FACES Issue No. 111 by FACES OMAN

Issue 111, April 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

OME in on this special design/décor issue for some inspiring home décor ideas from experts who have taken cues from global trends and imbued it with an element of local milieu for that effective ‘Feel at Home’ look.

Whether you reside in a tiny apartment or a spacious villa, the idea that little design/décor elements can alter the very appearance of your living space is captured in these pages to induce you to consider a change. Be it a new wall colour in your living room, a layered light fitting in the bedroom, a colourful rug in the kitchen or simply a creative mirror in the bath, indulge in some traditional spring spruce up and experience the joys that novelty spreads.

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

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Contact Telephone +968 24498722 Email - Editorial editor@facesoman.com Email - Sales pooja@facesoman.com Website www.facesoman.com

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But if a complete overhaul is on your agenda or you are set to move into a new home, shift the focus on to the residents and incorporate design facets that reflect your personalities. Home is, after all, where the hearth is. Unwinding after a hard day at work, in a space that translates your feelings and creates vibes that are positive and relaxing, is all that matters, whatever be your status in the society. Go on…feel at HOME with FACES!

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April 2016

RIP PRINCE

Rogers th, Prince stery so in dea As in life tomised my Nelson epi to be ry 2014, iew in Janua Much later, unpublished intervsaid, an he was just s’, he’d exact, in in size and ng Stone record g baby,” with ‘Rolli give the he was smallhe was a darlin are get a t always — song. There ever “I didn’ is yet to real cute the best he world death of Prince companies vault that no one’s not she’d said. from the ted it’s the s; grip on the n, the multiorien al vault songs in iew musically are sever music Rogers Nelso He was a 1978 interv nd heard. There . elling ning. In um-s “Arou ed begin vault platin cend very he’d said: just one who trans MTV celebrities good Tribune, legend with Star ht the where many ing away I had a prettyabout. 8, age broug was of I an anyth In as he ed was all realms the time to do genres two the piano on Prince avoid into new don’t want idea what piano lesson and seen alive public eye, followed him generation it from the He was last dropped off at I was a poor ed a I had one ight, but creativity. was he creat ed ns as a kid. the spotl ding teacher when he e. In 1993 and recor chang guitar lesso use when a April 20, everywher sorts when he his home how esota. beca lion of teach me student, Paisley Park,Chanhassen, Minn by a ol as a rebel revolution start trying to to a symb , which refused ponsive I would studio in would be his name found unres tor the next at a er Bros. junky stuff, s. I’d usually eleva He was of music to play against Warn backlog up ber in an own song table d his my mem se accep ende ng I staff but playi to relea . “The only , and read led for it, morning. unding . I can’t steady pace for my name get ridicu ry surro nt with no own thing the way yet. the myste little snippets replaceme was a symbol doing my n in While ity sentation t it.” hasn’t gotte remains, in from my ident on, that is a repre but I doub music. It t. This trickling his death later, abou are will t his ation pronunciati music is the Maybe it of inform what my agues abou work over of me and and colle trace a life that ed nt in my evolv prese friends is ng helpi t. Kim symbol pt that has every coun private life, is a conce it is who I am. It is friend rious on years; it ; note. frustration was myste e’s hairstylist and from my he’d stated in a press ‘The slipping ed ,” Berry, Princ there was no my name soon dubb period Prince that was ls when ol recal The symb ol’ and during this Artist into a room ask unnoticed d. “He would Love Symb referred to as ‘The he just aroun 2000, Who was Prince was Prince’. In is that? e’ Known as me ‘Who lf as ‘Princ … He was Formerly the room ring to himse s after walked in all times.” began referreleased 15 album Phase at watching , ‘HITnRUN again. He Nelson final albumon December 11, Roger that; his 1958, Prince released June 7, Two’, was was born Sinai Hospital “The t 2015. e at Moun As he’d said: every lis to Mattin. lives on. eapo c learn Minn musi in His John Nelso vity is to a jazz Shaw and key to longe c that you can.” been in musi Prince They had aspect of called the Mattie ensemble Trio. SincePrince, she Roger husband ause called her son Skipper “bec her dubbed

April 2016

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.

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Contents FACES Features 16 Cover Story

Interior Design experts talk about global trends and facets of traditional décor, alongside tips and guidelines for new homeowners and those seeking a change in their living spaces

22 In Conversation

Tony Ward, CEO of Allied Real Estate, takes stock of the mall scene in Oman against the backdrop of the new Panorama Mall

24 In The Spotlight

Richard Harrison, an English language author and teacher-trainer, takes a look at the changes that time and technology have wrought on English language

26 Centre Stage -

Muntasir Shaaban Al Farsy’s foray into the world of writing has culminated in a series of three books that celebrate historical facets of Oman Muscat’s prestigious new landmark, Coral Muscat Hotel and Apartments, has been designed to reflect its tagline - ‘you are unique for us’

28 Feast On

Orient, the newly opened Resto and Café in the laidback Al-Athaibah area, is set to change the culinary horizon of the capital

FACES Health 32 Health Check -

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhoea in children and infants worldwide, states Dr. Suja Haneef, Specialist – Paediatrics, Burjeel Medical Centre ‘Don’t Wait, Lose Weight’, with Aster Bariatric Surgery Team

30 Healthy Bites

You can reduce your belly fat by just changing a few habits, states Anu Bahl, Dietician and Clinical Nutritionist

FACES Travel

36 Explore Oman

Marassi Al Jissah, the new water sports facility at Jebel Sifah, is designed to provide an easy catharsis from the daily school/ work/home routine, with an array of exhilarating water sports activities

58 Just Travel

Book into a holiday home at one of the exotic beach or mountain destinations and experience the joys of holidaying on your terms

FACES Style 38 In The Luxe

Home is, literally, where the wealth is...

40 Look Good

With May set to usher in the summer heat, take stock of your hair care with an array of new products

42 Style File -

Celebrate the beauty of life with the exquisite collection of gold and diamond sets from Malabar Gold and Diamonds Nine West’s Spring Summer 2016 collection embodies cross culture styles without borders

FACES Elements

48 Relatively Speaking Gardening may be limited in its scope for those living in apartments, but its potential to boost family bonding transcends space and form

56 Man Date

Having a bachelor pad isn’t just about a room with a bed and the quintessential TV...

46 Take a Spin

When the journey is as important as the destination, it is best to be behind the wheels of Cadillac CTS, which knows just how to turn heads

FACES SPECIAL 50 HOME In...

Get into the mood of the season with exciting new design/décor ideas to up your HOME quotient

FACES Razzmatazz 10 Star Light

As in life so in death, Prince Rogers Nelson epitomised mystery

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

40th anniversary of Chopard’s Happy Diamonds Collection The iconic Chopard Collection – Happy New Spa menu at MRM Good news for spa-goers. Millennium Resort

Mussanah has introduced a new spa menu for its Zayna Spa, which features a wide range of new facial and body treatments. On its list of new treatments is the resort’s signature Volcano Black Moor Mud Back Treatment, which uses a combination of hands-on therapy, hot stones, and rejuvenating techniques to sooth aches and pains. As part of the treatment, guests will be pampered with a Soothing Propolis facial designed to combat tired, sun-damaged skin. Other additions to the Zayna Spa’s menu are soothing post-operative and anti-free radicals facial treatments. The new menu also offers cleansing facials that can be tailored to the needs and wants of customers in addition to the unique Mussanah Sea Detox Wrap. The specially made algae body wrap refreshingly flushes the body of toxins, using natural seaweed to detox the body inside and out.

Diamonds - is turning 40 this year; Happy Diamonds is a unique concept in the jewellery and watchmaking field. Over the years, Happy Diamonds have been interpreted through iconic collections: Happy Sport, the first watch to combine steel and diamonds (1993), Happy Fish (2002), Happy Spirit (2003), Very Chopard (2010) and Happy Hearts (2015) that combines the moving diamonds with the much-cherished hearts. In 2016, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the launch of this concept, Chopard presents new moving elements, featuring an unprecedented innovation in the history of Happy Diamonds: prong setting. Happy Diamonds Collection is available at Khimji’s Watches, the sole representatives of Chopard in Oman.

New York Fries at Oman Avenues Mall The ‘Fry specialist’, New York Fries, has opened its 3rd location at Oman Avenues Mall, to cater to its fans in the capital. New York fries, a Canadian chain based in Toronto, was launched in Oman by the Jawad Sultan Group of companies with territorial rights to expand in the Sultanate of Oman. It was the Afifi Brothers who brought NYF to the Middle East and opened the first NYF store in UAE. Currently, there are more than 180 NYF stores around the globe. NYF offers a variety of toppings and sauces like Mexican Salsa, Spicy-Sweet and Sour Imli, Beef or Chicken Chili, Braised Beef, Butter Chicken and the Signature Poutine. According to Serious Afifi, CEO of NYF in MENA region, “NYF is unique because it serves fries which are hand cut from raw (fresh) potatoes daily in the stores.”

Furla brings unique style to Muscat Fashionistas in Muscat can now experience the creative spirit, refined design and timeless elegance of Italian premium accessories brand Furla, which opened its first boutique in Oman at the Panorama Mall, in association with Swan Enterprises. Described as an innovative interpretation of Italian lifestyle and contemporary brand’s personality, the concept store draws design inspiration from the Furla headquarters, an exquisitely renovated 18th century villa. “Furla is more than a brand, it is a mindset, a symbol of excellence, a unique synthesis of quality and style,” explained H.H. Sayyida Aliya bint Thuwaini Al Said, President & CEO of Swan Enterprises. Coinciding with the opening of the store is the launch of Furla Spring Summer 2016 Lights of Colour Collection, inspired by a light-hearted journey through Italy.

April 2016

Capital Store at The Oceans Mall Connoisseurs of luxury products have a new destination to frequent, following the opening of Capital Store Beauty and Home at The Oceans Mall in Qurum, recently. The Jawad Sultan Group, owners of the famous Capital Store LLC, hosted the grand opening of Capital Store Beauty and Home in the presence of dignitaries and media. Capital Store Beauty offers customers a wide choice of Mont Blanc accessories, sunglasses and prestigious cosmetic brands such as Dior, Guerlain, Clarins and Sisley to name a few. La Coline, a famous Swiss skin care Brand is available only at this Store in Oman. Capital Store Home offers unique range of world-class brands such as Christofle, Baccarat, Versace, Rosenthal, Cristal De Paris, Sambonet and Robbe & Berking, as a rendering for its luxurious gifts and home lifestyle concept.

Meter taxis at the AirportThe long awaited Pizza Hut Big Dipper For a fun new pizza experience, try Pizza meter payment system Hut’s Big Dipper, a rectangular pizza with 24 dipping strips and 4 delicious dips. Designed for dipping, the all-new Big Dipper is a rectangular pizza that is divided into 24 dipping strips, and is served with four delectable new dipping sauces – Fiery Peri, Garlic and Mint, Creamy Ranch, and Chipotle BBQ, making the pizza eating experience interactive and fun. Ideal for a family or group of 5-6 persons, the Big Dipper is available on dine-in, delivery and take-away at most of the Pizza Hut outlets across the Sultanate until 31st May 2016. Customers who are dining-in can order the Big Dipper with their favourite toppings and four dipping sauces. Delivery or take-away customers can order the Big Dipper Pizza with their favourite toppings, four dipping sauces, and a 2.25 litre bottle of Pepsi for just RO6.6 (taxes as applicable).

for airport taxis has become a reality. Oman Airports Management Company launched the new electronic meter payment system for airport taxis, with several company officials taking the first trip to ensure the new system works as required. The installation of these new taximeters is in line with the new strategy of the company, highlighted by the slogan ‘Growing gateways to beauty and opportunity’. Fares will start from RO6, and will increase at the rate of 200Bzs per kilometre, which is comparable to the previous pricing but is more streamlined and transparent. The new pricing is also in line with those put in place in a majority of countries where this type of service is in use. In addition to the standard fees, the airport taxis also offers drop-offs to destinations outside of Muscat. However, these destinations will use a fixed fee system starting from RO15 for a trip to Barka to RO250 for to Salalah.

A’soud Global School Muscat The beginning of the new academic year in September 2016 will witness the opening of A’soud Global School (AGS) Muscat. English Education Management Company (EEMC) has announced that its first school in the Sultanate will admit pupils from Pre-KG to Grade 6 of Oman, when it opens in September. The School will grow to an Upper Prep and Senior School preparing pupils for iGCSE’s and A-Levels in the successive years. Located next to the Seeb Souq in a purpose-built campus, AGS Muscat will educate pupils aged 3-18 years within state-of-the-art facilities including spacious and stimulating classrooms, outdoor multi-games courts, swimming and splash pools, football pitch, indoor multi-purpose sports hall, library, ICT room, music room, art and drama room and laboratories. English Education Management Company is a joint venture between Muscat Overseas Group and Al Najah Education LLC to invest into and manage education institutions in the Sultanate of Oman.

April 2016

RIP PRINCE As in life so in death, Prince Rogers Nelson epitomised mystery

he world is yet to get a grip on the death of Prince Rogers Nelson, the multiplatinum-selling music legend who transcended genres as he brought the MTV generation into new realms of creativity. He was last seen alive on April 20, when he was dropped off at Paisley Park, his home and recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota. He was found unresponsive by a staff member in an elevator the next morning. While the mystery surrounding his death remains, little snippets of information are trickling in from friends and colleagues about his private life, helping trace a life that was mysterious on every count. Kim Berry, Prince’s hairstylist and friend recalls that there was no slipping unnoticed into a room when Prince was around. “He would ask me ‘Who is that? Who just walked in the room… He was watching at all times.” Prince Roger Nelson was born June 7, 1958, at Mount Sinai Hospital in Minneapolis to Mattie Shaw and John Nelson. They had been in a jazz ensemble called the Prince Roger Trio. Since Mattie called her husband Prince, she dubbed her son Skipper “because

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he was small in size and he was just real cute — he was a darling baby,” she’d said. He was musically oriented from the very beginning. In a 1978 interview with Star Tribune, he’d said: “Around the time I was 8, I had a pretty good idea what the piano was all about. I had one piano lesson and two guitar lessons as a kid. I was a poor student, because when a teacher would be trying to teach me how to play junky stuff, I would start playing my own songs. I’d usually get ridiculed for it, but I ended up doing my own thing. I can’t read music. It hasn’t gotten in the way yet. Maybe it will later, but I doubt it.”

Much later, in January 2014, to be exact, in an unpublished interview with ‘Rolling Stones’, he’d said, “I didn’t always give the record companies the best song. There are songs in the vault that no one’s ever heard. There are several vaults; it’s not just one vault. In an age where many celebrities don’t want to do anything away from the public eye, Prince avoided the spotlight, but it followed him everywhere. In 1993 he created a revolution of sorts when he changed his name to a symbol as a rebellion against Warner Bros., which refused to release his backlog of music at a steady pace. “The only acceptable replacement for my name, and my identity was a symbol with no pronunciation, that is a representation of me and what my music is about. This symbol is present in my work over the years; it is a concept that has evolved from my frustration; it is who I am. It is my name,” he’d stated in a press note. The symbol was soon dubbed ‘The Love Symbol’ and during this period Prince was referred to as ‘The Artist Formerly Known as Prince’. In 2000, he began referring to himself as ‘Prince’ again. He released 15 albums after that; his final album, ‘HITnRUN Phase Two’, was released on December 11, 2015. His music lives on. As he’d said: “The key to longevity is to learn every aspect of music that you can.”

Chris Brown was suicidal after beating Rihanna?

Fan sues Kanye West and Jay Z’s Tidal

An upset Kanye West fan has sued the rapper and a company owned by Jay Z for tricking people into subscribing to the music streaming service Tidal. According to him, they fraudulently claimed it was the only way to buy West’s album, ‘The Life of Pablo’. In a lawsuit, Justin Baker-Rhett said he signed up for the $9.99 a month Tidal service after West tweeted in February that ‘Pablo’ would never be sold anywhere else. But this, he claims, was a ploy to add millions of subscribers to a struggling Tidal, which Jay Z controls, and that West released the album on Apple Music and Spotify, and on his own website.

In a new documentary titled ‘Welcome to My Life,’ Chris Brown is offering fans a sneak peek in which he talks openly about the time he punched his girlfriend many times in the face. “I felt like a monster,” he says in the trailer, adding, “I was thinking about suicide and everything else. I wasn’t sleeping, I wasn’t eating...” The documentary, which has been billed as an underdog/redemption story, features stars like Usher, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige and Mike Tyson praising Brown as an artist.

Tracy Morgan performs for medical staff

A grateful Tracy Morgan performed a show near the site of the New Jersey car crash (two years ago), in which he was nearly killed, for an audience that included medical staff who treated him. It was attended by doctors, first responders and nurses who took care of the ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘30 Rock’ cast member at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, after his accident in June 2014. “I will never fully be able to thank the doctors, nurses, first responders and everyone else that got me back on that stage, enough,” said Morgan, who donated proceeds from the sold-out show to the hospital.

Nicki Minaj on Equal Pay Nicki Minaj has always been candid about her opinions and now she is using her spot on the Time 100 list to encourage other women to follow her suit. “One thing I learned along the way in business is the necessity for you to be unapologetic about asking for how much money you deserve,” she said. Nicki wants all women — not just those in the music industry — to ask for the pay they deserve.

Taylor Swift goes Bleach Blond Taylor Swift has traded her sun-kissed blond locks for blinding platinum. Fans were in for a shock earlier this month when she made it to the cover of ‘Vogue’ in her new avatar. The move was so drastic that some fans mistook her for Sia. Taylor, it appears, loves the look, as she planned to keep it on for the Coachella music festival. In an Instagram post, she captioned her picture as ‘BLEACHELLA,’ with a lightening bolt emoji.

April 2016

Tittle

“I am a dyslexic Mexican and English is my second language, however even I do not confuse 7/11 with 9/11.” Salma Hayek mocks Donald Trump for the 9/11 blunder in a tweet.

“Right now I have two. They’re both in white ink on my two middle fingers. The one on my right hand is a full heart to represent an angel and my left is a broken heart — kind of like the devil side.” Kendall Jenner talks about her love for tattoos on her website.

“She’s so much m cooler than I am. She’s very cutting-edge, and sh she knows a lot about fashion, and sh she has her own sense of style, which h is amazing. amazing.” - Reese Witherspoon is opening up about her children n and says that her daughter Ava is way cooler than her.

“Pink and green hair could go away. I don’t understand that to be honest, especially the green!” Jennifer Aniston reveals what hair trend she’d like to go away.

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“Castle has been one of the greatest joys of my creative life, and I hope the show continues on for years to come. Stana has been my partner all this time, and I thank her for creating the character of Beckett... She will be missed.” Nathan Fillion’s releases a statement about his long-time co-star Stana Katic leaving ‘Castle’ for ‘budgetary reasons’.

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Lights, Colours, Accessories: The Art of Home Design

When your living space demands a confluence of lighting elements that reflect your outlook, colours that project your temperament, and furniture and accessories that express your creative orientation, turn to interior designers/decorators to find the right balance

ome is, indeed, where the heart is, but with stress taking the blame for a host of physical and emotional problems, the heart of the matter is in designing living spaces that create an instinctive ‘feel-at-home’ sentiment, one that is boosted by trendy interiors and décor/design elements. In the following feature we present the perspectives of experts in the market, who talk about global trends and the elements of modernisation and facets of traditional décor that are important even today, alongside tips and guidelines for new homeowners and those seeking a change in their living spaces.

April 2016

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spaces

Of and designs Hassan Khamis Al Zedjali, CEO of IDC, shares his knowledge on architectural changes and interior design values that have sustained over time “With modernisation and the emergence of young home owners, the trend in interiors have shifted to more modern designs with open spaces, lighter materials, environmental friendly homes and green buildings, where light and shade and integration of interiors and exteriors are the main criteria,” states Hassan Khamis Al Zedjali, CEO of Image Design Consultants (IDC) LLC. Contrasting these modern houses with the traditional ones, he explains that the traditional designs were inward looking, but were successful, as they completely blended with the local setting, landscape and the environment. “Traditional houses functioned as multi-tasked units. For example, the family lived, ate and entertained, and sometimes slept, in the same space, thus minimising the requirement for large units. Physical communication was limited to the Majlis, which was totally isolated from the

main house. Being compact, these houses provided for all the necessary functions of the family’s daily requirements. The internal terraces (Liwan) provided the family both the space to socialise, as well as the privacy they needed. The houses had ample sunlight, ventilation and, most importantly, security. “Starkly opposite to these are the modern houses, which are outward looking. The shape has been totally changed, spare for the decorative elements. The houses are too large and expensive to construct and maintain; but they are more specialised, as family activities are performed in special spaces within the units. However, the Majlis is still isolated in the modern houses, as Oman, as a whole, is a conservative society,” he explains.

April 2016

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With over 32 years experience in the field of Architecture, Interior Design, City Planning, Urban Design and Project Management, Al Zedjali has witnessed the changes from close quarters. According to him, Oman interior is dominated by fit-out and furniture contractors who provide turn key projects. In the last 16 years, IDC have developed many prestigious landmark projects with Omani Islamic elements that are specific to Oman; they have also designed and supervised many large homes with both traditional and modern interiors.

Oman Architectural and Interior Design

Pcitorial snippets of IDC projects

Remarking that the design and architecture has greatly developed in the last 45 years, Al Zedjali points out that it has even earned international recognition. “There are architectural and interior elements that are very specific to Oman. However, a blend of design elements from GCC and other countries in the region, like Iran and India, in addition to East Africa, has been integrated into Omani architecture and interior design.

April 2016

“Extensive use of locally available material was always the main source for design. For example, in the Batina Region, Saaf and Dana (date palm leave) was traditionally the common materials in house construction, in addition to standard clay houses and sarooj. It is still being used in our designs, but with modern construction methods. Due to the high maintenance of clay, this material is no longer used; sarooj plaster is still being used in many projects, but availability of the material in recent years has been very limited. GRC (GLASS Reinforced Concrete) is another material that is commonly used for external features, in addition to Gypsum for Interiors,” he states.

Design/décor trends in modern homes, as noted by Al Zedjali z Large windows, with semishaded exteriors, normally provide ample lighting, while keeping hot summer heat away from the interiors of a room. However, orientation plays the most important role by which light intensity can be controlled. z Verandas in modern homes have almost disappeared, except in commercial apartments. These now

are replaced with large terraces opening towards gardens, instead. z However, gardens are limited to potting plants that need constant care. Herbs and flowering plants can be grown during the specific seasons, but cactus plants can grow in all seasons and do not need extra attention. z Flexible, durable, lightweight, multi-functional and smart furniture is the way forward for modern furniture. Advancements in technology have led to the introduction of materials that are more durable and can resist wear and tear, in addition to integrated technologies that help create multitask furniture. Commenting that he would like to see more research in construction material to balance the increase in the costs, he states: “With young architects and interior designers being exposed to more modern ideas, I am noticing a slow and steady shift in the industry. Simple functional designs and durable materials that are stable and can be sustained in the local environment, while being cost effective, is the way forward for 2016 and beyond.”

Design innovation is in creating things that are ‘pretty and enjoyable’, she states, adding that the design process is based on the designer’s ability to innovate and skills for fine art.

design

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Picture supplied by MAF+Partners

he modern home is always evolving, states Buthaina AlFarsi, interior designer at MAF + Partners Company for interior design and architecture, pointing out that the design elements, however, are dependent on the space, available materials and the budget. “We design the space according to the requirement of the client and the functionality of the space,” she maintains.

Homes by

Buthaina AlFarsi, interior designer at MAF + Partners Company, talks about design innovations to create spaces that are enjoyable

Having grown in a family of art, Buthaina, who got a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Scientific College of Design, describes interior design as an art to fill in the blanks and spaces inside buildings, which “starts from the division of the spaces - the bathroom, the office or work room, dressing room to furnishing space; choosing a particular style of furniture, colours, lighting, ceiling and floor.” With Omani market gearing up to the changes and trends in the global design market, local interior designers have risen to the challenge by catering to the demands, be it consultation on the use of materials and colours or actual implementation of the work. Often, however, clients set unrealistic budgets or are in a hurry, leading to grave design mistakes, she notes.

Buthaina’s tips and guidelines on interior design/decor For small spaces

Living in a small home can make you creative in a hurry. Organising your space in an efficient way, one that still makes you feel at home, can be quite a challenge. There are several unique furniture pieces that make

April 2016 Picture supplied by MAF+Partners

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living in small spaces more of a joy than a chore. Things like lightweight objects that are easy to move, a decorative item that can turn into a table, furniture that has multiple functions, and storage that is a snap to assemble and disassemble, make it fun to do more with less.

Furniture

Mismatching furniture is going to be the way to go this year; just make sure they are covered

in heavily textured fabrics that give substance to your scheme. The best way to achieve this look is to combine antiques with mid-century and contemporary pieces.

Colours to watch out

Using a mood board will give you a direction for your creativity, somewhere to crystallise your thoughts and a way to share your ideas with others. Colour is a powerful design tool that can make the rooms in your home feel more calm, cheerful,

comfortable or dramatic. Colour makes a tiny room feel larger, or a spacious one feel more intimate, without the time and expense of actually moving walls. The colour mood for a room you choose is really about what you want the room to feel like. If it’s a big room, paint it a brighter warmer colour to bring the walls in. Paint a smaller room a cooler colour to push the walls out. Colour also establishes visual weight and balance. Sometimes, people are scared of colour, especially dark colours. Ultimately, people should really follow their heart: if they love a colour, they should not be afraid to choose it.

Picture supplied by MAF+Partners

Personalising

Homes

“Interior Design is a very personal subject, but to create a good living space, one needs to start with the basics: the location of the property/ room and a sense of space one wants to turn it,” suggests Salim Mohammed Tirmizi, General Manager, Kaiser Studio of Design.Oman is seeing a positive and steady growth in the field of interior design, he notes, pointing out that people are taking it to another level as the realisation of how important doing up personal spaces has kicked in.

April 2016

Pictures supplied by Kaiser - Studio of Design

Interior designers in Oman are striking a balance between Oman’s heritage/ culture, while adapting to latest trends to create personalised spaces

To personalise homes z The place should reflect the personality and tell a story of the surroundings and the ‘story of the person/s’ living in it (not our story as interior designers, but yours), with consideration to the members’ personal history, background, likes, interests and hobbies. z The chosen colours should reflect the moods, not necessarily what is ‘in’. z The exhibit mementos should reveal their dreams and past (or current) experiences. z The displayed artworks should be less about flawless techniques or artistic disciplines, and more about how it reflects inner self and inner world of the members. z Beauty in homes isn’t about perfect symmetry or perfectly matching decorative pillows, but is more about expressing the unique individuality of the members.

To modernise the living spaces z Daring to use glass divider walls in homes could be surprisingly helpful and visually attractive; it works for some, but might not work for all, as many other factors play a role. z Under a wooden ceiling, a sunken living room rich in colourful details warms up the concrete connection to the outdoors. z After choosing the right living room layout, colours, patterns, textures and light make all the difference. Keep it lively with natural wood and bright daylight; add details that speak about life. z Figure out what works best for your lifestyle and practicality. If budget allows, hire a professional interior designer to pull it all together for you and help you achieve what you are looking for.

cover STORY

Picture supplied by Kaiser - Studio of Design

Tips & guidelines from Kaiser-Studio of Design to create a wholesome home:

Home design/decor trends in the market z z z z z z z z z z z z z

Graphic tiles Sectional sofas Reclaimed materials Black window frames Statement light fixtures Stairs as a focal point No formal dining room Minimal design Mismatched materials Mexican Mid-century Modernism Scandinavian flat weaves The industrial look Sisal (strong white fiber made from a tropical plant) and jute

Creative concepts to enhance/ maximise spaces z Tunnel rack & Rack over docks z Light colours enhance the feeling of space, while darker hues tend to close in; lighten up the walls and furnishings z Visually expand the room by using mirrors z Ditch the king-size (or even queen) bed and use space-saving furniture z Keep the window-to-wall ratio high z Utilide the space under the stairs z Replace doors with sliding walls to let the space breathe. z Use glass walls to separate spaces without visually dividing a room. z Create the illusion of vertical space by selecting low-sitting furniture

z Create ‘zones’ that will help keep your life organised in your small room.

Interior design/décor Don’ts

z Don’t stick to a design idea that you saw somewhere that might not be suitable for your space. z Don’t feel that you have to use something in the room just because you got it for free. z Don’t feel that you have to get the matching set. z Don’t Over purchase

A look at 21st Century Advancements in Interior Design z Cabinetry Upgrades z Water Saving Features z Techno-Savvy Hardware z Outdoor Entertaining z Hands Free Faucets z Lighting Fixtures z The I POD Era Footnote: A home is where the heart is - if done up well! It is more than a physical structure of wood or concrete; it is a place where your true self, your inner beauty & soul reflects and expresses.

Interior design/décor do’s

z Do spend time with your potential colours by creating sample poster boards so that you can see what the colour looks like in various parts of the room at different times of day. z Test your fabrics for potential pilling or staining issues and get fabric samples whenever possible. z Do remember that the arms of your furniture can potentially take up crucial circulation space.

April 2016

Panorama

in CONVERSATION

of opportunities Tony Ward, CEO of Allied Real Estate, takes stock of the mall scene in Oman against the backdrop of the new Panorama Mall, as he charts his passion for developing malls and tapping the real estate market

man’s growing shopping culture has ushered in a panorama of customer-centric opportunities, with sprawling new malls taking the shopping experience several notches higher. Newer fashion brands, exotic food outlets, multidimensional entertainment options and a, seemingly, unlimited range of products and services for everyday consumption has set the tone for malls in the country. You can’t change behaviour,

but you

A case in point can make people realise that spending is the new money out of the country is the money Panorama Mall… Located in the that could have helped businesses here prime Baushar area, with easy access to city roads and ample parking space; it has managed to address major complaints of customer frequenting malls. “The two biggest complaints are access/parking and repeat brands. We have made a conscious effort to form a strategy and ensure the convenience factor on both counts,” states Tony Ward, CEO of Allied Real Estate, which has Panorama Mall under its umbrella. not familiar with. But they were positive that people would, over time, open up to the idea While easy access to the main roads was a breeze owing to its prime of patronising newer brands. location in the capital, the focus was on designing a well laid out parking and incorporating newer brands to create better shopping experience. With shopping seen as a national pastime, “It was, however, a double edged sword,” agrees Tony Ward; pointing the onus has been on malls and shopping out that people, generally, are apprehensive about brands that they are outlets to appease the legion of shoppers

April 2016

to suit the climatic conditions and the geographical location of the place. With a background in Asian studies and a MBA, he has travelled to more than 50 countries, ‘more for business than pleasure’, as he puts it. “When I go on business travels, I try to see the culture, eat local food…” he adds as an afterthought, while highlighting his interests in Asian studies, which he describes as a geographical location with a lot of interactivity over the past 10,000 years. Tony Ward, who has been in the retail/ mall development for the last 20 years,

Up Close & Personal With

It’s not fashionable but I like...

A small house in a small village in Indiana, USA. Big family…happy childhood.

Black and white movies from the 40s and 50s.

Travel the world.

The moment that changed me forever...

Asked about his future plans, he says he will continue developing malls, while looking into fashion retail and food and beverage businesses. “I am also investing in international real estate,” he adds.

Tony Ward

The home I grew up in...

When I was a child I wanted to...

arrived in Oman in 2010. He joined Allied Real Estate in 2012 October to develop the Panorama Mall project – from the overall concept of the mall to the positioning. “Basically, what I do is get a piece of property, go through a process to decide what to develop, when to develop, get the management team in place, the operations and basically move on to the next project...” he explains.

My greatest regret...

The times when I lost my temper with people.

My favourite haunt/holiday destination...

Wherever I go, I always find something to like.

My favourite weekend spot in Oman…

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

Home

When I realised that I had the intelligence and an inner drive to succeed.

Late night parties.

Cell phone, earphones for listening to music, my wallet, keys and a sense of adventure.

My curiosity about life and the different cultures in the world.

If I have time to myself...

My greatest inspiration...

My hero…

Both my grandfathers.

If I could change one thing about myself...

Be more patient with people. I dream of...

Owning houses in different countries and living in each one a month at a time.

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

Ha ha ha… An aging man!

in CONVERSATION

seeking that much more from their exercise. “Yes, there are a lot of malls coming in and I am trying to help Omanis realise that they can stay home and shop...not travel to Dubai. I wish all the malls could join together and do a sort of campaign to inspire shopping in Oman. You can’t change behaviour, but you can make people realise that spending money out of the country is the money that could have helped businesses here,” states Tony Ward, who personally patronises Omani products. He believes in the importance of following the local food culture, wherever he is, as the food and the ingredients used are worked

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

I will not leave my house without…

Things I like about Oman…

Geography.

I will just sit and observe people and nature. My house is...

I have several houses; all in different locations and styles.

The gentle nature of Omanis, the scenery and the laidback style. A book that changed me... My 7th grade social studies book where we first studied world cultures. On top of my wish/bucket list is...

Starting my retail/F&B business

My success mantra is...

Integrity/honesty and to give my best effort in all things.

In 10 years› time, I hope to be...

Living in my various houses and collecting rent from each of them and having some self-sustaining retail/F&B businesses.

April 2016

in the SPOTLIGHT

Is Changing…? Blame it on social media or the ever-widening scope of English language, English, as it is spoken and written today, has undergone a metamorphosis of sorts, notes Richard Harrison, an English language author, teacher-trainer and the Director of Canford Publishing, as he takes a look at the changes that time and technology have wrought on the language, on the occasion of the United Nations English Language Day, celebrated earlier this month (April 23)

‘I didn’t know much about Donald Trump so I googled him.’ ‘I unfriended Maria. I didn’t like her posts.’ ‘Why don’t you download the recipe from the Internet?’ We know that all languages change over time, but the speed of change in the English language over recent years is quite remarkable. Twenty years ago, the sentences above would have been incomprehensible, but nowadays the meaning is clear to almost everyone. They are examples of how English vocabulary is changing – and rapidly. But it is not just new words (or new uses of old words like ‘post’) that are making a difference. There are also changes in

April 2016

English syntax, morphology, spelling, and style. So what is going on and what is causing these changes?

Global English

One of the trends that account for this is the rise of English as a global language. English is no longer in the hands of native s p e a k e r s .

Richard Harrison

Worldwide speakers of English as a second language far outnumber native speakers of the language. Filipinos, for example, are more likely to speak in English to Indians or Chinese than to British or American people. This globalisation of English means that words are borrowed from other languages (e.g. pukka, blighty, juggernaut, thug, pundit - from Hindi), and structures are simplified or altered. The language may even splinter into different varieties, such as Indian English.

The electronic revolution

In the last fifty years, a lot of new vocabulary has come into English directly from the world of computers. Examples are: input, download, database, log on, laptop, byte, cursor,

But more important than this has been the effect on style. The new communication channels provided by the electronic revolution, such as texting, chatting and email, have had a marked effect on the language – pushing the written word closer to the spoken word. More dramatically, it has encouraged the breaking of spelling and grammar rules. Have a look at the following, taken from an essay by a 13-year-old Scottish schoolgirl. ‘My smmr hols wr CWOT. B4, We used 2go2 NY 2C my bro, his GF and 3 :-@ kids FTF. ILNY, it’s a gr8 plc.’ (My summer holidays were a complete waste of time. Before, we used to go to New York, to see my brother, his girlfriend and their three screaming kids face to face. I love New York. It’s a great place.) This might be an extreme example, but schools nowadays are fighting this spill-over from texting into mainstream writing.

Political correctness

Political correctness has had a considerable affect on the English language. It is much mocked nowadays; for example, a short person may be called ‘vertically-challenged’ or a bald man, ‘follically challenged’. It began, however, with good

The word

intentions. Originally it was about good manners – not wanting to speak in a hurtful or derogatory way about certain groups of people. Who for example would want to refer to fellow human beings as being ‘sub-normal’? Terms such as ‘learning difficulties’ and ‘educationally challenged’ are much kinder and softer. As a result, a lot of our language, related to race, gender, sexuality, disabilities, etc. is now strongly influenced by political correctness.

Jargon and language fashion

Jargon is the use of fixed expressions (such as ‘blue sky thinking’, ‘hardworking families’) especially related to a particular field. It is mainly noticeable in the language of politics and business. As a good rule of thumb, people use jargon, for one of two reasons: either they wish to hide the truth or, more commonly, they wish to hide the fact they haven’t thought much about the topic. New jargon, (like the slang favoured by young people), tends to come into the

written

Informal emails and texts demonstrate how writing is becoming more like speech. But studies show that changes are taking place across different types of writing – from newspaper articles to business letters to legal documents. Sentences are becoming shorter and more direct, with less use of the passive and subordination. Words of Latin origin such as ‘commence’ and ‘purchase’ are more likely to be replaced by Anglo-Saxon equivalents (e.g.‘begin’, ‘buy’). The emphasis is shifting from elaboration to clarity.

in the SPOTLIGHT

English language quickly, but soon exits as more fashionable expressions come along.

nerd, etc. Old words have also been given new meanings, for example: mouse, cookie, bit, process, spam, worm and virus.

Is English going to the dogs?

Finally, are these rapid changes in English a sign of decay or are they a sign of good health in a language? Is the language of Shakespeare and Chaucer becoming polluted and impoverished by these changes – or is it being enriched my new vocabulary and democratised by the use of a more direct, open style? Both arguments have some merits but one thing is for sure: English will continue to change and to surprise us (Richard Harrison’s recent publications include ‘Keep Writing’, ‘Framework: Academic Writing and Critical Thinking’ and ‘Interface: English for Technical Communication’)

April 2016

Centre STAGE

A Historical

Narrative

Muntasir Shaaban Al Farsy’s foray into the world of writing has culminated in a series of three books that celebrate historical facets of Oman

Shaaban Al Farsy’s

“Call me Monty,” is the friendly greeting from Oman’s new author, Muntasir Shaaban Al Farsy, whose penchant for all things history and a desire to put pen to paper has spawned a set of three books that explore bygone facets of Oman and present nuggets of historical treasures that are both informative and attention grabbing. Titled ‘Sayyid Said The Great’, ‘Happy Platinum Jubilee to the Al Saidiya’ and ‘Al Ka’aba Sweet Al Ka’aba’, the books tackle diverse subjects that are of interest to readers from different walks of life. While the ‘Happy Platinum Jubilee to the Al Saidiya’ traces Oman’s educational growth from the very first ‘Al Saidiya’ school, which was established way back in 1940, the ‘Al Ka’aba Sweet Al Ka’aba’ presents the first house of worship, as the author takes a walk down the memory lane to create an account of the various stages of its growth. History is again the central theme in the ‘Sayyid Said The Great’, as Muntasir charts the historical account of Al Busaidi dynasty of Oman and Zanzibar. It talks about Sayyid Said bin Sultan, the forefather of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. It deals with the period from his accession to his death.

April 2016

“I love history,” quips Muntasir, talking about his pet project – writing. The books, released early this year, is the result of a year’s work, that saw him liaising with his family members and researching through a variety of sources for pellets of information that helped him produce these books and pack it with photographs that provide quick peeks into the themes celebrated in them. “Oman has been the seat of learning ever since the time of Al Yaarub Dynasty ruling in the 16th century,” writes Muntasir, as he traces the growth of educational system in the country, having thoroughly researched various elements of teaching and learning, beginning from ‘Ibtidaa’ to advanced learning, with inputs on the establishment of libraries at Rustaq Fort and Jibreen to the birth of ‘Al Saidiya’ and leading on to the introduction of English schools. Following the launch of the book, Muntasir was awarded a certificate of recognition by Al Saidiya School, in the presence of the Deputy Governor of Muscat. His books have received rave reviews from the local media; it has also elicited interest from institutes and organisations that have Oman’s history and heritage at its core of operations. Writing, apparently, runs in the family; Muntasir, who initiated writing by penning articles and features of local interest, early on, was inspired by his uncle, the late Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Al Farsy, author of the 807-page complete translation of Holy Quran into Swahili language. He credits his books to long chats with his father and his relatives, who had a wealth of information on the subjects that were close to his heart. While there is no denying that his quest to continue writing will see him going places, it is the choice of themes that he picks that rouses interest and curiosity. He is now on the lookout for info on Muttrah Hotel, which he notes is the first hotel in Oman (The book launched at Wadi Commercial Centre, is available at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, The Sultan Centre, WH Smith, Al Batra Bookshop and Beirut Bookstore)

Coral Muscat Hotel & Apartments, owned by Mustafa Sultan Enterprises, was officially inaugurated on April 20, under the patronage of H.H. Sayyid Tarik Bin Shabib Bin Taimur Al Said and in the presence of top dignitaries and prominent businessmen

uscat’s prestigious new landmark, Coral Muscat Hotel and Apartments, a part of HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings, has been designed to reflect its tagline - ‘you are unique for us’. Every feature of the hotel, be its very large and spacious guest rooms, meeting rooms, dining options or the recreational facilities, all have been tastefully done with a very contemporary décor and an eye for detail, to ensure that the guest feels special and unique.

two-bedroom apartments. Warm and welcoming, all spaces are elegantly furnished and well-equipped with modern comforts for both long and short-stay guests, including families. On site are an international all-daydining restaurant ‘Sapphire’, a chillout pool deck and shisha outlet, terrace lounge, meeting venues for small to medium sized conferences, as well as excellent leisure and fitness facilities, such as a fully-equipped gymnasium, aerobics room and swimming pool.

“We have large rooms, with each room having a living room, a bedroom with attached bath as well as the kitchen that is equipped with hot plates, microwave, kettle, toaster, refrigerator and a washing machine. Located in Qurum, we are in the centre of the commercial, business as well as diplomatic district and also have the tourist and shopping places in close proximity to the hotel,” states Taj Eddin Sultan, General Manager of Coral.

The Coral concept

Coral Muscat Hotel & Apartments is part of a shopping arcade and multiplex and features 88 beautifully furnished apartments including 23 one-bedroom apartments, 20 onebedroom deluxe apartments and 45

Coral is conceptualised an apartment hotel, with the focus on ensuring that guests feel at home. “It is a place that reflects elements of home, be it in terms of its style, space or comfort. Coral Muscat hotel and apartments has been conceptualised keeping in mind the corporate guests who look for excellent meeting venues, good Wi-Fi connection and smart dining options. It is also ideal for the families who need space in the rooms to accommodate kids and luggage, and yet have ample space to relax. For guests who visit Muscat on long/ short term projects, the hotel makes an ideal home away from home. We

Centre STAGE

Coral Muscat Hotel & Apartments

are serving a healthy environment being alcohol free; this HMH is the first fully alcohol free chain in the region,” explains Taj Eddin Sultan.

Guest profile

The hotel caters to every segment of travellers who look for convenient and comfortable accommodation while in Muscat. Be it leisure travellers, families or corporate travellers, the hotel is designed to suit the needs for all. It is the ideal for short term as well as medium and long term stays for business/ personal/leisure purposes.

Inaugural offers

“We do have inaugural offers for the guests to avail, which are given on our hotel website, but we always recommend the guests to visit our hotel to have a look at our facilities,” states Taj Eddin Sultan (For more information please call +968 24652888 or visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com/hotel/coral, www.hmhhotelgroup.com/hotel/coral)

April 2016

feast ON

Get ORIENTed to succulent flavours of Oman Orient, the newly opened Resto and Café in the laidback Al-Athaibah area, is set to change the culinary horizon of the capital with its focus on taste that brings out the essence of Oman and the region

project that took over two years to become a reality, owing to the perfectionistic attitude of its patrons, is proving to be an inventive foodie destination for diners seeking that creative twist in décor, menu and presentation. Located in the fast growing Athaibah area (behind Al-Athaibah Mall and Al Meera Hypermarket), the Orient Resto & Café is poised to become one of the biggest landmarks of the capital. Saed Al-Ghafri, Founder and CEO of Orient Resto & Café, is a man driven by passion, which comes out candidly in his lively talk about his pet project Orient. Whether it is the menu, which he describes as a work in progress or the little facets of the interior décor that required several retakes to meet the satisfaction of the owners, the restaurant is a product of painstaking plan that took hours of work for all the pieces to fit in perfectly.

April 2016

Wo rk i n g along with his partners to create an experience that goes beyond eating out in a regular fine dining outlet, he stresses that they did not leave a ny stone unturned, so to say, when it came to perfecting their restaurant, which appears deceptively small from the outside. But once in, the sheer size of the restaurant,

feast ON spread on two levels, with the top floor opening into several sections, is bound to stump firsttimers. “The idea just grew bigger and bigger,” he quips. We were open-jawed when we realised that the little café area at the entrance is just a brief interlude to the sprawling facility on the top. Be it the majlis area with traditional Omani sitting, the closed conference room that is available for institutes or private companies for long meetings, the cosy section with wooden lattice panels or the open setting at the staircase, the restaurant has been designed to reflect a hotel setup. Having opened its doors formally in early March, the restaurant is still in its early stage of growth; it has, however, easily overcome the initial hiccups as is evinced in the easy flow of noontime diners. Talking about the decision to name the restaurant ‘Orient’, Al-Ghafri tells us animatedly that it was a fallout from discussions surrounding the initial plan to call it Sharq, meaning ‘East’. The idea was to highlight the element of Oman and Arabic cuisine in the menu, and, accordingly, ‘Orient’, the popular concept of ‘East’, was zeroed on. Backed by Oman’s celebrity chef Issa

Al Lamki as a consultant, Omani dishes, seafood, Arabic cuisine and café items were incorporated into the menu, which, as Al-Ghafri points out, is a continuous process, involving feedback from diners and regular patrons. “We want to ensure repeat customers,” he notes. And that is what we got, as we savoured a vast array of typical Omani dishes, alongside Arabic fare. Be it the popular lamb shuwa, harees, camel meat dis with rice and skewered beef or traditional soups like prawns paplou (traditional soup) and awal, it was a scrumptious Omani feast in more ways than one. On the table was an arrangement of fresh fruits in a carved watermelon shell, an array of cold

mezzes, a wide platter of grilled seafood as well as a mixed grill, and roast chicken, lamb chops and beef tikkas – not forgetting a colourful spread of desserts, also featuring the popular ‘Um Ali’. Orient’s expansive kitchen, which is divided into different segments to ensur e hygiene and maintain quality of dishes prepared, also dishes out pizzas and pastas, besides café items (the café section of the restaurant is scheduled to open shortly). Plans are on to extend the concept of Orient to include newer experiences with Orient Express outlets at malls and filling stations and Orient Cafés. Interestingly, Al-Ghafri, a strong advocate of zero wastage of food has done away with decorative items on dishes, which, as he rightly points out, is, usually, left uneaten. Besides, any food leftover on the table, following the conclusion of a meal, is packed and handed to the guests, ensuring zero wastage on all counts

April 2016

Healthy BITES

BELLY

You can reduce your belly fat by just changing a few habits, states Anu Bahl, Dietician and Clinical Nutritionist

may have troubled you by mentioning the root causes of belly fat accumulation in the last issue, but the truth is bitter, as they say. Of course, the remedies are not very far away...

Start cooking or fixing your own meals:

With so many cut veggies, cut meats and sprouts available in the market, fixing a decent meal is not difficult. The key is to share your responsibilities with the whole family.

Cut down on serving size:

It’s now a known fact that large serving sizes of fast food joints is the root cause of childhood obesity. When dining at home, keep the plate size small; serve even take away food in regular dinner plates, instead of eating directly from the box. Buy only 2 servings for 4 people, as the rest can be filled with homemade salad or yoghurt.

Have light dinner:

That is easier said then done as the whole family eats together; but let that not be an excuse to eat heavy. Involve the family in making a salad and set the table, so that bonding can happen without consuming heavy meals.

FAT

April 2016

An evening snack between lunch and dinner:

Have a fruit, yoghurt (no sugar), smoothie, milkshake or tea/coffee without sugar, with two digestive biscuits; it will give you a reason to stick to a light dinner.

Stop aerated drinks:

The best gift you can give your body is to keep fizzy drinks out of it. Instead, opt for a cold green tea with orange slices, mint or lemon with a teaspoon of honey. Have a fresh cool carrot juice or flavoured water.

Change the sedentary lifestyle:

It’s possible… Get up to fill a bottle of water; take the stairs for one floor at least; park your car further away from the building...

Reduce physical stress:

A balanced diet and exercise is needed to stay fit. Going on crash diets and extreme fitness regimes can create serious stress, so stick to a workout that fits your routine and body.

continued...

Reduce mental stress:

Listen to music, play your favourite sport, meditate…work stress is here to stay; find out ways to reduce it.

Sleep:

Develop a sleep routine for the entire family, like brushing teeth, washing feet and hands, drawing the curtains, leaving all gadgets half an hour before bedtime. Sleep like a baby for 7 hours.

Rehydrate:

When stressed, drink water; when hungry, drink water; when going for a walk, drink water; before starting meals, drink water…now see how you feel.

Starvation:

Last but not the least, there is difference between starvation and fasting, so fast on fruits, vegetables and, sometimes, milk products, but do not remain hungry. Whatever you eat after starvation will convert to fat and you can see a paunch as a symbol of your remaining hungry. Eat right, live right, and keep belly fat away. To get rid of it forever, try yoga or some form of whole body exercise that does not create stress in body but tones down the body slowly.

Health CHECK

Rotavirus Diarrhea Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhoea in children and infants worldwide, states Dr. Suja Haneef, Specialist – Paediatrics, Burjeel Medical Centre Symptoms and Causative Agent

The virus is shaped like a wheel, hence its name (rota being Latin for ‘wheel’). Several species and subtypes of rotavirus cause disease in humans. The most common symptom of rotavirus infection is watery diarrhoea. It may also cause fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

Transmission

Rotavirus spreads via the fecal-oral route - that is, from the waste of an infected person to the mouth of another individual. This can occur via contamination on hands or objects such as toys. The virus spreads easily among children and can also be passed from children to those with who they are in close contact. A person’s first infection with rotavirus usually causes acute illness, but later infections produce milder symptoms and are often asymptomatic (meaning they cause no visible symptoms). Asymptomatic infections in adults, however, may lead to transmission of the virus to close contacts.

Treatment and Care

No specific treatments exist for rotavirus infections. Rather, they are treated with supportive care, such as oral rehydration, rest, and fever relief.

Complications

In about 1 in 50 cases of rotavirus illness, children develop severe dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting. Hospitalisation is usually necessary in these cases, and children are rehydrated via liquids delivered via nasogastric tube or intravenously. Prompt rehydration therapy usually leads to a positive outcome, but deaths from rotavirus still occur in developed countries and, more commonly, in developing countries.

Dr. Suja Haneef

The rotavirus vaccine is very safe, and it is effective at preventing rotavirus disease. Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. Most babies who get rotavirus vaccine do not have any problems with it. Common Side Effects of Rotavirus Vaccine z Irritability z Mild, temporary diarrhoea or vomiting

Available Vaccines

You can protect against rotavirus disease with safe, effective vaccination. Rotavirus vaccination is recommended for all children, starting at two months of age in a two- or three-dose series spread over many weeks, to be completed by the time the infant is four months old or six months old. (Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. Rotavirus. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/rota.pdf)

April 2016

Health CHECK

Bariatric Surgery ‘Don’t Wait, Lose Weight’, with Aster Bariatric Surgery Team

besity has become a significant national health issue; morbid obesity is closely correlated to serious health conditions that severely undermine the health of obese patients, including heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain etc., in addition to burden of weight, making life a stress every day. It is a frustrating cycle for morbidly obese people who want to shed off the physical and emotional burden they carry every day, but are not able to, because exercise and eating habits seem difficult, if not impossible, to change. However, there is hope for the morbidly obese. “Bariatric surgery, when performed correctly, can help obese patients manage these conditions,” says Dr. Szabolcs I. Papp, Sr. Consultant Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgeon, Aster Al Raffah Hospital, Gubrah. Though life, immediately following the surgery, will not be easy, it will be rewarding and you will begin to notice a significant improvement. Everything you will need to succeed is in one place: pre-surgical counseling, diet and exercise instruction, state-of-the-art surgical and post-surgical facilities, peer support, and resources to help you maintain your healthier lifestyle, confirmed Dr Papp. “Our outcomes, including weight and complication rates, are very good and we attribute our success to the outstanding care of patients before, during and after surgery and adherence to Aster group of hospitals of Excellence guidelines,” he further added. A variety of surgical options are available to patients at our hospital including gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a weight loss procedure, which is usually performed by keyhole surgery and is a permanent non-reversible surgical treatment with very effective results. Patients can lose 60 percent of excess weight in one year with special diet. Patients lose their appetite and, along with limitation in food intake, experience a brilliant weight loss result. Who is the ideal candidate for sleeve gastrectomy? In general, we offer this method for those who are not extremely obese patients, BMI over 55, have mild diabetes with oral anti diabetic treatment, hasn’t reflux and are not sweet eaters.

Dr. Szabolcs I. Papp

Roux Y gastric bypass

This is a weight loss surgical procedure for treatment of morbid obesity; a small stomach pouch (25 cc) is created to limit food intake and a Y–shaped part of small intestine is attached to the pouch which leads to artificial malabsorption of nutrients and thereby reduces the calorie intake. Usually performed as keyhole surgery it is one of the most effective types of bariatric surgical procedure. Patients can lose 70-75 percent of excess weight in one year. Who is the ideal candidate for gastric bypass surgery? It is ideal for patients with very high BMI; sweet eaters - patients with low commitment; patients with instable diabetes; two co-morbidities; and reflux disease. After the surgery, patients spend 3 4 days in hospital, on a special diet, which should be followed for one month.

Mini gastric bypass (loop gastric bypass)

In the first part of this surgery, the stomach is divided and a small tube created from stomach as a pouch. This means a restriction on food intake and a very small amount of food can be taken at any one time. If excess weight is limiting your life, weight loss surgery may be right for you. “Healthy isn’t a goal it’s a way of living and today is the chance to change yourself for the better…just do it,” states Dr. Papp.

April 2016

Healthy TIDINGS

Genes behind ‘Healthy Ageing’

While certain diseases such as heart problems, cancer, dementia and diabetes are more common with age, there are some people who remain remarkably immune to their effects and who are able to stay intellectually sharp and physically robust well into their 80s, 90s and even 100s. Researchers enrolled a group of these people they called the Wellderly: those older than 80 years with no chronic diseases and who did not take any medications for chronic illnesses. The researchers performed in-depth analysis of their DNA and compared their results to those from similarly aged people who did have the typical chronic diseases associated with aging. What did set the Wellderly apart was a set of genes that related to their cognitive function.

Sleep deprivation may lower ‘good’ cholesterol

One more reason to get a good night’s sleep… A new study has found that sleep deprivation may have a negative impact on cholesterol levels. The study found that sleep loss leads to changes in genes that are responsible for regulating cholesterol levels. What is more, two population cohorts reveal that people who experience sleep deprivation may have fewer high-density lipoproteins (HDL) - known as the ‘good’ cholesterol than those who have sufficient sleep. HDL cholesterol is responsible for removing low-density lipoproteins (LDL) - the ‘bad’ cholesterol - from the arteries.

Gender stereotypes may influence perception of babies’ cries

Despite all the gender equality measures, some element of gender stereotyping persists, states a new study, which suggests that stereotyping begins as young as 3 months. Gender stereotyping, according to researchers, can influence the behaviour of parents as soon as a child is born. For example, parents often dress boys or girls differently, or expect them to take part in different activities, which the researchers say can contribute to a child’s gender identity. The team found that adults often incorrectly attributed higher-pitched cries to a baby girl, while cries of a lower pitch were often wrongly attributed to a baby boy. Furthermore, when the adults were told of a baby’s gender, they often made assumptions about the child›s masculinity or femininity based on the pitch of their cries.

April 2016

Sleep, for some reasons, is not easy on the first night in a new place. When sleeping in an unfamiliar setting for the first time, it is likely to take longer to drop off, and the sleep may be broken and unsatisfying. Scientists have, for the first time, discovered why this might be. They found that during the first night of sleep, the left side of the brain was significantly less asleep than the right; the two hemispheres were not asleep in equal amounts, they displayed observably different patterns. One of the primary measures of the FNE (first-night effect) is the length of time an individual takes to get to sleep; this was shown to be dependent on the degree of asymmetry between the hemispheres.

Sit less and lose more fat

Whether at school, work or at home, most of our waking hours are spent sitting down. While this sedentary behaviour may be contributing to obesity and some of the chronic problems associated with excess weight, can the opposite, that is sitting less, help our health? To find out, Danish and Australian researchers went to 19 offices in Denmark, where all office workers have sit-stand desks. They found that people who used the sitstand desks sat about 71 minutes less per day than those who didn’t use them, and walked about 7 percent more. While it’s not likely that getting up from your chair will become a major source of weight loss, the results point to yet another benefit that sitting less may have on health.

healthy TIDINGS

Sleep problems in new place

Dog walking linked to better physical health Walk your dog and improve your health; for dog walking is linked to improved physical health in seniors, and older adults who form strong bonds with their canine pets tend to exercise longer and more often. According to Federal recommendations that adults of all ages should ensure they get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity. Walking is an easy way to reach this target; it is self-paced, requires no equipment and has low impact on the body. In fact, among seniors - those aged 60 and over - it is the most common form of leisure-time physical activity.

4 Ways to tell if you are at a healthy weight +HUH LV KRZ \RX FDQ ÀQG RXW RXW LI \RX DUH DW D KHDOWK\ ZHLJKW

If your belly is home to excess fat, you may be at greater risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Wrap a tape measure around your stomach, just above your hipbones, at about your belly button and check the score. A healthy measurement for women is less than 35 inches. 2. Put two fingers over your pulse - at the wrist or neck - and count the number of beats in one minute. Between 60 and 100 beats is normal. A less active lifestyle can lead to a higher rate because the heart has to work harder. 3. Body fat percentage reveals the amount of excess fat, separate from muscle mass. A healthy range for women is 20 to 32 percent. 4. Basal metabolic rate factors in your height, weight, gender, activity level and age to approximate the number of calories you burn while at rest; you can also use it to estimate how many calories to cut from your diet each day to achieve your weight-loss goal.

April 2016

explore OMAN

Water

World Marassi Al Jissah, the new water sports facility at Jebel Sifah, is designed to provide an easy catharsis from the daily school/work/ home routine, with an array of exhilarating water sports activities

hether you have learnt the ropes of swimming and staying afloat or not, a little gumption and a large dose of exuberance to try out new and exciting things could change the way you unwind and rejuvenate. The newly opened Marassi Al Jissah LLC, at the pristine Jebel Sifah property, is structured to not only create an elemental change in your play zone, but also induce you to try out activities that could bring out the child in you. Like the colourful floatable Water Park, located at the Jebel Sifah Marina… The eye-catching spread of inflatables, with slides, jumps and splash areas, is the first of its kind in the capital, with play options for all age groups. “From age 7 and up,” quips Aimn Al Rahbi, Operations Director of Water Park and Sports, Marassi Al Jissah, pointing out that members of Oman’s Gaelic Football Club had a competition of sorts at the Water Park, recently. While schools make regular bookings for their students to experience the thrills of the Water Park, it is the corporate world that could find a perfect alternative for team based activities within this water world.

For, Marassi Al Jissah, located within the Jebel Sifah complex, is an aqua leisure company for individuals, families, corporate and school, with a firm foothold in the Sultanate’s leisure sector. It caters to a wide segment of visitors and tourists, with a range of team based activities, all designed to create an element of novelty and thrill. A visit to this exciting new landmark could well prove to be a nature tour with the 45-odd minutes drive from Muscat taking you through picturesque hamlets, with grazing goats adding to the quaint feel of old world charm. The long winding roads lead you

April 2016 Photographs: Pushpender Sharma

explore OMAN through mountains and backwaters, to make the destination all the more exciting. Driven to offer enjoyment in a context that develops physical, business and social skills, while fully engaging the participants, Marassi has, in a short span of time, created a perfect platform for everyone to savour the joys pegged, naturally, to the world of water. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our new Water Park is designed to provide a safe, supervised and fun experience. Activities can be designed to achieve skill and team building objectives for a full range of businesses - schools, colleges, universities and companies,â&#x20AC;? notes Aimn, adding that they are equipped to tailor bespoke packages for any groups. What adds to the excitement is the pricing, which has been kept nominal to make it attractive for visitors - the Water Park tickets, per hour, are priced at RO8 for adults and RO6 for children. With the Jebel Sifah hotel proving to be a perfect weekend haunt for residents from the capital, the options of water sports activities and the Water

Park are ideal value additions. It is best to book ahead, especially on weekends, as the place gets the feel of a festival in progress. Interestingly, you could also avail the Sea Taxi facility from Bandar Al Rawdah and Al Mouj Marina to Jebel Sifah for an enhanced experience of the Water Park. If you are inclined to go beyond the Water Park and are seeking a rush of adrenaline, Marassi Al Jissah has a range of activities that include Banana Ride, Dolphin Watching, Donut Ride, Fishing Trips, Hobie Cat (sailing), Kayaking, Pedal Boat, Snorkeling, Water Ski, Wake Board, Windsurfing, Yacht Rental and Sea Taxi service. (For bookings and inquiries contact: 94414438 or 98882822; for Taxi booking 24749111)

April 2016

Treasure House in the LUXE

Home is, literally, where the wealth is, as we take the home route on the ‘expensive’ bandwagon to present some of the most luxurious homes around the world

Ellison Estate

When billionaire Larry Ellison got bit by the home bug, he went all the way with a man-made lake, a bath house, a tea house and a koi pond, creating a complete Japanese-style estate. No wonder he is referred to as ‘the most avid trophy-home buyer’. This former Oracle CEO has modeled his Woodside, California home after a 16th-century Japanese emperor’s palace. The 23-acre estate took nine years to design and build; it was completed in 2004. Price: $200 million

Villa Leopolda

Size matters, especially when the focus is on home. Owned by another billionaire, Lily Safra, this gargantuan of a property is spread across 18 acres of land in the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera, Cote D’Azure, and France. There is no argument over the size, considering that its guesthouse is larger than mansions of most millionaires; it includes an outdoor kitchen, commercial sized green house, and helipad. There are 12 separate houses, all designed to reflect the grand estates that were built in France during the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. Price: $750 million

Four Fairfield Pond

29-bedrooms, a bowling alley, three luxurious swimming pools, a basketball court, 39 bathrooms, squash courts, a 91-foot long dining room, a 100-car garage and tennis courts… Now, that is luxury on all counts! Owned by Ira Rennert of the Renco Group, this is said to be one of the largest buildings in America, occupying as many as 63 acres. Price: $248.5 million

April 2016

Going by the real estate trends, the Hyde Park is, without doubt, an impressive edifice, having witnessed a $1.15 billion dollar investment by Chris Candy of Candy & Candy with design by Rogers Stirk of Harbour + Partners. But what stands out as the most striking facet of this building is the penthouse owned by Rinat Akhmetov. The residence number One, dubbed a superstructure, is several thousand square feet in size; it also has several sizeable bedrooms and bathrooms, and even a pool. Price: $221 million

in the LUXE

One Hyde Park

Kensington Palace Gardens

Said to be the ‘most exclusive address’ in the United Kingdom, the ‘Kensington Palace Gardens’, is a top tourist attraction, thanks to its unique construction and historical significance. This street based house in west central London was the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge; it is currently occupied by senior officials. Price: $140 million

California Hearst Castle

Movie buffs probably need no introduction to this picturesque destination, having been featured in Francis Ford’s blockbuster hit film ‘The Godfather’. This dazzling large building comprises over 90,000sqft and has 27-bedrooms. The Hearst Castle’s blueprint, created by architect Julia Morgan, was built in 1919 on Central Coast of California, US. Price: $191 million

Antilia

In the heart of India’s busy metropolis, Mumbai, is this famous landmark. The 27-storey building, with extra-high ceilings, three helicopter pads, and six underground parking floors, is one of the largest in Mumbai; it is said to be the world’s second most expensive

residential property, after the Buckingham Palace. Owned by businessman Mukesh Ambani, the property has been designed by Chicago-based architects Perkins and Will. Developed on 400,000-square-foot area, it can face the 8-Richter scale earthquake. Price: $1 billion

April 2016

Hair Definition Mist

look GOOD

When curly hair demands extra attention to stay straight after a blowout, you need a ‘hair assistant’ that can help you keep those flyaway strands in place. Davines Definition Mist has the staying power and will also leave your strands feeling light and feathery. Spray it directly or on to your brush for a frizz-free look that doesn’t sap away body and volume from your hair.

Curl Shaping Cream

But if you want your curls and keep it springy all through the day, opt for ‘Cibu Spring Roll Curl Shaping Cream’, which will not let those curls sag or look stretched out. This shaping cream brings out your natural texture while keeping those coils bouncy and hydrated, leaving you with a head of enviable ringlets.

Matte Finishing Mist

This AG Hair Care Dry Wax Matte Finishing Mist is a spray on that will tame frizz, while creating perfectly separated strands. The lightweight mist, made with coconut and castor oils to hydrate and beeswax for texture, smells like a bouquet of flowers. It is spray-on version, which is messfree and doesn’t give your hair that unpleasant crispy feeling.

Hair Care for the Season

With May poised to draw curtains on the long stretch of pleasant weather and make way for the summer heat, take stock of your hair care with an array of new products

The Dry Cleaner

If your dry shampoo is not giving you the desired effect, try this 2-in-1 Shu Uemura Color Lustre Dry Cleaner, which gently cleanses by absorbing grease and impurities from the roots while moisturising the dry lengths. The water-free spray spritzes on clear and does not make your hair look and feel parched. Spray it 8 to 10 inches from root and brush or use fingers to spread it evenly.

Curl Care

Looking for a multipurpose conditioner that you can leave in, rinse out or co-wash (conditioner only washing)? Check out the Bumble and Bumble Curl (Care) Custom Conditioner, which has been described as a 3-in-1 custom conditioner that helps prepare your hair for styling, by

April 2016

LIFESTYLE MANTRA moisturising, detangling and de-frizzing. It also contains UV inhibitors to help protect against the drying effects of the sun.

A Mighty Dryer

With attractive looks and a ‘pick-me-up’ appeal, the Amika Mighty Mini Dryer is your best bet when traveling. This baby styler boasts 1,000 watts of power in a flower-printed package and harnesses tourmaline and ceramic technology to cut drying time by up to 70 percent. The diffusing and concentrating attachments can help create a variety of looks.

Express Treatment Primer

Not all hair treatments are time consuming. This Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Treatment Primer is a multipurpose (nourishing, smoothing, and strengthening mask) cream that helps reduce drying time while leaving your hair feeling nourished and prepped up for a smooth looking blow dry. It is suitable for all hair types and is ideal if you have dry, thick or coarse hair

NAIL TALK By Sophia Raman FACE MAY BE THE INDEX OF YOUR EMOTIONS, BUT IT IS YOUR HANDS, RATHER THE NAILS, WHICH REFLECT YOUR GROOMING SKILLS

nless you make a hand steeple when seated at a table or extend it for a shake, your fingers are, generally, unnoticed by the people you meet. But if you are a regular salon-goer and if manicure is a ‘must’ on your agenda, you would want everyone to see your groomed fingers. Personally, you would have experienced the rush of glow when you open your hands and spread the fingers to admire the perfect set of nails, after the manicure session. For, a perfectly polished (read that as manicured) set of nails does make a woman look and feel beautifully groomed. Of course, there are ways and means to get a manicure done right at home, with online resources vying to halt all your salon visits; but perfection is guaranteed only when experts do the job – which is what I would recommend! Even a slightest error in shaping or filing the nail would mean a long wait for the nail to grow back and give your fingers that glamourous look. But if time is a constraint and salon visit isn’t a priority in the busy home-work-home routine, give your nails some tender loving care of the nail polish kind. Shop for a good quality nail polish remover, a nail cutter, a file and a set of nail polishes before you get down to pamper your fingers. Remove the remains of the previous nail polish with some cotton dabbed in the nail polish remover; trim or file the nails to smoothen all the rough edges, and pick the colour of your choice. Apply it in layers, allowing each layer to dry between coats, to get the desired shade.

April 2016

style FILE 42

All that sparkles… Celebrate the beauty of life with the exquisite Akshaya Tritiya collection of gold and diamond sets from Malabar Gold and Diamonds

April 2016

Malabar Gold and Diamonds’ ‘Mine’ brand offers an exotic an exquisite range of varied diamond jewellery which includes pristine bridal, solitaire and casual jewellery collection, beautifully crafted in yellow and white gold and platinum metal in innovative designs. The ‘Mine’ diamond collection is designed to inspire all jewellery lovers and accentuate the true beauty and essence of a woman.

style FILE

Wander

Woman Lure

Nine West’s Spring Summer 2016 collection embodies cross culture styles without borders

Drawing inspiration from the Wander Woman, encompassing both feminine and athletic style silhouettes, Nine West’s new Spring-Summer Collection re-imagines the modern woman’s life in the city, bringing new meaning to both style and comfort, along with interesting shapes that tell a story.

April 2016

ESQUE IT WITH ALE

JUMPSUITS ARE SPRING’S BEST FRIEND! JUMPSUITS ARE BECOMING A THING, AND I’M VERY HAPPY ABOUT THAT, STATES ALE AL ZADJALI Spring fashion is always fun and people are somewhat more creative (when they are not dressed in garden prints), but my favourite casual trend is coming back Jumpsuits! Maybe it’s because I practically grew up in overalls, or, perhaps, how I always envied field workers and their jumpsuits; but I have always been in love with one-piece articles of clothing. The other day, I was doing a little light shopping online and I decided to browse through the ‘New’ sections, which offers both male and female garments and what I noticed through several stores (Zara, N e t - a Por ter, topshop, H&M and more) is that they have all included statement jumpsuits. Some are very casual and some are a bit more chic, either way they have my support. Another person that confirmed my love for them is model/ actress Cara Delevingne who showed up to the MTV Movie Awards in a custom Balmain jumpsuit that fit her like a glove. She didn’t even have to over accessorise to stand out on the red carpet and snatch a spot on the best-dressed lists! Don’t hesitate to invest in a jumpsuit, know which one will make you comfortable and work better! Ale Al Zadjali is a 22 year-old award-winning fashion designer; he is the brain behind the ‘Esque By Ale’ line of clothing

April 2016

take a SPIN

Driving the Cadillac CTS

When the journey is as important as the destination, it is best to be behind the wheels of Cadillac CTS, which knows just how to turn heads

he white beauty that greeted us at the impressive Cadillac showroom in Ghala had the aura of a winner. Its sleek exterior exuded an unrestrained pride, prodding us to give it an eyeful…which we did. We circled the new Cadillac CTS, taking in its chiselled lines and buoyant front grille. A quick handshake with the sophisticated wheel, the plush interiors, the technological marvels on the display board, and we were off. Driving the 2016 Cadillac CTS on roads that have

April 2016 Photographs: Pushpender Sharma

take a SPIN their own anthem for machines that demand attention, wherever they ply. Described as the best interpretation of Cadillac’s art and science design language, the new CTS ensures a smooth drive, as it reads the road conditions and automatically adjusts to every inch on the road. Its Magnetic Ride Control reads and reacts to the road, up to 1000 times per second, maintaining precise body control and chassis composure for a smooth, seamless ride. The car is designed with one relentless focus – the driver. From its remarkably powerful engines and its driver-oriented cockpit, to a sleek aero-designed exterior, its beauty lies in the details to perfect it for the driver as well as the passengers. The 2016 CTS is all about seamless performance with improved transmission and an upgraded infotainment system. We drove the CTS on the road to Sifah, with nature playing its part in maintaining a luxuriant ambience, in tune with the car’s responsive handling for an exhilarating drive on the winding road. With a choice of driver-selectable modes (Tour or

Sport - for this part of the world; or Snow/Ice), we found it easy to adjust the steering, suspension and transmission calibrations, depending on the road conditions.

Luxurious interiors…

With an interior that revolves around its occupants, the CTS features a choice of interior environments - from available materials like cut-and-sewn interiors, full Semi-Aniline leather seating, exotic woods and carbon fibre. Its 20-way performance front seats with power-adjustable seatback bolsters and manual thigh support provide total comfort for the driver and front passenger. Besides, the Tri-Zone Climate Control allows the driver, the front passenger and rear passengers to independently control their temperature settings. For the busy executive, the CTS has all the right ingredients to enhance comfort and convenience. Like the Adaptive Remote Start, which is designed to give a head start by allowing the engine to be started from up to 90 meters away. The system can also detect the outside temperature and activate the temperature accordingly.

The customisable LCD display with either the Balanced (A) or Enhanced (B) themes – allows the driver to easily view vital information, as well as content like navigation and entertainment in a full-colour, HD cluster. The focus is on ensuring uninterrupted technology, and is, accordingly, furnished with customisable features that make every ride feel tailor-made to individual preference. From the standard Phone Integration technology to Wireless Charging, the CTS is equipped with progressive technology that offers enhanced enjoyment and convenience.

And safety…

The safety cage inside the CTS is constructed using ultra-high-strength steel and incorporates crumple zones to help absorb and manage crash energy, letting you drive with confidence. Available proactive features such as Forward Collision Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert help to detect and alert the driver to avoid potentially dangerous driving scenarios It is all about the enhancing the pleasures of driving…

April 2016

Relatively SPEAKING 48

The family that gardens together… Gardening may be limited in its scope for those living in apartments, but its potential to boost family bonding transcends space and form

hether you dismiss it as far-fetched or embrace it as an ideal family activity, the concept of ‘family-that-gardenstogether-stays-together’ has a tried and tested feel of permanency. The mere act of planning a garden and actually creating one in your balcony or the windowsill has the potential of opening up your avenues for family bonding. But if you are new to the idea of gardening and need a little push to get started, you will find help in the following tips and guidelines:

Trial and error

Planting a seed and watering it is not all that gardening is about. Often, the seed may refuse to sprout or the sapling you got home may demonstrate withdrawal symptoms and wither away. So, begin your gardening venture on a trial and error basis with a small window garden, or, if you are blessed with a backyard, start with a little patch on the ground. Find

April 2016

out how much time and effort you need to put in to coax the plant to grow.

Start small

Whatever be your family size, if you are a novice in the field of gardening, start small. Window boxes or narrow containers that can fit on your windowsill could work into luxurious gardens. You could try recycling your milk/juice containers as planters with the tops cut off.

Garden shopping

Now that you have established your interest for gardening and know how to go about it, have a family meeting to get things started. Let the kids have a say in the placement and choice of plants, and involve them while shopping for the basic gardening tools.

Imperfection is fine

Yes, your garden will add to the décor of your house, but your focus need not be on creating a perfect patch. Weeds are bound to be a part of the backyard garden and

Relatively SPEAKING the vegetable patch may not seem decorative; but the idea is to enjoy the rush of happiness as a family, when the seed you planted sprouts and bears fruit.

them feel like regular gardeners. A little experiment in developing your own compost could also become a part of the gardening venture.

Delegate duty

Planting seeds and watching them grow is an enriching experience for kids, as well as for you. It helps them to learn the processes involved in growing a plant and the ways of caring for the sprouting seeds to ensure a healthy life. Ideally, start the process indoors before you transplant into the garden space.

No matter what the age or ability, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a task for everyone in the garden, even in a flat with the garden restricted to the window or the kitchen balcony. Whether it is watering or ensuring that the sunlight is not direct, each one can play a part in the gardening tasks. If you are lucky and have a backyard, reserve a space for the kids to do their own thing. You could even get some child-sized tools from a local nursery or garden center to make

Start with seeds

Caring

have family meetings to see how you could develop the garden further. Remember, in creating and maintaining a family garden, you are sure to enjoy a long list of character and family-building benefits along the way, not forgetting stress relief and building self-esteem of the family. It could also turn into a creative outlet for all members of the family. And after all is said and done, gardening can easily help establish a strong connect with nature, which is a must for children growing in the fast paced modern world

Once the initial process is done with and the everyday gardening tasks have been delegated,

April 2016

Home SPECIAL

No PLACE like HOME Get into the mood of the season with exciting new design/dĂŠcor ideas to up your HOME quotient

Design Trends for your HOME If renovation or refurbishment is on your agenda for the year, the following tips from design industry experts could provide the right push to get you started

With design trends for the year set on simplicity, serenity and seamlessness, your interior is bound to reflect your need to cut the pace and relax. Colours are calming and are complimented by natural textures and soft shapes while furniture is tailored to your personality.

April 2016

Home SPECIAL

Colours for the season

It is Rose Quartz and Serenity… Pantone, the global authority on colours, has named these two colours for the 2016 edition of its Colour of the Year forecast - pastel pink Rose Quartz and powder blue Serenity. Dusty pinks and pale blues with warm metallic accents are in. Interestingly, use of colours halfway up the wall, while leaving the rest neutral, is also trending this year.

Lighting moods

Layered lighting is all the rage this season. Unseen lighting and white ironwork lights are doing the rounds; when mixed with vintage lighting, they literally light up your living space. You could get the professional industrial look with metallic tabletop designs, barely-there floor lamps and cage-like chandeliers in everything from unrefined textures to glossy metals for a modern take.

Rug it up

Rugs are back and how… It is all about adapting to the new style of rugs that sink into the floorboards, giving a luxurious feel to the room. Follow experts’ advice and opt for silken designs for pure luxury, geometric ones for a bit of pattern play and a touch of colour to enliven your room.

Multifunctional furniture

Although this is not a new concept, the new multifunctional furniture are more about fluidity and less about novelty. While sofa systems can be customised to integrate as many functions as needed, the novelty is in the induction-charging stations that are gradually being integrated into furniture and lighting as standard. Metal furniture is also huge, with configurations ranging from stackable table nests, marble or woodtopped designs.

Big coffee tables

Oversized coffee tables, with the stress on larger the better, is the trendsetter for the year. With side tables and coffee tables taking centre-stage, they are fast turning into statement pieces with an interesting mix of metals, juxtaposed with wood and lacquer.

Floor talk

Forget about coloured tiles and floor designs, the trend this year is on black and white flooring and vintage floor tiles. When mixed with marble, the combination of textures will give an unexpected edge. Design and décor experts are betting on monochrome ruling the trends this year.

Metallic flavour

Rose gold, brass, copper and gold are effective in the bathroom and kitchen space, when paired with raw, natural materials such as marble and wood.

Tailored to perfection

An assortment of material options, including textiles and wood veneer, translucent and back-painted glass, perforated metal and a range of metal and laminate finishes are all in the trend list. Bronze, nickel, rose gold, white wrought iron, and beaten black metal are on the top, with metal furniture continuing to be huge.

Tech touch

Moving away from its impersonal and hard lined approach of the past, technology is showing signs of softening its edges. Like the early domestic technology of the 1950s and 60s, the latest devices are part of the furniture

April 2016

Home SPECIAL

Designs on Technology Computers, televisions, speakers, mobile devices, lighting… technological gizmos can add variety to your interior design

omputer design systems have become an integral part of commercial interior design, making the work of architects and designers much easier and fault free, state experts at Kaiser – Studio of Design. According to them, computerisation has helped them to serve their clients better, saving time, and money. Not only are the drawings more sophisticated, the computers now calculate the cost as they draw, making them near fault-less. Highlighting the importance of modern technology to provide modern homes with various enhancements, Kaiser – Studio of Design lists the following benefits and significance. Computer technology has made it possible for designers to create outstanding and artistic designs through a variety of software…Various 3D design software like Autodesk, 3D Spacer, and Sweet Home 3D make interior designing a lot easier than ever before. With a few clicks of the mouse button, a computer user can turn any conceptualised design into a viewable and navigable model. Though it may sound easy, it requires creativity, design experience, and a lot of talent.

April 2016

Home SPECIAL

Computers

Computers today are designed to perfectly fit the modern home. In fact, one can use these gadgets to enhance their home's interior by placing them at strategic locations in the house. Wireless technology also makes homes look neat and clean, as it lessens the use of cables.

Audio-visual Technology

Entertainment is a must in many modern homes. Thanks to flat screen technology, interior design has become easier; television screens can easily fit in corners and can even be mounted on walls. Likewise with speakers, which can be mounted on various sides of the wall to create a 3D sound effect, or simply placed on top of cabinets or furniture. A whole entertainment set can be installed in the living room to provide entertainment for the family and visitors, or an entire room can be dedicated for entertainment purposes. Entertainment sets can also be used to enhance the interior design of boring bedrooms to make them look more appealing. Aside from the usual home decor, mounted TV screens and speaker sets add additional contrast.

Lighting

Lighting is a very important aspect of interior design. When placed at respective positions, lighting can enhance the appearance of home decor, furniture, art, electronic gadgets, and the like. There are different types of lighting fixtures one can use in modern homes, with dimmer switches

to control the intensity of light that each fixture emits. Lighting can also be switched on and off automatically, or controlled using a remote. With 3D computer technology, designers can experiment with specific types of lighting to determine which lighting combinations work for home

March April (For more info, check Facebook: K Studio of Design; Instagram: @kstudioofdesign)

2016

Advertorial

Home Centre’s 4th Room Makeover Contest

Over the years, Home Centre, the largest home retailer in the Middle East, has transformed the personal living spaces of several deserving customers with its popular Room Makeover competition

n its fourth edition in 2016, the Room Makeover competition successfully refurbished the homes of 15 people across the region and infused new energy into their lives. Home Centre received an overwhelming response of close to 60,000 entries and worked to shortlist a final 14 while carefully factoring in the personality traits of the contestants. The 15th winner was picked via an online voting system created on Home Centre’s Facebook page. An aggregate amount of RO1500 was used to reinvent the living spaces of four winners each in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as well as of two winners each in Oman, Qatar and Kuwait, and one winner in Lebanon. Home Centre’s expert stylists ensured that every winner’s room was transformed as per their personal preferences and needs to reflect their distinctive personalities. Each of the makeovers was completed within a single day and accomplished using Home Centre’s vibrant new collection. The two winners from Oman Fatma Mohammed Al Masoudy and Mohammad Labeb Ihsan – had interesting stories to narrate... Fatma Mohammed Al Masoudy and her husband had bought new furniture from Home Centre after their wedding a few years ago. Since then, the Omani couple left their town of As’Suwaiq to start a family of their own, and have moved thrice in the past three years. Having finally found a place to call home, Fatma wanted to upgrade her bedroom with new furniture from her favourite and

April 2016

Fatma Mohammed Al Masoudy Before

Fatma Mohammed Al Masoudy After

trusted brand, Home Centre. In order to provide Fatma the classic yet slightly modern furniture she desired, Home Centre’s team of stylists furnished her bedroom with the Helen Bedroom Collection, and added select furnishing to elevate the ambience of the room, such as an Angora shaggy rug and Reflections lamps. The team was able to incorporate Fatma’s preferences for the room seamlessly, such as her existing curtains, which were supplemented with a layer of lace curtains to create a glamorous visage.

moved in. He believed that the living room should be an uplifting space, and before leaving home for college, Mohammed wanted to give his parents the perfect gift; a room makeover for the living room, where his family could relax and spend quality time together at the end of the day.

Mohammad Labeb Ihsan has been living in the same house for over a decade with his parents and four siblings, and over time the family had become accustomed to the lacklustre living room décor that had not seen much of an upgrade since they first

The Home Centre team of stylists took on the challenge of creating a warm and inviting space in the large living room, starting off with the Signature sofa, which is easily adaptable to create plenty of seating. The walls were painted in shades of grey and neutral colours, with one wall accentuated with a Berry colour. To complement the modern and sleek design of the room, the stylists chose the Dublin dining table, which helped complete the makeover After Makeover Mohammad Labeb Ihsan

Home SPECIAL

Give your house a facelift To ensure each homemaker gets a wide choice in decoration and protection, Berger Paints has a winner in Weathercoat

hile a fresh paint of coat will always make your house look fresh and pretty, we are limited on the exterior colours that can be used in Oman. But we can make it stand out by using colours that last or don’t dull over time and complement them with attractive colours for the window trims and pillars. Berger Paints offers a wide selection in both. Traditionally, white and light colours were perceived to be safe choices for exteriors as well as interiors. However, as consumers have become more comfortable with colour, are willing to experiment and have a broader spectrum of colours available, the approach is changing. Today, in exteriors, tinted neutrals that play off landscaping are increasingly being used. To ensure, each homemaker gets a wide choice in decoration and protection, Berger Paints has a winner in Weathercoat, the first product in Oman with a 10-year performance promise. Exclusively formulated for the Middle Eastern climate, it provides crack-bridging technology covering hairline crack up to 2mm and DPUR (Dirt Pick Up Resistance) which retain the ‘new’ look of a building for longer as well protects it from harsh natural elements such as the sun, wind and rain. In addition, it guards walls against corrosion, is UV resistant and also has anti-fungal properties. The temperature reduction quality not only keeps the interiors cooler but also saves on energy bills. This paint has been thoroughly tested at labs (Laboratory) in UK for performance and is the result of three years of Research & Development. Available in Weathercoat in colours, Weathercoat

provides a beautiful smooth finish due to high quality weather durable pigments for a full rich colour reinforced with long lasting protection. On the other hand, Weathercoat Flextex comprises of fine, medium and heavy particles. It provides high performance elastomeric water-based coating formulation based on pure and 100 per cent acrylic emulsion, light and weather fast pigments with superior fine quality quartz chips.

malls, hospitals and schools. For those who want to recreate the old world grandeur using present-day technology, Weathercoat Vintage delivers decoration and protection for a classic look. To complete the look, window trims, arches and pillars can be accented by Tuff Metallics that outline and lend crispness to the colour scheme, making your home beautiful inside out.

Weathercoat Selection offers premium spray coating in variety of finishes that are highly durable and low maintenance. For a marblesque finish, there is Weathercoat Stoneshield that is easy to apply and ideal finish for villas, mosques and commercial structures such as hotels, shopping

five variants, each of the product offers the best finishes and protection. Ultra in Silk and Matt

April 2016

man DATE

IT’S GUY THING

Having a bachelor pad isn’t just about a room with a bed and the quintessential TV; it is also about the right accessories to turn it into a perfect den to relax after a hard day at work or hang out with friends on weekends

ant your friends to rave about your bachelor pad? Find out what accessories and decor mantras will help your abode emit masculine vibes…

Art

A piece of art to adorn your wall can change the very façade of your living space. But if budgetary constraints do not allow you to buy an original work, check out the options of creating resonant décor paintings in your neighbourhood or during a vacation abroad. Resonant Decor painting is created by taking the waveform of a sound – it could be your favourite song or a movie line - and printing the final image on a canvas.

Bookshelf

Booklover or not, a small shelf, even a concealed one, could add to the appeal of your bachelor pad. Visit the Let’s Read charity bookshop in Al Qurum complex to initiate your book venture.

Candle

Candles have a way of enhancing the ambience of the space around its glow. You could opt for small votive candles that can be simply arranged on the centre table or a wall mounted stand with attractive candleholders. Pick the scented ones carefully, as you wouldn’t want the home smelling too rose-y or jasmine-y, if you prefer lemon or leather scents.

Chest of drawers

An antique-styled chest of drawers can double up as a showpiece and become the focal point of your living room; it would add to the character of your bachelor pad.

Coffee Table

A coffee table is all about convenience; but how you adorn it is all about your creativity. A serving tray could help you get the perfect impression. When buying a tray, opt for one that is proportionately sized to your chosen surface; the coffee table should border your new tray like a frame and make it look inviting.

Desk

Whether you like to bring work home or not, creating a home office in a corner of your room could make your space multi-functional. It could provide you with your very own space to putter away your free time.

April 2016

man DATE Drapes

Right, drapes are a must to cover your windows; but your focus should be on finding the one that can effectively shield the room from sunlight and add to the look you want to project. Ensure that the colours and designs on it effectively blend with the walls and the furniture.

Game

Game table is your best bet to give your home that typical masculine feel, but if space is at premium, go for electronic games that can snugly fit in your television cabinet.

Lights

Overhead lights or wall fixtures can help create right moods with little alterations in your lighting ensemble. Remember, kitchen needs bright light, but your bedroom requires flattering ones, while living room lighting is all about being functional. Lamps are perfect for bedrooms.

Mat

Your rooms need mats that are simplistic, functional and say something about you. You could pick rugs for the bedroom and the living room, and interesting pebble mats for the bath and the kitchen.

Minimal

It is all about minimalism when it comes to decorating menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room/home. A complete lack of clutter and perfect organisation is what sets the tone. Of course, minimalism is an exception rather than a rule, so go with your heart and design your space to reflect your personality

April 2016

Just TRAVEL

Rent a Holiday Home Want to feel at home this vacation…? Book into a holiday home at one of the exotic beach or mountain destinations and experience the joys of holidaying on your terms

For the uninitiated, a holiday cottage/home or vacation property is accommodation used for holiday vacations. These are, typically, small homes or cottages that could be rented, via agencies, for the duration of the holiday. But how do you go about finding the right holiday home? Depending on your destination, start your search early, as booking during the peak season might prove to be a major issue and the rates may also see a seasonal hike. If you have finalised on the destination and the duration of your stay, online research will provide you with a wealth of options. Check out the rentals, the contracts and the facilities, especially cleaning and maintenance, which should be assured when you rent a property. You definitely wouldn’t want to use any of your holiday time cleaning the home everyday, right…? If that helped, check out some of the exciting holiday home options compiled from Conde Nast Traveller for the year.

Bali: Villa Joglovina

If Indonesia is on your holiday agenda, book this hillside villa now. Described as an epithet of history and geography lesson on Indonesia, the villa can accommodate eight people. You could rent the entire villa for $1138 per night or $286 per room. The villa is designed to provide a feel of a haven with artefacts like wooden totems from Samosir Island, Batak statues from Sumatra, Papuan boat, ornamental combs from Sumba and spinning tops from Borneo, among others. The interiors are contemporary with natural tones and floor-to-ceiling windows. (joglovina.moonfruit.com)

New Mexico: Rancho Alegre

According to Condé Nast Traveller, this is the coolest ranch to rent in New Mexico. Located on top of a gently sloping hill, the 11-bedroom ranch (priced 11,468 per night) overlooks 177

April 2016

Bali: Villa Joglovina

acres of dry and rocky scrubland, against the backdrop of the Ortiz Mountains. The property has been designed to reflect influences of Spanish and Mexican pueblo, as well as a theatrical setup. The house is adorned with priceless Native American garments, from war shirts owned by famous Sioux chiefs to a rare three-bladed tomahawk. (www.casasdesantafe.com)

New Mexico: Rancho Alegre

Just TRAVEL

Greek Islands: Pegasus Estate

One of the rare secrets of the Mediterranean is the Pegasus Estate in Cyclades. It is a seaside villa, which is accessible only by speedboat; it is located in one of the islands of the archipelago of Evia and can accommodate 10 guests. With miles of walking trails; olive, fig and pistachio trees; and long private beaches, the 1,200-acre estate is a destination in itself. A wood-fire oven for outdoor cooking, with daily provisions from the organic farm and seafood from local fishermen, are added attractions. (www.uniquepropertiesandevents. com)

Spain: Can Totxa

Greek Islands: Pegasus Estate

Spain: Can Totxa

Can Totxa, built in the style of a traditional Mallorcan farmhouse, has four bedrooms and is fully staffed, including a hostess, a chef, maids and gardeners, not forgetting the nanny, who not only arranges the airport pickup, but also day time activities and baby sitting. Food is inclusive in the $13,935 for a week at the villa. (www.scottdunn.com)

Italy: Villa Lena

When a rambling estate is transformed into an artful retreat, you get Villa Lena, a haven for like-minded people to connect and recharge. The villa combines an all-inclusive hotel with an artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; retreat spread over 500 hectares of rolling hills and olive grooves. It is designed to reflect open minds and shared imaginations with guests. (www.villa-lena.it)

South Africa: Seagull Cottage

Seagull Cottage, a part of a community of whitewashed houses, surrounded by the soft sage greens of the West Coast National Park, overlooks a tidal lagoon with fine sand beaches, resident flamingos and warm water. The Cottage, which can house 10 guests, is a visual delight, adorned with paintings and mirror clusters on the walls. There are little mosaics that have created details in bathrooms, adding to the laidback effect of the villa. (www.perfecthideaways.co.za)

SItaly: Villa Lena

April 2016 South Africa: Seagull Cottage

Free Wi-Fi connection at The Walk, Al Mouj Muscat

Omantel revenue grows by 4.7percent Oman Telecommunications Company S.A.O.G has revealed its preliminary unaudited financial results for the 1st Quarter ended on 31st March 2016. Group revenue recorded a growth of 4.7 percent to R.O 135.5 million, compared with R.O 129.4 million in the corresponding period of 2015. Cost of Sales increased by 8.4 percent, while Operating Expenses recorded a decrease of 3.5 percent compared to the corresponding period. The Group net profit is RO 34.8 million compared to R.O 34.6 million in 2015, an increase of 0.6 percent. The net profit is propelled by strong domestic performance, which witnessed an impressive revenue growth of 5 percent. The final results will be released after the approval of the Board of Directors meeting on 12th May 2016.

At The Walk in Al Mouj Muscat, customers and visitors can enhance their lifestyle experience with the free Wi-fi service. The free service, provided in partnership with Omantel, is available to the 10,000 daily visitors of The Walk. “Our aim is to make sure every visit to The Walk is a great experience... The Walk’s free Wi-Fi is the latest progression in this development to create great moments for everyone,” said Nasser Al Sheibani, Acting CEO of Al Mouj Muscat. Reiterating similar sentiments, Samy Ahmed Al Ghassany, Omantel’s Chief Operating Officer, said, “In the digital society, Wi-Fi access in urban destinations is becoming an increasing norm around the world and our network in Oman is rapidly growing to cater to this demand.”

My holy tour

www.myholytour. com, launched by Rachna Gulati, Founder and Director of Sai Amartya Tourism Pvt Ltd., is designed to promote religious tourism in India. The website is the blend of content/information of all the religious places in India, with a facility to book travel-related services to that place. It contains information of about 600 religious places. It is a combination of Online and offline booking platform, where pilgrims have the convenience of customising their package. www.myholytour.com provides religious packages all over India, with the motive to promote the religious places and religious tourism in all the states. Through various tie-ups and innovative packages, the company intends to provide world-class experience to the clients, while optimising the cost of travel.

‘Awasr’ participates in COMEX 2016

Awasr, Oman’s first specialised broadband service provider, successfully participated in IT, Telecom and Technology exhibition and conference, COMEX 2016, at the Oman International Exhibition Centre. The company’s participation at the premier ICT event came with great success, reflected by the overwhelming response and remarkable interest, expressed by the exhibition visitors in the services, offers, and interactive activities provided by the company in its first public appearance. The 1 gbps package, which Awasr is exclusively launching soon for the first time in the Omani market, has received special attention, where visitors filled early registration forms for the service.

April 2016

Gulf Muscat United launches iTower

In an exclusive VIP launch and signing ceremony held at the Grand Hyatt Muscat, Gulf Muscat United, a property development and investment company, launched sales for office space in ‘iTower’. Located in the rapidly growing ‘New Downtown’ Bausher area of Muscat, and in close proximity to Muscat Grand Mall, the seven floor iTower is poised to be Oman’s smartest and most energy efficient business hub when completed in early 2018, setting new standards for environmental responsibility. The iconic 17,454sqm development incorporates 71 business offices ranging in size from 42sqm to 1,550sqm, three levels of underground car parking, in addition to an extensive array of restaurants and shops on the ground floor.

Microsoft Imagine Cup Oman 2016

‘Team Mind Code’ in the Innovation category, ‘Team YOLO’ in the World Citizenship category and ‘Team WeOm’ in the Games category were announced winners of Microsoft Imagine Cup Oman 2016, which witnessed the participation of the youngest contestants representing high schools. They will be travelling to Cairo between 27th and 29th May 2016 to represent the Sultanate in the Pan-Arab Semi-Finals 2016. The 7th local round of Microsoft Imagine Cup Oman was organised in a strategic partnership between Microsoft and Omantel, and the support of Information Technology Authority (ITA). Microsoft Imagine Cup aims to inspire students around the world to create innovative solutions that change the way we live, work and play while also growing the skills they need to pursue a future in technology.

Bank Nizwa’s Mobile Banking Truck

Taking Shari’a-compliant banking closer to customers, Bank Nizwa has launched its first ‘branch-on-wheels’ in the Sultanate. Over the next six months, the first-of-its-kind mobile truck by an Islamic bank in Oman will travel the country offering a host of products and services, while raising awareness on the benefits of Islamic banking. The new service was inaugurated during a special ceremony attended by CEO, Dr. Jamil El Jaroudi, as well as members of the Board and Senior Management. With the newly introduced mobile branch, customers will be able to open new accounts, activate debit cards, receive account balances and mini statements, deposit cash and checks, apply for finance solutions, while also receiving consultations on how to lead financially secure lifestyles.

Oman Air’s Service By Design

Oman Air has unveiled Service by Design, a brand-new and innovative inflight dining option for First Class customers. With the slogan ‘Choose your own Chef’, Service by Design enables passengers in Oman Air’s most exclusive cabins to compose their own inflight meals by visiting the airline’s website at www. omanair.com. There they can choose from a delicious range of fine dining menu options to create the perfect inflight meal. Service by Design menus can be selected at any time between making a reservation and 24 hours before departure. An enhanced range of dishes is available on Oman Air’s website. Each is inspired by the vibrant flavours of the Middle East and Oman Air’s international destinations, and is made with the finest of fresh ingredients.

April 2016

Levante: The Maserati of SUVs arrives in Oman

Maserati Levante, the luxury SUV, which made its World Premiere at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, has arrived in Oman. The Levante name was inspired by a warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant, mirroring the character of the first Maserati SUV. It enables the Trident to access the largest luxury segment in the world and contributes to creating of the most complete product line-up in Maserati’s history. The Levante is based on the evolution of the sedan platform, designed exclusively by Maserati. The car chassis has been specifically developed to offer unique on-road drivability and competitive off-road capability, with day-to-day comfort and practicality.

Jaguar Land Rover celebrates Queen Elizabeth’s 90th Birthday

Jaguar Land Rover and Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC, the automotive brand’s official retailer partner in the Sultanate, partnered in the celebrations of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday, organised by the British Embassy. The event was held at the Port Sultan Qaboos on the 19th of April 2016 to coincide with the arrival of the world famous Cunard liner, ‘The Queen Elizabeth’ in Muscat. The event was themed as one of the British street parties, which historically served to commemorate momentous events, such as VE Day at the end of World War II or the Queen’s Jubilees. Millions took part in street parties in 1977 for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. The Range Rover, Range Rover Sport SVR and the Discovery Sport along with the Jaguar XF, XE and the F-TYPE were displayed prominently at the celebrations.

Geely Emgrand GT

Designed by the former Volvo design boss Peter Horbury, after Geely Auto’s parent company bought Volvo in 2010, the Emgrand GT is a shining example of a China-made car that boasts of high production quality and design, a competitive price and worldwide popularity. It is no accident that this car, known as the Geely GC9 in its home market, was named the 2016 China Car of the Year, after beating major international rivals in a tough competition. Launched in Oman in January 2016, the Emgrand GT #SuperSedan is a four-door ‘fastback’ sedan with an aggressive profile, an overall length of 4956mm and wheelbase of 2850mm, giving an elegant and solid stance.

April 2016

GAC launches all-new Mitsubishi Montero Sport

General Automotive Company (GAC), the official distributor of Mitsubishi Vehicles in Oman, has introduced the all-new 2016 Mitsubishi Montero Sport to Oman. The new-generation mid-size SUV, which replaces the former Pajero Sport, has been developed to a ‘Stylish & Comfortable Off-road SUV’ concept. It was launched at an official event held at the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, under the patronage of Masahiko Takahashi, the President of Mitsubishi Motors Middle East and Africa. Presiding over the event were Hani M. Al Zubair, Chairman of the Zubair Automotive Group, together with Mark Tomlinson, Group General Manager of the Zubair Automotive Group, and Manoj Ranade, General Manager of GAC.

Volkswagen Passat Sedans at Das WeltAuto

Affordable prices, trade in facility, Hassle Free Finance and up to 12-month unlimited mileage warranty for all Certified pre-owned Volkswagen buyers… Wattayah Motors ‘Das WeltAuto’ approved pre-owned Volkswagen car division, now has a range of 2014 model year Passat sedans on sale with prices starting from just OMR 5,799. All pre-owned models sold at the dealership, including the new fleet of Volkswagen Passat models, are put through a rigorous testing programme by Volkswagen trained and certified technicians. Only after passing the comprehensive, 132-point check programme does the car make the grade as a Volkswagen approved pre-owned vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz Oman launches ‘SmallRepair’ Service

Mercedes-Benz Oman has launched ‘The Mercedes-Benz Expert Repair’ programme, which includes an innovative new service for minor damages called SmallRepair. Available exclusively to Mercedes-Benz owners, this first-of-its-kind service in the Sultanate will bring the luxury vehicles back to their pristine condition quickly and at affordable costs through a team of SmallRepair specialists, dedicated equipment and approved repair methods. The SmallRepair service covers stone chips, scuffs and plastic repairs, where the damaged area is sanded, painted and finally polished, restoring the color and gloss of the finish to its original brilliance and beauty. Another unique feature in the service is the Paint-less Dent Removal where minor dents on the body panels are removed without having to paint them.

Mazda3 #GameChanger

The award winning Mazda3 #GameChanger is now available at a starting price of RO5333 after a guaranteed cash gift offer from Towell Auto Centre (TAC), sole distributors of Mazda range of vehicles in Oman. The all-new Mazda3 has been an achiever throughout. It features the MZD Connect, the company’s new in-vehicle connectivity concept, and its groundbreaking SKYACTIV Technology offers an unbeatable combination of efficiency and driving performance. The Mazda3 embodies all three elements of Mazda’s DNA: Distinctive Design, Exceptional Functionality, Responsive Handling and Driving Performance. It is available in 1.6 & 2.0 litre four-door sedan and fivedoor hatchback models.

April 2016

Chill Out

Movies

MOVIE REVIEW

Director

Anthony Russo Joe Russo

Cast Chris Evans Robert Downey Jr. Frank Grillo Scarlett Johansson Jeremy Renner Sebastian Stam

Work - Rihanna & Drake

Years Lukas Graham

NO Meghan Trainor

Pillowtalk - Zayn

Panda Desiigner

Cake By The Ocean – DNCE

Me, Myself & I - G-Eazy & Bebe Rexha

Stressed Out - Twenty One Pilots

Love Yourself Justin Bieber & Jaden Smith

April 2016

Captain America: Civil War

10. My House (EP) - Flo Rida

ND I N G

CHART TOPPERS

Divided we fall… The third instalment in the Captain America films, ‘Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War’, finds Steve Rogers leading the newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. But after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability to oversee and direct the team. It is when the government sets up a governing body to oversee the Avengers, that the team splinters into two camps - one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability. The movie feels refreshing, as there isn’t some massive alien entity or evil industrialist or Hydra-guided conspiracy to contend with. It’s the machinations of a small group that culminates in a big, enormous battle with friends fighting friends because of a difference of belief, a shifting of ideals.

Boo

Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget UPCOMING RELEASES

X-Men: Apocalypse

Sophie Turner, Jennifer Lawrence, Olivia Munn, Rose Byrne, Michael Fassbender, Evan Peters Since the dawn of civilisation, Apocalypse was the first and most powerful mutant from Marvel’s X-Men universe, who amassed the powers of many other mutants, becoming immortal and invincible. Upon awakening after thousands of years, he is disillusioned with the world as he finds it and recruits a team of powerful mutants to cleanse mankind and create a new world order, over which he will reign. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, Raven, with the help of Professor X must lead a team of young X-Men to stop their greatest nemesis and save mankind.

BOOK REVIEW The Front Room: Migrant Aesthetics in the Home Author: Michael McMillan This book is a sumptuous array of domestic photographs and oral history telling how Caribbean migrants fashioned their houses in a cold and often unwelcoming Britain in the postwar years. It is interesting to see that in many ways these families were even more traditionally British than their white contemporaries.

Alice Through The Looking Glass

Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Helen Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen, Rhys Ifans Alice Kingsleigh has spent the past few years following in her father’s footsteps and sailing the high seas. Upon her return to London, she comes across a magical looking glass and returns to the fantastical realm of Underland and her friends, including the Mad Hatter. The Hatter has lost his Muchness, so Mirana sends Alice on a quest to borrow the Chronosphere. Returning to the past, she comes across friends – and enemies – at different points in their lives, and embarks on a perilous race to save the Hatter before time runs out.

The Nice Guys

Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling, Matt Bomer, Kim Basinger, Yaya DaCosta, Ty Simpkins The Nice Guys takes place in 1970s Los Angeles, when down-on-his-luck private eye Holland March and hired enforcer Jackson Healy must work together to solve the case of a missing girl and the seemingly unrelated death of a porn star. During their investigation, they uncover a shocking conspiracy that reaches up to the highest circles of power.

Wild Things: The Material Culture of Everyday Life Author: Judy Attfield Attfield was a design historian who followed ordinary domestic objects into the home. She was less concerned with what designers intended when they produced chairs or rugs than how people used their objects and what these objects meant to them. She was particularly interested in how people get attached to the material world around them.

The Fountainhead Author: Ayn Rand The book follows an individualistic young architect, Howard Roark’s battle to practice what the public sees as modern architecture, which he believes to be superior, despite an establishment centered on tradition-worship. How others in the novel relate to Roark demonstrates Rand’s various archetypes of human character, all of which are variants between Roark and the author’s ideal man of independence and integrity.

April 2016

Chill Out

Movies

WEB WORLD

Playing House Wanting to play house and emulate adults is a part of childhoods

Log on to wikihow.com/Play-House and find some quick and easy steps to help your child develop his/her imagination and understand the environment better. Under the title ‘How to Play House’, Wikihow explains: “When children play house, they are exploring what it means to be a mommy and Playing games, whether it is outdoors or indoors, a daddy. Instead of requiring your child to play house in a like the tried and tested ‘Playing House’, may have certain way, equip them create their own rules, stories, and altered its tone and content over the years, but that worlds of make believe.” children want to copy adults in the way conduct The three-part feature, with step-by-step guidelines, shows their everyday activities, is a given. There comes how you could play a proactive role in your child’s play time, a time in most children’s lives when they want to with tips and cues to maximise every play experience. The play their version of house. There is no denying the ‘Community Q&A’ section will even help you address your cuteness factor in such games, but it could turn into doubts and get your questions answered by experts. a learning experience if you, as a parent/guardian, Go on, check it out… also take on a role.

Riddle Time

1 2 3 4 5 66

What kind of cars do cats drive? What do camels use to hide themselves? What do you call a cow that twitches? Why are elephants wrinkled? What is a frog’s favorite year?

April 2016

Riddle Time Answers (March 2016)

. What did the hamburger name his daughter? Answer: Patty!

2 3 4 5

. What kind of egg did the bad chicken lay? Answer: A deviled egg! . Why are frogs so happy? Answer: They eat whatever bugs them . Why did the cookie go to the hospital? Answer: He felt crummy! . Why were the teacher’s eyes crossed? Answer: She couldn’t control her pupils!

Boo

Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget GADGET NOTES HTC 10 is here

Sony’s PS4.5 NEO

If you have been following the grapevine, you would have heard rumours of the emergence of a more powerful PS4. Though Sony has yet to announce an updated PS4, a new tech report has revealed a possible codename for the console, as well as a list of specs and details of what it will be capable of. According to rumours, the new console has received the internal codename ‘NEO’ and will feature a CPU with 8 Jaguar Cores at 2.1 GHz (compared to the original PS4’s 1.6 GHz), an improved GPU and improved RAM.

Good news for HTC fans. HTC 10, packed with Ultrapixels, Hi-Res Audio and a whole lot of customisation features, not forgetting the premium all metal design, is here. According to rumours, the ‘One’ may have been dropped and the design changes may not be as radical as everyone thought it would, but there’s still a lot to experience, note techies. Expected to be out in May, the new set is designed to give a cleaner finish on the 2.5D glass, which adorns the 10. Besides, two capacitive keys flank a central home key that doubles as a fingerprint scanner. And, for those who like a bit of colour, the HTC 10 is available in Topaz Gold, Carbon Grey, Camellia Red and Glacier Silver.

Razer’s magnetic lapboard

Gamers don’t need to move out of their living room. Razer has come up with the perfect solution for regular gamers with the Turret, a completely wireless lapboard. The Razer Turret is one long, board-shaped peripheral that combines a fullsized chicklet keyboard that can be used on the lap while rolling around a precision gaming mouse on the integrated mousepad. Unlike other lapboard solutions, Razer has integrated a magnetic mouse pad, which ensures the mouse never slips off even during intense, keyboard strumming game sessions.

Smart Mattress alerts when used by a stranger Smarttress, a mattress intended to alert the owner, has incorporated an array of 24 ultrasonic sensors and a finely tuned ‘algoritmo’ that reads the frequency and intensity of bouncing on its surface. When certain telltale signs are detected, a battery-powered communication module alerts the owner’s smartphone. The owner must then race home and deal with the intruder, as this version of the mattress does not incorporate any remotely deployable ejection devices or other automated deterrents.

Bites

woman called an airline customer-service desk asking if she could take her dog on board. “Sure,” said the airline representative, “as long as you provide your own kennel.” She further explained that the kennel needed to be large

enough for the dog to stand up, sit down, turn around, and roll over. The customer was flummoxed: “I’ll never be able to teach him all of that by tomorrow!”

hen a zoo’s gorilla died, the zookeeper hired an actor to don a costume and act like an ape

until the zoo could get another one. In the cage, the actor mad faces, swung around, and drew a huge crowd. He then crawled across a partition and atop the lion’s cage, infuriating the animal. But the actor stayed in character…that is, until he lost his grip and fell into the lion’s cage. Terrified, the actor shouted, “Help! Help me!” Too late... The lion pounced, opened its massive jaws, and whispered, “Shut up! Do you want to get us both fired!”

April 2016

Chill Out May 2016

Movies

FUTURESCOPE

TAURUS

(April 19 – May 20) Good news for Taureans... The first part of May is filled with positive energy, ideas and motivation. Your confidence will get a boost, and you will feel able to tackle things in terms of new initiative and projects. You will tend to get quite a bit done after May 22, as you are inspired and more interested than usual, and your pace is really quick. Do take care not to overdo things and curb any tendency to exaggerate or promise more than you can deliver.

ARIES

Life is bound to be less hectic in May and the changes it brings will be more easy to manage and far more enjoyable. This is still a time when work done and opportunities created need to be capitalised on, but you will begin to see fruits to your labours and reward in terms of profit and appreciation will role in.

GEMINI

You will notice that your responses are lightning-quick this May 2016. You are able to react fast to new information, pick up new skills and are highly observant. You are also highly strung and may jump to conclusions at times or react in a snappy, irritable manner. You really want to get things done, and patience is not your strong point.

CANCER

Relationships are in focus this month, and this is a great time for building bridges and creating new alliances. You should improve communication in all your every day and intimate relationships. Remember, sometimes communicating about the smaller things can actually

Chris Brown

make understanding the bigger issues easier, so do not underestimate the power of small talk.

be many social engagements, and this will put you in a fun-loving, carefree frame of mind.

LEO

SAGITTARIUS

VIRGO

CAPRICORN

May is a tricky month, especially with friends. There can be misunderstandings and crossed wires that can cause upsets and confusions. It is best to get to the heart of the matter quickly. Friends and peers may disappoint in May, but you should see it as a fact of life rather than a personal affront. There is a lot of nervous tension; you are irritable and find delays very frustrating. It can be hard to avoid being rubbed up the wrong way by people, more so in the way they choose to communicate. Choose your words carefully and delay decisions if you can, as you may make an inappropriate choice in haste. Be careful of what you commit to by email or social media...

LIBRA

This is a month of verbal and mental battles; you will have to fight hard to win acceptance for your ideas and plans, convincing people will not be easy. Your patience is at a premium and your fuse is short, especially mid-month. You will tend to blow up and lose your temper quite quickly. This is a good month for standing up for yourself.

SCORPIO

You are in a creative and innovative mood, but events may challenge you to defend your views and move with the times. This is not a month for self-discipline, and so if you are on a diet or training for something, make allowances. There will

(May 5, 1989) Born Christopher Maurice Brown, he grew up in an abusive household, where he listened to Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. He later moved to New York City, where he recorded nearly fifty songs in six months. His self-titled album debut went on to make double Platinum, and his single ‘Run It!’ was ranked at #1 on the U.S. charts in 2004. His 2011 album F.A.M.E. sold 270,000 copies in the week of its release, and hit #1 on the U.S. Billboard.

April 2016

May is the time to make an impression on others; it is also a very good time to make new starts or to change direction. Your health and vitality are good. This is a very positive month for those who need to make public appearances: you may have to give a talk, do an interview, a presentation or a performance… It is best not to make major decisions or instigate any important discussions now, as you are just not in tune. Keep things and plans simple. You may feel as if you have less energy in May; so do not plan anything that is highly taxing or physically strenuous. Make time to relax and participate in an activity that gives back to you.

AQUARIUS

If you feel there is a need to get to the bottom of things, do it this month. Dealing with people may be harder than usual as you do not have that element of trust, and thus you are holding back. Do not be afraid to stand apart from the crowd this May; it may, in fact, be the best way to go. One way or another you will be at the center stage in May.

PISCES

You are highly influenced by the undercurrents within your home, and if there is a negative atmosphere, it is best for you to get away from that, as other people’s negative emotions are especially toxic for you. You have a feeling of being invaded right now, and you need to withdraw to a place where you can gain some balance and get your head cleared.

Boo

Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget

WEIRD NEWS Folding gun that looks like a smartphone

A double-barreled handgun that folds up to look like a smartphone is worrying police officers. Developed by Minnesota startup, Ideal Conceal, the pistol folds into a palm-sized square. The gun can be safely carried in a purse or clipped to a person’s side, the company added. However, the gun’s resemblance to a smartphone is making police officers nervous. The gun, which has two bullets loaded into two barrels, is a .380-caliber derringer that uses a hammerless firing system.

H-E-L-P

An Arizona woman and her dog, stranded in the White Mountains for nine days, were rescued thanks to her resourcefulness. 72-year old Ann Rodgers spelled out the word ‘HELP’ on a canyon floor. Rescue workers circling the area in a helicopter spotted the message. They found her standing near a signal fire; she also left a handwritten note under one of the rocks explaining her predicament. Rodgers had been driving from Tucson to Phoenix to visit her grandchildren, but got lost and ran out of gas.

World’s heaviest teen walks after weight loss

A 17-year-old boy, who once weighed more than 1,000 pounds, has walked for the first time in his teenage life. Khaled Mohsen Al Shaeri, of Saudi Arabia, lost 700 pounds (about half of his weight) since being on an intensive hospital fitness routine. In 2013, he weighed 1,345 pounds when he was taken by medical helicopter to King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh, the capital of Saudia Arabia, for treatment. Following the treatment, Khaled was shown walking with the help of a walker in a video.

History of Interior Design From cavemen to modern men, people across the ages have indulged in activities meant to adorn their abodes z

z z

Escaped Texas inmate found hiding in dishwasher

Historical evidence shows that cave, man’s early shelter, was decorated with drawings of plants, animals and human forms. Tribal cultures made huts with mud, branches and animal skins. Egyptians decorated huts with simple furniture, animal skins, sculptures and painted vases. Both Romans and Greeks used vases, mosaic floors and wall paintings to beautify interior spaces. Gothic style is best known for figurative decoration and murals on walls. The Byzantine style was noted for its ornamental domes and lavish decorations. During Renaissance in Italy, walls glowed with colour, tapestries and velvets; furniture was elaborately carved. The Baroque period saw the use of exaggerated details to produce drama; rooms were rich with chandeliers and mirrors. Industrial Revolution opened up interior design to the common man.

A Texas county jail inmate who escaped custody while receiving treatment in a hospital (for a swollen hand) was found in the dishwasher of his girlfriend’s apartment in boxer shorts and wearing handcuffs with the chain severed. The inmate, Wesley Evans, 20, was captured and was taken back into custody after an escape that lasted about 24 hours. He is expected to face charges for the escape attempt. Evans was jailed on charges of aggravated robbery, auto theft and arson.

April 2016

Airlines

SEARCHING

Airlines Emergency Cinema Beauty

Oman on your ÀQJHUWLSV

Airlines Flight information ....................... 24519456 Aeroflot ....................................... 24704455 Ahlan Lounge ............................. 24519088 Air Arabia ................................... 24700828 Air France ................................... 24562153 Air India...................................... 24762111 Air Maldives ............................... 24566046 Air New Zealand ......................... 24700326 Bangladesh Airlines.................... 24701128 British Airways............................ 24568777 Cathay Pacific ............................. 24789818 Continental Airlines.................... 24816565 Egypt Air .................................... 24794113 Emirates Airlines ........................ 24404444 Ethiopia Airlines ......................... 24660314 Gulf Air .......................24703222, 80072424 Iran Aseman ............................... 24660313 Japan Airlines ............................. 24704455 Jet Airways ..................24787248/24787246 Kenya Airways ............................ 24660317 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines ........... 24566737 Kuwait Airways ........................... 24701262 Lufthansa..................................... 24796692 Malaysian Airlines ...................... 24560796 Middle East Airlines ................... 24796680 Oman Air .................................... 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines................... .................................................... 24792471 Qatar Airways ............................ 24771900 Qantas ........................................ 24559941 Royal Jordanian ........................... 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines ................ 24789485 Shaheen Air International ........... 24817021 Singapore Airlines ...................... 24791233 Sri Lankan Airlines ..................... 24784545 Swiss International Air Lines ...... 24796692 Syrian Airlines ............................ 24797567 Thai Airways ............................... 24705934 Turkish Airways ................ 24703033/ 2778

April 2016

Emergency Hospitals

Al Nahdha Hospital ..................... 24837800 Khoula Hospital........................... 24560455 Muscat Private Hospital .............. 24583600 Royal Hospital ............................. 24599000 Al Raffah Hospital .................. 98294371/70 KIMS Oman Hospital ................... 24760100 Burjeel Medical Centre .............. 22085252

Electricity

Muscat / Muttrah ........................ 24714300 Ruwi ............................................ 24701821 Salalah ........................................ 23219188

Water

General Enquiries ..............................1442 Muttrah ...................................... 24795775 Salalah ....................................... 23290222

Cinema

City Cinema Ruwi ................. 2456 7664/68 City Cinema Al Shatti ........... 2456 7664/68 City Cinema MGM................ 2456 7664/68 City Cinema Sohar ............... 2456 7664/68 Star Cinema ................................ 24791641 Markaz Al Bahja .......................... 24540855 VOX Cinemas - MCC...................22344444

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

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 Future Health Club .........................24600030 Grand Hyatt Club Olympus ...........24641234 Golden Tulip ....................................24510300 Hammer Gym .................................24483399 Horizon Fitness Center ..................24571337 InterContinental Muscat ...............24680000 Muscat Holiday Inn ........................24487123 Samaa Health Club .........................24694892 Qurum Beach Resort Hotel ...........24605945 Crowne Plaza Salalah .....................23235333 Hilton Salalah ..................................23211234 Sohar Beach Resort.........................26841111 Sky Club, Park Inn ..........................24507888 GYM, MRM .....................................26871555

Health Clubs Hotel & Hotel Apartments

Musandam

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

April 2016

Sports Basketball

Oman Basketball Association .... 24796780

Boating

SEARCHING

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

April 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

SEARCHING

Travel & Tour Operators

April 2016

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

April 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

April 2016

Far Eastern

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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

April 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 ............................ 91000603 Wadi Kabir 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

April 2016

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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

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

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

Nando’s ....................................... 24561818 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 2016

Sultanah ...................................... 24776666 Al Husn Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah 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

April 2016