“Culture Smart! has come to the rescue of hapless travellers, Sunday Times Travel -…the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries, Global Travel -…full of fascinating, as well as common sense, tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas, Observer -…as useful as they are entertaining, Easy Jet Magazine -…offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world, New York Times.” –various

SIMONE NOWELL is a writer who has spent eleven years in Oman and has traveled extensively throughout the country. Along with her family, she embraced the local culture and made many Omani friends. British by birth, Simone has spent the last twenty-six years in the Middle East and has planted firm roots in the region. Swapping the fast-paced life of the editor of a regional magazine for a slightly slower pace of a freelance author, Simone also encourages local literature and supports the talents of locally-based writers and illustrators through her family’s small publishing company. She currently lives in Dubai with her husband, Rashid, and their two children.