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June 2015 Your C opy To K eep
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For many families, the month of June heralds the start of the summer holiday season. And as we continue to expand Oman Air’s network, we also increase our choice of exciting holiday destinations. You may be captivated by Oman’s awe-inspiring landscapes and warm hospitality. You may be entranced by the cultural diversity of South and South East Asia. Or perhaps the blend of history and modernity to be found in Europe’s cities will capture your imagination. Whatever you require for the perfect vacation, Oman Air’s network will provide the ideal destination. And wherever you choose to fly to, it is always worth checking our website at www.omanair.com for the latest ATTRACTIVE deals and information on our launch of even more new routes and destinations.
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It is my pleasure to welcome you, as our respected guests, aboard your Oman Air flight.
As our network grows, so does our fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft. In May, we were delighted to receive two new Boeing 737-900s, becoming the first airline in the Middle East to operate these superb planes. Their arrival coincided with the wonderful recognition for Oman Air by the prestigious World Travel Awards. At a memorable ceremony held in Dubai, we were extremely proud to be presented with the ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline - Business Class’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline - Economy Class’ awards. This is the second and third year in a row that Oman Air has been acknowledged in these two categories respectively, of what has become known as the ‘Oscars of the Travel Industry’. It is particularly gratifying to know that the decisions as to who won each category were based entirely on the votes of travel industry experts from around the world. On a different note, the 18th June sees the start of the holy month of Ramadan. This is the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar and all at Oman Air offer you our deep respect and very best wishes for this most spiritual of periods. Finally, I would like to thank you for your support by choosing to fly with Oman Air. Looking forward to welcoming you back very soon, With best regards
Paul Gregorowitsch Chief Executive Officer
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Diary A wrap up of what festivals, events and sports are happening this month.
16 Oman Air: Flying the flag for Oman by air and across the sea
28 Zanzibar
Who’s for an Island Adventure?
Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve An Arabian Oryx sanctuary and desert wilderness escape.
22 Dhaka Bangladesh at its best.
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6 Oman Air’s inflight magazine is issued by :
Corporate Communications & Media Department - Oman Air
Be Fit and Feel Good
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:omanair.com
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32 Building a Brand How to get the basics right.
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Editorial
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Editing Director
Paul Winter paul.winter@npaoman.com Mohammad Abu Al Majd
Client Relationship Manager Ali Hussain Al Balushi
Designers
Justin Das Mohammad Asif
Media Manager – Advertising & Marketing Vijay Murkute advertising@npaoman.com
Photographic Contributors GettyImages / ShutterStock / iStock Art Basel Exhibition (www.artbasel.com) Beirut Spring Festival (www.beirutspringfestival.org) Gassan Al Jamali Monster Truck Jam (www.monsterjam.com.ph) Munich Film Festival (www.filmfest-muenchen.de) Oman Sail (www.omansail.com) Rashad Al Wahaibi South East Asian Games (www.seagames2015.com) Verona International Opera Festival (www.arena.it)
Also… Omani Souvenirs Oman View Travel Guide Welcome Aboard
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The infl ighT maga z ine
Oman Air News
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o m a n a ir
العماني ُ مجلة رحالت الطيران
احتفظ بنسختك المجانية
June 2015 Your C opY To K eep
2015 يــونـيــو
Oman Air’s news and events.
44 اكتشف عُ مان عُ مــان لإلبحــار
احلائز على جائزة 2015 و2014 األفضل عن فئة درجة رجال األعمال 2015 و2014 ،2013 األفضل عن فئة الدرجة السياحية
اكتـشف العالم دكــا
احلائز على جائزة متيز خدمة املوظفني يف 2014 الشرق األوسط
قم بتحميل تطبيق الطريان العماين جمانًا
Check In Oman Sailing
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Middle East’s Leading Airline Economy Class 2013, 2014 & 2015
Dhaka
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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.
Diary
8 Beirut Spring Festival
Where: Beirut, Lebanon When: 6 June What: This is a multi-disciplinary
festival of international theatre, music and dance – which has tolerance and cultural diversity as a central theme. If you believe that ‘Art is the ultimate way to tolerance’, as the festival organisers say they do, then make sure you attend. You’ll have unrestricted access to some brilliant and highly original works of art, at various venues across Beirut.
Glastonbury Music Festival
Where: Somerset County (near London), England When: 24 June – 28 June What: The legendary five-day Glastonbury Festival once
again goes ahead this month on a farm in Somerset County, which is a short drive outside of London. It is the largest green field music festival in the world, and has been on the go since the 1970s. Some mega-star bands and artists have once again been confirmed for this year.
Munich Film Festival
Where: Munich, Germany When: 25 June – 4 July What: Want to watch a film in Munich? How’s about the
Munich Film Festival? It is Germany’s largest summer film festival, and has a total of nine days’ worth of over 200 feature films – including art films, documentaries, and ‘Films to Die For’ as the organiser’s put it.
World Festivals Waisak ‘Buddha’ Day
(2 June, Jakarta, and throughout Indonesia).
Paris Jazz Festival
(7 June – 27 July, Paris, France).
Ladakh International Film Festival
(27 June – 29 June, Ladakh, northern India).
Diary
10 Art Basel Exhibition
Where: Basel (near Zurich), Switzerland When: 18 June – 21 June What: Welcome to the premier international art
show of its kind for modern and contemporary works. Art Basel brings together the highest-quality paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations, photographs, and video works from all around the world. The show is held annually in Basel, Miami Beach, and Hong Kong, and was founded by gallerists in 1970.
World Events Malaysian King’s Birthday Celebrations (6 June, Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia).
Oman Cultural Event
Verona International Opera Festival
Where: Arena di Verona (near Milan), Italy When: 19 June – 6 September What: When you combine the world’s most talented opera singers and
performers, with arguably the world’s greatest ever open air arena (the Arena di Verona, which is a Roman amphitheatre built around 2 000 years ago), you’re bound to get something special. At the Verona International Opera Festival, which begins this month, you absolutely will.
(9 June, The Cultural Club, Muscat, Oman).
‘Wheels at Ubin’ Singapore Wheelchair Tour (26 June, Singapore).
Monster Truck Jam
Where: Manila, Philippines When: 20 June – 21 June What: The world
famous Monster Truck Jam – featuring pick-up trucks with huge wheels, doing hugely outrageous things in the dirt – will hit Manila this month. The event takes place at the Mall of Asia Arena, near Pasay City. Manila motoring fans won’t forget this one.
Diary
12 South East Asian Games Where: Singapore When: 5 June – 16 June What: This year’s SEA games is going to be a
spectacular 12-day fiesta of 36 sports and 402 sporting events. Singapore’s fourth time hosting the SEA games is especially significant to the city-state in 2015, because this is when they celebrate their 50th year of independence. 2015 also marks the passing away of the transformative first prime minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, at age 91, earlier this year.
Dubai Golf Show
(4 June – 6 June, Dubai, UAE).
European Fencing Championships (5 June – 11 June, Montreux, Switzerland).
Sardegna World Rally Championship Race
(11 June – 14 June, Sardegna, Italy).
Tour de Suisse Cycling
(13 June – 21 June, Throughout Switzerland).
Women’s Tour of Britain Cycling (17 June – 21 June, Throughout Britain).
Oman versus India! Where: Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru, India When: 11 June What: This month, Oman’s ‘Red Warriors’
will take on India in what is to be a very exciting 2018 FIFA World Cup, and 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifier match. FIFA World Cup Qualifier match. Traditionally, Oman has been the side that has dominated previous match-ups between these two sides. But India’s passion for the game, and the fact they are constantly improving, means that a surprise win by the ‘Blue Tigers’ should never be ruled out.
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships Where: Wimbledon, London, England When: 29 June – 12 July What: The world of tennis descends on Wimbledon in South
West London every summer for two weeks of tennis, strawberries and cream. Wimbledon is one of four annual Grand Slam tennis tournaments held around the world, and one of the world’s longest-running and most prestigious tennis tournaments, played on grass, and strictly in a white-only/no bright colours dress code for the players. This is tennis tradition at its best.
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Omani Souvenirs
Pottery Products While the town of Bahla is the home of pottery in Oman, traditional pottery items – like water storage vessels, censer frankincense burners, or decorative ornaments – can be found throughout the Sultanate. Archaeological evidence indicates that pottery-making has existed in the Sultanate for many centuries. However, Omani potters now successfully combine traditional pottery-making techniques with modern technology (like electric wheels, and gas-fired kilns).
Frankincense Censer Censers are vessels used for burning frankincense. In Oman, they are called ‘mabkhara’ and are made with clay according to well-established and celebrated designs. Some mabkhara feature distinct patterns on their sides. In Dhofar especially, they are decorated in colourful geometric designs.
Water Jars In the past, one of the most common uses for Omani pots was for water storage. The design of these round-bottomed, hour-glass shaped vessels is simple and elegant, and they are now prized as ornaments or décor items. A small dispenser cup is often also sold with each vessel.
Decorative Pottery More and more pottery items in the Sultanate these days are being created as ornamental items, to be placed around the interior or exterior of homes, or in restaurants or local craft businesses with themed décor. Model pottery forts, jars made to hold candles, and flower vases etc. are very popular.
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Check In
Oman Air: Flying the flag for Oman by air and across the sea Oman Air now flies to 49 destinations, but another of the airline’s ‘crew’ is also flying the flag for Oman around the world right now.
The Extreme Sailing Series combines the world’s most high-tech yachts, with some of the most skillful and experienced sailors on the planet.
Check In This ‘crew’ is the Oman Air Extreme Sailing Series team, who compete in a global event that is setting new standards in competitive sailing – and who will, for the rest of this year, visit and race at the ports and harbours of Cardiff, Hamburg, St. Petersburg, Istanbul, and Sydney. The Oman Air sailing crew also visited Singapore, China (which is soon set to become Oman Air’s 49th destination), as well as Oman Air’s home, Muscat, in the first half of 2015, and the Series drew huge crowds and global media attention wherever it went.
The Team
In cooperation with Oman Sail, the Sultanate’s pioneering national initiative founded by Royal Decree from His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to rekindle Oman’s maritime heritage, the Oman Air team has improved from year to year, and offered a talented band of Omani sailors, eager to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors. They have also had the opportunity to work alongside international crews of the world’s most experienced sailors that include America’s Cup winners, Volvo Ocean Race sailors, and Olympic medallists (that included, in past editions, the greatest Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie). The Oman Air crew has already delivered strong performances in Act 1 of the Series in Singapore and on home waters in Muscat in Act 2. A fine performance in Qingdao in May left the team in a good position for the rest of the season and provided extra impetus ahead of Oman Air’s inaugural flight to China. Manned by a multi-national crew, the Oman Air Extreme Sailing team is skippered this year by Team GB Olympian Stevie Morrison and features Britons Nic Asher, himself a former European Champion, fellow Olympian Ed Powys, Australian Ted Hackney, and Oman’s own Ali Al Balushi, a newcomer to the Series who made his debut in the final Act of last year’s Series in Sydney. ‘I am delighted to be a part of the Oman Air crew,’ Al Balushi explained. ‘The Extreme Sailing Series has given me the opportunity to realise my dreams and represent my country as a sailor and with the support of Oman Air, we believe the team can develop into title challengers. It is wonderful to watch our national airline grow so quickly and so professionally and it gives me great pride to fly the flag of Oman and represent Oman Air around the world, and to share the beauty, hospitality and services of our country with the world.’ Skipper Stevie Morrison added, ‘Every time we take to the water it is something new and the team is improving all the time. We have put together a strong line-up this season and as we mature as a team, I look forward to further improvement as the Series progresses. It is a privilege to represent Oman Air and everywhere we go, we attract huge media and spectator interest. The profile of Oman as a high-end tourist and business destination is growing and we are pioneers in taking the Sultanate to new audiences through sailing.’
The Extreme Sailing Series is adrenaline-fuelled, stadium-style racing, where spectators don’t miss out on any of the action.
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The Race
Dubbed the Formula 1 of sailing for its speed, excitement and intense battles for supremacy, the Extreme Sailing Series is an eight stage race (with each stage known as an ‘Act’) that pits world-class sailing crews against each other in adrenaline-fuelled stadium-style racing and brings the audience right into the heart of the action. Now in its ninth season, the Extreme Sailing Series has become as high profile as any Grand Prix or international football match, attracting the support of innovative global leaders, lifestyle brands and tech giants including Land Rover, Red Bull, GAC Pindar, SAP, Edox and Marinepool.
America’s Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race – carrying the names as part of a high-visibility tourism strategy. Each event is broadcast either live or delayed live and covered in print across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and North America, proving the growing reach of sailing, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, and increasing exposure in rapidlydeveloping markets. Alongside exposure, each Act provides exclusive business-to-business opportunities and attracts blue-chip sponsors. After opening in Singapore, and after a thrilling second Act in Muscat, Oman, the fleet headed to Qingdao, China, home to the sailing events as part of the 2008 Beijing Olympic
National tourism authorities and international airlines have been quick to embrace sailing with teams and events in the
The very proud – and very successful – Oman Air sailing team.
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Check In
The Oman Air sailing boat in full ‘flight’.
Games, for Act 3 of the series. The skyscrapers that surround the Fushan Bay course have helped create one of the most unpredictable and series-defining courses on the circuit, and caused many an experienced sailor to fall foul of the strong winds and foggy conditions. The Series then shifted to Europe for the next four Acts in Cardiff, Hamburg, St. Petersburg and Istanbul. A thrilling year-long campaign comes to a close in Sydney in December this year, with the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House providing a fitting location for the finale in what is one of the world’s most famous locations.
A Nation’s Vision
The Sultanate of Oman holds a strong affinity with the sea and a long tradition of nautical adventure. From the mythic tales of Sinbad the Sailor to the golden Age of Discovery, Oman has always had a deep fascination with mystical places, becoming a powerful hub in the spice trade and a stop along the Silk Route that connected East and West. Omani sailors would seek new and exotic items from Africa, India and the Far East, and also spread the region’s own inimitable cultural trade to distant lands. Now, Oman’s modern day intrepid explorers sail into the historic ports around the world, not on board traditional wooden Dhows but on 40 foot long carbon fibre Extreme 40 Catamarans. The Extreme Sailing Series has provided a high-profile opportunity to support growth in Oman’s marine industry, and given the next generation of Omani sailors a chance to excel in careers on the water either as shore crew or on the boats themselves. Past Omani competitors, including Musab Al Hadi and Hasim Al Rashdi, have progressed from the Extreme Sailing Series to the 49er Olympic Dinghy with hopes of representing Oman at the Games, while others continue to learn from some of the world’s best in regional and international competition. Oman Air’s participation is closely aligned to the mission of the Sultanate’s Ministry of Tourism to promote Oman in key tourism, business and sailing markets. Muscat has hosted the Extreme Sailing Series for the past six years. Some 20 000 people attended the Muscat Act (including the Oman national football team who are also sponsored by Oman Air) and there is little doubt that the event is a success, growing each year and attracting the attention of the world’s media who gather in Oman to experience a unique event.
The Extreme Sailing Series Calendar 2015 Act 1: Singapore, 5-8 February Act 2: Muscat, Oman 11-14 March Act 3: Qingdao, China 1-4 May Act 4: Cardiff, UK 18-21 June Act 5: Hamburg, Germany 23-26 July Act 6: Saint Petersburg, Russia 20-23 August Act 7: Istanbul, Turkey 1-4 October Act 8: Australia 10-13 December
Oman Air: Proud Airline Sponsor In January 2015, Oman Air became the official airline partner of the Extreme Sailing Series, intertwining the Sultanate’s rich maritime past with its present and future. Together with the Extreme Sailing Series, Oman Air aims to connect and promote Oman to the world and share the distinctive Omani identity, culture and values.
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Check Out
Dhaka: Bangladesh at its best Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh, and the country’s centre of commercial, cultural, educational and political activity. With a population of over 15 million, the city is as chaotic, energized, fast-paced, and crowded as they come – but absolutely worth experiencing. While Dhaka is not the place you come to ‘get away from it all,’ and it is definitely not for the faint hearted traveller, there exists a charm to the place that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. And to miss some of Dhaka’s highlights would be a tragedy. Dhaka by Boat Firstly, when travelling to Dhaka, keep in mind that Bangladesh is a country with dozens and dozens of rivers and waterways. Getting around the country by boat or ferry is an age-old practice. For tourists, this is the best way to get a feel for what old-time classical-era Bangladesh was like. The most famous boat journey you can do from Dhaka is on the much-loved Rocket Steamer, which is a steam paddle boat that connects Dhaka to nearby Khulna via an intricate series of waterways. This is a charming Bangladesh experience – some travel experts say it’s the best thing you can do when in Dhaka. For visitor’s keen on some other form of watery exploration, small wooden boats can be hired at an hourly rate (along with an experienced oarsman) at various points around the busy Sadarghat Boat Terminal.
Dhaka’s buildings offer a glimpse into the past, present, and future of the city
If you travel to Dhaka and Bangladesh, and if you don’t spend at least a bit of time in a boat, you’ll be missing out. Dhaka’s Buildings Also, when you’re in Dhaka, don’t miss out on seeing the city’s handful of spectacular buildings – and learning about how each one of them fits into the history of the region. The magnificent Ahsan Manzil, or the ‘Pink Palace’ as it is often called, due to its pink stonework, is one of them. Located on the banks of Dhaka’s Buriganga River. This is one of the most significant architectural monuments of Bangladesh. During the late 1800s, the building was the palace of the famous Nawab family of Dhaka. These days, it forms part of the Dhaka National Museum. Two other must-see buildings are the Lalbagh Fort, and the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban National Parliament house. The Seventeenth century Lalbagh Fort, situated next to the Buriganga River in ‘Old Dhaka’, was built around 1678 by Prince Mohammad Azam, the son of a powerful Mughal emperor, and was the scene of many bloody battles.
Check Out The contemporary Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban parliament house has been described as one of the twentieth century’s most significant buildings. The design of the building was developed while taking into account the aesthetic heritage of Bengal, and the Ganges delta.
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Dhaka – and Bangladesh – are filled with colour and cultural diversity.
Both buildings offer the traveller a glimpse into the past, present, and future of the city, and it is well worth making the effort to visit them. Escape to the Museums Dhaka’s museums provide another rich experience for travellers. The Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, for example, remembers Bangladesh’s former ‘Father of the Nation’, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1975 (along with most of his family members). The museum houses a rare collection of personal effects and photographs of his life.
Dhaka is a city full of life and energy – day and night.
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Check Out
The Institute of Arts and Crafts has a collection of folkart, modern art and paintings by numerous artists of Bangladesh. There is also the Liberation War Museum, which contains rare archival photographs and items used by freedom fighters during the nine-month Liberation War of 1971; as well as Dhaka’s National Museum, which contains a large number of interesting collections, and sculptures and paintings from the region’s Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist and periods. Another one to see is the city’s National Museum of Science and Technology.
Getting around Dhaka and Bangladesh by boat or ferry is an age-old practice
All of the above are worth visiting, and all offer a fascinating escape away from the high energy, and hustle and bustle of the inner city. The City of Activity (and Food) Of course, Dhaka is a city of never-ending activity. And it seems that everything that could take place within its city limits, does so on a daily basis. Something has to provide the energy for all of this. And Dhaka does this with its fascinating selection of food. Two Bangladeshis make traditional bamboo crafts in the city of Sonargaon, near Dhaka.
Travel Token: Handmade Clay Pottery
In Dhaka, there are literally hundreds of workshops selling a huge variety of traditional, handmade clay pottery items. The designs range from traditional earthenware style pots, to glazed ceramic pots, made in a modern style. They make perfect, collectable travel souvenirs. Dhaka has an enormous variety of food catering to all tastes and budgets. Old Dhaka is overflowing with unimaginably exotic (and unbelievably cheap) Bangladeshi food. While in other parts of the city, travellers will find nearly any kind of local and international food they want. Bangladeshi sweets like rasogollah and golap jam are famous local delicacies, and have to be tried.
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Unforgettable Travel If you’re serious about travelling, Dhaka is a place that won’t disappoint. When you give Dakha the time, you’ll be blessed with some of the most unforgettable, interesting and eye-opening experiences of your life. Break Away to Sonargaon If you need a break away from Dhaka, Songargon, about 30 kilometres from the city, offers just that. Sonargaon was the seat of the region’s great Deva Dynasty until the 13th century. The main places of interest in Sonargaon are the ruins of Panam Nagar, the local crafts museum, the tomb of Sultan Ghiyasuddin, the Goaldi Mosque, and the shrines of Panjpir and Shah Abdul Alia. Many experienced travellers say the best way to see Sonargaon is from the back of a rickshaw, which you can hire (along with a puller) from just about anywhere in Sonargaon. Further Afield: Sundarbans, and the Royal Bengal Tiger About 200 kilometres south west of Dhaka is the start of the famed Sundarbans National Park – home to the world’s largest mangrove swamp, and the largest single population of tigers found anywhere on earth. There are currently over 250 tigers in the park (some sources say as many as 500 of them), and although sightings are rare, a trip to Sundarbans in search of tigers is a classic Bangladesh-based adventure, and one of the country’s number one tourism attractions.
Spotted Deer at Sundarbans National Park – the place which is also home to the famed Royal Bengal Tiger.
Goaldi Mosque was built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, and is one of the few surviving medieval monuments in the city of Sonargaon.
Dhaka: City Facts In winter 2015 Oman Air will launch their first flights between Muscat and Dhaka Visa Requirements: Nationality-specific visa requirements are required when travelling to Bangladesh for tourism purposes. (Some nationalities don’t require visas for stays of up to 90 days). Languages: Bengla is the most frequently spoken language in Dhaka. English is widespread, but not commonly used. Currency: The official currency is the Bangladeshi Taka (Tk/BDT). There are 100 poisha in one Bangladeshi Taka. Notes commonly come in denominations of 1000 Tk, 500 Tk, 100 Tk, 50 Tk, 20 Tk, 10 Tk, 5 Tk and 2 Tk. Coins commonly come in 1 Tk, 2 Tk, and 5 Tk denominations. 1 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) = 0.0049 Omani Rial (OMR) 1 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) = 0.013 United States Dollar (USD) (May 2015)
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Travel Snapshot
Zanzibar: Who’s for an Island Adventure!? Here are five unforgettable adventures
in Zanzibar – the picture perfect East African island, with a rich Omani history. Take a dhow safari: A voyage on a traditional Arabianstyle dhow is the defining Zanzibar sea adventure, where you can experience what it was like being a mariner on the East Coast of Africa, in ancient times. Sunset cruises, fishing or snorkelling excursions, and ‘island picnic’ cruises are also all done perfectly by dhow. Walk around Stone Town: Stone Town is the beating heart of Zanzibar. The people, markets, music, food, colourful dress, East African art, and languages that are found around town, give the place its soul. And the town’s historical buildings (collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site) reflect the diversity of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European culture that have influenced the place over hundreds of years. Swim with dolphins: Donning a mask and fins, and swimming with a pod of Bottlenose or Humpback Dolphins can be a life-changing experience, and this is often possible in Zanzibar waters. But even observing dolphins from a dhow, launched from places like Kizimkazi Village, on the southern tip of the island, is an interaction with Indian Ocean marine life that you’ll remember forever. Explore Jozani Forest: The protected Jozani Forest, which is a few minutes’ drive east from Stone Town, has some very large, and exotic-looking trees and plants, and excellent nature trails. Even more interesting are the forest’s Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkeys, which are found nowhere else in the world.
Sample Zanzibar cuisine: Like its architecture, Zanzibar’s cuisine has been influenced by hundreds of years of contact with various cultures. Octopus Curry, Zanzibar Biryani, Mandazi (cardamom spiced doughnuts), and ‘Mishkaki’ grilled meat, are island classics. You can also drink ginger tea, strong coffee, and cups of coconut milk or freshly pressed sugar cane juice wherever you go. Oman-Zanzibar History: Around the end of the 1600’s, Zanzibar fell under the control of the Sultanate of Oman. And for almost two centuries after this, Oman’s ruling elite controlled Zanzibar, together with substantial portions of the so-called African Great Lakes coastline, as well as extensive inland trading routes into Africa. The height of Omani-Arab rule came during the reign of Seyyid Said Bin Sultan Al Busaid, the Sultan who in 1840 moved his capital from Muscat, in Oman, to Stone Town.
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Must See: Oman
Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve (Arabian Oryx Sanctuary)
Latitude: 19° 42’ 0” N Longitude: 57° 0’ 0” E Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve is part of the previous Arabian Oryx Sanctuary in the region. It is a 2 824 km2 tract of wilderness, beginning just west of the coastal town of Duqm, in Oman’s central Al Wusta Governorate. Within its boundaries are found several rare fauna and flora species, including a handful of the magnificent – and now protected – Arabian Oryx.
The reserve encompasses an open tract of sparselyvegetated limestone desert, including part of the elevated Al Huqf escarpment to the east. This is pristine desert wilderness at its best.
The first thing visitors should know about this place, is that it is an ‘off the beaten track’ eco-tourism destination. Visitors need to be well prepared before travelling to this wilderness area, and prepared to let the desert life reveal itself on its own terms. Those that do, will be richly rewarded. For more information on entry fees, opening times, and permits for the Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve, email arabianoryxoman@gmail. com or contact the reserve manager, Mr Khalifa Al Jahwari, on (+968) 993 56002, or the reserve tourism officer, Mr Mohammed Said Al Harsusi, on (+968) 955 13388.
The reserve is home to the Arabian Oryx, which was re-introduced into the region in 1980. These days, there are several hundred Arabian Oryx in the reserve’s field headquarters, as well as a number of herds in the wild.
It’s possible and convenient to make an evening stopover at the reserve during a drive down to Salalah, from Muscat, or on a return trip back to the capital. A night spent camping under the stars here will be an unforgettable Oman experience.
In January 2013, a Sand Gazelle project was launched in the region, with the aim of establishing a population of these rare animals in the area.
Visitors keen on an ‘express visit’ to the reserve will be able to see captive animals (like the Arabian Oryx and Arabian Gazelle) in the reserve’s Jaaluni breeding enclosures.
There is a local information centre, with interesting info on the region’s geology, animals and plant life. The more you know about the place, the more you’ll enjoy yourself!
Unfortunately, during the late 1990s, due to excessive poaching, many Oryx, Ibex and Gazelle were lost to this region. But with a handful of conservation programs in place in the area right now, things are looking up.
Visiting groups keen on longer stays are required to hire a local guide, and will need to be self-sufficient with their own camping gear and supplies. Take note that to fully explore the region, a four wheel drive vehicle is necessary. Thankfully, the reserve management are willing and able to arrange this (contact them for the daily rates).
Prominent species here are the Arabian Gazelle, Arabian Oryx, Nubian Ibex, Striped Hyena, Yellow-spotted Agama, Ethiopian Hedgehog, Sand Gazelle, Mountain Gazelle, Sand Fox, Red Fox, and a variety of bird species. Camera and binoculars? Bring them!
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Body & Mind
Be Fit and Feel Good: At Any Age! How can you get the best from your body in your teens, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and older? Here are some insights from the fitness professionals about keeping fit and feeling good throughout your life. In your Teens: A good fitness regime established during the teenager years forms the basis for a lifetime of good health. Experts say that if teenagers get into the habit of exercising early on, then there’s a greater chance they’ll continue to do so for the rest of our life. Exercising and keeping fit also teaches young people important life lessons like how to sets goals, discipline, and how to deal with success and failure. And, psychologists point out that exercise often leads to teenagers gaining confidence in other areas of life. Key concept: Make exercise a habit! In your 20s: In our 20s, our bodies are at their most adaptable to exercise, resilient to injury, and are ready to perform at their peak. Fitness professionals say our twenties should be the time to explore and experiment with a wide range of exercise modes and activities – because whatever demanding physical activities we throw at our bodies during our 20s, there’s a good chance they’ll be able to handle it. Our 20s should be a time when we’re exercising every day (or at least 3 to 5 times a week) and not be too concerned about overdoing it. Your call to action: Do a lot! In your 30s: Wellness professionals say that gradually, throughout 30s, our base metabolic rate begins to decrease ever-so-slightly. And along with this, many of us
start to notice that our weight doesn’t come off as easily as it used to. At this time of our life, if looking and feeling good is important, then establishing an exercise routine that will emphasise calorie-burning exercise (and watching what we eat), is essential. Your call to action: Focus on fat-burning! In your 40s: Exercising and staying fit can be the number one form of preventative medicine during our 40s. ‘Exercise is the best preventive drug we have, and everybody needs to take that medicine,’ one wellness expert suggested. Exercise strengthens the entire human system, and it is the best preventive drug for many common ailments that threaten us during our 40s – from psychiatric disorders to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Your call to action: Exercise to get healthy – and stay healthy! In your 50s: Our 50s is a time when a holistic approach to health is more important than ever, say experts. Besides continuing a physically active lifestyle, we should also continue with a diet that includes the foods that help reduce the risk of developing age-related ailments. Our 50s should also be a time to continue taking care of our mental health, which,
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Body & Mind
Exercising and keeping fit also teaches young people important life lessons
according to the UK-based Mental Health Foundation, should include building healthy social networks; taking part in activities and hobbies we love; and nurturing our ability to feel, express and manage a range of positive and negative emotions in our daily lives. Your call to action: Exercise well. Eat well. Think well! In your 60s: During our 60s, injury prevention is a vital part of staying fit and active. Many wellness experts say that exercises like cycling, walking, and circuit training, which do not consist of stressful weight-bearing movements, and which do not put our body’s joints under undue strain, are the way to go. Swimming is another excellent activity for people in their 60s, as it gives the body a strength and cardiovascular workout, and also improves your overall flexibility at the same time. Your call to action: Minimize the risk of injury (so you can exercise more)! In your 70s and older: It’s been said that exercising is the best investment older people can make in their lives. Some wellness guides also point out that at this age, doing any form of exercise can result in very noticeable improvements in your health. Two key exercising rules to stick to during this time are to exercise within our capabilities; and to do something that avoids putting stress on our body’s weak points (like a weak knee, or painful lower back). Your call to action: Exercise as much as you can, but within your limits!
Ultimately, to remain fit and to feel good throughout your life, health experts say that probably the best thing you can do is find an activity that you enjoy; that you’re passionate about; and that you can work into your life and work schedule. If you can do this, there’s a good chance you’ll be fit for the rest of your life!
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Business & Tech
Building a Brand:The Basics An effective brand strategy gives you the edge in a competitive market. Here are some recipes for success when it comes to building a brand that your customers will love to be associated with. Your business or product’s brand is the name, design or other feature that distinguishes it from your competition. It is the ‘personality’ of a product, and ‘Your brand is derived from who you are, who you want to be and who people perceive you to be,’ as one branding expert puts it. Business marketing experts agree that there are some key concepts that form the foundation of good branding for your business. For first time business owners and entrepreneurs, here are three of the most important ones. #1: A great name and logo The foundation of your brand is your business’s name and its logo. According to marketing experts, these should appear anywhere and everywhere you can put them – including on your business cards, letterheads, website, social media platforms, delivery vehicles, promotional materials, packaging materials, and the product itself. A great name and logo reflect the values of your company. And as they are the first things your customer’s will notice about your company, they are extremely important – and the first step towards your success. #2: A clear key message What does your business or product do? And what benefits do they provide that no one else can? The answer to these questions will determine what the key message that you should be communicating to your target market is. Marketing experts say that a great brand has a clear set of key messages (or even just one specific message) that it sends to its customers. Effective key messages should be relevant to your target market, consistent throughout your branding strategy, and authentic. Very importantly, your key message should also focus on the benefits (and not just the features) of your business and products. ‘Features tell, but benefits sell!’ as the saying goes. #3: Ongoing brand consistency It’s been pointed out more than once by marketing experts that the core message of all successful brands never really changes. Conversely, if you can’t keep your branding consistent, your attempts at establishing a brand will fail. Consistency is important because firstly, it reinforces your unique selling proposition in the minds of your target audience. Secondly, it establishes familiarity, and therefore trust and confidence in your business or product by your customers. (Numerous studies show that people trust things they know). Thirdly, keeping your brand consistent can
Business & Tech provide an effective foundation from which to establish crises control systems and to recover from public relations emergencies, when needed. It is often said that your product or business’s brand resides in the mind of your customer and target market. By choosing a great name and logo; establishing a clear key message; and keeping your brand consistent, you can build a brand that people will appreciate, and a business or product that can hopefully become a spectacular success!
Brand Ambassador?
A great brand has a clear message that it sends to its customers
A Brand Ambassador is a marketing term for a person employed by an organisation or company to promote its products or services. The brand ambassador is meant to embody the business’s corporate identity with regards to appearance, demeanor, values and ethics. Along with profitability, brand ambassadors focus on establishing credibility of a product or service amongst the target audience, and hopefully ensure that they will become loyal to the brand.
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Oman View
Rashad Al Wahaibi Rashad Al Wahaibi is an Omani photographer who says he started photography by coincidence when, during his 2nd second year at the Sultan Qaboos University, he came across an exhibition being held by the university’s local photography club, and was inspired to start recording images himself. He is now an established working photographer, and is adept in many areas of commercial-based photography. More of Rashad’s work can be viewed at his blog, rashad.co or on Instagram, @rashadwahaibi
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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
Sultanate of Oman: Fact Sheet
• Cultural sites including forts, ancient tombs and prehistoric cities • Desert safaris and adventures • A large variety of markets and souqs • Museums and art galleries
Area
: 3 09 500 km2
Population (2014) : 4 000 345 million
• Trekking, rock climbing and caving adventures
(1 767 396 expatriates)
• 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
Language
: Arabic (official), English (widely spoken), German & French
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.
5 baiza
100 baiza
1/2 Rial
1 Rial
5 Rials
10 Rials
10 baiza 25 baiza
50 baiza
20 Rials
50 Rials
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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, stress-free airport check-ins. 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.
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-to-door transfers, you can now travel in comfort and style with Oman Air.
Welcome Aboard Oman Air Lounges If you want to catch up on work before you travel, enjoy a snack, or simply unwind, our lounges ensure a relaxing start to your journey that reflects the outstanding hospitality you will enjoy aboard our aircraft, all whilst preserving key elements of Omani 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 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 team of customer service staff on hand to look after your every need.
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.
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 choose the level of connectivity you want, whenever you fly on our Airbus A330 Fully Connected flights.
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Oman Air News
Oman Air Wins Double at the World Travel Awards Middle East 2015 Oman Air has won two awards at the World Travel Awards Middle East 2015. The national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman came top in the ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline - Business Class’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline - Economy Class’ categories at a glittering ceremony which was held on 5th May 2015 at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai. This is the second year in a row that Oman Air has taken the titles, which are voted for by travel and tourism professionals worldwide. Oman Air’s new long haul business class cabin offers 24 seats, each of which converts to a 77-inch/196cm long fully lie-flat bed. The seats are fitted in a 2-2-2 configuration and, thanks to an ingenious cabin layout, provide direct aisle access for every passenger. In addition, each seat includes electrically-controlled backrest, leg rest and seat depth features, as well as a folding armrest for easy access. A onepiece meal table, cocktail table, reading light and mood light make dining or working a pleasure, and a buddy seat enables passengers to dine, work, or converse face to face with a friend or colleague. The inflight entertainment (IFE) technology has also been upgraded. The new Thales AVANT in-seat audio video on demand (AVOD) system is accessed via a neat IFE handset and offers an expanded range of movies, music, games and information. Furthermore, the huge 17-inch/43cm personal monitor can also be used to screen the content of laptops or personal devices, and Oman Air’s ALNA connectivity system enables live in-seat internet connections via the onboard wireless network, as well as mobile (GSM) telephone usage. The business class seats on Oman Air’s new short and medium haul B737s are also brand new. The backrest, leg rest and seat depth of each of the 12 seats in the business class cabin are electrically controlled, and the reading light, literature pocket and PC power outlet features have all been welcomed by customers. A 10.6-inch/27cm IFE screen offers access to the aircraft’s Thales AVANT in-seat AVOD system and its media content, which includes movies, music, games and information, is able to support the MPEG4 format. Each of Oman Air’s new Economy Class seats provides exceptional comfort and features a one-piece composite seat back structure and a four-way adjustable headrest. Seat pitches reflect the length of flights each aircraft will be deployed upon, with the A330’s 265
seats offering 32 inches and the 737-900ER’s 171 seats offering 30 inches. The 10.6-inch seatback LCD screen offers access to the same IFE options as those enjoyed in Business Class. In addition, a USB port is mounted on the seatback screen, allowing customers to charge any mobile phone, and each pair of seats shares a PC power port.
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Oman Air News
Oman Air praises travel agents at Oman Travel Agents Awards 2014
At a glittering ceremony held recently at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat, Oman Air praised the vital work of various travel agents in Oman, for the 2014 year. Chief Executive Officer Paul Gregorowitsch and Chief Operations Officer Abdulrahaman Al-Busaidy hosted the event on behalf of the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman. They were joined by the airline’s Chief Officer Sales, General Manager Worldwide Sales, Senior Manager Sales – GCC, and Country Manager – Oman. In addition, all of Muscat’s and many of Salalah’s travel agents were represented at the ceremony. Winners from both Muscat and Salalah were recognised at the Oman Travel Agents Awards 2014. From Muscat,
they included Travel City, which received the Golden Award, Bahwan Travel Agencies, who received the Silver Award, and Majan International Agencies, who received the Bronze Award. Winning travel agents from Salalah included Bahwan Travel Agencies, who took the Golden Award, Al Manal Travel, who took the Silver Award, and International Travel & Tourism, who received the Bronze Award. In addition, Oman Orient Travel & Tours were presented with the award for the most improved performance throughout 2014.
Oman Air Launches Codeshare with KLM Oman Air recently launched a new codeshare agreement with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The agreement came into effect on Wednesday 15th April 2015 and will enable Oman Air’s customers to book onto flights operated by KLM between Muscat and Amsterdam. KLM will operate five flights per week between the two cities and will utilise the Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft on the route. Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and one of the top financial centers in Europe. It is also a major attraction for leisure travellers and welcomes more than 4.5 million international visitors every year. The Oman Air – KLM codeshare flights will be flying to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which is the main international airport of Netherlands and is the fifth largest airport in Europe in terms of passengers.
The announcement of the codeshare partnership with KLM follows the launch by Oman Air in recent months of new services to Manila, Jakarta, Singapore and Goa. This network growth is a key part of Oman Air’s current ambitious expansion program. The program will see Oman Air not only increase its network, but also increase frequencies on many established routes. In parallel, Oman Air is enlarging its fleet and will operate 50 aircraft by 2018, and 70 aircraft by 2020.
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Oman Air News
More privileges for Sindbad Gold Members at Muscat International Airport Oman Air has announced two more privileges for Gold members of its Sindbad frequent flyer program. From 1st May 2015, Gold members have access to Oman Air’s exclusive Business Class check-in area at Muscat International Airport, regardless of their class of travel. And once they have checked in, they will be able to access the dedicated Oman Air Business Class lounge that is located on the first floor of the airport, next to the Muscat Duty Free Shops. To benefit from these privileges, all that Sindbad members will have to do is present their valid Sindbad Gold cards. With its own entrance and sumptuous lounge area, dedicated staff, and fast-track security clearance and baggage drop, Oman Air’s Business Class check-in service eliminates any waiting and provides an ideal introduction
to Oman Air’s award-winning standards of service. Furthermore, being just a short walk from the airline’s acclaimed Business Class lounge, the check-in sets a tone of refined elegance and luxury which stays with the traveller throughout their journey. Oman Air’s Business Class lounge has been designed to deliver the ultimate in hospitality for the airline’s guests. It offers a relaxing environment which is perfect for preparing for a flight. Customers can choose a full à la carte dining experience or just a light snack, and complimentary massages to help ease away any tensions. The décor is elegant and refined, combining the best of 21st Century design with time-honoured Omani motifs, and further facilities that include a business center and a quiet zone.
New APP Offers Instant OneTouch Access to Oman Air’s Services Oman Air has launched a new app for smart phones, iPads, tablets and other mobile devices. It enables customers to book flights, purchase tickets, check in, update their flight status, find out about Oman Air’s latest offers and access up-to-the-minute service information. Available now in both Apple and Android versions, Oman Air’s ‘APP’ is free to download from either the Apple Store (www.store.apple.com) or Google Play Store Android (www. play.google.com/store). It is available in both English and Arabic language versions. The APP is much faster than the mobile web and connects quickly to Oman Air’s site. Furthermore, the APP makes it easier than ever to book flights with Oman Air using credit or debit cards. The APP is enabled with a 3D Secure enhanced security feature and processes online card transactions whilst protecting all confidential information. The booking and purchase of tickets is completed in just a couple of clicks or taps on customized screens.
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Sindbad Program
Hello and welcome to Sindbad, the frequent flyer program of Oman Air. Whether you’re travelling on business or going on a holiday, join Sindbad today and make your journey with Oman Air even more rewarding. Earn & Spend Sindbad Miles Sindbad membership earns you Sindbad miles both in the air and on the ground. Fly with Oman Air, our partner airlines or transact with any of our global network Partners and earn Sindbad miles. You can choose to spend your Sindbad miles for free flights, flight upgrades, exciting raffles, promotions and more.
Exclusive Privileges & Benefits Sindbad has three tiers to offer- Blue, Silver and Gold. The more you fly with Oman Air, the higher your Tier. As a Silver and Gold member, you earn additional privileges designed exclusively for you.
Sindbad Partners As a Sindbad member, you have the added benefit of earning extra miles as well as special offers from our global network of partners which include Hotel, Leisure and Lifestyle, Car rental, Telecommunication and Retail Partners.
Benefits and Privileges • Complimentary Airport Lounge Access • Extra baggage allowance of up to 20 Kg • Duty Free discounts of up to 10% discount on Oman Air In-flight Duty Free
• Check-in at Priority Counter • Priority baggage handling • Double miles on your first flight • Bonus miles, discounts and special offers from Partners • Buy, Gift and Share Miles
Pick a destination Let your
Sindbad Miles take you there
Earn miles for flights made up to 3 months prior to your enrolment. Join today by visiting Sindbad.omanair. com or ask your hostess for an enrolment form.