Oman and the UK will launch the Jewel of Arabia Expedition in London, focusing on cultural exchange, exploration, and sustainability. The journey starts on January 6, 2025, retracing Bertram Thomas’s historical route across Rub al Khali. The initiative seeks to empower youth in heritage preservation and environmental awareness.
Oman will inaugurate the Jewel of Arabia Expedition on Monday in London, celebrating its collaboration with the UK. The launch, under the patronage of H H Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said and Prince William, emphasises the strong historical connections between the two nations.
Commencing on January 6, 2025, the 30-day expedition will start at Ras al Hadd and travel towards Salalah, involving Omani youth and UK representatives focusing on exploration, cultural exchange, and environmental awareness. This initiative revitalises the historic 1928 journey of Bertram Thomas, the first European to traverse Rub al Khali via ancient Omani trade routes.
Accompanying the launch will be an exhibition showcasing archaeological artefacts collected during Thomas’s expedition, providing insights into the region’s rich heritage. Organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, together with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and Oman’s Embassy in the UK, the expedition aims to develop skills in exploration and heritage preservation while promoting sustainability.
The Jewel of Arabia Expedition serves to strengthen Oman’s cultural ties with the UK, revisiting a significant historical journey undertaken by Bertram Thomas. This collaboration focuses on youth involvement, encouraging exploration, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship. The initiative marks an effort to promote heritage preservation in conjunction with practical learning experiences for participants while ensuring sustainable practices are at the forefront.
The Jewel of Arabia Expedition exemplifies a strong partnership between Oman and the UK, celebrating shared history and cultural ties. It provides a platform for youth engagement in heritage and environmental conservation while spotlighting the significance of Bertram Thomas’s explorations. This initiative is poised to enrich participants’ understanding of their cultural roots while fostering international collaboration.
Original Source: www.muscatdaily.com