Finnish runner to cross Saudi Arabia’s Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand desert

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The Empty Quarter is the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass, covering most of the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula. (Shutterstock)
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Finnish adventure runner Jukka Viljanen on the cover of info brochure released by Delta Adventure. (Supplied)
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Updated 06 December 2021
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Finnish runner to cross Saudi Arabia’s Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand desert

  • Jukka Viljanen will set off on Dec. 6 on a 25-day journey through 1,300 km of desert terrain, with the aim of becoming the first person to run across the massive desert
  • "This dream to run across the Empty Quarter has been my passion. I am very passionate about it because Rub Al-Khali is the biggest and the most beautiful sand desert in the world, it inspires me. My passion keeps me motivated to run for adventure"

RIYADH: A Finnish adventurer has set himself the challenge of joining the ranks of record-breaking pioneers who have made the grueling journey across Rub Al-Khali, Saudi Arabia’s Empty Quarter. Adventure runner Jukka Viljanen will set off on Dec. 6 on a 25-day journey through 1,300 km of desert terrain, with the aim of becoming the first person to run across the massive desert.

The Empty Quarter is the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass, covering most of the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula. The vast landscape of ever-shifting dunes was explored between the early 1930s and the 1950s by the likes of Bertram Thomas, the first recorded Westerner to cross the desert, and Wilfred Thesiger, and their Arab companions.

More recently, photographer Anna Aiko crossed Rub Al-Khali on camel in 2019, and Italian explorer Max Calderan, a long-time resident of Dubai, completed the first solo crossing of the Empty Quarter in 2020. Previous explorers have crossed shorter sections of Rub Al-Khali on camels or in off-road vehicles.

Given the inhospitable terrain and testing conditions, the journey is a test of endurance however it is undertaken but Viljanen 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.




Finnish adventure runner Jukka Viljanen (file photo)

“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 dunes; they energize me. I love the desert.

“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.

HIGHLIGHT

Given the inhospitable terrain and testing conditions, the journey is a test of endurance however it is undertaken but Jukka Viljanen 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.

“This dream to run across the Empty Quarter has been my passion. I am very passionate about it because Rub Al-Khali is the biggest and the most beautiful sand desert in the world, it inspires me. My passion keeps me motivated to run for adventure. It’s my passion that brought me here.”

Viljanen said he chose Dec. 6 as the start date for his adventure for a special reason: “It’s the Finnish National Day.”

The expedition will be his first experience of running in the Empty Quarter, though has run in other Saudi deserts. In fact he has run in a number of challenging environments around the world.

“In 2007, I went to the North Pole where I participated in a marathon with snowshoes,” he said. “Then I did another marathon with a mountain bike.

“After the North Pole I decided to challenge myself more so I entered another race, which was in the Libyan Sahara in 2008. I did a 200km race over there. Then I went to Antarctica, the southernmost continent and site of the South Pole

"Some years later, I decided to run across (more) deserts. My first event was at the Kalahari Desert in 2010.”




I am very passionate about the sand dunes; they energize me. I love the desert. Jukka Viljanen

Viljanen ran across more than 1,000 km of the Kalahari in 20 days, including some of the most remote wilderness areas in Botswana.

“A few years later I was the first one to run across the Sahara Desert, which was 1,628 km in 31 days,” he added. “Two years ago I was able to run across the second-biggest ice sheet in the world … across the icecap of Greenland. That was approximately 600 km.”

His experiences and achievements are remarkable but he has no intention of stopping any time soon — quite the opposite.

“I want to go further and out of my comfort zone,” Viljanen said. “I want to raise the bar for myself, and that’s the reason I am here in Saudi Arabia: I want to be the first person to run across the Empty Quarter.”

He will run alone but will be accompanied by a backup team consisting of Saudis and a friend from Finland. The team leaders are Mohammed Al-Khamis and Ady Al-Khamis, the owners of Delta Adventures.

“I have known them since 2014, when I was here in Riyadh for the first time,” said Viljanen “They have been to the Empty Quarter before. I consider them my extended family.”

The climate in Saudi Arabia is a lot different to his native Finland but Viljanen is taking it all in his stride.

“Yes, it’s a lot warmer but I am quite used to it because of my experiences in the Sahara and Kalahari deserts,” he said. “I like that it’s warm, I take that as a bonus.”

He said he hopes he will have a chance to talk to young people in Saudi Arabia to share his experiences and help inspire them in their own lives and ambitions.

“I would like to speak to the Saudi people after the voyage,” Viljanen said. “I will be back here to share my story. People should raise their bar and they should have new goals in their lives, coming out of their comfort zone. It cannot be achieved sitting in their comfort zone. People have lots of potential but they don’t know it; we should motivate them to become role models for others.

“The main message is ‘challenge yourself.’ I am a motivational speaker and will give motivational talks to Saudi students and people to inspire them to accept the challenge and get out of their comfort zone, because the magic happens outside of the comfort zone. The Empty Quarter is not a comfort zone; the magic will happen there.”

This visit is Viljanen’s fifth to Saudi Arabia, and he said he is always impressed by Saudi traditions and the reception he receives.

“Besides my passion to run, I want to learn about new cultures,” he added. “I am amazed by the warm hospitality of the Saudi people. I attended a Saudi wedding ceremony on Wednesday. It was a blessing. I joined them in traditional dance and enjoyed it.”

It remains to be seen how his Empty Quarter challenge will compare to previous tests, but he is clear about what has been his most difficult undertaking so far.

“It was Greenland,” Viljanen said. “Crossing the ice sheet in 2019 was very difficult. It was full of snow and very cold. The terrain was really very difficult but it was very rewarding. I realized that I have potential, and here I am because of my North Pole experience.”

If running across the ice was his most challenging test, deserts present their own challenges.

“Sand makes it tough,” he explained. “It can ruin your legs so you really need to focus on taking care. Hot weather is another challenge but I keep myself very much hydrated. I drink every 20-30 minutes. I keep myself energized by eating every hour so my sugar level does not drop.”


Embracing the skies: Riyadh aviation show inspires next generation of pilots

Updated 23 November 2024
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Embracing the skies: Riyadh aviation show inspires next generation of pilots

  • Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation’s first female pilot wants more women to sign up

RIYADH: The Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation was among the top organizations at an aviation show that captivated the Kingdom’s capital with stunning aerobatic displays and an impressive lineup of aircraft.

Sand and Fun 2024, which concluded on Saturday at Thumamah Airport, showcased the Kingdom’s wide-ranging aviation sector.

The federation presented a collection of colorful hot air balloons to demonstrate the experience to adults and younger generations as part of the efforts to raise awareness about hot air ballooning and to inspire a new generation of pilots.

Sand and Fun 2024, which concluded on Saturday at Thumamah Airport, showcased the Kingdom’s wide-ranging aviation sector. (AN photo)

Among the pilots was Afrah Al-Harbi, the first female Saudi hot air balloon pilot to graduate from the federation.  

Al-Harbi is on a mission to cultivate a community of female pilots, encouraging women to explore the exhilarating world of hot air ballooning. Her story is an inspiring testament to the opportunities available to women in aviation and the importance of representation in this field.

“At the beginning, I was studying at the university, but the Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation launched a training program to train balloon pilots,” she told Arab News. “Thank God, I registered, and I was accepted. After that, I started my studies to become a balloon captain. The federation covered the entire mission, which is considered a grant from the federation. I obtained the European EASA license, and then I also obtained the Saudi license from the General Authority of Civil Aviation.”

The five-day event at Thumamah Airport gave visitors the opportunity to meet pilots, learn about the intricacies of ballooning. (Supplied/Aviation Club)

The federation offers structured programs to equip aspiring pilots with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.  

Hot air balloons first appeared in the Kingdom in AlUla as part of the Winter at Tantora Festival in 2018. This event not only showcased the beauty of ballooning, but also laid the groundwork for the establishment of the federation.

The hot air balloon sport is known and famous worldwide. We need a type of it that people can take part in within the Kingdom, especially for global competitions.

Abdulrahman Al-Wahaibi, Saudi hot air balloon pilot

The organization plays a crucial role in promoting balloon culture and raising awareness of the sport.

The five-day event at Thumamah Airport gave visitors the opportunity to meet pilots, learn about the intricacies of ballooning. (Supplied/Aviation Club)

“We want to show people that hot air ballooning is not only fun, but also safe,” Al-Harbi said, emphasizing the importance of public perception in the growth of the sport.

Her career has included a visit to the Netherlands, where she underwent extensive training.

“My studies in the Netherlands were quite lengthy, but it was an incredibly enriching experience,” she said. “The training included both theoretical subjects and practical sessions to help us obtain our licenses.”

Abdulrahman Al-Wahaibi, Saudi hot air balloon pilot. (AN photo)

The rigorous training not only prepared Al-Harbi for the technical aspects of flying, but also instilled a deep appreciation of the art of ballooning.

Abdulrahman Al-Wahaibi also spoke about his journey in the world of hot air ballooning, which began was he was a student in Australia.

“I looked at a balloon for the first time in my life and was fascinated by its shape,” he told Arab News. “I had to try the experience, so I did, as a passenger. The experience was beautiful, and I thought we needed this in Saudi Arabia. At that time, Saudi Arabia did not have hot air balloons.”

Among the pilots was Afrah Al-Harbi, the first female Saudi hot air balloon pilot to graduate from the federation. (AN photo)

Al-Wahaibi dedicated himself to bringing the ballooning experience back to Saudi Arabia, sharing it with family, friends, and the community.

This included studying aerospace engineering and breaking records in Australia for the fastest training period. He expressed pride in being part of the first Arab country to take part in international hot air balloon competitions, highlighting the significant strides made by the Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation.

“The hot air balloon sport is known and famous worldwide,” Al-Wahaibi said. “We need a type of it that people can take part in within the Kingdom, especially for global competitions.”

Sand and Fun 2024, which concluded on Saturday at Thumamah Airport, showcased the Kingdom’s wide-ranging aviation sector. (AN photo)

His vision aligns with the federation’s mission to broaden participation and elevate the sport on an international level.

Based in AlUla, the Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation plans festivals designed to integrate the natural environment and the grandeur of the historic landmarks of ancient civilizations such as Hegra.

The five-day event at Thumamah Airport gave visitors the opportunity to meet pilots, learn about the intricacies of ballooning, and even experience the thrill of a balloon ride.

With inspiring pilots such as Al-Harbi and Al-Wahaibi at the helm, the outlook for hot air ballooning in the years to come looks as bright as the skies adorned with colorful balloons.

 

 


Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Cypriot president

President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides receives Fawaz bin Abdulrahman Al-Shabili in Nicosia. (Supplied)
Updated 23 November 2024
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Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Cypriot president

  • Al-Shabili conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the president

NICOSIA: Saudi Ambassador to Cyprus Fawaz bin Abdulrahman Al-Shabili presented his credentials to the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides at a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in the capital Nicosia, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Al-Shabili conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the president, as well as their wishes for steady progress and prosperity for Cyprus.

Meanwhile, Saudi Vice Minister of Commerce and CEO of the National Competitiveness Center Eman bint Habbas Al-Mutairi led a Saudi delegation of government officials and business leaders to the UK to bolster bilateral economic relations.

 


Saudi Arabia to host Qur’an contest in Nepal

More than 400 contestants from various Nepalese states and governorates will participate in the preliminary qualifiers. (SPA)
Updated 23 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia to host Qur’an contest in Nepal

  • The competition is part of Saudi Arabia’s endeavor to disseminate the teachings of the Qur’an among young Muslims around the world

RIYADH: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance will hold the second Holy Qur’an Memorization Competition in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, on Dec. 21-22.

More than 400 contestants from various Nepalese states and governorates will participate in the preliminary qualifiers, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The competition is part of Saudi Arabia’s endeavor to disseminate the teachings of the Qur’an among young Muslims around the world.

The closing ceremony, which will include the presentation of awards to the winners, will be held on Dec. 23 and will be attended by officials from various centers and schools across Nepal.

 


Busy bees: Asir’s local markets abuzz over Sidr honey season

Updated 23 November 2024
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Busy bees: Asir’s local markets abuzz over Sidr honey season

  • Unique taste, aroma make it popular locally, internationally

RIYADH: The Asir region is currently in the midst of the Sidr honey season, with local markets flooded with high-quality honey produced from the nectar of Sidr trees.

The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Sidr honey, which is renowned for its health benefits, is particularly prized for its antioxidant properties and ability to strengthen the immune system.

The unique taste and aroma of the honey have made it a sought-after commodity, both locally and internationally, the SPA reported.

Beekeepers in Tihama Asir have been busy harvesting the golden nectar, with prices ranging from SR350 to SR500 ($93-133) per kg.

The region’s diverse ecosystem, characterized by its fertile valleys and abundant flora, provides an optimal environment for beekeeping.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is actively supporting the development of the beekeeping industry. Initiatives such as the beekeeping and honey production development initiative improve practices, protect bee populations, and enhance the quality of honey.

By promoting sustainable beekeeping and preserving the natural habitats of bees, the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its position as a leading producer of high-quality honey while contributing to the global market.


Saudi Reef Forum to focus on rural sustainability

Updated 23 November 2024
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Saudi Reef Forum to focus on rural sustainability

  • Al-Ahsa event to promote communities’ role in economic growth

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture will host the 1st International Forum for Saudi Reef in Al-Ahsa from Dec. 16-18, aiming to strengthen rural communities, and promote their role in driving sustainable development.

Maha Aldhahi, head of the forum’s executive committee, said: “The forum is pivotal in advancing rural development, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Saudi Vision 2030. It will support rural communities, while contributing to global efforts and research on sustainable agriculture.”

Aldhahi said that the forum will unite regional and international experts to address the challenge of rural-to-urban migration, a widespread issue. To counter this, the forum will propose practical solutions to ensure rural areas remain economically viable, vibrant, and sustainable.

Additionally, it will explore innovations in agriculture and rural development, fostering economic growth and social cohesion through job creation and investment promotion, she added.

Aldhahi said that the forum builds on the Saudi Reef Program, recognized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization as the world’s largest development initiative of its kind.

The program has supported over 77,000 agricultural projects, achieved a self-sufficiency rate exceeding 65 percent in vital sectors, and provided upskilling and career opportunities for rural communities.

Ghassan Bakri, secretary-general of the Saudi Reef Program, said: “The program is a model of sustainable growth, addressing food security and job creation while preserving cultural heritage. By hosting this forum, we aim to attract global partnerships and exchange cutting-edge solutions for rural empowerment.”

Bakri added that the forum will feature dynamic discussions on key topics, including sustainable agricultural practices, rural entrepreneurship, and the role of modern technology in agriculture.

The three-day event will also include an exhibition showcasing unique rural practices, handicrafts, and the work of local farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. It will highlight how traditional techniques integrate with modern innovations to create sustainable livelihoods.