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Danah Al Ali, an intrepid adventurer, has etched her name in history by achieving an extraordinary feat – becoming the first Emirati woman to conquer the challenging peak-to-peak adventure of scaling Mount Everest and neighboring Lhotse within a remarkable 24-hour span.This monumental journey commenced in 2013, shortly after Al Ali’s triumphant ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Over the course of the ensuing decade, she embarked on an arduous path of rigorous preparation and relentless dedication. Al Ali engaged in meticulous acclimatization, acutely aware of the Himalayan altitude’s demands. Nights spent in an oxygen tent, extensive physical training, frequent hikes in Ras Al Khaimah, and rigorous snow and ice climbing in the French Alps’ Chamonix constituted the foundation of her preparation.Her odyssey reached its apex as Al Ali set foot in Nepal on April 26, 2023. Arriving at Everest Base Camp on May 14, she meticulously orchestrated the final details for a challenge that had been etching its place in her dreams for years. Accompanied by a diverse group of 16 climbers from across the globe, Al Ali embarked on her eagerly awaited venture during a favorable weather window spanning May 23 to 25.The crowning achievement occurred on May 24, as Al Ali defied the odds and conquered both Mount Everest and Lhotse. Amidst the winds that swept across the Himalayan heights, the UAE flag unfurled triumphantly from her rucksack on Lhotse’s summit – the world’s fourth-highest peak. In that moment, while the emblem of the Emirates danced in the breeze, Al Ali’s thoughts turned to her children. Amidst the breathtaking views and the exhilaration of her triumph, the challenges she faced were not solely those of the treacherous climb, which has claimed over 300 lives on Everest alone and witnessed numerous casualties this year. Her greatest challenge was the longing for her family’s presence.Al Ali’s journey resonates as a testament to resilience, determination, and the pursuit of breaking barriers. Her achievement is a celebration of Emirati women’s empowerment and the embodiment of the UAE’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries. Beyond her personal triumph, Al Ali’s expedition inspires individuals to overcome challenges and transcend perceived limitations.In conquering Everest and Lhotse, Danah Al Ali reinforces the UAE’s reputation as a nation that aspires for greatness, embracing boldness and defying conventions. Her unwavering spirit and unparalleled dedication highlight the limitless possibilities that emerge when courage meets passion.As the UAE continues to foster a culture of innovation and exploration, Danah Al Ali’s accomplishment serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations. Her journey illustrates that no summit is insurmountable, no dream too audacious, and no barrier unbreakable.The ascent of Everest and Lhotse by Danah Al Ali is more than a mountaineering feat; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s indomitable will to conquer challenges, uplift societies, and inspire change. Her journey echoes the sentiments of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, who once said, “The impossible does not exist in our dictionary.” As we celebrate Al Ali’s historic accomplishment, we celebrate the embodiment of these words – a remarkable woman who turned the impossible into a reality and etched her name in history.
