5 Influential Omani Women You Need To Know
From HH Dr. Sayyida Basma Bint Fakhri Al Said to Maha Al Balushi, Bazaar Arabia highlights five Omani women who are making a mark in their industries
Ahead of Oman’s National Day, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia takes a look at some of the groundbreaking women in the Sultanate who are creating history. In the various fields of arts and culture, sports, and entertainment, Omani women are leaving a legacy that will echo for generations.
Their contributions to society are undeniable, and they have received recognition for making historical firsts. They continue to serve as motivation for the next generation of Omani women to fearlessly pursue their dreams.
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia shares a list of 5 influential Omani women who you need to keep on your radar.
5 Influential Omani Women You Need To Know
Her Highness Dr. Sayyida Basma Bint Fakhri Al Said
Through her ground-breaking approach to changing mental wellness around the globe, Her Highness Dr. Sayyida Basma Bint Fakhri Al Said has written history by opening the first holistic mental health clinic in Oman, Whispers of Serenity, in 2011. A pioneer in the field, she has led a successful initiative, ‘Not Alone’, making inspiring impacts in the Gulf region. Her Highness’ exceptional humanitarian and social work has transcended boundaries, and her contributions to society have gained her prestigious accolades worldwide, including becoming the first Arab judge at the Diana Awards 2023.
Fatma Al Nabhani
Fatma Al Nabhani is a professional tennis player who made waves with her trailblazing career. The Omani athlete’s talent and determination have led her to victory in the Gulf region and beyond. She serves as an inspiration for Arab women in sports, with prestigious gold medals from the Islamic Solidarity Games, Arab Games, and GCC Women’s Games.
Maha Al Balushi
Maha Al Balushi transcended boundaries when she was appointed as Oman’s first female captain in 2023. Her inspiring career in the aviation industry is marked by prestigious milestones, including becoming the first woman to work as the first officer at Oman Air in 2013. Her ground-breaking impact in the aviation industry continues to pave the way for all aspiring Omani women who wish to join the sector.
Jokha Alharthi
Jokha Alharthi is an Omani author whose exceptional talent gained critical acclaim worldwide. Her rich storytelling, rooted in a beautiful and complex representation of Arab history and culture, has created a stir in the literary industry. The wordsmith made history as the first Arab writer to win the Man Booker International Prize in 2019 with her novel Celestial Bodies.
Alia Al Farsi
Alia Al Farsi is a trailblazing artist whose decades-long career has significantly shaped the rising arts industry in the Sultanate of Oman. During her career, she founded Alia Gallery, the biggest private art gallery in Oman, and exhibited her work globally. From Venice to Tokyo, Paris, and beyond, her artworks have been displayed in over twenty countries, making her a notable and influential creative force worldwide.
Buthaina Al Raisi
From the silver screen to broadcasting, Buthaina Al Raisi’s talent has been entertaining audiences for decades. Her journey as an actress has been marked by highly successful appearances that captivated fans in the Gulf region, and her influence extends beyond the screen. In addition to starring in films and series, the fashion mogul shares her elegant style and glamorous lifestyle with her six million followers on Instagram and recently launched a luxury haircare brand, Artal.
Read more on other inspiring women from the region here…
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Lead Image courtesy of Instagram/@basmaalsaidofficial and buthaina_alraisi1
