A Saudi citizen who walked from Asir to Makkah, to perform the Haj for his late mother and celebrate the country's National Day, arrived recently in the holy city, local media reported.

Nasser bin Mohammad bin Jarallah, 60, walked some 650 km from Ahad Rafida in Asir, a journey that would have taken him a mere eight hours by car, according to Google Maps. The traveler set off on his journey on Aug. 11.

Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), accompanied by Makkah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah welcomed Bin Jarallah in the city.

He reportedly briefed Prince Sultan and Prince Mishaal on his travels through Balhamar, Balsamar, Tanouma, Alnamas, Bulgrain and Bulgurashi. He carried the Saudi flag, and wore the SCTA logo on his clothing to promote a local tourism campaign highlighting traffic safety.

“The aim of this journey was to perform Haj for the soul of my late mother, and get out into nature to see our country and environment,” said Bin Jarallah.

He said he also wanted to place emphasis on the SCTA's efforts to develop domestic tourism in the country. “I reached Makkah and prayed in the Grand Mosque. Then I traveled to Jeddah wearing the logo of the SCTA to celebrate Saudi National Day. I wanted to express how much I love my country and to encourage domestic tourism,” he said.