Ali first experienced climbing when he was studying in Dublin and it was love at first attempt. In that moment he had decided that he wanted to bring rock climbing to Kuwait to introduce people not only to the sport but also the community it creates. The idea was to promote the sport of rock climbing safely and with a knowledgeable team that shared the same values and passion.

Ali tells us that he had always enjoyed trying new things and sports, but the gym was too mundane for him. This led him to find other ways to stay fit and experience the outdoors. Rock climbing was perfect for him and quickly became a passion that he wanted to share with friends, family, and the wider Kuwaiti public.

Ascend initially launched with trips to Oman in 2017, after which they built some climbing walls, however, back then there wasn’t much interest. During and post covid, the demand for rock climbing has increased exponentially , Ali tells us, with both Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis showing more and more interest in the sport and practicing consistently to reach moreadvanced levels.

Ali tells us that a trip was recently organized to Saudi Arabia where many of the climbers that had started with Ascend climbed real rocks and were very comfortable doing so. This was one of his proudest moments because he felt that Ascend had given them the confidence to climb to such a high level.

When it comes to rock climbing, we understand from Ali that most people believe that it is a hard sport as it requires immense upper body strength and that it is an “extreme sport”. He tells us that on the contrary, rock climbing is all about understanding your body movement and being relaxed, this is why he personally enjoys the sport as it mixes puzzle solving skills along with body movement, strength and a strong mental mindset in order to complete a route. He also tells us that rock climbing is an incredibly safe sport if managed properly.

The goal of Ascend has always been to create a sense of family and community, everyone is there to help and cheer each other on no matter their climbing level. In 2022, the popularity of rock climbing in Kuwait has grown hugely. Ali tells us that in 2017 he would have never believed that there would be waiting lists and sold-out sessions for rock climbing within minutes. Ali says that “however, seeing this as a reality, I am still in shock and will forever be grateful for everyone who has been there for us and every moment spent with the team in developing this beautiful committee that I can call a family”.

Ali humbly adds “Ascend isn’t just me. Ascend is the beautiful team that I can trust with my life. Without them, there would be no Ascend. I can even go as far as saying that all I did was create a name and spoke about rock climbing, but what they did is bring that vision to life.”

Being lovers of the outdoors, whether it is land or sea, caring for the environment is always a priority which Ali feels he wants Ascend to adhere to. Ascend was a part of the Mawtiny world beach clean up event that occurred in 2018 and has since then collaborated with Trashtag to continue to give back to the environment. In general, it is the ethos of Ascend to leave a place cleaner than how it was found.

TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would your mother describe you in one word?
Nuisance.

How would you describe your mother in one word?
Boss.

What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?
What’s zamata?

What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Trekked in Tajikistan for 10 nights with nothing but a map, a friend, and our backpacks.

What is your theme song?
Now its, Iniko – King’s affirmation.

What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
لقلوق

Where would you like to live?
Bali.

What is your dream retirement location?
Bali, I’ve never been but I would love to live a simple life away from the cities by the mountains and sea.

What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
I’m starting with the man in the mirror.

Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life?
Pegasus.

Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it?
Fights with my cousin when we were the same size.

How would you describe your handshake, in one word?
Firm.

What is the toughest part of your character?
I try to keep my problems to myself.

Who is your favorite historical figure?
Imam Ali.

What in the world do you least desire?
Surprisingly, money. We need it, but I feel like life would be better without it.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place?
Weirdly enough… freedom.

Why do you think most people who do, like you?
I’d like to believe it’s because I’m an open book and say what I feel.

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…”
When you find 5kd in your pocket and thank your past self.

With the cooler weather, we are super keen to go give rock climbing a try! And will report back once we do so! If you are an advanced climber, they do have a trip to Oman in November. Stay up to date with the latest from Ascend by following them on Instagram on @ascend.kw.