Nepal Embassy in Abu Dhabi Celebrates Everest Day and Honors UAE Mountaineers as the First Arab Team to Summit the World’s Highest Peak
By Atef Al Batal
Abu Dhabi – May 30, 2026
In a festive atmosphere reflecting the spirit of cultural exchange and human connection among nations, the Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi hosted a special celebration marking Everest Day on the evening of May 29, 2026, at the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi Hotel.
The event was attended by a distinguished group of ambassadors and members of diplomatic missions accredited to the United Arab Emirates, along with three Emirati mountaineers: Khadija Turki, the first Emirati woman to summit Mount Everest, Saeed Al Maamari, and his wife, fellow mountaineer Naila Al Baloushi. The celebration also brought together community leaders, media professionals, business figures, and stakeholders from the tourism and travel sectors.
Among the notable attendees were Aisha Abdullah, Ambassador of Happiness; Dr. Hussein Yaslam, Advisor to Sheikh Mansour bin Surour bin Mohammed Al Sharqi; Abdullah Al Baloushi, Director of the Office of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Nahyan; and Ismail Mohammed Salmeen, Business Development Director at the Sheikh Ahmed bin Obaid Al Maktoum Group of Companies. A number of journalists, media representatives, prominent members of the Nepalese community, and members of various Arab and expatriate communities also attended the event.
The ceremony commenced with the national anthems of the United Arab Emirates and Nepal, followed by a speech delivered by H.E. Tej Bahadur Chhetri, Ambassador of Nepal to the UAE. In his address, the ambassador highlighted the strong and distinguished bilateral relations between the UAE and Nepal, praising the UAE’s continuous support across various sectors and emphasizing the vital role of tourism in fostering cultural understanding and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Ambassador Chhetri also underscored Nepal’s global reputation as home to Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, noting that mountain tourism remains one of the country’s most significant attractions, drawing thousands of adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the globe each year.
The event featured welcoming remarks and informative presentations highlighting the historical and humanitarian significance of Mount Everest as a universal symbol of determination, perseverance, and ambition. It also showcased a number of inspiring success stories and achievements by Emirati and international mountaineers.
Guests were further treated to a variety of cultural and artistic performances celebrating Nepal’s rich heritage. Traditional folk dances and songs captivated the audience, reflecting the diversity and vibrancy of Nepalese culture. Traditional attire and folk music added a unique festive touch, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of Nepal’s customs and traditions.
In a special gesture of recognition, the Nepalese Ambassador honored the UAE mountaineers who achieved a historic milestone as the first Arab team to successfully summit Mount Everest, led by Saeed Al Maamari. The recognition celebrated their remarkable achievement, which embodies the spirit of challenge, determination, and excellence, while further enhancing the UAE’s standing in international sporting and humanitarian arenas.
The evening also included a raffle draw, during which four attendees won round-trip airline tickets generously sponsored by Air Arabia and flydubai, creating an atmosphere of excitement and joy among guests.
Attendees praised the excellent organization and high standard of the event, emphasizing the importance of such occasions in strengthening cultural and tourism ties between nations and highlighting inspiring human and sporting achievements.
At the conclusion of the celebration, participants expressed their appreciation for the warm hospitality and outstanding reception, reaffirming the value of continuing such events in order to further strengthen cultural and tourism relations between the United Arab Emirates and Nepal.
