Learned to explore and tell stories

From interviewing international icons to reporting on Oman’s transformation, my 16-year journey with Oman Daily Observer was an enriching experience that deepened my understanding of the country, its people and its place in global affairs.

I moved from India to Oman in 2004 after working with leading Indian newspapers, including Hindustan Times and The Economic Times. My decision to relocate was driven by a desire to understand the Middle East from within rather than view the region from a distance. I wanted to experience its people, politics, culture and economic transformation first-hand.

My journey with the Observer started in August 2008. It was challenging yet immensely rewarding. The biggest challenge was finding compelling stories, researching unfamiliar subjects and bringing fresh perspectives to readers. The greatest reward was the appreciation I received from readers and the editors I had the privilege of working with.

The Observer provided the ideal platform for that journey. It gave me considerable editorial freedom to explore subjects that interested me, ranging from art and culture to the economy and business. This opportunity broadened my understanding of the Arab world and helped me move beyond conventional perceptions to appreciate its diversity, history and contemporary realities.

The newspaper also offered opportunities to interview prominent national and international personalities. Among the memorable encounters were conversations with iconic Indian film star Amitabh Bachchan, Hollywood actor Forest Whitaker, who portrayed Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the film The Last King of Scotland, and renowned German composer and music producer -- three consecutive Grammy Awardee -- Harold Faltermeyer.

Over the years, I witnessed significant changes in Oman, including its growing economic profile and increasing importance in regional and global geopolitics. Reporting from the country offered a ringside view of developments that shaped not only the Sultanate but also its relationships with the wider world.

My professional journey at Oman Observer also took me beyond Muscat. I was fortunate to work in both the capital Muscat and Salalah, giving me an opportunity to cover the country from north to south. My posting in Salalah was particularly enriching, allowing me to travel extensively across Dhofar Governorate.

Its natural diversity, cultural traditions and strategic location made it one of the most fascinating regions to report from.

During my 16 years at the Observer, I had the opportunity to work under three editors: Ibrahim Hamdani, Fahmi Al Harthy and Abdullah bin Salim Al Shueili. Each phase brought its own experiences, professional lessons and perspectives on journalism.

Looking back, my association with the Observer was much more than a professional assignment. It was a journey of discovery, learning and personal growth. It helped me understand Oman beyond the headlines and appreciate the country's people, heritage, aspirations and place in the world. Most importantly, it reinforced my belief that good journalism begins with curiosity, the freedom to explore and the willingness to understand different perspectives.