Riders begin 1,560km journey to support UAE team

Emirati and Bahraini friends travel over 4 countries to back the national squad in Basra

Last updated: November 17, 2025 | 15:19

1 MIN READ

UAE players stand for a group picture ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian qualifier football match against Iraq at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on November 13, 2025.

AFP

Ras Al Khaimah: An Emirati adventurer and a Bahraini motorcyclist have set off on a 1,560-kilometre journey from the UAE to Iraq to show their support for the UAE national football team ahead of its crucial World Cup 2026 play-off match against Iraq.

Under the slogan “We Are All Behind You, Our National Team”, the two friends — Emirati rider Dr Youssef Abdullah Al Qusair and his Bahraini friend Mohammed Abdulrahim Fakih — began their journey on Sunday.

Their route takes them through four countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq. The pair departed from Ras Al Khaimah at 4pm, driven by passion and loyalty as they head to Basra for Tuesday’s decisive match.

Also Read: UAEFA to send 8 charter flights to Basra for fans ahead of World Cup playoff

Dr Al Qusair said that everything they do for their nation is a duty they proudly uphold, adding that he and his friend chose to make the symbolic trip together to honour the shared values and strong ties between the UAE and Bahrain.

Fakih said his love for the UAE, where he has lived for more than 21 years, inspired him to join the journey, describing it as a reflection of the deep historic bonds between the two countries.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.