Hi weekly jan 11 2018

OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 46,760 COPIES

VOL 11 ISSUE 4 / JANUARY 11, 2018

DESERT DIARY ( SPECIAL ISSUE)

THIS WEEK IN OMAN

RAISE SOME DUST

DESERT DRESSING

DOWN THE DUNES

Enjoy desert safari, camel rides, camp fire, folk music, dance, and more at Sama Al Wasil camp, nestled in Sharqiyah Sands. Have a memorable experience amidst the desert landscape. PAGE 8

Our clothes are the only protection in a desert. While the first rule of desert camping is to cover up, one must take essentials like boots with high ankles, a pair of sunglasses for protection against the sun and sand, and more. PAGE 12

If you are in a desert and love adventure then defy the rules of gravity and set out for dune bashing. Tighten your seat belt and experience the thrills of exploring the desert expanse.

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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 Editor Charles Lavery

charles@timesofoman.com

Features Editor Swati Dasgupta

swati@timesofoman.com

Research Editor Ashish Dubash ashishdubash@timesofoman.com

gautam@timesofoman.com

salim@timesofoman.com Associate Editors Salem Afifi Shruthi Nair shruthi@timesofoman.com

Copy Editor Gautam Bhargav Viswanathan Online Editor Christopher Isaac

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Associate Art Director Waleed Rabin Graphics Editor Antonio Farach Design Editor Sahir K.M. Lead Designer Gregory Fernandez Designer Geri B. Sonny Photography MMG Photographers Chief Sales Officer Richard Pakenham

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Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Design by Geri B. Sonny For general inquiries or comments: HiWeekend@timesofoman.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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THURSDAY 7.00pm Quiz Night It’s time to rack your brains while feeding on some fish and chips.

Attend the Quiz Night and register yourself with the WGO at Wednesday Coffee Mornings.

OMR 10.

Dolphin Village +968 2459 1557

12 13 FRIDAY

SATURDAY

6.30pm Sword Master Show

8.00pm Funny New Year

The winner of Russia’s Got Talent Alex Magala known for skills as an entertainer and sword swallower is coming to Oman to entertain the crowds here.

OMR 20 Shangri-la Barr Al Jissah; Al Mazar Amphitheatre +968 9556 9795

Laugh until your stomach hurts at this show hosted by Oman Comedy Central comedians and enjoy delicious food with 25% discount during happy hours.

OMR 3 Radisson Blu Hotel +968 2448 7777

Your calendar of the hottest events happening in Muscat this weekend

THE WEEKEND LINEUP

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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

GOLDEN GLOBE MONOLOGUE: Seth Meyers went on to host the first major awards show and said to the men, “this is the first time in 3 months it won’t be terrifying to hear your name read out loud.” timesofoman.com/hiweekend

TRENDING THIS WEEK MORE SUBSCRIBERS: Despite widespread outrage, Logan Paul’s fans don’t seem to mind his Suicide Woods video. timesofoman.com/hiweekend

NO TRUMP BAN: Twitter explains their decision to not ban Trump in blog titled ‘World Leaders on Twitter’. timesofoman.com/hiweekend

TOP TRENDING VIDEOS: Watch how Jake Tapper abruptly ends his interview with White House adviser Stephen Miller. timesofoman.com/hiweekend

TRENDING MUSIC

BLACK PANTHER INSPIRED All The Stars is part of an album co-produced

by Kendrick Lamar titled, appropriately enough, Black Panther: The Album.

TRENDING MOVIE

DISNEY’S MERLIN SAGA Ridley Scott is now in talks with Walt Disney Pictures to direct their adaptation of The Merlin Saga books by author T.A. Barron.

#popularhashtag

TRENDING FASHION

CIRCULAR SPORTSWEAR Circular design principles continue to infiltrate the fashion industry as fast fashion giants and emerging labels alike turn their attention to sustainable activewear.

#HeartShaker #TheWalkingDead #MondayMotivation

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WEEKEND ESCAPE

GARDEN BETWEEN DUNES STORY AND PHOTOS SALEM AFIFI

What happens when alfresco season hits Oman? We plan a killer weekend escape away from the mundane and have a ball at Sharqiyah Sands.

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pending a night by the silky dunes of Oman has been a wish since long. There is something wickedly beautiful about the eeriness that the desert offers to its occupants that sparks a desire to explore the unexplored and wander in graceful isolation in a land where the days are painted in a golden-teal palettes and evenings are blessed with starry nights and dark, velvet skies. What else could one ask for? Recently I went on an epic adventure trip to Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp, where I spent an unforgettable weekend. Most people think of deserts as sand-covered lands that carry excruciatingly hot weather and a bunch of lizards and tumbleweeds. That may be somewhat accurate but there are tonnes of other fun things that one can do in the desert and have a great time.

I started planning for my desert trip ahead of time. As I was taking notes from my fellow desert dwellers who camp in the desert almost every month, a friend of mine suggested that I check out a place called Sama Al Wasil.

He described it as a unique getaway that will add another interesting layer to your trip. After discussing with friends, we decided to drive to the desert and stay at the camp instead of going through the hustle of dry camping.

We packed our bags and took our 4x4 and hit the road to Al Sharqiyah. Thanks to GPS applications like Waze, we managed to easily locate the camp. We reached a place where we had to enter the actual desert and drive for about 30-minutes to reach camp. The flat surface was tucked between two humongous dunes that stretched from the road all the way to the camp, serving serene, sandy views and camels, too.

As we arrived in the camp, we were welcomed by the friendly staff who guided us towards the checking-in office. My jaw dropped to the floor in awe of the beauty of the place. The moment I passed the wooden, traditional door and stepped a foot into the camp I soon realised that it was not a typical desert camp; it was a green paradisiac wonderland that had green lush, chalet huts, tents, and an Omani-inspired living and camping, designed in a circular fashion, between massive dunes of Al Sharqiyah. I was thrilled to explore what the place had to offer.

After checking-in, the staff escorted to the Majlis, a spacious open area where guests sit and relax before they go to their rooms. The place had a pure bedouin lifestyle,with a floor-seating area, adorned with carpets and cushions in traditional red-and-black fabric. As we sat, a plate full of fruits, sweet dates, and Omani Kahwa was served. We were quite hungry so we devoured the tropical platter and washed it down with their in-house, delicious coffee.

We decided to chill for a bit, taking in all the positive energy that surrounded this garden of a place and at the same time wondering how could a place grow this much greenery in the middle of the desert.

It was soon time to head to our rooms to relax. There are two types of accommodation in the camp. There are 29 chalets (including two family rooms), and then you have seven Arabian tents. I had to experience both, so we booked a night in the chalet, and another night in the tent.

The chalet rooms sport a rustic, antique finish, with traditional decorative elements gracing its walls. The rooms were inspired by bedouins culture, and the influence can be spotted at the ceiling of each room, which is adorned with interesting drawings that are similar to those in bedouin homes. I loved how the decor is nailed down to the detail. From wooden doors and windows, to lanterns, and clothes hangers, they are just perfect for the theme. And, each chalet has carpeted exterior area, a patio of some sort, where you can sit and enjoy breezy and quiet evening.

Tents on the other hand are situated at the end of the camp, near by the sand dunes, where Al Sultan tents can

be seen sporting a black-and-white, very bedouin royal-inspired decor, with a traditional bedouin interior that features their iconic red-and-black, water-proof fabric. Traditional lamps, lanterns, and furniture can also be found in the tent; elevating your experience to another level.

Simply put, the chalets are for green-loving folks, and the tents are for those who wish to experience true desert camping (with AC and a full-functioning bathroom). Overall, the rooms added a comfort element to our desert experience, giving this land of solitude and excruciating heat another meaning.

After exploring the rooms, we went to have dinner at their dining area that’s covered in a massive tent with traditional decor. The place has three types of seating areas. You can have it the modern way, on a dining table under the tent, or you can enjoy a traditional Arabic seating area on the ground, in the open air. Why would we miss an opportunity to experience the culture.

By 9pm, our stomachs were full. We head to their bonfire dedicated area and sat by the fire, sharing horror stories.

The next day, we focused on the most exciting part of this trip, the activities. There are a tonne of things to do when staying at Sama Al Wasil Camp. There is camel riding in the morning, camel safaris, dune bashing, desert crossing with cruisers, quad bike adventures, sand boarding, paragliding, setting up bonfires, and my absolute favourite sunset watching.

All these activities can be arranged and customised at the camp. I got to try most of these fun-filled adventures, which made me want to spend a week, exploring the desert more.

My experience at Sama Al Wasil was nothing short of a wonderful stay at an eco-friendly environment. Those who love the beach and the mountain and never been to this land are definitely missing out on the beauty of what deserts have to offer. The staff at the place were friendly, the food and barbecue sessions were lip-smacking good, and the atmosphere was to die for. This is not your typical hotel or camp, it’s a home away from home that can be customised to give you the ultimate desert experience that you wouldn’t want to miss.

–salim@timesofoman.com

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YOUR WEEKEND ITINERARY Thursday 4pm: Leave Muscat and head towards the camp. Put the name of the camp on apps like Waze or Google Maps and hit the road.

7pm: Have dinner at Sama Al Wasil’s full-fledge buffet served from 7pm to 9pm. Make sure to try their chargrilled meats and chicken; just delicious.

9pm: Head to the bonfire area and have a great, warm bonding experience with your friends. It’s also a great time to take artsy photos with the fire, because its huge, which will add a cool filter to your image.

10pm: Call it a day and head to your room for a deep sleep. Tomorrow is when the extreme fun begins.

Friday 7am: Rise and shine. Wake up, freshen up, and head for breakfast at the camp’s buffet. Make sure to drink lots of water because today will be long.

8am: It’s time to explore the desert.

Take a desert safari trip and head atop the dunes for an absolute feel of isolation and serenity, while exploring the bedouin culture. Opt for a camel safari, which will take about five hours to have a round across the area on a camel’s back, visiting bedouins, and even stopping for lunch, among other things.

RESERVE A ROOM A Chalet room costs OMR60 (including breakfast and dinner) A Tent Room costs OMR65 (including breakfast and dinner)

Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp Al Wasil Village, Wahiba Sands, Al Sharqiyah +968 9112 6369

to explore. Don’t forget to take some water with you, we don’t want you all dehydrated.

5pm: Get back to camp and head towards the back (nearby the tent houses) where you’ll find a rope that takes you to the top of the dunes. It’s an excellent spot of sunset watching, an activity you shouldn’t miss at all costs - breathtaking.

7pm: While you’re on top, sandboard your way back to the camp and head for dinner.

9pm: You will be super exhausted by this time, bed is the only option.

Head back to your room and turn the lights out for a good night sleep.

Saturday 7am: Wake up all fresh and ready for some breakfast. Have some eggs, coffee, and yoghurt. Afterwards, get ready for a new adventure.

8am: Get ready for a killer adventure. If you dare and enjoy being up in the air, then prepare yourself for some paragliding session, which is a tonne of fun. The instructor is friendly and will also ride with you, so the only thing that you should worry about is not missing out the fun of flying!

1pm: Now that you had your lunch and enjoyed getting familiar with the desert, get back to the camp for some rest. Shower and have a muchneeded nap.

10am: Take your buddies in a 4x4 and explore the desert some more.

This time around, ask the driver to show you what dune bashing means.

It’s an experience you wouldn’t forget, especially if you are an adrenaline junkie. Make sure to hold on tight, because it will sure be a bumpy ride.

4pm: Go to the Majlis for some dates and coffee. Then head out for some quad-bike sessions. Take the four-wheeled bike and have a ball crossing the dunes that surround the camp, and there are a tonne of places

3pm: Head back to camp. Take a quick shower. Pack your bags and head home. On your way back, don’t forget to take photographs of the beautiful land Al Sharqiyah has to offer.

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FA S HION

WHAT TO WEAR FOR A DESERT TREK The most relatable attires when we think ‘summers’ are shorts, sleeveless shirts, and floppy sandals. And if someone said ‘desert’, we’d probably just swap the floppy sandals with a pair of sneakers. But the truth is that desert-wear is quite different from what most of us might just casually strut out in. Research proves that an individual who is fully clothed can survive 25% longer than one who goes with typical summer shorts and strappy vests. The scorching sand, rising heat levels, and dry winds has its own set of dos and don’ts when it comes to clothing.

And that’s only half the story. Then there are the nights which are quite different from the day.

Story Antara Bose

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s the weather is getting better, most of us are starting to get a little more adventurous with treks, camping plans and some fun under the stars. And what’s one of the most popular getaway spots? Why Oman’s deserts of course; some dangerously explored, some infested with tourists and campers, while some, relatively still uncharted. Whatever be your choice, make sure you are dressed to tackle the dunes. (And you don’t need to look like a nomad while doing so!)

LONG PANTS First and foremost, it doesn’t include jeans. Go for khakis or cargo pants that are loose and allow ample air passage between the fabric and your legs. Wearing longer pants as opposed to shorts will also ensure that you don’t get any cuts or bruises from thorns or jagged rocks.

FULL-SLEEVED SHIRTS Look out for cotton and nylon in light colours. Figure-hugging Tshirts aren’t a good idea for the desert. Opt for loose shirts that will let your skin breath. Go for round collars instead of deep V-necks as open necks can cause sunburns on the chest.

Dressing tip: Remember to cover up as much as possible in the desert. The more skin you expose to the sun, the more your body loses moisture and the sooner you’ll get dehydrated.

LIGHTWEIGHT DESERT BOOTS It is absolutely essential that your shoes are comfortable or you aren’t going ahead on that trek. Open shoes or sandals are an absolute no-no. You’ll most likely end up with heat boils on your feet due to the friction with the hot sand. While sturdy boots are a great idea, keep in mind that walking through sand is way harder, so you’ll want your boots to also be lightweight so you aren’t trudging your way forward.

LONG SWEAT-WICKING SOCKS Shoes without the right socks can be a disaster as it forms the lining between your skin and shoes. Even if your feet feel fine initially, as the heat levels rise, your feet will start perspiring.

Make sure the socks are made of sweat-wicking fabric. Though we’d recommend cotton everywhere else, we’d say a strict ‘no’ when it comes to socks. It may seem strange but woollen socks are a good choice. Skip the style element here and go for socks that actually go way past your boots. There are two reasons for this. One, you don’t want to leave any room for things to crawl up; and two, you want to prevent any chaffing on your ankles from your boots.

SUNGLASSES Protect your eyes from the scorching sun with a pair of good quality shades (and please don’t go for the cheap alternates in this case as they really don’t serve the purpose). Sunglasses not only act as a shield from the sun rays but also the dust that blows on arid lands.

HAT Go for wide-brimmed hats instead of caps as the latter will leave your neck and ears exposed. Get one that fits well or at least has a chin strap so you aren’t chasing it around when the wind blows.

BANDANA Soak a bandana in cold water and tie it around your neck to keep cool. The only thing - you might have to do this multiple times as the hot winds can dry it in no time.

Extra: A hooded jacket for the nights – The nights can be a pleasant change from the day. But cooler months mean that the nights are going to be more than just pleasant. It’ll be cold, pretty cold! If you have a higher tolerance to cold, a fleece pullover should be adequate. For others, a warm snug jacket that has a hood would work perfectly. The hood not only keeps the ears covered (which would give additional warmth) but also protects the head from falling dew which is common in the desert at night.

—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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SAND DUNES STORY SHRUTHI NAIR

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riving, for me, has been a very liberating experience. When I’m stressed and want to get away from things, going for a long drive tops the list of things I do, sometimes even surpassing having a huge bowl of chocolate ice cream. I know a lot of other people for whom driving is not just about going from point A to point B. For some, it is a thinking tank, where they get inspired while on long scenic drives, the others make it a party place, blasting their music sets and for some others, it is an amusement ride that triggers their adrenaline.

One such adrenaline boost is what you get while you are on the vast expanse of Oman’s deserts. The massive dunes that the Sultanate is famous for does a better job than a roller coaster track in giving you the thrill and adrenaline rush and the shades of brown glistening under the sun provide the visual appeal that would want you to stay amidst it for longer. So I don’t see why all the nature/desert loving adrenaline junkies shouldn’t try out Guide Oman’s expeditions.

This Destination Management Company organises a number of trips and expeditions throughout the year, not just in deserts but also atop mountains, and in wadis. However, it is the desert experience that has fascinated me the most. Is it just me, or does it actually feel like the deserts

are home to infinite unanswered questions and mysteries?

And imagine venturing out in the wild in your car and experiencing the thrill under controlled circumstances with all the safety you could ask for. This is just what Guide Oman offers in its tours.

“Our Desert Safaris allow guests to enjoy the thrill of desert driving, learning the skill and experiencing the challenges that come with off roading and the reward that comes from the sheer accomplishment of achievement. Our Desert Safaris have become popular due to our exceptional crew who provide 5-star catering while on a sand dune, and the 3R Crew (Relief, Rescue and Recovery) are a team with endless patience and support, with us for all the recovery and assistance that is essential with tackling driving through this terrain”, said Rebecca Mayston, manager at Guide Oman.

The Desert Safaris organised by Guide Oman are self drive experiences where you get to learn a lot while having the time of your life. All the team and 4X4s meet to traverse into the base camp, where the awesome crew conducts an orientation to familiarise people with the key skills of driving in the desert. People going on the safari are taught to understand their vehicle, learn more about behaviour of the desert, the importance of caring for the environment, and even get introduced to the bedouin cultures and traditions. Once that is done,

one car leads the group and the others follow. When you look at the group from afar, it might remind you of one of those gangster cowboy herds from the 80s. “Our trips are much like an off road club”, she said, as the trips have such a friendly family like atmosphere.

The Guide Oman trips are made up of a variety of participants, some of whom don’t miss a single trip, others who come in and go and of course numerous newcomers who join in. “Majority of our clients are Omanis and expatriates who seek out adventure filled weekends, with GCC residents committing to the extended weekend making the drive through to join us.”

She added, “Some say they join us because the sand in Oman is much softer and challenging than they are familiar with (so far Doha and Riyadh are holding the record for biggest commutes to the start point for guests).

Growing numbers of international clients are joining, and we were thrilled on our last ladies only trip to have 19 different nationalities in participation.”

Thankfully, the Guide Oman team has a full crew, from the nurse to mechanics to chefs and support staff to take care of the needs of all those joining them. However, one needs to make sure that the safety tips are followed when venturing out in the sands, if they do not have this essential support on hand.

This is a great weekend escape where you get to learn

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OUR DESERT SAFARIS HAVE BECOME POPULAR DUE TO OUR EXCEPTIONAL CREW WHO PROVIDE 5-STAR CATERING WHILE ON A SAND DUNE

a lot about your car and can tremendously improve your driving skills apart from learning more about the desert, Oman’s culture and heritage. Two things you will learn out of these trips will be to respect your car and respect the desert. An important part for us all is to remember to take photos and leave only footprints and tyre tracks...

Guide Oman urges guests to assist them to keep the desert cleaner than when they arrived. There are rules that need to be followed and you will need to pay full attention to the instructors and group leaders while on the trip.

“Being unprepared is always the biggest risk! One should never go solo into the desert, and should never go without the necessary support and equipment required,” she said.

But this doesn’t mean that the trip is any less adventurous or is way too safe for the liking of an adrenaline junkie.

The experienced crew will take you deep into uncharted terrain, but the key is that everybody goes together, safety in numbers.

People who have gone on such trips have loved it for a number of reasons ranging from the professional crew, the spots selected, the incredible star-gazing experience at night, or just because they get to drive in the desert stress-free without worrying about safety or getting lost or getting stuck in the sand... and some simply love to enjoy the company of the team and the delicious Guide Oman meals. —shruthi@timesofoman.com

BEFORE GOING ON A TRIP HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• 4x4 vehicle (unlike a lot of companies that host car-specific desert expeditions, here you can in your own 4x4. Check with the team to find out the suitability of your own 4x4)).

• Recovery Equipment – Tyre deflator, rope, spade, jack, and compressor (if you have).

• Your camping equipment: It is supremely cold now so get everything you can to keep you warm and comfy at night.

• Toiletries, washing water, and bug repellent (Sometimes they attack the smelly people).

TRIP DATES Jan 11 -13 Sharqiyah Desert Jalan Bani Bu Ali entry Jan 25-27 Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) Feb 8-10 Sharqiyah Desert Jalan Bani Bu Ali entry Feb 22-24 Rub Al Khali March 8-10 Sharqiyah Desert Al Kamil entry March 22 - 24 Sharqiyah Desert Jalan Bani Bu Ali entry April 12-14 Sharqiyah Desert Khuwaymah entry SAFETY TIPS • Drive with lights on at all times.

• Always offer to help someone in need.

• Although we have recovery gear with us, it will be nice to bring yours if you have it.

• Seat belts, at all times. Yes, this includes passengers in the front and the back.

• Avoid walking around plant life barefoot, some creepy crawlies have a nasty bite.

• Avoid plant life when setting up your tent.

• If you are not healthy, have back injuries or heart issues, do not participate — a doctor/ first aider is not always enough.

• Sun screen, sunglasses and a cap.

• Cameras. Too many DP’s and instagram pictures await you.

CONTACT GUIDE OMAN +968 9803 8820

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HOLLOW IN THE LAND With their father in prison for murder, siblings Alison (Dianna Agron) and Brandon (Jared Abrahamson) are instantly considered suspects when a string of killings plagues their town, and they must ďŹ ght to clear their names.

Cast: Dianna Agron, Rachelle Lefevre, Shawn Ashmore, and Jared Abrahamson Running At: Vox Oman, City Cinemas, Al Bahja Cinema

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OTHER RELEASES THIS WEEK

GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Margot Robbie, and Kelly Macdonald A behind-the-scenes look at the life of author A.A. Milne and the creation of the Winnie the Pooh stories inspired by his son C.R. Milne.

FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL Cast: Jamie Bell, Annette Bening, and Vanessa Redgrave Hollywood actress Gloria Grahame finds romance and happiness with a younger man, but her life changes forever when she is diagnosed with breast cancer in the 1970s.

THE COMMUTER Cast: Liam Neeson, Vera Farmiga, and Patrick Wilson

DARKEST HOUR Cast: Gary Oldman, Lily James, and Kristin Scott Thomas

A businessman is caught up in a criminal conspiracy during his daily commute home.

During the early days of World War II, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler, or fight on against incredible odds.

MUKKABAAZ Cast: Jimmy Shergill, Ravi Kishan, Rajesh Tailang, Shreedhar Dubey, and Zoya Hussain

1921 Cast: Zarine Khan, Karan Kundra, and Manjit Singh

As the young aspiring boxer Shravan Singh from Bareilly meets the eyes of the beautiful niece of his boss, Sunaina, there is a moment on screen like good old love stories had. When the world shuts down for them and you know their long fight in a difficult society is about to begin, his with his boxing and hers with her voice that is without words.

A couple try to protect their dark past and secrets in order to save themselves from future.

COMING SOON DOWNSIZING Cast: Matt Damon, Christoph Waltz, and Hong Chau

THE POST Cast: Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, and Sarah Paulson

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Indian School Wadi Kabir conducted the Annual Sports Day.

Indian School Wadi Kabir held its 28th Founders’ Day as well as celebrated the Silver Jubilee of its affiliation to the CBSE, Delhi.

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

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Indian Social Club (ISC) Kerala Wing organised Christmas and New Year celebrations at ISC hall in Darsait. – Photos by Purushothaman K.

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

Uttaranchal Wing of the Indian Social Club (ISC) Oman hosted a musical event, featuring a renowned troupe of folk singers from Uttarakhand, India, at the Indian Embassy Auditorium.

Oman Fighting Championship 3 was held last month at Shangri-la Barr Al Jissah.

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SUDOKU

Level | Easy

Level | Difficult

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

THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS Easyy

Medium

Difficult

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