A key aim of The Jewel of Arabia is to put the spotlight on Oman’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage, and the increasing number of talented people in Oman helping shape a sustainable future.
Inspiring Omani's
Listen to a series of in-depth podcast conversations with talented Omani visionaries, innovators and field scientists.
Omani food - a fusion of cultures
On an extended journey in a remote location food becomes an increasingly important part of each day; for Bertram Thomas in 1928 this included fish-eyes, dates, dried shark, flour and locusts. In this podcast we learn from Omani food expert Dina Macki about the key influences on Oman cuisine today, how that might change as we head southward along the coast of Oman, and, if given the chance, what Omani dish Dina would serve up for our VIP expeditions Patrons!
Oman: a global green energy hub?
For decades, like many countries in the region the Oman economy has been heavily dependent on income from oil and gas. With a target of achieving net zero by 2050, the transition to a renewable and sustainable future is underway; Oman has set itself the challenge of becoming a global green energy hub, and a regional and world leader in the production of green hydrogen, a journey overseen by inspirational individuals such as Dr Firas Al Abduwani.
44:01; Omani innovation in action!
In 2022, Talal Hasan, founder and carbon general of 44:01 was a proud winner of a coveted Earthshot Prize award. Founded by Jewel of Arabia co-patron Prince William, the award scours the world for game changing innovations that will help us repair our planet. Listen to Talal’s story of how an idea born in Oman took shape and grew into a reality that earned global recognition … another story of innovation from the Sultanate.
More precious than gold or oil? The story and future of Frankincense
Dr Laila Al Harthy is a senior botanist at Oman’s Botanical Gardens, and is the authority on Frankincense, a tree that grows in the mountains of Dhofar in southern Oman. Once upon a time the sap of the Frankincense tree was much sought after; camel trains and dhows would carry the hardened sap to the markets of Damascus, Alexandria and Istanbul. Today is it much sought after by tourists, and a key ingredient of Oman’s luxury Amouage perfume … but what about the future?
From Madagascar to Muscat - the amazing Sooty Falcon
One of the most incredible stories of bird migration is that of the Sooty Falcon. Wintering on the island of Madagascar, each spring the falcons make the long journey up the east coast of Africa, then head east along the southern coast of Arabia, settling to breed each summer on the rocky islands off the coast of Oman. Here they’ll probably meet Waheed Al Fazari, an Omani biodiversity researcher who make it his mission to monitor this incredible bird.
What weighs 75kg, is like a mountain goat, but with large horns and a big beard?
Taimur Al Said, wildlife biologist in Oman’s Environment Authority just loves what he does. Armed with a Master’s degree from Durham University, Taimur is Oman’s expert on the endangered Nubian Ibex and likes nothing more than getting down and dusty in the desert, putting out camera traps and radio collars that enable him to monitor the behaviour of this incredible animal from a distance.
Something unique is found in the coastal waters of Oman
Oman is unique in so many ways. Several decades of research have shown that there is something very different about Oman’s humpback whales, in that they do not migrate from cool to warm waters each year, but instead remain in the Arabian sea where the monsoon moves the cooler waters to them for several months each year. Oman’s coastline was once home to great numbers of whales; records show that in the 1960’s Soviet Whalers killed at least 242 animals, but what is their status today? Executive Director of The Environment Society of Oman, and a recent recipient of National Geographic’s Wayfinder Award, Suaad Al Harthy tells us the story ….
An Inspirational Oasis of Ideas
Image copyright: Environment Society of Oman, Arjun S Unnithan
What are the benefits of spending time outdoors for our mental health? How do you best capture landscapes and people in words? Is there still a place for exploration in today’s modern world? What is biodiversity, and why does it matter? What medical things do you need to think about when going on a desert expedition? How do you effectively communicate and tell stories through images, and why is southern Oman so special in terms of archaeology? The answer to all of these questions, and more, can be found in the video clips below, produced by people operating at the cutting edge of their professions ….
The power and impact of adventure on our mental health
Listen to explorer, author and campaigner Belinda Kirk talk about why time outdoors is so beneficial to our health and wellbeing. Find out more, and order a copy of Belinda’s latest book The Adventure Revolution at https://www.belindakirk.com/
Why exploration and field science still matter
British explorer, author and climate scientist Felicity Aston MBE kindly produced this video for us within days of returning from yet another Arctic expedition where she was leading a team of field scientists gathering ice samples to help our understanding of climate change. Find out more at https://www.felicityaston.co.uk/
The value and importance of Biodiversity
Dr James Borrell is a biodiversity scientist, researcher and a superb communicator; he believes that young people today are the first generation with the knowledge, tools and capacity to leave the world in a better place than they found it. Find out more at http://www.jamesborrell.com/
How to capture place with the written word; top tips!
Adventurer, author and keynote speaker Alastair Humphreys and award-winning writer, broadcaster and film maker Leon McCarron are two of the UK’s leading explorers and writers. You can find out more about Al’s latest book, Local, at https://alastairhumphreys.com/ and about Leon’s latest publication The Wounded Tigris at https://www.leonmccarron.com/
Telling stories through images-desert expedition photography
Outdoor photographer and mountain leader Ana Maria Pavalache’s mission is to immerse herself in nature and foster a genuine and vital understanding of our place in the world through visual storytelling. She is also the expedition photographer on Jewel of Arabia. Find out more about Ana at https://www.anamariapavalache.com/
Desert Expedition Medicine
Without proper preparations, risk management and planning, extended journeys in remote and extreme environments can quickly take their toll on the health of explorers and field scientists. Here we listen to the thoughts and advice of Dr. Lucy Obolensky, Founder of Endeavour Medical https://www.endeavourmedical.co.uk/ on how to remain fit and healthy in the desert.
The amazing archaeology of southern Arabia
It’s pretty clear to see why Dr. Jeffrey Rose was awarded National Geographic Explorer status; he is a passionate archaeologist who has dedicated most of his career to search for ancient humans’ migration out of Africa and Arabia, and like many of us, he just loves being in Oman. Find out more about Jeff at https://education.nationalgeographic.org
Sustainable travel
Jonny Bealby, founder of Wild Frontiers – winners of the Guardian/Observer ‘Best Ethical Tour Operator’ Award, shares his values about sustainable travel benefitting the environment and the communities of their travel destinations, as well as their clients. Hear about the work of their charitable foundation, which channel funds directly into sustainable community initiatives in Oman.
Inspired to Explore?
In 1932 HRH King George V approved the awarding of The Royal Geographical Society Founders Medal to Bertram Thomas in recognition of his great desert journeys. As a charity, professional body and learned society the RGS is the home of exploration, and with more than 16,000 members it reaches millions of people each year through its work to advance geography and support geographers. Find out more, including how you can join, at www.rgs.org
Expedition Planning Podcasts
Commissioned by the society, the podcast series Explore; how to plan an expedition focuses on how to plan an expedition or field research project. Each of the 14 episodes feature stimulating conversations with experienced voices who have recently returned from the field. Have a listen to the podcast on desert exploration….. and then settle down to enjoy the rest!
Are you seeking funding for a desert expedition?
Founded with the support of the late Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said Al Said as a memorial to Wilfred Thesiger, the Thesiger-Oman International Fellowships offer two awards annually of £8,000 to advance geographical knowledge of arid or semi-arid environments. Find out how to apply here.
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