Desert men finish half of 1,500km trek

The explorer Adrian Hayes has travelled 750 kilometres from Oman and is nearing the UAE.

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ABU DHABI // The British explorer Adrian Hayes has completed half of his 1,500-kilometre desert expedition and will arrive in the UAE within days.

The adventurer began his trek from Salalah, Oman on October 30 to recreate the desert crossings of the explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger in honour of the 40th National Day.

Mr Hayes and two Emirati army officers are trekking through the Empty Quarter with seven camels.

They are expected to arrive in Liwa on December 2, National Day, and end their journey in the capital on December 13.

The expedition has been sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage. The team is expected to reach Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain on December 8 before heading to Abu Dhabi.

The men have travelled 750km so far, averaging between 40km and 45km on each 11-hour day.

They are on schedule despite early setbacks. On the first day of the journey, Mr Hayes fell from his camel and required stitches to his head.

Extreme heat, flooded wadis and a cyclone in Salalah have also proved challenging.

Throughout the trip, the team has been aided by villagers who have provided food and invited the explorers to their homes.

The men are carrying only basic necessities, including a compass, knives, hunting rifle and medical kit.