Jessi Amason (ABU DHABI)
With a deep admiration for his country and the heart of an explorer, 30-year-old Emirati adventurer Saeed Al Teneiji set off on a 38,400-kilometre quest to share his culture with the world.
Al Teneiji, who described himself as "an explorer from a young age", departed Abu Dhabi with only his Nissan Patrol - deemed his "Adventure Car" - and a few supplies on July 15, 2023. Throughout his journey, he did not stay in a single hotel, and instead chose to camp with his car in designated camping sites in each country, he said.
The adventurer went on to travel through 41 countries, sharing the open hospitality and generosity of his childhood with those he encountered along the way.
In an exclusive interview with Aletihad, Al Teneiji said that his journey was "powered by the culture of the UAE".
"When I decided to take myself from Abu Dhabi to the world, my first and main goal was to share my culture with people who are unable to travel, or those who have never considered the UAE as a destination," Al Teneiji said. "I grew up seeing how generosity, hospitality, and humility were core values for our leadership, and how every household you visit in the UAE also represented that. Everyone is always welcome; doors are always open, and everyone always had a story to be shared that is worth gold."
"I wanted to make sure that my country, my leadership, and the people who made me who I am today were with me. They were the reason for my inspiration; they were my push; they were the ones who I wanted the world to know about. So, I decided to go to the world and share how proud I am to be Emirati," he added.
The 64-day trip was an "achievement that came with many challenges," Al Teneiji said, explaining that the entry and exit procedures always posed a bit of an obstacle, but not an insurmountable one for the adventurer, who reported diligently doing his homework to understand each country's requirements.
Beyond the bureaucratic hassle of border crossings, Al Teneiji described the awe and inspiration he found in every conversation and cultural exchange he had along the way. "For me, what stands out always is the curiosity of the people seeing my Abu Dhabi licence plate and my Adventure Car, and the fact that I drove all the way to meet them."
In true character of the UAE's famously generous spirit, Al Teneiji told Aletihad that he invited several people he met to visit him in his home in Abu Dhabi.
"They came to ask about the country, its economy, the people, the culture, and everything that you can think of. Some were people who never knew where Abu Dhabi is, and some had been there, so that brought back memories for them. For some others, they had plans [to travel], and I was able to invite them to come and host them at my house," he added.
He also recalled some being surprised by his expressions of Emirati magnanimity. "I did notice that the times that I offered coffee, dates, or a meal to some of the people I met, they were most surprised, so I had to explain that where I come from, we share what we have, and that's how we stay strongly connected… We grew up within a culture that nurtured that, so it's a natural practice," he said.
Al Teneiji also described that most people he met were familiar with the UAE for its economic prowess and rapid development. However, for some who did not know geography very well, he was able to dispel misconceptions about the UAE, most of which centred around an idea of the country as only "a blank desert where camels still run around".
"I do believe that me driving my car and meeting those people actually proved that we are a country where what some see that the impossible is possible," he added.
According to Teneiji, his drive through the unique terrain of Iceland was a particularly memorable stop along the journey. The adventurer noted that he was the driver of the first-ever car with UAE licence plates to enter the country.
"I was the first Emirati car to enter Iceland, so how can I not love the site of that? Iceland was my favourite because of its different terrains, inlands, and highlands, so driving was always a thrill. It was extremely enjoyable," he said.
However, at the heart of his memories are the people he met, and the culture he shared. "It's the people I met that left me with the best memories. I hope I did the same for them, and I can't wait to host those who I met in Abu Dhabi," he said.
"I am forever planning," Al Teneiji said, turning towards the future of his quest. "My next trip is dedicated to bridging the gap between economies, and how it contributes to creating a culture, and how trade in this particular destination has shaped the culture of cars and adventurers in the UAE and has become an icon that every Emirati is known for," he revealed.
Reflecting on his most important message, Al Teneiji shared that he lives by the motto "Lift, love, and stay humble".
"As an Emirati… I hold this close to my heart. [In the UAE] you know you will be [up]lifted; you know will be loved, and you will meet the most humble people from the UAE. This is what makes me proud," he said.