Press Release

Stories created by determination and inspiration Muscat’s Women: Bright Marks in the Generosity and Development Progress

21/10/2025

• Aisha Al- Ghusaini: Humanitarian work creates hope and promotes community values.

• Amal Al-Sakhbouri: Writers belong to their environment. My writing reflects the beautiful image of Muscat in the past and present.

• Khadija Al-Balushi: Women become leaders and decision-makers, not just educators.

• Dr. Badria Al-Wahibi:  Culture and media are pillars of women`s awareness and empowerment.

• Salwa Al-Hadi: Challenges provide us the opportunity to fulfil Omani women`s ability for achievement and excellence.

   On 17 October, the Sultanate of Oman celebrates Omani Women`s Day, a day that appreciates women achievements that have contributed to developing the nation and promoting its values. As well as, confirms the noble vision instituted by the Sultan Qaboos bin Said – may Allah be merciful to him and bless his soul – and continues by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said – may Allah protect and bless him – to empower women and provide them with a key partner in comprehensive national progress.

        Today, Omani women are pillars of the modern renaissance and examples of leadership in various educational, economic, cultural and social fields. Omani women combine Omani authenticity with world openness and globalisation, and contribute to forming the homeland`s present and future confidently and efficiently.

       Muscat Governorate promotes the women’s presence and empowerment in various sectors, inspired by its leadership role in community and development initiatives and projects. As well as, Oman Vision 2040 objectives, which prioritise empowerment and participation as fundamental principles in human progress.

        With its unique cultural, economic and social diversity, Muscat continues to encourage women`s creativity and success in education, entrepreneurship, intellectuality, culture and humanitarian work.

       Among these brilliant examples are women who achieved remarkable successes and achievements through their determination, which reflect women in Muscat Governorate, and inspirational stories of generosity and influence.  

• Women in Humanitarian and Social Work

       Aisha bint Khalfan Al Ghusaini, Head of the Omani Women Association in Al Amerat, affirms that humanitarian and social work creates communities and hope, and enhances community values and Omani identity.

       Al-Ghusaini points out those Omani women have contributed to transforming volunteer work from traditional initiatives into impactful projects that align with the Oman Vision 2040 purposes, praising Omani women`s associations’ contributions.  

      Al-Ghusaini shares the most memorable moments was during field visits to families, which aims to create humanitarian links that restore hope and belonging. She explains, ‘Kind expressions and sincere prayers motivated to give more. I cannot forget the meeting with five orphans who felt like their second mother and still have great emotion.’

         This association also collaborated with relevant entities to implement numerous initiatives in Muscat Governorate to boost social cohesion. They include supporting productive families, caring for the elderly, conducting awareness and health campaigns, and courses for economic empowerment.  

          It highlights that Muscat`s community environment is attractive and conducive to volunteer work, with its cultural and social diversity enriches humanitarian work. This diversity contributes to increasing the implemented initiatives and programmes. Thus, Muscat creates positive social change.

       Al Ghusaini emphasised that Omani women today are passionate and able to engage in humanitarian and community fields, but they require continuous financing and support. Besides highlighting their inspiring experiences for future generations. She stated, ‘‘Through these steps, Omani women will continue to impact positively and share their giving passion to their successors.’

• Women in Educational and Academic Fields

  Samia bint Saeed Al-Wahibi, Assistant Director of Administrative Affairs at Al-Ranim International Private School and external auditor at the National Register for Academic Accreditation and Education Quality Assurance, views her educational career, from teaching to school management, as a comprehensive experience that combines administrative and educational functions. It contributed to advancing educational institutions according to modern quality standards.

       Omani women today are effective partners to advance education, leadership and innovation in educational field, effectively modernising curriculums and advancing scientific research. She notes that the wise vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, May Allah protect and bless him, gave women confidence to achieve the modern education sector. She suggests that the upcoming stage requires specialised leadership programmes for female cadres to participate in higher education policies, since women in leadership positions enhances educational decision-making.

        She describes Muscat Governorate as culturally and academically unique and diverse environment, with its educational institutions and development entities. Additionally, its closeness to universities and training centres that offer professional development. She believes that international schools and global programmes contribute to boosting competitiveness and performance quality, which positively influences the efficiency of teachers and students.

        Khadija bint Mahfouz Al Balushi joined educational experience, from teaching in 2003 to school management, contributing to improving educational environment through continuous innovation and learning. She is currently considered a national competence in education quality, through working as an external reviewer for the Oman Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority.

         Khadija thinks Omani women enhance the education system, from teachers to leaders, decision-makers, and researchers in accreditation and quality institutions. She underlines that Muscat Governorate provides an exceptional educational environment through its modern infrastructure, various educational institutions, and national competencies. Thus, it motivates creativity and innovation in education.

        The most remarkable challenges she faced were balancing her professional and family roles and managing educational change in a progressive work environment. She stressed that her passion for profession and educational mission motivate her to continue and succeed.  

         Khadija concludes: ‘I give this success to my mother’s soul – may Allah be merciful to her – who supported my educational and academic job. She promoted a great love of knowledge and work, and through her prayers that strengthen and inspire my achievements. May Allah be merciful to her and bless her with the best reward.’  

         According to Amal bint Abdulrahman Al-Kharousi, life, with its experiences, is the greatest school that forms the human personality. She thinks that social upbringing succeed, and that academic study continues the values that the individual was raised on.

           Al-Kharousi confirms that supporting and empowering Omani women nowadays, through the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq – may Allah protect and bless him – has involved them in various decision-making positions. Today, they are ministers, ambassadors, and executive directors, who show their competence and represent their nation confidently and efficiently.  

       Al-Kharousi views Muscat Governorate has universities, institutes, and museums. It also offers learning and innovation opportunities. Amal explains that the positive challenges that formed her character and strengthened to persist, search, achieve and prosper.

         Addressing the young Omani generation, she assures that they live in an era of endless possibilities and opportunities, joining knowledge and work during artificial intelligence. She stresses that effort and persistence create a great future for modern Oman.

         Sharaf bint Kazim Al-Mousawi, a retired school principal and current principal of a private educational institution, is recognised as a successful educational model in Muscat Governorate. She conducted a range of initiatives to raise community awareness and develop the educational system.

        Through training programmes and workshops for teachers and parents, she contributed to boosting the partnership between school and society. She also paid special attention to promoting positive values and behaviour among students, supervised projects on reading and student creativity. As well as, establishing a special educational project on early childhood development based on modern educational principles. Thus, these reflect her great appreciation of education`s significance to form humans from early stages.  

        Al-Mousawi is proud that Omani women in Muscat Governorate support education as teachers, leaders, and educators of generations. They have also introduced a culture of lifelong learning through implementing modern teaching methods that align with Oman`s Vision 2040 and contributing to creating educational environments that incentivise creativity and innovation.

     Al-Mousawi indicates that educational and cultural institutions in Muscat Governorate promote national values and improve life skills among students through curricula, volunteer activities and community initiatives, confirming that these efforts contribute to achieving a generation that is prideful of its national identity and keeps pace with future aspirations.

     Al-Mousawi directs a unique message to educators. They must recognise that their mission includes academic education and form the students’ character and raise a conscious and intellectual generation that achieve future aspirations.

      Anisa Al-Maskari represents an ambitious Omani woman who has successfully combined technical expertise with educational mission, and benefits education and empowers generations in technology and digital transformation. She involves in developing a cybersecurity curriculum for students in grades 5 to 11, a national project that contributes to raising awareness of cybersecurity among students. 

        Through this programme, she has conducted introductory workshops in Muscat Governorate as a digital transformation change maker at the Ministry of Education in the governorate. She also participated in conducting specialised technical training programmes and workshops in the governorates of Muscat, Musandam and Dhofar, besides participating in information security awareness programmes in schools in Muscat Governorate. Anisa currently focuses on empowering society digitally and raising awareness of modern technologies to meet the requirements of digital transformation in Oman.

          Omani women are educators, researchers, leaders and innovators who contribute to fulfilling the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 through implementing modern teaching methods and research initiatives that support the knowledge economy. Women’s Empowerment in educational institutions requires policies promote work-life balance and encourage more women leaders in senior positions. She notes that the educational environment in Muscat is known for the diversity of experiences and openness to new ideas. Thus, it encourages creativity and innovation, alongside its close proximity to academic institutions and decision-making centres.

• The Cultural and Media Perspective

      Writer Amal bint Abdullah Al- Sakhbouri considers that Omani women impact greatly on the cultural and media Perspectives through their high quality literary works, which enhanced the creative Omani women in Arab and international forums. Al-Sakbouri explains that her start in the world of literature was initiated by her passion for reading, which later won her an Arab competition for her short story ‘Exile in the Intensive Care Unit.’ She has published literary works. For example, The Key to the Kingdom of Hope, The Valley`s Spell, and The Bride of the Room – The Story of the Water Uprising.  

      Muscat Governorate, with its cultural and artistic events and activities, offer literary and artistic workshops and courses, and participate in exhibitions and media programmes. Thereby boosting their presence and influence on the national cultural perspective. The author emphasises that literary creativity reflects national identity, and what she writes reflects the spirit, culture and history of Muscat. She introduces vocabulary and elements from Omani heritage to connect the past and present and preserve the cultural memory of her homeland.

       Suad bint Nasser Al-Sinani emphasised that Omani women are creative in media and cultural fields, excelling as broadcasters, writers and journalists, and their ability to lead and contribute effectively across all media platforms, whether in production or presentation.

     She highlights social issues that affect the community through the local Oman newspaper and news websites, and reporting on activities and events conducted by government institutions to promote Quriyat in the media and tourism sectors. She engaged in media activities within schools to highlight the media field and promote its progress among younger generations.

   Al-Sinani clarified that media and culture raise awareness and achieve women’s purposes. She contributed to highlighting women`s creativity and enhance their cultural and media talents, besides communication and interaction among them.  

      Al-Sinani considered that women in the media could represent their country in international forums by highlighting Omani culture and heritage through human-interest stories and documentary programmes that reflect Omani identity and heritage.   

       Maymouna bint Abdullah Al Battashi confirms that Omani women present the programmes and meaningful content, which contribute to addressing social and educational issues, as well as their intellectual contributions through articles and media platforms that boost consciousness and enlightening ideas.

     Al-Battashi strongly encourages women to pursue careers in media, noting that women in media play a vital role in promoting Omani culture and principles.

      Dr. Badria bint Nasser Al-Wahaibi, Head of the Cultural Citizenship Salon, Director of the Information and Research Centre at the State Council, academic and writer in the cultural and social fields, affirms that Omani women attend greatly in the cultural and media perspectives. Omani women are writers, journalists, directors, producers and founders of pioneering cultural initiatives, contributing to promoting national identity and highlighting Omani heritage locally and internationally. The Cultural Citizenship Salon initiative is one of Dr. Al-Sallam`s most notable achievements. She founded it in 2022 under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and with the blessing of His Excellency the Governor of Muscat. The salon aims to promote cultural and intellectual dialogue among different segments of society, spread the values of citizenship, tolerance and belonging, and promote cultural and creative industries among young people through cultural sessions, events and travelling exhibitions in the governorates of Muscat. The salon has also launched distinctive programmes such as the mobile cultural exhibition ‘Oman Pride’, ‘Creativity Class’ for children, and ‘Knowledge Cabinet’ in three schools in the Governorate of Muscat to encourage reading among students.  

       Dr. Badria has made numerous research and cultural contributions, including the book ‘The Reality of Integrating the Priority of Citizenship, Identity, Heritage and National Culture in School Education,’ and participation in local and international conferences on identity and citizenship. She has also presented a number of discussions and topics on radio programmes such as Oman Al-Sumood on the topic of identity and citizenship, and on the programmes Min Al-Nas Lil-Nas and Fincan Qahwa, the economic forum for discussing national culture, identity and the purple economy. She has contributed to the ‘Empowerment through Media’ initiative to promote the digital presence of young people. She has also presented a number of cultural and voluntary initiatives through her membership in the Omani Women`s Association, the Children First Association, and the Writers and Authors Association.

Dr. Badria believes that media and culture represent awareness and change, as they give women a platform to express themselves and enhance their presence in society. She emphasises that the Governorate of Muscat is a vibrant environment that supports cultural and artistic creativity and hosts events and exhibitions.  

        She concludes by emphasising that Omani women are the guardians and spokespersons of cultural identity, and that they must use the media and digital platforms to highlight Oman`s authentic heritage and preserve its authenticity while embracing conscious openness, and continue to create a generation that takes pride in its Omani values and identity.

• Omani Women and Entrepreneurship

 Maryam Bani Oraba entered the world of entrepreneurship through her passion for marketing, public relations and event planning, before expanding into real estate to achieve financial independence and turn her passion into a project that serves the community.

       Bani Oraba underlines that Omani women today are partners in the national development process, leading successful projects that contribute to diversifying the economy and strengthening Oman`s position in various sectors. She adds that Omani women entrepreneurs can contribute to achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040 through innovation and diversification of projects, and investment in areas that support the national economy such as marketing, events and real estate, thereby creating job opportunities and promoting sustainability.

      She mentions that the main challenges facing female entrepreneurs in Muscat, as the capital and a bustling economic hub full of opportunities, include high operating costs, fierce competition, and sometimes weak purchasing power. However, she sees these challenges as an incentive for creativity and finding practical solutions for growth, as she has benefited from the vibrant economic environment through exhibitions, markets and events that provide opportunities to promote projects and build brand awareness.

Amal Bint Hamoud Al-Suleimani believes that her entry into the world of entrepreneurship was not just a career choice, but also a national responsibility to contribute to the creation of new job opportunities and enrich the local market with sustainable, high-quality projects.

       Al-Sulaimani clarifies that Omani women today play a pivotal role in supporting the national economy through their active participation in the labour market and their growing presence in entrepreneurship and innovation, in addition to assuming influential leadership positions in the public and private sectors, which reinforces their status as a key element in economic decision-making. She emphasises that Omani women entrepreneurs can be a real pillar for achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040 by diversifying sources of national income, leading innovation in the fields of green technology and finance, and promoting local content and national exports

.

Amal points out that Muscat Governorate is a rich environment for entrepreneurship, with its exhibitions and opportunities for marketing and networking with investors, as well as support from government institutions such as the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, which has contributed to the development of her project and the expansion of its scope. However, she believes that female entrepreneurs in the capital face challenges related to high operating costs, difficulty in obtaining financing, and balancing work and family life in a highly competitive market.

     Al- Sulaimani advises aspiring women to start projects based on a genuine idea that meets market needs, invest in continuous learning to develop financial and administrative skills, and build a strong professional support network of female entrepreneurs. She emphasises that success in entrepreneurship is the result of passion, determination and perseverance.

•  Women in Sports

Salwa Al-Hadi, chairwoman of the women`s sports committee at Al-Ahli Sadaab Club, is one of the prominent names in women`s sports in Muscat Governorate, having made a clear mark in the empowerment of women in sports. She says that one of the most significant milestones in her career was when she was tasked with managing the first women`s team to represent the club in an official tournament. This presented her with a new challenge, through which she proved the ability of Omani women to lead and achieve in the field of sports. She was able to build a strong team spirit among the players, which contributed to the team`s honourable participation and positive results.

Salwa believes that Omani women now have a strong presence in the sporting arena, having moved beyond symbolic participation to exerting a real influence on the development of national sport. They have excelled in sports that were once the preserve of men, setting honourable examples that raise the profile of the Sultanate of Oman in local and international forums. 

      Regarding the challenges she faced, she points out that society`s limited view of women`s role in sport and the lack of support in the early stages were among the most significant difficulties, but she turned them into motivation to excel and prove that hard work and commitment can change stereotypes and boost confidence in women`s athletic abilities.

She emphasises that promoting women`s participation in sport in the Muscat Governorate requires sustainable institutional support through the provision of dedicated training programmes, the administrative and technical qualification of female cadres, improving sports infrastructure to take into account women`s specific needs, and the role of the media in highlighting the achievements of female athletes and motivating the new generation to try the experience.

These female role models from Muscat Governorate confirm that Omani women have been and continue to be integral partners in the nation`s development, from education, culture and media to entrepreneurship, sports and humanitarian work. These success stories embody passion, determination and commitment, demonstrating the ability of Omani women to contribute effectively to the development of their country. They continue to move forward with confidence in building a bright future for Oman, setting an example for future generations and inspiring all those who strive for excellence and service to society.