It was like a homecoming party at the Oman-UAE border crossing. I didn’t know what to expect, but I chose Hatta as the border crossing point from Oman to the UAE.
The exit out of Oman was smooth, although the officer kept looking for another person after seeing the bike. He laughed so loud after I told him that I pick up strangers along my way.
Rode 7 km from the Oman border, and I’m on the UAE side now. I get into the immigration office all wet from the rain (it rains only a couple of days a year, and I got rained on). Looking at my bike helmet, they asked me what I had been up to.
I explained my mission. Hamiz, the friendly officer, helped me with all the paperwork and got my visa stamped in no time. He also offered me the most authentic Arabic coffee and filled my bottles with water. What a welcome!
Soon, he and his friend stepped outside to look at ‘Kindness’, take photos and go for a spin around.
More Karak tea and snacks followed the interaction. It was like a homecoming party at the border crossing.
Thanks for all your lovely hospitality, Oman 🇴🇲!
Hello UAE 🇦🇪! Thank you for your warm welcome!
Seriously! It rains only a couple of days a year, and I was here on those days.
Here’s me hiding from the rain in beautiful Hatta.
I was looking for accommodation in Hatta, but it was expensive. The least expensive one was 450 AED.
Didn’t want to spend that much for just a night. I kept pedalling, looking for a billion-star hotel.
Found a great spot far from the highway. Got in the tent just in time, as it started raining cats n dogs with thunderstorms. Not the UAE I had imagined.
But the morning was beautiful with blue skies.
It was hilly getting out of Hatta, with strong headwinds all day.
I had so much sand in my mouth. Had to cover my mouth with a bandana, but the sand still managed to get in my mouth.
Wonderful welcome all along the way though.
Navigating the 7-lane highway and figuring out a safe bikeway through the maze was hard. Everyone’s driving like they are driving a Ferrari.
So good to have made it safely to Dubai city.