FACES Issue No. 123 by FACES OMAN

Issue 123, April-May 2017

Family Attitude Class Entertainment Success

Editor’s Note

Founder / Essa Bin Mohammed Al Zedjali Chairman & Editor-in-Chief / Mohammed Issa Al Zedjali Chief Executive Officer / Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali Business Director / Sophia Raman

and Identity ture c e it h Arc

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hat is identity in architecture? Is concrete jungle an expression of the growing urban fabric? What are interactive spaces and what about duality between reality and virtuality? Does it imply going beyond the borders of architecture...?

create buildings itects’, As iconic for ‘starch a chmarks newer ben le architects, we take rofi itional or high-p ss the trad asse ntity and to detour ctural ide in of archite cts hite arc concepts ugh the role of underline spaces, thro inspiring h new and designing ctives of bot the perspe designers in Oman cend that trans established built e identities

These and more questions stumped us, complete novices, at the Young Architect’s Forum, held recently at the Bait Zubair by A real estate developer Alargan Towell. Titled ‘Inspiring Spaces’, the forum featured experts from the field of architecture and design, who engaged the attending students of architecture in presentations that highlighted varied facets of architecture. As we sat amongst the attendees, soaking in the exchange between the experts and students, we knew we had a long way to go before we could comprehend design ethos s Launche and learn how to experience the energy pulsating Bthaina rt 2017 Reso tion through concrete structures. llec

Editorial Consultant / Suzy Fontes Art Director / Pushpender K. Sharma

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Operations / M.V.V. Sagar

Published By / Muscat Media Group PB 770, PC 112, Ruwi, Oman Printed At / Oriental Printing Press Tel: +968 24816952, 24815330

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Email - Editorial editor@facesoman.com

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Contact Telephone +968 24136771/2

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Tel: +968 24 811953 . Fax: +968 24 813153

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Our cover story is a concise attempt to present Oman’s changing architecture landscape, through experts who present their perspectives on architectural identity and propound the ideals of creating inspiring spaces. While this current issue is more on the decor elements of home and the trends in the global decor market to enhance the aesthetics of the house, we salute the growing field of architecture in Oman, which promises to go beyond the borders and create identities that are novel and unique to the country.

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Email - Sales sales@facesoman.com

keover trendy ma athe a bre r home a Give you uty quotient and spaces to up its bea of newness in its vibrancy

Website www.facesoman.com

We are on Facebook! ‘FACES Magazine, Oman’

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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

As iconic buildings create newer benchmarks for ‘starchitects’, we take a quick look at the traditional concept of architectural identities and the role of architects in inspiring space

20 In Conversation

A saga of self-made man Haider Shaikh’s success in the world of designing

22 In The Spotlight

Presenting Dr. Yasmin Al Bulushi, Oman’s first woman dean of a private college

40 Look Good

Indulge your feminine side at La Femme Spa Boutique and feel beautiful, inside and out.

42 Style File -

Bthaina Launches Resort 2017 Collection ‘Indian Ethnic Saree and Bridal Wear Show’

FACES Elements

24 Centre Stage

54 At Home

26 Feast On

56 Relatively Speaking

Imagine Cup Finals 2017 French Yachtsman in Oman

Al Loomie restaurant at the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel, is blazing into limelight, with its dried lemon magic

FACES Health 30 Health Check

How safe is your workplace; do you feel that your health and safety is compromised in the cubicle you share with your colleagues…?

FACES Travel

36 Explore Oman

Short term vacation packages, floated by Oman’s tourism ministry, is proving to be a winner for GCC tourists

38 Just Travel

If you believe extreme heat should be countered with extreme cold, say yes to a trip to the land of glaciers and hot springs in Iceland

FACES Style

34 In The Luxe Make your kitchen sparkle with gadgets

that have been created to give comfort and ease a luxury benchmark

Turn blank walls into canvases to add vibrancy to your living space and give your home an artsy flavour

Breathe life into the bricks-and-mortar that make up your house to permeate the living space with that homesicknesstriggering warmth

58 Man Date

Say ‘hello’ to summer with a crisp haircut that has all the undertones of the trendy ‘undercut’

FACES SPECIAL 46 Home Special

Give your home a trendy makeover to up its beauty quotient and breathe a vibrancy of newness in its spaces

FACES Razzmatazz 10 Star Light

With the coveted best actor Oscar for ‘Manchester by the Sea’, Casey Affleck has proven that talent does run in the Affleck family

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

BUNKER Diners looking for burgers, sliders and a world of fusion foods -

Red Bull Doodle Art Red Bull Doodle Art returns to Oman for the second time, giving students a platform to translate their inspiration and imagination into art. The event will see more than 50 thousand students from over 1000 universities in more than 40 countries, including Oman, highlighting how they interpret Doodle Art. Held in partnership with Omantel, Salam Air and Ministry of Tourism, the contest stretches from end of March to end of May; university students from all across Oman will be able submit their artworks and vote for the best doodle from Oman on the global platform www.redbulldoodleart.com. All entries from across the Sultanate will be displayed at the Scientific College of Design. From the top 10 only one winner will be selected to compete against winners from across the globe. All national winners will get the unique experience to compete in the Global Final. The final masterpieces will be exhibited at a Global Virtual Gallery.

Barr Al Jissah announces Al Mina Waterfront Development & Yacht Club Barr Al Jissah has opened sales within the new

all served with a healthy dose of military precision and front-line flavour, now have ‘Bunker’ to frequent. The brand new concept restaurant, with army-style food and flavour, opened on April 28 at Al Masa Mall. From Korea to Philippines, USA to India, ‘Bunker’s variety of international burgers, sliders and alternative dishes offer a new destination for Muscat-foodies to explore. Offering interesting dishes such as Katsu Curry and the Filipino Adobo Burger, the restaurant is sure to welcome a multitude of nationalities, looking for authentic taste served within army-style dwellings. Even ‘Bunker’s hosting staff can be seen wearing cargo pants, military boots and camouflage caps...

Azayem Catering Azayem Catering has launched a new food catering business, with an in-house coffee shop, offering a spanking new avenue for coffee lovers. Muscat’s lifestyle aficionados gathered, recently, for the official opening of Azayem Catering & Events, as well as a new coffee house, based in Boushar, next to Al Amin mosque. The co-founders of the business, Omani business woman Sayyida Dhabia Sami Al Busaidi and Sheikha Muneera Al Sabah of Kuwait welcomed guests at the opening, held under the auspices of H.E. Fahed Al-Muteiri, Kuwait Ambassador to Oman. Azayem’s founders were inspired to create the coffee house after listening to the feedback of their customers. In the run up to Ramadan, the holding group will be announcing the launch of several other businesses across Oman.

marina development ‘Al Mina Waterfront Residences’ and announced an exclusive new Yacht Club and boardwalk, marking the latest phase of Barr Al Jissah’s expansion. The development includes a total of 69 private residences ranging from sleek duplex and penthouse style apartments, to stylish villas with landscaped gardens. The sophisticated Al Mina residences sit on an exclusive part of the bayside, adjacent to the marina. The outlook from each residence affords spectacular views while being the perfect base to enjoy marine leisure activities such as diving, fishing, dolphin watching and yacht charter to explore Oman’s pristine coastline. The ‘Al Mina Residences’ and ‘Members Only Yacht Club’ brings a new level of luxury to the destination and is poised to make Oman the next hotspot for the discerning global traveller.

April-May 2017

Spring Summer Clothing at Mamas & Papas Mamas & Papas has launched its SS17 clothing range, featuring exclusive new collections from Liberty London and Corby Tindersticks. Presenting the distinct, classic fabrics of Liberty London, Mamas & Papas, at City Centre Muscat, has brought the floral prints of London’s finest department store to little ones’ wardrobes with a unique range of everyday outfits, spring styles and distinctive party wear. Designed especially for little girls, the collection includes stylish dresses, cardigans and a chic bomber jacket for those chilly spring days. Mamas & Papas has also launched their own SS17 range, including a classic denim jacket, stylish shirts and essential chinos for boys and casual dresses and pretty floaty tops for girls.

Centara Muscat Hotel Oman Ghala Heights’ business district will soon have a grand new

Experience Lebanon at Grand Hyatt Grand Hyatt Muscat is going all the way to embody the

landmark to boast. ‘Centara Muscat Hotel Oman’, the first Centara hotel in the Middle East, is ready to open in May. With 152 comfortable rooms, the new four-star Centara Muscat Hotel Oman is a modern city hotel featuring well-rounded facilities; three restaurants serving Thai, Middle Eastern and International dishes, a dedicated Thai spa – Centara’s signature SPA Cenvaree, a rooftop pool and terrace with views overlooking the Gulf of Oman, meeting facilities, premium lounge and complimentary Wi-Fi. Speaking about the hotel’s latest development, Anthony Wright, General Manager of Centara Muscat Hotel Oman, said the hotel has already secured bookings from their agents and sales offices worldwide. The hotel rates start at RO39++ per night for weekdays and at RO29++ per night for weekends.

soul of Lebanon; the sounds, the smell, the service, with their weekly Lebanese offering every Thursday evening at Mokha Café. Together with Lebanese Executive Sous Chef, Mohamed Najdi and Lebanese Resident DJ, DJ Rudii, the evening will present the epitome of Lebanese culture, celebration and togetherness. The offering will boast a selection of cold and hot mezze followed by mouth-watering Lebanese grilled kebabs and locally sourced seafood. For dessert, guests are treated to a world of traditional sweets, presented to the backdrop of oriental tunes from DJ Rudii.

Saraya Bandar Jissah is Muscat Bay Omran and Saraya Holding Oman, developers of Saraya Bandar Jissah, have rebranded the development as Muscat Bay. The branding marks a change of major proportion for the integrated tourism complex and is in line with their strategic approach to offering a new way of living in Oman. Developed to better reflect the project’s core ethos and values, considerable time has been spent developing a brand that captures the essence of the project, including its beautiful natural surroundings, harmonious community and effortless living. As one of the region’s most important real estate projects, the new brand positioning fulfils this need and signifies a step further towards completion for the development, which is still on schedule to welcome its first residents in 2017.

April-May 2017

The Affleck Magic With the coveted best actor Oscar for ‘Manchester by the Sea’, Casey Affleck has proven that talent does run in the Affleck family “I’m pretty proud of all the things Ben’s done, and I’m incredibly proud of the fact the Academy honoured me in this way,” said Casey Affleck, after winning the award for his role in ‘Manchester by the Sea’. Ben and Casey Affleck are one of only two pairs of brothers to win Academy Awards in different categories (James and William Goldman are the other). Ben Affleck won the best-picture Oscar for ‘Argo’ and shared the Academy Award for best original screenplay for ‘Good Will Hunting’ with Matt Damon. An accomplished actor, Casey has established himself in the industry with his powerful performances, but has been dogged by scandals, which came to haunt him even during the Oscars, despite denying it time and again. It was a harassment case filed in 2010 by two women, which was settled out of court; but it was clear that the controversy has not settled as the social media went all out to attack him, post the awards ceremony. When prodded by the media to comment on it, he’d said, “There’s really nothing I can do about it, other than live my life the way I know I live it and to speak to what my own values are and how I try to live by them all the time…” 41-year old Caleb Casey McGuire Affleck-Boldt is an American actor and director, who has to his credit an illustrious career in the film industry, despite the

April 2017

controversies. His acting stint began as a child actor. He appeared in the PBS television movie ‘Lemon Sky’ and the ABC miniseries ‘The Kennedys of Massachusetts’ before featuring in films like ‘To Die For’, ‘Good Will Hunting’, ‘Gerry’ (which he co-wrote with Matt Damon) and the trilogy ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, ‘Ocean’s Twelve’ and ‘Ocean’s Thirteen’.

‘Manchester by the Sea’, he plays Lee Chandler who returns to his hometown, following the death of his older brother. While there, in that close-knit fishing community in Massachusetts, he is besieged by his current grief and a tragedy from his past, while having to comfort his teenage nephew, who has been left in his care.

He has previously been nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance in the character drama ‘The Assassination of Jesse James’. He has also received rave reviews for his role in the film ‘Gone, Bay Gone’, which marked his brother Ben’s directorial debut. Two years ago, he and John Powers Middleton formed The Affleck/Middleton Project, a full service production company designed to develop and produce film and television content; its objective is to develop and produce a new wave of great American entertainment. In 2010 he wrote, directed and produced ‘I’m Still Here’

At his Oscar speech he showed his humble side when he said, “Man, I wish I had something bigger and more meaningful to say, but I’m really proud to be a part of this community and I look out at all of you and I have this whole year and I’m just dumbfounded that I’m included. It means a lot to me…”

In his Oscar winning film

Madonna’ ‘Blonde Ambition’ Madonna’ saga of success, glory and power is set to be converted into a biopic titled ‘Blonde Ambition’, named after the singer’s 1990 world tour. Universal Pictures has secured the rights to the film, which will be based on Elyse Hollander’s script. It was listed as the No. 1 screenplay on 2016’s ‘The Black List’, a yearly ranking of the best unproduced screenplays in Hollywood. The biopic will centre around the 1980s New York, a time when Madonna struggled to get her first album released.

Katie Price’s daughter lured by showbiz…? It does look like Katie Price’s 9-year old

Demi Lovato’s ‘Self Love’ Demi Lovato, seen as a strong

role model for body-positivity campaign, is on the receiving end from fans following her promotion of a detox tea. The 24-year-old is a spokeswoman for the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and fans couldn’t digest her Instagram post promoting detox tea with the caption, “This year is all about #selflove truly taking care of myself and exercising has changed everything for me.” For detox teas are seen as being fairly unhealthy and are, generally, touted as weight loss products. Such teas are seen as triggers for people with eating disorders and fans didn’t take kindly to her post.

daughter Princess is set to launch a surprise showbiz career. Katie recently announced that her daughter has her own book coming out this year, paving the way for her career in the industry. It was during the launch of her nutrition range that the star revealed how Princess would be crafting her very own showbiz career soon. Sticking her tongue out at trolls, Katie said, “Princess has a book coming out this year so let’s see what they have to say about that.”

George Michael tribute concert uncertain Fans of late George Michael will have to wait longer to be a part of the planned tribute concert. The star-studded event, organised by former ‘That’s Life!’ host, Dame Esther Rantzen, has yet to receive backing from the singer’s mourning family. According to Sunday Mirror, which launched the campaign for the concert, music mogul Simon Cowell and Sir Bob Geldof are expected to be involved in the tribute. Esther, however, is hopeful that the concert will take place in October if everything goes as planned.

Serena Williams’ pregnancy announcement A snapchat picture was all that was needed for Serena Williams’ fans to put two and two together and learn that the sports superstar was indeed pregnant. She was using Snapchat to take pictures tracking the progress of her pregnancy. However, the latest one in a yellow swimsuit, taken to mark her ‘20th week’, was accidentally posted on the public platform. “I was just saving them (for myself)... I have been so good about it, but this was the one time it slipped,” she told reporters.

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“With everyone out of the house I dressed up. I went into Kylie’s room to check myself out because it had a full-length mirror.” - Caitlyn Jenner, in her new memoir ‘The Secrets of My Life’, opens up about the first time her daughters’ saw her dressed up as a woman. I’m not exactly where I want to be, but thank God I am not where I used to be! The best is yet to come. Do you believe it? - Justin Beiber congratulated himself on Instagram for being a changed young man. “By the way y’all wanna know why I’m so skinny? It’s because at 19 I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, I didn’t choose that. Be kind to me… It’s a terrible stress condition that affects me having an appetite and I’m sorry this is the way I am. Basically I have an eating disorder...” - Aaron Carter (younger brother of Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter) told his fans on Twitter that he has a stress eating disorder that makes him skinny.

“Why didn’t they drop me as a client if I was so out of control? I have worked very, very hard for a lot of years… It’s my money, if I want to buy 15,000 cotton balls a day, it’s my thing.” - Johnny Depp blames his ex-managers for the $40 million debt.

“I’ve always been a pretty deferential, go-with-the-flow guy. But now I have to be economical with my time... So I just don’t take pictures with people. Because that’s not about enjoying the moment; it’s about stealing the moment to brag about later...” - Chris Pratt reveals why he refuses photographs with fans.

April-May 2017

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Identity and Architecture As iconic buildings create newer benchmarks for ‘starchitects’, or high-profile architects, we take a detour to assess the traditional concepts of architectural identity and underline the role of architects in designing inspiring spaces, through the perspectives of both new and established designers in Oman

rchitectural spaces inspire and create identities that transcend time to establish an element of permanence in the built environment. Often, architectural identity is viewed as a timeless entity; one that is defined by the intentions of the designer. However, in the contemporary context, with design attempting too hard to become spectacular and iconic, there are questions whether architecture is facing an identity crisis.

The Challenge of Identity in Architecture

At a young architects’ forum, organised recently by Alargan Towell to highlight the importance of ‘Inspiring spaces’, experts from the field of architecture delineated the virtues of architectural identity in creating spaces that inspire. Eng. Muhammad Al Salmy, Partner and General Manager of Hoehler + alSalmy, who presented a paper on ‘The Challenge of Identity in Architecture; The Omani experience’, discussed the Omani identity within architecture of the past and the present; the impact of traditional architectural elements on modern architectural Eng. Muhammad Al Salmy

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products; and the current extent and benefits of blending traditional Omani architecture with modern architectural themes. He observed that while identity is generally based on how the design communicates, it is specifically expressed as an extension of aesthetics, functions, the urban framework and human interaction, among others. But, whether architecture reflects the identity of a place or expresses the identity of an architect may seem inconsequential to a layperson, as every edifice becomes a point of reference in the larger urban concept. Speaking on the sidelines of the forum on the subject, Mohammed Salmy stressed on the importance of understanding how to create an identity. “Without an identity the space gets lost... It is all about inspiring spaces. We need to look into our experiences, both past and present, to explain how we define our spaces in the moment. Of course, a lot of people do it commercially, but that is another issue. For when we define the space, we are also defining the architecture. There are limitations with regards to legislation and nature, among others, but how do you deal with it expresses the identity. It (identity) could be of the place you come from, along with your identity as an architect,” explained Salmy. According to him, the objective is to achieve architecture identity. However, he admits that there is also the identity of the person, and both should not be lost. “Say for example, I am to design a building in Europe - that is my identity as an architect; but then I also have to look within the built environment of that place to make it work. It should also represent my architecture,” he added. With Oman making breakthroughs in the field of architecture by incorporating subtle elements of modernism, the scope has widened for architects to explore and create iconic buildings. Quoting the example of the Exhibition Centre at GUtech (German University of Technology), which won the World Architecture Community Award, Salmy notes that Oman is ‘getting there’. “We have a different type of architecture in Oman. I am not saying let’s not do it, I am saying let’s do it differently and this is where the idea of identity crops up. Identity has two different

parts – there is an identity to the culture and there is the identity of the architect. Architecture means the built environment – whether it is the mountains, the desert, the sea; how you deal with it and how you deal with that in the urban context defines it. As far as the identity of you as an architect is concerned, it is a projection of your style. Like the clothes that define you...but in architecture it is more so. For architecture represents usage and people; and for every area of life, you will always notice that you refer to the architecture, because it remains there even when people are not there anymore. Like historic Omani architecture. The people are not there, but the architecture stays there and from it you get to know what people did, how they lived…” he states. On the emerging concepts of modernism, his refrain is not to be overwhelmed by the connotations. Instead, his advice is to be open but cautious, to see how it affects life. “Everything we do is modernism. It could be in your own little house, which is your identity. When you buy your house, what you put inside it marks your identity; so even if you move from this house to another house, people will be able to connect the identity that you carry forward in the new place too... That’s because you did it. They remember that you have done it and that’s where identity is important. Your identity of the architecture and the place you live in,” maintains Al Salmy.

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Inspiring spaces with People-oriented Architecture “As an architect I believe that we can create inspiring spaces by looking into the needs and desires of the people... Merging people in the design is the most important key to create inspiring places,” maintains Maram Al-Balushi *, a student of planning and sustainability engineering as she presents her point of view on the subject of identity in the following interview How would you describe architecture with reference to Oman? Architecture in Oman, I believe, can be described as a sense of place that supports all types of human interests, enriching them aesthetically and spiritually, while symbolising culture and traditions with a mixture of modernity. Do you see any breakthroughs in the design concept from the traditional low-rise structures that projected a commonality in its façade? Traditional architecture, especially in Oman, creates a sense of connection to the past, which helps the area maintain its traditional look and perception for the residents of the society, without undermining the modern touch in these façades. It creates a sense of calmness and consistency throughout the society, without stepping away from the traditions and heritage of Oman.

What is your signature style? Could you highlight some of your works? My signature style is a blend of classic and modern, I believe that one style isn’t enough to express my ideas. I also believe in sustainable designing and would prefer to work in this field. I have mainly participated in competitions in Germany; for example a project to preserve Düren industrial land creatively and sustainably making it ‘people oriented’ and to plan and design an area with historical background, combining it with new modern architecture. How can an architect/designer create inspiring spaces? It has been documented that architectural design can impact how we learn, work and live. As an architect I believe that we can create inspiring spaces by looking into the needs and desires of the people, looking into every detail throughout the design, we should consider texture, shadow, colour, materials and light into our designs. Merging people in the design is the most important key to create inspiring places. What are the opportunities and challenges for designers in Oman? Oman is full of opportunities for designers; it’s essentially an open field for creativity and innovation. We have a chance to build and grow freshly, as Oman is developing rapidly. The challenges come when some designers

April-May 2017

Maram Al-Balushi

cover STORY would think to design beyond the traditional aspect - in my opinion this is the major challenge faced by designers in Oman; otherwise I believe the country is full of potential for the designers to step up and create magnificent designs. With homes shrinking in size owing the rising cost of real estate, what would you suggest to maximise space and make small spaces work? One can be creative with this kind of situation, taking an example from one of the founders of modern architecture Mies Van Der Rohe who is associated with the ‘less is more’ concept. Simplicity in design could be the answer to the matter; buildings and their mechanisms can be a simple form in which art and techniques are integrated in a more persuasive way to fit the needs of the individuals. We need to look into maximising that small area we have with a creative design to make it wide and welcoming.

What is trending in the world of architecture? In my point of view, trends are defined by a generation. In architecture today I can say that high-rise skyscrapers, floating homes, architectural bamboo structures, glass houses, mobile houses and many other trends are emerging due to the change of minds and the rise of new generation architect with fresh new ideas. What would you rate as the best example of architectural excellence globally? Which are some of the iconic buildings in Oman? I personally admire the work of Frank Gehry and find it excellent. The Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris comes as one of the best in my rating, both in the design of the concept and the approach of the construction work. One of the iconic buildings in Oman is the building of the Conference and Exhibition hall at GUtech. I admire the design of this enormous work of art and the creativity of the simple elements in it. I as well admire the link between modernity and old Islamic art together in one façade. What is your perspective on modernist architecture? Modern architecture arose from transformations in building materials technology and engineering. The modernist architecture fulfils a desire to abandon historical architectural and to

formulate something that is practical and novel. In my perspective modernist architecture has an impact on the image of the city, depending on what the goals are of one city. Whether to have a new approach to its identity or to have its traditional look... What do you feel is the biggest challenge when it comes to designing for environmental sustainability? The biggest challenge is people. It’s rare that people don’t care about the environment; it’s just that some are used to a type of lifestyle and are lazy to implement a new one that requires change. As an example: feeling a little warm we directly think of turning on the AC. Design can make things simple and sustainable, provided people are willing. This, perhaps, is an obvious perspective. The goods and services we use in our everyday life have been designed by understanding the circumstances in which we use them; designers have the power to make sustainable behaviour easier. *Maram Al-Balushi is a student of research for a Master’s Degree in Planning and Sustainability Engineering with specialisation in Urban and Regional Planning programme in Polytech Engineering School in Tours, France. The 25 year-old speaks German and English fluently and is currently learning French. Maram has a passion for travelling the world and gaining knowledge from different backgrounds and cultures. In her Bachelor’s degree she made her first decision to do an exchange program at RWTH Aachen in Germany where she did her bachelor thesis in the German language.

April-May 2017

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Identity and Experience

For urban researcher Aysha Farooq, it is the experience of architecture that creates its identity, rather than its image. In the following article, she propounds the values of identity and experience to present her take on inspiring spaces

ue to the fact that the greater area of Muscat is a young city, the last few decades have proven to be a gift for architects and planners who have taken the challenge of moulding the city from scratch. The nation is in the process of setting regulations that will further pave the path for the development of the capital are. As the Omani lifestyle rapidly changes, so does the city and its architecture. We may get consumed with the idea of identity in this process. Architectural identity could be effective in bolstering citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pride and lead to local orientation. I strongly believe that the experience of architecture is what creates its identity, rather than its image.

April-May 2017

Aysha Farooq

When speaking about identity, we often turn to history. Some architects draw inspiration from traditional Omani architecture and often turn to historic settlements, such as Al Hamra, for example. We then begin to study windows, courtyards, materials, typologies and other physical architectural elements in order to translate these elements into our modern day buildings, such as the Opera House or the Al Mouj. However, our observation could further extend to closely study the life of the Omani people who built those historic structures. We could learn how the people of former settlements created such an identity based on their daily needs. During the translation of identity from historic settlements to modern day developments, we may fall short on observing the ordinary day-to-day life, which gave rise to

cover STORY its strong identity. In short, we are looking to transfer the results of architecture, but not the processes.

various social classes in the city by investing in the improvement of existing neighbourhoods.

Apart from designing iconic landmarks or high-end developments that carry traditional building elements, our job as architects and planners is to regulate building design to cater to everyday experiences for regular people; just as the people of Al Hamra had once done. In addition to focusing on the enhancement of the image of Muscat on a grand scale, we could extend similar efforts on solving experiential issues faced on a daily basis of the

What is the experience of a 35-yearold housewife walking down the street to get some milk in southern Maabelah? How about the 12-yearold boy who stops at the ‘dukan’ after playing football? How do the architecture and the identity of these neighbourhoods add to their quality of life? How important are these questions in the design processes of architects, investors, and decision makers today?

It is appealing to design a city that will attract visitors through a strong identity and image, it is however equally important to create a city that will cater to the citizens that constitute it; a city that values people as much as it values economic growth. The balance and the intersection between identity and experience is where successful architecture takes place. We don’t have to entirely resort to iconic landmarks to create identity. We can design architecture for a high quality of ordinary daily life, and allow for the people to create Muscat’s identity through their experience.

*Aysha Farooq has done MSc. in Urban Planning from RWTH Aachen University, Germany. She is currently employed by RWTH Aachen University as an urban researcher; she is working on research project concerning Mobility and Everyday living situation in Muscat.

April-May 2017

in CONVERSATION

Fate, Destiny and Love A saga of self-made man Haider Shaikh’s success in the world of designing, beginning as a self-employed false ceiling installer to managing director and partner of a design company

he year was 1975. Oman was on a crest of Renaissance and the landscape was steadily changing, incorporating facets of development, when a young unassuming boy from Bombay followed his Gulf dream and found his bearing in Muscat. There was a palpable vibrancy in the air, but life was easy, simple and peaceful, recalls Haider Shaikh, tracing his tryst with Oman, which began more than four decades ago. “I was just an ordinary blue collar worker, a machinist in an engineering company, doing a 9 to 5 job in Bombay...” he says, humbly. He had accompanied a friend’s father to Oman, to help in setting up machinery for his employer. That was more than 40 years ago, but the long years have not jaded his passion for newer projects nor taken away his unpretentious nature. It has, rather, strengthened his love for the country that brought

out the best in him and helped him shape his life from an installation contractor to a managing director of a designing company. It is in Oman that he found the love of his life, his working partner Anu, with whom he has two children, Sami and Samira. Anu had joined his company Oman Decoration in 1983, following her training in interior designing from USA and they shared a professional compatibility, which helped the business grow (it became an LLC company in 1995 and was renamed as Oman Projects and Decoration LLC). But there was more to their bonding. “She joined me as an interior designer and is now not only my wife, my friend and my inspiration; she is now my ‘boss’,” he jokes, quoting an incident during the early years when Anu, who was then his employee, gave him a piece of her mind for coming in late to work. But life before Anu and the inception of ‘Oman Decoration’ was all about seeking out opportunities and

shaping his future. It was the very first job he undertook here that opened up the vistas for his personal and professional growth. Impressed by his perfection in executing the installation, the manager of the firm offered him a job...any job was his to take. While that created a dilemma, he quickly grasped the import of the changes that were taking place around, more so in the construction and decoration field. A keen observer with a creative bent of mind, he found himself drawn to the top quality workmanship of interior works. “I decided to try my luck in the interior designing field, using my creativity and engineering background,” he states, adding that he soon became an installer of interior decoration material, such as wall paper, curtain, carpet, false ceiling, and the like. He added to that carpentry and interior wood work, which all went to establish his reputation for quality work. It was a learning period as he moved

Haider Shaikh with his family

April-May 2017

my creative passion through my customers,” he notes. Besides designing, his only other passion is for singing and composing. “Singing comes naturally to me, but it was Anu who persuaded me to sing not only for her, but for friends and other music lovers,” he states, referring to his public performance during the Times of Oman quiz shows for four consecutive years, for which he credits the late Essa Mohammed Al Zedjali, Founder and Chairman of Times of Oman. Talent flows freely in the Shaikh household. While Samira has taken

Up Close & Personal With

after her father in playing the guitar and the singing quarters, Sami has joined the company as an investing partner looking after company operations. People associated with the family are aware of Anu’s culinary skills, her professional expertise in the field of designing and her all encompassing passion for charity. Their circle of love is strong and ever evolving. The warmth of their love has touched many and it is evident in Haider’s humble approach even to his work. “I do not want to grow too big that I lose control... All my dreams are coming true,” he sighs contentedly

in CONVERSATION

from one project to another, from using subcontractors to garnering strength and fortitude to open a fully functional interior designing and contracting company with his own carpentry and furnishing division, which helped in creating customised design work for clients. Interestingly, over the years, the company has earned recognition as an expert in designing airlines’ offices, having done 15 different airlines offices, besides travel agencies; the most recent, Majan International Travels is a feather in their crown. All this without ever advertising or employing a sales person... Haider attributes it to the quality of their work. “I realise

One of Haider’s projects

Haider Shaikh The home I grew up in... Was a chawl in Antop Hill, Bombay. When I was a child I wanted to... Be a musician. The moment that changed me forever... Coming to Oman. My greatest inspiration... My wife Anu. My hero… P.C. Menon of Services and Trade. I learnt a lot from him. If I could change one thing about myself... I would not be so gullible as to let people take me for a ride. I dream of... My son Sami taking over from me. Samira becoming a singing sensation. Seeing my grandchildren before I die.

What I see when I look in the mirror... A husband and a father so much loved by his wife and children. My greatest regret... Not being able to see Mr. Essa in the hospital and thank him personally for his love for us before he died. You may not know it but I’m no good at... Card games, sports and politics. You may not know it but I’m quite good at… Composing music. If I have time to myself... I would create a karaoke music track in my computer. My house is... My sanctuary. My favourite haunt/holiday destination... Mumbai, and also Dubai.

My favourite weekend spot in Oman… My home. The best of food is here; there is good music and there are friends. Things I like about Oman… I grew up in Oman. It is my home. I want to die here. A book that changed me... How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. On top of my wish/bucket list is... Visit places where I haven’t been before. Search out long lost friends. My success mantra is... Keep learning. There is no end to learning. In 10 years’ time, I hope to be... I hope to be remembered positively.

April-May 2017

in the SPOTLIGHT

‘In the driver’s seat’

Presenting Dr. Yasmin Al Bulushi, Oman’s first woman dean of a private college “Honoured and in the driver’s seat!” is how Dr. Yasmin Al Bulushi, the new dean of Muscat College feels. It is a celebration of her achievements in the education sector, which has seen her move up the academic ladder to reach this position. She started a as a lecturer in public schools for the Ministry for Education. But it was her passion for English language and teaching that found her a foothold in higher education at the College of Banking and Financial Studies (CBFS).

“It was at CBFS that I got exposed to a totally new world full of opportunities and challenges. At CBFS I not only developed as a language lecturer but also as a manager and a corporate trainer. I started there as a part-time lecturer at the English Language Centre and moved on to become the Director of the Language Centre and then finally ending my tenure as the Assistant Dean for Academic support and Students Affairs, before being appointed as the Dean here at Muscat College,” she recounts.

Dr. Yasmin Al Bulushi

April-May 2017

In the following interview, she highlights her personal milestones with the spotlight on Oman’s growing educational sector. Tell us about your experience of the educational sector in Oman? A highly educated and informed population is what the Sultanate needs right now. With the current financial crisis in the region, long term investments in human capital are extremely crucial and I am glad that the government has gracefully acknowledged this. Despite of the crisis the government

I have spent all my life in the education sector in Oman and have seen it grow from nascent stages, first as a student then as a lecturer, a director and now as a Dean. The Sultanate has dedicated ministries looking after both secondary education and higher education in the country. The sector is now growing bilaterally in terms of both scale and quality with new affiliations and quality standards being introduced. With local accreditation bodies like the OAAA (Oman Academic Accreditation Authority) and independent bodies like OQNHE (Oman Quality Network in Higher Education), I have seen impressive growth in quality management initiatives in the higher education sector. Also, I am glad to see constant efforts put in by the Education Council towards formulating new policies focused on development of the education sector in Oman. Through their project for formulating the ‘National Education Strategy 2040’, I definitely see a major positive transformation of the education sector in the Sultanate.

How do you feel about being the first Omani woman dean of a private college? Honoured and in the driver’s seat! I am honoured to realise that the work I put into my life wants me to keep going, and on much bigger scales. It is always an intensely emotional moment when your hard work pays off so beautifully, and when your work is your passion, the adrenaline is beyond description. However, as impressive and exciting as it sounds, it’s not as easy as a drive to Dubai. It’s more like skydiving with the tools to make a parachute, but no actual parachute. We have all heard the saying, ‘With great power comes great responsibility’. Multiply that with being the first female leader in a male dominated arena and you will be exactly where I am right now. What is the most important task you see ahead of you as the dean of Muscat College? To be a good student! It is a completely new turf for me, with regards to the capacity I am expected to operate in, the sector Muscat College caters to and the fact that it is a private institution. My biggest task right now is to educate myself and develop as much intelligence as possible because, ‘Half informed is worse than not informed’. I cannot go on a change or improvement spree with no insights.

I am rigorously involved in multiple meetings with governance, management, my Assistant Deans, mid-level managers, lecturers, students and other stakeholders to gain as much information as I can on different processes. I prefer to ‘have my ammo before choosing the target’. What are the challenges you expect to encounter in your new capacity? I believe in constructive disruption and challenging the status quo. But as I mentioned, I am still a student here and I know that I have boarded a train in motion. So, one of the biggest challenges is to ensure ‘Business as Usual’ while I get my head around things. For this, I am relying on my very efficient team of managers who have not let me down.

in the SPOTLIGHT

has maintained its commitment to education spending.

My role here is strategic in nature I am expected to champion all core activities from a strategic and operational point of view. Currently, I am trying to study everything in isolation and then understand interlinks between different processes. But, as they say, ‘the show must go on’, so I do not want things to slow down or change course just to accommodate me. This at times becomes a bit challenging, not only for me but also for my colleagues

April-May 2017

Centre STAGE

Imagine Cup Finals 2017 Microsoft, in partnership with Omantel and ITA announced Beta, AMA and Metamorph as winners of Imagine Cup Finals 2017

eams Beta, AMA and Metamorph won the Oman finals of Microsoft’s Imagine Cup 2017, a global technology competition that aims to deliver educational, entrepreneurial and employment opportunities for youth by acquiring critical skills. Organised in a strategic partnership with Omantel, and supported by the Information Technology Authority (ITA), the competition was held under the patronage of Shaikh Talal Said Marhoon Al Mamari, Chief Executive Officer, Omantel. It provided a platform for young developers to showcase innovative, world-changing solutions before industry experts. Team Beta from the German University of Technology Oman took first place for their project ‘Bee’, an app that is connected with Beacons technology for retail shops. This technology helps the app towards understanding the context of the world around it. The app ‘Bee’ is focuse on enhancing

April-May 2017

the shop visitors’ experience. Second prize was won by Team AMA from the Middle East College with their project Tibi Insurance, a mobile app that provides users with real-time information about insurance companies and all types of insurance deals to make their life easy when they want to insure vehicles when is annual process. Team Metamorph from the Middle East College, received the third prize for their project GetEXP, a platform that would connect SMEs in need of custom web and mobile apps, with developers that can build these apps for them. The first place winner, Team Beta will go on to meet the region’s top talent at the Imagine Cup MEA semi-finals in Lebanon in May, on a path to compete with the best young innovators in worldwide finals, in Seattle in July. Six finalist teams: AMA, Beta, Metamorph, Nova 6, OneCode, and Smaky, were shortlisted to compete in this year’s Imagine Cup Oman. The winning team received a prize of OR 2,500 followed by second and

third runners up who received OR 1,500 and OR 1,000 respectively. The team of judges to select the winners included Fadi Nasser, General Manager ICT at Omantel, Muhannad Nasser Al-Naabi, Senior Executive – Projects at ITA, and Raid Al Lawati, Senior Technical Account Manager, Microsoft Oman. Microsoft’s Imagine Cup challenges entrants, who must be 16 years or older or enrolled as a permanent student, to collaborate in teams and submit imaginative ideas in the field of technology. Competitors need to develop the concepts from scratch and defend their usability and market draw to a panel of judges. More than 42 proposals were received by Microsoft from entrants across the country. This year, Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform was a mandatory tool for all the submitted projects. The Imagine Cup forms a pivotal part of Microsoft’s YouthSpark programme, a global CSR initiative launched in 2003, aimed at delivering opportunities for more than 300 million young people all around the world

Centre STAGE

French Yachtsman in Oman

Oman welcomes renowned French yachtsman on an environmental mission

man has become the latest destination for an epic family expedition that has spent seven years criss-crossing the planet to highlight and raise awareness of climate change and marine pollution issues. The renowned French singlehanded sailor Philippe Poupon, his wife Géraldine Danon, and their children, arrived in Oman aboard their 60-foot ketch Fleur Australe from Djibouti, after travelling through the Suez Canal and across the Gulf of Aden. Their first port of call was Salalah where they were greeted by representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, which has arranged an extensive tour programme to allow the family to fully explore Oman’s cultural and natural attractions. During their stay – which was to last until May 4 – Poupon, Danon and their children were scheduled to spend time in Duqm, Masirah Island, Ras Al Jinz, Muscat, Damaniyat Island, Nizwa and Musandam. Planned activities included a beach clean-up event and environmental awareness festival organised by the Environmental Society of Oman on Masirah Island and a presentation to Oman Sail’s promising sailing stars from the Omantel Youth Sailing Programme who are now the most successful youth squad in the GCC. Also on the itinerary were visits to the Wadi Shab Turtle Reserve, Baleed archaeological site, frankincense tree reserve, Misfat Al Abreen, Al Khaluf Sugar Dunes, the National

Museum and the Grand Mosque among other destinations. Many of the venues reflect the shared vision of maritime heritage and marine conservancy held by Oman and the Fleur Australe project. The French-flagged yacht left Alaska in 2010 on a long-term expedition to raise awareness about the effects of climate change and provide realtime observations on the state of the oceans. So far its travels have taken it across the Pacific, Atlantic, Mediterranean, into the Southern Ocean, and to both Polar regions. The vessel also went through the Northwest Passage during an earlier voyage. Poupon, 62, who is widely known as ‘Philou’ in France, was a member of the legendary Eric Tabarly’s crew in the 1977-78 Whitbread round-theworld race, and went on to build his own reputation as a solo sailing star in the Vendee Globe, Route du Rhum and Solitaire du Figaro, which he won three times.

His wife Géraldine Danon is a wellknown film and theatre actress in France, as well as a stage director and producer. She is responsible for the steady output of films and daily ship’s log reports which have spread the expedition’s message, as well as the distance education of the couple’s children – Nina, Loup, Laura and Marion. Danon’s log of 13 April, shortly after arriving in Salalah, recorded swimming with dolphins at the Al Hallaniyah Islands on Marion’s ninth birthday. “This project grew out of our shared desire for a journey that would allow us to take the pulse of the planet and report our observations of the world,” said Poupon of the voyage. “With our commitment to the same goal, we wanted very much to pool our skills t o try to raise everyone’s awareness concerning the need to protect our environment.”

April-May 2017

feast ON

It’s the LOOMIE magic

Al Loomie restaurant at the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel, is blazing into limelight, with its dried lemon magic

ried lemon...a staple ingredient presented in succulent contemporary avatars. That, in a capsule, is the essence of Al Loomie restaurant by Chef Salim Al Kalbani, which was formally inaugurated, early this month, by Oman’s Minister of Tourism. The fragrant tangy flavours of dried lemon (loomi) are infused into every dish brought to the table at the restaurant, giving the typical loomi an elevated platform to present Oman’s culinary exclusivity. Like cultural artefacts and monuments that illustrate historical significance, the loomi engages diners with its timeless role in Omani cuisine. Chef Salim and his wife Amal Al Khabori have explored the culinary nuances of loomis and have mastered the art of incorporating it in traditional dishes with a contemporary take, making it a brand that immediately establishes their stake in the food horizon of Oman. Having created the Al Loomie brand in early 2012, with a catering unit that began with canapés, the duo have given their dream concept a structure, literally, with the Al Loomie village, which is designed t o give diners a picture-postcard experience. Quaint fort-like structures, bearing names of various regions of the

country, alongside al fresco seating and the traditional dining mat, imaginatively recreate an idyllic village setup, suspending city life, just metres away. The restaurant is, in every sense, off the beaten path, with the canopied entry way adding to its allure. The short drive from the parking lot of the Hotel to Al Loomie, has a magical effect and you would be forgiven, if, like us, you would simply want to stand and stare. As we parked our car in the open lot facing the restaurant, we heeded poet Henry Davies’ lines, ‘What is life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare…’ We followed his cue. We stood beneath the boughs. We saw stars twinkling in the daylight. We savoured fresh air and soaked in the intimacy of nature.

April-May 2017

Photographs: Pushpender Sharma

feast ON Al Loomie is a garden restaurant, a must-visit destination for both residents and visitors seeking a slice of the old-world charm that encapsulates the laidback peaceful life in the villages of yore. Once here, it is easy to disconnect from the monotony of life and give in to a sensorial experience, one that Chef Salim and Amal have painstakingly created, with every detail of fine dining incorporated into the scenario. What adds to the sense of perfection is the presence of Omani attendants and Omani chefs, making this a 100 per cent experience of the renowned Omani hospitality. There is the famous bakhoor burner infusing the air with traditional frankincense; there are little mandoos’ and artistic elements adorning the walls and the floors; there is music in the background to weave the evening with promises of lasting memories.

The unhurried pace of activity belies the bustling kitchen, which is conspicuously hidden in the back. The garden is cloaked in a ceremony of dining, with dishes that are presented in a well practiced sequence by unassuming waiters. Chef Salim is on a mission to create an awareness of the actual fine elements of dining in a five star hotel. As he points out, fine dining is not a business for those in a hurry. Every dish has to come in a set pattern, synchronised to create experiences that pamper all the senses. While the three-course dinner acted as a finale in our Al Loomie tableau, we had a first-hand experience of Chef’s eye for perfection, as he personally attends to every guest and plays a dominating role in the kitchen to ensure that the dishes have the loomie touch. Having travelled to countries to fine-tune his culinary expertise and also to represent Oman – he represented Oman as the guest chef at Milan Expo 2015 – Chef Salim has mastered the craft.

dried lemon, which is then soaked with wafer thin bread called Rakha’al; and the ‘Signature Shewa’ lamb cooked in the ground oven in Chef Salim’s secret date and Omani spices rub, which is served with rice, browned onions, raisins and nuts, along with cucumber in yogurt and a spicy lemon chutney on the side. For dessert we savoured date halwa, shaped like a blooming flower, and ‘Quraisat’ a platter of Omani crepes wrapped with Loomie and lemon curd wrapped and laced with chocolate and seasonal fruits. While the distinct flavours of dried lemon stayed on, it was the lingering hues of Al Loomie village that enveloped us in a cocoon of contentment

We were treated to ‘Shorbat Al Youm’ or the soup of the day and ‘Salatat Jarjeer’, a salad of rocca and watercress, radish with signature loomie vinaigrette, served with mangos and pomegranate, as starters. The mains featured ‘Thareed - a traditional Omani vegetable broth cooked with carrots, scallions, bell peppers, potatoes and, of course, t h e

April-May 2017

Plan a family get-together this Ramadan, with dishes that are sure to appeal all palates

HARIRA (SOUP)

let’s COOK

FAMILY GET-TOGETHER Ingredients l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l

2cups dried garbanzo beans, soaked overnight 1/2cup lentils 3roma tomatoes, diced 1cup fresh parsley 1cup fresh cilantro 2 celery ribs 1small onion 2 -3 carrots, peeled 1 -2 tablespoon canola oil 1 large beef bouillon 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp ginger 1/4 tsp turmeric 1/4 tsp powdered saffron 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp garlic powder 3 tbsp tomato paste 1/2 cup flour 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 cup vermicelli, bite size

Directions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Place the presoaked chickpeas, lentils and tomatoes in a large pressure cooker. In a food processor, blend the cilantro and parsley into tiny pieces and add it to the cooker. Dice the celery in the food processor and add it to the cooker; follow the same with the onion and carrots. Pour enough water into the pressure cooker to cover the vegetables. Add the oil, bouillon and spices to the pot and cover with the lid. Cook for 15 minutes, after it begins to whistle. Meanwhile, mix the flour with 1 cup of warm water until it is smooth. Put a small pot of water on to boil. Open the cooker and stir in enough boiling water to make it nearly full. Next gently stir in the tomato paste along with the flour mixture. Turn the heat on medium-low then simmer the soup, uncovered, for additional 15-20 minutes, stirring from time to time. If using eggs and/or vermicelli, wait until 10 minutes before the soup is done, then add them. You could garnish it with cilantro.

Filo fingers with lamb Ingredients l l l l l l l l l l

Directions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion finely chopped 1 tbsp pine seeds 400g minced lamb ¼ cup chicken stock ½ cup mozzarella cheese 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped 1 tsp ground black pepper 1 packet filo pastry

Warm olive oil in a pan, cook onion and pine seeds over medium heat until golden brown. Add lamb and cook over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Add chicken stock and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Add Mozzarella cheese, coriander, mint and black pepper to the meat mixture. Stir until well-combined. Cut each Filo pastry sheet into 3 strips. Add a tablespoon of lamb mixture at one end side of the sheet. Fold the ends and roll to form a finger shape. Seal the ends with water. Place fingers on an oven tray and bake in a 190°C hot oven for 15- 20 minutes until golden brown.

April-May 2017

let’s COOK

Snack Time As May gets set to usher in the season of Ramadan, Simran Dhanju takes time to create two special dishes to welcome the month

Dawat-e-baingan Ingredients: l l l l l l l l l l l

10-12 baby eggplants 250g dates, finely chopped 1 ½ tbsp ginger, finely chopped 2-3 green chillis, finely chopped 3-4 tbsp lemon juice 4 tbsp coriander, finely chopped 1 tsp salt or to taste 3 tbsp pine nuts, lightly toasted 3 tbsp fresh pomegranate seeds 3 tbsp oil Freshly ground black pepper for seasoning

Method: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Wash, wipe and cut eggplants in half lengthwise along with stocks. In a greased baking dish, place the eggplants facing cut side up, season well with salt and pepper, drizzle oil on top to coat well, bake in pre-heated oven at 225˚C for 20 minutes or until they are tender and cooked. Remove from oven and let it cool. In a bowl combine, dates, ginger, lemon juice, chilies, pine nuts, pomegranate seeds, coriander, salt and pepper. Mix them well to make the stuffing. Take an eggplant half, press the center with the back of a small spoon, put a small amount of stuffing on top and repeat with rest of the eggplant halves. Place them on serving tray and garnish with extra pine nuts and coriander leaves.

Spinach & Zatar Puffs Ingredients: l l l l l l

12 frozen spinach briquette 200g crumbled feta cheese 3 ½ tsp zatar mix 2 tbsp mixed nuts and berry powder (optional) 375 frozen puff pastry 1 egg

Method: 1. 2. 3.

Defrost spinach briquettes, place in a strainer, squeeze out the excess moisture from it. In a bowl add spinach, crumbled feta, zatar mix, berry and nut powder and one half of beaten egg. Mix them all together to make the filling. When the pastry is thawed, cut it into half; roll each half into 18” x 15” rectangles. Cut each rectangle into six triangles. Divide filling equally and place it on wider end of each triangle and roll to give a shape of croissant and secure the filling by sticking the end with a little water. Repeat with the rest of the triangles. Place on baking tray lined with parchment paper, bake in preheated oven at 200˚C for 15-18 minutes. Serve with chili ketchup

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

April-May 2017

Health CHECK

Health and Safety at Workplace How safe is your workplace; do you feel that your health and safety is compromised in the cubicle you share with your colleagues…?

ccording to the International Labour Organisation, every 15 seconds a worker dies from a work-related accident or disease; every 15 seconds 153 workers have a work-related accident.

The ILO website further states: ‘Every day, 6,300 people die as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases – more than 2.3 million deaths per year. 317 million accidents occur on the job annually; many of these resulting in extended absences from work. The human cost of this daily adversity is vast and the economic burden of poor occupational safety and health practices is estimated at 4 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product each year.’ These statistics, while demonstrating the importance of observing the annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work (28 April), also indicate the critical role to be played by employers in ensuring safety and health at workplace. While it is understood that the parameters of safety at workplace are not

April-May 2017

The ILOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premise for a day dedicated to safety and health is, obviously, prevention of occupational accidents and diseases; the focus is on building awareness that is directed towards creating a health culture and thereby reducing the number of work-related deaths and injuries. While HSE (Health Safety and Environment) policies help regulate safety aspects within an organisation, it may not be seen as mandatory in a corporate office where there are no noticeable elements for accidents. Nevertheless, it is vital for any organisation, even a small business outfit, to ensure some or all of the factors that aid health and safety of employees are in place.

Plan of action

Safety measures employed are, generally, dependent on the scope of business or the work involved, but that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take away from the employer the onus of scripting a safety plan, which is shared with the employees. Having access to a first aid kit ought to be the topmost priority of every employer. An interactive forum to discuss ways and means of improving safety and readiness for emergencies could help.

Review safety procedures

Putting together a safety and health plan should be followed up with regular inspections to assure that the plan is sound and is updated periodically. Safe work procedures ought to be followed up and inspected to ensure strict adherence from all employees. This might require training, more so for employees involved in jobs where the accident risks are higher.

Minimise minor accidents

On the face of it, office might seem to be the last place to inflict any accident on the employees, but studies have shown falls to be the most common source of injury in an office. Employees might be injured from common slips and falls or in the process of lifting and carrying heavy load. This could be minimised and even eliminated by incorporating simple changes in the working space. Ensuring that the lighting and safety equipment are in good condition and scheduled repairs and upgradations are not delayed is one way to go about it. And with summer blazing down its heat, maintenance of air conditioner units is of top priority to create a healthy environment.

Health CHECK

the same in, say, an industrial setup and a corporate office, there are certain universal concerns that need to be addressed to assure general safety and health of employees, even if stress is the only fallout from the work environment. For many an employee has been scythed by stress.

Appropriate equipment

Some risks, in an office set up, might not seem obvious, but they could aggravate an existing health condition or lead to one. It could be the chair one sits in, the work surface or the monitor stand. If these essential equipments do not offer scope for adjustment to meet the requirements of different employees, it could perpetrate a variety of aches and pains, which, over a period, could lead to major health concerns. Poor quality of office equipment, although cheaper, comes with its own health risks. One simple way to check if the chair is right for a concerned employee is to see if his/her feet touch the floor when seated at the desk. Employees are known to propel the chair higher to reach the keyboard tray on the desktop, which invariably means feet off the floor. According to an occupational therapy expert, the discomfort and pain an employee experiences will be heightened if the feet are not on the floor. This is also true about document holders, which when used right, can reduce neck strain; they are also said to be good for the eyes. In the same vein, it is important to place the mouse besides the keyboard to maintain the balance between the neck and shoulders. Simple steps could go a long way in building a safe and healthy workplace!

April-May 2017

Healthy TIDINGS

Blanket therapy Weighted blankets have therapeutic value in treating anxiety, says a new study. Although anxiety is common, more so when there are crucial decisions to be made, it could lead to anxiety disorders which manifest as crippling feelings of fear, worry or restlessness when not checked. While a combination of medication and lifestyle changes could help temper the effects, medical experts have learnt that weighted blankets could work as treatment too. These are blankets lined with evenly distributed weight, which is further dependent on the user is and the size of the blanket. The objective is to provide warmth and gentle pressure, akin to the feeling of being held – ‘deep pressure touch stimulation’.

Depression risk linked to hot flashes Mood swings have long been associated with perimenopausal and menopausal stages in women, however, a new study has found that moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes or night sweats) could significantly increase the risk for moderate to severe depression. Researchers studying the link between hot flashes and depressive symptoms found that women with moderate-severe hot flashes were significantly more likely to have moderate-severe depression than women with no or mild vasomotor symptoms. They also learnt that antidepressant medication and oestrogen therapy have the potential to improve hot flashes and mood.

Blame it on your genes If you have been unable to cut burgers, fries, chocolates and candies from your diet, don’t curse your appetite. A new study has found that a strong penchant for foods that are categorised as health hazards are to be blamed on our genes. Researchers have identified certain gene variants that influence our food preferences, whether it is a strong liking for chocolate or high-fat foods. They hope that this will open up the need for personalised dietary advice and will lead to more effective ways to reduce the risk of chronic disease developed as a result of poor dietary habits.

Exercise and keep your mind sharp If you are over 50, the best way to keep your mind sharp is to indulge in moderate exercise, several times a week. A research found that thinking and memory skills were most improved when the heart and muscles were exercised on a regular basis, especially among those who had signs of cognitive decline. While it has been accepted that taking up exercise at any age is beneficial for the mind and body, the new research studied how simple exercises could boost brain. The theory is that through exercise the brain receives a greater supply of blood, oxygen and nutrients that boost its health as well as a growth hormone that helps the formation of new neurons and connections.

April-May 2017

healthy TIDINGS

Oral contraceptives and general well being Women who take oral contraceptives could be experiencing a reduced sense of general well-being. A study has found that one of the most common combined oral contraceptive pills has a negative impact on womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quality of life; it however, does not increase depressive symptoms. Researchers learnt that both the general quality of life and specific aspects like mood/well-being, selfcontrol and energy level were affected negatively by the contraceptives (the type of combined contraceptive pill used in the study was etinylestradiol + levonorgestrel).

Keep sodas away Moderation is the key to ensure health and fitness, and that applies specifically to foods that have inherent health concerns, like sodas, fruit juices and artificially sweetened sodas. Consuming these daily can affect brain, says a new study, which found that people who frequently consume sugary beverages such as sodas and fruit juices were more likely to have poorer memory, smaller overall brain volumes and smaller hippocampal volumes (an area of the brain important for memory). It also found that people who drank diet soda daily were almost three times as likely to develop stroke and dementia when compared to those who did not consume diet soda.

Drink beet juice to boost brain While previous studies have shown

that physical fitness and regular activities can have positive effects on the brain, newer research has learnt that these effects could be further bolstered by simply drinking beetroot juice before working out. Studies have shown that older adults who consumed beetroot juice before engaging in moderately intense exercise demonstrated greater connectivity in brain regions that are associated with motor function, compared with adults who did not drink beetroot juice before exercising.

Vagus nerve stimulator to treat cluster headaches You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to pop a pill to treat your cluster headache anymore. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a device meant to treat cluster headache, which is a rare form of headache that affects mostly men. The device is a vagus nerve stimulator and the idea is to disrupt signals that run along the vagus nerve. Like migraines, cluster headaches cause intense pain and an inability to function well when affected. A company called electroCore has made the device called gammaCore, which transmits a mild electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve through the skin, resulting in a reduction of pain.

April-May 2017

in the luxe

Luxury in the Kitchen

Make your kitchen sparkle with gadgets that have been created to give comfort and ease a luxury benchmark

Size of luxury

For a whopping $41,000 the Meneghini Arredamenti Refrigerator speaks the language of size and quality. This oversized fridge does have a furniture look, adding oomph to your living space. It could be comfortably seated in any kitchen space and comes with a pantry and a large ice compartment. Price: $41,000

Personal rotisserie

With Muscat’s rotisserie chicken, popularly called ‘circus chicken’, enjoying a strong hold on the food scene, the need for a personal rotisserie may not seem important. But if you enjoy tucking into fish and red meat too, you might want to check out the La Cornue Rotisserie. Described as an expert, the two rotating spits have the ability to optimise taste, flavour and, importantly, heat circulation. Price: $10,000

April-May 2017

In the Sub-Zero zone

With Sub-Zero Wolf Freezer Drawers, you get both the refrigerator as well as the freezer drawers, giving space for all your cooked food and fresh salads. It has been designed compactly and can be placed under any kitchen countertop, making it accessible at all times. Price: $4,250

in the luxe

Coffee all the time

A coffee lover’s dream gadget, this Victoria Arduino Venus Century Espresso Machine is an exclusive collector’s item, with only 100 pieces available around the world. The vertical espresso machine was created on the centenary of Victoria Arduino, in 2005. Crafted from stainless steel, it weighs 76 kilograms. Price: $20,000

Fresh pizza

Good old-fashioned pizza is what you get with the Mugnaini Wood-Fired Pizza Oven. It is an innovative oven that can bring out your culinary skills with ease, ensuring consistency with every pizza you cook. Designed to blend modern technology with a classic wood fire stove, it comes with around 47-inch surface; you could even bake bread. Price: $8,500

Handmade cooktop

Some things spell luxury even if they do not have any of the bling elements, like gold and diamonds. The La Cornue’s Grand Palais range is one such. It is almost 6 feet in length and the range comes with one vaulted gas oven and one vaulted electric oven, set beneath one of the seven rangetop configurations. Price: $47,300 (base cost)

Caffeine break

If you are looking for style in your coffee machine, check out Faema E98, which comes with add-on facilities that just make the price seem worth it. While your coffee comes out loaded with all the nice aromas, the machine is also equipped to give you fresh yoghurt, if you so wish. It has a milk chilling section that will allow you to make a batch of fresh yoghurt every day. Price: $5000

Juice it

While fresh fruit juice is an all-weather drink, summers make it all the more popular. So, if you have been planning on picking one that has exclusive labelled all over it, the Hammacher Juicer might be the one to get you started. It can squeeze close to 30 oranges in a minute and is easy to get the task done for a big family. The Juicer works well for several different fruits, including grapefruit and pomegranate, which can be placed inside the chute. Price: $9,900

April-May 2017

explore OMAN 36

Short Vacation Packages Short term vacation packages, floated by Oman’s tourism ministry, is proving to be a winner for GCC tourists Salim Adi Al Mamari

s summer gets set to strengthen its bond with heat and the accompanying humidity, Salalah is certain to become the focal point of conversations revolving around short holiday breaks. And, as is customary, the onset of Khareef will see Salalah spreading its festive plumes, attracting both local as well as GCC tourists, making it a mandatory destination for many. But Salalah is not all that is there to Oman, and the Ministry of Tourism has designed exciting short vacation packages to fuel that interest. The rising temperature notwithstanding, Oman’s strategic

April-May 2017

geographical location has endowed it with a panorama of visual delights that add to its attraction, more so for GCC tourists who are more inclined to seek options that are tailored for short breaks. According to a press note from the Ministry of Tourism, such shortterm packages have achieved great success in attracting tourists from the GCC countries to the Sultanate. While this has been attributed to its varied terrain, offering exclusive platforms for tourists with different travel needs and tastes, credit is also due to the unique travel packages that have been made available by the Ministry of Tourism. As Salim Adi Al Mamari, Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry noted, short vacation packages do contribute significantly to enhance GCC tourism to Oman.

Explaining further, he said, “Oman is a unique destination, which attracts large numbers of tourists from the Gulf, especially during short vacations. In keeping with this, the Ministry is always keen to offer and introduce holiday packages that ensure interesting experiences for visitors to the Sultanate. That is not all, in the same stead - we are also working towards launching joint initiatives with stakeholders in the Gulf countries to enhance the flow of tourism between our respective nations.” The most important places that tourists from the GCC seem keen to visit during short vacations to Oman include Salalah, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Al Hoota Cave, and Al Jabal Al Akhdar. Besides, given that Oman is located in the Arabian

explore OMAN

Tourism on the wheels of legends and folk tales In a first of its kind initiative, Ministry of Tourism is undertaking a project to employ cultural elements to boost tourism The Ministry of Tourism organised a workshop titled ‘Innovative ideas to serve the tourism sector’, in cooperation with the Research Council, recently; it was a part of the project to collect Omani legends and folk tales associated with tourism sites.

Gulf and is adjacent to the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, visitors to the Sultanate could enjoy a variety of activities on land as well as in the water - right from climbing the highest peak in Jabal Shams to water sports activities in Bandar Khayran. Oman has several distinct tourism attractions as its unique location makes it the perfect gateway between the eastern and western worlds. The country’s archaeological sites bear witness to its great history, and its rich biodiversity provides an ideal climate that provides a bright, warm sun even in winter - that is a favourite with GCC tourists

The project is the first time of its kind in Oman, as it is directed to collecting as many legends and folk tales as possible from both Al Batinah North and A’Sharqiyah North Governorates. The project will employ the cultural aspects as attraction sources to the tourism sites, while preserving the Omani heritage. Soon it will involve the rest of governorates in the Sultanate. The research for the project relied mainly on the folk tales found from available audio and video sources, as well as interviewing citizens who took part and witnessed the stories’ events. After confirming the availability of the stories’ conditions, researchers wrote and directed these stories to look like a unique cultural and tourism product. The project was put forward by the Ministry of Tourism in a cooperation with The Research Council to collect, codify and classify these stories, and to record what narrators tell about the tourism places. The research succeeded to collect a notable number of legends and folk tales that narrators from Al Batinah North and A’Sharqiyah North Governorates told. As the Ministry of Tourism and The Research Council are keen to develop the tourism sector of the Sultanate, this project plays a major role in enhancng the cultural aspects for the tourists and visitors, as well as adding an extra value to the tourism industry in the Sultanate.

April-May 2017

Just TRAVEL

Adventure trip to ICELAND If you believe extreme heat should be countered with extreme cold, say yes to a trip to the land of glaciers and hot springs in Iceland

nswering the calls of all off-road enthusiasts, Arctic Trucks is coming back this summer with a trip to Iceland from the 1st to the 5th of July 2017. Arctic Trucks, which specialises in modifying 4WD vehicles for use in rough environments, has scheduled this trip for anyone craving an exciting trip to the outback of Iceland. The expedition will have professional trainers from Arctic Trucks, providing assistance throughout the trip. The summer trip will start from Reykjavík and include a visit to Reynisfjara black sands, which

is the backdrop to the Hindi song ‘Gerua’ from the movie ‘Dilwale’. The trip will involve some of the magnificent sights and landmark places of Iceland such as Skógafoss, the largest waterfall in Iceland. Travellers will also get a chance to experience walking behind the great Seljalandsfos waterfalls and get a sense of living next to a volcano by visiting the Volcano museum -Þorvaldseyri. They will also get a chance to see Eyjafjallajökull, a volcano caldera covered with ice cap. Motor-heads will get their dose of adrenaline from Minniborgir where Arctic Trucks ensures the best 4x4 experience by providing 38 inch super trucks with tips and tricks to

April-May April 2017 2017 (To make a booking/enquires: info@arctictrucks.com)

tackle adverse conditions. With the perfect vehicle in hand, the team will head out to Golden Circle, where they get to see Geysir, the hot-spring that spouts water many meters up in the air! For those who love taking on a challenge, there is an option to go snowmobiling on Langjökull Glacier The expedition will culminate in an amazing thrill of scaling the mountain gem Kerlingarfjöll, which is a mountain cluster, rising 500 – 700 meters above the surrounding central highlands plain. The adventure ensures not just adrenaline rush but also a sense of peace and tranquility brought on by the scenic landscapes

Just TRAVEL

Homestay Holidays Understand the true essence of the clichéd phrase, ‘home away from home’, with a tried and tested homestay holiday this summer

omestay, the fast emerging trend in the hospitality industry, is all about finding lodging and boarding facility in a house or apartment of a local in your holiday destination. While the length your stay could range from one night to even up to a year, what is interesting is that it could be free, if it is a part of an exchange of stays between the two parties involved; it could, of course, be paid in cash or the same could be compensated by helping out at the host’s property. Homestay options are comparatively affordable and they support the local economy by providing the hosts an alternative avenue for income generation. If you like the idea of a homestay, but need more convincing, check out the benefits compiled from the reviews by most homestay vacationers.

Get in touch

When you stay in the home of a local host, you not only meet local people, you also enhance your holiday experience. It is an all new experience, as you are now a part of the destination and not simply visiting it. You get to eat their food and even share it along with the hosts, as most homestays provide breakfast and even other meals, by prior arrangement.

Feel the ease and convenience

If you are travelling to a totally new place, you are bound to have apprehensions. Often, the holiday is too short to get used to the place and the people in a right way. But with homestay, you have the comfort and security of a

home and a perfect platform to become familiar with your destination. This is more so if you are travelling alone as it helps in easing the anxieties.

Experience local customs

Most package holidays take you to the popular tourist spots to take pictures and have it checked out from your mustvisit list. With a homestay, there is more than the routine sight-seeing, as you get to learn first-hand the various cultures and customs and also find out hidden places that are not in most travel itineraries

April-may April 2017

look GOOD

La Femme Spa Boutique Indulge your feminine side at La Femme Spa Boutique and feel beautiful, inside and out. “La Femme Spa Boutique is for the girl, the woman, the feminine you… We will help you feel the feminine you. To be yourself and to feel the difference, you need to feel beautiful. And to feel beautiful, inside out, you need to unwind. La Femme is where beauty comes to rest,” states Noora Sabah J. Sultan, the brain behind the recently opened La Femme Spa Boutique. Located in Al Mawalih South on Mazoon Street, the spa boutique has found its niche with wellheeled women who seek comfort, class and style even in their regular beauty regimen. Set up to reflect elegance in its interiors, it exudes an ambience that is calm, cosy and appealing to savvy women. What sets it apart, besides its strikingly unique interior decor and design, is its range of products that have been carefully chosen to meet the requirements of discerning clients. The use

April-May 2017

of organic products, based on fruit extracts and natural ingredients as well as oils, is its strongpoint. “We have adopted a modern, classy lounge,” points out Noora Sultan, Managing Director of La Femme, adding that guests are treated to signature teas of rose and jasmine with lounge music in the background. She has incorporated her business acumen into this spanking new spa, making it a perfect destination for a wholesome beauty treatment. Noora was among the top three winners of Biz Pro in 2015 and was the winner of the business professional of the year award; she has business in her veins, coming from a business oriented family. An internationally certified wealth manager and banker by profession, she graduated with BSc in Management Science from the University of South Carolina, USA and did her executive MBA from

Noora Sabah J. Sultan

the University of Hull, UK. Talking about her pet project, La Femme, she says, “The spa idea has always been there and was purely born out of my passion for the field.” Highlighting the factors that set her spa apart, she gives credit to the range of products used. Explaining about the same, she says, “Eminence is handmade organic skin care,

lifestyle mantra

Summer Hair

By Sophia Raman Planning to loP off your treSSeS to get Set for tHe Summer?

eat and humidity share no camaraderie with your skin or your hair. If you have been in this part of the world even for a couple of years, you would, definitely, be cued in to this summer ennui. While your arsenal of summer creams and moisturisers will help give the skin the protection it needs, it’s the hair that takes the most beating. Indoor might seem to be the only alternative; but if you are inclined to get a summer haircut and give a perfect rejoinder to the summer tantrum, you could make that much-needed changeover a reality. For short haircuts are in this summer... in a variety of pixie and bob cut avatars.

from Hungary who is an award-winning provider of the most effective professional skin care products. It’s an award winning, result oriented natural organic and biodynamic skin care product. Eminence organic skin care is the leader in the organic skin care industry, with over 50 years of experience in the market. It’s handmade in small batches, using only the finest handpicked organic fruits, flowers, seeds and vegetables. Eminence is committed to providing the best quality skin care while being environmentally responsible. BCL is the first complete line of professional spa experience products with certified organic ingredients to provide a purely organic treatment in the spa. BCL’s philosophy is Be Care Love.” Services available at La Femme include pedicures and manicures; nail care; hair treatment and hair colour; and body treatments and facials. Body treatments include herbal cellulite slimming treatment, which is an organic slimming treatment. It’s a hot stimulating treatment to help break down fatty deposits and improve the lymphatic circulation. It includes blueberry, paprika, tea tree and mint and cinnamon

Whether you love to have your hair kept in place, in that old prim and proper style, or prefer to let it frolic with the warm summer wind, the trends are marked to make you feel special this season. And, if you are really bold and have no qualms in experimenting, the short shaved look could get you perfectly set for the summer. There are classic styles and there are pixie variations, and even the rock and roll of short hair cuts. From micro bangs to one length bobs, you could find your perfect summer cut from the trends that are ruling this season. While the onelength bob will give you face framing layers, the undercut bob will take the pixie look to a new level with a high stack on the top. You could check out the carefree and tousled short hairstyle if you want a textured look or go for the sassy and chic, where you could flaunt both short and longer lengths in one style.

April-May 2017

style FILe

Bthaina Launches Resort 2017 Collection Fashion Exclusive UAE announced the relaunch of Bthaina and the unveiling of the Resort 2017 collection at an exclusive event, recently

Modern and feminine, with a focus on exquisite detail, Bthaina fuses refined beauty with understated luxury. At the relaunch of brand Bthaina, held at The Chedi recently, guests including Omani royalty, VIPs, influencers and the media, were treated to Designer Buthaina Anees Al Zadjali’s signature styles and designs with the new Resort collection. Buthaina also debuted her new jewelry line, which will be sold exclusively at her boutique in Muscat. On the sidelines of the event, she said, “I am thrilled to announce the relaunch of Bthaina with a refreshed and modern brand identity, which coincides with the launch of my Resort 2017 collection and the debut of my jewelry line. My team and I have worked extremely hard over the past six months to bring my new brand vision to life so I am proud and humbled by what we have achieved and excited for the future of Bthaina!”

April-May 2017

Buthaina Al Zadjali started her label in 2010, designing kaftans and abayas for a few select customers. After an overwhelmingly positive response, she opened her first boutique in 2011. Passionate about art and fashion, Buthaina loves pattern and colour and finding new ways to recreate traditional Omani techniques. Her dream is to grow the brand internationally and to create a one stop destination for fashion and art lovers.

April-May 2017

Style FILe

Based in Oman, Bthaina creates intricately hand embellished kaftans and abayas, taking inspiration from Eastern and Western elements. Luxurious, feminine and chic, Bthaina is the epitome of modest sophistication. Inspired by Omani culture and traditional Omani antique silver work, Bthainaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resort 2017 collection fuses classic Arabic silhouettes with geometric embroidery and embellishments, creating a sophisticated collection with a vintage touch.

style FILe In 2017, Bthaina underwent a rebranding to give the label a refreshed and modern aesthetic touch. The new logo is in a clean typography that comes in two colour way; white and charcoal or grey and pink. The spelling of the brand is the pronunciation of Buthainaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name while the dots in the logo represent the Arabic spelling of Bthaina.

April-May 2017

Representing today’s elegant woman, fabrics are soft and versatile with a rusted, earthy finish. shapes are flowy and flexible with unique hand embroidered details creating a luxurious and feminine aesthetic. Metallic gold wires and thread are intricately woven to recreate Omani derived patterns while custom made sequins add an exquisite finish. Dreamy hues make up the color palette in blush, cream, dusty blue and gold. Combining traditional Omani handiwork with modern styles, the Resort 2017 collection is romantic and elegant, perfect for the Ramadan season

esque It wIth ALe

CoaChella 2017 ALE AL ZADjALI PREsEnTs THE HIgHs AnD LOWs Of fAsHIOn AT THE RECEnTLy COnCLuDED COACHELLA fEsTIVAL I am always excited to see just how offensive the Coachella outfits are to cultures, religions or just my eyes. This year certainly has its fair share of offenses, including a certain headliner wearing a bindi on her nose, but I am not here to educate people on cultural sensitivity, I am here to share the trends. My favourite has to be the ‘space buns’; it’s essentially having your hair tied into two messy balls, with a parting in between them. It isn’t effortless and we all know it, but it looks effortless and that alone makes it sickening! My second favourite trend is the tights, specifically the stoned tights. Whether it was done subtly like Hailey Baldwin or full out like Rihanna did, they looked beautiful...perfect; and they looked like Linda Evangelista! Another trend I noticed were the shoulder-less tops, which I am personally not a fan of at all but hey they were big at Coachella and they are big in fashion. Tinted glasses and face glitter were also popular accessories and I’m certainly a fan of them. I’d have liked it if someone dipped their face in a tub of glitter but I guess people are smarter than that. Lastly, for the most part, if their hair wasn’t ‘spaced out’ they had cowboy hats on and it looked like one big promo campaign for Lady gaga’s joanne (now available on iTunes.) It wasn’t the most exciting Coachella in terms of fashion but it is what it is.

For more information visit www.bthaina.com Follow Bthaina: Instagram: @bthainaoman; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bthainaoman

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

April-May 2017

style FILe

The Saree Saga It was a celebration of sarees at the ‘Indian Ethnic Saree and Bridal Wear Show’ presented by the Indian Embassy

arees depicting historical significance and cultural ethos of different parts of India, in distinctive designs, patterns and styles of draping, were in full splendour at the Indian Ethnic saree and Bridal Wear show’, held at the premises of Indian Embassy, recently.

Held under the patronage of Mrs. sushma Pandey, wife of Indian Ambassador to the sultanate, the evening was a mesmerising affair for the packed auditorium. Addressing the gathering before the show, Mrs. Pandey spoke about the history and the continued significance of sarees in Indian culture. she pointed out that the saree has been recognised world over as Indian women›s national attire and added that the evening’s show was a small effort to unravel the mystique of Indian ethnic wear. stressing that the resilience of saree reflects the resilience of Indian culture, she noted that saree, six yards of elegance and comfort, has mesmerised women in Indian subcontinent and has been worn by them since antiquity. she spoke about the regional diversity in the ways in which sarees are made and draped and noted that weavers and designers have generated a treasure house of ideas and created such a vast range of sarees that if a woman wore a different saree each day, the weaves, prints and designs would be all different from one another during her entire life span. she further highlighted that sarees are made from the most humble rough woven cotton fabric to the finest hand crafted silk tissues spiked with gold and silver threads. They are woven or printed, embroidered and embellished with appliqué and gold, silver and precious stone work. The richness and opulence of Indian textiles have been vividly described by the ancient, medieval and modern

April-May 2017

Style FILe travellers and silk sarees worn by women in India have been the envy of the world. saree, the timeless attire, has retained its relevance despite the onslaught of modern styled clothes by constantly reinventing itself and assimilating new features in texture, colour, print and design. It has defied the norms of world fashion and set new benchmarks for Indian ethnic wear. The welcome address was followed by a power point presentation by Rima nundy, who opened the proceedings with a saree saga, taking the audience, including spouses of diplomats and prominent Omani and Indian women on a journey

that explored the legacy of Indian national costume. she highlighted the rich heritage of Indian sarees and the vast variety of beautiful handwoven sarees from different regions of India. The evening was made extra flavoursome and colourful by Indian women who walked the ramp, showcasing beautifully crafted sarees from various states of India, worn in different styles. An exhibition of Indian ethnic saree collection, showcasing the

distinct, diverse and rich saree traditions of India, sourced from Lulu Hypermarket, was also on display. A Bridal Wear show, depicting different costumes worn by brides during their marriage, from diverse regions of India, was another attraction of the evening. On the sidelines of the evening was a demonstration of draping a saree, which drew enthusiasm and interest among the attendees. A booth was set up for those who wished to try draping a saree. guests were also treated to a folk dance from gujarat.

April-May 2017

Home Special

Your Home is Special Give your home a trendy makeover to up its beauty quotient and breathe a vibrancy of newness in its spaces

April-May 2017

Home Special

Hospitality and Design Trends in 2017 Daousser Chennoufi, Chairman and Key Architect of the Draw Link Group, shares his insights into the design and hospitality trends for the year with the ‘Five Pillars Of Change’

ooking back, the year 2016 has welcomed numerous changes on a global scale that has influenced the lifestyles and mindsets of today’s younger generations, in turn this has also impacted people’s taste in fashion, music, cinematography and specifically trends in design. The Influence of Travel Due to ongoing globalisation, incredible technological progress and the immense wave of information made accessible through the Internet, people have started to travel more frequently. The contemporary millennial travels a great deal, more than ever before, resulting in an abundance of choices for travel that can adapt to any budget. This has brought about increased competition within the travel and hospitality industries, and has resulted in the modularity of furniture and flexibility of design. The Influence of the East As globalisation continues the certainty of where to visit, travel to and live has become more obscure with many businesses expanding internationally, corresponding with increased opportunities and potential for hospitality design. Consequently, by visiting new countries, staying at various hotels and experiencing different cultures, people’s horizons have been broadened. Previously Eastern design trends were not widely popular, yet they are now adopted in the Western world, with travellers preferring Eastern elements incorporated into Western design.

The Influence of Budget Constraints Due to the instability of the global economy, one of the greatest challenges is budget constraints. There is an increased demand for new and innovative materials that offer costeffective and practical solutions. Additionally, traditional materials used in design are now being recycled into completely unexpected roles. For instance, marble is now being integrated into the design of bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms, which is a twist on its previous traditional use. Metal finishes like brass, copper and silver are widely used, and have gained a new, rich application in the interior design. The Influence of Lifestyles With the increased pressure of an active lifestyle and extreme business

practices, people are looking for options of relaxation and peace of mind in all their living spaces. In fact, the restroom is now being given the same importance as the living room, with many designers giving more consideration to this space. Several people are looking to connect with nature, however unfortunately spend most of their time indoors. We are now seeing contemporary designs that integrate both interior and outdoor spaces to make them flow together – this also expands living space. The Influence of Colour As people seek to enjoy a hospitable atmosphere within their homes, we see an increase in the popularity of colours that are warm and welcoming, such as terracotta and shades of green.

April-May 2017

Home Special

GREEN FOR THE SEASON Like fashion, home decor trends are also dictated by colours that are designed to give your living space a feel of newness of vibrancy

rama and warmth on the walls is what home design experts predict for the season, with a move towards a richer palette in jewel tones and saturated colours. With both bold and muted colours making it to the trend list, you are bound to find the shade of your choice to give your home a pleasant makeover.

Green

Green is all the rage this year, with the hunter green receiving thumbs up from home design gurus, who predict a celebration of green in all shades across the design spectrum. So, if you plan to jump on the trend bandwagon, you could get a dose of green into your house with little accessories and decor elements; or, if the budget permits, make green statements on upholstered pieces. Pick the shade that suits you and give your interiors a slice of the outdoors. Whether it is olive green, lime green, emerald or courtyard green, your home will feel warm and interesting in the shade of

April-May 2017

the year. But if you are apprehensive about incorporating green on your walls or your furniture, you could savour the delights of the colour and feel trendy by picking emerald glasses to adorn your dining table or add a green vase on the centre table.

Blues

Navy blue and deep blue tones are in this year, as designers are moving away from the whites and the matte textures to celebrate the pleasant hues of blues. You could opt to reupholster the couch in the living room in navy

Home Special

fabric or paint a wall in the living room, or even the kitchen, for a spot of vibrancy in your living space.

Pink

Pink has its own special lure when you opt for shades that can easily blend into your surroundings. The so-called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;millennial pinkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has a youthful vigour that will rub positively on all the residents.

Yellow

Make your room glow in an inner warmth with sunny yellow shades, which range from pale buttery colours to vibrant mustard shades. You could get it spotlighted on your furniture with throw rugs or incorporate it on the wall.

Muted shades

Alongside the greens, blues and yellows, what is also in are muted shades, making it an ideal season for people of all tastes and preferences. Neutrals are trending, with whites, beiges and greys finding space among all the bright colours. While gray, which made its presence felt in 2016, promises to continue winning

designers over to its side, the focus this year is on greys in deeper shades. Whites are preferable when the room lacks enough windows to enjoy natural light. Taupe also has a say in the colour spectrum for the year, that is if you are looking for some earthy shades in your living room.

Purple

Toned down versions of colour purple are creating waves in the trend circuit with many finding certain shades of violet just right to express their emotional well being. According to many designers, violet is the perfect colour if you want to take the middle path, as it is neither too formal for a work ambience nor too casual for a leisure look; it is also neither about young or old and can easily adapt to any decor style.

April-May 2017

Home Special

Decor trends for your Home

While it may seem as if there is no more â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;newâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to 2017, with the calendar turning to May, home decor trends are not necessarily limited by timeframes, as you could incorporate little details all through the year to fit into the trend groove

Check out what is trending the world of home decor: Prints of the tropical kind

From fashion runways to home interiors, topical prints are finding ways to establish their glamour quotient in all spheres of life. You could easily introduce it on your walls with wallpapers that are reflective of tropical prints; but if you are thinking of experimenting before going all the way with prints, get throw pillows that showcase tropical prints, or stitch up pillow covers for your sofa or divan in prints that appeal your aesthetic sense.

Geometrical notes

If tropical prints are a little too in-yourface for your taste, get patterns of the geometric kind. Creative geometric patterns have an easy way of making

April-May 2017

your home feel primped up for the season. Opt for simple lines, geometric patterns and triangles on your wall or furnishing to keep the momentum up.

Organic flavour

Get a personalised look in your decor style with organic pieces that are distinct from the mass produced prints. This would mean giving your prints a vintage touch that has a slightly worn out look.

Vine decor

Complement splashes of trendy green in your house with climbing plants which can be placed in convenient places around the room or in a corner, depending on the style you have adopted and the kind of plants chosen. Although summer can prove to be

a real dampener in the gardening zone, most indoor plants can survive the ordeal without any sweat. Simply placing a climbing plant in the house could infuse your living space with a new fresh appeal.

Metallic touch

Interior designers around the world opine that 2017 will see marble and brass continuing their influence on decor elements in the interiors of your home. This will be more prominent in the kitchen and the bathroom, infusing these important rooms in your home with the natural elegance of marble and a touch of brass glamour. Jewel tones are also finding space in the trend list with metallics, Lucite and opal providing subtle notes of sparkle

Home Special in the interiors. Bronze is in the fray for a classic feel, whether it is used in lighting elements or decorative pieces like lamps and vases.

Cork style

With cork making a comeback, your home is in for a textured look that is immediately warm and welcoming. Designers have found ways to introduce cork on the wall, giving the texture a wide platform to appeal to your taste. It could also make an entry into your home as a side table or stool, enhancing the rich earthy look emanating from this material.

Terracotta

There is something about terracotta tiles with that earthy unglazed look. While the rustic style might seem a little too difficult for, say, a house or an apartment in the city, in its natural matte finish it can be easily used as feature walls or adorn specific places around the house.

Timber up

Make way for dark timber furniture to complement the green spots in the interiors. Rich dark toned furniture has an easy flavour that can blend into your surrounding or even stand out as statement piece, depending on how you pair it with other decor elements in the house.

Bed-heads

Upholstered bed-heads are trending in classic and glamorous tones. Depending on which style you prefer, you could have a sober bed-head with neutral colours or a plush one with velvety texture.

April-May 2017

Dress your wall at HOME

Turn blank walls into canvases to add vibrancy to your living space and give your home an artsy flavour

f you have blank walls staring at you, get imaginative and dress them up in ways and means that fit your budget and your taste. Here are some ideas to explore and zero on:

Washi it up

Washi tape is a DIY enthusiastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staple item. It is flexible, easily available and can be used in myriad different ways to adorn your wall. It does have the look and feel of a masking tape, but it is typically made from natural fibres giving it a strong and durable texture; it is colourful, with designs and patterns that are appealing for all ages. With little imagination you could easily convert your white wall into a melange of designs and shapes, geometric and even organic. Washi tape decor is perfect if you are living in a rented accommodation and have restrictions on using colourful paints on the walls.

Plywood cut-outs

Washi tape may be an easy alternative to decorating the wall, but that is not your only option, more so if you have no qualms in drilling holes on the walls and are not otherwise restricted under the tenancy agreement. Simply paint the wall in the colour that defines your mood and accentuate it with geometric shapes cut from plywood to create that defining ambience. You could go for square shapes in different sizes or get cut-

April-May 2017

outs of all the different shapes to make it a truly geometric wall. If you like to give your wall a rugged touch, go for rustic reclaimed wood, whether as geometric shapes or as a decorative panel.

Stripe up

Paint, the quintessential home decor product, is ever reliable. While a shade of your choice could immediately enhance the look of the room, a little creativity in using contrasting colours could add to the exclusivity. Painting stripes is an easy to accomplish DIY project and requires no special budget.

Hanging canvas

Display board

Convert your accent wall into a display board with ideas that are not limiting in their scope and reach. Whether it is fitting little pieces of sculpture to create a dramatic threedimensional effect or making nooks to hold baskets and hats, your wall is a literal canvas for your creative spirit. With the right touch it could turn into a statement wall. Putting up empty frames is another sure-fire way of adding a style factor to your wall. Alternately, you could split a photograph or a scenic picture into three frames or more to give it a dramatic effect.

Like we said earlier, the wall is your canvas to design as you please. You could put up artworks and flank it with lights; fix a single painting; arrange picture frames; give it a mirror touch; append an artistic bookshelf; opt for wall paper; or

simply prop a ladder against the wall to make it look special and creative.

Quote stand

Inspirational quotes will never go out of style. You could find the perfect quote in a home decor store or buy it online without any hassles. But if you have the time and the inclination to create your own, don’t set any limits to your imagination. You will be able to create the right quote to hang, with items that are easily available in your neighbourhood store. Go on; make that windowless wall a perfect canvas for all your décor ideas

at HOME

to hang frames or decorative items. You could plaster panel in a custom design.

Wall art

If you are apprehensive about going all the way in decorating your wall or have to comply with flat owner’s restrictions, you could appease that home decor itch with plaster panelling, which is all about creating artworks without hammering nails

April-May 2017

Relatively SPEAKING 56

Turn your house into a HOME

Breathe life into the bricks-and-mortar that makes up your house to permeate the living space with that homesickness-triggering warmth

home is not defined by the space it occupies or the things that make it functional. It is an intangible feeling of completeness, the essence of safety and the lingering air of comfort that it exudes. There is a sense of permanence when a house turns into a home, beckoning you to dip into its soul and feel rejuvenated after every trip away from it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even the morn to dusk office routine. The concept of home might have found myriad expressions, but there is no denying that it is the people who reside in it that make it special. A home is a storyteller; it is a narrative that connects people who live in it. While one cannot undermine the importance of furniture and furnishing in evoking the right mood, there are some tried and tested methods that have inherent qualities of home imbued in them.

April-May 2017

Floor touch

The floor is, in a way, a binding agent for the home. The house becomes a home when the hollow sounds that greeted you when you first entered the space are drowned in the resonance of conversations, the floating music, and the familiar thuds of footstepsâ&#x20AC;Ś The empty sound is absorbed by the rugs and carpets you dress the floor with, giving your home a warm overture and a feel of softness. An element of fabric on the floor can instinctively colour the space in hues that have home labelled on them, giving it a lived-in look.

Light tone

Lighting is the most inexpensive and quickest way to make a difference to your home. Whether you like the bright white light or the subdued yellow ones, lighting has a big say in your house versus home story. Introducing your favourite lamp or adding your touch to the existing lighting in the place you

Relatively SPEAKING are renting or buying, could make a difference. For, adding personal touches is the best way to make your living space feel like a home. Interior designers vouch that soft lighting can make a room feel warm and cosy if it is at a lower height. The lighting you chose and work around with becomes an extension of your evening life, when all the members are generally present.

Little details

It’s the little details in the home decor items you choose for your home that helps enhance the flavour of the rooms. Even when you have picked a mass produced item, you could make it look unique and special by adding little details that define the members of the house. The trick lies in customising; it could be a spot of colour on the handles of the drawers in the kitchen cabinets or the dressing table or even the wooden furniture in

the house. The personal touches you add will help your home speak your language of love and care.

Green spot

the window or the novelties picked during travels, the right accessory can effectively give you the home stamp.

Having a balcony in the kitchen or any room of the house is a blessing if you have an inclination for gardening; but a lack of outdoor space should not be a limitation to create a green spot in the house. The windowsill could also act as a small patch to hold your potted plants. And if the summer sun is too harsh for even entertaining that idea, opt for indoor plants to get that fresh homey touch.

And, after all is said and done, it’s the people and the pets you share your house with who make it a true home. It’s the sounds of chatter, the television, cooking, cleaning...the melange of togetherness that depicts your home.

Accessory aid

It is all the marks on the walls, the flaws on the tiles that speak of events that turned your house into a home. It is the little family treasures that have passed down from grandparents...

Accessories that you pick up during your shopping sprees can effectively inject glowing warmth in your rooms. Whether it is the cushions on the bed, throw rug on the sofa, a small carpet in the bedroom, aroma candles in the sitting room, fancy soap holders in the bathroom, a special chair facing

It’s the rituals and memories you create with all the members in the home.

It’s the smell of home cooked food; the aroma of incense; the perfumes lining the dressing table that evoke sentiments of belongingness

April-May 2017

man date

The long and the short of the undercut Say ‘hello’ to summer with a crisp haircut that has all the undertones of the trendy ‘undercut’

he undercut, which has become all the rage in the recent years, owes its inception to the early twentieth century when men, fashionably, lopped off the hair at the back and the sides, while maintaining longer hair on the top. It had a certain severity about it, which probably prompted its popularity among the middle class urban youth who dabbed paraffin wax to keep it in place. Pan to the present and the undercut has found creative variations that could put even the slickest undercut of the last century to shame. From stylish and funky cuts to bold and innovative ones, the undercut is constantly shifting its crop pattern to woo men of all ages. Even mature men could give in to the trend urge with cuts that are sober and modest to make it look trendy without seeming loud in its expression. With summer getting into the mood of the season with heat and humidity, a haircut might seem mandatory to temper down the onslaught. And, if you have taken a mental pledge to indulge summer with a haircut, now is the time to give undercut a try and find your spot in the trend circuit. Short haircuts for men have always

April-May 2017

been in vogue, even when the man bun and the long open tendrils enjoyed a celebrity status. Men with receding hairlines and scanty hair growth have always relied on the shorter versions, as they may not have much in the mane department to go for trendy cuts, but that is not to say they cannot nail the short hairstyles. So, if a visit to the barber is in order, to get the fresh summer look and feel primped up for the season, check out some of the cuts and styles that are trending around the world.

man date

Skin fade

In the world of undercuts there are bold styles and quirky names, like skin fade. As the name suggests, skin fade is the name given to a hair cut that gets shorter and shorter as it moves from top of the head to the neck; hair is cut in decreasing lengths. What makes this cut an attention grabbing one is the stark contrast from the top of the head to the nape. If you also want to get some raised eyebrows, you could give it a complex touch. The skin fade cut with sponge curls is one option to explore, where the hair is cut ultra short around the sides and back.

Slick back

The short slick back style has shaved sides and short cut at the back; with the front long enough to be slicked back. It is one of the popular styles in the recent times; it keeps the hair polished and even sharp, as the top hair is slicked flat to blend smoothly into the undercut along the sides and the back. You could keep the look textured with a matte hair mousse.

establish a dramatic effect by wearing it on one side or opt for a ponytail or man bun â&#x20AC;&#x201C; depending on the heat and your confidence to carry it off.

Puffed up

The puffy undercut requires a lot of volume and texture too. Although curly hair makes it easier to style this cut, you could achieve the result you want, even if you have straight hair, by using a matte hair product or creating texture with layering

Side swept

As the name suggests, this undercut is swept to the side; it is similar to the slicked back style in its approach. Longer length at the top helps to slick the hair well with shorter sides. You need to ensure that you are choosing the right side to get the style on the road as what suits one may not necessarily apply to another. Check out which way your hair falls naturally and go with that side.

Classic undercut

The classic style, easily adaptable for all ages, is conservative in its approach, making it ideal if this is your first attempt at undercut. It is a cut in which the sides are trimmed and the top crop is left at medium length. It is simple and can be easily styled with some gel to get that polished look.

Long cut

This is a combination cut which features short sides with long top hair. It is described as a Mohawk haircut with more hair on the top. While how close the undercut is shaved could vary, it is mostly left shorter up to the corners of the forehead. Styling this hair is all about experimenting. You could

April-May 2017

Bank Muscat’s ‘Imprints’ CSR agreements

Bank Muscat, in line with its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and commitment to partnership in sustainable development, has signed three agreements as part of its Imprints social responsibility initiative. The agreements were signed at the bank’s head office in the presence of

Management Team members and senior executives of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and other participating institutions and companies. The three agreements relate to green home financing, an awareness programme on energy conservation and a financial literacy programme. Highly ambitious in its scope and reach, the Imprints initiative is a unique public-private partnership launched by Bank Muscat in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Tourism, Muscat Municipality and the Public Authority for Consumer Protection. The four pillars of the Imprints initiative are focused on programmes to inculcate financial literacy, promote sustainable tourism, sustain green environment and encourage enriched lifestyle.

British Airways invests to boost customer experience

British Airways has launched its investment plans for customers, focusing on excellence in the premium cabins and more choice and quality for all. The investments include £400m in Club World (long-haul business class), introduction of Club Europe on UK domestic services, new lounges, First Wing direct security and lounge access at Heathrow, latest generation Wi-Fi fitted on long-haul and short-haul fleets over the next two years and self-service check-in and biometric boarding gates to speed up the airport journey. The airline is also developing options for a new seat in Club World with direct aisle access in 2019.

Condé Nast Conference

Muscat Bay, Oman’s newest integrated tourism complex welcomed the city’s glittering fashion VIPs and local influencers as well as the international media community at a glamorous after-party following the second annual Condé Nast Luxury Conference. Aptly themed ‘Mind Release’, to follow the conference’s theme of ‘Mindful Luxury’, the event hosted 200 plus guests in a dazzling evening hosted at the newly inaugurated Experience Centre. The Mind Release party’s objective was to celebrate Oman’s charm and character and showcase it as a destination influenced by natural surroundings, allowing invitees to disconnect and enjoy their environment. The evening’s activities included a fabulous fashion show, featuring stunning designs from both internationally acclaimed and up-and-coming designers Amal Al Raisi, Bthaina and Najla Zuhair, held on live installation podiums. Other notable luxury partners included Amouage, Ritz Carlton Al Bustan and an activation by Instagram.

Huawei P10 and P10 Plus

To kick off Mobile World Congress 2017, Huawei Consumer Business Group launched the new Huawei P10 and Huawei P10 Plus. The highly-anticipated additions to the P series feature a combination of beautiful hardware and the latest advances in software technology. Additionally, the new smartphones feature striking new colours and finishes, and introduce new Leica front and back cameras with cutting-edge portrait features to make every shot a cover shot. The Huawei P10 and Huawei P10 Plus, to be launched soon in Muscat, take smartphone efficiency and customisation a step further thanks to the powerful Kirin 960 processor and all-new EMUI 5.1. Kirin 960 is Huawei’s latest highperformance SoC chipset.

April-May 2017

Turtle power at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa has celebrated the first turtle hatching of the season with the release of 174 sea turtles. Hotel guests gathered on the beach as the resort’s Turtle Ranger Mohammad Al Hassani and his team guided 55 Hawksbill and Green Turtle hatchlings to the water on 15 April and followed it up with more releases on consecutive days. Speaking about the Turtle Care Programme, Juergen Doerr, General Manager of Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, said: “We are fully committed to the care and protection of turtles in Oman and it is our privilege to provide a sanctuary for mother turtles, care for the hatchlings and protect these endangered species.” In Oman, Turtle season falls between January and August. There are just five nesting sites in Oman, and Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is one of them. The area has always been a turtle nesting site

SalamAir opens ticket desk at Muscat International Airport

SalamAir has opened a ticket desk at Muscat International Airport. Located at the Departure Terminal, the new facility will offer a full range of services including reservations and ticketing, itinerary changes, purchase of value-added options and general information and support. The ticket desk will add to SalamAir’s integrated customer support, which already includes the SalamAir.com website, affiliated travel agents and the SalamAir call center which offers friendly and efficient service through chat, email or phone. Guests can also access SalamAir’s social media platforms, Twitter(@SalamAir), Facebook (SalamAirOfficial) and Instagram (@salamair), which are updated with the latest information.

Oman Air hails successful participation at ATM 2017

Oman Air has hailed the success of its participation at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2017, the key travel and tourism event held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 24-27 April. More than 39,000 visitors from various travel sectors, government officials and representatives of local and international media participated in the event. Chief Executive Officer Paul Gregorowitsch, besides other high-ranking officials from Oman Air, welcomed visitors to Oman Air’s stand, which showcased the airline’s growing fleet, expanding network and high quality products and services. Oman Air also worked alongside the Oman Ministry of Tourism to promote Oman as the perfect leisure destination for global travellers.

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+

Samsung Gulf Electronics launched the much anticipated Galaxy S8 and S8+ recently, at an exclusive event held at Al Bustan Palace. The latest smartphone pushes the boundaries of traditional smartphones with its seamless screen hardware design and a variety of new service offerings. With the launch of multiple services and apps, as well as a stunning Infinity Display for immersive viewing experiences, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ bring a new level of functionality and convenience, opening up a galaxy of possibilities. The Galaxy S8 builds on Samsung’s heritage of creating stunning designs and functional devices. Available in 5.8-inch Galaxy S8 and 6.2-inch Galaxy S8+, the Infinity Display and bezel-less design form a smooth, continuous surface with no buttons or harsh angles. The result is a truly immersive viewing experience without distractions, which makes multi-tasking more convenient.

April-May 2017

Mercedes-Benz reveals exclusive Ramadan Package

In celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan, MercedesBenz Oman has revealed an exclusive offer available on all of its luxury range of new vehicles from 1st May until 24th June. Customers looking to purchase a brand new Mercedes-Benz during this time will enjoy the benefit of five years or 75,000kms service package, three years unlimited mileage warranty, three years Mobilo on road assistance, free registration and a special gift from the masters of European craftsmanship, Montblanc. MercedesBenz customers can take advantage of the Ramadan package across the full line-up of new Mercedes-Benz models, including the intelligent E-Class and coveted S-Class; thrilling coupés and stunning cabriolets, including the new E-Class Coupe’; SUVs like the new GLC Coupé and the G-Class, and the Mercedes-Benz dream team, the SL and SLK, are also on offer.

Free AC check for Mitsubishi and Fuso owners

General Automotive Company (GAC), the official distributors of Mitsubishi and Fuso vehicles in Oman, has launched a two-month free vehicle air-conditioning check-up campaign for all Mitsubishi and Fuso owners in Oman. The complementary service campaign is currently underway and will continue till June 10. The complimentary A/C checkup includes diagnostics and general health checks and will also suggest remedial measures, if required, to achieve optimum performance and comfort temperature. The service centre is also offering discounts of up to 45 percent on all A/C related parts and 25 percent on labour during the campaign. Mitsubishi and Fuso owners are invited to get their vehicles checked and can pre-book the service by phone or by visiting their local Mitsubishi service centre.

New Infiniti Q60 sports coupe

Infiniti in Oman launched Infiniti Q60, the premium sports coupe that combines a completely all-new design with exhilarating performance and dynamics, at an exclusive event held at its showroom in Qurum. The Q60 is characterised by flowing sculptural lines and strong, muscular proportions. Its sinewy athleticism confidently projects a sense of motion and power, coupled with an effortless, almost weightless stance. Unifying features such as the double-arch grille and the crescent-cut C-pillars – which arc forward and emphasise the car’s dynamic quality – ensure that the sports coupe is instantly recognisable as an Infiniti. LED headlights, employing ‘light guide technology’ to spread light evenly on the road ahead, are designed to emulate the shape of the human eye, providing an alluring ‘face’ to the car. The Q60 will be available in 10 exterior colours, with ‘Dynamic Sunstone Red’ and ‘Solar Mica’ completely new to the Infiniti range.

April-May 2017

Alfardan Motors introduces Moto Guzzi’s ‘Flying Fortress’

The motorcycle division of Alfardan Motors has launched the new MGX-21 by Moto Guzzi, one of the biggest global brands. Combination of Italian taste and American style, the MGX-21 is the most unconventional, rich and technologically advanced 1400 cc grand cruisers built at Mandello del Lario. Popularly known as the Flying Fortress, MGX-21 stands out for being luxurious and for offering innovative design and cutting-edge technological content. The MGX-21 is the latest example of Moto Guzzi’s originality and courage, a traditional part of its heritage. As it is well known Moto Guzzi is one of the popular brands in the motorcycling world and in almost a century of history has produced motorcycles that are often ahead of their time, forging new ways forward subsequently adopted by everyone.

Vintage Car Collection at Al Mazaar Edutainment Centre

Barr Al Jissah is showcasing a magnificent collection of vintage and eclectic automobiles at its newly opened Al Mazaar Edutainment Centre. The Al Mazaar collection comprises 14 vintage and unique automobiles, ranging from an ultra-rare 1926 Bugatti Type 23 to the ultraluxurious 2014 Volkswagen T5 Business Van, which while looking like a regular van from the outside, sports an ultra-luxurious custom interior, perfect for business meeting on the go. Also on display is a bespoke 1952 Daimler Straight Eight Limousine by Hooper, which was ordered by the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman of Saudi Arabia, and features many special features befitting a royal clientele. Al Mazaar is located at Barr Al Jissah - opening hours are 9am to 8pm daily.

Greatwall Wingle 6 pickup impresses

Promising a rewarding driving experience, Greatwall Wingle 6 Pickup stands out for its high performance, excellent quality, technical finesse, superior safety and energy saving efficiency, says a press release. Al Rumaila Motors, part of the Zubair Automotive Group LLC, are dealers for Greatwall vehicles that demonstrate the spirit of innovation, enhanced driving dynamics and great fuel economy. Wingle 6’s 4G69S4N engine is a technically mature and stable engine characterised by high efficiency, low fuel consumption and excellent performance. With a maximum power of 93kW and maximum torque of 205N.m, the engine is endowed with superior power to output large torque at a low speed. Its Mitsubishi 4G69S4N gasoline engine adopts Mitsubishi technology and Delphi electronic injection technology perfectly, thus greatly improving power output and decreasing fuel consumption.

April-May 2017

Chill Out

Movies

MOVIE REVIEW

Director Joachim Roenning Espen Sandberg

Cast

ND I N G

Humble: Kendrick Lamar

Shape of You: Ed Sheeran

That’s What I Like : Bruno Mars

DNA: Kendrick Lamar

Mask Off: Future

iSy: Lyle & Lil Yachty

Something Just Like This: Chainsmokers & Coldplay

Stay: Zedd & Alessia Cara

Despacito: Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee

10. Loyalty: Kendrick Lamar & Rihanna

CHART TOPPERS

David Wenham Johnny Depp Kaya Scodelaria Javier Bardem Brenton Thwaites Orlando Bloom Golshifteh Farahani Geoffrey Rush Stephen Graham

April-May 2017

Pirates of the Caribbean:

Dead Men Tell No Tales In the fifth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, Captain Jack Sparrow searches for the trident of Poseidon While Johnny Depp returns as Captain Jack Sparrow, with Geoffrey Rush back as Barbossa and Orlando Bloom as Will Turner, it is the terrifying new adversary, Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), who sets the tone of the new instalment in the series. Having escaped from the Devil’s Triangle, Captain Salazar is determined to kill every pirate at sea. Thrust in an all-new adventure, Captain Sparrow finds his luck giving up on him when deadly ghost pirates, led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar, is seeking to kill every pirate, including him. Captain Jack’s only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor total control over the seas. But finding it is not as easy. He is required forge an uneasy alliance with a brilliant and beautiful astronomer and a headstrong young man in the British navy to make it happen.

Books

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget UPCOMING RELEASES

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Karen Gillan, Chris Pratt, Nathan Fillion, Vin Diesel, Sylvester Stallone, Zoe Saldanha, Bradley Cooper Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favourite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.

BOOK REVIEW

Alien: Covenant

Michael Fassbender, Noomi Rapace, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride Bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, members (Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup) of the colony ship Covenant discover what they think to be an uncharted paradise. While there, they meet David (Michael Fassbender), the synthetic survivor of the doomed Prometheus expedition. The mysterious world soon turns dark and dangerous when a hostile alien life-form forces the crew into a deadly fight for survival.

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Elizabeth Olsen, Jude Law, Katie McGrath, Annabelle Wallis When the child Arthur’s father is murdered, Vortigern (Jude Law), Arthur’s uncle, seizes the crown. Robbed of his birthright and with no idea who he truly is, Arthur (Charlie Hunnam) comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, his life is turned upside down and he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy; whether he likes it or not.

Building Stories

Author: Chris Ware This graphic novel by American cartoonist Chris Ware is made up of fourteen printed works on cloth-bound books, newspapers, broadsheets and flip books, which are packaged in a boxed set. The intricate, multi-layered stories are focused around an unnamed female protagonist with a missing lower leg. It mainly focuses on her time in a three-story brownstone apartment building in Chicago, but follows her later in her life as a mother.

A House for Mr. Biswas The House of Seven Gables

Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne In a sleepy little New England village stands a dark, weather-beaten, many-gabled house, representing the rotting heart of the Pyncheon family, which carries generations of guilt. The greed and arrogance of the Pyncheon family is mirrored in the gloomy decay of the mansion, where the family’s enfeebled and impoverished relations now live. Mysterious deaths threaten the living. The secret of salvation or otherwise of the family lie in the hidden mouldy documents…

Author: V. S. Naipaul ‘A House for Mr. Biswas’ is a comic tale of Mohun Biswas, who has spent his 46 years of life striving for independence. Moved from one residence to another after the drowning of his father, he yearns for a place he can call home. He marries into the Tulsi family, becoming dependent on them. But soon he rebels, wanting to weaken their hold over him.

April-May 2017

Chill Out

Movies

WEB WORLD

Start Young Give the engineer in your child an online canvas to dabble in interesting projects

o on, log on to https://thehomeschoolscientist.com/100engineering-projects-kids/ and find a treasure house of projects to keep your child occupied with activities that range from building paper blocks and homemade cardboard construction kit to creating simple machines and doodling robots. Although the website has been designed for home-schooling parents as a guide to help them find ways and avenues to meet the demands of teaching science at home, it will provide a welcome change for regular school going children too. There are easy to create projects with detailed step-by-step instructions, supplemented with corresponding pictures to ensure you are on the right path with your child. In addition to the 100 engineering projects, TheHomeSchoolScientist. com is packed with science experiments, lessons, home-school resources and assistance, with specific links like Experiments, Anatomy Resources and Biology Resources to get your child started right. The drop down menu under Experiments also opens to Summer Science Projects to keep children occupied during the upcoming summer vacation. The fun and educational activities are structured to beat summer boredom and fill your children’s days with excitement. As the website claims, its mission is ‘to equip and encourage home-school parents by taking fear out of and putting the fun into science education.’

Riddle Time

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What has a face and two hands, but no arms or legs? What has to be broken before you can use it? It starts out tall, but the longer it stands, the shorter it grows. What is it? What has three feet but cannot walk? I’m full of keys but I can’t open any door. What am I?

April-May 2017

Riddle Time Answers (February 2016)

What do you call the new girl at the bank? Answer: The Nutella! What did the judge say when the skunk walked in the court room? Answer: Odor in the court. . What did the fish say when he swam into the wall? Answer: Dam! Why don’t skeletons fight each other? Answer: They don’t have the guts. Why did the robber take a bath? Answer: Because he wanted to make a clean getaway.

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Books

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget GADGET NOTES Onyx Walkie Talkies

Get into a sci-fi mood with Onyx Walkie Talkie; it is a smart walkie-talkie, which could simulate a Star Trek ambience and get the child in you excited. It may not function like a normal long-range walkie talkie, but will give you unlimited range through the cellular data on your smartphone and instant access to friends and family. The walkie talkie has unlimited channels, and can be easily pair with Android and iOS smartphones alike; they can be clipped on to your clothes or your bag.

Look young and clean with Phototherapy Shower Head

While beauty salons have made light therapy a part of their high-end treatment services to help resolve skin and hair related issues, beauty salon/parlour is no more the only avenue for all those seeking their share of beauty regimen at affordable rates. The Phototherapy Shower Head from Linno Beau is designed to incorporate the light therapy technology inside a shower head to give users a clean bath and also tackle skin issues. It comes with three modes: the nearinfrared LED for smile lines, skin tightening, spots and pores; red LED for small wrinkles, skin lift-up, and black circles; or blue LED for inflammations, acne, secretion control, and regeneration.

Polar M430 running watch

If you have been seeking accuracy and actionable data from your wearable tech, your best bet would be the Polar M430, which is equipped with Polar’s proprietary wrist-based heart rate technology, in addition to integrated GPS, as well as personalised, adaptive training guidance – all designed to help you achieve your personal best. The lightweight, breathable wristband is waterproof and will give you vibration alerts at the exact moment when you are hitting your goals during training. It tracks your biometrics in order to deliver a real-time view into how your body is reacting to exercise.

Bites

student at a management school came up to a pretty girl and hugged her without any warning. The surprised girl shouted, “What was that?”

Be wary of phone hackers

Just when you thought you had everything covered to secure your phone, cyber experts have learnt that criminals can steal your PIN and passwords by simply tracking the motion of your phone when you are typing in the information. Experts have found that it is possible to decipher the four-digit PINs using the data collected through the phone’s internal sensors with 70 percent accuracy on the first guess, which can be 100 percent by the fifth guess. They revealed that each user touch action - clicking, scrolling, holding and tapping - induces a unique orientation and motion trace.

The guy smiled at her and said, “Direct marketing!” The girl gave him one tight slap. “What was that…?” asked the boy, holding his cheek. “Customer feedback.”

taxi passenger tapped the driver on the shoulder to ask him a question. The driver screamed, lost control of the car, nearly hit a bus, went up on the footpath, and stopped just centimetres from a shop window.

For a second everything went quiet in the cab, then the driver said, “Look mate, don’t ever do that again. You scared the daylights out of me!” The surprised passenger apologised and said, “I didn’t realise that a little tap would scare you so much.” The driver replied, “I should be apologising… It’s not really your fault. Today is my first day as a cab driver - I’ve been driving a funeral van for the last 25 years”.

April-May 2017

Chill Out May 2017

Movies

FUTURESCOPE

Taurus

(April 20-May 20) Say hello to another month of happiness and success. You will continue enjoying your yearly personal pleasure peak with positive energy and charisma to back you. It is also reflecting in your personality which is pleasing and so very graceful. Even prosperity is in your path this month; windfalls and financial opportunities are seeking you out. However, avoid any critical financial decisions this month.

Aries

Now is the time to focus on getting your home and emotional life in order. Once you get that sorted your career will automatically get strengthened. Your financial peak will continue, ushering in a happy money period for you. Make the most of your personal creativity too and open your heart and mind for family and friends; your social connections are critical in your growth.

Gemini

Your love life might seem a little stressed this month, but you will soon find the clarity you have been always seeking. It is your time now to experience a period of maximum personal power and independence; time to take control of your own happiness. This is also the period for spiritual growth, which could offset the stress concerning your love life.

Cancer

You… Make you the focus of all your attention. Stop pleasing others and get busy pleasing yourself. You have to take responsibility for your own happiness. Remember, personal power is getting stronger every day, and, as the cycle continues, it is time to make the personal changes you need to make, without worrying what others will think or feel

about it. But that doesn’t mean you forget your social connections; keep it strong.

Leo

This month is all about your career. It is going right and there is abundant success and advancement happening. Expect pay rise, if it hasn’t happened already. You have your feet on the ground and are more realistic about things that concern you directly, especially your career. Health might need a little watching during this month. Pay attention to your heart and ensure that you are eating right and working out.

Sagittarius

Virgo

Here is your month to experience a wave of personal pleasures. Make time to enjoy your life by scheduling in leisure activities and entertainments along with children. Do not downplay leisure at this time. Even if you think it is a waste of time, consciously go about enjoying all things that spell leisure. You will also realise that your abilities are more recognised and appreciated.

Go on, plan that travel to a foreign country; travel is indicated all through this month for you. Make use of the travel opportunities that are happening around you. Do not wait and lose out on the options that come your way. You are also in your yearly career peak and can look forward to career progress. Look forward to pay rise, which could happen in cash or kind.

Libra

You have always placed emotional harmony, family and home on top of your priority list, now is the time to include career too. Remember, every day affairs of your life are important in making big decisions; it will only help to enhance your prosperity. This is a very good financial period, so make the most of it. Do not get frustrated with delays and make careless mistakes.

Scorpio

Love... That’s the emotion that will rule your month. You have been enjoying a social peak and it will continue making your life beautiful. There are plenty of opportunities for romance too. If you have had any issues with friends or even your

Donatella Versace

(May 2, 1955) Iconic fashion designer Donatella Francesca Versace is an Italian fashion designer and the current vice president and the chief designer of the Versace Group. She inherited the Versace fashion brand after the murder of her brother Gianni.

April-May 2017

partner, make time to resolve them now and restore the harmony that has defined your year so far. There are complications in your social life, but let that not lead you to anger or even impatience. Use your collective skills to ease things for you. This is a good time for job seekers. And, even if you believe in looking at the so-called big picture, do not forget to handle the little details that will prove important this month. Things will improve before the end of this month.

Capricorn

Aquarius

Although you are not overly dependent or independent, you will need to balance self interests with those of others in your life. You might need to get things done through your personal initiative alongside cooperation from others. That could mean brushing up on your social skills now, so get down to it. Your overall health is great, but you might need to be a little too careful this month.

Pisces

Get on the patience bandwagon this month. Perfection is the key to peace, whether it is your career or your love. Slow down the pace and make the most in the long run. You have found the right balance between your career and your family life, but remember there are times when you might have to shift one way or another to keep things looking bright for you.

Books

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget

WEIRD NEWS Stuffed menagerie burglar caught

18 stuffed animals, including lions, a giraffe, chimpanzee, rhinoceros, crocodile, zebra and even a penguin, were recovered from a burglar recently. The animals, worth around 100,000 pounds, were stolen from the warehouse of a licensed taxidermy company in London in March last year. Police, who followed an anonymous tip-off, found the menagerie in an abandoned van.

Doggy ice cream

Dogs and ice creams…there apparently is a bond between the two. An ice cream parlour in Mexico definitely believes so. The Don Paletto parlour has found a neat way to satisfy doggy cravings for ice creams. The parlour has on offer a variety of frozen cone and lollipop treats, that are made of natural yogurt and lactobacilli bacteria, which is said to help in digestion; regular ice creams are known to cause pain and diarrhoea in dogs.

Home Truths The ever-changing concept of home has had some interesting beginnings l l

l l l

l l

No pet snakes in the park!

A snake owner in South Dakota has been fined $190 for letting his pet snakes roam freely in a park. He was told to put them on a leash or face the fine. While the snake owner’s contention was that the snakes wouldn’t run away as ‘they are not fast creatures’, park users wouldn’t fancy finding a snake slithering away on their path.

In 20,000 BC people lived in caves or in tents made of mammoth skins. Medieval people only had a single living space, which was used for everything, even sleeping. Medieval beds were often made of hay or straw stuffed into a sack. In ancient India, architects used to work as interior designers. In ancient Egypt, models of houses were placed in tombs as receptacles for food offerings. During the Bronze Age in England people lived in rounded huts made of wattle and daub with thatched roofs In 400 BC, people in Greece lived in houses of brick and plaster, with tiled roofs. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Italian Renaissance Palazzo contained several rooms of connectivity. Most rooms of the palazzo had no purpose, yet were given several doors allowing occupants to walk room to room freely. In the second half of the 18th century, older houses where remodelled to increase room heights by more than a feet. During the 19th century, functions of the house were compartmentalised into separate areas and public and private rooms were kept apart. Bedrooms became important part of the house in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Ants cause gas blast

A catastrophic gas blast, which killed a man and razed his home in home in York, has been blamed on ants by scientists who studied the scene of accident. While the coroner told the blast was caused by a corroded copper pipe, installed in the 1970s, which was seeping gas into the house, a scientist told the inquest that ‘stress corrosion cracking’, caused by water-logging and Formic Acid, led to the gas leak. An ant nest was found in the area, and ants are known to produce Formic Acid which attacks copper.

April-May 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

April-May 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

April-May 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

April-May 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

April-May 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

April-May 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

April-May 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

April-May 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

April-May 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

April-May 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

April-May 2017