British Omani Society launches 'A Journey to Arabia Felix' in London

LONDON: The British Omani Society hosted the launch of 'A Journey to Arabia Felix', a new book by British explorer Mark Evans, MBE, chronicling his 30-day expedition across Oman earlier this year.
Held on the closing day of the World Travel Market Conference, the event attracted diplomats, authors and travel professionals.
Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, attended as a guest of honour, joined by Ambassador Badr bin Mohammed al Mantheri, reflecting the strong and enduring ties between Oman and the United Kingdom.
In his address, Azzan praised the book as “a tribute to Oman, its people, and its natural diversity', noting that Oman is “not only a place to visit but a place to experience.” He added that the narrative captures the soul of Oman — its adventurous spirit, cultural richness and harmony with nature.

Evans’ expedition, which began at Ras Al Hadd, retraced the historic route of Bertram Thomas, the first Westerner to cross the Empty Quarter. Travelling by foot and camel, Evans and his team highlighted the nation’s evolving identity — one that bridges ancient heritage with sustainability and innovation. Encounters along the route included conservation projects, carbon capture initiatives and young Omanis leading environmental efforts.
Reflecting on the experience, Evans remarked: “The stories in Oman start where the road ends. For 30 days, we were often nowhere near a road — which explains the incredible stories we discovered.” His book, accompanied by striking images by photographer Ana Maria Pavalache, brings those moments vividly to life.
Richard Stanford, Chair of the Society, commended Evans for portraying Oman’s beauty and hospitality, saying the expedition reinforces the “enduring friendship” and “shared spirit of discovery” between Oman and Britain. The event also acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Foreign Ministry, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, as well as Arabian Publishing, which brought the book to print.
The evening concluded with informal discussions among guests, celebrating the success of the expedition and the growing collaboration between Oman and the UK in culture, youth exchange and sustainable tourism.