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With Oman’s National Day quickly approaching, it’s a fitting time to bring the nation’s pioneering women to the forefront.
From artistic endeavours to advancements in health, groundbreaking Omani women have been collecting milestones and achievements across fields and sectors for some time now. With the support of their fruitful nation and its boundless cultural roots, the steadfast strength and creative exploration of these women have grown immensely.
Bringing to your radar all the esteemed names that are now gaining momentum on a global scale, here are six inspiring Omani women to keep an eye on, from athletics to artistry.
Mays Al Moosawi
Finding expression of culture through art, Mays Al Moosawi is a trailblazing, multidimensional artist from Oman. From intriguing installations to immersive graphic work, the contemporary designer weaves the beat of her cultural DNA into each piece she creates. Graduating from Chelsea College of Art with a Master of Fine Arts, the 32-year-old continues to lead the Omani creative landscape with a boundless passion for honouring her roots.
Nadhira Al Harthy
Swinging into the athletic realm, Nadhira Al Harthy sits high up on the inspiring Omani women landscape for her relentless drive and exceptional agility. Conquering uncharted territory, both figuratively and literally, Nadhira became the first Omani woman to scale Mount Everest in 2019. Ticking that off at 42, the awe-inspiring athlete has since added the soaring heights of Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc, and many more to her long list of trekking milestones. Taking her accomplishments off the peaks, Nadhira has poured into her young Omani community through her ‘Oman’s Peaks For Change’ initiative, which mentors and inspires the nation’s youth to join in on the rigorous sport.
HH Sayyida Basma Bint Fakhri Al Said
Bringing mental health and its necessary resources to the forefront has been an ongoing, upward battle, with all the stigmatizing misconceptions it has been wrapped in across communities. Making unwavering progress in that realm is the trailblazing psychotherapist and Omani royal HH Sayyida Basma Bint Fakhri Al Said. Establishing the ‘Not Alone’ campaign, which offers extensive resources, platforms, and experts to lead the mental wellness discussion, Her Highness sets out to not only unpack the challenging conversation of intersectional mental well-being but also bring the likes of workshops and events to all communities in the GCC nation.
Alia Al Farsi
From the immense heights of Paris’ esteemed Louvre to Japan, Berlin, and Abu Dhabi, Alia Al Farsi is another Omani woman whose artistry knows no limitations or restrictions. A noteworthy name in the Middle Eastern creative landscape, the prominent painter has cemented herself as a cultural ambassador with her emotionally bare and raw paintings that blend contemporary styles with her inspiring travels and deep connection to heritage. Her latest exhibition ‘Whispers of Oman’ echoes her adamant honoring of her nation and its women, with its vibrant colors and intricate layers bringing Omani women’s untold stories to the forefront.
Buthaina Alraisi
With over 4 million followers on Instagram, Buthaina manages to capture the fascination and love of the region through her captivating on-screen performances and has become an ever-loved Omani figure. Initially coming onto the scene through her roles in When the Palm Blooms, The Road to Herat, and other well-loved Gulf TV dramas, the Omani beauty has now taken her venture to entrepreneurial spirits with her latest skincare enterprise. Founded in 2021, ‘Bloom by Buthaina’ centers Middle Eastern skin and beauty practices, with its highly effective product line tailored to the specific customs and traditions of the region’s most stylish.
Jokha Alharthi
Moving into the literary realm, Jokha Alharthi is the fearless wordsmith that pens the stories and words of the Arab identities to the world through her acclaimed novels. Notably, her award-winning Celestial Bodies, which explores the tension of venturing into modernization without parting from one’s roots, has been translated into over 20 languages and avidly consumed across the globe. Taking the Arabic literary sector to immense heights through familiar yet complex characters and stories, Jokha is one of the most celebrated Omani women for good reason.
