RIYADH: A Saudi young man, Dakheelullah Al-Matrafi, embarked on a historic journey to the frozen North Pole on Friday. It will take him six days to reach his destination by plane and other means, according to a website.
The man, who started his journey from Riyadh, traveled to Paris, France, from where he headed to Oslo, Norway. From there, he will proceed to Tromso in the far north. From there he will travel to the North Pole braving blizzards.
Al-Matrafi was quoted by the media before he left as saying that the idea for the journey to the North Pole came to him two years ago. He had always been interested in astronomy and weather, which helped him to plan this journey. He said that he wanted to reach the farthest geographic location.
He said that it took awhile to prepare for this journey. He collected all required information, including about the places he would visit, where he will be staying in small huts.
“I am trying to take aerial photos of the journey. I want to unfurl the Kingdom's flag at the end of the journey after reaching the North Pole,” he said.
A number of those who are interested have started following Al-Matrafi's journey. All details are available on the social media app SnapChat.
He expressed his concerns about biological changes and time. In the Arctic Circle, the temperatures will be extremely low and and no daylight, only twilight, at this time of the year.
Saudi off to the North Pole
Updated 26 December 2015