It is with profound sadness that ALQST announces the death of its former Executive Director Nabhan AlHanshi, who died on 18 April 2026 after a life of service and a long battle with cancer.
Nabhan joined ALQST as Executive Director in August 2021 and served in the role with wholehearted commitment until December 2022. Taking up the post in difficult circumstances following the sudden death of ALQST’s previous Executive Director, Alaa Al-Siddiq, in June 2021, Nabhan led the team with compassion and warmth, providing close support and mentorship. As a long-standing human rights advocate and Director of the Omani Centre for Human Rights (which he founded in 2013), he brought a wealth of experience and made significant contributions to the organisation despite his growing health challenges. He quickly immersed himself in the Saudi context, offering a rich regional perspective and network and showing a keen eye for impact. His integrity, resilience and courage leave a lasting legacy within the organisation.
Beyond ALQST, Nabhan’s impact was far-reaching. He was a highly respected Omani human rights defender, a committed advocate for justice, and a passionate activist, not least in the Palestinian cause. In addition to his activism, he was a prolific novelist, and had wide-ranging interests including travel, music and sport.
As his health declined, Nabhan returned to Oman in November 2025 to be with his family. Like many exiled activists, he had been forced to spend many years away from them, since 2012. We are grateful to those who helped facilitate his return.
His death, at the age of 45, is a profound loss. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who, like us, had the privilege of working alongside him.
ALQST’s Abdullah al-Juraywi comments: “Nabhan Al-Hanshi was our colleague but also our comrade; we shared a friendship forged in dealing with the highs and lows of life. He was exceptionally cultured and witty, and showed extraordinary courage in the face of illness and pain. Nabhan leaves behind a legacy of steadfastness, having lived true to his principles, which he placed above all else.”
Nabhan, your memory will live on in our hearts.
