From Dubai to Scotland
A group of intrepid adventurers from the United Arab Emirates has launched an ambitious overland journey spanning 26 countries, setting off from Dubai and concluding in Scotland.
The 12,600km-long expedition aims to promote cultural exchange and foster a spirit of adventure, while documenting stories that connect diverse communities across the globe.
The expat group’s journey began on July 11, 2025, with a flag-off ceremony held in Dubai, which was attended by the team members’ families, friends, and supporters. Organised amid excitement and optimism, the event underscored themes of resilience, connectivity, and exploration.
Travelling in two Toyota SUVs – a Land Cruiser (MY2011) and an FJ Cruiser (MY2017) – the group comprises Mirshad Moopen and family, Muhamed Moopen, Maiza Fathima, Muneera Muthanikkat, Thabseer Ahammed, and Faizal Zubair, who expect to complete their journey in 50-60 days.
Naming their expedition ‘Miles To Go – Travel With Nature’, the adventurers, who hail from diverse backgrounds, have expressed their commitment to making the journey more than just the pursuit of kilometres. For them, this road trip is an opportunity to highlight the shared values that unite people, even beyond national and cultural boundaries.
Although details of their daily itinerary remain flexible, the team plans to navigate through some of the world’s most notable landscapes and cities. The route winds through several Middle Eastern countries before crossing into Europe.
26 countries
The route: UAE (Dubai), Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Greece, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, UK (Scotland).
Each destination is expected to bring new interactions and learning experiences, with cultural integration serving as a central theme of their travel narrative. The UAE’s geographic position as a gateway between East and West adds a regional relevance to its mission.
According to Mirshad Moopen, Managing Director of MRC Shipping & Logistics, one of the highlights of the expedition will be the group staying in the rooftop tents on their two SUVs while camping overnight in designated camping areas in the countries they are traversing. Hence, no hotel stays for the whole duration of the expedition.
The initiative reflects not only a thirst for adventure but also echoes the UAE’s focus on fostering global partnerships and showcasing its openness to different cultures. Conversations around mobility, mutual respect, and shared heritage have long been in the spotlight, making this initiative resonate deeply with values upheld by many in the Middle East.
The primary objective of the trip is to inspire others to embrace curiosity and explore the world. The travellers hope their project demonstrates that meaningful connections can be nurtured through shared experiences and open interactions.
Their intent aligns with ongoing efforts to promote a united sense of humanity amidst increasingly divided times globally. This cross-continental road trip requires significant preparation, including logistical planning, navigating international borders, and ensuring safety across various terrains.
The undertaking stands as a challenging yet promising venture that demonstrates determination and adaptability, traits that resonate profoundly with the UAE’s ethos.
The expedition can also potentially provide opportunities for storytelling, with human-interest angles related to hospitality, history, food, and traditions coming into focus. Alongside its goal of bridging cultures, it opens doors for fostering mutual understanding between countries in the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.
The travellers expressed gratitude for the support received from their families and community members during the planning stages. Their journey acts as an extension of shared aspirations to engage with the world in ways that defy distances and stereotypes.
With Dubai as their starting point—a city renowned for its global outlook—the group embarks on a venture set not just to connect continents but also to highlight dynamic narratives of coexistence and discovery. Upon reaching Scotland, they aim to reflect on lessons learned during the expedition while amplifying the transformative impact of meeting people from varied walks of life.
The team plans to document their travel experiences on social media, offering followers insights into life on the road as well as glimpses of the challenges and rewards they encounter along the way. They believe these stories will serve as inspiration for individuals seeking adventure or wishing to break barriers between nations through cultural exploration.
With a 50-60-day timeline for the expedition’s completion, those involved emphasise that every stop matters as much as their final destination. Their message aims to inspire not just physical travel but also mental journeys toward an open world shaped by respect for differences.
This ambitious project signifies much more than recreational exploration. It is a reflection of how personal endeavours can intersect with larger societal values of inclusivity, curiosity, and human connection—all themes that resonate with residents across the UAE and beyond.
The two SUVs being used in the expedition will be shipped to Dubai from Scotland at the end of the expedition.
Hero image: The leaders of the ‘Miles To Go – Travel With Nature’ expedition pose with their two SUVs in Dubai, before setting off on their overland adventure. Credit: Mathew Chacko
