For the 18-year-old climber from the Emirates, Fatima Al Awadi, ambitions know no bounds. Her dream of climbing the highest peak on each of the seven continents before reaching the age of twenty is getting closer. In July, she conquered Mount Vinson and Carstensz Pyramid, becoming the youngest Arab woman to reach these peaks, as well as the youngest Emirati to climb Elbrus.
Now Fatima is taking the next step toward her goal by heading on an expedition to Lenin Peak in the Pamir Mountains of Kyrgyzstan. This peak rises at an altitude of 7,134 meters above sea level. Successfully completing the ascent of all Seven Summits will allow her to qualify for the Grand Slam of Explorer, which is one of the highest tests of human endurance, requiring ascents of the Seven Summits and descents to the North and South Poles on skis.
Fatima's motivation for such challenging adventures, which require a high degree of perseverance and strength, is personal. During a difficult period in high school, Fatima's father fell into a coma, and it was then that she decided to join the Prince of Edinburgh International Award program as a way to cope with grief. Her first trekking trip to the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal awakened her passion for mountaineering. In the Himalayas, she set herself the goal of completing the Seven Summits before the age of 20, while balancing this with studying in high school and later in university.
The climber, born in Abu Dhabi, began her journey by climbing Kilimanjaro in Africa. She then traveled to Europe, conquering Elbrus, which made her the youngest Emirati to do so. After this, she reached Mount Vinson Massif and Carstensz Pyramid. Her next expedition to Lenin Peak is under the patronage of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Fatima expressed deep gratitude for the support, noting that her father, Sheikh Mohammed, is her role model and for her, he is the highest peak among all others.
Fatima emphasized that her journey goes beyond peaks and records. She hopes that her story will inspire others to make unconventional decisions, step out of their comfort zones, and embrace challenges they never thought possible. Despite life's difficulties, she believes that everyone has the ability to recover and shape a different future. When she became the youngest Arab woman to reach the highest point of Antarctica in January, she dedicated this achievement to Sheikh Mohammed. Meeting the President, who recognized her historic feat and supported her efforts, felt like a full circle for her.
Physical exertion did not prevent Fatima from continuing her academic education. The Emirati girl always found time to return to university to study economics, balancing mountaineering trips, monthly physical training, technical training, logistical coordination, travel, and recovery, alongside her studies.
In January, Fatima was recognized as the youngest Arab woman to conquer Mount Vinson and Carstensz Pyramid, as well as the youngest Emirati to climb Elbrus. Her first serious mountaineering expedition to a 5,000-meter mountain took place in July 2025. Within a year, she aims to conquer a mountain over 7,000 meters, having already secured four of the Seven Summits. Fatima plans to break a regional record by attempting a double ascent of Everest (8,848.86 meters) and Lhotse (8,516 meters) within 24 hours.
Most people know their chronological age, but doctors emphasize the existence of another indicator that requires attention—biological age. This indicator reflects the condition of vital bodily systems, such as the heart, muscles, and metabolism, rather than just the number on an ID card.
The topic of biological aging has gained new momentum after Dubai announced the creation of the Dubai Longevity Authority. This initiative aims to strengthen the emirate's position as a global center for preventive medicine and healthy aging.
Dr. Rola Fayyad, an internal medicine specialist at Burjeel Medical Center in Silicon Oasis, explained: 'Chronological age is simply the number of years lived. Biological age shows how our body truly feels and functions.'
According to specialists, a person's biological state depends on numerous factors, including lifestyle, stress levels, sleep, nutrition, and overall health. Dr. Fayyad noted that two people of the same age can age at completely different rates.
Experts confirm that the difference between chronological and biological age can reach ten to twenty years. For example, a healthy 40-year-old may have a biological age corresponding to the early 30s, while another person of the same age with chronic inflammation, poor sleep, or high visceral fat might biologically appear fifty years old.
Appearance can often be deceiving, as a person may look healthy on the outside while hiding internal risks such as early arterial hardening, increased inflammation, or insulin resistance. This is why longevity medicine is gaining popularity—it allows for the detection of signs of aging at early stages and intervention before diseases appear.
Biological age is assessed using a complex set of biomarkers, including blood sugar, cholesterol, inflammation, body composition, muscle mass, and cardiovascular health indicators. Some advanced methods include DNA testing to predict the rate of cellular aging.
Although genetics plays a role, experts believe that daily habits have a huge impact on the pace of aging. Dr. Malathi Arshanapalai, Chief Medical Director and Chief Quality Officer at Aster DM Healthcare, listed chronic stress, lack of sleep, smoking, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, and obesity as major accelerators of biological aging.
These factors contribute to increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction, which gradually deteriorates cell health. However, she added that although aging cannot be stopped, its speed can be slowed down by adopting healthier habits.
Improving metabolic health, cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and overall resilience is achieved through better nutrition, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight. Aster's Thrive by myAster program offers an assessment of 100 biomarkers to identify potential risks before symptoms appear.
Doctors advise not to postpone caring for healthy aging, but to start at age 30 or even earlier, as biological aging tends to accelerate around 45 and again around 60. Regular exercise, strength training, quality sleep, a balanced diet, stress management, quitting smoking, and maintaining social connections help people stay healthy longer.
Interest in longevity medicine is growing in the UAE as residents increasingly shift focus from treating diseases to preventing them. Dr. Adnan Ghazi Al-Khalefeh, a cardiologist at NMC Royal Hospital in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, noted that the highest demand is among individuals aged 35 to 60, although younger professionals also undergo screenings due to family history of heart disease, diabetes, or obesity.
He emphasized that muscle strength, grip strength, and cardiovascular fitness are some of the most reliable indicators of healthy aging. According to him, 'longevity is not just living longer; it is extending the number of years spent in good health.'
By focusing on cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, nutrition, sleep, and preventive screening, one can significantly improve both life expectancy and quality of life. Experts note that sedentary work, stress, and the hot climate of the UAE complicate maintaining activity, but growing awareness and easier access to preventive care encourage residents to take control of their long-term health.
It is believed that the recently established Dubai Longevity Authority could accelerate this transition by promoting early risk assessment, personalized care, and preventive medicine. Vikas Harbanda, Partner and Head of Health and Life Sciences Practice at Arthur D Little Middle East, stated that this authority could attract global talent, investment, and advanced medical technologies, strengthening Dubai's position as a global center for longevity innovation.
