by Amal Al Raisi
  • 3 minute read
  • April 06, 2020
Exclusive: Omani Designer Amal Al Raisi On How She’s Creating Reusable Masks To Help Those In Need In Oman

The COVID-19 pandemic will be marked in history as one of the toughest times faced by humankind. It has caused an unexpected twist in each one of our lives by affecting our day-to-day activities. The real question is, how can we turn this experience into a positive one instead of focusing on what we have lost from our daily routine? I’ve never faced such a situation in Oman, so I was a bit anxious at first, but now I’m slowly learning to tackle each day with positivity.

Amal Al Raisi is manufacturing and distributing reusable face masks made from deadstock fabric

Our atelier is still operating with reduced staff in compliance with governmental regulations. We want to help the situation in whatever way we can so, we’re manufacturing and distributing reusable face masks made from deadstock fabric. These are not medical masks, but can help protecting and preventing people from touching their faces. We’ll be making approximately 200 masks per week and giving these out free of charge with online orders and distributing them to organizations in Oman that help those in most need.

COVID-19 has vastly affected the business sector in the country, as is the case around the world, since everything is temporarily closed in order to control the spread of the virus. Therefore, we’re encouraging our clients to buy online through our website and online personal shoppers who are available round the clock. Currently, we also provide door-to-door service, keeping all the safety measures in mind at the time of delivery.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-oypL4HXk-/

I handle most of my work from home over phone calls and emails. We need to understand that the only way we can help the current situation is by staying at home and practicing social distancing. This pandemic has also allowed me to spend quality time with my family, which I consider a blessing. I’d like to encourage everyone to utilize this period of time to focus on your mental and physical health.

We’ll be making approximately 200 masks per week and giving these out free of charge with online orders and distributing them to organizations in Oman that help those in most need.

Amal Al Raisi Spring/Summer 2020 collection

Read that book that you have forever wanted to read, focus on your hobbies that you’ve neglected due to lack of time, maintain a basic workout routine or treat yourself with a yoga session at home, watch the movies that you missed out on, cook your favorite meal for your family, indulge in indoor games with your kids – the list can go on. Most importantly, start your day with a smile and focus on the brighter side. Everything will fall into place soon.

Born and raised in Oman, Amal Al Raisi studied Business Management at Sultan Qaboos University
before launching her fashion label in 2007. In 2010, Amal opened her multi-brand boutique Dar Al
Aseel in Muscat, which houses her collections along with a curated selection of regional designers. With her eponymous label, Amal has been creating capsule and ready-to-wear collections that fuse Omani heritage and Arab traditions with modernity. Amal Al Raisi is now available at a number of high-end retailers in the Middle East and beyond. Shop at and visit Amalalraisi.com and @AmalAlRaisiOfficial on Instagram.


Villa 88’s V for Victory series will feature news and views from industry experts about health and wellness, beauty, fashion, arts and culture, and law in the age of COVID-19. It’s an initiative that encourages you to stay at home and promotes ways you can best utilize your time during self-quarantine. Because together, we will be victorious over the virus.

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