MUSCAT: On 18 November 2020, Omani national and Outward Bound Oman Business Development Manager Anisa Al Raissi, along with British companion Dr. Natalie Taylor will embark on a 1,200km trek the length of Oman. The trek is in celebration of the 50^thOmani National Dayand serves to commemorate the Sultanate’s anniversary of the Renaissance. The journey will also serve to pay homage to the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, in the first National Day since his passing, and recognise His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. 

Throughout the trek, Anisa and Natalie will encounter multiple terrain, as they walk, climb and kayak across Oman, whilst sharing a message of strength, resilience and perseverance, following the world’s extensive fight against COVID-19, using the motto of ‘YallaGo’ to uplift both Omani and British people.They plan to draw on parallels of the unpredictable ups and downs of the global pandemic with the varying terrain of Oman, using the rugged, yet stunning, landscapes as a visual representation of the battle against the invisible enemy. 

To celebrate the launch of the ‘YallaGo’ mission, Anisa Al Raissi and Natalie Taylor will be encouraged in their endeavour under the patronage of His Highness Theyazin bin Haitham bin Tarik, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth. 

“The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people and our ability to embrace one another’s uniqueness through all of life’s obstacles. As Official Patron I am proud and delighted to support Yalla Go as their mission is in line with building resilient, curious and enterprising youth who are calculated risk takers as well as ambassadors for the next generation of Oman. It is these bold endeavours that help promote a confident and connected culture that further forges our vision of 2040. Always take pride in how far you have come, and always have faith in how far you can go. Yalla Go Anisa Al Raissi and Natalie Taylor!”, words of encouragement from His Highness Theyazin bin Haitham bin Tarik Al Said.

Anisa and Natalie aim to inspire people to step outside of their comfort zones, embrace an outdoor lifestyle, seek new adventures and reconnect with the visceral world around them. Through teamwork and shared motivation, ‘YallaGo’will stimulate, strengthen, and solidify the relationship between the two nations. After months of staying indoors due to COVID-19 the expedition mission is to reassure and encourage the youth in Oman and the UK to get active and take advantage of all opportunities in a safe manner.

Anisa Al Raisi commented: To me success is not what you accomplish in your lifetime, it is what you inspire others to do in theirs. Yalla Go is a concerted effort to celebrate life’s diversity and in doing so shine the spotlight on preserving our differences whilst facing incredible mental and physical challenges.  I hope we can use the journey as an opportunity to inspire and encourage young Omanis to take the opportunity to challenge themselves provided by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos through joining an Outward Bound Oman course-17,000 people have already done so, learning about their own strengths and areas for development, and enhancing their employability in an increasingly competitive landscape….and what better representation of a dynamic environment than the great outdoors! 

“The outdoors is where we are all made brutally aware of our insignificance. Taking the path less travelled, unsullied by humans, enables us to have a very intense, personal relationship with our surroundings. We set out in this life not knowing exactly where we’ll end up. So stay resilient, understand that life is full of changes. Take the path less travelled and I promise you that wherever you go, it will not be boring. Yalla Go,” she said. 

Dr Natalie Taylor said:“I am incredibly excited to be in Oman and start this once in a lifetime adventure. We will be pushed both mentally and physically as we embrace the challenging, vast, and varied yet stunning Omani terrain. What lies ahead of us is somewhat unknown, not dissimilar from the situation the world faces at the moment as it navigates COVID-19. As a result, we will be forced to adopt different coping techniques, ones we wish to pass onto the young people, especially given the current circumstances they face”.

Starting their journey on Quain Island in the North of Oman, Anisa and Natalie will head south, ending their journey in Mirbat in early-January. Not only will they be navigating the various terrain which encompass Oman, they’ll also be complying with COVID-19 restrictions, working against the clock during the day to adhere to the regulatory safety measures. 

The ‘YallaGo’team is also encouraging schools to get involved and follow the journey, using the constant updates and a means to motivate students to stay active and always persevere and push themselves to succeed. The journey’s progress will be updated at www.yallago2020.com, as well as on the YallaGo2020 social media pages, and also serve to showcase the sultanate’s natural beauty.