Sahar Al-Shamrani set to conquer Antarctica

Sahar Al-Shamrani from the Eastern Province is preparing to be the first Saudi woman to travel to the South Pole, Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper reported Monday. “The objective of this trip is to contribute in projects to save planet Earth,” she said. Scientists and environment experts, including British scientist Robert Swan, will accompany Al-Shamrani. She said she was prompted to take the risk by the words of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah who has always encouraged Saudi women to undertake their role in society. A woman from the United Arab Emirates, who had taken the trip before, also encouraged her. “I am very concerned with environmental issues and the ecological changes, which started to have their impact on Mother Earth,” she said. To strengthen her muscles, Al-Shamrani began a dieting and exercise program under medical supervision. “I shall be proud to be the first Saudi woman to hoist the Saudi flag on Antarctica. I will record my entire experience, including the things we see and the troubles we go through,” she said. Al-Shamrani said the 17-day adventure would start from Dubai, then Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires. From Argentine she would take a boat to the South Pole.