Dubai, UAE: In a remarkable feat of human endurance and environmental consciousness, two intrepid cyclists, Yousef El Haouass and Salim Rhandi, are set to arrive in Dubai on Wednesday after completing a gruelling 15,000-kilometer journey across the world.
What makes their expedition truly unique is the fact that they undertook this extraordinary adventure on a solar-powered quadricycle, relying solely on solar energy and their own muscle power.
Inspired by the legendary explorer Ibn Battuta, Yousef and Salim embarked on their epic journey with a vision to promote sustainable energy and raise awareness about environmental protection.
Departing from Laayoune in Morocco, they traversed a challenging route, crossing 11 countries and enduring diverse climates before reaching their destination just in time for COP28 in Dubai.
In an exclusive email interview during their journey, Yousef explained the genesis of the idea.
“Given the strong ties that bind Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, I thought of the challenge of linking the city of Laayoune to Dubai, passing through the cities where previous COPs were held,” he said. “I wanted to cover 11 countries, using only solar and muscle power.”
The duo’s venture received support from Veolia, a French company specializing in solutions for water, waste, and energy management. The sponsorship was a crucial factor in realizing their ambitious dream.
The journey unfolded as a testament to the power of solar energy and human determination.
Yousef and Salim pedalled through several European and Gulf countries, including Spain, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Iran, before finally reaching the vibrant city of Dubai.
Their days were meticulously planned, starting at sunrise to maximize the sun’s energy. Yousef explained, “We have travelled all day, stopping just before sunset. We didn’t travel at night.”
Despite carrying tents for camping, the duo was fortunate to find accommodation on most nights, adding an element of unpredictability to their adventure.
One of the key challenges they faced was managing the power consumption of the electric motors and optimizing the production of the solar panels.
“We had to optimize the production of the solar panels and manage the power consumption of the electric motors to cover the maximum number of kilometres per day,” Yousef said. Solar energy was pivotal, providing almost 90% of the energy needed for the journey.
The weight of the quadricycle, exceeding 300 kg with all its loads, made the feat even more impressive, emphasizing the indispensability of solar energy in such endeavours.
“Without solar energy, such a feat would be impossible,” Yousef asserted.
Throughout their journey, the duo overcame physical challenges and aimed to leave a positive impact by spreading awareness about green energy.
They engaged with people along the way, sharing their experiences and emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices.
Observing the world from their unique perspective, Yousef noted climate concerns, expressing worry about the absence of rain despite passing through northern European countries.
On a more optimistic note, he highlighted the technical feasibility of long journeys with light, non-polluting, and reliable vehicles.
However, beyond the technical and environmental insights, the cyclists found the most profound takeaway to be the beauty of global community and hospitality.
“The world is very beautiful,” Yousef reflected. “We were always welcomed very warmly by the inhabitants of the countries we crossed.”
As Yousef El Haouass and Salim Rhandi conclude their extraordinary journey in Dubai, their achievement stands not only as a testament to human resilience and innovation but also as a beacon illuminating the possibilities of sustainable travel in a world increasingly in need of eco-friendly alternatives.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members