Omani adventurer embarks on 2,500km pilgrimage to Mecca
In an inspiring endeavour to continue the legacy of his ancestors, Bakhit Salim Mohammed al Amri, a 58-year-old resident of Sadah in Dhofar, has undertaken a remarkable journey.
On January 1, Amri set off from Sultan Qaboos Cultural Complex in Salalah on a 2,500km pilgrimage to Mecca, aiming to recreate the arduous trek his forebears undertook to perform hajj and umrah.
The tradition, which faded about 70 years ago, saw ancestors endure immense hardships as they walked across endless stretches of treacherous barren desert, often without access to basic services. Having covered 1,900km, Amri spoke to Muscat
Daily from Abha in Saudi Arabia, sharing his optimism of completing his pilgrimage by March 14.
“This walk across the desert is not only a test of physical endurance but also a spiritual quest to experience the challenges faced by pilgrims of yesteryears,” he explained.
Amri's expedition is filled with challenges, including adverse weather conditions and physical strain, but his determination remains unshaken. He aims to promote walking as a beneficial exercise and is keen on immersing himself in the local cultures and traditions of the regions he traverses.
“The journey is also a platform to highlight Omani tourism and heritage, and the shared traditions and customs among
Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
"I am attempting to experience the struggles and sufferings that our ancestors had to face."
Amri has support from the
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for his walk and he plans to continue promoting domestic tourism and environmental preservation through the Sadah Adventures team of which he is an active member.
His next venture will take him on a trek across the GCC, starting from Saudi Arabia through the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain before concluding in Muscat. “With this expedition, I aim to raise awareness on environmental conservation, clean energy and the need to reduce carbon emissions in the GCC.”
Amri is passionate about motivating the youth to engage in sports, stressing the significance of physical fitness in achieving one's aspirations. “Through these journeys, I hope to inspire the next generation to explore and appreciate the natural beauty and cultural heritage of their homeland and beyond.”
I am attempting to experience the struggles and sufferings that our ancestors had to face during their pilgrimage
BAKHIT AL AMRI