Crafting beauty with Arabic soul
Theresa discovered her passion for design at a young age, fascinated by how a thoughtfully arranged space could shift energy and invite connection. Her travels across Europe, the Middle East and Asia deepened her appreciation for diverse aesthetics, each region adding new layers to her evolving design philosophy.
'Beauty, for me, is not about extravagance - it's about intentionality,' Theresa explains. 'When you design with care, you transform not only the space but also the emotions and experiences of those who gather there. A beautifully set table becomes an invitation to meaningful conversation.'
Contemporary Arabic interior design
Austrian designer Theresa Lunardon-Monteiro
Now based in Muscat, Theresa has found her design philosophy perfectly aligned with the spirit of Arabic hospitality - where welcoming guests with warmth and generosity is woven into daily life. For Omani clients, each table setting begins with deeply understanding the occasion, whether a Majlis gathering, a Ramadhan Iftar, or a family celebration. Arabic coffee cups, ornate trays and other traditional touches anchor each design, reimagined in contemporary ways to balance elegance and practicality.
'A thoughtfully chosen vase can evoke memories, a candle can transform an entire evening,' she says. 'It's these small, intentional details that elevate daily rituals and make guests feel truly valued.'
One of Theresa's standout projects in Oman involved transforming a boat into a serene sanctuary for tourists, infused with authentic Omani accents. Palm leaf placemats, woven baskets, traditional mandoos boxes and handcrafted details all came together to reflect Oman's rich artisanal traditions and deep Arabic storytelling heritage.
A small porcelain cup placed on a plate echoing the Arabian tradition of hospitality.
Austrian designer Theresa Lunardon-Monteiro of Studio Omana
Through Studio Omana, Theresa actively collaborates with local artisans, sourcing and co-creating pieces that infuse each project with authenticity. 'Whenever a project calls for the soul of Oman, I turn to local markets and the skilled hands of craftspeople,' she says. 'Each piece is more than just décor - it carries stories and connects people to the land and its culture.'
For Theresa, an elegant and memorable table setting rests on three pillars: harmony, storytelling and detail. 'A well-set table should mirror the personality of the host and the essence of the occasion,' she explains. 'I always start with a grounding element - such as a handmade tablecloth or beautiful placemats - then layer in textures, colours and natural materials.' Thoughtful accents like personalised place cards, seasonal ingredients and family heirlooms add layers of meaning and warmth.
Traditional table décor
Designer Theresa Lunardon-Monteiro of Studio Omana showcases her work
Theresa has observed a renewed pride in regional craftsmanship and a growing appetite for design that prioritises authenticity and sustainability. 'People are moving away from mass-produced items and are seeking décor with soul and a story,' she notes.
Looking ahead, Studio Omana aims to preserve its intimate, boutique approach while expanding its reach throughout the Middle East and beyond. 'Ultimately, Studio Omana is about much more than objects; it's about crafting moments of connection, beauty and deep cultural resonance,' Theresa says.
Her journey began with a simple desire: to shape beauty with her hands and heart and offer it as a gift. 'I've always believed that beauty, when created with intention, has the power to connect us - to evoke memory, soften moment, and bring warmth into everyday life,' she reflects.
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Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Times of Oman
Museums and archaeological sites boost cultural tourism during Khareef Dhofar season
Salalah: The museums and archaeological sites in Dhofar Governorate serve as a fundamental pillar of cultural tourism during the Khareef (monsoon) season. They attract visitors from within and outside Oman and reflect the richness of the governorate's cultural and archaeological assets. Several officials from the heritage and tourism sectors, along with investors in archaeological sites, told Oman News Agency that the Khareef Dhofar season is a golden opportunity to promote cultural tourism in the governorate, given the large number of visitors interested in Omani history and cultural identity. Ali Salim Al Kathiri, Director of the Land of Frankincense Sites at the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, stated that the archaeological cities of Samharam and Al Baleed represent a unique model of ancient port cities that flourished on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. These cities undertook a vital role in the maritime trade network, especially the frankincense trade. He added that historical sources and excavation results at these two sites have revealed a succession of multiple civilizations, reflecting the rich civilizational heritage of southern Oman. Both sites have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000. Al Kathiri noted that the number of visitors to the Land of Frankincense sites and the Museum of the Frankincense Land during the last Khareef season reached 54,569. He anticipates an increase in this number during the current season due to promotional efforts by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in collaboration with public and private sector partners. He explained that the visitor experience is evaluated through regular field surveys, research studies conducted by specialized scientific institutions, and the national "Tajawob" platform, which receives public feedback and suggestions. This contributes to improving services and enhancing community interaction with these sites. He added that efforts include using interactive and educational displays, providing specialized guides, and organizing educational workshops and activities for visitors and students. The local community is also involved in museum initiatives, which enhances awareness of cultural heritage and national identity. Mohammed Ahmed Sawakheroon, supervisor and investor in the Burj Al Askar and Taqah Castle sites, explained that these projects form two integrated heritage and tourist destinations in the Wilayat of Taqah. They were developed in cooperation with several government entities to enhance the visitor experience and enable young Omanis to engage in sustainable projects. He pointed out that the Burj Al Askar site received support from the Dhofar Governor's Office and was included in official visit programs. Dhofar Municipality also assisted by paving the road to the top of the tower and providing essential services. The SMEs Development Authority contributed by choosing the site for a handicraft village during the Khareef 2023 events and organizing several activities during the winter season. He explained that the tower features a heritage restaurant and café, outdoor recreational facilities, and agricultural terraces surrounding the site, offering an experience that blends heritage with nature. He added that a new investment in Taqah Castle aims to connect the two sites via a single tourist route using dedicated shuttles to transport visitors between the tower and the fort. This includes organizing cultural tours within the old city of Taqah to revive its folk and historical heritage. Harith Mohammed Al Ghassani, a board member of the Dhofar Museum, stated that the museum serves as a window into the history of the Omani people since the first settlements. Located in the old quarter of Salalah, it is distinguished by its heritage design and its contents, which include over 1,000 artifacts collected by the museum's founder since the 1950s. It also offers translated information and integrated services. He noted that the museum attracts researchers, enthusiasts, and tourists for the insightful experience it offers, which tells the story of the Omani people, their environment, and their civilizational connections. For his part, Salim Ahmed Al Amri, owner of the "Tawasul Al Ajyal Museum" (Generations Continuity Museum) in Taqah Wilayat, said that the museum is the first private museum licensed by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate. It aims to transfer authentic Omani heritage from previous generations to the next, affirming that preserving cultural memory is a shared responsibility between individuals and institutions. He added that the museum's idea was born from the dream of his late mother, Tuffoul Ramadan Bamukhalef, in the 1950s and came to fruition after her death with the museum's opening in February 2023 inside the family home in the old quarter of Taqah. It serves as a living extension of the memory of the place and its people. He explained that the museum includes four halls: the reception and library hall, the "Umm Salim" hall, which embodies the traditional urban environment, the crafts and industries hall that documents silver, pottery, palm-frond, leather, and perfume industries. It also features the "Dirham Hall," which displays rare historical coins and models of their trade routes through ports, as well as an outdoor courtyard with traditional doors, windows, and local trees. In the same context, several visitors shared their cultural tourism experiences with Oman News Agency. Faiza Suwailim Al Kalbani explained that her frequent visits to Dhofar Governorate during the Khareef season, often for work-related conferences and media activities, are always accompanied by her deliberate effort to take time to visit archaeological and historical sites. She added that she began her visit at the Museum of the Frankincense Land, then moved to the Al Baleed archaeological site, which is on the World Heritage List, where she learned about the history of the frankincense trade. She then continued her tour to the ancient city of Samharam and the historical Khor Rori Port, passing by Taqah Castle and then Mirbat Castle, in addition to several natural sites like Al Mughsayl Beach and Al Marneef Cave. She confirmed that this experience added a cognitive and cultural dimension to her professional visit, making her trip to Dhofar Governorate a blend of work, history, and recreation. For his part, Nasser Saif Al Maamari said that during his visit to Taqah Wilayat, he was keen to visit Burj Al Askar and Taqah Castle. He expressed his admiration for the meticulous architectural design of the two sites and the archaeological contents that embody the local heritage, expressing his pride in the achievements that reflect the focus on historical heritage. Abdul Hamid Mohammed Al Khalidi, a visitor from Kuwait, described his visit to the Museum of the Frankincense Land as an enriching experience. He noted the noticeable tourist activity at cultural and archaeological sites during the Khareef season, especially from Gulf and Arab visitors, due to the diverse content that reflects Oman's ancient history. He added that the exhibits at the museum shed light on the frankincense civilization, which was a vital hub in the region's trade. He explained that such landmarks enhance the appeal of Dhofar Governorate as a comprehensive tourist destination that combines natural beauty with cultural richness.
Observer
5 days ago
- Observer
UK air traffic glitch was caused by radar problem
LONDON: A 'radar-related issue' caused the air traffic control (ATC) failure that grounded flights across the UK on Wednesday, officials have said. National Air Traffic Services (NATS) chief executive Martin Rolfe was summoned to speak with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander on Thursday morning, a day after thousands of passengers were disrupted by the technical problem which forced the cancellation of more than 150 flights. Airlines are demanding an explanation for what happened. A spokesperson for NATS said: "This was a radar-related issue which was resolved by quickly switching to the back-up system during which time we reduced traffic to ensure safety. "There is no evidence that this was cyber related." The PA news agency understands that the back-up system continues to be used by controllers while investigations continue. Alexander said: "I have spoken with NATS CEO Martin Rolfe who provided further detail on yesterday's technical fault. "This was an isolated event and there is no evidence of malign activity. "I will continue to receive regular updates." The problem happened at NATS' control centre in Swanwick, Hampshire,and affected the vast majority of England and Wales. A government source said the failure lasted around 20 minutes, and the level of disruption was similar to a day with bad weather. More than 700,000 passengers suffered disruption when flights were grounded at UK airports in August 2023 when NATS suffered a technical glitch while processing a flight plan. Aviation analytics company Cirium said 84 departures and 71 arrivals were cancelled to or from UK airports up to 10 pm on Wednesday. Several flights were diverted to other European airports. There was limited disruption on Thursday, with a handful of British Airways flights cancelled because aircraft and crew were out of position. Heathrow and Gatwick airports said they had resumed normal operations. Affected passengers are unlikely to be entitled to compensation as the disruption was outside of airlines' control. But they will be able to claim for expenses such as a reasonable amount of food and drink, a means to communicate and overnight accommodation if required. Ryanair called on Mr Rolfe to resign, claiming "no lessons have been learnt" since the August 2023 outage. The airline's chief operating officer Neal McMahon said: "It is outrageous that passengers are once again being hit with delays and disruption due to Martin Rolfe's continued mismanagement of Nats." Business minister Gareth Thomas was asked whether Mr Rolfe will be"fired" over the incident. He told Times Radio: "We are summoning - the Transport Secretary is summoning — in today the chief executive of of Nats to help us get to the bottom of what went wrong yesterday. "Clearly, an incident happened two years ago and measures were taken then. "It looks like those measures weren't enough but we need to get to the bottom of what exactly happened, and conversations will take place today." A former industry chief said it is "unrealistic" to expect an air traffic management system with no technical failure. — dpa
Observer
5 days ago
- Observer
UK airports disrupted by radar fault in ATC
Flights out of London airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick, were briefly grounded on Wednesday afternoon because of a technical issue involving the region's flight control system, according to representatives for the airports and the company that manages the radar. NATS, a company that provides most air traffic control services for the United Kingdom, said in a statement on social media that 'a technical issue' in its air traffic control system had forced it to limit the number of aircraft flying in the London area. By 5:10 p.m. (12:10 p.m. Eastern), the company issued a statement saying that the problem had been fixed, adding that 'our systems are fully operational and air traffic capacity is returning to normal. Departures at all airports have resumed, and we are working with affected airlines and airports to clear the backlog safely.' The impact of the brief outage, however, rippled through the system, affecting airports throughout the country at the height of the summer travel and vacation season, when many passengers from all over the world travel into and out of London. Heathrow is also one of the largest and most important hubs for European travel, and delays can spread across the Continent quickly. A Heathrow spokesperson said that departures had resumed but advised passengers to check with airlines before heading to the airport. The delays on Wednesday came four months after a fire at a power substation shut down the airport for about 16 hours, disrupting travel for thousands worldwide. The technical issue Wednesday appeared to affect all of the airports in the London area and across the United Kingdom. Officials at London City Airport said in a social media post that flights into and out of the area had been halted or delayed. A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport near London said that normal operations were resuming but that travelers could experience some delays. Inbound flights had continued to land at the airport, but outbound flights were grounded during the disruption. Flights were also affected at airports in Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and the East Midlands. At Manchester Airport, flights were held for about 45 minutes, but by 5 p.m., they were restored, said Michael Murphy-Pyle, a spokesperson for the airport, who added that the ripple effects of the disruption would most likely be minor. 'We're not expecting to see serious knock-on effects, but there may be minor disruptions to flight schedules,' Murphy-Pyle said. According to NATS officials, the outage occurred at the Swanwick air traffic control center in Hampshire, England. The company's website said the facility controls '200,000 square miles of airspace over England and Wales as well as the complex airspace above London.' The flight control center handles about 5,500 flights daily and more than 2 million flights — carrying about 200 million passengers — each year, the company said. This article originally appeared in
