A 17-year-old Dubai resident has become the youngest British climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
A Dubai-based teenager has become the youngest Briton to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Gabriel Middleton climbed to the top of the world’s highest mountain and unfurled the UAE flag at the peak.
According to Gulf News, Middleton reached the summit at 9:20 am on May 27. He was 17 years, one month and 28 days old. He climbed alongside his father, the television presenter and former Royal Marine Ant Middleton.
Expedition operator Elite Exped, which supported the climb, confirmed Middleton reached the 8,848.86-metre summit from the South Side. The operator said the achievement reflected determination, resilience, and the courage to chase big dreams.
Middleton summited with his father guiding him. Ant Middleton had climbed Everest once before, eight years ago.
The family carried the UAE flag to the top. Ant Middleton said it was a whole family affair and that they took the flag with them. He said the flag showed positivity, unity and strength. He said the family wanted to plant it on top of the world because the UAE had kept the family safe, and called the gesture a token of appreciation.
Dubai-Based Middleton Family Behind the Everest Climb
The Middleton family set up home in Dubai three years ago. Ant Middleton is known for his role as the main instructor on the television series SAS Who Dares Wins.
The whole family trekked up to Everest Base Camp together before the final push. Ant Middleton took his wife and younger children back down the mountain, then returned to summit with Gabriel.
Gabriel Middleton described the climb as physically demanding. He said he never knew there could be so much elation on the other side of such pain and suffering. He said the pain vanished and turned into joy once the task was complete. He added that watching his father lead by example made him realise it was possible.
Ant Middleton Ties Everest Summit to UAE Message
Ant Middleton said the moment symbolised being back on top of the world and extended that feeling to the UAE. He thanked the country for keeping his wife and young children safe, and said that security gave him and Gabriel the peace of mind to climb without distraction.
Ant Middleton gave Gulf News an interview earlier in the year at the start of the regional conflict. He told the outlet he flew straight back from a job in London to be with his family in the UAE. He said a strong, positive mindset had helped him through challenges in his life and urged UAE residents to do the same through the difficulties of 2026.
He is also invested in the country through his media work. He produced a Dubai-focused travel documentary filmed in the mountain town of Hatta for Australia’s Seven Network. His next project, titled Special Forces Trilogy, will also be filmed largely in Hatta.
Gabriel Middleton’s climb adds a Dubai connection to a long history of young climbers on Everest. The youngest person to summit the mountain was American Jordan Romero, who reached the top at 13 in 2010. The summit was reached during the 2026 spring climbing season.
