Oman, the country where I grew up, is rich in culture, history and heritage. Here's a small glimpse into the life of the people there. I have tried to use different styles and techniques in each design - 3D rendering, 2D flat design, polygonal, textures, some pop art influences, etc
Akhulak means 'hey there, listen up!' Yup, all that in one word! Most commonly heard word around Muscat city, I always thought it meant 'friend' before my Omani friend told me otherwise :-) The boy in the image is wearing a 'Kandura' or 'Dishdasha' which is the national dress of Omani men and the cap is called 'Kuma'.
The Arabian Oryx, once believed to be extinct in the wild, has been saved through several conservation activities in Oman and the beautiful animal can once more be found in some Middle Eastern countries.
A mussar is an embroidered cloth worn at formal meetings and is an essential part of a man’s wedding attire along with the khanjar that is worn around the waist. It is cut into a square, and embellished with designs that are lead printed using patterns chiselled on wooden tablets. The design is then embroidered using fine threads before the mussar is thoroughly washed to clean it of the lead and other residual material.
The Grand Mosque is on the must-visit list of every visitor to Muscat. A major feature of the design of the interior is the prayer carpet which covers the floor of the prayer hall and is the second largest single piece carpet in the world! Along with intricate carvings of scriptures, the ceiling boasts a gigantic chandelier made of Swarovski crystals.
Sheesha is such an integral part of the culture in Oman, it's almost impossible to imagine the negative health effects this activity could have on the masses. Imagine a family of 8 coming together to smoke sheesha at a local joint at 10pm on a lazy day of Ramadan. People of all ages chatting and laughing, sitting by the beach, arabic music in the background and you're a bit giddy with the sweet smoke you're inhaling- ah bliss!
A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, mint, lemon and fresh greens. Add a bit of couscous to it and you're set for a great meal!
These beautiful date palms line almost every street in Muscat! Trees in a desert? hard to believe right? Sometimes we see full grown trees being bought from elsewhere and planted in the city. See the trouble the municipality takes to make it greener!
I bet you have eaten this even if you haven't stepped into the country. These spicy delicious crispies are shipped out by loving parents to their kids abroad all the time and it's a sure cure for homesickness!
Love looking through the plane window when I'm landing in Oman! The Al Hajar mountains are the largest in the Arabian Peninsula. These beauties have been getting some snowfall in the last couple of winters, thanks to global climate change!
How cute is she? All dolled up, this is what an Omani woman looks like on festivals and weddings. Colorful scarves, a loose kurta with embellishments, fitted pants, loads of gold jewelry and ofcourse the henna!
Thank you!
(Contact me if you need more tips for an Omani holiday)
