Hi Weekly - January 29, 2016

OMAN’S OMA MA AN N’S S LARG LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 54,000 COPIES

VOL 10 ISSUE 5 / JANUARY 29, 2016

MEET THE NEW MODELS PAGE 20 SOME GREAT NEW LAUNCHES HAVE LANDED IN MUSCAT. GET THE LOW DOWN ON THESE BEAUTIES.

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THIS WEEK IN OMAN

H AN HAVE OMANI SNACK

GO TO THE BEE DOCTOR

RESTORE BALANCE

Enjoy the best sweet, creamy karak tea, and crisp stuffed Omani bread at a shop in the Ministries District in Al Khuwair. PAGE 18

Dr Hassan Talib Al Lawati offers a sweet solution to everything, from fertility issues to dental care.

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A luxurious wellness retreat at Al Bustan’s Six Senses Spa is the perfect jumpstart to a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.

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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

ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

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

Chief Sub-Editors Mohammed Shafeeqe, Ashish Dubash ashishdubash@timesofoman.com shafeeq@timesofoman.com Multimedia Editorial Assistants Shruthi Nair, Asmaa Al Balushi, Salim Hamood Al Afifi salim@timesofoman.com asmaa@timesofoman.com

Chief Creative Officer Adonis Durado Associate Art Director Waleed Rabin

shruthi@timesofoman.com

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

aziz@timesofoman.com

richard@timesofoman.com

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

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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

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

28 29 30 THURSDAY

6:00pm Meet a Princess

Catch the last night of Anna and Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven, ice skating and singing songs from the movie ‘Frozen’ during a free 20-minute shows from 6pm to 10pm.

Muscat Grand Mall. +968 9779 8111 facebook.com/axisgroupevents

7:00pm Hear the Golden Voice of Africa

Get mesmerised by the African tunes presented to the Omani audience by Mali’s music ambassador to the world, Salif Keita.

FRIDAY

7:00pm Raise a Glass to a Scottish Bard

Celebrate the life of Robert Burns, Scotland’s best loved poet during an evening that begins with a four-course dinner, and continues into the night with verse, singing, dancing, and tipples. Tickets are available for OMR 55 from the Caledonian Society of Oman.

Hotel Intercontinental +968 9671 1908 caledoniansocietyofoman@ gmail.com caledoniansocietyofoman.com

SATURDAY 4:00pm Party with Colour

For OMR 7 colour-happy revelers will get packets of colour, foam bottles, and a water gun for a playful evening of colour throwing, creative competitions, and fireworks, all set to the thumping beats of DJ K Noise. Come in white, but be prepared to leave looking like a rainbow.

Intercontinental Hotel +968 9827 3473 facebook.com/Color Festivals

By Dreams Team II in Oman

Royal Opera House Muscat +968 2440 3300 rohmuscat.org.om

Watch internationally renowned comedic poets and ghazal artistes at the International Mushairah Urdu poetry convention at Al Falaj Hotel. Entry is free.

Al Falaj Hotel, Ruwi +968 9947 0152 alphaeventsoman@gmail.com

Photography: Supplied

8:00pm Enjoy a Night of Urdu Poetry

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Did you visit the Muscat Festival? Show us your photos.

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

NIGHT LIGHTS (NASEEM GARDEN) Get ready to be mind-blown by the amazing fireworks display at Naseem Garden everyday between 8.30 -8.35pm. Yes, it is only five minutes, but the grand amalgamation of lights and colour contrasting with the night sky will certainly leave a lasting impact.

Highlights

THE ANTI-DRUG BUS (AL AMERAT PARK)

MF 2016

If you go to the Amerat Park, then you will

The annual Muscat Festival will run until February 13th at Al Amerat Park and Naseem Garden. Here are a few great events to check out this weekend.

related to drugs and drug abuse. This ROP

see a bus with the message “Life is wonderful… Don’t spoil it with drugs.” Hop into the bus to get an insight into all the issues initiative is particularly useful for parents to educate themselves and their children about the dangers of drug use.

EARTHLY EXPLORATION (AL AMERAT PARK) Visit a first-of-its-kind mobile science

AN AFTERNOON STROLL (NASEEM GARDEN)

lab designed to spread the love of sci-

Amble through an illuminated village con-

ence among children. Visitors can explore

taining replicas of Oman’s flora, fauna,

different aspects of the field from earth

and marine environment before continu-

sciences like astronomy and geology to

ing on to take in the Japanese gardens

robotics and virtual reality.

and lakefront.

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KHALEEJI HAPPENINGS Broadcasting the best events in the GCC (January 28, 29, 30)

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FIVE TO TRY COOKING CLASSES hiweekend@timesofoman.com

The Crafty Kitchen Learn how to make the famous French confection Macarons, as well as various pastries and Italian dishes at The Crafty Kitchen. The place offers private lessons ranging from OMR 19 to 25.

Al Noor Plaza, Madinat Sultan Qaboos +968 2469 6660; thecraftykitchen.com

Ocean Blue Oman Become skilled in cooking Omani dishes at Bait Al Bilad in Qantab, where you’ll learn to make dishes like chicken qabuli and rukhal bread. OMR 45 per session including lunch, and a cookbook.

Bait Al Bilad, Qantab +968 9612 508; oceanblueoman.com

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National Hospitality Institute Master the art of bread-making at National Hospitality Institute in Wadi Kabir where you’ll learn how to bake six different types of breads including baguettes and focaccia. This two-day course costs OMR 70.

Wadi Kabir, +968 24816313; nhioman.com

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Thursday, January 28 Paper Conversation Art Exhibition (Jeddah)

Visit Hafez Gallery in Jeddah and gaze at artworks, drawings, and photographs made using traditional paper, which the artists used to fabricate and convey messages of beauty and elegance.

Time: 10am- 9pm Location: Hafez Gallery, King Abdulaziz Road, Jeddah.

Website: hafezgallery.com Tel: +966 1 2613 4111

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Thursday, January 28 Souq Waqif Spring Festival (Doha)

Enjoy a day full of fun activities and street shows for the whole family at Souq Waqif Spring Festival 2016, which will take place at the souq daily until 4th of February.

Time: 3:30pm-10pm Location: Souq Waqif, Al Jasra, Doha, Qatar Website: souq-waqif.qa Tel: +974 4441 8534

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Friday, January 29 Beatbox at Boxpark (Dubai)

Get groovy during Dubai Shopping Festival at the Box Park where music gurus will combine beat boxing with traditional instruments such as ouds and violins. This musically inspired celebration will be open for public until 1st of February.

Location: Boxpark Al Wasl Road, Dubai Website: boxpark.ae Tel: +971 8 0063 7227

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Saturday, January 30 Dubai Show Jumping Championship 2016 (Dubai)

For equestrian sport fans, don’t miss the Dubai Show Jumping Championship 2016 which will take place at the Emirates Equestrian Centre in Dubai from 28th to 30th January. Admission is free.

Time: 11:30am to 6:15pm Location: Emirates Equestrian Centre, Dubai-Al Ain Road Website: emiratesequestriancentre.com Tel: +971 5 0558 7656

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Support Syrian refugees by participating in humanitarian Campaign to help relieve their hunger and cold. The event will take place at Katara cultural village in Qatar on 30th and 31st of January.

Time: 9am – 11pm Location: Katara, Doha, Qatar Website: katara.net Tel: +974 4408 0000

Shang Thai Learn how to make tom yum soup and other Thai delicacies at Shang Thai Restaurant at Al Mouj Muscat, and at Muscat Grand Mall. Their one-day course is priced at OMR 15 per person.

Al Mouj Muscat; Muscat Grand Mall, +968 2455 4774, +968 2200 6644; shang-thai.com

Al Manar Vocational Institute Learn how to prepare Middle Eastern dishes and sweets like a professional at this school tucked behind Holiday Inn in Mawaleh. OMR 200 for a 15-day course.

Al Mawaleh, +968 9114 4335; almanar.training@gmail.com

Photography: Supplied

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Saturday, January 30 Katara Humanitarian Campaign for Syria (Doha)

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APPLE WATCH Display Rectangular AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colours Display Size (mm) 38, 42 Protection Sapphire crystal glass OS watc hOS 1.0, upgradable to v2.1 Chipset Apple S1 CPU 520 MHz Memory 8 GB, 512 MB RAM Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate Messaging SMS (threaded view), Email, Push Mail, IM Highlights MP3 player, Photo viewer, Voice dial/commands, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Resistance: IPX7 certified water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes Talk time Up to 3 h 40 min Price: OMR 149.900 Coolest Feature: ‘Force Touch’ — almost like a secondary (right) mouse click on the Mac or Windows., the feature senses the level of force exerted on the display surface, and responds accordingly. Press firmly on the screen of the Apple Watch and it blurs out, with one to four additional options appearing on top of it.

And it’s not the number of options that matter, it’s the utility.

MOTOROLA MOTO 360 SECOND GEN Display Round IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colours Display Size (mm) 42, 46 Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3 OS Android Wear OS Chipset Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 CPU Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 Memory 4 GB, 512 MB RAM Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate Messaging SMS, Email, IM Highlights Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic, Wireless Charging (Qi-enabled, MP3 player, Photo viewer, Voice dial/commands, Compatible with standard 22mm straps Resistance: IP67 certified — dust and water resistant up to 1 metre and 30 minutes Talk time 4 hours Price: OMR 135.900 Coolest Feature: The ‘Moto Maker’ online app allows users to completely redesign their watch. With Moto Maker, buyers can choose the exact strap, colour, and size from over 400 diferent combinations. One can even choose to have a different colour bezel around the watch face, for no extra cost.

Function Meets Fashion STORY FAISAL MOHAMMED NAIM

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n the guise of a timepiece, smartwatches are really wrist-worn computers, allowing access to your smartphone or tablet without the bother of taking it out of your pocket or purse.

As interest in the intelligent timepieces increases, more and more smartwatches are making it to the markets, loaded with functions and features. Samsung, Apple, LG, Sony, Motorola, and even Huawei have all come up with their versions of the smartwatch, claiming theirs to be the best. HTC is also expected to join the bandwagon soon with its first smartwatch slated for a launch in April this year. But there are only two brands that seem to remember that this piece of gadgetry is not just about the software and programing, but as something wearable, it has to be stylish and customizable as well . The Apple Watch and the Motorola Moto 360 both offering a world of customising options.

Ever since its release last year, Apple’s smartwatch has been quite popular among iOS

users all over the world, with its compact size and loads of features. Motorola has however broken a new ground with the launch of the second generation of its very successful Moto 360 smartwatch, compatible with both Android and iOS devices, unlike the Apple’s watch that is only compatible with iOS. In terms of design, Apple opted for a rectangular display in two size variations, 38mm and 42mm display. with three material options; stainless steel, anodized aluminium, and 18K gold.

There are a multitude of customisation options beyond the material, thanks to the fact that Apple has allowed third-party manufacturers to build accessories for its smartwatch to supplement its own range of exclusive straps and bands in leather, plastic, metal, and rubber.

It is extremely easy to swap out bands on the Apple Watch. Simply press in on the buttons on the back side of the watch on either side of the heart rate monitor and then slide the band out of the slot.

The Moto 360 features a round design with

styles for men and women. In the men’s collection there are black, silver, or gold options in either 46mm and 42mm. The women collection feature a 42mm size in either silver, gold, or rose gold. There is no 18k gold in the watch, but a gold plated edition is available for a small additional charge. There are a vast variety of straps in leather, rubber, silicon, and stainless steel available with an easy-off latch which allows the straps to release easily. The watch can be customized with over 400 different combinations.

Motorola has also recently released a new Sport model of the Moto 360, geared more towards fitness and sports, loaded with a GPS function that makes it the only true runner’s smart watch on the market With the Sport model, however, Motorola has not included the option of replacing straps, and instead opted for a silicone strap that wraps the entire casing.

Basically, those who prefer a round dial, and are looking for platform flexibility need not look beyond the Moto 360— arguably the best

Android wear watch ever made, while those who prefer the Apple ecosystem and don’t mind a square-face design can feel confident in the performance of the Apple Watch.

For tech-buffs looking for a stylish addition to their wardrobes or style slaves who are looking for a convenient new way to avail of all the benefits of their smartphones with the twist of the wrist, these customizable options are a brilliant combination of style and substance.

—faisal@timesofoman.com

WHERE TO FIND THEM Smartwatches are available at the leading electronic stores like Emax, Extra, and Sharaf DG, but we found the widest selection of options at the tech boutique, Gadgets, in Al Araimi Complex, Shop No. 45; + 968 2456 4551, alemad02@omantel.net.om

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HONEY Honey, as everyone knows, is a sweet edible item made by bees using nectar from flowers. It helps to cure cough, throat infection, burns, cuts, and wounds. Old people in Oman use raw honey as eye drop in case of eye infection.

HOW IT’S USED Can be eaten, applied to wounds, and dropped into the eye directly.

BEE WAX The worker bees have four pairs of wax glands that have many benefits. Chewing bee wax for 30 minutes every day helps heal bleeding of gums, sinus, jaw problems, and problems with the ear drums and skin dryness. It can also be applied on children’s chest as Royal jelly generates heat which helps to cure cough.

Apart from his, bee wax facilitates the regeneration of skin cells so it can be applied on wounds and cuts.

HOW IT’S USED Bee wax can be chewed for 30 minutes everyday like chewing gum.

STORY SHRUTHI NAIR PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI

Book Your Bee Therapy Bee Products Healing Centre Al Amal Hospital Building, 7th Floor Al Khuwair +968 9931 7006 *apitherapy is available for OMR 5 per session

WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR ME,

HONEY? D

id you know that the honeybee has been around for million years and are the only insect that produce food for humans? And did you know that every single thing a bee produces has tremendous medicinal properties? I was unaware of these facts and many other bee-related facts until I met Dr Hassan Talib Al Lawati last month.

I got acquainted with Dr Hassan at the 5th Annual Honey Market. He holds a PhD in Bee Science and works for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. I was fascinated by his knowledge and enthusiasm about all things related to bees and beekeeping, so I was thrilled when he invited me to his Bee Products Healing Centre to learn more about Apitherapy, an alternate medicinal treatment popular

in Europe, UK, Brazil, Italy, Germany, and France, that uses honey and other bee products to heal diseases. Contrary to the popular misconception, apitherapy uses all hive products including, honey, propolis, pollen, royal jelly, and bee wax for healing, not only bee venom, for a wide range of ailments and it has been increasingly gaining popularity and credibility in Oman since its inception in 2009.

Dr Hassan’s Apitherapy Clinic in Al Khuwair exclusively uses bee products to heal various diseases and illnesses.

Located on the 7th floor of the Al Amal hospital building, BPHC, it wasn’t difficult to find it as the honey aroma was so strong that I was able to follow the scent from the elevator to the clinic’s doorstep.

I stepped over the threshold into a bee wonderland filled with yellow and black striped combinations, bee soft toys, bee

wall hanging, animated charts on walls, and a showcase cupboard full of bright coloured syrups, lotions, and cream bottles, capsule strips, soaps, and shampoos.

In addition to the standard bee products, like honey and bee wax, he offers therapies that use smell of honey for healing sinus, flu, lung infections, and asthma; bee sound to stimulate the ear drum and improve hearing; and honey massages on the face, back, and feet for cosmetic benefits. A “bee cocktail” mixes all the natural bee products and byproducts to cure weakness and insomnia among other illnesses.

The fantastic apothocary seemed to have been plucked straight from a child’s imagination. I inhaled the sweet aroma and prepared myself for an immersion course in what might be the sweetest cure. —shruthi@timesofoman.com

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PROPOLIS Bees make propolis by blending the POLLEN Pollen is one of the main diets of a honey bee. It is a coarse, powdery substance, typically yellow in colour, discharged from the male part of a plant. It is a holistic remedy that cures Alzheimers, increases appetite, and reinstills folic acid in to your system. Pollen is rich in vitamins A and D and contains 11 essential minerals which keep our body healthy and nourished.

resin like substance secreted from fruits and plant buds with wax flakes and pollen. Plants secrete propolis, like luban, to heal itself. It has a number of health benefits as it has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-allergic, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps in fighting cancer and tumour as it prevents the growth of new blood vessels to feed cancer cells.

HOW IT’S USED Propolis can be eaten. It is also available in the form of capsules that can be gulped with water or cream that can be applied to the skin everyday.

HOW IT’S USED Pollen granules can be eaten directly every morning.

BEE VENOM If you have been stung by a bee then you’ve done your health a tremendous accidental favour. Bee sting affects (positively) the nervous system, bones, muscles, blood circulation, and immune system. So it practically covers all the vital organs and systems of the human body.

HOW IT’S USED There are two stages of getting bee venom into your system. First an indirect sting is given whereby the bee sting is removed from the bee with foreceps and placed on the skin gently for 1 minute. Make sure the penetration is only 2mm deep. This is to check how the patient reacts to the sting. If there are no side effects like extreme redness or itchiness, then the bee is placed on the skin directly and allowed to sting for 1 to 3 minutes. Alternatively a bee venom cream can also be applied.

BEE BREAD Bee bread is usually ROYAL JELLY Worker bees have two glands in their heads that get activated when they are 6 to 13 days old. These glands secrete a milky substance, known as Royal Jelly that is fed to all larvae in the colony. This Royal Jelly is rich in Vitamin D and E and contains 12 per cent proteins. It affects and stimulates all the glands in the body and cures various gland related issues such as thyroid. It is also known to help increase the sperm count in males.

HOW IT’S USED It is best for use in the form of a powder. Fresh royal jelly can also be placed under the tongue and consumed directly by letting the jelly melt instead of swallowing it directly..

a mixture of bee pollen with other bee products like Royal Jelly, bee wax, and honey all bound together. It helps to enhance the immune system.

It is especially beneficial for athletes as it improves oxygen intake and boosts performance. It also has a high energy value.

HOW IT’S USED Bee bread are like little crumbs that is adviced to be consumed directly early in the morning.

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STORY FELICIA CAMPBELL • PHOTOGRAPHY SHABIN E

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groaned a bit when one of my girlfriends asked me what I was doing over the weekend. “I’m going to do a wellness retreat for a ‘fitness month’ story,” I told her.

“What are you going to do there?” she asked.

“I don’t know, probably a detox, or maybe a fat-camp kind of thing,” I said.

I’d been looking forward to it and, in theory, getting a healthy jumpstart on the year sounded fantastic. But as the weekend in question approached, I’d begun to realise that I had no idea what I’d gotten myself into.

The idea of finding out exactly how out of shape I’d gotten over the holidays, and then either being put through my paces by a screaming drill-sergeant personal trainer or spending an entire Saturday consuming nothing but detoxifying juices, was sounding less appealing than the zen-like after effects I’d been fantasising about. But I was committed.

I arrived at the beautiful Six Senses Spa in Al Bustan Palace and was met by a cheerful, energetic blond. Agnieszka Trier, the German wellness consultant, used to work with athletes to help them maximise their performances. As we walked to her office, she explained the theory behind their exclusive wellnessscreening programme. Assessing fitness and performance using an Electro Interstitial Scans and Oximeters wasn’t a new concept, fitness professionals had been using the equipment (basically a metal plate you place your hands and feet on) for years to monitor heart rate, tissue oxygen uptake and distribution, arterial stiff-

ness, stress parameters, and estimating body composition.The difference at Six Senses lies in what they do with the information.

Designed with input from a team of international experts including the beloved celebrity, Dr Oz, the wellness programme focuses on creating balance and recommending small, sustainable steps that can be integrated into everyday life to improve or optimise health.

After sitting quietly with my hands and feet resting on the scanner for a few minutes, Agnieszka told me to pull up a chair and we sat together to discuss both my current lifestyle and the results of the scan. I felt like I was chatting with a helpful friend; noticeably absent was the air of judgment and scolding that I usually face when doing a fitness assessment. As a long-time fitness buff, I’ve done it all, from intensive weight training and gruelling cardio routines paired with strict fat-free diets to vegan meals and gentle mind-body training. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve lost interest in the hyper-competitive, push-it-to-thelimit training, and dieting.

“You know, I see a lot of people who work really hard in highpressure jobs and then to release the stress, they go and work out really hard. Working out is good, but to live our best life, it is important to learn how to relax well, too. I can see that your serotonin levels are high. Basically, you could fall asleep right now. So why don’t you try some ‘sleep yoga’ with our staff yogi today?”

There were a few areas where she told me I could “optimise” my health, including building more muscle mass, so I was

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Simple Ways to Improve Wellness

Treat Yourself Right

Massages and other relaxing wellness treatments, like mud wraps and body scrubs, are not only great for relaxing your body and improving your skin, but the mental escape they provide can leave you feeling more alert and able to think clearly and face problems in a positive way.

Just Do It

Move for 30 minutes every day. Just take a walk around the mall; jog in the park; alternate between push-ups, sit-ups, and squats for a strength-building cardio workout; swim in the ocean; or trudge up and down stairs. You don’t need any special equipment and you needn’t make yourself crazy with a set routine, just be consistent and committed to moving in some way each day.

Eat More

If you start every meal with fresh vegetables or fruit and a glass of water, you will be one step closer to getting your recommended eight-servings of produce and minimum two-litres of water per day. As a bonus, you’ll fill up on the good, low calorie, vitamin, and mineral-packed stuff before turning your attention to potentially less healthy main dishes.

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surprised that rather than suggesting a weight-lifting routine with one of the trainers, she thought it was best for me to rest.

“And you don’t need a detox. You actually need more vitamins and minerals,” she said, pulling out the new lunch menu for the spa. “I’ll suggest some fresh juices for you to try this afternoon.

What would you like for lunch?” I imagined my options would be something along the lines of lettuce leaves dressed with lemon or steamed chicken and vegetables.

I glanced over the menu.

These were no dainty meals. Lunch included a lentil or lettuce salad, hearty sides like seafood rice, and mains ranging from fried tofu to seafood stew to hamburgers.

“Not a typical spa menu,” I said.

“Well, I refuse to put chips on there, but it is important that people are able to eat what they want in moderation. There are lots of healthy options, and if someone really wants a hamburger, that’s fine too. We offer them with brown buns or even gluten-free bread.”

Each programme, which can be booked for one, three, or five days, focuses on fitness activities (with a personal trainer or in group training), dietary recommendations, quiet time on the grounds, and spa treatments. The programme recommendations are meant to be carried on even after leaving the cloistered oasis.

“So, for your signature massage, I will advise your therapist to use long-strokes, because I really want you to focus on de-stressing. So just remember, the key things for you are increasing your vitamin intake, building muscle, and making sure you take it easy and laugh every day. You have to take time to be joyful.”

The way this woman spoke about wellness was more sane than anything I’d heard before, whether from holistic vegetarian gurus or weight-lifting coaches, or even doctors.

When it comes to health and fitness, most advice feels wrought with rigid self-righteousness. But real life requires us to be flexible and a bit gentle with ourselves sometimes. This is something that is easy to forget as we charge towards our fitness goals. So, as we close our fitness month here at Hi, we want to encourage all our readers to focus on taking small steps towards a better life, rather than rushing towards a quick fix. Be kind to yourselves, and, as Agnieszka so aptly suggested, take time to be joyful along the way. —felicia@timesofoman.com

Take a Wellness Escape at Six Senses Spa Al Bustan Palace-A Ritz Carlton Hotel +968 2476 4333, Sixsenses.com Reservation: albustan-spa@sixsenses.com Wellness Consultation OMR 50 Wellness De-Stress Programmes* One day - one person OMR124, couples OMR 226 Three days - one person OMR 286, couples OMR 505 Five days - one person OMR 447, couples OMR 784 *Price includes taxes, daily training, treatments, and lunch. Listed prices are without accomodation, though room-inclusive packages are available.

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Where will you be dining this week?

Share your food photos with us on facebook.com/hiweekly, tweet us your culinary discoveries @HiWeekly_Oman or tag us in your instagram photos @hiweekly_oman

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STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY SALIM AL AFIFI

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all it tea or chai,as it is popularly known in South Asia, or shay as it's known here in the Middle East, no matter the name, the charms of a bubbling pot are many. Of all its forms and varieties, there is one that has taken the Gulf by storm with its spiced, milky, super-sweet taste. Karak, or karak chai, is a strong, fragrant sip that is prepared by simmered black tea with sugar, condensed milk, and spices ranging from zata'ar (thyme) to cardamom, rosewater, saffron, or ginger. While there are a few cafeterias and shops around town where you can order a karak, tucked behind the Estate Council in Al Khuwair, between a mosque and a grove of date palms, Tea House makes the best karak, in a staggering number of varieties, in town. The shop also specialise in a particulary Omani snack: stuffed rakhal bread. Known as 'Omani Bread' rakhal is a crispy, paper-thin flat bread that the cooks at Tea House smear with fillings while they crisp. Popular combinations range from sweet Nutella or honey with cheese to za’atar or the speciality: eggs, cheese, and crushed Chips Oman potato chips.

The queue for takeaway wraps around the parking lot during the morning and evening hours, and the air is filled with the sounds of their chirpy honking. In the cooler weather, the scattering of metal tables that fill the sidewalk infront of the shop will be teaming with young and old local men chatting before and after the adhans.

—salim@timesofoman.com

POPULAR TEA FLAVOURS Karak 100bz for small, 200bz for large Special Karak 250bz for small, 500bz for large Saffron Karak 250bz for small, 500bz for large Ginger Karak 200bz for small, 400bz for large Cardamom Karak 200bz for small, 400bz for large Rose Water Karak 200bz for small, 400bz for large Sulaimani tea (black) 100bz for small,400bz for large Green tea 200bz for small, 400bz for large Mint tea 200bz for small, 400bz for large Turkish coffee 300bz for small, 500bz for large Omani coffee 100bz for small, 200bz for large

POPULAR OMANI BREAD COMBINATIONS Rakhal with eggs, cheese, and honey: 350bz Rakhal with cheese and Omani chips: 350bz Rakhal with Nutella: 200bz Rakhal with jam: 400bz Rakhal with cream cheese: 250bz

Tea House Location: Behind Estate Council, Al Khuwair Tel: +968 9426 4555 Shop Timings: Sunday – Thursday: 6am to 1pm 4pm to 12am, Saturday: 8am to 1pm - 4pm to 12am

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 5 JANUARY 29, 2016

FIRST BOR OF 2016 STORY FAISAL MOHAMMED NAIM

AUTO BUFFS, IT IS TIME TO MAKE MERRY AS THE CURRENT YEAR BRINGS WITH IT MANY NEW OFFERINGS FROM SOME OF THE HOTTEST AUTOMOTIVE BRANDS.

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ast year was all about major revamps mps in the auto lineups, but 2016 has delivlivered a sweeter surprise, with a lineup eup of brand new models from some of the swankiest labels in the industry includuding Ferrari, Maserati, and Bentley. Bentently is has delivered its first SUV, said d to be the most powerful ever made, while hile Maserati seems to have contacted the SUV fever as well, preparing to launch nch its first sport utility vehicle in the first quarterr of 2016. Lamborghini, Lexus, Mercedes, and Mazda have some noteable new releases. Many are already in the showrooms, and a few will be appearing soon, and they’re all worth keeping an eye out for. Read on to find out why. – faisal@ timesofoman.com

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 5 JANUARY 29, 2016

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MERCEDES BENZ

AMG GT S Finally Mercedes Benz joins the GT (Grand Tourer) league with the AMG GT S. A successor to the German giant’s now defunct SLR and SLS series, the latest super-car has evolved into a super-sports grand tourer.

Very much resembling its predecessor; the SLS AMG, the new GT bids adieu to the gullwing doors of the SLS and the butterfly SLR doors, but retains the long and exaggerated front.

Not only meant to impart killer looks, this feature serves a purpose as it allows for the V8 a front-mid engine configuration in which the engine sits ahead of the driver, but still behind the front axle, resulting in a more balanced propulsion. Raw power is provided by the AMG developed dry sump 4-litre V-8 bi-turbo engine, churning out 503bhp at 6500rpm and 650Nm torque at just 1750rpm, hurling the beast from 0 – 100 in just 3 seconds. The GT S tops out at a breathtaking 311kph (electronically restricted).

Pity the old 6.2-litre V8 is no more: killed by legislation.

The Mercedes GT S is a halo sports car which is truly handsome in its own right, and seems to be aiming straight at the heart of Porsche.

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 5 JANUARY 29, 2016

F ER RARI

488 SPIDER Ferrari, the gerent of the sportscar genre, has come up with its latest roadster, the 488 Spider— a drop-top version of the 488 GTB, set to replace the 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider.

Other than the removable top, all of the key design features of the 488 GTB remain intact on the latest Spider, including the wide-open front air intake, the air ducts in the hood, the scalloped rear air intakes, and the 458 Italia design cues.

The 488 Spider is quite stiff with a space frame chassis made of 11 aluminum alloys and other noble metals such as magnesium, making it 23 per cent more rigid than the 458 Spider it replaces. Although the 488 Spider is 110 pounds heavier than the GTB due to its reinforced structure, Ferrari claims the drop-top is as quick as the coupe. The 488 GTB derived 3.9-litre, turbocharged V-8 mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission delivers the same gut churning 661bhp and 760 Nm of torque, to produce insane acceleration times with a 0-to-100 sprint in mere 2.9 seconds and 0 to 200kph in 8.3 seconds.

Top speed, though, has slightly dropped from 330 to 326kph.

The retractable roof is carried over from the 458 Spider and remains a two-part, electronically folding top. The rear glass window can be adjusted to three positions to optimise windflow when the top is down. With the top up, the rear glass can be still be lowered to enjoy the gruntyengine soundtrack, but to get the most out of this beauty, it’s better to fly topless.

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 5 JANUARY 29, 2016

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LAM B O R G HI N I

HURACÁN LP 580-2 How could the prancing horse ever be spared, but by the charging bull? Aventadors and Huracans are Lamborghini’s answer to eternal archnemesis Ferrari’s GTBs and Spiders, and just a year after its entry-level supercar Huracan’s release, the iconic Italian sports-car brand is debuting the new Huracán LP580-2.

The rear-wheel drive LP 580-2 is basically a toned down LP 6610-4, with lopped off front axle, and de-tuned, naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine. But don’t take to heart the word ‘detuned’ in case of the LP 580-2.

The mid-mounted engine delivers 572bhp at 8,000 rpm and 540Nm torque at just 6,500 rpm (pretty much equal to many of the full blown sports-cars). Linked to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the 10-cylinder menacingly propels the coupe from 0 – 100kph in just 3.4 seconds, and to 200kph in 10.1 seconds. Add to that a raging top speed of 318kph, and its easy to see why the LP 580-2 is being lauded as the most engaging and driver-focused street-legal Lamborghini ever built.

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 5 JANUARY 29, 2016

MAZDA

MX–5 MIATA The world’s bestselling roadster is all-new with the MX-5 Miata, a resurection of the car that made motoring fun again 25 years ago by reviving the affordable, open-top segment.

Now entering its fourth generation, the MX-5 is genuinely brand new from the ground up—chassis, suspension, engine, cabin, bodywork—everything. But the basic package hasn’t changed.

Mx5 still keeps things absolutely simple with no mindboggling supertech, just a two-seater softtop powered by a compact four cylinder engine with a six-speed manual gearbox (though now there is a six-speed automatic option).

The Miata has only got a 2 liter engine with 155bhp and 200Nm torque, so it would be easy to conclude that it hasn’t got enough power to get things really going, but in a car that weighs less than a tonne, it is plenty. Miata’s 2.0-liter four is derived from the base engine of the Mazda 3, but the character has been changed to suit the quirky Miata. A lighter flywheel and tuning make it quicker to rev with improved throttle response.

The result is a whole lot quicker Miata that can do the 0-100 run in just 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 205kph, Pretty exceptional for a budget ride.

The SKYACTIV-G engine is torquey, sounds great and is well matched to the super-smooth g p chassis. The use of aluminum keeps weight down, and the Miata remains eminently in control in the twists and turns. The Miata isn’t about dominating the track, it is about having fun driving a zippy, fun car, which the MX-5 delivers in spades.

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 5 JANUARY 29, 2016

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LEXUS

GS F The high-performance luxury sedan segment thus far has been dominated by the German Big3, but with the launch of the Lexus GS F comes a potent new Japanese contender. Endowed with superior power and bathed in plushness, this one promises to deliver a performance that surpasses all expectations.

Recently unveiled at the 2016 Detroit Motor Show, the Lexus GS F has arrived in Muscat to thrill performance lovers with a perfect blend of distinctive luxury and sports car values, featuring a massive V8, unique bodywork, and a chassis tuned for high performance.

The 5.0 litre, 467bhp, 527Nm, V8 is probably one of the last normally aspirated big block performance sedans in a market dominated by smaller turbo-charged engines.

As the car roars from 0 to 100kph in a mere 4.6 seconds, the highly tuned engine creates what could be called as “total aural ecstasy”. Making matters even more ecstatic is the Lexus’s Active Sound Control which augments the engine sounds through the front and rear speakers. The system does a real unexaggerated job, and the sound outside the car is just as good as inside.So good is the engine sound, that it is easy to even ignore the super premium Mark Levinson audio system.

From road to track; the GS F packs varied power and performance outputs, and the Lexus’ Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) with two electro-mechanical clutch packs offering different levels of traction and steering response according to the situation.

Along with all the sporty touches, the feature-packed GS F retains a luxurious feel thanks to the high-grade Alcantara trims enveloping the interior amidst all that leather and bucket seats. Adding a feel of exclusivity, the ‘F’ logo is placed strategically around the car as a reminder to the driver (and others on the road) that the special ride was inspired by the Fuji Racetrack, whose first corner, 27R, is reflected in the shape of the ‘F’ badge.

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 5 JANUARY 29, 2016

BEN TLEY BENTLEY

BENTAYGA We start W t t with ith the th mostt anticipated ti i t d release l off th the season: the Bentley Bentayga. The long awaited unveiling of the much-hyped SUV has been the topic of discussion since 2012, and Bentley Chairman and CEO Wolfgang Durheimer had vowed the Bentayga to be “the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious, and most exclusive SUV ever made”.

And though the claims are yet to be proven on the tarmac, on paper it looks like the promise has been kept. The first ever ultra-luxury SUV is armed with Bentley’s 6.0-litre W-12 behemoth, mustering 600bhp, and earth pounding 900Nm torque.

The four-wheel drive, has eight-speed automatic transmission with eight driving modes: Sport, Bentley, Comfort, and Custom, plus four off-road modes. The air suspension system offers four ride heights and there is the electronic hill decent system too.

The sybaritic giant is claimed to go 0 to 100 in a sports-car-like four seconds and hit a top speed of 300kph. That beats the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S and the Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 S AMG Coupe by roughly 15kph.

Each Bentayga will be handmade in Crewe, England; the most skilled hands attending to the finest details most intricately.

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 5 JANUARY 29, 2016

MASERATI

LEVANTE Range Rover might soon have many sworn enemies — Rolls-Royce is thinking about an SUV, Aston Martin is also considering one, and there will no doubt be others who come along.

But while others remain unconfirmed threats, another super premium SUV, the Maserati Levante, is muscling its way onto the market this year just behind the Bentley Bentayga (Its global debut is slated for the Geneva motor show this March). The car is heavily inspired by the 2011 Kubang concept and the 2014 Alfieri sports car concept, as confirmed by Giulio Pastore, GM, Maserati (Europe Division). Maserati Head and CTO, Harald Wester revealed that the Levante will be based on “100 percent Maserati parts,” borrowing nothing from other Fiat-Chrysler brands, including Jeep. The Levante will be sized and priced between the Ghibli and Quattroporteand, and will use the same V6 and V8 engines, transmissions (borrowing the 8-Speed ZF Automatic Transmission from the sixth generation Maserati Quattroporte), and all-wheel drive system.

Initially, the four-wheel-drive SUV will feature Maserati’s 3.0L V6 engine, in two tunings: 350bhp and 425bhp, and by 2018, a 560 plus horsepower V8 will also be added.

Named after the Via Emilia Levante in Bologna - where the Maserati brothers dreamt up their namesake company about a century ago; the Levant has the feel of a mid-size luxury crossover, making it strong a potent rival for the Porsche Cayenne and Macan.

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Kite Fest: The Muscat Gujarati Samaj of Indian Social Club recently organised a Patang Mahotsav – Annual Kite Flying Festival at the Qurum InterContinental Beach to coincide with the famous Makar Sankranti celebrations, which marks the transition of the Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn.

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 5 JANUARY 29, 2016

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Ladies coffee evening at Liali Jewellery, Oman Avenues Mall outlet.

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 5 JANUARY 29, 2016

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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1

4 1

2 6

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8 2 5

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Level | Moderate

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Level | Difficult

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