A surgeon’s leap into Oman’s wilds

As a retired surgeon, Dr Khaled Abdul Malak never imagined he would one day trade his scalpel for a harness and rope, but life often has a way of surprises.

For Dr Khaled that surprise unfolded in Oman the country he moved to from his native Lebanon in 1996.

What began as a new chapter of belonging eventually became a journey of discovery that shaped his life in the most unexpected ways.

In the early years, Dr Khaled was far from an adventurer. In fact, he was crippled by a fear of heights that kept him from fully embracing the rugged landscapes around him.

That all changed in 2000, when he met Patrick and Nathalie Cabiro, a French climbing couple whose encouragement helped him confront and gradually overcome his phobia.

By the time they left Oman in 2004, his fear had transformed into passion. With their guidance, he not only conquered fears but also fell in love with the thrill of exploration.

Over the years, Dr Khaled has explored and opened more than 30 canyons across Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and Al Jabal Al Abyad, often accompanied by family and close friends.

These adventures have tested his courage, deepened his love for nature and brought him closer to the people he shared them with.

Among these feats, one stands out most vividly: abseiling 385 metres down Jabal Shams, Oman’s highest peak. It was a moment of sheer exhilaration, one so unforgettable that his Omani friend Abou Hmeid fondly named it the ‘Shaikh Al Majaneen drop’ — a tribute to the daring spirit that had replaced the man once paralysed by fear.

Photography, another lifelong passion, became the natural companion to his adventures.

In 2010, he began contributing regularly to the Oman Observer, documenting the hidden gems he encountered.

Since then, Dr Khaled has written over 200 articles, each an attempt to capture and share the beauty of Oman’s landscapes. His work reached international audiences through collaborations with global TV channels such as National Geographic, BBC and Discovery, further fuelling his mission to spotlight Oman’s natural heritage.

This journey also led him to author two books — 'In Search of the Sublime: A Journey Through Oman' and 'Canyoning in Oman: 12 Exceptional Wadis' — which stand as records of his explorations and his dedication to telling Oman’s story to the world.

After hanging up his surgical gloves, Dr Khaled ventured into tourism, establishing his own company to create customised tours across Oman. These journeys are not just about showcasing spectacular canyons, mountains and wadis, but about weaving in the human perspective — reminding travellers that nature is best experienced when shared.

Looking back, Dr Khaled remains deeply grateful for the 25 years Oman has given him.

From facing fears to uncovering hidden wonders, his journey in Oman has been more than an adventure; it has been a testament to resilience, discovery and the enduring power of the human spirit.