Saudi swimmer Mariam Saleh Bin Laden, a dentist and humanitarian activist, has achieved another remarkable sporting milestone in Dubai. Eight years after fulfilling her dream of swimming from the entrance of Dubai Creek through the Dubai Water Canal, Mariam has once again showcased her endurance and determination.

On Thursday, 13th of February Mariam successfully completed an extraordinary 25-kilometer open-water swim around the World Islands, a stunning landmark in the Arabian Gulf. The initiative was organized by the Dubai International Marine Club under the supervision of the Dubai Sports Council and in collaboration with Dubai Holding.

Accompanied by Andy Donaldson, the 2023 World Open Water Swimming Champion, Mariam began her challenge at 2:00 AM on Thursday, swimming tirelessly for 10 hours and 41 minutes before reaching the finish point by midday.

Mohammed Al Marri, Director of the Sports Management and Competitors Affairs Department at Dubai International Marine Club, congratulated Mariam Saleh Bin Laden and the  Scottish-Australian swimmer Andy Donaldson, and Ukrainian coach Vladimir on their outstanding achievement. He emphasized that this initiative aligns with the club’s commitment to "The Year of the Community", reinforcing Dubai’s position as a premier sports destination in the Middle East. He also acknowledged the support of Dubai Holding, the Ports Police Center of Dubai Police, and VIP Medical Services.

Expressing her joy, Mariam Saleh Bin Laden stated: “I am incredibly happy to have completed the challenge of swimming around the World Islands in Dubai. I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the Dubai International Marine Club and its team for ensuring the success of this initiative, which encourages women in sports while also raising awareness about marine conservation and ocean cleanliness.”

At the conclusion of the event, Mohammed Al Marri, accompanied by Ahmed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Security Officer, presented Mariam, Andy Donaldson, and Coach Vladimir with a commemorative shield and medals from the Dubai International Marine Club.

A Trailblazing Swimmer

Mariam Saleh Bin Laden is renowned for her historic swimming achievements. She became the first Arab woman to swim across the Red Sea to Egypt in October 2022 and the first Gulf woman to cross the English Channel, covering a 21-mile distance in August 2016. Her accomplishments also include completing the Khalid Bin Hamad Challenge, swimming from Khobar, Saudi Arabia, to Salman City, Bahrain.

In 2017, she became the first woman to swim from Dubai Creek in Shindagha towards the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, passing through Business Bay and the Dubai Water Canal, covering 24 kilometers in 9 hours and 10 minutes.