Latest news with #AlKalbani
Observer
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
Exploring the Depths of Omani Identity in Disturbed Souls
In the vibrant landscape of contemporary Arabic literature, few novels manage to weave such poetic introspection and cultural depth as Zuwaina Al Kalbani's Disturbed Souls (originally Arwah Mushawasha). This award-winning masterpiece, which earned the prestigious Katara Prize for Arabic Novel, invites readers into an emotional and symbolic world where human passions mirror the elemental forces of fire and water. It's a journey through love, identity, and self-discovery set against the rich tapestry of Omani culture. Zuwaina Al Kalbani has carved out a powerful voice within her homeland, blending local traditions with universal themes. Her previous works—Thaluth wa Ta'weetha ('A Trinity and a Spell'), Al Jawhara wal-Qubtan ('The Jewel and the Captain'), and Fitnat al Uroosh ('The Seduction of Thrones')—highlight her mastery in storytelling rooted in introspection and cultural authenticity. Her dedication to portraying the nuanced landscape of Omani society was recognised with the Omani Women's Excellence Award in Literature, affirming her respected position in the literary world. Disturbed Souls centres on Saad, a poet whose inner fire burns brightly with emotion and passion, and Sama Sultan, a visual artist embodying the gentle flow of water. Their connection is intensely magnetic yet fraught with psychological tension—an elemental dance of desire and resistance. Al Kalbani's lyrical language and penchant for metaphor elevate the novel beyond mere storytelling, transforming it into a poetic meditation on love and conflict. What sets this work apart is its profound connection to Oman's physical and cultural duality. The imposing mountains and vast sea serve as symbolic backdrops to the characters' internal struggles—passion versus peace, tradition versus innovation, control versus surrender. Through Sama's independent spirit and Saad's internal tug-of-war, the novel offers a fresh, authentic voice that deeply resonates with regional experiences, capturing the modern Omani woman and man navigating societal expectations and personal aspirations. Exploring the Depths of Omani Identity in Disturbed Souls In the broader literary landscape, Zuwaina Al Kalbani's work echoes themes present in the writing of regional authors like Saudi novelist Bahaa Taher, who explores identity and emotion with poetic finesse. However, Al Kalbani's narrative stands apart for its authentic portrayal of Omani life—grounded in local dialect, cultural symbols and a nuanced understanding of societal boundaries that shape her characters' inner worlds. On the international stage, her storytelling aligns in tone with writers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who deftly explores personal and cultural conflicts with lyrical depth. Yet, where Adichie's narratives often emphasise universal themes with a distinct African flavour, Al Kalbani's Disturbed Souls offers a uniquely Omani perspective—intertwining the universal human experience with the intimate authenticity of a region seldom represented in global literature. This novel isn't a quick read; it is a slow, deliberate reflection that demands emotional engagement. It asks us to listen closely—not only to the silences and glances shared between characters, but to the quiet voice within ourselves. In a world's rush for plot twists and instant gratification, Disturbed Souls reminds us that true storytelling resides in the spaces between words—spaces filled with feelings, questions, and the unspoken truths of identity. Zuwaina Al Kalbani's triumph with Disturbed Souls underscores the growing vibrancy of Omani literature, especially women's voices that are increasingly daring, genuine, and rooted in local authenticity. Her work exemplifies how literature, when heartfelt and truthful, transcends borders—yet remains grounded in the cultural soil that nurtures it. In the end, this is a novel that stays with you—not easily explained, but deeply felt. It's a reminder that the most compelling stories are those that speak directly to the heart, stirring questions and emotions long after the final page is turned.
Observer
6 days ago
- Health
- Observer
Khoula Hospital establishes surgical programme for scoliosis
MUSCAT: Khoula Hospital has successfully established a comprehensive surgical programme for treating spinal deformities (scoliosis), with the first surgeries performed in 2012. The programme has seen significant progress in recent years, thanks to national efforts to localise these complex procedures. Dr Sultan bin Saif al Kalbani, Head of the Spine Unit at Khoula Hospital and Consultant in Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery, said that the programme achieved a qualitative leap with the introduction of early scoliosis treatment last year. This advancement, he affirmed, has enabled therapeutic intervention for children at younger ages, resulting in over 50 successful cases. He noted that such surgeries were previously performed outside Oman, imposing financial and psychological burdens on patients and their families. The localisation of these services has alleviated these challenges, with national medical teams now capable of performing complex procedures without the need for patients to travel abroad. Dr Al Kalbani added that this achievement places Khoula Hospital among the few centres in the Gulf and Middle East offering such advanced, precision surgeries using state-of-the-art techniques, including intraoperative nerve monitoring and modern spinal fixation systems. The hospital has also introduced advanced surgical navigation systems and robotic-assisted surgery, enhancing precision, reducing complications and improving surgical outcomes. Khoula Hospital is now one of the region's pioneering centres utilising these technologies in paediatric spine surgery. In research and documentation, he pointed out that the hospital has completed a comprehensive unit documenting its scoliosis treatment experience over the years, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance specialisation, training and scientific documentation. Currently, an innovative strategic research project is underway in collaboration with artificial intelligence technologies to develop early scoliosis screening methods in schools. This initiative aims to enhance early detection and reduce the need for complex surgical interventions in the future, he added. Dr Al Kalbani emphasised that this success results from collaborative efforts among doctors, technicians and healthcare administrators. Work is ongoing to expand the programme's scope and develop research and training initiatives to meet patient needs nationally and regionally. He affirmed that investing in national workforce training has been — and remains — key to this success, with medical, nursing and support staff receiving continuous training through workshops in Oman and abroad to ensure service quality and patient safety. Dr Al Kalbani noted growing public awareness about early scoliosis diagnosis and expressed pride in citizens' confidence in government healthcare institutions, particularly Omani professionals who have demonstrated their ability to provide advanced treatment services meeting global standards. On his turn, Dr Rashid bin Mohammed al Alawi, Director-General of Khoula Hospital, underlined the hospital's aspiration to become a regional reference centre for spine surgery, led by Omani professionals. This vision, he said, is being realised through continuous training programmes, workshops, conferences, local and international fellowships, and advanced research in spinal disorders and surgeries published in prestigious scientific journals. He stated that the hospital not only strives for medical excellence, but also prioritises patient-centred care. Expanding specialised services and adopting cutting-edge technologies, such as robotic-assisted surgeries, aim to alleviate patient suffering, accelerate recovery and enable them to return to a better quality of life, he added. — ONA
