Qatari woman set to make historic Everest ascent

April 2, 2021 

Sheikha Asma Al Thani is on a mission to become the first Qatari woman to climb Mount Everest - the highest point on Earth - and inspire women and young people across the Middle East to challenge stereotypes and fulfil their dreams along the way.

“I have dreamed of climbing mountains ever since I was young. A dream which has always been ignited by my love of sport and its ability to inspire," she said.

She became the first Qatari to ski to the North Pole in 2018 and the first Qatari woman to climb Argentina's Mount Aconcagua in 2019. Before this, she was among the first group of Qatari women to climb Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro in 2014. 

Sheikha Asma traveled to Nepal on 1 April to begin her trek to Everest Basecamp for acclimatisation, and will attempt to summit Everest mid-May if conditions allow. With this ascent, the 31-year-old would also become the first woman from the Middle East to complete the Explorers Grand Slam (climbing the Seven Summits and reaching the North Pole and South Pole). 

“In my extensive work within sport in Qatar, I have seen first-hand the powerful impact that sport and its incredible athletes can have on the lives of so many. If they fall, they always get up and try harder. And if they lose, they always rise stronger. Ultimately, they inspire us all to be better versions of ourselves,” said Sheikha Asma. 

Conquering Everest is her biggest challenge yet. She is only the third Qatari to ever attempt the climb and, if successful, would become the first Qatari woman in history to stand 8,849 metres above sea level. She would also become the fourth woman from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to summit the world’s tallest peak. 

An avid adventurer and powerful advocate for female empowerment in the Middle East, Sheikha Asma has significant influence within the Qatari, regional and international sports world. She is a senior female official in the Qatar Olympic Committee and a key driving force behind major Qatari sports projects. 

“I climb mountains because it challenges my limits. And it is my hope that, by taking on the world’s highest mountains, I can challenge the stereotypical image of the traditional explorer and empower women and youth in the region to challenge themselves and dream bigger,” she said. 

“This has been a journey of firsts, but this is not my focus. My ultimate dream is to be the first of many Qatari women to achieve such feats. Together we can all work to inspire the next generation of women to achieve their dreams.” 

Sources: sportanddev.org and AIPS Media