American adventurer on Hope Voyage from UAE to Yemen

Dubai: A group of adventurers from around the world are on a ‘Hope Voyage’, a 2,200km camel-back journey across desert lands from Abu Dhabi to Yemen over the course of an estimated 45-70 days.

The adventure aims to provide free medical care in Yemen, focusing on both human and animal welfare, as well as supplying clean drinking water through wells and creating sustainable livelihoods via a national livestock training programme.

The journey is being led by American adventurer Mike Metzger, who reached Oman on Thursday, 16 days into the expedition after having setting off from Abu Dhabi. The Hope Voyage is dedicated to the memory of Metzger’s two beloved camels, Nesma and Sindibad, that had traversed the deserts of the UAE with him.

Metzger told Gulf News that since his camels’ passing, he has dedicated himself to honouring their legacy by turning the Hope Voyage concept into a life-changing reality.

The expedition involves a combination of walking and camel riding across harsh desert terrain, including the particularly challenging Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia, where villages are sparse and water is scarce. Participants are working to engage with local communities, hosting traditional workshops, games and storytelling to raise awareness about their mission.

Metzger said: “The journey is fraught with logistical and personal hurdles. Securing special permits to cross the borders of the GCC and Yemen requires extensive communication and persistence. Sponsorship has also proven challenging, as many organisations were hesitant to provide support. On a personal level, excellent physical health and mental resilience are essential, especially during stretches of isolated desert where the only company will be the camels.”

Diverse aims

He said the Hope Voyage aims to provide free medical care to those in need through ongoing projects, such as the Nesma & Sindibad Medical Clinic, which has treated over 15,000 people since 2021.

It also aims to establish freshwater wells for nomadic tribes and farming communities to combat the dire lack of clean water. Launching a national livestock training programme to breed and raise livestock for income and food security and create sustainable livelihoods is also another objective.

The Hope Voyage team comprises participants from different countries. Throughout the journey, the team plans to engage with local communities in desert villages across the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. They will host traditional heritage arts and crafts workshops in collaboration with Kenaz, a UAE-based nomadic arts caravan founded by Ghaliyah Al Mansoori. Additionally, they aim to connect with locals through traditional games and storytelling.

Metzger draws on his experience from camel adventures, including four expeditions in the UAE, notably a 15-day trek from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah in 2019. He underscores the importance of patience with oneself and the camels, as well as the need to walk slowly to ensure the animals are well-fed. He intends to apply key lessons from his past journeys, such as maintaining a sense of humour, prioritising health and hygiene, and ensuring proper hydration during this ambitious expedition.

Inspired by culture

Metzger said the idea of Hope Voyage began in 2017 when he arrived in the UAE, eager to experience the local culture. “It was during this time that I acquired my first camel, Sindibad, followed by the second, Nesma. They became my companions, friends and teachers. They brought joy and laughter into my life, instilling the values of kindness, patience and love.”

Metzger said: “My move to the UAE was fuelled by a desire to learn ancient Arab skills—desert navigation, foraging and weaving khoos. With Sindibad and Nesma by my side, I explored the vast deserts, experiencing the beauty and challenges of life in the sands.”

In the summer of 2019, the unexpected loss of Sindibad and Nesma left a deep void in his heart. “Their passing was more than the loss of pets; it marked the end of two souls who profoundly shaped my journey.”

Hope Voyage team

Mustafa Al Wahabi: As Project Director of The Nesma & Sindibad Medical Clinic in Mariama, Seiyun, he has committed himself to offering free medical treatment and medications to those in need, positively impacting over 15,000 lives.

Hesham Ahmed Al Haddad: Based in Aden, he directs The Hope Voyage Water Wells Department, whhich will construct a fresh water well in Zamakh to serve two nomadic tribes and their camels.

Saleh Bakir Merbi: The farmer and livestock breeding expert from Seiyun will lead a National Livestock Breeding Programme.

Adventurer team

The adventurer team includes Mike Metzger, Omani adventurer Nabil Al Busaidi and Pete from Britain.