Almara - Aug 09

THE GIFT OF KINGS

L E G E N D S O F T H E S I L K ROA D O N W W W. A M O U AG E . C O M

AUGUST 2009 73

FROM THE DESK AUGUST 2009 Vol 7 No 74 EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Salman Ibrahim Al Balushi CONSULTING EDITOR Priya Nair ASSISTANT EDITOR (CONSULTING) Rekha Baala ASSISTANT EDITOR Rana Alawneh PRINCIPAL CORRESPONDENT Deepa Rajan DESIGN

COVER DESIGN : SANDESH RANGNEKAR PHOTOGRAPH: RAJESH BURMAN MODEL: WESAM

ART DIRECTOR Sandesh S. Rangnekar DESIGNERS Aliya Al Waheibi Rashida SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Rajesh Burman PHOTOGRAPHER Sathyadas C. Narayanan PRODUCTION MANAGER Govindraj Ramesh ADVERTISING & MARKETING GROUP ADVERTISING MANAGER Mimi Deb ASSISTANT ADVERTISING MANAGER Benu SENIOR MEDIA EXECUTIVE Fareeda Sulaiman Al Balushi CORPORATE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Sandeep Sehgal EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Alpana Roy VICE PRESIDENT Ravi Raman SENIOR BUSINESS SUPPORT EXECUTIVE Radha Kumar DISTRIBUTION United Media Services LLC

Published by United Press & Publishing LLC A Renaissance Services Company

P.O. Box 3305, Ruwi, Postal Code 112, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

Tel: 00 968 24700896 Fax: 00 968 24707939 e-mail: almara@umsoman.com All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express permission of the publishers.

Copyright © 2009 United Press & Publishing LLC Printed in the Sultanate of Oman at Oman Printers & Stationers

PASS ON A SMILE A few days ago, a simple text message arrived in our inboxes... sent by a colleague from another department. And in the midst of end-of-the-month deadline blues, we smiled and we laughed.... and felt really wonderful. The text message went like this: “Dear Universe, the lady reading this SMS is beautiful, classy, and strong and I love her. Help her live her life to the fullest, protect her when she needs you the most and let her know that when she walks with you, she will always be safe.”

The text asked us to forward this message to nine other women in our lives so that the chain could pass on and bring a smile to a large circle of friends all over the world.

The message may seem innocuous at first reading, but for many, it was a gesture that went beyond boundaries of all kinds. And in the midst of a ‘stretched’ deadline at work, when stress hormones are raging high, and when even a piercing loud beep or a strident ringtone can be jarring on the nerves, this message; a seemingly simple one, brought indescribable warmth to our hearts and in seconds, recharged our spirits. Yes, we have friends... thinking of us.... praying for us, even at work.

This August, Al Mar’a celebrates the true essence of friendship by raising a toast to friends at the workplace. With most of our waking hours spent at work, it’s only natural for us to turn to our colleagues in times of celebration or distress... And thus many true friendships and bonds are formed.

We also celebrate the spirit of the independent woman on the move in a totally different direction — her love for cars. The exhaustive Automotive Special has it all! From the hottest Hollywood wheels to a complete lowdown on the best cars in the market, Al Mar’a makes sure your reading is in top gear!

With the Holy Month of Ramadan commencing this month, it’s time to look deep within, to give thanks for all the abundance in our life and to share it with those less fortunate than us. Team Al Mar’a truly hopes that you carry this wonderful spirit with you throughout your life!

Do check out the whole issue; there’s tons of other good stuff to read, some serious and others fun... Profiles, beauty, fashion and much more...

We’ll see you next month, until then stay cool, people!

Team Al Mar’a

ONTENT

AUTO SPECIAL

19 If you like movies and you like cars, here’s an irresistible combination of both!

24 Super cars all! Which one do you want to own? Here’s a list to choose from…

FEATURES

FRIENDSHIP DAY FEATURE

16 Friends @ work SHOPTALK Hot shop of the month — Dumond at QCC

15

SOLUTIONS

PEOPLE

38

AT HOME

46 Practical ideas for your home and you.

SUPERSTAR

From child prodigy to punk-pop dynamo: Avril Lavigne

WELLBEING

PROFILE

54

36 Meet

Dr Prema Seshadri on how critical it is for a woman to give herself some me-time.

Sukaina Haider ÂœvĂŠÂź-Õâ>½ÊpĂŠ>ĂŠ fashion designing and event management company.

HEALTH

50 Some vital advice for parents of fasting children‌

HEALTH PLUS

52

A Q & A session with Dr Smita Lulla, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist.

FOOD CUISINE

60 Yoshiko Morimoto, wife of the Honourable Ambassador of Japan on Japanese cuisine and more‌ UĂŠ ÂœÂœÂŽĂŠ>˜`ĂŠĂƒiÀÛiĂŠĂƒÂœÂ“iĂŠÂœvĂŠ >ÂŤ>Â˜Â˝ĂƒĂŠ best known dishes.

IN EVERY ISSUE FOR THE FOODIE > Your Say > News etc > -ĂŒ>Ă€}>Ă˘ÂˆÂ˜}

56ĂŠ Â?ĂŠ >À½>ĂŠ`ˆ˜iĂƒĂŠ>ĂŒĂŠ-Â…>Â…Ă€>â>`]ĂŠ Shangri-la Barr Al Jissah

66

Nehad Al Kindi and Rana Al Sindi ÂŤĂ€iĂƒiÂ˜ĂŒĂŠ>Â˜ĂŠiĂ?VÂ?Ă•ĂƒÂˆĂ›iĂŠÂź L>Ăž>½Ê VÂœÂ?Â?iVĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠpĂŠÂź L>Ăž>ĂŠ Â?ĂŠ-Â…>“iÂŽÂ…>½t

FASHION & BEAUTY BEAUTY BUZZ 44 All about Chemosurgery a.k.a. chemical peeling

STYLE 48 The Laurentia and Fulla collections from Damas Jewellery‌

BEAUTY ZONE 58 The beauty booty checklist‌

YOUR SAY PRIZE-WINNING LETTER

COOL CAFES This is my first summer in Oman. The heat being really terrible, I normally preferred staying indoors.

Also, since I am new to Oman, I did not know much about the cool cafes here. But Al Mar’a gave me a lot of options to stay cool during summer.

Now my plan is to visit one café a week. Thanks for a wonderful, ‘summery’ issue!

Namita Tamhane Darsait

SUMMER LOUNGING

SHINING STAR

Kate Beckinsale is the pretty brunette that I truly look up to.

I loved her in the movies ‘Van Helsing’ and ‘The Underworld’ (yes I have a soft corner for vampires). But what I did not know (only just found out) was that she was a sensational short story writer/ poetess. By winning two W.H. Smith Young Writers’ competitions, she proved that not only is she a talented actress, but a wonderful writer as well.

She is an inspiration! She has confessed that looks still mattered, and that it was important to impress the next person she laid eyes on because that’s what her job demands. She doesn’t let herself be affected by failures or tabloid rumours, she takes it in her stride.

Titash Chakraborty Qurum

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JUNE 2009 AUGUST 2009

I started reading Al Mar’a just a couple of months back and I’d really like to say that you guys are doing a great job! The last issue, in particular, was a wonderful read. Café hopping is definitely going to top my list of summer activities. Thanks for a good compilation of books and movies too.

There’s really no better way to spend the hot afternoons than to curl up with a good movie or watch a comic flick or read a great book.

Shanice Joseph Qurum

TRAVEL SMART Your ‘travel smart’ list was a timely blessing! I am just about to start my summer vacation, and the travel tips in your article were a big help especially since I have a long haul flight in a few days.

Although advice on summer travel is not hard to find online, you guys made it clearer and now it’s stuck in my head. I am now ready for my trip with my very own neck pillow and moisturiser to make my journey more comfortable. I also showed your article to my sister who travels often and has two kids to handle. Thanks for such handy and useful info.

Hashani Perera Wadi Kabir

TRUE INSPIRATION The interview with Turkish pianist Ruya Taner was simply brilliant! She definitely is an inspiring ideal for many women in the world. She proves that if you put your mind to something and move forward

with unwavering determination, faith, courage and hope, you can turn your life in many ways. A talented artiste like her has taken music to a totally different realm, breaking barriers and boundaries and touching people in their hearts. May her tribe increase!

Rana Al Riyami Ghubra

A POT-POURRI OF DELIGHTS The last issue of Al Mar’a was probably one of the best! The cover, the stories, the recipes were fantastic! This year I decided to stay back in Oman and enjoy the sweltering heat. Hence I found the suggestions for the books and movies really helpful. And I was happy that you also featured Kate Beckinsale in your mag. She’s such a great actress and hasn’t let stardom get into her head.

I would definitely love to see more of her in future issues of Al Mar’a. ‘The Courage of Conviction’, however, was undoubtedly my favourite. It was truly an inspiring piece! I even put it up on my soft board so I can take a look at it now and then.

Thanks Al Mar’a!

Sarah James CBD

REVELATIONS! I loved your article on ‘10 Health Myths Busted’.

Some of the myths that you guys talked about were things I still believed in, until I came across your article and realised how wrong I had been for all these years. I love reading Al Mar’a every month as it is packed with the most insightful bits of information; stuff that one tends to overlook in day-to-day life. After reading your magazine every month, I cut out the articles I think are interesting and make a scrapbook out of the tips, recipes and some fashion articles. Thank you Al Mara! Keep up the great work.

Rani Mallik Darsait

NEWS, ETC.

WHEELS SAFETY FIRST

Now here’s news you definitely can use... Did you know that the Infiniti’s Safety Shield is a comprehensive approach to safety? It includes rigorous crash testing, over 50 standard safety features on every vehicle and available advanced safety technologies. It is designed and developed into every Infiniti vehicle built to help protect the driver and the passengers. The various safety features that come along with an Infiniti include Brake Assist, Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Antilock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) and more… Safety features don’t get any more exhaustive and detailed than these!

POWER PACKAGE It’s a total rage on the roads! We are talking of the new Chevrolet Aveo5 with its sporty new looks, capable engine and value-formoney package. The 1.4-litre DOHC power plant delivers 106 hp (net) @ 6400 rpm and a healthy 143 Nm (net) @ 3800 rpm.

The car is fuel-efficient too! The Aveo5 is available with either 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. With the manual gearbox, the Aveo5 achieves a combined city/highway fuel efficiency figure of just 6.8 litres of fuel every 100 km while the automatic version consumes a frugal 7.1 litres over the same distance. Take the beauty for a test-ride, right now!

DRIVE GREEN As part of its commitment to usher in the era of earth-positive vehicles, Kia Motors has introduced its new environmental brand ‘Eco Dynamics’. ‘Eco’ represents Kia’s commitment to making cars that have a minimal impact on nature and the environment (ecology) while offering drivers cost-saving benefits (economy).

‘Dynamics’ corresponds to energy and driving force; the ‘Eco Dynamics’ brand symbolises Kia’s dedication to creating a sustainable future. Vehicles with new, environmental technologies including hybrid vehicles, plugin hybrid vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be identified with the unique ‘Eco Dynamics’ badge. Three cheers to this Green initiative!

ECO FRIEND

Now you can have your car painted and do your bit for the environment too! We are talking of Mazda’s launch of its newly developed ‘Aqua-tech Paint System’ for vehicle body painting at its Ujina Plant No.1 in Japan. The innovative new technology achieves the world’s highest standards for limiting emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) contained in paint as well as carbon dioxide (CO2) gas generated from the energy consumed during the vehicle painting process. Mazda is represented by Towell Auto Centre in Oman and we can’t wait for the System to come here too!

6

AUGUST 2009

PURE PLEASURE! The Nissan Murano lets you stand out in a crowd. It has a beautifully sculpted exterior styling including LED tail lights, silver-coloured roof rails and polished side sills. Form complements function perfectly here — the Nissan Murano offers a smooth car-like ride, all-weather capabilities and exceptional interior space. The generous use of aluminium and chrome throughout the interior, chic colour co-ordination with spacious, relaxed seating further the appeal of style, comfort, and functionality. If you are looking for a sleek and stylish vehicle, this sure is a good bet.

NEWS, ETC.

LIFESTYLE… THE

HIGH LIFE

This must have got the Dubai paparazzi into a tizzy! Salam Stores at Wafi, Dubai, got all dolled-up in Paris Hilton’s favourite colour — pink — what with a 42-metre pink carpet that was specially rolled out to welcome the always-in-the-news celeb and her entire entourage. Salam Stores is hosting an episode of the third season of the hit reality TV show ‘Paris Hilton, My New Best Friend Forever (BFF) Dubai’. Paris along with the ‘My New BFF Dubai’ cast will be wearing top designer labels from Salam through the show episodes of the third season. Contestants, during the challenge shot at the store, will be judged by Paris while they interact with different products housed at Salam Stores, Wafi, from signature brands like Escada, Love Moschino, Just Cavalli, Armani Collezioni and Red Valentino among others. Sounds like fun!

GO NATURAL

If you’re planning to give your home a fresh coat of paint, go natural this time. A fresh breath of wind, the brilliant clarity of a new leaf, the feel of a wooden bench under your fingers and the smell of freshly-cut grass; these are just some of the ingredients which make the paints and finishes in the ‘Au Naturel’ collection from Sadolin truly different. The entire ‘Au Naturel’ collection boasts of a contemporary range of colours, ranging from the subtle shades of the seashore to muted earth tones. The collection also contains funky, primary colour shades to provide a brighter spectrum. This is one sure-fire way to feel closer to your surroundings like never before, naturally!

RAMADAN TREATS

The Holy Month of Ramadan will soon be here. And Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa offers memorable settings for family and friends to get together to break their fast and enjoy exotic delights. You can break your fast (Iftaar) at Al Tanoor that offers a tasty buffet of traditional Middle Eastern dishes and desserts as well as popular Ramadan beverages. Or head to the Shahrazad restaurant for an authentic Moroccan ‘Iftaar’, featuring a select menu of traditional dishes. You can also enjoy ‘Sohour’ in the exclusive setting of a luxurious VIP tent at Al Bandar’s Sablah..

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AUGUST 2009

SMARTER THAN SMART

Did you know that the ‘Jet’, the latest mobile from Samsung has achieved a record-breaking pre-order with more than two million units!? Well, that’s not surprising considering that the ‘Jet’ is smarter than a smartphone! All thanks to its revolutionary speed, the 800MHz Accelerated Application Processor and power-packed features, all housed in a sleek and stylish design, to produce a unique touch experience.

Another ‘wow’ factor is the 3.1” Samsung WVGA AMOLED display that is four times sharper than a WQVGA screen. Jet, set, go to the nearest Samsung showroom for more info!

BACK 2 SCHOOL!

After a long hot, lazy summer, getting back to school should be fun for kids. To make it special (and offer some incentive), check out Babyshop’s ‘Back to School’ collection. There’s an array of school-related stuff that includes trolley bags, backpacks, lunch kits, water bottles, pencil cases, wallets and colour pencils designed in exclusive themes. Choose from moviebased themes like ‘Hannah Montana’, ‘Transformers’ and ‘High School Musical’; characters like ‘Barbie’, ‘Dora’ and ‘Thumbelina’, etc. For boys, there’s ‘Ben 10’, ‘Hot Wheels’, ‘Transformers’, ‘Power Rangers’ and ‘Spiderman’! Babyshop is also stocking up formal and

NEWS, ETC.

LIFESTYLE… TAKE A BREAK

If you are heading to Salalah this Khareef season, you should stop by at the youth hostel managed by Flamingo Hotel Management Company there. The company is also managing another youth hostel at Alashkra which is located in the Sharqiyah region. Avail of room rates that are special for Omani nationals. Both these places are fully equipped with all facilities for a real comfortable stay. You also get to choose from two delectable cuisines — Arabic and international. Make it soon… and make the most of it!

WATCH IT

With W ith the festive fest season soon approaching, it’s time to llook ook out for some great gifts. Here are two we would h highly ighly recommend… recom One is from Elini, a brand known ffor or perfection perfecti and precision. For nearly 20 years, the SSwiss-made wiss-mad watch has created original award-winning pieces p pi eces that th have captivated people worldwide. Then tthere’s th ere’s also the Coronet Solitaire, where you now get tthe he so solitaire effect with less than 10 per cent of a carat ddiamond iamond price. Check out Elini watches at Golden Pearl JJewellery ewellery aand the Coronet Solitaire at Family Jewellery both at the Al Araimi Arai Complex. Happy shopping!

WIN A PAJERO

Did you hear? Shell Oman has launched its new campaign to make people aware of the benefits of using Improved Shell Super Petrol which is specially designed to help motorists get extra kilometres at no extra cost. Its advanced formula with more concentrated cleaning agents is made to keep car engines free of kilometre-robbing deposits. Shell also launched the Keep Filling Keep Winning consumer promotion from July 15 to August 31, 2009. Buy Improved Shell Super for RO4 to get a raffle coupon, attach a receipt for the fuel to the coupon and drop it in the box located at the service station. The lucky draw for the grand prize of a Pajero 3 litre GLS 2009 (with free fuel for four years!) will be held on September 7, 2009. In addition to the grand prize, there will be 45 lucky winners of free fuel for one month. Go on, tank up!

10 AUGUST 2009

THE EPITOME OF CHIC

There are watches… and then there are watches! We are talking of the new Beluga Tonneau from Ebel. Dressed in stainless steel or yellow gold and sparkling with diamonds arranged according to the refined progressive setting technique, this ultra-feminine model is the epitome of chic. The silky-smooth polished case with its discreetly recessed crown is matched with a tapering full-polished bracelet featuring raised central links surrounded by sloping side links. The shimmering motherof-pearl dial is adorned with distinctive square hour-markers. It’s available in two sizes, including a larger version featuring an added touch of visual interest with the mother-of-pearl exterior framing a galvanic silver groovedpattern centre. Get it!

NEWS, ETC.

ACCOLADES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND UPDATES…

PLAY SAFE

Whether you’re buying food or eating out, food safety is of paramount importance; and the National Hospitality Institute (NHI) continues to take initiatives to drive food safety awareness in Oman. Through professional workshops and training, their aim is to provide the knowledge, expertise and advice to ensure all food handling establishments have the resources readily available to achieve the responsible and legal levels of food safety. Following the Food Safety Symposium held at the Grand Hyatt Muscat on June 14, NHI’s Food Safety Academy, Robert MacLeanPrincipal NHI and Tracey Brooker-Team Leader of NHI’s Food Safety Academy, presented certificates to 22 employees of the Crowne Plaza Muscat with their Level One Award in Food Safety, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health in the UK in June 2009. Congratulations to the winners!

A MOMENT OF PRIDE

Did you hear about this? The Oman International Bank has won the GCC HR Excellence Award, in the category of ‘Best Nationalisation Friendly Initiative’. These awards were part of the 4th Annual Human Assets Expansion Middle East Congress 2009 held in Dubai on June 15, 2009. The Congress was attended by distinguished experts in Human Resources from leading companies in the Middle East to discuss and take a realistic look at the economy and offer strategies, practical examples and case studies to withstand the economic turmoil in the region and the world. Way to go, OIB!

COOL SHOP

People now have bigger and better choices in Salalah, what with the latest addition… Max, the value retail store for the family is spreading its wings in the Sultanate and they opened their second store in the Sultanate in Salalah. The store was inaugurated by H.E. Salim bin Ofiet Al Sanfari (Head of the Dhofar Municipality) in the presence of Ali Malallah Ali Habib Al Lawati & Saibal Basu, General Manager — Landmark Group, Oman. Situated just behind the Haffa House Hotel, Max is spread over 18,000sq. ft. retailing some of the widest range of apparels and footwear for men, women and children.

GOOD DEEDS

We like this and so will you because it is for a great cause! Al Obaidani Stores and Dar Al Atta’a Charity have joined hands to bring a smile on the faces of many children and needy families. They recently donated 1,000 new ‘dishdashas’ to Dar Al Atta’a Charity, to be distributed among children of needy families before the feast of Eid Al Fitr.

Al Obaidani Stores and Dar Al Atta’a have also agreed to put boxes in all their 12 branches to collect used ‘dishdashas’, which will also be distributed among the needy by Dar Al Atta’a later. All outlets of Al Obaidani Stores will also sell coupons for RO5, which will be spent on tailoring new ‘dishdashas’ for the children of these families. Go on, do your bit…

THE PERFECT HOST

Now this is nice! Omantel has recently launched new packages for hosting websites of public and private institutions and companies working in the Sultanate. The company provides high speed server, several free tools and hosting services at competitive prices to help institutions and companies promote their services and products. Corporate subscribers will get integrated benefits at reduced rates, including free website registration, e-mail service and anti-virus/anti spam protection. Lady entrepreneurs, we hope you are reading this…

A SELECT FEW

Banking has become more personalised and privileged… the National Bank of Oman (NBO) has formally launched the ‘Sadara’ Wealth Management Services for high net worth customers. This is an exclusive premium banking service, tailor-made to provide privileged customers with personalised attention and with the widest range of products, to meet all their financial needs. Exclusive and state-of-the-art Sadara Wealth Management Centres have been set up at NBO’s CBD, Shatti Al Qurum and Sohar Branches, which will be the hub for the banks expanding Wealth Management Services, in Oman. The benefits include a dedicated Relationship Manager, private and luxurious lounges in all major cities in Oman, express transaction teller services, reserved parking spaces, and a host of other privileges. Now that’s what we call VIP treatment!

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NEWS, ETC.

ACCOLADES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND UPDATES…

CHRONICLE OF PROGRESS HE Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, Minister of National Economy and Deputy Chairman of Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council unveiled Progress, an annual publication from United Media Services (UMS) celebrating the 39th Renaissance Day. Speaking on the occasion H E Macki said, “The development model followed by the Sultanate has ensured all round development and a stable economy.” This year’s edition stands out for its exhaustive coverage of various sectors like Oil and Gas, Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Education and Healthcare, Insurance, Agriculture and Poultry, Retailing, Aviation, Information Technology, Real estate, Telecom, Manufacturing and Logistics, Power, Infrastructure, Tourism and Trade. This edition of Progress stands out for contributory pieces from a number of Ministers from various ministries. Like earlier editions, this year’s Progress also saw an overwhelming participation from the corporate sector of Oman. Progress provided an opportunity

to all the well established corporate houses of Oman to showcase their achievements in tandem with the development of Oman and have taken the opportunity to felicitate His Majesty The Sultan by being part of the book.

WHOLESOME DELIBERATIONS

EXPANSION PLANS Did you know that the telecom service provider, Nawras, is all set to face the current economic climate with some ambitious plans? In an exclusive interview with the Oxford Business Group (OBG), NawrasCEO Ross Cormack, said that additional staff would work on the fixed licence, while investment would be channelled into a new fibre-optic backbone that would provide an extensive broadband network throughout the country. Cormack explained that Nawras’s expansion plans would see the company extend its infrastructure network from the North to the South of the country. The interview will be featured in ‘The Report: Oman 2010’, which is soon to be published

by OBG. Do check out a copy as soon as it is available.

14 AUGUST 2009

It was a meeting of the best business minds of corporate Oman. We are talking of the OER Top 20 Debate event held at the Capital Markets Authority auditorium recently. It was a common platform for the crème de la crème of the business world to come together and discuss a topic so relevant to our times, ‘Global Financial Crisis and its impact on the Sultanate’s economy’. Also present were Ministers, dignitaries and representatives of the international and the local media who also took part in the animated discussion. The panelists included some prominent names like Abdulrazak Ali Essa, Chief ExecutiveBankMuscat; Stephen Thomas- CEO-Renaissance Services; Faisal Al Hashar, Managing Director-Shell Oman Marketing Company; Dr Amer Al Rawas, CEO-Omantel; Hans Meiring, COO-Oman Cables; Murray Sims, CEO-NBO and Hans Erlings, CEO-Galfar.

The debate was ably moderated by Philip Stanton, Managing Partner, Ernst & Young. A number of corporate entities were part of this event. Al Madina Financial and Investment Services Company and Bank Sohar partnered the event while The Times of Oman was the media partner. The debate ended on a congratulatory note with an awards ceremony in which the OER Top 20 companies were awarded trophies by HH Sayyid Tarik bin Shabib, Editor-in-Chief, Oman Economic Review, HE Maqbool Ali Sultan, the Minister of Commerce and Industry and HE Yahya Al Jabri, Executive President-CMA. Having set a new benchmark, we wish the event continued success in the future too!

SHOPTALK A look at what one of the top stores in the city has to offer. This month, we drop by Dumond… w T Shop: Dumond, located on the first floor of Qurum City Centre. It stocks stylish and The exclusive footwear and accessories for women which are especially made in Brazil. ex Showcased here: Footwear and accessories for every occasion! From fabricated animal S leather shoes, party sandals to formal evening wear shoes, the store has them all. The accesle sories are also very chic and yet practical. so Cost Factor: RO25 to RO45 for footwear and RO50 to RO70 for the handbags.

C We liked: The vibrant colours…. From aqua blue, bright orange to regal black, it’s all W there! And of course the footwear co-ordinated with similar handbags and accessories! th

AUGUST 2009 15

FRIENDSHIP DAY FEATURE

Making FRIENDSHIPS O

ften, there forms a close bond between co-workers that goes beyond the ‘just-colleagues’ relationship to something deep, profound and lasting. Having friends at work gives you one thing to look forward to at your job. Even if you are having a hellish time at work, having friends may smoothen out the difficulties to some extent. An arm extended or a shoulder to cry on... that’s what true friends can do for you!

A full-time job means we spend close to 48 hours (or sometimes more) in a week at our workplace. We see more of our colleagues than of our partners, children or loved ones. According to research, 20 per cent of our friends come from our workplace, making it the second most likely source of friendship.

“When I got married and came to Oman, I was totally at sea. The new place, the new surroundings and the absence of friends depressed me for a while.

When I began work, all this changed. I became good friends with my colleagues.

Setting up life in a new country became easier thanks to their advice, help and encouragement,” says Harsimrat Kaur, Project Manager at a reputed company.

Whether you are spreading wings in

16 AUGUST 2009

your career or starting off on a new job, having friends help in the transitions and adjustments. And if you don’t have family nearby, your work colleagues can often become a proxy family.

I remember a time when my son was four years old. I was at work and got a frantic call from him saying that he had swallowed a coin. A colleague rushed me home while the others made frantic calls to all the doctors they knew, including a paediatric surgeon to find out what would happen. At the doctor’s while I waited for the X-Rays, they kept calling to reassure me that everything would be alright. It was my colleagues who put me at ease and relieved me of my nervousness through the whole ordeal.

Most of us have moved on to other jobs now but incidents such as these will always remain with me; for there are scores of such crises, where my colleagues became my friends in the true sense of the word. During times of illnesses, deaths in the family, job insecurities or loneliness, they were my pillars of support. In hard times like these I realised the true meaning of the statement, ‘You need togetherness because you don’t always win, and you gotta hang through together’.

We spend most of our waking hours at work, so making friends at the workplace is a given, says Rekha Baala

Eleanor Richards, a Chartered Accountant too echoes the same sentiments. “My friends at work are my family. When I was hospitalised after an accident, they provided food for my family and came to visit me in hospital every day.

They came with flowers, cards, books and spread a lot of cheer. And I was up and about in no time,” she says.

Work friends also offer fresh feedback or a perspective your family can’t. They might not judge you as your loved ones tend to do at times as they can be objective.

That can also be confidants.

“It is very important to be friends with your colleagues at work. At Khimji’s Watches, we have a very friendly atmosphere where every team member is encouraged to voice his/her opinion and ideas,” says Tejas Kapasi, manager-retail sales and marketing.

But work friendships can also be a little tricky if you don’t know where to draw the line. Your friendship may also come under the scanner and colleagues may get jealous of your friendship and spread gossip especially if your friend at work happens to be a person of the opposite sex. You need to learn how to strike the balance and here are a few tips…

• Allow time for the friendship to grow. Avoid telling your colleague all about your life and problems the minute you strike up a rapport.

Do so only when you trust the other person completely.

• Having one close friend at office might mean you are isolating yourself from the others. Don’t make the friendship too obvious during work time and don’t dwell too much on office gossip.

• You must be open about communication with all your friends. If you are ever worried over something the other person said, talk it over.

This is the best way to avoid disagreements that can affect your personal and professional lives.

• Try as far as possible not to mix work friends with your other friends. Set boundaries and respect each other’s territory.

And here’s how you can make lasting friends at work…

• Talk and listen: Two important things that make a friendship work are talking, and more importantly, listening. Talking at work is how people get to know each other and if you want people to like you, open up and start talking. A good listener is also a precious asset in friendship. Learn to listen and empathise.

• Join groups: If you are working in a large organisation there is a possibility that many groups of people may exist. You need to identify the various groups and join one that suits you best.

• Go out: It makes sense, once in a while to ‘do lunch’. If you are part of a huge team, go to lunch at least once a month. Lunch breaks are when people talk about themselves and are less uninhibited.

• Volunteer: Every relationship is based on giveand-take. Try volunteering for work outside your designated area and do help when it is required of you. They will not only appreciate your efforts but also reciprocate when the need arises.

Like with every relationship in life, friendship at the workplace does come with its disadvantages. Your friend may quit and you may find it difficult to keep in touch. You may both be vying for the same promotion and sometimes you may also get embroiled in office politics.

As George Washington said, “Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.”

Keep that thought in mind…and remember that life is full of trial-and-error situations, and true friendship does not come easily. It is cultivated over time through the elements of trust, faith and hope.■

ADVERTORIAL

A Taste of

Omani

Hospitality Located in the heart of Muscat, the Majan Continental Hotel promises to pamper you with warm hospitality and comfort.

t

his four-star hotel has been designed in traditional Omani fort style, with elegant, modernistic interiors.

The Majan Continental Hotel is located within walking distance from the majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand mosque and is roughly five kilometres away from popular shopping malls.

The hotel’s location, offers a picturesque view — overlooking the majestic mountains dotting Oman’s landscape.

Situated 10 kilometres away from the Muscat International Airport, the Majan Continental Hotel is a convenient pit-stop for tourists and business travellers alike.

The Majan Continental Hotel also offers magnificent guest rooms, suites and apartments which are all about sheer luxury and warm comfort. You have a choice of 159 superbly-

furnished double and twin rooms, executive and deluxe standard rooms, executive and deluxe suites, furnished one bedroom apartments and rooms for the physically challenged.

Each room offers the following facilities: • International direct-dialling telephones • Wi-Fi internet facilities • Satellite television • In-room safes • Mini bar • Private bathrooms with shower or bath • Hair dryers • Shaving sockets and adjustable shaving mirrors • Complimentary tea and coffee facilities • In-room, 24-hour dining.

The Majan Continental Hotel’s array of services and facilities also include separate and fitness centres with modern health an gyms, equipped with saunas and steam eq rooms, ffor men and women respectively.

Additionally, a swimming pool, 24-hour Additio concierge service, free airport shuttle concier service, servic gifts shop, laundry and dry cleaning services, car rental and cleani currency exchange facilities, and a curre beauty salon are all available at the beau hotel. hote The Majan Continental Hotel Th

also offers the most distinctive options in dining experiences. The “MIABIN” restaurant offers specialty theme nights, with a multi-cuisine menu to satiate your appetite. The Chamber’s SPORTS BAR and European style club BARRIO FIESTA offers the liveliest in entertainment and promises you a great time.

As a hotel that is located in the bustling capital area of Muscat with picturesque views, the Majan Continental Hotel is the perfect setting for your business meetings, conferences and events. The hotel offers its newly renovated contemporary pillar less ballroom –“NESNAS” to suit your occasion and also provides a range of support services that you have a glitchfree event! We are dedicated to attend every detail from menu to elegant setup to ensure your guests are perfectly catered in every way. Special tailor-made packages for weddings with all accessories with sit down dinner for 250 - 300 pax.

Be a part of the incredible Majan Continental Hotel experience, it’s simply unparalleled!

For any queries please call 00968 24592900 or visit www.majanhotel.com.

AUTO SPECIAL

HOT WHEELS

and Cool Flicks

You like movies? You like cars? Well, here is an irresistible combination of both! Rekha Baala and Malcolm X. Crasta present a few iconic cars from a few really great films! Read on and relive the action…

T

ypically, a movie stars an actor and a leading lady. But sometimes, it’s the amazing cars in these flicks that take on the lead role and leave a lasting impression

on our minds… We share this list we’ve compiled of just some of the extraordinary vehicles that can in all fairness be called Hollywood Star Cars!

AUGUST 2009 19

AUTO SPECIAL

THE STAR: A 1967 FORD MUSTANG SHELBY GT500 FASTBACK THE MOVIE: GONE IN 60 SECONDS (2000) THE PLOT: Starring Oscar winning actors Nicolas Cage, Angelina Jolie and Robert Duvall, it’s the story of a retired car thief, ‘Memphis Raines’, who must steal 50 cars in one night in order to save his brother from an evil crime boss. A remake of the 1974 film by H.B. Halicki, the movie has cars which were named after women, all were rare and valuable, but the one that stole the show was this ’67 Shelby GT 500 named ‘Eleanor’. It’s said, over US $250,000 was spent researching and engineering ‘Eleanor’.

WOW SCENE: Stuck behind a traffic jam and desperate to outrun the rapidly advancing 5-0, Memphis (Nicolas Cage) throws ‘Eleanor’ and her 428 cubic-inch, 360-hp engine in drive and using a lowered tow truck flat bed as a ramp, launches her 30 feet up in the air. Completely airborne, Memphis flies ‘Eleanor’ over 15 feet of damaged cars and rescue workers — landing intact on the other side, cocked, locked, and ready to rock!

THE STAR: A 1981 DELOREAN DMC 12 THE MOVIE: BACK TO THE FUTURE (ALSO BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II, BACK TO THE FUTURE PART III) THE PLOT: As sci-fi films go, this one was a real thriller from start to finish.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis and cowritten by Bob Gale and produced by Steven Spielberg, the film starred Michael J. Fox as Marty Mc Fly who accidentally

goes back in time. With a help of a whacky scientist, he goes back from 1985 to 1955 in a DeLorean DMC 12 that has been modified to become a time machine. Once there, he meets his parents, who are still teenagers and his presence throws things out of control. Breaking the laws of quantum physics, the De Lorean modified with a flux capacitor and a strategically placed nuclear generator, when travelling at precisely 88mph, was capable of time travel.

WOW SCENE: After Doc refills the plutonium chamber of the time machine, a group of terrorists arrive, from whom he took the plutonium in exchange for a fake bomb. They shoot Doc, but Marty is able to escape in the DeLorean, accelerating to 88 miles per hour and thus inadvertently sending himself thirty years in the past to November 5, 1955.

THE STAR: ASTON MARTIN DB5 THE MOVIE: GOLDFINGER (1964) THE PLOT: This James Bond movie starred Sean Connery as Bond. The hero has to prevent a notorious gold smuggler named Goldfinger from robbing Fort Knox. In order to stop him from carrying out his plan, Bond has to survive several dangerous situations including facing a deadly laser. There is the silver birch Aston Martin DB5 that Bond can rely on thanks to the cool gadgets that make living dangerously even more interesting. The beauty has been modified to suit Bond’s machismo, with revolving licence plates, forward right and left-wing machine guns, anti-pursuit devices like an oil slick dispenser and a smokescreen burner, and the famous passenger ejector seat for throwing out unwanted passengers.

WOW SCENE: The iconic one in which Q explains all about the Aston Martin to Bond who acts bored by the explanation.

The comic back-and-forth interlude is definitely a highlight of the movie.

THE STAR: A 1970 DODGE CHALLENGER 440 R/T THE MOVIE: VANISHING POINT (1971) THE PLOT: Barry Newman is Kowalski, a speed-popping car driver who lives on the road. His job is to deliver cars cross-country. When he picks up a supercharged 1970 Dodge Challenger in Denver, he bets his dealer that he can get it to San Francisco in 15 hours. And

the thrilling race begins! Along the way, Kowalski is guided by Super Soul — a blind DJ with a police radio scanner.

There’s lots of chase scenes in this movie which became a cult hit in the early 70s.

WOW SCENE: Kowalski stops the 1970 Dodge Challenger to pick up two ‘flamers’ whose car has broken down in the middle of the desert. As they drive on, one man tries to ‘stick up’ Kowalski with a pistol. He laughs, jams the brakes and throws the two fellows back out on the road.

OTHER HOLLYWOOD • 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder SWB - Ferris Bueller’s Day Off • 1976 Ford Gran Torino - Starsky & Hutch • 1977 Pontiac Trans Am - Smokey and the Bandit, Smokey and the Bandit II • 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor - Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters 2 • 1968 Ford Mustang GT390 Fastback - Bullitt • 1969 Dodge Charger - The Dukes of Hazzard

• American Graffiti: 1932 Ford coupe, 1955 Chevy, 1958 Chevy Impala, 1951 Mercury coupe, 1956 Ford Thunderbird • The Blues Brothers: The Bluesmobile — 1974 Dodge Monaco • The Fast and the Furious: Mitsubishi Eclipse GS, Honda Civic 2dr Coupe, Honda S2000, Mazda RX-7 FD3S, Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R, Toyota Supra, (JZA80), Volkswagen Jetta, Acura Integra GS-R, Nissan 240SX (S14 Silvia), Acura Integra, Chevrolet Chevelle SS • The Gumball Rally: Shelby 427 Cobra, Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona, Porsche 911 Targa, Camaro Z/28, Dodge Polara • Le Mans: Porsche 917, Ferrari 512S • Against All Odds: Porsche 911, Ferrari 308 GTSi • The Cannonball Run: Dodge van, Ferrari 308 GTS, Lamborghini Countach

THE STAR: 2003 MINI COOPER S [R53] THE MOVIE: THE ITALIAN JOB (2003) THE PLOT: This film stars Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron and Donald Sutherland. Based on a 1969 Michael Caine film of the same name, a gang of robbers, led by career criminal Charlie Croker create the largest traffic

jam in Los Angeles, giving them time to pull off a theft of gold bullion. They have Mini Coopers that are small enough to drive on sidewalks so that they can make a getaway before the traffic finally clears. Inspired by the use of the original Mini Cooper, the new movie showcases the Mini throughout the film, proving the vehicle’s agility as it manoeuvres through traffic, careens down stairs, weaves through subway tunnels and races down sidewalks as only a Mini can.

WOW SCENE: Not one but many! Some good car chases and some clever driving makes the movie a whole lot of fun.

THE STAR: A 1963 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE THE MOVIE: THE HERBIE SERIES (1969, 1974, 1977, 1980, 2005): THE LOVE BUG, HERBIE RIDES AGAIN, HERBIE GOES TO MONTE CARLO, HERBIE GOES BANANAS, HERBIE: FULLY LOADED THE PLOT: Born in Germany in 1963, Herbie is/was a white Volkswagen Classic Beetle famously distinguished by two red and blue racing stripes and the number 53 painted on the hood, doors, and trunk. Capable of driving itself as well as feeling human emotions, Herbie was a zippy little Beetle with a Porsche 356 engine who gave the big boys a run for their money. It spawned an almost-forty-year franchise thanks to its innumerable adventures from Mexico to Monte Carlo.

WOW SCENE: In ‘Herbie Rides Again’(1974), Herbie runs through the streets blowing his horn and picking up other VWs. The first is a clone of himself, then a cream ‘65 sunroof, a 40hp white car from a used dealer, a light green ‘64 and a ‘68 blue model with US spec parking lights in the blinkers. Three others join the chase too.

(The Bourne Ultimatum also starred two Volkswagens that made the action thriller radiate with suspense and thrills. Apart from Matt Damon and Julia Stiles, the Volkswagen Touareg and Golf GT sport were showcased in scenes of amazing stunts and cat and mouse chases around the world.)■

MORE CAR MOVIES…

DARK KNIGHT: Bruce Wayne selected one of Lamborghini’s hottest super sports cars ever created, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Coupe, a power-driven by a 640 horsepower 12-cylinder engine and capable of more than 211 mph. Phew!

CARS: Lightning McQueen #95, typically referred to by his surname McQueen, and occasionally called ‘Stickers’ by Sally, is the main character and is voiced by actor Owen Wilson. He is no real-world car in particular, but his overall profile was inspired by the Ford GT40. Other inspirations included Porsche Carrera, Hudson Hornet, Willys MB, Ford Model T, Volkswagen microbus. Look out for Cars 2…

TRANSFORMERS: Revenge of the Fallen: In the hit summer flick, the robotic characters hide in plain sight as everyday cars. The most popular character Bumblebee can transform himself into a yellow Camaro SS while the robot Side Swipe can morph into the concept car Corvette Stingray. Other characters include Mudflap and Skids who appear as the minicars Chevrolet Trax and Beat, respectively. Videos of next-generation GM vehicles like the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS, Chevy Volt, and Chevy Trax are among the many cars showcased. The opening scene features the intriguing-looking Corvette concept as it takes on (and takes apart) a sinister yet great looking Audi R8. New cars in the movie include a major role for the Chevy Beat and Trax concepts. There is also a purple Chevy Volt, though its screen time is limited. You do get to see plenty more of the Bumblebee Camaro, which continues to look amazing in spite of the fact that the car is already in production.

AUTO SPECIAL COVER STORY

DREAMS

ON WHEELS!

Presenting a list of some of the hottest cars in the market that have been making waves in 2009. Which one do you wanna own?

Slow down… Tough choices, ahead says Rekha Baala.

W

e’d like to think that there are no special cars designed especially for women. As an industry source put it, “Once you bracket a car as a women’s car, they will normally not go for it, they would rather go for what is classified as a ‘rugged macho car’. So it’s better not to make a distinction.” We agree!

So if you thought women didn’t care much about the speed or power of a car, then you’ve got it so wrong! Power and performance matter plenty to us women drivers. Though many of us may not know the exact, minute details of what’s under the hood of

a car (though a lot of us do), we do know what we’re looking for and what to expect from a car…

Radical style inside out, futuristic safety and security features, out-of-thisworld performance, brilliant specifications, phenomenal power, incomparable comfort, chic yet extreme interiors, unparalleled driving experiences… yeah, those are just some of the things we look out for!

Listed here are a whole load of cars that meet the criteria. We’ve not given you detailed specs but just the ones that pack a punch; if it sounds good to you, head to the dealer to find out more; test it out and tell us what you thought…

AUGUST 2009 25

AUTO SPECIAL

AL JENAIBI AUTOMOBILES THE CAR: BMW 3 SERIES STYLE FILE: Sporty and athletic exterior. Dual headlights, new bumpers and L-shaped LED light technology. Interior offers optimum comfort with tech-oriented styling.

SMART TOUCHES: 6CD Changer, Electric Sun Roof, Park Distance Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Xenon Lamps.

POWER PUNCH: Varies from a sporty in-line 4-cylinder engine to a lightweight yet powerful in-line 6 cylinder engine with various model options.

PLAYING SAFE: Precise steering, superior agility and impeccable road holding!

THE X-FACTOR: Aggressive power and defensive strength... the true hallmarks of the BMW 3 series! And just perfect for all divas who like to dazzle!

AL JENAIBI AUTOMOBILES THE CAR: BMW 7 SERIES STYLE FILE: Gently sloping bonnet and boot, short overhangs and low beltline that offers excellent visibility.

SMART TOUCHES: Audio system with hard-disk memory, AUX-in sleeve, USB port, multi-channel audio system and DVD system.

POWER PUNCH: Three variants — the straight six cylinder 740Li, 730Li and V8 750Li with twin-turbo technology and direct fuel injection.

PLAYING SAFE: Optimised body structure, side and head airbags, crash-activated headsets at the front, runflat tyres and tyre defect indicator.

THE X-FACTOR: The exquisite styling, luxe feel and performance that are on par with the looks makes the BMW 7 Series a car we truly like. This leader in luxury lets you rule the road!

MHD THE CAR: BYD F6 STYLE FILE: Luxurious interior with 8-way adjustable driver seat, modern instrumentation and numerous features to look after your safety, leather seats with polished wood trims, flared mudguards, short rear end and wide doors...

SMART TOUCHES: Features high on entertainment, information and safety.

POWER PUNCH: Powered by a 2.4 litre engine; an automatic gearbox with Tiptronic function.

PLAYING SAFE: A crash energy absorbing structure, ABS with EBD, front dual airbags, seat side airbags and extra protective beams in the doors.

THE X-FACTOR: Every girl loves some fun; and with the BYD F6, it’s fun on the go. Besides the combination of balance, good looks and a big heart is simply irresistible!

MHD THE CAR: JAGUAR XF STYLE FILE: Stunning new design language, athletic and assertive, the coupe-like lines belie the amount of space. There’s room for five adults in comfort, generous interior storage, sophisticated instruments and a calm interior lighting.

SMART TOUCHES: Touch-screen controls, Jaguar drive selector, sophisticated new materials and lighting systems.

POWER PUNCH: Available with two engine options 3.0 litre V6 and 4.2 litre V8.

PLAYING SAFE: Designed to provide high levels of safety for driver & passengers with Airbag & Seat Occupant Sensing System, plus an industry leading Pedestrian Contact Sensing System to protect pedestrians from serious injury in case of an accident.

THE X-FACTOR: A beautiful, fast car that defines sporting luxury all the way. Once you’ve driven the Jaguar XF, there’s no looking back!

MHD THE CAR: VOLVO C70 STYLE FILE: A full four-seater convertible with retractable hardtop; goes from convertible to coupe in 30 seconds. Leather wheel, stylish dashboard… the works!

SMART TOUCHES: World-class audio system; extra power outlet at rear end of tunnel console for laptop, game console and DVD player.

POWER PUNCH: 2.5 litre five-cylinder turbo-charged engine; the five-speed automatic transmission does its job to enhance sensation of movement.

PLAYING SAFE: DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) enhances driving stability in slippery conditions, Side Impact Protection System and Roll-over Protection System.

THE X-FACTOR: A performer all the way, the Volvo C70 gets your adrenaline pumping!

MOOSA ABDUL RAHMAN THE CAR: SUZUKI SWIFT SPECIAL EDITION STYLE FILE: Unique dynamic styling, head-turning sporty looks, bold & muscular exterior lines, chic and cosy interiors and great visibility.

SMART TOUCHES: Full power options, electrically retractable/ folding door mirrors wiht integrated side indicator lamps, keyless entry plus keyless start, leather bound steering wheel with audio controls on steering, Alacantra super soft seats and leather accented door trims, CD+MP3/WMA+FM/AM Radio with 4 speakers and 2 tweeters, Auto AC, alloy wheels and fog lamps.

POWER PUNCH: 1.5l VVT-100HP/net (Available in automatic and manual transmission.)

PLAYING SAFE: Dual SRS airbags, ABS+EBD+BA, ISO FIX child seat anchorages, high mount stop lamp and immobiliser.

THE X-FACTOR: Zippy, smooth and easy to handle, the Swift is a real pleasure to drive. It adapts to the entire needs of a modern woman and her family as well.

AUTO SPECIAL

MOOSA ABDUL RAHMAN THE CAR: GMC ACADIA STYLE FILE: All-wheel drive vehicle. Friendly and spacious interior, sleek sophisticated styling, Head-up Display projects vital data such as speed and direction up onto the inside of windshield. Well-styled on both front and rear plus 19� wheels.

Sky is yours with dual sky-scape sunroof.

SMART TOUCHES: Tri-zone climate control system, AM/FM stereo MP3 compatible and CD/DVD player.

POWER PUNCH: Standard 3.6 litre V6 engine, standard six-speed automatic transmission, All Wheel Drive System.

PLAYING SAFE: Tire pressure monitoring system, passenger sensing system, six air bags and a Stabilitrak Stability control system.

THE X-FACTOR: All-wheel gives superb handling and driving pleasure and higher safety. Meets any challenge on the road! No wonder the GMC Acadia has got such a fan following...

OMASCO THE CAR: HONDA CR-V STYLE FILE: Serene SUV space and sedan comfort; light yet solid monocoque body; flexible seating.

SMART TOUCHES: Ample luggage space and optimised soundproofing.

POWER PUNCH: Powerful 2.4l Honda VTEC engine.

PLAYING SAFE: The Higher Driving position allows for improved visibility as well as an increased perception of overall safety.

Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) and High Intensity Discharge headlights for night-time driving.

THE X-FACTOR: Great for family outings, school drop and pick, long journeys, a trip to the beach and why, to even simply have as your own set of wheels!

OMASCO THE CAR: HONDA ACCORD STYLE FILE: Sculpted body, muscular shoulders, expansive proportions and a large and luxurious interior.

SMART TOUCHES: A 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with 6 Speakers. Enjoy a 270-watt AM/FM/6-disc in-dash premium audio system and XM Radio. And all Accord audio systems feature an MP3/auxiliary input jack.

POWER PUNCH: 3.5 litre V6 i-VTEC VCM engine.

PLAYING SAFE: Safety measures known as G-Force Control technology, 6-airbag system, powerful HID headlights and Vehicle Stability Assist.

THE X-FACTOR: What we especially like about the vehicle is that it is easy to manoeuvre, has total control on the tarmac and moves like a dream.

OTE THE CAR: HUMMER H3V8 STYLE FILE: Bold looks, flat chiselled surfaces, signature sevenslot louvered grille, pronounced fender flares and an inviting and modern interior — leather seats, sliding sunroof, etc.

SMART TOUCHES: DVD-based navigation radio and numerous customised accessories.

POWER PUNCH: 5.3l engine PLAYING SAFE: Reinforced passenger compartment safety cage, standard frontal dual-stage airbag system, Passenger Sensing System and seatbelt pretensionsers.

THE X-FACTOR: Limited edition. Fulfils your desire to be individualistic... all the way; the Hummer H3V8’s a slick city performer merged with a tough terrain traveller look!

OTE THE CAR: CADILLAC SLS STYLE FILE: The epitome of modern design and classic styling, diamond cut-styling, echelon-formation vertical lights, tilt and slide power sunroof. The interior has Tuscany leather upholstery and wood trims for individuality.

SMART TOUCHES: 15-speaker entertainment System with rear LCD colour monitor, DVD player and 2 wireless headsets and navigation system.

POWER PUNCH: 4.6 V8 SFI Northstar engine. Also available is the LY7 3.6l V6 SFI engine.

PLAYING SAFE: Airbags (driver, front-passenger, and side head curtain), keyless entry system, Theft Deterrent System, Traction Control and Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist.

THE X-FACTOR: We all love a lil’ bit of luxury once in a while and if it comes with four wheels, we love it more!

OTE THE CAR: CHEVROLET AVALANCHE STYLE FILE: Lean and agile monochromatic design, large Chevy bowtie centred on twin-port horizontal grille. Roomy and airy interior and comfortable yet firm seat foams.

SMART TOUCHES: Flush-mounted accessories and controls, climate control/radio centre stack, large centre console storage bin, large glove box and numerous storage compartments. CD/ DVD player with DVD navigation system and BOSE Speakers.

Rear seat entertainment.

POWER PUNCH: 5.3L V8 SFI engine with active fuel management.

PLAYING SAFE: Delivers a 360-degree safety system of occupant protection and crash-avoidance technology, Auto Ride Suspension, StabiliTrak stability control system, wide front and rear tracks.

THE X-FACTOR: With a great body to boot , the Chevrolet Avalanche packs in quite a punch on the roads. This athletic, cool SUV is the complete lean-mean machine!

AUTO SPECIAL

SAUD BAHWAN AUTOMOTIVE THE CAR: FORD EDGE STYLE FILE: Stylish and trendy, panoramic glass vista covering, roomy interiors with enough cargo space, fashionable leather seats, chrome wheels and attractive colours.

SMART TOUCHES: Audio input iPod jack and 6-CD/MP3 player, remote keyless entry, cruise control, one touch integrated engine start system and a 6-way power driver seat.

POWER PUNCH: 3.5l V6, 286hp crossover utility vehicle and a 6-speed automatic transmission for a smooth ride.

PLAYING SAFE: Equipped with disc brakes, dual with side and curtain airbags, AdvanceTrac stability Control, child safety locks and SECURILOCK for passive anti-theft system.

THE X-FACTOR: Comfortable, safe, good value for money, Plus this car scores a perfect 10 on the ‘style-o-metre’!

SAUD BAHWAN AUTOMOTIVE THE CAR: LEXUS IS300 STYLE FILE: It is luxurious to the core! Four-wheel independent suspension features a double-wishbone layout in the front; cockpit reflects a driver-oriented and contemporary styling, drilled aluminium pedals and a polished metal ball shift lever.

SMART TOUCHES: Cruise control, one-touch auto-down power windows, memory seats for driver and passenger, automatic climate control and 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system with in-dash 6 DVD changer and entertainment system.

POWER PUNCH: Smooth 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine producing 270HP at 6200 rpm.

PLAYING SAFE: Smart airbags, side airbags , curtainshield and knee airbags for driver and front passenger and curtainshield airbags for rear passengers; pre-crash safety system with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

THE X-FACTOR: We would not be exaggerating if we said that the Lexus IS300 is the embodiment of good looks, power and comfort!

The luxurious appeal and exquisite styling makes this one cool vehicle!

SAUD BAHWAN AUTOMOTIVE THE CAR: NEW TOYOTA RAV4 STYLE FILE: New design radiator grille, introduction of turn signal indicators on outer mirrors, chrome type side protection moulding, sportier alloy wheels and 6CD Changer Audio System, an a versatile interior design.

SMART TOUCHES: Double glove box, bottle holders, illuminated cup holders and CD player.

POWER PUNCH: Well acclaimed 2.4litre engine, more powerful and more fuel efficient.

PLAYING SAFE: More advanced safety systems assure occupant and pedestrian protection.

THE X-FACTOR: Unlimited fun, all-round comfort, high safety standards, hassle-free driving… These factors sure make the new RAV4 a winner all the way!

SAUD BAHWAN AUTOMOTIVE THE CAR: NEW KIA SORENTO STYLE FILE: Drop-dead looks, stylish features like panoramic sunroof, functional and utility features include Cruise Control, Steering audio remote and Power Driver Seat.

SMART TOUCHES: Check out the power folding outer mirrors, back warning sensors (for easy parking) and LED Rear Combination Lamp.

POWER PUNCH: Available in 2.4l version with Dual CVVTi engine with six-speed sports automatic gearbox.

PLAYING SAFE: ABS, Dual Airbag, 5-star Crash Safety Rating (NHTSA), Active Head-rest.

THE X-FACTOR: A great vehicle for the multi-tasking world. The sporty handling and responsive power makes it the car you want to take back home with you.

SAUD BAHWAN AUTOMOTIVE THE CAR: DAIHATSU SIRION STYLE FILE: Smart design and exciting styling; amazing features like split foldable seats, sufficient storage places. No wonder then it won Best Compact Car of the Year!

SMART TOUCHES: An unbelievably spacious cabin, comfortable seats, smoked rear lamps, jazzy seat upholstery and leather steering wheel.

POWER PUNCH: A choice of peppy, fuel-efficient 1.5l & 1.3l engines.

PLAYING SAFE: Assured safety comes with dual airbags and ABS complemented with crash safety body, to name a few.

THE X-FACTOR: Peppy and easy to handle, this racy car is just what we women would love to own!

SHANFARI AUTOMOTIVE THE CAR: MASERATI GRANTURISMO S AUTOMATIC STYLE FILE: The sporty vocation is underlined by some elegant details such as the new under-door mini-skirts featuring a prominent shape, and the new 20” wheel rims with ‘Trident’ design. Further technology enriches the on-board comfort for the driver and three passengers, thanks to the Bluetooth Wireless Technology (offered as standard) and the iPod interface (available upon request).

POWER PUNCH: 4.7 litre V8 engine which develops 440 Hp at 7000 rpm to the rear wheels through a smooth ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox.

PLAYING SAFE: The Skyhook suspension system featuring continuously adjustable dampers provides great driving comfort.

Passive safety is further enhanced with the introduction of a new generation passenger air-bag with Low Risk Deployment functionality.

THE X-FACTOR: This masterpiece can be a real scorcher on the roads and is one smooth operator.

AUTO SPECIAL

SUHAIL BAHWAN AUTOMOTIVE THE CAR: RENAULT KOLEOS STYLE FILE: The refined interiors combine class leading headroom and knew-room; a high standard of comfort and a lowmounted dashboard.

SMART TOUCHES: Bose audio system, hands-free telephone and automatic parking brake, etc.

POWER PUNCH: The Koleos is powered by a 2.5-litre, 170hp power plant and has a number of enhancements that have been designed to combine the benefits of a saloon with the advantages of an SUV. PLAYING SAFE: Safety features as standard on the model include ABS, electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assist and under steer control.

THE X-FACTOR: The first ever 4WD crossover from Renault offers sheer comfort while driving. The French sure do know what we women want!

SUHAIL BAHWAN AUTOMOTIVE THE CAR: INFINITI EX35 STYLE FILE: The interiors of the EX35 are truly stunning with kimono inspired front seats, the rich feel of leather and wood and scores of functions we will simply love.

SMART TOUCHES: The lovely colours, an unobtrusive headrest mounted retractable coat hanger, the Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC), great sound (Bose premium audio system with 6 CD in-dash changer with 11 speakers!) and much more.

POWER PUNCH: A 314-hp V6 engine that produces a powerful response and packs in a solid punch when it comes to top-flight performance.

PLAYING SAFE: The Around View Monitor is a great feature. There are a host of other safety features like Active Head Restraints, Zone Body Construction, Seat Belt Pretensioners, Brake Assist, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

THE X-FACTOR: Some of us like things that adapt to our needs, are the personification of power and but of course, look great. With the Infiniti EX35, it’s all of this and then some…

SUHAIL BAHWAN AUTOMOTIVE THE CAR: NISSAN QASHQAI STYLE FILE: Aggressive, performance-oriented exterior that redefines the small utility with sleek styling, Xenon headlights and halogen fog lamps. Spacious interior includes an oversized glove compartment, ample leg room and wide cargo space. Other features include Cruise Control and Audio Control with Illumination.

SMART TOUCHES: Features include a sunglass holder, versatile dual-level centre console storage with hidden functionality features including two cup holders and 12v power port and Dual Zone Auto air-conditioning.

POWER PUNCH: The 2.0-litre DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder rated at 142 horsepower and Nissan’s trademark Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) gear system packs quite a punch.

PLAYING SAFE: Dual airbags, ABS, EBD with Brake assist, Electronic Power Steering with Tilt and Telescopic adjustment along with front and rear power windows with driver one touch all provide additional safety.

THE X-FACTOR: Provides the economy of a compact car with the ruggedness and off-road capability expected of an SUV. We love the fact that it’s sporty, trendy and absolutely reliable!

TOWELL AUTO CENTRE THE CAR: MAZDA ULTRA STYLE FILE: The design theme of ‘Bold and Exquisite’ is embodied in sporty styling. The front end bumper, fenders and bonnet gives the car a distinctive face that conveys a sense of power yet carries the Mazda’s unique DNA of a 5point front grill. The interior boasts of more space and legroom.

SMART TOUCHES: Advanced keyless entry system, 10 Bose Speaker System with a 6CD MP3, Xenon Headlamps, Fog Lamps, Beige Leather Seats, Auto heads lamps, Rain sensor wipers, Sunroof, Chrome plated rear view mirrors with turn indicators, Rear a/c vents with individual controls, Dual Zone a/c, Electronically controlled driver seat, POWER PUNCH: MZI 3.7 V6 engine produces 275 BHP at 6,000rpm and 365Nm of torque at 4,250rpm, while the MZR 2.5 four-cylinder power plant generates 188 BHP at 6,000rpm and 226Nm at 4,000rpm (EEC).

PLAYING SAFE: 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Mazda’s Advanced Impact Distributions & Absorption System (MAIDAS), Anti theft immobiliser, 235/45ZR 18 10Spoke Alloy Wheels.

THE X-FACTOR: A guaranteed head turner, the Mazda Ultra races ahead from 0-100 kmph in 6.5 seconds which is the fastest in its class!

TOWELL AUTO CENTRE THE CAR: SEAT LEON & SEAT LEON FR STYLE FILE: Aerodynamic curves, coupe-look-alike exterior.

Cool interior features like eight loud speakers; Bluetooth, USB and iPod connections.

SMART TOUCHES: Advanced Central Locking Remote Control Foldable Key, Headlight Adjuster, Traction Control System (TCS), Sports Racing Seats, Fog Lamps, Rear Parking Sensors, Wipers on A pillar, 15 per cent Tinted Mirrors.

POWER PUNCH: A 2.0 litre Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) engine with 6 Speed Triptronic Transmission with 150BHP. Also available in 2.0 litre Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection (TFSI) engine with 6 Speed Manual Transmission with 200BHP. PLAYING SAFE: Electromechanical power-steering, 8 Airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) & Traction Control System (TCS), Dynamic steering response and height-adjustable front seatbelts with tensioners and load limit.

THE X-FA CTOR: For style, sport and the senses! The SEAT Leon provides a firm ride, has quick, responsive steering and is easy to handle but is also loaded with attitude.

ZAWAWI TRADING CO. THE CAR: MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS ROADSTER STYLE FILE: Trend setting vario-roof that transforms the car from a roadster into a weatherproof coupé in 22 seconds. Sporty exterior features with a new look front bumper, trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes, AMG-inspired darkened taillights, large exterior mirrors, driver focused interior, three-spoke sports steering wheel with multi-function buttons and ‘gullwing red’ leather appointments.

SMART TOUCHES: New generation of audio and telematics, Bluetooth hands free connection for mobile phones, Media Interface for connection of various audio devices, Steering wheel gearshift buttons.

POWER PUNCH: SLK 200 - No. of cylinders: 4, Total displacement: 1796 cc, Rated output: 184 hp, Rated Torque: 250 Nm, Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9seconds, 5 speed automatic transmission.

PLAYING SAFE: High level of safety with adaptive front airbags, head/ thorax sidebags, two-stage belt-force limiters, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Acceleration skid control (ASR) , Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Brake Assist (BAS) as standard.

THE X-FACTOR: Hit the road with this one, it’s an enriching experience!

You wouldn’t be blamed for wanting to be out on the road all day when you’re behind the wheel of this Roadster.

AUTO SPECIAL ZAWAWI TRADING CO. THE CAR: MERCEDES BENZ GLK STYLE FILE: The multi-talented GLK - Functional yet attractive with striking body lines. Typical Mercedes-Benz attributes such as refinement, dynamism , safety and a first-class level of ride comfort.

4MATIC four-wheel drive ensures perfect on-road performance together with well-balanced off-road capabilities.

SMART TOUCHES: New generation of audio and telematics, Bluetooth hands free connection for mobile phones, Intelligent Light System (ILS) , AUX in socket for connection of various audio devices, Parktronic sensors.

POWER PUNCH: GLK 280 4MATIC- No. of cylinders: 6, Total displacement: 2996 cc, Rated output: 231 hp, Rated Torque: 300 Nm, Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6seconds, 7G-TRONIC 7 speed automatic transmission PLAYING SAFE: PRESAFE, Front Airbags and sidebags for driver and front passenger, plus windowbags for driver, front passenger and rear passengers . Electronic Traction System for all-wheel drive, including automatic brake control for downhill gradients (4ETS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Acceleration skid control (ASR), Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Brake Assist (BAS) as standard.

THE X-FACTOR: Chic and cheerful, this first compact, snazzy SUV from Mercedes Benz reflects fun all over! Apart from the fact that the GLK looks great on the road, it’s a safe vehicle.

ZUBAIR AUTOMOTIVE GROUP THE CAR: PEUGEOT 308 STYLE FILE: Prominent V-shaped bonnet, huge oblong fog lights, cat-like headlights, and the distinctive sports-front grille.

Ergonomically designed dashboard and controls neatly clustered in the centre.

SMART TOUCHES: Large number of storage pockets, luggage hooks, and cubby holes, and a refrigerated glove box that can store anything… even chocolates!

POWER PUNCH: The eighth-generation hatchback is powered by a 1.6- litre turbocharged inline-four producing 140hp.

PLAYING SAFE: It has six airbags and traction control, are designed to help maintain the car’s composure, even in difficult situations. Active head restraints, ABS with electronic breakforce distribution and fuel supply cut-offs.

THE X-FACTOR: An overall lithe and sporty feel. All you women out there who like to have fun and live life on your terms, you’ll find yourselves relating to the Peugeot 308, it’s très chic!

ZUBAIR AUTOMOTIVE GROUP THE CAR: CITROEN C4 STYLE FILE: ‘Boomerang’ front headlamps and chevrons built into the chrome grille makes for a head-turner. There’s a remarkable amount of leg room even for rear passengers, huge storage places plus a large boot.

SMART TOUCHES: Scented air freshener styled to match the dashboard design, hi-fi audio system and Bluetooth.

POWER PUNCH: 2.0 litre engine producing 143BHP as it purrs and economically takes to the road...

PLAYING SAFE: Lane departure warning system, Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and side, front and lateral airbags.

THE X-FACTOR: Some of us are totally sold on comfort but we refuse to compromise on style. Well, here’s a car that’s been made with that kind of woman in mind for that’s what the Citroen C4 is all about.

ZUBAIR AUTOMOTIVE GROUP THE CAR: AUDI Q5 STYLE FILE: Elegant, sculptural design... front end is dominated by the large single-frame grille, Xenon plus headlamps with LED daytime running lights; choice materials such as aluminium, wood, chrome, leather and Alcantara lend the interior great appeal.

SMART TOUCHES: Find ample storage compartments and power sockets; optionally available climate-controlled cup holder to keep drinks cool or warm and an audio system with eight speakers.

POWER PUNCH: Choice of two engines — the 2.0 TFSI and 3.2 FSI with direct fuel injection for high performance and fuel efficiency.

PLAYING SAFE: The side-guard head airbag system covers the side windows as far back as the third row of seats; side airbags are also available for the outer second-row seats.

THE X-FACTOR: The Audi is a topper when it comes to luxury, styling, power and safety; created to make journeys more exciting and turn them into an experience!

ZUBAIR AUTOMOTIVE GROUP THE CAR: VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN STYLE FILE: Striking exterior, distinctive headlights, broad and powerful. Classic, pure SUV elements are combined with contemporary urban forms. Multi-variable and spacious interiors, ‘Sport seats’, a neat, variable and functional cargo area.

SMART TOUCHES: Rearview camera, Dynaudio Sound System, Panoramic Sunroof and shopping bag hooks.

POWER PUNCH: Two TSI four cylinder engines are offered in the Middle East, these are a 170 HP and a 200HP engine.

PLAYING SAFE: Electronic Stability Control; Traction Control; Advanced Airbag features and Tyre Pressure Monitor.

THE X-FACTOR: The Volkswagen Tiguan is an unbeatable combination of style, space and driving pleasure; perfect to meander your way through the urban jungle.

ZUBAIR AUTOMOTIVE GROUP THE CAR: SKODA OCTAVIA STYLE FILE: The front grille with an eye-catching chrome frame and traditional vertical ribbing represents one of the most striking design elements of the exterior. The interior is plush and has many features like SunSet windows, retractable external mirrors, rear parking sensors, electric sunroof, etc.

SMART TOUCHES: The Jumbo Box is a spacious storage compartment located in the adjustable armrest between the front seats. The storage compartment in the dashboard on the front passenger side can be illuminated, and a sunglasses compartment is also provided.

There’s also a dashboard with Maxi DOT display.

POWER PUNCH: Choice of 1.4 MPI, 1.6MPI, 1.4TSI and 1.8TSI PLAYING SAFE: Curtain airbags, driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, height-adjustable front seat belts, rear aerowiper, ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) and others.

THE X-FACTOR: Sporty and yet stately, the Skoda Octavia is a dream on four wheels.

PROFILE

IN

PURSUIT OF

EXCELLENCE She is the youngest member of Oman’s Business Women Forum and at 24, Sukaina Haider is standing tall with her own fashion label, event company and more, says Deepa Rajan

S

omeone once said that success isn’t a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire. No one emphasises this more than Sukaina Haider. This 24-yearold firebrand is the sole owner of ‘Suza’; a fashion designing and event management company. Driven by Sukaina’s contagious passion and determination, ‘Suza’ is growing by leaps and bounds to give Oman its well-deserved due in the local and global fashion industry.

Sukaina, who was recently voted as a member (the youngest currently) into the Business Women Forum under the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will be representing the Forum at the Geneva Festival apart from showcasing her collection there. A fantastic feat for someone so young!

Sukaina was not always a fashion designer. At 17, she took up a job with a

petroleum company while studying. “My parents asked me to study full-time but I preferred to study and work. I wanted the experience.” She has also worked with her father in Cairo, where he ran his own business.

She studied Management Information Systems, which she says was never her area of interest. She always wanted to be a fashion designer and more importantly she wanted to be independent and not ride on the ‘fortune’ of coming from a wellknown business family.

“I wanted to be an Ambassador or a Minister or a businesswoman. And I keep telling my father that I am going to build my own fortunes and my own future.

That’s what I’m working on. One day I woke up and decided that it was time for me to start. And, I really started the same day,” says Sukaina. And this was the beginning of ‘Suza’, the fashion brand.

While most people would regard this a risky move, Sukaina has her own theory.

Not a big fan of the 9-to-5 routine, she says: “People are different. Some prefer security in life. I also want that, but what is important that I should bring it to myself. I want to be something on my own terms.”

Not satisfied with just the fashion brand, Sukaina has also established an event management company, which marks the setting up of her office in Qurum (she was working without an office for a while).

The strong independent streak you can almost see in her reflects in her designs as well. Her clothes are modern but yet retain a strong traditional identity. She feels that fashion is not just about modernising a dress. The clothes should be ‘wearable’ as well.

On her line of designing, she says, “My work is different, it is not purely Omani.

It also has a strong western influence in

HER IDEAL IS: Her dad. She will always be thankful to him for pushing her towards her goals.

“He’s a man you can take advice from. And you can depend on him completely,” she says.

a name that related to her and that would remain on everyone’s lips.

SUZA?: Is actually a nickname.

Sukaina’s father fondly calls her Suzanne or Suza. She wanted

36 AUGUST 2009

CHILLING OUT IS: Enjoying herself with family and friends. She loves shopping and going on boat trips.

She also enjoys fishing or a walk on the beach. Hawaii is on top of her vacation list.

them. For example: I use the elements of the traditional Bedouin mask on different designs. I also like to play with different fabrics and colours. This way, I preserve our culture, and people won’t forget it.

And it looks really nice.”

She has also worked with the ‘kummar’ (the embroidered cap worn

by Omani men); she transferred similar embroidery onto belts, shirts and other forms of clothing. The ‘kummar’ itself underwent a modernisation process in her hands; the use of beads and other crystals enhanced its beauty, appealing to modern tastes. It is no wonder that the response to her work has been tremendous and an inspiration for her to do much more.

Sukaina’s exclusive designs are currently available at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa but she hopes to have a high-end boutique of her own by the end of the year. And that’s not all.

She soon intends to explore jewellery designing as well. For this, she is busy persuading her younger sister (she has two sisters) who designs amazing jewellery to join her in the venture.

It is one relentless pursuit of excellence after another that makes Sukaina such an inspiration for young girls in Oman and sets her apart from the rest. And no one puts it better than her when she says: “I am 24 and I’ve reached a place most people reach in their 30s and 40s. That’s what makes me unique and different.”

We endorse that wholeheartedly!■

STYLE DOSSIER: She loves Gucci bags. She likes to keep it simple with Burberry or a Lacoste polo shirt and a comfortable pair of Armani jeans.

FASHION IS: Something she enjoys. It takes her to another world and makes her feel creative and beautiful.

AUGUST 2009 37

SUPERSTAR

PUNK-POP

DYNAMO The life of child prodigy Avril Lavigne is the stuff dreams are made of… And she is still living that dream…

A

vril Lavigne knew what she wanted to be probably when she was just a couple of feet tall. She says, “I remember when I was really young, standing on my bed like it was a stage, singing on top of my lungs and visualising thousands of people surrounding me.”

Well if all the world’s a stage, then this style icon is definitely setting it on fire! And the child prodigy was destined for stardom from the word go. She started wowing people from the age of two and participated in many talent shows as a child... And there was simply no turning back!

Born on September 27, 1984 in Napanee, Ontario, Canada, Lavigne made her foray into the world of music at a very young age. She started singing gospel music, went on to festivals and then sang country music at fairs and talent contests till she was discovered by Arista Records.

Obviously she had to move away from her small-town roots if she had to really strike it big. So at the age of 16, armed with her prodigious talent and confidence, she moved to New York to sign a US $1.25 million contract.

38 AUGUST 2009

Arista provided her with country music to record, but after six months of working with co-writers, it became glaringly obvious to her that she was more into rock. So she ditched the setup and moved to LA. She was startling, she was stunning, she was outrageous... and she had all it took to be a star. Avril made her debut with ‘Let Go’, flaunting her sassy vocals and a crystal clear voice with real-girl lyrical style. With the singles, ‘Complicated’ and ‘Sk8er Boi’, it became the third biggest selling album of the year!

In 2004, Lavigne followed up the super success with a second album, ‘Under My Skin’ that debuted at # 1 on the Billboard 200, and went on to sell 2.9 million copies!

She wrote most of the tracks with Canadian singersongwriter Chantal Kreviazuk. The two hit it off right in the beginning. Of this association, Lavigne has said, “We got together one night and all of a sudden we had a song.

No one knew what I was up to, not my management, not my label. We did that for two weeks and wrote 12 songs.”

By that summer, Lavigne moved into Chantal’s Malibu house to record. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Her personal life has also always generated a lot of

Life is like a roller coaster, live it, be happy, enjoy life.

AUGUST 2009 39

SUPERSTAR

attention. Earlier, before her sensational debut she dated producer/songwriter Clif Magness, enthusing, “Yeah! I’ve found my guy!” In 2004, and with success courting her at every step, the nineteen-year-old was seen with her new boyfriend, fellow Canadian Deryck Whibley, lead singer for the punk-pop band ‘Sum 41’. A year later they were engaged in Venice.

In 2004, Lavigne won a slew of awards too. She won two World Music Awards in 2004 for ‘World’s Best Pop/Rock Artist’ and ‘World’s Best-Selling Canadian Artist’.

She received five Juno Award nominations in 2005, picking up three, including ‘Fan Choice Award’, ‘Artist of the Year’, and ‘Pop Album of the Year’. She also won the award for ‘Favourite Female Singer’ at the 18th Annual Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.

Other honours also followed…

She represented Canada at the closing ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics

40 AUGUST 2009

in Turin, Italy, performing ‘Who Knows’.

While she was recording for her third album, Fox Entertainment Group approached her to write a song for the soundtrack of the 2006 fantasy-adventure film ‘Eragon’.

In 2006, Lavigne married Whibley in an outdoor ceremony at a private estate in Montecito, California. She wore a custommade, ivory, strapless Vera Wang gown and a long veil.

Her third album, ‘The Best Damn Thing’ was released on April 17, 2007. The album’s lead single, ‘Girlfriend’ topped the Billboard Hot 100 and was her first single to have reached # 1 in the United States. In December 2007, Lavigne, with annual earnings of US $12 million, was ranked number eight in the Forbes ‘Top 20 Earners Under 25’ list.

She’s had quite a rocking film career too! Lavigne made a cameo appearance in the film ‘Going The Distance’ and also appeared in an episode of ‘Sabrina, the Teenage Witch’. She also made her film debut with the lead voiceover in the 2006 animated film ‘Over The Edge’. The other big film of her career was ‘The Flock’, which was nothing less than a Richard Gere film.

Avril Lavigne also has plenty of oomph to match her personality. Her

fashion style is a mixture of punk and street styles. Whether she is on the red carpet or out on the street shopping, she sets her own trends. Last year, she also launched her fashion label, ‘Abbey Dawn’, in Tokyo, paying homage to every major rock and pop icon of the late 20th century.

The collection had everything from punk to pop and glam to grunge.

She is mostly seen in black, whether dressing up or casual. Her other favourite colours include dark greys, greens and sometimes red. She keeps her jewellery minimal. She is often seen with a wide cuff for a bracelet, a long pendant necklace and sometimes, just for the effect, she wears even a necktie. For an über-punk look, there are plenty of chains.

Her hair is usually kept long and styled. And she’s not too afraid to try different shades and colours on her hair — from platinum blond to shades of red to black streaks. She’s also seen in combat boots and she wears them with everything from jeans to trousers to skirts and dresses.

For the dressed-down look, Lavigne wears T-shirts, jeans and skirts.

From teen angst to superstardom…

This girl surely knows what she wants and how to get it! There’s no ‘Letting Go’ for this truly wild child.■

(Picture credit: Austral Press)

I liked being a minor because you can’t get into trouble. Now I just have to try and AUGUST 2009 41

Want to take years off your face? Try Chemosurgery says Salima Al Farsi, Skin Care Specialist at the Malatan Spa, Grand Hyatt Muscat. Rana Alawneh met her.

PEEL GOOD!

BEAUTY BUZZ

44 AUGUST 2009

C

hemical peeling has become a part of a beauty regimen for many among us who want to keep looking young and beautiful. This process promises to undo the effects of time by restoring your skin to its previous freshness and youth! It can literally take the years off your face!

Salima Al Farsi who is a Skin Care Specialist at the Malatan Spa, Grand Hyatt Muscat, gives us the lowdown on the treatment that is also known as ‘chemical peeling’, its effects and what it can do for you…

Chemosurgery, commonly known as ‘chemical peeling’, is increasingly becoming one of the most popular forms of treatments in beauty and skincare all over the world says Salima. “Chemical peeling uses a chemical solution (acid) to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin or hands by removing their damaged outer layers as affected by the sun, leaving the skin clear and with one unified colour thus improving the tissues of the skin. The more concentrated the solution is, the deeper the peeling is and the results therefore better. However in those cases, risks and pain are higher and treatment and recovery periods are longer,” she cautions. “The result depends on several factors, the most important of them being skin type, and skin care before and after the treatment.” And yes, the result also depends on the qualifications and experience of the specialist or physician.

There are three degrees of chemical peeling — surface light peeling, medium peeling and deep peeling, says Salima.

Here are a few details regarding them…

SURFACE LIGHT PEELING: Light peeling is used to remove or erase simple damage to the skin, to decrease pigmentation and improve the dryness of skin. It enhances your skin by removing freckles or scars resulting from acne. This process also removes light wrinkles. Our skin is composed of five top layers and during this process, only the first top layer is removed. It is a mild procedure

that could be done on any type of skin, causing a painless peeling, with only a slight feeling of discomfort and a quickly vanishing erythrism (redness of the skin).

“Most people can resume normal activities after this procedure due to the fact that the skin recovers quickly,” adds Salima.

The peeling starts with washing the face to remove any facial oils and traces of creams and cosmetics by using Sterilised Alcohol. Then a light layer of Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid is added and kept on for a few minutes, depending on the exact type of skin.

Light chemical peeling does not require any recovery period but you are advised not to wear any cosmetics during the first three hours following the peeling session.

You will also be advised to use moisturiser, lotion and sun-block cream. To get the desired effect, the skin usually needs three to seven sessions. There would be a gap of one to two weeks between each session.

MEDIUM PEELING: This procedure is used to treat light wrinkles and skin damage as a result of long exposure to the sun’s rays and changes in the skin’s pigmentation. This process is mainly done on the facial area and offers better results than surface peeling. Medium peeling is used to

remove the epidermis and a small portion of the middle layer of skin (dermis) as the acid penetrates the skin to a deeper level.

Trichloroacetic Acid is the main solution used in this process.

“Following medium depth peeling, one might experience a reaction similar to a sunburn, causing redness for two or three days after the procedure. It is advisable to keep the processed areas cool, using water, and not to remove the skin after peeling as this would delay treatment and cause scars,” advises Salima. She also recommends the use of moisturisers and creams several times a day and to stay out of the sun for the first few days following peeling.

“Your skin would need five to seven days to recover. Medium depth peeling may be repeated every six-eight weeks, for three sessions only, over one year,” states Salima.

important to look after the wounds, clean them several times a day so that the dead skin is removed and you do need to keep in touch with the Specialist at all times,” says Salima in conclusion.

So there you have it… yes, it’s not easy, but as they say, there’s no gain without pain! And if it promises to get your youth back, what more could you ask for?■

DEEP PEELING: Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions used in this procedure and it produces a deep peel, penetrating several layers of the skin.

This process, again, is used only for facial skin and is mainly used to treat people with coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or damaged skin caused by sun exposure or acne.

“Mostly, deep peeling is done only once and it takes the skin ten to fourteen days to re-grow. During this period, the skin will look red and such redness may last for two months or more until the complete recovery of the skin,” informs Salima.

She adds that with this treatment, you would need painkillers. You could also suffer from swollen eyes but that can be treated with medication.

Moreover, antibiotics may also be used to avoid infections.

“For a speedy recovery and to avoid infection, it is very

AUGUST 2009 45

AT HOME

Home remedies for everyday troubles…

HANDY TIPS: • If you have oily skin, mix a little oil-free moisturiser with a little calamine lotion and sunscreen to prevent the moisturiser from getting sticky in hot weather. • Blend Geranium, Clary Sage and Ylang Ylang oils to relieve symptoms of PMS. • To get rid of a tan, make a face pack of 2 tsp oatmeal powder, 2 tsp of almond powder, 2 tsp orange juice, 2 tsp carrot juice. Apply and leave on for 20 minutes, Wash off with cold water.

Farida, Azaiba

FOR PEARLY WHITES: • Brush your teeth by using a little baking soda in your toothbrush. • Alternatively, you can use some lemon drops instead of baking soda.

Anna Davidson Al Khuwair BANISH THAT BACKACHE: • Take two or three cloves of garlic every morning. • You could also prepare oil from garlic and apply to the aching back.

To prepare garlic oil, fry 8-10 cloves of garlic in about 50 ml of oil. Fry them on a slow flame till they turn brown. Allow the

46 AUGUST 2009

oil to cool and then rub vigorously on the back and let it remain for three hours.

Take a warm bath after the oil massage.

Do this at least once a fortnight.

Simran Mathur Qurum

LIP LOVE: For dry, chapped or cracked lips, try the following: • Use unflavoured lip balm at all times. • Increase your intake of water and other liquids. • Rub cucumber slices over them to remove dryness. • Rub Aloe Vera gel over your lips; it also works very well.

Samira Al Balushi Muttrah CLOSE THE CRACKS: • Soak the feet in lemon juice for about 10 minutes.

Follow this therapy on a weekly basis until you find a change. • A daily regime of cleaning and moisturising is a good cure for dry or cracked heels. At the end of the day soak the feet in warm soapy water for about 15 minutes. Rinse feet and pat dry.

• Make a healing mixture of one teaspoon Vaseline and the juice of one lemon. Rub this mixture on to cracked heels and other required areas of the feet till it is thoroughly absorbed. This can be done daily until visible results are obtained.

Rahima Al Kindy Ghubrah

COTTON CARE: Machine wash in warm, tumble-dry low setting.

Cotton can be easily laundered. It can withstand high temperatures including boiling water. Bahar FWA can be used to wash cotton fabrics. A higher heat setting is needed in the dryer to dry cotton. Cotton takes more time to dry compared to less absorbent fibres.

TIPS FOR LINEN: Some linen is washable, while others can only be dry-cleaned. Be sure to check the label before washing. Washable household linen, handkerchiefs, and linen apparel can be washed easily and becomes softer with use.

White linen should be dried in the sun, to help them retain their whiteness.

Generally speaking, dry cleaning is recommended for drapery linen, upholstery linen and decorative linen.

Do share your fine housekeeping and personal grooming skills with other Al Mar’a readers. Write in to Al Mar’a, At Home, United Media Services, P.O. Box: 3305, Ruwi 112, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman or email us at almara@ umsoman.com, Subject: At Home or fax us at 24707939. Do give us your name, address and GSM number.

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Laurentia is 18k Italian gold jewellery designed for women of spirit. Each piece is painstakingly crafted by master artisans.

Laurentia’s jewellery is an attempt to capture the feeling of the times we are living in, through the sensitivity of its designers.

Laurentia’s collections are targeted towards customers particularly attentive to fashion trends, the refinement of details, where jewellery is an expression and extension of their own personality.

Fulla jewels are made of 18kt yellow gold with diamonds and attractive enamel colours to enhance the beauty of the wearer. This highlystylised assortment of incredibly beautiful, fine jewellery is available as a three-piece set (pendant chain, earrings and ring), brooches and bracelets.

Initially more than 25 designs are being introduced which definitely will be on the must-have list of all those parents looking for the perfect gift for their little girls. The passion and careful attention that have gone into this new line are evident in the choice of materials, the well-thought out but simple design and the superb craftsmanship.

(Both collections are available at Damas Jewellery outlets at Muscat City Centre, Qurum City Centre , Sabco Centre and at Salam Street, Salalah)

48 AUGUST 2009

HEALTH

FASTING for Children Dr Christopher B. Dias offers some important advice for parents of fasting children…

T

he holy month of Ramadan will soon be upon us with all its blessings. Prayers, fasting, ‘iftaars’, family unions and short working hours mark the occasion. Many adult Muslims can recall the first Ramadan fast they observed when they were children. It is often a poignant memory. And when the fast is successfully accomplished for the first time, the sense of triumph and of joy felt on that day is cherished for life.

Children (who have not reached

50 AUGUST 2009

puberty) are not expected to fast.

However, their parents or guardians encourage them to fast for a few days so that they get used to it and they grow up knowing of the worship of fasting as they would know that of prayer.

Fasting is more difficult for some children than it is for others. Children who have a weak constitution might not be able to fast. Likewise, children who normally need to eat frequently can find fasting difficult. Children who are extra active in

their play are also among those who have trouble fasting. It is the job of the parents to determine whether their children are ready to fast. They know their children’s health. However, the parents should not be lax in the matter. As long as a child is in good health, the child can be introduced to Ramadan fasting in some manner or another.

Dr. Christopher Dias, medical director, Welcare Diagnostic & Treatment Centre and leading pediatrician in the city has the

following advice that would make fasting easier for children: • Between seven and nine years of age, it is possible to gradually introduce children to the fast. At the beginning, they can be encouraged to fast until 10am. Then the time can be increased until the time of the ‘Zuhr’ prayer, then until the time of the ‘Asr’ prayer and slowly until sunset • A healthy ten-year-old child can handle the fast. Medically, his/her body is able to cope with it. We can tell a child at this age: ‘Do something really great and fast the whole day.’

• It is important for parents to adopt the following measures so that children can get the maximum benefit from their attempts at fasting: • We must work to instil in our children’s heart the desire to fast during Ramadan.

This means that compulsion is out of the question.

• Positive reinforcement works wonders

and can make it much easier to get children to fast. Praise and encouragement are strongly recommended. Prizes — both material and honorary — can be rewarded to the children.

• A great way to encourage children is to cultivate a competitive spirit among them. This is especially effective when the children have peers who are fasting and who are praying in the mosque.

• We must not neglect using the gradual approach with children. This approach should be used so that the child steadily advances to the point of fasting a full day.

SOME OTHER THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND… Variety Helps Especially in Ramadan, when the intake is limited to two meals per day, parents need to put extra effort into including foods from all the food groups. Children

We must work to instil in our children’s heart the

desire to fast

during Ramadan.

This means that

compulsion is out of the question.

are more active as compared to adults and expend a lot more energy than an adult. It is thus important give them a wide variety of foods every day, to ensure that they get all of these nutrients.

Pump up the Carbs These foods provide the body with energy.

They are rich in vitamins belonging to the B group, and are an excellent source of fibre. Hi-fibre foods have a greater effect on satiety than their low-fibre counterparts. Examples of foods high in fibre include brown rice, whole grains, fresh fruit and raw veggies.

Guzzle Fluids Always include water in their diet and limit their intake of caffeine-containing beverages. Caffeine is a diuretic and will not provide adequate hydration.

GI Foods Use low glycaemic (GI) foods at ‘Suhur’ (Pre-dawn Meal) to help control blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates are now su classified according to their glucose cl response or glycaemic index. The GI re measures how fast the carbohydrate of m a particular food is converted to glucose and enters the bloodstream. It therefore an tells you which carbohydrate foods te satisfy hunger for longer. The lower sa the GI, the slower the food is converted th to sugar and the better it is. Selecting low GI foods therefore helps maintain lo normal blood sugar control, minimises n hunger pangs and satisfies the appetite h without providing excess calories. Also, w by controlling blood sugar levels, you prevent excessive eating binges as a result p of low blood sugar levels. Remember to include low GI foods at each meal, and to avoid eating high GI foods on their own, but rather to mix them with low GI foods, which will give an intermediate GI overall.

Note: Parents must keep a close eye while children are fasting. They should make sure that sufficient fluids are given so that they do not dehydrate during the day.

AUGUST 2009 51

HEALTH PLUS

YOUR HEALTH ave all your gynaecological queries answered by Dr. Smita Lulla — MBBS, M.D, D.G.O. (Gold Medallist), Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Qurum Clinic, Muscat.

The veteran doctor has had advanced training in the UK in Obstetric & Gynaecological Ultra-sonography & Infertility.

I am married for the last four years and have had three miscarriages since.

The last one was an h-mole (complete type). The doctor asked me not to get pregnant for a year. A year and a half has passed and nothing has happened.

I took the Toxo and CMV test and they were both positive. I take Acyclovir and Siprimycin till the test is negative.

I believe that I am taking a safe dosage with one pill from each drug. I have been trying to conceive for five months. Please tell me what to do.

Sorry to hear about your miscarriages. If your toxoplasmosis has been treated, you do not need to take any medication now. Repeat the test to see if you have any new infection. If yes, then take a complete course again. I do not think one pill a day will help. Take a vitamin tablet containing vitamin A as it may prevent a hydatidiform mole. A deficiency in protein can also be a causative factor, so ensure that you are eating enough proteins. Take folic acid as a deficiency of that can cause certain fetal abnormalities, which can also cause a miscarriage. You have not mentioned the normal range of prolactin in your lab report, but if it is high, you should take Dostinex tablets. Repeat the prolactin test after 3 weeks and let me know the result. Also, have an ultrasound done on day 12 of the period to determine

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whether you are ovulating or not. Do an ACA (anti-cardiolipin antibodies) test and let me know all the results. I am sure with adequate treatment; you should have a baby soon. All the best!

I have PCOD and have been trying to conceive for the last five months. I also tried an ovulation kit but it didn’t work. The doctor asked us to try for a year and then he recommended taking help from a specialist. We are both frustrated.

I am also trying to lose weight but to no avail. My last periods were two months ago. I did a pregnancy test but it was negative.

You have not mentioned whether you usually have regular cycles and whether you are ovulating or not. Have a scan done on day 12 of the period to determine whether you are ovulating or not. If you are, you can try conceiving during the fertile period. If you are not ovulating, I do not think you need to wait any longer. Talk to your doctor about taking Clomid tablets. However, ultrasound monitoring is a must after taking Clomid to determine the most fertile period and also to ensure that the ovaries are not getting unduly enlarged. You have not mentioned your weight and height. That would help me determine your BMI. If that is high, losing weight would help

you ovulate. I need to know the results of your husband’s semen report too.

I have been diagnosed with a uterine fibroid of 6 cm size. One doctor prescribed 15 Placentrax injections on alternative days along with one Leuprolide on first day of menstruation for three month; while all others suggested an operation. What is your view?

You have not mentioned your age, whether you have any symptoms like heavy bleeding, pain or urinary problems because of the fibroid and what the size of the fibroid was before. All these would help determine the treatment you require.

Luperide would help to reduce the size of the fibroid, so if you are around 45- 55 years, and you do not have any symptoms, that would be a better choice. Let me know, so I can advise you further.

FIND MORE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FIELDED BY DR. SMITA LULLA AT www.omanaccess.com

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WELLBEING

ME-TIME MY TIME

54 AUGUST 2009

It’s very critical for a woman to give herself the time to feel good, feel attractive, and feel energised, says Dr. Prema Seshadri.

B

raving the draining humidity and the sapping morning sun, I decided to clean the garden. With the leaves drying way too fast in the heat, the larger trees tend to shed a lot more leaves in the summer than otherwise. The immense satisfaction I had looking at the heap of leaves I had gathered and loaded on to the wheelbarrow was short-lived. I turned back to find a fresh new carpet of them waiting to be gathered. And gather them I did. Women are the eternal gatherers of life, while the men will continue to be the hunters!

For time immemorial, women have brought all aspects of life together, whether it’s the brood, the extended family, the neighbourhood, or the available resources. In doing so, not only has she found a niche, an essential niche, in a society which has always been gender-skewed, but has always found her back-bone.

And with time, as she learned the importance of identifying and then eventually defining her dreams, she stepped out to embrace a larger existence to bring about their fruition.

That still did not deter her from engaging in her age-old conditioned behaviour of being the gatherer, thus increasing her circle of responsibilities and effectively making her into the socalled ubiquitous multi-tasker!

While this brings with it the kudos and the laurels, the fatigue and the stress that goes with it, are not far away. And eventually, a woman ends up making compromises in the name

of adjustment, sacrifices in the name of maternal compassion, and ends with a baggage of resentment, guilt, frustration, and low self-worth.

To step outside long-established boundaries is not easy. It calls for careful thinking, enormous fortitude, and clear definition of goals and tasks. For instance, involving the whole family in the decision-making process not only ensures long-term support, but also establishes a strong bond which makes the process of accountability less stressful. The family then shares the multitude of tasks that define a functional home, thus making it possible for the woman to have space to breathe. Most importantly, the woman then experiences respect in familial relationships.

But the woman being the eternal gatherer would still want to bend backwards to keep everybody together and happy. It then becomes even more important for her to make some time exclusively hers; a time which she can call her own; a time when she can do what she wants — that recharges her batteries and makes her look forward to the ride back home. Hence, indulging in a pastime is very critical. It could be at home or outside, it doesn’t really matter so long as it’s a time devoted entirely to her self. It’s very critical for a woman to give herself the time to feel good, feel attractive, and feel energised. For instance, regular exercise decreases the stress hormones, like cortisol, and increases endorphins, the body’s ‘feelgood’ chemicals, giving the mood a

natural boost. It’s also time she makes for herself to interact with others.

There is another very simple way to perceive the aspect of ‘me-time’…. If there is one job that’s hardest to do, but defines the very character of a human being, it’s a woman’ ability to do the same task a million times, but whether the first time at it or the nth time, to be able to do it without loss of enthusiasm or compromising on the quality. This is difficult but very possible. Repetition and monotony is known to affect attention span and alertness. So, when day-to-day jobs or tasks suddenly become chores, we need to hear the warning bells and act upon it.

Firstly, to see the inevitability of the situation is an important step.

Once that acceptance has happened, doors to change will also open, for the simple reason that open doors and windows already exist but in our state of confusion and anger we don’t see them at all. Secondly, to see and grab an opportunity to bring about a healthy change is vital. Thirdly, that subtle shift from perceiving a task as a chore to an act that gives joy is the most important of requirements.

When we begin to feel that sense of ownership and pride about every little aspect of life, then anything that we do ceases to be a chore. On the other hand, it flips over and becomes an activity of leisure itself. And stretch it that little bit more and feel that whatever you are doing, you are doing it for the most precious being in your life, then, that becomes your ultimate ‘me-time’. ■

AUGUST 2009 55

FOR THE FOODIE

MOROCCAN

SPICE AND MAGIC… Take a walk down mystical Morocco and sample its varied tastes at Shahrazad, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, says Deepa Rajan…

THE PLACE: Takes its name from the legendary queen of Persia and the story-teller of One Thousand and One Nights. Shahrazad, housed in Al Husn, Shangri-la Barr al Jissah Resort & Spa is said to be Muscat’s only authentic Moroccan restaurant. The history of Morocco is reflected in its cuisine.

THE FARE: Persian settlers in the Middle Ages brought with them traditional spice-laden recipes that are now common in Morocco, but forgotten in the Middle East. Further influences on Moroccan cuisine came from Spain dating back to around the 15th century.

Described as an exciting blend of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Turkish influences, together with its native Berber

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culinary traditions, Morocco’s cuisine has evolved from centuries of refinement through the royal kitchens of the cities of Fes, Marrakech, Rabat, Meknes and Tetouan. One signature characteristic is cooking fruit with meat. A wide range of locally-cultivated Mediterranean fruits and vegetables as well as native sheep, cattle, poultry and seafood provide a rich base for Moroccan cuisine. Spices are used extensively in all traditional recipes and may include saffron from Tiliouine, mint and olives from Meknes, and oranges and lemons from Fez. Other popular spices include karfa (cinnamon), kamoun (cumin), kharkoum (turmeric) and tahmira (paprika).

THE MOOD: The majestic, ornate

wooden doors that lead to the mystical world of Shahrazad are enough to bring out the romantic in you and send a tingle down your spine (It sure did for us!) As you enter, spices kept in traditional Tajines (glazed terracotta cooking dishes with conical lids used to slow cook aromatic blends of meat or seafood, vegetables and dried fruits) offer a glimpse of what you can sample later during your meal.

The interiors are an eclectic mix of royal Arabian grandeur and modern functional furniture. From the shimmering walls of fabric dividing the tables, the mosaic lanterns and the patchwork of coloured glass panelling on the central wall all add to the ‘fairytale’ ambience. The traditional musicians set the mood for you to eat, drink and be merry!

THE POPULARITY QUOTIENT: We have to admit that the ambience has an almost hypnotic effect that lures people time and again to this place. Open only for dinner from 7pm – 11:30pm, we strongly recommend you call in ahead for a reservation.

WE RECOMMEND: With mincing too many words, we suggest you begin with the ‘signature’ ‘Harira Marrakeshia’ soup (a popular recipe with chopped celery, parsley and coriander, garnished with lentils, chickpeas and lamb cubes, served with dates). Vegetarians can opt for the ‘Chorbat au Legumes’ (a light soup with cubes of assorted vegetables flavoured with celery). The Entrées musteat list includes the ‘Cigars Bil Roz’ (baked crunchy filo pastry cigars filled with rice and crushed almonds, topped with icing sugar and cinnamon) and ‘Pastilla Bil d Jaj’ (a traditional wedding pie, filled with chicken meat, crushed almonds and scrambled eggs, dusted with cinnamon and icing sugar). We loved the ‘Couscous’ (this Moroccan national dish is made of flour-coated granulated semolina and is traditionally steamed over a variety of meats or vegetables) And from the variety of Tajines, do savour the ‘Lamb T Faya’ (from the city of Fes, braised lamb with onions, saffron and cinnamon served with honey prunes and grilled almonds) and the ‘D’jaj M Kelli’ (from the city of Tetouan, braised baby chicken with onions and garlic, flavoured with ginger and saffron, served with Moroccan olives and preserved lemon) For those with a sweet tooth, dig into the ‘Kounaffa’ (pastry layers with vanilla cream, crushed almonds, icing sugar and cinnamon powder) AND the ‘Halaweyat’ (assorted Moroccan pastries created with almond, gum arabica and rose water).

LAST IMPRESSION: Spices blended to form succulent aromas served amid Arabian splendour and rich tunes wafting in the air, dining at Shahrazad is akin to a richly-crafted tale from the One Thousand and One Nights. It quite simply makes it a place that you want to keep revisiting, not just to satisfy the spirit of degustation, but also to satiate the romantic in you!■ AUGUST 2009 57

BEAUTY ZONE

ALL THE BEAUTY STUFF YOU SIMPLY MUST HAVE…

SUMMER GLOW

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Dior captures the glow of the summer with the Dior Bronze Makeup 2009 collection. The range enhances your skin and brings an incredibly radiant and healthy glow to your face. To keep the glow all year long, Dior introduce Two new bronzing powders — Dior Bronze Original Tan and Dior Bronze Collagen-Activ SPF 15. Also find Dior Bronze Matte Sunshine, Dior Bronze Collagen-Activ SPF10 sun protection plumping gloss as well as the Sun Couture Clutch Summer makeup palette in the collection. AM says: Glow on!

FRUITY & FLORAL It’s fresh, irresistible and seductive! We’re talking about the new Euphoria Spring Temptation fragrance from Calvin Klein. It combines lush fruits with a sensual floral heart that excites the senses, a new interpretation of the signature Euphoria fragrance. The dream unfolds with lush pear blossom and guava leaf, mingling with a fluid waterfall accord and an intoxicating heart of pink lily and dewy violet.

Sandalwood then engages with a pure frosted musk and amber to tantalise the senses.

AM says: Get a whiff of spring in a scorching summer…

LASH EXTENSIONS Did you like the special XXL Atomic Volume from Sephora? You’ll like this one too! We’re talking about the Lash Stretcher, a new extreme lengthening and ‘hairy’ mascara. It contains microfibres that add length to eyelashes as if by magic — like a hair extension, but for lashes!

The exclusive curved brush coats your lashes with fibres and curls them up.

AM says: For beautiful eyes, it doesn’t get better!

SUPER VOLUME Turn heads by turning up the volume on your lashes! It takes just seconds to get the biggest lashes with The Max Volume Flash Mascara from Rimmel London. You get 14 times more volume for plumped-up lashes are big, big and big without any clumps. It comes along with a big brush that works best with the Lash Expand Formula.

AM says: Go on, ‘plump’ up the volume!

HEART OF NATURE

SLEEP TIGHT

Serie Nature, a range from L’Oreal Professionnel is drawn from the heart of nature. We totally dig their solution for dry hair. Try Richesse, a range that offers the richness of tomato lycopene that creates a shield against free radical damage and protects your hair from deterioration. Featuring a sulfatefree shampoo for a gentler cleansing of your hair, this range will deeply nourish your hair and coat it so you could have your soft, shiny hair back.

AM says: Goodbye dry, lustreless hair; welcome soft, shiny tresses!

Want a good night’s sleep? Try the Organicinspected Sweet Dreams Mist with organic lavender essential oil. Rich in relaxing lavender essential oil, this inspected-organic pillow mist helps to release stress and worry, so you can drift into a peaceful and repairing sleep. Just spray onto pillow, bedding or in the bedroom, before you go to bed.

AM says: Sleep tight and sweet dreams!

ALL ORIENTAL From the house of Amouage, comes Epic Woman, a spicy oriental fragrance that opens with the silken top notes of cumin, pink bay and cinnamon that infuses into a bouquet of delicate and dewy Damascene Rose, geranium and jasmine accented with tea in the heart. The sumptuous base notes of sweet amber, vanilla, frankincense and orris balance the more masculine essences of patchouli and oud in the unique finale.

AM says: Get it; and revel in the refreshing, exotic fragrance of the Orient.

AUGUST 2009 59

CUISINE

Simplicity and Harmony Yoshiko Morimoto, wife of the Honourable Ambassador of Japan talks to Rekha Baala about Japanese cuisine and more…

W

hat comes to your mind when you hear the words ‘Japanese cuisine’? Definitely, sushi and sashimi… and well, you can throw in tempura too! But honestly, there’s so much more to Japanese cuisine than just these three dishes!

And when you want to know more, you need to be at the right place; and of course with the right person, to give you the lowdown on what is one of the most popular cuisines in the world today!

Lending flavour to our Cuisine section this month is Yoshiko Morimoto, wife of the Honourable Ambassador of Japan to the Sultanate. She was gracious enough to see us on a holiday… welcoming us warmly into the dining room of their spacious official residence at Shatti Al Qurum.

Yoshiko along with her husband HE Seiji Morimoto (who loves to cook too!) enlightened us on the intricacies of Japanese cuisine. And this was not just a mere question and answer session but a conversation that was thought-provoking, educative and interesting at the same time.

Yoshiko says that she never cooked as a child; she was content to sample the delicacies of her mother’s cooking because she was a good cook. Growing up in Yamagata in the northern part of Jpan, Yoshiko remembers being surrounded

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by greenery and it being a place where vegetables and fruits grew in abundance.

“It was only when I moved to Tokyo to be a student of art, did I actually begin trying to replicate my mother’s styles,” she says.

After she got married, her husband’s work took them to different countries like Austria, Turkey, Germany and Iraq.

“I have been always interested in the cuisines of different countries. So, during each stint, I tried to learn about the traditional cuisines of the country we lived in.”

But at home, the most popular cuisine in the Morimoto household remained Japanese. Also, it was important that they showcase their traditional food at different gatherings and social functions.

We ask Yoshiko whether the popularity of Japanese cuisine lies in the fact that it scores high on the health factor.

“Japanese food offers many varieties; we eat meat and fish but include more vegetables in our diet. Also, we don’t overcook our food. Our cuisine is mainly based on the seasonality of the ingredients.

A little steaming or boiling is all that it takes. There is only a light hint of spice. These may be the reasons why it is preferred by health-conscious people,” she says.

What’s the seasonality factor? “In

the summer, there is an abundance of eggplants and green soya beans, autumn is the time for mushrooms, chestnuts, pumpkins, spring brings forth fresh vegetables and special bamboo buds and winter is usually spent around a hotpot with plenty of seafood,” informs Yoshiko.

She reveals an intriguing fact about the seafood in Japan... “The fish there is better; especially in winter because the water is cold… that makes fish fat and thus tastier.”

From precise preparation to artful presentation, no aspect is overlooked in Japanese cuisine. Everything appeals to the senses — the flavours, textures, colours, and presentation of food on the plate. HE Seiji Morimoto says, “There is a saying in Japan that you must first eat the dish with your eyes.”

So what really, are the important elements of Japanese cuisine? “The key word here is simplicity. We focus a lot on seasonal ingredients, presentation and the harmony of food on the plate,” says Yoshiko.

And what constitutes a typical Japanese meal in terms of breakfast, lunch and dinner?

“Traditionally, breakfast is heavy and comprised of rice, miso soup, grilled fish and egg. Nowadays all this has changed and people prefer to have a Western-style

STARTERS breakfast with bread or toast and tea or coffee. But rice remains the staple food. Lunch was a quick affair, for example, with noodles, rice bowls or sometimes Japanese style curry rice.

Dinner tends to be a heaviest meal in a day.”

We digress a bit to talk about Yoshiko’s experience with food in Oman. “I love the Omani lamb dishes.

I want to learn how to make the marinade. The lamb is succulent and very tasty.”

HE Seiji Morimoto is also quite a food buff. The kitchen becomes his domain on Fridays when he mostly whips up… an Italian lunch! “He loves making pasta with fresh Omani crab.

He likes to cook Italian because it is easier,” says Yoshiko with a laugh.

The photo-shoot over, we sit down to sample the wonderful dishes made

by Yoshiko. It is every bit as tasty as it looks. After a cup of refreshing green tea, we say sayonara (means goodbye in Japanese) to the wonderful couple who are surprised at our knowledge of the Japanese word. While we’d love it if people thought we were very clever with languages, sadly, it isn’t so; we have a Bollywood film we saw many, many years ago to thank, one that was aptly called ‘Love in Tokyo’, for that!

And this was a warm, enriching and exhilarating experience… one that we will not forget for a long time to come! ■

1. Boiled Okra 10 pieces of okra 70 cc of Dashi sauce (water with a blend of bonito flakes, soy sauce and a little sugar) Salt to taste Cut okra into thin round slices. Slip them into boiling water and let it cook for two minutes. Add Dashi sauce to sliced okra and heat for one to two minutes and then store in the refrigerator. While serving, add more sauce.

2. Celery Pickles 1/2 a stick of celery 2 limes Lime juice from the 2 pieces 100 cc apple vinegar 1 ½ tsp sugar Salt to taste Cut limes into half and remove the flesh from each half. Extract juice out of the lime pulp. Mix the juice with vinegar and sugar. Remove fibre from celery and cut into juliennes. Sprinkle salt on the celery pieces. After 10 minutes, squeeze out extra water and add celery to the vinegar.

Fill the empty lime halves with this.

AUGUST 2009 61

STARTERS 3. Pressed Sushi 2 cups short grain rice Water to cook rice For the sushi vinegar: 100 cc rice vinegar (or apple vinegar) 3 tbsp sugar ½ tsp salt Cook the rice and place it in a large bowl when still warm. Sprinkle sushi vinegar over the surface and mix with spatula. When mixed well, set aside to cool at room temperature.

For sushi topping: 400 gm of raw boneless salmon without skin 50 gm rice vinegar (or apple vinegar) 50 gm sugar Salt to taste 50 gm red caviar A pinch of dill Mix vinegar and sugar in a small pan and warm until the sugar melts (do not boil). Set aside to cool. Slice the salmon into thin slices (approximately 10cm x 5cm, 4mm thick) and finger

62 AUGUST 2009

the salt on the slices. After several minutes, remove the moisture from the sliced salmon with a paper towel and add the slices into the vinegar and sugar mix for just a few seconds (do not marinate them) Then wrap the sliced salmon up and keep in the refrigerator for one hour.

To prepare the pressed sushi: You need a rectangular cake baking frame (approximately 6 cm x 20 cm).

Place plastic wrapping sheets to cover the bottom and the sides in order to be able to take out the cake easily later.

Place the sliced salmon side by side to cover the bottom of the baking tray.

Next place the Sushi rice on this, around 4cm high, and flatten the surface.

Press the rice strongly with even weight so that the cake is tighter and for a good shape.

Turn the cake on a plate and carefully remove the frame and wrapping sheets.

Cut the sushi in the form you like.

Decorate the sushi with red caviar and dill.

4. Teriyaki Chicken Roll 1 piece of chicken leg with skin 1 small piece of carrot 3 strings of kidney beans ½ tbsp vegetable oil ½ tsp salt ½ a cup of teriyaki sauce (if not available, sweet soy sauce) Remove the bones from the chicken and flatten the meat as much as possible.

Peel the carrot and cut it into small sticks and boil them together with the beans in salty water. Place the vegetables on the chicken and roll it tightly and tie with a string.

To prepare the roll: Put some vegetable oil into a pan and roast the chicken roll over medium heat. Remove the fat as it comes out of the chicken roll and add the Teriyaki sauce. Simmer until the sauce becomes a little sticky. Ensure that the sauce is not overcooked. After the chicken cools, cut it into pieces.

MAIN COURSE Tempura 8 pieces medium-sized shrimp 1 piece eggplant 1 piece zucchini 1 egg 150 cc cold water 100 gm fine wheat flour Vegetable oil for deep-frying Remove the head and shell of each shrimp while leaving the tail intact. Cut the belly of each shrimp diagonally and stretch the whole body so that it will not become round while being fried.

Cut the vegetables and remove the moisture with a paper towel to keep the crispiness when fried. Mix the egg and cold water and blend them well. Put

the flour into it. Mix, but do not over-mix them. Important: Keep the batter cool at all times.

Dip the vegetables in the flour-egg mix, shaking off any excess. Carefully slip them, five to six pieces at a time, into the hot oil of 170 degrees. Do the same with the shrimps with 180 degree oil. Fry till golden-brown. You can eat the tempura either with salt, lemon or dipped in Dashi sauce (water with a blend of bonito flakes, soy sauce and sugar) with shredded ginger and/or radish. This dish is traditionally served with rice and miso soup.

AUGUST 2009 63

DESSERT Keep in freezer for about 30 minutes.

150 gm cream cheese 30 gm sour cream 50 gm granulated sugar 10 gm green tea powder 200cc fresh cream 5 gm gelatine Whisk cream cheese and green tea powder in a bowl. Add sour cream and sugar and continue to mix. Pour fresh cream into another bowl and stir till it’s thickened by 70 per cent (but not completely thick). Put gelatine slices into water until it softens. Once softened, remove from water and put into a bowl in a bain-marie (bowl placed over a pan containing hot water), until gelatine is melted. Put two tablespoons of fresh cream into the melted gelatine and stir.

Pour the rest of the fresh cream into the mixture of cream cheese and green powder and stir. Add the gelatine.

Use a cake frame with a removable bottom. Add the cream cheese and green powder mixture to cover a sponge cake placed on the bottom of cake frame.

64 AUGUST 2009

To prepare the topping: Put green tea powder and sugar into a pan and mix them. Put milk and water into a pan and bring to a boil. Add the milk into the mixture of green tea powder and sugar and boil all together.

Put a gelatine slice into water and then put the gelatine into the pan while the mixture is still warm. Put the pan into cool water. Cover the top of the cake with this coating and place in the refrigerator for about three hours. Place a few tiny pieces of gold foil on the cake to garnish.

Co-ordinated by Rekha Baala Photographs: Rajesh Burman

Green Tea Cheese Cake

For the topping: 5 gm green tea powder 5 gm granulated sugar 25 cc water 25 cc milk 1 gm gelatine slice A little gold foil for garnish

FASHION

This crepe ‘Abaya’ has a hood and is designed in Moroccan style. A brooch from Swarovski adds a glimmering touch to the outfit.

Timeless Trendy

You can call it ‘Abaya’ chic! The ‘Abaya’ is taking a glamorous turn with new designs, flattering cuts, intricate embroidery and exquisite embellishments. Designers Nehad Al Kindi and Rana Al Sindi combine fashion and modesty while catering to the tastes of the trendy, modern woman with this exclusive ‘Abaya’ collection under the brand name ‘Abaya Al Shamekha’!

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This ‘Abaya’ features wide sleeves; the end of the sleeve is in chiffon while the rest of the ‘Abaya’ is in silk. Decorated with golden embroidery and Swarovski crystals, it is a sight to behold!

AUGUST 2009 67

This ‘Abaya’ features embroidery in silver thread and is embellished with Swarovski black and white crystals.

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The magical East finds resonance in this ‘Abaya’ with rich Indian embroidery in a combination of red, gold and black. Swarovski crystals complete the ornate look.

AUGUST 2009 69

Open-sleeved ‘Abaya’ with lovely grass green, cut-work embroidery on the border, studded with Swarovski crystals. The ‘Shayla’ (head scarf) is similarly done.

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Wide, open sleeves with blue embroidery and Swarovski crystals make this ‘Abaya’ stand apart and make an impression.

Kryolan make-up from ‘Maryana’ for professional make-up For the face: Ultra Foundation 6, loose powder (P2) Derma Colour, Compact powder (4w) For the eyes: Aqua Colour Bronze, Compact Eye Shadow (bronze and brown), Cake Eyeliner, Black Kajal, Mascara + Eyelash extension.

For the cheeks: Cenamona and Peach colour For the lips: Lipstick LC1, LC21, Lip Gloss G310019 Location: Ubhar Restaurant, Bareeq Al Shatti Co-ordinated by: Rana Alawneh Photographs: Rajesh Burman Model: Wesam Make-up artist: Marwa Al Zedjali from Crystal Beauticians (The ‘Shayla’ (headscarf) that comes with each ‘Abaya’ features the same embroidery as on the ‘Abaya’)

AUGUST 2009 71

STARGAZING

What the STARS foretell this month…

ARIES March 21 - April 20 The heat is definitely going to get to you. With the mercury rising, it is imperative that you keep your temper in check.

When the heart rules the head, rash decisions can be made. Use that extra energy for positive purposes, especially taking some time out with family. You can also try to be wee bit practical for a change.

LEO July 24 - August 23 August is your best month of the year. You love attention which is in abundance this month, but you are generous with praise too and people will love to be around you. This summer is definitely sizzling for you, with some quality time with your partner and getaways to exotic places too!

SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 22 Travelling is your passion and philanthropy is in your blood so you’ll be thinking of combining both to bring some meaning to your life. Which means you will be on the move, helping people and bringing about a calming influence. There will be some hurdles on the way, but you will overcome them with ease.

VIRGO TAURUS April 21 - May 20 Your desire to be taken seriously will help put your priorities into focus at the beginning of the month. These include life at home and at the workplace too! People around you will be convinced by your methodical approach hence it’s the right time to deal with co-workers with a firm hand. On the home front, things will be mellow and pretty much to your satisfaction.

August 24 - September 23 Strong vibes from others will make you a little uncomfortable.

Everyone around you may behave differently. Even your own actions will be pretty unusual. However, your sweet disposition will help you tide over any problem that may arise.

You will learn one thing this month — ‘Never judge a book by its cover’.

LIBRA GEMINI May 21 - June 21 Most of your friends may have escaped to cooler climes while you may have been left behind feeling a little left out from all the fun. But fret not; the great escape is just a few days away. A bigger and better holiday awaits you and you will be glad that you are saving all the cash. You will also charm people with intelligent inputs at work and see your popularity soar.

CANCER June 22 - July 23 You are very enthusiastic and full of life this month. But do not worry about how people are going to react to this enthusiasm.

Keep your spirits up! Do take care of your health; avoid stepping out into the sun unless necessary. If you must socialise, stick to evening dos.

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September 24 - October 22 August is going to be a powerful and exciting month for you. Your confidence is at its highest and nothing is going to affect you. You will meet someone special this month. At the workplace, there are opportunities you thought never existed; make the best use of them.

SCORPIO October 23 - November 22 Love and passion is in the air. And when you have set your eyes on something, there is no chance of anyone stopping you from getting it, whether they like you or not. You will win every argument and no one will dare cross your path. Temptations to take huge financial risks are possible, be cautious and watch each step you take.

CAPRICORN December 23 - January 20 August will see you being a little more confident about finances. Don’t expect a windfall though. Try and be a little more transparent with your loved ones.

Tension at work may increase but you’re a fighter, and you sure can fight your way even against the odds.

AQUARIUS January 21 - February 19 Arguments with near and dear ones may upset the rhythm in your life this month. Normal activities which we usually take for granted could be fraught with complications in August. But there is a silver lining; your opinions may count a lot at work.

PISCES February 20 - March 20 If you have any money matters that need some sorting out, then August is the month to do it. You could also invest in schemes where you see your cash working harder for you. This month, money equals freedom. On the whole, you will be putting in a lot of effort in all areas to steer your life in a proper direction.

AUGUST 2009 73

AUGUST 2009 73