Dubai: A Pakistani carpenter said he will walk around 900km across the UAE to highlight the country’s peace and prosperity, starting on National Day (December 2).
Mohammad Idris Malek, 54, said he has already covered all seven emirates on foot in 2014 and 2013 during previous National Day celebrations.
The latest cross-country attempt will be his hardest as he’s taking a more winding route to cover more towns between the emirates, Malek added.
His journey starts in Hatta, followed by Al Madam, Zayed, Kalba, Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, Dibba, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Sharjah, Dubai, Al Ain, before ending in Abu Dhabi.
“In all my walks, the message is the same: the UAE is an oasis of peace and prosperity that should be followed by the Arab and Muslim countries. That’s what I tell people when they meet me on my journey. I also wish to highlight the spirit of solidarity that we Pakistanis share with the UAE,” Malek said.
The father-of-four said he is awaiting final approval from authorities so he can begin his walk from Hatta on National Day.
His maiden 2013 attempt had gone largely unnoticed but in 2014 he was honoured by the Pakistani consulate in Dubai when he passed by the mission during his walk.
Malek, who works in Dubai, said he will be walking for more than 20 hours per day, covering around four kilometres per hour. He hopes to finish his walk in less than two weeks.
“I don’t need much sleep or rest. The excitement of the adventure and the love people show me along the way keep me going.”
Malek will only carry a small bag with two changes of clothes, a pair of sandals, blanket, a mobile phone, ID, and the UAE flag. He said he will sleep rough and use rest rooms at petrol stations. In 2013, he suffered blisters on his feet and had to cut open the only pair of shoes he had.
“People give me food when they meet me and find out why I’m doing this. They also take selfies with me. Even the police sometimes take my pictures and gives me a short escort,” he added.
“My family back home and friends here are very proud of my mission. My kids encourage me to keep going; we talk many times over the phone.”