A six-year-old Dubai schoolboy is embracing the high life – after trekking to the base camp of Mount Everest in Nepal on his first attempt.
Ivan Krasiukov, a Russian pupil at Bloom World Academy, scaled an altitude of 5,364m in only seven days to make for an Eid family getaway that will be tough to top.
The daring youngster was accompanied by his parents, Dmitrii and Alla Krasiukov, and a sherpa for the remarkable feat, which saw him complete energy-sapping walks and climbs in freezing temperatures.
Ivan reached base camp on April 10 and spent another three days journeying back.
“I felt a little bit sad and a little bit happy when I reached the base camp,” said Ivan.
“I was happy to reach the destination but sad the journey had come to an end and we would have to take a flight back to Dubai.
“I liked seeing the Khumbu glacier. It was very beautiful.”
Scaling new heights
Ivan had been one only one other trek before taking on Mount Everest and said the cold winds posed a challenge.
“My hand was freezing because of the wind,” said Ivan.
The pupil said he enjoyed seeing animals such as yaks, oxen, donkeys and horses during his epic journey.
He also enjoyed eating pasta, which was available at the lodges along the way.
His father, Dmitrii Krasiukov, decided to go for the trek to the Everest base camp, but Ivan relished the opportunity to take part.
Sense of adventure
The only way is up for the young mountaineer, who vowed that he hasn't reached the peak of his ambitions just yet.
He is ready to go to the Everest Base Camp again and in the future hopes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Elbrus in Russia.
Ivan already maintains an active lifestyle, having a keen interest in athletics, acrobatics, parkour, swimming, and dancing and has about 12 training sessions per week, said his family.
In athletics, Ivan runs various distances, which helped him to build the necessary endurance for the journey.
During the trek, Ivan used special trekking poles, but he did not use them during the last three days of the trip.
Proud parents
Mr Krasiukov said the family faced plenty of adversity on the gruelling climb.
“The most difficult day was the first day, and then Ivan got used to it. After that, it was easier.
“Of course, the day when we climbed to the base camp was challenging.
“On the way, there was a sandstorm and huge rocks that had to be climbed.
“Another difficult day was when we climbed from 4,000 to 4,900 metres for an acclimatisation day in Dingboche, and Ivan's hands froze because a strong and cold wind rose after lunch.”
At that moment, his father gave Ivan his gloves.
“It was a useful experience because after that, we bought warm mittens made of yak wool to avoid a similar situation when climbing to the Everest Base Camp,” said Mr Krasiukov.
“He's quite strong and he has endurance, which is very important in the mountains.”
Mr Krasiukov said he had prepared himself for the trek by running 5km every day, while his wife prepared by doing horse-riding.
“When Ivan was on the trek, he travelled alongside people from different countries such as China, Singapore, Taiwan, India, the UK, Spain, the US, Russia, Kazakhstan, and others,” he said.
“They all knew that Ivan was on the trek and that he was six years old, walking there without any assistance or support. This is not easy even for most adults.
“In Dingboche at an altitude of 4000 meters, he felt slightly nauseous, but it quickly passed.”
Bloom World Academy head teacher John Bell said: “At Bloom World Academy, we couldn't be prouder of Ivan's remarkable achievement at such a young age.
“His dedication to training, coupled with his adventurous spirit, is truly inspiring. Ivan's rigorous regimen, including athletics, acrobatics, parkour, swimming and dancing, prepared him well for the journey.
“Throughout the trek, he utilised special trekking poles, a testament to his determination and resilience. We commend Ivan for his exceptional accomplishment and look forward to supporting his future adventures.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Founder: Ayman Badawi
Date started: Test product September 2016, paid launch January 2017
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Software
Size: Seven employees
Funding: $170,000 in angel investment
Funders: friends
What drives subscription retailing?
Once the domain of newspaper home deliveries, subscription model retailing has combined with e-commerce to permeate myriad products and services.
The concept has grown tremendously around the world and is forecast to thrive further, according to UnivDatos Market Insights’ report on recent and predicted trends in the sector.
The global subscription e-commerce market was valued at $13.2 billion (Dh48.5bn) in 2018. It is forecast to touch $478.2bn in 2025, and include the entertainment, fitness, food, cosmetics, baby care and fashion sectors.
The report says subscription-based services currently constitute “a small trend within e-commerce”. The US hosts almost 70 per cent of recurring plan firms, including leaders Dollar Shave Club, Hello Fresh and Netflix. Walmart and Sephora are among longer established retailers entering the space.
UnivDatos cites younger and affluent urbanites as prime subscription targets, with women currently the largest share of end-users.
That’s expected to remain unchanged until 2025, when women will represent a $246.6bn market share, owing to increasing numbers of start-ups targeting women.
Personal care and beauty occupy the largest chunk of the worldwide subscription e-commerce market, with changing lifestyles, work schedules, customisation and convenience among the chief future drivers.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
If you go
Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
World Cup warm-up fixtures
Friday, May 24:
- Pakistan v Afghanistan (Bristol)
- Sri Lanka v South Africa (Cardiff)
Saturday, May 25
- England v Australia (Southampton)
- India v New Zealand (The Oval, London)
Sunday, May 26
- South Africa v West Indies (Bristol)
- Pakistan v Bangladesh (Cardiff)
Monday, May 27
- Australia v Sri Lanka (Southampton)
- England v Afghanistan (The Oval, London)
Tuesday, May 28
- West Indies v New Zealand (Bristol)
- Bangladesh v India (Cardiff)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
CREW
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERajesh%20A%20Krishnan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETabu%2C%20Kareena%20Kapoor%20Khan%2C%20Kriti%20Sanon%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Results
2pm: Al Sahel Contracting Company – Maiden (PA) Dh50,000 (Dirt) 1,200m; Winner: AF Mutakafel, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
2.30pm: Dubai Real Estate Centre – Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: El Baareq, Antonio Fresu, Rashed Bouresly
3pm: Shadwell – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,950m; Winner: Lost Eden, Andrea Atzeni, Doug Watson
3.30pm: Keeneland – Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,000m; Winner: Alkaraama, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi
4pm: Keeneland – Handicap (TB) Dh76,000 (D) 1,800m; Winner: Lady Snazz, Saif Al Balushi, Bhupat Seemar
4.30pm: Hive – Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Down On Da Bayou, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
5pm: Dubai Real Estate Centre – (TB) Handicap Dh64,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Lahmoom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
THE BIO
Favourite holiday destination: Whenever I have any free time I always go back to see my family in Caltra, Galway, it’s the only place I can properly relax.
Favourite film: The Way, starring Martin Sheen. It’s about the Camino de Santiago walk from France to Spain.
Personal motto: If something’s meant for you it won’t pass you by.
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Friday (all kick-offs UAE time)
Hertha Berlin v Union Berlin (10.30pm)
Saturday
Freiburg v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)
Paderborn v Hoffenheim (5.30pm)
Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund (5.30pm)
Borussia Monchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen (5.30pm)
Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)
Sunday
Schalke v Augsburg (3.30pm)
Mainz v RB Leipzig (5.30pm)
Cologne v Fortuna Dusseldorf (8pm)
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
