(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) After the 80-day challenge from Salalah to Muscat in 2012 and the 28-day expedition ‘From sea to summit' (Ras al Hadd to Jebel Shams summit) in 2013, Outward Bound Oman (OBO) is embarking on a 21-day expedition beginning January 3 through Rub al Khali.
Set up with a mission to help people discover and develop their potential to care for themselves, others and the world around them through challenging experiences in unfamiliar settings, OBO teaches life skills that cannot be learnt in a classroom, or from a book.
The Rub al Khali journey, designed to celebrate the 43rd National Day, will see Omani youths from HSBC Bank, Oman Methanol, Shinas College and Vale divided into three teams of six individuals, with each group covering one leg of the journey over seven days.
Speaking to Muscat Daily, Sultan al Jabri, operations manager, OBO, said that the planned route from Wadi Mugshin to Fahoud through the Empty Quarter is about 490km long. ''The toughest part is walking 15-20km daily through sand dunes.
The sand is very fine, making the walk more arduous. And carrying heavy equipment and essentials on one's back will add to the grind,'' he said.
But overcoming these challenges is part of the journey, added Jabri.
''The task is designed to make people appreciate the finer things in life and to understand that nothing is difficult if one puts mind and will to it.''
Cut off from the world, with no luxuries and personal belongings like a phone, the participants will have to dig deep into their reserves and work together as a team.
''Every thing is rationed, from food to water, and participants learn to work within the restraints. Simple things like a shower will not be available to them for a week, with each one learning to cook and clean their utensils and belongings with as little water as possible,'' he said
As safety is of foremost concern for OBO, prior risk assessment drives have already been carried out.
''All the hospitals as well as ROP have been informed of the journey. We have also spoken to a few oil and gas companies in the vicinity on getting their help in case we need it. But our intention is to keep away from any human interference as much as possible. For emergencies, we have satellite phones to get help,'' Jabri said.
OBO has worked with nearly 4,000 youths since its launch in May 2009, and plans to open two more training centres in the country.
''By April 2014 we aim to offer abseiling and rock climbing as part of our course, adding to our outdoor activities,'' added
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.