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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
a 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.
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
An Omani Novel That Delves Into the Depths of Human Anxiety
By Arwa al Hashimi In the quiet, sun-drenched villages of Oman, a pioneering voice emerges from the desert sands—Zahran Alqasmi, whose novel Al-Ru' (meaning 'The Shadow') is redefining contemporary Middle Eastern literature. Unlike conventional narratives rooted in political upheaval or cultural revival, Alqasmi's work plunges deep into the labyrinthine corridors of the human psyche, inviting readers into a landscape haunted less by external conflicts and more by the intangible fears that reside within us all. Al-Ru' is not a story told with shock or spectacle but a delicate exploration of fear as an enduring presence. At its heart is Mahjan, a modest school bus driver living in a remote Omani village, who, seeking solace and purpose, tends to his late mother's neglected farm. His act of reclamation begins innocuously—a simple scarecrow built to keep away pests. Yet, this unassuming figure, which Mahjan christens Al-Ru', morphs into something far more complex: a symbol of dread that slowly infiltrates his consciousness and, through his eyes, the entire community. The novel's brilliance lies in its poetic restraint. Alqasmi does not elevate fear into grotesque horror but gently reveals its subtle power—how it seeps into solitude, distorts perception, and ultimately isolates the individual. The scarecrow, crafted with care, becomes more than mere straw and cloth; it embodies Mahjan's suppressed anxieties, ancestral guilt, and universal vulnerability. As the story unfolds, Alqasmi deftly explores how societal reactions—whispered accusations of sorcery, suspicion, and madness—serve as reflections of collective fear and intolerance. In contrast to Middle Eastern writers like Syrian novelist Nihad Sirees, whose works tend to address societal upheaval and political dissent directly, Alqasmi's Al-Ru' offers an inward journey. Sirees' narratives are often woven with sharp critique of authority, presenting societal struggles in loud, confrontational tones. Conversely, Alqasmi employs a quiet, lyrical voice—one that whispers rather than shouts, inviting introspection rather than activism. His novel shares thematic kinship with Hanan al-Shaykh's explorations of internal conflict and mental disquiet, yet it remains rooted distinctively in Omani rural life, a setting that embodies tradition, isolation, and resilience. But how does this compare with international literature on internal fear and shadowy spectres of the mind? Consider Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House, a quintessential modern Gothic that examines haunted spaces and psychological fragility. While Jackson's haunted house is an externalised projection of inner turmoil, Alqasmi's Al-Ru' transforms the internal fears into an externalised entity—an embodied shadow that haunts not just Mahjan but, more broadly, societal perceptions of normalcy and madness. The comparison highlights how different literary traditions grapple with fear—some viscerally external, others subtly internalised—and yet both remain compelling in their exploration of human fragility. Alqasmi's distinctive achievement is weaving local Omani customs and landscapes into a narrative that resonates on a universal level. The palm groves, dusty paths, and village rituals anchor the story in a tangible reality, yet the psychological undercurrents elevate it into a reflection on the fragility of the human mind and the universality of fear. Through minimal but deliberate language, Alqasmi crafts a lyrical, contemplative style that allows readers to step into Mahjan's world—seeing, feeling, and questioning alongside him. His prose, measured and evocative, echoes the slow unfolding of internal chaos. Silence becomes a powerful motif—what is left unsaid, what is implied beneath the surface, and how the absence of words can be more telling than their presence. The novel's pacing mirrors Mahjan's internal unraveling; it invites readers to dwell in uncertain spaces and contemplate the shadows they themselves carry. What elevates Al-Ru' beyond a mere psychological novel is its subtle critique of societal response to deviation and difference. The community's suspicion and fear of Mahjan's creation reflect broader themes of alienation and otherness—a mirror to how societies often reject what they do not understand. This dynamic is echoed in Flannery O'Connor's Southern Gothic tales, where outsider figures and internal fears are central. Yet, where O'Connor's stories grit and shock with their intense symbolism, Alqasmi's prose exudes quiet power, whispering truths in a tone more contemplative than confrontational. Thus, Zahran Alqasmi's Al-Ru' stands as a landmark example of Middle Eastern literature's evolution—an intricate dialogue between tradition and modernity, locality and universality. It elevates the genre of psychological fiction with its poetic subtlety and cultural depth, positioning Alqasmi among contemporary writers who dare to explore the unspoken fears lurking beneath the surface of everyday life.
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Day of Arafah — a sacred religious occasion and cultural moment
Muscat, June 4 Every year, on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah — the 12th month in the Islamic lunar calendar — Muslims around the world observe Day of Arafah, one of the holiest days in Islam. It is a day of immense spiritual depth, often described as a gateway to forgiveness, inner peace and divine connection. But beyond its religious significance, Arafah Day reflects values and practices that resonate with people from all walks of life — such as humility, equality and contemplation. In the Sultanate of Oman, Day of Arafah is embraced not only as a sacred religious occasion but also as a deeply rooted cultural moment, rich in traditions and communal warmth. Day of Arafah commemorates the day when millions of Muslim pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat, near the holy city of Makkah, as part of the annual Haj pilgrimage. Standing on the plains of Arafat from noon until sunset is considered the pinnacle of the pilgrimage — a moment of supplication, unity and surrender to God. For Muslims who are not performing Haj, Arafah is still highly significant. It is encouraged to fast on this day, offer prayers, engage in charity and dedicate time for personal reflection. While Omani pilgrims are in Makkah performing the rituals of Haj, the rest of the population at home engages in religious devotion and time-honoured traditions that highlight the nation's strong Islamic identity and cultural heritage. Many Omanis fast on the Day of Arafah, as it is believed to expiate sins of the past and coming year. Mosques fill with worshippers, especially during midday and afternoon prayers, where Quran recitation and supplications take centre stage. The day is also about strengthening bonds. Families exchange visits, offer traditional dishes to neighbours; and prepare emotionally and spiritually for Eid Al Adha, which begins the following morning. Unlike festive Eid banquets, meals on Arafah Day in Omani homes tend to be modest, often delayed until after sunset to break the fast. The simplicity reflects the day's contemplative tone. Muslims perform Tawaf in the grand mosque during the annual Haj pilgrimage before the Day of Arafah in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. - Reautes Day of Arafah is the final moment before the Eid celebration. Omani households clean and decorate their homes, prepare clothing and apply traditional perfumes like frankincense and bukhoor. Women adorn their hands with henna and men prepare the Omani dishdasha — the national dress — for the upcoming festivities. Arafah Day sets the stage for Eid Al Adha, the second major Islamic holiday, which commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The journey from deep personal reflection to communal celebration is a powerful narrative of faith, humility and gratitude. In Oman, this transition is especially graceful. The balance between solemnity and joy, between quiet worship and family celebration, creates a unique cultural experience — one that exemplifies the Omani spirit of moderation, dignity and hospitality. A Message from Oman to the World Arafah Day is more than a religious event — it is a global moment for reflection. In a world often overwhelmed by noise and division, it offers a rare collective pause for the soul. Oman's way of observing this day — with reverence, calm and connection — showcases the beauty of Islamic traditions lived in harmony with local culture. Whether one is standing on the plain of Arafat or sitting in a quiet home in Muscat, the essence of the day is the same: a yearning for peace, for self-improvement and for unity. BLURB While Omani pilgrims are in Makkah performing the rituals of Haj, the rest of the population at home engages in religious devotion and time-honoured traditions that highlight the nation's strong Islamic identity and cultural heritage.
