UNESCO LISTS OMAN’S KHANJAR within its listing of craft skills and social practices as part of Intangible Heritage.

The Omani Khanjar has just been inscribed on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.

Khanjar & Mobile Phone
Khanjar & Mobile Phone

This traditional dagger, a Khanjar, is an important part of Continue readingUNESCO LISTS OMAN’S KHANJAR within its listing of craft skills and social practices as part of Intangible Heritage.

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 readingOmani 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 readingJokha AlHarthi’s Celestial Bodies Man Booker International Prize book

WILFRED THESIGER

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

Wilfred Thesiger in Oman
Wilfred Thesiger is looked at by an Omani man

His father was the Continue reading “WILFRED THESIGER”

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.

Dolphins - Oman
Dolphins – Oman

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

Verdi conducting Aida in Paris1880
Verdi conducting Aida in Paris1880

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.

Bait Al Zubair Museum
Bait Al Zubair Museum

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”

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.

Omani Dishdasha
Omani Dishdasha

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