T march 15 2018 pdf

VOL 11 ISSUE 13 / MARCH 15, 2018

WELCOMING OMAN’S NEW AIRPORT

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 13 MARCH 15, 2018

Experience the magnificence of Oman’s new airport While travelling seems to be all about reaching our desired destination, still, we all long to go on a journey that’s not just hassle-free but splendid in some ways. In recent times, most airports around the world are making steadfast efforts to make travelling a lot more relaxed and even a luxurious experience by introducing new attractions and amenities. Airports are now becoming major attractions in their own right and Oman has just joined the league.

The countdown has begun. The new Oman airport is all set to begin operations from March 20. With all flights getting transferred to the new terminal, this is indeed a great moment of pride for all of us. With the latest state-ofthe art facilities, the new airport will prove the old adage right, “It’s about the journey, not the destination”.

With a capacity to handle 20 million passengers, the new airport has incorporated the latest technologies. Be it the baggage handling system or self-service check-in kiosks installed near the check-in counters, it is fully equipped with all the latest facilities, while screaming luxury.

So, plan a getaway soon, but this time not just for the destination but to experience the magnificence of Oman’s new airport. And if you want to know what to look forward to, our cover story this week will give you all the essential details.

It’s the age of social media, and keeping with the trend are social media influencers who endorse opinions and products on social media platforms.

From fitness experts and beauty bloggers to fashionistas, travellers and those campaigning for social causes, these influencers help spread vital messages.

This week, meet some of the influencers from Oman who were also a part of the Khimji Ramdas Calendar 2018.

— 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 Associate Editors: Salem Afifi, Shruthi Nair Copy Editor: Gautam Bhargav Viswanathan Online Editor: Christopher Isaac

Chief Sales Officer: Richard Pakenham Production Manager: Shafi Shaik

Graphics Editor: Antonio Farach Design Editor: Sahir K.M. Lead Designer: Geri B. Sonny Designer: Gregory Fernandez Photography: MMG Photographers

On The Cover: Design by Geri B. Sonny

For general inquiries or comments: swati@timesofoman.com

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WHAT’S ON 15 THIS WEEK

THURSDAY 07.00pm Go to Paris Experience a true taste from Paris at the French Can-Can event, where live music, French cuisine, and can-can dancers will keep you and your family entertained.

The Garden, InterContinental Muscat, Qurum +968 9137 3243

16 17 18 FRIDAY

SATURDAY

12.00pm Shop at a Weekend Souq Spend your weekend at this exclusive farmer’s market at Almouj. You’ll get to explore artisanal ventures, fresh healthy eats, local Omani delicacies, and a tonne of crafts. The market ends at 5pm Almouj Muscat, Al Hail North +968 2453 4400

07.30pm Watch an Opera Show Are you a fan of opera performances? We got you covered. The ROHM is hosting the famous ‘Pagliacci’ show starring José Cura and Davinia Rodriguez.

Royal Opera House Muscat, Qurum +968 9682 4403

19 MONDAY

07.00pm Dance to Latino How about shaking off some stress to the rhythm of Latino music? Enjoy live sessions while savouring a meal under the stars, overlooking the Gulf of Oman Crowne Plaza Muscat, Qurum +968 2423 3800

SUNDAY 06.00pm Relax Outdoors Nothing beats a rooftop dining experience, especially in this weather. Treat yourself at Sama Terrazza for a good relaxing evening full of food at Sama Terrazza Lounge, Park Inn, Al Khuwair +968 2450 7888

20 TUESDAY

Attend an Art Exhibition 10.00am Visit Radhika Khimji’s solo-exhibition titled ‘On The Cusp’. The exhibition brings together surreal landscapes, collages, and Khimji’s shifters, all finding inspiration from her visits and studies of the Al Hajar mountains.

Stal Gallery Madinat Sultan Qaboos, Muscat +968 2460 0396

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WHAT TO WATCH O N

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WEDNESDAY

06:00pm Celebrate Mother’s Day Moms deserve nothing but the best on their special day, so head over to Tiptara for a Mother’s Day special. Book for four people and enjoy a complimentary dinner for your mother.

Dinner costs OMR 7 per adult.

Centara Muscat Hotel, Ghala Heights, Bousher +968 2423 6600

Flint Town (Season 1) Genre: Documentary, Crime Cast: Wayne Suttles, James Tolbert, Karen Weaver Synopsis: Documentary following the police department in Flint, Michigan as they struggle in a community crippled by violence and a contaminated water crisis.

Casino (Film) Genre: Drama, Crime Cast: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci Synopsis: A tale of greed, deception, money, power, and murder occur between two best friends as they compete against each other over a gambling empire.

Jessica Jones (Season 2) Genre: Action, Crime Cast: Krysten Ritter, Rachael Taylor, Eka Darville Synopsis: Following the tragic end of her brief superhero career, Jessica Jones tries to rebuild her life as a private investigator, dealing with cases involving people with remarkable abilities in New York City.

Girls Incarcerated (Film) Genre: Documentary Synopsis: A documentary show about troubled girls who are juvenile delinquents in Madison Juvenile Center

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he development of a country is often measured by the infrastructural facilities it has to provide to residents, as well as tourists. This measure of judgement, needless to say, begins at the airport. The old airport was a small, cosy space that people had gotten used to. It had limited area and limited facilities but it certainly felt like home, nonetheless.

Then, with the advent of the economic diversification plan, wherein the entire country prepared to shift its absolute dependence on oil as a revenue source to other sources, including logistics and tourism, a project that was in the pipeline was fast-tracked. And that project was the much-awaited and much-talked-about new Muscat International Airport.

The new airport is a study in contrast to the old one.

Aimed at promoting active tourism and hosting more people and more destinations, the new airport is massive in size and extravagance.

As of now, after the completion of phase I, the airport has a capacity of 20 million passengers and accommodates the world’s largest aircraft, Airbus 380. The terminals have been built with state-of-the-art facilities, with utmost attention to details.

In order to facilitate convenience, the new airport has adopted a progressive level of automation and digitisation.

For instance, unlike the old airport, the baggage handling system at the new airport will be fully automated. There are also a number of self-service check-in kiosks installed near the check-in counters. Also, two new mobile applications will provide both information and entertainment.

The authorities have attempted to overcome all shortcomings of the old airport. One issue that most people using the old airport complained of was the long turnaround time due to the distance between the airport and the aircraft. It would take nearly 20-30 extra minutes to get to the flight from the airport using the airbus. Now, that problem has been solved as the new airport will have boarding bridges, which get passengers from the airport to the aircraft directly.

Over the last few years, utmost importance has been given to public opinion and feedback. And this was made an important part of the preparation and readiness process of the airport as well. The #JoinTheTrials campaign was launched as a part of this. It involved participation of the public in order to ensure that every system and process functioned flawlessly.

“There were four main components: systems, the actual building, procedures, and familiarity of the staff. Trials were about bringing these four components together to get an airport operation simulation as close to reality as possible,” Pablo Lorenz, the trials manager, said.

Every employee in every organisation needs to know his/ her role, be familiar with the building and facilities, and, of course, understand the safety features and procedures com-

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pletely. Displays must show the right information, signs point to the right place, and all systems be active. Passengers must arrive and depart smoothly, aircraft must depart on time, and assistance must be available for those with reduced mobility or other special needs. Most of all, every safety and security process, from hygiene operations to sniffer dogs, must be perfect, according to the airport website.

“We can design the best processes in the world but they need to work for the passengers. Ultimately, we are building it for them and that’s whom we are serving. That’s why, it is really important for us to get feedback from passengers,” he said.

“The trials were not about technical tests, which are completed well before we invite the public to participate. This is about the smooth execution of processes. Every stakeholder, from transport to fire services, needs to check his/her processes in a real experience with customers who will not know their way around, just like on the first day. Different scenarios were planned and played out to ensure that the real world issues of an airport are applied,” Lorenz added.

The basic trials started in September last year and a number of them have been conducted since then, in which more than 17,000 members of the public, including men, women, and children, participated.

The new 580,000sq.m. airport, which has five levels, is a giant leap from the existing airport, in size and technology to digitisation. What makes it unique and endearing, however, is the fact it is still a very friendly airport. “It is an airport that you can get familiar with and feel very comfortable in. It has a very friendly, a very Omani feel to it,” he said.

After multiple runs, re-runs, trials, tests, practices, and preparations, the airport will finally open its doors to the public on March 20. “Our vision and mission is to be among the top 20 airports by 2020. This facility will help us get into that league. We have all the right ingredients for this and I am confident that we are on the right journey to achieve this vision,” Lorenz concluded.

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SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCING transcends typical marketing by its more human-friendly approach, and in Oman, our influencers are proof that this phenomenon is not going anywhere anytime soon.

We live in an era in which society has become accustomed to new kind of role models, updated celebrities who have emerged from the digital sphere to come into our lives, influencing us with their talent, knowledge, and personality in a variety of ways. In this 21st century, we have become quite attached to some of the social media influencers who contribute in making decisions that are in line with our ideals and values, from beauty products and fashion accessories to new portable devices and diner launches. These folks are the spokespersons of the century, serving interesting material from around the globe.

The social media influencer phenomenon has become widely recognised by agents, agencies, media networks, and brand consultants for its effectiveness and great results. Influencers offer a bit more personal experience, when compared with typical marketing tools. This subtly hooks the follower and inspires him or her to become influenced.

Because of their direct relationship with followers, influencers have become an integral part of our daily life as we dive deep into their lives and take part in their daily rituals and must-dos. As a result, a new marketplace has developed, which focuses on using these digital talents to bring commercial products, as well as non-profit activities to a wider, perfectly targeted demographic, which guarantees great results.

What makes them powerful marketing assets is the fact that they are not campaign-driven. Influencers have the ability and the capability to become brands themselves, owing to their online presence and their content that resonates with followers. Kim Kardashian is the first name that pops into one’s mind when speaking of successful online influencers who went on to become a brand. There are quite a few influencers who are celebrated in the Gulf itself, such as Ascia, a Kuwaiti fashion blogger with over two million dedicated followers, who serves as an edgy, modest style icon in the Middle East.

Here in Oman, we have our fair share of social media influencers, who have slowly grown to form an ecosystem or a community of their own to support and help one another make purchasing and life decisions, and most importantly, to create a sustainable brand. From talented musicians such as Ghazi Al Balushi, known for his raspy vocals and his music platform ‘Just Jams’, to brand ambassadors and fashionistas such as Areej Al Balushi, known for serving unique style and travel tips, radio sensations such as Ghada Al Zadjali and Rumaitha Al Busaidi, the culture of social media influencers is perpetually growing.

Before we meet some of our favourite Omani influencers, let’s quickly define what it means to be one. A social media influencer is simply an individual who has the power to affect the buying decisions of others because of his or her authority, knowledge, position, or relationship with his or her audience. They can also be defined as individuals, who have a following in a particular niche, which they actively engage with, to create trends, and collaborate with brands to achieve marketing or societal objectives. Usually, influencers dedicate their presence to a particular topic in which they are experts.

Now, let’s get right to it and meet four of our favourite influencers in town:

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Halima Al Abdul Salam Halima is an ambitious Omani entrepreneur and lifestyle blogger, who loves adventure and exploring new horizons. She is the winner of Al Mara’a Woman Excellence Award in Social Media in 2015, and Al Mara’a Woman Excellence Awards in SME in 2017. She also founded Oman’s first company to manage social media influencers, called Socialize. Her true passion lies in reviewing films. On her social media account, you will find countless reviews on latest flicks, as well as a variety of lifestyle-inspired topics, including dining.

Halima dived into the pool of social media to continue sharing her knowledge. Her online presence began through emails and BlackBerry broadcasts, and today she is a force to reckon with in Oman.

“People love what I share. They believe in my opinions and go by my suggestions,” Halima said, adding that social media has made her step out of her comfort zone and into more challenging atmospheres. The most important part of this journey is being appreciative of your fan base. “Being humble to people, especially to your followers because they are a part of your success and part of where you are today, is important,” she concluded. For being part of Khimji Ramdas’ 2018 calendar she thanked them for the wonderful opportunity and for featuring her as one of the social media influencer.

Instagram: @halima.alabdulsalam Snapchat: @halima.oman Twitter: @halima_oman Blog: halimasays.com

Hatim Al Abdissalaam Hatim is a father of three who graduated from Sunway University in Malaysia in 2003, and is an active member of the Islamic Information Centre for the last 10 years. He is a very active spokesperson on social media, where he focuses on spreading love and training the youth on a variety of topics, such as self-development. On his social media accounts, you’d find a perfect balance in content, ranging from religion to entertainment.

“I got into social media a few years ago, after witnessing the power of social media on people. It made me take advantage of this platform to influence young people and encourage them towards goodness. I was encouraged to enter this field after I noticed that there were a few influencers out there who really had a message or content that served a higher cause,” Hatim said.

“Being with Eshraqa is something that I feel so close to my heart, I am glad to be part of the welfare initiatives,” he said. He is also a motivational speaker and a TV and radio host, with more than 10 programmes under his belt. He does live social media sessions, where he teaches the youngsters of Oman valuable lessons for free.

Instagram: @al_abdissalaam Snapchat: @hatim.iic Twitter: @hatimiic

Malizy Malizy whose real name is Mohammed Rashid Al Araimi is a one-of-a-kind person, who exists to bring joy to our hearts and loads of laughter. The young influencer is an actor and social activist, who aims at achieving goals and raising awareness on social issues in a humorous fashion.

He began his social media journey with one goal in mind: to bring happiness to people. As he worked towards making people smile, he became one of the most influential persons in the country, with more than half a million followers who laugh out loud while learning along with his posts and videos. His favourite part about being a successful influencer is the love he receives from his dedicated followers.

Instagram: @malizy.99 Snapchat: @malizy_90

Issam Al Zadjali Issam is a multi-talented actor, director, writer, scriptwriter, and overall gentleman who’s currently the CEO of Al Quds Centre for art production. He began his social media adventure after realising that it is a fundamental part of working in media. He was encouraged by his friends to register new accounts and be part of the digital age.

Soon after, his accounts across all social media platforms swarmed with followers who truly enjoyed what he was putting out. On his social media, you’ll get to explore his thoughts on a variety of trending topics, and get acquainted with his ideas and knowledge. He also loves to initiate debates that result in an interesting yet informative interaction. “My favourite part is how interactions take place,” said Issam. “But the bad side of it is when people misunderstand my posts, or comment negatively, but that is not so bad with me, thank God,” he added. Issam has major plans in the pipeline. He’s going to write more shows and play, and dive into bigger acting challenges and large productions and said that he felt honoured to be part of the KR calendar 2018 initiative.

Instagram: @issam_zadjali Snapchat: @issam7373 Twitter: @issam7373

In celebration of Oman’s social media influencers, a large number of notable personalities graced the Khimji Ramdas’ Eshraqa 2018 Calendar. They include Fahmi Al Mawaali, Maha Al Balushi, Saif Al Foori, Halima Al Abul Salam, Mohammed Al Araimi, Ashwaq Al Maskery, Rumaitha Al Busaidi, Ghazi Al Balushi, Mohammed Al Noufali, Madiha Al Sulimani, Issam Al Zadjali, Ghada Al Zadjali, and Hatim Al Abdissalaam. Nailesh Khimji, Director of Khimji Ramdas, during the launch of the calendar, had said: “The calendar showcases these achievers so that they shine as inspiring role models for youth and young professionals.” Rajive Ahuja, Head of Corporate Communications & CSR at Khimji Ramdas added:“The reason we chose social media as the theme for this year’s calendar is because you are able to bond and connect with people based on the trust and inspiration you build with them.”

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YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO TRAVEL STORY ANTARA BOSE

‘T

ravel while you’re young’, they all say. And we have a million articles all over the internet saying just why we should start exploring when we are full of energy, curiosity, and zeal. We’re flooded with adventure tales from adrenaline junkies, youthful stories of soul liberation, and seeing life from a new perspective. But considering we won’t remain 21 forever, is there something like being too old to travel?

Clearly not! On my flight back home last month, I met an energetic group of oldies that became ‘travel junkies’ (or so they like to call themselves) during the second innings of their lives. As we chatted away, they narrated how they had driven all over the countryside, laughed about how one of them took a fall off the boat in an attempt to waltz (he even proudly showed

me the scar as proof ), and rallied on about how irresponsibly they had missed their flights twice during their holiday. They even joked about how paranoid their kids currently were. As I sat nodding to their stories in my crisp, clean shirt, neatly tied hair, and no bruises to tell a story, I felt like a boring 21st century kid who thought travelling was about filling the social media wall or showing off a full passport.

To these ripened ‘travel junkies’, age was just a number.

Here are 8 reasons travelling at 62 is just as amazing as 26, and why you’re never too old to enjoy traversing the world.

THE SENIOR CITIZEN BENEFIT From things as simple as priority preference at counters, to other more significant perks like special discounts on various forms of travel, there are actually

a lot of avenues where being a senior gets you additional benefits. Not to mention, fellow travellers will be more courteous to you than to the bouncy group of 20-year-old youngsters. People are generally nicer to senior folks. You are less likely to be turned down by people or perceived as creepy for pestering with directions – all thanks to those toothy grins, wrinkles, and greys. So enjoy the attention and flaunt the age.

MORE FUNDS As the years roll by, you can safely progress from budget travels to fancy vacations. If you haven’t taken a lot of offs from work, chances are you’ve been a workaholic and saved a tidy amount to enjoy later. So put those funds to good use and book some exotic destinations to explore. While the joy from material

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means the pressure of fulfilling long-term goals. There is a stark difference in the ‘carefree’ when you’re in your early 20s and the same in your late 50s. The carefree when young, stems more from not having to take on responsibilities just yet, so you want to make the most of the phase while it lasts; which means you still worry about how you are going to land that ace job like your friend did or buy that expensive car that you’ve had your eyes on since you graduated. However, the latter is a more peaceful phase which lasts until the end. You’ve fulfilled your responsibilities of kids, nailed your work, and have nothing to fret about for the future. So, you can sit back in your beach chair, drink your mocktail, and simply reminisce about the good old times.

ENJOYING THE MOMENT Though travelling solo is all the rage amongst youngsters now, they are still connected to the entire circle of friends and family virtually. Stories, posts and the pressure to constantly update your status to the entire fan following ensures you aren’t really disconnected. When you’re older, you are less concerned about showing your ‘current view from the hotel window’ to the world and are happier to just soak in the beauty by yourself.

CONNECTIONS Strangers befriended while you’re travelling at this age are more likely to evolve into valuable friendships. As you age, you automatically become more confident to talk to people. Not to mention, experience ensures you also become seasoned enough to identify like-minded people that you’d actually care to keep in touch with even later.

things tends to fade, the memories of a good holiday are eternal. If you ever find yourself torn between an exquisite accessory and a spontaneous travel plan, always pick the latter. It actually doesn’t even matter whether the destination is regular or exotic, for a place is exciting as you are willing to make it. And besides, travel stories make for better conversations than a fancy watch or necklace.

NO ‘FOLLOWING THE SHEEP’ You aren’t compelled by the urge to do what the rest of the crowd is doing. You’ll pick a place not because all your friends have gone there, but only if you feel it has something to offer that you fancy.

And the best thing is, by now you already know what would please you. You’ve probably outgrown late nights and the regular ‘partying, shopping and eating’

routine on holidays, which leaves you to explore other things that could be more meaningful. Taking a walk at a run-down pier at sunrise, sailing to a distant island, or simply soaking the raw essence of a foreign land – simpler things can be just as exciting.

YOU BECOME WISER Over the years you would have mastered the art of negotiation, know exactly what to order for dinner (even if the menu feels like deciphering Hebrew), and will probably not make the mistake of letting the GPS guide you through dark alleys that claim to be shortcuts. You, therefore, become a safer, smarter and more refined traveller.

LESSER RESPONSIBILITIES Youth is coupled with energy, but it also

CARE LESS Notice the separation of words. Eventually, you become less concerned about what people think. You stop worrying about how people perceive you, thus giving you the freedom to enjoy doing what you like, and how you like it. For example, you could fall asleep on the train and not get embarrassed when you wake up to realise you’ve drooled on yourself.

How convenient.

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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PHOTOS SHABIN E. he newly opened Shanghai Kitchen at Azaiba, with its array of exotic Chinese food, carefully selected dishes, oriental ambience, and serene lighting, seems to be just what the doctor ordered.

As it was Women’s Day, we were welcomed with a pretty rose and a refreshing mocktail called “The Hanoi Fling”. It was love at first sip for our taste buds. The drink was a creamy mélange of orange, pineapple, and mango juice with ice cream, and a pretty little rose carved out of strawberry adorned the rim. The Shanghai special mocktail had a gorgeous swan carved out of an apple and strawberry perched on it. It was a refreshing, heavenly medley of pineapple juice, crushed strawberry, grenadine with lime juice, and mint. What a welcome!

The Shanghai Kitchen has a lot to offer on their menu, from soups and wontons to wok dishes, and much more. The wide choice of tasty dishes is appropriately complemented by a range of carefully crafted mixtures of cocktails and mocktails.

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Stir-frying is the soul of Chinese cooking. Delicate juliennes of vegetables and diced meat are cooked in various sauces and spices and tossed in a wok to cook quickly on a high flame. The aromas, tastes, and juices have to be intact. This requires skill, knowledge, and expertise and that’s what the team of Shanghai Kitchen has in abundance.

For starters, we had crackling spinach and crispy corn chilli pepper that came in fried wanton canopies. The crackling spinach was crisp and had a sweet tinge. More crunch was lent by the presence of sesame seeds and almonds. Shanghai Kitchen gave this dish their own twist as it can be bland at times. The crispy corn chilli pepper comprised crunchy corn pearls with an overload of chilli and pepper and a hint of vinegar. It was good but the crackling spinach overshadowed it.

We also tried Prawn Hargao, which were steamed dim sums stuffed with prawns and water chestnuts. The dip of black pepper and green chilli sauce accompanying it was delectable. The dim sums were cotton soft and melted in the mouth. The vegetable dumplings were delicious as well. We were also served Veg Spring Rolls.

These were beautifully plated and presented in shot glasses. The rolls were crisp and dunked in a sweet chilli sauce that was finger-licking good.

Crispy Vegetables, a standard order at every Chinese restaurant, were presented with a twist here. The veggies comprised crispy fried fritters of eggplant, potato, button mushrooms, carrots, cauliflower, and baby corn. They were coated in a sweet plum sauce with chillies and we devoured them with relish. They surely had a wow factor, thanks to the amazing plum sauce.

LOCATION SHANGHAI KITCHEN NEAR AL NADHA TOWERS, NEXT TO SAVOY GRAND HOTEL, AZAIBA

We also tried the delightful chicken with pepper and ginger, which was deep fried diced chicken accompanied with bell peppers with flavours of ginger and crushed black pepper and coated with a combination of soya, dark soya, and oyster sauce.

One of our favourite starters was the Drums of Heaven, Shandong style. Crispy fried chicken wings had the exquisite signature of star anise and five-spice powder, making it delectable to the core. Shandong cuisine, also known as Jinan cuisine, has a wide selection of ingredients with a very strong aroma and the abundant presence of fivespice powder.

Another noteworthy starter was the delicious Yueyang Barbecued Fish. The soft fish fillets glazed in hoisin sauce with a smoky finish of barbecue were to die for. For seafood lovers, this is a must-order appetiser.

Legendary Dynamite Prawns, Shanghai Kitchen’s signature dish, had the superb twist of wasabi sauce. The prawns remained crisp till the last bite, were beautifully flavoured with mayo, and had the right kick of sriracha to them. The prawns tempura or battered and fried shrimps served on a stick and on a bed of fried glass noodles was good as well and neatly balanced, flavour wise. Again, the presentation left no stone unturned. Hunan style prawns, fried prawns tossed in a mix of chilli oil, sliced ginger, dry red chilli, onion, and oyster sauce, was good as well.

Just when we thought we couldn’t eat anymore after all these delicious starters, we were served exotic vegetables in a chilli basil sauce, Tsing Hoi chicken with cashew nuts, General Tao’s chicken, fish in orange peel sauce, Hakka noodles, prawns with seasonal greens and garlic, whole crab pepper garlic dry, and ginger and bell pepper fried rice. All of these were well plated and flavoursome.

General Tao’s chicken was sweet and spicy diced chicken cooked in oyster sauce with an overload of crushed peanuts — an absolute stunner. Fish in orange peel sauce was exotic and just one bite transported us back to the time when flavours and spices were rustic and delicately used. In fact, delectable was a mild word for it. Prawns in seasonal veggies such as bok choy and Chinese cabbage were delicious. Whole crab pepper garlic dry was a real eye catcher and extremely tasty, though a bit messy to eat.

Now one cannot end a meal without dessert. We had mango pudding, which was similar to panna cotta cooked in thick cream. It was very tasty but for a die-hard chocoholic, the sizzling brownie with hot chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream was obviously the winner.

A tantalising mix of freshly procured, hand-picked, and directly sourced authentic spices, sauces and other key ingredients made all the dishes inspiring. The prices were very affordable, though the chefs and a team of talented culinary experts created some of the most exotic Chinese delicacies. Shanghai Kitchen leaves an indelible impression on one’s tongue and mind. Try this new restaurant in town and you will be left asking for more.

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HI WE E KLY

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RAID Cast: Ajay Devgn, Saurabh Shukla, and Ileana D’Cruz Based on real events, Raid revolves around Amay Patnaik, a fearless income tax officer who carries out a non-stop raid at the mansion of Tauji, the most powerful man in Lucknow.

THE ARABIAN WARRIOR

THE LODGERS

Cast: Patrick Fabian, Amir El-Masry and Ayman Samman

Cast: Charlotte Vega, Eugene Simon, David Bradley, Bill Miller, and Moe Dunford

After studying at university and excelling in soccer, a young Saudi is torn between the traditions of his father and the freedom he experiences in the US.

1920, rural Ireland.

Anglo Irish twins Rachel and Edward share a strange existence in their crumbling family estate. Each night, the property becomes the domain of a sinister presence.

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TOMB RAIDER Cast: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, Kristin Scott Thomas From Warner Bros. Pictures and Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures, “Tomb Raider” is the story that will set a young and resolute Lara Croft on a path toward becoming a global hero.

Lara Croft is the fiercely independent daughter of an eccentric adventurer who vanished when she was scarcely a teen. Now a young woman of 21 without any real focus or purpose, Lara navigates the chaotic streets of trendy East London as a bike courier, barely making the rent. Determined to forge her own path, she refuses to take the reins of her father’s global empire just as staunchly as she rejects the idea that he’s truly gone. Advised to face the facts and move forward after seven years without him, even Lara can’t understand what drives her to finally solve the puzzle of his mysterious death.

Leaving everything she knows behind, Lara goes in search of her dad’s last-known destination: a fabled tomb on a mythical island that might be somewhere off the coast of Japan. But her mission will not be an easy one...

ROSAPOO (Malayalam)

KIRRAK PARTY (Telugu)

Cast: Biju Menon, Soubin Shahir, Neeraj Madhav, Sunny Wayne, Anjali, and Salim Kumar

Cast: Nikhil Siddhartha, Samyuktha Hedge, Simran Pareenja, and Rakendu Mouli

Rosapoo is a realistic movie narrated in a light way.

After suffering a loss in his duty-free shop, Shajahan finds it difficult to sustain his business. To make ends meet, Shajahan decides to take up odd jobs.

This film tells the story of a gang of mischievous students, lead by Karna, who have just joined an engineering college. They develop a bond while staying together in the hostel.

COMING SOON

Running at: Vox Cinemas, City Cinemas, Al Bahja Cinema

PACIFIC RIM 2: UPRISING Cast: Scott Eastwood, Tian Jing, John Boyega

HICHKI Cast: Rani Mukerji, Supriya Pilgaonkar, and Ivan Rodrigues

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1818

V OVLOULM UE ME 1 1 1I1S ISSUSEU E 1 31 3 MA MRACRHC H 1 51, 52, 021081 8

Bride & Groom Oman Wedding Industry Award 2018 at Muscat Hills. - Photos by Shabin E.

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 13 MARCH 15, 2018

Grand finale of Fashion Season 2018 at Oman Avenues Mall.

The first annual inter-school cultural and sports festival of Indian School Wadi Kabir International.

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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 13 MARCH 15, 2018

Indian School Wadi Kabir celebrated its 7th Science Festival in the school’s multipurpose hall.

Sohar Aluminium recognised the contributions of more than 600 employees at its annual Mumtaz Club Gala.

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 13 MARCH 15, 2018

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

9

3

7 3

8

5 6

3

2

5

2

1

4

6

THE AMAZING MAGIC OF ASTERIX friend Obelix, to notable Romans such as was that everyone was able to connect Julius Caesar himself. These cards can be with it. The Gaulish creation of French swapped with your friends over Faceduo Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo book, should they play the game, but all was nothing short of genius. While the fun in the game doesn’t just take place their brilliant comics are now available in the sky. Asterix: Megaslap features a to read on iPads, laptops, and mobile myriad number of well drawn-out terphones and have been released in the rains, such as meadows, forests, Roman form of equally popular movies and carencampments, towns, the sea, and even toons, the latest edition of the Egyptian desert.

Asterix comes in the form As the legionary bounces THE SHORT AND of a game that is as smart off these terrains, he may SKINNY and funny, as it is simple. come across plundering Released for Android Normans, wary Pirates, and Apple phones, Asterix: slack-jawed Romans, and Name: Asterix: Megaslap Genre: Action/Platform/Arcade Megaslap takes us back even an Egyptian camel or Producers: Bulkypix to the world of France (or two. Colliding with them What it’s about: Our favourGaul) in 50BC. The objecdoesn’t just lift the legionite Gaulish warrior Asterix has tive of the game is simple: a ary high into the air, it also one very simple job in this new trembling legionary stands gives you a small coin bonus game based on Goscinny and before Asterix, who has just that can be used to purchase Uderzo’s classic—to throw a taken an almighty swig of power-ups. Players can then Roman legionary as far as he magic potion, that amazing summon divine lightning can. Will you help him? concoction that gives our bolts and fling Obelix’s Platforms: iPhone, Android, heroes and their friends menhirs at the legionary iPad, and similar devices the legendary superhuman to send him back to earth Where to buy: Apple Store, strength that has managed or use an early version of a Android Store, Google Store to keep Roman Emperor self-propelled helicopter, or Google Store Rating: 4.2/5 Julius Caesar and his lean owl, which teaches him gions at bay. to fly, to make sure he stays Users move their finger in at a higher level. a circular fashion to power-up a bar that Other power-ups, such as Roman decides how far Asterix will send the lestatues, Norse skulls, and wild boars — a gionary flying, before descending back to Gaulish favourite — increase the number earth. As the legionary skyrockets towards of Romans, Normans, and Gauls on the the stars, he might want to look out for the ground, providing greater opportunities heavens: Jupiter and other Roman deities to earn coins. dominate the skies and our unfortunate The best power-ups, though, would have legionary might just barrel right into to be those that allow you to summon Dogthem, causing him to hurtle downward matix, who quickly scurries forward to with increasing speed. The greater the bite the hapless Roman, should he choose speed of his descent, the higher the disnot to take to the skies after landing on tance he bounces back. earth, or failing that, a snorting, grunting During his skyward journey, it is Spanish bull. If one doesn’t do the trick, possible for him to come across collectthe other surely will. ible cards that contain brief insights Asterix: Megaslap is a game that’s left into some of Asterix’s most memorable plenty of gamers in hilarious stitches. characters. These range from many of the A great way to entertain you and your comic’s loveable villagers, such as his best friends, it is a brilliant weekend download.

6

9

1

9

3 2

7

7 3

8

4

1

Level | Moderate

5

7

4

3

2

9 9

5

2

8 1

4

9 7

8

4

5

8

7

7

5 6

5

2

8

6

5

8

2

1

Level | Difficult

8

1

4

3 1

6

6

3 7 6

8

3

3

9

3

2

2

7

5

3

6

2

1 7

1 5

3 8

THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

ASTERIX: MEGASLAP

4

6 9

8

Easy

3

21

4

Medium

Difficult

22

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 13 MARCH 15, 2018

KAYA SKIN CLINIC K OPENS IN MUSCAT CITY CENTRE

aya Skin Clinic, the well reputed chain of skin clinics in the region, with a presence in Muscat for over a decade, launches what could be called “Skin Clinic 2.0”— the next generation Skin Clinic. It represents the evolution of a skin clinic experience into something that we believe will set the benchmark in the category for time to come. Conveniently located in City Centre Muscat, the brand unveils a refreshing new experience — the third Kaya clinic in the Gulf region in its vibrant new identity.

With the launch of this new identity, not only has the brand unveiled the next generation skin clinic, but also a vibrant new ‘Kaya’ brand, which will continue to lead the industry as it always has.

ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE IN EVERY ELEMENT OF 2018 HONDA ACCORD

Sridhar Moosapeta, CEO — Consumer Products Group of KhimjiRamdas, the local partner for Kaya Skin Clinic in Oman, said: “Oman has excellent market potential for brands like Kaya and we feel confident that the company’s skin and hair care treatments will achieve the growth they so richly deserve. Having many conglomerates in Oman, we represent a string of international brands and are proud to be associated with and to add more Kaya clinics to our portfolio.”

The new branch, in Muscat, will offer the entire range of Kaya Skin Clinic’s solutions available across all its outlets. It will also include Body Contouring Solutions along with Skin and Hair Care treatments.

F

irst introduced in 1976, the Honda Accord is the second longest-running automotive nameplate in Honda’s history, after the Honda Civic. The 2018 Accord is the 10th generation of Honda’s perennially best-selling midsize sedan. All new from the ground up, the new Accord is built on a new platform with a lower, wider stance, a lighter and more rigid unibody structure; a lighter and more sophisticated chassis; two advanced new power units, including Accord’s first-ever turbocharged engines, a new 10-speed automatic transmission.

In recreating Accord for its 10th generation, Honda designers and engineers sought to convey “absolute confidence” in every element of design and performance. Building on the bedrock character of Accord – its outstanding quality, fuel efficiency, packaging and sophisticated driving dynamics – they have imbued the 10th-generation Accord with a new level of emotional appeal and premium quality; an Accord that defies its mainstream midsize sedan status, providing even more refined and engaging performance, a more spacious and upscale interior, and the latest generation of advanced Honda safety and driver-assistive technologies. In summary, the most dramatically styled, premium and funto-drive Accord yet. Virtually everything on the Accord is new and substantially reengineered.