Saudi businessman survives -50°C, 60 mph winds to reach South Pole

Saudi businessman Badr Al-Shebani (Supplied)

Flying the Saudi Arabian flag on Antartica’s South Pole was a long-held dream for businessman Dr. Badr Al-Shebani.

And on 3 January, 2024; Al-Shebani finally achieved his goal after enduring extreme cold and wind.

“The voyage to the South Pole is no laughing matter,” Al Shibani said. 

“It is an extremely difficult trek that needs rigorous preparation to confront the worst weather and conditions, as well as temperatures that may reach -50°C while carrying a weight of 60 kg in a sledge and fighting severe winds of up to 60 miles per hour,” he added.

But Al Shibani said that although the continent of Antarctica’s weather is very harsh, he “faced similar conditions on Mount Everest, Dinali, and Vinson.”

Badr Al-Shebani is a businessman and adventurer who has traversed the highest peaks on seven continents’, including the most highest of them, Mount Everest. 

Al-Shebani says the expedition to conquer all seven summits — as well as reach the South Pole — was inspired by Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman’s Vision 2030, which seeks to motivate youngsters to participate in sports and healthy living.

The last degree of the South Pole is 2,800 metres above sea level.

And the entire journey to the South Pole took him up to two weeks, beginning with an arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile, followed by a flight to Antarctica, and two days of preparation and acclimatisation. 

His final trek included a flight and 8 days of skiing in difficult conditions to reach the South Pole before returning to Union Glacier and flying back to Chile.

Al-Shebani, in a statement, says he encourages young people to achieve their aspirations and objectives, “understanding that nothing is impossible”.