Muscat: An Omani family in Liwa province has been reunited with a son after 30 years of estrangement.
Jalal Al Balushi embraced his family last week with tears of joy in his family home in Guzail village of Liwa province on the north western coast of the country.
The family had lost contact with Jalal in 1985 after he graduated from a university in Texas, where he was studying mechanical engineering.
“It was the best and one of the most heartfelt moments ever in my life to meet my family and relatives”, Jalal told Gulf News last week.
He had been reluctant to come back to Oman since 1985, when he had married an American woman against the will of his family, who had chosen an Omani bride for him.
His return to Oman was prompted by the efforts of one of his brothers, who decided to launch a search for Jalal on a recent medical trip to the US.
The brother eventually found Jalal’s address in Texas with the help of the American authorities.
A younger brother, Hassan, subsequently headed to the US without informing Jalal first.
“I knocked on my brother’s door and Jalal opened it,” says Hassan.
“You don’t know me.”, Hassan told his brother.
“I don’t know you.”, replied Jalal.
“I am your brother, Hassan,” he narrated. Hassan and Jalal then cried and hugged each other.
Jalal told Gulf News that the “priceless moment” was engraved in his memory forever.
It was a great feeling when I landed in Muscat International Airport for the first time since 1985, said Jalal.
The family received Jalal with tears and hugs amid high emotions for all.
They also held a party in honour of his return, and invited all their relatives.
Jalal however could not meet his parents, as they both passed away in the past decade, said Yousuf, another brother.
“It’s very painful not to have seen my parents while I was away.” said Jalal.
Jalal thanked the Omani government for their continuous assistance for smoothly completing the travel procedures for him.
Jalal works at a Harley Davidson branch as deputy chief executive officer (CEO) in Houston, Texas.
He has one son, Khalid, and one daughter, Malika. He is now 55-years-old.
Jalal left Oman last Friday to head back home to the United States.
