Oman

Natural wealth poor, culturally, historically, geographically rich, Oman remains true to its traditions

“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…

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 …

‘Cover Up Now’: Oman’s Islamists Target School Girls

‘Cover Up Now’: Oman’s Islamists Target School Girls

DHOFARI GUCCI: A disturbing propaganda campaign is being spread throughout schools in Dhofar. …

‘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. …

Mumbo Jumbo in Oman: Black Magic Still A Force

Mumbo Jumbo in Oman: Black Magic Still A Force

DHOFARI GUCCI: I know of a recent, rather unpleasant incident which occurred in Dhofar. It's a reminder that even in the early 21st century black magic lives on in Oman …

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. …

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? …

Jebel Akdar: Exotic, Warm and Welcoming

Jebel Akdar: Exotic, Warm and Welcoming

SARAH WALTON: It's a place of simple but genuine pleasures, truly a delightful destination in Oman …

“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. …

‘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. …