Black & White mag issue 78

II April – May 2016

Banker by day, entrepreneur by evening Pg48 Being a housewife… Pg54

23 Jumada al-Akhir - 23 Rajab

Vol.7 Issue 78

Malls' story Pg10

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Tomatoes on the jebels Pg28

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on the jebels 28 Tomatoes Set 2000 metres above sea level, on a stark and perhaps remote corner of Oman’s most spectacular and beautiful regions of Al Hajar mountain range, a tiny miracle of sorts is unfolding

Cover Photo: Supplied

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Contents

10 Malls' story

Bitter Batter

But we only – “Sorry!”

Of course, austerity measures have to be taken; belts have to be tightened; we have to cut spending… but, some people are just using the austerity excuse to deny support or help to those in need…

Does the mushrooming of shopping malls in town reveal a growing number of discerning shoppers or have the spurt in the malls off late spawned a new buzz in the market that has shoppers queuing up to these shopping paradises? Black & White escalates up and down some malls to see what is abuzz…

Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC Black & White Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos Office location: Hatat House A, II Floor, Suite No: 212, Wadi Adai Ph: +968 24565697 Fax: 24565496 Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com Editorial: editor@blackandwhiteoman.com Printed Oman April -atMay 2016 Printers

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Black & White

54

Being a housewife…

International surveys done on the statement “being a housewife is just as fulfilling as working for pay” has brought in a variety of results. And most of them were for it. Majority of the respondents (both men and women) in the countries where this survey was done chose to ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ with this idea. We put this statement to some ladies in town.

Read their strong views…

Chairman Editor-in-chief Managing editor Work editor Editorial Marketing Design & production Photographer

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Mohamed Al Balushi Priya Arunkumar Adarsh Madhavan Khadija Al Zadjali Salwa Al Rumhi Beneek Sirajudeen Najib Al Balushi

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Corrigendum!

By Adarsh Madhavan There are days when everything goes against us.

Like that day when we sent to print a piece with two words in a bracket, which had nothing to do with the story we did. In the bracket were the lines in capital letters, PLEASE CHECK! This was written during the proofing and because we were in such a hurry to send the piece in, we never checked it (rather we checked it but we forgot to take out the please check note) and no one else did. There are days when a non-editorial staff might glance at the designer’s page and spot an error 12 feet away from the monitor. But, then there are days like this, which will make us hide ourselves, bury our heads in sand as the error howls at us from the printed pages.

Errors happen and I have had so many of them in place so much so I often wondered why I chose to don the hat in a profession when the boat I rowed had so many holes in it. I am a veteran of corrigendums and I have turned black and blue with shame and I have winced so many times seeing my errors glaring at me the next morning from the brand new pages of the daily that I used to work for. Of course, there were times when the errors were totally owing to my carelessness. But, there were so many other occasions when the error occurred because of the editor’s perception of what I wrote and the wrong headlines given thereof and there were times when the goof ups occurred during the production stage.

All about X, Y & Z

The tragedy was that on all occasions, whether the error was solely mine or not, I had to face the brunt of the anger of incensed people whom I have interviewed and unwittingly quoted wrong; I had to face the ire of people whose names were misspelt or on occasions when words were put in their mouth when they never uttered any such nonsense.

And it is with such utter shame that I would compose the same corrigendums, which often went like this: “In yesterday’s article, titled “Ministry sells off old computers”, the senior ministry official was wrongly reported as selling off all computers of the ministry,

6 April - May 2016 Black & White

while it should have actually read that the senior ministry sold off all the computers of the department of IT. The error is regreted.”

Ouch!

Being such a veteran to a world of errors, I am more understanding when my fellow scribes walk the path of errors and don’t laugh at them or behind them.

The other day while some of us were discussing a particular journo’s recent descent into a comedy of errors and how even his teammates were laughing at the stories that he tripped on, I tried to bring in a climate of understanding. Errors happen; errors are not made out of some need to be one up on competiton! Sorry, my friends said, this does not look like an unforced error, but rather one committed in the mad scramble to be the first one to break the news.

“You make a mad run to break the news and you may end up breaking your bones!” one of my friends jeered.

But rising to the defence I pointed out the state of affairs in the social media and how everyone was blind to the errors there. How errors and ‘stories’ popped out of nowhere and how the social media circus was spinning yarns that even best-seller story tellers could not spin out. What about the deliberate errors there; what about the desperate attempt to pull the wool over an unassuming public; what about the clear attempt to malign someone by perpetrating false news?

Why is it that no one reports on the shenanigans of the social media, especially in India, where reports after reports blaze through the medium with such unerring inacurracy that today many of us are disinclined to believe anything that is written there. How is it that they lie so much and are allowed to get away with it? Why is it that very few in the social media stream ever put in a corrigendum? Why don’t they admit their mistakes? Why don’t they ever say sorry we made a mistake like all others; like all of us? editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Mail your views and opinions at editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Package it well The beauty of the Omani halwa is its unassuming nature. It is packed in very ordinary plastic packages, and sold from equally unassuming shops. But the delight you get when you sink your teeth on this sugary treat is beyond anything.

While I really love the manner in which it is sold in Oman – there is no big show or drama --I still personally feel that if it is packaged more stylishly, it could be a big hit in worldwide markets. I have travelled the world and have seen and savoured the sweet treats of many a country and I can easily, without prejudice, hold the halwa on top of that list. But, to make a better impression in the international market there is a need to package it better.

Meanwhile, good luck with your magazine (I picked up the free copy of the Black & White magazine from the airport).

Tobias K., (Muscat International Airport), USA

Readers column

Kerala vs Omani halw(v)a I am not aware how consumption of halwa would affect one’s waistline, but I would definitely don’t mind indulging in this aromatic Omani delight. I have a sweet tooth and I go ga ga over this fantastic sweetmeat. I have eaten various types of halwa (halva) as I hail from Kerala, where different types of halvas are also made and sold.

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Without being a traitor to my special hometown varieites, I will still hold the homespun versions of Oman a sheer delight, which I would like to savour as long as I live in this beautiful second home of mine!

Narendran Nair, Muscat

Trip to Oman not complete…

A cup of piping hot kahwa and halwa, the authentic Omani delight, nothing can match that experience. I know tourists (friends) who wanted to return to my beautiful country just to have a repeat experience of sitting in one of Oman’s quaint souqs and sip Arabic coffee and taste our special halwas. And some of them have come back for just that solitary experience. As they say, a trip to Oman can never be complete without tasting these special delicacies of which the halwa reigns the foremost.

Nabil bin Khalfan Al Balushi, Seeb

Low-fat Omani halwa?

I read your article with great interest. While I was reading, I was reminded of an earlier initiative (I don’t recall by whom) to bring about a low fat variant of the Omani halwa. I do agree with everyone that not only is Omani halwa a symbol of traditional Omani hospitality it is also a delectable delight.

But, if you look at it realistically, one should not consume it in large quantities because of the type and amount of fat and sugar in it. In this regard, I remember an article which stated that some research group in Oman was trying to develop a low fat and healthier version of the Omani halwa. Would you be able to find some information on this, please?

T. Johnson, Al Khuwair (B&W: Mr Johnson, thank you for the information. We will check up with our contacts to see if any research group has developed a low fat variant of the halwa, or in fact, if it exists in the market.)

Never give up the fight After more than 15 years at the helm, the founder and president of the Oman Cancer Association (OCA) has stepped down. Yuthar Al Rawahi was a phenomenon in her fight against the scrouge of cancer in Oman. Her own personal battle against the disease, is legendary. It is a

pity that she is stepping down from the OCA, but I am sure she will never give up the fight. She is an inspiration beyond compare. She is someone all Omanis are proud of.

Nada Al Bahluli, Seeb

Wish and pray It is really sad to see Yuthar Al Rawahi stepping down from the helm of the OCA. My only wish and prayer is that the brave lady does not stop the fight against cancer in Oman.

I have heard so much about Yuthar and I can only associate the battle against this deadly disease in Oman only with her. I understand that there comes a time when one has to step down, but I wish and pray that she continues the fight in whatever capacity she is now. All the best!

Nabila, Al Khuwair

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Oman watch

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Flashback: a decade ago, Oman’s presence in the AGCC retail map was not all that significant.

Flash forward: a decade later, dash to the present and you will be amazed by the fantastic growth on the country's retail landscape.

Let the names speak for themselves: Oman Avenues Mall, Panorama, China Mall, Azaiba Mall are the new malls on the block, while the others include the City Centre Muscat and Qurum, Sabco Centre, Muscat Grand Mall, Al Qurum Centre, Markaz Al Bahja, Bareek Al Shatti and Al Araimi Complex.

By 2020, Majid Al Futtaim alone will be launching three malls – Mall of Oman (2020), City Centre Sohar (2018), My City Centre Sur (2017).

What is it, one may ask, that has seen the retail landscape grow at a tremendous pace? Healthy economic growth, rise in population, increasing salaries (as in more disposable income)?

But, haven’t the lower oil prices affected the growth?

The answer is yes and no. It may have affected on a general scale, but not these huge shopping malls that are coming up with a vigour and passion and infusing a new round of positivity in an otherwise gloomy market.

The mushrooming of these fantastic malls in town is indeed reason to cheer. Oman, as usual, is braving the odds and is still winning despite the hurdles present before it. The new malls in town reveal not only the positive outlook in the industry but also the growing number of discerning shoppers, who are literally queuing up at these mammoth shopping paradises and enjoying the fare.

Black & White spoke to some of the mall officials in town to soak up the current ambience and realised that whether they are the oldest or the newest ones on the block, each mall had a distinct identity to project and a clear story to tell. Yes, it might look as though the newer, bigger malls could easily swallow the older ones, but the competition does not exist on that front. Each one – both old and new – projects a distinct identity, a unique feature that enables them to stand out and be counted.

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Markaz Al Bahja – ethnic mall

Oman watch

There has been an increase of 32 percent as compared to last year.

Also, the new tenant mix has attracted more customers to our mall!

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Prashant Dutt, general manager of Markaz Al Bahja, calls it the ‘ethnic mall’. “It is a family shopping destination and most people (with children) love to be in the mall as their kids are happier and secure in the play area. Women like to spend time here and we find that there are serious shoppers and all top and elite customers in the mall.”

Dutt feels that the mall’s major attraction includes the presence of some top names like ID Design, Matalan, Red Tag and Al Bahja Cinema, “which is packed all evenings!”

Competition has increased because of the new malls, Dutt agrees. “But, it has not made a difference for us as Markaz Al Bahja has its own loyal customers who relish their time in the mall!”

Markaz Al Bahja began trading on Oman’s National Day, November 18, 2002 (Nearly thirteen and a half years ago).

“The footfalls have been increasing every year,” Dutt noted.

“There has been an increase of 32 percent as compared to last year. Also, the new tenant mix has attracted more customers to our mall!”

Markaz Al Bahja has 108 tenants and anchor stores like ID Design, Red Tag, Matalan, Photon Play Area, Novel Furniture, Sun and Sand Sports Factory Outlet, Jack Dessange Spa and Saloon (Paris). The fast-food restaurants include KFC, Papa John’s, Chicking, Chinese Palace, Yaya Foods and Al Ruken Pizza plus Costa Coffee, Coffee Beans, Tea Leaves and Royal Café.

The latest additions include Sun & Sand Sports Factory Outlet – the first one in Oman, Dessange Spa and Saloon, Muscat Watch Centre, Vetco Paris, Abu Aysha – girls’ accessories. “The Lulu hypermarket will be opened soon and we are also going to have a rooftop open restaurant,” Dutt informed.

Al Araimi Complex – cut from a different cloth “Al Araimi Complex is a popular shopping destination in Al Qurum commercial area. Since its opening in 1994 (we have been operational for the last 22 years), it has been and continues to be a major attraction to both local and international consumers,” says Eman Mohammed AlFarsi, marketing and corporate communications manager.

“As of now, one of the main attractions is our fabric shops.

Many local designers flock to our fabric shops to stock up on high quality materials for their creations,” Eman Al-Farsi noted. Al Araimi Complex attracts the discerning consumer with its varied selection of shopping and dining outlets, providing ample free parking spaces, enough to accommodate upto 1100 vehicles, she further said.

“At Al Araimi, the banking and telecommunication outlets are conveniently located and customers have a good variety of shops to choose from, ranging from several brands of children’s clothing shops, luxury jewellery boutiques, men’s and ladies’ fashion to cosmetics and fabric shops. “Also, Al Araimi offers specialised shopping experiences including an animal grooming shop, which offers specialised animal products and Genetco, a highly service-oriented electronics shop!”

Although, relevant statistics are unavailable, the footfalls to Al Araimi have seen a variation over the years and all on the higher side. “We do know that we have had a steady enough stream of customers that have kept Al Araimi strong for the last 22 years!” Eman said, adding that they currently have 100 retail and four dining outlets.

The complex has introduced new concepts like hosting events and workshops to attract a younger clientele. “In

One of the main attractions is our fabric shops. Many local designers flock to our fabric shops to stock up on high quality materials for their creations doing so, we hope to renew and revive Al Araimi’s place in the market,” Eman said.

To a query, she noted: “We welcome competition. In fact, we feel the spurt in new malls has invigorated the market and has changed the consumers’ outlook on shopping – from just going out to buy things out of necessity to going shopping as a leisurely activity!”

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Oman Avenues Mall – over a million visitors per month

Oman watch

Oman Avenues Mall, which will be celebrating its first anniversary of its operations in Oman in May, is seeing over one million visitors per month, according to the mall’s general manager, Ben Watson.

“Our mall was opened on May 18, 2015 and since then the footfall numbers have been increasing steadily. Now, we are achieving well in excess of a million visitors per month,” Watson said. The mall, known for its striking architecture, is an eclectic ensemble of retail offerings spread across 72,000 sq. m. of built-up space in 145000 sq m, looks set to be the "ultimate shopping destination in Oman" thanks to its impressive lineup of retailers. “We have more than 200 outlets, featuring 30 plus cafes, restaurants, and food court operators. We have the country’s largest indoor amusement center, international gym and more than 60 brands, which has opened for the first time in Oman,” Watson revealed.

Located in the heart of the city with a host of unparalleled amenities and services, Oman Avenues Mall will provide a refreshing experience, he said. Be it branded apparels or fashion accessories, jewellery or personalised gifts, electronic appliances or entertainment options, multi-cuisine restaurants or coffee hangouts, Oman Avenues Mall will offer an all-in-one shopping, dining and entertainment experience to locals and international tourists alike.

Speaking about the latest addition to the mall, Watson said that the Empora department store “is the first of its kind in Oman with dozens of top quality brands in one store.

Matalan has their flagship and largest outlet with us. Most of the malls restaurants are rated as some of the best in town”.

Asked if he could name one thing that sets his mall apart from other malls, Watson was quick to note: “Our family entertainment options are the best on offer in Oman, coupled with our easy road access and more than

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3400 parking spaces.”

With an impressive lineup of prestigious retailing brands, fine-dining options, fun and entertainment experiences to the discerning shopper, Oman Avenues Mall seems to be moving in the right direction. Watson also noted that they had great respect for their competition. “We highly respect our competitors who by and large do a great job providing naturally pleasing customer experiences for their visitors. We’re almost the newest of all the malls, so it’s difficult to say how the competition has affected us yet,” Watson said.

(Oman Avenues Mall is a division of LuLu Group International based in Abu Dhabi.)

Azaiba Mall - location, location, location!

Azaiba Mall is a recent entry on the mall scene. “We began operation in September last year,” says Mohammed Taqi, the mall administrator.

Since then, this new mall has seen tangible growth. “We have seen tremendous increase in the number of shops.

Currently, we have 20 shops. “These shops include a Spa, the Red Tag, Yellow Submarine – kid’s play area -- Party Fever, coffee shops, opticals, theatre, restaurant…” Taqi listed out. Out of this, the latest addition to the list is Red Tag. Taqi feels that City Cinema and Red Tag attract many customers. “Also, the whole tonality and the architectural design of the mall are different from other malls.

“Most importantly, I feel that it is the location that defines the Azaiba Mall – our mall is conveniently located on one of the most prominent locations on the Sultan Qaboos highway in North Azaiba! It offers the best visibility of a highway location in Muscat and in a prestigious area of town. The mall is also easily accessible from various routes, even in times of congestion!”

Taqi noted that while there are other big players in the market, it has not really affected the Azaiba Mall’s chances in any way. “Our mall has very distinct features – and this has brought in a steady crowd. The children’s’ play area is also quite a draw,” he noted.

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Al Qurum Centre – (CCC) – second oldest shopping mall

It was always known by the famous acronym: CCC. It is of course Al Qurum Centre today, but the three Cs comes so easily on many a lip that few would think of calling it by any other name.

Oman watch

Ross and Kuttappa revealed that they had exciting plans to improve the current shopping scene at the centre and also noted of plans to add on more outlets and a popular coffee shop too. “Discussions are underway and we are signing contracts. We will be making announcements to this effect, very shortly.”

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M. U. Kuttappa, a member of the management committee of the mall, grins as he admits how everyone still calls the Qurum Centre as CCC. “The CCC, as it used to be known as, is the second oldest shopping mall in Oman,” he says with pride. The CCC was opened on May 5, 1988. “It is 28 years since we started functioning. The mall was one of its kind when it started out. It had a shopping place, and also a unique Omani souq to go along.

“The residents of the area were totally supportive and CCC then was one of the most sought after community centre, for the residents nearby, the PDO families etc.”

“Al Qurum Centre can proudly say that we have the same community crowd coming in all these years,” added Norma Ross, property manager, Cluttons (*). “They still do. We were one of the oldest mall to open and have a strong loyal community that supports us. It is not the young crowd that comes here, we get a large portion of the family crowd (families and residents and even the office goers of this area and nearby areas),” Ross said.

Al Qurum Centre (or rather the CCC) had the first Prisunic Centre many years ago, which eventually became Al Fair. Ross and Kuttappa noted that the centre has ample parking space, many popular family-oriented eateries, including China Town, Bollywood Chat, Nandos etc. “And McDonalds is still one of the most visited and favourite food outlets here. You should see the crowd during weekends and evenings… we also house Subway, Baskin Robbins amongst others. In fact there are at least five outlet owners who have been with the mall since 1988!

Shopping convenience is enhanced with the presence of ATMs, a pharmacy, coffee shops, eateries, jewelleries, carpet and trinket stores. The Omani souq is still a very much sought after attraction for shoppers and tourists too.

The latter would like to take along an authentic Omani souvenir!”

Ross and Kuttappa revealed that they had exciting plans to improve the current shopping scene at the centre and also noted of plans to add on more outlets and a popular coffee shop too. “Discussions are underway and we are signing contracts. We will be making announcements to this effect, very shortly.” Both said that Al Qurum Centre did not intend to compete with what other malls are offering. “We have our own attractions. Though we would add on more outlets according to our customers/

shoppers, we would not think of a movie hall or a brand as such. Each mall will have its own shoppers and attractions.”

To a query on the recent spurt in the number of malls, the duo said that shopping and retail in Oman has grown over the years. “Oman has been growing progressively over the years. Just like every other industry, shopping and retail will also grow with the years. The buying power and awareness for brands have increased too. With online shopping and digitalisation, the local population demands are increasing too. People want labels of their own choice. It is only obvious that shopping malls and centres will grow in numbers too. In fact every growth is good for Oman. Every brand or label that enters Oman will place the country on a global platform. Why should an Oman resident have to travel to buy brands? The recent spurt has not been recent. Over the years Oman has grown and real estate has progressed.

The new malls are not in direct competition with us. Our target audience is clear and established. A shopper that walks in to Al Qurum Centre already knows what he is looking for. He is not a window shopper or coming here to while away his time.” (*) Though the mall had its own management, Cluttons has been managing the mall for the last six years.

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O

The great avoider

wall he t ff

Off the wall

By Adarsh Madhavan I am making something of a name by being the great avoider – of people – good, bad and ugly; of things caustic, nasty and venomous; of issues that are okay, problematic and downright troublesome; of problems in general that are mounting and no longer a molehill.

No, I don’t wear the cloak of indifference, rather, I try on the invincibility – oops no, nice try buddy, but dream on! – invisibility cloak. Which is easy. I don’t have to really try hard as I am always able to merge into the surroundings quite easily.

Yet, these are ones with sharp eyes and they still spot me out and pounce on me, cat on mice!

There are these people calling me non stop and I sort of believe that if I don’t take their calls, they will go away. They don’t. And they keep on calling, today, tomorrow, and the day after and after…

Then there are those who knock at our door; there are those who plonk themselves before us when we try to move on in our path; impediments and obstacles that are bigger than those you encounter amidst a treacherous mountain climb.

I try to avoid all of these from the tiny ant to the prehistoric monster that spits fire and is ready to gobble us up. I try to close my eyes and act as though they don’t exist. I try. But they still remain…

It all began when I was very small. Right down to the trouser days of childhood where I slipped through the backdoor and the backyard when guests appeared at the front door.

Somehow, I couldn’t digest the attention that they would shine on me, more like a glare where I have to shield my eyes, move my face away. I hated it when I would get trapped, like a lone deer caught in the headlights of a car just about to mow it down. And mow me down, they will when they begin opening their account of how different I looked from the other family members (What? I am an alien? Picked wrongly at the hospital?) and how differently I behaved and that such shyness in a boy was not just right. I used to be stricken with an uncommon diffidence. In the midst of the summer heat, I was the only one who would freeze with a kind of boggling bashfulness. I mean, I was not coy, because that would mean 18 April - May 2016 Black & White

I was being kind of gamely cute, no, it was reticence of the grave order. A kind of painful shyness that had no real rhyme or reason and I simply could not make a song and dance about it, so there!

The other day, someone asked me how I could be in a profession like the one I am in and still declare myself inappropriately inhibited? I don’t know, it is a kind of weak madness, a type of perennial stage fright that reeks of spinelessness, which some with kindness would call humility, while others would term it as pure cowardice because the meek cannot inherit the earth. Even when left alone, I am almost sane but still with a great degree of self consciousness.

If I developed an affinity for aloneness that almost bordered on narcissism, so did I develop an aversion for being in the public eye (even if it meant that someone did something as harmless like paying a visit to my home and mind you, not even to see me!).Now, I am caught between the proverbial devil and the deep sea. I am not only beguiled by shyness, but also as the heat is on, owing to the many mountainous challenges faced in the daily work struggle; I am pushed into a situation where I am asked to scale a peak, while I tremble with sheer fright because I have a fear of heights and with no means to climb it.

In the sense, in those innocent days when the ones I used to avoid were as harmless as a picture of a toy gun in the hands of a toddler, today, the ones that I try to avoid are as dangerous as a serial killer with a Kalashnikov!

And despite being a prime target, I still give them the perfect slip. Sometimes, like sand slipping through the fingers, sometimes like a snake disappearing into a hole, I zoom out of the vision of all those who target me. But, don’t know for how long… adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com

Ibri Vocational Training Center students complete internship at Bahwan Electronics As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives to support social development through supply of qualified Omanis to the labour market, Suhail Bahwan Group Holding (SBGH), represented by Bahwan Electronics (BE), trained a number of students from Vocational Training Center - Ibri as part of their study programme on technical tasks in different electronic devices maintenance.

The students successfully completed the training programme organised in coordination between BE and Vocational Training Center - Ibri, and were awarded training certificates and stipends by Amal Suhail Bahwan, managing director and board member of the

SBGH, at a ceremony held at the head office recently.

The interns appreciated and thanked the SBGH management and BE officials who trained them. They highlighted the importance of such training programmes, which helps them in honing their skills and preparing them for the Omani labour market.

Oman’s largest indoor amusement park to open doors in May Oman’s largest indoor family entertainment centre (FEC) is set to open on May 5 at Oman Avenues Mall in Bausher. The first-of-its-kind space will be home to more than 250 unique rides and games, 5-D cinema and a mega party hall, all on a scale never seen before in this country.

The fact that Oman does not have any one-point entertainment destination for all age groups, starting from three to 60 years, compelled the mall and the investors to work together to bring this innovative concept to the Sultanate. The centre also takes pride in hosting the first indoor roller coaster in Oman, which will be operational by mid2016, along with a couple of other fascinating rides.

There are two parts to Funtazmo – First is Funtazmo Kids, which is situated on the first floor and caters especially to kids in the age group of 0-3 years. It is an ideal place for children to have fun and stay engaged while the parents can relax and shop, staying rest assured that

their kids are in a safe environment.

The main Funtazmo is located on the second floor, with a double height space giving the entire place a wow effect. The complete action can be viewed from two galleries across the centre – one located on the same floor and the other on the third floor giving the person a bird’s eye view of all the fun happening inside.

The local partner behind Funtazmo is Abu Taleb Investments LLC who saw the potential behind investing in Funtazmo and have previously invested in several entertainment centres in Oman and Egypt. The centre is fronted and managed by Amad Aldin Razzaq Ahmed Talib, who is the chairman of the group.

Speaking at the press conference,

Amad Aldin Talib said, “We are very happy to announce the launch of Funtazmo. Oman was missing a family entertainment centre that caters to both the young and the young at heart, and which is why we conceptualised the place keeping the entire family in mind. But an entertainment centre this large needed a venue that can match up to the scale. And as the largest mall in the country, we are glad to have found the right partner in Oman Avenues Mall. Other than its diverse shopping offerings, convenient access and parking, the mall also has the largest food court with food and beverages to match all taste buds – a factor that is very critical for any FEC to attract and retain the crowd.”

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Shangri-La Muscat’s Sreedhar Suresh named Housekeeper of the Year Sreedhar Suresh, director of housekeeping at ShangriLa Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa has been named Housekeeper of The Year at the Leaders in Hospitality Awards, produced by Hotel News Middle East magazine.

Suresh, who has been with the Shangri-La group for nine years, was nominated for his passion and goal to provide complete customer satisfaction, as well as his ability to train and inspire the team, making him a key trainer for the resort’s core training programmes to all departments.

Other shortlisted nominees in the category included Pamini Hemaprabha from Emirates Palace and Nithya Mehrotra from Rose Rayhaan by TIME Hotels. The awards took place at the new St. Regis Dubai recently.

Suresh, although could not be present to collect the award in person, was congratulated by the management of Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa with a special celebration in his honour to mark this accolade. Mark Kirk, area manager and hotel general manager for the resort commented, “Suresh truly deserves this award as his dedication and drive

for perfection is second to none. He is an inspirational department head and we are privileged to have him as part of our Shangri-La Muscat family.”

“I am honoured to have been awarded Housekeeper of the Year however I must also thank my team that has made this possible. Without their hard work and attention to detail the standard that has won this award would not have been possible. A good housekeeping department works as a team and I am fortunate to have a wonderful team to work with who also share my goal of providing a second to none service for each and every guest”, said Suresh.

Gulf Muscat United launches iTower

Word press

The property development and investment company Gulf Muscat United launched the sales for office space within Oman’s smartest office complex, the ‘iTower’. Located in the rapidly growing ‘New Downtown’ Bausher area of Muscat, and in close proximity to Muscat Grand Mall, the seven floor iTower is poised to be Oman’s smartest and most energy efficient business hub when completed in early 2018, setting new standards for environmental

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responsibility.

The iconic 17,454 sqm development incorporates 71 business offices ranging in size from 42 sqm to 1,550 sqm, three levels of underground car parking, in addition to an extensive array of restaurants and shops on the ground floor.

Mehdi Borhani, chairman of Gulf Muscat United noted, “The iTower was conceptualised to be the smartest office tower in Oman, allowing SME’s and corporates freehold ownership of their own office space, versus the ongoing costs of renting. The availability of quality office space in Muscat is very limited, and the opportunity to enjoy freehold ownership for commercial office space even more limited. The central

location of the iTower in Bausher is the perfect location for office professionals, this area is rapidly taking shape as the new downtown for Muscat.”

Following the project launch presentation, Mehdi Borhani conducted a construction contract signing ceremony with Sheikh Nasser bin Mohammed Al Hashar, vice chairman of Durat Al Sahil LLC, an excellent grade building and construction company, renowned for their quality and timely delivery of large scale projects across Oman.

GAC launches all-new Mitsubishi Montero Sport General Automotive Company (GAC), the official distributor of Mitsubishi Vehicles in Oman, introduced the all-new 2016 Mitsubishi Montero Sport to Oman.

The new-generation mid-size SUV, which replaces the former Pajero Sport, has developed to a stylish and comfortable off-road SUV concept. The all-new 2016 Mitsubishi Montero Sport was launched at the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, under the patronage of Masahiko Takahashi, the president of Mitsubishi Motors Middle East and Africa. Presiding over the event were Hani M. Al Zubair, the chairman of the Zubair Automotive Group, together with Mark Tomlinson, group general manager of the Zubair Automotive Group, and Manoj Ranade, the general manager of General Automotive Company.

“This full-feature off-road SUV inherits the best aspects of

Mitsubishi’s renowned SUV prowess; while bringing with it a refined and high-quality exterior design, high levels of performance, a comfortable interior, environmental performance on a par with the best in its class, and a comprehensive list advanced safety features. I am confident, it will make for a great addition to Mitsubishi’s fleet here in Oman,” said Takahashi.

In its appearance, the all-new Montero Sport has been boldly sculpted and stylishly accented;

its assertive aerodynamic body delivering solid refinement down to the last detail. “The all-new Mitsubishi Montero is now available at all GAC showroom across Oman and is available in seven exterior colour options and three trim levels – GLS, GLS Highline and GLS Premium.

Go online to www.mitsubishioman.com or follow Mitsubishi Oman’ facebook page or twitter @mitsubishioman.

Sweets of Oman develops a high-performance culture with Halogen Software Halogen Software (TSX: HGN) announced recently that Sweets of Oman is using Halogen’s talent management solutions to help create a culture of ongoing performance management, providing leaders more opportunities to coach and provide feedback to employees on a regular basis and in real time.

Prior to using Halogen, Sweets of Oman was challenged with inconsistencies throughout its talent management strategy.

Managers and employees weren’t regularly discussing performance, goal progress or development opportunities, ultimately leading to low employee morale.

By using Halogen Performance™, the award-winning confectionary manufacturer has easily established a framework to link employee goals to the company’s core business

objectives, creating a high-performing workforce focussed on achieving business outcomes.

Sukumar Balakrishna, general manager, Sweets of Oman, comments on the company’s improved performance management system: “With Halogen, our managers now spend more time coaching and providing feedback on a regular basis to employees, enabling us to remain committed to creating an environment where employees can see how their work contributes to our company’s accomplishments.”

In addition, Sweets of Oman’s redesigned talent management strategy is now set up to fairly compensate employees based on their performance. “Providing this goal alignment and clear path to success has improved engagement

and productivity,” adds Balakrishna.

“Our employees are now actively engaged in achieving their goals and can see how they are recognised and rewarded for the outcomes they achieve.”

Halogen’s talent management solutions are also being used in Oman by Al Madina Takaful Insurance and Oman Oil Company S.A.O.C. Venkatesh Palakkad, a senior HR consultant with Reem Al Bawadi and Halogen’s business partner in Oman, said: “Organisations are able to get the most out of its talent by managing performance on an ongoing basis using cost effective and easy to use talent management solutions. The result is establishing a lasting competitive advantage through a high performing workforce that supports current and future business plans.”

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Patrol ‘NISMO’ launched in Oman S h il Bahwan Suhail B h Automobiles A t bil (SBA), (SBA) exclusive l i importers for Nissan range of vehicles in Oman, launched the world famous motorsport and road car performance brand, NISMO in Oman, heralding the next step in ‘Innovation that Excites’ for driving enthusiasts across the region.

In addition to launching the performance marque, Nissan also launched the Patrol NISMO. Recognizing that off-roading and motorsports are the life-blood of local driving enthusiasts, SBA believes the time is right to introduce the Patrol NISMO in Oman.

“NISMO is the ultimate essence of Nissan’s promise to deliver ‘Innovation that Excites’” said Samir Cherfan, managing director of Nissan Middle East. “We could not have launched NISMO in the region without including our most iconic model, the Nissan Patrol, in the range of NISMO vehicles. Bringing the high performance brand to the Middle East and launching the Patrol NISMO as a world premiere model is proof of our commitment to making thrilling driving

experiences accessible to all our customers.”

With the region’s strong heritage in high performance vehicles and Nissan’s success in earning a reputation as a trusted motorsport brand, the Japanese auto-maker believes NISMO will resonate strongly in the Oman market.

“The dramatically styled Patrol NISMO, created by driving enthusiasts for driving enthusiasts is sure to set a new benchmark in the luxury SUV segment”, commented a senior official from SBA.

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OAMC launches Taxi Meter System for Airport Taxis Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) announced a new electronic meter payment system for airport taxis. A number of company officials launched the new system by taking the first trip to ensure the new system works as required. An official statement also confirmed that the taxi meter system will not raise the usual taxi fees, but will help in regulating the taxis, while also enhancing overall transparency of the system.

The installation of these new taxi meters is in line with the new strategy of the company, highlighted by the slogan ‘Growing gateways to beauty and opportunity’.

The head of transportation at OAMC also confirmed that the new system was put into operation recently in all taxis operating at the Muscat International Airport.

Fares will start from OMR6, and will increase at the rate of 200baisa per kilometre, which is comparable to the previous pricing but is more streamlined and transparent. The new pricing is also in line with those 22 April - May 2016 Black & White

put in place in a majority of countries where this type of service is in use.

Furthermore, because the system is electronically regulated and overseen by a company, as opposed to the individual driver himself, it will be more readily appreciated and accepted by tourist visiting the country. In addition to the standard fees, the airport taxi’s also offers drop-offs to destinations outside of Muscat. However, these destinations will use a fixed fee system starting from OMR 15 for a trip to Barka, all the way to OMR 250 for the trip to Salalah, in Dhofar. The OAMC confirmed that the new system reflects the company’s commitment to efficient performance and highest standards of service and hospitality; in line with the government vision to enhance the performance of the tourism sector in order for it to play a pivotal role in the Sultanate’s efforts towards economic diversification.

The OAMC offers taxi bookings via its website at www.omanairports. com. Users are also welcomed to

present their suggestions and queries on the taxi service to OAMC via a dedicated e-mail address – taxi@ omanairports.com.

Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre to open in August during IMEX Frankfurt 2016 Showcasing the tremendous possibilities of Oman as a destination and the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) as the world’s convention venue of choice, the OCEC, in partnership with the ministry of tourism, participated in the premier events industry exhibition, IMEX Frankfurt 2016. There the ministry of tourism and the OCEC held a media conference to announce the highly anticipated opening of OCEC phase one on August 15 and the launch of the Oman Convention Bureau, created to provide regulatory assistance for business tourism in Oman and spearhead growth of the emerging industry.

Maitha Al Mahrouqi, undersecretary at the ministry of tourism commented: “A unique and irresistible country with delegate appeal in abundance, Oman, is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the world’s most exciting meeting, convention, and exhibition destinations with the catalyst being the nation’s pillar project, the OCEC. The IMEX Frankfurt 2016 is a valuable opportunity to present the formidable array of assets that make Oman such a dynamic meetings environment and to introduce the Oman Convention Bureau and its diverse services to the global events industry.” Outlining the strengths that make Oman an oasis of opportunity, Maitha highlighted the Sultanate’s robust economy, flourishing enterprise culture, immense intellectual capital, reputation as one of the world’s safest and most tranquil destinations, and its youthful and ambitious multi-cultural population. She also pointed out the Sultanate’s wealth of natural assets including an enviable location

at the nexus of East-West trade routes, stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture and heritage. The undersecretary went on to emphasise the investment that has been made in infrastructure to support Oman’s business tourism, including the redevelopment and expansion of Muscat and Salalah International Airports; the construction of new regional airports in Duqm and Sohar; the expansion of Oman’s Air’s network route; the establishment of new budget carrier Salam Air; and the construction of many new hotels. Trevor McCartney OCEC general manager added: “The OCEC is ready for business and we can’t wait to meet the world! With our Phase I facilities coming online on August 15, we are set to impress with 22,000 superb square metres of flexible column free exhibition space and ten state-of-the-art hospitality suites supported by a full service kitchen, staffed by expert chefs. On top of that, the purpose built OCEC Precinct is just four kilometres and 10 minutes’ drive from Muscat International Airport, conveniently located close to the myriad of cultural attractions in Muscat, and within easy reach of an array of luxury hotels and resorts, stunning beaches, mountains, desert and wadis – ideal for sightseeing and a host of outdoor activities.” www.omanconvention.com.

Air India Express’s revised summer schedule to Kozhikode Air India Express has announced its summer schedule with night flights to Kozhikode and back from Muscat.

Effective March 28, Air India Express has introduced night flight from Muscat to Kozhikode on a daily basis.

“The new schedule, from March 28 to October 29, offers very convenient departure and arrival from Kozhikode and from Muscat.

Air India Express operates weekly 19 flights from Muscat to Kerala and Mangalore - daily to Kozhikode, five flights (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) to Kochi, four flights (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) to Thiruvananthapuram and three flights (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday) to Mangalore. Apart from this Air India Express operates one flight from

Salalah to Kozhikode ( Friday) and one flight to Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram (Friday),” a press note said.

Air India Express offers 30kgs free baggage allowance to all passengers travelling from Muscat/Salalah to all destinations and also offers additional 10kgs baggage at the time of booking at a charge of OMR10 Passengers travelling to India can now also take advantage of the ‘24 x 7 Air India Express call centre facility’, which can be accessed on +91- 44 – 66921500 National Travel & Tourism is the representative agent for Air India Express in Oman. Passengers can contact Air India Express office located at the CBD area opposite to the Central Bank of Oman or their travel agents for planning their next visit to India.

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11th annual Harvard Arab World Conference in Oman The Harvard Arab Alumni Association (HAAA) held its 11th annual Harvard Arab World Conference at the Shangri La Barr Al Jissah Hotel, recently.

The conference, which was open to the public, brought nearly 350 participants representing a diverse community of Harvard alumni, professors, thinkers, entrepreneurs, policy makers and leaders all sharing an interest and commitment to the renewal and development of the Arab world. The conference comes to Oman for the first time after being held in past years in Abu Dhabi, Amman, Cairo, Damascus, Doha, Dubai, Rabat and Tunis.

Titled “Innovation: Inspiring a New Arab World”, the conference explored a multitude of innovative initiatives emerging out of the Arab World and not only tackled topics of technology and the economic sphere, but also discussed the opportunities in the areas of education, the arts, religion and policy. The conference also featured the first ever HAAA-sponsored startup pitch competition in the Arab world. A high-profile panel of judges including investors and industry experts decided on the winner.

This year’s programme featured a large number of distinguished speakers, including opening keynote addresses by Yusuf bin Alawi, minister responsible for foreign affairs and Mohammed bin Mahfoudh Al Ardhi, executive chairman of Investcorp and chairman of the National Bank of Oman. Marc J. Sievers, the US ambassador also delivered welcome remarks.

In addition, the event included five focussed panels: Innovative Politics: Finding Common Grounds in Regional Conflicts, Building the Innovation Economy, Innovation in Arab Schools, Innovation in the Art and Culture, Intellectual Innovation: A New Islamic Narrative and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

These panels featured over 25 speakers from across the Arab world and globally, including: Haidar Al Attas, former prime minister of Yemen, Haya Al Ghanim, director of innovation, Qatar Science & Technology Park, Aimen bin Ahmed Al Hosni, Ceo, Oman 24 April - May 2016 Black & White

Airports Management Company, Maysa Jalbout, Ceo of the Abdullah Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, Muna Abu Sulayman Co-founder, Meedan.com, Co-host, MBC and Mudassir Sheikha, Ceo of Careem.

Carine Abi Akar (’13), board member of the HAAA and Conference Co-Chair noted that this year’s conference “focussed on driving positive change, and celebrated the Arab world’s embrace of innovation as a catalyst for transformation in a multitude of areas from technology to art.”

Ahmed T. el-Gaili (’03), president of the HAAA and Conference Co-Chair also added that “the HAWC is an opportunity to convene the next generation of thinkers in the region alongside accomplished leaders from a variety of fields. Through such events we hope to foster a constructive conversation around critical issues facing the Arab world.”

The HAAA also hosted an admissions information session for students interested in applying to Harvard College, and the different graduate schools throughout the university. In addition, at the closing of the conference Omani business group, The Khimji Ramdas Group, signed a letter of intent with Harvard University announcing plans to set up a $250,000 scholarship fund for students from Oman who have enrolled in various graduate programmes at Harvard.

Apollo Hospital Muscat opens doors with state-of-the-art facilities The first-ever Apollo Hospital in the Middle East was inaugurated by His Highness Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, advisor to His Majesty the Sultan.

Apollo Hospital Muscat was recently upgraded to a fully-fledged hospital. With the opening of the hospital, Apollo is today “a preferred choice for medical treatment for both locals and expatriates in the Sultanate, avoiding hectic and time-consuming trip to developed countries for specialised medical treatment”, a press note said.

The Apollo Hospital Muscat currently has 25 specialised in-house doctors and eight super specialty visiting consultants from Apollo India, for neurology, oncology and orthopaedics. The newly-upgraded hospital has announced ambitious plans for introducing an array of specialised departments in a phased manner, including separate clinics for thalassemia, orthopedics and neuro diseases. The launch was announced at a grand ceremony organised by Apollo Hospital Muscat.

Dr Preetha Reddy, executive vice-chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Group, India and V T Saileswaran, managing director, Apollo Hospital Muscat were prsent.

Addressing the inaugural function, His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said lavished praise on the good work of Apollo in Oman and noted that specialised hospitals are a need of the hour. He congratulated the management of Apollo Hospital Muscat for upgrading the erstwhile medical centre into a fully-fledged hospital. The Apollo Hospitals Group, India, was represented by Dr Preetha Reddy, who said: “We, at the Apollo family, are delighted to have the first-ever Apollo Hospital in the GCC region.

The enhanced clinical bandwidth is our priority, especially as the world faces an ever increasing threat of noncommunicable diseases and complex disease patterns.”

Saileswaran, who also addressed the gathering, said that the newly-upgraded hospital would add more clinical bandwidth to the existing facility, which will include hearing aid service, a thalassemia clinic for children, fully-fledged orthopedics and neuro clinic and a state-ofthe-art knee and shoulder clinic.

The hospital also plans to introduce reproductive medicine clinic and pediatric cardiac clinic towards the second half of the year.

Also, a specialised medical travel assistance service and free second medical opinion service centre will be established for assisting patients. This will help patients to access the vast pool of medical services available at Apollo’s Indian chain. Saileswaran added that a comprehensive care service called ‘Apollo Care Plan’ is also on offer, which can be availed free for the entire family after the head of family registers at the hospital.

The inaugural offer will also include free general practice consultation, one dental check-up. Abhilash Pillai, chief operating officer, Apollo Hospital Muscat, Radhey Mohan, vice president, Apollo Hospitals, India, Dr Dilip Kumar, medical director, Apollo Hospital, Muscat and Jithu Jose, group general manager, Apollo Hospitals, Middle East were also present.

PDO supports efforts to improve school bus driving standards Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has signed an agreement to give defensive driving training to 400 school bus drivers operating in its concession area. Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Technical & Administrative Training Institute (TATI) LLC, drivers covering 45 schools will receive practical and theoretical coaching in the Arabic language. As well as defensive driving training, they will be instructed on the importance of good vehicle maintenance, passenger care and general road safety awareness. The five-week scheme, which is being run in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, will be rolled out first in the wilayat of Thumrait in the South of PDO’s concession area, and will then extend to the North of Oman. Muscat-based TATI will offer the training free for drivers during half-day sessions at schools with PDO arranging the planning and logistics.

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Muscat Gujarati Samaj conducts Youth empowerment seminar After successful conducting the Toastmasters Youth Leadership programme, Muscat Gujarati Samaj (MGS), which is the Gujarati wing of the Indian Social Club, recently conducted an invigorating Youth Empowerment Seminar titled “Sky Is The Limit”.

The “Sky Is The Limit” programme was targeted towards youth in their teens who are just at the threshold of selecting a professional academic stream of their choice. The programme was attended by about 40 children and MGS had also roped in a top trainer Rajesh Bhayani. Stressing to the young audience that nothing is impossible in life and hinting upon the dangers of thinking negatively, he pointed out that, “what one thinks is what happens”. He exposed the children to the power of dreaming big and followed it up with various tips and tools to help them achieve their dreams. These included, time management, pursuing passions, creativity, setting up of SMART objectives, emotional quotient and implementation skills. There was a special workbook designed for

each child wherein they were required to fill in at least two of their life dreams and formulate an action plan to achieve them. The event was peppered with extremely interesting audio and visual effects with some handpicked motivational videos and anecdotes from real life achievers as well as short quiz to hold on to the interest level of all participants.

The MGS has been focussing on special programmes for children and as a result, has tremendously grown in popularity amongst the younger diaspora of the Gujarati community in Oman.

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Heavy rain doesn’t dampen the day at F1 Showrun Th hi The highly hl anticipated ti i t d Red R d Bull B ll F1 Showrun Sh was held h ld under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Taimur bin Assad Al-Said and under the umbrella of the Oman Automobile Association and the Royal Oman Police; with the support of the Ministry of Tourism. Thousands of motorsport fans turned out in full force on a Friday to see the Red Bull Formula1 Showrun, despite heavy rainfall.

The RB7 took to the iconic streets of Muscat for the first time along the beautiful Muttrah Corniche. Piloted by David Coulthard, the F1 car past crowds on the 1.1km strip weaving past Riyam Park.

Talking about his experience in Oman for the first time, David Coulthard said: “I think it’s been a fantastic trip to Oman, we’ve had the opportunity to discover the kind hospitality of the Omanis and the passion they have for motorsports.”

He added: “The amount of people who stood in the rain shows that there is a much bigger passion for cars in general, so I hope this event will help develop that culture of racing going forward.”

Taking about Oman, Coulthard said: “From a personal point of view I will definitely be coming back to Oman because I think that the coastline and mountains and the people have been fantastic.”

Also part of the event action was Oman’s premier motor racing driver, Ahmad Al Harthy, on board the Aston 26 April - May 2016 Black & White

Martin’s Vulcan hypercar.

Suleiman Al Rawahi, Oman Automobile Association managing director, said: “The last three years have seen Oman Automobile Association and Red Bull Oman work together to bring motorsports to a different level and this event is a result of that and will only bring more events in the future."

In Black & White

In Black...

A stable agricultural sector also ensures a nation of food security. The main requirement of any country is food security. So once again farming does extend its advantages to the community Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Chairman YOUTH AND FARMING Like may other nations, Oman may not be able to boast about its agricultural produce. However, it is a known fact that for every nation, agriculture plays a critical role in the economy. In addition to providing food and raw material, agriculture also provides employment opportunities to a very large percentage of the population. Though globally agriculture still remains as one of the major source of livelihood, in Oman it is a different story. The harsh climate, the mountainous terrain, the scarcity of rains and the long terrain brings in more challenges for the trade.

I remember a project feasibility study for bananas in the Suwaiq region. This was done some years ago.

Though it did not progress much, every step taken towards producing our own produce is indeed a good one.

Not to dispute the fact that agriculture would definitely contribute a smaller percentage to their national income. The trade itself acts as a supply of food as well as fodder while the marketable surplus will bring in income to the families and not to mention the great self-employment opportunities, which will help in reducing the high rate of unemployment in developing

countries caused by the fast-growing population.

A stable agricultural sector also ensures a nation of food security. The main requirement of any country is food security. So once again farming does extend its advantages to the community.

GREENHOUSES TO ENTICE YOUTH TO TAKE UP FARMING It was a unique experience for the B&W team to go up Jebel Akhdar and meet the young farmers who are now trained to take up tomatoe farming using greenhouses.

Well, it is definitely a good start.

Implementing greenhouse growing can be an excellent investment when carefully planned, built, and maintained.

The climatic conditions of the jebel makes it pleasant for the cultivation of certain types of plants - not all, which is where the farmers can use the help of greenhouses. It is a step towards the future where the youth can take up self employment and start working with the soil. We wish them the best to produce a lot more than tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuces‌

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Tomatoes on the jebels

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Set 2000 metres above sea level, on a stark and perhaps remote corner of Oman’s most spectacular and beautiful regions of Al Hajar mountain range, a tiny miracle of sorts is unfolding.

In a little plastic-sheet wrapped greenhouse, set on a windswept, rocky corner of Jebel Al Akhdar, some healthy-looking plants were thrusting their proud fruit on to our expectant faces. Shiny green tomatoes, which nestled on the vine, gleamed at us as we parted the large leaves.

In a matter of weeks, thanks to the pure love, dedication, sweat and tears of the farmers and of course, the greenhouse effect, the sun, the heat, and the watering, the unfolding of this little miracle will reveal kilos of ripe, red, organic tomatoes all ready to be sold to the nearby markets or to Alila Jabal Akhdar, the premium hotel above the mountaintop.

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Modern greenhouses to grow fresh vegetables

The wind tugged at our hair and a sultry sun beat on the arid, sparsely populated landscape and also on us as we followed a nimble-footed Dawood Al Shureiqi, 26, who led us on a rocky path two minutes away from his home to one of the four greenhouses located there.

We followed him quietly in the mid-morning air, which was punctuated by a wheezing wind and the air horn bleats of wild goats that trundled away as we walked towards our destination.

FIRST OF ITS KIND INITIATIVE Dawood is the younger brother of Ahmed Al Shureiqi, a farmer, who also represents the farmers participating in the ‘farming for hospitality’, a first of its kind community initiative spearheaded by the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran), which is aimed to support the growth of micro-businesses by assisting local producers in the Jebel Al Akhdar region to grow and supply fresh produce.

Although there were some houses – where the Shureiqi family members were housed in -- close to the greenhouses, the rest of the mountainside was stark, dry and empty, but for some sparse vegetation. It was not an arena where one would think of pursuing any gardening plans, let alone cultivate vegetables.

UNFOLDING OF A MIRACLE Thanks to Omran, a real miracle has unfolded on the arid mountaintop. It is said tomatoes need a certain type of climate for its growth. Jebel Al Akhdar is a sparsely populated region with a mountainous topography and climate. While some produce does grow, the area as a whole lack enough arable land and sufficient water to create viable micro farms that generate sustainable livelihood for local farmers. Such mountainsides are usually avoided for growing these plants due to the adverse environment and georgaphical characteristics.

But, thanks to Omran’s initiatives, and the back-breaking work by the farmers involved in this project, something that has been hitherto considered impossible has been achieved.

DISCOVERING A GREENHOUSE ATOP THE JEBELS Dawood quickly opened the door of one of the greenhouses and let us in. We had to get in and out very quickly as we did not want to let in anything that would attack the plants inside.

We were in a plastic-covered enclosure of roughly 20m x 5m where a number of healthy-looking green plants proudly displayed shiny green tomatoes. “In a matter of weeks, they would be ready for plucking,” Dawood, declared.

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TOMATOES, CUCUMBERS AND LETTUCES Not just tomatoes, but cucumbers and even lettuce have

Inside the greenhouse: The preparations are fully done from soil management to seeds/saplings to manure and watering

been made available through this unique and innovative programme. In support of the programme, Alila Jabal Akhdar will purchase a percentage of the produce grown as part of the hotel’s regular food procurement.

farmers involved in this ‘farming for hospitality’ initiative of Omran and himself a farmer, arrived on the scene and he lent more credence to the tale of tomatoes being told by Dawood.

FARMING FOR HOSPITALITY ‘Farming for Hospitality’ was first launched as a pilot campaign in May 2014 under the umbrella of Omran’s leading corporate responsibility initiative ‘Intajee’, literally ‘my product’. The CSR programme equips farmers in Jebel Al Akhdar with modern greenhouses to grow fresh vegetables enabling them to sustain their local communities as well as supplying neighbouring hotels such as Alila Jabal Akhdar. The project creates a bridge between small-scale farming enterprises and major hospitality providers as well as upgrading the existing skills of local farmers and transforming the capabilities of traditional farming practices in the region.

Ahmed Shureiqi, Dawood and their two cousins, Hamed Al Shureiqi and Salem Al Shureiqi invited us to sit under the shade of an olive tree just outside a greenhouse while they detailed to us their greenhouse adventures and their succes story with tomatoes.

“Our day starts around 6am,” notes Ahmed, 35. “And we keep on working with intermittent bursts until evening. It is lot of hard work. Caring for plants, that too in an artificially set condition, can be quite trying because there are so many factors associated with it. And the sheer pressure of the work can take quite a toll, but the end result is so rewarding, it is really worth all the effort,” he said, adding:“I really love working on the plants!”

REFRESHING CHANGE We went around the greenhouse and Dawood gave us a quick idea of the workings. We enjoyed the cool, carefully adjusted temperature inside. The tomatoes were indeed a discovery and their shiny, glowing, robust outlook was a refreshing change from the dull looking market variety.

FARMING A NEW MEANS OF SELF EMPLOYMENT The climate at Jebel Akhdar is very conducive to farming of fruits, vegetables and even flowers. “As you are aware, roses are a specialty here. However, most of the time, it is fruits like peaches, pomegranate and the like that has been cultivated here. Any other type of farming was not technically pursued until Omran shortlisted me and supported me and other farmers to put up greenhouses and take up conditioned farming as a fulltime production.

TALE OF TOMATOES Soon, Ahmed Al Shureiqi, who is a representative of the

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Ahmed Al Shureiqi: Not just tomatoes, but cucumbers and even lettuce have been made available through this unique and innovative programme

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Dawood Al Shureiqi: Small but vital care produces juicy and healthy tomatoes

We were given training at Mussannah for greenhouse farming, maintenance, water, pesticide and soil management and related issues,” Ahmed explained.

ORGANIC PRODUCE TASTES BETTER The good part was that Ahmed owned land. So, the Omran team trained, guided and set up greenhouses for the farming of tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuces for Ahmed and the rest of the farmers on their land. “It was quite a novel experience. Slowly but steadily we have got a grip of the greenhouse farming; yes, it is indeed going to be a new means of employment. Learning how to grow tomatoes indoors can be very rewarding. Your own organically-grown produce always tastes better than the store-bought ones.

“For the first three years we will be supported, and from the third year onwards we need to take this forward.

Today when everyone wants a career, a source of revenue and a means to stand up on their own feet, greenhouse farming becomes a boon to the youth of not just this region, but everywhere in Oman. The climatic conditions are naturally harsh, but the greenhouse set up allows pre-set conditions that can be created anywhere.

I hope in future I will be able to expand the greenhouse farming to other fruits and vegetables too. The greenhouse needs good maintenance and certain

conditions. Once we are trained, the rest of the process easily falls in place,” Ahmed enthused.

OF TOMATOES, CUCUMBERS AND LETTUCES Basically tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuces are consumed by all -- at our homes, in hotels, and commercially too.

“Most of the time we purchase our basic vegetable needs from the Nizwa souq or even from Mawaleh vegetable markets when we come down from the hills to the Muscat area. Tomatoes are the basic requirement for food for all. Now. with the greenhouse farming, i send the the tomatoes from my own home to the commercial markets and souqs. Tomatoes are wanted and they can be easily sold,” Ahmed noted.

TWO PROPER TOMATO YIELDS DURING SEASON The season starts from March to February next. During this time, they get two proper yields of tomatoes. “We start the planning by mid February. The preparations are fully done then, from soil management to seeds/ saplings to manure and watering. Tomato farming is quite a sensitive task. Tomatoes will thrive in a greenhouse with the right light, warmth, water and feed. Care and knowledge of how to grow them right is the key point. The tomato plants in the greenhouse are grown as creepers, April - May - May 2016 2016 33 33April Black Black & White & White

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For a healthy tomato plant, the side shoots have to be removed diligently, which is important as it prevents the fruits being shaded by leaves. This helps in diverting the plant’s energy into the growing fruit, thereby making it more in good shape, big and tasty

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Tomato saplings are grown seperately before planting them at the greenhouse

with the branches constantly trimmed so that they grow upward. All your hard work will be ruined if the plant collapses under its own weight, so extra care is required for the same.

For a healthy tomato plant, the side shoots also have to be removed diligently, which is an important job to prevent the fruits being shaded by leaves. This helps in diverting the plant’s energy into the growing fruit, thereby making it more tasty, big and in good shape. It is easy to get rid of the shoots, just simply grasp the young shoot to give a clean break from the branch. It is these small but vital care that produces juicy and healthy tomatoes.

Of course watering and maintaining the right heat and moisture is critical too.”

farming methods. “This has given us confidence and insight to how modernity and technology can help us in farming local produce, raising hopes that popular vegetables/fruits will become available throughout the year at affordable prices. We are now supported by our friends and relatives. We will, in our own way, take this forward to help other youth of the region to take up similar projects,” Ahmed said, adding that one greenhouse approximately cost around OMR5000 to OMR6000.

“We are sure that in the coming years we will be more confident to extend and experiment the tomatoes farming methods to other fruits like strawberries and the like.”

Plans are also afoot to increase the yield of tomatoes from the current 3000 kilos to 5000 kilos per season.

3000 KILOS OF TOMATOES EVERY SEASON Every season the farmers cultivate 3000 kilos of tomatoes that are cut and crated and transported to markets, which is sold at 500 to 600 baisas per kilo.

Cucumbers are also similar in caring and growing.

However, it yields more in less time. So every two months cucumbers can be produced, but the changing time and the initial planting time takes more effort, thereby making the total yield to 2500 kilos during the same 11 month period.The same applies to lettuces too. “We farmed four varieties of lettuces. But out of the three, tomatoes produce the best results and better take-home value,” Ahmed said.

ORGANIC TASTES BETTER Thanks to the greenhouse miracles, Ahmed and his brothers have become mini-celebrities atop the mountain. While Omanis are known to be quite friendly and hospitable, the lively, bright and happy faces of the brothers – emanating obviously from the glow within owing to their greenhouse sucess story – has helped spread cheer among the community too. Ahmed admitted that he was now well known among his peers atop the mountain and also amongst others. “All thanks to this programme,” he said as he and his brothers tried to give half a carton of cucumbers as a takeaway gift for us. We declined the offer but took a couple of them just to have a real idea of what fresh produce tasted like.

We bit into the firm, greeny-fresh cucumber. Yes, we don’t need any fancy research to judge the difference!

Organic tastes better!

MORE PRODUCTS IN THE FUTURE Because of this greenhouse project, they have gained invaluable experience, insight and exposure in modern

April - May - May 2016 2016 35 35April Black Black & White & White

Daniel Johnson

Alila Jebel Akhdar reduces carbon footprint by purchasing organic vegetables Hoteliers are always keen to reduce the carbon footprint.

And Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort’s support of the Intajee ‘Farming for Hospitality’ programme envisons purchasing of the fresh organic produce from the farmers. This helps them in not only reducing their carbon footprint but also helping the community.

The agreement between Alila Jabal Akhdar, Omran and the farmers envisons that a portion of the fresh produce under the Intajee ‘Farming for Hospitality’ banner will be purchased on a regular basis by the resort.

B&W Xclusive

In May 2015, Alila resort bought the first harvest from the greenhouses, which included four types of lettuce. The second harvest comprised tomatoes and cucumber.

Since Alila was just next door to the greenhouses, we trooped into the premium resort and met with Daniel Johnson, executive chef. Thanks to the agreement, the resort was able to source superlative fresh local produce, which in turn, improved the calibre of their cuisine served to their guests, he noted.

36

April - May 2016

Black & White

A GREENHOUSE MENU “When I speak to our guests staying here at Alila, I make sure to mention that today’s menu comprise of fresh tomatoes , cucumbers and lettuce leaves farmed at the greenhouse locally. Fresh produce is always a pleasure for a chef. In our own way we try to promote local produce and farming; the plus point is that the tomatoes are right next door and our team can pick them up on a daily basis.

I hope the young farmers under the Intajee programme extend their farming and come out with more crops. I am sure that they will do very well in the future. As a chef I have been utilising their fresh produces since a year.

The four greenhouses produce more quantity than the requirement at Alila.

However we are totally committed to supporting their products and will continue to do so in the future too,” Johnson said, adding that it was their duty to ensure visitors the best destination experience as well as give back to the community in which they were also a part of.

Ahmed's cousins Hamed and Salem

Ahmed’s success inspires his cousins Ahmed and his two brother’s (Suleiman and Dawood) successful experience in the Intajee programme and the trio’s enthusiasm seems to have rubbed off on their cousins, Hamed Al Shureiqi and Salem Al Shureiqi as well.

During the course of the interview, the duo also unveiled their deep-rooted interest in joining the programme.

“We have seen firsthand how our dear brothers (Ahmed and his brothers) have succeeded in bringing fresh vegetables from these greenhouses. This has given us an impetus and a fresh perspective on growing vegetables atop the jebels,” they said.

Their only stumbling block is that they don’t own lands like Ahmed and his brothers, they confessed.

have easily set up greenhouses too.

What we lack is our own land. And we cannot take up a land on lease either. We are willing to learn and take up farming. The produce is good for our community as well as our own home. Who does not buy or consume vegetables and fruits?

If we work hard, all of us can stand on our own and we can have a good future with sustainable income too.

“We take this opportunity to request the authorities concerned if they can help us with a small patch of land of our own; just some space to start a greenhouse, that is all! If that is obtained, we can also start our own greenhouse farms and move forward to self sustainability,” Hamed and Salem said.

IF ONLY THEY HAD LAND… “We really wish we had our own land. If we did, we could

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Omran’s Intajee programme is unique: Farmer atop Jebel Akhdar A representative of the farmers participating in Omran’s Intajee programme on Jebel Akhdar has called it a unique one, aimed at bettering their lives. “We are really grateful to Omran and the Intajee programme, which has successfully managed to change our lives for the better,” Ahmed Nasser Al Shureiqi told the Black & White. He noted how Omran has provided customised training and courses to them as part of the Intajee ‘Farming for hospitality’ programme on Jebel Akhdar. The courses ranged from ‘professional capacity building for farmers’ to ‘protected plantation’ and installation of greenhouses’ onsite training. The efforts of Omran have paid off in a big way. Today, atop the arid mountainous setting, four greenhouses have helped create a source of income for four farming families. “Before this, we were only able to grow peaches and pomegranates but today, thanks to Omran, we are able to cultivate tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuces. And this has changed our lives for the better. I am really thankful to Omran for the same,” Ahmed Shureiqi enthused. He also added that this was just the tip of the iceberg. “We hope to cultivate other vegetables too and this platform has enabled us to become self-sufficient and have also given us a future,” he added.

B&W Xclusive

IMPROVED ECONOMIC SITUATION The project has assisted in improving the economic situation of the community as a whole; resulting in many positive outcomes, including a rise in market value of produce grown in greenhouses, Badriya Al Siyabi, CSR manager at Omran said. “It has also helped improve the traffic safety by reducing the distances travelled by the community to buy and sell produce in addition to the widerimplications of environmental preservation.”

FRESH PRODUCE SOLD TO ALILA JABAL AKHDAR According to Omran, the fresh produce grown in the greenhouses, in addition to sustaining the local community, is sold to the nearby Alila Jabal Akhdar resort for use in their restaurants. As part of the project, the hotel guests also have the opportunity to visit the greenhouses and experience firsthand the local community of the area. “Farming for hospitality draws upon the the experiences and expertise gained from

existing Intajee initiatives in addition to the traditional knowledge and understanding of farming already present within the community.” According to the agreement signed jointly between the farmers, Omran and Alila, a portion of the fresh produce grown in the programme is purchased on a regular basis by the resort. Badriya noted that the produce is not only sold to Alila, but also to the community.

“The success story of the greenhouse project has made the farmers to look seriously into building and additional greenhouses,” she said. Omran has assisted Ahmed and the other farmers not only to be officially established and registered as a company and business, but they have also assisted in branding the company, she added. “The additional offshoots of the greenhouse project is that the families of these farmers have themselves embarked on healthy food habits based on their produce!” Badriya said. The farmers have also made varieties of recipies from the healthy products of the greenhouses and sold to visitors atop the jebels.

SUCCESSFUL GREENHOUSE PROJECT “The project is unique for many reasons. Greenhouse farming is a new method of agriculture in Jebel Akhdar region where traditional farming practices such as open field cultivation and flood irrigation are still predominantly used. “During the summer months, from May to August, most agricultural production ceases due to the hot weather. But, with the introduction of the greenhouses, growing is made possible all year around. The project began with the local sourcing as all the products are supplied from Jebel Akhdar,” Badriya Al Siyabi said.

FIRST-EVER HARVEST LAST YEAR It may be recalled that in May, last year, Alila resort received the first harvest from the greenhouses, which included four types of lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers.

The expected income generated from these greenhouses is OMR450 per harvest of lettuce within one month; OMR1500 per harvest of tomatoes within five months and OMR1000 per harvest of cucumber within three months. “With regards to the tomatoes, the farmers have managed to have a continuous harvest of the fruit for a period of eight months,” Badriya noted.

Text: Adarsh Madhavan & Priya Arunkumar, Photos: Najib Al Balushi & Omran 38

April - May 2016

Black & White

Management Talk

Take it easy...

Live a great life Dr Anchan C.K. managing director, World Wide Business House

By Dr CK Anchan In a world where people are regularly commended for things such as hard work, dedication and focus, the idea of not taking life seriously can sound preposterous. But is a serious mentality really at the core of the previously mentioned good habits? Or is it what is potentially getting in the way of you having a more enjoyable life?

Every day you are faced with a million little traps that encourage you to take your life way too seriously. The frustrations of living comes in many forms such as slow internet connections, people who drive at a snail’s pace, and choosing what to wear to an event with an ambiguous dress code.

It is easy to get caught up in perpetual flow of decisions and events that make up our lives and to forget that most of the challenges we are faced with are only as stressful as we choose to let them be.

Consider the fact that wealth is not correlated with happiness. In fact, once you have enough money to satisfy your basic needs, money makes very little difference in your overall well-being. Time and time again when researchers have tried to figure out what makes people happy they have come to the same conclusion: personal relationships make the biggest difference.

If we valued our happiness over money , we would do everything we could to spend time with friends and family and not worry so much about putting in extra time at work. When you look back on your life, you won’t reflect on the time you spent at work; you will remember family dinners, great vacations, romantic dinners, and your wedding. Prioritise people over your career.

There are clearly times in life and certain

circumstances that are genuinely serious.

However, far too often we add unnecessary stress, pressure, and negativity to situations with our attitude of “seriousness.”

One of the best things we can do is laugh— at ourselves, at the situation, or in general.

If worrying is unproductive and money doesn’t make us happy, why do we waste so much time on those things? You only get to live one life. If you’re lucky enough to make it to age 90 you still have less than 800,000 hours between the time you are born and the time you die to cherish and enjoy all the things that make up life.

Finally, if you need a reminder that your problems aren’t as big as they seem and you want to readjust your perspective, get out of the city and look at the stars. The universe is larger than you can imagine. It is filled with burning balls of gas, galaxies and solar systems beyond counting, and thousands of other civilizations fighting their own wars and facing their own challenges.

In a very real sense, you are insignificant.

What better reason could there be not to take your life to seriously? The only thing that really matters is enjoying your life as much as you can and helping other people do the same.

There is one fact that is undeniable: in this life, you will never be as young as you are right now. That being the case, do you really want to spend right now being serious? Life is an awesome adventure. Do what you need to do to live a happy and fulfilled life, and forget what anyone else tells you.

April - May - May 2016 2016 39 39April Black Black & White & White

Fun facts about

chopsticks Kidstuff

In much of Asia, especially the so-called “rice bowl� cultures of China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, food is usually eaten with chopsticks. It is believed that these unique eating tools were developed about 3000 to 5000 years ago in China although the exact date of their creation is uncertain.

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• • •

•

• • • • •

• •

The Chinese have been using chopsticks for 5000 years.

February 6 is National Chopstick Day. People probably cooked their food in large pots, using twigs to remove it.

Overtime, as population grew, people began chopping food into small pieces so it would cook more quickly. Small morsels of food could be eaten without knifes and so the twigs gradually turned into chopsticks.

Some people think that the great scholar Confucius, who lived from roughly 551 to 479 B.C., influenced the development of chopsticks. A vegetarian, Confucius believed knives would remind people of slaughterhouses and were too violent for use at the table In Japan, everybody has their own personal chopsticks Using chopsticks involves over 30 joints and 50 muscles in the fingers, wrist, arm, shoulder as well as thousands of nerves.

The Chinese use 45 billion chopsticks annually.

Almost one third of the world uses chopsticks every day.

Silver chopsticks were used to test toxicity in food in ancient China. Poison will make silver chopsticks turn black so the royal family uses silver chopsticks to tip them off on the plans of assassins and prevent assassination.

80 percent of chopsticks made in Japan are made in the little city of Obama, named like President Obama, population about 32,000.

The fear of chopsticks is called “Consecotaleophobia.”

There are four main styles: THE CHINESE use a longer style than other countries, wood sets that come to a rounded or blunt end.

THE JAPANESE use short, wooden sticks that come to a sharper pointy end.

THE KOREANS use shorter, metallic, wood or plastic sticks that are often blunt at the end.

THE VIETNAMESE also use longer sticks that also come to a blunted end as in China; often wooden, but can be made of plastic as well.

Top chopstick shops stock top chopsticks

41 April - May 2016 Black & White

We have been thinking of it since quite sometime now.

Finally, we have taken the plunge to bring home to you some offbeat stuff. Here goes, if you like it, give us the green signal for more; if not, just take it with a pinch of salt. For this month, here is some nitter natter for the B&W Bitter Batter:

Ok-we-made-a-mistake–so-what attitude

Nitter natter

Day 1: Discovered health complication Day 2: Sorry, no complication Day 3: Mistakes happen A young lady went to this private clinic with a litany of medical issues.

But unfortunately she had to contend with yet another one – a gift from the medical clinic!

Whilst on their clinical pursuit of their brand new patient’s many health problems, the clinic discovered yet another health fault on this lady.

“You have this complication too,” they declared in very plain clinical terms and asked her to get immediate

42 April - May 2016 Black & White

treatment. The young patient had no choice as she was mentally and physically stressed, posed primiarily by the dual effect of health and careerwise problems.

So she dutifully went ahead with the treatment. Since she still had to undergo tests to find out more about her other health issues, the laboratory, which earlier said she suffered from a health problem, suddenly realises that she no longer had that disease.

In a matter of days the clinic’s lab made a volteface and said that their reports show that she does not have

the complication, which they had ‘discovered’ just sometime back!

Duh?!

Adding salt to the poor young lady’s hefty medical wounds (sorry bills) was the casual dismissive comment of a senior medical professional there: “Oh the lab must have made a mistake the first time – it happens!”

Uh oh, but then who pays for your clinic’s wrong lab report and the consequent treatment?

C’mon, everyone makes mistakes, right?

Right?

Pay now, service later “Hi, we need to get this done…”

“Ok, but you got to pay in full?”

“But, why? You used to give us credit…”

“Not anymore. Pay upfront or maafi service!”

The austerity spin in town is taking new twists among private dealers.

At the outset, everyone who offers a service wants an advance or the full money upfront. In a market that has been used to getting work done first and payment later, people are now getting caught in this austerity web, but for all the wrong reasons. Today, most are saying cough up the dough first and then they will do the work.

“We cannot take your job unless you pay an advance,” is the common strain among many in town and this is upsetting some who, whilst juggling with streaming overheads and low output have to put money upfront to get their works done. Some of the financially ailing companies are finding this a tough nail to crack. Moreover, things are getting bad when some of the smartie-pants service providers suddenly adopt a new policy: pay upfront, service later, much later or worse. Will not complete the important task and will hold completion of work until full payment is made. Uh oh, that is treading blackmail grounds, ain’t it?

“Oh, things are so bad, can’t help!”

“Support? Oh no! We are not in good shape!”

But we only want to raise a small amount for a poor soul in trouble?

“Sorry, our company is not doing well!”

But we only – “Sorry!”

The other aspect of the austerity drive is the unwillingness among many to spend any money even if it is for a good cause. Some may be truly going through a bad patch but there are plenty who are just pretending so that they can shake themselves of the responsibility to support or help someone in trouble. The other day a social worker was heard grumbling about how, offlate, very few were willing to support good causes.

“We passed the hat around for a cause, but other than the genuine supporters, the majority of them said they were not in a financially good situation so they had no option but to decline support! If we were asking for some major support or if we are asking lots of money this could be understandable, but were only asking for just handful of money!”

We know the feeling of being overtly rejected when trying to raise support for a cause too. Recently we called up prominent folks in Salalah to help support a maid who had come upon hard times. We had not even stated our purpose for the call than before the man went on about how things were not good in the fund-raising scene for causes and they themselves

were struggling to help their own contacts who were hit by problems.

“By the way, which is the maid you were talking about?” the man asked us casually. We just pretended that we had another call coming in and hung g up. p

(Note: Readers who have something bitter to chatter about can either email on editor@blackandwhiteoman.com or call 99218461)

43 April - May 2016 Black & White

Your ARIES March 21-April 20 There is so much you can do to repair broken relationships with close ones. Try to take your own advice and not that of well meaning, but mistaken friends. An invite you receive which would involve travel on your part is the key to your destiny, so make sure you accept, especially if it is close to water.

TAURUS April 21-May 20

GEMINI May 21-June 21

You get to find out that you have the backing of several faces who you thought were no longer interested in what happened to you.

Could you possibly let that hard exterior drop for a day or two so that you can enjoy the love and support which is on offer? Contracts signed this week bring luck and fortune.

You have a really great work ethic at the moment and those with the power will be only too willing to offer you opportunity. Someone who was not free, will be by the time this week is over, which could well move the goalposts as to how you see your future. News from far away makes you see someone you know.

CANCER June 22-July 23

LEO July 24-August 23

When did you last take some time out for yourself and make you a priority? I think it has been a while my friend. Watch out for legal dealings getting out of control.

Make sure there are not too many people involved in deciding what happens. Take control before Thursday.

You have said some things you now regret and yet you continue to hurt those you love. As they say, attack is the best form of defence, but it is time now for this battle to come to a close. Those who know you well are willing to wipe the slate clean if you ask them. Friend's cheeky offers are worthy of serious consideration.

VIRGO August 24-September 23 Mars and Pluto make it hard for you to make true sense of anything that is going on and you even begin to question the very things you have come to rely on in life. Give yourself time to breathe and recognise that it may be time for you to give yourself a break. Friends will help you to get back.

Horoscope

CHETAN BHAGAT (BORN 22 APRIL 1974) is an Indian author, columnist, screenwriter, television personality and motivational speaker, known for his English-language dramedy novels about young urban middle-class Indians.

A noted public intellectual, Bhagat also writes columns about the youth, career development and current affairs for The Times of India (in English) and Dainik Bhaskar (in Hindi).

Bhagat's novels have sold over a total of seven million copies. In 2008, The New York Times cited Bhagat as "the biggest selling English language novelist in India’s history".

Bhagat's screenwriting efforts have included the dramedies Kai Po Che! (2013) and 2 States (2014) and the action-superhero movie Kick (2015). He won the Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay for Kai Po Che! at the 59th Filmfare Awards in January 2014.

44 April - May 2016 Black & White

stars LIBRA September 24-October 23

SCORPIO October 24-November 22

You have been finding it hard to keep all the plates spinning in your life, but those who know you well and are close to you think you have done a wonderful job. Try not to make commitments and promises you know you have no intention of keeping. You’ll only cause an unnecessary atmosphere if you do.

This time sees you catching up on much gossip and speculation, but it really is a case of you believing nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see, as many of the signs really are talking for the sake of it. A new attraction has the potential to be so much more. Take it slowly though.

CAPRICORN December 23-January 20

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19

It is never easy to admit you are wrong, but if you owe an apology, then make it before this week is over or others may withdraw the chance for you to make it at all. A new relationship in your circle breaks the normal cycle and makes you realise how acting from the heart can work for many.

A new influence in the family is a good thing, so try not to be too distant from them. Do you really feel so strongly about what’s occurred, or are you just putting on an act? Until Mercury calms down and helps you to separate fact from fiction. This is a friendship you’ll want on your side.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 22 Try not to tell too many people what has transpired in recent weeks, or you will only add further speculation to the melting pot. What is required now is a cooling off period so that all those involved can collect their thoughts and work out. Give them this and their decisions should prove most advantageous.

PISCES February 20-March 20 You are not getting anywhere with all of the hard work you have put into life? But you could be wrong. Conversations you have from this week sshould prove this to you. A great week to enter new relationships as you’ll be opening up and showing your vulnerable side, something you are not always able to do.

ALFREDO JAMES "AL" PACINO (BORN APRIL 25, 1940) is an American actor of stage and screen, filmmaker, and screenwriter. Pacino has had a career spanning 50 years, during which time he has received numerous accolades and honors both competitive and honorary, among them an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, a British Academy Film Award, four Golden Globe Awards, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute, the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the National Medal of Arts. He is also one of few performers to have won a competitive Oscar, an Emmy and a Tony Award for acting, dubbed the "Triple Crown of Acting".

A method actor and former student of the Herbert Berghof Studio and the Actors Studio in New York City, where he was taught by Charlie Laughton and Lee Strasberg, Pacino made his feature film debut with a minor role in Me, Natalie (1969) and gained favourable notices for his lead role as a heroin addict in The Panic in Needle Park (1971). He achieved international acclaim and recognition for his breakthrough role as Michael Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather (1972).

April - May - May 2016 2016 45 45April Black Black & White & White

Scrambled and more...

Eggs are one of the perfect foods purely from a fitness standpoint, it is a source of very high-quality protein and very high-quality fat. Here is a fast way to the simple scrambled eggs… go ahead, crack your eggs into a large bowl and beat them well with a fork. Use a whisk for really fluffy scrambled eggs.

Green Egg Scramble

Cooking

Ingredients: • 4 large eggs (or 1 cup egg substitute) • 1/4 cup chopped green pepper • 6 Tablespoons water • 1 Tablespoons finely chopped green onions • 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring

46 April - May 2016 Black & White

Method: In a paper or Styrofoam cup, stir the water and food coloring together. Set aside. In a lightly greased frying pan barely coated with olive oil, saute the green pepper until tender. In a medium glass or metal bowl, beat eggs well. When colour is uniform, add food colouring mixture and beat vigorously.

Lower heat to medium-low. Add egg mixture to green peppers. Cook slowly, breaking and scrambling the setting egg often as they cook. Transfer eggs to serving plate and sprinkle each portion with finely chopped green onion.

Fresh Herbs and Cheese Scramble Ingredients: 6 large eggs 2 Tablespoons milk 1 green onion - finely chopped 1 teaspoon fresh chopped chives 1 teaspoon fresh chopped cilantro salt and pepper - to taste 1/4 cup shredded Pepper Cheese

Method: Beat the eggs with milk until frothy. Prepare a large skillet by setting to medium heat and spraying generously with cooking spray. Add the eggs to the hot skillet and sprinkle fresh herbs over the eggs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. As soon as the eggs begin to set, start to scramble, gradually adding the cheese. Cook until completely set. Garnish individual servings with an additional sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

Smoked Salmon Scrambled Eggs Ingredients: 8 large eggs 2 Tablespoons milk 1 Tablespoons butter 1/2 cup (about 3 ounces) smoked salmon - coarsely chopped 1/2 teaspoon chopped chives 1/2 teaspoon fresh or dried dill pepper - to taste

Method: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the milk until fully combined and frothy. Place a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the butter.

When almost fully melted, tilt and swirl pan so butter coats entire cooking surface. Add the beaten eggs and let them set a few seconds until they just begin to set on the bottom. Push the cooked egg to the center of the pan with a spatula - allowing uncooked egg to flow around the pan.

When the egg is nearly fully set, flip the entire mass and break up any large curds. Turn off heat. Sprinkle in the chopped salmon and dill. Stir and scramble to combine. Transfer to 4 plates. Sprinkle each serving with freshly ground black pepper and chopped chives.

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She read 48 April - May 2016 Black & White

Banker by day, entrepreneur by evening

That is Batool bint Abdulredha Al Shalwani for you. In the morning to mid-afternoon hours, Batool works at a top local bank in a senior manager category. After her job, the mother of three rushes back home and then heads to fulfill her equally compelling passion – running a fashion boutique – Eleven-Eleven, which is set in Al Khuwair 33.

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I never repeat a piece. You buy a dress from Eleven-Eleven, rest assured that it is unique – the buyer’s own. I tour the GCC and the Middle East region to source designer wear

She read

Batool has participated in various exhibitions. Here, she is seen in front of her stall at a recent exhibition in Oman.

For the last two years, Batool has had little or no time to spare as she juggles between her day job and her evening entreprenurial venture, which despite all the challenges it poses, she still diligently pursues.

For the last 33 years Batool has been in the sphere of banking. She clearly enjoys the industry and over the years she has scaled up the ladder too, starting out as a clerk.

But, in her heart, she nurtured a little secret, which she gave wings to just a couple of years back. “I was always fascinated by small businesses and also women in business. I really like the idea of women doing business because I believe that a woman, with her sensitivity and business acumen, can really do wonders!”

Though banking has been an all consuming and fulltime career, Batool did not let go of the little dream in her of becoming an entrepreneur, even if it was in a small way. Soon, her latent interest in the fashion industry got the better of her and she slowly dipped into that world with this tiny but quaint outlet as a start. Although she dreams big, she is content to take very tiny steps towards her goals. Batool is content with her venture. Having lost her father at a very young age, she knows what responsibilities are and she knows how to take on challenges. “When my father (Abdulredha Juma Dawood Al 50 April - May 2016 Black & White

Shalwani), who was into the textile business, passed away, I was very young. It also pushed me to get into a job very early on.”

Even at a very early age, Batool had a love for travelling and she was also quite captivated by the world of fashion. “I was always impressed by the fashionable designs of ladies’ apparel of Oman and of the region,” she recalled. And right from that time, she was hoping to do something that will take her somewhere into the fashion world. “Luckily for me, my two daughters (Alaa and Abrar) were also quite inclined towards the world of fashion – of classy women dressed in vogue!”

Buyoed by their mutual interest, Batool, who is always open to new ideas and thoughts, slowly began to

think of getting into a business that would bring her close to fashion. “A boutique seemed to be the easiest way that would get us closer to the wonderful world of ladies’ fashion,” she said, but added in the same breath that it was not an easy task that she undertook.

As usual, investment was the first challenge, but she quickly overcame that by garnering support of her near and dear ones. “I took the support of my close relatives and friends and convinced them to partner with me. And that is how ‘Eleven-Eleven’ came into existence!”

Referring to the unusual name of her boutique, Batool said: “Well, that name came about because my first granddaughter, Wateen, who was born on November 11, 2011 --- 11-11-11. And she was born at almost the 11th minute after it turned November 11. Wateen, who is almost five now, is my good luck charm. I wanted my boutique to have a unique name and Wateen’s unusual date of birth gave me the ‘Eleven-Eleven’ idea. I tossed the idea to my partners and friends and everyone accepted it.” Batool also gave a hint into the challenges she faced in having a business, however small, on the side.

“First of all, I was starting a business with my own investment. And for a lady, it is a double challenge. She has to take care of everything – her family, her home, job/career

– and so, I had to be really good at multitasking.”

Batool starts off her day quite early.

She goes to the bank and works throughout till afternoon. After a quick break at her home, by 5pm, she is at the boutique. “I will be at the boutique until 9pm everyday.”

After getting into her business, she gained more confidence and this has helped in her job too, she said.

“I feel women are more equipped to balance a career, family and well, small businesses too!”

Although the boutique is small, it is packed with unique designer pieces.

“I never repeat a piece. You buy a dress from Eleven-Eleven, rest assured that it is unique – the buyer’s own. I tour the GCC and the Middle East region to source designer wear. I get fantastic designs from Turkey, Lebanon, Dubai, Bahrain and many other countries in and around Oman. I do not go for overpriced fancy pieces, but ones that are affordable to all, yet unique. This move makes the business worthwhile and customers also don’t feel that I am charging too much. It is a win-win deal.” Batool noted how today’s youth were quite fashion conscious and loved experimenting too. “Of course, unless the designs are of the latest trend, they will not even take a look!

“Thankfully, I have got very fashionconscious friends who enlighten me on the latest trends and designs.

Also, my young daughters are very good critics and keeps me in check!

Of course, I also look at the designs with a critical eye.”

Eleven-Eleven boasted of an excellent collection of trendy and fashionable abayas. “We always have a good demand for the latest and trendy abayas. As you are aware, abayas are a fashion statement today – women want it to be unique and custom made. You will not want to wear a brand new dress and walk into a function or get together and then realise that someone else is also wearing the same design.”

FACING CHALLENGES Batool noted that all entrepreneurial ventures, big or small, anywhere in the world, not just in Oman, face almost similar challenges. “I have reached a stage where I now need to make the Eleven-Eleven venture publicly known. This will help me reach across those with a similar frame of mind and I also want to reach across to the right buyer!” she said, adding that her current challenge was to find a good in-house tailor who can cater to the local needs. Batool said her travels were quite educational and informative as it broadened her mind to unusual designs and haute couture. “I have also had the opportunity to participate in exhibitions, making it more worthwhile to reach out to potential customers.”

Eleven-Eleven also offers traditional

dresses on rent for occasions like weddings and ceremonial functions.

“I am very fortunate to have a good support from my family members, which I think is vital for a woman like me, who has to juggle between a career, a family and a business!”

(Eleven-eleven boutique - 97700690 @instagram: eleven_boutique)

51 April - May 2016 Black & White

PICK-UP POINTS MUSCAT WADI KABIR Bait al Zubair Bait al Baranda Marina Bander Al Bustan Palace Hotel Oman Dive club Shangri-La- Barr Al Jissah Sri Lankan School NHI Pencil Building (Stationery shop) Al Maha bunk –Wadi Kabir Ajay Enterprises (Khimji) – (Next to Jingles nursery) Hotel Golden Oasis Sana Fashions Al Maya markets – (Old Rawasco) Scientific pharmacy – Opp to al Maya market ( Arab Udipi Rest)

Circulation

CBD AREA TO DARSAIT Al Amana Building materials – Opposite Jawad Sultan Al Omaniya Financial Services office Oman oil bunk Khimji mart shopping mall – (Old shopping & saving) Khimjis Bait al Ahlam- CBD area Pizza Muscat (Opposite ministry of manpower) Pizza Hut/TFC – CBD area Centre point-Splash Muscat Securities market Times of Oman Shell petrol Bunk (Next to Sheraton) OCCI Library – Oman Chamber of commerce (OPP MSM) KFC – Ruwi Oman International Bank – Ruwi Palayok Restaurant – Filipino restaurant Ever ready supermarket New India Assurance Office Al Fair – Ruwi high street Lakhoos Money Exchange, Ruwi High street Damas Jewellery/office – Ruwi Oman UAE Exchange – OCC Centre Air Arabia Office- Shanfari Travels Ruwi Hotel Gulf air building – Gulf air office Saravanabhavan Restaurant Sarco – Samsung showroom Khimji Megastore – Swarovski showroom OTE Moosa Abdul Showroom – next to al Jadeed Toshiba Showroom Al Jadeed shopping Badr Al Samaa Samara video (next to Talentz, old bait al ahlam) after 5pm Ministry of Education – Opp Wearhouse – Ruwi Future management consultants -(opp Toshiba showroom) Haffa House Hotel Al Falaj Hotel Muscat Bakery- Near church Pakistan School (after temple & church Darsait) Naranjee Hirjee office (before Hotel Golden Oryx) Hotel Golden Oryx Bank Muscat corporate office (Opposite Hotel Golden Oryx) Kamat Restaurant Uptown Restaurant Turtles Book shop Al Rima Clinic Lama Polyclinic

52 April - May 2016 Black & White

Oman Air – CBD NBO- CBD area Bank Muscat Bank Sohar HSBC Standard Chartered Oman Arab Bank Harmony Music Centre – Next to OAB Bahwan Travel Agencies – CBD banks area OTTB – Oman Travels Bureau Air India office – CBD next to Costas Costas Papa John Supa Save – CBD Woodlands Bank Dhofar Horizon Restaurant – (Next to Moon travels) Oman post office Lulu Darsait Khimji Ramdas Head office, Muttrah (Kanaksi Khimji & pankaj Khimji) Majan College – Darsait junction (canteen) Indian Social Club Melody Music Centre – Next to ISM German Embassy – Hamriya roundabout Apollo Medical Centre Computer Xpress – Hamriya Roundabout Atlas Travels (Wadi Adai Roundabout (next to polyglot) Hatat House Passage to India Best cars Hyundai/Subaru/GM showroom Al Asfoor Furnishing Ahli Bank Shell marketing office SEAT car showroom- Wattayah DHL office- Wattayah Honda Showroom Sabco Head office wattayah NTT travels Wattayah Toyota Bahwan Advertising – Ist floor – Toyota showroom Lexus Ford showroom Shanfari Automotive Wattayah Motors- VW showroom Khoula Hospital Institute of Health sciences – opposite Khoula Kia showroom- wattayah QURUM AREA TOWARDS AL KHUWAIR Al Harthy ComplexPizza Muscat – next to Sultan Center in al Harthy complex Sultan Center Nissan showroom BMW showroom Muscat Private School Qurum city centre Pizza Hut – Qurum Capital Store Al Asfoor Plaza KFC Hardees Fono showroom next to Sabco centre Shah Nagardas Sabco Centre- Barista coffee shop only Al Araimi Panasonic Showroom NBO Qurum Al Khamis Plaza Al Wadi commercial centre – Coffee shop Mercedes showroom

CCC- Stand CCC Al Fair Bollywood chat Pizza Hut – Qurum Second Cup Nandos McDonalds Salman Stores Jawahir Oman Hamptons Business Services & Travel Amex office Ernst & Young buildg (OUA Travels) Starbucks Hawthorne institute- ELS Fahud Street, opp Qurum park Mumtaz Mahal Left bank Oman Association for the disabled Ministry of education (20 +20=20) Muscat Intercon Jawaharat Al Shatti complex- stand Oasis by the sea - crepe café stand LNG Office Al Qurum resort Bareek Al Shatti Complex Al Qandeel head office -, Entrance of Bareek al Shatti Al Shatti Cinema - Dunkin Donuts Al Sahwa Schools– principal’s office next to Ramada hotel Hotel Ramada Al Muriya Offices- next to Al sahwa schools Grand Hyatt Muscat Al Masa Mall Radio Shack Al Sarooj Complex Shell Petrol Bunk- Al Sarooj Al Fair Ramee Guestline Rock Bottom Classic Institute of Arts- next to Asas Oman Asas Oman Apartments Crowne Plaza Coral hotel Qurum Pvt school PDO Ras Al Hamraa Club Omanoil head office AL KHUWAIR/MSQ TOWARDS AZAIBA Al Thabat Travel & Tourism ELS – Al khuwair service road British School Muscat – MSQ British Council Oman oil- Madinat Qaboos Pizza Hut Khimjis mart – MSQ Kargeen Café Al fair Family Book shop- MSQ Tavola – Al Noor Hall buildg Starbucks Hana slimming centre – Ist Floor Fotomagic Al Noor Hall Al Jadeed Eqarat office Above Welcare Clinic – al Khuwair Domino Pizza Oman mobile Safeer Hypermarket Mustafa Sultan Souk Technia Omantel Oman international Bank – Al khuwair main office

Ibis Hotel Park inn Hotel Friendi Office Muscat Bakery Tropical Ice creams Subway Pizza Hut service road Ice Skating Rink National Training Institute Golden spoon Restaurant Shell Select- Al Khuwair Mcdonalds Mct holiday Inn Hotel Oman Bowling Center Halliburton Café Vergnano Khimji Mart – Next to Verganano Safeer suites Axa insurance (opp assarain Al khuwair) Zakher shopping Mall PAN Furnishing Harley Davidson Thrifty Al Amal Medical Centre – Dr Bashir Hotel Radisson Pizza Hut Al Khuwair Ozone Video Shop(Next to Pizza Hut) American British School Omar Khayyam Restaurant, next to V kool Grill House (next door) V Kool TAISM Centre for British Teachers – CFBT Baushar Complex Café Aviation Club Restaurant AZAIBA TOWARDS SEEB Lulu Hyper market – Baushar Oman Medical college College for Business & financial Studies opp Oman medical, baushar Azzan Bin Qais school - Baushar Muscat private Hospital Dolphin Village – Bausher Royal hospital Ghala industrial area – NTI National mineral water – Tanuf ( next to Al Madina Holiday Inn) Oman oil Azaiba Spicy Village – Rusayl Pizza Hut – Ghala Oman oil – Ghala Towell head office – Enhance & Ist floor Mazda showroom Mcdonalds – Azaiba Select shell Azaiba Oman Tribune – Al Watan office New India assurance Azaiba office Safeer Hypermart Nawras head office Zubair showroom and Yamaha corporate office(two places)- Yamaha Showroom – close to Zubair showroom – 1st floor Polyglot Institute GU Tech – Beach road Azaiba Chedi Muscat The wave Muscat corporate office NACA – national cancer Awareness Assn MCC – Crepe Café Al Bahja– Mood Café & food Court Al Maya Super market Oman air Seeb office (Below Flyover, before Golden Tulip) Oman Tourisn College Golden Tulip Hotel Air port Select Shell – Seeb Pizza Hut airport

MUSCAT, SALALAH, SUR, SOHAR, NIZWA, BARKA, KASAB MUSCAT continued...

SALALAH

SOHAR

NIZWA

KFC Muscat golf hills, SEEB KOM SQU – SQUH hospital , SQUH 2- canteen, 3Diplomatic Club, 4 – College of Commerce, 5 – Students banking area) Pizza Hut – al Khoud Sultan School al hail service road – principals’ office Caledonian college – principal’s office Oman Foot ball association

SHOPPING MALLS Lulu shopping center Al- Istaqarar shopping center (Salalah) Dhofar shopping center Bab Al- Salam market Al- Mashoor (Salalah) Al- Mashoor (Saada) Al-Khareef K.M Trading Al-Isteqarar (Saada) Al-Hoq super market Hamdan commercial market Fresh super market (Al-Sarat) Union Salalah Market Family bookshop

Spicy Village Restaurant Lulu Hypermarket Jumeirah Shopping Centre Khimji’s Mart Al Salem shopping Centrepoint Moosa Abdul Rahman – GMC Toyota Nissan Mitsubishi LG showroom Sohar Bakery Sohar University Bank Muscat Habib Bank Bank Sohar Oman International Bank Al Raffah Hospital Badr Al Samaa Oman Arab Bank Bank Dhofar HSBC Travel City National Travels and Tours Universal Travels and Tourism DHL Dhofar Insurance Al Ahlia Insurance Taeeger Finance Co Omantel Al Jazeera Group Narenjee Hirjee (International)

OIB, Nizwa OIB, Firq BankMuscat, Nizwa BM main branch, Nizwa BankMuscat, Firq NBO, Nizwa NBO, Firq Bank Abudhabi Toyota OTE Omantel Nawras Khimji, Nizwa Khimji, Izki Muscat Bakery, Nizwa Pizza Hut Discount centre Family shopping Al Diyar Hotel Safari hotel Al-Nif shopping, Izki Hungery Bunny, Nizwa College of Science College of Technic Nizwa Medical College Busmath Clinic Thalal Clinic Omanoil, Izki Omanoil, Firq Omanoil, Nizwa Omanoil, Marfa Shell, Izki Shell, Firq Shell, Nizwa Al-Maha, Firq Nizwa university -Dept of foreign lang Al-Maha, Marfa

RUSAYL AREA Rusayl Industrial Estate Oman Cables Sadolin Paints Jotun Paints Al waqia shoes Mehdi Foods Areej veg oils MINISTRIES AREA – AL KHUWAIR Ministry of tourism(Ghala, next to ISG) Ministry of social Development(next to Regional municipalities, Bank Mct) Ministry of foreign affairs

SUR Al-Hashar LNG LNG, Club Sur Sur Beach Hotel Sur University OTE, Sur Mitsibushi Rawaya coffee shop Toyota Nissan Sur Plaza Hotel Mazda Khimji Omantel Private Hospital, Sur BankMuscat Sur Hotel NBO, Sur Bank Dhofar, Sur ELS, Sur

HOTELS Crown Plaza Hilton Salalah Hamdan plaza Dhofar Hotel Salalah hotel Haffa House Redan Hotel Al- Hanaa Hotel BAMSIR hotel Al- Jabel hotel Al- Nile suite (Saada) Salalah Mariott MINISTRIES Ministry agriculture & fisheries Ministry of education Ministry of defense Ministry of housing & electricity Ministry of water Ministry of tourism Diwan of Royal court (Salalah) Ministry of primary court and justice Ministry of Commerce & industry Dhofar municipality (Baladia) Ministry of man power PETROL STATIONS, BANKS Shanfari filling Station shell select, al saada Oman oil Shell Salalah Bank Muscat Omantel Oman Arab Bank Pizza hut Dhofar University Al Maha souk

BARKA Lulu hyper market Safeer Centre Al Nahda resort Al Maha Souk Oman Oil Rumais Oman College of management OIB NBO Bank Muscat Shell OTE SARCO Nissan showroom Omantel

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p - Mayy 2016 53 April Black & White

Being a

HOUSEWIFE…

Shape n Sound

If you are a homemaker and are chafing at the bit that ties to your mundane existence, then think again.

There are thousands out there who think differently. Thousands who believe that being a housewife or a homemaker is just as fulfilling as working for pay.

“This means that many do not consider paid work to be the defining characteristic of a woman’s role in the family,” a survey report on the same noted. B&W spoke to some women, both working and stay-at-home mothers, to guage their reaction on this statement, which surveys around the world revealed that majority were for it.

54 April - May 2016 Black & White

Excerpts:

Home is a synonym for wife Kavitha Ramakrishna is a homemaker with a difference. While she remains a housewife taking the responsible role of looking after her home and doing all the required work there, additionally, she also does her bit to educate other housewives. “There is a saying in Sanskrit ‘Gruhini Griham Uchyate’ (home is a synonym for wife)!” she says. “Walk into a house and you will instantly have a feel of the lady of the house by having a glimpse of the interiors and how it is set. “You will instantly guage the capability, passion, love and warmth of the lady of the home the moment you enter it!” Kavitha noted. “I look at a housewife or a homemaker as one who is fully occupied at home and not outside it. I feel extremely happy and fulfilled by satisfying the needs of the members of my family at all times. “Though I am a housewife, I take both Sanskrit and Tanjore painting classes by which I am able to educate some of my friends (all housewives). I believe that educating a woman is equivalent to educating the whole family.” Kavitha noted that the definition of a ‘wife’ is “one who works like a worker at all times; one who solves problems like a minister; one who feeds and takes care of the family members like a mother and one who has infinite patience like Mother Earth”. “Whether a woman is working or is a houswife and is having these qualities and spends most of the time qualitatively can do wonders and bring up a family, which will be an asset to the nation. So, my salutations to both working women and housewives!”

“You don’t have to leave your children in the care of strangers” Zulaikha Riaz feels that there is no issue about being a housewife. She agrees that it is quite fulfilling to be one too and declares that she derives certain amount of joy being one. “Of course a housewife is on her heels 24 hours and on all days of the week. She has to because she is at the beck and call of each and every member of her household. I make sure I am readily available for all of them.” And more importantly, as a housewife, “she experiences much joy and satisfaction in watching her children grow and become successful and productive adults, Zulaikha said.

The other little known beneficial fact of being a stay-at-home mother is that you don’t have to leave your children into the hands of some stranger, be it a trained and professional maid. In fact, if we look at it the other way, “the worst part of being a working woman is that you have to leave your children and your home into some other’s hand. No babysitter, teacher or family member can replace a mother. “You may miss the first words or the first steps of your child, which are priceless. Also, when the kids are not doing well, you will be sitting anxiously at work wondering how they are doing. And, you will be suffused with guilt of not being able to give enough time and attention to your family.” Well said, but what was the worst thing about being a housewife?

“Well, I would say the constant query: what do you do all day?!”

Zulaikha also did not hesitate to say that if there was a need, she would not mind growing her daughter to become a housewife. “I would of course give her the best education that she can get so that she can take care of her home and raise her children to become social and responsible people in society!”

55 April - May 2016 Black & White

Uncrowned queens of home Warda Al Wardi works at Oman Air and is a mother of three. Despite holding a job, she is all for being a housewife and feels that a homemaker’s role is as fulfilling as a woman who works. She feels that being a housewife was an essential part of life and notes that given a choice she would not hesitate to substitute her role as a working woman to that of a homemaker. “Yes, why not?” she asks. “To be frank, women are not meant to work, they are the uncrowned queens of their house/home and that is quite a worthy and honourable position!”

But Warda also feels that both being a working woman and a houswife has its merits and demerits. Sometimes, a working woman will be so tied to the job and the high demands and work pressure can take its toll. “I dislike the idea of being a slave to a job,” she said. And at home, she finds mundane tasks like ironing as boring and distasteful. To a query, she said that if need be, she had no qualms about growing her daughter up as a dutiful housewife.

Great respect for both housewife and working woman

Shape n Sound

Working woman or housewife – both command great respect, according to Farida Hamed Al Hasani, a housewife and mother of three. “I greatly respect both the working woman as well as the stay-at-home mother. Both are helping the community in their own way.

“Also, both are doing their best for their family, by supporting them with their work, effort and time!”

She also feels that being a housewife was just as fulfilling as a woman working for pay. “Of course,” she stressed.

A housewife should not be looked down upon, she noted, adding that a stayat-home mom had equal, if not more, responsibilities and respectability. “A housewife’s role is also very fulfilling because what she is doing is actually big – she is taking care of the next generation! That is what I believe when I take care of my children.

“Moreover, I am doing something, which, in my heart, I believe is more rewarding than getting someone to pay for me!”

Farida was a working woman too. But, she quit her job and joined the fold of a homemaker primarily because she was not doing justice to her family and her home. “The worst part about being a working woman is that I had this nagging feeling that I was not completing my duties at my home, and that eventually made me quit my job. I used to work an eight-hour shift and would reach home only to see my kids going to bed.

“That was too much for me to bear! And that was why I quit and became a housewife – I love being one!”

To a query, Farida noted that she would not mind if her daughter grew up to become a housewife. “I would of course teach my daughter to be a successful working woman, but in case she opts to being a housewife, I will support her!”

56 April - May 2016 Black & White

Best of both worlds Working moms! You have got to be independent as well as take care of your family. You got to have the best of both worlds, believes Aruna Tavarkhed, the deputy mall manager of Panorama Mall. Aruna begs to differ on the count of a housewife’s role as a fulfilling one. “No, I think it is more of a personal choice,” she says. “Of course, I know that being a housewife is a fulltime job in itself, but it is a limiting one. You are bound by certain limits of your circle.

“It maybe different for everyone.

Especially in here where it is challenging to be independent as a homemaker.”

Aruna does not believe that she would ever dream of substituting her role as a working woman to that of a stay-at-home housewife even if things went well. “No, I would always wish to continue my career, and also enjoy spending time with my family.

I think we should have the best of both worlds. Work not only helps in charting a better future, but also enhances one’s self confidence and outlook towards life.” Being able to work, a woman can make a mark in her life and otherwise. “In fact, you

can make a small difference in your respective specialised field and also help spread knowledge. It helps you associate with a variety of people and interacting with them will inject you with fresh ideas. It will help you build skills as well as learn in other ways. Interacting with other people will always be a learning curve to achieve more.”

Tavarkhed noted that for a working woman, the family around her “would imbibe the culture of being independent with confidence so that they are able to think beyond themselves”. And, once again, this is possible, because of the strong family support, she added. On the flip side, being a working woman, she is not able to spend as much time with her family as much as she wants to.

“Often, work commitments keep me away from family and I dislike that,” Tavarkhed confessed. She agreed that a homemaker had a fulltime job.

“They are essentially a busy lot, but they have their own limitations and challenges because they are not able to become fully independent!”

To a query whether she would allow or grow her daughter to be

a housewife, she said: “I feel how we want to live is a choice that we make for ourselves. I would definitely build or grow my daughter to be a career-oriented working woman and be confident enough to be able to achieve her dreams!”

Tavarkhed wished “more awareness towards working women, in terms of getting extended maternity leave, or shorter working hours for a stipulated period”!

She also wished to see “more moms continue on their career path” and are not forced to “pull the plug off to choose one path”!

Pay overtime to housewives Do housewives get paid overtime? They even work on weekends, so shouldn’t they get their just dues? A point on this raised by Aisha Al Alawi, sent us on a quick soul searching trip.

Aisha, a mother of four, feels being a housewife was quite a fulfilling role to take. “She works the same way as any other person, but she works from morning till evening. And more importantly, she works even during the weekends – that is working overtime!”

Aisha, who works at the Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), also notes that if things were well and if a choice between work and staying at home was given, she would not hesitate in taking the latter.

One aspect of being a working woman was that she had to “spend

lot of time away from my family”.

“What happens is I miss many an important and happy moments of my time with my dearest children!”

And the most boring aspect of being a housewife was washing clothes. “I just hate it,” she declared.

But, she is an all out advocate of the houswife/homemaker. “I really believe that a woman’s place is at her home! As a woman, I believe it is of utmost importance to be a good wife and a great mother who spends as much as time as is possible with her kids and family!”

57 April - May 2016 Black & White

A little extra!

Hooked

By Priya Arunkumar We were on a jogging track. Familiar ground for me and rank new territory for my friend.

“Don’t worry, the track won’t bite,” I said.

“I know. I came here, once,” she said, making a circle on the track with her feet.

“Once?” I chuckled and started running, leaving her behind.

“I had these horrible side effects,” she shouted at my parting back. “I tried, but I got awfully sweaty.

I got totally out of breath. My mouth became dry and my throat was parched. My legs got shaky.

So I made a strong decision from which I have not wavered since. I decided for myself that it was a sign from above that it was not good for me. I mean, I couldn’t breathe, girl. So that means, it was not, right for me, right?” she was panting, although she did not move an inch from where I left her.

She was still standing there where I left her. And still in the same frame of mind: “All of these symptoms are life threatening, aren’t they?” she asked, her face contorted in a state of horror! “So, here is the verdict: no running, jogging or any strenuous physical activity in the name of exercise!”

I still laugh out loud when I remember my best pal, who was, what would you call it, a trifle portly, a little on the heavier side (no, I did not call her fat, I DID not! No one has ever called her fat.) explain why she will never resort to simple brisk walking or a slight jog to keep her weight on check. “You don’t need to be skinny, it is awful,” she would say with mock distaste, “who wants to be a bag of bones?”

At another time, she said: “I am scared of dogs, I will never try to tempt them by pounding on the road!” She would say the most creative lines to stay put on the sidelines and watch all of us jog, or stretch, or in her own words, “make tired and sweaty fools of yourselves”! And as we made ourselves into tired and sweaty fools, she calmly rested herself, with a slight smile on her lips.

“Ideally every gym should have a suggestion box,” she would sigh.

I told her that I could introduce her to the gym manager. Curiosity killed, and well, what would

you suggest? I queried.

“Every gym should have an observation deck inside, where we can sit with a glass of our favourite drink and watch the show. I would then voluntarily come to the gym every day without you having to drag me here, threatening heart failure; in fact I would definitely get inspired or at the least spread the cheer.

Look at all of you… you all look pained and tortured! Why pay money to get cramps and swellings?

Don’t you think you all need a cheerful, big built, healthy, positive individual amongst you all sweaty smelly things?” After making such statements, she would roar in laughter as if she said the best one around.

We could never get angry, in fact, we could never call her fat on her face, not that we were good mannered or anything. She carried her extras in a very stylish manner, even telling us why we should all add on a few curves, and make life exciting. She would make everything sound simple. Make you want to be fat.

“You only live once, live your life extra large.”

The T-shirts she wore were hilarious too.

“Eat extra, laugh extra, cry extra, love extra, stress extra, fear extra… it took me a real extra effort to be what I am today,” she would explain convincingly. “Acceptance is the key word, never do something because the world does it, she would hammer her view of why life should be XXL. “These exercises, running, jogging whatever you guys call it, is putting your life on hold, please let go.”

“Why hold yourself to a deadline, to a weighing machine, to anything that keeps a check on you?

Take on positive perceptions, not those that bind you to change. If you can see the positive sides of everything, you’ll be able to live a much happier life. Be what you are, what you made yourself to be…” Well, she always manage to leave her philosophical mark on us. Always.

And prehaps yes, maybe that is why, till date, I never feel guilty, taking on a little extra… priya@blackandwhiteoman.com

59 April - May 2016 Black & White