Milan and beyond! The inflight magazine of Oman Air | February 2017 | Your Copy To Keep facebook.com/omanair |
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As Oman Air continues its dynamic network and fleet expansion in 2017, the airline is investing further in the Engineering and Maintenance Division. We are delighted to be moving into a brand new facility, scheduled for completion at the end of the year, which will provide us with more space to continue our high standards and competent services for our growing fleet. The investment in new facilities will enable Oman Air to further contribute to the national economy of the Sultanate by having almost all maintenance done in Oman. As our services are widely recognised within the aviation industry, we will also be able to increase the number of other airlines we work for and thus create additional jobs.
Ali Redha Al-Lawatiya, Executive Vice President Engineering & Maintenance, Oman Air. It is a great pleasure to welcome you aboard your Oman Air flight today. Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Ali Redha Mohammed Baqir Al-Lawatiya. In April 2016, after having worked for 32 years at Oman Air, I became the Executive Vice President of Engineering & Maintenance. At Oman Air, quality and safety have always been of paramount importance and the Engineering and Maintenance Division works tirelessly to make sure that this top priority is maintained without compromise. A demonstration of this are the technical checks that we recently carried out in Muscat on all of our Boeing 787s. This so called A-check is performed approximately every 1 000 flight hours and needs from 150 to 180 man hours to complete, with the aircraft being on the ground in the hangar for a minimum of 18 hours. Every flight requires well maintained aircraft and the Engineering and Maintenance Division provides aircraft engineering and maintenance services to the company fleet of aircraft and third party customers at the highest standard of workmanship. The department is audited on a yearly basis by various regulatory bodies including the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the Public Authority for Civil Aviation in Oman (PACA). We will continue to excel in these audits in order to assist Oman Air’s progress towards becoming a successful and sustainable company of the highest quality.
We currently provide Technical Ground Handling to 31 airline customers and other ad-hoc operators transiting through Muscat International Airport. On behalf of the entire Engineering and Maintenance team we thank you for the confidence and loyalty you show in choosing to fly with Oman Air. We wish you a comfortable and safe trip on our well maintained fleet and hope to see you again soon.
Ali Redha Mohammed Al-Lawatiya Executive Vice President Engineering & Maintenance
‘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
17 Must See: Oman Al Jabal Al Akhdar
18 Check Out
Milan and beyond!
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Check In
Mindful Luxury: CondĂŠ Nast International Luxury Conference 2017
Family Traveller
Muscat Festival: Colourful showcase of Omani culture
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Oman Adventure
Epic Extreme Sailing Series
Navigation
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
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Oman Heritage
Treasures from the National Museum: Religious Architecture
National Publishing & Advertising LLC P.O. Box 3112, P.C. 112, Ruwi, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24793098, Fax: +968 24708445 Editorial Editing Director Paul Winter paul.winter@npaoman.com
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Mohammad Abu Al Majd Client Servicing Executive Ruwayda Al Barwani
Landmark Travels
Designers Baskaran Kamala Kannan Mohammad Asif
Mount Pinatubo: A fascinating, fun day-trip out of Manila
Media Manager – Advertising & Marketing Vijay Murkute vijay@npaoman.com advertising@npaoman.com Photographic Contributors Getty/Shutterstock/iStock Adam Schlang (London Bike Show Pump Track) (www.thelondonbikeshow.co.uk) Condé Nast International Luxury Conference 2017 Design Icons/www.design-icons.com Dubai Food Festival/www.visitdubai.com Global Eagle Entertainment/www.geemedia.com (in association with Oman Air) India Art Fair/www.indiaartfair.in ISPO Munich/www.munich.ispo.com Oman Air Corporate Communications and Media Oman Sail (www.omansail.com) Omantel Photography © The National Museum/Saleh al-Ruzaqi Rajesh Rajan (Muscat Festival) Rétromobile Motor Show/www.retromobile.com Rise & Shine/www.riseandshine.com.sg
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification
Forest Stewardship Council
40 Savvy Traveller Oman Travel Guide
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Please recycle after use
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.
On Board
In-Flight Entertainment
Also… Welcome Aboard Oman Air News
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Diary India Art Fair Where: New Delhi, India When: 2 – 5 February What: India Art Fair is South Asia’s leading platform for modern and contemporary art. Founded in 2008, the Fair has become the bedrock of a now booming cultural community with connections to every level of the market. The 2017 edition will be focusing on quality, diversity and innovation, and as usual, it should be very interesting and inspiring. Oman Air flies 14 times a week between Muscat/ New Delhi
Guangzhou Spring Flower Fair Where: Guangzhou, China When: 5 – 22 February What: There is an old saying in Guangzhou that goes, ‘No flower fairs – no spring festival!’ Indeed, for the Cantonese people in this part of the world, flowers continue to be an essential and much-loved part of day-to-day life right now. And this month’s Guangzhou Spring Flower Fair, which takes place a few days after the Chinese New Year, is when the city’s streets are filled with the colour and fragrance of beautiful fresh flowers. Oman Air flies 4 times a week between Muscat/Guangzhou
Dubai Food Festival Where: Dubai, UAE When: 23 February – 11 March What: Held every year, the Dubai Food Festival celebrates Dubai’s emergence as a gastronomic destination. The festival offers a calendar of exciting food-related events and promotions, highlighting Dubai’s unique food scene, its food-loving personalities, and its world-class dining experiences. Oman Air flies 70 times a week between Muscat/Dubai (49 Oman Air) (21 code share flights with Emirates)
More festivals around the world Venice Carnival (11 – 28 February, Venice, Italy).
Al Bustan International Music and Arts Festival (15 February – 19 March, Beirut, Lebanon).
South Indian Folk Festival of Kerala (From 20 February, Thrissur, India).
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Diary Retromobile Motor Show Where: Paris, France When: 8 – 12 February What: Paris’ much-loved Retromobile motor show is where motoring heritage and history meet. According to the organisers, this year’s show will feature more artists, more car clubs, more spare parts and scale model vendors, more classic car restorers, and more car sellers doing their level best to satisfy visitors from the four corners of the world! Oman Air flies 5 times a week between Muscat/Paris
More events around the world Interior Design, Décor and Furniture Expo (13 – 15 February, Muscat, Oman).
St. Valentine’s Day (14 February, Italy and worldwide). London Classic Car Show (23 – 26 February, London, England).
Design Icons
Where: Amsterdam, The Netherlands When: 11 – 12 February What: For the Design Icons design show, 60 quality furniture and lifestyle products dealers from all over Europe will return to Amsterdam this month with their finest vintage design pieces from the 1930s to 1980s. A diversity of interior objects will be offered for sale to both professionals and the public – from well-known classics to anonymous designs. (There is free entrance for kids under 16). Oman Air flies 7 times a week between Muscat/Amsterdam (via code share flights with KLM)
Rise & Shine ‘Learn Through Play’ Where: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore When: 17 – 19 February What: The Rise & Shine ‘Learn Through Play’ festival offers parents a great opportunity to discover, learn and enjoy the weekend with their children – all at the same time. Held over 3 days this month, the festival will be packed with activities, entertainment, and contests for children to participate in and amuse themselves throughout the day, while parents can attend our seminars, or shop for toys and books at the festival’s Toys and Books Fair. Oman Air flies 4 times a week between Muscat/ Singapore
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Diary ISPO Sports Exhibition
Where: Munich, Germany When: 5 – 8 February What: This is one of the world’s greatest and largest trade fairs for sporting goods and sportswear. At the Fair this month, you can look forward to nine new exhibit areas in a total of 16 large halls. They’ll all be filled with a spectacular range of sports, sportswear, and sporting lifestyle goods. If you and your family are into a sporty, active lifestyle, ISPO Munich is an absolute must-visit... Oman Air flies 7 times a week between Muscat/Munich
Tour of Oman Where: Muscat, Oman When: 14 – 19 February What: This month, Oman will once again witness dozens of some of the world’s fittest and fastest cycling teams who will be racing on the roads surrounding Muscat for the 2017 Tour of Oman title. This will be the eighth edition of this multipleday stage race, and will take riders through some of Oman’s most spectacular natural and urban terrain, and past many of Oman’s cultural sights. The Italian Vincenzo Nibali was the overall winner in 2016.
London Bike Show Where: London, England When: 16 – 19 February What: The London Bike Show is the UK’s largest cycling exhibition. Whether you’re passionate about road cycling or mountain biking; whether you commute by bicycle to work; or whether you just enjoy a family cycle now and again – you’re sure to find everything you need here, and to have a great two-wheeled day out. Plus, the Show takes place alongside the London Outdoor Adventure & Camping Show; the London Triathlon Show; and the London Oceans Festival – with 1 ticket giving you access to all four of them! Oman Air flies 14 times a week between Muscat/London
More sport around the world Dubai Desert Classic Golf Championship (2 – 5 February, Dubai, UAE).
FIS Alpine World Ski Championships (6 – 19 February, St. Moritz, Switzerland).
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (19 February – 4 March, Dubai, UAE).
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Must See Oman
Al Jabal Al Akhdar
Latitude: 23° 6' 12" N Longitude: 57° 22' 47" E
Al Jabal Al Akhdar – the ‘Green Mountain’, as it means in Arabic – is part of the magnificent Al Hajar Mountain range in Oman. Along with the nearby Jabal Shams (the ‘Mountain of the Sun’), Al Jabal Al Akhdar makes for a spectacular mountain adventure in Oman for you and the family. 1. The Al Hajar Mountain range is in the Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate of Oman, and extends for about 300km in a north-west to south-east direction.
7. Al Jabal Al Akhdar is also famous for its rosewater – which is produced using a traditional distilling process from locally grown and harvested rose petals.
2. Al Jabal Al Akhdar, instead of being an isolated peak, could be considered more of an elevated rocky plateau with its highest point at 2 980 metres high, according to Oman’s Ministry of Tourism.
8. One of the more recently established resorts on the mountain itself is the luxurious Alila Jabal Akhdar, which is surrounded by magnificent views of the Al Hajar Mountains, and which overlooks one of Al Jabal Al Akhdar’s most spectacular gorges. The resort offers guests a gateway to the area’s incredible history, culture and nature.
3. The nearby Jabal Shams peak is slightly higher, at just over 3 000 metres. Jabal Shams is also the highest point in the Sultanate of Oman.
9. Another luxury resort is Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, which is perched at 2 000 metres above sea level on the curving rim of a Al Jabal Al Akhdar’s famous Great Canyon, which you can gaze into throughout the day from the luxury of the resort’s infinity pool!
4. Al Jabal Al Akhdar is known for its Mediterranean climate, with temperatures often dropping to below zero degrees Celsius in the area during winter, and with snow falling on some occasions.
10. For outdoor adventurers, one of the Al Jabal Al Akhdar ‘classics’ is the trekking route around the rim of Wadi Nakhr – the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Oman.
5. Scattered around Al Jabal Al Akhdar and the surrounding region are dozens of tiny, traditional-style mountain villages. Many of them are built on the narrow terraces that the village inhabitants have dug into the side of the mountain over a period of hundreds of years.
Visit Al Jabal Al Akhdar The lower slopes of Al Jabal Al Akhdar are around an hour’s drive from Nizwa (which is itself around an hour and thirty minutes’ drive from Muscat). But from here on (as per government regulations) a four wheel drive will be required to access the higher parts of the mountain.
6. On the terraces themselves, a variety of fruits are grown by the local villagers – such as pomegranates, apricots, dates, plums, figs, grapes, apples, pears, and bananas, as well as almonds, walnuts and saffron.
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The picturesque Cinque Terre fishing villages
Milan and beyond! Besides being the fashion and finance capital of Italy, Milan has dozens of travel adventures just a short journey away that can be enjoyed in a day. Here are some of the highlights...
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Check Out Cruise around Lake Como: Driving north from Milan, it takes only around an hour to get to one of the most spectacular lake regions in the world – Lake Como. Once you arrive, you can explore splendid 17th century villas and gardens, ancient Renaissance architecture, walking trails around the lake itself, and do so while gazing up at the glorious peaks of the ItalianSwiss Alps. The defining Lake Como experience however, involves hopping on a traditional ferry for a hop-on, hop-off cruise from village to village around the lake’s shoreline. Stroll around Venice: Did you know that Venice is an easy three-hour journey by road from Milan? Well it is, and this means that even if you don’t have much time on your itinerary, you and your family can still get a memorable taste of this iconic city for a day or two. Also, once you arrive, all that’s left for you to do to experience much of Venice’s architecture and cultural landmarks is simply to take a stroll around town. Of course, you can also ride one of Venice’s traditional gondola boats through the city’s historic canals. Or attend one of the very popular glass-making workshops that are hosted by Venice’s legendary glass-makers. Visit the Ferrari Museum: About a two hour’s drive from Milan, near the city of Modena, is Italy’s famous Ferrari Museum. Dedicated entirely to this legendary sports car, the museum has many of Ferrari's most iconic cars from the past and present on display. There’s also a fascinating array of trophies, old photographs and Ferrari memorabilia to see. Shop at Fidenza Village: For serious fashionistas, there’s probably no better place in the world to be than Milan. But for those wanting to head out of the city for the day, about an hour and a half’s drive from Milan is the luxury retail venue of Fidenza Village, where you can shop for high-end, luxury brands at more than 100 fashion and lifestyle boutiques. Explore the historical towns near Milan: There are dozens of historical towns just a short distance away from Milan, which can easily be visited in a day, and which all have a rich architectural and cultural heritage. Plus wherever you go, you’ll surely find delicious Italian cuisine for when you’re hungry. Along with many more historic towns, you can visit Cremona, which is famous for its handcrafted violins, as well as the Torrazzo – 13th century, 112.7 metre high bell tower that (which you can climb for fantastic views of the town and countryside below). The tower also features the largest astronomical clock in the world. Another travel highlight near Milan is Parma – the beautiful university city in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, known for its Parmesan cheese and other delicacies, and its many historical buildings and landmarks. If you time your visit well, you can also attend a classical concert at the historic Teatro Regio Opera House.
'Cinque Terre is a collection of five centuriesold seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. The region is as picturesque as they come, and many travellers take the high-speed train from Milan to get here'
Soar into the Milan skies: Just outside Milan, with charter services such as Balloon Team Italia, it’s possible to take to the skies in a hot air balloon for a spectacular bird’s eye view of some of Milan’s iconic buildings, as well as the surrounding landscape as it stretches away towards the magnificent snowcapped Italian Alps.
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Soar into the skies and see Italy and Milan from a hot air balloon
Take the family to Volandia Aviation Museum: Just under an hour’s drive from Milan is the Volandia Aviation Museum, which ‘tells the epic tale of aeronautics in all its forms, from the pioneering flights of the beginning of the 20th century, up to the futuristic convertiplane, from hot-air balloons to the conquest of space,’ as the museum guide describes it. There are famous aircraft on display here, as well as flight simulators, a planetarium, model aircraft, a library, movies, a restaurant, and an official Volandia Store, so it’s a great place to take the family.
to steep terraces, and each of the village harbours are filled with traditional-style fishing boats. The region is as picturesque as they come, and the seafood is delicious too! Many travellers take the high-speed train from Milan to Cinque Terre. (At around three hours to get there, and three hours back, it’s a long journey for a single day – but there’s beautiful scenery along the way, which makes the trip worthwhile).
'The defining Lake Como experience involves boarding a traditional ferry for a hop-on, hopoff cruise from village to village around the lake’s shoreline'
Visit Cinque Terre fishing villages: Cinque Terre is a collection of five centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. In each of the towns, colourful houses and vineyards cling
The historical town of Cremona
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Travel Token: Milan Any trip to Milan is not complete without numerous servings of Milano ‘gelato’ icecream, as well as plenty cups of the city’s legendary espressos. But unfortunately, you cannot take these home! Looking for a travel souvenir? Fashionistas might consider a pair of hand-crafted, made-inMilan luxury leather gloves; foodies might choose a bottle of herb or truffle-infused olive oil pressed from olives grown in the region; football fans can pick up an official jersey from one of the world’s greatest football clubs – AC Milan; and lovers of classical music and the arts can purchase an electronic copy of one of Milan’s La Scala Opera House performances from the official La Scala store…
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the improved hydration
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Check Out
Milan: Travel Info Oman Air flies 7 times a week between Muscat/Milan Travel Info: For more info on what to see and do in Milan, go to www.turismo.milano.it When to go: Most travel guides say that the best time to visit Milan is either in spring, from around April to May, or in autumn, from around September to October. This is when Milan is neither too hot, nor too cold, and when the city and its surrounding attractions aren’t overcrowded with tourists. Languages: Italy’s official language is Italian. (English is frequently spoken in the areas that cater to tourism). Currency: The Euro (EUR/¤) is the official currency of Italy. (There a 100 cents in a Euro). Euro banknotes come in ¤5, ¤10, ¤20, ¤50, ¤100, ¤200, and ¤500 denominations. Coins come in 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, as well as ¤1 and ¤2 denominations. 1 Euro (EUR) = 0.41 Omani Rial (OMR) 1 Euro (EUR) = 1.07 United States Dollar (USD) (January 2017)
Venice is an easy three-hour journey by road from Milan
The spectacular Lake Como, just north of Milan
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Check In
Mindful Luxury: Condé Nast International Luxury Conference 2017 The Condé Nast International Luxury Conference 2017 will take place on 5th and 6th April 2017 at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa in Muscat. It is one of the most prestigious and significant conferences of the luxury and fashion world, and for anyone with an eye for luxury, refined style, and business success, it’s guaranteed to be an interesting, inspiring, and spectacular time.
Launched in 2015 in Florence, Italy, the Condé Nast International Luxury Conferences draw on the collective influence of Condé Nast International’s publications, and the vision and knowledge of the world’s most renowned fashion journalist, Suzy Menkes, International Vogue Editor. In essence, the 2017 edition of the conference is set to be an international gathering of luxury industry opinion leaders, and will go ahead under the banner ‘Mindful Luxury’. Attendees can expect two days of on-stage discussions, keynote presentations, storytelling, and experience-sharing from a long list of the world’s leading decision-makers, influencers and innovators in the luxury industry, such as designers Elie Saab, and Alber Elbaz. There will also be various high-profile social and networking events on the go.
The 2017 edition of the conference will be an international gathering of luxury industry opinion leaders
Among several other topics that will be explored, the Luxury Conference 2017 speakers will discuss themes such as ‘New markets for the luxury industry’, the ‘Evolution of global trade routes’, ‘Luxury for the post-luxury consumer’, ‘The power of the Middle East’, and ‘The Business of perfume, jewellery and accessories’.
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The conference went ahead in Florence, Italy, in 2015, and then in Seoul, South Korea, in 2016
‘Fragrance is a key element of the Condé Nast International Luxury Conference in Oman, and we will explore the creative and financial sides of the business of perfume,’ says Menkes. ‘I am so happy to announce that designer Alber Elbaz will be coming to the conference to share his vision for fragrance, as well as his wider views and thoughts on the luxury and fashion industry. Alber will be taking part with Frédéric Malle, the renowned Parisian perfumier who has created an empire based on craftsmanship, vision and imagination. I am looking forward to discussing with them how they are working together. I will also be talking with David Crickmore, the CEO of Amouage – the Omani luxury fragrance house that has gone global.’
‘I think that one of the very special things that comes to mind about Oman is that, it seems to have always had a timeless attitude towards luxury,’ explains Menkes. ‘Oman is also a country that in a sense has always looked outwards, and since ancient times, it has had a unique perspective on the world by being a centre of trade and the early trading routes like the Silk Route. With this in mind, I think Oman is in an exceptional position to host this luxury conference.’ Certainly, the very mention of Oman brings up thoughts of exotic scents, and luxury fragrances, and the conference will be showcasing this very unique quality of the Sultanate. For more information on the Mindful Luxury: Condé Nast International Luxury Conference 2017, and a full line-up of the speakers to be featured at the conference, check out to www.cniluxury.com.
Attendees can look forward to formal on-stage talks, keynotes and interviews from a spectacular line-up of speakers
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Check In
One of the several themes to be discussed at the conference will be ‘The business of perfume, jewellery and accessories’
Suzy Menkes, fashion’s leading authority, writes for all 21 international Vogue websites, reaching 38.2 million unique users in 15 languages across the globe. She is also active on social media, with over 290 000 followers on Instagram. Frank, fearless and free from editorial constraints, she has built a reputation for having a strong and independent point of view.
Suzy Menkes, International Vogue Editor
Suzy brings to her worldwide audience a deep knowledge, experience and love of fashion. Suzy Menkes says the 2017 edition of the conference in Oman will be a landmark event – bringing together both creative and business leaders for two days of hard-hitting discussions.
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 Oman Ministry of Tourism, Omantel, and Al Mouj Muscat (The Wave).
Talal Said Marhoon Al Mamari CEO, Omantel
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
Paul Gregorowitsch CEO, Oman Air
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Family Traveller
Muscat Festival: Colourful showcase of Omani culture
Once again, Oman’s much-loved Muscat Festival goes ahead this month. It’s a colourful showcase of the best of the Sultanate’s of Oman’s culture – from past to present – that you and your family absolutely shouldn’t miss!
While organisers of the Muscat Festival tend to keep the exact details and highlights of the Festival as a surprise until just before its opening, locals in Oman, as well as visitors from outside the Sultanate can no doubt look forward to around three weeks of fantastic family fun at the festival, along with a wonderful display of Omani culture, and as always, delicious traditional Omani cuisine. As usual, most of the festival events and shows will be taking place at the Al Naseem Gardens in Seeb, and the Al Amerat Park, which is a few minutes’ drive just south of Muscat. At the Al Naseem Gardens, there’s a tropical rainforest feature to explore, paintball, an open air theatre, a consumer goods exhibition, and folklore and music performances. At Al Amerat Park, there’s the much-loved heritage village, a trade exhibition, and electronic games, theatre performances, and much more. Also, at the Oman Automobile Association, there will be various drifting, carting, 4x4, and car exhibitions on the go.
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Family Traveller Along with the usual entertainment and cultural activities on the go, two highlights on the cards for this time around are a local football tournament, as well as a Global Fashion Forum – which will include a traditional fashion show – that is being organised by the Oman Film Society. One of the ongoing highlights of the festival is the Heritage Village, which is a showcase of the traditional way of life of Oman, and a fascinating insight into the past, present and future of the Sultanate. According to the Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism guide, ‘The festival reflects the magical beauty of the Sultanate, the depth of its history and heritage, the urban development witnessed by the country while preserving its cultural heritage, customs and the authentic Arab traditions of the Omani people.’ Of course, in the evenings, the day’s events often end off with a bang and spectacular displays of colour against the Muscat night sky, as the organisers set off unforgettable firework displays. For local families, and families travelling from outside the Sultanate, the Muscat Festival 2017 is a fun and fascinating opportunity to celebrate the best of Oman’s heritage and culture. Whatever you do this January and February, please don’t miss out on the Muscat Festival action! The Muscat Festival will go ahead from 19th January until 11th February, with the Al Naseem Gardens and Al Amerat Park being the major venues for the duration of the festival. For news and updates on the festival, check out www.muscat-festival.com.
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Oman Adventure
Looking back at an epic 2016 Extreme Sailing Series
Last year, the Extreme Sailing Series organisers made the decision to use ultra-fast, GC32 ‘foiling’ catamarans, instead of boats with standard-style catamaran hulls. This was done to increase the speed of the boats, increase the intensity of the action, and to shake up the teams and competition for the 2016 Series.
However, the Oman Air team took these new developments perfectly in their stride as they clinched victory in the very first race of the Series in February 2016, in Muscat. They showed that it would take more than a couple catamaran foils to disrupt their winning habits!
commanding performance from the Swiss which secured them the 2016 season trophy. ‘We have absolutely loved our battles with Alinghi – we were comfortable after the first few events but in the end it went down to the wire and it felt great to be pushed. The game has definitely changed and it will change again in 2017 with more teams winning Acts and making serious bids on the championship,’ Oman’s Nasser Al Mashari, the Oman Air team’s bowman, explained.
Few of the Extreme Sailing Series crews had any experience of these fast GC32 catamarans, which were currently taking the racing world by storm. But the Oman Air team, with their new skipper Morgan Larson (who had previously been with the rival Swiss team Alinghi), looked to have the best idea on how to control them. ‘The GC32 is more challenging than the old Extreme 40 and requires a different skillset, better teamwork and a much higher level of fitness,’ as skipper Morgan Larson explained.
Overall, the 2016 Extreme Sailing Series was a spectacular affair. The stadium racing format proved to be a hit with audiences and for the crews, it was a thrilling, and sometimes very risky affair too – as they had to negotiate their boats through small courses set in confined city centre waterways, surrounded by skyscrapers and shopping malls.
However, the Swiss team Alinghi returned with gusto as they won the next event in Qingdao, China, and reminded us that the Oman versus Switzerland rivalry that had kept so many sailing fans glued to their seats in previous years was back to its nerve tingling best. In Cardiff, the Oman Air team fended off challenges from Alinghi, as well as another old rival – Red Bull Sailing Team – to notch up their second win. And then, in Hamburg, the Oman Air team followed this up with their third win of the year, to put them on top of the Series leader board.
An estimated 300 000 spectators visited the Race Villages across the eight venues around the world, and millions followed the action live on TV and via social media platforms. Oman Sail, in partnership with Oman Air and Oman’s Ministry of Tourism maintained a high profile at venues representing key markets as part of the drive to promote the Sultanate of Oman as a highend tourism destination, and to deliver economic benefits to the Sultanate through sailing.
However, by the last event in Sydney in December, and after they had notched up three wins in a row, the Alinghi team had narrowed the gap to just two points of the Oman Air team. Oman Air had to pull something special out of the bag for the overall win, but despite giving it everything, they were squeezed out by another
Now, with the first event of the 2017 Extreme Sailing Series scheduled to go ahead next month from 8th to 11th March in Muscat, Oman, team Oman Air are once again getting ready to launch their campaign – and setting their sights firmly on returning the prized trophy back to the Sultanate!
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Oman Heritage
Treasures from the National Museum: Religious Architecture Religious architecture is one of the fascinating elements of the Sultanate of Oman’s rich history and culture. Here, the National Museum’s Director-General, Jamal al-Moosawi, as well as the Museum’s Head of Curatorial Unit, Moza al-Wardi, take a look at mihrabs – mosque niches – in more detail. (With photography by Saleh al-Ruzaqi).
Niche of al-Uweyna Mosque Region: Saih al-Hail village (North ash-Sharqiyah Governorate) Maker: By Talib bin Mushmil al-Manahi Material: Sarūj and glazed Chinese pottery Period: 970 AH/1562 CE Origin: Registered in the name of al-Malki tribe in the al-Uweyna District of Saih al-Hail village in the Wilayat of Wadi Bani Khalid.
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Oman Heritage
The 10th century AH/16th century CE is considered the richest period in producing mosque niches (mihrabs) in Oman as masters like Abdullah bin Qasim al-Manahi and the family of Mushmil al-Manahi lived during this time. Talib bin Mushmil al-Manahi, who built the niches of the Grand Mosque in Nakhl and as-Sarūj Mosque in Samail, also made the niche of al-Uweyna Mosque in 970 AH/1562 CE. The niche on display is covered with geometrical decorations, fine inscriptions, quotes from the Holy Qur'an and inscriptions documenting the names of the builder, designer and the patron. The Islamic declaration of faith (ash-shahādatān) is written in Kufic inscription at the upper part of the niche and the outer rectangular frame contains 30 seals with floral decoration. The niche itself sits in the cove of the inner frame with a rectangular shape above it baring inscriptions in two triangles and three plates of glazed Chinese pottery in the centre.
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 3rd January until 30th April 2017. The ticket desk closes half an hour before museum closing times.
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Landmark Travels
Mount Pinatubo: A fascinating, fun day-trip out of Manila For adventure seekers, and for those wishing to witness first-hand what the power of nature is capable of, Mount Pinatubo makes for a fascinating and fun day-trip out of Manila. After lying dormant for almost 500 years, Mount Pinatubo’s eruption in June 1991 resulted in one of the most destructive volcanic eruptions of the 20th century, and by far the largest to affect a densely populated area.
Even though the volcano theoretically remains active today, Mount Pinatubo is a peaceful and safe place to visit for tourists. In fact, it is very closely monitored by scientists, and any further eruptions and activity will be predicted beforehand.
Before it happened, the region was home to more than 30 000 people who lived in the villages around Mount Pinatubo’s lower slopes. While an estimated 800 of these people tragically died as a result of the eruption, and thousands more were displaced from their homes, scientists were nevertheless able to accurately predict the timing of the eruption and its effects. As a result of this, a timely evacuation of the population in the area could be carried out, and this ended up saving thousands of lives, and millions of dollars in property damage.
While it is possible to visit Mount Pinatubo on your own, there are many tour operators based in Manila that offer Mount Pinatuba group tours and trekking adventures. These usually include transport to and from the mountain itself with experienced guides, lunch and snacks, a four wheel drive adventure in a ‘Filipino Jeep’,
'Over the years since the eruption, the crater has naturally been filled with rainwater and it now forms a beautiful 2.7 kilometre wide lake'
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Landmark Travels and a visit to a traditional local village. You can also arrange to go on a trek along the lower slopes of the mountain, and up to the 1 760 metre high Mount Pinatubo summit. The mountain itself is also home to a giant crater which was formed as a result of the volcano. Over the years since the eruption, the crater has naturally been filled with rainwater and it now forms a beautiful 2.7 kilometre wide lake. The mountainous peaks, and lakes in the area; combined with the greenness of the tropical forests in the region, all make this one of the most scenic and spectacular parts
Mount Pinatubo is located around 90 kilometres north-west of Manila, and takes around 3 hours to access by road. For more info on exploring Mount Pinatubo visit www.mountpinatubo.net or www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com
of the Philippines’ Central Luzon province. It’s a truly beautiful and spectacular part of the world. It’s also a reminder of the awesome power that nature possesses – and it makes for a fascinating and fun day-adventure out of Manila.
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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: • • • •
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.
There are currently four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Sultanate of Oman • Aflaj Irrigation Systems • Frankincense Trail • Archaeological Sites of Bat • 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 40
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.
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 experince 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 conference looks forward to sustained growth in 2017
Oman Air’s major global conference was held last month in Muscat on 19th January under the auspices of Her Excellency Maitha bint Saif bin Majid Al Mahruqi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Deputy Chairman of Oman Air, and hosted by Paul Gregorowitsch, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air.
airline of the Sultanate of Oman continues to drive up revenues, increase its growing contribution to the national economy, and deliver according to its ten year development plan.
Hundreds of staff from all over the world congregated in Muscat, where they heard an update on 2016 results and discussed the outlook for Oman Air in 2017. Staff had the opportunity to recap on Oman Air’s visions and values and importantly, they also had the chance to give feedback on how this will be communicated in the coming year. A continued fleet and network expansion, together with a renewed focus on on-board services and developments will be a priority for Oman Air in 2017 – ensuring the
First Class cabin upgrades for Oman Air A330-300 aircraft As part of Oman Air’s journey to become the best, the airline’s three A330-300 aircraft First Class cabins have been renovated. The newly refurbished First Class cabin underlines Oman Air’s commitments to ongoing investment in the comfort of on-board guests.
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On Board
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i
On Board
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND Chicago
Before the Flood
Life of Pi
Bridget Jones’s Baby
P.S. I Love You Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Batman Begins Before Sunset
Deepwater Horizon Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Snowden The Beatles: Eight Days a Week The Birth of a Nation
Braveheart Chariots of Fire City of Angels
X-Men
Edward Scissorhands
X-Men 2: X Men United
Heat
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
I am Sam
X-Men: Days Of Future Past
L.A. Confidential
X-Men: First Class X-Men:The Last Stand
Finding Nemo Ice Age
Casablanca
Inside Out
The Sound of Music
A Flying Jatt Baar Baar Dekho Madaari Gharonda Ijaazat Itni Si Baat Khatta Meetha Hemanta Shikari Chakravyuha Killing Veerappan Kali Karinkunnam 6’S Photocopy YZ Dharma Durai Kidaari Nani Gentleman Selfie Raja Back to Mom’s Up for Love
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Aloys Nick Off Duty Forever Young They Call Me Jeeg Robot Ada Apa Dengan Cinta 2 Winter In Tokyo Apprentice Hey Orang Kita Funny Soccer Scandal Maker Khun Phan Love Beats Luck-Key The Last Princess Barcelona: A Love Untold The Achy Breaky Hearts Maat Paat Diary Of A Lagos Girl Mum, Dad, meet Sam
On Board
Billions Mr.Robot Supernatural
Michela’s Tuscan Kitchen Smartest Guy in the Room Talk Asia The Role that Changed my Life
Lasting Legacy The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer Conversations I Love Lucy Superstore The Kennedys
The Great Chelsea Garden Challenge Pop Profiles Raiders of the Lost Art
Sailing: Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup Access 360° World Heritage How the Rich Live Longer Wild Arabia Zara: The Story of the World’s Richest Man
Deadliest Catch Great Minds, Long Miles How It’s Made Idris Elba No Limits Point of Extreme
The Premier League Show The Breeders Cup 2016
Coffee: The Drink That Changed America The World from Above Twist of Taste World’s Smart Cities
Bubble Guppies Arrow Complications
Paw Patrol
Comedy Nights Live Yaar Mera Superstar
Aamhi Saare Khavayye Chala Hawa Yeu Dya Tujhya Vachun Karmena
Chinnara Chillipilli Harateya Melaku Naati Mane Punch Kajjaya
Brothers Green Living Magandang Buhay
Comedy Clips Naattu Vaidhyam Koffee With DD Pudhu Padam Eppadi Irukku Sunday Galatta Comedy Stars Laughing Villa Malayalam Comedy Clips
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Shimmer and Shine
Tiger Mom Wake Up D’sign Saya Terima Nikahnya Tetangga Masa Gitu Another Miss Oh Doctors Buyur Bi’ De Burdan Bak Gulduy Gulduy
Handsome The Ultimate Man Mirakkel Akkel Challenger Rannaghar
Brock - The Anatomy of Evil Homicide Hills
Coke Studio Pakistan Joru Ka Ghulam
Amazing Gardens From Earth To Table
On Board
Set It Off
Upside Down
The Wytches
All Your Happy Life
Passenger
Young as the Morning Old as the Sea
Feeder
All Bright Electric
White Lies Friends
Van Der Graaf Generator Do Not Disturb
Hiss Golden Messenger Heart Like a Levee
Various Artists
Rosanne Philippens & Julien Quentin Dedications
Rolf Kühn Spotlights
Jakob Bro, Thomas Morgan & Joey Baron Streams
Andrew Cyrille Quartet
The Stargazer’s Journey
Julia Jacklin
Don’t Let the Kids Win
James Vincent McMorrow We Move
Seasick Steve
C Duncan
Life in a Paper Boat
Keepin’ the Horse Between Me and the Ground
The Midnight Sun
Aynsley Lister
Empire Builder
Eyes Wide Open
Yann Tiersen
Bounce
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 - Borodin: Polovtsian Dances
Jonn Serrie
Kate Rusby
The Allergies
Budapest Festival Orchestra & Iván Fischer
Opalescent
The Declaration of Musical Independence
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 & Nutcracker Suite EUSA
Jon Hopkins
As We Do Our Thing
Laura Gibson Lucy Rose
Live at Urchin Studios
Alan Silvestri
The Beat
Mouse Hunt
Rival Consoles
The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
The Sunshine Underground
John Carpenter
Night Melody Luminescent
AKMU Spring
Mithoon & Jasleen Royal Shivaay
The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings The Fog
D. Imman Rubaai
A-Lin
Love Song
Ankit Tiwari
Khalil Fong
Santhosh Narayanan
Gadiel
Hiphop Tamizha
La Oreja de Van Gogh
Okkadochadu
El Planeta Imaginario
Jagjit Singh
Nanase Aikawa
Forever Jagjit
Now or Never
Anirudh Ravichander
Happiness
Tum Bin 2
Kaashmora
Rum
Leon James
Kavalai Vendam
Darbuka Siva Kidaari
Journey to the West (Black) Alto Rango
Girlz n’ Effect
Jay Park
Everything You Wanted
BLACKPINK
SQUARE TWO
Hins Cheung Vibes
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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