Muscat – Fifty-eight-year-old Bakhit Salim Mohammed al Amri from Sadah in Dhofar has embarked on an arduous 4,200km walk. The ambitious trek, which began on Sunday from Seeb, aims to raise awareness on the importance of achieving carbon neutrality.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Amri detailed his plan. He set off on the challenge at 5pm from Seeb Club on September 1. His journey will take him through the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Amri plans to walk 40km to 45km daily, aiming to reach the holy city of Medina in Saudi Arabia by the end of January 2025, and return to Muscat by flight.

The walk has several objectives, including supporting Oman’s 2050 vision for carbon neutrality, raising awareness about its significance, and advocating the reduction of fossil fuel use in favour of clean energy. It will also highlight the importance of planting trees, particularly palm trees, with modern irrigation techniques.

Additionally, he aims to promote walking and adventure sports, showcase cultural and tourist attractions in Oman, and emphasise environmental and wildlife conservation within the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Regarding his preparations for the challenge, Amri informed that he has been training daily, covering between 10km and 20km every day. His backpack – weighing approximately 10kg – contains essential items including a tent, sleeping bag, clothes, first aid, communication tools, flashlight and a knife.

Earlier this year in March, Amri completed a 2,500km journey from Salalah to Mecca, retracing the difficult trek his ancestors undertook for hajj and umrah.

Looking ahead, Amri plans a journey from Muscat to Salalah in February 2025 covering 1,300 km. His ultimate goal is to complete a trek around the Arabian Peninsula and earn the distinction of being the first GCC citizen to walk 8,000km.

Amri expressed his gratitude to H H Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, for his active support for Omani sports. He encouraged Omani athletes to represent the sultanate on the international stage and advised youngsters to pursue their dreams with dedication, striving to achieve these with perseverance and hard work.