UAE: This resident has travelled to 44 countries in his Dubai-registered car

For 68-year-old Munir Karim, the joy of solo travel represents freedom, self-discovery, and a deep connection with diverse cultures worldwide. “Some journeys must be travelled alone, and by saying this, I drove to 44 countries all by myself,” said Karim, a long-time Dubai resident, currently running his own business, and a former employee of Dubai Defence.

The star of his adventures is his vehicle. “My reliable Suzuki Jimny. It has clocked an impressive 195,000 kilometres, with 60,000 of those outside the UAE,” said Karim.

World opened for him

Karim began travelling in 1988, taking to the skies for destinations like Thailand, followed by trips to Holland and Canada in 1989. He explored five countries that year: Canada, the USA, France, Italy, and the UK. “After travelling to all these countries, the world opened for me,” he said.

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Over the years, he has travelled to many countries, flying across Far Asia and Europe, tallying up an impressive 86 countries visited and over 300 flights taken. “I collected souvenirs from each city I visited over the past 35 years,” said Karim.

In 2012, Karim's family migrated to Canada, introducing him to a different mode of exploration. “I witnessed the road travel culture in Canada. At the age of 56, I embarked on my first road trip from Vancouver to Alaska accompanied by my wife. Since then I have become an avid road traveller,” said Karim.

Solo travel journey

When Karim returned from Canada to manage his business, his love for solo travel blossomed during his stay in Dubai, prompting him to dream of a road trip to London covering the entire expanse of Europe. “In 2016, I turned this dream into reality. I explored many countries in Europe and Asia. It took me over 64 days to travel,” said Karim.

Karim's drive through Europe clocked 30,000 kilometres, unfolding through 32 countries. “From the bustling cities to serene landscapes, my car navigated diverse terrain, making it a memorable exploration of cultures across the continent,” said Karim.

The loyal companion

Karim's compact companion is no ordinary car; it boasts a bed, kitchen, toilet, and all the amenities necessary for a comfortable trip. “The car’s small size allows me to rest anywhere. I have spent over 31 nights in the car during my travel,” said Karim.

Karim's choice of the Suzuki Jimny was deliberate. “Its compact build, fuel efficiency, and four-wheel-drive capabilities make it an ideal companion for my adventures. Even with its small size, I can easily convert the car into a sleeping space by folding the seats,” said Karim.

Travelling the expanse of Russia

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