Latest news with #Rawahi
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- General
- Muscat Daily
Sculpting a niche
By MOHAMMED TAHA Yousef bin Saif bin Salim al Rawahi, a sculptor from the Wilayat of Mudhaibi, in North Sharqiyah, tells the story of Oman – fashioned not only in stone and wood, but also in spirit and imagination. Fuelled by his profound admiration for ancient Omani artefacts, Rawahi has established a name for himself through a body of work in sculpture that marries traditional motifs with contemporary artistry. His latest sculpture, Atabat Al Bab (Doorstep), was recently presented as a gift to Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, during an official visit to the Sultanate. The piece, which measures 40x40x14cm, draws inspiration from the architectural elements of old Omani homes. 'I wanted to highlight the doorstep,' Rawahi told Muscat Daily. 'It's not merely a physical entrance – it represents the hospitality, peace, and warmth found in every Omani home.' (Atabat-Al-Bab-Doorstep-for-Sheikh-Dr-Sultan-bin-Muhammad-Al-Qasimi) Crafted from a refined combination of marble and wood and inlaid with traditional geometric patterns, the sculpture reflects Al Rawahi's broader mission – to preserve and reinterpret Omani visual heritage for today's audience. Rawahi's artistic path began in 1999 when he enrolled at Sultan Qaboos University to study art education. By the following year, his emerging talent was recognised when he secured second place in a national sculpture competition held as part of the Youth Workshop activities in Muscat. From the outset, he was active in workshops and exhibitions, particularly under the auspices of the Omani Society for Fine Arts. While sculpture remained his primary focus, he also explored oil painting, watercolours, installation work, and graphic art. Returning to sculpture In 2013, Rawahi made a deliberate return to sculpture, his first artistic love. He soon gained recognition, beginning with his participation in the inaugural Arab Youth Sculpture Forum in Muscat in 2015. Since then, his works have been featured in exhibitions across Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Bahrain, and China. He is currently preparing to take part in the Algeria Symposium in 2025. On the local front, he has regularly taken part in the International Sculptors Camp since its second edition. He also played a leading role in organising the Al Khadra International Symposium, which has hosted 39 international sculptors over its three editions. Many of Rawahi's large-scale sculptures are on public display throughout the sultanate – in places such as Sultan Qaboos University, Wadi Al Jizi, Duqm City, the Sohar Fine Arts Museum, and Al Khadra. Among his most notable works is a 3.5m high sculpture situated at Duqm International Airport, which he completed during the 2023 Duqm International Sculpture Forum, organised by Sohar Fine Arts. Smaller works are typically housed in his personal studio or temporarily loaned out for exhibitions. Despite his achievements, Rawahi acknowledges the challenges sculptors face in Oman. 'One of the biggest obstacles is the lack of sculpture-focused events. At present, there are only two youth-led initiatives – the Al Khadra International Symposium and the International Sculptors Camp,' he said. He emphasised the importance of greater support from both, the public and private sectors, particularly in the acquisition of sculptural works. 'These pieces are of high artistic and cultural value – they deserve recognition and placement in public spaces,' he added. Museum in the making Looking ahead, Rawahi's vision is ambitious and clear. 'Sculpture demands passion, resilience, and the ability to express complex ideas through material form,' he said. 'My biggest dream is to see the Al Khadra Museum of Contemporary Sculpture come to fruition. The design has been fully completed, and I am hopeful that implementation will begin soon.' Through his work, Rawahi continues to tell the story of Oman – inspired by its past, steeped in the present, and hopeful of a promising future.
Muscat Daily
14-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Fanja Heritage House honours past while engaging with present
Nestled in the village of Fanja in the wilayat of Bidbid, Dakhiliyah, a historic family home has been transformed into a thriving heritage tourism project that blends Oman's cultural legacy with modern development. Known as the Fanja Heritage House, the site is now a popular exhibition and heritage inn, offering visitors a quiet retreat from urban life. It stands as an example of how heritage preservation can contribute to sustainable tourism and economic growth. The house, originally built around 40 years ago, was revived and opened to the public two years ago by photographer and entrepreneur Saif bin Nasser al Rawahi. His vision was to preserve the memory of his ancestors while supporting tourism and the local economy in Bidbid. Divided into three main areas, the site features a café serving traditional and modern cuisine, with seating arranged across the premises to allow visitors to enjoy the surroundings. The second area includes scenic walking paths, trees, animals, and access to Wadi Fanja, offering a natural extension of the heritage experience. The third section serves as a guest inn for overnight stays. Rawahi said that by May 2025, the site had welcomed over 160,000 visitors from 63 countries, highlighting both the success of Omani youth in tourism initiatives and the growing interest in authentic heritage experiences. 'The beauty of the place, and the link between nature and Omani heritage, continues to attract people from all walks of life,' he said. The heritage exhibition at the house includes three sections. One is dedicated to traditional Omani clothing, showcasing the diversity of regional attire. Another displays archaeological items made from wood, palm fronds and silver, including antique ornaments. A third section presents photographs of the Omani environment, customs and traditions, capturing the cultural essence of the sultanate. Rawahi's project has become a model for reviving heritage spaces in a way that honours the past while engaging with the present — inviting both locals and international visitors to experience a living story of Omani identity.
Muscat Daily
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Muscat Daily
South Batinah launches electronic donation platform and summer programmes
South Batinah governorate has taken a step towards enhancing community welfare and youth engagement with the launch of an innovative electronic donation platform and the commencement of its exciting summer activity programmes for 2025. In a move to streamline charitable efforts, the Governor of South Batinah inaugurated the new donation platform on Monday. The initiative is the result of a collaboration between the Al Awabi Charity Team and the Zakat Committee of Al Awabi Wilayat, under the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs. The platform aims to provide citizens and residents with easy access to donate to local charitable causes, making it more convenient for them to contribute from the comfort of their homes. The launch event, attended by various government officials, community representatives, and stakeholders, highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in enhancing community welfare. Sultan bin Saeed al Rawahi, Head of the Al Awabi Charity Team, said that the platform marks a major advancement in improving the efficiency of the charitable sector. He emphasised that the initiative would simplify the donation process, ensuring quicker delivery of aid to those in need, while reinforcing the values of solidarity and mutual support that are at the heart of Omani society. 'The platform will provide a seamless donation experience, fostering a sense of community and strengthening our efforts to support those who require assistance,' Rawahi said. In addition to the launch, the South Batinah governorate also kicked off its summer activity programmes, aimed at engaging youth during their school break. The opening ceremony, held at the Sports Complex in Rustaq, attracted a strong turnout of both citizens and residents. The diverse array of activities on offer includes swimming, karate, basketball, badminton, tennis, and physical fitness sessions, as well as educational and recreational programs such as open sports days, sports convoys, and football academies. Saif bin Mubarak al Mani, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Youth in South Batinah, spoke about the significance of the summer programmes in providing a productive and stimulating environment for students. 'The summer programmes are designed to help students make the most of their vacation time, while learning new skills and engaging in activities that promote both physical and personal development,' said Mani. He added that the activities would not only enhance athletic abilities but also contribute to promoting cultural awareness and fostering teamwork, thereby strengthening the social fabric of the community.
Muscat Daily
16-06-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Oman launches campaign to raise heart health awareness
Muscat – Ministry of Health (MoH) has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness of heart disease and encouraging early detection. The initiative, titled 'Heart of the Nation: One Pulse, One Goal', is being led by the National Center for Cardiac Medicine and Surgery. The campaign will run across all governorates and will include community-based activities designed to educate both citizens and residents about cardiovascular health, risk factors and treatment options. Dr Najeeb bin Zahran al Rawahi Dr Najeeb bin Zahran al Rawahi, Director of the National Centre for Cardiac Medicine and Surgery, said scientific sessions will be organised alongside the public campaign. These will target cardiologists and healthcare professionals to share the latest developments in heart disease treatment and improve the patient referral process. 'This campaign reinforces the centre's leadership in cardiac care and reflects our commitment to delivering treatment that meets the highest global standards,' Dr Rawahi said. Since its opening in 2015, the centre has performed 9,168 heart surgeries, including open-heart operations and interventional catheterisation. Dr Rawahi noted that success rates range between 93% and 96%, consistent with international norms. Between 2015 and the end of 2024, the centre also carried out 49,846 adult cardiac catheterisations and 7,823 paediatric procedures, achieving success rates of between 97% to 99%. 'These numbers speak to the dedication and expertise of our medical and technical teams,' he added. To meet the increasing demand, the centre is expanding its facilities. Operating rooms and catheterisation laboratories are being upgraded with advanced medical technology, and additional catheterisation units are being introduced to shorten waiting times. Plans are also in place to broaden the network of specialised outpatient clinics. New units will include services for genetic heart conditions and severe heart failure. Existing services are also being enhanced. Dr Rawahi said the centre is committed to advancing cardiac research through collaboration with local and international institutions, aiming to support innovation and improve the overall quality of care provided.
Muscat Daily
19-02-2025
- Sport
- Muscat Daily
Horse parade on Friday to celebrate HM's Accession Day
Muscat – Twenty riders from across Oman will take part in a horse parade on Friday to celebrate the fifth anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's accession to the throne. The event, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in cooperation with the Oman From Horseback team, aims to showcase Oman's equestrian heritage while bringing together the community in a national celebration. The parade will begin at 8am in front of Majlis Oman in the Bustan area of Muscat. The riders will travel through some of the capital's most iconic locations, including Qasr Al Alam Palace Street and Muttrah Corniche, before concluding at Shatti al Qurm beach near the Mandarin Oriental Hotel at around 4pm. Participants will wear jackets bearing the parade's slogan, 'Our Sultan Haitham, the Renewer of the Omani Renaissance', while carrying Omani flags and singing national songs. Saif Ali al Rawahi, the event supervisor, said the closing ceremony at Shatti al Qurm will feature a series of festive activities, including a paragliding display where multiple paragliders will soar through the sky carrying images of His Majesty and Omani flags. 'It will be a striking visual tribute to His Majesty and a proud moment for all attendees,' he said. To make the event inclusive for families, a special children's corner will be set up, featuring face painting and interactive sessions with mini horses that young visitors can ride. 'We want this to be a celebration for all ages, where everyone can take part in the joy of the occasion,' Rawahi said. He encouraged both citizens and residents to join in, stating, 'The more people who come out to celebrate, the more it strengthens our sense of unity as a nation. This is a national event, and we want as many people as possible to feel part of it.' Looking ahead, Rawahi revealed that similar events are being planned throughout the year. A horse parade in Jabal Akhdar during the summer will highlight the beauty of Oman's highlands, while equestrian marches in Salalah during the Khareef season will promote the southern region's tourism appeal. 'Our goal is to not only honour our equestrian culture but also to showcase Oman's breathtaking landscapes and encourage more young people to take up horseback riding,' he said.
