MUSCAT : The British Omani Society hosted the launch of A Journey to Arabia Felix, a new book by British explorer and author Mark Evans, chronicling his 30-day expedition across the Sultanate of Oman earlier this year.
The journey, undertaken in January 2025 under the patronage of Prince William and His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, retraced the historic route of British explorer Bertram Thomas, the first Westerner to cross the Empty Quarter desert.
The book launch was held in Muscat and attended by H.E. Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary at Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, underscoring the enduring cultural, commercial and diplomatic ties between the United Kingdom and the Sultanate of Oman.
Evans’ expedition began at Ras Al Hadd and was completed by foot and camel across varied terrain. Beyond retracing a historic desert crossing of the Empty Quarter, the journey explored Oman’s natural landscapes and its transformation into a nation advancing sustainability initiatives.
The book documents visits to carbon capture facilities, conservation programmes and meetings with young Omanis engaged in environmental innovation, presenting a portrait of a country balancing tradition with forward-looking development.
Speaking at the event, Evans said the expedition sought to foster intercultural understanding through shared stories and lived experience.
Evans was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2011 for promoting dialogue between Arab and Western youth. In 2023, he was awarded the Medal of Honour by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in recognition of his services to Oman.
Richard Stanford, Chair of the British Omani Society, said the expedition highlighted Oman’s landscapes, hospitality and longstanding links with Britain.
The Society expressed gratitude to its royal patrons and to Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for supporting the project. Arabian Publishing produced the book.
The British Omani Society works to promote youth engagement, cultural exchange, business collaboration and environmental initiatives between Oman and the United Kingdom.
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