Emirati mountaineer becomes youngest Arab to climb over 7,000 metres

Emirati mountaineer Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi, 19, has become the youngest Arab to reach an elevation of over 7,000 metres and summit Lenin Peak.

The ascent in the Pamir Mountains of Kyrgyzstan of 7,134 metres marks Fatima’s highest climb to date, just one year after climbing her first major mountaineering peak, Mount Elbrus (5,642 metres), the highest mountain in Europe.

The expedition lasted approximately three weeks and consisted of two phases: an acclimatisation rotation up the mountain, followed by the final summit push. During the expedition, Fatima climbed above 7,000 metres without supplementary oxygen.

The achievement builds on an impressive mountaineering résumé. Fatima is the youngest Emirati to summit Mount Elbrus and the youngest Arab to summit both Vinson Massif in Antarctica and Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania, in addition to successfully climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.

Standing on the summit of Lenin Peak, Fatima raised the flag of the United Arab Emirates, marking the first time the UAE flag has been carried to the summit of the mountain.

She also raised a message addressed to young people around the world from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reaffirming the values of ambition, hope, resilience, and perseverance.

Lenin Peak is one of Central Asia’s most demanding high-altitude mountains, renowned for its extreme weather, heavily glaciated terrain, and prolonged exposure above 7,000 metres.

"Standing on the summit of Lenin Peak with the UAE flag wasn’t just the end of a climb; it was a reminder of why I started this journey in the first place. Mountaineering has taught me that the greatest rewards come from embracing challenges," Al Awadhi said.

"I’m incredibly grateful to have climbed under the patronage of our father, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His support reflects a belief in empowering young people to dream big and pursue ambitious goals. I hope this achievement encourages others, especially young Emiratis and young women, to believe in what’s possible when you work for it."

With four of the Seven Summits now completed and having climbed above 7,000 metres without supplementary oxygen, Fatima remains on track to achieve her goal of completing the Seven Summits before the age of 20, while also pursuing the Explorer’s Grand Slam.

Fatima is a recipient of both the Presidential Court University Scholarship and the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholarship for Outstanding High School Students, balancing full-time university studies with elite mountaineering. 

Fatima Al Awadhi becomes youngest Arab to reach over 7,000 metres, first Emirati to summit Lenin Peak#WamNews https://t.co/7Z5N71oQAK pic.twitter.com/1shSyVf109

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) July 29, 2026