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Two emirati women held the UAE’s flag high on the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, on February 7.
Dr Nawal Khalifa Al Hosani, Associate Manager of Sustainability, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and Ruba Yousif Al Hassan, Advisor at the Social Development Department of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council in Abu Dhabi, climbed the 5,895-metre tall mountain facing several dangers on their way to the top.
The expedition took eight days and the women had to battle freezing temperatures, volcanic areas and dangerous cliffs. The route was closed in 2006 after a series of incidents, but it was reopened for climbers in late 2007, according to Khaleej Times.
Al Hassan hoped their climb would send a message that determination could help people overcome challenges. It was also to promote tourism, create environmental awareness and feel a sense of closeness to nature.
Talking about their experience, she said: "We were patient and suffered a lot during the journey. We were freezing in the sub-zero temperature and we slept in a small tent. We carried our heavy climbing equipment in our rucksacks, and it hurt when we slipped on the ice." But the brave women carried on. "We forgot everything once we reached our destination, next to a sign saying the top of the world’s highest free-standing mountain," her compatriot Al Hosani said "On the top, we held the Emirates flag high and had tears of joy thanking God for being with us during the harsh journey." Al Hassan said it took a lot of preparation for the ardous expedition. "We had practiced by climbing the Green Mountain in Oman." "Thank God, we have a country that allows emirati women opportunities in all spheres of life. We have proved that nothing will stand in our way to reach our high goals and achievements." Their return journey to base took two days and they were filled with a sense of pride. "We were proud, because we saw some western climbers unable to continue their journey as we did," Al Hosani said.
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