The British Omani Society was honoured to host a distinguished evening celebrating the launch of A Journey to Arabia Felix, a compelling new publication documenting Mark Evans’s thirty-day expedition across the Sultanate of Oman. This remarkable journey, undertaken in January 2025, was held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince William and His Royal Highness Prince Theyazin of Oman.
We were honoured to welcome His Excellency Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, who attended as Guest of Honour. The event welcomed distinguished guests from the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in London, including H.E. Ambassador. Badr Mohammed Badr Almantheri, the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Kingdom.
His Excellency Azzan Al Busaidi congratulated Mark Evans, “The book, 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. And whether that experience is a thrilling adventure like that of Mark and his team, a luxurious retreat, a journey through time in our historic villages or an immersion in our vibrant culture - I know that it will be a life-affirming experience, a memory that stays in the heart, a gift for life.”
Mark Evans, MBE, a renowned British explorer, author, and wilderness advocate, delivered an engaging address reflecting on his journey. His expedition commenced at Ras Al Hadd and followed in the historic footsteps of Bertram Thomas, the first Westerner to cross the Empty Quarter. However, Evans’s journey was not merely a historical homage; it was a vivid exploration of Oman’s transformation into a nation at the forefront of sustainable innovation.
He commented “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 numerous, incredible stories we were able to spotlight on our journey. My thanks to my wonderful expedition team mates who helped make it all happen, especially award-winning photographer Ana Maria Pavalache, whose beautiful images grace the book.”
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.
Richard Stanford, Society Chair, said “The British Omani Society was immensely proud to support Mark Evans’ expedition following in the footsteps of Bertram 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.”
The British Omani Society extends its sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Foreign Ministry of Oman, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and Kensington Palace for their invaluable support of this project. Appreciation is also due to Arabian Publishing for bringing this important work to print.
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