequently stumbled, sometimes finding himself flat in the snow. Ang eventually returned – but without oxygen tanks, as none had been sent to the 'balcony', a platform located at approximately 8,430m. While he lost his fingers, RJ says he gained a newfound appreciation of and perspective on life. (Sheela Vijayan @ FMT Lifestyle) Mustering all his strength, RJ kept going and eventually, he and Ang reached the balcony. It would take another hour before sherpa Ashok Lama arrived with three oxygen tanks. By then, RJ was too weak to descend on his own: Ashok had to tie a rope to RJ's harness, and both sherpas had to help him down. This, of course, proved exhausting, and Ashok and Ang eventually made the difficult decision to descend to Camp 4 to recover, once again leaving RJ alone. He recalled: 'I kept drifting in and out. I went into darkness, but I kept telling myself, 'Come on, come on. I'm going back home. I'm going back home.'' Ashok later arrived with another individual to check on him, and thankfully found him alive. 'I was wrapped in a sleeping bag. They opened it and I said, 'Let's go',' RJ added. Broken but not beaten Conquering the world's highest mountain came at a huge cost – RJ suffered frostbites on both hands, leading to the amputation of his right fingers. He also had frostbites on his left foot, right cheek and both ears, with his right ear more severely affected. In addition, he experienced temporary blindness in his right eye. For RJ, the sky's the limit: he next aims to scale 11 mountains over 8,000m. (RJ Nagarajan pic) RJ admits to feeling depressed at first, but he soon bounced back. 'I lost my fingers, but I gained perspective – never take anything for granted and live a purposeful life.' Indeed, undeterred, the intrepid adventurer now plans to climb 11 mountains over 8,000m, and journey to Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, and the North and South poles. 'I've come to understand that hope is not the absence of hardship, but the presence of belief amidst it,' he shared. 'For me, belief is everything. When I was on Everest – battling the cold, the lack of oxygen and the fear – it wasn't strength that kept me going. It was a belief – belief that I'd make it home. Belief that this struggle had a purpose. Belief that I wasn't done yet. 'Even in the darkest moments, that quiet belief inside kept whispering: 'Keep going.'' Follow RJ's adventures on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Who Is Fatima Al Awadhi, the 17-year-old UAE teen on a mission to conquer world's tallest peaks?
Fatima Al Awadhi raises the UAE flag atop Mount Elbrus after her record-setting climb / Image Credits: WAM TL;DR At just 17, Fatima Al Awadhi became the youngest Emirati to climb Mount Elbrus . This is part of her plan to finish the Seven Summits challenge , which means climbing the tallest mountain on every continent. Fatima hopes her journey will encourage young Emiratis, especially girls. Fatima Al Awadhi, the youngest Emirati climber to reach the summit of Mount Elbrus, has set a new milestone for youth in the UAE. Fatima's achievement reflects the UAE's strong focus on youth development and empowerment, supported by national programs like the National Youth Agenda 2031. Backed by Finance House, a UAE company dedicated to supporting young people, Fatima's climb is not only a personal triumph but a symbol of the growing opportunities for Emirati youth, especially young women, to lead, explore, and inspire. Who is Fatima? Fatima is a 17-year-old Emirati mountaineer. Last year, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain. Now, she has added Mount Elbrus in Russia to her list. This mountain is the highest point in Europe at 5,642 meters . Her goal is to finish the Seven Summits challenge, which means climbing the highest peak on each continent. Fatima's climbs show her focus and determination. Fatima dedicated her success to the UAE's leaders. She credits them for their strong support of youth and women. She also honored her family for her success and support provided. Her Previous Achievement: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Before Mount Elbrus, Fatima reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This mountain is famous for being the tallest in Africa and a common goal for mountaineers. Completing Kilimanjaro was a major step toward her bigger dream of finishing the Seven Summits challenge( to climb the highest mountain on each continent). It also gave her the experience and confidence needed for tougher climbs ahead. Fatima has completed two of these so far. How Finance House Supported Fatima Fatima's climb was backed by Finance House, a UAE company known for supporting youth empowerment. They helped with training, equipment, and planning, making sure she was ready for the risks of high-altitude mountaineering. This support shows the growing role of UAE organizations in helping young people chase big goals safely and successfully. How the UAE Supports Youth Development The UAE puts a strong focus on helping its young people grow and succeed. Here's how: Education and Training: The UAE offers free, quality education guaranteed by its Constitution. Vocational training and youth centers help young people build skills for the future. Job Opportunities: Youth unemployment in the UAE is about 9.89%, much lower than the regional average. This shows how the government creates real chances for young people to work and build careers. Youth Participation: The UAE encourages young people to take part in government and decision-making. The country appointed its first Minister of State for Youth Affairs at 22 years old. Youth also make up a significant share of the Federal National Council and participate in Youth Councils. National Initiatives: Programs like the National Youth Strategy and Youth Circles involve thousands of young people, giving them a voice and helping them develop leadership skills. The National Youth Agenda 2031: Planning for Future The UAE's National Youth Agenda 2031 aims to help Emirati youth become leaders and contributors to the country and the world. It focuses on: Economic Growth: Helping youth contribute to the UAE's economy. Community Values: Encouraging young people to be active members of society, respecting Emirati values. Global Leadership: Supporting youth to make a positive impact worldwide. Technology and Skills: Ensuring young people master new technologies and future skills. Health and Well-being: Promoting good health and a high quality of life for youth. The agenda also sets goals like increasing youth participation in global forums, providing career pathways, boosting education and vocational qualifications, and fostering pride in Emirati identity. A Message for Young Emiratis and Women Fatima wants her climb to inspire young people around the world. She believes hard work and determination can turn dreams into reality. She also plans to start projects that help communities and protect the environment. Her story is more than a personal success, it's a call to youth everywhere to be brave and aim high. FAQs Q: How old is Fatima Al Awadhi? A: She is 17 years old. Q: What mountains has Fatima climbed? A: Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Elbrus. Q: What is the Seven Summits challenge? A: Climbing the highest peak on each continent.
Dubai Eye
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Dubai Eye
Fatima Al Awadhi becomes youngest Emirati to summit Europe's highest peak
Seventeen-year-old Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi has become the youngest Emirati to summit Europe's highest peak, raising the UAE flag atop Mount Elbrus in Russia. Al Awadhi braved extreme weather and difficult terrain to climb 5,642 metres. She dedicated her achievement to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the 'Mother of the Nation" for their enduring support for Emirati youth and women. "Reaching this summit was only possible because of the unwavering support of our leadership,' Al Awadhi said. 'I dedicate this achievement to those who taught us that nothing is beyond our reach." It marks the latest step in her pursuit of the Seven Summits, after successfully climbing Mount Kilimanjaro earlier this year. She stressed that her mission is "a message that Emirati and Arab youth, especially young women, are capable of leading, exploring and making a meaningful impact". Supported by UAE-based Finance House, Al Awadhi also expressed deep gratitude to her family for their support.
Emirates 24/7
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Emirates 24/7
Fatima Al Awadhi becomes youngest Emirati to summit Europe's highest peak
In a new milestone for the UAE, 17-year-old Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi has become the youngest Emirati to summit Mount Elbrus in Russia, Europe's highest peak at 5,642 metres. The achievement marks the latest step in her pursuit of the 'Seven Summits' challenge, a global mountaineering goal. Last year, she successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa. Supported by UAE-based Finance House, which advocates youth empowerment, Al Awadhi braved extreme weather and difficult terrain to raise the UAE flag atop the mountain. Her climb serves as a message of hope and inspiration for Arab youth, particularly young women. She dedicated her achievement to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. 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 gratitude for their enduring support for Emirati youth and women. 'Reaching this summit was only possible because of the unwavering support of our leadership,' Al Awadhi said. 'I dedicate this achievement to those who taught us that nothing is beyond our reach.' Al Awadhi exemplifies the aspirations of young Emiratis, blending her passion for adventure with community engagement. Drawing from her leadership and volunteer experiences, she plans to launch environmental and humanitarian initiatives aimed at supporting underprivileged communities and protecting nature. She stressed that her mission is not just personal, adding, 'It is a message that Emirati and Arab youth, especially young women, are capable of leading, exploring and making a meaningful impact.' Al Awadhi expressed deep gratitude to her family, saying, 'To my mother, Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi, you are my anchor and my strength. And to my late father, Abdulrahman Al Awadhi, your guidance taught me to aim for the skies with steady steps.' Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
