Everest's Arab conqueror sets eyes on Europe's Matterhorn

DUBAI - Zed Al Refai, the first Arab to scale Everest, turns his attention to one of Europe's most famous mountain, Matterhorn, which he will attempt to climb next week.

By A Staff Reporter

Published: Thu 11 Sep 2003, 12:27 PM

Last updated: Wed 1 Apr 2015, 11:48 PM

This was announced by Mr Refai, the Dubai-based Kuwaiti businessman, at a Press conference yesterday. He spoke about his plans for the 'mission Matterhorm' which will be sponsored by the luxury Hotel Mont Cervin and Residence in Zennatt, southern Switzerland, and Swiss International Airlines (SWISS).

It comes just four months after Mr Al Refai became the first Arab to conquer the world's highest mountain. As with his successful Everest climb in May, Mr Al Refai will be accompanied by the experienced Gennan climbers - Hermann Berie and Dr Gernot Overbeck.

"I have set off to climb the Matterhorn on three occasions, but the weather has beaten me each time. I am determined to succeed this time and I am very grateful to the Hotel Mont Cervin and Residence, and to SWISS, for their support," he pointed out.

"The hotel will be the perfect base for us to prepare for the climb in Zennatt. We will spend about two days there getting ready, and then, the weather permitting, we can complete the ascent and descent of the mountain in two days," Mr Al Refai noted.

"We are delighted to be able to assist Mr Al Refai in his bid to scale the Matterhorn," said Wolfgang Pinkwart, General Manager of the Hotel Mont Cervin and Residence, which will be established as the Mission Control for the climb.

Mr Al Refai will travel to Switzerland aboard a SWISS flight from Dubai to Zurich, and then on to Geneva. Switzerland's national carrier has placed great emphasis on comfort and service in all three cabins including a state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system offering various options from individual video choice to internet facilities - all the facilities which will ensure Al Refai arrives in Zermatt ready for the challenge ahead.

Felix Rodel, Area Manager for Swiss International Air Lines, Arabian Gulf, said: "Mr Al Refai is an inspiration to others, it is through determination, efficiency and care - all values, which we recognise at SWISS - that he has managed to put together this expedition so quickly. We wish him the best of luck and recognise that he is a true ambassador of the Middle East."