Susan Al Shahri

The Stigma of Disability in Oman: It’s All of Our Shame

The Stigma of Disability in Oman: It’s All of Our Shame

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: My recent experience in Canada has made the plight of disabled people in Oman all the sharper. It’s time to act.

 Susan Al Shahri

A Bright Future: An Encounter With Dhofar’s Youth

A Bright Future: An Encounter With Dhofar’s Youth

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: I was initially very nervous about presenting to young Omani high school students but what an inspiration they are.

 Susan Al Shahri

A Rainy Ramadan in Salalah: Of Caffeine, Vimto and Tourists

A Rainy Ramadan in Salalah: Of Caffeine, Vimto and Tourists

Six days down and approximately 23 more to go if the moon cooperates! Once again Dhofar has been blessed with cool temperatures and a heavier-than-normal monsoon drizzle to help us get through the holy month of fasting. To be honest, I am not necessarily looking forward to a couple of years from now when Ramadan […]

 Susan Al Shahri

Oman’s ‘Extraordinary Women’ Conference: No Ordinary Event

Oman’s ‘Extraordinary Women’ Conference: No Ordinary Event

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: The conference certainly had an intriguing title but what would it actually deliver?

 Susan Al Shahri

“Everything’s Up For Discussion”: Open Debate in Oman

“Everything’s Up For Discussion”: Open Debate in Oman

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: Arab Spring, employment issues, relations with other countries – nothing was off the agenda during a discussion with a senior government minister

 Susan Al Shahri

Women’s Life in Bahrain: A World Away from Dhofar

Women’s Life in Bahrain: A World Away from Dhofar

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: My first ever trip to another GCC country has been a real eye-opener, particularly when it comes to the place of women in society

 Susan Al Shahri

Salalah Musings: Of Weekends, Sharks and Pantomimes

Salalah Musings: Of Weekends, Sharks and Pantomimes

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: I’m really busy with academic commitments but there are some things in Dhofar that need to be written about

 Susan Al Shahri

‘Cousin Marriage’ in Dhofar: Dangers Are Ignored

‘Cousin Marriage’ in Dhofar: Dangers Are Ignored

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: Its practice is still extremely common in the south of Oman. The obsession with keeping the tribe pure comes at a price though.

 Susan Al Shahri

Salalah Dining: An Experience But For All the Wrong Reasons

Salalah Dining: An Experience But For All the Wrong Reasons

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: Wa-hoo, McDonald’s has opened in Salalah. You’re in trouble if the the fast food eatery sets the standard in your home town.

 Susan Al Shahri

The Royal Opera House Incident: One Woman’s View

The Royal Opera House Incident: One Woman’s View

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: At first there was peaceful protest but that soon turned violent. What is the significance of the Royal Opera House incident?

 Susan Al Shahri

“We Should Celebrate Oman’s Cultural Diversity”

“We Should Celebrate Oman’s Cultural Diversity”

SUSAN ALSHAHRI: It’s little known that southern Oman has several indigent languages in addition to Arabic. With little support these are in danger of disappearing, however.

 Susan Al Shahri

‘Time to Celebrate’ Oman’s Educational Transformation

‘Time to Celebrate’ Oman’s Educational Transformation

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: The advances in Omani education over the past forty years are nothing short of miraculous.

 Susan Al Shahri

Female Genital Mutilation: Still Major Issue in Oman

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: The last time I raised this issue publicly the reaction was overwhelming but ‘woman with the incense burner’ still prowls hospitals in Dhofar

 Susan Al Shahri

Burqa Tradition Dies in Dhofar: Not Soon Enough

Burqa Tradition Dies in Dhofar: Not Soon Enough

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: I’ve only worn a burqa once and that’s more than enough times. Its appearance in Dhofar is getting increasingly more rare.

 Susan Al Shahri

The Mall Arrives: Is It The End of ‘Old’ Salalah?

The Mall Arrives: Is It The End of ‘Old’ Salalah?

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: A cinema, a decent cup of coffee, people watching – all great. So why does my heart sink at the arrival of Salalah’s first mall.

 Susan Al Shahri

The Vacation: Throwing Off ‘Our Invisible Chains’

The Vacation: Throwing Off ‘Our Invisible Chains’

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: We sat on a beach and wondered ‘what if?’. I asked ‘why not?’ and from then things were never going to be the same again.

 Susan Al Shahri

The ‘Insha’allah Attitude’ is Killing Oman’s Kids

The ‘Insha’allah Attitude’ is Killing Oman’s Kids

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: I’m amazed at the attitude of the Salalah’s adults to their children’s safety. Once they’re out of diapers the kids are expected to look after themselves

 Susan Al Shahri

My 10-Point Plan To Rid Oman’s Roads of Carnage

My 10-Point Plan To Rid Oman’s Roads of Carnage

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: Enforcement of rules is essential if the daily horror that occurs on Oman’s roads is to be minimised. Here are my suggestions.

 Susan Al Shahri

The Salalah ‘Invasion’: Some Planning Please

The Salalah ‘Invasion’: Some Planning Please

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: We’re all suffering from post-invasion stress in Dhofar following the unprecedented influx of tourists during Eid.

 Susan Al Shahri

The Great and Not-So-Great About Ramadan

The Great and Not-So-Great About Ramadan

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: As the Holy Month draws to a close I find myself contemplating the various aspects of a modern day Ramadan