Oman is developing in a wise and considered manner. Much thought and planning seems to have
gone into laying the groundwork for Oman’s development. It is evident in the city landscaping, which
is beautiful - even the placement of sculptures along the corniche (the mosaic walkway along the
ocean front) are done in an artistic manner.
Muscat also has beautifully landscaped grounds for large events. This is where the International
Festival of Handicrafts and the Omani Heritage Festival are held. These are places that whole
families can come to and enjoy together.
One of the misconceptions of the Middle East that Westerns seem to have, is that Islamic women go
around in dark or drab abeyas or chadors all the time. This is quite untrue. Covering oneself in
public and with strangers is one thing but women of the Middle East love beautiful colorful clothes.
This is as true in Syria and Jordan as it is in Oman and the rest of the Middle East. They also have
innovative designers. Here is a photo of an evening gown covered entirely in peacock feathers and
photos of many of the other glamous gowns women of the Middle East wear.
If you have already read our CURRENT section, then you have been introduced to Hamid and
Salim. Although they live in the further outposts of Omani desert within a large extended family
compound (with 20 camels- so they tell us) they drive a SUV, speak very good English, have
internet and cable television. In Oman we saw the best selection of television programming we’ve
seen anywhere. They have over 400 channels and none of it gratuitous violence or insulting to
one’s intelligence.
Again, Westerners should keep in mind that Oman has no oil wealth and no resources except the
ocean. Whatever, they have they have from work, planning and common sense.
Last, but not least we’ve heard that Oman is going to be home to an extended IIT campus from India,
where some of the best computer programmers and entrepreneurs in the world come from. We look
forward to hearing about the new Omani computer industry.
Embrace Foundation is a non-profit,
educational foundation set up to
create better understanding
between people of different
religions, cultures, traditions and
world philosophies.
Embrace Foundation works to bring
leaders and scholars of world-wide
religions, cultures and philosophies
together by sponsoring forums,
seminars, lectures and developing
an international exchange program.
Embrace Foundation is particularly
concerned with reaching the world
public through the media.
Embrace Foundation is an all
volunteer organization. All
donations go directly to programs.
Embrace Foundation does not and
has never given permission to any
outside organization to solicit or
receive contributions on our behalf.
All donations should be made to
Embrace Foundation only via
Paypal or by mail. All donations are
tax deductible. A receipt will be
emailed to you. Please click on the
Pay Pal link below to Donate.