MUSCAT – The British Omani Society hosted an event to mark the launch of ‘A Journey to Arabia Felix’, a compelling new book by British explorer and author Mark Evans, MBE, under the auspices of Azzan Al Busaidi, undersecretary of the ministry of heritage and tourism at the Diplomatic Club, recently.
The book chronicles Evans’ thirty-day expedition across the Sultanate of Oman, undertaken in January 2025 under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, deputy prime minister of economic affairs. The event’s journey started in London on the final day of the World Travel Markets Conference, where Oman again hosted a pavilion showcasing the country’s outstanding tourism offering to the UK audiences, including its unique environmental sites.
Bridging worlds
When Evans’ journey began from Ras Al Hadd and retraced the historic route of Bertram Thomas, the first Westerner to cross the Empty Quarter, he wasn’t merely following the latter’s historic steps – he was bridging worlds.
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 captures encounters with carbon capture facilities, conservation programmes, and visionary young Omanis leading the country’s environmental renaissance,” Azzan Al Busaidi said.
Importance of storytelling
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 in 2023 for his services to Oman.
“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 multigenerational 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.
The British Omani Society extends its “sincere gratitude to the Royal Patrons, the ministry of heritage and tourism, Oman’s 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,” a press note said.
“Thanks are due to the Diplomatic Club for hosting the evening and to Europcar, Bondoni and the British Business Forum for sponsoring the event,” the note added.
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