Mubarak Al-Swailim, 2nd right, and Ibrahim Al-Sayad, 2nd left, after their successful sky-diving attempt over the North Pole. (AN photo)

JEDDAH, 29 April 2004 — “We wanted to step over it and raise the Saudi flag on the most extraordinary place on earth. And we did it!”

In early March, two veteran Saudi skydivers — Mubarak Al-Swailim and Ibrahim Al-Sayad — set off to realize their dream. Now back in Jeddah, they have achieved it, having successfully skydived over the North Pole in the first attempt by any Saudi or Arab nationals.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday night, the adventurous skydivers said: “If you dream, you can make it happen.”

Labeled the “Journey of Peace and Giving” and sponsored by Lipton, the trip was not easy, the daring duo said. It was fraught with hazards and cruel weather conditions.

“Despite all the difficulties we faced we were very determined to take our country’s name to the top of the world and we were very proud that we would become the first ever Saudis and Arabs to skydive over the North Pole,” they said.

“We had to be fully tuned, both mentally and physically for this adventure. However, our determination to bring the Kingdom’s message that we are the country of peace and goodwill to the whole world, made us very determined to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles,” Al-Swailim said. “Hardship and difficulties seemed to melt away when we applied our determination to meet the challenge,” he added.

For almost a year before the event, skydivers from all over the world had vied for the chance to make the most extraordinary para-jump of their lives in the most hostile weather conditions.

“To cope with temperature below 40 degrees Celsius and wind chill factor taking the temperature below minus 100 degrees Celsius, we wore specially designed extreme cold weather clothing,” Al-Sayad said. “Many of the participants were very surprised that two skydivers from Saudi Arabia were there to make the historical jump but they stood and supported us during our adventure.”

Al-Sayad said the first thing he did when he arrived on the North Pole was pray to Allah.

The skydivers were not able to jump during their first attempt due to harsh weather conditions and strong winds. “We thought that we would not make it, but insisted on staying and waiting for better conditions even though it was too expensive to stay for many more days. Other adventurers saw it as a great moment just arriving at the North Pole and claim their presence. We wanted to make this dream come true and thanks to Allah we did,” Al-Sayad said.