Naila Kiani

Naila Kiani stands as a beacon of inspiration and determination in the world of mountaineering and beyond. A UAE resident, Naila has firmly established herself as the leading Pakistani female mountaineer and a significant figure in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Her achievements in mountaineering are nothing short of extraordinary, but her story extends far beyond the lofty peaks she has conquered. As the only climber in MENA and the only female climber in Pakistan to have summited ten peaks above 8,000 meters, including Everest, K2 and Nanga Parbat, Naila has shattered ceilings both literal and metaphorical. She holds the record as the fastest Pakistani and MENA-based climber to summit these ten formidable peaks in just over two years of starting her mountaineering journey. This feat alone would be a lifetime achievement for many, but for Naila, it was just another milestone in her remarkable journey - an inspirational story she covers as a motivational keynote speaker.

Naila's accolades in mountaineering are numerous. She is one of the ten climbers worldwide who have climbed multiple peaks above 8,000 meters in less than six months. Recognised for her contributions to the sport, she has been honoured with several prestigious awards, including the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan's highest civil awards, and the President Award by the President of Pakistan. But Naila's story is about more than just mountaineering. She is a mother of two young girls, an Aerospace Engineer from Queen Mary University of London, a former HSBC Banker, and a national-level boxer in the UK. Her diverse background and experiences provide a rich tapestry from which she draws her lessons and inspirations. Naila embodies the mantra that anything is possible, having started her mountaineering career after becoming a mother and quickly achieving national and international records while balancing work, family, and sports.

Naila is actively involved in various initiatives aimed at empowering young women and promoting education. She is an ambassador for Ascend Athletics, which focuses on mountaineering-based leadership training, STEAM, a program advancing science, technology, engineering, arts, and math education, and Gulf for Good, which aims to change lives through empowerment. Her work with the Bard Foundation emphasises people development with a focus on skills. In 2024, Naila took on a new challenge as the Vice President of Immersive Projects for Virtual 2030, continuing her journey of breaking barriers and inspiring others. Naila Kiani’s story is a testament to the power of determination, versatility, and the belief that one can achieve greatness regardless of obstacles. Her life and achievements are not just a series of records broken but a narrative that motivates and empowers everyone, especially women and the youth, to reach for their highest potential.

Naila's role as a motivational speaker is particularly significant. She specialises in topics such as perseverance, peak performance and overcoming challenges. Her unique life experiences, coupled with her achievements in a male-dominated field like mountaineering, make her a powerful voice, especially for women and youth. She encourages others to dream big and believe in themselves, irrespective of the life phase they are in. If you are interested in hiring Naila Kiani as a motivational speaker, get in touch today!