Oman with its verdant scenery and vibrant array of wildlife, a different kind of expedition took shape — one that combined daring exploration with vital medical knowledge. Picture a team of adventurers venturing into the lush wilderness of Dhofar Governorate during the peak of Khareef Dhofar Season. The thick undergrowth, the shimmering green leaves of trees and the chorus of animals awakening to the bounty of the season create an ideal backdrop for a pioneering initiative in wilderness medicine.
This is not merely about thrill-seeking; it is about fostering a deeper understanding of outdoor safety, resilience and responsibly managed adventure. This emerging movement is more than a passing trend; it reflects a global shift towards safer, more sustainable outdoor pursuits. Wilderness medicine, a specialised field dedicated to providing healthcare in remote environments, has gained significant international traction in recent years.
As outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing and camping become more popular worldwide, the demand for trained professionals capable of managing emergencies far from conventional medical facilities has surged. Courses and certifications in wilderness medicine are now offered across key regions — Australia’s rugged Darwin region, renowned for its remote wilderness training, leads the way with courses such as Wilderness Advanced Life Support (WALS) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR). Similarly, in North America, the University of Utah’s Wilderness Medicine Programme has set the standard for comprehensive, research-driven training. These programmes focus on practical skills, decision-making under pressure and improvisation — all essential in challenging environments where quick medical responses can mean the difference between life and death.
Now, Oman is poised to join this growing global movement. With its stunning, varied landscapes — from mountainous terrains and stark deserts to unspoiled coastlines — the Sultanate of Oman offers a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
This is where Change Your Routine (CYR), a distinguished adventure outfit, is stepping in. Known for pioneering responsible adventure experiences, CYR has recently partnered with Kuwait Wilderness Medicine (KWM), a trailblazing organisation launched in Kuwait in 2022 to foster outdoor safety and emergency readiness.
Led by Dr Nawaf Dehrab, KWM, quickly earned recognition for its advanced courses, which blend outdoor survival skills with medical response training. Their flagship initiative, the Responder Adventures Wilderness Course (AWC), combines practical medical skills with the spirit of adventure — training participants to handle emergencies confidently and fostering a culture of safety and resilience.
As Chief Adventure Officer Haitham al Hasani reflects on the importance of hands-on training in wilderness settings, he states, “There were different activities in this several day training event. The second day was a special day of training on rope ties, how to do a rope ambulance and the experience of going down the ropes to reach the injured and then training to evacuate the injured to a safety location and deal with him in difficult conditions".
He added, "The last day before the theoretical exam and it was filled with practical training and applications. We learned how to start a fire in natural settings, first aid techniques for the injured, how to make a stretcher and immediate response handling for emergencies".
He said, "The programme also included rappelling, proper first aid for injured persons and safe extraction through trails. We extend our sincere gratitude and support to everyone who contributed to the success of this course, with all love and dedication”.
Their partnership aims to introduce this innovative curriculum into Oman, creating a new standard for wilderness preparedness. Managed under the expert guidance of Ziad Ahmad, KWM’s Director of Planning, the course offered an immersive experience designed to prepare explorers for real-world emergencies in remote environments. In their Dhofar trip, participants learned how to manage trauma, treat environmental injuries, perform evacuations and improvise medical solutions in situations where waiting for professional help could take hours or even days.
By doing so, they hope to foster a future generation of outdoor enthusiasts and rescue teams who are as responsible as they are adventurous. The partnership between Change Your Routine and Kuwait Wilderness Medicine signals a broader cultural shift. It champions a responsible approach to adventure — one where exploration is paired with preparedness, education and respect for the environment.
Despite Oman’s growing reputation as an adventure destination, the country has not yet fully embraced the need for specialised wilderness medical training on a regional scale. This gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Through this programme, Oman stands on the cusp of embracing significant momentum in wilderness medicine. The partnership between Change Your Routine and Kuwait Wilderness Medicine exemplifies a progressive step towards informed exploration — turning adventure into a vehicle for learning and safety.
As this trend gains traction, it heralds a new era of outdoor pursuits in Oman: one where curiosity is met with preparation and awe-inspiring landscapes are explored with confidence and care.
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