Projects such as The Jewel of Arabia have the capacity to deliver lasting change. Whilst key aims include raising awareness of the value of and challenges facing Oman’s rich natural heritage and putting the spotlight on the people helping shape a sustainable future in Oman, there are three specific longer-term outcomes we are focused on enabling.
Biodiversity & Sustainability Centre
Image copyright: Environment Society of Oman, Darryl MacDonald
Oman’s first centre for Biodiversity and Sustainability
Thanks to the generous support of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Al Said, and The Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Oman currently has three purpose-built international standard centres for outdoor learning used by Outward Bound Oman; one in the Sharqiya Sands, one high on Jebel Akhdar and one in Muscat.
As it was for Bertram Thomas in 1928, journey’s end for The Jewel of Arabia Expedition will be Salalah in Dhofar. The hope is that Oman’s fourth centre for outdoor learning will be constructed here, high on Jebel Samhan, and that a key element of that centre will be a facility dedicated to showcasing Oman’s rich biodiversity and plans for a sustainable future, using resources, materials and stories generated by The Jewel of Arabia Expedition. Target; completion in 2026/27.
Sustainability Education
Oman’s first youth development course focused on Biodiversity and Sustainability
In addition to using the stories, footage and images gathered on the journey to create educational interpretation boards and displays at Oman’s first centre for Biodiversity and Sustainability, on their return to Muscat Dhikra and Ibrahim will design resources and teaching materials to train the trainers and support Oman’s first youth development course that will focus on Biodiversity and Sustainability. To date, Outward Bound Oman has worked with more than 27,000 young people; with many more to come, the new course will provide a real opportunity to help shape a new generation of planetary caretakers.
Increased Inclusivity
More inclusive access to the outdoors for young people in Oman
Thanks to the generous support of His Royal Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Oman will take delivery of its first all-terrain electric wheelchairs in late 2024, so enabling people with disability in Oman to engage in active lifestyles in the outdoors.
The units (called BOMAs) are built by Equal Adventure in Scotland, a company that specialises in the design and manufacture of high-quality outdoor equipment. The units will appear on the Jewel of Arabia Expedition and will be donated to the youth development organisation Outward Bound Oman for use on their outdoor courses to unlock the potential of young people in Oman. Target: to arrive in Oman in late 2024.
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