By Staff Reporter
DUBAI – A Dubai-based teenager has etched his name into mountaineering history after becoming the youngest British citizen to successfully summit Mount Everest, proudly carrying the UAE flag to the highest point on Earth.
Seventeen-year-old Gabriel Middleton reached the summit of the world’s tallest mountain at 9:20am on May 27, at the age of just 17 years, one month and 28 days. The remarkable achievement was shared with his father, Ant Middleton, the renowned television personality, former Royal Marine, and adventurer who previously conquered Everest eight years ago.
The historic climb was not only a personal milestone for Gabriel but also a tribute to the United Arab Emirates, which the Middleton family has called home since relocating to Dubai three years ago.
Standing atop the 8,849-metre Himalayan giant, Gabriel described the emotional journey that led to the summit.
“I never knew that through such depth of pain and suffering there could be so much joy on the other side. Once we reached the top, all the pain disappeared and turned into pure happiness,” he said.
“Watching my father lead by example showed me that anything is possible if you keep pushing forward.”
For Ant Middleton, the expedition represented far more than a mountaineering achievement. It was a moment of pride, gratitude, and recognition for the UAE, a country he says has provided security and stability for his family.
“This moment symbolises being back on top of the world,” Ant said. “I extend that feeling to the UAE. There are some people and places that simply cannot be kept down.”
“Thank you to the UAE for keeping my wife and younger children safe, allowing Gabriel and me the peace of mind to focus entirely on reaching the summit.”
The expedition was truly a family affair. The entire Middleton family trekked to Everest Base Camp together before Ant escorted his wife and younger children back down the mountain. He then returned with Gabriel for the final ascent to the summit.
As a gesture of appreciation, the pair carried the UAE flag throughout their journey and unfurled it atop Mount Everest.
“We wanted to place the UAE flag on top of the world as a symbol of positivity, unity, and strength,” Ant explained. “The UAE has looked after our family, and this was our way of saying thank you.”
The achievement has been widely celebrated as an inspiring example of determination, resilience, and family support. It also highlights the growing global presence of UAE residents in extreme sports and international adventure challenges.
Beyond his mountaineering exploits, Ant Middleton remains closely connected to the UAE through various media projects. He recently produced a Dubai-focused travel documentary filmed in Hatta and is set to return to the mountain destination for the filming of his upcoming project, “Special Forces Trilogy.”
Gabriel’s historic ascent now places him among the youngest climbers ever to stand atop Mount Everest, while also bringing international attention to the UAE through a powerful display of gratitude and national pride from the roof of the world.
Source: Gulf News
