T Weekly for November 8, 2018

VOL 11 ISSUE 46 / NOVEMBER 8, 2018

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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 46 NOVEMBER 8, 2018

Saluting the unsung heroes of Oman SAIF SAREEA 3, a joint military action between Oman and the United Kingdom, was recently held and saw the participation of 70,000 defence personnel from Oman, as well as 5,500 soldiers, sailors, pilots and engineers from the British Armed Forces.

The army, naval and air forces of both the countries camped in the desert for almost two weeks and worked together to understand their military expertise and find out what was required in the future.

During this joint exercise, while the soldiers of both the countries displayed their compassion, enthusiasm and leadership acumen, our correspondent joined them at Mahout in the Wusta Governorate to witness the gallantry of Oman’s brave defenders.

We salute the unsung heroes of Oman in our Cover Story this week.

In our Etiquette column, we try to learn the subtle nuances of making conversation.

Mastering the art of conversation is important as it makes a lot of difference in our everyday lives. From exchanging pleasantries and witty banter to formal discussions and the exchange of intellectual thoughts, one should show interest and be curious while talking. Interrupting the other person isn’t advisable. It is said that to be a good conversationalist, first learn to be an active listener. Our columnist has summed up a few important points that one must keep in mind while conversing.

Common household products and hot water showers can strip our skin of moisture and cause dry, itchy skin. Dry skin is a common problem and if you have it, here are some vital cues from our Beauty column.

And as the holiday season slowly inches towards us, let’s prepare some goodies to treat our guests and loved ones. This week, we list out some easy waffle recipes that you can make for your family and friends. These crispy delights are best savoured on a winter weekend. — Swati Dasgupta

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 Copy Editor: Gautam Bhargav Viswanathan Online Editor: Christopher Isaac

Graphics Editor: Antonio Farach Design Editor: Sahir K.M. Lead Designer: Geri B. Sonny Designer: Gregory Fernandez, Jerrard Cedro Production Manager: Shafi Shaik Photography: MMG Photographers On The Cover: Design by Gregory Fernandez

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

CIRCULATION 24726600/24726666 Ext 135/136 circulation@timesofoman.com

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08 WHAT’S ON

THIS WEEK 09

FRIDAY Go Cycling As the weather gets cooler, it’s the perfect time to go pedalling in Muscat. Starting at Bait Al Baranda Museum, ride up to the Muttrah Corniche, all the way to Al Alam Palace in Old Muscat as you watch the beautiful oceanfront views. You can also cycle on the busy streets of Qurum or on the steep hills of Qantab Road. And if you find it boring to go alone join a cycling group or club in town.

THURSDAY

Watch The Sleeping Beauty The Sleeping Beauty is one of the best-loved ballets in the classical repertoire. Interpreted by the State Ballet of Georgia with choreography

by Nina Ananiashvili and Alexei Fadeechev, the show will be held at Royal Opera House Muscat from 7pm onwards on November 8. For further details contact Royal Opera House Muscat.

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SATURDAY

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SUNDAY

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MONDAY

Souq es Sabt is Back Buy fresh local produce, an array of artistic creative and innovative products, healthy eats, traditional Omani delicacies and crafts at this local market. Held every Saturday at Al Mouj Muscat – The Walk, this market will be on till December 15.

Learn Kiteboarding Thrill-seekers in Muscat can learn kiteboarding and surf the waves and the wind. While many tourists from different parts of the world plan their vacation in Oman to kiteboard the clear waters, you too can join a basic course if you have no experience so far.

The only prerequisite to learn kiteboarding is that you must know how to swim.

Visit Bait Al Zubair Located near the Ministry of Information on Al Saidiya Street, the museum has a notable extensive collection of ancient weapons including khanjar, household equipment, and costumes most of which are from the owner’s private collection.

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TUESDAY Camping in Jabal Akhdar Enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the Jabal Akhdar mountains as you camp there. Depart from Muscat in your 4WD vehicle and enjoy Oman’s most beautiful place.

WEDNESDAY Drink Kahwa As the weather gets cooler it’s time to sip a steaming cup of kahwa and get warm.

Accompanied by dates and fruits, serving kahwa is an integral part of Oman’s culture. It is mandatory to serve kahwa to the guests and during special occasions.

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A Quiet Place (Film) Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery Cast: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds In a post-apocalyptic world, a family is forced to live in silence while hiding from monsters with ultra-sensitive hearing.

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Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (Film) Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy Cast: Greg Cipes, Scott Menville, Khary Payton A villain›s maniacal plan for world domination sidetracks five teenage superheroes who dream of Hollywood stardom.

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The Darkest Minds (Film) Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller Cast: Amandla Stenberg, Mandy Moore, Bradley Whitford Imprisoned by an adult world that now fears everyone under 18, a group of teens form a resistance group to fight back and reclaim control of their future.

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ON THE GROUND WITH OMAN’S UNSUNG HEROES STORY GAUTAM VISWANATHAN

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rowing up, I used to love playing with toy soldiers. I still remember the first action figures I played with.

They were GI Joes with cool names like Storm Shadow, Flint and Firefly.

They came in little cardboard and clear plastic packages, complete with all the gear they needed to give the child in me hours of wonderful fun. While my collection of action figures grew steadily through the years, my fascination with soldiers grew as well, expanding from GI Joes to Sergeant Hawk and then to Commander Shepard and his loyal comrades from the Mass Effect series. Having tremendous respect for the men and women who do not think twice before answering the call of their country I felt truly honoured, to see for myself how soldiers lived on the front lines, on behalf of Times of Oman to cover Exercise Saif Sareea 3.

A joint exercise between Oman and the United Kingdom, Exercise Saif Sareea 3 (Arabic for Swift Sword 3) was the largest joint military simulation between the two nations, once again highlighting the long, friendly relationship that both nations have shared for decades now.

70,000 defence personnel drawn from across Oman’s Army, Navy, Air Force and the Royal Guards, would fight and train for two weeks alongside 5,500 of their counterparts from the British Army, the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Marine Commandos.

Their mission? To learn to work together for a safe and secure Sultanate, as well as protect the country’s most important and invaluable resource … it’s people. Held on the outskirts of the Omani town of Mahout, and on the sea near the area of Bantoot in the Sultanate’s central Wusta Governorate, Saif Sareea 3 was truly a mission like no other, and would make me realise just how far these brave souls were willing to go to defend their homeland, should they ever need to answer the call.

FRIDAY, 0430 HOURS To live among soldiers, one has to think and act like them.

There was no point grumbling, therefore, when I woke at 4:30, long before the sun had risen, my immediate destination was the Ministry of Defence Pension Fund HQ in Seeb, from where an army bus would be ferrying a media team across the 400 kilometres to Mahout.

The soldiers who were setting up breakfast, hot tea and dates with which all those who had assembled could begin their day had showed up well before us, and went about their work in a systematic, rhythmic manner – the mission took number one priority for them. Let it never be said that an Omani forgets his hospitality.

To fuel the soldiers for their long marches carrying several kilos of heavy equipment, they were fed a simple breakfast of unleavened bread, scrambled eggs and lentils, providing their body with enough protein and carbs to keep up their strengths, and we too would share the same meal.

FRIDAY, 0800 HOURS As our bus began gathering speed on our journey south, some of those on board settled in for a quick nap – the road was long and they were many miles to go, and try as I might, I simply could not get to sleep. I was way too excited.

As the bus bore towards Mahout, I could not help but be taken aback by the sheer size and numbers of the convoys of men and material that were going in our direction.

Mounted on flatbed trailers were state-of-the-art Challenger tanks, as well as bulldozers and tractors used by

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engineer corps for their tireless and dedicated work on the battlefield. Saif Sareea 3 may be a series of war games, but there was little room for goofing off here.

FRIDAY, 1300 HOURS As we got off the main road and onto the purpose-built gravel tracts that had been built just for Saif Sareea 3, we reached our camp, which is right next to a vehicle depot, replete with water tankers, bulldozers, tipper lorries and tow trucks for their comrades on the frontlines, should they ever be needed. Next to these heavy-duty vehicles was a Red Crescent field hospital, staffed throughout the day by dedicated teams of doctors and field medics.

After a quick recce of the camp, I checked in with the other guests into ‘Hotel Saif Sareea’, a vast military-grade tent which had been set up with little more than army cots, and a couple of rotating fans to make us a bit more comfortable.

But while the rest of my bunkmates and I were offered this relative luxury, there would be little for the soldiers outside.

Out in the desert, the wind howled and whistled and whipped incessantly, bringing with it hundreds of thousands of tiny particles of sand, like some sort of vast swarm of microscopic insects. This, coupled with the heat, would’ve dissuaded most people, but soldiers are made of far sterner stuff than the rest of us, and while the rest of us hunkered down in our tents after our rather Spartan lunch of rice and fish (10 minutes is all the soldiers could spare), they went back outside into the

scorching heat (and all those other unpleasant things) to tend to their duties.

FRIDAY, 1830 HOURS By the time I’d awoken, it was already nightfall, and the soldiers had finally come off duty. It was great to see their human side, as they changed out of their fatigues, lovingly folded them, and wore kandooras, stretching out their legs and sipping hot cups of tea as their comrades in arms took over for the night shift to make sure Saif Sareea 3 continued to run smoothly.

While we had quick meal of rice and meat, the weather had become good enough to explore the entirety of the camp.

Four big military tents served as the mess hall, officers’ quarters and soldiers’ quarters, with six smaller ones pitched next to them for those who were needed to stay on duty. Next to them were three porta cabins, which were for their ablutions. Quick response time is key here, and four-wheel drives remain on standby at all hours for reinforcements that need to head to the front.

As I settled in to my bed, burying my nose into the autobiography of the legendary footballer Pele, I heard a rustling as our tent flap opened, bringing with it a chill gust of wind that characterised the desert nights. A couple of off-duty soldiers had made the three-hour journey to Mahout and had gotten us piping hot grilled meats and fresh-baked bread, complete with sides of hummus and salad, accompanied by the words ‘brother, come for second dinner’.

It was truly humbling to get to know these men on a personal level, whose dedication to look after other went well beyond their time in uniform. The lights went out soon afterwards, as we clambered in our beds for the night.

SATURDAY, 0730 HOURS Reveille was at 5.30 the next morning, and today was going to be a busy day: Saif Sareea 3 was coming to a close, and it would end with a live-fire drill that would be overseen by some of both Oman and the UK’s top government and military reps.

As we piled into our army Jeep and headed to the staging grounds, the sheer scale of Saif Sareea became all the more apparent: Omani soldiers, standing guard outside machine gun-fitted bunkers and fast-attack vehicles were on high alert on all approaches. A thunderous, rolling booming noise like a thunderclap seemed to come from the flat lands below the plateau we were on, as fixed artillery batteries from both armies laid waste to their targets on the battlefield.

Overhead, the familiar fwump-fwump of an army chopper could be heard, at the head of a very special convoy which brought with it very special guests – HE Badr bin Saud Al Busaidi, Oman’s Minister responsible for Defence Affairs, and Gavin Williamson, the British Defence Secretary. Striding alongside them, emanating the sort of power that only a military uniform can bring, were the British Forces’ High Command, as well as the top officers from Oman’s GCC partners

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– in this case, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, as well as Egypt, Jordan and Korea. Clearly, we were about to witness something special.

FORCES INVOLVED IN SAIF SAREEA3’S FIREPOWER DEMONSTRATION Oman United Kingdom Royal Army of Oman Mechanised Infantry Challenger II Tanks Oman Royal Paratroopers Anti-tank vehicles Light and Medium artillery Anti-air defence Drone recon aircraft Engineer Corps Signal Corps Medical Corps Logistics Division The British Army Mechanised Infantry Challenger Tanks Javelin anti-tank weapons 105mm light artillery 155mm medium artillery

SATURDAY, 1030 HOURS The name ‘Swift Sword’ seems apt here… this was not just a display of firepower, but one of precision. As the Royal Navy of Oman and Her Majesty’s Royal Navy opened fire from frigates that had lined up in the simulation of an amphibious assault, landing craft sped towards the shore, waiting to unleash the first wave of infantry that an enemy would have to face.

This was not a statement of bravado, but intent. As snipers marked out the positions these soldiers would take, eliminating any would-be enemies in the process, the soldiers advanced to their targets, ably supported by Special Forces choppered into the battlefield in a pincer move.

Their mission accomplished, the soldiers retreated to safer ground, as the skies filled with a roar that seemed to shake the ground we were on.

Their missiles primed for launch, fighter aircraft from both nations screamed towards the battlefield, unloading their firepower with deadly precision and lethal force. Three bombing runs followed, before the pilots gave their comrades on the ground the all-clear.

As a Hercules C130 para-dropped supplies for the soldiers to rearm, Apache helicopters waited in the wings, circling for any enemies that might choose to ambush the Sultanate’s defenders. On the ridge in front of us, and from the right, armoured divisions began to advance, first putting up a screen of smoke for the infantry to take cover behind, before unleashing a devastating line of fire as they continued to move forward.

Tank cannon and rhythmic machinegun fire rang out in unison, with Javelinlaunched anti-tank missiles leaving nothing to chance. Their job done, as another wave of artillery pounded the battlefield, mechanised brigades moved in quickly to mop up and secure the field.

SATURDAY, 1200 HOURS From the point of the detached observer, this simulation may have been little more than a routine military exercise, or at least that’s what it would look like on the surface.

Underneath, however, there was far more to it than that. The highest form of cooperation between two nations, is a joint military drill like Saif Sareea 3, and the diplomats and the generals posed for the customary photos, I could not help but be amazed at the amount of hard work, dedication and sacrifice the brave men and women of both armed forces had shown.

They’d lived in the desert for two weeks, away from civilisation, so that they could learn to work as one.

It showed me the spirit, the determination and the commitment to a safe and secure region that these good and brave people would unhesitatingly defend at a moment’s notice. And that, truly, showed me just how lucky we are to be protected by some of the Sultanate’s finest unsung heroes. – gautam@timesofoman.com

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CONVERSATION MATTERS STORY CAROLANN PHILIPS

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HOW TO SPEAK WELL AND LISTEN BETTER

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ace-to-face conversations are becoming extinct. Thanks to the ever growing popularity of WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook, and other electronic media.

However, e-conversation skills seldom help to pass a job interview, negotiate a business deal, or get to know a life partner better.

Conversation skills are invaluable. They make a good impression, and reflect aptitude and confidence. What then does it take to be a good conversationalist?

HOW TO BEGIN Begin by being relaxed. A relaxed person is a friendly person and this immediately puts others at ease. Smile pleasantly. Use a greeting that sets the tone for an amicable exchange.

Say something like, ‘Hello! I’m Carolann Philips. I’m here on behalf of my company ABC Enterprises.’ Say your name slowly, putting emphasis on the difficult to pronounce sounds, if any. This helps the other person to remember your name, and will encourage them to similarly introduce themselves.

Give exclusive attention to the person you are in conversation with. Find something to comment on and express interest, even if it’s as simple as their name.

HOW TO LISTEN It is often said that a good conversationalist speaks less and listens more. Maintain eye contact, and show that you are listening, by providing feedback such as nodding. As you listen, reflect on the emotional content of what is being said. For example, if your companion says, ‘I hate driving, especially in this traffic’, don’t say, ‘Oh! I don’t mind driving. In fact, I love it!’ Instead say something like, ‘Driving stresses you out, does it?’

Also focus on the informational content. If she says, ‘I’m not used to driving in Muscat, I’m from Salalah’, it would be insensitive to respond with a comment such as, ‘Where do you work by the way?’ Instead, say something like, ‘Yes. Muscat has busy roads. You’re from Salalah?

What’s it like there?’

HOW TO SPEAK When speaking, the golden rule to remember is to never speak uninterrupted for longer than a couple of minutes at a time. An ideal conversation is much like playing a game of tennis, where there is equal opportunity for give and take, speaking and listening. It is an exchange of ideas and information. Never rush the speaker and try to complete a line. It can come across as impatience. Wait for an appropriate pause in the conversation if you wish to say something. If you don’t agree about something, acknowledge the other person’s point of view by saying something like, ‘That’s a thought’, or, ‘Although I don’t agree with you, it is a valid comment.’ Avoid using absolute phrases such as, ‘You are wrong’, ‘I never...’, or ‘nothing like that!’ Such comments may sound insulting, and could bring the conversation to an end. Keep in mind not to talk about yourself unless the other person shows a keen interest in knowing something particular about you. As you speak, ask open questions and encourage the other person to speak. This keeps the flames of the conversation burning.

Being able to converse cordially is a skill that raises self esteem and makes us appear selfassured — key qualities for succeeding at most things in life!

Carolann Philips is an award winning, certified management coach and organisational development coach based in Oman. She is also a talent developer, etiquette and protocol consultant. She specialises in behavioural skill development and professional performance enhancement.

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Winter months can really throw in a challenge for those battling dry skin. Dry skin has its own set of problems – peeling skin, redness and the annoying fine lines that creep up when your foundation isn’t ‘hydrating’ enough. Here’s what you need to do and you’ll be sailing through just fine.

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Choose lukewarm water for bath – We all love hot water baths, especially during winters but if you’re going to end up with flaking skin after that, you’d rather opt for quick, lukewarm water showers instead. Dry skin problems tend to aggravate further when you expose it to hot water for long as hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils even faster than warm water.

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Moisturise right – Keeping the skin hydrated with creams, lotions and serums is obvious and we’re pretty certain you are doing that. What is also important here is when, how and what?

Make sure to moisturise within five minutes of washing your face leaving the skin a little damp as you apply your moisturiser. Look for ingredients like ceramide, glycerin and mineral oils.

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Don’t over-exfoliate – Exfoliation is necessary even if you have dry skin but it is imperative that you don’t use exfoliators that contain those coarse granules (honestly, it’s like sandpaper).

Opt for exfoliators with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA).

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Use face washes cautiously – Those infused with peppermint, eucalyptus or citrus might feel very refreshing but are more often than not better for those with oily skin than dry. Use unscented face wash that is mild instead.

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Use sunscreens – Continuous exposure to the harmful rays of the sun is bad no matter what your skin type is. For those with dry skin, it results in the loss of the skin’s ability to retain water and that just makes things worse. And yes, that does contribute to wrinkles.

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Antioxidants and Omega 3 – Keeping it short, this basically helps your body to produce healthy cells. Berries, beetroot, tomatoes (think red) and several pulses are a great source of antioxidants while salmon and cod liver oil are an excellent source of omega 3.

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Get a humidifier – If the air is dry, you’re bound to start feeling the discomfort of dry skin. Get a humidifier in the room to maintain the hydration levels at home. You’d be surprised to see the change.

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Home remedies – There are a bunch of things you can do at home. From oatmeal baths to the use of coconut oil and petroleum jelly, there are a number of easily available alternatives that can be used to combat dry skin.

STORY ANTARA BOSE

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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From sweet and savoury to those with delicious toppings, here are some freshly made waffles for a perfect winter weekend.

SWEET POTATO WAFFLES They are savoury waffles made of sweet potatoes and wholewheat.

Ingredients 2/3 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato 1/2 cup milk 3 eggs 1/2 cup whole wheat flour Salt and pepper as per taste Preparation Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.

Preheat a waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Spray the waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray.

Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook for 5 minutes.

Top with butter before serving.

WAFF ALL RECIPES ONEZA TABISH

EGGLESS WAFFLES These are breakfast favourites of vegetarians.

Ingredients 2 cups self-raising flour 2/3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoon baking powder 2 cup buttermilk 4 tablespoons of butter, melted 2 teaspoon vanilla extract Preparation Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda and baking powder in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.

Add buttermilk, butter, and vanilla and mix until smooth.

Preheat a waffle iron.

Spray the waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray or brush with cooking oil.

Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook for 3 minutes.

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CHOCOLATE CHIP WAFFLES A must for every chocoholic, here is is a super indulgent breakfast recipe.

Ingredients 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 2 teaspoons baking powder Pinch of salt 1 banana, mashed 1 egg, beaten 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup melted butter 1/2 cup sweet chocolate chips Preparation Whisk together in a large bowl: flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt until well combined.

In another bowl, combine banana, egg, milk, vanilla and butter. Now whisk both the wet and dry ingredients well and make sure the batter is lump free.

Add in chocolate chips. Pour 1/2 cup batter into preheated waffle maker and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Serve with berries, whipped cream or ice cream.

CHEESE WAFFLES A special waffle for cheese lovers.

Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 eggs lightly beaten 1 3/4 cups milk 1/4 cup butter melted 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Preparation Preheat the waffle maker. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Stir in the eggs, milk, and melted butter and mix till well combined. Add the cheese.

Lightly brush the waffle maker with cooking oil.

Pour batter in the waffle maker and cook until crisp for about 4 minutes. Top with cooked egg.

Oneza Tabish is a food blogger, consultant, and columnist based in Oman. She is also the owner of Oman’s popular Facebook group ‘What’s Cooking Oman.’

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SARKAR Tamil Cast: Vijay, Yogi Babu, Radha Ravi, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Keerthi Suresh

THUGS OF HINDOSTAN Cast: Amir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Katrina Kaif The film is set to treat audiences with the biggest jawdropping action sequences seen by audiences on screen to date.

With its edge-of-the-seat thrills and an epic adventure and war on the seas, the film is set to light up this Diwali.

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THE GRINCH Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch The Grinch hatches a scheme with his trusted canine Max to ruin Christmas when the residents of Whoville plan their annual holiday celebration. Meanwhile, Cindy Lou plots to seek out Santa Claus to thank him for helping her single mother every Christmas, something which will interfere with the Grinch’s plans.

A successful businessman gets involved in a political battle with two notorious ministers regarding the well being of fishermen in Tamil Nadu.

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BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Cast: Aidan Gillen, Allen Leech, Ben Hardy, Joseph Mazzello, Lucy Boynton, Tom Hollander Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Freddie defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet. The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound. They reach unparalleled success, but in an unexpected turn Freddie, surrounded by darker influences, shuns Queen in pursuit of his solo career. Having suffered greatly without the collaboration of Queen, Freddie manages to reunite with his bandmates just in time for Live Aid. Running at: Vox Cinemas, City Cinemas

OVERLORD Cast: Pilou Asbæk, Wyatt Russell, Bokeem Woodbine, Hélène Cardona, Iain De Caestecker With only hours until D-Day, a team of American paratroopers drop into Nazi-occupied France to carry out a mission that’s crucial to the invasion’s success. Tasked with destroying a radio transmitter atop a fortified church, the desperate soldiers join forces with a young French villager to penetrate the walls and take down the tower.

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Young Tom and his misfit friends fight to save ‘Buster’ the baby elephant during the German air raid bombings of Belfast in 1941.

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COMING SOON

ZOO Cast: Amy Huberman, Toby Jones, Ian McElhinney, Art Parkinson, Penelope Wilton

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD Cast: Carmen Ejogo, Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Zoë Kravitz

THIMIRU PUDICHAVAN (TAMIL) Cast: Vijay Antony, Nivetha Pethuraj

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TIMES DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

F I FA

1 9

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

8 7

3 5

1

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9

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8 3

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3 9

6

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1 2

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5 9

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Level | Moderate

9

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6 5

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Level | Difficult

9

7

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6 6

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Difficult

9

1

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3 2 5 9 7 8

2 7 8 5 3 1 4 6 9

3 5 9 6 7 4 2 8 1

1 6 4 2 9 8 5 3 7

7 8 1 4 6 2 3 9 5

6 4 3 8 5 9 7 1 2

Puzzle 1 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.74)

5 9 2 7 1 3 8 4 6

Medium

6

Easy

1

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8

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7

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9 4 6 8 3 5 7 2 1

4 1 9 6 8 7 2 5 3

5 2 8 3 4 9 1 7 6

7 6 3 1 5 2 4 9 8

1 8 7 5 6 3 9 4 2

6 9 5 4 2 8 3 1 7

2 3 4 7 9 1 6 8 5

Puzzle 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.47)

4 2 5 3 8 9 1 7 6

9 6 7 5 2 1 4 3 8

8 1 3 6 7 4 9 5 2

3 4 1 8 9 2 5 6 7

7 9 6 4 5 3 8 2 1

5 8 2 1 6 7 3 9 4

2 5 9 7 4 8 6 1 3

1 7 8 9 3 6 2 4 5

Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.34)

6 3 4 2 1 5 7 8 9

THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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7

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8

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9

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5

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t’s weird how FIFA games that have of the game being too simple, even at its next year’s date release this year, but highest level – Legendary – and another honestly, that seldom matters to gamtier of difficulty has now been added ers who play FIFA. above that. In addition, player morale and Because compared to the great gameform plays a huge part in how a game pans play you can enjoy with the world’s bigout. A poor first touch, for example, taken gest footballing game, this is but a teeny, midway through an attacking build-up, tiny aberration. EA Sports FIFA 19 is can not only scupper your move, but can available to now download on computers put you in a rather awkward position of and consoles, and can now be bought in reclaiming possession because you’ve stores as well. now lost the ball.

Having now gained a reputation for In addition, how you connect with the some of the best games in the world, such ball could determine whether a shot that as Mass Effect, Need for Speed, Dragon you hope finds the back of the net, actuAge and several of the Star Wars games, ally makes its way past the goalkeeper, or EA Sports have once again brought in a flies off his boot into a delirious audience. raft of changes to what is now arguably the Similarly, putting pressure on a player world’s leading football simulation game. who is about to cross the ball could make If it wasn’t before, it certainly is now. him lose his cool, making his mental For one, for the first time since the strength just as or even more important game’s inception, the UEFA than physical ability or Champions League and technical skills.

Europa League are now THE SHORT AND SKINNY There’s also a bit more officially a part of the game, for gamers who buy FIFA replacing the watered-down Name: EA Sports FIFA 19 to play Career Mode. In Genre: Sports European Champions Cup fact, a passion of those Produced by: EA Games and Euro League that served who play the game is to What it’s about: The latest instalhas placeholders in previous take a team from obscument of EA’s blockbuster FIFA series titles. It’s the same with the rity and earn the right is back, and promises bigger, better UEFA European Championto play among the best. gameplay than you’ve previously ships, which take place every England’s League Two, experienced! A must-have for every year, as well as the UEFA Subecause of the number of lover of the beautiful game. per Cup, the annual one-off tiers you need to climb Platforms: Microsoft Windows, game that takes place at the up, is best for this, but the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox start of every season between German 3rd Liga, which 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch the Champions League and made its first appearance Where to buy: PlayStation Store, Europa League winners. in FIFA 18, is also back. If Origin, Xbox Marketplace, Amazon, EA The orchestral music that you are looking to scout Sports website, Microsoft Store heralds the start of every quality players, whether IGN Rating: 8.2/10 Champions League match – unheralded or univeryou know the one, the chant sally known, you can now which gives you goose pimcheck out the Chinese ples and makes your hair stand on end – an Super League, which is also part of the integral part of what makes the tournagame. ment one of the world’s best, is also a part Several new teams have also been and parcel of FIFA 19, and adds a whole included in the Rest of the World clutch other level to the game, which elevates it to of teams. With the Russian league no a level that simply wasn’t there previously. longer a part of the game, CSKA Moscow, The team of Derek Rae and the legendary Lokomotiv Moscow and Dynamo Moscow former Arsenal fullback Lee Dixon now are all present. Joining them are Ukrainprovide commentary for all European ian teams Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar matches in the tournament, providing a Donetsk, as well as Czech teams Sparta fresh perspective, as well as a welcome and Slavia Prague, and Viktoria Plzen. break, from the expert team of regular comFIFA 19 is definitely an improvement mentators Martin Tyler and Alan Smith. on past titles in the series – whatever part The entire physics of the game has also of the game you choose to pursue – and is been given an overhaul, after EA received definitely worth a buy this weekend. Or complaints about the previous version any other – gautam@timesofoman.com

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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 46 NOVEMBER 8, 2018

Musicians from the Royal Guard, the Royal Oman Police, Oman’s Royal Army, Navy and Air Force and the Combined Group of the Royal Cavalry and Camel Band marched in beautiful formation while they played the classic military music at Royal Opera House Muscat.

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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 46 NOVEMBER 8, 2018

MUSCAT FINANCE EXTENDS SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION AT SQU

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uscat Finance SAOG, represented

by Chairman Faisal bin Mohamed Al Yousef extended support for research and innovation at Sultan Qaboos University by offering a contribution to the university’s newly-established Innovation Fund. The SQU Innovation Fund, managed by SQU’s Innovation & Technology Transfer Centre, is one of the university’s initiatives that seek to place research and innovation at the very center of SQU’s approach to teaching and training, and community engagement. The fund supports advancement in these areas by providing various forms of support for SQU students, faculty, and staff to engage in projects that have the potential to enhance innovative approaches in strategic social and economic areas.

Accepting the contribution from Muscat Finance, Dr Rahma Al Mahrooqi, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research, stated, “Both SQU and Muscat Finance have a strong commitment to supporting innovation and research as drivers of sustainable development within the Sultanate. The University has the infrastructure and processes in place to ensure that its student and staff’s innovative efforts and research outputs can be successfully transformed into the products, processes, and knowledge that drive social and economic transformation. It is these innovative outcomes that lead to start-ups and new enterprises that are amongst the most important drivers of economic transformation, diversification, and job creation. One example of SQU’s achievement in these areas is the

recent establishment of the Innovation & Technology Transfer Centre, along with the Innovation Fund which the centre manages.”

Speaking at the event, Muscat Finance Chairman Faisal bin Mohamed Al Yousef

stated, “Muscat Finance has always believed in giving back to the community, which stems from its strong belief that MF has been successful because of the prosperity of the community under which it operates and giving back is part of its primary duty. Muscat Finance believes that the economy can prosper by having the right Education at all stages, such as the one being offered at SQU. We are living in a dynamic world, where being innovative is the only option for survival. After all, innovation and research are the tools with which our country will continue to prosper and progress. We hope that the Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre will incubate a number of enterprises that become vibrant SMEs and contribute

to the growth of the economy not only through increasing its contribution to the Gross National Product, but also as creators of employment opportunities.

Muscat Finance is committed to the development of SMEs both through the direct funding option as well as through contributions such as these.”

The SQU Innovation Fund is an important avenue whereby organisations across the country can directly contribute to Oman’s research and innovative activity. The fund, according to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, adopts a multifaceted approach to supporting innovation and transforming research output into prototypes, products and processes that have the potential to enhance economic competitiveness and social development. These approaches include by supporting research projects in areas of strategic importance for the country, developing research capacity and infrastructure, promoting innovation across research and teaching, and ensuring that the university’s research and innovative efforts offer direct benefit to the community.

It is through such cooperation in supporting youth research and innovation in the country, that the Innovation Fund is helping ensure Oman successfully realises its ambitious development goals. With this realisation, Dr Rahma concluded, the country will be able to successfully reap the benefits of economic transformation while continuing to play an important role in an increasingly competitive and interconnected world.

OMANTEL BAGS ‘BEST MIDDLE EASTERN PROJECT’ AT THE GLOBAL CARRIER AWARDS 2018

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mantel, was awarded ‘Best Middle Eastern Project’ at the Global Carrier Awards 2018 in London, UK. The Global Carrier Awards are hosted by Capacity Media and celebrate vision and excellence in global wholesale telecoms. Omantel was given the award for its joint venture with Equinix to deliver a new data centre and interconnection hubto customers at the heart of the Middle East and at the nexus of Asia, Africa and Europe.

“We are extremely proud to receive the award for Best Middle Eastern project. It recognises our vision for a hyper connected data centre hub that supports growing Cloud and Content demands in the region and across the globe. This project benefits international carrier customers and partners by enabling them to securely host

their solutions at a world-class facility and connect global destinations with ultra-low latency networking. We are putting Oman at the centre of digital transformation globally and enabling millions of users to enjoy an excellent experience every time they open their applications and services,” said Talal Al Mamari, CEO of Omantel.

Omantel is using its unique geographic location, innovation and partner relationships to create solutions that directly impact how both local, regional and global customers experience the Cloud, Content and its applications and services. The data centre project enables Omantel to support the digital transformation of Oman and the wider region. Users and Service Provider partners benefit from a regional hub designed to support innovation and transformation while enabling the de-

livery of new applications and services.

“We are simplifying and accelerating how our customers and partners connect across the MENA region and the globe. With one central interconnection hub, they can create new competitive advantages with ultra-low latency networking and world-class data centre services. “ Customers and partners can leverage our investments in the 20 subsea cable systems to connect and optimise solutions globally. We are building infrastructure that transforms how our customers and partners operate and enables them to move with greater agility and performance when serving new demand,” said Sohail Qadir, Vice President of the Wholesale Unit at Omantel.

The first phase of the three-phase build will include 250 cabinets whichis expected to be completed by Q2 2019.