Kuwaiti adventurer Yousef Al-Refaie’s quest to document the planet’s most extreme environments 

Kuwaiti adventurer Yousef Al-Refaie’s quest to document the planet’s most extreme environments 
For his upcoming documentary series “Earth’s Extremes,” Al-Refaie decided to visit the hottest, driest, wettest and coldest inhabited places on Earth. (Supplied)
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Updated 02 August 2024
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Kuwaiti adventurer Yousef Al-Refaie’s quest to document the planet’s most extreme environments 

Kuwaiti adventurer Yousef Al-Refaie’s quest to document the planet’s most extreme environments 
  • The Kuwaiti adventurer discusses his upcoming docuseries ‘Earth’s Extremes’ 

DUBAI: Kuwaiti mountaineer and adventurer Yousef Al-Refaie doesn’t make it easy for himself. For his upcoming documentary series “Earth’s Extremes,” Al-Refaie decided to visit the hottest, driest, wettest and coldest inhabited places on Earth. 

Set to air in the first quarter of 2025, the series will consist of four 45-minute episodes and showcase Al-Refaie’s insatiable curiosity, which has driven him to explore the most extreme environments on the planet. 




The series will consist of four 45-minute episodes and showcase Al-Refaie’s insatiable curiosity. (Supplied)

That curiosity began back in childhood, Al-Refaie tells Arab News. “I was a very curious child,” he recalls. “I would open any magazine I could find and tear apart toys to see how they worked.”  

Growing up, he had access to a vast library of adventure books and National Geographic magazines. “I was fascinated by pictures of mountains and exotic places,” he says. 




The show is set to air in the first quarter of 2025. (Supplied)

After dropping out of law school, he came across an Instagram post about climbing Africa’s highest peak. 

“I told my parents I wanted to go before starting my new major,” he explains. “I ended up climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and although I initially hated the experience — living in a small tent and enduring the climb — I eventually caught the adventure bug.” 

He went on to complete a double major in political science and public administration but, he says, during every vacation, “instead of traveling with friends or family, I would go to mountains.” 




Dallol, previously believed to be the hottest inhabited place, lies 125 meters below sea level. It's a harsh environment where no life can exist anymore due to grueling heat and toxic gases emitted from the volcano. (Supplied)

So far, Al-Refaie and his team have completed filming on three episodes of “Earth’s Extremes.” The “Wettest” episode was shot in July 2023 in the rain-soaked landscapes of Mawsynram and Cherrapunji in India; the “Hottest” episode was filmed in December 2023 in the scorching Afar region of Ethiopia; and the “Driest” episode in the Atacama Desert in Chile, in April and May of this year. 

The team meticulously researched and analyzed maps, discovering that many locations they would visit were either just names, with no information readily available, or ruins of abandoned towns. 

“We live in an era where everything is at our fingertips; I can search for anything and find the answer. But that was not the case for the Atacama Desert and Quillagua (an oasis in Chile recognized by Guinness World Records as the driest place on Earth),” he explaines. “We had to go to every station near Quillagua and gather all the records from the 1960s and 1970s. The most recent records they had were from 2003 and 2004.” 




The team and local historian Fedal Arinsiva standing on the ancient Inca road in Inca del Oro, which dates back to the 15th century as part of the Qhapaq Ñan, spanning approximately 30,000 kilometers across South America. (Supplied)

Another significant challenge he encountered in Chile was the language barrier. “The first time (we went), I couldn’t pronounce the name of any of the towns,” he says. 

Meticulous preparation is key for all Al-Refaie’s expeditions, he stresses. “Planning, reading, and asking people questions are the three most important things to do before our trips,” he says. “Locals, especially, play a big role in this. I’ve met scientists and meteorologists, but the most valuable information I’ve received came from a former prisoner of the old dictator of Chile. He owns a museum now. He does not have a degree and he did not study, but he knows the area extremely well. You’d be surprised at the insights you can gain from the people you might least expect to. It’s like a puzzle, and my role is to piece everything together to make the journey successful.” 




Al-Refaie walking inside Erta Ale Volcano. (Supplied)

Combining insights from experts and locals ensures a well-rounded understanding of each location, he adds.  

Despite being the wettest place on Earth, when Al-Refaie and his team arrived in Mawsynram and Cherrapunji, there was no rain for two weeks. “That opened up a new aspect of the expedition — the world is really changing. If there’s no rain in the wettest place on Earth, there’s definitely something wrong,” he says. “The weather is becoming unpredictable, and those communities rely heavily on agriculture. For eight months of the year, they have rain, but outside of those eight months, they have to buy water from other villages because they do not have dams. They live in extreme conditions, and this is a lesson in resilience and adaptability.” 




Faisal Al-Karam (director), Yousef Al-Refaie (producer and host), and Cristian Ordenes (logistics and guide) from left to right, exploring unprotected archaeological sites around Chañaral. (Supplied)

The final episode will take Al-Refaie to Oymyakon in Siberia, the coldest inhabited place on the planet. Filming is scheduled for December. 

In addition to the documentary, the adventurer plans to release an accompanying book and photobook. All proceeds from the photobook sales will be donated to support communities living in these extreme environments. 

And with the documentary nearing completion, Al-Refaie is already gearing up for his next major challenge: an ambitious endeavor, set for 2026, that will see Al-Refaie and his team attempting to summit three peaks in Asia, rumored to be volcanoes. 




Al-Refaie with fellow explorer James Allen from Australia in the village of Kosowat. (Supplied)

“One of our primary goals is to determine whether these mountains are actually volcanoes,” he said. “If they turn out to be, it would mean the current Volcanic Seven Summits list — which has been completed by more than 30 individuals, including myself — is incorrect. The highest volcano in Asia is currently considered to be Mount Damavand in Iran, but these peaks could change that.” 

Al-Refaie’s team for the trip, who come from the UK, Hungary, the US and Kuwait, is diverse, comprising not just mountaineers but also geographers, geologists and filmmakers. “This expedition is not just about climbing; it's about discovery and potentially correcting a significant aspect of mountaineering history,” he says.  

Al-Refaie encourages other adventurers to break away from conventional paths and seek unique experiences. “Sadly, I always see the same things being done over and over,” he said. “People often think of adventures as climbing Mount Everest, a mountain that has been summited over 7,000 times. Instead, think outside the box. Do what intrigues you.” 

Al-Refaie believes true exploration involves venturing into the unknown and bringing back new information. “Exploration is about going to a place and discovering something new. There is no sense of accomplishment in doing something that has already been done countless times,” he says. “If you really want to explore, you have to step out of your comfort zone and seek out the unknown.”  


Gulf Theater Festival in Riyadh revives tradition, fosters regional cultural exchange

Gulf Theater Festival in Riyadh revives tradition, fosters regional cultural exchange
Updated 11 September 2024
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Gulf Theater Festival in Riyadh revives tradition, fosters regional cultural exchange

Gulf Theater Festival in Riyadh revives tradition, fosters regional cultural exchange
  • For the first time since 1988, the festival is being hosted in Saudi Arabia, celebrating a rich legacy of Gulf theatrical collaboration
  • Event, running from Sept. 10 to 17, brings together artists, performers, and cultural figures from across the Gulf Cooperation Council nations to promote regional artistic exchange

RIYADH: The 14th Gulf Theater Festival kicked off in Riyadh, marking a grand return after an eight-year hiatus.

For the first time since 1988, the festival is being hosted in Saudi Arabia, celebrating a rich legacy of Gulf theatrical collaboration.

The event, running from Sept. 10 to 17, brings together artists, performers, and cultural figures from across the Gulf Cooperation Council nations to promote regional artistic exchange.

Held at the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Theater, the festival commenced with an opening ceremony that featured prominent figures from the Gulf and Arab theater scenes.

As part of the proceedings, the festival will include a series of competitive theatrical performances, workshops, and discussions aimed at enhancing production and collaboration.

The event also honors creative minds, recognizing their contributions to the art form with a series of awards.

Speaking on behalf of Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Sultan Al-Bazie, CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, highlighted the festival’s significance.

“The festival is a night of Gulf culture, celebrating theater as a platform for creativity that has enriched cultural memory and fostered collaboration between our sister nations,” he said.

Al-Bazie also emphasized the support the cultural sectors receive from Saudi Arabia’s leadership, noting that the festival reflects the Kingdom’s vision for advancing the Gulf theater scene.

“The event aligns with our commitment to creating a thriving Gulf cultural landscape that enhances national identity, encourages dialogue with the world, and boosts the economic sustainability of the arts,” he added.

In an exclusive comment to Arab News, Al-Bazie shared his hopes for the future of the festival.

He said: “The festival returns after an absence of eight years and is held periodically among the GCC countries.

“It will continue to grow stronger and greater and evolve into institutional work to promote aid, theatrical production, training, and joint efforts. These are all hopes we aim to achieve in the coming years.”

With its rich blend of performances, lectures, and cultural exchange, the Gulf Theater Festival is expected to solidify Riyadh’s role as a central hub for regional artistic collaboration.

The event not only revives long-standing traditions but also paves the way for a more sustainable and dynamic future for Gulf theater.


‘I Am Georgina’ highlights Saudi Arabia in first trailer for season three

‘I Am Georgina’ highlights Saudi Arabia in first trailer for season three
Updated 11 September 2024
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‘I Am Georgina’ highlights Saudi Arabia in first trailer for season three

‘I Am Georgina’ highlights Saudi Arabia in first trailer for season three

DUBAI: After two successful seasons, “Soy Georgina” (“I Am Georgina”) is set to return to Netflix with a third season on Sept. 18 that highlights star Georgina Rodriguez's life in Saudi Arabia, according to a trailer dropped by the streaming giant today.

The new season will give a peek inside power couple Georgina Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo’s luxurious new life in Saudi Arabia, a move that took place in Dec. 2022 when the Portuguese football legend signed with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.

The trailer begins with shots of Rodriguez in AlUla, Saudi Arabia’s historic UNESCO heritage site, as she poses in front of the Instagram-famous mirrored Maraya Concert Hall.

There is a strong focus on her long-term partnership with Ronaldo as she’s seen supporting from the stands at various football matches.

The trailer also briefly spotlights Rodriguez and her family – including the couple’s children and her stepson Cristiano Jr. – at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort in Saudi Arabia.

Light-hearted moments show the family spending time at the dinner table at their Saudi home, laughing and making conversation.

The trailer also prominently features Rodriguez at Paris Fashion Week, waiting nervously backstage as she gets ready to walk the runway for Swiss fashion label Vetements.


Lindsay Lohan, part-Arab models stun at Michael Kors show

Lindsay Lohan, part-Arab models stun at Michael Kors show
Updated 11 September 2024
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Lindsay Lohan, part-Arab models stun at Michael Kors show

Lindsay Lohan, part-Arab models stun at Michael Kors show

DUBAI: Dubai-based Hollywood star Lindsay Lohan was spotted at the Michael Kors show during New York Fashion Week, where she watched part-Arab models Nora Attal and Loli Bahia walk the runway.

Lohan wore a sleek silver satin slip dress paired with a long grey coat featuring a fur collar. She kept her look minimal with subtle jewelry and straight, flowing hair.

Lohan wore a sleek silver satin slip dress paired with a long grey coat featuring a fur collar. (Getty Images)

The show took place in a cavernous space in midtown, with stark metal benches lining the rectangular walls. Gigantic faux black rocks were scattered throughout the center and sides of the venue, similar to the rocky beaches of the Amalfi Coast. The dramatic Italian cliffs in an urban setting played into Kors’ abstract inspiration.

Lohan watched as the Arab models graced the runway. Attal wore a strapless black lace midi dress with a deep sweetheart neckline and a small center cutout, accentuated by a belted waist that added structure to the silhouette.

Attal wore a strapless black lace midi dress with a deep sweetheart neckline. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Bahia was seen in a tailored black ensemble, featuring a sharp blazer with a plunging neckline and high-waisted shorts, cinched at the waist with a thin black belt for a sleek, minimalist look.

For this collection Kors told The Associated Press that he was “glued” to pop culture and was especially fascinated by the recent Netflix series “Ripley,” based on Patricia Highsmith’s classic novel, “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” The dark story is set in coastal Italy where a man who covets a friend’s wealthy life kills him and takes over his identity, killing anyone else who threatens his new persona.

Bahia was seen in a tailored black ensemble, featuring a sharp blazer with a plunging neckline and high-waisted shorts. (Getty Images)

“There’s lots of texture, black raffia, white embroideries. Everything is very tactile,” Kors explained. “It’s all the colors that you would find in the Mediterranean. So all of the natural colors have very soft browns and creams. And then of course, there’s going to be blue.”

The brand’s craftsmanship was on display with intricate peekaboo lace dresses and skirts and several dresses, skirts and coats adorned with flower appliqué. Accessories stood out in the collection with leather handbags, hats and shoes teeming with black raffia that looked like leather straw. The ever-present trench coat appeared for men and women on the runway, mostly oversized and slouchy, AP noted.  


Saudi box office sells 8.5 million tickets in first half of 2024 with two Saudi films in top three

Saudi box office sells 8.5 million tickets in first half of 2024 with two Saudi films in top three
Updated 11 September 2024
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Saudi box office sells 8.5 million tickets in first half of 2024 with two Saudi films in top three

Saudi box office sells 8.5 million tickets in first half of 2024 with two Saudi films in top three

DUBAI: The burgeoning Saudi film industry is going from strength to strength.

On Tuesday, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister of Culture and Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla, took to X to reveal that the Saudi box office has made SAR 421.8 million ($112,410,096) in the first half of 2024, adding that two of the three leading films were Saudi-produced. He did not reveal the names of the two films.

“Saudi box office sales have reached 8.5 million tickets with revenues exceeding 421.8m SAR during the first half of 2024. Two of the best-selling films amongst the top 3 are Saudi #SaudiVision20230,” he wrote.

Saudi Arabia’s cinema scene has been booming since lifting its 35-year ban in 2018. With 66 theaters across 22 cities and box office sales reaching $919 million in 2023 (up 25% from 2022), the industry is growing at a rapid pace.

While Hollywood films like Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” and Tom Cruise-starring “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” have contributed to ticket sales, Saudi films have also been making a mark.

Saudi filmmaker Ali Kalthami’s Riyadh-based thriller “Mandoob” (“Night Courier”) has been a success since it was released at the beginning of 2024, soaring to the top of the Saudi box office following its screening at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah. The film tells the story of Fahad, who, after getting fired from a call centre, takes a job as a night courier who illegally sells alcohol in order to save his ailing father.

“Sattar,” the Saudi Arabian family comedy about a depressed man who follows his dreams of becoming a freestyle wrestling champion, smashed box office records last year, earning $2.2 million over its first 12 days, instantly making it the highest-grossing Saudi movie of all time, so far.

 


New partnership to conserve AlUla’s cultural heritage

New partnership to conserve AlUla’s cultural heritage
Updated 10 September 2024
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New partnership to conserve AlUla’s cultural heritage

New partnership to conserve AlUla’s cultural heritage
  • National Archives will work with the commission in four broad areas: training and scientific exchange, archival research, public programming, and digitization
  • Abeer Al-Akel: Our partnership with the National Archives exemplifies the power of international collaboration

JEDDAH: The Royal Commission for AlUla has signed a partnership agreement with the UK National Archives in line with the commission’s goals of cultural heritage preservation, international collaboration, and contribution to Vision 2030.

Through its expertise in archival management and historical documentation, the National Archives will work with the commission in four broad areas: training and scientific exchange, archival research, public programming, and digitization. Specific initiatives will focus on joint research projects, digital archive initiatives, and cultural exhibitions.

Abeer Al-Akel, acting CEO of the commission, said: “RCU’s campaign of comprehensive regeneration is transforming AlUla into a global hub for heritage and culture — and an extraordinary location for residents and visitors. Our commitment to conservation supports Vision 2030’s goal of promoting Saudi culture through initiatives that are ‘powered by the past, reimagined for the future.’

“Our partnership with the National Archives exemplifies the power of international collaboration, combining expertise and resources from Saudi Arabia and the UK to enhance cultural heritage research and public programming.”

Saul Nasse, chief executive and keeper of the National Archives, said: “Working with the Royal Commission for AlUla is an opportunity to share our pioneering work in documenting and safeguarding heritage. RCU has an ambitious strategy to preserve the rich stories of northwest Arabia, and we look forward to contributing our insights and experience.”

Through this collaboration, RCU and the National Archives aim to enhance the visibility of Saudi documentary heritage and strengthen the capacity of local archives to provide wide access to these invaluable resources, further solidifying AlUla’s position as a global hub for cultural preservation and exploration.