Emirati Teen Fatima Al Awadhi Makes History with Record-Breaking Antarctica Summit

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In a historic moment for Arab mountaineering, 18-year-old Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi reached the summit of Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Standing at 4,892 meters, this achievement makes Al Awadhi the youngest person and the first Arab to conquer the peak. This ascent marks the third successful climb in her ambitious pursuit of the "Seven Summits", the highest mountains on each of the seven continents.

The expedition was a grueling test of mental and physical fortitude, as Al Awadhi navigated one of the most volatile environments on Earth. Facing temperatures that plummeted below minus 40 degrees Celsius and battling fierce polar winds, she relied on months of rigorous preparation and self-reliance to complete the climb. The journey was supported by Palms Sports and Dar Al Takaful Finance, the latter of which also sponsored her record-breaking ascent of Europe’s Mount Elbrus in July 2025.

Upon reaching the summit, Al Awadhi dedicated her milestone to President His Highness Shaikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation. She expressed profound gratitude for the UAE’s leadership, noting that the nation’s 54-year history is rooted in providing the resources and inspiration necessary for youth to turn bold dreams into reality. Al Awadhi emphasized that her journey is a tribute to the empowerment of Emirati women and a call to action for the next generation to pursue their own "peaks" across all professional and personal fields.

Currently an Economics major, Al Awadhi continues to balance her academic responsibilities with her goal of achieving the Explorer’s Grand Slam, a rare feat involving the Seven Summits and reaching both the North and South Poles. By raising the UAE flag in Antarctica, she has not only solidified her place as a role model for youth globally but has also further elevated the UAE’s standing in the international world of high-altitude adventure sports.