Oman expedition breaks down cultural barriers

Muscat: After two expeditions in Oman's Wahiba Sands the DHL Connecting Cultures expedition has moved to Oman's green mountains in the north-west for its third trip.

The five-day journey entered its fourth day yesterday with 18 young male participants from the UK, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Oman, Germany, Jordan, France, Qatar, Netherlands and the UAE exchanging views on religious matters as well as freedom of speech.

Intercultural dialogue

"The purpose of the journey through the mountain villages of Oman is to engage in intercultural dialogue in an effort to breakdown misconceptions, promote understanding and identify shared aspirations for the future," Mark Evans, the expedition coordinator, told Gulf News.

He said the discussions mainly focused on issues connected to culture.

"Participants will also try to convey how their particular culture is misunderstood by the other cultures," added Evans, who teaches geography at the British School in Muscat.

Radical behaviour

These young people also expressed their feelings about the causes of radical behaviour towards their own cultures in different societies and what needs to be done to counter such behaviour.

"We formed two groups with an imaginary cultural background, which was different from the other group, to see how we interact with each other, and how misunderstandings may occur," said Qatari Mohammad Al Delaimi.

He added that he had an amazing day, sharing knowledge and different experiences.

I found out that people from all over the globe had similar opinions as me which as a result has boosted my opinion of the world in a very positive manner," said Ahmad, an Iraqi participant.