MUSCAT: “We found it very difficult to decline the warm hospitality of the people during our Jewel of Arabia expedition, which began in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali in Al Sharqiyah South, passed through Al Sharqiyah North and Al Wusta, and concluded in Dhofar,” says Mark Evans, the expedition leader.
At every stop, the team was met with traditional Omani hospitality, as locals not only welcomed them with open arms but also offered guidance and even accompanied them for parts of their journey.
The expedition comprised six participants namely Dhikra al Maawali, Oman’s first National Geographic-certified explorer and a trainer at the National Training Centre (Oman Challenge); Nigel Haring, an expert in trip risk management and helicopter rescue; Swiss photographer Anna Maria, an internationally recognised professional; Ibrahim al Hasani, a trainer at the National Training Centre (Oman Challenge); and Albi from the Badir Foundation. Their collective expertise helped navigate the challenging terrain and ensure the expedition stayed on course.
Beyond exploration, the team saw their journey as a powerful means to deepen understanding of Oman’s biodiversity and its vital role in sustainable development.
Speaking to Observer, Mark Evans shared insights into the journey, which spanned 30 days, bringing them into contact with both ordinary citizens and local leaders.
“Last week, we travelled from Nimr, witnessing breathtaking landscapes, including the pristine beaches of Ras Sharbita. Our inland route took us through the Lost City of Ubar, Hashman and Wadi Dawkah. Each place held incredible stories and we hope to inspire young people to be more environmentally conscious in line with His Majesty’s Oman Vision 2040 and the Net-Zero Carbon goal for 2050,” he said.
In Thamrait, the team met with the Wali and Deputy Wali before retracing the footsteps of British explorer Sir Richard Burton through the wadi to Jabal Khara, where they engaged with the Dhofari community of Jibjat.
The expedition’s impact has reached far beyond Oman, with their Instagram page Jewel of Arabia garnering over 80,000 interactions.
“Our goal is not just to showcase Oman’s breathtaking beauty to the world, but more importantly, to inspire young people to think sustainably,” Mark Evans emphasised.
Despite being captivated by the generosity of the people from Wadi Jaalan Bani Bu Ali to Thamrait and Dhofar, the team faced a unique challenge — having to decline some invitations to ensure they could document and share their experiences.
“The biggest challenge was saying no to the overwhelming hospitality because we had so many stories to capture, film and share,” Evans added.
The Oman — Jewel of Arabia expedition serves as a remarkable initiative to highlight the Sultanate of Oman’s exceptional tourism appeal, geographical and geological diversity, and rich cultural and heritage sites across the governorates it traversed.
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