JEDDAH, 19 April 2005 — Two weeks ago thirty-four year old Jordanian, Mustafa Salameh, started his expedition to become the first Arab to scale the northern face of Mount Everest, the mountain’s most difficult approach. Sponsored by ARAMEX, the experienced mountaineer who has already climbed the highest mountains in North America and Europe announced his newest expedition from the banks of the Dead Sea in Jordan — the lowest point on the Earth’s surface.

“I love challenges; I think they are inherent in any sportsperson or adventurer. I have wanted to be the first Arab to climb Everest’s northern face for a long while now. As it is widely recognized as the toughest ascent on the mountain, it will surely be one of my biggest challenges,” says Salameh. He will walk from the Dead Sea to the Jordanian capital Amman, before flying to Nepal. Initial estimates suggest that he will reach the summit within 70 days from starting the climb.

“In sponsoring Mustafa Salameh, ARAMEX is celebrating the spirit of achievement and ambition. We see his quest as a reflection of our own aspirations and endeavors. ARAMEX is proud to be associated with this mission and we hail his adventurous spirit and his determination to overcome the ‘highest’ of obstacles,” said Fadi Ghandour, CEO, ARAMEX.

Salameh, who holds an MA in International Hospitality and Tourism from Edinburgh University, insists his spirit for travel and adventure has always driven his academic and mountaineering passions.

Uncharacteristically for a sportsperson, the long-time resident of the UK, touched on a political note, saying, “I believe expeditions or sporting activities of this or any kind can help change negative perceptions of Arabs in the world’s current political climate. By putting Arab adventurers, sportspeople and others on the map and into historical records for human achievement, a universal humanity can be understood and realized.”

As part of his mission, Salameh will be planting the ARAMEX flag on the highest point on earth and will deliver a package that contains a plaque etched with the story of ARAMEX. Not content with the physical challenges alone, Salameh also expects to write a book and make a documentary about the expedition. Further information on this and previous expeditions are available on his website: www.jordanfirsteverest.com