Taryam Omran: A legacy that endures beyond his time

On May 16, 2002, Taryam Omran Taryam, a distinguished politician and media figure, left this world, ascending to eternal rest. His departure marked the end of a life dedicated to integrity, sincerity, and public service. He left behind a profound legacy of respect, admiration, and love in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him, working with him, or learning from his wisdom during his remarkable career. Throughout his life, he put the interests of the people first, embodying a patriotism that sought no personal gain but rather served the greater good.

Time may have marched forward, yet it feels as though yesterday is still intertwined with today. Although 24 years have passed since Taryam Omran’s heartbreaking absence, the sorrow remains as poignant as ever, and the sense of loss does not fade. When someone is so deeply embedded in our hearts, their memory remains vivid, their absence felt keenly, and the grief of losing them continues to resonate within us. His significant contributions, alongside his late brother Dr. Abdullah Omran, during the formative years of the United Arab Emirates are permanently inscribed in its history with honour. His unwavering dedication to the nation will forever be recounted and celebrated.

As part of the official delegation representing the Emirate of Sharjah, they played a pivotal role in the discussions leading to the formation of the seven-member federation. They were proponents of uniting the nine Gulf emirates after the British withdrawal in the early 1970s. However, when it became apparent that establishing a federation of nine members would be challenging, they were among the first to advocate for a union of seven emirates, which ultimately led to the creation of the United Arab Emirates. Their perspective at the time emphasised practicality and regional unity, suggesting that all emirates were interconnected like neighbouring houses. In addition to their political contributions, they achieved a milestone by launching “Al Khaleej” newspaper, which has grown into the widely respected “Dar Al Khaleej for Press, Printing, and Publishing,” thanks to unwavering dedication and hard work.

Taryam Omran and Dr Abdullah Omran.

The late Taryam Omran was born in Sharjah in 1942. After completing his primary education at Al Qasimia School in Sharjah, he attended Al Shuwaikh Secondary School in Kuwait with his brother Dr. Abdullah Omran. Later, he returned to Sharjah to finish his secondary education at Al Qasimia School. He then pursued higher education at Cairo University’s Faculty of Arts in Egypt. Upon his return to Sharjah, he worked as a teacher at Al Orouba Secondary School and eventually became the principal of Al Ma’aref School.

During his studies at Cairo University, Taryam Omran’s identity as an Arab nationalist solidified. He became widely known for his commitment to the Arab nationalist movement and drew significant inspiration from President Gamal Abdel Nasser’s vision of liberation, independence, and unity across the Arab world. Deeply influenced by Nasser’s ideas, Taryam Omran actively sought to strengthen ties between the Gulf region and the cultural and intellectual realms of Egypt and the broader Arab world. His involvement in the university’s cultural and social initiatives helped bring attention to Gulf issues within Egyptian intellectual circles. As president of the Omani Students Union, which represented students from various Arab Gulf nations, he championed solidarity among Arab youth. To Taryam Omran, Egypt under Nasser’s leadership stood as a symbol of cultural revival and progress during the pivotal era of the July Revolution.

The late Taryam Omran played a pivotal role in the early years of the United Arab Emirates’ development, leaving a lasting legacy in both diplomacy and legislative leadership. In 1972, following the establishment of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, appointed Taryam Omran as the country’s first ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt.

In 1977, Taryam Omran was unanimously elected as Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) for two consecutive terms, making him the second Speaker in UAE history.

AL KHALEEJ – A REMARKABLE LAUNCH: Throughout history, the ascent of great figures often hinges on a transformative moment that sets them on a path toward extraordinary stature. Such a moment unfolded on October 19, 1970, when the late brothers Taryam Omran and Dr. Abdullah Omran envisioned creating a national political media platform to address the dynamic changes occurring in the Arabian Gulf. Undertaking such an ambitious endeavour was no small challenge, especially with financial limitations, compounded by regional unrest fuelled by tensions with the British High Commissioner and other prevailing issues.

Yet, the two brothers persevered, steadfast in their commitment to turn this vision into reality. The late Dr. Abdullah Omran emphasised that launching Al Khaleej carried a profound mission rooted in principles the founders deeply cherished – principles that shaped their aspirations for unity across the Gulf. With an unwavering sense of Arab identity and national belonging, they sought to consolidate the region’s cultural heritage and Islamic civilisational identity while promoting Arab awareness, intellectual progress, enlightenment, knowledge, and public freedoms. Their ultimate aim was for Al Khaleej to emerge as more than just a publication – it was to become the voice of the Arab people everywhere, the moral compass of the homeland, and a platform expressing the collective consciousness of the nation.