Nine young Sharjah women to climb Kilimanjaro

The group will start the trek up Africa’s highest mountain next month

The team from Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah will start the trek on August 21. Wam

Nine teenagers from Sharjah will attempt to climb Africa’s highest mountain next month.

The team from Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah (SYL) will start the trek to the 5,895 metre peak of Kilimanjaro on August 21, the UAE's state news agency Wam reported.

It is the second time SYL has organised a mountaineering expedition as part of its efforts to instill a sense of leadership in its young members.

Last year, a group of SYL climbers successfully summited Mount Toubkal in Morocco, the highest peak in the Atlas range at 4,167 metres.

Among the climbers was 13-year-old Asma Al Qaidi, who became the youngest female Emirati to achieve the feat.

“One-to-one sessions [with experienced mountaineers] have played a key role in preparing the group with a wealth of first-hand insights about what to expect and how to overcome possible obstacles,” said Sheikha Aisha Khalid Al Qasimi, director of SYL.

The Kilimanjaro climb is supported by Sharjah Police Academy, Tilal Properties, Sharjah Sports Council and Sharjah Broadcasting Authority.

SYL’s adventure club, founded in 2016 with the slogan ‘To the Furthest Limit’, promotes physical and mental endurance, teamwork, leadership and independence.