04
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 Founder: Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO: Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali
Cool off during the summer through magic, water chalets, and simple recipes Dressed in a black suit and an illustrious hat, he stood with several decks of cards before him. In a silent but rapid manner, he moved them using sleight of hand techniques. A group of children seated in the front row were awestruck as they watched him, and as soon as they saw the trick, they clapped their hands in delight. Meet Nofal Al Ghafri, a talented magician and illusionist from Oman, who is a master of extreme illusions. Be it something as dangerous as playing with fire, walking over sharp objects and chewing pieces of glass, or enchanting children with simple illusions such as card tricks, Nofal has given an aesthetic touch to the art of magic through his winning passion. Experience some magical moments this week with Nofal, who ranks third among magicians in the Middle East and is now going places thanks to his skills. If you want the magical effect to linger on, you can take your car and drive down to Sur towards the coastal villages. While there aren’t any magic shows taking place there, a different kind of magic awaits. A first in Oman, the one-of-a-kind floating chalets in Sur offer guests a way to spend their weekend far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Amidst the cool ocean breeze and the sound of the waves and chirping birds, you can watch the spectacular sunset while taking a dip in the refreshing waters of Khor Jerama. But that’s not all. You can also enjoy a sumptuous seafood dinner or simply soak up in the serenity, making the water villas perfect for a weekend escape. However, there is one place from which we all want to escape during the summer — our kitchen. Those who use their ovens and stoves for cooking know well how terrible it can be in the kitchen during the summer months. Our food columnist, Oneza Tabish, shares some simple recipes that don’t require long hours in the kitchen. It’s time to leave the heat behind. — Swati Dasgupta
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
Graphics Editor: Antonio Farach Design Editor: Sahir K.M. Lead Designer: Geri B. Sonny Designer: Gregory Fernandez, Jerrard Cedro Production Manager: Shafi Shaik Photography: MMG Photographers On The Cover: Design by 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 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8
WHAT’S ON 22 THIS WEEK SUNDAY
THURSDAY 4.00pm Visit a Unesco site Oman has four sites on the Unesco World Heritage List that are worth visiting, including the beehive tombs at the archaeological site of Bat, and the famous aflaj irrigation systems which can be seen in many old villages.
20
19
FRIDAY 4.00pm Dip in Valley Waters Two of the most popular wadis in Oman, Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid, should be your picnic spot this weekend. Head over there and enjoy a dip in their turquoise waters that contrast the white rocks surrounding them.
04.00pm Go for Swimming Nothing beats a swim in the summer heat. Whyy not indulge in a fun sessionn day at your favourite swimming ming pool? Whether at locall hotels or open beaches, it’s a great activity to unwind.
23 MONDAY
6.00pm Play Some Pool Take a break from work and play some pool in a friendly competition at any of the gaming and pool centres around Muscat. If you’re good enough, participate in local competition. You won’t regret it.
21
SATURDAY 10.00am Go to Al Hamra Take a trip to Al Hamra, one of the oldest, best-preserved towns of Oman, and explore the old village and its ruins. Make sure to stop by Bait Al Safah, a 400-year-old traditional home full of artefacts and historical furnishings.
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8
24
07
TUESDAY 10.00am Be a Volunteer There are countless volunteering groups in town that serve the sole purpose of helping others. How about taking part in one of them? Whether you love children, enjoy cooking, or have a closet full of dresses, you’ll definitely find something to contribute.
25
WEDNESDAY 04.00pm Explore Bait Al Zubair Stop by Bait Al Zubair Museum and explore their brilliant facilities, including an art gallery and an Omani-style model village, complete with a falaj (an ancient water system), and a souq for some crafts.
S
T
R
E
A
M
A Quiet Place (Film) Genre: Horror, Drama, Sci-Fi Cast: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds In a post-apocalyptic world, a family is forced to live in silence while hiding from monsters with ultra-sensitive hearing. .
O
N
L
I
N
E
(Genre
The Leisure Seeker (Film) Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Cast: Helen Mirren, Donald Sutherland, Christian McKay
The Exorcist (Series) Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller Cast: Alfonso Herrera, Ben Daniels, Kurt Egyiawan
A runaway couple go on an unforgettable journey in the faithful old RV they call The Leisure Seeker.
Follows three priests dealing with cases of a demonic presence targetting a family and a foster home.
8
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8
09
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8
Nofal Al Ghafri, a talented magician and illusionist from Oman who ranks third in the Middle East, tells us how he got into the mystical world of magic. STORY SALIM AL AFIFI
9
1010
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8
“I
told myself, ‘let your presentation and work do the talking,’ and it worked,” recalled Nofal when asked about how he mastered his art. “After all, it’s all about hard work, and nothing comes in a day.” “Impossible” is always the first word that comes to mind whenever a magician snaps his fingers and a ball disappears right in front of our eyes. There is something magical (no pun intended) about this illusion-filled art that brings about an elevated sense of excitement, mixed with deep curiosity. Even though we are aware that these creative folks possess no real powers, but just a clever use of psychological techniques, we cannot help but admire their creativity and dedication to the art. So how did Nofal make an entry into the elite club of the best Arab illusionists? He dreamed big, trained hard, and gave his best, as it had always been his dream to explore the magical world of the impossible. Born and raised in the coastal town of Suwaiq in Al Batinah, the 27-year-old magician, who always has a number of tricks up his sleeve, developed a fascination for magic when he was still quite young. As a child, Nofal would spend hours watching magic shows, immersing himself in the illusions he witnessed from his TV set. He knew he had a passion for the art and a thirst that needed to be quenched, which was fuelled even further by the works of famous magicians that he grew up watching. He began falling in love with the idea of practicing magic tricks, especially the ones that required tremendous amounts of courage. Soon enough, he started inventing tricks and cooking up creative concepts all by himself. A few years later, he found himself wanting to dive deeper into the field. His eagerness pushed him to explore the possibility of pursuing magic as a performance art. He was curious about discovering the unknown. Given his determination, he knew he could do it. His gut feeling was spot on. “I have always loved new adventures and challenges,” he said. To get the ball rolling, he started training with professional illusionist Ahmed Al Kiali from the Kingdom of Jordan. Through his classes, Nofal learned new and exciting tricks, and then began developing himself and honing his own skills.
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8
“I am truly grateful to my mentor,” he said, adding that Al Kiali was the reason why he has become the polished artist that he is today. This marked the beginning of his destined journey to glory. Even though he faced various challenges in Oman, which was quite unfamiliar with the art, he contemplated and eventually decided to change the social perception about his craft, rather than give up on his passion. His family and friends showered him with endless support before his work piqued the public’s interest, thus giving him the motivation to showcase his skill to the world. His impressive tricks soon became a favourite and his social media following began to skyrocket. His visibility and credibility as an illusionist started getting established in the Gulf. So what kind of magic tricks has Nofal mastered? Nofal is a fan of risky performances that allow all his creative juices to flow. “I am always looking for the most suspenseful and most dangerous performances,” he said. Though he is a fervent lover of extreme illusions, such as playing with fire, munching on glass, walking on sharp nails, vanishing from sight, reading thoughts, and hypnosis, he does other
tricks for children and for the faint-hearted, including what most of us have come to know magicians for — card tricks. How does it feel to be ranked the 3rd best magician in the Middle East, we asked. “I am the happiest I could ever be, thanks to my fans and all my followers on social media, because they are my number one inspiration,” said Nofal. “I owe my success to my followers and supporters who keep me motivated in my work,” he added. Through many local and regional performances and competitions, Nofal has earned a number of titles which have put him atop the list of the best magicians in town. He was placed third in a competition in Bahrain, and earned first place in another contest in Saudi Arabia. He has also earned the title of ‘ambassador’ for a variety of fields, including health, education, and the environment. He also performs at police conferral ceremonies. Nofal has established himself in the field of illusions, and he is now working on launching a YouTube channel to share his talent with the world while also inviting social media influencers from across the region. We shall keep an eye out for it. —salim@timesofoman.com
1111
12
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8
Floating Retr
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8
eat
Floating chalet, along the picturesque coastal villages of Sur and overlooking the Khor Jerama, is an ideal place for city dwellers to break away from the hustle and bustle.
13
14
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8
PHOTOS SALIM AL AFIFI
“H
ow’s the experience of staying in a houseboat?” If you hail from Kerala, the southern state of India, you are bound to be asked this pertinent question each time you tell someone about your roots. It was no different this time. As we were all set for a unique experience that shared many similarities with the houseboats of Kerala, the thoughts of the houseboats from back home tiptoed in my thoughts. About two and half hours from Muscat, past the hustle and bustle of the city and the winding death road of Amerat, past the board that mysteriously reads “Ancient City of Qalhat” and the weird tiger rock, past the dhow factory, the famous Khor Al Batah bridge, and Ras Al Hadd, you will find yourself in the coastal
villages of Sur and, finally, a vast, outstretched fisherman beach. In the middle of nowhere, where there were more fish than people, we found my ideal escape from everything worldly. We were on a beach that had one signboard which said, “Avoid entering this site due to the instability of the soil.” The problem was we were able to see the signboard only after we entered the site. There, we saw a lot of dead fish neatly stacked on the shore by fishermen, a few huts, and a chalet. After deciding to intrude and examine the spacious, wooden chalet, we decided to call Nasser Al Amri, the man who invited us to experience his one-of-a-kind venture in Oman. The floating chalet is a two-floor wooden house with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and a balcony on both floors over-
looking the Khor Jerama. We were first taken to the majlis chalet on a speedboat where we were able to rest for some time before heading to our home for the rest of the day. This is one of the five chalets that Nasser offers to those looking for a different weekend experience that they can share with a big group of their family and friends. After taking a short nap on the terrace of the chalet where it was hot but very breezy, we were woken up by a few visitors who came with a lot of food, including biryani, bread, and some interesting curries. They made sure we were comfortable and that we didn’t need anything else before heading to our chalet. The main chalet where we ended up spending the rest of the day, as well as that night and the next morning, was a
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8
genuine treat. Our big bedroom right in the middle of the chalet had 2 bunk beds, which reminded us of college hostel dorms. The kitchen had the basic necessities such as a gas stove, essential spices with which to cook the fish that we could catch using the fishing wires provided on the chalet, a barbecue grill, and cutleries. As we walked upstairs to explore the chalet further, we couldn’t contain our excitement upon seeing the pool chairs, comfortable double beds, chairs, and cushion seats, and of course, the swing hanging right on the edge, which gave us chills and thrills while we enjoyed the sea breeze hitting our faces. After going around the whole chalet and appreciating the little details, like the tiny white garden table and chair with the flower vase on it, the loud speakers that actually worked, and the green carpet laid
outside the room along the circumference of the boat — especially on the balcony of the lower floor to give the area a lawn-like feeling — we decided it was time to jump into the water. Thanks to the life jackets and floats on the chalet, people who don’t know how to swim can also jump into the water and join millions of tiny fish and enjoy the cool waters in the summer heat. After swimming — or in my case, floating against the tide and losing all the energy that the heavy lunch had given me — we went back into the chalet and decided it was time for tea. We moved upstairs, feeling the breeze getting cooler and watching the sun set slowly at first and then rapidly after 6.30pm. The feeling was inexplicable, and it almost felt like meditation. We enjoyed the few hours of the golden hour with no one talking, just soaking in the beauty of
15
the mountains, the sun, and the vast blue ocean. As night came, our day turned from serene and blissful to chilly and adventurous. Although there were lights on the chalet, we didn’t realise that we were quite far from civilisation and closer to nature than we’d ever been. Spending a night in the middle of the ocean meant we were spending the night with the fish, different species of which we could see scurrying around our floating home. We looked to the mountains and saw only their outline. We could hear the loud noises of the chilly wind, which kept knocking things over. We couldn’t believe that it was still July in the Middle East. Sharing horror stories at this point to distract yourself from the noises might not be a great idea — take the pro tip. Instead you could play games, use the old speakers, and have your own mini party, and once you are tired and hungry, just give Nasser a call. He will arrive out of nowhere to deliver the most mouthwatering fresh seafood dinner. At about 9.30pm, our speedboat arrived with a seafood platter containing crab, fried fish, and prawns, along with bread, hummus, and some rice. After the meal and such an eventful day and a semi-scary but mostly-exciting night, retiring isn’t a bad idea as the staycaytion won’t be over until the next morning. We were woken by soft, pleasant noises coming from birds. Meanwhile, the sun, which was just about to rise, served as a protective blanket of warmth, providing a contrast to what the previous night had to offer. As our eyes opened to the sight of the clear blue sky, two white birds flying into the distance, and the soft dawn light bouncing off the mountains, we just sat, soaking up the tranquillity and waiting for the sun to rise. In a few minutes the sun had risen and the colours of nature started turning a different shade. The silence was broken when a speedboat with two Omani fishermen came to take us back to shore, where we had parked our cars. But before being transported back to reality, we were taken on a little morning boat ride to absorb, acknowledge, and appreciate the beauty of Oman’s coastal offerings one last time. —shruthi@timesofoman.com
16
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8
QUICK TO MAKE SUMMER DELIGHTS Summer months in Oman are generally longer and most of the time it overstays as well. And with the heat and humidity comes the desire to have food that is not only easy to make but also lighter on the stomach. STORY ONEZA TABISH
Oneza Tabish is a food blogger, consultant, and columnist based in Oman. She is also the owner of Oman’s popular Facebook group ‘What’s Cooking Oman.’
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8
FRUITY CHICKPEAS SALAD This easy and quick-to-make summer salad is loaded with fresh fruits and the goodness of health. Ingredients 1 tin of chickpeas 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced 1/2 cup orange segments, peeled 1/4 cup apples, finely chopped and peeled 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped 1/2 cup lettuce, torn 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes 1 tablespoon chopped coriander 1 and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Preparation Combine all the ingredients except salt and pepper and chill. Just before serving, add salt and pepper and mix well. Serve chilled.
HAKKA MUSHROOMS This delectable, stir fry mushrooms can be made in a jiffy and eaten the way it is or served with noodles or fried rice. Ingredients 1 teaspoon cornflour 2 1/2 tablespoons soya sauce 1 tablespoon oil 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 green chilli, finely chopped 2 cups mushrooms, cut into halves Salt to taste 1 cup spring onion greens, finely chopped A pinch of chilli powder Preparation Dissolve cornflour in 2 tablespoons of water and soya sauce and keep aside. Heat oil in a non-stick pan, add garlic and green chilli and sauté for 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and salt and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. Add cornflour
mix and sauté for about a minute till the sauce coats the mushrooms well. Add spring onion greens and mix. Sprinkle chilli powder immediately and serve hot with noodles or eat it just as it. CELERY GARLIC TOASTS This is a twist to the humble garlic toasts with the goodness of celery. Ingredients 1/4 cup celery, coarsely ground into paste 2 to 3 garlic cloves Salt to taste 4 slices of whole wheat bread
Preparation Apply the ground celery paste equally on all the four toasts and also add the minced garlic and salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 180C for 10 minutes or till the toasts are evenly browned. Cut into the halves and serve immediately while hot. CARROT MILKSHAKE A nutritious and scrumptious milkshake made from baby carrots that will refresh your soul and palate as well. Ingredients 10 baby carrots 1/4 cup sugar 2 cups, cold milk Pinch of vanilla essence Preparation Peel the carrots and wash them well (though baby carrots need very little peeling). Blend with the remaining ingredients. Refrigerate for 1/2 hour before serving. SPINACH FUSILLI SOUP A silky and comforting bowl of soup made from spinach and pasta with fresh hints of mint. Ingredients 1/2 cup spinach purée (blanch spinach and purée) 1 cup milk 1 tablespoon garlic, crushed and chopped 1 vegetable stock cube 1/2 cup boiled fusilli pasta 1 bunch fresh mint, chopped 2 tablespoons cream for garnish Preparation In a pan add spinach purée with 1 cup water, milk, garlic and stock cube and bring to a roaring boil. Add fusilli pasta in the soup. Simmer for 3 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with mint and cream.
17
18
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8
Understanding Undertones The key to getting the colours right STORY ANTARA BOSE
W
hile identifying skin tones and skin types are fairly easy, recognising skin undertones is where most people get it wrong. The undertones are colours that lie a little beneath your skin but affect how different shades look on the surface. There are two undertones you could have — you could either be cool-toned with undertones of blue, pink or red, or warm-toned with peach, yellow or golden. However, there are always the ones in between who have a bit of both and form the neutraltoned skin category. Here are a few tricks to help identify your skin undertone: CHECK YOUR VEINS This is the most common tip to identify your undertone. The veins on your wrist
are an easy giveaway of what your undertone is. If they are more blue or purplish, you have a cool undertone. If it appears greenish, don’t worry, you aren’t turning into hulk; you’re just warm-toned. If it’s hard to tell, you’re neutral (or you can’t identify colours). TURN TO JEWELLERY Are you more into gold or silver? Your preference to the colour of jewellery says a lot about your undertone because you’d most likely wear what looks good on you. If you find your fingers looking prettier in gold rings you probably are warm-toned; if it’s silver or platinum that you prefer flaunting, you are more likely to have a cool-toned skin. If both look fine, well, you’re a lucky neutral.
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8
WHITE OR OFF-WHITE If you find your complexion looking flattering against solid blacks and whites, you’ve got a cool-tone. However, if you’re leaning to more off-white and brownish shades you may be a warm-toned person. TAN OR BURN I know, we’d prefer to say tan, but honestly, what really happens to your skin when you’re out in the sun? Take a conscious effort to see how your skin reacts when you’re out in the sun without sunscreen or any other skin protection. This is an indicator of the amount of melanin in your skin. Does your skin instantly burn or do you just acquire a nice tan? If it’s the former, you may be cool-toned; the latter, you’re probably blessed in this aspect with warm-toned skin. If you take your time to tan but can burn with prolonged exposure, you may have a neutral-toned skin. CHECK YOUR WARDROBE Do you have a lot of yellow or orange dresses? If these shades look good on you, you’re definitely a warm-toned. If you find yourself looking dull in these shades, you’ve got more of a cool-undertone. If you’ve never tried bright shades, you should totally give it a shot. Maybe you’re one of the fortunate neutral-toned ones and could flaunt these shades just as beautifully as your blues and purples.
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, wellness and health industry. For fashion updates follow Antara on instagram @ antarabose and on Facebook: Antara Bose.
19
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8
DHADAK Cast: Ishaan Khattar, Janhvi Kapoor Set in the picturesque city of Udaipur, ‘Dhadak’ is the story of Madhukar and Parthavi. From the moment they set eyes on each other; Madhukar and Parthavi felt something familiar, something pure, but as their love blossomed, so did their problems. Torn between society and their families, their fate became uncertain. Dhadak is a simple, passionate story about first love. Directed by Shashank Khaitan, starring Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan this is an official adaptation of the critically and commercially acclaimed film, Sairat. This love story explores how the protagonists deal with issues like differences between castes and honour killings. Running at: Vox Cinemas, City Cinemas
MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan
A PRAYER BEFORE DAWN Cast: Joe Cole, Panya Yimmumphai, Vithaya Pansringar
10 years after the first film, in the Greek island of Kalokairi, Sophie is pregnant with Sky’s child while running her mother’s villa. Self-conflicted because she can’t do it by herself, but with Tanya and Rosie’s guidance, Sophie will find out more of Donna’s past.
O T H E R
R E L E A S E S
Billy Moore is sent to prison in Thailand, where he fights tournaments to earn his freedom.
T H I S
W E E K
COMING SOON
20
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT Cast: Henry Cavill, Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg
TEEN TITANS GO TO THE MOVIES Cast: Jimmy Kimmel, Nicholas Cage, Tara Strong, Will Arnett, Greg Cipes, Scot Menville
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 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
4
9
7
3 9
2
8
2 6
6
4 8
TIMES DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
7
3 6
ANCESTORS: LEGACY
2 6 8
5
4
8
1
6
5 7
6
9
Level | Moderate
9 6
4
6 3
1
2
1
9
9 9
6
4 7
4 1
4
7 6
2
7
2
8
3
8
2
8
5
9 5
Level | Difficult
5
7
2
3
3
6
4 8
5
2
9
9
5 7
1 2
4
Easy
7
3
9
7
6
7 4
6
4
THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
HUMANS have always been fascinated that have the same function, in addition by the unknown. The bravest of the brave to a couple of unique units. Spearmen, have voluntarily gone to explore what lies archers and some sort of sword or axe and beyond what they know, while the rest of shield fighters are common among all the us play it safe and stay home, not knowing various civilisations that you play, as is a what we’ll encounter out there. regulation mounted unit. From Ferdinand Magellan to ChristoUnique units these groups have are pher Columbus, Vasco Da Gama to James rather fun to play with, and significantly Cook, Roald Amundsen to Yuri Gagarin, alter the way you approach a game. the world has seen many brave souls step Norsemen can call on their bloodthirsty forward to go where no man has previously Berserkers to terrorise the enemy, but gone before. will they be able to reach the Slavic While most explorers mounted archers in time? did so in the name of king You better hope they do, THE SHORT AND SKINNY and country, the Vikings because Berserkers do not roved beyond their lands for know the meaning of the Name: Ancestors: Legacy one reason and one reason word ‘retreat’. Genre: Historical RTS alone: Survival. Far from being a tactic of What it’s about: The winter is over, In Ancestors: Legacy, the weak, it is sometimes it’s time to catch the tide and join players are given the change wise to retreat in this game, your Viking comrades to new lands. to set sail alongside the which prioritises hit-andThere’s plenty to see, plenty to do, Vikings in a new game that run tactics over pitched and of course, plenty to plunder uncovers their terrifying battles. This is doubly imProduced by: Destructive Creations and bloody past. portant when you’re using a Platforms: Windows Developed by Polish gamcombination of ranged and Where to buy: Steam, Amazon, ing company Destructive melee units: Viking archers, Destructive Creations website, Creations (an apt oxymogiven the close quarters of Instant Gaming ron), Ancestors: Legacy puts battle, will sometimes acciIGN Rating: 7/10 you in charge of six different dentally hit their own units Viking leaders, all of whom in combat. command their own facAnother really useful tions. These include raiders from the Slavic system in this game has to be the replennations, Scandinavia, England, Poland, and ishment and healing capabilities of your Germania, to mention a few. While most troops. When not in combat, your troops strategy games place you in command of can halt and set up camp, which helps them large armies that can always resort to over- heal their wounded. If you’re near one of whelming might to crush their opponents, your own settlements, it helps you replenAncestors: Legacy is a game that forces you ish your casualties. to think. You are not the commander here, The experienced gamer in you may not but one of many, commanding a section of think he might avail of what’s available to a much larger army. you, but before long, you’ll need it. In one Players are limited to a maximum of 10 of the campaigns, during the Viking invasquads of men, which means you need to sion of England, you’re ordered to storm think about what needs to be done first. Lindisfarne cathedral across a narrow Protecting your villages is a must, as they stone bridge, with archers raining down provide the food with which you feed fire on you. Had it not been for the nearby your troops and the iron and wood that settlement, it would’ve been an invasion is shaped into weapons and armour. But that would’ve ended in failure. It’s a good the more troops you allocate to protectthing it didn’t though – that was the first ing your villages, the less you can throw major Viking invasion, and it’s led to a at the enemy. long and storied history that’s given us Most factions have a few basic troops such a wonderful game.
6
5
5
21
4 4
2
1
8
Medium
Difficult
22
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 31 J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 8
MALL OF MUSCAT TO HOST TRIPLE LEVEL INDOOR CIRCUIT WITH WORLD-CLASS GO-KARTING FACILITIES
M
all of Muscat, Oman’s largest upcoming super-regional mall will host a triple level track that is guaranteed to give motorsports enthusiasts as well as seasoned karters a thrilling experience. In addition to the several high quality, value-added projects like Oman Aquarium, Snow Park, Faby Land, Novo Cinemas and the bowling centre, Al Jarwani Group’s, Mall of Muscat will also be home to a first-of-its-kind in the Sultanate, world-class, triple level indoor circuit with specially designed electric floors that power and propel the karts around the track. Be it the desire to take on colleagues and friends or simply test one’s own skills on the track, the new go-karting addition to the Mall of Muscat is sure to attract seasoned karters as well as motorsport enthusiasts making it a destination for all. The triple level circuit will also
accommodate a junior track with junior karts, which will provide children between the ages of 6 to 12 years with their share of fun and excitement. The exhilarating multi-level circuit at Mall of Muscat will be fully equipped with a 440m track and nail-biting corners, which drivers can take on at maximum speeds of 50mph. Timing transponders will also be installed to record circuit times, making the whole experience interactive and giving it a competitive edge too. The kart itself will come with good responsive handling and excellent safety features including built in controller programming and radio control with which the speed of the karts will be controlled by race marshals. The circuit will come installed with world-class safety features like the safety barrier which will be attached to the railings and comprise a layer of D rubber and a 20mm polyethylene
barrier. The barriers are designed to absorb impact from the karts and are extremely durable. LED lighting will also be installed on the circuit and will be designed to run in the opposite direction of the karts to enhance the effect of speed. The lights at the side of the tracks will also be used for signalling purposes to ensure drivers make the right decisions at bends. Designed and executed by Muscat Entertainment Company and in collaboration with a British company specialising in the development of world-class karting facilities, the project will encourage and enable motorsport enthusiasts to test their skills in a safe and professional manner and under the supervision of professional instructors and circuit marshals. Aiming to attract value-adding projects and attractions, Mall of Muscat will continue to encourage domestic tourism and will positively contribute
to the development of Oman’s economy through the creating and providing of job opportunities to Omanis via its new developments and projects. Sheikh Mahmood Al Jarwani, Chairman of the Al Jarwani Group reflected on this project, “In line with Al Jarwani’s vision, we will continue to develop and position the Mall of Muscat as a landmark of the Sultanate and a destination for all. The leisure and entertainment components which Mall of Muscat is developing will offer a unique and an unforgettable experience for all its visitors. The diversified leisure and entertainment mix: the largest aquarium in the Middle East, a first-of-its-kind Snow Park, 14 screens at Novo Cinemas, a unique family entertainment centre in Faby Land, a Bowling Centre and the Go-Karting indoor circuit makes Mall of Muscat without doubt, the number one leisure and entertainment destination in Oman.”
TOWELL AUTO CENTRE OPENS NEW MAZDA SHOWROOM IN AL HAIL
B
eing committed to reach out more closer to their customers and provide them with high quality products and services, Towell Auto Centre (TAC), a leading automobile distributor in Oman, recently inaugurated their new state-of-the-art Mazda showroom in Al Hail, their third showroom in the Muscat governorate and the biggest in Oman. Present at the launch were the chairman and directors of WJ Towell, Riyadh Ali Sultan, General Manager of TAC, S. Kasthurirengan, CEO of TAC, business heads and a host of TAC officials. The chief guest was Hiroshi Yoshida,
General Manager Global Sales and Marketing Division (MOM 2), Mazda – Japan, and Takao Ishikawa, assistant manager. Both had specially flown in from Japan for the inauguration of the new Al Hail showroom. Zameer Hakim, Customer Service General Manager (Mazda – MOM), based in Dubai, also graced the occasion. At a well-attended function, they presented a memento to the TAC management. A bevy of the patented Soul Red Mazda car beauties, including the MX-5 Roadster Coupe, added significance to the red carpet event at the brightly lit new designer showroom.