KABEER YOUSUF
MUSCAT: The British Omani Society hosted the launch of the book titled 'A Journey to Arabia Felix', chronicling a 30-day expedition of Mark Evans across the Sultanate of Oman, under the auspices of Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, on Wednesday at the Diplomatic Club. The book documents Evans’ thirty-day expedition across the Sultanate of Oman.
The journey began in London on the final day of the World Travel Markets Conference, where Oman hosted a Pavilion showcasing the country’s outstanding tourism offerings to UK audiences, including its unique environmental sites. Evans’ journey started at Ras Al Hadd and retraced the historic route of Bertram Thomas, the first Westerner to cross the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter).
"Travelling by foot and camel, Evans’ expedition was not only a tribute to Oman’s rich natural and cultural heritage but also a vivid exploration of its transformation into a nation at the forefront of sustainable innovation. The book has captured encounters with carbon capture facilities, conservation programmes and visionary young Omanis leading the country’s environmental renaissance," said Azzan al Busaidy.
Speaking at the event, Mark Evans reflected on the significance of the journey and the importance of storytelling in fostering intercultural understanding. Evans, who was awarded the MBE in 2011 for his work promoting dialogue between Arab and Western youth, was also honoured with the Medal of Honour by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in 2023 for his services to the country.
"The British Omani Society was immensely proud to support Mark Evans’ expedition following in the footsteps of Bertrand Thomas. In doing so, Mark has showcased the amazing natural environment of Oman, the immense hospitality and generosity of Omani people, and the enduring multi-generational links between Oman and Britain. Those who read the book and hear of the expedition will not be able to resist the temptation to go and explore all that Oman has to offer,” said Richard Stanford, Society Chair.
“We are immensely grateful to the Royal Patrons, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Foreign Ministry, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, for their support of this project. Thank you too to Arabian Publishing for bringing this important work to print," representatives of the British Omani Society said.
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