UAE

From the UAE to Antarctica

Emirati mountaineer Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi has achieved a historic milestone for the Arab world after reaching the summit of Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica, on Tuesday, 6th January 2026.

Standing at 4,892 metres, the ascent makes Al Awadhi the youngest and first Arab to reach the summit at the age of 18, marking the third major peak in her ambitious quest to conquer the Seven Summits — the highest mountains on each continent.

Al Awadhi dedicated her unprecedented achievement to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), in recognition of their unwavering support for Emirati youth and women, and their continued efforts to empower new generations to realise their ambitions and raise the UAE’s profile on the global stage.

The expedition was sponsored by Palms Sports, a globally recognised sports management and training company based in the UAE, known for its longstanding commitment to supporting and empowering Emirati youth across sporting and life disciplines.

The historic ascent followed a gruelling expedition in one of the world’s harshest natural environments, with Al Awadhi enduring temperatures plunging below minus 40 degrees Celsius, severe weather conditions and powerful winds. The climb demanded exceptional physical and mental preparedness, resilience, self-reliance and endurance.

Speaking about the experience, Al Awadhi said, “Mount Vinson is a huge step up compared to my previous summits. It is far colder and far more isolated, requiring a high level of self-reliance and mental strength. The expedition can last up to three weeks in extreme cold that reaches minus 40 degrees Celsius, surrounded by endless snow. At first, Vinson’s challenges frightened me, but once I stood at the summit and looked out over a sea of ice pierced by sharp peaks cutting through the horizon, I realised the mountain did not make me suffer — it made me much stronger. I know I will return to Antarctica one day; I am completely captivated by the vastness and beauty of this continent.”

Al Awadhi also expressed profound gratitude to the UAE and its wise leadership for fostering an environment that nurtures ambition and supports bold dreams.

“Raising the UAE flag with pride on the world’s highest peaks represents 54 years of a nation built on opportunity and inspiration,” she said. “It is a country I am deeply grateful to have grown up in, and I hope to give back. Without the continuous support the UAE offers its youth, this journey would have been far more difficult.”

She stressed that hoisting the UAE flag atop Antarctica’s highest mountain carries a powerful national message — that Emiratis, with the support of their leadership, are capable of reaching the highest summits and overcoming the toughest challenges, regardless of how extreme the conditions may be.

“Beyond pride, I feel immense gratitude towards my leadership, my country, my sponsors and everyone who supports me — especially my family,” she added. “I am fortunate not only to dream, but to have the support and resources that allow me to turn those dreams into reality. Everyone deserves the right to dream, and everyone deserves the chance to pursue those dreams, no matter how distant or impossible they may seem.”

Currently a university student majoring in Economics, Al Awadhi emphasised the importance of balancing ambition with education and career development.

“It’s not just about summits,” she said. “I want Arab youth — especially young women — to answer the call to climb their own mountains. We are not just the generation of the future; we are the generation of today. So why wait to pursue our ambitions when we can start now and aim for the highest peaks across all fields?”

The expedition also received sponsorship from Dar Al Takaful Finance, one of the UAE’s leading financial institutions, which had previously supported Al Awadhi in her successful ascent of Mount Elbrus (5,642 metres), Europe’s highest peak, on 6 July 2025, when she became the youngest Emirati to reach its summit.

Al Awadhi’s ascent of Mount Vinson marks another major step towards achieving the prestigious Explorer’s Grand Slam — a global challenge that involves climbing the Seven Summits and reaching both the North and South Poles — further cementing the UAE’s presence regionally and internationally in adventure sports and high-altitude mountaineering, while positioning her as an inspiring role model for youth and women alike.

WAM

Education

UNESCO selects Sharjah for pioneering early childhood education initiative

Sharjah has been chosen by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to participate in the pilot phase of its Early Childhood Care and Education – Progress Assessment and Transformation Tool (ECCE-PATT), marking a major milestone for the Emirate’s early childhood sector.

The selection highlights Sharjah’s continuous efforts to strengthen early childhood systems through evidence-based policies, effective governance, and high-quality care and education services. It also underscores the Emirate’s reputation as a regional model for early childhood development.

This recognition follows Sharjah’s role in hosting the Regional Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education in the Arab States in June 2023. The event, held under the patronage of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, in collaboration with UNESCO’s Multisectoral Regional Office for the Arab States, brought together key stakeholders including the Sharjah Private Education Authority, the Sharjah Education Academy, and the Sharjah Child Friendly Office.

Sharjah’s integrated approach earns global recognition

UNESCO’s invitation reflects the Emirate’s comprehensive approach to early childhood development, combining supportive policies, strong governance, quality education provision, and close coordination among institutions. The ECCE-PATT pilot in Sharjah will produce a detailed self-assessment of the early childhood sector, documenting achievements, identifying gaps, and sharing promising practices as a reference for the region.

Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority and President of the Sharjah Education Academy, said: “UNESCO’s selection of Sharjah for this pilot aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. We are committed to advancing excellence in early childhood education. The outcomes of this assessment will guide targeted improvements, ensuring our children benefit from the highest international standards, in close collaboration with UNESCO.”

Dr. Borhene Chakroun, Director of the Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems at UNESCO, added: “Lifelong learning starts in the earliest years. Sharjah’s pilot of the ECCE-PATT tool will provide the evidence needed to strengthen early childhood systems, support school readiness, and enhance lifelong learning opportunities. This initiative demonstrates Sharjah’s leadership in placing early childhood at the heart of education transformation.”

High-level dialogue to shape regional policies

In a related development, the Sharjah Private Education Authority and the Sharjah Education Academy, in partnership with UNESCO, will host a high-level closed policy dialogue during the Pre-Conference Day of the Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education, scheduled for February 14–15, 2026 at the Sharjah Education Academy campus.

The session will bring together senior policymakers, experts, and representatives from the UAE, the Gulf region, and the Arab world, alongside international organisations and academic institutions. Participants will discuss Sharjah’s pilot findings, share knowledge, and develop actionable recommendations to strengthen early childhood systems, curriculum, and policy alignment across the region.

With these initiatives, Sharjah reaffirms its commitment to placing children at the centre of development, creating an education system that nurtures growth, learning, and the future success of the next generation.

Entertainment

Dubai makes stylish cameo in The Devil Wears Prada sequel

Fashion has officially clocked back in, and yes, it’s wearing Prada. We barely had time to recover from The Devil Wears Prada 2 trailer before eagle-eyed fans spotted something else: Handbags from Dubai-based luxury label Dellaluna by Silvia Paulon, carried on screen by none other than Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.

Styled by Molly Rogers, Hathaway’s Andy Sachs is seen with the Imperial Silver Clutch, custom-made for the film, while Streep’s ice-cold Miranda Priestly grips the Louvre Abu Dhabi Bag, created as part of an upcoming collaboration with the iconic museum. For Paulon, seeing her designs land in one of fashion’s most legendary film franchises was overwhelming. “I flew to New York and hand delivered the bags myself,” she told Vogue Arabia. “After that, it’s completely out of your control. I woke up one morning and my Instagram was suddenly going crazy.”

All this buzz comes as 20th Century Studios officially unveiled the trailer for the long-awaited sequel to the 2006 cult classic. The Devil Wears Prada 2 is set to hit cinemas on May 1, bringing back the original dream (or nightmare) team: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci reprising their roles as Miranda Priestly, Andy Sachs, Emily Charlton, and Nigel Kipling.

How The Devil Wears Prada was a fashion reset

Fashion was the main character in the film. The costume design was led by Patricia Field, who assembled a wardrobe of over 100 outfits drawn from top fashion houses and carefully sourced pieces to give each character a distinct visual identity.

At the centre was Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly, whose wardrobe communicated authority, wealth, and an almost icy command. Field drew on archival pieces and worked with designers like Donna Karan to build looks that felt tailored. Priestly’s signature came from a mix of high-end menswear and statement outerwear, often in muted monochromes, and was anchored by her impeccable white hair. That’s all, indeed.

In contrast, Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs begins the film with a deliberately uninspired wardrobe, ill-fitting sweaters and shapeless pieces that visually underline her outsider status in the fashion world. As Andy becomes more obsessed in Runway magazine’s culture, and a lot more confident while…being run down by Priestly, her looks turn innto bold designer staples from Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino, with pieces like Chanel thigh-high boots and a velvet Chanel coat during a key social event.

Supporting characters also wear looks that reflected their style. Emily Blunt’s Emily Charlton opts for edgier, fashion-forward pieces, while Stanley Tucci’s Nigel combines sophistication with creative flair, grounding the film’s aesthetic in real runway-level style.

Basketball

Seven Arab teams compete in AWST 2026 basketball

Basketball competitions will begin on Tuesday, February 3, as part of the eighth edition of the Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST 2026), being organised by Sharjah Women’s Sports from February 2 to 12 across the Emirate of Sharjah. The biennial tournament brings together 63 teams from 16 Arab countries, competing across nine individual and team sports.

The basketball competition features seven teams representing six Arab countries, making it one of the tournament’s most competitive and widely-followed sports. The strong participation reflects the rapid development of women’s basketball at the club level across the Arab region, alongside the rising technical standards of participating teams.

Competing in the basketball event are Sharjah Women’s Sports Club and Khorfakkan Women’s Sports Club (United Arab Emirates), Al Fatat Sports Club (Kuwait), Al Hala Club (Kingdom of Bahrain), Shabab Fuheis Club (Jordan), Ghaz Al Shamal Club (Iraq), and Al Amal Sports Club – Al Watan Al Qibli (Tunisia).

Basketball matches and training sessions will be hosted at Al Bataeh Cultural and Sports Club. Meanwhile, Al Riqa Children’s Centre will host the teams’ official training sessions. This arrangement ensures the highest technical and organisational standards and supports the teams’ readiness throughout the tournament.

Pride in hosting basketball was expressed by His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah bin Halis Al Ketbi, Chairman of Al Batayih Cultural and Sports Club, who highlighted the venue’s capacity to accommodate more than 500 spectators and the inclusion of community activities showcasing local culture alongside the competitions.

Sharjah Women’s Sports invites fans and basketball enthusiasts to attend the matches, support Arab women athletes, and experience the competition firsthand in an atmosphere that reflects the growing momentum of women’s sport across the region. Match schedules are available on the tournament’s official website, https://awst.ae/

Host clubs and facilities have confirmed the completion of all maintenance and preparations, and announced their full readiness to stage competitions and training sessions in line with the highest standards, ensuring smooth operations, capacity for all spectators, and a comprehensive sporting experience befitting the scale of the event.

Basketball remains one of the tournament’s flagship sports, enjoying strong public and media interest due to its fast-paced nature and advanced skill level. The competition also serves as a prominent platform to showcase the progress of Arab women’s clubs and their ability to compete at the regional level.

The organisation of the basketball competition aligns with the tournament’s broader vision to present an integrated sporting model that strengthens women’s participation in competitive sport and reinforces Sharjah’s position as a regional hub for women’s sport, bringing together clubs and athletes from across the Arab world.

WAM