• Shangri-La Muscat, Oman to host literary event on December 17-20, 2023
• To Host Booker Prize Winner Indian Author at Aangan by Chef Rohit Ghai
• Award-winning novelists and authors from around the world to participate
In its constant endeavour to underscore Omani heritage, Shangri-La Muscat is all set to host the Bait Al Zubair Narrative Days, where literary finesse will meet culinary artistry. Elevating the art of hospitality by blending modern luxury with authentic cultural experiences, the 5-star luxury resort will host a special event between December 17 and 20 in line with the United Nations Arabic Language Day, celebrated annually on December 18.
The days will be filled with insightful discussions, book reading, seminars and storytelling sessions. With a theme revolving around the power of novels, the event will welcome authors from Oman, India, Saudi, Egypt, Lebanon, Sudan, Algeria, and Tunisia, among others. With a focus on fostering interactive dialogue and exchanging experiences, this event paves the way for a deeper understanding of various themes related to identity, creativity, and the impact of literary awards on writers.
An evening with literary luminaries amid gastronomic delight
The meet and dine session will unfold at a book signing ceremony on December 19th during pre-dinner drinks in the Courtyard. Attending guests can interact with the globally renowned authors and will receive a copy each of Tomb of Sand by Geetanjali Shree and Celestial Bodies by Dr. Jokha Alharthi.
The event will then move to Aangan, the Indian contemporary restaurant helmed by Michelin Star Chef Rohit Ghai at Shangri-La Al Husn. Both novelists’ presence at the exclusive event will captivate book enthusiasts and culinary aficionados. At the sit-down, plated dinner designed by Chef Rohit, a six-course menu reflecting the chef’s prowess will be served. It will include his signature dishes like aloo tokri chat, tandoori tikka, jheenga Afghani, lobster coriander served with black lentils, rice and bread, chicken tikka masala, with delectable desserts, bhappa doi and berries kulfi.
Celebrated authors in the house
Geetanjali Shree won the International Booker Prize 2022 and Warwick Prize 2022 for the English translation of her novel Ret Samadhi or Tomb of Sand. Its French translation, Au-dela de la Frontier, was shortlisted for the Emile Guimet Prize. Some of her other publications include Mai (translated into English, Serbian, French, and German), Khali Jagah (translated into English, German, and French), Hamaara Shahar Us Baras (translated into German), Tirohit (translated into English).
Omani writer Dr. Jokha Alharthi is known for her novel Sayyidat al-Qamar, which won the Man Booker International Prize in 2019, published in English as Celestial Bodies. She is the author of Arabic novels such as Harir al-Ghazala and Narinjah, with two of her works translated into English.
Immersive experiences await
Adding to the allure are exceptional offerings at the resort, including a Frankincense Garden tour by Oman’s only certified Frankincense sommelier, a traditional Omani welcome with a perfect backdrop of Hajar Mountain and the Gulf of Oman.
With more than 14 permanent galleries, 43 digitally immersive experiences, over 5,500 artefacts, a fully functional learning centre, cutting-edge conservation facilities, a UHD theatre, and kid-focused discovery areas, Bait Al Zubair Museum is a must-visit in Muscat, Oman.
This cultural convergence promises a unique opportunity to immerse in the essence of Oman, a country that proudly preserves its ancient heritage amid the winds of change.