Yousef Hamed AlRefaie is an explorer and a mountaineer who has scaled more than fifteen mountains around the world including the seven volcanic summits. The latter feat earned him a Guinness World Record for being the first Arab, Middle Eastern and youngest person in the world to achieve this stunning feat.

According to Yousef the story started back in 2015 when he was browsing Instagram and a post caught his eye. “I saw a post that said climb Africa’s highest mountain, I couldn’t wait. I signed up right away without knowing anything about the place, after summiting Kilimanjaro I caught the climbing bug and have been doing it ever since,” he explains.

“In the beginning I was climbing them without a certain goal in mind until I came across the Volcanic Seven Summits from a blog online run by a mountaineer from the UK called James Stone who keeps track of all the people who finished them,” he says. Yousef is constantly being pulled towards his next challenge and easily follows his heart. And he’s only getting started. He plans to cross the largest deserts of each of the seven continents, something that hasn’t been achieved by anyone yet. His first desert will be Tabernas Desert in Spain which is the only desert in Europe. After that he hopes to conquer the empty quarter “Rub Al Khali”

It’s an incredible feat and if he is able to finish it, he will be breaking multiple records, but the one he hopes to achieve the most is being the fastest to cross the Sahara desert, which stands unbroken since 2011.
He was always a curious child and would ask so many questions whenever he was traveling. Exploring new places and getting lost in them was part of his experience. Yet, he was never interested in pursuing more traditional sports. He was more interested in exploration and adventuring. He still needs to do strength training and cardio for his well being and in preparation for adventure.

He focuses on endurance since all adventure sports including mountaineering require being fit. Unfortunately being in Kuwait where there are no mountains or hills to climb he simulates inclines and elevations using stairs and treadmills.

Surprisingly, Yousef is not a full-time athlete and holds a full time job. While the rest of us spend our free time watching Netflix and chilling he trains for expeditions or is out in the wilderness exploring. Yet, he tells us that climbing a mountain needs the right mindset. “In the beginning of the climb I always try to conserve my energy as much as possible and take it easy as much as I can. I try to never underestimate any mountain no matter the elevation or its technical difficulty because mountains have a way to deal with ego and this is where we see accidents happen,” he elaborates. But reaching the top is always worth it and makes him feel like an action hero receiving superpowers.

He is definitely not done yet and told us that “Aviation is really intriguing to me, especially aerobatic flying. Maybe one day I’ll become a pilot.” It seems that Yousef really does want to conquer deserts, mountains and the air. “I always remind myself of a quote by Mark Twain Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the things you did do’,” he tells us. And it seems that he truly does live by this.

TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would your mother describe you in one word?
Dreamer.
How would you describe your mother in one word?
Everything.
What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?
Do you live in a tent?
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
During one of the climbs one team mate finished his water so I gave him mine and he dropped it only to realize it was my only bottle and the climb took 12 hours, it was really dangerous. I’m glad it went well.
What is your theme song?
Pirates of the Caribbean.
What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Possible.
Where would you like to live?
I’m happy living in Kuwait.
What is your dream retirement location?
Union Lake, Seattle.
What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
‘fill your life with experiences, not things: have stories to tell, not things to show.
Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life?
A wolf.
Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it?
No, I think every phase of life has its own thing.
If you could change your name, to what would you change it?
I wouldn’t.
How would you describe your handshake, in one word?
Firm.
What is the toughest part of your character?
Stubbornness.
Who is your favorite historical figure?
Sir Ernest Shakelton.
What in the world do you least desire?
Envy.
What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place?
I think it’s awareness and action on its broad spectrum that if people were aware of things like global warming and the water crisis it would make a huge difference.
Why do you think most people who do, like you?
Outstanding, it’s nice to see people get out of their comfort zone and achieve.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…” happiness is a choice, and it’s done by looking forward and keeping the past where it belongs.

Follow Yousef’s adventures on Instagram @yhalrefaie and on his website www.yousefalrefaie.net.