In the towering world of high-altitude mountaineering, few names shine brighter from the Middle East than Asma Al Thani. A pioneering adventurer, visionary, and passionate advocate for female empowerment, Sheikha Asma Al Thani has become a symbol of courage not only in Qatar but across the Arab world.
As the first Qatari woman to summit Mount Everest, K2, Lhotse, Manaslu, and Nanga Parbat, Asma Al Thani is redefining what’s possible for women in sports and extreme adventure.
🇶🇦 Who is Asma Al Thani?
Sheikha Asma Al Thani (Arabic: أسماء آل ثاني) is a Qatari royal, mountaineer, and the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Qatar Olympic Committee. Born into a society where tradition and transformation walk side by side, Asma took the unconventional route—scaling the world’s tallest and most dangerous mountains.
She is not only a record-setting athlete but also a cultural ambassador, using her climbs to inspire the next generation to dream boldly and break barriers.
🧗 Her Mountaineering Journey: From Kilimanjaro to K2
📌 The Beginning
Her journey began in 2013 when she rediscovered an old bucket list that included “climbing a mountain.” Within a year, she was among the first Qatari women to summit Kilimanjaro in 2014. That spark turned into a lifelong mission.
🏔️ Major Milestones & First
2024 – Completed her second 8000er without oxygen (Lhotse), solidifying her place in history.
2018 – Became the first Qatari to ski to the North Pole, part of an all-female Euro-Arabian expedition.
2019 – Summited Aconcagua, becoming the first Qatari woman to do so.
2021 – Climbed Ama Dablam, Mount Elbrus, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. She became the first Arab to summit an 8,000-meter peak without supplemental oxygen.
2022 – Historic year with summits of:
- Mount Everest (carrying the official 2022 FIFA World Cup match ball, Al Rihla)
- Lhotse (second time in 2024, without oxygen)
- Kangchenjunga (first Arab woman)
Mount Vinson, Denali, and K2
2025 – Became the first Qatari woman to climb Nanga Parbat, Pakistan’s “Killer Mountain.”
✅ Summary Highlights
| Year | Mountain(s) | Notable Firsts |
| 2018 | North Pole | First Qatari to ski there |
| 2019 | Aconcagua | First Qatari woman |
| 2021 | Ama Dablam, Elbrus, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu | First Arab to summit 8,000er without O₂ |
| 2022 | Everest, Lhotse, Vinson, Denali, Kangchenjunga, K2 | Multiple firsts for Qatari/Arab female climber |
| 2024 | Lhotse (with no O₂) | First Arab to summit two 8,000ers without O₂ |
| 2025 | Nanga Parbat | First Qatari woman to summit |
These dates and achievements are based on verified sources including Wikipedia and Alpine news outlets.
🗻 Asma Al Thani on Climbing Everest: A Message to Dreamers
"Everest- A dream I have been working on for quite some time.
Don’t be shy to dream big. Once you do, you have a commitment to do everything you can to make it happen. Where there is a will there is a way!
I can’t do the mighty Everest justice with things I could say but it has taught me so much.
It has taught me that no matter the struggle, what you want and how much you want it matters.
It should be what you think of when you wake up in the morning and right before you sleep and dream. It’s not only about thinking but also doing everything in your capacity to make your dream a reality.
Most importantly surround yourself with people that believe in you, who support you and understand every step you take. At the end you realize it’s not about you. Its people you do it for and it’s people that make it happen for you. This one goes to all the dreamers who I hope get a little inspiration from me to push a little higher. And for all who helped me push a little higher" - Asma Al Thani
Reference : Instagram
Reference : Instagram
🏔️ Asma Al Thani on Summiting Makalu – 8/14
"We started our journey to the summit of Makalu under a nearly full moon. A few nights earlier, we had to turn back. No ropes. No guarantees. The mountain wasn’t ready, so we waited.
And in that waiting, I was reminded that the climb isn’t just about getting to the top. It’s about the stillness. The surrender. The patience it takes to trust what’s meant for you, and when.
This is my 8th 8000er. Every peak has carved something in me. Every one a quiet conversation between who I am and who I’m becoming. This journey has never been just about mountains. It’s about carrying something bigger. Walking with purpose. Being honest about why I choose to keep going.
Raising the Qatari flag on Makalu wasn’t just for me. It was for every dreamer back home. For every Qatari who dares to believe that we belong in every space, even the highest ones. I carry this flag with pride, not just as a symbol of where I’m from, but of what’s possible.
@ifmgatenji thank you for being the calm, the constant, the friend who climbs with heart. Dawa and Pasang, this journey wouldn’t have been the same without you. Grateful always.
And thank you to @ooredooqatar for helping me stay connected to the world, even from the edge of it" - Asma Al Thani
Reference : Instagram
🗺️ The Goal: The Explorers Grand Slam
Asma Al Thani is working toward completing the Explorers Grand Slam, a challenge that includes:
- Skiing to both the North and South Poles
- Climbing the Seven Summits (the highest mountain on each continent)
She has already completed:
✔ North Pole
✔ Kilimanjaro
✔ Elbrus
✔ Aconcagua
✔ Denali
✔ Vinson
✔ Everest
With each expedition, she moves closer to becoming the first Qatari to complete the Explorers Grand Slam.
🧠 Beyond Mountains: A Voice for Women & Youth
Through every climb, Asma Al Thani brings more than just gear—she carries a powerful message: “I climb not just to reach summits, but to return to what matters.”
She uses her platform to:
- Encourage young people in the Arab world to challenge stereotypes
- Promote women in leadership and adventure sports
- Represent Qatar’s modern spirit on a global stage
She was recognized as “Woman of the Year” by Grazia Qatar and remains a vital leader in Qatar’s sporting future.
🏕️ Her Hardest Climb: Nanga Parbat
In 2023, she summited Nanga Parbat, an 8,126-meter peak in Pakistan infamous for its deadly terrain. She called it her most emotionally and physically demanding expedition, battling black ice, snowstorms, and altitude.
In her words:
“There was surrender, and there was strength I didn’t know I still had.”
This was her ninth successful 8000er, bringing her closer to completing all 14 of the world’s highest peaks.
🧭 Legacy in the Making
Asma Al Thani is more than a mountaineer. She’s a trailblazer, a national icon, and a living tribute to resilience. Her story isn’t just about summits—it’s about creating space for women where there were none before. With grace, strength, and humility, she continues to make history—one peak at a time.
📚 References & Sources
- Wikipedia – Asma Al Thani
- The Himalayan Times – Everest Summit
- TravelsDubai – Nanga Parbat Summit
- Qatar Olympic Committee – Official Website
Note: This is not an advertising post. This article is a heartfelt tribute to Asma Al Thani and her inspiring journey as a mountaineer and role model. All achievements and information are based on publicly available sources.
Asma Al Thani’s journey is truly inspiring! It’s amazing to see how her passion for adventure has broken barriers and encouraged so many to dream bigger. Stories like hers remind us that travel isn’t just about reaching new places—it’s about discovering new strengths within ourselves. Thank you for sharing her story here, it really motivates me to push my own limits.