T Weekly for December 20, 2018

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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 51 DECEMBER 20, 2018

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 51 DECEMBER 20, 2018

Keeping the festive spirit alive

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hristmas is around the corner, and along with decorating our homes with fir trees, bells, and other ornaments, the season never fails to ring in the nostalgia and take us back to some of our best Christmas memories. From singing Christmas carols together and decorating the tree with mini lights to eagerly awaiting Santa’s gifts and sneaking in bites of Christmas goodies in the midst of our revelry, Christmas takes us back to those wonderful holiday memories of the yester years when the festivities would begin days in advance.

Our homes would be filled with the whiff of cookies being baked at home, cut into shapes of Santa’s hat, a reindeer or even a snowman. This week, as we get ready to welcome the festivities, our readers share with us some of their best

Christmas memories. And no Christmas celebration is complete without mouthwatering delicacies. In keeping with this, our food columnist Oneza Tabish shares a delicious collection of Christmas recipes. As much as Christmas is about fun and food, it’s also about fashion. Our fashion writer Antara Bose will give you the lowdown on the chicest outfits this season so you can make an entrance at the next Christmas party.

However, if all you want to do is get away this holiday season, take a trip to Astana, the modern capital of Kazakhstan. From grasslands to skyscrapers, the capital city is a sight to behold with architectural work that’s sure to catch your eye. The city that came into the spotlight for hosting Expo 2017 also has on offer some amazing Kazakh food.

—Swati Dasgupta

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Founder: Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO: Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali Editor: Charles Lavery Features Editor: Swati Dasgupta Research Editor: Ashish Dubash Copy Editor: Gautam Bhargav Viswanathan Online Editor: Christopher Isaac

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

On The Cover: Design by Gregory Fernandez

For general enquiries or comments: swati@timesofoman.com

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WHAT’S ON 20 THIS WEEK 21

THURSDAY Watch Opera Festival on Ice This spectacular show will showcase the elegance of ice dancing.

Meryl Davis and Charlie White, twice world champions in ice dancing, as well as gold medallists at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics will woo the audience by their breathtaking feats and elegant synchronicity. Austrian baritone, Markus Werba will also be there. Davis, White and Werba will be joined by a host of additional world-class skaters and singers on stage. At ROHM at 7pm on December 20, 21 and on December 22 at 4pm.

FRIDAY Visit the Festive Market Hosted by Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, the festive market will lead you to festive treats such as roasted chestnuts and an opportunity to pick up last minute gifts at this winter wonderland. From 5pm-10pm, held every day, it’s time to soak up in the festivity.

22 SATURDAY Go on a Fishing Adventure If you are in Salalah plan a trip to Hallaniyat Islands. Get picked up at Salalah city / airport with a minibus and enjoy the 3-hour ride till you reach the luxury lodges next to the sea. 50km away lies the Hallaniyat Islands, one of the last intact fisheries in the world.

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SUNDAY Bowling away Boredom If you want a short recreation starting of the week then go to one of the bowling centres in town. Bowling is a game for people of all ages, and bowling aficionados in town can enjoy the game.

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Enjoy Christmas brunch, lunch and dinner There’s nothing quite like enjoying a home cooked Christmas feast but if you aren’t able to prepare then visit one of the hotels or restaurants in town that’s having special menu for the day.

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MONDAY Bake a Christmas Cake Plum cakes are must during Christmas. This year try to bake one at home and have a great festival fun. Also do not forget to decorate your home with bright lights, Christmas tree and accessories, wreaths, garlands, and more.

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The Equalizer 2 (Film) Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller Cast: Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Ashton Sanders Robert McCall serves an unflinching justice for the exploited and oppressed, but how far will he go when that is someone he loves?

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WEDNESDAY Listen to Kadim Alsahir Famous for singing romantic songs, Kadim Alsahir has a wide audience in the Arab World as well as in Europe.

Among his most famous songs are Quli Uhibbuka, Zidini Ishqan, and Eid Ashaq. Hear him at ROHM from December 26 to 28.

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Smallfoot (Film) Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Cast: Channing Tatum, James Corden, Zendaya

The Happytime Murders (Film) Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Elizabeth Banks, Maya Rudolph

A Yeti is convinced that the elusive creatures known as “humans” really do exist.

When the puppet cast of a ‘90s children’s TV show begin to get murdered one by one, a disgraced LAPD detective-turned-private eye puppet takes on the case.

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Christmas is a time to celebrate the bonds of togetherness, joy, and friendship that have evolved over the years. This festive season, expatriate residents from different corners of the world, who have chosen to make Oman their second home, share their special Christmas memories and tell us what this festival means to them. The Christmas spirit and exuberance exuded by those who celebrate this festival is second to none, and their happiness, truth be told, is quite infectious. Small wonder though, because after all, ‘tis the season to be jolly.

STORY GAUTAM VISWANATHAN

TIME FOR SHARING, TIME OF JOY, TIME TO REMEMBER

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GETTING TOGETHER What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas for me is the most special time of the year because I love the season. It’s not just about the decorations and all the special things we have, but it’s to do with the spiritual side. It is time to renew our life and realise the sacrifices made for us. That I feel is really special. It is a time when we all get together, because I have a family in different parts of the world and we ensure that we all meet. This year, I am in Oman, but normally, I am back home.

As a family, the most exciting part of it is getting together and deciding what we are going to make. We all sit together and make the sweets ourselves and not buy anything from outside.

Your favourite Christmas memory…

While we make the sweets, we also catch up and it is a time for us to bond. We make everything at home, from the cakes to the savouries. Even now, in Oman, we ensure we make everything at home. We have lovely memories, because where I come from, we used to begin our celebrations well in advance. Everyone used to come down and we used to make the decorations, so it was a nice time for us because we all used to get together, and before Christmas, we used to collect money for the events before Christmas time. Right from my childhood, I remember having these pennants for decoration, and everyone would be involved doing it. We used to go for Midnight Mass on the 24th and we’d then have a function in the building, but a week before that, we used to have carol singing, and the people at home would give us some amount of money, so everyone did their bit. We had functions like sports, talent competitions and fancy dress events.

The houses were not very huge, but we could hear everyone and there was a great feeling of community spirit. This is one festival that really gets to me, and right from October itself, we start getting excited about Christmas. Life is so short, so we should all live in peace, not just with our families but with communities and the world at large.

Any advice you want to give to others on the occasion of the festive season?

We are really thankful to His Majesty and the people of Oman for allowing us to profess our religion freely, and we are really blessed that we can practice our religion without any interruption.

—Ophelia Lazarus

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SPREADING HOPE What does Christmas mean to you?

No matter what happens around you, it spreads a lot of hope and joy around you.

It’s not just the 25th that we look forward to, but the whole season. It’s not just about family, but the meeting of friends as well.

My children look forward to being part of everything that we do, like meeting the cousins and going camping. My husband plays music in the church, and we all go carolling, so there is a lot more music in the house at this time of the year, there’s just so much joy. It just bubbles through the house and I feel it is almost infectious and affects everyone around.

Your favourite Christmas memory…

When my eldest was born, we had handstitched this little Santa outfit complete with little elf booties for him. He was about seven months old, and every child ever since has worn that, and my last son wore it four years ago. We also had another new addition in our family at that time, because we brought a dog home. We would have to rearrange the Christmas decorations every day, and it created so many memories. Every morning, I would wake up to chaos, because my little one

SPECIAL I FEASTS ON OFFER

f you are looking to celebrate Christmas out on the town in Oman, T Weekly does have a couple of choice locations for you to try out.

For starters, you’re surely going to enjoy the lush greenery at Al Nahda Resort and Spa. “Celebrating Christmas in Oman, what a unique experience!” said Dr Mary Ann Roberta, Director Marketing and Developing at Al Nahda Hotels and Resorts.

“There is nothing compared with a Midnight Christmas Eve dinner under the twinkling stars so bright while cool winds caress the face on the vast

and my puppy would pull down all the decorations. She was just eight weeks old, and she wanted to play with everything.

My eldest was seven and my younger one was two, so he’d take everything that was sparkly, and he loved the Christmas baubles because he thought it was a ball and he would throw it at everyone.

Every day, the Christmas tree looked different. It was a mixture of emotions, but looking back now, it is just pure joy.

I was furious at that time, because I was decorating the tree every day, but my husband and I found great happiness doing it.

He would do the top half, and I would do the bottom.

Any advice you want to give to others on the occasion of the festive season?

Staying away from family and relatives, Christmas can be burdensome at times, because you have left your country and come, but Christmas is a time for you to safely put away all the bad emotions, and keep in touch with the people that you don’t keep in touch with. A suggestion to people would be to forgive and forget.

—Angelina Edwards

lawns of Al Nahda Resort & Santa’s sleigh bells tinkle in the distance.

“No flying sky-drawn reindeer sleigh here, instead an Arabian steed horse drawn carriage laden with gifts, canters into sight with Santa at the reigns, to the delightful squeals of the awaiting children and families enjoying their turkey and plum pudding Christmas dinner under Oman’s clear midnight skies,” she added. “Santa pays a surprise visit to the adults dancing to the live band at Waha Bar in the Khalab Restaurant.” Al Bustan Palace

TIME TO SHARE What does Christmas mean to you?

It was more like a gathering for the family, because our family was split in different places, so it was hard to get everyone over, but we would invite close family and get everyone together, share some time together, share some food, so that’s what we used Christmas for. Everyone is just so busy doing what they are doing, so you don’t have the time to see the people close to you. You have to want to make time with people close to you, and it is a good time, Christmas, where everyone can just get together and spend time with each other. For me, I used to love the Christmas movies like Home Alone, where we used to sit down with the family and watch together.

Your favourite Christmas memory…

Of course, for me, presents were big, because we used to stay up excited all night, waiting until the morning when

we could go down and open our presents by the tree, but my main thing was the movies, everyone sitting together, eating and watching the movies. My favourite present had to be a pair of football boots, they were a pair of gold Vapour boots that were worn by the Brazilian Ronaldo.

They were quite expensive at that time, but my dad said that if I’d scored a certain number of goals that season, then I would get that for Christmas.

Any advice you want to give to others on the occasion of the festive season?

On Christmas, just have fun, remember what it is about, and stay together, because we are often too busy doing other things, and sometimes, the most important things like family are pushed aside. The best part of Christmas is realising the importance of family.

—Gerald Lami

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FRIENDS ARE FAMILY What does Christmas mean to you?

For us, Christmas is a special occasion, it is one of the biggest occasions of the year, and since we are in the Middle East, it is celebrated a bit differently. Here, because we don’t have that much family, we have family friends over, and we have special dishes that we prepare. We have our Christmas tree, and we have a number of events held by certain committees.

Your favourite Christmas memory…

I spent most of my teenage years in Canada, and the white Christmas was exceptional. When you have snow outside falling on the Christmas trees, it is one of the most amazing sights to see. I think my favourite memory was setting up the Christmas trees. That’s where everyone gets together to spend quality time.

Any advice you want to give to others on the occasion of the festive season?

The days leading up to Christmas are what brings us all together, because the preparations and the buying and shopping are time consuming, but it keeps us all together. I would like people to be happy and have a great time together.

—Lovena Gudinho

Hotel is also offering little ones the chance to learn to bake dee-lish Christmas treats under the twinkly lights of their newly-renovated hotel, with special feasts on offer at all of their restaurants inside the property. Eric Meloche, Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel at Al Bustan Palace said, “The ladies and gentlemen of Al Bustan Palace have put out all the stops to create unforgettable holiday gatherings. We hope to enliven the senses of everyone who walks through our doors and fill their hearts with the warmth and joy of the season.”

BE GRATEFUL What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas for me is about family and friends. It is when people switch off from work and celebrate families. My fondest memory would have to be when I was very young and I woke up at cock crow and ran downstairs to the Christmas tree and saw presents from Santa Claus.

Your favourite Christmas memory…

My loveliest present was a blue bicycle, because I had learned how to cycle – rather badly – on my friend’s bicycle, and one Christmas my bicycle arrived. I spent the next number of weeks trying to get used to it. I had learned how to cycle, but I didn’t know how to stop the bike, and the only way I knew to do it was to jump off the bike, and then I fell straight into a ditch, but I still love that bike and really enjoyed it. As my family has grown in the form of nephews and nieces, the look on their faces when they open their presents is still one of my fondest memories.

Christmas I think has become a lot more commercial now.

Any advice you want to give to others on the occasion of the festive season?

When I was growing up, we only used to get presents on our birthdays or Christmas, but now, the impact of the wait is just not there. The present at Christmas was always special, but now the world is far faster, it is all online, and kids don’t have to wait for things now. Gifts, I don’t think, are quite as special as they used to be, but Christmas is still a special time of the year.

I would ask people to be grateful for what we have, and to enjoy the time with their families. We should not take things for granted, and this is a time for us to sit back and enjoy with family and friends.

—Steph McQuaid

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OUR FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS OUTFIT IDEAS STORY ANTARA BOSE

The season is demanding, we know. So while you make sure the Christmas tree, stocking stuffers and guest lists are in place, we decided to compile a list of 10 outďŹ t options to carry you through.

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1) FAUX VELVET GREENS – This has featured on almost every list of outfit ideas for the season, and we agree that there is something undeniably Christmas-y about it.

Whether you wear it short or long, this colour-fabric duo is a head-turner. If you’re not satisfied with only one Christmas colour, throw on red heels to complete the look.

2) SEQUINS – If its party season, you’ll see sequins everywhere. From little black sequined dresses to fringed skirts, they’re a favourite amongst all those who don’t shy away from a little bling. If you don’t want to go all out, pick a sleeveless sequined top and tone it down with a pair of darkcoloured bottoms and a jacket.

3) FRILLS IN RED – Red is another loved colour of the season. Give your everyday red dress a festive feel by adding some frills to it.

4) FAUX FUR – Faux fur jackets and stoles are perfect to take you from Christmas lunch to late-night celebrations.

You can throw it over your handbag during the day and fling it on once the night gets colder.

5) SUITED UP – If you’re looking for something more formal, a red blazer along with a pair of matching trousers is chic, comfortable and Christmas-y. Unless you’re trying to copy Santa’s style, we suggest swapping the traditional white shirt with something more shimmery or bold.

6) FRINGED PARTY JACKETS – Shaggy jackets with layers of fringes look incredibly cute. Stick to pastel shades and pair with a basic top for a casual yet stylish look.

7) PUFFED SLEEVES – Broad shoulders and puffed sleeves are staples this season. If you want to keep up with the festive vibes but prefer to keep it minimalistic, opt for a bright coloured or floral top with puffed sleeves for that added oomph.

8) MUSTARD SWEATERS – Mustard yellow is the goto colour for this time of the year. It’s warm, mellow and soothing but still has an element of vibrancy about it.

Mustard sweater dresses have been a top pick for the season.

As a simple sweater, the colour also works great to add some life to an otherwise monotone outfit below.

9) CHRISTMAS CAPTIONED TOPS – Text T-shirts are so much fun. Get creative and come up with your own catchy lines for the season. Get them printed on basic T-shirts and pair with plain or fancy bottoms.

10) RED PLAIDS – Plaids are winter must-haves. For your Christmas outfit, pick a red plaid shirt or coat-frock and dress it up with some fancy accessories and knee-high boots.

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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RECIPES ONEZA TABISH CHICKEN PARMESAN PASTA CASSEROLE A crowd pleasing casserole with a pasta punch and the cheesy goodness of chicken Parmesan is a must have this Christmas.

Ingredients • 1 package uncooked penne pasta • 500g boiled and shredded chicken • 2 teaspoons mixed Italian herbs • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese • 11/2 cups readymade pasta sauce • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

GET READY FOR SOME

FESTIVE FEASTING

Preparation • Cook the pasta according to package directions.

• Rinse and drain the pasta and keep aside.

• In a large bowl combine cooked pasta, cooked chicken, mixed herbs, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese and pasta sauce.

• Mix until well combined.

• Spread the pasta in a casserole dish and cover with lid.

• Bake at 175 degrees C for 30 minutes.

• Remove from the oven and uncover and top with remaining cheeses.

• Bake for about 10 minutes until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through.

• Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

RECIPES ONEZA TABISH

MINI CAPRESE BITES A healthy salad transformed into an appetiser that is easy to assemble and are perfect as quick bites.

Ingredients • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar • Salt as per taste • Freshly ground pepper • 16 cherry tomatoes • Fresh basil, about 16 leaves • 16 mozzarella balls or cubes (cut in size of cherry tomatoes) • Toothpicks Preparation • In a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, salt and freshly ground pepper.

Whisk together and set aside.

• Thread the bites on a toothpick by starting with one basil leaf, then one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball or cube, and another basil leaf.

• Place on a serving platter and repeat process until no more ingredients remain.

• Drizzle with vinegar, salt and pepper mixture before serving.

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EASY CHRISTMAS TRIFLE A quick and easy trifle that’s delicious to the core and a beauty to look at.

Ingredients • 1 cup strawberry jelly • 1 cup custard • 1 cup sliced strawberries • 1 cup kiwi cut as rounds • 500ml whipped fresh cream Preparation • Prepare jelly and custard as per package instructions.

• Decoratively place a few spoonfuls of jelly in a serving bowl followed by a spoonful of custard.

• Add the strawberries and kiwis facing outwards.

• Continue in layers ending with the cream. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

GLAZED LAMB CHOPS Lamb chops with the lip-smacking glaze of honey and Worcestershire that will leave your guests impressed for sure this Christmas.

Ingredients • 4 medium cloves garlic, mashed to a paste • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce • 2 tablespoons honey • 1 tablespoon vinegar • 1 teaspoon dried oregano • 12 lamb rib chops • Salt and coarsely ground black pepper • 1 tablespoon olive oil Preparation • In a small bowl, combine the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, honey, vinegar, oregano, and 1/3 cup water.

• Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper.

• Heat oil in a skillet over low heat till hot.

• Cook the lamb chops, flipping once, until browned for about 5 minutes.

• Transfer the chops to another plate and keep aside.

• In another pan, add the Worcestershire mixture, and bring to a gentle boil.

• Cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens into a light glaze, for about 7 minutes.

• Now add the chops to this mixture for them to be coated with the same and cook for another 4-5 minutes, till the chops are well done and the chops possess the glaze.

• Serve the chops with any remaining glaze poured over them.

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

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CENTRAL ASIA’S THRIVING METROPOLIS STORY ISMAEL DAVID MUJAHID

Possessing heritage and historic sites that date back millennia, Central Asia has seemingly always been synonymous with the Silk Road, a legendary trade route that connected East and West. But in recent years, the region has earned a new claim to fame: Astana, a sprawling metropolis emerging in Kazakhstan’s northern steppe.

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one-of-a-kind city, where motifs of the ancient past merge with an ambitious future, Kazakhstan’s young capital is gaining attraction for far more than the gleaming towers that dot its skyline.

That is because Astana is a city where the creative impulses of architects like Norman Foster and Kurosawa Kisho have been unleashed — transforming a once quiet part of the former USSR into the thriving hub it is today.

Founded in 1824 as an outpost

by Russian Imperial forces, its population rose steadily thanks to its position along trade routes linking the rest of Central Asia to Siberia.

Fast forward to 1994, three years after Kazakhstan gained independence and multiple name changes for the erstwhile city, when Astana was officially declared the nation’s future capital, a process completed in 1997.

That history is apparent wherever you look in Astana, etched in the city’s most recognisable monuments.

Take the Baiterek tower for example: a Foster designed masterpiece completed in 2002.

Built to resemble a tree holding a golden egg, no other monument in the city sums up the Astana’s futuristic ambition quite like it. From within the egg itself, visitors can catch a perfect glimpse of the city’s skyline and another major attraction: the Presidential Palace. All of this would have been unimaginable when the city was founded nearly 200 years ago.

Soaring 150 metres high, the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center is another landmark that instantly catches the eye. A transparent tent recognised as the largest of its kind in the world, Khan Shatyr pays tribute to both neo-futurism and the ancient dwellings of steppe nomads. Filled with restaurants, cinemas, and a park, it is under the tent’s dome that its most impressive feature awaits.

There, a tropical beach paradise with its own microclimate and sand imported from the Maldives brings the spirit of the Indian Ocean to the heart of Central Asia.

With its glass facades and futuristic design yet ancient inspiration, its no wonder Astana is attracting visitors from around the world to Kazakhstan, reviving a role it once played during the great days of the old Silk Road.

—ismaeldavid@timesofoman.com

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BUMBLEBEE Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena

THE CHRISTMAS ELF Cast: Sean Patrick, Kim Shaw, Nicholle Tom

Twenty years before the events of the first film, in 1987, Bumblebee takes refuge in a small California beach town junkyard. Charlie Watson discovers a Volkswagon Beetle, not realising that she has stumbled upon a Transformer.

Type-A Ava owns Rent-an-Elf, a business in which she sets up Christmas for busy families. This year, she’s hired by newly-single Liam and falls for him and his adorable son Nathan. But just as Ava thinks she’s found her match, Liam’s exwife returns, wanting to patch things up.

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ASHER Cast: Famke Janssen, Jacqueline Bisset, Ron Perlman An ageing hitman’s last job goes sideways, forcing him to redeem himself.

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ZERO Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, Katrina Kaif The story revolves around Bauua Singh (Shah Rukh Khan), a vertically challenged man, who is full of charm and wit, with a pinch of arrogance. Born to a wealthy family and raised in an environment of affluence and indulgence, Bauua was never failed by Meerut or its people. But when he meets two women (Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma), his experiences with these women take him on a journey to complete his ‘incompleteness’ and to find a purpose he never knew he had.

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

MAARI 2 Tamil Cast: Kreshna, Dhanush, Sai Pallavi, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Tovino Thomas

After a daring rescue mission in stormy weather, Elias, a brave young rescue boat, is recruited by a larger harbour. Once he gets to Big Harbour to begin his new job, he discovers that bigger is always not better.

Maari is a local don in Chennai who has thwarted multiple murder attempts on him. But when an unknown enemy from his past comes to target him, his life and the lives of the loved ones around him changes in an unexpected way.

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COMING SOON

ANCHORS UP Cast: Cameron Simpson, Danna Davis, Lucy Carolan

Mary Poppins Returns Cast: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily Blunt

Once Upon A Deadpool Cast: Ryan Reynolds, T.J. Miller, Zazie Beetz, Josh Brolin, Julian Dennison, Leslie Uggams, Morena Baccarin

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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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1 2 3 9 5 4 6 7 8

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9 5 7 4 2 1 8 3 6

Puzzle 1 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.65)

2 4 8 7 3 6 1 5 9

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4 2 8 6 3 1 7 9 5

2 9 3 1 6 4 8 5 7

8 7 6 9 5 2 3 4 1

1 4 5 7 8 3 6 2 9

Puzzle 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.55)

3 5 7 9 6 2 8 4 1

4 9 1 8 7 5 3 6 2

8 2 6 1 4 3 7 9 5

5 3 9 6 1 4 2 7 8

1 4 2 7 3 8 9 5 6

6 7 8 2 5 9 4 1 3

9 6 3 5 8 7 1 2 4

7 8 5 4 2 1 6 3 9

Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.39)

2 1 4 3 9 6 5 8 7

THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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hat do you get when Britain’s Blackadder, smiling in a rather exasperbrightest writers team up with ated manner, tries again: “yes...and no. Let’s some of the country’s greatest ac- try again, shall we? I have two beans, then I tors? You get a show that is one of the best, add two more beans. What does that make?” funniest and wittiest pieces of television Baldrick’s reply: A very small casserole,” to work ever written. A show that is as relwhich Blackadder replies in typically deadevant with audiences today as it was when pan fashion: “Baldrick, The ape-creatures it first hit TV screens, and a show that of the Indus have mastered this.” continues to be in great demand by people But Baldrick is only one of the idiotic of all ages across the world. characters that the extremely suave BlackThe product of comedy writers Richard adder has to put up with. Queen Elizabeth, Curtis and Ben Elton, and featuring some of played by Miranda Richardson, does have the smartest, most intelligent actors of the an attraction towards him, but it does not country, including Rowan Atkinson, Hugh help that she has the mentality of a fiveLaurie, Stephen Fry, Tim McInnerny and year-old, which of course she can get away Tony Robinson, Blackadder II is among the with: Queenie’s favourite response to those best comedy shows produced, period. who disagree with her consist of two rather Blackadder II was first released by the short words: “Who’s Queen?”

BBC in the UK in 1986, and continues to be The best example of this would be a as fresh now as it was back then, pointing story the queen is being told by her Lord to some great writing and acting. Set dur- Chamberlain Melchett, who is played by ing the Elizabethan era from 1558 to 1603, the legendary Stephen Fry. It goes somethis particular series follows Lord Black- thing like this: “Grey, I suspect Majesty,” adder, one of the queen’s favourites, who says Melchett, to which the queen replies, is always trying to increase “I think you’ll find it was orhis social standing so that ange Lord Melchett.” “Grey THE SHORT AND SKINNY he may live a life of greater is more usual mam,” he rewealth and luxury. sponds, only for Queenie to Name: Blackadder II Played by Rowan Atkinsay, “Who’s queen?” to which Genre: Comedy son – the man behind the Mr Melchett has no option but Produced by: BBC Bean fame – Lord Blackadto reply, “As you say Majesty, Number of episodes: 6 der is cunning, crafty, cynithere were these magnifiRuntime: 30 minutes per episode cal and devious man whose cent orange elephants which What’s it about: From this hilarious schemes to win Queenies’ were coming.” take on Elizabethan England comes favour are often derailed But that is only the surface one of the finest, funniest shows to by his two dim-witted sideof Queenie’s childish malice. ever hit TV screens. It may have been kicks. The inept, extremely One episode sees Blackadmade over 20 years ago, but Blackdense Baldrick (played by der about to get married, adder is by far among the finest TV Tony Robinson), often laand when he asks for the shows you will ever watch belled as the stupidest man queen’s blessing, she has but Where to watch: Netflix, YouTube alive in the history of the one simple request: “Just tell (official BBC channel), BBC iPlayer, world, and his slightly less me one thing. Is her nose as Amazon, iTunes, various inept fellow aristocrat, pretty as mine?” with Blackstreaming sites Lord Percy Percy, heir to adder responding in the IMDB Rating: 8.6/10 the Duchy of Northumbria negative, to which she says, (portrayed by Tim McIn“h good, because otherwise nerny) are two of the greatI would have cut it off. And est sources of inept comedy in the series. then you would have to marry someone The Blackadder series is known for its without a nose and that wouldn’t be very extremely sarcastic sense of humour, and nice, would it? Imagine the mess when there is plenty of that littered across the she’s got a cold! Yuck!” second series. Take, for example, a converIt is into this odd world of whimsy and sation where Blackadder is attempting to weirdness, that provides an amazing winteach Baldrick mathematics. dow into the manner in which inept aristo“Right Baldrick, let’s try again, shall we? crats ruled over the peasantry that BlackadThis is called adding,” says Edmund, as der seems to showcase in a brilliantly funny he gestures to the beans on the table. “If I manner, and for that reason and so many have two beans, and then I add two more, more, this series is a classic that is simply what do I have?” to which Baldrick replies, worth watching.

“Some beans.”

– gautam@timesofoman.com

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TIMES DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

BLACKADDER II

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The Muscat International Jewellery Exhibition (MIJEX) was held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The13th annual cultural event of Uttaranchal Wing of Indian Social Club -Oman, was held recently at the Club’s multipurpose hall with a range of performances.

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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 51 DECEMBER 20, 2018

Red Bull Titan of the Hill held its 2nd edition event in Oman’s Misfaat Al Abriyeen in Wilayat Al Hamra, located in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate.

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DAZZLING PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL TALENTED ARTISTS AT MINARA SPORTS ICONS AWARDS NIGHT- 2018

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he show began with Oman’s National Anthem. After the welcome speech “Omani Football Theme Song” was rendered by Young Omani Singers’ group led by Munther Hassan accompanied by Shabib Al Balushi, Zuhair Al Balushi and Mohammed Al Zadjali. A perfect song matching theme, set the ball rolling.

This was followed by an excellent display of skills by young girls: Sophia, Kiana, Razan, Mariia, Aleksandra, Ameena, Jannat and Maya of Ballet & Folklore Centre, choreographed by Alena. It was indeed mesmerising. Salim Al Maqrashi, one of the best Oud players of Oman enthralled the crowd by playing a mix of Arabic, Western and Hindi music.

All Omani Boyz team “Parkour Freaks”— Saied Al Farsi, Ahmed Al Yahyaee and Maher Al Mashari exhibited daring stunts of Parkour, a new sports not known to many in this part of the world. The spellbound crowd was in awe.

Marion, a dancer and choreographer began the second round of performances.

A contemporary fusion dance comprising of Flamenco, modern, belly and Indian was really captivating.

A group of nine Muscat Singing Icons – Shekar, Haider Naqvi, Vineet, Sarfaraz, Sradha, Vishnu, Madhav, Nakshatra and Ananya — rocked the crowd rendering popular and inspiration song on cricket

from Hindi Movie Lagaan.

This was followed by another rocking performance by Philippine school girls Gabrielle Angela, Mia, Radha Krishnalie and Juliane Mari. They sang the FIFA World Cup theme song which was originally sung

by Shakira.

Omani duo Mohd. Nasser Al Naufli and Ameer Al Balushi amazed the crowd with their freestyle football juggling skills.

Commencing the final round of performances — Omani singer Munther Hassan in his mesmerising voice sang the popular Hindi film song Tere Sang Yaara, arousing applause from the crowd. He was given a standing ovation by the audience. He is being prepared for a popular Reality singing show on one of the Indian TV channels by Talent Hunters Oman.

All Omani B- Boyz group “S N K Revo” comprising Mazin Al Rashdi (B – Boy Dark Flow), Taha Al Rashdi (T-Tone), Abdullah Al Rawahi (Engine) and Mohammaed Al Wahaibi (Kilwa) stunned the crowd with their brilliant daring performance.

Jai Ho an extremely popular, inspirational and motivational song, sung by Muscat Teen Singing Sensations — Sradha, Nakshatra, Vishnu and Madhav, supported by a dazzling performance by the dance group from Delicious Dance Academy was choreographed by Team DDA was a befitting grand finale of the show.

WHAT MAKES GITI TIRES A POPULAR CHOICE IN OMAN AND THE WORLD

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n the world of tyres, Giti Tire is synonymous with the highest standard of quality control procedures, top class R&D facilities, motorsports proven technology, awards and the trust it has built over 60 years. These are the reasons what make Giti Tire the popular choice in Oman and over 130 countries across the globe.

Firstly, a highly stringent quality control system and concern for the safety and quality demands in regions across the globe separates the brand from the competition.

With a focus on production and quality management, Giti Tire has world-class manufacturing facilities in China, Indonesia and USA. The company supplies many of the world’s top auto manufacturers and supports more than 400 models with over 67,000 point of sales worldwide.

Secondly, Giti Tire, the Singapore-based

tyre company, has research and development facilities in Germany, USA, China, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom. A team of over 600 experienced R&D engineers in five cutting-edge facilities around the world and top quality equipment ensure the upmost quality of tyre production and delivery.

Thirdly, Giti Tire provides customers the confidence that their everyday tyres are developed from motorsports proven technology. This trust is reinforced by the fact that motorsports often pushes tyres to limits that normal tyres would never be subjected to in daily driving.

It therefore provides design engineers with very valuable and comprehensive details, used in the development of new tread patterns, construction designs, and manufacturing processes.

In the end, this makes better and safer tyres for all of Giti Tire customers. Giti Tire has several years of experience in great endurance races.

All this has earned Giti Tire extensive recognition from highly credited organisations around the world and some of the automotive industry’s largest names, including multiple top supplier awards from General Motors.

Giti Tire products are trusted by all types of individuals, from the everyday driver to top motorsports performers.

Through the highest level of performance and an extensive dealer network, the brand has built a reputation for quality, performance, and safety. It has garnered respect around the world. Giti Tire has an environmental and humanitarian drive that ties into all actions.

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INNOVATION BY HUAWEI CONSOLIDATES ITS POSITION AS ICONIC GLOBAL TECH BRAND

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uawei, the iconic global tech brand, consolidated its position as an international leader in tech innovation by retaining its position as the world’s second largest smartphone vendor in Q3, according to data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. Leading the innovation space in the smartphone industry, Huawei Consumer Business Group (CBG) is ranked the 6th biggest spender in R&D globally, with $45 billion spent over the last 10 years and a whopping $13.23 billion last year only.

Consumers in the Omani market have embraced Huawei’s devices that embed innovation into their DNA and are designed to incorporate future technologies operating within a highly secure and stable ecosystem.

With 14 R&D centres, 36 joint innovation centres and 45 training centres around the world, Huawei’s commitment to R&D has enabled it to emerge as a leader that prioritises safety and security of its users and introduce In-Device Artificial Intelligence chipsets in the industry.

With the growing demand and presence of AI technology cutting across various sectors, AI-powered devices are increasingly dominating the tech landscape as they promise faster response times, efficient operations and unparalleled visual

results. To this end, Huawei introduced in 2018 the Kirin 980, the first 7nm mobile AI chip, through the launch of the Huawei Mate 20 Pro, which is the ultimate engine to power next-generation productivity and entertainment applications designed to bring cutting-edge raw performance to consumers.

This year, with the launch of its flagship smartphone, the Huawei Mate 20 Pro, Huawei has enjoyed incredible success,

thanks to its extraordinary new features such as the revolutionary matrix camera system with the world’s first ultra-wide angle Leica triple camera, 2.5 cm Leica macro shots, a long-lasting battery and the trailblazing reverse charging feature. The Huawei Mate 20 Pro also pioneered a new era of AI powered smartphone cinematography with its unique AI Portrait Colour video mode.

Huawei is the fastest growing smartphone brand in the MEA region. Furthermore, according to the Growth from

Knowledge (GFK) August 2018 report, Huawei CBG’s market share in the region was 21.5% - cementing its position as the second smartphone vendor in the Middle M East and Africa region.

Huawei ranks 79 globally in the Hu Forbes Forbe Most Valuable Brands in the World Wor list, representing Chinese innovation, innovation leadership and success.

With its pi pioneering technology, delivering On-Devic On-Device Artificial Intelligence, Huawei CBG is shaping the future of smartphones as intelligent tools that understand users u and help them develop more meaningful meanin ways to stay connected. technology offers an Its game-changing game-cha advanced and powerful system designed next-generation to deliver unparalleled unp smartphone innovation for the consumers of today aand allows them to fully immerse the themselves in today’s dynamic digital world.

Through its heavy investments and commitment to innovation, Huawei has shifted from smartphones to the intelligent phones by developing components and technologies that power AI computing and offer a significantly faster intelligent experience within a highly secure and stable ecosystem for consumers in the region.

‘RED BULL TITAN OF THE HILL’ VISITS THE OLD VILLAGE OF MISFAAT AL ABRIYEEN

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n Friday November 23, 2018, Red Bull Titan of the Hill held its 2nd edition event in Oman’s Misfaat Al Abriyeen in Wilayat Al Hamra, located in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. The competitive platform for mountain bikers is a second-time event and a local Oman initiative.

The mountain biking downhill event is targeted at intermediate riders in a timetrial format. The event was open to the public to attend and experience it.

Open to bikers from different backgrounds and disciplines, the event witnessed participation from surrounding GCC countries such as UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.

To challenge the riders, and put their stamina to the test, each rider was required to carry his bike to the top of the mountain up a trail built from natural material, 1,000 metres above sea-level from up a trail – that crosses four different backgrounds: rocky and technical section, fast flow urban stairs, paved road and a tight passage through palm tree farmlands.

Once at the starting point each rider

individually rides downwards through the heart of Misfaat Al Abriyeen Village against the clock.

The riders ride from the descending mountain passing from the top of the village towards traditional old houses; passing though farms, sitting areas and rest shelters.

In the second edition of Titan of the Hill that took place in Misfaat Al Abriyeen, Tom Broodie, from Australia was named ‘Titan of the Hill’ Male Category at 00:02:06 minutes. Chanelle Grundlingh, from South Africa, was named ‘Titan of the Hill’ Female Category at 00:04:22 minutes.

Red Bull Titan of The Hill was not just another event, it was a whole Omani experience where participants got to ride through the 300 years old village, eat pure Omani traditional food, and camp with the locals.

The highly anticipated Red Bull Titan of the Hill was held in partnership with Omantel, Ministry of Tourism, Twenty3extreme, Oman Oasis Water, Oman Trailbuilders, Misfah Old House, Muscat Bike Shop, Oman Trailbuilders, BOSE, Mwasalaat, and others.