It was an evening steeped in exploration, heritage, and inspiration as we joined esteemed guests at the British Society, Oman, in London, to celebrate the launch of A Journey to Arabia Felix — the latest book by renowned explorer Mark Evans MBE.
Hosted in the Society’s elegant surroundings, the event brought together diplomats, adventurers, and storytellers to honour Evans’ extraordinary thirty-day expedition across the Sultanate of Oman, a journey completed on foot and by camel in January 2025.
When Mark Evans and his team set out from Ras Al Hadd, their mission was far more than a test of endurance or a nod to history. They were retracing the path first taken by legendary explorer Bertram Thomas, who in 1930 became the first European to cross the Empty Quarter. Yet Evans’ journey was not just about following in Thomas’s footsteps, it was about bridging past and present, exploring how Oman has evolved from the Arabia Felix of legend into a modern leader in sustainability and innovation.
Throughout the journey, Evans documented his experiences in daily podcasts and field updates, offering followers around the world a rare glimpse into Oman’s breathtaking landscapes, from remote wadis to shimmering coastal plains. But what truly stood out were the encounters along the way: meetings with visionary young Omanis, innovators driving the nation’s green revolution, and scientists pioneering projects in carbon capture and conservation.
In A Journey to Arabia Felix, Evans weaves these narratives together with his trademark depth and humility, creating a portrait of a country confidently embracing its heritage while shaping a sustainable future. It’s both a travelogue and a testament to Oman’s spirit of renewal, a story as much about people and progress as it is about the journey itself.
The launch evening featured an insightful talk by Mark Evans MBE, who shared stories from the desert, reflections on Bertram Thomas’s legacy, and personal insights into Oman’s transformation. Guests were honoured by the presence of H.E. Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, who attended as Guest of Honour, underscoring the event’s cultural and diplomatic significance.
As conversations flowed and copies of A Journey to Arabia Felix were signed, one message resonated clearly: Oman’s story — of endurance, innovation, and balance between tradition and progress — continues to inspire.
Through his words and wanderings, Mark Evans MBE invites readers to see Arabia not as a distant past, but as a guiding light for a sustainable future.
Natasha Syed is the dynamic Editor-in-Chief of British Muslim Magazine, the UK’s premium Travel & Lifestyle publication catering to Muslim audiences. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for celebrating diverse cultures, she leads the magazine in curating inspiring content that bridges heritage, modern luxury, and faith-driven experiences.
Under her leadership, British Muslim Magazine continues to set the standard for authentic, and engaging trusted narratives, making it the go-to source for Muslim traveler's and lifestyle enthusiasts across the UK and beyond.
