T weekly april 12 2018 by Muscat Media Group

VOL 11 ISSUE 17 APRIL 12, 2018

Summer special

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 17 APRIL 12, 2018 Founder: Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO: Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali Editor: Charles Lavery Features Editor: Swati Dasgupta Research Editor: Ashish Dubash Associate Editors: Salim Al Afifi, Shruthi Nair Copy Editor: Gautam Bhargav Viswanathan Online Editor: Christopher Isaac

Make your summer truly special GONE ARE THE DAYS of outdoor picnics and barbecuing. With summer approaching, it is now time for us to stay cool within the confines of our airconditioned homes, or plan a getaway to some cooler destinations. But that doesn’t dampen our spirit, by any means. Visit one of the beaches in Muscat as evening sets in and watch how a group of young beach football players are kicking up some fun on the beach. While many players are there almost every day, weekends are especially set aside for this sport, not only for the game but also for doubling up as a time to bond and catch up with friends. Meet some of these ardent beach football players who brave the heat and play this high intensity game on the soft sands. And while the buzz is more on the beach, we also tap into the summer demand for indoor entertainment that can keep us thoroughly occupied throughout the warm months. From laser tag, in which players shoot each other with infrared emitting guns in the dark, to enjoying the game of bowling in one of the bowling alleys in town, Muscat has plenty of indoor activities for you to choose. And if you still want to explore something different, then visit the Troom Room in Azaiba Mall and join in this fun game where you need to solve a puzzle to get out of the locked room. Summer is also about eating right, and the best way to adhere to healthy eating during the hot months is to go for fresh greens and guzzle lots of healthy drinks to keep hydrated. Fortunately, Muscat has many such eateries that offer healthy eating options and are taking low calorie specifications into consideration by having a dedicated space on the menu. It’s also that time of year again when we bring out our trendy flip-flops, and take care of our skin by reaching out for sunscreens. Our beauty columnist tells you everything you ever wanted to know about this summer beauty staple. With all this packed into one issue, we hope to help make your summer truly special! — Swati Dasgupta

Chief Sales Officer: Richard Pakenham Production Manager: Shafi Shaik Graphics Editor: Antonio Farach Design Editor: Sahir K.M. Lead Designer: Gregory Fernandez Designer: Geri B. Sonny Photography: MMG Photographers

On The Cover: Design by Sahir K.M. For general enquiries or comments: swati@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 214 swati@timesofoman.com ADVERTISEMENT 24726600/24726666 Ext 432 ajayraj@timesofoman.com

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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 14 MARCH 22, 2018

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WHAT’S ON 30 THIS WEEK 12 THURSDAY 07.00pm Have an Adventure Welcome summer in a beautiful desert safari complete with a beach break at Ras Al Ruwais. The adventure costs OMR 45 per adult and OMR 25 per child 7 to 12 years old, and it includes meals and driving tips. Guide Oman +968 9803 8820

13 FRIDAY 01.00pm Play Golf Ras Al Sifah Trophy hosted by Troon Golf is being held on April 13 and 14. Entrance to this event, which includes golf, food and beverages, and welcome pack is priced at OMR 55 for Al Hamra members and Troon Executive card holders, and OMR 65 for non-Troon golf affiliated guests. Ras Al Hamra Golf Club Ras Al Hamra Street, Qurum +968 9910 6039

SATURDAY 06.00am Dive Into The Blue Enjoy a diving discovery day where you’ll get to dive, snorkel, and learn new and proper breathing techniques in a meditation session at the Dimaniyat Islands. The package includes breakfast, water, and juice, and costs OMR 70 including diving and all activities, or OMR 45 for activities only. InnerChi Centre Qurum Oasis Building, Sayh Al Malih Street, Qurum +968 7190 6060

05.00pm Visit a Festival Stop by at Al Mouj Golf and indulge in a family-friendly atmosphere at ‘Muscat Eat Nights’ where delicious food, live music, entertainment, and arts are on offer. Al Mouj Golf North Al Hail, Seeb +968 9555 5009 +968 2200 5990

06.00pm Laugh it Up Join Oman Comedy Central for a fun ﬁlled evening where an international comic, Rishi, from Singapore will take centre stage alongside local comedians, Sami, Pranav, Mohammed, Ammar, and Neston. Entrance fee is OMR 3 only for 21+. Radisson Blu Hotel Al Khuwair, Bousher +968 2448 7777

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TUESDAY 04:00pm Meet Fellow Diabetics You don’t have to go through diabetic challenges alone. Meet other diabetics who have passed through cases similar to yours. Learn from their experiences and share yours. Registration required.

MONDAY

Muscat, Oman thespikeapp.com/diabetics-lets-meet-oman

10:00am Visit a Fine Art Exhibition ‘Glimpses of Minds’ is a gathering of creative minds from Oman who are showcasing their best creations in paintings and sculptures. The event is a five-day exhibition, from April 12 -16. Oman Avenues Mall, Bousher +968 2200 5400

S TREA M YO UR FAVO UR IT E S HOW S

Basmati Blues (Film) Genre: Comedy, Musical Cast: Brie Larson, Utkarsh Ambudkar Synopsis: A brilliant scientist is plucked out of the company lab and sent to India to sell the genetically modiﬁed rice she created - which she doesn’t realise will destroy the farmers she thinks she’s helping. Father Figures (Film) Genre: Comedy Cast: Owen Wilson, Ed Helms Synopsis: Upon learning that their mother has been lying to them for years about their allegedly deceased father, two fraternal twin brothers hit the road in order to find him.

Insidious: The Last Key (Film) Genre: Horror Cast: Lin Shaye, Leigh Whannell Synopsis: Parapsychologist Dr Elise Rainier faces her most fearsome and personal haunting yet, as she is drawn back to her ghostly childhood home, where the terror began. 13 Reasons Why (Season 1) Genre: Romantic Drama Cast: Dylan Minnette, Katherine Langford Synopsis: Follows teenager Clay Jensen, in his quest to uncover the story behind his classmate and crush, Hannah, and her decision to end her life.

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ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S THIS

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 17 APRIL 12, 2018

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SUMMER IS FINALLY IN THE AIR AND WITH IT COMES SOME WONDERFUL ACTIVITIES THAT BRING FRIENDS TOGETHER FOR TRIPS TO THE BEACH, TO CELEBRATE AND BOND, WHILE ENJOYING TWILIGHT SKIES AND OCEANIC VIBES.

STORY SALIM AL AFIFI

010 10

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n Oman, late afternoons and early evenings at the beach are reserved for not only picnics but also for intense football sessions, where teams of locals can be spotted sprinting across the beach in a soccer battle that usually ends with a friendly (and sometimes entertaining) argument, and possibly, a dip in the end. That said, I always ask myself what makes this recreational activity a summer favourite among young Omanis? The boys in Muscat enjoy the game for its family-friendly atmosphere and the open space that surrounds them, despite the humid heat. The ambience that carries the aromas from the ocean is unbeatable, and as they play, they work out a much-needed sweat making it a great overall training regimen. Before going to the beach to explore this phenomenon, I did some quick research and realised that the best players come from coastal countries. Ronaldo of Brazil and Messi of Argentina are two celebrity footballers who are masters in their ﬁeld, and they kicked off their passion at the beach before becoming professional players; and not forgetting our very own role model Ali Al Habsi who brought pride to the nation as one of the best goalkeepers. Is it a coincidence? I think not; beach soccer has been the breeding ground of footballers for years. And thanks to FIFA beach football, this sport became a widely recognised professional sport that has its own following across the globe.

Here, we have our own Oman national beach soccer team that competes in FIFA international matches and Asian Beach Games. But if we put aside the professional aspect of it and focus on the sport being a recreational activity, we’d realise that it is more than just a pastime sport; it creates families of friends and revives the love for football. Young men have always been passionate about football. They would play it outside their homes in the interiors and around Muscat in their early teens, and then a few years later would move a level up and hold friendly matches at the park, and finally, once in high school, would have a fixed weekly game at the beach. In my childhood I would go to Qurum beach with my brother and his friend and play ball until sunset. Because of my size, I was usually the goalkeeper, but I used to enjoy every bit of it. So, has this cultural activity changed through the years? The answer is no. Even though we have grass fields spread across town, many still prefer to battle it out on soft, sandy surfaces, especially during the weekends. To refresh my memory, I went to one of the hubs for recreational beach soccer, North Al Hail beach, and got excited

THE BEST PART IS, AFTER ALL THE MESS ON THE SAND, WE GET TO SWIM AND ENJOY THE BEACH BEFORE GOING HOME, WHICH IS WHAT

80%

OF OMANIS DO AFTER THE GAME.

THANKS TO

FIFA BEACH FOOTBALL, THIS SPORT BECAME A WIDELY RECOGNISED PROFESSIONAL SPORT THAT HAS ITS OWN FOLLOWING ACROSS THE GLOBE.

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INDOOR ACTIVITIES DURING THE SUMMER

watching young men of all ages passing the ball around and having a wonderful time. It was a lovely scene. And, I had the pleasure of meeting two young Omanis — Haitham Al Azri and Nasser Salim — who’ve been playing by the beach for years, recreationally, and shared their opinion on this fun-ﬁlled activity. “Locals prefer the beach for its healthy air and the sea,” said Nasser, adding that the free, open space that surrounds the players and the families around creates a unique environment that transcends the idea of just-a-sport. “It’s a great place to keep yourself busy and enjoy a fun challenge,” he added. “It’s hard to play on the sand and it’s very healthy,” said Haitham, adding, “Nowadays, social media has made it easy, and you can make plans through groups and get the required number of players. If you’re short on numbers, people at the beach will join in, which makes it a fun and spontaneous activity.” “Until a few years ago, we didn’t have enough football pitches. Now, even though we do, some of us prefer the vibe of playing on the sand,” said Nasser. So, now that we know that Oman’s soccer passion is rooted in beach football, what beneﬁts does it offer to the player? When Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona Club chooses the beach surface to train

his injured knee, then you know it’s a legitimate option. Sportsmen have taken advantage of beaches when they’re in need of a strength boost and proper physical preparation, as the beach has a surface that’s easy on the joints and perfect for their recovery. There are tonnes of other benefits that come with playing on an uneven, sandy surface. It is a great way to train your feet and get them used to the stinging sensation of touching a sand-covered beach ball, as playing barefoot will help you master the art of touch, and you’ll also get control over your movements. Another thing about beach soccer is that the playing surface forces you to use extra strength, giving your body an adrenaline kick. The high level of intensity is what keeps many local folks hooked to this sport. “We need more energy while playing on the beach than on the grass, which trains you to run faster,” said Haitham. Nasser also noticed that playing on the sand works to improve overall control of the ball. “If you are an aspiring footballer, then starting on the beach will help you hone important skills,” he said. Beach soccer also improves your breathing and balance. “You might feel unbalanced and out of breath at the beach, but that is good exercise for you, and you will see great improvements when you play on grass fields,” said Nasser. “The best part is, after all the mess on the sand, we get to swim and enjoy the beach before going home, which is what 80 per cent of Omanis do after the game,” said Haitham. So, where can you play this sport in town? Al Qurum beach is the most popular hub for beach soccer aficionados, both expats and locals, especially after 4pm, when the beach is swarming with teams of players excited to battle for the title and take a dip soon after. For Seeb residents, North Al Hail is a great option, it stretches all the way to Seeb souq, and is full of all kinds of beach flavours and atmospheres. As a community, we must continue to encourage youngsters to take advantage of this activity as it is a globally loved sport and a locally celebrated one. With tournaments being conducted and awareness being raised, this culture is here to stay. —salim@timesofoman.com

IT IS THAT time of the year when getting into your car that has been parked outside for a while during the day feels like you are entering an oven, when stepping out of the office or home feels like plain, brutal torture, and no amount of water or liquids is ever enough to keep yourself cool and hydrated. It is summer and everyone is looking for excuses to avoid the wrath of the sun. So, while outdoor activities are going to be out of the question for the next few months, it certainly doesn’t mean that you need to rot in boredom all day and night, especially during the weekends. Here are the fun things that you can do this summer without sweating it out.

Laser Tag Combat sports that you can actually practice are great fun for aggressive kinds. The best indoor alternative to paintball is laser tag, a very sci-fi-esque game, played inside a dark arena where you can bring the wannabe warrior in you to life. Usually played between two teams, every player is given laser guns and a thick vest that they need to use to tag members from the other team. The game is not just about randomly running and shooting at people, but it involves intense strategy, strong reflexes, and great aim. By the time you finish a round and come out of the arena eager to know if your team has lost or won, you will be sweating and panting and will still feel the adrenaline even minutes after you are out. Lazer Runner, Panorama Mall

Bowling With the sole aim to make all of the 10 bottle-like pins fall by hurling the big ball towards them along the smooth long wooden lane, you can go with your group of friends and chill in the airconditioned bowling alley, while playing a competitive round or two of recreational bowling. A strike is 10 points plus the number of pins knocked down for the next two rolls; a spar is 10 points plus the number of pins knocked down on the next roll. On the tenth and ﬁnal frame, if you roll a strike, you get two additional rolls in which to rack-up points. Oman Bowling Centre, Al Khuwair Fun Zone, Qurum Al Masa Bowling Centre, Al Masa Mall

Escape Room Escape room is a fun game that lets you use logic and the mind to get out of a locked room that can only be opened on solving a puzzle or a riddle. And all this needs to be done within 60 minutes. The rooms have different themes and stories ranging from detective puzzles to haunted houses and adventures. Beat the heat and use your mind, while enjoying a fun group game. Troom Room, Azaiba Mall Xcape Room, Al Sarooj

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LOO HAUTE STA COO

Flashy colours, floral prints, and Hawaiian T-shirts are the first things that come to mind when we put “summer” and “fashion” together in a sentence. While that is fine for those who are looking for that typical beach vibe, it’s now time to level up our style and give it a little bit of an upgrade that makes us look simple, yet fashionable and ready for the summer. This summer let us go for bold choices and whimsical pieces that will not only look unique, but will probably bring out our personality. Here are four trends to get you beachready for the summer. STORY SALIM AL AFIFI

Strap On Sandals Flip-ﬂops have been the go-to option for footwear when hitting the beach, but this year the trend won’t ﬂy. Yes, they are inexpensive, easy to wear, and come in all colours of the rainbow; but ditch those slip-ons and go for a more practical alternative. My absolute favourite: the sandal. Strap-on sandals never run out of style, and they add a hint of glamour to whatever ensemble you are wearing. They go perfectly well with tank tops and shorts. If you are not planning on getting all wet and dirty, go for fashionable options, but we both know how tempting it is to play volleyball and get all messy; so, opt for sportswear sandals that have straps and are adjustable. Adidas and Nike sell some of the best sandals in the market: Quality? Check. Style? Check and check. Make sure to get a perfect size, as a sandal that’s slightly loose can end up becoming a nightmare.

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Sport Short Shorts

K E, AY OL

Perhaps its time to set aside the conventional wisdom of fashion and bin the board shorts. Short shorts are the new trend inspired by the 80s, and they have made quite a controversial comeback in recent years on fashion runways. It may not seem that appealing for beach-going folks in Oman, but it will sure accentuate that hamstring you’ve been working on in the gym. These short shorts can transform your look into a cooler one, especially if you sport a great physique. Instead of wearing long, baggy shorts, opt for trunks that are above the knee (shorter than normal shorts, but longer than boxers) and pair them with your favourite tee. You’ll look cool, and you can also enjoy a dip in them, easily. Go for camouﬂaged patterns, structural designs and denims and leave your plain-coloured ones in the closet.

Put On Fun Tops Forget about single-coloured T-shirts and ﬂashy colours this season, and opt for a simple and fun tropical design that’s neither too Hawaii nor too bor-ing. If patterns aren’t your thing, go for plain T-shirts ts with an interesting graphic on them. Something as simple as a quote can add a tonne of character to your ur tee. You can check House of Zaya for some tees with Arabic calligraphy and funky designs. Wearing such tees tells people that you are a fun guy who’s ready to mingle. So, why not hit the beach in these and make new friends? And please, no Real Madrid or Barcelona logos on T-shirts; those are deﬁnitely the opposite of cool.

Wear Killer Shades Shades not only complete your look, but also ﬂatter your face and bring out your charisma and character. So, make sure to pick the right sunglasses that go with your style and face. There are many eyewear brands and designs in the market that will make your head spin; in the end, it’s all about your personal style and what works for your face. If you want to follow the trend, aviator shades with curvilinear shapes and reﬂective lenses are options that are super cool. And, I personally love round, Harry Potter sunglasses that complete that funky, quirky look you’re going for this summer.— salim@timesofoman.com

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STORY ANTARA BOSE

Summer and sunscreen – they just go hand in hand, don’t they? But this summer essential comes with its own set of dos and don’ts which we often tend to overlook. And then we complain that the product is bad. So to do the brands and our skin a favour, we are running through everything you need to know about sunscreens. Well, almost, until a new research sparks a new debate.

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o start with, we’ll talk about those digits that always follow ‘SPF’, that controversial ﬁgure everyone is always arguing about; 15, 30 or 50? And yes, we’re aware it can go higher or lower (though lower than SPF 15 wouldn’t make it much of a sunscreen anymore). So what does an SPF of 30 mean? Well, to start with, it doesn’t mean you can stay in the sun for 30 minutes without getting burnt. Let’s break it down. Research has shown that a SPF of 15 protects one from 93 per cent of the harmful rays, SPF 30 works against 97 per cent of UVB rays and SPF 50 takes it a notch higher with 98 per cent. Yes, we hear the question loud and clear. Why pay so much attention because the difference is really marginal, right? The answer is because none of us really apply enough sunscreen. Yes, it’s true. Attaining the number the same as the label means you’ll have to really, really, slather it on, and leave it there – like cakey makeup. And talking about leaving it on, sunscreen needs to be reapplied once every two hours (four hours if you really want to stretch it). And that is if you’re not swimming or sweating it out, in which case, you need to apply it immediately after. There are sunscreens which claim to be ‘water-proof ’, but we’ll give you a reality check right now. It’s a lie. There is no such thing as ‘water-proof ’ sunscreen (apologies there, but we’re laughing at your ignorance right now). What does exist is ‘water-resistant’ sunscreen which also speciﬁes how long it can protect your skin while in water. Just like ‘waterproof ’ watches don’t exist; they explicitly mention how deep you can go while wearing it. You knew that, right?

Sunscreens are getting more advanced by the day. Look out for those that cover a ‘broad spectrum’. Your sunscreen should protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. A lot of people apply sunscreen just before stepping outdoors (or even worse, when already out in the sun). That’s a bad idea. Sunscreen needs at least 20 minutes to seep into the skin and start taking the form of a protective barrier. Don’t hesitate to apply several coats; be as generous as you can with the application. And how would we define ‘generous’, you ask? Experts recommend an ounce for every exposed part of your body. Now you know why we keep emphasising the word? It really is a lot of sunscreen, but that’s what it takes to get the results they promise to deliver. Though we do fret about sunscreen more in summers than winters, applying sunscreen should be a year round habit. As excited as we might get when we open the door and find an overcast sky (because that is rare here), we shouldn’t forget slapping on the sunscreen. Research shows that clouds filter out only 20 per cent of the harmful rays. So though we might not get burnt while outdoors, we are still exposed to skin damage that we might not see immediately. Wearing full sleeved tees and long bottoms shouldn’t be an excuse to not wear sunscreen as fabrics offer very less sun protection. Apply your sunscreen as generously as you otherwise would (and you know what generous means). When applying sunscreen, especially on your face, make sure you cover every inch. Sometimes we forget the ear, neck, and hairline which can make the skin look unevenly toned; to put it in simple words — just plain weird. Don’t’ forget the lips. Pick a lip balm enriched with shea butter or aloe vera and apply it as a base coat before your lipstick or lipstain. Lipsticks/stains also come with SPF protection — the more the cover, the better.

Antara Bose is a model turned fashion and beauty consultant. A popular blogger, anchor, and voice over artist, she maintains a deep connection with the local fashion industry and is passionate about discovering and celebrating aspiring talent as well as promoting animal rights. For fashion updates with a side of humour and sarcasm follow Antara on instagram @antarabose and on Facebook: Antara Bose.

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SPEND YOUR SUMMER WITH SORBETS AND SALADS STORY AND PHOTOS SALIM AL AFIFI

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Picture yourself cooling off with your ice-cold soft drink and a couple of chargrilled lamb chops at the beach. How perfect. Unfortunately, that is far from reality for those of us living in Oman, where summertime means adjusting one’s diet and meals to survive the excruciatingly hot weather. So let’s explore some great summer alternatives.

or food-loving people like myself, we have to find ways to satisfy our passion for exploring the restaurant culture in Oman, and there are plenty of places where you can satisfy your cravings. To cope with summer, we have to go to places that serve refreshing drinks, colourful smoothies, hydrating fruits, and healthy greens. These four categories should be your go-to options in the next few months. Why? Because these foods are full of hydrating agents and can be customised to your liking. Whether you are dining out or making them at home, these foods are definitely the fuel you’ll need to feel fresh and cool for the summer. Let’s dive right in. Refreshing drinks and tasty smoothies It goes without saying that keeping yourself hydrated is a priority, and for foodies we love our drinks. Instead of having sugar-loaded juices, opt for drinks that will quench your thirst, while entertaining the taste buds at the same time. We have a variety of places that serve delicious, freshly-squeezed juices. You can go to Mango Talaat (available across Muscat), where they offer nearly all favourite fruits in a cup or a carved fruit, with its chunks dipped into the drink. Though the name of the place has mango on its board, try and avoid it, as it is super sweet and will keep you thirsty. Try their citrusy juices, melons, passionfruit, and berries. Or order my absolute favourite: sugar-free avocado with milk and crushed ice. Other notable places include Al Sham Juices in Al Khuwair and Emoji Cafe in Al Mawaleh, where both serve fresh juices that are delicious. If you feel dehydrated, stop at a cafe near petrol stations and order coconut water; it’s a natural drink that hydrates the body quickly and also tastes amazing. Another favourite drink to have during summer is iced tea. Ditch the commercial, sugary drinks and go for herbal and flavoured iced teas. It’s a true thirst quencher and an

Other Places: The Crafty Kitchen, The Tea Library, Dukanah Cafe, and Chattime.

ideal choice for this extreme weather. Almost all cafes, such as Starbucks, serve green teas. Just ask for yours iced and without sugar, and you’ll love it. It kind of tastes like a cooling ﬂavoured water. If you are more into designer, loose leaf kinds of teas, then there’s Fauchon at Opera Galleria, where they have many ﬂavoured teas to choose from, as well as Chado Tea Lounge in Qurum and The Tea Shop at Al Muzn Mall in Al Hail. Get yourself a pack of your desired tea, and have an afternoon iced-tea party at home. Again, sugar free, if possible. Now, smoothies are also popular in town, especially during summer. Again, avoid the super-sweet fruits and chocolate-based drinks, and instead order melons and berries for a tasty drink. All the places mentioned above serve delicious smoothies, as well. And, if you want a little sweet or crunchy kick in your smoothie, go to Pinkberry at Muscat City Centre and Oman Avenues Mall and order their plain yoghurt dessert with fruits on top.

Colourful greens and light mains When it comes to eating, Omanis love our rice a bit too much, but it’s best to avoid such heavy foods, at least in the coming three months, but choose lighter meals that have less fat, or fewer carbohydrates. My least favourite dish of all time is salad. I loathe eating plain greens, but I learned to love them by adding interesting toppings that offer intriguing ﬂavours to boring greens. I love adding pomegranate seeds, fruits, such as slices of green apples and melons, crunchy toasted bread pieces and crumbs, refreshing dips and dressings, roasted nuts, and lots and lots of cheeses, such as goat cheese, blue cheese, and even feta. All these ingredients can elevate your salad experience, which you need to have during this season. All leafy greens get a pass when it comes to salad. So indulge without guilt. Who said that salads are either eaten at home or as a side dish at a restaurant? Instead of having burgers and biryanis (which are to die for), order salads as your main dish. In Muscat, we have many places that serve salads as mains, or even if it’s served as a side, order it as a main dish. Salad Boutique is the go-to place for delicious salads, as they are served as a main dish. The Kuwaiti franchise, located in Madinat Sultan Qaboos, has a variety of options on its menu, from salads with steak slices to plates full of berries and cheeses. Another place for killer salads is Paul restaurant at Muscat Grand Mall and Muscat City Centre, where they serve garden-fresh greens with delicious toppings, such as smoked salmon, fruits, and lots of avocado. It’s one of our absolute favourite places for a refreshing, easy-onthe-stomach lunch. They have delicious sandwiches, too. Other Places: Copper’s, Laval, and Mani’s. TIP: You might want to avoid caffeine based drinks, fried foods and other junk food and, most importantly, sugary sweets, at least until August. —salim@timesofoman.com

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SUBMERGENCE Cast: James McAvoy and Alicia Vikander In a room with no windows on the eastern coast of Africa, a Scotsman, James More, is held captive by extremist ﬁghters. Thousands of miles away in the Greenland Sea, Danielle Flinders prepares to dive in a submersible to the ocean ﬂoor.

BEAST OF BURDEN Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Grace Gummer and Pablo Schreiber Sean Haggerty only has an hour to deliver his illegal cargo. An hour to reassure a drug cartel, a hitman, and the DEA that nothing is wrong. An hour to make sure his wife survives. And he must do it all from the cockpit of his Cessna.

OCTOBER Cast: Varun Dhawan, Gitanjali Rao, Banita Sandhu Dan is living the life of any carefree 21 year old, revolving around a bunch of friends and fellow hotel interns who feed off each other’s everyday moments, their ups and downs. Shiuli is one such intern at the same hotel, who is at a receiving end of Dan’s audaciousness.

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RAMPAGE Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Jake Lacy and Jeffrey Dean Morgan Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and directed by Brad Peyton, global megastar Dwayne Johnson headlines the action adventure Rampage. Primatologist Davis Okoye (Johnson), a man who keeps people at a distance, shares an unshakable bond with George, the extraordinarily intelligent, silverback gorilla who has been in his care since birth. But a rogue genetic experiment gone awry mutates this gentle ape into a raging creature of enormous size. To make matters worse, it’s soon discovered there are other similarly altered animals. As these newly created alpha predators tear across North America, destroying everything in their path, Okoye teams with a discredited genetic engineer to secure an antidote, ﬁghting his way through an ever-changing battleﬁeld, not only to halt a global catastrophe but to save the fearsome creature that was once his friend. Running at: Vox Cinemas, City Cinemas, Al Bahja Cinema

On one of the islands of Eritrea, the head of the savage wildlife hunters is seeking to enter the land of Ivory “the elephant home” and hunt the huge animals for sale to the king. Elephants were celebrating the birth of the king’s son, Shadphant.

KUTTANADAN MARPAPPA Malayalam Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Aditi Ravi, Innocent When John Paul, a wedding photographer, meets Jessy for the ﬁrst time, he ﬁnds himself attracted to her. His crush turns into love, the feeling which is reciprocated from Jessy’s end too.

COMING SOON

THE ELEPHANT KING Arabic Cast: Saeed Sheikhzadeh, Hossein Erfani, Nasser T.

LOOKING GLASS Cast: Nicolas Cage and Robin Tunney

BACKSTABBING FOR BEGINNERS Cast: Theo James, Ben Kingsley and Jacqueline Bisset

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NOS Challenge held at Al Mouj Muscat. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Pictures by Shabin E.

Bank Muscat celebrates the inauguration of Green Sports football field in Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan.

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NOS Challenge held at Al Mouj Muscat. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Pictures by Shabin E.

Bank Muscat celebrates the inauguration of Green Sports football field in Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan.

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SUDOKU

HOW TO PLAY Fill empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column, and area.

Level | Easy

5 2

3 4

Level | Moderate

7 1

Level | Difficult

5 5

8 8

Difficult

2 1 6 4 8 5 3

8 7 1 2 9 6 4

2 6 1 9 4 8 3 7 5

9 7 4 6 3 5 2 8 1

4 5 7 8 9 1 6 3 2

8 1 6 4 2 3 5 9 7

3 2 9 5 7 6 4 1 8

Medium

7 4 3 1 9 5 8 6 2

2 3 5 8 6 9 4 1 7

8 7 4 2 3 1 9 5 6

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4 6 7 9 2 8 1 3 5

5 9 2 3 1 7 6 4 8

3 8 1 5 4 6 7 2 9

3 4 1 9 2 8 6 5 7

2 6 7 1 5 3 9 8 4

4 9 5 2 8 7 1 3 6

8 1 3 6 9 4 7 2 5

6 3 4 8 7 2 5 1 9

9 5 8 4 6 1 3 7 2

Easy

THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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your office, in the skies or on the road, the You wouldn’t think you’d be able to have Surface’s 13.5 inch screen is more than heavy-duty fun from such a light-weight capable of holding its own at any altitude. laptop, but that’s where you’re wrong. With a very decent 512GB of storage Whether you’re an avid gamer, voracious space – how they can accommodate so movie buff or focused business executive, much with so little room to spare is truly Microsoft’s latest laptop features plenty a wonder, but kudos to Microsoft – and of tech to keep everyone happy. Microsoft USB ports and microSD card has listened to comments readers to boot, the Surface and feedback from users Pro ensures that you are of previous versions of the always taken care of, as does Surface Pro, and it is quite THE SHORT AND SKINNY its low emission Bluetooth clear that they’ve taken Name: Microsoft Surface Laptop Tech specs: 2.5GHz CPU Intel Core i7, capability feature. this very seriously. 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM The nifty little laptop isn’t The new Microsoft SurOperating System: Windows 10 just designed for function, face Laptop has come to (variants available) either – form has been very Oman and is now available Graphics: Intel integrated Graphics Card thoughtfully incorporated to buy in stores and online. Monitor: 13.5in, PixelSense Display – into this nice doo-dad. The It features the latest tech 2256x1504 resolution workspace of the laptop feaupgrades to ensure buyers Weight: 2.83lb (1.28 kg) tures a lovely Alcantara type of the new laptop get plenty Where to buy: Amazon, Sharaf DG, cover, a tough yet comfortof value for their money. Souq.com able surface on which the Although Microsoft Price: From OMR449 onward keyboard sits, with the latter seems to have built this Amazon Rating: 4.2/5 also been given a bit more computer with the lesspunch, so it actually feels like is-more adage, there is you’re on a real one. Not bad, nothing minimalist about considering all of these bits what’s under the cover. and bobs have been accommodated into You wouldn’t think that such a light lapjust one-third of an inch of thickness. The top would be able to pack such a punch, laptop comes in a variety of cool colours – but as they always say, never judge a book platinum, cobalt blue, burgundy, and black by its cover. are the options on offer. That Microsoft has managed to accomIt’s only natural to miss your loved ones modate a much larger battery – it’s 20% (or so we think, we do come across people larger than the previous version – and who don’t, from time to time), and the urge becomes doubly impressive when you to reconnect with them is often strong. A consider that its Intel i5 Core comes with no fan, with its revamped ventilation being human touch seems to be at the epicentre of this new laptop, which features an eight good enough to handle the heat. megapixel rear-facing autofocus camera, But the Surface Laptop doesn’t just look and a front-facing ﬁve megapixel camera good, it performs well, too: Microsoft’s i7 for good measure. CPU clocks in at 2.5GHz, upgradable to All in all, the new Microsoft Surface Lap4GHz with TurboBoost, and the dual core top is an affordable, excellent PC that should processor is complemented by an impresbe part of anyone’s arsenal, whether gamer, sive 16 gigabytes of RAM, along with the geek or genius. The laptop is available to rather solid Intel Iris Plus 640 graphics purchase in stores and online in Oman. card. Whether you’re using it at home, in

TIMES TECH REVIEW – MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 17 APRIL 12, 2018

HAVE A COOL SUMMER WITH GENERAL ACs

THE AIR CONDITIONING Division of Khimji Ramdas (ACD) has been in relentless service to the people of Oman, providing professional air conditioning solutions. About 40 years the customers have relied upon General Air Conditioners in Oman to effectively deal with extreme temperatures. Brand “General” of Fujitsu General Japan has been offering products which epitomise unmatched quality, design, and performance. Over the years it has earned a unique position for itself as the most durable AC, delivering unequalled cooling in most adverse climatic conditions as in the Middle East. The brand also stands for its commitment to be environment friendly and offers many products capable of immense power savings and using environment friendly refrigerants. These are some of the considerations why customers prefer to pay a premium for ‘General’ ACs over many other brands as the value for money offsets the price factor. This is demonstrated by the fact that ‘General’ has the largest installed

base in Oman, with some ACs working to capacity even after a whopping 30 years of service. The range includes state-of-theart Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, ducted splits, cassettes, wall mounted splits and window air conditioners. The brand also complies with environment standards as they use environment friendly gases. Fulﬁlling its commitment to environment friendly solutions “General” offers wall mounted ACs with R410A

refrigerant. Customers can choose between reciprocating and rotary type compressors depending upon their requirements. Both type machines offer great durability, performance, and value for money. Characterised by a unique blend of environment friendliness and robust performance the ACs usher in a new experience of comfort to customers. As commercial requirements go beyond the ‘cooling’ requirement alone, the sales and design team in KR ACD is able to offer

complete HVAC solutions with focus on energy efficiency, environment friendliness and indoor air quality. Thus KR ACD is able to offer a complete range of HVAC solutions, being a one-stop-shop from design through to after sales service and maintenance. All these products and services are available through a strong sales and service network present in almost all locations to reach valuable customers through the length and breadth of Oman. All good products need good support through timely after sales service. KR provides 24 x 7 complaint logging facility for the customers to register their complaints even on the move. In order to provide prompt and efficient services KR ACD has a ﬂeet of about 20 mobile service stations branded as “Siyana Wa Khidmaat” across Oman. Customers get their service needs fulﬁlled at their places without the need of having to transport their ACs to workshops. The network of service stations across the country helps to maintain a large population of ACs through Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMCs).