Nissan backs epic cross-continent road trip of discovery for Dubai adventure photographer

Nissan has thrown its weight behind a Dubai-based photographer and adventurer on an extraordinary and physically demanding three-month road trip from the UAE to Romania.

In the true spirit of Nissan’s mantra, Innovation That Excites, Award-winning lensman Catalin Marin will take his Nissan Patrol Safari with a roof-mounted tent on a 7645km journey, where he plans to travel, camp and capture stunning images of the desert, mountain and forest landscapes. When Nissan heard about the incredible trip, the automaker did not hesitate to help him achieve his dream providing financial support and the necessary technical servicing for his Nissan Patrol Safari to ensure it could handle the arduous feat. 

Nissan Middle East managing director Samir Cherfan says the Japanese auto maker did not hesitate to support the exciting project: “This young photographer is embarking on a grand adventure in a Patrol Safari with his cameras and camping gear. At Nissan we identify with people who do things differently and take on challenges, this is why we were happy to support Marin on his quest. All at Nissan are looking forward to seeing the photos that come from this marvelous adventure.”

Earlier this month, Marin started the epic journey by crossing the Strait of Hormuz by ferry from Sharjah. Then he will be rolling north-west through Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, Greece, Albania, Croatia, Serbia and Romania. The return trip will be via Bulgaria, Turkey and Iran. 

Marin is an award-winning photographer who runs a photography blog, which has received more than one million views since its inception. He has more than 3,000 followers on Instagram, 1,200 followers on Twitter and over 3,000 on Facebook.

He says: “I have been in Dubai 10 years and I wanted to do something special to celebrate. It will be a grand adventure and I’ll record a sensational portfolio of the most diverse photos you can imagine. And if you are going to take on a challenge like this I can’t think of a better vehicle to be in than a Patrol. My heartfelt thanks to Nissan generally for all the help they’re giving me to help bring this dream project to reality.

“The vehicle is going to take some punishment, that’s for sure, but I know it can handle anything the terrain and conditions throw at it.”