Wadi al Dawasir, Asharq Al-Awsat- Salim Musfir Owaida al Qahtani has embarked on a journey of a lifetime in order to express his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, for his role in resolving internal Palestinian fighting between the Fatah and Hamas movements and his contribution to the Muslim and Arab nation. The 73-year-old father of 28, who has four wives, has begun a walk from his village of Ain Qahtan in the Aseer province to the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

Salim, also known as Ibn Udwa seemed determined to achieve his goal, saying that he was in good health and would continue to walk until he reaches his destination, Riyadh. He highlighted that his praise and thanks to King Abdullah were immeasurable and explained that his country, despite the difficulties it has endured, was still home to the Muslim and Arab nation.

Aware of their struggle against the Israeli occupation, Qahtani said that he was shocked by the news of fighting amongst Palestinians and did not expect matters to reach this level and only thought about the idea when the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques declared his reconciliation initiative to resolve Palestinian differences, inviting the involved parties to the holy city of Mecca to settle their disputes and end bloodshed.

Ibn Udwa stated that throughout his life he has endured hardship and experienced extreme weather that has made him fearless of the increasing temperatures, which he says will not discourage him from completing the journey.

Qahtani set out from Ain Qahtan last Friday and arrived in Wadi al Dawasir seven days later. His journey continues….