A Jordanian Traveler Continues a Transcontinental Journey Carrying a Message of Education and Peace
By: Abdulrahim Al-Arjan, traveler and adventure tourism researcher
At a time when transportation is rapidly advancing and distances between continents are shrinking, Jordanian traveler from Petra, Saddam Al-Alaya, has chosen to walk thousands of kilometers on foot—carrying a message that goes beyond athletic adventure to embrace the values of education, peace, and human connection.
From the southernmost tip of Africa to the far east of Russia, Al-Alaya continues an extraordinary journey that reflects the قوة of determination and belief in an individual’s ability to create a positive impact on the communities he passes through, placing Jordan on the global map of adventure achievements and humanitarian initiatives.
According to data shared by Al-Alaya, he has, over the past months, crossed South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, reaching Zambia after covering approximately 3,250 kilometers out of a total journey estimated at around 23,000 kilometers.
He still has ahead of him Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Georgia, and Kazakhstan, before reaching the city of Magadan in the far east of Russia.
Al-Alaya maintains a daily walking average of about 35 kilometers, facing varying climatic conditions that range from extreme heat to challenging terrains. The journey also requires continuous logistical support, including clothing, footwear, and specialized long-distance equipment that must be adapted and replaced depending on climate and terrain, in addition to nutritional needs and ongoing healthcare.
Al-Alaya explains that the project aims to support early childhood development and promote the right to education, as well as spread values of peace, dialogue, and intercultural communication. Through this journey, he also seeks to set several world records in Jordan’s name.
He noted that so far, he has delivered his message to thousands of students in dozens of schools he has visited during the journey, in addition to direct meetings with local communities along his route. He has also received warm استقبال and strong interest from many high-level official and civil figures in every region he passes through.
This project represents a model of individual initiatives that combine endurance sports with humanitarian action and cultural exchange. It also highlights the ability of individuals to carry out cross-border projects with real societal and educational goals.
Given the scale of logistical and financial challenges posed by such a long and demanding journey, initiatives like this clearly require greater attention and support from relevant authorities and both public and private sector institutions. Such support would help ensure its completion, achieve its humanitarian and educational objectives, and strengthen Jordan’s presence in international arenas related to adventure sports and community-driven initiatives.