Hi 22 07 2016

OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 46,760 COPIES

VOL 10 ISSUE 29 / JULY 22, 2016

ENTER THE RING PAGE 18

THIS WEEK IN OMAN

GO FISHIN’ Oman is a world-class destination for sports fishermen from around the world and with its plethora of fishing charters, it’s a great leisure activity for residents too.

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CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN Or hike or bike or drive them. Find out our top five peaks to explore in Oman.

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PAINT YOUR NAILS The latest trend to hit salons in Muscat this summer is creative, playful, super-summery nail art that is more masterpiece than manicure.

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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 S Swati Dasgupta swati@timesofoman.com Research/Copy Editor Ashish Dubash

ashishdubash@timesofoman.com

shafeeq@timesofoman.com Senior Editors Faisal Mohammed Naim Mohammed Shafeeqe

haitham@timesofoman.com

faisal@timesofoman.com salim@timesofoman.com

Associate Editors Salim Hamood Al Afifi Shruthi Nair S Syed Haitham Hasan 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

aziz@timesofoman.com

richard@timesofoman.com

Chief Sales Officer Richard Pakenham Head Of Advertising & Marketing A Aziz K. Baker Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Design by Ali Jani Photography by O.K. Mohammad Ali For general inquiries or comments: HiWeekend@timesofoman.com

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Your calendar of the hottest events happening in Muscat this weekend

21 22 23 THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

10pm Reggae Party

5pm Power Play

9.30pm All Live

Ready to shake it like a rasta? DJ Teddy Jam is bringing the reggae and dancehall party to Muscat at On the Rocks this weekend.

Entry for ladies is free, OMR 10 ffor men, couples free before 111:30pm.

Boost your financial knowledge with a workshop by global markets expert Joseph Dahirah. Event is free, but pre-registration is required.

Dinner and a show is back at Route 66, where Pulse and Soul will be playing live all night. Entry is OMR5.

On Th The Rocks Golden Tulip, Tul Seeb

+968 243 2434 6765 titan titanee.com

Grand Millennium Hotel Al Khuwair +968 2201 1111

7pm Checker Board Who doesn’t love a themed party and an excuse to dress-up?

Rumba Lattina is hosting a Black and White gala this weekend for which men must be dressed in black and women in white. Entry for men and couples is OMR10.

Rumba Lattina The Cave, Darsait

+968 2465 1051 PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

THE WEEKEND LINEUP

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

Route 66 Shatti Al Qurum +968 2469 9946

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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

JEBEL SHAMS

FIVE TO TRY OMANI MOUNTAINS

Head to the town of Al Hamra in Al Dakhiliyah to visit Oman’s highest peak. Standing 3,000 metres high, its cool weather and rugged, dry atmosphere make it a unique place for camping, climbing, and road tripping.

Geo Locator: 23.2376° N, 57.2649° E

JEBEL AKHDAR Jebel Akhdar, also known as the Green Mountain, is Oman’s most scenic. Located in Al Dakhiliyah, the range is blessed with beautiful, cool weather year-round, lush green areas, old villages, and a growing number of posh hotels and resorts. Whether to relax in luxurious surroundings or to rough-it mount climbing, it is an essential destination in Oman.

Geo Locator: 23.1856° N, 57.3714° E

JEBEL SAMHAN With a stunning peak sitting at 2,100 metres, Jebel Samhan is Dhofar’s most popular touristic destination, especially during the khareef monsoon season (JulySeptember), when its spaces are covered with greenery, twisted frankincense trees, flowing streams, and lively animal reserves.

Geo Locator: 17°12’26”N 54°57’13”E

JEBEL GHAWIL Head to the northern side of Oman for some stellar mount climbing at Jebel Ghawil in Al Buraimi. The range boasts three sills, tuffs, and basaltic lava spots.

Geo locator: 24°34’24” N, 56°1’1” E

JEBEL MISHT This mountain is a climbing and hiking hub for locals and expats.

Located on the edge of the Empty Quarter, it’s one of the highest vertical peaks in Oman, jutting up 1,200 metres high.

Geo Locator: 23°15’19” N, 56°59’47” E

MUFTI ISMAIL MENK Mufti Ismail Menk is an Islamic scholar from Zimbabwe. His accounts are filled with posts ranging from inspirational quotes and cheerful messages to more personal photos of his safari adventures and selfies.

Instagram: @muftimenkofficial

NOUMAN ALI KHAN Nouman was named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world. Find out why by following the American-Pakistani scholar, whose account is a collection of his quotes and sayings.

Instagram: @nakcollection

IMAM FEISAL ABD RAUF Feisal is a Kuwaiti American imam, author, and activist living in New York. He is famous for releasing a number of successful books about Islam. Follow him on Twitter for updates on his latest books, as well as some inspiring tweets and messages Twitter: @ImamFeisal

BILAL PHILIPS The official page of Bilal Philips, a Jamaican Islamic scholar, includes colourful, cheerful posts, as well as sayings, verses, and positive reminders from the Holy Quran.

Instagram: @bilalphilips

YUSUF ESTES Yusuf Estes is a beloved Islamic preacher from Texas. He is an inspiration to many, and his videos are well-worth watching.

Subscribe to Guide Us TV on YouTube for videos of his preaching and interviews.

You Tube: @guideustv

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

HI SOCIAL GLOBAL ISLAMIC SCHOLARS

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KHAREEF ESCAPES OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH SALALAH

FOR HISTORY LOVERS It’s Khareef time again. That glorious month when the monsoon turns the hills of Salalah green, makes its ocean waves rage, and drives the sweltering temperature down by twenty degrees or more. During these months, we flock to the cool Dhofari oasis, but often people are left wondering what to do with their time down south. This series is your checklist of places to explore and things to do in and around Salalah.

STORY SHRUTHI NAIR

MIRBAT CASTLE One of the most popular and important towns in Dhofar, Mirbat, was at one time the capital of the region. Historically known for the breeding and export of horses, the town is most famed for the legendary battle that took place there on 19th July, 1972 and the Mirbat Castle, which has immense historical significance due to the important defensive and administrative role it played during the battle between British troops and Yemeni communist-supporters. The castle was restored in 1991 and was opened to the public as a tourist site in 1996.

The majestic building stands atop a cliff which overlooks the Mirbat harbour and its little fishing boats swaying merrily in the cool and moist breeze.

The castle displays cultural handicrafts representative of Dhofar and the other governorates of the Sultanate.

Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 8.30am to 2.30pm Location: 70km east of Salalah 16°59’36.6”N 54°41’33.8”E

Sadah was an important trade centre where frankincense was bought and sold hundreds of years ago. The remote Sadah Castle is one of the main pillars that guarded the Dhofar governorate since the time of Sayyid Taimur bin Faisal. Being in the far east of the region, it played the role of a watchman and thus was the military and administrative headquarters for surrounding areas. The castle (fort), which has a tall National Flag hoisted on it, may disappoint you at first glance as it may appear to just be an old, worn-out building, but once you step inside you will be in for a pleasant surprise. The building features colourful interiors, rich cultural antiques, and embroidered textiles, giving it a very homey feeling. The ground floor of the castle has three rooms to explore, including a kitchen that contains antique pictures, pottery, and imported porcelain.

Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 8.30am to 2.30pm Location: 60km east of Mirbat (120 to 135km North-east of Salalah) 17.053772 N, 55.070253 E

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

SADAH CASTLE

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TAQAH CASTLE The Taqah Castle is one of the most popular landmarks in the Dhofar region. Built in the 19th century as a private residence of His Majesty’s great grandfather, it was later used by Sultan Said bin Taimur as his private residence until the 1970s. His Majesty’s mother is buried just near the castle, enhancing the castle’s historical significance.

In 1994 it was renovated and reopened as a museum where the various rooms of the castle are used to display cultural artefacts that illustrate the old Omani way of living. It also contains ancient weapons, cookware, handicrafts, and illustrations.

Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm Location: 33km east of Salalah 17.039275 N, 54.396022 E

KHOR RORI (SUMUHARAM) Khori Rori, which means “sweet water outlet”, is the site of the ruins of the town of Sumuharam. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the port was a fortified outpost of the Hadramawt frankincense kingdom. It’s location 400-metres from the sea and the remains of the fortress indicate that it was a part of a defensive system. Naturally, the place was considered an important link between the Gulf and India during the time of the frankinscense trade, and the signs of trade wealth remained evident through the centuries. The site was discovered in the 19th Century by James Theodore Bent who theorised that it had been a wealthy settlement due to the bronze vessels, incense burners, and the limestone basins that were excavated from the ruins.

Timings: Daily, 9am to 8pm Location: 40km East of Salalah 17.039007 N, 54.434315 E

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STORY MOHAMMED SHAFEEQE

TO D LIST 1 SAFETY: Before setting sale, always check the weather forecast; check that your boat is serviceable and all safety equipment is working; ensure you have plenty of water onboard, and let someone know where you will be.

Oman is one of the top game

2 CONSERVATION: Release all fish alive that are not going to be taken home and eaten.

fishing destinations in the world, and the popularity of the sport continues to grow among the residents who venture offshore for their weekend thrills.

S

port fishing is said to have taken roots in the late nineteenth century on the shores of California when Dr Charles Frederick Holder landed a 183lb (84kg) blue fin tuna on rod in 1898 in Santa Catalina. As the story goes, this catch lead to the formation of the world’s first game fishing club, “The Tuna Club of Avalon, Santa Catalina”, which attracted the likes of American adventure novelist, Zane Gray to join its ranks.

Sport fishing is just what it sounds like: Fishing for the sport of it rather than as a profession or food gathering technique. Game fishing, also known as off-shore sport fishing, involves going out to sea in a boat to hunt for large species of fish to battle with. In efforts to preserve the sustainability of the seas, most game fishermen now practice catch-and-release, keeping only those fish they intend to eat. In Oman game fishing is a tag-and-release, sport, though tuna can be caught and taken home for supper.

In Oman, many residents see the sport as an off-shore adrenaline rush, and their numbers continue to grow according to the Muscat Game Fishing Association, a group of fishing enthusiasts that have always been helpful to those that are interested in learning more about

3 PREPARATION: Success in fishing is in large part due to meticulous preparation of equipment prior to departure— sharp hooks, quality fishing line, fresh knots — get it right before you leave and you can relax and enjoy the experience.

the sport they love. “Oman has more than 2,000km of coastline, much of which is accessible to those that want to fish from a beach or rocky outcrop, which is a great way to get started.

When it comes to offshore fishing, a boat is required, so I’d suggest initially trying it with one of the many fishing charter companies that ply their trade from the various marinas around Oman,” recommended Jim Dundon of MGAF. There are good sea outing facilities and an array of firms organise deep-sea trips through the fertile waters that recently earned Oman the distinction of being one of the top game fishing destinations in the world according to game fishing publications in the United States and Canada.

“Halaniyat in Oman came to our attention five years ago and has since provided exceptional Giant Trevally (GT) fishing year after year, which cannot be described as anything other than world class. The numerous shallow reefs and rocky islands are favourite haunts for GT that average 40-100lbs, with many monster-sized fish there to keep you coming back,” gushed Pesqa, a Canadian travel company that organises trips to the best fishing destinations across the globe, and who started their list of

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2016 “Top 10 Popping and Topwater Destinations” with Oman.

According to experts, Muscat, Salalah, Quriyat, Khasab, and the southern coasts of Masirah, Shuwaymiyah and Hasik are the best places to get lucky with huge catches, the most common of which include yellowfin tuna, sailfish, dorado, grouper, kingfish, trevally, and king mackerel. For monster-sized, 60kg plus, Giant Trevally, Shuwaymiyah and Hasik is considered one of the best fishing destinations in the world.

While you can fish in Oman’s waters with a licence year-round (with certain species restrictions at various times), mid-September through April is the prime period for the sport.

One fishing trip can last from 4 to 10 hours, so often it is the best idea to go with one of the local fishing charter companies who provide experienced captains well-versed in the best fishing locations and the perfect weather and sea conditions for the sport. Such outings typically also include soft drinks, breakfast, lunch, and light snacks.

“This has been my hobby for the last three to four years and I go fishing almost every weekend,” said Mazin Alasfoor, who is now an active participant in regional game fishing competitions.

Another local enthusiast, Salim, feels that in addition to being a great form of recreation, game fishing in Oman could also help to raise awareness of sustainability issues like overfishing and littering.

He may be right. As with most sports in which man squares off with mother nature, game fishing is not a sport one plays to win, but one which is played for the love of one’s aweinspiring opponent.

—shafeeq@timesofoman.com

4 CHECKLIST: A comprehensive checklist will ensure you don’t forget anything that is needed such as sunglasses, fishing poles, and the myriad of other items that make for a safe, successful, and fun trip.

5 SHARING INFORMATION: Fishing enthusiasts are remarkably generous when it comes to exchanging information about techniques, tackle, and fishing hotspots. All they require in return is that you do the same.

GO FISH Muscat Game Fishing Association mgfa-oman.com Ministry of Fisheries Licence Dept +968 2495 3322 Sapphire Marine Boats sapphire-marine.com Sidab Sea Tours +968 9261 2729 Az’zaha Tours +968 9942 5461 Raheeb Marine Tours +968 9274 5623 Weather Forecasts met.gov.om bouyweather.com (weather forecasts)

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F IRST LOOK

INVENTIVE OMA

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ANI IN BOUSHER Tucked away on the first floor of Panorama Mall, a modern majlis for local gastronomical wonders recently threw open its doors.

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY SALIM AL AFIFI

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arma is a pure Omani term that originated in Musandam that refers to the traditional, woven palm frond cover placed over food. It is also the namesake of a stylish new eatery in Panorama mall that’s turning out rustic Omani fare that is presented with the elegance of fine dining in a space that is as comfortable as the living room of my own home.

On my first visit, I decided to take a seat on the floor in the majlis, a spacious room filled with low coffee tables bejewelled with bronzed Omani coins, surrounded by traditional seating cushions in a time-honoured Bedouin design, accented with sky blue arm-rests, all set under walls adorned with framed khanjars. The other spaces of the restaurant feature leather couches for comfortably sipping coffee and formidable dark wooden dining tables.

As I sat, I looked up and noticed golden lanterns hung around the restaurant.

When the waiter came to take my order, I asked him if he could switch them on for me. He disappeared, and moments later, the lanterns came to life, casting a mesmerising pastel peach colour around me.

Basking in the warm light, I turned my attention to Tarma’s menu, which

TARMA RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE First Floor, Panorama Mall Bousher +968 9633 3293 Instagram: @tarma_om

What to Order Rocket salad with shuwa OMR3.9 Lamb shuwa OMR4.9 Chicken onion with rice OMR3.5 Omani fondue: Luqaimat and fruit served with warm chocolate OMR2.8

Go For Friendly Staff Traditional Ambiance Shuwa

was developed and curated by Oman’s beloved celebrity chef, Issa Al Lamki. The menu was packed with modernised local dishes, like king fish served with garlic butter sauce, thin slivers of sautéed garlic cloves, and qabooli rice. The section that really caught my eye was a collection of contemporary dishes making use of the iconic Omani celebration food, shuwa—a pit-roasted, spice-slathered, meltingly tender lamb—in new ways.

Though it is the most iconic, and therefore perhaps the most typical Omani dish, that day I couldn’t resist the urge to order shuwa. As I waited, an excruciating sense of longing hit me.

What arrived was far from the typical platter of rice crowed with a charred chunk of spice-encrusted lamb. Rocket salad with shuwa was a delicate dish of lamb wrapped in sliced cucumber with cabbage and tomatoe dressed in olive oil, while the “classic shuwa” was artfully served on Omani flat bread with refreshing slivers of cucumber and carrot. The dishes were familiar, yet fresh and new.

Though it was the home-like ambiance of Tarma that had initially charmed me, it was the inventive shuwa dishes that made me fall in love. — salim@timesofoman.com

L L O R

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STORY FAISAL MOHAMMED NAIM

Rims are one of the most popular car accessories on the market, and it’s not hard to understand why — custom set of chrome mags can instantly transform a car from boring to daring. Read on for the low-down on getting rims in Muscat.

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othing can make (or break) the look of your ride quicker than the wheels it wears. Custom mag wheels are available from a seemingly infinite number of aftermarket wheel manufacturers, including the popular Eagle Wheels, Chip Foose Rims, Weld Wheels, and Asanti, to name a few. Options are also seemingly endless when choosing aftermarket wheels, so it’s important to know what your options are and figure out exactly what you want before buying a set for your baby.

Style and Price Wheel styles range from regular 5 spoke alloy wheels, to wire wheels, to top-end, chrome spinning wheels that can cost well over a thousand rials. Aftermarket rims also come in a variety of finishes, like the everin-demand chrome, matte, smoked, colour-tinted, and brushed metal finishes. The best aftermarket rims come from the US of A, a paradise of car customisation.

The price typically depends on the car model, wheel size, and rim brand. So, if you don’t feel the need to look like a rap artist who just “made it” with tricked out spinners, you can find a good-looking, branded set of four alloys for OMR250–OMR500.

The cheapest options begin around OMR150, but the low cost usually also means low quality with unreliable rims that are manufactured in China that could jeopardise your car’s performance.

It’s Not All About Looks Custom rims are about both design and functionality. If the right ones are selected, in addition to spicing up the looks of your ride, aftermarket rims can also boost the vehicle’s safety; improving steering response, reducing turbulence, and promoting a more comfortable ride than OEM wheels.

Rim And Tyres Shop, (Al Muallam Ad Daulia Lil Amaal Al Tijarah) Way No. 6508, Wadi Kabir +968 9741 2354 (Contact person – Abdel Aziz)

Even if it is just the looks that matter to you, there are still a few utilitarian things to keep in mind as you select your style. To increase the oomph factor of your ride big time, go for larger rims, with low profile tyres.

The rule of the thumb is to install rims larger than OEM wheels by an inch or two. To maintain optimal steering and handling of your car, make sure to install rims only with the correct offset size. Wrong offset could hamper the balance of the car. Maximum-load rating compatibility of the rim is another crucial aspect. Non-compatible wheels may break under the load of the car. The wheels should also match the bolt pattern of the car, all things that a reputable rim dealer should check.

For performance, substantially lighter alloy wheels are the way to go. Alloys are a great choice for city commuting too, allowing optimal air-flow to the car’s brake system preventing overheating in busy traffic conditions. Lighter than chrome and steel wheels, Alloy aluminium rims also can slightly improve the car’s fuel efficiency. When it comes to performance, steel rims are no good, as they are heavy, adding unnecessary weight and seriously undermining the car’s performance.

Where to Get Your Set If you’re searching for quality custom rims or a complete custom wheel and tyre package for your ride, there are many shops that can accommodate, but one of our favourites is Rim and Tyres Shop in Wadi Kabir, which offers wide array of options for most car models including sedans, SUVs, and pickups. The shop will even order your rims if they don’t have them on hand.

Wherever you go, be sure to ask about the compatability of the rims, and if the vendor doesn’t know, head for another shop.

—faisal@timesofoman.com

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COOLEST SUMMER

NAIL AR No matter what your summer style, from abayas to

jumpers, capris to A-line skirts, nothing can complete a look better than a fresh, one-of-a-kind manicure. And,

IN MUSC

in preparation for the season, several salons around town have gotten super creative with their offerings.

STORY OLGA AYMERICH

GO FRUITY It’s summer, the perfect time to re-fresh your look with playful colours and cheerful styles. Try adding funky fruit designs to your manicure in shades sure to match your summery attire. A half kiwi, lemon, pineapple, or strawberry… there are bountiful options to choose from. Try placing your fruit designs on a white background to make them pop, or get really crazy with a background of medium red and pink dots or accent nails the shade of your fruit’s seeds or peel.

GO CLASSY With summer soirees, business travel, leisure travel, and all kinds of summer events to attend, you can never go wrong with a French manicure. Despite being easy and elegant, a basic French manicure can also be boring. Spice it up with different colour combinations, try red nails with white tips or vice versa; add little flowers to the base of the nails, or go with a chic accent nail in a solid colour. With this updated version of the French manicure, you will still enjoy versatile sophistication, but with a summery twist.

WHERE TO GET THE LOOK Tips and Toes, Bareeq Al Shatti +968 2460 3969 tipsandtoesman.com Social: @tipsntoes

WHERE TO GET THE LOOK Nail Lounge, Al Hail +968 9696 3244 nail-lounge.co Social: @nailloungemuscat

GO PHOTO

Try out the trend of the summer with nail printing. Yes, you heard it right, the first and only nail printer in Oman has landed in The Wave. At her shop you select your design, put your finger inside the printing machine, et… voila. Your nail art is printed onto your nail in ten seconds flat. The craziest part of all? You can even have your own photographs printed from your cellphone onto your nails. Just bring your phone and the machine will do the rest.

WHERE TO GET THE LOOK Dashing Nails, The Wave +968 2455 5000 dashing-nails.com Social: @dashinglounge

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FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT

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Enter a different dimension where the sound of Muscat’s chirping birds

and crashing waves are replaced with

the screams and howls of a cheering

crowd. In place of bright blue skies

and a smiling sun, even at mid-day,

the darkness here is broken only by

the little flood lights that reflect in

the expectant eyes of spectators

and on the glistening bodies of the

modern-day gladiators squaring off

in the ring. Welcome to “The Club”.

STORY SHRUTHI NAIR PHOTOGRAPHY O.K. MOHAMMAD ALI

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was in a whole new, sweaty, energetic world where the temperatures were soaring and adrenaline was rushing and the high levels of testosterone were downright palpable. In my admittedly short life, I’d never seen so much manliness in one room. The commentator was contributing to the frenetic buzz as he took down the names of the men getting ready to face-off in a bid for the ultimate OFC title.

I met the contenders the day before the match at the Go Sport shop in Muscat Grand Mall where they were being weighed-in. The atmosphere in the store was chaotic. Entire crews from different clubs across Oman were cheering, holding placards, joking, and playfully taunting one another in support of their club’s cho-

sen representative for the championship.

I watched the competitors, who were more subdued than their cheering entourages, their eyes hard with looks of determination.

The weigh-in itself involved the two fighters scheduled to battle one another being called on stage, asked to remove their T-shirts (much to the delight of some of us in the crowd), and step up on the scale. The emcee yelled out the respective weights into the mic. Their weights were noted by the scribes standing on stage, and the pair turned to face one another in a boxing stance for the camera. Then the whole process was repeated for the next pair. It became particularly interesting when one set of boxers took the pose too seriously, lunging at one another so fiercely that the organisers rushed on stage to jump between them. Needless to say, the crowd of well-wishers went crazy and I was pretty sure that shoppers in the far corners of the mall must’ve thought the building was under siege.

The organisers, members of Oman Fighting Championship, a non-government, non-profit organisation that was founded in 2015 to promoting combat sports in the Sultanate, were scattered throughout the weigh-in making sure the event ran smoothly, looking after the clubs, and catching up with their trainers and fighters. When they came together to talk to me, they made for an impressive, motley crew of men and one lady, all dressed in black who looked like they meant business.

The OFC team is made up of dynamic personalities, united by their shared desire to promote mixed martial arts in Oman. The core team includes President Baqar Haider; events director, Jessica Hern; vice-president, Reza Mostofi; and OFC director and fight card manager, Fayyad Samarah. A few years ago, they began noticing many clubs opening across the Sultanate offering training in various forms of combat sports, and with these openings, a surge of talented Omani fighters began to emerge.

The group of veteran fighters saw in these young combatants the potential for Oman to compete at an international level, but first, they had to organise.

The OFC began by organising fights and competitions at the local level to expose the fighters to a professional ring in preparation for competitions abroad. The organisation is now accredited by the World Kickboxing Federation and each of their fighters has his own “fighter’s passport,” a fight record that will aid in pairings for future matches.

Beyond acting as an organising body for competitions, the OFC crew also closely monitors the instruction and regiment that the clubs take their fighters through, and they help to cater to the nutritional needs of the fighters with fixed diet plans.

Though their long term plans are to take their fighters abroad to compete, as they have already done with Omani OFC member, Hamood Al Tuhami, who competed in Dubai, the OFC’s main focus at this point is developing the sport locally and raising awareness here in Oman.

For the OFC team, one of the most interesting aspects of their annual competition in Oman is bringing together fighters with varied styles, experience, expertise, and strengths for one heck of a combat sports throw-down. Many fighters in Oman start with the Japanese sport, karate, or Korean taekwondo and move into kickboxing or boxing, which most of the OFC fighters concentrate on for the championship.

Each style helps to develop different

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techniques, so fighters with a history of studying taekwondo, are strong with their legs as it is a 75% leg sport, while those who began training in karate have their greatest strength in the speed of their hands. Each combatant uses his background to develop their own signature style.

The young contenders themselves looked tough, and a little angry, up on stage, so I was nervous as I approached them.

I straightened my shoulders, cleared my throat, and walked up to the group with as much confidence as I could fake.

I was surprised at the polite, wellmannered, chivalrous men I met. They were just normal guys. Well, normal guys with great bodies and monster strength whose chosen sport was pummelling other strong, normal, polite men in front of a screaming audience.

“It’s actually easier for us to control our tempers than most people, thanks to the discipline we learn through our training,” last year’s winner, Hamood Al Tuhami, explained.

All OFC fighters go through a rigorous training regime that focuses predominantly on fitness, technique, and nutrition.

And every club trains their fighters on a particular style of fighting and customise their regimes according to their body types.

Because fighting is one of the most stressful sports in the world, it is extremely important for these athletes to maintain both physical and mental fitness, as one without the other makes for a poor fighter.

The coaches have seen many a strong fighter succumb to the mental pressure on the final day of the match and fail to perform well. To help them get strong in mind and body, most of the fighters competing in this year’s OFC were trained two or three times per day for the last year.

The more time I spent with this passionate, dedicated, and seemingly fearless group — the sounds of their cheering, heckling, and laughter filling the room — the more I began to feel emboldened myself. I wanted their ferociousness, I wanted the camaraderie they shared.

The bond these fighters have cuts across ethnic, economic, and religious back-

THE MORE TIME I SPENT WITH THIS PASSIONATE, DEDICATED, AND SEEMINGLY FEARLESS GROUP... THE MORE I BEGAN TO FEEL EMBOLDENED MYSELF. I WANTED THEIR FEROCIOUSNESS, I WANTED THE CAMARADERIE THEY SHARED.

grounds, as they stand united behind their club’s hero.

The crowd erupted again as Vinod Kumar, a blue collar worker from Punjab, was called on stage. I spoke to him after he walked off stage, and despite his limited English, his message was crystal clear: He felt indebted to the men here who supported him, the comrades who helped enable him to pursue his dream of competing in the ring.

Ensuring that others have the opportunity to chase such a dream is what drives Omani fighter, Sami Ali, a 166cm tall warrior with fire in his eyes.

“I fight to promote combat sports in Oman, to get the government involved in hopes that the ministry will promote the sport within the Sultanate so anybody and everybody in my country who has an interest and the skill can take his chance in the ring,” Sami explained.

The 28th of May, 2016 was the day to decide the fate of the aspiring fighters who had given their hearts, souls, blood, and sweat for a chance to win the ultimate championship. The energy, anxiety, and excitement of the crowd filled Bahja Hall in Qurum, transforming it. All the flood lights and expectant eyes were directed towards the ring, the spotlights reflecting off the sweat-slicked bodies of the

fighters. As I watched the fight, I winced everytime the fighters got punched, and there were times when I forgot to blink so intent was I on not missing the swings, jabs, punches, and kicks flying with heartstopping speed.

When Vinod Kumar and Hussain Jahjah’s gloved hands were raised in victory, I realised that I’d forgotten who I’d been cheering for. I was simply filled with a surge of pride for these strong, brave athletes.

I couldn’t even imagine how proud their coaches must have felt at that moment.

Mixed Martial Arts and combat sports, are all about the spirit, desire, need, cravings, and raw rage inside all of us, which these athletes discipline and train and craft into an emotional and physical art form.

My high-octane introduction to the world of combat sports stayed with me. In my quite moments, I find myself pondering if I have what it takes to stand in a ring wearing massive gloves, face-to-face with somebody who is eager to beat the living daylights out of me.

I’m not there yet. I’ve still got a lot of training and character building to do, but until I’m ring-ready (if that day ever comes), the OFC has earned a loyal fan and follower; one more voice to add to the symphony of ringside voices crying out for their heros. —shruthi@timesofoman.com

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STORY MOHAMMED SHAFEEQE • PHOTOS SUPPLIED

A bicycle is an icon. Most of us still remember the moment we rode our first bike, that feeling when we pedalled off, that sense of freedom.

It is that feeling of being free that connect many of us to cycling. UK-based Responsible Travel aims to reawaken that childhood sense of discovery for tourists as they cycle along the dramatic mountain ridges, pristine coastlines, green palm oasis, and ancient market places of Oman during their singular tours.

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ou pedal your cycle to the small dwelling of a Bedouin family in the Sharqiyah Sands. Once you arrive, you take your seat on the floor, covered in mats made from traditional woven palm fronds.

“These are the people I had in mind when I set up responsibletravel.com back in 2001, with the aim to make responsible tourism — which supports local communities and protects local environments — more easily accessible to the travelling public,” said Justin Francis, managing director of the sustainable tourism site “responsibletravel.com”.

Responsible Travel matches travellers looking for more authentic, memorable holiday experiences with some of the world’s best small, local holiday companies, bringing together and marketing a wide range of holidays from around the world, all screened for their commitment to responsible tourism.

The sustainable tourism platform selected Oman as one of the best destinations for a responsible tourist. “We’ve always seen huge potential for Oman in terms of responsible tourism. As you travel into the interior the opportunity to interact with local

For a Cycling or Trekking Holiday responsibletravel.com

Email rosy@responsibletravel.com

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EXPLORING THE WILDS OF OMAN NEVER FAILS TO EVOKE A SENSE OF CHILDLIKE WONDER, EVEN IN SEASONED TRAVELLERS people, and the genuine welcome tourists receive from them, is fantastic. It is this connection with local people that is at the heart of responsible tourism. We believe that if you treat local people and places fairly it pays back by the bucket-load, because well cared for locals let you get closer to their culture, their people, and their nature, which is good for them and good for you. In Oman this principle is coupled with very unique and well-preserved and cared-for natural and cultural heritage, which makes for very exciting opportunities for memorable, authentic travel experiences,” said Sarah Faith, Marketing Executive, Responsible Travel.

“There are signs that Oman is a country that is taking responsible tourism seriously. The World Responsible Tourism Awards (which we founded and organise) 2016 Longlist includes the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa for its work to protect the sea turtles that rely on its beaches for nesting and to educate guests about the importance of turtle conservation,” she said.

The company has also previously worked with the Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism to put together a guide to responsible tourism in Oman, which highlights some of the most authentic, memorable ways to experience the country while supporting

communities and conservation. And the best way to leave little environmental impact while getting as close to the local experience as possible is by bike or foot. “The trips we market in Oman have the distinction of giving you a real, authentic experience in the country. Each of the holidays has been screened for its commitment to responsible tourism and for its support of local communities and efforts to protect local environments,” Sarah explained. “Because of this as a tourist you are able to get closer to the people, culture, food, landscapes, wildlife, and stories of the country — to really immerse yourself in Oman in a way that a simple stay in a beach resort hotel could never allow you to do.”

Exploring the wilds of Oman never fails to evoke a sense of childlike wonder, even in seasoned travellers. Add to that the inimitable feeling of the wind in your face as you fly through majestic landscapes on your two wheeled steed, and you are in for an experience that both allows one an escape from the realities of daily life, while simultaneously connecting the traveller to something much more real, both in the world he immerses himself into, as well as in his nostalgic, open heart.

— shafeeqe@timesofoman.com

SIGHTS AND CYCLES One of the company’s popular tailor-made, five-night trekking and bicycle adventure begins with a stay at The View hotel in the Jebel Shams Mountains from which visitors trek and bike through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Overlooking Al Hamra, Bilad Sayt, and Bahla, The View is an ideal perfect base for treks into the canyons, exploring the old Bahla town wall, green plantations, lively souq, and fortress wall, a Unesco World Heritage site. In Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar, participants can head out for the W18b hike through the villages of Al Aqor, Al Ain, Sheraijah, and Sayq Village, while the cycle route winds them through the wadi landscapes of Bahla to Jabrin Castle. This trip starts at around OMR960 and includes B&B accommodation, most meals, a specialist trekking and cycling guide, and transfers throughout the trip. Most of the cycling and trekking holidays have no fixed departure date and can be customised to suit any date year-round. There are a few fixed departure trips that typically depart between January and May and October and December each year, and include a small group of eco-travellers.

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Gujarati Wing of Indian Social Club conducted its annual blood donation drive at Temple Hall, Darsait.

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World Malayalee Council members distributed water for blue-collar workers in Muscat.

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Subway distributing Iftar meals during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

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Ramalingam Thirugnanalingam, raffle draw winner of ‘Win up to 10 kilos of gold’ campaign by Malabar Gold & Diamonds receives the prize of ¼ kg gold from branch head, Muhsin P.

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Darvesh Oman Iftar Party 2016 was held in Muscat.

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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.

Level | Very Easy

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