FACES Issue No. 126

Issue 126, August 2017

Family Attitude Class Entertainment Success

Editor’s Note W

Founder / Essa Bin Mohammed Al Zedjali Chairman & Editor-in-Chief / Mohammed Issa Al Zedjali

elcome August on a cheery note, as FACES takes the summer route to brush away the chants of

‘hot’ and ‘humid’ to present a vibrant tribute to the concept of summer vacation, which seals childhood with memories of holidays, camps and

Chief Executive Officer / Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali

lazy afternoons. While the cover story presents little nuggets of tips and

Business Director / Sophia Raman

suggestions to stay motivated while indulging in travelling, shopping and

Editorial Consultant / Suzy Fontes

dining out, the special pages will guide you through summer care regime

Art Director / Pushpender K. Sharma

that is sure to take away the element of chore from the season.

Operations / M.V.V. Sagar

Come along and make summer a delightful and special affair, as this issue takes the summer route on a fun train to bring up all the bright things that the season promises. Whether it is the summer vacation, holidays abroad, or simply cooling heels in the malls at home, summer spells a riot of colours for those who know how to make the most of the season. But we take a detour on Relatively Speaking, to highlight some Published By / Muscat Media Group

of the silent mental problems that the summer heat can

PB 770, PC 112, Ruwi, Oman

unleash. Heat, apparently, has an adverse effect on

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

moods and can also precipitate depression.

Printed At / Oriental Printing Press Tel: +968 24816952, 24815330

Our spotlight is on Thawani, the innovative mobile e-payment start-up, which is all set to offer safe and simple alternative payment method. Read about August destinations in the travel section and find

Contact Telephone +968 24136771/2

out some of the hidden tourism treasures in Muscat to flavour the weekends and short holidays.

Happy August, friends!

Email - Editorial editor@facesoman.com Email - Sales sales@facesoman.com Website www.facesoman.com

We are on Facebook!

‘FACES Magazine, Oman’

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 12 Cover Story

Sun shine and all things nice may not exactly reflect summer, but with summer in Oman set to shift into its last phase for the year, it is time for the sun to shed its haughty attitude and move into a pleasant fold, to give sunshine a true tribute

18 In Conversation

P. Chandrasekr, Group General Manager of Jawad Sultan Group, throws the spotlight on the growing family business, while reflecting on his personal quest to become instrumental in prompting a social change

20 In The Spotlight

Thawani, the innovative mobile e-payment start-up, launched on May 1, offers a safe and simple alternative payment method to cash, credit and debit cards.

24 Feast On

Turn your food time into a sensorial experience at the Almouj Golf’s The Academy Restaurant

26 Let’s Cook

Recipes to try when summer demands dishes that are easy to put together and light on your stomach

FACES Health 28 Health Check

15 percent of the global population of reproductive age is affected by infertility – find out the causes and remedies

FACES Travel

32 Explore Oman

With the tourism sector set to establish new paradigms for development in the country, Ministry of Tourism has identified six hidden treasures right within the capital area

34 Just Travel

Make the most of the last phase of summer vacation with a trip to a destination that is designed to make August special

FACES Style 30 In The Luxe

Take a look at some of the most expensive fidget spinners that have hit the market in recent times

36 Look Good

Are you planning to go under the knife to lift your face, erase wrinkles and boost confidence…?

38 Style File

Najla Al-Jamali’s Skin2Skin collection captures timeless elegance through clean lines, luxurious details and captivating colours

FACES Elements 50 At Home

As technology turns our homes into smart orifices, it’s time to upgrade the kitchen to a ‘smart’ one

50 Relatively Speaking Keep your body and mind cool this summer with some tried and tested methods

52 Mandate

Shaving, apparently, is not the only option to apprehend thinning hair

FACES SPECIAL 42 Diet & Nutrition Special

Assuming that the peak summer heat will soon relent to tone down its heat levels and get humidity under control, take a fresh new trip down the summer lane, with care tips and tricks to make the most of this bright and bouncy season

FACES Razzmatazz 08 Star Light

Charting Indian film star Priyanka Chopra’s success story - from Bollywood to Hollywood

10 Razzle Dazzle Latest celebrity gossip from the world of Hollywood

11 Tittle Tattle

Heard through the grapevine...

FACES Digest

58 Movies & Books Reviews of upcoming movies and books

60 Gadget Notes Roundup of new gadgets in the market

‘La Gozadera – Arabic version’ features Marc Anthony and Gente De Zona Music lovers in the region can look forward to a vibrant new sound as celebrated Moroccan artists Grini and Jamila release the music video of the Arabic version of the popular Latin track ‘La Gozadera’ to local audiences on Platinum Records’ official YouTube page via this link https://youtu.be/QrjC7R-_65Y, as well as across MBC Group channels, and leading regional TV channels.

Directed by Abderrafia El Abdioui, the music video of the track sung originally by the renowned Cuban duo Gente de Zona and featuring prominent American artist Marc Anthony, was shot in the streets of Casablanca as well as the city center. The Arabic version is written by leading Moroccan music producer, composer, and songwriter Jalal El Hamdaoui, and produced by Latin hit music producer, Motiff.

MRM’s family-friendly activities Bringing the perfect blend of tranquillity and adventure to beat the heat, Millennium Resort Mussanah has unveiled its new summer activities. Guaranteed to make you visit Oman’s top wellness destination, these new offers include diving trips and excursions to Daymaniyat Islands, Zayna Spa treatments and exclusive Friday Summer parties. Bringing its most refreshing offer ‘Dive and Stay’ to the Sultanate, the resort is giving residents and nationals in the GCC a chance to explore Oman’s underwater treasures with excursions to Daymaniyat Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The package includes a one night stay for two with two dives, breakfast and dinner at the Mydan Restaurant. Guests looking to enjoy a luxurious staycation can also treat themselves to signature Zayna Spa treatments.

Al Mouj Golf announces attractive summer membership and lessons Al Mouj Golf has announced special summer rates; valid up to September 30. The range of summer packages includes: RO 99 for one month use of the championship course; RO 99 for four months use of the floodlit Academy Par-3 Course and RO 299 for four months use of full facilities at Al Mouj Golf. In addition, Al Mouj Golf will be organising special golfing lessons this summer designed with beginners in mind. Those interested to learn the game will be offered six 30 minutes lessons for only RO 99. Regarded as one of the world’s leading golf courses, the Greg Norman designed Al Mouj Golf is set along two kilometers of pristine coastline with stunning ocean views and delivers an outstanding one-of-a-kind golfing experience for golfers of all abilities.

6

August 2017

Amal Al Raisi partners with Kopenhagen Fur Amal Al Raisi has partnered with Kopenhagen Fur for her Autumn/Winter 2017 collection. The collection, inspired by Oman’s unique architecture and Arabic arches, features charming fur details in the form of pom poms, collar adornments and embellishment highlights. The Autumn/Winter 17 collection captures a timeless sensibility through fluid silhouettes and luxurious details exuding modern femininity. The sophisticated color palette consists of white, blush, burgundy and navy while fine pinstripes in silver and bronze illustrate the graphic lines representative of Omani architecture. Fabrics are contrasted to modern effect in delicate cotton, velvet and mesh. Lightweight textiles accommodate winter in the Gulf region while warm Silhouettes are relaxed yet elegant with a nod to pyjama dressing. Intricate embellishments depict Omani archways and architecture in fresh oases hues. Amal Al Raisi’s Autumn/Winter 2017 collection will be available from September 2017 at her boutique in Muscat and at selected retailers.

seaPearls extends ‘Diamond sale’ promotion seaPearls Gold and Diamond Jewellery has extended its ‘Diamond Sale’ promotion owing to a great response from customers. seaPearls customers can now avail special discounts on a diamond jewellery range including rings, earrings, pendants, bangles and lightweight necklaces across all their stores within the Sultanate. Customers can also buy diamond or gold jewellery from seaPearls with Bank Muscat credit cards and avail 12 months installment scheme at 0% interest.

Serving a cross section of nationalities, seaPearls displays modern and innovative Italian, Turkish, Bahraini, Omani and Indian designs in its stores. It also houses an array of signature jewellery collections, namely You & Me, Fella, Sol, Nava Graha, Ishana, Yalmaa and Mayoomi.

Customers can get more information on the brand’s collection on the official Facebook page which is updated on a daily basis.

Contests are also organised on the page to engage with the fans.

Summer Spa Edition at Six Senses Spa

This summer, guests can enjoy a range of spa offers, including a 25 percent saving on Six Senses signature massages at the Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel. Deep tissue, holistic or tension soothing - massage therapy relieves stress, injuries and chronic and acute conditions. There is also a 25 percent saving on Hammam therapies which offer the perfect way to refresh, cleanse and nourish the skin in the midst of the summer.

Ladies Day Membership with access to the ladies’ beach during weekdays is RO 10 and RO 15 on weekends. In addition, there are also spa packages and wellness services on offer. Adeline Wee, Area Director and Operations Director at Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace, noted that the Oman market is very receptive and the spa has a keen following of day members who enjoy the ladies’ beach and Six Senses result-oriented wellness programs.

August 2017

7

PRIYANKA CHOPRA

Charting Indian film star Priyanka Chopra’s success story - from Bollywood to Hollywood In June this year, Priyanka Chopra was ranked No.1 on The Hollywood Reporter’s ‘inaugural Top Actors Chart’, which is a ranking of the most popular actors on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Google Plus, with global data provided by social media analytics company MVPindex. The chart blends social engagement on the different platforms, along with weekly additions of followers/ subscribers. She was followed by Dwayne Johnson on the No.2 slot, turning the table on the previous week’s ranking, when she was No.2 and Johnson No.1.

Priyanka’s top ranking came after a whopping 20 percent hike in all conversation related metrics, including comments on Instagram and Facebook and mentions on the Twitter. It followed her participation in Gap’s new ‘Bridging the Gap’ campaign, alongside Wiz Khalifa, Jasmine sanders and others. The campaign’s objective was to embrace individuality and optimism, about which she wrote the following on her Twitter post thus: ‘The reality of our

8

August 2017

world today is that there are many bridges to cross and gaps to fill.’

For India’s ‘desi’ girl, Priyanka Chopra, Hollywood has provided the leap that most Indian stars aspire for. Her international outing began with the role of Alex Parrish in the ABC series Quantico in 2015. Earlier this year, she made her Hollywood live-action film debut, playing the antagonist Victoria Leeds in the action comedy ‘Baywatch’ opposite Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.

The near future seems brighter too, with several new projects in various stages of production. She is starring in ‘A Kid Like Jake’, a film adaptation of Daniel Pearle’s play, alongside Jim Parsons, Claire Danes and Octavia Spencer. She will also star in Todd Strauss-Schulson’s romantic comedy ‘Isn’t it Romantic’, opposite Liam Hemsworth, Rebel Wilson and Adam DeVine.

She has also taken up production seriously, with over a dozen regional films in various languages under her production company. She has signed Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury to direct a film starring her and is all set to portray astronaut Kalpana Chawla in an untitled biopic and writer-poetess Amrita Pritam in ‘Gustakhiyan’.

Priyanka Chopra, who turned 35 on 18 July, is one of India’s highest paid and most popular celebrities, having earned international fame in recent years with her roles in TV series Quantico and Baywatch.

After winning the Miss World 2000 pageant, she has earned recognition as an actress, singer, film producer and philanthropist. She is the recipient of a National Film Award and five Filmfare Awards. In 2016, she was honoured with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of India, and the Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

She has worked with UNICEF for the last ten years and was appointed as the national and global Goodwill Ambassador for Child Rights in 2010 and 2016. She has championed various causes and is particularly outspoken about gender equality and feminism. In one of her interviews, she is quoted to have said: “I feel that women need to have a voice. That’s the basic right of the women, and that’s global… For centuries, women have always been told to be a certain way or behave a certain way, and it’s time women decide what they want themselves individually.”

GET HOME SAFE

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

Kris Jenner is seeking limelight

Kris Jenner apparently has a knack for doing whatever she can to keep her family in the spotlight. With the ratings of Keeping Up With the Kardashians falling in the recent times, Kris has taken on the onus of promoting products on Instagram to add to the kitty. In the process, she showed off her hot body to her followers, proving that she›s up there with her daughters in the looks department.

Aaron Carter attacks body shamers Aaron Carter had a worst week of his life, which ended with him getting hospitalised.

The American singer went off on a Tweet storm in response to the influx of bodyshaming he experienced. He jumped on his social media account following a concert in Syracuse, during which he overheard fans making fun of his gaunt figure. He had recently opened up about his diagnosis of a hiatal hernia at the age of 19, saying the medical condition makes it difficult for him to eat. “I›m entirely hurt by a so-called fan that I just encountered,” Carter wrote on Twitter. Not long after, Carter provided followers with an update of his condition and his whereabouts. He had to head to ER to get a little check up.

Brad Pitt getting back with Jennifer Aniston?

According to sources close to the star, Brad Pitt is trying to get back together with Jennifer Aniston. Some have claimed that Pitt got back in touch with his ex-wife in order to apologise. An entertainment magazine in fact went on to claim that Pitt wishes he had never divorced her well over a decade ago. “He now believes that leaving Jen for Angie was the biggest mistake of his life,” said a source, adding that “Jen will always be the love of Brad’s life.”

Gwyneth Paltrow accused by NASA

Gwyneth Paltrow has been called out by NASA for scamming her Goop customers with ‘wellness stickers’. The Goop website featured a pitch for ‘a crystalline, carbonised radio-frequency material’ made from spacesuits. In the post, Gwyneth claimed that the stickers will ‘fill in the deficiencies in your reserves, creating a calming effect, smoothing out both physical tension and anxiety.’

This wasn’t taken kindly by former NASA honcho Mark Shelhamer, who said, ‘Not only is the whole premise like snake oil wrong, the logic doesn›t even hold up.’ In the original pitch on Goop, it stated that the materials were made from NASA issues, but NASA says it›s just not true.

10

August 2017

Remy Ma is BET’s Best Female HipHop Artist Remy Ma has broken Nicki Minaj’s winning streak for best female hip-hop artist at the BET Awards. Nicki, who has had tiffs with Remy in the past, has held the title for the last seven years in a row. Remy took home the coveted award, but some fans are speculating that Remy even dissed Nicki during her acceptance speech when she quoted her diss track ‘SHEther’.

Tittle

a

“When you can get your own head and self back on the right path, the amount of people you can help is unbelievable, because you can tell the signs in people.”

- Prince Harry opens about seeking professional help earlier this year for his mental health issues.

“I’m currently receiving professional help to manage my medications and the ways that I deal with back pain and a sleep disorder. I want to thank everyone for the amazing outpouring of support and understanding, especially the fans and players on tour.”

- Tiger Woods, who was arrested on charges of driving under influence, reveals that he is seeking treatment

“I can’t wait to tell you about Baby Driver! It’s crazy, it’s cool, and it ain›t a typical film. It brings a thrill ride, so everybody can experience it.”

- Jamie Foxx, who will be seen in ‘Baby Driver’ alongside Ansel Elgort is happy to have a movie hit on his hands again after he confided that his last film flopped.

“Doing my very best on holiday spending, but there is only so much I can do, as I need to give my kiddies and family as good a Christmas as possible, obviously within reason.”

- Johnny Depp, who is ‘Hollywood’ broke, indicates, rather sarcastically, that he may be broke but he will not sell his jet!

“I was 19; she was, like, 14... I think I was her first kiss, like, on the show. We have our first kiss memorialised on a TV show!”

- Ashton Kutcher tells that his wife’s first kiss was with him, when she was 14.

August July 2017

11

cover STORY

Seasons in the Sun

Sun shine and all things nice may not exactly reflect summer, with global warming hanging like the sword of Damocles; but with summer in Oman set to shift into its last phase for the year, it is time for the sun to shed its haughty attitude and move into a pleasant fold, to give sunshine a true tribute

“Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August,” wrote Jenny Han in the summer trilogy, ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’, and we couldn’t agree more. While there is no end to lamenting the heat and the humidity, it is the best time of the year when summer inevitably means vacation. And vacation spells holidays abroad or staycations that are all about indulging the lazy bones with good food, short trips to the mountains, DIY crafts and loads of reading and movie watching.

As a child, wasn’t summer all that and more?

But somewhere along the growth line, summer heat took away all things fun to create a seasonal complaint box filled with laments such as ‘this-is-the-hottest-year’, ‘youcould-fry-an-egg-on-the-car-bonnet’, ‘too-hot-to-go-out’…

The laments and complaints were all that remained.

Beach and parks became unfriendly zones, with malls and hypermarkets turning into attractive summer haunts.

12

August 2017

cover STORY While peak summer months are definitely ruled out for all things outdoors, August is more welcoming, with the coming weeks acting as a precursor for the pleasant winter months. With most schools in the capital still on vacation mode, this is the month to give summer a fitting finale with camps, games, dine outs and shopping sprees.

And, if you like nothing better than to laze around, it is the month to read all the books on your must-read shelf and watch movies that have been begging you to spare time.

If you are serious about putting fun back into summer, plan out your August itinerary and make time for the activities that you have left on the backburner for long. Switching off your Smartphone, even if it is for a couple of hours, would help.

Here are a few things that could help blend summer with fun: Become a tourist

The idea is to become a tourist in your own town. Find out little nooks and corners where you have never ventured before. Visit the local landmarks and learn about the history behind them to feel more attuned to your town.

Make time to visit the art museums to enjoy the cultural vistas of the country.

Indulge the child in you

What excited you as a child may have no space in your adult life, but if you do reminisce about the games and activities that you indulged in as a child, there is no reason why you cannot do it even today. Whether it is playing hide

and seek with friends or sitting on the electronic rides at the amusement park, give in to the urge and let the adrenaline rush envelope you with that special childhood glow. You could plan a board game weekend or evening with friends to add to that glow.

Learn something new

The joys of learning something – anything – new, is incomparable, if you are serious about what you are learning. If you have a bucket list of things to do, check out to see if there are local options to fulfil them. From learning a new language to a dance style, there is no dearth to options, even right here in Muscat. To make it all the more interesting, combine your overnight trip to the mountain or the desert with a constellation learning experience.

You could do an online search before you venture out, to make the constellation learning a family experience. And, among all the things that you would never have thought of teaching yourself, include writing with your non-dominant hand. It is a great stress buster and a workout for your brain.

Laze away

Summer, as we said earlier, is all about lazing – a doingnothing time. Turn your sofa into a bed and watch back to back movies. If you have space in the backyard or have a large enough balcony, put up a hammock and simply laze away the last phase of 2017 summer.

P.S. If you are convinced of the vast potentials of summer to fill the rest of the weeks with all things fun, come along and pick ideas and suggestions from social media influencers in the capital.

August 2017

13

cover STORY

Eating Out With Oman’s dining scene getting vibrant by the day, flavour your summer with fun food ideas from Oman Restaurant Guide, the popular Instagram page specialised in guiding people to the best restaurants and cafes in Oman

W

hile what to eat or not to eat is a personal choice, the idea that food can make the difference between fun and boredom this summer, is what Salim Khamis Alaraimi* of Oman Restaurant Guide (ORG) captures in the following interview. ORG is one of the biggest Instagram pages specialising in guiding people to the best restaurants and cafes in Oman. “We at Oman Restaurant Guide seek to list restaurants and set them under one umbrella. The restaurants are categorised and hash-tagged based on their location, which simplifies the way for intagrammers to reach their favourite restaurant,� explains Salim.

Following are the excerpts from an interview on dining out this summer: What are the dining options in Muscat during the last phase of summer?

There is no doubt that dining out is a pleasure in itself, with people choosing the best restaurant to eat and have fun, with family and friends. In Muscat, summer is generally not a big obstruction for people when planning to go out to eat, as most restaurants are usually prepared to receive customers in an air-conditioned environment,

14

August 2017

Another major option that is available in Muscat for dining out during the summer period is the restaurants within the hotels. They are high priced, but have distinct choices. Most of these restaurants serve buffet-style food, which is an attractive option for many people. Dining options in an open buffet is usually suitable for the summer season, where people prefer to stay away from dishes that increase body temperature and where cold appetisers are served along with ice creams and cold juices.

What would you personally recommend to stay cool?

Due to high temperature and high humidity in the summer, it is recommended after dining, at home or out, to eat ice cream or drink cold natural juices, which are available in several places in Muscat, especially in Al Khuwair and Bausher area, as well as several malls. I personally recommend going as far as possible to savour coffee and tea from popular joints. Relaxing in well-known coffee shops such as Costa Coffee or Starbucks, choosing cold drinks with a piece of cake, is a better choice this summer.

What do you think about Muscat’s growing eating out scene?

It is clear that dining out in Muscat is increasing day after day. With the growing number of malls, there has been a parallel increase in restaurants and kitchens from different parts of

the world. Restaurants have become popular destinations for many people owing to the wide choice of dishes offered in elegant settings. All this is a magnet for most people, especially those who do not have time to prepare food in their house.

As active Instagrammers, we can say that social networking programmes are becoming a common attraction for people to experience dining out. It is rare to find a restaurant today without having an account in Instagram or on other social media platforms, displaying the best foods they have on offer. Most restaurants have created channels to connect their restaurant with customers to market their products in a public platform.

With the increasing number of users of social networking programmes, searching for restaurants and cafes has become a significant feature of these programs.

cover STORY

away from the heat of the weather.

However, there are certain options that seem more acceptable for people when deciding to eat outdoors during summer. Among these are restaurants that are located inside the malls and large shopping areas. They usually offer delicious food and quality service in a cool place, away from the hot summer sun. This applies to even those that are located in the food courts of malls, as the mall offers suitable seating for customers to eat. What also encourages people to choose restaurants within the malls is the time and effort that it saves them.

After spending a good time shopping, they can go and eat in the food court, without bothering to find a restaurant outside the mall.

* Salim Khamis Alaraimi’s interest in food has taken him overseas to savour different cuisines and tastes from Italy, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia and others. He also likes to cook and prepare dishes tried overseas, with the help of resources from Google.

August 2017

15

cover STORY

Summer Travel With travel becoming synonymous with summer, there is no dearth of destinations to fit your taste, budget and even personality; but, of course, suggestions from experts matter, especially from someone who has made adventure travel her passion Rumaitha Al Busaidi*, aka Rummy in the big wide world of social media, has made travel an inherent part of her life, with adventure taking a big share, since her expedition to the South Pole in Antarctica and the scaling of Mount Kilimanjaro. She has earned distinction as an entrepreneur, environmentalist, footballer and aquaculture specialist, but the crown that she wears with pride is that of an adventure traveller. An ardent blogger and compulsive instagrammer, she describes herself as ‘An Omani extrovert with so much on her plate; I work as an investment analyst/ aquaculture specialist.’ Her blog is a place where she shares her musings of life in my home Oman and her many adventures around the globe.

Here are her suggestions for summer travel in response to a FACES questionnaire: What are the travelling options for adventure seekers during the last phase of summer?

It really depends on where you want to go, whether it’s staying in Oman or out of the country. I would say the options are endless anytime of the year. Given that summer is usually the peak season to travel anywhere, I always tend to remind people that there is always an off-peak season somewhere in the world that you can go to and enjoy.

What would you personally recommend?

I always tend to avoid crowds, as I am pretty much claustrophobic and hate places that are overly expensive because of it. My pick would be places you can enjoy, but are less explored and touristy. This way, you get to enjoy and understand why the locals really call this place you are visiting, home. Places that are my top picks this year are Nha Trang, Vietnam, Portmagee, Ireland, Naxos, Greece, Sicily, Italy and not to forget one of my favourite destinations in the Caribbean, Bonaire of the ABC Islands (if you don’t mind the distance).

16

August 2017

Rumaitha Al Busaidi

What are your favourite destinations in Oman for the season?

Definitely the mountains of Jabel Shams and Akhdar, snorkeling and diving in Musandam and Dimaniyat Islands, and not to forget the Khareef season in Salalah, where I usually hike to chase waterfalls. My favourite, hands down, is Ayn Koor. *Rumaitha is a popular blogger http://rummy-m-town.blogspot. com/ and instagrammer – rummoya, which has over twelve thousand followers

cover STORY

Motivation Stay motivated this summer with positive musings and inspiring suggestions from Janab Al Sayyida Mayya Al Said*, blogger and Youtuber of ‘The Sewist’ fame that we take for granted, such as having electricity and cooling air conditioner. This would be the best time to help the less fortunate by visiting them and helping in any way you can. Why not take the kids along with you so they get to appreciate what they have…

Janab Al Sayyida Mayya Al Said

“When we talk about summer, our facial expression changes as we think of the heat and some of us might dread the next couple of months because of it…” observes Janab Al Sayyida Mayya Al Said of ‘The Sewist’ blog.

Personally for her, summer goes beyond the usual heat and humidity.

As she notes, “To me, summer means spending time with my kids, since they are off from school. Yes, we are limited to indoor activities, but as long as we are bonding… It’s a good time to get them away from the tech gadgets and take this opportunity to really get to know them.

Have a grateful summer!”

On staying upbeat during summer, she states: “Summer is the ideal time to appreciate the things we can’t live without, especially the ones

“I plan on staying positive during the summer, knowing that despite the summer heat, we are blessed beyond words. Just look around you and appreciate the little things in life. Happiness is a choice; all you have to do is choose it. You are in control of your life, your emotions and remember that no matter how bad you feel, there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Born to an Omani father and a French mother, Janab Al Sayyida Mayya speaks four languages (Arabic, English, French and Swahili); she used to be a professional violinist in the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra.

She relies on blogging and making videos as ideal platforms to share her journey on how to stay positive. In her blog bio, she writes: “Living a healthy lifestyle is key to feeling good about yourself… I am passionate about giving back and inspiring others to lead a positive life.”

She writes that she is the happiest when she is helping others. “We often take the simple things that make us happy for granted. It could be as simple as finding the perfect nude lip combination, or finally figuring out how to perfect that recipe you have been trying to perfect for so long.

Just remember, as long as you keep trying, you are getting closer to your goal,” she suggest. *Janab Al Sayyida Mayya Al Said, aka The Sewist, is a blogger and Youtuber and is on a mission to inspire others to lead a happier life.

For doses of additional positivity and inspiration, visit www.thesewist.me; it is a lifestyle blog aimed at to inspire people. Through her website, she also hopes to change the perception of the west regarding ‘Arab Muslim Woman’. Alternatively, you could follow her on Instagram, snapchat and youtube - thesewist.

August 2017

17

A saga of family business

A

s a financial expert and a business analyst, with his fingers trained on the pulse of one of the largest family businesses in the country, Chandrasekr has learnt to plug the gaps and bridge the differences to facilitate seamless flow of thoughts, ideas and actions across the diverse business portfolios. In the nearly two decades that he has been with the Group, he has relied on his intuition and expertise to demarcate between ‘urgent’ and ‘important’ tasks, and strike a balance to score on all fronts.

In his defining role as the Group General Manager, he has found a perfect niche in the family business, with the late chairman, Mr. Jawad Sultan, reposing his faith in his expertise to deliver. For Chandra, as he is called to by his colleagues, the late chairman was a master craftsman with uncanny thoughts and business ideas. “Whenever I think of him, I am always remembered of a particular book called ‘What they don’t teach you at the Harvard Business School’,” he muses.

Talking about the late chairman, who he refers to as the Group architect, he states: “To outsiders, he seemed to be a very conservative person, who would think several times before committing himself to a project.

Regrettably, even I thought so initially.

He was a far too fast thinking person…

18

August 2017

P. Chandrasekr, Group General Manager of Jawad Sultan Group, throws the spotlight on the growing family business, while reflecting on his personal quest to become instrumental in prompting a social change Until the last day of his life, he was the front driving person. It was a joy and pleasure working with him. The fact that I was able to handle a lot of complex assignments is a testimony to the fact that my chairman really trusted me.”

Chandra’s tryst with the Jawad Sultan Group stretches back to 1998, when he moved to Oman as the Group’s Financial Controller. Following his formal training in chartered accountancy and masters in commerce, he’d started his career as a finance and accounting professional in Mumbai, before Oman happened.

It has, since, been a roller coaster ride, with exciting milestones charting his professional growth in the Group.

Delineating the Group’s reach and scale, with business interests stretching from lifestyle (Capital Store) and technology solutions (Jawad Sultan Technologies) to cinema (City Cinema) and food (Jawad Sultan Restaurants), Chandra notes that the Group is constantly raising the customer service bar and stamping its footprints across the length and breadth of the country. According to him, Capital Store and City Cinema (until 2016) are two jewels in the crown of the Group, owing to their visibility, which has now been heightened with a strong presence in the restaurant sector. With franchises like Illy Café, New York Fries and Jungle Juice, alongside fine dining restaurants like ‘Chulah’ and ‘Mandarin’, the food division is set to grow manifolds.

There have, however, been challenges on the way. As Chandra states, “Understanding family business is a vast, dynamic and challenging subject.”

Having worked with the first generation of owners and seeing the Western educated second generation getting groomed and trained by the first generation, has been an experience that has required professional acumen to be the perfect foil in enabling them to achieve their dreams and aspirations.

“I am not a family business expert, but my experience has shown that the two biggest challenges arise when there is no platform for conflict resolution and for succession planning,” he states, hastening to add that those challenges were

The Group is currently busy setting up a four-star boutique hotel in the old Mina Hotel property in Muttrah-

Corniche to serve the tourism interests of the area; it is also erecting a residential cum commercial complex in the earlier Taj restaurant property in Muttrah. Besides, plans are on to explore investment possibilities in local and overseas market, in addition

to a host of other projects in the pipeline.

The star of the show, however, is the new iconic corporate office, Burj Al Amal, that has been erected in the same old location in Qurum.

Up Close & Personal With

Chandrasekr The home I grew up in...

I would is full of love, honesty and giving.

When I was a child I wanted to...

Become an army man.

The moment that changed me forever...

The birth of my daughters to whom my credit card belongs.

My greatest inspiration...

My first pet dog Casper, who was a fighter throughout and taught me determination and loyalty.

My hero…

A.P.J. Abdulkalam.

If I could change one thing about myself...

I would want to give more time to the family.

I dream of...

Having a farm house with plenty of stray animals that I have rescued.

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

I see myself losing more hair.

It is not fashionable, but I like…

To read books on paranormal or meditation.

My greatest regret...

None at all You may not know it, but I’m no good at...

Art. I have no artistic inclinations nor do I know even basic cooking.

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

Whatever I take up. I am very focused and determined. If someone were to entrust a job to me, they have to fill it, shut it and forget it.

If I have time to myself...

I would spend it with my pet dogs – they are my biggest stress busters.

My house is...

Where all my loved ones live – my family which of course includes my 3 adorable dogs. My favourite haunt/ Holiday destination...

Hong Kong.

My favourite weekend spot in Oman…

The Ras al Hamra beach, next to PDO. I will not leave my house without…

My glasses.

in CONVERSATION

met early on by the late Chairman. Post the demise of the late Chairman, Mr. Aqeel Jawad Sultan is the Chairman.

Things I like about Oman…

Warmth of the people; the respect you get; the adherence to the rule of law; and the feeling of safety and security and not to forget the benevolence of H.M. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said A book that changed me...

‘Fortune at the bottom of the pyramid’, by [late] Dr. C K Prahlad.

On top of my wish/bucket list is...

To go on a world cruise.

My success mantra is...

Two mantras – stay fit and live in moderation; and have a positive outlook to life.

In 10 years’ time, I hope to be...

Retiring…in an agricultural farm, probably in some remote place, with a lot of domestic animals.

August 2017

19

in the SPOTLIGHT

Thawani: Mobile e-payment start-up Thawani, the innovative mobile e-payment start-up, launched on May 1, offers a safe and simple alternative payment method to cash, credit and debit cards.

T

he new Thawani application is an integrated platform to manage the payments system for both consumers and business owners. It does so by using smart phones and QR codes in a way that fully maintains the user’s data privacy and is in line with the highest local and international regulatory standards. The application also includes a special version for business owners, allowing them to easily manage the payments process, the income, and the billing systems from their smart phones. The new payments platform performs regardless of the size of the company or the number of branches and it can do so remotely, without the owner having to be present at the company.

Thawani is also compliant to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) and Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS), as well as featuring additional level security protocols. Among the key features of these security controls is the linking of the user account to the user’s SIM card and Device serial number. This will ensure that the application will not work if the SIM card is removed but the user still can change the SIM card through certain process within the App. Besides, all local cards transactions are secured with an additional PIN shared by a One-time-password (OTP) by the local payment gateway. The OTP will be sent to the registered owner number at the issuing bank. So, while making a transaction, the user doesn’t have to share his personal or banking details with any merchant;

20

August 2017

in the SPOTLIGHT all that is required in order to pay is the merchant unique ID or the mobile number or scan his QR code and authenticate with the user finger print or his PIN on his own device.

Since the very beginning of the App’s development phase, Thawani has been engaging all key stakeholders including the Central Bank of Oman.

Thawani involved a number of experts in security and technology during the development phase in order to align the business model to the latest industry practices. As a result, to ensure maximum privacy and security, all linked bank cards are tokenized and encrypted in a secured environment away from the user device.

a strategy for developing a smart payment gateway; a gateway that would enable people to do business easily, efficiently and in a smart matter. It was this payment gateway that eventually developed into Thawani as we know it today.

In the following interview, Majid Al Amri, Founder and Managing Director of Thawani, talks about the inception of the start-up and the ways and means of going about using it in everyday financial dealings.

How will this app help in everyday activities? Is it available for all?

How did Thawani come about?

Tell us about the people behind the scene...

The story of Thawani dates back to 2006, when I was trying to get into e-commerce to fulfil my passion for innovation. However, I kept hitting a roadblock that was impossible to overcome -‘Payments’. This was because all my dreams of building an e-commerce hub were dependent on a local payment gateway. I subsequently started working on

Why was a need felt to initiate a portal like Thawani? What are its objectives?

As mentioned, the primary reason that drove the development of Thawani was the need for a new quicker and smarter local payment gateway. Our primary objective with the app is to provide people with absolute speed and convenience when making financial transactions.

Yes, the app is available for anyone in Oman. However, the benefits one receives from the app varies, depending on the type of user.

For Consumers, the app provides convenience, security, and privacy.

For merchants, the app offers simplicity in accepting payments, scalability, and affordable rates.

What are the steps to download it? Any fees involved...?

Users and merchants can download the app from the Android Google Play Store or Apple App Store free of charge, once it is available. For merchant however, there will be

some fees. More details on these fees and the unique features of the app can be found on our website at http://www.thawani.om/.

What are the challenges, if any?

There are two primary challenges we face – awareness and cultural change.They are both, in a way, tied to each other. Oman as a whole, by its very nature, is tied to tradition and anything that is a drastic departure from the norm takes a while to be completely accepted by the general public. As such we aim to spread awareness on the app and the technologies we use.

We are working on educating the general public on the high-levels of privacy and security that our systems adhere to; all of which are to the highest international standards. The response, however, has been quite positive so far and we feel this app will do quite well once it is launched to the general public.

What are the future plans/ideas for Thawani?

Thawani is a platform that will continue to evolve. We will constantly work towards adding more products and features. We will also continue to expand our partnerships; in turn providing our customers with an ever-expanding portfolio or partner stores. The eventual plan however, is to have an international presence not just local

August 2017

21

feast ON

The Academy Restaurant Turn your food time into a sensorial experience at the Almouj Golf’s The Academy Restaurant

I

f you are looking for a sudden departure from all things busy and mundane, take a little detour from your everyday schedule to drive down to the Almouj Golf on the 18th November Street. Stick to the right lane from the slow road signal intersecting the new airport with a series of interconnecting roads, and drive in to the green paradise that has become a distinct landmark in every golf lover’s itinerary in the capital.

Now switch off - literally and figuratively - and feast your eyes on the green carpet blanketing the vast expanse of the golf course. Soak in the cool fresh air rising from the sea in the vicinity. Listen to the nature calling out pleasantries along with the chirps of birds roosting in the verdant course. Close your eyes, if you must, to brush away the images of busy roads, screeching cars, honking trucks, concrete blocks of offices and the everyday rush that you just escaped from.

22

You are a world away…

Regulars, of course, need no introduction to this green jewel amidst the concrete jungle. You have been relishing the sensorial pleasures, may be even using golf as a ruse to get your fill of all that it has to offer.

Without taking away the import of the golf course for devoted golf enthusiasts, we lead you to The Academy Restaurant, located in the heart of the clubhouse, to complete the sensorial experience with a gustatory feast.

While we admit our golfing experience is limited to watching golfers swing the club to strike the ball with the dedication of an archer, our fascination for the game has doubled since we first made way, a couple of years ago, to the Restaurant to savour fresh

Photographs: Pushpender Sharma

August 2017

feast ON juice while watching the game of golf unfolding in front of our eyes. This time around, the weather confined us indoors, but the large glass walls satiated our hunger for golfing action and the bewitchingly attractive green landscape.

It was late evening as we made our way to the restaurant, which has a very distinct lackadaisical ambience about it; as if it is complementing our imagery of a world away with all things relaxed and cosy. Our host, Hamdy El Douh, Food and Beverage and Operations Manager of Al Mouj Golf, was the perfect foil for the evening’s proceedings. It was still early for the Restaurant to be filled, and that was to our advantage, as we could pick a seat with a view – green on the right, evening sky ahead and live sporting action from around the world on the large television on the left.

We settled down to enjoy the evening with ‘comfort’ food, as Hamdy describes the Restaurant cuisine.

With serious

golfers getting in early to catch a game before setting off to work, the Academy has a variety of easy to grab food, from 6.30 in the morning to 11 in the night. Diners can look forward to breakfast, lunch, and dinner or simply enjoy a drink to get the feel of the place. The eclectic menu has an international fare, but the stress is on serving ‘comfort’ food. In a warm ambience that is structured to sprawl all the way on to the lawns, comfort is conspicuous everywhere – food included. As Hamdy notes, it is all about serving easy to grab food, with the menu having popular dishes from all over the globe; the stress is on meeting the expectations of not just the golfers who frequent the course, but also residents and visitors who want their share of goodness in life.

It is a casual dining outfit and there is no pretence otherwise in the food presented. Having earned the HACCP (Hazard analysis and critical control points) certification, the Academy has carved a niche among foodies and even casual diners. Head chef Issa Al Balushi, who has been with the Restaurant since it first opened its doors, has identified the needs of the diners to give every dish an international flavour.

Our dinner took off with a cooler of mixed fruit juice and Greek Salad and got heady with a platter of poached prawns that was served alongside avocado salad and garnished with lime and orange. There is obviously a twist on healthy fare, as our next dish – lamb chops – was roasted and presented on a bed of stewed beans. The vegetable wrap, however, came with potato chips, and we had no complaints. The fries are extra crispy and delectable. The desert, again, was a complete indulgence.

The slice of peanut butter chocolate cake, packed with cream cheese, caramel and sprinkles of chocolate and peanuts is our kind of comfort food.

And the restaurant, our kind of feast for the senses…

August 2017

23

Refreshing lemonades let’s COOK

A dash of sugar, a pinch of salt, a dollop of lemon juice and all things yum to give your lemonade a fresh new twist

Strawberry Lemonade Ingredients l l l l l l

Zest of 1 lemon 2 cups sugar 2 cups chopped strawberries 2 cups fresh lemon juice Water (1 ½ cups + 2 cups) 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

To make the lemon syrup: Bring to boil the lemon zest, 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1 1/2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

To make the strawberry syrup: Toss the strawberries and 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl and let sit at room temperature until the sugar dissolves. It will take about 45 minutes. Strain the strawberry mixture and reserve the strawberry syrup and berries separately.

To make the lemonade: Combine the lemon juice, lemon syrup, salt and 2 cups cold water in a pitcher. In each glass, put about 1 tablespoon of the strawberry syrup, fill with ice and top with the lemonade and some of the reserved strawberries.

Rosemary-Infused Lemonade Ingredients l l l l l l

1 small sprig of fresh rosemary (reserve some for serving - optional) Kosher salt ½ cup fresh lemon juice Water ¼ cup agave nectar or other natural sweetener Lemon slices for serving (optional)

Directions 1.

2.

3.

4.

Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from the heat and add the rosemary and a pinch of salt.

Cover and keep aside for 30 minutes. Strain into a pitcher and cool to room temperature.

Stir the lemon juice, agave nectar and 1 cup cold water in the pitcher. You could add more lemon juice or agave nectar.

Serve on ice with more rosemary and/or lemon slices.

Ginger Lemonade Ingredients l l l l

1 cup sugar 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut into coins 6 lemons, juiced, plus 4 lemon slices, for serving 2 cups club soda

Directions 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

24

Mix the sugar in 1 cup water in a small pot and heat until the sugar dissolves and the liquid just comes to a boil.

Turn off the heat and add the ginger.

Let it cool. Now strain the syrup into a large jar and throw the ginger. Add the lemon juice to the syrup and refrigerate until ready to use.

In a glass put ice cured, pour 1/4 cup of the syrup and top up with some club soda.

Add a slice of lemon to each glass and serve.

August 2017

let’s COOK

Health Drinks

Simran Dhanju presents smoothie recipes to add a touch of taste and a big dose of health to your diet and nutrition programme

Diet and nutrition is the most important factors in leading a healthy lifestyle.

There are many reasons why you should be consuming healthy smoothies; these smoothies will give you the power-packed nutrition you need for your daily intake. It helps strengthen your digestive and immune system, improves your athletic performance, and provides other benefits.

Raspberry and Banana Smoothie*

This smoothie gives your brain all the vitamins and minerals it needs to improve mental and physical energy, as you source potassium from bananas, powerful antioxidants from raspberries, omega-3 essential fatty acids from flax seeds, good fibre from spinach, and magnesium and Vitamin E from almond butter which is good for blood pressure and heart health.

Ingredients: l l l l l l l

1 cup water 1 tbsp flaxseed 1 cup fresh raspberries 1 cup banana, ripe ¼ cup spinach 1 tbsp almond butter 2 tsp lemon juice

Method: 1.

2.

Wash raspberries and spinach leaves, put them in the blender.

Add all the other ingredients to the blender and blend them together to make smoothie.

Notes: Add ice cubes if you like your smoothie chilled.

Green Smoothie

This smoothie helps you naturally lose weight without depriving yourself of essential vitamins and minerals required for your daily intake when you are on a diet. Kale is high in fibre, powerful antioxidants, and Vitamins A and K; celery is also full of antioxidants, Vitamin B6, potassium, and folate. Cucumbers are alkaline, which stabilise the pH balance, green apples help maintain the health of skin and hair, and tropical pineapples are a great source of Vitamin C and manganese, which also have dietary fiber to aid in easy weight loss.

Ingredients: l l l l l l l l

½ cup almond milk 4 celery stalks 1 cucumber 1 cup kale ½ green apple ½ squeezed lime 1 tbsp melted coconut oil 1 cup pineapple

Method: 1.

2.

Wash celery stalks, cucumber, kale and green apple; cut them into pieces and put them in blender.

Add all the other ingredients in the blender and blend well until smooth.

Notes: Add ice cubes if you like your smoothie chilled.

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

August 2017

25

nf

er

tility

Health CHECK

Ad

g n dressi

I

15 percent of the global population of reproductive age is affected by infertility

I

nfertility is globally acknowledged to be a major health issue. It is estimated to affect 15 percent of the global population of reproductive age - this percentage is even higher in the Middle East.

The main causes of infertility include advanced maternal age, reproductive tract infections, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, psychological stress, intentionally delayed childbearing, environmental pollution, smoking, alcohol and dietary habits.

According to Dr Human Fatemi, Medical Director, IVI Fertility Middle East, there are unique and specific factors leading to infertility - social, cultural and religious in nature, which are different from western countries. Four of these factors which have a special impact on the fertility of the Middle East population are the higher prevalence of Consanguinity (marrying of first or second cousins), Vitamin D deficiency, obesity, and the desire to have larger families.

26

August 2017

Consanguinity and Infertility:

Parental consanguinity has been associated with both male and female infertility in multiple cases. In females, it prematurely reduces the ovarian reserve - the bank of fertile eggs in women. Among males, it causes chromosome Y abnormalities, leading to genetic sperm defects.

A groundbreaking research paper published by Prof. Dr. Human Fatemi has revealed that consanguineous couples are a major cause of a higher level of infertility in the Middle East.

It was proven that by the age of 20, women born of consanguineous parents have an extremely low ovarian reserve, which is normally found in women from the age of 40.

These are findings with great impact worldwide, since over 20 percent of children have consanguineous parents.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Infertility:

The second most important factor for infertility in the region is Vitamin D deficiency. It is widespread because of insufficient exposure to direct sunlight and it adversely affects reproductive tissues including the ovaries, the endometrium and the placenta. According to Dr. Human Fatemi, “Vitamin D has a much bigger role in health than originally thought. A simple 10 minutes of daily exposure to the sun between 9am and 10am can help your body fight the deficiency.�

Desire to have large families:

It is very common in the Middle East for families to have multiple children.

Delaying motherhood and advanced age for the second or third child are associated with a reduction in the number of resting follicles within the ovaries and lead to increased chromosomal abnormalities which are a leading cause of infertility.

At IVI, our extensive research in understanding ME-specific factors like consanguinity and its impact on fertility and customizing treatments to address those, is the backbone of a very high success rate here,” states Dr Fatemi.

Responsible ways to plan your family:

Genetic disorders can’t be cured, but they can be prevented. With this test, couples can be assured of a healthy pregnancy. If both partners test positive in a Carrier Genetic Test with the same gene mutation, the recommendation is to undertake IVF procedure and eliminate a genetically effected embryo by PGS screening.

At IVI Fertility Middle East, Carrier Genetic Test (CGT) is exclusively offered. It is a simple blood test that is carried out when planning a family to prevent the risk of having a baby with genetic disorders. The CGT is highly recommended to all couples who are attempting a pregnancy by natural or IVF means.

Dr Human Fatemi recommends genetic testing for carriers regardless of pregnancy occurring naturally or through IVF, given the fact that a large percentage of people in the Middle East are prone to genetic abnormalities.

Generally, parents only realise they are carriers of serious genetic disorders after an affected child is born.

Health CHECK

Obesity & Lifestyle

A higher prevalence of obesity, in this part of the world, is a result of the rapid economic development resulting in increased food access, consumption and lifestyle changes, opines Dr. Fatemi. Obesity causes menstrual irregularities and reduces chances of conception. It also leads to poor IVF outcomes due to inadequate response to ovarian stimulation, lower embryo implantation rates and increased miscarriages.

IVI Fertility, headquartered in Spain, is the world leader in infertility treatments with 70 clinics worldwide and a success rate of more than 160,000 babies across the globe. It forayed into the ME with its clinics in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The latest addition is the conveniently located clinic at Muscat

ily am y f ga yb nin nanc n a pl reg en a p ge h lar t w ting Fortunately, science has the answer a u t c o p to most fertility problems. However, tha eti ed em ct gen of a rri e att a f a such treatments are successful only c ar us ed F he is after the right tests and assessments n t serio ssur e IV at who e h t v a ak f i t s to diagnose the exact cause of es le F, g s o be rt d t coup IV rrier can nde infertility. IVI Fertility is one such o h 0 g ca s ou blo ll ,00 institution for infertility treatments rou are uple is t le to a 60 h p t n 1 o d and uses latest technologies and n t or ey t, c tio sim de tha ic a lly se th tes nda unique approaches to deliver one s a men a e i r s e r i i t i l I o cl n tu a h m of the highest success rates in the d. ecom na y re ith t com f m ted e r o g l r e a region. “The Middle East poses a rin on . W re ate oc off ly ur nts nted , the s r tly l ly high c s different set of challenges when it e c e e o ar eve ion iv is cc en t p r comes to fertility cases. cy lus T su veni an ally, e p muta xc CG a n n e d r b e an he co reg ene can ene ) is s. Th p T e f t G ey e g G er id is s o s.

(C ldwtion es litie ut th sam st isord r l e o d i a T d , b he ar m s w dd tic ic eg or ed h t nic est a ne enet i s r abn cur t wit l e r t c G g e e 70 he la rri etic n’t b c Tes . er ith i a h r n t c w i g r wi ai. T or ge ca et in Ca by g f e to ders Gen reen nts Dub st, a ba n e a i t n r c r E atm nd tes pro iso rie S s le ing dd hav tic are tic d Car y PG ty tre abi a i e M of h b en st ne n a ili ty s g le Ea . Ge ive i bryo nfert bu D tili risk ns. d r A i e en idd orn osit em in in I F the ea IV ent F m mm e M is b st p cted er nics t o d v A re V rec n th hild s te ffe lea cli rI p ld h its mi ple i ed c tner lly e r to ral o e o t r a t it a o a tu ew Ew n F f pe affec th p netic na h a t o n o e m , is e M Hu age r a If b a g ain to th p Dr cent afte ncy. nate in i a nS r rs d i ayed pe rde regn elim e r r o p e d o dis lthy e an art It f a ur qu be. e d h ed ea glo oc y, h the t pr i l s ti er cros IF IV ies a b ba cat. s u M

: y l i

am f r

a

l p o

t s y a ew

l b i s

n

o sp

Re

ou y n

August 2017

27

Healthy TIDINGS

Potato fries may double the risk of early death We have always known that fried snacks are not healthy options, but that any of them could double the risk of early death, is news. According to a new study, eating two to three portions of fried potatoes every week could raise the risk of early death by twofold. The study was based on the data of more than 4,400 adults from the United States. The study found that in comparison to adults who did not consume potatoes in the form of French fries, chips and hash browns, the ones who ate two to three portions of the fried variety each week doubled their risk of premature death. This risk was further increased when the portion was more than three a week.

Treat type 2 diabetes with broccoli sprout extract Researchers have found an effective new treatment for type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for around 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases. They found that a compound found in broccoli sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables led to a significant improvement in fasting blood glucose levels among obese adults with type 2 diabetes. The compound called sulforaphane was also found to reduce the amount of glucose produced by cultured liver cells. The study showed that adults who consumed the extract showed significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels, compared with those who did not.

Vegetarian diet effective in weight loss The news that a vegetarian diet is healthier and effective in weight loss is not surprising at all. However, there is proof now to overwhelmingly vote for a vegetarian diet to help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight. Diabetes affects around 150 million people worldwide and this number is expected to double by 2025 owing to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets and obesity. The new study has found that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced by more than 50 percent by changing to a plant-based vegetarian diet. Researchers found that compared with a conventional diet, a vegetarian diet can achieve weight loss, improve control of blood glucose, raise insulin sensitivity, and lead to other metabolic improvements.

A new appetite regulator A new hope for people seeking to lose weight‌ A study has found now a link between certain brain receptors and obesity. Researchers have found a potential way to target the thyroid hormone receptors (TR) that specifically control appetite in mouse brains, without causing other side effects. TRs are spread widely throughout the body and interact with circulating thyroid hormones to regulate functions such as appetite, the nervous system, body temperature and cholesterol levels. According to the study, the findings might lead to developing a new type of antiobesity drug in the future.

28

August 2017

healthy TIDINGS

World is getting fatter?

Yes, our world is getting fatter and it is no good news.

Research has learnt that nearly a third of the world’s population is overweight or obese and it’s getting worse.

In 73 countries around the world, the number of obese people has doubled since 1980. The United States is at the top with more than two-thirds of Americans overweight or obese. These figures need to be controlled as too much body fat raises the risk of heart disease, many types of cancer, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and a range of other conditions. Overweight also makes people more susceptible to become seriously ill or to die from influenza and other infectious diseases

Time your meals to escape jet lag There is evidence now to suggest that the timing of your meal can affect your body clock. Researchers found that when the meal time is moved forward by five hours it causes changes in circadian rhythms, or the human body clock. These findings are expected to help people fight jet lag and also find ways to help shift workers. The research followed an intense experiment using 10 volunteers, who were asked to precisely time their meals for a few days. They were then brought into the lab for careful control, changing the timing of meals and their exposure to light. In addition to various other factors, they found, in the volunteers, changes in the activity of a gene called PER2, which is involved in circadian rhythms and sleep disorders.

Brain scans may help predict autism A new kind of brain scan may be able to predict when a baby as young as 6 months old will develop autism. The scan is believed to be useful in children considered at high risk because an older sibling has autism. In the study conducted, the scans correctly chose nine out of 11 children who later were diagnosed with autism out of a group of 59 high-risk kids. The team of researchers has been trying several different types of scans to find early evidence of autism, a developmental disorder that starts before birth and is marked by changes in how the brain works.

Weight-related deaths can affect non-obese too After all the backlash against weight gain, researchers have now found that you don’t need to be obese to be at a risk of dying from illnesses related to excess weight. A study based on statistics, found that of the 4 million deaths attributed to being overweight in 2015, nearly 40 percent were not clinically obese.

It found that more than 2 billion children and adults suffered from health problems linked to being overweight, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. But an increasing number had less than 30 BMI, which is the threshold for obesity.

August 2017

29

in the luxe

The Fidget Spinner Fidget Spinners have, in the blink of an eye, become THE most important toy in every child, teen and even adult’s life. We take a look at some of the most expensive spinners that have hit the market in recent times‌

Sunnytech

The Sunnytech customised 925 Silver Fidget Spinner, which is also made by Weiheng, has a sterling silver finish. Its silicon-nitride bearings, along with the weight and balance, allow for maximum spin time. It is 65mm in length, 34mm in width and 9mm in thickness.

Price: $459

Rotablade Superconductor Stubby Spinner Bathgate Artifact Spinner

Made by Revolve Makers and designed

by Chris Bathgate, the limited edition Bathgate Artifact Spinner combines sculptural aesthetics and Aerospacegrade machining, creating a unique experience. It is the second installment in a series of design collaborations.

Price: $700

This spinner cum cigar stand comes in several varieties, but this pure titanium one is the most expensive. It is a pre-order spinner. It has a fully machined body, removable screw caps for service and changing material types. Although it is not actually superconductive, it has all the right looks.

Price: $665

Black Lotus Tri Sterling Silver

This spinner from House of Yurich, is printed and cast in U.S.A. and assembled, designed and finished in Australia. It is made by hightech 3D printing, and each one comes with the distinct circuit design. The Sterling Silver mode, particularly, is manufactured using a wax mold via 3D printer. Following that, silver is poured into it to create the body. Once cooled, the body is then polished and colored with tritium powder at an additional cost. Its spin radius is 25mm and weighs just 70 grams. The main body is one piece, with two buttons.

Price: $445

30

July 2017

The 9 gear is small and is barely discernible in your hand. To get the fidget spinner to spin, you simply need to push the button on the toy. It weighs just 118 grams, has nine brass gears and aluminum alloy body; it comes in a luxurious leather case. The nine interlocked gears make this spinner double as a fidget square.

The spinner is 62mm deep, 18.7mm high, and 62mm wide.

Price: $600

Pepyakka-S

The Pepyakka-S fidget spinner means serious business. It has 20 interlocking parts and a double-bearing system for maximum spin time and stability.

There is no doubt that it is beautiful but has been described by spinner devotees as a ‘mechanical puzzle’.

Price: $425

in the luxe

9 Gear

Tispin Prop

The Tispin Prop looks like a propeller, and acts like one. It is made from grade 5 aircraft titanium, which is the same material they make real aircraft props out of. It is precision-machined and then micro-tooled by hand to achieve the perfect balance.

Price: $425

Weiheng Customized Hand Spinner

The Weiheng Customized Hand Spinner 925 Silver Fidget is made of stabilised wood, along with a SKF hybrid ceramic bearing. The spin time will, of course, depend on your skill, but it has the ability to spin real fast.

Price: $339.99

Turbine Version 3

This spinner is massive with 19mm thickness and a full two-inch diameter. The Turbine is designed for as smooth a spin as possible. The 1 R188 size bearing is secured inside the unit with a screw cap. The caps are then screwed together to fit to the bearing. You will not want to let this spinner out of your hands!

Price: $339

July 2017

31

Hidden Attractions in

explore OMAN

Muscat

Old Muscat, Muttrah

With the tourism sector set to establish new paradigms for development in the country, Ministry of Tourism has identified six hidden treasures right within the capital area

M

uscat has long been known as a cultural and architectural landmark, attracting tourists and visitors from all around the world to explore its rich heritage and enjoy its pristine beauty. What draws many to Muscat are its wide range of scenic delights and experiences that it offers, alongside world-class hotels and spas, all complementing the unique landscape of the place.

As Oman’s capital and largest city, Muscat presents a beautiful blend of natural attractions and architectural wonders. Whether it is the stunning views from the magnificent hills and mountains, its soft sandy beaches, the verdant parks, or the wide range of mosques, traditional old markets and beautifully designed buildings, the city’s heritage and culture is resplendent everywhere.

For tourists visiting the country, Muscat is, often, the first port of call and a must-visit destination in their

32

August 2017

travel itinerary. The sight-seeing is, generally, limited to the popular landmarks like Muttrah Souq, Bait Al Zubair, Royal Opera House Muscat and the Grand Mosque, among others. Event domestic tourists and local residents are unaware of all the beautiful treasures that lie hidden in this intriguing city.

Old Muscat:

The old town of Muscat is blessed with memories of the past; its elegance is clearly evident in the classical buildings, the striking corniche causeway, market stalls, old family houses, quaint cafés and mosques. Another highlight is the historic watchtower located in Hot Springs in Bausher

Muttrah. Surrounded by lights and fountains and perched on top of the hill, the tower looks over the historic corniche with pride.

Hot Springs in Bausher:

Known by most for its busy city life, Bausher has an equally beautiful natural area - full of farmlands, falajs, springs, mountains, old clay houses and more. One of the most beautiful springs in the area is Al Hamam hot spring (also called Ain Al Hamam), which is definitely worth a visit.

Yiti Beach:

Yiti beach is a treat for all the senses. It can induce a warm feeling of relaxation with the pure white beach, blanketed by crystal

explore OMAN Yiti Beach

blue waves. Visitors can feel the soft sand under the feet, listen to the gentle waves break on the shore, and taste the refreshing sea breeze. A wide variety of birds live here, including the western reef heron and iconic sunbirds, making the most of the rugged cliffs and scattered woodlands of acacia trees.

At the heart of the bay, rising out of the water stands the majestic JabalSamoo’n (Samoo’n mountain) – long associated with folk tales from the quaint village of Yiti.

The Old Route in Muttrah

Muttrah is not just a symbol of heroic and cultural events, but also a charming reminder of a natural heritage that has been preserved for many years. One example of this is an old route that traces back to the time of the Majan civilization. This route was originally used by miners more than 5,000 years ago and is located near the corniche. The higher you go, the more you can see of Muttrah’s legendary beauty.

Bait Muzna Art Gallery

Bait Muzna Art Gallery:

Bait Muzna is Oman’s first art gallery and was established in 2000 by Sayyida Susan Al Said. Bait Muzna is a pillar from which all modern art in Oman is built upon. From its inception, Bait Muzna has supported Omani artists, dedicating a large gallery room to exhibit their work, while also being a major influence on young and emerging international artists who often give workshops and exhibit their works.

Al Mazari Village in Quriyat: Sheltered in Quriyat’s charming and impressive natural landscape, there is a small oasis of green, sparkling water known as the village of Al Mazari. A paradise of natural formations, it encompasses agricultural farms, waterfalls, wadis, rare plants and significant biological diversity. Home to a number of towers, forts and castles, the village farmers harvest a number of crops, such as mango, lemon and corn

Al Mazari Village in Quriyat

August 2017

33

Just TRAVEL 34

August Travel

Make the most of the last phase of summer vacation with a trip to a destination that is designed to make August special Geneva

It is a family affair at the city’s annual Fêtes de Genève (Geneva Festival). From August 3 to 13, the Festival offers an abundance of tantalising cuisine, lively evenings and entertainment to suit all ages.

It will feature hundreds of free concerts, stands with food and crafts, and fair rides. Don’t miss out on the fireworks spectacle, scheduled to take place on August 12. Attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators, the fireworks display will stretch for nearly an hour above the city’s lakefront. Set off from around 40 stations around the lake, the event dazzles with a wide variety of pyrotechnics set to music to create an evening the whole family will remember.

August 2017

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is wonderful any time of the year, but if you are looking for fun times, August is the time to visit.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival will fill the medieval streets with buskers, artists and actors.

There will be laughter and there will be fun with stand up shows and some of the famous acts taking up residency in the city. It is described as the biggest arts festival in the world, playing host to some of the exciting performers and comedians from around the world for three weeks (August 4 to 28). This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Fringe.

Tanzania

If a beach and safari holiday is on your August agenda, place your bet on Tanzania, whose game parks will be packed with wildlife. Ruaha and Selous, Tanzania’s two large game parks, promise to dish out unforgettable experiences. These game parks have bush camps and guides, besides its stock of wildlife.

For a trekking experience with

Just TRAVEL chimpanzees, try the Rubondo Island in Lake Victoria. And, with the weather turning its loveliest in August, you could even opt for a beach destination with azure blue seas beckoning you. Zanzibar and Spice Islands have also their share of sun, sea and sand.

The French Lakes

Head to the Alpine lakes of Lac De Bourget, Lac D’Annecy and Lac D’Aiguebelette, for fresh air and stunning scenery. The lakes are just what travel gurus would have ordered for beach goers, with clear water, great food and fewer crowds. You could also jet-ski at Lac D’Annecy. The mountain resorts promise clear and fresh air, while the ancient ruins and little towns present a peek into the French provincial life.

Memphis

Memphis is the place to be in August if you are a devoted fan of Elvis Presley. The Elvis Presley Week, scheduled to be held from August 11 to 19 at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis, will include the annual Candlelight Vigil, Elvis: The Wonder of You Concert Event, Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, Elvis 101, the Elvis Fan Reunion, four Conversations on Elvis panels, concerts and much more. Special guests will include Priscilla Presley, Jerry Schilling, songwriters Mac Davis and Mike Stoller, Bill Medley, Elvis’ co-stars Marlyn Mason and Pat Priest, among others.

Black Rock Desert

Nevada’s Black Rock Desert is the place to be to witness the mammoth social experiment turned annual

cult gathering called ‘Burning Man’.

Scheduled to take place from August 27 to September 4 in the Desert, the event is scheduled to attract thousands of people. The annual gathering takes place at Black Rock City, a temporary city erected in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. The event is described as an experiment in community and art, where the participants go to the temporary community raised out of the desert sand to live out a week of artistic self expression, self reliance and camaraderie. It is usually held from the last Sunday of August to the first Monday of September

August 2017

35

look GOOD

Of Nips and Tucks Are you planning to go under the knife to lift your face, erase wrinkles and boost confidence‌?

W

rinkles are inevitable.

Even if you have been blessed by good genes and have maintained a healthy lifestyle, wrinkles will make their way on to your face. And, gradually, the fine lines will turn to deep lines and the face will map your age – crow’s feet, 1augh lines and what have you.

While certain creams and makeup does help in easing those lines, it might prove ineffective in the face of growing age. Facelift is, perhaps, the best alternative if you are seeking to erase the wrinkles and boost your confidence.

Facelift surgery, clinically known as rhytidectomy, is a procedure used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and other telltale signs of ageing, while improving the overall appearance of the face and jaw.

Facelift surgery could help to reverse the harmful effects of time, stress, and exposure to the elements; it is known to improve visible signs of ageing in the face and neck. The plastic surgeon will remove excess pockets of fat on the skin that can contribute to an aged, tired appearance.

36

August 2017

Some of the treatment options include: Full Facelift

The traditional full facelift offers the most comprehensive results, whether it is the deep creases below the eyes, sagging skin around the cheeks, lines around the mouth, excess fat and skin under the chin and jowls.

Full facelifts are ideal to handle dramatic signs of aging.

Mid Facelift

Mid facelift involves lifting and tightening the tissues below the eyes and around the cheeks. In this technique, the surgeon lifts the muscles that are normally untouched by a traditional facelift; it may even include fat grafting or facial implants to enhance contours and create defined cheekbones.

lifestyle mantra

cOlOur Talk

By Sophia Raman

Mini Facelift

Also known as ‘weekend facelift’, the mini facelift involves smaller incisions and a shorter recovery time. The surgery targets a smaller area, primarily treating the jaw, lower cheeks, and neck.

lower Facelift

This facelift is for the bottom part of your face. It is effective in eliminating jowls, reducing deep laugh lines, lifting the sagging corners of the mouth, and enhancing the jaw. The procedure is similar to other types of facelifts.

Thread Facelift

It is a quick and minimally invasive alternative to traditional facelifts. In this procedure, the surgeon will create tiny stitches just below the skin to lift the underlying muscles. The treatment takes about one to two hours, and is, often, performed without anesthesia and leaves no visible scars.

Other common cosmetic surgeries include: Facial liposuction: To remove unwanted deposits of fat that have accumulated in the face and seem unresponsive to diet and exercise. lip augmentation: To get fuller and plumper lips. Dermal fillers, fat grafting, and lip implants are all effective options, with very short recovery times. eyelid Surgery: To lift sagging eyelids, excise drooping skin, and remove fat pockets for brighter eyes and a more alert appearance.

Facial implants: To add volume to the cheeks and improve a sloping or ill-defined chin with silicone implants.

There are non-surgical procedures too. They include:

OFT TiMeS, geTTiNg ready FOr a FOrMal MeeTiNg Or a SOcial dO iS all abOuT pairiNg yOur OuTFiT iN righT cOlOur cOMbiNaTiONS Finding the right colour combination in your outfit can seem to be a chore if your wardrobe is a mix of several bold colours. But with little experimentation and some tips from fashion experts, you could get the mix right.

One quick guide to follow is to keep the colours within the family - that means pastels with pastels, earthy tones with, yes, earthy tones and jewel tones with jewel tones. But if you are open to bold colours and love to indulge in experiments, rely on the colour wheel to find colours that complement each other. These are, often, colours that are distinctly opposite – like black and white, which perfectly complement each other. One rule of thumb to follow is to understand that every colour has a complementary colour. Take a look at the standard colour wheel to check which colours are at the same distance from the centre of the wheel. There is also a very neat and appealing touch in outfits that combine different shades of the same colour.

Some of the colour combinations to try: - Greens and yellows of different shades and textures can be combined, depending on your taste for warm and cool tones.

- Pale blue and pink speak in subtle tones, but they can be eye catching when styled right.

- Red and blue is a transformational pairing that can turn even a casual look into a bright one.

- Tan and maroon is right if you get the shades that complement your personality.

- Orange and black can give your outfit a neat lift.

- Orange and blue could also rock your look if you choose burnt orange with darker navy blue.

- Pink and grey is a very versatile combination.

chemical peels: This involves applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove the damaged outer layer of skin and reveal a healthy, younger-looking skin underneath. laser Skin resurfacing: This treatment uses high-power beams of light to gently and accurately remove damaged skin layer by layer.

Microdermabrasion: This removes the top damaged layer of skin to reveal the healthy layer underneath.

So, are you ready for a facelift?

August 2017

37

style FILe

Skin2Skin Najla Al-Jamali’s Skin2Skin collection captures timeless elegance through clean lines, luxurious details and captivating colours

N

ajla Al-Jamali, who shifted her brand name from Jizdaani to Najla Zuhair in 2015, has woven her new collection with timeless designs. It is her passion for handbag design that motivates her to pursue her label ‘Najla Zuhair’ while also managing her career as the Executive Managing Director of Takamul Investment Company.

Talking about her designing venture, the self-taught designer says, “I first started designing handbags in 2005 under the label Jizdaani, which focused on incorporating Omani embellishments onto handbags. Each style had a story behind the Omani silver piece that was used. Then in 2015, I found my design style had evolved, so I slowly started working on my new brand Najla Zuhair, which reflects my current taste of simple, elegant and timeless designs.”

38

August 2017

Style FILe Below are excerpts from an interview with the designer: How did you get into the field of handbags, while most young Omanis have taken to designing clothes?

I›m definitely more of a shoe and bag person, so I was naturally drawn to designing handbags. The whole designing thing started by complete accident while I was recovering from surgery. I was inspired by a Khanjar belt, which I thought would look amazing as a bag strap so from there I started Jizdaani.

Clothes for me are inherently more complicated, body shapes and sizes need to be considered, which is not the case with bags.

What is your signature style?

Elegant, simple, timeless.

Tell us about your latest collection?

Skin2Skin is my first collection for Najla Zuhair. The collection is inspired by vintage camera boxes so the bags feature clean lines, luxurious details and captivating colors. I worked with leather and exotic snakeskin in shades of baby blue, rose gold, ivory, grey and black. Polished metal hardware in nickel, gunmetal and gold trim the bags.

The designs are available in two styles, ‘Diana’ and ‘Ella’. Diana is crafted from grained calf leather and python with a front flap and detachable chain strap while Ella, crafted from the same materials, is a slender box shape with top flap and push-lock fastening. Micro versions are designed to fit just the essentials and can be styled together in multiple ways or with their larger counterparts.

Where are your products available?

Skin2Skin is currently available at Amal Al Raisi’s Dar Al Aseel boutique in Muscat, as well as at Etoile Boutique in Dubai.

August 2017

39

EVERYDAY IS

style FILe

SPECIAL

40

Make everyday special with Everyday Jewellery Collection from Malabar Gold and Diamonds. Check out the extensive range of jewellery, which have been individually designed to give that special twist to your most ordinary day. Celebrate all the days of your week...

August 2017

esque It wIth ALe

DiscOver yOur sTyle quOTienT FACES COluMNIST AlE Al ZADJAlI uRGES READERS TO GO OuT AND DISCOVER ThE FAShION PIECES ThAT COMPlEMENT ThEIR PERSONAlITY My name is Ale Al Zadjali and I have something to say. Designer labels have messed up fashion!

I’m done with university and with a freed up schedule I’ve made time for a more active social life. From events to casual outings it’s amusing to see how people will bend over backwards for others to notice their designer wear. The biggest reason always is that it shows that you lead a lavish lifestyle.

PS: It doesn’t, it really doesn’t. Your personality, your traits, your status would need to match up and, if the shoulders don’t match the hips...act a fool.

I encourage people to go out and discover the pieces they identify with. The accessories that work aren’t Swarvoski or Pandora, it can literally be from a costume store; you just have to be able to rock it like its Versace and Gianni came back from death just to design it for you.

The mall is a great place and, if you are limited to just Muscat, then we have four big money ones and even more smaller scale ones and an exhibition popping up every other week. Walk into every store without a set perception of it and check out the aisles. You never know what piece will ‘call your name’.

We, as humans, are literally spoiled for choice when it comes to retail, so why should we limit our options?

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

August 2017

41

Summer Special 42

Sunny Side Up Assuming that the peak summer heat will soon relent to tone down its heat levels and get humidity under control, let’s take a fresh new trip down the summer lane, with care tips and tricks to make the most of this bright and bouncy season

August 2017

Summer Special

Summer Hair Summer has its way of turning every day into a bad hair day, demanding extra care to keep your tresses looking nourished and pampered

I

f your hair looks as if it has been fried by the sun to a crisp frizz, you are on the right page. The fried look might be all the more obvious if you are sporting coloured hair, which could further look faded and bleached by the sun.

Heat and humidity can turn even your normal healthy hair into a frizzy crop.

Besides, high humidity content in the air can turn your hair limp and, often, sweat and dust can aggravate problems like dandruff, split ends and also hair fall. And, surprising as it may sound, harsh summer sun can also give your scalp a sunburn. Dry scalp can further damage the roots of your hair. As dermatologists point out, the ultraviolet rays of the sun can dry out the hair and turn rough the normally smooth cuticle of the hair shaft.

While a shower is tempting after every trip outdoors, over-washing could prove detrimental – over washing as well as leaving the sweaty scalp unwashed for a long time could bring about an increase in hair fall. That goes for conditioning too; over conditioning or over treating to erase the summer ordeal on your hair could prove to be a big mistake.

Hair Care

To begin an appropriate hair care regimen and combat the signs of the season, first find out your scalp type and hair type. You need to be sure if the scalp is oily, dry or a combination and if you have dandruff, itchy scalp or any medical condition. The hair type also matters – is it

straight, curly, wavy, coloured, treated, permed or ironed?

Avoid chemical treatments: It is best to go easy on hair treatments and save heavy colouring for the months before or after summer, as the sun could dry the hair out and cause more damage.

Condition right: To restore moisture in your hair and add life to it, use a rinseout conditioner and select the one that is right for your hair type and texture.

Shampoo care: As we mentioned earlier, do not feel tempted to shampoo every day. Too much shampoo is known to dry the scalp and the hair too. Opt for a mild shampoo if your hair tends to get greasy and sweaty at the first sign of sun. Dry shampoo could also be effective in helping you stay fresh.

block the sun, but you could consider wearing a scarf; leave-in conditioner with sunscreen is another option.

Like your regular sunscreen products, the hair one too should have a good amount of SPF in it.

Keep your hair tied: The best way to control the frizzy look on your hair is to keep it tied in braids, ponytail or knots.

Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is important to also keep your hair healthy and hydrated. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your meals.

Avoid irons and curlers: With summer already giving your hair enough heat, your hair doesn’t need the added burden of styling products like iron and curlers.

Get a trim: Split ends and dry tips are a common occurrence. You could halt it with a new haircut or an easy trim to remove the difficult ends.

Sun protection: It may not be trendy in this part of the world to sport a hat to

August 2017

43

Summer Special

Summer Skin All the summer chants of drink-enough-water, stay-away-from-sun, etc., can come to naught if you haven’t taken measures to fight the combined blows of heat and humidity on your skin Screen the sun

Sunscreen is a must this season. Look for the one that has UVA and UVB products and comes in SPF 30 and SPF 70.

Apply it on your face and body and keep reapplying every couple of hours, if you are in the sun. Find one that is right for your skin type; there are specific ones for specific requirements, like oil-free, mattifying formulas, extra emollient formulas for dry skin, or chemical free formulas for sensitized, reactive skin. However, if you like the idea of using organic oils that are high in SPF, go for the red raspberry seed oil or the carrot seed oil, which have high SPF and are good for blocking UVB rays. Take it another step forward by wearing clothes that can effectively block the sun’s rays. Wear light clothing in lighter colours.

Exfoliate

Exfoliate - not just the skin on your face, but your entire body. You must understand that your body sheds skin cells all the time and can turn your skin dry and lifeless if left untended. Use a body scrub to exfoliate the skin every two to three times a week. Rub in circular movements all over the body and rinse clean.

Moisturise

Your body needs exfoliation and it needs hydration. Opt for specific summer lotions that can be absorbed fast by

44

August 2017

your body. Apply it after the shower to keep the body feeling and looking moisturised. Use a toner spritz to refresh your face while at work or outdoors.

Water therapy

You have heard this before and have heard it repeatedly – there is no substitute for water during this season. Drink at least eight glasses of water and keep your body hydrated by drinking once every half an hour. Remember, caffeinated beverages are no substitute; in fact, you would need to drink extra water if you are consuming caffeinated drinks. Combine water with other healthy liquids, such as coconut waters, or homemade juices. Follow that by eating foods rich in carotenoids and antioxidants, as they can help protect your skin from sun’s damage.

Unmake-up

Rather, tone down your makeup. Less is better during the summer months, as the sun can work on your makeup. But if you intend on using all your makeup products, check to see what goes right with say, for example, your foundation. Give your lips a protective shield by using a gloss or a lip balm with an SPF of 15.

Feet care

In all the body care that you are indulging in, it is easy to forget the feet as it is covered when you are out. Like the body, feet need to be scrubbed to free the dry skin. While the salon can help with a pedicure, you could try scrubbing the feet everyday while showering.

Summer Special

Car care

When summer reaches its peak and spews heat and humidity all through the day, it can prove to be just as bad for your car as it is for you, unless you take all the measures to save it from the obvious damages

Engine oil

Any intense weather can put extra demands on the car’s oil and oil filter, making it mandatory to change both, especially if you haven’t done it in recent times. While the oil works to keep engine parts lubricated, the filter works to capture dirt and metal fragments that have found their way into the oil system. Check the oil level in the engine using the dip stick; maintain the level recommended for your car.

Fluid levels

Changes in the weather can lead to low transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and even windshield wiper fluid; so, double-checking the fluid levels is very important.

Studies have shown that one of the biggest causes of summer breakdowns is overheating. Car engines have an optimum temperature for getting the best performance and you need to assure yourself by checking the coolant level - the coolant reservoir is marked with maximum level and minimum level indicators. Ideally, get the coolant replaced at least once a year. Also, ensure that the fins of the radiator are clean, as it is an important part of the cooling system.

Tyre pressure

Oman’s road conditions are better than the most, yet, it is important to check and monitor the tyre pressure during this season. Tyres lose or gain pressure daily depending on the outside temperature; this becomes mandatory if you are planning a long road trip as tyres with low air pressure tend to wear out more quickly. If you are driving on tyres with lower than optimum pressure, it will cause damage to the sidewall.

Maintain tyre pressure as recommended by the manufacturer

and keep a check to see if the tyres are balding. Summer can cause higher than normal temperatures in the tyres and lead to permanent damage.

Car alignment

Check your car’s alignment, more so if your car seems to pull to one side or the steering wheel vibrates or it isn’t centred when driving straight. Proper alignment is essential to extend the tyre life and enjoy a smoother ride.

Battery

Test your battery as the summer heat can accelerate the rate of fluid loss and lead to oxidation of battery components. Heat is, often, the biggest cause of battery failure and reduced battery life. With the air conditioner and the blower fan working overtime to beat the heat, it is the battery that takes a toll.

Brake check

Getting the brakes inspected should become the top priority this season. Long road trips demand such checks, especially if the brakes are making noises or demanding extra pressure while you are on the road.

Car paint

With temperatures hitting 50 during the peak summer days, the paint on your car will bear the maximum brunt. Constant exposure to sun will fade the paint and the accumulating pollutants can corrode even painted surfaces. Wash the car regularly and use rubbing wax or polish once a month to prolong the life of the paint. Look for shaded areas to park your car or buy a cover to reduce the heat build-up inside the car.

August 2017

45

Summer Special

Summer must-haves

Make the most of this summer with these must-have gadgets and accessories from manufacturers around the world

Zero Breeze

Said to be the world’s first portable, multifunctional air conditioner, Zero Breeze is also designed to function as a Bluetooth speaker, a night light, and a Smartphone charging station. It is capable of cooling a 50 square feet room down to 440, making it an ideal camping partner. It can also effectively cool the corners of your home/office that do not enjoy the cool air from your split/window AC. The Zero Breeze battery powered portable air conditioner can change the way you plan your camping trips during the summer season.

Smart air conditioner

If the home is locked for most part of the day when you are out at work or shopping, you would need something like the Tado Smart Air Conditioner, which can turn your AC unit into a smart device. All that you need to do is connect the device to your Smartphone and cool your home from anywhere in the world through Wi-Fi. The Smart AC Control works with all air conditioners with a remote control that displays the air conditioner’s current settings.

Camp Stove

The BioLite CampStove 2 Bundle will ensure that you eat well on your camping trip. It is a full wood-fired camp kitchen, with the ability to grill, boil and cook your food. It is smokeless and includes grill and kettle attachments.

There is more…it can generate electricity from the fire for charging your devices.

Shaze: The Ultimate Lounge Chair

For all beach goers, this is the perfect way to unwind on the beach in the evenings, with the starry skyline for company. Shaze is a comfortable, foldable lounge chair, accompanied by water-resistant speakers, a USB charger for the phone, a drainable cooler, and more to up the comfort level.

Beach Tent

Accompany your Shaze chair with the Pacific Breeze Easy Up Beach Tent, which is designed to give space a priority. Its key features include EasyUp Hub System for setup and takedown in seconds. It also has UPF 50+ sun protection and two windows for stargazing and watching the sunrise, while ensuring cross ventilation.

It has internal pockets to keep your valuables out of the sand. What is more, it only weighs a little above two kilograms.

Picnic Backpack

The AllCamp 2 Person Picnic Backpack is just what you need if summer spells picnics and camping. The backpack truly has it all, with a cooler, fleece blanket, plates, and utensils. It has everything you would need for the perfect picnic for two, includin salt and pepper shakers, cheese knife, a plastic chopping board and a handy bottle opener.

46

August 2017

Summer Special

Solar Backpack

When overnight camps are on the summer itinerary, you would need the Voltaic Systems Array Solar Backpack to be ready for all your charging requirements. The backpack features 10W worth of solar-charging, making it powerful enough to charge a laptop, as well as a tablet or Smartphone.

It is lightweight and water-resistant.

Water Bottle

The Thermos Connected Water Bottle is your ideal partner to stay hydrated this summer. The 24-ounce bottle is a smart product, with a lid that measures your intake of liquids; it feeds the data to the Thermos Smart Lid app.

The app then calculates a suggested hydration goal for you and shows your progress towards meeting the goal.

Coffee Maker

For a coffee addict, who can’t say no to a cuppa, whatever be the weather outside, the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker might prove to be a treat. Cold coffee is just right to stay cool and the KitchenAid’s coffee maker will make it easy to brew one right at home. It can fit in your refrigerator; it includes a built-in tap for continuous cold brew consumption.

Ice Cream Maker

If ice creams were made for any one season, it would definitely be summer. When the heat gets to you and you yearn for something cold, the ice cream of your choice can act like manna. With Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker you can whip up ice creams on demand; it can make up to 1.5 quarts of ice cream in just 20 minutes. Alternately, opt for Cuisinart’s Snow Cone Maker, which is equipped with an effortless and efficient motor that shaves 4 to 5 cups of ice in under a minute.

Fruit Keg

With supermarkets in town displaying watermelons of all sizes to make summer cooler, you could make the most of it with the Fruit Keg Tapping Kit. It is a handy kit that contains everything you need to turn the seasonal watermelon into a drink dispenser. The handy coring tool will help you cut a perfect hole in the side of the melon, and the plastic shank and faucet assembly, will help pour the juice freely.

Ice Pops

The Zipzicle Ice Pop Molds will help you create your own popsicles to suck on during the hot summer months. Simply mix-up any homemade Popsicle recipes, fill up the pouches, zip them and freeze. You could even add fresh fruit bits or coconut water to make it extra refreshing.

Fitbit

Don’t let the heat put a halt to your fitness goals. In fact, rely on a monitor like the Fitbit Flex 2, which goes beyond the typical step and distance counter with features such as automatic activity and sleep tracking. It is swim-proof and can also track your laps at the pool.

August 2017

47

at HOME

SMART

Kitchen

W

ith Internet of Things geared to alter the way we live and commute, ‘Smart’ has become the new rule than the exception – encompassing every aspect of our lives, even the kitchen.

While smart homes have demonstrated how technology can make it exceptionally convenient and functional for the busy nuclear families, it is the growing concept of smart kitchen that promises to revolutionise the everyday need to cook – healthy foods that is. The concept of smart kitchen is not just about the quintessential room in a smart home. It is all that and more; it’s about smarter design, smarter food sourcing, smarter storage and smarter preparation. It is another facet of the connected home tech that we have been hearing in a long time.

This new change has made even the fancy idea of a smart fridge that knows what it has inside its doors, the exact quantity of each item and the expiry dates, seem plausible. At least in the near

48

August 2017

As technology turns our homes into smart orifices, can the kitchen stay unsmart? future… With some of the top appliance manufacturers jumping on to the smart bandwagon to produce kitchen appliances and gadgets that have ‘smart’ labelled on them, it is time to welcome the arrival of smart kitchen right in our homes.

Here are a few that are designed to give your home that futuristic look …

Smart frying pan

Imagine a pan that can ensure that your eggs, burgers and the like are cooked to perfection… That is exactly what a smart frying pan can do in your kitchen. There are sensors in the pan that are equipped to send notifications to your phone to tell you when to put your egg or paneer on the pan, when to turn it and when to take it out. The pan comes with an app that has recipes packed to help you in the kitchen.

Smart induction burners are created to be more efficient than gas burners, heating up fast and cooling off as quickly, while controlling the temperature digitally. Some manufacturers are making their induction burner plates Wi-Fienabled too.

at HOME

Smart burner

Smart plate Smart scale

Sous vide machine

Sous vide is a cooking technique that utilises precise temperature control to deliver consistent results. With highend restaurants making it an important part of their kitchens, it wasn’t seen as an everyday home product, until recently. Things have changed, rather become smart, with manufacturers making it an affordable item. These machines have become essential now as they allow food to retain more flavours, as food is cooked slowly in an airtight bag under circulating water at low temperatures.

Smart slow cooker

The crock-pot smart slow cooker, enabled with WeMo, allows you to adjust your cooking settings even when you are not in the kitchen. The WeMo app lets you check on the temperature and the cooking time and also change the settings to simmer/ warm or even turn off the device right from the smartphone.

With baking and more defined cooking requiring precision in the quantity of ingredients used, what a smart kitchen requires is a smart scale that saves you the trouble of measuring every ingredient used. The app used alongside the scale will tell you exactly when you have added the right amount of whatever the recipe demands. This scale is designed to take the user through hundreds of different recipes with painstaking details.

Complement all things smart in your kitchen with a smart plate that will tell you exactly what you are eating and the proportion you require.

The plate called ‘SmartPlate’ is a 10-inch wonder that comes equipped with three mini cameras and weight sensors that will alert you if you serve too much on the plate; it will also tell you what is on your plate, as far as calories are concerned. It comes with an app that syncs up with your plate to keep a track of your meals while connecting to MyFitnessPal and FitBit

Smart thermometer

Another must-have for serious cooks, the Bluetooth-enabled smart thermometer will give accurate and clear temperature readouts. This is handy, as it allows you to use an app to check on the food temperature and avoid overcooking the lunch or dinner. It will tell you when your meat is cooked medium well or well done, without making you take a guess. The thermometer uses Bluetooth to send information to your phone. Some of the top ones also come with additional features.

August 2017

49

Relatively SPEAKING

Temper down‌ Keep your body and mind cool this summer with some tried and tested methods

R

ising temperature has a say on your mental temperament too. Psychology has found that summer heat can work on emotions, at times brining out the worst in you. With studies specifying that the most comfortable temperature, for most people, is around 22 degrees, it makes the summer days all the more difficult for people in this part of the world, where temperatures hover in the 40s all through the season.

Studies have found that not only do people take longer to complete tasks, they are also less willing and less able to make complex decisions in warmer temperatures.

According to another study, ‘As the temperature keeps rising, your memory for new information suffers.’ Some research also points to violent or aggressive behavior that is linked to higher temperatures. Psychologists believe that the longer you spend time outside on a summer day, the more your mood suffers. Even everyday problems can seem aggravated, leading to angry retorts and overreaction to events. Understandably, it is best to postpone important decisions until you have cooled yourself appropriately.

Some of the research findings suggest that: l Heat waves are related to more violent behavior and aggression l Heat waves may be associated with substance abuse l High levels of humidity can lower concentration, increase

50

August 2017

sleeplessness and also sap energy and vigour. l Depression and lowered mood tends to increase with a rise in temperatures

Summer depression

Summer depression is a reality that does affect people from all walks of life. Although SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder affects people in the cold months, it can even be triggered by the onset of summer too.

Summer SAD is more common among people who live in countries near

Relatively SPEAKING the equator. Symptoms often include loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, weight loss, and anxiety.

Often, such depression might not be clinically checked and hidden under the workload and the general lament of heat and humidity. Financial issues could also add to the woes, as summer holidays can be a big burden on your saving. Besides, body image concerns might also crop up with summer parties that require you to bring out clothes that show off the hidden fat in your body.

because it is too hot and do not get into any strict diet programmes at this time. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can help you stay upbeat.

Whether you have any signs of depression or not, if summer heat does get your goat, check out some simple ways to keep your cool over the summer.

-

If you feel you are a candidate for summer depression, structure your day with a reliable routine; it might be one of the ways to keep the symptoms at bay. But if the signs are heightened and they are affecting your everyday routine, it is best to get help. Visit your family doctor or a psychiatrist and find ways to overcome depression. Do not, at any cost, take your symptoms lightly, even if they fade away with the onset of the pleasant winter season.

-

Remember the importance of sleep as, sometimes even lack of sleep could be a trigger for the depression.

Do not stop your exercise regimen

-

-

Avoid exposing yourself directly to the sun during peak hot times of the day and go out in clothes that are right for the season Rising temperature might make outdoors unpalatable, but you need to breathe in air that is not conditioned to churn out cool air.

Find an ideal time during the early morning hours or late evening to step out and reconnect with nature.

Star gazing is also effective to keep your mind sharp and active.

Use weekends to spend time at the beach, enjoying the starry night sky.

Make time for yourself; time to laze and do nothing. Go on, indulge yourself.

-

-

-

-

-

-

While a cool bath can provide instant relief, it might not do much if the water gushing from your tap is hot from the outside temperature.

Simply soak your foot in a bucket of cool water and feel its energising effects.

Stick around people who have a positive temperament.

Argumentative people can only further anger you.

When your mood is negative, do not sit down in front of television to watch programmes that are violent and aggressive in their content.

Eat foods and drinks that are suitable to temper down the effects of the summer heat. Avoid spicy and salty foods as they can increase heat in the body.

If you have the time and the inclination, make a summer bucket list with things to do and pick the ones that you can follow through – may be learn a new language‌ Reading books can be therapeutic, especially when heat makes outdoors very undesirable.

Stay cool!

August 2017

51

man date

Hairstyles for balding crown Shaving is not the only option to apprehend thinning hair

S

uggesting hairstyles for balding crowns might come across as an oxymoron, but all is not lost in the style zone with the fall of those vital locks from your head.

Check out the styles suggested by expert hairdressers to find the one that your balding pate could rock To begin, identify your balding pattern. If the hair above your temples is retreating on both sides, leaving you with a little crop up front, you could break the hair at the lowest and the highest points by styling the low part up or to the side. Or, you could consider getting a messy top with clean tapered sides.

52

August 2017

And if you are left with only hair at the back with the top and the sides sporting thinning hair, go for an even shaggy cut. Go for a cut that is 1.5� to 2� all over, keeping it half an inch loner in thinner areas. For thinning hair on the crown, go for a mop top or pushback style. But if it is only the top that is thinning and the hairline is almost intact, wear any style that will help rock your confidence.

man date

Hairstyle tips:

Comb-over: The short combover with temple fade is a simple style to achieve. However, this is not appropriate if you have a bad case of thinning hair as the style is about fading the sides, while keeping the top part short to get a clean look.

Buzz Cut: If you can barely see the hair on your crown, go for this cut. There are, of course, different types of buzz cuts to suit your balding pattern. The crew or the buzz cut is ideal for all types of male pattern baldness – from balding in the front to more advanced cases.

Tell your barber to cut the hair shorter on the sides than on the top, as this will create the illusion that you have more hair than you actually do.

High and Tight: This haircut is about keeping the hair at the back as short as possible to blend it with the thinning zones. It is reminiscent of the popular military crew cut.

Short Crop:

The short crop haircut is finger-length or shorter all the way around.

Mop Top: This is a street-smart haircut if you have longer thinning hair. It will make your hair look fuller by giving it a messy cut.

Bed Head: The short messy bed

head hairstyle is perfect if you are in the early stages of male pattern

baldness, with limited hair loss in the front and no hair loss on the crown.

The idea is to use the messy look to blur the lines between the parts of the scalp that have growing hair and the parts that don’t.

Shaved look: When nothing else

works, opt for shaved head. There is something very macho about this look and you could rock it even if you have

fair share of hair on your head. But, of course, like every other style, find out if this style is right for you. This can be realized by assessing the shape and size of your head and face. Larger men can rock this look with ease and so can those who are older or at least 30 years and more. Sporting this look with a well-developed beard could do the trick for you.

General guidelines for thinning hair: Wear it short

Keep it short, and that’s and order! If there is one key trick to keep the balding crown looking trendy, it is the short style. Do not feel tempted to grow whatever hair is remaining in the hope of compensating your balding head.

When you use longer hair to cover up the balding spots, you will only draw undue attention to those spots. Besides, it also signals your lack of confidence in your looks and your poor attempt to hide the spots. Simply sport a short style and watch the difference it can do to your personality.

Grow a beard

For some reason, your facial hair can act as an equalizer. A full grown beard or even the general facial hair can act to compensate your loss on the top. Find the beard style that matches your haircut to engage the best style quotient for your personality.

August 2017

53

A’ Namaa Poultry signs RO 50 million Project Financing deal with Meethaq Islamic Banking A’ Namaa Poultry Co. SAOC and Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, signed agreements to successfully conclude long-term financing facilities of RO50 Million to finance the biggest ‘Poultry Project’ of the Sultanate with a poultry meat producing capacity of 60,000 MT p.a., near Ibri, in Al Sawmahan Water catchment area. The Project will comprise of 240 poultry houses in addition to a Hatchery, Feed mill, Processing plant, Water treatment plant, other utilities and administration block.

Eng. Saleh Mohammed Al Shanfari, Chairman, A’ Namaa Poultry, and Sulaiman Al Harthy, Deputy- CEO Meethaq Islamic Banking, signed the financing agreement at a ceremony.

New General Manager at Hormuz Grand Hotel, Muscat

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has appointed Panos Panagis as the General Manager of the Hormuz Grand Hotel Muscat, part of the Group’s Quorvus Collection. In addition, Panagis assumes the role of District Director for another four hotels in Oman, currently managed by the Group. Panagis joins the 231 room Hormuz Grand Hotel, Muscat after managing the Group’s Radisson Blu hotel in Bahrain for the previous six years. He brings over 29 years’ experience of multi-cultural environments from his previous assignments in Switzerland, United Kingdom, Germany, and Nigeria, where he managed one of the largest hotels and convention centres. A Swiss citizen of Greek origin, Panagis brings an energetic spirit to the role and is looking forward to the new challenge. ‘Oman is an enchanting destination and the Hormuz Grand Hotel, Muscat aims to deliver a personalized and engaging luxury experience combined with the distinctive character of local culture,’ said Panagis.

Winners of MGM’s Summer Promotion

Muscat Grand Mall (MGM) has announced the second and third lucky winners in the ‘8 Big Reasons to Shop This Summer’ promotion. The second prize draw was won by Majid Mohammed Said Al Mahruqi, while the third prize draw was won by Sulaiman Hassan Sulaiman Balaci; both of whom won a 2017 Honda Civic each. There are five more cars waiting for their owners. The second and third draw events were attended by a representative from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry who conducted the draw and announced the winner.

Over the course of the promotion, visitors who spend RO 20 or more at any of the stores at MGM can enter into a draw to win one of eight Honda Civics.

OMRAN and DAMAC announce development partnership

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) have partnered with Dubai-based DAMAC International for the redevelopment of the historic Port Sultan Qaboos into a world-class, waterfront mix use destination. ‘Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront’ is being redeveloped into a USD1 billion integrated tourist port and lifestyle destination that includes hotels, residences, as well as a dining, retail, leisure and community facilities that is set to make it amongst the top waterfront destinations in the region.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of H.E. Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of OMRAN, Hussain Sajwani, Chairman of DAMAC, H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al Futaisi, OMRAN board member, as well as other key dignitaries.

54

August 2017

Quality of Omantel Youth Programme bears fruit at European events

The painstaking and effective work at the heart of the Omantel Youth Programme has been on display with Oman Sail youngsters excelling at two European venues. Racing at the internationally famous Kiel Week in Germany, Laser 4.7 sailors both finished in the top-10 against a 76-strong world class fleet, while Adnan Al Mabsali distinguished himself by topping the table in the silver fleet. At the same time in Quiberon, France, young windsurfers and Optimist sailors took part in 10 days of intensive training and practice racing to win selection for their upcoming world championships.

The talented youngsters at each event, aged from 12 to 17, have emerged from the national initiative led by Oman Sail with the sponsorship support of telecom giant Omantel. All have been selected from Oman Sail’s schools at Al Mouj, Mussanah, Marina Bander Al Rowdha and Sur.

Saleh Al Siyabi appointed Vice President of Sales of Al Mouj Muscat

Al Mouj Muscat has appointed Saleh Al Siyabi as Vice President of Sales.

Al Siyabi joined Al Mouj Muscat as early as 2006 when it first started and grew along with the company in the field of property sales. During his professional career, Al Siyabi has attended many leadership and management programmes and is well equipped with knowledge and skills required to lead the sales teams of Al Mouj Muscat. Previously, Al Siyabi has worked as an Associate Sales and Marketing Director at the Grand Hyatt Muscat and started his career in 1997 at Sheraton Oman Hotel as a Sales Manager. He has a bachelor’s degree with honours in Marketing Management and a Master of Business Administration from University of Hull in the UK.

Perfect Michelin Le Mans Cup debut for Oman Racing Ahmad Al Harthy and Oman Racing team-mate Tom Jackson wrapped up a faultless debut in the Michelin Le Mans Cup with a magnificent win at the Circuit de la Sarthe to impressively conclude their 2017 experience unbeaten. Having scorched to a tremendous GT3 victory during the opening race, the duo converted pole position in the second 55-minute encounter on Saturday morning into a superb win to secure back-to-back successes in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators. With the No.97 Oman Racing Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3, Muscat driver Al Harthy enjoyed every second on track and led throughout the opening stint. Pitting with just over half an hour to run to hand over to Jackson, the Briton rejoined the race in fifth and worked his way through to the lead before being edged back to second. Then, when a rival Porsche received a time penalty as a result of a short pit-stop, Jackson re-took the lead and victory.

Bank Muscat Tadhamun support The Tadhamun corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative launched by Bank Muscat, coinciding with the Holy Month of Ramadhan, reached the governorates of Muscat, Batinah and Dhahirah. Reiterating the bank’s dynamic ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and values of partnership, the Tadhamun convoy of vehicles carrying the bank’s employees and volunteers distributed basic electronic home appliances to beneficiary families identified by the Ministry of Social Development.

The objective of the CSR initiative is to address the requirements of beneficiary homes which do not have basic home appliances. Basic electronic home appliances were distributed to beneficiary homes in the wilayats of Muscat, Batinah and Dhahirah governorates, providing them with an opportunity for a better quality of life. The Tadhamun distribution was carried out across Oman through the Holy Month of Ramadhan.

August 2017

55

Aston Martin GT: DB11 Now With V8 Engine

After its successful global introduction in 2016, Aston Martin’s GT, the DB11, is now available with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

Perfectly complementing the DB11’s existing 5.2-litre twin turbocharged V12 engine, this new power plant has provided the opportunity to reveal more of the DB11’s sporting character, while expanding its global appeal with a combination of exceptional performance and improved efficiency.

Producing 510PS (503BHP) and 675Nm of torque, the V8 engine’s potency is beyond question, propelling the DB11 from 0-62mph in just 4.0sec and on to a top speed of 187mph. This exceptional performance is matched by impressive efficiency: CO2 emissions of 230g/km1 and an EU Combined fuel economy figure of 28.5mpg1. This new V8 derivative brings further significant benefits in markets where car taxation policy is structured around engine capacity, such as China.

Bentley introduces ‘SZR by Mulliner’ limited edition Mulliner, Bentley’s bespoke coach building division, has designed three special Continental GTC V8 S models. The exclusive ‘SZR by Mulliner’ limited edition commemorates the largest Bentley showroom in the world on Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR) in Dubai. Featuring eye-catching Orange Flame paintwork, a unique interior trim, and Bentley’s acclaimed V8 powerplant, the ‘SZR by Mulliner’ is living proof of Mulliner’s commitment to innovation.

It further demonstrates Bentley’s intention to revolutionise customer experience in the world of luxury motoring.

The striking body kit features Orange Flame bonnet, radiator shell, windscreen surround and door mirrors, and is complemented by the 21” six twin spoke black machined rims and unique treadplates engraved with the words ‘SZR by Mulliner’.

Stylish and functional crossover Nissan Kicks The all new Nissan Kicks, which was developed with the modern urban commuter in mind, is now gaining more and more popularity.

A spokesperson for Nissan Oman, from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA) said, “The all-new Nissan Kicks was developed with the aim of delivering the most innovative, stylish and functional crossover in its class. Nissan Kicks has class-leading fuel efficiency thanks to its advanced 1.6-liter engine and lightweight platform.

Power is rated at 88kW (118HP) and torque of 149Nm.” The car’s advanced chassis control technology allows it to deal with the rough and tumble of the urban jungle while the drivers will love the ease of parking thanks to the Around View Monitor and the amazing functionality of the 7-inch color touch-screen. The newcomer is aimed squarely at urban driving environments and combines a robust exterior and elevated driving position with compact dimensions for agile performance and maneuverability.

56

August 2017

The new MercedesBenz GLA The new GLA is turning heads across the world, and the Middle East is no exception. The latest model of this exceptional compact SUV sees an upgraded visual accentuation in both interior and exterior design, plus new and updated equipment lines. The new GLA is characterised by its sporty dynamic design idiom, light-footed handling and extensive individualisation options.

As the first compact SUV from Mercedes-Benz, it breathed fresh air in its market segment where it has established itself as a major player. “The new facelift gives the GLA a more powerful appearance and off-road prominence. Among our range of compact cars, the GLA’s impressive off-road capabilities stand out. It is the ideal companion to those seeking to complement an active lifestyle with a sporty driving style,” commented Lennart Mueller-Teut, Head of Marketing and Communications, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East.

New Jaguar E-Pace rolls into the record books The new Jaguar E-PACE has set an official Guinness World Records™ title during its world premiere. The compact performance SUV leaps into the record books with a 15.3 metre-long jump complete with a 270-degree corkscrew-like ‘barrel roll’. Demonstrating the agility, precision and performance of Jaguar’s newest SUV, the feat was the final test for E-PACE after 25 gruelling months of work across four continents to ensure extreme durability and that it lived up to Jaguar’s Art of Performance philosophy. The Jaguar E-PACE is a five-seat, compact SUV that packs the design and performance of a Jaguar sports car into a spacious, practical and connected all-wheel-drive vehicle. Trademark Jaguar driving dynamics and design put the brand’s sports car DNA in a practical design packed with advanced technologies to keep you connected.

August 2017

57

Chill Out

Movies

MOVIE REVIEW

Cast Halle Berry Lew Temple Dana Gourrier Malea Rose

Director

T

RE

N

1.

Despacito: Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee

2.

That’s What I Like : Bruno Mars

3.

I’m The One: DJ Khaled

4.

Humble: Kendrick Lamar

5.

Shape of You: Ed Sheeran

6.

Mask Off: Future iSy: Lyle & Lil Yachty

7.

Something Just Like This: Chainsmokers & Coldplay

8.

Stay: Zedd & Alessia Cara

9.

XO Tour Lif3: Lil Uzi Vert

10. Sign Of The Times: Harry Styles

58

ND I N G

O

CHART TOPPERS

W

Luis Prieto

August 2017

Kidnap After protracted delays, Kidnap, which tells the story of a mother trying to rescue her abducted son from kidnappers, is set to release on August 4 Karla Dyson (Halle Berry) is a single mother who lives a perfect life with her young son Frankie (Sage Correa). One day, while entering a carnival, Karla leaves her son briefly to take an important call. When she returns to the spot where she left him, she realises he is missing. She runs out of the carnival, searching for him, and catches the sight of Frankie in a blue car that is speeding away. To save Frankie from abduction, Karla goes out on an unending and thrilling car chase behind Frankie’s abductors. Her steely resolve and determination to save her son at any cost takes her on a dangerous mission.

(Kidnap is an American action thriller film, which began its development phase as early as June 2009. The film was completed in December 2014, however, the release date got unduly delayed.)

Books

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget UPCOMING RELEASES

LEAP!

Elle Fanning (voice), Carly Rae Jepsen, Maggie Ziegler, Dane DeHaan, Terrence Scammell, Julie Khaner 11-year-old orphan, Félicie (Elle Fanning) has one dream – to go to Paris and become a dancer. Her best friend Victor (Nat Wolff) an imaginative, but exhausting boy with a passion for creating has a dream of his own, to become a famous inventor.

In a leap of faith, Victor and Félicie leave their orphanage in pursuit of their passions. Félicie must pretend to be the child of a wealthy family in order to gain admittance to the prestigious and competitive Opera Ballet School in Paris…

BOOK REVIEW

Carpe Diem Regained: The Vanishing Art of Seizing the Day Hardcover

Author: Roman Krznaric ‘Seize the day’, one of the oldest pieces of life advice in Western history, with its promise of radical aliveness has been inspiring people for centuries. But what does it really mean? And how can it be used today to reinvent the art of living? The book unveils five different ways of seizing the day; it explores not just the contributions of thinkers through history, but also insights from the lives of seize-the-day pioneers.

Annabelle: Creation

Talitha Bateman, Miranda Otto, Stephanie Sigman, Anthony LaPaglia, Lulu Wilson, Grace Fulton, Philippa Coulthard Annabelle: Creation is a prequel to 2014’s Annabelle and the fourth film in ‘The Conjuring’ franchise. It tells the story behind the origin of the possessed Annabelle doll.

The story is focused on a doll-maker and his wife, whose daughter died twenty years earlier, as they decide to open their home to a nun and several girls from an orphanage that has been closed. The doll-maker’s possessed creation, Annabelle, sets her sights on the girls, turning their shuddered shelter into a storm of terror.

Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature

Jeff Dunham (Mole - voice), Will Arnett (Surly Squirrel), Katherine Heigl (Andie), Gabriel Iglesias (Jimmy), Maya Rudolph (Precious), Jackie Chan (Mr. Fen) ‘Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature’ is a 3D computeranimated comedy film directed by Cal Brunker; it is the sequel to the 2014 film ‘The Nut Job’.

In the film, Surly Squirrel (Will Arnett) and the gang are back in Oakton where the evil mayor has decided to bulldoze Liberty Park and build a dangerous amusement park in its place. Surly and his ragtag group of animal friends’ band together to save their home, defeat the mayor, and take back the park.

Quiet Until the Thaw

Author: Alexandra Fuller Two Native American cousins, Rick Overlooking Horse and You Choose Watson, though bound by blood and by land, find themselves at odds as they grapple with the implications of their shared heritage.

When escalating anger toward the injustices, historical and current, inflicted upon the Lakota people by the federal government leads to tribal divisions and infighting, the cousins go in separate directions: Rick chooses the path of peace; You Choose, violence.

Goodbye, Vitamin

Author: Rachel Khong Freshly disengaged from her fiancé and feeling that life has not turned out quite the way she planned, thirty-year-old Ruth quits her job, leaves town and arrives at her parents’ home to find that situation more complicated than she’d realized. Her father, a prominent history professor, is losing his memory and is only erratically lucid. Ruth’s mother, meanwhile, is lucidly erratic. But as Ruth’s father’s condition intensifies, the comedy in her situation takes hold, gently transforming her all her grief.

August 2017

59

Chill Out

Movies

WEB WORLD

Summer Activities Before the I-am-bored chant rings around the house, get them busy with interesting summer activities

W

ith summer heat taking the fun out of outdoor activities, you would need to rely on your ingenuity to come up with interesting things to occupy their time or, better still, check online for resources to get you going.

We found some fun activities on http://www.goodhousekeeping. com/home/craft-ideas/how-to/ g1389/diy-kids-activities to add colour and excitement to the long summer days. The website has 40 boredom-busting activities to do with the kids and keep them awayfrom their Tabs or computers.

The page also opens links to a host of fun things to do, like: • Fun Activities for Kids • Kids Craft Projects • Kids Educational Games • Food Art for Kids • Kids Homemade Craft • Fun Activities with Kids • Easy Homemade Crafts • Simple Kids Crafts • Games for Preschool

60

Go on, make this summer special for your kids.

All of them are packed with several craft ideas to keep everyone busy at home. The boredom-buster ideas come with separate tutorials to make things easy and learn in quick steps. The activities range from tie-dye and gardening to decorative crafts

Riddle Time

1 2 3 4 5

that you could display in children’s rooms or in a designated spot in your living room.

Riddle Time Answers

Why did the boy tiptoe past the medicine cabinet?

(July 2017)

What do you call a funny mountain?

2

What goes up when the rain comes down?

What happened to the wooden car with wooden wheels and wooden engine?

Which month do soldiers hate most? ?

August 2017

1

What dog keeps the best time?

Answer: A watch dog.

What do you call the new girl at the bank Answer: The Nutella!

3

What did the fish say when he swam into the wall?

Answer: dam

4

What streets do ghosts haunt?

Answer: Dead ends!

5

Why did the man with one hand cross the road?

Answer: To get to the second hand shop

Books

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget World of sounds

GADGET NOTES

In a first of its kind, researchers have designed sounds that can be recorded by microphones, even when they are inaudible to humans. Microphones are specifically built to hear the human voice - humans can’t hear at levels higher than 20 kHz. However, the new sound is completely inaudible to humans (40 kHz or above) and yet is audible to any microphone.

The sound combines multiple tones that, when interacting with the microphone’s mechanics, create what researchers call a ‘shadow’; it is a sound that the microphones can detect.

What this would mean is that military and government officials could secure private and confidential meetings from electronic eavesdropping or cinemas and concerts could prevent unauthorised recording of movies and live performances.

Flexible wearable electronics

Engineers at North Carolina State University have designed a flexible thermoelectric energy harvester that has the potential to improve the effectiveness of existing power wearable electronic devices, using body heat as the only source of energy. In comparison to rigid devices, flexible devices have been known to be less efficient. Researchers wanted to utilise the best thermoelectric materials used in rigid devices in a flexible package, so that manufacturers wouldn’t need to develop new materials when creating flexible devices. Liquid metal in the flexible thermoelectric device allows for self-healing. Future research will focus on improving the efficiencies of these flexible devices, by using materials and techniques to further eliminate parasitic resistances.

Xchime - a smart doorbell

With all things smart about the new homes, it is now time to extend it to the doorbell too. The Xchime is more than just a video doorbell. It is all about adding convenience and security, with features such as a garage door opener and smart light bulb integration.

Security goes beyond that of the front door.

Xchime allows users to check out the status of the garage door instantly from the mobile device. One can opt to open or close it with a single touch via the mobile app.

Bites Jill had come in for a routine physical examination at the doctor’s office.

She was greeted by the nurse, who said, “Here”, handing her a urine specimen container. “The bathroom is over there on your right. The doctor will be with you in a few minutes.”

A.I. and the health revolution

With artificial intelligence rapidly moving into health care, researchers believe personal doctors could well be a bot. Bots, or automated programmes, are likely to play a key role in finding cures for some of the most difficult-totreat diseases and conditions. AI is better known in the tech field for uses such as autonomous driving or defeating experts in the board game. It can also be used to glean new insights from existing data such as electronic health records and lab tests. It is also increasingly seen as a means for detecting depression and other mental illnesses, by spotting patterns that may not be obvious, even to professionals.

A few minutes later Jill came out of the bathroom with an empty container and a relieved look on her face. “Thanks! But they had a toilet in there, so I didn’t need this after all!”

Jimmy wasn’t feeling well, so he went to the doctor. After examining him, the doctor took his wife aside, and said, “Jimmy has a very sensitive heart. I am afraid he’s not going to make it, unless you treat him like a king. That means you have to be at his every beck and call, 24 hours a day, and that he doesn’t have to do anything himself.” On the way home,

Jimmy asked, with a note of concern, “What did the doctor say?”

“Well”, replied his wife, “he said it looks like you probably won’t make it.”

Jerry was in the hospital recovering from surgery, when a nurse asked him how he was feeling. “I’m okay, but I didn’t like the four-letter-word the doctor used in surgery,” he answered.

“What did he say,” enquires the nurse.

“Oops!”

August 2017

61

Chill Out

Movies

FUTURESCOPE

August2017

Leo

(July 23-August 22) Leo, your personal power and independence are at their maximum.

This is a chance to have things your way; to create the conditions for your own happiness. You are at your maximum personal creativity too, so make those changes that have to be done - now. Love is still happy this month. There is more romance with your beloved. Look forward to very prosperous month. Health was exceptional last month and is exceptional in the month ahead.

Aries

You are in an independent state of mind since the beginning of the year. But now it is high time to let go of self-interest and focus on others. It’s time to take a vacation from yourself. Your social skills will bring you what pure ability can’t, so it is now time to develop these skills. Put others first and your own good will come to you very naturally.

Taurus

Like last month, you are doing a good job in balancing home and career and doing a good job in both. This is a time for making psychological-type breakthroughs in your life. You understand your moods and feelings, and also those of others. This is the time to party and take advantage of life; it is a time for more leisure and recreation.

Gemini

There is still a career instability and change happening. Only time will sort things out. So, maintain the focus on the home and family. Visualize, dream and affirm what you want and allow the power of the universe to make these things go on in its own way. This is a month for coming

to terms with the past, for resolving old traumas and experiences.

Cancer

You are still in a yearly financial peak. Your earning power is at its maximum right now. Friends and family seem unusually supportive. Reliable high tech skills and equipment are of great importance now and most likely you’re spending more on these things. Your career is boosted by the superior work ethics you follow. Health is good this month.

Virgo

The month ahead is pleasant and successful. It is a period for being independent, for standing on your own two feet and for having your way in life. Ride the changes necessary that offer you happiness. This may stress a current relationship, but this stress is also temporary. You look prosperous and productive this month. You dress that way and others see you that way too.

Libra

Love is close to home, in the neighbourhood, and there is no need to travel far and wide in search of it. You are probably seeing people outside your normal social sphere this month – but the action is in your neighbourhood. Love and social opportunities could happen at a lecture, a school function, the library or the bookstore. Your personal appearance will shine through.

Scorpio

Scorpio, you have the power to make changes that need to be made. You have the power to have things your way. If others don’t is matched by you, go it alone.

Your personal initiative matters now. Don’t compromise. Create the conditions that make for your happiness. You are still in a

Martha Stewart (August 3, 1941)

Domestic diva and television personality Martha Steward, has built an empire of home-based products.

As the founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, she has gained success through a variety of business ventures, encompassing publishing, broadcasting, merchandising and e-commerce. She has written numerous books and is the publisher of the Martha Stewart Living magazine. She hosted two longrunning syndicated television shows – Martha and Martha Stewart Living.

62

August 2017

very fruitful period - a yearly career peak.

Sagittarius

This is an active and frenetic, but very successful month. Your main challenge will be the maintenance of high energy levels in the midst of all the activity. This is critical to succeed, but keep your focus on the essentials and not play ball with trivia.

You can also enhance the health by giving attention to your heart and eating right.

Capricorn

You are in a great period for paying down debt or for making it, depending on your need. If you have a viable business idea, this is a good time to approach outside investors for backing. Your partner is in the midst of a yearly financial peak. Happily you and the beloved are in better fiscal harmony and are cooperating. This is also a huge month for weight loss and detox regimes.

Aquarius

Happy opportunities are coming to you this month, but they need more study.

Personal earnings are stressful and you need to work harder to reach your goals.

Earnings happen but more slowly. The good news is that the spouse, partner or current love is prospering; he or she is in a yearly financial peak and is picking up the slack.

Pisces

Love is always happy this month. The love and social life has been important all year and is all the more acute in the month ahead. However, your challenge in love is to balance your interests with the interests of the beloved; to be a member of a position to love and cooperate in spite of differing perspectives. Career looks successful and active this month.

Books

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget

WEIRD NEWS Lobster has cold?

Italy’s highest court has ruled that lobsters must not be kept on ice in restaurant kitchens, as it causes them unjustifiable suffering before they are cooked for fine diners. The ruling followed a complaint by an animal rights group against the owner of a restaurant, who kept live crustaceans on ice. He was ordered to pay a 2,000 Euro fine and a further 3,000 Euros in legal fees. The court ruled that the fact that lobsters are usually cooked while still alive does not mean they can be mistreated beforehand.

Summer Notes Fun facts about summer l

l l l

Crickets on the menu

In what appears to be a culinary revolution, a start-up in Brussels is pushing crunchy crickets as a protein alternative to meat. It said its crickets, which can be eaten dried, in different flavours such as garlic or tomato, or turned into flour, were also friendlier on the environment compared to some cattle farming. Eating insects is a common practice in countries such as China, Ghana, Mexico and Thailand.

l l

l l

l

Summer vacation was invented by Horace Mann after he was elected as Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education in 1837.

The summer solstice, which kicks off the season, usually falls on June 20 or June 21.

The word ‘solstice’ is from Latin for sun stand still.

Summer solstice celebrations often involve dancing around a maypole (although some countries celebrate with maypoles in the spring).

The Eiffel Tower grows in summer; it can grow more than six inches in hot weather.

The ‘dog days of summer’ refer to the weeks between July 3 and August 11 and are named after the Dog Star (Sirius) in the Canis Major constellation. The ancient Greeks blamed Sirius for the hot temperatures, drought, discomfort, and sickness that occurred during the summer.

Marc Antony named the month of July, in honour of Julius Caesar.

The month of August was named for Julius Caeser’s adopted nephew Gaius Julius Caesar Octavius, who held the title ‘Augustus’.

Medical experts say children are more likely to gain weight over the summer, because they are less active and are more likely to have an inconsistent sleep schedule.

Living dolls…

A Spanish firm has made eerily realistic human babies, which look, move and feel almost exactly like a newborn. It has also made aliens and fictional characters. The entire range of ‘Reborn Babies’ was on display at a trade fair in Spain. Some of the basic silicone dolls cost almost 600 Euros, while high-end models, equipped with motors that make the doll appear to breathe or suck on a pacifier, cost nearly 5,000 Euros. In addition to human babies, and ones that look like the blue aliens from the film ‘Avatar’, the company makes baby chimpanzees, tiny mermaids and infants with elf-style pointed ears.

August 2017

63

Buckle up…

It’s a long way home.

meet playful

C.R. NO: 1640747

Every decision is easy, every action is effortless, every destination within reach, when we are connected together.

Amazing happens together.