Dubai: A Pakistani carpenter said he has completed a 1,050km Peace Walk across all seven emirates in honour of the UAE.
Mohammad Idris Malek, 54, set off on the 44th National Day (December 2) in Hatta and arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Bearing a big UAE flag, Malek said his 12-day solo walk was meant to highlight the country’s peace and prosperity.
He claims to have covered all seven emirates on foot in 2014 and 2013 during National Day celebrations.
His latest walk was the hardest as he took a more winding route to cover more towns between the emirates.
“I was met with cheers and hospitality wherever I went. Police escorted me and people gave me food. My feet are blistered, but my spirit is strong,” Malek said.
The father-of-four was honoured at the Pakistani embassy in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
“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.”
His journey started 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.
His maiden 2013 attempt had gone largely unnoticed, but in 2014, Malek was honoured by the Pakistani consulate in Dubai when he passed by the mission during his walk.
Malek, who works in Dubai, said he walked about 20 hours per day, carrying a bag weighing around eight kilos.
Malek carried a change of clothes, a pair of sandals, blanket, a mobile phone, ID, and the UAE flag. He slept rough and used restrooms at petrol stations.
