An Emirati business has unveiled a plan to tow an iceberg from Antarctica to the Arabian Gulf region, in a project which will cost up to $150 million when completed. Abdulla Alshehi said he believes that a floating iceberg along the coast of the United Arab Emirates could provide the country with fresh, drinkable water. National Advisor Bureau Ltd managing director Alshehi said that the operation would take up to ten months for the iceberg to reach its final location, about three kilometers off Fujaraih Coast.
In an interview with Inspire Middle East, he said that around $80 million would be spent on the preliminary tests to assess the viability of the project. He pointed out that the iceberg, which will be selected by satellite, could measure two kilometers by 500 meters. A metal belt will be used to prevent the iceberg form breaking up during its long journey. It is however estimated that the iceberg would eventually lose up to 30 percent of its mass.
