ABU DHABI 7 May 2018: Emirati adventurer Abdulla Mohamed Al Ahbabi has been used to the searing heat of the Arabian desert – but he decided to brave the bone-chilling cold of the Arctic Circle to carve out a name for himself in the world record books.
He wanted become the youngest Arab to walk across the frozen wastes to the Earth’s North Pole.
After all preparations were complete, the 26-year-old started his 22-day journey on 4th April.
Accompanied by a team of four other trekkers of various nationalities, Al Ahbabi trekked over 100 miles (160 kilometers) of the iced-over North Pole unassisted.
He had to drag his own sled containing 45 kilograms of equipment in extreme weather conditions over the uneven, ridged and icy terrain.
“I was motivated by the values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his teachings about patience, determination and perseverance,” he told Wam.
Hardships were compounded by the biting cold, but Ahbabi persevered and finally achieved his ambition.
After reaching the northernmost point on Earth, Al Ahbabi – the youngest Arab to make such a journey – raised the UAE flag there.
Tawazun Economic Council, joined other national organisations in sponsoring the trek that was in celebration of the ‘Year of Zayed’.
Tareq Abdulraheem Al Hosani, Chief Executive Officer of Tawazun, said, “The support given by Tawazun Economic Council to this journey comes as part of its encouragement to the youth to explore new interests, to develop their skills and to reflect the bright image of the UAE in everything they do.”
Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, CEO of Senaat, said, “We are truly proud to support Al Ahbabi in his ambitious and truly inspiring journey. Sheikh Zayed has instilled in us the willpower and determination to challenge and achieve the impossible, and this young Emirati man embodies the UAE’s values of striving for the first place in all fields.”
Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, CEO of Emirates Steel, said, “Our support to the young Emirati adventurer is in line with our wise leadership’s directives to encourage the youth to utilise their potentials, pursue their dreams and realize their ambitions.”