Hi Weekly 15 July 2016

OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 46,760 COPIES

VOL 10 ISSUE 28 / JULY 15, 2016

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THIS WEEK IN OMAN

TAKE TO THE SKY For action sports ts lovers in Oman, there is a new way to feel the rush with the launch of paragliding liding and paramotoring certifications ertifications here in Muscat.

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LEARN THE LOCAL LINGO

CHEW YOUR BUBBLES

Salim and Asmaa bring us Omani words for the sweet summer bounty in our latest instalment of Omani Slang.

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Sweet, refreshing, and as much fun to eat as it is to sip, tapioca pearl-filled Taiwanese iced tea is the ideal summer beverage.

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Give us a shout with questions, comments, compliments, complaints, or just to say “Hi” Founder Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali scottarmstrong@timesofoman.com Chief Executive Editor Scott Armstrong felicia@timesofoman.com

Executive Features Editor Felicia Campbell Features Production Editor Swati Dasgupta swati@timesofoman.com Research/Copy Editor Ashish Dubash shafeeq@timesofoman.com

ashishdubash@timesofoman.com

Senior Editors Faisal Mohammed Naim Mohammed Shafeeqe

salim@timesofoman.com

Associate Editors Salim Hamood Al Afifi Shruthi Nair Syed Haitham Hasan haitham@timesofoman.com

faisal@timesofoman.com

shruthi@timesofoman.com Chief Creative Officer Adonis Durado Associate Art Director Waleed Rabin Graphic Editor Antonio Farach Design Editor Sahir K.M. Lead Designer Ali Jani Designers Antonio Ismael Sandiego Geri Batara Sonny Gregory Fernandez Director of Digital Television Joe Morrison Photography MMG Photographers

richard@timesofoman.com

Chief Sales Officer Richard Pakenham

aziz@timesofoman.com

Head Of Advertising & Marketing Aziz K. Baker Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Design by Ali Jani Photography Daniel Taghavi For general inquiries or comments: HiWeekend@timesofoman.com

Muscat Media Group AN ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED COMPANY Post Box: 770, Postal Code: 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman EDITORIAL 24726600/24726666 Ext 235/160 felicia@timesofoman.com

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SAY “HI” ON SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/hiweekly twitter & instagram: hiweekly_oman

THE WEEKEND LINEUP

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

Tell us what you’re doing this weekend: Tweet us @HiWeekly_Oman; tag us in your weekend instagram photos @hiweekly_oman; or share with us on FB/hiweekly

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THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

4pm Follow the Fluff

7pm Check Out Some Chipmunks

Go to the Movies

Dance, party, and compete in ‘championsheep’ games with the beloved sheep from the Shaun the Sheep series at City Centre Muscat (through the 16th).

Go to the Muscat Grand Mall this weekend to watch an adorable chipmunk show at 7pm and 8pm.

Muscat Grand Mall +968 2200 0000

Muscat City CentreSeeb +968 2455 8888

Your calendar of the hottest events happening in Muscat this weekend

After 30 years, the Ghostbusters movie franchise returns to theatres once again with some of the funniest actors working today. Go watch it this weekend.

City Cinema +968 2460 7360 citycinemaoman.net VOX Cinema +968 2234 4444 oman.voxcinemas.com

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Have you tried any of these five? What do you think of them? Did we miss any of your favourites? Tag us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly

FIVE TO TRY TOMBS

BAT TOMBS AND SETTLEMENT Bat settlement is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Oman, famous for it’s ancient beehive tombs and cemeteries made of stones. The site believed to go back to third millennium BC. Geo Locator: 23°16’13”N 56°45’11”E Ibri, Al Dhahirah

WADI AL AYN TOMBS These 21 tower-tombs, situated near the archaeological site of Bat (which has tombs of a similar design), run on a straight line and are believed to date back to the third millennium BC. Geo Locator: 23°12’58”N 56°57’43”E Ibri, Al Dhahirah

BAWSHAR TOMBS These honeycomb tombs are situated within Muscat region, and are known locally as “the tombs of stones.” They are believed to date back to the first century BC. Geo Locator: 23° 30’ 15” N 58° 20’ 08” E Wadi Bawshar, Muscat

ZUKAIT TOMBS These cylindrical tombs date back to the third millennium BC. Located on a hilltop in the Al Dakhiliyah region, they are made of mountain rock stacked to create a distinctive beehive shape.

Geo Locator: 22°52’49.21”N 57°44’39.14”E Zukait, Izki, Al Dakhiliyah

THE TOMB OF NABI AYOUB Head to the green mountains of Dhofar for a spiritual experience visiting the tomb of Prophet Ayoub (PBUH) (Job in English).

The sight is a draw for people of many faiths from around the world.

Geo Locator: 17°6’41”N 53°59’37”E Salalah, Dhofar

MOSAIC CAKES Follow Allison Kelleher’s account for inspiration courtesy of her graphic, mosaic cake designs which she turns out from her home kitchen in Portland, Oregon, USA. Instagram: @akcakedesign

FLORAL CAKES Hilary Stone is a creative cake baker from Sydney. From her simple sugar flowers to gigantic wedding cakes, hit the follow button for instant floral cake envy.

Instagram: @theartfulcaker

WHIMSICAL CAKES Follow cake makers Matt & Nato from Brooklyn, New York to see their simple, colourful, and most of all, fun, cake designs that look easy enough to inspire a newbie, but that pros know are expertly done.

Instagram: @Brooklynbaker

MODERN WEDDING CAKES JCeri makes magical cake decorations with luxurious touches of modernity for innovative wedding cakes that are fit for celebrities, kings, and queens.

Instagram: @juddapatow

COUTURE CAKES La Patisserie Chouquette will have you salivating over French sweets, pastries, and their spectacular, super inventive cakes, from floral towers to t-bone-steak-shaped masterpieces.

Instagram: @chouquettestl

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

HI SOCIAL INSPIRING CAKE BAKERS

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WEEKEND SPOTLIGHT

A NEW SEASON

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ROHM 2016/17 LINEUP

STORY HI CONTRIBUTING & STAFF EDITORS

With more than forty new productions scheduled, from Shakespearean classic productions to new pop culture talent, the ROHM’s 2016-17

here in the capital city. As you begin to plan your fall and winter weekend escapes and staycations, it’s well-worth pencilling in a few of these worldclass performances.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

Season offers a multitude of ways to enjoy a night of international culture

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Arab Idol – 8th, Oct 2016 First on our list is a wildly popular new star. Mohammad Assaf arrived in Cairo for the Arab Idol contest in 2013 without registering, leaping over the wall of the venue and bursting into song in the lobby. Another contestant was so impressed that he gave him his place. The phenomenal young Palestinian singer won the 2013 Arab Idol contest and now is coming to Muscat to perform a show that combines the classical traditions of Arab and Western music, in his signature, high-energy style.

Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers - 11th & 13th, May 2017 In ancient Ceylon, two pearl fishers make a vow of eternal friendship, which soon is threatened by their love for an ethereally beautiful Brahma priestess. Thus begins Les Pêcheurs de Perles, a magnificent drama of love and longing by Georges Bizet, the famous composer of Carmen, which will be performed by the Opéra Royal de Liège in the last opera of the ROHM Season.

“And Now Mozart” - by Igudesman & Joo – 18th, Feb 2017 With YouTube clips getting over thirty-five million hits, Violinist Igudesman and pianist Joo have taken the world by storm with their hilarious act. They are so virtuosic that they can play classical music backwards and upside down; while talking, singing, or dancing; all without missing a beat. With clever humour, they create new excitement about a traditionally serious form of music.

South Africa - Music & Dance – 1st, Dec 2016 Stars in this electrifying show include Mahotella Queens, a talented group of female musicians who play Zulu-influenced music; legendary jazz trumpeter, Hugh Masekela, a pioneer of American-influenced African Jazz; as well as the awardwinning singing Duo, Mafikizolo. The highlight of the show are the performances of Pantsula, a highly energetic dance that originated in the Black Townships during Apartheid. This free concert will take place in ROHM’s outdoor courtyard.

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Mohammed Abdou, Artist of the Arabs – 26th & 27th, January 2017 The renowned Saudi Arabian singer, Mohammed Abdou gained prominence in the 1960s by mastering old Yemeni adwar (songs), a feat considered impossible for a young singer. Today, Abdou is one of the most popular singers in the Middle East, with three nominations in the 2014 World Music Awards, including Best Entertainer, and watching him soulfully sing to the strains of his oud, you’ll see why.

West Side Story – 23rd, 24th, & 25th, Feb 2017 Songs like “Maria, Maria! I just met a girl named Maria!” from this blockbuster musical about idealistic teenagers caught between warring street gangs on the West Side of New York in the 1950s, are almost as famous as the musical itself. But not quite, the film version won ten academy awards in 1962.

Romeo & Juliet – 29th, 30th Sept, & 1st, Oct 2016 The opening nights of a new season are always special and nothing could be more thrillingly romantic than the world’s favourite love story. In the upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet, the lead role is being brilliantly interpreted by the beautiful soprano, Nino Machaidz, who is known as the “Angelina Jolie of Opera”.

Giselle by the American Ballet Theatre — 6th, 7th & 8th, April 2017 Giselle is among the top three ballets of all time, and the American Ballet Theatre is one of the world’s greatest companies.

With sets by Oscar-winning designer, Gianni Quaranta, this luminous production tells the story of Giselle, a village girl of astonishing beauty. When Giselle falls in love with a dashing nobleman, it is the beginning of a heartbreaking tragedy in which love is eventually transcendent.

The Four Seasons for Families — 1st, April 2017 Italy’s most popular chamber orchestra,I Solisti Veneti, will perform “The Four Seasons” by Vivaldi in which four evocative violin concerti express the ‘personality’ of each season. To entertain children, sand-painting artist Shaima Al Mughairy will produce amazing images for each season to accompany the music.

The Opera! — 16th, 18th & 19th, March 2017 This ground-breaking co-production by ROHM and the Palau des Arts Valencia recounts the Greek tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice. Eurydice died the day she wed Orpheus, and as he carries his beloved back from Hades, they travel through great operas such as Turandot, and La Traviata. With the help of the deities, Orpheus will succeed in reclaiming Eurydice, but everything does not go as planned. The show, which brilliantly combines live performance and music with video, is utterly spectacular.

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TO D LIST

AIR PLAY

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COURSE DETAILS • Paragliding Basic Solo Flight Course: 3 Days-OMR100 • Paragliding Intermediate Course: 4 Days-OMR150 • Paragliding Pilot Licence Course: 3 Days-OMR150 • Basic Paramotor Course: 10 days-OMR450 • Advanced Paramotor Course: 7 days-OMR500 • Paramotor Joy Ride: 15 minutes-OMR35 (Al Nahda Dunes and Al Sawadi Beach, only) *equipment is provided for all classes

Book with Falcon Adventures Call: +968 9195 8337 Email: falcon_adventures@yahoo.com

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Oman’s reputation as the best destination in the region for high-adrenaline activities continues to grow along with the list of extreme sports on offer here. A few months ago, the list extended further when Falcon Adventures brought paragliding and powered paragliding (also known as paramotoring) to the Sultanate.

STORY MOHAMMED SHAFEEQE • PHOTOS SHABIN E

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an’s longing to fly has a history as long as that of mankind itself and though nobody knows exactly who invented paragliding, it seems to have been born of this age-old desire. During the late seventies skydivers in Montana in the United States began practising their sport on the ground, jumping from small hills with their parachutes and floating down. Around the same time, climbers in the French Alps were using skydiving canopies to help them make safe descents down from peaks. By the eighties, the idea of using canopies to sail through the sky had developed into an established sport called paragliding.

Skydiving chutes were modified by switching to nonporous fabric, expanding the wingspan, and adjusting the shape and trim of the airfoil. Each new development resulted in unpredictable changes in the flight characteristics of the gliders, demanding new piloting skills and techniques. Now that the equipment has been standardised, proper instruction is key for safely flying in a glider. A beginner should spend hours learning how to ground-handle and launch a “wing” in different wind conditions.

I met, Thaha, who joined the Falcon Adventures paragliding in his fifties, as he was preparing to attempt flight from the highest peak in the Al Nahda Dunes.

“I got training a few days at Seeb beach and came here to fly several times. Now the instructors say that I am an expert and they will be issuing me a recognised pilot licence. Even though I am going to finish my course with this final flight, this is so addictive that I am planning to buy the equipment online, and continue on my own, trying new locations,” he told me before hopping into the Jeep Cherokee that was ferrying gliders and their equipment to the top of the dune.

I stood next to Syed Hamid Raza, the founder of Falcon Adventures, watching as one by one the colourful gliders descended into the wadi. Syed was giving instructions over a walky-talky to an airborne pilot. “Turn left, right, full break,” he said, as we watched the floating figure make a perfect landing.

Falcon Adventures offers three courses in paragliding: Basic, intermediate, and a pilot licence course, which can be

completed all together over ten days.

The basic paragliding course is just an introduction, which teaches ground handling and slope running. Throughout the course each student will learn the basics of proper paraglider setup, inflation, ground handling, and try assisted take-off.

During the pilot licence course, the students have to independently control the glider, and upon completion, Falcon will issue an internationally recognised licence from their affiliates, Thailand Air Sports Association and British Flying Association, which allow holders to fly anywhere in the world.

The company also offers paramotoring courses, which are similar to paragliding, but with a propeller strapped to your back. Wearing a motorised propeller like a backpack, thrusts the glider into the sky, giving paramotorists the ability to take off from almost any open area, with no need for a runway.

“We run a ten-day paramotor basic course in which we teach ground theory, introduction to paramotor parts, and ground handling of paraglider without and with motor. On

the third day we do solo flights from Al Nadha dunes with paragliders, then next three days we give extensive training of handling a paraglider in air to the student, who then has three flights per day for the next four days. Once we are confident that they can handle the paraglider, we attach paramotor with the paraglider. On the last day the student will take-off and have a solo flight for 15 to 20 minutes,” Syed Hamid explained.

The second course for paramotoring is an advanced, sevenday course during which students learn low level flying, manoeuvring, high flying, cross-country flying, and emergency safety skills. After completing the training, paramotorists can get memberships for OMR15 per month for access to equipment.

For those less excited by the idea of soaring through the sky alone, joyrides with instructors are available at Sawadi Beach and Al Nahda Dunes for OMR15.

—shafeeq@timesofoman.com

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A MIND FOR CHANGE Muna Abusulayman, television presenter, speaker, and former founding Secretary General of the charitable Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation, is considered one of the most influential Arabs in the world. An innovative thinker, Muna has spoken at the World Economic Forum, the UN, and the World Bank on sensitive issues ranging from “Leadership in the Arab World” to the “Monetisation of Motherhood.” I recently had an opportunity to speak with this inspirational woman, to learn more about her perspective on career, family, and faith.

STORY SHRUTHI NAIR PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED You have been named as one of the most influential Muslims in the world, which projects earned you this recognition?

There are a lot of reasons, but to name a few, I was running one of the largest foundations and the grants that we were giving affected a lot of people. We were very strategic in the way we gave money and we wanted to ensure there was long-term change. So there were a lot of endowments and sustainable income centres. We took on one of the biggest issues that we were facing back then (10 years ago), which was Islamophobia. We looked at ways of combating it by setting up Islamic centres in the best universities like Harvard, Georgetown, and Cambridge, to help the West overcome these fears. We also wanted to create some understanding of the US in the Middle East so people would know what they were dealing with. I was also the first person who wore Hijab on a non-religious TV show and that was a pioneering step.

How have your travels influenced your unique perspective on the world?

I’ve lived in the US, Middle East and Far East.

Therefore I got to see how different people

think about things and perceive the same things differently. Being exposed to different cultures at an early age allowed me to see things in a pluralistic way rather than going for the “my way or the high way” approach.

But of course, you need to adapt very quickly to different systems, different ways of expressions, and presentations to survive. Thus, I have become extremely flexible. So now, I can live anywhere.

You “wear many hats” as a philanthropist, entrepreneur, thought leader, and TV personality, but which title do you most identify with?

Most people know me from TV and therefore for them I’ll always be a TV personality. But I think of myself as a teacher — somebody who likes to help people achieve their potential and somebody who likes to give information. The way I used to do it was by teaching in the universities and creating educational programmes and now I am doing it through television by using my segments on the show to communicate ideas through media.

My career path may not be as contrasting as you might think. Like I said, I like to give

people information and I do it in different ways ys and through different media. So it basically was different tools for the same mission.

You’ve influenced and inspired a lot of people in the region. Who has your inspiration been?

My father. He is an Islamic thinker. A Ph.D graduate in international relations, he is someebody who has devoted his life in trying to help p the Uma (Muslim community) achieve a better er place. He wrote the book Crisis of the Muslim Mind and other books that look at education and family and creating a way of life that is modern, Islamic, productive, progressive, and d dignified.

Ms Anne, who was Helen Keller’s teacher, is another person who has influenced me. Ofcourse, Helen Keller is an exceptional woman n who achieved great things inspite of being handicapped, however, her handicap would not have been overcome if it wasn’t for this one ne teacher who got through to her. And therefore, e, Ms Anne, the person who helped another to tap ap into themselves and overcome their obstacless will always remain the person who has resonated with me the most.

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What is your motto in life?

I have a lot of mottos in life. They include “With every hardship comes ease,” “Take it easy,” and “Put your faith in God and do your best”.

What do you feel is the biggest problem currently being faced by the Middle East?

There are a lot of problems that are being faced by the Middle East. I think the biggest problem is that of education. We all know that the problem exists but no one is doing anything to fix it. Selecting better teachers, giving them good salaries, and respecting them would be a good place to start if we want to address the issue and solve them. Basically, getting the best to do the most important job should be the biggest priority.

Another major problem that we are facing is that we don’t question the things that are lacking in our system. Such as asking, what do we need to lead a dignified life? How can we ensure that people have employment or access to good and affordable health care, and can they meet the basic needs of their families without having to rely on the government or wasta or

other forms of corruption. I also think that we have failed in creating reliable institutions.

How is the Middle East faring when it comes to entrepreneurship and digital media?

I think the Middle East is very entrepreneurial.

There are a lot of people who have interesting ideas and are ready to do stuff. But we need a better system of helping them. And the digital age is changing that and making the environment favourable.

What have been the specific challenges you faced as an Arab woman?

There is a lack of respect. There is also the “token woman” concept. We are still lacking in giving women their Islamic rights of full citizenship. When it comes to divorce and inheritance, we know that the rules exist but we don’t enforce it. And even if it is enforced there is a stigma of shame attached when the woman asks for these rights. I do realise that Islamic systems look at male-female relations in a very different way. We look at sex within marriage, clean living, creating strong families, and strong value systems. But just because

a woman is going to give birth, doesn’t mean that she should be penalised on all of her other decisions.

Another challenge women face especially while working in a mixed environment is that there is a social side that has to be more conservative. Since people are not used to seeing women reaching the very top, you need to suppress your other natural traits such as your fun or inquisitive side. You have to look at how you position yourself as an authority. So when people see me on TV or watch my interviews they think my life is just about work. However, I also do other things. I travel a lot. I spend time with my kids. I like visiting art galleries.

So the challenge is how you create a balance between your human and social elements and your authoritative side.

Also, since women are seen as nurturers, sometimes people tend to abuse that. So people at work ask for days off and ask for a lot of considerations and women feel obliged to give in.

I feel that there needs to be some formality between the boss (female) and the subordinates as unfortunately we haven’t reached that stage at work where people wouldn’t take advantage of your nature.

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What advice would you like to give to Arab women who aspire to greatness?

You need to believe in yourself and understand what you want. If you just want to be famous, there are ways to do that, but that’s never been my interest. My interest lies in trying to find out how I can be the best version of myself.

You need to look at who you are as a person, as a Muslim, as a woman. You need to understand what are the values you hold and what you’re good at. And if you don’t know what that is yet, then try to discover it and work towards developing it. Also, it is very important for a woman to choose the right person to get married to. Earlier, it was all about creating a family, but now you need someone who understands your value system and somebody you can communicate with. In every area of your life, look for solutions and don’t look for problems. Everything has a solution, even if you don’t like it.

—shruthi@timesofoman.com

Follow Muna facebook.com/Muna.Abusulayman.Page/ Instagram: @muna_abusulayman Twitter: @MunaAbuSulayman

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AN ODE TO ICED TEA STORY SALIM AL AFIFI

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ipping on iced tea is a favourite habit of mine, I love the aromatic smell of dried tea leaves infused with the scent of summer fruit and the lingering bitter, yet sweet aftertaste. Nothing is better for cooling off in the dead of summer. I love them all, from lemon iced teas served in tall, slender, ice-filled glasses, to chilled milk tea, which I see as a more complex alternative to iced coffee, and, when I’m craving something a bit more exotic, as I was during the heat wave last week, I go out in search of that partially edible Taiwanese tipple known as bubble tea.

I bypassed the rows of coffee shops and fresh fruit juice shops, heading for Chatime, a well-known, funky, Taiwanese tea corner in Shatti Al Qurum. The shop serves a variety of teas made from roasted tea leaves, green tea leaves, brown rice tea leaves, jasmine tea leaves, and matcha red Japanese tea powder in either fruit-based or milk-based concoctions. The extensive menu is filled with unique combinations of teas, toppings, and fruit juices, and the best part about this joint is that you can customise the amount of sugar and ice in your drink. A few drinks off the menu can even be served hot, though its not a likely order in this weather.

I entered the shop and settled in to a seat

by the window overlooking Shatti Street. I started off with their signature drink, Pearl Milk Tea, a slightly dense milk tea mixed with bead-shaped tapioca starch pearls. The milky taste was strong and exquisite, and the pearls were magnificent. Soft and chewy, they offer an unusual sensation, an added level of satisfaction while you sip — you’ll know what I’m talking about when you try it.

I couldn’t leave the shop without a to-go order of my very favourite of their beverages, the Mango Green Tea, with extra sugar. This drink blows my mind every time I order it. I could drink the addictive combination of sweet mango and grassy, bitter green tea all day, every day, but, as an iced tea aficionado, I can never resist trying something new.

Other interesting drinks on offer include, passion fruit green tea; Hawaiian green tea, made of mixed fruits; and Superior Cocoa tea, a special chocolate tea that’s great for satisfying a sweet tooth. The shop has also introduced locally-inspired flavours like Karak Pearl milk tea, and all their beverages are customisable through the addition of toppings like grass jelly, Aloe Vera, coconut jelly, rainbow jelly, coffee jelly, red beans, egg pudding, and my personal favourite, tapioca pearls. —salim@timesofoman.com

CHATIME Beach Commercial Centre, Shatti Al Qurum, Near City Cinema and Costa Coffee +968 2494 9456

WHAT TO ORDER Pearl Milk Tea, OMR1.9 for medium Karak Pearl Milk Tea, OMR2 for medium Mango Green Tea, OMR1.8 for medium Passion Fruit Green Tea, OMR1.8 for medium Add 400 baisa for extra topping.

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OMANI SLANG SUMMER REFRESHMENTS Interspersed with the Arabic conversations overheard throughout the capital city, even native Arabic speakers might be surprised to hear some unfamiliar words.

Though Arabic is the official language in the Sultanate, there are all kinds of words and phrases that are purely local. Here’s your monthly primer from Hi’s Omani team members, Salim Al Afifi and Asmaa Al Balushi.

STORY SALIM AL AFIFI & ASMAA AL BALUSHI ILLUSTRATION ISIDORE VIC CARLOMAN

Mishli Coconut

Beeth-am

Indian Almond

JaH Watermelon

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Sharbat

Syrupy Juice

Loomi Dried Lime

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ROAD TRIP OMAN

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STORY FELICIA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY DANIEL TAGHAVI AHROMI

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here is really no better way to experience the beauty and diversity of Oman than through a road trip. So, when I have visitors from out of town, that’s always the first thing I plan. Securing a 4WD vehicle is the second.

This year, I had a houseful, with both my husband’s family and my mother in town at the same time — for the first time. We wanted to give them the full Oman experience: Hajar Mountains, sandy desert dunes, and pristine coastlines. We knew what to do and where to go, but I couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread whenever I imagined five adults packed into a car together for four days. It was the perfect opportunity to do a full-fledged road test of the new Ford Explorer sport, which ended up being the saving grace of our trip.

I hadn’t driven an Explorer since the late 2000s. Despite being an American (orperhaps perhaps America (or because of it), I hadn’t driven an Americanmade SUV since then, aside from rugged Jeeps, opting for more luxurious foreign models. But, let me tell you, as we drove the fully loaded 2016 Explorer Sport over 1,000 kilometres of varied terrain in less than a week with five adults in-tow, my mind was completely blown.

My husband was likewise won over by the thoughtfully designed SUV, which comfortably sat the lot of us plus our luggage, which we neatly packed in the half-row storage space under one of the back row seats, thanks to convenient push-button optional third row seating.

There were separate temperature controls for every part of the vehicle along with the added lux touch of seat coolers (and seat heaters for freaks like me who are cold in the middle of summer) for the driver and front row passenger. And it was a dream to drive, starting with the 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, adjustable pedals, and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, to performance-enhancing, touch-ofa-toggle Terrain Management System, which we tested on the steep inclines and declines of

Jebel Jabal Akhdar, the sandy stretches of Bidiyah, and on a strange winding road through the eastern Hajars that couldn’t decide if it wanted to be a freeway or an off-road adventure.

The best thing about all the bells and whistles (check out all the specifics on page 24) was the fact that they all worked exactly as you would want them too. Adaptive cruise control not only decelerates when a vehicle swerves ahead of you, it also speeds back up when you change lanes to pass the crazy yahoo. The navigation, so long a useless source of frustration for me that I had totally stopped trying to use in-car systems, ended up saving us on this trip when we lost our cellphone signals (and along with it our Google route map) between some towering peaks on an unmarked road. The hands-free “kick-open” trunk entry, made loading and unloading a breeze (and it is fun to use) and the keyless entry, which allowed us to walk away from our keyless machine, while taking photos or sightseeing, without our keychain, were simply marvellous.

Other less useful, details, like the colourcustomisable customizable interior lighting (nightclub in the car?) worked as advertised and were admittedly fun touches. The days flew, and all five of us, no matter where we were sitting, were relaxed, comfortable, and at ease in what ended up feeling like a luxury tour bus.

So, what about our ultimate overview route?

We opted for what I consider the first-timer’s best hits, highlighting the surprising diversity of Oman with excursions to mountain top and seaside, enjoying both luxury to adventure, in true Oman-fashion.

Everyone had a great time. For our families, it was a trip they will never forget, and for my husband and I, it reawakened us to the wonders of this country as we saw it anew through their eyes.

So, next time you find yourself with guests to entertain; grab this itinerary, hop in an SUV, bypass the mall, and head for the open road.

—felicia@timesofoman.com

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There is nothing more stunning than the drive straight up the side of Jabal Jebel Akhdar, so be sure to leave in 12:00PM Have lunch in Muscat and then drive towards Nizwa. Program Programme Alila Alila Jabal Jabal Akhdar Akhdar into your GPS or Google Maps and enjoy the transforming scenery for the next two hours.

2:00PM Stop for sweet karak tea and Omani bread with cheese from the tea shop at base of Jabal Jebel Akhdar before beginning your accent. You’ll soon find out why four wheel drive vehicles are required to get up the hill. (If you don’t have a 4x4, Alila will arrange to pick you up from the checkpoint near the bottom of the mountain for a fee.)

enough time to make the ascent in the daylight. While most camp on the mountain, it is worth a stay at the spectacular Alila hotel, one of the most luxurious properties in the entire country, perched atop the scenic cliffs. They often have special rates for Oman residents, so it is worth checking

2:30PM Drive up the mountain, pass the turn for Alila and park where the road dead-ends just before the walled-off radio tower, to get some super photos of the stepped orchards of the villages below.

ahead of time.

4:00PM Turn back and make your final climb up to Alila and check-in.

A stay at Alila is something truly memorable.

It is 25 degrees cooler at the top of the mountain than in Muscat, and it is quiet. Dead quiet.

The boutique resort was constructed from local stones and materials and thus it nearly vanishes against the rocky backdrop, adding to its remote air. Amble slowly up a rocky path from your cliffside suite to the stunning main building where you can soak in an indoor or outdoor Jacuzzi, take a lap in the infinity pool, visit the stellar spa, and enjoy a fresh, thoughtful menu at Juniper Restaurant or at the bar.

5:00PM Get settled into your room and watch the sunset as you enjoy a long soak in your oversize bathtub.

6:30PM Re-joining your group for a threecourse dinner overlooking the ravines at Juniper Restaurant.

8:30PM Watch the stars and enjoy a nightcap on the terrace or back in your room on your private balcony.

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8:00AM Take a swim and do some sunbathing on one of the four-post outdoor beds arranged around the pool to work-up an appetite for breakfast.

9:30AM Head back to Juniper to indulge in the lavish combination of their ala carte menu, menubreakfast menumenu breakfast and the and generousbuff the generous et.buffet.

11:00AM Pack your bags, check-out. Program Programme “Nizwa Fort” into your GPS or Google Mapsand Maps and take your time winding back down the scenic mountain road to the ancient village of Nizwa.

12:30PM Park in the large lot in front of the souk souq and take a stroll through the antique silver shops, souvenir shops, peruse local pottery, and ask about local specialties like smoked rose water.

Pass by the Fort fort to toread readplacards placardsabout aboutthe thedeadly deadly vats of boiling date juice that were poured down murder holes to ward off invaders.

2:00PM Grab a quick bite and coffee from the small café across from the fort, but don’t linger too long in Nizwa, because you have a date with the desert to get to.

2:30PM Head south, Program ‘Shell, BidiProgramme ‘Shell, Bidiyah, yabidaOman’ into your or Google Maps and Oman’ into your GPS orGPS Google Maps and watch watch the landscape transform onceon again the landscape transform once again yourontwo your drivethe towards fabled sands. hour two drivehour towards fabledthe sands.

4:30PM Get gas at the petrol station, and if you are traveling travellingbetween betweenSeptember Septemberand andApril, April,then then head to one of the Wahiba Sands desert camps (book via agoda.com or booking.com for the best deals) for the night. If you are traveling travellingduring duringthe summer, its better to just taketake a quick rideride into the summer, it’s better to just a quick the that that beginbegin where the main roadroad of Bediintosands the sands where the main of yah ends.ends.

Go spy camels and if Bidiyah Go on spythe onlounging the lounging camels and you linger long enough, a friendly Bedouin is is sure if you linger long enough, a friendly Bedouin to come over over and invite you for sure to come and invite youcoff foree coff eedates. and and dates. dates 6:00PM If you continue youare arenot notstaying stayingininBidiyah, Bidiyah, consoutheast along along the main Programme tinue southeast the highway, main highway, Program ‘Ras Al Jinz Turtle Beach Reserve’ into your GPS or Google Maps. There are some desolate plains to get through before emerging at the coast, so pay attention to your navigation. You’ll bypass the twinkling lights of the famous port city, and continue on to the turtle haven of Ras Al Jinz.

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No visit to Oman is complete without seeing the historic town of Nizwa, tucked among the date palms below the towering Hajar mountains, or without a trip to the rippling golden sands of the desert. It is perhaps most dramatic to see them in

8:30PM Check in at the turtle reserve, and if you made good enough time, go straight for the 9pm turtle tour where you may get the chance to see one of the great wonders of the natural world to see one of the great wonders of the natural — giant sea turtles laying theirtheir eggs,eggs, and their world—giant sea turtle laying and their hatchlings running for the sea. If you didn’t make it, then have dinner and go to bed early, the next tour is at 5:00am.

one day, travelling through the drastically transforming terrain in between. If you aren’t aren’t travelling travelling duringduring the summertime, the summertime, the desert the desert can be can a fun beplace a funtoplace stay to overnight, overnight, soso long as you don’t mind “roughing it” a bit.

Otherwise, it is a long, but well-worthwhile drive to the coast, so you can wake up to a sea breeze the next morning.

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The 2016 Ford Explorer Sport

9:00AM Either sleep in a bit and have breakfast at the reserve, or if you weren’t lucky enough to catch the night show, get up at the crack of dawn for pre-breakfast turtle watching.

10:00AM Check-out and Programme Program’Al Qanjah ‘Al Qanjah Boat Yard, Sur, Oman’ into your GPS or Google Maps. Take a drive around the small city: Check check out the dhow building museum, the fish market, the beautiful Corniche, and shop for souvenirs at one of the many 300 baisa gift marts in town.

12:00PM Have cuttlefi cuttlefish squid)biryani biryanifor sh(giant (giantsquid) lunch at Sur SeaSea Restaurant, then continue north for lunch at Sur Restaurant, then continue and Programme ‘Wadi Shab Parking, Tiwi, Oman’ north and program ‘Wadi Shab Parking, Tiwi, into your GPS orGPS Google Maps. Maps.

Oman’ into your or Google 1:00PM Just off the highway, Wadi Shab is accessible by passing through Tiwi village. Once you reach the river (you will see lots of other cars) you can just park and start your hike towards the falls. Sometimes locals will pass you on boats and will offer rides to the mouth of the partially submerged caves for a few Omani Rials.. rials.

3:00PM Continue north. Program Programme ‘Sifawy ‘Sifawy Boutique Hotel, As Sifah, Oman’ into your GPS or Google Maps. After about an hour, start really watching your navigation. You are about to have a semi-off-road adventure. The road to Sifah is unpaved in many parts, and runs straight through some of the spectacularly desolate areas of the Eastern Hajar Mountains.

4:00PM Drive via viathe thevery veryhard hardto tofifind ndroutes routesthat link the roadroad to the Road, this that linkinterior the interior toSifah-Yiti the Sifah-Yiti Road, is a good timetime to swap youryour cellphone mapsmaps for this is a good to swap cell phone your GPS. Stop along thethe wayway to take photos in in for your GPS. Stop along to take photos what looks like total wilderness.

5:00PM Arrive in Sifah at the lovely Sifawy Sifawy Boutique Hotel.in Check in and freshen up Boutique Hotel. Check and freshen up before before heading down to the restaurant for heading down to the restaurant for an alfresco dinner.

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8:00PM Spend the evening enjoying music and the lapping of water at the beach bar.

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After a long day of sightseeing and driving, a quiet, boutique hotel awaits you in the small village of Sifah.

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HIGHLIGHTS: • Engine: 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 365bhp, 475Nm • Intelligent 4WD • Terrain Management System (Normal/ Mut & Ruts/ Sand/ Snow, Grass, Gravel/ Hill Descent Control • Sport Tuned Suspension • Trailer Tow Prep Pack • 10 Way Power Front Passenger seat with Power Recline & Lumbar • Ambient Lighting (I thought this was absurd at first, but I fell in love with this silly touch, which allows you to change the colour of the accent lighting throughout the car)

• Cargo Net Lighted Scuff Plates • Perforated Leather Trimmed Seats with Red Accent Stitching

• Power Fold 3rd Row Seats • 12 Speaker Sony Audio System • Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning & Brake Support • Auto - Dimming Driver Rearview Side Mirror • BLIS with Cross Traffic Alert • Dual 2nd Row Smart Charging USB Ports • DVD Headrest • Front 180 Degree Camera with Washer • Front Parking Aid • GCC Navigation

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9:00AM Wander down to breakfast and enjoy a view of the marina with your morning coffee.

10:00AM Rent some bikes or take a walk around the quiet bay before checking out and heading for your last, and perhaps most other-worldly, ‘Shangri-La’s Barr AlAl Jissah destination. Program Programme ‘Shangri-La Barr Resort Resort & Spa, Oman’ into your GPS orGPS Google Jissah & Spa, Oman’ into your or Maps. Maps.

Google atShangri-La Shangri-Laand andcheck checkin inatatthe 10:45AM Arrive at the Bandar Hotel reception to retreive Bandar Hotel reception deskdesk to retrieve youryour Day Day in Paradise passes (book day passes in Paradise passes (book youryour day passes ahead ahead of then time),gothen goand down and findof of time), down find a row shaded a row of lounge the beach. shadedchairs loungeoverlooking chairs overlooking the beach.

11:15AM Cabana boys will bring you fluffy towels and coolers full of ice-cold water. Order iced cappuccinos and luxuriate in the sun. Take a dip in the crystal clear waters and work up an appetite for lunch, which is included with your pass.

While no trip to Oman is complete without deserts, mountains, forts and wadis, it is equally incomplete without a touch of the opulent, Arabian-Gulf-style luxury offered at the gold-leafed, frankincense-scented, fivestar hotels around the capital city. Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, a glittering, Arabian fantasyland perched above the perfect azure sea just outside of the city, offers the opportunity to give your guests a

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taste of the ‘good life’ in the Sultanate.

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ESSENTIAL STOPS JEBEL AKHDAR/NIZWA Alila Jabal Akhdar Jebel Akhdar +968 2534 4200 alilahotels.com/JabalAkhdar Tea Time At the base of Jebel Akhdar, just before you make your ascent, there is a small cluster of buildings, including an old castle, Bait Al Ridaydah. Stop at the little karak shop for Omani bread and sweet tea.

Scenic Overview Pass the turn for Alila, and continue towards the town of Saiq. Pass the petrol station and to the right of the Sahab hotel, where the road deadends, park and take in the incredible views of the cliffside orchards below.

Nizwa Fort/ Souq Nizwa (Google Nizwa Fort, the Souq is next door) BIDIYAH Sand Dunes Bidiyah When you reach the town of Bidiyah, turn right when you reach the Shell Petrol station. This main road will wind through the small town and end at the entrance to the dunes.

SUR/RAS AL JINZ/ WADI SHAB Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Ras Al Jinz +968 9655 0606 reservations@rasaljinz-turtlereserve.com rasaljinz-turtlereserve.com Dhow Museum and Factory Sur (“Boat Factory, Sur, Oman” on Google Maps) Sur Sea Restaurant Sur (Near the Souq) +968 2554 2516 Sur Gift Market Sur (main street/ 23) +968 9111 1951 OUTSKIRTS OF MUSCAT Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa shangri-la.com/muscat +968 2477 6666 Al Alam Palace Old Muscat Riyam Park Old Muscat Muttrah Souq Muttrah Corniche, near Fish Roundabout

2:00PM Dry off and go to Al Tanoor for a show-stopping buffet lunch featuring Persian mixed grill stations, pasta stations, fresh Indian, Chinese, and Continental, as well as a staggering salad and cold appetiser spread.

3:00PM Head back to your lounges to spend the rest of the afternoon overlookingthe theperfect perfectroyal royal afternoonoverlooking blue sea and relaxing in the lap of luxury.

6:00PM As evening eveningfalls, falls,head headhome homevia viathe Sidab road.

Pointroad. out the Al out Alam in Old Muscat, the Sidab Point thePalace Al Alam Palace in the incense burner of Riyam Park, and Oldiconic Muscat, the iconic incense burner of Riyam if you’re upfeeling for it, stop forit, a quick stroll park, andfeeling if you’re up for stop for a quick through the Muttrah Souq before returning to stroll through the Muttrah souq before returning home sweet home to to letlet your guest, no-doubt to home sweet home your guest, no-doubt minds still spinning from their whirlwind adventure, get packed for their own journeys home.

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Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, distributed Iftar family packages to several families in the community with food items during the Holy Month.

Over 4,000 bottles of water were delivered to local mosques and community workers in the neighbourhood, while some employees took to the streets for a date and laban distribution on the Muscat Corniche just before sunset, for locals and visitors to break their fast on the go.

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Ghabga (dinner) hosted by KIMS Oman Hospital Management at Hormuz Grand, Muscat. Photography: O K Mohammed Ali

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Mazayen launched its new summer collection at their showroom in Al Khuwair. Mazayen is a unique handmade jewellery inspired by the heritage and culture of Oman designed and made by Nadia Al Shamsi. For more details visit Mazayen.net. Photography: Salim Al Afifi

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SUDOKU HOW TO PLAY Fill empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column, and area.

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VISIT US AT FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY FOR THE SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE

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