American Adventurer Mike Metzger to embark on a ‘Humanitarian Camel Crossing’ from UAE to Yemen – Hope Voyage – on January 1, 2025

In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, American adventurer Mike Metzger is launching a remarkable expedition – a humanitarian camel crossing from the UAE to Yemen, inspired by the deep bond between a traveller and his camels.

In an exclusive interview with Muscat Daily, Metzger shared that this endeavour, known as the Hope Voyage, is a tribute to Nesma and Sindbad, two beloved camels who traversed the deserts of the UAE with their owner and embodied the spirit of Arab heritage rooted in Yemen. As the conflict in Yemen escalated, the idea emerged to bridge this cultural connection with a mission to support the Yemeni people.

“The Hope Voyage is set to commence on January 1, 2025, and will be dedicated to the memory of Nesma and Sindibad while aiming to provide tangible support to the everyday people of Yemen,” Metzger said. With the passage of time, since the camels’ passing, their owner has committed to fulfilling a promise – to honour their legacy by transforming the idea of the Hope Voyage into a life-changing reality.

Metzger discussed the challenges ahead, stating, “The journey is fraught with logistical and personal hurdles. Securing special permits to cross the borders of the GCC and Yemen requires extensive communication and persistence. Sponsorship has also proven challenging, as many organisations are hesitant to support an international event with Yemen as the destination.

On a personal level, excellent physical health and mental resilience are essential, especially during stretches of isolated desert where the only company will be the camels.”

Humanitarian objectives

The Hope Voyage is driven by three specific humanitarian objectives. First, it aims to provide free medical care for all Yemenis. A clinic has already been established in Mariama, South Yemen, providing essential medical services, with plans to expand these to include dental and veterinary care.

Secondly, the initiative seeks to provide freshwater for communities, with the construction of freshwater wells for nomadic tribes and farmers underway to address the dire need for clean water in remote areas. Finally, the Hope Voyage aspires to create job opportunities and livelihood programmes by initiating a national livestock training programme to empower Yemeni communities with skills to breed livestock and create sustainable livelihoods.

Preparations for the Hope Voyage are ongoing. Metzger will travel with one camel, accompanied by friends with their own camels. The team is focused on ensuring the camels receive a heavy diet of grass and protein to help fatten them up before departure.

To guarantee sufficient nutrition along the way, advance supply drop-offs of grass and grain will be made. In late November, a pre-voyage training session is scheduled in Liwa, Oman, to help the team acclimatise to the desert and learn about the daily chores of a nomadic camel lifestyle.

The Hope Voyage team comprises participants from different countries, each walking from their own borders to the next country’s border. Metzger’s companions will join to support the campaign and for personal reasons.

Notably, renowned adventurer Nabil al Busaidi will accompany them in Oman for 3-4 days until they reach the Oman-Saudi border. The Saudi segment will be particularly challenging, as it involves traversing the Empty Quarter, with only three villages spread over 650km of sand dunes.

Metzger is actively seeking adventurers to join him on this leg of the journey. The Yemeni segment will be special, as a nomadic Yemeni Bedouin tribe will meet them at the Yemen-Saudi border for a ceremonial gathering before continuing to Tarim together.

Team plans

Throughout the journey, the team plans to engage with local communities in desert villages across the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. They will host traditional heritage arts and crafts workshops in collaboration with Kenaz, a UAE-based nomadic arts caravan founded by Ghaliyah Al Mansoori. Additionally, they aim to connect with locals through traditional games and storytelling, raising awareness about their campaign supporting everyday Yemeni people.

Currently, the focus is on international fundraising efforts, welcoming donations from family, friends, and supporters. Volunteers are also invited to assist with social media, logistics, and other support. Interested individuals can get involved by reaching out through the website at thehopevoyage.ae

Metzger brings prior experience from camel adventures, having completed four expeditions in the UAE, including a 15-day journey from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah in 2019. He emphasises the importance of patience both, with oneself and with the camels, as well as the value of walking at a slower pace to ensure the animals are well-fed.

Maintaining a sense of humour, prioritising health and hygiene, and ensuring adequate hydration are crucial lessons he plans to apply during this ambitious expedition.