London – The British Omani Society hosted a special event in London to mark the launch of A Journey to Arabia Felix, a book by British explorer and author Mark Evans. The work documents his 30-day expedition across Oman, undertaken in January 2025 under the joint patronage of Prince William of Wales and H H […]
London – The British Omani Society hosted a special event in London to mark the launch of A Journey to Arabia Felix, a book by British explorer and author Mark Evans. The work documents his 30-day expedition across Oman, undertaken in January 2025 under the joint patronage of Prince William of Wales and H H Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth.
Held on the final day of the World Travel Market Conference on November 6, the launch highlighted Oman’s cultural depth and its growing global profile as a sustainable tourism destination.
H E Azzan al Busaidi, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, attended as Guest of Honour, accompanied by H E Badr Mohammed Badr al Mantheri, Ambassador of Oman to the United Kingdom.
Congratulating Evans, H E Busaidi said, “A Journey to Arabia Felix is a true tribute to Oman, the warmth of its people and its extraordinary natural diversity. Its stories remind us that Oman is not only a place to visit but a place to experience – a memory that stays in the heart, a gift for life.”
Evans’ expedition began at Ras al Hadd and retraced the route once taken by Bertram Thomas, the first Westerner to cross the Empty Quarter. Travelling by foot and camel, the journey served as both a homage to Oman’s history and a reflection of its transformation into a nation embracing innovation and sustainability. The book captures encounters with conservation projects, carbon capture initiatives and young Omanis driving environmental change.
Speaking at the launch, Evans said, “An Omani friend once told me that the stories in Oman start where the road ends. The fact that for 30 days we were often nowhere near a road partly explains the incredible stories we were able to tell.” He also praised his expedition team and photographer Ana Maria Pavalache, whose images feature in the book.
Richard Stanford, Chair of the British Omani Society, said, “By following in Bertram Thomas’ footsteps, Mark has showcased Oman’s natural environment, hospitality and the enduring links between Oman and Britain. Those who read this book will be inspired to explore Oman for themselves.”
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