There is no surprise that Oman has been described and portrayed as one of the safest and most innocuous countries in the world. Nobody refuses to admit or acknowledge that Oman's position is inexpugnable and its role in dealing with matters locally, regionally and internationally has at all times been filled with vitality, intensity and strength.
Oman is incontestably a place of awesome beauty and outstanding worth, tending to inspire awe because of its elevated grandeur. It has a glorious past, a present marked by great beauty and splendor, and a bright future pulsating with life, vigor and activity.
In today's Oman, characteristics of remote past and present time are intermingled, where separate constituents or marking of limits and boundaries between them are hard to be distinguished and unlikely to change.
The splendors of the past of this Arabian country with such a magnificently impressive and sumptuous history are still manifest, readily perceived by the senses and easily recognized as soon as a visitor step in the country.
Large fortified structures, such as forts and castles of great antiquity being in view in almost every governorate in Oman, are only a few examples relating to the life and culture of ancient times, having had an existence of many years.
This is reflected in the features of modern life of Oman with its distinguished customary beliefs, social forms and material traits, which represent what the world sees and perceives nowadays as a set of unique values and social practices befitting Omanis. Visitors find themselves obliged to adorn not only such a relatively high level of cultural traits, but also the soil in which they are rooted and the society which is free from moral imperfection.
Bustling scenes, with amazing and interesting images of Oman, are only a short narrative, but the full story, not lacking in any essential, lies behind these scenes. Omanis are still persistent in maintaining and adhering to their conventional social customary forms, a matter that promotes smoothness and pleasantness in social relationships and is a source of comfort, convenience and enjoyment to them.
Omanis take up and practice a moderate attitude towards what goes around them, avoiding extremes of behavior and expression as well as observing, at all times, reasonable limits. With their affable manners, ease and friendliness have become a synonymy for Omanis. Omanis are always an affable host, being pleasant and at ease in talking to others socially, commercially and officially, as well as professing political and social beliefs that are not extreme.
That is why Oman has a future in the air, where everybody can feel it in every place and part of the country. Although one cannot foretell future events, Oman continues unchanged, at all times, and remains firm under any misfortune because it is blessed with a wise leadership, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, who always puts the interest of Oman and its people atop of his priorities, meriting them the attention they deserve before other alternatives. Oman, under the rule of His Majesty the Sultan, is not likely to give offence to others nor does it arouse strong feelings or hostility when dealing with other nations and peoples.
Dr Musallam al Ma'ani
Dean of Al Zahra College for Women
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