WHY MOONEY LOVES SHEIKH ZAYED

Don Victor Mooney, 53, is a dual citizen of the USA and Equatorial Guinea. His affinity to Sheikh Zayed and the UAE began almost two decades ago; when in 2002, he sought the help of the UAE mission to the United Nations (UN) for a humanitarian project that involved collecting sand and soil from UN member states.

He told Khaleej Times: “I began researching on Sheikh Zayed and found him to be an amazing person. I was inspired by his type of leadership and dedication for the environment. The peace, stability, innovation and coexistence are leading factors that continue to make the UAE a model for humanity,”

Prior to his present trip, Mooney has been to the UAE twice. First in June 2006, when he did an eight-day bike run across the seven emirates. “I ended my bike ride at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. I was wearing a hard hat back then because it was still under construction,” he said.

Then he was back in October 2006 to get support for his trans-Atlantic boat ride. Mooney named his first rowboat in honour of Sheikh Zayed and designed his second and third boats in UAE colours and emblazoned them with ‘Spirit of Zayed’ and ‘Never Give Up’, respectively.

Mooney is married to Su-ping and they have a son named Jun-jie. angel@khaleejtimes.com

It’s like I will be living the life of a Bedouin but on a bike. This journey is my tribute to Sheikh Zayed, who I call ‘Champion of Earth’.”

Don Victor Mooney, UAE visitor