Hi weekly july 13 2017 pdf by Muscat Media Group

OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 46,760 COPIES

VOL 10 ISSUE 78 / JULY 13, 2017

The World at your Feet PG16

THIS WEEK IN OMAN

UNDER THE SEA

FOOD & FLAVOUR

BODY OF WORK

Looking to cool off this summer? The Daymaniyat Islands off the coast of Oman might just be your perfect getaway. PAGE 10

We check out the sumptuous spread awaiting visitors at the Millennium Resort in Mussanah: A truly memorable experience. PAGE 12

Anas Al Balushi puts a funky spin on our everyday lives to bring joy and amusement to all of us. PAGE 14

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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 Chief Executive Editor Scott Armstrong scottarmstrong@timesofoman.com 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@timesofoman.com Gautam Bhargav Viswanathan 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 Chief Sales Officer Richard Pakenham

richard@timesofoman.com

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

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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

Your calendar of the hottest events happening in Muscat thiss weekend

THURSDAY 7.00pm Dance to Arabic Music Head to Sheraton in Ruwi and dance the weekend away with Flashâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Musical Concert alongside Kuwaiti sensations Bader Al Shuaibi and Abdulaziz Louis in a night full of exciting times. Ticket packages include OMR15 with a drink; OMR20 with unlimited drinks; and OMR25 with unlimited drinks, snacks, and a photo. Sheraton Oman Hotel +968 2237 7777

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FRIDAY 9.00am Trekking in the Green While the Green Mountains have a lot to offer to adventure lovers, the natural gardens of Jabal Akhdar too are absolute treat. Join the two-day trek through the mountains, abandoned villages, and admire alpine ďŹ&#x201A;ora and blossoming pomegranate trees. Twenty3 Extreme +968 9068 9823

2.00pm Pump Up The Beat Learn the basics of freestyle and popping in this dance workshop programme with Onur Ogurol while discovering the health beneďŹ ts of a fun workout like this. Vantage International Mumtaz Residence +968 9343 5226

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SATURDAY 9.00am Dive Day Enjoy a day of fun discovery diving, just for women this weekend. All you need is to be above 14 years of age and know swimming to experience the free Padi Women Dive. Muscat Hills Dive Centre +968 2485 3040

4.30pm Fit and Fine If you are looking for some great advice and motivation to start your journey towards a healthy lifestyle then attend this seminar by Eurodiet. Al Qurum Gardens Complex +968 9749 7777

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THERE’S PLENTY OF NEWS THAT MADE WAVES ON SOCIAL MEDIA THIS WEEK. HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE WERE TUNING IN TO, FINDS SHRUTHI NAIR AND SALIM AL AFIFI

GO TO TIMESOFOMAN.COM/HIWEEKLY FOR VIDEOS AND MORE

TR EN DI NG

THIS WEEK

TOP TRENDING VIDEOS: Watch John Cena go undercover to respond to comments from Twitter, Quora, Reddit, and Wikipedia in this week’s trending video, among a few others on timesofoman.com/hiweekend.

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HI WEEKLY IN CASE

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YO U M I S S E D I T

HEALTHY NOT HEALTHY: A health blogger from China accidentally poisons herself while on a live stream. Read about it on timesofoman.com/hiweekend

FALSE ACCUSATIONS Venus Williams was wrongfully accused by the police of being at fault in a fatal car crash. Guess who cleared her name? timesofoman.com/hiweekend

TRENDING MUSIC JAY-Z DEBUTS 4:44 The rap legend and music mogul dropped his latest album ‘4:44’ last week. The record tore up the Twitterverse with music videos on the horizon. timesofoman.com/hiweekend

NEW MEME Meet The Sheriff, an awesome new ﬂexible meme that can be used to say whatever it is that you want to say. Find out about it on timesofoman.com/hiweekend

#popularhashtag TRENDING MOVIE SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING SCORES BIG There’s no denying that Marvel did a great job, introducing a young Spider-Man to the world. Fans and critics are digging the film, and a sequel is already in development. timesofoman.com/hiweekend

TRENDING FASHION LOUIS VUITTON’S SMART WATCH The luxury brand has launched its wearable tech with smartwatches titled ‘Tambour Horizon’ and runs on Google’s Android operating system. How cool. timesofoman.com/hiweekend

#SorryNotSorry #NotInMyName #WorldFringeDay

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TO D

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LIST

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STORY SHRUTHI NAIR

It is a whole new world out there. Filled with excitement, mystery, and a pleasant sense of unexplainable tranquillity, the deep blue seas of Oman have a lot to offer to those looking for something, anything in them.

was on the beautiful Daymaniyat Islands last month, on a bright, sunny Friday morning. Having reached there in less than two hours by boat from Al Mouj Marina, I was surprised by how much time we had to spend at the island and was also a little wary about what my two buddies and I would do there for so long. We had our shares of oohs and ahhs on our way to the island, amused by the clean and clear ocean. In some spots we could see the crystal clear water and the fish swimming below and, in other areas, it was an eerie darkness that gave me goosebumps. Since neither of us knew swimming, we preferred to remain closer to the shore, though we all had the burning desire to venture into the gorgeous ocean and see what lay within. That is when, as though he read our minds, the friendly guides who were with us on the boat threw a few snorkels towards us before jumping in, all suited for their sea adventures. When I told them that we couldn’t swim, he said we didn’t really need to know swimming to go snorkelling. Overjoyed, we pulled the goggles over our heads, fit the mouthpieces properly as instructed by the men and then attempted to look underwater. Mind blown and breathtaken (figuratively), I kept going deeper and deeper and found that the high concentration of salt in the ocean managed to keep me afloat. But as I began to go deeper, I felt like I needed some help just to feel confident, Ayoub, an expert scuba diver, came to help me and with him by my side, I went completely underwater. There were a range of feelings that kept overwhelming my senses in regular intervals, from the excitement and adrenaline rush whilst swimming with the fish in the clear blue-green water, to the utter amazement at the gorgeous aquatic life I got to see down there, and finally, the state of peace I’ve been longing for since forever. The underwater world is a magical new dimension. The fauna are different – the bright coloured, bold patterned fishes, the flora is different – huge coral reefs, planktons, and aquatic plants floating serenely, but most importantly, it is what you feel when you are in there that is different. It is calm and quiet, not in an eerie way but in a more tranquil manner. It feels like meditation in a better world. While you spend hours admiring the beauty of the unseen world around, you might even catch yourself lost in thought. But don’t be too lost like I was. I started getting a little tired, after what seemed like a few hours under water for me. Ayoub took me to a nearby rock and I put my head out of water, taking a while to come back to reality. I saw my friends perched on the same rock and their eyes and the look on their faces told me that they were feeling exactly the way I was. We stayed there quietly without speaking not wanting to break the pleasant silence but agreeing telepathically that this was one of the best activities that we tried in a long while. —shruthi@timesofoman.com

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DINING

Indulge in a Burst of Flavours STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY SALIM AL AFIFI

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Mydan Restaurant Millennium Resort Mussanah, Mussanah +968 2687 1553

here are times when you just need to get away from mundane rituals and give yourself a break in a refreshing atmosphere in a place away from home, outside of Muscat, and this weekend my friend and I decided to hit the road to Millennium Resort Mussanah for a quick staycation by the beach. The place is nothing short of wonderful, with ziplining and a tonne of other beach activities, but as usual my heart belongs to food, so the moment I stepped into the resort I was eyeing their open-live kitchen, themed-restaurant of Mydan, which offered fantastic views of their private marina. I ended up having treats that became one of my absolute favourite experiences, crafted to perfection by Chef Dakshnamoorthy and served not only to be savoured, but to also offer a pleasing moment for the eyes. We kicked off our three-course dinner with feta beet rocca salad, a simple cheesy salad served with walnuts, orange, and pomegranate molasses, and a sprinkle of olive oil. The salad tasted heavenly, with a mix of sweet and sour that gave my tastebuds something to remember. A true burst of ﬂavours. After tickling our stomachs with greens and cheeses, we dived into the star of the show, the main. We had Middle Eastern-inspired grilled chicken with harissa and cumin-spiced red lentils, a juicy chicken breast dish served with tzatziki sauce and a bunch of vegetables. The chicken was perfectly juicy and ﬂavourful, too. For dessert, we went with a traditional-infused treat, the Omani-spiced dates pudding with saffron cheese quenelles, a delicate date sweet served with dates mamool, pistachio croquant, and a bit of fruits. The dessert was absolutely delicious, and the best part is its mild sweetness, which was perfect for me. Overall, our lunch was one to remember, and I cannot wait to come back here and taste more of the chef’s exciting creations. They truly look amazing, and taste amazing, too. — salim@timesofoman.com

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Body of Work Anas Al Balushi A growing community of local photographers in Oman are capturing moments and sharing their unique perspective on the people, places, and cultures of their homeland through visual stories. Hi Weekly is proud to present photographic selections from local talent that showcase everything that the Sultanate is about, from fashion to food to wildlife. Submissions are welcome.

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Featured Photographer Anas Al Balushi Where are you from? Muscat, Oman Where do you get your inspiration from? I get inspiration from stories and photographs that carry important messages of awareness, as well as humorous situation that we go through as humans. What type of photography do you enjoy the most? Commercial and Creative photography How can people get in touch with you to learn more about your work? Contact: +968 9727 6961 Instagram: @anas4design

SUBMIT YOUR VISUAL STORIES If you would like your photographic work to be considered for Body of Work, please send a selection of your ten best images (high-resolution), along with answers to the above questions to: salim@timesofoman.com

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STORY ANTARA BOSE • PHOTOS SUPPLIED

ittle did the rocky, raw and uncharted valleys of the Al Hajar Mountains imagine that maybe some few decades later, its inherently loving arms would be welcoming travellers from far and wide with utmost magnificence. Jabal Akhdar saw a mystifying metamorphosis. It is now a destination, as we call it; a destination that has alluring (and totally sellable) phrases like ‘luxury escape’, ‘rejuvenation’ and ’adrenaline-seeking adventure’ associated to it. Deducing from the history books, (it’s a shame we never got to say ‘scrolls’) it turns out Jabal Akhdar skipped receiving celebrities to begin with and went straight to hosting royalty. Back in 1986, Prince Charles and Lady Diana were said to have camped at a spectacular spot overlooking a view that had a distinct resemblance to the Grand Canyon. And the rest as we say is history. But this very spot, years later, formed one of the most iconic vantage points in Jabal Akhdar. ‘Diana’s Point’, is now part of one of the most exotic resorts in the world – the Anantara Resort Jabal Akhdar. Holding the record for being the highest five star resort in the Middle East and ranking at an equally commendable position worldwide, the intimate luxury, breathtaking views and an array of activities to choose from in and around its premises, has allowed Anantara to carve its own exclusive niche on a cliff that overlooks some of the most picturesque settings. On that note, I understand the logic of the strategically placed drawing canvas adjacent to the French window in my Anantara Cliff View villa. A private infinity pool, the warm orange glow of the setting sun and the distant shadows that danced off the terraced mountainous slopes - the view could stir the creative juices in the minds of even the most uninspired artist (and in

my case amateur). I was pretty certain that if I was as much as an artist as a writer, I would have sketched an award-winning replica of my view right there. And suddenly, all those fancy descriptions started falling into place. In the heart of this spectacular property (though I could have easily gotten my centre wrong, thanks to the resort spreading its reach pretty generously), resides the haven of rejuvenation – the Anantara Spa. Though I had almost missed the most blossoming part of the rose season, there was probably enough extracts to endow me with another one of their famed Rose Rescue Ritual spa therapy. This 90 minute session involved a full body and head massage along with a facial. What else could a girl ask for. Drawing inspiration from the age old practices of Jabal Akhdar, the reception artistically showed off a design that sophisticatedly replicated the natural irrigation system found in the mountains. The place had a very calming, almost dreamy vibe to it and I instantly took a liking to the smiling staff who greeted me in that familiar soft, almost ‘hush’ voice. The Anantara spa has an exclusive Hammam suite, Jacuzzis, steam and sauna rooms. The steam rooms are however, not just your ordinary steam rooms. Infused with pink Himalayan salt, it is believed that inhaling this would help to detoxify the lungs and even boost immunity – something that was worth a try. The relaxation rooms and garden areas on both sides promised to offer nothing but serenity. The ladies had a bonus of a private pool at their disposal too. The most interesting thing was probably the Experience Shower that is quite unique and found in only a few resorts worldwide. The components of water, light and sound come into play to show you how a simple shower could become an experience to remember.

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Now fairly comfortable with the staff double-checking my name with a raised brow, I joked with them on how I was therefore the ‘chosen one’. The well-humoured supervisor who had initially shown me around the spa, now brought out his hospitable side and served me an elixir which I was advised to add rosebuds to (making sure I didn’t toss in the stem). It was like one of those exotic salubrious drinks that seems strange at ﬁrst and then eventually grows on you. I sipped-away as my therapy room was readied. I had been told that my masseuse had magic in her hands and I openly accepted the challenge of not falling asleep as she got on to doing what she does best. In just a couple of minutes, a beaming masseuse from Mizoram came and ushered me to the changing room. Excited to begin, I’m certain I wouldn’t have taken more than a minute and a half to change as I followed my therapist past the rather well-equipped relaxation room (which I could make use of later) to my very own chamber. The journey to utmost bliss had begun. As I settled on a comfortable couch, my masseuse brought in a bowl (not to drink from this time) and handed me a music menu. It is said that music can really inﬂuence your emotions. A session which promised to address every aspect of your well-being, I marvelled at their thoughtfulness. I let my feet soak in the bowl, the constituents of which I was told were purely milk and honey. I must admit, the thought of Cleopatra did cross my mind. After gently dabbing my feet clean, she let a few quick squirts of a peppermint spray tingle my sole (no pun intended) and it seemed to bring upon an immediate freshness. As the lights were dimmed according to my liking, I lay down on the massage bed, ready for the challenge. I was thus introduced to the therapeutic properties of the Damascus rose. This variety is the preferred one as they are said to be the most fragrant and are also believed to be the original red roses with the strongest aroma and the highest oil content. The Jabal Akhdar Mountains are blessed with acres and acres of

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Damascus roses when the season sets. And that is where my oil came from. I instantly knew what they meant by ‘most fragrant’ as the distinctly sweet smell of roses wafted through the entire room – an aromatherapy in itself. Well-versed with her area of expertise and unfailingly intuitive, my masseuse started with just the right pressure on the sole of my foot and with gentle kneading motions of her thumbs, ﬁngers, palms and forearms, she moved up, tending to one sore muscle after another. Inhaling rose scents is said to reduce anxiety and stimulate a feel-good hormone that works to de-stress the mind. While the fragrance from the rose oil had already started inducing an indescribable calm, the massage was helping to release all the tension from my muscles and I could feel every inch of my skin absorb the healing properties of this essential oil. Wrapping my body in a towel to let the oil soak-in, the time had come for my facial. We started with a round of thorough cleansing with a cleanser made with rose petals and geranium. Geranium blends symbiotically well with rose and the two ingredients together work as an excellent astringent to prep the skin and prevent wrinkles. Rich in anti-oxidants, this concoction is therefore popular for its anti-ageing properties. It also helps to fade skin imperfections like scars, dark spots, and even stubborn pox marks by stimulating blood circulation. Followed by this was an apricot toner to soothe any irritation. The toner was generously used in between each change of product to maintain the pH level of the skin. A gentle but thorough rose exfoliation followed and I was told that it was done to eliminate

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dead skin cells and reveal a more refined, soft and clear skin (a skin I would be obsessing over later in the evening). As the papaya face mask was slathered on and allowed to set, I waited for my favourite part – the head massage. A popular Indian way of treating headaches while nourishing the scalp, the head massage with just a wee bit of coconut oil (the sweet smelling one) was working very well to ensure I lose the bet miserably. The session finished with another round of toning and some jasmine infused moisturisers. Jasmine, another ingredient that is commonly used with rose was the final touch for a beautifully glowing skin. As the bell clinked marking the end of the blissful journey, I waited for a few seconds to absorb the calmness that I was surrounded with – both mentally and physically. We’ve often been advised to abstain from vain remarks about thy own self, but considering this an extol of a spa that truly demands it, I have to say that I couldn’t help but constantly admire what a supple, radiant rosiness my cheeks had acquired in just one session. Back in my room, while I debated whether it was the scrubs, masks and oils that was making my skin look visibly fairer (sigh, our endless obsession with skin lightening) or there was some other miraculous, secret ingredients at work that had countered the tan from a former day of hiking, the truly well-laid out tub with some interesting options on the bath caddy beckoned me for a quick soak. I once again admired the attention to detail while I picked my Patchouli fragrant bath soap from the soap menu and drew myself a nice warm bubble bath with bath salts and rose petals (a tribute to the season) to add to the fanciness – a self-made aromatic bath ritual, if I may call it. The shower mimicked the fall of natural rain and it felt like the space was designed to feel as close to nature as possible. Though private, the glass door and window that opened into a small courtyard allowed a strange sense of openness. While reminiscing the ritual, the sweet smell of rose still lingering around, I slid open the window in my bedroom to let in the crisp, cool mountain breeze. It brought along with it the distant sounds of rustling leaves, the soothing stillness from the mountains where night had fallen and that distinct feeling of utmost liberation from within. And that’s exactly what an Anantara experience offers – limitlessness. A name derived from ancient Sanskrit which signifies ‘without end’, Anantara emphasizes on ‘freedom, movement and harmony’. Having lived this entire experience in person, I would only say that they had done due justice to their name. — hiweekend@timesofoman.com

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Indian School Muscat Middle School Investiture Ceremony was held at the multi purpose hall.

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

British Business Forum hosted by Laval Restaurant and Lounge.

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With an intention to create a positive impact on the community and spread safe driving awareness, Subway Oman distributed free Iftar packs during the Holy Month of Ramadan at eight key traffic signals and intersections across Oman.

Eshraqa, KR Social Development Arm, conducted its annual blood donation drive for the Holy Month of Ramadan, under the supervision of the Central Blood Bank of Oman, Ministry of Health at the Al Falaj Hotel in Ruwi.

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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

1 7

2 6

4 6

8 7

Level | Moderate

4 6

4 9

7 1

4 7

5 7

3 9

Level | Difficult

9 5 4

1 3

3 6

PLAY AND WIN

7 9 4

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.

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