T Weekly for January 3, 2019 by Muscat Media Group

VOL 11 ISSUE 53 / JANUARY 3, 2019

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 53 JANUARY 3, 2019

Let’s make a fresh start

lato had once said, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” As we welcome the year 2019 with cheer and

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

hope, let’s have a fresh start, set some new goals and make it a wonderful new beginning. Keeping with that spirit, our cover story this week focuses on New Year resolutions. Residents

resolutions, people often make unachievable promises, which are hard to

Graphics Editor: Antonio Farach Design Editor: Sahir K.M. Lead Designer: Geri B. Sonny Designer: Gregory Fernandez, Jerrard Cedro

keep. A massive overhaul is never easy. Instead, if we start small it has a

Production Manager: Shafi Shaik

of Oman share some easy, achievable goals. When it comes to making

bigger impact. So don’t set your eyes on something that is big; rather create one small change and see the difference. It’s all about setting a realistic goal

Photography: MMG Photographers

that you can stick with. And if your resolution list includes eating better and healthier, try out

On The Cover: Design by Gregory Fernandez

some healthy juices suggested by our food columnist Oneza Tabish. For those who are still in the party mood, our fashion columnist shares some vital tips on how to look fashionably different this year.

For general enquiries or comments: swati@timesofoman.com

A new year, a new start! —Swati Dasgupta

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

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

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 53 JANUARY 3, 2019

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK 04

FRIDAY Register for the Wetskills Challenge Held in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, Sultan Qaboos University and the Middle East Desalination Research Centre (MEDRC), the Wetskills Challenge runs from March 15 to 26. Registration closes on January 15. It’s open to recent graduates and researchers working in the field of sustainable development.

THURSDAY

SUNDAY

Catch Zucchero, the King of Blues, at Royal Opera House Muscat In a career spanning more than three decades, the internationally successful Italian singer, songwriter and musician with the stage name Zucchero, has sold over 80 million records. First known as the ‘The Father of Italian Blues’, Zucchero Fornaciari now alternates between Italian ballads and boogie-like R&B pieces. Zucchero has collaborated with famous musicians, among whom are Eric Clapton, Miles Davis, Ray Charles, Sting, Bono, Peter Gabriel and Luciano Pavarotti. Catch him live at the ROHM at 7pm.

05 SATURDAY Go for a picnic to the beach Al Ghubrah Public Beach is a family-oriented beach, with picnic benches and shaded areas. In the evening near the desalination plant there are several food trucks which offer good and inexpensive fare.

Enjoy the melodies of Jalsa Arabiah at the Royal Opera House Muscat Two of the Arab World’s greatest artists share the stage, Saudi singer and composer, Abadi Al Johar and Yemeni singer and composer, Ahmed Fathi. They create an exciting dialogue together, performing and improvising on the oud with some of their famous compositions and songs. At the ROHM at 7pm.

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08 TUESDAY

A visit to the Friday F Market Souq Al Jumaa iis popularly known as Market at Wadi Kabir which is the Friday Marke open from morn morning till night. A bustling flea market with everything available from jewellery, campin camping gear, carpets and even cars. There is a ssection with clothing, and food stalls are al also nearby.

MONDAY Begin your final prep for the Muscat Marathon Al Mouj Muscat Marathon begins on January 18, and now is the time to begin your final prep! Have you been training like a champion? Get up early, and ensure you’re out there giving it your all in training so that you can stay ahead of the pack come race day.

Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero (Film) Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family Cast: Logan Lerman, Helena Bonham Carter, Gérard Depardieu The true story of a stray dog who joins his new master on the battlefields of the First World War. For his valorous actions, Sgt. Stubby is still recognised as the most decorated dog in American history.

WEDNESDAY

Get excited for the Muscat Festival We’re sure you’re already excited, but just in case you’re not, you now know you need to. The 2019 Muscat Festival begins on January 10, and if that isn’t a reason to get sufficiently excited, then we don’t know what is!

I Still See You (Film) Genre: Fantasy, Thriller Cast: Bella Thorne, Richard Harmon, Dermot Mulroney

Welcome Home (Film) Genre: Thriller Cast: Emily Ratajkowski, Aaron Paul, Riccardo Scamarcio

Set ten years after an apocalyptic event that killed millions and left the world inhabited by ghosts.

A couple spend a weekend at a vacation rental home in the Italian countryside in an attempt to repair their relationship, but soon become victims of the homeowner’s sinister plans.

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It’s that time of the year again... once the ball has dropped on New Year’s Eve, the confetti’s been cleared away and the celebrations have ended, and you’re offered a plate of delicious crème caramel or whatever treat suits your fancy.

STORY GAUTAM VISWANATHAN

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THE MOST COMMON NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS 1. Begin a meditation practice. 2. Discover something new each day. 3. Get a hobby.

ou salivate in anticipation, your stomach gurgles gleefully at the delicious morsels of food that are going to come its way any second now, you reach out for it, knowing that this sweet treat will satisfy your immediate cravings. You grab a spoon and penetrate its sugarcoated surface, the first bite of dessert now halfway to your mouth. Happiness, a thrilling, happy, burst of wonderful goodness, is just seconds away. Your entire body tenses in anticipation, and then, you stop, in a juddering, shuddering motion that your body just cannot seem to comprehend. You’ve always indulged in the past, why won’t you sate your body’s needs now? The answer is simple – today is not that day when you used to consume desserts by the plateful. Today is the first day of a new you. A new you that will be shaped, thanks to the New Year’s resolution you made to eat healthier. Yes, you’ve made it a day on the way to becoming a new you. But will you be able to do so for a year, a month, or even a week? People around the world have trouble sticking to their New Year’s resolutions, and science has explained why. As early as 1988 (or before I was born), John Norcross of the University of Scranton and Dominic Vangarelli, vice president of the Geisinger Marworth Treatment Centre, published a paper that looked into why people let go of their New Year’s resolutions so easily. They studied 200 people over a period of six months and found that less than 40 of them were able to keep their resolutions for two years. Titled The resolution solution: Longitudinal examination of New Year’s change attempts, the study found that a lack of self-control, excessive stress and negative emotions all contributed to people abandoning their New Year’s resolutions. “This study prospectively tracked the self-change attempts of 200 New Year’s resolvers over a two-year period in order to more fully understand the coping determinants of maintenance and the natural history of lapses and relapses,” said Norcross and Vangarelli. “Some 77 per cent maintained their pledges for one week but only 19% for two years. Successful resolvers reported employing significantly more stimulus control, reinforcement, and willpower than the unsuccessful over the two years.” “Social support and interpersonal strategies failed to predict success before six months but did so thereafter,” they

4. Eat less. 5. Read more. 6. Be more grateful. 7. Quit procrastinating. 8. Strive to be more conﬁdent. 9. Appreciate the little things. 10. Put away some time a day for yourself. Source - Quora

added. “Counterconditioning and fading were retrospectively nominated as the most efficacious coping strategies; paucity of willpower and failure of stimulus control were reported as the most hindering to maintenance. Fifty-three per cent of the successful group experienced at least one slip, and the mean number of slips over the two-year interval was 14. Slips were typically precipitated by a lack of personal control, excessive stress, and negative emotion.” It might sound a bit nerdy for some, but when a scientist (you know, one of those super-educated, super-aware people) says something is wrong, you know he’s not messing about. Funnily enough, one of the most common New Year resolutions is to not make a New Year’s resolution, simply because it’s difficult to stick to one. Tanvi Mohindra, an expat who was raised in the Sultanate and works here, says a New Year’s resolution does not have to begin on the ﬁrst of January. It is not a knee-jerk reaction that begins with the start of the year, but one that requires adopting the spirit of wanting to change, rather than a compulsion to do so. A regular volunteer with animal rights groups in Oman, Tanvi’s home is shared with a 12-year-old Golden Retriever that she adopted, and is now a much-loved member by all of her family. She says she has learned much both inside and outside the office, and she’s looking forward to continuing to learn throughout the next year as well. For her, it’s not just the goal that matters, but how she gets there. “Professionally, I have seen myself grow a lot, especially with how to deal with things when under immense pressure, having the focus and a clear mind to make an informed decision in critical times. This applies to my personal life as well.

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 53 JANUARY 3, 2019

“A family trip after more than a decade was something that was pending for a very long time and we made it happen this year. That was definitely a standout event for me.” She added, “The only resolution should be to live in the present and enjoy it to the fullest because it is true that we don’t know if we will still exist tomorrow; it’s easier said than done but I believe that’s a good way to live. Plan a little but don’t overdo it. Be spontaneous, it is easier and less stressful.” Tanvi’s Tanvi s advice seemed particularly apt in a modern, stress-filled world that all of us inhabit. On the occasion of the New Year, Tanvi asked people to remember to take time out for themselves, instead of living for other people. “We all get so lost in living for others and somewhere forget ourselves… take time out for you!” she said. “Love yourself first completely for whatever you are, however you are and tell yourself that you are beautiful, every single day. Pamper yourself, embrace yourself, discover who you are, and accept that and be okay with you being you. The rest I think will just follow.”

“Keep your positive jar full, it is easy for the negatives to take their place, take risks and be ready to fail and you will discover things about yourself that might just surprise you.” In addition, Ramanuj Venkatesh believes that a New Year’s resolution is not really necessary to exact change. Rather, it is a continuous process that requires constant action in the right direction. A long-term resident of Oman, Ramanuj – or Ram to his friends – went to school in Oman before returning to the Sultanate to take up his first professional job. The 34-year-old has since gone on to work in both Oman and the UAE, and has learned much from what life had in store for him. He says the lessons he’s learned have made him stronger and more perceptive to the challenges that lie ahead, and he took the time to speak to T Weekly and ask people to believe in themselves during testing times. “Looking back on 2018, I had

a mix of ups and downs coupled with some lessons learnt from prior mistakes,” he recalled. “However, certain events that stand out for who I am include my real test of facing adversity when my cards were down. This involved pushing hard and strong to deliver results in an office when criticism was looming. Another instance worth mentioning was the recent passing away of my dear friend, which conveyed a message to me to get tough and hold my ground when the storm of adversity keeps blowing.” “II do not have any New Year resolutions per se,” added Ram. “However, I have certain sustainable plans which should stand out and translate into good results. This would involve going to bed early, reading a book every month, learning a musical instrument and striving for perfection in my job. I am looking forward to

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HOW TO STICK TO YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

7. Give yourself a small reward when you achieve one of the steps en route to your goals.

1. Make only one resolution, it helps in channelling your energy towards one goal.

2. Don’t wait until New Year’s Eve to choose your resolution. Take some time out a few days before.

3. Avoid previous resolutions – you might be setting yourself up for disappointment.

4. Don’t follow the herd. Think about what you want in life.

5. Break your goal into a series of steps – make it one that is measurable and time-based.

6. Tell your friends and family about your goals.

8. Create a journal to plan and document your progress.

9. Stay motivated and make a checklist of how achieving your resolution will help you.

10. Expect to revert to your old habits from time to time. The important thing is to learn from them. Source – The UK’s National Health Service

a promising yet challenging year. Given the current economic circumstances an and competitive work environment, I will ke keep my head held high and march ahead with courage and determination, not just with hope but with unnerving conﬁdence.” He added, “I would advise others to work with passion and dedication by listening to their souls. This will help them see a better future for years.” It is important to remember that the New Year is not meant to be an avenue for drastic character transformations. It is a period for people to reﬂect on their past lifestyles and promise to effect mor more

positive lifestyle changes. Thus, setting small attainable goals throughout the year instead of a big singular goal on the ﬁrst of January can make it easier to achieve whatever you are striving for. But to ﬁnd out what went on through the psyche of those who grappled with sticking to their New Year’s resolutions, T Weekly also got in touch with Dr Nutaila Al Kharusi, a psychologist and the managing director of Al Harub Medical Center, a clinic which provides counselling services to children, adolescents and families. “It is also essential to recognise that the extent of change does not matter as much as the act of acknowledging that lifestyle change and working towards it gradually,” she explained. “In essence, making New Year resolutions into goals that are small and realistic, means that there is a greater chance that you will adhere to them throughout the year and instil them in your everyday life.” “Remember, change takes time,” added Al Kharusi. “Replacing unhealthy habits with healthier ones take a long time and it’s not easy. Don’t beat yourself up about it if it doesn’t work out. Recognise the efforts that you put into attaining these goals. Requesting help and support to attain these goals is ideal as this makes your journey much easier when you share your struggles and fears with others. Good luck!” But the inability to commit to one’s New Year’s resolution may not be something over which you need to beat yourself up (please don’t make that your resolution). It’s just the way we are wired as individuals. It is, however, as a community that we achieve our goals. That is the reason most therapy sessions are held in groups. “Part of the problem is that people are generally bad at ignoring their

current state to make decisions about how they will feel in the future,” said Jake Campling, Jackie Andrade, David J. Kavanagh and Jon May of the British Psychological Society. “Each one of these decisions is made harder by the fact that we respond strongly to rewards that are available right now than to rewards we shall receive after a delay. We are biologically programmed to live for the present.” Nothing that is worth doing, after all, is easy. Campling, Andrade, Kavanagh and May have suggested several techniques to help you battle your binge-eating demons, or control your cravings. These include getting social support, planning to stay in control, and recognising the short-term beneﬁts of control. Another strong tactic that works effectively is picturing the new you. A picture after all does speak a thousand words, and the positive mental impact this has could be far greater than a simple verbal commitment. They added, “When someone with a New Year resolution to lose weight is faced with the option of buying a healthy lunch or the unhealthy lunch that they are craving, there is competition between the two desires. The long-term desire to lose weight and be healthier at the end of the year is pitted against the desire for the immediately available tempting food. “One problem with this kind of decision is the timescale,” said Campling and Co. “If you look at it rationally, the prospect of becoming healthier or living longer should outweigh any desires for unhealthy meals and snacks. However, we don’t always make these logical, long-term choices. Instead, we tend to discount or devalue rewards that we must wait for, a phenomenon known as delay discounting. The longer it is until you will receive the reward, the less you value it.” –gautam@timesofoman.com

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A CUP FULL OF GOODNESS RECIPES ONEZA TABISH

PAPAYA KALE JUICE It is a sweet and refreshing juice with a healthy twist of kale. The enzymes in papaya juice aid in digestion. Ingredients • 1/2 small papaya (peeled and seeds removed) • 3 kale leaves • 1/2 inch ginger • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Preparation • Blend all the ingredients in a juicer. • Serve immediately.

HEALTH BOOSTER JUICE A fruity delight made from grapes and strawberries with the goodness of beetroot. Ingredients • 1/2 cup black grapes • 1/4 cup fresh strawberries • 1/4 cup beetroot, boiled and chopped • 1/2 cup crushed ice Preparation • Combine all the ingredients and blend in a mixer till smooth. Strain and pour into glasses. Serve immediately.

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TOMATO CUCUMBER CELERY JUICE A tangy juice that has health and wellness written all over. Ingredients • 1 cucumber • 2 cups tomatoes, chopped • 1 celery stalk • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt • Pepper to taste • Mint leaves for garnishing Preparation • Blend the cucumber, tomato and celery stalk. Season with salt and pepper. • Garnish with mint leaves and serve chilled.

WELLNESS IN A GLASS JUICE A delicious and healthy concoction of beetroot and carrots with just the right kick of salt and pepper. Ingredients • 1 cup beetroot (chopped and boiled) • 1 cup carrot (chopped) • 1 teaspoon pepper • A pinch of salt Preparation • Blend all the ingredients and serve chilled.

GREEN DELIGHT JUICE Green juice is a health rage that’s rich in antioxidants and acts as a blood puriﬁer.

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.’

Ingredients • 2 cups spinach leaves • 1 green apple peeled, deseeded and chopped • 1 handful parsley • 4-5 mint leaves • 1/4 lemon juice Preparation • Put all ingredients in a juicer and blend them. Stir and drink immediately.

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1) GET NOTICEABLE ACCESSORIES – You don’t need to change all your accessories to make an impression; just concentrate on the ones which are the most noticeable. Get a new clutch if you’ve been carrying a tote bag through fall or retire your old watch and swap it with a pretty bracelet. 2) EXPERIMENT WITH NAIL AND LIP COLOURS – The best part about these is that you can just wipe it off if your buddies burst into a ﬁt of laughter. But don’t be shy to try new colours you haven’t tried before. You might just ﬁnd a favourite shade in the process.

WAYS TO TRY A DIFFERENT LOOK THIS NEW YEAR There’s something about the new year that makes one want to try something fresh, isn’t it? But it doesn’t have to be extreme and neither does it have to be heavy on the wallet. Check out our list of ideas. STORY ANTARA BOSE

3) GET A NEW HAIRDO – We don’t mean something like chopping off your long locks to sport a pixie cut; you can definitely be more subtle about it. Try fringes or bangs, for example. And if you aren’t feeling too experimental with your hair, just part your hair differently and you’ll have a new look. 4) RESHAPE YOUR EYEBROWS – Eyebrows really define your face. If you’ve always been a safe-player and followed the arches of your natural brows, ask a good stylist for suggestions on what is trending and opt for one that would compliment your features. 5) GO FOR LASH EXTENSIONS – Bat away to your heart’s content with full, luscious peepers. Lash extensions are huge right now and are getting simpler to opt for with every passing year. Go for a treatment you’re comfortable with, and we’re pretty certain you’ll love the results. 6) TRY A NEW COLOUR IN CONTACT LENSES – A different eye colour can significantly change your appearance. You can keep it looking natural and close to your original tone or go for something that is absolutely fierce. You now have shades like red, purple and golden; just don’t opt for white — it’s not Halloween yet! 7) TRY DIFFERENT MAKEUP STYLES – If you’re someone who always steers towards dewy makeup, try your hand at bronzing. Makeup can do wonders, and it’s always fun to experiment with new looks. With millions of online tutorials on countless new looks, it’s really quite easy to learn a trending style.

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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MIA & THE WHITE LION Cast: Daniah De Villiers, Langley Kirkwood, Mélanie Laurent

THE SISTERS BROTHERS Cast: John C. Reilly, Jake Gyllenhaal, Joaquin Phoenix

Hameed is a guy who grew up under his father’s feather without knowing who his mother is. After his father’s death, people from his village started teasing him by saying “Hameed is an orphan now”. A disheartened Hameed decides to go for an eventful journey in search of his mother and prove others that he is not an orphan.

A young girl from London moves to Africa with her parents where she befriends a lion cub.

In 1850s Oregon, a gold prospector is chased by the infamous duo of assassins, the Sisters Brothers.

ENTE UMMANTE PERU Malayalam Cast: Tovino Thomas, Urvashi

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BACKTRACE Cast: Ryan Guzman, Matthew Modine, Sylvester Stallone A heist-gone-wrong in a quiet town results in multiple deaths and a survivor, MacDonald, whose wounds left him unable to remember where $500,000 is stashed. When a mysterious trio break MacDonald out of a mental hospital to recover the cash, they inject him with an experimental serum that sends his mind careening into other eras and revealing the secrets of his mind. As a local cop (Stallone) and an FBI agent close in, MacDonald ﬁghts to recall the robbery before a long-forgotten enemy follows the clues and catches up to him.

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

KGF: CHAPTER 1 Cast: Yash, Srinidhi Shetty, Mouni Roy The movie traverses the life of one man from his birth to death, his rise, the inﬂuence of his mother’s last words, destiny and an insatiable thirst for power.

A teenage girl and her father travel to a remote alien moon, aiming to strike it rich. They’ve secured a contract to harvest a large deposit of the elusive gems hidden in the depths of the moon’s toxic forest. But there are others roving the wilderness and the job quickly devolves into a ﬁght to survive.

COMING SOON

PROSPECT Cast: Andre Royo, Jay Duplass, Pedro Pascal, Sheila Vand, Sophie Thatcher

Holmes and Watson Cast: Will Ferrell, Ralph Fiennes, Rebecca Hall, Noah Jupe, Hugh Laurie, Kelly Macdonald, John C. Reilly

Petta Tamil Cast: Simran, Rajinikanth, Trisha Krishnan, Vijay Sethupathy, Nawazuddin Siddiqui

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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

5 6

7 6 3

7 5

Level | Moderate

3 1

4 9

Level | Difficult

8 4

7 2

Difficult

8 1 2 5 7 6 9

6 7 9 5 8 1 2 3 4

5 8 3 9 4 2 1 7 6

4 2 1 3 7 6 9 5 8

8 5 4 7 1 3 6 9 2

7 9 2 4 6 8 3 1 5

1 3 6 2 5 9 4 8 7

Medium

4 2 1 7 3 9 8 5 6

2 6 5 4 9 8 3 1 7

7 4 3 1 6 2 9 8 5

1 8 9 3 5 7 6 4 2

6 7 4 5 2 3 1 9 8

3 1 8 9 7 6 5 2 4

9 5 2 8 4 1 7 6 3

4 2 8 3 1 5 6 9 7

9 7 6 8 2 4 5 1 3

1 3 5 7 6 9 4 8 2

6 1 3 4 7 8 2 5 9

7 5 4 2 9 3 8 6 1

2 8 9 1 5 6 3 7 4

8 9 2 5 4 7 1 3 6

5 4 7 6 3 1 9 2 8

3 6 1 9 8 2 7 4 5

THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

Easy

icture this. Your master is the most her iron legions, having never faced defeat powerful being that ever lived. He’s in the field, and adhering to the code of not gotten there by being nice or the warrior. They fight with honour, and kind; he’s the big kahuna because he rules respect their enemies. To meet the Disfathrough fear and intimidation. vored in open war is to risk certain death. He raises vast armies from among those Led by Graven Ashe, the Archon of War, the who serve him, making even their proudest Disfavored are a band of soldiers who fight chiefs bow to him in servitude, and without for each other and respect their leader. a second thought, unleashes his forces on Then there’s the Scarlet Chorus, a ragtag lands that are foolish enough to resist him, force of yelling, screeching fighters who or in this case, her. You are the one leading take pleasure in slaughtering their enemies. those forces, and your word is law. To them, war is not a duty, but a dance. Welcome to the world of Tyranny, a roleLed by the Voices of Nerat, who command playing game where good choices are punthrough secrecy and deceit, the Scarlet ished and bad ones are rewarded. Created Chorus gives their captives two simple by Obsidian Entertainment and Paradox choices — serve or die. Interactive, Tyranny is a fantasy game that But why have two of Kyros’ most feared takes place in a world where the Overlord armies descended on the Tiers? Three Kyros rules with an iron fist. years after its initial invasion, the Vendrien Through her generals – named Archons Guard, a group of warriors loyal to house in game – she continues to Vendrien, decided to continue feed her hunger for power their war against Kyros, in the and domination, and emhope that their guerrilla war THE SHORT AND SKINNY ploys a group of men and would inspire others to take women named Fatebindup arms against them. Name: Tyranny ers to ensure her laws are But complete and utter vicGenre: Fantasy RPG obeyed without question, tory is not all that spurs the Produced by: Paradox Interactive and those who do doubt her Disfavored and Scarlet Choand Obsidian Entertainment will are ruthlessly put down rus to eliminate the Vendrien What it’s about: In a world ruled by without question. Guard. Kyros is not pleased fear and chaos, Kyros the Overlord’s You are the latest with the manner in which the word is law. You are among those Fatebinder to enter Kyros’ two armies have been trying chosen to serve her and enact her thrall, armed with the power to outdo each other, spendwill. Will you bow to her commands, of life and death. It’s not just ing more time bickering and or seek your own way? innocent villagers and happlacing the blame at the tents Where to buy: Steam Store, Paradox less townsfolk who quiver of their commanders, than Plaza, GOG Games, Amazon.com, in your presence, but Kyros’ actually getting anything Apple Store, Humble Bundle own minions, be it soldiers done. The Overlord has sent Platforms: PC, Mac OSX, Linux or servants, who watch your you to get the job done. OthIGN Rating: 8.3/10 approach with fear. When erwise, she will unleash one a Fatebinder arrives to disof her Edicts, spells of power pense justice, it is because that destroy all in their path, Kyros’ armies have failed to do their duty sparing no mercy for either friend or foe. and enforce the overlord’s will. It is your job to get this done, no matTyranny is set in the realm of Teratus, ter the cost, or Kyros will take things into a land of might and magic which is set in her own hands, once again paying tribute the transitory period between the Bronze to that old saying, “If you want something and Iron Ages. Having conquered all of the done right, do it yourself.” known world, Kyros’ banners now flutter in Made by the same team that made Star the direction of the Tiers, a last holdout of Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Neverrebels who refuse to bow to her might. Havwinter Nights 2, Alpha Protocol, Fallout: ing laid siege and occupied the border towns, New Vegas, Dungeon Siege III, South Park where Tunon the Adjudicator, the Archon of the Stick of Truth and Pillars of Eternity, Justice, holds court in Kyros’ name, you are Tyranny features some stunning landtasked with bringing the rest of the Tiers to scapes, great voice acting and fun gameplay. heel…a task far easier said than done. A game worthy of your time this weekend Two of Kyros’ armies have been sent to and many others. subdue the Tiers. The elite Disfavored are – gautam@timesofoman.com

TIMES DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

TYRANNY

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Iranian artist Mahnoush Abbasgholy exhibits her paintings of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said at Al Araimi Boulevard in Maabelah. —Pictures by Shabin E.

The Muscat Gujarati Samaj, Gujarati Wing of the Indian Social Club Oman, recently organised “Sur, Saaz Aur Awaaz” – a musical concert paying tribute to Bollywood music legend R. D. Burman at the Indian Embassy Auditorium.

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Indian School Wadi Kabir held its annual exhibition for 2018-2019. This year’s theme was ‘Innovation in Sustainable Development’.

Indian School Wadi Kabir held their Inter-House Dramatics (English) along with the distribution of the Mathradas Khimji Memorial Awards for academic excellence for 2017-18 at the school auditorium.

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A’SAFFA FOODS’ KHAYRAT FROZEN VEGETABLE RANGE PROVIDE A VARIETY OF OPTIONS

’Saffa Foods, Oman’s largest fully integrated poultry producer, biggest snack-food and allied products company, has a sumptuous range of frozen vegetable products under its ‘Khayrat’ brand. Handpicked from the best peaking crops in India and then quickly frozen (IQF) to ensure that they maintain their freshness. Khayrat Vegetables are packed, full with nutrition and are the perfect accompaniment to other high protein content A’Saffa products. The brand’s range of frozen vegetable products consists of some of the freshest picks which include Frozen Mixed Vegetables (a mix of green peas, cut green beans and diced red carrots), frozen green peas and frozen sweet corn. Through the Khayrat range of frozen vegetables, A’Saffa Foods unlocks the wonders of vegetables and makes them accessible and enjoyable to everyone, every day. Using vegetables picked and frozen at their freshness peak, the Khayrat range continues to make vegetables an important part of everyday meals in the Sultanate and beyond. The name Khayrat means ‘the ﬁnest

of crops’ or the ‘best quality ingredients’ and this is what A’Saffa Foods strives to provide for customers in everything they produce. Over the past decade families across Oman have trusted the company to bring them an exciting range of natural, healthy and high-protein products and through Khayrat, A’Saffa Foods is very proud of having been able to deliver the

same with their range of frozen vegetable products and more. Commenting on the Khayrat range of vegetable products, A’Saffa Foods’ Head of Marketing and Sales, Hamdoon Al Suqri averred: “Khayrat was introduced as a convenient option for customers who are either vegetarians, or have taken up vegetarianism either because they are on

gluten-restricted diets or simply because they are looking to reduce calorie and carbohydrate impact. We take great pride in our food products and we will continue our tradition of serving family-favourite foods that are healthy and wholesome.” Frozen vegetables are one of the healthiest ways for families to get their daily dose of nutrition and vitamins. It is noteworthy that fresh vegetables and produce can take up to two weeks to actually reach a family’s dinner-table right from the time it has been picked from a farm. Also, fresh vegetables in supermarkets are often older than consumers actually think, making frozen vegetables a healthier, and more nutritious option when compared to fresh vegetables. Providing a range of tasty and exciting solutions that make eating vegetables a memorable, tasty and healthy experience — the Khayrat range has something for everyone. As is with all of the brand’s food products, extensive research was undertaken into the demand for frozen vegetables while bringing the range to the Sultanate and the brand’s custodians are extremely happy with the success of the ‘Khayrat’ range of products.

BANK MUSCAT EXTENDS SUPPORT TO SAYYID ABBAS GOLF TOURNAMENT

ank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, in line with its vision ‘To serve you better, everyday’ and commitment to partnership in promoting Oman as a sporting nation, extended lead support to Sayyid Abbas Golf tournament – the oldest and most prestigious golf championships in Oman hosted by Ghala Golf Club. First initiated in 1979, the annual winter golfing event is held in honour of Ghala Golf Club’s former President, late HH Sayyid Abbas bin Faisal Al Said. The 2 day tournament witnessed keen participation from members of the golfing community who competed at the highest levels in one of the most challenging golf courses in Oman. Abdulnasir Al Raisi, DGM – Premier Banking, honoured the winners at the concluding ceremony. Al Raisi said: “As the nation’s leading banking partner, Bank Muscat attaches great importance to initiatives aimed at contributing to the country’s progress and development in all arenas, including sports. By encouraging sporting activities, the bank seeks to set a fine example of promoting good health and healthy living, thereby motivating others to follow suit and provide the required support vital for developing Oman as a sporting nation.” Al Raisi added: “Bank Muscat is proud

to be engaged in collaborative partnership with Ghala Golf Club to promote Oman as a golfing destination. The bank remains committed to shouldering its developmental and social responsibilities within the framework of co-operation and support to all segments of society.” The bank utilised the opportunity to highlight its asalah Priority Banking services. Leveraging its unmatched nationwide presence, Bank Muscat offers asalah Priority Banking services across all regions through the largest network of asalah centres. Forming a strong franchise that distinguishes it from competitors, asalah Priority Banking meets the requirements of the rapidly growing customer segment with focus on recognition, rewards and solutions which have set a benchmark for personal and relationship based banking in Oman. Bank Muscat has launched various initiatives to support sporting activities in Oman. Notable among them is the Green Sports CSR initiative, which is an ongoing project to green football fields across the Sultanate, aimed at developing a sporting nation and supporting Oman’s youth who represent the future of Oman. The Green Sports initiative launched by Bank Muscat in 2012 has gained momentum with a total of 93 sports teams across the Sultanate benefiting from the support till date.

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 53 JANUARY 3, 2019

OMANTEL UNVEILS VOICE OVER LTE TECHNOLOGY FOR SMARTPHONES

he Sultanate’s first and leading telecommunications provider, Omantel, has unveiled the anticipated Voice over LTE technology (VoLTE), becoming the first telecoms company in Oman to introduce the service. This innovative technology allows customers to enjoy HD voice quality through the use of LTE internet technology during calls. Commenting on the cutting-edge new technology, Omantel’s Senior Manager of Product Development Saleh Al Maimani noted, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of VoLTE service. The service will provide our customers with a world of benefits including high definition voice quality, significantly faster call setup times and the ability to talk and surf the web at the same time. What’s more, we are introducing the service at the same rate as current nonVoLTE calls, designed to maximise value and customer experience. Currently the service will be supported by compatible VoLTE smartphones which are Apple – iPhone X, XS, XS Max, XR,8, 7 and 7 Plus. The service will also be available on

Huawei – P9, P10, Mate 10, P20, P20 Pro, Porsche Design and Mate 20. However, we are working with other providers to ensure the service can be used across a range of handsets.” “Our efforts are derived from our strategy ‘Omantel 3.0’ which empowers us to lead Oman’s digitalisation through the technology we provide and innovate in our offerings. Omantel became the first provider in the Sultanate to introduce 4G LTE capabilities in 2012 and we continue to invest in expanding and enhancing our services in order to deliver unmatched customer experience,” added Saleh Al Maimani. Omantel is the Sultanate’s first and leading integrated telecommunications services provider, enabling the digital society to flourish, allowing new ways of doing business and delivering a world of information, news and entertainment. Today, Omantel boldly innovates to deliver the highest levels of customer satisfaction, the broadest and most reliable nationwide network while investing for Oman’s future development.

MYSK AL MOUJ CONDUCTS BRANDED REGIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMME

ysk Al Mouj recently hosted the second local edition of the Mysk Soul Academy, with attendees flying in from various Shaza and Mysk hotels to nurture their professional capabilities in selling, with further training on customer service. With participants from across Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the academy delivered a handcrafted programme over five days where staff undertook an intensive workshop, moulding their skills and luxury selling experiences. Shafik Alaaeddine, General Manager of Mysk Al Mouj, said, “This is the second time that we have hosted the Soul Academy since our inception in 2017, and a demonstration of our enthusiasm for producing extraordinary guest experiences within a stylish delivery of the everevolving Arabian lifestyle. The academy’s programme was created based on the Shaza brand’s core values, delivered in association with world-class luxury sales trainers, including Signature Inc from the United States, which truly says a lot about the quality of the investments we make in staff. Their commitment to advance themselves and deliver vibrant experiences that will not only be remembered, but inspire return visits is absolutely central to our success”. Mysk Al Mouj’s receipt of an accolade at the prestigious World Travel Awards recent-

ly acknowledged the excellence achieved by its employees, denoting the venue as ‘Oman’s Leading New Hotel’ in 2018. Majda Al Balushi, an Assistant Sales Manager at Mysk Al Mouj, participated in the course. After it concluded, she said, “I have seven years of professional experience in the local hospitality industry, primarily within hotels, and yet I have never seen anything like that delivered at Mysk Soul Academy. This outstanding training programme offered a lot in the way of boosting our knowledge, introducing many new albeit critical areas in sales and customer service for the ﬁrst time; such as negotiation, and other soft skills centred on interpersonal communication. The learning I achieved at the academy will undoubtedly add value to me as a professional and enrich my everyday performance”. A range of attractive propositions, including bespoke facilities and themed dining events each week complement the hotel’s staff development initiatives. Bringing exceptional value to its guests Mysk Al Mouj further introduced Mysk Discovery, a loyalty programme that unveils a whole new travel experience for visitors, allowing guests to indulge in upgrades based on the number of nights they spend at Mysk hotels and GHA branded venues, including 500 hotels, resorts, and palaces worldwide.