She dedicated her achievement to the head of state and the “Mother of the Emirates”.. Fatima Al Awadhi.. the youngest and first Arab woman to reach the summit of Mount Vinson in Antarctica

Emirati climber Fatima Abdul Rahman Al Awadhi achieved an unprecedented historical achievement in the Arab world, after reaching the summit of Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, with a height of 4,892 metres, registering her name as the youngest and first Arab woman to reach this summit at the age of 18 years.

This achievement is the third stop in Fatima’s journey as part of her ambitious project to climb the “Seven Summits”, which represents the highest mountain peak on each continent, in an achievement that reflects the determination of the Emirati youth and their ability to take on the most difficult global challenges.

Fatima dedicated this unprecedented achievement to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him,” and to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Emirates,” President of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, for their continued support of Emirati youth and women, and their constant keenness to enable new generations to achieve their ambitions and raise the name of the UAE high in international forums.

This achievement came after an arduous journey in one of the harshest natural environments in the world, during which Fatima faced freezing temperatures exceeding minus forty degrees Celsius, in addition to harsh climatic conditions and strong winds, which required a high level of physical and mental readiness, endurance, and great self-reliance.

Fatima Abdul Rahman Al-Awadhi said that climbing Mount Vinson posed an exceptional challenge compared to her previous experiences, due to its extreme cold and harsh isolation, noting that the expedition took about three weeks in an extremely harsh environment.

She added that standing on the top of the mountain was a defining moment, strengthening her strength and belief in her ability to overcome challenges, stressing her attachment to the magnificence and breadth of Antarctica.

Fatima expressed her deep gratitude to the UAE and its wise leadership for the supportive environment it provides that embraces ambitions and opens horizons of achievement for its youth, stressing that raising the country’s flag on the highest peaks embodies the story of a nation built on opportunities and inspiration, and reflects a journey of more than five decades of empowerment and investment in people.

She stressed that this achievement carries a national message that the people of the Emirates, with the support of their leadership, are capable of reaching the highest peaks and overcoming the most difficult challenges, no matter how harsh the circumstances.

She added: I feel profound gratitude to my leadership and my country, and to everyone who supported me, especially my family, because today I have not only the right to dream, but the real opportunity to turn these dreams into reality.

As a university student majoring in economics, Fatima stressed the importance of balancing sporting ambition with the academic and professional path, calling on Arab youth, especially girls, to strive to achieve their dreams and not postpone their ambitions, stressing that today’s generation is the maker of both the present and the future.

This mission was sponsored by Palms Sports, one of the leading companies globally and in the UAE in the field of sports management and training, in addition to sponsorship from Finance House, one of the national financial institutions, which had previously supported Fatima in her successful climb to the summit of Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain peak in Europe, in July 2025, where she then recorded a national achievement as the youngest Emirati to reach its summit.

Fatima Abdul Rahman Al-Awadhi’s ascension to the summit of Mount Vinson is an advanced step on her way towards achieving the “Explorer’s Grand Slam” achievement, which combines climbing the Seven Summits and reaching the North and South Poles, which enhances the UAE’s presence in the Arab world and globally in the field of adventure and mountain sports, and establishes its role as an inspiring model for youth and women in the region.