Two Emiratis to join Antarctica expedition

Two Dubai Airports employees will soon be among an elite group of Emiratis to visit the last unspoilt wilderness on the planet when they join legendary polar explorer and environmental leader Robert Swan OBE on his ‘International Antarctic Expedition 2011’ in March.

When the expedition departs from Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, on March 6, Majid Fairooz, Head of Planning and Buti Qurwash, Head of Security will join a group of 70 business leaders, climate change experts, teachers and student leaders from 16 nations across the globe to experience the fragile beauty of Antarctica firsthand, while participating in Swan’s ‘Leadership on the Edge’ programme.

“UAE National development and sustainability are high on our agenda and this expedition provides a powerful combination of the two,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports. “Our goal is to support a corporate culture that embraces sustainability. Jinan and Buti will become ambassadors for education, the environment and sustainability both within the organisation and in the surrounding community.”

Robert Swan is the first person in history to walk to both the North and South poles. Swan has dedicated his life to the preservation of Antarctica by raising awareness about recycling and the benefits of renewable energy to combat the effects of climate change. He formed his company, 2041, to inform, engage and inspire the next generation of leaders to take responsibility for sustainability. Since 2003, 2041 has introduced Antarctica to over 200 participants.

“Decisions made by today’s youth will impact our entire planet’s ecosystem and the future of life on earth,” said Swan. “This isn’t a two-week cruise. This is a commitment for life. These two young people will see with their own eyes just how fragile our environment is and they will carry this message forward for the rest of their lives.”

 “It is truly an honour and a privilege, not only because it involves an adventurous journey, but more importantly because it supports a great cause,” said Fairooz.

“If someone told me a week ago that I would be travelling to Antarctica as part of an international expedition, I would have questioned their sanity,” added Qurwash. 

“It will take a little time to sink in but I am very excited and I know it will be a life changing journey. I hope we will be able to contribute to the cause, while encouraging and inspiring others to support green initiatives.”

The IAE 2011 team will cross the Drake Passage, explore the Antarctic Peninsula and visit Swan’s E-Base, the only purpose-built, permanent educational structure constructed completely from recycled materials in the Antarctic and is powered by renewable energy. The team will return to Ushuaia on March 18.

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