Omani craftsmen hold demonstrations for the Queen

MUSCAT // QueenElizabeth II seemed mesmerised by the work of the craftsmen of Oman yesterday as weavers, silversmiths and potters showed off their skills for the British monarch on the third day of her visit to the country.

Queen Elizabeth was accompanied at the residence of the British ambassador to Oman by her husband, Prince Philip, and the British foreign secretary, William Hague, with Omani dignitaries and local British residents in attendance.

Yesterday was also memorable day for Issa Al Bahrani.

"I served her and she later came over to talk to me. It was fantastic, and all this time I was worried that I might drop something to embarrass myself but it did not happen," said Ms Al Bahrani, a student at the National Hospitality Institute, whose scholarship is funded by local British residents.

The Queen arrived on Thursday in Oman from Abu Dhabi on a four-day visit. Last night, she attended a state dinner hosted by Sultan Qaboos bin Said where she was presented with a gold vase and a musical gold Faberge egg.

"It was absolutely a delight to be under the same roof as the Queen. I really hope the visit will further boost relations between UK and Oman," Robert McLean, principal of National Hospitality Institute, said.