Hi weekly jan 18 2018 page

OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 46,760 COPIES

VOL 11 ISSUE 5 / JANUARY 18, 2018

WATER THRILLS PG 14

THIS WEEK IN OMAN

FOR A PERFECT BURGER MOMENT

BEAUTY TRICKS WITH COCONUT OIL

GET READY TO EXPLORE CUBA

If you want a quick-yet-gourmet style burgers that are served with all your favourite toppings then try out some burgers at Grill Shacks. PAGE 8

There’s nothing more dependable than using products that has been passed down through generations.

Coconut oil is one such thing.

PAGE 10

If you want to see white sand beaches, American classic cars, historical sites along with some lively culture you need to visit Cuba this year. PAGE 12

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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

swati@timesofoman.com

Features Editor Swati Dasgupta 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

christopher@timesofoman.com

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

richard@timesofoman.com

Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Design by Gregory Fernandez 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

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 5 JANUARY 18, 2018

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FRIDAY

SATURDAY

6.00am Al Mouj Muscat Marathon

4.00pm Muscat Festival 2018

8.00pm Rooftop Laughter

Attend the ďŹ rst day of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon featuring the Kids Run with 3 courses for greater engagement with the next generation of runners.

Attend the much awaited Muscat Festival at both venues and enjoy the attractions, rides, food, and shopping experience.

Al Mouj muscatmarathon.om

Naseem Garden Amerat Park

Humor Infection in collaboration with Park Inn Muscat presents Rooftop Comedy Stop featuring stand up comedians Abbas, Abheek, Shaher, Mohammed (from UAE) with DJ Teddy.

Sama Terrazza, Park Inn +968 2450 7888

Your calendar of the hottest events happening in Muscat this weekend

PHOTOGRAPHY: TALIB AL WAHAIBI

THE WEEKEND LINEUP

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HI WEEKLY 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

AZIZ ANSARI: Star of Netflix’s ‘Master Of None’, has been accused of misconduct in a graphic and disturbing article. timesofoman.com/hiweekend

TRENDING THIS WEEK DANGEROUS MEME: The Tide Pod Challenge has been circulating on social media for a couple of years now.

Doctors warn the social media meme can have dangerous consequences for teens and vloggers.timesofoman.com/hiweekend

APOLOGY FOR LYING: Japanese astronaut apologises for saying he grew nine centimetres in space. timesofoman.com/hiweekend

TOP TRENDING VIDEOS: Pilipinas Got Talent is on its 6th season, and world-class pinky talents like this magician is trending across the globe. timesofoman.com/hiweekend

TRENDING MUSIC

END GAME Taylor Swift’s End Game featuring Ed Sheeran is one of the top trending videos on YouTube this week.

TRENDING MOVIE

FANTANSTIC BEASTS 2 Danielle Radcliffe is not thrilled with Johnny Depp’s casting in Fantastic Beasts 2.

#popularhashtag

TRENDING FASHION

LFW MEN With the end of 11th season of London Fashion Week, menswear obsessives are taking stock of what to wear come autumn 2018.

#WinnieThePoohDay #JonasBrothers #AustinRivers

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DINING

GET READY

FOR For those who want to have a quick-yet-gourmet style burgers that are served with all your favourite toppings like meat, cheeses, and mayos, Grill Shack is the right place to be.

I

t’s been a while since I had my casual stop at a burger joint. This weekend I’ll take you to my new favourite spot that was recently opened in Azaiba (at the petrol station, nearby McDonald’s on your way to the airport), where they serve cheesy, juicy burgers, humongous hotdog treats, and barbecued ribs.

One day, I left the office in a severe state of hunger. I needed a proper sandwich that was filling yet easy on the stomach; since it was my first meal of the day (yes, breakfast and lunch were skipped on that day) I had to be selective on what’s going to be served fast with no compromises with the quality. Well, a friend of mine suggested to hit the road and try Grill Shack burgers. So I did. I was stunned by

how delightful their burgers were. The moment I walked in the restaurant I knew I would be stuffing my face with all kinds of treats, and I successfully did that and packed more for later.

Grill Shack is simply a one-stop-shop for those who want to have a quick-yet-gourmet style burgers that are served with all your favourite toppings like meat, cheeses, and mayos. And, they also serve mini burgers (also known as sliders); hotdog sandwiches; spaghetti and meatballs; perfectly seasoned and grilled chicken and wings; chilli con carne fries inspired by the French poutine dish; smoky ribs; and of course a selection of beef and chicken burgers.

I entered the place and walked towards the self-service counter to place my order.

I wasn’t joking about being hungry, so I ordered two burgers, a hotdog sandwich, some ribs, a side dish, and a coke.

The first burger was Shack Royale Deluxe; a seasoned and chargrilled patty, topped with melting cheese, iceberg lettuce, tomato, onions, and Grill Shack’s special in-house sauce, sandwiched in potato buns. The taste was impeccable and juicy, and the sauce added a delicious burst of flavours to the burger.

The second burger came in. Spicy Shack, a chargrilled patty, topped with cheese, tomato, onion, and beef bacon, drizzled with the in-house special sauce, served on a potato bun as well. This was definitely a favourite of mine; I was sold the moment I tasted the paradisiac combination of cheese and bacon.

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STORY AND PHOTOS SALEM AFIFI

BURGER BONANZA By the end of this session, my stomach was still asking for more, so I dived into Shack Ribs, tender, smoky beef short ribs, oven-cooked for four hours, and brushed with an in-house special rib sauce for that final touch. This was quite a delight, I devoured the ribs like nobody’s business.

They were perfection.

My stomach couldn’t handle another bite after the ribs, I was officially on the verge of bursting. So, I took one last bite off my fourth meal. The Jumbo Chilli Dawg, and 8-inch hotdog, topped with chilli con carne, white onions, and served on a 6-inch bun. I am a huge fan of the chilli mix, so I had a feeling that this will be an awesome treat, and it was superb. I couldn’t breathe anymore, so I packed the sandwich for later.

As I was indulging on these delicious treats, I placed my side dish of Cheddar Cheese Jalapeños on the right side of my table and kept on popping one chilli after another. These treats are to die for; they are beautifully crunchy on the outside, and super flavourful and cheesy on the inside. Don’t take small bites with this one, munch the whole Jalapeño piece and enjoy a warm, cheesy explosion in your mouth.

Grill Shack is going to be one of my stops from now on, their burgers are perfectly sized and are not that filling, which makes them a great option for those of us who just want to grab something quickly and eat it on-the-go. I totally recommend this place, especially for their Spicy Shack, Jalapeño Cheese, and Shack Ribs.

–salim@timesofoman.com

GRILL SHACK Azaiba, Bousher +968 2237 6684 +968 2413 0960 What to Order Shack Royale OMR 1.95 Spicy Shack OMR 2.2 Jumbo Chilli Dawg OMR 1.7 Shack Ribs OMR 4.250 Cheddar Cheese Jalapeños OMR 0.800

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BEAUTY

TS EFI BEN

Y T U A E B

OF

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COCONUT

OIL W

hen it comes to cosmetics, we think good brands mean quicker results. We don’t think twice before splurging on products that make convincing promises, even if we have absolutely no idea what goes into it (as long as the ingredients sound fancy). Let’s shut out the advertisements, think smart, and go natural. So what’s our star product this week? We’re going old school with some coconut oil. Here are 10 ways you can include it in your beauty routine.

Scalp conditioning – Forget fancy conditioners and scalp treatment oils; treat dry scalp and dandruff with some warm coconut oil. Massage it in and let it soak for at least an hour before washing your hair. If you are looking for a more intensive therapy, you could also wrap your hair in a towel and leave it overnight.

Makeup remover – Face caked with layers of makeup?

All you need is some coconut oil and cotton. Put a generous amount of coconut oil on your cotton and simply wipe clean. The best thing about using coconut oil as opposed to other makeup removers is that it actually hydrates the skin and leaves it soft and supple. Just wash off with water - no aggressive scrubbing required.

Lip balm – Nothing works on dried lips like coconut oil.

And no, you don’t need to worry about spills as it can retain the perfect semi-solid state in normal temperatures.

Store it in a pocket-friendly jar or even your contact lens container so you can carry it around wherever you go. A perfect trick to make the most of lip colour and coconut oil is to scoop out the remaining bits of your lipstick and mix it with coconut oil; you’ll have your very own tinted lip gloss.

Cuticles – Cuticle oils are great; but do you know what else works equally well? Coconut oil, of course. It’s a perfectly inexpensive alternative. Apply it every night and you’ll see a visible difference in no time.

Face and body moisturiser – Applying organic coconut oil regularly can do wonders if you have dry skin. However, if your face is prone to pimples and tends to get oily easily, you might want to skip this method for your face.

For those who have combination skin, the best way to go about with coconut oil is to only apply it to the areas that are dry. It’s great for the rest of the body though, especially those dry patches on your elbows or knees.

Makeup brush cleaner – The logic is simple, if it works well to take off makeup from your face, it should work equally well to take off makeup from the brushes and sponges. Simply mix it with a good antibacterial soap and your brushes will be as good as new (and soft too).

Stretch marks – For those of you who’ve lost weight (a little too fast but hey, you’ve shed those pounds so who cares) and are now stuck with those annoying stretch marks, regular application of coconut oil can help fade away those scars.

Oral hygiene – It’s a little strange, but yes, coconut oil can also help maintain good oral hygiene. Oil pulling can decrease plaque buildup and get rid of bad breath. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for those sparkly whites (and want to try an unconventional route) try mixing coconut oil with some baking soda and cinnamon essential oil, and use the paste to brush your teeth. We don’t want to stay how it tastes though.

—HiWeekend@timesofoman.com

Highlighter – Want to achieve the perfect dewy look?

Work it with some coconut oil. Take a small amount on your fingertips and sweep it over your cheekbones after you are done with your usual makeup. It’ll look natural, it isn’t harmful to your skin, and it’ll give a beautiful sheen to your cheekbones.

Foundation base – Coconut oil works wonderfully as a primer too. That’s pretty much why a lot of makeup brands even have this secret ingredient in their product.

Just that you can skip the other harmful ingredients and go absolutely organic with coconut oil. Take a little on your palms and apply all over your face. Just ensure it’s not a very heavy layer.

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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TR AV EL

Beyond Castro and Che STORY INDRANIL CHOWDHURI

I

t is not every day that one plans for a vacation in Cuba. Steeped in mystery and shrouded in history, the country remains an enigma and sends mixed signals for holidaymakers. Geo-political issues apart, if one ventures outside routine tourist spots, Cuba qualifies as a destination, amazingly different.

Reaching Cuba is simple if one is not flying in from mainland US. Havana, their main hub for international flights, is well connected with major European cities and very well connected within the Caribbean. Once immigration is cleared, and sniffer dogs done with, one is transported to a world you thought no longer existed.

The first thing that strikes you are the cars.

Metal relics of the 50s nudge past, as if they came just out of batch production from Detroit. Sparklingly clean, colourful, regal retrofitted cars imported from the US before the embargo. Locally known as coches Americanos or máquinas, they are a hit, with the tourists for going around.

Travelling in them is an experience, as the driver more often than not, fills you with local stories and eulogises how developed Cuba is in the fields of medicine, boxing, and possibly of everything in the world.

Havana, as a city, is historic and myriad in its spectrum. The economically backward quarters are colourful as well. The historic buildings even though dilapidated are resplendent in their grandeur. Spanish colonial buildings stand strong, evoking reminiscence of an era bygone. Old Havana is a vibrant mix of the old and the new. A specimen of splendid baroque architecture, Cathedral de San Cristóbal, and the neighbourhood of Habana Vieja, is an eclectic mingle of variant architectural styles. The nightlife is abundant and ranges from the esoteric to the erotic.

Local bars belt out Spanish numbers on their ageing Westinghouse radios. A popular tourist spot, Plaza Vieja hosts the La Bodeguita Del Medio, the favourite watering hole of Ernest Hemmingway for drowning his Mojitos.

Not far rests the El Floridita, credited for inventing the Daiquiri, where one can order a Papa Hemmingway Daiquiri and raise a toast to his statue.

Take out a couple of days or slightly more for Havana. Waltz through its lively squares, and enrich yourself by trying to blend in with the literati. Visit the amazing museums for a slice of history, speak to the populace about

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Havana as a city is historic and myriad in its spectrum. The economically backward quarters are colourful as well. The historic buildings even though dilapidated, are resplendent in their grandeur. Spanish colonial buildings stand strong, evoking reminiscence of an era bygone.

the revolutionaries, chat up the senior citizens for the history of the Spanish conquistadors, and soak up the city strolling along the Malecon, the picturesque seafacing promenade.

From visiting their beverage distillery, through taking tours of the premium cigar factories, trying out the sensuality of the salsa to visiting the art décor neighbourhoods for a slice of Afro-Cuban culture, there is no dearth of activities. Moreover, one is never alone. Giant murals, billboards, mosaics, and other artistic portrayals of Fidel and Che give company, to all across the Havana.

However, it is not the city alone that draws the visitors. The beaches in Cuba are a big draw for all visitors. Strewn all over the island, they provide for a lot of inward tourism and their revenue in general. The beaches of Varadero and Cayo Coco are well known, and tourists come in for an ideal retreat with an agenda of doing nothing.

Cuban beaches may not come with the bells and whistles that the ones in Caribbean usually come with, nor are they hyper marketed like Cancun in the Yucatan, but they have their own undeniable charm and the coral reefs are fascinating.

Choose your beach. Lose yourself in it.

The world can wait.

But what is Cuba without a discourse on Fidel and Che? If you are in Cuba, can Che be far behind? The memorial of Che stands at Santa Clara, a small town about a 3-hour drive from Havana. With an early start, an excellent day trip can be designed, with an early return.

A colossal 22-foot bronze statue of Che with his gun stands guard. On the pedestal is etched his motto. Hasta La Victoria Siempre. (Until the Eternal Victory).

The memorial was built to entomb the exhumed remains of Che and his comrades who were killed in Bolivia. An eter-

nal flame was lighted by Fidel Castro in his memory. The memorial also houses a small museum, where many artefacts connected with Che are on display.

Cameras are allowed inside, and one needs to just walk around the exhibits, and visualise his life and wonder at the marvel of an individual, who singlehandedly influenced the world at large.

Through a small souvenir shop, one exits the museum, and herein the irony shouts out loud and clear. Not much of his books are sold. Not much of his doctrines, which are printed in easy to read booklets gets picked up. But what gets sold are accessories with his picture printed. Not only in this small shop, but all over Cuba.

T-shirts, lighters, coffee cups, mobile cases, you name it, they can fish it out.

Irrespective of his ideology, the aura of Che has migrated to a bestseller souvenir material, and so shall he stay there, possibly till the end of time. A holiday in Cuba, even if it is a weeklong, is unmistakably unique and absolutely fulfilling.

It is a fact that Cuba is not geographically close to Oman. Even though on the same latitude, but about eight longitudes apart.

Travel does take some time.

The easiest way connection from Muscat is with Turkish Airlines. It is an overnight, 6 hours to flight to Istanbul, and passengers are hosted for an entire day with free food and accommodation, with an Istanbul day tour thrown in as well.

Next day pre dawn Turkish Airlines flies them direct to Havana, which is a 13-hour flight. Swiss Air does a Muscat Havana trip as well, direct through London, with an overall flying time of 27 hours. The advantage with Turkish Airlines is even if a day is wasted, a free Istanbul tour is the saviour. However, whatever be the distance, a trip to Cuba would be worth a lifetime for the memories.

—HiWeekend@timesofoman.com

Indranil Chowdhuri is based in Oman and is an avid traveller who has completed foot printing in more than 100 countries.

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SALALAH’S FIRST AQUA PARK STORY GAUTAM VISWANATHAN

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 5 JANUARY 18, 2018

I

’d arrived in Salalah on Monday evening on what I’d assumed to be a run-ofthe-mill work trip. You know, get shown around the place, interview a few people, send in a story for the next day’s paper and then head back home.

Little did I know though, that this trip was to be like no other I’d ever been on.

I’d been invited to represent Times of Oman at the official opening of Hawana Salalah, the city’s first aqua park, and while this is normally something that only excites children (or indeed, the child in us), Hawana’s arrival seemed to excite many of Oman’s top ministerial brass.

We’d arrived to witness the opening of the Sultanate’s latest tourism offering on Wednesday evening, just as the sun’s golden rays were bouncing off the many pools inside Hawana. A decent crowd – primarily made up of park staff

and organisers – had already assembled, but my attention was drawn past them, beyond the screen of paramilitary Royal Oman Police.

Hawana Salalah is Oman’s newest aqua park, and ensures there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

All of Oman’s top government officials were assembled behind them. Engaged in earnest conversation, it was great to see Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mehrizi, the Sultanate’s Minister of Tourism, hold forth as the minutes ticked down to Hawana’s official inauguration.

Mehrizi, though, was only one of two chief guests who’d preside over the much-awaited ribbon cutting ceremony.

The other was Mohammed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Oman’s Minister for State and the Governor of Dhofar. Truth be told, I felt a bit goosepimply in that room. It wasn’t due to the air-condition-

20 OMR Special package rate for family with 2 children.

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ing (there wasn’t need for any, because the constant cool winds from the sea meant Hawana Salalah always remained cool), but because here I was, on yet another momentous step on Oman’s historical ladder of development.

Before the festivities began, though, we’d been given a chance to see the park for ourselves, and like most things Omani, there is a certain understated appeal to Hawana Salalah that grows on you over time.

Hawana have ensured there is something for everybody at their new water park: from the twisting, turning slides that ensure people have a thrill of a lifetime without quite knowing when they’re going to hit the water with an almighty splash and the slip-and-slides which make you feel weightless for just that split second before coming back to earth and repeat that a few more times before you’re deposited,

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grinning from ear to ear, in a pool that you just can’t help but lounge around in for a few more seconds than you know is appropriate.

But that’s the charm of Dhofar’s first water park. It’s so enticingly welcoming – and I mean that in a good way – that you just don’t want to leave. Their kiddie pool, a vast water feature complete with a plethora of fun water features, including one of those big buckets that splashes water on you every few minutes, occupies a good quarter of Hawana, with a cabana that’s set slightly away from the rest of the property providing both privacy and relaxation to families.

You might feel a bit jittery if you’ve come unprepared, but Hawana has taken care of that as well: their shop, conveniently located at the entrance, right next to the aqua park’s food court, which caters to a plethora of local and international tastes, serving everything

from appetisers to ice cream to pizza and everything in between.

But this is just phase one of Hawana’s planned tourist destination. Construction began on the water park in March 2017, and was completed at the end of December, at a cost of OMR5 million. Salalah’s new aquatic adventure will span 65,600sqm when completed, and is set to be one of the biggest endeavours by Muriya, a joint company formed by the fusion of Egyptian tourism development company Orascom and Omran, the Sultanate’s leisure investment arm.

Hawana is, of course, part of the Sultanate of Oman’s Tanfeedh plans for economic diversification, the nation’s ambitious intentions to gradually wean itself off of fossil fuels and expand its economy to include other sources of revenue.

Before the opening of the park, I was able to catch up with Hani Salama, Hawana’s manager.

“We originally had three prices for our guests,” said Hani Salama, Hawana’s manager. “Those who are more than 110 centimetres tall will need to pay OMR10 to enter, while those who are under that height level can enter for OMR5. Guests who want to come to Hawana but not swim also need to pay OMR 5, and children under the age of three can enter for free.

“After we had a trial opening and did some market research, we found that there were many families asking us for a special rate, so we decided to introduce a special package for OMR20 for two adults and two children,” he added, “Because we expect many families to come here, we also set up the cabana a little bit far away from the rest of the aqua park so that

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65,600 sq/m

PHOTOS GAUTAM VISWANATHAN, SUPPLIED

Salalah’s new aquatic adventure size

Where to Stay While at Hawana Salalah Hawana Salalah is part of the new Marina Town tourism zone being built near the town of Taqa, by Salalah’s beachfront. It is home to three hotels, each catering to a different clientele.

Al Fanar Hotels and Residences caters primarily to families with young children. It features family-friendly facilities, including swimming pools by the beach, complete with sun loungers, a spa, a gym, water sports, and many other activities for families to enjoy. For bookings and enquiries, call +968 2327 6800 Rotana Resort Salalah was among the first in the region to open its doors to visitors to the Sultanate, and is part of the famed brand’s ethos of hospitality and top-quality service.

Primarily known as a hotel frequented by solo travellers and couples, but is one that families will also thoroughly enjoy. For bookings and enquiries, call +968 2327 5700

That’s the charm of Dhofar’s first water park. It’s so welcoming that you just don’t want to leave. Their kiddie pool, a vast water feature complete with a plethora of fun water features, including one of those big buckets that splashes water on you every few minutes, occupies a good quarter of Hawana, with a cabana that’s set slightly away from the rest of the property providing both privacy and relaxation.

we can give them some privacy.”

Alongside agriculture, manufacturing, port services and logistics, tourism has been earmarked as one of the prime areas for expansion and diversification in Oman, and Salalah represents a previously hitherto untapped market with tremendous potential.

Potential that is already slowly being realised: Hawana is just one of four tourism development properties that have come up in the same area. Three resorts, currently fully booked, have also been set up next to the aqua park, each catering to a different clientele, and are chock full with world-class amenities, including restaurants, spas, water sports, shops, gyms and even regular trips to town.

While Al Fanar caters mostly to families, Rotana Salalah has made its name as a business hotel. If you’re looking for something that

Juweirah is best known for its boutique hotel apartments, and is meant for those searching for refined luxury and privacy. Their well-appointed rooms overlook Salalah’s stunning lagoons, unless of course you’d prefer taking in the greenery that dominates the landscape once the Khareef season sets in. To know more, call +968 2323 9600

is quite literally between the two though, the luxurious boutique apartments of Juweira are what you’re looking for.

Salalah was once the heartbeat of the global frankincense trade, with the regions of Khor Rori, Samharam, Wadi Dawka, and Al Baleed once recognised as the centre of the ancient world’s trade in this sought-after resin, which was once worth its weight in gold. All of the resorts organise regular visits to these locations, which are now Unesco heritage sites, and are seen by tourists the world over.

“This plan was part of our commitment to not just improve the tourism offerings that Oman has, not just to increase the number of international tourists, but to also provide more facilities for local tourists within Oman,” added Peter Walichnowski, CEO for Omran. “Hawana is part of that plan, because

this is an attraction that will be liked not just by foreign tourists, but also by those in the Sultanate, and the locals in the Dhofar region, and that’s why this is one that will be appreciated by everybody.”

Oman has plenty to offer to tourists from around the world, whether they are looking for their troubles to melt away as they listen to the calming sounds of the waves lapping against the seashore as palm fronds serenely sway overhead, or they chase the adrenaline that comes with scaling the Sultanate’s awesome mountains and fording its picturesque wadis.

Or, in the case of Hawana Salalah, experiencing the kind of pure, unadulterated fun that you just can’t put into words. One that has to be experienced to be felt. The feeling that truly does make Oman the Essence of Arabia.

—gautam@timesofoman.com

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DOWNSIZING A social satire in which a man realises he would have a better life if he were to shrink himself to ďŹ ve inches tall, allowing him to live in wealth and splendour.

Cast: Matt Damon, Christoph Waltz, and Hong Chau Running At: Vox Oman, City Cinemas, Al Bahja Cinema

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OTHER RELEASES THIS WEEK

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

NIRDOSH Cast: Manjari Phadnis, Arbaaz Khan, and Mukul Dev

A cover-up that spanned four US Presidents pushed the country’s first female newspaper publisher and a harddriving editor to join an unprecedented battle between journalist and government.

Arbaaz Khan plays the role of the investigating officer in a murder case in which Manjari Fadnnis emerges as the prime suspect and is arrested. However, as events unfold, many possibilities and suspects come to the fore.

THE PIRATES OF SOMALIA Cast: Al Pacino, Evan Peters, and Melanie Griffith

12 STRONG Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, William Fichtner, Elsa PatakyTaylor Sheridan, and Geoff Stults

In 2008, rookie journalist Jay Bahadur forms a half-baked plan to embed himself among the pirates of Somalia. He ultimately succeeds in providing the first close-up look into who these men are, how they live, and the forces that drive them.

12 Strong tells the story of the first Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11; under the leadership of a new captain, the team must work with an Afghan warlord to take down the Taliban.

AADU 2 Cast: Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Saiju Kurup, Harikrishnan, and Ranji Panicker Aadu 2 revolves around Shaji Pappan and his group of misfits, who take part in another tug-of-war contest to win the golden cup. But along the way they unwittingly get drawn into a deal gone wrong, which involves dangerous smugglers.

BUNYAN AND BABE Voice overs: John Goodman, Jeff Foxworthy, K. Grammer

Travis and his sister Whitney visit their grandparents for the summer and stumble upon the evil plan of a greedy land developer to steal the land of the town’s longtime residents. While running from one of the developer’s goons, Travis falls through a magical portal which transports him to the world of American hero, Paul Bunyan and his pet ox, Babe. Bunyan and Babe get wrapped up in a brand-new adventure, and with the help of their new friends Travis and Whitney, they save the town. Together they learn first-hand that you don’t have to be big to do big things.

COMING SOON DEAD AWAKE Cast: Jocelin Donahue, Jesse Bradford, and Jesse Borrego

AIYAARY Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Manoj Bajpayee, Anupam Kher, Rakul Preet Singh, and Naseeruddin Shah

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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 5 JANUARY 18, 2018

Ego Pharmaceutical launched a new range of baby products recently at InterContinental Muscat. Dr Shibu Mohammed, dermatologist - Badr Al Samaa Hospital and doctors from ministry and private hospitals attended the event. - Supplied images

Hockey matches were organised on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day of India Celebration Hockey Festival at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.

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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 5 JANUARY 18, 2018

Indian Social Club, Salalah celebrated 21st Club Day with games and other fun ямБlled events.

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Kite festival at Qurum beach. - Photos by Shabin E.

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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 5 JANUARY 18, 2018

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 Easy

Medium

Difficult

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 78 J U LY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7

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