Walking for autism: My trek across the UAE
In 2006, I travelled 500km across the desert, mountain and urban landscape of the United Arab Emirates to raise awareness and funds for the Dubai Autism Centre. At the time, this centre for children and young people with autism was in desperate need of publicity and funding. Today, the centre is a large, thriving facility that is well known within the region.
"I’ve become more patient and learnt to appreciate other things in life. The way I see things have changed and so as the way I speak to people."
The Journey
Starting in the middle of nowhere near Sweihan, the first leg of Jalal’s walk took him to Al Ain, before he turned north and headed around Oman to Fujairah. He then travelled northeast to Ras Al Khaimah, before walking down the coast through Um Al Quwain, Ajman, Sharjah and Dubai, from where he set out on the final part of the journey to Abu Dhabi.
More photos of the journey
