OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 54,000 COPIES
VOL 9 ISSUE 30 / NOVEMBER 13, 2015
HOW ARE YOU CELEBRATING NATIONAL DAY?
Audited by
WE’VE GOT A FEW IDEAS TO GET YOU INSPIRED PAGE 26
THIS WEEK IN OMAN
GET A HI-TECH FACIAL
UPGRADE YOUR SANDWICH BREAD
Head to Ghubra to try Oman’s first (ELT) Energizing Light Technology treatment. PAGE 18
Swap out your plain old white or brown breads for more exotic flavours, like green tea or sesame at Bread Talk. PAGE 16
BECOME A REAL MOUNTAIN MAN (OR WOMAN) Take a weekend survival course in the Hajar Mountains. PAGE 12
04
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
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 Executive Features Editor felicia@timesofoman.com Felicia Campbell Features Production Editor Swati Dasgupta
hubert@timesofoman.com
Editor Hubert Vaz
swati@timesofoman.com
Senior Editors T. A. Ameerudheen Faisal Mohammed Naim
faisal@timesofoman.com
ameerudheen@timesofoman.com
Chief Sub-Editors Mohammed Shafeeqe, Ashish Dubash
shafeeq@timesofoman.com
shruthi@timesofoman.com
Online Editor Mahran Shaukat Ali
Multimedia Editorial Assistant Shruthi Nair
ashishdubash@timesofoman.com mahran@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 Photography MMG Photographers richard@timesofoman.com Chief Sales Officer Richard Pakenham aziz@timesofoman.com Head Of Advertising & Marketing Aziz K. Baker Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Photography and 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 FACEBOOK & TWITTER facebook.com/hiweekly twitter@hiweekly
05
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
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
THE WEEKEND LINEUP Catch the hottest events that are happening this week in our calendar.
12 13 14 THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Enjoy Some High Culture
Attend Uttaranchal Musical Night
Have a sophisticated evening at the Royal Opera House with a performance of Csardas Princess, an Operetta by Emmerich Kálmán, which depictis an intense love story set amidst Europe’s turbulent, early 20th century society, and find out why it is one of the most m popular operettas in the world.
If you love Indian folk melodies from the state of Uttaranchal, get hold of an invitation from the Uttaranchal Wing of the Indian Social Club to enjoy an evening of Uttaranchal music and the opportunity to socialise with other desi music lovers.
Royal Opera House +968 2440 3332 rohmuscat.org.om
Majan Continental Hotel +968 9951 7995 majanhotel.com
Go to a Rock Concert
Watch Salman Khan’s Diwali release
Get your tickets and head to Shangri -La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa to watch a live Stereophonics show. The popular band from the UK is known for anthems such as “Just Looking”, “Have a Nice Day,” and “Dakota.” Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort Amphitheatre +968 2477 6666 stereophonicsoman.com
SATURDAY Have a Laugh On The Rocks at the Golden Tulip Seeb is hosting a standup comedy night overseen by Sam I Am and featuring popular local comedian Neston Moras, who recently regaled international audiences in Mumbai and Dubai, along with comedians Abbas Al Lawati and N-Hill and Asma. On The Rocks Golden Tulip Seeb +968 9410 1162 goldentulipseeb.com
Escape into a Bollywood world of colour, music, action, and romance with the new Salman Khan film “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo,” which also features stars Sonam Kapoor and Neil Nitin Mukesh. City Cinemas +968 2460 7360 citycinemaoman.net
Photography: Supplied
06
HI WEEKLY
08
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 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
KHALEEJI HAPPENINGS Broadcasting the best events in the GCC (November 12, 13, 14)
04
01
01
Thursday, November 12 7:00pm Omar Khairat Live in Concert (Dubai)
Attend a live concert by Omar Khairat, a popular pianist, composer, conductor, and founder of the Omar Khairat’s Group, an opera group. An accomplished musician in the field of Arabic music, Khairat’s repertoire ranges from European and African music to traditional jazz and blues. Emirates Golf Club +971 4380 1234; dubia.platinumlist.net
02
Thursday, November 12 8:30pm Stand Up Comedy (Bahrain)
The Chuckle Club is back at The British Club (Nov 12) and Regency Intercontinental (Nov 13) with an exciting line-up of international standup comedians, including UK based Aussie Ro Campbell, Carmen Lynch (who has performed for troops in Iraq and Kuwait), and John Hastings, a regular on the comedy circuit in the UK and across Europe). The British Club, +973 1772 8245, Regency Intercontinental, +973 1722 7777; tickets: amiando.com/chuckleclubnov2015
03
05
Jump into your jogging shoes and join the 10km run for beginners, intermediates, and advanced level runners, hosted by Nike. The run will be held around the Burj Khalifa at downtown Dubai. You just have to register with the Nike+ app available on smartphones and show up for the fun challenge. Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard +971 4434 1201 (Nike store, Dubai Mall); nike.com/werundubai
04
03
hiweekend@timesofoman.com
Saturday, November 14 8:00am Gulf Bank 642 Marathon (Kuwait)
Challengers, athletes, beginners, and families, choose your own category (5km, 10km, 21km, 42km) and join the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon which offers an interesting stride around the beautiful landmarks of Kuwait. The motto of the marathon is: Move your 642 muscles (the total number of muscles in the human body). Souq Sharq +965 2225 4567; events@pro-vision.com
02
5 DANCE FORMS TO TRY
Friday, November 13 6:30pm International Boat Show (Qatar)
Go witness the 3rd edition of the Qatar International Boat Show which is on between November 10-14 at Mourjan Marinas – Lusail City (Doha). Every evening, the Qatar Coast Guard stages a colourful parade of boats. A Boat Sailing Simulator is also on display in the main exhibitor area. Mourjan Marinas +974 4481 7072; qibs2015.com
05
FIVE TO TRY
Friday, November 13 7:30am We Run DXB (Dubai)
BHARATNATYAM
SALSA
BALLET
BELLY DANCING
ZOUK
This beautiful Indian dance form that originated in South India encompasses music, rhythm, expressions, and discipline. For bharatnatyam lessons in Muscat get in touch with the Bhavalaya Academy for Art and Culture. bhavalaya.com + 968 9283 5040
Salsa is a popular form of social dance that originated in New York with strong influences from Latin America. It is always characterised by a “lead” and a “follower” who move in open or closed positions. To master this dance form, visit Latin Dance Muscat, Al Khuwair. latindancemuscat.org +968 9614 8863
This highly technical form of dance requires years of training to learn and much practice to retain proficiency. To learn the dance form and its numerous stylish variations contact The Ballet and Folklore Centre LLC. omankidsdirectory.com/ placecategory/ballet +968 9219 6269
This graceful Middle Eastern dance form involving torso articulation is highly popular in this part of the world. To keep your body fit in the most fun and elegant way, go to the Hayati Spa and Studio, Shatti for dance lessons. mutrahoverseas.com/hayati +968 2460 1255
Zouk is a couple dance form that descended from lambada in Brazil in which the lady has to use her neck and back extensively. Get in touch with the Oman Salsa and Zouk group to be trained in traditional, Brazilian and lambazouk. oman.zouk-me.com +968 9932 6632
10
HI WEEKLY
LOVE BITE SNAKESKIN LOW-TOPS OMR 19.9 at Promod, Qurum City Centre +968 2447 0701 promod.co.uk. com
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
GIRLIEST BIKER JACKET OMR 89.9 at Promod, Qurum City Centre +968 2447 0701 promod.co.uk. com
FALL FOR LEATHER Autumn weather means we can finally start sporting hot, new leather kicks and supercool, lightweight leather jackets. HiWeekend@timesofoman.com
OMR 23.5 at Splash, Centrepoint, Al Khuwair +968 2460 1569 splashfashions.com
HIGH FASHION HI-TOPS OMR 52 at Aldos, Muscat Grand Mall +968 9399 1026 aldoshoes.com/om
Photography: Ali Jani
OXBLOOD MEN’S BOMBER JACKET
12
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
WEEKEND ESCAPE
SURVIVAL TRAINING IN JEBEL AKHDAR
CALL OF THE WILD Oman is well-known for its untamed nature wonders and outstanding camping spots. Prepare to take full advantage of them this winter with a weekend course on wilderness survival in the spectacular Al Hajar Mountains. Story Olga Aymerich
Jebel Akhdar in Oman’s Al Hajar range
FRIDAY 08.30 Grab a karak tea or a coffee to go and head to Jebel Akhdar for a weekend bushcraft and survival awareness course with Muscat Diving and Adventure Center (+968 2454 3002; facebook.com/MuscatDivingAdventureCenter). 11.00 Arrive in Jebel Akhdar and begin your first lesson: navigating using only a compass. 12.00 Next up, have a quick lunch before taking the survival class in which you will learn how to get through emergency situations by making use of the resources around you—how to identify healing plants, how to trap small mammals, and how to acquire drinkable water. 15.00 Make fire. Learn several methods and technics for starting a fire, all of which will come in handy on your next camping trip. 17.00 Before the course ends, the instructor will give a brief on the main risks one might face on a modern day trip and what you should always carry in your basic first aid kit. 19.00 Check-in at the Misfah Old House (+968 9280 0120) in the mountainous village of Misfat Al Abreen and enjoy the cozy accommodations of an old-school Omani mud house and a traditional Omani dinner. Town of Wadi Habib in Jebel Akhdar mountains
Jebel Akhdar
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
Omani women relaxing outside a traditional stone house in a small cliff hamlet near Sroot in the Jebel Akhdar mountains
SATURDAY 09.00 Follow the falaj (the ancient village irrigation system) to a perfect picnic spot where you can enjoy your breakfast under the shadow of a palm tree while taking in an amazing view from 1,000 metres above the sea. 11.00 Go for a stroll on the trekking paths surrounding Misfat Al Abreen. These old donkey paths used to connect several villages of Jebel Akhdar with surrounding wilayat Al Hamra. Cross the mountain foothills, continue towards the agricultural terrace surrounding the village, and end the trek with a last look at the beautiful Misfat Al Abreen mud houses with their thatched, palm leaf roofs. 14.00 Eat a traditional lunch in the outdoor majlis of the Misfah Old House and, after a few cups of Omani coffee and dates, head back home well-prepared for your next adventure. —HiWeekend@timesofoman.com
Stairs in one of the houses in Jebel Akhdar
HI WEEKLY
13
14
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM A unique and indispensable addition to Canon’s series of EF lenses, the new EF 40mm f/2.8 STM offers an ultra-slim and lightweight design. Incredibly compact in size, the lens delivers high image quality from the centre to the periphery thanks to its advanced lens configuration including an aspherical element, a bright 2.8 aperture, and optimised coatings. Good for portrait photography
Canon 70-200mm f2.8 Tele lens The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens from Canon is one of the most acclaimed lenses in the Canon EF line, with superior performance, increased speed and optical quality. Like all Canon L-series lenses, this telephoto zoom is dust and moisture resistant and designed to keep on going even in the most challenging of environments. Good for out-of-the-studio portrait pictures, outdoor sports, stage performance and general wildlife photography.
Find it at Genetco. Al Araimi Complex, Qurum +968 9404 8480 OMR 110
Find it at Genetco. Al Araimi Complex, Qurum +968 9404 8480 OMR 885
LENS
Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM For filmmakers and photographers who want the look and feel only possible with extreme wide angle and fisheye photography, the new Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM is a world-class choice. Works best for very wide landscapes. Find it at Genetco. Al Araimi Complex, Qurum +968 9404 8480 OMR 495
CRAFT STORY MOHAMMED SHAFEEQE
Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED When greater working distance is needed for close-up and macro shooting, the AF-S Micro NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8 delivers 105mm of reach, exceptional image quality, a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture and 1:1 reproduction ratio. It’s optimised for close-up and macro photography yet versatile enough for all photographic situations — even handheld shooting. Get it if you are looking to get into the small world for Macro photography. Find it at Aalami, Avenues Mall +968 2206 0116 OMR 429
Despite buying cameras which have been specifically designed to take and make use of different lenses, a large number of photographers only ever use the kit lens that their DSLR or interchangeable lens camera came with. But it’s really not that surprising, picking the right next lens can be daunting, which is why we’re going to try to help with our guide to life after the kit lens. Check out our lens picks.
SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | S
Canon 16-35mm f2.8 wide lens The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens from Canon is a high performance, water-resistant, ultra wide-angle L-series zoom lens. An f/2.8 maximum aperture is effective in low light situations and offers shallow depth of field focus control. Precise manual focus is supported even in One Shot AF mode and a truly round aperture results in pleasing background blur. This lens is your go-to when it comes to landscapes and exterior photography. Find it at Genetco. Al Araimi Complex, Qurum +968 9404 8480 OMR 615
The Sigma 120-300 F2.8 DG HSM OS is the first lens introduced into the Sports category for Sigma’s Global Vision. Designed for full frame cameras but can work with APS-C sized sensors as well, the 120-300 F2.8 has a large aperture and versatile focal length, ideal for a wide range of photography. Though placed in the Sports category, the 120-300 F2.8 is also great for nature, automotive, wildlife, and everything in between. The 120-300 F2.8 ensures sharp and beautiful images. Good for sports and wildlife photography. Find it at SKT Oman, Ghala +968 9822 0020 OMR 1,345
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Praised for its reliability and overall image quality, this is a longtime favourite lens of passionate professionals. With a fast fixed aperture of f/2.8 across a 24–70mm zoom range, this lens provides both fine resolution and natural representation. Its Internal Focus (IF) provides fast and quiet auto focusing without changing the length of the lens, so you can retain subject to working distance through the entire focus range. Good for all-purpose photography Find it at Aalami, Avenues Mall +968 2206 0116 OMR 675
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens This EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens from Canon is a standard length lens featuring superb quality and portability. Its f/1.4 maximum aperture makes it very effective in low light situations and able to provide shallow depth of field focus. This lens will work wonders on low light situations. Find it at Genetco. Al Araimi Complex, Qurum +968 9404 8480 OMR 140
HI WEEKLY
15
16
HI WEEKLY
Will you be dining in or dining out this week? Share with us your innovatively mouthwatering dishes and their recipe on facebook.com/hiweekly or tweet us @HiWeekly_Oman or tag us in your instagram photos @hiweekly_oman
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
BLACK SESAME TOAST O
MR 0.700 HALF LOAF
SING SLIC STORY FELICIA CAMPBELL
MILK TOAST0
OMR 0.70 HALF LOAF
FRESH BAKED LOAVES
Making bread is a project, but with all the punching and kneading, it also can be a great way to relieve stress at the end of a long week, and making your own loaves is easier than you think. The following recipe, adapted from “Homemade Bread” in The Taste of Home Cookbook (2006), yields two loaves (16 slices each).
Despite its name, the called "Bread Talk" is more its bread here in Oman, bu options would be a mista made in flavours ranging "milk toast" to delightfully of which are delicious on t sandwich building blo
INGREDIENTS • 1 package (1/4 ounce) Baking Yeast • 2-1/4 cups warm water • 3 tbsp sugar • 1 tbsp salt • 2 tbsp canola oil • 6-1/4 to 6-3/4 cups allpurpose flour
Brea Avenues M +968 22 binmirza.co
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
GREEN TEA TOAST OM
RAISIN TOAS0T.700
R 0.700 HALF LOAF
OMR HALF LOAF
ULAR CES
| PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI
Singapore-based franchise e famous for its sweets than ut to ignore its savoury carb ake. Full and half-loaves are g from pillowy white bread y bitter "green tea toast," any their own or as the ultimate cks. felicia@timesofoman.com
adTalk all, First floor 200 7474 om/breadtalk
PREPARATION • In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, salt, oil and 3 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. • Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Place in a
MULTIGRAIN TOAST OMR 0.750 HALF LOAF
greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours. • Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough in half. Shape each into a loaf. Place in two greased 9-in x 5-in loaf pans. Cover and let it
rise until doubled, about 30-45 minutes. • Bake at 190° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and bread sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
HI WEEKLY
17
18
HI WEEKLY
STORY SHRUTHI NAIR
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
HI WEEKLY
O
ur skin requires continuous care and nourishment to stay young and healthy looking, and given the hectic and unhealthy lifestyles that many of us are accustomed to these days, it is sometimes necessary to give our face some extra attention in a natural way, which is why Samira Simia, the owner of Simia Medispa in Azaiba, recently brought the first Beauty Angel ELT to Oman. The technologically advanced beauty device uses infrared light to restore, replenish, and rejuvenate the skin in a totally organic way through Energizing Light Technology (ELT), an infrared light that pumps your skin full of vitamin D and boosts your natural collagen, elastin, and hyaluron production. In addition to providing an almost instant result, with tighter, brighter, fresher skin, it also is a great source of vitamin D for women who have deficiencies due to being covered up and indoors so much of the time. The therapy is an elaborate process that takes about 40 to 45 minutes. I went and checked it out, so I could tell you just what to expect.
shruthi@timesofoman.com
CONSULTATION
MASK SELECTION
According to Samira, this is the most important step as she feels that it is important to understand a customer’s likes, dislikes, and needs before starting the treatment. Many a times the customers are confused and need proper guidance when it comes to opting the right treatment for their skin type, age, and beauty goals.
Choose a mask, from indulgent caviar, gentle blossom, or deep cleaning biopeel to hydrating marine, oil balancing green tea, or youthenhancing collagen, priced from OMR 24-94. The mask treatment of your choice is placed on your face before you head under the light.
CLEANSING
Relax under the warm, golden, mood enhancing ELT lamp for 15-20 minutes.
First, the skin is thoroughly cleansed: White heads and black heads are gently removed by squeezing with fingertips (not nails) and then cleansing liquids are gently applied to the face through a relaxing facial massage.
FINISHING TOUCH
LIGHT THERAPY
Sunblock cream is applied after the treatment to protect your newly rejuvenated skin.
STEAM Steam or a hot towel is used to open the pores so that the mask and products used can seep in and be absorbed directly into the skin.
SPA INFO The non-invasive Beauty Angel ELT treatment is available for all skin types and ages for the face, neck, chest, and back for skin brightening and the reduction of stretchmarks, pigmentation, acne, and cellulites. Book your treatment at SimiaMedispa, Azaiba +968 9667 9388, +968 9764 6850
19
20
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
CELEBRATING THE SYMBOLS OF OMAN
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
STORY SHRUTHI NAIR
If you live in Oman, this could be your first or your 45th Glorious National Day, and while many have grown familiar with the beautiful symbols of the nation — from the Khanjar dagger to the dallah coffee urn; each National Day is a matter of great pride and a golden opportunity to learn something new about the great nation we all love. We bring you interesting tidbits about a few of the much revered symbols of the Sultanate. –shruthi@timesofoman.com
HI WEEKLY
THE NATIONAL FLAG OF OMAN Oman’s current national flag was adopted in 1995 and it consists of three colours — red, white and green — each of which has symbolic significance. The white stripe at the top of the flag represents the conviction of the Omani people to maintain peace and prosperity. The middle red stripe is the colour of blood, a reminder of the battles fought by brave Omanis to protect the nation and expel foreign invaders, as well as a nod to the old flag of Oman. The final green stripe represents the fertility of Oman (literal and figurative), echoing the greenery of the land, especially the aptly named Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain).
21
22
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
OMANI HOSPITALITY
KAHWA Coffee in Oman is only lightly roasted and then grinded with cardamom for a teacoloured beverage, often spiked with a splash of rosewater, and served black alongside dates for sweetness. Kahwa service is an important Bedouin and Arabian hospitality ritual that should never be declined. The coffee is poured by the host from a curvedspout dhallah urn with his or her left hand and served in small cups called fenjan, which will be reďŹ lled again and again until the guest gives the cup a gentle shake to indicate they have had enough.
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
HI WEEKLY
One of the most important parts of Omani culture is hospitality. When invited to an Omani household you will be enveloped by strong Arabian fragrances like luban (frankincense), bakhoor incense, and hints of cardamom and coffee. Every guest will be treated to small cups of distinctive Omani kahwa (coffee), local dates, and the gelatinous sweet known as Omani halwa, which are the ultimate symbols of Omani hospitality.
DATES The importance of the date fruit, historically, nutritionally, and as a national symbol of hospitality, cannot be overstated. Native to the Arabian Peninsula, dates have always been a staple of the traditional diet for Bedouin tribes in Oman as they proved a great source of nutrition and, once dried, could last almost indefinitely. Intensely sweet dried dates and mild fresh dates can be found in every majlis (gathering or receiving hall) in Oman and are offered to guests along with kahwa to welcome them; a tradition implemented by many of the luxury hotels in the Sultanate as well.
HALWA Omani halwa, recognised by many as the national dessert of Oman, is a local delicacy made with cooked down ghee, sugar, cornstarch that is flavoured with saffron, dates, and sometimes rose water. The jellylike mixture is famous throughout the region and bears no resemblance to the dry tahini dessert made in the Levant, which has the similar name, Helva. Often served with kahwa, the famous treat is considered an important offering of hospitality and is often given in decorative packaging as a gift. Honey, saffron and rosewater halwas are the most popular flavours, but every Omani halwa maker boasts his own secret recipe “special halwa” variation. This unusual, tasty dessert has come to represent the flavour of Oman in the Gulf and beyond.
23
24
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
ORYX
THE NATIONAL ANIMAL The Arabian Oryx, also known as the White Oryx, is the national animal of Oman (as well as of the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar). The medium-sized antelope has a distinct shoulder bump, long, straight horns, and a tufted tail and is native to the deserts and dry regions of the Arabian Peninsula. Its coat is an almost luminous white accented with brown undersides and legs and black stripes where the head meets the neck, on the forehead, on the nose, and from the horn across the eyes and mouth. The graceful creature is thought to have been the original unicorn, or at least the inspiration for the mythical beast. If you look at an Oryx in proďŹ le, it does indeed appear to have only one horn. But, what many people don’t know is that the animal was set to become a creature of legend itself, as it had gone almost completely extinct in the Gulf region by 1972. Thankfully, through great efforts of His Majesty, the Sultan, the graceful creature was restored in Al Wusta governorate by 1980.
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
FRANKINCENSE The national tree of Oman, the scraggly Boswellia Sacra or Frankincense tree, looks a bit like an overgrown bonsai, and isn’t the most beautiful plant specimen out there. But the magic lies in its precious sap, which when hardened and burned for its sweet aroma, has been prized the world over since ancient times. Sultry frankincense smoke is perhaps the most distinctive scent in Oman, a true reection of the local culture and tradition. Over the centuries, entire cities along the Frankincense trail in Dhofar and throughout Arabia rose and fell based on the trade of this luxurious commodity. In addition to being named the national tree, the frankincense tree groves that grow near the old port city of Khor Rori near Salalah have also rightfully earned the distinction of becoming a Unesco World Heritage site.
HI WEEKLY
25
26
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
CELEBRATE NATIONAL The Supreme Committee for National Day Celebrations has charted out a detailed plan to make the event a memorable one. Flags and electrical light decorations have been installed from the roundabout of Al Bustan Palace Hotel to the roundabout of Bait Al Barakah, and celebrations are planned in all the governorates to showcase the achievements and developments made during the Blessed Renaissance era. There are many ways to participate in the revelry, from informal car shows to fireworks displays, here is your guide to the patriotic events happening next week. Story T.A. Ameerudheen
EVENTS IN MUSCAT
November 18, evening VEHICLE PARADE ALONG “LOVE STREET” Though an unofficial event, one of the most lively forms of celebration happens on the beachfront Shatti Street, in Shatti Al Qurum. Citizens and expatriates will parade their beautifully decorated cars to celebrate the Glorious National Day. Motorists from different parts of the Sultanate and neighbouring Gulf countries will be setting out on the long beach road stretch in the evening and do rounds, showing off their uniquely decorated cars. The road turns into a revellers’ paradise after the sun goes down in the western horizon with an entertaining chaos of engines revving, horns honking, and music booming.
November 18, 6pm FIREWORKS
November 19, 4pm CULTURAL PROGRAMME
November 23 to 28, 4pm to 11pm KIDS FESTIVAL
Catch a good vantage point, be it the rooftop cafes along Shatti Street in Qurum, the PDO hill, or perhaps the overlook on Bausher Mountain to watch the show.
Visit the Sultan Qaboos Complex in Bausher to see local performances inspired by Oman and His Majesty, The Sultan (+968 2449 1605).
Enjoy a live band, fashion show, and Oman-themed fun at Marah Land in Qurum (+968 9800 0266; marahland.com).
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
DAY IN STYLE
HI WEEKLY
THE SULTANATE IS ALL SET TO CELEBRATE THE 45TH GLORIOUS NATIONAL DAY EVENTS IN OTHER GOVERNORATES
The celebrations will showcase the achievements and developments made during the Blessed Renaissance
MILITARY PARADE When: November 18 Where: Hisn Al Shumoukh in the Wilayat of Manah under the auspices of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
FIREWORKS Dhofar: November 18, 6pm CULTURAL PROGRAMMES BY GOVERNORATES Dhofar When: November 19, 8pm Where: Youth Complex, Salalah Al Wusta When: November 20, 6.30pm Where: Wilayat of Haima A'Dakhiliyah When: November 20, 8pm Where: Wilayat of Nizwa Musandam When: November 21, 6:30pm Where: Youth Complex, Khasab North A'Sharqiyah When: November 22, 6:30pm Where: Wilayat of Ibra North Al Batinah When: November 22, 8pm Where: Youth Complex, Sohar A'Dhahirah When: November 23, 6.30pm Where: Youth Complex, Ibri South Al Batinah When: November 23, 8pm Where: Wilayat of A'Rustaq
November 16 to December 7 GALLERY SARAH ART EXHIBITION Come view the new works of three talented Omani artists, Yousuf Al Nahwi, Saleh Al Alawi and Farah Asqul, at Gallery Sarah in Muttrah (+968 2208 4747; gallerysarah.com).
Each Thursday night throughout November, 6.30pm to 10.30pm AL BUSTAN ARABIAN NIGHTS DINNER AND HISTORY
Al Buraimi When: November 24, 6.30pm Where: Youth Complex, Al Buraimi
Visit Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel for a special dining series, followed by the “Secrets of the Palace,” in which you can discover the secrets and history of the iconic hotel (+968 2476 4000; ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/AlBustan).
South A'Sharqiyah When: November 24, 8pm Where: Youth Complex, Sur
27
28
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY
A visit to “EduTraC Oman ’ The students of Pakistan School Muscat visited the exhibition “EduTraC Oman” which was held under the patronage of Ministry of Education Oman – National Career Guidance Centre aiming to bring in leading career options to the spotlight for students in Oman.
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY
Art fiesta Bhavalayam 2015, a cultural extravaganza and art fiesta, presented by BHAVALAYA – a nonprofit global platform for promotion of Art and Culture, held at the Le Grand Hall, Al Falaj Hotel, honoured artistes from different walks of life. — Photos: Purushothaman Kunnummel
HI WEEKLY
29
30
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 30 NOVEMBER 13, 2015
IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY
Workshop on Assistive Technology for Communication, organised by the Audiology Department in KIMS Oman Hospital.