T weekly 10 may 2018 pdf

VOL 11 ISSUE 21 MAY 10, 2018

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All things unique BE IT A SOUQ or a swish mall in town, you are sure to find a shop that sells intricately designed mussars, the traditional headgear of Omani men. In Oman, a man’s formal wardrobe is considered incomplete without a mussar to go along with the dishdasha, the traditional white robe. Our Cover Story this week pans its focus on Omani men’s favourite headgear that is available in different colours, patterns and fabric, each piece unique.

While talking about something unique, we stumbled upon a heartwarming place that’s committed to providing a fun experience for our pets. Canadian Jebel K9 (CJK9) is an exclusive resort for dogs located in Hay Asem — the outskirts of Muscat. Meet Alfa Vold, the founder of the resort, who shares with readers her unconditional love for canines and what made her embark on this one-of-its-kind journey.

Taking the “unique” factor up a notch, we decided to savour the flavours of Japanese cuisine at Takara. From turning a simple stir-fry into a grand experience, the diverse menu there is certainly a gourmet’s delight. Whether it’s humble bowl of rice and miso soup or the ubiquitous sushi, tempura and teppanyaki, it’s love at every first bite of the Japanese food. — 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: Salim Al 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: Photo by Salim Al Afifi, design

by Geri B. Sonny 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

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

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WHAT’S ON 11 THIS WEEK 10

FRIDAY 06.00pm Party by the Beach Pay farewell to the beach season with Goldierocks from Superfoxx. Ladies entry costs OMR5, and men’s for OMR15.

The entry costs OMR10 before 6pm for both men and women.

THURSDAY

Muscat Hills Resort +968 2485 3000

10.30am Attend a Show Stop by Mrunal’s Boutique and check out the contemporary collections of Vidhi Shah Mehta.

The show is from 10.30am to 7.00pm.

06.30am Go for an Adventure Pack and head out for one last adventure before Ramadan, where you’ll get to enjoy hiking, swimming, and abseiling, among other things. 4x4 cars needed.

Mrunal’s Boutique, Opposite Ernst & Young Building, Qurum +968 2476 5504

Hiking Oman +968 9236 7755

10.00pm Dance to Urban Music Loosen up and dance to urban hits with Oman’s hottest DJ’s: DJ Pharaoh, DJ Khalifa, DJ AB, and DJ Loona. Entry is strictly 21+ and RSVP is required.

Turbine & Taps Sheraton Oman Hotel +968 9978 4561 +968 9452 1845

12.00pm Master Photoshop Digital and graphic design is a useful skill to add to your resume. This is your chance to learn all about Adobe Photoshop.

Vantage International, Muscat +968 2479 5476 +968 9343 5226

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SATURDAY 06.30pm Enjoy Live Music Head over to Tunes Ruwi and watch a live band in a fun-filled, inspiring live session.

Join in, sit back, and relax.

Tunes, Ruwi +968 2447 5515

10.00am Take your Child for a Swim How about taking your children for a swimming session full of fun? The programme will equip your kids with great swimming techniques.

Nautilus Swimming Club Al Hail South, Seeb +968 9179 1791

S TR EA M YO UR FAVO UR IT E S HOW S

Peter Rabbit (Film) Genre: Animation, Adventure Cast: James Corden, Fayssal Bazzi Synopsis: Feature adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s classic tale of a rebellious rabbit trying to sneak into a farmer’s vegetable garden.

Winchester (Film) Genre: Biography, Horror Cast: Helen Mirren, Sarah Snook Synopsis: Ensconced in her sprawling California mansion, eccentric firearm heiress Sarah Winchester believes she is haunted by the souls of people killed by the Winchester repeating rifle.

In The Fade (Film) Genre: Crime, Drama Cast: Diane Kruger Synopsis: Katja’s life collapses after the death of her husband and son in a bomb attack. After a time of mourning and injustice, Katja seeks revenge.

12 Strong (Film) Genre: Action, History Cast: Chris Hemsworth Synopsis: 12 Strong tells the story of the first Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11; under the leadership of a new captain, the team must work with an Afghan warlord to take down the Taliban.

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CROWNING G OF OMAN’S

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GLORY HERITAGE

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY: SALIM AL AFIFI

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“Royal”

is a word that perfectly describes the beauty and elegance of the Omani mussar. From the soft, handwoven wool to the elaborate embroidery, these traditional headpieces scream heritage. We can all agree that an Omani’s attire is never complete without a mussar. This unique-instructure piece occupies a special place in the hearts of the locals. Similar to a crown, it’s celebrated and respected by those who wear it.

Turbans are the cultural norm across the Middle East, but the headgear in the Sultanate is distinctive in design and form from those of the Arabian Gulf.

The mussar is an embroidered wool turban worn to official events, ceremonies, and weddings, often coupled with a khanjar around the waist. The best ones are handmade using wool imported from the Indian state of Kashmir — usually Pashmina, Shatoosh or Turma. Pashmina is the most celebrated option and can cost up to OMR2,000.

Alternatively, some folks head for the machine-made turbans from China that cost less than OMR20, but bear in mind that quality matters. Cheap mussars come apart after a few rounds of laundering.

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As you’d guess, machine-made mussars go through an uninspiring and somewhat boring process. On the other hand, the handmade processing is fascinating. First, the wool is thoroughly cleaned and smoothed out, then the fabric is cut into the standard form of the Omani mussar, which is in squares. The design — exotic Islamic, Arabic and Omani motifs — is then printed on paper and carved on wooden plates. The inscriptions are then transferred to the fabric using a process involving lead, which is removed before packaging.

The mussar is recognised as part of the national heritage. It has remained a classic garment with a timeless sense of style, all the way from the northern part of the Sultanate to Salalah. Over the years, modern aesthetics added new touches to the headpiece, in the form of embroidery and inscriptions that are contemporary yet stay true to the Omani identity.

So how is it tied? The style varies from region to region in the Sultanate. In Sur, the mussar is wrapped in triple folds at the temple and exposes the ears. The tail is tied in such a way that it folds upwards at the back of the head or can be draped over the shoulders. This coastal city style is very elegant and a favourite with the fashionable. In Muscat, the turban covers the ears with a tail at the back of the head, but has the same position and folding style at the temple as the popular Sur style. Another exotic-looking mussar comes from the southern part of Oman, Dhofar. It’s famous for its vibrant colour and pattern-free design. The tying is almost similar to that of Sur, where the ears are kept exposed and part of the tail is draped across the neck or over the head.

In recent years, the designs have drastically evolved, with more architecture-inspired, floral, Islamic motifs, and geometric patterns. And a bigger change has taken place in society itself, with men becoming more fashion conscious. Many take the time to match their mussar to their dishdasha, and choose a colour and design that work with their looks.

Back in the day, mussars were worn as a way to identify the region a man was from, but today they have become more of a fashion statement. To dive deeper into the current trends, I paid a visit to three of the best mussar boutiques in Muscat.

My first stop was Bait Al Dunia, whose founder, Mohammed Al Subhi, has done a number of Omani fashion shows locally and internationally. He works to bring the classic design to the forefront. Today, he’s one of the masters of mussar-tying in Muscat, in great demand to prepare grooms for their weddings.

“The mussar is a cultural item, we cannot change the original form of the mussar, but we can decorate it with embellishments and inscriptions that don’t tamper with the Omani identity,” said Mohammed, adding that crossing the line in the name of modernity was unacceptable as it misrepresented the culture.

Bait Al Dunia is known for its extensive collection of the finest mussars that come in a variety of designs and colours.

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The second boutique was Dar Saaf, which is an absolute favourite of mine. The brand introduced the trend of matching embroidery on dishdasha with the mussar and kumma. Yousef Al Harthi, one of the founders, has managed to draw inspiration from the local scene and imprint it onto the mussar. Their most popular design (which has been trending for the past couple of years) is the palm tree embroidery that’s stitched on the entire ensemble, giving you an edgy, head-turning design that looks fashionable yet represents Omani culture.

“What is the trend for 2018?” I asked. “The matching mussar and dishdasha is in trend,” he answered, adding that “the upcoming project is to create a timeless mussar that’s going to be a classic”.

Ramz Al Anaqa (Symbol of Elegance) was my final stop, where I met Mazin Al Balushi and Jasim Al Balushi, who

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opened their store in Muttrah. Rather than just selling the cloth, they aim to create distinctive looks for their customers by choosing the perfect colour and teaching them new ways of styling the headdress for the appropriate occasion. Mazin has learned all the regional styles from around the country, and mastered the art of tying.

Some brands have experimented with the designs of the mussar by adding elements that aren’t part of the Omani identity.

Such designs are not in line with the national code and may get in trouble for it. Pop culture logos, the colours of international sport clubs, and even a simple poetic write-up in calligraphy may land designers in legal trouble.

The mussar will always be a soft crown on the head of the Omani gentleman. Its shape and form will forever tell stories from the past, the present, and the future. — salim@timesofoman.com

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SAMPLE AUTHENTIC DISHES FROM JAPAN PHOTOS SALIM AL AFIFI

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or those of you who have slowly started understanding the science of food and appreciating the art behind it, trying different cuisines and exploring the cultures of the world through food is an important experience. The authenticity of food is paramount to making this culinary journey true and real. While there are ample restaurants trying to do just that in Oman, very few have managed to step

away from fusion and mixed cuisines.

One such restaurant that has successfully managed to bring the tradition and culture of another country onto its beautiful plates is Takara, which in English translates to treasure. Nestled cosily in the Intercontinental Muscat, the restaurant reveals the treasures of Japanese cuisine from different parts of the country, giving it a modern touch without hindering the authenticity of the original food.

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Similar to other Asian countries, rice is an important element of Japanese cuisine, the significance of which dates back to the wet rice cultivation in the region more than 2000 years ago. The cuisine has undoubtedly gone through tremendous evolution over the years to suit the tastes and preferences of not just the natives but also of people across the globe who have developed a strong fondness for Japanese food. Seafood, vegetables and seasonal ingredients are commonly associated with Japanese cuisine.

While many think that the cuisine is limited to sushi, which is just raw fish and rice, it is after a trip to a real Japanese restaurant such as Takara that one will understand and appreciate the variety it has to offer. At Takara, you get to try sashimi, miso, kushiyaki (grilled), tempura, and tepanyanki, apart from an array of sushi.

For those who aren’t accustomed to traditional Japanese or international food, the idea of having anything raw, especially fish, might be a turn off. But sashimi, which is slices of raw fish, when done with the right fresh fish, prepared the right way, and most importantly savoured with the right sauces, can become your next favourite meal.

Often served as the first course during a formal Japanese meal, in Takara, it is presented (and not just served) in a flat plate alongside fresh vegetables and a teaspoon of the hot and flavoursome wasabi and ginger. It can either be devoured with the standard soy sauce or some of the stronger sauces prepared according to the dish by the expert chef, Sofyan. Another highlight of Takara is the grill bar or kushiyaki built right at the end of the restaurant.

Grilled skewers of beef, chicken, prawn and vegetables with the mouth-watering teriyaki sauce can fill your stomach and make your day.

You obviously can’t go to a Japanese restaurant and not try the sushi straight off the sushi bar. It will definitely be a tough choice amidst the raw fish and rice sushi or the slightly fried ones, the white fish or yellowtail sushi, and the avocadoor mango-filled sushi. Make sure your appetite is great and metabolism even better so you can try it all and have no regrets.

And if you are in an adventurous mood, try the wholesome platter comprising sashimi, sushi, tempura, and veggies seasoned with the pink or orange pearls, which are caviar-like eggs or flying fish roe.

Takara, Intercontinental Muscat

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OMAN’S OWN ‘HOTEL FOR DOGS’

STORY SALIM AL AFIFI

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n 2009, when we got a peek into the life of a pampered dog in the family-friendly flick ‘Hotel for Dogs’, it was then, when we realised holidays are as important for dogs and other pets as they are for us humans. These beauteous canines deserve to taste luxury living and enjoy the finer things in life, and that is why proud owners choose to take their pooches to a place where they are guaranteed to be loved.

This week, let’s visit Canadian Jebel K9 (CJK9), a resort for the poshest of dogs, for a glimpse into a day in their lives that may leave many of us humans envious.

CJK9 is a huge five-star resort and spa for the four-legged tucked in the outskirts of Muscat in Hay Asem, where they offer a variety of special services for even the pickiest of guests.

We had the pleasure of meeting Alfa Vold, founder and CEO of the resort, who walked me through the services offered, and gave me an experience to remember.

Alfa has always been one to love dogs, as

they were a part of her life for as long as she can remember. She had her first dog when she was four months old. She recalled a memorable photograph that includes her older brother at her side and their dog seated comfortably on her lap, offering unconditional love.

Growing up, she’d spend most of her time at her grandfather’s farm that had many dogs. She became curious and eager to understand how they think and how to communicate with them. So she went to school and got a degree in dog training and followed her passion of taking care of dogs. She learned all about kennel management, detection work and military training, among other fields.

“Dogs are creatures that have so many talents, and I think that’s what always interested me,” she said, adding that “they are used in so many capacities.”

Alfa’s dream came true when she opened the centre almost 10 years ago, and as her training facilities and reputation grew, her centre evolved and transformed into a resort that’s dedicated to taking care of

these canines.

She owns German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, and local dogs (also known as wadi dogs) to name a few.

“So, what’s it like for the dogs who stay at the resort?” I curiously asked Alfa.

The life of dogs at the hotel is a life of luxury; they wake up at 5 in the morning and get a bathroom break, then it’s playtime for an hour, followed by a relaxation session and breakfast. After indulging in their favourite food, they have more bathroom breaks before heading out to play with their friends and the friendly staff. At 9pm, the lights go out and the dogs go to bed.

For Alfa, the most important thing is to have compassion and love for animals, which is why her caretakers are the friendliest of dog-loving folks.

“For everyone who works here, the first requirement is to love dogs,” said Alfa, adding that a positive attitude contributes to taking better care of the pet.

Nader Al Aufi, who is a staff at the hotel, adores spending time with the dogs. To him working at the hotel brings joy and content

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to his heart. “I’ve always been passionate about dogs but I didn’t know how to treat or train them, until I met Alfa, who taught me all about dogs,” he said.

Though taking care of pooches is no walk in the park, there are so many happy moments that add sparkles to Alfa and her team, from being around various breeds of dogs that comprise all shapes, sizes and personalities, to watching overly excited dogs reunite with their owners.

Now, let’s dive into the resort and its amenities.

BOARDING AND TRAINING The place offers a pet limousine service to pick up the guest from his/her owner’s home, to and from the hotel. The dogs enjoy a drive in a spacious bus with a dedicated kennel that fits a variety of dog sizes.

After checking in, the guests are shown their rooms and offered a number of services, with the most important being training for obedience, as some of the guests may check in with behavioural problems, which are then dealt with using Alfa’s topnotch techniques and training strategies.

The training sessions are either in a group, private, or one-on-one with the owners. With that said, the hotel ensures a productive session with a dose of fun.

GROOMING Just like us humans, dogs on holiday enjoy a day at the spa too. They are bathed, cleaned, groomed with a sleek haircut or a coat trim, and offered a dog-special version of pedicures and manicures. At the end of their stay, the dogs go home looking good.

FOOD The guests are served high-end food that is catered to each of their requirements. Depending on their breed and diet, some dogs eat three meals a day, others eat only once, some of them love homemade food, others enjoy regular dog biscuits or raw food.

Even for the picky eaters, the hotel provides something to suit their taste, unless they are a less particular breed such as Labradors, who live for good dining sessions.

PLAYGROUND At the exterior of the hotel, there’s an open space for guests to pass their time, meet new friends, and train. Some dogs spend their afternoons playing fetch and mingling with their friends. The resort also conducts obstacle courses for the residents, which levels up the good times.

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SHOPPING At CJK9, they sell items for dogs too: Natural products and bones and chews made in the United States. Brands such as Origen, Red Barns, and Royal Canine can be found on their shelves. What about toys you ask?

Given their significant role in the lives of dogs, the shop sells a variety of durable and safe toys for all types of dogs. Apart from toys and food, grooming tools and healthy products are also available: From hairbrushes to teeth-cleaning tools.

PET RELOCATION This is an important service, especially for folks moving to Oman, or vice versa.

The centre assists in bringing the pet and handling all relocation procedures for your dear pooch. What more could an owner ask for?

THE NEW CJK9 RESORT AND SPA The new resort is in the final stages of completion, and Alfa is expecting to move to the newly-built hotel sometime after the summer.

At the new building, the facilities and plush amenities are top notch, serving the guests nothing short of a majestic stay; there will be separate wings for dogs according to their breeds; bigger playgrounds; a swimming pool; spacious, air-conditioned kennels and suites with beds, televisions, and patios for private playtime. “They can have that at-home feeling when they come to stay with us at the suites,” said Alfa.

The centre also caters to different pets, such as cats, so if you have lovely pets and find yourself in a dilemma over where to leave them when you are travelling, you have your answer right here.

I truly enjoyed exploring the resort and meeting the dogs. Though I was scared they’d chase me, I ended up having a good time, and I bet you and your pet will, too.

— salim@timesofoman.com

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STORY ANTARA BOSE

Yes, you are honest, kind and polite (at least most of the time). But if you are still having trouble scaling the likeability ladder, here are 8 tips that will make you a real star amongst your people.

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Smile warmly Smirking with an air of superiority, grinning haughtily, or having a fake smile plastered on your face is not going to cut it. You might earn the label of being unapproachable (if that’s what gives you a buzz), even envied for that matter if you portray supremacy, but you won’t be liked enough for someone to want to have a conversation with you and get to know you better.

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Stop complaining Yes, your best friend might have the patience to listen to all the times you’ve been heartbroken, let down or disappointed, but people, in general, would rather not hear your rants. Being around people who tend to view the world as very flawed tend to come across as rather annoying and sometimes even depressive. Unless, of course, you have an exceptionally good sense of humour and can make your plight sound funny to the listener. But those people are extremely rare.

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Don’t give too much personal information Talking about yourself at length might seem entertaining to you, but maybe not so much for the listener. Telling people repeatedly how successful your business is (we get it, you put hours behind the desk), can be considered boasting and no one likes a bragger. On the other hand, letting acquaintances in on the misery of your private life can make you look like you are simply seeking attention. Honestly, the only time discussing family feuds is acceptable amongst people you just met is if you’re talking about the dynamics in Game of Thrones.

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Laugh at jokes Especially if they are on you! Bullies tend to move on when they don’t get a reaction they desire. Accepting and laughing when a joke is on you shows that not only are you secure, confident and unnerved in your place, but you can handle humour well too. When it comes to others attempting to be funny, show your support with a laugh rather than rolling your eyes. Yes, sometimes you don’t even know if the statement could qualify as a joke, but keeping it lighthearted and giving an encouraging laugh will put the person at ease (and they’ll be thanking you in their heart). Be remembered for your hearty laugh and make it contagious.

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Deal with competition gracefully Imagine this: You’ve worked really hard on an assignment and all eyes are on you, but when the results are declared, your biggest competitor walks away with the prize. It’s happened to the best of us. In situations like this, instead of making a long face, acknowledge the fact that your competition probably put in better efforts than you did. If you have a chance, congratulate the winner. Swallow the emotion of wanting to snatch the trophy and lash out at them with a string of meaningless accusations. You will earn the respect of your competitor and everyone who had their eyes on you will marvel at what a good sport you are. (You can cry, scream and punch a few bags once you’re alone, we’ll give you that!)

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Don’t get distracted when in conversation Conversations are vital to getting someone to like you. Start with putting your phone down when talking to someone. If the TV is distracting you, turn it off. When you are speaking to a person, try to focus on the person, especially if they are talking. Looking clueless when you are shot back a ‘What did I just say?’ can leave the speaker feeling quite bitter about you. (Oh, but if you do get stuck in that situation, just repeat the last three words of the conversation. It usually works.)

Try to ask questions to show your enthusiasm for what the person is saying. It shows that you are involved in the conversation and care about what’s being discussed.

And who doesn’t want to be heard!

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Stop judging before knowing We all want to put forward our opinion. But what we forget is that when we pass a judgmental line, especially something that’s not very polite, it gives others a cue on our perception. If you want to be more likeable, be more open-minded and reserve your comment to when it’s really needed; not because you have to say something to make your presence felt. People feel more comfortable and tend to like those who don’t jump to conclusions, is more receptive to other’s ideologies and respects the fact that everyone is entitled to their own perceptions.

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Make a good first and last impression You know that feeling when you just meet someone and you instantly know you like them? Well, that’s because they’ve made a good first impression. But what is equally important is to ensure you climax the same way. When seeing people off, show the same compassion you started out with. Let them know you had a good time with them. You’ll hear from them sooner than you expect.

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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TERMINAL Cast: Mike Myers, Simon Pegg, Margot Robbie From the producers of Murder On The Orient Express and Harry Potter, Terminal tells the story of two hit-men, as they embark on a borderline suicide mission for a mysterious employer and a high paycheque. Along the way, the unlikely pair come across a dynamic woman.

YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE Cast: Alessandro Nivola, Ekaterina Samsonov, Joaquin Phoenix, Lynne Ramasy A tormented but brutal hired contract killer sets out to rescue a young girl, only to find himself weathering a storm of violent vengeance when matters go awry.

KAMMARA SAMBHAVAM (Malayalam) Cast: Rathish Ambat, Dileep, Siddharth, Murali Gopi, Namitha Pramod The story of Kammaran, the unsung hero who helped Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose through India’s freedom fight, as seen through different phases of his extraordinary life.

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LIFE OF THE PARTY Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, Gillian Jacobs When her husband suddenly dumps her, longtime dedicated housewife Deanna (McCarthy) turns regret into re-set by going back to college… landing in the same class and school as her daughter, who’s not entirely sold on the idea. Plunging headlong into the campus experience, the increasingly outspoken Deanna — now Dee Rock — embraces freedom, fun and frat boys on her own terms, finding her true self in a senior year no one ever expected. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

RAAZI Cast: Alia Bhatt, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vicky Kaushal

BAD SAMARITAN Cast: David Tennant, Kerry Condon, Robert Sheehan

How far would you go for your country? An Indian spy marries a Pakistani man during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.

Two young men who valet cars at a local restaurant develop a clever scam to burglarise the houses of customers while they eat. Things go smoothly until one robs the wrong customer and discovers a woman being held captive. Afraid of going to prison he leaves the woman and returns the car to the restaurant.

COMING SOON

Running at: Vox Cinemas, City Cinemas

DEADPOOL 2 Cast: Davi Leitch, Brianna Hildebrand, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Ryan Reynolds, TJ Mille

SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY Cast: Ron Howard, Alden Ehrenreich, Donald Glover, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrel

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Art exhibition, ‘Firdous’, was inaugurated by Kamal Ajay Khimji at City Seasons Hotel, Muscat.

Vaisakhi celebrations at Sohar Beach Hotel.

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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

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ASSASSIN’S CREED ORIGINS HAVE YOU BEEN TO ANCIENT Although he’s able to give the men the EGYPT? No, obviously not, unless, of slip, his son dies in the ensuing fracas, and course, you’ve invented some sort of time a heartbroken Bayek returns inconsolably machine. If you have, please let us know; to his wife, Aya. After bidding her goodbye, we’re dying to try it out. he goes on a self-imposed exile, and swears Until that does come to fruition, though, to avenge the death of Khemu by tracking we’re happy to experience it through the down and eliminating all of the masked brilliantly-designed, thoroughly engaging men, who, it turns out, belong to the Order world of Assassin’s Creed: Origins. of the Ancients, a fanatical cult who want to Ubisoft’s latest addition to the Assascontrol all of Egypt under a puppet leader, in sin’s Creed franchise, which catapulted the this case, the wise Greek scholar, Ptolemy. already well-known game designers from After eliminating two of his targets, France to celebrity status in gaming cirBayek pursues the rest of his adversaries, cles, only highlights just how far cuttingonly to find that two of them have already edge graphics and immersive gameplay been slain: Aya has been working with have come since Al Tair Ibn La Ahad went Queen Cleopatra and her allies to uncover swinging around rooftops across Crusader the rest of this shady order – the five were Arabia during the Middle Ages. only the head of this serpentine organiMuch has transpired sation, which intends to since then, with Assassin’s poison Egypt from within.

THE SHORT AND SKINNY Creed: Origins taking you And externally as well: back to the days of 50BC, Roman legions continue to Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins when Julius Caesar was march on Egyptian soil, as Genre: RPG/Historical Fantasy conspiring to bring his they fuel Caesar’s lust for Produced by: Ubisoft Roman legions across the conquest. As they infiltrate What it’s about: Go back in time to Mediterranean, Cleopatra both the Roman Senate and the birthplace of modern civilisation, was on the verge of becomthe military camps on both and witness the foundation of an oring Pharaoh, and the order sides of the sea, Bayek, Aya der of members that stand for what is of assassins was about to and the rest of their allies right. They are the guardians of liberty be born. realise they will need to act and justice. They are the assassins.

Assassin’s Creed: Origins quickly to secure Egypt’s Where to buy: G2A games, Ubi Store, is set in ancient Egypt, and future, or risk losing all they Steam Store, Amazon, PlayStation Ubisoft’s latest version hold dear to them once and Store, Xbox Marketplace, Best Buy, of their overwhelmingly for all.

Humble Bundle successful video game While the task facing them Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC franchise shows gamers is enormous, players also IGN Rating: 9/10 how the order was born. have plenty of resources to Previous characters Ubkeep themselves alert. The sioft have given us include eagle vision system, a favourAltair, Ezio Auditore, Connor Kenway, and ite among gamers, has been replaced by some other blokes who go traipsing around Senu, an eagle that players can use to scout the streets of London and Paris. This time around the map. It is a similar mechanism around, you play as Bayek, a member of the that has been borrowed from another Medjay, the Pharaoh’s personal paraUbisoft favourite, Far Cry Primal, in this military guard, a group of fierce warriors case. renowned throughout the land as skilled Players can also – for the first time fighters and expert scouts. in the series, wield a sword and shield Bayek is charged with guarding the areas simultaneously, allowing them to balance around his home, Siwa Oasis, which as the offensive abilities with defensive nous, name suggests, contains water, the lifemuch-needed skills against the iron-clad blood of humanity that is hard to find in the Roman legions and other enemies they will deserts of Egypt. One night, while mainencounter. taining his vigil, he is abducted by masked With summer around the corner, it may bandits along with his son Khemu, and not be the best time to visit Egypt. Until is forced to open a secret vault inside the cooler weather approaches, though, you Temple of Amun inside the vast Karnak might want to turn up the air-con, sit back, Temple Complex of the Valley of Luxor. relax, and play Assassin’s Creed Origins.

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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 21 M AY 1 0 , 2 0 1 8

FRIENDI MOBILE SUMMER CRICKET CUP HELD IN GHUBRA T

he final day of the FRiENDi mobile Summer Cricket Cup, recently organised by Jazz Boys Cricket Club, saw a large turn up at the Ghubra power plant ground. Despite the heat the matches didn’t disappoint the crowd. All the quarterfinal matches and the finals were played intensely and fought out till the last ball. The highly popular tournament was mainly sponsored by FRiENDi mobile, and co-sponsored by Khurshid Trading, Greenfield Logistics, Virgin Megastore, Oman Insecticides, Air Freshener, and The Body Shop.

Prizes were as follows: Champions trophy plus cash award and gift hampers for all players, Runners up trophy plus cash award and gift hampers for all players. The Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Best Fielder, Maximum Sixes, Best Catch, Best Wicket Keeper took away a FRiENDi mobile SIM Starter pack with free 1 year internet and high

value recharge voucher, Man of the Series – Home theatre from LG, Best Dressed team – Colourful Trophy from FRiENDi mobile.

The guests of honour for the gala prize distribution ceremony were Joseph Rajan, marketing operations manager at FRiENDi mobile, Madhu Jesrani, general secretary of Oman Cricket, Srikumar, director of Greenfield Logistics and Vaishali Jesrani, women’s coordinator of Oman national team. Vinu Mathew from Jazz Boys Club congratulated the winners and thanked all the sponsors for their continued support. He also thanked the scorers, the umpires, the commentators, and helpers for a wonderful job done and a tournament organised really well. He also appreciated the spirit of the girls who stayed back till all the awards were given in the scorching sun even after playing the final match.

TOWELL AUTO CENTRE LAUNCHES EXCITING OFFERS FOR MAZDA CAR OWNERS

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azda car owners across the Sultanate can now avail of the exciting Service & Parts offer for their vehicles. On the completion of 150,000kms, Mazda owners can avail of a 35% discount on parts if their vehicle is more than three years old, and 30% for models up to three years old. In addition to this, there will also be a 35% discount on labour charge for servicing.

For customers who have high mileage on their vehicles and would like genuine parts and authorised services, the offer

comes at the right time to help renew the condition of their Mazda cars so that they continue to get the best zoomzoom experience as well as have the comfort of receiving longer lasting components which bring the overall cost of maintenance down in the long run.

These amazing offers are for a limited period only, as it comes to an end on June 17. The parts discounts for Mazda vehicle owners will be applicable only for negotiable price parts and not for fixed price parts.

According to Towell Auto Centre (TAC), the sole distributor of Mazda vehicles in the Sultanate of Oman, “While we have reduced the prices to facilitate the genuine service requirements of Mazda vehicles, we also endeavour to give back to our customers the very best in quality and safety on their older Mazda’s. These servicing offers have been launched keeping in mind our customer’s needs, irrespective of how old their vehicle is.

With the newly launched offers, customers can avail of the very best in servicing and

parts replacement at great discounts.”

With a variety of channels to facilitate appointments like the Mazda Oman website, the mobile app and the CRM call number (+968 2422 9100), getting in touch has never been easier and convenient. Mazda has brought quality to the roads of Oman, and TAC has made owning a Mazda an absolute joy, thanks to their excellent after-sales service, availability of genuine parts for all Mazda models, their efficient staff and amazing promotions for customers.