Muscat – Two Omani motorcyclists have taken their passion for long-distance riding across the Balkans on a journey covering almost 9,000km, while promoting Oman as a tourist destination along the way.

Husam Al Naamani and Ahmed Al Abri, members of Oman Riders, began their latest adventure on September 3. The trip is expected to last more than 30 days, taking the duo through the Balkans on their BMW R1200GS motorcycles.

The route began in Oman and has taken them through the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This is the third journey the two riders have undertaken together, combining their passion for motorcycling with an ambition to introduce more people to Oman and its tourism potential.

“We want to explore the roads, experience different cultures and landscapes, but at the same time represent Oman wherever we go and promote it as a destination worth discovering,” Al Naamani said.

The journey has also brought its share of challenges. Cold weather has tested the riders, while encounters with wildlife have required caution. During their ride through Romania’s Transfagarasan Pass, the riders encountered a bear and had to maintain a safe and respectful distance.

Cows wandering onto roads have also presented unexpected obstacles, while speeding trucks have added another layer of danger on some routes.

“You have to remain alert all the time. The weather can change, animals can suddenly appear and trucks can come at high speed. Respecting the road, nature and local surroundings is very important,” Al Naamani said.

With the journey still underway, the riders have not finalised their next adventure.

“For now, we have not decided where the next trip will take us, but we would like to explore more roads less travelled,” Al Naamani said.