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Roll with the changes IT IS OFTEN SAID that the only way we can grow is if we change. So here we are in the process of a makeover. With eye-catching designs along with some new and fresh content, we are all set to be different, and be in the lead. While one of the most conspicuous changes that you must have noticed is the cover this week, the inside pages are equally creative. This week we also bring you some of the celebratory moments of the launch of T FM and Shabiba FM, the new radio stations in Oman. Catch a glimpse of the event and the people behind the successful launch. For those who love cars and are in awe of all that’s vintage, our spotlight this week is on classic cars in Oman. Go back in time with them. If you love to travel include Ice Hotel of Sweden in your travel bucket list for that once in a lifetime experience. How about sleeping on a bed a ice below freezing temperature?. And by now if you have given up on your pursuit to be the morning person, read this week’s Life Skill column and wake up in the morning without any struggle. These and more are all encompassed in this edition. Whether you read us in print or online, with every issue, we promise to make your weekend reading more informative, entertaining, and engaging in the days ahead. — Swati Dasgupta
Founder: Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO: Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali Editor: Charles Lavery Features Editor: Swati Dasgupta Research Editor: Ashish Dubash Associate Editors: Salem Afifi, Shruthi Nair Copy Editor: Gautam Bhargav Viswanathan Online Editor: Christopher Isaac
Associate Art Director: Waleed Rabin Graphics Editor: Antonio Farach Design Editor: Sahir K.M. Lead Designer: Geri B. Sonny Designer: Gregory Fernandez Photography: MMG Photographers
Chief Sales Officer: Richard Pakenham Production Manager: Shafi Shaik
On The Cover: Design by Geri B. Sonny
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 214 swati@timesofoman.com
CIRCULATION 24726600/24726666 Ext 135/136 circulation@timesofoman.com
ADVERTISEMENT 24726600/24726666 exT 435/193 hi7ayam@hotmail.com
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What are you 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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KNOW 01 YOUR WEEK Your calendar of the hottest events happening in Muscat this week.
02 03 04 05 06 07 FRIDAY
SATURDAY
8.00pm Liquid Nation
6.30pm Qanadeel Camp
Go crazy at this Rooftop party with a big line up of handpicked artist who will be mixing and spinning tunes from the patio. OMR 10 with 1 complimentary drink. Sama Terrazza, Park Inn +968 9779 8111
This exciting dining experience offers a wide selection of authentic Omani dishes, traditional live entertainment and souq selling items within a chilled out beach setting decorated with vintage lanterns and Bedouin-style tents. OMR 35++ Shangi-la Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa +968 2477 6565
MONDAY
TUESDAY
9.30pm Salsa Monday
10.00pm Visit IDF Oman
Go to Rumba for a lovely night filled with great music and salsa dancing with DJ Bex on the sets. Route 66, Al Qurum Resort +968 2469 9946
Looking for interesting ideas for your future home? Or perhaps you’re on the hunt for interior pieces to adorn your space. If so, head over to the Interior Design & Furnishing Expo (IDF) for some serious inspiration. The exhibition runs until February 8. Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre +968 2423 3800
THURSDAY 7.00pm Party Africa Style Dance to the beat of East African Music featuring Kayamba Africa — Africa’s most in demand vocal group! OMR 20 Intercontinental Muscat +968 9137 3243
SUNDAY 7.00pm Intro to Climbing Attend a climbing introduction class at the Muscat Climbing Centre and learn how to start your adventures. Attendees will get a chance to climb for one hour. Entry costs OMR 5. Minimum age is 15. Muscat Climbing Centre, Al Ghubra +968 9344 4787
WEDNESDAY 7.00pm Mademoiselle Night Ladies, it’s time to get up, dress up, and show up to John Barry Bar to enjoy unlimited cocktails from 7pm till 11pm. John Barry, Grand Hyatt +968 2464 1234
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IN CASE
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YO U M I S S E D I T
THERE’S PLENTY OF NEWS THAT MADE WAVES ON SOCIAL MEDIA THIS WEEK. HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE WERE TUNING IN TO. COMPILED BY SHRUTHI NAIR & SALEM AFIFI GO TO TIMESOFOMAN.COM/HIWEEKLY FOR VIDEOS AND MORE
HILARY SURPRISE: Hilary Clinton makes a quick appearance at this year’s Grammys to read Donald Trump’s ‘Fire and Fury’. One of the best moments at the awards. timesofoman.com/hiweekend
TRENDING THIS WEEK LOGAN INSPIRES: Notorious vlogger Logan Paul returns to YouTube with a video about suicide prevention. timesofoman.com/hiweekend
NEW FM IN TOWN: Times of Oman’s very own radio station ‘T FM’ has officially launched at 95.4 in Muscat and Batinah. timesofoman.com/hiweekend
TOP TRENDING VIDEOS: Do you believe in magic tricks? Well, these will leave your jaw dropped to the floor, guaranteed. The video already hit 29 million views. timesofoman.com/hiweekend
TRENDING MUSIC
DRAKE IS NO. 1 The Canadian rapper is making history again by debuting two songs on the Billboard charts’ top 10. Give them a listen.
TRENDING MOVIE
INDIANA JONES 5 IS COMING It was announced this week that legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg is set to shoot Indiana Jones 5 in 2019. How exciting!
#popularhashtag
TRENDING FASHION
RED CARPET REALNESS Did you see Lady Gaga’s gown at the Grammys red carpet last Sunday? Or you loved Bruno Mars’ sparkly jacket?
#Grammys #JohnCena #BlackPanther
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HIGH ON THAI STORY SHRUTHI NAIR PHOTOGRAPHY SHABIN E.
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love travelling to other countries, exploring their culture and traditions, experiencing their lifestyle, and savouring their traditional dishes. Last year on visiting Thailand, I did get to do most of these, and along with the many brilliant memories that I brought back with me, was an uncanny inclination towards Thai food, speciďŹ cally their spices. I haven’t been to too many Thai restaurants in Oman because of the fear that my tastebuds might forget the original taste of the amazing Thai food but when I heard about Charm Thai, I had this gut feeling that I would get a chance to taste some authentic Thai cuisine. So I decided to pay a visit to this restaurant situated in the new Crowne Plaza overlooking the gorgeous natural wadi, the wide mountains, and amidst the silence and peace of nothingness.
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Charm Thai Lounge & Restaurant Open everyday except Sundays 6:00pm - 2:00am +968 9065 4364
I walked into Crowne Plaza down the spiralling staircase to the arrive at the huge, glistening door with 6730 Thai Bahts (local currency) of Charm Thai standing tall and protective of what it holds within. A petite, young woman emerged out of the door and with joined palms and smile on her face greeted me with the traditional Sawadikaa and ushered me into this magical land of imagination, creativity, art, and a pure culinary haven. I walked through admiring the unique furnitures in bold purples and browns, the ancient paintings hanging from the walls, the intricately designed ceiling, poetry about food running along the pillars and the photographs of the kings and queens of age-old Thailand. Wide-eyed, too many questions popped in my mind, which is when another attendant sprang up in front of me took me through the very interesting tale of this place.
Mostly fictitious, the story of Charm Thai revolves around Princess Suphankalaya, who was disguised as a royal warrior. During the 16th century Siam - Burmese war, the King’s army was corralled into a valley. A warrior dressed in golden armour riding an elephant charged down the Burmese from the rear. During the battle the warrior’s helmet fell off to reveal her true identity and the legend of The Golden Princess was born. The king was ashamed of being saved by his own daughter and banished her. She set sail along the Silk Route and finally discovered Oman where she established her Tavern. All the artefacts are said to be collected during the Princess’ expedition around the world. Having heard this fascinating tale, my excitement about dining here peaked. All the chefs and attendants were Thai nationals who brought the authenticity and tradition of the land along with them. Chef Shakriya, who was the star of the night, prepared a few signature dishes and presented them before us. I chose to sit outside as the weather was pleasant, the lighting was perfect, and the Thai music felt like meditation. The seats outside were wooden and in the shape of the boat to compliment the tale of the restaurant and the lights were just right to set the mood. First came the papaya salad and the iconic Tom Yum soup cooked with shrimps. The taste was so fresh and distinct that for once I felt that the soup didn’t just do the job of readying my tastebuds for the supper but as the beginning to the supper itself. Then came the grilled chicken satay. Served with skewers, alongside tamarind sauce and Thai special acha, which is a mix of cucumber, vinegar and sugar is a delight to dine on. The flavours are settled in well and it is a pleasant nibble. The chicken is juicy and the sides add a strong flavour to it. Then came the two mains — Thai prawns curry and Duck with vegetables and tamarind sauce.As the prawns curry came to the table, I shut my eyes and took a deep breath to catch the mouth-watering whiff, which transported me to Thailand for a few seconds. This is the smell that I caught in very street and restaurant I walked through in Thailand and I finally found it here. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this pink prawns curry. I took some jasmine rice and submerged it in loads of prawns curry and devoured on it like theres no tomorrow. Unlike the popular green curry, this one is sweet and slightly tangy and is staple in Southern Thailand, which is where the chef hails from. I then moved on to the duck and couldn’t stop wondering why I hadn’t tried duck ever before. The combination on my plate was just perfect. The well cooked duck served with this tamarind sauce and crisped leafy vegetables that were all meant to be savoured together. I loved how perfectly the duck was cooked and how well all these different tastes of compositions complimented each other. Finally, I moved on to my favourite dish ever. Mango with sticky rice. All Thai fruits are sweeter than it is in other countries. Since I’m born with a sweet tooth not just for chocolates or desserts but for everything, Thai fruits especially mango and coconut are my favourite from the time I tasted it. So when I was served mango with white sticky rice that was put together like risotto I was on cloud nine. The fruit was as sweet as it should be, the rise wasn’t too heavy, and I just kept going on and on at it, until my stomach told me that it can take no more. It was time for me to say Khaponkhaa, just to come back again very soon. — shruthi@timesofoman.com
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HOW TO BE A MORNING PERSON (WHEN YOU ARE NOT) STORY ANTARA BOSE
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arly bird catches the worm, they say. But we aren’t going into clichés. Personally, I don’t see anything wrong in sleeping in a little late. But society demands we rise early, and culture makes it sounds like it’s such a positive way to start the day. And to do that right, an important part is how you get to bed. Keeping that in mind, how exactly do you become a morning person, especially if you’re really not?
Get some sound sleep See, we didn’t say get to bed early like most others would. That’s because it’s not quantity that matters, its quality. There’s no point getting to bed at 9 p.m. to only lie around squirming for another 2 hours. We don’t want to make the first step so hard for those nocturnal beings who actually like staying up a little late. Try to get to bed at a decent hour and when you do, make sure you’re tired enough so you fall asleep almost immediately. You’ll sleep better and waking up won’t seem like that much of a pain. Create the right ambience You need to want to get to bed; it shouldn’t be a forced thing. Get those fluffy pillows you like, that comforter in your favourite colour, or spray your bed linen with some soothing lavender essence. Your main motive is to be comfortable. Keep distractions away Solely because distractions like the phone, TV, laptop or pretty much anything that emits radiations, can disturb your sleep. We often tend to wake up groggy and attempting a ‘beautiful morning’ with a heavy head isn’t the easiest thing to do. Wake up to sunlight There’s nothing like a little sunshine to wake you up. It’s natural, and works better than the nasty alarm clock you eventually start to detest (especially on Sunday mornings). Instead of letting the heavy curtains block any form of natural light from entering the room, leave a bit of the drape pulled back and let the gentle rays of the sun wake you up. You’ll definitely feel more positive. Look forward to it If the first thing you have to do when you wake up is unpleasant, you’re going to dread waking up to it. So find something you like doing so you’ll be excited to get out of bed. For some, it’s a nice walk, for others, it’s eating a good breakfast. I personally just like to wake up and listen to good uplifting music to set my mood for the day. Whatever be your liking, use it as a motivation to roll out of the bed. On another note, if there is absolutely nothing you’d like to do when you wake up and the only thought is to go right back under those blankets, plan something nice for sometime later in the day — like going for a concert, meeting a friend or even going for a yoga class. Keep something lined up for every day. Sleep when you’re sleepy Let your body determine your bedtime. If you find yourself reaching exhaustion by a particular hour every night, plan your time so you can get done with the important tasks and jump into bed when your body gives you the signal. Push past this and you’ll find it harder to fall asleep when you actually get to bed, thus ruining the quality of your sleep. Make it a habit Don’t do it every alternate day or thrice a week. Make it a point to get up early every day. Yes, maybe a day over the weekend can be counted as a cheat day where you can sleep in late. But let that be an exception; don’t make waking up early an exclusive, once a week deal. —HiWeekend@timesofoman.com
Antara Bose is a model turned fashion and beauty consultant. A popular blogger, anchor, and voice over artist, she maintains a deep connection with the local fashion industry and is passionate about discovering and celebrating aspiring talent as well as promoting animal rights. For fashion updates with a side of humour and sarcasm follow Antara on instagram @antarabose and on Facebook (Antara Bose)
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T FM
95.4 91.0 Muscat & Batinah Dhofar
Shabiba FM 97.5
98.5
Muscat & Batinah Dhofar
TUNE IN TO T FM, SHABIBA FM PHOTOGRAPHY TALIB AL WAHABI
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t was a great moment of celebration and pride as Oman saw the launch of a new FM radio. With promises of fresh, entertaining, and educative programmes catering to the youth of the Sultanate, T FM together with fellow Arabic broadcaster Shabiba FM, will drive the latest evolution in the media landscape in Oman. The new radio space in Oman will largely focus on events and issues pertaining to the nation. During the official launch of the radio channel, Dr Abdul Munim bin Mansour Al Hasani, Minister of Information said, “With great effort and young energetic talents representing Oman, TFM will contribute to the growth and rise of Omani media.” Highlighting on the role of the private radio stations, the Minister of Information said that the private radios add to the Omani media system in the Sultanate. He said that through radio or TV channels, these private stations play a complimentary role and have a valuable addition to the Omani media system. He felt that with programmes focusing more on the youth, be it social, art, culture, and sports, would benefit both Omani and non-Omani radio listeners.
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Muscat Media Group that launched the new radio stations, was praised by senior officials for being at the cutting edge of technology when it comes to delivering news to the residents of Oman. The stations will go live across Oman, with a heady mix of news, views, music and chat. The frequency of Shabiba FM to broadcast in the governorates of Muscat and North Al Batinah is 97.5 MHz, and in Dhofar Governorate 98.5 MHz. Tune in online on the website: radio.shabiba.com. The broadcast for T FM is 95.4 MHz for the governorates of Muscat and North Al Batinah and 91 MHz for Dhofar. Direct broadcast of T FM through the website is on: radio.timesofoman.com. It also intends to attract national talents to work in preparing and presenting the programmes. Muscat Media Group Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Times of Oman Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali said: “We are moving ahead in the media field by embracing technology. These two new radio stations are a signal of our intent to harness the hi-tech delivery of news and music. It’s a great day for all concerned with Muscat Media Group and for the media landscape in Oman,” CEO of Muscat Media Group and editor in chief of Al Shabiba, Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali, said that the launch of the stations comes as part of the group’s future outlook and vision for provision of integrated and comprehensive media services, adding: “We are keen to employ innovative technology for the provision of professional media, which achieves interaction with the public. Khalid bin Hilal Al Mawali, chairman of Majlis Al Shura, said that the world now listens rather than reads, adding: “Hence, we are in need of whoever is able to communicate and convey the Omani culture to the audience in a more acceptable manner.” Chairman of Oman Journalist Association (OJA), Awadh bin Said Baqwair said present and future generations will be delighted with the presence of such modern media. He said Muscat Media Group was one of the first media institutions to immerse itself in all aspects of modern media in the Sultanate. The event was also graced by the presence of Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al Harrasi, Chairman of the Public Authority for Radio and TV ( PART), Ali bin Khalfan Al Jabri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information and Nasser bin Sulaiman Al Sibani, Deputy Chairman of the PART and other dignitaries. —HiWeekend@timesofoman.com
LET’S TALK WITH T FM Discussing the plans T FM Programme Director Garima Bhandari said that the new station will break all radio standards across the Sultanate. She also noted that, “Although we are in the test phase, we are working on presenting a platform for all palates to hear and be heard. We’re taking the groove to the next level with the support of Times of Oman and Muscat Media Group.” The motto of T FM, “Let’s Talk”, sums up the main focus of the station precisely, as the station relies on listening to the voice of the listeners and interacting with them whether that is on air in live shows, through communication modes like Whatsapp and phone calls, or through the T FM social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. T FM also encourages its listeners and followers on social media to send in their own input to the station. This could be done easily by sending in video or audio clips of their suggestions on what should be talked about on the station. They can also tweet or snap their desired topics and may get the chance to be featured in one of the live shows. T FM prioritises its listeners’ voice; “tune in to hear us, and you’ll find us more than willing to hear you back and get the conversation going.” Come what may, T FM’s audience is always in for a special treat. This being through tuning in to the station on 95.4 in Muscat and 91 in Salalah or through Facebook on TFM Oman, Instagram tfmoman, twitter on the handle @TFMOman and snapchat on TFM Oman.
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ICE HOTE SYMPHONY IN SNOW STORY INDRANIL CHOWDHURI
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inema as an entity has influenced many travel plans. Stunning locales not only mesmerise, but at times, stir up latent bucket lists. They transcend limits of imagination, weave alluring phantasmagorias, embed time and space in a world which seems surreal but again would pass all reality checks. One leaves the show with a possible wild wish to be in that space and feel it first hand. Many of my personal trips have been influenced by the world of show blitz. As a Bond franchise fanatic, ever since I watched Die another Day I was spell bound by the Ice Hotel. Spending a night there became my life prerogative. Finally on a trip back from Greenland, a short detour, and I reached the Ice Hotel in Kiruna, North Sweden. Of course the actual shoot of the movie did not take place here, and it was constructed on the sets, but the accredited inspiration was the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi,
Sweden.Reaching Kiruna was a breeze. SAS Airlines had multiple connections from Stockholm, and then the drive to the hotel was just shy of an hour. End February, early March is usually the ideal time to visit. The winter’s not blinding, the chill commences its long climb down, even though summer still remains at the far end of the tunnel. The entranceis nondescript, similar to any other hotel. A warm nice lobby, souvenir shops, the works. The registration over and the wrist bandtagged, one is led inside the courtyard and free to make merry. An igloo sort of entrance, but once inside, it’s “shock and awe”. There is nothing but ice, and everything is ice made. The rooms, the beds, the furniture, the floors, walls, you name it, and it is only ice. Apart from seal and reindeer skins, no other elements exist. The seal skin provides the insulation, and the reindeer skin is for natural warmth to sleep on a block of ice. A night in a morgue, anyone?
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Oman Air flies daily to Germany / UK from where flights to Kiruna can be easily connected. A total travel time of 16 hours is estimated each way including layovers.
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Blocks of ice crafted, to look like a small concierge desk, greets you. It is unmanned, and is more used as a photo opportunity. Behind stands a huge transparent block of ice running a few metres long, on which is engraved the names of the architects that have designed the rooms for the year running. The place is not a permanent one, and by mid-April it is vacated and left to melt away in the sun. Come August and enquiries are floated for each room. By September the collation is over, and a month thereafter the final shortlist is made. November sees the artists and architects fly down to start giving shape to their visions.The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvifollows the life of the Torne River next door.Post winter the river starts flowing and by mid-summer it’s a green river valley. But by November, it is an enormous block of ice, from which evolves amazing art.The basic structure is made of interlocking ice blocks carved specially for it, and then rooms are chiselled out by the individual artists.Standard size blocks, are used as basic raw material, and then pneumatically or electrically saw cut to designs, and finally scalpel and precision chisels are used to hand craft them to a design. Because of the latent heat of ice and the external ambience at well below zero, the ice remains solid, and holds itself in place. The mornings, the hotel becomes a museum and thrown open for the public. But a restriction on visitors is in place so that their combined body heat does not bring an imbalance. For in-house guests, luggage is not allowed, which needs to be dumped in lockers and only one piece of night wear allowed, apart fromthe hotel provided sleeping bag. But what is amazing is their bar. Starting from the bar counter, to the bar stools, to the sun decks, the glasses and tumbler are totally sculpted from ice. Before summer sets in, about 10,000 Mt ice is “harvested” and kept in cold storage for 6 months at minus 10 degrees C for the entire year to make the glasses and other light fittings, since they are time consuming. A glass once used, is crushed to flakes. For those whose Sunday mass is a must, there is a chapel as well. Carved totally out of ice, the shrine and the pulpit as well. Reindeer skins are spread across long rows of ice for the faithful to hear the sermons. By night the entire place is lit up with small electric lamps ensconced in fittings scalpelled out of ice. It looks like a dreamland, with the soft hues of lights getting dissipated by the ice all over. But then the extraordinary things keep happening. The Northern lights. More often than not, the sky turns into shades of green, as the Aurora Borealis streaks across the silent emptiness. Where would one get so much awesomeness as a single package at a single location? It is natural to feel apprehensive about a stay on a bed of solid ice, but it does not enervate in way. As a matter of fact the berry juice served early morning renews the fire to extend the stay by another day. Staying in the ice hotel is just not another stay. It escalates to an experience that remains permanently etched. The Ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, is the only of the species. There are similar hotels as such across the Scandinavian peninsular. A couple of them in Norway, one in Finland, one each in Canada, US, Austria and Transylvania. But the one in Sweden is the oldest, aptly named Ice Hotel, and surely one of the best. —HiWeekend@timesofoman.com
Indranil Chowdhuri is based in Oman and an avid traveller who has completed foot printing in more than 100 countries.
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GOING BACK IN TIME WITH VINTAGE C STORY SALEM AFIFI PHOTOGRAPHY SALEM AFIFI, SHUTTERSTOCK
There is something alluring about classic cars that surpass our pro-modern creations. These brawny beasts carry a reminiscent of a time passed blended with hints of a cool-kid swagger.
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’ve never been a hardcore fan of classic rides until last year when I visited a car show dedicated to showcasing these beauties. I fell in love almost immediately as euphoric vibes occupied the space. It felt as if I stepped into a time machine and travelled back to the age of symmetric, odd-looking vintage cars. Between the rare lookers of the late 1920s and the roaring engines of the 1970s laid an elegant-yet-masculine beauty born in 1986, the classic and Hollywood favourite: Ford Mustang GT500, dyed in an icy blue colour and adorned with chrome wheels. My love-at-first-sight situation ended when I overloaded my camera with photographs that will sure be made into a poster. It was that beautiful. As I put my fascination on hold, I realised that the event brought out tonnes of car enthusiasts in a space what seemed like a full house. It was a carnival for the classics, celebrated by a group of car followers who admire these
monstrous drive. After having a quick chat with some of the owners, I came to find out that the culture has grown in the past five years, thanks to car shows and gatherings that take place in different parts of the city, which are organised by Oman Automobile Association and Oman Classic Car Club. There’s no doubt that the culture is slowly becoming a humongous one, here in the Sultanate. “Car shows play an important role in celebrating and introducing this culture to the people” said Sultan Al Mawali, one of the classic cars owner. As I strolled around the show, I eyed few cars that were familiar like Mercedes Benz (a massive line of these rides were stretched across the field), Jaguars, and Porsche, but what stunned me the most in the world of classics were the American muscle cars (of course, I couldn’t get that icy blue ‘stang out of my head), which include Fords, Chevys, and Dodges, among other brands.
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ARS Classic car aficionado and collector Sultan Al Mawali, who owns a 1979 Pontiac Trans-M and a 1983 Zimmer Golden Spirit (An American brand re-produced by Ford), young locals have become fans of classics owing to their rarity in the streets of Muscat. Just like fashion, you wouldn’t want to see someone wearing the same ensemble as you. It applied to cars too. It’s an aspiration to many folks to own a unique looking car. “Most people see classic cars on TV, but when they spot one in real life they become amazed,” said Sultan. Another collector I had the pleasure to meet was Elias Al Zadjali from Oman Classic Car Club who owns a number of pristine, rare vehicles such as the Ford Model T from the early 20th century, the 1934 Cadillac 355D, and the eye-catching 1927 Bugatti Type 35B. The ever-growing phenomenon is kicking harder in neighbouring countries like the United Arab Emirates, where they have annual shows, museums, and a variety of relevant events that keep the followers hooked and fuelled for true classic experience. Events such as the Emirates Classic Car Festival in Downtown Dubai, where you would see cars dated as old as 1920. And, for museum goers, The Emirates National Auto Museum has a private collection of classic beauties of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan’s (a member of the Abu Dhabi ruling family), which include super trucks, military Jeeps, and ultra-rare automobiles. Sharjah Classic Cars Museum also deserves a visit when you’re in the country; it has motorbikes that date back to the early 20th century — how cool. So now that we know that the culture is taking the Gulf by storm, what makes these cars special? Well, they look absolutely elegant and full of character and personality, too. You may be compromising on comfort but you sure got style locked down, serving you plenty of attention and wanted conversations. Another aspect that give an edge to owning these headturners is the driving experience. Those of us who’ve never driven a classic car will not understand the unique flavour it lends to the ride, from roaring engine noises and vibrations, to being the actual active driver of the machine, literally. Although it sounds great and a dream-come-true to many classic car lovers, but owning such cars come with a bank-breaking cost. Sometimes, their price tags are double the price of a modern car from the same category, and may require the driver to be acquainted with the car from the inside out, as it will require a tremendous amount of care. But make no mistake, it’s an investment worth taking. As the culture continues to grow here in Oman, we will sure be seeing classic car around town in no time. If you are a driver-at-heart and dedicated to taking care of your car, then this is something you might want to consider. Giving your drive a memorable edge over the rest of the lookalike cars. Let me know if you spot a 1968 Mustang, It’s a beast I dream to own, seriously. — salim@timesofoman.com
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KICKBOXER: RETALIATION One year after the events of “Kickboxer: Vengeance”, Kurt Sloan has vowed never to return to Thailand. However, while gearing up for a MMA title shot, he finds himself sedated and forced back into Thailand, this time in prison. He is there because the ones responsible want him to face a 6’8” 400 lbs beast named Mongkut and in return for the fight, Kurt will get two million dollars and his freedom back. Cast: Alain Moussi, Christopher Lambert and Jean-Claude Van Damme Running At: Vox Oman, City Cinemas
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OTHER RELEASES THIS WEEK
THRONE OF ELVES Cast: Ashley Boettcher, G.K. Bowes, and Gavin Hammon
PHANTOM THREAD Cast: Vicky Krieps, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Lesley Manville
PROUD MARY Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Billy Brown, and Jahi Di’Allo Winston
In the mythical Elven world of Altera, an epic battle unfolds between the beautiful Princess Liya and the Dark Elf Elena, who has gained possession of a jewel so powerful it allows its holder complete authority over all Alterans.
Set in 1950’s London, Reynolds Woodcock is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who becomes his muse and lover.
Henson is Mary, a hit woman working for an organised crime family in Boston, whose life is completely turned around when she meets a young boy whose path she crosses when a professional hit goes bad.
DEN OF THIEVES Cast: Gerard Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr, and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson
COPS AND ROBBERS Cast: Michael Jai White and Tom Berenger
DAY OF THE DEAD : BLOODLINE Cast: Sophie Skelton, Johnathon Schaech, and Jeff Gum
A strung out hostage negotiator plays a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a cornered bank robber who is hell bent on getting out of the bank and humiliating the negotiator in the process.
A small group of military personnel and survivalists dwell in an underground bunker as they seek to find a cure in a world overrun by zombies.
STX Entertainment brings us Gerald Butler after the successful release of Geostorm!. Butler stars in an elite unit from the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department squares off against a crew of successful thieves who plan a seemingly impossible heist— the city’s Federal Reserve Bank.
COMING SOON PADMAN Cast: Akshay Kumar and Sonam Kapoor
THE 15:17 TO PARIS Cast: Jenna Fischer, Judy Greer, and Lillian Solange Beaudoin
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HI WE E KLY
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 1, 2018
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 1, 2018
H I W E E KLY
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HI WE E KLY
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 1, 2018
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 | Moderate
Level | Easy
9
1
7
7
3
2
6
2
6
9
1
5 4
1 3
1
5
2
7
7
4
4
4
9
3
1
7
5
8
3
8
1
9
9
5
8
2
8
5
7
5
7
6 9
1
8 2
3
4 8
2
1 8
Medium
2
7
1
9
5 3
5
6
4
7 4
3
1
6 2
5
5
Easy
5
6
THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
8
8
9
2
8
Level | Difficult
1
6
1 7
9
2 7
8
5
3
8
4
8 Difficult
4
H I WH I EWEE EKKLYL Y
V O L U M E 1 0 I SVSOULEU7M8 E 1 1 I S S U E 7 J U LY 1 3F , E 20 B 1R7U A R Y 1 , 2 0 1 8
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