FACES Issue No. 122 by FACES OMAN

Issue 122, March 2017

Family Attitude Class Entertainment Success

s women around the globe championed the ‘Be Bold For Change’ theme outlined for 2017 International Women’s Day, FACES set the stage to pay tribute to the spirit of empowerment that women in the country have enjoyed since Renaissance. Going off-the-beaten-track, FACES opened the platform for men who have made a mark in the society, to celebrate the women in their lives with tributes that cherish their influence, directly or otherwise.

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

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Art Director / Pushpender K. Sharma

While it is common to heap praise on women who have demonstrated their potentials in the social and business platforms and made I it big in the so-called men’s world, FACES sought to throw the spotlight on women who are inspirational in all that they do, without actually donning the managerial cap... We urged men to celebrate women in their lives - mother, wife, sister, friend, aunt – whether they had a direct influence in their life or not. The idea was to get them to talk about the women who matter in their lives and the role they have played. We hope what our panellists had to say is a representation of the perspectives of most men in the society. Travelons ti destinoam Our ‘In Conversation’ section features H.E. Barbara en for w Joziasse, Ambassador of Netherlands, who has a confidence building message for all women – ‘Just believe in yourself’! Our Special pages take the feminism route to highlight the changing paradigms of the concept, alongside a checklist of ideas to make mother’s feel special. There is more in other sections…

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March 2017

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March 2017

Copyright 2017 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.

FACES Features 14 Cover Story

Come along and march in tune to the drumroll accompanying the International Women’s Day chant, ‘#BeBoldForChange’, as we dedicate this issue to women and pay tribute to the bold and beautiful spirit of women

38 Just Travel

Check out the women-friendly destinations that have won the vote of confidence of frequent travellers from around the world

FACES Style

20 In Conversation

34 In The Luxe Do not wait for Mother’s Day to make your

22 In The Spotlight

40 Look Good

Presenting H.E. Barbara Joziasse, Ambassador of the Netherlands

International Volunteers, an organisation carved by individuals dedicated to help and care the less privileged around the world, is creating opportunities for young Omanis to realise the true essence of volunteering

24 Centre Stage -

Oman in my Soul, featuring Italian artist Lucia Oliva Swahili Language School

26 Feast On

Al Manjur restaurant at The Cave, in its revamped avatar, has all the right ingredients to make it a landmark destination for lovers of authentic Omani cuisine

FACES Health 30 Health Check

Sultan Qaboos University’s Department of Food Science and Nutrition organised a workshop to highlight the increase in dietary related chronic diseases, including cancer

FACES Travel

36 Explore Oman

The lure of desert, specifically The Empty Quarter, continues to capture the imaginations of explorers and adventures from across the globe, with the renowned French explorer, Gauthier Toulemonde, joining the fray early this month

mama feel special; go on, ‘break the bank’, if you must, and make her feel pampered Does the booming beauty industry have any cosmeceutical anti-aging product that can effectively halt signs of aging?

42 Style File

MANGO’s April campaign, ‘A Story of Uniqueness’, is a story of diversity and uniqueness defined by personality and talent - not age, not gender, not appearances or prejudices

FACES Elements 54 At Home

Is your home safe for all members of the family?

56 Relatively Speaking After all is said and done, a family requires that alone time, away from the all too familiar settings, to explore and enjoy the benefits of shared experiences that a holiday could guarantee

58 Man Date

Stress may be a universal bane, but men are more prone to get affected by it, at times critically

FACES SPECIAL 46 Women’s Special

As March slowly trundles into April and all the hoo-ha surrounding International Woman’s Day and Arabic Mother’s Day dies down, until the next year, FACES captures the essence of the month and does its bit to spread the cheer to other months with pages celebrating womanhood in all its glory

FACES Razzmatazz 10 Star Light

Emma Watson is a paragon of beauty, wit and all things feminism

12 Razzle Dazzle Latest celebrity gossip from the world of Hollywood

13 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

GET HOME SAFE

HANDS ON THE WHEEL EYES ON THE ROAD Safe MIND ON DRIVING

Batiste launched in the Middle East Great looking hair has become easy to acquire with the launch of Batiste™ in the Middle East. Joining forces with AREEN Middle East, Batiste unveiled five variants of its dry shampoo fragrance range: Blush, Original, Oriental, Cherry and Floral. Described as world’s number one dry shampoo, Batiste is currently one of the fastest growing shampoo brands in the UK and in the world. At the heart of all Batiste™ Dry Shampoos is an i n n ova t ive starch based ‘no water needed’ formulation which helps absorb dirt, grease and product build up when massaged through dry hair. Designed for a busy lifestyle, it helps refresh hair in 1 minute, without water, in three easy steps: spray into roots, massage into hair, and brush to style. The Batiste Dry Shampoo range will be available in all major retail outlets across Oman.

Oman Air welcomes new Boeing B737-800 to its fleet Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has announced the addition of a new Boeing B737-800 aircraft to its fleet. This new aircraft will be used on short and medium haul routes and has a capacity of 162 seats, with 12 Business class seats of seat pitch 46 inches and 150 Economy class seats with seat pitch 30 inches. Each seat is equipped with an LCD screen, back-mounted 10.6 inches. The aircraft’s inaugural flight departed Seattle on 13 March and arrived to Muscat on 15 March. With the addition of the new Boeing 737 – 800, Oman Air’s fleet stands at 51. Currently Oman Air’s fleet consists of five Boeing 787 Dreamliners, six Airbus 330300s, four Airbus 330-200s, five Boeing 737-900s, 26 Boeing 737-800, one Boeing 737-700 and four Embraer 175s.

March 2017

‘Al Samt’ at Gallery Sarah A group exhibition featuring Omani female artists Halima Al Balushi, Maryam Al Wahaibi, Tahirah Fida, Dr. Shamsa Al Harthy, Noora Al Zadjali, Samar al-Kaabi, and Jamila Al Zadjali, is on at Gallery Sarah, Bait Zubair museum, until April 13. This annual exhibition, which was opened on March 15, aims to commemorate Women’s International Day and Mother’s Day in the Sultanate. On display are a wide variety of extraordinary artworks and different experiences of Art techniques, all of which takes a circular shape to symbolise ‘Al Samt’, meaning ‘silvery circular disk’. It is a part of the traditional Omani necklaces worn by women. It is engraved with symbols and beautiful inscriptions of mostly circles and triangles.

Pizza Hut’s all-in-one-box promotion It is all-in-one at Pizza Hut. The new all-in-one promotion combines the best of what Pizza Hut has to offer and includes a centerpiece pizza, garlic breads, pasta and dips – all for a price of RO 6 (excluding taxes and delivery charges). During the promotion, which runs until 25th May, customers can take their pick from a lip-smacking menu of Pizza Hut offerings to fill a specially designed box that can be shared with family and friends. Standard with every box is a Medium Sicilian Pan Pizza with topping of choice, accompanied by cheese-topped Garlic Bread (four pieces). Pasta comes in two options: Cheesy Fussilli Bolognese Pasta or Chicken Alfredo Baked Pasta. For dips, the choice is a toss-up between Ranch or Peri Peri.

Fun Block at Al Muzn Mall Active learning for children is at the heart of Fun Block, a part of the entertainment portfolio of Landmark Leisure, which is all set to arrive at the newly opened Al Muzn Mall, Muscat. It was announced at a press conference during the soft opening of Al Muzn Mall. Fun Block is designed to create an environment that is stimulating and challenging for the children as they move from climbing frames, interactive elements, crawl tunnels, padded obstacles, rope bridges, ball pools and slides. With over 100 activities to choose from, children can play inside a colourful playground that enhances their physical skills and encourages them to enjoy exercise. Fun Block offers kids aged between 3-10 years a wide variety of activities dedicated to growth and development.

Two SIMs and two social messaging accounts Oman residents can now run a separate WhatsApp account for each number on their Alcatel Android phone. Alcatel, a mobile device brand of TCL Communication, is introducing the option for smartphone users in Oman. The new app cloning functionality, available on selected Alcatel dual-SIM smartphones running Android Marshmallow, means that users no longer need to carry two devices or sign in and out of accounts if they have two WhatsApp accounts for different numbers. In addition to WhatsApp, the app cloning feature supports many of smartphone usersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; favourite social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and Twitter.

Starbucks launches Trio Macchiato Starbucks devotees have three new reasons to frequent the store. Marking the start of the spring season, Starbucks launches its Trio Macchiato - a new Maple Macchiato, Date Macchiato and the Caramel Macchiato. The Maple Macchiato is a new beverage ideal for those who love rich and sweet flavours. Customers will relish the strong sweet vanilla notes with a maple syrup drizzle, finished with foam and milk. Date Macchiato is a new addition to Starbucks, combining freshly steamed milk with vanilla flavoured syrup marked with espresso, and topped with date drizzle. Caramel Macchiato, a trademark for Starbucks, is created with fresh steamed milk, vanilla flavour, and a dose of Starbucks espresso with velvety texture and rich caramel finish.

March 2017

Emma:

Beauty & the Feminist Emma Watson is a paragon of beauty, wit and all things feminism

s the world celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, Emma Watson hit the streets of New York City to honour the day by hiding feminist books throughout New York City. With the objective of celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women through the power of literature, Emma, in partnership with ‘Book Fairies’, visited various historic sights and planted the books, becoming a ‘Ninja book fairy’. On her Twitter account that day, she wrote: ‘Today I’m a red-striking ninja book-fairy out to spread some wise women’s words.’ She left handwritten notes in every book; she wished the finder a Happy International Women’s Day with a message to carry on the random act of kindness. She wrote: ‘Congratulations on finding one! I hope you enjoy this book and I’d encourage you, when finished, to leave it somewhere for the next person to find.’ Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson, best known for her role as Hermoine Granger in the Harry Potter film series, is earning global goodwill and reputation as an activist. The 26-year old (born 15 April 1990) British actress has, in recent times, focused her time and attention on feminist activism, most significantly as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the HeForShe campaign. As the Goodwill Ambassador, she has dedicated her efforts towards the empowerment of young women and is an advocate for the campaign that promotes gender equality. About her role, she’d said, “Women’s rights are something so inextricably

March 2017

linked with who I am, so deeply personal and rooted in my life that I can’t imagine an opportunity more exciting. I still have so much to learn, but as I progress I hope to bring more of my individual knowledge, experience and awareness to this role.” Born in Paris and brought up in Oxfordshire, Emma savoured success after landing her first professional acting role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series; she appeared in all the eight films in the series - from 2001 to 2011. She has lent her voice to ‘The Tale of Despereaux’ and appeared in the

2007 television adaptation of the novel ‘Ballet Shoes’. She has also starred in ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’, ‘The Bling Ring’, ‘This Is the End’, ‘Noah’ and the latest, ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Having expanded her career to include fashion, she modelled for Burberry and Lancôme and helped create a line of clothing for ‘People Tree’. About her fashion skills, she’d said: ‘I’m a multidimensional person and that’s the freedom of fashion that you’re able to reinvent yourself through how you dress and how you cut your hair or whatever.’ Emma was only nine old when she took on the role of Hermione. In less than a decade and a half since, she has carved a niche in the global horizon, not just as an actress of repute, with her latest live-action musical ‘Beauty and the Beast’ proving it with aplomb, but also, more strikingly, as an activist who is constantly finding ways to seek gender equality. It is easy to believe her when she says, ‘I’ve always been like that; I give 100 percent. I can’t do it any other way.’

Channing Tatum and Joseph GordonLevitt in musical comedy

Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt are teaming up for an upcoming movie. The musical comedy titled ‘Wingmen’, is the tale of two pilots who crash land in Las Vegas. While it is still too early to confirm, GordonLevitt is said to be in discussions to direct the movie, which is conceived on the lines of ‘Perfect Pitch’ and ‘Book of Mormon’.

Lady Gaga is ‘painfully lonely’

Lady Gaga, one of the biggest stars in the world, made a confession about her ‘painfully lonely’ side of fame, to an entertainment magazine, recently. Having become a star overnight, a decade or so ago, and with her popularity continuing to soar, she is finding it difficult to keep in touch with old friends. “Your whole life changes… I don’t think I will ever feel comfortable with fame,” she told the magazine.

Adam Sandler to make 4 more movies for Netflix

Adam Sandler just signed a deal to make four more original movies for Netflix. The 50-year-old actor had previously (in 2014) signed a four movie deal with Netflix and has released two of them- The Ridiculous 6 and The Do-Over – which, according to the company, are the most-watched original films to debut on the service. His next Netflix movie, ‘Sandy Wexler’, will debut on April 14.

Kris Jenner’s pitch for Kardashian animated show

In a bid to consolidate the family’s ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’ fame, Kris Jenner is reportedly in talks for another primetime slot, this time with an animated television series featuring the Kardashian/Jenner family. She is said to have met with Harvey Weinstein’s company in Los Angeles to pitch the idea, which will feature the entire family, including Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian and Kendall and Kylie Jenner.

Charlize Theron has a problem with her character ...With her ‘The Fate of the Furious’ character, to be precise. Her issue was that her character in the film didn’t drive any cars. Talking about her film at a press conference in Beijing, recently, the 41-year old actress said she was very upset when she found out that she wasn’t going to drive any cars. But the most difficult part of the film was staying safe, she added. “It’s about what we are expected to do and trying to stay safe because we are trying to blur the lines of like, really death-defying stuff,” she noted.

March 2017

Tittle

“We never call men boys because it’s demeaning and emasculating. Maybe if we start using language that elevates women and doesn’t equate them with sweet, small, cuddly, tender things, we’ll start treating them as more than that as well.” - ‘Big Bang Theory’ actress Mayim Bialik says she is sick of people referring to grown women as ‘girls’. “This has been a project so near and dear to my heart and I was truly looking forward to helping tell this story. Unfortunately, I will be unable to leave Los Angeles during the scheduled filming as I am dealing with a serious family issue…” - Cher reveals why she decided to drop out of Lifetime’s upcoming film about the Flint water crisis.

“This movie is definitely terrifying… When I read the script I knew I had to do the movie because it literally kept me up that night and I kept getting really scared, more so after I read it, like, a few hours later.” - Emma Roberts says she felt so terrified reading the script for her latest movie, ‘The Blackcoat’s Daughter’ that she felt she had no choice but to sign up.

“The fact that she put her career in my hands is a massive responsibility, but no one knows her like I do ... We’ve always been good friends from day one, you know. That’s my girl for life.” - Marc Anthony says Jennifer Lopez is his girl for life.

“SNL called, and Kent Sublette, one of our old friends from the Groundlings, who is one of the head writers there now, called and he goes, ‘I hear you’re in New York … do you have any interest in coming in and doing Spicer for us?’ I was like ‘What?!’” - Melissa McCarthy tells Ellen how she was asked to play Sean Spicer on Saturday Night Live. March 2017

cover STORY

An Ode to Women Come along and march in tune to the drumroll accompanying the International Women’s Day chant, ‘#BeBoldForChange’, as we dedicate this issue to women and pay tribute to the bold and beautiful spirit of women, whether they are occupying top positions in the corporate world or wearing the hallowed crown of housewife/mother

here is a woman behind every successful man, claims an old clichéd saying. Whether that holds true today may be debatable, but the indisputable fact is that women have moved several paces ahead and have helped alter the very benchmark of success. They are the responsible women of today and it doesn’t really matter where they stand – behind, alongside or ahead. They know they can make a difference and they know just how to go about it.

Following is a tribute to women; women who have made a difference and influenced the lives of our panelists. We have raised the platform, put the scaffolding in place and turned the speaker on loud... Come along and listen to all the generous words from men who believe in gender equality and in the importance of women in making the world, in general, and their lives, in particular, all the more beautiful. It is a celebration of women’s day as well as Arabic Mother’s Day, which is observed on March 21. While most men we approached in the and messages private, sharing it, lives, we got crisp warm messages Zadjali, Executive President of CBO, Oman Cancer Association, Ali Ahmed of Oman Road Safety Association (ORSA) Managing Partner and Lead architect of

March 2017

capital preferred to keep their tributes possibly, only with the women in their from H.E. Hamood Sangour Al Dr. Wahid Ali Al Kharusi, President, Al Barwani, Chief executive officer and Muhammad Sultan Al Salmy, Hoehler + alSalmy (H+S).

H.E. Hamood Sangour Al Zadjali, Executive President of CBO, believes women are inspirational

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Women are Inspirational

omen and mothers in particular, are the quiet heroes in our life’s journey, who do amazing things without asking for an acknowledgement. The first thing a woman does when she becomes a mother is to forget all the pain that she has gone through and the sacrifices she has made, while she nurtures and tirelessly takes care of the tiny helpless baby. When the world talks about honouring women, its main focus is on those who have made it big in the social and business arenas, and attempts are made to honour women through a special International Women’s Day, a global recognition of the esteemed pedestal that we place womanhood on. But there are millions of women all around the world who are truly inspirational without entering the business world. In modern times, however, it is very important that we encourage women to pursue higher levels of education in order that such traits get imbibed by our children and the society at large. We have all heard the saying, ‘teach a man and you teach an individual, but teach a woman and you teach a nation’. I have personally felt that the women in my life, be it my mother, wife, sister or daughter, have been and are always special to me; they are, and will continue to be, a source of inspiration to me. They are all an integral part of who I am today, and I am forever grateful for their wisdom and influence. Women in general enjoy empowering others and bringing out their best and are always supportive and able to put aside their interests and happiness for the sake of others. God bless the women.

H.E. Hamood Sangour Al Zadjali

March 2017

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Women are twice as better Women can do things twice as better and in half the time, states Dr. Wahid Ali Al Kharusi, President, Oman Cancer Association, as he talks about women who helped shape his life and celebrates the role played by women in our society Dr. Wahid Ali Al Kharusi

omen have to be celebrated every day of the year. They are the centre of our lives; the centre of our universe.

I have been privileged to have a wonderful mother, grandmother, aunties, sisters and female teachers who have helped shape my life. I was lucky to have met with my partner in life for 42 years, my wife and life Yuthar Al Rawahi, who is a pillar of strength to the children and me - the shining light in our family. I would not have reached where I am today, if it were not for her strength, love and guidance. She is an icon of our society. She has, and is still touching the lives of so many people, nationally, regionally and globally in her pioneering work in cancer control. I strongly believe that if we are to move forward we must empower the women, because they can do better, twice as much and in half the time. In our society, some ladies have come up because they had the opportunity or they created the opportunity by themselves to be distinguished and to be entrepreneurial, thanks to H.M. Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said. He opened the doors, encouraged women to be empowered, gave them equal rights and strategic positions within our government. In our Islamic faith, women have a special distinguished position in our society. We believe that heaven is under the feet of our mothers.

March 2017

Ali Ahmed Al Barwani

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Women are changemakers Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution to the smooth functioning of the society is immense, notes Ali Ahmed Al Barwani, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Road Safety Association (ORSA)

omen are the source of humanity, and their greatness is reflected through the roles they play in our life; they are the foundation of our lives as mothers, wives, sisters and daughters. Personally, I see women as being perseverant in their tasks and superior in accomplishing their day-to-day works. In Oman, women have contributed towards the Renaissance of our country. Many of those who I work with have unique characteristics in whatever they do, with a common goal in making a better future for themselves, their families and for their organisation and their nation. From my point of view, women, in their roles as mothers, should always receive great appreciation from us; it is a must at all times. There are also women whose influence goes beyond their family and the society around them. They inspire the world; they are the change-makers and leaders. They deserve our gratitude and highest appreciation. I admire women who lead and make changes to our world.

* Ali Al Barwani comes with a wealth of experience within oil and gas industry where his career journey started as Engineer in Oman LNGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $2 billion project in Sur.

March 2017

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Women are pillars of our society “It is amazing to see that more and more women are breaking the old traditional social norms and flourishing in their chosen career paths,” observes Muhammad Sultan Al Salmy, Managing Partner and Lead architect of Hoehler + alSalmy (H+S)

omen are the silent leaders of our society. It is unfortunate that they are not more frequently recognised for all the hard work they do. Whether it’s the homemaker or the CEO of a company, they are who make our society what it is today. To me, women in general represent balance, grace and enormous strength, and they should be given credit and recognition. Why is it that when a woman celebrates her strengths, she is titled as a feminist, whereas a man doing the same thing is praised and referred to as the ideal role model? This is the challenge we have to overcome in today’s society. It is amazing to see that more and more women are breaking the old traditional social norms and flourishing in their chosen career paths. Becoming the first police woman director, for example, or the first women pilot is an accomplishment that would not have been possible a few years ago, especially in our society. Nowadays, an Omani woman can literally accomplish anything she sets her mind to, thanks to the guidance and leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. Omani women are the pillars of our society. They are the first teachers of our children - the future generation; they are the hard working contributors to the society. They represent ideal balance, and are the nurturers, who always know what to do regardless of the circumstances and challenges. They are the real fighters and survivors, going through everyday hardships that life throws at them. They make us feel safe and secure, without even realising it. That’s why a man, regardless of his strength and power, can never do what a woman does in today’s society.

Muhammad Sultan Al Salmy 18

March 2017

cover STORY I personally consider myself very lucky to have been raised by many strong women. I literally grew up in a house full of women who, today, I am extremely grateful for; they have taught, inspired and encouraged me every step of the way. This would not have been possible if they werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so understanding and took care of everything while I was chasing my dreams. My mother, sisters and my grandmother, in particular, have been my inspiration to be the best person I can be, and they have definitely been the force behind my work ethics and drive. Since day one, the women in my life have always been my backbone. It is them that I go to when I need support, compassion and guidance. They are the reason that has kept me going and made me accomplish my dreams. Whether its guidance in my professional career or support in my personal matters, they gave me the needed assistance and provided me with the much needed strength, with the added touch of compassion you would not normally get from the male members of the family, friends and colleagues. I also meet many women through my work; and I can honestly say our office would not be the same without the women who work there. They are strategic thinkers, and very hard working individuals. If I need a stern presence in a meeting for example, I involve the women architects and project managers! They always exceed my expectations!

* Muhammad Al Salmy was the youngest Omani Architect to establish the first of its kind cooperation in the Sultanate, at the age of 29. He solely nurtured H+S to grow from one man in 2009, to over 30 Architects, Project Managers and Engineers by 2012.

March 2017

in CONVERSATION 20

A Code of Confidence

‘Confidence, confidence, confidence…’ that’s the message for women from H.E. Barbara Joziasse, Ambassador of the Netherlands, when asked for it in the framework of International Women’s Day.

ith a diplomatic career that goes back to more than two decades, H.E. Barbara Joziasse, Ambassador of Netherlands, has well assimilated the virtues pegged on to her personal quote – “The Perfect is The Enemy of The Good!” She tries to follow that mantra through in her diplomatic missions as well as her everyday life. Although she does not disdain the ideals of perfection and is aware that it – in certain ways - has no substitute in diplomatic parlance, her message to women is that perfectionism can be tantamount to invoking the wrath of ‘the good’. Generally speaking, she notes that women have a predilection for ‘the perfect’. “God has created us all, so simply be. Don’t lose your confidence, just believe in yourself,” is her advice; although she admits this is harder to say than to do.

March 2017

As a diplomat who has her fingers on the workings of the world, she is aware that women need to do that much more. “We have rights – be it in the Netherlands or in Oman - but do we have the confidence to simply go about and do it?”, she questions, pointing out that the obstacles one faces often comes from what we say to ourselves. While there is no denying that women are still a minority in various areas of the society, the fact is that confidence from within gives more energy, she maintains. She is quick to add that Oman has been an inspiring mission. “Omanis, in general, value taqabbul… I love that word. They accept and respect others. They are tolerant. I feel at home here and I don’t think I am doing more or less better than my male colleagues…” she adds, highlighting, as an example, the help she and her husband received from an Omani gentleman when their car battery died during a trip to Sohar. Oman happened in 2013. She had visited the place in 2006 with the then Prime Minister and had expressed

her wish to work here. So, when she was asked, during her posting in Zimbabwe, if she would want to move to the Gulf, her reply was, ‘yes, it depends on where exactly.’ And that where was Oman... Having started her career in 1995 in the Middle East bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Joziasse quickly climbed the ladder to become the Deputy Director of Foreign Trade and Investments at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, before taking up the post of National Coordinator for top-level executive positions in international organisations. Shortly after, she was appointed as Ambassador to Zimbabwe, including Malawi and Zambia. Talking about her initiation into this career, she points out that she is intrinsically motivated - professional ambition wasn’t a real issue. She comes from a modest background, as her grandfather had lost his land when a part of the island they lived on, flooded. “They lost everything in a single day – just like that. In those days there was no insurance… World War

Endowed with a serious temperament, study came easily to her. She frequented the library on her bicycle and read books on foreign countries and places around the world. She studied in Leiden, Damascus and Oxford – later on in life she studied Financial Economics in Tilburg. And, as is customary, she applied for jobs following her graduation. When she got a call for a

job interview at the foreign ministry, it seemed to be the right opening. She distinctly remembers her last round of interviews after a selection trajectory of half a year. “They were all very senior people and I was quite intimidated. They were asking me questions to which I really didn’t know the answer; but I had been hanging in there for half a year to get this far and I was not ready to let go. I decided to say whatever I thought was the best, common sense, answer, and it turned out right,” recalls H.E. Joziasse.

Things turned in her favour, and her skill for languages, among a host of other talents, stood her in good stead. She studied Arabic in the Netherlands for one year and after that for a year in Syria and continues learning even here, thanks to her teacher who keeps challenging her knowledge by having her watch television programmes, like “Morning Coffee” on Oman Television.

in CONVERSATION

II had ravaged Europe. My parents worked hard to build a future for their children,” she recounts.

Up Close & Personal With

H.E. Barbara Joziasse The home I grew up in... I grew up in a very warm, supportive, family, with my father, mother and a brother, who is exactly one year, minus one day, older. When I was a child I wanted to... Travel. I always wanted to go abroad, and that hasn’t changed at all. My greatest inspiration... Books on life, religion, spirituality, even metaphysics … I find those very inspiring. Not to say that a good thriller is lost on me. Very relaxing indeed. I dream of... It is a continuous dream to make things better for all of us. To add value. The right and freedom to be, to flourish, to develop. There are always people less fortunate than we are, and I want to help them out. When I retire – which is still a long way for me - I hope that this blessing will befall me and I am able to bring people together, so that they can benefit from one another. Loneliness in my country needs more attention. It’s not fashionable but I like... To play classical music. I play the piano and violin, which was not fashionable at all when I was younger. Later on I joined various choirs, also not fashionable then. This has changed over time, luckily.

You may not know it, but I’m no good at... Cooking. You can ask anyone close to me to corroborate this. You may not know it, but I’m very good at… Drawing and, to a lesser extent, painting, when I have time. If I have time to myself... I like to do nothing in particular. Oman has beautiful beaches, so I go there to swim or to read a book. My house is... The official ‘residence’ part, is what it is: an official area for functions. But I am actually quite a private person, so my house is my refuge, in a way. My favourite haunt/holiday destination... There are so many; but these days I actually like to go to the Netherlands. There is the relative difference between Oman and Netherlands… I love cold weather. My favourite weekend spot in Oman… Misfat Al Abriyeen - it is an absolutely gorgeous wadi. Things I like about Oman… The people, the diverse natural splendour, its architecture and artful expressions, and, of course, the Muscat Festival. Every year we go there, with or without our guests, and often we go more than once. The families, the Luqaimat and after that the Omani dances… great fun!

H.E. Joziasse’s painting On top of my wish/bucket list is... To have a holiday for four weeks at a stretch. The last one must have been two decades ago. My success mantra is... The Perfect is The Enemy of The Good. As women, we always go for perfect and never arrive, because perfect is not reachable. If only we could tell ourselves that good is good enough. In 10 years’ time, I hope to… Still add value to the life of others.

March 2017

in the SPOTLIGHT 22

beyond borders International Volunteers, an organisation carved by individuals dedicated to help and care the less privileged around the world, is creating opportunities for young Omanis to realise the true essence of volunteering

riggered by a sense of restlessness and an overwhelming desire to find his true calling, Mohammed Al Tauqi pressed the brakes on his college life and took tentative steps on the rugged road to volunteerism, beginning with a short stint in Rwandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clinton Foundation. The project involved building toilets, and he soon learnt some basic lessons in life and living that helped assuage his apprehensions and shape his immediate future.

a facilitator, which, in a way, prepared him for his volunteering vocation. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easy to defy conventional wisdom that stresses on academic success to find a well-paying job; it was difficult still to give everything up to take up volunteerism as a cause, he recalls.

Following the pause in studies and the ensuing fallout with his father on his scholastic ennui, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d found a footing at Outward Bound Oman (OBO), working as

While it does sound as easy as that today, the journey has been long and challenging, states Touqi, whose brief homeless state also saw him living with blue-collared

March 2017

But somewhere between his responsibilities at the OBO and the chores he had to fulfil as a volunteer, his passion for human development at the grass roots level came to fruition. And International Volunteers (IV) happened.

workers in a large dormitory here. His willingness to adapt to the situation and his resilience to accept hardships, whether it meant living in squalid conditions in tents and derelict homes or eating the simple gruel and drinking water from the tap in far-flung destinations, turned him into a strong advocate of volunteerism, with clear understanding of the concepts of volunteerism and charity. Today, alongside the organisational and administration work with his team, Touqi is also involved, on a personal level, in various volunteering projects. He will shortly travel to Nepal to volunteer with All Hands, an international organisation that responds to disasters.

What is International Volunteers all about? International Volunteers is a social enterprise, which provides sustainable programmes abroad for volunteering, internship missions and working with local partners around the world. It focuses on globalising the youth through volunteer work, travel, stepping out of typical comfort zones and educating the youth on the global and local issues that need attention and support. We also aim to partner with the United Nations to support and educate our youth about the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development which are a series of ambitious targets to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice and fix climate change for everyone by 2030. When was it initiated in Oman? International Volunteers started as a project in May 2012 and was initiated by Knowledge Oman’s Social Entrepreneurship Development Program on the 3rd July 2016. Knowledge Oman reaches out to empower social entrepreneurs, facilitate nation-wide knowledge transfer and promote Private-PublicPartnerships (PPP) in the country. Our patron is H.H Sayyida Basma bint Fakhri Al Said. What are the activities/events it is involved in? Our activities vary from charity hiking trips to volunteering placements for programmes that include teaching in disadvantaged

schools, medical and health aid, childcare, orphan care, special needs care, women’s empowerment and girls education, community development, gender equality, wildlife and animal care, sports arts and music, construction and renovation as well as environment and conservation. Volunteers can choose the programme they would like to do. As a teen volunteering abroad, the volunteer will engage in meaningful volunteer work, learn about complex social issues, connect with people from different cultures, and journey to places they have only read about in a textbook or seen on a TV screen. The project placements we work with are supervised by some of the world’s leading organizations such as UNICEF (The Children’s Agenda), Save the Children and SOS International, among others. What is its reach and who are the beneficiaries? We hope to partner with the Ministry of Higher Education and enable students who are about to graduate, as well as the unemployed youth, to experience volunteering programmes. The youth will benefit from volunteering abroad as it is one of the most efficient instruments of non-formal education. Through volunteering they will acquire new knowledge, competences, as well as soft and hard skills. It increases employability and develops global networks; it also expands their horizons, helps them learn more about themselves and grow as human beings.

What are the main challenges? The organisation is a unique and first-of-its-kind social enterprise in Oman that aims to inspire and enable Omani volunteers to reach out to the needy in impoverished communities across the world. For us, being the first ones, it is a challenge to educate what volunteering abroad is, as most people tend to ask why don’t you do it here? Oman is a blessed country and we already have great initiatives making huge changes locally.

in the SPOTLIGHT

Read more about their activities in the following interview with Touqi:

Another challenge is trying to get sponsorships for our Omani volunteers. Most graduates and the unemployed youth cannot cover the costs, therefore we hugely seek funds from corporate sectors. Corporate sectors in turn will be supporting young Omanis with interpersonal skills to build their sense of responsibility and to make positive decisions about their education, health and future. Is the organisation open to everyone? How can one get involved? Our volunteering programmes are open to everyone. We are currently in the process of setting up our local community here in Oman, where we will do a lot of activities, events and meetings to try tochange and the world! Anyone can just subscribe to our website or follow us on Instagram and wait for our announcements for our future volunteering trips (www. internationalvolunteers.me; @internationalvolunteers)

March 2017

Centre STAGE

Swahili Language School Learning Swahili language has taken an academic turn with the introduction of classes at the Knowledge Oasis Muscat Campus, notes Muntasir Shaaban Saleh Al Farsy, who took time out to track the teachers, patrons and students and present snippets of the language training

hen Fatma Salim Riyami of Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) came up with the idea of starting a first of its kind Swahili language school, she found immediate support in her friends Habeina Al Sabtiy, a science teacher, and Nasra Al Adawy, and the programme took off soon after. Loosely titled ‘Kishwahili Kitukuzwe’, meaning ‘Swahili be recognised’, the initiative was formally inaugurated last October at the Holy Quran School in Al Hail, in the presence of Kenyan Ambassador and the Attaché from Tanzanian Embassy. The first batch of students included an American whose Swahili needed some polishing, a Turkish woman who was interested in the language, a Jordanian beginner and a Zanzibari Omani whose Swahili

was not as good as her English, in addition to four Omani men who quickly grasped the nuances of the language. The school has since grown in size and student strength, and the classes are conducted every Mondays and Thursdays at 5pm, at National Business Centre, which is located in K-4 building in KOM campus in Al Khoudh. For the uninitiated, Swahili is a Bantu language - Lingua Franca of African Great region and other parts of East and South-East Africa. Five million people speak it as native language and further 135 million as second. The language in question can be both written in Latin and Arabic script, respectively, and is very easy to learn. Actually, the word Swahili comes from the Arabic phrase meaning ‘of the coast’, and therefore the native speakers are known as ‘Waswahili’ and the language is called Kiswahili.

Around 1 A.D. Arab merchants settled around the East Coast and, along with their hosts Bantu Africans, formed the Swahili civilization. In 1711, letters from Kilwa sent to the Portuguese are believed to be the very first documents in Swahili Language that are now being archived in Goa, India. Kiswahili is a combination of Bantu (African dialect) with Persian, Arabic, Portuguese, Hindi and limited words of English, such as Mepu, Jographia, Urusi - meaning map, geography and Russia. Swahili speakers boast that the language is being taught at Harvard University, Yale, Stanford, Princeton… as well as in Canada, Germany, Poland and Pakistan. Swahili service can be heard on BBC, Voice of America, Voice of Germany, Moscow, Iran, Japan and Egypt to name a few. In 1999, the pilgrimage in Mecca had been broadcast in Swahili and could be heard across the Globe. An Omani national by birth, Dr. Sharifa Mohamed Zawawi, who migrated to Zanzibar and completed her education there, before moving to New York and taking up a job as a professor of classical languages, is a renowned author of many books

March 2017

Centre STAGE

Oman in my Soul Under the auspices of H.H. Sayyida Aliya Bint Thuwaini Al Said, Bait Al Zubair is hosting an iconic exhibition - Oman in my Soul by the Italian artist Lucia Oliva

ucia Oliva is a self-taught artist, who grew up loving music, dancing, sculpting, painting, literature, drama and poetry. After an early award-winning debut as a young painter, she went back to figurative arts in 2013, to develop her long international career in the world of art as choreographer, dancer and event organiser. Her art aims to create a bridge between her soul and that of other people. Lucia’s works as an eclectic contemporary artist is rich in astonishing scenic effects meant to be both emotional and conceptual in the eyes of the people. Her visual perspectives emanates from her love for ballet dancing and choreography, which are embodied in stone, often in scenic set-ups with mirrors. As an artist, Lucia invented a unique concept to create small theatrical installations and get evocative visual effects like ‘trompe l’oeil’ (visual illusion in art, used to trick the eye into perceiving a painted detail as a threedimensional object) and original scenic set ups. She works on natural stone (mainly marble and volcanic one) - their shapes, marked by time and incidents are characterised by music, movements or rifts, to which she gives life to her artwork calling it ‘sculpting with colour’.

create a bridge between my soul and the one of other people. The mutual enrichment among artists and art lovers is what I have always experienced in my different fields: from choreography and dancing to visual arts.” She adds: “I discovered Oman only a few years ago and this land immediately conquered my soul, lighting in me the desire to explore it and discover its heart better and better… I appreciate the passion and commitment in preserving its original identity and culture; its majestic, pure and wild nature, and above all its people, genuinely welcoming and friendly as well as proud of their

traditions. It is a fascinating country rich in history and treasures. This exhibition is my homage to a unique land that captured my heart” Her original art has witnessed a fast and ever growing success and appreciation in many solo and group exhibitions. Her works are owned by private collectors in Europe as well as in India, Oman, Jordan, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other countries. The exhibition will run until the 6th of April 2017 at Bait al Oud in Bait Al Zubair from 9 am till 5.30 pm, Sunday to Thursday

About her works, Lucia says, “I conceive art as a gift to communicate, with a universal and intuitive language. It is the beauty and strength that is possible to experience in each aspect of life, with the aim to

March 2017

feast ON

Al Manjur:

Al Manjur at The Cave is not a new restaurant for regular foodies in town, but its revamped avatar, with the distinctive touch of Chef Issa Al Lamki’s culinary style, has all the right ingredients to make it a landmark destination for lovers of authentic Omani cuisine

A celebration of Oman

he Cave complex, with all its earthiness and its architectural wonderment, has a timeless appeal; one that is comparable to a fairyland in its jaw-dropping splendour. There is an unfading element of magic that lingers on, adding to its growing distinction as a natural ligament of Darsait heights. Even after repeat visits to the chambers of this exotic cavern, one is compelled to survey its intricate details, yet again. And, if one is endowed with a childlike delight for all things new, like us, a visit to the newly reopened Al Manjur Restaurant, beside the enigmatic ‘The Oak’, is sure to turn into a feast for the senses. There is an air of stillness within, as if time has suspended reality to open a world of Oman’s pastoral heritage. The walls whisper, drawing you to their finely moulded relief works. There are chapters unfolding Oman’s idyllic village life… The relief work on mud walls, presenting snippets of Oman’s cultural edifices, social mores and traditional livelihood are captivating; the latticed wooden divider, adorned with miniature elements of Oman, perfectly synchronising the tableaux. With a sprawling outdoor facility, presenting distant visuals of

March 2017

the busy highway in a cocoon of cave warmth, the restaurant is a landscape for sensorial pleasures. We revelled in its muted earthy tones, from the walls to the ceiling plastered with wooden beams, before indulging our appetites with food that perfectly personifies the concept of fine dining. An array of authentic Omani dishes, bearing celebrity Chef Issa Al Lamki’s signature style, made it to our table. The natural light, merging with the browns within, infused a warm home touch to every dish presented. The only give-away was the artistic presentation. As Chef Prashant Kumar pointed out, it is the eyes that need to be appeased before the taste Shuwa bags

Photographs: Pushpender Sharma

feast ON buds adjudge the dish. So while the cooking and the food is traditional in its concept, the presentation is modern and artistic to balance the taste with the visual appeal. To keep to the Omani culinary tradition, cooking is a long and thorough process, with every ingredient carefully chosen and blended to get that distinct Omani flavour. All the spices are locally sourced and prepared in the kitchen of Al Manjur to retain authenticity. Those familiar with Omani cooking would know that most dishes are mildly spiced and have a distinct note of tanginess, infused with dried lemon or tamarind pulp. The focus at Al Majur is mainly on the starters and the mains, and of course the desserts, as soups and, to some extent, even salads, are not a staple of local diet. But with the change in management and Chef Issa waving his magic wand on the menu, diners can look forward to green vegetable soup, a meat soup with whole wheat and a tomato based dry shark fish soup, in addition to healthy salads. We got our health start with Malah Fattoush Salad – black olives, cherry tomatoes, capsicum and feta cheese with lemon and sumac powder dressing – arranged on a rakhal bread basket. Healthy cooking is not limited to salads alone, states Chef Kumar, who hastens to add that fat is reduced and

even avoided in most dishes. The salad was quickly followed by ‘Fried chicken harris balls’ and ‘Shuwa bags’. The Harris balls are crispy on the outside and perfectly moist in the centre, infusing the taste buds with a novel experience. But if you have a penchant for all things shuwa, the platter of shuwa bags, stuffed with minced shuwa, are a must try. Tender and flavourful, you will want to savour every mouthful of it. For the mains, we were treated to ‘Madrobah prawns in Omani spices’ and ‘Braised meat’. The intertwined prawns are divine and so is the tangy tomato rice. For meat lovers, it is the braised meat that will prove to be a winner. The shuwa lamb pieces are tender and juicy and is placed on a bed of Kabuli rice flavoured with Omani spices, accompanied with diner’s choice of salad and/ or vegetable salna .

To finish off the lunch affair, we dug, literally, into a bowl of Al Manjur Sweet, a signature dessert of the restaurant, featuring Omani bread with saffron milk, cream, mixed nuts and Omani halwa. The use of Omani clarified butter gives it a distinct flavour, while the shavings of Omani halwa perfect the taste. Al Manjur is a well synchronised celebration of Oman

March 2017

let’s COOK

Dinner’s ready Healthy dinner ideas to make your weekday cooking easy

Oven baked fish sticks

Sprouted lentil salad Ingredients

Ingredients l l l l l l

3 cups panko bread crumbs 1/3 cup olive oil 1tbsp seafood seasoning kosher salt 3 large eggs 21/2 pounds skinless tilapia fillets, cut into 1-inch strips

Directions 1.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Heat oven to 450°F. On a baking sheet, toss the bread crumbs with the oil, seafood seasoning, and ½ teaspoon salt and toast it in the oven until golden brown. Transfer it to a shallow bowl. In a bowl, beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon water and place it alongside the bread crumbs. Taking one piece at a time, dip the fish in the beaten eggs and immediately coat with the bread crumbs, pressing gently to cover the piece fully. Place it in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake the fish sticks until crisp and opaque throughout. It might take around 15 minutes. Serve it with coleslaw and ketchup.

l l l l l l l l l l l l l

Directions 1. 2. 3. 4.

Tomato soup Ingredients l l l l l

2tbsn olive or vegetable oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 3 cups vegetable broth/stock 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning ½ tsp pepper

Directions 1. 2. 3.

l l l l

2 onions, chopped 1 can stewed tomatoes 2tbsp tomato paste 1/4 tsp salt

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat; add onion and garlic. Cook for a couple of minutes or until onion is tender. Add tomato paste; stir until fragrant and lightly browned. Now add stewed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to saucepan. Stir well to combine. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Place the mixture in a blender and pulse until smooth. Serve the soup with croutons.

March 2017

11/2cups sprouted lentils 1/2cup chopped cucumber 1/2cup diced tomatoes 1/3cup thinly sliced onion 2tbsp chopped cilantro 1tbsp olive oil 2tbsp lemon juice 1tbsp white wine vinegar 11/2 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp garlic powder 11/2 tsp curry powder 1/2 tsp dry mustard Salt and pepper, to taste

Carefully rinse the sprouted lentils and add it to the bowl with all the vegetables. Toss it lightly. In another small bowl whisk the remaining ingredients. Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and toss it gently. Let it sit for about 15 minutes for the flavours to blend, before serving.

let’s COOK

Breakfast with Simran Whip up a healthy breakfast with Simran Dhanju’s recipes for a flavourful bread and a homemade jam Five Spice Pumpkin Bread Ingredients: l l l l l l l l l l l l

2 cups red pumpkin, skinned, deseeded and diced 1 ¾ cup plain flour 1 cup caster sugar 1 tsp five spice powder ½ tsp nutmeg powder, freshly grated ¾ tsp salt 1tsp baking soda ½ tsp baking powder 2 eggs ½ cup sunflower oil ½ cup water ½ cup sunflower seeds, lightly toasted

Method: 1. 2. 3.

Preheat oven to 180º C. Steam diced pumpkin, let cool; blend to make one cup puree. In a bowl combine pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, oil and water. In another bowl sift, flour, salt, spice powder, nutmeg, baking soda and baking powder; pour pumpkin egg mixture, combine well to make smooth batter. Add sunflower seeds and mix. Grease 9”/5” loaf tin, sprinkle little flour to coat well on sides, dust-off excess flour. Pour prepared cake batter in tin and bake for 50-55 minutes. Serve with homemade jam.

Mango Jam with Nigella Seeds Ingredients: l l l l

1 cup raw mango pulp (slightly ripened mangoes) 1 cup caster sugar ¼ cup water ½ tsp nigella seeds

Method: 1. 2. 3.

In a heavy based saucepan, pour mango pulp, sugar and water; bring it to boil, reduce flame and let it cook for 10 minutes. Add nigella seeds and cook it further for 10-12 minutes, until mango is cooked and jam slightly thickens. Pour hot jam in a sterilised glass jar and preserve for months in refrigerator.

Simran is a celebrated chef and a winner of multi cooking competitions; she creates visual delights artfully by merging traditional flavours.

March 2017

Health CHECK

Diet, Lifestyle and Cancer Prevention Sultan Qaboos University’s Department of Food Science and Nutrition organised a workshop to highlight the increase in dietary related chronic diseases, including cancer

ith research and scientific evidence demonstrating strong links between cancer risk and the diet and lifestyle followed, the onus of prevention is as much an individual effort as it is a community endeavour. One such community initiative was undertaken recently by the Food Science and Nutrition (FSN) Department of the College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University; it organised a workshop on ‘Diet, Lifestyle and Cancer Prevention’ to address topics in nutrition and lifestyle in cancer prevention, with relevance to Oman. The workshop featured experts from different colleges of SQU and Ministry of Health - Dr Amanat Ali, Associate Professor, FSN; Dr Yahya Al-Farsi, College of Medicine and Health Sciences; Dr Sivaprasad Menon, gastroenterologist, Starcare Hospital; Dr. Safana Salim Al-Saidi, Chemical Pathologist, Ministry of Health; Dr Ikram Burney, consultant in Medical Oncology, SQU Hospital; Dr Maie Mohamed Naga, senior medical officer, National Diabetic and Endocrine Center; Buthaina Al-Bulushi, FSN; Dr Ruqaiya AlBalushi, head of the clinical dietetics, Royal Hospital; and Dr Hassan Talib Al- Lawati, Head of Honey bee Healing Center, Ministry of Agriculture. Their papers covered topics ranging from functional foods to nutrition after cancer diagnosis. Below are some of the perspectives provided by speakers on the subject.

Dietary Factors

Diet plays an important role in the prevention and reduction of cancer risk. Almost 35 percent of all cancer deaths are related to dietary factors such as high caloric intake, saturated fats, red and processed meat, energy-dense fast foods, sugar, salty snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages.

March 2017

Certain nutrients and phytonutrients have been seen to possess antioxidant and chemo preventive effects. Although the exact mechanisms of action of these dietary components in cancer prevention is unclear, it has shown that there is a link between unhealthy dietary patterns, physical inactivity, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and cancer.

Lifestyle concerns

High rate of urbanisation and a steady increase in the per capita income in the recent years, has improved the socio-economic status of the people in the Sultanate, resulting in drastic changes in lifestyle and food consumption patterns. Traditional foods are being replaced by readymade foods, and consumption of plants-based foods is decreasing. Dietary pattern, characterised by low intake of antioxidants and vitamin B, has

Health CHECK led to an increase in the prevalence cancer among Omani adults; more than 75 percent of the disease burden in Oman is attributable to chronic diseases, with cancer as the leading cause of death. Recent studies in Oman have revealed that the incidence of some cancers increased, compared to reports in previous years. The incidence and mortality were higher in men than in women. According to the Department of Non-communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health, the adult and elderly population of Oman will increase six-fold over the next 25 years. Urbanisation rate is expected to reach 86 percent.

Environmental issues

A complex interaction between genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors exist in the causation of gastric malignancies. Onset of gastric cancer is strongly related to chronic and acute gastritis, which is not treated or controlled, and environmental factors. The most important and well-studied risk factor related gastritis that could develop to cancer is Helicobacter pylori (H.Pylori) infection. Excessive intake of salt and chronic smoking are also probable factors leading to cancer.

Obesity

Modern lifestyle and faulty food habits have serious impact on increasing body weight. Obesity and cancer are regarded as two major epidemics of the 21st century, where obesity is known to cause several cancers, including cancers of colon, postmenopausal breast, uterus, pancreas, gall bladder, liver, oesophagus and kidney. Overall, 3 percent of all the cancers in men, and 9 percent of those in women can be attributed directly to obesity. Obesity poses challenges in effective management of cancer; cancer survivors are at an increased risk of

morbidity and mortality, not only from cancer, but from competing factors, such as the heart disease. Studies have demonstrated a reduction in the incidence of cancer and its recurrence, with the treatment of obesity, especially in breast cancer and cancer of the uterine cavity.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a common problem in cancer patients; it has been recognised as an important component of adverse outcomes, including increased morbidity and mortality and decreased quality of life. Weight loss has been identified as an indicator of poor prognosis in cancer patients. Good nutrition practices can help cancer patients maintain weight and the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nutrition stores. Poor nutrition practices, which can lead to undernutrition, can contribute to the incidence and severity of treatment side effects and increase the risk of infection, thereby reducing chances for survival.

Inflammation

Recent investigations have identified the role of inflammation in cancer development and progression. Obesity is associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation, which increases the risk of cancer. Many studies have investigated how certain types of food and dietary habits could modulate the inflammatory response and thus lower the risk of certain cancers. Recent investigations have clarified that inflammation is a major factor for the progression of various chronic diseases/disorders, including cancer.

* The workshop was organised by Dr Mostafa Waly, Dr Ahmed Al-Alawi, Professor Nejib Guizani, Professor Shafiur Rahman, Dr Amanat Ali, Dr Lyutha Al-Subhi, Dr Ismail Al-Bulushi, Dr Mohamed Essa, Rashid Al-Bulushi, Fatima Al-Amri, Farhat Al-Naabi, Jamila Al-Zajali, and Salha Al-Maskari. The workshop was sponsored by Abbott Nutrition. The studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; society of FSN, under the supervision of Dr Nasser Al-Habsi, played an active role in making the event a success.

March 2017

Healthy TIDINGS

Be vegan, stay happy

Key to lasting happiness is a vegan diet, says Matthieu Ricard, a Tibetan Buddhist monk and an expert on happiness, who has been labelled as the happiest man in the world. The author of ‘Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life›s Most Important Skill’ has found vegan diet to be the key to happiness. Neuroscientists found that while Ricard meditates on compassion, his brain produces a level of gamma waves like never seen before. He has teamed up with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to encourage people to adopt a vegan lifestyle.

Phone device can test male fertility With smartphones overtaking our lives, is it any wonder that it can also act as a device to test male fertility…? According to a study, a new smartphone attachment can evaluate semen and determine the level of fertility with up to 98 percent accuracy. As per the new technology, sperm samples are inserted into an external accessory; it is then analysed using an app. A disposable kit is used to collect samples for insertion into the accessory placed around the smartphone. The test works using a combination of hardware and software technology.

Blame it on ‘bad luck’… The so called bad luck mutations are the source of increased cancer risk than the lifestyle and behaviour, say researchers, who found that 66 percent of the genetic mutations, which develop into cancer are caused by simple random errors occurring when cells replace themselves. Only 5 percent is inherited, while the rest, 29 percent, is contributed by environmental factors. The risk of developing cancer is mainly based on random DNA errors that occur when self-renewing cells divide. However, lifestyle factors cannot be ruled out as three or more mutations need to occur to cause cancer. Poor lifestyle habits, including smoking, bad food, lack of exercise, etc., could supply that third gene defect.

Sniff and tell

People with olfactory problems could be facing the risk of death, states a study, which found that people who lose their sense of smell in middle or older age risk dying early. The ten-year study, involving people between the ages of 40 and 90, found that their chance of death was linked to how well they scored on the test. Each wrong answer increased their risk of dying over the study period by eight per cent. An earlier study had found that Alzheimer’s could be diagnose by testing how close a person needs to be to a peanut to smell it.

March 2017

healthy TIDINGS

Autism increases injury risk Children with autism are 40 times more likely to die from injury, says a study, which found that preventable injuries often lead to death among children with autism. While the average age of people with autism who died due to an injury was about 29 (compared to an average of 55 for the general population), 28 percent of them died due to injury, with more than 40 percent of the deaths occurring in homes or residential institutions. Suffocation (when oxygen cannot enter the body), followed by asphyxiation (when oxygen is lacking in the body) and drowning caused most deaths.

Beware of breast implants A new study has found that breast implants could be the cause of a rare form of cancer. The cancer, called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), is said to have killed at least nine people. Women with implants were found to have a very low but increased risk of developing ALCL cancer. Medical experts are now checking into more than 350 reports linking it with both silicone and saline breast implants. An earlier report had found that the cancer can take about 10 years to develop on average after the implant first goes in. Fortunately, it is easily treatable if found early.

Contraceptive pill protection While there have been studies and counter studies on the use of contraceptive pills and its side effects, a new research has learnt that it may actually protect women against cancer for as long as 35 years after they stop taking it. It found that taking the pill for any length of time lowered the cases of bowel cancer by 19 percent, endometrial cancer by 34 percent and ovarian cancer by 33 percent. And, although the risk of breast cancer rose by four percent for women taking the pill, it disappeared five years after stopping contraception

Stop that tinnitus!

Good news for those troubled by tinnitus. For the uninitiated, tinnitus is the perception of sound, like ringing, buzzing or humming, when there is no external sound source. It could become troublesome as some people experience tinnitus constantly. It affects people of all age groups and usually goes away on its own. But for some tinnitus is persistent and they would benefit from the study which found that it usually sets in at a specific sound frequency, after the experience of loud sound exposure. Experts now believe that a high magnesium diet can prevent the dorsal cochlear nucleus from storing this sound memory.

March 2017

in the luxe

One for Do not wait for Mother’s Day to make your mama feel special; go on, ‘break the bank’, if you must, and make her feel pampered It’s ‘Destiny’

If your mother is a wrist person and loves all things bracelets and watches, here is a fine gift to indulge her fancy. The Versace Women’s Destiny Precious Watch, is designed to inject a whiff of luxury with its red floating topaz and medusa head that are imbued with diamond indices at the cardinal positions; it has a motherof-pearl dial and a mineral dial window, which are strapped onto a stylish lizard-textured leather band.

And some coffee

A chocolate affair

Feed your mama’s eternal love affair with chocolates with this ultimate chocolate tower. The Godiva Chocolatier Ultimate Chocolate Gift Tower - a 105piece tower - is a seemingly endless collection of chocolates, featuring a nuts and caramel gift box, chocolate truffles gift box, dark chocolate truffles gift box, and more. Wrapped up stylishly in ribbons and laces, you have a perfect gift to appease your mother’s penchant for chocolates.

March 2017

Say ‘cheers’ to your mom’s caffeine addiction with this dream gift – the KRUPS EA9010 Barista One Touch Cappuccino Machine – which will have her making coffee like a prof essional barista. This fully automatic machine truly personifies the clichéd ‘userfriendly’ phrase with its one-touch digital display. Pre-loaded with 17 drink recipes, it is an answer to a novice coffee makers prayers.

Who can resist a leather handbag; more so one that has a ‘Prada’ label on it… The Prada Saffiano Leather Tote Handbag is luxury from the word ‘go’. Embossed with the distinctive metal lettering, it features double leather handle that has a detachable and adjustable leather strap along with a snap closure on both sides. And, as if the manufacturers have read your mama’s mind, it comes with two outside pockets that are convenient to store essentials.

in the luxe

Bag it

‘Sound’ is good

Entertain your mama in the best possible way with Bose Lifestyle SoundTouch 135 Entertainment System. This home entertainment system is designed to provide spacious sound all across the room. It is user friendly with onscreen messages for a guided setup. With an advanced centre console, it can keep all the components working together, making connection to six HD video/music sources possible.

Call of the bracelet

Truffles treat

Whether your mom loves to cook or not, if she has any foodie traits she is sure to love truffles; especially if you can source some from northern Italy’s Piedmont region. And if money is no issue, go ahead and splurge on these expensive truffles, whose price per pound could go as high as $3,000.

Sniff and tell

The joy of finding a perfume that reflects one’s personality in unrivalled. When even a little whiff of a perfume acts as an extension of one’s persona, there is bound to be an element of loyalty to that brand. But if your mama is open to suggestions and loves experimenting with her grooming products, here is a perfect gift for her - Jean Patou Joy Parfum Flacon Baccarat. The luxury perfume is packed in a perfectly crafted bottle with a fragrance that refuses to be branded as formal or casual affair. Hints of jasmine and Bulgarian rose will keep her feeling special every time she dabs it.

The clichéd old maxim, ‘all that glitters is not gold’, may have had a message or two to convey, but there is no reason for you to shun the yellow metal when it adorns a bracelet that is as elegant as this tennis bracelet. The 14k Yellow Gold Illusion Setting Diamond Tennis Bracelet is elegant, to say the least. With the yellow gold prong settings featuring round diamonds, it is a piece of statement jewellery

March 2017

The Empty Quarter beckons

explore OMAN

e was bit by the desert bug two years ago, but French explorer, Gauthier Toulemonde, bid his time before setting on this epic journey this March. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d arrived in Oman with his family to tour the country in 2015 and had visited Al Shariqiya Sands, among other places, where the idea of desert crossing sparked his interest. Lured by the magnificence of the desert and the promise of a deep connection with nature, Gauthier experienced most of the journey alone. Beginning from Adam, he crossed the Empty Quarter on a camel, before

March 2017

explore OMAN heading to Abu Tubool in the deep desert, along with his local companion Ahmed Bin Hareb Al Mahrooqi. From there Gauthier was scheduled to move on alone, experiencing the desert life with his dog. The second part of Gauthier’s journey was set to head towards Bidiya on his camel to desert-cross Al Sharqiya Sands, where he was to head to the coast of the Arabian Sea, the sandy beaches overlooking the Indian Ocean, and Ras Ruwais area. Before undertaking the journey, he’d told media personnel that his aim was “to show the connection between human beings and nature, how we can live isolated in the wild, facing different kinds of challenges and learn to live peacefully with nature while communicating with the world through social media channels at the same time using the solar or green power.” His adventure in Oman was supported by Ministry of Tourism, External Representation Office of the Ministry of Tourism in Paris, Omantel, Oman Central Post Office, Paris post office, Timbropresse Magazine, Huts Company. The entire journey is expected to promote adventure tourism in the country through the various media Gauthier’s is relying on to document his desert crossing experience. He plans to produce a promotional film of his adventure with the help of Amir Khattab of Huts Company.

Gauthier Toulemonde

Gauthier was also scheduled to send 600 postcards stamped by Omani stamps carrying pictures of His Majesty and Oman’s tourism attractions to send them to his friends. As Gauthier is the Editor in Chief of the international stamps magazine Timbres, he will share with the readers these stamps as a souvenir. Gauthier was born in 1959, he studied business and economics, has an extended experience in banking, became the CEO of a press company called Timbropresse, and is currently a member of the Society of French explorers. For a long time, Gauthier has been interested in documenting his travels in the form of digital films, using new communication methods

March 2017

Just TRAVEL

Travel destinations for women Check out the women-friendly destinations that have won the vote of confidence of frequent travellers from around the world Nepal

Nepal

Jordan

Thanks to a diverse landscape and availability of opportunities to indulge in activities, Jordan is fast becoming an adventure hub in the region. You could check out the recently erected Jordan Trail, which features over 600 kilometres of trail. Hiking here is a sensorial experience with rolling forest hills, the salty waters of the Dead Sea, and exquisite corals of the Red Sea. If you are seeking a cultural experience, it is best to opt for a trip with a travel agency that has it in its agenda. And, of course, there is Petra to explore.

March 2017

With Nepal overcoming the aftereffects of the devastating earthquake, now is a good time to visit the country and enjoy its natural beauty. Its potentials for a memorable adventure trip will not disappoint you. You could go for a lodge-to-lodge trek or check out the possibilities of venturing beyond the traditional Everest Base Camp; opt for the new Tamang Heritage Trail Trek, which explores Tibetan culture. You could also interact with tribes of Nepal and trek along the alpine terrains and meadows.

Jordan

South Africa

While Cape Town and Kruger National Park are beckoning, South Africa also has Karoo, which has been described as a safe destination. The orange, rugged bush of this semi-desert region is ideal if you are looking to reconnect with yourself and learn more about the place and the people there. The place is destined to induce personal growth too.

Enjoy a laidback trip amidst nature’s splendour and return back rejuvenated. Visit the scenic beaches and go shopping to experience a relaxed holiday. While Bali’s popularity is beckoning, you could also give Lombok a try if you are looking for a less touristy place. Lombok is an island off the coast of Bali; its time-frozen features add to its appeal.

Indonesia

Just TRAVEL

Indonesia

Kenya

Experience wildlife of Africa with a trip to Kenya. Book a tented suite at a resort in the Masai Mara National Reserve, and enjoy nature at its best. You could even enjoy tailor-made experiences, like a sunrise hot-air-balloon safari or a visit to a Masai family. Whether you want a first-hand experience of the Great Migration or want to see the rescued elephants of the David Sheldrick Trust, Kenya is the place to be. You could also visit the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to see more than 20,000 species congregating at its base.

Japan

Spain

For solo travellers, Spain is a perfect destination to experience a bit of adventure, a dose of culture and a whole lot of sight-seeing. This siesta capital of Europe has something for everyone. Start the trip with a stopover at Seville, which presents a unique confluence of classic architecture and history. Check out the exciting destinations in Barcelona, where you could eat al fresco at waterfront restaurants. It’s about music, food, culture and art at Barcelona. Kenya

Japan Spain

A magical and intriguing experience awaits you at Japan. Endowed with rich culture and captivating natural beauty, Japan comes across as a perfect destination if you are looking for a large dose of relaxation. Tokyo, which is dubbed as an epitome of hospitality, is designed for foodies, with its street food and eclectic menu adding to the attraction.

Peru

Hikers have a lot to look forward to at Peru’s Cusco in the Miraflores district. The Inca Trail in Peru is, of course, the most famous of trekking routes in the world. You could even opt for cycling and enjoy an adventure trip to the ruins of Machu Pichu. Experience local culture at Urubamba Valley or check out the options for a cruise along the Peruvian jungle. There is also Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake

Peru

March 2017

look GOOD

Anti-Ageing Does the booming beauty industry have any cosmeceutical anti-ageing product that can halt signs of aging?

f you have mastered the art of wearing a poker face, the ‘face is the index of mind’ expression might seem inconsequential, but what about the age signs that take no cue from your deadpan look… Have you learnt to push it under the skin? We know your answer to that is a ‘no’ and so venture on to throw the spotlight on the importance or otherwise of anti-ageing products that have found endorsement from experts around the world, before getting under the skin, literally, of the anti-aging concept. We agree, fine lines don’t look fine (unless you have learnt to carry your age with grace and maturity). They will creep up on your face, however well-endowed you are in the complexion department. The corners of your

March 2017

eyes will be the first victim. The soft skin around the eye are susceptible to vagaries of nature. Smile lines will follow shortly… And, before you know it, your face has turned into a map with lines of longitude and latitude. To start from the beginning, antiaging is all about delaying or stopping the aging process. Makeup buffs have probably mastered the art of camouflaging those lines with foundation, but can any single product delay the process, leave alone stop it? A cosmetic expert from a recognised brand had once commented that all beauty products, whether they are designed for dry skin or normal, are intrinsically anti-ageing in their approach. For beauty, she hinted, is, in more ways than one, an exercise in keeping the skin feeling and looking young and glowing.

With beauty industry being inundated with products from manufacturers all over the world, how does one go about picking the perfect skincare option? There is, of course, no single answer to that question, as what suits one will not, necessarily, have the same impact on another. For along with nature, nurture too has its say on the skin and complexion and how time will affect it. Ideally, begin with the basic skincare routine as advised by dermatologists – sunscreen and moisturiser. These two are handy tools in anti-aging brigade. With sun wreaking the most damage on the skin, finding a lotion that is right for your skin is half the battle won. Follow that up with an anti-aging moisturiser, suitable for your skin type, to rid your face off those fine lines.

lifestyle mantra

Lipstick vs Lip gLoss By Sophia Raman

AS THe SelFIe pouT THreATenS To rule our lIveS WITH SocIAl MedIA celebrITIeS SeTTIng THe bencHMArk, IT IS TIMe To underSTAnd THe vIrTueS oF lIpSTIck And lIp gloSS Since anti-ageing is your main concern, stick to the sunscreen and moisturiser for a couple of weeks before you add other products to your skincare routine or attempt to handle other skin issues. It is important to realise, early on, that no single product can be a remedy for all the signs of aging and, conversely, your skin cannot handle more than one anti-aging product in quick succession. give it a couple of weeks time before you introduce new products to your skin. one piece of advice that you need to follow through, with every product you buy, is to check if it is formulated for your skin type. even the sunscreen lotion will work best if it is made to your skin requirement. As a dermatologist pointed out, it is essential to read the labels to see if it is hypoallergenic (that it is relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction; this may not be a fool proof indication, but the risk will be minimised) and is non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic (does not cause acne). The label should also include the consumer hotline for you to reach out to in case of any adverse effects from usage. Also, be wary of claims that promise to make you look ten years younger in ten days or reduce age signs overnight. no product comes with a magic wand. What cosmetic surgery can do, a beauty cream cannot

bare lips are a thing of the past.Take a look around you, women, even teens, have warm shades of reds, pinks and bronze on their perfectly outlined lips. With makeup manufacturers inundating the cosmetic market with lip colours, shades and textures of different kinds, there is, obviously, no excuse to leave those lips bare. but, on the other extreme, this very reason could prove to be an issue when you go shopping for lip products. Which one to pickâ&#x20AC;Ś? lipstick, of course, rules the roost, with the trend never waning; but there is no harm in experimenting to find out which new product could help you shade your lips one step better, rather get you dressed aptly for the occasion. There is lip gloss, lip stain, lip linerâ&#x20AC;Ś With lipstick, you would have learnt that it is your best accessory if you want to go bold or simply want to add a pop of colour to your face. With a choice of creamy, shiny and matte lipsticks, you can find the perfect stick to adorn your lips. lip gloss might seem like a winter product, with its sheen helping to hide the cracks, but it does have its appeal during summer too, if you want to get that casual look. It is definitely more subtle and can be a perfect complement if you are wearing bold eye makeup. And well, if you want your selfie pout to look just right, go with gloss.

March 2017

style FILe

MANGO:

A Story of Uniqueness

MANGO’s April campaign, ‘A Story of Uniqueness’, is a story of diversity and uniqueness defined by personality and talent - not age, not gender, not appearances or prejudices

March 2017

Style FILe The campaign conveys the message that every person is unique in their own way; their individual appearances, identities, talents, passions, values, emotions, strengths and weaknesses defining them. The campaign is inspired by multi-storyline films, featuring video portraits of 7 different talents that represent different aesthetics, ages and lifestyles

March 2017

style FILe 44

March 2017

esque It wIth ALe

CleAr-knee

jeAnS! Is IT a fashIonable upseT or The nexT ‘IT’ ThIng, wonders ale al ZadjalI?

Topshop made international headlines in March when they released a pair of ‘mom jeans’ that had plastic sewn in over the knees. somehow, despite the countless new jean designs that are created daily, those were everything people were talking about. I’m not even kidding; more people know about those than any piece by any designer that was showcased at any recent fashion week. They’ve been dubbed as the worst jeans of all time. however, I’m ale al Zadjali, and I’m here to make it clear (get it?) - those jeans are absolutely in vogue! I genuinely want to see the design prosper and make its way to the men’s section so I can grab a pair. Clear pVC clothing is nothing new, mostly coats have been sampled in fashion (made popular by celebs like Christina aguilera, aja, rita ora, and lady gaga) for years and, recently, Kanye west released a pair of clear plastic boots that Kim Kardashian looked fabulous in. now, to the people that are upset about this, remember that everybody’s been into jeans with holes in them since the late 2000’s but they had an even bigger controversy back then. In the end opinions are just like noses and everyone has one … well unless you’re Voldemort.

Ale Al Zadjali is a 23 year-old award-winning fashion designer; he is the brain behind the ‘Esque By Ale’ line of clothing

March 2017

Women's Special 46

Woman for all Seasons As March slowly trundles into April and all the hoo-ha surrounding International Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day and Arabic Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day dies down, until the next year, FACES captures the essence of the month and does its bit to spread the cheer to other months with pages celebrating womanhood in all its glory

March 2017

Women's Special

Changing Paradigms of Feminism From the popular home science courses of the yesteryear to the present day predilection for science and technology programmes, women have found ways and means to alter their feminist garbs to suit the times we live in

eminism has been defined as a range of political movements, ideologies and social movements over the years; yet, it hasn’t found a consensus among women leaders who believe that the definition only skims the process of attaining gender parity on a feminist platform. It may feel like all the major issues have been dealt with and there is no need for a feminism brigade, but

scratch the surface and issues relating to equal pay and opportunities will surface. As author Bell Hooks defined, feminism is ‘the struggle to end sexist oppression.’ And although she, along with other feminists, argued that men’s liberation should also be included in the domain of feminism, as they have also been harmed by traditional gender roles, there are several facts that demonstrate the need to invoke the objectives of feminism.

Check out a few facts here: l Women earn only about 77 percent of their earnings of males in similar jobs. l Only about 24 percent of senior management roles are held by women worldwide. l Only one percent of the titled land is owned by women. l In some countries, women are legally bound to obey their husbands.

March 2017

Women's Special

There are, of course, more reasons to carry on the feminist movement, but what is interesting is that women have found ways to shrug away the burden of inequality and shine through.

For starters… l l l

Women are more likely to get a high school diploma than men. Women hold the two highest IQ scores ever recorded. The world’s first modern novel, ‘The Tale of the Genji’, was published by a woman, Murasaki Shikibu, in the early 11th century. Some of the important technological products invented by women include the windshield wiper, industrial lathes, Liquid Paper, non-reflective glass, the dishwasher, disposable diapers, petroleum refining methods, etc.

So, would you call yourself a feminist? Check out the statements below and see if it applies to you. If you answer yes to majority of them, you (man or woman) are, indeed a feminist… 1. You would be willing to give up some of your salary, if you had to, so as to make equal pay at your workplace a reality.

March 2017

2. You believe that men and women should be equal. 3. You know what intersectional feminism is all about. 4. You think girls should be encouraged to pursue science and math as a career. 5. You strongly think women should have the right to choose any path in life. 6. You believe women should be allowed to apply for a job if they fulfil 60 percent of the job requirements. 7. You believe it’s important to encourage women to negotiate. 8. You feel there should be no pay discriminations between male and female stars in the film industry. 9. You believe both men and women should enjoy the same social and political rights. 10. You would make your daughter understand, from the beginning, that heridentity is not defined by her relationship status. 11. You do not endorse the view that things go wrong for a woman because she ‘asked for it’. 12. You are offended by catcalling. 13. You think advertisers should stop photo-shopping female model’s appearance/body type. 14. You are fine whether your boss is a man or a woman. 15. You believe that a woman should be offered the same opportunities for promotion as her male co-workers. 16. You believe domestic duties should be shared by both the partners. 17. You believe that men and women should be equally encouraged to express their emotions. 18. As an expectant parent, you would be equally excited to have a son or a daughter. 19. You feel there is no such thing as man’s job or woman’s responsibility in parenting. 20. You would rate intelligence over beauty for women to achieve success in the corporate world.

Women's Special

Balancing Act Without getting into the eternal debate whether housewives make better mothers than career women, we present a quick guide to help all multi-tasking women find their right balance

hile the most obvious difference between a working woman and a housewife is that the working woman gets paid for her work by an employer, while housewife does not, the fact of the matter is that both are involved in childcare that has been described variously as the most difficult task in the world. Finding the right balance is important and the following tips might just help:

Make a list

When nothing else helps to prioritise your work, a to-do list will prove to be a boon. Like the grocery list stuck behind a magnet on your refrigerator, make a to-do list for the day and even the week, if you can, and see how many you can follow. Stick to only important tasks so that time is on your side.

Organise your tasks

When you understand the steps required in fulfilling a task and stick to it diligently, you will find the day has more minutes for you to put your feet up and relax. Every time you finish a task/project, ensure that there are no loose ends left for you to work on later.

Take it easy

Make dinner time count

Involve your husband

Alone time

Despite the lessons above in making to-do lists and organising tasks, it is crucial for you to also know that you do not have to fulfil all your chores at once. Instead, work in phases so that you are not bogged down by guilt for not accomplishing any particular task. It is best to come to an understanding, early on, about household chores and who needs to do what. While mothering might seem like a onepersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job, daddy also needs to do his share for the child to get connected. Come to an arrangement to share your childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s everyday tasks, so as to maintain the momentum in the house and also find time to unwind.

If you make dinner time special you will find that you have not only managed to devote quality time for the family, but also found a perfect way to relax. Involving your spouse in after dinner chores around the kitchen will enhance this experience further. You need your share of alone time, mother or not. You have to replenish your energy levels and require some time to unwind and switch off. Find ways to get away from all chores at least one night in a week and spend that time doing what you like best, whether it is reading a book, watching a movie or going out for dinner.

March 2017

Women's Special

Mother’s Day

A special day, a special way, to say ‘I love you’ to the woman who matters more than anyone in the world In the Arab world it is celebrated on March 21, in the United Kingdom on March 26, in the United States on May 14… Every country around the world has designated its own mother’s day or followed the one set by other countries. But ask us about it and we would say every day is mothers’ day. Mothers should be celebrated every day of the year for the role they play in nurturing their children and imbuing the essence of love. Of all the endearing ties in the world, it is the unconditional love of a mother that tops the list. But then again, a dedicated day would help throw the spotlight on her, make everyone in the home salute her for all that she does to keep the household running smoothly. Even ancient Greeks and Romans are said to have held festivals in honour of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele. It was, in fact, the ‘Mothering Sunday’ that set a precedent for modern mother’s day celebrations, giving children a chance to express their love with flowers, cards and gifts. In the present day, more phone calls are said to be made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year. However, 19th century American social activist Anna Jarvis, who lobbied the government for an official day to honour mothers in the US, was concerned at the commercialisation of the day. She described the use of greetings cards to wish mothers, ‘a poor excuse for the letter you are too lazy to write’. If you too believe that your mother deserve more than flowers and cards and that you could convert any day into her special day, take a cue from the quick guide below to pamper her with your dose of love.

Do what she does…

You have seen her cooking, cleaning and, generally, keeping the home in order. Take over…for a day in a month, or better still, in a week, to do what she does; her everyday chores. Take time to observe her while she is busy around the house; follow her, if you must, to assess the time required to do all that she does before gifting her a day, or a weekend, free from all chores.

March 2017

Gift her time…

A letter of gratitude to a mother from her 12-year old daughter, who wants to anonymously pay a tribute to the spirit of the motherhood

Cook up a feast…

Dear Mama, I have loved you for my whole life and I have an unusual funny way of showing it. I am thankful for you being a mother and doing a good job of it. I usually seem ungrateful but really, I just want to cuddle up in your arms and stay there… forever.

Your time, that is. In the humdrum of everyday life, it is but common to forget people and things in the house. Things outside seem to demand attention while the things at home are taken for granted. Halt everything. Give her your time; for time is something that she will cherish more than your exquisitely packed gift. You could either spend the time at home with her or in an activity that she would love to indulge in. Even if cooking is not your forte, whatever you whip up for her in her kitchen is sure to make her feel special. Go for a full three course meal and ensure that you have left the kitchen clean, as she would have. But if you really cannot muster more than boiling a cup of water, save up and take her to a fancy restaurant and treat her to a festive dinner.

Make a card…

With so many DIY sites on the Internet, creating a card that tells her how much she means to you could be a piece of cake. But cards are not your only option; try and write (actually write, using a pen on paper) a letter to her, expressing your love and gratitude for all that she does.

Take her shopping…

All her life she has shopped for you or accompanied you on all your important days, now do the same for her. Take her shopping at her favourite mall or fix an appointment for some pampering at a spa or a beauty salon. Shopping is difficult to resist and so is a spa therapy.

Women's Special

A teen’s message for her mother

I am thankful for the way you nag me to do my work, and when I finally do, I feel triumphant.You have pushed me to the brink of being angry many times, and I know that to make me better at doing things. I am grateful to you for giving me courage even though I might not want it; you give it to me so I can sing better. I love the way you care about us and I hope that it never changes. You are a very inspirational, confident and beautiful idol.You have pushed me to do more good than bad and I know life will be harder when I leave. I think I will constantly need you, even though it seems like I don’t. I love you mama!

March 2017

Women's Special

Gadgets for

WOMEN Gadgets have a universal appeal, but some are distinctly designed to cater to women who seek that much more from their lives Tile Rescue

‘Where’s my…’ If that’s the constant refrain in the house, you would do yourself and your family a great deed by adding Tile to the family. With two new trackers – Tile Mate and Tile Slim – locating your wallet, keys, purse, laptop, smartphone, glasses and a host of other things, is a breeze. You could stick, hook or attach the Tile into anything you like. It will help you see the last place you had it on a map and make it ring as you get close. What is more, it could make your phone ring, even if it is on silent, by just pressing the button on your tile.

In ‘Spire’

While on trackers here is another one that is designed to go all the way. It is a one of its kind breath and activity tracker, which is also said to decrease stress. This tiny fitness tracker is designed to understand your stress by location, time and activity with daily stats as well as weekly reports. The visual breath guide will help you, literally, catch your breath and lower your tensions and also track your activity, steps and calories, among others.

Make ‘Sense’

It might seem like tracking devices are everywhere, but with smartphones adapting to everyday life to make tasks simple and easy, it might be true that you have no choice but to rely on them…even for something as mundane as sleep. ‘Sense’ is a sleep tracker that is designed to help you sleep better. Created in the shape of a cute little sphere, it is packed with sensors that monitor conditions in your environment and even tell you how well you slept through the night. And yes, it can also be used to set an alarm.

March 2017

Stay connected to the people and apps you use with Ringly bracelets and rings that are linked to your phone through Bluetooth. You will receive customised mobile alerts through vibration and a subtle colour-coded light; the ring/ bracelet can also track your steps and the calories burned. Besides, you could set activity targets and receive alerts when you reach your goals.

Women's Special

Ringly connection

Bag light

When your handbag turns into a mine hole, filled with knickknacks and everyday accessories, you are bound to waste time searching for that elusive card or key in your bag. You probably wish there was some light to help you locate the itemsâ&#x20AC;Ś Well, that wish has become a command with Brainstream SOI Handbag Light with Automatic Sensor. It lights up your bag when it senses motion and stays lit for ten seconds

Safe net

The issue is safety with Revolar, a small wearable device, which can empower you to be proactive about your safety and stay connected with the people who matter. It is a small button that could be worn, even discreetly, while you are out or even travelling abroad. It is equipped to provide one-press check-in so that your friends and family know everythingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s okay. It works with cellular service and Wi-Fi.

Bracelet power

Here is a gadget that could turn into a jewellery. The QBracelet from Q Designs, which looks like any bangle, has the power to charge the iPhone by 50 percent. All that you need to do when the iPhone is crying for power, is to open the bangle at the hinge to reveal a lightning connector that can boost the battery life.

Stay Safe

Stay safe with Safelet, a fast and convenient way to ensure your safety. The Safelet bracelet helps alert, instantly, your family and friends, especially when you cannot reach your phone. All that you need to do is press the two buttons on the sides to send a message to someone in your guardian network. It can also sync with the mobile phone and record audio communication.

March 2017

at HOME

HOME SAFE HOME Is your home safe for all members of the family? Years ago, when a sneaky curiosity made yours truly touch a hot iron box, the issue could have turned into an emergency, if a visiting relative was not around. Her presence of mind to run cold water, before applying a balm to soothe the pain, controlled the damage that could have otherwise become nasty. All of us have heard stories of emergencies that emanate from homes, owing to some oversight or a lack of understanding of the dangers from seemingly harmless household items of everyday use. The latter is difficult to gauge, as it could arise from the most mundane of items. Like a friend who had to face a medical emergency in her home when her one-year old child pulled the tag of the teabag steeped in a cup of very hot water. The cup tilted and the boiling hot water scalded her back; she had to be treated for second-degree burns. It does seem ironical that a home, which is designed to shelter one from dangers, could be hiding little darts that puncture the safety shield. It is

March 2017

difficult to foresee problems that could arise from things that make up the home â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether it is the furniture and the accessories or electrical points. And yet, it is falls that crop up as major medical concerns. It could be caused by a slippery floor, an uneven tile or even a toy lying around, causing grievous injuries.

You could be living in a villa or a relatively smaller flat, your safety is not determined by your living space. Safety is a concern for every household, especially when there are children who are too small to apprehend the dangers of things lying around. If you haven’t done it already and are uncertain how to assess the dangers of falls waiting to happen, take a walk, literally, through the house to identify places that could become potential trip/ fall zones. These include throw rugs, wires stretching on the floor, dimly lit stairs and even toys and other clutter lying on the floor. Once identified, make conscious effort to eliminate the problem areas or find an alternative to keep them out of range. Another common feature of your home that needs to be in order to ensure safety, is the smoke alarm. Most homes, and even offices, have smoke alarms that haven’t been

Cleaning products also need to be monitored, rather kept out of the reach of children, as most of them contain chemicals that are harmful if ingested. Ensure that these are kept in a locked store room or placed in kitchen cabinets that are out of children’s reach. Pay heed to your kitchen items too. Glassware ought to be placed in top cabinets and hot dishes kept away from the child’s grasping reach. This also means that hot items should not be placed on tablecloths that can be easily pulled by children. Double check to see you are following safe kitchen practices. Ensure that there are no knives, matchbox or sharp items lying around.

Tips to make your home safe 1.

A well-lit home creates less safety issues. If you live in a big villa, it is essential to keep critical areas, like the staircase,

the foyer, etc., illuminated. You may not be a DIY person, but that is no reason to leave things unattended. There are electricians and plumbers you could hire when you have an issue that has to be resolved before it creates any problem. Always switch off appliances after use, even if you need a particular electrical appliance every day. In addition to switching off the appliances, ensuring that they are stored safely, is important. You could child proof electrical outlets and keep it safe. Like safety practices with cleaning products to avoid ingesting toxic chemicals, attention also needs to be paid while using pesticides to keep the roaches and bugs away from your living space. Safety issue comes to the fore as little children could get affected while playing on the floor where it is sprayed. If there are toddlers at home, it is wise to place barricades around the staircase and even the kitchen area. Do not leave children unattended in the bathroom and kitchen

March 2017

at HOME

tested in years. As per the product requirement, smoke alarms have to be tested every month to check if they are in working condition. Besides, you need to formulate an emergency fire escape plan for the family to keep the dangers to the minimum. Home emergency situations have shown that most casualties occur from smoke inhalation.

Relatively SPEAKING

A family that vacations together…

After all is said and done, a family requires that alone time, away from the all too familiar settings, to explore and enjoy the benefits of shared experiences that a holiday could guarantee

he concept of ‘shared experience’, as identified by psychologists, may have a relatively tactile inference, with studies quantifying its benefits solely on the grounds of it being shared with another person or a group, even when there is no communication between them. Seen thus, it may not have an equal bearing on a family holiday; but there is no denying that a shared experience can amplify the experience. Whether it is tucking into an exotic new local cuisine or visiting a historical site, the element of sharing that experience could reflect on the family bonding that the holiday hoped to achieve. There is every chance that the destination one chooses would play an important role in dictating the novelty of an experience, but a shared experience is not limited by space, time or the budget. Even a holiday at home, or the so-called staycation, could inculcate the essence of shared experience, if

activities are designed to get the family in a together loop. Whatever be the reason for taking a family vacation, the fact is that every family needs one to get away from the humdrum of everyday life…the routines and the unceasing demands on time. It is all about breaking the monotony of work, school and home, and giving time, the eternal culprit, a new lease of life. For with vacations, it is about stretching the leisurely weekend to a week or even longer to give everyone a breather; a definitive pause from the drudgery that routines create. This summer vacation, ensure that every member of the family has at least a week to spare for a holiday together, to enjoy a host of benefits. Family vacations are needed to…

Create quality time

All else being equal, it is the element of quality time that is assured in a holiday with the family. With every day conversations generally delving on the day that was, it is a holiday that brings out a proper sit down talk with children. In most households the weekend goes in cleaning and sorting things out for the coming week, making a family holiday all the more important.

March 2017

Relatively SPEAKING Experience rest and relaxation

Like you, children also require their dose of relaxation, which cannot be realised by simply sleeping until late on the weekend. A holiday means a big pause on all thoughts of school work for children and office or house work for adults. When the mind is free from the daily schedules and tasks, even a hike in the countryside can seem relaxing. And if you are seeking general wellness of your family, it can be well assured by a holiday that is planned right.

Enjoy learning

A holiday could easily turn into a learning experience for children when visiting new places and watching new cultures and traditions. Chances of them retaining all that they saw and heard during a holiday is much greater than what they would have read in their school books. Some studies have also found that holidays can help boost childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learning capabilities.

Make memories

Memories are made of things that made you happy as a family. What better way to create fond memories than a holiday! You could be striking a pose at a historical site or lazing on a beachâ&#x20AC;Śthat shared experience will be etched in your memory, to relive every time you think of the family

Go on, plan a holiday with your familyâ&#x20AC;Ś

March 2017

man date

Stressed and anxious? Stress may be a universal bane, but men are more prone to get affected by it, at times critically

tress knows no gender, but studies have shown that men, generally, camouflage signs of stress under a serious mien and refrain from discussing the subject; they adopt a fight or flight approach, while women take a more emotional path and find ways to relieve it, even reach out for help.

With research establishing stress as a risk factor in heart disease as well as other physical and psychological problems, the time is now to get a grip on the problems associated with stress and find ways to halt it. Although stress has been identified as an individual experience with symptoms that alter in degrees and even kind, you need to understand that your body releases adrenaline and cortisol when stressed, raising the heart rate and blood pressure, which in itself could be a sign of stress in your life. Other common physical symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, diminished/increased sex drive, muscular and skeletal aches, headache, dizziness, constipation/diarrhea, sweatiness, stomach cramps, skin irritations and weight gain/loss. On the emotional side, you might experience sadness, depression, withdrawal or isolation, insomnia, moodiness, anxiety, irritability, anger, overeating or anorexia, feelings of insecurity, negative thoughts, lack of job satisfaction, changes in relationships and increased smoking or substance abuse, among others.

March 2017

Quantify the statements as Never, Seldom, Sometimes, Often or Always, based on how frequently each one has been true in your case in the last one month. 1.

You feel tired all the time__

You cannot seem to relax__

You find it hard to make decisions__

You have trouble thinking clearly__

Your food habits have changed: you are eating too much/little__

You have headaches__

You are constantly worrying over your problems__

You have trouble falling asleep and/or waking up and have nightmares__

You feel you are taking unnecessary risks__

10. You have aches and pains all over__ 11. You are becoming addicted to caffeine/nicotine__ 12. You seem to biting your nails, fidgeting, pacing…__ 13. You are becoming forgetful__ 14. You have constant stomach upsets__ 15. You are irritable and getting easily annoyed__ 16. You are experiencing mood-swings__ 17. You are finding it hard to concentrate__ 18. You are withdrawn from other people__ 19. Your work has become uninteresting __ 20. You are preoccupied with negative thoughts and are often found staring at nothing__

Scoring: -

0 for every Never answer 1 for Seldom 2 for Sometimes 3 for Often 4 for Always

Stress level:

0 to 20: You are in great shape.

man date

If you have experienced any of those symptoms or feel you could be under stress and want to find out more, take the quiz below:

21 to 40: You may be experiencing moderate level of stress. 41 to 60: You could be having moderate to high degree of stress. 61 to 80: You are possibly experiencing very high level of stress.

If you fall in any of the last two score ranges, you need to find ways to reduce your stress. To start, follow these simple steps: 1. Find ways to get interpersonally connected with your friends and family. Don’t rely on your smartphone to establish that connect. 2. Incorporate exercise into your everyday regimen. 3. Ensure that you are getting enough sleep. 4. Do things that relax you – even breathing exercises could help

March 2017

Dentsu Aegis partners with Media 21

Dentsu Aegis Network MENA has announced the appointment of a new partner in Oman. Media 21(M21) will be the exclusive DAN partner in the country, and take responsibility for all agency services, including media planning and buying, creative, digital and social media, events and media production for Dentsu Aegis Network clients in Oman going forward. Together, the partnership will offer enhanced communications solutions to help marketers holistically transform their businesses at speed and scale. M21 is a full service agency with dedicated digital, advertising, events and publishing divisions, and was founded in 2007 in Dubai to focus on the growing Omani media market. The existing team will be led by Rajesh Raman, Managing Director of M21 and supported by a team of 22 qualified professionals from its offices in Dubai and Muscat. Speaking of the partnership, Raman said, “This really is an exciting time for our team and is a sign that a global player in the media space sees Oman as a market worthy of a significant presence and investment.”

‘Create Great Moments Together’

Majid Al Futtaim has launched a new regional marketing campaign designed to inspire people to spend more quality time with loved ones. The campaign, ‘Create Great Moments Together’ is based on an insight confirmed by research, which was commissioned by the company across the region. The study revealed that nearly everyone (94%) in the country is happiest when spending quality time with friends and family; however, one third (30%) spend just five hours or less a week doing so. The new campaign is a subtle message asking people to do something that will make a difference to their life. It is a little reminder that the greatest moments in life come from experiencing, sharing and discovering life together.

Bank Muscat focused on customer-centric growth strategies

Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, reviewed the 2016 performance and outlined its customer-centric growth strategies at the annual Leadership Forum attended by the Management Team and branch leadership. The event themed ‘Customer Service Excellence’ reiterated the bank’s strategies in line with the focus on ‘Excellence is our Destination’. Commending the frontline branch managers for their dedication and commitment to steer the bank to greater heights in serving the largest banking family in Oman, AbdulRazak Ali Issa, Chief Executive, said: “Bank Muscat is progressing well on track with clarity on its dynamic vision, values and strategy, which have helped in distinguishing itself in banking excellence, and remains focused on its customer-centric strategy to sustain the competitive advantage.”

March 2017

Danube Home opens showroom in Sohar

Danube Home has opened doors to a new store in Oman’s Sohar district. The Grand Opening Ceremony was attended by H.E. Sheikh Ali Ahmed Mashari Al Shamshi, Wali of Oman, as well as the senior management of Danube Group, including Founder-Rizwan Sajan, Managing Director-Anis Sajan and Director-Adel Sajan. Located opposite Safeer Mall, the new Danube Home store spans an area of 54000 square feet and provides customised solutions across its iconic categories - Living: sofas, bedrooms, chandeliers, home decorations, dinner ware, glassware, bedding, fragrances; Bath: shattafs, mixers, bathroom accessories, massage bathtubs, saunas, bathroom tiles; and Garden & outdoor: balcony sets, rattan furniture, gazebos, swings, kids play range.

Risk Management and Safety in Adventure Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism has launched a ‘Risk Management and Safety in Adventure Tourism’ (RMSAT) programme, in keeping with its framework of promoting adventure sports and tourism activities in Oman. The programme was launched during a presentation, prepared by the Ministry in cooperation with supportadventure.co.nz, which is supervised by the New Zealand Government, and Maven International Consulting Company. During the presentation, an adventure tourism activities Guide, that highlights the wadis, was also launched. The guide has been prepared by the Ministry, in cooperation with the New Zealand Government›s Business, Innovation and Employment Department; Stephen Jones, Development Consultant at Oman Tourism Development Company, and the Chairman of the Empowerment of Adventure and Nature activities in Oman.

Majan College Team win the Neymar Jr’s Five National Final

The Neymar Jr’s Five National Final crowned Team ‘Majan College’ as the champions. Only 16 of the country’s best teams were selected to compete in the National Final of Neymar Jr’s Five, which was held in Oman for the second year. The competition took place after the footballers were selected from 8 different qualifiers, which took place in Baushar, Darsait, Maabeilah, Mussanah, Sohar, Shinas, Nizwa and Salalah, with a total of 1932 players. The main twist to the five a-side football tournament is that it was played with no goalkeepers and each time a player scored a goal a player from the opposing team was eliminated. Each match went on for 10 minutes until the whole team was eliminated. In Oman the Red Bull Event is being held in partnership with Instituto Neymar Jr, Oman Ministry of Tourism, Salam Air, HiFM, Hala FM, Al Zabadiyah Sports Club and Millennium Resort Mussanah.

Oman Air enters into partnership with Lufthansa

Oman Air is continuing its expansion across Europe and North America by signing a new partnership agreement with Lufthansa. Under the new agreement, guests on Oman Air can connect to 59 destinations across Europe and North America from Lufthansa’s Frankfurt and Munich hubs on an interline basis. At the same time, Lufthansa will codeshare with Oman Air on Oman Air operated services from both Frankfurt and Munich to Muscat, allowing their guests to experience the hospitality and outstanding service of Oman Air. In order to provide Oman Air’s guests with a seamless travel experience while connecting in Frankfurt and Munich, Oman Air will be moving terminals in Frankfurt to the Lufthansa operated terminals in Frankfurt terminal 1 and Munich terminal 2. It will also be re-timing its current services to Frankfurt to arrive and depart Frankfurt during the morning to facilitate connections in Frankfurt to Europe and North America in under three hours.

March 2017

New Audi Q5

The new Audi Q5 was awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP, the organization’s highest rating. The top score means the bestseller from Ingolstadt is among the safest automobiles in its class. The Audi Q5 showed off its strengths in every type of test. The new generation of the strong-selling Audi model scored points for occupant protection, child safety and pedestrian protection. Also contributing to the SUV’s rating were the driver assistance systems that are standard equipment – including pre sense city, the emergency braking system that reacts to vehicles up ahead of the car and to pedestrians. The outstanding NCAP test results underscore the high standards the brand with the four rings upholds in the areas of active and passive safety, and in lightweight construction.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS

With class-leading technology, three-row seating,and immense on- and off-road capability, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport is the perfect family vehicle for both day-to-day transport as well as adventurous weekend getaways. Sold by General Automotive Company (GAC), the official distributor of Mitsubishi Vehicles in Oman, the 2016 Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS is now offering Free Service for three years as well as free Insurance and registrations, a high values gift, and a cash back of RO2,500. In addition, the Montero Sport offers total peaceof-mind motoring thanks to six-year unlimited mileage warranty and roadside assistance on all variants.

All-new BMW 5 Series Sedan makes its debut in Oman

Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, the official BMW Group importer in Oman, welcomed the eagerly anticipated BMW 5 Series in its showroom earlier this month. The seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series Sedan cuts a sporty, elegant and stylish figure with further enhanced dynamics and an unbeatable line-up of assistance systems. It also offers an unmatched degree of connectivity and a new innovative operating system to give drivers in Oman a redefined experience behind the wheel of the much-loved luxury sedan. The design and aerodynamics of the seventh-generation BMW 5 Series have been heavily upgraded to add higher levels in efficiency, comfort and performance. The BMW 5 Series also takes another step towards automated driving with extended functions for the optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) system and Steering and lane control assistant.

March 2017

Alfardan Motors hosts ‘Esperienza Ferrari’

Alfardan Motors, the official importer of Ferrari in Oman, organised an exclusive driving event – Esperienza Ferrari – offering customers, prospects and media a unique opportunity to experience Ferrari’s GTC4Lusso and 488 Spider models on the beautiful roads near Al Bustan Palace Hotel. A thorough briefing on vehicles performance, handling and innovation was conducted before the start of the event by professional Ferrari instructors flown in from Maranello, Italy. Later the guests were given opportunity to experience the legendary Ferrari DNA behind the wheel of two of the Prancing Horse’s finest models. The Esperienza Ferrari event allowed the participants to enjoy and test drive the Ferrari models in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Subaru Impreza unveiled in Oman

OTE Group and Subaru recently unveiled the all-new 2017 Impreza in Oman. The fifth-generation Impreza employs the completely revamped Subaru Global Platform architecture for the first time, significantly enhancing the body and chassis rigidity and strength. The Impreza also offers world-class collision safety and hazard avoidance performance, as well as far more driver-responsive handling and ride comfort. Based on the Subaru Global Platform, the all-new Subaru Impreza aims to offer the utmost ‘Enjoyment and Peace of Mind’ driving experience to all drivers and passengers, with an array of new technologies that greatly enhance all-around safety as well as dynamic and static quality feel. The all-new Impreza is the first production model to fully incorporate the company’s Dynamic x Solid design philosophy.

Harley-Davidson’s new Street Rod

Harley-Davidson® has introduced the allnew 2017 Street Rod™ in the Middle East to further expand the brand’s agile Dark Custom range, aiming to raise eyebrows and reset expectations. Grown from the Street platform, it has been built to thrive in the city – and provide an exhilarating experience beyond. The new Street Rod™ is equipped with a tuned High Output Revolution™ X 750 engine, producing more torque through the mid-range and power at the top-end, while it also chases a higher redline. The bigger hitting motor is matched with sharper chassis geometry and aggressive riding position, which has also led to introducing further upgrades to the suspension, brakes and wheels.

Infiniti Q30

The Infiniti Q30 has been breaking new ground for Infiniti. Combining the sportiness of a coupé and the empowered stance of a crossover, the luxury compact is a dream vehicle. Designed for a new generation of buyers who are not willing to be defined by their choice of vehicle body type, the Q30 challenges convention with its bold character and daring shape. Infiniti Q30 the luxury compact crossover offers a complete technology package that augments the car’s driving experience while providing supreme safety to all occupants. Q30 also makes a bold visual statement through its exceptional exteriors and superb interiors. The car has been engineered to exacting standards to deliver a driving experience that is distinctly Infiniti.

March 2017

Chill Out

Movies Movies Books Book

MOVIE REVIEW

Director James Ponsoldt

Cast Emma Watson Tom Hanks John Boyega Karen Gillan Ellar Coltrane Patton Oswalt Bill Paxton

ND I N G

Shape of You - Ed Sheeran

That’s What I Like - Bruno Mars

Bad And Boujee - Migos & Lil Uzi Vert

The Circle

CHART TOPPERS

The Circle is an upcoming American thriller based on Dave Eggers’ 2013 novel of the same name

4. I Don’t Wanna Live Forever – Zayn & Taylor Swift

Mae Holland (Emma Watson), a young

5. I Feel It Coming – Weeknd & Daft Punk

tech worker seizes the opportunity of a lifetime when she lands a job with

6. Tunnel Vision – Kodak Black

the world’s most powerful technology and social media company. Called The Circle, the company seems to provide, at least initially, both useful tools for a

7. Love On The Brain – Rihanna 8. iSpy – Kyle & Lil Yachty 9. Paris – Chainsmokers 10. Bad Things – Machine Gun Kelly

modern world in a spectacular work environment. Mae quickly rises through the ranks, and, encouraged by the company’s founder (Tom Hanks), joins a groundbreaking experiment that pushes the boundaries of privacy, ethics and personal freedom. She soon finds herself in the middle of dilemma over the ethics of surveillance and security. Her participation in the experiment, and every decision she makes soon starts to affect the lives and futures of her friends, family and that of humanity.

March 2017

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget UPCOMING RELEASES

The Fate Of The Furious

Vin Diesel, Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris ‘The Fate of the Furious’, the eighth installment of the Fast and Furious, is the first of a trilogy that is set to wrap up the whole saga of superfast cars and explosions. Dom and Letty are on their honeymoon and Brian and Mia have retired from the game, providing the globetrotting team a semblance of a normal life. But when a mysterious woman seduces Dom into the world of crime he can’t seem to escape and a betrayal of those closest to him, they will face trials that will test them as never before.

BOOK REVIEW

Going In Style

Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Alan Arkin, Joey King, Ann-Margret, Matt-Dillon Lifelong buddies Willie (Morgan Freeman), Joe (Michael Caine) and Al (Alan Arkin) decide to buck retirement and step off the straight-and-narrow for the first time in their lives when their pension fund becomes a corporate casualty. Desperate to pay the bills and come through for their loved ones, the three men risk it all by embarking on a daring adventure to knock off the very bank that absconded with their money.

Gifted

Chris Evans, Jenny Slate, Mckenna Grace, Octavia Spencer, Lindsay Duncan Frank Adler (Chris Evans) is a single man raising a child prodigy, his spirited young niece Mary (Mckenna Grace), in a coastal town in Florida. Frank’s plans for a normal school life for Mary are foiled when the seven-year-old’s mathematical abilities come to the attention of Frank’s formidable mother Evelyn whose plans for her granddaughter threaten to separate Frank and Mary.

Three Daughters of Eve

Author: Elif Shafak Peri, a wealthy Turkish housewife, is on her way to a dinner party at a seaside mansion in Istanbul when a beggar snatches her handbag. As she wrestles to get it back, a photograph falls to the ground - an old Polaroid of three young women and their university professor. A relic from a past - and a love - Peri had tried desperately to forget.

Expecting Adam: A True Story of Birth, Rebirth, and Everyday Magic

Author: Martha Beck John and Martha Beck had two Harvard degrees each when they conceived their second child. Further graduate studies, budding careers, and a growing family meant major stress. As the pregnancy progressed, Martha battled constant nausea and dehydration. And when she learned her unborn son had Down syndrome, she battled nearly everyone over her decision to continue the pregnancy.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear Author: Elizabeth Gilbert Popular author Gilbert shares her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity in this book. She offers insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration and asks readers to embrace curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She also discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits one needs in order to live creative lives.

March 2017

Chill Out

Movies Movies Books Book

WEB WORLD

Chill outdoors Mission: Charity Inculcate the spirit of charity in your child with some online help Here is a quick guide to sites that could encourage your kids to do good - in their neighbourhood, community and even on a global level. It is a platform to help children take that extra step to become better global citizens, while promoting the ideas of social responsibility and community service. Here are a few resources

Free Rice

Log on to http://www.freerice.com to teach your children (age 9+) about ending hunger with a few grains of rice at a time. The website is a pool of games with questions that range from easy to difficult for players to answer and help donate rice. “For each answer you get right, we donate 10 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program” states the website, which also encourages donations by adding: “If you like, you can make a donation to the UN WFP to help Freerice buy more rice to feed hungry people…”

Kiva

http://www.kiva.org is a micro-loan site gives everyone the chance to help. Kiva connects people through lending… By lending as little as $25 on Kiva, anyone can help a borrower start or grow a business.

Volunteer Match

http://volunteermatch.org/, with links to volunteering opportunities, brings ‘good people and good causes together’. Aimed at teens, it will help you find a cause that is closer to your heart and get in touch with a nonprofit organization.

Kids Are Heroes

http://www.kidsareheroes.org/index.html is a grassroots site honouring kid volunteers (age 9+). Its mission is ‘to empower children from all cultures to become social change agents.’ And, this is done by showcasing the stories of children, from all over the world, who are creating a better world; it is a gateway to leadership, self-confidence and compassion for all children.

Riddle Time

1 2 3 4 5 66

What do you call the new girl at the bank? ? What did the judge say when the skunk walked in the court room? What did the fish say when he swam into the wall? Why don’t skeletons fight each other? Why did the robber take a bath?

March 2017

Riddle Time Answers (February 2016)

What goes through towns, up & over hills, but doesn’t move? Answer: The road. WWhy was there thunder and lightning in the lab? Answer: The scientists were brainstorming. Why couldn’t the pirate play cards? Answer: Because he was sitting on the deck. What did the blanket say to the bed? Answer: Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. What do you call a ghosts mom and dad? Answer: Transparents

2 3 4 5

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget GADGET NOTES Smart Baby Camera

Now, this is what any new parent would need, a camera that can actually see when an infant stops breathing. This smart baby camera - First Alert’s new Onelink Envirocam - can monitor an infant’s respiration rate from afar. Designed to give some peace of mind for parents, the camera can automatically detect micro-movements of a baby’s breathing and keep track of the baby’s respiration rates throughout the night. Its additional environmental sensors allow it to track room temperature, humidity, sleep quality and carbon monoxide levels.

Garbage discs…

Disposing garbage is as easy as tossing a Frisbee in the air with Black+Decker’s new Robovac, which compresses dirt into garbage discs. By using a free accompanying app that connects to the Smartech Robotic Vacuum over Bluetooth, you can programme the cleaning routines, direct the robot to specific area or take it around manually. The collection of sensors ensure that it doesn’t fall down stairs or get caught up on other obstacles; it even senses if it’s cleaning hard floors or carpeting and can, automatically adjust its power setting.

SpaceX to fly tourists around Moon next year

A lucky pair is destined to travel around moon as early as 2018. SpaceX has announced plans to fly two private citizens around the Moon next year, in the first manned US mission since the 1970s. The two moon travellers, who have, apparently, paid a huge sum for the weeklong trip, will travel using a spaceship being developed for NASA astronauts as well as a heavy-lift rocket that is yet to be flown. According to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, the two passengers will travel faster and further into the solar system than anyone before them.

FM stations of another kind

Engineers at the University of Washington have found ways to turn everyday objects into FM stations. They have pioneered a new technique that can, for example, make posters sing and shirts talk. The technique allows objects to communicate directly with the car radio on the move or the user’s smartphone. This means a bus stop billboard could send digital content about local attractions or a street sign could broadcast the name of an intersection or safety aspects of the road. It will also allow clothing with integrated sensors to monitor vital signs and send them to a phone.

s e t i B

ane, worried about her husband’s temper, consults her family doctor. ‘What’s the problem?’ asks the Doctor. Jane sighs and replies: ‘I don’t know what to do. Everyday my husband seems to lose his temper for no reason. It scares me.’ ‘I have a cure for that,’ says the doctor, adding, ‘When it seems that your

husband is getting angry, just take a glass of water and start swishing it in your mouth. Just swish… don’t swallow it until he either leaves the room or calms down.’ Two weeks later Jane comes back to the doctor looking fresh and reborn. ‘That was a brilliant idea, doctor. Every time my husband started losing it, I swished with water. I swished and swished, and he calmed right down! How does a glass of water do that?’ The Doctor smiles and says: ‘It wasn’t the water… Keeping your mouth shut did the trick!’

n engineer, a priest, and a doctor are trying to enjoying a round of golf, but are frustrated by a group that is ahead of them. The group is playing very slowly and unprofessionally. Watching them the three get frustrated and ask the greenkeeper for an explanation. They are told that it’s a group of blind who lost their sight saving the clubhouse. ‘As a token of gratitude, we let them play for free,’ he tells them. Hearing this the priest offers to say a prayer for them at night. The doctor volunteers to ask his ophthalmologist colleagues if anything could be done for them. But the engineer looks at them and asks, ‘Why can’t they play at night?’

March 2017

Chill Out April 2017

Movies

FUTURESCOPE

Aries

(March 21 - April 20) If physical fitness and mental wellbeing has been on your mind, this is a great time to get it going and enjoy all the pleasures of the senses. Well, this is a happy kind of month. Now is the time to create the conditions of life that are to your satisfaction. Even love is favouring you, as it will soon find you. As for your everyday business, things are just perfect. Go on, make the most of this time.

Taurus

This is the best period of your life this year. You are at the height of your personal power, making it easier for you to create the conditions that please you. Utilise your energies to enhance your personal happiness. And, although other people matter in your life, you are now less dependent on them. The month ahead is profitable…

Gemini

Leo

Leo, this is a happy and successful month; go ahead and enjoy it. Your optimism is reflecting in your life and you are in that state when nothing will, seemingly, get you down. You will, however, have to learn some patience. This is also a good time for students, studying in under-graduate or post-graduate level.

Virgo

Your health is slowly, but steadily, getting better. You have really done well for yourself. Now is the time to get rid of unessential things in your life – we are not talking about your material possessions alone; focus also on the mental clutter that needs a detox. If there are any old emotional patterns that you do not require, delete them or replace with positive thoughts.

Libra

Whatever anyone says, remember that self-interest is an enlightened pursuit, one that guarantees happiness. However, it is for you to draw the line when it comes to pursuing self-interest. Make the necessary changes and see things improving. It is time to resolve your doubts before taking any action.

Your love life appears complicated, but that has no say on your happiness. Get ready for some love and romance. Interestingly, this could also rub on to your friends who also can look forward to romance in their lives. What is more, even parents or parent figures would be enjoying social bliss.

Cancer

Scorpio

Yes, you have been working hard and it is reflecting in your trail of success. But all work and no play, rather rest, could affect your health and peace. Reschedule your rest periods and keep focusing on important things; trivial aspects can be forgotten. You are in for some financial favours at work and even from parent figures.

Cobie Smulders

If you have been classified as a job seeker in the recent past, here is your chance to make use of the opportunities that are opening up to you. But exercise caution as most of these opportunities need be researched as they may not ensure job satisfaction. Good news on the health front too.

(April 3, 1982) Jacoba Francisca Maria ‘Cobie’ Smulders is a Canadian actress and model. She Smulders grew up in her native British Columbia and commuted regularly from Vancouver to Los Angeles while looking for assignments. Cobie Smulders is best known for her roles as Robin Scherbatsky on the television series ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and Maria Hill in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

March 2017

Sagittarius

Have you been contemplating a vacation? If yes, then now is the time to give yourself a vacation from everything, even yourself. Personally, you will find your creativity peaking. However, be careful with your earnings; be watchful over the little things that you purchase. Your health is good this month.

Capricorn

Put a full stop on things that have been overtiring you. Make your health matter by going in for a relaxing massage. You might decide to work from home to strike a balance between home and career, but there are possibilities of career changes that could bring a complete changeover. The month ahead will be prosperous.

Aquarius

Aquarius, you are in a comfortable kind of place. There may be some family issues, but this will be resolved as easily as it will help you focus better on your home and family. Health may need some attention, but it is short term and should not be a cause for worry. Get rest and be positive – all else will follow from it.

Pisces

This is your prosperous period. Your financial intuition is good and is even getting better. What is more, you could be getting better job opportunities too. Be grateful for your supportive family; give time to your family and strike a balance between your home and work. This the time to bridge differences with your loved one.

Book

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget

WEIRD NEWS International Women’s Day The beginning of women’s day… l

Pants on fire…

Miami defence lawyer Stephen Gutierrez’s pants caught fire during a trial – he was defending his client who was charged with arson! His pants began to burn while he was giving closing statements in an arson case; the heat made him run out of the courtroom. Ironically, Gutierrez was in the process of arguing that his client’s car had spontaneously combusted when his own pants lit up in fire. The fire was, apparently, caused by the e-cigarette batteries that were in his pocket.

Interestingly, the first National Women’s Day (observed by the United States) was on February 28, not March 8. The year was 1909. In the US, March is known as ‘Women’s History Month’. It was Germany’s Clara Zetkin, the Social Democratic Party’s Women’s Office leader, who came up with the idea of an International Women’s Day in 1910. More than a million people joined the rallies when International Women’s Day was first observed in 1911. In Russia, the women observed their first International Women’s Day in February of 1913; the day was declared as a non-working day in 1965, when it was moved to March 8. This annual March celebration also commemorates the women, children, and men who died during the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York, on March 25, 1911. In 1975, the United Nations started sponsoring International Women’s Day. That year was also designated as International Women’s Year.

From the road to the steps

A driver in London got confused and took a wrong turn…down the steps in central London. Police were called to Broadgate Circle in the early hours, following reports that a confused driver had driven down some steps. The car was then cordoned off for 12 hours while police recovered the vehicle. Although there were no arrests made, the driver was issued with a warning for driving without due care.

A ‘headstrong’ feat

Li Longlong, a china-based athlete, attempted Guinness glory by climbing stairs on his head. He had, previously, climbed 34 stairs and was attempting to break his own record by climbing two more steps. His two previous attempts to break that record had failed, as he had paused twice for more than five seconds in the first attempt and touched the stairs in the next. This time around, he climbed the 36 steps in accordance with the Guinness World Records rules for the event.

March 2017

Airlines

SEARCHING

Airlines Emergency Cinema Beauty

Oman on your fingertips

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

March 2017

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

SEARCHING

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 Apartments 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 Hedayet Int'l Hotel al-khoud, kakoot round about..... 24549945

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

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

Musandam

Al Wusta

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

Dhofar

Al Hanna Hotel............................ 23290274 Al Jabal Hotel .............................. 23210611 Al Mazyuna Hotel........................ 23293340 Al Nassr Hotel ............................. 23294815 Al Saada Tourism Complex ........ 23225250 Bamasir Hotel ............................. 23293340 Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah ...... 23235333 Darbat Hotel ............................... 23295877 Dhofar Tourist Hotel.................... 23282300 Fanar Hotel & Residences............23276800 Hilton Hotel Salalah .................... 23211234 Haffa House Hotel Salalah........... 23295444 Redan Hotel ................................ 23292255 Salalah Beach Hotel Apts ............ 23235999 Salalah Hotel ............................... 23295332 Samahram Hotel Apts ................. 23295444 Thumrit Tourist Hotel .................. 23279371

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

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

Hotel & Hotel Apartments

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

March 2017

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

Muscat City Centre

Muscat Grand Mall

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

March 2017

Kayaking

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

Motor Sports

Classes

Rock Climbing

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

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

Rugby

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

Cricket

Running

Cycling

Sailing

Diving & Snorkeling

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

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

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

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

Centrepoint

Jet Skiing

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

Bowling

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

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

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

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

Euro Divers Oman ...................... 98194444 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 Muscat Hills Dive Centre ............ 24824240 SEAOMAN, MRM .........................24181400

Golf

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

Al Sawadi Beach Resort .............. 26795545 Al Sawahil Horse Riding ............. 95177557 Desert Thunder........................... 95555153 Qurum Equestrian School........... 99832199

Ice Sports

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

March 2017

Arabian

SEARCHING

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 Beirut Restaurant ............................24568411 Near Qurum Roundabout

A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes

Bab Idris .................................... 22060075 Oman Avenues Mall 3rd floor Bin Ateeq Al Khuwair .......................................24478225 CBD ..................................................24702727

March 2017

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

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

Cafe’s

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6 SEARCHING

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

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

A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes

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

March 2017

Far Eastern

SEARCHING

A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes

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

March 2017

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 Annapoorna ............................... 24810396 MBD Biryani House ............................. 24488478 Al Khuwayr Copper Chimney........................ 24780207 CBD Curry House ............................... 24564033 Wattayah Daawat ........................................ 24787980 Ruwi Divine ......................................... 24705070 Ruwi Dosteen Restaurant ..................... 24622850 Seeb

Omar Al Khayyam Restaurant .................... Ruwi ..........................24703035/ 24707082 Al Khoudh ..................24535001/ 24539718 Passage To India ......................... 24568480 Behind Hatat House Princess ...................................... 24482213 Al Khuwair Punjabi Dhaba ............................ 91000603 Wadi Kabir Sagar .......................................... 24794114 Ruwi Saravanaa Bhavan ................ 24704502 / 07 Near Ruwi Roundabout Sayujya Restaurant...................... 24816909 MBD

Horizon Restaurant ..................... 24798252 Ruwi

Spicy Village.............................................. Al Khuwair .................................. 24475518 Rusayl ........................................ 24510120 Nizwa ......................................... 25431694 Sohar ......................................... 24843238 Sur ............................................. 25544594 Customer Care ............... 800spicy (77429)

Hot Pot Restaurant...................... 24700691 Near Khimji’s Mart, Darsait

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

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

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

Kamat Al Khuwair .................................. 24479243 Ruwi ............................................ 24783300

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

Happy Village ............................. 24564995 Qurum

Keranadu .................................... 24564443 Ramee Guestline Hotel Khana Khazana............................ 24813466 Ruwi Khyber ........................................ 24781901 CBD Koliwada .................................... 99421778 MBD Kumkum...................................... 24714114 Muttrah Lazeez ........................................ 26 883710 Al Nahda Resort & Spa Mumtaz Mahal ............................ 24605907 Qurum Mughlai Zaika ............................. 24568200 Wattayah

Tawa Magic ................................ 24703300 CBD The Great Kabab Factory............ 24478373 Al Khuwair The Taj ........................................ 26795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort

8 Italian Capri Court ................................ 24776666 Al Bandar Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Come Prima................................ 24660660 Crowne Plaza Hotel Muscat

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

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

GRILL HOUSE 1 AL-QURUM............................ 24563383 2 MADINA SULTAN QABOO ...... 24603660 3 AL-RUMAIS ............................. 26893147 4 AL-KHOUD .............................. 24541502 5 OPP. MUSCAT INT'L AIRPORT 24511337 6 BARKA..................................... 22043415 7 KAKOOT ROUND ABOUT......... 24548834

Mediterranean Grill.................... 24680000 InterContinental Muscat O Sole Mio .................................. 24487777 Radisson Blu - Muscat Trattoria ...................................... 24210451 Pane Caldo ................................. 24698697 Jawaharat A’Shatti Complex Pizza Express .............................. 24696169 Oasis By The Sea, Shatti Al-Qurum Tuscany....................................... 24641234 Grand Hyatt Muscat

March 2017

SEARCHING

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

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

SEARCHING

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

March 2017

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

Is your enterprise missing in our lists?

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10 SEARCHING

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

A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes

March 2017