OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 54,000 COPIES
VOL 9 ISSUE 27 / OCTOBER 23, 2015
DIFFERENT BY DESIGN THIS WEEK IN OMAN
Audited by
GO OLD SCHOOL Pick accessories and
TASTE MALAY Visit Cafe Malaysia
statement pieces with vintage charm to add a hint of the glamour, intrigue, and flirty femininity of the past to your wardrobe. PAGE 12
for a culinary adventure with their wide array of authentic Malay dishes. PAGE 16
GET IN THE SADDLE Learn about horseback riding in the Sultanate from Oman’s own aspiring Olympic horseman. PAGE 20
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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 27 OCTOBER 23, 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 felicia@timesofoman.com
Executive Features Editor Felicia Campbell Features Production Editor Swati Dasgupta
hubert@timesofoman.com
swati@timesofoman.com
Editor Hubert Vaz Chief Sub-Editors Mohammed Shafeeqe, Ashish Dubash
ashishdubash@timesofoman.com
Special Correspondent Salim Joseph
shafeeq@timesofoman.com
salim@timesofoman.com
Senior Editors T. A. Ameerudheen Faisal Mohammed Naim ameerudheen@timesofoman.com
faisal@timesofoman.com
Online Editor Mahran Shaukat Ali mahran@timesofoman.com
shruthi@timesofoman.com
Multimedia Editorial Assistant Shruthi Nair 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 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 Circulation Manager Vinod Panicker vinodpanicker@timesofoman.com On The Cover Photography by Ismail Al Farsi Design by Ali Jani
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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What are you doing this weekend? Tag us in your weekend instagram photos #HiWeekend Tweet us @HiWeekly or tell us about it on FB: HiWeekly
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 27 OCTOBER 23, 2015
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THE WEEKEND LINEUP Catch the hottest events that are happening this week in our calendar.
22 23 24 THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
7:00pm Enjoy Stars and Songs of Oman
Witness a Battle of Bands
Check out a Windsurfing Championship
Oman’s best bands will fight for supremacy at the Ballroom of Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa to bag an opportunity of supporting Stereophonics when they arrive in Muscat on November 12 for a concert.
Royal Opera House Muscat will be staging a musical concert – Music for 45 years of Loyalty and Love, wherein popular Arab and Omani singers and musicians will present exclusive renditions that celebrate love for Oman on two evenings (Oct 22 and 24).
Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Contact: +968 2477 6666; stereophonicsoman.com
Royal Opera House Contact: +968 2440 3332; rohmuscat.org.om
Watch movies at Vox Cinemas
Photography: Supplied, Shutterstock
10:00pm Attend an Ibiza Party DJ Emma Jai, a Dublinbased DJ, will spin out electrifying music for this Ibiza Party at On The Rocks, Golden Tulip Seeb, R this Thursday. Emma Jai, with her first solo release “Underelectrick” signed to Pacha Recordings, is ffast emerging as Europe’s leading female DJ. On The Rocks Contact: +968 2451 0300; goldentulipseeb.com
Unexpected star Cobie Smulders
Two cute movies – The Little T Prince and Unexpected – release this week at Vox Cinema outlets. The Little Prince is a 3D stop motion and computer-animated ffantasy film directed by Mark Osborne while Unexpected is an American drama film starring Cobie Smulders as a high school teacher who unintentionally becomes pregnant. Vox Cinemas Contact: +968 2455 8888; voxcinemas.com
The RS:X World Championship, including the 2015 Oman RS:XU21 Windsurfing Championships, which began on October 17 at Musannah Sports City, concludes today. RS:X World Championship is an annual regatta staged in a country, like Oman, where windsurfing is being actively pursued with an eye on an entry in the Olympics. Musannah Sports City Contact: +968 9410 7135; omansail.com
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Are you planning on getting out of town this weekend to witness any of these events? Share with us on Facebook.com/hiweekly or tweet us @hioman or tag us in your instagram photos #HiWeekend
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KHALEEJI HAPPENINGS Broadcasting the best events in the GCC (Oct. 22, 23, 24)
01 Thursday, October 22
Fashion Extravaganza (Dubai)
Attend Season 6 of Fashion Forward 2015 (FFWD), a colourful event for fashion enthusiasts that includes ramp presentations by prominent regional designers like Dima Ayad, Hussein Bazaza, House of Nomad and Dany Tabet, inspiring talks by global fashion experts, besides social events at Madinat Theatre at Madinat Jumeirah. Madinat Theatre Contact: +971 4 432 7844; fashionforward.ae
02 SND20 CREATIVE NEWS DESIGN CONFERENCE Dubai - 23, 24 and 25 October 2015
02 Thursday, October 22
IPC Athletics World Championship (Qatar)
Watch the world’s most incredible athletes in action at the IPC Athletics World Championship (Oct 22-31), all seeking a place at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Spectators will be amazed by reigning Paralympic Champions, World Champions and worldrecord holders who will display their unique abilities Qatar Sports Club Contact: +974 5019 7485; doha2015@q-tickets.com
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03 Friday, October 23
Creative Design Fest (Dubai)
Unlock your creativity at the Middle East Creative Design and Dubai Infographic Fest, organised by the Society for News Design with support from the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority between October 23 to 25, in Dubai Knowledge Village. The programme includes informative sessions on creative design and convergence to various channels. Dubai Knowledge Village Contact: +971 4 390 1111; snd20events.org
04 Friday, October 23
8:00pm Reggae Night (Qatar)
The Exiles from the UK return to the beach in Doha West Bay after a successful performance last April. Be ready to rock the night away with back to back hits from the UK charts from bands like The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, Duran Duran, and much more. The St. Regis Doha, Doha West Bay Contact: +974 4446 0116; oysterbay.doha@stregis.com
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05 Saturday, October 24
Dubai Comedy Festival (Dubai)
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FIVE TO TRY DROP-IN FITNESS CLASSES IN MUSCAT hiweekend@timesofoman.com
Yoga at InterContinental
Zumba
Pilates
Martial Arts
Kickboxing
The physical, mental and physical discipline of yoga has been considered to be one of the most effective fitness routines. Hotel InterContinental Muscat, offers weekly yoga courses at the rate of 6OMR per class. Call on +968 2468 0000 to reserve a spot.
It combines all essential elements of fitness including cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility amidst some supremely fun-filled time. Contact the Hayati Spa & Studio in Al Shatti at +968 2460 1255, mutrahoverseas.com/hayati for an energetic Zumba workout session.
Pilates is a fitness regime that involves controlled body movements that improves flexibility, builds strength and develops control and endurance. For the most beneficial workout sessions in Muscat contact the Wellness Fitness Centre, Mall at The Walk, Al Mouj on +968 2412 8333, wave-wellness.com.
It is a codified system of combat practices that are practised for selfdefence, physical fitness and mental and spiritual development. To learn this skill while maintaining fitness, visit the Muscat Mixed Martial Arts Club, Bait Habroot, Al Khuwair, Baskin Robbins building, +968 9260 0779.
Kickboxing is a stand-up combat sport that is gaining ground in Oman over the past few years. Try kickboxing as an evening stressbuster at Oman Kickboxing Club, The Champ Gym, Al Khuwair. Contact: +96893647450 Info@omankickboxingclub.com.
Photography: Supplied
Join in the culmination of the 10-day laugh riot at the Dubai Comedy Festival at Sky Dive Dubai where the cynosure will be Trevor Noah (new host of The Daily Show). The festival has been keeping people in splits at many locations across Dubai while the main stage is next to Sky Dive Dubai in Mina Seyahi. Skydive Dubai Contact: +971 4 366 2289; info@dubaicomedyfest.ae
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WEEK END ESCA PE
CENTRAL SHARQIYAH This week pump up your adrenaline by sand boarding the desert. Have an exciting dune bashing experience and wind up your day by watching the breathtaking sight of the sunset. The following day don’t forget to revel in the serenity of Wadi Bani Khalid and soak in its pristine water. TEXT OLGA AYMERICH
FRIDAY 8.00am Desert lovers, it’s time to leave Muscat. Take Nizwa road, drive up to Bid Bid and pass by Ibra. Two hours and forty-four minutes is a long ride, so take it easy and enjoy the landscape.
10.45am Have a short stop at Al Qabil, famous for its Arabian horses, and walk around the cluster of old towers and fortifications around it.
11.30am Continue the adventure driving till the Arabian Oryx Camp in Al Wasil. Relax while you sip your coffee in the traditional Majlis setting.
12.30pm Sand boarding is waiting for you. Get your sandboard, tighten your helmet, and learn how to rock the dunes. 5.00pm Get in hands of an experienced driver and go for a dune bashing experience. Driving up and down the dunes will pump up your adrenaline but don’t worry; an unforgettable sunset is waiting for you at the top of the dunes. 7.00pm Go back to the camp and enjoy a barbecue next to the big bonfire.
What are your staycation plans for this weekend? Tell us on Facebook.com/hiweekly or tweet us @ hioman or tag us in your instagram photos #HiWeekend
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SATURDAY 9.00am With a full tummy after breakfast, visit a real Bedouin house and learn about their lifestyle. Why not get some locally made handicrafts to decorate your hall?
11.30am Zigzag the road till Wadi Bani Khalid. The road will bring you through colourful rock formations. If you are not the driver, relax and enjoy the views of the valley. Once you reach, take a juice and a sandwich from the little coffee place at the entrance of the picnic area.
1.00pm Time to remove that desert dust left in your hair. Swim in the natural water pools of Wadi Bani Khalid. Have a little nap under the shadow of its palm trees. 4.30pm When it gets cooler, take the way back home all freshened up after the weekend. hiweekend@timesofoman.com
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THE HOME OF GOOD NEWS
#OMANPRIDE
CELEBRATING THE SULTANATE
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“ALL WE EVER seem to read these days is bad news,” is a familiar comment from consumers of news both online and in print all around the world. And though it’s true that the media’s role is to hold a mirror to the society it covers, reflecting the good and the bad, why does it seem like the bad news outweighs the good? Often it’s because those engaged in kind acts, initiatives of charity, examples of individual bravery, do so quietly, not for recognition, but because it is just the right thing to do. We want to take the next month leading up to National Day to celebrate the unsung heroes right here in Muscat. And we need your help. We want you to help us celebrate all that is good in Oman, with inspirational stories from Omanis and expats, and we’ll report on it with #OmanPride being our dedicated banner for good news. Share with us anything you feel promotes what’s best in the country
we call home, from beautiful photographs to a video of your most recent outdoor adventure to vintage images of the past or stories of everyday, unsung kindness or bravery. Tell us about the things and people in your life that inspire you, and why. Write a poem praising His Majesty, pen a letter thanking the Royal Oman Police officer who helped you, lend your support in words, pictures, and video to your teacher, your nurse, the people who clean the streets and build the roads, or to the armed forces who keep the borders of Oman safe and secure. Connect with us however you want, you can email us at hiweekend@timesofoman.com or reach out to us on Facebook: facebook.com/hiweekly, Instagram: hiweekly_oman, Twitter:@HiWeekly_Oman or write us a letter #OmanPride, Times of Oman, PO Box 2998, Ruwi, Oman, postcode 112. We look forward to hearing about your #OmanPride
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PETER PAN COLLAR TOP Peplums perfectly capture elegant femininity of the 1950s, especially in subtle pastels. From Splash, Centrepoint, Al Khuwair, +968 9647 3106, splashfashion.com, 7.5OMR
POSH PEN HOLLYWOOD SHADES This retro styled pair of shades features a white accented upper frame combined with a slim metal lower and a chic D shape that screams Hollywood starlet. From Parfois, Qurum City Centre (Avenues Mall and Muscat City Centre), +968 2455 8183, parfois.com, 8.900OMR
Fancy fountain pens were an especially important marker of status for autograph signing stars and businessmen at the turn of the century. Bring back the glamour of this subtle accessory with a gold accented, intricately designed pen of your own. From Al Alami, Avenues Mall, +968 9984 9970, 212OMR
MIDCENTURY STYLE TEXT FELICIA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI
TREASURE HUNT There is no accessory more personal or unique than a one-ofa-kind vintage piece of jewellery. Look for old watches (they don’t need to work to look good), rings, and pendants with styles reminiscent of your favourite era on your next trip to the souq.
Channel the glam and feminine flair of bygone eras by adding classic cuts, colours, and shapes into your wardrobe: Pair a mint, peplum collared shirt with skinny jeans, polka-dotted flats with an A-line skirt, or add some serious old-school lux with a high-end, gold-accented fountain pen. –felicia@timesofoman.com
PINUP POLKA FLATS Polka dots are classic and their ladylike appeal is especially strong on thesevintage-style flats. From Aldo, Muscat City Centre (Muscat Grand Mall and Qurum City Centre), aldoshoes.com, 28OMR
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THE UNENDING RUNIC SANDS OF OMAN PROVIDE ENOUGH ADVENTURE AND THRILL, AND DUNE BASHING IS THE MOST POPULAR PASTIME. IMAGINE ZIPPING THROUGH THE DUNES, CAROMING OFF SAND HILLS, AND FINALLY VAULTING OFF THE DUNE PEAK; FLYING FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE PLUNGING INTO THE SAND. WITH TEMPERATURES DROPPING, THIS IS THE TIME TO GET GOING. CHECK OUT THESE ESSENTIALS BEFORE HEADING OUT
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CONQUERING THE SANDS TEXT FAISAL MOHAMMED NAIM PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI
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POLARIS ARMOURED VEST For proper protection amidst all those fun filled jolts and bumps. Sturdy fibre construction ensures total safeguarding of the upper torso. 55OMR POLARIS FLY F2 CARBON SNOW HELMET Premium Carbon fibre/Kevlar shell materials deliver superb head protection as well as the superlight weight doesn’t strain the neck during the long day-ride. 120OMR INTERPHONE F5XT INTERCOM You might want to stop or take a detour. You will direly need this. Obviously you are not thinking of taking off your helmet and use your phone everytime you want to communicate; that too amidst all that flying sand. 250OMR POLARIS VERTICAL ASSAULT RIDING PANTS The highly breathable pants keep you aerated and protected from abrasion and tears. 110OMR POLARIS EVENT SOFTSHELL JACKETThe nylon constructed jacket keeps the sand from coming in contact with the body as well as protecting from lacerations. 110OMR POLARIS 509 DIRT PRO GOGGLES Protects your eyes from sand and the clear antiglare and smear free glass maintains high visibility at all times. 45OMR POLARIS FLY ORV GLOVES NORTHERN SAFARI These lightweight perforated gloves deliver outstanding protection and a sure grip while keeping hands comfortable. 25OMR
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AVAILABLE AT Fairtrade Auto, Al Khuwair Tel: +968 2460 2295/2129, GSM: +968 9744 5272
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MALAY IN MUSCAT STORY SWATI DASGUPTA PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI
If you are looking for variety, colour, and taste all at the same time in your food, then it’s time to eat the Malay way. Known for being the melting pot of culture, Malaysia is also popular for its varied cuisines and even the pickiest eater would find something special to satisfy their palate. Here in Muscat, walk into this not-so-old Malaysian eatery in town and get spoilt for choice. Café Malaysia in Al Khuwair has lots on offer. We recommend you to try Nasi Lemak Rendang Ayam, a specialty dish of Malaysia, and a very special dessert with an equally unique name called ABC. Nasi Lemak Rendang Ayam is coconut rice served with chicken rendang. The colourful dessert ABC is Ais Batu Campur which literally means ice rock mix. Café Malaysia, Al Khuwair Contact: +968 9445 3050
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 @ hioman or tag us in your instagram photos #HiWeekend
NASI LEMAK RENDANG AYAM Nasi Lemak is Malaysian coconut milk rice served with sambal, fried crispy anchovies, toasted peanuts, boiled eggs, and cucumber. It is served on a banana leaf. Sambal is very essential while serving Nasi Lemak. It is a popular condiment made of onions, chillies, garlic, lemongrass, turmeric, ginger, cooking oil, tamarind paste, palm sugar and fish sauce. Rendang Ayam is Chicken Rendang cooked in a rich and spicy coconut sauce which is thick with a hint of citrus.
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ABC (AIS BATU CAMPUR) This Malaysian dessert is a combination of crushed ice layered with three colours of jellies, creamy corn, kidney beans, rose syrup, palm sugar, and sweetened milk. This multi-coloured dessert is a refreshing treat and quite popular with children.
NASI LEMAK INGREDIENTS •2 cups of coconut milk steamed rice •Pandan or screwpine leaves
PREPARATION Just like you make steamed rice, rinse rice and drain. Add the coconut milk, a pinch of salt, and some water. Add pandan leaves into the rice and cook the rice.
RENDANG AYAM INGREDIENTS •1 1/2 lbs chicken •7 tbsp oil •1/4 piece turmeric leaf (optional), thinly shredded •10 kaffir lime leaves •1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 2-inch length •1 1/2 cups coconut milk •2 tbsp desiccated coconut, lightly toasted •Salt and sugar to taste Spice Paste: •3 tbsp oil •10 dried red chillies, soaked in warm water and seeds removed
•5 fresh red chillis, seeds removed •2 stalks lemongrass (white part only), lightly smashed •7 shallots, or 1 small red onion •1 clove garlic •1/2-inch ginger, peeled •1/2-inch galangal (lengkuas), peeled •1 tsp coriander seeds •1 candlenut, lightly smashed •1 tsp tamarind paste •1 tbsp turmeric powder •1 tsp salt •1 tsp sugar
PREPARATION Blend all spice paste ingredients in a food processor until fine. Scoop out, and set aside. Season chicken with a little salt and put aside. In a wok, heat up oil, stir-fry turmeric leaf and kaffir lime leaves until fragrant. Add blended spice paste, stir-fry until fragrant, or until colour changes for 5 minutes. Put in chicken, stir well and continue cooking for 5 minutes. Pour in coconut milk and toasted coconut and bring to a quick boil. Turn off heat after a while. Serve with anchovies, hard boiled eggs (cut into half ) and cucumber. —Recipe from Rasa Malaysia, http://rasamalaysia.com/
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STORY SHRUTHI NAIR PHOTOGRAPHY A.R. RAJKUMAR
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iBEAUTY Women in Oman are extremely particular about their looks, especially skin, and hence are ready to go the extra mile to achieve perfection. Many a times, they tend to damage their skin due to overuse of foundation and other makeup products which eventually gets sucked up into the ďŹ ne pores of the skin, thus resulting in various skin related ailments. Ooh Lala is the only spa and salon in Muscat that has the perfect solution to these problems in the form of a magical beauty technology, named iBeauty.
Have you had an extraordinary facial treatment recently? Share with your experience on Facebook. com/hiweekly or tweet us @ hioman or tag us in your instagram photos #HiWeekend
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iBeauty Hydration Corrector The Hydration Corrector treats the dehydrated and tired skin using sequential ultrasound. This treatment relaxes the muscles, drains the muscles, and detoxifies the skin. Hydrating Sueve Blue is pushed deep into the skin leaving the skin fresh, bright and intensely hydrated.
Nowadays, women in Oman expect a full-fledged facial which includes deep cleansing, hydration as well as anti-ageing. But most salons here do not offer all of these treatments at once or may end up charging high amounts for each of these treatments individually. However, at Ooh Lala, with a device like iBeauty you get to do all of these 3 essential therapies in just OMR70. In a nutshell, the iBeauty is an advanced device that uses new generation progressive technologies to provide a deeply rebalanced cleansing that makes the skin healthier, brighter, and free from impurities. It predominantly incorporates: • Sound Vibrations: To exfoliate and purify. • Sequential Ultrasound: To drain, infuse and stimulate. • Tripolar Radio-frequency: To regenerate and plump.
iBeauty Youth Activator The Youth Activator serves as an anti-ageing treatment using tripolar radio frequency to rejuvenate the skin. The wrinkled portions that were opened using the Purity Reviver is closed finely and minutely by the Youth Activator. As a result of this, cheeks look flushed, frown lines disappear and the skin looks younger right from the very first session. In addition to this, it also helps to burn the fat especially under the chin as it operates at 45 degrees, making you facially toned.
iBeauty Purity Reviver The Purity Reviver is essentially used for deep cleansing of the skin, from the neck all the way up to the forehead as against traditional cleansing which only helps in removing black heads in patches. The device works on sound vibrations and removes black heads, white heads and also opens the wrinkled portions of the skin to prepare it for the following treatments. It also helps in stimulating better blood circulation thus making the skin glow.
When you look in the mirror by the end of this treatment, you see a person whose skin is plumper, firmer, fairer, brighter, and younger looking. For effective results in efficient ways, contact Ooh Lala Spa and Salon, Shatti Al Qurum; oohlalaoman.com; +968 9333 9163
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PONY TALE
ASK AN OMANI ALL ABOUT HORSE-RIDING
Horseback riding and competition has long been a part of Omani culture, Majid Hamed Al Hasani, an aspiring Olympic horseman, tells us about the traditional and modern styles of competitive riding in the Sultanate
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raditional Omani horse-riding initially started in Sharqiyah which eventually became the Omani way of riding the horse. Traditional riding has various interesting elements to it which make it different from the riding that is practised in other parts of the world. A lot of heed is paid to intricate details like the appearance of the horse, look of the saddle, the rider’s clothes and accessories, and way of seating and riding. The Omani saddle, known as Za’ana, is different from the contemporary saddles that are used worldwide and the most essential thing that distinguishes it from the other saddles is the absence of leg stirrups. This makes it difficult for the rider to maintain balance as they have to use their heels to embrace the horse’s body in order to maintain balance. The Omani riders are considered to be among the best in the world which is the only reason why they can pull off such a challenging tweak in the saddle. In addition to this, a lot of importance is given to the overall appearance of the horse. In Oman, Arabian horses which are known for its beauty, petite stature and elegance is predominantly ridden. These horses are further decorated and beautified by nicely embroidered colourful clothing known as the Numnah that is put under the saddle so that the body of the horse doesn’t get scraped or bruised by the friction caused against its skin by the saddle. Also, the horse bridle is often made of silver and looks like a facial ornament for the horse. Special bandages and boots are also worn to protect the legs of the horse from injuries and damage. However, it must be noted that when the rider is on the horse he ought to be wearing an Omani dishdasha, the mussar, or the turban and most importantly, the khanjar.
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TEXT SHRUTHI NAIR PHOTOGRAPHY SHABIN E
Initially, horses were used only during wars and other such battles, but of late, the horse that has come to be associated with pride and honour are ridden during important festivals like Eid celebrations and competitions. Nowadays, people from different cities and villages across Oman gather together in one place for various traditional horseriding competitions that happen at least thrice a year. The horses are evaluated on the basis of their training, skills and stunts, speed, and so on. As per some customs, the rider sings a typical Omani hymn while entering with his horse after which the horse is expected to perform some skilled tricks and stunts as per the rider’s instruction in front of the gathering. The horses in Oman are trained in three disciplined paces of movements known as The Walk, Khabeeb (faster than the walk and slower than a sprint), and Harwalah (run). Apart from this, the other competitions that the Arabian horses in Oman are trained for include: ENDURANCE: It is a comparatively recent competition introduced in the Middle East about 20 years ago in which the best horses available cover long distance ranging between 100 and 200 kilometres. SHOWJUMPING: It is also known as stadium jumping and open jumping which is increasingly gaining ground in Oman. The horses have to jump cleanly over a set of 12 to 15 obstacles of different heights. DRESSAGE: An Olympic activity, in this the horse and horserider are expected to perform a number of tasks, stunts, and movements from memory. They usually have to go through an intense test before entering the competition. RACING: Horse-racing is extremely popular in the Sultanate whereby people are ready to shell out huge amounts of money on the winning horse which sometimes may extend to OMR100,000. TENT-PEGGING: This is an act predominantly for the military stables such as the Royal Stable that belongs to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Royal Oman Police Stable and Royal Army Stable. Tent-pegging refers to a specific mounted game with ground targets involving edged weapons on horseback, for which the term “equestrian skill-at-arms” is also used. The most popular form of riding in Oman continues to be the traditional style, which is enjoyed for the challenge and beauty of it, more than for professional acclaim. Riders practice this form to preserve the heritage of horsemanship in the Sultanate, though new variations abound, with adventurous Omani riders standing on their horses backs, or on two horses running in tandem. There are special Omanistyle races held for more senior riders, where top honours earned by those with experience, discipline, and a proven dedication to the heritage of the sport. -shruthi@timesofoman.com HORSE-RIDING LESSONS Creo Equestrian, Barka OMR10 per class facebook.com/creo.equestrian Instagram: creoequestriann Phone: +968 9224 4575 Qurum Equestrian Stable, Qurum Park & Nature Reserve OMR20 per class (All other details regarding the rates are given on the website) Phone: +968 9942 2401 qe.hashimani.com Al Farsan Stable, Qurum Park & Nature Reserve OMR15 per class Phone: +968 9938 6978
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NADIA’S DESIGN WORLD TEXT T.A. AMEERUDHEEN PHOTOS ISMAIL AL FARSI
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Famous Omani jewellery artist Nadia Al Shamsi, who won accolades in the recent London Jewellery Exhibition, talks about her life as a designer
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adia Al Shamsi was the cynosure of all eyes at the 60th London Jewellery Exhibition in September, where the Omani jewellery artist and her brand, Mazayen, won appreciation from potential buyers and gem suppliers for her special designs as she showcased hand-made necklaces, finger rings, and bangles that reflected the rich cultural heritage of the Sultanate. Her unique collection is a form of self-expression for Nadia, whose tryst with art and design began during her school days. While most of her friends were engaged in outdoor activities, Nadia immersed herself in painting, beading, and stitching clothes in the cool confines of her home.
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Inspired by her passion for wearable art, Nadia created ornaments using beads and strings, before graduating to intricate metal work. And in 2009, she launched her company, Nadia Al Shamsi Trading, manufacturing and selling accessories. “I started jewellery design as a hobby. It is difficult to set up an outlet as the rents are very high. I am happy to work from home. I begin my work after returning from office (Ministry of Heritage and Culture) on weekdays. Weekends are hectic as I spend the entire day inside the workshop,” she explained. “I rebranded it as Mazayen in 2014. I am happy to continue it as a home-based business.” Far from being a purely commercial endeavour, Nadia began organising exhibitions, and soon gained recognition for the artistry of her work. “I organised my first exhibition, “Handmade in Oman,” at my home. I asked the participants to bring handmade products. It was a huge success. I then received the Al Roya economic award for best Omani home based business 2014. I was selected by Zubair Small and Medium Enterprise Centre for financial support. I was amongst 30 innovators who were selected by the British Council from Middle East and North Africa to be part of a cultural innovators’ programme in 2013. Then I participated in an exhibition in UAE, titled Wonders of the East. The London expo was the biggest event I took part. I got orders from a museum and two boutiques in London.” Her home, close to Grand Hyatt Hotel in Shatti Al Qurum, has a mini-workshop outfitted with professional machinery for crafting jewellery using silver and other metallic materials. But the physical manufacturing of her beautiful objects is just one step in the long road from inception to creation. Nadia explained her creative process to us. SINGULAR PIECES ROOTED IN TRADITION “My brand, Mazayen, won appreciation from potential buyers and gem suppliers across the world during 60th London Jewellery Exhibition in September. They were curious to know about the specialty of my designs. I told them that I drew inspiration from the Sultanate’s rich cultural heritage and the traditional Omani jewellery. I make unique handmade jewellery. Every piece of my jewellery is an art piece in itself. I don’t make more than four pieces in the same design.”
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MOOD BOARD “Artists need inspiration. It can come from different sources. I usually get inspiration while reading fashion magazines. When I find something interesting—photographs in the magazines, such as a fabric, design, and eyes of beautiful models—I will cut them and paste on a board. It may look like a collage. I call it my mood board. Mood board is an important step in my design process. Sometimes, I name the mood board. For example, my recent mood board was named ‘Energetic Glam’, as it gave my plenty of energy,” she explained. SKETCHING AND CUTTING “Ideas bombard me once I create the mood board. I finalise one design and begin to draw it on paper. If I am satisfied with it, I copy it on to a butter paper. It is followed by a series of works that need high amount of concentration. The design has to be etched on a silver plate. Then I use the saw to cut the outline.” TEXTURE “I make the silver soft through enailing. Later, I hammer it to give the desired texture. The edges are made soft by using needle files. I use silver, copper, brass and natural stones to make jewellery. I love making rings, bracelets and pendants. I buy the metal from online stores and beads from the United States.” Though Nadia won critical acclaim for her work in London, she cherishes the warm reception she has received at home in Oman even more. “I am a perfectionist and I take utmost care in producing the best products. The brand name, Mazayen, which means beautiful woman or ‘Miss Camel’, too implies the Omani heritage. I am happy that Mazayen products won the hearts of fashion-conscious customers in Oman.” Nadia is grateful to have an artistic outlet for her creative passions and she wants to encourage and inspire other Omani women to express themselves and their heritage. “I give classes and workshops on jewellery design to school students. I want the girls to do something creative during their free time. They are wasting their time playing video games these days.” -ameerudheen@timesofoman.com
To learn more about Mazayen jewellery classes and how to purchase these bespoke designs, get in touch with Nadia at +968 9946 9007, mazayen.jewelry@gmail.com
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‘Artists need inspiration. It can come from different sources. I usually get inspiration while reading fashion magazines, from interesting photographs, fabric, design, even from the eyes of beautiful models’
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MUSCATˇS DESI KEBAB TRAIL TEXT: HUBERT VAZ
ILLUSTRATION: GERI BATARA SONNY
IF YOU love North Indian cuisine, then kebabs surely top your starters choice, simply because most Indian restaurants do not offer you much to choose from, except kebabs and pakoras. Nevertheless, each restaurant prepares the same set of popular kebab varieties with their own special recipes. Over the past decade, I have visited most of the Indian restaurants in Muscat which prepare kebabs of different types and have had some interesting experiences in some of these. I’d say, at the outset, the presentation of the kebabs itself indicates to the diner what to expect. The aroma then assures you of an exotic experience ahead. And the first bite defines your mood for the evening. A good kebab is usually the flag-bearer of a good North Indian meal since it speaks of the prowess of the chefs in the kitchen. This is your roadmap to some of the best South Asian kebabs in Muscat, from fine dining restaurants to hole-in-the-wall shops. -hubert@timesofoman.com
ROY HOU
SULTAN QABOOS GRAND MOSQUE
TASTE OF INDIA AL GHUBRA Al Ghubra High Street, Near 18th November Street +968 2449 0034 Pros Good quality food Fairly priced menu Quick service Cons Lack of parking Ordinary ambience Limited seating Go For: Chicken or Paneer Tikka Tandoori Jhinga
360 DEGREES GHALA Penthouse, Al Nahda Towers 2, Opposite Mitsubishi Showroom, Ghala; +968 2459 0398, 360degreesoman.com Pros Good presentation of food Tasty preparations Friendly staff Cons Dizzy ambience Limited open-air seating Limited choices on menu Go For: Murg Adraki Tikka 360 Mix Grill
THE KABAB FACTORY AL KHUWAIR Block 241, Way 4144, Opposite Safeer Suites, Al Khuwair +968 2447 8373, thegreatkebabfactory.com/ muscat Pros Good variety of kebabs Authentic recipes Eat as much as you want Cons Location off main road Limited parking High priced set-menus Go For: Hamour Tikka Kalmi Kebab
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THE INDUS SHATTI QURUM Opera Galleria, next to Royal Opera House +968 2202 2888 theindus.om Pros Sizeable portions of kebabs Excellent food quality Friendly staff Cons High priced menu Theme ambience absent Limited mocktails, juices Go for: Murg Tandoori Tawa Hamour
YAL OPERA USE MUSCAT
ASIANA
MUMTAZ MAHAL
DARSAIT The Cave Complex, Qurum Heights Road, Darsait end +968 2465 1465 Pros Good location Plenty of parking Comfortable seating Cons Small portions of kebabs Slow service Boring ambience Go for: Chicken Hariyali Kebab, Fish Tikka
QURUM Next to City Amphitheatre, Al Qurum +968 2460 5907 mumtazmahal.net Pros Good variety of kebabs Excellent view Choice of beverages Cons Need to climb flights of stairs Rather slow service Pricing on higher side Go For: Mutton Seekh Kebabs Fish Tikka (Kingfish)
KHANA KHAZANA MBD ,
POPULAR KEBABS
PASSAGE TO INDIA WADI ADAI Hatat House Compound, Near Wadi Adai Roundabout +968 2456 8480 Pros Good variety of kebabs Good ambience Choice of beverages Cons Limited parking Limited seating Small portions of kebabs Go For: Tandoori Chicken Tikka, Fish Amritsari
zChicken Tikka Kebab orange hued, spicy kebab zPahadi Kebab or Hariyali Kebab prepared with a spicy, green or yellow marinade zMalai Kebab mildly spiced in a cream-based marinade zLasooni Tikka Kebab garlic flavoured marinade zMutton Seekh Kebab spicy lamb mince kebab zKalmi Kebab spicy chicken with bone-in zShami Kebab beef mince mixed with ground lentils and spices zGalouti Kebab a toasted patty made of fine lamb mince, kidney fat, and spices z Kakori Kebab made of fine mutton mince mixed with shredded papaya and spices
Near Pizza Hut, Ruwi +968 2481 3466 khanakhazanaoman.com Pros Good variety of kebabs Authentic recipes Friendly staff Cons Seating in close proximity Limited parking Very dim lighting Go For: Fish Tikka Kalimiri Murgh Malai Tikka
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IN FOCUS WERE YOU AT ONE OF THESE EVENTS? SEE IF WE CAUGHT YOU ON CAMERA. LOOK FOR IT ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY
A TRIBUTE TO OMAN. The Pakistani community in Oman expressed its love for Oman and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said at a special function, 'A Tribute to Oman', held at Ruwi Hotel last week. Ayaz Hussain, Ambassador of Pakistan, was the chief guest while Sheikh Zayad bin Talib Al Maawali, adviser to the minister of endowments and religious affairs, and Syed Fayyaz Ali Shah, Chairman, Syed Fayyaz Group, were present as special guests.
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 27 OCTOBER 23, 2015
IN FOCUS WERE YOU AT ONE OF THESE EVENTS? SEE IF WE CAUGHT YOU ON CAMERA. LOOK FOR IT ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY
JAVED ALI LIVE. Bollywood singer Javed Ali enthralled the audience at the City Amphitheatre on October 9 at a concert organised by MKP and Majan Events.
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