![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FU6PT7KOBZBRHKUIPKSWR6ARDM.jpg?smart=true&auth=06fe47946810a30c6b8731270510548ad6f3adf14368d60b25ea5bfe8f85f5fa&width=400&height=225)
The Heart of Arabia expedition team made it to the Red Sea in Jeddah by their January 30 deadline
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LAXEDBKWU5EHXHKI5MIJB6OGQE.jpg?smart=true&auth=4a157880c4c181bffee1a69970b30a40a6704e21aedc115011c0be69682850a5&width=400&height=225)
Mark Evans and Reem Philby walk in the deserts of western Arabia. All photos unless otherwise stated: Ana-Maria Pavalache / Heart of Arabia expedition
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Z4PHMB4CDNFMXJNGUYY3XOE5WA.jpg?smart=true&auth=03dbb07a8c852af9f31586533b1fbd287540fd9f21629fd49e5d0a329b010168&width=400&height=225)
The expedition covered a total of 1,300km from coast to coast
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BLPYDULOWRC43H4O3LHN7V6UIM.jpg?smart=true&auth=7abf9b926ad42706c91f8b3f873b8e243c5993d269dd3bcb2daece31b229e051&width=400&height=225)
Western Arabia is made up of varied landscapes, ranging from pure sand dunes to rocky mountains
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TLGZYN3ZBNDANPNWPRF7YMVNI4.jpg?smart=true&auth=1c58233afd78d883463341b5fafc852f1fe83321e330e9bb3d9d1235421a3860&width=400&height=225)
Trees are rare in Arabia and provide sanctuary and shade from the sun
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/EHFGU5THBJF3HC6JGCWPVERM6Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=13cea8cff17303cc610ecdd82764771c3e45f28aaf26583dad8f24e248e90dd3&width=400&height=225)
Logistics lead Alan Morrissey and expedition head Mark Evans in the desert
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XT7PEZKVSJEOTJGVQIHGXMZYSE.jpg?smart=true&auth=4233749ba337bb1c1173925c122b0db3fa1153b0ed4cfb266de182f5c3577b8a&width=400&height=225)
Uruq Sabai is the last major sand bar before reaching the beginning of the Hejazi mountains in the west
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VVLJJP3KGZF6FGIH2WFNCWPCTU.jpg?smart=true&auth=c696e26a75a9f545662b94e48398b68766771687e81ac6728e6d12843f3ced9a&width=400&height=225)
It is the largest area of sand dunes in Saudi Arabia after the Empty Quarter
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PYV3SSGXJ5GX5BB4SH6NGPZPNU.jpg?smart=true&auth=585fa9ac0123a9eb6dd38e6681b9bcebdf2e148dfb65ad65d66b905c09ff4087&width=400&height=225)
The team discovered various artefacts including a haul of stone axe heads
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GYQP366X35BM3M2IWZRP45BBVY.jpg?smart=true&auth=262310bac1ea482693b11ef9c4d981f7c1866a3b5c84359a5451025fec66c721&width=400&height=225)
They camped each night during their four-week expedition
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AJJH5JROBFCCTGNSNQIET6HLGE.jpg?smart=true&auth=fb33db7f812455f36ba5727bb215f98e747f9bb8f6e995974aba9cc6f97a796d&width=400&height=225)
Reem Philby and Mark Evans set out on another day's trekking
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DJ625C6TBJA67E3YQQUJKIUFPU.jpg?smart=true&auth=6f919a42c8813c779ef3eb4880f324beb303050b0786f65aa30482be8084f70c&width=400&height=225)
The team made the journey by foot and camel but had vehicles in support
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DDDUUK3Z5BDVBFYQBM3TXQHYVE.jpg?smart=true&auth=d6f90dd2411c6d43f1aef49bec1a0c1e424b0627ea97b9bb6b120100995c7f48&width=400&height=225)
The cars were provided by Ford and were loaded with all the necessary equipment
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PMUOH7F3WZEOLFEZKJ6EGS6DRU.jpg?smart=true&auth=5b8e9be6ea873f5af5da108a9218aea122c4435a2b56ddf52a646852956cd9c2&width=400&height=225)
Saudi explorer Reem Philby also works for Kaust, who attended the expedition's arrival
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GVTTQLKNONHMXI5CPMOGRI55B4.jpg?smart=true&auth=08d8dca3023fd82a0f4ab497e4bf32002d47b77f741100c95664b407eef5080a&width=400&height=225)
Reem Philby and Mark Evans walked for hours each day, traversing rocks and dunes
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4SZRS33MUJDA5CMYY3TRZJ5FT4.jpg?smart=true&auth=873a1ce98adc94a3c48c063683a583653e822e96d78d736daf135ce1b4264a44&width=400&height=225)
The black rocks of western Arabia
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/67ZT4WUXEVGALGOD4JJG4UL2AU.jpg?smart=true&auth=9372cfd2e38e590458f8482dd776447998194545565fb5abf88fb7466be35ed2&width=400&height=225)
Reem Philby crosses the dark rock of the Harrat lava field
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/N5MFLO6XJJFQXK2YKK37YSEXFM.jpg?smart=true&auth=c09f2235fbdeebf9943487484d23b5a9bdd70b04392524eee23d9d791013f320&width=400&height=225)
The Heart of Arabia expedition also worked with local schools, including the Jeddah Prep and Grammar School, whose pupils are pictured here
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ULOZLV5A4NCWDEYCDHYED2SOSY.jpg?smart=true&auth=c7389597edb4400d402d309d8bb1819ddf1a359e7bb1e85cbc06b36ddf18892e&width=400&height=225)
Mark Evans and Reem Philby with a copy of Harry St John Philby's 1922 The Heart of Arabia, which the expedition used to guide them through the desert
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/U3ZRH45ALJEHVLQXCW3EYXTC6E.jpg?smart=true&auth=68518df7fc37b50aa998c6998384fc7b84c7680385acfb9ba3f740bdc4c57713&width=400&height=225)
Unlike Philby, who was eating just rice and dates by the end of his trip, the team had access to supplies
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TJS55WZMM5E4ZMFS6RACES4C6M.jpg?smart=true&auth=c8fbb4dc6c321faad377420e2a17267c31350b057ca5747d0f018b1f6c560de0&width=400&height=225)
Mark Evans shows a photograph taken by Philby and published in his book The Heart of Arabia. Mr Evans was standing in the same spot, in the valley of lemons, which Philby said was one of the most beautiful places on his trip
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6G45MDZWMBB5ZCCKH34YPNGFOQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=04d3a9ebfccad2c8f2dd26dd9709b3f49395b2047751e03bc847e9b96a879a43&width=400&height=225)
The Shubra Palace sat amid orchards when Philby visited in 1917. Now it is within the city, which the team reached on Thursday
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4NH2BS3N4JGENBB5T54Z2JBB3E.jpg?smart=true&auth=2352f9324e7883e3cecadafc8ed4cd2594b5be7514f612731d8bb012e6a38134&width=400&height=225)
The team were greeted by officials from the Ministry of Culture outside the Shubra Palace
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/M6HEYTTBHFHDFBMNKFOJ5LN4TY.jpg?smart=true&auth=48074cff5218dbef49bb8e6b43dafb625fe82504f12dab138790261fcad4a883&width=400&height=225)
'I marvelled to see a building so exquisite ... and my companions, most of whom had never been out of the desert, stood amazed at such magnificence,' Philby wrote in the Heart of Arabia.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/YE2OLMPXQNFXFEZ7KA4WXSMNKI.jpg?smart=true&auth=cdb7dfc114b7f44acf5d5000f207f9811922d5ff3a84180d3e7573cd2f35faab&width=400&height=225)
Mark Evans records a podcast with pupils and teachers from the Jeddah Prep and Grammar School
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TP3UPXSJKFBDHI52KHMGOKBXVE.jpg?smart=true&auth=5a0c740865f6d224a83323b080a54cde85e591d48ff9c8455479ecb91fd20d26&width=400&height=225)
Pupils and teachers from Jeddah Prep and Grammar with the Heart of Arabia expedition team and The Explorers Club flag
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KUXX3VQOXFAYXCNVHQNVGF2JKM.jpg?smart=true&auth=794daf1763a098d3c1dd03560abff1884a1aee1b5d0792d982addaef14eb7615&width=400&height=225)
Mark Evans shows photos from Philby's trip to pupils from Jeddah Prep and Grammar
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4U5ZFXBU3BGPTC6W2NEZMA6MU4.jpg?smart=true&auth=fd7945bd960e144e467803c1f8f593d671f4e4e34f1634d4b4ba4fd6c7ac52cf&width=400&height=225)
The team arrive in Jeddah's old town along with members of the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CTRRJ7YXPZGTZOYYM5MJEIF2PM.jpg?smart=true&auth=03463691efadd4c34cca144c971787ca977a774c53ff8fa3bcda77836ec1509a&width=400&height=225)
Mazin Hamad Alhimali, Director-General of Foreign Affairs Branch in Makkah Region, greets Reem Philby on arrival in Jeddah's old town
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XA5KWSSJHVCZJGNQKU233SSTG4.jpg?smart=true&auth=f9a19488fa43cce869077a74dc5bd7e682833ffcffb23bd8faf92079ae59318b&width=400&height=225)
Alan Morrissey and Reem Philby with officials from the Saudi Ministry of Culture who greeted them in front of the historic Nassif House building in Jeddah
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/D2S5EFEEM5FMBBC5ARGIHBLF64.jpg?smart=true&auth=20ea20595a25214f6b30e49a7e131925c4110e8461be80d74895438e26567be8&width=400&height=225)
Reem Philby and Mark Evans sit with Sami Nawar as he gives a tour of the historic Nassif House building, where Ibn Saud was based for several years in old Jeddah
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GMMP66LNXZHFJDG7NP3XLPES7E.jpg?smart=true&auth=8503dc6580659a14b6f69c714525bb79a663d268abbaed7a941115e46f8e9bfc&width=400&height=225)
The team at the top of Nassif House. The building was one of the tallest and grandest in Jeddah when Philby arrived in 1917
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/T2JFHVZHGFHJXGLNEBAQU3Y6HA.jpg?smart=true&auth=a7d558b7325d1e7ab0371d29ceb9a46ea47adf41d1f7e67fca1ca0e85d24fe85&width=400&height=225)
Sami Nawar from the Saudi Ministry of Culture gives a tour of historic Jeddah to Reem Philby. Mr Nawar grew up in the area and is an expert on the redevelopment of the old city
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/H6TTZGS4C5CEPGHNKF3OZ6NLA4.jpg?smart=true&auth=0d232d12e7f975f0d0484741bda5f7aae6b17ddebd20f94b8daa5b29f84329e6&width=400&height=225)
One of Jeddah's historic buildings
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4HI4FHI46JCIZD74LPR5MBUGSM.jpg?smart=true&auth=4e0be018e26ebe8b637fc08b5d60fe26ec376bd231e98a70ed9b989a35afb269&width=400&height=225)
A photograph from 1917 showing British explorer Harry St John Philby (centre, back row) with his Arab entourage on arrival to Jeddah in 1917. The Heart of Arabia expedition retraced Philby's foosteps. Twitter: Mark Evans (@UniOfTheDesert)
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GIWQUUWXBFFNDEEG7GFKN2FEHQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=1cbcda64fe0a0093dac346c737a94b60da198b13e27310c233aee322203b25fa&width=400&height=225)
The began their expedition in Uqair, on the shores of the Gulf
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4GGONGUNJZAGJNZ5QJZPJY6UH4.jpeg?smart=true&auth=b250f1cb682c6a3070822da7015b12d23d1d727b4c44ddc3c669367fb4ec55dd&width=400&height=225)
They reached the Maskmak Fort Museum in Riyadh on November 30, bringing the first leg of their trip to an end
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LMCTIVEQ7JERDAV6JWUL62H25M.jpg?smart=true&auth=af7c8e54e11c646b99507a085cd19cfecac61e7d4d603993efadb1fa28a5711e&width=400&height=225)
Reem Philby and Mark Evans on the beach at Jeddah overlooking the Red Sea
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FU6PT7KOBZBRHKUIPKSWR6ARDM.jpg?smart=true&auth=06fe47946810a30c6b8731270510548ad6f3adf14368d60b25ea5bfe8f85f5fa&width=400&height=225)
The Heart of Arabia expedition team made it to the Red Sea in Jeddah by their January 30 deadline
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LAXEDBKWU5EHXHKI5MIJB6OGQE.jpg?smart=true&auth=4a157880c4c181bffee1a69970b30a40a6704e21aedc115011c0be69682850a5&width=400&height=225)
Mark Evans and Reem Philby walk in the deserts of western Arabia. All photos unless otherwise stated: Ana-Maria Pavalache / Heart of Arabia expedition
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Z4PHMB4CDNFMXJNGUYY3XOE5WA.jpg?smart=true&auth=03dbb07a8c852af9f31586533b1fbd287540fd9f21629fd49e5d0a329b010168&width=400&height=225)
The expedition covered a total of 1,300km from coast to coast
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BLPYDULOWRC43H4O3LHN7V6UIM.jpg?smart=true&auth=7abf9b926ad42706c91f8b3f873b8e243c5993d269dd3bcb2daece31b229e051&width=400&height=225)
Western Arabia is made up of varied landscapes, ranging from pure sand dunes to rocky mountains
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TLGZYN3ZBNDANPNWPRF7YMVNI4.jpg?smart=true&auth=1c58233afd78d883463341b5fafc852f1fe83321e330e9bb3d9d1235421a3860&width=400&height=225)
Trees are rare in Arabia and provide sanctuary and shade from the sun
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/EHFGU5THBJF3HC6JGCWPVERM6Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=13cea8cff17303cc610ecdd82764771c3e45f28aaf26583dad8f24e248e90dd3&width=400&height=225)
Logistics lead Alan Morrissey and expedition head Mark Evans in the desert
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XT7PEZKVSJEOTJGVQIHGXMZYSE.jpg?smart=true&auth=4233749ba337bb1c1173925c122b0db3fa1153b0ed4cfb266de182f5c3577b8a&width=400&height=225)
Uruq Sabai is the last major sand bar before reaching the beginning of the Hejazi mountains in the west
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VVLJJP3KGZF6FGIH2WFNCWPCTU.jpg?smart=true&auth=c696e26a75a9f545662b94e48398b68766771687e81ac6728e6d12843f3ced9a&width=400&height=225)
It is the largest area of sand dunes in Saudi Arabia after the Empty Quarter
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PYV3SSGXJ5GX5BB4SH6NGPZPNU.jpg?smart=true&auth=585fa9ac0123a9eb6dd38e6681b9bcebdf2e148dfb65ad65d66b905c09ff4087&width=400&height=225)
The team discovered various artefacts including a haul of stone axe heads
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GYQP366X35BM3M2IWZRP45BBVY.jpg?smart=true&auth=262310bac1ea482693b11ef9c4d981f7c1866a3b5c84359a5451025fec66c721&width=400&height=225)
They camped each night during their four-week expedition
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AJJH5JROBFCCTGNSNQIET6HLGE.jpg?smart=true&auth=fb33db7f812455f36ba5727bb215f98e747f9bb8f6e995974aba9cc6f97a796d&width=400&height=225)
Reem Philby and Mark Evans set out on another day's trekking
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DJ625C6TBJA67E3YQQUJKIUFPU.jpg?smart=true&auth=6f919a42c8813c779ef3eb4880f324beb303050b0786f65aa30482be8084f70c&width=400&height=225)
The team made the journey by foot and camel but had vehicles in support
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DDDUUK3Z5BDVBFYQBM3TXQHYVE.jpg?smart=true&auth=d6f90dd2411c6d43f1aef49bec1a0c1e424b0627ea97b9bb6b120100995c7f48&width=400&height=225)
The cars were provided by Ford and were loaded with all the necessary equipment
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PMUOH7F3WZEOLFEZKJ6EGS6DRU.jpg?smart=true&auth=5b8e9be6ea873f5af5da108a9218aea122c4435a2b56ddf52a646852956cd9c2&width=400&height=225)
Saudi explorer Reem Philby also works for Kaust, who attended the expedition's arrival
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GVTTQLKNONHMXI5CPMOGRI55B4.jpg?smart=true&auth=08d8dca3023fd82a0f4ab497e4bf32002d47b77f741100c95664b407eef5080a&width=400&height=225)
Reem Philby and Mark Evans walked for hours each day, traversing rocks and dunes
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4SZRS33MUJDA5CMYY3TRZJ5FT4.jpg?smart=true&auth=873a1ce98adc94a3c48c063683a583653e822e96d78d736daf135ce1b4264a44&width=400&height=225)
The black rocks of western Arabia
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/67ZT4WUXEVGALGOD4JJG4UL2AU.jpg?smart=true&auth=9372cfd2e38e590458f8482dd776447998194545565fb5abf88fb7466be35ed2&width=400&height=225)
Reem Philby crosses the dark rock of the Harrat lava field
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/N5MFLO6XJJFQXK2YKK37YSEXFM.jpg?smart=true&auth=c09f2235fbdeebf9943487484d23b5a9bdd70b04392524eee23d9d791013f320&width=400&height=225)
The Heart of Arabia expedition also worked with local schools, including the Jeddah Prep and Grammar School, whose pupils are pictured here
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ULOZLV5A4NCWDEYCDHYED2SOSY.jpg?smart=true&auth=c7389597edb4400d402d309d8bb1819ddf1a359e7bb1e85cbc06b36ddf18892e&width=400&height=225)
Mark Evans and Reem Philby with a copy of Harry St John Philby's 1922 The Heart of Arabia, which the expedition used to guide them through the desert
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/U3ZRH45ALJEHVLQXCW3EYXTC6E.jpg?smart=true&auth=68518df7fc37b50aa998c6998384fc7b84c7680385acfb9ba3f740bdc4c57713&width=400&height=225)
Unlike Philby, who was eating just rice and dates by the end of his trip, the team had access to supplies
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TJS55WZMM5E4ZMFS6RACES4C6M.jpg?smart=true&auth=c8fbb4dc6c321faad377420e2a17267c31350b057ca5747d0f018b1f6c560de0&width=400&height=225)
Mark Evans shows a photograph taken by Philby and published in his book The Heart of Arabia. Mr Evans was standing in the same spot, in the valley of lemons, which Philby said was one of the most beautiful places on his trip
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6G45MDZWMBB5ZCCKH34YPNGFOQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=04d3a9ebfccad2c8f2dd26dd9709b3f49395b2047751e03bc847e9b96a879a43&width=400&height=225)
The Shubra Palace sat amid orchards when Philby visited in 1917. Now it is within the city, which the team reached on Thursday
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4NH2BS3N4JGENBB5T54Z2JBB3E.jpg?smart=true&auth=2352f9324e7883e3cecadafc8ed4cd2594b5be7514f612731d8bb012e6a38134&width=400&height=225)
The team were greeted by officials from the Ministry of Culture outside the Shubra Palace
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/M6HEYTTBHFHDFBMNKFOJ5LN4TY.jpg?smart=true&auth=48074cff5218dbef49bb8e6b43dafb625fe82504f12dab138790261fcad4a883&width=400&height=225)
'I marvelled to see a building so exquisite ... and my companions, most of whom had never been out of the desert, stood amazed at such magnificence,' Philby wrote in the Heart of Arabia.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/YE2OLMPXQNFXFEZ7KA4WXSMNKI.jpg?smart=true&auth=cdb7dfc114b7f44acf5d5000f207f9811922d5ff3a84180d3e7573cd2f35faab&width=400&height=225)
Mark Evans records a podcast with pupils and teachers from the Jeddah Prep and Grammar School
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TP3UPXSJKFBDHI52KHMGOKBXVE.jpg?smart=true&auth=5a0c740865f6d224a83323b080a54cde85e591d48ff9c8455479ecb91fd20d26&width=400&height=225)
Pupils and teachers from Jeddah Prep and Grammar with the Heart of Arabia expedition team and The Explorers Club flag
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KUXX3VQOXFAYXCNVHQNVGF2JKM.jpg?smart=true&auth=794daf1763a098d3c1dd03560abff1884a1aee1b5d0792d982addaef14eb7615&width=400&height=225)
Mark Evans shows photos from Philby's trip to pupils from Jeddah Prep and Grammar
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4U5ZFXBU3BGPTC6W2NEZMA6MU4.jpg?smart=true&auth=fd7945bd960e144e467803c1f8f593d671f4e4e34f1634d4b4ba4fd6c7ac52cf&width=400&height=225)
The team arrive in Jeddah's old town along with members of the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CTRRJ7YXPZGTZOYYM5MJEIF2PM.jpg?smart=true&auth=03463691efadd4c34cca144c971787ca977a774c53ff8fa3bcda77836ec1509a&width=400&height=225)
Mazin Hamad Alhimali, Director-General of Foreign Affairs Branch in Makkah Region, greets Reem Philby on arrival in Jeddah's old town
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XA5KWSSJHVCZJGNQKU233SSTG4.jpg?smart=true&auth=f9a19488fa43cce869077a74dc5bd7e682833ffcffb23bd8faf92079ae59318b&width=400&height=225)
Alan Morrissey and Reem Philby with officials from the Saudi Ministry of Culture who greeted them in front of the historic Nassif House building in Jeddah
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/D2S5EFEEM5FMBBC5ARGIHBLF64.jpg?smart=true&auth=20ea20595a25214f6b30e49a7e131925c4110e8461be80d74895438e26567be8&width=400&height=225)
Reem Philby and Mark Evans sit with Sami Nawar as he gives a tour of the historic Nassif House building, where Ibn Saud was based for several years in old Jeddah
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GMMP66LNXZHFJDG7NP3XLPES7E.jpg?smart=true&auth=8503dc6580659a14b6f69c714525bb79a663d268abbaed7a941115e46f8e9bfc&width=400&height=225)
The team at the top of Nassif House. The building was one of the tallest and grandest in Jeddah when Philby arrived in 1917
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/T2JFHVZHGFHJXGLNEBAQU3Y6HA.jpg?smart=true&auth=a7d558b7325d1e7ab0371d29ceb9a46ea47adf41d1f7e67fca1ca0e85d24fe85&width=400&height=225)
Sami Nawar from the Saudi Ministry of Culture gives a tour of historic Jeddah to Reem Philby. Mr Nawar grew up in the area and is an expert on the redevelopment of the old city
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/H6TTZGS4C5CEPGHNKF3OZ6NLA4.jpg?smart=true&auth=0d232d12e7f975f0d0484741bda5f7aae6b17ddebd20f94b8daa5b29f84329e6&width=400&height=225)
One of Jeddah's historic buildings
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4HI4FHI46JCIZD74LPR5MBUGSM.jpg?smart=true&auth=4e0be018e26ebe8b637fc08b5d60fe26ec376bd231e98a70ed9b989a35afb269&width=400&height=225)
A photograph from 1917 showing British explorer Harry St John Philby (centre, back row) with his Arab entourage on arrival to Jeddah in 1917. The Heart of Arabia expedition retraced Philby's foosteps. Twitter: Mark Evans (@UniOfTheDesert)
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GIWQUUWXBFFNDEEG7GFKN2FEHQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=1cbcda64fe0a0093dac346c737a94b60da198b13e27310c233aee322203b25fa&width=400&height=225)
The began their expedition in Uqair, on the shores of the Gulf
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4GGONGUNJZAGJNZ5QJZPJY6UH4.jpeg?smart=true&auth=b250f1cb682c6a3070822da7015b12d23d1d727b4c44ddc3c669367fb4ec55dd&width=400&height=225)
They reached the Maskmak Fort Museum in Riyadh on November 30, bringing the first leg of their trip to an end
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LMCTIVEQ7JERDAV6JWUL62H25M.jpg?smart=true&auth=af7c8e54e11c646b99507a085cd19cfecac61e7d4d603993efadb1fa28a5711e&width=400&height=225)
Reem Philby and Mark Evans on the beach at Jeddah overlooking the Red Sea
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FU6PT7KOBZBRHKUIPKSWR6ARDM.jpg?smart=true&auth=06fe47946810a30c6b8731270510548ad6f3adf14368d60b25ea5bfe8f85f5fa&width=400&height=225)
The Heart of Arabia expedition team made it to the Red Sea in Jeddah by their January 30 deadline