New York City, New York (July 16, 2007) - South African Arts International, Ltd. (USA) announces that Victor Mooney is confirmed on Etihad Airways for the Goree Challenge II - Spirit of Zayed Faith Tour, which will bring him to the United Arab Emirates. For security awareness, Victor's daily itinerary will not be made public. God Speed....

Man Rides Bike for The Spirit of Zayed

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates -Victor Mooney begins The Goree Challenge II - The Spirit of Zayed Faith Tour (August 4 - 12)  in Abu Dhabi. Victor will ride his bike to the seven Emirates, with the hope of receiving a small wooden object at each stop that has a relationship to His Highness, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayayan or a local cultural connection.  These items will be later shredded in New York City and sealed into the boat as it's professionally commissioned. This is designed to symbolize that all of the Emirates are with The Spirit of Zayed. Victor's journey will also bring him to The Sultanate of Oman.

On August 12th, Mooney will end his journey (estimated/ five-hundred miles) at The Mausoleum of His Highness, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayan. Mooney plans to present the items collected to the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates. "I'll pray for the soul of His Highness and thank God (Allah) for his strength, forgiveness, wisdom, knowledge, joy, family, patience, humility, and faith he has given to me, says Victor Mooney."

Mooney will use The Spirit of Zayed (ocean rowboat) to make a second attempt in rowing from Senegal to New York City on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2007. He hopes to raise $100,000.00 for the Goree Challenge II - The Spirit of Zayed Project while in the United Arab Emirates. Among other things, Victor will be able to exchange emails. 

Equipment & Safety Items Victor will have.

(August 5, 2007) - Al Ain, UAE -At The Apostolic Vicariate of Arabia in Abu Dhabi yesterday, Victor recieved the blessing for his journey. It was Sheik Zayed Spirit that he wanted the Catholic Church to be seated in UAE. "It's a honor to leave from this place, said Victor Mooney."

Recently The Vatican and UAE established Diplomatic ties. After 10km into Victor's trip he had to abandon his trailor. Presently he is carrying only essentials, UAE Flag, The Holy Koran and a Prayer Rug. Victor heads to Fujariah.

(August 6, 2007) Sharjah, United Arab Emirates - On Victor's journey (roughly 80 km) to Al-Ain, he suffered a flat tire about 100 km from town around 3:00 am. He waved a taxi and rested in a Hotel later. Since, Victor abandoned much of his equipment, he thought it would be best to rent a car and move on. In Victor's first visit he met staff from the Tourism Office of Fujariah. Later at the Museum, Mr. Mohamad Al-Madani, Assistant at Dep't of Heritage & Archaelogy & Museums, gave Victor an extensive tour of the facility. With time constraints an issue, Mr. Al-Madani said "Anasa - [Victor in Arabic], I'll send a DHL package for you. Upon leaving the Emirate of Fujariah, Victor cut off stem of a tree that has lived for ages in the region.	(August 6, 2007) Ajman, UAE - Mr. Hassan Mohamed Abdulla, Head Official at Ajaman Museum, recieves Victor after he is given a tour of the facility. Later the two sipped tea. Victor said, "Enshala, I hope to see you in New York."
(August 6, 2007) Ras Al Khaimah, UAE - Mr. Ahmad Hilal, Archaeologist, at Government of Ras Al Khaimah - Department of Antiquities & Museums gives Victor their Emirates "Spirit for Zayed".	(August 6, 2007) Umm Al Quwain, UAE - Mr. Hani, staff member at Government of Umm Al Quwain Department of Archeology and Heritage shares the history of boating to Victor Mooney today.
(August 7, 2007) Sharjah, UAE - Ms. Amina Alabaidli, Assistant at The Government of Sharjah Museum called Al Hisn, welcomed Victor. Later, the gentlemen shown above, gave Victor a tour of the facility.	(August 7, 2007) Dubai, UAE - Mr. Hamad Saeed Al Mutaiwi, Administrative Official at The Government of Dubai - Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House shared warm thoughts with Victor. "This Emirate thrust for growth is commendable, said Victor." The two men later enjoyed some tea and talked about solidarity.

Wearing traditional Arabic clothing, Victor Mooney, 41, of Queens, New York collects a fragment of wood from an old dhow at the Heritage Village as a symbol of the United Arab Emirates to take in his boat when he attempts a crossing of the Atlantic ocean, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tuesday Aug. 7, 2007 . On World AIDS Day (December 1), Mooney will make a second attempt to row from Senegal in Africa to The Brooklyn Bridge in New York. On the first attempt, the hand boat suffered a leak and he was rescued by the Senegalese navy. The new boat, which will be professionally made, is named in honor of Sheik Zayed, the founder of the United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

(August 10, 2007) Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Early in the week, Victor visited Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation. A senior official at the foundation gave him some places he should concider for help. Although The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage - Culture Foundation was closed on Friday, Victor was given the priviledge to tour the facility. "This place has the hallmarks of a great museum...I remember my days as a manager for one back in New York..., Victor Mooney said."  Photos of Facility.

(August 10, 2007) Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Victor makes a follow-up visit from a fax he sent to Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. Mr. Faisal Abdulla Al Sheikh recieved Victor; consequently, he was able to deliver his quest verbally. In Al Ain, Victor toured the Home of Sheikh Zayed. Shortly afterwards, he visited the National Museum. Mr. Mohammed Amer Al Neyadi, Director of Antiquities & Tourism, welcomed Victor and the two conversed (an interpreter was present). When Victor finished his tea, he was given three tour guides to escort him. "The guides were seasoned in the history of the United Arab Emirates...Every question I presented was answered with a warm smile, Victor Mooney said."

(August 10, 2007) Abu Dhabi, UAE -Victor  Mooney prays at The Red Cresent for The United Arab Emirates today.

(August 10, 2007) Abu Dhabi, UAE - At The Mausoleum of His Highness, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayan, Mooney prays for the soul of  The Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates. Later, Victor presents the items he collected during his journey to the seven Emirates. Photos of Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

(August 12, 2007) Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Victor Mooney revisits the Red Crescent Society of United Arab Emirates. Victor briefed Mr. Nael Talal, Secretary to Dr. Salaeh M. Al Taee (Acting Secretary General). Afterwards, Victor had a meeting with Dr. Abdul Rahman Azazi, Health Coordinator, in his office. In his second and final stop for the day, Victor revisited The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage -Culture Foundation. At this facility, Mr. Mooney had the esteem opportunity to share his dream and request for help with Mr. Bassem Fawaaz Kudsi, Director of Communications. During this period, the two enjoyed coffee. While being escorted to another office, Victor had another opportunity to brief the General Manager of The Abu Dhabi Culture & Heritage Foundation.