Omani adventurer walks 8,000km across GCC to promote unity, peace, and boost tourism in the sultanate

Bakhit Salim Mohammed al Amri, a 58-year-old resident of Sadah in Dhofar, has completed an extraordinary 8,000km journey on foot across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. His mission was to promote tourism, foster unity and peace among GCC citizens, and raise awareness on environmental sustainability.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Amri said, “I began the first leg of my journey on January 1, 2024, walking from Salalah to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, covering over 3,000km in three months.”

He had set out from the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Complex in Salalah, inspired by the historic routes his ancestors once took to perform Hajj and Umrah. Braving extreme weather and physical exhaustion, he reached Mecca on March 18, 2024, performed Umrah, and continued on foot to Medina.

Encouraging young athletes

The second phase of his odyssey began on September 1, 2024, from Seeb Club. Over several months, Amri walked 4,200km across the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, averaging 40 to 45km daily. He returned to Medina by the end of December 2024 before flying back to Muscat.

“Throughout my journey, I visited sports clubs across Oman, encouraging young athletes to embrace adventure, fitness, and cross-cultural exchange,” he said. “In the UAE, I explored major tourist landmarks and connected with local athletes. In Saudi Arabia, I met Bedouin sheikhs, while in Qatar, I engaged with sports officials.”

One of the most challenging segments was a 200km coastal road to Dammam with no available services. “It was a true test of faith and endurance,” the Omani adventurer recalled. From there, he made his way to Bahrain, visited the National Museum, and met local athletes. In Kuwait, he connected with Bedouin tribes and sports clubs, inviting them to explore Oman.

His journey also took him to Riyadh, ancient villages, and Buraidah – home to the region’s oldest date market – before concluding this leg of the walk in Medina.

The final leg

On January 1 this year, Amri began the final stretch – a 1000km walk from Muscat to Salalah with the participation of Omani athletes. The 23-day trek included stops in Seeb, Fanja, Samail, Izki, Bashair, Adam, Northern Ghaba, Haima, Maqshan, Thumrait, Qairoun, Hayriti, and finally, Salalah.

Over the course of one year, Amri walked approximately 8,000km around the GCC and Yemen and visited Medina twice on foot – a historic first for a modern Omani.

While promoting tourism and unity, Amri also championed Oman’s 2050 vision for carbon neutrality. His campaign called for reduced fossil fuel consumption, increased tree planting – particularly palm trees – adoption of modern irrigation methods, and stronger environmental and wildlife conservation efforts across the GCC.

“My goal was to highlight the health benefits of walking, promote adventure sports, and showcase Oman’s rich cultural and natural heritage,” he said.

To prepare for the journey, Amri underwent rigorous training, walking 10km to 20km daily. Carrying a 10kg backpack, he relied on a tent, sleeping bag, and essential gear – but above all, determination.

Looking ahead, the Omani adventurer plans to develop hiking trails in Dhofar and organise group walking trips to encourage healthy, environmentally conscious lifestyles.

“I’m inviting Omani sports teams to join me in promoting fitness, sustainability, and Oman as a top destination for eco-tourism and cultural discovery,” he said.