London: On Monday, the city of London marked the commencement of the "Oman: Jewel of Arabia" expedition project.
The event took place under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, and His Royal Highness Prince William, Prince of Wales.
This project is dedicated to honoring the pioneering journey of British explorer Bertram Thomas in 1928, who became the first European to traverse the Rub’ Al Khali desert, also known as The Empty Quarter, along ancient Omani trade routes. Its primary objectives are to showcase the cultural and natural heritage of the Sultanate of Oman and to elevate global consciousness regarding the significance of environmental sustainability issues.
Furthermore, the project aims to elevate the Sultanate of Oman's reputation as a premier global destination that merges cultural and natural heritage with a commitment to environmental sustainability.
The expedition will be meticulously documented through the publication of a book and the creation of promotional materials, which will highlight the journey's experiences and pave the way for increased tourism and cultural collaboration between the Sultanate of Oman and the international community.
The journey, set to commence in January 2025, will follow a historic route from Ras Al Hadd in the Wilayat of Sur, South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, along the coastline to the city of Salalah in the Dhofar Governorate.
This trip will incorporate traditional modes of transportation such as camels and walking, alongside modern transportation methods like four-wheel drive vehicles. Spanning 30 days, this journey will foster a unique cultural exchange between Omani youth and British travel enthusiasts.
The launch ceremony featured a promotional film detailing the expedition's journey and its objectives, alongside the unveiling of the project's website, which will maintain continuous media coverage throughout the expedition's duration.
Additionally, an exhibition showcasing historical artifacts from the expedition's inaugural voyage in 1928 was organized as a part of the event, providing attendees with insights into Oman's rich cultural heritage.
"Oman: Jewel of Arabia" transcends the realm of an exploratory journey; it symbolizes a connection between the past and the future, embodying the spirit of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom.
