First Arab to climb Mount Everest, now sets his sights on

On August 24th, 2005, Zed Al Refai is set to depart for yet another exciting adventure, this time climbing mountain Cho Oyo, the 6th highest mountain in the world.  Zed, a Kuwaiti national, is the first Arab to climb Mount Everest, and has made history in being the 46th person to climb all 7 highest summits in the 7 continents of the world*. Gillette Middle East, known for its strong support for sports, is sponsoring Zed’s climbing adventure in its aim to attract new Middle Eastern-based fans to the inside story of mountain climbing heroes from this region.  
 
Located on the border of Tibet and Nepal, 30 Kilometres West of Mount Everest, Cho Oyo’s 8,201 metre summit makes it the sixth highest mountain in the world. Freezing temperatures, a summit at death zone (above 8000 meters), extreme weather conditions such as howling winds and burning sun light, all contribute to making Cho Oyo one of the most challenging mountain climbs in the world.
 
Timur Edis, Regional Business Manager, Disposable blades and razors, Gillette Middle East and Africa said: ”Gillette believes in encouraging an active lifestyle and has always been a strong supporter for various sports and champions within sports.  Zed is a true global champion in mountain climbing. He is a role model for the Middle East and Gillette is very enthusiastic about being involved in his Cho Oyo trip.”
 
Zed will depart on his journey from Kuwait on August 24th, with five climbers from the rest of the world, and will commence his way up to the summit of Cho Oyo on August 28th. He said: “The Cho Oyo mission is a challenge that requires not necessarily  tremendous physical strengths, but also, the willingness of individuals to test their potential in most extreme conditions.”
 
Born in 1966, Zed is a business man holding a Bachelor of Arts, major in Political Science from Stockton State University, New Jersey. Among his ambitions, he would like to see Mountain Climbing as a popular sport in the Middle East and contribute to the spread of its popularity. Zed lives in Switzerland, Kuwait and the UAE.
 
More information about the Cho Oyo challenge can be found on www.foreverest.com
 
 About Gillette
With headquarters in Boston, Mass. The Gillette Company is the world leader in male grooming, a category that includes blades, razors and shaving preparations. Gillette also holds the number one position worldwide in selected female grooming products, such as wet shaving products and hair epilation devices. In addition, the Company is the world leader in alkaline batteries, toothbrushes and oral care appliances.