Hi 19 February 2016

OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 54,000 COPIES

VOL 10 ISSUE 8 / FEBRUARY 19, 2016

HEED THE CALL OF THE SHARQIYAH SANDS PAGE 20

Audited by

THIS WEEK IN OMAN

EAT LIKE AN EGYPTIAN

LEARN SOME LOCAL SLANG

Head to Qurum for a taste of crunchy, tangy, and carby ‘kushari’ at the new Kusharina.

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It’s a cat, it’s a bird, it’s time for another Omani Dialect tutorial from Salim Al Afifi.

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READ ON Improving literacy and a love of reading in Oman starts with affordable books, mobile libraries, and, first-andforemost, dedicated volunteers.

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 8 FEBRUARY 19, 2016

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 Senior Editors T. A. Ameerudheen Faisal Mohammed Naim ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

Chief Sub-Editors Mohammed Shafeeqe, Ashish Dubash

faisal@timesofoman.com

ashishdubash@timesofoman.com Multimedia Editorial Assistants Shruthi Nair, Asmaa Al Balushi, Salim Hamood Al Afifi

shafeeq@timesofoman.com

salim@timesofoman.com

shruthi@timesofoman.com asmaa@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 Photography and Design by Ali Jani For general inquiries or comments: HiWeekend@timesofoman.com

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 8 FEBRUARY 19, 2016

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THE WEEKEND LINEUP Your calendar of the hottest events happening in Muscat this weekend

18 19 20 9pm Old School’s the New Cool

Enjoy a night that will keep you lip syncing as Dj Fawaz and Mc Mo play songs that are part of the popular “Soundtrack of your life.”

On the Rocks, Seeb +968 2434 6765 goldentulipseeb.com

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

10am Alert Shopoholics

10pm Celebrity Spinner

Go to the Meena Bazaar this Friday with your family to shop, have amazing food, and even win prizes

Sydney’s DJ Willi, who has done tours with artists like Snoop Dogg, Flo Rida, Akon, and the likes, is all set to set the dance floor on fire this Saturday in Muscat.

Al Bahja Hall Jungle Restaurant, Qurum +968 98713403 platinumeventsoman.com

6pm Sing Out Loud

Indian pop singer duo Salim-Suleiman are all set to rock the stage in Muscat for the first time at Mus the Qurum amphitheatre.

Book your tickets from MGM, Foodlands, R&B, or MG Mitsubishi showrooms.

Qurum Amphitheatre +968 9576 1210 lightandshadowllc.com

The Cave Complex Rumba Lattina +968 2465 1051 insync-events.com

DJ Willi

Neymar Jrs Wants You Ney Aspiring footballers will A be be out o in force for the first qualifier for Oman’s spots qua qu in the global Neymar JR competition cum talent c hunt.

Bousher +968 9986 6803 neymarjrsfive.com

Photography: Supplied

THURSDAY

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Going out of town to see any of these events? Tag us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 8 FEBRUARY 19, 2016

KHALEEJI HAPPENINGS Broadcasting the best events in the GCC (February 18, 19, 20)

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Thursday, February 18 Home Exhibition (Doha)

There is a saying: “Home is where the heart is.” No matter where an individual may hail from, the idea of home is unique to each of us.

Exploring this theme, this exhibition is a collaboration between VCU Qatar, the U.S. Embassy in Qatar, and the American Chamber of Commerce Qatar in support of Discover America Week Qatar 2016 (February 15 to 22).

Time: 6pm HBKU Student Centre, Education City, Al Huqoul St, Doha, Qatar +974 4402 0555 qatar.vcu.edu

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Friday, February 19 Journey Thru House: Garlands’ Special (Dubai)

A thumping house music concert featuring famous musicians including Dave Booth, Rob Tissera, Livin’ Joy and Lil’ John, entrance to Zero Gravity for Journey Thru House event is free before 10pm and AED 100 after.

Ladies are free before midnight and AED 100 after.

Time: 10pm Zero Gravity, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, UAE +971 4399 0009 0-gravity.ae

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Friday February 19 US Embassy Film Night: The Music Man - 1962 (Bahrain)

U.S Embassy will present the classic 1962 film ‘The Music Man’ as part of an ongoing series of free film screenings. This particular film is a musical about a trickster who falls in love with a woman and re-thinks his cheating ways.

Time: 6pm Lecture Hall, Bahrain National Museum culture.gov.bh

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Friday February 19 I’m Hardwell Concert (Dubai)

Electronic dance music fans can finally get what they’ve been asking for as EDM superstar Haedwell, the 27-year old Big Room House and Electronic House DJ and producer, finally comes to the Meydan as part of his global tour.

Time: 7pm Al Meydan Road, Dubai, UAE +971 4327 0000 iamhardwelldubai.com

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FIVE TO TRY CAMPING SPOTS hiweekend@timesofoman.com

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This exhibition is inspired by a quote from “Just Kids,” a memoir penned by the poet, artist, and singer Patti Smith about her complicated relationship with the artist Robert Mapplethorpe.

The Sultan Gallery, Street 105, Block 8, South Sabhan, Kuwait +965 2471 4325; +965 6097 0001 sultangallery1969@gmail.com

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WAHIBA SANDS

WADI SHAB

MUGHSAYL

JEBEL SHAMS

WHITE BEACH, FINS

Enjoy a classic desert experience at Oman’s most popular dune destination. Hit the road before summertime to enjoy the sands sans the unbearable heat.

Location Coordinates: 21°26’15.985”N, 58°33’15.7756”E

Spend your weekend swimming in clear water pools in Al Sharqiyah. This wadi attracts both locals and expats for its beautiful cave, waterfall, and easy access by car.

Location Coordinates: 22°50’13.72”N, 59°14’34.71”E

Located in Dhofar governorate, Mughsayl offers remarkable beach views, serene mountain roads, and amazing weather. It is best visited in winter and spring.

Location Coordinates: 16°53’0”N, 53° 47’0”E

Visit the highest mountain peak in Oman, Jebel Shams. It is close to other famous historical landmarks in Nizwa, Bahla, and Al Hamra.

Location Coordinates: 23°14’ 15.2113”N, 57°15’53.581”E

This famous beach is renowned for its rocky coastal wall, captivating sea scenery, and beautiful white sands. It is one of the best locations for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts Location Coordinates: 22°53’34”N 59°13’20”E

Photography: Supplied

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Saturday, February 20 Complicity Art Exhibition (Kuwait)

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Where did you escape to this weekend?

Show us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 8 FEBRUARY 19, 2016

WEEKEND ESCAPE

LOCAL COLOUR FROM SALALAH TO MUSCAT

RAS MADRAKAH & WUSTA’S PINK LAGOON Three hours north of Salalah and an hour and a half south of Duqum, pink lagoons, stunning white sand, and pure turquoise waters on the remote shores of Ras Madrakah and Al Kahil make for fantastic detours on a south-to-north roadtrip. Get ready for a colourful weekend.

STORY OLGA AYMERICH PHOTOGRAPHY GILES KEUN

FRIDAY 08:00 Depart early from Salalah and head north via the Muscat– Salalah Coastal Road. You have 485 km of sea view ahead of you to enjoy.

14.00 Turn right in Al Kahil and follow the signs for the Pink Lagoon. A few kilometres down the road, a strip of pink-coloured water will appear in front of your eyes. It’s real. Though the intensity of the colour varies throughout the year, the water just before the sea always has a definite, other-worldly pink hue.

16.00 25 kilometres north of Al Kahil, take a left to reach Wadi Barun (18.774998, 56.621009). The sheer immensity of this canyon earns it a little detour. Amazingly wide and reddish, the view will remind you of the African savanna at sunset.

18:30 Drive on to Duqum and check-in at Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Residence just in time for a quick swim in its relaxing ocean-view swimming pool.

20:00 Re-fuel with a sirloin steak and salad at the hotel’s RBG Bar and Grill.

21:00 Play a few rounds of mini-football before heading to bed.

SATURDAY 08:00 Have coffee and breakfast by the sea before checking-out of the hotel and driving back south.

09:30 Stop in Ras Madrakah and jump in the crystalline waters.

This amazing bay has a powerful combination of the most amazing turquoise sea splashing over fine white sand.

13:00 Order an egg sandwich with chips and a karak tea on the go from one of the small coffee shops next to the main road, then head north for the long, but very scenic drive back to Muscat.

20:00 Reach back home, close your eyes and remember the pink red white and turquoise colours of the picturesque weekend you have just left behind. —HiWeekend@timesofoman.com

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The Devil’s in the Details They say that the suit makes the man. Quite an

STORY SALIM AL AFIFI | PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI

interesting phrase, which I fully endorse, but do you ever wonder what makes the suit? In today’s fashion culture, “suit and tie” has become more than just putting together a matching pant and blazer. It’s the details that can add a hint of glamour to your look.

Everything, from your socks to your lapel pin, make

TIE Although fashion is taking the tie-less approach on fashion runways recently, a tie is still an accessory that adds a classic touch that compliments the entire look. Similar to shirts; stay away from flashy bright colours and cartoonish prints and opt for more subtle ones with interesting textures.

a statement about your personality, so you could say that it is the accessories that separate the men from the boys in terms of style. —salim@timesofoman.com

SHIRT Dark suits go well with lighter shirts, and vice versa, match your Navy blue suit with a lighter shade of blue button-up shirt. Try and avoid heavy textured shirts with too many lines and prints, keep it simple and classy.

WATCH A look isn’t complete without a stunningly SUIT Colour When it comes to suiting up for work, keep your whites and bright colours hidden in your closet; or save them for your gym session, and instead look for a darker colour that is masculine and alluring yet less boring than black. Colour such as Navy blue is unmistakably great, in which is trendy and ideal to accessorise.

smart watch. Look for a watch that screams ‘professional’. Prestigious watches are essential accessories for a gentleman with a bold attitude; Seiko watches are one of the options that highlight your look with classiness. This particular look is paired with sharply-designed Astron GPS Solar in Navy blue colour, with its cutting-edge technology and high-end features, it truly define a true gentleman.

Design and Material Suits have a wide selection of designs, materials and features, which cater to our excruciatingly demanding personal taste. A loose suit is never an option; suits should accentuate your body neatly. Marks and Spencer’s performance suits in slim fitting are a great choice, these water repellant and stain resistant set of clothes are fashionably attractive, and there are no crumples to worry about, which keeps your elegance tacked throughout the day.

Model: Mustafa Al Lawati

BAG In the spirit of combining traditional apparel with modern aesthetics, compliment your overall look with my personal fashion favourite, a modern messenger bag. Cross-over messenger bags offer style and utility for men. You can rock this brown synthetic leather bag with formal wear and still look professional. It looks elegant from every angle; a must have indeed.

Navy blue performance blazer at OMR 65, Navy blue performance trousers at OMR 50, Autograph blue cotton shirt at OMR 26, pure silk Navy tie at OMR 10 from Marks and Spencer (Muscat City Center, +968 2455 8988). Brown leather

SHOES Shoes are the type of accessories that could make or break the entire look. It goes without saying that black leather shoes are as formal as suits can be. But you are not looking forward to look ‘formal’ only; you want ‘chic’. Brown leather shoes are the way to go, the colour goes stylishly with any suits, and with Navy blue; it’s a glamorous match. This double monk-strap, block-heeled, sleek ankle boots offer a flawless strut down the streets.

shoes at OMR 23, brown messenger bag at OMR 18 from Aldo (Oman Avenues Mall, +968 2206 0577).

Astron GPS solar watch at OMR 835 from Seiko (Bahwan Electronics, +968 2411 7139).

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Renowned sailors from across the world will be seen in action during the fourth leg of the America’s Cup World Series in Muscat on February 27 and 28. In the process, Oman will become the first country in the Middle East to host the prestigious event. If you aren’t familiar with the event, you still have time to brush up on the sport before the even. This is your guide to the oldest sporting competition in the world.

STORY T. A. AMEERUDHEEN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OMAN SAIL

U YO R GUIDE TO THE

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THE AMERICA’S CUP: A BRIEF HISTORY First contested in 1851, America’s Cup, yachting’s greatest prize, is the oldest trophy in international sport, predating the modern Olympic Games by 45 years. The trophy’s roots date back to when a syndicate of businessmen from New York sailed the schooner America across the Atlantic Ocean to represent the United States at the World’s Fair in England. The schooner won a race around the Isle of Wight and, with it, a trophy called the 100£ Cup. After winning the trophy, the United States embarked on what would become the longest winning streak in the history of sport, a 132year stretch of domination that saw boats representing the country successfully defend the trophy 24 times from 1870 through 1980 — until 1983, when Australia became the first successful challenger to lift the trophy.

In over 160-years of competition, teams representing just four nations (the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland) have won the trophy. Oracle Team USA is the defending champion. It first won the Cup in 2010 and successfully defended the title in 2013.

The Oman leg is part of the opening stages of the 35th America’s Cup, which will be held in Bermuda in June 2017.

It is the curtain raiser to the 2016 season, which will be spread over six different venues around the world.

TYPE OF YACHT AC 45 class, a one-design catamaran powered by a wing sail, will be seen in action in the two-day race. Held down by a crew of five, this catamaran can cruise at speeds of over 30 knots in the right conditions. It is designed with a solid aeroplane wing-like sail and high tech hydrofoils to provide lift, and speed.

THE CONTENDERS Six teams: Emirates Team New Zealand, Oracle Team USA, Land Rover BAR, SoftBank Team Japan, Artemis Racing, (Skipper: Nathan Outteridge), and Groupama Team France, will vie for honours in Oman.

COMPETITION FORMAT The America’s Cup is the first stage of competition in the 2017 America’s Cup that began in the summer of 2015 with events in Portsmouth, Great Britain, Gothenburg, Sweden Hamilton, Bermuda, and Oman.

The circuit is an early opportunity to put points on the board that carry forward into the next stage of the competition. Overall ranking position determines the starting points score of the teams in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Qualifiers in 2017.

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SCORING A high-point scoring system is in place for the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series. For the two races on Saturday, the winner earns 10 points, second place collects 9 points, third place 8 points, and so on. Points are scored double on Sunday, when the winner of each race collects 20 points, second place 18 points, third place 16 points, and so on. The team with the most points at the conclusion of racing is the winner. (Ties are broken in favour of the team with the best result in the last race).

CURRENT POSITIONS After three events in 2015, Emirates Team New Zealand had a 10-point lead over second placed Oracle Team USA with Land Rover BAR from the UK in third, Artemis Racing from Sweden in fourth, Soft Bank Team Japan in fifth and Groupama from France in sixth. —ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

P U C C A ’ I R S E M A

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Ant

Omani Slang

Sqaat

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 team member Salim Al Afifi. —salim@timesofoman.com

Pigeon Huqma

Cat Sanoora

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Lizard La gha

Sheep Hosh

Baby Chick AlSaqeaw

Want to learn a particular Omani phrase or saying?

Get in touch with us on Facebook/HiWeekly and we’ll post your tutorial on our “All-Local Omani Tuesdays”.

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Where will you be dining this week?

Share your food photos with us on facebook.com/hiweekly, tweet us your culinary discoveries @HiWeekly_Oman or tag us in your instagram photos @hiweekly_oman

FROM THE STREETS OF EGYPT STORY SWATI DASGUPTA

DINE IN | DINE OUT

Egyptians

Kusharina Qurum, Sayh Almalih Street PDO Road +968 2202 7011

are known to be ardent meat and fish lovers and that is reflected in their choice of foods. But surprisingly there is one Egyptian specialty that is purely vegetarian and it happens to be most popular snack, available in all the roadside eateries and food stalls in Cairo. Called kushari, this dish is a combination of pasta, rice, and lentil with a spicy topping of tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It is often served with a spoonful of cooked chickpeas on top. But if you are one among those whose meal is never complete without having meat, then stir in some cooked chunks of chicken or lamb and adjust it according to your palate.

To try this distinctive dish, you don’t need to go all the way to Egypt. In a quaint corner just off the PDO road, you will find the aptly named Kusharina, whose specialty is kushari and other Egyptian favourites. It is the only place in Muscat whose sole focus is Egyptian cuisine, so apart from the all-time favourite aforementioned snack, you can taste home-style tamiya, a popular snack similar to falafel that's served with freshly made dips and pickles; Ma7shi, a type of stuffed zucchini; Makroona bel bashameel, a dish of meat and macaroni draped in a creamy, white bechamel sauce; and chicken liver with Kusharina special spices, which can be served on its own or as a sandwich.

—swati@timesofoman.com

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF KUSHARINA

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Kushari 4 servings Ingredients • 1 cup basmati rice • 1 cup macaroni pasta • 1 cup lentils • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, chopped finely • 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced • 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes • 1/2 to 1 tsp pepper flakes • Salt and pepper, to taste • Oil for frying • 1 onion, sliced thinly Preparation • Cook rice in 2 cups of water in a covered pot until done for about 20 minutes. Separately cook the pasta until done. Simmer the lentils in 2 cups of water until tender for about 30-45 minutes.

• While the rice, pasta, and lentils are cooking, heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent. Stir in the tomato sauce and pepper flakes, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Add a little water if necessary. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

• Heat about 1/2-inch of oil in a heavy skillet. Add the sliced onions and fry until they turn brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

• Place the rice, macaroni and lentils in a large bowl, season with salt and pepper, and stir together gently with a fork. Serve in individual bowls and put some tomato sauce over each portion. Top with crispy fried onions and serve hot.

Recipe courtesy of Whats4Eats.com

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Jashn-e-Baharan, Pakistan’s popular Basant Festival, will be celebrated at Al Sawadi Beach on the 26th, the last Friday of February.

So buy a kite, and let your spirit soar to the skies…

STORY HUBERT VAZ

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community as well as people of other nationalities come together he skies over Al Sawadi Beach transform into a to celebrate the whole day. The kite flying tradition begins in the colourful canvas each year at the end of February morning and there will be a food festival on the beach wherein as members of the Pakistani community, as well people can indulge in a variety of traditional delicacies. The day as those of other nationalities, take to the sands to ends with a musical concert and Pakistani artistes will be specially celebrate Lahore’s popular ‘Basant’ festival. The flown in for the event.” annual festival is a very important part of the culAs for the kites, a huge quantity of kites are provided by a regular ture of Lahore, a city considered to be the cultural supplier in Dubai and people can buy them at the beach for reasoncapital of Pakistan, but it is also celebrated elsewhere, especially able prices. There will be kites of all shapes, sizes, and colours on in Faisalabad, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, and Gujranwala, sale and people are free to tag social or friendly messages on to and Pakistani citizens have also taken this traditional revelry to their kites. Some of the youth come up with really creative ideas other parts of the world, including some parts of the Middle East, including Oman, where the festival has been celebrated for the last to decorate their kites and the sky over Sawadi beach gets transformed into a riot of colours as children, youth, ladies, and senior ten years.

Basant refers to the spring season when Pakistani citizens resid- men, all take to kite flying and playful ‘kite-cutting’ battles known as ‘pecha’ for which the string used for kite flying (called ‘manja’) ing in cities all over the world celebrate in a big way with varied is replaced with a special kind of twine coated with glass powder revelry. Kite-flying on this day is very popular as the young as well that enables the flyer to use it to cut off an adjacent as the not-so-young team up to fly thousands of colkite’s string through skilful manoeuvres. ourful kites, in all shapes and sizes, bearing funny Basant Kite Festival Yellow scarves will be distributed to people as it and social messages. Yellow is the theme colour of signifies the season of spring. The average attendthe festival and people turn up in bright yellow and Location ance for the kite flying celebrations is expected to be amber attire representing the blossoming flowers Al Sawadi Beach around 8,000-10,000 people and adequate arrangeof spring and the yellow mustard fields of Punjab Time ments are being made for maintaining order and (a province of Pakistan, with Lahore as its capital).

9am onwards (February 26) cleanliness at the beach as well as parking arrangeMen and women wear colourful turbans, scarves, ments for visitors. The ROP will also be present at and outfits as well as adorn themselves with jewelHighlights the beach to provide security and ensure order. lery and flowers to watch the kite flying and join in Kite Flying, Food Festival, This colourful kite-flying ritual is an open-todancing and singing, open-air cultural extravaganMusic Concert all cultural extravaganza where the visitors who zas, food festivals, and other celebratory activities. show up in colourful attire, donning yellow scarves, Senior Direcor of PSC, Syed Aftab Gilani who Key Organisers are almost as vibrant and fun to watch as the kites has been a key member of the organising commit+968 98972548, soaring over the Arabian Sea. tee ever since the celebrations began, described +968 9903 6715 —HiWeekend@timesofoman.com the festivities. “This is a day when the Pakistani

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China Kite flying is a very popular sport among the Chinese people. Dubbed as the earliest flying object of mankind, the kite is said to have originated in China over 2,000 years ago. As per legend, the tradition stems from the creation of a bird shaped wooden kite by Lu Ban, the great building master, who managed to make it fly during the Spring season.

India In India, the Hindu festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti is a time for kite-flying. Traditionally celebrated in the second week of January all over India, the festival has rendered kite-making the status of a small-scale industry. An International Kite Festival is held at many places in India on January 14 to mark the festival.

Japan In Japan, kites were introduced by the Buddhist monks in the 7th century to ward away evil spirits and influence rich harvests. Kite flying became popular in Japan during the Edo period when people below the Samurai class were allowed to fly kites.

Greece In Greece, Kathara Deftera (or Clean Monday) marks the beginning of the holy season of Lent among Orthodox Christians which is a day for kite flying and outdoor picnics, marking the start of Spring. As per tradition, people flock at Filopapou Hill to fly kites amid a festive atmosphere despite the sobriety of Lent.

Afghanistan Kite flying in Afghanistan, known as ‘Gudiparan Bazi’, is one of Afghanistan›s national outdoor sports. It has been prevalent in Afghanistan during the autumn season for over 100 years and has also been accorded the status of an art. People prepare kites of varied designs to showcase their artistic skills as well as their competitive prowess.

Europe For several centuries, kites were unknown in Europe until the legendary traveller Marco Polo brought them back from his travels to the East. Subsequently, Europeans, and later Americans, began using kites for all kinds of scientific and military purposes.

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I N TO THE SEA OF SAND STORY MOHAMMED SHAFEEQE | PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI Off-roading through a sea of high dunes and sandy wilderness, eating fabulous traditional foods, and experiencing rustic Bedouin lifestyle, make a trip to Sharqiyah Sands a thrilling experience. The guided two-day tours being led by the Guide Oman are a total departure from every-day life.

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he convoy had wheeled off the main road in the small town of Al Kamil Wal Wafi, plunging into the dark desert night around 9pm. We were in pursuit in our Nissan Patrol, trying to catch up with the fading tail lamps of the convoy as they disappeared into the wilderness. Close to 100 4WDs and over 50 men on duty, including marshalls and crew volunteers, would man our route, tracing the edge of the Sharqiyah Sands before veering off to drive straight up towering dunes and their deceivingly soft sands.

Though it was just me and my passenger, the back of our car was full with gear for three days of driving and two nights of camping: jerry cans, a coolbox filled with ice and drinks, tents, mats, sleeping bags, water containers, our bags and cameras. The gear rattled as the terrain got bumpy, and without streetlights, I couldn’t see anything except the tail lights of the SUVs ahead of me reflecting off of the dust they kicked up.

After sometime I could see the moon rising through my left window. It was the only ‘landmark’ I could manage to find to satisfy my navigational consciousness.

We caught up with the group when the vehicles stopped for a while to

shift the transmissions into 4H. We felt the traction of the deflated tyres doing its round in the sand and the rollercoaster ride continued till 10.30pm when we stopped to set up our tents under the stars.

Campers began to sing and make music and latecomers kept arriving throughout the chilly night. The camp never really settled down, with some enjoying the crisp night air until it transformed into morning dew.

The next day we exited our tents and were welcomed with the sight of desert expanses. It was so magical; I’d never seen sand so orange, or so much sand. The scenery in the desert is spectacular, especially at daybreak and dusk when the colour of the desert changes. It’s a terrain with wide, flat, open desert leading into high dunes. It’s the first place that you should go if you want to find out how much you actually like four-wheel driving, because out here, sand driving for beginners is a baptism of fire.

Sand is the one place where if you get it wrong, you can get it badly wrong. Your car can float away with the tide (not kidding, mine did). You can roll your vehicle sideways on a dune or you can get stuck in quicksand. So why do you do it? Because it’s fun, it takes you to awesome places, and there’s nothing quite like

the feeling of cruising up the ridiculously narrow ridge of a towering dune in your car at an alarming 45 degree angle — windows down, sand in your hair.

As we continued our trek, the dunes grew. Almost half a kilometre high, a kilometre wide, the imposing sand dunes are thrillingly unpredictable. I’d never driven on sand so steep, and it was a bit terrifying when the vehicle started slipping down sideways, forcing me to manoeuvre using a combination of quick steering and rapid acceleration. Several times we had to reverse down a slope and fire the engine to get enough momentum to defy the gravity. Once you brush past the strong sandy currents, the feeling is euphoric, one that will stay with you forever.

Going up a dune in a hairpin track, I slowed the engine half way in doubt and was stuck again. Nobody nearby. Suddenly a Ford Raptor appeared over the cliff. Mohsin, a crew member, came to us smiling.

He taught me how to gently feel the sand and get out of it. I couldn’t but admire his patience. “Hey, car number 584 is stuck so badly. Winch them out…” the crackly voice through his walkie-talkie doesn’t cause panic but triggers a flutter of laughter among Mohsin and his friend Osama

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who also came to my rescue in an FJ Cruiser. “There he is, stuck again… somebody get behind his wheels…”

And more laughter.

I attempted the dune again as Mohsin and Osama screamed, “Push….”

Without momentum, you’ll rarely get up to the top. Once you reach the peak, though, you’ll need to slow down or stop, the lesson I learned.

Often, there will be a significant blind spot for a few seconds as you stare skywards. However, pausing at the top of the dune is important for another reason as well, because on the other side of the dune, there may be a massive drop-off.

Many a novice has gleefully powered to the top of a dune only to sail straight ahead into thin air. At best, this will result in some airtime, at worst, a broken bumper or damaged suspension or an over roll.

After a few tries, we made it. The view from the top was sensational.

This was a place where problems energise people and goad them into action. Nothing is kept for tomorrow.

Fix it now to move on. And while everyone keeps moving, they never leave anyone behind.

That night in the camp, the place was buzzing with drivers comparing cars and chatting about the challenges they faced and the ones that lie ahead.

As we spoke to the other driv-

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ers, we found a common story. Most come back to these sands over and over again to learn more about their chances of survival in a land that at the first glance inspires awe and fear.

They came to confront problems they could fix. They came looking for something that could transform their mere mundane existence into worthy lives. For most, the desert is a place where one can purge their cowardice, weaknesses, egos, impertinence… to come out fresher and stronger as quick decision makers.

On our last day of exhilarating driving, the team leader, Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali, created a challenging track for a final showdown with the dunes.

We creeped along and couldn’t see beyond the next mountain of sand, so we simply followed the tracks of the car in front. Suddenly, the turquoise of the Arabian Sea came into view.

We exited the desert at Al Khuwaymah where we stopped for lunch on the beach. Looking around at my fellow sand-covered drivers, I felt a kind of kinship with them. After venturing into the desert, pushing hard on our 4WDs through the soft sands and towering dunes, getting stuck, pulling out, getting stuck again — and facing every challenge with a laugh and smile, we had all become better human beings, with a lot more patient and a helpful hand. —shafeeq@timesofoman.com

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THE GUIDE OMAN Launched in 2008, Guide Oman is a premier destination management company in Oman. The experienced team has a wealth of knowledge about the culture, heritage, and landscape of the Sultanate, and shares a passion for the outdoors.

Guide Oman organises desert expeditions, mountain crossings, corporate functions, and team building events.

Website: theguideoman.com Contact: Rebecca +968 9803 8820, or Abdul Rahman +968 9228 5813 email: rmayston@theguideoman.com

DESERT CROSSING TRIPS IN 2016 February 25-27 March 10-12 March 24-26 April 7-9

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DESERT LESSONS FOR LIFE STORY T.A. AMEERUDHEEN | PHOTOGRAPHY SHABIN E. A trip to the dunes is as much about learning to face challenges, work as a team, and respect others and yourself, as it is about driving.

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A re desert safaris designed only for the adventurously inclined? Is it worth the money and time to spend two days and nights in the wilderness of sand dunes?

These and many other questions filled my mind as I packed my bags for my first desert crossing trip two years ago. But my worries faded into thin air over the two days that followed. Traversing through Sharqiyah Sands from Badiyah to Ras Al Ruways in a 4X4, I realised that everyone should try a desert safari at least once in his or her lifetime as it is hands-down the best way to experience the beauty of sun, stars, and sands . Little wonder, then, that I was in the seventh heaven recently when I got an opportunity to travel through those pristine sands once again with the Guide Oman team, pioneers in the field of professionally organised desert safaris in Oman. This trip our caravan took a different route, driving from Al Kamil to Al Khuwaymah. Along the way, I learned some powerful lessons for navigating life in the desert and on the tarmac.

LESSON #1: KEEP EGOS ASIDE When I stepped into the driver’s seat and fastened the seat belt, I was confident of driving through the dunes with ease. I thought my previous safari experience would come handy this time. But my overconfidence let me down as I faltered at the first hurdle. Eager to showcase my driving skills, I revved up the engine only to find the tyres of my rented vehicle (Nissan Patrol) were digging deep into the sand. Mohsin, a member of Guide Oman’s rescue and recovery team, landed at the scene immediately and asked me to follow his instructions. “Accelerate gently while rotating the wheel right and left quickly.” I struggled in the beginning, but on my fourth attempt, I succeeded. Similar incidents followed over the next two days—the vehicle veered off track, I skidded into small ditches, got stuck in the sand—but the rescue team had different solutions for every situation. Some of the volunteers were younger than me, but I put my ego aside and followed their words of wisdom, which ultimatly lead me out of every difficult situation.

LESSON #2: DON’T CHALLENGE GRAVITY Sand dunes differ in nature, shape, and size. Small mounds can be scaled with gentle vehicle acceleration, but one has to change tactics when climbing bigger dunes. After making many mistakes, I learnt the biggest lesson of dune climbing: Gravity will always win. So you need to follow the gravity of the car; do not turn against the direction the vehicle wants to travel. When

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sand accumulates around the tyres, do not rev up and try to climb. You will fail, always. Allow the vehicle to slowly slide until you reach the position where you began the climb.

Then, give it another try.

LESSON # 3: DON’T ALLOW FEAR TO OVERTAKE REFLEXES When I saw bigger dunes, I felt completely intimidated. Even as I climbed, I felt nervous and doubted my ability to reach the top. Fear gripped my movement and it affected my reflexes. I couldn’t rev up at the right time. I slid off the track many times, forcing me to start the climb all over again. As time passed, my confidence grew and I was able to climb the dunes. Don’t feel bogged down by the enormity of challenges. Face them bravely and conquer them.

LESSON #4: FOCUS ON YOUR PATH After climbing a few big dunes, my confidence level grew and I thought I could do the remaining stretches quite easily. I lost focus and forgot to keep an eye on the track created by the team leader. I failed in the very next attempt as my car slid off the track. It took me more than 15 minutes to return to the starting point. Losing focus can make your journey more difficult, both in life and desert.

LESSON # 5: OBSERVE, OBSERVE, OBSERVE Before we set out on the safari, Rebecca Maytson, the Manager of Guide Oman, gave an important tip to all the drivers. “Watch the cars similar to yours and note how they react on dunes. Note the speed and angle needed to conquer the dune.”

The suggestion came in quite handy at times as I learned from the experience of others.

LESSON # 6: RESPECT OTHERS Desert crossers always move in a convoy. So it is important to wait for your turn. I always ensured that the car in front of me crossed the dune before making my attempt and I maintained a distance of 20 to 30 metres even during driving to avoid sudden breaking and collisions.

LESSON # 7: NATURE IS A GOOD HEALER The extreme weather conditions in the desert didn’t affect me at all. I am still wondering how the hotter days and chillier nights didn’t leave any scars on me. It buttresses my belief in the healing powers of the desert. I’m not alone in my belief, founder of Guide Oman, Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali, experienced a huge relief from fungal attack on his knee after it was exposed to the desert sand some time ago. He also told me that some people use hot sand from desert to treat back pain.

LESSON # 8: PRESERVE NATURE The trip also revealed the desert’s fragile eco system and the need to protect it. Guide Oman is active in desert cleanup and protection, but everyone should respect the desert like their homes and should not leave trash, which is harmful to desert creatures, like lizards, foxes, scorpions and snakes.

AHMAD AL HARTHY Oman’s ace race car driver on his desert crossing trips “I love to cross the desert with Guide Oman, the most professional desert safari organiser in Oman. It is an exciting group.

So whenever I want to visit the desert, I join the Guide Oman team, like I did this time (January 28 to 30).

One needs different style and skill to drive in the desert. It also involves a lot of confidence. I had tried extreme crossing (drive through difficult terrain) on my debut. It was a tough drive. If you are a beginner, you should choose the easy path first, build up your confidence before opting for the extreme route. Frankly, I learnt from my mistakes. You have to first understand your vehicle. It is not just about power, it is about technique also.

Desert safari is the best way to promote Oman tourism. I had brought plenty of my friends from other countries to the desert and all of them enjoyed it very much.

Desert crossing is a good advertisement for Oman tourism.”

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LET’S READ THE DEGREE TO WHICH LITERACY CAN AFFECT SOCIETY IS IMMEASURABLE. THROUGHOUT HISTORY, THE IMPORTANCE OF READING HAS BEEN EMPHASISED AGAIN AND AGAIN BY THOSE WHO SHAPED OUR WORLD. FORMER UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL SAID “LITERACY UNLOCKS THE DOOR TO LEARNING THROUGHOUT LIFE, IS ESSENTIAL TO DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH, AND OPENS THE WAY FOR DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP”.

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY NADA ELSAYED

Reading within itself, is literally mind altering. Studies have shown that by keeping yourself mentally stimulated could slow down the progress, and possibly even prevent the development of Alzheimers and Dementia. Reading also reduces stress, increases your knowledge, expands your vocabulary, improves your focus and concentration, improves your analytical thinking skills, and will help improve your writing skills.

In Muscat, access to books is sufficient, but can be quite expensive, especially if you are an avid reader. For the areas outside of Muscat, the access to books is, at best, limited. The inaccessibility to books, including those in Arabic and children’s books, can be detrimental to a society, especially growing in a digital age. It seems that less and less people read for pleasure nowadays. Whilst online access to information has its place in developing people’s potential, nothing can replace literacy.

The Let’s Read organisation is attempting to change that by increasing access to affordable books. Let’s Read launched in 2007 as a campaign to promote the love for reading with children in Oman. In conjunction with its parent organisations Dar Al Atta and British Petroleum Oman, who now serves at its sponsor, Let’s Read runs a bookshop, mobile library, and hopes to open additional bookshops in Ruwi and later both, Al Mouj and Sohar.

The bookshop carries a variety of authors and genres, including local authors and books in Arabic. All of its books are donated and are kept in great condition. Their books are also sold at reasonable prices. All soft cover books are OMR 1 and hard cover are OMR 2. In addition to having the shop open to the public, the organisation has worked with schools to set up libraries and provided reading material for local business.

Noureen Kader, a general manager of Think Smart, a new training institute left the shop with nearly 100 books purchased including encyclopedias and technical training literature. “I was just walking by when I found this shop. The people who work here are so friendly and helpful,” said Kader.

Staffed solely by volunteers, all the funds from the Let’s Read bookshop go towards supporting the Maktabati initiative. The Maktabati, a mobile library carrying up to 1000 children’s books, travels throughout the interior of Oman with a Librarian to provide access of books to children. They can bring 500 baisas to purchase a book or bring a book to exchange for a new book.

“When a child can choose a book and own it and keep it, they will read it and re-read it and sometimes memorise it and this is a very good starting of learning to read. We give them access to books that they maybe wouldn’t find in their libraries.”

Maktabati started with a donated bus to the or-

ganisation by the Woman’s Guild of Oman in 2013 and has since travelled to numerous villages and cities including Ibri, Salalah, Sohar, and Musannah. On occasion the bus will go to schools for days at a time. The organisation has hopes of adding a second bus in the future.

“I can’t say where it hasn’t been. It has been all over the place. The thing is we only have one bus so my plan and ambition is to get a second bus so that that can be based in the interior,” said Jeffar.

“A lot of these villages don’t have a bookshop or a public library so we provide a service in that respect.”

In addition to Maktabati, the Let’s Read organisation organises a teenage book club, discussing a new book every two weeks. The book club is from 5-6pm every Wednesday evening run by a teenage volunteer. There is also a book club for adults currently being organised as well.

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Anyone interested in joining can simply stop by the CCC bookshop and sign up. In addition to the book clubs, Let’s Read holds a monthly book sale on the ground floor of the CCC from 10am–1 pm on the last Saturday of each month. One of the biggest events they have though is the writing competition.

GET INVOLVED The organisation is run completely by volunteers so there is always demand for individuals who are looking to help. Let’s Read is always on the look out for volunteers, for shifts in the shop, to sort and categorise books and to coordinate with some of the Let’s Read programmes.

They are also open to individuals with special skills looking to volunteer their services including web designers to set up a Let’s Read website.

If you are unable to volunteer, you could be-

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come a patron of the shop. Donate books which you no longer need or read; there is especially a demand for children’s books. Simply by shopping at the Let’s Read Bookshop, you are helping the organisation and its cause.

“We love having student volunteers.” Said Jaffer. “There is a lot we could do with younger people helping out. We are very happy for people to come help us.” So for students needing volunteer hours, Let’s Read is also happy to have younger individuals on board.

—HiWeekend@timesofoman.com WAYS TO HELP •Volunteer for shifts at one of the Let’s Read Bookshop locations.

•Donate books to the organisation.

•Shop at one of the bookshops.

•Bring awareness of the Let’s Read Campaign

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LET’S READ BOOKSHOP LOCATION: CCC, Al Qurum Complex, 1st floor HOURS Saturday to Thursday 10am-1pm and 5pm-8pm Friday 5pm-8pm E-MAIL letsreadoman@gmail.com WEBSITE facebook.com/groups/Letsreadoman/

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The Open Minds forum, a unique thought-leadership forum, was held at Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort. Photos: Shabin E

IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 8 FEBRUARY 19, 2016

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IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY

Yellow Chilli Oman's second outlet was opened in Muscat at the Panaroma Mall on Monday. Photo: Shabin E

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 8 FEBRUARY 19, 2016

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.

Level | Very Easy

9

Level | Easy

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