Saudi mountaineer Mona Kamal Shahab has completed the prestigious Seven Summits Challenge, reaching the highest mountain on every continent. Her final ascent came with the summit of Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia, marking the completion of one of the most respected goals in global mountaineering. The achievement places Shahab among a small group of climbers worldwide who have successfully completed the challenge. It also reflects the growing presence of Saudi athletes in extreme endurance sports.
What Is the Seven Summits Challenge?
The Seven Summits Challenge is one of the most respected goals in mountaineering. It requires climbers to reach the highest mountain on each of the seven continents.
These peaks include:
- Asia: Mount Everest
- Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro
- North America: Denali
- South America: Aconcagua
- Antarctica: Mount Vinson
- Europe: Mount Elbrus
- Oceania: Carstensz Pyramid
Each mountain presents a different challenge. Some test climbers with extreme altitude and freezing temperatures. Others require technical rock climbing skills or complex expedition logistics. Completing all seven demands long-term commitment and years of preparation.
The Final Climb: Carstensz Pyramid
Carstensz Pyramid is considered one of the most technically challenging mountains among the Seven Summits. Located in Indonesia’s Papua province, the peak is known for steep limestone rock faces, unpredictable weather conditions, and difficult access routes.
Mona Shahab’s successful ascent required months of preparation, physical conditioning, and logistical planning. Climbers attempting Carstensz Pyramid must combine traditional mountaineering endurance with advanced rock-climbing skills. With the summit reached, Shahab secured her place among the small group of climbers worldwide who have completed the Seven Summits.
Key Facts About Mona Kamal Shahab’s Journey
Mona Shahab’s story goes beyond mountaineering. Her journey combines science, humanitarian work, and a decade of global expeditions. Here are some key facts about the Saudi climber and the path that led her to the Seven Summits.
1. She is also a Clinical Psychologist
Mona Shahab is not only a mountaineer. She is also a clinical psychologist and researcher who has worked with trauma survivors, refugees, and patients dealing with mental health challenges.
Her academic background gives her a unique perspective on endurance and resilience. The psychological discipline required in extreme environments often reflects the same mental strength she studies professionally.
2. Her Climbing Journey Started with Kilimanjaro
Shahab’s mountaineering journey began with Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The idea first appeared in 2007 while she was working at Children’s Hospital Boston, when a friend invited her to join a climb. Visa issues prevented that trip, but the idea stayed with her.
Years later, while sitting with friends by the sea in India, she casually suggested attempting Kilimanjaro in 2012. The plan took shape, and the expedition eventually became a fundraising effort for the Saudi Cancer Foundation, supporting the first early detection cancer center in the Eastern Province. After completing the climb, Shahab described her connection to mountaineering by saying she had “exchanged vows with the mountains.”
“People ask me, ‘Mona are you married?’ I’m like, “Yes, married to the mountains. I’m in a polygamous marriage, literally.” I love the mountains.”
3. She Climbs for Causes
Many of Shahab’s expeditions are connected to charitable campaigns and humanitarian causes. Some of her climbs have supported:
- Cancer treatment awareness
- Refugee support initiatives
- Educational causes
In one expedition, she helped raise funds for a Syrian child suffering from bone cancer so he could receive treatment. In another, she cycled 300km with Cycling4Gaza to raise funds for Ajyal Foundation for Education supporting displaced children in Gaza.
4. Everest Was a Historic Milestone
In 2019, Shahab successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, becoming the second Saudi woman to achieve this milestone. She was part of a historic all-female Arab expedition team, which included climbers from Lebanon and Oman. The climb represented a major moment for Arab women in mountaineering and international exploration.
5. She Has Climbed Mountains Across the World
Before completing the Seven Summits Challenge, Shahab had already climbed numerous major peaks, including:
- Kilimanjaro (Africa)
- Elbrus (Europe)
- Aconcagua (South America)
- Mount Vinson (Antarctica)
- Mont Blanc (Europe)
- Mount Toubkal (Morocco)
- Lenin Peak (Central Asia)
These climbs took place across more than a decade of mountaineering experience.
6. She Was Part of Early Saudi Women Expeditions
Mona Shahab was also part of one of the early Saudi women’s expeditions to Everest Base Camp in 2012. The expedition was led by Princess Reema bint Bandar and aimed to promote breast cancer awareness and healthy lifestyles. This expedition marked one of the early moments when Saudi women began appearing more prominently in global adventure sports.
“I lost one too many friends to cancer, therefore I will do anything and everything in my power to advocate a healthy lifestyle.
7. She Faced Criticism Early in Her Climbing Journey
When Mona Shahab first attempted Mount Kilimanjaro in 2012, the backlash was immediate. Online critics questioned the group’s travel, families, and even their religious values. One businessman reportedly wrote to a local governor asking that their passports be confiscated.
What hurt Shahab most was seeing the pressure it placed on her father, who supported her but felt the weight of public scrutiny. Despite the backlash, she went on to complete the climb, a reminder that pioneering paths often face resistance before recognition.
1. Big Goals Require Long Horizons
Climbing seven of the world’s highest mountains cannot happen quickly. It takes years of training, planning, and persistence.
2. Stand for What You Believe In
No matter what you choose to pursue, stay true to what matters to you. Shahab’s climbs were not only about reaching summits but also about supporting causes she believed in.
3. Persistence Builds New Paths Early
Criticism did not stop her from pursuing mountaineering. By continuing her journey, Shahab helped expand what is possible for Saudi adventurers and women in extreme sports.
4. Representation Creates Momentum
When pioneers succeed, others follow. Mona’s journey shows young Saudis that global adventure sports are within reach.
A New Chapter for Saudi Adventure
Standing on the summit of the highest mountains in the world is rare. Completing all seven is even rarer. For Mona Kamal Shahab, the Seven Summits challenge represents the culmination of years of determination and disciplined effort. For Saudi Arabia, it marks another example of how individuals from the Kingdom are expanding into global arenas not only in business and technology, but also in extreme human achievement.
Shahab’s achievement reflects growing Saudi momentum in global mountaineering, building on milestones set by climbers such as Raha Moharrak, who became the first Saudi woman to summit Mount Everest. The mountains may be behind her now. But the inspiration she leaves for the next generation is only beginning.
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