The beach continues to lure a few of us. Tiny sand crabs scurry into their holes leaving interesting patterns and there is often a football game in progress.
Our final two days in Muscat are dedicated to learning about the Omani legal system and the development of the Consultative Council the Majlis Al Shoura. We visited the Supreme Court, and met with the Chief Justice - President, Isaq Al Busidi for an explanation of the Omani court system, a Q & A, and group photo. Al Busidi presented each of us with an emblem of the Sultanate and books on the Court System. Lunch and a lecture at the SASLO Legal Training Center, “The Developing Legal System of Oman,” by Said bin Saad Al Shahry, further informed us. The system is different from the other countries in the region. When established in 1970 there were no lawyers or judges in the region and the initial need was met by bringing qualified judges and sending Omanis to study law abroad, mainly the UK. Al Shahry stressed the need for public participation in the process, the necessity for a gradual transformation in order to prepare Omanis society to accept change based equally on tradition and modernity, “…to create a modern country which has a balance between its religion and culture and modernity.” His remarks reflect his commitment to the concept of partnership between people and government and his experience as a former member of the Majlis Al Shoura model a vision for Oman. The recently founded Center trains lawyers and legal assistants and reflects the development of the Omanization process.
Two hours of Arabic and a presentation, “The Forts & Castles of Oman” by Marcia Dorr followed by two hours of Arabic maintained our hectic pace. The fort preservation and restoration program, designed to preserve the historical legacy of the nation, is extensive. It is also intended to attract tourists. Marcia, who works with the heritage section of the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, authored a marvelously illustrated two volume work, The Craft Heritage of Oman. During the Q & A, she helped familiarize us with Oman’s rich material culture. We asked Marcia’s Omani assistant, when did women adopt the black abayua instead of wearing the traditional colorful regional women’s dress? She explained the style spread from Iran to the Gulf States and Oman after 1986, and noted the abayua is more comfortable for office wear. Wearing the abayua she considers as much a fashion statement as one of religion identity. A “free” evening allowed us time to return Muttrah Souk and enjoy the sounds of shop-owners. hawking their wares, smell the scents of Frankincense burners, and experience the fun of bargaining for the best price.
Tuesday was dedicated to learning about the Shoura (Consultative) Process in the Sultanate. We arrived at the Majlis chamber at 10 for an overview provided by Ahmad Ali M. Al Mukhaini, who served on the Majlis staff and has, from the time of our arrival, been a major group resource. Next we met with H.E. the Secretary General with his translator in a formal session followed by Q & A (our group asks very good questions). His Excellency presented each of us with an emblem of the Sultanate and books on the Majlis System. A reception with members of the Majlis staff and Public Affairs Officer followed. Since the primary language in higher education in Oman is English, the language also taught in secondary schools, many Omani’s - especially those educated in the UK and US - speak excellent English. I learn more from this series of interesting conversations and was better prepared to appreciate today’s lunch which included current and former Majilis members as AMIDEAST/Fulbright guests. I joined colleagues at the table with Dr. Fuaad Sajwani Al Lawati, Chairman Economic Committee of the Shoura Council. We conversed on a wide range of topics, including what it was like for an Omani to travel in the US soon after 911 (difficult), his vision for higher education in the Sultanate, along with tourism, and our family life. We shared tips for places to visit when he travels with his family to the US for a vacation next year.
That evening our Group Leader, Dr. Calvin Allen delivered a well received lecture “Three Centuries of Indian Contributions to Omani Economic & Social Development,” at the special invitation of the Indian ambassador. The presentation was followed by a delicious Indian meal served on the Indian Embassy lawn.
Tomorrow we are off to Salalah.
You will always be identified as the scarf lady.
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