SHARJAH, Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Fab 14 , 2019 - Ambition and challenging obstacles have become a firm principle in the dictionary of the UAE people and a foundation for a life a life full of achievements at various levels. Today, Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Omar Obeid Al Jahdami and Mohammed Seif Al Shehhi add a new achievement by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest in Africa. Standing at 5895 metres, the mountain now bears witness to the strong will of UAE people in overcoming difficulties to achieve high goals.

Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi said that his love for adventure and climbing began from childhood, where he took part in many adrenaline activities. He pointed out that he and Al Jahdami and Al Shehhi decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro after their success in climbing the volcanic Mount Rinjani in Indonesia, driven by their desire to climb higher mountains and enjoy this hobby that brings them together.

He dedicated this achievement to the leadership of the UAE, represented by His Highness the President and Their Highnesses Rulers of Emirates, including His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, whose constant support significantly contributed to the group’s determination to raise the flag of the UAE high in the sky.

On preparations that preceded the adventure, Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi asserted that mountain climbing requires high fitness levels, noting that their trip involved approximately 6 hours of walking a day. Other requirements include climbing equipment and appropriate clothing, he added.

He clarified that reaching the top of the mountain took seven days, as well as overcoming several challenges, notably oxygen pressure due to high altitude and diverse terrain, including forests, as well as flat, gravel and slippery surfaces, not to mention changing temperatures and sudden rainfall.

For his part, Omar Obeid Al Jahdami said that the feeling of joy upon reaching the top was overwhelming, particularly after raising the UAE flag on Africa’s highest mountain. He indicated that all the exhaustion he felt during the journey vanished at that moment and was replaced by so much delight that he did not want to go back down.

Al Jahdami added that his love for climbing grew after many adventures he experienced with his friends, stressing the need for the UAE youth to develop their abilities and continue to make achievements to raise their country’s name up high, whether in the field of adventure or in other scientific, social, economic and sports fields.

Mohammed Seif Al Shehhi pointed out that the UAE youth grew up in a country that has made high ambition a way of life for all its people. He pointed out that this is what fuelled his and his friends’ determination to meet new challenges and make achievements for the UAE.

Al Shehhi explained that such adventures involve coming across different cultures, environments and situations that are shared by everyone on the journey and form a beautiful memory that encourages higher future goals.