Jakarta and Indonesia: A lifetime’s worth of adventure The inflight magazine of Oman Air | April 2017 | Your Copy To Keep facebook.com/omanair |
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It is a great pleasure to welcome you on board your Oman Air flight today. 2017 is proving to be another exciting year for Oman Air, as we continue to expand both our award-winning fleet and our network. We are continually looking at ways to enhance the guest experience and excess baggage is always a pertinent issue. In order to make this experience even more seamless, last month we signed a new contract with DHL Express in order to have baggage delivered to a final destination at reduced rates. This partnership will enable guests to send excess packages to worldwide addresses in over 220 countries through drop off at any DHL service point in Oman. Packages can then be tracked via phone, sms, email or online through DHL.com.
We are also expanding into Africa! On 27th March, we launched a new four times weekly flight from Muscat to the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. The service will be operated by a Boeing 737-800 and will depart from Muscat and Nairobi four times per week. On 1st May, our inaugural flight from our hub in Muscat to Manchester, UK, will take off. This daily service is in addition to the double daily flights we already offer from London Heathrow and will be the only direct service to Muscat from the UK outside of London. On behalf of all my colleagues, thank you for granting us your loyalty. We are very much aware that our guests determine a successful future of our unique airline. Many thanks for choosing to fly with us.
We have also been busy promoting our ever growing network and fleet during the world’s leading tourism and travel event, ITB Berlin, which took place in March. There was significant interest from both trade and consumer visitors at the fair, consolidating our growing stature in Europe and globally.
We look forward to welcome you back soon again.
With our growing theme, we are continuing to expand our fleet and on 15th March, were delighted to add a brand new Boeing B737-800 aircraft to the 32 we already have in operation. This new aircraft will be used on short and medium haul routes and has a capacity of 162 seats, including 12 award-winning business class seats.
Paul Gregorowitsch Chief Executive Officer
Our services to India have also grown impressively over the last few years and adding to the service currently operating between Muscat and Calicut (Kozhikode), India, we have now launched a new daily direct flight between Salalah, in the Dhofar region and Calicut (CCJ), Kerala. The daily service will be operated by a Boeing 737-800.
‘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
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
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Check Out
Royal Opera House Muscat
Jakarta and Indonesia: A lifetime’s worth of adventure
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Check In
Family Traveller
Condé Nast International Luxury Conference: ‘Mindful Luxury’ in April 2017
Paris: Walking tours through the City of Lights
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Oman Adventure Extreme Sailing Series
Oman Heritage
Treasures from the National Museum: The Omani School of Islamic Doctrinal Sciences
Navigation
34 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
Stone Town: The jewel in Zanzibar’s crown
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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
Savvy Traveller
Media Manager – Advertising & Marketing Vijay Murkute vijay@npaoman.com advertising@npaoman.com
Oman Travel Guide
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Photographic Contributors Getty/Shutterstock/iStock Beirut Fashion Week (www.beirutfashionweek.com) Canton Fair (Getty images) Check In (Condé Nast International Luxury Conference 2017) Check Out (Getty images) Dubai Latino Festival (Dubai Latino Fest/www.dubailatinfest.com) European Independent Film Festival (www.ecufilmfestival.com) Family Traveller (Getty images/Shutterstock) In-flight Entertainment Guide (Global Eagle Entertainment/ www.geemedia.com in association with Oman Air) Landmark Travels (Getty images) Middle East Film and Comic Convention (www.mefcc.com) Must See Oman (Royal Opera House Muscat/Photography © Khalid Al Busaidi) Network News & Welcome Aboard (Oman Air Marketing Communications) Oman Adventure (Oman Sail/Jesus Renedo/ GC32 Championship Oman 2017) Oman Heritage (National Museum of Oman/Photography © Saleh al-Ruzaqi) Paris to Roubaix Cycling Race (Getty images) The Boat Races (Getty images) Travel Guide (Getty images/Shutterstock) Tulip Festival (Shutterstock) Virgin Money London Marathon (www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com)
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification
Forest Stewardship Council
Oman Air News
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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.
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Diary
Dubai Latino Festival Where: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, UAE When: 13 – 15 April What: Get ready for revelry – Latino style! For the Dubai Latin Fest 2017, you can look forward to a festival crammed with six music concerts, 12 DJ night parties, fun boat cruises, mouth watering food and flavours, art, outdoor films, dancing workshops with more than 20 world champion professionals, plus breathtaking dance shows and much more! Oman Air flies 70 times a week between Muscat/Dubai (49 Oman Air) (21 code share flights with Emirates)
European Independent Film Festival Where: Paris, France When: 21 April – 23 April What: The European Independent Film Festival provides a platform for risk-taking storytellers to reach the broadest audiences possible. ‘We are the perfect venue for bold and visionary filmmakers to present their work to the cinema-loving public who are actively seeking alternatives to commercialhungry major studio projects,’ the organisers explain. Oman Air flies 5 times a week between Muscat/Paris
More festivals around the world Songkran Water Festival (13 – 15 April, Bangkok, Thailand).
Munich Spring Festival (21 April – 7 May, Munich, Germany).
Frontiers Rock Music Festival (29 – 30 April, Milan, Italy).
Tulip Festival Where: Amsterdam, The Netherlands When: Throughout April What: The tulip is one of the most enduring symbols of the Netherlands, and to celebrate this, every spring, the city of Amsterdam goes ahead with their very colourful Tulip Festival. Throughout April, and especially during the first half of the month, more than 500 000 brightly coloured, inbloom tulips are put on display in and around the city’s gardens. Oman Air flies 7 times a week between Muscat/Amsterdam (via code share flights with KLM)
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Diary Middle East Film and Comic Convention Where: Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE When: 6 – 8 April What: The Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) returns for its sixth edition this month, and promises an even bigger spectacle than its highly successful 2016 event, which attracted over 60 000 fans. What’s on? This will be a showcase of both regional and international entertainment and popular culture including some of the world’s biggest brands in film, TV, sci-fi, animation, comics, collectibles and more. Come and join the fun! Oman Air flies 70 times a week between Muscat/Dubai (49 Oman Air) (21 code share flights with Emirates)
More events around the world Manila FAME Design Show (21 – 23 April, Manila, Philippines). ‘Burning of the Böögg’ Spring Celebration (21 – 24 April, Zurich, Switzerland).
Arabian Travel Market (24 – 27 April, Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre, UAE).
Beirut Fashion Week Where: Beirut, Lebanon When: 18 – 22 April What: Beirut Fashion Week is a glamorous, fiveday presentation of fashion designers, worldwide fashion trends, and fashion events in the beating heart of Beirut. The event is officially recognised in fashion circles worldwide, and takes place biannually in April, as well as November.
Canton Fair Where: Guangzhou, China When: April/May What: The gigantic import and export fair known as the Canton Fair is held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou, China. Pretty much every manufactured product you could think of gets showcased at the fair over three phases. In Phase 1 (15th to 19th April) its electronics and automobiles; in Phase 2 (23rd – 27th April) its consumer goods and gifts; and in Phase 3 (1st – 5th May) its clothing, medicines, and recreational products. For business owners and entrepreneurs especially, it’s a not-to-miss experience. Oman Air flies 4 times a week between Muscat/ Guangzhou
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Diary The Boat Races Where: River Thames, London, England When: 2 April What: The officially named ‘Cancer Research UK Boat Race’ is the famous annual rowing race held between crews from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge along a 4.2 mile (6.8 km) tidal stretch of the River Thames in south-west London. It is one of the oldest sporting events in history and every year, is watched by thousands of spectators who line the banks of the Thames on race day. Oman Air flies 14 times a week between Muscat/London
Paris to Roubaix Cycling Race Where: Paris and northern France When: 9 April What: The legendary ‘warm-up’ to the Tour de France – the Paris to Roubaix Cycling Race once again goes ahead this month for its 115th edition. And once again, spectators can witness the world’s greatest road cyclists making their way over some of the race’s famous rough cobblestone tracks from the town of Compiègne, which is just north of Paris, to Roubaix, near the France/Belgian border. Oman Air flies 5 times a week between Muscat/Paris
More sport around the world Indian Premier League cricket (5 April – 21 May, Various venues throughout India).
Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix (14 – 16 April, Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain).
Singapore Rugby 7s (15 – 16 April, National Stadium, Singapore).
London Marathon Where: London, England When: 23 April What: This month, you can join thousands of runners as they make their way through the streets of London for the Virgin Money London Marathon. Whether you walk it, run it, or watch from the sidelines, it’s guaranteed to be a good time. The route takes in some of London’s most impressive scenery and landmarks too, so it is no wonder that the race organisers have dubbed it a ‘historical jog around London.’ Oman Air flies 14 times a week between Muscat/London
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Must-see Oman
Royal Opera House Muscat
Latitude: 23° 36' 49" N Longitude: 58° 28' 4" E
Established by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said as a gift to the people of Oman, the Royal Opera House Muscat is distinguished not only by its magnificent architectural beauty, but also by its state-of-the-art acoustics and technologies, writes Dr. Patricia Groves, ROHM's Consulting Writer & Editor. (Photography by Khalid Al Busaidi). • Quickly gaining a reputation for diversity and world-class quality, since the Royal Inauguration in October 2011, Oman’s unique Opera House has presented many of the world’s greatest operas and ballets, as well as top-notch symphonic concerts, jazz bands, contemporary dance companies and cultural shows from around the world.
The Four Seasons by Italy’s finest chamber orchestra, I Solisti Veneti with sand-painting illustrations by the amazing young Omani artist, Shayma Al Mughairy. In a highly acclaimed production by the American Ballet Theatre, Giselle is danced as never before. Next, the world-renowned Swingles sing a capella with mesmerising vocal effects and dazzling choreography. ROHM’s free Pipe Organ Symposium demonstrates the changing styles of music through the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern Eras. Two nights later, ROHM’s magnificent pipe organ is played solo, with an orchestra, chamber groups, pianos and drums. What better way to end ROHM’s April music festival than with the great jazz singersongwriter, American jazz diva, Dee Dee Bridgewater, known for brilliant tributes to Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, as well as for creating new horizons in music.
• With its symphony of arches and colonnades, the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) is beautiful to behold during the day when the polished limestone cladding of the massive structure glows in the rays of the sun, and at night when the elegant architectural contours are subtly illuminated by thousands of lights. • The ROHM Auditorium is innovatively designed as a flexible, multi-purpose facility, serving as both a concert hall and theatre, and changing from one physical configuration to the other, literally with the flick of switches. The Auditorium has a maximum seating capacity of 1,100.
Visitor Information The Royal Opera House Muscat is located on Al Kharjiyah Street, in the central Shatti Al Qurum district of Muscat. For more information including a description of all 2016/17 performances, please consult ROHM’s comprehensive website, www.rohmuscat.org.om
• Set in formal landscaped gardens, the ROHM complex includes the main building with two graceful entrance halls, a palatial foyer called the Grand Hall, the Auditorium, two elegant VIP lounges, a remarkably beautiful Royal Suite, rehearsal studios, dressing rooms and administrative offices. There’s also the the Opera Galleria – ROHM’s flagship shopping and fine dining destination.
The Royal Opera House Muscat currently offers guided tours of the main theatre complex every day of the week from 8:30am until 2:00pm, except Fridays and public holidays. The cost is OMR 3 for Adults, OMR 1 for Children and OMR 2 for Groups.
• For the month of April, the Royal Opera House Muscat celebrates Spring with Giselle, one of the world’s best loved Ballets, and a gorgeous shower of music from around the world. April opens with Vivaldi’s
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Check Out
Sunrise at Jatiluwih ricefield in Bali
Jakarta and Indonesia: A lifetime’s worth of adventure
Indonesia’s massive, sprawling capital of Jakarta sits on the northwest coast of the island of Java. The city’s historic mix of cultures – Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and European – have all played a role over hundreds of years in shaping it into one of Asia’s most exciting and interesting cities. Combined with the rest of the country’s vast tracts of wilderness, Jakarta and Indonesia offer travellers a lifetime’s worth of adventure… times laughable. Jakarta also has its overcrowding problems, as well as a disparity between the rich and the poor that is something that first time travellers to the city might find quite shocking.
From exploring its green parks and historical buildings and landmarks, to cosmopolitan shopping, sampling exotic Jakarta cuisine and enjoying the city’s café culture; investigating the city’s burgeoning art scene, staying at one of Jakarta’s ultra-luxurious hotels, and enjoying some of the of the hippest and most happening nightlife scenes in Southeast Asia; there are plenty of things to appreciate in Jakarta.
But despite these odds, the people of Jakarta are renowned for their friendliness and positivity, and it seems Jakarta cannot help but keep moving forward. Of course, Jakarta is also the gateway into the rest of the Indonesian archipelago. With over 17 000 islands, and now well over 250 000 million people living on them, and a massive diversity of animal life, plant life, and marine life spread out over the archipelago, Indonesia
A city of this size however, is guaranteed to have its share of problems. With an estimated 12 million people using the city’s roads every day, the amount of traffic congestion and traffic jams is at
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Check Out
seems like it is its very own continent at times. There are six broad regions in Indonesia that offer a world of endless experiences and adventures for the modern day traveller… There’s Sumatra, with its majestic (and still smouldering) volcanoes, lush jungles, exotic wildlife, and dream-like deserted beaches scattered around the island rugged coastline. Then there’s the giant island of Java – home to the capital Jakarta itself – which besides being Indonesia’s political and economic epicenter, also has mesmerising natural beauty, and a fascinating array of cultural traditions. Then, occupying three quarters of the island of Borneo, is Indonesia’s Kalimantan region, which harbours vast tracts of thick jungle, inhabited by native peoples like the Dayak tribes, who have coexisted in harmony with their forest lands for thousands of years, and who remain somewhat of an enigma and mystery to the modern-day world.
The Borobudur temple compounds in Java
‘Jakarta is the gateway into the rest of the Indonesian archipelago’
The island of Sulawesi is another spectacular, relatively untouched region of Indonesia. There are pristine beaches and coral reefs to explore along Sulawesi’s coastline, along with volcanic mountains and exotic fauna and flora.
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Check Out Jakarta is a gateway to the beauty and charm of rural Indonesia
‘There are six broad regions in Indonesia that offer a world of endless experiences and adventures for the modern day traveller’
Jakarta’s National Monument in Merdeka Square A young Bali dancer performing the Ramayana dance
On the tourist paradise of the island of Bali, as well as West and East Nusa Tenggara (and the island of Lombok), you will find the Komodo National Park, along with lush, green rice terraces, excellent surfing conditions, and the chance to experience some of the best of Indonesia’s cultural traditions. Finally, at Maluku and Papua, travellers can explore huge expanses of unspoiled beach and corals reefs, jungles, rivers, waterfalls, and mountains. With the distance between the western and eastern part of Indonesia being around 4 000 kilometres, it’s been said that the country is almost unimaginably vast. Where do you start exploring? It’s a tough question! You’re guaranteed to have a lot of fun in Jakarta, but you’re also guaranteed to see some of earth’s most spectacular natural treasures (and cultural treasures) throughout the rest of the country. The only solution would be to make not just one trip, but to return many times!
Travel Token: Jakarta Nothing symbolises Jakarta more than its 132 metre high National Monument, in the centre of Merdeka Square. For a cheap Rp 5 000 – Rp 10 000, travellers can buy their own miniature replica of the monument to stash in their luggage and take back home.
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Check Out
Indonesia: Travel Info Oman Air flies 4 times a week between Muscat/Jakarta
Currency: The Rupiah (IDR/Rp) is the official currency of Indonesia. Frequently used banknotes include the Rp1000, Rp2000, Rp5000, Rp10000, Rp20000, Rp50000, and Rp100000. Frequently used coins include the Rp100, Rp200, Rp500, and Rp1000.
Travel Info: For more info on travelling to Jakarta and Indonesia, check out the official tourism guide www.indonesia. travel
1 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) = 0.000029 Omani Rial (OMR)
Languages: Bahasa Indonesia/Indonesian is the official language of Indonesia, and widely spoken in Jakarta. (Many Indonesians are very fluent in English).
1 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) = 0.000075 United States Dollar (USD) (March 2017)
Indonesia continues to be a surfing and watersports paradise
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Check In
Condé Nast International Luxury Conference: ‘Mindful Luxury’ in April 2017 This month, fashion lovers and purveyors of style can look forward to a line-up of over 40 world-class fashion designers, innovators and influencers sharing their experience and knowledge of the luxury goods and fashion world – at the prestigious Condé Nast International Luxury Conference 2017. The Condé Nast International Luxury Conference 2017 is set to take place this month on 5th and 6th April at the ShangriLa Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa in Muscat. If you love fashion, luxury goods, great design; or if you have an eye for business
success in the fashion and luxury goods industry, you absolutely shouldn’t miss out. After going ahead with the 2015 edition of the conference in Florence, Italy, and then the 2016 edition in Seoul, South Korea, the Sultanate of Oman was selected as the
Seoul, in South Korea, was the host city for the 2016 ‘Future Luxury’ Condé Nast International Luxury Conference
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Check In venue of choice for the 2017 edition, which will go ahead under the banner of ‘Mindful Luxury’, and discuss themes such as ‘New markets for the luxury industry’, the ‘Evolution of global trade routes’, ‘Luxury for the post-luxury consumer’, and ‘The power of the Middle East’. Fragrance is also set to be a key element of the Condé Nast International Luxury Conference, and various speakers will be exploring the creative and financial sides of the business of perfume with the theme, ‘The business of perfume, jewellery and accessories’.
‘If you love fashion, luxury goods, great design; or if you have an eye for business success in the fashion and luxury goods industry, you absolutely shouldn’t miss out’
This month’s conference will go ahead under the banner of ‘Mindful Luxury’
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Check In
The CNI Luxury Conferences are about fashion, luxury goods, great design, and business success in the fashion and luxury goods industry
Attendees can expect two days of on-stage discussions, keynote presentations, story-telling, and experience-sharing from a long list of the world’s top fashion and luxury goods personalities – including the international fashion designers Alber Elbaz, Elie Saab, Giambattista Valli, Manish Arora, and many others, including Oman’s very own fashion design success, Amal Al Raisi. Business leaders in the luxury goods industry like Jimmy Choo’s CEO, Pierre Dennis, the Amouage international luxury fragrance brand’s CEO, David Crickmore, ‘Future Thinker’ Sophie Hackford, and Roberto Vedevotto, the CEO of Kering Eywear will also be present, along with the editors of the leading fashion publications Vogue Arabia, Vogue China, and Vogue India. The Conference will draw on the collective influence of Condé Nast International’s publications, and the vision and knowledge of the world’s most renowned fashion journalist, and International Vogue Editor, Suzy Menkes, who will be bringing her in-depth knowledge and love of fashion to what is guaranteed to be an exciting 2017 edition.
‘Attendees can expect two days of on-stage discussions, keynote presentations, story-telling, and experience-sharing from a long list of the world’s top fashion and luxury goods personalities’ 25
Check In
The CNI Luxury Conferences draw on the vision and knowledge of renowned fashion journalist, Suzy Menkes
• For more information on the Mindful Luxury: Condé Nast International Luxury Conference 2017, and the full line-up of speakers scheduled to be featured at the conference, go to www.cniluxury.com. You can also find regular updates on Instagram (@cniluxury) and Twitter (@CNILuxury). • Oman Air, and Place Vendôme Qatar are set to be the co-lead partners for the Conference, along with host partner Port Sultan Qaboos Waterfront. Sponsors also include the Omani Ministry of Tourism, Omantel, and Al Mouj Muscat (The Wave). • The Condé Nast International Luxury Conference 2017 will go ahead under the patronage of H.E. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, the Sultanate of Oman’s Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Attendees can expect two days of on-stage discussions, keynote presentations, and story-telling from the world’s top fashion and luxury goods personalities
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Family Traveller
Paris: Walking tours through the City of Lights As Paris heads into its warmer months, it’s time to lace-up up your walking shoes, and discover the best of the City of Lights on one of its many themed walking tours. One of the best ways to see a city is on foot, by walking. The reason is that firstly, walking around a city keeps you moving and physically active – and happy and healthy. Secondly, it costs nothing to walk, and guided walking tours are inexpensive compared to other modes of sightseeing. Thirdly, there’s just no better way to get up close and personal with a city, and discover its secrets, than by walking.
Besides some of the regular walking tours and routes that explore Paris’s seemingly endless number of tourist hotspots like the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Disneyland Paris, and the city’s charming Latin Quarter; here are some special-interest tours that you and your family will love…
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Family Traveller Walking photo workshop: There are a handful of tours available in the city that combine walking with photography – and the streets and people of Paris as your workshop ‘classroom’. As you stroll your way around the city, a professional photographer will help you compose great-looking travel images. Paris antique markets tour: Paris has a fantastic selection of antique and vintage goods markets. You and your family can take a stroll through them yourselves, or link up with tour company like Discover Walks, who will provide an antique markets expert to advise you on a selection of markets and stores that are likely to carry the grand old things you love – from vintage clothes, to classic furniture pieces, antique jewellery, old religious artworks, and much more. River Seine stroll: Paris’s iconic River Seine links many of the city’s famous landmarks, and it’s very easy to explore them all while doing a self-guided tour along the banks of the river, and over the river’s many beautiful historic bridges. (Travel tip: Before you start exploring, get yourself a Paris Pass – which is an all-in-one comprehensive sightseeing package that gets you discounted or free entry into many of the city’s museums and monuments). Walk the Paris Catacombs: The Paris catacombs were originally limestone quarries, mined for the construction of the city’s buildings. From the late 1700s however, they were used to house the bones of exhumed bodies from Paris’s overcrowded cemeteries. Now, curious tourists can walk through around two kilometres of walls composed entirely of human bones. Sound like fun? Then book one of the dozens of guided walking tours available for this popular Paris attraction. (Note: booking in advance will mean that you skip the often crowded entry line, and also get an exact explanation of what you will be seeing from your guide).
can explore and taste your way through a selection of artisan food and fresh produce. For example, on the Marché D'aligre Walking Food Tour, you will feel like a Paris local, as your guide takes you to chat to shopkeepers and taste local cheese, cured meats and chocolate.
‘There’s just no better way to get up close and personal with a city, and discover its secrets, than by walking’
Paris food tours: With companies like Original Food Tours, who offer a range of food walking tours in around the city, you and your family
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Oman Adventure
Team Oman Air make flying Extreme Sailing Series start in Muscat As the 11th season of the Extreme Sailing Series, the world’s most famous stadium yacht racing event, gets underway, Team Oman Air has its sights set on the top step of the podium. Revved up and ready for the opening regatta, Oman Air’s highly experienced sailors think there is no better place to start the fight for first than on their home waters just offshore of the Sultanate of Oman’s capital, Muscat.
All the teams now race high-tech one-design GC32 catamarans which can reach almost 40 knots as they rise, almost magically, out of the water balanced on their foils. With races won – and lost – by seconds, the Oman Air crew made the most of the first ever GC32 Championship at the beginning of March 2017, a prequel to the Extreme Sailing Series opener, winning it decisively. Hosted at Al Mouj Muscat by Oman Sail, the event combined 11 competitors from the Extreme Sailing Series and the GC32 Racing Tour.
‘Racing at home is always special and a cause for pride for me,’ explains Team Oman Air’s Omani bowman Nasser Al Mashari. ‘Hopefully we will do well and do Oman Air and my country proud.’ It’s a view shared by Oman Air’s veteran mainsail trimmer and tactician, British ace Pete Greenhalgh, who says, ‘We are thrilled to be returning to Muscat. It is beautifully warm and can be very windy which makes for some great racing. We also love competing in front of a home crowd where our sponsors and supporters turn out to spur us on.’
Stiff competition throughout the rest of the season is sure to come from the likes of Team Alinghi (the 2016 champions), as well as the experienced SAP Extreme Sailing Team, and Austria’s Red Bull Sailing Team. But, of course, come the final day of racing on 3rd December 2017, Team Oman Air will be hoping to be back on top!
Al Mashari and Greenhalgh are reunited this year with New Zealand trimmer Ed Smyth and Australian second bowman James Wierzbowski – the close-knit core crew now joined by new skipper and helmsman Phil Robertson. No stranger to the Extreme scene with two seasons under his belt, the ultra-competitive Robertson joins the Oman Air team as the 2016 World Match Racing Champion and he says he is relishing the challenge ahead.
Following the Act 1 Muscat opener recently in March, the Extreme Sailing Series takes its Stadium Racing circuit to seven further venues including Qingdao, the Madeira Islands, three European events, including one in the UK and one in Germany, San Diego and Los Cabos, Mexico.
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Oman Heritage
Treasures from the National Museum: The Omani School of Islamic Doctrinal Sciences With the advent of Islam, the study of doctrinal sciences – including Islamic law, Qur'anic interpretation (tafseer), Prophet's traditions (hadīth), theology and philosophy – became a focal priority, and the Omani School of Thought (madrasa) rose to prominence. Here, the National Museum’s Director-General, Jamal al-Moosawi, as well as the Museum’s Head of Curatorial Unit, Moza al-Wardi, explain in more detail the great traditions and work of this historic Omani School. (With photography by Saleh al-Ruzaqi). Among the Omani School’s leading figures was Imam Jabir bin Zaid al-Azdi al-Omani (d. 93 AH/712 CE) the author of ad-Diwan, one of the earliest works in Islamic civilisation.
Encyclopedic works also appeared, addressing issues of Islamic doctrine and becoming important references for authors and researchers in the various social sciences.
Biographical writings appeared in Oman during the first centuries after the Hijrah, in the form of letters exchanged between scientists and the testaments of imams to their trustees and representatives.
In addition to the doctrinal sciences, the contributions of the Omani School extended to astronomy, medicine, mathematics, chemistry, botany, and many other fields of scientific study.
Prose of Perfect Grace (Urjūzat an-Ni'ma alKafiyah) Author: Sheikh Muhammed bin Ibrahim al-Kindi asSamadi an-Nazwi (d. 508 AH/1115 CE) Transcriber: Said bin Abdullah ad-Dagghari Origin: Oman Medium: Ink and opaque watercolour on paper Period: 8 Jumada al-Ula 1353 AH/29 August 1934 CE (al-Busaid Dynasty)
The Light of God to Clarify Arguments and Evidences (an-Noor al-Mustabēn fi Idhah alHujaj wa al-Barahēn) Author and transcriber: Sheikh Abdullah bin Basheer al-Hadrami as-Sohari Origin: Oman Medium: Ink and opaque watercolour on paper Period: 1178 AH/1764 CE (al-Busaid Dynasty) 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 3rd of January until 30th of April 2017. The ticket desk closes half an hour before the Museum’s closing times.
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Landmark Travels
Stone Town: The jewel in Zanzibar’s crown
The charming, historical port of Stone Town is the jewel in Zanzibar’s crown, and where you can immerse yourself in a bunch of unforgettable East African travel adventures…
Stone Town has delicious seafood, palm-fringed beaches, an abundance of marine life and excellent diving conditions offshore, a bunch of recently-opened luxury hotels and lodges, a rich array of historical buildings to be explored, and a fascinating and colourful island culture.
mosques, and secret courtyards. It is also just a fantastic place to get lost for a few hours with nothing but your camera, and an open mind for great memories.
A Stone Town stroll will reveal classic, old Islamic and colonial architecture, featuring elaborately carved wooden doors, coralbuilt walls, set amidst dozens of narrow streets and alleyways,
Head off on a spice tour: A walking tour of some of Zanzibar’s famous spice plantations – which you can book through several tour operators in Stone Town – is the perfect way to immerse
In addition to all of the above, here are some not-to-be missed experiences in and around Stone Town…
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Landmark Travels yourself in the exotic aromas and tastes of the island’s spices, and to experience why Zanzibar was known as the ‘Spice Island’ for many years, as a result of it being one of the world’s leading producers of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon in the 1800s. (The tours often include a delicious, spice-infused lunch at the plantation too).
Collect ‘Tinga Tinga’ artworks: You’ll find East Africa’s brightly coloured ‘Tinga Tinga’ style oil-on-canvas paintings being sold all over the island of Zanzibar, which make for a great travel souvenir to roll up in your luggage to take back home.
Explore Darajani food market: The wonderfully chaotic Darajani market at the old part of Stone Town is filled with traders selling aromatic spices, fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables. It’s a foodies delight – and where you can sample traditional Zanzibar street-food dishes like ‘Mishkaki’ grilled meat skewers, fresh-squeezed sugar cane juice, and strong cups of black coffee.
Explore Stone Town’s historical buildings: On arrival in Stone Town, travellers can immediately begin exploring its historic infrastructure and buildings. There’s the House of Wonders, which is a magnificent structure set on Stone Town’s seafront that was formerly the Sultan of Zanzibar’s residence in the late 1800s, and which has now been converted into a museum of Swahili and Zanzibar culture. The Palace Museum is another of the former sultan’s residences, and also a museum (dedicated to the daily life of the historical Zanzibari royal family). There’s also the Old Dispensary which was built from 1887 to 1894 by a wealthy Indian trader, and which is now preserved as one of the most finely decorated buildings in town, complete with large, carved wooden balconies, and stained-glass windows. And, the Old Fort, adjacent to the House of Wonders, is a heavy stone fortress that was built in the 1600s by the Omani rulers of the day.
Feast at Forodhani Gardens: Another foodie hotspot in Stone Town is the Forodhani Gardens on the waterfront, which turn into a vibrant open-air food market on a nightly basis, and where you can feast on all sorts of seafood and shellfish delicacies – served directly from the barbeque grill.
‘A Stone Town stroll will reveal classic, old Islamic and colonial architecture, featuring elaborately carved wooden doors, coral-built walls, set amidst dozens of narrow streets and alleyways, mosques, and secret courtyards’
Sunset cruise on a traditional dhow: The Zanzibar sunsets are mesmerising, and the best way to experience them is from the deck of a traditional East African wooden dhow, launched from Stone Town. They can also be combined with a day-time snorkelling trip, dolphin watching, and later on, light snacks and sundowner cocktails on deck.
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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 3 165 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
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
• 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 Festival.
• 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 launches direct daily flights between Salalah and Calicut Adding to the service currently operating between Muscat and Calicut (Kozhikode) in the Indian state of Kerala, Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, was delighted to announce the launch of its new, daily direct flight between Salalah and Calicut (CCJ), which began on 27th March 2017. This is the latest move in Oman Air’s ambitious and dynamic programme of fleet and network expansion.
Oman Air announces the addition of Roja Perfumes to its exclusive on-board portfolio Oman Air recently announced that it will be adding what is a brand new collaboration with Roja Perfumes to its exclusive portfolio of on-board products. These exquisite perfumes – which will be exclusively available to First and Business Class guests – will join an impressive range of hand-picked cosmetics, perfumes and accessories available on Oman Air flights.
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On Board
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On Board
Crazy, Stupid, Love.
Allied
Interstellar
Arrival
Life As We Know It
Dancer
Life of Pi
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them I am Bolt
About Schmidt
Jackie
Addicted to Love
La La Land
Before Sunrise
Manchester by the Sea
Chariots of Fire
Moana
City of Angels
Mr. Church
Dangerous Liaisons
Rules Don’t Apply
Hairspray In Her Shoes
Anastasia (1956) Casablanca
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked
Citizen Kane Key Largo
Hugo
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
The Secret Garden
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
Pink Rock On II Sarbjit Ishqiya Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa Saath Saath Gangster Poush Masher Pirit Kotigobba 2 Suli Annmariya Kalippilaanu Thoppil Joppan 20 Mhanje 20 One Way Ticket Kodi Meendum Oru Kadhal Kadhai
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La Folle Histoire De Max Et Leon Up for Love Eine Unerhörte Frau We Used To Be Cool The Space Between Qualcosa Di Nuovo Sabtu Bersama Bapak Super Didi Dukun Doktor Dani Radhi Rudy Bin Dadu I Belonged To You Operation Mekong Khun Phan Suddenly Twenty The Truth Beneath Unconfessional
Attarintiki Daredi Majnu
The Unmarried Wife Vince & Kath & James
Blind Love Janaan
Another Time Born In 1987
On Board
Baby Looney Tunes
Goldie and Bear
Bug’s Bunny
The Tom and Jerry Show
Dora the Explorer Paw Patrol
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Tiny Toon Yogi
A House of its Time - Asia Heritage Residences Access Middle East
Follow the Leader The Truth about Money
Ayurveda: Do It Yourself Cake Boss: The Next Great Baker Inside British Vogue
Black-ish Last Man Standing
Passion for Fashion Smart Secrets Of Great Paintings
Science of Stupid The Cars that Made Us
Your Street My Stage
The Great Math Mystery ATP World Tour Uncovered Harley and the Davidsons Hello World How It’s Made Trailblazers Doctor Who Sherlock The Durrells
Koffee with Karan The Kapil Sharma Show Chinnara Chillipilli Harateya Melaku Naati Mane Punch Kajjaya Boom Boom Telugu Comedy Clips Kallaka Povathu Yaaru Pudhu Padam Eppadi Irukku Sunday Galatta Badai Bungalow Malayalam Comedy Clips Taste Time
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HSBC Golfing World The Outdoor Sports Show 2017
Masters of the Truffle Next Stop Tales from the Bush Larder The Travel Show
Aamhi Saare Khavayye Chala Hawa Yeu Dya Maharashtra Daura Brothers Ill Never Say Goodbye Perhaps Love Tiger Mom Wake Up D’sign Kelas International Tetangga Masa Gitu Another Miss Oh Brainiacs Buyur Bi’ De Burdan Bak Gulduy Gulduy
Didi No. 1 Mirakkel Akkel Challenger Rannaghar
Homicide Hills Greed - A Fatal Desire
Dairh Hoshiyar Tonite with HSY
Perfect Getaway Yoga, Traditional Medicine Of India
On Board
Boy George
Nigel Kennedy
Duke Garwood
My World
Garden of Ashes
Gavin DeGraw
Julian Lage
Courtney Marie Andrews
Bruce Springsteen
Beth Hart
This is what I do Something Worth Saving Chapter and Verse
Cage The Elephant Tell Me I’m Pretty
Live in Los Angeles Fire on the Floor
Dawn Richard Redemption
Joe Bonamassa
Maxwell
Danny Warsnop
De La Soul
Blues of Desperation The Long Road Home
Dolly Parton Jolene
Elvis Presley
For LP Fans Only
Sam Cooke Night Beat
Sade
Best of Sade
Avril Lavigne
blackSUMMERS’night
Cloud Nothings
Life Without Sound
Allison Crutchfield Tourist In This Town
Katie Melua In Winter
and the Anonymous Nobody…
Rick Astley
Alborosie
Graeme Miller & Steve Shill
Freedom & Fyah
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Jah9
The Moomins
Jean-Michel Jarre
ZILLA
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Oxygene Trilogy
Justice Woman
The Best Damn Thing
MMOTHS
Brso, Haitink
Julianna Barwick
Mahler: Symphonie No. 3
Honest Life
Luneworks Will
Fenech-Soler Letherette
Last Night on the Planet
Four Tet
There Is Love in You
Flying Lotus You’re Dead!
Raveendran
Ayilyam Naalil
D. Imman Rubaai
Various Artists
Retro Gold Malayalam
Little Glee Monster Joyful Monster
Kwak Yoonchan La
Oman Unlimited
Malayalam Chart Busters
Maestro Fatafati Hits
Cool Jazz Golden Oldies
H!TO Japan
Chill Out London Calling
Gaon Countdown
Euro Hipster Party
Tollywood Tadka
Top Hitz Sufi For The Soul
Movie Scores Heart-Strings
Mando Blitz
The Beat Eurosonic
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