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.
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.
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 […]
Oman’s ‘Extraordinary Women’ Conference: No Ordinary Event
SUSAN AL SHAHRI: The conference certainly had an intriguing title but what would it actually deliver?
“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
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
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
‘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.
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.
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?
“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.
‘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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
