Hi weekly - February 9 2017 new by Muscat Media Group

OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 46,760 COPIES

VOL 10 ISSUE 57 / FEBRUARY 9, 2017

And some great deals PG 18

THIS WEEK IN OMAN

GO TO THE GYM (AND STAY THERE)

EAT A CLUB FOR UNDER A BUCK

Hi’s beauty editor offers tips on how to stick to your workout plan, and silence the excuses once-and-for-all. PAGE 14

Binge on a Budget is back with the best club sandwich platters in the city, which will cost you less than one Omani Rial. PAGE 10

GET HER DANCING Which young girl hasn’t dreamed of becoming a tutu-clad ballerina? Make your daughter’s dreams come true with lessons at the best children’s dance studio in Muscat. PAGE 16

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 57 FEBRUARY 9, 2017

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 shruthi@timesofoman.com

ashishdubash@timesofoman.com

Associate Editors Salim Hamood Al Afifi Shruthi Nair

salim@timesofoman.com

Digital Editor Gautam Bhargav Viswanathan

gautam@timesofoman.com

Chief Creative Officer Adonis Durado Associate Art Director Waleed Rabin Graphics Editor Antonio Farach Design Editor Sahir K.M. Lead Designer Geri B. Sonny Designers Antonio Ismael Sandiego Gregory Fernandez Director of Digital Television Joe Morrison Photography MMG Photographers

richard@timesofoman.com

Chief Sales Officer Richard Pakenham aziz@timesofoman.com

Head Of Advertising & Marketing Aziz K. Baker Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Design by 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 235/160 felicia@timesofoman.com

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THE WEEKEND LINEUP

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 57 FEBRUARY 9, 2017

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

Your calendar of the hottest events happening in Muscat this weekend

09 10 11 THURSDAY

7:00pm Happy Birthday, Bob Marley

There couldn’t be a better way to celebrate Bob Marley’s birthday than with a tribute performance by his son. Join the party with Grammy my award-winning Ky-Mani Marley at Rumba Lattina this weekend. d. OMR 15 single entry, OMR 25 for or couples. s. Rumba Lattina na The Cave, Darsait it +968 2465 1051 51 rumbalattina.com m

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

8:00pm Party Like a Superstar

10:00am A Play Day with Your Dog

Here’s your chance to be the star you’ve always wanted to be. Get dressed-up like your favourite movie character favour and he head to The Bank for a one-of-a-kind fancy dress one-o party. T Tickets available for pre-purchase for OMR 5. pre-pu

Spend a fun-ﬁlled day with your dog while enjoying the brilliant weather at the garden of Al Bustan Palace Hotel. Fun game and competitions will keep you playing all day. Tickets are available at Al Qurum Vets in Qurum and Azaiba, Creatures Pet Shop in Sabco Centre, My Cup Cake at the Wave, and Canadian Jebel K9 Centre in Al Rumays.

The Bank +968 9887 1671 events@muscatrugby.net even

8:00am Train Like a Spartan Join FitnessGuru Oman for prep day out to the Spartan S begin your y weekend with some refreshing refresh fitness training. The exercises aare sure to get you raceready, wa way in advance. Pre-book. Jebel Sifah +968 9139 9435 fitnessguruoman.com/ fi

Al Bustan Palace +968 9260 5131 Jebelk9.com

8:00pm Meditate in the Moonlight Meditation is great for your mental and physical health and the restful benefits are only amplified when practised under a full moon with other likeminded people. Just bring your yoga mat and invitation (RSVP online)to the Indian Embassy lawns. Embassy Of India Al Khuwair +968 9280 5554 artofliving.org

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8 08

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 57 FEBRUARY 9, 2017

AGE OF EMPIRES III WITH GAUTAM BHARGAV VISWANATHAN

o game turned heads the way Age of Empires III did. Given the historic strategy of game’s cult following, few games will provide such a reaction in the future. When Microsoft announced the release of the latest instalment in this overwhelmingly popular game, a good six years after its predecessor, gamers throughout the world were excited. Because not only does Age of Empires take you back through history, it puts you right in the middle of the most famous battles of our time. The premise of the game is simple: set in the Middle Ages, your objective is to turn your humble village into a thriving city that sends brave men to ﬁght for their liege lord. From storming Crusader castles under Saladin to helping the Aztecs turn the tide against Spanish conquistadors, Age of Empires was a game you could play over and over again. Age of Empires III is just as enjoyable as its forebears. This game fast forwards you into the Age of Discovery, when Europe was just beginning to establish colonies overseas. There’s a lovely story-driven campaign to the entire game, which is told through the eyes of Amanda Black, a wealthy American businesswoman and great-granddaughter of Morgan Black, the protagonist of the game. Morgan is a member of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Malta, who are based in, well, Malta. After he and his commander Alain Magnan repel a Turkish raiding ﬂeet and pursue their attackers, they stumble across a grotto contain-

F I V E

T RY

ing symbols belonging to the Circle of Ossus, a shadowy group of very wealthy and influential individuals who wish to conquer the New World for their own nefarious purposes. Our heroes travel to the Americas, and make land in a place the Spanish call La Florida. Once there, they erect a settlement of their own and set about exterminating the Circle before they take root in the New World. It’s Age of Empires’ simplicity and interlinked nature that make it such a beloved game. Your workers gather food, chop down trees for lumber, mine gold and stone to build the foundations of their civilisation, train troops, research technologies, and advance through the ages. Once you’ve amassed a large enough army comprising of an assortment of mounted and foot units with siege weapons to complement them, you take the fight to the enemy and – hopefully – win. Age of Empires III takes that experience to a whole new level. The beautifully constructed environment has been made a whole lot more interactive and contextual to the game. Explore the swamps that surround the Gulf of Mexico and you might stumble onto a shipwreck that contains a small fortune in gold coins to augment your resources. Send your spearmen into the thickets that surround your camp and you might find a couple of peasants trapped by a panther. Save them and they will gladly join your cause. The 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries that the game takes place in are also brilliantly reflected in the gameplay. The co-

lonial ambitions of the six European nations – Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Russia – are further bolstered by “home cities”. Each civilisation in the game has its own unique advantages that could help turn the tide in battle. While they cannot be physically travelled to, players can call upon shipments of mercenaries, soldiers, and goods to speed up their colonial expansion. In addition, Microsoft Games has also provided gamers with three native American civilisations, who can also be played as, and are featured liberally throughout the campaign, both in their settlements and at trading posts across the map where they can be bartered with. With a brand new campaign, a host of characters you actually want to root for, several new expansions, and a brilliant gaming experience that you’ll want to revisit again and again, Age of Empires III is a game you must download (and play) this weekend. —gautam@timesofoman.com The Short and Skinny Name: Age of Empires III Publisher: Microsoft Games Genre: Action/Real-time Strategy/Historical What’s it about: Set sail for the New World as you conquer lands unknown and discover a mysterious conspiracy in the latest edition of Microsoft’s award-winning series Platform: PC, Mac, Windows Mobile IGN Rating: 8.8/10 Where to buy: Steam store, Amazon.com, Age of Empires III official website

LIVE MUSIC SESSIONS

ROUTE 66

SOUQ ES SABT

Route 66 has been a hub for live entertainment for quite some time. The venue hosts a live band every Thursday and Friday starting around 9.30pm until late. Go enjoy a variety of genres ranging from ballads to alternative rock. Al Qurum Beach Resort, Qurum +968 2460 5945

Hit the road to Souq Es Sabt every Saturday from 3pm-7pm (timing changes with the seaons, so check their Facebook page for updates). There you can groove to live open-mic performances led by local musicians from Just Jams Sessions. Intercontinental Hotel, Shatti Al Qurum + 968 9507 1519 (Just Jams contact) facebook.com/souqessabt

RUMBA LATTINA

OLIVOS RESTAURANT

Head to Rumba Lattina at The Cave Complex to hear some Latin tunes. The in-house live band plays a variety of Latin-inspired songs from 7.30pm all the way to 11.30pm. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your deep-fried Chimachanga. The Cave, Darsait +968 2465 1051

If you’re an old soul and enjoy classic sounds, then Olivos Restaurant is for you. They are kicking off their Friday jazz sessions on February 10 from 1pm to 4pm. Go listen to a jazz singer perform while you enjoy a nice brunch. Radisson Blu, Al Khuwair +968 2448 7777

COPPER RESTAURANT Copper restaurant hosts an open-mic session every Tuesday from 8pm to 10pm where guests enjoy their delicious food and watch passionate musicians do what they do best. They also have an in-house band to play between sets. If you’d like to sing a song or two, make sure to register before 8pm. Sayh Al Malih Street, Qurum +968 2456 4292

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HI WEEKLY

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BINGE ON A BUDGE T

JOIN THE CLUB Money is not the most freely available of resources right now, and here at Hi, we want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to eating out. Binge on a Budget takes you to the best eateries in Muscat where you can get a great, super-ﬁlling meal for two, for OMR3 or less. Bon Appetit. —gautam@timesofoman.com STORY GAUTAM VISWANATHAN • PHOTOS SALIM AL AFIFI

THE PLACE Whoever selected Al Saﬁ’s location is a genius. Located between Fathima supermarket and the mosque next to the signal on Rex Road in Ruwi, the place is always bustling. Waiters rush orders from the Al Saﬁ kitchen to queues of cars where people can be found chomping down on their sandwiches as they are delivered, even during the wee hours of the morning.

SIGNATURE DISH Al Saﬁ is known for their club sandwiches—three layers of breaded deliciousness smeared with ketchup and mayonnaise and ﬁlled with a variety of chicken, meat, and egg options. A favourite is the Zinger Club, which sees generous amounts of crispy fried chicken stuffed inside. Another signature is the Barq Wa Ra’ad, a dynamo of breaded zinger chicken served on a hot dog bun and slathered with mayonnaise and a smattering of jalapenos. The waiters know it can pack quite a punch, and make it a point to provide you with a soda of your choice and a portion of French fries to help you stave off the worst of the spice. The sandwich platters are served with fresh cut veggies and crispy French fries for between 800 baisa and one Omani Rial.

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ALSO TRY The wraps. Encased in toasted unleavened bread and packed to the brim with a filling of your choice, crunchy fresh lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, and ketchup, their wraps cost anywhere between 700 baisa and a single Omani Rial. Another wrap-style option is the Al Safi shawarma. People queue up for an order of Al Safi’s take on this humble street food, with their standard shawarma filled with juicy meat, gobs of mayo, and French fries for only 300 baisa and the larger Sharook weighing in at twice the size for 700 baisa.

ADD-ONS A quick glance through the menu leaves you gasping in awe at the number of beverages this little place can churn out. The ﬁrst three pages of their menu feature only juices and smoothies, which are some of Al Saﬁ’s most popular creations. They might have slightly odd-sounding names, but there is nothing questionable about the taste and quality of what you’re served. Their Abood is a heavenly cocktail of sweet melon and mango sweetened with locally sourced honey; a perfect accompaniment to your meal for only 600 to 900 baisa.

FIND THEM Al Saﬁ is on Al Noor Street, a few metres away from the mosque, just before Fathima Supermarket. If you live in Ruwi, they also offer home delivery from 10am until 2am Call: +968 2478 4115, +968 9880 0436, +968 9310 0766

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 57 FEBRUARY 9, 2017

W E E K E N D E SCA P E

A Weekend on the Island of Pearls STORY SALIM AL AFIFI • PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

nother country was happily checked-off my GCC travelling bucket list last weekend when I had the opportunity to visit Bahrain, one of the most beautiful countries in the Gulf, to celebrate their 3rd annual shopping festival. I also had the chance to dance, eat, and indulge in an utterly enjoyable islandy experience that made me wonder why more people aren’t setting off for weekend holidays on the Island of Pearls. Prior to my trip, friends recommended that I focus on two things: Food, and more food. And they were right on that recommendation. The restaurant culture in Bahrain is vibrant and in abundance and I spent a good portion of my three days there eating my heart out. Somewhere in between my feasting, I shopped, wandered down traditional Manama alleyways, and went for a swim. In the process, I fell hard for this GCC gem. DAY 1 I landed in Bahrain and was immediatlly struck by the awesome weather. It was windy and perfectly chilly. I took a moment to savour the cool breeze before hopping into my waiting car and heading to ART Rotana (rotana.com/artrotana), a grand, art-inspired hotel located amid the crystal clear, azure waters of the man-made Amwaj Islands. As we drove to the hotel, I was stunned by the cleanness of Bahrain’s beaches.

The sands were grainy, soft, and looked perfect for a sunbathing and volleyball. The bright blue waters lent the whole place a tropical feel. Gigantic villas offered waterfront living and some of the houses were built right over the water. The same can be said for the country’s other six islands, which are dotted with five star hotels and chic restaurants along their beaches and marinas. The ART Rotana lives up to its name, beginning with an entrance that looks like a massive art installation with a remarkable illuminated arch with contemporary, minimalistic touches deﬁning the gallery-like ambiance for an edgy yet luxurious atmosphere. Numerous paintings adorning its walls as the holds art exhibitions to showcase local talent including Bahraini and expatriates resident artists. As stunning as the objects hanging on the walls are the panoramic views of turquoise waters, private islands, and tropical-inspired cabanas. The property also is home to a water park for the little ones, and myriad of restaurants ranging from Italian to Asian ﬁne dining. After having a long afternoon nap on a cosy bed, it was time to begin my gastronomic journey, so I went downstairs for a meal at the hotel’s signature gourmet restaurant, Flames Steak and Seafood (+973 1600 0111). I started with a garden-fresh salad, an asparagus salad, and fried calamari before moving on to the main event; a lemon-garlic salmon steak. Everything

Where are you escaping to this weekend? Show us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly

BA H RA IN QU I C K ESC A P E P L A N FLY Non-stop ﬂights available on Gulf Air (gulfair.com) and Oman Air (omanair.com) STAY ART Rotana (rotana.com/artrotana) Four Seasons (+973 1711 5000; fourseasons.com/Bahrain) EAT Flames Steak and Seafood (+973 1600 0111) Lavenue Cafe & Restaurant (+973 1700 0111) Naseef Cafe (+973 1720 8888) Teatro Restaurant (+973 1311 9999) EXPLORE Shop Bahrain (+973 1750 8900; shopbahrain.com) Manama Souq (+973 3981 6914) Gravity Indoor Skydiving (+973 1310 0000; gravitybah.com)

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was just as it should be, from the perfectly composed salads to the delicate, flavourful seafood to the exquisite service. Fully sated, it was time to get ready for a night of festivities at Shop Bahrain. Moroccan sensation Asma Lmnawar, and the king of Arabic musicians, Hussain Al Jasmi, were performing live, which presented me the perfect opportunity to see my very first live Arabic concert. It was an evening to remember with everyone in the crowd dancing, singing along, and having a good time. And, at the end of the evening, I got to meet one of the artists backstage for a quick photo. Day made. DAY 2 Breakfast at Art Rotana is served at Choices Restaurant, which is an all-day dining venue with a glorious exterior terrace overlooking the sea. The breakfast buffet was extensive with a variety of classic breakfast staples, from sausages to Arabic mezze to eggs and French pastries. I savoured my first meal of the day, and washed it down with freshly squeezed watermelon juice. Sufficiently fuelled up, I headed out to explore the city of Manama, where I ended up in front of Lavenue Cafe & Restaurant (+973 1700 0111). It looked like an old, petite house that you might see in a Mediterranean town, with rustic painted wooden surfaces, colourful walls, flower pots, and a cosy ambi-

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ance. The funky, vintage-style Italian boutique restaurant serves Italian, Arabic, and local delicacies. And though this might sound like an odd combination, they do it extraordinarily well. If the menu alone hadn’t been enough to convince me to indulge in a second breakfast, when I learned that the restaurant was participating in Shop Bahrain’s Taste Tour Menu, which, when ordered, gives diners a chance to win the all new Infinity Q50, I decided I simply couldn’t miss it. I selected the “Bahraini breakfast”, which was presented on a wooden plate topped with mahyawa, a deep-fried, smashed fish dish; balalet, a breakfast staple similar to the Oman dish of the same name, made with sweet vermicelli and salty eggs; shakshooka, oven-baked eggs with tomatoes; and that GCC staple drink, karak tea. It was all downright excellent. I fought the onset of a severe food coma by getting on my feet and setting off to explore Manama Souq (+973 3981 6914), an old bazaar in Bahrain’s capital. Walking the alleys of the souq I wove my way between little colour-coded shops that reminded me of India (only less crowded). I passed stalls selling silverware, chandeliers with Islamic art on them, and decorative mats, stopping at Naseef Cafe (+973 1720 8888), for a hot caramel latte and a homemade mango ice cream to restore my strength. All shopped-out, I went to see some of the other architectural sights of Bahrain, stopping at the most talked about hotel in city, the Four Seasons (+973 1711 5000; fourseasons.com/ Bahrain), iconic as it is built on its own island in Business Bay in the shape of the letter H. The interiors are as majestic as the hotel’s reputation, with in-door gardens and a dramatic lobby that many say make it one of the finest hotels in the chain. After a quick tour of the iconic property, I headed back into the city for dinner at the Downtown Rotana’s Teatro Restaurant (+973 1311 9999). Teatro offers a wide range of Asian cuisines, including Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and South East Asian. I went for the sushi, which was absolutely fantastic. DAY 3 I awoke early, and after a quick breakfast at the hotel, I set out to explore the private island. The beach was total perfection, with yachts decked on the side of the island, but due to the chilly weather, I opted for a quick dip in the temperature-controlled pool rather than in the sea. The poolside bar offers great service, and I savoured my small slice of the high life. After my invigorating swim, I opted for a 60-minute intense muscle release massage, which eliminated all memory of the many hours I spend hunched over my desk, restoring my energy. Feeling quite zen, I headed back to my luxurious room and ordered lamb biryani and a Maltesers chocolate shake from inroom dining, enjoying one last meal before packing my bags. My experience in Bahrain had gone beyond my expectations. I had a good time, explored wonderful areas of the city, met interesting people, and ate a whole lot of great food. The entire experience felt effortlessly luxurious. I regretted not making it to the extremely hyped Gravity Indoor Skydiving (+973 1310 0000; gravitybah.com), which is the first of its kind in the Gulf, but I took solace in the fact that this omission gave me one more excuse to return to Bahrain’s paradise islands. —salim@timesofoman.com

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BEAUTY

5 RULES TO MAKE YOUR WORKOUT STICK We’ve all done it before. Proudly proclaimed to everyone that we got that gym membership renewed, resolved to drop 5 kilos, or even bragged about our ﬁrst successful day in our new, healthier life. But then it happens. We decide to have one lazy day. But then one becomes two, and then the weekend hits, and before we know what happened, we look back and realise that the gym has become a distant memory. Sounds familiar? It has happened to all of us at one time or another, but there are a few simple tricks that can help us break this cycle for good. —hiweekend@timesofoman.com STORY ANTARA BOSE

CAPITALISE ON EMOTION (DON’T WAIT) If there has been some inadvertent gap in your workout, don’t fall into the ‘I-shallstart-from the-ﬁrst-of-next-month’ trap. It’s just a stalling technique. Start the moment the realisation or inspiration strikes. After you’ve downed three quarter pound burgers or have tossed an old pair of jeans aside because you can no longer get into them, capitalise on that moment. Go for a quick walk to get started. Drop and do 20 situps, 10 pushups, and 20 squats. Then mark your calendar. Today is the official start of your ﬁtness regime. Tomorrow, plan to double your efforts.

REWARD…AND PUNISH Hey, it’s a two way street. If a week of extensive training deserves a day at the spa, then a group workout class missed means having to live through that dreaded squat challenge you downloaded online. On days (especially weekends) when you just don’t want to move a muscle, use rewards as bribes. Schedule something pleasurable before and after your workout. That way the gym is just something that comes in between two things you are looking forward to.

*BONUS TIP Do a fat test. You can ditch the expensive body composition analysis and just use your fingers. Take a deep breath so your belly expands to the fullest. Then exhale and let your abdominal muscles contract. Push your fingertips against your hard abdominal wall and pinch (without hurting yourself, please). You are now holding in between your fingertips excess fat that can be shed with consistent cardio. Your fate is in your hands. (We know you just gave the fat test a shot.) Don’t let this get you down, instead, feel empowered. There is no magic to weight loss and fitness, all you need is consistency and you will see and feel the results. Now, let’s get moving, shall we?

SET A TIME (AND STICK TO IT) Figure out the best time to schedule your workout and stick to it. Make it as sacred as a meeting. Morning workouts work best for most people, as it leaves you less time to come up with excuses, like the classic ‘it’s been a long day’. If you aren’t a morning person, pick a time when your energy levels are bound to be high, and just make that time immovable. We go to work even when we don’t feel like it, and if you treat your gym appointment the same way, you will be surprised how easy it is to plan your other activities around it.

KEEP INSPIRATIONAL PHOTOS AND SLOGANS AT HAND Follow inspirational gym accounts on Instagram, make your desktop your favourite “you-can-do-it quote”, and keep photos of your progress. Sometimes the most inspirational photos are those of ourselves in which you can clearly see your goal-areas, as well as the progress you have made, as well as goal photos of the shape you are working to achieve. Whenever the idea of skipping a workout comes to mind, take a quick look at these pictures.

MAKE IT FUN Make a new playlist of your favourite music that’ll carry you through the workout. If running on the treadmill is getting boring, tune into something that you like watching or listening to. This can keep you distracted from the monotony and you might even end up doing an extra few minutes just to get to the end of the serial. Try taking a friend. And when you are invited out for coffee with your bestie, instead suggest going for a walk. Finally, try new things. If you hate running, jump on the stationary bike, try a group Zumba class, or download a weight-training routine from a ﬁtness website. Whatever you do, just keep moving, even for 30 minutes, every day.

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HI WEEKLY

Hi Beauty Editor, 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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MUSCAT PARENT

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HI WEEKLY

STORY SWATI DASGUPTA

ressed in colourful leotards and black tights, a pack of little girls ranging in age from five to six-years-old stood in a queue holding perfect positions. Not one slouched or fiddled. The music began to play and the children graceful and poignantly swayed their arms to the symphony. We were in the stuido of Music Palace, one of the growing number of dance schools cropping up around Muscat. They set themselves apart by specialising in teaching young children ballet. Ballet originated in Italy in the 1500s, and quickly spread to surrounding countries, finding favour in Russia, the UK, and France. Integrating poetry, dance, and music into a visual storyline, ballet weaves historical tales through aesthetic expressions. And while there is lot of emphasis on lightness and airiness in performance, a ballet dancer must work through many different grades, starting with basic stretches and movements, before learning more advanced techniques as they train in the athletically demanding skill of dancing on their toes. This skill, and poise, can take a lifetime to master. Monika Radzka of Music Palace believes that that the best age to begin ballet classes is as early as four and eight or ten-years-old at the very latest. “This is the time when a child can be actually trained to concentrate better and they learn much more effectively,” Monika explained, emphasising the fact that it is best to start early to ensure correct posture and position is achieved.

CHILDREN’S BALLET SCHOOL Music Palace Al Mouj Location: The Walk, 2nd ﬂoor Call: +968 2454 8415 Classes: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday Age group: 2-4, 4-6, and, 7 years Fees: OMR 30 monthly ( once a week class, 45 minutes) Registration: OMR30. MSQ Location: Near British School, lower carpark, street 1947, villa 2557 Call: +968 2460 2445 Classes: Monday & Wednesday Age group: 2-4, 4-6 years. Fees: OMR 30 monthly ( once a week class, 45 minutes) Registration: OMR30.

Apart from helping to build concentration, focus, and discipline, ballet lessons are also a great way to introduce a child to classical music and history. Getting the chance to perform in public can further boost conﬁdence. Over the years of its practice, ballet has never lost its classicism in the name of catering to changing trends. And though the popularity has had ups and downs, these days, it is very much in vogue again. “Interest in learning ballet has spiked in recent years and is now readily available as new institutions are opening up,” Monika said of the ballet in Oman. “Ballet promotes physical strength and agility, can boost concentration, develops an understanding of music and rhythm, and generates a love of movement. As children improve and master more challenging movement combinations, they feel more self-assured, which can carry over into other areas of their lives,” said Monika. “Dance training can also be a great way to relax and use excess energy productively after school. Ballet classes provide a social outlet for kids. Attending classes regularly can help young children develop their social skills.” The classes held at Muscat Music Palace include classical ballet, contemporary, and modern, and are available at the beginner level for children ﬁve to eight-years-old, with more advanced classes available as they progress through the grades. Monika is excited for the future of ballet in Oman. “There’s a new age of ballet on the rise that all of us are looking forward to welcoming.” —swati@timesofoman.com

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MILLENNIUM RESORT MUSSANAH

ATANA KHASAB AND MUSANDAM HOTELS

STAY One night accomodations, breakfast buffet, and dinner buffet (weekend offer of stay 2 nights, pay for one) OMR 49 for two

MUSANDAM STAY Three-course, chef-designed dinner at a private table by the sea at Atana Khasab or by the waterways at the Atana Musandam, one-night in a superior view room, breakfast buffet, and a full-day dhow cruise. use promotional code RGPA when booking (atana.com). OMR 79 per couple Reservations: +968 2673 0777 ( Atana Khasab); +968 2673 0888 ( Musandam)

ANANTARA RESORT AL JABAL AL AKHDAR STAY The Anantara Jabal Akhdar Valentine Mountain Romance package includes: Daily breakfast buffet at Al Maisan for two; a Sicilian-inspired four-course dinner with a glass of sparkling at Bella Vista for two, a rose upon arrival, a romantic in-room welcome set up, romantic turndown service, and 30% off luxury 4x4 transfers from Muscat. Starting at OMR 219 for Premier Canyon View Room Book by February 20 for stays between 1st February and February 27, 2017. Reservations: +968 2521 8000

DINE Dining on GCC Lawn (next to Marina) Four course dinner with four beverage pairings, tea or coffee, red rose, balloons, candles, and special table set up. OMR 39 per person/ OMR 19 per person with soft drinks Available February 10-17 Private Beach Front Dining Four course candlelight dinner with personal butler service including beverage pairing with each course or a bottle of bubbly, tea or coffee, red rose, balloons, candles, and special table. OMR 49 per person/ OMR 29 per person with only soft drinks Compass Bar Karaoke Romance Night, Special Valentine’s Day a la carte menu, buy one, get one free beverages SPA Valentine’s Day 25% off all spa treatments at Zayna Reservations:+968 2687 1555

PARK INN AL KHUWAIR AND DUQM DINE RBG Grill Restaurant, Al Khuwair Dinner buffet with unlimited soft drinks, one selected drink, and free entrance to Sama Terrazza rooftop lounge where a live DJ is spinning. OMR 17.500 per person Reservations: +968 2450 7888 Ocean Restaurant, Duqm Four-course dinner under the stars and one bottle of select beverage. OMR 40 per couple

ROSSINI THE CAVE, DARSAIT

Reservations: +968 2208 5700 DINE Four-course Italian dinner, one bottle of selected beverage OMR 35 per couple Reservations: + 968 2465 1066, +968 9887 9220

LAVAL GHALA GOLF CLUB DINE Three-course candle-lit dinner with a full bottle beverage OMR 25 per person Reservations: +968 9699 4365

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 56 7 FEBRUARY 2 9, 2017

HI WEEKLY

SIFAWY BOUTIQUE HOTEL AL BUSTAN PALACE, A RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL

INTERCONTINENTAL MUSCAT

AL BUSTAN

DINE Tomato Dinner, roses, and a half bottle of red or white OMR 19 per person Four-course dinner and bottle of premium bubbly on a romantic pool island OMR 125 per couple

STAY The Treat Your Valentine package includes one-night in a luxury suite, breakfast in bed for two, a romantic dinner on the beach at Beach Pavilion Bar & Grill, bubbly, and a romantic turndown. Starting at OMR 340 per couple Available throughout February

QURUM

SIFAH STAY The romantic Sifawy package includes: a boat ride to the hotel (sea taxi from Bandar Al Rowdha), rose, and welcome juice on arrival, an upgrade to a Marina Suite, special candle-lit dinner on Al Sabla Terrace, buffet breakfast, with fresh juice. OMR 112 per couple Reservations: +968 2474 9111

Musandam Café & Terrace Valentine’s Day buffet and a half bottle of red or white OMR 25 per person

Reservations: +968 2479 9666 SPA The Six Senses Spa Valentine package includes the signature hammam cleansing followed by a relaxing Balinese massage during the 130 minute session. OMR 85 per person The Six Senses Spa Love is in the Air package includes a chocolate scrub followed by a holistic massage, and ﬁnished up with an anti-ageing facial for glowing skin during a 130 minute session. OMR 89 per person

Al Ghazal Valentine’s Day Dance with DJ Junior Free entrance, refreshments ala carte Majlis Al Shams Special V-Day homemade cakes and chocolates Starting from OMR 14 Trader Vic’s Four-course dinner with one specialty drink OMR 28 per person Reservations: +968 2468 0000

JEWELLERY SPECIALS

Reservations: +968 2476 4333

Joyalukkas Exclusive BeMine Heart to Heart Collection of diamond jewellery set in gold and rose gold pendants and bracelets will be presented in special gift boxes and will only be available through February 18. Malabar Gold and Diamonds Through February 14, get a free Esprit or Westar watch with every purchase from the ‘Heart to Heart’ exclusive heart shaped diamond jewellery collection (priced OMR 65 to OMR 310), the purchase of a diamond jewellery set comprising of pendant with chain, earrings, and ﬁnger ring (starting at OMR 190), or purchase of special 18k gold, 28-way necklace.

SALALAH ROTANA RESORT RADISSON BLU HOTEL

SALALAH

AL KHUWAIR

DINE Private Beach Dinner Three-course meal with bubbly on the shores of the Indian Ocean, complete with a live saxophonist. OMR 65 per couple

DINE Olivos Restaurant Five-course poolside meal under the stars with a bottle of sparkling OMR 50 per couple Lazy Lizard-Cabana Romantic Dinner Private cabana, oriental mezzeh platter, selection of chocolates, and a bottle of sparkling OMR 45 per couple. O’Malley’s Pub-Single’s Party Valentine’s Day ‘Mingle While Single Party’. Complimentary Love Potion drink for ladies wearing red. Best Valentine-themed outﬁt will win an Olivos dinner voucher for two. Free entrance for ladies Reservations:+968 2448 7777

Silk Road The three-course set candlelight dinner on the terrace OMR 37 per couple Saffron Restaurant Special Valentine’s Day upgrade to the buffet OMR 33 per couple SPA Couples massage at Zen Spa OMR 50 per couple Reservations: +968 2327 5700

Sky Jewellery Eight designs of the BELOVE collection of diamond pendants will be priced from OMR 63 to OMR 102 and will include a free gold chain and Valentine’s Day card. Pure Special heart and key pendants featuring diamonds and 18k gold are available for OMR 115 and OMR 135. A gift voucher of OMR 99 will be given with the purchase of any exclusive diamond pendant for OMR 135 from any Pure Gold Jewellers outlets until February 15. seaPearls Receive a free gold coin with any purchase of OMR 300, including the ‘You n Me’ collection featuring earrings starting at OMR 93, pendants from OMR 82, and rings starting at OMR 93. Branches will also feature surprise discounts on polki (Fella collections) and diamond jewellery. Damas TheValentine’s Day Love Collection features unique, modernly elegant necklaces, earrings, and gold bracelets, starting at OMR 69.

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 57 FEBRUARY 9, 2017

HI WEEKLY

Alpha Events Oman hosted an evening of poetry and farewell dinner for the outgoing consular of Pakistan at Ruwi Hotel.

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

Indian School Darsait (ISD) celebrated its 6th anniversary at the multipurpose hall at an event attended by former students. Photos: Purushothaman K.

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 57 FEBRUARY 9, 2017

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 | Easy

9 6

9 1

8 3

6 9

Level | Moderate

9 8

3 5

5 8

Level | Difficult

2 2

6 9

9 8 5

4 8

7 5

PLAY AND WIN

8 6

SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS IN THE COMMENTS SECTION OF OUR SODOKU POST ON FACEBOOK.COM/ HIWEEKLY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN VOUCHERS FROM PIZZA MUSCAT. SOLUTIONS & WINNERS POSTED EVERY SUNDAY.