The Rahhalah Family
Turning Dreams Into Expeditions
Suzanne Al Houby
Founder & CEO, Mountaineering & Adventure Expert Suzanne Al Houby is a pioneer in adventure and exploration, best known as the first Arab woman to summit Mt. Everest and complete the Seven Summits challenge. Throughout her journey, she has consistently defied expectations, proving time and again that limits exist only to be pushed.
Her favorite quote, “It is easy to be inspired, but it is not so easy to act”, reflects her relentless pursuit of adventure. Beyond achieving personal records, Suzanne has played a key role in inspiring and mentoring others to break new barriers.
When she isn’t conquering peaks or traveling the world—having visited over 100 destinations—Suzanne is deeply engaged in local and international charities, youth mentorship, and training for her next challenge. Through her extensive experience in extreme conditions, she developed a keen sense of adventure, which led her to create Rahhalah Explorers, her dream project: an adventure travel company built on integrity. In her words, “It is never about greed, fame, or even the summit; it is about doing the right thing in a world where many lose sight of what truly matters.” She also runs the only company in the region with a payback promise, ensuring that ethical business practices remain at the heart of Rahhalah. Recognitions & Achievements:
- Ranked #16 in the 100 Most Powerful Arab Women (2012)
- Ranked #198 in the 500 Most Powerful Arabs (2012)
- Winner of the GR8 Women Awards 2013 – Sports & Achievements
- Ranked #63 in Forbes Middle East’s Most Powerful Arab Women (2014)
- Winner of the Global Adventure Icon Award – Asia Adventure Summit (2018)
Zed Alrefai
Partner, Unique Destinations & Mountaineering Expert Zed Alrefai is a true legend in the Arab climbing community. Known as “The Godfather of Arab Mountaineers”, he made history as the first Arab man to summit Mt. Everest and complete the Seven Summits challenge.
His journey was far from easy. After a near-death experience on Everest in 2001, Zed refused to give up. His triumphant return in 2003 secured his place in history, proving his resilience and unshakable determination. His guiding philosophy is summed up in his favorite quote: “Push yourself beyond what you believe your limit is”.
Beyond his personal achievements, Zed has mentored and inspired countless Middle Eastern athletes and adventurers, leading expeditions across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. His impact extends beyond climbing, as he was honored as one of nine regional Olympic torchbearers for the London 2012 Olympics, carrying the Olympic flame in the UK.
Zed is also a founding member of the Arabian Mountaineering and Alpine Climbing Club (AMAC) and an honorary member of the Pakistan Alpine Club, recognized for both his climbing accomplishments and humanitarian work. His book, Summit Glory, chronicles his journey and is now studied in schools across Kuwait, further cementing his legacy.
Samer AbuDhagga
Managing Partner, Adventure Travel & Extreme Sports Expert Samer AbuDhagga is a highly experienced mountain training expert and endurance coach, with a passion for pushing limits. A seasoned ultra-marathoner, ultra-triathlete, and high-altitude climber, he has conquered numerous summits, including Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, Elbrus, and Aconcagua, and has completed over 40 marathons, ultra-marathons, triathlons, and adventure races.
His qualifications include elite certifications in coaching and training:
- American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer & Strength & Conditioning Expert
- USA Triathlon Coach
- RRCA Running Coach
- US Masters Swim Coach
- USA Youth Soccer Coach & English FA Level 2 Coach
Konstantina Sakellariou
Hiking Expert & Travel Writer Konstantina Sakellariou is the creative force behind Rahhalah’s Transformational Journeys, blending her corporate background with a deep passion for self-discovery and adventure. With 20 years of experience in executive leadership and entrepreneurship, she has worked extensively in professional services, banking, governmental sectors, and lifelong learning initiatives.
Her personal journey took a profound turn in 2013 after she hiked Mount Kilimanjaro, inspiring her to take a one-year sabbatical for self-exploration. During this time, she embarked on seven transformative adventures, later chronicling them in her book, The Unusual Journeys of a Girl Like Any Other.
Now, Konstantina continues to hike, write, and explore, committed to a life of consciousness and creativity. Her leadership in transformational travel ensures that Rahhalah’s adventures offer more than just physical challenges—they inspire personal growth and meaningful change.
Stani Aziz
Adventure Destinations & Customised Tours Expert Stani Aziz is the backbone of Rahhalah’s operations, ensuring seamless coordination between travelers, guides, and the internal team. With a background in the hotel and travel industry, she brings a wealth of experience in customer service, logistics, and adventure planning.
Passionate about nature, travel, and adventure, Stani plays a key role in maintaining Rahhalah’s impeccable service standards, making sure every expedition runs smoothly. Whether organizing complex itineraries or handling last-minute changes, she ensures that every traveler’s experience is extraordinary and hassle-free.
Harshita
Adventure Destinations & Customised Tours ExpertAt Rahhalah Explorers, our team isn’t just about adventure—it’s about redefining limits, transforming lives, and exploring the world with integrity and purpose. Whether you seek the thrill of the summit, the endurance of the trail, or the depth of self-discovery, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Join us, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
Our Brand Ambassadors
world-class trend-setter
Moe
Inspirational Adventures Team Leader Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Al Thani or MOE as he is popularly known, is an entrepreneur, mountaineer, philanthropist, photographer, sportsman and co-founder of UAE-based travel portal Musafir.com. His passion for mountains originated while he was rafting in Nepal, a glimpse of the Himalayan mountains inspired his venture into mountain climbing and his mission to push his limits by scaling the Seven Highest Summits of the Seven Continents of the World.
In 2011, Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani summited Mont Blanc and in 2012, his adventurous mission continued- he scaled Europe’s Mount Elbrus, summited Australia’s Mount Kosciuszko and climbed to the top of Mount Vinson, the highest peak of Antarctica. In January 2013, he scaled the fifth summit of South America, Mount Aconcagua, and on the 25th of May 2013, Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani accomplished his dream and became the first Qatari to climb Mt. Everest. More adventures followed in 2015, including trekking to the South Pole, and finishing off the 7th summit, Mt. Denali in North America.
Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani is also a successful entrepreneur whose portfolio includes Air Arabia and Musafir.com, among others. He is also actively involved in raising awareness for various causes and charities around the world. He is the appointed ambassador of ROTA reach Out To Asia. A charity with a mission to provide education opportunity for all.
Besides our shared passion for climbing and adventure, Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani shares our commitment to sustainability and we are proud to have him as a Rahhalah brand ambassador.
Fahad
Brand Ambassador 'Fortune favours the bold' is the motto that this modern day Ibn Battuta swears by. His wildly different experiences of visiting remote countries, climbing demanding mountains and diving in exotic locations have left an everlasting and mesmerising impression on his perspective of the world and continue to feed his desire to explore and learn more about our planet.
Balancing a successful but fast paced career in the London property market working for the Berkeley Group, with his passion for adventure; Fahd has seemingly embraced the jet set lifestyle.
Over the past 5 years with Rahhalah, he has reached the peaks of Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Khuiten (Mongolia), Toubkal, Ararat, Damavand, Cotopaxi, Cayambe, and Tajumulco; dived in the Galapagos, Belize, Philippines and Iceland; and has trekked in countries as far as Bhutan and Peru. 50 countries and 4 passports later, Fahd is still always looking onwards and ahead to the next adventure.
Fahd also dedicates a lot of time to charity, raising awareness for various causes through his expeditions. He was presented with the 'Outstanding Contribution to the Berkeley Foundation' Award earlier this year, for his efforts raising £5,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Trials Collaboration Charity, whist attempting to complete the Triple Crown Challenge in Ecuador.
There's a lot left on his list but Fahd does not waste time planning the next escapade - he's already got a 4 year plan!
Our Expert Mountain Guides
Raed
Head Guide Jordan After loosing the opportunity to get my engineering degree in Ukraine.the only thing that I found myself in is the passion knowing... and what is better than knowing your root and history.
So it became my mission to be the one who can deliver this amazing history and adventures with the best way possible.. you may let me show you the beautiness of Jordan through my eyes.
Tendi
Nepal Tendi Sherpa was born in the village of Khembalung, a mountainous region of Sankhuwasabha District of Nepal in 1983. Following the footsteps of his mountaineer father, he started his trekking and mountaineering career when he was just 13 years. In 23 years’ time, his juvenile involvement in the field turned into his passion, profession and achievement. Now, he is an IFMGA/UIAGM Certified Mountain Guide with 11 successful summits of Mt. Everest and years of mountaineering and trekking experiences in the Himalaya, besides Everest, Tendi climbed Ama Dablam, Lohtse, Cho Oyo and many more. He also climbed in Europe (Alps), South America (Andes) and China. In addition, he is also a high altitude rescue professional.
Tendi’s calmness can be deceiving as it covers unmatched strength, knowledge, bravery and wisdom. is very keen on sharing his Himalayan culture and magnificent mountaineering and trekking experiences with all. He also loves to serve the deprived communities in Nepal. He is involved in different social organizations in Nepal. Currently, he is the treasurer of “Nepali ko Sathi,” a Swiss funded NGO for supporting education, health and other developmental activities in the remote villages of Nepal. He is also a dedicated member of Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA).
Yassin
Kilimanjaro - Tanzania Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Highest mountain in Africa and one of the 7 summits Yassin Abbas is one of our Kilimanjaro best Trip Leaders. Born under the Pare Mountains, he has led over 100 successful Kilimanjaro ascents since 2004. An avid naturalist fluent in English, Kiswahili and French, he is an excels in leadership and carries deep love for Kilimanjaro. Yassin is a certified Wilderness First Responder and CPR Emergency Cardiac Care Provider. He also attended a leadership-training course with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) in Arusha. Yassin is an exceptional guide and will be a great asset to your climb.
Tendi
EBC Born in Gudel-4, Solukhumbu, Tendi Sherpa is a veteran Mountain Guide and Climbing Instructor. He started his professional mountaineering by climbing Mera Peak (6472m) in 2000. And the rest is history! Till now, he has climbed more than 100 mountains including Mt. Everest, other Himalayan giants, and French and Italian peaks.
He started his professional Instructor career in 2006. Since then, he has been working as a Chief Instructor of internationally recognized climbing courses including BMC, AMC and Aspirant Guide Course in Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). He also worked as a Technical Personnel in Nepal National Mountain Guides’ Association (NNMGA) from 2009 to 2012. During this time, he collaborated with Swiss and French Mountain Guide Association, and led an official interaction program to share the climbing culture among different mountaineering communities. He has led numerous successful Expeditions including “Nepali and French Women Amadablam Expedition 2011”, “First Albanian National Expedition 2012 (100% success)” to name a few. Apart from mountaineering, he is also a Mountain Biking Guide with numbers of international experiences in Tibet, Germany, Austria and Italy. He has travelled extensively in different countries including Tibet, China, Germany, Italy, Austria, USA, France, Swiss, Thailand etc in the course of climbing, instructing and biking. In addition, he is also a rescue specialist with significant involvements in Search and Rescue Missions like Ghunsa Helicopter Tragedy (2006), Everest Expedition Rescue (2007), Korean Expedition Manaslu Rescue (2009), French Expedition Manaslu Rescue (2013) etc.
Liza
Mt. Elbrus - Russia Elbrus, Russia Highest mountain in Europe and one of the 7 summits Liza was born in Munich, Germany and raised in the Bavarian mountains. After finishing her studies of Slavistics and Japanese with a master’s degree at the university of Munich, she moved to the Russian Caucasus in 1996 after she fell in love with this mountain range as a skier and a climber.
Liza participated in most Russian free ride competitions and was Russian snowboard champion 2006 and 2009. She has also competed in international competitions in Austria, France, Switzerland and the United States. Still holding a German passport, she is taking part in most contests as a Russian rider. Participated in «Verbier Xtreme» in Switzerland 2007 and 2008.
Liza works as ski and snowboard instructor as well as a mountain guide. She has guided Elbrus more then 100 times and is certainly holding the record for climbing Elbrus among foreigners, though there are some Russians who have climbed more often. She was the first mountain rescuer with a trained avalanche dog at the Elbrus rescue team. Has experience as heli-guide in Elbrus area and Kamchatka. Speaks Russian, German, English, French, Japanese and Arabic, and worked as interpreter for technical and commercial English and Russian.
Even though she seems busy all the time, she will always find time for her language studies, some yoga exercises or long hikes in the wilderness of the surrounding mountains, working out new interesting routes.
