Don't miss it! “Mission Everest – The UAE Military Team” to premiere 7th Dec on National Geographic Abu Dhabi

Filmed in association with the General Headquarter of the UAE Armed Forces, National Geographic Abu Dhabi’s latest documentary film follows a team from the UAE Armed Forces as they attempt to scale Everest, the highest mountain on earth. The film’s underlying message is universally relevant. It is a story of bravery and determination and what it means to go further. The film will premiere on National Geographic Abu Dhabi channel at 10 pm, Wednesday, 7th December, 2016.

“Mission Everest - The UAE Military Team” is a story of battling overwhelming and contrasting environments as the team takes on one of the world’s most demanding mountaineering expeditions.

The physical and mental preparation required to take it on is immense. It is a most inhospitable climate, with temperatures dropping as low as -60 °C. One of the major challenges climbers face is the extremely high altitude and its effects on the body. To minimize the serious risks to their lives, climbers must properly acclimatize to avoid suffering altitude sickness. The acclimatization process consists of climbing camps on different elevations several times, for the body to naturally adjust to the altitude difference. Other psychical risks common to Everest climbers include hypothermia, extreme sunburn, frost bite and snow blindness.

Abdul Hadi Al Sheikh, Executive Director of the Department of Television at Abu Dhabi Media, said: “Mission Everest – The UAE Military Team is a new documentary production that translates the message of Abu Dhabi Media which highlights the vision of the UAE leadership. It adds to the achievements of the country and supports our aspirations and values as part of a series of programs which bring leading stories of the UAE to the world. This distinct documentary style contributes to strengthening our premium meaningful content. I appreciate and thank the valiant UAE Armed Forces for cooperating with National Geographic Abu Dhabi in the production of this important documentary which confirms their strength, resolve and determination in face of overwhelming challenges.”

Alex El Chami, Executive Producer at National Geographic Abu Dhabi said: "Everest is by far one of the most challenging locations in the world for any documentary crew. The harsh environment and extreme weather conditions can turn a simple click of the record button into a nightmare. The production team had to not only shadow every move of the UAE Armed Forces but also carry the camera and audio gear all the way up the mountain. It was a long and challenging journey for everyone involved and we all learned valuable lessons from it."

With Everest, National Geographic Abu Dhabi has filmed one of the most complex regional productions undertaken, in association with the General Headquarter of the UAE Armed Forces. It is one of the first documentaries to be filmed after the Nepal earthquake and brings viewers to the edge of their seats while involving them emotionally.

Sanjay Raina, General Manager, National Geographic Abu Dhabi MENA said: “We are proud to have been part of this extraordinary project with the UAE armed forces and to be exposed to their true determination and grit. Everest is the third documentary that we have created in cooperation with the UAE Armed Forces after Mission Kosovo in 2013 and Every Emiratis Son in 2015. It is also the biggest and toughest production that National Geographic Abu Dhabi has ever done.”

Please visit http://www.natgeo-uaemtce.com for more information on the documentary and the UAE Armed Forces’ Everest expedition.

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About National Geographic Abu Dhabi

Launched in July 2009, the free-to-air National Geographic Abu Dhabi invites viewers in the Middle East to re-think the way they see television - and the world - through smart, innovative programming in the Arabic language. Brought to the region by the Abu Dhabi Media (ADM) and National Geographic Channels International (NGCI), the channel is dedicated to understanding and protecting the world, with its worldwide reputation of producing credible and authentic content that fits different viewers’ interests.