Muscat: Driven by an early passion for nature, sports, and mountains, Omani adventurer Sulaiman Hamoud al Naabi has carved his mark in the world of mountaineering. He has achieved milestones by raising the Omani flag atop the world's highest peaks, most notably reaching the summit of Mount Everest as the first Omani and second Arab to do so, while also completing the Seven Summits program.
In an interview with Oman News Agency (ONA), Al Naabi reflected on his beginnings: “In 2015, I participated in an official educational trip to climb Mount Kilimanjaro without prior knowledge of the Seven Summits program. After reaching the peak, the expedition leader introduced me to the program as one of the world's greatest mountaineering challenges. That moment was the turning point that launched my professional career in high-altitude climbing.”
He noted that transitioning from a hobbyist to a professional was a gradual process requiring physical and mental preparation. Al Naabi moved from passion-driven climbs to disciplined, professional training programs and risk management, ensuring his representation of Oman at international forums met global standards.
Al Naabi explained that the Seven Summits challenge involves climbing the highest peak on each of the seven continents. It is considered one of the most grueling global challenges due to the diverse climatic and geographical environments. When combined with reaching both the North and South Poles, it forms the Grand Slam Explorer program—one of the rarest and most dangerous exploration feats in the world.
He added that on 30 September 2015 he reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa), followed with reaching Aconcagua (South America) on 19 December 2026, becoming the first Omani to scale the world's second-highest peak. On 23 July 2018 he scaled Mount Elbrus (Europe), then completing the professional Seven Summits program itinerary (New Zealand route) in 3 September 2018. Further, in 16 February 2019 he scaled Mount Kosciuszko (Australia).
Al Naabi pointed out that on 20 June 2019 he became the first Omani to reach the summit of Denali (North America), followed with scaling Mont Blanc (Western Europe) on 25 August 2019 as preparation for higher peaks.
He added that in May 2022 he reached the summit of Mount Everest (the world's highest peak), while on 12 May he climbed Mount Lhotse (the world's fourth-highest) less than 24 hours later.
Al Naabi noted that in December 2022 he reached Mount Vinson (Antarctica) and visited the South Pole.
On 23 April 2023, he said that he scaled the highest peak in the Svalbard Archipelago (Arctic), while on 28 February 2025 he scaled Carstensz Pyramid (Oceania), officially becoming the first Omani to complete the Seven Summits and reach both Poles.
Al Naabi described the challenges as not only physical but also mental. He faced temperatures as low as -60°C, gale-force winds, avalanche risks, and oxygen depletion at high altitudes. "On a psychological level, the isolation and long durations of missions were significant challenges, made even harder by witnessing other climbers lose their lives on certain routes," he shared.
He also highlighted the transition from being a physics teacher at the Ministry of Education to having his services transferred to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, which allowed him to focus professionally on his missions.
Beyond individual records, Al Naabi’s experience has created a lasting social impact. As a member of the National Youth Commission and head of the "Young Traveler" project, he trains youth in safe adventure culture. He also contributes to developing adventure sports in Oman through his membership in the Oman Adventure Committee.
Concluding his remarks, Al Naabi emphasised that his recent decoration with the Order of Commendation is a national honor that motivates him to continue turning his experiences into a sustainable legacy for Omani youth and strengthening Oman’s presence on the global stage. — ONA
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
