When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents

Observer

3 days ago

A lone man stands on the edge of a dusty desert road, sunlight blazing overhead. His thumb is up, an offering of trust to a passing vehicle. As the car slows, he steps forward, eyes filled with quiet determination. This is Mohammed Al Busaidi, the first Omani to hitchhike across the world, taking the road less travelled—one that demands courage as much as curiosity.
What makes his journey unforgettable isn't just the miles driven or the countries crossed. It's the moment of genuine human connection—be it a handshake in a remote desert, a shared meal in a crowded Indian kitchen, or a stranger's simple act of kindness that breaks down cultural barriers instantaneously. It's in these brief encounters that Mohammed's story finds its most compelling chapter: the profound power of trust, empathy, and open hearts.
When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents
When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents
When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents
Mohammed's journey didn't start in an airport or on a tourist trail. It began on an unassuming road in Oman, but it soon expanded into a worldwide quest to understand what connects us all beyond borders. With little more than a backpack and his thumb, he ventured into places where most hesitated to go—places that challenged every notion of safety and comfort. His goal was never just sightseeing; it was about feeling the world deeply, embracing its raw truth, and sharing those stories.
When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents
When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents
When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents
His journey led him through India, a landscape of relentless energy and vivid colour. Riding overcrowded trains, sleeping on the floor, and eating from pots that seemed to hold the weight of entire families—he learned endurance from those who had little yet shared everything. He recalls an encounter in Kerala when locals insisted he drink hot water amidst the tropical heat. To many, that might seem odd, but for the people there, it was a gesture of care—an expression of hospitality rooted in tradition. 'They believe hot water is good for your health,' he explains. 'It's not just about healing; it's about showing concern. That's something I won't forget.'
In the desert sands of Saudi Arabia, the environment shifts, but the generosity endures. One evening, a man pulled over in his car and beckoned him inside. Without questions, without negotiation—just an invitation to be a guest. The heat was punishing, the landscape indifferent, yet in that moment, human kindness triumphed over circumstances. It was a reminder that sometimes, the simplest act—offering someone a ride—can carry as much meaning as the destination.
When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents
When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents
When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents
Throughout the year, Mohammed didn't confine himself to simply passing through. He committed to working a different job every month—each a deep immersion into the local way of life. From harvesting crops in Morocco to serving coffee in Karnataka, each role expanded his understanding of resilience and dignity. 'Whether digging in a field or cleaning hotel rooms,' he says, 'I saw dignity in labour. People have a quiet strength that often goes unnoticed, but it's universal.'
His desire to chase challenges extended to his quest for Oman's most legendary creature—the Arabian Cobra, a fiercely venomous snake revered and feared in his homeland. For months, he searched rugged deserts, slept out in the wilderness, even caught the snake in the southern mountains. The risk was high, the adventure even higher. But for Mohammed, such pursuits celebrate life's unpredictability—and teach patience, humility, and respect for nature's raw power.
When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents
When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents
When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents
Every country offered a new lesson in culture and tradition. In Africa, he joined tribal ceremonies, learning dances and rituals that have survived centuries. In Southeast Asia, he cooked local dishes with families, witnessing traditions vanish under modern currents. His goal is not just to observe these customs but to truly feel them. 'I don't want to just see the world,' he explains. 'I want to live it, to understand its soul.'
When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents
When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents
When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents
Throughout his travels, Mohammed has documented these connections on social media, drawing tens of thousands of followers. For him, the act of sharing isn't about boasting; it's about reminding others of humanity's collective kindness. Through stories, videos, and photographs, he highlights how strangers become friends, strangers' kindness outweighing differences in language, religion, or background. 'Adventure isn't about adrenaline,' he often says. 'It's about empathy—listening to stories, sharing meals, sleeping outside, trusting the world.'
When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents
When a young Omani decides to hitchhike across continents
Mohammed's journey persists. Every roadside encounter, every small village, every night under the stars is a reminder of what travel offers beyond sights and destinations: connection, understanding, and a glimpse into the human spirit's resilience.
As he stands once more on a dusty roadside, thumb raised, gazing at the horizon, Mohammed Al Busaidi exemplifies that the greatest travel is not measured in miles, but in moments that make us human. An odyssey of one life, one story at a time—an inspiring testament to the idea that the journey itself is the destination.