JEDDAH: British explorer Rosie Stancer and her team are preparing this week to trek across Saudi Arabia from south to north.
The expedition will follow the ancient incense-trading route, about 2,000 km, over three months.
“This expedition aims to further explore the impacts of climate change and how local communities are adapting to these changes. And learn from the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 of building a sustainable future on the foundations of its magnificent heritage,” Stancer told Arab News.
Beginning in Najran — a historic trading crossroads in the far southwest —they will traverse The Empty Quarter and the Nafud deserts, and the Sarawat mountain range.
They will pass through significant cultural centers and heritage sites punctuating the Kingdom’s western flank, including Hima, Bisha, Madinah, Khaybar, AlUla and Tabuk.
The expedition will continue through the under-construction megacity of Neom before reaching ending on the Gulf of Aqaba’s coast.
Stancer said the journey was part of what they call their “Desert Trilogy.”
“Part one of the trilogy and the first expedition (August 2021) was crossing one of the world’s youngest deserts, the Aral Kum (in Central Asia). Part two of the Desert Trilogy was in 2023 crossing the Sinai Peninsula with the Bedouin,” she explained.
“Here we are in Saudi Arabia to kick off our third part. We will follow the ancient incense route through Saudi Arabia.”
The team includes Pom Oliver, Rosie Cecil, Arabella Dorman, Andrea Tennant, Lee Watts and Princess Abeer Al-Saud.
They will be accompanied by camels bearing equipment and supplies, as well as a 2025 Ford Expedition supported by Jeddah’s Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors.
“We’re doing it by foot with camels, because that’s the way the ancient traders did it. And we want to reflect on that ancient tradition,” said Stancer.
She added: “Princess Abeer Al-Saud will be the representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but she will join us whenever she can.
“So many other people coming in as participatory women and we’re also going to invite other Saudi women from the points we are going through to join our journey.”
She hopes to raise awareness for the work of the Turquoise Mountain Trust, which supports local artisans and their crafts.
Stancer said the objectives of the expedition are to highlight cultural heritage, explore women’s evolving roles, and connect Saudi Arabia and the UK further in terms of trade and partnerships.
They are “celebrating” Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and restoration projects that support Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030’s pillars of economic, social, and cultural sustainability.
Stancer is now visiting for the third time. “Saudi Arabia really fascinates me because it celebrates and brings life to its cultural heritage, traditions and customs.
“At the same time, it’s looking ahead to this sustainable future and it’s happening fast.”
Stancer will also be conducting research on the psychological and physical impact of immersion in remote environments for prolonged periods.
