Emirati mountaineer Fatima Al Awadhi has been stirring up a buzz in the UAE. The 18-year-old is about to embark on a mission to climb Lenin Peak this month.
Fatima has already earned widespread recognition as the youngest Arab to summit Mount Vinson and Carstensz Pyramid, and also the youngest Emirati to summit Mount Elbrus. The climb to Lenin Peak is part of her mission to conquer the Seven Summits, and eventually the prestigious Explorer’s Grand Slam.
The Explorer’s Grand Slam is one of the ultimate challenges for any trekker and requires a climb to the Seven Summits, which constitutes the highest peak on each of the seven continents). Trekkers must also ski the last degree to both the North and South Poles.
Despite her young age, Abu Dhabi-born Fatima plans to head to Lenin Peak in the Pamir Mountains of Kyrgyzstan, which rises to 7,134 metres above sea level. This expedition is being undertaken under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.
The young mountaineer aims to complete the Seven Summits before the age of 20 while also studying full-time. Looking ahead, Fatima is all set to break the regional record. She also plans to conquer Mount Everest and Lhotse on a double summit in 24 hours.
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