Danah Al Ali, a courageous adventurer hailing from the United Arab Emirates, has etched her name in history as the first Emirati woman to accomplish a remarkable feat - summiting both Mount Everest and nearby Lhotse within a span of 24 hours.
This incredible journey began for the mother-of-two in 2013, immediately after her triumphant return from scaling Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Over the course of the following decade, Al Ali meticulously prepared herself for this arduous endeavor. She undertook a rigorous regimen to acclimatize her body to the low altitudes of the Himalayas, which included spending eight hours each night in an oxygen tent. Additionally, she engaged in daily physical training, regular hikes in Ras Al Khaimah, and snow and ice climbing in the majestic Chamonix region of the French Alps.
Setting her sights on this momentous goal, Al Ali embarked on her journey to Nepal on 26th April 2023. Upon reaching Everest Base Camp on 14th May, she made her final preparations for the challenge that had captivated her dreams for years. Accompanied by a group of 16 climbers from various corners of the world, Al Ali seized the opportunity presented by a favorable weather window between 23rd – 25th May.
On 24th May, amidst the awe-inspiring Himalayan landscape, Al Ali triumphed over both peaks. Unfurling the flag of the United Arab Emirates from her trusty rucksack, she proudly adorned the fourth-highest peak in the world, Lhotse, with the emblem of her nation. As the UAE flag fluttered in the wind, the valiant mountaineer found solace in thoughts of her children. Remarkably, her greatest obstacle throughout this treacherous ascent was not the perilous nature of the climb itself - Everest has claimed the lives of over 300 climbers, with 12 fatalities and five missing individuals reported this year alone - but the profound longing for her family.
@thenationalnews "I'm on top of the world!" Danah Al Ali made history as the first Emirati woman to climb both Mount Everest and nearby Lhotse in 24 hours #emirati #history #mounteverest #recordbreaking #mountainclimbing #mountains #mteverest #uae #uae #makinghistory The Champion - Lux-Inspira
Danah Al Ali's remarkable accomplishment serves as an inspiration to women across the globe, especially in the Arab world, where women continue to break barriers and redefine what is possible. Her unwavering determination and meticulous preparation have paved the way for future generations, proving that with dedication and perseverance, even the loftiest of dreams can be realized.
As Al Ali gazes upon the monumental peaks she has conquered, she stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of human endeavor. Her unwavering resolve has propelled her to astonishing heights, firmly establishing her as a trailblazer in the world of mountaineering. Danah Al Ali's name shall forever be etched in the annals of history, serving as an inspiration for all those who dare to dream and strive for greatness.
