‘Jewel of Arabia’ expedition sets sail across Oman

Muscat : The journey, which began at Al Suwaih Beach in Jalan Bani Bu Ali, will travel across the North Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta Governorates before reaching the Dhofar Governorate in the south. The expedition is made up of a diverse group of participants, including a number of Omani youth and British explorers with a deep interest in Oman’s heritage.

This ambitious journey aims to reinforce the historical ties between Oman and the United Kingdom, while shining a spotlight on the Sultanate’s rich cultural, natural, and tourist heritage. The trip also seeks to enhance global awareness of the importance of environmental sustainability.

The participants will experience both traditional and modern methods of travel, using camels and walking for portions of the journey, alongside four-wheel-drive vehicles for other segments. This diverse approach highlights the historical methods of exploration alongside contemporary transportation.
A key component of the journey is to raise awareness of Oman’s unique position as a top tourist destination, where cultural and natural heritage blend seamlessly. The trip also emphasizes Oman’s commitment to supporting environmental sustainability, alongside nurturing the exploration and conservation skills of its youth.
Throughout the expedition, the team will document their experiences, culminating in a book and promotional materials that will serve to highlight the journey, while fostering new opportunities for cultural and tourism collaboration between Oman and the world.

This expedition draws inspiration from the historic journey of British explorer Bertram Thomas, who in 1930-1931 became the first European to cross the Rub’ al Khali desert. His journey, which began in Dhofar and ended in Doha, took nearly two months and saw Thomas travel with the guidance of Omani Sheikh Saleh bin Klot. The modern expedition retraces this historic route, using Thomas’s memoirs as a blueprint for their travels.
Notably, Bertram Thomas’s 1927 camel trek across Oman’s southern Indian Ocean border to Dhofar laid the groundwork for his famous journey across the Empty Quarter. His bond with local Arab tribes and his careful preparation became central to his successful expedition, which would go on to inspire further exploration of the region. His subsequent writings, including the influential “Arabia Felix,” painted a vivid picture of Oman’s cultural and environmental landscape, helping to bring the region’s beauty to global attention.
In tribute to his legacy, several initiatives have sought to retrace Thomas’s steps, offering a unique opportunity to explore the Sultanate’s geographical and natural wealth. As “Sultanate of Oman: Jewel of Arabia” makes its way through the region, it will not only honour Thomas’s pioneering spirit but also showcase Oman’s stunning landscape, ancient history, and ongoing commitment to sustainable development.