Sunday 20 / April / 2025
I don’t need my eyes to see, I see through my heart,” said the amazingly cheerful Waleed Al Hashmi, a man who embraces his disability with a smile on his face. Sitting on his comfortable office desk with a device he calls his ‘Cool Kit’, Waleed is an important member of Al Amerat Municipality. Not only is he known among the blind community for his friendly and funny nature, but for his talent as well.
“I make pens, salt and pepper holders, and candle stands,” said Waleed, while making one right in front of me, with precision and ease, using a simple instrument which helps him carve and shape these items.
Along with his day job at the municipality, Waleed tries to attend as many exhibitions as he can in order to boost his talent and earn some extra money.
“One pen is OMR15 and I sell these at exhibitions,” he revealed.
Waleed doesn’t see himself as disabled, but just differently-abled. Therefore, he believes his blindness should not stop him from exploring his talent and showcasing it to the world. He frequently visits the Al Noor Association for the Blind, the place that gave him the willingness and confidence to get back on his feet and lead an independent life after he lost his eyesight.
“I lost my eyesight at the age of 15,” explained Waleed, recalling how disappointed he was when it happened all of a sudden. However, his life regained order when he began frequenting the Al Noor Association for the Blind, where he learnt how to use Braille and was given devices, such as phones, watches, and computers.
Things took a turn for the better for him, and he started looking at life in a different light. That was when he was given his carpentry kit and realised his passion for making things. Soon, his creativity received the recognition it deserved from people across Oman, who started buying his intricately carved pens and candle stands.
Slowly but steadily, his life set an example in inspiring all those around him, pushing them to start afresh, ignoring all those who discourage them, and laughing at all the problems they face. With a full-time job, a hobby that pays, and a wonderful family with a wife and baby girl, Waleed loves his life and his positivity is reflected in his work and conversations.
He inspires his friends and colleagues to never give up, never be disappointed and to always look for opportunities to smile and spread joy.
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