Oman expedition to see young challengers embody DHL pioneering spirit of embracing new frontiers

Muscat, November 01, 2006: DHL, the region’s leading express and logistics provider, today announced its title support of the 2007 Connecting Cultures Desert Crossing Expedition in Oman.

The expedition will see a team of approximately 16 young people from six nations and three continents attempt a journey across 100km of the Al Sharqiya desert in north-eastern Oman, using camels for support.

Mark Benton, DHL Oman Country Manager said: “As the leading express and logistics provider for both Oman and the region, we welcome the opportunity to be the title partner for this incredible educational initiative to further promote intercultural dialogue and understanding.”

Support of the expedition, that takes place in February 2007, follows DHL’s successful involvement as partner of the 2005 Connecting Cultures Arctic expedition, which brought together 10 boys - six from Saudi Arabia and four from Britain, to spend two weeks on the remote Arctic island of Svalbard, some 500 miles from the North Pole on a challenging wilderness venture.

Mark Evans, founder of Connecting Cultures, and teacher at British School Muscat, commented: “Connecting Cultures has proven to be an important building block towards creating understanding among different backgrounds, especially at a time when respect, consideration and understanding are increasingly needed. These boys will embark on an adventure that for most will be a once-in-a lifetime experience.”

Participating in this amazing expedition will be a team of young men aged 17 to 19 selected from Oman, KSA, Jordan and the UK as well as Fiji and Pakistan. Each of these participants will experience a unique challenge through which they will develop an appreciation of the key life skills of leadership, teamwork, communication and trust.

“One of our core values at DHL is to accept social responsibilities. Partnering in this amazing adventure has given us another opportunity to play an important role in supporting the local communities in which we operate. This expedition embodies the DHL spirit of embracing new frontiers with drive and enthusiasm,” Benton added.

Nawras and Oxy are additional partners for the Desert Crossing Expedition. Tore Solberg, Nawras Marketing Director said: “We are delighted to support the efforts and encourage the endeavours of the participants in the Desert Crossing Expedition. This association produces a fascinating contrast between Nawras at the cutting edge of communication technology, compared to the often-stark simplicity of the desert.”

DHL’s support of the Connecting Cultures initiative aims to enhance cultural awareness, and promote mutual and environmental understanding between the young people of the Middle East, Great Britain and other nations, while creating positive young role models for society.