Why classical literature still resonates today
As a millennial, the works of classical writers like Shakespeare, Dostoevsky, or Omar Khayyam seem to be nothing but tales of a long lost past. For succeeding generations like the Gen Zs, these must...
How linguistic landscapes create identity
The recent Royal Directive to name the important national roads of Oman with significant personalities of Oman’s history gives an important insight into the role of appropriately naming public...
Bring back the joy of reading
It is that time of year again – New Year resolutions are made, only to be broken within a few days. That is because we often set unrealistic goals for ourselves and give up because it is too...
The best non-fiction of 2024 reflects a complex world
While fiction often imagines the world as it could be, non-fiction writing reflects our world as it really is — with all its complications and anxieties. The non-fiction of 2024 is no different....
2024 in fiction: Tales of resilience and hope
As we embark on a literary reflection of 2024, the instinct is to think of it as being bleak and indicating receding hope, much like the reality around us. But the fictional world in fact has shown...
Exploring the world through virtual tourism
The launch of the Virtual Tour Project by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) is a much needed intervention in the tourism industry as it offers immersive...
Intangible heritage is crucial to preserving the future
‘Shabab Oman’ has just been registered under Unesco’s ‘Register of Good Safeguarding Practices’. In addition, the popular leaf, henna, has also been recognised as being part of the...
Community driven art engages and unites society
As the weather cools down in Muscat, the art scene becomes more active and inviting. The just-concluded Raneen Art Festival at Muttrah, along Bait Al Khonji and Bait Al Khori, was an evocative example...
The ethical use of Artificial Intelligence remains unclear
ChatGPT is today what Google was to the millennials – a catch phrase that includes all kinds of Artificial Intelligence products – whether automated bots that help with food ordering or virtual...
Traditional modernity is a national inspiration
As Oman celebrates its 54th National Day, there are many reasons to be proud - economic strides, positive educational outcomes, and the development of various sectors make Oman stand proudly in the...
Fostering a scientific spirit for the benefit of society
The Oman Science Festival (OSF) at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre is a testament to the importance of science and instilling a scientific temperament among the youth today.While curiosity and...
The US election is not about popularity alone
Within the next few days, the winner of the US presidential election will be announced. Vice-President Kamala Harris and former US president Donald Trump are the contending candidates, and either one...
Why literary awards still matter
The 2024 Nobel Prize in literature was awarded to South Korean novelist and short story writer Han Kang. The Noble Prize committee, in its remarks on the award, said that Kang was awarded for her...
‘Learning to learn’ is the new goal of education
We are all familiar with the new challenge facing high school and university students: what are future jobs? What specialisation will be in demand for the next couple of decades? What careers will...
Women writers in Oman thrive amid growing readership
As Omani Women’s Day is celebrated this week, on October 17, the contribution of women to the economic and cultural life of Oman will be noted by many.Another very significant feature is the role...
Theatre remains relevant in the age of mass media
It has literally been a dramatic week in Oman. The 8th Omani Theatre Festival just concluded at the Oman Convention Centre and Salalah is hosting the Dhofar International Theatre Festival 2024. To top...
Translation offers chances but also faces many challenges
As International Translation Day is celebrated on September 30 every year, this is an opportune time to reflect on the role of translation in our networked world and the opportunities and challenges...
Social media can become a useful teaching tool
There is no getting away from social media today. The dependence on it is so much that various governments worldwide are seriously taking steps to curtail its use among youngsters below 14...
Digital devices vs textbooks: Research remains divided
With the ubiquitous presence of digital devices in every home, their use in education is naturally the subject of much debate. Devices like tablets, laptops and even mobile phones carry all the...
The benefits of value-based education
As the new academic year begins this week, calls to introduce value-based education in primary, secondary, and higher education sectors are being renewed in many parts of the world. This is an...