the_woman_mar-12

WOMAN

MARCH 2012

THE

High Energy

Delicious breakfast ideas

Travel Winter fun in

HAPPY ARAB MOTHER’S DAY!

Mumpreneurs make a mark

Natalie Portman

The Real Superstar

s ’ n e Fashion Fix m o l a W peci S y a D Switzerland Rami Al Ali is très chic!

Super achievers at BankMuscat A Dar Al Atta’a story Youth and ‘social media’

MARCH 2012 VOL 9 NO. 107

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Salman Ibrahim Al Balushi GROUP EDITOR Mayank Singh DEPUTY EDITOR Rekha Balakrishnan

FROM THE DESK

CORRESPONDENT Myssaa Said Al Hinai DESIGN SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Sandesh S. Rangnekar SENIOR DESIGNERS Aliya Al Waheibi SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Rajesh Burman PHOTOGRAPHER Basim Al Maharbi PRODUCTION MANAGER Govindraj Ramesh ADVERTISING & MARKETING ADVERTISING MANAGER Pooja Verma ASSISTANT ADVERTISING MANAGER Fareeda Sulaiman Al Balushi CORPORATE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Sandeep Sehgal EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Alpana Roy SENIOR BUSINESS SUPPORT EXECUTIVE Radha Kumar DISTRIBUTION United Media Services LLC

PUBLISHED BY United Press & Publishing LLC A Renaissance Services Company P.O. Box 3305, Ruwi, Postal Code 112, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

Tel: 00 968 24700896 Fax: 00 968 24707939 e-mail: thewoman@umsoman.com website: www.almarathewoman.com All rights reserved.

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

Copyright © 2012 United Press & Publishing LLC Printed in the Sultanate of Oman at Oman Printers & Stationers

POSITIVE POWER “Be positive!”

At The Woman, this has always been our driving force. When enthusiastically planned stories don’t happen, when shoots get cancelled, when quotes from people take their own time in coming or backup plans fall by the wayside, we don’t despair. It just takes one positive thought which comes mostly in the form of ‘We can do it’ or ‘It will happen’ that always pulls us through.

The Woman is a celebration of your myriad shades… what you want and expect from life and how you can achieve your dreams. Then why is the month of March extra special?

The world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8 and the region celebrates Arab Mother’s Day on March 21. While, we at The Woman celebrate the positivity women can bring to the world around them, making the change they wish to see.

It’s wonderful meeting women achievers who have risen to the top not only due to sheer hard work and determination, but also with a ‘positivity’ that shines through in everything they do. It has not only made a difference to their own lives, but also to the people around them… for when a person is happy, smiling and positive, you can’t help but be the same!

Yes, you can combine parenthood with an engaging career! That’s what ‘mumpreneurship’ is all about! Again, meeting women who are enterprising mums brought out the positive spirit like no other. “They love what they do and do what they love!”

So, that’s why we really do not ‘close’ an issue of The Woman. One seamlessly blends into another… with different stories, people and new thoughts and takes on life. Along with the hope that we are creating a surge of positivity that will pass on to you and make a difference.

Happy Women’s Day and Mother’s Day! Until next month, stay cool and positive, people! e-magazine – logon to www.almarathewoman.com or email us at thewoman@umsoman.com to get your personal e-magazine

CONTENTS WOMEN’S DAY SPECIALL VOICES 8 What the youth of Majan College think about ‘social social media’ INSPIRATION 12 Featuring two super er achievers from BankMuscat Muscatt FOCUS 16 A chat with Ayda Al Mashari, Mashari whose life has changed thanks to a Dar Al Atta’a initiative WELL-BEING 18 Do we need a special day as Women’s Day? GLAM UP LOOKBOOK 20 Spring -Summer Couture Collection from Rami Al Ali 24 Spring-Summer Collection from Chloé 26 A round-up of Muscat Fashion Week

8

BEAUTY ZONE 30 The hottest fragrances and make-up of the season FASHION PLUS 34 Retro reigns when it comes to hairstyles this year

12

GET THE LOOK 38 Go Bohemian with MAKE UP FOR EVER’s ‘La Bohème’ Collection BEAUTY BUZZ 39 Tips for great-looking nails

MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL FEATURE 50 Four mumpreneurs blaze trails with successful ‘home businesses’ R&R TRAVEL 56 A tour of Zurich and Lenk… winter fun in Switzerland WHEELS TOP DRIVE 60 The Woman test-drives the all-new Mercedes Benz E-350 Coupe PALATE CUISINE 62 Breakfast delights 66 Tomato ‘special’ from Nando’s HEALTH & FITNESS USEFUL INFO 68 Must-haves in your medicine cabinet HEALTH PLUS 70 Q&A with Dr. Smita Lulla PLUS: ABOUT TOWN, FUN STUFF, EVENTS

BUZZ 42 Natalie Portman is a dedicated ‘young star’ TRIBUTE 46 Remembering Whitney Houston

20 Valentine’s 33 Special Day gifts from

STAR DUST 48 All the gossip on the stars

Cover Design: Sandesh Rangnekar

Address your letters to: The Editor, The Woman, United Media Services P.O. Box: 3305, PC 112، Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman or fax us at 24707939 or e-mail us at thewoman@umsoman.com PALATE - FOOD

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ULLAH DIN ABD ALIA EZZA

2012

SUPER FEATURE

The feature on superheroes was wonderful. We all have had our share of superhero adulation while growing up and it was really wonderful to go back in time. The inputs from various women brought a smile to my face. I am the mother of a 10-year-old who absolutely adores Spider-Man. And for me, it’s like reliving my childhood all over again.

I showed the pictures to my son and he was absolutely delighted to see other ‘aunties like Spider-Man as well.

Usha Uthup has always me one of my all-time favourites. The greatest thing about her is that she comes across as such a humble and down-to-earth singer. I attended the show for the Country Club and was blown away by her performance. Versatility is her 6

MARCH 2012

Black tea Tea is best drunk black sugar, is a common and without refrain from tea lovers who do not want the flavour of their tea to be ‘adulterated’ with milk and sugar.

But do you know what black tea is? It’s a type of tea found all around the from the Camellia world. Made Sinensis leaves, black tea is often stronger in flavour

Did you know that tea is the most common next to water? drink only The work in the European Journal Nutrition suggests of Clinical that drinking three a day is as good for you as drinking or more cups of tea comes with extra plenty of water health benefits. and

tea

health tea. It has less caffeine than black or green tea, and far less than coffee.

Tea comes in different types, varieties and are some of the flavours. Here common choices.

TEA TIME

STYLE & SUBSTANCE 62 FEBRUA RY 2012

I feel that The Woman from the house of Al Mar’a is a beautiful magazine.

It has style as well as lot of substance too. It encompasses a wide range of topics which appeal to every woman.

With bright visuals and useful content it is interesting as well as eyecatching. It will be enriching for every woman to read (The Woman) as she is sure to find the reading material relevant to her needs.

NITYA KANNAN - MUSCAT

Green tea

and has higher caffeine content than the other lesser oxidised teas like green tea, white tea and oolong tea. Black tea is used for improvin g mental alertness as well as learning skills. It is said to stimulise brain functions and also thinking and reasoning propertie s of the brain.

Black tea has approximately half the amount of caffeine than a regular cup of coffee. So go black, go healthy!

The word ‘green’ itself emphasis es the fact that it’s all to do with health. This is the most common

Oolong tea Oolong tea is another healthy variety of tea.

It is also known as “Wu-Long”.

Similar to green teas, Oolong tea also originates from the Camellia Sinensis plant and undergoes similar processing steps.

However, after the tea leaves are picked, they are intentionally bruised by shaking. Oolong tea is often used to reduce weight. It is also helpful for those suffering from high blood pressure.

Studies also say that if you drink Oolong tea regularly, you are less likely to suffer from a heart disease because decreases cholester it dramatically ol in your system and rids it of the extra fat.

One way of keeping yourself healthy is by religiously drinking a cup of Oolong tea. Bring on the Oolong!

Apart from these four main varieties, there are a lot of different forms of ‘herbal teas’ which are a concoctio of certain herbs, n flowers or fruits with the four main varieties.

The most popular are chamomile tea, ginger tea, jasmine tea, lemon tea, to name a few.

Time to have a cuppa! And bring the cheer of good tea into your lives!

Tea Trivia • Tea was created more than 5000 years ago in China.

• Tea breaks are traditions that have form of tea that been with us is preferred by for approximately the health consciou 200 years. s! It is widely White tea available and • Tea contains is consumed half the amount all White tea is across the world. of made from immature caffeine found Green in coffee. tea leaves that made from unfermen tea is • The number are picked shortly ted leaves and of recommended before the buds contains the cups of tea to drink have fully opened. highest each day is four The tea takes of powerful antioxida concentration and gives you optimal its name from the benefits. silver fuzz that tea is made solely nts. Green • Tea is a natural covers the buds, from the leaves source of fluoride which turns of Camellia Sinensis white when the that can help that have protect against tea is dried. This form undergone minimal tooth decay and gum of tea, like its oxidation during disease. other varients too has processing. Green • ninety-six a lot of health tea originates per cent of all benefits. It lowers cups of from China and tea drunk daily blood pressure, is the national in the UK are helps strengthe drink of the country brewed from tea bags. n bones and and is very popular is a great stress buster! all over Asia.

• Apart from Because of Although there tourism, trading its minimal processin are several benefits of tea is the biggest g, white tea of this beverage industrial activity contains more , but as excess in India. nutrients than of anything can its black or green lead to problems, • Eighty per options, making similarly cent excessive of office workers it the consump mightiest of the now claim they tion of green teas, the ultimate find out more tea may cause some side effects. about what’s going on at work over a cup of tea than in any other way!

more can I call you except the ‘complete woman’?

JAYA RAMESH - AL FALAJ

ALL ABOUT FOOD

Nando’s is my favourite restaurant and I was thrilled to see some exclusive recipes from its chefs in The Woman.

I love all things spice too… and can’t wait to replicate them in my kitchen.

I am particularly looking forward to making the Nando’s PeriPeri Lentil Soup at a big family gathering. And also the Portuguese BBQ Burger which I’m sure the kids will enjoy. I love the bursts of colour in your Cuisine pages and look forward to lowfat recipes in the near future.

How about doing a theme Cuisine? You could focus on one particular vegetable… and provide us recipes for the same.

I know food is a favourite topic among women… and I can go on and on…

E GLAM UP - SPLURG

GLAM UP - GOOD

THINGS

ALL HEART!

of unique Here’s a fabulous line-up from Gallery Argan jewellery and watches

UE! TRÉS MAGNIFIQ

ALL ABOUT LOVE

SOUND OF MUSIC

hether the English swear by their Earl Grey, the Turkish by their apple tea on cold winter days, the Indians by their Darjeeling brew or the Chinese by their favourite beverage healthier options… tea, around the world.

Dip it, boil it or infuse keeps you rejuvenat it, the aroma of a cup of tea surely ed all day long. it surely comes And going by with a host of research, benefits too! suggests that Recent study tea has less caffeine anti-oxidants, than coffee, contains protects your bones, bolsters system, keeps your you hydrated , helps in reducing immune heart attack and your risk of stroke all these are achievab and increases your metaboli sm. le only if you the sweetene do not go overboar But r, creamer or d on milk.

Know your

SHREYA KHANNA - DARSAIT

CHRISTINA SMITH - QURUM

Your Valentine’s Day Special was a real spread – so much to read, enjoy and assimilate. Almost every section had the special Valentine’s Day touch – a total visual delight. I also liked the way you wove the Valentine’s Day theme into your interviews and elicited some great answers, whether it was Usha Uthup or Bashar and Imane Nasri. The spirit of Valentine’s Day is well and truly alive. Thank you, The Woman…you made Valentine’s Day 2012 really special!

KHADIJA AL BALUSHI - AL KHUWAIR

W

cha, chai is a

34 FEBRUARY 2012

GAURI M - GHUBRA

WOMAN POWER THE WOMAN is of the woman, for the woman and by the woman. It exemplifies womankind and is a myriad of assorted but apt shades of a woman. Most of the requisites of a woman are met by The Woman. Flipping through the pages of the magazine entails a journey, almost like mission accomplished. May this wonderful saga transform into an heirloom... What

GLAM UP - GOOD

THINGS

GLAM UP - SPLUR GE Carolina Herrer a

8

human and super ng walls always envied Flying, climbi all great but I’ve Fantastic are the strength le Woman’ from le.

‘The Invisib power to turn invisib can spy ible, she e Four for the t of surpris entirely invinc While not and has the elemen gives her an ely undercover This definit part of a team es. enemi is over her Plus she who are the rest. edge over of other super heroes and forced own lot unlike a e on their . Susan Storm to operat hidden hold doomed identities and can to keep their strong, outspoken Plus she ful, colleagues. is beauti among her l life. her own a fairly norma gets to lead

forte and she can give today’s singers a run for their money.

Talent, charisma and loads of humility – that’s what makes Usha Uthup one of the best!

the heart has been This Valentine’s Day, and magnified transformed, embellished this celebration into

by Swarovski to turn unforgettable moments…

STORY COVER

ion over discuss onate lot of so-passi been a There’s among the ever-movie goers s the year ic readers and rhero is the t com t supe ng wha over wha consideri best. And, topic that is, lar d to boun a popu s were their argument remembering se raced Tho emb happen. happily e d dreams abilities. Som of childhoo ern’s rage n Lant an cou me of the Gree simple hum epito the ultimate hot argued to be the ers praised the To Batman erman. o. Oth of Sup ately, a superher r fashion Unfortun underwea own, they say. such d, st each his born and raise ents’ almo d-sentim a realist me a ro-inspire Until I beca an ‘superhe me. wom any eluded And like ool, I never always that is. sch ise mother, a son in prehand merc o who has various superher pick up red-blue such a fail to us famo was tion, with thatWell, if there year elec Just o of the for him. superher to Spiderman! thing as go would happy! my vote my son to make

GUIDE

How well do your cuppa you know and benefits it brin the The Woman gs with it… tea break (upgives you a )…

Carolina Herrera

STYLE FILE Presenting some

of the season’s hottest

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HEART OF THE MATTER Chloé 30 FEBRUARY 2012

Chloé

Bring sparkle to your Valentine’s Day with Le Coeur, the new Boutiqu e Collection from Mouawad

WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL – VOICES

8

MARCH 2012

So how has social media impacted their lives? Has the need to ‘connect’ and ‘connect constantly’ become an obsession and possibly an addiction? So much so that we are disconnected with what’s happening in the offline world! We pose this question to students from Majan College for some stimulating answers. For some, it’s a means to a ‘connecting’ end and for others; the fear of privacy keeps the obsession at bay. And some others have simply moved on… to BBM, short for Blackberry Messenger! Social media, we conclude is here to stay!

Students of Majan College speak to The Woman on the impact of social media in their lives…

And a lot of them are young people who are

spending most of their waking hours online.

(DIS) CONNECTED?

W

e live in an age where if you’re not on social media, you are not ‘in’. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn… the list seems endless if you want to be ‘connected’. But is the online world eating too much into our lives and turning into an addiction? Consider these facts: There are around 845 million monthly active users on Facebook and Twitter has more than 100 million active users.

I used to log into Facebook, MySpace and Twitter a lot but when I saw how it started affecting my friends in different ways, I stayed away. So I consciously took a decision not to be active on the sites anymore. And since then, I’ve found more time to concentrate on my studies. Will I ever get back to them? I might go onto YouTube or Google and do a search but maybe I’d never get back on Facebook.

Aliya Al Zadjali

Like everything else, social media too has both good and bad sides to it. After leaving school, the only way we keep in touch are through these sites as contacting through I had an account on Facebook and there were times when I used to log out from my computer and the very next moment log in from my phone. That’s how much I was addicted to it. I kept in touch with everyone I knew, but then I realised that I wasn’t giving much time to my studies and other activities. I did deactivate my account but I am back now in a more controlled manner.

Afra Al Zadjali

I am slightly older than the rest of the group here and I did reap a few benefits from social media like getting in touch with my childhood friends and people I know from a long time. But I don’t use the medium as much and it’s not really impacted my life in any way. But I do realise that it has affected a lot of people in different ways as they do want to know what’s happening in the lives of others. People tend to live vicariously through other people’s lives. That worries me!

Najat Rashid

There is a good and bad side to social media. The good side is that it helps us keep in touch with the people we know and want to interact with but then again on the flipside there is no personal touch to the whole ‘connect’. It’s totally different when you write a personal letter or send a card to a friend.

There’s so much connectivity in it rather than posting on their ‘Walls’ or ‘poking’ them! According to me there is no emotional connection left any more. And that according to me is the biggest disadvantage.

Rizna Dawahir

read than sitting online spending so much time on the PC. Shajeea Mansoor

the telephone would turn out to be an expensive affair. So FB is the only resort. There is nothing called ‘privacy’ on FB no matter how much you want to keep it personal.

Abeer Wahid When I passed out of school, I lost contact with a lot of my friends but social media, especially Facebook has helped me reconnect with them. I do realise that I lose track of time while I am on FB and don’t realise that I have spent hours together on the computer. Apart from Facebook I am connected with my old professors on LinkedIn. Privacy, spam mails, fake accounts all these, are worrying aspects. I would rather sit with a book and

Yes, Facebook keeps me connected and I have accounts on Yahoo and MSN Messenger as well. There are informative pages on Facebook especially on Islamic education that I like reading. The disadvantage again comes with privacy issues especially with people who have fake accounts.

Sobiya Iqbal

WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL – VOICES

The key word here is control. If you can control how much time you spend online, social media does not affect you in a negative way. I was a lot into social media, but when I got busy with my life, I didn’t have too much time to spend online. There are many positives of course, as you get to meet people from other countries.

But it all depends on how you handle your free time.

Urooj Shadab

There was a time when I used to log in every day maybe even thrice a day.

But gradually as days passed and I got busy with work and studies my interest died down. I don’t think that Facebook is an unsafe place but one should be definitely cautious as to what we are uploading online. You definitely need to do things at your own risk.

Kelly Pinto

We are having our holidays now and so I am on Facebook quite a lot. I use it to connect with my friends in school and college. Our college teachers are also on Facebook and it’s easy to communicate with them on academics. Again, I am worried about the privacy part of the whole thing.

Zubariya Siddiqui

I am well ‘connected’ through social media. Initially, I was addicted to Facebook and used to upload a lot of pictures but I realised the dangers when my friend proved that it was ‘unsafe’ by hacking my account and messaging me. So now, I just log in, check updates and log out.

Anupama Rajeev

Facebook has helped me be in touch with people though I don’t use it as much as before. As for blogging, people these days are opinionated and it’s the right platform to express your opinions. But since Blackberry is all the rage, it has compensated for my absence from Facebook as it helps me easily connect as well. It’s another addiction!

Karen Saldanha

Social media is useful in imparting information and keeping in touch with friends. I also like the fact that there are pages devoted to social causes and we could contribute to them significantly to bring about a change.

Tahseen Rizwana

10 FEBRUARY 2012

WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL – INSPIRATION

BANKING ON SUCCESS Ilham Al Hamaid and Sheikha Al Farsi who were promoted as assistant general managers at BankMuscat recently share their success stories with Rekha Balakrishnan

12 MARCH 2012

and then became Unit Head of Corporate Credit Marketing, head of the SME department before becoming an assistant general manager. In between, she also managed to complete her MBA as well. When asked how the journey has been, Ilham says, “To be honest, it was not very easy. But I am hardworking and ambitious and have always wanted to aim for the stars. I guess my skills and self-motivation paid off. And not to mention, the immense support I received from my family, colleagues and the management.”

Ilham Murtadha Al Hamaid AGM – SME Credit & Marketing

I am meeting Ilham after a gap of almost six years and astonished that nothing’s changed about her.

She’s still the same down-to-earth, vivacious; full-of-beans person who puts you at ease immediately.

But a lot has changed on the career front for Ilham; the latest being her promotion to the post of Assistant General Manager – SME Credit & Marketing, an impressive achievement for this young woman who has put in 11 years of service at BankMuscat, her first job and as she says, ‘inshallah, hopefully, my only job’.

‘LUCKY’ BEGINNING It’s interesting to note how Ilham landed her job at BankMuscat.

While she was doing her Bachelor’s

Degree in Finance at Sultan Qaboos University, she submitted her CV at a job fair and was selected for a round of qualifying tests and interviews. Her final interview was scheduled on the last day of her exams. If she missed it, she would have to repeat a whole semester.

If she missed the interview, she would lose the job perfect to kickstart her career. Luckily, for Ilham, the Bank agreed to postpone the time of the interview and Ilham could attend both and come out in flying colours.

QUICK MOVES She started off as a management trainee and soon, her hard work, enthusiasm and commitment paid off. She moved onto an Account Relationship Manager position,

THE PRESENT ROLE Managing the SME department is both an interesting and challenging task, according to Ilham. “I get to deal with different kinds of people from different sectors.

There are customers who have the knowledge and others who need to be educated on their area of work. We play the role of advisors and consultants… here, we not only provide financial services, but conduct workshops to benefit our customers. SMEs play a great role in the development of the country and it’s our duty to not only interact with our customers but also work closely with the Government and support its initiatives in this sector,” she says.

THE WORK-LIFE BALANCE Ilham admits that juggling both work and home can be quite demanding. But she also says that when ‘one loves what one does’ then it’s quite easy to manage.

“What happens is that sometimes I feel I’m not at work but at home; it’s difficult to say which my first home is,” she says with a laugh.

The mother of three however believes that prioritising different tasks according to the attention ‘they deserve’ makes things easier.

“I have the unconditional support of my husband that helps as well,” she adds.

WOMEN AND THE GLASS CEILING “I am sure that the glass ceiling existed before but I have not faced it. Attitudes have changed because

of education and awareness.

Today, men are very aware and supportive of women taking up careers of their choice. I am proud to be living in a country that offers ‘equal rights and opportunities’ to both men and women. I also work in an organisation that believes in the same vision and continuously enhances our skills through different training programmes,” says Ilham.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACCOLADES Ilham was named ‘corporate achiever’ in both 2006 and 2007 and has been in a lot of committees in the Bank. She was also on the intitial team that discussed ideas before the construction of the new headquarters. She’s also involved in a number of events for staff and is also on the Corporate Banking Social Events team. Her duties go beyond official engagements and include social responsibilities as well. “When you love your work, you will do beyond of what’s expected from you,” she says.

The reasons for her success she believes, is a ‘combination of firmness and friendliness’. “At work, I’m tough and my staff knows that. But I’m also a friendly person and easily approachable,” she adds.

FACING CHALLENGES AND THE WAY FORWARD “I make sure that I don’t let anything disappoint and pull me back. I take it as an experience to learn and avoid mistakes in the future. The right attitude is very important in moving forward. I see a lot of women who have the potential but are unwilling to take the risks. My advice to them is that if you have goals; go right ahead… challenges are a part of life and important in the journey to the top.

“In the future, I’m looking at seeing myself in better positions, not anywhere specific though,” she concludes.

Here’s wishing Ilham all the very best!

WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL – INSPIRATION closely with the private sector in matters concerning the development of various sectors in Oman. I was also exposed to different kinds of investors and an international atmosphere that shaped my personality in many ways,” she says.

On joining BankMuscat, Sheikha was attached to the Executive Management office and dealt with all macro and strategic issues related to the Bank. “I was close to almost every function at the Bank at a macro level and was also trained to give my input to many issues. It’s the best kind of executive training one can receive; exposure to strategy making, resolving complicated issues and given the chance to provide input to such decisions to later see how far they have been successful.”

Her current role will see Sheikha move from macro to specific responsibilities. These include financial management and regulatory reporting, accounting and control, business performance and enterprise project monitoring, and linking all these functions to facilitate the Bank’s strategies.

Sheikha Al Farsi Assistant General Manager – Financial Controller, Strategy & Planning Meeting Sheikha Al Farsi is like coming into contact with a bundle of energy. She’s a strong, confident woman whose grit, determination and belief in whatever she does has taken her right to the very top of her career.

Sheikha was recently promoted as Assistant General Manager – Financial Controller, Strategy & Planning at BankMuscat, She joined the Bank in 2006 as ManagerPlanning and Co-ordination, was promoted to Senior Manager a few years later until she obtained the recent promotion.

Sheikha began her career with OCIPED (The Omani Centre for Investment Promotion and Export Development) soon after completing her Bachelor’s Degree

14 MARCH 2012

in Commerce. At OCIPED, she worked in the Investment Promotion department and was promoted to Acting Director General, Investment Promotion. She worked on various global initiatives to promote Oman as a destination for foreign direct investment and facilitated the approvals of many projects with foreign ownership in Oman.

“At OCIPED, I was also privileged to be given the responsibility of handling the International Research Foundation which was at that stage supposed to be a think-tank for Oman, on top of my Investment Promotion responsibilities. My work gave me a lot of exposure to the macro-economic situation in Oman, to reforms, and policymakers. It also involved working

How has her journey been so far? “It’s been very fruitful. I feel privileged to be part of BankMuscat and the management. I’m taking the responsibilities seriously and will try to deliver them to the best of my ability,” she says.

Sheikha believes that the glass ceiling does not exist, at least in Oman. She rightly points out: “You cannot have an ‘only male’ or ‘only female’ world.

Men and women complement each other. We should be proud of living in a country like Oman where there’s no discrimination in any field, be it in education or at the workplace.”

The young go-getter also feels that as women we only limit ourselves. “As women, you can go wherever you want to go if you learn to set your priorities and manage to strike a worklife balance. Learning to balance your time and giving the right attention at the right time can take you to

whatever you want,” she says.

Are there any challenges she has faced at any time in her career? “The only challenge I feel I have had is that sometimes I tend to hold myself…

Circumstances are what you make out of them. If you have a positive attitude and if you strongly believe you can, then you will do whatever you set out to do.”

Despite holding a hectic job, Sheikha gives equal time to her family. She has two small children and makes sure she spends quality time with them when she is at home. It’s not very easy ‘to switch off’ but she does try to keep work to a minimum when she’s at home.

It’s obvious that there are certain principles that are the reasons for her success. “I don’t compromise when it comes to my values. I practise fairness, integrity and transparency as much as possible. I’ve also never let ‘me being a woman’ limit myself in any way,” she added.

Sheikha also credits her career growth to the support of her superiors.

“Throughout my career, I have been lucky to have supportive bosses. My biggest inspiration at BankMuscat is our Chief Operating Officer who is my mentor, father and boss, all rolled into one. From him, I learnt the importance of determination, openness to challenges, patience, caring, respect and giving people chances to prove themselves. He leads by example and is a boss who always exhorts us into pushing ourselves all the time.”

Where does she see herself in the future? Sheikha’s current focus is on working hard in her new role and excelling in it. And in line with the Bank’s vision, ‘We can do more’ Sheikha’s aim is also to contribute more by dedicating a lot of time and effort in not only her job but also motivating people to do their best.”

A true role model for every woman who believes in her dreams and will not stop until she achieves them!

WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL - FOCUS

“THE CULMINATION OF THE PROJECT NOT ONLY CHANGED MY LIFE BUT ALSO OF EIGHT OTHER WOMEN, MOST OF WHOM WERE LIVING ON AID. THEIR LIVES HAVE COMPLETELY CHANGED AND THEY NOW LIVE WITH DIGNITY AND FEEL PROUD OF THEMSELVES. FOR ME, IT’S ALSO A VINDICATION THAT MY DREAMS CAN TURN INTO REALITY.”

16 FEBRUARY 2012

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Dar Al Atta’a plays a significant role in women’s empowerment by providing them with the necessary skills and facilities to turn their dreams into reality… Myssaa Said Al Hinai tells us the story of Ayda Al Mashari whose life has been touched by this initiative…

Success never comes easy. It’s fraught with many tests along the way. Winners are those who take challenges as stepping stones in the journey called life.

Success also comes with selfmotivation… ‘pushing oneself’ goes a long way in achieving what one otherwise thinks is the impossible.

Ayda Khamis Al Mashari’s one such story. Where courage, fortitude and determination played a huge role in making her life as it is now – full of smiles and success.

Three years ago, Ayda was pregnant with her fourth child and going through a hard time, financially. “I was badly in need of work to earn money. For a long time, I had thought of opening a health club. Immediately after the birth of my baby, I saw an advertisement in the papers about a workshop on SMEs to be organised by the Sidab Women’s Sewing Group. I wanted to go but was in a dilemma. If I had

to attend it, I had to travel all the way from Maabela to Sidab leaving my little baby who was at that time only two weeks old.

In the end, I decided to go for it and gain practical knowledge and training on how to open my own business. I also met Badriya Al Siyabi, the founder of the Group and was very much impressed by her insights. She advised me to think of another project that would prove to be less of a financial burden. She suggested preparing sweets and taking orders for the same and promised that the Group would help me in this venture,” she recollects.

Soon, Ayda began participating in exhibitions and events where she promoted her venture. It did not just stop at that. Her idea was also to help other women by forming a group venture.

But things didn’t work out and she almost gave up on it, when by chance, she met a lady who was closely in touch with Dar Al Atta’a (The House of Giving).

The lady provided all details of

Ayda to the Association who promptly provided her kitchen equipment and cooking tools to start her project. The venture also included eight other ladies and finally took off and a small catering unit was born.

“In the beginning, we collected orders to prepare certain kinds of food. Each group specialised in certain dishes; some prepared salads, others concentrated on sweets, appetisers and main courses. After a short while, Dar Al Atta’a also organised a training session at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. This helped me to further hone my skills and proceed on the right track,” she added.

It’s okay to dream… as dreams are necessary to life. “It was the right dream. And the culmination of the project not only changed my life but also of eight other women, most of whom were living on aid. Their lives have completely changed and they now live with dignity and feel proud

of themselves. For me, it’s also a vindication that my dreams can turn into reality and I can do so much more,” she says.

Ayda’s attributes her success to the immense support she received from her husband.

“Besides looking after the small child, he used to take a taxi to work so that I could use his car. He also helped me out with delivering the food to my clients and also purchasing stuff for the unit. He still continues to support me in every way. I’m also grateful for the timely help given by Badriya Al Siyabi who helped me understand what I’m capable of and how to achieve it. It goes without saying, that without the help of Dar Al Att’a, I would not be where I am today, enjoying the fruits of my labour and being successful, ” she concludes.

The path-breaking initiative of Dar Al Atta’a has certainly changed many lives. Ayda’s is one of them.

WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL – WELL-BEING

Dr. Prema Seshadri is a psychologist, writer and entrepreneur

Strength of a woman As women are eternal multi-taskers, why then do we need to have a separate day in the calendar to celebrate her greatness, asks Dr. Prema Seshadri

I have just returned from the International Women’s Conference in Bangalore taking away this feeling that women neither need a special day to be applauded nor do they need to be specially labelled as women to be seen as achievers. While it is true that a woman is special in more ways than one, it is demeaning for a woman to be perceived as one who needs concessions. Just as the male of the human species, if she has put in the requisite effort and made a noteworthy contribution, she gets her kudos and if she has not, she doesn’t. To attribute any other criteria to her success would smart of condescension.

The notion of women as secondary to man, I think, has become ingrained in the human psyche. It probably stems from the knowledge of her physical frailty as compared to the opposite gender. If the male body had been made so much stronger than a woman’s because of man’s efforts or intelligence, I would be the first to put him on the medal podium.

But since it is entirely the product of the creator, I am not in awe of male-strength. Often, I am tempted to shake the young and foolish females who go into untold ecstasy when they look at the buffed bodies strutting past them!

Women have, since time immemorial, been relegated to the back of the room given the task of bearing and rearing children and keeping the kitchen fires alive. These tasks are probably the most challenging and for me, rank right on top of the exalted responsibilities of human beings. For this reason alone, we should be considered as superior human beings, not merely a superior sex. But with changing times, there has been a shift in the needs, both within and out. With the realisation of inner potentials never before been seen, much less understood, women have sought or even created opportunities to not only satisfy their

inner selves but probably add to the coals to keep the hearth even warmer. In doing so, she has dug deep into her resources of energy and expanded her field of nurturing, never once compromising on any of her responsibilities. She is known to be the eternal multitasker. But I really doubt if she is even aware that she is actually juggling a million duties. She is way too immersed in honouring her commitments and that really is her innate nature. That is why she takes what she does in her stride and doesn’t see herself as any different from others.

A young native woman, whom I know, goes atop ladders to paint walls and ceilings during weekends, after a week of shopping, cooking and cleaning, sending her child to school and husband to work, getting behind the wheel to drive herself to work, and taking care of her extended family. She is so matterof-fact about what she does that I was absolutely astonished at the reaction of the men in her workplace who spoke of her accomplishment as if paint, brush and women were all completely new to them!

She truly is the epitome of a normal, talented, and achieving human being who happens to be a woman.

Why then do we need to have a separate day in a calendar to celebrate her greatness?

A WOMAN IS KNOWN TO BE THE ETERNAL MULTITASKER. BUT I REALLY DOUBT IF SHE IS EVEN AWARE THAT SHE IS ACTUALLY JUGGLING A MILLION DUTIES

18 MARCH 2012

ORIENTAL MAGIC

GLAM UP - LOOKBOOK

In his Spring Summer 2012 Couture collection Rami Al Ali introduces the era of Orientalism, where intrigue and mystery are translated into captivating scenes, eternally frozen in a snapshot of time‌

This sensual scene is illuminated through a fair colour palette, giving an illusory effect to the collection.

Cool shades of ivory, off-white and beige, muddle with pale alder and light gold, to give a dreamlike appeal to the line - even black is softened to appear more subtle and vague. Fabrics are weightless and light, yet kept stiff and structured to work shapes and volume into the theme. A blend of fluid georgette, organza, tulle, satin and brocade collide magnificently creating luxuriant gowns. Cutting methods are intricate and varied to create a full spectrum of shapes and silhouettes, from narrow waists and flapper styles, to impalpable skirts and lashings of volume.

Fully beaded bodysuits take centre stage, with elaborate embroidery influenced by traditional henna motifs blending flawlessly into the skin. Elements of transparency project feminine allure and stimulate the imagination, whilst geometric Islamic artwork creates unique and distinctive depths.

Layering is apparent throughout the collection, with the blend of diverse fabrics creating rich texture, reinventing the exquisite detailing.

This extraordinary collection revives and revamps the original sentiments of the art, where Western fascination of the East created an exotic infusion of grace, beauty and sensuality. Experience the rebirth of Orientalism, as East meets West‌ again!

20 MARCH 2012

GLAM UP - LOOKBOOK

GLAM UP - LOOKBOOK

Powdery pastels, makeup shades with nudes and pinks and soft bright accents define Chloé’s spring palette.

The attitude is confident, but charming and relaxed from day into evening with the shirtdress in crepe de chine, or handkerchief light cotton/linen. Blouses are simply chic in the season’s naïve floral prints, or in a play of pleats. In fact, pleats run throughout the collection and show notably as marquetry inlays, or over printed pleats forming sunray stripes. Mismatched scale prints with mini and maxi florals are also mixed together. Spring jackets are supple, but structured, in double weight Cady.

Pants are fluid and shorts are a staple, from just below the knee to lingerie.

The overall attitude for Chloé this spring is modern and feminine with spontaneous charm and certain intelligence for a look, which is fresh, natural and eclectic.

SLEEK CHIC

24 MARCH 2012

The Chloé Spring/ Summer 2012 Collection gives a sense of feminine complicity, sensitivity and sunniness…

GLAM UP - MUSCAT FASHION WEEK

Fashion Fiesta The Muscat Fashion Week 2012 brought to the limelight, a number of talented fashion designers from Oman and all over the world who created a fashion storm with their scintillating designs. Here’s a small roundup…

Designer: Nawal Al Hooti - Nawal Art

26 MARCH 2012

Designers : Aida and Afaf Al Farsi - Dar Al Dibaj

Designer : Amal Al Raisi - Dar Al Aseel

28 MARCH 2012

ad

Designer : Siham Tib

GLAM UP - BEAUTY ZONE

THINK BLUE

A season coloured with passion, flamboyance and chic. And blue is the colour of the moment, impossibly chic in every possible combination, with bronzed hues to honour its lineage.

Sephora presents the Imperial Blue, a collection of make-up just right for the season!

BEAUTY MASK

Dior Science has taken inspiration from One Essential’s anti-ageing performance to create a new, completely addictive skin care product: ONE Essential Mask, the first Dior ‘serum in a mask’, a veritable, concentrated regenerator for ‘asphyxiated’ and tired skin.

Get the glow!

SHINE ON !

Colour is making a comeback on the lips! Bourjois is setting the colour trend with the Colorissimo Lip Palette, three lipstick shades in a single pocket sized case. Pretty, practical and slender, the Colorissimo Lip Palette is an absolute must-have for every woman’s bag! Three different colours for three different times of the day!

Different ways to get gorgeous !

BURSTS OF COLOUR!

MAKEUP ESSENTIALS

Check out the new Blanc de Perle Make-Up Collection from Guerlain.

The lustre of the pearl and the radiance of the complexion both focus on perfection, attention and preciousness. These distinctive signs of beauty are found in this collection.

FOR RADIANT SKIN

Both a skincare and natural effect make-up Bourjois Healthy Balance Compact Powder offers a radiant, matt and balanced finish without overload and without drying the skin. Perfect for a radiant and non-shiny complexion!

30 MARCH 2012

GLAM UP - BEAUTY ZONE

SCENT OF JOY

Essential from Angel Schlesser contains a joy, sparkle and vitality which make the fragrance bright and optimistic. It greets us with fruity, original and exotic top notes of Kiwi, pomegranate and tangerine which imbue its special blend with a joyful and festive atmosphere. Enjoy!

THE SCENT LIST

IN THE PINK

Daisy Hot Pink from Marc Jacobs is the signature Daisy Eau De Parfum in a new, must-have limited edition bottle. Daisy Hot Pink is stylish, fun and chic! Just like you!

The hottest fragrances of the season…

SENSE & SENSIBILITY

From Narciso Rodriguez comes a pair of exclusive limited editions, eau de toilette delicate and eau de parfum delicate. Each fragrance reinterprets the singular femininity of the ‘for her’ line with an elusive air that’s intoxicating.

Disarming and absolutely charming!

ORIENTAL WHIFF

A fragrance evoking a world of poetry and imagination, Ambre Eau de Toilette from L’Occitane stirs the senses with wild notes of bergamot, freesia, sistus labdanum, tonka bean, amber vanilla and cedar.

‘Scent’sational!

YOUNG AT HEART

It’s the younger interpretation of the iconic euphoria fragrance. The sparkling top excites the senses with a tantalising blend of forbidden fruit composed of mandarin, passion fruit and touches of iced raspberry along with other jasmine, pink peony, patchouli and skin musk. Euphoria from Calvin Klein – a scent that creates a lasting impression.

SCINTILLATING DUO

Gift yourself the finest! Mauboussin presents the Pour Elle Coffret, containing Mauboussin Pour Elle 100 ml Eau De Parfum natural spray and a matching 100ml Perfumed Body Cream. This elegant, captivating and powerful-character fragrance has notes of rhubarb, rose, red fruits and jasmine, complemented by amber and sandalwood scents.

GLAM UP - ADVERTORIAL

SHOPPING

EXTRAVAGANZA Khimji’s Watches’ super promotion, which is on till March 11, is turning out to be a great shopping fest

Customers are being offered up to an incredible 70 per cent off on a range of premium watches, accessories, sunglasses, jewelry and, luxury phones. The promotion which is on in their state-of-the-art showroom located in Shatti Al Qurum is enticing savvy shoppers through the doors to marvel at the great bargains. There’s something for everyone in every price range and a vast array of styles. Many of the pieces which are part of the promotion are available at never before seen prices thus enabling shoppers to give themselves a much needed treat or to surprise their loved ones with something special.

Boy! Do we have some good news! Our favourite store in town has a super promotion on some of its most popular products. What are we talking about? The answer is Khimji’s Watches promotion, which is on till March 11.

32 MARCH 2012

Madhursinh Jesrani, General Manager of Khimji’s Watches said, “Our customers enjoy the best things in life and at Khimji’s Watches we are constantly working to ensure they get quality at affordable prices. Our super promotion is our way of bringing a dash of luxury to the people of Oman. We have never before offered such value for money. The store

is awash with beautiful watches, sparkling accessories, jewels and trinkets of all kinds, and all at knockdown prices. Our great range of sunglasses is just the thing for the strong summer heat and our smart and sleek phones are sure to be a big hit.” Khimji’s Watches is well known for its luxurious branded jewellery and diverse designs. Its skilled team spends time studying and sourcing some of the wellloved, sought after timepieces, jewellery and accessories on the market to suit the tastes of young and old.

Given this, we know that this promotion is every shopper’s dream come true! Go grab yourself some of those coveted treasures that you will cherish forever!

The Khimji’s Watches showroom is located at Way No. 3036, Building No. 2825, Al Ufouq Building, Shatti Al Qurum, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. The showroom is open from 9am to 1pm and 4:30pm to 9:00 pm.You can call on +968 24699173 or email at krwatchs@omantel.net.om

O R T E R GO

GLAM UP - FASHION PLUS

This year, hairstyles go back in time. It’s all about revival. The Woman cuts to the present with some popular styles of the past

I

t’s time to leave those complicated gadgets and even more complicated hairstyles behind! Hair trends go minimalistic and natural with styles that look fresh… and simply to die for!

Soft curls, a short fringe, graceful braids, bouncy blowouts – take your pick! Hair’s back in exciting frames!

Here are some of the hottest styles predicted for this year.

34 MARCH 2012

FOR LONG HAIR GET THE BOUNCE Inspired by the 70s fashion revival, the long and bouncy look to your hair brings an interesting twist to your personality.

Commonly known as ’blow-

out’ the bouncy blow dry gives long hair a groomed, elegant yet relaxed finish.

CURL UP This girlish and quirky hairstyle brings back nostalgia with a bit of modern twist to it. Soft and eye-catching, homemade

curls give a laidback feel as one of 2012’s long hairstyle trends.

FRENCH TWIST Bring on the French flair with the French twist. The style gives you a sophisticated and elegant look.

To work or to a party, it sure gives you the ‘pretty’ look!

ROCK ‘ON’ ROLL Swing to the 50s and 60s and let your hair go bohemian! It’s best worn rough to turn all those heads – in your direction! And believe us, the ‘out-of-bed’ look is going to be all the rage! So simply follow the past and your instincts, of course!

ON THE WAVE Want to bring back your girlish charm? Turn to the waves. The trend seen recently at the Sonia Rykeil Spring/Summer 2012 runway, is a sure-shot winner if you want to bring out the cheerful and bubbly personality in you. Flowing, bouncy waves accessorised by a side-pinned barrette create an interesting look.

FOR MIDLENGTH HAIR NO FAUX PAS, THIS! As vintage as yesteryears and as modern as tomorrow, 2012’s faux bob hairstyle gives a structured, ‘done’ hairstyle that recreates the 60s fashion revival. Suits you best when worn with flowing gowns or with a chic suit if you’d rather take it to work.

glorifies any outfit with an elegant vintage vibe. This hairstyle can never go out of fashion. Create a fashion statement and bask in the attention! This one is sure to stay for a long time!

FOR SHORT HAIR MOD BOB Short. Voluminous. Messy. This is a funky trend that suits short hair. Inspired by Brigitte Bardot and Twiggy it can look good on you too! A no fuss hairstyle for ladies who want to make a bold statement!

THE WET LOOK Don’t be afraid to get your hair wet, or at least give the impression that it’s wet! This style gives a very relaxed feel to your overall look. Leave it naturally wavy or bring in some soft curls.

It goes well with any hair type or length.

AFRO HAIR With the return of all things 70s it should come as no surprise to find that the afro is amongst the most sort-after hairstyles of the year. Appearing on the streets and in many runway shows, Afro hair is being interpreted in a soft and dreamy way this year.

DOUBLE THE FUN The Double French Twist is a 1960’s bouffant hairstyle that

Hair today, gone tomorrow… so keep with the trends… and be a true fashionista!

GLAM UP - ADVERTORIAL

AWAKENING SENSAI is embarking on a new era with the pioneering PRIME SOLUTION, the essential first step in anti-ageing skincare

IMMACULATE SKIN

F

ormulated with SENSAI’s newest signature ingredient Koishimaru Silk EX and empowered by breakthrough cell communication technology, PRIME SOLUTION optimises the daily skincare ritual, promising enhanced skin cell receptivity and increased moisture retention.

Only when the skin is sufficiently moisturised can the skin’s natural barrier relax enough to allow nutrients to enter. A priming step of moisturising care is crucial because well-hydrated skin maximises the absorption of nutrients. With Koishimaru Silk EX replenishing skin’s moisture supply in both the upper and deeper layers of skin cells, PRIME SOLUTION ensures that the active ingredients from subsequent treatments are effectively delivered to the skin.

PRIME SOLUTION is also enriched with Sanzashi (hawthorn) extract to boost skin cell receptivity – a world first technology discovered by Kanebo Cosmetics after 20 years of cell communication research. While Koishimaru Silk EX enhances skin’s natural hydration, Sanzashi Extract awakens skin cell receptivity. Thanks to this double action, PRIME SOLUTION is able to leave the skin profoundly moisturised and ready to make the most of any ensuing anti-ageing skincare treatment.

It was the soft hands of Japan’s silk spinners that led SENSAI to discover the secret of Koishimaru Silk. This luxurious fibre aids the production of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that bathes skin cells with moisture like the life-giving mother ocean.

PRIME SOLUTION’s fragrance is an elegant bouquet of white flowers including gardenia, jasmine and lily of the valley. At the heart of this white bouquet is furan (neofinetia falcata). This graceful Japanese orchid has a sweet mellow perfume that comes to its full brilliance at night. The middle notes capture and authentically recreate furan’s most fragrant moment. Buoyant and flowing, this accord is at once refined and imaginative, evoking the pristine whiteness of Koishimaru Silk. Brainwave tests show that this extraordinary fragrance also has a proven relaxing effect on the brain.

Inspired by the shape of its cocoon, Tokyo-based French designer Gwenael Nicolas gives PRIME SOLUTION a slender form, effortlessly evoking feminine grace. A glimmering glass surface envelops a soft expanse of opaque white, creating a mysterious illusion of translucency. Ripples on the glass surface – an allusion to delicate layers of silk – play with light and cast a soft luminescence around the bottle.

(Available at Capital Store, Qurum, Salam Studio & Stores, Qurum, Areej Muscat and Muscat Pharmacy (Perfumes & Cosmetics), Jawaharat A’Shatti and Sahwa Towers.)

36 MARCH 2012

GLAM UP - GET THE LOOK

Tips: H For an easier application and

a more colourful result, apply the La Bohème Eyeshadows with a sponge applicator:

H For a natural and subtle makeup result, use the eyeshadow dry.

H For more intense colour and finish, apply eyeshadow with a moistened foam tip applicator.

H For a complete ‘La Bohème’

look, wear the Rouge Artist Natural in the iridescent red coral shade. Apply few coats directly onto your lips for a full colour result.

Step 2 H Apply the Purple

shade from the palette onto the inner side of your eyelids. Continue applying until you reach the wanted result.

H Apply the Lagoon Green shade from the palette on the other (outer) side of your eyelids.

H Still using the sponge applicator, make sure to blend the two colours together.

The Bohemian style is back and is setting itself as a strong trend this spring!

GO BOHEMIAN!

I

nspired by the 70’s and the Bohemian spirit, MAKE UP FOR EVER releases its Limited Edition ‘La Bohème’ Collection to offer women the Bohemian Beauty their heart desires.

Coinciding with the trend for Spring 2012, this glam gypsy collection entails new amazing formulas and shades to offer women the breath-taking look of the season.

This stylish collection includes a revolutionary eyeshadow palette, two original Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick shades and Aqua Eyes in a wood-inspired shade.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get the look!

Step 1 H Using the ‘La Bohème Palette’

and a sponge applicator, start by applying the Beige colour under your eyebrows, under the bottom lash line and to the inner corner of your eyes.

38 MARCH 2012

Step 3 H Using the brown shade

of the palette, draw a banana in the hollow of the eyelid.

H Apply the green shade from palette under the eye.

H For that extra touch of light, apply the Coral colour to the brow bone, and blend.

Step 4 H Apply Smoky Lash

Mascara to the lashes.

Sweep it upwards from root to tip to plump individual lashes and achieve volumised lashes.

Continue building lashes until you reach your desired look. Repeat on lower lashes.

H Apply white kohl pencil to your inner lash line.

H Finish off your eye look by applying Gypsy Aqua Eyes to the upper lash.

Get your Bohemian Look with these must-haves from ‘La Bohème’ Collection: La Bohème Eyeshadow Palette It features six new versatile limited edition eyeshadow shades in a new baked formula for a wet and dry application. Enriched with mineral powders and a high concentration of pearl, these luminous shades offer a pearly or sparkle finish with the colour intensity you desire.

H For a luminous and natural result, eyeshadow has to be applied with a dry Sponge Applicator.

H For more intense colour and finish, eyeshadow has to be applied with a moistened Sponge Applicator.

La Bohème Rouge Artist Natural It has two new limited edition shades (Red Coral & Peach Beige) to embellish the lips with a romantic shimmer.

Rouge Artist Natural is a moisturising lipstick that colours the lips naturally while enhancing its radiance.

La Bohème Aqua Eyes Aqua Eyes, the renowned waterproof eye pencil, is now available in a new Matte Dark Brown Shade, named Gypsy to accentuate the eyes and complete the Bohemian Look.

NAIL IT!

GLAM UP - BEAUTY BUZZ

Give your nails the TLC they need.

Here are ten tips to follow, for great-looking nails, all the time…

Before giving yourself a manicure, dip your nails in a cup of warm water with a spoon of lemon juice.

• If you wear nail polish on a regular basis, take it off for a day or two, your nails need to breathe, just like you!

• Wear gloves whenever possible while doing household chores. It is the best way to protect your nails from any damage.

• To remove ugly looking stains from your nails, mix one tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup of water and soak your nails in this liquid for a few minutes.

Then, wash off with warm water and apply a hand moisturiser.

• If you want to give a natural sheen to your nails, rub petroleum jelly on your nails and then buff them, with the help of a soft cloth.

• Never resort to biting your nails, as it is extremely destructive for the nails as well as the cuticles. If you are in the habit of biting your nails, drop it as soon as possible. It is not only a bad habit but it would also be harmful for your nails.

• Whenever you wash your hands, make sure to dry nails properly and apply a hand cream, this way you moisturise your nails and help them look healthy !

• Who likes split or broken nails, so remember to file them only when you have polish on. It prevents chipping and breakage.

• Last but not the least, eat healthy. It will not only keep you fit but your nails as well!

To harden soft nails, soak them in warm olive oil for about 20 minutes. Follow this twice a week and you will be blessed with stronger nails.

A D D E D VA L U E .

OER is more than a business magazine… It is a communications partner that ensures that your brand message is not just delivered to the right audience – but delivered with tangible added value as well.

It has evolved from one of Oman’s pioneering business publications into a channel that offers decision-makers insightful, reliable and up-to-date information. Champions larger social causes. And leverages collaboration to deliver impact far greater than traditional print advertising alone.

OER, in its all new avatar, invites you to forge a partnership that adds real value to your engagement with Oman’s corporate community over multiple touchpoints.

Log on to oeronline.com

ENLIGHTEN. ENABLE. ENGAGE.

BUZZ - SUPERSTAR

Despite being widely recognised as one of the most talented actresses in the industry Natalie Portman’s philanthropy work is just as important to her as anything else. This month we learn ‘how-to-be-good’ from Hollywood’s most dedicated young star!

42 MARCH 2012

ALL HEART

atalie Portman radiates a certain sort of beauty on screen.

A dignified halo, a glow that seems to say, ‘I’m good at this, I’m great at this. Sit back and watch’. She intimidates on screen; dark hair, short - the definition of petite, serious and unbelievably gorgeous. Men watching her want to drool, but are almost afraid too – somehow she manages to demand respect for more than just her looks.

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The question is, does she deserve this respect? Absolutely yes. The talented super star has after all managed to navigate through the trials and tribulations of child stardom and emerge unscathed. She starred in her first role in a movie when she was just 13 – she was a version of Lolita in Leon. Since then she’s starred in countless films, leaving viewers breathless each and every time. However, in between all the movies, this beauty managed to finish school; she majored in psychology at – wait for it – Harvard, insisting that she was ‘going to college. I don’t care if it ruins my career. I’d rather be smart than a movie star’.

She’s grown up before our eyes - she’s gone from the 13-year-old child star in Leon, to frantic ballerina in Black Swan. The latter won her the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Oscars 2011. Then there’s Thor’s love interest in Thor, not to mention every boy’s fantasy in Star Wars.

Portman’s a mother now, and a wife. Add activist to the list of things and you’ve got a pretty intimidating 5’3 young bombshell.

Portman’s a strong supporter of human rights and has been a vegetarian since she was eight years old, “My dad’s a doctor, I went to one of his medical conferences where they were demonstrating laser surgery on a chicken. I was so mad that a chicken had to die, I never ate meat again.” Today, Natalie does not eat animal products or wear fur, leather or feathers. She takes pride in the fact that all of her shoes are from Target and or Stella McCartney. But talking about her shoes would be akin to belittling her; Natalie has much more serious things on her mind and says that even acting takes a backseat to some of them, “There’s so much else to do in the world. To just be interested in doing films would limit my life.”

BUZZ - SUPERSTAR What then does she exactly do?

Let us count the ways… Natalie is currently ambassador for FINCA, possibly one of the most unglamorous organisations out there – not exactly star magnet but does it do good? Absolutely. When asked what exactly FINCA (Foundation for International Community Assistance) is, the star sums it up succinctly, she’s done her research, “FINCA International provides microloans, small loans, to primarily women in developing countries to start their own businesses. It has an incredible effect on all aspects of their lives, obviously economically, but it also improves their children’s education, nutrition and health care … their shelter, and general sense of pride and agency in themselves. The campaign is seeking to reach more and more individuals and trying to go into more remote places where you can really reach the poorest of the poor.”

The actress, who had always been interested in the Middle East, found herself drawn to this particular cause because of Queen Rania of Jordan who co-chairs FINCA’s Village Banking Campaign. Today, Natalie is devoted to her work with FINCA and says that it has had a huge impact on her life, “It definitely makes you realise how it’s really just luck where you’re born and what opportunities you’re given. It opened my eyes to the fact that we’re really the minority in being able to read a newspaper, to be an educated woman who can feed herself.” She’s thankful for all that she has, yes, but also determined to do more for the world and the third world in general. She’s undertaken tours of college campuses across the US to generate support for the cause, and has also managed to create a wonderful documentary about the foundation and its work.

So what’s she doing when she’s not busy saving the world? This star is certainly not up to any untoward shenanigans - she’s a full time wife and mother though friend

44 MARCH 2012

Jake Gyllenhal has her reveal in an interview amid much laughter that she loves laughing at (and dancing to) dirty rap. She’s got a wild side for sure, but she keeps it reserved for friends and family, and perhaps this is an intelligent move. Her serious ‘public self’ is thoughtful and ambitious. She spends a long time considering before she accepts a role, “My father has a general rule.

He says if I haven’t done it in real life I shouldn’t do it on-screen.” This refers of course to the fact that she’s extremely selective about what she does (or more importantly does not wear) on screen. She also insists (and we’re tempted to not believe her) that she’s scared of almost everything, yes that’s right, the star says, “I’m afraid of everything.

But maybe when you’re afraid of everything, it sort of seems like you’re scared of nothing.”

It certainly seems that way to us.

She’s battling third world poverty, saving the animals, electrifying viewers on screen, whilst of course looking gorgeous and… that’s right intimidating. She’s also one of the nicest, most unassuming celebrities around. Is she for real? All signs point to yes. Here’s wishing her every success with everything she puts her mind to! Cheers Natalie!

May the force be with you!

NATALIESPEAK “Awards are so unnecessary, because I think we get so much out of our work just by doing it. The work is a reward in itself.”

“Cute is when your personality shines through your looks. Like, when you see someone’s personality in the way they walk and you just feel like hugging them every time you see them.”

“Going to a party, for me, is as much a learning experience as, you know, sitting in a lecture.”

“I always ask myself, would I want someone to do something that

wasn‫؛‬t comfortable for them just to please me? And the answer is no.”

“I am not someone who sacrifice all for the cinema, my life will be always more important.”

“I don’t love studying. I hate studying. I like learning. Learning is beautiful.”

“I loved school so much that most of my classmates considered me a dork.

0I remember how to be a person by being around them.”

“I was definitely different from the other kids... I was more ambitious.

I knew what I liked and what I wanted, and I worked really hard. I was a very serious kid.”

BUZZ - TRIBUTE

At 48, The Voice has been silenced. Over her career, Whitney Houston sold more than 50 million records in the United States alone.

Her voice, an ideal blend of power, grace and beauty, made classics out of songs like Saving All My Love For You, I Will Always Love You, The Greatest Love of All and I’m Every Woman.”

Her six Grammys were only a fraction of her many awards.

Houston had her first No. 1 hit by the time she was 22, followed by a flurry of No. 1 songs and multi-platinum records. Her last album, I Look To You, debuted on the top of the charts when it was released in 2009 with strong sales, but didn’t have the staying power of her previous records. A tour the next year was doomed by cancellations because of illness and sub-par performances.

Houston’s rise to fame was meant to be. Born Whitney Elizabeth Houston on August 9, 1963 to Army serviceman and entertainment executive John Russell Houston, Jr. and gospel singer Cissy Houston, Whitney grew up with music. Her Godmother, Darlene Love and her honorary aunt Aretha Franklin were notable figures in the gospel, rhythm and blues, pop, and soul genres. At the age of 11, Houston began to follow in her mother’s footsteps and started performing as a soloist in the junior gospel choir at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, where she also learned to play the piano. Houston was also exposed to the music of Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, and Roberta Flack, most of whom would have an impact on her as a singer and performer in her later years.

It was in 1983, that Houston was ‘discovered’

by Arista Records. Clive Davis, the head of

Arista Records (later on he would be her honorary daddy) offered a worldwide recording contract which Houston signed. Later that year, she made her national televised debut alongside Davis on The Merv Griffin Show. The rest as they say is celebrity history.

Movies followed. Houston’s first acting role was as the star of the feature film The Bodyguard (1992). The film’s original soundtrack won the 1994 Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Its lead single I Will Always Love You, became the best-selling single by a female artiste in music history.

With the album, Houston became the first act (solo or group, male or female) to sell more than a million copies of an album within a single week period under Nielsen SoundScan system. Houston continued to star in movies and contribute to their soundtracks, including the films Waiting to Exhale (1995) and The Preacher’s Wife (1996). The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack became the best-selling gospel album in history.

The price of fame is often paid with life, especially if you are constantly in the limelight.

The songbird’s fall was as quick as her rise.

The much-publicised marriage and divorce with Bobbi Brown, rumours of substance abuse and unruly behaviour, frequent trips to the rehab clinic; all took their toll on what was once the most powerful singing voice.

No one puts it better than her Bodyguard costar Kevin Costner who was quoted as saying that for all of Houston’s beauty and success, she was still yearning for approval from the public and somewhat insecure, a superstar who “still wondered, ‘Am I good enough? Am

DEAR WHITNEY, Here on Earth, your album sales have soared and your graveyard has found a place on Google Earth. Everyone one of us girls who grew up with your music is singing I’m Every Woman and the ones that had never heard of you are YouTubing you. So, perhaps in death, you can find peace that the world knows you for the phenomenal star you are.

Just like your mentor ‘daddy’ Clive Davis, we hope you are ‘rasing the roof’ in heaven.

Rest in peace Songbird.

I pretty enough? Will they like me?’

“It’s a tree we could all hang from — the unexplainable burden that comes with fame,” he said. “Call it doubt. Call it fear. I’ve had mine. And I know the famous in the room have had theirs.”

Indeed, we could sing hosannas to this divinely gifted songbird. We could craft wordy epithets in her tribute, but what makes the death so pointless is that in the end, Houston drowned in a bathtub, alone. Whitney Houston – the queen of pop; the diva of gospel music, the most-awarded female artistes of all time – besieged by doubts, struggling with insecurities, floating on hope’s broken wings, lay dead. Perhaps the last sound to come out of her that day would have been a cry for help and not a single soul was there to hear it.

We Will Always Love You

Despite her untimely death, the legacy of Whitney Houston’s music will live on… forever. By Deepa Rajan

46 MARCH 2012

BUZZ - STARDUST

Height of paranoia

What’s with Chris Brown and paranoia? The latest rumour goes that he was so paranoid about keeping his presence at Rihanna’s birthday party a big secret that he actually, shudder, shudder, tried to force partygoers to sign confidentiality agreements. Well, some did sign and Chris entered with his bodyguards and lost no time in snuggling up to Rihanna in a very evident PDA. The party, as celeb parties go, was packed with likes of Katy Perry, Bruno Mars and Chris Martin.

Just a gift

Justin Beiber gave his girlfriend Selena Gomez some bling. No, no… it was not an engagement ring. Gomez recently showed off a piece of jewellery gifted to her by her young man, a diamond-crusted ‘J’ ring, a sort of welcome back gift. Selena had spent some time away from Bieber on a South American tour. Millions of Bieber fans, we’re sure, must have heaved huge sighs of relief.

Sigh! Sigh!

Moving picture

HEARD ON THE GRAPEVINE… 48 MARCH 2012

This is heartening news indeed!

Angelina Jolie’s directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey received a standing ovation from a tough Serajevo crowd. The premiere in the Bosnian capital city fulfils a promise the Brangelina couple made last year. After the screening, Jolie even stayed to talk to the crowd, most of whom were there through the war. “I just felt that this subject was important and was really moved by it,” she told the media at a press conference later. Surely, acting for this couple is a different genre altogether, one that involves causes as well.

Congrats!

Another Bollywood gal is all set to go the married way. This one’s the ‘not seen very much lately’ Esha Deol who’s been out of decent work for some time. The daughter of biggies Hema Malini and Dharmendra, Esha recently got engaged to her boyfriend of 13 months, Bharat Takhtani a businessman. Good luck, Esha and hopefully we’ll see you back on screen some day!

Papa, don’t preach

Guess who has Shah Rukh Khan wrapped around her little finger? His daughter Suhana! And apparently, the little girl believes that her famous dad isn’t the perfect youth icon. Why? Because he smokes! The actor tweeted recently, “Daughter just reprimanded me... how can you be the youth role model if you smoke. So to all the youths out there... please don’t smoke!” Shah Rukh has always mouthed the statutory warning that comes on all cigarette packs that ‘smoking is injurious to health’. But when will he start practising what he preaches?

Controversial babe

Deepika Padukone is in a soup! Ramesh Taurani, producer of Race 2, the film Deepika walked out recently is incensed. He has filed a complaint with the Cine & TV Artistes Association calling her action ‘unprofessional and unethical’. Race 2 is an expensive affair and boasts of a star cast of the likes of Saif Ali Khan and John Abraham. So why did she opt out of it? We’ll get to know soon…

Glowing tributes

Arab singers too joined in the tribute to Whitney Houston who passed away recently. Haifa Wahbi tweeted that Houston was indeed a legend and the world had lost one of its music icons. Meanwhile, Elissa too expressed her condolences and wished that her soul rests in peace. Yes, Whitney, you’ll be remembered forever.

‘Scent’sational

Britney Spears is in trouble. The songster is coughing up some dough to settle a lawsuit filed by Brand Sense Partners, a beauty company that hooked her up with Elizabeth Arden to promote their Radiance Perfume.

Apparently, the company was supposed to get 35 per cent of Britney’s profits. The suit says that Britney entered into a deal directly with Elizabeth Arden and cut the agency out.

We’re waiting for an outcome on this one!

Anything for love

Guess who did not spend Valentine’s Day last month? Lebanese singer Carol Samaha who proclaimed that there was no room for enjoyment in her life as her heart was empty, as there was no man in her life. The lonely star feels that a loved one is important for one to juggle different roles and succeed in life. She said that there is a huge void in her life and it can only be filled with love. It’s a wonder no one is listening, as yet!

MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL - FEATURE

MUMS MAKE A MARK

I

On the occasion of Arab Mother’s Day, The Woman salutes the entrepreneurial spirit of four mums who are blazing trails with businesses of their own…

By Rekha Balakrishnan

t was both victory and vindication for enterprising mums as the word mumpreneur was officially recognised and entered into the Collins English Dictionary last year.

It defines the word as: A woman nurturing an entrepreneurial streak whilst simultaneously juggling home and family life or a mother who starts a business from home.

Meet four mumpreneurs who have made the choices they believe in, doing what they love... inspirations for other women to reach out for the stars. After all, the sky is the limit!

50 MARCH 2012

‘SEWING’ A DREAM Sayyida Mayya Al Said Sew Chic & Unique ‘Handmade, simply unique’ goes the tagline of Sew Chic & Unique, a ‘creative’ enterprise by Sayyida Mayya Al Said. The young mother of two creates exclusive handmade items that are all the rage because they are pretty, practical and unique!

Sayyida Mayya was a musician working with the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra before she quit her job to join her husband who had been granted a scholarship to study in Australia.

Two kids later and on her return to Muscat, she began to work again but felt bad at having to leave her second daughter who was just three months old and so she decided to quit.

“At home, I needed something to keep me busy and so found my inspiration online, Heather Bailey, a successful American entrepreneur who’s a great mum as well. So I thought if she can do it, why can’t I?” she says.

Mayya’s mother is French and she believes she gets her ‘crafty’ side from that side of the family. “The surprising thing is that I never expressed an interest when my mother wanted me to learn sewing.

Later, when I quit my job and decided to learn sewing, she was sceptical. She did not advise me to buy a sewing machine and insisted I use hers instead. When she saw my seriousness, she bought me one and encouraged me to ‘go for it’, says Sayyida Mayya with a laugh.

She took some practical sewing lessons but most of them were learnt online, by following blogs dedicated to the subject. She also started her first blog, ‘Daily dose of me’ where she recorded details of

whatever she made. And this was how Sew Chic & Unique was born.

Her first creation was a ‘Handbag organiser’ which you can use to put little things in and then pop it into your handbag.

In December 2011, she took her business online where all her products like the Handbag Organiser, Businesscard holder and the Camera Strapholder are all available for sale. Every item is made by her and is unique. She uses traditional Omani fabrics and also those she sources from the US. Her customers come from different countries.

Social media has helped Sayyida Mayya to popularise her creativity.

Besides www.sewchicandunique. com, she also uses social media

sites like Facebook, Twitter and also YouTube to popularise her products.

So how does it feel being a mumpreneur? “I am actually like any other woman who goes out to work. The only difference is that I do it in the comfort of my home.

It gives me the advantage of being with my two daughters who are six and four years old. I usually do all the sewing while they are at school and blog at night,” she says.

Her dream is to have a boutique of her own where people can buy her

creations. “I believe any woman who wants to start her own business should do something they love and not just follow a trend,” she says.

Sayyida Mayya has proved that if you ‘sew the right dreams’ you shall reap the rewards you desire!

MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL - FEATURE

ART OF THE MATTER Issra Ahmed Al Lawati Afkaari Boutique Afkaari in Arabic means ‘my ideas’. And it was the birth of a new idea that prompted Issra Ahmed Al Lawati to give up a high-profile corporate job and start the Afkaari Boutique, that specialises in everything that’s do with the arts and crafts and is now venturing into branding and advertising consultancy as well.

Issra worked for nine years in the corporate sector, first as head of marketing and business development at Al Madina Finance and later as a general manager of a retail company with the same group. A year ago, she decided to start her own business. This way, she felt that she would be able to give wings to her creativity and have more time to spend with her kids, Mehdi (4) and Lamar (2).

Once she decided to start off on her own, she took some online courses to familiarise herself with what she wanted to offer.

“The objective of my business is to unleash the creative side of every person and enhance creativity among women in general,” she says.

Afkaari Boutique deals with the entire concept of arts and crafts and has also joined hands with other craftspeople to conduct workshops for mumpreneurs, working women and kids. Some of these workshops are conducted

by Issra herself. The boutique also makes scrapbooks, customised photo frames and other interesting works of art.

“I have a degree in marketing and branding and this has helped immensely in my business. With the expansion into branding and advertising consultancy, I am hoping to target mumpreneurs 52 MARCH 2012

who are very creative but do not know much about advertising their product, creating a logo and brand perception,” she reveals.

How has the shift impacted her life as a mum? “I definitely get more time to spend with my family. Earlier when I got back after work, I still could not ‘switch off’ and would often be working after office hours. Doing my own thing offers me much more flexibility as I get to pick my customers, choose my time of work and

most importantly, get quality time with my husband and children and also find the time for other social commitments,” she says.

The past one year has seen Issra organise many workshops that have attracted a large number of people. “People always come up to me and say, ‘I am so happy I did this. I never knew I was

so creative’. These are defining moments that have really made me happy,” she says.

What’s that they say? When you follow your heart, everything else will fall into place. For Issra, it’s all about the ‘heart’ and the ‘art’!

A SWEET STORY Nabila Al Amri Cake Heaven After the birth of her fourth child, Nabila Al Amri decided to quit her job as English teacher to concentrate on her family. She had put in stints at the British Council and the Caledonian College of Engineering but felt guilty leaving the kids at home and going for work.

A couple of years ago, after she came back from the UK after doing

a short course in business studies, she started feeling bored. She began to bake and honed her skills by taking many courses at Tavola.

Soon, she started getting orders from her family and friends and thus Cake Heaven, a small homebased business was born.

“I have an artistic background and sort of put my art into my creations… my cakes. I went to the UK to do intensive courses in cake decorating, the different techniques and also attended a course in wedding cakes,” she

says. During this time, Tavola also approached her to take some classes for them and she works as an instructor part-time.

Her business also expanded to include orders from big corporates like BankMuscat and Nawras. She also launched her own website that helped more people contact her.

“Baking is not easy and initially, it was very difficult for me. I tried a lot of recipes and altered some to suit my taste. I am a person who adheres to high standards when it comes to quality,” she adds.

Nabila has done a lot of creative stuff and loves doing cartoon characters for kids ‘because they love it’. “I sometimes get unusual characters to design too, but enjoy doing them because I take it as a challenge,” she says. Her idol in terms of baking is Eddie Spence for the ‘royal icing’ he does.

Being a mumpreneur means that that she gets time to do what she likes. She has four kids who are 15, 12, eight and six years old. “I have always wanted to

do something on my own and not just have a nine-five job. A regular job may get me a salary and frankly I don’t care much about what I am getting out of my work right now because I’m enjoying what I’m doing. When I open my own shop, that’s when I’ll think of the profits,” she says.

Nabila’s greatest support in her venture has been her husband, parents and sister. “My sister was the one who pushed me to do this. In fact, I’d done a catering course before and when I left my teaching job, it was she who suggested this business.”

“I really believe that everyone should take a chance and do something they want to do. Moving at a slow pace is also important if you want to be consistent. I really don’t consider myself as a competition to others, but I’m happy to see other people do what they are doing,” she concludes.

Life takes its different turns because of sweet dreams like these!

MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL - FEATURE

SHINING THROUGH Atifa Hussain Dawood Al Lawati Atifa Jewellery Ever since she was a child, Atifa has been attracted by different kinds of jewellery. When her grandfather took them travelling to different places, he also made sure that they visited a jewellery factory in that country, be it in Europe or Asia.

She started Atifa Jewellery in September 2005 by sourcing jewellery from different places,

adding her own special touches and selling them. These include gold with diamonds, gold with zirconium, both 18 and 21 carat. She’s also introducing 14 carat jewellery. Besides these, she also deals with silver jewellery that’s gold plated, or with diamonds or zirconium.

She’s also a jewellery designer and has sketched a number of designs but they have not been translated into jewellery as yet. “Right now, the prices are very high and I’m not getting qualified craftsmen to do the designs,” she says. But it will happen, and soon!

Atifa has a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Sultan Qaboos University, She also has diploma in interior decoration.

After her graduation, she also worked for the Ministry of National Economy. A very creative person, she can see herself design anything. “I can design kids’ clothes, handbags but maybe I’m a little lazy,” she says with a laugh. She has designed clothes and abayas for herself.

Atifa feels that her job is not just to source and sell quality jewellery but also to educate the customer on what they are buying. She makes sure that they know everything on what makes each piece unique and different.

Being a mother of two kids (who are seven and two) and being an entrepreneur is much easier than having a full-time job, avers Atifa. “If I were working full-time, I don’t think I’d be able to spend as much time with my kids. But with a home-owned business, I am able to manage both very well,” she adds.

Here’s wishing her a ‘glittering’ future!

54 MARCH 2012

R&R - TRAVEL

A WONDERFUL WORLD!

Rekha Balakrishnan takes a Swiss journey through the bustling metropolis of Zurich and experiences five-star luxury at the Lenkerhof Alpine Resort‌ Presenting a 72-hour recap

56 MARCH 2012

A

dventure, enjoyment, natural wonders, a rich culture and heritage… the famed Swiss hospitality and plenty of snow. These were enough reasons for me to embark on a trip to Switzerland in the height of winter.

Having never had to brave any kind of weather below 12 degrees, I was all set to land in sub-zero temperatures, armed with all the warm clothing I could lay hands on in, well, a warm country like Oman.

The flight to Zurich was a breeze, literally! The Swiss Business Seat on the Swiss International Air Lines

A330-300 has taken business class comfort to high levels. I slept like a baby by converting the seat into a totally lie-flat two-metre bed.

When awake, my culinary needs were amply met in the form of a wonderful breakfast menu specially created by the finest Swiss chefs.

pre-conceived notions out of your mind. It may be the financial capital of Switzerland, home to one of the world’s biggest stock exchanges and big banks but this bustling city’s also a tourist delight in every sense.

So I was well and truly rested upon my touchdown in Zurich. In an hour, armed with a 72-hour Zurich Card, which would enable me to traipse around the city in transport of my choice and also offer me access to a number of museums, I was ready to explore. Having a friend who was a local resident join me in the day tour added to the excitement and fun.

The best way to explore Zurich is to take the trams and trains whenever needed and then keep walking. The city has a wonderful transport system and using our trusted iPhones for navigation, we hit the city’s hotspots without any problem.

Before you see Zurich for what it is, I suggest you throw some

If you love old-world charm, Augustinergasse with its beautiful old, narrow streets with many colourfully painted oriel windows takes you back in time. Totally

different is Bahnhofstrasse, the world-famous shopping precinct where we window-shopped to our hearts’ content. Here’s where the affluent come to indulge their luxurious tastes. Luxury shops sell the best Switzerland can offer; watches, clothes, chocolates, porcelain and fashion labels.

As we walked towards Lake Zurich, we saw the shops becoming more exclusive and trendy. The view of the lake itself is lovely and in summer, the lakeside promenade is a beehive of activity. Cruises are available on the lake and a visit to the medieval town of Rapperswil is also a must on your Zurich itinerary. We also enjoyed some moments of relaxation at the Bürkliterrasse, a culmination of the Bahnhofstrasse and part of

R&R - TRAVEL

the lakeside park area. It was also a moment of rejoicing as the sun peeped out from the clouds for just a few seconds before the weather went back to its dark, cloudy state. It also drizzled intermittently making us duck into little shops for cover while cups of steaming coffee provided some feelings of warmth.

Another tourist attraction is Grossmünster Church that was the starting point of the Swiss-German Reformation and which, according to legend was founded by Charlemagne. The Karlsturm (Charles Tower) is one of the two towers of this famous landmark. If you manage to climb the 187 stairs, waiting for you are spectacular views of the panorama platform over the Old Town and the lake.

The city is also dotted with a number 58 MARCH 2012

of museums though we could only make it to two: The Franz Carl Weber museum and the Clock and Watch Museum, quick-sees on our whirlwind tour of the city. We were told that the Swiss National Museum, located near the main railway station tops the list… and if you’re museum aficionado, so are more than 50 others!

Do not also forget to take a round of the Langstrasse quarter, Zurich’s most colourful and varied district which oozes elegance and metropolitan charm.

With the early setting of the winter sun, I bid goodbye to my friend and joined the media group to ZurichWest, which told its own Westside Story. Factory buildings in the former industrial district have been converted to offer the best in Swiss

culture, shopping, gastronomy, wellness and accommodation while still retaining its industrial charm.

The culture centre built in the ship-building halls here incorporate a branch of Zurich’s Playhouse Theatre, a restaurant and jazz club is breath-taking. It’s here we also sampled traditional Swiss delicacies at Gnusserei, a restaurant located in a former foundry building.

Please note that the Swiss are a charming, friendly people and very polite. So always smile and don’t forget to say Danke (thank you)!

Five-star luxury in the Alps After a day spent in official engagements and a visit to the famed Gate Gourmet, the airline catering facility, we were ready to hit the famous Swiss Alps at last. Our destination was the Lenkerhof Alpine

Resort, a five-star luxury haven in Lenk im Simmental, the southerly village in the canton of Berne that lies at the end of a valley before Gstaad. It was a scenic three-hour drive from Zurich to Lenk with a huge cover of snow everywhere. For a person who hasn’t seen snow in her life, it was wonderful to feel the snowflakes on my face and I just stopped short of throwing snow balls at my media colleagues who were already quite amused by my childlike enthusiasm of seeing snow for the first time.

The Lenkerhof Alpine Resort is a wellness hotel in every sense. It offers fitness, relaxation, beauty, culinary and recreation facilities in an easy-going atmosphere. At the resort, I chose to go to the ski slopes by cable car to take in the incredible views while the intrepid

skiers showed off their skills. Later in the evening, a horse carriage took us across the woods and the frozen lake to a little clearing where a fire was lit and a Swiss musician played traditional songs. It was a magical experience… a memory that will last a life-time.

Seventy-two hours in Switzerland passed by like a dream. Huge doses of culture, entertainment, culture, gastronomic delights and some great company. I know there are many more magical moments to unravel.

Switzerland’s charm is that it both entices and enthrals… making you promise to be back… and soon!

THE LENKERHOF ALPINE RESORT IS A WELLNESS HOTEL IN EVERY SENSE. IT OFFERS FITNESS, RELAXATION, BEAUTY, CULINARY AND RECREATION FACILITIES

Rekha Balakrishnan travelled to Zurich and stayed at Lenkerhof Alpine Resort courtesy of Swiss International Air Lines. It operates daily flights between Muscat to Zurich.

Zurich images courtesy: Zurich Tourism

WHEELS - TOP DRIVE

Quiet confidence THE MERCEDES BENZ E350 COUPE GIVES A SENSE OF WARMTH AND WELL-BEING APART FROM EFFORTLESS DRIVING PLEASURE. A REVIEW BY MAYANK SINGH

60 MARCH 2012

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ffered with a choice to review the Mercedes Benz E350 coupe for The Woman, the first thought that crossed my mind was – Is the car a match for successful, strongwilled and demanding women executives? But all such doubts vanished as soon as one hit the road.

Solid, safe, comfortable, luxurious and fast – the Mercedes Benz E350 coupe offers something for everyone. The car is a sporty, dynamic coupe with a classic Mercedes design, offering a mature driving experience.

If luxury is what you are looking then the 350 coupe may be your best bet.

The car’s interior combines ample tech features and old-school luxury.

The use of wood and brushed metal surfaces is kept to a minimum, and the interior emphasises soft-touch surfaces and leather. The controller dial for the Command system which programmes audio and navigation systems is within easy and comfortable reach on the centre console. Some functions can also be carried out by an array of buttons on the console. The cabin is done in a style that is meant to recall the solid and dependable aura of Mercedes from the past. The angles are sharp, materials first-rate and the look is decidedly sombre, especially when adorned in monotone colour schemes and dark wood trim.

Mercedes’ new Aircap and Airscarf systems keep the cabin comfortable with the top down, even at highway speed and in cool weather. So whenever you are in the mood to indulge in some quite conversation or listen to that musical piece it may be a then it may be a good idea to go for a drive.

The interface design for the cabin tech is good. You get the feeling that if you’re lulled into sleep by the coffinquiet interior, the attention assist will

conspire with the adaptive shocks, and other safety features to drive you home and tuck you into bed. The E coupe provides near S-class levels of quietness on the open road. Leatherappointed front and rear seats come standard on the Mercedes E-Class coupes. The front sport seats are 14way power adjustable, with heated and ventilated options available.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive. The rear seats are also buckets, and there’s plenty of legroom, but the low roofline restricts headroom for passengers approaching six feet tall.

Though coupes are low on boot space the E350 surprises us by offering generous cargo dimensions. One can easily pack enough luggage for a weekend trip.

The E-Class coupe has 15.9 cubic feet on trunk space – the same as the amount that’s available in the E-Class sedan. The rear seat of the coupe features a 60/40-split, which can be folded down to increase cargo space. Mercedes-Benz has also done an impressive job of keeping the top from devouring trunk space, which has always been an issue with coupes, the system folds primarily into a neat void behind the rear seats.

BELLS AND WHISTLES Just as impressive are the standard safety features that come on every new E-Class. Anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control are standard, while nine airbags provide front, front side, front pelvic, driver’s knee and side protection. Rear side airbags are also optional.

Attention Assist monitors driving behaviour, alerting the driver with visible and audible warnings if it detects signs of drowsiness on long trips. Its highly tactile steering, strong engines and chassis inspire confidence. Although it’s not a sports car, the E-class steers well, with good self-centering and perfect body control.

Our overall impression – The Merc E350 Coupe offers a ride that strikes the right balance between supple and firm, luxury and driving quality, safety and engineering prowess.

PALATE - CUISINE

READY, SET, BREAKFAST!

KICK-START YOUR DAY WITH SOME INTERESTING BREAKFAST RECIPES, THAT WILL KEEP YOU BUBBLING WITH ENERGY, ALL DAY LONG!

SPANISH OMELETTE Serves: 2

250 gm potatoes 5 eggs ½ medium onion 3 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Add two tablespoons of olive oil to the frying pan on medium heat. When hot, add the potatoes. Keep turning and separating them for five

62 MARCH 2012

minutes. Then add the chopped onions and mix well. Cover the frying pan, turn the heat to low. Stir the potatoes and onion every couple of minutes.

Beat the eggs in a bowl and add the cooked potatoes and onion mixture along with some salt and pepper. Add a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan and heat it.

Pour in the egg mixture and turn the heat down to low. Put the lid on and cook until both sides are done. Serve hot.

STRAWBERRY PANCAKE Serves: 2

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 tbsp honey 2 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt 2 egg whites, whipped lightly 1 cup milk ½ tsp vanilla extract 2 tbsp butter Approx two cups strawberries Maple syrup, powdered sugar and sliced strawberries, whipped cream for garnishing (optional) Mix the dry and wet ingredients in two separate bowls respectively.

Slice the strawberries very thinly and keep aside. Now slowly mix the dry and wet ingredients together.

Add the strawberries into the batter and mix until blended. Grease the pan lightly with butter. Pour mixture into the pan. Cook on low heat for five minutes on each side.

Serve hot with a generous dollop of whipped cream on the side.

PALATE - CUISINE

FRUIT SALAD Serves: 3

2 cups (1-inch) cubed fresh pineapple 1 cup chopped peeled papaya or mango 1 cup sliced peeled kiwifruit (about 3 kiwifruit) 1 cup red seedless grapes 1/4 cup berries 3 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice Mint leaves for garnishing

64 MARCH 2012

Mix all the above mentioned fruits in a bowl, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Make a dressing of honey, and lime juice and add it to the fruits and toss it till all the fruits are coated well with it.

Garnish with mint leaves and serve cold.

GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH Serves: 1

1 ½ tablespoons olive oil 1 chicken fillet Sea salt Freshly ground pepper 2 thick slices of bread ½ of a avacado, peeled and chopped 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 bunch rocket salad Half a tomato, sliced Juice from 1/2 lemon Potato chips Heat the oil in a frying pan over a high flame. Place the

chicken in the pan, season with salt and pepper and cook for three minutes. Turn over and cook for a further three minutes. When the chicken breasts are cooked, remove from the pan and cut into one centimetre slices. Leave to rest. Place the avocado, lemon juice, salt, pepper and mayonnaise into the food processor and process until smooth. Spread the avocado mayonnaise on the bread, top with a handful of rocket salad, chicken and tomato. Cut the sandwich in half and serve with salad and potato chips or dill pickles.

PALATE - SPECIAL

STUFFED TOMATOES

300 gm cooked white rice 4 tbsp Nando’s Lime and Coriander Marinade 12 ripe tomatoes 2 tbsp chopped chives 2 tbsp basil 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley 1 tbsp small capers 1 red pepper, diced small 1 yellow pepper, diced small Slice the top of each tomato and keep aside.

Scoop out the juice and seeds into a bowl and retain. Season the inside of each tomato and turn upside down on paper towels to drain. Chop the scooped out tomato flesh and tomato lids and mix these with the cooked rice and remaining ingredients. Pile the rice into the tomatoes.

HERE’S AN INTERESTING RECIPE FROM NANDO’S THAT COMBINES THE GOODNESS OF TOMATOES AND RICE IN A RICH SAUCE. GOES PERFECTLY AS AN ACCOMPANIMENT WITH REGULAR BARBECUE DISHES…

TOMATOight

l e D

66 MARCH 2012

HOME IMPROVEMENT – ADVERTORIAL COLOURS FUNKY FABRIC o are all the rage. Als rs Funky fabric colou t tha fas so the denim hugely popular are effect to your living ny za a d ad t not jus u lot of room to yo room but also gives rs. lou play with co

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Khimji’s Home Furniture is one of the most trusted names in Oman for home furnishing today. From classical to sleek European designer furniture, every new model is available at an attractive price. As one of the most preferred destinations for all kinds of home furniture in Oman, you can expect to see a wide range of wall-units, dining sets, coffee tables, bar cabinets/trolleys, cane furniture and straight line sofas. The newest arrivals at Khimji’s Home furniture are highly popular for adding sparkle to the bed room, living room, kitchen, study room, bathroom or garden. Visit their showroom in Al Khuwair ‘to feel the change’ and buy the trendiest home furniture in town.

For more details contact Praveen Kapoor on 24852666

S FLORAL FABRIC gue for sofas. vo in are Floral fabrics s emes and material Unusual colour sch signs. de or eri int rn de mo combine to create

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People believe in change and that is the main reason why you need to keep pace with the latest trends in home furnishing. Redefine your living spaces with fresh new ideas. Make a style statement, raise the beauty of your home with the latest designs, shapes and colours and give it a makeover that spells class and ‘trendy’ at every level!

Here are some of the popular trends that are all set to make a splash this year!

TREND TALK

What are the popular trends in home furnishing for this year?

Praveen Kapoor, Business Head - Home Furniture Division, Khimji Ramdas has all the details…

HEALTH & FITNESS - USEFUL INFO

BE

AWARE!

•Always follow the directions on medicine packets and information leaflets, and never exceed the stated dose.

•If you have further questions about any of these medicines or you want to buy them, ask your local pharmacist.

T

here are many overthe-counter (OTC) medications available without prescriptions that are used to treat the symptoms of many illnesses that don’t usually require the help of a physician or health care practitioner.

What are the important medicines you need to have in your medicine cabinet at home for emergencies?

Dr. Gowri Shankar Bapanapalli, a Specialist in Internal Medicine at Starcare Hospital provides a comprehensive list 68 MARCH 2012

This article reviews a few of these medications (as a part of medicine cabinet at home) that can help treat minor aches and pains, fever, diarrhoea, cold symptoms, sore throat, and allergies. It’s important however, to keep the following in mind:

•Always keep medicines out of the sight and reach of children. A high and lockable cupboard in a cool, dry place is ideal.

•Regularly check the expiry dates.

If a medicine is past its use-by date, don’t use it or throw it away. Take it to your pharmacy, where it can be disposed of safely.

PAIN RELIEF Painkillers such as aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen are highly effective in relieving most minor aches and pains, such as headaches and menstrual pain.

Aspirin must not be given to children below 16 years of age.

These medicines also help with some minor ailments like common cold, pains and high temperatures and help in reducing the inflammation in arthritis and sprains.

ANTIHISTAMINES They help runny noses, allergies and insect bites hay fever. They can also help to calm itchiness during chickenpox. Antihistamines can come as creams for skin, or tablets to swallow. Some antihistamines may cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about those that don’t have this side-effect.

SORE THROAT REMEDY General pain relief is recommended, for example, paracetamol. Adults

may gargle with soluble aspirin.

Throat lozenges, mouth wash and sprays (for children) may also ease symptoms.

COUGH LINCTUS Many different types are available.

These will either reduce a cough or loosen(phlegm/sputum) it.

TRAVEL SICKNESS TABLETS You can take those containing hyoscine or an antihistamine such as cinnarizine. They can be taken three-six hours prior to journey and later as needed at eight hourly intervals.

ORAL REHYDRATION SALTS Fever, diarrhoea and vomiting make us lose water and essential minerals, and can lead to dehydration. If you have these symptoms and can’t continue your normal diet, oral rehydration salts can help to restore your body’s natural balance of minerals and fluid, and relieve discomfort and tiredness. But they don’t fight the underlying cause of your illness, such as a virus or bacteria. Rehydration salts, available at your local pharmacy, are an easy way to take in minerals and fluid, and help your recovery.

ANTI-DIARRHOEA TABLETS Diarrhoea is caused by a range of things, such as food poisoning or a stomach virus, and can happen without warning. Anti-diarrhoeal remedies can quickly control the unpleasant symptoms of watery diarrheoa (not for dysentery/ bloody diarrhoea), although they don’t deal with the underlying cause. The most common antidiarrhoeal is loperamide (sold under the names Imodium among others). It works by slowing down the action of your gut. But it should be used with care and not to be used if you have pus and blood with loose motions.

Don’t give anti-diarrhoeals to children under 12 because they may have undesirable side effects. Speak to your GP or pharmacist for advice about a child with these symptoms.

INDIGESTION TREATMENT If you have stomach ache, heartburn or trapped wind, a simple antacid will reduce

stomach acidity and bring relief.

Antacids come as chewable tablets, or tablets that dissolve in water, or in liquid form.

A MILD LAXATIVE You can treat constipation with a mild laxative like ispaghula husk.

SUNSCREEN Keep a lotion of at least SPF 15.

Even brief exposure to the sun can cause sunburn and increase your risk of skin cancer. Ensure that your sunscreen provides UVA protection. You can protect yourself further against the sun by wearing a hat and sunglasses, and by avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm.

FIRST AID As well as the medicines mentioned above, keep a well-prepared first aid kit. This can help to treat minor cuts, sprains and bruises, and reduce the risk of cuts becoming infected. It should contain the following items: Bandages: These can support injured limbs, such as fractures or sprains.

They also apply direct pressure to larger cuts before getting them treated in hospital.

Plasters: Keep a range of sizes, waterproof if possible.

Thermometer: Digital thermometers that you put in your mouth produce very accurate readings.

A thermometer placed under the arm is a good way to read a baby’s temperature.

Antiseptic: It can be used to clean cuts before they’re dressed (bandaged). Alcohol-free antiseptic wipes are useful to clean cuts.

Eyewash solution: This will help to wash out grit or dirt in the eyes.

Sterile dressings: Only for small injuries.

Medical tape: This is used to secure dressings. It can also be used to tape an injured finger to an uninjured one, creating a makeshift splint.

Tweezers: They can be used for taking out splinters.

HEALTH PLUS

Your Health Have all your gynaecological queries answered by Dr. Smita Lulla — MBBS, M.D, D.G.O. (Gold Medallist), Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Qurum Clinic, Muscat. The veteran doctor has had advanced training in the UK in Obstetric & Gynaecological Ultra-sonography & Infertility.

Q

Dr. Smita Lulla MBBS, M.D., D.G.O (Gold Medallist) is Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Qurum Clinic, Muscat

. I’m 17 years old and on treatment for PCOS. I am taking Diane -35 once and Aldactone 25mg twice a day. The problem is that I am gaining a lot of weight. Please tell me how I can overcome this problem.

A. PCO is associated with being overweight or obese, irregular periods and increase in body hair.

The Diane may increase your weight also. You will need to exercise and diet to lose your weight. Also, you should stop the Diane and a lactone and if your periods are delayed, take Duphaston tablets - one tablet twice a day for five days to get a period. If you are taking Diane and lactone because you have hirsutism, you should use laser for the same. The effect of the tablets is anyway, temporary.

Q

. I am 27 years, and have a problem of PCOD. My doctor put me on Nacfil. After taking them, I had regular periods for two months but in the third month, I did not get them. Can you please tell me what the problem could be? Should I go in for any medical tests?

A. PCOD is associated with irregular periods and that would be present lifelong. You have not mentioned whether you wish to conceive or not. Let me know as you would require treatment accordingly.

Q

. I am 33 years old and have been married for the past eight years. I have a child who is three years old. Before my first pregnancy, I underwent a laparoscopy and during conception started bleeding profusely as I have dysfibrenogenemia/ hypofibrenogenemia for which I was given Cryoprecipitate every fourth day till the last day of my delivery.

Now I want a second child but am afraid of

bleeding profusely again. Is there any cure for dysfibrenogenmia?

A. Sorry to hear about your problem.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for it. I would not advise you to have another baby as the risks of miscarriage and bleeding problems during pregnancy are very high. You would require Cryoprecipitate again throughout your pregnancy. If, however, you do still wish to conceive, please contact your haematologist and then plan the pregnancy.

Q. I was asked by my gynaecologist to take Sustain from 15th day of my cycle and now my periods are late by eight days and blood test is negative. Can you let me know that after stopping Sustain in how many days can I can get my periods? Should I repeat the blood test in few days?

A. Usually you would get a period within five to 10 days of stopping the Sustain. If, however, there is a late ovulation and conception, the blood test would come positive later. So, it is advisable to do a beta HCG (quantitative) blood test a week later.

Q. I am not conceiving. All my tests are done and are normal. My doctor has advised Duphaston from day 16 to 25 of the cycle.

A. Have a scan done on day 12 of the cycle to determine whether you are ovulating or not. It will indicate your fertile period also. Once you have ovulated, take Duphaston. Let me know your husband’s semen report and the HSG or laparoscopy report, so that I know the condition of your tubes and then advise you further. If you are not ovulating, you would need Clamed tablets in the next cycle.

Find more questions and answers fielded by Dr Smita Lulla at www.omanaccess.com 70 MARCH 2012

EVENT

The second Turkish Bazaar, a wonderful two-day event was organised by The Turkish Women’s Group along with Turkish Embassy in cooperation with the Omani Women’s Association at the Association premises.

From the heart The Turkish Charity Bazaar organised last month was a colourful affair. The Woman presents a report

The bazaar featured a number of stalls selling traditional handicrafts from Turkey as well those made by Turkish women in Muscat.

Visitors also got a ‘taste of Turkey’ with sumptuous Turkish cuisine which was another highlight of the event. A special ‘raffle draw’ was also held on the occasion. A large crowd was seen at the venue on both the days.

The event was in aid of charity and also a step towards strengthening Turkish-Omani cultural relations.

This event is a not-to-be-missed one; so keep an eye out for it and do be there next year, if you missed this one. We’ll see you there…

It’s time to reset priorities

17th

At Oman Forum 2012 on Tuesday, 17 April, the focus shifts to the key socio-economic challenge facing Oman – building the national talent pool.

of April is the day to watch out for

Oman Forum will be the first broad-based platform of its kind. It will bring together important stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia, student bodies, and workers’ unions to propose long-term strategies to tackle the issue. The convergence of diverse perspectives over two distinct sessions is meant to help identify solutions that are not just potentially more effective, but eminently practical as well.

‫ﺑﻨﺎء اﻟﻜﻔﺎءات اﻟﻮﻃﻨﻴﺔ‬ Building National Talent Date: 17 April 2012 Time: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm An initiative by

In association with

Ministry of Civil Services

The Research Council

Strategic Partners

Knowledge Partner

Media Partners

For partnership enquiries please contact: AHMED 99356490

EVENT

Towards excellence Two high-profile events, the Oman Forum – Building National Talent and the AIWA Awards will throw light on new challenges and honour achievers respectively…

AIWA AWARDS FOR BEST PERFORMING COMPANIES

The AIWA Awards are back. Come May, Oman will witness the most high profile event of its kind targeted primarily at the top echelons of the Arabic speaking business community in the Sultanate. Setting new benchmarks in the industry, corporates in Oman will be felicitated based on a highly qualitative performance survey done in a transparent manner as per the best international standards.

OMAN FORUM ON ‘BUILDING NATIONAL TALENT’

Expansion of educational infrastructure, skills development through training and creation of employment opportunities have been the cornerstone of the Sultanate’s impressive march on the path of progress under the dynamic leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. Apart from the strategic initiatives of the Government, the private sector has played a pivotal role in the development of national talent.

However, among the key issues facing the Sultanate of Oman, the top challenge is to further build human talent to meet future strategic goals and lead the nation on the socio-economic development track.

Oman Forum – Building National Talent, an initiative of Oman’s premier business magazine Alam al-Iktisaad Wal A’mal (AIWA), will bring together the government, private and public sector, workers’ community, academia, consultants and media on a single platform to debate on the state of education and training, youth employment policies and initiatives, identify talent gaps and challenges and create guidelines to set up the road map for the future.

To recognise the top achievers in Oman’s corporate world, Alam al-Iktisaad Wal A’mal (AIWA) has instituted Awards for Oman’s Best Performing Companies.

Alam al-Iktisaad Wal A’mal (AIWA), published by United Media Services, is Oman’s leading Arabic monthly business magazine. This year marks the second edition of the AIWA Awards after the highly successful launch in 2011.

In a red carpet awards evening, AIWA will felicitate the top performing listed companies in Oman during 2011. A networker’s dream, the event will be attended by the who’s who of Muscat corporate high life. The premium event will attract more than 250 top business leaders, CEOs and senior government officials from a cross-section of industries, ministries and government bodies.

It will witness the congregation of the key decision-makers who are driving the country’s business and economy. A high-voltage entertainment show by renowned international troupes will make the attendees cherish the evening for a long time to come.

The event will be organised under the patronage of Muscat Securities Market (MSM). Gulf Baader Capital Markets SAOC (GBCM) is the knowledge partner whereas KPMG is the audit partner for the ranking process used for the awards.

To be organised in April this year under the patronage of the Ministry of Manpower and in association with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Oman Forum – Building National Talent has been supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Civil Services, Sultan Qaboos University and The Research Council (TRC). AhliBank, Voltamp and Omran are the Strategic Partners for the prestigious forum. KPMG is the Knowledge Partner whereas Times of Oman and Al Shabiba are the Media Partners for the event.

The primary objective of the forum is to promote thought leadership by disseminating information on the subject and constructing innovative ideas for a wider participation of the Omani youth in the national building process and upliftment of the society.

(For more details on both events, contact Ahmed on 99356490.)

74 MARCH 2012

Overall 15 Top Ranking Companies will receive the coveted trophy. In addition, AIWA will also felicitate two prominent Omani nationals who have done the nation proud by excelling in the fields of business and economy. The AIWA Awards to the selected personalities will be made in two categories – AIWA Global Omani of the Year Award and AIWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, AIWA will also felicitate two companies for their immense contribution to the society and economy. They will be presented with the trophies for ‘Excellence in Corporate Leadership’.

ABOUT TOWN

timeless beauty

vroom vroom bejewelled

Mouawad, the jeweller and watchmaker with over 120 years of history, recently adorned Najwa Karam with stunning Mouawad pieces for the video for her latest track, Bas Law Ta’arif. Not only was the singer sporting a necklace and cocktail ring from the gorgeous, organically inspired Lava Collection but also provided two locations for the video shoot - the new Mouawad Boutique in Downtown Beirut Souks and Mouawad’s Grand Hills Hotel in Broummana. Simply awesome!

kids stuff

Babyshop, the popular one-stopshop for kids fashion clothing, toys and baby basics from the Landmark Group, opened its Barka branch recently. The Group also announced a generous early bird offer of free gifts for the first 100 customers. In addition, the children received balloons and sweets from Disney cartoon characters who were in attendance to entertain the shoppers, along with balloon twisters adding to the fun element. Happy shopping!

Oman’s tranquil countryside reverberated to the rumble of HarleyDavidson bikes that took part in a unique rally that promises to shine an international spotlight on the Sultanate’s distinctive appeal as an adventure tourism destination. The rally featured veteran bikers from the Frenchbased Grand Lyon Harley Davidson Club headed by its charismatic founder Jean-Marc Chapel.

Muscat Desert Adventures Tourism, a leading destination management company, organised this prestigious event in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Royal Oman Police.

Say hello to super skin.

Recognising the anti-ageing needs of women, Max Factor has launched its Ageless Elixir collection that contains the Ageless Elixir 2-in-1 Foundation and Serum that gives even, smooth coverage for flawless skin, while the Colour Elixir Lipstick hydrates, smoothens and conditions lips to give a youthful, playful appearance. A super duo, indeed! Available at Lifestyle, Centrepoint and Top Note outlets.

partners in progress

This is good news indeed. The National Bank of Oman (NBO) recently signed an agreement with the Ministry of Social Development, to finance various projects supervised by the Ministry.

NBO will finance the Ministry’s requirements for various ‘Child Centers’ supported by the Ministry, in Dhakhiliya, Dhahirah and Batinah Regions. The Bank will also support the renovation of the houses of ‘social security families, in a number of Wilayats.

This, we must say, is CSR at its best!

essence of musk

From The Body Shop comes the irresistible White Musk Libertine range that’s all set to captivate your senses.

It’s a bold new twist on musk. Featuring a heady blend of musks combined with the sweet notes of Turkish delight, baby orchid and Chantilly cream, it’s sensual, playful and utterly feminine. Available at all The Body Shop outlets.

ABOUT TOWN

super slash

It’s time to rejoice! Your international call rates just got cheaper.

Omantel has announced new reductions on international calls tariff (upto 80pc) to all countries for mobile and fixed line subscribers. The new reduced rates will enable all subscribers to make international calls at slashed peak and off-peak rates.

As per the new tariff revamp, the off-peak timing has been extended to 13 hours and starts from 6pm to 7am. Commenting on the launch, Haitham Abdullah Al Kharusi Vice-President for Consumer Unit at Omantel said, “The launch of this new international calls tariff is a result of listening to our customers and comes in-line with our efforts to provide products and services that meet the requirements of our ever growing customer base.

The new tariff reductions will enable our customers to communicate more with their families and friends overseas which is a clear reflection of Omantel vision “Together, we innovate to build a totally connected community”.

what a beauty!

Car lovers, rejoice! BMW Group Middle East has confirmed that the all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé – the first fourdoor Coupé in the history of the brand – will go on sale in the Middle East in the middle of this year. The third model in the BMW 6 Series line-up follows in the tracks of the Convertible and Coupé that launched in the region early last year, and is set to establish a new benchmark in the topclass premium segment in terms of aesthetics, emotionality and modernity. Book a test-drive, well in advance!

luxury unlimited

bag it!

Love Bags? Love life. Every day is Valentine’s Day with the My Valentine Collection from Kipling.

The gift that keeps on giving, the Kyoko L is the shoulder bag big enough to fit all your heart’s desires – plus extra baggage.

Just team the unique heart print with the limited edition Valentine Monk monkey for Kipling’s cutest couple yet! It’s time to love, honour and obey the new Makota iPad sleeve in Red Hot, with a metallic finish guaranteeing style as well as protection. What’s more, with every item wrapped in special ‘Love Bags’ packaging, you’re bound to meet your perfect match.

You’ll simply love this! Oman gets its first floating hotel, Veronica that is located at the heart of Duqm Port.

Owned and operated by DSME Oman LLC (Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Oman LLC), operators of the Oman Drydock Company (ODC), this world-class, state-of-the-art facility is poised to woo tourists and business guests alike to the Sultanate.

Veronica will be in a unique position to exclusively address the amenities and accommodation requirements of both business guests and tourists visiting the scenic wilayat. We can’t wait to get to Duqm soon!

firm support

Run, jump and stretch with ease!

For SS12, Rebook has introduced the RealFlex Train, a training shoe designed to help provide increased lateral support. The medial straps and rubber on the sole help provide stability, support and traction during left to right movement. Additional product updates include a single layer mesh upper, offering both breathability and style.

ABOUT TOWN

for mums

health is wealth

Muscat Private Hospital, Muscat’s premier private medical facility, managed by UME, proudly announced the official accreditation by the Joint Commission International (JCI).

This places Muscat Private Hospital as the very first hospital in Oman to receive such reward, in recognition of the high quality healthcare standard that Muscat Private Hospital continuously provides for its patients. Now that’s what we call high standards in healthcare!

Here’s a perfect gift for Mother’s day. Cowshed, the premium British brand introduces the region to the Maternity & Baby products, Udderly Gorgeous, the indulgent products for mother; and Baby Cow, the pure, organic products for baby can create a routine to help the bonding between mother and child from bump to baby and beyond.

There are no animal ingredients, except organic beeswax and wildflower honey and Cowshed has never and will never test on animals. Try them!

going for gold

Did you know that Oman International Bank (OIB) was a Gold Sponsor for Muscat Festival 2012?

If you don’t know already, Muscat Festival is an annual event that celebrates the cultural heritage of Oman along with neighbouring countries. At the festival, OIB had its stalls spread over the different locations to provide special services for visitors.

OIB found this event as a great opportunity to exhibit its world-class products and services to present itself as a dependable and customerfriendly bank that supports and encourages the development of the nation through various programs and activities. Good going!

honour time

It’s raining accolades for Chedi Muscat. The hotel has received two distinguished honours at the 2012 Travelers’ Choice Awards organised by the world’s largest travel website, TripAdvisor. Based on valuable reviews and opinions from millions of travellers around the globe, the Sultanate’s GHM-managed resort was selected as one of the Top 25 Relaxation & Spa Hotels and Top 25 Trendiest Hotels in the Middle East.

just for you

If you have a love for iconic sports cars and self-indulgence, here is the perfect occasion for you. Porsche Centre Oman, SATA LLC, along with hospitality partner The Chedi Muscat and The Woman, invite you to treat yourself this month. A special event for the discerning woman, the Porsche Ladies Test Drive presents you with an opportunity to experience the distinct joy of driving a Porsche and the power, precision, exceptional dynamics and high safety features from the world’s leading sports car manufacturer. Your day will conclude with a blissful and luxurious spa treatment at The Chedi Muscat. For an exclusive invite, call +968 24 492-544 / 24 492-814 or e-mail: satallc@omantel.net.om

whopper prize

BankMuscat, has sprung a big surprise, taking the total prize money of al Mazyona Savings Scheme to a whopping Rials six million with unparalleled winning chances for all segments across the Sultanate. Notably, the 2012 al Mazyona stands out as ‘my scheme’ for all individual segments as attractive prizes are earmarked for ladies, children, salaried employees and high savings balance customers in all regions. As on date, the scheme offers the biggest prize money in Oman and the region.

ABOUT TOWN

super smooth Here’s a hair epilator that’s perfect for you. The Philips SatinPerfect Epilator makes skin smooth in minutes and the effect lasts for weeks. SatinPerfect’s extra wide head and textured ceramic tweezers remove more hair in one stroke, giving you the ultimate epilation experience! Here are some of its best features: • Efficient epilation for long lasting smoothness.

• Extra wide head removes more hair in one stroke.

musical treat Music lovers can look forward to one of the biggest musical extravaganzas with NPA Events all set to organise Sunidhi Chauhan Live in Concert on March 30 at the City Amphitheatre, Qurum at 7 pm. Sunidhi Chauhan, one of the top female playback singers from India, nicknamed as the ‘Indian Glam Diva’ is known for her famous songs such as Ruki Ruki from the movie Mast, Sheila Ki Jawani (Tees Maar Khan), Desi Girl (Doastana), Mehboob Mere (Fiza), Dhoom Machale (Dhoom), Kaisi Paheli (Parineeta), Beedi Jalaayile (Omkara), Aaja Nachle (Aaja Nachle), Sajnaji Vari Vari (Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.), Dance Pe Chance (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi), Udi (Guzaarish), Tee Amo (Dam Maro Dam), among others. Sunidhi Chauhan was nominated for 12 Filmfare Awards, winning it on three occasions, including an award for a song Beedi Jalaayile from the film Omkara.

Says Ashok Suvarna, Executive Director, NPA Events, “We are organising an entertaining evening with the singing sensation Sunidhi Chauhan who will be performing live with her complete troupe at the City Amphitheatre. It will be an exciting and enjoyable treat for everyone. We have earlier organised many highly successful concerts and events in Muscat and I am sure this one too will be yet another mind-blowing presentation from NPA Events.” Have a blast, folks!

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• Textured ceramic tweezers gently remove even finest hairs.

• Active hairlifter lifts and removes even flat lying hair.

• Optimal performance cap pivots for optimal skin contact.

• Opti-light reveals even the finest hair.

• Skin stretcher primes even the shortest hair for removal.

• Speed control technique maintains the ideal epilation speed.

• Vibrating massage bar stimulates and soothes the skin.

A perfect companion for the beauty conscious fashionista!

(The Philips SatinPerfect is available at available at Mustafa Sultan Enterprises and at all major hypermarkets.)

FUN STUFF - QUOTES

Mum’s who person es a is r e h our piec f ly n o “A mot re there a ple, promptly seeing eo or five p ver did care f ie p f o ne ces she a Jordan announ v - Tenne .” ie p r fo

“I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.”

- Abraham Lincoln

“Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love.” Mildred B. Vermont

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new.” - Rajneesh “A mom’s hug lasts long after she lets go.” Author Unknown

“If you have a mom, there is nowhere you are likely to go where a prayer has not already been.” Robert Brault

“Sweater, n.: garment worn by child when its mother is feeling chilly.” Ambrose Bierce “The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness.” Honoré de Balzac

“Some mothers are kissing mothers and some are scolding mothers, but it is love just the same, and most mothers kiss and scold together.” - Pearl S. Buck

“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.” - Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty “A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when

adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavour by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” - Washington Irving

“A daughter is a mother’s gender partner, her closest ally in the family confederacy, an extension of her self. And mothers are their daughters> role model, their biological and emotional road map, the arbiter of all their relationships.”

-Victoria Secunda

STARGAZING

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Be happy. Your family life is going the way you want it to be. Try and accommodate short trips into your busy schedule, these escapades are fun. On the flipside, you will have to deal with your insecurities. Work your way around them by coming up with your own solutions.

Friction with friends may be a point of concern in March as you look at different ways of not getting into arguments. If they do crop up, try and keep your cool.

There’s no sense in doing or saying something you may regret later. At work, a promotion is on the cards. You’ll realise it’s well worth the wait.

Relationships may not always work out the way you want them to be. If you are accused of something you are not even aware of, keep your cool. Instead of blowing your top, be firm and let people know that they cannot use you.

Once the message goes across, they will learn to behave.

Money makes the world go around. And it will for you this month. Unexpected returns on investments will add a sizeable sum to your bank balance. But that does not mean you go overboard on the spending. Be cautious and save for a rainy day as well.

It’s time you learnt to say no. It’s better to do a few things well than a bunch of things shoddily. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t take anything more. Much is happening in your career front this month. Taking a reality check from time to time will help you understand yourself.

It’s a month of challenges and it’s your strength, courage and determination that will help you move forward. Don’t take them as stumbling blocks but rather as lessons on the road of life. The one happy lining is that your family will be with you through thick and thin. Revel in the togetherness life offers you.

It’s time for you to go through a complete makeover. Go for a vacation, pamper yourself and get rejuvenated throughout the month. It’s sometimes good to indulge yourself. Work-wise too your career looks great. Be happy from within and it will reflect on the outside.

It’s vacation time! Pack those bags and head to places where spring is in ‘full bloom’. Go someplace exotic and pamper yourself. It’s also a time for rumination as to where your life is heading. Expect those answers to come from someone close to you..

It’s time to make a number of decisions regarding where your work life is going.

Do you want to stick on to a boring and monotonous routine? Or do you want to take the risk and do ‘your own thing’.

Dwell deep and you will find the answers.

If you are afraid, listen to your heart. Most of the time, it shows you the right way.

This month just slow down and take it easy. A part of you will want to go all out and the other part will want to stay and be still. It’s a tough call so don’t go overboard on anything – your job, your family or friends. Avoid an argument with a sibling. Pay attention to what your body is telling you.

Money and health are major issues you may have to confront this month.

Any niggling pains you have should be shown to the doctor immediately.

Timely intervention means timely cure.

A lot of unexpected expenses may throw you off gear. So tread cautiously on the financial front.

It’s D-I-Y time as you will be busy with many ‘home improvement plans’. This will keep those creative energies up. And when the compliments come your way, you’ll understand that life’s not all about the workplace and doing something you like should also be on the list of priorities.

Happiness does come in different ways!

What the stars foretell...

80 MARCH 2012