The Muscat palace of  Sultan Qaboos of Oman, who has been in power for the last thirty years.
A Gulf country is the preferred destination of Politicians like the Chief Minister E.K. Nayanar (above) or V.S.Achuthananthan. Pictures taken during their visit to Muscat. Politician's visit is normal during any fund raising campaign.	Politicians,Intellectuals, artists and film stars also join the regular flow of  celebrity visit to the Gulf Countries. Various Indian associations representing the affluent and rich Gulf Malayalis invite celebrities occasionally. Chief Minister E.K.Nayanar is given a red garland welcome by members of the Indian Social Club.
Film star Bharath Gopi addressing a gathering of Gulf Malayalis at a symposium organised by the Indian Social Club, Muscat.	Famous Malayalam writer M.N.Vijayan and Professor Kunju Mohammed during a recent visit to Muscat.

But the life of ordinary Malayalis in the Gulf is not like the  rosy picture they try to exhibit  back home. A mobile phone in hand with an earphone hooked to the ear, smoking Rothmans cigerettes, pocket full of petro Dhirams and Riyals. But more than 60 per cent of the Gulf Malayalis are leading a VERY difficult life in this paradise too. While everybody is interested in their Rials, not many people in Kerala know their Real Life.