Raha Moharrak, the first Saudi woman to scale Mount Everest, has been announced as one of the panellists for the upcoming International Conference of Sports for Women (ICSW) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The event will be held from November 6-7 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

Moharrak will join an assembled group of industry leaders, academics, students and distinguished guests at the two-day conference, to take part in a panel discussion on The Making of a 21st Century Role Model: the Rise of Sports Women in the Arab World.

The prestigious international forum will feature four other panel discussions, in addition to two keynote speeches and six workshops, all revolving around the central theme of ‘Inspiring Generations’.

Joining the ranks of the conference’s esteemed speakers, Moharrak is expected to share her incredible personal journey and direct experience of breaking down social and sporting barriers in the hopes of inspiring women from around the globe to reach their full potential.

Moharrak grew up in Saudi Arabia and throughout her life felt a longing to break free and do something different, to set off on her own adventure. She began searching for that adventure upon finishing her undergraduate studies, when she found what would become her passion for years to come: mountain climbing. At 25 years-old Moharrak set her sights on the iconic challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, a feat seemingly farfetched for someone who was still learning the world of mountain climbing.

After successfully reaching the peak of Kilimanjaro in 2011, adventure became a way of life for Moharrak who, in 2013, shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the youngest Arab, and first Saudi, woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Now 30 years old, she has completed several immense climbs of some of the highest peaks across the world.

She utilizes the fame she has attained over the years to spread a message of empowerment to other women, encouraging them to get active and to confront societal expectations. Moharrak also plays a role in pursuing the cause at a higher level through her involvement in campaigns by organizations such as the Human Rights Watch, who are lobbying governments to actively boost women’s role in sports and provide greater support and tools needed to excel within that field.

“I'm happy to announce my participation at ICSW. I’m always looking to share my story with others, hoping it could give them the inspiration they need to go one step further in chasing their dreams. Platforms such as ICSW are ideal to bring together individuals who are as passionate as I am to address the most critical issues that they face, and to share their hopes and dreams for the future,” said Moharrak.

“ICSW is a platform to address critical issues for women in sports in front of some of the most important and influential industry leaders and decision-makers. I’ve always said that to me sport is not about the medals and the prizes; it’s about raising our children to be more active for a healthier future. And so I was very happy to see that ICSW is seeking to promote this vision through the 2017 conference, and I’m proud that I get to be a part of this great initiative,” she added. – TradeArabia News Service