Oman

This chapter traces the origins of the novelistic tradition in Oman. It first considers the history of prose writing in Oman, focusing on the undisputed pioneer of Omani fiction, ‘Abd Allah al-Ṭ ā’ī (1927–1973). It then discusses the works of major contemporary novelists such as Sayf bin Sa‘īd al-Sa‘dī and Su‘ūd bin Sa‘d al-Muẓaffar. The chapter explores some of the themes used in the Omani novel, including social changes, the perceived loss of moral values, and the relationship between city and countryside. It also discusses the beginning of Omani women’s literature and the contributions of women authors such as Emily Ruete, Badriyya al-Shiḥ ḥ ī’s, Jūkha al-Ḥ ārthī, and Ghāliya F. T. Āl Sa‘īd.