• Saudi trekker Abdullah Alsulmi crosses a desert area near al-Khasrah area, some 350Km west of Riyadh, on Septembre 27, 2022, during his solo trek to the Qatari capital ahead of the FIFA World Cup. - The idea hit Alsulmi earlier this year, while he was watching a television show in which a senior Qatari official promised an "exceptional" experience at the upcoming World Cup. His excitement building, the 33-year-old Saudi recalls thinking: "I will go to Doha no matter what, even if I have to walk!" (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP)
    Saudi trekker Abdullah Alsulmi crosses a desert area near al-Khasrah area, some 350Km west of Riyadh, on Septembre 27, 2022, during his solo trek to the Qatari capital ahead of the FIFA World Cup. - The idea hit Alsulmi earlier this year, while he was watching a television show in which a senior Qatari official promised an "exceptional" experience at the upcoming World Cup. His excitement building, the 33-year-old Saudi recalls thinking: "I will go to Doha no matter what, even if I have to walk!" (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP)
  • He is undertaking a 1,600-kilometre hike from his home city of Jeddah to Qatari capital Doha to follow the national team in football's showpiece tournament.
    He is undertaking a 1,600-kilometre hike from his home city of Jeddah to Qatari capital Doha to follow the national team in football's showpiece tournament.
  • An experienced trekker, Mr Al Sulmi typically sets out at sunrise and walks until about 10:30am, before the heat forces him to take a break for a few hours. He resumes in the afternoon, continuing until sundown.
    An experienced trekker, Mr Al Sulmi typically sets out at sunrise and walks until about 10:30am, before the heat forces him to take a break for a few hours. He resumes in the afternoon, continuing until sundown.
  • Occasionally, he walks at night to maintain his goal of around 35km a day. To keep his load light, Mr Al Sulmi subsists on food from petrol stations, often chicken and rice, while showering and washing his clothes at mosques.
    Occasionally, he walks at night to maintain his goal of around 35km a day. To keep his load light, Mr Al Sulmi subsists on food from petrol stations, often chicken and rice, while showering and washing his clothes at mosques.
  • His social media posts capture details of life on the trail, from his nightly search for a spot to sleep, to the time he spotted a scorpion dangerously close to his tent.
    His social media posts capture details of life on the trail, from his nightly search for a spot to sleep, to the time he spotted a scorpion dangerously close to his tent.
  • Often avoiding main roads, he has experienced the kingdom's varied terrain, from sand dunes to mountains to farms. 'This is a beautiful thing,' Mr Al Sulmi says.
    Often avoiding main roads, he has experienced the kingdom's varied terrain, from sand dunes to mountains to farms. 'This is a beautiful thing,' Mr Al Sulmi says.
  • While some relatives think Mr Al Sulmi is 'crazy' to trek to the World Cup, he is undaunted. Watching a tv programme on the tournament, he had decided: 'I will go to Doha, no matter what, even if I have to walk!'
    While some relatives think Mr Al Sulmi is 'crazy' to trek to the World Cup, he is undaunted. Watching a tv programme on the tournament, he had decided: 'I will go to Doha, no matter what, even if I have to walk!'
  • Mr Al Sulmi hopes that by posting online about his experience, he can inspire other Saudis to trek in their homeland. 'We can do it,' he said. 'You only need a bag and a few simple things, and a tent and nature.'
    Mr Al Sulmi hopes that by posting online about his experience, he can inspire other Saudis to trek in their homeland. 'We can do it,' he said. 'You only need a bag and a few simple things, and a tent and nature.'
  • If all goes according to plan, Mr Al Sulmi will arrive in Doha in time for Saudi Arabia's opening match against Argentina on November 22.
    If all goes according to plan, Mr Al Sulmi will arrive in Doha in time for Saudi Arabia's opening match against Argentina on November 22.

World Cup

Saudi fan's 'road to Qatar World Cup' is a 1,600km desert trek — in pictures

Abdullah Alsulmi is crossing the country on a 1,600-kilometre walk from Jeddah to Doha in time to watch Saudi Arabia play Argentina on November 22

The National

October 06, 2022

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Updated: October 06, 2022, 9:55 AM
PhotographySaudi ArabiaQatarWorld Cup