Outward Bound Oman and Mission Spiritus celebrates the success of a 21 Day Scientific Research Expedition

Muscat: Under the auspices of His Excellency Sheikh Mahmoud bin Rashid bin Hilal Al Saadi, Wali of Al Qabil, Outward Bound Oman and “Mission Spiritus” celebrated the successful completion of a 21 day scientific research expedition, crossing more than 1,000 km from Salalah, across the Empty Quarter Desert, to the final destination at Outward Bound Oman’s Desert Training Centre in the Sharqiyah Sands.

“Mission Spiritus” is an extraordinary research expedition led by British Explorer Alan Chambers and Columbia University. It represents a critical milestone in advancing environmental research and raising global awareness about the impact of micro and nano plastics in remote environments. 

This global initiative is conducted over a four-year period and focuses on collecting samples from extreme environments, including icy landscapes and dry deserts. Its goal is to study key environmental issues, such as the presence of nano and micro plastics and their effects of climate change on coastlines. Following their groundbreaking work in Antarctica, the “Mission Spiritus” team chose the Empty Quarter Desert in Oman as their second destination for research.

This ambitious mission was conducted in Oman in collaboration with Outward Bound Oman and Sultan Qaboos University, showcasing the Sultanate's commitment to supporting global research efforts and environmental preservation.

Outward Bound Oman is a pioneering educational non-profit organization that was launched in May 2009 and was further established in 2014 by Ministerial Decree. It provides transformative programmes that foster personal growth, resilience, and leadership skills through unique training courses in the Sultanate of Oman’s stunning natural landscapes. As the first Outward Bound center in the Arabian region, Outward Bound Oman proudly contributed to empowering more than 28 K participants including youth, professionals, and communities to excel in their personal and professional lives, aligning with Oman’s 2040 vision for a sustainable future.