Crossing Saudi the importance of endings. Endings are something I have had to face a lot and something I think about a lot. They are as important as beginnings, if not more so. You never have the chance to make a second impression, the first always remains. Think how much more powerful that last impression is. How someone will remember their last interaction with you and what it means to you to write a happy ending to a wonderful story.

Ending an expedition is always bitter-sweet. Crossing Saudi was no different. I got to the border with Yemen (as close as we were allowed) at around 1030 am on Thursday 15th December 2025. I cried as I walked the final few metres. Three years of effort, 112 days of expedition, countless obstacles, pain, exhaustion, 2,195 kilometres underfoot. Then, I wiped away the tears and I smiled and ran towards Khalid and Alan who were waiting at the end and filming as I did it. I made it. I had done it. It was worth it.

I felt sheer joy, huge pride, deep love for my team, gratitude to all the kind Saudis who had helped me and wonder at what I had seen and discovered. I have a million memories. 

Celebrating Shaya

Just after me, Shaya Al Shaya also crossed to the border and became the second recorded person, the first man and the first Arab and Saudi to accomplish the feat. Sharing this adventure with him has been fantastic. On paper we are opposites in age, gender, race, culture and religion. In reality we share a silly sense of humour, a positive determination and a world view that believes in good.

This was an individual goal, to become the first recorded person to cross the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia north to south every step on foot, (and you can see the reasoning here) but it was very much a team effort.

The Crossing Saudi team

Abu Sagheer – cook and support vehicle driver. He looked after us. There was always hot water, tea and coffee. His food was delicious and he cooked a different lunch every day. He got up at 3.30 am to make us fresh sourdough brown bread. He was never ‘too’ busy. He is a proud Yemeni.

Abu Ahmed – camelteer. I probably spent more time with him on this stage than anyone else. I learned so much about camels and the Sudan, where he is from. He was always good-humoured and ready to laugh at or with me. He loved Juicy and Lulu and cared for them perfectly. He put them first. We disagreed on lots of things and talked them through and it made the kilometres speed past. He rode Juicy when the headwind was strong and the sand deep ‘But not always, ya Alice, because I don’t want to dishearten you and Shaya.’

Khalid Al Rabiah, owner of MAD Adventures and Head of Logistics. ‘I feel like the father of the expedition. It is my job to make sure you are safe and that you succeed. We only have one goal – for you to become the first person to cross on foot.’ He earned our respect every day with his calmness and willingness to discuss and resolve every issue. He spared no effort to make sure we always had water and food and somewhere to camp. He led the prayers and his conduct was a model to us all – Muslim and non-Muslim. Also, he can wiggle his eyebrows like twin snakes.

Alan Morrissey, navigator. Alan planned the route with precision and thoughtfulness.  He then re-navigated enroute when Lulu got a bad foot, a wadi was impassable, or there was a better way to go. When we were chatting so much that we totally missed a turn, he forgave us. When the whole team decided to go in different directions in a wood, he said ‘it’s like herding cats,’ but gathered us up and pointed us in the right direction. He loves Saudi and knows a huge amount about its history and geology which was invaluable. Genuine, interesting and never one to bear a grudge, he was a brilliant expedition companion.

Shaya Al Shaya, walker. We both suffered blisters on stage one and through headwinds and deep sand on stage 2 and shared the excitement of our journey and our discoveries. He brings light wherever he is. Whether he was pretending to be a train on the Hejaz Railway or making a shard of glass into a large moustache, Shaya was so much fun to be with. We talked about everything and I learnt a lot about the art of being from him. I asked him what he did when he was sad. ‘I try to be present in this moment and find the good in this moment and leave the sadness to another time.’

Abdullah, Shaya’s best friend was an honorary team member. Whenever he joined us, he brought excitement, treats and a big boost of energy. Walking wasn’t his favourite thing – but making crème caramel in the desert more than made up for that.

The importance of endings

Endings are important and leaving the team properly was important. First, we said goodbye to Lulu and Juicy. Yes, it did chip a chunk from my heart but Khalid found them a forever home with Abu Faisa and Alan and I went to visit them there. It is basically a camel paradise so that helped.

Then, it was Abu Ahmed and Abu Sagheer. Thank goodness for WhatsApp so we can keep in touch.

Un(wo)manned

We had a celebratory team lunch in Najran and that was special as it was just us. I was temporarily un(wo)manned when the men gave me a stunning Saudi dress and then brought out a cake with my logo on it and the exact number of kms we had walked.

Our final fling on this crossing Saudi the importance of endings story was thanks to the generous support of the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah hotel. They threw a party for us in the luxurious surrounds of the Brasserie. We were able to celebrate with friends and supporters and to say a few words to set the seal on our journey and our achievement. I was able to thank the sponsors who made the expedition possible: The Royal Commission for AlUla, Saudi Tourism Authority and GymNation. It was an evening of recognition and celebration and a truly fitting end.

And so, my journey came to a close, well not quite. There were three postcripts.

I had a delicious massage at the Mandarin Oriental spa. Highly recommended! And thank you, Jessi.

I hosted a Hyrox class at GymNation. The aim was for the class as a whole to achieve in one hour our daily step count (around 32k). Thank goodness, we didn’t, Saudi Crossing triumphed! But we had an absolute blast. I even enjoyed the burpees.

My final treat was to fly back business class with Saudia. They kindly sponsored my tickets to and from Saudi. I normally can’t wait to get off the plane but they had to prise me out of my seat. Honestly, it was such an enjoyable experience from the Wagyu beef hamburger, to watching ‘Frasier’, to the full-length bed with my padded eyemask and soft socks. And did I mention the honeyed-bread breakfast?

Now, it is time to write the book and get something to screen, so watch this space. Don’t forget you can look back on the adventure with the Alice in wAnderland podcast (final expedition episode coming this Thursday), on Instagram and through the expedition blogs.

Crossing Saudi the importance of endings. I believe we ended well.