Hi weekly - April 8, 2016

OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 46,760 COPIES

VOL 10 ISSUE 15 / APRIL 8, 2016

GUTS AND GLORY MEET THE STUNT BIKERS OF MUSCAT PAGE 24

THIS WEEK IN OMAN

SWIM WITH THE FISHES

SHOP IN A FRENCH VILLA

KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE

Oman’s colourful coastal waters are a scuba diver’s paradise, so book a boat or take a weekend certification course at one of Muscat’s dive centres. PAGE 12

Have you ever walked into a stylish friend’s flat and secretly wished you take some furniture home with you?

That’s exactly what you can do at Atmosphere in Azaiba. PAGE 20

Follow the harrowing journey of Oz, a Husky kidnapped from his home in Muscat, and learn about how to keep your fourlegged-friends safe. PAGE 16

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 15 APRIL 8, 2016

Give us a shout with questions, comments, compliments, complaints, or just to say “Hi” Founder Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali scottarmstrong@timesofoman.com Chief Executive Editor Scott Armstrong felicia@timesofoman.com

Executive Features Editor Felicia Campbell Features Production Editor Swati Dasgupta Research/Copy Editor Ashish Dubash

swati@timesofoman.com ashishdubash@timesofoman.com

Senior Editors T. A. Ameerudheen Faisal Mohammed Naim Mohammed Shafeeqe

ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

faisal@timesofoman.com

Associate Editor Salim Hamood Al Afifi Shruthi Nair

shafeeq@timesofoman.com

salim@timesofoman.com

Multimedia Editorial Assistant Asmaa Al Balushi

shruthi@timesofoman.com

Chief Creative Officer Adonis Durado

asmaa@timesofoman.com

Associate Art Director Waleed Rabin Graphic Editor Antonio Farach Design Editor Sahir K.M. Lead Designer Ali Jani Designers Antonio Ismael Sandiego Geri Batara Sonny Gregory Fernandez Director of Digital Television Joe Morrison Photography MMG Photographers

richard@timesofoman.com

Chief Sales Officer Richard Pakenham

aziz@timesofoman.com

Head Of Advertising & Marketing Aziz K. Baker Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Design by Ali Jani Photography Shabin E. For general inquiries or comments: HiWeekend@timesofoman.com

Muscat Media Group AN ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED COMPANY Post Box: 770, Postal Code: 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman EDITORIAL 24726600/24726666 Ext 235/160 felicia@timesofoman.com

CIRCULATION 24726600/24726666 Ext 135/136 circulation@timesofoman.com

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SAY “HI” ON SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/hiweekly twitter & instagram: hiweekly_oman

Tell us what you’re doing this weekend: Tweet us @HiWeekly_Oman; tag us in your weekend instagram photos @hiweekly_oman; or share with us on FB/hiweekly

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 15 APRIL 8, 2016

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THE WEEKEND LINEUP Your calendar of the hottest events happening in Muscat this weekend

07 08 09 THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1.00pm Food for Feedback

2.30pm Smell Some Rubber

5.30am Follow the Lion

If you have a passion for food and would like to help young hospitality students with some genuine feedback then go to Al Bustan or Shangri-la hotels on Thursday for a three course buffet lunch and coffee for OMR4.

After your meal, give compliments ompliments and critiques to o the NHI aspiring chefs.

Call for reservations.

Catch the F1 star, David Coulthard ripping up the streets of Muscat in the F1 Showrun. Go early if you don’t want to be standing on your toes the whole time to catch a glimpse of the thrilling action.

Explore the exciting Lion’s Trail in Wadi Kabir with Adventure Oman this Saturday.

Carry hiking shoes, a hiking stick, and refreshments.

Wadi Kabir +968 9931 8651 facebook.com/groups/ AdventureOman/

+968 2481 6313 nhioman.com Al Bustan Palacea Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Shangri-La Barr al Jissah h

Muttrah Corniche redbull.com/f1oman

5.00pm Walk the Runway Let the model in you take to the stage this Friday at Mix and Match where you can take part in a model hunt.

Choose your own clothes from the store and own the catwalk to compete for a cash prize of OMR50 plus a free photoshoot.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

Mix and Match Fashions Muscat City Centre +968 9762 1487

9.30am Cultural Extravaganza Attend the Indian Social Club Kerala Wing’s Youth Festival this Saturday to see amazing cultural performances by the talented youth.

Indian School Muscat +968 9233 8105 isckeralawing.org

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Have you been to any of these events?

What do you think of them? Tag us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 15 APRIL 8, 2016

FIVE WATER TO TRY SPORTS WATER SKIING

KITE BOARDING

Skim on the surface of Muscat’s clear seas on a pair of water skis during a two-hour lesson for OMR10 at The Wave in Seeb.

Sessions run from 9am to sunset, seven days a week. +968 2418 1400 SEAOMAN.COM

If you’re a fan of extreme sports then make the trip down to Masirah Island this summer for kiteboarding, an activity that uses the power of the wind as harnessed by a large kite, to help propel you across the waves. You can either do a full eight-hour course, divided over two days for OMR169, after which you will be issued a certificate, or you can simply test the waters with a one to two hour session for OMR36 +968 9632 3524 KITEBOARDING-OMAN.COM

SUP Stand-up paddling is fun and provides an amazing workout.

Learn SUP and its various variants from Watersport Oman where you can take private SUP lessons for OMR30 per hour per person at The Wave. +968 9269 4962 WATERSPORT-OMAN.COM

SNORKELLING

SCUBA DIVING

Put on your snorkelling masks and experience Oman’s dazzling underwater world with Coral Ocean Tours every day from 10am to 1pm, departing from Bandar Al Khayran.

OMR20 per person. +968 9411 0088 CORALOCEANTOURS.COM

The clear blue oceans of Oman are ideal for scuba diving where crystal clear waters make it easy to take in the beauty that lies beneath. Take an Open Water Dive Course to become a certified scuba diver or take one of the beginner introduction courses for an overview of the sport, starting at OMR35. +968 9789 9094 GODIVEOMAN.COM

BIMMERS AT HEART @bmwblog is an instagram account dedicated to hardcore BMW fans and owners (bimmers) who want to stay up-to-date with latest news related to BMW. You will find bimmers’ photos, future vehicle renderings, concept cars, and customised rides.

Instagram: @bmwblog

LUXURY CARS CLUB This account is a dreamland for luxury cars. They post high quality images of well-photographed cars such as Bentley, Mercedes Benz, Ferrari, and Rolls Royce.

Instagram: @luxuryvehicle

SUPERCARS Are you supercar enthusiast? Follow Alex Pentfold’s instagram and get your daily fix of supercars such as Porsche and Lamborghini, photographed by the talented man himself.

Instagram: @alexpenfold

CLASSIC SPORT Here’s an out-of-the-ordinary account that posts beautiful and inspiring snaps of classic cars with powerful engines and antique looks. Photos are updated by Remi Dargegen from Paris, France.

Instagram: @remidargegenphotographies

COMPOSITION IN SEATTLE Saving the best for last, @supersangron is an account run by Seattle-based photographer Scott Brown, whose composition is exceptional. Artful closeup shots of various vehicle body parts are his specialty. Shockingly, all the photos are taken with an iPhone.

Instagram: @supersangron

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

HI SOCIAL CAR ENTHUSIASTS TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

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Where are you escaping to this weekend?

Show us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 15 APRIL 8, 2016

WEEKEND ESCAPE

THE JET SET

L I V IN G L A V I TA V E R S A C E STORY SALIM AL AFIFI

When I think of Versace, I see crafted, baroque-print sweatshirts, gladiator leather sandals, and of course their signature Medusa briefs. But my most recent tryst with the world famous brand had nothing to do with its luxury clothing line — it was an introduction to a concrete beauty, a majestic palace where I spent a few glorious nights on my last visit to Dubai.

D

esigned by the iconic lifestyle brand, the Palazzo Versace offers more than 150 rooms, penthouses, and residences that are fashionably furnished by the one-and-only Donatella Versace.

Located on Dubai Creek in Culture Village, about 15-minutes from the airport, and less than 10 from popular destinations like the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, DIFC, and Downtown Dubai, it is close enough to the action of the city, though, if you are anything like me, once you enter this lavish property, you aren’t going to want to leave.

As I stepped into the palace, I was

struck by the vintage Italian ambiance, so much so that I stood in the middle of the lobby with jaw dropped for a few minutes before proceeding to check in.

I gazed up at the oversized modern chandelier, which looked like swaying blades of gilded glass; a black piano was centred on a Mosaic carpet made of marble; while the marble-topped, wooden tables, the chairs, and the sofas sported Versace’s signature patterns in red, gold, and beige. And, in typical Versace-style, the pieces of Italian contemporary art arranged around the entrance and lobby were perfectly framed and matted in cream with golden finishes — marvellous.

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After collecting myself and checking-in, one of the pleasant staff escorted me to my room, a Deluxe Versace. As we walked down the hallway of the ground floor I noticed the walls were lined with fashion sketches from Donatella herself.

I was deposited in my chic room and was pleased to see that the haute branding was extended to the simplest details with the Medusa head (the central image of the House of Versace logo) emblazed on everything from the tiny shampoo bottles to glasses and towels. Furnished with Versace Home Collection pieces in a peachy pastel colour, I felt I was sleeping in a fashion palace. That night, instead of counting sheep, I let my eyes trace the Greek infinity key bordering the ceiling.

I spent the next few days in a fantasy land surrounded by staff who could have doubled as models with everyone, from the doormen to the waiters, wearing sharp Versace tailored pieces. They were also very friendly and helpful, offering not only superb service, but also a kindliness that can sometimes be hard to find in higher-end properties. I explored the palm tree garden overlooking the creek (a fantastic location for a wedding), luxuriated in the V Spa, and took laps in one of the three infinity swimming pools, each of which were named after Italian islands — Capri, Ischia, and Portofino.

Dining was equally opulent, from perfect light bites and shisha at the chic, casual Gazebo lounge to breakfast in the jungle-slashfashion-inspired Giardino, where they offered four live kitchen setups each morning. Fashion followers will find the interior design familiar. That’s because the green leaf print on its chairs, staff uniforms, and walls were inspired by the famous Versace dress Jennifer Lopez wore at the Grammys in 2000. And the celeb quotient is only going to grow, as Quincy Jones will soon be opening the Q’s Bar, supper club, and exclusive live music.

On my last evening I dressed appropriately sophisticated and headed to La Vita for pre-dinner drinks surrounded by beautiful people in a beautiful ambiance. As I looked around the subdued, intimate space, my life felt glamorous. A weekend at the Palazzo Versace is a feast for the senses; an escape from the mundane.

—salim@timesofoman.com

THURSDAY 17.00 Pack your fanciest clothes and head to the airport. Begin to mentally prepare for a splendid getaway.

21.00 After arriving in Dubai, hop into the awaiting black Lexus cab. On your way to the hotel, enjoy wonderful night views of the Dubai skyscrapers.

22.00 Order room service and soak in your oversized tub before calling it a night.

FRIDAY 08.00 Wake up and take a hot shower in the lavish bathroom before heading down to Giardino Restaurant for a breakfast fit for kings, with live stations featuring everything from Spanish to Asian.

11.00 Relax and enjoy a walk through the beautiful palm tree garden before heading to V Spa for their Velvet Crush treatment, a soothing session full of lavender.

14.00 After your treatment hop in a cab or town car to go shopping at the nearby Dubai Mall. Be sure to visit the Versace Home Store.

Shop if you can for exotic Versace furniture, home accessories, and even the signature plates featured at Giardino Restaurant.

18.00 Return to your hotel room, treat yourself to a hot brew, and start your favourite playlist from the room’s smartTV while you fill the tub with Versace toiletries for a long, calming soak.

19.30 Have an Indian delicacy at Mint Leaf of London Restaurant on the 15th floor of the Emirates Financial Tower. Savour the lush chicken tikka makhni with naan — the best.

21.00 Check your fashionable outfit in the mirror before heading upstairs to La Vita for pre-dinner drinks as perfectly crafted as the chic interiors.

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SATURDAY 07.00 Rise and shine and head back down to Giardino. Take a table on the outdoor terrace and enjoy Dubai’s sunny weather.

09.00 Change into your swimsuit and take a dip in the Capri lagoon pool and spend a few hours sunbathing, sipping on signature drinks, and leaďŹ ng through magazines.

11.00 Check-out and ask reception to hold your luggage for you.

12.00 Have a leisurely Italian seafood lunch at Vanitas amidst killer red Versace fabrics and dramatic, oversized paintings.

14.00 Hit the town and visit nearby landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa or go for a stroll around the popular Marina neighbourhood.

18.00 Back at the hotel, enjoy one last, chic nibble at the Gazebo lounge before collecting your bags and heading for the airport.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

20.00 As you peep out of the plane window, the glittering city below will no doubt remind you of the gilded spaces you just left behind.

Console yourself with a whiff of the Versace lotion that you slipped in your carry-on bag.

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TO D LIST

Take the Plunge

Scuba Diving Dive Sites

Learning to dive opens up a whole new world to explore in Oman, where colourful adventures await just off the coast.

• Daymaniyat Islands • Bander Khayran • Fahal Island • Musandam • Mirbat, Salalah

STORY MOHAMMED SHAFEEQE

Dive Centres SeaOman Dive Centre Almouj Marina & Millennium Resort Musannah +968 2418 1400 dive@seaoman.com seaoman.com Global Scuba Civil Aviation Club, Azaiba +968 2469 2346,+968 9931 7518 enquiries@global-scuba.com global-scuba.com

P

lunging into the Prussian blue depths of the ocean to swim with the most fascinating marine life makes scuba diving unlike any other aquatic experience. And learning to dive can be a tranquil and deep experience so long you are trained by an expert.

Though it is believed that people have been diving underwater for as long as they have been swimming, even Aristotle is said to have dreamed of being able to breathe underwater. Major developments to this end from the air pump to the breathing belt, were developed throughout the 1700s and 1800. But these were not for leisure use, as even the best of them were unreliable and far from safe.

Then, in 1943, French inventors Jacques Cousteau and Emile Gagnan developed the “Aqua-lung” outfitted with a breathing regulator that made breathing underwater safe, a dream come true for ocean lovers. This innovation remains an essential component of all modern scuba dive equipment.

Oman’s warm waters and pristine coastline offer some fantastic diving sites near Muscat, including the Daymaniyat Islands, an Unesco world heritage site. The Oman Sea is plankton-rich, which attracts large schools of fish and pelagic. Farther north on the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam is also a paradise for divers with nutrient-rich waters that support a massive boom of micro planktons, which draw an abundance of marine life.

In the south, the area around Salalah has a beautiful coastline with bays and beaches whose waters are home to kelp forests during the khareef season.

They disappear by September making it possible to

Creatures

Water Temperature

Visibility

There are a wide variety of soft and hard corals, reef fish and nudibranchs to see. Apart from the diverse reef life, you’ll have the chance to see numerous whale and dolphin species, turtles, rays, and sharks.

Depending on the season and area, water temperatures range from 19-28°C. When the cold water upwelling happens off Salalah, water temperature can drop to a low of 13°C.

Visibility averages 15-30 metres/50-100 feet but can be affected by a variety of factors, including the micro plankton rich water. This phenomenon lowers visibility but increases marine life in the area.

dive in kelp and on coral reefs at the same sites for diverse experiences throughout the year.

For certified divers, there are plenty of day-boat trips that depart from the marinas in Bandar Al Rowdha, The Wave, and Sifah and a wealth of dive sites to explore.

There are also plenty of dive centres offering weekend PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification courses and half-day beginner workshops as well.

—shafeeq@timesofoman.com

Recommended Training The PADI Drift Diver and PADI Boat Diver courses will help you enjoy diving at the many offshore islands off the coast of Oman. The PADI Cavern Diver course is also a good choice for those hoping to explore sites with caverns, tunnels, and swim-throughs. AWARE – Fish Identification course will help you appreciate the diversity of fish species.

SeaOman Dive Centre +968 2418 1400; seaoman.com SeaOman’s dive centres, located at the Millennium Hotel Mussanah and Al Mouj Muscat, are run by a team of highly experienced PADI certified dive professionals offering both instruction and hosted trips. The dive centre at Al Mouj is open for dive trips seven days a week from 8am to 4pm.

Global Scuba +968 2469 2346,+968 9931 7518; global-scuba.com Global Scuba is a NAUI Pro Scuba Centre and PADI/ BSAC Resort in the Civil Aviation Club, which offers a full range of NAUI and PADI courses.

Lua Lua Diving +968 9691 7330 info@lualuadiving.com Euro Divers Oman Al Sawadi Beach Resort +968 9505 7317 euro-divers.com Bluzone Diving Marina Bandar Al Rowdha +968 2473 7293 bluzonediving.com Extra Divers Al Sawadi Beach Resort, Barka +968 2679 5545 quickresponse.sawadi@gmail.com Ocean Boat Diving +968 9264 5889 info@scubaoman.com The Boat House Hotel IntercontinentalMuscat +968 9770 0564,+968 2469 3223, +968 9601 7088 Stan@omantascuba.com Knight Divers +968 9549 7243,+968 9552 1618 diving@knight-divers.com Dimaniyat Diving Centre +968 9931 1350,+968 9577 7727 dimaniyatdiving@gmail.com dimaniyat.com

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THE LOWDOWN PRICE As with most things, the more you invest, the better protection and durability you get. Window films are available in many different grades, shades, colours, and thickness, starting from as low as OMR15 for nonbranded films, and going up to a few hundred rials. The price will also vary by car models. As you can imagine, a Toyota Yaris is going to use much less film and effort than a giant Silverado or Raptor.

TIME FOR A TINT STORY FAISAL MOHAMMED NAIM

Summer is on the way, so before the temperatures really start to soar, you might want to consider getting

BRANDED VS NONBRANDED It all comes down to budget and your tinting goals. While some branded tints come with multi-year warranties, even the cheaper ones can last a season or two. Most non-branded tint is simply dyed film, which isn’t as effective as other tint types when it comes to heat-protection, but it works great for reducing glare, improving privacy, and getting the “tint-look”.

INSTALLATION TIME Installation usually takes about two hours for a car and longer for trucks, vans, or larger vehicles. The installer cleans the window surface, applies window tint to the inside of the window, positions the tint, and finally presses the film to remove any bubbles or wrinkles. The tint might look hazy or cloudy for up to three days after application, which clears up once the water under the film evaporates.

OMAN LEGALITIES Automobile window tinting reduces the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) through car windows. Omani laws restrict tinting to a darkness of no more than 30%. In other words, the tint must have a minimum VLT of 70%.

automotive window film applied to maximise your cool factor in more ways than one.

WHERE TO GET YOUR TINT

T

int, or widow film is a retrofit upgrade for car windows meant to address problems inherent to glazing. Tinted windows can reduce a car’s interior temperature by 60 per cent or more, effectively decreasing interior fading or cracking, and blocking UV-A, UV-B, and infrared rays that make your car feel more like an oven. By blocking up to 99 per cent of ultraviolet rays, window tinting also helps limit dangerous sun exposure for the vehicle’s occupants. With a cooler interior, you might not need to crank up the car’s air conditioning quite so high, which could also improve your summertime fuel efficiency. Beyond that, in case of an accident, tint film acts as a net, holding any shattered glass together and the dark shading provides enhanced privacy.

So, ready to tint? Here’s everything you need to know to up your car’s cool factor.

MID-RANGE TO HIGH END Premium tinting offers various options starting at around OMR90 with the metalised films, going up to the tune of OMR300 for the high-tech nano-ceramic, and crystalline tints. The premium options offer you the assurance of actual UV protection and peace of mind with warranties up to 5 years.

Head out to these destinations if premium is your call; V-Kool Muscat City Centre (Seeb) +968 9660 3122 Hotline for bookings: 9700 9007 v-kool.com Llumar Sayarati, Muscat Grand Mall +968 2450 0577/777 info@sayarti.com

— faisal@timesofoman.com

TYPES OF TINT Tint begins as a layer of clear film made of polyester. Depending on the type of tint, dyes or metals are added.

Dyed film

Ceramic tint

Has the darkest appearance. Great for reducing glare and prevent interior fading, but not good in reflecting heat.

The newest technology uses nano-ceramic to absorb twice as much heat as dyed or hybrid while maintaining lighter shades. Provides the best clarity with high durability.

Metalised film Reduces heat and reflects UV rays. May cause interference with electronic devices like cellphone, radio, and GPS.

Hybrid tint The premium tint in a combination of dyed and metalised type films. Both reflects and absorbs well.

Crystalline tint Offers excellent heat and infrared blockage, without really darkening the windows. Several shades lighter than your average tint Crystalline tint blocks up to 97 per cent of the sun’s infrared light and 60 per cent of the heat coming through the windows. One of the most expensive options available.

3M Al Khuwair, +968 2447 8990 alkhonji.com BUDGET: NON-BRANDED Some people feel that cheaper ones are better, after all you can get a new one every season, and still save enough. Head out to any fuel station near you if you feel the same way.

Every other station has it, starting from as low as OMR13 and going up to around OMR50. And yes the prices are negotiable too.

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A DOG’S TALE STORY SHRUTHI NAIR

Oz,

a 3-year-old Husky, was stolen when the owners denied that the dog was from the garden of his owner there, but was immediately escorted in when

Diane’s house in Azaiba near the Al Meera she said that she was calling the ROP. In a Hypermarket on Sunday, February 7, 2016.

back room of that villa, mere kilometres from

The kidnappers took Oz to Mabela after

their home, Diane and Oz were reunited.

which he was reportedly seen a few times The following is their incredible story based wandering in Al Khoud, Seeb, and Ghubra.

on the facts of the case, interviews with

Five-weeks passed and then Diane got a Diane, and a bit of imagination about how call tipping her off that Oz might be in a villa Oz might have taken matters into his own behind the Al Meera Hypermarket. She went paws to find his way home. to investigate, and was disappointed at first

Who are these people?

Where am I? Where are they taking me?

Men I had never seen came into my yard, grabbed me roughly in a way no one ever had before. They threw me in the back of their car and sped away. I saw my home growing smaller and I began to bark. Would I ever see my mommy again?

I got back home expecting my usual greeting — Oz pouncing on me in a fit of excitement. But when I opened my gate, it was silent. The house was empty and there was no trace of Oz at all. As I searched the rooms of the villa, my heart started pounding harder and harder with each empty space.

He’s probably around...playing or sleeping or at the neighbour’s, I thought.

As darkness fell, my concern morphed into full-fledged panic. What if something had happened to him? Huskies aren’t exactly built for Oman’s heat. What could I do? Does the

- shruthi@timesofoman.com

ROP take missing dog reports? I called everyone I knew and then, tears brimming in my eyes, I waited.

I thought all humans were nice and playful. My mommy and her friends would take me on fun trips, they’d feed me delicious pieces of whatever they were having, drive me around, letting me stick my head out the window, and we would play.

Apparently not. The men who had taken me hadn’t fed me a thing and instead of laughing and petting me, they kept yelling and talking loudly. Then they got quiet, talking in hushed, angry, nervous voices. I didn’t understand, but I had the feeling that they were scared of something. Which made me scared too.

Suddenly, they untied me and let me out onto the street.

I started running, happy to be free and out in the open night air. I sniffed, looking for clues about how to get home. Nothing

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smelled familiar. My relief was replaced with panic as I found myself going in circles in the dark night.

After a few hours of anxious waiting, I got a call saying that Oz had been spotted in Mabela. I grabbed my keys and rushed north as fast as I could.

As I drove, I felt my heart fill with hope and excitement to be reunited with my precious Oz after a torturous few hours of stress and uncertainty. I arrived at the spot where he had last been seen. I started calling his name, expecting to see him bounding around one of the high-walled streets at any moment. I searched and searched, but he was nowhere to be found. Eventually, I realised I would have to go home. I drove back to Azaiba, a knot of dread growing inside my stomach.

I’m a hogger. I can eat like nobody’s business, but I’d never had to find my own food before.

I sniffed around until I caught the scent of grilling meat. On an unfamiliar beach I found a feast—half-chewed skewers of mishkak, chicken legs, and kebab pieces.

There was even a torn bag of bread. Who would leave all this behind? Humans are crazy sometimes.

Hours turned into days and days into a week. I’d begun to lose hope that I’d ever see my Oz again, then the phone rang. It was the ROP in Al Khoud— Oz had been spotted near Seeb.

I didn’t really want to jump into the dustbins hunting for food, that’s what those purring, annoying cats do, so I went back to the beach to see what other treats were waiting for me. I watched a couple eating lamb chops.

I gave my best “puppy face” and whined a little for effect. It worked. They looked at one another, then threw me their bones.

I searched high and low in Seeb after the ROP called, but I had no better luck than I had in Mabela. I received several more calls, each frantic hunt as unfruitful as the first, but at least I knew Oz was alive. I sipped my coffee and watched the rain pummelling my window. Thank God for this little miracle, rain to cool down the city, and give Oz (who’s thick fur makes heat a serious danger), a fighting chance.

A loud grumble, at least a thousand times louder than my stomach’s complaining boomed through the sky. It was followed by a big white electric flash. Terrified, I started shaking. Then I felt the water patting my head through my thick fur. Before I knew what was happening, I was soaking wet. It felt so good not to be hot. Another crackling boom rippled through the sky, frightening me all over again.

I knew Oz was alive and trying really hard to make his way home. So I wasn’t going to give up. My friends and I made posters offering a reward of OMR200 to whoever found Oz. We

formed search parties, asking passersby and shopkeepers if they had seen him. Our search party continued to grow. People, some of whom we knew, others we didn’t, started actively participating. We’d drive together to different parts of Muscat handing-out posters and explaining what had happened. Then one night, our efforts paid off. I got a call from a mishkak vendor who had seen the dog in the posters we’d given out.

The monstrous thunder and lightning wouldn’t seem to stop.

I was whimpering and panting, then suddenly I realised that nobody was coming for me.

I raced towards Seeb. As I drove the mishkak vendor kept calling to tell me that the dog was running away.

Please feed him mishkaks, I begged. I finally arrived and sprinted towards the vendor who was feeding a dog.

My heart sank. It wasn’t my Oz. I paid the man OMR6 for the mishkaks and slowly drove back home.

Although the rain had helped keep me cold, it made moving around slightly difficult. The wadis were overflowing, there was water everywhere, and I’m not a fan of swimming. I tried to bound across a wadi, and felt something in my paw snap. I yelped, almost losing my footing in the rushing water. I made it to the other side, and kept limping on.

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After a few more false alarms, a few more raised and shattered expectations, I got a call from a friend who knows Oz saying that he was spotted in Ghubra. Although we didn’t find him then, we were sure that he was around and expected another call soon. And that is exactly what happened. He was spotted again at the Azaiba beach. I breathed a sigh of relief. He knows the beach, I just knew that he would be able to make his way from there home easily.

I sniffed the air. Something was different, familiar. A breeze blew salty air around me. That’s my beach. That’s where mommy brings me for walks everyday. I spent the little energy I had left, jumping around and rejoicing — barking and wagging my tail. Then I felt a pair of hands on my collar.

A week passed, and there was no sign of Oz. Then I got a phone call on Saturday afternoon. “You’re missing your dog.

Come to the beach,” the voice said, then the call was disconnected.

I was shoved into a room that looked like a dark dungeon. It smelled sour and rotten.

I saw something move in the corner and started to bark. It barked back.

My eyes adjusted to the dim light and I saw there were two other dogs tied up in the room.

I rushed to the beach where I found a group of guys waiting for me. They asked for reward but I demanded to see my dog first. They said that they

knew which villa the dog was in. They asked me to follow them.

I knocked on the door of the villa I was shown and asked if they had my dog. They said no. “Okay, I’ll wait for the ROP to come check,” I said, as they closed the door.

I could hear something happening outside the door.

I smelled something that reminded me of home. I felt a lot of things happening to my system; my heart started pounding, I could feel the blood gushing to all of my limbs and my tail started wagging automatically. I sniffed again. Mom! I spent the next hour-and-a-half frantically making calls and trying to figure out what to do. The ROP said that they could take action only if I had lodged an official police complaint, which could only be done the next morning.

I knew my dog was inside that house just across the wall and I was not going anywhere without him.

Suddenly a woman came out of the house. She asked me to show her a picture of Oz, then she showed me a picture on her phone of the dog inside. It was Oz. Her sweet soothing voice came piercing through the many walls that were between us. I wanted to jump around, pounce on her and lick her face. But all I could manage to do was wag my tail vehemently.

The door opened. I held my breath. The nightmare was over.

HI WEEKLY

HELP BRING LOST DOGS HOME If not for the support of volunteer organisations and wonderful doglovers in Muscat Oz might never have made it home.

If your dog goes missing or if you see a dog without its owner, get in touch with Omani Paws (+968 9579 2626). Omani Paws is an active group of animal lovers which works for the rescue, homing and providing medical care to dogs in addition to working TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release). They are also active on social media and play an important part in raising awareness and letting the world know about the various search and rescue operations and interesting animal stories that are shared by the members of the facebook community.

Help protect your pet before he or she goes missing. Contact Canadian Jebel k9 (+968 9941 9595). They offer professional dog training services that will help your dog to increase his/her control and impulses to various day to day stimuli. The Jebel Canadian students had also helped Diane make the lost dog posters and distribute it around in order to create awareness.

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 15 APRIL 8, 2016

THE DREAM HOUSE HIDDEN AWAY IN A THREE-STOREY AZAIBA VILLA, ATMOSPHERE BOUTIQUE OFFERS MUSCAT SHOPPERS A UNIQUE WAY TO BUY DISTINCTIVE, GLOBAL FURNITURE AND DECOR STORY SHRUTHI NAIR PHOTOGRAPHY SALIM AL AFIFI

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 15 APRIL 8, 2016

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 15 APRIL 8, 2016

I

had to look for the store name twice before stepping into Atmosphere Interior Decorations by Celine. As I entered, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was barging into someone’s perfectly polished home. Then an energetic young French woman greeted me. “Welcome to Atmosphere,” she said.

It was Celine, and this unique boutique is her brainchild. The proprietress has been working in design for the past 15 years, running her own speciality kitchen shop back in France, and then, when she moved to Muscat two-years ago, she opened Atmosphere, jumping at the chance to curate diverse cultural tastes in a modern way. As offered to give me a tour of the place, I eagerly accepted.

The front door of Atmosphere opens into a casual drawing room artfully decorated in shades of white and grey, with a soft slate-coloured sofa set, and a white coffee table, strewn with information on Celine’s designs.

Off to the right I spotted a huge European style dining table, which immediately reminded me of Thanksgiving. I could literally visualise a well-garnished turkey sitting right in the middle waiting to be eaten. As we moved through the space, I had to remind myself that I was in a store, and not a posh European house.

The space was beautifully lit with little LED lights placed strategically to illuminate and highlight the details of the rooms and small accessories. On our way to the kitchen there was

Though they were regular household goods, it felt as if each little thing had its own story to tell... small walk-way to the right on which Herve Gambs perfumes, scented flowers, and room fresheners were displayed.

We entered the kitchen. Celine specialises in kitchen design and her passion was clearly reflected here. A cacophony of home accessories, cutlery sets, candle-stands, and showpiece items. Though they were regular household goods, it felt as if each little thing had its own story to tell, as though they were souvenirs from exotic trips around the world. What I’d thought was a work area to the left of the kitchen turned out to be the world’s neatest store room. Featuring a more playful vibe, the black and white checkered floor complemented the mod-looking sets of huge silver and gold cutlery and pretty, floral-designed aprons hanging above an avocado green stove set.

Just before ascending the stairs a huge wire-frame chandelier with little round bulbs caught my eye. I’ve always had a thing for

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 15 APRIL 8, 2016

ATMOSPHERE 18TH NOVEMBER STREET AZAIBA +968 2449 6640 INFO@ATMOSPHERE-OMAN.COM SUNDAY-FRIDAY 10AM-1PM & 4PM-9PM SATURDAY

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

lights, and in this house-cum-store every light fixture was a unique statement piece.

The first floor had a completely different story to tell. I entered a narrow corridor with a built-in, multi-racked shelf. Each rack held home accessories ranging from photo frames to bright-coloured cushion to funky, old magnifying glasses. To the right was the master bedroom, a romantic room she said she designed with newlyweds in mind. A vintage wall clock held court overtop a plush bed, and everything had a precious, hand-crafted feel to it, with even the dustbin seeming too perfect to be littered in.

Another room housed huge booklets of wallpaper and cloth samples her interior design clients can select from. Skimming through them I decided that the art of home is art at its best, and Atmosphere might just be its perfect gallery.

—shruthi@timesofoman.com

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THE DAREDEVILS STORY FAISAL MOHAMMED NAIM PHOTOGRAPHY SHABIN E

Dangerous road incidents and the rash behaviour of rookie riders has put the sport of stunt motorbiking in jeopardy and given it a bad rap, but a dedicated group of bikers hope that they can help to professionalise the high-octane performance sport in Oman.

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n a sunny Friday afternoon a band of bikers arrived at an abandoned stretch of road on the outskirts of Al Khoud. After a few moments of banter, two of the gang suddenly peeled-out, screeching to a stop in the middle of the long, straight patch of asphalt before revving their engines and racing to opposite ends of the makeshift track.

They turned back, facing one another like cowboys in a showdown. Then they took off; racing towards each other fullgallop. Just when it seemed like pure madness, an inevitable head-on crash, the bikes simultaneously rose into nose-dives, their rear wheels ascending in the air so that they made a perfect “V” as they sailed past one another.

They call this move the ‘Endo’.

It was the ‘Stunt Day Out’, for the Motostunters, a group of five bikers committed to the pursuit of a hobby that is seen by most as a rogue pas-

sion. Before long the emptiness of the barren space was filled with the roar of screaming exhausts and screeching tyres as the group practiced one stunt after another.

“Performing motorbike stunts is a hobby like any other. Just because it looks frightening doesn’t mean it is bad. It is a calculative sport demanding high precision. Every sport has risk involved. Accidents do happen, but that is common too with all sports.

It is a game of perfection. The more you practice the more you adapt and the more you master the art,” says the head of the pack, a 24-year-old they call Nankish.

Performing stunts wherever they can, from automotive events to these private sessions, the group’s aim is to promote the sport in a safe, wellpracticed way.

“We are strictly against pulling stunts on the public roads. That is dangerous and totally uncalled for.

We look out for places where there are no inhabitants. The new developing

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LEARN THE LINGO COMMON BIKING STUNTS WHEELIE: Lifting the front of the motorcycle off the ground by means of either acceleration power or clutching. There are different variations of wheelie like circle, high chair, tank wheelie, seat stander, 12 O’ clock, and nose-wheelie.

APE HANGER: Hanging from the bars with hands while doing a 12 O’ clock, and allowing the feet to drag behind the bike.

STOPPIE: Lifting the rear wheel of the motorcycle using momentum and braking force. Also referred to as Endo.

BISCUIT EATER: Stoppie with the rider’s legs over the handlebars. Also known as the “highchair endo”.

BURNOUTS: The engine power and braking force are utilised to cause the rear wheel to spin, heating it up and producing smoke. There are different types of burnouts, like the suicide burnout, chainsaw, and, merry-go-round.

SWITCHBACK: Any stunt performed with the body facing the rear of the motorcycle, opposite the direction of travel.

CHRIST: The rider stands straight up on the seat or tank with both arms extended while the bike is in motion.

DE-ACTIVATOR: Riding a wheelie on idle and jumping off the back of the motorcycle.

places serve our purpose better, where there are roads, but nothing else has developed yet,” said Obama, another of the Motostunters.

“The OAA arena is very small, you have to pay for membership, and it is open only at specific times. Still we go to the OAA too whenever we can,” said Majid Ninja.

“For cars, there are ample avenues to pursue even the riskier formats like drifting, but it is not the same for bikes. Pulling a stunt in a car is considered stylish, while doing the same on bike is seen as just dangerous,” Obama explained. “Many GCC countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have celebrated stunt motorbikers. Red Bull organises many stunt events throughout the year.”

The group feels that stunt performing should be recognised as a sport in Oman. “There should be facilities where one could practice the sport. Oman is a country of action motorsport lovers, and we have a lot of potential to excel in

this sport,” said Nankish. “Like all action sports, motorbike stunts should only be performed in controlled or isolated areas”.

And this is not a cheap pastime. Even as a hobby going stunting is expensive, requiring thousands of rials to purchase a fast superbike, and then to modify it tank-to-tail.

“You can’t just hop on and get started on any bike. You have to make it lighter, more centrally balanced, and with handy controls. Then you also would want to minimalise the extent of damage in case of any nasty incident, which calls for adding safety parts,” points out Majid, whose ripped Kawasaki Ninja ZX 6R, loaded with add-ons including a crash bar, custom fully unrestricted exhaust, rear hand brake, and easy pull clutch, looks like something out of the movie Transformers. On top of that, full body protection is also a must. In the blink of an eye, a rider can end up with road rashes if they aren’t covered, so proper protection

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BUILD A STUNT-BIKE CHECKLIST A stock bike is not at all fit to perform stunts. It needs much customisation for superior balance (it’s all about balance after all) and efficient power.

Here is a list of must-haves if you are planning to keep one wheel up. Remember, your stuntbike is your pet; spending time with it and knowing it intimately is a must in order to set her up right. gear is essential for staying safe.

Safety is a major focus for the group, who have seen the tragedy that can occur when bikers treat their rides like toys. So as their numbers gradually swell, with both experts who want to share the thrill as well as novices who want to learn the sport, the high-energy activity moves one step closer to professionalisation.

“To join the pack, the bike should have proper registration and the rider must have a permanent two-wheeler license,” Obama explained. “It means more and more guys are falling into line. We promote and strictly adhere to safe practising of the sport. Joining us means the guy would no longer be performing on roads, even if he were doing so earlier.”

The most common misconception about stunt riding is that it is little more than a cheap thrill, when in reality, these metal and asphalt acrobatics are manand-machine pursuits of perfection.

—faisal@timesofoman.com

Add-ons: • Crash cage • 12 bar • Easy pull clutch • Radiator cage • Subcage • Shark fin • Rear sets • Clipons • Bigger sprocket set • Handbrake bracket and master cylinder • Custom seats Consider the following modifications too for added power and increased performance: • Air intake modification • Exhaust modification • Upgraded front end • Dented tank for mounting and applying grip to it • Solid tank modification

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The 11th Annual Harvard Arab World Conference, organised by the Harvard Arab Alumni Association, was held at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah last weekend. It brought together great minds from around the region to discuss innovations in the Arab world.

Photos: O K Mohammed Ali

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The students of Al Injaz Private School participated in an interactive opera. It was a special production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,“ made for the Royal Opera House Muscat for students and children presented in English and Arabic.

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SUDOKU HOW TO PLAY Fill empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column, and area.

Level | Very Easy

Level | Easy

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