Emirati Teen Fatima Al A Becomes Youngest to Summit Mount Vinson

• Emirati mountaineer Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi conquered Mount Vinson in Antarctica
• She became the youngest and the first Arab to stand on the peak at age 18
• It adds another feather to the UAE’s presence in high-altitude global mountaineering

The young UAE mountaineer, Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi, ascended Mount Vinson, located in Antarctica, when she was merely 18 years old.

This achievement makes Fatima the youngest mountaineer to conquer Mount Vinson and also the first Arab female to have reached the summit. Fatima's conquest of Mount Vinson was her third continental summit achievement.

It measures 4,892 meters in height. It is the highest mountain that has ever been found in Antarctica. The mountain is located in one of the world’s most harsh climates.

It took her a maximum of three weeks to climb the mountain. The climatic conditions were marked by temperatures that were less than -40 degrees.

This victory brings Al Awadhi one step closer to her dreams of topping the Seven Summits. This expedition requires her to climb each of the seven continents to reach their peaks.

Completing Explorer’s Grand Slam will definitely make her a new face for adventure sport athletes in her region.

Palms Sports based in the UAE sponsored her Mount Vinson expedition through their youth engagement initiative while Dar Al Takaful Finance supported her previous expedition on Mount Elbrus in Europe, which took place on July 6th, 2025.

Fatima made it to 5,642 meters at Mount Vinson and became the youngest individual from her nation to reach it.

She dedicated her Mount Vinson achievement to both His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the UAE's Mother of the Nation. Al Awadhi views Her Highness as a trailblazer for future female leaders.

Analysing her expedition experience, Fatima remarks that Mount Vinson proved to be a far more challenging climb for her compared to her previous expeditions owing to its remote location and freezing temperatures. Despite initial difficulties, her expedition reinforced her confidence and boosted her interest in Polar Regions.

She also emphasized the significance of having national support in pursuing ambitious dreams. "Carrying our country’s flag at the highest peak in Antarctica means it is a sign of resilience and opportunity. It emphasizes how, no matter how tough things seem, there is always hope." Fatima is grateful for all forms of support offered to her in pursuing her dreams.