Sunday, August 1, 2010

An Emirati disability activist is gearing up to trek hundreds of kilometres into the wilderness in one of the most remote areas of desert in the Middle East.

Student Jalal bin Thaneya was due to climb to the top the Burj Dubai in the New Year to raise cash and awareness for disabled children but its delayed opening scuppered his plan to conquer the world’s tallest tower using the stairs.

However, the 23-year-old did not want to disappoint the charities he has vowed to help and decided to take on the dunes of the vast Empty Quarter during his time off from college.

He said: “I had planned to climb the Burj but because I knew it was going to be delayed while they put the final touches together, I decided to make use of my time over the holidays and organise this walk.

“It is a big challenge – not too many people have been through this area.”

The 550km trek will take Jalal from Dubai to Rub Al Khali, deep in the sea of sand which has become known as one of the harshest environments in the world.

The Empty Quarter accounts for one fifth of the Arabian Penninsula and encompasses parts Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman and Yemen.

Temperatures will plummet to single figures at night and soar during the daylight. Sandstorms could also besiege the student who is planning to camp as well as bed down in disused desert mosques and ruins of old settlements during the 20-day journey.

“I’ve heard there are quite a few ruins out there so I might try and sleep there,” he said. “I will have a support car with me in case of emergencies and I will meet up with him every 30km or so. But basically, I am alone.”

The brave campaigner is no stranger to pushing himself to the limit to raise awareness of humanitarian issues in the UAE.

He has already climbed Dubai’s 100 tallest towers and has walked the seven emirates to support Dubai Autism Centre.

He has raised hundreds of thousands of dirham through his efforts and has supported special needs centres across Dubai.

The latest mission has been organised to help Senses Centre in Jumeirah  - a special needs facility for children with disabilities.

Jalal will be waved off by staff and youngsters when sets off from the centre on December 26 to begin his epic challenge.

“I have been training hard so I am physically ready but it’s also about mental preparation,” he said. “Being in a place like the Empty Quarter and doing this kind of challenge takes mental strength as well. It is going to be tough but I am ready for it.”

So while many of Dubai’s residents enjoy a day off work and relax at home, Jalal will be bracing himself for the elements.

He said: “I wanted to do something constructive with my holiday.

I am doing this for the centre, for my country and for humanity.” And when he returns from the wilderness, it won’t be long before Jalal is taking on the Burj Dubai. “I am still going to climb the Burj,” he said.

“That will be a great honour.” To sponsor Jalal go to the web site www.binthaneya.com

nichola.jones@7days.ae