📅 Timeline of Key Events

  • September 13, 2016:

    • Mariam begins her historic swim at Dover, England.

    • After 11 hours and 41 minutes, Mariam reaches the shores of Calais, France, completing the swim across the English Channel.

📍 Swim Route Overview

The swim covered a distance of 33.5 kilometers (20.8 miles) across one of the world’s most challenging bodies of water—the English Channel. The swim was affected by the Channel's cold temperatures, strong currents, and shipping lanes.

  • Starting Point: Dover, England, near the famous white cliffs.

  • Middle Section: The swim through the Channel’s unpredictable waters.

  • End Point: Calais, France, where Mariam completed her swim after a grueling and exhausting effort.

English Channel Swim

Mariam Binladen: Making History in the English Channel
Trailblazing Saudi Woman Sets a Milestone

In September 2016, Dr. Mariam Saleh Binladen, a Saudi dentist and endurance swimmer, etched her name into history by becoming the first Saudi woman—and the first Arab woman—to swim across the English Channel. Her achievement marked a significant cultural and athletic milestone for Arab women in endurance sports.

The English Channel Challenge

The English Channel, stretching approximately 33.5 kilometers (20.8 miles) from Dover, England, to Calais, France, is one of the most grueling open-water swims in the world. Known for its cold waters, strong currents, and heavy shipping traffic, the Channel has long been a benchmark of elite endurance swimming.

Mariam completed the swim in 11 hours and 41 minutes, a time that reflects both her determination and physical resilience. The swim was an assisted solo swim, approved by the Channel Swimming Association (CSA), which allowed her to wear a wetsuit and receive safety support throughout the crossing.

Swimming for a Cause

More than just a personal athletic endeavor, Mariam’s Channel swim was deeply rooted in humanitarian purpose. She undertook the challenge to raise awareness and support for orphaned Syrian refugees, particularly children displaced by the ongoing conflict in Syria.

At the time of her swim, over 4 million Syrians had fled the country, with children making up nearly half of that number. Mariam aimed to draw global attention to their plight, using her platform to advocate for compassion and action.

Legacy and Inspiration

Mariam Binladen’s achievements are chronicled in the documentary I Am Mariam Binladen, which showcases her drive, endurance, and commitment to humanitarian causes. Her story continues to inspire women across the Arab world and beyond, challenging stereotypes and encouraging greater female participation in sports.

Through her swims, Mariam not only conquers waters but also builds bridges—between cultures, causes, and communities.

Mariam Said:

“As a young woman from the Middle East, I wanted to use my endurance swims to draw more awareness to the humanitarian disaster in Syria and hopefully make some kind of difference to the lives of those affected, particularly the orphaned children”.

“Completing the Channel swim is a dream come true and the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition. It has been an incredibly tough two years preparing for this, but I have learned that if you are determined enough to achieve your goals and dreams – they can and will happen. I hope that my achievements will inspire others whilst at the same time I hope to draw more awareness to the plight of millions of suffering Syrian orphan refugees.”

~ Mariam Saleh Binladen