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MARCH 2011

THE GREAT RACE TOUR OF OMAN

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CONTENTS 18

ART ORIENTALISM & FASHION

38

24

PLACES SALALAH MARRIOTT RESORT

44

FOCUS GHALYA'S MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

50

ARCHITECTURE MAJESTIC MUSCAT PROJECT

PEOPLE RICHARD HODGES

UPFRONT THE LATEST IN NEWS

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BUZZ MUSCAT FESTIVAL

16

STOPOVER KATHMANDU

30

FASHION MARC BY MARC JACOBS

32

FOOD COURT LA MER

52

CARS GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

58

TECHNOLOGY USELESS APPS

64

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MARCH 2011

THE GREAT RACE TOUR OF OMAN

PROJECT MAKEOVER MAJESTIC MUSCAT FASHION MARC BY MARC JACOBS

EDIT NOTE

SEAFOOD FOR THE SOUL LA MER

PLUS, COLLECTIBLES, TECHNOLOGY, FOOD

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY MOTASIM AL BALUSHI CONCEPT & CREATION MAYANK SINGH DEEPA RAJAN CONTENT RANA ALAWNEH GHALIB ABDULLAH AL FORI FATMA AL ARAIMI MYSSAA AL HINAIAH SUSHMITA EXPERTS Travel - BRUCE STEWART, ANNE COLBY Fashion - NATASHA LUNN, NADIA FOUZI Finance & Investments - K. L PRASAD ART Senior Art Director SANDESH S. RANGNEKAR Art Director MINAAL G. PEDNEKAR Designer AHMED AL HOSNI Photographers RAJESH RAJAN SATYADAS C. NARAYANAN MOTASIM AL BALUSHI PRODUCTION HEAD GOVINDRAJ RAMESH ADVERTISING & MARKETING Business Head MIMI DEB Advertising Manager CHANDNI MANIAR Assistant Advt. Manager - FAREEDA S. AL BALUSHI CORPORATE Chief Executive - SANDEEP SEHGAL Executive Vice President - ALPANA ROY Vice President - RAVI RAMAN Senior Business Support Executive RADHA KUMAR Business Support Executive ZUWAINA SAID AL RASHDI DISTRIBUTED WITH OER by United Media Services LLC Signature is an OER presentation published monthly and released in the first week of every month. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person or organisation acting or refraining as a result of material in this publication. Signature accepts no responsibility for advertising content.

Correspondence should be addressed to

Signature United Media Services LLC,

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Presentation Copyright © 2010 United Press & Publishing LLC

NO ROOM FOR HATE There is no room within my heart for revenge, fire or hate There is no room within my mind for any thoughts like these.

I cannot find the words to say just how it is I feel but I know from deepest hurt I must forgiveness find.

The hurt that’s been done to us cuts sore like a knife, but we must not, repay in kind what has been done to us.

Instead we must try and find the way that is so hard, and reach out our loving hands to find some friendship now.

There can be no more healing thing than opening wide our eyes and seeing that most other folk are really just like us.

David Gould wrote this poem in tribute to their daughter, who was among those killed in the London Bombings of 2005. We have so many instances of lives being lost in strife that they had nothing to do with. Perhaps, it is time to stop and ask ourselves this question: Are war and unrest really worth all the pain and suffering?; Will peace remain shackled in narrow mindsets and selfish motives?

Let’s hope the people who cause the unrest look beyond their myopic visions and let peace breathe free. For, freeing peace is the only chance to save humanity.

See you next issue people..!

Grand

BLOCK YOUR DATES

Dubai International Boat Show March 1 - 5 Dubai, UAE

Qantas Australian Grand Prix March 25 - 27, Melbourne (See page no. 62) Qatar Marine Festival March 16 - 26 Cultural Village, Qatar

Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) March 16 - 26 March 17 - 19 Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE

Abu Dhabi International Triathlon March 12 Abu Dhabi, UAE

Moto Grand Prix of Qatar March 18 - 20 Losail International Circuit, Doha, Qatar The Global Champions Tour March 17-19 Doha, Qatar BASELWORLD 2011 March 24 - 31 Messe Basel, Switzerland (See page no. 60)

VolksWorld Show 2011 March 26 - 27 Sandown Park, Surrey, UK Las Fallas March 15 - 19 Valencia, Spain 21st Abu Dhabi International Book Fair March 15 - 20, Abu Dhabi, UAE Art Dubai March 16 - 19, Dubai, UAE (See page no. 22) Dubai World Cup March 26 Dubai Racing Club, Dubai, UAE

Ninth Gulf Heart Association Conference March 2 - 5 Muscat, Oman 81st International Motorshow and Accessories March 3 - 13 Geneva, Switzerland (See page no. 58) Taste of Dubai March 3 - 5 Media City, Dubai, UAE 7th Asian Women’s Film Festival March 7 - 8 New Delhi, India Hong Kong International Literary Festival March 8 - 18 Hong Kong British Music Experience March 9 London O2 Bubble, London, UK

1st Oman International Salsa and Dance Festival March 31 - April 2, Muscat, Oman

ITB Berlin March 9 - 13 Berlin, Germany The English UK Fair March 28 - 31 Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Muscat, Oman

Grand

UPFRONT

THE LATEST AND OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY… LYRICAL EVENING

The ‘Colours of Fusion’ concert held recently to commemorate Indian Republic Day saw a soulful mix of Indian classical music and a whole range of western and Middle East musical styles. It was a rare treat for music lovers to see twelve of the world’s top musicians performing on different musical instruments in one concert. The event featured artistes like Roberto Riggio on the violin, oud and harmonium while India’s National Award winner Pravin Godkhindi mesmerised the audience on the flute. ‘Colours of Fusion’ was held in co-ordination with Subrata Bhattacharya’s fusion band ‘Naad’.

ART TREAT

World renowned painter M.F. Husain will be holding ‘Between Two Lines’ – a two-day exclusive exhibition of 12 of his latest paintings on calligraphy at the Indian Embassy in Muscat. He will be accompanied by his son Owais Husain, also a painter and a multimedia artist with a growing repute of his own, who will also be revealing 12 of his personal creations on paper.

This exclusive event will be held on Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12 at the Indian Embassy lawns and auditorium under the auspices of H.E. Shri. Anil Wadhwa, the Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman. This ‘By Invitation’ only exclusive event is brought together by Blue Mosaic, Trinity Investment Partners and NPA Events.

AU NATUREL

Natural make-up is the latest rage in the beauty industry and it comes as no surprise. It’s been long known that natural ingredients are great for your skin, often used to restore it to its healthy glow. Max Factor’s new Xperience range does exactly that and is expertly designed to give you naturally luxurious polished coverage that feels like it’s barely there. It’s filled with natural ingredients that will give you a lightweight and luxurious look that’s good for your skin.

The Max Factor range of products are distributed by Mawarid Trading Oman and are available at Areej, (MCC); Lifestyle Centre Point; Top Notes, Lulu

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UPFRONT

WATER & FIRE

The union of water and fire, Dior’s Aqua Fahrenheit is steeped with a powerful base and explosive freshness.

With Aqua, Fahrenheit unveils a new fresh woody facet, while maintaining its original and characteristic leathery violet signature. It comes in a bottle that is identically shaped to the signature Fahrenheit, rising vertically, still endowed with its pure lines, but lightened and illuminated by flamboyant orange-red gradations.

Dior range of products are available at Capital Store, Qurum

IMMORTAL INDEED!

L’Occitane’s Immortelle collection is already immortal for its award-winning combination of Immortelle and Bellis perennis (flower of the light). When these two flowers were brought together, the Immortelle Brightening range was born – the perfect solution to keep skin young-looking and even-toned. Now, L’Occitane adds two new products to this range and introduces a true beauty ritual, for a dazzling complexion that glows with youth! The Instant Exfoliator is an exfoliating gel that transforms into a lotion on contact with water to give you smoother, more even-toned and luminous skin. The Moisture Mask comes in a fresh, gel-cream texture that boosts microcirculation and brings a wonderful feeling of well-being.

Available at L’Occitane’s stores in Qurum City Centre and Muscat City Centre

LEAN & MEAN

Lean as wire, hard as iron and dark as a tar road at midnight, the new Blackline motorcycle is a Harley-Davidson Softail model pared to the bone. A rebellious creation of the Custom movement, the Blackline celebrates three fundamental elements of motorcycling: mechanical beauty, internal combustion, and the long black line of the road ahead. Key features include new Powertrain styling; rigid-mounted, counter-balanced Twin Cam 96B™ V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), rated at 125 Nm /92ftlbs peak torque at 3250 rpm; 6-Speed Cruise Drive® Transmission; new Oval air cleaner cover in brilliant chrome and new Black Denim powdercoat frame and swingarm among other breath-taking features.

The Harley Davidson Showroom is located in Al Khuwair

GLAM DRAW

A glamorous and international crowd attended JAMM’s second Middle East event of emerging & established Arab, Iranian & International art auction in Kuwait at The Avenues which totalled sales of more than $ 700,000. The highlight of the auction conducted by Aileen Agopian, Vice President of Sotheby’s New York was the Lara Baladi’s, ‘Perfumes & Bazaar, The Garden of Allah artwork that sold for $ 34,000. The second highest selling lot was by Kuwaiti artist, Khazaal Al Qaffas, titled, ‘From the Market’ followed by Ramin Haerizadah, titled, 'I heard Your Sound of Revolution' that sold for at $ 27,000. According to Sheikha Lulu M Al-Sabah, co founder of JAMM, “The turn out at the auction was fantastic. There are a lot new faces this year. I am so proud that we had a lot more people travel from across the globe to Kuwait and I am happy with the results.”

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UPFRONT

FASTER THAN TIME

The highly tapered profile of the Parmigiani Bugatti Super Sport recalls the body of a wing, however the inspiration for the design lies in the iconic shape of the case lugs on a Parmigiani watch. Of a complexity rare in watchmaking, the design of the new Bugatti’s 18K white gold case – created by Les Artisans Boîtiers, the Parmigiani manufacture’s case production facility – reproduces the taut lines of the Bugatti Veyron’s wings. Brushed or polished, inclined planes and bevels are brought to life by contrasting light effects to reveal its generous volumes.

SAILING SUCCESS

The Inaugural Sailing Arabia – The Tour saw an exciting finish with our very own Omani-skippered Renaissance taking second place. Team New Caledonia won the final leg to seal overall victory and Commercialbank Group came third. It was two weeks of intense racing for the fleet of six boats, which between them represents four nations, travelled an incredible 1,064km since they left Amwaj Marina in Bahrain, and crossed the finish line in front of the crowds at The Wave, Muscat.

KHAN RELOADED Touted as one of the biggest live concert extravaganzas ever seen in Oman, Temptation Reloaded world tour 2011’ brings Shahrukh Khan, one of world’s most famous Indian Film Industry actors, to perform live in Muscat in this month. The concert, which will mark Khan’s first appearance in Oman for eight years, is promoted jointly by four leading names in live events in Muscat: HiFM, ALIVE Entertainment, Light and Shadow Enterprises and Roar Entertainment.

CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY

The first self-winding Jules Audemars Chronograph to enter Audemars Piguet’s Jules Audemars collection, the timepiece successfully blends classic and contemporary aesthetics. It accommodates an exclusive state-of-the-art AP Calibre 3124/3841 with a solid gold rotor which bears the AP family crest.

The movement beats at 21,600 vph, contains 59 jewels, is made of 400 parts and has an approximate power reserve of 60 hours. This watch also features a Brushed/Satin finished 18kt white gold case with a polished finished smooth bezel; Off-White lacquered dial with painted black Arabic Numeral hour markers and minute & seconds track with red indicators among other distinctive charesteristics.

Available at Mistal, Darsait

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THREADS THAT BIND

An exhibition titled, “Common Threads” will bring together eighteen international artists from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran and Pakistan. Organised by NMArt Gallery & Xerxes Art Gallery, this unique exhibition will showcase contemporary works by artists like Afsoon, Ali Adjalli, Jamal Ahmed, Imran Channa, Nizakat Ali Depar, Simeen Farhat, Zahid Farooqui, Abdul Jabbar Gul, Mahmoud Kalari, among others. The theme of the exhibition is on the similarities and differences of the art across the region that shares the commonality of ethnicity, linguistic roots and religion. The event will be held at Al Serkal Cultural Foundation - Heritage House, Bastakiya and will commence from March 1 until April 16.

POLO EXTRAVAGANZA

The Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge 2011 took place recently at the prominent Desert Palm Resort, under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE, Ruler of Dubai. This event, running for its 6th edition, has grown to become a renowned competition attracting leading players from around the world that compete for the Cartier Polo Trophy. The day was a true blend of glamour and sporting elegance. The Cartier Challenge included two teams: Team Cartier versus Team Desert Palm. The home team, Desert Palm, found their winning form when they won the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge 2011 after defeating Team Cartier with a score of 10 versus 5.5.

TRIBUTE TO TIME

Montblanc’s limited edition table clock, made in cooperation with German clock maker Erwin Sattler, pays a unique tribute to The Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Horological TimeWriter anniversary. Officially called the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Horological TimeWriter Table Clock, it combines a few important things for the brand, and will be made as a limited edition set of just 19 pieces. The clock replicates the look of the now famous Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph watch collection. The dial combines the time, a chronograph, and two power reserve indicators. In addition to the clock and chronograph features, it also has a watch winder in it.

Montblanc range of products are available at the Montblanc Boutique, Muscat City Centre; Capital Store, Qurum

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Bang & Olufsen’s beovision10-32 (www.bang-olufsen.com)

Robert Stadler Royeroid Armchair (http://www.robertstadler.net)

‘Image Courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery, London.’

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BUZZ

ROAD TO GLORY

THE 2ND EDITION OF TOUR OF OMAN WAS A DOUBLE TREAT. IT NOT ONLY BROUGHT AN INTERNATIONAL EVENT TO OMAN, IT ALSO STRENGTHENED THE SULTANATE’S POSITION ON THE WORLD MAP OF SPORTS. If the first edition of the Tour of Oman was high on the popularity charts for its debut performance (the newness of the route, the launch of an international sporting event in quaint Oman, much to the curiosity and excitement of its locals), then the second edition of Tour of Oman added to the popularity two-fold.

A bigger event, a better race, with a more testing route and high profile players such as world champions Fabian Cancellara (last year’s winner) and Thor Hushovd, Mark Cavendish,

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among others. This year’s race was one of the flagship events of Muscat Festival 2011.

Organised by Muscat Municipality, it saw 16 teams and 128 riders battle it out for the top spot across six stages and six days.

STAGE 1 – AL SAWADI TO AL SEEB The splendid scenery of Al Sawadi, welcomed the 127 riders for a 158km ride all the way to Al Seeb, riding from seaside flats to a nearly 600-foot climb into the interior for the first sprint points.

It saw the crowning of talented Theo Bos, who

took command of the overall classification and was therefore carrying the red jersey at stage 2 between The Wave, Muscat and Wattayah. He led the points’ standings, while Pieter Serry captured the white jersey for the best young rider as well as the most aggressive rider’s jersey.

STAGE 2 – THE WAVE, MUSCAT TO WATTAYAH Day two, a looping 139 km course into the mountainous heart of Oman saw the teams face a steep climb halfway through the stage. An action

packed stage 2 ended up in a bunched sprint between 70 riders, won by Australia’s Matthew Goss. The HTC-Highroad fast man powered to the line, beating Bennati and Boasson Hagen.

Goss conquered the overall leader’s Red Jersey from stage 1 winner, Theo Bos who finished his day in a group of 55 men, over 10’ adrift.

STAGE 3 – SUR For the third stage of the Tour of Oman, the riders were taken by speedboat to the city of Sur, 300kms south of Muscat. After a very enjoyable journey on the ferry Shinaz down the Oman Sea, the 126 remaining riders (one non-starter, Jeremy Hunt) took off for the longest stage of the event: that ended up taking over five hours to complete: a 208km loop around Sur, through splendid landscapes. Theo Bos captured his second success, beating Daniele Bennati and Matthew Goss who kept his overall leader’s Red Jersey.

STAGE 4 – JEBEL AKHDHAR This stage was not only the hardest with a final 5.8km climb up to the summit of Jebel Al Akhdhar (Green Mountain) after a total of 157.5kms of g, but it also turned riding,

TWEET SUCCESS Apart from the great line-up of world class riders and a country blessed with the perfect setting for an international event, there was one other thing that caught our attention and the world’s too!

The effective use of social media is something that has become the order of the day and is an major source of information for all those people who cannot be physically present to enjoy a good race. This year, Tour of Oman also made a prominent presence on Twitter and Facebook, with a representative of the social networking media team at UMS Interactive, United Media Services, making sure that the Tour of Oman Twitter feed and Facebook updates kept the excitement of the event alive. The representative travelled with the cycling teams and tweeted the events of the race as they happened. In today’s world, where everything is instant, what more could people want than being given minute-to-minute reports of an event happening miles away. It was no wonder then that the twitter feed had followers from across the globe cheering for their favourite rider or team.

We are super chuffed for Tour of Oman and the Sultanate, especially with their fame being tweeted far and wide!

out to be the hottest. Dutchman Robert Gesink made the best of the mountain top finish. The Rabobank climber powered to stage victory and took command of the overall standing, with a 45” lead over Hagen.

“Cycling is becoming more and more popular in the Middle East. The Tours of Qatar and Oman are gaining in popularity every year. From here to 2015, Oman will have the experience necessary to host the world championships.”

STAGE 5 –BARR AL JISSAH RESORT AL BUSTAN ROUNDABOUT The very demanding time-trial began from the g Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa to the Al Bustan Roundabout and back. The 18.5km stretch saw the 124 remaining r riders (two non starters: De Kort and H Haussler) struggle their hardest.

W Wearing the overall leader’s Red Je Jersey, Robert Gesink clocked the best tim on this roller-coaster of a course. time

Given the popularity achieved by the Tour of Oman’s second edition, we believe that anything is possible and when it comes to promoting Brand Oman, the sky is the limit, let alone the road!

ST STAGE 6 - QUR‫ﹼ‬IAYAT HA HARBOUR TO MUTTRAH CO CORNICHE The final stage of this exciting six-day race saw Gesink, with his overall lead leader’s Red Jersey from yesterday’s time time-trial conquering the 2nd edition of the Tour of Oman. The Dutchman w the t event ahead of Hagen and won Visco V Visconti, while his team Rabobank g 4 out of 6 wins. British star Mark got Cave C Cavendish won the final stage - his first victory of the year - beating Rus Russian Denis Galimzyanov and And Andrea Guardini of Italy in a sprint fini finish.

In a recent article, the Belgian cyc cycling legend Eddy Merckx was qu quoted as saying that by 2015, Su Sultanate of Oman would be in a position to bid as the host for th the annual world cycling race cchampionships. According tto Merckx, who is one of the o organisers of the Tour of Oman,

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ART

WHEN FASHION MIMICS ART Taline Aynilian

ORIENTALISM IS BACK IN FASHION AS THE ARAB WORLD INFLUENCES STYLE IN THE WEST, SAYS TALINE AYNILIAN

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A

A re you looking at the fashion runways these days and thinking, `I’ve seen this before?’ You’re not the only one.

As the age-old adage goes, fashion mimics art and in this instance, all rules apply. Looking at Elie Saab or Armani’s couture lines of Garden of Allah and Maharaja-esque pieces, it’s clear that Orientalism is back in fashion.

Today Orientalism is very much a part of both eastern and western culture. We can see the influences around us. In Paris fashion, these days the wind is also blowing from the East. Billowing burnooses, drifting djellabas and clinging kaftans are turning up more and more in the top French couture and ready-to-wear collections. And while we see these pieces crop up in the West and we wear them feeling very à la mode, there is never any doubt as to the origins of these classic Arab-world shapes. Vive l’Orientalisme!

Orientalism is defined as the western impression of the East. The Orientalists were the American and European artists who made their way to the Middle East or the MENASA region predominantly in the 19th Century to paint what they saw. Orientalists preserved vital details of architecture, wardrobe and artefact in luxuriant colour and form. At times theatrical, filled with a measure of the imagination, these pictures remain things of extreme beauty. The Orientalists were fascinated by the light in North Africa and the giant ocean of sand in the Sahara.

They strived to relate the beauty and dignity of the tribesman, merchants and women in the markets. They were confronted by ornate Ottoman architecture and the unfamiliar religions of India. Their pursuit of the East’s essence has left us both with beautiful images of what the West imagined as the East, and with truthful renderings of sights, sounds and colours.

Let’s face it though: Islamic art and culture had always dazzled and mystified Western travellers, even in the Middle Ages. Crusaders returned home with stories and beautiful objects that they had picked up along the way. a model presents the outfits by Karl Lagerfield 19

The messages of the collected treasures were not immediately understood, but they were still very much cherished and gathered. This is how the collection of Eastern artifacts began.

However, widespread interest in the genre began soon after Napoleon's 1798 expedition into Egypt. It really started to boom some 40 years later, courtesy of burgeoning railway lines and the relaxation of the Ottoman Empire's travel and trade restrictions. As a result, travellers

TODAY ORIENTALISM IS VERY MUCH A PART OF BOTH EASTERN AND WESTERN CULTURE. WE CAN SEE THE INFLUENCES AROUND US. IN PARIS FASHION, THESE DAYS THE WIND IS ALSO BLOWING FROM THE EAST. BILLOWING BURNOOSES, DRIFTING DJELLABAS AND CLINGING KAFTANS ARE TURNING UP MORE AND MORE IN THE TOP FRENCH COUTURE AND READY-TO-WEAR COLLECTIONS. brought back with them textiles, instruments, mosaics and other trinkets. What they couldn’t bring back with them, they wrote down in their journals and sketched with detail. Paris, in particular, as it has always been, a cosmopolitan metropolis, drew many of these artists and travellers. So it does not come as a surprise that the first couturier utilising Arab-inspired details, was in Paris.

“The French love affair with Orientalist fashion is a long one, dating back at least 65 years to Paul Poiret’s 1002 Nights party in Paris in June 1911” Patricia McColl, former editor of Women’s Wear Daily, wrote in 1977. She goes on to say that Poiret, the most famous fashion designer of his time, loved the lushness and rich color mixes of fabrics from the Middle East. He was inspired by these fabrics, by Islamic miniatures he had seen in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum and by the exotica of the Ballet Russe’s Sheherazade – first performed in Paris in 1909. As a result, Poiret decided to launch his version of Middle Eastern fashion.

On the night of his party, Poiret received his 300 guests sitting on a green and gold throne, magnificently clad in a fur-trimmed, gray quilted satin kaftan and a bejeweled turban, much like the one seen in Rudolf Ernst’s work painted in the early 1900s. Nearby, locked in a golden cage was the Sultan’s favourite, Poiret’s wife Denise, dressed in a short hoop skirt and harem 20

Bint Nasser Al Misnad wife of the Qatari Emir and French first lady Carla Bruny Sarkozy attend the Bastille Day celebration

A lebanese designer's creation

Kani Kaftan

pantaloons, again similar to the woman’s in Amedeo Simonetti’s watercolour painted in the first decade of the 1900s. These two statements alone showed Poiret was immersed in the art and culture of his time, imitating the interest in the Orientalist-inspired world he lived in. Two months after this fete, Poiret presented his first couture collection starring the pantaloons.

niqabis and burqinis! Likewise, western artists are still creating Middle Eastern inspired art.

Of course not for the exact same reasons that they created the works in the 19th Century, but they still maintain the same theme which is that Westerners are still inspired by the East.

It comes as no surprise then that fashion has moved in a parallel direction.

Travel and trade, throughout history, have always been facilitators of exchange and this is no different for the fashion world of the 20th Century. In particular, over the last decade, we have seen Orientalism resurface as a result of the oil boom in the Gulf. Westerners have become fascinated with the Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bombay, Beirut and Cairo. Each has developed its own gravitational pull in business and art, to which the West is drawn more strongly every year. Why do you think for example, Sex and the City 2 was set in Abu Dhabi? The West is still very much fascinated by the exoticism and allure of the unknown Middle East. It’s the year 2010 and Sarah Jessica Parker is still making references to magic carpets and the movie set is brought to life with belly dancers,

While in 1911 Poiret found his inspiration in Today we see the same trend repeating, if it a highly imaginative – even romanticised – ever stopped. Apart from YSL or Christian interpretation of Arab women’s dress, many of Dior designer Marc Boham who fell under the today’s designers are inspired by their travels spell of the Middle East when he spent his and experiences in those regions. For example, holidays aboard a boat on the Nile, we can Yves Saint Laurent, who is as influential as see the Orientalist tradition in the most chic of Poiret was in his day, was born in Algeria designers. Collections are reflecting interests although he split his time between Paris and in all things Arabian, from jewellery, freely Marrakesh. Whether designing for his adapted from Egyptian art treasures, to fashion couture collection or his Rive Gauche shapes. Armani’s turbaned head-gear and BONHAMS prêt-a-porter collection, he has silk and silver-threaded patterns just WILL FEATURE always inserted Arabian flare ORIENTALIST WORKS OF ooze Orientalist admiration. And the into his lines. Some seasons, it ART IN ITS NEXT AUCTION list goes on… has been as subtle as a soutache IN DUBAI ON APRIL 13 AT THE ONE&ONLY ROYAL The writer is Senior specialist in brain and ball-button trim. Other MIRAGE. seasons, for example in 1976, his Orientalism at Bonhams.

Rive Gauche collection was almost

completely built around the classic kaftan. In March 2010, an exhibition of YSL’s creations showcased amongst other items, his first African collection (1967) and his Lalanne dresses that are abayas with head scarves, embellished with a bust and waist sculpture of galvanised copper (1969) and inspired by his favorite vacation spot in Morocco.

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MUST VISIT VISIT

ART DUBAI

A

rt Dubai is the largest and most established contemporary art fair in the Middle East, taking place every year in March at the Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai.

Art Dubai features 82 galleries from 34 countries and an extensive programme of collateral events including the Global Art Forum – a series of discussions and debates featuring world-renowned artists, curators, critics and art professionals; Art Park – an underground car park converted to house film screenings, projects and Art Park Talks; Projects – a dynamic programme of exhibitions, installations, artist commissions, radio dispatches and performative tours of the fair; Week – Art Week is a cultural programme aimed at both residents and visitors, launched during Art Dubai in recognition of the UAE’s role as a regional centre of artistic production and creativity.

DON’T MISS It is our very own Bait Muzna’s 2nd year at Art Dubai. Come and support them at this event and see some of your favourite artists’ latest artwork.

NOTEWORTHY START – a non-profit organisation established

by Art Dubai and the Al Madad Foundation operating art workshops for refugee and orphaned children throughout the region.

Abraaj Capital Art Prize – the world’s most generous art prize awarding $1 million in disbursements to five artists from the Middle East, North Africa & South Asia region plus one international curator.

CALENDAR

BE HERE Maison Van Cleef & Arpels, a partner of Art Dubai for the last three years, hosts Les Voyages Extraordinaires, an exhibition that unveils the Maison’s new High-Jewellery collection, devoted to the writer Jules Verne through four journeys: Five weeks in a Balloon, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, From the Earth to the Moon and Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea. These pieces will be displayed at Art Dubai in a decor specially designed by a man devoted to the theatre, Alfredo Arias.

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MARCH 15 (by invitation only) 19.00 – 21.30 | Jumeirah Patrons’ Preview 19.00 | Unveiling of the Abraaj Capital Art Prize

MARCH 17 16.00 – 21.30 | Public Day

MARCH 16 (by invitation only) 11.30 – 15.00 | Ladies’ Preview 16.00 – 21.30 | Opening Night

MARCH 19 12.00 – 17.30 | Public Day Admission to Art Dubai is 50 DHS. Tickets are available at the door.

MARCH 18 12.00 – 19.30 | Public Day

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24-26 March 2011 Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi, UAE

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www.abudhabiyachtshow.com

PLACES

24

A WORLD WITHIN Deepa Rajan journeys to the Salalah Marriott Resort and discovers there is more to Dhofar beyond the clichĂŠs...

25

PLACES

G

oogle Dhofar and you will find two results that figure prominently on the page: The Dhofar Rebellion and the Khareef season (everyone knows about this one!). And, if curious cats (such as me) would want to know what a rebellion had to do with a land known for its peace and hospitable people, you would obviously dig further to find yourself on a page called the ‘Battle of Mirbat’.

Of course, this was hardly the reason why I set out to google ‘Dhofar’. An invitation from the Salalah Marriott Resort, ahead of its first anniversary celebrations, prompted me to learn a little bit more about the hotel and its location.

So, when the search threw up ‘Battle of Mirbat’, I was all the more curious to see what this place was all about. With guns blazing in my imagination, I set out on a trip that was about to alter my perceptions of Dhofar.

Being the non-Khareef season, the ‘greenery’ was conspicuous by its absence, which made the trip all the more challenging (Frankly, when 26

you hear Dhofar all one thinks of is the Khareef season, and Salalah.) But, for those who want to experience something more than just the greenery and drift a little off the beaten track, I believe these are the reasons why Mirbat is a must-visit.

THE STAY The Marriott, which turns one this month, offers the ideal getaway for all. If you are lucky enough (and we suspect you will be) you will find the GM of the hotel, Michel Sursock, there to personally welcome you with this beaming smile and pleasant disposition. This easy going demeanour is also just as easily worn by the resorts staff that immediately puts you at ease.

The Marriott offers luxurious rooms, suites (you have to see the presidential suite to believe it!), beach chalets with sea and mountain views, and even a presidential room if you’re feeling a little flush.

There is so much to do in the resort itself that it would make you want stay and laze away your holiday. Where does one begin?

You can choose from the 2000sqm outdoor swimming pool, a walk on the natural, white sandy beach, snorkelling and diving trips

with the Extra Divers Dive centre, luxurious indulgent massages at the Balinese Chavana Frankincense spa or you can simply sit in one of the comfortable chairs on the terrace attached to your room, put your feet up and read a book watching the sun set over the magnificent Arabian Sea. GOOD FOOD At Marriott, good food is a given, especially with the new head chef Andreas Kurfust personally supervising every dish. Kurfust, who has 35 years of experience in the Middle East, is perhaps one of the few chefs who have eating you out of their hands not only with their food but also their personality and demeanour.

So much so that he even had me, a picky vegetarian, eagerly touring his kitchen and ready to sample vegetarian delicacies made especially for me. The resort’s well-equipped restaurants offer you a choice of Arabian (Mirbat Cafe), international (Sumharam all-day dining restaurant), and seafood delights (soon to be opened Al Dana).

And if you really want to sample traditional and local delicacies you could just keep an eye out for any festive tents that are being built

27

PLACES

for marriage celebrations. If our tour guide is to be believed, the entire village gathers for occasions such as these and food is made aplenty. Everyone is welcome and the ever hospitable village people will happily welcome you to partake in their food and participate in their joy.

THE LAZE FACTOR The atmosphere at Marriott is one that is most conducive to lying around and watching the world go by. I, for one, am a big propagator of that school of thought and hence for me the hotel itself serves as a great big fluffy bed to loll around on, doing nothing, of course. For those who do not want to get too much of the sun, the Dhofar Piano lounge is the perfect location.

Get yourself a seat by the glass window, overlooking the pool and the sea, grab a cup of coffee and rest easy. For those who do want to

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bask in sunshine, the swimming pool is the area to lounge around: Beach towels spread out on comfortable beach recliners, bubbling warmth of the Jacuzzi, kids splashing about in their pool and the friendly staff at the Wharf pool bar dishing out delectable beverages.

You may have to walk a bit, but when the ultimate aim is to achieve maximum rest, nothing beats walking down to the beach nearby. Position yourself under an umbrella and repose to the lullaby of the gentle waves that wash up ashore. Oh and do not forget to get yourself one of those utterly relaxing massages at the resort spa. I assure you that all and any stress will vanish with every drop of oil that is gently massaged into your body. Being a shopaholic, I also managed to fill my bags with the various oils and other products available at the spa. The whole experience, as a colleague of mine put it, was “delicious”!

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS Your getaway can be just that or it can be turned into a sight-seeing expedition, which will offer you insights into the region like never before.

Much to my reluctance (and lucky me, I decided to go), we were taken on a sight-seeing trip that covered local attractions. Ever the cynic, I was not expecting to derive much from this whole experience. But then, there I was stuck in a bus with an enthusiastic guide, who promised not to “bull-shit” us and also assured that he would get back to us with genuine answers to our questions. It was a promise well kept, right from the Khor Rori (Sumharam) site to the narrow lanes of Mirbat by night time.

small communities until a few short decades ago. Today, they stand silent and empty, a tattered cloth hanging limp, resolutely bearing witness to the steady march of civilization.

We made our way out of the valley, the sun beginning its descent into the distant horizon, to a stretch of tarmac that is known colloquially as the anti-gravity road. Once ready and sitting in neutral, your car, unshackled from the cruel embrace of gravity, will appear to roll up the hill. Our guide was a bit apprehensive and said that he had never tried it before with a bus-load of people. Nevertheless, our bus did indeed roll uphill, with the wild looks and gaping mouths indicating just how unique the experience was.

there. The Marriott is 80km away from the Salalah airport. As the bus winds its way through the 45 minute drive, it takes me through a land and a time that harks to a less developed, hurried Oman.

I can see the sandy terrain around me, tall mountains that look like welcoming sentinels to a new world that is yet untouched by civilization. I watch the blue-green ocean swell and lead a merry dance in the distance and spot the camels, making their way leisurely across the sands, oblivious of the world around them.

I make a silent promise to myself that someday, soon, I will make this journey back to this time, this space, this place.

Next stop was the Bin Ali’s Mausoleum. The tomb of Mohammed bin Ali Al-Alawi, who set up a madrassa (religious school) in Mirbat and died here in 1161. The twin-domed mausoleum stands in the middle of a large Islamic cemetery.

As the night crept in, we made our way through the quaint little alleys of Mirbat, looking at old dilapidated houses and buildings that tell the tale of an era gone by. The Mirbat Port that serves as a livelihood for the local fishermen, bustled with boats and smelled of the hard labour the fishermen brought back home. As the bus made its way back to the resort, I could feel a sense envy rush through my veins for this sleepy little town, which with its limited amenities, still had a soul bursting from within those traditional structures; something that no modern structure can achieve.

THE DRIVE They say that it’s not just the destination that counts, but also the journey you take to get

Our first stop was the ancient site of Khor Rori, which is also attributed to being one of Queen Sheeba’s palaces. The site is adjacent to the lagoon on the coastal strip in the Taqa region, 40km east of Salalah and is said to have been a major port for frankincense trade. The great gate of the town indicates that the citadel had an outer wall with towers and three gates, and that its main entrance was protected by square towers. There are remnants of a temple and large frankincense stores. You can also see inscriptions in Southern Arabian dialect. Again, according to our irrepressible local guide, a certain private beach nearby belongs to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, so you can be rest assured that the location is peerless.

Next on the list was Wadi Darbat. Although seen out of season it loses a good deal of its lustre and je ne c’est quoi, it is nevertheless still a formidable sight with sheer rocks facades, pock marked by a series of caves that used to house

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STOPOVER The city of Kathmandu gets its name from a beautiful structure in its town square, the Kasthamandap. The name originates from Sanskrit and vaguely translates to ‘a wooden shelter’. Despite many attractions Kathmandu remains a hidden gem and vastly unexplored by travellers today.

SEE:

For first time travellers, Kathmandu might seem a little intimidating. The sights and the sounds and crowd might seem a bit much but once you’ve managed to take it all in you’ll discover that the city has much to offer. The first stop should definitely be the Durbar Square. Listed as one of the eight Cultural World Heritage sites, this beautiful square comprises a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, and courtyards which have a history that dates back right up to the 12th century. Take a leisurely stroll and take in some of the fine architecture that rivals anything you’ll find in the great cities of Europe. Expect to spend at least half a day here. Old Town, is a labyrinth of narrow backstreets and will transport you 500 years back in history. Cobbled streets surrounded by buildings with ornate windows and doors reveal the artistic craftmanship of the Newari artisans. On a clear day a vantage point from a rooftop café reveals a horizon of snowy Himalayan peaks - truly an unforgettable experience. Thamel, although extremely touristy, is also worth a visit. Chill out in cafes and enjoy some great Western music. If you have some time on your hands make day trips out to the nearby Unesco World Heritage Sites of Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bodhnath and Patan.

Darbar Square

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EAT:

For gourmands, Kathmandu is pure delight.

From traditional fare to a posh Italian fine dining experience - you can experience it all. For a delectable Newari experience Bhojan Griha and Nepali Chulo are fine options. Along with great food, you can enjoy some great traditional dances which adds to the whole dining experience.

If you’re in the mood for something else try Roadhouse Cafe and their pizzas cooked in special wood-fired ovens. For a Japanese experience try the Royal Hana Garden. The Thamel district also has a variety of modern eating joints that you may try out.

DESTINATION NEPAL

WHERE THE URBAN MEETS THE TRADITIONAL, WHERE TIME SEEMS BLISSFULLY ETERNAL...IT IS TIME TO DISCOVER THE DELIGHT THAT’S KATHMANDU...

SHOP:

Shopaholics will be in for a treat at Thamel. From trekking supplies to curios, it’s possible to find everything here at the tourist hub that’s Thamel.

Among fake name brands you will also find some real brands at incredible prices. But if you’re buying stuff off the streets make sure you haggle before you purchase (the shopkeepers also enjoy the banter). Book and music lovers will find some excellent collections here also. For Nepali handicrafts, however, the best place would be the Old Town. The famous Jochen Tole, popularly known as Freak Street is also a fun place to shop.

STAY:

We recommend places such as Crowne Plaza Hotel Kathmandu-Soaltee, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, Radisson Hotel Kathmandu, and Hotel Shanker for a relaxing and comfortable stay during your trip. Hotel Shanker is, in fact, a former palace. From impeccably manicured gardens to exotic split level rooms, rest assured that you’ll be treated like royalty yourself.

FLY THERE Oman Air operates four flights per week to and from Kathmandu on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Muscat to Kathmandu Depart 11.45am 17.05pm (arrive) Kathmandu to Muscat Depart 18.05pm 21.15pm (arrive) Oman Air Partner Hotels in Nepal are include Dwarika’s Hotel (5*), Soaltee Crowne Plaza (4*), Radisson (4*), Hotel de l’Annapurna (4*), Royal Singhi Hotel (3*) For more details contact Oman Air Holidays on 24531000 or mail to holidays@omanair.com

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fashion FEAST YOUR EYES ON 70’S SILHOUETTES IN SUMPTUOUS COLOURS, BONNETSTYLE HATS, LOOSE-FITTING CAPE-LIKE DRESSES AND JACKETS, SUPER-YOUTHFUL HIGH-WAISTED MINI-SKIRTS AND SWEATER ENSEMBLES.

Colour Burst MARC BY MARC JACOBS SS 2011

COVERT GREEN MULTI CLEMENCE SWEATER LOBSTER RED MIMI CDC SKIRT DUSTY SAND LADY POUCHETTE 33

NBM GRANITE SPRING TWILL CUSTOMIZED COAT STERLING BLUE MULTI MARCEL STRIPE SHIRT COLOR NBM LAURENCE TWILL PANT 34

LOBSTER RED MULTI SABINE FLOWER DRESS

ARMUR BLUE MULTI RUMPLED SEERSUCKER SUIT JACKET WICKEN WHITE MEL FLOWER SHIRTING ARMUR BLUE MULTI RUMPLED SEERSUCKER SUIT PANT RED CLAY VINTAGE LEATHER TOTE

NORMANDY BLUE MULTI ARIELLE BLOOM JUMPSUIT FLOURO BLUE PREPPY STRAW CANTEEN BAG 35

ASH MULTI ODETTE DOT EMBROIDERY DRESS

COLOR NBM TRISTAN TARTAN JACKET LOBSTER RED DANNY DOT SHIRT NORMANDY BLUE COTTON SATEEN PANT

Marc by Marc Jacobs collection available at Dubai Festival City, Level 1; Dubai Mall, Burj Dubai, 2nd Floor, The Fashion Avenue 36

THE STYLE FILES

CLICK CHIC

YOUR GUIDE TO THE WORLD OF INTERNET SHOPPING. BY ROSEMIN MANJI

L

ife is only getting busier day by day and for a girl who loves fashion the sheer sport of shopping it is no longer easy. Picture this: Nagivate traffic to get to your favourite mall; once you get there, circumnavigate the parking lot trying to find a spot; and then when you finally make your way through the crowd to a shop, you may not even find your size.

Thank god there’s Internet, which allows you to enjoy all the pleasures of shopping in just a click. I must admit that I was once ‘anti-online shopping', but the site that made me change my ways was Net-a-Porter.com founded by Natalie Massent, a genius who could anticipate and translate a woman’s wants over cyber space.

A full 360-degree image of the garment, detailed description, user-friendly navigation, to be able to sort precisely by colour, designer and size and stylists available round the clock to answer questions on fabrics, quantities, etc. The icing on the cake was the hassle-free return policy.

I believe most online sites have followed suit to offer the end customer a great experience while shopping online.

Online shopping is really about the convenience, so if it’s shopping for a new wardrobe at your desk or for a friend’s wedding gift, it is worth checking sites like Gift-Library.com, which caught my attention this year. A beautifully edited collection of luxurious items, it gives you exhaustive options in last-minute gift solutions for wedding, corporate events, births, and housewarmings. I found everything from chic horn salad servers by Acra to Monogramed bathrobes by London’s linen shop. I especially love the service of monogramming, an extra detail that makes the gift more thoughtful and memorable.

Looking at the region, Aura-B.com has a great selection of local designers from Ines ballet flats to Mojo clutches. With services such as free delivery within in UAE and next-day service

by Aramex, it makes shopping all the more pleasurable. Moreover, the guilt attached to the

word ‘shopping’ just melts away when you hear the words free delivery and free returns. Boutique 1, also has great presentation and offers a fourhour delivery service, so you can order a dress at lunch and have it delivered to you by dinner.

TOP FIVE REASONS TO START SHOPPING ONLINE: CONVENIENCE: Available 24 hours and 7 days a week. What more can we ask for!

BETTER PRICES: Most sites online are very competitive because they have less overheads.

In addition to this it’s very easy to do price comparison shopping on the Internet SELECTION: Several brands and products from different sellers at one place and you can find different styles in a colour range compared to the regional buy.

Buy and send gifts to your friends and family across the world. It means never having to stand in line at a post office or follow up on your courier again and again.

Always sign up and register on your favourite site, as there will always be advantages and benefits. You will be the first to know about new arrivals or sales.

Happy Shopping!

ROSEMIN MANJI IS THE FOUNDER OF RR & CO. BESPOKE LUXURY MANAGEMENT THAT SPECIALISES IN STYLING, MEDIA RELATIONS AMONG OTHER LUXURY SERVICES. MANJI IS ALSO A REGULAR ON STUDIO ONE, DUBAI TV AS THEIR FASHION CORRESPONDENT. SHE HAS CONTRIBUTED IN HARPERS BAZAAR, GRAZIA AND ESQUIRE AND HAS COVERED ATLANTIS PALM DUBAI OPENING RED CARPET INTERVIEWING TOP INTERNATIONAL CELEBRITIES FOR MTV. MANJI HAS BEEN ON BEST DRESSED LIST FOR HARPERS BAZAAR, GRAZIA, PASHION, MONDANITE, AHLAN MASALA. HER CONTRIBUTION TO THE FASHION INDUSTRY HAS BEEN RECOGNISED BY ARAB NEWS AS TOP 20 BUSINESS WOMEN IN THE GULF AND AHLAN HOT 100 LIST 2010 AND 2011.

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FOCUS

HISTORY’S CUSTODIAN THE RECENTLY-OPENED GHALYA’S MUSEUM OF MODERN ART WILL SOON BE PAYING A UNIQUE TRIBUTE TO FASHION WITH ITS CLOTHES MUSEUM. DEEPA RAJAN GETS AN EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW…

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Someone once said that history is representational, while time is abstract: both of these statements hold true in museums. In a country such as Oman, which abounds with history and heritage, museums not only function as a representation of history and time, they also provide vital insights into the nation’s current traditions.

So, when Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art opened recently under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq bin Taimour Al Said, we were naturally curious to explore further.

Located close to the Muttrah Fort, the museum is the project of Her Highness Sayyida Dr Ghalya bint Fahr bin Taimour Al Said.

As Murtadha Abdulkhaliq Al Lawati, curator of the museum says, it is unlike any other in Oman and adds that Ghalya’s Museum is a cultural umbrella under which both heritage and modernity flourish with ease. The Museum can be divided into three sections; the first one being the ‘Old House’, which opened recently amid much fanfare.

Safely ensconced within its pristine white walls are artefacts that tell stories of the deeply rooted Omani heritage, customs and traditions. In their natural setting, the display items reflect the philosophy of Omani life by examining the details of life during the period between 1950 and the early years of the Renaissance.

In the Old House, Musabbeh’s room, the Majlis (living room), the winter room, the children’s room, the exhibition room, the kitchen, and the bride’s room all illustrate the Omani lifestyle of that era.

Murtadha says, “The Old House shows how Omani people adapted to the modern world and its new inventions. The Omanis are known to be innovative and have a history of inventions and industry. The museum’s focus is to promote Omani adaptations to the world and to show how Omanis used modern age developments and tools to create objects of their own.” According to Murtadha, there are hundreds of stories about each piece in the Old House displays. “What we are trying to do is bring these stories to the public. We invite senior

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FOCUS

Omani citizens to give their recollections on an object, record their stories and then turn this into written as well as video literature. Take the kerosene lanterns for example. It is interesting to see how people originally used candles and then graduated to these lamps before switching on to the wonders of electricity.”

He adds, “You see an Omani man driving his smart modern car, but you know he is Omani because he has held on to tradition, in the form of the clothes he wears or the architectural style of his house. Everything symbolises heritage being kept intact and Ghalya’s Museum also strives to do this. “We want our efforts to serve a purpose, not only to educate the world about Oman’s progress, but also to educate the youth of Oman by making them realise the legacy they have been bequeathed."

Ghalya’s Museum is not all about heritage. It is also about the soon-to-be-opened Clothes Museum and the Modern Art Gallery that promise to amaze you with an eclectic mix of old world charm and modernism.

“The second section of the museum is going to be the Clothes Museum, which will be opened to the public in November this year,” says Murtadha, adding that we at Signature will be among the privileged few to actually see what wonders this museum holds.

‘Wonders’, as we later discovered, was an understatement. Housed in a discreet corner and guarded by wonderful old-style wooden doors, the Clothes Museum is an ode to fashion of the highest order. Each piece of clothing, jewellery, and collector’s perfume bottles (in a myriad of shapes and sizes) reveals a personal touch. Murthadha says, “You can see that fashion is also a part of our heritage and it is a very popular international art language expressing different cultures.”

The purpose of the Clothes Museum is to depict fashion through the lens of time, but at the same time to portray fashion as an art form. A status that fashion design truly deserves, says Murthada, adding that fashion is not just about the colours and styles of what you wear, it is also the art of how you wear it. The museum houses collections of Ghanima, a well-known Omani designer of the 50-60s, and international names such as Paul Smith (whose collection in the 80s was inspired by the Dhofari costume), Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Dar al Dibaj among others.

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The Clothes Museum, which totals 3,000 pieces, will also serve as a foundation for those who aspire to be fashion designers, adds Murthadha.

“Once we open our doors in November, we plan to organise workshops for both local and international designer groups, who wish to learn more about Oman’s fashion history and artwork. We will also arrange exhibitions for international designers but primarily it will be a platform for young Omanis to develop and showcase their talent in this field.”

Murthadha says fashion is also about a nation’s distinct identity and via the Clothes Museum and foundation, Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art is sending a message out to the world, inviting it to witness Oman’s inimitable identity and beauty, as demonstrated by its heritage and its clothes.

As you marvel at the detailed intricacies of the Old House and gaze longingly at the dresses encased in glass in the Clothes Museum, you can hear famous English poet John Keats’opening lines from ‘Endymion’ echoing in the museum. For, indeed, ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever…’

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SHOW

CROWNING GLORY FASHION, FUN AND ‘SIGNATURE’ MOMENTS; THAT IS WHAT ZOUK MONDAY NIGHTS ARE ALL ABOUT…

Sunday (Feb 13) saw the finale of the Zouk Fashion evenings (being held in association with Signature, Oman’s No. 1 luxury lifestyle magazine) with the Miss Zouk being crowned in a spectacular extravaganza of fashion and fun.

Kamilya, an Omani national, won the much coveted Ms. Zouk 2011 crown, while Anna from Venezuela and Tenielle from South Africa were crowned the 1st Runner Up and 2nd Runner Up respectively.

These girls were not the only winners that night! In a contest sponsored by Signature magazine, Bashar & Iulia Prodan won the ‘Signature Couple’ award.

The ‘Zouk Girls Night Out’ began in January with Zouk Fashion evenings, where all fashionistas were invited to come dressed in their finest and walk the ramp every Monday and a prominent jury selected five of the best every Monday for four weeks. The finale, saw 20 would-be models walk it up for the much coveted

42

‘Miss Zouk title., All the 20 were given special grooming & styling lessons by CB Modeling Agency.

All the participants won some fantastic gift hampers from Capital Store and the final six won additional prizes including gift hampers from Capital Store, Lamborghini Merchandise, etc. The top three were also LCD & DVD players courtesy SAGO (South African Group in Oman). The final six will also get to be part of the official Zouk 2011 calendar, which will be launched this month.

Every Monday, Zouk Girls Night offers complimentary beverages for all the ladies besides the entertainment where you can see some celebrity performances and different themes promoting the local talent.

For further details, Zouk it out people!

was media partner of the event

ARCHITECTURE

A MAJESTIC

VISION

Muscat Municipality’s mega vision for the city sees spectacular transformation of 24 locations, which were showcased in the Majestic Muscat exhibition held at BankMuscat recently.

Signature picks 10 of its favourite projects…

WATERFRONT SQUARE, SHATTI AL QURUM

ARCHITECT: GEHL ARCHITECTS, DENMARK The proposal will turn a car park into a space for leisure and community activities. The shaded attractive tiled Square will have magnificent views across Qurum beach and the Gulf of Oman. At night, a saltwater wading pool will create a tranquil attraction.

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SULTAN QABOOS BOULEVARD

ARCHITECT: PARSONS, OMAN The myriad fragrances and hues of the souk; fishermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activity at the beach, mosques, homes and lively streets all give Seeb its character.

Now adding to this, will be the waterfront, which will become a place where people can come to enjoy the ocean views and the activity in the fishing huts and the souk, or simply stroll along a marvelous waterfront promenade. In the offing, among other improvements, are the refurbishment of Souk Square and shading of car parks.

ARCHITECT: WS ATKINS, OMAN This project will see the transformation of Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Seeb Street/Sultan Qaboos highway into an attractive urban boulevard. The project stretches from Al Mawaleh Interchange to Bait Al Barka Palace Roundabout. The aim is to enhance the design and environment that surrounds this major gateway to Muscat.

SEEB WATERFRONT

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ARCHITECTURE

THE MINARET

ARCHITECT: LUNDGAARD & TRANBERG ARCHITECTS A/S, DENMARK An awe-inspiring new monument, it exemplifies Oman’s Renaissance and will be constructed on the outermost point of the Muttrah Corniche. To be built using local materials, its open structure will be a representative of Oman’s rich culture. A park will be built at the base. It will also house a visitor centre and 12 floors of exhibition space focusing on the nation’s heritage and telling the story of the Renaissance. There will also be a restaurant/café.

HAWIYAT NAJIM PARK

ARCHITECT: JENSEN & SKODVIN ARCHITECTS, NORWAY Touted to be one of the most exciting projects, this beautiful park has a series of circular oases made up of small shaded gardens. Buildings within the areas are also based on the circular theme. At the end of the park is the sink hole with an island in the middle and a bridge that allows access to the water for swimming and other activities. Alongside the park is the Hawiyat Najim Hotel, which will follow the same architectural theme.

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MUTTRAH FISH MARKET

Architect: Snøhetta, Norway The existing fish market at the heart of Muttrah will undergo major improvements with features such as ‘rammed earth’ wall built in traditional Omani style that will define the market’s northern spine.

ARCHITECT: PROJECT ARCHITECTURE PTY LTD, AUSTRALIA This magnificent new Muscat Plaza will celebrate the modernisation of Oman, the history of the region and Omani culture. It will contain the National Ceremonial Plaza, the National Resource Centre, the National Obelisk, the Walk of Oman (1km long shaded history walk) and gardens and Topiaries. Inspiration for the design comes from many sources, including the Sea of Oman, trading and fishing traditions, Al Hajar mountains, the wadis and Omani jewellery.

MUSCAT PLAZA, AL KHUWAIR

ARCHITECT: PROJECT ARCHITECTURE PTY LTD, AUSTRALIA Quintessentially Omani, this project promises to be a vibrant neighbourhood facility that will consist of a park and activity club.

The park will consist of terraces, palms, and water features. The Activity Hun will be at the centre of the Park. The impressive building will feature a large open space incorporating a sheltered multilevel terrace. It will include a cinema complex, sports courts, shops, restaurants and cafes and commercial office suites and residential apartments.

AL KHUWAIR PARK

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ARCHITECTURE

ARCHITECT: MUSCAT MUNCIPALITY, OMAN The square will benefit from major improvements, making it a place where people can shop and spend time in peaceful, safe conditions. The range of changes include new public spaces and walkways, creation of a park and children’s play areas, new coffee shops and restaurants and other elements such as new fountains, a waterfall, trees and more.

WADI ADAY PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

ARCHITECT: SNØHETTA, NORWAY At Wadi Aday – Muscat’s main wadi – the plan is to build a pedestrian bridge with promenades, cycle ways and new planting. During the day, it will provide a safe and simple connection between communities on both sides of the wadi. At night, it will be a vibrant place people can meet under lights powered by solar energy collected during the day.

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AL AMERAT SQUARE

ACOUSTIC PLEASURES YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST ALBUMS RELEASING THIS MONTH Collapse Into Now R.E.M. The band’s 15th studio album is rumoured to be their best work to date.

Stronger - Sara Evans After a long six-year wait, Evans’ album is all set to rock the airwaves.

I Remember Me – Jennifer Hudson Hudson’s latest project features collaborators like Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, R. Kelly, Rich Harrison, Ne-Yo, and Stargate.

Going Out In Style – Dropkick Murphys The new album will take the band’s own personal experiences and family folklore and roll them into the story of a fictional character named Cornelius Larkin.

Memory Lane – The High Kings A great collection of songs that’s a must for all who love Irish music.

The Unforgiving – Within Temptation This concept album is based on a comic strip by writer Steven O’Connell.

All the songs have been written along Connell’s narrative with emphasis on the main characters.

Build A Rocket Boys!

– Elbow A follow-up to the highly successful The Seldom Seen Kid, the band’s fifth studio album holds much promise.

Hope St – Kassidy Four guys with four acoustic guitars creating some awesome music.

Needless to say we’re extremely stoked about this album!

Now – Linda Eder For her latest offering, Linda Eder has teamed with composer Frank Wildhorn again, to bring an album like no other. Fans will not be disappointed!

I Done A Album – Beardyman This acclaimed beatboxer’s much awaited debut album is sure to become a fast favourite among fans.

PEOPLE

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man of

action

SIGNATURE MEETS RICHARD HODGES, CHIEF OFFICER, OMAN AIR HOTELS & CATERING AND LEARNS A FEW LESSONS IN THE REAL ART OF HOSPITALITY

T

he first and perhaps the most vital of all impressions that you will make of Richard Hodges is that he is a man of action. ‘No-Nonsense’, ‘tell-it-as-it’ are other few expressions one can use to describe Hodges, who recently took over Oman Air Hotels & Catering unit as its Chief Officer.

With a pleasing personality and a sense of humor to match, it is not difficult to understand why the hospitality industry was a perfect choice of career for Hodges. It helps, of course, that the indoctrination began at the early age of 7. “My uncle owned hotels in San Diego where I used to work during the holidays. I was free labour. So, you can say it was in my blood. ” Hodges says his inclination towards the restaurant business made him spend time learning the tricks of the trade. But it was only after a short stint with the US army as a helicopter pilot (we believe this is where the hands-on attitude comes from), did Hodge’s journey into the hospitality industry begin. He joined the Royal Inns of America in San Diego where he did his hotel training and worked with Sea World’s restaurant division. He then joined MHM, a Dallas-based hotel management company, which was later bought out in 1989 by Regal Hotels International (Hong Kong).

Over the years, Hodges held the positions of Vice President of Business Development of Regal Hotels International, General Manager of Regal Airport Hotel in Hong Kong, and Vice President of hotel projects in San Diego, California, USA, as well as travelled across the length and breadth of the busy world.

So what brought him to Oman and more

particularly the Middle East? “It’s a small world. The same values prevail everywhere, and everyone wants to take care of their family and everyone wants a better opportunity…” he quips sagaciously. But why Oman Air? “It was an opportunity to work with a boutique airline.

It is not like bigger airlines where maintaining the quality and standard of service is not always easy or possible. I always look at it from the hospitality perspective. One has to always be in touch with one’s customers.

Simple things such as greeting your customers, taking their opinion on the services matter a lot, be it in the restaurant business or the airline industry. It is all about the people and people’s needs.”

According to Hodges, there is a lot of potential to be tapped as far as the hotel and hospitality industry in Oman is concerned and that is what makes his role at Oman Air more challenging and exciting. Oman Air made its initial foray into a new area of business with its acquisition of the Golden Tulip Hotel in Muscat a couple of years ago.

Hodges says, “The brief is clear. It has to be an international four-star hotel. No matter which part of the world you are in, you should be able to recognise the brand. Design is a very important element. Changes include not only the front but the back of the house.” From the hotel lobby, to the rooms, to the boilers and the chillers in the kitchen, all will undergo a complete overhaul. Plans also include a Thai spa with authentic masseurs from Thailand, an Amercian steak house among others things.

And, given Hodges confidence and plan of

action, we are sure that once the job is done, the rebranded property will be an international product to reckon with. The more you talk to Hodges, the more it becomes evident that Oman Air’s new venture could not have found a more apt quarterback to call the plays. He’s definitely a team player. “One cannot manage his or her business by just sitting in the office; it is all about teamwork. You have to be out there with your team, talking to your team members and outsiders even if you are running a five-star hotel or a five-star airline. If you are not, you get complacent and there end your efforts to improve the existing services," he says.

If there is anything that Hodges places above teamwork, it is customer service. “In our organisation, from the chairman to the bottom line staff, we care about the customer.

Everybody focuses and understands the importance of the customer, because the task is not achieved without the guest. I believe that you must consider every single guest as your friend or relative and they are coming into your house, whether it is a hotel or an airplane. If your mother comes into your house, you would never sit in the backyard and say ‘hi, come in’, but you go to the front door and welcome her in, right? The same attitude has to be practiced in terms of customer care."

Ever the perfectionist, Hodges believes that the bar needs to be raised every day. He says, “I’m only concerned about today so that it gives us idea as to ‘what better we can do for tomorrow’.

And that is the question we need to constantly ask ourselves.”

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FOOD COURT

52

DESTINATION

SEAFOOD!

SIGNATURE BRINGS YOU AN EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW OF LA MER, A NEW AND UNIQUE RESTAURANT, THAT IS SET TO OPEN ITS DOORS THIS MONTH…

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FOOD COURT

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A s you drive past the Qurum Beach road (also popularly known as the street of love), you can’t but notice the ‘Opening Shortly’ banners in bold red letters vying for your attention from within the glass windows of a stately structure.

Curious enough, we decided to stop and do some investigation of our own. Much to our delight, we discovered that Muscat was about to get yet another seafood restaurant. But, calling ‘La Mer’ – a Sohar International Development & Investment enterprise – just another seafood restaurant would be doing it grave injustice.

As its name suggests, La Mer, which means the sea in French, is a new and unique restaurant that will serve exclusive and innovative rage of seafood dishes. But, it will not restrict itself to just seafood. It will also offer all food lovers the opportunity to indulge in multi-cuisine experiences, with a sumptuous range of Arabic, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes served fresh. The restaurant is divided into three sections: La Mer fine dining, La Mer Garden, and the La Mer Terrace (which will be Café Barbera).

There is something for everyone and every occasion. You want to treat your loved one or family to a delicious meal in a refined and stately setting, then the Fine Dining section is the place to be. Done up in wood and contemporary interiors, this well-lit restaurant can house up to 120 people. It also has two private areas created for special meal gatherings. What really makes it all worthwhile is the open kitchen. Built on a raised platform with a colourful flower bed around its front, the kitchen also has a seafood counter, which allows you to choose from fresh fish, crabs, lobsters that will be then cooked by the chef the way you like

them. Could it get any better!

For those who are looking forward to some informal chit-chat, the garden is the place to spend that quality time in a relaxed atmosphere.

Surrounded by palm trees, the outside seating area (seats around 100 people) allows you to unwind with some Sheesha and Arabic delicacies. You can either choose a lounge seating under the open sky or an AC tent (during summers, of course!). Just sit back, listen to the gentle lashing of the waves, and watch the sun go down the blue sea. As evening sets in, the palm trees light up, quite literally, adding the glitz to an already beautiful evening.

The terrace will be devoted to Café Barbera, which has already attained a cult status for its ambience and menu. Need we say more?

The food on offer is an exhaustive list. The Nosh menu, (Nosh meaning small bites) or what we familiarly know as canapés or tapas offers everything ranging from La-Mer Marinated Olives with Herbed Feta Cheese (absolute heaven), the Picadillo Empanada (a Cuban recipe made with ground beef) to Tahitian Crab Cake and Chicken Quesadillas. The appetisers include Asian Minestrone soup, Norwegian Smoked Salmon, Belgium Steamed Mussels, Chicken and Beef Satay, Oysters and the La Mer Sushi Platter among other things. The mains do not disappoint you either; Oriental Lobster Ravioli, Moroccan Tagine, Japanese Bento Box, Goan Fish Curry, Green Tea Soba Noodles with Salmon, New Zealand Lamb Rack, Pan Fried Duck Breast…the list goes on and on! The Arabic menu is also a delight with classic dishes such as Vine Leaves, Hummus with Meat and Lentil Soup being served. From light meals to

extravagantly prepared dishes, the menu is a food lover’s dream come true.

La Mer also has a small banquet room that is ideal for weddings, birthday and office parties and corporate events, which can be orgainsed with the help of the in house team. From flowers to the decoration to the menu everything will be taken care of.

A great concept, elegant interiors combined with a relaxed yet classy ambience, a lipsmacking food menu supervised by a charming chef and served by a pleasing staff makes La Mer a sure winner in the must-visit list. For La Mer is not just a restaurant, it is very well a destination in itself.

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FOOD

A FINE MEAL Joachim Caula takes us through the history of fine dining and the changing concept of food…

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et me begin with a small introduction on gastronomy.

Gastronomy is the art of selecting, preparing, serving and enjoying food and the essence of Fine Dining, and began almost as soon as early as the cave ages. An early depiction of the enjoyment of food as a group is shown in one of the earliest cave paintings discovered in the south of France, where a prehistoric family is clearly shown around a fire eating together at mealtime. The great civilizations of Assyria, Babylonia, Persia, and Egypt had great feasts and banquets, but there is little evidence of much refinement in their preparation or serving of food. There is however written documentation that China had developed sophisticated culinary skills as early as the 5th century BC, which spread, along with its powerful culture, to the adjacent areas of her part of the planet.

The Greeks felt that a good meal nourished the spirit, as well as the body. The consumption of food was frequently accompanied by music, poetry and dancing. The Romans threw lavish banquets based upon the notion that bigger and more is better. There are descriptions of feasts where hundreds of types of fish were served accompanied by mountains of beef, pork, veal, lamb, boar, venison, ostrich, duck and peacock.

They even dispatched emissaries throughout the empire to discover new and exotic delicacies, including mushrooms from France. The Italians were the first to adopt a more sophisticated and sensible use of ingredients. The royalty and wealthy consumed delicate tournedos, the center cut of the beef filet, not slabs of beef. They also began using more varied ingredients, including mushrooms, garlic, truffles and caviar. At their mealtimes, which sometimes lasted up to 3 hours, they drank out of exquisite Venetian glass and sat at tables adorned with delicate embroidered table clothes. Further, women became a part of the feast for the first time - dressed in all their finery - to augment the visual side of the experience. Also food sculpture made its entry 56

into the cuisine of the rulers. The French culinary art flourished under Louis XIV and his court.

Silverware, including knives and spoons, forks, came to be widely used. More importantly, dishes came to be served in order rather than all at once.

Also some intentionality was put into creating complementary dishes rather than just serving them upon completion.

accustomed to. The variety of spices, which are available and can be used in a meal, make for a whole new dining experience.

During my travels, what I have noticed most is that the concept of fine dining changes according to the place. If in France, they use rich ingredients to add to the value of the food, then in Asia, they use spices to augment the experience.

Throughout history, one can find references to the art of fine dining. Today, things have undergone a major change with people becoming more health conscious and food becoming more of a necessity. But, I still remember the time, during my twenties, our parents took us out to local fine-dining restaurants that served classic dishes such as Chateaubriand, Beef Wellington, Duck a la Orange, Crepe Suzette, and Hot Chocolate soufflé. They were not just rich in ingredients but also laden with the goodness of calories and sophistication then associated with the wealthy. I also remember that almost all the best eating places had a Maitre Restaurateur, who would prepare some of his signature dishes right in front of your table. There was clearly an influence of French cuisine, which in my opinion was heavy. The lavish use of butter, cream and other such ingredients only added to the experience. But gone are those days, today the food has become more spicier, and comes with more flavours than before to suit the different palates. It has also become lighter, given that people are becoming more and more health conscious.

Today, it has become even easier to learn how to cook, with the various television shows and their celebrity chefs. The world has become a village in that sense. For me the biggest change, however, would have to be the concept of healthy cooking that has become so popular. Dishes are losing their original character and are being modified for health reasons. I do not consider this a bad trend, but yes, once in a while, I do crave for the classic Beef Wellington with all its rich gravy. I am sure there are many more like me who still yearn for the richness in food, but having said that, I am ready to welcome the next big wave in fine dining with the generation of Chefs to come. I think it is important to have an open mind and experience everything the world has to offer. Because, food is really what you make it out to be. In today’s world, fine dining is all about what you like to eat and what you are comfortable eating.

Today, people travel also across continents to experience new dishes, instead of conforming themselves to a particular cuisine. In fact, I remember traveling to Puebla, which is 90 minutes by bus from Mexico City, to taste a local dish called Mole Poblano, which is chicken cooked in spicy chocolate sauce among other things. If you had asked me to do this some 25 years ago, I would have said such dishes are impossible to cook, but having experienced it first hand, I can safely say that it is indeed possible and in fact, it is a wonderful treat for the taste buds. I have travelled a lot in the last 25 years, and I have sampled most of the local cuisine.

My travels took me to places such as Thailand in the Far East. The art of dining here was much different than the western cuisine that I am

The writer is Bailli Delegue (president) of Chaîne des Rotisseurs, Oman.

SHOWTIME! THE BEST MOVIES TO HIT THE BIG SCREEN THIS MONTH...

The Resident

Rango

Sucker Punch

The Adjustment Bureau

The Lincoln Lawyer

Limitless

Red Riding Hood

Take Me Home Tonight

When Juliet (Swank), a young doctor moves into a seemingly perfect apartment, she becomes the obession of her landlord.

This action-fantasy adventure follows a young girl in the 1950s about to be lobotomized as she attempts to escape an asylum with her inmate friends.

Mickey Haller (McConaughey) a criminal lawyer from Los Angeles conducts business from the back of his Lincoln.

Based on the novel by Michael Connelly.

A twist in the very popular tale The Little Red Riding Hood. Valerie (Seyfried) falls in love with an orphaned wood cutter in a village haunted by a werewolf.

Kill the Irishman

The true story of Danny Greene, a tough Irish thug working for mobsters in Cleveland during the 1970’s.

A funny story about the adventures of a chameleon with an identity crisis.

A smooth-talking congressman (Damon) finds his political future thrown in doubt by uncontrollable events and the arrival of a mysterious woman (Blunt).

An unpublished writer’s life is transformed by a top-secret smart drug that allows him to use 100 per cent of his brain and become a perfect version of himself.

Faris stars in this rom-com revolving around three aimless college grads over a crazy college party weekend.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules

In this sequel to 2010’s big hit, Greg Heffley, the kid who made “wimpy” cool is back in an all-new family comedy based on the best-selling follow-up novel by Jeff Kinney.

CARS

All roads lead to Geneva

The Geneva Motorshow is by far the most important show for automobile enthusiasts worldwide. This year’s show, to be held at the Geneva Palexpo between March 3 and 13, will feature some of the most highly anticipated launches from the biggest names in the industry. Just in case you can’t wait for the show, here is a quick curtain raiser to introduce you to some of the largest launches that we are looking forward to…

BMW VISION CONNECTDRIVE Unveiled on February 10, BMW’s latest concept vehicle, dubbed the Vision ConnectedDrive, continues BMW’s Vision that began in 2009 with the unveiling of the Vision EfficientDynamics. The latest Vision ConnectedDrive demonstrates current and future methods of mobile networking in a particularly focused way. The design and technology of this spectacular roadster are aimed at making the vehicle an integral part of a networked world.

FERRARI FF Showcased for the first time on the official Prancing Horse website, on January 21, the Ferrari FF will be the company’s most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first ever four-wheel drive car.

The FF, an acronym for Ferrari Four (four seats and four-wheel drive), ushers in an entirely new GT sports car concept for the company and one that is a decisive break with the past. This new car represents not so much an evolution as a true revolution. Ferrari’s exclusive, patented 4RM (four-wheel drive) weighs 50 per cent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system, maintaining perfect weight distribution (53 per cent over the rear axle).

GUMPERT TORENTE Gumpert is a company known for producing one of the fastest road legal vehicles known, the Apollo. While power and performance are certainly among its strongest assets; its looks isn’t. To alter this, the company has taken the help of Touring Superleggera to design the Gumpert Torente, which will make its debut at Geneva this year and is scheduled as an addition to the GUMPERT model range as of 2012. While it may look different, the Tornante has the genes of the Gumpert Apollo and inherits its impressive V8 Biturbo engine. The 4.2L unit delivers 700 HP in the basic version. An alternativepowered Tornante is also planned for 2012.

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LFA NÜRBURGRING PACKAGE The most exclusive Lexus yet built, the LFA supercar gains an even more track-focused profile with the addition of the bespoke Nürburgring Package, to be shown in public for the first time at the Geneva motor show in March. Aimed at customers looking for even greater levels of performance from the V10 supercar, the Nürburgring Package is available on a maximum of 50 of the 500 cars that are being built. It provides additional aerodynamic features and technical revisions to improve handling and downforce, increases engine output by 10bhp to 562bhp and even speeds up gear shifts in the six-speed sequential transmission.

LOTUS EVORA BY MANSORY A while back Lotus revealed a host of new models that will shape the future of the brand. But what can we expect of the current range while we wait in anticipation for those new models. Preliminary rumours revolved around the debut of a facelifted evora for Geneva. But Lotus has cleared this up. What you’ll see in Geneva is NOT an Evora facelift. It’s a taste of the future of Lotus product customisation. Merely the first toe in the water and a showcase of the potential future. This Evora in question is one that is customised by Mansory and judging by these pictures it definitely looks like a sweet ride.

RANGE ROVER AUTOBIOGRAPHY ULTIMATE EDITION The Range Rover has already secured its position as a genuine status symbol of the wealthy in this region. And what if you can own the ultimate version of such a vehicle? The aptly named Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition, is your answer. A hand-finished exclusive addition to the range, it has two standalone electric rear seats, which enhance space and comfort for the rear passengers, making the Ultimate Edition the definitive chauffeur vehicle. The addition of a rear console extension, including a machined aluminium laptop table and drinks chiller, and two Apple iPads as standard (the first car to do so), takes the Range Rover rear seat experience to new levels of luxury.

RENAULT CAPTUR At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault revealed its new brand identity which puts people at the forefront of its concerns. The new and ambitious design strategy, which resulted from this, is founded on different stages of the human life cycle, with each phase taking the form of a specific concept car. The first, the two-seater DeZir coupé, expressed ‘falling in love’, the passion present at the beginning of any new adventure. Now Renault CAPTUR addresses the second phase of this cycle, that of two people exploring the world around them. It is designed to be a fun and sporty crossover, ideal for a young couple and it takes as its basis the fundamental design language introduced on the DeZir concept car but adds a more technical dimension – more functional but still highly sensuous.

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PREVIEW

THE TIME ZONE

LOOKING FOR THE LATEST IN WATCH-MAKING INNOVATION AND LUXURY? BASELWORLD IS THE PLACE TO BE A SIGNATURE REPORT If you’re heading for Switzerland in March, the chances are that you’re on your way to the ski slopes for the last hurrah of the winter season. Or maybe you’re heading for yet another banking conference. But if you have a taste for the finer things in life, there’s another very good reason to visit the land of gnomes, chalets and trains that run on time.

Why not stop by the beautiful city of Basel, the capital of German-speaking Switzerland, for the annual Baselworld Watch and Jewellery Show?

Baselworld is an eight-day festival of timekeeping. Every year, over a hundred thousand watch enthusiasts and buyers throng to Basel to find out what the two thousand exhibitors have to offer. Every major brand is there (and we are not even attempting any name-dropping here!).

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As every owner of a premium timepiece knows, a watch is a fusion of art, jewellery, engineering excellence and function that takes you well beyond the simple act of telling the time. So if you’re hooked on style, innovation and luxury, Baselworld is the place to be. Some of the major brands only exhibit at Basel, so this is a oncea-year chance to get close to your favourite watchmaker.

As Olivier Bernheim of Raymond Weil says: “I think it’s quite crucial for all of us to be at Baselworld, because it’s a unique opportunity to meet with all our customers - and for them also to see the entire industry, and what the industry does.” Scott Martin of Saks Fifth Avenue comments: “We go ahead and make decisions while we’re here. Our vendors are very creative.

They do a wonderful job of bringing in new

products for us, and this is the place where everything gets launched.”

If you don’t fancy a diamond-encrusted dress watch, you can opt for a chronometer that tells you how much air you have left and a dozen other pieces of vital information at 200m under water, Baselworld also hosts a jewellery show where you can buy outrageously beautiful necklaces and other decorous baubles.

For the tech geeks, there’s the opportunity to look under the bonnet of some of the world’s most intricate time-pieces, or discover the art of grinding precious stones. If you happen to have a few large uncut diamonds on your person, you can be sure to find just the craftsman to turn your stones into sparkling masterpieces. Baselworld is by far the largest watch and jewellery show in

the world. People come from all parts to buy the products, sign agency agreements and check out innovative new products. As you would expect, there is always a large contingent of Middle East visitors. Their needs are well catered for – each exhibition hall has a special prayer area, and halal food is readily available.

The show stretches across six large exhibition halls. Each has an exotic theme, such as Dreams, Desires, Emotions and Feelings. There’s plenty of information about where to go and what to see every day, the organisers print a newspaper with information about products, events and latest industry trends.

When you’re done for the day, if you fancy a bit of nightlife rubbing shoulders with some of the top talent from the industry, there’s Baselworld Village in Binningerstrasse. In the heart of the city, a stone’s throw from the railway station and Basel’s Zoological Gardens, the Village is full of hotels, restaurants and clubs.

Basel has much more to offer than just the watches and jewellery for which Switzerland is famous. If you’ve had your fill of precious timepieces and the ski slopes of Zermatt and Klosters, and you aren’t quite ready to go home, check out the city’s mediaeval architecture, or maybe visit one of the city’s prestigious museums.

The Basel Kunstmuseum houses the largest public art collection in Switzerland. Its exhibits range from 16th Century Old Masters through to many of the most famous names in modern art.

The Fondation Beyeler Museum boasts works by Monet, Cezanne, Picasso, Warhol, Lichtenstein and Bacon. There’s also the Tinguely Museum, that houses the works of the renowned sculptor Jean Tinguely, whose animated metal creations intrigue thousands of visitors every year.

Basel even hosts the world’s largest teddy bear museum!

If you’re not stopping by the ski slopes, Basel is very accessible from other major European cities.

It has an international airport ten minutes from the city centre, and Baselworld runs shuttles to and from the exhibition area. The city is close to the French and German borders, and is easy to reach by road from Paris, Turin, Stuttgart and most of the other major cities of central Europe.

The show runs from March 24 to 31. To find out more, visit the Baselworld website at www. baselworld.com.

A world of luxury awaits you!

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SPORTS

Tracking

Signature looks at some of the revisions, the new track in India and the first race of the 62nd FIA Formula One seasonâ&#x20AC;Ś 62

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SPORTS The sound of corks popping may still be ringing in the ears after Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel’s title celebrations, but Formula One racing waits for no man.

The 2011 Formula One season, which will be the 62nd FIA Formula One season with the calendar expanding to host 19 (previously 20) rounds – the longest season in the sport’s 60-year history. This season will also be the inaugural running of the Indian Grand Prix along with some key technical changes.

INDIA CALLING In light of recent F1 successes in Korea and Singapore, India - and more specifically its capital city New Delhi - is the latest Eastern powerhouse to welcome the paddock with open arms. After learning plenty of lessons from hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games, New Delhi plans to wow the international sporting stage once more with its first race in October.

A brand new circuit has been built to the south of the city in the suburb of Noida. The track, designed by renowned circuit architect Hermann Tilke, stretches to 5.141-kilometres and is expected to seat up to 150,000 spectators.

Two sizeable straights and an interesting mix of corners should guarantee a track full of challenges for drivers and engineers alike.

In an interesting move, organisers also consulted several of the Formula One teams before construction began in earnest. The track design was run in various factory simulators and as a result several amendments were

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made in an effort to boost overtaking for the drivers - and excitement for the fans. Four million cubic tons of earth has been moved to give the track plenty of undulation, and it rises 14 metres between turns one and three alone.

Inspiration has also been drawn from rival venues’ best features, with Turkey’s infamous turn eight inspiring a double-apex corner, slightly banked, which forms part of a ‘miniarena’ which alone will accommodate 13,000 spectators. The earthworks for the circuit were finished ahead of India’s 2010 monsoon season

and everything is on course for the track to be completed well ahead of its October debut.

THE RETURN OF PIRELLI Following Bridgestone’s decision to withdraw at the end of 2010, after 13 years, the Italian company, Pirelli, will take over as the sport’s sole tyre supplier this year. The Italian company, last part of F1 in 1991, will provide all teams with rubber for the next three years, in compliance with existing F1 sporting and technical regulations. The handling characteristics of the new tyres could be quite different, and the teams and drivers who adapt best will be looking to benefit.

One constant across teams, however, will be front-rear weight distribution, which is expected to be regulated to 46.5 per cent front, 53.5 per cent rear. Farewell to F-ducts & Double Diffusers Two of the most overused technical watchwords of the past two seasons will be made redundant this year, as both double diffusers and F-ducts are banned. Indeed any system, device or procedure which uses driver movement as a means of altering the

aerodynamic characteristics of the car is prohibited from now on.

ADJUSTABLE REAR WINGS Under new moveable bodywork regulations for this season, drivers will be able to adjust the rear wing from the cockpit, with the current moveable front wing due to be dropped.

The system’s availability is expected to be electronically governed and under initial proposals it would only be activated when a driver is less than one second behind another at pre-determined points on the track. The system would then be deactivated once the driver brakes. It would be available at all times throughout practice and qualifying and, in combination with KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems), should boost overtaking.

Also like KERS, it won’t be compulsory.

A COMEBACK FOR KERS A badge of honour for some, a bugbear for others on its debut in 2009, KERS is to be reintroduced after the teams mutually agreed to suspend its use in 2010. KERS takes the waste energy generated under braking and turn it into additional power. This is then made available to the driver in fixed quantities per lap via a steering wheel-mounted ‘boost button’. The systems will be essentially the same as those seen in ’09, with no increase in the maximum permitted power (though that could change in subsequent seasons).

The challenge for the engineers this time round will be packaging. Last time KERS was run, refuelling was legal. Now, with it banned, fuel tanks are larger and finding room to accommodate battery packs, etc, won’t be as easy. Hence don’t be surprised if bodywork grows in places, relative to 2010. On the plus side, minimum car weight will be upped by 20kg to 640kg next season, meaning larger drivers won’t pay the weight-distribution penalty they once did in a KERS-equipped car.

THE FIRST RACE The biggest change of all, a recent development, is the fact that the races will not be starting with the Bahrain GP as planned on March 13, but with the Australian GP on March 25. It means that the Melbourne race at Albert Park now kicks off the 19-race schedule and will showcase the new drivers, new outfits, new rules and new tyres. No wonder, the Australian Grand Prix organisers think this is a boon.

2011 RACE CALENDAR

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Race Title Qantas Australian Grand Prix Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix UBS Chinese Grand Prix Turkish Grand Prix Gran Premio de España Grand Prix de Monaco Grand Prix du Canada European Grand Prix Santander British Grand Prix Großer Preis Santander von Deutschland Eni Magyar Nagydij Belgian Grand Prix Gran Premio Santander d’Italia Singapore Grand Prix Japanese Grand Prix Korean Grand Prix Indian Grand Prix Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Grande Prêmio do Brasil

Grand Prix Australian GP Malaysian GP Chinese GP Turkish GP Spanish GP Monaco GP Canadian GP European GP British GP German GP Hungarian GP Belgian GP Italian GP Singapore GP Japanese GP Korean GP Indian GP Abu Dhabi GP Brazilian GP

Circuit Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne Sepang International Circuit, Kuala Lumpur Shanghai International Circuit Istanbul Park Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal Valencia Street Circuit Silverstone Circuit Nürburgring Hungaroring, Budapest Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Spa Autodromo Nazionale Monza Marina Bay Street Circuit Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka Korean International Circuit, Yeongam Jaypee Group Circuit, Greater Noida Yas Marina Circuit Autódromo José Carlos Pace, São Paulo

Date 27 March 10 April 17 April 8 May 22 May 29 May 12 June 26 June 10 July 24 July 31 July 28 August 11 September 25 September 9 October 16 October 30 October 13 November 27 November

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TECHNOLOGY

the useless

app meter

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Apps are nothing new anymore. Smartphones and tablet PCs all utilise them to provide additional services to users making them extremely helpful and at the same time extremely easy to install and use. But every now and again you come across an app that makes you wonder “just what was the developer thinking?” Here is a list of our favourites that we have come across over the past year. Most of these are still available while others have been removed for obvious reasons. But either way each of these apps left us completely baffled and confused to such an extent that we thought it would be worth sharing them.

AWESOMENESS REMINDER The description on their website says: How great would you feel if a real person called you every day to tell you, “You’re Awesome!”? With AwesomenessReminders, a real person will call you every day to tell you how much you rock. If you’re not around, we will leave you a voicemail. Makes for a great gift - Give AwesomenessReminders to someone you love Super Fun - Our calls will leave you beaming and ready to take on your day. Only US$45 for a month - Cheaper than taking someone out to dinner, and totally worth it: see what some of our existing customers have to say!

In case that wasn’t clear – Yes, they charge you a rather large lump of cash for a service that calls you everyday and says “You’re Awesome!” If this isn’t a rip off we don’t know what is.

THE UGLY METER The Ugly Meter is basically an app that gives you a 1 to 10 rating of how ugly you are by scanning the details of your face. What possible reason could anybody have for dishing out money for a programme such as this is beyond our imagination and reasoning powers.

BEIBERHAIR Were you ever fascinated by Justin Beiber’s hairstyle? Have you ever thought of getting it yourself but were worried of how you would look? Well worry no more cause the BeiberHair app has come to your rescue. It lets you see what you’d look like with hair like teen idol. You can even see what your dog looks like with Bieber’s top. And the best part – it is a bargain at just US$0.99. Are you excited yet?

ANIMAL WEIGHTS Animal Weights allows users to compare their weight to over 100 animals around the world.

Just enter your weight and see where you rank among the animals. If you are the sort of person that was ever wondering if you would win against a Kangaroo in a weight contest then this is definitely the app for you.

We think when it comes to uselessness this one outweighs all the sensibilities put together.

IMUSSOLINI This is the crème of the crop of the worst apps that came out in 2010. iMussolini is an iPhone app (now withdrawn for copyright reasons) that included audio, video and transcripts of 120 speeches by the wartime Italian leader. It deserves its place here because of its blatant crassness and an absolute lack of sensitivity.

LOVE METER This gem of an app alerts you to how engaged your friend or romantic interest is in the conversation with you (during the call itself), enabling you to apparently respond more sensitively in return. Then right after your call, you’ll receive an SMS or MMS as preferred, confirming the Love Meter’s assessment in percentage terms. You’ll also receive a report of Very Low to Very High, in the specific areas of Anticipation, Concentration and Embarrassment, to help you understand the feelings of your call partner.

Honestly, do you really want a machine guiding you on you love life or friendship and more importantly do you really want to pay for such a service?

HONEY, IT'S ME If you are male and you delve into the ‘Love Meter’ territory and somehow fare badly, this is the app for you. The “Honey, it’s me!“ app for iPhones allows you to have video calls with a 22 years old female virtual model named Mina, for three to four times every day. This, according to the company, “Is expected to reduce feelings of loneliness in men.” Really?!

I WAS HERE! The I Was Here app is an extremely confusing one that deals with lots of sticky notes, cryptic messages, over half only accessible in premium version, and was initially only available on the iPhone and now even on the iPad. Aside from it being free, it has absolutely nothing going for it, besides why would you want something this bad for free anyway?

67

PEOPLE

A cut above the rest The 7th edition of OER CEO Golf, the day-long leisure sports and networking event, was held on February 3, 2011 at the prestigious Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club under the auspices of HE Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, Minister of Sports Affairs. Over 350 of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most respected CEOs and A-list guests were part of the event.

Nawras Business Solutions was the presenter of OER CEO Golf 2011, while INFINITI was the associate presenter.

Ro Rolex was the official tim timekeeper while Times of Oman and Al Shabiba w were the publicity partners. Samsung was prize partner.

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MUSCAT HILLS

69 69

EVENT

SWINGIN’ SUCCESS

IT WAS A DAY OF HISTORICAL MOMENTS AT THE 7TH OER CEO GOLF, OMAN’S BIGGEST CORPORATE NETWORKING EVENT. A SIGNATURE REPORT Sultanate of Oman’s biggest corporate networking event, the 7th OER CEO Golf was held on Feb 3, 2011 at the prestigious Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club, Oman’s first championship grass golf course, under the auspices of HE Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidi, Minister of Sports Affairs.

Over 350 of the country’s most respected CEOs and A-list guests went head to head in friendly competitions, backed by some of the nation’s most popular and competent brands.

Nawras Business Solutions was the presenter of OER CEO Golf 2011 while INFINITI was the associate presenter. Rolex was the official timekeeper while Times of Oman and Al Shabiba were the publicity partners. Samsung was a prize partner.

The day-long leisure sports and networking event got off to a chipper start with HH Sayyid Tarik bin Shabib, editor-in-chief of OER, doing the inaugural tee-off, setting the pace for the game ahead.

Michael Lenarduzzi, CEO, The Wave Muscat, was crowned as The Champion of champions of OER CEO Golf 2011. Ajay Ganti, CEO, SARCO won a Rolex Watch as the “Most promising golfer-to-be 2011.” Over 60 prizes were won by various golfers, aspiring golfers and guests at the evening function. The prizes included LCD players, an iPad, Samsung Galaxy tab, Blackberries, Callaway and Srixon golfing equipment and accessories, Damas diamond jewellery for ladies, perfumes, and an all-paid holiday to Sri Lanka for a couple.

There was a super-fast session of Golf Power Play for the pros, while the greenhorns got to ‘stick’ together for a fun game of SNAG. Then, participants stood back to watch a pro in action – Trick Shot specialist, Jeremy Dale who had more than a few pointers for the new, Ivy League of golfers. Dale finished as the runner up in the 2005 World Golf Trick-Shot Championships and is usually referred to as the Trick-shot king.

CEOs also benefited from a plethora of business opportunities and the event opened up new worlds of opportunity for the country’s leading brands as well, showcasing them to the cream of the corporate crop for maximum mileage and reach.

And, as the evening set in, the CEOs got ready to glam it up for a glittering soiree under the stars. Prizes galore, show-stopping performances – all-girl string quartet Asteria – really threw the festivities into momentum with electrifying performances – it definitely MEDIA was a day to remember!

SPONSORS INCLUDED

was luxury partner of the event

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HI, AND AL YOUM AL SAB’E. THE CATEGORY PARTNERS ARE AXA (INSURANCE), REACH (ACTIVATION), OMAN PRINTERS & STATIONERS (PRINTING), OUA (BEVERAGE), INFOLINE (CALL CENTRE) AND AGGREKO (ENERGY). PRIZE PARTNERS ARE SAMSUNG, MICROMAX MOBILES, DAMAS; MILLENNIUM; SHANGRI-LA’S BARR AL JISSAH RESORT & SPA, TRAVEL CITY, GRAPHIC INTERNATIONAL CENTRE. ZAHRAT AL ROSE EXTENDED DÉCOR SUPPORT FOR THE EVENT.

STACK ’EM UP! SOME BEST READS OUT NOW….

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Rebecca Skloot The story of the life of Henrietta Lacks, modern day medicine and that of family and friendship.

The Chicken Chronicles: A Memoir Alice Walker A good read about Walker’s childhood and life growing up on a farm in South America.

Forgive and Forget Margaret Dickinson A beautiful love story between a headstrong, independent woman and a young policeman set in the early 1900’s.

Those in Peril Wilbur Smith Hazel Bannock, heir to the Bannock Oil Corp, and Hector Cross decide to take matters into their own hands when Bannock’s daughter Cayla is kidnapped and held to ransom.

Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions Guy Kawasak A powerful book providing valuable insights to being a successful entrepreneur.

The Troubled Man: A Kurt Wallander Mystery Henning Mankell and Laurie Thompson (Translator) Detective Kurt Wallander is back with yet another crime to solve.

A Widow’s Story: A Memoir Joyce Carol Oates Oates’ latest offering is a moving memoir which has a mix of dark humour and soulful anecdotes.

44 Charles Street Danielle Steel A magical story of four unlikely people sharing the same roof and going from complete strangers to the best of friends.

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The Oscar statuette is made from an alloy called Britannia, which is 93% tin, 5% antimony, and 2% copper. And is plated with gold.

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things we did not know about 2

The Oscars

The statuette weighs 8½ pounds and is 13½ inches long.

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It's a knight holding a crusader's sword, standing on a reel of film which features five spokes, signifying the five original branches of the Academy (actors, directors, producers, technicians and writers).

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A movie has to be at least 40 minutes long to be considered for a Best Picture award. The shortest movie that ever won was 'Marty', which took one hour and twenty-eight minutes.

5

The shortest Oscar ceremony ever was the first, held in 1929; it lasted only about 15 minutes.

The first ceremony took place in the Blossom Room of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

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6

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Italy holds the honour of winning the most Foreign Language Awards (10 awards from 27 nominations). France comes second with 9 wins and 35 nominations.