Two Omanis have been selected to brave the extreme temperatures in the windiest, driest and coldest place on earth – Antarctica – for a span of two weeks, starting February 28.

The Freezing Omanis have been selected by the 2041 organisation to participate in a scientific expedition in the remote continent.

Bader Al Lawati aged 26, who is the first of the Freezing Omanis, is an independent marketing consultant who is dedicated to environmental protection due to his background in volunteering for organisations like Green Peace and World Wildlife Fund, a statement from the organisation said.

The second of the Freezing Omanis, and soon to be the youngest Omani that walked the Antarctic Peninsula, is Ameer Abdulhussain, aged 23. Abdulhussain is part of an intensive development programme at the Oman Power & Water Procurement Company and has taken a particular interest in renewable energies and its possible growth and development in Oman.

The 2041 organisation focuses its efforts on raising awareness about the Antarctic Protection Treaty, which as it stands, does not allow any corporation or country to mine or drill in Antarctica for resources.

However, in 2041, the agreement will be up for renegotiation and the decision to protect Antarctica could be overturned.

“The reason I am getting involved is because I have seen the environmental impact on a personal level on the marine life here, if sea temperatures were to cool down due to Antarctic ice sheet melting, then our fish supplies and their health will be greatly affected. Many scientists and field experts will be present at the expedition which will give me a chance to learn more about what can be done,” said Al Lawati.

“Being exposed to the Solar Project in Oman due to my employment in the Oman Power & Water Procurement Company, I’ve come to realise that there is an immense opportunity for the Sultanate to capitalise on the development of solar energy projects in the country. By being a part of this expedition, I hope to learn and bring back as much knowledge and awareness back to Oman” Abdulhussain said.

Al Lawati and Abdulhussain have to prepare and gear up for temperatures that reach as low as -30°C with specialised equipment that is not readily available. – TradeArabia News Service