Hi Weekly - 27 November 2015

OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 54,000 COPIES

VOL 9 ISSUE 32 / NOVEMBER 27, 2015

DINE DIFFERENT MUSCAT’S MODERN SUSHI HOUSES ARE SERVING UP A WORLD OF NEW FLAVOURS PAGE 16 Audited by

THIS WEEK IN OMAN

PLAY LIKE YOU MEAN IT

SOUND THE RETREAT

EMBARK ON A CREATIVE QUEST

Get serious about your gaming with the latest and greatest in the capital.

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Meet the Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace, Muscat’s newest stress-free hideaway. PAGE 8

Search for the perfect piece of local art and learn about Oman’s creative community along the way. PAGE 22

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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

hubert@timesofoman.com

Editor Hubert Vaz

swati@timesofoman.com

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

faisal@timesofoman.com

Chief Sub-Editors Mohammed Shafeeqe, Ashish Dubash ashishdubash@timesofoman.com

Online Editor Mahran Shaukat Ali shafeeq@timesofoman.com Multimedia Editorial Assistant Shruthi Nair

mahran@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 Photography and Design by Ali Jani 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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ADVERTISEMENT 24726600/24726666 exT 435/193 hi7ayam@hotmail.com

SAY HI ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER facebook.com/hiweekly twitter@hiweekly

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THE WEEKEND LINEUP Catch the hottest events that are happening this week in our calendar.

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FRIDAY

4:00pm Sail at Sunset

It’s time again for the annual Caledonian Society’s St. Andrews Ball, where you can try out some ‘jigs and reels’ (Scottish dancing, enjoy an evening of folk melodies by a Scottish Ceilidh band specially flown in, and feast on a sumptuous traditional Scottish dinner featuring haggis and other Scottish delicacies.

SATURDAY

7:30pm Attend a Ball

Marina Bandar +968 9656 4997 facebook: Al-Massa-Events

Visit Daymaniyat Islands Take a two-day excursion to the famous Daymaniyat Islands for a weekend of diving, snorkelling, and a luxurious stay at the Millennium Resort Musannah with Arcon Diving group.

Intercontinental Muscat +968 9671 1908 caledoniansocietyofoman @gmail.com

Millennium Resort Musannah +968 2687 1555 arcon-diving.com

Sajid Nadiadwala’s latest romantic film directed

by Imtiaz Ali - Tamasha, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, hits theatres this weekend.

Catch Bollywood’s mischievous duo fall in love in the French island of Corsica.

Take in a Bollywood Flick

City Cinemas +968 2460 7360 citycinemaoman.net

Catch Muscat Fashion Weekend Muscat City Centre is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the City Centre brand with a three-day fashion and beauty event (Nov 26-28). Catch the final day and enjoy a runway show displaying the latest trends and looks from the international brands housed in the mall’s new wing.

Muscat City Centre +968 2455 8888 citycentremuscat.com

Photography: Supplied

Enjoy a splendid view of the Muscat coastline in a sunset dhow trip, organised by Al Massa Events, leaving from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha at 4:00pm and returning at 6:00pm this 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

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KHALEEJI HAPPENINGS Broadcasting the best events in the GCC (November 26, 27, 28)

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Thursday, November 26 Runway Dubai Season III (Dubai)

Runway Dubai, a recognisable entity in the Dubai fashion scene, will be hosting the third season of their fashion show to provide local designers a platform to express their creativity. Watch the show to stay in-the-know about the lastest and greatest local fashion brands and their creators.

Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa +971 55301 5050; runwaydubai.com

Thursday, November 26 International Coffee & Chocolate Exhibition (Riyadh)

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Coffee and chocolate lovers have the opportunity to check out some of the best new international products at this expo that brings together the world of coffee and chocolate under one roof. visitors can taste, shop, and explore all aspects of these dark passions for three days (November 26-28).

Riyadh Palace of Exhibitions and Conference +966 55879 1293, coffeechoco-expo.com

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Attend the Red Bull Flugtag, a colourful human-powered flying competition that provides flying enthusiasts a chance to entertain spectators with fancy flying machines that take off from a 6 metre-high flight deck. The amature “pilots” are expected to try to soar as long as they can before plunging into the waters of the Dubai creek.

Dubai Creek Park +971 4299 5151; redbullflugtag.com

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FUN ZONE

ALMIRA GAMING ZONE

MAGIC PLANET

HAPPY LAND

FANTASIA

Fun Zone is an all-purpose gaming and amusement zone that is open every day from 9am to 12 midnight. funzoneoman.com +968 2466 2951

This Salalah-based gaming zone has 12 custom built gaming PC’s, all of which are packed with the latest video games. It is open from 2pm-5pm, daily. +968 9575 0395

The new, renovated Magic Planet in Muscat City Centre offers video games and redemption games for kids and teenagers from 10am-11pm weekdays, Thursday and Friday 10am-12am. playmania/magicplanet.com +968 9211 4858

With fun rides and arcade games, Happy Land at Muscat Grand Mall is open from 9am10pm (Sun-Wed), 9am-12pm (Thurs), 12am-12pm (Fri), and 9am-11pm (Sat) +968 2200 9520/21

Fantasia is a ‘fun park’ in Markaz Al Bahja that features video games, rides, and consoles and is open from 9am to 11pm, Saturday to Thursday and Friday, 2pm to 11pm. +968 9944 6828

Photography: Supplied

GAMING ZONES

Saturday, November 28 Parade Downtown Dubai (Dubai)

Join in the The Emaar Parade Downtown Dubai to celebrate UAE’s National Day, in a march that takes participants, including families, biker clubs, schools, government entities, and NGOs, down Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.

Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard +971 4450 7600; mydowntowndubai.com

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hiweekend@timesofoman.com

Friday, November 27 Qatar’s Strongest Man Contest (Qatar)

Head to Aspire Park to witness the 3rd edition of Qatar’s Strongest Man competition for which a group of ten of the most physically powerful men from all over Qatar will come on a common dais to showcase their strength and endurance with tasks like Truck Pulling, Sand Bag Lifting, Giant Wheel Tyre Pushing, Weight Lifting (150kg), and Car Lifting.

Aspire Park, Near Burgeri +974 4413 8106; ibrahim.abbas@aspirelogistics.qa

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FIVE TO TRY

Friday, November 27 3rd Red Bull Flugtag (Dubai)

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What would your ultimate spa day look like? Show us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly

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S TAY C AT ION

SIX SENSES SPA, AL BUSTAN PALACE

LIVING THE FANTASY

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hings don’t often go perfectly in life, even at the spa. Sometimes the massage is too rough, the facial products interact badly with your skin, or the spaces beyond the sanctuary of your treatment room are less than tranquil (I know, I know, cue violins). But, from the moment I began following the Zen-like, modern falaj through the outer gates of the new Al Bustan spa, walking through a rock and cactus garden, and entering the crispwhite structure through a heavy, traditional Omani door, everything seemed to go right for me.

I was greeted and lead to a comfortable, modern majlis, my sofa positioned to look directly out of a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the royal blue sea below. A tray of hot ginger tea, water, dates, and nuts was presented along with

a pre-treatment preferences survey. I sipped my tea and filled out the short form before being lead to my therapy room.

In it I had access to my own personal steam room, shower, and bathroom adjacent to the softly lit treatment area.

(Had I wanted to spend more time relaxing, pre-treatment I could have taken advantage of the expansive women’s changing facilities, which features an ice bath, hammam, infrared sauna, traditional sauna, and steam room, but I was eager to get the kinks in my neck rubbed out.) My therapist entered, and I had one of the most perfectly executed massages of my entire life. This may have been due in part to the extensive pretreatment preferences sheet I filled out, but I mostly attribute it to the expertise of my therapist, who at the slightest cringe of pain on my part, ad-

justed her pressure. She left me on my heated treatment table and sent in my facial therapist who administered the least traumatic facial of my life. No poking or prodding or torture—the anti-ageing treatments were applied through facial massage after a facial steam. While the tonics worked their magic, I dosed off as the therapist gave me a foot massage.

Though my treatments were finished, my bliss continued as I meandered through the perfectly balanced modernOmani designed halls of the retreat, weaving my way up to the private, ladies-only pool that peeks out over the cliffs to the private ladies’ beach.

The air was filled with the clean aroma of lemongrass, and whether I was sitting in the sea-view majlis or by the pool, I was treated with lemon, cucumber, and mint-scented

water, hot ginger tea platters, and, after my treatments, a hot neck wrap. My relaxation was effortless because the service and attention to detail of the staff was rigorous. A day spent in this kind of setting is as restorative as a weekend away, maybe more-so.

As I laid back on a plush lounge looking out over the rolling waves below, I began thinking of all the women I wanted to bring back to this oasis with me…my best friend for her birthday, my mother when she comes to visit, perhaps even my brother who could enjoy the gentleman’s treatment area. I wanted to find as many excuses as I could to return to this world where for a few hours, perhaps even an entire day, I could rest knowing everything would be taken care of, including me.

—felicia@timesofoman.com

Mountain view photography courtesy: Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Six Senses at Al Bustan Palace is not a spa. At 3,500 square feet, surrounded by pristine gardens, a private beach, and housing a member’s-only wellness club in addition to 17 treatment rooms, it is a destination all its own. Story Felicia Campbell Photography Shabin E.

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There are many ways to escape at Six Senses Al Bustan Palace, from single treatments and day passes to annual memberships.

Here’s my guide to a perfect day away: 10.00 Sleep late and head to the spa. Enjoy ginger tea, dates, nuts, and floral water while you are checked in.

10.30 Sit in the steam room, or if you are feeling bold, take an ice bath followed by a warm shower and steam (the icy water is said to help promote cell rejuvenation). Lay down on one of the plush lounges and read a magazine or nap while you wait to be escorted to your treatment room.

11.30 Begin your day of beauty with a “clarity” body scrub, which uses local frankincense to exfoliate your skin and soothe your mind.

12.20 Relax as an expert massage therapist rubs all your aches and pains away.

13.10 Choose from a menu of facials from anti-ageing to “rose crystal”, which uses acupressure for maximum relaxation.

14.00 Finish-off your beauty treatments with a mani-pedi.

15.30 Sit in the relaxation lounge and order a salad or light sandwich for lunch. Sip on fresh juice while your nails dry.

16.30 Walk down to the beach to lay-out on a lounge chair.

Listen to the waves crashing and watch sailboats float by.

17.15 Take a dip in the infinity pool and watch the sun set over the ocean.

18.00 Steam, sauna, shower, and take your time getting ready in the luxurious, fullyequipped dressing room.

19.30 You look and feel too good to go straight home. Walk down to the Beach Pavilion lounge at Al Bustan beach to have a light nibble and a beverage. Listen to the resident DJ spin tracks, feel the cool ocean breeze on your freshly buffed skin, sigh happily, and extend your beachy bliss as long as you possibly can.

—felicia@timesofoman.com

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A day pass to the female-only retreat is OMR25 per person for use of all spa facilities – sauna, steam room, ice fountain, infrared sauna, ladies gym, indoor pool, and private ladies beach. The 4-hour Beauty Ritual package includes body scrub, massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure as well as access to the saunas and relaxation areas of the spa for OMR136. A treatment room with private sauna and changing area can be booked at no additional cost. Be sure to come early to your appointments to take full advantage of this wonderful property.

Pool photography courtesy: Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel

For a full menu of services visit ritzcarlton.com. For prices, call the spa at +968 2479 3030.

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Play Like a Pro PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI

Long gone are the days when the only choices for home gamers were Atari, Sega, and Nintendo.

With next-generation gaming gear that offers total immersion with state-of-the-art graphics, sound-enhancing accessories, and even controllers and chairs that vibrate in sync with the action on screen, it’s no wonder that gaming has become as much a lifestyle as it is a hobby. To have an enhanced experience, you gotta have the right gear, so we raided Geekay Games to bring you our picks for the best consoles and accessories in the Sultanate. HiWeekend@timesofoman.com

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GAEMS – G155 PORTABLE GAMING MONITOR

A clever combination of a rugged case and a HD monitor makes this accessory the go to for travel gaming. OMR 114.900

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XBOX ONE CONSOLE LIMITED EDITION HALO 5: GUARDIANS

Microsoft is also celebrating one of it’s flagship franchises for the Xbox with this 1TB custom console with it’s distinctive metallic blue accents themed after Halo 5 protagonist, Spartan Locke. OMR 185

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FUNKO POP! SPIDERMAN VINYL BOBBLE HEAD

The Japanese super deformed (chibi) style of these toys is all the rage. Reason enough to get one OMR 5

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MOJANG MINECRAFT CREEPER

The creeper from Minecraft game is one of those villains that gamers secretly love. OMR 12.500

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THRUSTMASTER T500RS DRIVING SIMULATOR

This Force feedback steering wheel enhances the experience for any racing game with its life-like vibrations. It comes with a solid metallic pedal set and the official Gran Turismo and Playstation licences for the ultimate, realistic driving experience.

OMR 241.500

8 DUAL SHOCK 4 WIRELESS CONTROLLER 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION 2015 marks 20 years since the first Playstation was released, this special edition controller combines the sleek DualShock 4 style with the original PlayStation console design. OMR 30.900

This controller feature the signature green and metallic orange accents of the Master Chief’s armour, in a nod to Halo’s most iconic character. OMR 28.990

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MARVEL UNIVERSE IRON MAN MARK VII FIGURINE

No Marvel fan’s collection would be complete without an Iron Man figurine. OMR 62.900

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ASTRO A40 GAMING HEADSET

The strongest feature of this Dolby 7.1 Surround headset resides in its own mixer/amplifier, allowing gamers to have complete control of the game and communications audio. OMR 99.900

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PS4 CONSOLE MGS V: THE PHANTOM PAIN LIMITED EDITION

This collector edition console comes in a distinctive deep red with gold line detail, inspired by the look of Snake’s bionic arm. It comes bundled with a special metallic grey controller as well as the Day 1 Edition of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. OMR 179.900

RAZER NAGA EXPERT MMO MOUSE

With its 12 fully programmable buttons grid, the Naga expert has established itself as a must for any MMO games fan.

OMR 37.500

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6 XBOX ONE LIMITED EDITION HALO 5: GUARDIANS – THE MASTER CHIEF WIRELESS CONTROLLER

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TURTLE BEACH STEALTH 500P GAMING HEADSET

Long rechargeable battery life for over 15 hours, crystal clear wireless sound and microphone monitoring to prevent shooting make the 500P a very comfortable gaming headphone. OMR 41.900

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PLAYSEAT: ULTIMATE GAMING SEAT

For those who are looking to immerse themselves into the ultimate racing without the hassle of a slippery pedal or the disappointment of a cheap trembling wheel attached to a desk.

OMR 82.500

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RAZER BLACK WIDOW ULTIMATE KEYBOARD

This keyboard packs all the features that PC gamers look for; mechanical switches, individual backlit keys and anti-ghosting function. OMR 28.990

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METAL GROUND SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES ACTION FIGURINE

Snake from the Metal Gear Solid series is rendered with great detail and with help of a new joint system can accommodate multiple poses. OMR 53.500

We found our gear at Geekay Games geekaygames.com Muscat City Centre (+968 2455 8496/97), Qurum City Centre (+968 2447 0498/99), and Avenues Mall (+968 2206 3900/01)

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ROUGH & TUMBLE STORY FAISAL MOHAMMED NAIM | PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI

NORTH COAST 31576-89 BY MARKS & SPENCER Sitting just below the waist, relaxed through the thighs and hips, this one will become the backbone of your wardrobe.

Marks & Spencer, City Centre Muscat (Seeb), +968 2455 8455, MarksandSpencerME.com OMR14.500

LEE POWELL

SPLASH DNM PAPAL-15-SF

The low-waist brother of Lee’s regular slim fit, Daren, the Powell features slim fit, low waist, and straight leg, for a classic jean fit that pairs equally well with a semi-formal button-up or a casual t-shirt.

Jolly Silks, Ruwi High Street +968 2470 4897 jollysilks.com OMR 37.500* *with current discount

LEVI STRAUSS 504

This technologically advanced pair of low rise, slim fit with sun wash neutralises odour causing bacteria, provides UV protection, and decomposes organic dirt in presence of sunlight. Style-wise, the acid wash tone looks quite jazzy.

Splash, Al Khuwair +968 9672 5845 splashfashions.com/en OMR 14.500

A modern straight fit the 504s sit below the waist with a slimmer leg is made with strong, stretch fabric that is water repellent, and features a higher back rise for coverage while riding.

Jolly Silks, Ruwi High Street +968 2470 4897 jollysilks.com OMR 30.800* *with current discount

PEPE LONDON SPLASH DNM BADGE 1 Deep blue, worn-wash, and loaded with badges, this pair is one of a kind.

Featuring low rise with slim fit, they would go perfect with riding boots for a complete rebel look.

Splash, Al Khuwair +968 9672 5845 splashfashions.com/en OMR 31.500

One of the bestselling Pepe models, the London features a slim fit, low waist, and straight leg. These jeans have a leather Union Jack appliqué on one of the back pockets and a striking Pepe Jeans London emblem detail on the coin pocket.

Jolly Silks, Ruwi High Street +968 2470 4897 jollysilks.com OMR42.400* *with current discount

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eans, a staple of almost every wardrobe the world over, were originally designed for cowboys and miners until they caught the fancy of teenagers in the 1950s and quickly became an icon of casual dress. Typically made from denim fabric or Dungaree, jeans are still worn as protective garments by ranchers and motorcycle riders, but now these comfortable, durable pants come in endless style and colour options for the fashion-conscious. Torn or worn or crisp and new, skinny, tapered, slim, straight, boot-cut, cigarette bottom, narrow bottom, low waist, anti-fit, flare, the list goes on and on. And the best way to care for this wardrobe essential? Don’t wash them. Ever.

“If you talk to real denim aficionados, they tell you don’t wash your blue jeans,” said

Chip Berg, the CEO of the world’s oldest jeans brand, Levi Strauss & Co., “The pair I’m wearing are a-year-old and have yet to see a washing machine.” Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger, concurs, stating in an interview that he never washes his Levi’s.

So you might be wondering how to keep your beloved blues fresh. Experts recommend eliminating odour by spritzing jeans with white vinegar and hanging them out to air dry and killing bacteria by putting jeans (turned inside-out) in the freezer overnight once per month. Washed or not, faded or dark as the day you bought them, jeans might just be the most universal item in a man’s wardrobe. Here are a few great ones, available here in Muscat, to add to your collection. —faisal@timesofoman.com

WRANGLER VEGAS Slick and super trendy, the Vegas skinny jeans has a classic, closefitting design with a low rise and a contoured leg. A very slight fade over the knees and orange stitching adds subtle, interesting detail. Pair them with a white tee and boat shoes for an indie-inspired look.

Jolly Silks, Ruwi High Street +968 2470 4897 jollysilks.com OMR 35.100* *with current discount

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Will you be dining in or dining out this week?

Share with us your innovatively mouthwatering dishes and their recipe on facebook.com/hiweekly or tweet us @HiWeekly_Oman or tag us in your instagram photos @hiweekly_oman

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STORY FELICIA CAMPBELL | PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI

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sk anyone who’s been in Muscat for a while about where to get good sushi and you’ll no doubt be pointed toward Tokyo Taro, the oldest Japanese restaurant in Oman, where you can enjoy hibachi, bento boxes, sashimi, and sushi rolls in a traditional Japanese-style dining room set atop the Al Falaj Hotel in Ruwi (+968 2470 2311, omanhotels. com). But there is a new crop of sushi restaurants popping up around the city whose focus is not on tradition, but on modern variations of the allmighty sushi roll.

Rolls are one of life’s greatest pleasures; they are light, fun to eat, and pretty to look at. At Chez Sushi, a new fast-casual chain with outlets at The Wave and in Al Qurum, you can create your own sushi rolls (which are 2-for-1 for ladies every Tuesday) or choose from one of the restaurant’s signature spins, like the salmon or tuna wrapped sushi that swaps rice for thick cuts of prime, raw seafood.

Offering a fresh twist on the traditional Japanese restaurant, the newest addition to the sushi circuit, Zen Asian Bistro, features sunken seating and a wide menu of pan-Asian dishes. Located on the second floor of The Avenues Mall in Ghubra, Zen offers both traditional sashimi and classic rolls, along with a lineup of wildy popular "special rolls," like the decadent Godzilla, stuffed with shrimp tempura, avocado, and cream cheese and topped with fried eel tempura, and the Green Dragon, another tempura-stuffed creation that is topped with thin slices of avocado, a generous slathering of spicy mayo, and a dusting of crunchy tempura flakes. These rolls, as with many on the special menu, contain no raw seafood, making them much more accessible to sushi novices.

Head out for sushi this weekend and try something new and different.

When you're done with your meal, I have no doubt you'll lean back and let out a satisfied gochisosamadeshita (it was quite a feast).

—felicia@timesofoman.com

ZEN GREEN DRAGON ROLL Roll with prawn tempura, crabstick, eel, cucumber, spring onion, teriyaki sauce, sliced avocado on top, and tempura flakes OMR 4.200

CHEZ SUSHI SALMON WRAP ROLL Salmon wrap with crab, jalapeno, cucumber, siracha, and yuzu dressing OMR 4.100

CHEZ SUSHI CALIFORNIA ROLL Roll with crab, avocado, cucumber, mayo and sesame seeds OMR 3.700

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HE BLOCK SPICY SUSHI SALAD CHEZ SUSHI TUNA WRAP ROLL Tuna wrap with crab, avocado, cucumber and spicy lemon dressing OMR 4.000

ZEN GODZILLA ROLL Shrimp and eel tempura, avocado, cream cheese, unagi sauce, and white sesame OMR 4.400

ZEN CALIFORNIA ROLL Roll with crabstick, avocado, cucumber, asparagus, orange tobiko, and Japanese mayo OMR 3.900

SERVES 2-4 California rolls, made of sushi rice, avocado, cucumber, and crab, were actually created in California by a Japanese chef who couldn’t find the sushi-grade raw fish he needed to make traditional raw fish rolls. The fact there isn’t any raw fish in them makes them a safe option for home cooks, but as it is pretty difficult to source seaweed, nori, and bamboo mats here in Muscat, we developed this Spicy California Roll-inspired salad for those wanting to dine-in this weekend.

INGREDIENTS • 3 tbsp mayonnaise • 1 tsp sriracha (or any spicy Thai chilli sauce), more to taste • 1 tsp wasabi sauce • 1/2 a lemon, juice only • 10 oz bag of lettuce, cabbage, or spinach, cleaned and chopped • Cucumber, sliced into thin “matchsticks” • 1/2 to 1 avocado • 4 sticks of imitation crab stick, shredded with fork • Toasted sesame seeds (if untoasted, just heat in a dry pan over medium flame until they become fragrant) • Cooked jasmine rice (Optional)

PREPARATION In the bottom of a large serving bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha (more to suit your taste), and wasabi sauce; add the juice of 1/2 a lemon and mix sauce well.

Add all the greens and cucumber to the bowl and toss until coated in dressing.

Top with avocado slices and shredded crab stick; sprinkle with sesame seeds to taste. Serve salad on its own or over a bit of jasmine rice for a light meal.

ZEN ASIAN BISTRO Avenues Mall, 2nd Floor, Bausher, Muscat, Oman +968 2206 0200 | Hours: 10:30am-10:30pm | zenbistro.asia CHEZ SUSHI QURUM Al Qurum: Badr Al Qurum Building, Sayh Al Malih Street, PDO Road The Wave: Seeb +968 8007 8744 | Hours: 12:00pm to 12:00am | chezsushioman.com

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LIPS DON’T LIE STORY SHRUTHI NAIR

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outy or playful — women across the globe have long vied for perfect lips: painting, pumping, and pencilling to achieve the latest trendy shapes, voluminous size, smooth texture, and even colour. Fifty years ago, the only solution was to outline lips with colour. A decade ago, Angelina Jolie’s bee-stung lips sent women flooding into their doctor’s offices for injections; and recently an online video demonstrating Kylie Jenner’s supposed secret to pout perfection had young women sucking on soda bottles until their lips were awkwardly blown out of proportion. The results of this viral video were disturbing, with many damaging the delicate skin on their mouths. But the good news is, after years of research, there are now plenty of safe, non-invasive ways to get luscious lips.

Dr Maria Veiga of the Kaya Skin Clinic here in Muscat helped to develop a new combination of treatments that launches next week called Kaya Lipcraft. Lipcraft combines three common treatments into one pout-perfecting package for fullness, satin-smoothness, and colour and tone evenness. I spoke to her to find out exactly what this three-part lip-perfection process entails.

—shruthi@timesofoman.com The Three Elements of Lipcraft FILLER: Dermal fillers are injected into the lips to give it a definite shape and volume. The most common fillers today are those that contain hyaluronic acid which are natural acids found in the body that help to increase volume in the lips.

PEEL: Chemical peels are used to exfoliate dead cells, reduce vertical lines and frown lines around the mouth, and smooth the texture of the lips. These are gentle on the lips and the results are visible immediately, especially on those with skin damage due to over exposure to the sun, pollution, or smoking.

LASER: Laser treatments help to break down pigmentation and lighten dark spots on lips. This cosmetic procedure makes lips lighter, brighter, and pinker.

Lipcraft packages are OMR180 and results last for 6 to 12 months. Contact Kaya Skin Clinic in Shatti Al Qurum for a lip consultation (+968 2460 1700).

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A DIABETES DIAGNOSIS

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STORY HUBERT VAZ

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A senior finance professional, diehard football fan and coach,

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and avid traveller, Hassan Yahya Al Behani never imagined that

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diabetes would affect him, but three years ago, when he was suddenly diagnosed with the disease, he didn’t run from the diagnosis, but instead used it as an opportunity to live a more conscientious life.

“Diabetes

is a dangerous disease, but you needn’t be scared of it, you need to learn how to manage it. You have to compensate for every extra calorie you consume with exercise,” said Hassan Yahya Al Behani, a resident of Azaiba who has been effectively managing his Type II Diabetes Mellitus for the past three years.

Discovering the Disease It was two days before my birthday (December 25) in 2012, when I went to a supermarket with my wife, I suddenly felt the urge to urinate again and again after drinking water. I knew immediately that something was wrong. When I visited a doctor at Al Hayat Hospital and mentioned the symptoms — frequent hunger and thirst, frequent urination, dizziness — they did preliminary tests and confirmed that I was suffering from diabetes. My blood glucose level was found to be above 11mmol/L (for diabetics, it should be 4-7mmol/L before meals).

Reacting to the Diagnosis I never imagined that I could have diabetes because no one in my family had it. Besides, I have been a very active person. I walk a lot during the day instead of using my car to travel short distances, I play football, and I have also been a coach for a few local teams. For us Omanis, diabetes is one of the worst things to happen to anyone because we regularly meet

and food is always at the centre of all gatherings, whether weddings, other celebrations, Eid, or even casual meetings of families and friends. When I realised that I have diabetes, I decided to continue all my regular activities more seriously. But now, I have trained myself to draw the line. I do take part in gatherings where there is food, but I know what to eat and how much to eat. I always check the amount of calories I consume and try to make up for it by walking or indulging in other activities that help me burn some calories.

You cannot run away from diabetes and you cannot lie to yourself if you do get it. So, better train yourself to manage your diet and exercise regularly.

Doctor’s Orders My doctors asked me to lose weight immediately, besides prescribing regular medication. My current weight is 101kg and I have decided to bring it down to 91 over the next year which means I have to consciously reduce my weight by at least 500g every fortnight. I have stepped up my walking schedules: I walk to a nearby mosque (500 metres away) five times a day, I walk to the supermarket (500 metres away) whenever we need provisions.

Also, I am very happy when I don’t get parking space near any destination and have to park far away because it will force

me to walk a little more. At home, my wife and I do all the cleaning, mopping, cooking, and everything that has to be done.

As far as diet, I was never fond of red meat, I prefer chicken, fish, and vegetables, but I have reduced my quantity of food and taken to having many smaller meals. When you get diabetes, you have to manage the blood sugar level between meals, so you have to eat just enough to keep you going till the next meal.

You also have to be wary that the sugar levels do not become low, so I always keep sweets and dates with me to maintain my sugar level. I have a blood sugar testing kit to regularly keep me abreast of my sugar levels.

Family Matters My children are married and living separately, but my wife is a great support. She monitors my diet and keeps an eye on excess sugar in everything I eat. She also allows me to be busy with various activity and we share all the housework together. Often, she goes ahead to the supermarket in the car while I go walking and catch up with her later.

Advice for Young Omanis My advice is simple: Be aware of what you eat from an early age. It is your body, give it the best; don’t consume anything that will harm you in the long run.

—hubert@timesofoman.com

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Support the fight for diabetes awareness by participating in the annual walkathon at Qurum Natural Park on December 4 at 8am. You can register at any Landmark Group store or at beatdiabetes.me.

DIABETES CLINICS IN OMAN Sugar Apollo Diabetes Services, Al Hamriyah +968 2479 4501 sugarimc.com Provides complete and integrated solutions to manage diabetes based on the recommendations by the American Diabetic Association and the World Health Organisation.

Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, Al Azaiba +968 2449 6967 drmohansdiabetes.com

WALK FOR AWARENESS Micky Jagtiani, the owner of the Landmark Group, knows first-hand about the challenges of living with diabetes, so his company’s ‘Beat Diabetes’ CSR awareness campaign is a personal one.

Landmark Group, one of the region’s leading retail chains, launched the campaign (supported by the Ministry of Health and the Oman Diabetic Association) in 2010 to raise awareness about diabetes in the region as well as to provide free blood sugar testing camps across the Sultanate.

Diabetes is a condition which affects more than 14.49% of the adult population in Oman (as per 2014 IDF figures). And the World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death by 2030.

“The Beat Diabetes initiative is an excellent model of public-private partnership targeted at raising public awareness about a growing problem in this country,” said Dr Sulaiman Al Shereiqi, a senior specialist in public health from the National Diabetes and Endocrine Centre, Ministry of Health.

“The fight of diabetes does not stop at providing best quality care in hospitals but must include implementing comprehensive preventive measures,” added Dr Noor Al Busaidi, the president of the Oman Diabetes Association.

“Eating healthy is a right and not a privilege.”

Landmark Group’s campaign has been creating a wider awareness about diabetes in Oman, and in addition to the blood glucose testing camps, a variety of other events and activities are being organised by the group throughout the year.

“I advise residents to attend these camps and get their blood glucose level checked by professionals from Al Raffah Hospital as well as ask any questions they might have about the condition,” said Clive Freeman, the COO of Landmark Oman.

Provides world class health care to diabetic patients at nominal charges. Dr Mohan’s DSC has branches all over India in addition to one branch in Muscat.

Oman Diabetes Association, Bausher +968 2421 7907 omanda.org Aims to spread awareness about diabetes and methods to combat it, to find solutions to minimise its spread, and to mitigate the negative impacts of the disease on the individual and society.

DIABETES CLINICS IN OTHER HOSPITALS Al Raffah Hospital +968 2461 8900; asterdmhealthcare.com Al Hayat Hospital +968 2200 4024; alhayathospital.com KIMS Oman Hospital +968 2476 0123; kimsoman.com Starcare Hospital +968 2455 7200; starcarehospital.com Muscat Private Hospital +968 2458 3600; muscatprivatehospital.com Atlas Hospital +968 2450 2560; healthcare.atlasera.com Badr Al Samaa Hospital +968 2479 9760; badralsamaahospitals.com PDO Diabetes Clinic +968 2467 7439; pdo.co.om

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DISCOVERING

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THE ART OF MUSCAT

TO O HAVE AND TO O HOLD O STORY PATRICIA GROVES PHOTOGRAPHY SHABIN E

It was a mere three-and-a-half decades ago, in 1980, that the Ministry of Heritage and Culture established a workshop for aspiring artists called the Youth Studio. This was the beginning of what would eventually become an efflorescence of the visual arts in Oman. Two major milestones followed — an Art Education degree was introduced at Sultan Qaboos University in 1986, and the Omani Society for Fine Arts was launched in 1993 to support and mentor Omani artists.

Naturally, the emergence of several art galleries and cultural institutions — Bait Al Zubair in 1996, Bait Muzna in 2000, the Al Madina Gallery in 2004, Bait Al Baranda in 2006, Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art in 2010, and Gallery Sarah and Stal Gallery in 2013 — followed, providing the opportunity for people to peruse and acquire local masterpieces.

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BAIT MUZNA 234 Saidiya Street, Old Muscat +968 2473 9204 baitmuznagallery.com Muscat’s oldest Art Gallery, Bait Muzna is located in Old Muscat not far from Al Alam Palace. This premier gallery offers a plethora of artworks through its affiliation with a host of acclaimed artists in Muscat, among them Anwar Sonya, Hassan Meer, Abdul Majid Karooh, Radhika Hamlai, the Hunaini brothers, and Ahmed Al Busaidi.

GALLERY SARAH 180/4 Al Sadiya Street +968 2208 4747 gallerysarah.com Just across the street and around the corner from Bait Muzna is Bait Al Zubair’s Gallery Sarah, established in memory of the greatly loved artist, curator, and arts advisor, Sarah White (1968 – 2013) according to her ideals. Gallery Sarah hosts an e-marketplace on which contemporary as well as traditional visual artists including photographers display and sell their work.

The Gallery also has an excellent collection of art books.

BAIT AL BARANDA Muttrah (Immediately south of the Muttrah Corniche roundabout) +968 2208 4747 baitalbaranda.mm.gov.om The old harbour town of Muttrah hosts two important galleries – Bait Al Baranda and Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art. Housed in an historic Portuguese mansion, the Bait Al Baranda Visitor Centre also operates as an art gallery where the works of some Muscat artists such as Anna Dudchencko and David Willis can be found.

GHALYA’S MUSEUM OF MODERN ART Muttrah Corniche +968 2471 1640 ghalyasmuseum.com Also in Muttrah, Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art houses a contemporary art gallery with some pieces from renowned Muscat artists such as Alia Al Farsi.

AL MADINA ART GALLERY 187 Al Inshirah Street (British Council Road), Madinat Qaboos +968 2469 1380 almadinaartgallery.com Serving the city’s arts community for more than a decade, the Al Madina Art Gallery in MQ includes a gift shop featuring the works of a number of local, regional and international photographers and painters, currently Monique El Helou and Juliette Thomson.

STAL GALLERY Villa 221, Al Inshirah Street (British Council Road), Madinat Qaboos +968 2460 0396 stalgallery.com Not far away from Al Madina Art Gallery, on the same street in fact, is Stal Gallery, Muscat’s newest gallery, founded by the non-for-profit Al Serkal Group under the leadership of renowned Omani artist Hassan Meer. The gallery supports both established and emerging Muscat artists and has rapidly gained a reputation for exhibiting avant-garde works including multi-media installations. Stal has expanded Muscat’s gallery-going cultural community, attracting experimental artists and a new, often younger, clientele. Of special interest are the emerging artists associated with Stal – Wadhah Al Masafir, Ahmed Al Mullahi and Muzna Al Musafer.

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uscat is a place where you can acquire original works of art that you know are authentic and will have lasting value as they enhance your home environment and give more meaning to daily life.

Whether you prefer contemporary or traditional approaches, there is considerable variety and many of the works are affordable. A good way of gaining an overview of art and artists in Muscat is to tour Bait Al Nadhah at the Bait Al Zubair Museum. There you will find a comprehensive collection on three floors covering the full panorama of artists, both Omani and expatriate.

This excellent collection represents the development of art in Oman and its current status. And the next time you are at Barr Al Jissah’s Shangri-La, pay special attention to the paintings hung in the lob-

bies, halls, and restaurants, works by thirty-three of Oman’s most important artists. The bookstore in Shangri-La’s Al Bandar Hotel has copies of The Art of Barr Al Jissah

by Sarah White, which provides profiles of all the artists, and if a particular piece catches your eye at Shangri-La or Bait Al Zubair, take note of the art’s name as nearly all of them have websites featuring their work and backstories.

Once you have an idea of what you like, you’ll be in a good position to head to the galleries to hunt for local, original art for your home.

Good prints and some pieces of photographic art range from OMR 50 to over OMR 250, while drawings and paintings can be found for under OMR 100 to several thousand of rials. Before buying it’s best to tour the major galleries to see what is available to suit your tastes and budget, here’s your gallery itinerary, happy hunting.

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ARTISTS TO WATCH Every year the Omani Society for Fine Arts (OSFA) holds an exhibition with prizes awarded to local artists whose artwork is considered noteworthy by a panel of judges. This year almost all the entries were large contemporary works in either abstract or abstract expressionist styles. Only a few were rendered in realistic or ďŹ gurative styles. This year the top prizes were awarded to established artists. Here are some highlights from exhibition winners past and present.

Anwar Sonya Grand prize Style: Dynamic Abstract Expressionism in muted colours Medium: Acrylic on canvas Subject: Omani women in ritual dance celebration Price: OMR 1,000 Ayoub Al Balushi Highlighting the work of his students Style: Contemporary sculptures Medium: Wood, Omani marble Subject: Beautiful abstract shapes Price: Various, with small student works in marble at OMR 300 Moosa Omar Second prize Style: Symbolic Expressionism in old Omani colours Medium: Acrylic and mixed media burlap Subject: Icons and symbols of life in traditional Omani towns Price: OMR 1,800

Pictured galleries, clockwise from top: Al Madina Art Gallery, Bait Muzna, Bait Al Baranda

Juma Al Harthy Third prize Style: Semi-realistic and symbolic Medium: Mixed Media on Wood Subject: Representations of Omani architecture and culture Price: OMR 1,500 Among the top prize winners from the past not exhibiting this year Al Hunaini Brothers – Abdullah and Khamis Past First prize winners Style: Realistic Medium: Oil on canvas, drawings Subject: Portraits, still life, landscape scenes of Oman Price: Usually above OMR 1,000 Budoor Al Riyami Past Grand prize winner Style: Abstract Expressionism, Surrealistic Symbolism, Medium: Various, especially mixed media on canvas and installations Subject: Abstraction, social commentary Radhika Hamlai Past First prize Style: Abstract Expressionism Medium: Acrylic on canvas, charcoal, mixed Media Subject: Relationships, family Price: OMR 150 (small works) OMR 750 to above OMR 1,000

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Muscat Brunching STORY SWATI DASGUP TA

ILLUSTRATION ALI JANI

Weekends are all about making relaxing plans, nothing too early in the morning,

and nothing rushed. So a leisurely afternoon brunch is a great way to enjoy time with family and friends. The Muscat brunch scene is back on for the winter season, so we rounded up some favourites to whet your appetite.

The Restaurant The Straits Restaurant Hormuz Grand Hotel The Straits Restaurant in the newly opened Hormuz Grand Hotel in Seeb offers the only Saturday brunch in Oman, with tables overlooking the designer pool, and live stations offering grilled items, pasta, vegetables, and even custom pancakes.

Brunch Hours: 12:00-4:00pm Brunch packages for OMR 18, including mocktails and soft drinks, OMR 24, and OMR 9 for children Reservations: +968 2435 0500

The Chedi Muscat Brunch is on every Friday at The Restaurant at the stylish Chedi Hotel where you can sit and savour your fresh oysters, cheeses, and a range of international main dishes inside the main dining room or out on the sun-soaked terrace overlooking the Zen-like, manicured grounds.

Brunch Hours: 12:30-4:00pm Brunch packages for OMR 24, OMR 35, and OMR 55 Reservations: + 968 2452 4400

Olivos Restaurant & Terrace Radisson Blu Hotel In keeping with the spirit of the extended afternoon gathering, the poolside Friday brunch at the Radisson Blu not only provides access to an extensive buffet featuring salads, a live pasta counter, fresh mussels, and Indian specialties, but it also includes complimentary access to the swimming pool.

Brunch Hours: 1:00-4:00pm Brunch packages for OMR 26 for adults, OMR 7.500 for children Reservations: +968 2448 7777

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Musandam Café &Terrace Restaurant InterContinental Muscat Listen to live Jazz and take your time sampling the staggering number of options at the InterContinental’s Friday brunch. Sit on the terrace under swaying palm trees and nibble on everything from Thai beef salad and shrimp cocktail to penne alfredo and fish biryani, but be sure to save room for the live barbecue station that turns out prawn, king fish, beef steak, lamb chops, chicken breasts, chicken sheesh taouk, and more.

Brunch Hours: 12:30-3:30pm Brunch, including tea and coffee, OMR 20, OMR 10 for children under 11, free for children under 5 Reservations: + 968 2468 0000

Duke’s Bar Crowne Plaza Every Friday there is an English roast brunch at the Crowne Plaza, which can be enjoyed on the expansive balcony in front of Duke’s Bar, overlooking Qurum beach.

Brunch Hours: 2:00-5:00pm Brunch package is for OMR 14, including three beverages Reservations:+968 9508 7517

Al Tanoor Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Every Friday afternoon, a special buffet brunch is served amid the palm trees overlooking the mountainous inlet of Shangri-La’s private beach at Al Tanoor restaurant. From fresh lobster and oysters to Iranian grills and freshly carved meats, the generous buffet features six types of cuisine plus live cooking stations, so there is truly something for everyone. As though the idyllic views and wide selection of cuisine weren’t enough, there is also live entertainment to add to the ambiance.

Brunch Hours: 12:30-3:30pm Brunch packages for OMR 18, OMR 35, and OMR 42 for adults, OMR 9 for children Reservations: +968 2477 6666

Tuscany Grand Hyatt Muscat The monthly brunch at Tuscany restaurant in the Grand Hyatt Muscat caters to connoisseurs of Italian cuisine in a sophisticated, adultsonly affair held the first Friday of every month (next up December 4th).

The restaurant’s Italian chef, Mauro Ferrari, personally welcomes guests and guides them through interactive counters and stations serving a selection of Italian cold cuts, seafood, prime meats, and special homemade Italian desserts.

Brunch Hours: 12:30-3:30pm Brunch packages for OMR 24, OMR 37, and OMR 51 Reservations: + 968 2464 1234

Beach Pavilion Al Bustan Palace The Veuve Clicquot Friday brunch at Beach Pavilion at the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is perhaps the ‘beachiest’ brunch in Oman, with tables set up directly on the sand and additional lounge seating on the beachside terrace. The extensive buffet is appropriately seafood heavy, featuring raw oysters, sushi and sashimi, smoked fish, ceviche, boiled crab legs, grilled lobster, prawns, and steak, as well as salads, cold mezza, fresh breads, kid-friendly chips and chicken fingers, and a fabulous cheese and dessert station. Guests can migrate to the lounge area to continue enjoying their brunch experience for hours, sipping on cappuccinos or bubbly beverages while listening to the resident DJ spin.

Brunch Hours: 1:00-5:00pm Brunch packages for OMR 25, OMR 39, and OMR 49 for adults, OMR 12 for children Reservations: +968 2476 4000

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Hanoon Modern Project LLC announcing the launch of its new brand ‘Smile Hypermarket’ at Grand Hyatt Muscat.

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Launch of New Product Range of Al Maha Ceramics at Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

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