Elham Al-Qasimi

From North Pole to BOLD 2010: Unassisted and unsupported expedition of the first Arab female to reach the top of the World

In this presentation Elham shares her first-hand experience of an unassisted expedition to the North Pole that made her the first Arab lady to do so.

In April 2010, Elham Al-Qasimi attempted an unassisted and unsupported expedition to the Geographic North Pole. During a three-week journey, Elham skied cross-country to the North Pole starting at 89 degrees latitude. As a result, she became the first Arab woman to set foot on the North Pole and the first UAE national to undertake an unassisted unsupported expedition to the North Pole.

Elham’s saw her cross the final degree of latitude largely by cross-country ski -currently the preferred method of unsupported travel across the Arctic Ocean. ‘Unsupported’ expeditions use natural human means of propulsion, i.e. legs and arms whilst ‘supported’ expeditions use non-human means such as motorised equipment. Elham’s mission will also be unassisted. In polar exploration, unassisted usually means embarking on an expedition without any re-supplies, air-drops or any other kind of assistance. Therefore, all supplies for the last estimated 100 nautical miles to the North Pole were carried either on a sled led by Elham herself or on dogsleds.

Elham whishes to set an example for all women, present a positive attitude and breathe a fresh air of positivity into all the negativity swirling around at the moment. Elham, in her own words, “I want to showcase this trek as an example of drive and ambition that inspires women to aim higher and reach further.  I strongly feel that this accomplishment is one for the entire nation of the UAE rather than just a personal accomplishment. It will illustrate the drive, discipline, and ambition of all young UAE nationals and symbolize traits which are transferable across all goals (educational, professional, and physical)”.