DUBAI, UAE, Oct 16, (Agencies): Two passionate travelers based in the UAE are embarking on an ambitious journey, aiming to circumnavigate the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) in just 24 hours to celebrate the proposed unified visit visa for the region. The dynamic duo, consisting of the photographer-architect Shafi and entrepreneur Siyad, is gearing up to navigate the coastal routes of all six GCC nations, commencing their adventure from Kuwait on October 19.

Reflecting on their journey, Siyad remarked, "We have been avid travelers since we first crossed paths nearly a decade ago. We've traversed the GCC multiple times, often grappling with the hassle of managing multiple visit visas. The proposed unified GCC visit visa is a game-changer for regional travel. We hope that our journey will inspire others to explore more tourist destinations within the GCC once this visa is introduced."

Their journey will commence in Kuwait, from where they will drive through Saudi Arabia, onward to Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE, including multiple entries and exits into Saudi Arabia during their trip. Their adventure will conclude in Musandam, Oman, with Shafi noting, "We might not have the time to travel all the way into Oman, so our plan is to reach Kasab in Musandam. We're aware that achieving this within 24 hours is a challenge, but we're determined to give it our best shot."

Their shared love for travel and exploration led Siyad and Shafi, along with a group of friends, to establish a Facebook community named "Sanchari" in 2014. At the time, Shafi was based in Kuwait, and Siyad stated, "When he moved to the UAE for work, we started catching up more frequently, going on impromptu drives."

Siyad began accompanying Shafi on his photography assignments across the Gulf region. "Our trips are typically planned a day in advance and involve minimal packing or preparation," Siyad explained with a laugh. "Usually, we use Shafi's vehicle, which has some added cabins for comfort, and we prepare our own meals in it. This approach helps cut down our travel expenses. We sleep in the car, eliminating the need for hotels."

Their Facebook group, Sanchari, continues to thrive, boasting a community of 756,000 members. Shafi added, "We have members from around the world, so when we embark on journeys like this, we often meet up with fellow members at our destination. They graciously invite us for tea or dinner, and it feels like being part of an extended family."

Of all their adventures, their most cherished trip was to Saudi Arabia earlier in the year. Siyad recalled, "We covered over 6,000 kilometers in a week, exploring several hidden gems in Saudi Arabia. It was one of the most memorable experiences of our lives."

Shafi's top two GCC destinations are the Rub' Al Khali desert and Al Ula in Saudi Arabia. He elaborated, "At Al Ula, we had the privilege of visiting the Maraya building, a rare opportunity. Rub' Al Khali, on the other hand, is a true desert wilderness. We relished the solitude, surrounded by endless sand for kilometers. We paused our cars to soak in the breathtaking beauty of the empty quarter."