I visited Oman over the New Year, to present to various Omani authorities about greening the Asian Beach Games. I found it to be a beautiful, welcoming and hospitable country. It has a modern infrastructure, developed over the last four decades under the guidance of its thoughtful and forward-thinking leader, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. It is in large part attributable to him that Oman is simultaneously international in outlook, while embracing its traditions and cultural heritage. 
Although I had heard that Oman is a progressive Gulf State, as a western woman I felt a little nervous about how I would be received by Omanis. I needn’t have worried – I was always made to feel welcome. And while women don’t always have the same freedoms as we do in Europe, most work, some hold senior positions in the Sultan’s Ministries, and women are out and about in all walks of life.
The highlights of my trip were: staying with my engaging and welcoming host, Dana Sarhan from Omran (Omani tourism development agency); presenting to the Muscat Asian Beach Games Organising Committee (MABGOC) and the Ministries of Sport and Environment; visiting the stunning remote desert beach (which struck me as a contradiction in terms!) at Barr Al Hickman; attending the sumptuous Arabian wedding of a wealthy Omani business woman; conducting a brief environmental review of Al Felaij Castle; listening to a talk at the Muscat Grand Mosque by inspiring Sheikh Khalfan Alesry (a humorous and knowledgeable man), and Anjum Anwar an intelligent and courageous British Muslim woman who works in Blackburn fostering better relationships between Christians and Muslims; and witnessing the inspirational environmental achievements of Craig Tucker, the sustainability manager of the new Botanic Gardens of Oman. Ultimately the most rewarding aspects were simply spending time (professionally and socially) with Omanis, in the beautiful surroundings of their country.
Dr Emma Harvey