Emirati man walks length of UAE to mark National Day

Issa Al Riyami, 53, plans to celebrate National Day in Abu Dhabi after a 12-day journey across the country on foot

Issa Al Riyami is walking the length of the seven emirates for National Day. Leslie Pableo / The National

Issa Al Riyami is half way through a journey he has been waiting for make for 20 years. The 53-year-old Emirati is carrying the UAE flag as he walks across the country in celebration of the 48th National Day.

The businessman sees the journey as a unique way to show his love and appreciation for his country, while also getting to experience it in a different way. He has wanted to do it for years but was always dissuaded by those around him.

‎"It is a 20-year-old dream that has finally come true this year," he told The National.

“Although many people doubted my ‎abilities, I relied on the few ones who showed support and encouragement.

“Some friends used to tell me that the journey will be tough and hard, while others said that I wouldn't be able to walk for 10km straight, but I proved to them and everyone that nothing is impossible in the land of possibilities."

Mr Al Riyami, from Ajman, set off on his 12-day journey on November 12 from Fujairah. His first stop was Ras Al Khaimah – and he plans to stop at every emirate’s main flagpole.

His goal is to walk 30km a day until he reaches the capital on December 2 to join the emirate’s celebrations.

But the journey took a fair bit of planning.

“I needed to find a governmental entity to provide logistical support so I contacted Fujairah Adventures Centre and was happy to get the full support of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah,” Mr Riyami said.

“My brother Yousef stood by me from the beginning and arranged everything related to the journey. I couldn’t have done it without him.”

Mr Al Riyami also received support from his wife and three children, who say they are very proud of him.

“It is about showing how grateful I am to my country and our leaders and to celebrate the UAE unity and great accomplishments,” he said.

“Walking from a flagpole to another carrying our beloved flag is how I have chosen to celebrate our National Day and my country deserves all the hard work and dedication.”

Mr Al Riyami named his adventure the ‘Seven pearls in a golden necklace’, with the pearls representing each of the seven emirates and the golden necklace symbolising the country’s unity.

His greatest challenge came at the beginning of his journey, between Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah.

“The route wasn’t easy at all as you walk up and down the mountains and sometimes on rugged roads, and the weather was unstable at that time so it was challenging," he said.

Mr Al Riyami began training for his journey three months ago and said he was generally pretty fit.

“It is not something new to me as I always try to eat healthy food and always exercise and love jogging," he said.

“I also carry a message to the world that age doesn’t define us and a healthy body can do the impossible.”

His brother Yousef Al Riyami, 41, said Issa takes a break after every 15km he walks.

“We take off in the early morning and I drive next to him to watch after him and provide him with water or anything he needs,” said Yousef.

“We stop after reaching 15km, have a rest and something to eat then we head back on the road for another 15km.”

“And when it’s night time we either sleep in the car or in a tent near the road,” he said.

Police patrols have accompanied them to ensure Mr Al Riyami’s safety on the road.

They begin their journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi on Saturday. To reach the capital on time, Mr Al Riyami will have to increase his distance to 45km per day.

“We will spend the last night near Al Waha mall in Abu Dhabi on Sunday and head down to the city on Monday to participate in the National Day celebrations," he said.

Saeed Al Maamari, director-general of Fujairah Adventures Centre, said he was happy to support Mr Al Riyami in his endeavour.

“It is a great initiative and we are very glad to have the opportunity to take part in it and provide all the support that Issa needs,” he said.

“We are proud of him and ready to support and guide everyone in the country who has similar initiatives that would highlight their skills and achieve their goals in life.”