FACES Issue No. 131

Issue 131, January 2018

Family Attitude Class Entertainment Success

Editor’s Note

S

ay a big ‘Hello’ to the New Year, as FACES, fresh from the celebrations following Oman’s thumping victory against UAE in the 23rd Gulf Cup, takes the ‘trend’ bus to check out what is brewing in the world of fashion, beauty, gadgets, travel, food and all things that count in your lifestyle goals for the year. While new gadgets and apps will vie for attention alongside fashion fads and new beauty products, what will be interesting to watch out are the new experiences that will be listed as travel musts. Food industry is also gearing up to colour the New Year with ingredients that will take the health and wellness route. Medical experts are also hopeful of welcoming exciting new ventures in the health sector.

Founder / Essa Bin Mohammed Al Zedjali Chairman & Editor-in-Chief / Mohammed Issa Al Zedjali Chief Executive Officer / Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali Business Director / Sophia Raman Editorial Consultant / Suzy Fontes Art Director / Pushpender K. Sharma Operations / M.V.V. Sagar

On the home route, with the Gulf Cup celebrations still ringing the air, FACES cover story will track the new developments that are set to colour 2018 in Oman, Muscat in particular. With a busy construction calendar and prestigious launches in the offing, Oman looks set to overcome the lull in its economy.

The listicle of projects, to be completed in 2018 and the coming years well complement the regular features, including artificial intelligence and technological advances, that will zip through the trends that are anticipated to create global changes.

RY cover STO

PB 770, PC 112, Ruwi, Oman Tel: +968 24 811953 . Fax: +968 24 813153 Printed At / Oriental Printing Press Tel: +968 24816952, 24815330

Email - Editorial editor@facesoman.com

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This January issue of FACES is designed as a quick guide of all things that the year will unfold - whether it is new cosmetic products, fashion ideas, colour dictates, food revolutions, travel destinations, home interiors and technological innovations or simply new ways to unwind and relax without the aid of gadgets and devices. It will carry forward the festive mood, set vibrantly in our December issue, to an upbeat tone for the New Year.

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January 2018

Copyright 2018 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.

January 2018

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FACES Features 12 Cover Story

Oman is scripting a new chapter in its developmental phase with a line-up of construction activities that will add vibrancy to the New Year and set the pace of growth for the coming years

18 In Conversation

Kapil Maini, General Manager of Darwish AST Services, talks about his personal and professional growth, as he charts his endearing bond with Oman, which he calls home

20 In The Spotlight -

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GUtech’s Prof. Jansen and his team will initiate new research on Mohenjo-Daro, one of the largest Bronze Age cities of the ancient world Bait Al Zubair Foundation’s endeavour to connect Omani artists with the abodes of literary pioneers of the country, resulted in the recently concluded exhibition titled ‘Artistic Journey in Omani Spiritual Poetry’

22 Centre Stage

A school dropout turned antique collector, Jamal Muhammad Ali has honed his skills for treasuring artefacts, says Muntasir Al Farsy, as he narrates his experience following a leisurely visit to antique shop in Muttrah

24 Feast On

Zeitoun’s culinary journey, which began two years ago with Mediterranean cuisine, has fused its path with Omani cuisine to usher in the New Year with a menu crafted by Oman’s celebrity chef Issa Al Lamki

26 Let’s Cook -

Get creative with the everyday potato, as Simran Dhanju shares her favourite recipe When the winter evenings turn up the chills, cook up a hot soup and enjoy the pleasant moods of the season

FACES Health 28 Health Check

Health dictates cannot change drastically with the change of the calendar, but medical experts are anticipating certain trends to become more pronounced in the health and wellness industry in 2018

FACES Travel

32 Explore Oman

The renovated Muttrah Fort, which was opened to the public earlier last year, is a must-visit destination to experience the panoramic beauty of the Corniche area and unravel a chapter of the country’s interesting past

34 Just Travel

If travel is on your mind but destination is iffy, check out the travel trends that are expected to spur the travel industry in the New Year

FACES Style 30 In The Luxe

If paradise were made of rooms that spell luxury and opulence, you could have a taste of it at one of the exclusive suites around the world

36 Look Good

Check out what is trending in the world of makeup to give your New Year a fresh glamour appeal

38 Style File

International fashion circuit is buzzing with action, as A-listers and social media influencers are setting the trends for the New Year with clothes that are anything but minimalistic

FACES Elements 48 At Home

Give your home a New Year gift by incorporating décor trends that are set to rock the world of interiors in 2018

50 Relatively Speaking Before the New Year scampers into its usual rush-rush mode, get the hang of meditation to press the pause button and soak in the joys of everyday life

52 Mandate

Bold colours and loose trousers will vie for attention with retro styles, as men’s fashion trends for the year gets set to add finesse to the regular pant-shirt affair

FACES SPECIAL

42 New Year Special

A quick snapshot of trends buzzing in the world of high tech gadgets, ever growing social media and sensorial food

FACES Razzmatazz 08 Star Light

Ellen Lee DeGeneres is funny and charming in her professional domain and compassionate and caring in her charitable ventures

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

Grand Millennium Hotel Muscat Launches Luxury Apartments Grand Millennium Hotel Muscat, located in the heart of Muscat and with direct access to Muscat Grand Mall, has launched a range of luxury apartments specially structured to cater to the needs of families and extended stay guests. Some of the three and four-bedroom apartments come with private indoor pools – perfect for those seeking total exclusivity and an upscale lifestyle.

These elegantly designed apartments, built to world-class specifications and stylishly decorated, come complete with living and dining areas, fully fitted kitchens, spacious bathrooms, and individual work and relaxation areas. The apartments are categorised as studio, one, two, three and four-bedroom expansive apartments, spacing from 58 square meters to 320 square meters of luxury living space.

Bites Pizzas from Pizza Hut Crowne Plaza opens at OCEC Big Pizza Hut Oman has just released an exciting new take on

InterContinental Hotels Group, one of the world’s leading hotel companies and Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) has announced the opening of Crowne Plaza at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat. The newly opened hotel will be the second Crowne Plaza in the capital and the fifth in Oman, demonstrating the increasing popularity of the brand in the Sultanate. The 296-room hotel is conveniently located 10 minutes from the New Muscat International Airport and is a part of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) project. OCEC is Muscat’s state-of-the-art commercial hub for business and international events. The hotel also boasts a selection of five dining options including ‘Mosaic’ that offers an all-day menu and ‘Charm Thai’ that offers an authentic taste of Thailand in an ambient environment.

stuffed-crust pizza. The large pizza comes with 12 pockets of cheese and a medium pizza with 8 pockets or cheeseburger instead of regular crust, encouraging patrons to ‘eat it backwards’. Pizza Hut’s all-new Big Bites Pizzas are available in two options – ‘Meaty Big Bites’, and ‘Cheesy Big Bites’, with each pocket ‘overflowing’ with mini cheeseburger patty topped with mozzarella, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes and beef; or mozzarella, cheddar and string cheese respectively. Available for Dine-In, Delivery and Take-Away customers at all Pizza Hut outlets (except Express stores), the ‘Eat it Backwards’ Big Bites Pizza is a result of Pizza Hut’s focus on innovation and growth; and is available until 15th February 2018 for just RO 4.750 (Medium) RO 6.150 (Large), with taxes as applicable.

Hormuz Grand Hotel wins the World Luxury Hotel Award Hormuz Grand Hotel, Muscat, a Quorvus collection hotel by Carlson Rezidor, has been awarded the prestigious ‘2017 Luxury Hotel Country Winner’ title for Oman. Hormuz Grand was nominated at the World Luxury Hotel Awards and was voted by guests as country winner Oman for its dedication and engaging service. The award is the pinnacle of achievement in the luxury hotel sector. The ceremony took place at The Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz, Switzerland in early December 2017, and the award was presented to Panos Panagis, General Manager & District Director of Hormuz Grand Hotel.

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Al Mouj Muscat unveils the extension of Marsa Promenade Al Mouj Muscat recently opened an extension to the Marsa Promenade, a vibrant marina front destination at the heart of the development and a space where people can meet and relax. It is an open space overlooking the marina and anchored by dining options, venue for public events and pedestrian pathways. The Promenade is one of the most serene sights at Al Mouj Muscat and is closely located to Mysk and Kempenski hotels, Marsa Plaza and The Walk. As Al Mouj Muscat expands The Walk across the promenade, this is another weekend hangout for families and friends.

Al Mina Waterfront Residences & Yacht Club Barr Al Jissah, organised a ground-breaking ceremony for the Al Mina Waterfront Residences and Yacht Club, at the Barr Al Jissah Presentation Centre last month. The occasion marks the beginning of the construction process for the development, which includes a residential mix of apartments, penthouses and villas, retail boardwalk as well as the Al Mina Private Yacht Club. The sleek design of the luxurious marina apartments, penthouses, duplexes and villas take inspiration from the unrivalled Riviera sea front setting, featuring an extensive use of glass, modern clean lines, generous balconies and outdoor areas; whilst retaining the destination’s Omani roots.

The development aims to deliver an unrivalled sense of place and to create a much sought-after destination for relaxation, waterfront dining, and luxury living.

Bin Mirza International Alargan Towell launches Opens Oman’s First the Last Phase of ‘Mazar’a wagamama Restaurant Al Harth’ Wagamama has opened its doors for the first time in Alargan Towell Investment Company announced the last the Sultanate. Offering a fresh, Japanese-inspired menu, the new wagamama restaurant is located in the heart of Muscat at the Al Qurum Complex and is operated by Bin Mirza International. The opening of the restaurant was attended by more than 140 guests, including the Ambassador of Japan and representatives of the South Korean Embassy, as well as VIPs and members of the media and social media. Muscat residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes, including wagamama’s signature ramen; bowls of fragrant soup filled with noodles plus meat or vegetables. Spice enthusiasts can delight in the much-loved prawn firecracker, and for vegetarians the tofu chili salad is a fresh and crunchy treat.

phase of ‘Mazar’a Al Harth’ for customers interested in owning plots at the outstanding real estate project in Barka. The company points out that the launch of the phase follows the success of the previous ones where entire plots were sold out in record time. In addition, most landowners of the previous stages have completed the construction of their houses; with the constructed units accounting for 65 percent of the sold plots. The ‘Mazar’a Al Harth’ project, in the Wilayat of Barka, is one of the most prominent residential projects. It is located at the heart of Barka, close to the main road and major commercial services. The project has 145 residential plots and it is characterised for having a complete network of internal roads and services.

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The DeGeneres Factor Ellen Lee DeGeneres is funny and charming in her professional domain and compassionate and caring in her charitable ventures

E

llen DeGeneres is a brand that has grown into a global phenomenon. She has, in her own charming ways, used fame as a leverage to influence her fans and followers to inculcate compassion in their everyday lives and support charities and organisations dedicated to help those in need.

Ellen personally supports people and families who are facing difficulties owing to poverty and lack of health care. She has, time and again, used her popular ‘The Ellen Show’ as a platform to reach out to the needy and create awareness among her viewers about the less privileged in the society. As in her public life, her personal life too is marked by her humanitarian ventures. She, along with Ben Affleck, initiated the ‘Small Change Campaign’ to end hunger in America, and has financially supported ‘The Gentle Barn’, which is devoted to rescuing and rehabilitating abused farm animals.

To add to her charitable ventures, Ellen also found ways to make her 2014 Oscar selfie tweet work in favour of her humanitarian mission.

Samsung, the phone used by Ellen to take the popular selfie, donated $1 to charity for every retweet, which

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January 2018

reached to over 3 million retweets.

The money was donated to Ellen’s chosen charities - St Jude’s Children’s Hospital and The Humane Society.

Ellen supports a wide range of charities, mainly those concerned with disadvantaged youths; organisations associated with depression and suicide, animal protection, cancer and AIDs, as well as refugees and human trafficking.

Her overwhelming commitment to charity has been recognised at various forums. In January 2016 she won the Favourite Humanitarian Award at the People’s Choice Awards. Her acceptance speech at the award ceremony demonstrated her attitude to serve those in need.

She said: “It’s a little strange to get an award for being nice and generous and kind, which is what we are all supposed to do with one another.

That’s the point of being human…

Deep down we all love each other and we really need to get back to that.”

Ellen DeGeneres, who turns 60 on January 26, has savoured fame and adulation from close quarters. It

was way back in the 1980s that she initiated her career as a stand-up comedian and went on to star in the popular sitcom ‘Ellen’ from 1994 to 1998. Her syndicated TV talk show, ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’, which was started in 2003, continues to date.As an American comedian, television host, actress, writer, and producer, Ellen has become a familiar face; she has found her niche among like minded folks.

Her career as a film actress included ‘Mr. Wrong’ and ‘The Love Letter’, but it was her voice of Dory in the animated film ‘Finding Nemo’ in 2003 and ‘Finding Dory’ in 2016 that won her recognition. She won the ‘Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress’, which was the first for a voice performance.

What makes Ellen an inspiration for her fans is not just her celebrity status as an entertainer, it is her wisdom in using that popularity to influence them to inculcate compassion into their lives and do their bit for charity. As she says, “I’m not an activist; I don’t look for controversy. I’m not a political person, but I’m a person with compassion. I care passionately about equal rights. I care about human rights. I care about animal rights.”

GET HOME SAFE

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

Selena Gomez reunited with Justin Bieber?

New drama series around Octavia Spencer The Academy Award winning actress is set to be the main subject of a new original drama series

by Apple. The project, titled ‘Are You Sleeping’, will star Spencer and will be produced by Reese Witherspoon’s ‘Hello Sunshine’ company. The series is based on the Kathleen Barber novel of the same name and will give viewers a look inside the obsession with true crime podcasts. According to the synopsis of the series, it will ‘challenge its viewers to consider the consequences when the pursuit of justice is placed on a public stage.’

According to fans of Gomez, there are apparent signs of reunion with Beiber, following their holiday season rendezvous. Gomez has supposedly told her coterie that things will work this time around as the two have turned their lives over to a higher power. As one insider pointed out, “Selena swears that her relationship with Justin is different because they both have finally found God.” Sources have also noted that Beiber and Selena have been attending church regularly and even going to couples therapy. They both began the New Year by attending a private Pilates session.

Nick Cannon defends Chris Brown

Following Nick Cannon’s announcement that he and Chris Brown will star in an upcoming women’s basketball film titled ‘She Ball’, Twitter took out its ire for casting Brown, who has a history of domestic violence against his girlfriend. Cannon, who is also set to write and direct the movie, defended the singer, pointing out that he believes there is a double standard with Black men and the media. ‘What about Sean Penn? They ever hate on his past?’, he asked, referring to the accusations made against actor Sean Penn for reportedly attacking his ex-wife, Madonna, with a baseball bat in 1987.

Meghan Markle’s father hurt by the Royal Family Meghan Markle’s father is said to be reportedly hurt by the inadvertent comments made by the Royal family. In a recent interview on the BBC radio show ‘Today’, Prince Harry, talking about his fiancée’s family, said the Royals were the family she has never had. “She has done an absolutely amazing job (adjusting). She’s getting in there and it’s the family I suppose that she’s never had,” he said. The comments went viral, and Meghan’s half-sister, Samantha took to the media to state that they were anything but estranged, while growing up. Their father, Thomas, also joined in, pointing out that he was ‘extremely hurt’ by the comments made.

Wiz Khalifa still loves Amber Rose Wiz Khalifa confessed his

love for Amber Rose in a new freestyle, recently.

Although the couple has moved on to new relationships since their split in 2014, Wiz revealed that they still love one another in a new freestyle on the ‘Big Boy’s Neighborhood’ radio show. Radio host Big Boy and Wiz wrote down different words they wanted each other to freestyle about.

Wiz, who was surprised when he saw his ex-wife’s name, rapped, “I don’t want no drama. Why you gotta bring up my baby mama,” over Bruno Mars’ “That’s What I Like” instrumentals. “I still love her. She loves me too…” he added.

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Tittle

a

“You look for parallels in your life, and I’m lucky because there is a lot here… I haven’t met him yet, but I’m eager to meet him before we shoot.

I got nothing but love and respect for him.”

- Shia LaBeouf says he has everything in common with John McEnroe, at a press conference for his latest film ‘Borg/McEnroe’.

“It’s beyond irresponsible…

There is no way around it. The best way to do it is to just address it right on.

You just got to say exactly what it is. That’s not the finest hour of my life…”

- Kevin Hart admits to cheating on his wife during an appearance on Power 105.1’s ‘The Breakfast Club’.

“We went on real calls with police officers and we were in this Black neighborhood in LA, and something happens and the cops get out a sprint and leave us...there are these 10 Black dudes that are coming walking around the car, and they’re looking and I’m sitting there and I’m like, ‘Aww, man. I’ll do my best for you, buddy.”

- Will Smith speaks about how policing in America helped him in his role as Daryl Ward, in the sci-fi film ‘Bright’.

“You know you’re privileged when you don’t recognise all your privileges. I try to tell my kids this, but it’s hard to see through all that privilege they have.”

- Terry Crews took to Twitter to school trolls on the importance of privilege.

“(Otunga’s) and his agents’ ongoing effort to place (me) in a false light and create negative news is harmful to the parties’ child and to (my) career.”

- Jennifer Hudson, who is in the middle of a custody battle with her ex-fiancé, David Otunga, has asked a judge for an emergency protection order to prevent Otunga’s ‘continued efforts to place her in a bad January July 2018 2017 light and tarnish her reputation.’

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Oman is scripting a new chapter in its developmental phase with a line-up of construction activities that will add vibrancy to the New Year and set the pace of growth for the coming years

E

ven as conversations around the water cooler in offices and at social dos with friends continue to veer towards the lows in the economy, there is a structured developmental plan that will see 2018 gearing up for a bright dawn. From malls and hotels to infrastructural facilities, Oman is seemingly back in the swing of things, gradually lifting the milieu of dullness that had enveloped the business world.

With construction activities setting the pace for an economic vibrancy, here is a quick rundown of some of the big ones that will shape the economic and social terrain of the country.

History of Science Center

The History of Science Center, which was formally opened at the German University of Technology Oman (GUtech), recently, creates a link between art and science with nature and geometry while symbolising infinity and divinity. Designed and supervised by the Omani-German architectural and engineering consultancy, Hoehler + alSalmy (H+S), the building will be open to public shortly.

The star shaped entrance leads the way to the hall faced with the endless staircase resembling an architectural journey to the international artefacts museum on the first floor. Here, a sundial is found telling the time of day using the ray of sunlight coming through the mashrabiya façade. The lower level of the exhibition space is a free-standing box protected and wrapped by the facade.

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The space includes a children’s play area, a temporary exhibition area and a heritage research library, as well as a coffee shop overlooking a dhow placed in the shallow water resembling a marina. The space can also be used as a cultural events venue.

The structure was developed according to the sun ecliptic, sectioned in 3 widths for divers, providing shading effect for the entire building and creating both a transforming and morphing effect throughout the structure. It acts as a mediator, bringing past Islamic sciences of the ‘golden age’ with the current university studies at the GUtech.

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Since completion, the project has already gained international attention from around the world - winning the World Architecture community awards in 2017 February, followed by being named as the national winner for Building Project of the Year at MEED quality project programme awards in March 2017.

445MW power plant

Oman-based Dhofar Generation Company (DGC) will start generating power from a new natural gas-fired 445MW plant (Salalah II) from January 2018.

A consortium consisting of Japan’s Mitsui & Co, Saudi Arabia’s Acwa Power, and Dhofar International Development and Investment Holding Company were awarded a contract to build a $630m (RO242.5m) power plant in Salalah’s Raysut area in 2015. As part of the deal, the consortium has acquired Dhofar Generating Company, which owns and operates a 273MW gas-fired power plant at the adjacent site, from Electricity Holding Company (Nama Holding).

This will take the total power capacity of Dhofar Generating Company to 718MW, once the new plant starts operation.

Electricity demand in the Dhofar region is projected to grow by 7 percent per annum for the next seven years, from an average of 348MW in 2016 to 559MW in 2023, the report added.

However, peak demand is expected to grow at about 6 percent per year, from 497MW in 2016 to 765MW in 2023, according to a Seven-Year Outlook Report released by the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP).

Phase 2 of OCEC

The fully integrated Oman Exhibition & Convention Centre (OCEC), which has become operational following the completion of Phase 1 – the Exhibition Centre, is all set to complete the Phase 2 by June this year.

Developed by Omran within Madinat al Irfan – a world-class, urban mixed-use development, OCEC is located only 4kms from Muscat International Airport. Phase one of the purpose-built Exhibition Centre opened its doors to visitors in October 2016. Since then the OCEC has hosted over 55 regional and international events, and has recently won the bid to host the World Cancer Congress in 2020.

Phase two of the project is the iconic Convention Centre, which includes the multi-purpose state-of-the-art built-in auditorium with a capacity of 3,200; it is planned to be operational by June 2018. The Banquet Building, which includes two large ballrooms, a theatre of 450 seats, a number of meeting rooms and the central food-court, is currently in the final finishing stage; it is expected to be available for booking for events ahead of completion.

The OCEC precinct includes four hotels - two under construction and two in the planning phase; a future shopping mall and a commercial business park. The launch of the much-anticipated Crowne Plaza Hotel happened in November 2017, bringing over 296 hotel rooms to business and leisure travellers visiting the OCEC and Madinat al Irfan. The JW Marriott Hotel is set to be fully operational in June 2018, bringing a further 304 rooms to the destination.

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JW Marriott Hotel

JW Marriott is a 5 star hotel being developed as part of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) complex. It will feature a total of 304 keys, plus food and beverage outlets, meeting facilities and a health and leisure club. Once completed, the OCEC complex will include a total of four hotels, a business park, a retail shopping mall, plus the Convention Centre Precinct.

As with all projects under construction by Omran and within the OCEC, the hotel is being built according to the highest standards of environment sustainability and has been designed to meet the criteria for the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the United States Green Building Council.

Mall of Muscat

Palm Mall, which was officially rebranded to Mall of Muscat by developers Al Jarwani and Tamani Global for Development and Investment, last November, is expected to open as scheduled in the last quarter of 2018.

Located in Mabela, the Mall will house the much-anticipated Oman Aquarium, covering 8,000sqm, and a 5,500sqm Snow Park. The Mall of Muscat will bring in 23 brands, which will occupy a total area of approximately 11,000sqm. Some of these brands, such as PF Chang, Debenhams, Pottery Barn & Pottery Barn Kids, Muji and West Elm, will be available for the first time. Lulu Group has also confirmed their presence with the opening of the biggest Lulu Hypermarket in Oman, occupying a total area of approximately 22,000sqm. The Landmark Group has also signed up with 3 brands, covering an impressive total area of 5,420sqm.

Al Othaim Group from KSA will introduce their family entertainment concept Faby Land to Oman for the first time.

Faby Land will be spread over on a total area of 7,500sqm and offer an array of the latest amusement rides, attractions and games. Extreme Zone concept by Al Othaim will also offer a unique experience to the adventurous youth of Oman.

My City Centre - Sur

Majid Al Futtaim Properties’ newest community mall, My City Centre Sur in Oman, with Oman Shapoorji Company LLC (OSCO) & Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast LLC (SPML) as the project’s main contractor, is expected to be complete by the end of 2018. The RO15.2 million project will offer 177,605sqft of gross leasable area with a tailored mix of practical and lifestyle-oriented stores and services. The shopping centre will feature a 73,195sqft Carrefour Hypermarket as well as 50 select stores, including F&B outlets and Oman’s first City Centre Clinic and a Magic Planet.

The new mall will be located on Sur’s main commercial road, and is set to be a key destination for both residents and the growing number of tourists visiting this coastal city for a dekko of its dhow yards, beaches and wadis.

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Opening its doors for business in the first quarter of 2018, Kempinski Hotel Muscat in Oman will stand in the Al Mouj community. Guests to the property will be able to enjoy two kilometres of beach; Oman’s only signature PGA standard 18-hole golf course, designed

by Greg Norman; as well as the 400berth Al Mouj Marina – Oman’s largest private yachting hub.

cover STORY

Kempinski Hotel Muscat

Kempinski Hotel Muscat will house 310 rooms with 40 suites and two presidential suites, each with a private swimming pool, as well as eight F&B outlets. Standing next to the property, the Kempinski Residences will offer 77 serviced apartments for long stays and leasing.

Al Mina Waterfront Residences & Yacht Club

Barr Al Jissah organised a ground-breaking ceremony for the Al Mina Waterfront Residences and Yacht Club, at the Barr Al Jissah Presentation Centre last month. The occasion marked the beginning of the construction process for the development, which includes a residential mix of apartments, penthouses and villas, retail boardwalk as well as the Al Mina Private Yacht Club.

The sleek design of the luxurious marina apartments, penthouses, duplexes and villas take inspiration from the unrivalled Riviera sea front setting, featuring an extensive use of glass, modern clean lines, generous balconies and outdoor areas; whilst retaining the destination’s Omani roots. The development aims to deliver an unrivalled sense of place and to create a much sought-after destination for relaxation, waterfront dining, and luxury living.

The sophisticated architectural design of the residences is inspired by the latest international marina styles, with the penthouse apartments offering luxury linear living together with a dual level decking that incorporates a luxurious rooftop pool. The duplex apartments are designed with double height living spaces, creating a sense of space and a seamless connection to the bay and the stunning marina outlook. The unparalleled Al Mina villas offer three spacious floors of open plan living; with the ground floor featuring a smooth transition from living space to a landscaped garden area with an infinity swimming pool and dedicated BBQ area.

The Al Mina development also has fully Integrated Tourism Complex Status (ITC) with buyers and their families eligible to apply for Oman resident visas, making travelling into and out of the Sultanate effortless.

InterContinental Tilal Muscat Hotel & Golf Clubhouse

This ongoing project of a 9-storey hotel at Airport Heights, within the Muscat Hills, will have a total built area of 50,000sqm. Expected to be complete in 2019, the project will feature 244 spacious guest rooms, leisure facilities with two tennis courts and three outdoor swimming pools. It will also have spa facilities with gymnasium, treatment rooms, two full service specialty restaurants, one all-day dining restaurant and ballroom and fully equipped meeting facilities.

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Mazoon Dairy Farm

Mazoon Dairy Company has appointed Al Adrak Trading and Contracting as the main contractor for a $259.8m (OMR100m) dairy and juice manufacturing plant project in the Governorate of Al Buraimi. Construction works on the project is expected to be complete by the third quarter of 2018.

Mazoon Dairy is the flagship dairy project of the Sultanate, developed under its national food security initiative. It is supported by the Oman Food Investment Company, as well as government pension and investment funds.

The farm is expected to produce 202 million litres by 2026 and house 25,000 cows over a period of 10 years. According to the company, imports make up 69 percent of Oman’s supply of dairy products. The government is reportedly aiming to bring the number down to 10 percent by 2026.

The project includes interconnecting blocks made up of the main production building, plastic store building, administration-social building and a central utility building. The dairy farm is planned to house 25,000 HolsteinFriesian cows over a period of 10 years. The project also involves cow cooling systems and fully automated milking parlour.

The processing plant will produce fresh milk, laban, yoghurts, juices and ice cream of the highest quality, based on the international standards of HACCP and ISO. The products will be marketed under a brand that reflects Oman’s cultural values and national pride. By 2028, the farm will have the capacity to yield over 270 million litres of milk per annum, establishing Oman as a net exporter of dairy products in the next 20 years.

Hilton Garden Inn

Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with Muscat National Development and Investment Company to open Hilton Garden Inn Muscat – Al Khuwair by 2019, marking the global hospitality company’s first hotel in Muscat and second in the Sultanate of Oman.

The project involves construction of a 4 star hotel offering 232 rooms and other amenities including meeting spaces, a 24-hour business centre and food and beverage options. The project, a result of an agreement with Muscat Municipality to develop a 16,000sqm plot in the heart of Al Khuwair, broke ground in February 2016 with plans for the hotel to welcome its first guests in the first quarter of 2019.

Located on Dohat Al Adab Street, the seven-story Hilton Garden Inn Muscat will be an architectural landmark.

The hotel will feature meeting spaces and a 24-hour business centre. Food and beverage options at the hotel will include the signature 24-hour pavilion pantry for sweet treats and savoury snacks.

Cascading from the hotel arrival plaza will be the Urban Park; spanning 12,000sqm, it will include a variety of sports, entertainment and natural venues such as a square and water plaza, secret gardens, a children’s playground, and a wellness trail for jogging and cycling. It will also have a second food and beverage pavilion open to the general public. Drawing inspiration from Oman’s ancient heritage and natural beauty, the landscape will boast several water features, including a falaj, reflective ponds and water fountains.

Sohar City Centre

Majid Al Futtaim will grow its existing portfolio of malls in Oman with City Centre Sohar.

The mall, located in the Northern Governorate’s historic capital Sohar, is due to open in late 2018. With an investment of RO45 million, City Centre Sohar will add 40,000sqm of gross leasable area to the Sultanate’s booming retail sector. The construction contract for City Centre Sohar has been awarded to the Oman-based company Al Turki Enterprise.

City Centre Sohar has set a target to achieve LEED Gold status – the coveted energy-efficient design certification – within three months of opening. This will include implementing sustainable building best practice with enhanced insulation, LED lighting and solar panels that will contribute to the centre’s energy requirements. Besides, condensation from airconditioning and ventilation systems will be used for irrigation.

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Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Company LLC is a Joint Venture (JV) between Oman Oil Company (OOC) and Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI). Once the refinery is completed, it will have the capacity to process around 230,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Diesel, jet fuel, naphtha and LPG are to be its primary products. It will be one of the growth engines for the special economic zone. It will provide development opportunities for new projects that will directly and indirectly interface with the refinery. These projects will look to benefit from the refinery’s products as well as provide different logistic services to the refinery.

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Duqm Oil Refinery

Renaissance Museum

Located at Nizwa, in close proximity to Hisn Al Shumoukh landmark in the Wilayat of Manah in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, the new Renaissance Museum Project will be a cultural and educational hallmark for all visitors to Oman, when completed in 2020. The project titled ‘Oman Museum Across Ages’ is a joint venture of leading regional construction solutions provider Shapoorji Pallonji Middle East LLC and Oman Shapoorji Co LLC. Australian based multidisciplinary architectural, planning, urban and interior design firm COX is the lead consultant for the project, which has been developed under the supervision of Royal Court Affairs.

Set on an area of around 40,000sqm, the distinctive design of the ‘Oman Museum Across Ages’ has been inspired by the geometric profile of the majestic Hajar Mountains crisscrossed by ravines. Within its precincts, the exhibits aim to trace Oman’s momentous journey from prehistoric times to the present day with a specific focus on the gains of the nation’s modern renaissance led by His Majesty since 1970.

The proposal is centred on creating a unique journey, with a set of experiences like no other; it will be a place of memories and enlightenment. It aims to present the story of Oman’s history, growth and development and offer an insight into the Oman of tomorrow through a comprehensive, layered narrative. The concept fundamentally works with the unique landscape to craft a museum that seems to have emerged straight from the earth of Oman. It harmonises the landscape with the stories of human enlightenment and achievement.

Mall of Oman

Scheduled to be completed by 2020, the Mall will host an expected 350 outlets, with a retail space of more than 135,000sqm. Located near the Muscat International Airport, the Mall of Oman is planned to be the largest retail project of its kind in the sultanate. It will feature a giant snow park, a largest Vox Cinema and Magic Planet in the region; it will also include the Sultanate’s first Abercrombie & Fitch store, in addition to several other brands.

The Mall of Oman is part of a wider $1.33bn (OMR515m) investment in the country by Majid Al Futtaim, which has also announced the construction of City Centre Sohar and My City Centre Sur in the Sultanate. The mall will be constructed through a joint venture between contractors Shapoorji Pallonji Middle East and Consolidated Contractors Company Oman (SP-CCC). In addition to major earthworks and utility diversions, the contract will also entail the construction of road infrastructure, providing major access to site, which is just off the Muscat Expressway.

The development also includes energy centre, substations, plant rooms, landscaping and infrastructure. The built-up area for cinema is 9610sqm, for snow park is 14513sqm and for hypermarket is 13428sqm. The total built up area of the car park is 161313 square meters with a capacity of 5200 cars. The project will also include a hotel offering 292 rooms.

Royal Oman Police Hospital Complex

Royal Oman Police Hospital Complex, to be built in Muscat at the Airport heights area, is designed to accommodate 400 beds in the first phase – expandable to 600 beds in the future. The full-fledged hospital will provide medical care to the members of the Royal Oman Police and their families. The Hospital, covering 90,000sqm built up area, will be built in one million metre square plot, sharing staff accommodation buildings, and other hospital functional requirement facilities. The Hospital design is based on the unique concept called ‘Hospitals within the Hospital’ that stacks smaller sizes of specialised hospitals on top of each other, forming one general hospital. The hospital campus will include orthopaedic units, diagnostic and treatment zones, ambulatory care, research and education facilities, a multi-story staff accommodation facility, residential units, substations, a sewerage treatment plant, a multistorey car parking structure and related infrastructure

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in CONVERSATION

From a Planter to a Turnaround Specialist Kapil Maini, General Manager of Darwish AST Services, talks about his personal and professional growth, as he charts his endearing bond with Oman, which he calls home

I

t was to be a two-year stint; one that began in November 2001... But sometime during those initial two years, Oman became such an important part of his life that Kapil Maini, General Manager of Darwish AST Services, decided to settle down for a long stint with his wife Bhavna and their two daughters.

“It has been a wonderful stint of 16 long years,” states Maini, as he reflects on his personal and professional growth in the country. With a strong support system of friends and the instinctive hospitality and geniality of locals, it was an easy deal, he maintains. Over the years, this bond with the country has strengthened to such an extent that the family pines to return back to Oman, even when vacationing in their hometown in India.

A turnaround specialist by profession, he has been managing Darwish AST Services, which is primarily into interior fit-outs and joinery projects, for the past 4 years. Having initiated a career as a planter before branching into entrepreneurship, Maini has learnt to train his fingers on the pulse of the business industry.

However, he does acknowledge that there are challenges on the way. But he is optimistic; for, as he points out, things have looked up in the last couple of months.

He has found his bearing in the complex world of business with his strengths in strategic planning, profit centre management and project management. These were the strengths he employed in turning

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around the fortunes of a company that was on the verge of shutting down, during his initial stint in Oman, in 2001. Interestingly though, it wasn’t his skill in turnaround management that set him in the complex world of careers…

Recalling his early years, he says, “I have been an entrepreneur for a while, but my career started quite differently…it was nowhere close to the projects that I handle now.” He started as a planter in Assam, India, for Tata Tea, before realising that it was designing that fascinated him. He used local labour to design and craft outdoor furniture with drift wood, dead tree trunks, etc. He soon shifted his career track and learnt that the experience gained as a planter, in a completely labour-intensive sector, did have a bearing on his professional life as a turnaround specialist.

“There were times when I managed about 5,000 people on a daily basis; it gave me the actual labour

management experience,” he states, pointing out that being away from his home in Delhi, at the young age of 21, also inculcated several other values that moulded his later life, both personally as well as professionally.

He started his own business in India after he married Bhavna in 1990, and together they developed the business, before pressing the brakes for a brief hiatus to Oman.

What transpired after that is history; but what has been a fixture for more than a decade and a half since the Mainis made home in Oman is their ever-growing bond with the country.

Bhavna credits Oman for providing avenues for charity and nurturing her passion for reading and painting, while helping them follow Art of Living.

Life has indeed been gratifying, as the elder daughter, who married recently, is based in Netherlands, working as an auditor with PWC, while the younger one is into Fashion Communication and is a specialist in Digital Marketing in Delhi. They strongly believe that Oman is one of the best places in the world to build a positive family life, as well as to foster personal growth.

in CONVERSATION

Up Close & Personal With

Kapil Maini

The home I grew up in…..

My father was posted in various cities across India, but the most special place for me was always my grandparents’ home in New Delhi, where we would spend our summer holidays, each year, with the extended family.

When I was a child I wanted to….

Be a fighter Pilot. I had a fetish for jet planes. Every toy I possessed was some model of an aeroplane. I probably had the largest collection among my peer group.

The moment that changed me forever…

When I took up my first job as a planter with Tata Tea, in the tea gardens of Assam. The time spent in the wilderness and lonely areas made me value my family more and made me emotionally strong.

My greatest inspiration….

My dad who gave his 100 percent to whatever he did. As a Chief Architect with the Ministry of Defence, India, he handled strategic and important projects. I imbibed his integrity, commitment and passion for work.

My hero….

James Bond 007… Though fictional, I

love his lifestyle.

If I could change one thing about myself….

I would not to be a perfectionist. It leads to similar expectations from others and when they fall short, it turns to frustration.

I dream of….

Owning a farmland in the hills and settling down there for the rest of my life.

What I see when I look in the mirror…

I see a man in a hurry…as there are miles to go before I sleep.

It’s not fashionable but I like…

To spend most of my free time with my family.

My greatest regret…

No regrets, as I always live in the present; no sense in holding on to the past.

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

Blowing my own trumpet...humility is an asset.

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

Looking at the positive side of people and their hidden talents.

If I have time to myself…

I love to cook and try out new recipes.

My house is…

A place where I want to be myself.

My favourite haunt / holiday destination…

Scandinavia.

My favourite weekend spot in Oman…

Anywhere along the beachside where it’s calm, serene and I can sit and marvel nature’s beauty.

I will not leave my house without….

Counting my blessings....

Five things I like about Oman…

Its sheer natural beauty, tranquillity, cleanliness, warmth of the people, and food.

A book that changed me…

Iacocca: An Autobiography.

On top of my wish/bucket list is….

To do voluntary charity work and make a difference in somebody’s life.

My success mantra is…

Live and let live.

In 10 years time, I hope to be…

An advisor to share my life experiences, abilities and other skills to benefit society at large

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New research on

in the SPOTLIGHT

Mohenjo-Daro

GUtech’s Prof. Jansen and his team will initiate new research on Mohenjo-Daro, one of the largest Bronze Age cities of the ancient world, from February 2018 New research, which will be carried out from February 2018 onwards, by me and my team, will open a new chapter of research for this civilisation and will provide further evidence of the real size of the city.”

or more than 30 years, Prof. Dr. Michael Jansen, the founding Rector of the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) and currently the Director of the Indian Ocean Research Center at GUtech and UNESCO Senior Expert, has been working along with an international team of researchers from Germany, Italy and the US on excavating the sites of Mohenjo-Daro (‘The Hill of the Dead’).

Located in the Indus Valley, in the province of Sindh, Pakistan, it is one of the largest Bronze Age cities of the third Millennium BC. In 1979, Mohenjo-Daro was placed as one of the first archaeological sites internationally on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city was discovered by archaeologists around 100 years ago, and only 10 percent of the city has been excavated so far.

“It appears that the city was located within a large settlement network.

It was an administrative, managerial centre, without major production zones. After a slow degrading, the city was finally abandoned around 1,500 BC,” said Prof. Jansen.

At a recent presentation of his research and work on the archaeological site at GUtech, he said, “Our recent discoveries have proved that the site is at least two times larger than that is seen today. The major part of it has been covered in the past 4500 years by the siltation process of the Indus.

The research of Prof Jansen and his team from RWTH Aachen University (GUtech’s German partneruniversity), has shown that MohenjoDaro probably was once the first pre-planned city of the world, built on artificial platforms to protect the inhabitants against the annual summer inundation of the river Indus.

Prof. Dr. Michael Jansen

F

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According to Prof. Jansen, since the damming of the river Indus in the 19th century and since the beginning of artificial irrigation in 1930 of an area covering almost the whole Lower Sindh, Mohenjo-Daro is under enormous threat of destruction by salts rising through the irrigation process to the surface. From 1979 to 1997 UNESCO launched its largest campaign so far for the safeguarding of Mohenjo-Daro. Within this large program Prof. Jansen and his team were engaged to develop a conservation method to save the excavated city brick walls. Finally, it was decided to cover the original brick fabric with a thin layer of mud.

An ambitious preservation scheme has been underway for many years.

The tribe of Mohanas, river nomads, living till today on boats on the Indus river close by Mohenjo-Daro and on the near-by Manchhar Lake may be a remaining part of the ancient population. Until now little is known about the script of the Indus civilization. Prof. Jansen is planning to establish an international society for the promotion of Mohenjo-Daro, the probably largest city of mankind in the third millennium BC. The Research Center Indian Ocean at GUtech will be an essential partner to reach this goal.

in the SPOTLIGHT

Artistic Journey

Bait Al Zubair Foundation’s endeavour to connect Omani artists with the abodes of literary pioneers of the country, resulted in an exhibition titled ‘Artistic Journey in Omani Spiritual Poetry’ pioneers, read their works and then transformed it into paintings, culminating in the exhibition titled ‘Artistic Journey in Omani Spiritual Poetry’.

Bait al Zubair Foundation, through its Poetry lab, organised an exhibition and an intellectual seminar, last month, bringing to fore the palpable relationship between poetry, fine arts, and spiritual spaces that have documented many creative experiences in the Omani memory.

Its objective was to identify the intricacies of knowledge; the aesthetic concepts that combine art with poetry and mysticism, while demonstrating the patterns of influence between words and colour.

The event threw the spotlight on the work that the Foundation has been doing over the last one year to facilitate field visits for Omani artists to experience the creative spaces in homes where some pioneers of Omani literary scene lived. The artists, inspired by those

The exhibition featured works by a group of Omani artists, namely, Faisal Jalal Al Mir Al Balushi, Nadia Jumaa Abdul Rahman Al Balushi, Mohammed Saeed Mubarak Al Rashidi, Ali Hilal Humaid Al Maamari, Asma Kaleb, Fahad Salem Nasser Al Maamari, Mariam Al Amri, Amira Ahmed Ali Al Shehhi and Sami Al Siyabi.

Apart from this, a collection of calligraphy artworks about Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) that Bait Al Zubair formerly displayed at the Royal Opera House were also showcased. Alongside the seminar and the exhibition, the Foundation also organised a cultural symposium entitled, ‘Interference of Cognitive Systems: Poetry, Fine Arts and Sufism’, where Lebanese Professor and Poet Charbel Dagher, who has published more than fifty publications on philosophy and poetry, presented a paper on spiritual experience in the Arab world. Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Salami, editor of Al-Tafahm magazine, presented a paper on ‘Impressions

on Islamic Art in Oman: Impact and Dimensions’; Dr. Abdalwahab Abdalmohsin talked on ‘The Temptation of the White Surface’; and Professor Abdullah Al-Hajri, a Sufism scholar on ‘Sufi poetry between fiction and reality in the Omani experience’.

The event was one of the several ones organised by the Poetry Lab at Bait al Zubair, the latest of which was the launch of the book ‘Thirty Sedra Guards the Mountain’ at the German University, which includes poetry texts for Omani writers in Arabic and German. The Lab is preparing for several upcoming events targeting several segments of the society

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Centre STAGE

Aladdin, a dream come true A school dropout turned antique collector, Jamal Muhammad Ali has honed his skills for treasuring artefacts, says Muntasir Al Farsy, as he narrates his experience following a leisurely visit to the antique shop in Muttrah A cheerful welcome from the charming Jamal Muhammad Ali sets the tone for my meeting with the 35-year old antique collector in Muttrah Souq. Antiques and old photographs nestle in his shrine, waiting for interested customers, mostly tourists.

His passion, as he points out, is precious stones, artefacts, old photographs and wooden handicrafts. “When I was a boy, my interests were unlike other kids who were indulging in games; mine was collecting valuable trinkets. I started this hobby of collecting at an early age of 11 and my father did his best to take me around as an apprentice,” he adds.

Aladdin, as he was nicknamed by his neighbourhood, dropped out of the school at the age of 16, but has no regrets of not attaining the coveted graduation certificate.

“My father always wished that I have my own place rather than work for someone,” he muses.

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The early pioneer, Jamal’s father, Muhammad Ali, who is now happily retired, did start as a merchant selling readymade clothes at Corniche, but he later switched to antiques and artefacts. The business, which was initiated with two other partners, went well in the beginning. But soon, Dil Murad Balushi, one of the partners, stopped halfway due to an incurable illness, while the other, Abdulla Lawati, died suddenly; their children had no interest to continue the trade and the business was singlehandedly managed by Ali.

Jamal did, however, manage to collect and buy Coral (marjan) and China from the Bedouins in Sur who knew its value. He obtained old photographs from old homes torn down to make way for modern structures. Many an item came from Europe, including rare pictures of old Oman. Equipped with Pidgin English and parents’ prayers, this young Sindbad (the name he deeply wished to name his own first shop) started his formal adventure overseas by himself.

And where would someone with the acquired name Sindbad choose to travel but China, the ancient land of civilisation. He fetched a generous amount of about RO19,000 for a 1.7kg of coral, which he had purchased for RO700 locally. Enough amount to have made Hindbad* quit his trade once and for all – but not Jamal. The priceless China did also fetch a good bargain for a first time trader of only 16 years of age. A dream come true of starting his own business and naming it ‘Aladdin’.

Centre STAGE Among the items for sale at his shop are the symbolic oil lamps; but, instead of a genie, it is an Indian salesman who is ever attending and ready to assist any celebrity or customer who visits the shop; it has earned distinction for attracting international celebs. Some of the VIPs who have visited the shop include Prince Harry purchasing a golden sword, former U.S. Secretary for Foreign Affairs, J. Kerry going for silver and gold daggers and Amir Hamed Khalifa Al Thani of Qatar buying silver daggers and swords.

Tour guides are wont to bring tourists here and so too diplomatic heads who escort VIPs, heads of states and Omani dignitaries.

The merchandise obtained from Europe – U.K., France and Holland came from auctions and some go back to the Bronze and Iron Age. Baghdad equalled China for the ancient archaeological findings, as Iran is well known for its wealth of jewellery. That meant the 400 old Islamic coins cost Jamal a good RO800 – not a bad deal

for an expert collecting rare relics.

Most of the clients at his shop go for silver ornaments or weaponry.

From the telephones of early times to the far back period of weaponry, his shop includes Arab doors, chest of drawers, adornments and other enchanting artefacts.

Jamal is anxious to have his eleven-year-old son Anas follow his footsteps, and, therefore, has opened a small shop named after him. Aladdin comes first, followed by Heritage Centre; his main ambition is to start a museum for the natives of Wilayat Muttrah. Speaking of museum, many an item on display at S.A.F., Bait Zubair and National Museums were his possessions. Out of goodwill, Abu Anas presented His Majesty the Sultan with the-hard-toget gold sword of his late cousin, engraved Khalifa bin Haroub - Sultan Zinjibar. This was good enough a gesture to have awarded him with the Certificate from the Foreign and Internal Affairs.

His final, and most important words, are: “I wish the young generation would consider this trade is just as honourable as working in an office. I am not against seeking higher knowledge in college, yet encouragement must be given as we are facing an extinction of net makers (for fishing), cap-knitters, dagger smiths, pearl divers, folk dancers and the like.”

* Hindbad is the source behind the full story of Sindbad the sailor. He was a labourer unloading the goods at the former’s palace. ‘Woe unto me, who has nothing, how I wish I could also possess this mansion…’ Sindbad heard the pleas and summoned him inside, and then started telling the stories of his adventures and travels.

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feast ON

Zeitoun’s Omani Flavours Zeitoun’s culinary journey, which began two years ago with Mediterranean fare, has fused its path with Omani cuisine to usher in the New Year with a menu crafted by Oman’s celebrity chef Issa Al Lamki

‘Harees is the new ‘cheese’,’ quipped Chef Issa Al Lamki, as he posed for photographs at the launch of the new menu of Zeitoun, hinting, in his own special way, that Oman’s traditional and innovative dishes will set the mood and the tempo for diners at the popular restaurant.

Having explored the changing culinary temperaments of diners in the capital, Zeitoun has adopted a

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versatile gastronomic approach, one that goes beyond its tried and tested Mediterranean fare. While the Mediterranean menu catered to fine diners in the capital and created a niche in the foodie horizon, it was the growing desire of the management to go beyond the expectations of diners, with diversity in style, presentation and even cuisine, that has given Zeitoun its new flavours.

On the agenda of Zeitoun’s new culinary expressions are buffets and set menus, cooking classes and contests, in addition to its ongoing full-fledged outdoor catering facility.

While the cooking classes will be conducted under the tutelage of Chef Issa, the contests will be in held in partnership with companies dealing in food products. The weekend buffets will reflect Zeitoun’s new avatar as a casual restaurant, catering to diverse palates, including those with refined and cultivated tastes.

Conscious effort has been made to feature an eclectic menu of international and local dishes that are presented in eyecatching displays.

Distinct flavours of each dish create a

smorgasbord of aromas, capturing the essence of spices and condiments.

Zeitoun, which occupies a prime place at the upmarket Al Rawda Boulevard on Seeb Street, has, in a short span of time, earned merit as a popular suburban diner, one that has been enhanced by the changing landscape of the area, with several hotels coming up in the vicinity. Spread over two levels, Zeitoun is a feast for all the senses. While the entrance on the ground floor leads to a striking open kitchen, accentuated rather starkly by stained glass décor elements, the top section is reminiscent of a Middle Eastern scene, captured from the days of yore, when life was relaxed and the milieu was dreamy.

Babbling little fountains complement the susurration of the water wall in the courtyard, which is fitted with outdoor seating to add to the ambience of this sprawling restaurant.

as homely. With the incorporation of an Omani themed menu, Zeitoun’s culinary grandeur is set to shine.

According to Al Lawati, the menu change was initiated owing to two key observations. “One was the realisation that North Mediterranean dishes did not resonate very well with our local target audience. Besides, the absence of high-end restaurants specialising in local Omani cuisine presented an opportunity for us to reposition Zeitoun to meet this market need.”

With Chef Issa crafting the new menu to incorporate the indulgent taste of spices from neighbouring India, the flavours captured in every dish are rich and scrumptious. Although the theme is predominantly Omani, there is a palpable difference in the dishes presented, as the Chef has coupled his

As Husain Abdul Fattah Ghulam Al Lawati, Group CEO of Al Balushi Group to which the Zeitoun brand belongs, stated at the launch of the new menu, the concept of Zeitoun requires a rooftop presence. For, the idea is to appease all the senses while indulging the guests in an ambience that is both lavish as well

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feast ON

culinary genius with his creative flair to whip up dishes that are pleasing to the eye and moreish to the palate.

The new menu is an invitation to celebrate Oman on a platter. A wide selection of soups, salads, breads and grilled dishes are Omani in style and flavour. The buffet table featuring starters and salads is a delight for even a fastidious diner. Alongside the usual hummous, tabouleh and Baba Ganoush are creative little presentations that go by the name of ‘beetroot hummous’ and ‘celery hummous’. There is also tabouleh with parsley and kiwi to add to the novelty of the menu. Harees, the typical Arabic dish, is also presented in new culinary avatars, like the soup with the wheat in its unbroken state.

The menu also features dishes inspired by the Gulf and Middle Eastern cuisine, with the mains hinting at Indian and Italian touches in some of dishes. On the Omani side, the main course includes braised lamb served shuwa style and camel meat braised with Omani spices, onions and tomato; Omani mashakik featuring lamb chops, chicken, prawns and mixed vegetables served with Omani madrouba. But for those with a heavy sweet tooth, it is the extensive dessert section that is a lure with typical Omani dishes vying for space with the likes of crème brluees and cheesecakes.

Chef Issa has several culinary aces up his sleeve and a visit to Zeitoun is required to relish some of the best from Oman

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Potato Time Get creative with the everyday potato, as Simran Dhanju shares her favourite recipe

Potato cheese roulade Ingredients: l 1 potato, large l 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated l 1 onion small, finely chopped l 1 green chilli, chopped l 1 tsp Coriander leaves, chopped l Salt to taste l 1/8 tsp red chilli powder l Oil for shallow frying l 10 sliced white bread Method: 1. Boil, peel and mash the potato; add cheese, onion, coriander, salt, green and chilli and combine well.

2. Remove crust from the bread slices and roll them flat with rolling pin.

3. Now divide the potato mixture in 10 equal parts and make a cylinder shape and place on flat bread slice; roll the bread from one end and seal the other end with little water to secure filling. Repeat the same for rest of bread slices.

4. In a shallow pan heat the oil, place the bread rolls with seal side down and fry on low to medium heat until golden brown turning on all sides.

5. Serve with sauce of your choice.

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

let’s COOK

Soup it up

When the winter evenings turn up the chills, cook up a hot soup and enjoy the pleasant moods of the season

Easy Vegetable Soup Ingredients: l Olive oil or any other cooking oil – 1tbsp l Onion - ½, chopped l Garlic - 3 cloves, minced l Celery - 2 ribs, chopped l Carrots - 2, sliced l Mixed vegetables - 2 cups, chopped l Salt – to taste l Garlic powder – 1/2tsp l Thyme – 1tsp l Oregano – 1tsp l Bay leaf - 1 l Water - 8 cups with 2 cubes of vegetable bouillon (or 8 cups vegetable broth) l Tomatoes – 1¼ -ounce can Method 1. Heat oil in a large pot and add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and the celery. Stir for 3 - 4 minutes until onions turn soft. Add the rest of the vegetables and heat for just another minute or two.

2. Add salt, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano, making sure to coat the vegetables well.

3. Add bay leaf, water or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.

4. Add the tomatoes, stir and allow your vegetable soup to simmer until all the vegetables are cooked.

5. Adjust seasonings to taste.

6. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Serving suggestion: Dip croutons or crackers just before serving or place them alongside to dip and eat.

Hearty chicken soup Ingredients: l Chicken breast – 300gms, cooked and chopped l Chicken broth – 4 cans l Vegetable broth – 1 can l Egg noodles – 1 ½ cups l Celery – ½ cup, chopped l Carrots – 1 cup, sliced Butter – 1tbsp l Onion – ½ cup, chopped l Dried basil – ½ tsp l Dried oregano – ½ tsp l

Salt & pepper – to taste

Method: 1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and fry onions and celery until just tender, 5 minutes.

2. Pour in the chicken and vegetable broths and stir in the chicken, noodles, carrots, basil, oregano, salt and pepper.

3. Bring it all to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.

4. Serve hot.

January 2018

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Health CHECK

Health & Wellness Trends

Health dictates cannot change drastically with the change of the calendar, but medical experts are anticipating certain trends to become more pronounced in the health and wellness industry in 2018 the physical and mental health. The critical areas of gut health include digestive function, gut inflammation and gut microbiome, which are related to gastrointestinal (GI) health.

The only way to ensure gut health is to make GI-friendly food a part of your everyday diet.

Healing Spices

Read that spice as turmeric. For, turmeric has been voted as the new avocado to highlight its amazing health benefits. The trend, however, is on healing spices, rather gourmet seasonings. From turmeric lattes to turmeric spiked coffees and smoothies, 2018 will see the yellow spice gaining popularity all over.

Turmeric, whose main active component is curcumin, is a strong antioxidant, which helps slow the signs of ageing and the cellular damage seen in most cancers. To realise the benefits of this ingredient, one requires consuming about one to four grams, which is more than what one would get in an average helping of curry.

The moringa

With the Internet going gaga over ‘golden milk’, an ayurvedic concoction with spices, medical attention is on what is called ‘moringa’. The moringa powder is

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January 2018

Strength-training made from the leaves of the moringa tree, which is referred to as the ‘miracle tree’ for its myriad benefits.

According to a recent report, dried moringa leaves are high in nutritional content - it contains more than 90 nutrients, including 19 amino acids, plus minerals and vitamins; it is now being promoted as a powerful inflammation fighter. The powder can be added to soups, smoothies, and drinks or taken in supplement form.

Gut Health

Going by the growing interest in gut health, it is set to become one of the biggest health trends this year. The gut, which is referred to as the body’s second brain, has a significant impact on both

Strength training is where all the fitness modules are set to converge in 2018. The objective, apparently, is to shift the focus from size to strength and concentrate on building strength rather than hitting the right weight for ones height. Strength-training not only builds muscles, it also improves

Fermented foods

balance, burns fat and, what is more, enhances mood. Add to strength training, post-workout stretches and healthy snacks to tuck into after workout.

balance both physical and mental health. Giving dedicated time to oneself, to practice restorative behaviour, is a healthy ritual to incorporate.

Clean air

Adequate sleep

Clean air has always been a prime health mover, but this New Year will turn it into one of the biggest trends.

Homemakers are expected to take that extra step to create healthy homes with changes in the way they incorporate plants and purifiers in their living spaces. Air purifying plants like Aloe Vera, bamboo palm, pygmy date palm, mass cane and the like are effective in keeping the rooms free of allergens and even dust.

Me time

There is nothing new in the concept of ‘me time’ that is aimed at building mental health; but what is new is the importance it is gaining this year to

On a similar note is sleep optimisation; it is all about giving attention to oneself. While research has proven that a lack of sleep can cause weight gain and anxiety, what is important to understand is that proper sleep is a priority and not a luxury. This calls for creating a right ambience and incorporating certain steps that are essential - one of which is no food before going to bed. Add to that no phones before hitting the bed and sleep optimisation might become a reality sooner than you think.

Functional drinks

It is time to put a stop to vitamin drinks, even those that are marketed

There is, apparently, something about fermented foods. 2018 will see sauerkraut, miso (a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting soybeans), kimchi (a staple Korean dish made from salted and fermented vegetables), lassi (traditional yogurt-based drink from the Indian Subcontinent), tempeh (made from cooked and slightly fermented soybeans), sourdough bread and other fermented foods becoming popular to boost the gut life. The process of fermentation involves yeast, fungi and bacteria, which, consequently, enhance the natural beneficial bacteria in food.

Good bacteria aids in digestion as well as absorption of nutrients.

Health CHECK

as healthy options, as they are packed with sugar. Instead, go for functional drinks like vinegar or charcoal-infused ones to get the most out of your drink.

Intermittent fasting

Although diet fads get interesting and innovative every year, 2018 will see a return to the basics of intermittent fasting, a traditional practice which has been a part of different cultures around the world. With research indicating its benefits for sportspersons as well as fitness enthusiasts, the time is apt to incorporate intermittent fasting into ones life. Studies have shown that it can improve performance of athletes, support the digestive system, improve blood sugar management and promote fat loss.

While previously people preferred to fast for a couple of days a week, the current trend is focused on daily fasting, where people go without food for 14-16 hours of the day

January 2018

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in the luxe

Home Suite Home

If paradise were made of rooms that spell luxury and opulence, you could have a taste of it at one of the exclusive suites around the world

Grand and expensive

The Grand Penthouse at The Mark Hotel in New York City is a paradise of grandeur. At $86,000 a night, it is, by far, one of the most expensive suites in the world. Guests are promised an overdose of luxury at this 5-bedroom duplex penthouse with a large terrace and an exclusive room service menu. It offers, besides other bespoke facilities, a 24-hour access to Bergdorf Goodman tailoring as well as hairstyling from FrĂŠdĂŠric Fekkai Salon.

Price: $86,000 a night

Royal affair

Touted as the largest suite (18,000sqft, to be specific) in Europe, the Royal Penthouse at Hotel President Wilson in Geneva is designed to give families (as many as 12 members) the privacy they seek while travelling. The suite covers the entire eighth floor and the terrace presents a panoramic view of the surrounding Geneva lake. There are 12 luxury bedrooms and two master bedrooms, each with walk-in dressing area and marble bathroom with Jacuzzi. The generously furnished suite has amenities that are designed to cater to celebrities and business tycoons.

Price: $68,000 a night

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January 2018

in the luxe

By invitation only

Located in Fiji’s scenic vistas is the Dellana Hilltop Estate of Laucala Island Resort, where you need an invitation, rather a preapproval, to book a stay. The Estate is a beautiful hideaway on the Laucala’s Nawi Mountain landscape; it overlooks white sandy beaches, coconut groves and rainforest jungles. While the price of $44,000 a night might seem reasonable in comparison to the Grand Penthouse and the Royal Penthouse, the Estate is available only for a minimum of four-night stay, which works up to a whopping $176,000 to enjoy the paradise called Dellana, where you could enjoy your own private cook, a chauffeur and access to your own private airstrip.

Price: $44,000 a night

Seafront paradise

Described as a seafront paradise, The Royal Villa at Grand Resort Lagonissi in Athens is designed specifically with fastidious guests in mind. Its rendition of luxury in its interiors accentuates its appeal in the list of exclusive suites around the world. The Royal Villa includes two master bedrooms, a spacious living room with a fireplace and a furnished kitchen and grill as well as outdoor BBQ facilities, among others. It also has an indoor and an outdoor heated pool, alongside a fully equipped gym and steam bath, a private massage area with a massage-table, two oversized marble lined bathrooms and a guest bath. It comes with a butler’s quarters with a separate entrance and a bathroom.

Price: $35,000 a night

Taste of sophistication

The Ty Warner Penthouse at Four Seasons Hotel in New York City, which was toasted as ‘a visual tour de force of volumetric flourishes and crafted surfaces’ by Architectural Digest, is an expression of sophistication in its approach and reach. The one-bedroom Penthouse is the crowning glory of the Hotel, which soars 52 stories into the sky. It is 4,300 square feet in size, occupying the entire 52nd floor of the Hotel.

It is extraordinary in every sense of the word, as it creates a feel and look of a castle in the clouds.

Price: $50,000 a night

Sky is the limit

The Sky Villa at The Palms Resort in Las Vegas is a two-storey suite designed in the imagery of a villa in the sky. It has a private glass elevator, a glass spa jutting out over the balcony with views of the strip, a dry sauna and 24-hour butler service. The 9000 square foot villa has a glass-enclosed cantilevered pool, private terraces and massage rooms.

Price: $35,000 a night

Suite deal

A suite deal closer home… The Royal Suite at St. Regis Saadiyat Island in the United Arab Emirates is a duplex covering the upper two levels of the hotel. Spread across 2,100 square metres, it is the largest hotel room in the Emirates. It is huge in its size, opulence, indulgence and comfort. Designed to reflect oceanic elements, it has a private theatre, butler service, swimming pool and a games room. Its master bedroom looks out to the sea and the floor-to-ceiling glass doors present stunning beach views.

Price: $35,000 a night

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explore OMAN

Canons, ramparts and windows with views The renovated Muttrah Fort, which was opened to the public earlier last year, is a must-visit destination to experience the panoramic beauty of the Corniche area and unravel a chapter of the country’s interesting past

W

elcome to the Muttrah Fort; the striking landmark on the popular Muttrah-Corniche road. It is an eye-catching fixture that demands a closer look to revel in its time captured romance; to feel history resonating in its ramparts and get an eyeful of the Corniche area.

Located in a bylane off the busy Muttrah district, the Fort entryway opens, unobtrusively, on to the service road, as if its intent is to blend with the background and continue its role as a sentinel of all that it surveys from the top.

The sweeping entrance leads one to the staircase, which could seem a tad too daunting if fitness and agility are not ones strong points. But then, a quick look at the façade of the Fort is enough to convince one to shake away that inertia and climb up to enjoy the visual delight of Muttrah’s seascape, the busy road below and the blue skyline of Oman.

There is history trapped within the precincts of the Fort.

Although renovated to make it accessible for the public, there is an otherworldly feeling about the structure that makes one wonder if one has not trespassed into another time zone. The earthy texture of the façade, the bare walls, the rugged wooden frames and the smell of a bygone era in the rooms located on the lower level are enchanting, demanding long pauses to reach out and feel history throbbing in its sanctum.

The intricate structure gives it a maze-like feeling, with little rooms opening up to more, one of which, apparently, was a dungeon. With every part of the Fort packed with history, there is not much left to ones imagination, yet, a whimsical mind could easily whip up a scene from the past to add drama in those spaces.

While the canons and the vantage position of the Fort indicate its significant role in guarding the coast and demonstrate Muttrah’s defining position in the times gone

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January 2018

explore OMAN by, it is its singular structure, as it straddles the mountain, that creates awe. The structure is not grandiose nor could it be classified as an example of architectural marvel, but what sets it apart amidst its quaint surroundings is its oneness with the nature. As if the mountain has its arms draped around the Fort, like a friend with who one shares a camaraderie that goes long back.

The ramparts around the Fort are designed to lead one to the top where all the senses are bound to get treated. The visually gratifying view of the Corniche, the dulled sounds of traffic on the busy road below, the cool breeze of the sea caressing one and the indescribable feeling of connecting with nature.

Whether it is history that beckons one, the visual glory that draws or simply the must-visit chant that pushes one to track places of interest, Muttrah Fort, with its easy access and convenient position, calls for a long rendezvous.

January 2018

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Just TRAVEL

Come, see the world If travel is on your mind but destination is iffy, check out the travel trends that are expected to spur the travel industry in the New Year

Family affair

With the family dynamics changing with times, the focus of the travel industry is on giving single-parent families tour packages that suit their requirements. That, in the broader context, refers to deals that are no more restricted to twoparent families.

Solo travel

Travelling alone is not a new trend altogether, but it is set to rule the travel sector with Google searches indicating a big increase in ‘solo travel’. Tour and travel companies have given this growing interest a new shape by crafting travel products that cater to solo travellers.

Off-beat destinations

Travel experts, watching social media posts of itinerant users, have noted that the focus will be on remote places that offer exciting new experiences. There is, apparently, an increasing shift towards destinations that do not feature in the popularity chart; these are off-beat, remote places that have been made popular by social media. Some of the destinations that will come under the travel scanner include Tulum (Mexico), Scarborough, Reykjavik (Iceland), Levanto (Italy), Scottish Highlands, Ethiopia, Bhutan, Paraguay, Kazakhstan and even destinations like the Sarawak Rainforest Music Festival in Borneo and India’s remote north-eastern region. Even in Europe, destinations like Belarus, Cyprus, Moldova and Poland are gaining popularity.

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January 2018

Just TRAVEL Adventure travel

For reasons best known to travel addicts, the concept of adventure travel is fast shifting from adrenaline pumping activities to intellectually enhancing new cultural experiences.

This could range from food adventure tours to trips that focus on local craftsmen.

Winter vacation

The traditional concept of summer vacation might see a change of fortunes, as people demonstrate an increasing interest to travel during the winter season and, curiously, not to destinations that are warmer.

Interestingly also, more travellers are booking to partake in winter festivals that happen around the world.

Achievement-related travel

Wellness factor

With health and fitness gaining priority in the recent years, travel companies are gearing up for newer demands by introducing tailor-made packages targeting physical health and mental wellness of their clients.

Latin America for wildlife

As Canada gains popularity in the list of international travel destinations, 2018 is expected to push the numbers to record level.

Like China a year ago, the New Year will see tourism to Canada growing exponentially.

Africa is not the only destination for wildlife. Although it still ranks in the popularity count for travellers seeking to checkout wildlife from up close, Latin America’s conservation field is also becoming important for wildlife tourists. The region has a whole lot of wildlife activity to attract tourists.

Middle East beckons

Multi-generational trips

Canada calling

There is something about the Middle East, which explains its recent boost in the travel sector. The World Tourism Organisation has also noted that the Middle East is the fastestgrowing travel region in the world.

Achievement-related travel is a new high for frequent travellers, who have done that and been there. The goal would be to rely on travel to help ‘find oneself’, and the destination would be chosen according to its credentials to present an experience that can be equalled with an achievement – say like climbing Mt Kilimanjaro.

Longer trips

Take time. That is basically the idea behind the new long trips trend, which urges travellers to take time to explore the places they visit. The trips are expected to be at least twoweeks long, presenting altogether new avenues and options to get to know the chosen destination better.

Travel industry is making way for grandparent-grandchildren vacations, presenting interesting new ways for multi-generational connect.

Besides, such trips are expected to give parents the break they seek from the daily chores of parenting.

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look GOOD Makeup Trends for 2018 Check out what is trending in the world of makeup to give your New Year a fresh glamour appeal Beauty and wellness

With all things coming under the radar of wellness to set a healthy tone to everyday affairs, beauty industry has easily found its new trend in the vast and ever-evolving world of wellness. The New Year will see makeup brands becoming more conscious of the negative health implications from certain products and joining the so-called ‘clean’ brigade, where the focus is on manufacturing products that are free of harmful products. Makeup will also take on a simplified garb, shifting the focus instead on skincare.

Skincare supplements

Skincare supplements are not new in the beauty industry, but the New Year is set to make them popular among beauty savvy folks. From capsules to powders mixed in smoothies, the supplements targeting skincare and anti-ageing are in for a big boost.

Unisex products

While perfumes have had their gender neutral moments, cosmetic lines targeting skin and hair are also set to blur the gender lines. Hair care products that are not defined as ‘his’ or ‘hers’ will easily become a part of the new move, so will the skincare line, with creams and lotions catering to different skin types rather than the genders.

Shiny notes

Glitz and glamour will set the tone for the year with gold highlighters and glittery lip glosses. Glitter eyeliners with a touch of sophistication are also big this year, with experts predicting dramatic notes. Add to that gems and sequins on

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January 2018

eyelids and around the eyes to give glitter a big thumbs up.

Gold highlight

Taking bling to another level is the gold makeup line that will see the gold highlighter using the face as a canvas to light it up. This will add a glow to the face, while giving it a healthy lift.

Metallic touch

Metallic makeup will have another outing this year in all shades and finishes. However, the big advice from beauty experts is to wear it subtly over the lipstick.

lifestyle mantra

GenderneUTral

By Sophia Raman In The ever-GrowInG BeaUTy IndUSTry, wITh ‘hIS’ and ‘herS’ prodUcT-lIneS creaTInG a predIcTaBle Gender dIvIde, IS There a vacUUM ThaT needS To Be fIlled wITh UnISex creaMS and loTIonS? Why most beauty brands toe the gender divide line while marketing their beauty and cosmetic products may not require much imagination to answer, but that many continue to do so, even today when gender stereotyping is losing its hold, is a difficult proposition to contend. With fashion models sporting clothes that seem to have blurred the gender line and accessories for men getting louder and colourful, as if to vie for attention with women’s jewellery, the need is now to give in to products that have a gender- neutral flavour.

lip tints

Subtle and natural – that’s the key to incorporating lip tints which can add colour without giving the lips an overdone look.

Black eyes

Smoky eyes refuse to go out of trend and so black continues to rule the makeup counter with the eyeliner poised to give the top and lower lash-lines a thick border. It could even turn fanciful with angles and graphic shapes complimenting the next big trend of pronounced eyelashes. You could opt for extensions or go for false lashes to meet the trend in a glamorous way.

foundation palette

Like unisex perfumes. They have been in the market for a while now and many have found their niche with buyers who have refined tastes for perfumes that go beyond their preset gender tags. But what about skincare and hair care products that are more about personal grooming, unlike the cosmetics line, which have ‘hers’ written all over them?

Some manufacturers have realised the importance of catering to specific skin and hair requirements than gearing up for ‘him’ and ‘hers’ separately. From the type and texture of hair to the finer details of skin tone, the beauty industry is slowly and definitely waking up to the need to become more specific to the person than to the gender.

Are you ready to adapt to gender-neutral products?

The quintessential foundation in the makeup list is set to get exciting and vibrant with a widening range of colours that are suitable for different skin tones.

nail it

Nail art is making an exciting comeback with beauty experts predicting an artistic flourish for nails, with creative and colourful designs receiving a thumbs up.

* A self professed lifestyle guru, Sophia Raman has honed her expertise for beauty and fashion with a natural flair for all things chic and a distinctive style quotient. She is a sophisticated socialite who brings her love for fashion, style and travel to this column.

January 2018

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style FILe

Fashion Headlines for 2018

International fashion circuit is buzzing with action, as A-listers and social media influencers are setting the trends for the New Year with clothes that are anything but minimalistic Check out what to wear and not to wear in the New Year and rock the trends that are easy to adapt in your everyday affairs.

Art-infused clothes

Art has paired up with fashion to create the exotic art-infused trend, which feature clothes with screen prints of works by popular artists. This trend, which hit the fashion world during the Spring 2018 shows, demonstrated the power of this colourful fusion.

New denim

Although jeans has continued in its present avatar for several long seasons, it is now getting an all new denim look, with designers seeking to turn it into the loose and comfortable cargo pants. While the regular denim shade has received a dark wash in every form of jeans – even the structured dresses – it is its cargo pant status that will see the fashion industry creating pants in camouflage, khaki and even army green variety.

Flower power

Think floral, think retro. Fashion takes inspiration from the 60s styles to add a fresh new appeal to the regular floral. Whether it is a pretty dress or a two-piece set, flower prints will be a rage.

Lavender love

Ultra violet – that’s the pantone colour of the year. But with pastel colours in shades of lavender finding an eternal connect with all those who crush on pastels, it is set to add that special touch to fashion pieces, even pantsuits.

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January 2018

Plaid talk

Style FILe

Pastels and plaids‌ Right, plaid is back in style and designers have given plaid a big vote to inspire fashionistas to check out plaids in street styles. Plaid accessories are also trending, ensuring that the print is everywhere.

Plastic approach

Fashion wear in clear plastic may not find a footing in this part of the world, where summer heat can make one wonder if it could fry an egg on the sidewalk, but the international fashion domain is buzzing with clear plastic outerwear, as top designers have gone all out to give it a new welcome.

Mini appeal

Read that as micro mini. It is, apparently, back, but it hasn’t managed to oust the midis and maxis. The cuts are more creative with soft lines giving the look a comfortable feel. The focus is on making it functional with minimum details.

January 2018

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style FILe Dress up

Evening dresses in dazzling shades and designs have all the right touches to make a beautiful fashion statement this year. Whether layered or ruffled, sporty or knitted, romance is made of dresses that have been stitched to match your personality.

Retro athleisure

Workout clothes are taking inspiration from the 80s and 90s, taking athleisure gear to everyday wear.

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January 2018

Pant forever

Pants are staples of every wardrobe, but 2018 will dictate newer cuts and looks to give it a new feel. Watch out for skinny pants and palazzos in varying sizes, even extra long.

esque It wIth ALe

CAtwALk ReCAP AlE Al ZAdJAlI TAkES A TRIP doWN ThE CATWAlkS oF 2017 To PRESENT hIS lIST oF BESTS ThAT WIll Add glAmoUR To ThE NEW YEAR I know it’s 2018 and we are all very excited, but let’s pause for just a minute and relive a bit more of the 2017 catwalks.

I need to kick this off by talking about the 90s supermodel reunion that took place during Versace’s Spring 2018 show, that was, in every way, shape and form, simply iconic - although linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington were missed. Then you have Saint laurent hosting their Spring 2018 show at...The Eiffel Tower! l’oreal hosted their first show and had acting legends helen mirren and Jane Fonda sashaying down the runway.

Rihanna might have continued to pretend that she’s not a musician and ventured into everything she could and killed the makeup game, but her motorbike exit during her Puma spring 2018 show was everything that her Instagram handle ‘badgalriri’ embodies. of course I need to re-mention Bobby Abley’s Teletubbie stunt during london Fashion Week.

Another big moment for the catwalk is the fact that Tyra Banks is back for ANTm, which means we are in for more iconic critiques and, until it airs, I’ll be working on my smile. however, the ultimate catwalk moment belongs to Celine dion, who was a new woman in 2017 and killed the fashion game and made everything a place for catwalk and became everyone’s favorite fashion celeb

Ale Al Zadjali is a 24 year-old award-winning fashion designer; he is the brain behind the ‘Esque By Ale’ line of clothing

January 2018

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New Year Special

New Year, New Trends

A quick snapshot of trends buzzing in the world of high tech gadgets, ever growing social media and sensorial food

Tech Trends

Like fashion, technology has a way of changing its garb every season

2018 is gearing up to create a mini revolution in our lives with trends that are big in every sense of the word. Here is a quick dekko‌

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January 2018

Expect 2018 to be the year of the bots (it is an application that performs an automated task). The use of Internet bots will become enhanced; it will grow from its current use as automated customer service agent to become a part of everyday routine.

Home bots will respond to requests and even provide timely information; it will act as a financial investment adviser.

Artificial Intelligence

AI is where everything is. It is manifesting its powers in every new platform, application and device; it is being incorporated into more diverse range of applications and is expected to become a mainstay of all forms of technology. It is set to make further advancements in the field of medicine. According to industry observers, AI could be used to accurately analyse medical records of patients and also help in assessing the clinical findings in CT scans. It has the potential to improve a patient’s recovery by prescribing the dosage of medication and the frequency to follow.

Augmented Reality

From Artificial Intelligence to Augmented Reality, life in the tech zone looks like a sci-fi movie. With mobile games like Pokemon Go pushing brands to make AR mainstream, the New Year will give AR glasses an elevated status. Heads Up Displays (HUD) will become a common eyewear and will change the way we conduct everyday business. Shopping will turn into a completely engaging experience as the packaging on products will turn into videos demonstrating the product with eye contact. The options are endless, as it can also be used to build virtual pop-up stores anywhere in a public place.With AR and Li-Fi, a new light-base wireless connection with data speeds 100 times that of Wi-Fi, consumers can witness a virtual inventory of the store as it will bring high-definition virtual objects into stores.

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) headsets are expected to become popular again, with Oculus Go planning to launch a cheaper standalone headset early this year. Gamers can also look forward to a range of new games.

New generation of Internet

As the smartphone war rages on, techies are speculating the new wave of iPhones and additions to the line-up of Samsung Galaxy. But what is leading up on the excitement is the possibility of getting a 5G network, followed by 5G phones within the next two years. 5G Internet is said to have the potential to be nearly10 times faster than 4G; it will revolutionise how consumers use Internet.

New Year Special

Bots in control

Data overload

Data overload is happening and happening fast.

With companies going all out to tap commoditisation of consumer data in their marketing campaigns, data collection is going to peak in 2018. As consumers continue to rely on digital devices for everyday tasks, companies will have access to personal data, which will be further used to creating personalised ads and, possibly, better healthcare. However, the biggest fallout is the reduced privacy.

VPN on the rise

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) will become more widespread in the global context, as it allows users to mask their online identity, making it almost impossible for anyone to monitor their online activity.

Electric cars

Whether electric cars become a part of our immediate future or not, the numbers predict a steep rise - the number of electric cars will increase from 1.2 million in 2015 to 100 million in 2035. And,

according to reports, Britain and France are banning sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2040. The future of mobility is definitely evolving towards a zero-emissions ecosystem. Hyundai, Toyota, and Honda have introduced fuel cell vehicles in specific regions, as fuel cell-based transportation provides the most effective emissions reduction strategy.

3D printers

2018 will see a revival of sorts of the 3D printer.

Although the 3D printing technology has been slow over the last couple of years, the introduction of newer and faster 3D printers, is expected to set the pace for growth. Besides, the scanners used to capture the 3D imagery for the printers have become more portable and affordable.

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New Year Special

Gadgets for Homes

Check out what is new in the home gadgets market to make life all the more easier

Dialog Oven

The Dialog Oven is a new kind of oven that cooks with radio waves. This interesting oven also listens to the food cooking and accordingly adjusts the amplitude, modulation, and phase of the waves.

Robot vacuum

The new D7 robot vacuum from Neato can actually tell you where not to clean. The robot comes with an app, which maps the home and allows the user to programme where it should and shouldn’t clean.

Blink Intelligent Video Doorbell

The Blink Intelligent Video Doorbell, powered by batteries, gives a live view from the front door to anywhere in the world. The smart system is also armed with a motion detection sensor, so when someone rings the bell or approaches the door, it sends an instant alert to the smartphone.

Tritan Cold Brew Coffee Maker

The Tritan Cold Brew Coffee Maker by Osaka uses a stainless steel mesh filter to weed out any flecks or flakes of coffee grounds and produce clear coffee. The Coffee Maker has a capacity of 1.5 liters and is made of shatterproof material.

Microwave-refrigerator

Imagine having a microwave that can double up as a refrigerator… Frigondas, a Spanish-Korean company, has developed just that - a microwave that can also ‘blast chill’ foods. Just like it can heat food in minutes, it can rapidly freeze fresh foods to preserve their texture, and chill drinks in minutes.

3-in-1 washing machine

This new Hisense washing machine is a blessing for everyone burdened with housework. It can wash three separate loads in one go and take the drudgery out of sorting and washing laundry on different dates.

Nostalgia Retro Breakfast Station

All in one, that’s what you get with the Nostalgia Retro Breakfast Station. This compactly designed cooking system is perfect for smaller spaces, but it is large enough for the entire family. The toaster at the base can function as an oven – it can toast up to four slices of bread, bake food and even reheat food. All of the temperatures and settings in the Breakfast Station are controlled with precision using the knobs in the centre. It has a built-in coffee maker on the left which can make up to four cups of coffee at a time.

Yomee Automatic Yogurt Maker

Making your own yoghurt is a breeze with Yomee Automatic Yogurt Maker. It follows a simplified process to make yoghurt as it only requires milk and a Yomee pod. It also comes with a dishwasher-safe insulated cup that helps it to stay cool and fresh for longer. Besides, you can choose between several different types of yogurt with the Yomee app. It also offers recipe ideas and tracks various stages of the process.

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Like, follow, share‌social media will continue its hold over the world Instagram Stories

Story telling has never been as effective as with Instagram. Although Instagram Stories is just one year old, it has already got over 200 million people using it every month. Social media observers believe that nearly half of all Instagram users will be using Stories by the end of 2018.

Instagram will also witness a shopping frenzy, with users having the option of shopping the feed. As a part of its integration with Shopify, Instagram will allow users to browse and shop. It will also be a platform for 360 video and VR content.

New Year Special

Social Media Trends

Facebook

Facebook Spaces (a virtual reality app developed

by Facebook that lets you invite and interact with up to 3 Facebook friends using a VR device) is set to go mainstream. As Facebook owns Oculus, the virtual reality hardware and software company, it has more options to develop a platform to make use of this new technology. Alongside Facebook Spaces will be Facebook Watch, which will lead to video marketing content in long format. Content could be live or pre-recorded and brands will be able to build huge communities via Facebook Watch.

Snapchat

2018 is expected to see Snapchat opening up more for personal branding. Vloggers and content creators might see the introduction of an incentivised feature that is similar to what is seen on YouTube. Also, the option of Lens Studio will make it easier to build lenses from scratch; developers and advertisers will be able to create their own augmented reality lenses.

Live streaming

According to media observers, over 75 percent of people would opt to watch a video from a brand than read a blog. There is something about videos that are attention grabbing, in comparison to written social media posts/updates, which explains the popularity of live streaming that is expected to explode in 2018.

Generation next

Organisations are shifting allegiance from millennials to Generation Z as studies reveal that the Generation Z is more valuable with increased buying power. Brands will target Generation Z in their social media strategies to add value to their products.

Social media influencers

With companies realising the immediate benefits of using influencers, they are set to invest further in employing social media influencers to further their marketing plans. Many large corporate houses are using social media– based influencer marketing strategies to connect with new audiences and improve engagement with existing audiences. More are expected to join the clan to gain mileage.

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New Year Special

What to eat‌ With food and drink trends highlighting the global move towards health and environment, 2018 promises to set a precedent in the food quarters Gut-friendly food

Gut health, as has been discussed in the health pages, is the biggest food trend this year, creating newer market for items that feature fermenting, pickling and preserving. Some of the gutfriendly foods or probiotic-rich foods include fermented vegetables, fermented soybeans, cultured dairy and non-dairy products, fermented grains and beans, fermented beverages and fermented condiments like raw apple cider vinegar.

Alcohol-free beverages

Non-alcoholic drinks are gaining popularity, with supermarkets stocking the shelves with these beverages to meet the requirements of today’s health conscious youth. On the list of non-alcoholic beverages are premium tonic waters with interesting flavours and botanical mixes.

Timut pepper

On the condiment counter of the year is the timut pepper from Nepal. It is sharp and fresh and gives out a tingling residual heat.

Specialised tea

As tea continues to hold its grip on the breakfast zone, 2018 will see it gaining additional mileage with herbal and green tea becoming all the more popular.

Filled doughnuts

Forget the glazed varieties; the New Year will see doughnuts coming in unique fillings and flavours. From banana malt and espresso cardamom flavours to doughnuts filled with Snicker bars, doughnut lovers are in for big treats.

Filled croissants

Croissants too will receive a new lift with fillings that can be best described as unique. According to food experts, laminated dough, which is used to make pastries such as croissants, are set to become essentials for bakeries, with flavours ranging from matcha to red velvet.

Hawaiian flavours

Expect Hawaiian food to become mainstream, as Poke bowls are fast gaining popularity around the globe. Poke is a raw fish salad, which can be customised according to the tastes and requirements of the diner.

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January 2018

Meat alternatives are gaining momentum in the food industry, as meatless burgers become a part of the menu in most restaurants. The meatless burgers are prepared with what is called ‘heme’ (pronounced ‘heem’ and derived from the Greek word for ‘blood’); it is a molecule that gives meat its pink colour and flavour and even makes it bleed. The heme is expected to lead the market for sustainable meat alternatives.

New Year Special

Meat-less

Locally sourced

As countries focus on dishes created with locally sourced ingredients, restaurants are becoming hyper local in their menu selection. The trend, apparently, is for dishes created with ingredients sourced within walking distance. There is a growing sense of localism to ingredients, making food so much more interesting.

Ethnic breakfast

Breakfast items are receiving an ethnic twist to cater to millennials who seem to be content with only brunch on weekends. The new twists to old breakfast classics are expected to add that element of attraction to the morning meal. Restaurants are joining in with recipes that are ethnic in their presentation or style.

Vegans on the rise

There is a distinct move towards veganism, as many a chef is employing tofu, tempeh and quinoa in their dishes. The focus is on taking dishes back to their plantbased roots.

Vegetable-centric

While 2017 saw food and plant-based diets dominating the market, 2018 will groom its popularity further.

With innovations in farming sector, this trend is expected to go a long way in not only reducing food wastage, as almost every part of the vegetable is used, but also in helping protect the environment.

Ancient grains

Ancient grains (a grouping of grains and pseudocereals that are considered to have been little changed by selective breeding over recent millennia) are expected to make a comeback, especially with cereals, snacks, noodles, breads and other bakery products.

Grains and seeds

Protein-based grains and seeds are also on the top of the trend list, with hemp, chia, and flax becoming common add-ons in foods like yogurt, oatmeal, and peanut butter

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at HOME 48

Refresh and Refine

Give your home a New Year gift by incorporating décor trends that are set to rock the world of interiors in 2018

A

lthough home décor, like everything else in our lives, is dictated by our tastes and our distinct personalities, we do need that little push from experts in the industry to get things in the right order. And, with trends dictating the terms and expressions of aesthetics in the décor sector, it is, apparently, important to arm ourselves with an understanding the nittygritty’s of home interiors – from what is in and what is out to what will rock our living spaces.

January 2018

There is, of course, nothing more binding than sticking with your personal taste, whatever be the trend prediction for 2018, but if you have resolved to brighten up your home by following up on trends that are designed to flavour the year, the following trend guide from Medy Navani, Creative Director of Design, could help.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is making a comeback. Bright colours and patterns are in. We are using wallpaper more than ever before, and not just limiting it to the four walls. We have become

more experimental with the patterns we buy and how we apply it. No longer reserved for just a feature wall, we use wallpaper to express our individuality and personality, whether that is through clashing wallpaper or large scale patterns and murals.

Sinks

Read that as sinks with drama - concrete, stone, copper or granite are expected to be in fashion in 2018.There is nothing basic about bathroom fixtures anymore, particularly the bathroom sink. The common bathroom sink has

at HOME

stonework and concrete accents. Raw material will even infiltrate furniture, decorative accessories, wall coverings, countertops, and tiles. Concrete has always been a popular material choice for homemakers, but this year will take it beyond the floors and countertops, using it in furniture, decorative accessories and wall coverings.

Colour coded

come a long way from being a mere bowl designed to catch water. Today’s sinks are clever, functional works of art. An example would be the vessel sink, which breaks the traditional rules of choosing bathroom fixtures that are all in the same colour family and made from the same material.

Bright, bold, saturated and strong, 2018 will embrace more intense colours, instead of pastels. Colours will be more vivid and unashamedly bright.

Rejuvenating and invigorating, the colours of the fruit bowl are being splashed around our homes. Expect to see lashings of canary yellow, lime green, citrus orange, peacock blue and fuchsia pink. These strong tones also tap into a trend inspired by electro digital colours – intense, high octane colours that come at us in playful advertising and over the Wi-Fi waves.

Warm Neutrals

Feel the warmth… Using our homes as a retreat is becoming more of a focus, and the design style is all about hominess. In 2018, we will see the application of greys with rich, earthy shades of camel, rust, tobacco, brown-blacks, delicious red, and burnt yellow. The Nordic ‘hygge’ (wellbeing) style will continue to be a focus; this is a simple, homely look that focuses on earth shades and natural materials such as linen, wool, wood, ore and stone.

Concrete

It’s all about concrete as cool neutrals, white kitchen accessories and marble is out in the New Year. Instead, adopt earth-toned shades,

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Relatively SPEAKING

Love, Peace and Zen Before the New Year scampers into its usual rushrush mode, get the hang of meditation to press the pause button and soak in the joys of everyday life

I

f you have been blaming time for your lapses in the meditative department, the following quote from Ajahn Amaro (Buddhist monk and teacher) should shake that inertia away. He said: ‘If you have time to breathe you have time to meditate. You breathe when you walk. You breathe when you stand. You breathe when you lie down.’

Yes, it is as simple as breathing; may not be as easy though, with trains of thoughts crisscrossing at high speeds – at all times. But there is nothing that cannot be learned, more so with online guided meditation courses. There are, of course, simple-to-follow steps that could help you get there as easily.

Here are a few, culled from various online sources, to seek intervention, rather relaxation of the meditation kind.

To begin, remember, the trick lies in practice. Do not give up if random thoughts make it difficult to tune your mind. Practice, practice and more practice. That is what will help lead you through the tunnel of thoughts towards enlightenment, or at least to oneness with yourself.

Morning time

Morning is the best time to meditate, for a variety of reasons. You are fresh, your mind is not overworked with office stress and you have a designated time. It is important to have a specific time frame so as to follow through on a daily basis.

Two-minute break

Two minutes is all you need to get into the sublime act of meditation. Increase the time gradually, as you move along. Do it in little installments, so that the time spent is about 10 minutes by 6 to 8 weeks of meditation.

Place for meditation

While meditation as an act could be done anywhere, anytime, finding the right spot to practice would help you reach your destination easily. It could be a corner in your bedroom or a quiet place in your garden, but the idea should be to ensure it is comfortable for the designated time. Although the traditional position for meditation is with crossed legs and hands on the laps, you could adapt to the style that is comfortable for you.

But, having said that, meditation is an art that could be followed even when you are walking in the park or commuting to work or home.

Get started

Meditation is, basically, about focusing on your breath.

Pay attention to your breath - as you inhale, and follow it through as it fills your lungs before exhaling. Counting the inhales and exhales as one and two, respectively, would sharpen the focus.

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It is common to believe that meditation is all about clearing the mind of all thoughts, as if you are wiping a black board clean. Your thoughts will not stop in a press button mode.

Persistently trying to stop thoughts will only lead you to more thoughts. The best way to plug it into a right mode is to keep your attention focused on breathing. Instead of abruptly cutting the thoughts and trying to get it back on the task at hand, give the thought that is occupying your mind some time and slowly shift it to your breath.

Relatively SPEAKING

Worry not

Know yourself

Don’t give up

You will, undoubtedly, find your mind wandering all the time. The early days of meditation are fraught with interruptions. But don’t give up. Simply bring your focus back again to the breathing exercise with counts of one and two. And, do not give in to doubts about the rights and wrongs of meditation. You will find your happy place soon.

Meditation is definitely about getting to know oneself, and that calls for structured practice of focusing your attention so that it leads you to it. As thoughts creep in and anxieties work alongside, use your little breathing exercise to get an understanding of your complex mind. What is important to remember here is to cultivate a loving attitude towards yourself.

Make friends with self to find all the goodness you hold. Sharpen your senses to see, smell, feel and touch the world around you with your eyes closed.

Happy meditation!

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man date

The Bold and the Handsome Bold colours and loose trousers will vie for attention with retro styles, as men’s fashion trends for the year gets set to add finesse to the regular pant-shirt affair

M

en’s fashion has rarely, if ever, taken a radical turn. Most men, even some fashion-savvy folks, are conventionally discreet when indulging in fashion trends. They are, perhaps, cowed by the stereotypical concepts of male grooming…

But there is no harm in tracking trends, right?

If not to spur a wardrobe-changing mission, it could, in the least, become a guide to help stay on track with colours that are in and avoid styles that are passé.

Here is a quick peek at what is trending in men’s style quarters in 2018.

Blacks & whites

There is a feel of timelessness about black in the ever-changing domain of fashion. This time around, this shade is also becoming seasonless, as fashion observers exhort men to wear it round the year. This familiarity also applies to white, which promises to become popular during the course of the year.

If there is any one trend that is easy to rock, it would be wearing these two everyday colours.

Bold colours & patterns

Think bold and let it transcend in your shirts and even trousers. For, 2018 is getting bolder and brighter with patterns and colours that will dictate terms to both the shirt and the pant – even suit and jacket. Add to that, colour blocking in vibrant hues.

Bold, whether in colour or pattern, is not for everyone; it calls for a certain personality to give it a stamp of acceptance.

Retro mode

Like history, fashion has a way of repeating itself – albeit, in more lavish avatars, as international designers presented a range of Hawaiian shirts, bowling shirts and long blazers at recent fashion shows.

But for a more realistic approach to

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January 2018

the trend, one best bet would be accessories.

Retro glass frames, fedora hats, polka dotted shirts, scarf, bow tie, white pants and even suspenders work to add a touch of retro styling.

Athletic fashion

Athleisure wear, which became a rage a couple of years ago, is getting stronger this year with top sports wear brands gearing up to hit the market with interesting pieces of athletic fashion.

From stylish joggers and sweatshirts to nifty sports shoes, athletic fashion trend has a universal appeal.

man date Loose talk

It’s time to loosen up those pants, as international fashion designers are flaunting trousers tailored to create a loose appeal.

With tailors lining up most of the prominent streets in the city, it is easy to give this trend a try.

Suit styles

Clothes may have gotten a more leisurely look and touch, but that doesn’t mean the suit is out. It is very much in - but in a more casual tone.

Again, this trend, with sneakers and tees complementing the suit, is best reserved for a semi-formal evening do.

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Bank Muscat, MOHE sign agreement for 20 ‘Jesr Al Mustaqbal’ scholarships

Bank Muscat, as part of its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and Imprints social responsibility initiative, signed an agreement with the Ministry of Higher Education to provide 20 scholarships to Omani students pursuing undergraduate programmes in Oman during the 2017 -2018 academic year. Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Sarmi, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Higher Education, and AbdulRazak Ali Issa, Chief Executive, Bank Muscat, signed the agreement for the bank’s ‘Jesr al Mustaqbal’ (Bridge to Future) higher education scholarships to be given to Omani youth belonging to social welfare families. With this, the total number of scholarships given by the bank through the Ministry of Higher Education touches 48.

Save up to 50% on Oman Air flights with Oman Air Pass

Oman Air is reintroducing the Oman Air Pass. The Pass, which must be purchased and used online, is a simple, convenient and cost-effective way for guests to enjoy their trip with savings up to 50 percent. The Oman Air Pass, delivered by Optiontown, has been re-launched with a host of new destinations included – flights between Oman and other GCC countries and the Indian Subcontinent are all covered and guests will now be able to design a pass which suits their needs.

Passes can be customised for individuals, families, groups of friends or business travellers; with guests being able to select up to 50 listed names. Timings are flexible and flights can be booked from six months to four hours in advance; flights being booked further in advance, receive the greater price advantage. The ticket can then be utilised in a time span of one week or up to two years.

Shangri-La signs agreement with Omani company to manage its Water Sports Centre

Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa has chosen an Omani owned company, Uniboats, to exclusively manage its water sports facilities. Providing a major boost to entrepreneurial culture in Oman, executives of Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa signed an agreement with Adel Al Abri, founder of Uniboats, a 100 percent Omani-owned water sport equipment and activity company, to manage its water sports centre. The agreement was signed in the presence of chief guest Tariq Al Farsi, CEO, Al Raffd Fund, top executives of The Zubair Corporation (Z-Corp) and Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC). Adel Al Abri is also a member of Zubair SEC, a social responsibility initiative of Z-Corp.

BIG beefs up audio, video and lighting production capabilities Audio, video and lighting production specialist Business International Group (BIG) has announced a major ramp-up of its entertainment and event production capabilities with the acquisition of new state-of-the-art systems that promise to provide a world-class audio-visual experience for audiences in the Sultanate. The high-performance digital systems, comprising Bose Professional ShowMatch arrays of loudspeaker system featuring cutting-edge DeltaQ sound technology, and the ABSEN curved LED Video Wall, will further entrench BIG’s credentials as a leader in Oman’s audiovisual rentals space, as well as cater to this burgeoning production business growth.

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January 2018

Joyalukkas grows presence in Singapore with new showroom Little India in Singapore gets a fresh new feel of home with the arrival of Joyalukkas at 134 Serangoon Road. The world’s favourite jeweller’s newest showroom is just opposite the Veeramakaliamman Temple, and a welcome addition to one of the city’s most popular tourist sites. The shop was inaugurated

by S M Abdul Jaleel, Founder,CEO MES Group and was a glittering affair attended by area residents and graced by the presence of local dignitaries, VIPs and chief executives of the Joyalukkas Group. Joyalukkas at Serangoon Road is one of several showroom launches planned for early 2018, continuing the brand’s aggressive expansion efforts begun in 2015. The showroom features the brand’s signature jewellery collections, including an expanded selection of Veda Temple Jewellery, in keeping with the traditional, South Indian flavour of its location.

ESO’s Renaissance Whale and Dolphin Project

The Environment Society of Oman (ESO), in technical partnership with Five Oceans Environmental Services LLC, has completed the final round of satellite tagging of Arabian Sea Humpback Whales in Oman. A total of 14 whales have been tagged since whale tagging was initiated in 2014. Through sponsorship from Renaissance Services SAOG, local and international scientists deployed 5 satellite transmitters on Arabian Sea Humpback Whales within the Gulf of Masirah over the last 2 weeks in order to track their movements. The use of advanced technologies such as satellite transmitters has enabled researchers to gain valuable information that would otherwise have taken months of field work to obtain. Once deployed, the tags emit a daily signal whenever the whales surface and are expected to transmit for anything between 1-4 months.

BP Oman’s ‘Khazzan Young Leaders’ Programme

A pioneering initiative implemented by BP Oman and Oman Sail has entered a new phase of unlocking the potential of young talents in the Sultanate.

Implemented and set to run until March 2018, the new phase of the Khazzan Young Leaders’ Programme has been engineered to provide participants with the skillsets that enable them to embark on successful employment paths. This will be achieved through delivery of three days of experiential learning and outdoor activities. Complementing academic studies, the richly rewarding programme extracts participants from their comfort zones, instilling key wider skills that prepare them for the workplace. Since October, a number of sessions have already been conducted for 39 male students from Ibri College of Applied Sciences, 88 male students and 95 female students from Ibri Technical College and 59 students from Shinas Technical College.

Six Senses Zighy Bay introduces Own Eco-Vehicles

Six Senses Zighy Bay, in its role as an eco-advocate, has purchased its own fleet of seven of Nissan’s Pathfinder SV 4WD Hybrid vehicles, which will transport guests to the resort and take them for out-of-the-ordinary experiences in the surrounding region. Guests arriving at the border for transfer to the resort will get their first experience of the new vehicles, as they enjoy the exhilarating offroad approach to Six Senses Zighy Bay, while the hybrid vehicles will also be used to take them to Sense on the Edge, the resort’s fine dining experience on the mountaintop high above Zighy Bay. For adventurous guests, the cars will be used for excursions to Dibba town and the resort’s own farm and to the marina to enjoy a cruise from the Dhahab yacht. Adrenaline seeking guests can make use of the vehicles to transport them to paragliding from the mountaintop or for off-roading trips to the Sabatyn plateau.

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Alfardan Motors celebrate Ferrari’s 70th Anniversary

Alfardan Motors, the official dealer for Ferrari in the Sultanate, celebrated the 70th anniversary of the legendary Italian brand in Oman.

The triumphant day was enjoyed by an exclusive group of Ferrari owners, who experienced a drive event designed to reflect the prestige, excellence and exhilaration that is the hallmark of the Maranello stable the world over. The anniversary event was made special by being the first opportunity for Ferrari fans to see LaFerrari Aperta in the country. Technological excellence, performance, style, exclusivity - these are Ferrari’s unique core values which are perfectly represented by the car launched to mark the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the company. Designed for Ferrari’s most passionate clients, LaFerrari Aperta is the new limited-edition special series, an open-top version of the acclaimed LaFerrari supercar.

Volkswagen Oman Launches All-New Arteon

Volkswagen Oman, represented by Wattayah Motors, is expanding its model range in the Sultanate with the introduction of the all-new the Arteon. The much-anticipated Gran Turismo is positioned above the Passat and extends the Volkswagen line-up to offer a premium class model. The completely new, bold and avantgarde fastback offers more space and flexibility as a result of its long wheelbase, coupé-like fastback design, and large rear hatch. This offers excellent rear legroom and a luggage compartment volume of 563 to 1,557 litres, setting new benchmarks its segment.

In addition to its unmistakable design, Arteon impresses through its highly efficient TSI engine (power output range 190 HP and 280 HP), front-wheel or allwheel drive as well as digitalized instruments and controls.

Alfa Romeo 4C Offers True Supercar Experience The Alfa Romeo 4C, alongside the Guilia and Stelvio, marked the Italian brand’s highly anticipated return to Oman last month. The 4C sets itself apart with a stunning mid-engine design inspired by the brand›s legendary racing history, state-of-the-art carbon fibre monocoque and all-aluminium turbocharged engine, state-of-the-art Formula 1 inspired carbon fibre monocoque chassis, and advanced technological solutions; all to deliver supercar-level performance and driving exhilaration. The 4C Spider takes it a step further with the excitement of an open-air motoring experience together with panoramic views; complemented by the signature Alfa exhaust note. The inspiration for the Alfa Romeo 4C dates back to the 1967 33 Stradale, the homologated version of the racing Type 33, which is considered one of the most beautiful cars of all time.

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January 2018

New Rolls-Royce Phantom new Rolls-Royce Phantom has debuts in Oman The made its debut in Oman. Following its recent global debut in London, the new flagship of the luxury car manufacturer was presented by Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, the exclusive importer for BMW, MINI and authorised dealership for Rolls-Royce in Oman. The New Phantom features a spectacular Bespoke advancement with ‘The Gallery’. An unprecedented new concept in luxury, ‘The Gallery’ reinterprets the motor car’s dashboard for the first time in 100 years. Owners will be able to commission a truly individual work of art that spans the width of ‘The Gallery’ and sits behind a single pane of glass in their New Phantom.

Free Mopar Accessories for Jeep Wranglers Dhofar Automotive, the official distributor for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and RAM Vehicles in Oman, recently announced huge discounts on nearly every vehicle across its product portfolio. Going by the slogan ‘It’s a big deal’, the new promotion offers discounts ranging from RO1,500 to as high as RO5,000. As part of the offer, Dhofar Automotive is also offering special accessory packages and discounts on Mopar Parts for any customer purchasing a jeep Wrangler as part of the offer. As part of the offer, anyone looking to purchase a Jeep Wrangler will receive free Mopar accessories worth RO1,900 as well as have the opportunity to purchase a Wrangler Mopar 2-inch lift kit at a discounted fitted rate of just OMR 499.

Sierra All-Terrain

The 2017 GMC Sierra All-Terrain, a new variant, has been added to the American carmaker’s line-up with the tagline ‘Power is in our DNA’. With a standard 355 hp 5.3-litre V8 engine or an optional 420 hp 6.2-litre V8 engine, which are already available on other Sierras, this one also gets the Z71 Off-Road pack with monotube Rancho shocks, advanced Hill Decent Control, automatic locking rear differential and protective underbody shielding. In other words, it delivers power and capability right when you need it. Available in onyx black, dark slate metallic, summit white and crimson red, the Sierra All-Terrain cost starts from RO18,775 with cash gift of RO1000, complimentary registration, free 30,000 km service and five years extended warranty with unlimited mileage.

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Chill Out

Movies

MOVIE REVIEW

Director Aaron Sorkin

Cast

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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

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ND I N G

O

CHART TOPPERS

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Jessica Chastain Idris Elba Kevin Costner Michael Cera Jeremy Strong Chris O’Dowd Bill Camp

January 2018

Molly’s Game ‘Molly’s Game’ is based on the memoir ‘Molly’s Game: From Hollywood’s Elite to Wall Street’s Billionaire Boys Club, My High-Stakes Adventure in the World of Underground Poker’ by Molly Bloom Molly’s Game is a crime drama film written and directed by Aaron Sorkin in his directorial debut. It is based on the true-life story of Molly Bloom, an injured Olympic skier who used her wits and her brains to start an underground poker game for very rich folk. She turned it into the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game for a decade before being arrested in the middle of the night by 17 FBI agents wielding automatic weapons. Her players included Hollywood royalty, sports stars, business titans and, inconspicuously, the Russian mob. Her only ally was her criminal defence lawyer Charlie Jaffey, who learned that there was much more to Molly than the tabloids led people to believe. Michael Cera portrays a character named Player X, an elite celebrity player who develops a special relationship with Bloom.

Books

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget UPCOMING RELEASES

The Post

Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Sarah Paulson, Bob Odenkirk, Tracy Letts, Bradley Whitford, Bruce Greenwood, Matthew Rhys, Alison Brie In June 1971, The New York Times, the Washington Post and the nation’s major newspapers took a brave stand for freedom of speech and reported on the Pentagon Papers, the massive cover-up of government secrets that spanned four decades and four US Presidents. At the time, the Post’s Katherine Graham was still finding her footing as the country’s first female newspaper publisher, and Ben Bradlee, the paper’s volatile editor, was trying to enhance the stature of the struggling, local paper.

Together, the two formed an unlikely team and made the bold decision to support The New York Times and fight the Nixon Administration’s unprecedented attempt to restrict the first amendment.

The Commuter Maze Runner: The Death Cure

Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Sangster, Rosa Salazar, Ki Hong Lee, Dexter Darden In the third and the final installment of the Maze Runner saga, Thomas leads his group of escaped Gladers on their final and most dangerous mission yet. To save their friends, they must break into the legendary Last City, a WCKD-controlled labyrinth that may turn out to be the deadliest maze of all.

Anyone who makes it out alive will get answers to the questions the Gladers have been asking since they first arrived in the maze.

BOOK REVIEW

Liam Neeson, Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Sam Neill, Elizabeth McGovern, Jonathan Banks In this action-packed thriller, Liam Neeson plays an insurance salesman, Michael, on his daily commute home, which quickly becomes anything but routine. After being contacted by a mysterious stranger, Michael is forced to uncover the identity of a hidden passenger on his train before the last stop. As he works against the clock to solve the puzzle, he realises a deadly plan is unfolding and is unwittingly caught up in a criminal conspiracy. One that carries life and death stakes, for himself and his fellow passengers.

Call Me by Your Name

Author: André Aciman ‘Call Me by Your Name’ is the story of a sudden romance that blossoms between an adolescent boy and a summer guest at his parents’ cliffside mansion on the Italian Riviera. The two are unprepared for the consequences of their attraction, when, during the weeks that follow, their passion intensifies, testing the charged ground between them. Recklessly, the two verge towards the one thing both fear they may never truly find again: total intimacy.

Sisters Dark at the Crossing

Author: Elliot Ackerman Haris Abadi, an Arab American with a conflicted past, is now in Turkey, attempting to cross into Syria and join the fight against Bashar al-Assad’s regime. But he is robbed before he can make it, and is taken in by Amir, a charismatic Syrian refugee and former revolutionary, and Amir’s wife, Daphne, a sophisticated beauty haunted by grief. As it becomes clear that Daphne is also desperate to return to Syria, Haris’s choices become ever more wrenching: Whose side is he really on?

Author: Lily Tuck In ‘Sisters’, Lily Tuck gives a different portrait of marital life, exposing the intricacies and scandals of a new marriage sprung from betrayal. Tuck’s unnamed narrator lives with her new husband, his two teenagers, and the presence of his first wife, known only as ‘she’. Will the narrator ever equal ‘she’ intellectually, or ever forget the betrayal that lies between them? And what of the secrets between her husband and ‘she’, from which the narrator is excluded?

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Movies

WEB WORLD

Lend a helping hand

Foster the art of giving by subscribing to websites like kiva.org, which are dedicated to support and help people create a better future

‘We envision a world where all people hold the power to create opportunity for themselves and others,’ reads the project goal of www.kiva.org, an international nonprofit organisation, with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty.

By lending as little as $25 on Kiva, one can help a borrower start or grow a business, go to school, access clean energy or simply assist in realising their potential.

For some that amount may be a matter of survival, for others it’s the spur to fulfill a life-long ambition. All the money lent through this micro-loan site goes to funding loans. Kiva covers costs through donations, as well as through support from grants and sponsors.

they also learn how people in other countries make a living with businesses that are diverse in their approach and reach. They can see what it takes to make even a small business grow and assess the impact of their charity.

If you are a parent, you could easily explain the importance of charity to your children, through Kiva, which gives people the opportunity to make loans to small business owners in underdeveloped countries. Kids can decide who they want to lend to and

Kiva’s website shows how even a small loan can make for a struggling business. It provides one with the opportunity to invest as little as $25 in businesses in impoverished areas around the world.

Riddle Time

1 2 3 4 5 60

Where do crayons go on vacation?

What is it called when a cat wins a dog show?

What did the baby corn say to the mama corn?

What happened to the dog that swallowed a firefly?

What do you call a man with no body and just a nose?

January 2018

Riddle Time Answers ( December 2017)

1 2

Why can’t your nose be 12 inches long?

Answer: Because then it would be a foot!

What did the judge say when the skunk walked in the court room?

Answer: Odour in the court.

3 4 5

Why don’t skeletons fight each other?

Answer: They don’t have the guts.

What kind of lights did Noah use on the Ark? Answer: Flood lights!

Did you hear about the monster with five legs?

Answer: His trousers fit him like a glove.

Books

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget GADGET NOTES Sitpack and enjoy…

If you are one of those who constantly looks for a place to sit when out, the Sitpack collapsible stool is what you would need. The new Sitpack Zen is a portable carbon-andaluminum stool, which can be carried in a backpack or on the shoulder, ensuring that you always have a place to take the load right off. The self-contained package hangs a 8.7” x 1.7” cylinder from an integrated carry strap. It can be opened in seconds, turning the side wings into a Y. The cylinder below the wings is a 38” telescoping leg that can be adjusted to your preferred height. It’s a very simple, quick process that all but takes care of itself. Although it is not a self-supporting chair that can take all the weight, it helps you to lean against it with your backside on the cushion between the wings.

Wearable keyboard and mouse

As the keyboard continues to evolve and make life easy for users, TAP has found an all new dimension for the regular keyboard and mouse. TAP’s wearable keyboard and mouse are designed to operate without wires, making it convenient and stress free. Using Bluetooth connectivity, this wireless wearable keyboard will be able to transform just about anything that you touch into a surface on which you can type on. It is a one-handed keyboard, requiring one to learn how to adapt to it. But that should not be an issue, as it will alter the model for controlling and texting to mobile devices such as wearable screens, AR/VR, smartwatches, accessibility devices and pro tablets such as Microsoft’s Surface Pro.

‘Razer’ sharp games

Good news for gaming enthusiasts. Razer is now offering gaming grade Wi-Fi for the home. Razer has worked with networking partner Ignition Design Labs to roll out a new Portal router that has been specially created for gaming purposes and to bring about an optimisation of features as well as performances. Having figured out that device connectivity is a major area that requires improvement for gamers, Razer has introduced meshcapable Portal Wi-Fi routers to do its bit to prevent such setbacks from happening. Both high bandwidth gaming and streaming applications would not be too much of a trouble for the Portal router, which is expected to hit the market in early 2018.

Bites 72-year old Becky had just got her first computer and she was excited to use it. After her son spent over 2 hours teaching her how to use it, she was sure she knew everything there was to know about computers.

Unfortunately though, one day she couldn’t get it to start so she promptly called an IT guy to come over and

take a look at it. The IT guy fixed the issue in a few minutes and called his boss to inform him about the job done. Becky, who overheard the talk, was sure that he was classifying it as a serious issue and was glad she had called for help. Unable to hold herself, she said, “I couldn’t help overhearing you on the phone with your boss. What exactly is an Id ten T problem? Just so I can tell my son.” The man smiled, took out a pen, “It stands for this: I-D -1-0-T.” **

Lauren was frustrated. She had complained dozens of times to her daughter about her habit of kissing the bathroom mirror immediately after applying lipstick, but it was all to no avail. Finally, one day after spending a half hour scrubbing the mirror, only to find another kiss mark an hour later, Lauren had enough. “Lizzy!” she hollered, “What?” came her daughter’s reply through her bedroom door. I can’t find the toilet brush that I’ve been using to clean the bathroom mirror. Do you have any idea where it is?”

And that was the end of the kiss marks on the mirror…

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Movies

FUTURESCOPE

January 2018

Capricorn

(December 21st – January 19th) Your new yearly astrological cycle begins with a lot of planetary movement in Capricorn. The Universal energy puts the spotlight on you. Go on, express yourself, share thoughts and ideas. Change or enhance your appearance and learn to ask for what you want. Get plenty of exercise to help relieve that hard to identify restlessness. Be ready for intense emotional issues that may arise later in the month.

Aries

Aries, your year begins with abundant energy supporting your career and public image. Well thought out plans could yield promotions or bonuses. Authority figures are paying close attention. Make use of the extra energy you are receiving to do more creative intellectual work. Romantic or creative issues could arise during the month. Younger people in your life may bring fresher views of life.

Taurus

This is your time of the year to expand your horizons, personally, spiritually and mentally. Long distance travel may be beneficial. A new course of study or new hobby will stimulate your intellect.

Personal transformations might occur through an intense relationship or personal conflict over values. Keep the ego under control.

Gemini

Your talkative trait may take a back seat as you become quieter than usual. Universal energy makes you look inward. The desire for passionate encounters and profoundly deep conversations is strong. Be careful in partnerships/relationships as issues could heat up and words said might later be regretted. Look at all the facts first.

Travel is favoured towards the end of the month.

Cancer

There is an abundance of planetary energy, which demands that you address partnership/relationship issues. A new love could enter your life and some of you may take the big step. Things might be heating up at work and someone may challenge you for no apparent reason.

Take that extra energy and begin a new diet or health regimen to make you feel better. Exercise helps relieve the stress and anxiety.

Leo

This is the time to use your innate talents to devise new methods to improve your health or increase personal productivity at work. There could be plenty of paperwork and communications there. Keep a check on your tendency to overindulge in food and drink. There are chances of a passionate romance igniting.

Virgo

Let everyone else make New Year’s resolutions. For you it is time to play and pursue romance, creativity and pleasure.

Creative projects are in the offing this month. However, sleeping patterns may be disturbed this month with deep unconscious energies being stirred up.

This is a great month for early spring cleaning, beginning construction on a new home, or renovating your existing one.

Libra

Holidays may be over, but there’s still a lot of activity on the home front. You may decide to redecorate or enhance the appearance of your home. Projects begun early this month at home or with the family may be fruitful. The pace of your everyday environment begins to pick up.

Michelle Obama (January 17, 1964)

Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama was the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. She is married to the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, and is the first African-American First Lady. She is an American lawyer and writer; she is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School. She spent her early legal career working at the law firm Sidley Austin, where she met her husband.

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January 2018

Don’t let your communications become too dictatorial. Romance, creativity and pleasure beckon you…

Scorpio

Your everyday environment is still activated pushing you forward at a frenzied pace. Communications in different forms are numerous. Your words are mostly kind and thoughtful and there are chances that you may receive a special ‘proposal.’ You will be fired up to pursue new ways to increase your earning power and reassess personal values.

Sagittarius

Sagittarian, it’s time to look over finances, determine if your earning power is sufficient, and re-examine whether or not your values honestly reflect your inner self. Negotiating and signing financial contracts may occur. Money making ideas may yield positive results. You are still energised with an extra boost of get up and go, make the most of it.

Aquarius

Spend time with nature, reflect, and seek solitude. Charitable work provides a breath of fresh air to your soul. Take a leading role in some group or organisation, and remember, you have the stamina to see it through. There could be something to address in partnerships/relationships later in the month.

Pisces

Piscean, do not forget that friends play an important role for you. Goals and dreams will be addressed and possibly changed or amended. The career front gets an extra surge of energy. Be careful not to ‘burn’ others with those fiery ideas. Your public image gets a boost. Finding new goals or beginning new friendships are good for you.

Books

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget

WEIRD NEWS Cat named D-O-G

‘Dee-oh-jee’, that’s the name of this cat that trains pups to become service dogs. The fluffy black and white cat from Missouri plays an important role at the Support Dogs, Inc, which trains dogs to assist people with mobility related issues and people with hearing loss, among others. D-O-G, an Internet star, has come a long way from his former life as a barn kitten. The team at Support Dogs, Inc saw that he was completely fearless despite his size and had no issue being around and close to the dogs.

NYE Fun Facts What makes New Year’s Eve such a popular day in our calendar?

All in the ring finger…

There is, seemingly, something about the size of the ring finger.

According to a new study, men with longer ring fingers are more likely to attract women with certain traits. Scientists, in fact, believe that the person one attracts may have been predestined when one was still in the womb, alluding to how the ring finger develops. They found that men with long ring fingers are four times more likely to end up with a partner who has the classic hourglass figure. “Our results suggest men’s pre-natal environment has an impact on the likelihood of being in a relationship with a more attractive and presumably more fertile woman,” they stated.

‘Yes, I am tall’

Several reasons, actually… l For one, the first New Year’s Eve was celebrated 4,000 years by the ancient Babylonians. l In ancient Greece, around 600 B.C., a baby was used to signify the New Year. l Jewish New Year is called Rosh Hashanah, when apples and honey are traditionally eaten. l In ancient Rome the New Year, in fact, was on March 1. l For the Chinese, New Year celebration is associated with the second full moon after the winter solstice. l Ancient Persians gave New Year’s gifts of eggs, which symbolised productiveness. l Ringing in the New Year with family and friends is said to bring luck. l People in Italy wear red underwear on New Year’s Day; they believe it will bring good luck all year long. l One of the biggest NYE celebrations is in Sydney, where more than 80,000 fireworks are set off from Sydney Harbour Bridge. l In many countries around the world, people create an effigy of an old man and set him on fire at midnight to burn away all the ills of the year gone by. l January is named after Janus, the god with two faces, one looking forward and one looking backward.

Frustrated from all the height-related questions, a tall bloke decided to dish out answers to the oft-asked questions with a business card. This 6’10” tall guy designed a business card for all the curious folks that do not see his annoyance when asking questions like ‘where do you get your clothes from’, ‘do you have an extra long bed’, etc.

His business card, which came to light via social media, reads as follows: “Yes I am tall. I am 6’10”. “(No I’m not kidding. Yes, that is tall.

No, I do not play basketball. I play volleyball.

“Yes, seeing the tops of everyone’s head is weird. Yes, the weather is nice up here “This has been a great conversation.”

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WINNER

2017