DHL partners with Connecting Cultures on Desert Crossing Expedition

The expedition will see a team of approximately 16 young men selected from Oman, KSA, Jordan and the UK as well as Fiji and Pakistan attempt a journey across 100km of the Al Sharqiya desert in north-eastern Oman, using camels for support. 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.

Phil Couchman, Regional Director for DHL Middle East said: "We welcome the opportunity to be the title partner for this incredible educational initiative, to promote intercultural dialogue and understanding between different nationalities."

Support of the eight-day expedition 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 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."

As part of its partnership, DHL is paying for all logistical support of the expedition as well as the living expenses and airfare for all the participants. In addition, the initiative has gained extra momentum with involvment of local and international organisations including UNESCO/Ministry of Education, Higher Council for Youth in Jordan, General Presidency of Youth Welfare in KSA and Ministry of Education in Oman.

"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," Couchman added.