Dubai: Will Smith has revealed new details about his upcoming pole-to-pole documentary, a seven-episode series filmed over the past two years that follows his journey from South to North Pole through some of the most extreme climates on Earth. Set to premiere on January 14 on Disney and National Geographic, the series documents the American actor skiing across polar ice, scuba diving under the frozen sea at the North Pole, exploring deep jungles and deserts, climbing mountains, and venturing into unexplored caves with experts in venomous creatures.
According to Emirates News Agency, Smith shared his experiences during a session at the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 in Dubai. He described moments of diving beneath Arctic ice and extracting venom from a rare spider to demonstrate how cures can emerge from the heart of danger. Smith emphasized that fear is the greatest barrier to human potential, stating, 'If you are scared, you cannot really enjoy this world. Fear is the greatest enemy of our wildest dreams.'
Smith called the series 'heart-warming' and suitable for family viewing, describing the expedition as a journey of self-discovery, shaped by scientists, explorers, and local communities he encountered. He expressed that solutions to many of Earth's problems can be found at the planet's edges.
The session also featured Faris Saeed, the visionary behind Dubai's Sustainable City. Smith praised the project after touring it, calling it 'a hidden gem in Dubai' and highlighting its community spirit. Saeed mentioned that Smith's visit generated excitement and described him as warm and approachable.
Looking towards the future, Saeed revealed plans for Sustainable City 2.0, a next-generation model for a post-AI era. Emphasizing human connection, he quoted Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 'The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it and build it.' Saeed assured that while the future may seem daunting, it will offer more time and resources, fostering communities centered around social life, sports, arts, culture, and debate.
The 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026, organized by the UAE Government Media Office, took place from January 9 to 11, across Emirates Towers, DIFC, and the Museum of the Future in Dubai, under the theme 'Content for Good.'
