Hi Weekly - October 9, 2015

OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 54,000 COPIES

VOL 9 ISSUE 25 / OCTOBER 9, 2015

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THIS WEEK IN OMAN

EAT LIKE A PARISIAN

DECORATE LIKE A KHALEEJI HIPSTER

TAME YOUR TRESSES

Check out the best European bakery in town, then go whip up your own baguettes.

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Shop fresh, modern home fashion by young GCC entrepreneurs right here in Muscat. PAGE 10

Try one of six new, super sleek hair styles.

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Give us a shout with questions, comments, compliments, complaints, or just to say “Hi�

Founder Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali scottarmstrong@timesofoman.com Chief Executive Editor Scott Armstrong felicia@timesofoman.com

Executive Features Editor Felicia Campbell

hubert@timesofoman.com

Editors Hubert Vaz, Swati Dasguptaa

swati@timesofoman.com

Chief Sub-Editors h Mohammed Shafeeqe, Ashish Dubash ashishdubash@timesofoman.com

Special Correspondent Salim Joseph

shafeeq@timesofoman.com

Reporters T. A. Ameerudheen Faisal Mohammed Naim

faisal@timesofoman.com

Online Editor Mahran Shaukat Ali

ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

shruthi@timesofoman.com

salim@timesofoman.com

Multimedia Editorial Assistant Shruthi Nair

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 Photography MMG Photographers aziz@timesofoman.com Head Of Advertising & Marketing Aziz K. Baker Production Manager Shafi Shaik Circulation Manager Vinod Panicker vinodpanicker@timesofoman.com On The Cover Illustration and Design by Geri Batara Sonny

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THE WEEKEND LINEUP Catch the hottest events that are happening this week in our calendar.

08 09 10 THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Enjoy a traditional Sticks Night 2015

Grab a pair of dandiyas (sticks) and get set to sway to Bollywood Disco Dandiya melodies at Muscat Club, Wadi Kabir.

In Sohar, you can enjoy the same revelry at an open farm next to Al Nahda Camp, Sohar, on Oct 9.

Muscat Club Tickets: +968 9238 0382 / +968 9988 2735

Photography: Supplied

6:00pm Attend the Red Bull Car Park ark Drift Qualifier ier Get set for some thrilling ing action on the race track ack at the Oman Automobile bile Association grounds nds where the best drifters ers from Oman will compete ete in the Red Bull Car Park ark Drift Local Qualifierr in the presence of Drifting ing superstar Abdo Feghali. hali.

Oman Automobile bile Association, Seeb eeb Tickets: +968 2451 0239 239 redbull.com/cpo cpo

Attend tend the Live Concert

by Javed Ali

Bollywood singer ger Javed Ali will stage his is first live concert in Muscat at the City Amphitheatre phitheatre along with his troupe of 12 professional musicians, hosted by Majan Events in association with MKP. City Amphitheatre hitheatre Tickets: +968 9276 276 9139; djsargam13@gmail.com mail.com

Participate rticipate in a Gujarati Annual nual Fesst The Muscatt Gujarati Samaj celebrates es its 40th anniversary with a Folk Dance on Friday at 7:00pm D

by Chetan Jethwa wa and his tteam of young performers erformers from India, and a cooking competition onn Saturday (10:00am -1:00pm) pm) at Le Grande Hall, Al Falaj G alaj Hotel +968 9934 934 6083 muscatgujaratisamaj.com m amaj.com

SATURDAY Watch Aishwarya Rai’s Aish comeback film com Hindi movie, m Jazbaa, starring starrin Aishwarya and Irrfan Khan Rai an hits theatres this week. Aishwarya, wee who took a break ffrom films for motherhood five mot years aago, hopes to make her presence felt in Bollywood once again with on this film.

City Cinema Cin outlets Box Office: +968 2460 7360; citycinemaoman.net citycinem

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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

KHALEEJI HAPPENINGS Broadcasting the best events in the GCC (Oct 8, 9, 10)

02 Thursday, October 8 Apache Indian & Kay Vado Live (Dubai) Don’t miss Apache Indian’s single night show at The Music Room, The Majestic Hotel, Bur Dubai this Thursday. The award-winning British reggae artiste and his new protégé AKay hope to make this event the biggest and best in Dubai.

The Music Room Contact: + 971 4 359 8888; dubaimajestic.com

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Thursday, October 8 Dance Afrique Dubai 2015 (Dubai) Attend the biggest and hottest Afro Jamz Party of 2015 with Akon from Senegal and French Montana from Morocco, besides Awilo Logomba and Flavour N’abania, and DJ Rossi spinning out magic at Meydan, Dubai.

Meydan Dubai

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Tickets: +971 5543 80032; meydan.ae

Friday, October 9 Night of House Music (Qatar) If you are a lover of House Music, then this night belongs to you, as Fabric Lounge, Grand Regal Hotel, Doha, has launched 123 BPM Nights to promote the underground scene in Doha. Revel in the dark at this newly created hot spot for clubbers with DJs Tough Stuff, Bradley Scott and AmrU. Fabric Lounge Contact: +974 4409 4600; grandregal.com

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Friday, October 9 Trib Fest (Bahrain) Enjoy 12 hours of music at Trib Fest, an open air family friendly music festival comprising 21 tribute acts from the United Kingdom, at the Bahrain Rugby Club, from 10:00am until 10:00pm.

Bahrain Rugby Club Contact: +973 3942 9935; contact@tribfestbh.com

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Saturday, October 10 Global Tour of Hamlet (Dubai) Enjoy Shakespeare’s best work, Hamlet, presented by London’s famous Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre which comes to Dubai for its first ever show at Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre, Mall of Emirates.

DUCTAC Contact: + 971 4 341 4777; ductac.org

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FIVE TO TRY HIKES TO TRY hiweekend@timesofoman.com

Snake Gorge

Majlis Al Jinn Cave

Wadi Shab

The Snake Gorge or Wadi Bani Awf, a large wadi in wilayat Al Rustaq in the South Batinah region, is a true attraction for hikers. The wadi covers authentic Omani villages and the Snake Canyon.

The world’s second largest cave is the ideal spot for adventurers who are looking for a strong adrenaline rush. The dark underground coves lead to turquoise waters with little fish nibbling on your feet.

At Wadi Shab, you get to try out an array of enthralling activities apart from hiking and climbing. Cliff-jumping, diving, casual swimming are among the other recreations this place is known for.

Inside edge of Grand Canyon Get the most stunning view after following a narrow trail looking down hundreds of metres in the gorge below. Discover Sap Bani Khamis whose mystique ruins will allure you further.

Birkat Sharaf If a peaceful getaway close to nature is what you are looking for then this is the place you ought to be. It is considered as one of the most difficult trekking trails and hence is sparsely inhibited or used even by tourists.

Photography: Supplied

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MUS C AT S TAY C AT IONS BABYMOON BLISS AT THE CHEDI MUSCAT The Spa in Chedi Muscat, is the perfect place for a weekend retreat, especially if you are an expectant mom. While the Babymoon staycation concept has been in the trend for quite some time now, The Spa at Chedi Muscat has always indulged the expectant mothers by offering elegant suites, a worldclass spa, and a zen-like ambience before the arrival of the new member of the family.

At The Spa mothers-to-be can now take time out at the specialist Earthlite Maternity Bed. It is especially designed for pregnant women to lie at ease for complete comfort and relaxation. Said to be the only bed of its kind in Oman this ensures complete indulgence. There are several treatments tailor made for pregnant women.

The Ila Mother-To-Be Massage is the most recommended treatment and it begins with an exfoliation using a blend of Himalayan pink salt, rosehip and blackcurrant, followed by a soothing massage with organic argan oil. To finish, heating poultices with lavender and calendula are used to bring balance and harmony to mother and baby. The serenity of the place helps to unwind further as expectant mothers can also recline on the king-sized sun-loungers and staff on hand to cater to every whim. And when it comes to food cravings there are plenty of options to suit every mood. Guests can choose from six restaurants. The fine dining at The Restaurant is ideal for would-be-mums as they can savour some of their choicest dishes at their leisure.

Cost: Starts from OMR171 per night including a 90 minute Ila Mother-To-Be Massage.

Contact: +968 2452 4400 or email reservation@chedimuscat.com.

ALILA JABAL AKHDAR

PERFECT STAYCATION FOR BABYMOON If you are an expectant mom and haven’t taken a break yet to unwind and rejuvenate, it’s time to plan for an ideal Babymoon getaway and put your feet up before the arrival of the baby. While there may be plenty of things in your wish list, here are two very special places where you can have a time of your life before your little bundle of joy arrives in this world. Here we go... swati@timesofoman.com

Be the mama in the mountains. Go for a relaxing mini-break at Alila Jabal Akhdar and find some special moments for yourself to unwind and reconnect as you await the arrival of your baby. While you are made to feel special from the time of your arrival at the resort with exotic dinner at Juniper Restaurant on arrival and lunch at the Rose Lounge on departure. But the main attraction is a visit to the spa where an expectant mom can go for a 60 minutes pregnancy massage. This gentle, non-invasive massage will ease ones discomfort, reduce swelling, and help lower stress.

The skilled therapists there use a lighter touch, concentrating on those areas most vulnerable to changes in one’s body. One can later have a 60 minutes calming and rejuvenation facial which uses sandalwood, French red clay, oils of rose, and lemon. There is also a special couple’s turn down on the final night.

Cost: OMR276 plus taxes, based on two people sharing a Mountain View Suite for a minimum of two nights.

Contact: +968 2534 4200, +968 9910 4204 or email: jabalakhdar@alilahotels.com

What is your idea of an ideal babymoon?

Tell us on Facebook.com/hiweekly or tweet us @ hioman or tag us in your instagram photos #HiWeekend

ZAYNA SPA AT MILLENNIUM RESORT MUSSANAH For those who want to totally unplug from the world, Zayna Spa is the perfect place to be. You don’t have to be extravagant or do anything over the top. All you need to do is find some ‘we time’ with your spouse and get ready for the big day. Here are some of the special treatments available for would be mums.

Pregnancy Pamper: A sumptuous, relaxing full body massage to gently ease away any tension, fatigue and anxiety, before the arrival of the new one. This is then followed by a rejuvenating pedicure to refresh and revive those tired feet, finishing with a polish of your choice – optional.

Duration: 120 minutes Cost: OMR45 Mumma-To-Be Massage: A bespoke, soothing massage that’s customised to relieve your unique aches and pains. We complete the treatment with a refreshing foot and leg ritual.

Duration: 60 minutes Cost: OMR28 Contact: +968 2687 1595 or email: spa.mrmo@millenniumhotels.com

TIPS FOR BABYMOONERS • The ideal time to take your Babymoon is during your 2nd trimester.

• Choose a place that requires less travel time. Longer travelling hours would make you uncomfortable.

• Look for a destination or resort that offers plenty of relaxation amenities and spas that provide maternity massages.

• Remember to get approval from your gynaecologist before you make your trip.

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Hipster Arabian Housewares STORY FELICIA CAMPBELL

PHOTOGRAPHY SHABIN E

Designers from the GCC and beyond are reimagining classic Middle Eastern housewares from incense burners to dallah coffee urns, creating functional objects that double as contemporary art. You can order many of these lovely items from the artists themselves on instagram or you can head to Boutique Muscat in Qurum to check out their rotating selection of hip Arabian handicrafts. felicia@timesofoman.com Find the gear at: Boutique Muscat, Jawharat A’Shatti Mall, Qurum +968 2469 9949, boutiquemuscat.com

Bakhoor-in-a-Box Made in Abu Dhabi, these beautiful carved wooden boxes have a grated coal holder as well as a nook for keeping your luban or incense. OMR33

Fancy Fenjan Rosanna, a high-end Dutch brand, seems to have taken inspiration from the geometric shapes found in Islamic architecture for its new line of ďŹ ne china, including these gold embossed fenjan, small coffee cups used here for Omani kahwa.

OMR26

Arabic Accent Kuwaiti design house Prints by Reem created three-dimensional wooden sculptures of the letters of the Arabic language as clever, contemporary accent pieces.

OMR11

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Chic Shay Thermos This crisp white thermos, created by Boutique Muscat in Oman, is embellished simply with the word “tea” inscribed in gold Arabic script. It is an understated and uber-modern option for serving a traditional symbol of hospitality. OMR7.500

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PLANTING PARADISE Renate Wessel, who designs evening bags, has a flair for the creative. So when she moved to her residence in The Wave (now Al Mouj) and saw her new, bare backyard, she embraced it as a blank canvas, and spent the four years that followed creating her own living masterpiece.

STORY PATRICIA GROVES

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PHOTOGRAPHY A.R. RAJKUMAR

itting in Renate’s living room on a red plaid armchair amid an array of colours in a sunny Provençale palette reminiscent of an Henri Matisse painting, I marvel at the magic of the wonderful garden just outside the glass doors and how naturally it connects with the room. The thoughtfully chosen decor inside the house mirrors that of the garden, with carved wood antiques found both indoors and outside, and smoothly polished, rounded stones placed at the pool’s edge and in glass jars in the house.

Renate and her husband like to have breakfast together and watch the garden as it awakens in the morning light. I can see why, because the garden has certainly cast its spell on me. The colours in layers of flowers, flowering bushes, and trees in bloom are splashed in fields of green like an ever-evolving Impressionist painting.

We walk into the garden along a riverine swimming pool, and I take in the sculptural shape of the trees, bushes, and creepers. I come upon exotic Sante Fe-style cactii in pots and an amazingly thick desert rose plant stretching out in the sun as if it were a flowering forest all its own. It seems everywhere I look there is a painter’s perspective in the arrangement of the

plantings and decorative pieces, like a magnificent old Omani door.

Four years ago the grounds were empty – not a plant in sight. “I had a picture in mind of how the garden would look,” she said adding, “I wanted rising layers of plants with different heights to give the garden depth of perspective.

You have to figure out how much sun the different plants like, how much water they need; and, very importantly, how to cut them to make them grow into a desired shape. After each cutting the plant gets stronger and stronger.

“I use my instincts and intuition as I look to see if a plant is doing well or not. Sometimes I Google to find out how to identify and fix problems. I found an effective fertiliser – NPK. It combines Nitrogen (N) for the leaves, Phosphorus (P) for the roots and Potassium (K) for the flowers. It’s best to give plants a small amount of fertiliser every so often rather than a lot all at once. I also use plant food — a powder dissolved in water every two weeks or so.

October is the best time to start bedding perennials and I do this step by step, going to the Seeb plant shops once a week,” she disclosed.

I assumed that Renate had spent many years honing the art of garden design, but to my surprise, she tells me that this venture is her first.

“A lot of trial and error was involved,” she said.

“This is not just a garden, it’s a living thing, a real presence in our lives. It is definitely part of my happiness here in Oman.”

Do you have a beautiful space to feature in Hi? Tell us on Facebook.com/hiweekly or tweet us @ hioman or tag us in your instagram photos #HiWeekend

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THE DETAILS

PLANTERS FROM HOME CENTRE Find the perfect plant pot at Home Centre, Al Khuwair +968-2460 1569; homecentrestores. com

LAYERS OF FLOWERS, FLOWERING BUSHES, AND TREES IN BLOOM ARE SPLASHED IN FIELDS OF GREEN LIKE AN EVER-EVOLVING IMPRESSIONIST PAINTING

ANTIQUE ARABIAN FURNISHINGS

Photography: A. R. Rajkumar (kitchen), Supplied (products)

Renate found her decorative and antique wooden furniture at Raj Relics. Ghubra. Way No 3615 , Villa Number 1094, +968 2449 0620; rajrelics.com

LIVING ART Shop for plants and garden accessories at the garden shops in Seeb (driving towards the Seeb Souq, just past the Ramez Shopping Centre, there is an entire street of garden shops), and at Carrefour. Also visit Anam Al Hayah in Muscat. +968 2442 1744 and Al Bahar Al Jamil Trading, Wadi Al Lwami, Seeb, +968 2442 5414/ Headquarters at Mabela, +968 2689 3444

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ASK AN OMANI

OMANI LINGO Interspersed with Arabic conversations overheard throughout the capital city, even native Arabic speakers might be surprised to hear some unfamiliar words, thanks to a host of unique Omani dialects. Times of Oman Reporter, Tariq Ziad Al Haremi, teaches us a few of the basics.

ILLUSTRATION CDUR

GHAWI SO NICE/ BEAUTIFUL

SHARAD HE ESCAPED

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ATEEK I GIVE YOU

GAMA/JAMA MIRROR

MU KHUBAR ZEEJ? WHAT’S UP DUDE?

Have a burning question about Omani dialect?

Get in touch: HiWeekend@timesofoman.com, Tariq@timesofoman.com

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Would 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

DINE IN DINE OUT ORGANIC LOAF If you are health conscious sink your teeth into these healthy loaves. Sans preservatives, these bread might seem unappealing on the surface, but they are an accompaniment with soups, and can also be had with plain butter. OMR 2.200

TRUE FRENCH BREAD STORY FELICIA CAMPBELL

PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI

There are many bakeries in Muscat, but only Paul (1st Floor, Muscat Grand Mall, +968 2200 9583, paul-bakeries.com) turns out authentic, crisp-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside European baguettes. Go for a very French-style breakfast of fresh bread and good cappuccino.

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CHARLEMAGNE BAGUETTE Made with durum wheat or macaroni wheat, these baguettes have thin crust and a dense centre making it perfect for those looking for quality and flavour.

700 baisas

SESAME FLÛTE BAGUETTE Flûte baguettes are popular and the ones available at Paul are made in a very authentic way with flour, natural yeast, sea salt and water. It's available in different flavours and the ones with sesame seeds are quite in demand.

800 baisas

BRIOCHE These French pastries are puffy with a crust, made out of egg, butter, millk, cream, and liquid. It has many variations with many fillings or toppings and is eaten with dessert or tea. OMR 1

6 GRAIN FLÛTE BAGUETTE These multigrain bread is made with natural flour and a blend of different grains like ground wheat, brown rice, corn, rye, oats, barley, and millet.

800 baisas

BEGINNER BAGUETTES

Composed of only four ingredients, baguettes are one of the great miracles of the kitchen. As with most baking projects, perfecting them takes lots of practice, but this easy baguette-for-beginners recipe is a great way to start experimenting.

Yield: 1 to 4 baguettes, depending how much of the dough you use

INGREDIENTS

OLIVE FLÛTE BAGUETTE Like the sesame flûte baguettes, olive flûte baguette are long thin loaves with olives.

Enjoy the natural flavours of olives with these. 800 baisas

• 3 cups lukewarm water • 8 cups unbleached all-purpose flour • 1 tablespoon table salt or 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt • 1 tablespoon instant yeast

PREPARATION • Find a large (6-quart) bowl or bucket, for dough storage in the fridge. Lightly grease the bowl or bucket.

• Place the water directly into the bowl or other large container.

• Add the dry ingredients to the water, and stir to combine. Mix until there are no dry spots; the texture of the dough

should be fairly soft.

• Knead the dough gently for a few minutes, by hand; it'll be very sticky.

Or knead for 1 or 2 minutes in a stand mixer. Cover the container, and let the dough rest at room temperature for 2 hours.

• Refrigerate overnight, or for up to 7 days.

• To bake bread: Scoop out about ¼ of the batch (about 400 gm). Place on a greased work surface.

• Shape the dough into a rough, slightly flattened oval.

• Fold the dough in half lengthwise, and seal the edges with the heel of your hand. Flatten slightly, and fold lengthwise and seal again.

• With the seam side down, cup your

fingers and gently roll the dough into a 38cm log.

• Place the log seam-side down onto a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, or into the well of a baguette pan.

• Cover and allow the baguette to rise till it's very puffy, about 1 1/2 hours.

Towards the end of the rising time, preheat your oven to 232°C. • Make shallow diagonal cuts on the top baguette three or four times with a knife.

• Spritz the baguette heavily with warm water, and bake until a very deep golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack.

Recipe courtesy of the baking experts at King Arthur Flour

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PRO-TRESSES When it comes to looking professional, dress codes shouldn’t end with your attire. Exuding a confident, polished air requires attention to your overall appearance and how you style your hair might be the most important aspect of personal grooming, especially for those of us with long locks, which can easily become unruly. Tame your tresses with one of these five fantastic hairdo suggestions from Isobel Byrne, a stylist at the Muscat Beauty Salon in Qurum.

STORY SHRUTHI NAIR ILLUSTRATION LUCILLE UMALI

Do you have before and after pics to share? Share with us your makeover pictures on Facebook.com/ hiweekly or tweet us @ hioman or tag us in your instagram photos #HiWeekend

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Professional Cut and Blow Dry If your hair is unruly and unevenly curly or wavy, it would be best to first give it a definite cut and then to blow dry it straight in order to settle down the messed up look to make it look neat and tidy for work.

High Pony This is a classic professional hairdo that can be done easily and quickly. To make it look interesting you can have a side fringe falling on your forehead while all other strands of your hair are tied back tightly in a high pony.

Twisted Side Ponytail The latest trend in professional hairstyles in Oman today is the Twisted Side Pony. To get the look, first part your hair to the right side and brush it over your left shoulder. Next, separate out a section of hair from the part down to the left ear and clip this aside to use later. Take the hair on the right and begin rolling it upwards towards the left side. Once all the hair is twisted, wrap the loose section of hair around the twisted portion. Tie a ponytail around it to secure it in place.

Get your new ‘do’ and styling advice at the MUSCAT BEAUTY SALON Sabco Centre, Qurum +968 2456 2541 muscatbeautysalon@hotmail.com

Donut Bun Even easier than the braided bun, the donut bun is one of the most professional looking hairstyles around. Tie your hair in a high ponytail. After that, slide it through a mesh donut or any round, firm, circle that will hold its shape. Now carefully cover the donut with the loose strands of hair coming out of the ponytail. Use another hair tie to secure the donut bun.

Braided Bun This hairstyle can be easily done by you and, at the same time, looks professional. First, tie your hair up in a low ponytail.

Then braid the ponytail till the end and twist the braided hair around the hair band you used to tie your hair. Secure the bun with a hair band or hair clip and you’re ready to go for work.

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Cruisers with all their plushness, comfort, and laid back power, are the most popular class of motorcycles. And now — for riders who need more power along with all that style — there are the power cruisers.

STORY FAISAL MOHAMMED NAIM

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otorcycles, as they say, are soul movers, and owners don’t just ride them – they love them and live by them.

They’re bikers, and their beefy rides dripping with chrome and oozing machismo, are symbols of their rebel attitudes. And, with loads of attitude and burly styling, cruisers are the most popular rides when it comes to motor-biking as a lifestyle (yeah, sport-bikes step aside please).

The big, brawny ride cruisers tell the story of trademark American motorcycling, and they do it mostly by sound.

There is no mistaking the roar of an 1800cc engine and the assault it makes on the road and eardrums of anyone in the vicinity. The cruiser style of motorcycles emerged in the USA in 1930s and the bikes gained huge popularity worldwide, especially those made by Harley-Davidson, Indian, Excelsior and Henderson. The comfortable riding position usually places the feet forward and the hands up, with the spine erect or leaning back slightly, making longhaul riding, chewing up of endless miles of pavement, all the easier.

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Typical classic cruiser engines emphasise easy rideability and shifting, with plenty of low-end torque, but not necessarily large amounts of horsepower; after all they are supposed to be mile-munchers, and not back crunchers. Hop on, and enjoy the scenery as you rumble down breezy roads.

But an old-school cruiser just isn’t edgy enough for some. Enter the power cruisers: rowdy muscle bikes that take cruiser-style riding to an exhilarating new level. These bikes are one part hot rod, one part sportbike — and several buckets of attitude — wrapped in taut, muscular bodywork. Power cruisers blast down the dragstrip, leaving regular motorcycles sniffing tendrils of tyre smoke.

As biking became more and more common and the territory of the grownups began to be intruded by the not so grownups, new school riders overtaking the purists, a need for more power and sophisticated ergos began to be felt.

Cashing in on the situation, European and Japanese brands, like Ducati, Triumph, Yamaha, Suzuki, and MotoGuzzi (who were already the leaders in sports-biking but looking to break

into the cruiser segment as well) were poised to edge in on what had long been American territory. Thus emerged the concept of power cruisers in the 1990s.

Power cruisers have greater performance than usual, including more horsepower, stronger brakes and better suspension, are often also called as performance cruisers, or muscle cruisers, still retaining lines evocative of the American cruiser. The power cruisers have more neutral riding positions, and better cornering ability, even at high speeds. Though the label ‘Performance Cruisers’ is considered by many as an oxymoron in the truest sense, as even the most powerful motorcycle in the group can be easily mauled in the quarter-mile and toreapart through corners even by a fiveyear-old super-sport.

That said, the power cruisers are seriously fast in themselves, and the newest crop of performance cruisers will make any modern-day ordinary cruiser look like it’s tied to the porch.

With so many options out there today, the only question is, what kind of rider are you? faisal@timesofoman.com

BIKER CLUB CULTU BIKER B CULTURE URE THE TH E ORIGINS Originating in the USA, bike gangs took root in the 1940s, after World War II, when bored US Army veterans started to buy motorcycles and band together to relive the camaraderie and stimulation of wartime.

“The end of World War II saw young men returning from combat in droves,” William L. Dulaney wrote in 2005 in the International Journal of Motorcycle Studies. “Many found the transition back to a peaceful civilian life a more monotonous chore than they could handle. Some combat vets were trained in riding motorcycles, specifically Harleys and Indians, while serving overseas, and it were what they got back to, to break the monotony.”

“Returning veterans used their severance pay to buy motorcycles and party in taverns,” writes James F. Quinn, a professor at the University of North Texas who has studied motorcycle clubs. “Thrill-seeking attracted some returning veterans to choose a saloon society lifestyle centred around motorcycles.”

The oldest and biggest two Motorcycle clubs in the world are Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC) and Mongols Motorcycle Club (MMC), both from California, USA, and having a member strength of over a thousand members each, and stretched across various countries.

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THE TOP 5 POWER CRUISERS They aren’t sport bikes, yet they can perform on the same level as the world’s fastest bikes while weighing a hundred or two kilos more. The intention is not to scare the devil out of you, every time you twitch the throttle, struggling to hang on to the bars for life This quintet of bruiser cruisers has enough power to screamingly propel ahead of others on the road in style, or to go out real fast from one red signal to the next, and we mean real fast. Here are the five fastest power cruisers based on 0-60 mile-per-hour times.

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HARLEY-DAVIDSON NIGHT ROD SPECIAL 0-100kmph: 3.59 seconds The fastest ever Harley sports a Porsche designed 1250cc engine churning out 112nm of torque, to propel you ahead with extreme brute. The bike has a dry weight of 302 kilos at the curb.

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HONDA GOLD WING VALKYRIE 0-100kmph: 3.3 seconds Honda’s monstrous Gold Wing matches the best time posted by any Gold Wing model. Packing a 6 cylinder engine of 1832cc, capable of 150nm of torque and 104bhp, the Valkyrie is ready to match nearly any cruiser on the road.

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TRIUMPH ROCKET ROADSTER 0-100kmph: 3.3 seconds With 148bhp and an earth-pounding 221nm of torque, to power a wet weight of 366 kilos, it is easy to see why this Triumph bike is called the Rocket. It houses the world’s biggest production motorcycle engine (an imposing 2249cc) and can power from 0-100 in 3.3 seconds. It can run the quarter-mile in 11.48 seconds.

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DUCATI DIAVEL 0-100kmph: 2.8 seconds The most devilishly styled, the power hungry hunks will definitely want a sprint h on the Diavel, a bike that can go 0-100 in o jjust 2.8 seconds. Powering the Diavel is tthe 1198cc V-twin engine churning out 162bhp and 130nm of torque; while the bike’s wet weight is just 252 kilos. b

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YAMAHA STAR VMAX 0-100kmph: 2.5 seconds The VMax at 0-100 in 2.5 seconds, is the fastest bike that still makes for good long-range riding. It houses a 1679cc V4 engine capable of 179 horsepower and 154nm of torque. Weighing in at 315 kilos, it can match the Diavel on poundfor-pound power.

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The Queens of the Desert Now, it’s time for women to get behind the wheel and conquer the desert terrain. Adventure and thrill await them at The Guide Oman’s ‘Ladies Desert Safari’, an overnight crossing of Sharqiyah Sands, to be organised on October 23 and 24.

STORY SALIM JOSEPH

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 9 FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Managing partner: Sherry Colbourne; Director of Business Development: Inez Baricevic; Managing director: Mahmood Zayed

have also had incidents where consumers try to buy the deals for fun — assuming that they are “too good to be true” and aren’t real offers and the customers are pleasantly surprised when the deal goes through and is accepted at the participating business.

Though the term startup is not officially used in Oman, the community of young entrepreneurs, like Jessica, is certainly growing. With interesting ideas, unwavering willfulness, and undying passion, a lively generation of business men and women in Oman have been nurturing their startups and transforming into full-fledged businesses slowly but steadily.

Jessica Asher strongly feels that the startup scene in Oman is rapidly growing. She feels that a lot of entrepreneurs are getting the right support from various organisations both strategy and monetary wise which has resulted in creating an aspirational drive among the youth in Oman.

Startup Oman is at the forefront of fostering this community. Basically, the idea was to create a space for entrepreneurs to come together, share challenges, and relate to one another,

because, according to Sherry, experience has taught her that there is always a tremendous potential for peer to peer learning in this field.

Since she was an expat with an idea, she had to go looking for an Omani partner, which is how she met Ali Daud, who showed an equal amount of interest and keenness and also had the right kind of knowledge about the market and resources. Thus their journey started.

Now they have regular meetups and chats over Caribou coffee where they invite young, aspiring entrepreneurs and the ones who have already made a mark for themselves in the business world, and give them a common platform to interact with and learn from each other.

I asked Sherry if Startup Oman is a startup itself. She said that it most certainly is. Sherry came to Oman with her husband from a very strong business ecosystem in Toronto. A few months in Oman and she started volunteering with people who were helping other entrepreneurs and realised that the entrepreneurs here are seeking to find like minded people and trying to get connected. That’s when she thought it would be nice to have an online plat-

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Founder and group business head: Jessica Asher

form where people could come and check in what’s going on and the events happening and make startupoman.om a place of knowledge.

The Omani market has come a long way in the last decade when it comes to entrepreneurism. The universities are promoting entrepreneurship courses and many private companies are sponsoring incubators, programmes, and startups. Mahmood Zayed, managing director of Startup Oman says that there are currently about 20,000 startups and small and medium enterprises in Oman and those numbers keep growing. Meeting the vibrant founders of these next generation startups gave me a sense of inspiration and an eagerness to see what will be next for Oman’s young, dynamic entrepreneurs who are ready to experiment, pioneer, and create something truly unique.—shruthi@timesofoman.com Attend the next startup grind with Rabea Ataya, Founder and CEO of Bayt.com on the 28th of February at Muscat Hall, Bank Muscat.

For details and upcoming events, visit startupoman.om.

Alatool started in 2012 and it reached

89,000 unique organic subscribers to date

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Rebecca, who has already made about a hundred trips across Sharqiyah Sands, feels that unlike aggressive men, women are soft and very calculative. “They always want to understand and learn. This approach is most suitable for desert driving and they can keep their vehicle in one piece,” she points out.

The past ‘women only’ crossings have been comparatively smaller groups of 12-14 participants unlike in the normal two-night crossings which enjoy huge participation. “We are trying to reach out to more women, and we expect a larger crowd this time. Now we have a couple of Omani women coming, but would like to see more of them,” Rebecca says.

“The crossing would feature just one night camping, while the normal crossing is two nights. We have made it softer as it’s a positive introduction about desert crossing.

But it’s a full crossing from Al Kamil to Al Khuwaymah covering a distance of 130km.

The participants don’t need to have experience in driving in the desert. It’s an opportunity to learn,” she adds.

However, there are many experienced women drivers like Fatma Humaid Al Maqbali, who hails from Sohar. She had crossed Sharqiyah Sands for the first time way back in 2005, with a small group led by the Guide Oman founder Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali. “I went with my family - my mother, sister, and aunt, but that was just as a passenger. I began to drive myself in the desert in 2009 and have crossed 7-8 times since then,” she says.

The desert crossing, she says, can be hard sometimes, because of the weather. “But it can help you unwind. I prefer extreme crossings (during extreme climate conditions), which are more challenging. It removes all the stresses of normal life,” Fatma says. Women, according to her, are good drivers. “There’s no difference between men and women in the desert. Only your attitude and experience matter. You have to know the technique, develop skills and concentrate while driving. And it depends on the desire in you to explore more,” she adds.

Fatma, who recommends desert crossing to all her friends, is determined to continue with this hobby. “Anyone who goes once will want to repeat. My mother, who is now 40 plus, is still going, and I may go till I reach 80,” she beams.

Usually, the event enjoys representation of various nationalities. “Our last trip for women had participants hailing from 11 different nations,” says Rebecca. Asma Sabir, a university teacher and a native of Pakistan, was among them in the first trip the Guide Oman organised a couple of years ago. “It was my first such venture across

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the desert. I had been to the desert before, but they all meant camping a few kilometres off the road. But driving across the desert gives you the most unique experience,” Asma asserts.

You are in the wilderness, but most safe and secure, which is unlike the situation in many other countries, Asma points out.

“Nowhere in the world, can women find such a tour for them. The Guide Oman has set an example in organising this unique trip, taking care of everything. And getting stuck in the sands is the fun part and people would come with all smiles to assist you. I recommend this to every other woman,” she adds.

Asma, who has done the crossing 3-4 times, doesn’t feel that it’s a big challenge for women. “Usually when men are around they don’t offer women to experience tackling the terrain while being in the driving seat. So this women’s only trip is a great opportunity for them to experience and learn a skill,” she says.

Jane Guinane, who hails from Australia, eagerly awaits the trip, and feels that such an adventure is 10 times better than any other she has come across. “My first experience was in March 2015, and I went with a

Desert Compact Ladies Desert Safari October 23 - 24 DAY 1 7.30am: Departure from Muscat 10.30am: Meeting in Al Kamil for registration and preparation for desert entrance, morning tea, welcome, safety briefing and driver education session, warm-up drive 1.30pm: Lunch, desert driving, reach the camp site, set up, relax and enjoy the evening under the stars, Movie under the stars 8pm: Buffet Dinner DAY 2 7-8am: Breakfast 8.30am: Briefing, desert drive to the coast Mid day: Exit the desert to Al Khuwaymah, south of Ashkarah, inflate tyres, farewell and return to Muscat via the coastal highway

friend who was visiting Muscat. We had no idea what to expect and it was an extreme desert crossing - warm during the day and cool during the night. And it turned out to be a fabulous experience – the hospitality and friendliness of the crew. We got stuck several times and learnt a lot. And they helped us, and didn’t make us feel stupid. Every time we get stuck, they say it happens and come with a solution, all very calm while fixing it. It’s very lovely towards the sunset, the magical night, and the food they serve in the desert is great. It’s a lifetime experience…” Jane cannot stop talking about it.

She has already been there thrice, with her husband, and plan to go whenever she gets an opportunity. “The women’s only crossing can be another great experience, as there would be a lot of women out there, who may be a little bit cautious, who usually are a little bit shy to drive in front of their husbands or men with the fear of being told that they will get stuck. I hope they can be aggressive.

The desert driving is challenging and not simple. And the fun part, is actually getting stuck, and when you get out, you feel the achievement,” Jane adds.

-salim@timesofoman.com

THINGS TO BRING Guide Oman will provide you food and water. But ensure you have these items.

Your 4WD 4WDs with powerful engine and differential lock are a must to push yourself through the soft sands and towering dunes.

Tent and sleeping bags You need to spend the night in the open which requires you to bring tents and sleeping bags.

Bring quality tents to have a sound sleep.

Comfortable cool dress Be in casual dress, which is most comfortable for you. Also bring some blankets as temperature may dip during night time.

Sun glasses and sun cream Sun glasses with polarised lens will provide UV protection with anti-glare. SPF sunscreen is recommended for protection from sunburn.

Cameras You might require high-speed action cameras like Go-Pro to capture thrilling moments during the desert drive and dunebashing.

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Kuwait Airways The launch ceremony of Kuwait Airways’ two new services on Kuwait-Muscat-Kuwait sector, held at InterContinental Muscat recently.

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Seven Friday The launch of Seven Friday Watches at Fauchon Paris Café, Opera Galleria Mall.

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NASA visit by ISM. The educational and recreational tour of Indian School Muscat (ISM) students to NASA.

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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 25 OCTOBER 9, 2015

IN FOCUS WERE YOU AT ONE OF THESE EVENTS? SEE IF WE CAUGHT YOU ON CAMERA. SCAN QR CODE TO SEE THE FULL GALLERY

Oman SME summit 2015. Representatives from global and Oman business community at Oman SME summit 2015 held under the theme “Reinvigorating the SME market in Oman”.