• Prince William's future Oman visit
  • Jewel of Arabia Expedition details
  • Historical significance of the expedition

Prince William, aged 42, recently hinted at potential future travel plans during his visit to the Royal Geographic Society in London. Accompanied by His Highness Theyazin bin Haitham, the heir to the Omani throne, William engaged with crew members preparing for the Jewel of Arabia Expedition. This ambitious journey will see a team of six traverse one of the harshest environments on the planet over thirty days. Although William does not intend to join the expedition in January, he expressed his interest in revisiting Oman, stating, "We're in the planning process." His previous visit to the Middle Eastern nation in 2019 left him with warm memories, as he reflected upon seeing images from the society's collection.

Jewel of Arabia expedition details

The Jewel of Arabia Expedition, co-patroned by the two royal heirs, is set to highlight Oman's rich biodiversity and natural heritage. The expedition will explore the southeastern coast of Oman, following the footsteps of British explorer Bertram Thomas. In 1928, Thomas embarked on a 42-day journey, during which he made significant scientific observations and discovered new specimens. The expedition aims to showcase the beauty of Oman while also drawing attention to the impacts of climate change. Participants will traverse the Rub Al Khali, known as the "Empty Quarter," which is the largest sand desert in the world and one of the most inhospitable regions on Earth.

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Historical significance of the expedition

The expedition retraces the historic route taken by Bertram Thomas, emphasizing the enduring friendship between the UK and Oman. William remarked, "This expedition will not only highlight Oman's rich biodiversity and natural heritage, but also symbolises the enduring friendship between our two countries." The recent visit to the UK by His Majesty the Sultan of Oman further underscores this relationship. The expedition's journey will provide participants with an opportunity to witness the stunning Omani coastline while confronting the environmental challenges posed by climate change.