Vol. 1, Issue 5 , November 2011- January 2012, Winter Special
Oman’s first premier travel magazine
Dive easy Oman-Trail
Globe-Trail
Blessed with beautiful tourism sites Spectacular wadis, Celebrity say & more
Balcony Laden Floating Condominium Snorkelling with sea lions Awafi Festival in RAK Most spectacular sites & more
Readers Forum
The wonder that thunders It is neither the highest, nor the widest waterfall in the world, but it is the largest – that much can be said about the Victoria Falls or more precisely, the Mosioa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders). The world heritage list recognises both names. The claim is based on a width of 1,708 metres (5,604ft) and a height of 108 metres (354ft) forming the largest sheet of falling water in the world. Susan’s (Susan C. Thornton – May-July 2011 issue) story on Mosi-oa-Tunya was fantastic because she took me on the same path that I had traversed on and I concur on her sentiments: this is where nature is at her most powerful. David Livingstone, a Scottish missionary and explorer, must have been truly amazed at the sight. Like Susan mentioned, “imagine running into something like this by chance”! Wow, I would go crazy. Thanks for taking us through this natural wonder and we hope that we will be able to read more about such wonders in future issues too. Miguel J.Ruiz, Seeb
Perfect location
True leap of faith
The Okavango Delta is surely the perfect
Jumping off a plane is not easy. I know. It took me nearly four years to do that. I
location to have a luxury safari holiday.
love adventure sports, but I am severely handicapped when it comes to heights…
We had such a fantastic time there (in
in the sense, I have a great fear of heights. Right from childhood, I am having this
Botswana) and I cried when we had to
fear and finally my friends at my workplace decided that I should get over this fear.
leave. We stayed at several camps; the
During a trip to Dubai, they tried to get me unsuccessfully into Bungee jumping. I
first one was a very small one but good
tried to show off and said that I was not interested in Bungee jumping, but if there
and the second one had a spectacular
was some way that I could jump off a plane, I was game. Little did I know that I had
setting – it was right on the delta. We had
put my foot in my own mouth as there was a skydiving club right there in Dubai and
some interesting episodes with hippos!
my friends promptly took me there and signed up. Honestly, I still don’t know what
Jane Sims, Qurum
I did, or what happened, but that day I killed my fears, not only looking down from a height, which was so many thousands of feet above and more importantly, jumping off from that height. For nearly four years before the leap, I was mustering courage to do it but never had the guts, then, suddenly from out of the blue, something happened and I just broke free from my fears. It was a leap of faith for me! Sanjith Aaron, Al Khuwair
Adrenaline zing I agree with the author of the tandem sky diving piece. The adrenaline rush you gain by jumping off a plane is really something. I must have done that dive several months back and yet now even when I talk about it or write about it, I get a full rush of adrenaline. Wow! Nothing like it! Todd Ronald, Ghala
White lions grace captured I would like to congratulate you for this excellent publication. In fact, the white lions’ photos and the accompanying article (Issue 2 , August-October 2010) is quite good and has a real impact. The grace and the dignity of the lord of the jungle, although in a different shade, is quite evident. I am not alone in praising the Footprints and would like to add here that my friends and colleagues also share the same sentiment. Congratulations from all of us! S.A.S. Naqvi, Sports consultant, FMEC/OHA, Muscat
E-mail your letters to footprints@blackandwhiteoman.com 4
November 2011- January 2012
C o n t e n t s Editor-in-chief Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Managing editor Priya Arunkumar Work editor Adarsh Madhavan Design and production Beneek Siraj Photographer Ali Raisi Advt. & marketing Shannon D’Souza, Priyanka Sampat Printers Oman Printers
A
10 presentation
Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos Office location: Hatat Complex A, Office no: 212, II Floor Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496 e-mail: footprints@blackandwhiteoman.com
G lobe-Tr a il
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On the cover
A joint venture with Zahara Travel and Service Bureau
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Design: Beneek Siraj 6
November 2011- January 2012
“Balcony Laden Floating Condominium” After P.N. Devaya’s recent experience, he no longer considers that description of large cruise ships uncomplimentary. The balcony with the stateroom elevated a great experience to an absolutely unforgettable one, he says Snorkelling with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands The sea lions were not the only ones whom the writer bumped into during his watery sojourn: Two Galapagos penguins, a marine iguana, reef sharks, Sally Lightfoot crabs made their day!
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Om a n - T ra i l
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Dive easy Dramatic wall drop offs, scenic coral lined fjords, several thousand kilometers of coastline, clean and unpolluted waters, fantastic sea conditions‌Oman is an untouched paradise for divers.
Honey, my Venice is sinking Some unique spots are under threat of disappearing forever. So, try to catch sight of them before they disappear.
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Spectacular Wadis, not just for bashing A wadi is a dried up riverbed found in the mountain valleys. Wadis come into their own after heavy rains, when the rivers start running again and the vegetation is restored. However, some wadis have year-round running water, with deep, cool pools in which it is quite safe to swim if the currents are slow
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Blessed with beautiful tourism sites Read what Oman’s tourism minister has to say for those who are yet to visit this tourism-rich country
November 2011- January 2012
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Friend, philosopher & guide
Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief
Ready for a new underworld experience Oman is a country blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and resources. The best part of this is that a major portion of it is still untouched, unexplored... Look at the vast coastal line Oman is endowed with. How many of us have even explored just a portion of it? We are content with the same beaches, same picnics with repeat experiences. Some years ago, a friend of mine suggested underwater diving to me. I have not yet attempted to dive, though I have marked it in my hobbies list to pursue. I am sure it is going to be a great experience, which will get you hooked on to diving forever. Oman is indeed a safe country for all sorts of hobbies and I have never heard of any accidents underwater! So go ahead, take a dive in to a new world of beauty and serenity.
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November 2011- January 2012
Globe-Trail
“Balcony Laden Floating Condominium” A seven-day cruise in Alaska’s Inside Passage Words and photographs: P.N. Devaya
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November 2011- January 2012
After our recent experience, I no longer consider that description of large cruise ships uncomplimentary. The balcony with our stateroom elevated a great experience to an absolutely unforgettable one. Golden Princess was laden in so many ways. True, we had 2,600 passengers and 1,000 crew, but there were loads of choices: dining, entertainment, activities and interesting places, with remarkable service all round. Floating over the open sea and Alaska’s Inside Passage, it was smooth sailing all the way, thanks to good weather and ship stabilisers. Like an upmarket condominium; all amenities, no jostling crowds, well designed spaces, well honed procedures. Plus, the view kept changing.
November 2011- January 2012
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Globe-Trail
Poolside aft (back of ship)
W
e sailed from Seattle on a sunny
Deck - putting course
Saturday evening, straight to Juneau
From the modern comfort of our vintage
two nights later. Our rental van was
rail coach, we saw parts of the trail where
waiting, so we weren’t tied to tour bus
thousands of men, women and pack
schedules and took our time savouring
horses had headed for distant gold. The
every experience (Mendenhall Glacier
train hugged steep slopes that had been
and Nugget Falls – wow!) with time left
blasted building this line. In Dead Horse
for some extempore exploration. The
Gulch far below, 3,000 pack horses had
serene and scenic Shrine of St Therese
died while attempting what took us just
on a small, wooded island overlooking
10 minutes to cross. The abandoned steel
the bay was a fortunate find off Glacier
bridge there had been world famous and
Highway. On Douglas Island we drove
one of the railway’s many engineering
along a scenic local road, saw a deer up
marvels in 1901. It was a journey through
close and finally returned to the ship’s
both geography and history. After that
onboard attractions.
three-hour train journey, we explored Skagway, soaking in gold rush and
Stateroom
In Skagway the next morning, our pre-
railway lore.
booked excursion on the White Pass
Deck chess - Lifesized 12
November 2011- January 2012
& Yukon Route turned out to be one
The coldest day followed, cruising in
of the high points of our cruise, with
slow whisper mode inside Glacier Bay
exhilarating scenery varying from coast
National Park, wearing layers of winter
to summit with rocks, greenery and snow
clothing lugged across continents just for
all coexisting.
Alaska.
Park Rangers came on board providing
The next leg, a long one, brought us
a running commentary on the impressive
to Victoria where we spent our limited
glaciers and wild life while ensuring that
time walking through scenic residential
the ship followed all Park rules. This is a
neighbourhoods, verdant public gardens
World Heritage Site and, with Admiralty
and busy downtown streets. Too quick
Island, one of the largest internationally
for such a lovely town, but we had to
protected Biosphere
reach Seattle early next morning.
Reserves.
Each
winter, humpback whales migrate from Glacier Bay, with its half a ton per whale
After this, our small group of family and
daily meal plan, to breeding grounds in
friends all went separate ways with time
Hawaii. They return in summer; 4,500
to reflect on a wonderful week with rare
km and 40 days each way between bed
queues and no body scans. Though
and board. We welcomed them back.
tinged with sorrow and disappointment
Other creatures also thrive in Glacier Bay
on a personal level, overall we had a
thanks to the efforts of conservationists
holiday that would be difficult to replicate.
Mendenhall glacier near Juneau
and Park authorities. For example, there are over 4,000 sea otters today in Glacier
We were lucky to be among friends, able
Bay, from none 20 years ago.
to plan well in advance and then leave it to OUA Travels to get us some very good
Early next morning came Ketchikan, with
deals and suggestions from cruise line,
its large collection of old carved-wood
hotels and car rental. Also fortunate was
totem poles portraying native legends
the almost perfect weather, quite rare in
and family histories. We walked around
Alaska.
In Glacier Bay
town, enjoying poles, parks and streams, the youngsters took a long steep hike
Hats off to Balcony Laden Floating
up a mountain and finally there was
Condominiums.
shopping near the docks. Visit:
http://www.princess.com/learn/
ships/np/index.html
In the inside passage
Ship’s bridge from balcony
November 2011- January 2012
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Globe-Trail
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November 2011- January 2012
MV Malaspina This mainline ferry is the senior vessel of the Alaska Marine Highway System fleet. We were lucky to hear the tribute to Malaspina on our cruise ship’s public address system and privileged to admire her sailing by; a beauty built over 40 years ago and still providing an essential service with the fleet. Malaspina’s routes serve various Inside Passage communities from Bellingham near the US/Canada border going north to Ketchikan, Juneau, Haines, Skagway and other places in between. She can carry 499 people and 88 vehicles. There are many communities in Southeastern Alaska (which includes the Inside Passage) that have no road access and are almost totally dependent on ferries and barges to transport people, vehicles and freight. Even where there is road access in theory, it is usually not a viable option. The distance between Skagway and Haines, for example, is about 30 km by ferry and about 500 km by road. In this situation, the Alaska Marine Highway System plays the vital role of providing regular scheduled transportation services equivalent to a railway or bus line.
November 2011- January 2012
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1899 model snow plow
Ski shop - faced with skis
Ketchikan street and stream
Douglas Island road 16
May-July 2011
The White Pass & Yukon Route The arrival of nearly two million dollars worth of Klondike gold caused a media frenzy in depression ridden North America and a stampede ensued - the Gold Rush of 1897. Stampeders generally sailed Alaska’s Inside Passage to Skagway and Dyea before the overland trek to the Klondike. Approximately 100,000 left, 40,000 reached, 4,000 found gold, 400 became wealthy and perhaps 40 retained that wealth. White Pass & Yukon Railroad Company began construction of a narrow gauge railroad in May 1898. In hindsight that was too late, the Gold Rush having peaked the previous winter. On our old rail coach
Though they completed their “impossible” task in only 26 months, the railway was redundant before its first locomotive steamed. They had invested $10 million, employed tens of thousands of workers and 450 tons of explosives to blast through the solid granite of steep coastal mountains. The track climbed almost 900 metres in 30 kilometres, with grades up to 3.9 per cent, cliff-hanging turns of 16 degrees, two tunnels and many bridges including the steel cantilever bridge over Dead Horse Gulch, the tallest in the world in 1901. Was it all a waste? Not at all. The White Pass & Yukon Route went on to
Coping with weather and terrain
become
a
fully
integrated
transportation
company providing passenger and freight infrastructure for Yukon’s population and mining industry. A very successful transportation innovator, they pioneered inter-modal (ship-train-truck) movement of containers in 1956. In 1994, they were designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, an honour shared by only 36 world civil engineering marvels such as the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty and Panama Canal. Operations were suspended in 1982 but the railway reopened in 1988 as a seasonal tourism operation and is today Alaska’s most popular shore excursion carrying almost 400,000 passengers during the May to September tourism season.
Trail of 1898
Visit: http://www.wpyr.com/
November 2011- January 2012
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November 2011- January 2012
WP&YR track carved into granite mountain side
Alaska Cruise A cruise may not be the best way to experience the immense depth and variety of Alaska, but it is perhaps the most convenient, comfortable and costeffective way of sampling America’s last frontier. Alaska
covers
about
one
fifth
of
continental US, with almost no road networks and very low population. While it is possible to study how native Alaskans lived in harmony with nature; forests, mountains, sea, rivers, wildlife and glaciers, there are hurdles of logistics, safety and expense that would deter most travellers. A cruise is a good way to gain a first exposure. Selection of a particular cruise would depend on one’s wants, personal tastes, budgets and priorities. It would be good to get group consensus on these before starting to research various options. Typically, Alaska cruises depart from Seattle, Vancouver or San Francisco. They could be one way or round trip with durations measured in days, weeks or months. There is a wide range of choice in cruise companies and ships, catering to different profiles and segments. We found answers to almost all our questions in various references online, including sites like CruiseAlaska and the TripAdvisor Alaska Forum. The cruise company’s site is essential reading.
November 2011- January 2012
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Snorkelling with sea lions in the
Galapagos Islands
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November 2011- January 2012
Was it‌an alien? A being from outer space swimming in the seas? What? Our eyes popped out of our snorkels as we came face to face with a lion – but, a sea lion! It was the first live underwater encounter with a sea lion and it will remain an unforgettable experience! We were visiting the Bartolome island, which is the youngest volcanic islands of the Galapagos, when we came in close contact with the sea lions, who are not only very curious, but also very playful creatures. They swam and swam around us. Snorkeling with sea lions was an indescribable experience!
November 2011- January 2012
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November 2011- January 2012
T
he sea lions were not the only ones
whom we bumped into during our watery sojourn:
Two
Galapagos
penguins,
a marine iguana, reef sharks, Sally Lightfoot crabs made our day! Animals aren’t afraid of humans. At least
Lonesome George
not in the Galapagos Islands! This is one
Speaking of giant tortoises, the real
amazing behaviour that you will witness
attraction of the Charles Darwin Research
throughout your stay in this island paradise.
Centre in Peurto Ayora is the tortoise The islands are geologically young and
breeding centre. Here, you can see not
famed for their vast number of endemic
only full grown examples of the species
The Galápagos Islands (official name:
species, which were studied by Charles
that gave the islands their name but also
Archipiélago de Colón; other Spanish
Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle.
baby ones. One of the enduring stars is
names: Islas de Colón or Islas Galápagos)
His
collections
Lonesome George, aged between 90 and
are an archipelago of volcanic islands
contributed to the inception of Darwin’s
100, who is the last remaining member of
distributed around the equator in the
theory of evolution by natural selection.
the Isla Pinta subspecies.
Pacific Ocean, 972 km (525 nmi) west of
Since the Galapagos Islands are a
continental Ecuador, of which they are a
national park you will have to pay an
Described by the Guinness book of world
part. Wildlife is its most notable feature.
entrance fee of $100 per person. So
records as the “rarest living creature”,
visiting the Galapagos is expensive but if
it is the only known living Geochelone
you’re interested in the animals and their
abigdoni tortoise. His companions are of
environment it is worth it.
a similar but different species.
marine reserve. The principal language
Magical experience
Lonesome George, weighing 90kg (14st
on the islands is Spanish. The islands
Once there, you will be taken through
2lb) was a native of Pinta, an isolated
have a population of around 23,000.
some of the most incredible environments
northern island of the Galápagos. By the
ever
awesome
late 1960s, it was noted that the tortoise
The group consists of 15 main islands,
moonlike volcanic landscape of Sierra
population on the rarely visited island had
three smaller islands, and 107 rocks
Negra Volcano to the natural habitat of
dwindled close to extinction. George,
and islets. The islands are located at
the Giant Tortoises in the Highlands of
discovered in 1972, was immediately
the Galapagos Triple Junction. It is also
Santa Cruz.
brought into captivity at the Charles
The
Galápagos
Islands
and
its
surrounding waters form an Ecuadorian
observations
and
province, a national park, and a biological
imagined,
from
the
atop the Galapagos hotspot, a place
Darwin research station on the island of
where the Earth’s crust is being melted
What makes a visit to the Galapagos
from below by a mantle plume, creating
Islands such a magical and unforgettable
volcanoes. The oldest island is thought
experience
with
Tortoises on the Galápagos have been
to have formed between five million
wonderful and unique animals. Some
hunted for their meat by sailors and
and 10 million years ago. The youngest
of them may include the Galapagos
fishermen to the point of extinction.
islands, Isabela and Fernandina, are
sea lions, Galapagos giant tortoises,
Charles Darwin, when he arrived in the
still being formed, with the most recent
marine
blue-
Galápagos in 1835, described how he
volcanic eruption in April 2009, where
footed boobies, flamingos, frigate birds,
and the crew of the Beagle lived entirely
lava from the volcanic island Fernandina
pelicans, Darwin´s finches, Galapagos
on tortoise meat. Also, the habitat of the
started flowing both towards the island’s
fly-catchers, Galapagos mockingbirds,
tortoises has been eaten away by goats
shoreline and into the center caldera.
etc.
introduced from the mainland.
is
Iguanas,
the
encounter
lava
lizards,
Santa Cruz.
November 2011- January 2012
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Islands in the stream Bartolomé Island A young island where you can climb atop the summit of a once active volcano, gaze across a panoramic view from the famous ‘Pinnacle Rock’; crystal clear waters give you a chance to snorkel with schools of tropical fish, swim along with penguins. On the other side of the island encounter sea turtles and white-tipped sharks.
Tower (Genovesa) Island Tower Island is one of the most spectacular islands in Galapagos. After a wet landing on Darwin Bay’s coral beach, wind your way past tide pools where swallow-tailed and lava gulls gather. Enter a forest of mangroves where colonies of great frigate birds nest. The males inflate their red-throated pouches to attract females that fly overhead. Take a ‘panga’ or dinghy ride along the jagged shoreline. See the beautiful red-billed tropic bird. At Prince Philip’s Steps, find storm petrels and the elusive short-eared owl, and watch the famous red-footed boobies nesting in palo santo trees.
Santiago (James) Island Puerto Egas - This is a wonderful location for looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tide pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons, oystercatchers and yellow-crowned night herons. Our walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where we encounter fur sea lions that were once on the verge of extinction.
Fernandina (Narborough) Island Punta Espinosa - Located in the western part of the archipelago, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island found in Galapagos. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory. Flightless Cormorants build their nest on the point and Galapagos Hawk fly overhead. Evidence of recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast.
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November 2011- January 2012
Isabela (Albemarle) Island Tagus Cove - Six volcanoes flowed together and formed Isabela, the largest island in Galapagos. On a nature walk, discover a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook, and a spectacular view of lava fields, volcanic formations and the ocean. Note graffiti dating back to the 1800’s is written on the rocky cliffs. Explore Tagus Cove in pangas or sea kayaks and find Galapagos penguins and other seabirds.
Santa Cruz Island Watch the scenery change as we wind our way through all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos. From June to January you can find giant tortoises on a private farm in the highlands. We also visit Los Gemelos ‘The Twins’, a pair of large pit craters where we find the bright red male vermilion flycatcher. Afterwards, we head to ‘the tunnels’, the largest lava tubes found in Galapagos. After lunch at a highland ranch, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Scientists from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from anatomy to zoology. Get your picture taken with the giant tortoises. Observe year-old tortoises and learn about the captive-breeding program. Next, stroll through the town of Puerto Ayora (population: 10,000) –the largest town in the Galapagos. Buy souvenirs, mail postcards and absorb local charm in the social heart of the Islands.
Hood (Española) Island Walk along seemingly endless stretches of sandy beach where you’ll find colonies of sea lions. Swim and snorkel with the sea lions and enjoy the colorful diversity of sea life near Gardner Islet. Other species endemic to Galapagos and found on Espanola include Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Doves and Galapagos Hawks. Observe a unique species of marine iguana identified with traces of red and green colorings. Colorful lightfoot crabs crawl along the shoreline near to the famous ‘blow hole’.
November 2011- January 2012
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November 2011- January 2012
The Galapagos island is also host to the world’s rarest living creature – ‘Lonesome George’ – one of the enduring stars among the giant tortoises
November 2011- January 2012
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Globe-Trail Globe-Trail
Awafi Festival begins in
Ras Al Khaimah on December 16
The 9th Awafi Festival will begin this December 16, 2011 in Ras Al Khaimah. An elaborate opening ceremony has been planned, the higher organising committee of the festival said. The opening ceremony for the festival will be held at the Awafi Stadium in the Awafi area, which is a key tourist destination in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
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November 2011- January 2012
A
supervision of the higher organising committee of the Festival. The ceremony,
ccording to Faisal Abdul Aziz Al
which will feature a special fireworks
In the event that a new world record
Matar, general coordinator of the 9th
display, will also felicitate the Festival’s
is set, the Guinness World Records
Awafi Festival, the organising committee
‘guest of honor’.
representative will officially announce the
has approved to re-establish the opening
feat during the opening ceremony.
ceremony as a key attraction of the
“We are working hard to produce
festival after it was left out in the last few
a
editions.
culturally sensitive ceremony that befits
number
the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and Awafi,
championships that will gather different
The ceremony will reinforce the status
highlighting the value of the festival as
teams representing UAE companies,
of Awafi Festival as one of the major
a great manifestation of the tourism
institutions and communities. There will
events in the emirate, while enhancing
offerings, heritage and natural beauty of
be a football tournament to be held at the
the festive spirit of the activity. Moreover,
the emirate,” Al Matar said.
Awafi Stadium, a Jiu Jitsu championship
distinctive,
elegant,
concise
and
organisers also aim to further promote
This year’s Awafi Festival features a of
crowd-drawing
sporting
in the closed hall of the UAE Club in
the festival among local, regional and
The opening-day activities will also
Saih Albrairat, Ras Al Khaimah, an ‘arm
international tourists by holding a more
include the opening of the new heritage
wrestling’ championship, and a ‘bench
elaborate opening ceremony.
village in the area, and the unveiling of
press’ championship.
the world’s largest gathering of ‘Toyota’ The opening ceremony will last about
cars, a world-record attempt which is one
The Festival, which will conclude on
45 minutes. One of the key highlights
of the main activities of the festival this
January 5, 2012, will also host a ‘tug of
of the ceremony is the screening of a
year. A representative from the Guinness
war’ championship, while the organising
documentary about the emirate of Ras
World Records will be present to witness
committee
Al Khaimah which has been produced
the attempt. The current record is 223
hosting a bodybuilding championship as
by a Dubai-based company under the
cars, which was established in the UK.
one of the festival activities.
is
currently
considering
November 2011- January 2012
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Honey, my
VENICE is sinking If you have followed the news recently, you would have come across an item, which speaks about how the most spectacular sites are slowly disappearing. It is true (we are replaying the news item here for your perusal). Whatever the reasons, human or natural, some unique spots are under threat of disappearing forever. So, try to catch sight of them before they disappear.
One of the gems of Europe, Venice is used to living in close proximity with water. It is laced with canals since it is basically built on islands and on pilings over a lagoon. However due to the rising Adriatic Sea, these canals are causing more than a hundred floods a year in the city. In a few years time, this could rise up to 250 floods a year. To prevent the city from becoming the next Atlantis, government officials have launched Operation Rialto and Project Moses which would elevate city landmarks and create mobile seawalls respectively. In effect, Venice has sunk by around 7cm a century for the past thousand years, but a report suggests that process has sped up and in the last 100 years, Venice has sunk by 24cm. Climatologists believe that Venice could be uninhabitable by 2100.
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November 2011- January 2012
November 2011- January 2012
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THE AMAZON RAINFOREST
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November 2011- January 2012
More than 20 percent of the world’s oxygen is produced in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, which is why it’s often described as the lungs of the planet. The Rainforest is one of the world’s natural marvels, with more than half of the estimated 10 million species of plants, animals and insects on earth, living in its tropical forest. However, between May 2000 and August 2005, Brazil lost more than 132,000 square kilometers of forest—an area larger than Greece — and since 1970, over 600,000 square kilometres of Amazon rainforest have been destroyed. With deforestation running at such a rapid rate, experts estimate that the last remaining rainforests could be consumed in less than 40 years.
November 2011- January 2012
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THE DEAD SEA
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November 2011- January 2012
It’s the world’s most salty body of water, famous for its healing properties and the fact that no matter how hard you try, you simply can’t sink in its buoyant waves! However, the Dead Sea is under threat of draining dry. In 2006, according to the now ex-Jordanian Minister for Water and Agriculture, Hazem Nasser, “There is a declination in the level of the sea at about one metre every year.” Jordan is lobbying for more water to be pumped into the Dead Sea from the Red Sea. The authorities say that unless nearly two billion cubic metres of water per year is pumped into the Dead Sea, it will disappear in 50 years time.
November 2011- January 2012
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THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
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November 2011- January 2012
It is predicted that if carbon dioxide emissions continue the way they do, 95 percent of the Great Barrier Reef would be gone in four decades along with more than 300 species of corals and 1,500 species of marine animals. Also, this reef serves as a protection for Polynesian towns including Moorea. Without it, they will become more vulnerable to storms and tsunamis. It is believed that the cause of this destruction are rising sea levels and intensifying storms. Again, this can be traced to green house gas emissions. According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Great Barrier Reef, and the nearly $5 billion tourist industry built around it, could be “extinct� by 2050. This is due to climate change and pollution. A process called bleaching happens when the acidity of the ocean increases due to the absorption of carbon dioxide, which kills off the micro-organisms that make up the reef.
November 2011- January 2012
37
Globe-Trail
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
38
November 2011- January 2012
Built around 2000 years ago to keep out the marauding hordes, the Great Wall of China is a dazzling man-made achievement. At its peak, the Great Wall reached 4,500 miles from South Korea to the Gobi desert. However, the World Monuments Fund has put the Great Wall on a list of the 100 most endangered structures and the Beijing Daily Newspaper reported that, “Around a third of the 2000-year-old structure is merely rubble and the same amount again has completely disappeared�. Sandstorms are to blame for a more than 37-mile stretch of the wall being destroyed, although a great deal of the wall has been destroyed thanks to generations of farmers using the wall to build and repair their homes and farms.
November 2011- January 2012
39
Globe-Trail
THE ALPINE GLACIERS
40
November 2011- January 2012
Also known as The Alps, this range of snow-capped mountains can be all but gone by the end of the century according to scientists. This is caused by warming temperatures and irregular rains in the area. Decline in tourism value is just the first problem that the melting Alps pose. According to geologist Christian Bodgal, the toxic chemicals trapped in the glaciers could end up in lakes in a few years.
November 2011- January 2012
41
Oman-Trail
42
November 2011- January 2012
Blessed with beautiful
tourism sites So you have never visited Oman? If you are reading this, then read what Oman’s tourism minister has to say for those who are yet to visit this tourism-rich country. “The Sultanate is blessed with an array of beautiful tourism sites and vibrant and rich history, which gives the country a clear edge over the other countries of the region. Khareef Salalah, the rugged mountainous ranges, wadis and mountainous villages and pristine beaches are some of the attractions on offer in the Sultanate,” says Sheikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah Al Khalili, tourism minister. He also added that Oman’s unique selling point (USP) was cultural tourism. “We have hundreds of castles and forts spread across the country. We can exploit their potential,” he said in his first-ever interview with Footprints. Cultural tourism is that part of tourism, which focuses on culture and cultural environment of a region, including landscapes, values and lifestyles of the community, heritage, visual and performing arts, industries, traditions and leisure pursuits of the local population. The target set for tourists visiting Oman in the Eighth Five Year Development Plan is 2.5 million tourists by 2015. The total number of tourists is expected to rise year on year in the coming years. Our endeavour will always be heading towards achieving the highest possible growth rates and will take the necessary steps and measures to accomplish that,” the tourism minister said.
November 2011- January 2012
43
Oman-Trail
Excerpts: What is the best part of being a tourism minister? The best part of my appointment as the minister of tourism is the honour bestowed on me by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, which avails me the opportunity to serve my country to the best of my ability. The tourism industry is a very promising sector with vast potential in as far as income generation, job creation and helping in achieving regional development are concerned. The industry is also very challenging, which demands extra efforts and enlightened work from all of us as major stakeholders. From a banker to a minister of tourism
The Sultanate can promote cultural tourism as a unique selling point (USP), by exploiting the hundreds of castles and forts spread across the country. The current development programmes undertaken by the ministry to equip and furnish these sites with relevant services and facilities would strengthen their position as a unique selling point
44
November 2011- January 2012
- how exactly has the transition been? Apparently, this looks like a big change in the field of work, in reality; there is not much of a difference between the two fields - banking and tourism. Managing a banking enterprise or tourism sector
What are the goals of the tourism
needs the utilisation of modern and
ministry?
advanced
new
You know that 2011 is the first year of
practices in both fields. That is why I felt,
technologies
and
the current Five Year Development Plan
from my first day in office, that I am no
2011-2015. So the current goals for the
stranger to the tourism field. I can safely
first year will represent the starting phase
say that the transition has been quite
towards the implementation of goals
smooth and free of any big problems or
pertinent to the following objectives
constraints.
approved in the current plan: • Firm commitment to and application
What
are
your
immediate
of the standards and principles of
responsibilities as a tourism minister?
sustainable tourism development
As I have said before, this is the first
• Achieving regional balance in tourism
year of the Eighth Development Plan,
development
where efforts will be directed towards
• Encouraging and promoting domestic
the completion of on-going projects
tourism
from the previous development plan.
• Implementation of the human resource
Action will also be needed to expedite
development
the finalisation and approval of the
establishments
new tourism law. The upgrading and
•
improving the regulations and rules on
environment for attracting private sector
a continuous basis is an important part
investment
of my responsibilities. Another important
• Diversifying tourist products
responsibility which ranks high in our
• Participation of local communities in
agenda is the stability and satisfaction
tourism development
of the ministry’s staff about their present
• Developing small scale enterprises in
status and future prospects as well.
tourism sector
Provision
strategy of
the
in
tourism
appropriate
than the level in 2008, standing at 1.6 million. Furthermore, the target set for this indicator in the Eighth Five Year Development Plan is 2.5 million tourists by 2015. These figures for tourists visiting the Sultanate at present would not support the realisation of the 12 million tourists objective by 2020 (as mentioned in the question above). The total number of tourists is expected to rise year on year in the coming years. The rate of growth would depend on many factors. Some are controllable, while others are not. However, our endeavour will always be heading towards achieving the highest possible growth rates and will take the necessary steps and measures to accomplish that. Have the protests in the country
Will Oman employ a new tourism
created a dent in the tourist arrivals to
strategy post protest era?
What, according to you is the most
the country or affected the Sultanate’s
I don’t really think that there is any need
attractive tourism factor of Oman –
tourism drive in anyway?
for employing a new strategy to cater
What would you like to say to those
People in general and tourists in particular
for the post protest era. As I have said
who have never visited the Sultanate;
are very sensitive with regard to their
before the protests of recent months in
Oman’s biggest tourism USP?
personal safety and security and their
the Sultanate were limited and sporadic
The Sultanate is blessed with an array
decision to travel to any place outside
and
the
of beautiful tourism sites and vibrant
their usual place of residence depends
government officials involved, were very
and rich history, which gives the country
on the stability of the destination they
wise and rational in settling the demands
a clear edge over the other countries
would like to travel to. The recent
either immediately for those related to
of the region. Khareef Salalah, the
protests, though limited and sporadic,
employment or unemployment benefits,
rugged
impacted on the inflow of tourists to
with a solid promise for addressing the
and mountainous villages and pristine
the Sultanate. As observed by our
other demands in the appropriate time.
beaches are some of the attractions
representative offices in some European
The implementation of the tourism
on offer in the Sultanate. However,
countries, a considerable number of
strategy will continue as planned, at
the Sultanate can promote cultural
bookings were cancelled or postponed
least for the coming few years. The
tourism as a unique selling point (USP),
during those months. However, such
revision and updating of the strategy is
by exploiting the hundreds of castles
impacts are always temporary and the
a continuous exercise necessitated by
and forts spread across the country.
sector has been known for its resilience
the rapid changes in the regional and
The current development programmes
and usually recovers from shocks, faster
international tourism markets.
undertaken by the ministry to equip
both
the
protestors
and
than other sectors of the economy. The
mountainous
ranges,
wadis
and furnish these sites with relevant
Sultanate’s developmental efforts in the
Have the number of tourists been
services and facilities would strengthen
area of tourism will continue and more
increasing year by year and what is the
their position as a unique selling point.
robustly than before. We are determined
scope of attracting 12 million by 2020
The political and economic stability of
to get a fair share of the tourism market
(as per the vision for Oman’s Economy
the country under the wise and prudent
that is concomitant with the Sultanate’s
-Oman 2020)?
leadership of His Majesty the Sultan is
diversified natural resources and rich
The total number of tourists in 2009
also a good support and promotional
heritage.
reached 1.5 million, which was less
aide to the unique selling point.
November 2011- January 2012
45
Oman-Trail
Dive easy Dramatic wall drop offs, scenic coral lined fjords, several thousand kilometers of coastline, clean and unpolluted waters, fantastic sea conditions‌Oman is an untouched paradise for divers. Oman is still one of the best-kept secrets in the diving world. It offers superb diving almost all year round, with an abundance of sea life. Diving itself is relatively easy with light surface conditions, zero to mild currents and generally good to excellent visibility. With a variety of sea life to feast your eyes on and superb dive sites there should be nothing stopping the diver from coming to this virgin paradise.
46
November 2011- January 2012
November 2011- January 2012
47
48
November 2011- January 2012
T
Berlin’s 23 years diving experience range from
Indonesia,
Malaysia,
Maldives,
he opportunities are galore for the
Thailand, Egypt, India and now in Oman.
rank novice as well as the experienced
He is currently the managing director of
professional. The sea is a draw for
Omanta Scuba Diving Academy, which
everyone and there are many who come
he claims is Oman’s first diving academy.
to Oman to just enjoy this underwater experience. Water is considered to be
Ideal scuba diving destination
the lifeblood for the body and soul and
“Scuba diving is one of the biggest
there are many out there who are drawn
passions in my life,” this burly man with
to the sea by some mysterious force.
a flowing goatee and shining pate, tells
And there are many amongst us who
us. “I chose Oman to set up the first five
automatically feel a tug towards water.
star Professional Association of Diving
But, it is people like Stanley Berlin who
Instructors (PADI) certified scuba diving
actually take the plunge.
academy. With 1,700 km of coastline
Passion for the underwater world
and clean, unpolluted waters, and hardly around 200km explored, Oman is one
It was not mere love, but pure passion
of the best diving destinations in the
that saw Berlin plunge headlong into the
world. The tourism industry here is in
underwater world somewhere in 1988.
its infancy and the growth potential is
Since then, for the last 23 years he has
phenomenal. I saw the gap in the market,
been diving in some diverse locations,
the benchmark was not too high and with
or the other, with his passion for the
our government focusing on the tourism
underwater world getting stronger by the
industry, I feel, the market is all set to
day.
capture, not just locally, but globally.”
November 2011- January 2012
49
Oman-Trail
Oman enjoys good sea conditions with an average visibility of 15 to 30 m. Diving is relatively easy and is a year round activity. During winter months, the sea temperature drops to 20 to 25 C째 and a 5 mm wetsuit may be necessary. In summer, as the sea temperature rises, a 3 mm wetsuit will suffice
50
November 2011- January 2012
It is the only dive centre to have a full time PADI course director, Graham Hogg, on
“Oman enjoys good sea conditions with
staff enabling it to run Instructor level
an average visibility of 15 to 30 m. Diving
training in all areas. They also have a full
is relatively easy and is a year round
Berlin feels that if the scuba diving
range of safety and first aid equipment
activity. During winter months, the sea
industry has to thrive, it was necessary to
on each vessel and in the dive centre as
temperature drops to 20 to 25 C° and
have divers in place, trained professional
well as a full range of PADI teaching aids
a 5 mm wetsuit may be necessary. In
instructors and quality equipment. “So
for students.
summer, as the sea temperature rises, a 3 mm wetsuit will suffice.
how do we get it done? Through an academy that trains the people on scuba
Business waiting to explode
diving with all professional standards
“Diving is a yearlong activity and can be
Night dives are popular and divers
and requirements. Once the training
pursued by all with basic good health and
are often astonished by the amount
is done, we will give them a certificate
inclination. Like every other sport a little
of phosphorescence found in Oman’s
and give the local market the means to
bit of discipline is welcome too. A good
night-time waters,” Berlin noted.
welcome local residents and tourists.
sea is all you can hope for. It is a sport
With that aim Omanta Scuba Diving
that provides adventure and enjoyment,
“One cannot deny that scuba diving is a
Centre came up, as a one-stop shop to
especially in Oman, with its dramatic wall
fascinating underwater recreation sport –
fun diving, education diving and retail of
drop-offs and scenic coral lined fjords,
it is a business waiting to explode into a
equipments.”
ranging in depth from 6-40 m.
major industry in Oman,” he added.
November 2011- January 2012
51
52 52
Nooovveem Nov N November emb mbbeerr 2011m 20001111-- January 2201 Jan JJa aannuary uuaaarry 2012 uar 2012 01122 01
Divers can feast their eyes on a host of colourful fish
Nooovveem N Nov November emb m mbbbeeerr 20112201 20 001111- January JJan Ja aannuua uar aarry 2012 20012 0112 12
53 53
Oman-Trail
54
November 2011- January 2012
There are several wonderful dive sites
training sites. You progress as you learn,
it is just that in a new environment, in a
around
area,
reviewing and using the skills as you go
floating condition with the diving gear,
including Fahal Island, the Damaniyat
along, under the expert supervision and
you feel totally out of place…. But once
Islands and Bandar Khiran. Whatever
guidance of PADI instructors.”
you master it, it is a whole new beautiful
Muscat,
the
Capital
world out there. The aquatic life will keep
the choice of site, underwater life is abundant; a variety of intact hard and
Fish in water
soft corals and a spectacular range of
People from all walks of life come in
come back for more. You will be like a
fish can be seen. Most often a sea trip to
to learn diving, Berlin said. “From the
fish in water!”
these sites is often rewarded by the sight
ones who are scared of the sea, fishes,
of dolphins.
and even the equipment to those who
No fishing policy
don’t have a care in the world... It only
Berlin has a very sane water policy.
takes couple of hours to teach them fun
Whatever he does in the water, he is not
Scuba diving is quite safe, Berlin said.
diving, though professional diving takes
one to take anything out of it. “The life
“It is as safe as swimming, provided
more hours and training. Scuba diving
beneath is a path I chose. Every dive I
you are trained by a certified instructor
is not an easy sport. It is a different
take is a new experience and leaves me
and use relevant equipment. When you
experience.
with a feeling to protect the underwater
are underwater, you need to follow the
you
you
beings. I never go fishing, because it
rules and use your common sense then
uncomfortable and tired. A simple task
takes out of the ocean. I would rather
you will enjoy the world of scuba diving
can be very difficult to execute under
leave the aquatic beings down there safe
and the experience of exploring the
water. The virtually suspended position,
and swimming… every person living and
underwater world.
the weightlessness causes discomfort
working in the tourism field should take
and makes you nervous. You are literally
it as a responsibility to take care of their
“And it is not too difficult to learn –
floating and become part of a totally new
eco system. Only last week we took up
especially if you are comfortable in a
environment, the aquatic life. And then
reef cleaning, the diving centre being a
pool. The training is in three modules,
you become very conscious of every
project AWARE partner.”
theory or classroom part, the pool
breath you take. The breathing becomes
sessions
more laborious and tough. It is not tough;
Safe diving
followed
by
four
scuba
carry
The
you hooked for the entire life. You will
alien
underwater
equipment makes
November 2011- January 2012
55
Oman-Trail
56
November 2011- January 2012
Spectacular
wadis
not just for bashing November 2011- January 2012
57
Oman-Trail
58
November 2011- January 2012
By A. Risaldo
I climbed seven metres, right upto the ceiling, inside this magical cave, and then leapt, piercing the crystal clear water into hundreds of ripples. It is great sometimes to be alone and away from it all! I was not only far away from it all, but I was down, deep inside this enchanting cave, which is located some kilometers away from the capital, Muscat. I was not exactly alone; my partner was out there on the rocks, sketching and painting and well, keeping guard of our things. Keyhole diving
pools,
To reach this cave, you have to swim
plantations; kingfishers add glorious
through a pond of crystal clear water
splashes of colour. For the adventurous,
and dive through a narrow keyhole, and
there are plenty of opportunities for
you can surface inside this magnificent
(discreet) swimming and a visit to this
cave. You jump into the water, from the
partially submerged cave where I was in.
waterfalls
and
terraced
waterfall inside. Oman’s landscape is punctuated by The cave offers the opportunity to climb
a string of wadis along the banks of
up into the ceiling. But more magical
which lush date plantations flourish.
than the cave is the wadi I was in – Wadi
These pockets make attractive sites for
Shab, considered to be one of the most
picnicking and excursions and some of
spectacular wadis in Oman!
them have water around the year.
Mysterious qualities This wadi, which is located between
A wadi is a dried up riverbed found in the
the capital Muscat and the town of Sur,
mountain valleys. Wadis come into their
Oman, is worth a visit. It lies in Niyabat
own after heavy rains, when the rivers
Tiwi, wilayat of Sur, and is around 26kms
start running again and the vegetation
from Quriyat. The wadi combines the
is restored. However, some wadis have
attractions of coastal areas and inland
year-round running water, with deep,
wonders. It has at least seven pools of
cool pools in which it is quite safe to
emerald green water and is studded with
swim if the currents are slow, available
dramatic boulders.
information on the wadis note.
One of the pools is in a cave (where I was
On the whole, wadis are only accessible
in) where light streams in dramatically
with a four-wheel drive vehicle, as the
from above. When you swim in it, you are
terrain can be extremely bumpy. Wadis
able to hear your splashes echoing inside
are green, lush oases of palm trees,
the cave and it has a very mysterious
grasses, and flowering shrubs. It is
quality.
always safest to visit wadis in a group or with a tour guide. Although they are
Gorgeous destination
beautiful places, they are often remote
Wadi Shab, which is a beautiful canyon
and car breakdowns can happen to
oasis, is considered to be one of the most
anyone. Visitors must also be on the alert
gorgeous destinations in Oman. Beyond
for rain clouds, as sudden downpours
the breathtaking entrance, the wadi
can lead to flash floods, which are highly
rewards you with views of aquamarine
dangerous when in the gorges. November 2011- January 2012
59
Oman-Trail
60
November 2011- January 2012
About seven kilometers away from Wadi Shab starts Wadi Tiwi which extends 36 km inland and ends at a mountain village known as Mibam. Many groves and fruit trees grow along the course of this wadi from which the azure blue sea can be seen as you climb up the hills and descend into the valleys. Some of the other well known wadis include Wadi Bani Khalid, Wadi Al Abyadh, Wadi Dhaikah etc.
Wadi Bani Khalid Wadi Bani Khalid is about 203 km far from Muscat. It is the best-known wadi of the Sharqiyah region. Its stream maintains a constant flow of water throughout the year. Large pools of water and boulders are scattered along the course of the wadi. As a geographical area, Wadi Bani Khalid covers a large swathe of low land and mountains.
Wadi Al Abyadh One of the Al Batinah region’s best loved valleys is Wadi Al Abyadh which lies some 30 km away from Muscat-Sohar highway. With a four-wheel drive vehicle, it will be a memorable experience to explore this wadi, which is vested in green vegetation and white boulders and rocks, from which the wadi probably takes its name. The rough road runs through the middle of the wadi. There are pink oleander trees and many beautiful birds.
Wadi Dhaikah Wadi Dhaikah lies in a grand canyon about 90 km eastwards from the Bait Hattat (Wadi Adei) roundabout in Muscat. As many as 120 other wadis lead to this great valley which features as a large natural park extending from Wilayat Dima W’attayyeen in the Sharqiyah region to the Wilayat of Qurayyat in the Governorate of Muscat. It is easy to reach Wadi Dhaikah from the highway, but after 20 minutes venturing into the wadi one is surprised by massive boulders and deep pools before coming across the famous fruit farms of Al Mazarea and many other attractions. In some places along Wadi Dhaikah, the valley becomes narrow and its walls shoot up and change into high, wonderful cliffs.
November 2011- January 2012
61
Celebrity say
62
November 2011- January 2012
Daniel Tammet embraces the oldest souq of Oman He came for a cause; he spread his words of wisdom among the autistic kids as well as the tiny tots’ teachers and caretakers in Oman. He lent an insight into the lonely world of autism that he had traversed on many years ago…Daniel Tammet, a high functioning autistic savant and one of the world’s 100 living geniuses, was bowled over by the warmth of the people, when he visited Oman in May this year. But what impressed this British writer with a savant syndrome the most was the Muttrah Souq. A quick visit, to one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world, had Tammet wanting more. The sights, the sounds, the colours, the tradition, the culture and the sheer uniqueness of the ‘treasures’ of the souq was something out of the world for Tammet who vowed to return in the future “just to be part of this unusual cultural slice of life”.
November 2011- January 2012
63
Information
Traveller’s guide Airlines Flight Information (24 hours): 24 519456 Aeroflot: 24 704455 Air Arabia 24 700828 Air France 24 562153 Air India 24 799801 Air New Zealand 24 700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24 701128 British Airways 24 568777 Cathay Pacific 24 789818 Egypt Air 24 794113 Emirates Air 24 792222 Ethiopian Airlines 24 660313 Gulf Air (toll-free number) 800 72424 Indian Airlines 24 791914 Iran Air 24 787423 Japan Airlines 24 704455 Jazeera Airways 23 294848 Jet Airways 24 796680 Kenya Airways 24 660317 KLM 24 566737 Kuwait Airways 24 701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24 796387 Lufthansa 24 796692 Malaysian Airlines 24 560796 Middle East Airlines 24 796680 Oman Air 24 707222, 24519953 PIA 24 792471 Qatar Airways 24 771900 Qantas 24 559941 Royal Jordanian 24 796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24 789485 Singapore Airlines 24 791233 Sri Lankan Airlines 24 784545 Sudan Airways 24816565 Swiss Air 24 787416 Syrian Airways 24797567 Thai Airways 24 705934 Turkish Airlines 24 475030 Art galleries Al Madina Art Gallery Bait Muzna Gallery Omani Heritage Gallery Omani Society for Fine Arts Raj Relics 99329842 Yitti Art Gallery Bookshops Borders Family Bookshop, Qurm Madinat as Sultan Qaboos Turtles House of Prose (Used books) Cinemas Al Nasr Cinema Al Shatti Plaza 64
August-October 2010
24691380 24739204 24696974 24694969 24564297
24558089 24564391 24600084 24696217 24564356
24831358 24693557
Markaz al Bahja Cinema Stars Cinema
24540855 24791641
Embassies and consulates Algeria 24 605593 Austria 24 793135 Bahrain 24 605074 Bangladesh 24 567379 Belgium 24 562033 Canada 24 788890 Chile 24 561977 China 24 696698 Colombia 24 816264 Cyprus 24 490200 Denmark 24 526000 Egypt 24 600411 Finland 24 701454 France 24 681800 Germany 24 832164 Greece 24 706648 Holland 24 603706 India 24 814120 Iran 24 696944 Iraq 24 604178 Ireland 24 797083 Italy 24 693727 Japan 24 601028 Jordan 24 692760 Korea 24 691490 Kuwait 24 699627 Lebanon 24 695844 Malaysia 24 698329 Mexico 24 561977 Morocco 24 696152 Mozambique 24 594207 Netherlands 24 603719 Norway 24 603706 Pakistan 24 603439 Palestine 24 601312 Philippines 24 605140 Portugal 24 561400 Qatar 24 691153 Russian Federation 24 602894 Rwanda 24 487978 Saudi Arabia 24 601744 Somalia 24 697977 South Africa 24 694793 Spain 24 691101 Sri Lanka 24 697841 Sudan 24 697875 Sweden 24 708693 Switzerland 24 568202 Syria 24 697904 Taiwan 24 605695 Tanzania 24 601174 Thailand 24 602684 Tunisia 24 603486 Turkey 24 697050 United Arab Emirates 24 600988 United Kingdom 24 609000
Uruguay USA Yemen Libraries Bibliothèque Française: British Council Knowledge and Learning Centre: Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Public Technical Library Science: United States Information Service: Raspberry’s Books: Museums Bait Adam 99356676 Bait Al Baranda Bait Al Zubair Children’s Museum 24605368/9 Currency Museum Muscat gate Museum Nakhal Fort museum National Museum Natural History Museum Omani-French Museum Oman Heritage Museum Planetarium: Sayyid Faisal bin Ali Museum Salalah Museum Sohar fort Museum Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum Sur Maritime Museum
24 568202 24 643400 24 600815
24681874 24681000 24707684 24673111 24643400 95086074
24605033, 24714262 24736688
24641510 24739005 26781384 24701289 24641366 24736613 24600346 24675542 24641650 23294549 26844758 24588700 24541466
Special interest groups American Women’s Group 24594751 Environment Society of Oman 24482121 Historical Association of Oman 24563074 Horticultural Association 24605493 Indian Social Club 99322713 Muscat Amateur Theatre 24562511 Oman Bird Watching Camp 24695498 Omani Women Association 24602800 Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society 24600407 Woman’s Guild of Oman www.womensguildoman.org Taxis Al Dar Taxi Hello taxi Muscat Cab
24700555 24697997 96429096
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November 2011- January 2012
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