Culture

Omani Silver in the British Museum in the Albukhary Foundation’s rooms

On the Upper floor of the British Museum, Rooms 42–43 house the Albukhary Foundation’s rooms. This cultural institution, founded by Syed Mokhtar Albukhary, is based in Kuala Lumpur and claims to be the largest in Asia dedicated to the arts, culture and heritage of the Islamic world.

British Museum Queen Elizabeth Court - London — British Museum Queen Elizabeth Court

These galleries in the British Museum offer a perspective to the Islamic World, with beautifully laid out displays and as they are off the main flow of visitors, the space is less crowded.

Very unusually, as so many Islamic collections seem to ignore Arabia, the displays include Silver from Oman, some donated Continue reading “Omani Silver in the British Museum in the Albukhary Foundation’s rooms“

Jokha AlHarthi’s Celestial Bodies Man Booker International Prize book

Jokha AlHarthi’s Celestial Bodies is a book about three generations of an Omani family. An almost dreamlike narration of their lives in the town of Al Awafi describes three women, sisters, and their path towards marriage.

Camel Event outside Al Wafi town wall and mosque - Oman — Camel Event outside Al Wafi town wall and mosque – Oman

Asma marries out of duty, Khawla Continue reading “Jokha AlHarthi’s Celestial Bodies Man Booker International Prize book“

11 Eid Events in Oman

There are lots of Eid Events in Oman (cultural, family oriented and a horse event) this August 2018 – check them out and some places to see when you visit each.

22nd August 2nd Day of Eid 16:00 – onwards; SUR – N’ama Beach

Lighthouse and Al Ayjah - Sur — Lighthouse and Al Ayjah – Sur

Sur with its 2 forts Continue reading “11 Eid Events in Oman”

Oman’s Frankincense

Oman’s Frankincense would have been the original cash crop if cash had been invented 3,500 years ago; but in those days it was a crop of barter, royal gift or the spoil of war.

Adoration of the Magi - Museo Pio Cristiano — Adoration of the Magi – Museo Pio Cristiano

The most famous use of Frankincense is Continue reading “Oman’s Frankincense”

WILFRED THESIGER

Sir Wilfred Thesiger was born on 3 June 1910 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (then Abyssinia) into a life of privilege and aristocratic connections.

His father was the Continue reading “WILFRED THESIGER”

Nizwa Fort in Oman new Entry Charges

Nizwa Fort is now under private management by Omran the Oman Government’s master developer of major tourism, heritage and urban developments and Bawader International.

From Continue reading “Nizwa Fort in Oman new Entry Charges”

10 Reasons to visit Muscat this Winter – 5-1

5 Perhaps an ideal winter treat if you visit visit Muscat this winter with children is to enjoy an experience with wildlife.

Two remarkable encounters offer a thrilling experience, not only for children but for everyone. Continue reading “10 Reasons to visit Muscat this Winter – 5-1”

10 Reasons to visit Muscat this Winter 10-6

10 For the music lover in you, reasons to visit Muscat this winter has to include one of the best Opera houses in the world. Most winter weekends there is a performance, perhaps of Opera itself or occasionally Ballet.

Royal Opera House- Muscat - Oman 10 reasons to visit muscat this winter — Royal Opera House- Muscat – Oman

Arab singing stars are hosted Continue reading “10 Reasons to visit Muscat this Winter 10-6”

Oman’s Royal Opera House – winter 2017-18 highlights

Oman’s Royal Opera House has a remarkable mix of performances over the 2017 – 2018 season. In September they launch with Aida by Verdi

for 3 days 14, 16,17 performed by Teatro Regio Torino (‘Royal Theatre’ Turin) – the Continue reading “Oman’s Royal Opera House – winter 2017-18 highlights”

Including local experiences in the Oman Guide for Bradt

Writing the revision for the Oman Guide for Bradt – Experiences that could and could not be included, turned out to be a difficult area to deal with. I needed not only focus on finishing the text & maps but also change my viewpoint of Oman’s tourism.

Previously, for my tour company organising a visit into a museum in Oman for tourists would be pre-planned in a basic tour, a special visit to Honey Bee keeper Continue reading “Including local experiences in the Oman Guide for Bradt”

Tony Walsh talking Camels, Date Trees and more on the Radio

Just before Christmas, I chatted with Bill Padley

on his morning radio show on ‘Talk Radio Europe‘. We talk hotels, Camels, Date Trees and more. Listen to Tony here on SoundCloud. <<click here.

Omani dishdasha – the Five Approved Designs

Buying a souvenir of Oman can be problematic, with a key question ‘is it authentic’? John Kerry was seen shopping for gifts in Mutrah Souq with lots of advice givers, emphasising the problem of choosing carefully. However one area has been dealt with today the Omani dishdasha – Oman’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry have today issued details to support a Ministerial Decision issued last year.

You can Continue reading “Omani dishdasha – the Five Approved Designs”

CARPET SULTAN QABOOS GRAND MOSQUE visitors to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat are in for a treat with this carpet

Any organisation which had supplied work such as the Carpet of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque would wish to sign the work. The company which created the mosque’s principal carpet managed to do just that and wove into the carpet their details.