Muscat—As part of the Sultanate’s 45th National Day celebrations, the ‘Crossing the Empty Quarter Expedition' was officially unveiled in Muscat on the 1 November 2015. Marking the 85th anniversary of the historic first ever Empty Quarter crossing in 1930, the journey will be completed solely on foot and by camel train. It aims to inspire young Omanis to overcome the challenges of the 21st century and achieve their goals through team work and perseverance.

The expedition team will embark on a two month journey, departing from Salalah in Oman on December 10th and walking across the desert through the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Doha in Qatar. They aim to reach Doha at the end of January 2016, a journey of 1,300 kilometres. The team includes two Omanis - Mohammed Al Zadjali and Amour Al Wahaibi - and British explorer Mark Evans MBE. Mark is the General Manager of Outward Bound Oman, an educational charity for young people of which Dentons is a founding member.

This will be only the second time recorded in history that an attempt is being made to cross the Rub al Khali, the biggest sand desert in the world.

Mark Evans, head of the Crossing the Empty Quarter expedition team, said: “We are proud to be undertaking this historic and challenging expedition, and look forward to starting the journey in a little over one month's time. One of our key objectives is to encourage and inspire young people, and instil the idea that success in life can only be achieved by sustained hard work, willingness and team spirit.”

Andrew Figgins, Partner at Dentons and Outward Bound Oman Committee Member, commented "As founding members of Outward Bound Oman, Dentons wish the 'Crossing the Empty Quarter Expedition' every success. This is an inspiring and courageous challenge, reinforcing to young people what can be achieved through perseverance."

www.crossingtheemptyquarter.com

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