In a stunning display of endurance, passion, and determination, Dubai resident Nico de Corato, better known in the community as “Bu Hamdan”, has completed one of his most challenging personal adventures yet, a solo “Coast to Coast by Mountain Bike” ride from Dubai to Fujairah in a single day.
The seasoned endurance athlete and content creator covered over 162 kilometers of mixed terrain, from the sweeping sands of Dubai’s Al Qudra desert to the rugged mountain passes of Fujairah, reaching the Gulf of Oman coast just before sunset.
What makes this feat even more remarkable is that Nico completed the journey in 6 hours 30 minutes of riding time, finishing nearly an hour and a half faster than his initial estimate of eight hours. The challenge was not only about speed but about pushing physical and mental limits, testing preparation, and showcasing the beauty and variety of the United Arab Emirates.
A Journey from Desert to Sea
The ride began at 8:15 AM from the Al Qudra Cycling Track parking area, a popular starting point for cyclists in Dubai. Friends, supporters, and fellow bikers gathered early in the morning to cheer him on, with some joining for the first few kilometers to show solidarity and encouragement.
From the first pedal stroke, Nico set out into an ever-changing landscape. The golden desert dunes gradually gave way to rocky terrain, with small villages appearing along the horizon, places seemingly untouched by time. As the hours passed, the heat intensified, the wind picked up, and the climbs became steeper.
Each section of the journey presented its own challenge, from navigating through sandy stretches and headwinds near Fossil Rock to ascending the Hajar Mountains, a route known for its sharp gradients and winding climbs. But for Nico, each kilometer was a reminder of his purpose, to prove that determination and resilience can turn impossible dreams into reality.
Battling the Elements and the Unexpected
Every endurance athlete knows that nature and machinery both test one’s patience. For Nico, the UAE’s environment added several layers of difficulty.
As he entered the mid-section near Fossil Rock, strong gusts of wind and clouds of sand reduced visibility and made pedaling almost impossible at times. “There was a moment when the sand was cutting my face and I could barely see the track,” he recalled. “I thought about stopping, but then I remembered why I was doing this, to show that with determination, you can overcome any obstacle.”
The ride soon threw another surprise his way, a broken chain after crossing a rough, uneven patch of rocky desert ground. Fortunately, Nico’s support vehicle carried essential tools and spare parts, and the crew swiftly replaced the chain and ensured the bike was ready to continue.
“The logistics and support setup were as important as my physical training,” Nico said. “When you take on a solo endurance challenge like this, it’s not just about strength or fitness. You need planning, backup, and the right mindset. Every small detail can make the difference between success and failure.”
With the bike fixed and spirits lifted, Nico pushed onward into the highlands of the Hajar Mountains, where steep inclines tested every muscle. Despite the fatigue, he kept moving, driven by his signature mantra: Everybody can do it.
Reaching Fujairah and the Finish Line
After more than six hours of continuous riding, climbing, and fighting the elements, Nico began his descent toward Fujairah, with the sound of the sea faintly echoing in the distance. The final stretch was emotional, the sun was dipping low, the air turning cooler, and every pedal bringing him closer to the goal that had motivated months of training.
He finally arrived at Fujairah Fort, just before sunset, greeted by friends, fans, and well-wishers who had gathered to celebrate his arrival. The ancient walls of the fort and the view of the Gulf of Oman provided the perfect backdrop for a triumph that symbolized endurance, gratitude, and inspiration.
“This challenge was more than a personal goal,” Nico said after crossing the finish line. “It was a way of expressing my appreciation to the UAE, the country that has become my home. It’s a place that constantly inspires me with its landscapes, people, and energy.”
A Message of Gratitude and Inspiration
For Nico de Corato, the UAE Coast to Coast by MTB was not only a test of stamina but a celebration of the spirit of the Emirates. Over the two decades he has spent in Dubai, Nico has witnessed the country’s transformation while maintaining deep respect for its natural beauty and culture.
“This country has given me so much,” he reflected. “I wanted to give something back, by showcasing its strength, beauty, and the incredible landscapes that connect the desert to the sea.”
More than a sporting feat, Nico’s adventure represents an inner journey, one that combines gratitude, perseverance, and self-discovery. Through his experiences, he hopes to inspire others to embrace movement, curiosity, and the courage to go beyond comfort zones.
“Everybody can do it,” he emphasizes. “You don’t have to be a professional athlete to chase your goals. All you need is the willingness to start and the courage to keep going when it gets hard.”
About Nico de Corato
Born in Naples, Italy, Nico de Corato has lived in Dubai for over 20 years. Trained as a Telecommunications Engineer, he initially arrived in the UAE while working with the Class 1 Powerboat World Championship, blending his professional expertise with his love for motorsports. Over time, that same passion for adrenaline evolved into endurance challenges, from triathlons and ultramarathons to mountain biking and fatbiking adventures.
Today, Nico is a digital entrepreneur, athlete, and video content creator, admired for documenting his solo expeditions and fitness missions across the UAE and beyond. His storytelling combines visual creativity with motivational insight, inspiring thousands across social platforms.
Among his most celebrated achievements is a 200 kilometer ultra run from Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain, to Burj Al Arab in Dubai, completed in 21 consecutive hours. That challenge became one of the most inspiring endurance stories in the region, showcasing the extraordinary physical and mental resilience that defines Nico’s approach to life.
In 2025, he was honored with the Leone d’Oro Award for Sporting Merit, recognizing his contributions to promoting fitness culture and inspiring communities through sport.
Away from competition, Nico is a devoted family man who balances his time between training, creating digital content, and promoting healthy, active living. He is also an ambassador for sustainability and outdoor exploration, encouraging residents and visitors alike to discover the UAE’s hidden natural beauty, from desert dunes to mountain trails.
Challenge Details
Title: UAE Coast to Coast by Mountain Bike
Date: October 27, 2025
Starting Point: Al Qudra Cycling Track, Dubai
Finish Line: Fujairah Fort, East Coast UAE
Distance: 162 km
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes riding time, 8 hours total including stops
Terrain: Desert sands, gravel roads, mountain climbs, coastal routes
Weather Conditions: Windy with sandstorms in mid-section, clear sky at finish
Support: One vehicle with tools, spares, and hydration supplies
Goal: Promote fitness, showcase UAE’s diverse landscapes, and inspire people through real life endurance experiences
Promoting Fitness and Giving Back to the UAE
At the heart of the Coast to Coast in MTB project lies a simple yet powerful mission to promote an active lifestyle and mental resilience. Nico believes that sports have the power to transform lives, build confidence, and create unity across communities.
Through this project, he aims to raise awareness about the UAE’s vast outdoor opportunities, from well-developed cycling tracks to mountain trails and natural reserves that remain unexplored by many residents. His message resonates with both beginners and experienced athletes, sport is not about perfection, it’s about participation.
“I want people to see that they can set their own challenges, big or small, and find joy in the journey,” Nico explains. “You don’t need to be a superhero or have years of training. You just need the willingness to step outside, take that first step, and trust yourself.”
Nico’s mantra, Everybody can do it, serves as both encouragement and invitation, urging others to embrace movement, discipline, and curiosity. His journey symbolizes not only personal achievement but a collective motivation for anyone seeking purpose and growth through physical activity.
The Legacy of the Ride
As the sun dipped below the horizon at Fujairah Fort, marking the end of the 162 kilometer journey, Nico de Corato’s latest challenge turned into a symbolic bridge between two worlds, the desert and the sea, effort and reward, self-doubt and accomplishment.
In the glow of the evening light, the message was clear, endurance is not only about strength or stamina, but about heart, focus, and gratitude. Nico’s adventure stood as a tribute to the UAE’s breathtaking diversity, a land where modern cities meet untouched nature, and where determination can turn dreams into milestones.
Looking Ahead
For Nico, this is only the latest chapter in a long series of adventures that blend sports, storytelling, and purpose. He continues to explore new frontiers, from ultrarunning and triathlons to cross country bike rides and multimedia projects that document the spirit of challenge and discovery.
“My goal is to keep inspiring people through real stories,” he said. “Stories that show that passion, discipline, and consistency can take you anywhere, whether it’s crossing a desert, climbing a mountain, or simply starting something new.”
His journey from Dubai to Fujairah wasn’t just about reaching the other coast, it was about reminding everyone that life’s biggest victories often begin with a single decision, to start.
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