OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 54,000 COPIES
VOL 10 ISSUE 2 / JANUARY 8, 2016
FROM MOMBASA TO MUSCAT A ZANZIBARI RESTAURANT IN GHUBRA OFFERS A RICH TASTE OF THE PAST PAGE 20
Audited by
THIS WEEK IN OMAN
MEET A RISING STAR One of the darlings of the Muscat art scene, Riham Noor Al Zadjali sees art as a means for insighting global change. PAGE 24
PICK A GYM You’re finally ready to commit, but with a growing number of fitness centre options in Muscat, how do you choose? We rounded up the best of the bunch to help you decide. PAGE 18
UPGRADE YOUR MAN BAG Feel like a boss on Sunday morning when you return to the office sporting a presidentially popular Leather & Lather bag. PAGE 10
04
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
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
hubert@timesofoman.com
Editor Hubert Vaz
swati@timesofoman.com
Senior Editors T. A. Ameerudheen Faisal Mohammed Naim ameerudheen@timesofoman.com
faisal@timesofoman.com
Chief Sub-Editors Mohammed Shafeeqe, Ashish Dubash ashishdubash@timesofoman.com
Online Editor Mahran Shaukat Ali
shafeeq@timesofoman.com Multimedia Editorial Assistants Shruthi Nair, Asmaa Al Balushi, Salim Hamood Al Aafifi
mahran@timesofoman.com salim@timesofoman.com
shruthi@timesofoman.com
asmaa@timesofoman.com
Chief Creative Officer Adonis Durado Associate Art Director Waleed Rabin Graphic Editor Antonio Farach Design Editor Sahir K.M. Lead Designer Ali Jani Designers Antonio Ismael Sandiego Geri Batara Sonny Gregory Fernandez
Director of Digital Television Joe Morrison richard@timesofoman.com
Photography MMG Photographers Chief Sales Officer Richard Pakenham
aziz@timesofoman.com
Head Of Advertising & Marketing Aziz K. Baker Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Photography by Salim Hamood Al Afifi Design by Ali Jani 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
CIRCULATION 24726600/24726666 Ext 135/136 circulation@timesofoman.com
ADVERTISEMENT 24726600/24726666 exT 435/193 hi7ayam@hotmail.com
SAY “HI” ON SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/hiweekly twitter & instagram: hiweekly_oman
Tell us what you’re doing this weekend: Tweet us @HiWeekly_Oman; tag us in your weekend instagram photos @hiweekly_oman; or share with us on FB/hiweekly
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
HI WEEKLY
05
THE WEEKEND LINEUP Your calendar of the hottest events happening in Muscat this weekend
07 08 09 THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
6.00pm Watch an Electronic Sports Match
For the first time in Oman Red Bull is venturing into the world of E-Sports with Red Bull Player One gaming matches. The top 16 will compete live in final matches at Vox in Seeb.
VOX Cinemas City Centre Muscat, Seeb redbull.com/playeroneoman
7.00pm Enjoy Indian Raga Take in melodies from the Indian Raga tradition performed by Anoushka Shankar, daughter of sitar player Ravi Shankar, at Royal Opera House Muscat.
11.00 am Head to the Track
Go and see The Rotax Max Challenge (RMC) competition, a motor sport race for karts where top RMC drivers from Oman and UAE will compete. Oman Automobile Association +968 2451 0239 omanauto.org
7.30 pm Get Zen Learn about a form of meditation that relaxes the mind and nurtures a healthy balance between inner and outer worlds during a complimentary class at Raj Yoga Centre from 7.30 to 9pm. Raj Yoga Centre Villa No. 3743 2950 Way, Rex Road +968 2478 2924 rajayogaoman.org
+968 2440 3300 rohmuscat.org.om
Check out the latest technology and machinery for the production of plastics, rubber, chemicals, printing and packaging at the 3rd Oman Plast 2016 exhibition. Oman International Exhibition Centre +968 2478 8804 silverstaroman.com
Photography: Supplied
Geek-Out Over Plastic
HI WEEKLY
06
Going out of town to see any of these events? Tag us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
KHALEEJI HAPPENINGS Broadcasting the best events in the GCC (January 7, 8, 9) 01
01
Thursday, January, 07 Beauty And The Beast (Dubai)
Ever watched your favourite Disney characters live on stage? Now you can. Be a part of Disney favourite “Beauty and the Beast”, as the award-winning original Broadway musical comes to Dubai for the very first time. The elaborate theatrical production will run until January 9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. +971 4338 8125 dubaicalendar.ae
02
Thursday, January, 07 Fit 4 life Fitness Retreat (Bahrain)
Get active, back into shape, and work towards to make positive choices about your health and fitness with the allinclusive fitness retreat programme running from January 7 to 14, 16:30 onwards at Amwaj Islands. +973 3965 2007 ali@fit-4.life
04
03
Friday, January, 8 Giant Duathlon Race (Abu Dhabi )
Aimed at athletes and fitness enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, from beginners to finely tuned athletes, this series is even open to children. You can race as many times you want. Events begin at 7:15am at the Hamdan Sports Complex. +971 4306 2666 premieronline.com
04
Saturday, January, 09 Roof Top Movie: Wild (Kuwait)
Cinemagics is organising free events that bring filmmakers and audiences together to increase the public’s appreciation for the art of film-making. Enjoy director Jean-Marc Vallee’s masterpiece at 7:30pm at Old Salmiya (on the rooftop of Xcite and LG) on Salem Al Mubarak Street. +965 2572 0945 cinemagics.com
Saturday, January 9 The Hunt: Princely Pursuits in Islamic Lands - Art Exhibition (Qatar)
05
FIVE TO TRY COMPUTER COURSES hiweekend@timesofoman.com
03
ADOBE at VOXLAB Perfect your creative abilities in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign in classes held Sunday to Thursday, 8:30am to 1pm at Al Hamra House, first floor, MSQ, +968 2469 3003; voxlaboman.com
05
MAC OS at POLYGLOT INSTITUTE Acquaint yourself with Apple’s operating system with a 20-hour course, from 4 to 6pm or 6 to 9pm, Sunday to Thursday at Tamimah Complex, Wattayah, +968 2466 6666; pi.om
LINUX at OHI TRAINING ACADEMY Learn the fundamentals of Linux operating system in a 10-day course,7:30am to 2:30pm, Sunday toThursday, at Dohat Al Adab Street, Al Khuwair, +968 2439 7900; iitcoman.com
ANDROID at AL ALAWI INSTITUTE Master the art of mobile App creation using web-based technologies in a 5-day training course from 8am to 3:30pm in Azaiba, 18th November Street, +968 2449 5526; trainingatc.net
MS OFFICE PRO (MOS) at PIONEER INSTITUTE Perk up your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint knowledge from Sunday to Thursday 8am to 4pm or 3 pm to 7 pm at Al Nahdha Tower 2, Ghala, +968 2411 7370; pioneerinstitutes.com
Photography: Supplied
02
Visit Museum of Islamic Art from 12pm-8pm to celebrate the final day of The Hunt exhibition, which explores the rich Islamic portrayal of the sport of hunting, feasting, and fighting with collections from Qatar and Turkey. Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) +974 4422 4444 mia.org.qa
08
HI WEEKLY
Where did you escape to this weekend? Show us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
WEEKEND ESCAPE
EXPLORE THE TOMBS, FORTS, AND ANCIENT MARKETS OF
B U R A I M I STORY OLGA AYMERICH
Photography : MMG
Drive three hours north to the border town of Buraimi, a small city that’s rich in history. Wander around its forts and markets, find treasures in its antique shops, and feel like an archaeologist on a dig at the 5,000-year-old, pre-Islamic tombs of the Umm Al Nar civilisation.
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
FRIDAY 07:30 Yallah, wipe the sleep out of your eyes and hit the road early. Head north towards Sohar and immediately after the city take the road to Buraimi. 10:30 As you enter Buraimi from the main road, you will see Jazmine Mall, get your caffeine fix at the modernly decorated Take and Test coffee shop. 11:00 Continue down the road to visit the Al Khandaq Fort, a military fortification square whose towers and main doors are embellished with stylish geometric designs. 12:00 The four buildings of the Buraimi Souq sit just in front of the Al Khandaq Fort. From fruits and vegetables to clothes and furniture, everything is available in this patio-style market. Don’t miss the handicrafts aisle of traditional pottery, baskets, and miniature versions of the traditional Omani Burqa mask. 14:00 Check-in at the Buraimi Hotel (+968 2564 2010, alburaimihotel.com). The rooms are dated, but clean, and the hotel features gardens, a swimming pool, and a lounge. Have lunch and relax, Buraimi is a ghost town from 14.00 to 17.00. 17:00 When the sun goes down, go for a stroll around the delicately illuminated Buraimi Sultan Qaboos Mosque. 18:00 Continue walking to Fort Antique shop, just in front of Al Khandaq Fort. Shop for old coins, dresses, and swords. 20:00 Sit outside and have a leisurely dinner at Alhan Al Sharq Turkish restaurant (+968 2565 2226). The specialty is grilled quail, but they also make a fantastic mixed grill.
SATURDAY 09:00 After breakfast, go explore the pre-Islamic tombs of the Umm Al Nar (The Mother of Fire) civilisation. You can spot them from the road just after the Toyota Service Centre; little mountains made of rocks. Climb up the hill to have a closer look at these untouched 5,000-year-old family tombs. (Coordinates 24”16’50.7”N - 55”48’39.6”E ) 11:00 Continue on to the open souq in front of Al Hila Fort. Villagers from outside of Buraimi gather at the old souq, sitting on the floor, chatting and selling specialties like samak mujafaf (dried fish), giving it a particular charm. 13:00 Explore the Al Hila Fort. Built in the 16th century, the fort is a labyrinth of rooms and corridors. The panoramic view from the roof, which overlooks the neighbouring city of Al Ain, is a must-see. 15:00 Drive an hour south and stop in Sohar for a seafood lunch at Dhow Marina Restaurant (+968 2204 6999, dhowmarina.com) before your final two hour drive home. —HiWeekend@timesofoman.com
HI WEEKLY
09
10
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
G A B S ’ K C A R A B
t bou ial a r looks. nd r o em hei s, a immng up t es, belt an the Y SH e H P m o i i h z uc t RA nce s to jazes, watcally bemintrod a OG i s T g e , i e er th ho ec nin om PHO plai en it c es like sscat espge with nd Lath IR | m A o h i N a c n u I dr w a or n UTH nclu legg bee ptions access les in M g to ch Leathe i R e , s H v S a o a e in kC ood RY en h lack of simpleious m beginn res lik all. er g go, Fran wear h STO o o c t e t t s M s a s i h a e o s n d t dl n’s ue ite the ars wh hat -co Lim s, style ions. T alty mein Aven sets, an n 40 yeientelle nd even a i t l t g a ba of op spec t year ts, gif ore th r the c ities, n grai lack of newned las produc nded m , and fo , celebr soft distinc d s u n e e n l e g o o a t t ti at op min rks. F d sty judg u i e b w h , ed e th ry groo herwo ality an eys and n su a subtle omised nate’s r i a o r t t t g n is s uxu Lea u torn a s l ken t g nts’ Sult eir q e cu d ge p offers k Cleggd for th ves, to a bama. y, shrunted desi d can b s of the n e highhe sho ive Franre fame executi arack O e in nav andcraf lours anardrobe T clus cts a onal es, B efcas he h of co he w t ti at y ri .T du ex n i g r pro terna ted St top b lting variet ion to . NE ABI
Photography : MMG
M
it in ip a be he ni leat , from f the U n is a z dmade able in ted add e at o l m a o i i n ilabl her.com the ident select ith ha is ava histic m a v a p lat ely pres bama’s ther w he bag ful, so man.co usiv therand l c x O ed lea er. T ower esofo e a 3, le bl ap im s are urn ood 901 443 tum head-t als for uthi@t g r e i 9 tive ed init e. —shr leath +968 fted hubra, a r etch of styl c hand all, G men legg nues M C k e n r, Av , Fra man & Lathe O n I ther Lea
11
12
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
HI WEEKLY
13
FIRST LOOK: MESHAN DATES AND SWEETS
MODE MODERN CLASSIC CLAS STORY ASMAA ALBALUSHI
PHOTOGRAPHY SALIM AL AFIFI
I
f you are in the Middle East, it is almost impossible for you not to fall in love with the most prized fruit in the region: the dates. Known for its succulent taste and sweetness, dates are a staple of the Arabian diet and are an integral part of the food culture of Oman. Packed with dietary fibre, which helps to reduce cholesterol; potassium, an electrolyte that helps control your heart rate and blood pressure; vitamins that protect the eyes, promote healthy skin, and even help prevent the lungs and mouth cancer; as well as antioxidants that fight infection and inflammation, dates are a powerhouse of nutrition. In the ancient times, bedouins could survive on nothing but dates and camel’s milk, because the dried fruit contained enough fat, protein, sugar, and nutrients to sustain the body. The fact that dried dates last up to a year made them even more prized in the harsh, arid desert climate where they could be trans-
14
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
A personal-sized dallah of kahwa (Omani coffee) comes with three pieces of flavoured dates for OMR3, while the specialty date pastries are all under OMR2
ported without fear of spoilage. Even in times of plenty, the date remained an essential and beloved snack, and today, it is unlikely that you would find a single Omani home in which dates are not on offer. While traditionally dates have been eaten in their natural state, either fresh or dried, people are now finding creative new ways to celebrate them. At the recently opened Meshan Dates and Sweets in Masa Mall, the Al Jabri sisters, specialises in modern twists, serving Omani coffee and unique date desserts. The sisters strongly felt that Omani dates could be better presented in the market in a modern, international way, so in 2011 they started producing inventive new desserts with local dates and selling them under their aptly named company Meshan, which is the Omani word for the palm frond baskets that Omani farmers use to store the dates until they are ready to sell or consume. The flavoured date desserts were a hit, so in 2015 the Al Jabri sisters launched Meshan Café. The café is a wonderful blend of traditional and modern styles, from the contemporary décor peppered with traditional items and an oversized image on one wall of village women during the date harvest. The celebration of Omani heritage is prominent, but subtle, with touches like the use of the royal colours for the walls of the café, antique dallahs displayed on the walls, photographs of meshans and different varieties of Omani dates and a small library of suggested works by Omani writers. All of these elements come together in a sophisticated way, giving the café a hip, youthful air. The menu is equally playful, featuring items like flaky date croissants, moist date cake, and their specialty, a unique confection of local dates mashed with flavours like cappuccino, rose, frankincense and lemon, ginger and more, and then shaped into artful, bite-sized treats. The flavour of the date itself always shines through, and they are a perfect pairing for the strong, cardamom-heavy Omani coffee served by the dallah urn. Cappuccino and espressos are also on offer to enjoy alongside the Europeanstyle date twists. -asmaa@timesofoman.com
MESHAN CAFÉ Al Masa Mall, Muscat +968 9779 2463 Instagram: meshanoman Facebook: MeshanOman meshan@mashan.net meshan.net
16
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
LOVE OF THE GAME
RACING For Ahmad Al Harthy, challenges are opportunities STORY T.A. AMEERUDHEEN
PHOTOGRAPHY AHMAD AL HARTHY RACING
O
man’s favourite circuit racer, Ahmad Al Harthy, came back to Muscat after securing an excellent third-place in the gruelling seasonending Gulf 12 Hours race in Abu Dhabi on December 11, along with his Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 teammates, Darren Turner and Jonny Adam. As he prepares for the new race season, the champion driver reflects and shares some thoughts on his sporting journey so far.
years of Formula Renault organised by the British Automobile Racing Club. I left it as a vice-champion in 2009. Then I did Porsche Carrera GB Championship from 2010 to 2012. I won the Pro-Am category in 2012. Then I went to endurance racing, and I found it as a competition that suited my style. In 2014, we moved to Aston Martin, and I was made the brand ambassador for Middle East and North Africa. I am happy to be part of the lone Arab team in the strongest GT3 championship in the world.
Biggest Battle Falling for Motorsport I used to play tennis and football as a child, but I developed a strong bond with motorsports when I was introduced to go-karting at the Oman Automobile Association back in 1988 when I was just seven years old.
From Hobby to Career I took karting as a hobby, and I continued it when I went to the United Kingdom for higher studies. It was in 2004 that I took it seriously, as I figured in the regional competitions. The big step was in 2006 when I raced in Thunder Arabia Middle East Championship. Then I did three
Frankly, I don’t remember my first serious competition, but I do remember the toughest one: a 24-hour endurance race that I took part in when I was 18.
On Setting Personal Goals I began to set goals from 2006. I fought hard for the silverware. Circuit racing has been exciting me from the beginning.
Struggles Along the Way I would like to forget the difficult stages of my career, instead I see challenges as big opportunities.
About the Fans Social media has given me the opportunity to reach out to followers of my team. I am happy to see the sport is growing in Oman as more people try to understand its nuances. We have plans to give more fans the opportunity to watch us in action.
Advice for Young Drivers It is important to start the right way. If you are ambitious, you have to begin with karting. Oman has got an excellent karting facility at the Oman Automobile Association, where you can sharpen your skills. You need good years of karting before moving to regional level events and international meets. Don’t try to climb the ladder too fast. Drivers who did it before, had failed.
On the Season Just Concluded and Upcoming Season We ended 2015 season the best possible way. It was a tough season, but our performances were amazing. We got a podium in British GT, top-10 finishes in Europe. We wrapped the season in style when Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 trio secured an excellent third-place result in Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi. The positive results will motivate us in the next season. —ameerudheen@timesofoman.com
WHERE TO PRACTICE MOTORSPORT IN OMAN & UAE Oman Oman Automobile Association +968 2451 0239 omanauto.org info@omanauto.org UAE Al Ain Raceway +971 3768 6662 alainraceway.com info@alainraceway.com Emirates Kartzone +971 50426 3424 emirateskartzone.net info@emirateskartzone.net Yas Marina Circuit – Kartzone +971 2659 9999 yasmarinacircuit.com customerservice@ymc.ae Rak Track, Ras Al Khaima +971 7222 2128 raktrack.com
18
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
Where will you be dining this week? Share your food photos with us on facebook.com/hiweekly, tweet us your culinary discoveries @HiWeekly_Oman or tag us in your instagram photos @hiweekly_oman
Gym Memberships Circle Club Fitness Centre The Circle Club specialises in circuit training. At the core of the circuit are the Milon Gym machines designed and developed in Germany. The innovative system, known as the milonizer is a biometric recognition system that determines the user’s body dimensions automatically. All devices are controlled by smart card which will store settings and information about your training sessions. It offers strength and endurance training, strength circuit training, cardio circuit, Milon vibration circuit and personal training. Where Qurum, Al Wilaj Street How Much OMR207 (3 months); OMR660 (12 months). Visit the facility for details on offers and packages Contact +968 2465 7801 circle-club.com
The Wellness Centre The 3 Studios provides a full group exercise timetable that includes Les Mills Body Pump, RPM, Body Combat, Sha’bam, Body Balance, CXworx, Yoga, and Pilates. It also offers mixed main gym floor and a separate female area. There are REPSqualified personal trainers to help you reach fitness goals. Besides, the centre has the Cryolounge, the only place in Oman to provide Cryotherapy treatments. Where The Walk at the Wave, Level 2 How Much Starting from OMR70 Visit the facility for details on offers and packages Contact +968 2412 8333 / +968 2412 8444 wave-wellness.com
RevGX-Fitness It was in 2012 that RevGX introduced CrossFit for the first time in Oman, along with several other concepts like TRX, indoor Boot Camp, High Intensity Training. Since then, the centre has caught the attention of fitness freaks for Crossfit, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, HIIT, TRX, Kickboxing, Pilates, Yoga, Aikido and personal trainings. According to its founder Rashid Al Barwani, RevGX guarantees results as long as people continue exercising and follow healthy lifestyle. Where Al Hail North and Azaiba How Much Special offer: OMR75 (3 months) and OMR200 (1 year) Visit the facility for details on offers and packages Contact +968 2455 3187 / +968 9976 0621 (Al Hail North) +968 2459 4954 / +968 9781 4636 (Azaiba) revgx.com
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
HI WEEKLY
Working out and getting fit is a commitment, and the first step is finding the right place to hit the weights, take a class, or run on the treadmill. The membership-only gyms in Muscat are diverse in their offerings and vibes. To help you start your search, we rounded up some top contenders. — HiWeekend@TimesofOman.com
Hype Fitness There is no more trial and error or guess work with it comes to getting in shape at Hype Fitness. The trainers follow scientific methods of fitness coaching to help clients reach your goals. Services include gym membership, personal training, group classes, and access to the steam rooms. Where Way No: 4509, Building No: 935, Al Kuleiah Street, Al Khuwair (Behind Safeer International Hotel) How Much Special offer: Buy 6 months and get 6 months free for OMR79 Visit the facility for details on offers and packages Contact +968 9137 3720 hypefitness.me
Horizon Fitness With more than 25 facilities, Horizon Fitness is the largest health club chain in Oman. It offers cardio and strength equipment, fitness group exercise including spinning and zumba, Engine Room bootcamp workouts, saunas, swimming pools, squash, tennis, and even beauty treatments at some facilities.
Balance Health and Fitness The state-of-the-art facility at Balance Health has separate gyms for men and women, group exercise studios, indoor cycling studio, personal training suites, kinesis machines, Vibrogym, easy line circuits, steam rooms, and luxurious powder rooms. A unique feature is the children’s play zone where parents can leave their children with their nanny while they workout.
Where Locations from Salalah to Sohar, and in nearly every neighbourhood in Muscat. See the Horizon website for a location map.
Where Al Raid Business Centre, 3rd Floor Qurum, Muscat
How Much Packages start at OMR126 Visit the facility for details on offers and packages
How Much Starting from OMR99 Visit the facility for details on offers and packages
Contact +968 2439 0427 / +968 2439 0428 horizonoman.com
Contact +968 2456 4132 / 2456 4093 balanceoman.com
Hammer Gym Hammer Gym is a no-frills gym for those who know what they need to do with cardio and weight training and just need a place to do it, though there is coaching available for weight gain, weight loss, or to give specialised advice on meeting fitness or bodybuilding goals. Where Amerat, Muttrah, Al Khuwair (two branches; one for male and the other for female), Mabela, Al Mawaleh (women) How Much Starting from OMR45 on offer Visit the facility for details on offers and packages Contact +968 2454 3133 hammergym.com
19
20
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
SPI CE ISLA
AND
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
HI WEEKLY
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY SALIM AL AFIFI
Tucked behind the Porsche showroom in Al Ghubra, there is a singular restaurant that offers a true taste of Africa, celebrating the historic ties between the Sultanate and Zanzibar
21
22
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
rom defeating the Portuguese in Mombasa, now known as Kenya, to establishing a Sultanate on the island, the history of connection between Oman and Zanzibar goes back centuries. The cultural exchange between the two was vast, from Omani-inspired architecture in Zanzibar, to the African kuma cap that has become part of Oman’s national dress, to the local taste here in Muscat for coconut milk and chillies. Ali Nasser Al Harthy, the owner of Zanzibar Island restaurant, had a keen desire to share his passion for African foods, and in that way, also sharing his heritage through a menu of both local Omani specialities and Swahili favourites. Zanzibari cuisine, much like Omani cuisine, is influenced by the foods of many cultures, thanks to a prime location on the trade route. And there is no doubt that African cuisine has a distinctive taste with vegetables, fish, and meats enhanced with rich coconut milk, chilli, and the spice for which the island was most famous: cloves. As an Omani born on the oft-called spice island, Ali Nasser moved to Muscat in 1975 and over the years, began developing a unique vision for preserving his heritage and teaching the younger generations about Omani culture
in Zanzibar by enticing crowds with delicious, inexpensive Zanzibari-Omani food and hospitality. A visit to the restaurant is more like a visit to a museum with the red and zebra print walls packed with mesmerising vintage photographs and paintings of the Omani royal dynasty and the Sultans of Zanzibar, as well as pottery and handcrafts. The exterior decor is a bit more subdued, a collection of simple metal tables surrounded by mangroves that give the place an exotic, yet traditional, Omani ambience. Ali’s greatest act of cultural preservation happens in the kitchen where ingredients such as beans, flour, and the famous chilli called PiliPiliMoni are imported from Tanzania, Burundi, and Congo, and spices and meats are obtained locally. Ali monitors the preparation of the cuisine every day for dishes that truly have a homemade taste. When newcomers enter the restaurant, Ali will walk over from his usual place at the long table in front of the register, and he’ll meticulously take their menus, asking if they want African or Omani cuisine. If the request is for the former, he will return with plates teaming with specialities like mohogo, a mild, creamy dish of white cubes of the starchy root vegetable cassava simmered in coconut milk with hot chillies; kisamvu, a green mushy dish made from
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
HI WEEKLY
ZANZIBARI SNACKS MANDAZI 100 BZ per piece KACHORI 100 BZ per piece FISH CUTLETS 100 BZ per piece ZANZIBARI SAMBUSA 100 BZ per piece ZANZIBARI ACHAR mango or lemon pickles, OMR1 small bottle, OMR3 for large bottle DATES AND CLOVE-FLAVOURED KAHWA complimentary at the end of your meal
cassava leaves blended and cooked with coconut milk, palm oil, or peanut butter; and maharagi,a rich curry dish made of kidney beans cooked with coconut milk and mixed vegetables. These dishes can be served with white rice or African chapatti, a light textured bread made with flour, and then rolled and folded with ghee. Other items on its extensive menu include mandazi, also known as ‘Swahili bun’, a sweet, cardamom-flavoured, fried triangular bread. Clove-heavy Zanzibari chicken and fish curries served with rice, deep-fried crispy chicken and fish, as well as Zanzibari snacks like meat sambusa, a fried pastry filled with either spicy chicken or meat; kachori, a tart mash of potato, chilli, and lime dipped in chickpea flour and fried; and fish cutlets, a steamed mince of fish, spices, potato that is shaped into cutlets and fried. The snacks are served alongside sweet, tangy Zanzibari achar, a mango chutney. The restaurant also makes Omani dishes like qabuli rice, which is cooked in the broth of meat or chicken and tossed with spices; malleh salted fish served with lemon and onions, and biryani with chicken, meat, or fish. Thanks to Ali’s ingenious vision, Zanzibar Island is a place full of nostalgia, history, and great food, where locals, expats, and tourists alike can gather in celebration of the cultural gifts that remain. -salim@timesofoman.com
WHAT TO ORDER MOHOGO OMR1.7 per plate MAHARAGI OMR1.7 per plate KISAMVU OMR1.2 per plate CHAPATTI 200 BZ per piece SAMPLER PLATE OMR3.8
23
24
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
HI WEEKLY
ART CAN CHANGE THE WORLD STORY PATRICIA GROVES PHOTOGRAPHY SHABIN E.
O of Stal Gallery’s emerging artists, Riham Noor Al Zadjali uses her medium to One explore ex global issues, but remains sunny and optimistic, with great hope for the future
25
26
HI WEEKLY
I
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
t was a chance encounter. The ribbon had been cut, I had studied the exhibition in advance, and was standing just inside the door as the crowd flowed into Stal Gallery. I asked a young Omani woman who happened to stop a moment which contender won the Emerging Artist prize. “Oh, it was Raiya Al Rawahi. I knew she would win! I love her work.” We had a short conversation, but long enough for me to be impressed by the lovely young lady’s courtesy and generosity of spirit. The next day I phoned Riham Noor Al Zadjali, another Emerging Artist contender who Stal Artistic Director Hassan Meer had suggested I get in touch with. We set a time and when I arrived to meet her, I was surprised to see the charming young woman I had met by chance at the entrance to the exhibition. We sat and Riham told me about her journey and her early inspirations from her time in Paris where she studied Art History and Fine Art at the American University and the Paris American Academy of Art. “My favourite place in Paris was the Louvre and I went there at least once a week. I was inspired particularly by the later paintings of Ingres – the almost modern clarity of line, the powerful simplicity and yet the richness of his imagery. My paintings from the Paris period represent a Modernist interpretation of Ingres’ artistry.” Jean-Auguste-Dominque Ingres (1780-1867) was a neo-classical French painter, a precursor of Modern Art who is admired for purity of form in portraiture. And as we looked at images of some of her early works, they revealed a wonderful natural talent, beautifully rendered and immediately recognisable in both style and subject as ‘apres Ingres’ (after Ingres). Committed to humanitarian ideals, Riham’s early paintings were the launching pad for a journey into art that speaks to contemporary global issues. “Diversity as in the example of refugees is not something to be feared. It is part of the richness of life – something beautiful to be celebrated. We should not have a separatist view. It is not ‘us and them’. Refugees were much like you and me before circumstances forced them to flee. This could happen to anyone of us. We share a common reality in today’s global world,” she explained, referring to her installation in the Young Emerging Artist Exhibition, titled ‘Illegal’, which shows the eyes of people crammed together as they stare through the slats of a wooden packing crate. They are refugees trapped in the confines of the world political situation today. “We will find solutions; I have faith in science; and, in my own realm, I believe that, through social commentary and exchange, art can shift people’s attitudes in the right direction. By providing a neutral ground for the exchange of ideas, art can break down prejudices and alter negative attitudes. It has the power to change the world.”
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
ININFOCUS FOCUS DO DO YOUYOU WANT TO BE WANT TO IN BEFOCUS? IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US US ON ON SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY
Staff Party Annual staff party of Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel.
HI WEEKLY
27
28
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY
New Year concert A concert by famous Indian playback singer, television actor, anchor, and winner of Indian Idol award, Abhijeet Sawant, at City Amphitheatre. Photos: Purushothaman Kunnummal
29
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY
App for migrants’ connectivity ‘MigCall’, an app to provide better connectivity for Indian migrant workers in GCC, was launched in Oman by Indra Mani Pandey, the Indian ambassador to Oman, at Indian Embassy auditorium. Photos Jus Estrada
30
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 8, 2016
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 | Very Easy
Level | Easy
1
2 5
3
3 8
1
4 5
7
9
2
5
1
2
9 5
8
9
1
8
7
2 8
7
6
4
1 1
9
4
2
6
5
9
4
3
8
2
3
4
3
8
3
7
6 1
9
7
2
1
9
2
3
6
9 9
2
5
5
8
9
7
8
3
6
5 8
3 3
3
8
6
8
1 6
6
6 2
7
8
4
3
4
4
5
9
Level | Difficult
8 1
1 1
1
Level | Moderate
5
7
6 6
6
5
3 2
2
8
7 1
3 9
9 2
6
4
6
4
2
2
8
8
2 4
7
8 3
9
VISIT US AT FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY FOR THE SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE