Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center hosts British explorer Mark Evans

The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center (SQCC), in Washington D.C., hosted an insightful event that highlighted its commitment to fostering dialogue and exchange. The evening featured the renowned British explorer, author, and educator Mark Evans, MBE, who captivated a distinguished audience with a presentation on his latest “Jewel of Arabia Expedition”.

The event attracted an impressive and influential audience of over 100 attendees, underscoring SQCC's importance as a dynamic hub for diplomacy, academia, and cultural exchange in the D.C. area. Among the guests were ambassadors, diplomats, professors, students, and representatives from major D.C. institutions, including several prominent policy think tanks.

Drawing upon his quarter-century of experience living and working in the Sultanate of Oman, Mr. Evans presented a deeply engaging and visual account of his journey. The “Jewel of Arabia Expedition” meticulously retraced the legendary 1928 route of British explorer Bertram Thomas, traversing Oman’s stunning terrain from Ras al Hadd to Salalah on foot, by camel, and by 4×4 vehicle. This rigorous 30-day journey connected Oman’s principal biodiversity hotspots and served as a powerful celebration of the nation’s rich natural and environmental heritage.

The core message of the lecture was the expedition’s focus on youth engagement and environmental education. Mr Evans highlighted the crucial role young Omanis played as field storytellers, documentarians, and logistics coordinators. They joined the expedition to gather vital data, record their profound experiences, and share Oman’s remarkable story with the global community through social media platforms.

Mr Evans highlighted how projects such as Jewel of Arabia are essential in empowering the Sultanate’s youth to take ownership of their country’s environmental future, fostering a view of exploration as a potent tool for learning, stewardship and national connection

A particularly significant moment of cultural exchange occurred when Mr Evans presented a signed copy of his book,“Crossing the Empty Quarter: In the Footsteps of Bertram Thomas” which features a foreword by His Majesty King Charles III. The book was gifted to Talal Sulaiman Habib Alrahbi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the United States of America and was formally received on his behalf by Dr Majid Al-Khalili, Executive Director of SQCC. This presentation symbolised the enduring and meaningful ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom.

The successful evening concluded with a lively Question and Answer session, where the diverse audience engaged with Mr Evans on topics ranging from desert logistics and the value of field data collection to the power of storytelling in inspiring cross-cultural understanding. Many guests commented on how compellingly Jewel of Arabia blended science, history, and cultural appreciation into a single cohesive narrative.

The “Jewel of Arabia Expedition” event marked a resounding success, powerfully reinforcing SQCC's critical role as an influential centre in the US capital. The gathering effectively convened the diplomatic and cultural communities to celebrate Oman’s unique landscapes, cherished traditions, and inspiring spirit of exploration. Through his vivid storytelling and genuine passion, Mark Evans offered a profound perspective on Oman’s connection to its natural heritage and the vital legacy its young people are poised to champion.

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.