Finnish adventurer Viljanen aims to create history in Saudi Arabia

A legendary journey across the Kingdom’s iconic Rub Al-Khali, or Empty Quarter, is the latest goal of Finnish adventurer Jukka Viljanen.

If he successfully traverses the grueling terrain after setting off on Dec. 6, he will join an exclusive club of pioneers and explorers.

His journey will cover more than 1,300 kilometers of tough desert, but Viljanen’s mission has a special twist: He aims to run the entire distance, becoming the first person to ever do so.

The Empty Quarter is the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass, covering most of the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula.

Given the inhospitable terrain and testing conditions, the journey is a test of endurance.

But the Finn aims to take the challenge to another level by running the whole way, covering about 50 kilometers a day.

His challenge has been organized by Delta Adventures, a leader in desert journeys and adventures in Saudi Arabia.

“I started as an adventure runner 15 years ago,” Viljanen said during an exclusive interview with

Arab News.

“I am very passionate about the sand

Jukka Viljanen dunes; they energize me. I love the desert.”

Viljanen added: “It has become a challenge for me as the Empty Quarter has not been crossed fully yet. I want to make it with my team. I am very passionate about creating history by crossing it successfully.”

He said: “I am very passionate about it because Rub Al-Khali is the biggest and the most beautiful sand desert in the world, and it inspires me.

I am very passionate about it because Rub AlKhali is the biggest and the most beautiful sand desert in the world, and it inspires me.