Muscat: Oman literati, and media fraternity offered teary tributes to the deceased Omani media persona and writer Ahmad bin Darwish al Hamdani, who passed away on Saturday, leaving behind a career spanning several decades in journalism, radio, drama and media training. Writers and listeners who recalled his contributions and his humble personality, noted that his passing represents the loss of a pillar of Omani radio drama at a time when the country is witnessing rapid development in its media landscape.
Al Hamdani was widely regarded as one of the foundational voices in the history of Omani broadcasting, a rare talent who combined the roles of radio presenter, dramatic writer, actor and mentor to generations of broadcasters.
“The death of Darwish marks the loss of a distinctive voice that accompanied Omani families for years, particularly during the holy month of Ramadhan. He was more than a colleague and a friend, he was very close to all of us who began journalism decades ago and to me personally,” said Ibrahim al Hamdani, acclaimed senior journalist and writer.
Over the course of his career, Al Hamdani presented and produced a number of popular radio programmes that became part of the daily routine for listeners across the Sultanate. Among his most notable works was ‘Maakum Doum’ (With You Always), a daily Ramadhan programme that continued for several years and was distinguished by its direct interaction with listeners, its warm presentation style and its ability to connect with households at Iftar time.
He also presented ‘Sabah al Yasmin’ on Youth Radio, a morning programme that became known for its youthful energy and its focus on issues concerning young Omanis.
Zakaria, an acclaimed writer, felt crestfallen hearing the news of his friend’s demise. “I’m sorry to hear of his death. I pray to Allah to grant him Jannah. It is really saddening and he will be missed for the contributions that he had given to the media scenario of Oman,” he said.
In addition to Darwish’s work behind the microphone, he had also made significant contributions to Omani drama. As a writer, he authored a number of television and radio works that remain in the memory of Omani viewers. These include the television series ‘Saeed and Saeeda's Diaries’ in 1991, one of the early Omani social comedies that documented daily life with humour and simplicity, and ‘A Man of This Time’ in 2011, which addressed contemporary social transformations.
“Omani is dramatic writing was characterised by its focus on the Omani character, its use of local dialect, and its commitment to presenting social issues in an accessible manner for over 3 decades,” said Dr Talib al Balushi, acclaimed Omani film actor and dramatist and film, who termed his ‘Saeed and Saeeda's Diaries’ as one of the best among Gulf tv history.
Beyond his on-air and writing achievements, Al Hamdani played an important role as a media trainer. He contributed to the training and qualification of a number of Omani broadcasters and presenters who later took prominent positions in radio and television. Colleagues described him as generous with advice, keen to share experience, and a firm believer in the importance of preparing a new generation to carry the message of Omani media.
Al Hamdani's career mirrored the development of Omani media itself, from its early beginnings to its current diversity. He witnessed and participated in its transformation, always maintaining a commitment to authentic Omani content that serves the community.
"He has left us but his voice and legacy will remain immortal in our memories,” Ibrahim al Hamdani, who was also the Editor in Chief of Oman Observer Daily earlier, said.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
