Jewel of Arabia

The Jewel of Arabia Expedition, from 6 January to 3 February 2025, is following the route taken by the British Explorer Bertram Thomas in 1928 from Ras Al Hadd, the most easterly point of the Arab world, along the coast and ending in Salalah, the second largest city in Oman. From ancient turtle nesting grounds to internationally recognised migration pitstops for thousands of wading birds, from Earthshot prize winning carbon capture innovation to the world's only non-migratory population of humpbacked whales, from frankincense groves to a future of green hydrogen and amazing raptor restaurants, Oman is awash with stories waiting to be told. 

Updates from the Expedition Team

Click here to track the expedition. 

Week 1 summary

Starting in the early morning on the coast of Oman at 22°N, 57°E, overlooking the Indian Ocean, the team began their journey westward. Along the way, they navigated a variety of challenging terrains, including areas of quicksand (where, if camels were to walk on it, they would struggle for grip), thick vegetation, rocky outcrops, and vast stretches of sand. They also encountered a diverse array of wildlife including: Turns, Flamingos, Sand Grouse, Arabian Red Foxes, Swallows and Locusts.  

The team needed to ask for permission from the Wāli (Governor) to cross the Sharqiya Sands — a desert roughly the size of Wales. Along their journey, they visited young people at the Outward Bound Centre, where a specially-adapted wheelchair was used (designed by Equal Adventure for use in the desert). Later, they travelled to the 1000 Nights Camp, where they met students to discuss the importance of geography in the modern world. 

Week 2 summary

After 5 days in the desert, the team emerged on the coastline near Al Juwairiya to a wonderous greeting of traditional Omani dancing, music and poetry. They also saw outcrops of aeolianite (dune limestone) – thought to be one of the largest continuous deposits in the world - along the beach.  

They said goodbye to the camels and crossed over to the magical Masirah Island – in local customs, home of spirits. This Island is also very special for Oman’s turtle population where thousands come ashore to lay their eggs.  

From Masirah Island and onto Barr al Ḩikmān – it’s tidal flats creating an internationally recognised important wetland site for migratory birds - they took a boat trip through the mangrove forests of Mahoot Island. This week has truly been one of contrasting habitats, wildlife and culture.  

Week 3 summary

The team reached the halfway point in the expedition and stopped for a well-earned ‘rest day’ to explore the amazing features and biodiversity of the Omani coastline. They also walked a route of a wādī, tracing a line of vegetation that thrives on the high water table. 

They had the opportunity to meet members of another expedition - Mission Spiritus and engage in a discussion with expedition leader Alan Chambers. He shared insights into their work on the impact of plastics on the global ecosystem, highlighting the critical nature of their data collection efforts.

The week ended with a focus on the future by visiting the Arabian Oryx sanctuary where the nearly extinct species was reintroduced to Oman. They also went to the Nimr Reed Beds, which help purify water used in oil extraction and also act as a wetland haven for migrating birds.  

 

The Royal Geographical Society has created an ArcGIS StoryMap that shows the route along with accompanying information, so students and teachers can engage with the journey. This resource will be regularly updated with photographs and other media as the team make their way along the route. You can ask the Expedition Team questions using Slido below. We cannot guarantee that every question will be submitted and receive an answer, but you will see updates as they appear.