Latest news with #SalimalBalushi
Muscat Daily
13-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Global appeal for Omani handicrafts
Muscat – Oman's handicrafts are woven into the very fabric of its heritage – from palm-leaf weaving and pottery to silverwork and textiles. With decades of support from the government, the handicrafts sector is vibrant, but its international footprint remains modest. How can local handicrafts be promoted to a wider international audience? Here is what Muscat Daily readers said – Fatma al Amri, Artist and entrepreneur Omani handicrafts tell rich stories of our tradition. To attract international buyers, we need high-quality digital marketing – beautiful visuals, storytelling through videos and e-commerce. Participation in global craft fairs and collaborations with foreign designers can bring more recognition. Showcasing the 'Made in Oman' brand globally will increase appreciation and demand. Salim al Balushi, Student Documentation and certification of authentic Omani crafts are key. Government support to local artisans for professional branding, along with promoting crafts through embassies and tourism campaigns, can create international appeal. Workshops and exhibitions abroad could also spark interest among global art collectors and cultural institutions. Aisha al Balushi, Tour guide When tourists visit Oman, they love taking home something handcrafted. We should integrate craft-making experiences into tour packages. Imagine visitors learning pottery in Bahla or weaving in Dhofar and then sharing it online. Word-of-mouth publicity and content-sharing helps crafts go global organically. Saeed al Rawahi, Artist and private sector employee Social media changed everything for me. I started showcasing my palm-leaf products on Instagram and now I have buyers from India, Saudi Arabia and Europe. More training for artisans in digital tools and online selling platforms can help them break boundaries and compete internationally with pride. Anitha Nair, Homemaker Omani handicrafts have heritage value that global audiences seek. They need curated exposure – through museum tie-ups, art expos and academic exchanges. If Indian art festivals or design schools hosted Omani craft exhibitions, it could spark meaningful cultural trade and new markets for these hidden gems. Arjun Kumar, Private sector employee To go global, Omani crafts must meet international quality and packaging standards. Partnerships with Indian or Dubai exporters or e-commerce firms can build solid supply chains. Storytelling is key – people don't just buy products; they buy culture. Let's package the soul of Oman for the world to see.
Muscat Daily
23-03-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Flexi time the stress away
Muscat – Introduction of flexible working hours during Ramadan has not only accommodated fasting schedules but also eased peak-hour traffic congestion in Muscat. With reduced road stress and improved work-life balance, many are now asking whether such flexibility should become a standard practice year-round. Here is what Muscat Daily readers said – Salim al Balushi, Entrepreneur Flexible working hours during Ramadan have shown clear benefits in reducing rush-hour traffic congestion. If extended beyond Ramadan, flexible working hours could improve work-life balance, increase productivity and create a more relaxed work environment. Authorities should consider implementing flexible working hours permanently. Fatima al Muqbali, Public sector employee Introducing flexible hours beyond Ramadan would be beneficial, especially for working parents and those with long commutes. However, implementing it across all sectors may be challenging. A mixed approach, where flexibility is given based on industry needs, could work well. Saeed Rashdi, Engineer Traffic congestion is a major issue in Muscat, and Ramadan shows us that flexible work hours can help. Instead of a one-size-fits-all model, companies could adopt staggered shifts throughout the year. This would not only improve productivity but also reduce stress for employees who fight with peak-hour traffic daily. Hassan al Amri, Private sector employee Flexibility in working hours is the future. Not everyone needs to work the same 8-to-5 shift. With technology enabling remote work and flexible schedules, authorities should encourage companies to adopt such policies permanently. It would lead to less congestion and better mental health. Rajesh Kumar, IT professional I strongly support the idea of extending flexible working hours. Many global companies already follow this, leading to better efficiency and happier employees. Oman could benefit by allowing more companies to explore flexible timing or work-from-home options, especially in sectors where physical presence isn't always necessary. Qaseem al Balushi, Salesman For people like me who travel a lot for work, avoiding peak-hour traffic makes a huge difference. Flexible hours should be an option beyond Ramadan, at least for industries where work can be done remotely or in shifts. It's time to rethink traditional office hours.
Muscat Daily
06-02-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Legacy afloat
Suwaiq resident Salim al Balushi keeps alive the timeless craft of making 'Al Shasha' palm frond boats Suwaiq – In the serene coastal town of Suwaiq in North Batinah, where whispers from the Arabian Sea jostle with rustling palms, 60-year-old Salim Jameel Al Balushi keeps alive an ancient tradition that has literally weathered the tides of time. For over four decades, Balushi has dedicated his life to the meticulous craft of constructing traditional Omani boats – known as Al Shasha – a skill he proudly inherited from his forefathers and now passes on to his children. 'I have been in this profession for more than forty years. I inherited this skill from my forefathers, and now, I have been teaching the same to my children,' Balushi said proudly, showing his hands, roughened up by years of labour, yet steady with the precision of a master craftsman. Al Shasha is a small traditional fishing boat crafted entirely from the stalks of date palm fronds. Every part of the boat, from its sturdy hull to the binding ropes, is sourced from palm trees – a symbol of sustainability and resilience in Omani culture. Balushi's boats range from 2m to 10m in length, and are capable of accommodating one to four people. The process begins with soaking palm fronds in water for 15 days, making them pliable for shaping. Once softened, the fronds are meticulously cleaned, and using traditional hand tools, he creates a wooden frame, binding it with ropes made from coir to reinforce it. The base of the boat's body is stuffed with additional fronds, to enhance buoyancy and stability which is crucial for navigating Oman's coastal waters. 'The base of the boat is stuffed with palm fronds, which makes it float well on water. It is also an 'anti-sinking' technique,' Balushi explained, adding, 'This provides balance and stability to the boat while out at sea.' Remarkably, each boat takes just three to five days to be constructed, a testament to his expertise and dedication. Legacy without blueprints Unlike modern shipbuilding, Balushi relies solely on inherited knowledge, crafting each vessel without any sketches or blueprints. 'All the plans for construction are in here,' he said, tapping at his own head with a smile that indicated speaks of pride and nostalgia. His passion extends beyond crafting functional fishing boats. Balushi also creates miniature models to teach his grandchildren about Oman's rich maritime heritage, ensuring the younger generation remains connected to their roots. Balushi actively participates in cultural festivals, showcasing his boats and traditional fishing equipment, including hand-made nets and fish cages. His mission is clear: to revive Oman's maritime traditions and protect them from fading into obscurity. 'This profession teaches us patience, precision, and endurance,' he noted, reflecting on the virtues embedded in the craft. Balushi urges young Omanis to embrace this heritage, not only as a means of livelihood but also as a means of preserving a cultural identity shaped by the sea. 'I hope the rhythm of the waves, which has been music for my ears for decades, will forever carry the story of Shasha boats for generations to come,' he said.
