Originally from Jeddah, Raha is the youngest Arab to make it to the top of Everest and the seven summits. When you are an Arab woman, people are always quick to give you the role of a daughter, a mother or a wife. But, Raha did not want to just accept one of these roles. She wanted to conquer the world’s highest mountain. Something most other women in her country would never think about.
So, how did this young Arab woman make it to the top of Everest and what did other men in her country have to say about it? CT Dubai sits down with Raha Moharrak for a quick chat where she spills the beans about her expeditions, accomplishments, her parent’s reaction, life lessons and more.
Childhood & Early Days
Even as a child, Raha Moharrak loved adventure. When asked about her childhood ambition, Raha says she wanted to be everything- an astronaut, a scientist- something very grand.
“I wanted to be everything; I wanted to do everything. I wanted to be an astronaut, a scientist; I wanted to just live the fullest life I could in terms of adventure. I was always very hungry for that, so my aspirations changed but they were always the same, as in they were always grand.”
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in visual communications from the American University of Sharjah, she started off her career at a leading advertising agency. However, things changed drastically for her, after she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, challenging herself, her society and culture. The zeal and enthusiasm to climb did not die here. Raha went on to climb eight more summits, and eventually the Mount Everest. On May 18, 2013, Raha made history by becoming the first Saudi woman to summit Mount Everest, a feat that turned her into an inspiration for many women out there.
With a degree in visual communication, mountain climbing is the last thing one would think of. And so did Raha! A mountaineering career was something she never dreamt about, It just happened and overtook her like completely.
“I didn’t plan for it; it was an absolute accident. It started off as a curious thing and it ended up completely overtaking my life. I’m very grateful for having the opportunity to actually just start”, adds Raha.
Battling Family & Societal Challenges
Being a Saudi girl from a traditional and conservative family, convincing people back home was as great a challenge as the mountain itself. However, her parents came around after a bit of persuasion and fully support her efforts now. Raha trained by watching YouTube videos, and climbing desert hills while carrying a backpack full of rocks. She summited Kilimanjaro in November 2011 and several other high peaks over the next two years.
The highest mountains in each of the continents are termed the ‘seven summits’. When Raha reached the top of the Everest, she was already in her sixth. In July 2017, she climbed Denali in Alaska, completing all the seven summits.
“I had to convince my family to let me go initially but that’s all part of it—all part of this journey that I have found myself in. I have had to fight for it and that’s why it means so much to me.”
Speaking of climbing, Raha admits any climb go wrong if you go with the wrong company or attitude. Nevertheless, every journey is special as it taught her some value or a lesson. However, the most challenging one was when she attempted Dinali. “I got stuck on it, lost all my toe nails, its a very tough mountain”, recalls Raha.
That said, it was all worth it at the end, when she came back home to see her parents. Every time Raha is back from a climb, they cry at having a daughter who was ready to give her whole life to something so dangerous. Yet, they can’t be more proud of their daughter.
“One thing I adore about my parents is their ability to love me beyond any social norm or conformity. It wasn’t easy for them, it took a lot of time and pain, but in the end they love me more”.
Advice To Women Out There
An inspiration to many women out there, Raha finds a role model in people who lead a simple, ordinary life. They are the most inspiring, she says. “Everyone is capable of doing great things; you just need to have the courage, and be brave enough to dream them”, she signs off.