Hi Weekly - May 20, 2016

OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 46,760 COPIES

VOL 10 ISSUE 21 / MAY 20, 2016

INSIDE THE MIND OF AN OMANI CONCEPTUAL PHOTOGRAPHER PAGE 22

THIS WEEK IN OMAN

GIVE THE BEST LOOKING GIFT

VACATION IN SOHAR

At gift shops cropping up around the capital, the presentation might just outshine the gift inside.

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Sohar, better known as a port town than as a tourist destination, n, is now home to the drive-worthy new Radisson Blu Resort.

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TEE-UP AND SWING Muscat is home to world-class golf courses, but thanks to adjacent driving ranges, you don’t need to trudge through nine or 18-holes to get your swing-on.

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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 swati@timesofoman.com Research/Copy Editor Ashish Dubash

ashishdubash@timesofoman.com

Senior Editors T. A. Ameerudheen ameerudheen@timesofoman.com Faisal Mohammed Naim Mohammed Shafeeqe

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faisal@timesofoman.com

Associate Editor Salim Hamood Al Afifi Shruthi Nair

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Chief Creative Officer Adonis Durado

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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

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Chief Sales Officer Richard Pakenham Head Of Advertising & Marketing Aziz K. Baker Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Design by Ali Jani Photography Ali Al Sharji For general inquiries or comments: HiWeekend@timesofoman.com

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

19 20 21 THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Taste Vietnam

1.00pm Putt ‘Em Up

7.30pm Just Breathe

Witness or participate in the 8th qualifier of the powerplay championship this Friday at Muscat Hills. Registration is OMR3 for members and OMR38 for non-members.

Attend Rajayoga’s Saturday Seminar to learn forms of meditation and relaxation at this free seminar which is appropriate for all ages.

Muscat Hills Golf Club +968 2451 4080

Rajayoga Centre, Ruwi +968 2478 2924 rajayogaoman.org

Vietnamese cuisine is a rarity in Oman. But this weekend Shangri-la has brought the specialty to Muscat thanks to Vietnamese guest chefs from their award-winning restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Head up the hill to savour authentic dishes like pho, Saigon salad, and lobster dumplings, from now until May 21st.

Asia Restaurant Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and an Spa 2477 6565 +968 247

7pm Do Yoga in the Moonlight Under the guidance of the Six Senses Spa’s yogi master, experience a rejuvenating hour of yoga under the fullmoon for OMR3.500.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

Al Bustan Beach Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel +968 2479 9666

8.00pm Cat walk at the Cave Eye-up Bijay Gupta’s latest collections as they come down the runway from 8pm to 11pm.

Rumba Lattina, The Cave Darsait +968 9531 8629

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Have you tried any of these five? What do you think of them? Did we miss any of your favourites? Tag us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly

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FIVE TO TRY

OLD MOSQUES TO PHOTOGRAPH (FROM OUTSIDE)

AL RASOOL AL A’DHAM

AL ZULFA

Located on the iconic Muttrah Corniche, Al Rasool Al A’dham Mosque, or Mosque of the Great Prophet (PBUH), is a historic mosque that goes back to the 15th century. It holds a significant place in the lives of the Lawati families who traditionally ran trade business from the Muttrah Souq a few steps away.

Al Zulfa Mosque, also known as The Royal Guard of Oman Mosque, is located right on Sultan Qaboos highway in Seeb, facing the Palace of Bait Al Baraka. It was opened in 1992 and is known for its 20 iconic green-coloured domes.

ASMAA BINT ALAWI Located in the posh area of Madinat Al Ilam, the Asmaa Bint Alawi mosque, commonly known as Asmaa Mosque, is an architectural masterpiece. It was built in 1986 by Qais Al Zawawi and his siblings, and named after their beloved mother, Asmaa. The grounds are lovely to walk through and, if you are Muslim, it is a great place to pray.

ABDUL MUNIM BIN YOUSEF AL ZAWAWI Known as the Zawawi Mosque, this holy place was built in 1985 by Abdul Munim bin Yousef Al Zawawi’s son Omar and his siblings. It’s located opposite the ministries district.

Both exterior and interior are remarkable and it is one of Muscat’s iconic structures.

AL ARAIMI Al Araimi Mosque is located in Shatti Al Qurum near the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

Opened by Hilal bin Saud bin Hareb Al Busaidi in 1994, it has a great exterior and even greater interior design. Its strategic location by the beach makes it a great place to pass by after coffee by the sea.

CNN Following CNN will ensure that you get your daily dose of interesting news, inspiring photographs, and videos accompanied by creatively written captions. They cover entertainment, celebrities, politics, and everyday life with no disturbing images on their feed.

Instagram: @cnn

CNN IREPORT iReport is a part of CNN in which they report live events as well as invite users and fans to participate by sharing their stories. Follow them to read interesting stories from around the globe, or to share your own by using the hashtag #cnnireport or via the link in their bio.

They do not run disturbing images.

Instagram: @cnnireport

BBC NEWS The popular British news channel BBC hits Instagram with moving images instead of just photos. They post tons of interestingly captioned videos on topics ranging from politics to entertainment to culture and they refrain from posting disturbing images or videos.

Instagram: @bbcnews

EURONEWS TV Euronews Instagram posts a variety of photos on a variety of topics, but mostly focus on political news. Follow them if you are a hardcore politics fan who wouldn’t want to miss on what’s going on in seats of power around the world. No disturbing images are posted.

Instagram: @euronews.tv

AL JAZEERA ENGLISH Al Jazeera is one of Middle East’s favourite news channels. Their Instagram is full of stunningly captured photographs and portraits of people from around the globe, with a special focus on Arabia. Their inspiring captions are especially noteworthy.

No disturbing images are posted.

Instagram: @aljazeera

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

HI SOCIAL NEWS CHANNELS TO FOLLOW

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Where are you escaping to this weekend?

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WEEKEND ESCAPE

A S TAY AT T HE B E S T RE S TA U R A N T IN S O H A R STORY FELICIA CAMPBELL

A new ďŹ ve-start resort has arrived in Sohar, bringing with it a bevy of exciting new dining options.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

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hree hours north of Muscat, Sohar is to most a stopover on the way to Dubai. The city is famous for its shipping port and university, but I’ve never heard anyone talk about it as a tourist destination. I’ve stayed there before, and the accommodations and dining were less than inspiring. But now, there’s a new guy in town. The well-known Radisson Blu hotel chain, opened their latest resort in Sohar, so I jumped on the Sultan Qaboos Highway to go check it out.

The first thing I noticed as I pulled off the main highway and wove my way towards the blue lights of the property, was that there was no road. It’s in the works, and the dirt path is sufficient for getting to the impressive entrance, even by sedan.

At the end of the dusty drive a grand, circular drop-off rose out of the sand, and inside, the lobby was chic and modern. After a warm welcome at reception, I was escorted up to my room. There I sat on my balcony and began paging through the room service menu.

The business level rooms feature generous sized balconies with full views over the ocean.

Though the hotel is beautifully positioned directly on the beach, sadly there is no private beach at this time, so in lieu of beach chairs on the sand, the property has several fantastic pools, whose shaded lounges still enjoy a view of the sea. Looking down on the rows of shaded lounges, I imagined that was where I would be spending most of my weekend.

Where are you escaping to this weekend?

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

I was right. I spent my exploratory weekend at the Radisson Blu Sohar doing three things: Eating, sleeping, and sunning.

It was easy to do because the dining outlets, from the buffets to the poolside light-bites to the fine Thai, were fantastic. And, in addition to the mammoth swimming pool and adjacent 15-seater Jacuzzi, there is a totally awesome pool bar, with built-in tables and a swim-up ordering shack.

The facilities also include a small health club and spa where you can workout or get a massage and a tennis court, where I did spend a few hours trying to balance out my gluttony.

If you need a golden cage to ensure a weekend of absolute rest, relaxation, and gluttony, take a seaview room and spend your days moving leisurely between your balcony, the pool, and the restaurants. (The hotel, which caters to business travellers, offers a full-board option, which I fully recommend.)

Sometimes a weekend at what amounts to a big, ocean-side restaurant is just what the doctor ordered after a long week. Throw in a little (poorly played) tennis and some laps in the pool, and you’ll leave feeling like a new woman.

—felicia@timesofoman.com

THURSDAY 17.00 Leave the office and head straight for Sohar.

It’s an easy drive north on the 1 (Sultan Qaboos Highway) the entire way until you pass the Sohar mall. Turn right, then left at the light, then right onto a dirt road leading to the glowing blue palace.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

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20.30 Check-in and go enjoy a pre-dinner drink on your terrace.

hour of humbling cardio and then treat yourself with a 30-minute massage.

21.30 Head downstairs to Amaranthai for a super-authentic Thai meal. Start with chewy, lime-y fish cakes, then ask for the Chef’s special king fish—a peanut-crusted, pan-fried fish steak served with three incredible chilli-lime sauces alongside coconut rice. It is the perfect amount of food for a late dinner for two.

17.00 Have an evening espresso in the Al Zafaran Lounge or have a stroll along the beach before getting ready for dinner.

23.00 Walk around the glowing pools and stop by the Aqua Bar for a nightcap.

19.30 Go back to Amaranthai for a tasting menu of Thai specialities.

22.00 Go to bed early (honestly, how often do you get a chance to do that?) with the sounds of crashing waves as your lullaby.

SATURDAY FRIDAY

09.00 Order breakfast-in-bed and spend the morning sipping cappuccino and watching the waves.

10.00 Sleep late. Then have tea on your terrace before heading down to Al Zafaran for breakfast.

Snag a table outside by the fountain, then head inside to load-up at the well-stocked buffet. Ask the short-order chef to make you an omelette while you peruse the other offerings.

11.00 Go for a quick swim in the pool, let the breeze and sun dry you off, then head upstairs to get packed.

11.30 Change into your swimsuit and go for a dip.

Alternate between laps and air drying on one of the shaded lounges while reading a book.

12.00 Grab a coffee and a fresh-baked cookie for takeaway, check-out, and start your three hour journey back to Muscat.

14.00 Head upstairs to change for lunch. You missed the buffet, but no worries, there is still a great a la carte menu available fountainside.

Order the particularly good Caesar salad.

15.00 Go to the Leopard gym and borrow some racquets and balls. Hit the tennis court for an

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION The Radisson Blu Hotel, Sohar +968 2664 0040 radissonblu.com

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Whether it’s to commemorate the season’s festivities or to celebrate special occasions, who doesn’t like getting gifts? And when you wrap them up in style it makes the presents even more special. The world of bows, ribbons, and shinning gift wrappers beckon.

STORY ASHISH DUBASH • PHOTOGRAPHY SALIM AL AFIFI

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e all like to surprise our near and dear ones with gifts, and the presentation is often as important as the present when it comes to making someone feel special. Gift wrapping is an art and while there are simple DIY ways to neatly pack a gift at home, thanks to a new upspring of shops specialising in gifting, we have one-stop-shops for innovative and fanciful packaging ideas and last-minute treats.

I was on the look-out for one-such shop when I spotted a quaint outlet in Qurum called Lavender. There I met Sarah Al Rawahi, the owner, whose love for hand crafts motivated her to start the business. Sarah turns simple gifts into works of art in an effort to make every one memorable. Using different materials and embellishments like crepe, ribbons, and Omani textiles and mats, complemented with attractive accessories like flowers, chocolates, heartshaped boxes, and soft toys, she creates custom packaging based on the needs, preferences, and budgets of her customers.

Starting from OMR10 the prices of the stands and the flowers vary. They also make flower arrangements for hotels, centre pieces for weddings (which can be hired), and other events.

Sarah uses Kangen water to keep the flowers fresh and healthy for a longer duration.

I walked through her shop, which is filled with racks and stands of materials set out to inspire gift-givers, from special holiday-themed packing for graduation day or the birth of a baby boy, to unique any-time gifts, like bakhoor sets, or the one that took my breath away—heartshaped stands and cages that can be filled with Lavender’s imported Belgian chocolates.

As I wandered through the festive wonderland picking out my favourite gift wrapping accessories, I soaked-in the scents of roses, orchids, and lilies. It was a blissful experience, and as I left with a perfectly adorned present in hand, I felt as if I too had received a gift.

—ashishdubash@timesofoman.com

Sur

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LAVENDER Open from 10am – 9pm, Saturday – Thursday Al Qurum Said Plaza next to Kashkha Tel: +968 9447 7335; +968 9175 1529

ise,

rprise

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TO D LIST

HIT A BUCKET OF B

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n age old game whose origins are debatable, most argue that the modern version of the sport was first played HEAD TO THE RANGE sometime around the 15th century in Scotland, when it was a sport ‘Driving Range’ or ‘Golf Range’ is a place tailor-made for men (Gents Only Ladies Forbidden), though its oriwhere golfers can practice their long gins are believed to be as ancient as civilisation itself. Nowadays, swings, pummelling a bucket of golf you’ll find mixed-gender golf courses in almost every corner of balls down a netted-in fairway. Beyond the world, thanks not only to its leisurely, time-passing fun, but practice, it is in-and-of-itself a fun also thanks to its elite image.

Oman, though relatively new recreational activity. to the sport, is home to several world-class golf courses, the first Here’s where to go to hit your bucket of which was the Ghala Golf Club opened as a sand course in 1971, of balls. then as the first nine-hole grass course in December 2010 with the “back nine” added by 2012.

To hone skills of Omani golfers, the Oman Golf Committee was established by the Ministry of Bring your own clubs or rent them from the Sports Affairs back in January 2009 with the aim pro shop of building a foundation of golf in Oman by giving all golfers (adults and children) the opportunity AL MOUJ GOLF to play the sport in order to raise the standard of golfing in Oman and eventually produce a national Open to both members and non-members team capable of competing in international events Location: On the road to Al Mouj Muscat like the Olympic Games and The World Cup of Contact: +968 2200 5990 Golf.

Timings: 6.30am to 9pm Long before these efforts began, His Highness Price: OMR2.5 for 45 balls Sayyid Qais Al Said, joined the Ghala Golf Club in 1987. A golfing pioneer in Oman, he helped shift the focus of gol golfing from a hobby to a professional, MUSCAT HILLS competitive sport during his leadership. sp flaunts four international, 18Open to members and non-members Today the country co hole grass golf courses, which consist of fully-sized Location: Muscat Hills premises, Airport Heights club houses, pr pro-shops, restaurants, rental club faContact: +968 2451 1024, +968 2451 4080 cilities, golf cart Timings: 6.30am to 8pm car and caddy hires, and that ever-soperfect introduction to the sport—driving ranges.

Price: OMR5 for 50 balls introdu —deeba@timesofoman.com —deeba@timesof

GHALA GOLF CLUB

BALLS STORY DEEBA HASAN

Open to members and non-members Location: Located on Muscat Expressway Contact: +968 9219 4957; +968 2450 4916 Timings: 6am to 8pm Price: OMR2 for 50 balls PDO GOLF CLUB — RAS AL HAMRA Open to Ras Al Hamra Recreational Club (RAHRC) members only Location: RAHRC, Mina Al Fahal Contact for membership options: +968 9910 6039, rasalhamragolfclub.com

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READERS’ CHOICE

MIXED GRILL SHOWDOWN BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Readers had our mouths watering with delicious descriptions of their favourite mixed grills, from all-you-can-eat deals to Indian-style barbeque, but these three are the most surprising of the classic mixed-grill suggestions. Thanks for the tasty tip-offs and congrats to the three lucky tipsters who will be receiving Four Seasons gift vouchers.

Winner: Saleha Haroon Restaurant: Ramsa Café Contact: +968 2485 6665 ramsacafe.com Location: MBD, Ruwi, near Centrepoint Cost: OMR4.200

“I had the best mixed grill @ramsacafe They serve best flavoured, perfectly cooked and versatile mixed grill in Muscat. Above all it is very affordable and great value for money. I really appreciate the service of Ramsa Cafe, staff is very nice and quick.”

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Winner: Jason Felix Noronha Restaurant: Turkish Diwan Contact: +968 2448 6957 turkishdiwan.com Location: Al Khuwair, near Badr Al Sama Cost: OMR5

“In the sense of the perfect Arabic mixed grill, Turkish Diwan at Al Khuwair is second to none... Be it their lamb, chicken or fish every element is absolutely spot on.”

Winner: Perreira F Savio Restaurant: Bar BQ Tonight Contact: +968 9767 3304 bbqtonight.com/dubai Location: Al Sarooj Street, beside Ramada Hotel Cost: OMR12 “My favourite mixed grill has been Bar BQ Tonight for its quality,spices,sheer size and succulent taste. Can’t seem to get enough of it. Love their accompaniments too including their apricot pickle as well as their Lemon Mint juice too and Shahi tukda dessert.”

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THE TAHR OF WADI SIREEN

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It is few minutes past dusk in the eastern Hajar Mountains. A slight hazy fog is forming and only a short stretch of dirt track can be seen in the dim light. Suddenly, emerging from the dust and misted light, a small herd of gazelle ambles into view…

STORY MOHAMMED SHAFEEQE PHOTOGRAPHY RASHED AL NEIRI, OCE

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irst the leader stops to rub his right-side whiskers against a wadi rock. He crosses the wadi bed and rubs his leftside shoulders. Then he leans his head into the water hole.

After a few seconds he raises his head to regard us with a look of infinite indifference while his mates jumped down to him from the rocks above with great agility and lustrous eyes.

Forty-minutes southwest of Muscat, the steep and jagged slopes of Jebel Aswad, the ‘Black Mountain’, and Jebel Abyadh, part of the Wadi Sireen Nature Reserve, are home to one of the least known, least researched, most timid mammal in the world—the Arabian Tahr.

According to experts, there are now likely fewer than 3,000 breeding-age Arabian Tahrs surviving in the wild and perhaps the only healthy population on the planet is the herd here in the Wadi Sireen Nature Reserve in Oman.

In 1974 a project was put in place to conserve these endangered animals in the Sireen Natural Reserve under the management of the Office for the Conservation of the Environment (OCE), Diwan of Royal Court, making Wadi Sireen the only Tahr reserve in the

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world, home to one of the largest groups of Arabian Tahr, listed as endangered on the Red List of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

In 1975 guards from the local tribes living in the reserve (which was around 200 square km) were employed after a Royal Decree banned killing or hunting of these animals in Oman.

In 1992 the total area stated for protection was expanded to around 2,400 square km, and according to officials at the OCE, as a result of these protection and anti-hunting procedures, the number of the Arabian Tahr has been increased.

OCE Research projects are now underway in collaboration with National Centre for Environmental Research and Earth Watch, to help better understand the Tahr’s behaviour. Active early in the morning from 6am till 10am and in afternoons from 4pm to 6pm, the animals make their homes in tough habitats, on steep cliffs at high altitude, it is difficult to monitor them.

“One study was about the importance of vegetation distribution throughout the mountain

ranges in different altitudes from around 400 metres above msl (mean sea level) till 2,000 metres above msl to check why Arabian Tahr prefers to live in altitude between 800 metres and 1,800 metres,” said Haitham Al Rawahi, wildlife specialist, OCE. “In the survey we found that there is a relationship between the kind of vegetations found in this altitude and Arabian Tahrs. We concluded that the animals prefer certain species of plants that are found in this altitude. This is one reason of the habitat selection of Arabian Tahr. Temperature is also another factor,” Haitham said.

Although Tahr can survive long periods without drinking if good vegetation is available, in summer it will come down to drink every two or three days. “Common goats drink whenever they find water, but Arabian Tahr prefer to have one water resource and they visit the place always,” Haitham explained.

The OCE researchers have installed many cameras in critical areas of the reserve to observe the animals. The animals are found alone or in small groups, normally a male and female, female and kid or family group. Offspring are reportedly born throughout the year after a gestation period that is thought to be between 140–145 days. Males are never seen together and the shallow troughs they scrape into the ground with their horns seem to indicate that they are territorial. “The cameras installed near the pits show that these pits are used for communication among the species. They urinate in the pits or leave some excretions from their glands to mark the territory or communicate. The study is on and we didn’t get final results for this yet,” he said.

Despite all these efforts to study and protect the species, the estimated population of the Arabian Tahr is only between 2,000 and 5,000, and they continue to face threats to their survival. Habitat fragmentation due to

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ARABIAN TAHR Scientific name: Hemitragus jayakari Listed subspecies: Arabitragus jayakari Order: Artiodactyla Family: Bovidae Size: 95 - 115cm Weight: 15 - 45kg Group: Mammals Breeding season: November and December Average number of offspring: 1 Average gestation period: 140 days Average time to independence: 2 years Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female & male): 2 to 3 years Healthy male weight: 35 - 45kg Healthy female weight: 17 - 25kg Horns: Horns of the male are longer and curved, while females’ are thin Markings: Males have hair on the neck and a black line down their backs.

Both male and females have white lines from eyes to mouth and similar beige and brown colouring which serves to make them difficult to locate in their native terrain.

DESPITE EFFORTS TO STUDY AND PROTECT THE SPECIES, THE ESTIMATED POPULATION OF THE ARABIAN TAHR IS ONLY BETWEEN 2,000 AND 5,000, AND THEY CONTINUE TO FACE THREATS TO THEIR SURVIVAL.

the construction of roads and buildings in the mountains, and mining are major threats to the existence of this rare wild species.

“The major threats are poaching, diseases, and competition with local herds. Some villagers are living inside the natural reserve and near to the core zone and they have domestic goats. These domestic goats are not kept in closed enclosures.

Tahrs and these domestic goats use same water holes and vegetation thus increasing the chances of sharing diseases. Also there are wild donkeys and they consume a lot of vegetation and water.

Tahrs cannot go into the areas where we find donkeys and goats as they prefer to be away from human beings,” Haitham observed.

The Arabian Tahr mainly feeds on leaves, fruits, and seeds from a range of trees, shrubs, and grasses in the high mountains. The spread of human migration to the land near the mountains has resulted in domestic goats foraging in places that were once exclusively the Tahrs’. And when the animals come down from the mountains in search of water holes or to eat the fruits of a particular tree near the wadis, they become vulnerable to poaching.

The OCE continues to work to protect these rare creatures, including awareness activities and education participation with the local people living on or near the reserve. Rangers have been posted and most of them are local people who are familiar with the terrain and place. They are specialised in that habitat. Other local villagers have been hired to keep a lookout and report any poaching activities.

The reserve borders three wilayats: Amerat, Quriyat, and Dima Wa Taeen. There are two entry points at Jebel Aswad and in Jebel Abyad and the OCE has plans to set up a centre to provide information on the flora and fauna in the area with international standards of research.

There are other unique mammals and birds in the reserve, such as Arabian gazelle, Arabian

wolf, Blanfor’s fox, Red fox, Hedgehog, Jayakar’s Oman lizard, common Kestrel, Egyptian vulture, Sand partridge and Oman saw-scaled viper, besides many reptiles and invertebrates. There are 400 plants in the reserve, ten of them are endemic and four are endangered species on the Red List of Omani plants.

People who want to visit the reserve have to take permission from the Office for the Conservation of the Environment, provided the visitors have to abide by some rules and restrictions.

“Usually we give permission to the public to go and see the nature reserve. But what happens some time is that the people go inside and cut trees, cook there and leave the rubbish in the protected area. This is dangerous to the wild life,” said Sultan Abdullah Al Shukhaili, media officer at OCE. “There is also a plan to locate Tahr all around Oman. Twenty years ago some studies observed that the animals are found scattered in different parts of Oman. Today we are planning to install cameras in such areas and, if located, we will initiate conservation in these areas.

“So far we have located some parts of Western Hajar Mountains to set up cameras. This will help us to study these animals,” said Haitham adding that, “It is not that easy to get near to these animals. The landscape is so difficult for us to move in that it will take hours to get through the cliffs. The animals go very fast on these cliffs and make it up and down very easily.”

These marvellous, shy creatures are one of Oman’s great natural treasures, well worth a nail-biting climb for the committed wildlife researchers of Wadi Sireen.

—shafeeq@timesofoman.com Those interested in visiting the reserve, can get permits in person from the Office for Conservation of the Environment in Al Khuwair or online omum.gov.om

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STORY SALIM AL AFIFI PHOTOGRAPHY ALI AL SHARJI

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here are times when expressing your thoughts out loud becomes a true predicament, matched in intensity only by the need to release and free them from the inside of your head and onto a tangible medium.

This is the struggle of most artists, and Ali Al Sharji, an Omani conceptual artist born in 1993 into a family of six in Muscat, is no different.

Growing up, video games weren’t allowed in Al Sharji household because they weren’t seen as something that could contribute to one’s creativity or self-development. Therefore, Ali had to come up with other ways to entertain himself. He started drawing in his free time, and then moved his artistry into a written form, composing short stories, through which he could reflect on what he was thinking or feeling.

His artistic journey began at the early age of 12, when he turned his darkest and deepest thoughts into poems. He produced a number of poems that expressed his internal life at the time, but sharing his sometimes-sinister fantasies, thoughts, and feelings verbally at an age when he was riddled with shyness, proved to be agonising.

During those early years, he wrote three death poems in which he details the day of his death down to the specifics of the scene around him as the events play out on that dreadful day. Each one gave a unique picture of the end he had envisioned.

“I got goosebumps every time I read the poem that my own hand wrote,” Ali said of the private works of his youth.

Ali needed an art form through which he could stand tall and express himself without fear of being personally rejected or criticised. For Ali, conceptual photography gave to this matter a shoulder for comfort, offering his distinctive voice a place to quietly convey its messages through series of visually intriguing photographs. As he delved deeper into the art form, his desire to share his work exploded, creating a deep need in him to introduce his perspective to the rest of the world.

“It’s my way out from reality,” said Ali, “but sometimes it does feel like reality and that is the beauty of it.”

For Ali, concept photography represents a form of psychological healing through which the process of expressing emotions was

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MUSIC PLAYS A HUGE ROLE IN ALI’S ART, AS EACH ONE OF HIS PIECES IS CONNECTED TO A PARTICULAR SONG. LIKE MUSIC, CONCEPT PHOTOGRAPHY HAS THE POTENTIAL TO TOUCH MANY HEARTS, WITH NO NEED FOR TRANSLATION

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eased, and the stress of mental isolation was relieved. But far from a mere art-therapy exercise, Ali’s art is captivating, speaking to his audience in a way that earned him recognition on the world stage.

Over the years since he discovered his medium of choice, he has won numerous awards including the You’re Not Alone competition held by HH Sayyida Basma Al Said; the prestigious LoudArt showcase in 2015/2016 in Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, organised by Raneen Al Bukhari and Najla Al Suhaimi; and the honour of being one of the Insta8 speakers at Bait Al Zubair.

Ali’s youthful desire to express his internal self has evolved, and now, a major source of external inspiration for his work is music. He feels this auditory form is miraculously effective when it comes to connecting with people en-mass, and to him personally.

Each one of his pieces is connected to a particular song.

Similarly, he feels that concept photography has the potential to touch many hearts, with no need for translation or verbal explanation, a theory he can test this year when he heads to Rome, one of the great capitals of art, to display his work at the Una Vetrina exhibition, from July 12th to 19th.

What makes Ali’s work inimitable is that his photography is a raw, uncensored representation of his mind.

His creations are influenced by his thoughts and feelings, often in reaction to social issues, current situations, or his surroundings at any given time.

His messages are rooted in his Middle Eastern heritage, but contain universal messages.

One of his artworks titled ‘And She Was Seeking Immortality’ (displayed on page 22) speaks of how we try to blind ourselves with materialistic means in life and tend to neglect the smaller things that actually matter. The photograph portrays a glamorous Arab woman holding a Suntop (a popular 100bz juice brand), which has an inscription that says ‘the water of life’ written on it, reflecting the idea that it is the simple, overlooked things that often matter the most.

“I have these rebellious kind of thoughts inside me,” laughed Ali. As a member of his audience, I for one can say I’m glad he does. As society here in Oman begins leaning towards accepting new ideas and praising individuality, Ali’s art will no doubt resonate deeply with others here in his hometown and beyond.

—salim@timesofoman.com

FOLLOW THE ARTIST brilliantmindzphotography. weebly.com +968 9594 9906 @brilliantmindzphotography

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A Fashion Show was held at Rumba Lattina in The Cave complex in Darsait.

IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY

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Rest Upon the Wind, a play based on Khalil Gibran’s life, was held at the Oman Auditorium at Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz Carlton Hotel.

IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY

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IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY

The Lulu Mango Mania was inaugurated by Indra Mani Pandey, the Ambassador of India to the Sultanate, along with Ahamed Al Shaibani, Manager, Baushar Municipality, at the Lulu Bausher branch.

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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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