Alan travels regularly to the Middle East, to countries such as Dubai, Kuwait and Oman. In 2013, the 'Jebel Akhdar' painting won ‘The Artist’s Prize’ award in the Royal Watercolour Society Competition.

During his stay in Oman, Alan painted this piece from Sahab Hotel. The hotel view overlooks Jebel Akhdar, which is a part of Al Hajar mountain range in Oman.  Situated not far from Muscat, the Jebal Akhdar is the highest point in the country and in Eastern Arabia.

Jebel Akhdar in English is ‘Green Mountain’, locals grow pomegranates, apricot, peaches and walnut on the ancient terraces which are irrigated by an equally old but sophisticated irrigation system called falaj. "The area is also famous for rose water extraction", said Alan.

​