Scaling New Heights: Meet the 17-Year-Old Emirati Climber Making History

[Fatima]

Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi, aged just 17, has become the youngest Emirati ever to reach the summit of Mount Elbrus (5,642 m), the highest mountain in Europe. This climb is another milestone in her bold quest to complete the Seven Summits—the highest peak on each continent. Last year, she successfully tackled Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa — another key step in her journey.

Her Calling: The Seven Summits Challenge

Fatima has already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, well known as Africa’s highest point.
Mount Elbrus marks her second major summit in pursuit of the global Seven Summits goal.

Backing & Motivation

Her expedition was supported by Finance House, a UAE-based firm highlighting youth empowerment. With their financial and logistical backing, Fatima was able to face icy temperatures and difficult terrain. She proudly hoisted the UAE flag at the peak of Elbrus.

A Message of Empowerment

Fatima dedicated her climb to the UAE leadership—Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak—to thank them for their ongoing support of Emirati youth and women. She emphasized that ambitious youth and especially young Emirati women are capable of remarkable accomplishments on the global stage.

Reaching this summit was only possible because of the unwavering support of our leadership.

Why It Matters

Fatima’s achievement symbolizes the UAE’s broader drive to nurture bold dreams among its youth under initiatives like National Youth Agenda 2031, which fosters leadership, ambition, and achievement among young inhabitants. This ascent offers a powerful encouragement to peers across the Arab world, especially girls who seek to break boundaries.

With two of the Seven Summits now climbed, Fatima is poised to tackle more challenging peaks in South America (Aconcagua), North America (Denali), and elsewhere. Each ascent not only pushes her limits but also serves as inspiration for future generations.

Fatima Al Awadhi is much more than a mountaineer—she’s a beacon of empowerment, reinforcing that determination and support can take youth to the highest heights.