Saturday 22 / February / 2025
Fifty years of storytelling, of chronicling the Sultanate’s journey, and of inspiring many - including myself - to step into the world of writing. As Times of Oman celebrates this remarkable milestone, I find myself reflecting on the invaluable role it played in shaping my own path in the media landscape.
My journey as a columnist with Times of Oman began in the 1980s, thanks to a chance conversation with Arthur Cushing, the newspaper’s British editor at the time. Arthur was a kind and insightful man, always ready to share his knowledge and encouragement. During one of our many engaging discussions, he extended an invitation that would change my life - he asked me to write a weekly column on ‘Health & Beauty.’ That moment marked my entry into journalism with the only private English-language newspaper in circulation in Oman at the time.
What started as a single column soon flourished into something much greater. Arthur entrusted me with more assignments, which not only honed my writing skills but also opened doors to other publications.
It wasn’t long before I was invited to contribute to Gulf News in the UAE, and later, I became a regular contributor to BBC Gulfwide Magazine. My work also found a home in Spinney’s Living in the Gulf magazine, where I wrote several articles each month.
Arthur eventually returned to the UK, but his influence on my career - and on Oman’s media sector - remains indelible.
During my association at the Times of Oman, I had the pleasure of interacting with many talented individuals, including Meredith Taylor (later Campbell), the deputy editor. Meredith was also a remarkable newsreader on Oman TV and I often met her in the newsroom, having been myself an English newsreader for more than 20 years.
One particularly fond memory is of the May Queen Contest - an event that stands out as both glamorous and unique. Hosted and sponsored by Times of Oman in the early 1990s, it was most likely the first (and only) competition of its kind in the country. The event took place at the Seeb Novotel, which later became the Novotel, and was a dazzling affair featuring a line-up of impressive contestants. I was honoured to be on the judging panel, sitting alongside none other than Late Essa Al Zadjali, the then Editor-in-Chief and one of Oman’s true media pioneers.
There were also delightful perks that came with writing a beauty column. Luxury perfume and cosmetic brands often invited me to exclusive product launches, where they generously gifted full-sized bottles of fragrances and skincare products. These experiences enriched my writing and provided first-hand insight into the beauty industry.
Looking back, I realise how much confidence and credibility I gained through my association with Times of Oman. It was my launch pad into a broader writing career, and for that, I will always be deeply grateful.
Congratulations, Times of Oman, on five decades of excellence - of telling Oman’s ever-evolving story and inspiring so many to join the world of media. May you continue to shine and shape the future of journalism for many more years to come!
Thank you Times of Oman!
(The author is a former newsreader on Oman TV and a cartographer)
