Oman

Launched in May 2009, Outward Bound Oman aims to unlock the human potential of young people in Oman, developing the key life skills sought by employers, increasing environmental awareness and instilling an appreciation of community service. Outward Bound Oman is the first Outward Bound school in an Arabic speaking country. The size of the UK, but with a population of only 4 million people, Oman is the perfect place for an Outward Bound school; much of the country is true wilderness, ideal for exploration and experiential learning. Outward Bound Oman does not operate out of a centre, but runs mobile, journey based courses, using camels, mules or 4x4 vehicles for support. In the cooler winter months we are able to run courses in the Sharqiya Sands, and also in the largest sand desert on earth, the Rub Al Khali, made famous by the desert explorer Wilfred Thesiger. As things get hotter, courses shift to the Hajjar Mountains in the north of Oman, which, reaching up to 9,000 feet above sea level provide a cooler alternative. In the hottest months of all we are able to run courses in the frankincense woodlands of Dhofar in the south of the country. Here, for three months each summer the monsoon arrives, resulting in cloudy skies and lower temperatures. In our first year of operation, which will begin after Ramadan in September 2009, we will be running courses for young people from government and international schools, in addition to courses for apprentices and the corporate sector. Partnering with the UNESCO endorsed Connecting Cultures initiative, Outward Bound Oman will run a series of courses focusing on the promotion of intercultural dialogue and understanding. It is anticipated that a limited number of open enrolment courses will begin in late 2010, details of which will be announced on the website.