Life's summit

Hafsa Al Ulama speaks to Anupa Pratap about the thrill of scaling the tallest mountain in Africa

She loves storming bastions and challenging barriers. She believes in the "freedom to dare". Hafsa Al Ulama has set out to be the first UAE national woman to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya.

An economist and strategist by profession, Hafsa works in The Executive Office of the Rulers of Dubai.

Head of Business Development and Support in the think tank, she regularly faces challenges that involve the growth and development of the emirate. Next month she will take on the task of scaling the 19,340 feet-high peak, along with a team of international mountaineers.

She said: "I will leave Dubai on August 9, for Nairobi, in Kenya. Then I will travel to the border of the country, where the mountain is located.

"We will most probably start our ascent by August 12. You can do the climb in four to five days depending on your capacity and fitness level. However, I am taking it slow and will take seven days.

"I want to make sure that I reach the top. If you climb too rapidly the danger of suffering from altitude mountain sickness, especially after 10,000 feet, is very high. That would mean, nausea, inability to breathe and several other severe symptoms.

"I will not be able to complete the climb then. This is my biggest fear and I want to make sure I do that... to be able to plant the UAE flag atop the peak.

"It is not about a personal success, it is a message to all UAE national women out there to get out and get more involved in sports.

"They are highly absorbed in the business and economics part now, but there is a need for them to get into more outdoor activities, as urged by General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister." Hafsa said, in 1998, after returning from a course at the London School of Economics, UK, she read in the papers the clarion call issued by Sheikh Mohammed to all UAE nationals.

She said: "It inspired me and has stayed with me ever since. I participated in the Dubai Marathon that year, I completed 10 kilometres in well over an hour. It was not very fast but definitely felt like a great accomplishment.

"I was the first woman in the Dubai section of the Ministry of Economics and Industry, nearly 15 years ago, after I had graduated in economics from the U.S. This was in the late 1980s.

"There were no other women and it was a bit odd, then I interviewed many more women. Soon there were quite a few of us.

"I then moved to the private banking sector, where I spent a few years. I wouldn't call myself a pioneer because there were several national women working by then, however, mainly in the teaching sector.

"The true vanguards were the women who went to school first and completed their education.

"National women are extremely strong and hardworking. Quite often we do better than the men even on the educational level, so why not sports too?

"My dream is that one day we, too, will have an Olympic team with women to represent the nation."

She said the UAE has forged a name for itself in the region for spearheading many advancements.

"When Port Rashid and the Jebel Ali Free Zone were built, people must have asked the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum about the soundness of the decision.

"Today, we are a hub of trade and development... Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and the numerous development projects happening all around are an indication of the visionary leadership."

Her climb is being supported and sponsored by Dubai Media City.

"Saeed Al Muntafiq, Chairman of the Board of Dubai Media City, has been instrumental in giving me the initial boost and supporting me. I am also thankful to Mohammed Al Gergawi, my boss, whose constant encouragement strengthened my resolve," she said.

Hafsa's decision to do the climb was also inspired by the efforts of two other UAE nationals who made successful attempts on Mount Kilimanjaro.

She said: "Khaled Al Tayer and Shehab Hamad had completed the ascent. Khaled's account of the climb he made last year fascinated me.

"Also I learnt that unlike other tall peaks, Mount Kilimanjaro didn't need one to use ropes or know the technique of mountain climbing. It is just a steep walk but requires a good fitness level.

"I then started scouting around the Net and discovered an American company, which would organise the climb. I had started training on my own, so my fitness level was quite good.

"The next big obstacle was getting the right equipment, which was not available here. However, one month ago when I went to the U.S. on a business trip, I had two hours before a flight. I used the time to shop for my gear, such as a fleece jacket, boots and poles."

Hafsa started undergoing extensive training over three months ago with a special trainer, who put her through an intensive cardiovascular programme to build her endurance and strength training to tone her muscles.

"One has to carry a rather heavy backpack while doing a steep walk. So you have to be fit. I am also eating healthy, lot more fruits and salads.

"That is another message that I hope gets out with my effort - people here need to eat well and control obesity levels.

"We don't have to give up foods, just eat in measured quantities. Also children should be encouraged to participate in outdoor activities.

"In our times we had many more inter-school sporting events and competitions. They seem to have gone down. Sports has to be part of the culture from a young age, otherwise it takes too long as an adult to get used to it.

"I hope to start a mountaineering club later on, if I succeed in my venture. I wish to conquer other summits after Mount Kilimanjaro."

Hafsa was extremely active as a student while studying in Za'abeel High School, in Dubai.

"I used to participate in athletics and table tennis. So even today my favourite form of exercise is jogging... it becomes a part of you."

She has been training heavily for three days a week, along with doing long walks and climbing the stairs of tall buildings in Dubai. Hafsa has left very little to chance and feels she is well prepared. She has complete faith that it is going to be a successful endeavour.

Hafsa said: "All mountains have their own weather system. While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, I will encounter the Savannah, tropical rain forests and finally sub zero temperatures like -20ºC near the peak with snow.

"I am worried about the cold weather, as I am from a hot region. I have given myself enough time to acclimatise but it does niggle me.

"But then to quote Helen Keller, 'Life is either a daring adventure or nothing'."

Hafsa will be maintaining a diary of her daily activities and take pictures to capture the journey for posterity. She is expected to be back in Dubai by August 20.