logo
'Kiki Goes to Corniche' a tribute to Oman's landscape, Launched

'Kiki Goes to Corniche' a tribute to Oman's landscape, Launched

Times of Oman04-05-2025

Muscat: The beloved children's travelogue 'Kiki Goes to Corniche' was officially launched by Dr. Siham Al Harthy, board member of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chairperson of their Tourism Committee, at the 29th Muscat International Book Fair, being held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), in a celebration of storytelling, art, and cultural exploration.
Crafted by Elizabeth Davis, a notable figure in Oman's art scene and a resident in Muscat since 1992, the book invites young readers to discover the charm of Oman through the eyes of Little Kiki, who journeys through the iconic Corniche with her grandmother, fondly known as Ammu. The book includes engaging pop-ups, activity-based cutouts, and delicately illustrated pages created with pen and watercolour, making it a vibrant, interactive experience for children and the young at heart.
'This book is not only a tribute to our landscapes, but also a joyful celebration of learning and exploration,' said Dr. Siham Al Harthy at the launch. 'It was truly a pleasure and an honour to be part of the launch of Kiki Goes to Corniche. Elizabeth's sketchbook is a beautiful celebration of culture and creativity, and I'm so pleased to see it gaining such wonderful recognition. Knowing that the original is housed at the special collection wing of Shiekh Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Dubai makes it all the more special.' added Dr Siham.
The book is proudly showcased by Al Bhaj Books, a respected local bookstore in Muscat, dedicated to promoting Omani literature and artistic voices.
The event drew families, educators, and art lovers alike, all eager to explore Oman through the imaginative lens of young Kiara and the heartfelt storytelling of Elizabeth Davis. The book, was earlier displayed in the Oman pavilion at the ITB Berlin 2024 and also at the road show in the US by the OCCI tourism dept.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

A Celebration of Heritage and Friendship
A Celebration of Heritage and Friendship

Observer

timea day ago

  • Observer

A Celebration of Heritage and Friendship

The moment you stepped into the grand hall of the Sheraton Hotel in Muscat on June 4, 2025, there was an immediate sense of vibrancy and warmth that filled the air. As if the colours of over 7,000 islands had gathered in one place, the entrance was lined with stalls bursting with Filipino cuisine, each offering traditional dishes that beckoned like an invitation—aromatic, colourful, and full of stories. The lively chatter and infectious smile of Filipinos—posters, banners, and handmade crafts—created an atmosphere that felt more like a lively festival than a formal celebration. The sights and smells pulled everyone into a shared experience: a moment to honour history, culture, and ongoing friendship. This event, which brought together representatives from both nations at the Sheraton Hotel in Muscat, marked two important milestones. First, the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence—an ode to resilience, hope, and a rich cultural history rooted in shared stories of struggle and triumph. And second, the 45th year since diplomatic relations officially blossomed between the Philippines and Oman, a relationship built on cooperation, understanding, and mutual benefit. Under the patronage of His Excellency Dr Nasser Rashid al Maawali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy of Oman, and with a delegation of distinguished officials, the event isn't just a celebration; it's a reflection of two nations that have grown ever closer across decades. Bridging Continents: 45 Years of Collaboration and Growth Looking back over the past four and a half decades, the relationship between Oman and the Philippines has expanded far beyond diplomatic courtesies. It's a journey grounded in shared economic interests, cultural exchange, and the contribution of Filipinos in Oman's development. Today, nearly 50,000 Filipinos work across Oman—teachers, engineers, healthcare workers, accountants, and service industry professionals—each one a bridge that connects the two countries through daily exchange, hard work, and friendship. Over the years, Oman and the Philippines signed several key agreements that solidified their ties. These included labour agreements ensuring the welfare of Filipino workers, cooperation in trade and investment, cultural exchanges, and collaborations in tourism. Such measures have allowed both countries to benefit from each other's strengths—Oman's strategic position and growing economy, and the Philippines' vibrant culture and human resources. In his speech, Philippine Ambassador to Oman, His Excellency Raul S. Hernandez, expressed heartfelt thanks to the Omani government. He praised Oman's ongoing support for Filipino workers and the government's commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment. Ambassador Hernandez also emphasised the importance of continuing the dialogue and cooperation to foster mutual growth, citing new opportunities that could strengthen the partnership further. A Night of Culture, Music, and Culinary Delights The highlight of this celebration was not just the speeches and formalities but the evening's programme—an immersive showcase of Filipino culture through music, dance, and food. As the night unfolded, performers from the Philippines took to the stage, revealing the rich musical repertoire that spans traditional folk songs, lively jazz, and contemporary pop. Local and overseas-based Filipino musicians, many of whom are promising talents, shared their craft, creating an electric and heartfelt atmosphere. Of particular cultural significance was the performance of "Singkil," a traditional dance rooted in the Muslim community of southern Philippines. The dance features intricate footwork, flowing movements, and the use of decorative umbrellas and waist bells. It tells a story of Queen Mantsa and her noble retinue, symbolising grace, strength, and the cultural diversity of the Philippines. Its inclusion in the programme was a deliberate effort to highlight the importance of Muslim heritage in Filipino history—an acknowledgment of the country's diversity and the unity within its different communities. Adding to the evening's vibrancy were performances by students from the Philippine School in Oman. Their participation demonstrated the enthusiasm and pride of the Filipino youth in sharing their culture and storytelling traditions with the wider Omani community—further cementing the bonds that communities help forge between nations. On the culinary front, guests were treated to a selection of beloved Filipino dishes. The aroma of crispy fried adobo, rich kare-kare with its peanut sauce, and freshly prepared lumpia drifted through the hall. Desserts like leche flan, halo-halo, and beautifully crafted Filipino sweets were shared, delighting guests from Oman and the Philippines alike. The Omani attendees, some trying Filipino delicacies for the first time, expressed their approval and eagerness to explore more. The food was not just a taste but a sensory journey into Filipino life and culture, stirring conversations and some good-natured comparisons with local Omani cuisine.

SHANGRI-LA MUSCAT UNVEILS BAB'S BRUNCH AT BAIT AL BAHR
SHANGRI-LA MUSCAT UNVEILS BAB'S BRUNCH AT BAIT AL BAHR

Muscat Daily

time2 days ago

  • Muscat Daily

SHANGRI-LA MUSCAT UNVEILS BAB'S BRUNCH AT BAIT AL BAHR

Muscat -As Shangri-La Muscat celebrates 20 years of heartfelt hospitality in Oman this 2024, the resort introduces a fresh weekend ritual to mark the occasion: BAB's Brunch at Bait Al Bahr—a relaxed yet refined dining experience that captures the spirit of the sea, the warmth of the sun, and the serenity of coastal dining. Launching this summer, BAB's Brunch is served every Saturday from 1pm to 4pm, inviting guests to unwind with spectacular cuisine and majestic panoramic views of the beach, all from the elegant indoor temperature-controlled setting of Bait Al Bahr. Perched along the resort's iconic lazy river, the venue offers one of Muscat's most breathtaking dining locations—where gentle waves and ocean breezes frame every bite. For the first time, Bait Al Bahr opens during the day to welcome brunch lovers with a shared-style concept comprising of a selection of appetisers, followed by live-grilled premium cuts (beef, lamb chops, chicken) , and the freshest seafood—including lobster, king prawns, octopus, and seasonal fish—are all served directly to the table, encouraging convivial dining and memorable moments alongside live entertainment. To complement this indulgent Saturday afternoon, free-flow beverages are included, and other premium options are also available. BAB's brunch starts from OMR 30 net per person, with complimentary beach and pool access included for brunch guests. Bait Al Bahr commonly known as BAB has long stood at the heart of Muscat's vibrant community, and this new offering brings together the spirit of coastal dining with the warmth of Omani hospitality—reimagined in a setting that blends a relaxed atmosphere with an elegant brunch.

More youth to be trained for hospitality sector
More youth to be trained for hospitality sector

Observer

time3 days ago

  • Observer

More youth to be trained for hospitality sector

A number of Omani youth will be trained and prepared to work in the hospitality sector, thanks to the ongoing efforts to boost inbound tourism, according to Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) sources. An agreement to train Omani youth in various fields of hospitality starting with hotel reception was signed by the MoHT with Mitsui E&P Middle East to finance and implement training programmes for the youth. The training programme will be implemented in cooperation with the Muscat Hospitality Academy, which is part of the internationally accredited Swiss School of Business, Hospitality and Hotel Management programmes. The three-month programme aims to qualify Omani staff to work in the hotel reception and front office management sector, enhancing the quality of tourism services provided and keeping pace with developments in this vital field. This agreement comes within the framework of joint efforts to enhance national empowerment in the tourism sector by developing the skills of Omani youth and preparing them for work in the hospitality sector. This agreement represents a model step for Public and Private Partnerships (PPP), reflecting the ongoing efforts to support the sustainable development of the tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman by providing advanced training opportunities that open new horizons for Omani youth to work and contribute to strengthening the national economy. The ministry affirmed that this initiative is part of its plan to enhance national skills, commending the cooperation with Mitsui E&P Middle East and Muscat Hospitality Academy to achieve these shared goals. This agreement is part of a series of projects the ministry is implementing to support and develop the tourism sector and achieve its vision of building a sustainable tourism sector that contributes to comprehensive development in the Sultanate of Oman.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store