FACES Issue No. 110 by FACES OMAN

AS BIG AS A KID’S IMAGINATION Al Khuwair y Muscat City Centre y Ruwi y Seeb Nizwa y Rustaq y Sur y Ibri y Sohar y Salalah

Barka

Issue 110, March 2016

Family Attitude Class Entertainment Success

Editor’s Note Founder / Essa Bin Mohammed Al Zedjali Chairman & Editor-in-Chief / Mohammed Issa Al Zedjali Chief Executive Officer / Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali Business Director / Sophia Raman Editorial Consultant / Suzy Fontes Art Director / Pushpender K. Sharma Head of Advertising & Marketing / Aziz K. Baker Business Unit Head / Pooja Saxena Operations / M.V.V. Sagar

Published By / Muscat Media Group PB 770, PC 112, Ruwi, Oman Tel: +968 24 811953 . Fax: +968 24 813153 Printed At / Ruwi Modern Printers LLC Tel: +968 24816952

Contact Telephone +968 24563382/24563385 Fascimile +968 24566014 Email - Editorial editor@facesoman.com Email - Sales pooja@facesoman.com Website www.facesoman.com

As March sheds its Women’s Day garb to take a pot shot at April and the Fool’s Day pegged on to the first, we at FACES take a spirited walk down the business road to find inspiration from women who manage large family conglomerates. While their progression into family business may seem to be a natural flow of event, the crux of the issue is that these women have taken on the mantle of responsibility with aplomb, playing a pivotal role in the successes of their business. We celebrate women all through this issue, as we pack the pages with stories that reflect her various moods and hues. And with April 1 setting a light-hearted tone to the month, we present Oman’s own brand of comedians who operate under the banner of Oman Comedy Central. Their quips and innuendos will colour the month with a riot of laughter, while the climbing adventures of Read Macadam will set the adrenaline rolling. His ‘Valley of Giants: A Bouldering Odyssey in the Sultanate of Oman’ is a must watch for all outdoor enthusiasts. Our spotlight is on the National Museum of Oman, which is all set to open doors shortly and create a new landmark for tourists and visitors. There is more in our regular pages. Go on, check it out now… Enjoy!

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Copyright 2016 FACES / All material published remains the copyright of FACES. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. FACES cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other material.

Contents FACES Features FA 16 Cover Story

It’s not just a family affair for the generation of businesswomen who have long broken the shackles of stereotypes to helm family businesses that play pivotal roles in the nation’s economic development

20 In Conversation

Monique Borlée, who has turned her passion for diving into a tourism venture, talks about her life in Oman and her love for the sea

22 In The Spotlight

National Museum of Oman, which was formally inaugurated in December 2015, is set to open its doors to the public shortly

24 Feast On

At ‘Maya’, the newly opened culinary destination in The Cave complex, ‘the illusion of sensorial experience’, is actualised in an ambience that is both reflective and exotic

28 Centre Stage

As members of Oman Comedy Central (OCC) keep churning everyday life situations into comical interludes, we pay tribute to the exuberance and jollity emanating from laughter

FACES Health 30 Health Check

26 Healthy hy Bites Perfect BMI is no indication of fitness

FACES Travel

34 Explore Oman

‘Valley of Giants: A Bouldering Odyssey in the Sultanate of Oman’, a short film featuring Read Macadam’s climbing adventure with his bouldering pals, has whipped up the imagination of adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts

56 Just Travel

Calling all single ladies… Give in to the lure of travel this summer and return back with cartloads of memories and experiences

FACES Style 36 In The Luxe

Shoes do speak louder than words...

38 Look Good

When the kitchen counter doubles up as a dressing table it turns into a treasure house of natural beauty aids

40 Style File -

Centrepoint’s latest Spring-Summer collection Spring time from Mango New Collection from ‘Esque by Ale’

FACES Elements

48 Relatively Speaking

Has the concept of ‘division of labour’ finally found resonance on the domestic front, thanks to the changes in the society’s outlook towards traditional stereotypes?

54 Man Date:

Do you understand man-speak?

58 At Home

With office work consuming major part of the weekdays, the onus is on you to create a home-away-from-home ambience at your workstation

FACES SPECIAL

50 Women who raise the bar

According to a recent global report, women will increasingly lead family businesses as more business dynasties decide to appoint female bosses

FACES Razzmatazz

10 Star Light

A big round of ‘Applause’ for Lady Gaga, who has, with her latest Oscar rendition of ‘Til It Happens to You’, thrown the spotlight on assault survivors

12 Razzle Dazzle Latest celebrity gossip from the world of Hollywood

14 Tittle Tattle

Heard through the grapevine...

FACES Digest

64 Movies & Books Reviews of upcoming movies and books

67 Gadget Notes Roundup of new gadgets in the market

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort Touted as the Middle East’s highest five star Resort, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is all set to welcome luxury travellers from July 2016. Perched 2,000 metres above sea level, on the curving rim of a great canyon, it will offer guests an opportunity to enjoy an extreme landscape of rugged beauty while they discover a cultured treasury of authentic indulgences and immersions in the destination’s rich heritage. A total of 115 guest rooms and villas overlook the drama of the canyon or tranquil gardens. The resort’s 82 Premier and Deluxe Rooms boast a spacious bedroom and a spa-like bathroom carved out of sustainable material from the local area, complete with a rain shower and separate bath alongside a terrace or balcony. Besides, 33 villas grant guests an intimate escape each with personal butler services and its own private swimming pool, their infinity-edges stretching over the cliffs or hidden in an exotic garden.

Awasr, high speed Internet provider, launched Good news for netizens. Awasr, Oman’s first specialised high speed fibre Internet provider, officially launched its services in Al Khoud, Al Mawaleh, Al Hail, Maabilah and Shatti Al Qurum, as a first phase, with expansion plans to cover the rest of Muscat and other areas throughout the Sultanate. The announcement was made during an inauguration ceremony organised by the company at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel. Users can now enjoy high-speed fibre-optic Internet in both offices and homes. The company announced that it will soon offer a 1 Gigabit connection for homes and has previously launched three Fibre To The Home (FTTH) packages with 20 MB, 50 MB and 150 MB speeds accordingly. Also available are three Fibre To The Business (FTTB) packages with 5 MB, 10 MB and 30 MB internet services for small, medium, and large scale enterprises.

Kaya’s Age Control Solutions Kaya Skin Clinic has a

new mantra to maintain youthful skin. Kaya Age Control Solutions, administered by expert dermatologists, has on offer services ranging from peels to firming to lifting and tightening to injectables. All services are simple procedures and require no downtime. According to Kaya, the entire process does not involve more pain than that of a pinprick and the effect can be visible in two to three days. Some of the services can be done over a lunch break and customers can see immediate results that last long. At Kaya, the dermatologist will analyse the client’s skin and recommend a service that is needed - from preventive to curative solutions. Among the services on offer at Kaya as well are Fillers for wrinkle reduction. Fillers are gel-like substances consisting of Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a natural substance present in a human body.

Shangri-La announces Wedding Fair Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, which has become a highly popular destination for weddings, locally and internationally, will be hosting an exclusive Wedding Fair event on Friday, 22 April 2016 at the Barr Al Jissah ballroom. The Wedding Fair itself will follow an exquisite garden theme throughout and will include exhibitors such as fashion designers, florists, photographers and events management companies. The spectacular event will include special surprises throughout the day for brides-to-be, an exclusive fashion show, as well as the opportunity to meet over 40 wedding specialists to help plan the perfect wedding.

March 2016

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Samsung Unveils Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Sleek design with powerful performance, including advanced camera features, water resistance, and external memory… That, in a capsule, is the offer from the newest additions to the Galaxy family of products - Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, which was launched at the Crowne Plaza Muscat, recently. Created for today›s consumer lifestyle, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge lead the industry with a refined design, more advanced camera, streamlined software functionality and unparalleled connectivity to a galaxy of products, services, and experiences. Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge introduce the first Dual Pixel camera on a smartphone, sharper one delivering brighter and sha images, even in low light.

GUtech Student Calling Filmall film Festival 2016 enthusiasts… The German

Zumbathon event to support OCA Zumba Fitness, a global lifestyle brand that fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an exhilarating dance-party workout, is all set to champion the cause of Oman Cancer Association at the forthcoming Zumbathon event. Zumba instructors, Asya Al-Lamki and Natalia Costa, who raised RO6000 through the first Zumbathon in aid of diabetes, will conduct the second Women’s Zumbathon charity event to support Oman Cancer Association; it will be held on April 23rd at the Muscat College. The event will also feature Zumba instructors Jenny Kelly and Laura Nistoroiu, and a special guest, Ana Georgescu, a Zumba Education Specialist (ZES) from Romania.

March 2016

University of Technology has announced the launch of the 1st GUtech Student Film Festival 2016. The competition will be held under the supervision of the Film Festival Committee and Festival Chairperson, to support artistic talents in the field of filmmaking. The Festival, to be held from May 8 to 12, will accept short films/videos of any genre and topic from universities and colleges across the country (full time university students and GUtech Alumni in Oman, are eligible). Submissions may be made by submitting films/videos in person to the official Film Festival Committee members before April 24th, 2016. A special commercial category, titled ‘A Day in the Life Of GUtech’, is incorporated to challenge students to create an Advertisement for GUtech. For more details, check Instagram @gutechfilmfest; Twitter @gutechfilmfest; Facebook @gutechfilmfest; Snapchat @gutechfilmfest.

‘Ultimate’ retreat for floral artistry Blooms of exotic and colourful flowers, arranged as floral masterpieces, capture the attention of savvy shoppers at the newly opened ‘Ultimate Planner’, a highend shop for unique flowers and accessories. Located in the prime Qurum area, the shop, a brainchild of Narayano Vrolijks, a versatile Master Floral Designer, was inaugurated recently by Dutch Ambassador to the Sultanate, H.E. Barbara Joziasse. The artistic and attractive floral works are created by Narayano Vrolijks MDFD, the first Dutch Master Floral Designer in Oman, and his team. Ultimate Planner also plans to extend its services to organising events that will include corporate events, concerts, theatre festivals, art, fashion shows and lots more.

Discover the most spacious and contemporary Hotel apartments opening on 4th April in Muscat. We invite you to experience our 88 beautiful serviced hotel apartments for your next short term or long term stay. You will be sure to find what you are looking for both business and leisure with our meeting rooms, restaurants and even in-dining options all located within the property, which is located in the heart of Qurum.

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‘Born This Way’ A big round of ‘Applause’ for Lady Gaga, who has, with her latest Oscar rendition of ‘Til It Happens to You’, thrown the spotlight on assault survivors At the 2016 Academy Awards recently, Lady Gaga performed ‘Til It Happens to You’, the Oscar-nominated song she co-wrote with Diane Warren for ‘The Hunting Ground’, a CNN documentary about rape and assault on college campuses. 50 women and men, who had survived past sexual abuse, accompanied her on stage; they sported words such as ‘Not Your Fault’ and ‘Unbreakable’ on their arms, demonstrating their solidarity with the singer’s cause. Following this high profile and hugely emotional performance, the world realised that her family was unaware of the trauma that she had undergone in the past. Although she had gone public in 2014 with her story of being raped, apparently, not everyone in her family had heard it. She later revealed that her grandmother and aunt didn’t know she was a survivor until her powerful Oscar performance. Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta on March 28, 1986, in Yonkers, New York, Lady Gaga had opened up about her teenage abuse a couple of years ago. She’d told an entertainment reporter that an older man had taken advantage of her when she was 19 and that she had never confronted him. In a post after the recent Oscars, she wrote that she was too ashamed and too afraid to discuss with her family about being raped. A student of New York University’s Tisch School for the Arts, she, however, left studies to find creative expression. To make ends meet, she took three jobs, including a stint as a gogo dancer, all the while developing her performance-art act. Talking about those early days, she is reported to have said, “I had a boyfriend who told me I’d never succeed, never be nominated for a Grammy, never have a hit song, and that he hoped I’d fail. I said to him, ‘Someday, when we’re not together, you won’t be able to order a cup of coffee at the deli without hearing or seeing me.” And, accordingly, she hit the stage as Lady Gaga, a name inspired from the Queen song

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‘Radio Ga-Ga’. Her debut album, ‘The Fame’, was a huge success, and the single ‘Poker Face’ topped charts in almost every category, in almost every country. Lady Gaga has since earned acclaim for subsequent albums, including a collaboration with Tony Bennett, and her performance on the ‘American Horror Story’ series, which won her a Golden Globe for her role as the Countess.

As she continued to make waves with her outrageous costumes and her unique style and performances, she won the hearts of her fans. Her popularity reached a crescendo at the 2015 Academy Awards, thanks to a creative tribute to the 50th anniversary of ‘The Sound of Music’. Following on that high, Gaga returned to the Grammy stage early this year to pay tribute to the late David Bowie, who she credits as her biggest musical hero. She wore a red-wig and rollicked through a short medley of Bowie’s hits. A complete entertainer, Lady Gaga has mastered the art of pleasing her audience. As she puts it, “Do not allow people to dim your shine because they are blinded. Tell them to put on some sunglasses, cuz we were born this way...”

Assi Helani to perform at the 15th annual Moroccan festival

Good news for fans of Superstar Assi Helani. He is set to join fellow Lebanese divas Myriam Fares, Diana Haddad and Yara at the 15th annual Mawazine Festival in Rabat this year. Assi, aka, the ‘Knight of Arab music’, will perform on May 25 at the eightday festival. With a career spanning 30 years in show business, Assi is one of the Arab world’s most loved stars, with several albums and number one smash hits to his credit.

Kim Kardashian has banned Kanye from talking to Rihanna?

Lindsay Lohan’s new beau will salvage her career

That is what Lindsay’s father believes. After a series of blink-and-it’sover affairs, Lindsay Lohan’s new boyfriend, Russian business heir Egor Tarabasov, might be the one to stay. Her father Michael Lohan is of the belief that not only is Egor the one for Lindsay; he is also the key to her long-gestating career comeback. He reportedly told an entertainment magazine that Egor “has a lot of strong connections in Russia.” He added: “He wants things to be in the right place for Lindsay and he’s wise beyond his years.” The 22-year-old Russian real estate agent, apparently, knows more about Hollywood than all the others who have tried to salvage Lindsay’s career.

Going by his social media escapades, it might appear as if Kanye West does what he wants, but, but, but… If rumours are to be believed, Kim Kardashian has banned Kanye from talking to Rihanna; she is, supposedly, jealous of their close friendship. According to a source, every time Rihanna is on the scene, Kim gets jealous and feels threatened. However, Kim’s suspicions are unwarranted, as their relationship is purely platonic, say insiders. As for the occasional flirting, the source says that’s just Kanye being himself...

Taylor Swift’s old MySpace Page is hilarious

For all die-hard Swift fans, snippets unearthed from her old My Space Page could provide a laugh or two. Taylor Swift, who is incredibly popular in a nerdy way, apparently, had a normal life like everyone else, before fame came her way. She was discovering the social media and did things like gushing about her friends’ bodies and begging people to take down embarrassing photos. A post from February 4, 2004 reads: “THAT PICTURE OF ME AT THE TOP IS GROSS. THAT IS SICK TAKE IT DOWN. It serves NO purpose other than to make me look FUGLY. I want it off NOW.”

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin are expecting baby number 3 Celebrations are on at the Baldwin home. Alec and Hilaria Baldwin have recently announced that they are expecting their third child - a baby boy! The couple marked the occasion with an Instagram, which Alec captioned thus, “Ireland, Carmen, Rafael, Hilaria and I are excited to share with you that we are going to have another little addition to our family. Another little boy coming this Fall.” Fans would recall that the duo welcomed their first child Carmen in 2013, one year after they were married in 2012. Alec also has a 20-year-old daughter, Ireland, who he shares with his first wife Kim Basinger.

March 2016

Tittle

“I don’t think that’s in the cards. In a way it’s Captain America: Civil War, but for me, it’s like ke my little Iron Man 4.” - Robert Downey wney Jr. has confirmed Iron iate big-screen future will be Man’s immediate as part of a superhero ensemble, with nt plans to star in his own no current solo l movies. i

“She felt like she wanted to discuss it and get it out there and get it over with, so she could say, ‘Look, I already talked about it – I don’t want to do it again’”. - Ben Affleck speaks up about his estranged wife, Jennifer Garner’s recent interview about the break down of their relationship to an entertainment magazine. magaz

“Of course, we talk. They are my parents…” - 23-year-old Isabella Cruise speaks out about her relationship with her parents Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman for the first time. “Airport customs graffiti on my 1957 Martin D-18 from Egypt. Back to the luthier #bryanadamsgetup.” - Instagram post by Bryan Adams, who has been left fuming after customs officials at Cairo airport scrawled over his prize 1957 guitar with a green marker.

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“I just can’t do heels any more. At least not when I’m working. I travel a lot. Clothes have to be simple and comfortable.” - Victoria Beckham, saying things no one thought she would ever say.

cover STORY

WOMEN who mean BUSINESS

It’s not ‘just a family affair’ for the generation of businesswomen who have long broken the shackles of stereotypes to helm family businesses that play pivotal roles in the nation’s economic development At a business conclave, not long ago, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, former CEO and co-chairperson of Carlson Inc., a family-owned travel and hospitality company, recounted how her father was crushed when he had two daughters and no male heirs to continue the family business. That he didn’t let that alter or place brakes on his plans to keep the reins of the business within the family, is another story; but it does provide a peek into the general perception concerning women in family businesses, in the early twentieth century. Things have, of course changed considerably in the last couple of decades, with family businesses

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demonstrating parity in governance and leadership. In this part of the world, which has long made provisions for equal education and equal opportunities - Oman Labour Law ensures gender equality through equal opportunity and equal pay act – gender parity is a given, whether the reference is to family businesses, entrepreneurial ventures or the large employment market. But gender parity is still at a premium around the world, which is why the International Women’s Day on March 8 was observed under the ‘Pledge for parity’ campaign. According to the campaign, “Everyone – men and women – can pledge to take a

concrete step to help achieve gender parity… Each of us can be a leader within our spheres of influence and commit to take pragmatic action to accelerate gender parity.” The onus is on the global community to takes this seriously and make concerted efforts to take the pledge forward. Locally, we have leaders in every sphere of activity who can influence and accelerate the process of gender parity. In the following feature, we present three prominent businesswomen who shoulder the responsibility of running their family businesses and doing their bit to inspire and influence others.

“I have worked my way to reach where I am today,” says Lujaina M. Darwish, Chairperson of Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC, as she talks about her growth in her family business. She won the ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ award in 2001, the ‘Flame of Excellence’ award in 2002 and, recently, the Forbes’ Middle East ‘The Most Influential Arab Women in Family Business’.

cover STORY

Business of inheritance

Could you trace your entry into the field of business? Was business always your first choice of career? Initially, I desired to be an academician and so started my professional journey as an English literature lecturer at the Sultan Qaboos University - from 1991 to 1994. But being around my father, I started to fancy the business world. I joined MHD LLC at the age of 25. I started at the junior position of an Executive in the Personnel and Administration Department, and I have worked my way to reach where I am today. Would you say entrepreneurial success is inherited? Yes, I am what is referred to as the second generation of the MHD Group dynasty and for that I am grateful to my father, Mohsin Haider Darwish. Yes, that made the entry into the field of business easy; but the success is never easy. I inherited the drive for hard work, and this hard work over the years has resulted in my success as an individual. Despite the inheritance factor, did you face any challenge in the world of business, which has traditionally been seen as men’s domain? Challenges in the world of business are faced by both men and women alike. Being only three daughters in the family, we always knew we have to prepare for this world of business. Thankfully, with right guidance from our father, the illustrious Mohsin Haider Darwish himself, we sisters were able to stand our own in this male dominant world. Did you face any gender-related blocks in your career? I am informed that I broke the gender stereotypes on being elected as one of the two first women in the country’s Consultative Council. On a serious note, being a HR professional, along with academics and experience, I believe and strongly support gender equality in the Arab Islamic World. I did not experience any gender related blocks and I have chosen to support the gender equality cause. Today, at MHD LLC, we have several women working in important positions in various departments. A general observation made by many is that men and women lead differently. What are your thoughts on that? Would you say your style is different, say, from your father’s? In the early days, constantly working under the shadow of my father, I was highly influenced by him. More than the gender, the big difference between my father and me is, he is a numbers man and I am a human capital person. My HR dominant approach makes me think, operate and lead differently. Protecting our human capital is foremost for me. Irrespective of whether you are a man or a woman, uniting a dedicated professional team makes you a good leader.

March 2016

cover STORY

The call of business “Being a woman has its benefits as well as challenges,” maintains Natasha Yahya Nasib, Chief Operating Officer of Yahya Group Holding LLC. Having earned a Bachelor’s in Business Management from Franklin University in Switzerland, she interned with Costain in England before joining her father’s company. In 2007 she was nominated by a Royal Decree to be a board member of OCCI (Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry); in the same year, she was appointed as the head of the businesswoman businesswom forum.

Would you say business came naturally to you ow owing to your lineage? do As a child growing up I dreamt of becoming a doctor; but as little dreams grow wa not my calling. I had watched and become realities, it was obvious that it was my father succeed in the business world an and it encouraged me to follow in his footsteps. Is entrepreneurial success inherited? g I believe success in anything is never guaranteed. One’s intuition, sixth sense, and, most importantly, hard w work and dedication is needed to give any venture the highest oppo opportunity to succeed. I have had the advantage of being exposed to proper business practices and learned how to evaluate risk to rewa reward allowing a business to grow without overexposing the company company. Did you face any challenges in th the world of business, which has traditionally been seen as men’s domain? In my experience, being a wom woman has its benefits as well as challenges. The business world is dominated by men, but you can take advantage of the male d dominated culture by using solid judgment and recognising weaknesses weakn nesses when presented. Would you say men and women lead differently…? prem mise that men and women lead I agree with the premise differently, as each personality will have a unique lieve one style is superior, but style. I do not bel believe unde un ders de rsta rs tand ta ndin nd ing in g your yo our own own leadership lea eade ders de rshi rs hip hi p approach appr ap proa pr oach oa ch is is understanding key to success. suc ucce cess ce ss. ss key

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“It is very important to have a strong understanding of the business one enters in,” is the advice from Sharifa Al Harthy,Vice Chairperson, MB Holding Company LLC. Equipped with a B.A. in Business Administration from Jordan University and Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Texas Southern University, she played a pivotal role in setting up the MB Group of Companies in 1982. Sharifa Al Harthy also lso heads the Mohammed Al Barwani Charity Foundation, which aims to provide ide scholarships to students who are covered by the Social cial welfare scheme; it supports ire medical treatment locally patients who require or abroad, supports ts families under the social care (insurance) scheme, cheme, offers humanitarian aid in cases of emergency ergency and disasters, and omen Associations. supports Omani Women

cover STORY

Leadership in Business

Was business always your first choice of career? No, it was not. When we settled in Oman, my husband held a very good position at PDO and I was employed in the public sector. However, we were always keen on starting our own business and were very confident of our capabilities to do so. That is when we formed MB Trading in 1982. Initially, the going was very tough, but slowly, over time, as our business grew we expanded into Oilfield Drilling Services (MB Petroleum Services), Exploration and Production of Oil & Gas (Petrogas), Mining and Minerals (Mawarid Mining) and Oilfield & Marine Engineering (United Engineering Services). Do you think women are equipped to handle leadership roles in large business enterprises? I will answer this question with a question… Why not? Just because there were not many women traditionally in leadership positions doesn’t mean that we are not equipped to handle this responsibility. While there was only one woman CEO within the Fortune 500 companies in 1998, in 2014 there were as many as 24! And I am confident this number will only increase exponentially. Women head large international corporates like Hewlet Packard,General Motors, Pepsico, Lockhead Martin, Xerox corp…to name a few. The same is true for businesses in the Middle East and in Oman. In fact, the number of women representatives in the Shu’ra council in Oman has also increased over the years. I have also read articles quoting studies that rate women as better leaders than men. As a business expert, what advice would you give young girls who want to enter the world of business? z A specific advice to young entrepreneurs is to venture into a business that they have knowledge of and have educated themselves about. It is very important to have a strong understanding of the business one enters in. z Have a strong will and be confident about your abilities.

Keep educating yourselves as much and as you can - this is one aspect that will always be an asset for you For young entrepreneurs, it is also important to have some basic knowledge of Finance and Accounting. It is imperative they know how to interpret basic financial data and statements. This understanding is critical to running a business. Spend time and interact with seniors at work; there is so much to learn from their experiences – both successes and failures!

March 2016

in CONVERSATION

Diving on...

M Monique Borlée, who has turned her passion for diving into a tourism h venture, talks about her life in Oman and her love for the sea

hen Monique i Borlée é off Global G Scuba S arrived i in i Oman, 21 years ago, diving, as a potential tourist attraction was not fully explored. That, today, tourists come specifically to indulge their love for diving in some of the country’s most picturesque diving sites, is not something she takes credit for; but the role she and her husband Keith Holt have played in creating opportunities to explore the underwater of Oman is truly credible. Veterans in the business of diving, Monique and Keith have taken their love for the sea and the outdoors to another level with Global Scuba, which is operated from the Civil Aviation Club in Azaiba and from the Sawadi Beach Resort (her son Yannick manages the dive centre at Sawadi). Talking about her pet venture, Monique

March 2016 Fabruary 2016

Mother of three and a “happy grandmother of 5 children”, she has made Oman her home, along with her husband Keith. Together, they continue to develop their diving centre, bring tourists to Oman and provide excellent service for diving and training. Their diving holiday packages are very popular with tourists who can revel in the beautiful underwater life, especially at the ‘Aquarium’ in Damaniyat Islands. Come summer and the diving season will get busy, she notes.

in CONVERSATION

“Underwater is peaceful…” she maintains. Drawing parallels with the inception of life in water state, Monique believes that this connect continues all through the life, generating a sense of contentment when one is exposed to water bodies. “I have clients who have regular urges to go to the sea and explore the underwater,” she muses. During her long career in the diving business, she has seen people emerging from their diving sessions completely at peace with themselves and the nature. She has observed that

even the ones who are grumpy and morose in their daily lives, seem to shed their acquired negative outlook while they are underwater.

Monique, captured in traditional Omani clothes

says, “My main role is marketing and looking after bookings, particularly from Europe, as I am multilingual.” She is fluent in French, Dutch, German, English, as well as Spanish.

Up Close & Personal With

Monique Borlée The home I grew up in...

Town Leuven in Belgium.

When I was a child I wanted to…

Become a math teacher.

The moment that changed me forever...

Arriving in Muscat.

My greatest inspiration...

To become slim.

My hero…

Singer Jacques Brel.

If I could change one thing about myself...

My weight and appetite for Belgian goodies. I dream of...

My grand children’s future.

What I see when I look in the mirror...

A happy person.

It’s not fashionable but I like...

My favourite haunt/holiday destination...

On top of my wish/bucket list is…

South America.

My success mantra is

Worldwide peace and harmony.

My favourite weekend spot in Oman…

I am a 5 star grandmother...

Turtle Beach Resort.

I hope to be asked by FACES to give another interview.

I will not leave my house without…

My mobile phone, my crosswords, my agenda, a chocolate bar, and, most important, a big smile.

In 10 years’ time…

Five things I like about Oman…

The peaceful environment, the nature, the personal safety, and the friendship of the Omani people. A book that changed me…

‘On behalf of all mine’, by Martin Gray.

Ancient cultures.

My greatest regret...

Being far away of my family.

You may not know it but I’m no good at...

Keeping files up to date.

You may not know it but I’m very good at…

Cooking and organising friendship get-togethers. If I have time to myself...

I walk and call my friends and my family.

My house is…

My treasure with all my needs available.

Monique & Keith

March 2016

in the SPOTLIGHT

Museum of firsts…

National Museum of Oman, which was formally inaugurated in December 2015, is set to open its doors to the public shortly

curating to enhance showcases, like the international loans from The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, she is now involved in building relations with organisations and traders - locally, regionally and internationally.

“The museum houses a lot of firsts,” states Janab al Sayyida Nada Fakhri al-Said, Head of External Relations Unit at National Museum of Oman, who has a strong art and design background. Having started with the exhibition design team, two years ago, and having worked with mock-ups and dealt with

With 4000 square metres of gallery space, the Museum also has 15 permanent gallery spaces and one temporary exhibition space, which is expected to be up and running in the next two years, presenting avenues for touring exhibitions. While the Learning Centre will present options for students to learn Oman’s culture and heritage through in-house teachers, the open plan storage concept, an

fully equipped learning centre, a state of the art preventative conservation facility, an open plan storage concept, Arabic Braille script for the visually impaired… These are a few of the exciting firsts that await visitors to the National Museum of Oman when it officially opens to public in the near future.

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Marc Ma March ch 2016 2016 20 6

“This is an encyclopaedic museum. It starts from prehistoric times of the earliest human settlements in Oman peninsula and it goes 2 million years to the present era,the Renaissance Era. It also showcases 7000 objects and 43 digital immersive experiences,” explains Sayyida Nada, who has to her credit a BA in Interdisciplinary Design.

Janab al Sayyida Nada Fakhri al-Said

As Sayyida Nada notes, the objective is to make the entire experience of visiting the Museum highly interactive. “Visitors can now see these pieces in the open. Besides, in the middle of the Collections Gallery we will have members from our conservation team working on artefacts. We want the museum to have a lot of interaction with the visitors,” she adds. In accordance with the objective of interaction is a multipurpose area, which would feature storytellers, musicians and people who deal with intangible heritage of Oman. They will demonstrate their crafts live for visitors, creating an

interactive platform. Taking the stress on interactivity further, the Museum team will monitor the Visitor Response Terminal to assess the feedback and update the event spaces in the Timeline Gallery. As Sayyida Nada explains: “The visitor response terminal is at the bottom of the Timeline Gallery, which has 7 showcases that highlight 7 key events in the history of Oman. At the visitor response terminal visitors will write down their opinion about the key events in Oman’s history, which the Museum team will then analyse and update the event spaces accordingly.” “We also have discovery areas for children where the focus is on providing hands-on learning experiences. For example, in the Maritime History Gallery, kids will be able to do puzzles of different

boat shapes, while in the Arms and Armoury Gallery children can draw from the types of daggers illustrated. It is fun and they get to learn and interact; we want kids to appreciate Oman’s history and culture and pass on the knowledge to future generations.” This prominent new landmark, located in Al Saidiya St, Old Muscat, is set to become an iconic place, a must visit destination for a peek into Oman’s culture and heritage through the Museum pieces and even the very structure and the interior which is designed to reflect prominent landmarks of Oman. “It is of international standard… Our main architect for advice was the Royal Estate Affairs and our main consultant was Jasper Jacob Associates and Cowie,” adds Sayyida Nada.

in the SPOTLIGHT

interesting facet of the Collections Gallery will feature artefacts, which instead of being locked and stored away will now be open for visitors to see.

Entry Fee:

Omanis and residents – RO1 Tourists - RO5 Children (under age of 6) and people with disabilities – free

March 2016

feast ON

The world of MAYA

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Watermelon Sashimi

At ‘Maya’, the newly opened culinary destination in The Cave complex, ‘the illusion of sensorial experience’, as the term ‘maya’ is defined in various contexts, is actualised in an ambience that is both reflective and exotic.

obbled with mystique and intrigue and designed to reflect an element of exuberance in its décor and setup, Maya, the new fine dining restaurant at The Cave, is a world of captivating delights. Be it the painting of a cherubic ‘Manga’ and the exotic image of a woman inlaid on the wall, or the rendition of a dreamy girl on the ceiling, the spell of Maya is cast the minute you walk into the enclave, located below the ground level. As the enigma of the cave complex and the cocoon of Maya take you to another world, get ready to be stumped by the eye-popping prices of the dishes and beverages, despite the ‘fine dining’ tag. According to Maya’s Business

March Ma M arc ch 2016 Photographs: Pushpender Sharma

Carrot Narangi Shorba

ffeast east O ON N across geographical boundaries, Kishore. “We wanted to points out Kishore capture the imagination of people with a name that everyone can easily relate to,” he states. The brand ‘Maya’ which has its base in Bangalore, India, has been whipping up the culinary horizon of Muscat since it opened its doors early this month. The stress, of course, is on ensuring affordability, without altering the concept of ‘fine dining’, which is, otherwise, seen as a costly affair. And fine dining it is with the menu tuned to create a confluence of dishes from India, with a creative twist, which he describes as ‘progressive’. “There is flexibility in the menu and the recipe, so as to cater to both says Kishore, locals and expatriates,” say demonstrate who got his staff to de presenting dishes the novelty in presenti our in creative dimensions during d luncheon at the restaurant.

‘Shrimp popcorn’, crispy fried shrimp divine, to say the least. balls that are divine least And, as if to outdo the starters, the ‘Watermelon sashimi’ salad came in little boat shaped containers. Equally innovative and scrumptious was the presentation of ‘Tequila tiger prawns’, which were placed on orange shells and flambéed on the table. The mains also featured ‘Bathi da murgh – roasted chicken leg with assorted peppers; ‘Dal makhani firangi’ – a succulent dish of black lentils; and ‘Orange zest naan’. ‘Maya’ proved to be a complete sensorial experience, easily surpassing all our expectations with its impressive presentation and inspiring ambience.

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For starters,we were treated to an array of creative new dishes, beginning Bruschetta’, an Indian with ‘Tandoori Bruschetta’ hay take on Italian starter; ‘Smoked ‘Sm tamarind potato’, baby potatoes sauce; roasted in chilli and tamarind tamar seekh kebab’, a ‘Firangi noorani seek complete twist to the regular kebabs with h double do ouble chicken layered chii cken mince and lamb kebab; keb bab; and

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Partner, Kishore Singh, who wh ho has has an an apparent encyclopaedic knowledge of Muscat’s culinary scene, pricing is crucial to generate a ‘repurchase intent’ in consumers who are, otherwise, driven by novelty in their dining out experience. A quick look at the menu will reflect the direction taken by the management to make the enchanting ‘Cave’ a happening destination for all seasons. The focus, as he points out, is on providing good quality food, affordable drinks and associated services that are innovative in their approach and lavish in the method. Like the novel concept of a conference room, which will be available for new start-ups seeking space, Internet resources and guidance from experts… Incorporated into the setup of the restaurant, the private section, which can accommodate 30-odd people, is open for newbies in the start-up sector. T h e idea behind the name ‘Maya’ emanated from the connotation of mystique in the term that c u t s

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Ma M March arrc ch 2016 20 2 016 16 Bathi Da Murgh

25 25

Healthy BITES

BELLY Perfect BMI is no indication of fitness, states Anu Bahl, Dietician and Clinical Nutritionist, pointing fingers at that stubborn belly fat

When it comes to maintaining fitness, the first thing health professionals tell you is to maintain the recommended BMI (Body Mass Index), which, most fitness enthusiasts follow dutifully. But the shocking fact is that even lean people with ideal BMI are not immune to cardiac attacks. What’s the reason behind this? Shocking, but true, it is FAT! But a lean person with body fat…? Yes, lean always does not mean being fit. Smokers generally are lean too. Being fit means having proper ratio of muscle and fat in the body. Many athletes, marathon runners and regular gym-goers work hard, but something keeps troubling them - that is belly fat or paunch. Fat, anywhere in the body, be it upper-arms, buttocks, hips or belly is of concern; but fat in the waist and belly brings with it a risk of cardio vascular diseases. Belly fat is not accumulated in a day or two. It takes several weeks and months of wrong eating and lifestyle to build it. Let’s have a quick look at what makes it so hard to get rid of belly fat. z

FAT

Consumption of fast food and ready to eat meals, which are high in fat and sugar. Large portion sizes: Due to busy lifestyle we skip meals and tend to eat more and very fast in one sitting. When you eat fast, the satiety centres of brain are not activated and you end up eating more. Consuming heavy and late dinners: It’s the only time the family sits and eats together, so it tends to be more in variety and quantity. And if you are not active post dinner, everything converts to fat.

March 2016

z z

Aerated drinks and products containing HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup): Liquid sugar in these drinks and HFSC does not get metabolised easily and is stored in the belly as fats, which is really tough to get rid off through just activities. Sedentary life style: 8 to 10 hours of sitting jobs. Stress: It could be physical stress caused by extensive exercises without proper nutrition and hydration or mental stress due to work and family, which could lead to consumption of comfort foods like candies and chocolates. Starvation: People starve themselves to achieve weight loss. Little do they know that when you consume food after fasting for long, the body converts it into fat and stores as calories. Less sleep: Body needs proper sleep for growth and development, which does not happen when we do not get proper sleep. Besides, we tend to eat junk if we are awake till late. Consuming fruits and desserts: Having them post meals, especially at night, will, surprisingly, have same effect, even though fruits have carbs and fibre. Both will increase glucose load which due to lack of activity at night will convert to fat.

Dehydration – Consuming less water/fluids or increased consumption of caffeinated drinks leads to dehydration of cells. In the state of dehydration, the cells and organs cannot function at their optimal level and the metabolism falls.

Once the root cause is identified the work is half done, now we need to rectify it by following the measures, which we will discuss in the next issue.

Centre STAGE

Comic Interlude with

OCC

As members of Oman Comedy Central (OCC) keep churning everyday life situations into comical interludes, we pay tribute to the exuberance and jollity emanating from laughter, as the world gears up to play a prank or two this April Fools’ Day “Tell me something funny.” Whether that is posed as a simple request or a cheeky goad to check out the stand-up comedian’s skill at spinning a ha-ha from thin air, it is bound to irk even the funniest comedian. But Joseph (Joe) Sims of OCC has a rejoinder for that - “If I was a race car driver would you toss me your Ferrari keys and say ‘hey, show me how you do it?’” Having found his comic calling six years ago and having mastered the nuances of holding an audience rapt with his witty one-liners and contrived anecdotes, he has raised the profile of comedy in Oman under the banner of his company, Titan-Events. Besides channelizing the skills of wannabe comedians and weaving shows that have comedy underscored on it, the team at OCC is also spinning their laughter wheels at regular monthly shows - on the last Wednesday of every month at Buffalo Wings & Rings. A cultivated skill to observe everyday life situations through laugh-tinted glasses has helped shape his career and growth as a stand-up comedian. As he puts it, “Once you become a stand-up comedian, you start to look at your daily life differently. You start seeing things that you might not have noticed before, because you now have an avenue to use it.”

March 2016

Joseph (Joe) Sims

His tryst with comedy began six years ago, when his friends urged him to audition for local comedians at the ‘Axis of Evil’ tour. He won the audition and opened two shows, setting his comic capers rolling. Recalling the hours after the audition, he says: “I had 24 hours to come up with 10 minutes of material, and I was just a nervous wreck. I was driving around town trying to figure out what I am going to talk about. There were 550 people…”

As the team continues to grow and keep its search open for newer talents, the need of the hour is to patronise the team, as an audience or a member seeking to hone comic skills. Wannabe comedians simply need to present a three-minute audition, which is purely to identify if, as Joseph puts it, ‘you have an idea as to what comedy is’. “I can’t teach what is funny and what is not; but I can teach how to spot humour and to work it into material for stage,” he states.

The team (including Sami Al Asmi, Suleiman Al Sharji, Neston Moras, Asma, Sam.I.Am, Rohith and Suleiman) has recently introduced improvisation, which Joe describes as a different style of comedy. “It is not scripted…we work on the feedback from the audience. But it takes some training to free your mind from the structured comedy you are used to doing,” he explains. However, every comedian is encouraged to have his/her own style and there is no standardisation of the process in training.

Centre STAGE

The show, as recorded, was a huge success and he was showered with compliments from every sector. However, his father’s retort – ‘About time!’ - when he narrated his debut stand-up act, during a visit back home in California, subtly points out to his knowledge of Joe’s skills at comedy. Following the overnight success, Joe took stock of the situation and learnt that there was a potential for stand-up comedy in Oman, considering that more than 10 people had auditioned for the show. Buoyed by the opportunities, he went ahead and created the Oman Comedy Workshop and operated the outfit as a workshop to train comedians before going ahead with the show. However, he had to drop the word ‘Workshop’ and replace it with ‘Central’ (Oman Comedy Central-OCC), as people attending the shows were under the impression that it was a workshop in literal sense of the word.

OCC has also explored other avenues in the region, with shows in UAE; the recent one was in Abu Dhabi last month. As per the plans, OCC seeks to make Oman the hub to tie up with similar groups spread across the region. On the agenda is a two-day Oman Comedy Festival featuring comedians from across the region. Negotiations are on to tie-up with a local radio station. They also intend to make their mark in Sohar, which has a vibrant Omani and expatriate community, seeking for newer entertainment opportunities. As Joe sums it, “The beauty of stage shows is that the people in the audience come to laugh. If you keep that in mind, there will be less pressure on you”

Introducing the OCC team...

Sanjeev

“The Tall comedian from India... the tall Indian comedian.”

Neston Moras

“The only thing I take seriously is comedy.”

Sam.I.Am

“People just like laughing at a white person, and I’m okay with this.”

“If laughter is the best medicine, our goal is to make you overdose.” - Joe Sims

Sami Al Asmi

“I have a face for comedy.”

Asma

“Comedy makes me take things more seriously.”

March r 2016

Stressed at …?

Health CHECK

work

‘Workplace Stress: a collective challenge,’ is the theme of the campaign of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work (April 28), which draws attention to current global trends on work-related stress and its impact Every 15 seconds, a worker dies from a work-related accident or disease. Every 15 seconds, 153 workers have a work-related accident. Every day, 6,300 people die as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases – more than 2.3 million deaths per year. 317 million accidents occur on the job annually; many of these resulting in extended absences from work. These ominous statistics from International Labour Organization (ILO) are expected to create worldwide awareness of the dimensions and consequences of work-related accidents, injuries and diseases and to place the health and safety of all workers on the international agenda. Whether this reflects the status quo in this part of the region or not, there is no denying that, today, more workers are facing greater pressure to meet the demands of modern working life. Ever-increasing competition and higher expectations on performance, which lead to longer working hours, are also said to create stressful workplace environment. Concerted efforts from corporate sector and an employee-friendly work culture could help ease the situation. According to the American Psychological Association, a few modifications, which as an employer could incorporate into the company’s culture, could help reduce stress.

March M Ma arc 2016

Health CHECK

As an employer, you could…

z Ensure that the job provides stimulation and opportunities for workers to use their skills. z Maintain workload schedules that are in line with workers’ capabilities and resources. z Define roles and responsibilities of every worker. z Create opportunities for employees’ to participate in decisions and actions affecting their jobs. z Improve communications to help reduce uncertainty about career growth and future prospects. z Provide opportunities for social interaction among workers. z Establish work schedules that are compatible with demands and responsibilities outside the job, by flexing time, creating job sharing opportunities, or providing an option to work from home. z Incorporate exercise and relaxation techniques: studies have shown that providing two, half-hour breaks, twice a week, resulted in improved stress management skills. z Schedule stress management workshops regularly to educate employees about the sources of stress and their effects on health and to employ practical stress management techniques on and off the job z Reduce environmental stress by ensuring that workplace has natural lighting, improved air and reduced noise levels.

the flow

As an employee, this is what you could do to keep stress at bay:

z Don’t rush to work; that means leaving home at least ten minutes earlier than normal. Studies have shown that the less rushed you feel in the morning, the less stressed you will be. z Do not starve at work. Ideally, stock your office desk with some nuts or snacks to keep you energized even when you have back-to-back meetings. z ‘Me time’ is important, even at office. Give yourself ten minutes to think about what is stressing you; jot it down with your perspective on why it worries you and what could its consequences be. z Patting your back when you have achieved your goals is equally important; it will fill you with confidence. z Emails, when they inundate your office inbox, could stress you with the sheer volume. Make time everyday to read and reply back. z Movement is essential when you are in a desk job. Simply flexing your limbs and stretching them could help. z Work is all about organising tasks and this requires you to plan ahead. Make a to-do list to stay focused. z Make time to socialise with your colleagues and strengthen office relationships. z Break your project into small steps and accomplish one task at a time.

Common causes of excessive workplace stress z Fear of being laid off z Excessive overtime due to staff cutbacks z Pressure to perform to meet rising expectations, but with no increase in job satisfaction z Pressure to work at optimum levels, at all times

March 2016

Healthy TIDINGS

Short men and heavier women earn less?

According to a study published recently in a medical journal, men who have more genetic variants that would make them short, and women who have more genetic variants that would lead them to have a higher body mass index, tend to earn less money. The study looked at the genetic data of 119,669 women and men of white British ancestry, between the ages of 37 and 73. They found that men with genes that was likely to lead them to be tall, have about $4,175 higher annual household income. For women, the income difference showed up with their weight. Women with genes that will predispose them to have a higher BMI had annual household incomes that were about $2,684.

Paid sick leave may help familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health

A new study has found that workers without paid sick leave are more likely to forego medical care for themselves or their family when they are ill. They also take off fewer days of work whenever they are ill or injured. Researchers reviewed information from a 2013 sample of more than 18,000 paid workers between the ages of 18 and 64, excluding the self-employed and those working in family businesses. They found that people without paid sick leave took fewer than four days off a year, compared to just over five days among those with paid sick leave. Those without paid sick leave were three times more likely to delay medical care for themselves due to cost and were about twice as likely to forgo medical care for a family member because of cost, the study showed.

Half of what we eat is junk

A study done in America found that nearly 60 per cent of what Americans eat is junk - ultra-processed foods loaded with sugar, salt, fat, etc. More than 20 per cent of calories in the ultra-processed foods came from sugar. Federal eating guidelines say people shouldnâ&#x20AC;şt get more than 10 per cent of calories from sugar, while some nutritionists say it should be even less than that. The most common ultra-processed foods in terms of energy contribution were breads; soft drinks, fruit drinks and milk-based drinks; cakes, cookies and pies; salty snacks; frozen and shelfstable plates; pizza and breakfast cereals.

March 2016

Overeating fish during pregnancy increases childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obesity risk The traditional advice to pregnant women to not overeat fish has been endorsed by a new research. A massive, long-term study, spanning 11 countries, found that eating fish more than three times a week during pregnancy was associated with increased risk of childhood obesity. Researchers also found that consuming fish more than three times a week was linked to rapid growth in the first two years of life. The Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency recommends that pregnant women should eat no more than two to three servings of fish (8-12 ounces) per week

Spicy food could be good for your health

A gene that affects cancer risk, freckles and eye colour, also plays a big role in turning hair grey, say researchers. The study of the genetics of hair also explains why some people have unibrows, why Asians and Native Americans have straight, glossy hair and why some men find it easier than others to grow a thick beard. The study also helps explain why people with certain hair types or colours are prone to certain diseases. Researchers found 10 genetic variations that affect how soon people go grey, how thick their hair is and how much facial hair they have, among other factors. Genes contributing to thick unibrows or monobrows are separate from the genes for balding or heavy beards.

The longer you work, the greater your risk for heart disease

The more hours you work, the greater your risk for heart disease, say studies that have found an association between long work hours and a risk for cardiovascular illness. Researchers began following 1,926 men and women in 1986, tracking their health and work history through 2011. Over the course of the study, 822 were given diagnoses of cardiovascular disease. They found that for each additional hour of work per week over 10 years, there was a 1 percent increase in the risk for heart disease. Compared with working 45 hours a week, working 55 hours increased the risk by 16 percent, 60 hours by 35 percent, 65 hours by 52 percent, and 70 hours by 74 percent. Working 75 hours or more doubled the risk for cardiovascular problems.

healthy TIDINGS

Gene that causes grey hair, thick beards and unibrows

Go ahead, spice up your food…if you can take the heat that is. For a new study has found several benefits to eating spicy foods, including the possibility of a longer life. Of course spicy food has good and bad sides, but the good, believe researchers, outweigh the bad. Studies have shown that hot peppers can help curb appetite and speed metabolism. They have also found that people who consumed spicy foods, six times a week, reduced their risk of death by 14 per cent. Besides, it can also provide pain relief - studies show that capsaicin has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Laughing gas can help with distressing memories

Inhaling laughing gas after a traumatic event could help prevent distressing memories from ‘sticking’ in the brain, a study says. Scenes from a film, depicting rape and murder, were shown to 50 adults. Half of them spent the next 30 minutes inhaling an equal mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen. Over the next week, the number of involuntary memories of the film reported by that half declined steeply. The study also suggested those who felt more ‘dissociated’ after watching the film scenes tended to experience more frequent distressing memories.

March 2016

Photo credit: Read Macadam

explore OMAN

Read Macadam’s vertical inclinations ‘Valley of Giants: A Bouldering Odyssey in the Sultanate of Oman’, a short film featuring Read Macadam’s climbing adventure with his bouldering pals, has whipped up the imagination of adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts

professional life coach and rock climber, Read Macadam believes in living his life passionately. The short film on his bouldering adventure, titled ‘Valley of Giants’, presents a quick peek into this passion.

The film, featured on www.valleyofgiantsfilm.com, begins with an introduction that reads thus: “In February 2015 Philippe Ribière and Dan Bates visited Read Macadam in the Sultanate of Oman. With word of a treasure trove of massive potential for bouldering first ascents, they explored a remote canyon high in the Eastern Hajar mountain range on the eastern most part of Arabia. What they discovered is world class. Get transported back to another era – where tradition reigns – an ancient village settlement, nestled in a valley full of giant freestanding boulders, and join us as we climb first ascents in the home of a traditional Arabic people from another time.”

March 2016

Photo credit: Read Macadam

explore OMAN Photo credit: Read Macadam

Photo credit: Tara Atkinson

Photo credit: Philippe RibiĂ¨re

In the following interview with FACES, Read talks about his love for nature and all things adventure: How did climbing happen to you? By the time I was seven years old I knew I wanted to climb. My uncle Bill, the climber in our family, could hoist me around, hanging like a monkey from his huge forearms, and I was in awe. With my father, he took me climbing for the first time at the age of 7 and I began competing in Canada at the age of 12, eventually becoming national champion in my age category through my teens and representing Canada at Youth World Championships in 1999 and 2000. I stopped competing in 2001, but climbing has always remained the major positive thread in my life. Now I am focused on discovering and establishing the hardest climbs in remote places. What are the options for climbing in Oman? Oman has many options in all climbing styles. The Hajar Mountains are extremely rocky, offering great climbing potential.

Photo credit: Dan Bates

What exactly happens in a bouldering activity? Bouldering is climbing on generally freestanding boulders. Instead of using ropes as safety, the climbers place a bouldering mat on the ground to protect the climber in case of a fall. Without the constraints of having to stop to clip the rope, boulderers can focus on doing single moves or sequences of extremely difficult movement. Does one require to posses any pre-qualifications to undertake bouldering? There are no qualifications required to go boulderingâ&#x20AC;Śjust a desire to do so. Because bouldering is short and intense, it is an opportunity for the climber to tap into their inner hulk! Which is your favourite climbing destination in Oman? There are too many climbing areas in Oman to list. My favourite place is Hadash village in Ghubra Bowl, because of the high quality, hard routes, incredible airy atmosphere overlooking the valley and the wonderful residents who we have befriended over the years.

How did the Valley of Giants movie come about? In Dec 2012 I visited the valley with my friend Unio Joubert and was blown away by the larger than life scale of the place. I wanted to return with more time and more bouldering pads to protect the huge stature of the blocks and it provided a great opportunity to invite my pals Philippe RibiĂ¨re and Dan Bates to visit me in Oman and develop a new climbing area. We decided to film our trip and the film is basically a chronicle of the adventure. Tell us about the coaching side of your career? I have been a certified life coach since 2013. I am a problem solver and people motivator by nature and just love supporting people and teams to tap into their full potential. As a coach, I essentially facilitate teams and individuals to get from where they are now to where they want to be and, most importantly, who they want to become (For more info, log in to www.readmacadam.com)

March 2016

High on

in the LUXE

HEELS

‘Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life.’ - Author Unknown That quote may not have applied to Imelda Marcos, who had one too many for any single pair to have had a significant impact on her life. But for those who believe that shoes speak louder than words, here’s a dekko of the high-end ones that not just speak louder, but reach a crescendo with their uber chic exclusivity and burn-a-hole-in-the-pocket price.

Tanzanite Heels

Borgezie Stilettos

This beauty – Eternal Diamond stilettos – from the House of Borgezie, comes with a 1,000 year guarantee! Adorned with gold and over 2200 precious stones, it could easily turn into a family heirloom. It has over 30 carats of precious stones and the price is indicative of all the hard work and the precious stones. Price: $216,000

Diamond Princess Constellation

e, called the ‘stone of magic’, Tanzanite, found a creative twist under Stuart Weitzman man and high end jewellery designer Eddie Le Vian. They brought Tanzanite te Heels to women who are focused on wearing all things elegant and expensive nsive on their body. With ather, the shoe comes with a silver leather, tyled ankle strap on top, back necklace-styled ed with 28 carats of diamonds, strap coated 185 carats of bright blue tanzanite stones and 16 carat tanzanite drops. Price: $2 Million

Another beauty from Borgezie, the ‘Diamond Princess Constellation’ Stiletto, is its creator Christopher Michael Shellis’ attempt to scale newer heights in producing the most exclusive and expensive stilettos. Inspired by the Paul Simon hit, ‘Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes,’ this pair is designed to sparkle with 1,290 diamonds. It is available in either solid platinum or 18 carat gold. Price: $331,450

March 2016

Manolo Blahnik

An interesting titbit about this popular brand is that it was against the fashion norms when it first hit the market in the 1970s. Those were the days of platform shoes and boots, with few takers for heels or the high-fashion stilettos, but Manolo gave a touch of exclusivity to footwear with the use of exotic materials. The Blixa alligator, made with alligator skin, is the most expensive Monolo. e Price: $4,600.

in the LUXE

Ruby Stilettos

When 600 rubies find place on a footwear, they turn into treasures that beg to be displayed in showcases than make the feet feel comfy. Stuart Weitzmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ruby Stilettos, which is related to the popular Ruby Slipper, comes with a price tag that is beyond this world. Endowed with red satin and 600 rubies, weighing nearly a pound each, is one of those rare collections that was created especially for the academy awards. Price: $1.6 Million

Jimmy Choo

Some brand names spell exclusivity for the sheer importance placed on it by celebs from the world of glamour. Like Jimmy Choo shoes, which are a favourite among the Hollywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elite, who favour them to traipse down the red carpet. And among the exclusive and expensive range of Jimmy Choo shoes is the iconic 2011 collection, which is an eye-grabbing beauty. Price: $3,785

Christian Louboutin

Red soles and high heels...welcome to the world of Christian Louboutin, which are distinct in their design and presentation with iconic red soles and really high heels. Sexy Strass is one of the most expensive of Christian Louboutin collections. Interestingly, the red soles are so in demand that the company has an entire division dedicated to finding knockoffs. Price: $3,095

March Ma M arch 2016

look GOOD

From the Kitchen to the Dresser

Your kitchen counter could easily double up as your dressing table with a treasure house of natural beauty aids, which even celebrities have time and again endorsed

ABCs of natural beauty products in your kitchen: Apple cider vinegar:

This vinegar, apparently, has properties that will help clear the face off extra oil â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and that means you can use it as a toner as well as an acne mask.

Baking soda:

It can whiten your teeth, act as an exfoliant and also fight acne and breakouts. For whiter teeth, sprinkle a pinch of it on your toothpaste before brushing your teeth, and for skin care, simply add a bit of it in to your face wash.

Coffee:

As with baking soda, you could mix grounded coffee powder (not your instant variety) with your face wash and use it as a scrub. You could also use it without any of your store bought ht product.

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Eggs:

Vegetarians may not have a stock of eggs in their fridge, but for the rest, eggs could prove to be an effective remedy to ward off age signs. Egg whites, applied directly on the skin, can help in tightening and firming your skin.

Fenugreek seeds: An important spice in many an Indian dish, these seeds can turn into facial scrubs when

made into a paste with yogurt. It can also help you rid those pimples. Alternately, turn it into a face cleanser by boiling it in water; use it when cool.

Gram

flour: From your grandmotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to now, this little item in your kitchen has played a long innings in the game of beauty. It can cleanse, exfoliate and even remove tan. When mixed with other kitchen items, this can turn into your most effective beauty defence.

Honey: It can act as a natural antiseptic and antifungal to repair your skin. Simply dab a bit over broken facial acne and see its wonders on your skin. Lemon Juice: With

inherent bleaching property, it can help in preventing and

LIFESTYLE MANTRA getting rid of acne as well as discolouration on the face. When mixed with rose water, it could infuse your face with an instant glow.

MEN AND JEWELLERY

Milk: One of the best home remedies for dry skin is milk. You

could apply it directly or blend it in your face pack. It also has cleansing properties and can clean your pores with ease. Oatmeal: Use it as a scrub to remove dead cells from your face. Make a face pack with equal portion of oatmeal and milk for an easy home facial.

Potatoes: If you have dark circles or puffiness, place chilled potato slices under your eyes and let the magic of potatoes work on your skin. Yogurt:

From moisturising and fighting acne to reducing discolouration and preventing premature ageing, a yogurt mask will do the trick.

Sugar: Sugar, in combination with gram flour and rose water can help you rid dead and dry skin. When mixed with honey it can work as a lip exfoliator.

Turmeric:

Skin discolouration could be a thing of the past with a paste of turmeric and lime juice. Go, raid your kitchen…

By Sophia Raman

MEN, THINK BEYOND WATCHES AND CUFFLINKS AND BRACE UP FOR THE SEASON’S STATEMENT MAKING BRACELETS

f you haven’t thought beyond the conventional watch, cufflinks or the wedding band to accessorise before stepping out of home, you would need to shed your disdain for all things jewellery with an array of statement-making bracelets…even if they are veering towards bling. What is more, most of the new designs trending online are meant to enhance, rather soften, your corporate attire. And, going by what style gurus have to say, this seemingly quintessential piece of jewellery could endow you with a suggestive look of a world traveller! But if wearing jewellery of any kind feels weird to you, start small… Start with simple leather bands; gain confidence before working your way up with light metal chains. Alternately, you could start with a watch that is different from the one that you normally wear and then experiment with some rings. Leave heavy metallic ones and flashy designs until much later. When shopping for jewellery, it is best to consider your personality and what would increase your comfort level. Follow your heart and you are sure to find what describes you best. And, if you feel great with it, do not give two hoots to what others have to say. Wear it with confidence!

[Disclaimer: If you have skin allergies or are allergic to any of the above products, please consult an expert before using them.]

March 2016

Spring it up with

style FILE

MANGO

Violeta by Mango - spring/summer 2016 collection - presents breezy plus size clothes that infuse comfort in a modern look

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Spring is all about feeling comfortably stylish in trendy clothes. With Mangoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new collection finding the right balance between layered clothes and summery cuts, there is a splash of 70s style in the range on offer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from maxi dresses to casual denims in colourful prints and warm neutral colours. The focus is on creating a youthful ensemble with pieces that spell style and comfort in colour tones like mustard, camel, white and orange and designs like stripes, floral and ethnic prints. Denim also features prominently in the collection - be it in skirts worn with tunic tops or culottes worn with grey shirts.

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Spring/Summer

Collection Centrepointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest Spring-Summer collection presents trendy designs to style your season Splashâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trendy collection this season includes on-trend silhouettes in key colours such as pink, coral and blue with a big emphasis on monochrome as well. For men, parka shirts, knee slit denims and long sleeveless sweats in subtle colours of ivory, grey and blue highlight the trends this season. The Babyshop collection puts together a fresh colour palette for little girls in shades of earthy green, soft yellow and feminine peach. Little lads will be dressed in bold and bright shades of orange and blue along with a softer green and grey. Shoemart is focusing on Boho chic and Mod style this Spring Summer.

March 2016

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New Collection from

‘Esque by Ale’

Prompted rompted by his success as an Award rd Winning Fashion Designe Designer, er, Ale Al Zadjali launched his third collection of ‘Esque by Ale’, which also marked the brand’s debut at The Lookout, Oman Avenues nues Mall, earlier this month, says Mehal Iqbal

The third collection from ‘Esque ue by Ale’ keeps in theme with Ale’s intention for a comfortable and simplistic mplistic design form. However, this time, all these blends will come to live with witth the new choice of fabric being used - Lace. The catchphrase rase of the women’s line is called eaturess delicate lace jackets with ‘Lace Yourself’, which features beautiful thread work on n them them. m. These jackets will draw a strong emphasis on an effortle effortless ess yet everyday chic look. For the men’s collect collection, tion, Ale decided to keep in theme with what he h is best known for…the use of the Arabic c turban print for the shirts; it is available in three colour combinations. com mbinations. The cultural mix of the p print and craftsmanship is what makes his shirts and jackets so distinctive and exclusive. Ale A Al Zadjali is best known for his jacket acket c collections and he is ecstatic to release releasse his third collection in stores, following foll lowing gp previously y two sold out collections.

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Designer esigner Ale Zadjale

ESQUE IT WITH ALE ESQU

‘FLOR ‘FLORALS FOR SPRING…? GROUNDBREAKING’ G GROU TAKING A CUE TAKING T FROM THE POPULAR QUOTE, ‘FLORALS? ‘FL FOR SPR IN ING? GROUNDBR GROUNDBREAKING’, FROM THE HIT 2006 FILM, ‘THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA,’ PRA R ALE AL ZADJALI ZADJAL PRESENTS HIS TAKE ON O THE SPRING TRENDS TR Zuhair Murad, Ralph R & Russo, Saint Laurent Paris, Etro and Dolce & Alexander McQueen, McQu Gabbana… What do all those names have in common? A lack of imagina imagination! While fashion is usually meant to be intriguing and those are some of the bigg biggest game changers, it looks like they all got comfortable for their spring 2016 collections, because, for some reason, they the all decided to go floral for SPRING.

Here’s my only problem, we are all aware of the obvious connection, and it’s cute to drop a floral print or two in between your connection in celebration of this season (hey, I’m guilty of doing it too), but, at some point, you really have to just stop and think whether or not it’s clever or an easy money tool when big name designers go for it. Now, don’t get me wrong, the male bomber jackets that Louis Vuitton did were kind of cute and I could see the hype, but it’s probably just because I really…really, really, love bomber jackets. However, almost all the designers went for basic and uneventful looks, even those who tried to be edgy with a goth styling, like the one Saint Laurent opted. Florals works with spring; just don’t call yourself a visionary if you opt to use this amalgamation. Ale Al Zadjali is a 22 year-old award-winning fashion designer; he is the brain behind the ‘Esque By Ale’ line of clothing

March 2016

style FILE

‘Unrounds’ from

Malabar Gold & Diamonds

Experience the novelty of wearing ‘Unround’ diamonds from Malabar Gold and Diamonds... When round diamonds are not enough, ‘Unround Collection’, featuring princess, pear, marquise and oval cut diamonds, step in to create magic. Unique medleys of these fancy cut diamonds are high on trends and here to stay.

Fatma Al-Hajri With

is the winner of the FACES 9th Anniversary Bumper Prize

Congratulations

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Divide and Simplify:

Relatively

A guide to sharing home chores

Has the concept of ‘division of labour’ finally found the domestic front, thanks to the resonance on th changes in the society’s outlook towards traditional stereotypes? tradition

n February this year, Ariel India released a detergent advertisement that got the attention of even Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg for its heart-tugging interpretation of changing stereotypes in our society.

The commercial, a part of Ariel’s #SharetheLoad campaign, is a father’s take on the changing stereotypes, as he watches his daughter returning home from work to juggle office-related phone call with household chores, while her husband enjoys a cuppa in front of the TV. In a narrative monologue, he wonders how his daughter, who used to play house as a child is now managing an office and running a household. He follows that with an apology for not instilling in her the importance of sharing housework, as he himself never volunteered to help his wife, her mother… ‘From every dad who set the wrong example, I’m sorry,’ he sighs, as he vows to initiate the change, right in his home, beginning with laundry chore. While the ad had a very Indian tone in its content and approach, it touched a global chord, as it effectively captured a reality that is all-pervading. A recent research found that women, world over, still have to do majority of the housework, despite a paid job outside. The study found that women spend three times as long on domestic chores like cooking, cleaning and washing as their partners. But with one in five men admitting to not doing anything at all around the house, some female breadwinners have to shoulder the entire burden of housework. According to the survey, being the family’s primary earner doesn’t reduce the housework load for women. Interestingly though (and not a moment too soon) things are changing with men doing all that they possibly can to share the housework burden. While working dads tend to pick up the outdoor chores, millennial men are proving that they are more than likely to take on housework as well as child-care duties. Does that, in a way, means housework cannot be divided equally? No… With some planning and scheduling, every member of the family can contribute to housework and inculcate the spirit of sharing and caring. Here’s how…

March 2016

Relatively SPEAKING Relativ

Do it together There is no half way about it. If both of you as parents work together to maintain your home spirit, you will be working miracles by developing a strong bond with your children and also presenting them with positive role models. While the privileged could leave home chores and even children to the care of help, nothing can replace the positive ambience created by parents who cooperate and demonstrate their willingness to work together for their home and family. Shed traditional expectations Be ready and willing to shed the stereotypical roles our societies have fostered. This may require talking to each other about the chores each one will handle so that there is no friction and resentment in the long run. Division of labour Equal division is often not possible and may not be feasible too, as each partner has his/her strengths and weaknesses when it comes to household chores. So, instead of aiming for a rigid 50-50 breakdown of work, find a balance that is productive, as one of you might have longer working hours outside. Make a list If this is your first attempt at initiating the sharing venture, begin by listing, separately, all the chores you and your partner do around the house.

This will make it easy to compare and see if there is any that either one of you could swap or alternate with. It will also help you ount of work each one is understand the amount te it more. doing and appreciate Baby care Baby care involves long hours with no fixed st to create lists of tasks schedules. It is best hat both of you are equally early on to ensure that e of your baby, whether it is involved in the care ing, putting to sleep or simply diaper change, feeding, by also means sleepless nights playing. A new baby th to share the night time task. and this requires both nd done, what After all is said and mily may not applies to one family apply to another; it is best to follow your instincts and ensure that division of household d to more chores could lead ch other. quality time with each

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Women's SPECIAL

Women who raise the bar According to a recent global report, women will increasingly lead family businesses as more business dynasties decide to appoint female bosses 50

March 2016

Women may be under-represented in the top management cadre of major companies, but their numbers are more than average in family businesses that have effectively established their global presence

Women's SPECIAL

All in the Family Businesswomen make good leaders. The ones handling family businesses straddle the world of business with their inherent acumen for all things business and the confidence to lead from the front. Our cover story, a tribute to women handling closed corporations, was a point in case. In 2014, four Omani women earned prestigious rankings in Forbes Middle East’s 2014 listing of the 200 Most Powerful Arab Women in the ‘Family Business’ category. Sharifa Mohammed al Harthy, Vice-Chairperson of MB Holding Company, was named the 6th Most Powerful Arab Woman in the region; Bahwan Cybertek Group Founder & Chairperson Hind S Bahwan was ranked 17th; and Areej Mohsin Darwish and Lujaina Mohsin Darwish, Joint Deputy Chairpersons of Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC, shared the 24th position. Globally, there are several women who have made their mark in the world of family business and have taken their companies to pinnacles of success. Here we present a few role models:

Marie-Christine Coisne-Roquette, Chairperson of Sonepar, since 1998, has propelled Sonepar into one of the biggest electrical equipment wholesales in the world with €17.2 billion of sales in 2014.

Guler Sabanci, Chairperson and Managing Director of Sabanci Holding, worked in various subsidiaries of the Sabanci empire before taking the top job. Under her, Sabanci became the first Turkish company to sign the United Nations' Women's Empowerment Principles.

Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller,

President and Chairperson of TRUMPF, took over the running of the machine-tool supplier from her father Berthold Leibinger in 2005 and has more than doubled revenues since then.

Diana Nelson, Chairperson of Carlson, took over from her mother Marilyn Carlson Nelson as chairperson of the hospitality and travel company in 2013.

Simone

Bagel-Trah, Chairperson of Henkel’s supervisory board, has a PhD in microbiology and spent two years working as a consultant in the pharmaceutical industry, before joining Henkel, which is known for brands such as Schwarzkopf, Persil and Loctite.

Annemiek

Fentener

van

Vlissingen,

Chairperson of SHV Holdings, Netherlands, worked in the US and became a management consultant before joining the family business. She was named the Netherland’s best businesswoman in the past.

Hyun Jeong-eun, Chairperson of Hyundai Group after her husband Chung Mong-hun committed suicide, in 2003, is one of the most powerful women in Asia.

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Women's SPECIAL

Do women have a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;leadingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; edge? Apparently yes... Despite the overwhelming belief that men make good bosses, studies have shown that women excel at taking initiatives and driving results of the companies they lead.

A study on leadership found that women rated higher than men on 12 out of 16 attributes tested, proving that women have what it takes to become good leaders at work places. On a general scale, effective women bosses were said to possess several leadership skills, likeâ&#x20AC;Ś

Effective communication

While it has been established that men and women listen differently, what has worked in favour of women bosses is their skill for effective listening. They are better listeners and that means they are more discussion oriented, compared to men, who are action oriented.

Confidence generator

When bosses shape themselves as strong, confident leaders, the team tends to automatically feel empowered by her. There is, then, a deep sense of pride, loyalty and work ethics among the employees.

Community building

When it comes to consensus building, women know just how to go about it without feeling the need to tell everyone what to do. Cooperative relationships are believed to be at the core of successful organisations, which are led by managers who are intent on building collaborations.

Identifying and cultivating potentials

Employees working under a woman manager believe that their development is adequately encouraged. They can cultivate potentials in others and help channelise their future. According to a report on leadership, female managers are more likely to find stimulating tasks to challenge their employees.

Regular feedback

Women bosses are more inclined to provide regular feedbacks to help their employees achieve their development goals. This is, again, all about effective communication.

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Strong business ethics demand bosses who acknowledge and consider the rights of others in the pursuit of fairness. This is what most female managers are said to demonstrate when they are required to own up their mistakes. For, a strong moral code will help business owners deal with these types of challenges.

Patienceâ&#x20AC;Ś

Various studies have shown that women are more patient with their employees than men and that they are less likely to jump to conclusions, make impulsive decisions or take hasty steps. Women, in fact, are said to be willing to wait longer for the result they seek. Patience is especially important in small businesses where the so-called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;overnight businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; takes close to a decade to materialise.

Women's SPECIAL

Business ethics

Emotional articulation

Old-school of business management may have required businessmen to keep their emotions in check, but things have changed with time as experts point out that openly expressing emotions can advance a powerful cause.

Example setting

While it is given that other women see successful women as role models, that they also set an example for others to emulate at work place, is what sets women bosses apart. Team members are known to follow the examples set by their bosses.

Accessibility

Bosses need to be accessible both physically as well as mentally. It is about having an open mind and heart; psychologists believe that women are more adept at being open, because of their motherly instinct and desire to provide for others.

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man DATE

Man-speak Do you understand man-speak? Are you able to sieve through the innuendos and puns and grasp the essence of what men say and mean?

f you can decode the vague ‘hmmm…’s and the indifferent ‘okays’ you are almost there in the world of man-speak or ‘menglish’, as some decoders have branded it, but if even the straight ‘I am fine’ fails to convey the emotion it was intended to, you would need a little ‘menglish’ guide for effective communication. To begin from the beginning, menglish is the same-butdifferent language, which, apparently, only men speak. Even if you tried, you could hardly differentiate it on the basis of its sound or look; but a closer inspection would reveal that the words, phrases and sentences have entirely different meanings. If ignored, it could lead to communication issues… For, understanding the subtle differences in the thoughts, words and responses of men and women could help develop better relationships. Here’s a little peek into the general features of man-speak: It’s all in the details: For women that is… Men are content with the general picture. Do not misinterpret his lack of memory for mundane things like as a lack of care. He simply processes information differently. To solve or to listen: That, in a way, is an eternal dilemma when it comes to problems. Men have a tendency to jump on the

March 2016

Do not hint, simply ask: Forget mind games that require him to take a guess or read your mind; simply tell him exactly what you want. Men are not tuned to understand hints, unless they are very obvious. The expressive ‘hmmm’: Right, he could say a lot even with an insipid ‘hmm’. And when stressed, he might even clam up on those hmmm’s. Do not get offended or hurt if he refuses to give all the details; he needs space and time to himself to unwind before he gives you the story.

Listening or hearing: Well, listening and hearing may be two different things, but if he is not giving verbal cues to indicate his attention, do not read that as disinterest. Do not expect reminders or reassurances: Remember, he is not one to constantly express his thoughts and emotions. If he has said it once, he has said it a million times.

man DATE

‘solutions’ train the minute they hear the word problem; likewise, they expect a huge dose of help before you bring compassion into it.

Emotional...? Yes!: Men are emotional too. Most are very sensitive, but are not comfortable expressing or showing it. So, be subtle when making enquiries about his emotional pain or hurt.

Interpreting man-speak What he means, when he says:

z ‘I’m good!’ – Exactly that. He doesn’t want to change anything and is not planning on making any adjustments.

z ‘I promise’ – Exactly opposite. He doesn’t intend to keep it... z ‘I’m busy’- The busy excuse is a big hint that you are not on the top of the priority list. Making time for a call or a message is something that even the busiest of executive can do. z ‘It’s OK’ – Woah, that is a red alert. When he says ‘it’s ok’, what he really means to say is that he is not really thrilled with the change, but is okay with it. z ‘I am listening!’ – What he actually means to tell you is this: ‘I’m listening, but I really don’t want to get into a long, emotional discussion now.’ z ‘I’m sick of arguing’ – ‘I refuse to agree with you.’ z ‘Do what you want’ – ‘I don’t like it.’ z ‘I don’t care’ – ‘I do care, but I am not going to talk about it.’ z ‘Whatever…’ – ‘I am not interested in your chatter.’ z ‘Let us try something different’ – ‘I am completely bored.’

Well, the above is a generalised take on man-speak, but we have said it before and saying it again: Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus and the two speak different languages!

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Just TRAVEL T

Travelling

Solo

Calling all single ladiesâ&#x20AC;Ś Give in to the lure of travel this summer and return back with cartloads of memories and experiences

raveling alone can seem intimidating. For a first-timer, the script might read like a thriller, replete with imagined kidnappings and hostage saga, with cues gathered from the world of fiction and celluloid industry.

While that might seem a wee too far-fetched, that adventure and action cannot be ruled out is a given, provided you have zeroed on the right destination and have the gumption to go get it. Yes, solo travel for a single girl can have all the trappings of a memorable trip. Whether the planned itinerary leans on adventure or is pegged on to ideals of self discovery, do not forget to pack your bags with reams of confidence and an easy friendly mien to open up to strangers and soak in the scenic bounties and cultural ethos of the new place. Add to that a longing to spend some alone time with yourself in a new destination, and any of the following destinations could be a game for solo travelling.

Boracay in Philippines

While Boracay is the most popular place in Philippines for beach lovers, the country in general is a great destination for single girls. Friendly people, great weather and the pristine beaches make it an attractive destination. Ranked among the top ten beaches of Asia, Boracay, the seven-kilometre long island, has white sandy beach and clear blue waters. Convenient and economical accommodation, range of water sports activities and exciting culinary options make it an ideal destination.

Dharamsala in India

With the World T20 series giving Dharamsalaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s picturesque locales a global exposure, its potential as an exciting travel destination has received a major boost. Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich cultural tapestry and spiritual avenues also makes Dharamsala a prospective travel point for single Dharamsala in India

Boracay in Philippines

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Just TRAVEL

Essaouira in Morocco

travellers seeking to commune with nature. The option of signing in for spiritual retreat is another strong point in favour of Dharamsala.

Las Vegas in Nevada

Essaouira in Morocco

Described as Morocco’s most laidback and beautiful destinations, Essaouira, which is three hours by bus from Marakech. There are options for adventure tours to Kasbahs, Saharan sand dunes, the High Atlas mountains and indigenous Berber villages.

Las Vegas in Nevada

If you are looking to shake away the monotony of your home-office-home routine, Las Vegas could prove to be a redeemer with its exciting nightlife, entertainment shows and roller-coaster rides. Having transformed into a place that truly never sleeps, it promises to keep you occupied every minute for your holiday with its rides, games, entertainment, food and scenic delights.

Miami in Florida

With tropical weather, beautiful beaches, clubs and interesting nightlife Miami, is a top choice for single travellers. It boasts of some of the country’s best scuba diving, snorkeling, boating and fishing spots, making it ideal for every kind of traveller. And if shopping is on your agenda, look out for luxury designer boutiques and outlet malls.

Santorini in Greece

Island destinations are, generally, popular with most travellers; with Greece’s Santorini having more than its share of beautiful beaches, ancient cities and scrumptious food, luring travellers to this scenic spot is an easy task. Solo travellers can look forward to cruising around the island on a ship or a catamaran or go on a city tour to check out the archaeological ruins of Akrotiri. With options of seeing the active volcano and catching the colourful sunset, it is one destination that promises to add to your memories.

Sa Pa in Vietnam

Santorini in Greece

On top of all the women friendly destinations in Southeast Asia is Vietnam. People are friendly and welcoming, giving you the boost to explore its scenic points. Like Sa Pa. Located in the Northwest of Vietnam, Sa Pa is a mountainous district of Lao Cai province; its natural scenery is combined with the creativity of people with the topography of mountains, green forests and hill tribes arranged in a harmonious composition. Sa Pa in Vietnam

March 2016

at HOME

Feel at HOME at

WORK

With office work consuming major part of the weekdays, the onus is on you to create a home-away-from-home ambience at your workstation

Eight plus hours a day, more than 40 hours a week… Consider the sheer amount of time you spend at office and feel the overwhelming need to generate a positive homey ambience in the cubicle you call your office. A few small accessories, a touch here, an addition there and you could convert your sombre desk into a little home that is inviting and relaxing, despite the deadlines and the general work pressure. It might just inspire you to fall in love with your office – if you are not already, that is…

Spots of colour

If the thought of office conjures up images of a jail with the greys of the wall infusing an ominous touch, shake away the colour ennui by adding your own spots of colour to alter the imagery. No, this is not asking you to get a tub of paint and colour the section of your office in the shade of your choice. You could incorporate little spots of colour by adding colour elements in your file tray or your stationary box.

March 2016

at HOME Picture help

Give your office space the home touch with a few picture frames, which can easily find space on the desktop or the cubicle wall. It could be something as personal as a family photograph or a postcard from a holiday. The idea is to surround yourself with little frames that take away the drudgery of office work and replace it with a sense of contentment.

perfect harmony with colour elements and accessories. While you may not have a say in the furniture and furnishing in the office, you could satiate your décor urge with a throw pillow or even a picture frame.

Toys and bits

When soft toys spell home and you are inclined to replicate that feeling in your office, go ahead, decorate it with toys and collectibles that act as extensions of your personality.

Green touch

Assuming that your office has no policy against open flames and your co-workers are not fastidious about aroma candles, you could indulge the home spirit in you with a scented delight or even a plain tea light. But if they do have objections, opt for a mild diffuser.

Create an element of refreshment in your office space with a potted plant, a stem of fresh rose in a vase or even some seashells on the desk. Opt for cubicle-friendly low-maintenance plants. And if you are in the mood to go bold and your office has no folks who follow the old school, a fish bowl with a koi or a gold fish could provide a dramatic effect.

It’s all in the aesthetics

Light up

Candle glow

Keep the tone of your décor elements simple, rather subtle, to create a

natural light might be at a premium, requiring you to devise ways to add functional light fixtures. For, studies have shown that proper lighting can make a difference in your mood and even your productivity.

DIY aid

From making your own appointment calendar to a hold all to keep your knickknacks in one place, a little DIY is called for. Check online for a variety of resources to create your office décor items. You could even increase your storage space with clip on desk organisers.

With most office cubicles designed to make the best of the limited space,

March 2016

‘Salam Air’, Oman’s First Budget Airline

Corp Muscat Al Muzn Hotel

Muzn Oman Commercial (S.A.O.C.) has signed a management agreement with HMH (Hospitality Management Holdings) to operate Corp Muscat Al Muzn Hotel. The upscale 3-star hotel, with a builtup area of 12301m2 will be part of Al Muzn project that was promoted by Majan Development Company S.A.O.C. and being developed along with its strategic partners, as a mixed-use, one-stop destination offering multiple facilities. These include a shopping mall as well as a luxury wellness centre. Making the announcement, Mohamed Al Kindi, Chairman of Muzn Oman Commercial, stated, “The steady growth of tourism in Oman, with a vision to welcome 12 million visitors annually by 2020, is fuelling demand for quality mid-market hotels catering to diverse segments and Corp Muscat Al Muzn Hotel is being developed to serve that growing need.” Corp Muscat Al Muzn Hotel is expected to welcome its first guests by the first quarter of 2018.

Muscat National Development and Investment Company (ASAAS) has announced that the country’s first budget airline will fly under the brand name ‘Salam Air’. The name, which is derived from the Arabic greeting, is a result of a nationwide public poll conducted on the online social networking platform, Twitter and ASAAS’ corporate website. “From the get-go, we were adamant about involving the general public in the process,” explained CEO, Eng. Khalid bin Hilal Al Yahmadi. With air traffic demand expected to grow by 40 per cent by 2019, Salam Air, Oman’s first low-cost carrier, is anticipated to fuel economic growth by providing access to economical and efficient means of transport and further advance the aviation sector in Oman.

ESO fits 2 Egyptian Vultures with GPS tags

The Environment Society of Oman (ESO) successfully fitted two juvenile Egyptian Vultures with solar powered GPS radio tags in January 2016 as part of research to better understand the ecology of this endangered species. Launched as part of the Society’s Egyptian Vulture Research and Conservation project, the tracking of these birds will help ESO identify the birds’ habitats, important congregations, main threats, and boost conservation efforts. Nicknamed the ‘Pharaoh’s Chicken’, Egyptian vultures are distributed across southwestern Europe, northern and central Africa, Arabia, India, eastern Europe and central Asia. ESO began researching Egyptian Vultures in early 2012, when the Society began surveying populations on Masirah Island. It has tagged four juvenile Egyptian Vultures since 2015 in collaboration with International Avian Research, revealing valuable information about Egyptian Vultures in Oman.

Oman Air celebrates its Omani Heritage with new amenity kits

Oman’s artists and designers are being invited to create a brand-new business class amenity kit for Oman Air. The winning design will offer Oman Air’s premium customers an ideal collection of amenities – including toiletries and grooming products – within a bag or box which expresses the very best of Omani culture, creativity and innovation. Invitations were issued to Omani craftsmen registered with the Public Authority of Handicrafts, members of Sidab Women’s Group and Omani members of the Omani Society for Fine Arts, which is affiliated with the Diwan of Royal Court. The design competition was formally launched at a press conference, held at Grand Hyatt Muscat. The event was attended by the airline’s Executive Vice President - Products and Brand Development, Abdulaziz Al Raisi, and a number of other senior officials. The competition will be judged by an expert panel drawn from a range Oman Air’s departments.

March 2016

Jindal Shadeed dedicates its integrated steel complex to the nation Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel (JSIS), part of the $18 billion-Indian steel conglomerate O.P Jindal Group, inaugurated the newly expanded, state-of-the-art integrated steel complex at the Sohar Industrial Port, recently. The steel complex includes the GCC’s largest capacity Electric Arc Furnace of SMS & Rebar Mill and would strengthen thedomestic production capacity which is vital to the nation’s industrial growth. The inaugural event was held under the auspices of H.H. Sayyid Taimur bin Asad Al Said, who dedicated the Steel Complex to the Sultanate in the presence of Naveen Jindal, Chairman, Jindal Steel and Power Limited. The new complex will also play a pivotal role from being a supplier of Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) to an integrated steel maker in the region.

Pizza Hut Oman completes YUM Servsafe International Food Safety Certification

The Operations Leaders and Quality Assurance Teams at Pizza Hut Oman concluded the International Food Safety Online Training and Examination, a course offered by YUM International. Pizza Hut is a subsidiary of YUM brands, thus undergoing periodic trainings, assessments and accreditations, following the brand’s corporate philosophy to maintain executional excellence across varied functions. Restaurant managers at Pizza Hut Oman undertook the YUM Servsafe International Food Safety certification, which comprised of three levels and nine hours of intensive training on matters related to food safety supervision. The course aims at updating the knowledge of the restaurant managers and key operations personnel by testing their current approach and familiarising them with new-age food safety regulations and methodologies.

Exciting online shopping offers from Maseeb.com

An exciting new e-commerce site, maseeb.com, which was unveiled earlier this month, has become a rage with gadget geeks, gaming maniacs, lifestyle buffs and others from among rapidly Sultanate’s expanding online community. The big attraction for online shoppers is not only the fascinating array of merchandise on offer, but also the unmatched discounts and deals, as well as the distinctive online experience and convenience that await visitors to this hugely promising site. Drawing traffic to maseeb.com is its amazing offers on a range of the latest models of smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming accessories and other electronic gadgets along with massive discounts on branded perfumes. Twenty-two-year old Manish Raju Gangwani, the site’s founder, is an ex-student of the Indian School Muscat with a vision to position maseeb.com as Oman’s, and potentially the wider region’s platform of choice for e-commerce.

Hospitality solutions from Al Jarwani Group

Al Jarwani Hospitality Division, a member of Al Jarwani Group, has launched a full-fledged, state of the art modern kitchen facility to serve the commercial, corporate and industrial hospitality needs, at the Gala Industrial Area. Inaugurated under the patronage of H.E. Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mahrizi, Minister of Tourism and in the presence of Mahmood Mohamed Ali Al Jarwani, Chairman of Al Jarwani Group, the new facility promises to deliver the highest quality of food and food products to cater to the rapidly burgeoning hospitality sector in the country. “The new facility is set to become another feather in the cap of Al Jarwani Hospitality. Alongside its enhanced and international standard catering facilities, we are looking to offer all encompassing, complete solutions for the hospitality sector that will go beyond catering to enter the realm of laundry, housekeeping, hotel management and logistics,” said Gerald Fonseka, General Manager for Al Jarwani Hospitality.

March 2016

New Subaru XV

The New 2016 Subaru XV was recently launched at the Subaru Flagship showroom in Muscat. The event was attended by Yasushi Enami (General Manager- Subaru Overseas Sales & Marketing Division 2), Sheikh Saad Suhail Bahwan (Chairman- OTE Group) and Anil Dua (Managing Director- OTE Group). The new Subaru XV combines excellent design with engaging driving experience to create a vehicle that makes a great companion for practical daily usage and weekend leisure lifestyle. The stylish new Subaru XV blends functionality and form with élan. At 220mm of ground clearance, the XV offers excellent off-roading capabilities. The Subaru XV combines the high ground clearance of an SUV, with low center of gravity, the balance of a sports sedan while delivering benefits of Symmetrical AWD. Mated to the Subaru Boxer engine for a near-perfect symmetrical layout, the Symmetrical AWD delivers gratifying power with exceptional traction, providing balance and stability for total control in ever-shifting road conditions.

The new-generation Audi A4

Wattayah Motors, the exclusive importers and distributors of Audi vehicles in Oman, unveiled the all-new Audi A4 to their top officials and media guests. The new-generation Audi A4 is a fascinating synthesis of technology and esthetics. All The technology in the brand’s bestselling family car has been redeveloped, so that it yet again defines the benchmark in the segment. During the development work, high priority was placed on the reduction of CO2 emissions. All technologies were focused on reducing drive resistance. The A4 Sedan has the best drag coefficient in its class at 0.23. The new models also have impressively low CO2 emissions. The most powerful engine for the Middle East will be a four-cylinder unit with 252 hp, S-tronic with quattro wheel drive. Driver assistance systems and infotainment are of luxury quality.

Red Bull F1 Showrun to perform on the streets of Oman

It’s not every day you get to see a Formula 1 car, never mind a World Championship winning one. That is exactly what the people of Oman will see when the Red Bull Formula 1 Showrun Team visits Oman on Friday April 8, 2016 at Muttrah Corniche. The Constructors’ Championship winning machine will be driven by a Red Bull driver who will perform a full repertoire of donuts, burnouts and speed stretches in front of an expected 20,000 racing fans that will line the streets. The car, which accelerates from 0-100km/h in 2.4 seconds, will reach speeds of 250km/h and above. The Running Showcars have visited the four corners of the world, visiting locations that would not normally host a Formula 1 event and in many instances giving people their first taste of Formula 1 in the Flesh.

March 2016

Land Rover launches first social mobile application

With smartphone penetration in the Middle East amongst the highest in the world, Land Rover has combined its off-roading heritage and passion for innovation to create what it hopes will be the first social mobile application for off-road enthusiasts. The app, known simply as ‘Ardhi’ or ‘MYLAND’, has been designed as an essential tool for regional offroaders of any level to chart, save and share their offroading adventures; it is available to download for both iOS and Android users. The App is equipped to record paths while off-roading, even if no Internet connection is available - they can be stored and will be automatically uploaded once a connection becomes available. It can follow the activities of fellow off-roaders and send a digital flare to call for help from nearby ‘Ardhi’ app users. Launched in 2014, MYLAND (‘Ardhi’ in Arabic) captures stories and unique content from a whole host of sources.

Rumaila Motors launches Haval

Great Wall Motors Company Limited, recognised as China’s largest Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) producer as of 2010, made an entry in the Oman market with the official launch of their range of exclusive Haval SUVs, under the dealership of Rumaila Motors, part of Zubair Group. As the sole dealers of Great Wall, China’s leading private carmaker, Rumaila Motors aims to replicate in Oman, the remarkable success enjoyed by this brand in key international markets. Offering an SUV for the varying needs of their wide customer-base, Haval models have an assortment of large, medium and small SUVs. Their extensive line-up includes SUVs for the city as well as the off-road, amongstdifferent other types of SUVs.

Mitsubishi opens new Quick Service Centre in Azaiba

General Automotive Company (GAC), the official distributors of Mitsubishi vehicles in Oman, formally opened a new Express Service Centre in Azaiba recently. The new service centre will benefit Mitsubishi owners in the capital area, offering them a more convenient and time saving alternative for booking their vehicles in for a minor lube service. The new Express Service Centre, located adjacent to the existing primary Mitsubishi Service Center in Azaiba, is a 4-bay facility is well equipped and operated by highlytrained technicians and specialises in quick one-hour lube services. The service centre even boasts a special customer lounge with Free Wi-Fi services and soon to be installed hot and cold vending machines. The centre is also equipped with an auto washing facility that improves turnaround time and washing quality.

Mazda CX-9 Classic variant at unbelievable price The Classic variant of the 2016 Mazda CX-9, the seven-passenger All Wheel Drive SUV, is available at an unbelievable price of RO 9999 at Towell Auto Centre (TAC), the exclusive distributors of Mazda range in Oman. A senior spokesperson of TAC commented: “We are offering the classic variant of Mazda CX-9 at a starting price of RO 9999 after a guaranteed cash gift of RO 2501. This offer is valid till April 13, 2016”. The Mazda CX-9 is available in Classic & Luxury variants. The Classic variant comes with 18-inch alloy wheels and some of its standard features are Navigation System, Rear View Camera, Trizone AC Control, Cruise Control and Bluetooth. The Luxury variant comes with 20-inch alloy wheels; its leading features include premium leather seats with electronic driver seat control, Dynamic stability control, Blind Spot Monitoring System, Daytime running lights, Lane departure warning system, and BOSE speakers, among many others.

Ma M March arc rch 2016 2016

Chill Out

Movies Mo

MOVIE REVIEW

Director

Jon Favreau

Cast

ND I N G

CHART TOPPERS

Bill Murray (Baloo) Ben Kingsley (Bhageera) Idris Elba (Shere Khan) Lupita Nyong’o (Raksha) Scarlett Johansson (Kaa) Neel Sethi(Mowgli)

Love Yourself Justin Bieber & Jaden Smith

Stressed Out - Twenty One Pilots

Sorry - Justin Bieber

4. Work - Rihanna & Drake 5. My House (EP) - Flo Rida 6. Me, Myself & I - G-Eazy & Bebe Rexha 7.

Hello - Adele

Roses - Chainsmokers & Rozes

Pillowtalk - Zayn

10. Cake By The Ocean - DNCE

March 2016

The Jungle Book

Said to be inspired by Disney’s 1967 animated classic, the film is set to immerse audiences in the lush world like never before The Jungle Book is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli, a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan, who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he has ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera, and the free-spirited bear Baloo. Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa, a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotises the mancub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire.

Boo

Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget UPCOMING RELEASES

Ratchet & Clank

James A. Taylor (Ratchet), Jim Ward (Qwark), David Kaye (Clank), Paul Giamatti (Chairman Drek), John Goodman (Grimroth), Sylvester Stallone (Victor) Ratchet & Clank tells the story of two unlikely heroes as they struggle to stop a vile alien named Chairman Drek from destroying every planet in the Solana Galaxy. Ratchet is the last of his kind, a foolhardy ‘lombax’ who has grown up alone on a backwater planet with no family of his own. Clank is a pint-sized robot with more brains than brawn. When the two stumble upon a dangerous weapon capable of destroying entire planets, they must join forces with a team of colourful heroes called The Galactic Rangers in order to save the galaxy.

BOOK REVIEW The Handmaid’s Tale Author: Margaret Atwood Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the years before, when she lived with her husband, Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge…

The Huntsman: Winter’s War

Barbershop: The Next Cut

Long before the evil Queen Ravenna (Theron) was thought vanquished by Snow White’s blade, she watched silently as her sister, Freya (Blunt), suffered a heartbreaking betrayal and fled their kingdom. With Freya’s ability to freeze any enemy, the young ice queen has spent decades in a remote wintry palace raising a legion of deadly huntsmen including Eric (Hemsworth) and warrior Sara (Chastain) - only to find that her prized two defied her one demand: Forever harden your hearts to love.

More than 10 years since the last appointment at Calvin’s Barbershop, Calvin (Ice Cube) and his long-time crew, including Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer), are still there, but the shop has undergone some major changes. Most noticeably, the once male-dominated sanctuary is now co-ed. The ladies bring their own flavour, drama and gossip to the shop challenging the folks at every turn. Despite the good times and camaraderie within the shop, the surrounding community has taken a turn for the worse, forcing Calvin and the crew to come together to not only save the shop, but their neighbourhood.

Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, Jessica Chastain, Nick Frost, Sam Claflin

Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Regina Hall, Michael Rainey Jr, Nicki Minaj, Eve, Anthony Anderson

The Bell Jar Author: Sylvia Plath Originally published under the pseudonym ‘Victoria Lucas’ in 1963, The Bell Jar, the only novel written by the American writer and poet Sylvia Plath, is semi-autobiographical, with the names of places and people changed. The protagonist’s (Esther Greenwood) descent into mental illness parallels Plath’s own experiences with what may have been clinical depression. Plath died by suicide a month after its first UK publication. The novel was published under Plath’s name for the first time in 1967 and was not published in the United States until 1971.

The Color Purple Author: Alice Walker Taking place mostly in rural Georgia, the story focuses on the life of women of colour in the southern United States in the 1930s, addressing numerous issues including their exceedingly low position in American social culture. The novel follows the life of Celie Johnson as she struggles through life. It is an epic tale spanning forty years in the life of Celie, who survives abuse and bigotry. After Celie’s abusive father marries her off to the equally debasing ‘Mister’, things go from bad to worse, leaving Celie to find companionship anywhere she can. She perseveres, holding on to her dream of one day being reunited with her sister in Africa.

March 2016

Chill Out

Movies Mo

WEB WORLD

I am BORED! Bored, bored, bored, bored… the ever-widening boredom zone, is for you to find out. Ready? Go ahead and press the ‘Bored’ button (yes the actual button) on the top. Simply click the cute red button and find several interactive websites that claim to help alleviate your boredom. ‘Press the Bored Button and be bored no more’, reads the tagline, urging you, even the not so bored ones, to try some of the most inane games. There are no challenges on the way and no pressure to outperform, keeping to its promise of giving you boredom breaks as often as you want.

If boredom has a way of creeping into your mornings, afternoons and evenings without any warning, you might want to check www.boredbutton.com for some quick boredom breaks. But, whether it will help alleviate boredom or take you deeper into

You could play what the website calls ‘the world’s dumbest game’, like stonepaper-scissor, and continue seeking other, equally simple games. To put it in the words of the website: ‘Still bored? Press the Bored Button again. Go crazy trying to click a ball. Still bored? Press the Bored Button again. Learn what your choice in kittens reveals. Still bored? Press the Bored Button again. Find out when you turn 10,000 days old. Still bored? Press the Bored Button again.’ And, if there is nothing else to occupy your mind, check out the changing line of time, beginning with ‘This is today’ and travelling all the way to the month, the year, century…until you press the button to relieve the ennui emanating from the game. There is a laugh or two, too… Check out the ‘Make a face’.

Riddle Time

1 2 3 4 5 66

What did the hamburger name his daughter? What kind of egg did the bad chicken lay? Why are frogs so happy? Why did the cookie go to the hospital? Why were the teacher’s eyes crossed?

March 2016

Riddle Time Answers (February 2016)

What do fish take to stay healthy? Answer: Vitamin sea.

2 3 4

What kind of mouse does not eat, drink, or even walk? Answer: A computer mouse.

Where do horses live? Answer: In the neigh-borhood.

What goes through towns, up & over hills, but doesn’t move? Answer: The road!

Why did the baby strawberry cry? Answer: Because his parents were in a jam!

Boo

Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget GADGET NOTES Self-lacing sneaker?

Yes, you heard that right. Nike has unveiled its first powerlacing sneaker, which allows users to make the fit looser or snugger on the fly by pressing buttons on the side of the shoe. According to Nike, the potential for shoes with adaptive lacing is huge because it provides tailored-tothe-moment custom fit. When users step into the shoe, their heel will hit a sensor. The athlete then can press two buttons on the side that adjusts the grip. The sensor could sense when the user needs to have the shoe tighter or looser. The self-lacing sneaker, called ‘Nike HyperAdapt 1.0’, will only be available for members of its loyalty Nike+ app; it will be available in three colours.

Sweep sensor for drones and robots

New App to enable mid-air commands

Interacting with your smartphones and smartwatches has gotten interesting with the new sonar technology that allows you to write or gesture on any nearby surface - a tabletop, a sheet of paper or even mid-air. The app, called ‘FingerIO’, tracks fine-grained finger movements by turning a smartphone or smartwatch into an active sonar system using the device’s own microphones and speakers. Users can even interact with a phone inside a front pocket or a smartwatch hidden under a sweater sleeve, as sound waves travel through fabric and do not require a line of sight. FingerIO can accurately track two-dimensional finger movements to within eightmm.

Bites

guy goes into a lawyer’s office and asks the lawyer: “Excuse me, how much do you charge?” “I charge £1,000 to answer three questions,” replies the lawyer.

‘Embrace’ wristband offers early-alert system for epileptic seizures

Of course, prevention is better than cure; but for certain ailments like epileptic seizures, it is early detection that makes all the difference. More so when the reference is to a condition associated with epilepsy called SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy), where a person who has had a grand mal seizure within the past year is much more likely to die suddenly after a seizure ends. According to statistics, 1 in 1000 people with epilepsy die each year from SUDEP. But there is hope now. Rosalind Picard of MIT has devised a wearable biomonitoring device called the Embrace that can detect seizures before they happen. It comes with an app tasked to alert both patients and their caregivers.

“What…that’s a bit expensive isn’t it?” “Yes. What’s your third question?”

ast week, Vicky, a distraught wife went to the local police station in Wigan, Lancashire, along with her next-door neighbour, Pauline, to report that her husband was missing.

Sweep sensors on drones and robots will offer consumer-affordable scanning and laser mapping. The Scanse Sweep, designed to provide 360 degree sensing capabilities to drones, robots, and more, is equipped with a sensing technique that takes advantage of lower-power components. These components help make Sweep more affordable, although at the cost of requiring additional time for measurements. The sensor module is enclosed within a rotating head, which is operated by a small drive motor for a 360-degree field of view. Sweep is designed to take 500 samples per second up to a distance of 40 m (131 ft), with a rotation speed of 2 to 10 Hz that can be adjusted on-the-fly. It comes with software to view sensor data, change settings, and update firmware.

The policeman asked for a description of the missing man. Vicky described him clearly and in detail, ‘He is 35 years old, 6ft 4inches, has dark eyes, dark wavy hair, an athletic build, weighs 185 pounds, is softlyspoken and is fabulous with the children. Pauline interrupts her protesting, “Why Vicky, your husband is 5 ft 8 inches, corpulent, bald, has a big mouth, and is horrid to your children.” Vicky replied, with a sigh, “Yes, but who wants HIM back?’

March 2016

Chill Out April 2016

Movies Mo

FUTURESCOPE

ARIES

This is the time for you to take charge of your public image and excel at the work of your choice. You will, of course, need some effort, but take up the challenge and see your life changing. Your patience may be tested from mid-April until the end of June. Keep calm and polish your techniques and approaches; test out new ideas on a small scale. Respect physical limits and don’t over-commit. Resist the urge to sign up for too many events, gatherings, classes, or putting in too much overtime at work, as your health and wellbeing are just as important.

TAURUS

Curb your urge to reach for the unreachable, as it could only lead to disappointment. Do set your sights high, but remember that there are some things in life that are simply beyond your grasp, for a variety of reasons. A change in the workplace may be a hard adjustment at first, but your creative ways will help turn things in your favour.

GEMINI

Heave a sigh of relief. This will be a slowpaced month following all the changes you have been going through lately. Be wary of colleagues who are looking to cause aggravation at work place, especially if you are in a management position. There might be news of an engagement during the month.

CANCER

Your friendly nature will be called to test and you may be required to do everything short of stand on your head to cheer a friend who has been down-in-the-dumps recently. Do not give up on your friend.

Emma Watson

But a tough decision during mid April may occupy your thoughts completely. Follow your instincts.

LEO

Make most of the positive vibes this month has packed in for you. For, opportunity will come your way when you least expect it. Soon you could find yourself in the express lane to success. Be ready – physically and mentally! There is more in store this month. A friend who had moved away will move back into your area.

VIRGO

Expect good news at work front. You are scheduled for a promotion at work, which will give you more reasons to smile in April. Romance is also in the air, making this the best month of your 2016. If a travel plan is in your agenda for the month, ensure that you are packed in advance. Chances of forgetting something are high, so…

LIBRA

Gear up to tackle the project at hand with full force. Shed the half-hearted approach you have been following and use your Libran tenacity to get things done. Expect a huge dose of tender loving care from a loved one. Romance also seems to be in the air this month.

SCORPIO

Rely on your friend for some valuable insight into a troubling situation that has kept you pre-occupied. Whether this has been wearing you out or whether there are other more serious issues that have been keeping you awake at nights, follow the advice of your friend and enjoy some peace of mind.

(April 15, 1990) Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson is a British actress, model, and activist. Born in Paris and brought up in Oxfordshire, Watson attended the Dragon School as a child and trained as an actress at the Oxford branch of Stagecoach Theatre Arts. She found fame while playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter franchise. She also earned praise for her leading role in the 2012 film ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’, receiving an MTV Movie Award, a Teen Choice Award, and a People’s Choice Award. In 2015, it was announced that she would star as Belle in the 2017 feature Beauty and the Beast.

March 2016

SAGITTARIUS

Are you working on an important project? If yes, be sure to stay focused on the job at hand, as little things could distract you and only prolong the inevitable. Investment opportunities could crop up later in the month. Stay alert! You just might find a treasure trove.

CAPRICORN

Remember, what you think to be harmless teasing may not be seen so by others; it could even come as offensive or hurtful to someone who doesn’t appreciate your sense of humour. Be especially cautious if you have overtly sensitive colleagues. If there is an event scheduled for the month, go on…take the lead.

AQUARIUS

You ought to know that simply ignoring the problem will not make it go away. In fact, it might get worse. Face it head on and do all that you can to fix it. And don’t get flustered if you are faced with some disappointment later in the month. Chances of that turning to be a blessing in disguise are high. Also expect a pleasant surprise.

PISCES

Take a long and close look at your problem solving techniques. If you have been trying to relieve the symptoms, instead of looking for a permanent cure, you need to change your modus operandi. Try to give a loved one extra space, especially if he/she seems to be in a foul mood. Beware of friends whose intentions are clearly not good.

Boo

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WEIRD NEWS Profits up for British funeral firm

Dignity, a British funeral services firm, posted a 16 percent increase in profits last year, thanks to a sharp increase in the number of deaths in 2015 compared with the previous year. According to the firm, 7-percent year-on-year rise in the number of deaths in England, Scotland and Wales represented a rate of change not seen for over 60 years. Although the firm did not know the reason for the increase, as per the broad trends, the rate of deaths had been dropping since the 1970s; it was forecast to start rising again in the 2020s. Dignity’s underlying operating profit for 2015 was 98.7 million pounds ($138 million).

Ahem…this horse means ‘business’

Women’s Day Did you know that International Women’s Day was initiated in 1909 because of the numerous protests by American women who worked in the textiles industry? z

Turning the cliché ‘clothes make the man’ on its head, veteran racehorse Morestead upped the style stakes for the Cheltenham Festival, held earlier this month, by modelling the word’s first Harris Tweed suit designed for a racehorse. Morestead made a grand appearance wearing the three-piece suit, replete with a flat cap and tie. Bookmaker William Hill commissioned former Alexander McQueen apprentice Emma Sandham-King with making the suit, which took four weeks to make and used up more than 18 metres of tweed.

Turtle smuggler banned from owning them

38 turtles in the pants... Yes, a Canadian man smuggled 38 turtles in his pants. He has, however, been given probation, a fine and has been banned from owning such reptiles for 10 years. According to Canada’s environment department, Dong Yan of Windsor, Ontario, had tried to bring the reptiles from the United States into the southern part of the province. The turtles, packed in plastic bags, were taped to his legs. He is now on probation is for two years, with a fine of $2,600. He was also sentenced to 50 hours of community service; he has

The United States observed its first National Women’s Day on February 28, 1909. More than a million people joined the rallies that took place in 1911, when International Women’s Day was first observed. The women of Russia observed their first International Women’s Day in February of 1913. Years later, IWD was declared a non-working day in the USSR. The yearly celebration of women in March is also a way of remembering the women, children, and men who died during the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York on March 25, 1911. Over 140 workers died – women, men, and children; the oldest being 43 and the youngest being 14 years old. The United Nations started sponsoring International Women’s Day in 1975. It has not stopped supporting and sponsoring IWD activities ever since In the United States, March is known as ‘Women’s History Month’. All over the world, March is known as ‘International Women’s Month’.

Facebook user jailed over ‘Unfaithful Wives’ comments

An Egyptian Facebook user’s slander against Egyptian women has landed him in jail for three years, with hard labour. Taymour el-Sobky, a prominent Facebook user, was found to have slandered Egyptian women, after he asserted on television that many married women in the conservative country were unfaithful. Sobky’s Facebook page, called ‘Diaries of a Suffering Husband’ has more than one million followers. His comments included the suggestion that arranged marriages in traditional southern Egypt increased the problem of

March 2016

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March 2016

Emergency Hospitals

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Beauty Al Lilac Beauty Center ................ 24483994 Al Nahda Resort and Spa, Barka ................ 26883710 Ayana Spa ................................... 24693435 Beauty Centre ............................. 24697585 Beauty Today .............................. 24568991 Chi Spa, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa ....................................... 24776666 Daksha’s Salon ............................ 24562596 Emirates Medical Center............ 24604540 Essence Spa................................ 24603225 Europe Beauty Centre & Health ................. Club, CBD ................................... 24797813 Europe Beauty Centre & Spa .................... Wadi Kabir.................................. 24815805 Grand Spa................................... 24695766 Grand Spa (Bareeq Al Shatti)...... 95588880 Hana’s Slimming & Skincare ....... 24697270 Holistic Skin & Hair Care ............ 24601134 Hollywood Beauty Centre ........... 24568292 Kaya Skin Clinic ................ 24601700/4300 Kottakal Arya Vaidya Sala ........... 24701555 Manal Beautician ........................ 24479655 Muscat Beauty Salon ................... 24562541 Muscat Slimming Centre ............ 24565687 Nadia Beauty Salon ..................... 24689777 Nails Spa ..................................... 24699440 Raz Hair and Beauty Salon .......... 24692219 Saharz Beauty Centre ................................ ................................24695151 / 24696161 Signature .................................... 24490282 Sri Sri Ayurveda..........24480874, 92800793 The Chedi, The Spa .................... 24524400 Tips & Toes Nails Spa.................. 24603969 The Spa Bar for Men ................... 24698681 Touch & Glow Beauty.................. 24791979 VLCC .............................. Qurum 24695157 VLCC............................Mawaleh 24553535 Perry's Saloon ............................. 24538539 Zayna Spa, MRM ..........................26871555

Airlines Emergency Cinema Beauty Health Clubs Hotel & Hotel Apartment Retail Sports Travel & Tour Operators Eat Out

Health Clubs

Hotel & Hotel Apartments Muscat Region

Al Bustan Palace Hotel ................ 24799666 Al Bahjah Hotel ........................... 24424400 Al-Khuwayr Hotel Apts ............... 24478171 Al Madina Holiday Inn ................ 24596400 Al Fanar Hotel ............................. 24712385 Al Falaj Hotel .............................. 24702311 Azaiba Hotel Apartments........................... ................................24490979 / 99424470 Beach Hotel ................................ 24696601 Bowshar Hotel............................. 24491105 Coral Hotel Muscat ..................... 24692121 Crowne Plaza Muscat.................. 24660660 Golden Tulip Seeb...................... 24510300 Grand Hyatt Muscat .................... 24641234 Haffa House Hotel ....................... 24707207 Holiday Inn Muscat ..................... 24487123 InterContinental Muscat ............. 24680000 Best Western Hotel ..................... 24692121 Majan Continental Hotel ............. 24592900 Marina Hotel ............................... 24711711 Mina Hotel .................................. 24711828 Muttrah Hotel .............................. 24798401 Nuzha Hotel Apts ........................ 24789199 Oman Dive Center...................... 24824240 Park Inn ...................................... 24507888 Qurm Beach House Hotel ........... 24564070 Radisson Blu Hotel Muscat.......... 24487777 Ramada Qurm Beach .................. 24603555 Ramee Guestline Hotel ............... 24564443 Ramee Dream Resort .................. 24453399 Ruwi Hotel .................................. 24704244 Safeer Hotel Suites...................... 24691200 Qurum Beach Resort Hotel ......... 24605945 Shangri Laâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barr Al JissahResort and Spa .....................24776666, 800708102 The Chedi Muscat....................... 24524400

Al Dhakliya

Nizwa Hotel................................. 25431616 Al Jabal Al Akhdar Hotel............. 25410500 Adam Motel ................................ 25434975 Al Diyar Hotel ............................. 25412402 Bader Aslam Motel ..................... 25435007 Bahla Hotel ................................. 25420211 Matan Motel ................................ 99062641 Majan Guest House..................... 25431910 Tanoof Guest House.................... 25411601

Al Batinah

Al Nahda Resort & Spa ............... 26883710 Al Sawadi Beach Resort .............. 26795545 Millennium Resort ...................... 26871555 Sohar Beach Hotel ...................... 26841111 Al Wadi Hotel .............................. 26840058 Al Suwaiq Hotel .......................... 26862241 Green Oasis Motel ...................... 26846442 Ghurnata Hotel Apartments........ 26844539

Al Sharqiya

Al Ashkara .................................. 25566266 Al Qabil Resthouse ..................... 25581243 Al Raha Tourism Camp ............... 99343851 Al Sharqiya Gardens................... 99332264 Al Sharqiya Sands Hotel ............. 99205112 Al Wasil Camp ............................ 99332264 Desert Safaris ............................. 25593232 Golden Sands Camp................... 99445092 Ibra Hotel.................................... 25571873 Mahoot Hotel .............................. 25504401 Marsa Sur Hotel Apartments....... 25540784 Masirah Motel ............................. 25504401 Ras Al Hadd Beach Hotel ........... 25542031

Al Wusta

Ghaftain Rest House ................... 99485881 Ghaba Rest House ...................... 99358639 Haima Motel ............................... 23436061 Qatbit Motel................................ 99085686

Dhofar

Hilton Hotel Salalah .................... 23211234 Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah ...... 23235333 Haffa House Hotel Salalah........... 23295444 Al Hanna Hotel............................ 23290274 Al Jabal Hotel .............................. 23210611 Al Mazyuna Hotel........................ 23293340 Al Nassr Hotel ............................. 23294815 Al Saada Tourism Complex ........ 23225250 Bamasir Hotel ............................. 23293340 Darbat Hotel ............................... 23295877 Dhofar Tourist Hotel.................... 23282300 Redan Hotel ................................ 23292255 Salalah Beach Hotel Apts ............ 23235999 Salalah Hotel ............................... 23295332 Samahram Hotel Apts ................. 23295444 Thumrit Tourist Hotel .................. 23279371

Al Dhahira

Al Buraimi Hotel.......................... 25652010 Abha Hotel.................................. 25654700 Al Aeilat Hotel Apts .................... 25654330 Al Baraka Oasis Hotel Apts ......... 25650955 Al Dhahira Hotel ......................... 25650492 Al Masah Hotel ........................... 25653007 Al Raha Hotel Apts ...................... 24701898 Al Sharq House Hotel Apts ......... 24702399 Hamasa Hotel.............................. 25651200 Ibri Oasis Hotel........................... 25489955 Nafahat Al Burami Hotel Flats ..... 25654777

SEARCHING

Your Fitness Quotient....

Al Falaj Health Club ........................24702311 Al Majan Hotel ................................24592900 Al Qurum Resort .............................24605945 Adamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fitness Center ....................24684989 Balance Health & Fitness ...............24564132 Bodylines, Al Sawadi ......................26795545 Body Speak ......................................24765578 Crowne Plaza...................................24660660 Fitbody Gym....................................24601970 Fontana Club Radisson Blu ...........24487777 487777 Future Health Club .........................24600030 Fu 600030 Grand Hyatt Club Olympus ...........24641234 Gr 641234 Golden Tulip ....................................24510300 Go 510300 Hammer Gym .................................24483399 Ha 483399 Horizon Fitness Center ..................24571337 Ho 571337 InterContinental Muscat ...............24680000 In 680000 Muscat Holiday Inn ........................24487123 M 487123 Samaa Health Club .........................24694892 Sa 694892 Qurum Beach Resort Hotel ...........24605945 Qu 605945 Crowne Plaza Salalah .....................23235333 Cr 235333 Hilton Salalah ..................................23211234 Hi 211234 Sohar Beach Resort.........................26841111 So 841111 Sky Club, Park Inn ..........................24507888 Sk 507888 GYM, MRM .....................................26871555 GY 871555

Health Clubs Hotel & Hotel Apartments

Musandam

Khasab Hotel .............................. 26730267 Qada Hotel ................................. 26731664 Isra Hotel Apartments................. 26730562

March Ma M arc rch 20 2 2016 01 16 6

Sports Basketball

Oman Basketball Association .... 24796780

Boating

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Retail Sports

Retail Al Araimi Complex ..................... 24566180 Al Khamis Plaza .......................... 24562791 Al Harthy Complex ..................... 24564481 Al Wadi Commercial Centre ...................... .................................................. 24564782 Alasfoor Plaza ............................. 24564686 Capital Commercial Complex (CCC) ...... .................................................. 24567338 Jawaharat Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Shatti Complex ....... 24692113 Khimji Megastore........................ 24708075 Markaz Al Bahja .......................... 24540222 Sabco Center .............................. 24562761

Bowling

Al Masa Bowling ......................... 24693991 Oman Bowling Centre ................ 24480747 Seeb Novotel .............................. 24510300

Classes

Al Falaj Hotel (Martial Arts, Tennis, ........... Swimming).................................. 24702311 Grand Hyatt Muscat (Aerobics, Ballet, Salsa, Yoga for women) ............... 24641234 InterContinental Muscat (Fitness workouts, Aqua Aerobics, Spin, Pilates+) ... 24680000

Cricket

Oman Cricket Club .................... 24703142

Cycling

Muscat Cycling ........................... 98453580

Diving & Snorkeling

Centrepoint

Al Khuwair ..................96473101, 24601569 Fahad Plaza, Ruwi ....................... 96725845 Muscat City Centre .................................... ..................................96473113, 24558063 Sohar .......................................... 95119656 Salalah ........................................ 23289260

Muscat City Centre

Al Sawadi Beach Resort .............. 26795545 Blu Zone Watersports.................. 24737293 Desert Adventures ...................... 95201107 Desert Thunder........................... 95555153 Dimaniyat Diving ........................ 24795545 Global Scuba .............................. 99317518 Gulf Leisure ................................ 24693561 Musandam Extra Divers.............. 99877957 Muscat Divers ............................. 99355671 Muscat Diving and Adventure Cente......... .................................................. 24485663 Ocean Boats Diving and Sea Tours ........... .................................................. 92645889 Oman Dive Center...................... 24824240 Sub Aqua Dive Centre Salalah .... 92471073 SEAOMAN, MRM .........................24181400

Muscat City Centre (Mall) .......... 24558888 Bata (Footwear) ........................... 24558855 Emax (Electronics) ..................... 24558062 Home Centre .............................. 24558063 Max (Fashion) ........................ 24558981/82 Origem (Fashion)........................ 92648542 Oysho (Fashion).......................... 24558865 Rado (Watches) ........... 9776492, 92247101 Salsa (Fashion) ............................ 24558631 Sunglass Hut ............................... 24558869 Zara (Fashion) ............................. 24558887 Zara Home .................................. 24558869

Golf

Muscat Grand Mall

Al Sawadi Beach Resort .............. 26795545 Al Sawahil Horse Riding ............. 95177557 Desert Thunder........................... 95555153

Muscat Grand Mall ..................... 22000000

Capital are Yacht club ................. 24737712 Desert Thunder........................... 95555153 Grand Hyatt Boat House ............. 24641234 Gulf Leisure ................................ 99819005 Marina Bander Al Rowdha .......... 24737288 Ocean Boats Diving and Sea Tours ............ .................................................. 92645889 Rawabi Desert Adventures ......... 95201107

March 2016

Almouj Golf Club........................ 22005990 Ghala Valley Golf Club ............... 24591248 Muscat Hills Golf Club ................ 24510065 Mini Golf, MRM ...........................26871555

Hiking

Desert Thunder........................... 95555153 Muscat Diving and Adventure Center ....... 24485663 Rawabi Desert Adventures ......... 95201107

Horse Riding

Qurum Equestrian School........... 99832199

Ice Sports

Ice Skating Centre ...................... 24489492

Jet Skiing

Al Sawadi Beach Resort .............. 26795545

Kayaking

Al Sawadi Beach Resort .............. 26795545 Muscat Diving and Adventure Center ...... .................................................. 24485663 Rob Gardner ............................... 99239658 Oman Dive Center...................... 24824240

Motor Sports

Bikers Oman ............................... 99556430 Harley Davidson Owners Group ............... .................................................. 99310853 Oman Automobile Association ................. .................................................. 24510239

Rock Climbing

Muscat Diving and Adventure Center ........................................ 24485663 Rob Gardner ............................... 99239658

Rugby

Muscat Rugby Club .................... 24604890

Running

Muscat Road Runners ................. 24692903

Sailing

Castaways Sailing Club ............. 24594613 Desert Thunder........................... 95555153

Sport Fishing

Desert Thunder........................... 95555153 Grand Hyatt Boathouse ............... 24641234 Gulf Leisure ................................ 99819006 Muscat Diving and Adventure Center ...... .................................................. 24485663 Oman Dive Center...................... 24824240 Marina Bandar Al Rowdha .......... 24737288 Rawabi Desert Adventures ......... 95201107 Water World Marine ................... 24737438

Squash

Al Falaj Hotel .............................. 24702311 Al Sawadi .................................... 26795545 Crowne Plaza Muscat.................. 24660660 Grand Hyatt Muscat .................... 24641234

Tennis

Oman Tennis Association ........... 24751902

4 ABC Tourism ............................. 244582663 Adonis Oman Travel & Tours 24693371 Advantage Travel & Tours ........... 95220095 Airborne Travels......................... 24479295 Al Azure Tours .......................... 244565745 Amazing Arabia ..........24701454/99310005 Al Ahlam Tours ......................... 244892612 Al Areesh Wahiba Camp ............ 99317107 Al Daleel Tours ........................... 23296503 Al Ghadeer ................................. 99325441 Al Ghubayra ............................... 24812874 Al Haditha ................................... 24603587 Al Hashar Tourism & Travels ....... 24836100 Al Hasn Araimi Travel ................. 24799966 Al Maskry Tourism & Travels ...... 24595241 Al Naheem .................................. 24478192 Al Noor ....................................... 99318822 Al-Qandeel Travel & Tourism ..... 24643877 Al Raha Tourism Camp ............... 99343851 Al Sawson ................................... 24485637 Arabian Sands Tour Services ...... 24785027 Arabian Sea Safaris..................... 24693223 Arabian Trails ............................. 24475437 Arise Travel and Tour ................. 24605825 AST Tours ....................24571311, 23298085 Bahwan Travel Agencies............. 24797405 Choice Holidays ......................24660364/7 Desert Discovery ........................ 24493232 Desert Thunder........................... 95555153 Eihab Travels .............................. 24683900 Elite Travel & Tourism................. 24485020 Empty Quarter Tours .................. 99387654 Ena Tourism ................................ 23298500 Global Tours ............................... 24484156 Golden Oryx Tours ..................... 24489853 Gulf Leisure ................................ 24693561 Gulf Ventures .............................. 24559985

Kanoo Travel ............................... 24700249 Khasab Travel and Tours............................ 26730464 Kurban Tours & Travel ................ 24699886 Mark Tours .................................. 24782727 Marmul Travel and Tours ............ 24482868 Majan Travel ............................... 24785728 Mezoon Travel ............................ 24796680 Midland Tourism......................... 24566524 Moon Travels ............................. 24793551 Nahar Tourism Oasis .................. 99387654 National Travels & Tourism (NTT) .............. 24660376 Nomad Tours .............................. 95495240 Nomadic Adventures and Tours................. 99336273 NTT Tours............................... 24660378/70 OTTB ........................................... 24789845 Oasis Tours .................24499922, 99440441 Oman Geo Tours......................... 24600914 Oman Discovery ......................... 24706424 Oman National Transport ........... 24490046 Oman World Tourism .................. 99252680 Orient Holidays .......................... 24478902 OUA Travel ................................. 24559900 Premier Tours ............................. 99222620 Rawabi Desert Adventures ......... 95201107 Remal Al Sharqiya Tourism......... 24544525 Rusayl Travel .............................. 24510012 Salalah City Services .................. 23299663 Salalah Tourism........................... 23292289 Sama Al Wasil Tourism Village................... 99604004 Shanfari Travel and Tours ........... 27602710 Sumahram Falcon ....................... 95774166 Sun and Sand Tours .................... 99373928 Sunny Day Tours, Travel & Adventure ........ 24490055 Steps Travel and Tourism............ 24488891 Tour Oman .................................. 24799966 United Tours ............................... 24787448 Zahara Tours ............................... 24400844

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Travel & Tour Operators

February March M Ma Marc arc rch 2 rch 2016 20 016 16

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SEARCHING

5 Arabian Al Deyar ...........................................24603553 Next to Shatti Plaza Al Khanjar ........................................24795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort

Kargeen Café AL Harthy Complex ........................24560531 Centrepoint .................................... 24694048 MQ Complex ...................................24692269

Al Istanbuli ......................................24480900 Next to Rawasco, Al Khuwair

Samar .............................................992RELAX Al Nahda Resort & Spa

Al Reef Al Lebnani ..........................24485775 Al Khuwair, Opp Safeer Bld

Samat (Iranian food) MQ.....................................................99 889394 Qurum............................................... 24605515

Al Tanoor .........................................24776540 Al Bandar Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Al Zafran ..........................................26841111 Sohar Beach Hotel Arab World Al Ghubrah ......................................24491734 Ruwi High St. ...................................24798119 Automatic Al Khuwair .......................................24487200 Azaiba...............................................24499981 Bareeq Al Shatti...............................24605735 Qurum..............................................24561500 Seeb ..................................................24424343

A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes

Beirut Restaurant ............................24568411 Near Qurum Roundabout Bab Idris .................................... 22060075 Oman Avenues Mall 3rd floor Bin Ateeq Al Khuwair .......................................24478225 CBD ..................................................24702727

March 2016

Falafel & More ................................22060065 Risail Complex

Shahrazad ........................................24776565 Al Husn Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Shiraz................................................24660660 Crowne Plaza Hotel Tarboosh Opp Sabco Centre...........................24565673 Al Ghubrah ......................................24498553 The Arabian Courtyard .................24524400 The Chedi Muscat The Khanjar Omani Cuisine ..........24795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort Turkish House .................................24488071 Al Khuwair Ubhar ...............................................24565689 Bareeq Al Shatti Wadi Hadramout Restaurant Al Khuwair ......................................24475282 Al Bahar, MRM ................................26871553

Cafe’s

Al Ahli Cafe ................................ 24424400 Al Bahjah Hotel Al Falaj Coffee Shop ................... 24702311 Al Falaj Hotel Al Fursan ................................... 24603555 Ramada Beach Hotel Al Maha ...................................... 24487123 Muscat Holiday Inn Al Makan Café Muscat City Centre ..................... 24545311 Shatti Al Qurum .......................... 24404200 Al Mas......................................... 24491105 Bowsher Hotel Deluxe Atrium Tea Lounge ..................... 24764000 Al Bustan Palace Barista ......................................... 24571531 Sabco Centre Cafe Barbera .............................. 24603505 Near Shatti Cinema, Shatti Al Qurum Café Capuccino .......................... 24564443 Ramee Guestline Hotel Café Ceramique ......................... 24566617 Al Araimi Complex, Qurum

Caribou Coffee........................... 24694473 Bareeq Al Shatti

Mood Café Madinat Plaza ............................. 92125639 Markaz Al Bahja .......................... 24538752

Casa de Cafe .............................. 24499565 Midan Hotel Suites

Patisserie .................................... 24479344 Risail Complex, Seeb

Colombian Aroma Cafe .............. 24693131 Bareeq Al Shatti

Petit Café .................................... 24603555 Ramada Beach Hotel

Coffee Republic........................ 244703739 Qurum City Centre

Pink Berry................................... 24558113 Muscat City Centre

Costa Coffee Seeb Intnl Airport ....................... 24519734 MQ .............................................. 24692858 Muscat City Center..................... 24535895 Oasis by the Sea ......................... 24605574 Alasfoor Plaza ............................. 24571236 Lulu Bowsher .............................. 24503861 Bareeq Al Shatti .......................... 24692699 MBD ............................................ 24793169

Pooldeck ..................................... 24680000 InterContinental Muscat

Chado Tea Lounge..................... 24500773 Oasis By The Sea D’Arcy’s Kitchen Jawaharat A Shatti ....................... 24600234 MQ .............................................. 24699119 Glacier Café Markaz Al Bahja ......................... 24540200 Zakher Mall ................................ 24540391

Café de Lotus.............................. 24560439 Al Khamis Plaza

Gloria Jean's Coffees .................. 24662940 Fun Zone, Qurum, MGM........................................... 22009295

Café G Patisserie ........................ 99531999 Madinat as Sultan Qaboos

Golden Bean Café ..................... 96969645 Al Araimi Complex, Qurum

Café Samaharam......................... 24707207 Haffa House Hotel

Grind Floor ................................. 24487777 Radisson Blu

Café Torque ................................ 24500773 Azaiba

Le Mermaid Café ........................ 24602327 Near Grand Hyatt Muscat

Café Unique................................ 96684686 Ruwi

Majlis al Shams ........................... 24680000 InterContinental Muscat

Richoux cafe .............................. 22005165 Opera Galleria Ground Floor Rumours Cafe ............................. 24692121 Coral Hotel Muscat Second Cup CCC, Qurm ................................. 24566616 Shatti Al-Qurum .......................... 24699951 Bareeq Al Shatti .......................... 24697776 Sirj Tea Lounge ........................... 24641234 Grand Hyatt Muscat Shalashil Café ............................ 24498008 Star Hotel Apartments, Ghubra Starbucks Ernst and Young bldg ................. 24567644 Jawaharat A’Shatti ....................... 24601457 Muscat City Centre ..................... 24558861 MQ .............................................. 24699367 Borders, Muscat City Centre....... 24558636 Qurum City Centre ..................... 24470588 Surf Cafe ..................................... 24776666 Al Waha Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Sidewalk Cafe and Deli .............. 24563058 CCC, Qurm Naseem Lounge, MRM .................26871553

6 SEARCHING

Café Vergnano 1882.................... 24692370 Madinat as Sultan Qaboos

Mokha Cafe ................................ 24776666 Al Bandar Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa

A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes

Mokha Cafe ................................ 24641234 Grand Hyatt Muscat

March 2016

Far Eastern

SEARCHING

A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes

Bamboo Kitchen ......................... 96969645 Al Araimi Complex, Qurum China Mood ................................ 24764000 Al Bustan Palace InterContinental - Muscat China Town ................................. 24567974 CCC, Qurm Chinese Durbar .......................... 24486688 Al Khuwair Chinese Garden ......................... 24489414 Al Khuwair, Near Ice Skating Rink Chinese Palace ........................... 99563368 Al Wadi Commercial Centre Pal Meera.................................... 24692368 Shatti Al Qurum Golden Dragon ........................... 24697374 Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos Golden Oryx .............................. 24702266 Rex Road Jade Garden................................ 24605945 Al Qurm Resort Magic Wok Muscat City Centre ..................... 24537118 Qurum City Centre ..................... 24470596 Mamasan .................................... 24210452 Marjan Rest. and Pool Bar ........... 24641234 Grand Hyatt Muscat Meji’s Aroy Thai .......................... 99839595 Shatti Al Qurum Palayok ....................................... 24797290 Ruwi High Street, opp. OC Centre & Al Khuwair Shang Thai ................................. 24483083 Al Khuwair slip road Silk Route Chinese & Thai........... 24696967 Al Noor Plaza, Madinat As Sultan Qaboos Royal China ............................... 24571339 Shatti Al Qurum Hot Pot & Grills ........................... 24404291 Bareeq Al Shatti Thai Basil .................................... 24499565 Midan Hotel Suites, Ghubrah The Noodle House ...................... 24558377 Muscat City Centre Tokyo Taro .................................. 24702311 Al Falaj Hotel Wasabi Sushi............................... 24699490 Bareeq Al Shatti Mydan, MRM ...............................26871553

March 2016

Fast Food Chicking Markaz Al Bahja .......................... 24540200 Muscat City Centre ..................... 24489575 Cold Stone Creamery ................................ 24470614, 95202436 Qurum City Centre Coral Express ............................. 24540200 Markaz Al Bahja Dairy Queen Jawaharat A’Shatti ....................... 24693031 Lulu, Ghubrah ............................. 24504504 Seeb Intnl Airport ....................... 24519468 DQ Grill & Chill .......................... 24693031 Jawaharat A’Shatti Domino’s Pizza ............................ 24479111 Al Khuwair Dunkin’ Donuts Ghala .......................................... 96177967 MQ .............................................. 96177967 Shatti Cinema ............................. 96177967 Gourmet Burger Kitchen............. 24558065 Muscat City Centre Il Gelato Di Bruno ....................... 95275987 Oasis By the Sea Hardees ...................................... 24477774 Al Khuwair, Wattyah, Al Khoud, City Centre One number for all the four stores Hot and Crispy ........................... 24699524 Al Masa Mall, Sarooj Just Falafel................................... 22009922 Muscat Grand Mall KFC ............................................. 24477777 One number for all the 21 stores Ruwi, Qurum, Al Khuwair, MCC, QCC, Lulu Ghubra and Darsait, Near Airport, Azaiba Roundabout

McDonald’s Al Khuwair .................................. 24482046 As Sarooj..................................24691033/4 Muscat City Center..................... 24545773 Book Roundabout ....................... 24421119 Qurm Behind CCC ..................... 24565798 Papa John’s Pizza Lulu, Ghubrah ............................. 24501111 MQ .............................................. 24697220 Qurum ........................................ 24571100 Muscat Intl Airport...................... 24519468 Ruwi ............................................ 24793153 Al Khoudh ................................... 24546516 Penguin Ghubrah ..................................... 24493963 Seeb............................................ 24422004 Sultan Qaboos University ........... 24413144 Pizza Inn Ruwi ............................................ 24784555 Al Araimi Compex, Qurum ......... 24566661 Pizza Muscat Al Khuwair .................................. 24483393 Al Harthy Complex ..................... 24565618 MBD ............................................ 24817715 Pizza Hut ..................................... 24822500 Wadi Kabir, MBD, Rex Road, Qurum, CCC, QCC, MSQ, Al Khuwair, Ghala, Bowsher, Ghoubra, Airport, Al Khoud, Mawallah, Mabella, Barka Subway Oman Oil, Qurum Jabal .............. 24666704 Al Khuwair .................................. 24593963 Al Masa Mall ............................... 24604664 CCC............................................ 24560327 MQ .............................................. 24694774 Muscat City Centre ..................... 24558080 Wally’s Markaz Al Bahja .......................... 24540200 Al Masa Mall ............................... 24543154 Al Khuwair .................................. 24502929

Indian

It’s Mirchi ................................... 24564443 Ramee Guestline Hotel

Ananthapuri .............................. 24706226 Opp. Muscat Municipality, Darsait

Mumtaz Mahal ............................ 24605907 Qurum

Annapoorna ............................... 24810396 MBD

Mughlai Zaika ............................. 24568200 Wattayah

Biryani House ............................. 24488478 Al Khuwayr

Omar Al Khayyam Restaurant .................... Ruwi ..........................24703035/ 24707082 Al Khoudh ..................24535001/ 24539718

Copper Chimney........................ 24780207 CBD Curry House ............................... 24564033 Wattayah Mullapanthal ............................... 95267540 Ruwi Chowpatty .................................. 24488829 Al Khuwair Daawat ........................................ 24787980 Ruwi Divine ......................................... 24705070 Ruwi Dosteen Restaurant ..................... 24622850 Seeb Happy Village ............................. 24564995 Qurum Horizon Restaurant ..................... 24798252 Ruwi Hot Pot Restaurant...................... 24700691 Near Khimji’s Mart, Darsait Kamat Al Khuwair .................................. 24479243 Ruwi ............................................ 24783300

Passage To India ......................... 24568480 Behind Hatat House Princess ...................................... 24482213 Al Khuwair Punjabi Dhaba ............................ 24787755 Darsait Puranmal...................24707172 / 24706969 CBD

Sagar .......................................... 24794114 Ruwi Saravanaa Bhavan ................ 24704502 / 07 Near Ruwi Roundabout Spicy Village.............................................. Al Khuwair .................................. 24475518 Rusayl ........................................ 24510120 Nizwa ......................................... 25431694 Sohar ......................................... 24843238 Sur ............................................. 25544594 Customer Care ............... 800spicy (77429) Sayujya Restaurant...................... 24816909 MBD

Italian

Swagath Veg Restaurant.............. 24707676 Ruwi

Capri Court ................................ 24776666 Al Bandar Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa

The Indus Restaurant .................. 22022888 Opera Gallaria - Shatti Al Qurum

Come Prima................................ 24660660 Crowne Plaza Hotel Muscat

Keranadu .................................... 24564443 Ramee Guestline Hotel

Taj Samarkhand Restaurant ........ 24582040 Muscat Oasis Residence, Bowsher

Khana Khazana............................ 24813466 Ruwi

Tawa Magic ................................ 24703300 CBD

Khyber ........................................ 24781901 CBD

The Great Kabab Factory............ 24478373 Al Khuwair

Mediterranean Grill.................... 24680000 InterContinental Muscat

Koliwada .................................... 99421778 MBD

The Taj ........................................ 26795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort

Kumkum...................................... 24714114 Muttrah

Woodlands.................................. 24700192 MBD, Ruwi

O Sole Mio .................................. 24487777 Radisson Blu - Muscat Trattoria ...................................... 24210451

Lazeez ........................................992RELAX Al Nahda Resort & Spa

Eatalian ....................................... 22060025 Oman Avenues Mall, 3rd floor

Pane Caldo ................................. 24698697 Jawaharat A’Shatti Complex Pizza Express .............................. 24696169 Oasis By The Sea, Shatti Al-Qurum Tuscany....................................... 24641234 Grand Hyatt Muscat

March 2016

SEARCHING

The Bollywood ............................ 24565653 Qurm, Behind CCC

A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes

International

Hamburger Nation ...................... 24558077 Muscat City Centre

Al Bandar Lounge ....................... 24776666 Al Bandar Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa

iFoods ......................................... 24121114 18 November St, near Sultan Centre, Azaiba

Al Aktham ................................... 24489292 Al Khuwair, behind OIB A’Rifaak ...................................... 92558842 Al Khoud, Main Street

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A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes

AlExandria.................................. 24561611 Qurum, next to Sabco Center Al Khiran Terrace Restaurant ..................... Al Bustan Palace ......................... 24764000 Al Waha Lounge ......................... 24776666 Al Waha Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Assira Pool Bar............................ 24776666 Al Waha Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Bait Al Bahar ............................... 24776666 Al Waha Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa

Jean’s Grill .................................. 24567666 Sultan Center Jungle ......................................... 24561600 Qurum Rose Garden Khaboura Cafe............................ 24592900 Majan Hotel Khalab .......................................992RELAX Al Nahda Resort & Spa La Brassiere ............................... 2471 3707 Muttrah La Mer ........................................ 95038487 Shatti Al Qurum Left Bank ..................................... 24693699 Below Mumtaz Mahal restaurant, Qurum

Beach Pavilion Restaurant and Bar Al Bustan Palace ......................... 24764000

Le Jardin...................................... 24510300 Golden Tulip Seeb

B+F Roadside Diner................... 24698836 Bareeq Al Shatti

Love At First Bite ......................... 24601737 Shatti Al Qurum

Blue Marlin ................................. 24737940 Marina bander Al Rowdha

Musandam Café.......................... 24680000 InterContinental Muscat

BreadTalk.................................... 24603033 Bareeq Al Shatti

.... 26730267 Musandam Restaurant ................ Khasab Hotel

Bread and Co.............................. 24698379 Oasis By The Sea, Shatti Al-Qurum

.... 24561818 Nando’s ....................................... Opp CCC Muscat City Centre

Buffet Restaurant ......................... 24697967 Bareeq Al Shatti Casper & Gambini’s ................... 22060085 Oman Avenues Mall, 2nd floor Chilli’s Muscat City Center .................... 24558815 Qurum City Center .................... 24470700 Circles ........................................ 24776666 Al Bandar Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Class Room ................................. 24813141 National Hospitality Institute, Wadi Kabir Coral Reef Cafe .......................... 26795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort

.... 24795545 Neptune Bar................................ Al Sawadi Beach Resort .... 24603555 Nouras Al Shatti .......................... Ramada Beach Hotel .... 24824240 Odyssey ...................................... sa Oman Dive Centre, Bandar Jissa .... 24487777 Olivos.......................................... Radisson Blu .... 24571339 Retro ........................................... Shatti AL Qurum .... 24507888 RBG Grill .................................... Park Inn Muscat

Coffee Shop ................................ 24702311 Al Falaj Hotel

.... 24776666 Samba ......................................... rr Al Jissah Al Waha Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Resort and Spa

Four Seasons ............................... 24707207 Haffa House Hotel

.... 24698990 Slider Station .............................. rum Oasis By The Sea, Shatti Al Qurum

From the tree .............................. 22060095 Oman Avenues Mall, 2nd floor

.... 24692486 Stomach ...................................... Jawaharat A’Shatti Complex

Golden Spoon Al Khuwair .................................. 24482263 Seeb Souq................................... 24424204

Japengo....................................... 92892868 Qurum

March 2016

.... 24776666 Sultanah ...................................... rr Al Jissah Al Husn Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Resort and Spa

Sundowner’s Beach Bar............... 26795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort TGIF ............................................ 24488899 Al Khuwair, City Seasons Hotel The Beach Restaurant ................. 24524400 The Chedi Muscat The Chedi Pool Cabana.............. 24524400 The Chedi Muscat The Crepe Cafe .......................... 24558530 Muscat City Centre The Serai Pool Cabana ............... 24524400 The Chedi Muscat The Restaurant ............................ 24524400 The Chedi Muscat The Coffee Shop ......................... 24704244 Ruwi Hotel Tinello......................................... 24502570 The Treasurebox Hotel Trader Vic’s................................. 24680000 InterContinental Muscat Tropicana.................................... 24660660 Crowne Plaza Hotel Muscat

Long Bar and Xyro ...................... 24776666 Al Bandar Hotel, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah

Mediterranean

Nirvana ......................24781901/ 97015530 CBD

Bellapais .................................... 24521100 Risail Complex

O'Malleys .................................... 24487777 Radisson Blu

Mediterranean Grill ................. 246803000 InterContinental Muscat

Periwinkle’s Pub ......................... 26795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort

Tapas & Sablah ........................... 24776666 Al Bandar Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa

Piano Lounge .............................. 26776666 Al Bander Hotel, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah

Tomato ........................................ 24680000 InterContinental Muscat

Rock Bottom Cafe’ ...................... 24564443 Ramee Guestline Hotel

Pubs & Lounge Al Ghazal .................................... 24680000 InterContinental Muscat Al Jizzi Lounge ............................ 26841111 Sohar Beach Hotel Al Marrah Pub ............................ 24424404 Al Bahjah Hotel Barrio Fiesta ............................... 24592900 Majan Hotel Churchill’s Pub............................ 24487123 Muscat Holiday Inn

Sama Terazza ............................. 24507888 Park Inn Muscat Sports Bar ................................... 24487123 Muscat Holiday Inn The Hut ....................................... 26795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort The Lazy Lizard ........................... 24487777 Radisson Blu The Wahiba ................................. 26795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort

Club Bar ..................................... 24704244 Ruwi Hotel

Mexican

Club Safari.................................. 24602327 Grand Hyatt Muscat

Pavo Real .................................... 24602603 MQ

Copacabana ............................... 24641234 Grand Hyatt Muscat

Senor Pico................................... 24680000 InterContinental Muscat

Duke’s Bar ................................... 24660660 Crowne Plaza

Mydan, MRM ...............................26871553

Feeney’s Irish Pub....................... 99262821 Al Qurum Resort Habana Cafe ............................... 24602327 Grand Hyatt Muscat John Barry Bar............................. 24641234 Grand Hyatt Layalina Bar ................................ 24487123 Muscat Holiday Inn

Steak & Grill Grill House ................................. 24603660 Just Grilled.................................. 24601290 Oasis By The Sea, Shatti Al Qurum Kobe’s Sizzlers .........24563220 / 24564092 GBM Building, Qurum The Safari Rooftop Grill .............24641234, .................................................. 24641114 Grand Hyatt Muscat

Le Pub......................................... 24702311 Al Falaj Hotel

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Azure, MRM .................................26871553

A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes

March 2016