Safrina Latheef becomes first Qatar resident from Kerala to summit Mount Everest

Doha: In a moment of sheer willpower and perseverance, long-time Qatar resident Safrina Latheef has successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world.

At 10:25 am Nepal time, Safrina stood atop the 8,848-meter mountain after more than 20 hours of climbing through freezing temperatures and fierce winds. With this feat, she becomes the first Kerala expatriate in Qatar to conquer Everest.

Safrina has been living in Qatar since 2001 and currently resides in Doha with her husband, Dr. Shameel Musthafa — a surgeon at Hamad Medical Corporation — and their daughter, Minha.

Her ascent is the result of years of training, passion, and persistence. Prior to Everest, Safrina had scaled other major peaks, including Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (5,895m), Aconcagua in Argentina (6,961m), and Mount Elbrus in Russia (5,642m)—often alongside her husband. She also underwent high-altitude ice training in Kazakhstan to prepare for the challenge.

Speaking after descending to Camp 2, Safrina expressed gratitude to her family, friends, and the Elite Exped team that supported her climb.

Her inspiring journey is already resonating across Qatar and beyond, particularly among women and young girls with big dreams.

Safrina’s achievement is not just a personal triumph—it’s a proud milestone for Qatar’s adventurous community and a powerful testament to what’s possible with courage and determination.