Mariam Binladen.
is a Saudi humanitarian. Dentist by profession and certified swimmer and record breaker by passion.
Mariam Binladen
Environmentalist /
Dentist / Swimmer
How we nourish ourselves shapes who we are and how we grow.
Mariam Binladen is a Saudi dentist, environmentalist, and endurance swimmer. She was the first Arab woman to swim the entire length of the River Thames. Through her athletic feats, she raises awareness for refugee rights and global water issues.
News & Events
Love letter to Saudi Arabia
In her heartfelt love letter to Saudi Arabia published by Vogue, Dr. Mariam Binladen expressed deep pride and gratitude for her homeland, celebrating the Kingdom’s cultural renaissance and the growing empowerment of women.
Joy Awards
Her recognition at the Joy Awards celebrates not only her athletic achievements but also her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes, inspiring millions across the Arab world and beyond.
I Am Mariam Binladen
"I Am Mariam Binladen" is a 2019 documentary directed by Vito Robbiani that chronicles the inspiring journey of Dr. Mariam Saleh Binladen, a Saudi Arabian dentist, humanitarian, and open water swimmer.
Achievements
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Saudi Arabia To Bahrain
This Arabian Gulf swim promoted Gulf unity, women’s empowerment, and regional solidarity.
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Ice-Glacier Swim in Austria
The first Arab to complete an ice swim temperature (−0.2°C) in Hintertuxer Glacier in the Austrian Tyrol, 3200m above sea level for a distance of 85m.
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Athens to Fleves Island Swim
On 15 September 2026, Dr. Mariam Binladen completed a pioneering approximately 20 km swim from Alimos toward Fleves Island in 5 hours and 16 minutes.
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Thames River Swim
She swam 101 miles of the River Thames, advocating for refugee children and continuing her humanitarian mission.
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Saudi Arabia to Egypt
Swimming from Saudi Arabia to Egypt, she supported marine conservation ahead of COP27 as part of the Coral Swim initiative.
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English Channel Swim
Dr. Mariam became the first Saudi woman to swim the English Channel, raising global awareness for Syrian orphan refugees.
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English Channel Relay Swim
Four women from four countries crossed the English Channel in relay, honoring Gertrude Ederle’s legacy and promoting water safety for children.
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Antibes to Cannes
On 3 August 2026, Dr. Mariam Binladen completed a historic Antibes-to-Cannes open-water swim in 5 hours and 18 minutes.
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Dubai Creek & Canal
Her urban swim through Dubai Creek and Canal highlighted clean water, sustainability, and female leadership in sport.
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Bahrain Swim Challenge
In April 2025, Dr. Mariam participated in a 170 km relay around Bahrain, completed in 59 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds.
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World Island Swim Challenge
On 13 February 2025, Dr. Mariam completed a 25 km swim around Dubai’s World Islands in 10 hours and 41 minutes.
Interviews
Interview with Nile Sport
In this interview with Nile Sport, Dr. Mariam Binladen is featured as a Saudi open-water swimmer known for taking on demanding long-distance challenges. Her achievements across international waters reflect endurance, perseverance, and a determination to push the boundaries of open-water swimming. Watch on Facebook.
Tabaqat Community Podcast
In this episode of Tabaqat, host Mohamed Abu Al-Faraj sits down with Dr. Mariam Binladen, the renowned Saudi swimmer and humanitarian. In a powerful and inspiring conversation, Mariam shares her journey of breaking barriers through her long-distance swims, the challenges she's overcome, and how she uses her athletic feats to raise awareness for ocean preservation and social causes.
Interview with Lei Wa Lakom
Dr. Mariam Bin Laden; a dentist by profession, humanitarian by passion, and athlete by choice. Her goal to shed light on one the worst humanitarian crisis in our world, the Syrian refugee cause, has led her to swim the English Channel to raise awareness. In turn, she participated and created international sporting events to support the cause. Dr. Mariam is truly one of a kind.
Humanitarian / Charity Works
Dental Center for Syrian Refugees
In December 2016, Dr. Mariam inaugurated the Dr. Mariam’s Dental Center at the IMC Hospital site in the Al Azraq Refugee Camp in Jordan, which houses over 55,000 refugees. This center provides free dental and oral care to refugees.
Promote Marine Conservation & Climate Awareness
As part of the Coral Swim initiative, she swam from Saudi Arabia to Egypt to promote marine conservation and climate awareness ahead of COP27. Although this swim had an environmental focus, it continued her tradition of linking athletic achievements with broader causes.
Advocacy Through Endurance Swimming
Dr. Mariam Saleh Binladen has used her endurance swimming challenges to raise awareness and support for humanitarian causes, particularly for Syrian refugees and orphaned children. Her efforts were closely tied to charitable campaigns and partnerships with organizations like the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees).