jawahart-eng-aug-12

Abdullah Al Zakwani Ahmed Al Busaidi Ahmed Al Kindy Al Al Farai Alia Al Farsi Alia Al Qalam Aziza Al Ghafri Barakat Al Harthi Dalia Al Hassani Haje Al Belochi Hamad Al Sulaimi Hussain Al Jabri Issa Al Lamki Laila Al Bellucci Maryam Al Alawi Maryam Al Zadjali Muna A Shanfari Nadia Al Amri Nagmah Al Sharji Najah Al Abdulsalam Nasser Al Kindi Nawal Al Hoot Raya Al Habsi, Intisar Al Tobi Tahira Al Yahyai Rayhanah Al Mjeni Saif Al Kindi Salah Al Zadjali Saleh Al Shukairi Salma Al Kindy Sanad Abdullah Al Rawahi Shadiya Al Ismaili Sult Al Amri Sultan Al Touqi Hamou Al Touqi Sumaiya Al Riyami Talib Al Baluchi Tariq Mohiuddi Wa’el Al Harrasi Zeena Al Towayy 2012

Super achievers of the Sultanate

The Human element is the maker of a renaissance and the builder of a civilization His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said

desk FROM THE

THE INCREDIBLE FEW The Sultanate of Oman has been a land of amazing natural beauty, rich history & culture and abundance of hydrocarbons. And above all, a friendly society with people of great talent. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said’s dynamic leadership for 42 years has created a perfect environment for people from all walks of life to pursue their interests and desired goals. As a result, a new generation of young Omanis has come up that doesn’t have the word ‘impossible’ in its dictionary. They may not have been born as super achievers but they have risen above the ordinary to become a role model. JAWHARAT OMAN – SUPER ACHIEVERS OF THE SULTANATE, the first bilingual (Arabic & English) publication of its kind, is a chronicle of such incredible Omanis with extra ordinary achievements.

The first edition of JAWHARAT OMAN – SUPER ACHIEVERS OF THE SULTANATE, published in 2011, captured the success journey of 40 talented Omanis who have performed par excellence in their respective domains. Encouraged by the first edition’s overwhelming success, we are now presenting to you the second edition of JAWHARAT OMAN – SUPER ACHIEVERS OF THE SULTANATE. The 2012 edition showcases a new set of 41 amazing Omanis. They are different individuals with proven achievements in their fields of specialization but they have certain common binding traits. The confident lot embodies persistence; never give up till they achieve their objective despite challenges in their path. The edition tracks the success journey of each of these extraordinary achievers, the efforts they have taken to reach the pinnacle of success, the difficulties they faced in reaching their goals and the vision to build on their laurels. It explores the qualities they possess which have made them stand out from the crowd.

Of course, we do realise that there are many others out there who are super achievers in their own right. The first edition of Jawharat Oman featured 40 achievers, this edition brings forth 41 more, and we hope to continue in this vein with our future editions to showcase the accomplishments even more super achievers. If you have a success story that makes you a Jawharat Oman or you know someone who has blazed a trail, do share the details with us and let us work together to highlight the role models to inspire a new generation of Jawharat Oman.

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Super achievers of the Sultanate

EDITORIAL SUPERVISION AKSHAY BHATNAGAR FATMA AL-ARAIMI SUSMITA SARKHEL Editorial Co-ordinator SARA SALIM AL-SADI Translator MOSTAFA KAMEL ART Senior Art Director SANDESH S. RANGNEKAR Sr.Designer SHAMEER MOIDEEN Photographers RAJESH RAJAN BASIM AL MAHARBI Illustrations SANDESH S. RANGNEKAR PRODUCTION Production Head GOVINDRAJ RAMESH ADVERTISING & MARKETING ARIF ABDUL BARI AVI TITUS FARHEEN AHMED POOJA VERMA CORPORATE Chief Executive - SANDEEP SEHGAL Executive Vice President - ALPANA ROY Senior Business Support Executive RADHA KUMAR DISTRIBUTED by UNITED MEDIA SERVICES LLC No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person or organisation acting or refraining as a result of material in this publication. We accept no responsibility for advertising content.

Correspondence should be addressed to UNITED MEDIA SERVICES LLC, PO Box 3305, Ruwi, PC 112, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, TEL: 24700896 Fax +968 24707939 Copyright © 2012 United Press & Publishing LLC

contents

16 H H Sayyid Tarik bin Shabib

18 H H Sayyid Kamil Fahad Al-Said

20 H H Sayyid Adham Al Said

22 Dr Abdullah Al Zakwani

23 Ahmad Al Busaidi

24 Ahmed Al Kindi

26 Ali Al Farai

28 Alia Al Farsi

30 Alia Al Qalam

32 Aziza Al Ghafri

34 Barakat Al Harthy

36 Dalia Al Hassani

38 Hajer Belochi

40 Hamad bin Salam Al-Sulaimi

42 Hussain Al Jabri

43 Issa Al Lamki

44 Laila Al Bellucci

46 Maryam Al Alawi

48 Maryam Al Zadjali

50 Muna Al Shanfari

52 Nadia Al Amri

54 Nagma Hamed al Sharji

55 Najah Al Abdulsalam

56 Nasser Al Kindi

58 Nawal Al Hooti

62 Rayhanah Al Mjeni

63 Saif Al Kindi

64 Salah Al Zadjali

66 Saleh Al Shukairi

68 Dr Salma Al Kindy

76 Shadya Al-Ismaily

78 Sultan Al Amri

82 Sumaya Al Riyami

84 Talib Al Balushi

86 Dr Tariq Mohiuddin

88 Dr Wa’el Al Harrasi

90 Zeenah Al Towayya

64 Raya Al Habsi, Intisar Al Tobi and Tahira Al Yahyai

74 Sanad Al-Rawahi and Abdullah Al-Rawahi

80 Sultan Al Touqi and Hamoud Al Touqi

VIEWPOINT

Celebrate the Present Before getting to what the youth need, let’s have a look at what they have; Thanks to a benevolent leader they live in a safe environment with access to free education and healthcare, no income tax and a 21st century infrastructure. All in all, an environment that should grow a crop of productive innovative motivated young men and women.

Their parents straddled two eras; pre and post renaissance they have perspective. During their lifetimes wealth was distributed, suffering alleviated, with the reduction of infant mortality a great many children have thrived and today form a large block of our population. The parents of this generation have too often adopted the motto; “ I was unable to have so many things, therefore my children will not be deprived...” often without the right checks and balances this attitude can create a number of entitled and arrogant and unmotivated kids.

Young people look at their parents’ generation and imagine that they had easy access to public sector jobs which were careers for life with upward mobility. The reality is perhaps somewhat different.

In parallel to this our private sector is coming of age, and is expected to employ more Omanis, however before putting expensive machinery or company reputations into the hands of young people, corporations need to train them, but most of all if they come to the job with the right work ethic they need an employer who has faith in their potential, because talent will excel and thrive in an environment in which it is appreciated and empowered.

The other side of this equation is equally important; those who do not pull their weight shouldn’t be able to hide or use the system to make a nuisance of themselves, this is a delicate matter because unscrupulous employers are just as much to blame as unscrupulous employees.

Mentoring is another great need of the moment, whether at home, at school, at work or in the formation of a new business, mentoring helps young people transition to their chosen profession. Our youth need to get sound advice when it comes to managing their finances, to avoid falling into a trap where they feel all their hard earned income goes directly to pay off their debts.

The re-pricing of services also needs to be addressed; as safety, human rights, and Omanisation become accepted norms, services will cost more, and people need to accept this change, however competition should keep things in check. Small businesses staffed by a single family for instance can be very competitive. Family businesses can weather economic downturns because the employees are more likely to think as a unit.

Our youth are uniquely positioned geographically and culturally, rather than emulate others, they need to where ever possible, create their own particular products and services.

H H Sayyid Tarik bin Shabib

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CREATING OPPORTUNITY “Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage.”

Niccolo Machiavelli

T

he one irrevocable truth of life is that there will always be opportunities for those who recognise and pursue them. An enterprising person is one who sees opportunity in all areas of life – even at times of crisis; And one who has taken more chances than average.

One has to be confident enough, creative enough and disciplined enough to seize the

opportunity that present themselves and resilient enough when they don’t. Going the extra mile to create opportunity is what separates the successful few from the rest.

Pick your strategy and tactics, and create a plan. Make it happen. And you will succeed. There is no such thing as failure. Every action produces an outcome. It may not always be the outcome you are looking for, but it is an outcome nonetheless. Learn from it and move on – you will eventually produce the result you are looking for.

Define your own success. Don’t follow a path set by someone else and remember, ‘Life beings at the end of your comfort zone.’

Here’s to your success!

Abdulla Al Shidi

VIEWPOINT

Putting the ‘E’ in Excellence Before one can tackle ways which enable the youth to excel in their field, it is essential we take a step back and emphasise on the importance of positive youth development. This starts at home where parents work hand in hand with their children and play an active role in developing and meeting the youth’s needs be it social, educational, or emotional. It is true that youth development has a natural course in life and every child will find a way to achieve their needs, however, it is important that parents induce and promote a positive development that will lead to healthy results.

Moving on from meeting the youth’s needs, the second essential step in youth development is education. It is important to note that the key to a healthy society and to the formation of a responsible, dependable and accountable generation that will make a difference is education.

Education is not only academic learning, it extends much beyond that to include knowledge, learning through personal experience, collecting information and putting it into use, self discipline, and self-motivation. Without motivation, ambitions are destroyed and thus education dissolves.

Furthermore, an imperative constituent in youth development involves exploring, building and enhancing the youth’s ability to master their skills and capabilities that will help pave their way in today’s challenging and competitive world. Acquiring and developing skills first starts with a person taking initiative to attain set goals. This should be complemented with support from both society and parents.

Finally the element of support is crucial throughout their youth. There are various types of support: Government support is important in ensuring activities are in place to promote youth development and functioning at the highest standard; Motivational support ensures one reaches their true potential via encouragement, opportunities and rewards; Strategic support via assisting the youth in assessing their options as well as creating an environment where a relationship is established and characterised by discussions, feedback and coaching; And finally, Emotional support ensures a caring and loving relation between adults and the youth, which will embed love, and affirmation towards others.

This is apparent with His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s commitment towards the Omani youth and his continual effort to preserve Oman’s rich customs and traditions inherited from our ancestors. With his commitment, the youth are empowered to become the future of Oman.

H H Sayyid Kamil Fahad Al-Said

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Advanced OilÀeld Technology Company LLC (AOTC) (A Member of Al Sulaimi Group) P.O. Box 1693, Ruwi, P.C. 112, Sultanate of Oman • Tel: (+968) 24503744 • Fax: (+968) 24503757 E-mail: info@aotcglobal.com • Website: www.aotcglobal.com Way No. 6428, Building No. 1670, Location: Ghala Industrial Area

VIEWPOINT

The Quest for Excellence When thinking about what youth require to achieve excellence many things come to mind.

However, I believe the first and foremost is the mindset to do so. We live in an age of great opportunities and in the same token, great challenges. In order for today’s youth to excel they have to believe they can do so in the first place. A mediocre attitude towards their future is not conducive. This mindset is re-enforced with positive thinking.

While the mindset is essential, a number of other factors play an essential role in success in any area of life. Here education comes to mind. However, it is not traditional education that is most effective here. In fact, creative learning where critical and creative thinking is encouraged – where the world is the classroom, especially in a globe that is so well interconnected. This helps develop a better intellectual generation that can apply itself innovatively and dynamically.

Even if the above exists, there remains many challenges for today’s youth. When applying themselves in the real world, youth often find themselves at odds. There are great expectations, which often are not met. It is society’s role to bridge the gap between these expectations and the realities youth face today.

Some of these realities resemble hurdles for today’s youth to excel. These hurdles take the shape of barriers to entry into the market due to lack of experience, financial means and technical support. In order to foster an innovative, highly productive and ambitious youth we as a society need to eliminate these barriers whichever way possible.

A multitude of ways can be offered to support the youth of today to excel in their fields. First and foremost is the creation of a suitable environment for innovation and self-application. If youth do not consider themselves involved they can hardly be expected to expend time and effort. Second, develop opportunities for youth to foster their ideas and aspirations. This can be done through effective human resource development programs in various sectors of the economy. Furthermore, good ideas and outstanding performance should be rewarded with recognition and financial support. This is the responsibility of society as a whole and not just the public sector. Venture capital and startup funds are a few examples that can serve this purpose. Ultimately society needs to lend a helping hand in fulfilling youth’s expectations and aspiration.

On a final note, it is necessary to point out that youth need to play their part if they are to excel.

Success in any field requires realistic expectations, hard work and commitment.

H H Sayyid Adham Al Said, Ph.D.

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SET THE TONE FOR YOUTH-DRIVEN INNOVATION

Creativity, the most important of all human resources, is the driving force of all the development in the world. No progress is possible without creative minds. The principle goal of education is to create men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply of repeating what other generations have done. The challenge before the youth is to come out with interesting and innovative solutions to drive change in a spectrum of areas – from education to business to the environment.

Young people are a source of refreshing insight, unique perspectives, and a new association of ideas. Not to mention, youth are the current engine for innovation in all sectors – research, social, government, and business. Isaac Newton was 23 when he began inventing calculus; Albert Einstein published several of his most important papers at the tender age of 26; Werner Heisenberg pioneered quantum mechanics in his mid-20s.

To be creative means to be in love with life. Remember that the greatest picture is yet to be painted, the greatest play is not yet written, and the greatest poem is unsung.

Kiran Asher Group Managing Director

Al Saadah

Modular building systems

Pumps and Pump sets assembling

Gas and Oil field products

Since 1975

(Flagship of the Group) P.O. Box 1832, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman Tel: (968) 24810033, Fax: (968) 24812522.

Email: contactus@alansarioman.com, Website: www.alansarioman.com

FUTURE TENSE

“We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dr Abdullah Al Zakwani

Inventor/Scientist

D

r. Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Zakwani, Executive Director of Industrial Innovation Center, Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), is a man of many aptitudes. But before we get into his many achievements, let’s start at the beginning. “This is a very good story,” starts off Dr Abdullah enthusiastically. “When I was young, my uncle would ask me, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ And I’d tell him that I want to be an astronaut.” Today, says Dr Abdullah, he isn’t an astronaut, but something even better than one.

He is a pioneer of artificial intelligence and practically has a whole field created under his name.

His on-going research is being developed with a team in Switzerland and is an extraordinary software-based programme that will turn computers into next generation robotic devices. “It is a search engine like Google, but a reciprocative search engine. All that Google does is search items associated with individual words and ranks them according to their popularity. You will realise that it is never the first web address that you actually want, which means you have to keep searching.” Apropos this, Dr Abdullah is designing an artificial intelligence based search engine which basically learns your behaviour, from your daily habits – from the way you interact with it and from the way you correct its mistakes. He is the first person to associate Artificial Intelligence with Environment. A truly fascinating concept and maybe even hard to conceptualise – but all the real deal.

Ultimately, it is research that drives Dr Abdullah. He lives and breathes research and loves being involved in anyway possible. His passion for research stems from an unquenchable thirst for answers. Not surprising

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then, that he has, to his credit, a Masters in Research and a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, besides a host of other degrees and postdoctoral research. He has over 30 research papers to his name and patents developed for various companies as well as personal research.

Yet another research work that he is closely associated with is one that is aimed at helping blind people see using computers. However, that is still in the initial stages; what he is interested, though, at the moment, is to find how chemical medicines work and if they can possibly be translated into electrochemical medicines. “And then we will build a chip that sits in the body, and any time the body needs, say a Panadol or any other medicine, the electrochemical device that is on the body can transmit the same electrical signals that the chemical will produce.”

His passion and tenacity certainly knows no bounds. During his free time Dr Abdullah enjoys sports. “I spend most of my free time either watching football or swimming. I love the beach and enjoy sports like kayaking, wind surfing, kite surfing and the likes.”

So there you have it, from reciprocative search engines to kite surfing – Dr Abdullah, a man of many hats and an inspiration to all.

Ahmad Al Busaidi

PICTURE PERFECT

Ahmad Al Busaidi, one of the first Omani photographers to win the FIAP (International Federation of Photographic Art) award, shows through his work that creativity truly, has no limits

Photographer

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n 1992, Sheikhah al-Akhzami was unaware that by talking her half brother, Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Busaidi, into joining the photography group at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), she was actually talking him into shaping the photographic art history in Oman. He became the first Omani to receive the title ‘FIAP Artist’ from the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP); and was later qualified ‘FIAP Pro’. He became among the top five photographers across the GCC to receive this honour.

Al Busaidi also received several local and international awards, including the Grand Creativity Award at the 14th annual photography exhibition (2007). In Hungary, he was among the select few Omani photographers who received the FIAP silver medal (2004); in China, he was ranked sixth across the world in the FIAP contest held in 2006; and in Slovakia, he received the FIAP bronze medal (2008). In 2001, he held the first place in photographic art across Arab universities participating in the Arab students cultural contest in Libya; first place in Omani traditional music photography contest, held as part of the sixth Omani song festival in 2003; and third place in the Colour Theme at the 10th annual exhibition for the photography club of Omani Society for Fine Arts (OSFA). He also won third place in scenic photography; second place in portraits in SQU; and second place in the Idea Theme (coloured) at the 11th annual exhibition of OSFA Photography Club in 2004.

Al Busaidi, OSFA Photography Club supervisor, states that he cannot speak of his achievements without highlighting the powerful bond and camaraderie that he shares with other photographers. Family support, mutual appreciation among photographers, and quality assurance are the main contributors to his success.

Regarding his start-up, he acknowledges that he has faced one of the most common challenge faced by all photography enthusiasts, i.e., high cost. Professional cameras are very expensive, and the cost of printing photos or owning special processing software is very high.

He adds that photography requires a different set of tools and despite the OSFA Photography Club and SQU group efforts to lend cameras to

photographers, he had to work extra hard to own a camera of his own.

Al Busaidi believes that awareness within the community will help develop artistic value of photos. “In order for the world to acknowledge Omani photography, we need to support the community first. Omani photographers have a diverse environment to work with, be it natural landscapes or traditional culture and there’s a lot of talent and potential that can be cultivated through the right guidance and mentoring.”

He looks forward to establishing an autonomous society to include all photographers and even own a bigger building with exhibitions and training halls, as well as computer labs. He further adds that Omani photographers today have developed extensively. Oman currently participates in many different international contests, and photographers have won many awards, thus bringing Oman’s photography talents at the fore.

Ahmed Al Kindi

Photographer

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UNIQUE VISION

Ahmed Al Kindi’s photographs showcase the daily lives of Omanis and celebrate the natural landscapes of the Sultanate. His work has not only won him local recognition but international distinction as well

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hmed Al Kindi’s photography weaves in stories and experiences of the local community. Although is work is steeped in indigenous nuances, the appeal of his work is global. Vibrant landscapes and tradition take new meaning and form in his work.

Like all budding artists, Ahmed started young. He participated in the first photography competition when he was still in intermediate school.

During his school days, despite his interest in photography, he didn’t get too many opportunities to develop his talent. But all that changed when he joined Sultan Qaboos University. Through the photography club, he met like-minded individuals and acquired resources and references that helped shape his plans for the future. He also joined the Photography Club and the Omani Society of Fine Arts.

His inspiration stems from various sources including people around him, elements of nature and the likes. For Ahmed, it is important that his work reflects the exact emotions of his subjects.

“During my studies at SQU,” says Ahmed, “I won several awards that helped me reach where I am today. These include, but are not limited to, first position at the third Cultural Week for GCC Uinversties in 1999, which was at the time hosted by SQU. I also came first at the special competition named ‘Between the Present and Future’ in 2000, which was organised by H.E Mohammed Al Zubair, Advisor of His Majesty the Sultan for Economic Affairs, and the SQU Vice Chacellor at that time. I also participated at the cultural competition which was organised between SQU and UAE University. In 2009, I came second in taking a nature photography competition.”

Ahmed’s talent is truly unique and we can’t wait to see more of it in the coming years.

Ali Al Farai

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Ali Al Farai’s journey has been nothing less than extraordinary. From an engineer to motivational speaker, Ali’s story is an inspiration to us all…

Motivational Speaker

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li Al Farai doesn’t consider his work ‘work’; In fact he calls it ‘having fun’. This includes lots of things: Training/ Public Speaking, Graphic design, and attending business meetings. This multi-talented Motivational Speaker has won many awards which include: Oman’s Champion in Public Speaking (International Speech Contest, Division level, 2012); Oman’s Champion in Public Speaking (Humorous Speech Contest, Division level, 2012); International Speech Contest Champion (Area level, 2012); Humorous Speech Contest Champion (Area level, 2012); and Humorous Speech Contest Champion (Club level, 2012)among others. Here’s a closer look at the man behind the accolades…

The beginning of a journey: My life journey started in 1997 after graduating from Muscat Technical Industrial College (known as Higher College of Technology) in Mechanical Engineering and joining Oman LNG as a Technician for eight years and as a training administrator for two years. During my first year in Oman LNG, I was sent to Scotland to complete my studies and received a High National Diploma in Engineering. I then undertook my MBA during my last two years at Oman LNG, got the MBA and quit the job (Normally people do it the other way around).

His journey to become a motivational speaker: I wasn’t a good speaker, not even close. In fact, public speaking used to be my greatest fear. What made me love speaking was that I saw many motivational speakers speak and make changes to people’s lives. I loved the fact that the audience used to enjoy such talks, which made me, think about it seriously. I studied about public speaking and actually joined Toastmasters. In fact, on May 3, 2012, I won Oman’s Championship for Public Speaking in two categories: International Speech Contest and Humorous Speech Contest. Currently, my areas of expertise are: Public Speaking and Presentation Skills Training and Motivational talks. I currently deliver, Career Awareness Programmes on behalf of Shell Development Oman to college and university students across the country; Road safety talks to people across Oman in three languages: Arabic, English and Hindi; Leadership programmes to college students as well as self-development workshops at the University of Nizwa, Oman.

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On Ummati Station: Ummati Station was founded in May 2011. It mainly focuses on two things: Clarifying misconceptions about Islam, and motivating people to do something useful in life (especially the youth). I was inspired by videos on the net and they made me think: “I’ve got speaking skills and I have a message to deliver to people, then why not use technology to deliver such messages to a greater number of people.” This message could remain even after I’m gone. It was a question that I always asked myself: “What could I leave in this World that people could benefit even after I’m gone?”

On motivation/inspiration: My greatest source of inspiration is my Mother; Amina. She struggled a lot since childhood and kept working hard so that her children would live a happy life. She is my inspiration and my greatest love.

On life lessons: Never let anyone decide on how you would live YOUR LIFE, because most of those voices are negative, have never experienced challenges in life and will only pull you down.

Alia Al Farsi

Artist/Painter

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ART WITHIN ART

Alia Al Farsi’s work is deeply embedded in Oman’s vibrant culture and tradition. Today, with a string of successful and highly praised exhibitions across the globe, Alia is putting Oman’s art scene on the map

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lia Al Farsi’s first solo exhibition ‘Communique Celestial’ – an eclectic collection of 40 mixed-media pieces – was held at the Omani Embassy in Tokyo, Japan where it was attended by former Prime Minister, Yasu Fukoda, a number of former Ministers and Vice Ministers, Members of Parliament, high-profile Government officials, Ambassadors, art museum directors, and Presidents of major corporations and universities.

“This series of work amalgamates past and present, traditional and contemporary to articulate Oman’s modernisation while paying homage to its lineage,” said Alia. “I am deeply honoured for the opportunity to translate my country’s traditions through art and hope that audiences explore the collection’s juxtaposition within their own frames.”

Alia Al Farsi’s visit to Japan included visits to renowned Universities, Art Institutes and Museums to explore the country’s unique art scene while presenting the evolution of the arts in Oman. A seasoned artist having recently showcased in Stockholm, Berlin and Beijing, Alia hopes to travel the world and let her collections speak for themselves.

She hopes to further represent Oman’s burgeoning art culture on an international stage. Her local accomplishments include solo exhibitions at Bait Al Baranda Museum, Ghalia’s Museum of Modern Art and Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa. Alia was also named as one of the top Arab Women by Emad Shaheen in his latest book.

‘Communique Celestial’ is Alia’s fourth solo exhibition in which she encapsulates local context in an abstract manner to create a dialogue about treasuring heritage. Not one to be inhibited by traditional artistic methods, Alia adorns her contemporary artistry with traditional local elements including architectural design of old Omani houses, silver jewellery and Khanjar belts.

Right from her childhood days, Alia has been enamoured by art and it served as a way through which she’d express her emotions. Today, her inspiration stems from Oman’s diverse culture, landscapes and tradition. From elegant costumes to intricate embroidery on fabrics – she blends in a variety of materials into her work.

A non-conformist when it comes to art and creativity, Alia doesn’t believe in dictating her work within certain styles. Her work is thus refreshing and ever-evolving and indicative of how much more we can expect in the future.

WINGS OF SUCCESS

Alia Al Qalam, Oman and the Gulf’s first aeronautical engineer speaks of the challenges she met on her journey to success and her motivation behind pursuing this off-beat career...

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lia Al Qalam holds the unique distinction of being Oman and the Gulf’s first aeronautical engineer.

Alia Al Qalam

Aeronautical Engineer

“I got into this industry purely by chance. I was always looking at a field that was untapped by women and during this time, I visited my brother who was studying avionics in Egypt. He was doing his specialisation in maintenance of the communication, electrical and mechanical equipment on aircrafts.

“This immediately caught my interest and I pursued my studies in this field. After I joined Oman Air, I took specialised courses in the maintenance of F27-500, ATR42-500, B737-800 and A330-200/300 aircrafts in the Oman Air fleet. Thus I became qualified to do maintenance and identify faults and problems in aircrafts.”

Alia admits that there were challenges on the path to success.

“The most important challenge was being a woman in this field. I had to prove that I was worthy of my position. I even remember one of the officials asking me, ‘How can you expect people to deal with you as you are the only woman in the field?’

I replied that I wish to be dealt with as an engineer.”

Alia certainly wants to see more and more women joinging the industry as it is witnessing remarkable growth. “As Omani women, we should be thankful that doors are opening for us in different fields. This is all thanks to the unlimited support and far-sighted vision of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. We should take advantage of the opportunities available to us.”

Alia is a true symbol of women empowerment and a shining example for others to follow.

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Aziza Al Ghafri

Entrepreneur

‘F

acing challenges does not mean that you give up your dream. You should rather try to fulfil your dreams and make them turn into reality.’ This is the mantra that Aziza Al Ghafri strongly believes in and had led to her realising her lifelong ambition to become an entrepreneur and receiving international recognition.

As a child Aziza wanted to be a doctor. However, when it was time for her to join college, she opted to pursue her studies at the College of Commerce and Economy (Currently the College of Economic and Political Sciences) at Sultan Qaboos University, instead. “I had no idea what commerce was at the time,” recalls Aziza, “and I started familiarising myself with this field through various students’ activities.

After graduation, I joined BankMuscat for one year when I received a training-cum-employment opportunity from the Ministry of Higher Education, subject to the condition that the work would be based in the College of Applied Sciences. I completed my higher studies and joined as an assistant teacher at the College of Applied Sciences in Rustaq.”

While studying at Athens University, the University organized a Startup Weekend. “I was impressed by the idea and after returning I tried to bring this idea to the Sultanate especially since it originated from a non-profit organization in a bid to promote entrepreneurship culture.

The respective departments here welcomed the idea and encouraged me to implement it,” says Aziza. She was invited at the Global Entrepreneur Week organised by the chief non-profit organisation, Kaufman Researches and Entrepreneurship to have an idea about the event at which many countries of the world take part.

Her work as an assistant teacher at the College of Applied Sciences and her business background made her very close to entrepreneurship. In

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WINNING STREAK

Born entrepreneur, Aziza Al Ghafri, leads the way via example. Her discipline and innovativeness has helped pave the path for many a start-ups in the nation

a bid to make use of the theoretical study, she established a company called Zagil Oasis. The first activity by the company was to host the Omani Entrepreneurship Week. The private companies helped her to avoid the red tape.

“We hosted many activities at the different schools in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. We organised an open day and many workshops at the Colleges of Applied Sciences and SQU about entrepreneurship. Injaz also collaborated with a number of higher education institutions, private companies as well as the US Embassy to support the Omani Entrepreneurship Week.”

Aziza efforts did not go in vain as she won the Entrepreneurship Week Award for Zagil Oasis in recognition of her contribution to organize the highest number of events compared to the country population. The Sultanate was the first Arab country to get this award at the event at which 69,000 participants took part.

Despite the challenges, Aziza managed to find her way to success.

After the success at the Global Entrepreneurship Week, the contract with Zagil Oasis was renewed for three years. The contract allows Aziza to continue her role as a sponsor and promoter for the Global Entrepreneurship Week. It aims at providing the to-be entrepreneurs with inspiration and successful experiences in this field. It should be noted that millions of youths from different countries of the world join hands to generate new ideas to ensure a better future for everyone.

Barakat Al Harthi

Athlete

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FREE SPIRIT

Oman’s champion sprinter, Barakat Al Harthi, gives the nation a 100 more reasons to celebrate

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arakat al Harthi, like most 15 year olds, loved football and started off his journey as a football player and played for the youth team at a local sports club. He also used to play basketball when his coach Fahd al-Mashaikhi, noticed that Barakat was a fast runner and believed that he’d blossom if properly trained.

As a result, Barakat joined the athletics team coached by Mohamed Al Hawti, an Omani champion in 200m. His coach took him to the weekly practices held at Bowshar, Nizwa, and Sohar sports complexes without fail in order to improve his skills and stamina. His foray into athletics began thus and soon Barakat began competing locally. He then joined the national team and soon began competing on an international level as well.

Today Barakat holds the Omani record for 100m sprint, though his official startup was in a different field at the Asian Championship at Macau where he joined the relay race team for which he received the silver medal. Then, he received another silver medal at A.R.E in the Arab Championship for Youth Relay.

However, he refrained from participating in further competitions because his priority was to get a job, which required him to attend a relevant training course. His eagerness to stay fit urged him to invest his spare time in practicing. Having finished the course that limited his activities for seven months, he participated in the Armed Forces Athletics competition regardless of the fact that he hadn’t had much time to prepare. This competition was his actual startup in the field, which led him to realise (and beat) competitive records and take down many powerful competitors, including national team players.

He joined the Omani national athletics team and represented Oman at different international competitions, thus receiving many medals and titles. Qatari club officials could not hide their fascination with his talent and sought to add him to their teams to achieve similar successes. Hence he joined the athletics team at one of Qatar’s clubs where he has been performing brilliantly as always.

Barakat says that he has just started out and does not pay attention to challenges ahead as much as he cares for the mechanisms to overcome them. However, the main challenge is and will always be the normal injuries that affect athletes in any of the sports.

He aspires to place his name amongst the top eight runners across the world, who hold the record of 10.09 seconds in the 100m sprint. He is about to achieve this goal and holds the top record of 10.24 seconds in Oman. Kudos!

Dalia Jamil Saleh Al Hassani 3G Engineer

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ENGINEERING THE FUTURE

Dalia Jamil Saleh Al Hassani is a Senior Radio Planner 3G – Oman’s first 3G Engineer has always wanted to be an engineer. Here’s her story…

Building a dream: “As far as I can remember, I have always wanted to be an engineer.

When I was six years old, I asked my parents, ‘Who builds houses?’ and they said that engineers were instrumental in building houses.

That was it! I took my studies seriously especially mathematics so that I could become an engineer.

Thankfully, the year I passed out of school, Sultan Qaboos University started admitting girls onto its engineering course and I studied electrical engineering and computers.”

Working hard: “I worked as an electrical engineer for a few months but decided to switch over to the telecom field as I found that there were greater chances for me to excel in that sector. I’ve been working with Nawras for the past six years now and I was the first female engineer to join the company. I needed to prove that I was good and that a female engineer is as good if not better than the male engineer. I worked day and night, completely forgot my personal life and within two years, reached the senior engineer position.

Our department works at providing radio services for customers; designing cost-effective solutions to provide GSM, 3G, and WiMAXhome broadband coverage as well as the upcoming 4G LTE. We have continuous plans and tasks to complete. We do onsite visits – mountains, towers, high buildings; it is very challenging but nothing stops us. I’m proud of the fact that I’m also the first Omani female 3G engineer in Oman.”

Her support system: “My family has been of immense support. My mother is a working woman herself and understands me very well. If I had not been able to do engineering in Oman, they would have sent me abroad so that I could realise my dream.

I’d soon like to move from the technical aspect of my job into management. Becoming a manager in a technical division is a challenge.

And I’m working towards it by taking many management courses. I

have set a deadline and hope to see myself as a successful manager within five years.”

Her Message: “My message to young Omani women is to always follow their dreams.

Don’t listen to others when they try to pull you down. Believe that nothing’s impossible and work hard to achieve your goals.”

Hajer Belochi

Fashion Designer

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ajer Belochi’s style is distinct and refreshing. Now, probably the first Omani designer to showcase her work at the grand and historic Silverstone circuit, Hajer has much to be delighted about…

On her though process: “I am a detailed person and focus on little things that stimulate my imagination into a whole world of possibilities. There is no certain technique that I use to come up with an inspiration. As long as we keep learning, we realise how little we know and that in itself is inspiring to me! So anything can really inspire you as long as you manage to see what others don’t.

“As a fashion designer it is important to do a season and trend research, which will lead you to a certain theme for a collection, but mostly emotions attached to a certain memory, is my key to inspiration.”

On her designs and the women who wear them: “I do like to do a bit of kids wear and women wear, and I’m still thinking about menswear.

“My woman is a strong, determined, life-loving, young-hearted daughter of Eve, and a handful of sparkling star dust. She is a loving mother, an amazing sister, and a true friend.”

On her training with Georges Chakra: “I trained under George Chakra, and it was a wonderful experience.

Mingling with adults from whom I learnt special techniques; From in

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SIGNATURE STYLE

Hajer Belochi, the only Omani fashion designer with an ESMOD diploma in fashion, has wowed the fashion industry with her imaginative creations

pattern cutting and draping to illustrating. Being in an industry and a fashion house is totally different from being a student, it opens your eyes to many opportunities that help shape your future.”

On her favourite fashion decade: “Well, the Victorian era amazes me but it’s not my favourite decade. It’s not easy finding one decade that I like the most, and the reason is every decade has something captivating in it that helped create the one after it. Plus, you have lots of cultures and traditions that mix and mingle within all these decades, so it’s hard to specify. But I assure you, it’s easy to enjoy all those differences and variety of choice and trends.”

On her favourite designer: “I do not like to stick to one main designer as this will not feed my talent. I respect the creativity of many designers and adore others, and from the most successful designers and artists life experiences I learn, and build mine.”

Her message to the next generation: “Do what you love because that’s what you will end up doing in your daily life, and when you love something you will give it your all blissfully. Fashion Design is not easy and it needs dedication, commitment and genuine hard work. It’s a branched major, and has much more to it than just catwalk and fame. So do your research, grab your chances and then enjoy every bit of it because it is an astounding field, so make your experience worthwhile.

“I love what I do, and for this I am lucky.”

n a m O C A G k c i l C

for logistics, shipping and marine services

Hamad bin Salam Al-Sulaimi

Photographer

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SHUTTERBUG

With a multitude of awards, both local and international, and prestigious qualifications including ‘FIAP Artist’, ‘FIAP Excellent’ and ‘FIAP Pro’, Hamad bin Salam Al-Sulaimi has proved that photography is more than a passion

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amad Al Sulaimi began dabbling in photography in 2006, as an amateur photographer. He didn’t have any professional training or hi-tech gadgets – just immense passion for the art. Urged by his family who noticed his talented, he joined the photography club (Omani Society of Fine Arts) in Muscat to expand his horizons.

At the time Hamad was based in Sumail and despite the distance, he’d make the journey to Muscat every Monday to meet with the club members and present his weekly photos for comments and feedback.

He recalls it was hard work but Hamad was determined and believes that the experience was one of the key drivers to his success today.

He remembers his first day at the photography club: “When I went there the first time, I did not find many members, and someone told me that the majority of them had gone to China to represent Oman in one of the contests. I was filled with pride on hearing that my fellow photographers were representing Oman on an international level and was determined to do the same in the near future.”

Hamad focused on improving his talent through learning, training, and accepting constructive criticism from his colleagues. He assures that the brotherly environment at the club, where mutual care and support exists, is the main reason for his success and receiving several awards during the past two years, either through individual or group participations. Such environment, as well, assisted in raising the Omani flag at different countries hosting international photographic contests.

“Whenever I signed up to any contest, my main concern was not to win, but to establish the presence of Omani photographers there. However, my ambition and sense of responsibility grew after my works won the prestigious Al-Thani Award for Photography. I realized then that I wanted to strive harder for regional and international excellence.”

This realization was followed by a string of achievements. Hamad won the gold medal at Southampton International Exhibition of Photography in 2011 for his work entitled ‘Mistake 1’. He also bagged a bronze medal at the Malmö International Exhibition of Photographic Art (Sweden, 2009); a bronze at Emirates Photography Competition (2011); a bronze at the Grand Digital Circuit in India (2011); as well as Honorable Mentions at competitions in Argentina, Russia and Britain. He also won the 15th Annual Photography Exhibition organized by OSFA in 2008 and bagged second place at a competition organized by the Ministry of Tourism (2010). Last year, Muriya Tourism Development had hosted a photography competition and Hamad won second prize under the ‘Theme 1’ category (the Theme 1 was ‘Jebel Sifah Project’, aimed to capture beautiful shots of the project in terms of architecture and the waterfront, walkways, Illuminations and all aesthetics elements linked to the project).

The career of the photographer Hamad al-Sulaimi is still nascent, yet has been extremely fruitful; a reflection of his hard work and persistence to achieve success on an international level.

Hussain Al Jabri

Sailor

RIDING THE WAVE

Hussain Al Jabri, member of the Oman Sail Laser Squad, has already established himself as an individual to keep an eye on

A look at his skills, and you’d think Hussain has been doing this all his life. Not only does he strategize well, but has an uncanny understanding of the sea; and his coaches only has high praise for the young man.

According to them, Hussain is very self-motivated and is extremely professional and realistic when it comes to sailing. He knows what he wants and what he must do to get it. Countless hours of training and consistency has played a key role in his wins.

Sailing is an extremely competitive sport and Hussain says that while he was competing with sailors with far more experience than him, his Coach Mark Corky’s instructions proved crucial in obtaining the winning edge. Hussain also thanked the officials of the Ministry of

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Sports Affairs as well as Oman Sail for giving him the opportunity to compete and develop his skills.

Oman has always had a rich maritime heritage and Hussain Al Jabri is sure to keep that flag sailing way up high.

Images Courtesy: Mark Lloyd, Oman Sail

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ussain Al Jabri, recently cemented Oman’s plans to qualify for the 2016 Olympics after winning the Gold medal at the Singapore Laser Trophy in Singapore. The 23 year old sailor, hails from Yiti and has been with Oman Sail for about a year now – certainly a valuable addition to the team. Although, he’s been sailing for only a year, his winning streak has been next to none. He has recorded seven outright wins to record a title victory in the Laser Standard class by nine points at his first major event. He also finished second at another race in Mussanah in the month of March. He is currently preparing for The Laser Europa Cup, an event which is expected to draw in over 200 laser sailors. Hussain will also be preparing for a major upcoming regional event in the second GCC Beach Games in Saudi Arabia in November.

But right now, his main focus is on qualifying for the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016.

Issa Al Lamki

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Chef

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ssa Al Lamki is Oman’s very own culinary icon, mentor and instructor. He’s had considerable experience in and across the region and has been exposed to many cultures and cuisines.

However, Issa has always carried with him the rich heritage of Oman and the flavours that make the cuisine so unique. An acclaimed chef and restaurateur, his culinary creations easily delight the palates of the most discerning of diners. In a bid to make use of his long experience, he established ‘ Master Chef’, a school dedicated to teaching culinary arts. Issa strongly believes that cooking is an art rather than a job and hence should be nurtured and cared in order to truly develop it.

Travelogue: “I have worked with many reputed establishments in different countries. Many of my workmates used to express admiration since I was from the Gulf and was capable of producing creative cuisine that infuses different tastes and flavours. Often, I’d be asked why I’d taken up a career in the food and hospitality industry in spite of being from an oil producing country. And I would always answer that I’m in love with cooking,” says Issa.

Issa was the first Omani chef to head and run a private restaurant and is one of the first few graduates of the Hospitality Institute. After graduation, he headed to the U.S where he studied for three years and received on job training.

Beginnings: After returning from the US, Issa initially faced a little problem in finding a suitable job. But when a famous chef, an American of Arab origin, saw his talent and enthusiasm for work, he encouraged Issa and provided him with the opportunity to foster his talents. He then passed the required tests and was promoted from Commis to Chef de Partie.

Issa Al Lamki, Oman’s top Chef, has had extensive experience in the culinary world and is rightly known as ‘the ambassador of Omani cuisine’ Soon after, he moved to (then) Al Bustan Palace Hotel – a place where he’d always dreamed of working. “I’d always cherished the dream to work there,” explain Issa. “And working at the Al Bustan Palace hotel exposed me to richer experiences that added to my skills and helped me to get stints outside Oman.”

Saudi Arabia beckons: “I travelled to Saudi Arabia and stayed there for ten years. Despite the difficulties I faced, I managed to acquaint myself well and gather more experience. I worked for Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh for two years after which I joined 4 Seasons and was the first applicant from the Gulf to apply for a post with the Food and Beverage department. I worked there for two and half year and was the special Chef for HH Al-Waleed Bin Talal Bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud. HH used to praise my dishes and expressed his admiration for achieving this kind of success at career which isn’t normally a career of choice for people from this region.

HH always encouraged me to garner more experience from working at various international hotels. After working for two years working at Al Faisaliah Hotel, I became the first Arab and Gulf chef there. This will always remain a source of my pride.”

Back home: After spending ten successful years in Saudi Arabia, he came back and partnered to open Ubar, a restaurant that offers truly authentic Omani cuisine. As for the future of Omanis in this field he says, “Youngters shouldn’t always focus on salary and stability. I encourage everyone to be patient and work hard to turn their dreams into reality. They should realize that dreams will not come true overnight. Success requires lots of sacrifices and they need to be willing to do that.”

Chef Issa al Lamki seeks to promote the Omani dishes abroad as well.

He has penned multiple cook books. He is known for love for fusion and his ability to prepare dishes that mix diverse influences ranging from Omani, Italian, American and Spanish. Yes, he certainly brings in the local to the global!

‘TALE’ SPIN

Laila Al Bellucci

Laila Al Bellucci holds the distinction of being the first female writer of English fiction. A look into the life of the author and her book ‘Mirabella and the Pearl of Chulothe’

Book one talks about going into Paris and that’s the key there, as I want the children to decode what’s in book called the ‘Codilleom’ one to know where the journey will end in book two and so on until the end of the series.”

Author

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aila Al Bellucci’s Mirabella and the Pearl of Chulothe, published by American publishers, Adducent, Florida, USA, has been garnering rave reviews ever since it was launched early this year. The first book of five in the series, Mirabella and the Pearl of Chulothe begins a quest by three friends that will span the globe in a race of good against evil to find the five keys that will prevent the coming of a new dark age.

A story within a story, a modern tale of courage and fear, of love and loss and how experience can teach us to discover out true self and the power that comes with belief in ourselves. Originally from Oman, Laila has been in England all her life. But as she says, “I am an Omani and my soul is always here.” Her father is from Barka and her mother was born in Muttrah and raised in Bidbid and hence has always been in touch with her roots. Growing up, Laila explains that she’d always loved books. “I loved libraries a lot and walk a far distance every Friday after school to the library and read as much as I wished. I did Architectural Engineering and started off in a firm that my brother worked in. I got a Master’s in Business Administration and became a business and diplomatic consultant. I also did a lot of consultancy different industries as well as concepts for renowned charitable organisations.”

However, all the while, the idea of a book was within her. “I was working on the concept of ‘One World’ which was something to do with the vision of the libraries of the future while making it alive and interactive. And I was thinking of a story to go into that world when the idea of this book came about. Book two has most of the ideas because of the journeys to different countries, the art and innovation in the arts.

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In her book, she also subtly weaves in topics of racial prejudice, “My daughter was in boarding school in England and when I once went to collect her, I saw these letters she had written to herself and was shocked. She was not very happy with certain things at school. So then I thought that is a great base for a story. I didn’t really put it in the concept of racism or prejudice from her angle but I used the story line.

I thought that I should create a beauty under the evils or ignorance and some stories actually came from my childhood which my father or mother would tell us as we grew up in a ‘house of story-telling’.”

And what about her next book? “I have not finished it but it’s progressing well. Books are something you can’t plan. I thought I could but when you start writing, it takes a life of its own and it’s quite magical when you see that happen. The publishers are also now in talks with a lot of movie directors about making a movie on the book. Let’s wait and see what happens.”

RIGHT CONNECT

Maryam Ghalib Al Alawi, social media specialist, got the hang of networking and the role it can play in the modern world of business early on and took on the challenge of branding herself to get a total grip on the world of social media

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ike every school student she had ‘when-I-grow-up’ dreams; hers was to become a psychiatrist.

But fate, as they say, had other plans. She got a scholarship to study computer applications in Indian silicon valley, Bangalore, and she took it up. “May be destiny had something else in mind,” she muses.

The year was 2000 and Computer Applications was a new field of study worldwide; in the college she joined the course was only a year old. That provided her the necessary foundation to become adept in handling various applications that monitor, analyze and develop sites.

Maryam Al Alawi

Social Media Specialist

Destiny… Maryam recalls being a very quiet person. “I wouldn’t even reply to people,” she interjects to demonstrate her pre social media days. But things changed. She met a whole lot of amazing people who played a role, directly or indirectly, to develop her personality. Her belief in the institution of education and the right push from her mother was enough to take up the challenge of moving to Bangalore for studies. “I had to gamble,” she states, matter-of-factly, adding, nevertheless, that she felt “like a fish out of water.”

She also attributes her resolve

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to take up the challenge to her father, who she says was “one unique character.” Her admiration of her father’s character – whatever she heard about it from her uncles and relatives – made her incorporate his name, Ghalib, into hers and also understand that she is an epitome of his characters. Her seven long year tryst with Bangalore spanned a growth that helped her break out of the shell and find her calling in social media. During those days she assumed the nickname, Evening of roses, to network with people who were associated with her. “I networked whatever happened to me; whatever trip I went on. I would post pictures on the net… I enjoyed this the most and I realized my circle was growing and that I had to modify…,” she states.

Soon, she developed contacts with other like-minded folks in Oman and sought to explore means to grow in the path she had chosen. And the one aspect that kept knocking her reality was the idea that she has to pitch herself first.

“A week after returning from Bangalore, India, I went to sell tickets at Box Office. I had long realized that I need to explore the avenues open to me; I’d also learnt never to underestimate any job, for you never know if it can open the loop. I told my mother that I would do what I wanted and not necessarily what I studied – Bachelor of Computer Applications. I analyzed the situation and realized that people around me were into different fields and also that I wanted to establish a network. Even while selling tickets I would keep my CV under my seat and give it to everybody…

wanted people to know about my activities – I have been involved with the safety association, road safety, etc… And then came Soshteck*! It was a challenge to prove, so I came up with an initiative to take me to another level – I called it ‘Omanis do not work!’ indicating not their abilities but a platform for their stories “Within a month I had about 3000 fans. It was then that we understood what our community is looking for. Now I have an entire team to work towards success. I have Fatima who is our offline marketing manager.

We conduct workshops in colleges and associations, provide services to companies, do online marketing, monitoring, etc. We work with big corporations – we study and tell them who their market is, we provide strategies… We have researchers and analysts from Germany, Bahrain, Saudia…

“I want to be a pioneer in the GCC; I want to represent Oman in social media. I have the confidence; I tell myself – Maryam, you can do it!

But sometimes I feel there is hesitation among Omanis here,” she says,

“I have been inspired by Tariq Al Barwani (I took up administration of the Arabic Section at KOO) and my cousin Mohammed, who is into technology, social networking and media. However, there was a kind of restlessness in me and I wanted to come with my own concept. I took up a job in an international real estate company. I learnt what it is to be a CEO from my Mexican boss. I also learnt lessons from my British boss who said ‘poor planning produces pretty poor performance’.

“Five years later I got into my social network plan. I invested in it. Put my efforts; and in eight months had Fulaha for SME – it was ready and integrated with SMS application, email for subscribers… But things didn’t work as planned. Failure made me realize that I needed to understand the Omani market.

“The market needed a shift. I and my cousin explored the situation together. I told myself, ‘Ok Maryam, you know where you should go…

You want to establish yourself as a brand!’ Yes, I enjoyed the journey.

I even dreamt of my father, who told me that I would build an empire.

There was a message in that dream – step out, go and learn business; you are an entrepreneur!

“I had to learn a lot in my life. I learnt how to gain customers and how to gain their trust. For social media is all about putting a relationship between you and your customer; it is not about a company, it is about building a brand from customer to customer. It is also about educating the masses that social media can cut marketing costs.

“I was into the phase where I believed it has to be me first and then the company. I wanted people to understand that I am Maryam. I also

describing the situation in Oman. However, she has several aces up her sleeve and is confident things will work in her favour – soon!

The people who inspire Maryam: “My mother: She is my main inspiration. She helped me cross the bridge. Other women who inspired me are Sharifa al Barami, Vice President of Omani Women’s Association; Muna Baqoor of Creative Minds LLC; and Sami Zedjali, doctor.”

“No one will take us out of our shell or give that push. It is within us! Failure, I believe, is the stage which is like a flickering light – you know you are almost there. It is the highlight of your life. All that you need to do is step ahead - there are many unique features in you. Don’t get scared behind the shadow of obstacles; Omani women can do anything.

“Personally, I know 2012 will be my inspirational year. Before the end of this year I will have something exciting to reveal…”

Soshteck was established in early 2011 with a wide network of technical innovators who help in completing their projects. Its services include Consultancy, Social Media monitoring and engagement, Social Media Analysis Platforms and Social Media for business intelligent

Maryam Al Zadjali

Artist/Painter

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VIBRANT PALETTE

It was a drawing that she so keenly drew on Mother’s Day at elementary school that first awakened her passion for art. Yes, it’s none other than the immensely talented, Maryam Al Zadjali

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oday Maryam al Zadjali serves as the Chairperson of the Omani Society of Fine Arts. But her journey had begun right from the days of her childhood, when she spent her time immersed in the arts and dreaming of the day when she’d hold her own exhibition. “I recall when I was a child, our art teacher requested us to draw a picture on our own for Mother’s Day. I managed to express the idea in a very impressive manner which caught the attention the art teacher and my classmates as well,” reflects Maryam. Afterwards, she participated in a number of school competitions and came first in many of them.

Maryam then went on to study psychology and philosophy and obtained an MA in Art Management. In 1980, Maryam founded her very own atelier which further polished her skills as it provided her with the opportunity to interact with and exchange knowledge with experts.

She was exposed to different schools of thought and provided with the opportunity to paint faces using pencils, oil and water colours.

Her record is full of many impressive achievements including the second formative exhibition which was held in Kuwait in 1986, the third fine arts exhibition in Bahrain in 1986, the first fine arts exhibition in Riyadh in 1989, the first fine art exhibition in Doha in 1989, Arab fine art exhibition in Washington in 1991, the fine art exhibition for GCC artists in Shajah in 1994 in addition various national events. She also participated at Muscat first biennale in 1998, first Cairo biennale in 1984, Muscat second biennale in 1990, Sharjah international biennale in 1993, Asia seventh biennale in 1995 and Asia eighth biennale in Bangladesh in 1997.

Maryam has also actively participated at a number of workshops including the Omani Austrian art workshop in 1992, the graphic art workshop in 1995, the art workshop in collaboration with Iranian artists in 1997, the graphic workshop with Bahraini artists in 1998, the Austrian workshop in Austria in 1998 and the Omani fine artists in Austria in 1999. Her active participation in the workshops in the field of visual arts in 2004 was significant and she even gave a lecture in abstract arts for members of the Omani Woman Association in Dhofar Governorate in 2004. Maryam has also represented the Sultanate in the Omani Triangle in Bahrain in 1987, Egypt in 1987, Doha in 1992, U.A.E in 1994, Bangladesh in 1996, Austria in 1998, as well as Italy, Spain and Greece.

She won first place in oil painting in 1986, the gold medal at the second art exhibition in Kuwait and came second in oil painting in 1998 (Omani Handicapped Association in 1998). She came third at the oil paining competition in 1997. She came second at the oil paining competition in 1998 together with a certificate of appreciation from Bahrain in 2000. She came second at the small art works exhibition in 2010’.

“I am proud that my works were purchased by art lovers from U.S.A, UK, Netherlands, Austria, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, China,

Australia and Malaysia,” she says. Maryam believes that Omani artists have a privilege over other artists from other countries as they are by nature, art lovers. They can easily get inspiration from the natural beauty around them. Many artists from different countries of the world come to the Sultanate to get inspired from Oman’s rich natural and cultural heritage, she added.

“I hope that Omani artists continue to serve as an ambassador to this country by portraying high quality works that can be showcased at museums and exhibitions world over. I also hope to continue my passion for the arts and portray the various elements that comprise the genuine beauty of the Sultanate.”

Muna Al Shanfari

Adventurer

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DEFYING GRAVITY

Muna Al Shanfari, the first Omani woman to climb Mt Kilimanjaro is an inspiration to us all.

Her courage, grit and determination teaches all that nothing is truly impossible…

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here are no limits except the ones we place on ourselves’ holds true with every extraordinary story one hears of women achievers. Stories that speak of exemplary grit and courage…of going where one has rarely tempted to go before. The expedition of Muna Al Shanfari is one such story that inspires us and makes us believe that we too, can make a difference and achieve anything if we set our minds to it.

Muna is the first woman to have raised the Omani flag at Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa. She also climbed Aconcagua in Argentina, reaching the Canadian camp at 5050 metres. This makes her the second Arab woman to have attempted Aconcagua.

A compliance officer by profession, Muna has always had a love for the outdoors. “My sister and I would always go swimming at the beach on Fridays with my mum. And we also did horse riding during our summer holidays in the United Kingdom, once. We also attended a lot of summer camps and took part in a lot of outdoor activities and sports like archery, fencing and canoeing. I’m also a certified diver (PADI) and dive in Oman and abroad.”

It’s no wonder then, that Muna loves the adventure rush – the thrill of wanting to try something new. But there’s also a strong element of practicality in her personality. “I always assess the risks first before trying anything new. I took up mountaineering as a challenge and for testing my limits.”

So what made her think of Mt Kilimanjaro as a goal, we ask. “I had a male colleague who’d climbed the mountain and raised the Omani flag and I wanted to be the first woman to do so,” she says. The journey to the top doesn’t come without its hardships and challenges. Muna recollects that for both climbs, the challenges were different. “In Kilimanjaro it was the upset stomach which I had from day one of the expedition, the risk of malaria and the low temperatures at Barfu camp.

Other challenges included dealing with people, especially when there was lack of cooperation or team spirit. In Aconcagua, the experience was different. The group of climbers with me was very friendly and there was a real team spirit between us. Aconcagua was physically demanding and the temperatures were extreme when compared to Kilimanjaro, sometimes dropping below minus 20 degrees C at the base camp.”

Muna sums up her feelings on reaching the summit thus: “I was ecstatic. I was so tired when I was reaching the summit but when I saw the famous signboard, I ran to it. The best part was flying the Omani flag. I felt so proud being amongst other climbers from Canada and America.” She has already conquered two mountains but Muna does not want to rest on her laurels. She wants to raise the bar even higher.

“I would like to attempt Aconcagua again, but would also like to climb

other less challenging mountains before I go back to the Andes. My next mountain may be the Himalayas.”

Her biggest inspiration has been Susan Al Houby, the first Arab woman to reach Everest this year. Her message to other Omani women who want to follow their dreams and achieve them: “I think having confidence and persistence to pursue your goals and yet also being realistic about them is important especially if you have a family to juggle along with other things in your life.”

This woman of substance has her heart, mind and sight on the right places. As she succinctly puts it, “Obstacles make our lives; just a series of steps to climb, leading to something greater.”

Nadia Al Amri

Photographer

ART & SOUL

With her unique style, Nadia Al Amri has managed to take the local as well as global photography scene by storm

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ne look at her work and you’ll be enamoured for life.

At a young age of 22, Nadia Al Amri’s photography comprises images of haunting beauty and a maturity that goes well beyond her years. So much so that art critics have even gone on record to say that she might be setting a ‘new standard’ in photography circles in Oman.

Her much talked about work, ‘Spirits of Life’ is ample testament to this rising star’s genius. Her photographs reflect a certain melancholy and depth of emotions unseen among photographers in the country.

Nadia perceives photography as a mirror to reality and affirms that it changed her view of life since she was 19 years old when she joined the local photography club. Back then, she knew nothing about the intricate details of photography. However, with time, she developed her knowledge and skills and today is easily one of the most recognised in her field.

Her first solo exhibition entitled ‘Rhythm of the Soul’, was meted with tremendous success and saw a distinct shift from conceptual photography to motion photography. The exhibition was a part of the Dar al Mussawir’s project, aiming to support photographers in the Arab world and comprised 40 of her works, each a part of a ‘visual rhyme’ expressing emotions through movements and colours, creating a cusp of reality and fantasy.

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Nadia is the recipient of many local and international awards, including: a Gammelgaard Monochrome prize at Denmark (2011), bronze medal at the International Black and White Arts Photography Exhibition at Argentina in 2010; the Honorary Award (HA) at the 30th FIAB Black and White Biennale at Vietnam in 2010; 2nd place at the Beginning Theme in Al-Sharqiya contest for Arab Photo in 2011; she won the Palm D’or at the Visual Arts Exhibition at KSA in 2011; and gold medal of the Al-Thani photography contest in 2011.

Nadia received support and direction from her family who watched her talent grow by time, and provided her with the mechanisms necessary for overcoming challenges and difficulties. When talking about her career, she specifically mentions her sister who supported and guided her whenever needed. She as well praises the support received from OSFA photography club through members who trained, monitored and guided her. All these factors, in addition to the time factor which Nadia perfectly utilized through practical training, contributed to her excellence locally and internationally.

Regardless of her love for all photography types, she prefers motion, conceptual and portrait photography. Inspiration and passion, pushes her towards excellence in photography, while leveraging two important aspects of the picture; lighting and emotions. Finally, she perceives that photographic art is successful as long as the photographer is, particularly in proving his talent though producing images that satisfies the public taste.

NEVER SAY NEVER

Nagma Hamed Al Sharji

Nagma Hamed Al Sharji has made a mark for herself in the world of sports, in a very short span of time. Gold medal winner at the Special Olympics at Athens and Syria, she shows, where there’s a will there’s a way…

Sportsperson

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agma Hamed al Sharji secured the gold in shot put at the Special Olympics held at Athens as well as gold at the 200m race held in Syria. A student at the Al Wafa Voluntary Social Center in Al Mudhaibi, Nagma, suffers from moderate mental handicap/impairment.

She joined the centre in 2001 and later on participated at the local competitions in the wilayat of Sur. She bagged top positions in 100m race and came second at the long jump competition. She also participated at the sports day which was held at Sultan Qaboos Complex in Baushar in which she came first at the 200m race. She also participated at the second sports festival in the wilayat of Sur and came first at 200m race.

At the third sports festival which was held in Nizwa, she came first in shot put which secure a spot for her at the regional and international competitions. She then took part at the Special Olympics for MENA region, which was held in Damascus, and came first at 200m race. She also came first at shot put ar the pan Arab level. Recently Nagma also participated at the regional games for the fifth Special Olympics in Athens and came first in shot put.

“I dream of representing my country in different sports competitions and would like to portray a good image about Omani sportswomen,” says a determined Nagma. “I also wish to add to my achievements and enhance my presence in the world sports arena for the mentally challenged. I have to admit that these achievements would not have been possible without the support provided to me by the management of Al Wafa Social Voluntary Centre. I am also very keen to create a balance between my responsibilities towards my studies and family. I hope that every Omani is be able to raise the flag of our dear country high in the sky at different international competitions.”

“We discovered the Nagma’s talents at the local competitions and did our best to enhance her skills as per available resources to ensure better representation of the Sultanate at various regional and international competitions,” says Mariam bint Mohammed bin Hamad al Bartamaniyah, the sports instructor at al Wafa Social Voluntary Centre and Najma’s companion during the internal and external participations. “The annual festival held every year for al Wafa Social

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Voluntary Centres provided Najma as well as the other ladies with strong incentives and encouraged many of them to discover their talents. In this regard, I have to admit that Najma has shown very strong confidence in her capabilities and was always willing to work hard to turn her dreams into reality.”

“For the time being, Najma receives due care provided to her by the Centre’s management as well as her family. We are all very proud of her and of the achievements she managed to make in this short span of time,” she continued. “I take this opportunity to stress the fact that even people with special needs can contribute to the growth of their countries and bring home the laurels. We are very keen to avail all the resources to provide these young girls with high quality training either at the Centre or at the Sultan Qaboos Complex in Baushar. I wish all the disabled sports men and women all the best in their future participations,” she concluded.

Najah Al Abdulsalam

WALK THE TALK

Najah Al Abdulsalam, the brainchild behind Oman’s first speech-language therapy centre, icommunicate, has given a muchneeded ray of hope to the local community

Speech Therapist

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ajah Abdulsalam’s story begins on a rather unexpected note. Well, as unexpected as it might be for a person pursuing her degree in architecture. Indeed, initially Najah had started out her studies in the United States and was on her way to becoming an architect. However, she soon realized that it wasn’t her calling and was suddenly unsure of what she wanted to pursue. However, things weren’t so easy and she recalls silently praying for the future and then without warning the answer came to her, “I woke up at the middle of the night and started going through the various specialties’ manuals. That’s when I came across communication disorders and realized that this is exactly what I wanted to do.”

The rest, as they say, is history. Today, Najah has realized her dream and opened up Oman’s first speech-language therapy centre, icommunicate.

She clarifies that speech and language sciences in Oman and Arab countries are still new sciences – a trend that is reflected in the limited number of speech and language specialists as compared to the amount of services actually required. However, she believes that the number is increasing through individual and national efforts. “In Oman, we need a specialised speech-language therapy centre which will focus on autism, and offer play therapy, trauma therapy, and all the different types of therapy that will complement our sessions,” Najah explains.

According to her, ‘Success’ needs to be earned and comes only through hardwork. She admits facing major challenges but assures that she spent a lot of time in planning and strategizing. In addition, she saved money from her salary to ensure the capital required for the implementation phase. She further assures that as a youth, it is natural to face challenges and one should be persistent to achieve success depending on oneself.

“I started without any external support. It is an individual effort through which Allah has supported me. I am a person who does not like to depend on others whether institutions or the government. I had patience, I planned well and ultimately achieved my goals.”

Today, Najah aspires to achieve many things, including her desire to increase research related to communication disorders especially due to the lack of such research in the Arab world – and Oman in particular.

Another area she hopes to do more research on is Arabic-specific speech therapy, since there isn’t much information on it. Her studies in Jordan provided her with the expertise, but given the different dialects in Oman, more work here can be done. Her ultimate target is to assure that anyone looking for treatment will find it with ease and receive the best care and support.

DIFFERENT STROKES Writer, traveller, photographer, environmentalist…

Nasser Al Kindi has donned several caps in his creative odyssey. He has polished every trait to shine forth and do his bit for the society. In the following narrative he highlights his journey and provides his perspective on life and art

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he ceaseless quest for ‘what we want’ often comes at the account of pursuing ‘what we are’, only to discover, later, that we might have been engaged in what was often a trivial pursuit. I spend much of my time pursuing the four passions that define my life: travelling, photography, writing and the preservation of the environment. I like to think that I am my passions.

Nasser Al Kindi

Photographer / Environmentalist

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As a teenager, I declined offers to study Acting and Fine Arts and, one day, landed unannounced at Heathrow Airport in London.

That trip was a start of a six year sojourn in the United Kingdom, where I took my O’ Levels and later A’ Levels in Languages, studying French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic and English. These studies culminated with a Bachelor’s Degree in European Literature and Comparative Studies.

With many jobs on offer upon my return to Oman, I chose to work for a publishing house, where I fell in love with nature photography.

A year later, I quit the job and started my photography studio and design house. I have long closed the studio but my love for photography has since acquired a different and, I believe, more

spirited dimension. My four passions in life intertwine and are interdependent. I love travelling within and outside Oman and express my impressions of what I see on film and writing. Perhaps the best time of my life is that which I spend camping in Oman’s great outdoors.

helped make Clean Up Oman a popular group and have transferred our ambitions and zeal for maintaining the Sultanate’s clean and natural beauty from the virtual world of Facebook to an active group in the real world.

Turning forty, I looked back with content, proud of everything I have done in my life because I have always done it with passion and great intentions. We go through a lot of firsts in our lives and as we chart our road ahead, we could sometimes miss our way. Like everyone else, I had my share of errors and mistakes as well as achievements; I believe these are just two sides of the same coin. Once, my feet deeply immersed in the shallow waters of a low tide at Barr A Hikman, a place that holds a special place in my heart, I decided to stop seeking and start being! Water is a mystery. The marriage of hydrogen and oxygen, two gases that in combination take on the form of a liquid, they always seem to find their way around or through any circumstance. More so, water always triggers a reaction, a feeling.

It is thanks to the efforts and hard work of these people as well as the cooperation of government, media agencies and private corporations that Clean Up Oman now boasts of the largest nationwide clean up awareness campaign in the country. Clean Up Oman had to start somewhere and by someone and I believe it was my destiny to take the first step. I am merely the inspiration, the fire so many people gathered around but the true heroes are the so many Omanis and expatriates who constantly devote their time and energies to make it happen and keep the flame alight. Back in the United Kingdom, I was interested in literature and languages. My long walks along the countryside in Oman got me more passionate about the environment. My father had been the first to re-introduce the love of horses to many Omanis. At one point, he had over thirty horses and well over one hundred and fifty camels,

Immersed in the water, I felt at peace just being and in peace lies the force of passion, perseverance, the miracle of questions, answers and the serenity of having ended the pursuit because you are at home with yourself. To be at peace is to have the miracle of faith; the faith in yourself. The first and the last steps of many of lives’ milestones often stop us from achievement. It is in these two steps that we need faith, the faith to make the leap. Likewise, in my career, I have also always pursued my passions. I spent much of my initial years after graduation doing freelance photography, writing and engaging in translation and designing services. Along with earning a living from my hobbies, I learnt the value of hard work and of being productive. As a freelancer, you are always solution driven but you must also be self-disciplined to accomplish anything.

Later in 2002, I joined a large corporation, first as a contractor staff and then moved to a permanent position as Communications Supervisor and soon became the company’s Head of Communications, Issues and Crisis Management. This all happened within the space of three short years and I am thankful to the company for providing me with many opportunities for development and learning. My work at the company has enabled me to travel to so many countries, some as far away as Australia, Argentina, Korea, Croatia, and other not so far-flung places.

My day-to-day job left me with weekends to pursue my passion for photography and the environment. I have never thought of selling my work for financial gains, but when an opportunity came to pitch in and raise money for charity, I was eager to participate.

Excitedly, I made some posters, framed some photos and mounted some other of my photography work. The success and popularity bestowed on me were astounding and hence I began my journey of selling posters for charity. I have since evolved from selling at bazaars only to selling through word of mouth and my website (www.nasserkindi.com). I have sold thousands of photographs to individuals and corporations and used the income to subsidize the initial baby steps of Clean Up Oman, a group with an eponymous objective, I founded on 29th November 2011. Today, Clean Up Oman is the most popular environmental group amongst Omanis. Establishing Clean Up Oman wasn’t an easy task but I am thankful to the many Omanis and expatriates who have

in addition to donkeys, birds, cattle and so many forms of wildlife.

His love for the outdoors is unsurpassed by any other person I have met. I like to think that I have taken his love for the outdoors and wildlife to another dimension. I am so proud that Clean Up Oman has amongst its members many who share with me the passion to preserve the environment in Oman and, in doing so, preserve the many beautiful places and species that they and I love so dearly. Nothing beats the feeling of giving back, albeit little, to the country that gave me so much.With so many activities, it is easy to understand when I say to friends that I have hardly ever experienced the feeling of being bored!

My love for photography has always taught me to keep my eyes open, to experience the colours of our world. Thus, my writings are replete with images, the meticulous attention to details framing the beauty of the transient and setting it in writing, so that it endures forever. Later on, I moved to writing about photography and have now completed a dictionary of photographic terms to the Arabic reader along with another book on backpacking and photography.

Never be afraid of pursuing your passions; take steps, however small, towards following your dreams. Make it happen today; tomorrow is a day that never comes.

FASHION FORWARD

Nawal Al Hooti

Fashion Designer

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esigns that infuse flavours from the East and the West.

Flowy fabrics with ornate embellishments. Radical yet magical. These are just some of the expressions that pop into mind when one sees Nawal Al Hooti’s creations.

“Let’s make the world different!” says the tagline on this young designer’s website and that’s exactly what her creations do.

So intricate are her designs and so original her thoughts that it is impossible to believe that Nawal has spent a good eight years in the banking sector. But fashion has always been her first love and ever since she exhibited her first designs at a fashion show organised by the Omani Women’s Association (2003), she hasn’t looked back.

“My first fashion show in 2003 marked the beginning of my career. I began by designing clothes for family members. In the second show, I attempted to add special touches to my creations and develop traditional Omani dresses like the abaya, jalabiya and children’s wear. I continued adding my touches at different shows in France, Lebanon, Salalah so on and so forth. My aim is not only to reflect the true Omani identity in my designs but also to add creative elements that will enhance the glamour quotient and make them stand apart. I feel it is important that a designer exhibits her own special touch on the fabric used and also the type of embroidery and I do try my best to ensure that all the little details are taken care of. I supervise the different stages in my designs to ensure that it is unique and one-of-a-kind.”

Nawal tries to maintain the essence of traditional Omani wear and at

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Nawal Al Hooti’s imaginative designs have played a vital role in bringing Oman’s burgeoning fashion scene under the global spotlight the same time bring subtle influences from international trends to keep her lines appealing to all. “I like the traditional Omani dress with its distinctive embroidery which gives and when I embroider the outfits, I do not change its salient features. At the same time, women want to keep pace with modern trends as well. I have tried to cater to both these desires without compromising on the traditional features.”

Nawal believes that the reason her creations are so loved and admired across the globe is because of her versatility. She always keeps up with the developments and trends in the fashion industry and greatly emphasises on detailing. “I think that my designs are successful because every minute detail is important to me. I am involved in every stage of the process, right from choosing the fabric and the cut down to the embroidery used. I am also very lucky to have a skilled and talented team working with me.” She ends by saying, “I wish to see more creative designers entering the field. Young fashion designers should exchange ideas with one another because success ultimately stems from support.”

Raya Al Habsi; Intisar Al Tobi and Tahira Al Yahyai

Sailors

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SAILING HIGH

The First All-Female Omani Sailing Team, Raya Al Habsi, Intisar Al Tobi and Tahira Al Yahyai share one common dream - to raise the Sultanate’s name high in the sky

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his all-female Omani team is the first of their kind; sailing the waters of the Arabian seas atop their vessel the AlThuraya, which was built with the generous funding from BankMuscat. The team was put together as part of an allfemale sailing team programme that was launched last October. The aim of the programme was to form the first female Omani team in the sport, to enable Omani women to compete and qualify for the 2020 Olympics, create job opportunities for Omanis and create an environment in which the women could practice their sport.

The members of the Al Thuraya team were selected from 30 hopeful Omani sailors who had undergone intensive training courses that began in October 2011. These training courses were conducted in training centres by professional sailing experts. This intense training programme was aimed at testing the individual’s endurance, concentration, sailing skills and their ability to stay awake for hours on end. The sessions included an exclusive marine journey on board Al Thuraya where seven lucky sailors made the journey from Khasab to al Mussanah.

Later, the team members were elected for the final journey.

“I am proud to be part of the al Thuraya team. We have worked hard to see this ambition through and we thank God that we managed to follow through with the required training programme. We fully comprehend the responsibility that we have undertaken and we will do our best to represent the Sultanate in the eyes of the world. We will be forever grateful to our trainers who have coached us tirelessly and provided us with the vital skills and knowledge that we will need,” said Intisar al Tobi after she was selected last year.

They then joined their international team mates in participating in the second edition of Sailing Arabia The Tour; the first fully women team to compete with other regional and international sailing teams in a grueling 15 day offshore race, over a course of 1408km along the Arabian Gulf Coast. A fanastic feat indeed! Kudos, ladies!

Images Courtesy: Mark Lloyd, Oman Sail

Her comrades on the seas Raya al Habsi added, “The journey will not be an easy one as we will be competing with the best sailors in the Gulf and Europe. We will have to practice constantly the way were thought during our training sessions and strive to maintain our high spirits and morals during various stages of the race. Our team is the first of its kind in the region to have this unique experience and hopefully our journey will inspire others and contribute to reviving the rich local marine history. I would like to sincerely thank BankMuscat for giving us this exceptional opportunity and we as a team would do our very best to make everyone who have supported us proud.”

FOR THE LOVE OF SCIENCE

Leeds graduate Rayhanah Abdul-Munim Mohammad Ali Al Mjeni is the first scientist from Oman to win the L’Oréal-UNESCO Pan Arab Science Fellowship. This biomedical scientist is helping fight Glaucoma by enhancing our knowledge of the disease’s genetic make-up in Omani population

Rayhanah Al Mjeni

Scientist

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laucoma degenerates the optic nerve causing irreversible blindness. While its prevalence in Oman is about 5 percent, a family history can up the risk nearly ten times. Sadly, a medicine that completely cures the disease is yet to be found. Treatments, usually involving laser and surgery, only delay the onset of complete blindness. In her research, Rayhanah is trying to figure out what causes this disorder by identifying the genes responsible for it. In scientific terms it is, ‘examining the candidate gene and identifying the relevant mutations that contribute to its pathogenesis’.

The genetic knowledge of this disease in Oman will allow for better diagnosis and prognosis of the disorder along with an impact on the prospects of gene therapy,” she explains. Being the first Omani recipient of this award, Rayhanah hopes that her achievement encourages and inspires the youth of her country to pursue science and contribute to its advancement.

So did she always wanted to be a scientist? “My interest fluctuated a lot,” she says. She recalls aspiring to be a doctor, an architect, an electrical engineer and even an artist. “Due to the way I care for animals, I also wanted to be a veterinarian. So wanting to be a scientist could have been more of a fascination than a dream,” she reminiscences. Rayhanah’s attitude towards challenges is admirable. “Everyone encounters them,” she says. “Knowing your purpose, focusing on your goals and having a proper conduct assist in overcoming life’s ups and downs.”

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Preferring not to dwell on such setbacks, she draws strength from her favorite virtue: Patience. “It’s a quality everyone should have, along with modesty. I believe good things come to those who wait.”

Speaking about her inspirations, Rayhanah says “Without a doubt, my religion and my parents have been the two most essential and crucial sources of motivation. Being exposed to them since early childhood, they contributed to the initial character building. My ability to solve and troubleshoot problems has been inspired by them and my love for discovery and exploration is motivated by their attitude.” For Rayhanah, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos is another great source of motivation. “He has shown tremendous value in education and has established all forms of it within a short period. Further, he places great emphasis on research at university level. His leadership is an inspiration to all of us,” she says. She strongly believes that her country has supported her at every step in scaling the success ladder. “The availability of educational opportunities, facilities and certain privileges in Oman has enhanced my character and individuality. I am really proud to be part of a nation that is highly spoken of in various countries,” Rayhanah says.

No wonder one of Rayhanah’s primary goals is to conduct research that is beneficial to Oman on a more independent level. “I would also like to follow up on genetic disorders in the Omani population by making the Omanis aware of inherited diseases, how to avoid them and possible treatment. This will be a contribution to the local research scientific community.” With deep fascination for the genetics of nerve-related disorders, she wants to contribute to the well-being of communities by improving their diagnosis, treatment and therapy in the field. She hopes to actively research and enhance the knowledge bank about these disorders. “I hope that I will be able to have a positive impact in all areas, she says.

‘WRITE’ STUFF

Saif Al Kindi shot to fame two years ago when he self-published his fictional book ‘Tales of Zenus’

Saif Al Kindi

Author

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am still on the first three steps of the success ladder…” states an unassuming Saif Al Kindi, who savored success following his celebrated book ‘Tales of Zenus’, in 2010. That self-published book created history as one of the first English novels and the first fantasy book by an Omani writer. It also set a benchmark for aspiring Omani writers who prefer to explore their creative realm in English language.

It was not a smooth sail though. Saif, an English language teacher, had to pull all stops on the path of turning his first book into a printed work, as publishers were weary of finding buyers for an English novel in Oman. He was discouraged by many who expressed helplessness in marketing a new product such as ‘Tales of Zenus’. But his belief in his ability to write and create stories bolstered him to self publish the book, which turned him into an overnight celebrity. His book received instant recognition from local as well as expatriate readers, who found an endearing quality in the characters of his novel.

Set in the fictional planet of Zenus, the book scores on the good versus bad theme. He was inspired, he says, by the struggle of the period of prophecy in human history. Besides, his voracious reading of science fiction and playing video games gave Zenus a definite structure and life.

“The book was a project I entrusted myself with or rather compelled myself to do in my final year at Sultan Qaboos University. I knew that

Education and Arts students do not have a final graduation project so I made one for myself, which was writing a novel. It took me almost a year to complete it. I used to write different chapters at a time. I wrote the end of each part before anything else. The best times for writing were the early mornings after the first prayer of the day and before sleeping. Sometimes I used to go to the beach to get myself fresh air which helped to provide me with the flow of words and thoughts,” explains Saif, who graduated from Sultan Qaboos University in 2006 as an English teacher. He has studied linguistics, psychology, literature and other subjects related to education and teaching. Following his graduation he worked for the Ministry of Education for three years before moving to the Ministry of Defense, where he is currently employed.

Talking about his initiation into the field of writing, he says, the writing bug bit him when he was still at school. It opened a new world, a world which was not limited in its scope and dimension. Recalling those early days, he says, “Yes, it started when I was a child. I liked making my own drawings and write stories about them just like the cartoons on TV. However, I started writing in my mother tongue and followed it till grade 12. I turned to English after joining SQU. My writing improved when I started writing short stories. Then I wrote my first novel in 2007 and published it as a booklet for the students of SQU. Later, in 2010, I self-published the book with an additional new part to the story. I am currently writing two books and wish to publish them, if I could, soon.”

His advice for aspiring writers: “The way forward is long and full of obstacles, but the more you overcome, the more you move on to a better place. Believe in yourself, there is no limit to what you can do.”

Salah Al Zadjali

Singer / Musician

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MUSIC & LYRICS

A voice of gold and a heart to match. Salah Al Zadjali, is Oman’s very own music maven and an incontrovertible face of change

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onversing with Salah Al Zadjali is easy and a delight.

He’s open, humble, has many funny anecdotes to share and his passion for music and life becomes clearly evident as we go deeper into the interview.

After celebrating the success of his album Ayyar, which reached the Top Selling Album List at Virgin Megastores in the UAE, Salah became a household name for music lovers across the region. His is a story of conviction and aspiration and like all stories the best place to start, of course, is the beginning…

He couldn’t have said it any better. He continues, “If you come to my car you’ll find a crazy combination of music. It’s not only Arabic music, there’s Hindi, Swahili, Iranian, Turkish among many others.”

Salah’s enthusiasm is infectious. So much so that composers in India have readily wanted to collaborate with him and Shankar Mahadevan, a renowned Indian musician, was floored by Salah singing one of Shankar’s songs! In fact he might lend his voice for Bollywood songs in the near future. To that he adds with a smile, “Sometimes you go to your dream, and sometimes the dream comes to you.”

Salah’s love affair with music started during his childhood days. At the age of ten, armed with drums and a fierce enthusiasm and a passion that only kids that age possess, Salah and his friends formed a band.

Salah was their official keyboard player, an instrument which he would later master to immaculately perfect levels. Their first attempt gave the impetus for further more. Salah with his friends went on to form other bands over time like Zekryat, Majjan,and finally Awal. Today he’s worked with icons like Quincy Jones and RedOne and his music is known and loved throughout the region.

In his studio, we get an ever so tiny glimpse into the life of his remarkable person. As we continue the conversation he casually sits at his keyboard and plays a breath-taking rendition of Maa from the Bollywood movie Taare Zameen Par – his diction, flawless.

“I came to this field quite by accident,” says Salah. “Although my family loves and appreciates music, I wasn’t technically from a music background. But slowly I began to take it more seriously.” What started out has a hobby was soon beginning to take the shape of something more serious, and more tangible. “Most of my friends who were there with me in the beginning have all moved on to other professions. I’m the only one who has stayed in this field.”

And today he’s definitely proved his worth. If one person were to be attributed to revolutionising the local contemporary music scenario, then Salah would be it. And the success that he’s finally enjoying is because of his unwavering determination and an infinite passion for music. “To be honest, initially I hadn’t planned on becoming a famous singer. I enjoy singing but I was mainly interested in composing and arranging. Back in the 1990s we didn’t have to any private radio stations and I wasn’t expecting much of a career in the music industry.” During those days he wanted used to work for the local television channel, a dream come true for him. “And very often I used to visualize myself working in a studio of my own. And now, I finally have my own.”

Salah admits that he considers this his greatest achievement.

He professes that he has been deeply inspired by the work of Mohammed Abdel Wahab, a musician and composer considered one of the best in the region and solely responsible for changing the face of the Egyptian music scene. Something like what Salah has been doing here. “As a musician, I’m influenced by different kinds of music and cultures and I bring those sounds into my work. I’m not like other composers who mainly stick to the tried and tested way and are not open to experimenting with new styles and genres of music. Like in my album I have different kinds of songs – each track has a different feel and a different emotion.

As we leave his studio we are left in no doubt about Salah’s incredible talent and his promising future. In a world of autotune, distractingly glamorous music videos and publicity stunts, Salah’s music is like a breath of fresh air - pure and simple. It’s no wonder he’s won so many hearts all over, including ours.

Saleh Al Shukairi

Calligrapher

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IN PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

“At the beginning, I was dismissed from class for not paying attention, but he, Mr. Abdulmoneim may Allah rest his soul, did not know that I was busy imitating his wonderful handwriting.”

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hat was how the great artist; Saleh Al Shukairi, started his speech on his entry to the fine arts world. He never realized that his fascination with his teacher’s handwriting, his drawings on walls, in sketchbooks, and on every available space was the starting point in becoming a creative artist.

He developed an amazing harmony with Arabic letters, and used them in his drawings; diligently following the myriad of its rules, balances and details. Today, he is a member of the Omani Society for Fine Arts (OSFA), the International Arts Institution in the USA, and the Visual Arts Society in Austria. He also became an Islamic Calligraphy professor at the Scientific College of Design and Technical Colleges in Oman, as well as chaired the judging panel at the fine arts festival “Jeju Dolfik Contests” in South Korea in 2009. Al-Shukairi participated and designed 30 exhibitions locally and internationally. In addition to this outstanding resume, he reaped several local and international awards during his lengthy fine arts and calligraphy career.

During his childhood and most especially his summer vacations, he painstakingly made the long trek from Ibri to Muscat to take part in the OSFA (Youth studio) every morning, and returned, tired but contented back to Ibri every evening. He further reveals that “regardless of my extensive visits to the studio, I did not know much about the fine arts, and had no intention in studying or practicing such a field. I went there only to watch famous artists’ drawings and practice calligraphy.

I went out of love for the arts”. He continues saying that “after coming in constant contact with the Omani artists present at the studio, I was inspired and found myself working hard and practicing to become a calligraphy professional. After five years, my first drawing was exhibited at the OSFA exhibition held in the Sur province.”

When speaking of the trials he faced, he disclosed that “the most important challenge that faced me was my own creativity. My ambition was that my art had to satisfy my vision as well as my audience. In addition to that it had to meet the long-standing tradition of calligraphy and withstand the criticism of fine arts lovers. Thus, I used new

materials in my art work where I added drawings and colors to the calligraphy to modernize and develop it.” As for any other challenges he faced, he mourns that “there is a great lack of demand of this type of art in Omani society. There aren’t that many locals interested in owning calligraphy paintings, therefore calligraphers look to the international market to sell their wares; where people are more likely to purchase these pieces of art for all sorts of purposes and prices. They invest a lot in their appreciation for the fine art of calligraphy.”

He added that we need to raise awareness in the local populace to appreciate this form of art, and educate them on how to maintain, market and invest them. “This can be done,” he adds, “in schools, through a fine arts curriculum.”

The approach to respect and uncover the beauty of calligraphy lies in its essence, its ancientness, its history, and the stories that it tells.

Entrepreneurs, founders and tastes differ from one generation to the other; as art is subjective and at times fickle. It is a very difficult balance.

However, the artist and calligrapher al-Shukairi managed to decipher its codes, thus producing paintings that amaze and awe his audience and strengthen his personal stamp in the history of fine arts in Oman.

WINDS OF CHANGE

Dr Salma Al Kindy, the first Omani national to be elected member of Third World Academy of Science, speaks of her journey and her love for all things science…

Dr Salma Al Kindy

Scientist

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r Salma Al Kindy, a professor with the Department of Chemistry at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), was recently elected to be a member of the prestigious TWAS (Third World Academy of Science for the Developing World), an organisation which aims to promote scientific capacity and excellence for sustainable development in the developing nations. “Being the first Omani national at SQU to be appointed as a Fellow of the Academy means a great deal to me both professionally and personally,” says Dr Salma. “It is the culmination of years of hard work in academia and I feel humbled that my contribution to science has been recognised by my peers.”

The election into the Academy is purely based on scientific merit and Dr Salma was one among the 58 members (which includes 11 women).

Only those who have made significant contributions to the advancement of science in their fields of specialisation and have attained the highest international standards and recognition may be nominated as Fellows and Associate Fellows. Dr Salma’s nomination isn’t only testament to her conscientiousness and resolve but it also serves as a platform that brings Oman’s ever-increasing research capabilities to the fore.

However, it wasn’t an over-night success for Dr Salma, but an longdrawn-out journey that goes back right to her childhood days. Dr Salma had always had a rather inquiring mind as a child with a natural interest in science. Born and raised in the island of Zanzibar, she was amazed and at the same time curious about the wonders of nature around her.

But it was only in high school, under the tutelage of a particularly enthusiastic chemistry teacher that Salma discovered her love for the subject. She fondly recalls her high school days, “I had an excellent chemistry teacher who made the subject interesting, exciting and fun.

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He taught us to think through problems using basic principles – a skill that has helped me greatly in my career.” Even when she enrolled at the American University in Cairo, Dr Salma was greatly inspired by her instrumental chemistry professor and found the idea of identifying compounds based on their emission patterns fascinating. This is what ultimately shaped her decision to specialise in analytical chemistry.

She received her PhD from the University of Loughborough, joined the Department of Chemistry at SQU (the first Omani faculty to be appointed there) and since then has played an instrumental role in designing the curricula, training of human resources as well as advising and guiding a number of graduate and undergraduate thesis projects.

“I’m proud to say that my greatest contribution has been towards the training of young Omanis who end up taking leadership positions in the country,” says Dr Salma. She had made major contributions to the design and development of academic programmes in the department and spearheaded the introduction of Analytical Chemistry courses which have now progressed to comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate courses. When Dr Salma was appointed as Full Professor in the College of Science, her name went down in SQU’s history as the first Omani in the College of Science to reach this milestone. She is also currently serving on the University Academic Promotions Committee as well.

Dr Salma has much to be proud of yet she remains humble and possesses an infectious enthusiasm and positivity. A traveller by heart, she loves meeting new people and experiencing diverse cultures. So much so that she’s decided to take her interest a step further by enrolling in French classes. Whenever she finds some free time, she enjoys reading fiction, watching movies and shopping.

On a final note, she emphasises that although Omani women have done splendidly in all fields, they need to further raise the bar for themselves and work diligently to fulfil their dreams and ambitions. “The message I’d like to convey is that progress can be made through sheer will power, determination, perseverance, resourcefulness and ambition. Women still face a lot of hurdles when it comes to professional inclusion and progression. We need to support each other through networking and mentorship and garner a strong base of education, experience and blend them with interpersonal skills to truly reach the pinnacles of success.”

To book your space, contact 92801208

Fast cars and fancy malls are no doubt fast changing the landscape of the country. But, have a look at the local people who constitute a larger chunk of your target group. Have a look at their culture, lifestyle, habits, and preferences etc.

We did that and we saw that the local culture has not changed a bit and it never will. From work-wear to a light snack, everything about them is distinctively different. We at Alam al-Iktisaad Wal A’mal (AIWA) understand this difference more than anyone else. We understand that they need information in their own language. And that is why AIWA is the perfect medium to reach your target market. Every month AIWA reaches all ministries, government institutions and a large segment of corporate decision makers. So, the next time you’re planning your media budgets, bear in mind that your TG is someone who speaks Arabic and thinks in Arabic. Choose wisely. Choose an Arabic medium.

Choose Alam al-Iktisaad Wal A’mal (AIWA).

Sanad and Abdullah Al-Rawahi

Go Kart Racers

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NEED FOR SPEED

The talented duo, brothers Sanad Al-Rawahi and Abdullah Al-Rawahi share a common passion to race to the top

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he Oman Karting Team, established in 2009, is the first motorsport team dedicated to the promotion and advancement of motorsports in Oman through young Omani drivers. The Oman Karting Team was officially launched in January 2010 as a development programme for young Omani drivers. The two brothers Sanad Al-Rawahi and Abdullah Al-Rawahi, who share the driving ambition to rise to the top, are talented drivers who have attracted a lot of media attention due to their exceptional performance in the various regional and international championships.

Aged 16, Sanad Al-Rawahi started karting at the age of 10 and is now ranked first in the region’s Senior Rotax Max. Since 2009, he has participated in various regional and international Karting competitions.

In 2011, He participated in the FIA/CIK U18 world championship and the World Rotax Grand Finals. In the same year, Sanad made his first attempt to move to car racing when he tested at the Yas Maria Circuit Abu Dhabi the FG1000 Series. He showed great maturity and brilliant learning abilities during all the sessions and his experience in kart racing was evident as he mastered the concepts which were taught to him. As a young karter, Sanad had little experience of gears and clutch but because of his patient and systematic approach, he was one the quickest and smoothest drivers at the end of his four-day training. He placed fifth out of the 11 drivers that he drove with, beating many who had more experience than him. Carefully, in a well-planned manner, the team’s ultimate goal was for Sanad Al-Rawahi to move into Formula 1 racing.

Amongst his many achievements, he is the first Omani to qualify for the U18 FIA/CIK World Championship. At the senior Rotax Max Challenger, along with the overall 2nd position, Sanad was awarded Rookie of the Year. He also officially tested Formula Gulf 1000 series and ranked 15th overall in the Lack Hall Super One Championship.

In the next two years, Sanad hopes to compete in various regional

and national competitions including Formula Gulf 1000 series and European Karting Championships and also testing and Racing in Formula Renault in Europe in the coming years.

Sanad’s brother, Abdullah has been karting since the age of eight. At a tender age of 14 he ranked first in the UAE Junior Rotax Max Challenge as well as Dubai MAC championship. Last year, he participated in the FIA/CIK U18 World Championship and the 2011 World Rotax Max Grand Finals.

Abdullah Al-Rawahi is the first Omani to quality for the Academy Award FIA/CIK World Championship. He also participated in the European WSK Championship in Italy and Spain. In the years to come, Abdullah hopes to compete in various regional and international competitions like the UAE Rotax Max Challenge, European Karting Championships, Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals and many others. He also hopes to test and race in different European Championships. Abdullah summed up his season as ‘Challenging but very good’, he now plans to take a break and shift his focus to his studies. After his exams he plans to gear up for the U18 World Championship and the Grand Finals.

Over the past season along with the support of their father and rest of the family, Sanad and Abdullah Al-Rawahi have established themselves as keen competitors in the regions toughest Karting Series, winning titles along the way. Many of the current top Formula One drivers started their careers as young kart drivers and this development path could give the Al Rawahi brothers an edge in climbing the motorsport ladder.

The OKT’s ultimate goal for the karters is to see them move steadily up the ranks through a well planned projection plan in lower Formula 1 racing such as Formula Gulf 1000 (FG1000), Formula Renault and eventually represent Oman in Formula 1.

JEWEL IN THE CROWN

Financial operations and jewellery designing…Difficult to associate the two together, one would say, considering the vast differences in the, seemingly, diverse fields of occupation. But that difference didn’t deter Shadya Al-Ismaily who chased her dream and made it a reality

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Her story… n January 1989, I joined the Ministry of Finance and was trained as the first Omani dealer in international markets for crude oil, for purposes of hedging against price fluctuations.

Following this, I undertook the role of Head of Letters of Credit, and, finally, as Head of Financial Operations (Short –Term) in the international financial markets

Shadya Al Ismaily

Jewellery Designer

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Then in 2000, I joined Petroleum Development Oman Limited as Head of Financial Services for Employees, then, the Manager of the Pension Fund of the Company.

By the end of 2005, I became the Head of Operating Expenditure, and finally, Skillpool Manager for the Department of Finance of the company. After 22 years in the field of finance and investment, I finally decided to follow my passion and dreams. In February 2010, I resigned from Petroleum Development Oman Limited to dedicate my time fully to jewelry designing.

What spurred her to consider jewelry designing?

With Omani women entering the labor market, it became highly impractical to wear Omani traditional jewellery during the day. As time passed, the

use of Omani jewelry drifted from being an everyday adornment to becoming more restricted to important social events such as weddings, Eid celebrations, and other special events… I felt it was my patriotic duty to preserve our heritage from fading out; to primarily encourage modern Omani women to revert to our culture and also to promote our customs among women of different cultures within and outside Oman. And thus the concept of Deema Collections came about with the objective of incorporating a new blend of inter-cultural artistic tranquility between traditional Omani jewelry and the latest trends in the exalted international jewelry markets.

The beginning of Deema My passion for art and design goes back to my school days; I was naturally attracted to all things related to arts and design. It was my dream to join the school of arts immediately after graduating from the secondary school, but, instead, I specialised in an area that has no connection with arts or designs - I ended up in the world of numbers and numerical analysis. I studied Accounting at the University of Ain Shams in Cairo, and then gained my MSc in Finance from Strathclyde University in Glasgow in 1996.

1. The Omani heritage: Oman is rich in its heritage, beautiful patterns and other legacies that cannot be ignored. Hence, it was logical that Deema be affected by this beautiful legacy. The viewer of Deema’s collection would instantly realize that we do not just make ordinary jewellery pieces, but is also a melting pot of heritage tell us stories as diverse as the ancient stories of our seas and marine journeys.

2. The Islamic art and designs: the Islamic architecture and its designs also have a special imprint on Deema’s work. This line was included to promote the beauty of Islamic art and creativity. This line attracted the attention of many who are interested in architectural design during Deema’s participation in the International Jewellery London (IJL) exhibition. An interesting example would be an Italian architect who spent four hours at Deema’s stand admiring the way Deema employed Islamic architectural designs in its Jewellery.

3. The environment and nature in Oman: this is also considered as a source of inspiration in the designing of Deema’s work. A special line is dedicated to nature. The ‘Palm’ collection is inspired by the dates’ tree, and was the first collection under the ‘Nature’ line. Every element of

Although I undertook various exciting roles in the area of finance, my passion for arts and design did not shy away. I continued to follow my passion, occasionally, by taking up various artworks like painting, home designing projects, and eventually got into jewellery designing and making. Following encouragement from friends and my family, specifically my daughter, and two years of evaluation, I began designing my first Omani contemporary designs in January 2008.

Our intention was to keep this line of work active and lively; it was important to brand our jewellery, which made us decide on the name ‘Deema’, as suggested by my youngest daughter. By November 2008, Deema was registered as a designing house for luxury jewellery.

On 25th January 2009, under the Patronage of Sayyed Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidy, the then Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs, we marked the launch of ‘Deema’ as the first Omani fine jewellery brand and the Deema collection was unveiled at Bait Al Zubair.

the tree was carefully employed in a piece of jewellery. The ‘Palm’ was launched at the International Jewellery London (IJL) at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre in September 2011. The collection caught the eyes of many visitors and attracted high traffic into the stand.

Deema is an exclusive and authentic jewellery designing house that captures the latest trends and insights of the prestigious jewellery markets. Its main objective is to combine this with classical Islamic arts and designs and Omani heritage, to come up with state-of-the-art designs for the Islamic and Omani jewellery - in its new modern look, and in exclusive and limited editions.

Words of advice…

To be a successful person, it is not necessary to be a doctor, an engineer, an accountant, or a lawyer. You will be successful if you are passionate, enjoy what you do, and committed. Once you have determined what you are passionate about, have a clear vision of your project and where you wish to take it to. Have a business plan in place, implement it and evaluate your performance very frequently. Surround yourself with positive people, and do not take ‘No’ for an answer. We cannot be experts in all fields, so seek help in areas that you lack expertise and delegate them to the experts.

In a nutshell, my recipe for success would be; passion, focus, positive, influential network, dedication, and delegation.

Deema collection includes rings, pendants, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and bangles in precious metals and incorporating an array of precious and semiprecious stones, and pearls.

As requests for its exquisite oriental influenced designs increased, Deema branched out into designing of fine interior related products.

They are commissioned by our clients to meet their unique requirements for customized features and represent limited edition issues.

Deema’s philosophy in designing its jewellery has been largely influenced three key elements:

Sultan Al Amri

Inventor

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TOP GEAR

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” – Mahatma Gandhi

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he above words best summarise Sultan Al Amri’s journey towards success. Despite the fact that the response to his brainwave was lukewarm, he decided to go the distance alone and manufacture the first Omani watch which bears the name ‘Noor Majan’ and then the first Omani car which shares the same name.

Auto manufacturing was Sultan’s love since his childhood days.

Perhaps a common passion for most youngsters that age, but how many of them go on to manufacture cars? Yes, such was his love for automobiles that he built his first vehicle in 1987 when he was in the eighth grade. While the design was very simple, it showcased his determination to be unique. So unique was his car that Sultan recalls cheerfully, “When I drove the vehicle on the streets, the police actually stopped me and took the vehicle under their custody.”

But where did it all start, we ask. “I used to read a lot of books about inventions and innovations especially in the field of automotives. The Sultanate at that time lacked the enthusiasm to encourage such hobbies and practices as the focus was on spreading and improving education.

My father used to provide me with every possible support. In 1988, I worked for the Royal Protocols and continued there until 1992. At that time there was no pension system, so I had no other choice but to resign. Many people criticised me severely for leaving such a good job. But I believed that continuing in the public sector would limit my ability for innovation. Instead, I joined one of the spare parts shops in the Industrial Area in Wadi Kabir. I used to work from seven in the morning until two late into the night – All in my quest to get to know everything about cars and without a fixed salary or any financial compensation for my efforts. The only thing I used to get was lunch and dinner.”

After four years, Sultan moved to a goldsmith’s shop in Muttrah where he learnt the secrets of the trade and honed his craftsmanship. Sultan had always nurtured a secret dream of establishing his own company and in 1999, his dream ultimately came true when he established ‘Noor Majan’ – a company specialising in watch design and manufacture.

The first design was in the shape of the Sultanate’s map. He opened his first shop at Al Araimi complex – here was Oman’s very own, 100 per cent home-grown product. “I came out with Noor Majan at a time when most of the products were imported and many were convinced that local products were of inferior quality. The marketing team faced many difficulties at the beginning hence.” However today, Noor Majan has 137 designs in its name including exclusive designs that have been specifically designed for His Majesty the Sultan (a special chronograph that has more than 950 diamond pieces). The company opened a branch in Bahrain in 2006 and another one in Sohar in 2009. “We have plans to open a new shop in Kuwait next year.”

Noor Majan managed to prove its status in the market as a prestigious, high quality brand. After making sure that his watches project was on the right track, Sultan shifted his attention to manufacture the first Omani automobile. He went on tour for almost one and a half years and covered many auto manufacturers in the USA, Germany and Japan.

Armed with the knowledge that he was seeking, Sultan established a team of young talented Omanis and started providing them with the required training. “In 2009, I started the actual production of the vehicle which can now be produced commercially. Noor Majan is the first Arab electric vehicle.”

The commercial production will start after one year of experiments.

The car will have four doors and may be categorised under the luxury car segment. Equipped with a 13-inch display screen, side mirrors with cameras and a multitude of other features make this a truly cutting edge vehicle. If the driver isn’t wearing his seatbelt, the vehicle will not cross 20kph – a remarkable safety feature. The car will also benefit from solar cells which will generate the required power to operate the air conditioning therefore eliminating the need to use the vehicle battery.

Noor Majan is clear testament to Sultan Al Amri’s passion and dedication. Throughout his journey, despite setbacks, he kept his eyes on the prize and did let anything discourage him. It will indeed be a proud moment to see the car on the roads of Oman – and even countries abroad.

Sultan and Hamoud Al Touqi

Equestrians

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TWO OF A KIND

‘Like father, like son’, the phrase holds special meaning for father-son duo – and champion horse riders – Hamoud Al Touqi and Sultan Al Touqi

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ultan Al Touqi has grown up around horses. Not surprising in the least, given the fact that his father, Hamoud Al Toqi is one of Oman’s celebrated horse riders. Today, Sultan celebrates the unique distinction of bringing home the Olympic Gold – a proud achievement for both.

Growing up, Sultan participated in various competitions and was always at the top of the league at various international horse riding competitions. In 2007, he made his debut in a professional horse riding competition. Since then, he has won many local and international medals. He always trains with his father to prepare for the various competitions between October and April each year and often travels to Europe for his training.

For Hamoud, winning was second nature. Not only has he bagged some of the most prestigious awards but has also managed to get an international certificate as a certified horse riding trainer. In 2010 season alone in Europe, he got 29 titles during his participations at the competitions that were held in Germany, Netherlands and Belgium.

At the same year, he won the first Olympic medal for the Sultanate in horse riding while he was still at the age of 17. He won the title in Germany as well as four other competitions in Ireland.

While he has achieved many medals, he still faces some difficulties with support. For instance, Sultan lacks financial support by the Omani Cavalry Federation due to the high cost of this kind of sport especially in terms of getting the best horse breeds for racing. The transportation of horses from a country to the other is yet another challenge. He believes that there is a kind of imbalance in providing subsidy for the different sportsmen. The winner in the horse riding competition may get RO30-RO40 financial prizes while the cost of feeding horses may be up to RO150 per month. Other sportsmen may get financial awards up to RO2000.

Before winning the Olympic medal, the subsidy was far much less.

While he is discontent with the subsidy amount provided to him for his training, he praised the initiative taken by the Ministry of Sport

Affairs which paid him the study cost at the GUTech.

His father always recalls with pride the 80 and 90s when the Omani horse riding sport has been on top; thanks to the support extended by cavalry officials to horse riders because they believed that it was a national duty to support this sport which is part of the Sultanate’s heritage and culture. Unfortunately, there is lack of enthusiasm to nurture talented horse riders.

The young horse riding is preparing well for the world competition that will be held in 2016 to add another gold medal to the Sultanate records as well as the Al Touqi stables.

Sumaya Al Riyami Beautician / Make-Up Artist

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COLOURS OF LIFE

Sumaya Al Riyami has always found beauty in colours. Today, a renowned beautician, she is the only Omani lady to have taken part in the Miss Universe pageant as a make-up artist

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hen Sumaya Al Riyami was young, everybody around her realised that she was extremely gifted artistically but had yet to discover where her gift would take her. She started painting and design by herself, driven by sheer passion for the arts.

She then started buying make up sets and used them on herself and her friends and family. Thus started Sumaya’s journey with a simple brush stroke…

Her talent was unmatched and her knack for make up was uncanny.

Encouraged by all around her, she decided to turn her hobby into a full-time profession and took some courses in Beirut to further hone her skills. After the completion of the course, she opened a beauty shop with two separate sections – one solely for makeup and the other, a hair studio/salon.

She soon became the exclusive agent for Kryolan in the U.A.E. and was the only Arab woman to join the team in 1997. Later on in 2009, she joined the Miss Universe team as a beautician and makeup artist.

From there, she was selected as a trainer at the workshops organized by the German company as well as many workshops in India, which were attended by Bollywood stars and the who’s who of Indian cinema.

She conducted many workshops in Pakistan as well and was invited for one of the major conferences which was attended by more than 500 beauty experts from different parts of the world.

Apart from this, she has taken a course in Athens at a centre specialized in the make up for opera and theatres followed by yet another one in Italy. She is also a regular attendee at Global Face Art, the largest gathering of beauticians held biannually.

Her talent and skills encouraged the organizers of Global Face Art to give her a post as trainer. Today, her works appear in Make up International, a magazine that is published in six languages. Many organizations seek her experience when promoting new makeup brands and she constantly receives invitations from high profile celebrity brides-to-be in the U.A.E, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

“I have to admit that the success I enjoy today could not have been made possible without the support of my husband who encouraged me to join courses abroad. My family also provides me with every possible support as they whole-heartedly believe in my talent,” she says gratefully.

Sumaya also takes immense pride that the Royal Opera House sought her assistance and expertise during the inaugural season. In the future, she hopes to have a special centre and succeed in getting the required permit to recruit talented beauticians from countries that have extensive experience in this field.

Talib Al Balushi

Sportsperson

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PUSHING THE ENVELOPE

“The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.” (Arthur C. Clarke) Talib Al Balushi pushes the limits of ‘possible’ to achieve the extraordinary

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hile some may surrender to obstacles, others find a way to conquer the odds and use them as means to reach success. A prime example would be Talib Al Baluchi, who, despite his diability is one of the leading sportspersons in the country.

after the establishment of this Committee under the Ministry of Sports Affairs. We also used to lack utilities and materials for handicapped at Sultan Qaboos Complex in Bowsher. During the last years, things have become better but we, as handicapped, still face some difficulties especially in terms of transportation,” explains Talib.

Right from the start, when you first meet Talib, you know he’s cut from a different stone. Always active, he is agile in his gait and has an air of quiet confidence and composure. He begins his story, by telling us about his love for sports – a passion that he’s been nurturing since the tender age of nine. He started with basketball and weight lifting as well and while he was encouraged to play basketball, trainers discouraged him from lifting weight.

“I consider my disability as a motivation to be better and rise to the top.

I’ve consistently tried to do my best to win and come out on top and be a source of pride for my family and country.”

As he had a physical disability, Talib could not attend school in a conventional, formal setting and opted to attend adult classes when he was older. Later, he joined Khimji Ramdas and has been working with them since. “After I joined work,” says Talib, “it was difficult for me to commute from one place to the other in taxis. It was also difficult for me to travel between school, work and the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.” None the less he persevered.

Talib, like always, preferred sports over studies and in 2003, he began shot put, archery and discus thow. “I started playing at Sultan Qaboos Complex for two to three hours daily. I would always start early with warm ups, most of the days, even before the trainers would reach the Complex,” he adds.

His first achievement was in the UAE when he won the silver medal at shot put in 2003. He won yet another silver medal in Dubai. Then in 2007, he won the Gold medal for shot put in Kuwait and the sliver in archery. In 2011, he won a second medal in shot put and has been nominated to represent the Sultanate in the 2012 Olympics. Initially, he wasn’t too enthusiastic about shot put, but after winning the gold medal, he fell in love with the sport and is now totally committed to it.

Till date, he has 10 medals in shot put including two gold. In 2012, he won the sliver medal in archery and discus throw.

“Before the establishment of the Omani Olympic Committee, we lacked support during our participation. The situation has completely changed

Dr Tariq Mohiuddin

Scientist / Nanotechnologist

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SMALL IS BIG

Dr Tariq Mohiuddin, Oman’s first nanotechnologist, has made significant contributions in the field and his work has contributed towards Nobel Prize winning research work

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t is hard not to be intimidated when you sit across one of the greatest minds in the country. Dr Tariq Mohiuddin Mohammed Ghulam, Oman’s first nanotechnologist, has a string of exceptional achievements to his name that even includes participating and contribution towards Nobel Prize winning research work.

However, in spite of all this, he is extremely down to earth and is more than happy to answer any questions. Curious to know more, we start off with the first obvious question, where did it all begin? “My love for science goes right back to my early childhood days,” recalls Dr Tariq. “I was fascinated with events like man going to the moon and my brother would tell me stories about Einstein and his work. I think that’s where I picked up my fascination for science.”

Dr Tariq currently holds a P.hD. in Physics and Nanotechnology, from the Center for Mesoscience and Nanotechnology, School of Physics and Astronomy , The University of Manchester, United Kingdom. During the time he worked with the Physicists who were awarded the Physics Nobel Prize in 2010. “Professors, A Geim and K Novoselov both of whom were my supervisors during my M.Sc. and Ph.D studies were awarded the 2010 Physics Nobel prize for carrying out ground breaking experiments with the material graphene. Being a part of their graphene research team from 2006-2009 I had a chance to work and produce world class research and my contribution was duly acknowledged by them,” says Dr Tariq.

Nanotechnology is certainly the technology of the new age. Today, from biopharmaceuticals to electronics, nanotechnology is playing an integral role in paving the way towards finding solutions for many scientific and technological needs. Countries are investing billions of dollars in nanotechnology research in these fields.

Currently, Dr Tariq is working on graphene and other two dimensional materials. “My present research interests are in Graphene and other two dimensional materials. At present, my ongoing research is related with flexible electronic devices based on graphene. I take great interest in all nanofabrication techniques involved with device fabrication at these dimensions. In the near future I want to explore nanostructured solar cell device technology and also nanoporous membranes for water desalination and purification.”

His plans for the future are also extremely ambitious and inspiring.

He would like to establish a state-of-the-art nanotechnology centre in the Sultanate and turn it into a hub of excellence in research. Not only will this boost Oman’s research prowess, but also reap benefits for different industries like solar energy and/or photovoltaics research, water desalination and even medicine. “I plan to combine my skills in nanotechnology and my exposure to leading research institutes around the world and put forward challenging but achievable goals for

research in this area. For success in the long run it is imperative that international collaborations be made in this research area.”

Dr Tariq says he is highly indebted to Sultan Qaboos University for everything that it has offered to him throughout his career. Besides his academic life Dr Tariq has been actively contributing to other nonacademic duties in the university as well. Since July 2011 Dr Tariq has been working with a team from the Office of External Cooperation to boost the International Academic Ranking of SQU. If ever there was an epitome for a role model, then Dr Tariq would be it. His enthusiasm and passion for the subject is clearly evident and we hope his story inspires the next generation to realise their ambitions without any reluctance or uncertainty.

Dr Wa’el Al Harrasi

Inventor

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MIND-CRAFT

Dr Wa’el bin Saif Al Harrasi is the mastermind behind a reactor that collects and utilises natural gas which is lost during the extraction of oil

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lways a serious and conscientious student, Dr Wa’el bin Saif Al Harrasi knew he wanted to pursue a career in engineering sciences since his school days. His father who worked in the oil and gas industry was an important source in raising his awareness along with his mother and extended family. However, it wasn’t until high school that he seriously started weighing his options. In a quest to further understand and explore opportunities, he met with several engineers from various disciples in Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). “I then made an informed decision to be a chemical process engineer due to its diverse applications and market demand,” says Dr Wa’el who then went on to study Chemical Engineering at Sheffield University followed by an MSc with distinction in Sustainable Chemical Engineering and PhD in Newcastle University.

It was during his studies that he noticed a gap in the market for a technology that can utilise gases produced with oil (known as associated gas). Currently, during the oil extraction process there’s a huge loss of natural gas. (According to World Bank estimates, 150 billion cubic metres of natural gas is flared annually around the world.)

“Gas processing and storage technologies are very expensive and not economic for small quantities of gas,” explains Dr Wa’el, “therefore, associated gas has always been flared.”

“I was unsettled and concerned that we had to burn one of our most precious resources. Through investigation and a lot of discussions I had the concept of developing a small, mobile unit that could convert small quantities of gas into liquid as liquid is easier and cheaper to handle.

The challenge was to make the process economic and mobile for ease of transfer from field to field. I started my research with this very simple concept and studied process intensification techniques to explore possible routes of achieving my final goal. I studied a well-established chemical reaction called Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis and modified the process from its conventional way by eliminating the need for high temperatures and pressures. This was the key to the success of the process as it made the process safer and much cheaper. Alternatively, I used a sophisticated catalyst that was up to 100% efficient and was self-cleaning, unlike majority of catalysts which get spent after a while and need replacement. I also used high energy, high velocity electrons to break chemical bonds.”

Dr Wa’el hopes that his invention and the technology that he has developed will be able to capture a great percentage of gas and contribute in protecting natural resources as well and preserving the planet. He is also currently working closely with Newcastle University on follow-up research and scaling it up to a pilot scale. Once the pilot scale proves to be successful it will be followed up with a full scale project. “I am glad to say that the unique design of the reactor gave it a wide scope for different applications and it has been used in other applications

including ammonia production.”

However, things did not come easy to this young inventor; Lack of resources being one of his major obstacles. “I believe that if I had I resources from the early stages of my research, the project could have been much more advance and mature than it is today. Another challenge was lack of references as it was a completely new approach and I had to go through a lot of trial and error before I finally got it right.”

Dr Wa’el says that he has been blessed to be around a lot of inspiring people. “The person who has made a mark in my life is Sheikh Hamoud bin Humaid Al-Sawwafi. Despite being blind, he serves his religion, country and people in a way no words can describe. He taught me to value life by seeking knowledge and serving others and that life is not worth living without knowledge and knowledge is of greater value when shared with others. He has been my mentor from a very early age and he taught me that success is not for those who seek comfort but it is for those who battle their way towards their goals.”

Ultimately, Dr Wa’el advises everyone to follow their dreams and ambitions. “Choose what you want to study for the right reasons do not be driven by love of money or social status. Be driven by your passion in anything you do and enjoy every bit of it.”

GOING THE DISTANCE

Zeenah Al Towayya, the first Omani woman to set foot on the frozen continent of Antarctica, shows that with determination and deciation, nothing is impossible

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eenah Al-Towayya was the first Omani woman to set foot on the frozen continent of Antarctica.

She had no prior experience in swimming nor had she climbed anything, yet she managed to lead a whole team of explorers to swim in cold waters and climb slippery icebergs strewn across that vast winter wonderland.

Zeenah Al Towayya Adventurer / Explorer

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At the end of February, the expedition set forth from Oman to Antarctica, led by Robert Swan; the man who first landed on the South Pole. “I met Robert during a conference I attended in Qatar; his experience was real and enriching, driven by a high-level environmental awareness and challenge. When I heard about the expedition that Swan was heading, I instantly wanted to be part of it and face that challenge as well.” said Zeenah.

She continued saying “I had no real experience in climbing mountains or visiting snowy areas. I extensively researched for information on the area, its surroundings, and the route which we would take. On top of all that, I was in constant contact with the 2041 Foundation* with regards to all the expedition requirements”.

Zeenah animatedly recounted her experience, “The expedition took off on the February 25 and we reached Antarctica on March 1. On that eventful day, life had taken another form. For the first time in my entire life I saw miles and miles of snow covered land; picturesque and terrifying at the same time. This was my home for the immediate future. We had been informed and instructed on the precautions we needed to follow and the specific attire we needed to purchase. The latter was vital for our well being as the material we had to purchase in our clothes was specially designed to maintain our body temperature, thus preventing hypothermia in this dangerously fickle climate. In addition to our clothes, we had to acquire water-proof bags and gloves, camping tools, sleeping bags, boots, water, and enough food supplies to last us the duration of our stay. Furthermore, as Antarctica is an area that lies directly beneath the rapidly expanding ozone hole, we had to procure specially designed glasses that protected our eyes against ultra-violet rays. Early on in the expedition, I tested the waters, literally and figuratively, and tried swimming for the first time in freezing cold water. I was terrified but with the help and support of my team, I succeeded.”

“Even though I had the least amount of experience among the team, I tried my hand at leading a whole team of environmental sustainability experts to climb the Marshall Glacier. It was tough and challenging but we did it and it was well worth it.” Zeenah continued by saying that “the expedition required a vast amount of individual awareness.

I remember going through this experience and thinking all the while, how did our predecessors managed to do this arduous journey without receiving the assistance that we were given as well as commence without all the information that is available to us today? They relied solely on gut instinct and their own diligence and triumphed. “ “The expedition was not for entertainment purposes nor was it an act of madness. It was an awakening of a spiritual awareness of the importance of preserving this awe-inspiring environment. When Swan disposed 1500 tons of waste from Antarctica, he was not doing it for fame or glory. Rather it was about his faith and that of his team as well, to procure a role in serving nature and the environment”.

She continues on by reflecting that, “Environmental awareness was not the only thing I acquired, but was also exposed to the different cultures of my fellow team members. We were a lively group characteristically different 27 people, and had a great time exchanging ideas and experiences on the different usage of clean energy, environment protection many other things. This substantially enriched my experience as I learned a myriad of new things that I vowed I would put into practice once I got home.”

“Before I undertook this expedition I had to inform my family about my decision. I received mixed responses from different members of my family. Some were amazed and many tried to talk me out of it. However I was implacable as I was determined to see it through. I believed that when they saw the hard work I put into this expedition and the amazing results it would achieve, it would change their minds and they would be proud and supportive of me. Undertaking an expedition of this size and magnitude is no small feat, neither is it cheap, therefore I scoured the country for sponsors. However, I was woefully inexperienced when it came it to this aspect, but with the help of friends and faithful supporters, I received financial support from four companies; Dettol,

Omran Co., Caledonian College of Engineering, and Oman International Trading. The expedition cost reached 20,000 USD, and I managed to rustle up enough to send me on my adventure.”

“Upon my return home, I discovered some very disturbing facts that, while not directly related to the expedition, were troubling nonetheless.

When I had been searching for funding and support prior to my expedition, I found out that the fact that there was lots of support for women in this field did not really exist; it was just media propaganda.

Women face the same challenges that men do in this field, oftentimes more, considering our environment and receive nothing for their efforts. However, the one thing I do know and it gives me great pride is that I travelled to a place I knew nothing about, completely inept in swimming and climbing, yet I managed to make it to the top of an iceberg and swim adequately in freezing cold waters. This experience has proven to me that as a woman, I have all the physical strength I need to face such challenges; and that the erroneous reputation that women have been given for being weak creatures is completely unjustified and false. All anyone needs, be it a man or woman, is the willingness to work hard and the self-confidence and faith in your inner strength to face whatever the challenge might be”. *2041 Foundation 2041 is a campaign urging countries to sign the agreement on protecting Antarctica against human exploitation. The leader of this campaign is Robert Swan, who assisted by several researchers.