Raha Moharrak is the first Saudi Arabian woman to stand on top of the world, but just don’t call her a lady – “I’m such a tomboy,” she insists.
While standing on top of a snow-capped Everest is the last place you may expect to find a “desert-born Arab woman,” the mountaineer hasn’t stopped at just one peak. In fact, she has 14 expeditions and all seven of the world’s greatest summits – Everest, Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson Massif, and Puncak Jaya – under her carabiner-riddled belt.
The latest “monster” for Moharrak was Denali in Alaska – “my demon” – which she finally completed last month. “It was the toughest thing I’ve ever had to do in my climbing career,” she says.
Her battle, which was documented through videos on her Instagram account to more than 26,700 followers, wasn’t so much the 6,190 meter elevation, but the mental challenge. Moharrak had returned to the mountain after failing the climb two years ago.
“I had to have the courage, will, and insanity to return to the mountain,” she says. “It nearly broke me so many years ago, but I can’t ever accept defeat or giving up.”
This positive outlook on life and her ability to look fear in the face is why Moharrak is a woman we admire. The former graphic designer has inspirationally transformed her passion for adventure into a fully-fledged career. As well as being part of a small group of Arab Muslim athletes, her job title also includes climber, public speaker, and motivational speaker. “Designing has now become my hobby,” she says.
What’s next for Moharrak after climbing the last summit? “A long vacation to finish my book, which is basically a love letter to my parents and paying homage to the beauty of how far they have come,” she says.
“I also want to go to the beach and be absolutely feminine and watch cute guys playing volleyball.” Not too much of a tomboy, after all.
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