UAE teenager makes history atop Antarctica’s highest peak

Emirati mountaineer Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi, 18, has become the youngest and first Arab to reach the summit of Antarctica’s highest peak, Mount Vinson (4,892 metres).

It's the third major peak in her quest to conquer the Seven Summits — the highest mountains on each continent.

Al Awadhi dedicated her achievement to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, in recognition of their unwavering support for Emirati youth and women.

The historic ascent followed a gruelling expedition in one of the world’s harshest natural environments, with Al Awadhi enduring temperatures plunging below minus 40 degrees Celsius, severe weather conditions and powerful winds.

The climb demanded exceptional physical and mental preparedness, resilience, self-reliance and endurance.

Speaking about the experience, Al Awadhi said, "At first, Vinson’s challenges frightened me, but once I stood at the summit and looked out over a sea of ice pierced by sharp peaks cutting through the horizon, I realised the mountain did not make me suffer — it made me much stronger. I know I will return to Antarctica one day; I am completely captivated by the vastness and beauty of this continent."

The teenager also expressed profound gratitude to the UAE leadership for fostering an environment that nurtures ambition and supports bold dreams.

"It is a country I am deeply grateful to have grown up in, and I hope to give back. Without the continuous support the UAE offers its youth, this journey would have been far more difficult," she said.

Currently a university student majoring in Economics, Al Awadhi emphasised the importance of balancing ambition with education and career development.

"It’s not just about summits. I want Arab youth — especially young women — to answer the call to climb their own mountains. We are not just the generation of the future; we are the generation of today. So why wait to pursue our ambitions when we can start now and aim for the highest peaks across all fields," added Al Awadhi.

Al Awadhi’s ascent of Mount Vinson marks another major step towards achieving the prestigious Explorer’s Grand Slam — a global challenge that involves climbing the Seven Summits and reaching both the North and South Poles.

Fatima Al Awadhi youngest and first Arab to reach the summit of the highest peak in Antarctica at the age of 18; dedicated achievement to UAE President & ‘Mother of Nation'#WamNews https://t.co/g6zhioygXy pic.twitter.com/13mev7iOF1

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) January 7, 2026