Oman proud of Empty Quarter team's achievement: H E Jabri

2/1/2016 4:10:56 AM

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat-

After 49 days of travelling on foot and camel the team of Omani explorers - Mohammed al Zadjali and Amur al Wahaibi and British explorer Mark Evans has returned home after crossing the Empty Quarter.

The expedition re-traced the path of the first-ever recorded crossing in 1930 by British explorer Bertram Thomas and Omani Sheikh Saleh bin Kalut.

Welcoming the team members at the Diplomatic Club on Sunday H E Ali bin Khalfan al Jabri Undersecretary in the Ministry of Information said 'We congratulate them for this historic achievement which has showcased to the world the strong determination of the Omani people.

'This expedition reminds us of the achievements of earlier explorers who undertook these challenges in difficult and more dangerous circumstances like Bertram Thomas and Sheikh Saleh bin Kalut. We thank everyone who contributed to the success of this exciting adventure which attracted the attention of so many people around the world.'

Zadjali an expedition team member and Outward Bound Oman (OBO) instructor said 'This has been the most difficult thing - mentally and physically - I have ever done in my life. In 49 days I have lost more than 10kg. I will miss the good times we had together as a team regardless of the hardships we experienced.

This expedition brought us back to the simple Bedouin life. Most importantly we hope it inspires Omani youths to achieve their goals and make the most of opportunities and develop themselves through OBO so generously supported by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.'

Evans general manager OBO and expedition leader paid tribute to his companions and highlighted the interest in Oman and the expedition shown by the global media thanks to extensive coverage by the BBC Al Jazeera International and leading newspapers such as The Times and The Guardian. 'The BBC World Service radio programme alone has a following of 50mn people globally. So we were happy to use this opportunity to showcase the rich cultural history of Oman and also the grit and determination of Omani people as shown by my companions Mohammed and Amur' said Evans.

Wahaibi the third team member said 'We are grateful to the Almighty for our safe arrival in Oman. We are very proud of this accomplishment despite the blisters and having to walk 30km every day for 49 days. I will tell stories of the journey to my children to inspire them and pass them on for the coming generations.'

Evans thanked the expedition support team of John Smith and Sim Davis who not only drove two 4WDs while following the team but took high quality images throughout the journey. A documentary film and a book will be produced about the expedition and a series of lectures will take place in Oman UK and US later in the year.

The expedition that started on December 10 2015 from Salalah covered 1300km passing through the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia before ending in Doha Qatar on January 27.

The journey blessed by His Majesty the Sultan was organised as part of the 45th National Day celebrations.

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