author - oman observer

I don’t know that there is too much to really concern the population currently, even though the price of oil has dropped a little, as the market still looks remarkably settled given the volatility...

Though what we think contributes to who we are, it’s our actions that define us, whether as individuals, communities, societies, nations, regions, races, cultures, or... whatever.Our thoughts, our...

Bathing in the almost euphoric sentiments of the Eid observance, must offer some recognition of the absolute notions of salvation and relief must positively impact upon those who are under pressure,...

Talk is cheap, so the old saying goes, but that is just another easy thing to say, and especially when used as part of a sarcastic ‘putting down', of another’s opinion, which we are all entitled...

One can only applaud the recently announced government initiative to target premature deaths resulting from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), as an indication that the Sultanate of Oman is not only...

I will never forget how starkly my selfish perspective of Ramadhan, as little more than an inconvenience, was sharply rebuffed by one of my students more than a decade ago. Saying, with a twinkle in...

How are the mighty fallen? It’s an old phrase, originally from what was known as the Great Bible to be exact, of 1539, the book of Samuel 1:19, and reads as, “Oh howe are the myghtie...

I always thought that ‘retro', was an abbreviation of retrospective, which is defined by Collins as, “feelings or opinions concerning things that have happened in the past.” Yet Merriam’s...

“Sleep,” I muttered from under my blanket and pillow, “I know I forsook you when I was a child, but I yearn for you today, so much.” Who, after all, doesn’t like to sleep? Yes, hardly...

It really is ironic, isn’t it? Here we are, having ploughed our way through a couple of petrol ‘shocks,’ a cyclone or two, and a global pandemic, to feel we can begin to relax a little, and what...

What is it about art that polarises us so distinctly? The great Pablo Picasso said, “Art is a lie, that makes us see the truth.” Thus, perpetuating perhaps, the diversity of art, and its...

What is important to Omanis right now? Covid? Yes, but its presence does look to be less threatening every day. The economy? Well yes, we tread lightly, but oil prices are stable, and tourism is on...

Has there ever been a generation, or a century, in which there has been so much change? It’s genuinely unsettling how every day we wake up to new revelations, new discoveries, new faces, new...

It’s rather convoluted, but the origins of Valentine’s Day (February 14) as we know it may have been rather divorced, if that is appropriate, from the hearts, and roses celebration it is...

In a genuinely healthy way, music drives my day. I find myself lifted by music, motivated, impassioned, and energised, and from music can often find inspiration in the lyrics and often homespun...

Loneliness is probably the one thing about the pandemic that can’t be fixed in a hurry, and though I am not clinically depressed about not being able to see, even engage with, and certainly not...

We can’t wait for politicians and legislation to put the world to rights in terms of conservation and the environment, to influence us by their actions. The boot is on the other foot now, and we...

The pandemic continues its ‘blitzkrieg’ on the educational experience of young Omanis, which must leave them wondering “which way is up?’ as they embark on another month of online teaching. I...

Shakespeare’s characters are impeccable, each for their distinctive identities, appreciated, not only for the many positive and admirable characteristics they display, but because in their tragic...

I am no Nostrodamus, God knows I sometimes can’t see what is staring me straight in the eye, but mankind, let alone you, me, our families, and friends, need this to be a better year don’t we? Just...