In addition, Apache is the largest producer of hydrocarbons and natural gas in the Western Desert of Egypt and the third largest in all of Egypt.

FORBES: In Top-Performing Energy Sector, Apache Stands Out In Solid Production and Profits

Exposure to extreme cold: the Antarctic Plateau, which will be crossed, is the world's largest and coldest desert with extremely low humidity and the expedition will involve prolonged periods of exposure to extreme cold below -70C.

BBC: Viewpoint: The last great polar challenge

In mid-February, Prince made a pilgrimage to the Saudi Arabian desert to meet with Citi's largest individual shareholder, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who has said recently that Citi needed to take "draconian" measures to cut costs.

FORBES: Weill Springs To Citi's Defense

Into its Luxembourg-sized patch of beach and desert, Dubai has already packed such attractions as the world's largest man-made port, its tallest and most luxurious hotel, its most capacious-ever shopping bag (certified by Guinness), and some of the flashiest events on funsters' racing and golfing calendars.

ECONOMIST: The biggest and best in a patch of beach and desert