On a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, with her hijab tucked under the helmet and the mountains of the Sultanate of Oman in the background, Noor calls Oman “beautiful from the soul.”
For the Chennai native known online as Hijab Rider Noor, this stop in Oman is not just another pin on the map. It’s home, at least for now.
A mission beyond kilometres:
Noor is two years into riding across geographical borders and a few months on a solo Middle East expedition that began with a deeply personal ride: her first big journey was across India and to the holy city of Mecca to perform Umrah. That ride set the tone for everything that followed.
“I’m on a mission to visit Islamic historic places across the world,” the 28-year-old, who holds a Master’s degree in HR, says. “The bike is my way of connecting — not just seeing, but feeling these places.” In the last 2 years of riding, Noor has already covered over 19,000 kms across India and Middle East on her Enfield Bullet and Classic Himalayan 350, sleeping in tents, gurudwaras, and locals’ homes instead of hotels. That India ride was about discovering herself. The Middle East ride is about discovering her roots.
From the Iraq border to the Oman mountains:
Her route has taken her through Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran, and Iraq, immersing herself in Bedouin culture and Arab lifestyles. It hasn’t been easy.
“During the war I got stuck at the Iraq border,” she recalls. “That’s when you learn patience, and that the road teaches you more than any classroom.”
Funded entirely by her personal savings, Noor rides alone, navigating borders, deserts, and mountain passes on the bike. She had actually planned to stay in Oman for just 1 month, but...
“I fell in love with this country,” she laughs. “The green of Salalah in Khareef, most importantly, the highly hospitable people, the calm. I’ll stay longer.”
Breaking stereotypes, One border at a time:
Famous on Instagram as Hijabi Rider, Noor is consciously breaking stereotypes about Muslim women and solo travel.
“A lone woman on her bike embarking on a breathtaking sojourn — that’s what freedom to live life means to me,” she says. “I want other women to see that we can achieve our goals while being spiritually grounded, and free chasing our dreams.”
Her India journey took her from Bengaluru through Karnataka, Maharashtra, Pune, Daman and Diu, Gujarat, Bihar, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and even Nepal. But this Middle East leg is different. It’s slower, more intentional.
In Oman, she’s exploring forts, wadis, and coastal roads, documenting how Islam and local culture intertwine. Next stops on her list include more historic Islamic sites across the region.
"Oman is from the soul”
Between rides, Noor volunteers and speaks with local riders and women’s groups. She says Oman’s hospitality made her extend her stay in the country.
“The mountains here, the fog in Khareef, the way people respect a solo woman traveller Oman touches you,” she says. “It’s beautiful from the soul.”
For now, the Himalayan 450 will stay parked a little longer in Muscat and Salalah. The mission continues, but Noor is in no rush.
“I have little savings, I have a dream, I have a road and I have an unbending mind,” she says. “That’s enough.”
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