An Emirati Woman Who Scaled 2 of the World’s Highest Mountains in Record Time
No climbing challenge is too great for this courageous UAE lady.
For Danah Al Ali, there is no mountain high enough. Yes, this scaler is literally on top of the world after completing an extraordinary feat… or “feet” – about 56,970 to be exact. That is the combined heights of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. And what’s more, this determined lady climbed the world’s first and fourth highest peaks, respectively, in under 24 hours! Apart from sharing this record with a mere three other persons, she has also earned the distinction of becoming only the second Emirati woman to conquer Everest.
This dual-achievement marks the “pinnacle” of her scaling career and a culmination of 11 years of doggedly pursuing the adventure sport. Yes, her baptism by fire took place in 2013 when she decided to scramble up the 19,340 feet of Tanzania’s scenic Mt. Kilimanjaro. In the preceding three months of preparation, this daredevil availed of a personal trainer and worked out at a gym three times a week. Succeeding at this unique test of endurance was truly an “elevating” experience for young lady.
It was then that the ambitious Mrs. Ali set her sights on the highest mountain in the world. But a lot of practical experience had to lead up to that goal. Her warm-ups included triumphantly tackling Russia’s Mt. Elbrus (which stands at 18,510 feet) and a few years later, reaching the summit of Argentina’s 22,840-feet high Mt. Aconcagua. But despite her lofty efforts, this family woman remained well grounded, not shying away from her role as a mother of two.
So much so, that Danah took her children on her mountainous journeys. The apples apparently hadn’t fallen far from the tree, as the kids were more than equal to the task. They were ready to even rough it out at cold, rarefied altitudes by passing up on huts to sleep in tents! But beginning the climb up Everest was getting an elusive dream with circumstances taking precedence in 2017, 2019 and finally in 2020, with the onset of the Covid Pandemic. Finally, 2024 proved to be the fortuitous year.
Since Danah couldn’t use actual mountains as her training ground, she turned to simulated environments. These included Ski Dubai which helped her body adapt to extreme cold. Then switching to the other extreme, Danah would trek through the UAE desert to gain strength and endurance. Plus, the focussed woman methodically studied the use of crucial equipment like portable solar panels-chargers and hat headlights. She even slept in a Hypoxico tent, which simulates the environment of high altitudes.
Apart from the treacherous nature of the mountains she took on, Danah had to deal with adversity within her home. This included balancing professional work with domestic life. Plus, her father would constantly remind her that by engaging in such a dangerous extreme sport, she was causing her children the risk of losing their mother. But her preparation and determination and also following professional guidance, has ensured that such tragedy has not struck.
Also, UAE’s celebrated mountain-scaler has delighted in forging friendships with others from around the world who have shared in her passion for such daring adventure. And today the accomplished Danah can stand with her head held as high the mountain peaks… upon which she has planted the flag of her homeland.
