On an extended journey in a remote location food becomes an increasingly important part of each day; for Bertram Thomas in 1928 this included fish-eyes, dates, dried shark, flour and locusts. In this podcast we learn from Omani food expert Dina Macki about the key influences on Oman cuisine today, how that might change as we head southward along the coast of Oman, and, if given the chance, what Omani dish Dina would serve up for our VIP expeditions Patrons!

Expedition website: The Jewel of Arabia Expedition

The Jewel of Arabia Expedition podcast is produced by Adventurous Audio

One of the most incredible stories of bird migration is that of the Sooty Falcon. Wintering on the island of Madagascar, each spring the falcons make the long journey up the east coast of Africa, then head east along the southern coast of Arabia, settling to breed each summer on the rocky islands off the coast of Oman. Here they’ll probably meet Waheed Al Fazari, an Omani biodiversity researcher who make it his mission to monitor this incredible bird.

Expedition website: The Jewel of Arabia Expedition

The Jewel of Arabia Expedition podcast is produced by Adventurous Audio

Dr Laila Al Harthy is a senior botanist at Oman’s Botanical Gardens, and is the authority on Frankincense, a tree that grows in the mountains of Dhofar in southern Oman. Once upon a time the sap of the Frankincense tree was much sought after; camel trains and dhows would carry the hardened sap to the markets of Damascus, Alexandria and Istanbul. Today is it much sought after by tourists, and a key ingredient of Oman’s luxury Amouage perfume … but what about the future?

Expedition website: The Jewel of Arabia Expedition

The Jewel of Arabia Expedition podcast is produced by Adventurous Audio