Zurich: Travel joys in the Jewel of the Alps The in-flight magazine of Oman Air | August 2017 | Your Copy To Keep facebook.com/omanair |
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Marhaba
Dear Guests It is a great pleasure to welcome you on board your Oman Air flight today. I hope you are all enjoying your summers – it seems like only yesterday that I was wishing our guests a happy New Year! I now take great pleasure in wishing all our guests from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan a happy Independence Day. Temperatures in the Muscat region are now cooling a little and the Monsoon season is in full swing in Salalah, the colourful city of southern Oman. Tourists from far and wide are making the most of our increased amount of flights to the region and are gathering to marvel at the lush green landscapes and stunning natural beauty on display at this time of year. The demand for many of the destinations we fly to is continuing to rise and we are delighted to have seen a promising uptake of the codeshare flights we operate with Lufthansa, Royal Jordanian, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines and Sri Lankan Airlines. We are also about to start codeshare agreements with Malaysia Airlines and Kenya Airways, opening up a new range of exciting and exotic destinations around the world. Those of you who are visiting Europe, can make the most of the long summer days by exploring some of the exciting festivals, fairs and cultural events taking place across the continent. From Europe’s largest ballooning event, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in the UK, to the world’s largest techno party, the Street
Parade on the banks of Lake Zurich, there are so many things to see and do. All you need to do is decide where to go and enjoy the ambience, safe in the knowledge that we will fly you to and from the continent in comfort. As we continue on our journey to ‘Become the Best’, we would like to thank our guests for your continued patronage and loyalty. Many thanks for choosing to fly with us. We hope we will welcome you back soon.
Paul Gregorowitsch Chief Executive Officer
‘Middle East’s Leading Airline’ Business Class: 2016
‘Middle East’s Leading Airline’ Economy Class: 2016 ‘World’s Leading Airline’ Economy Class: 2016
Best Airline Staff Service Middle East 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017
Navigation
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Diary
A wrap up of what festivals, events and sports are happening around the world this month
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Must-see Oman Wadi Darbat
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Check Out
Zurich: Travel joys in the Jewel of the Alps
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Check In
Salalah Tourism Festival: ‘Oman prosperity and development’
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Family Traveller
Cruise around Lake Como
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Oman Adventure Extreme Sailing Series
Oman Heritage
Treasures from the National Museum
Navigation
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Oman Air’s inflight magazine is issued by : Corporate Communications & Media Department - Oman Air P.O. Box 58, Muscat International Airport, Postal Code 111, Sultanate of Oman, Tel: +968 24519616, Fax: +968 24510771, E-mail: wings@omanair.com, Website: www.omanair.com
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES, CONTACT: advertising@npaoman.com National Publishing & Advertising LLC P.O. Box 3112, P.C. 112, Ruwi, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24793098, Fax: +968 24708445
Landmark Travels
A royal adventure at Buckingham Palace
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Editorial Editing Director Paul Winter paul.winter@npaoman.com Mohammad Abu Al Majd Client Servicing Executive Ruwayda Al Barwani Designers Justindas Mohammad Asif Media Sales Director – Advertising & Marketing Ian Pepler ian.pepler@npaoman.com advertising@npaoman.com
Savvy Traveller Oman Travel Guide
Photographic Contributors
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Cover Image: Getty Images Features: Must See Oman: Getty Images Check Out: Getty Images/Shutterstock; Dolder Grand Hotel with Spa and Wellness (Zeljko Gataric/www.thedoldergrand.com) Check In: Getty Images/Shutterstock; Salalah Ministry of Tourism (on behalf of Yousuf al Balushi); Times of Oman; Abdus Samad Hussain Siddiqui Family Traveller: Getty Images/Shutterstock Oman Adventure: Oman Sail/Extreme Sailing Series/Mark Lloyd Oman Heritage: National Museum of Oman/Photography © Saleh al-Ruzaqi Landmark travels: Getty Images/Shutterstock Travel Guide: Getty Images/Shutterstock Network News & Welcome Aboard: Oman Air Marketing Communications In-flight Entertainment Guide: Global Eagle Entertainment/ www.geemedia.com (in association with Oman Air)
Oman Air News
Diary Images: Creamfields Music Festival: www.creamfields.com Museum Embankment Festival: Getty Images Art Stage Jakarta: www.artstage.com Gladiator Games: Museum of London/©Britannia/ www.museumoflondon.org.uk La Perle: www.laperle.com IAAF World Championships: Getty Images Sierre-Zinal Mountain Run: www.sierre-zinal.com British Grand Prix: Getty Images
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification
Forest Stewardship Council
Oman Air’s news and events
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The paper used for Wings of Oman Magazine is duly certified by the PEFC and FSC, and contains FSC mix pulp, FSC recycled pulp, FSC controlled wood pulp, and pre-consumer reclaimed papers. The PEFC is an international non-profit non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting good practice in the forest, throughout the entire forest supply chain, to ensure that timber and non-timber forest products are produced with respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards. The FSC is an international, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests. The publisher regrets that they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.
46 On Board
In-flight Entertainment
Also…
Welcome Aboard
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Diary Creamfields Music Festival Where: Daresbury, near Manchester, England When: 24 – 27 August What: Creamfields is the world's leading dance music festival. Born in 1998, the original dance festival set out to provide the clubbing world with a large scale outdoor event and it has gone on to become one of the most popular open air electronic music festivals in the world. It’s famous for its consistent delivery of world-class performers and an unbeatable atmosphere. This year should be no different! Oman Air flies 7 times a week between Muscat/Manchester
More festivals around the world Adventure Travel Film Festival (11 – 13 August, London, England).
Rock en Seine Music Festival (25 – 27 August, Paris, France).
Mysteryland Music Festival (26 – 27 August, Amsterdam, The Netherlands).
Museum Embankment Festival Where: Frankfurt, Germany When: 25 – 27 August What: Frankfurt’s famous Museum Embankment Festival attracts over two million visitors over its three-day duration, every year. It's arguably Europe’s largest cultural festival, and features countless arts and crafts stalls, live music, culinary highlights from around the world, and of course, Frankfurt’s fabulous series of museums along the banks of the Main River. The festival traditionally ends with a spectacular fireworks display on the last night. Oman Air flies 7 times a week between Muscat/Frankfurt
Notting Hill Carnival Where: London, England When: 26 – 28 August What: Join London’s biggest street party as the Notting Hill Carnival fills the streets of West London with Caribbean colours, music and flavours. Watch elaborate floats and colourful costumed performers wind their way through the streets in the carnival parade, while dancing to the sound of steel bands and calypso music. Don’t miss out! Oman Air flies 14 times a week between Muscat/ London
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Diary Art Stage Jakarta Where: Jakarta, Indonesia When: 11 – 13 August What: The second edition of Art Stage Jakarta will take place from 11 to 13 August at the Sheraton Grand Jakarta Gandaria City Hotel. This is the world’s platform to discover and engage with Indonesia’s artists, collectors and galleries, and it bridges the gap between the global art world, and Southeast Asia’s largest and most dynamic contemporary art scene. Oman Air flies 4 times a week between Muscat/Jakarta
Gladiator Games Where: London, England When: 25 – 28 August What: See realistic gladiator games in Guildhall Yard, which sits above the remains of London’s Roman Amphitheatre, during the August bank holiday weekend. Swords, shields and spears clash in an epic battle of strength and skill, as gladiators fight to win ultimate glory. It’s brought to you by the Museum of London, and each one-hour-long show is based on careful research into traditional 1st-century gladiator combat. Oman Air flies 14 times a week between Muscat/London
More events around the world Urmston Artisan Market (5 August, Manchester, England).
Indonesian Independence Day (17 August, Throughout Indonesia).
Family Fun Weekend (26 – 28 August, Bury, near Manchester, England).
La Perle Where: Dubai, UAE When: 31 August – 31 December What: With its one-of-a-kind theatre built in the heart of Al Habtoor City, La Perle is set to be the region’s first resident show, starting from the end of this month. It will feature a cast of 65 artists, each bringing their own unique set of skills to the performance, from acting, to acrobats, to aquatic stunts and aerial acts. They’re also set to incorporate an on-stage pool into the show, creating a visually captivating experience both below and above stage level. Oman Air flies 49 times a week between Muscat/Dubai
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Diary More sport around the world Rock Climbing Bouldering Championship (4 – 5 August, Bangalore, India).
Premier League Football kick-off (12 August 2017 – 13 May 2018, Throughout England).
Zurich Rock ‘n Run Fitness Challenge (26 August, Zurich, Switzerland).
IAAF World Championships Where: London, England When: 4 – 13 August What: In August 2017, London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will light up for a spectacular summer of athletics, with the IAAF World Championships. This will be the biggest global sporting event of the year – and you’re invited! Over 10 magical days, the world’s top athletes will bring the roar back to the iconic stadium that saw Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Usain Bolt race to glory. These Londonbased championships will be the 16th in the event’s 34-year history, after the first IAAF World Championships were hosted in Helsinki in 1983. Oman Air flies 14 times a week between Muscat/London
Sierre-Zinal Mountain Run Where: Southern Switzerland When: 13 August What: The race SierreZinal, also called the ‘Race of Five 4000 metre Peaks’, is considered to be one of the finest mountain running races in the world. It is the oldest mountain race found in its category in Europe’s mountains, and offers participants a significant challenge – with a distance of 31 kilometres, including a total of 2200 metres ascent and 800 metres descent. Incredible scenery, a warm atmosphere and exceptional organisation explain the success and longevity of this challenge. Oman Air flies 5 times a week between Muscat/Zurich
British Grand Prix motorcycling Where: Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, England When: 25 – 27 August What: With more than 60 years of history, Silverstone has become one of the most prestigious motorsport venues – and an eagerly awaited event on the MotoGP motorcycling calendar. This year, the racing should once again be spectacular. There’ll also be interactive racing displays, motorbike exhibitions, fabulous food outlets, a giant funfair, and much more off-track entertainment-fuelled action at the official Grand Prix Village. Oman Air flies 14 times a week between Muscat/London
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Must-see Oman
Wadi Darbat
Latitude: 17° 6' 19" N Longitude: 54° 27' 11" E
In Oman during the summer months, while the rest of the Arabian Peninsula is swelteringly hot, Salalah and Dhofar are where you and your family can come chill out – literally – in the region’s cool ‘Khareef’ monsoon weather. In particular, Wadi Darbat, with its flowing waterways, green vegetation, and picnic area, offers a blissfully refreshing, scenic and memorable day out. • Oman’s southern region of Dhofar is currently experiencing the blissfully cool, wet weather of the Khareef monsoon season, which takes place from around June to September every year.
• Keep in mind that Wadi Darbat is one of the most visited spots in Dhofar during the Khareef season, so if you want to avoid the crowds, try get here early in the morning, or late in the afternoon.
• During this time, the streams and waterfalls come alive with flowing water; the temperatures drop into the blissfully cool mid-20 degree Celsius range; and the vegetation and foliage in the valleys and surrounding hills around Dhofar turn bright green with the Khareef’s constant light mist and rain.
• Both Wadi Darbat and Darbat Falls are excellent spots for photographs, so bring your best gear and lenses and make sure your battery packs are charged! • Also near Salalah is Al Mughsail Beach, with its Marneef Cave and Al Mughsail blowholes, which shoot giant plumes of water into the air, due to the giant waves surging onto the coastline at this time of year.
• The valleys and waterways of Wadi Darbat are one of the most spectacular spots to visit at this time – where you can relax with your family with a picnic lunch or barbeque, and soak up the peace and tranquility of the area’s natural surroundings.
• There’s also the birdwatching paradise of Khor Rori lagoon, and the famous Souq Al Hafah market in Salalah itself. Another attraction is the old fishing village of Taqah, known for its picturesque Dhofari-style houses.
• Dhofar is famous for its hundreds of mountain springs, which all overflow during the wet Khareef season. One of these is Darbat Falls, which is just next to Wadi Darbat itself, and well worth checking out.
• Finally, don’t miss out on this year’s Salalah Tourism Festival, which began in late June, and which runs until 31 August. The festival is supported by Oman Air and features the very best in Dhofari and Omani culture.
• If you want to get active at Wadi Darbat, you can go for a swim in the natural lake that forms here at this time of year, or head out on one of the paddle boats or kayaks that are for hire here.
Visitor Information Wadi Darbat and the Darbat Falls are just over an hour’s drive east of Salalah, and make for an ideal morning or afternoon trip out of the city. Wadi Darbat itself has been transformed into a nature park (with picnic areas and toilets) and is easily accessible from the main Salalah – Mirbat road.
• During your visit, there’s a good chance you’ll share the Wadi with the camels and cows that make their way to Wadi Darbat each day to graze on the delicious green grass and foliage in the area. The birdlife is also fantastic so bring your binoculars.
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Check Out
During the day and at night, Zurich is one of Europe’s true travel delights
Zurich: Travel joys in the Jewel of the Alps Whatever you do in Zurich, don’t miss out on these delightful ‘Made in Switzerland’ travel experiences in and around the city. Discover Zurich’s street secrets: Zurich’s countless small alleyways, public squares and street corners hold many secrets. For the traveller, they all offer an opportunity for endless exploration. Along with this, Zurich’s picturesque Old Town tells the story of the city’s 3 500-year-old history on the Lindenhof, at Schipfe and in the Niederdörfli quarter.
See the skyline from Karlsturm Tower: The towers of Zurich’s Grossmünster buildings are an icon of the Zurich city skyline, and it’s possible to now climb to the top of the Grossmünster’s Karlsturm Tower, where you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular panorama of the city.
Take a dip in Lake Zurich: A refreshing swim in Lake Zurich or the River Limmat is as much a part of the Zurich experience as a ride in a pedal boat or an evening spent in one of the lakeside eateries. And summer is the time to do it!
Happily hydrate: Zurich is home to over 1 200 water drinking fountains and – say the city’s official tourism board – the water flowing out of the pipes is of drinking quality and can be consumed without a problem!
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Check Out
Take the Little Red Train: The historical Polybahn, or ‘The Little Red Train’ as it is fondly known, is a convenient way (it only takes 100 seconds) to get to the plaza on top of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology – from which you can get superb views of the city. Indulge the shopper within: The world’s most luxurious shopping mile – known as the Bahnhofstrasse – in Zurich, and is where you can indulge the shopper within at the countless boutiques, department stores and design stores located here. Summit the Uetliber: The 870 metre-high Uetliber, in central Zurich, can be reached either with Uetliberg Railway in just 20 minutes, or if you’re feeling energetic, you can walk to the top in just over an hour. Once you’re on the summit, you’ll be able to breathe Fresh Swiss Alps air, and get fantastic views of the city.
Zurich delicacies
Sweet Temptations: Light and airy Luxemburgerli macaroons from Sprüngli, or exquisite Swiss chocolate from Lindt, Läderach or Vollenweider? When you’re in Zurich, you absolutely cannot miss out on these classic, mouthwatering treats.
‘Summer is the time for a refreshing swim in Lake Zurich or the River Limmat’ 19
Check Out
Bahnhofstrasse: Zurich’s famous luxury shopping street
Zurich’s alleyways, public squares and street corners hold many serendipitous secrets
Visit Zurich Zoo: Zurich Zoo is well known as one of the best and most attractive animal parks in Europe. It plays a leading role particularly in the areas of education and the protection of nature and species. Explore cultural Limmat: At Limmat, one of Zurich’s key cultural zones, there’s the National Museum, Kunsthaus Zürich, Cabaret Voltaire and Zurich Opera, and many more cultural institutes to explore. For a cultural day and night out, this is where you want to be! Zurich Icons: Dolder Grand Zurich is in no shortage of high quality hotel offerings. But one of the icons of hospitality in the area is the famous Dolder Grand, which has been the very epitome of Swiss hospitality since as long ago as 1899, and which, after a complete renovation to the place in 2008 created the new beginnings of what is now the Dolder Grand 5 Star Hotel. The hotel building, with its three iconic spires, is located high above Zurich in beautiful natural surroundings overlooking the city and Lake Zurich itself; and with views of the Swiss Alps in the distance. Centrally located and easy to access, the Dolder Grand is the ideal spot for an unforgettable stay in Zurich. Plus, during your stay you can look forward to highlights like exquisite cuisine, a museum-like collection of art, award-winning spa, and the nine-hole Dolder Golf Course.
‘On the summit of the 870 metre-high Uetliber, you’ll be able to breathe Fresh Swiss Alps air, and have fantastic views of the city’
Badenfahrt Festival Badenfahrt, the multi-day public festival held not far from Zurich in the town of Baden, only takes place every 10 years. This year, it’s set to go ahead from 18 – 27 August and promises 10 days of live music, parties, theatre, and art – all combined with great cuisine (you definitely won’t go hungry!) at the food markets and stalls that spring up around the festival neighborhood. In the runup to Badenfahrt, the city centre is decorated according to a particular festival theme, and Baden’s entire population seem to become involved in ensuring that the festival is a resounding success.
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Check Out The Dolder Grand luxury hotel and spa
Zurich: Travel Info
Currency: The Swiss Franc (CHF/Fr) is the official currency of Switzerland. One Swiss Franc is made up of 100 Rappen (Rp). Banknotes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 & 1 000 Francs. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10 & 20 Rappen, and 1â „2, 1, 2 & 5 Francs.
Oman Air flies 5 times a week between Muscat/Zurich Travel Info: For more info on what to do in and around Zurich, visit www.zuerich.com
1 Swiss Franc (CHF/Fr) = 0.40 Omani Rial (OMR) 1 Swiss Franc (CHF/Fr) = 1.05 United States Dollar (USD) (July 2017)
Dolder Grand: www.thedoldergrand.com Badenfahrt Festival: www.badenfahrt.ch
Zurich’s picturesque Limmat River
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Check In
Salalah Tourism Festival: 'Oman prosperity and development' This year’s Salalah Tourism Festival got going in late June, and is set to continue until 31 August. It is again being supported by Oman Air, and will this year go ahead under the banner of ‘Oman prosperity and development’. Here’s a visual showcase of what you can except...
The Salalah Tourism Festival is a showcase of the very best of Oman’s culture, crafts, and traditions
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Check In
The festival is a meeting place for visitors and families from all over Oman, as well as the Gulf and Middle East
‘This year’s Salalah Tourism Festival will go ahead under the ‘Oman prosperity and development’ theme’
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2 Right now, the Sultanate’s much-loved Salalah Tourism Festival is once again featuring some of the very best in Dhofari and Omani culture and heritage, and it is meeting place for visitors and families from all over the Gulf and the Middle East. Along with the cooler Khareef season weather, it is a joyful time for all. This year’s festival will again see cultural, heritage, social, sports, artistic and entertainment events taking place throughout the rest of this
4 Images 1 – 4: The Salalah Tourism Festival is a rich and colourful celebration of Omani culture
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Check In
Salalah’s Al Hafah Souq Oman’s time-honoured tradition of basket weaving
Traditional Omani dance
month. There will also be a traditional arts and crafts from 35 different countries represented at the festival, along with the forever-popular traditional village and children’s village. Of course, at the festival grounds, there’s delicious Omani cuisine and sweet delicacies to be had, while you revel in everything on display. Along with many other special events on the go, there are also regular firework displays held on festival nights. If you’re in the Sultanate right now, it’s an event you absolutely shouldn’t miss!
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Check In Dhofar during the cool, wet Khareef season
Visitor Information The Salalah Tourism Festival officially comes to a close at the end of this month, on 31 August. For more information on the festival, visit the official Dhofar Municipality page at www.dm.gov.om or go to www.omantourism.gov.om The popular Wadi Darbat, just outside Salalah
During the Khareef season, Dhofar’s wadis come alive with flowing water and bright green vegetation
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Family Traveller
Cruise around Lake Como
Driving north from Milan, it takes only around an hour to get to the spectacular Lake Como. With its splendid 17th century villas and gardens, surrounding snow-covered peaks of the Italian-Swiss Alps, and the magnificent Lake Como itself, this part of the Lombardy region of Italy is a tourist’s dream destination. For you and the kids, there’s plenty fun to be had – here are five ideas.
Cruise Lake Como: The defining Lake Como experience involves taking a boat cruise along the Lake's shoreline, while travelling from one village to another in a hop-on, hop-off style. You could also charter one of the many skippered sailboats on the Lake, and head out for an overnight cruise; or take the kids on a jet-ski or kayak trip.
spectacular views overlooking Lake Como, as well as the nearby Lake Lugana. The tourism office in Menaggio, on the western shore of Lake Como, can advise you on a wide selection of routes, and also put you in touch with local guides.
Explore the villas: The magnificent historic villas and gardens that are dotted around the shoreline towns of Lake Como provide an opportunity to travel back in time
Take a mountain trek: There are dozens of trekking routes and trails in the mountains where you and your family can get
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Family Traveller to experience the life of the generations of wealthy European families that have lived here for hundreds of years. For a good start, don’t miss out on Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Serbelloni, and Villa Melzi.
Head into the Lake Como skies: Another spectacular way to explore Lake Como is from the air – via seaplane. Since 1913 the town of
‘Don’t leave Lake Como without taking the kids to some of the many excellent ‘gellaterias’ selling ice-cream’
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Family Traveller Como has been home to the only seaplane school in Europe, and these days, it’s possible to take an unforgettable tourist flight over the lake. The possibility of landing on water practically anywhere on the lake, makes this a unique opportunity to discover some of its more inaccessible corners.
Get your Gelato fix: Italian ice-cream? Don’t leave Lake Como without taking the kids to some of the many excellent ‘gellaterias’ selling ice-cream in the small towns around the lake. After an actionpacked day, they’ll love you for it, and it’s perfect to enjoy from a bench next to the water’s edge – while watching the Lake Como world go by.
Visitor Information For more info on what to see and do around Lake Como, visit www.lakecomo.it or go to www.in-lombardia.com
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Oman Adventure
Team Oman Air gets set for Europe The Oman Air sailing team heads into the concentrated European phase of the Extreme Sailing Series season confident they can lift their game to move up the leader board and challenge for the title. With four Acts down and four to go, the crew of the high-performance catamaran yacht have some great performances on their scorecard after intense four-day bursts of racing at venues in Muscat, Qingdao in China, the Madeira Islands, and Barcelona. After the relatively long breaks between the opening Extreme Sailing Series events, the Oman Air team and other crews face a quick-fire series of events which may well decide the outcome of the yearlong contest. “We have been competing at the top of the fleet the whole season and we
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Oman Adventure are competitive, it is all down to very small marginal gains going forward,” said Oman Sail’s veteran tactician and mainsail trimmer Pete Greenhalgh. The established Oman Air crew of Greenhalgh, Omani bowman Nasser Al Mashari and regulars James Wierzbowski and Ed Smyth were joined at the beginning of the year by New Zealand match-racing star Phil Robertson. And while the new team made a great start and won the opening GC32 Championships, a pre-Extreme Series regatta, there is still some fine tuning to be done. A long-standing Extreme Sailing Series sailor, Al Mashari explained that, “We are looking to improve what is still a new team with Phil joining us at the start of the year. We still have things to work on overall, and we are looking forward to putting those in place and getting the results we feel we are capable of.” If one thing is for sure, the battle for first place over the remainder of the 2017 Extreme Sailing Series is going to be very intense.
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Oman Heritage
Treasures from the National Museum: From utility to artistry The course of Oman’s craft history has been determined by the need for functional utility, as well as the need for self-expression through artistry and adornment. Here, the National Museum’s Director-General, Jamal al-Moosawi, as well as the Museum’s Head of Curatorial Unit, Moza al-Wardi, take us on a journey through this rich part of the Sultanate of Oman’s past. (With photography by Saleh al-Ruzaqi/The National Museum). Camel and goat milking baskets (karmah) Origin: Central Oman Materials: Desert palm and goat leather Period: 14th c AH/20th c CE
Utility is the context within which all of Oman’s craft industries have developed. Since the time of the first craftsmen, articles have been manufactured for a recognised purpose on the basis of perceived human needs, the most basic of which – food, water, shelter and safety – are coupled with an innate requirement for self-expression through personal adornment and artistry. It is the means by which such needs have been met, using the materials at hand, that has determined the course of Oman’s craft history. Successful craft skills, once attained, were faithfully passed down from father to son or mother to daughter, sometimes preserved unchanged for centuries, until the requirement for a particular skill or product altered, or until new materials or technologies became available. Fossilised woven palm basket Origin: Ra’s al-Hadd (South ash-Sharqiyah Governorate) Materials: Calcite (fossilised) Period: 3,100–2,700 BCE (Early Bronze Age) Description: Inside the houses of an Early Bronze Age settlement at Ra’s al-Hadd, archaeologists have discovered fossilised imprints of baskets, ropes and nets. The perishable organic materials originally used to produce these objects had been slowly replaced by concretions of calcium carbonate over thousands of years. This find has provided a rare glimpse of materials and techniques used in the local manufacture of such everyday craft objects in prehistoric times.
Date harvesting basket (al-mikhrafa) Origin: Northern Oman Materials: Date palm fibre Period: 14th c AH/20th c CE
The National Museum: Visitor Information Telephone: (+968) 22081500 Facebook: NationalMuseumOman Twitter: NM_OMAN Instagram: NM_OMAN E-mail: booking@nm.gov.om
The National Museum is open daily from 10:00am – 5:00pm (except on Fridays 2:00pm – 6:00pm). These timings are effective from the 1st of May until the 31st of December 2017. The ticket desk closes half an hour before the Museum’s closing times.
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Landmark Travels
A royal adventure at Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of the United Kingdom’s sovereigns since 1837. While they’re still very much in use for official events and receptions held by The Queen, the State Rooms at the palace, which contain some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection, are open to visitors right now, during the month of August, for the official ‘Annual Summer Opening’.
Buckingham Palace’s ‘State Rooms’ are the Palace rooms that were originally designed and built for the Royal Family to receive, reward and entertain their subjects and visiting dignitaries.
This tradition continues today as the State Rooms are still used extensively by the Queen and members of the Royal Family to receive and entertain their guests on state, ceremonial and official
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Landmark Travels occasions. Many of the State Rooms also continue to have particular uses. The Throne Room, for example, is used by the Queen, on special occasions. If you happen to be visiting London at this time of year, while the Queen is away on her summer holidays, you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on Buckingham Palace and a tour of its State Rooms – as well as several other tours on offer. This is one of the truly iconic experiences of London travel and offers you a glimpse into one of the few remaining working royal palaces in the world today.
According to the Royal Collection Trust, the Palace’s nineteen State Rooms predominantly reflect the taste of George IV who reigned from 1820 until 1830, and who commissioned the transformation of what had previously been known as Buckingham House into a grand palace. Today these State Rooms are furnished with many of the greatest treasures and outstanding works of art and design from the Royal Collection – including paintings, sculpture, porcelain, and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world – and they provide a magnificent backdrop to the events that take place here, year after year. Visitor Information For its ‘Annual Summer Opening’, Buckingham Palace opens from 22 July to 1 October (Open daily from 09:30am – 7:30pm), and 1 September to 1 October (Open daily 09:30am – 6:30pm). There are a range of tours available, including guided tours, with varying prices for each one. (A typical visit lasts between 2 hours and 2 hours 30 minutes). For more information, go to www.royalcollection.org.uk
'A tour of Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms offers you a glimpse into one of the few remaining working royal palaces in the world today' 39
Travel Guide
Savvy Traveller The Sultanate of Oman is on the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders the United Arab Emirates in the northwest, Saudi Arabia in the west and Yemen in the southwest. It also has two enclaves – the Musandam Peninsula and Madha – which are separated by the UAE. Oman’s over 3000 kilometre coastline spans the Gulf of Oman in the north and the Sea of Oman (which forms part of the Arabian Sea) in the east.
For the traveller, the Sultanate of Oman has a large variety of experiences:
There are currently four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Sultanate of Oman
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• Aflaj Irrigation Systems • Archaeological Sites of Bat
A wide variety of pristine beaches and islands Spectacular mountains, canyons and wadis World class diving, snorkelling, and other water sports Turtle, dolphin and whale watching Wildlife tours in the Sultanate’s nature reserves and biodiversity spots Cultural sites including forts, ancient tombs and prehistoric cities Desert safaris and adventures A large variety of markets and souqs Museums and art galleries Trekking, rock climbing and caving adventures Horse and camel racing events Golf courses Various festivals, including the popular Muscat Festival and Salalah Tourism Festival.
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• Frankincense Trail • Bahla Fort
Sultanate of Oman: Fact Sheet Area : 3 09 500 km2 Population : 4 568 003 (2 094 616 expatriates) (2017) Language : Arabic (official) English (widely spoken) Capital : Muscat Local Time : GMT +4 Currency : Omani Rial, which equates to US$ 2.58
Travel Guide
Currency
The local currency is the Omani Rial (referred to as RO or OR or OMR). It is further divided into 1000 Baizas. Currency denominations are available in 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 Rial and 500 and 100 Baiza notes. Coins are available in 50, 25, 10 and 5 Baizas.
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Welcome Aboard
Experience Oman Air’s Award-winning Services Welcome aboard! Oman Air is committed to providing you with a safe, reliable and seamless flying experience – enhanced by warm and friendly customer service.
Book and Check-In Online
Oman Air offers an interactive online booking check-in facility for convenient, stressfree airport checkins. The check-in facility is available for departures from Muscat International Airport, as well as a selection of airports on the worldwide Oman Air network. Online check-in is available between 24 hours and 90 minutes before your departure time.
Exclusive First Class and Business Class Check-In
With its own entrance and sumptuous lounge area, dedicated staff, and fast-track security clearance and baggage drop, the First Class and Business Class Check-In service provides an ideal introduction to Oman Air’s extremely high standards of service. These facilities set the tone of refined elegance and luxury which stays with the traveller throughout their journey.
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Welcome Aboard
In-flight Connectivity
Whichever cabin you are travelling in, you can send SMS or make calls to your friends, family or colleagues with our OnAir mobile services. Log-on and check emails, surf the web and update your social media with Oman Air’s WY-Fi internet services. And our greatvalue, flexible pricing means that you can chose the level of connectivity you want whenever you fly on our Airbus A330 or Boeing 787 fully connected flights.
Chauffeur Services Oman Air offers premium travellers a host of distinctive services that will enhance their travel experience. First and Business Class passengers can now take advantage of our complimentary Chauffeur Drive airport transfer service at select destinations across our network. With an attentive service that comes with a personal chauffeur, luxury vehicles and speedy door-todoor transfers, you can now travel in comfort and style with Oman Air.
In-flight Entertainment
Sit back and enjoy your journey in comfort, with a great range of the latest Arabic and international movies, up-to-the-minute TV shows, including satellite TV news, as well as music and games – all at your fingertips, and all on demand.
Oman Air Lounges If you want to experience the privileges of Oman Air’s famous standards of superior comfort and indulge yourself in a relaxing experience before you travel, enjoy a hearty meal, or simply unwind, our lounges ensure a relaxing start to your journey that reflects the outstanding Omani hospitality you will enjoy aboard our aircraft, all whilst preserving key elements of our deeprooted culture and heritage. Relax in our First and Business Class Lounges’ elegant environment and enjoy the very best in hospitality and service as you prepare for your flight. Our Bangkok lounge is designed for customers travelling in First or Business Class, and for those holding Gold and Silver Sindbad cards, and can be used and enjoyed at a minor cost. The Majan Lounge is open to Premium customers travelling on airlines operating from Muscat International Airport and for Oman Air passengers holding Gold and Silver Sindbad membership who are travelling in Economy Class, and can be used and enjoyed at a minor cost. Each lounge also has an experienced and professional team of customer service staff on hand to look after you before you board your flight.
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Oman Air News
Oman Air wins ‘Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East’ at 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards Oman Air has been named as the winner of the ’Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East’ award at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards 2017 – voted for by air travellers based on their own experiences.
The award was presented at a ceremony held at the recent Paris Air Show. It recognises the commitment of Oman Air’s staff to providing their guests with quality, comfort and a seamless passenger experience.
Oman Air extends Ramadan Baggage offer due to popular demand
Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, is delighted to announce its baggage offer introduced for the holy month of Ramadan is now here to stay. As guests
travelling in economy class will continue to be able to travel with two bags (with a combined weight of up to 30kg in total) at no extra charge.
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On Board
In-flight Entertainment Welcome to the world of In-flight Entertainment on Oman Air. Sit back, relax and travel in comfort with a specially curated selection of Western, Arabic and International movies, television and music - all to be enjoyed at your fingertips.
Movies Hollywood
The Fate of the Furious (Fast 8)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Family is forever… until Dom goes rogue. With one member down, the team must take to the streets once more and face their first ever female villain, played by Academy Award-winner Charlize Theron. From the streets of New York to the Arctic tundra, this billion-dollar blockbuster is a globetrotting experience like you’ve never seen before, with more epic stunts featuring series favourites Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, and Michelle Rodriguez.
Join Starlord, Gamora, Drax the Destroyer, Rocket, and the show-stealing Baby Groot as they embark on their next great adventure across the universe. Kurt Russell portrays the father figure in this colourful visual effects masterpiece, which has charmed audiences the world over with its wit, playfulness, and dazzling explosions. See the movie that has inspired its very own ride at the Disney California Adventure Park!
Colossal
Ghost in the Shell
Going in Style
Smurfs: The Lost Village
Tommy’s Honour
*Entertainment Programme varies by aircraft type
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On Board Movies Hollywood Back by Popular Demand
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
BOX OFFICE FAVOURITES
Anna and the King
Chips
La Vie en Rose Raging Bull The Blind Side
Fist Fight Harry and Snowman Kong: Skull Island
MODERN CLASSICS JFK
The Judge
This Means War
John Q
Sleepless
Matchstick Men
Table 19
Maverick Moulin Rouge
The Last Word
One Fine Day
The Lego Batman Movie
Runaway Jury
Worlds Apart SILVER SCREEN CLASSICS
KIDS How to train your dragon
Anastasia (1956) Key Largo
Rio
Hitchcock
The Boss Baby
Music and Lyrics Pay it Forward
Frida
Personal Shopper
The Secret Garden
Meet Me in St. Louis The Seven Year Itch (1955)
And many more... Please see the on-screen guide for your full entertainment line-up
Movies International “Those Who Dare To Love” is the motto of this carefree film depicting a young, daring couple enjoying the sights and sounds of Paris. Director Aditya Chopra’s fourth production is a breezy rom-com that shows off the beautiful physiques of stars Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor, and had an impressive box-office haul of $9 million.
Befikre
SINHALA Raja Mamai Ulath eki pilath eki
BOLLYWOOD CLASSIC Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
FRENCH Amelie Mes Trésors
BENGALI Abhimaan Byomkesh Pawrbo
Can’t Help Falling In Love
KANNADA Santhu Straight Forward Sundaranga Jaana MALAYALAM Kolumittayi Oppam
Four years after Singam II sold out in theatres across India, tough cop Durai Singam has returned for a fiery third installment. Versatile actor Suriya embodies the lead role with energy and enthusiasm, impressive fighting moves and nail-biting car chases. The film’s 100-crore profit after only six days made it one of the biggest worldwide openings in Tamil cinema history.
Singam 3
BOLLYWOOD NEW Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Trapped
MARATHI Kanha Sairat TAMIL Bairavaa Kaatru Veliyidai TELUGU Jyo Achyutananda Premam
The Midwife
And many more... Please see the on-screen guide for your full entertainment line-up
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URDU Bachaana Sultanat
GERMAN Plan B Vier Gegen Die Bank ITALIAN Lasciati Andare The Space Between MALAY J Revolusi Upin & Ipin Jeng Jeng Jeng CHINESE Kung Fu Yoga Show me your love THAI Deadstock One Day KOREAN Because I Love You Unconfessional NIGERIAN Meet the In-Laws Misconception PERSIAN A House on 41st Street Rain was Falling
On Board TV Western BOX SET Prison Break Supernatural BUSINESS Marketplace Middle East The Entrepreneurs
Big Little Lies
Bugatti Chiron: Perfecting Perfection
The cast is stacked, the drama is real, and the sets are breath-taking – welcome to the world of Big Little Lies. Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley star as first-grade mothers who lead a twist-filled caper of murder, violence, and revenge in the coastal town of Monterey, California. Directing the production is Jean-Marc Vallée, who also helmed Dallas Buyers Club and Wild.
French car maker Bugatti stunned the automotive world in 2005 when it introduced the Bugatti Veyron, a car so fast it earned a Guinness Book of World Records title in 2013. Now, follow the team as it strives to surpass the Veyron’s already incredible legacy and engineer the next generation of supercar: the Bugatti Chiron.
COMEDY Life in Pieces The Last Man on Earth
Princess Diana’s Death: Mystery Solved Safari Brothers DISCOVERY CHANNEL
LIFESTYLE Adrenaline Hidden Restaurants with Michel Roux Jr David Blaine: Beyond Magic Stars Of The Silver Screen
Michael Buble: Live at the BBC Talking Books SPORT Anthony Joshua - The Road To Klitschko Marketing. Media. Money
A Taste of Hong Kong 3
Monster Energy Supercross: Chasing the Dream
DRAMA
And many more... Please see the on-screen guide for your full entertainment line-up
Bugs Bunny Show
2 Dudes & A Kitchen
Idris Elba
Star Talk 3
Batman: The Brave and the Bold
MUSIC & ARTS DOCUMENTARY Music Of The Northern Lights
Expedition X: Silk Road Rising
People of Earth
KIDS
TRAVEL Planet Earth
House of Cards
Spirited Traveller
Legion
The Travel Show
TV International HINDI Facetime Sarabhai vs Sarabhai
TAGALOG Gandang Gabi Vice (GGV) The Greatest Love
KANNADA Naati Mane Punch Kajjaya
CHINESE Happy Camp KKBOX Music Awards
TELUGU Telugu Comedy Clips
INDONESIAN Indonesia Bagus The East
Tips and Tidbits
Yaar Mera Superstar
The Umar Sharif Show
TAMIL Pudhu Padam Eppadi Irukku Sunday Galatta
Food Tripping
MALAYALAM Comedy Stars Malayalam Comedy Clips BENGALI Didi No. 1 Rannaghar
Professor T
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo
Happiness Is On The Plate
And many more... Please see the on-screen guide for your full entertainment line-up
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URDU Chand Aur Chanda Honey Moon MARATHI Aamhi Saare Khavvaye Chala Hawa Yeu Dya
KOREAN 2016 Mnet Asian Music Awards Devil’s Runway TURKISH Çok Güzel Hareketler Bunlar Güldür Güldür Show GERMAN Fast Forward Inspector Dupin ITALIAN 1992 Romanzo Criminale FRENCH A Cottage Life Architectones
On Board Audio Western Gewandhausorchester Leipzig & Andris Nelsons
Ryan Adams
Max Richter
Little Fictions
Katy Perry Witness
Imelda May
Life Love Flesh Blood
Lorde
Drake
Automaton
More Life
Fake Sugar
Bruckner: Symphony No.3 - Wagner: Tannhäuser Overture (Live) Three Worlds: Music from Woolf Works
Jamiroquai
Beth Ditto
Prisoner
Elbow
Lil Yachty
Teenage Emotions
Amber Mark 3:33AM
Trombone Shorty
Parking Lot Symphony
Melodrama
Kendrick Lamar
K.Flay
Cashmere Cat
Imagine Dragons
Machine Gun Kelly
Every Where Is Some Where Evolve
DAMN.
Mary J Blige
Strength of a Woman
Max Richter
Black Mirror: Nosedive
The Chemical Brothers Born In The Echoes
Frances
Things I’ve Never Said
Lambert
Sweet Apocalypse
Aquilo
Silhouettes
Max Richter
Sleep (Remixes)
9 bloom
And many more... Please see the on-screen guide for your full entertainment line-up
Audio International Various Artists Chotushkone
Various Artists
Game - He Plays To Win
Lowell Lo
Beyond Imagination TOO
Mehdi Hassan
Classical Ghazals, Vol. 3
Shiny
Jian qiang
Various Artists
Best Punjabi Songs of 2016
Various Artists
My Hits: Hariharan
T.L. Maharajan
Golden Melodies - Popular Tamil Hits
Judika Judika
Various Artists Bhetaludu
Musikimia
Various Artists
Various Artists
José Luis Perales
Bollywood - Happy Hour
2016 Shinning Star - Armaan Malik
Calma
Intersisi
Various Artists
Best of Sonam Kapoor
Seiko Matsuda SEIKO JAZZ
Various Artists Hindi Medium
DPR LIVE
And many more... Please see the on-screen guide for your full entertainment line-up
Coming To You Live
Radio Western & International WESTERN
INTERNATIONAL Oman Unlimited
Malayalam Chart Busters
Maestro Fatafati Hits
Cool Jazz Golden Oldies
H!TO Japan
Melodica
Easy Listening
London Calling
Chennai Parade
Bollywood Masala
Hipster Party
Gaon Countdown Africana Beatz
Top Hitz Sufi For The Soul
The Beat Eurosonic
Urban Vibes
Sinhalese Mix
Mando Blitz
Tollywood Tadka 49