T weekly 17 may 2018 pdf

RAMADAN MUBARAK

GenerousI ftaratALTanoor

SohouratShangri LaLayali Ramadan TentByAlfaRomeo

Staywi th us Two Amazi ng Resorts OneExci ti ng Offer

04

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 22 M AY 1 7, 2 0 1 8

Welcoming Ramadan with piety, camaraderie and Iftar parties THE HOLY MONTH of Ramadan has just begun and people in Muscat are all set to celebrate the month of spiritual resonance. From fasting through the day and reading the Holy Quran, to offering prayers, helping the needy by giving zakat, and preparing healthy Iftar meals for the family and loved ones, this is the time to gear up the mind and body. It is also the month to be aware of one’s responsibilities towards society and practise tolerance, self-restraint, and perseverance against all odds.

It is said that through fasting and other acts of kindness, people obtain spiritual development and understand the true significance of pledging abstinence from extravagance and self-indulgence. This month also reminds us of our commitment to society and helps bring out the best in us. Spreading love and compassion among people, and ensuring that the needs of every person gets fulfilled, the significance of this month certainly goes beyond 30 days.

Our cover story this week sums up the significance of the holy month and spreads spirituality and kindness in the air.

And while piety and camaraderie fill the air, we also get into a celebratory mood by gearing up for Iftar parties and get-togethers. What was once a simple family affair is now organised by hotels and restaurants, which host sumptuous Iftar buffets, thus offering fasting guests a unique dining experience throughout the holy month.

Welcome, Ramadan!

— 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: 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

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 14 MARCH 22, 2018

05

06

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 22 M AY 1 7, 2 0 1 8

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

18 FRIDAY

12.00pm Learn Graphic Art Do you enjoy designing digital art and going crazy with graphic design?

Then don’t miss out on this Photoshop workshop.

17

Vantage International Muscat Mumtaz Residence, Muscat +968 2479 5476

THURSDAY 06.30pm Iftar by the Beach Have a unique and exciting Iftar experience at Muscat Hills Resort where you’ll get to relax in a tent and break your fast by the beach.

19

Muscat Hills Resort +968 2485 3000

11.00am Shop for Ramadan Stop by Souq Layali Ramadan market for Omani specialities, clothing, jewellery and accessories, beauty products, perfumes, home appliances, and collectibles. The event is from 11am to 2pm, and 8pm to 1am.

Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Al Irfan, Airport Heights +968 2423 3800

SATURDAY 04.30pm Enjoy a Family-Friendly Yoga Take your kids for a wonderful, fun family orientated yoga class to create a deeper family bond whilst practising and meditating. The event costs OMR10 for adults and OMR5 for children. Registration required.

InnerChi Centre, Qurum +968 7190 6060

8.00am Go on a Trip Head out for an adventurous trip to Wadi Arbeieen, where stand up paddling tour in crystal clear waters and breathtaking landscape will take place.

Watersport Oman +968 9269 4962

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 22 M AY 1 7, 2 0 1 8

21 MONDAY

04.30pm Meet New People for Iftar How about an Iftar with a group of locals and expats, gathered under one roof to meet and get to know each other over a meal? If yes, then join 1Nation Oman’s annual social gathering.

Higher College of Technology, Al Khuwair, Bousher +968 9778 1818

09.00am Design Chairs Learn all about chair redesigning and painting using the best of Annie Sloan Chalk paint. The fun-filled session is for all creative souls and fine art lovers. Session costs OMR70 per person.

Sununu, nearby Mars Supermarket, 18th November Street +968 9018 5174

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

Dear White People (Film) Genre: Comedy Cast: Logan Browning Synopsis: At a predominantly white Ivy League college, a diverse group of students navigate various forms of racial and other types of discrimination.

Fifty Shades Freed (Film) Genre: Romance, Drama, Thriller Cast: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan Synopsis: Anastasia and Christian get married, but Jack Hyde continues to threaten their relationship.

Human Flow (Film) Genre: Documentary Cast: Israa Abboud, Hiba Abed Synopsis: Human Flow is director and artist Ai Weiwei’s detailed and heartbreaking exploration into the global refugee crisis.

Batman Ninja (Film) Genre: Action, Animation Cast: Kôichi Yamadera Synopsis: Batman, along with a number of his allies and adversaries, finds himself transplanted from modern Gotham City to feudal Japan.

07

8 08

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 22 M AY 1 7, 2 0 1 8

Ramadan, a time like no other Ramadan is a much-awaited celebration for Muslims around the world, who seek rewards from the Almighty and love the peaceful vibe that comes with it. It is a month full of warmth and interesting traditions that bring about good changes of the heart.

STORY SALIM AL AFIFI

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 22 M AY 1 7, 2 0 1 8

099

10

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 22 M AY 1 7, 2 0 1 8

R

amadan is an opportunity for individuals to rejoice and be more spiritual, while creating memorable moments with loved ones.

As you get your heart ready to receive the light of this month, I would like to shed light on how Ramadan is welcomed and celebrated here in Oman.

In the Holy Quran, there is a verse that explains the importance of this month: “O Muslims! A noble and generous month has come to you. A month in which a night is better than one thousand months and this month is the month of charity, patience, and mercy. In this month, the gates of Paradise become wide open and the gates of Hell are shut, and the devils are chained…” (An-Nasa’i).

As the verse suggests, there is something spiritually unparalleled and quite peaceful about Ramadan that makes for a pleasant experience. This is the case even for my expatriate friends who seem to enjoy every bit of it and even take part in some of the traditions, which makes it an exciting month-long holy celebration.

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 22 M AY 1 7, 2 0 1 8

HOW DO WE WELCOME RAMADAN? The atmosphere begins to change a week in advance, when parents tweak their reading habits and focus on religious books, bring out Ramadan-only recipes for the whole family to enjoy, and, most importantly, give up grudges and other bad habits that we, humans, tend to latch on to.

As the first day approaches, a sense of calm descends, and mosques become filled with Muslims who race to catch the Taraweh prayers, performed only during Ramadan.

Unlike other sacred seasons, there aren’t many decorations that scream Ramadan in an Omani household. There are no lanterns hung on walls around the house, or hanging light tucked in trees, but the ambience and our attitudes change drastically to become more empathetic and positive with the drive to do good.

In Oman, the traditions take us back to the olden ages, when modern means of living were slightly on the lower end of the spectrum, but retain a great deal of fun.

Let’s explore them.

THE FAMILY Ramadan is the one month that brings families together, especially in today’s society when everyone is busy on their own. After work, folks drive straight home to be with the family. They exchange conversation about religion, and have friendly and useful discussion about Islam, culture, and life in general.

After Iftar and prayers, some people gather with their loved ones for a muchneeded tales-from-the-past, told by grandparents who are quite the imaginative storytellers. And sometimes, parents discuss interesting topics on religion and educate (or in some cases remind) the kids about their religion and culture.

Amid the talks and life lessons, you won’t find a single bit of gossip, as it is a sinful habit.

Some people enjoy the company of their friends, so they head out in packs and meet at their favourite spot for a cup of kahwa and a good, gossip-free conversation.

THE FOOD This is the most exciting part about Ramadan: The mouthwatering food that comes out of Omani kitchens. Though doctors keep urging us to adopt a healthy lifestyle, it’s difficult to go through Ramadan without indulging in some delicious treats.

Popular dishes include Thareed, a traditional Arabian dish made from pieces of bread in a meat or chicken broth. It is also popular in other Middle Eastern countries. Mashed dates, Asabe Mariyam (deep-fried, cheese-filled pastry), Luqaimat (sweet dumplings), and Khaliat Nahal (honeycomb dessert) are also some of the Ramadan favourites.

One of my absolute favourite traditions is sharing the food with neighbours.

Every day, interesting and delicious dishes are exchanged between neighbours as an act of kindness. The tradition used to be practised daily, throughout the year, but now it remains widely practised during Ramadan.

THE ACTIVITIES If having a talk with family and friends is not top of your list of things to do during Ramadan, then you might want to opt for other activities, such as volunteering for a cause. There are countless charity groups and organisations spread across town.

From charities that lend a helping hand to the needy, to those focused on cleaning the streets of Muscat and taking care of orphans.

As you may already know, the rewards are doubled during Ramadan, which makes volunteering a favourite activity among the residents of Oman. And, it brings a sense of purpose to one’s heart (at least for me).

Aside from charitable work, many gentlemen enjoy a friendly match that stretches till midnight, or relax at a cafe near their homes to kill time while waiting for Suhoor (a meal consumed at dawn during Ramadan). Women enjoy meeting their friends for coffee or a quick exercise session, too.

Ramadan is that one month that we wish lasted longer, as it brings a unique atmosphere that is cherished by Omanis and celebrated by expatriates. Let the light in and enjoy a month full of grace and lots of love. — salim@timesofoman.com

11

12

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 22 M AY 1 7, 2 0 1 8

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 22 M AY 1 7, 2 0 1 8

WHEN GIVING BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN PEOPLE Dar Al Atta’a to distribute Iftar meals, supplies to needy during Ramadan

F

or a lot of people, especially the non-Muslims who aren’t heavily involved, Ramadan is just about fasting and praying. While these are important aspects of the Holy Month, they are not the whole point of Ramadan. The spirit is what the whole month is really about.

Ramadan is seen as a month of control, self-restraint, challenges, acceptance, goals, purification, and most importantly, it is known as the month of giving. Giving to those in need and sharing what you have, and distributing the excess to try and make sure everyone around is happy and satisfied.

People do see Ramadan as an opportunity to cleanse their mind, body, and soul and resort to activities that don’t just put a smile on their faces, but also on the faces of others. And there is no better way of doing that than through charity. When people voluntarily offer help in terms of tangible products such as food, clothing etc. and through intangible acts such as mental and emotional support, is when they have truly fathomed the spirit of the Holy Month.

While there are some who do it actively only during the month of Ramadan, there are some people and organisations that are committed to doing this round-

13

the-clock, 365 days a year. These are Oman’s warm and generous charitable organisations and they deserve a shout out for their noble works and deeds and also for encouraging and facilitating others from the community to take up such works.

What started as a small community of a few people just coming together to raise funds and helping people on a small scale locally, has grown and expanded to become Oman’s best known non-profit organisation that was formally registered in 2006. Today, Dar Al Atta’a doesn’t just cater to the needs and requirements of the destitutes in Oman, but has also been actively providing aid to those in need in the neighbouring countries. Over the years, they’ve branched out to more people and more charitable activities including family welfare, educational care, disaster relief, and promoting positive habits such as reading, selfless giving, etc.

Every year during Ramadan they are active, out and about, making sure they bring smiles to as many faces and leave more and more people physically and emotionally content. Iftar, the time when you break your 12- to 13-hour fast after offering prayers and getting together with family and friends is extremely important. Many enjoy lavish Iftars, with an array of dishes and meals to choose and devour from. Unfortunately, there are some who can’t even afford a square meal and are forced to starve.

These are the kind of people who need to be provided with the basic necessity of food. This year, during the Holy Month, Dar Al Atta’a will be providing Iftar meals for 300 fasting people per day in three mosques across the country.

Apart from this, as part of their adoption of abandoned families programme, they will be distributing essential Ramadan supplies to nearly 600 families. Zakat is an important element of the Islamic culture, which is a religious obligation for Muslims who meet the wealth criteria to donate a sum from their savings to those in need. Dar Al Atta’a has voluntarily taken up the responsibility of distributing this Zakat money to the needy families across the country.

During the Holy Month, Dar Al Atta’a also resorts to various other activities such as the distribution of clothes, payment of debts, etc.

It is paramount to indulge in activities that are selfless deeds and will help the people around you during the time of Ramadan, but it doesn’t just have to be limited to the Holy Month. And this is one thing that charities such as Dar Al Atta’a teach you and encourage you to do. When charity becomes a habit and a part of your being and not just a momentary activity, that’s when you know that you are on the right path, the path of good.

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 22 M AY 1 7, 2 0 1 8

INDULGE IN A FLAVOURFUL IFTAR

14

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY SALIM AL AFIFI

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 22 M AY 1 7, 2 0 1 8

D

ining out during Ramadan brings about a rich experience for food aficionados who love immersing themselves into the holy ambience that’s painted in warm, welcoming colours and adorned with beautiful traditional decor. Such places promise an unforgettable session full of good food.

For this week’s Iftar, I am taking you to OMNY Brasserie, where they serve platters full of sea favourites and juicy meats.

OMNY Brasserie is dishing up quite a flavourful Iftar that includes all your favourite Ramadan staples and much more, offering a combination of buffet and platter service for diners.

The buffet consists of the traditional Ramadan starters with cold and hot mezze, as well as Ramadan drinks such as the ever-celebrated laban, fatty nuts, sweet dates, a variety of salads, breads and a tonne of desserts including traditional Arabic sweets, cakes, puddings, and pastries.

Guests get to enjoy starters after selecting one of the cooked-to-order platter options, which come in either seafood, mixed meats, or a combination of both.

The contents of these mouthwatering treats are marinated with traditional Omani spices, lemon and herbs, and then tossed on the fire for the perfect grill.

In the “sea platter”, you get half a lobster, prawns, fish, and mussels, served with homemade fries, Omani-style cooked rice, a fattoush salad, and Arabic bread, with special in-house sauces: Harissa and herb butter.

For those seeking a meaty escapade, they can opt for a “land platter” and savour tender pieces of lamb chops, steaks, a quarter chicken, and shish taouk, served with homemade fries, Omani rice, and Arabic bread, with special in-house sauces as well.

If you are like me, undecided on which platter to indulge in, and happen to love both oceanic and wild flavours, then go for the mixed platter that has fish, half a lobster, prawns, chicken, lamb chops, and shish taouk, served with similar sides and sauces mentioned above.

The ambience at OMNY Brasserie is nothing short of an exciting and inviting experience, so head there this weekend and dig into the platters for an Iftar meant for the kings. Note that the portions are massive, so order to share. After all, sharing is caring.

— salim@timesofoman.com OMNY Brasserie Hormuz Grand Hotel

15

1616

VV OO LU LU MM E E1 11 1I SI S U SU E E2 22 2 MM AY A Y1 71,7 2 , 02 1081 8

The Holy Month of Ramadan involves a lot of cleansing from within; so it’s the perfect time to let your skin undergo a 30-day detoxification ritual and also know how your skin naturally behaves when you aren’t patching it up with makeup. Here are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.

STORY ANTARA BOSE

Don’t reduce your water intake As with many other customs that require you to focus on the inside rather than the outside, your skin needs hydration from within too. If you are fasting, make sure you achieve your quota of water by compensating with a few extra glasses during Iftar and Suhoor. The effects of dehydration starts showing on skin too in the form of dullness. If you need a little help with increasing your water intake, turn to some natural flavours to spike up your water jug. Adding lemon, cucumber and a few mint leaves to your water is also a popular alternative for summer months. Drinking water helps you flush out toxins, keeps your body cool and also prevents your skin from drying out.

Moisturise To aid with balancing hydration levels, remember to keep your skin moisturised. Yes, we might be a little lazier than usual to follow through the entire beauty routine, but let’s not skip the moisturising bit. Those with dry skin should pay special heed to their skin and opt for rich moisturising creams or essential oils. For those with oily skin, water-based gel moisturisers are more suitable.

Carry an organic facial mist Resist the urge to wash your face too many times. It strips your skin off natural oils and makes it prone to drying.

For those with oily skin, excessive washing can even lead to your pores secreting more oil than before. If your skin starts feeling lifeless, give it a boost by spraying some rosewater or any other refreshing natural mist of your choice. It will instantly make you feel revitalised.

Give in to spas If you are seriously into your detoxification ritual, there is nothing more rewarding than treating yourself to some nice spa. While you can schedule an extensive spa therapy once or twice a month, practice your own mini-treatments at home more regularly. Identify your skin concerns and opt for hydrating masks at least twice a week to see a noticeable difference.

VV OO LU LU MM E E1 11 1I SI S U SU E E2 22 2 MM AY A Y1 71,7 2 , 02 1081 8

1717

Stay sun protected We can never stop emphasising the importance of sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to try and stick to the shade as much as possible. Your skin gets affected too. Use wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses for added cover.

Avoid any harsh skin treatments This is a time for the skin to heal naturally. While we are focusing on staying away from heavy makeup, exposing it to harsh chemical peels or radiations of any sort isn’t a good idea either.

Watch what you eat And by that we don’t mean watch with a clear intention of devouring the entire plate shortly after that. Learn to resist temptations (that’s an important lesson for the Holy Month right there). Appreciate the elaborate buffet laid out for Iftar, but stick to the healthier, non-oily alternates. Dates followed by fresh juices (berries, melons, or pomegranate) are the best way to break a fast. Steer clear of aerated drinks (as enticing as those fizzing bubbles look), and those high on caffeine and sugar. These drinks can affect the mineral balance in your body, dehydrating it from within, and making your skin look dull.

For those more intolerant to dairy products, refrain from bingeing on sweets as this can also lead to breakouts. If you have a sweettooth, go for dark chocolate instead.

Supplement with pills Skin problems often arise due to certain deficiencies. If you are prone to vitamin or mineral deficiencies, it’s a good idea to see a medical expert in advance and have supplements prescribed.

Tackle dark circles With a little change in sleeping patterns for most, dark circles are inevitable. Cool those tired eyes by placing a slice of cucumber on either eyes.

Another alternative is using refrigerated tea bags to reduce dark circles and puffiness. It however, takes only a few days for our biological clock to automatically reprogramme itself, so we should also focus on getting the required amount of sleep to look fresh and be in the best of spirits the next day. A grumpy face isn’t pretty.

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.

18

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 22 M AY 1 7, 2 0 1 8

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY SALIM AL AFIFI

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 22 M AY 1 7, 2 0 1 8

19

Architectural Beauty IF YOU HAPPEN TO SEE a mosque resting atop hills, and sporting a glowing dome, then you have spotted the iconic Jame’ Mohammed Al Ameen in Bousher. It’s a concrete beauty that can be seen from almost all angles of Wilayat Bousher. You can see it from the Aqabat Bousher mountain on your way to Al Amerat, on your way to Al Khuwair Souq, at the Platinum Hotel, on the Sultan Qaboos highway, and many more.

It’s an architectural masterpiece that I go to whenever I seek inspiration. It’s off-white paint, wooden doors, golden touches, and marbled walls and floors makes it a favourite of mine.

I decided to take photographs that will inspire me as a photographer, so I focused on the details that the place offers, from ceiling chandeliers that scream contemporary art, to exotic marbles, intricate works-of-art on its walls, symmetric elements, and an ambiance that gives a minimalistic, North Pole-esque vibe blended with Arabian luxe.

It couldn’t get any better. What a day that was. — salim@timesofoman.com

20

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 22 M AY 1 7, 2 0 1 8

Oman Social Lounge organised a health and fitness meetup at Safeer Plaza.

Support Staff Day held at Indian School Wadi Kabir.

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 22 M AY 1 7, 2 0 1 8

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

6

2

TIMES DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

FIFA 18 WORLD CUP UPDATE

1 1

5 3

4

9

7

4 2

6

3

2

9 9

6 6

8

3

1

4

2

7

9

8

5

7

2

9

3

9

Level | Moderate

6

1

3

4

6

3

9

8 1 1

4

7

2

6

9

3

3

8

8

6 7

1

6

5

7

2

4 6

9

8

1

Level | Difficult

5 3 1

9

2

9

7

8

6

2

2 3

1

5 6 6

6

3

8

2

3

4

9

1

9

8 7

2

THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

THE 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP – football’s ryone, making them stand up with national largest showpiece to date – kicks off on pride and joyous fervour, at the end of an June 15, less than a month from now, and emotional rollercoaster of elation, sadness, in keeping with this massive spectacle on despair, fear, hope, and even destiny. the horizon, EA Sports, those purveyors Lionel Messi may have never won of the world’s finest football games, will be the World Cup (maybe he will this time releasing a World Cup update for FIFA 18 around), but perhaps you can chart a course very soon. for Argentina that ensures you inspire them FIFA 18’s World Cup update for PC, Xbox to global glory. This is sure to be Cristiano and PlayStation is being Ronaldo’s final big tournareleased on May 29, and is ment, and you can ensure he THE SHORT AND SKINNY available to download for exits the international stage free for all existing users of much like the champion Name: FIFA 18 World Cup Update the game, which contains he is, and picks up the one Genre: Sports cutting-edge graphics, trophy that has eluded him Produced By: EA Sports updated gameplay, and all all his life.

What it’s about: The FIFA World Cup 32 teams and stadiums, There are, those of you, – the world’s biggest sporting comwhich will be featured at however, who might fancy petition, is just around the corner, Russia 2018. New users who a different challenge. You and you can chart your own course purchase the game will also might want to unleash to glory in FIFA 18’s latest instalment, gain access to this exclusive Egyptian Mohamed Salah’s which is just a few weeks away content. searing pace on unsuspectPlatforms: PC, Xbox, PS 4, Nintendo Sure, club football is a ing rivals, or guide Medhi Where to buy*: Origin, Xbox Marketlot more exciting to watch.

Benatia’s imperious Morocplace, PS Store, EA Sports website, You’ve got your favourite can defence to unprecedentAmazon players pitted against — or ed, unexpected glory. You *Available as free-to-download sometimes alongside each might prefer an even more IGN Rating: 8.1//10 other — and the competition unfancied team — Japan is is a lot more intense. But kind of nice, Australia has a there is no greater honour decent group of players, as than playing for your country. It is, in many well — and who knows, with you at the helm ways, the great unifier of the beautiful game, they could go all the way. And then there’s simply because a World Cup can do things that ‘what if’ moment, that perfect moment that no other tournament in the world can that idealists dream of. What if you, a young do. Once every four years, a ball and a goal manager ready to take on the world, headed drastically changes the world. It closes to far away New Zealand and promised to schools, it closes shops, it closes cities. It make them world champions, only for the even stops wars. A simple ball fuels the rest of the globe to politely remind you that passion and pride of nations. It gives people, you were not playing rugby, but football? everywhere, something to hope for. It gives The world’s finest — Neymar, Griezmann, countries respect, where respect is in short Lewandowski, Muller — battered your supply, and achieves more than politicians team, but you stayed strong and, slowly but ever could. surely, won the world over and earned their The World Cup brings with it fond memo- respect, to see your tiny team, full of nothing ries like no other, and with FIFA’s latest more than hopes and dreams, become the addition to its already long list of excelgreatest in the world. To some, it might be lent games, you could relive the moments wishful thinking. that have given the World Cup that sort of To others, it has made waiting for May 29 intangible power that courses through evejust that much harder.

Easy

21

Medium

Difficult

22

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 22 M AY 1 7, 2 0 1 8

OMANTEL HOSTS THE FIRST OMANI WOMAN TO SKI THE GEOGRAPHIC NORTH POLE

A

nisa Al Raisi has made history by becoming the first Omani woman to ski the Geographic North Pole.

With a major support from Omantel, Anisa Al Raisi joined the ‘Women’s EuroArabian North Pole Expedition 2018’ and set off for a challenging expedition last month, where they managed to ski just over 80km on the difficult terrain at the top of the world and reached the North Pole in eight days.

The team arrived safely at the North Pole just before 19:00 on April 21, 2018.

Addressing a press conference at Omantel HQ, Ali Bakhit Kashoob, Senior Manager of Marketing Communications at Omantel, said, “Anisa has made us all very proud. Making her way to the top of world proves once again that Omani women can reach everywhere with their dedication and hard work.”

He continued, “At Omantel, we are keen to support inspiring youngsters like Anisa, who encourage other youngsters to push beyond their limits and make big achievements. Our support to Anisa is also in line with Omantel’s new brand campaign; Amazing Happens Together.”

Commenting on the expedition, Anisa said, “It was a rewarding experience. It felt really great to have the Sultanate’s flag at the Geographic North Pole, where we could only reach after going through numerous challenges, like the unpredict-

able weather conditions that can reach as below as -40 C, the physical and mental tiredness”.

“You walk miles and miles, but the view does not change. We couldn’t even talk to each other due to the strong wind and I felt all alone. All we could do was to concentrate on our goal and keep going on,” she explained.

Despite walking for around 10 hours a day in harsh conditions, Anisa and the rest of the team have gained weight.

“We have added fat and lost muscles.

A specialised team of researchers have examined us to find out what impact do extreme conditions have on women,” she commented.

Anisa thanked Omantel for making this great experience and for supporting her throughout the journey. A journey that she learnt a lot from and will inspire other Omani youngsters.

2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE: ROUGH WITH THE SMOOTH W

ith their commanding driving position and authoritative stance, SUVs are about making a statement on the road, as much as they are about venturing into the great outdoors.

However, designing a great looking SUV is a bigger challenge than most would imagine.

For a start, the large proportions don’t necessarily lend themselves well to sleek styling. Aerodynamics is a serious consideration, too, as air flow around the vehicle severely affects factors such as refinement in the cabin and, more importantly, fuel economy. A handsome SUV, then, is the result of carefully considered decisions that are a meticulous balance of design and engineering.

Styled by the Chevrolet truck design studio, the new Chevrolet Traverse is the perfect example of great SUV design; it brings the crossover formula closer to Chevrolet’s full-size SUVs. Design-wise, it is more upright, giving it a decidedly imposing stance — a nod to its bigger 4x4 siblings such as the Tahoe and the iconic Silverado. The sheet metal is more chiselled than before and the bold new frontend features a larger hexagonal grille lending an air of authority to the front fascia.

The purposeful proportions are further complemented by premium cues such as chrome accents, LED signature lighting and D-Optic LED headlamps.

The immense attention to detail is further evident in the spacious interior, which is appointed in high quality materials and premium wood and leather in the High Country model. The quality of the cabin is further enhanced by an array of available connectivity and safety technologies unprecedented in the segment.

“The all-new Traverse blends Chevrolet’s characteristic SUV cues with capability

and refinement,” says John Cafaro, Executive Director, Global Chevrolet Design. “Inside and out, it offers style with a purpose.”

Things are no less impressive on the performance front and the new Traverse’s handsome looks are backed by a potent powertrain that delivers amply in both onand off-road driving situations. Propelled by a comprehensively reengineered 310 hp3.6L V-6 engine, mated with an all-new, state-of-the-art 9-speed automatic transmission that provides virtually indiscernible shifts, the new Chevrolet Traverse is as exciting on the move as it is standing still.

While the new drivetrain delivers about 30 horsepower more than the previous iteration, it also returns a truly remarkable combined fuel economy of 11.9 km/L in FWD guise. On the road, not only is the new Traverse composed, comfortable, quiet and refined, the stellar on-road performance is complemented by suitably boosted off-road ability and a gusty trailering capacity of up to 2,268kg when properly equipped.

While all available models have an available all-wheel drive variant, the top-end High Country variant benefits from an exclusive system with twinclutch technology. The computers in the High Country variant can channel torque to the wheels with the most available grip to optimise traction in virtually every driving condition nature can throw at it. It’s meticulously engineered to enhance road holding in wet conditions, as well as, loose dirt and grass to ensure safe, unimpeded progress despite the driving surface.

With an overall new design and best in class interior volumes, the new Chevrolet Traverse delivers everything that’s expected from Chevrolet in an exceptional family SUV.