Sheikh Asma Al-Thani defies his country's traditions from the highest mountains
The mountaineer Sheikh Asma Al-Thani is a member of the Qatari royal family.that is, it is part of those who lead an Arab country. mired in macho traditionsIn a country where women do not seem to be cut out for high achievement.
Mindful of the traditions that surround it, Al-Thani decided to climb Everest as a way of vindication.The project is an attempt to empower young women in their region and an invitation to challenge themselves.
Reclaiming the female figure one peak at a time
Through mountaineering, she has not only set out to highlight the role of women in her country and region, but at the same time to emphasise the importance of sport and nature.
"The overwhelming beauty of nature humbles me. It makes me realise how insignificant I am and shows me how little control I have over anything. Which instils in me more determination to respect and benefit what surrounds me," Al-Thani wrote on his Instagram account, just on the days he was on Everest with a group.
Sheikh Asma Al-Thani he did not set out to climb Everest overnight, before that he had worked and made his way up other great mountains. and places. By April 2021, its list of achievements included the North Pole, Aconcagua (Argentina) and Kilimanjaro (Tanzania).
Each of these mountains are part of their plan to climb the highest peaks on every continent.This is a task that is likely to expand as it achieves its objectives.
An unsuccessful attempt that does not divert her from her path
Returning to her attempt on Everest, it must be said that it was not fully accomplished. Since April this year, she and other companions have been based at base camp, acclimatising and preparing for the ascent.
A month later the expedition had to be cancelled due to storms at the site. which made the snow softer and created other dangers such as the possibility of avalanches.
The cancellation of this expedition did not make her give up or get discouraged, through her social networks she makes it very clear that she continues to visit other landscapes. Days after reporting that the ascent had been cancelled, she uploaded a photo in which she wrote: "Believe in it until it manifests for you. Don't think too much about how it will happen, when it will happen and where it will happen. Just believe it. Believe in yourself. Allow it.".
In the end, Al-Thani continues to promote to women, as well as men, a message of resilience in the face of hardship, whether it is related to religion, sexual orientation, nationality, colour or climate.
For her a relationship is created with the mountain that goes far beyond the social or health problems that the world is currently going through.. He assures that climbing creates a special connection with one's own being, with one's own body.
Al-Thani comments that he does not want that moment to end when he is a climber on the mountain, climbing step by step, seeing the immensity of the landscape.
The story behind the royal family
This mountaineer is set apart from the rest by the context in which she grew up. She stands out not only because she is part of royalty, but also because of the country in which that monarchy is established. Behind her there is a very interesting family history, which gives her achievements even more merit.
The Al-Thani family has ruled Qatar for 150 years. According to a report published by the BBC, Qatar is considered one of the most troubled countries in the Persian Gulf. Neighbouring nations accuse Qatar of supporting terrorist groups, bringing it into diplomatic conflict with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt.
The Al-Thani dynasty is the only leadership figure the country has known since its founding in 1850. Experts say it is considered a problematic family for the region because of its constantly changing rulers, who, although from the same family, are not all to everyone's liking.
Originally an unremarkable tribe linked to Saudi Arabia, the Al-Thani are now one of the most recognisable groups on the continent.
Economically, the family is in charge of exporting natural gas, and also has various businesses in other continents such as Europe. In the United Kingdom they own Harrods (luxury department stores'), large hotels and The Shard (Europe's tallest skyscraper).
They have a stake in Canary Wharf (business complex) and bought the Olympic Village in 2012. They are said to be interested in the natural gas fields in Wales.
