Introduction
Raha Moharrak is a pioneering Saudi adventurer who has defied societal barriers to become one of the most influential female mountaineers of her generation. Her story is one of determination, resilience, and empowerment, capturing the imagination of people worldwide, particularly young women from the Middle East. Raha is best known for her groundbreaking achievement in 2013, when she became the first Saudi woman to summit Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. But her accomplishments extend far beyond that single moment; she has conquered the Seven Summits, which include the tallest peaks on each of the seven continents, and remains an active advocate for women’s empowerment in adventure and leadership.
From her beginnings in Saudi Arabia to her present status as a global role model, Raha Moharrak’s journey is one of breaking boundaries—literally and figuratively. She has worked tirelessly to change perceptions about what women in the Middle East can achieve, proving that with perseverance and courage, anything is possible.
Early Life and Education
Raha Moharrak was born on January 25, 1986, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Raised in a relatively progressive family, Raha was encouraged to pursue her passions and dreams from an early age. She grew up in an environment that valued education, and her family supported her desire to explore the world. However, as a young woman in Saudi Arabia—a country where traditional gender roles often restrict opportunities for women—Raha was not always afforded the same liberties as her male peers. The societal norms of the time meant that, like many young girls in the region, she was expected to prioritize family and social expectations over personal aspirations.
Nevertheless, Raha’s tenacity and desire to break free from these expectations drove her to pursue higher education. She enrolled in the American University of Sharjah, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication. Initially, she embarked on a career in advertising, working at a prominent agency in Dubai. While she found success in her professional life, something was missing. She realized that her true passion lay elsewhere—in the great outdoors and the challenge of mountaineering.
It wasn’t long before Raha made the bold decision to leave her comfortable job and begin her journey into the world of climbing. For many, this would seem like an unthinkable decision, but for Raha, it was the beginning of a transformational path that would define her future.
The Everest Expedition
Raha Moharrak’s most defining moment came in May 2013, when she made history by becoming the first Saudi woman—and one of the youngest Arabs ever—to summit Mount Everest. At the time, there were few women from the Arab world who had achieved such a feat, and the idea of a Saudi woman reaching the highest point on Earth was groundbreaking.
This extraordinary accomplishment wasn’t just about climbing a mountain. It symbolized the triumph of perseverance, dedication, and breaking free from societal expectations. For Raha, the goal wasn’t merely to reach the summit but to inspire a generation of young women in the Middle East and beyond to pursue their dreams, no matter how impossible they seemed. She also sought to raise awareness for education in Nepal through the “Arabs with Altitude” initiative, which aimed to raise funds for educational programs in Nepal.
Scaling the Seven Summits
Raha’s completion of the Seven Summits marked another monumental achievement, positioning her as one of the most accomplished mountaineers in the world. Her journey wasn’t just about summiting the highest peaks; it was about demonstrating that anything is achievable with determination and perseverance.
Through her climbs, Raha has proven that challenges can be overcome and goals can be reached, even in the face of adversity. By completing the Seven Summits, she has also set a powerful example for women in the Arab world, showing them that they, too, can take on the most difficult challenges and succeed.
Advocacy and Leadership
Beyond her mountaineering achievements, Raha Moharrak is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and leadership. She has become a prominent speaker and role model, inspiring women across the globe to step outside their comfort zones and pursue their dreams.
One of Raha’s primary goals is to challenge traditional gender roles, particularly in the Middle East, where women’s participation in adventure sports and leadership roles has historically been limited. Through her personal example, she has shown that women can thrive in areas traditionally dominated by men, and she encourages other women to take risks, follow their passions, and be leaders in their communities.
In 2023, Raha returned to Mount Everest to take part in a special expedition that aimed to inspire the next generation of female adventurers. This time, she was joined by two young women who had won an Adidas-sponsored competition to climb Everest with her. For Raha, this was not just an opportunity to return to the summit but also a chance to pass the torch to the next generation. By mentoring and supporting these young women, she emphasized the importance of empowering others and creating a legacy that will extend far beyond her own accomplishments.
Raha’s commitment to women’s empowerment extends beyond mountaineering. She is actively involved in promoting girls’ education, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. She believes that education is the key to unlocking opportunities for young women and creating more inclusive and equal societies. Through her various platforms, including her social media presence and speaking engagements, Raha advocates for greater access to education and opportunities for young women to succeed.
Personal Philosophy and Impact
At the core of Raha Moharrak’s journey is her personal philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear and embracing challenges. She believes that success is not measured by the accomplishments themselves but by the ability to push through adversity and persevere in the face of obstacles.
Raha has often spoken about the importance of self-belief and the need for individuals to step out of their comfort zones in order to grow. “You can’t change the world from inside your comfort zone,” she says. This belief is at the heart of her journey—from leaving her career in advertising to pursue mountaineering, to climbing some of the highest peaks in the world, Raha has consistently challenged herself to break boundaries and redefine what is possible.
Her impact reaches far beyond the mountains she has climbed. Through her advocacy, she has changed perceptions about what women in the Middle East can achieve. She has become a role model not just for women in Saudi Arabia but for women around the world who are looking for inspiration to follow their own dreams.
Recognition and Legacy
Throughout her career, Raha Moharrak has received numerous accolades for her achievements. In 2016, she was named Emirates Woman of the Year, and in 2017, she received the Arab Woman of the Year award. Her accomplishments have been featured in global media outlets such as CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera, where she continues to inspire millions with her story of resilience and empowerment.
Raha’s journey has also been recognized by international organizations. She was named one of the 100 Most Influential Arab Women in 2018 and has been invited to speak at prestigious events worldwide. She has shared her story at forums such as the Global Women’s Forum and the Arab Women’s Summit, where her message of empowerment and breaking barriers resonates deeply with audiences from all walks of life.
Raha Moharrak’s legacy extends far beyond her mountaineering feats. She is a symbol of empowerment, a beacon of hope for women in the Middle East and around the world. Her story serves as a reminder that no dream is too big, and no challenge is too great if one is willing to fight for it.
Conclusion
Raha Moharrak’s extraordinary achievements as a mountaineer, advocate for women’s empowerment, and leader are a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and the willingness to challenge societal norms. As the first Saudi woman to summit Mount Everest and the first to complete the Seven Summits, she has broken barriers in the world of adventure and inspired countless individuals to reach for their own personal summits. Her legacy is one of courage, determination, and the belief that, no matter where you come from, anything is possible with the right mindset and a strong sense of purpose.
Through her advocacy for women in leadership and her commitment to education, Raha continues to shape the future for women in the Middle East and beyond, showing them that their dreams are worth pursuing, and that no goal is beyond reach. Raha Moharrak has shown the world that the sky is not the limit—the mountains are.
