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Issue 91, August 2014
Family Attitude Class Entertainment Success
Chairman & Editor-in-Chief / Mohammed Issa Al Zedjali Chief Executive Officer / Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali Business Director / Sophia Raman Editorial Consultant / Suzy Fontes Art Director / Pushpender K. Sharma Head of Advertising & Marketing / Aziz K. Baker Advertising / Avril D’souza Operations / M.V.V. Sagar
Published By / Muscat Press & Publishing House (SAOC) PB 770, PC 112, Ruwi, Oman Tel: +968 24 811953 . Fax: +968 24 813153 Printed At / Ruwi Modern Printers LLC Tel: +968 24798157 / 24794167
Contact
Editor’s Note A
ll of us, at some time in our lives or the other, have either posed the question – What do you want to be when you grow up - or provided our cute little versions of our future, depending on, of course, our ages. The question itself may be one of the tritest ever to surface, but it brings to fore a myriad dreams and pleasant emotions associated with the distant future. There is an element of magic about it; as if it shares a connect with all the ‘once upon a time’ fairy tales that invariably end with ‘and they lived happily ever after.’ While our August issue is focused on kids and the games they play, literally, our cover story follows the lives of three young Omanis who turned their childhood dreams into reality. They & Naturere: knew what they wanted to be when they Nurtung Your ci grew bigger and knew just how to grab Influen sonality Per Child’s their fistful of stars to make a success of their dreams. Their inspiring stories pack a lesson lity persona the How your result of up is the genetic and shapes or two in confidence and determination. een s on betw interacti onmental factor envir In our other pages, read about Oman’s foray Y into the world of Futsal, the fascinating options for diving in the country and Jenni Eden’s artist, life coach and author – success mantra, among a host of other regular features.
ING ly SPEAK Relative
Founder / Essa Bin Mohammed Al Zedjali
Happy reading!
Telephone +968 24563382/24563385 Fascimile +968 24566014 Email - Editorial editor@facesoman.com Email - Sales sales@facesoman.com Website www.facesoman.com
2014 August
RIP Robin Williams In death, as in life, Robin Williams has left his fans choked with emotions 36
O
n August 11, Hollywood lost its iconic comic genius ius Robin Williams.
As news of his death spread around the world through television ans were shaken channels and the social media, his shocked fans further by reports that the death was due to an apparent nt suicide; he was suffering from severe depression. How could somebody who had so much laughter to share, be depressed…? That he was depressed was a fact that Williams himself had hinted on several occasions, but fans, most of who are ignorant of the workings of this much maligned mental health problem, would not have taken these admissions seriously. After all, who doesn’t feel sad once in a while? That feeling sad and going through depression are two different things is what many would not have fathomed. But, strangely, Williams’ death has helped shed light on this ailment with experts pointing out the symptomatic signs and stressing that it is a disease afflicting many, often fatally. While fans are coming to grips about the death and the emotional upheavals he struggled all through his career, his quotable quote – ‘In America they really do mythologise people when they die’ – has, apparently, come true. Eulogies are, of course, inevitable when the deceased is a person of such fame; but Williams’ has, in his death, brought ‘depression’ out from the woodworks, and spiralled a wave of worldwide discussion on the subject, which, at best, can be best described as a serious scourge of emotional health. But was his ‘table ready’? For he was once quoted to have said – ‘Death is nature’s way of saying ‘Your table is ready’.’ Suicide, in his case, was depression’s way of saying, ‘No time to set the table…’ His legacy of acting prowess and comic genius, of course, continues. ‘You are only given a little spark of madness, and if you lose that, you are nothing,’ he’d said; but he had more than a little spark of madness to share. His successful career is liberally peppered with blockbuster films, which have given his fans so much laughter and fun. Born Robin McLaurin Williams, on July 21, 1951, Williams’, started his career as a stand-up comedian in the mid 1970s. It was as Mork in the television series
‘Mork & Mindy’ that he savoured fame and went on to find his place in the world of entertainment as a stand-up comedian and film actor. His film career incudes such hits as ‘Popeye’, ‘The World According to Garp’, ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’, ‘Dead Poets Society’, ‘Awakenings’, ‘The Fisher King’, ‘Good Will Hunting’, ‘Hook’, ‘Aladdin’, ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’, ‘Jumanji’, ‘The Birdcage’, ‘Night At The Museum’, and ‘Happy Feet’. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor three times and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in ‘Good Will Hunting’. He received two Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and five Grammy Awards. Known for his quick repartee, many of his off-the-cuff remarks have become quotable quotes. However, it is the serious stuff that highlights the genius in him: ‘No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world’. It will…
Augus August A Au ugust ug gust gus g gu ust u sstt 2014 201 2 20 014
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Copyright 2014 FACES / All material published remains the copyright of FACES. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. FACES cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other material.
Contents In This Issue FACES Features 16 Cover Story
Mohammed Al Kindy, Marwa Al Bahrani and Mohammed Al Jahdhamy share their childhood dreams and their success stories
22 In Conversation Artist, life coach and author, Jenni Eden, talks about her success quotient and her upcoming ‘Awakening…’ project
24 In The Spotlight Presenting the Samba Futsal Centre, which has taken the joys of playing football to an all new level
FACES Foodie 26 Feast on
Al Sabla at the Sifawy Boutique Hotel mesmerises with its lingering allure of warmth, relaxation and irresistible flavours
29 Healthy Bites It is not about what you eat but how much you eat, says Anu Bahl, Dietician and Clinical Nutritionist
FACES Health 30 Health Check
Find out how you can create a heart healthy environment within and outside your home
32 Health Tidings Health tid-bits from around the world
FACES Style
38 In The Luxe
As your little ones get on the annual backto-school bandgwagon, check out some of the premium schools around the world
42 Look Good Find out the right age for young girls/boys to start using beauty or cosmetic products
44 Style File
Picture-spread of chic new summer collection for children from R&B & AW’14 from Mango
40 Take A Spin
Koleos from Renault is a bewitching crossover, which lives by its characteristic traits as an exceptional SUV
FACES Elements 34 Man Date
Focus on depression among men and the dangers of bottling up emotions
36 Relatively Speaking Interaction between genetic and environmental factors in personality development
52 At Home
Simple tips to make sure your children’s rooms grow right along with them
FACES Special
54 Children’s Special
A quick peek into the world of children’s apps, gadgets and gaming consoles
FACES Travel 48 Just Travel
Presenting a choice of theme park holidays to consider during the October Eid holidays
50 Explore Oman
The new tourism season is all but waiting to happen, urging adventure seekers to dive underwater and discover Oman’s amazing diving options
FACES Razzmatazz 10 Star Light
In death, as in life, Robin Williams has left his fans choked with emotions
12 Razzle Dazzle
Latest celebrity gossip from the world of Hollywood
14 Tittle Tattle
Heard through the grapevine...
FACES Digest
64 Movies & Books
Reviews of upcoming movies and books
67 Gadget Notes
Roundup of new gadgets in the market
‘Dar Al Herafiya’ Opens In MGM
S
hoppers patronising Muscat Grand Mall have a new handicrafts avenue to frequent. ‘Dar Al Herafiya’ is a handicraft and small business initiative, which is sponsored and supported by OCCI’s ‘Manafeth’ programme. It aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises to start their own retail outlets in shopping malls. The Dar Al Herafiya store specialises in production, sale and promotion of traditional Omani handicrafts that are made by Omani craftsmen. The products available at Dar Al Herafiya range from silver ware, table sets, Omani Khanjar, woodworks, leather goods, clothes and dates to frankincense containers, potteries and decorative artefacts, among others.
‘Tour Oman’ With Smartphone Application
Au August ugu g st s 2 2014 01 14
Information pertaining to Oman’s vast touristic services and facilities is now at your fingertips, following the launch of the ‘Tour Oman’ application by the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Developed as part of the NCSI’s plan to provide spatial services, the application gives access to information backed with geographical locations to citizens as well as visitors to the Sultanate. The app currently covers tourist, historic and archaeological sites; it includes information backed with the geographical location of natural tourist attractions like water springs, wadis and seasonal and permanent waterfalls. In addition, the app also provides information about museums, hotels, restaurants, parks, shopping, entertainment and recreational centres as well as complete background information about hospitals, schools, banks, ministries and other governmental bodies. Although at present it mostly covers the Dhofar Governorate, the application will eventually cover other areas of the Sultanate. Users are free to download this application from the Apple Store and Google Play Store on to their smartphones.
6
E
Nicole Saba & Salman Khan Are ‘Splash’ Brand Ambassadors Arab singer and actress Nicole Saba and Bollywood’s popular cine star, Salman Khan, have been roped in by Splash, the high street retailer, as brand ambassadors to launch its new campaign for the Middle East. The strategic announcement comes at a time when the brand is celebrating ‘In Love with Fashion’. The two celebrities will together be seen promoting the entire lineup of Splash clothing and accessories, across various platforms of the brand and will be seen interacting with the wide audience that Splash caters to. For promoting the brand endorsement, Splash will release a 30 second fashion film featuring both stars in various looks and moods along with a variety of print and online campaigns.
Pizza Hut’s Double Box Offer
xperience twice the taste with double the delight from Pizza Hut’s Double Box Offer, which also include free movie access on icflix.com. The offer, which will run until October 13, includes two large Pizza Mia hand-stretched pizzas and one Pepsi (2.25 litre) pet bottle at a price of RO 8.900 (plus taxes). Besides, buyers ordering a Double Box will get a unique nine-digit code from icflix.com that gives them free access to hundreds of movies, TV shows and other content in Arabic, English and Hindi for 24 hours. Customers can choose any two of the flavours of Pizza Mia – Super Supreme, Hawaiian, Spicy Hot, Pepperoni, Garden Fresh, Exotica, Hot ‘n’ Sweet, Chicken Fajita, Prawn, Seafood Island, and Margherita.
Ballon Blanc de Cartier At Khimji’s Watches Kh
F
Summer celebration at City Centre Malls
M
ake the most of this summer at City Centre Muscat and City Centre Qurum. The two shopping and lifestyle destinations are marking the completion of their redevelopment and openings of VOX Cinemas and Magic Planet with a summer festival from now until September 30th. Visitors to City Centre malls can expect children’s entertainment and chances to win daily instant prizes, plus a Grand Prize of a new Audi Q5, with any OMR 20 purchase at City Centre Muscat or City Centre Qurum. In addition, any spend of OMR 20 at Magic Planet, VOX Cinemas or Carrefour will get shoppers Instant Scratch Card for the chance to win immediate prizes from these outlets, in addition to entering the Grand Prize draw!
a ashionistas in the capital can treat themselves to th the creative genius of the Ballon Blanc de Cartier, w which is now available at Khimji’s Watches. Delicate curves of the watch perfectly embody and accentuate the lifesty of today’s discerning woman. Made as a dressy lifestyle watc the Ballon Blanc de Cartier comes in two sizes watch, – a petite version with a case diameter of 24mm, a n d a mid-sized model with a case diameter of 30 30mm. Both sizes are available in 18kt rose go and 18kt rhodium finished white gold. gold, Th The flinqué mother-of-pearl dial appears to float above five rows of delicately p paved and smooth bubbles. The piece is set off by the sparkle of a striking, ssolitaire diamond nestled into the cu curve of the dial. The jewellery and w watch making secrets of the Maison co come together in the airy, graceful Ba Ballon Blanc de Cartier watch.
Bangle Festival At Malabar Gold & Diamonds It is raining bangles at Malabar Gold & Diamonds, which launched its Bangle Festival, earlier this month, with more than 250 designs on display. The main attraction of this festival, which will run until September 27 at all Malabar Gold & Diamonds outlets - is the unveiling of over 250 designs of bangles from India, Pakistan, Bahrain, Turkey, Italy, Malaysia and Singapore, in gold and diamonds, ranging from lightweight daily wear to heavy party wear in traditional as well as contemporary designs. The collection of bangles include Era Uncut diamond jewellery – grand designs in uncut, natural diamonds; Mine - an exclusive range of jewellery created for diamond lovers; Precia – a collection for those with an eye for precious stones, beyond diamonds; Divine – a collection of traditional Indian designs; Ethnix – a range of exclusive designer pieces; and Starlet - a selection of little trinkets. The Festival will also have on offer 8gm gold coins without making charges.
Summer Indulgence at Barr Al Jissah
August 2014
W
8
ith the weather tweaking the temperatures to meet the oncoming tourist season, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa has a special offer for Omanis and local residents. The Resort has floated special seasonal rates that will run until the end of September. Starting from 75 rials, nett per night, at Al Waha hotel, in a Superior room for two persons inclusive of breakfast, guests can experience a world of luxury and refinement amidst the resort’s pristine beaches, majestic mountainous surroundings and extensive leisure facilities. The leisure facilities include the 500 metre long Lazy River, SplashPad aquatic fun venue, Adventure Zone for families and children, Omani Heritage Village and the GameZ entertainment facility.
RIP Robin Williams In death, as in life, Robin Williams has left his fans choked with emotions
O
Augu Au August gust st 2 2014 014 01
n August 11, Hollywood lost its iconic comic genius ius Robin Williams. As news of his death spread around the world through television ans were shaken channels and the social media, his shocked fans nt suicide; he was further by reports that the death was due to an apparent suffering from severe depression. How could somebody who had so much laughter to share, be depressed…? That he was depressed was a fact that Williams himself had hinted on several occasions, but fans, most of who are ignorant of the workings of this much maligned mental health problem, would not have taken these admissions seriously. After all, who doesn’t feel sad once in a while? That feeling sad and going through depression are two different things is what many would not have fathomed. But, strangely, Williams’ death has helped shed light on this ailment with experts pointing out the symptomatic signs and stressing that it is a disease afflicting many, often fatally. While fans are coming to grips about the death and the emotional upheavals he struggled all through his career, his quotable quote – ‘In America they really do mythologise people when they die’ – has, apparently, come true. Eulogies are, of course, inevitable when the deceased is a person of such fame; but Williams’ has, in his death, brought ‘depression’ out from the woodworks, and spiralled a wave of worldwide discussion on the subject, which, at best, can be best described as a serious scourge of emotional health. But was his ‘table ready’? For he was once quoted to have said – ‘Death is nature’s way of saying ‘Your table is ready’.’ Suicide, in his case, was depression’s way of saying, ‘No time to set the table…’ His legacy of acting prowess and comic genius, of course, continues. ‘You are only given a little spark of madness, and if you lose that, you are nothing,’ he’d said; but he had more than a little spark of madness to share. His successful career is liberally peppered with blockbuster films, which have given his fans so much laughter and fun. Born Robin McLaurin Williams, on July 21, 1951, Williams’, started his career as a stand-up comedian in the mid 1970s. It was as Mork in the television series
10 10
‘Mork & Mindy’ that he savoured fame and went on to find his place in the world of entertainment as a stand-up comedian and film actor. His film career incudes such hits as ‘Popeye’, ‘The World According to Garp’, ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’, ‘Dead Poets Society’, ‘Awakenings’, ‘The Fisher King’, ‘Good Will Hunting’, ‘Hook’, ‘Aladdin’, ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’, ‘Jumanji’, ‘The Birdcage’, ‘Night At The Museum’, and ‘Happy Feet’. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor three times and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in ‘Good Will Hunting’. He received two Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and five Grammy Awards. Known for his quick repartee, many of his off-the-cuff remarks have become quotable quotes. However, it is the serious stuff that highlights the genius in him: ‘No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world’. It will…
Katy Perry’s educational woes North West models at 14 months
K
im Kardashian and Kanye West’s daughter, North West, is following in her parent’s footsteps. The 1-year-old made her modeling debut in the fall issue of CR Fashion Book, which had this on the cover: ‘North West. The Future. It’s never too early to care about fashion!’ She is wearing a Chanel brooch and bag along with her Lorraine Schwartz diamond studs. Talking about her daughter’s modeling debut, Kim said, “Every time there is a camera out and paparazzi … she does this either mean g y Kanye y face or a p angry pose. She’ll then the be cracking up and second the camera comes on, she strikes the pose.”
‘I didn’t have a great education,’ revealed Katy Perry, recently, as she spoke about her childhood and how she wished that she had a better education growing up. ‘I was being pulled out of school even in the middle of school and sometimes being home schooled,’ she said in an interview. The singer confessed that she dropped out of high school and earned her GED so she could pursue a career in music. But she still misses real school. “I’m kind of bummed at this stage that I didn’t have a great education because I could really use y , she said. that these days”,
Nelly Karim to judge ‘So You Think You Can Dance?’
W
hether Nelly Karim can dance or not, she certainly will judge those auditioning on the MBC TV dance competition! The Egyptian actress has taken up MBC’s offer and agreed to sit on the judging committee of the new talent show, which is scheduled to be filmed in Beirut. Following her appearance as ‘Ghalia’ in the successful Ramadan TV drama ‘Sijn Al Nisa’a’ (Women’s Prison), she’s been in demand by directors and TV stations all over the Arab world.
Christina Aguilera’s Summer Rain
‘One Direction’ to split?
C
August 2014
hristina Aguilera and fiancé Matt Rutler have named their daughter Summer Rain; she is Summer Rain Rutler. The singer tweeted earlier this month: ‘So proud to welcome our beautiful daughter Summer Rain Rutler into the world.’
12
A
ccording to Simon Cowell of ‘The X Factor’, ‘One Direction’ - formed at the TV talent show in 2010 - will break up eventually to pursue solo careers. He was, in fact, the mastermind behind the hugely successful boy band after putting them together on ‘The X Factor’ UK in 2010, and he has admitted that while he thinks they will make two more albums as a group, their future isn’t certain after those records have been released. He told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: “Bands don’t stay together forever.” He, however, dismissed the idea that Harry Styles would be quitting the band this year to pursue his own career.
Tittle
a
“I’m not a very interesting celebrity, not v very much happens to me. I don’t do do stuff that’s interesting. Id do my work and I don’t create many stories, so they have to make storie stories out of the very boring things that I say.” - Daniel Da Radcliffe reveals that he didn’t think his acting was very good in the thi sixth Harry Potter movie.
“Brian doesn’t get any intimacy whatsoever. My two-year-old son sleeps in bed with us..” - Megan Fox admits that she and her husband band Brian Austin Green can’t make time for intimacy right now.
August 2014
“Getting married at 28. Most people probably think I regret it because I ended up getting divorced, but it helped me learn that sometimes I think I know more than I actually do.”
14
- Usher describes his marriage to Tameka Foster as his ‘best mistake’.
“I’m the smartest celebrity you’ve ever dealt with. I’m not Britney Spears.”
-Kanye West takes a dig at Britney Spears during his deposition, claiming he is cleverer than Britney.
“Agents have put me under pressure to lose weight in the past. I would go on set and clients loved me. And then I would go into an agency and feel like crap about myself. They would say, ‘Just lose five more [pounds]!’ But I couldn’t care... I still don’t” - Kate Upton declares that she doesn’t d really care about the backlash she s is facing from people in the industry indu over her weight.
“What’s happened is my kids have reached the age where I feel comfortable to date. I didn’t want to date when they were little. Who needs a bunch of people running in and out of their lives? dating. Now I feel comfortable c available for dating.” ...I am ava
“Motherhood is the greatest gift. When I became a mother, my life completely changed. I didn’t know how much love I had in me. It’s overwhelming. Every day I discover more about this spectacular human being I get to be the mother of” - Katie Holmes says she is overwhelmed by motherhood and taking care of her daughter Suri Cruise, from her marriage to Tom Holmes.
“Unfortunately there’s a genetic component to addiction and Indio has likely inherited it. Also, there is a lot of family support and understanding, and we’re all determined to rally behind him and help him become the man he’s capable of being” - Robert Downey Jr. believes his son Indio may have inherited his addiction and has pledged to help him overcome his issues.
August 2014
- Sharon Stone reveals r that she is happy to bring a new man into her life, now that her c children are older.
15
cover STORY
Soaring on the wings of childhood dreams It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.’ – Paulo Coelho (Alchemist)
I
f you have grown up singing ‘Que sera, sera…whatever will be, will be…’ you may have found the idea of fate taking over your life and the prospect of future not ‘being yours to see’, at odds with your childhood dreams. Apparently, the intent of the song is to make you realise that the best way forward is to accept what fate has dished out. But what about your dreams…? What about those cute childhood replies to the oft-repeated question: ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ As a child, your replies to that trite query may have ranged from the quaint to the sublime or even weird…but if you did believe in any one of the choices and followed it through during your adolescence, strengthening it with every step that you took, you are in the league of those who have learnt to soar on the wings of their childhood dreams. Like Mohammed Al Kindy, Marwa Al Bahrani and Mohammed Al Jahdhamy, whose successes we have been captured in these pages to celebrate the importance of chasing dreams with passion, positivity and oodles of confidence. Brace yourself to be overwhelmed by the power of childhood dreams…
Mohammed Al Jahdhamy
August A Au ugu gust st 2 2014 014 01
Mohammed Al Kindy
16 1 6
Marwa Al Bahrani
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Mohammed Al Kindy: Living A Dream 22-year old visual artist Mohammed Al Kindy, who whizzed into the fashion scene a couple of years ago with his Chndy Clothing, says he still has miles to go and promises to keep
H
aving made a career out of his dreams and having realised where his potentials lay, he is poised to savour international success with his skills and his confident attitude. It was his childhood fascination for art that helped mould his interests and shape his present. He soon gained mastery over his skills and learnt ways to combine different artistic media to create the pe persona of a visual artist. “Th term visual artist represents everything I do,” he states, “The pointi pointing out that his creative forces and artwork – on T-shirts, as a fashion designer, or on canvas, as an artist – exemplifies the tag. He was only 15-years old when he started drawing cartoons and illustrating prin and printing them - sometimes on T-shirts. This led to his fascination with the camera and the photographer in him emerged, learning the nua nuances of light and subtleties of form, to establish himself as a profess professional. w an unquenchable thirst for creativity, he was not content Born with ph with photography and soon found himself getting into videography. And in between all this, he made time for street art, a passion that he has nurtured and fulfilled, without vandalising any open space.
August 2014
How did it all come about…
18
It wa was during the school days, when exams ruled the days.... He recalls that there were exams every week, but no art classes. “I would finish my exam a and since we had to stay in the exam h hall, I paper ” he h remembers. He also would sit and draw on the paper,” pas i for doodling on his high school book gave vent to his passion covers and his desk. From there he started learning programmes like Photoshop, and soon was a part of his school’s creative team, helping in designing the year book, among others. Gradually he moved on to printing artworks on T-shirts and earned recognition as ‘Mohammed the guy, who prints on shirts’. Interestingly, he had no art background when he graduated from high school. “I’d never met an artist in my life… My dad and my sister are doctors and I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do,” he states candidly. He zeroed on studying Urban Planning, but his dreams led him to take up graphic designing, which he had already started dabbling in. His popularity soon grew with Instagram, where he has about 6000 followers. “I’d made a name for myself where people would call me for photography or a company would call me to do their logo…and every now and then I would sell shirts,” he explains. This was the time he established ‘Chndy Clothing’, which was like a dream, he adds. But his dream was bigger than clothes. “Chndy is more of a lifestyle,” he states. A year ago he decided to do a soft launch of his product and printed around 300 shirts. The success was instant; “Every time I printed 100 shirts it got sold out in less than 48 hours, and I
Plans for the future…
“I am technically focusing on Chndy Clothing as a lifestyle - a lifestyle of a young artist or an entrepreneur,” says Mohammed, who is popularly called Ch(i) ndy. He is also intent on creating novelties that can turn into collector’s items and is focused on making stickers and giving his passion for street art/culture a shape. Towards this end, he has made stickers, like the one he has done along the lines of Chips Oman. He has also created a cartoon of an Omani character and called it ‘Look for Khalfan’. 300 of these stickers have been printed and people are sticking them around and sending him photographs of it from around the world.
Challenges…
The biggest challenge of all, he opines, is finding acceptance. Art is still not seen as a career and few people believe art has the potential of becoming a career. “When I tell someone I am an artist, they are like, ‘ok, so what else are you doing for a livelihood?’ People still feel that art can only be a hobby. I want to show
people that you can make a living. You just need to know how to market yourself and make money out of it,” he asserts.
Message for the youth…
Believe in yourself and accept constructive criticism, are his pillars of advice. “People are not ready to do mistakes and they are not ready to learn. They have huge dreams but are not going forward because they can’t take criticism… It is important to focus on your goals, seek knowledge and recognise opportunities,” he maintains. What is also important, he says, is to gain confidence and learn the market, so as to price the product right and make a living out of it. “Three years ago, I would shoot an entire event and be happy with only 20 rials, not realising where my potentials lay. You need to learn to price. When you have no confidence you feel shy to price; you need to know what you are worth. Believe in yourself. You are more than what you think you are,” he reiterates.
cover STORY
noticed that people were ready to buy,” he states, explaining that it encouraged him to create new artworks, instead of relying on the ones he had done earlier. This success wasn’t a mere fluke, as he found success every time; it also led to a collaboration with a major brand from Saudi Arabia. His shirts are still on display at the boutique in Riyadh and the collaboration has helped him sell his artwork at a gallery show called ‘Loud Art’.
( Mohammed Al Kindy can be contacted on mkindy91@gmail.com; Instagram: @chndy_ )
Marwa’s ‘Marbelous’ Venture When Marwa’s orientation for art turned into a brand, one that captured the attention of savvy art aficionados and even casual shoppers, she knew she had arrived
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4 year-old Marwa Al Bahrani started young. It was her fancy for drawing and painting that shaped the inception of her brand ‘Marbelous’, which is a presentation of her artistic and graphic skills in creating stationary products, alongside customised items like caps. So far, since the launch of her brand, she has produced mobile phone covers, along with iPads, which are currently available for sale at Vivid Boutique. “My next plan is to produce stickers that feature my artwork along with notebooks, as part of my next release of stationary products,” she states.
Positive feedback from family and friends to her graphic designs, drawings and paintings acted as an initial boost. It led her to find ways to get them printed, instead of simply storing them in sketchbooks, and soon the idea of making phone covers and iPad covers emerged. “I collected my topmost favourite artworks and designed them into phone and iPad covers and then released my first collection,” she recalls.
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How did it all come about…
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cover STORY
Around this time, she also dabbled in fabric art to fill her free time and turned that piece into a winner. “I painted one cap and posted it on my Instagram; I was certain it would turn out to be a customised business and I would be in demand,” she adds, confidently. Marwa’s interests to draw and paint began at a very young age and blossomed with the support from her mother who kept encouraging her to attend one art class after another. Following her schooling, she studied graphic design at the Scientific College of Design. As she points out, “The passion for drawing, sketching and designing keeps growing every single day, as I keep on practicing and finding more inspiration to fuel my passion.” It is this passion that propels her to check out the work of different artists via websites such as deviantart, behance, etc., alongside local artists and designers. Her objective is to “observe how they utilise their skills and do not let their hobbies remain hobbies, but rather bring out their entrepreneurship to turn their passion into a business as well,” she states. This observation helped her wonder why she could not utilise the skills she is gifted with and see them printed in different media...
Challenges…
One of her main challenges was finding supplies and materials to execute her ideas. She would scour outlets within the country and even outside (online shopping) in order to print and produce her artwork. “It is very important for me to provide quality in my work, as I aim to create a complete branding, and the challenge I had to face while ordering from outside the country was about the quality,” she points out.
Plans for the future…
“My future plan is to travel more often and to seek out suppliers by checking the materials and availability of better choices,” she says, adding that she also intends to keep expanding and producing more products, in addition to what she already has. She is optimistic and is looking forward to the day where she will be able to produce a whole set of stationary products and market the brand, not only in Oman but outside it as well. Currently, she is relying on social media to market and spread awareness about her brand.
Message for the youth…
“Go ahead with what YOU want to do and not what your parents want you to… At the end of the day, the passion has to come from within, and that passion arises from what you love doing!” is her advice. (Find Marwa on Instagram @marbelousb)
MJ Store: Gifting Dreams Mohammed Al Jahdhamy, Owner and Creative Director of MJ Store, has, in a short span of time, found a niche in the art circuit to create a brand that connects with buyers
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strong desire to excel and a keen understanding of the market has helped 23-year old Mohammed Al Jahdhamy create a brand that is fast gaining recognition. It is his belief in the importance of choosing the right path and loving what one is doing that has helped pave his success in a short span of time. To emphasise this belief, he quotes Steve Jobs: ‘The only way to do great work is to love what you do.’ His MJ Store, which is based in Muscat, provides readymade and custom-designed
products, ranging from special phone covers and mugs to unique notebooks. Explaining further, he says, “Every item can be personalised with, for example, your name or words or even a quote. We also produce readymade designs with inspiring quotes and we cater for custom-orders, whereby each item that leaves our studio is unique in its genre. Usually such order may take from 7 to 10 days.” It all started, he says, when he designed three phone covers and posted them on Instagram. “People loved them and suggested that I provide my services by taking orders and selling the phone covers. Thus it began...” he quips. Soon he started gaining popularity and more people followed him on Instagram. “I realised that I could very well have my own store… When people started showing their appreciation and support to the products I provided, I realised that this is the way forward. The support from customers made me realise that I am indeed providing unique products. Thus the brand gained ground and is becoming popular, thanks to the social app, Instagram,” he notes. He attributes his success to his faith in Allah and a determination that everything is possible. Talking about his success mantra, he says, “I always think and act in a positive manner. The secret is that I never stopped. I kept pushing and working even more hard when I faced challenges. We never know we are strong until being strong is the only choice we have, right? Well, that was the case for me. I took risks and grabbed chances. I learnt that even when there’s no opportunity knocking the door, I might just make one.” It was his interest in design and illustrations, from childhood, that encouraged him to explore and use different computer software to put his passion to practice. He is a student of Software Engineering at Higher College of Technology and design is not something that he learnt academically. “It is rather something innate, through which I learnt to express myself to the world, ever since I was a child,” he states, pointing out that he has never invested in courses or exams to assess his ability to design. Admitting that he did spend long hours digging websites that provide tutorials, he says the key behind it was his belief that innovation is the key. He also gained experience working as a graphic designer in a few local firms.
Challenges…
One of the first challenges he faced was finding a quality printing press to print his designs, according to his brand standards. “The second challenge was to find an actual physical place where I could display and promote my products and services. Thankfully, Karima Farid, of Karam Muscat, a talent support platform, helped me find a stationery outlet called Stationery Hut where I have put my products, which has also become the place where customers collect their orders.”
Plans for the future…
On the agenda is his plan to ensure that his products and brand earn more recognition. He is also envisaging new products and participating in events and exhibitions. “I wish to collaborate further with different boutiques across Oman and even beyond in order to gain popularity. In short, I want to make MJ Store grow bigger and brighter,” he says.
Message for the youth…
Follow your heart’s desire, is his foremost advice. “Each soul and talent is unique. Students should ask themselves whether they would really excel in the chosen career. Last but not the least, everyone should know that there is nothing impossible. If you can dream it, you can definitely achieve it,” he maintains. (Find Marwa on Instagram: mjoman)
Aishelaqtta Blog Updates WHAT’S HAPPENING? WELL HERE ARE A FEW HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LATEST BUZZ AROUND TOWN, WHICH WERE FEATURED IN THE BLOG (THERE MIGHT BE MORE SO LOOK UP THE BLOG). The summer season is coming to an end and with it Ramadan and the Eid celebrations. Must say that it was a busy time, not only with social activities, but the general atmosphere e that comes with having more than one ne holiday and occasion. I hope that you’re re all prepared for the ‘Back to School’ period l’ i d and d have h set your kids’ sleeping habits back to early bedtime. Around town there were Ramadan incentives, which enhanced the sense of community and charity during the Holy Month. There were exclusive Eid promotions and offers from the various hotels in town. On the social media scene for Aishelaqtta, this month we introduced a competition within the Aishelaqtta blog and Instagram account, where page visitors where to show off their artistic skills using any medium of choice. The concept was to represent Aishelaqtta or the logo colours based on their individual expressions. What was the reward? Exposure! That’s really what Aishelaqtta is all about: showcasing new and upcoming talent to the local community. With a total outreach of more than 10,238.2 across all Aishelaqtta social media platforms, can you image the outreach potential? It’s still ongoing, so why not try your hand and get creative? Just email me the design work, or post it to your Instagram account with hash tag #aishelaqtta_ design to have your work reviewed by a panel of well know local artists, who are also social media activists within their fields. If you’re still interested for a last burst of summer activities, then stay posted on the Aishelaqtta blog and Instagram account, where I have recently posted various events that would be running for August. There is no excuse not to be up-todate with all local events and more happenings. No reason you should be bored in Muscat. Get out and have some fun. There will surely be a lot of others doing the same thing!
August 2014
How did it all come about…
Visit: D. Al-Riyami’s blog at: http: //aishelaqtta.blogspot.com/ Instagram: @aishelaqtta, E-mail: aishelaqtta@gmail.com
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in CONVERSATION August 2014
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Jenni Eden’s
creative indulgence Artist, life coach and author, Jenni Eden, talks about her success quotient and her upcoming ‘Awakening…’ project “I do what I love and I love what I do…” That’s the dictum Jenni Eden lives by, having explored her vast potentials for painting and creative arts and having utilised various fora to present her ingenuity. As she continues to inspire people with her creative genius, she is already on a new project - ‘The Awakening Dance’, production of which is already underway. Her work, she says, “is all about inspiring people to look at their lives and make necessary changes in order to live more purposeful and passionate lives.” Interestingly, when she came to Oman in 2003, she had not painted for 14 years on canvas! But something about the country triggered her passion and she started painting, which led to her, writing and writing to life coaching. “…Everything has been linked, and it has been an incredible transforming journey,” asserts Jenni, who lives in Oman with
her husband and teenage daughter. While her husband is supportive of her creative journey and has helped facilitate her activities, her daughter, who is still at school, is walking on her creative path and equipping herself with the requisite skills. She shares a very special bond with Oman. Having found her inspiration here, she says it has been a very transforming and a spiritual journey. However, coming to Muscat from UK was very daunting, she notes. “Initially I had to Google it on the map, as I had not heard of Oman before. I did not know what to expect…but I was pleasantly surprised,” she adds, pointing out that it was, nevertheless, hard to be an independent woman with a job as a fully qualified, primary school teacher. And, invariably, she found herself in a community where she was ‘the wife of…’ “I felt devalued and lost initially, which led to depression - but this ultimately led to my Planting Positivity workshops, as a way to help me and others cope with transitions/changes,” she explains. As a life coach now, she is able to individualise all of the skills she wishes to share and help people get the best out of their lives. The challenge lies, she says, in reminding herself to remain neutral and not become emotionally
engaged. “For both life coaching and my ‘HotyogaFlow’, the challenge is about helping and pushing people to improve and come out of their ‘comfort zone’, enough to grow without being too bossy,” she states. Her upcoming ‘The Awakening Dance’ venture has been planned as a fulllength animation, travelling all over the world, before becoming a live human performance at Royal Opera house… She is currently working with the iFactory team to create the animation, which is expected to be complete next summer. Also on the agenda is the setting up of ‘ArtsSpa’, a positive empowerment centre that will help unleash participants’ creativity while encouraging them to creatively think about the purpose and passion of life. Her dream is to offer six-day transformational retreats that will include the planting positivity course, HotYogaFlow, ArtsSpa and ‘openwalls’ activities.
in CONVERSATION
The home I grew up in... Was noisy, chaotic, creative and challenging! When I was a child I wanted to... Paint, sing, dance or act - I now do all of this in some form or other. The moment that changed me forever... 2006! Realising that the voice in my head was the voice of God and that it had been with me, guiding me for all of the years prior to 2006, and has done so ever since.
It’s not fashionable but I like... My husband, ha ha… He left his fashion in the 1980s and has not really moved on, but I love him anyway. My greatest regret... I don’t have any! All of the experiences I had, have given me a great lesson or an opportunity to learn from or develop, so that I evolve and form into a better person! You may not know it but I’m no good at... Sewing. I am very bad at sewing. I once not only sowed a button onto a shirt, but also onto my trouser leg!
Up Close & Personal with Jenni Eden with her daughter
My greatest inspiration... God! I am very lucky - I am given ideas of paintings, ideas for dances and ideas for films…and God does not mind that I put my name to them! I am the channel that allows it to be materialised. My hero… My dad. He showed me that through forgiveness life could transform. He showed me that it is important to dream and have plans and that they don’t always have to be realistic! If I could change one thing about myself... I am always changing things… But I wish I could quickly change my weight, ha ha… I am working on that, now that I have achieved many of my other goals. I dream of... A world that is full of peace and peaceful people, because every individual knows they are in charge of their own happiness and so they learn not to take from others or be jealous of others. What I see when I look in the mirror... A person who is not perfect, but someone I am very proud of for not giving up and continuing to aim to be the best with the skills that I have been given…
You may not know it but I’m very good at… Cooking! I love having friends around for dinner and showing my love for them through food. If I have time to myself... I’d daydream; it’s my favourite past time. My house is… An absolute tip… My mind is elsewhere to the point I just don’t really notice the chaos and piles of ‘stuff’, until I get a visitor! Then, suddenly, I see it all and have to run round like crazy! (Or, rather, my husband does!) My favourite haunt/holiday destination... Anywhere I can switch off and relax mainly my friend Tess’s house by the sea in Muscat! My favourite weekend spot in Oman… Definitely the beach house in Seeb! I sing with 123 Orion, so we usually rehearse every weekend and it’s all such fun; we are like one big family! Can’t think of a better way to spend time. I will not leave my house without… My iPhone; my rainbow purse (so I still feel good paying out money cause I see rainbows whilst I pay); deodorant - in case I have forgotten; my Elizabeth Arden 8 hour lip balm; and, finally, my reusable bag
tucked in my handbag for any small purchases. Five things I like about Oman... The sun, the people, the tolerance, the peace and the quality of time - it all slows down here and although I know others get annoyed and frustrated I love it! A book that changed me... The Sedona Method by Hale Dworskin. It totally changed me by helping me get rid of unwanted behaviours, fears and thoughts. On top of my wish/bucket list is... A weekend in Ziggy Bay! My success mantra is... ‘Every day in every way my life gets richer and richer’ - that has been my mantra since 2006 and it works. In 10 years’ time, I hope to be... Continuing to do what I do now, Inspiring others through my art, my ‘The Awakening Dance’, my Planting Positivity and being able to celebrate amazing achievements of others, as they blossom and grow too, following my advice/example. It’s a wonderful life and I am so grateful to Oman for helping me unlock all my potential here
August 2014
Jenni Eden
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in the SPOTLIGHT Augu Au August gusstt 2 2014 01 0 14
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Football, by any other name, would be called F-U-T-S-A-L
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emember dribbling the football indoors and even practicing kicks in the living room of your house…much to the chagrin of your parents? While you have outgrown that phase and taken your football fancy outdoors, the Samba Futsal Centre has recreated the ideals of playing football indoors or in settings that are reminiscent of a family match. The Centre, which was opened a year ago in Oman, is managed by a fully certified Brazilian Futsal coach and provides youngsters in the country an opportunity to learn Futsal the Brazilian way. While the concept of Futsal itself is quite old – it was developed in Brazil and Uruguay in the 1930s and 40s – the Centre has, in the span of one year, endeared itself to football lovers in the capital. The support and acceptance of parents and students here has been quite impressive, notes Paulo Koscina, Samba Futsal Centre Manager. “We started in September 2013 and we received a good number of students in this period,” he states, pointing out that the
strength reached to about 80 students in the last three months of the first season of the school. At present, the Futsal facility is a rented court in Baushar - the Bausher Olympic Centre. Although the Centre – managed by Xtension Sports started only a year ago, the game is not new to Oman… “Omani people have been playing Futsal for a long time, albeit without realising that they are indeed playing Futsal”, quips Paulo, adding: “They think it is a small football, so they just adapt the big pitch rules to the small court. Futsal has different rules, different number of players in the court, different size of the ball and so many other differences that make it a different sport,” he explains. To begin with, Futsal is played by ten players - five on each team. “The difference between Futsal and
in the SPOTLIGHT
football are many…like the court size, ball size, shoes and goals. Futsal is very similar to handball when it comes to game strategy,” he adds. “Combining tricks and strength with the creativity of Brazilian culture, Futsal has been behind the success of many of the world’s top players by improving control, passing and technique,” he maintains.
Activities of Samba Futsal Centre Samba Futsal Centre has 4 projects:
1. Samba Futsal School: It is divided into 5 groups - Under-6 (Sambinha), Under-9, Under-11, Under-14 and Under-17. All groups are trained through the Brazilian philosophy of playing Futsal. 2. Samba 7school (7-a-side): It is divided into 4 groups - Under-9, Under-11, Under-14 and Under17. All groups are trained through the Brazilian philosophy of playing Football. The Foot 7 training is exclusively for closed groups (no individual registrations). 3. Samba Futsal Team: The Centre is intent on developing the first official Futsal team of Oman. As Oman Football Association has a project to develop an official Futsal league in Oman, Samba Futsal Centre is keen to start its team and become a pioneer in the country. 4. Samba Workshops & Courses: This is a project that aims to promote and improve the knowledge of future Futsal professionals, as coaches, players and referees. “We usually promote the school through posters and flyers, but the strongest is the word of mouth promotion. Our hard
Paulo Koscina with Ahmed Al-Ghaithy - Samba Futsal Centre Head Coach
work has also got us media coverage,” states Paulo. Training sessions at the Centre are, generally, of one and a half hour durations, with maximum 16 students per class for Futsal and 18 for Foot 7, depending on the demand.
Qualifications needed to play Futsal
Futsal doesn’t need any specific qualifications to play. People from any age can practice the sport, he assures. Like any other sport, there are different levels of practicing it, and, similarly, when it comes to a professional level the player must be athletic and have the
abilities needed to reach higher levels of practice, he maintains.
Future plans
One of the plans on the Centre’s agenda was to officially start the workshop of Futsal and, towards this end, it has initiated one at the German University of Technology in Oman (GUTech) this month. Plans are also on to conduct a range of activities like the Brazilian Olympic Games at the Centre, but the same is yet to be confirmed. For those interested in further details, log on to www.sambafutsalcentre. com. The next Futsal season starts on September 9 at Samba Futsal Centre
It is a variant of association football that is played on a smaller field and mainly played indoors. It was invented in Montevideo, Uruguay by Juan Carlos Ceriani Gravier and was officially adopted by FIFA, after which the indoor football came to be called Futsal. It can be considered a version of five-a-side football. Since its beginning, it has been known by many names – Futebol De Salao, 5-A-Side and Indoor Football, or Indoor Soccer - where similar rules are applied, but the basic difference is that the ball doesn’t go out on the edges of the court. The sport is practiced by 5 players in each team - 1 goalkeeper and 4 players. Before the current rules, the Futebol De Salao was practiced by 5 to 7 players and with heavy balls, aiming to make it bounce less. A heavy ball (62 to 64 centimeters in size and 400 to 440 grams in weight) became one of the most interesting original characteristics of Futsal. The sport owes its popularity to the fact that it requires fewer players for a match and less space. On an average, a Futsal court is 38 to 42 metres in length and 18 to 22 metres in width.
August 2014
Brief history of Futsal
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feast ON
Al Sabla mesmerises with its lingering allure of warmth, relaxation and irresistible flavours
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‘Over the hills and faraway…’ That catchy track from Led Zeppelin’s album ‘Houses of the Holy’ could be a tailor-made tag for Jebel Sifah’s crowning glory, the Sifawy Boutique Hotel, which houses the enticing Al Sabla. While the faraway element might seem challengeable, with roads cutting through the mountains and easing travel time, the fairy tale feel of a magical land, imbued in the quaint ‘over-the-hills’ expression, captures the magic that is Sifawy… Located about 45 minutes (depending on the traffic in the busy Wadi Kabir area) from Muscat, Sifawy, which means ‘from Sifah’, is within the Jebel Sifah Resort, offering a contemporary blend of European design with traditional Omani influence - in the concept as well as service. Whether it is the mountains, the sea and the sand or the whimsical greenery of Muscat, Sifawy has its share of nature’s best elements to make even a short visit to its sprawling facility feel like a picnic. And picnic it is bound to be, if Al Sabla is your destination. Cocooned within the Hotel’s snugly built complex, the restaurant overlooks the quiet pool and the newly opened Breeze Lounge on one side and the marina and the private beach on the other. The unhurried pace within the Hotel complex is perfectly complemented by the holiday mood at Al Sabla (as the menu card explains, Al Sabla is a term describing the social centre of an Omani village; a place where people gather in the evenings, celebrate special occasions and other social events). Friendly smiles greet you to this delightful dining outlet, as you are ushered in with wet towels to wipe away the fatigue of the long drive. Not that you have any complaints, considering the vivid colours of nature that you soaked in all through the drive - from the azure waters to the rolling mountains. With the general temperature taking an early dip, you might have
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feast ON begins with assorted mocktails. The soup section of the menu sounds tempting and we opt to try out the ‘Roast Tomato Soup’ and ‘Classic Onion Soup’. The latter is a clear soup of onions, flavoured with fresh thyme and Gruyere cheese bread, which is just perfect to set our appetite in motion. Next on our luncheon agenda was ‘Caesar Salad (grilled chicken breast)’, packed with crispy romaine lettuce, bread croutons, toasted beef bacon, Parmesan chips and Caesar dressing. We also sampled ‘Caprese’ – buffalo mozzarella, plum tomatoes, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil – and ‘Cheese rokak’ (cheese pastry)
and ‘Risotto A La Milanese’, alongside ‘Pizza Margarita’ with a choice of fillings. Our main course comprised of ‘Pan Fried Tuna Steak’, ‘Pan Fried Beef Tenderloin’ and ‘Shrimp Biryani’. The tender tuna steak is scrumptious with creamy basil sauce, nicoise vegetable, potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes and black olives. The shrimp biryani, served with mint chutney, is a perfect fit for a languorous lunch. Our dessert platter included ‘Chocolate Passion Cake’ – a signature dish of chocolate sponge, passion fruit, chocolate mousse and passion fruit sorbet; ‘New York Cheesecake’
new menu also has some popular tter chicken Indian dishes like butter ns are on to and prawn biryani. Plans roccan items introduce Thai and Moroccan too and keep the menu looking fresh dditions and and new with regular additions omissions. We settle down for a long and leisurely lunch, wh i c h
from the choice of warm ‘Oriental Mezzeh’. Vegetarians have a choice of hot and cold mezzeh, as well as salads. The menu in the main section also has ‘Mushroom Risotto’
– topped with raspberry coulis; and ‘Sifawy Mango Tower’ – mango cake, blueberry sauce and vanilla ice cream. If, like us, you are endowed with a complete set of sweet teeth, try out the cheesecake and the mango tower. Delicious… Al Sabla is an experience to cherish.
August 2014
been tempted to halt and make the most of all the photo opportunities along the road. The charming interiors of Al Sabla beckon us, as do the staff, who seem to be attuned to the guests’ needs. We soon meet up with the new Executive Sous Chef, George Girguis, who has helped create a new menu, combining oriental and international cuisine to suit the palate of international guests. “I try to mix and match,” he says gently, pointing out, as an example, his recipe for crème brulee with ginger and saffron flavour. One of his favourites is the Sifawy mango tower with fresh mango and mango sorbet. Interestingly, the
27 Photographs: Pushpender Sharma
let’s COOK
Recipes from Al Sabla Culinary masterpieces from Al Sabla’s Executive Sous Chef George Girguis
ONION SOUP Ingredients 1. White onion - 1kg 2. Chopped garlic - 30gms 3. Fresh thyme - 20gms 4. Bay leaves - 2 5. Flour - 20gms 6. Lemon juice 7. Vegetables stock - 3lts 8. Gruyere cheese 9. Garlic bread 10. Salt, pepper 11. Olive oil Method 1. Peel the onion and cut it into thin slice. 2. Place a large pot on medium heat; add olive oil and sauté the 3. onion, garlic and bay leaves. 4. Add salt and thyme and keep stirring. Let it sweat on low fire till the water comes out from onions. 5. Add the flour and stir; pour the vegetable stock. 6. Raise the heat up to boil, check the taste, and add salt if needed. Add black pepper and lemon juice. 7. Pour the soup in the bowl, cut a slice of baguette bread and put some olive oil along with chopped garlic and put it in the oven till it gets roasted. 8. Put cheese on the bread and it keep in the oven for one minute. 9. Serve the soup with the cheese bread on the top.
August 2014
CHEESE CAKE
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BEEF TENDERLOIN Ingredients 1. US Angus beef tenderloin - 225gms 2. Chopped onion - 10gms 3. Chopped parsley - 10gms 4. Fine-diced tomato - 10gms 5. Sliced black olives - 20gms 6. Butter - 5gms 7. Baby carrot 8. Green asparagus 9. Olive oil 10. Demi-glace - 50ml (rich brown sauce used by itself or as a base for other sauce) 11. Salt and pepper
Method 1. Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper. 2. Sear it in the hot pan with a little oil and keep it in the oven at 180 degrees. 3. In a saucepan add olive oil, sauté the onion and add black olives. 4. Add the demi-glace and reduce it; add tomato and parsley at the last minute. 5. Season with salt and black pepper. 6. Glaze the baby carrot and green asparagus in butter. 7. Serve the tender loin hot with the sauce and vegetables.
Ingredients (serves 10)
Method
1. Philadelphia cheese - 1.250gms 2. Sugar - 325gms 3. Corn flour - 45gms 4. Egg beaten - 150gms
1. Put the cheese, sugar and corn flour in the mixing bowl and mix well. 2. Add the beaten egg and whole egg slowly. 3. Whip the 550gms fresh cream in the mixer and add to the cheese mixture. 4. Heat the cream to 45 degrees; add the chocolate and pour it into the mixture. 5. Crumble a vanilla biscuit and spread it in the round baking ring. 6. Pour the mixture on the biscuit and bake it at 150 degree in an oven in a shallow tray filled with little water. 7. Serve it cold.
5. Whole egg - 165gms 6. Fresh cream - 550gms 7. White chocolate - 450gms 8. Fresh cream - 350gms
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any of us keep changing diet plans, omitting food groups that are important, spending more than what our budget allows on so called weight loss foods, and having sleepless nights thinking what went wrong with our diet plan‌ Why am I not able to lose weight or achieve the target weight loss goal, even after avoiding favourite greasy food for months? The answer to this problem may lie in not what you eat, but how much you eat. The amount you eat or drink plays an important role in your energy balance strategy. Most people eat and drink more when served larger portions. Choosing smaller portions can help you lose weight and keep it off. Do you know the right quantity of food you need to consume? What is the correct number of servings that make a portion for any given food?
Believe it or not, with correct portioning you can eat your favourite foods guilt free. Studies suggest that our portion sizes have drastically increased over the years thus adding 500kcal per day. This has led to obesity in children, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, etc. The dish served for one person in restaurants and fast food chains is actually sufficient for 2 to 3 people.
Many foods that come as one portion - for example, fizzy drink of 330ml - contain 3 servings. So the serving size should not be confused with portion size. Few handy tips for controlling the portions while eating at home or outside: z Invest in standard measuring cups and measuring glass. Measure how much the bowls, glasses, cups and plates you usually use hold. Pour your breakfast cereal into your regular bowl. Then, pour it into a measuring cup to know the actual quantity being consumed. z Measure the amount of liquids you usually drink in the measuring glass or cup. For example, measure 1 cup of juice to see what 1 cup of liquid looks like in your favourite glass. z Prepare, serve and eat smaller portions of food. Start by portioning out small amounts to eat and drink. Only go back
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for more if you are still hungry. The best way to start is to use a smaller dinner plate and small serving spoons. It is important to think about portion sizes when eating out. Order a smaller size or manage larger portions by sharing or taking home part of your meal.
Foods, which we are tempted to eat, are generally available in large serving and we need to know the correct serving size. z Ice creams are generally available as scoops or cups; always go for half cup or a single scoop. Add fresh or frozen fruits as toppings. z Even the smallest size at most smoothie shops is often double the amount you’re supposed to drink. Stick to 8 ounce or 3/4 of the smallest glass. The recommendation to decrease portion sizes is particularly important for high calorie foods or for foods with a lot of empty calories, such as cakes, cookies, sugary drinks, and pizza. It is important to focus on Foods You Need. For example, eat a large portion of salad and drink at least 2-3 litres of water. A thoughtful choice of quantity of food consumed will help to maintain a healthy weight lifelong.
healthy BITES
It is not about what you eat but how much you eat, says Anu Bahl, Dietician and Clinical Nutritionist
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August 2014
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Portio & s n t e i
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Health CHECK
Is your
environment heart healthy?
On this World Heart Day (29 September) create a heart healthy environment within and outside your home
W
orld Heart Federation, which organises the annual World Heart Day, has identified the tremendous influence our environment - where we live, work, and play - has on the health of our heart and has delineated ways and means to create a healthy atmosphere and help achieve at least 25 percent reduction in premature mortality by 2025. This renewed focus on environment shifts the blame, albeit partially, from the lifestyle choices that have been repeatedly criticised as precursors of heart ailments. Environment has, apparently, a bigger role to play in the health of your heart. Here’s how you can ensure a hearthealthy environment around you:
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Begin with your home‌
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Like charity, health also starts from home, more so when the issue at stake is your heart. - Make sure that you have only healthy food stocked in your home. - Pack healthy lunches for school or office. - Reduce the intake of canned foods that are, generally, high in sugar, fat and even salt. - Include a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits in your meals. - Ban smoking inside the house - Regulate TV time and introduce some physical and/or outdoor activities. - Have a health check-up done by a professional.
The neighbourhood you live in has an equally important role to play in your health - your heart health. Galvanise like-minded folks in your community to create a healthy environment. - Create and maintain safe neighbourhoods for physical activity. - Get the schools and child care facilities to increase physical education. - Walk or cycle to school/office if it is in the neighbourhood.
- Take the stairs everywhere. - Ensure that the canteens at schools, hospitals and even offices have healthy food on offer. - Have a smoking ban at the workplace. For a heart healthy country National policies that focus on the health of its citizens are needed to complement cautious behaviour from the public. It could range from tax on unhealthy foods and regulations for tobacco control to medical facilities.
Health CHECK
Live in a healthy community
Dos and Don’ts for a Healthy Heart -
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Be optimistic in life. A cheery disposition is said to lower the risk for heart disease, especially among people with a family history of CVD. Drink both green and black teas, as they are known to reduce bad cholesterol. Consume magnesium through food items like whole grains, nuts and leafy greens. Do eat the recommended minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Limit your sodium intake to not more than 1,500 milligrams per day. Do choose low-fat products and opt for baking or broiling instead of frying. Monounsaturated fat and Omega-3s are good for heart health. Limit your intake of dietary cholesterol to less than 300 milligrams each day. Do get up from your desk at work, as sitting for prolonged periods of time is linked to several health issues. Researchers have learnt that even 30 to 60 minutes of activity a day cannot undo the effects of sitting for 8 to 12 hours at a time. Avoid second hand smoke – being exposed to second hand smoke for even 15 to 30 minutes a week increases the risk of stroke by 56 percent.
DON’TS… -
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Don’t drink too many juices and processed fruit snacks; fruit juices are concentrated sources of sugar. Noise pollution is said to add to the stress, which is linked to an increase in blood pressure, so use earplugs if you are living near an airport or are constantly exposed to loud noise. Air pollution is also hazardous; live farther from big roadways. Do not delay seeing your doctor if you are a woman and you notice irregular periods, sudden weight gain or excess body hair. The risk of a heart attack is 2.4-fold in two hours, following an angry outburst. Do not have more than 6 teaspoons (100 calories) of added sugars a day if you are a woman and no more than 9 (150 calories) if you are a man. Remember that one 12-ounce can of fizzy drink has about 8 teaspoons of sugar. Don’t neglect your oral hygiene; some research has suggested that the increase of bacteria in the mouth could heighten the risk of heart disease
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DO’S…
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Health TIDINGS
Boosting Kids’ Brainpower With Fitness Although exercise and brainpower in children do not seem closely related, a new study has learnt that fitness may supercharge kids’ minds. Researchers have suggested that aerobically and physically fit children have improved brain health and superior cognitive skills. Similar research has also connected higher levels of fitness to better attention, memory and academic skills. To add to that, two other studies have found that fit kids are more likely to have better language skills and to do better on standardised tests for math and reading.
Adolescent Violence Linked to Childhood Neglect
Parents Behind Teens On Phones U to half of teens talking on cell phones while driving Up a are speaking with their mother or father, according to n new research. Distracted driving causes 11 percent o of fatal crashes among teens, and 21 percent of those c crashes involve cell phones, according to a 2013 report by th the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A Another study found that teens, who have previously re reported seeing their parents and others use their cell p phones while driving, think it’s the social norm.
Violence in adolescent boys may be fuelled by neglect during childhood, states a new research. Parents who physically neglect their boys may increase the risk of raising violent adolescents, say researchers. Examples of physical neglect include not taking a sick or injured child to the doctor, improperly clothing a child and not feeding a child. The study indicated that while physical abuse is a significant contributor to violent behaviour, physical neglect alone is an even stronger predictor of male adolescent violence than physical abuse, or even physical abuse and neglect combined.
August 2014
‘Smart’ Baby Monitor For Parents Mo
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New wearable ‘smart’ baby monitor can provide parents with insight. The new device from ‘Sproutling’ combines a wearable band, smart charger and mobile app to ‘monitor, learn and predict your baby’s sleep habits and optimal sleep conditions’. Comprising three connected devices, the Sproutling Baby Monitor gathers 16 different measurements every second and is designed to help parents know how their baby is doing when there is no movement or noise, or at times when a parent cannot pay full attention to a monitor. The soft, breathable, hypoallergenic and washable band sits around the baby’s ankle and is equipped with a smart sensor that senses heart rate, skin temperature, motion and sleep position.
Direct exposure to sun can cause acute and chronic cumulative effects, including mild or severe tanning, hyper pigmentation, ageing and sunburn
sunburn in fair skin with blonde hair, but anyone is susceptible in extreme exposure. Come indoors immediately and follow some steps to prevent the permanent harmful effects of the sunburns, says Dr. Zachariah, listing the following suggestions: z Put a damp towel on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes, every hour, till the skin cools down. z Frequent cool baths or showers will relieve pain. z After bath, mop dry but leave a little water on the skin; a moisturiser can be applied immediately to entrap water and keep skin moist. z Use a moisturising lotion that contains Aloe Vera or Soya to help soothe the sun burnt skin. z A hydrocortisone cream would be useful if advised by the doctor in case of persistent redness. z Avoid creams with thick textures that include petrolatum and benzocaine, as these prevent heat escape and irritate the skin. z Paracetamol tablets can be used for swelling and pain, twice or thrice a day. z It is also recommended to drink water equivalent to two litres daily. z If there are blisters, leave it as it is, as the skin can act as a membrane, protecting and healing the skin formation below; applying an antibiotic cream can also be helpful.
Dr. James Zachariah P
z Consult a doctor if there are general symptoms like dizziness and weakness, stomach discomfort and feverishness, as this could mean sunstroke. z Take extra care to protect the sun burnt skin while it heals by wearing clothes that are soft on your skin, like cotton. Tightly woven fabrics are the best for sun protection. z Seek expert advice if there are no changes in symptoms. Although temporary sunburn is a result of receiving too much UV rays, it can result in permanent damage to skin, increasing the person’s risk for skin cancers or pre-cancerous conditions. Indoor workers must also use sunscreens as the cumulative effect of sun damage may also happen to people who work in shaded environments. Besides protecting from the harsh rays, sunscreens also protect against pigmentation and premature lines. The face should also be cleaned with a mild cleanser, two to three times everyday. Care should be taken against excessive usage of harsh scrub based cleansers. It is common to see oily skin go greasy during the summer and, for this, toners should be used to control excess sebum.
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kin reddening caused by overexposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation may seem to be a temporary irritation, but these can lead to long-lasting damage to the skin. There are, however, some preventive measures one can take to keep the skin looking young and healthy, despite the environmental changes, the most crucial being limiting exposure to the sun. According to Dr. James Zachariah P, Dermatologist at Kaya Skin Clinic, it is vital to apply a sun block above 40 SPF, in ample quantity, at least 15 minutes before venturing out. “It should be re-applied every 3 to 4 hours for ideal skin protection,” he says. The prominent areas on the face – cheeks, bridge of nose, sides of forehead and upper lip are frequently missed, causing sunburn and discoloration. Sunburn is caused by direct photochemical reaction at the cellular level, which causes break-up and cellular fluid collection, leading to a blister in severe cases. It also leads to dehydration and weakness. Darker skin types can do with lower SPF creams, whereas the fairer skin types would ideally need higher SPF sunscreens. “For those with sunsensitivity, avoiding sun between 12pm and 4pm, wearing hats or using umbrellas, help to a good extent,” adds Dr. Zachariah. A stinging sensation with burning hot skin is the first sign of
Health TIDINGS
Protect your skin from Sunburns
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man DATE
Big boys don’t
cry?
August 2014 201 014
Blame it on gender stereotyping or societal dictates, men, on a general scale, are conditioned to suppress their tears
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‘Don’t cry like a girl…’ That’s a common refrain - one that most boys are forced to endure, even today - d despite blurring of the lines of traditional gender modern world. Crying is seen as a sign of weakness; roles in the moder something that only girls can indulge in. However, crying cr and the general expression of sadness is not really the issue under discussion here, as much as the concea concealment of the emotion is. For depression among men can act a silently, often with fatal repercussions, as was seen in the death of Robin Williams earlier this month. W While the world was stunned with the news of his ap apparent suicide, brought on by depression, most o of his fans failed to understand how a man, who had comedy flowing through his veins, could be so lonely and depressed. Was he concealing his depression behind his laughter? Could he have taken control over it and lived to share another laugh?
But how do you know if you are depressed? Depression is not about the occasional feelings of sadness or irritability; it is the trouble with daily life and loss of interest in all things for prolonged periods, often weeks at a time. It could be ‘Major Depression’ - where the symptoms are severe and interfere with the ability to work, sleep, study, eat and enjoy most aspects of life; ‘Dysthymic disorder, or dysthymia’ depressive symptoms that last for 2 years or longer, but are less severe; or ‘Minor depression’ - similar to major depression, but symptoms are less severe and duration shorter. Depression is also the most common problem associated with male menopause; it is closely related to
Other symptoms include: z z z z z z z z z z
Feeling sad or ‘empty’ Feeling hopeless, irritable, anxious or angry Loss of interest in work, family, etc. Feeling very tired Lack of concentration or inability to remember details Not being able to sleep, or sleeping too much Overeating, or not wanting to eat at all Suicidal thoughts and attempts Aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems Inability to meet the responsibilities of work, caring for family, or other important activities.
impotence and problems with male sexuality. Approximately 40 percent of men in their 40s, 50s and 60s will experience some degree of lethargy, depression, increased irritability and mood swings that characterise male menopause.
Signs and depression
symptoms
man DATE
It is a treatable disease, but if left unchecked, it could also lead to heart disease and other serious medical problems.
of
Physical pain, anger and reckless behaviour are the three most common signs of depression in men. Pain could manifest as backache, frequent headaches, sleep problems, sexual dysfunction, or digestive disorders, which do not respond to normal medications. Anger, on the other hand, could range from irritability, sensitivity to criticism and a loss of sense of humour to road rage, short temper and even violence or verbal/ physical abuse. Depression could also make one exhibit risky behaviour.
Causes of depression While biological, psychological and social factors are at play, lifestyle choices, relationships and coping skills are also triggers for depression, as are stressful situations. A combination of the following factors could cause depression: z Early childhood trauma or abuse z Overwhelming stress at work, school, or home z Inability to effectively deal with stress z Marital or relationship problems z Loneliness and lack of social support z Inability to reach important goals z Loss or change of job z Constant money problems z Health problems such as chronic illness, injury or disability z History of substance abuse
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Depression among men is as much a cause for worry as it is among women, if not more, owing to the ‘in control’ mask most men wear. Being strong and in control of emotions does make most men cover up their feelings of helplessness and hopelessness with reckless behaviour and/or anger. Not many are willing to admit their feelings of depression and fewer still are ready to seek treatment. A general blanket of normalcy is used to cover up all these difficult emotions, not realising that a severe episode could even drive one to suicide. It does seem easy to dismiss depression as trivial, as everyone goes through moments or phases of unhappiness. But clinical depression is more than that; it is a real illness with very real symptoms. The first step is to admit that one is depressed and understand that it is not a matter of embarrassment or shame.
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Relatively SPEAKING August 2014
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Nature & Nurture:
Influencing Your Child’s Personality How your personality shapes up is the result of the interaction between genetic and environmental factors
Y
ou may have your mother’s eyes and your father’s nose, but the way you talk, behave, interact with others and respond to things around you could be the result of the environment you grew up in. Although you may have imbibed several of the values and even likes and dislikes of your parents, the constantly changing environment around you has played a pivotal role in shaping your personality at large. Over the years, researches and studies have helped recognise that although everyone is born with a personality, development of the same is dependent o n both nature
and nurture. There are several factors that affect your child’s personality development: from the nature as well as nurture platform. Most important are heredity, which is responsible for inherited traits, and traditional and ethnic values that influence behaviour. Even the birth order is said to have a significant role in the personality of your child; the same goes for an only child. However, it is the parenting style as well as the childhood training that you impart, which have the most powerful influence on the personality development of your child. Even though each child is unique, parental actions are said to go a long way towards helping in the development of personality. So, how, as a parent, could you ensure that the nature and nurture balance is tipped in the right
direction to develop your child’s personality and help him/her find a perfect niche in the society? While some traits and characteristics of childhood grow stronger and even become an integral part of the personality later in life, your child’s unique personality will emerge anywhere between the ages of 3 and 5. Children become more comfortable expressing themselves during this stage and they also gain more selfcontrol. It is during this time that they begin to rely less on others and learn to calm themselves in different situations. Self-confidence is another trait that is also building during the pre-school stage. Find out how you can assist nature in developing your child’s personality and help him/her develop a strong sense of self from an early age: 1. Understand the importance of both nature and nurture in your child’s personality and work to create the best of both. 2. Remember your child is unique; be sensitive and responsive to your child’s individual strengths and needs.
Relatively SPEAKING 11.
12. 13. 14.
15.
time to develop your child’s personality, especially in the early years; the way you behave with your child is said to have – more or less – an impact on his/her behaviour. With parenting also comes the responsibility of reviewing your parenting style to check if it has the desired effect. If your child is afraid of you or shows disrespect, you may need to rethink your technique. Establish strong communication lines from the very beginning and make your child understand the difference between right and wrong. Listen… That’s the most important tip you could follow in understanding your child and shaping his/her personality. Corporal punishment may have been acceptable during your childhood days, but it is no more seen as a means to discipline your child. Instead, opt for time-out technique and/or understand ways to effectively communicate your anger. Create a loving and supportive environment within the house
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3. Do not tag or label your child with strong words like ‘shy’, ‘overbearing’,‘emotional’,‘strong’... Let his/her personality develop without being shaped by your views. 4. It is important to practice what you preach and that requires you to set an example for your preschooler; he/she will imitate you the most. This means no fighting in front of the children. 5. Do not, however, attempt to make your child an image of yourself; let your child be himself/herself and connect with the world in his/her own way. 6. Encourage your child to play, as it helps him/her develop physically, mentally and emotionally. Play is also an effective tool to practice decision-making and leadership. 7. If you are not able to monitor, at least pay attention to what your child is watching or browsing on TV and Internet. 8. Support your child’s interests and find ways to broaden his/her experiences. 9. Play a role in your child’s school activities and make him/her feel you are there in all his/her ups and downs. 10. Make parenting the biggest priority of your life, even if you have a busy work life. Find
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in the LUXE
Plan on changing your ward’s school...? As your little ones get on the annual back-to-school bandwagon, check out some of the premium schools around the world…whether they fit your budget or not.
School Time
Eton College School of Kings?
It is the most expensive private school in the world - with a tagline of ‘School of Kings’ it has to be! ‘Institut Le Rosey’, founded in 1880 in Rolle, Switzerland is the oldest and largest boarding school in the country. It has earned repute as the ‘School of Kings’ for educating princes and princesses and is known to be the home to history makers and changers from different parts of the world. Come winter and the school moves to its second campus, a ski resort in the alps. The focus here is on providing ‘multiple intelligence’ experience to its students. Price: $106,570 (Annual base tuition for day students, not including boarding)
The significance of this college lies not only in its long lineage, having been founded almost 600 years ago in West Berkshire, United Kingdom, but also in its brilliance in ensuring 19 of its students, who attended Eton College at different times, became Prime Ministers of UK. Students, between the ages of 13 and 18 learn fencing, judo, boating, music, art, drama... Price: $49,255 (Annual base tuition, not including boarding)
Collège Alpin International Beau Soleil
This one is international in every sense of the word. Its small student community of about 240 students come from 50 different countries. Located 1350m above sea level on the Swiss Alps of Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland, students can look forward to perks that include view of the French Alps and expeditions to places like Madagascar. Price: Approx $121,000 (Annual tuition fee for boarding students)
August 2014
Middlesex School
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350-acre campus for 375 students… That’s the equation at Middlesex School, which also boasts a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The school, located at Concord, Massachusetts, offers 22 AP courses, and 29 sports. Interestingly, the last academic year saw 1,070 applications for admission, of which only 208 were admitted. Price: $41,800 (Annual base tuition, not including boarding)
Maximum of 12 students in each class is the dictum the school follows to ensure better student-teacher ties. This means the students sit around an oval table with the teacher, instead of sitting behind desks, as in most conventional classrooms. The school has one of the best athletic training rooms, a golf course, a boathouse, a hockey rink and baseball diamonds, besides a host of other facilities. The Lawrenceville School is located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Price: $ 44,885 (Annual base tuition, not including boarding)
in the LUXE
The Lawrenceville School
Appleby College
Canadian Academy
Situated on Lake Ontario in Oakville, Ontario, Appleby College is an international independent school for students from the grades 7 to 12. Founded in 1911 by John Guest, it has only 750 students on its rolls. Perks for the students include outdoor education programme with activities like high-ropes, canoe trips and wilderness living; it has 22 athletic teams and a successful model United Nation team that competes on the university circuit. Price: $58,840 (Annual tuition fee for boarding student)
The Canadian Academy, which celebrated its centenary last year, follows a teaching style that accentuates independent study and group work, rather than the traditional lecture format. Curiously, there are no bells signalling the beginning/end of class and students are expected to arrive and depart on time. Located in Kobe, Japan, it has approximately 642 students with 56 percent of the students from Asia, 18 percent from North American and 8 percent Europe. The Academy’s 9-acre campus is situated on the residential area of Rokk Island. Price: $23,407 (Annual base tuition, not including boarding)
Yew Chung…
Yew Chung International School of Shanghai’s record of 100 percent pass rate in 2012 is, of course, impressive, but it also has several other aces up its sleeve. Established in 1993 in Shanghai, China, the school enrols more than 2,400 students, preschool to secondary school, from over 50 countries. Classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards… Price: $38,470 (Annual base tuition, not including boarding)
The American School of Sao Paulo, founded in 1920, is located in San Paulo, Brazil. It has over 1,200 students from 35 countries on its rolls and its faculty comprises of 40 high school teachers, of which 30 hold Master’s degrees. Price: $30,537 (Annual base tuition, not including boarding)
August 2014
Sao Paulo
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take a SPIN
K
K le s
August 2014
oleos from Renault is all that and more. It is a perfect blend of elegance with a charming wild side that comes to fore on long drives and off-road tracks; it is a technological powerhouse that has been designed to deliver results on different terrains; and it is a comfort machine for those seeking refinement behind the wheels. We took the graceful silver Koleos for a spin down the Sifah road and experienced its comfort and ease in manoeuvring long winding roads and sharp curves, wanting to idle the warm August afternoon away behind its wheels. As the traffic thinned past Wadi Kabir and the road cutting through the mountains n a r rowe d , the feeling of
40
from Renault
Ruggedly elegant, technologically advanced and easily comfortable‌
oneness with nature filled the large spacious interior of Koleos, prodding us to go yonder and savour the sheer bliss of smooth driving. It’s a bewitching crossover, which lives by its characteristic traits as an exceptional SUV. Its Hill Start Assist feature is a blessing on these roads, as the brake pressure is automatically maintained for two seconds, giving you time to manoeuvre when starting the vehicle on a hill. Similarly, the Hill Descent Control, which is activated by a button on the dashboard, lets you maintain a constant slow speed (about 7 Km/h), while you just use the steering wheel to control your heading - the system automatically manages the brakes and accelerator. Crafted as a 21st century technological prowess, it is touch-sensitive and instinctive, with a simple brush of the finger. With a host of features packed into it - on-board camera, multimedia and blind spot warning – it takes driving to another level. The r-link touchscreen multimedia system allows you to travel while staying connected: content can be accessed from anywhere, using the steering wheelmounted controls. Handsfree card allows you to
panel, dual antenna and dual tuner RDS radio. With spacious interiors aimed at adding to the ease within the car, it is perfect for family outings or even leisurely drives. It is a big, generously proportioned 4x4 that is aimed at infusing a welcoming atmosphere on-board. Comfort has obviously been the deciding factor in selecting the upholstery. Storage, the doubleopening tailgate and easy-break system let you retract the rear bench seat in one quick movement. Equipped with a 2.5 16V engine and the Continuously Variable X-Tronic (CVT) automatic transmission, you can enjoy a relaxed, smooth, comfortable and quiet driving experience. Besides, with the CVT technology, the Koleos is
According to Renault website, before taking to the road, your Renault vehicle’s engine is tested out on the racetrack: the most demanding hightech laboratory, with unique benefits to ensure your driving pleasure
take a SPIN
more responsive and dynamic, as the box reacts perfectly when you start off or when you run up the engine; it provides an almost instantaneous response to acceleration.
August 2014
access, start and remote lock – no key required! Energy Efficient Series sound system from Bose, which has been custom-made for the Renault Koleos provides a unique acoustic experience, thanks to its seven speakers, subwoofer and digital amplifier. It also offers an MP3 compatible CD player on the front
41 Photographs: Pushpender Sharma
look GOOD
To make-up
or
not to…
What is the right age for young girls/boys to use beauty or cosmetic products?
T
he needle of suspicion may be on beauty pageants when the talk turns to the use of makeup among young girls, but with the electronic media going gung-ho about all things beauty, can a young girl resist the urge to try her mama’s lipstick or rouge? Obviously no. With selfies ruling the social media roost, teens and even pre-teens are easily lured into the makeup rut. That selfie-pout just can’t seem right without the right lip colour/gloss, can it? While experts suggest toning down the makeup to ensure that it looks natural and not overdone, there is, however, no consensus on the right age to go the makeup path. Many do decry the use of cosmetic products among pre-teens, but the unrealistic growth witnessed by the beauty
August 2014
Makeup guidelines
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industry has sought to advance the makeup age among girls. According to one statistics, the last four years has seen the age of girls indulging in makeup advance from 17 to 13. This has been attributed to the growing fascination with child beauty pageants and the new trends for kid-oriented spa treatments. Unbelievable as it may sound, one study also found that 43 percent of 6 to 9 year-olds are using some sort of lip colour product in the United States. So what exactly makes the current generation so very different…? In an online article, newsweek.com attributed it to the fact that they have grown up on pop culture that repeatedly suggests that everything is a candidate for upgrading. “These girls are maturing in an age when
Taking middle school as the appropriate age to dabble with mild cosmetics, here is a brief guideline to help you started. 1. You are simply too young for foundation, so skip it altogether. 2. Try and lighten up the under-eye area with a yellow-based concealor. 3. Get an even skin tone, using a tinted moisturiser with SPF; remember to eat well and exercise. 4. If you want to cover any redness or blemishes, find a cover stick that is close to your skin tone. Apply a small amount and blend it with your fingers; dust powder to finish. 5. On special occasions, apply mascara to lashes with a smudge of shimmer eye shadow. 6. Use clear pink lip-gloss, as it fits perfectly for all skin tones; avoid dark and matted lips.
older women are taking ever more extreme measures, from Botox to liposuction, to stay competitive,” noted one writer.
Slow & steady
While most parents are okay with the use of light makeup, such as a dash of lip-gloss and mascara, they are not willing to let their seventh grader start wearing make-up. Although many young girls dabble with makeup, most are not allowed to sport it to school or even outside, unless it is a special occasion like a wedding in the family. One counsellor suggests starting with lip-gloss and mascara between ages of 10 and 12 and progressing to foundation at the age of 13 or 14. This could be followed with blush, eyeliner and eye shadows between the ages of 15 and 17…
At what age should a boy start shaving?
W
hether you believe shaving is a rite of passage for adolescent boys or not, when to put the razor to the cheeks is bound to be an irksome question, especially if your ward has been endowed with more than his share of facial hair. For most boys, shaving is a significant milestone of their adolescence, as facial hair, typically, appears between the ages of 9 and 15. With most schools following a specific no-facial-hair rule, shaving is more about scholastic requirements than parental decisions. However, unless the hair is on the thicker side, shaving could easily be delayed. As a rule of thumb, if you have enough hair to shave and can handle a razor/trimmer, it is ok to go ahead and shave it off.
Shaving tips & tricks
Although using an electric razor can be easy and convenient, most experienced shavers rely on a standard razor for a close and accurate shave. Remember shaving tends to scrape natural oils off the face, so dab on some shaving gel to keep your skin from becoming too dry and reduce friction from the razor. And if you happen to nick or cut yourself – common shaving events – use a clean tissue or cloth and apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding. If you’ve got a zit or a cut right in the middle, use an electric razor or give shaving a break for a few days.
How to Shave
1. Wet your face with hot or warm water to soften the hair on the face and open your skin pores; shaving immediately after you get out of the shower would also help. 2. Apply a coat of shaving gel all over the face, covering the neck and throat area too. 3. Start shaving from the sides of your face, as it is easy to handle. Use short, slow strokes and remember to move the razor in the direction of your hair growth. 4. When you have finished with the sides of your face, move on to the more tricky spots. Try to stretch your skin a bit to make a flat surface, and glide the razor over those tricky areas. 5. When done, rinse your face with cold water and if desired, dab on some aftershave. 6. Depending on how fast your facial hair grows, repeat the entire process in a couple of days
SMILE AWAY By Sophia Raman HOW COULD I GET A PERFECT SELFIE SMILE? While some are innately blessed with infectious smiles, most need to learn the art of turning the corners of the lips in a perfectly inverted arc. It is, however, an art that is easily achievable, even if you are not endowed with a perfect set of teeth. It is all about producing a gentle and natural smile, which as a style guru pointed out, is all about smiling as if you are in a parade. The trick lies in relaxing your face: open the mouth ever so slightly and match the lower lip to the curve of the upper teeth, while, at the same time, raising the cheeks just a teeny bit. Practice the look in front of the mirror and perfect your smile. Remember that even a slight slouch could give you a double-chinned image and that smile may not come across as appealing as you would want it. Enhance the smile with a right shade of lipstick to make your teeth appear whiter than they are. Curiously, blue-based or pink-based ones are said to reduce yellowish tones in your teeth. And while applying lipstick, ensure that it does not stick to your teeth and spoil your picture. But having said that, do not leave it all to your lipstick shade to brighten your smile; you might need to pay your dentist a visit if your teeth have yellowed with age or you have cracked or broken ones in between… That goes for your gums too: healthy gums will surely add to your smile.
August 2014
Shaving dilemma
LIFESTYLE MANTRA
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style FILE
Summer Collection For
Check out the chic new summer collection for children from Apparel Group’s popular fashion retailer, R&B
August 2014
Bright flowery prints and graphic designed frocks, beach-themed tees and holiday-mood prints, classic checkered shirts and plain sober hues, formal lacy numbers and summer delight frocks‌ Experience the joys of the last leg of summer days with R&B Oman. Have your pick from the large Summer Collection for kids, which features over 1,500 options of colourful clothing and footwear, with great deals on back to school merchandise.
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style FILE
style FILE
Seasonal Fare From Mango Introducing Autumn/Winter 2014 Kids lookbook from Mango, featuring collections for girls and boys
August 2014
It is all about the Parisian and French chic look for girls, with a colour palette ranging from pink to navy, with a pop of fuchsia. For boys, the sporty collection comes in bright colours like royal blue, orange, yellow and black. There is an element of mischief in the collection with chic overtones to welcome the new season in style.
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style FILE
Just TRAVEL
Roller
coaster
of a holiday C
hildhood memories are made of candy canes Holidays with children in tow are and roller coaster rides. They are replete with picnics to amusement centres and going incomplete without a visit to a theme ‘weee…’ on roller coaster rides. The fun factor is park in the destination of your choice measured by the speed and the general element of awe that the ride inspires. For there is something about racing on an electronic ride with wind on the face and the rush of blood that cannot be replicated in even the most exotic holiday destination. Although it’s back to school time, we present here a choice of theme park holidays to consider, come Eid holidays in October…
Universal Studios Singapore in Sentosa Island, Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore in Sentosa Island, Singapore
This movie-themed park features 24 rides and attractions, and you could choose between a roller coaster where you are seated or one where riders are suspended. The rides include a pair of dueling coasters that brush past one another in several near misses in their aerial combat. Be ready for exciting loops, sudden turns, breathtaking drops and thrilling near-collisions.
Chessington World of Adventures and Zoo, Surrey
Get an adrenaline rush as you soar on the Vampire rollercoaster through Transylvania, take a fiery spin around Dragon’s Fury or discover the mystery of Tomb Blaster. You could also see sharks and stingrays at the park’s Sea Life Centre or cool off at the Ice Age 3 Dawn of the Dinosaurs Adventure, as you travel deep underground into the ice cave, with the cast of the cartoon movie.
Universal Orlando Resort, Florida Chessington World of Adventures and Zoo, Surrey
Exhilarating thrills cover two theme parks - Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure and the Universal CityWalk. You could hang out with Homer and the gang on the Simpsons Ride, ride on Revenge of the Mummy and other scary roller coasters like The Ride and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
Parc Astérix, France
Located about an hour’s drive north of Paris, Parc Astérix effectively combines merrymaking and cartoons. It has 31 attractions and live shows, which are staged in six themed worlds, decorated with ghoulish humour.
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Universal Orlando Resort, Florida
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Just TRAVEL
Port Aventura Theme Park, Costa Dorada, Spain
Parc Astérix, France
Port Aventura Theme Park, Costa Dorada, Spain
This is Spain’s largest theme park, attracting 4 million visitors per month. There are 12 rides and multiple theme areas, including one based on Sesame Street. It also includes the Caribe Aquatic Park, with the highest water ride in the world, plus three new golf courses.
Duinrell Amusement Park and Tiki Waterpark, Holland
If you are seeking watery thrills, Holland’s Duinrell Amusement Park and the Tiki Waterpark are the parks to visit. While older kids ride the Mad Mill or scary toboggan runs, younger ones can go for milder ones at Fairytale Wonderland. Neighbouring Tiki Park is the largest covered waterslide park in Europe with 1000 metres of slides and shoots, from the high speed Tyfoon to the Lazy River.
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise in Japan
It features amusement park rides, an aquarium and over 500 varieties of fish. At the amusement park, ‘Pleasure Land,’ you could enjoy a wide variety of attractions, including rides such as ‘Blue Fall’, which is a vertical drop ride
featuring the biggest drop in Japan. There are also romantic rides such as a merry-go-round with handmade carriages and wooden horses.
Alton Towers, Staffordshire, England
For white-knuckle rides, nervewracking pitch-black drops and speed-driven vertical Gs, visit Alton Towers. Give the daredevil in you a treat on the Nemeses, Air and Oblivion, while you hang on tight on the Runaway Mine Train.
Universal Studios Japan, Osaka
It is one of the biggest theme parks in Japan at 108 acres. Just like the Universal Studios in the US, it has different areas namely New York, Hollywood, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Snoopy Studios, Sesame Street Fun Zone, Lagoon, Water World, Amity Village and the Hello Kitty Fashion Avenue. Its current attractions include Snoopy’s Great Race, Hello Kitty’s Cupcake Dream, Elmo’s Bubble and Jurassic Park: The Ride.
Disneyland Resort Paris, France
It has attractions to suit all ages - from ‘It’s a Small World’ to action-packed thrill rides, including Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, and the out of this world Space Mountain: Mission 2.
Europa-Park, Germany
Europa-Park is the largest theme park in Germany. Located in Rust, in southwestern Germany, it is home to twelve roller coaster rides, the oldest being the Alpenexpress Mine Train, where a powered coaster speeds through a diamond mine. The new one is Arthur, a suspended indoor/outdoor powered rollercoaster and dark ride combination.
Beto Carrero World, Brazil
This is the largest theme park in Latin America, and includes shows, rides and a zoo. The park is divided into seven areas with different features, from toys and shows to the thematic region - Highway, pirate ship, Venetian carousel, house of the mirrors, aerial tramway, ghost train, roller coaster and ferris wheel among other attractions. Visitors can check out tigers, lions, primates and more. Other areas include Nation’s Avenue, German Village, Old West, Pirate’s Island, Radical Adventure, Fantasyland and an Automotive Complex Disneyland Resort Paris, France
Duinrell Amusement Park and Tiki Waterpark, Holland Alton Towers, Staffordshire, England
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise in Japan
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Europa-Park, Germany
Universal Studios Japan, Osaka
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explore OMAN
Underwater in Oman With the temperature taking an unusual dip this year, the new tourism season is all but waiting to happen, urging adventure seekers to dive underwater and discover Oman’s amazing diving options
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inter-like temperatures are beckoning... Residents, who were attuned to think ‘indoors’ during the dreary summer months, are all set to don their ‘outdoors’ cap and get on the adventure bandwagon. The onset of winter does signal a change in the mindset of both locals and residents in the country. While diehard adventure seekers are hardly ever deterred by weather constraints, it is the summer-weary folks who are bound to look at diving as an option this season. Thanks to discernible changes in the tourism options floated by hotels and tourism outlets, diving is bound to become an attractive feature of the upcoming season. Most of the hotels and tour operators have long realised the seemingly boundless options for diving and have found exciting ways to tap the immense potentials for both experts and novices. Facilities for PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) courses and even basic training opportunities for wannabe divers has given tourism in the country an all new flavour.
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Interesting, the Los Angeles based Dynamic Reef developer, Reef Worlds, is also reported to be interested in building underwater tourism and new sustainable habitat sites in Oman, according to some press reports. The company will be considering a completely revolutionary tourism site for Oman, designed to capture the $3 billion dive and tourism market. The site would be created to
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look like an ancient Lost City and can quickly become a focus for dive and snorkel tourism and habitat creation in the region. With more than 1,700 km of coastline, and clean and unpolluted waters, Oman is, indeed, one of the best kept secrets in the diving world. Its amazing dive sights make it an excellent diving destination,
explore OMAN Diving Destinations
There are several dive sites around the capital area; popular ones are Fahal Island, Al Khayran, the Daymaniyat Islands and Al Makbara Bay. Whatever the choice of site for diving, underwater life is abundant with a variety of intact hard and soft corals and a spectacular range of fish. Divers are often rewarded with sightings of dolphins. In addition to Daymaniyat Islands, keen divers can also look towards Musandam, which is said to have some of the best diving spots. It is also endowed with spectacular coastal scenery, especially around the town of Kumzar. It is home to a range of marine life including hammerhead
and leopard whale sharks, mink whales, manta, eagle rays and turtles, as well as numerous species of smaller tropical fish. Down south in Dhofar are also some exciting underwater opportunities, particularly in the Mirbat area.
Dive schools
Oman has an established network of diving schools and trainers, offering a wide range of diving, as well as the usual PADI courses. For professional help and assistance, check out the following options: - Bluzone Diving at Marina Bander al Rowdha - Euro Divers at Capital Area Yacht Centre, Haramil - north of Marina Bander al Rowdah Oman Dive Centre at Bandar al Jissah - Omanta Scuba at InterContinental in Shatti al Qurum - Extra Divers at Al Sawadi Beach Resort; Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa; Golden Tulip Hotel in Khasab; Marriott hotel in Mirbat; and at Sifawy Boutique Hotel - Sub Aqua at Hilton Salalah Resort - Oman Sail Dive Centre in Mussanah at Millennium Resort Hotel - Go Dive Oman - Global Scuba Dive Centre at the Civil Aviation Club - Damaniyat Diving at Jawharat Shatti Mall - Muscat Diving and Adventure Center at Azaiba
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promising adventure and nature-induced enjoyment with every diving event. In addition to dramatic wall drop-offs and scenic coral lined fjords, ranging in depth from 6-40m; Oman also enjoys good sea conditions with an average visibility of 20-30 m. During the winter months the sea temperature is said to drop to 20-25 C°. Night dives are also popular among experienced divers who are drawn to the fascinating marine life as well as the astonishing amount of phosphorescence found in Oman’s nighttime waters. Experts in the industry opine that scuba diving in Oman is exceptionally good, particularly in the Damaniyat Islands, which, many agree to be one of the best dive sites in the Middle East. Other water sports like snorkelling, water skiing, big game fishing, etc., have also gained immense popularity in recent times.
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at HOME
Child’s
Play Kristine Bonnici presents simple tips to make sure your children’s rooms grow right along with them. Choose flexible furniture
Go with simple lines and clean shapes. Choose pieces that are timeless and which can be adapted to suit any style. White, or dark stained oak furniture work well with almost any colour scheme and can be used for a child of any age.
Add colour
The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. A calm colour scheme in aqua or sky blue creates a sense of space. Yellow and ivory, enhanced with white or pine furniture, creates a calm serene atmosphere. But don’t limit yourself to the usual colours - grey, green and brown tones that are traditionally adult colours can create a sophisticated, backdrop in a child’s room. When used in moderation, primary colours add interest and visual stimulation. Colour can be introduced in small doses in the bedding, the accessories and the soft furnishings. Choose colours and accessories that will grow with your child.
Introduce pattern
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Polka dots, stripes and bold plain coloured fabric can be made up into beautiful curtains for a child’s room. Mix and match colours and bring the scheme together with co-ordinating bed linen, beanbags and cushions. Don’t limit yourself to children’s patterns.
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at HOME When I want to create impact, I often use patterns and colours that would not traditionally be used in a child’s room.
Give them room to grow
Design with your child in mind
Toddlers require safe spaces for playing, crawling and exploring, while a teen will need space for studying and doing homework. Remember that a child’s room is far more than just a place to sleep. Make their room personal by ensuring they have enough space for their hobbies. If your child has a particular i n t e re s t , create a special place to exploit that interest, secure in the knowledge that their p re c i o u s
painting or construction kit won’t be damaged because you have to clear up the kitchen table for supper.
Let children have their say
Allow children to be creative and express their personality by allowing them to choose some of the furnishings and colours in their room.
Use your child’s artwork to decorate the walls
Display your children’s works of art with pride. All kids want display space. Add sheets of galvanized metal to walls to create a magnetic board or cut out shapes from cork tiles. Kids love collecting things so make sure you have enough space to display their pr precious collections.
Keep safe
Toddlers wobble, stagger, To ch charge and dash about. They are inte interested in exploring anything new new, and safety is an important cons consideration when decorating a child child’s room. Avoid glass shelves, sharp corners and awkward
Kristine Bonnici
Senior Interior Designer at StudioBasel design@kristinebonnici.com www.kristinebonnici.com Mobile: +356 7700 0077 https://www.facebook.com/ kristinebonnicidesign
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Children need plenty of space to move, play, store toys and clothes and entertain their friends. Make sure you provide easily accessible shelves, pigeonholes, wicker baskets and toy boxes. Look at kindergarten classrooms for inspiration – easily accessible storage means that even small children can learn to tidy up their toys.
handles. Leave the area beneath the window free from any piece of furniture that might be used as a climbing frame. Install child resistant catches on the windows and external doors. Insert socket guards to prevent toys being ‘plugged’ into the power outlets. Remember that you need reassurance that your child will be safe in their room. Decorating your child’s room opens up a whole new world of exciting design possibilities, even for small spaces. It’s the perfect excuse to be as bold, brave and magical as you want. The best thing you can provide in a child’s bedroom is potential for development and space for their imagination to run riot
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Children's SPECIAL
Games Children Play The world of children’s apps, gadgets and d gaming consoles is replete with novelty, excitement and high energy levels Gaming consoles of the year.................55
Check out all the video game consoles that have hit the right notes this year ear
From the world of Apps……………….............56 All the best apps for your kids, be it on iPad, iPhone or Android
Game on, kids……………..........58
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Get into the gadget mood for some fun and entertainment
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Children's SPECIAL
‘Console’ relief for gaming fans Get into a gaming mode with some of the best video game consoles of 2014 If you have decided to move on from your Game Boy Color, here is a quick look at some of the exciting gaming consoles of the year.
PlayStation Vita
The redesigned PlayStation®Vita system is the ideal companion device for your gaming lifestyle. The sleeker, slimmer, and lighter PS Vita features high-precision dual analog controls, built-in memory, longer battery life, and access immersive PlayStation games, all of which makes it easier to enjoy high-quality gaming experience.
Nintendo 3DS
It is a portable game console e produced by Nintendo; it is capable of projecting g D stereoscopic 3D effects without the use of 3D glasses or additional accessories, as it projectss h two video streams at different angles for each eye. The console succeeds the Nintendo DS,, featuring backward compatibility with older Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi video games, p and competes with the Sony PlayStation Vita.
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is a video game console developed by Microsoft, and is the successor to the original Xbox; it is the second console in the Xbox series. le for the Microsoft The library of games available Microsoft'ss console is absolutely massive. You can choose from nine Call of Duties, six Assassin's Creeds, and two Grand Theft Autos.
PlayStation 3 (PS3)
It is a home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was the first console to use Blu-ray Disc as its primary storage medium. It is lighter and thinner than the original version, which d i notably featured a re-designed logo and marketing design.
PlayStation 4 (PS4)
It’s been around lesss e than a year, and the line-up of games iss not large, but there'ss still plenty to keep you entertained. Moving away from the more complex Cell architecture of its predecessor, the PlayStation 4 features an AMD x8664 Accelerated Processing Unit. The PlayStation 4's GPU can perform 1.843 teraflops, making it the world's most onsole. powerful game console.
Xbox One
It is the successor sor to the Xbox 360 and nd is ole the third console ly. in the Xbox family. oy Whether you enjoy playing games or es, watching movies, Microsoft's Xbox One has you covered. This next-gen device is the all-in-one media machine for your living room with a strong line-up of games. It is scheduled for release in the Middle East sometime in September 2014.
As the first entry in the eighth h generation es, the Wii U of video game home consoles, directly competes with Sony'ss PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's Xbox One.
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Wii U
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Children's SPECIAL
It’s all about
Apps
Whether you want to expand your kids’ educational horizons or just keep them quiet in the car, there are a host of creative and educational apps to grab their interests All Aboard the Ninky Nonk
This playtime app based on the hit CBeebies show ‘In the Night Garden’ contains a series of loveable mini-games for 1 to 4-year old children; it is set to the catchy tunes of the CBeebies original.
Bridge Constructor
This is a construction game for teenagers and DIY dads, where you build a succession of bridges and spans by drawing a conglomeration of triangles. You then select cars or trucks to pass over your wobbly creation, ensuring that you do it all within a tight budget.
Cars 2 World Grand Prix Read and Race
As the title states, this app is not just an interactive picture book; a race game has also been integrated. You can start off by designing and tuning your very own racing car with 3D models, which has been nicely converted.
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Colour!
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This app offers you a great way to culminate reading and racing. After you’ve customised your car in the ‘Reader Pit Stops’, you can race against competitors le such suc ch from the film. A number of different reading modes are available as ‘Read to Me’.
Crayola Lights
By draining the colour off the photos os yo you ou have taken on your device, Crayola Lights, Camera, Colour! leaves you with an outline imited you can really experiment in. An unlimited range of colours along with stickers can be added to spice the picture up.
Children's SPECIAL
Disney Princess: Story Theatre
This app lets you choose one of Disney’s favourite Princesses to star in your own story. Create your very own animation by selecting the characters, setting and actions before you record yourself telling the tale.
Drawing Together
It is a collaborative tool that enables parents and kids – or a pair of friends – to interact with each other over the Internet or via Bluetooth using art as the common theme. Both parties see the same page at the same time and they can talk to each other too. It comes with a bunch of colour-in templates, a basic collection of pens and crayons and a few games like Hangman and Noughts and Crosses.
Jungle Time
It offers a simple method of learning how to tell the time; it helps you to go from a beginner level to advanced stage through unlimited fresh scenarios that adopt a jungle animal theme.
Mickey’s Wildlife Count Along
Music4Kids
This French-made educational app teaches kids the very basics of musical notation in an entertaining way. Select a character and simply touch the staves to place a note. You can choose from a semibreve, crotchet or quaver, depending on how tuneful or tuneless you’d like your composition to be.
My Little Work Garage
Set up and run your own car garage to help fix all sorts of different mechanical issues. From changing oil to fixing the car engine, this app allows you to build and develop the cars in your garage, setting them apart from the rest.
Petting Zoo - Animal Animations
It is a brilliantly funny series of short, simple character animations that interact with finger swipes across the screen. Each line-drawn animation segues into the next to produce one long seamless smorgasbord of animated fun.
Squeebles Times Tables 2
This app makes multiplication tables enjoyable, using a number of different methods of engagement and interaction throughout. The app caters for varying levels of ability and can be altered by an adult or teacher to specify on a particular problem area.
Tamagotchi Classic
‘Tamagotchi Classic’ lets kids enjoy most of the nurturing elements of the current, largerscale toys, only with much better visuals.
The Cat in the Hat
Dr. Seuss’ timeless collection of feline tales is a part of this app, as it uses Seuss’s original drawings to superb effect by allowing kids to interact with both words and objects on the
page. You can choose to read it yourself or have it read to you.
Toca Hair Salon Me
A spin off of Toca Hair Salon 2, it offers all the same characteristics, but you are now able to upload your own picture and style it as you wish, giving a selfie a whole new look!
Trucks HD
Duck Duck Moose’s award-winning app, comes with a cache of popular nursery rhymes. It uses a series of mindexpanding exercises to teach two-to sixyear-olds how to solve problems using five appealing automotive activities.
Wreck It Ralph Storybook Deluxe
Join Wreck it Ralph as he attempts to save the arcade from deadly cy-bugs. Alongside read-along text and full narration, you are able to design your own kart before taking on racers from the film.
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Develop your Maths and Science skills while having fun… Count groups of animals and see them in their natural habitats as you travel along Mickey Beach. Young readers are able to develop their skills and confidence with its text-highlighting tool.
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TOY stories...
From consoles and apps to gadgets… childhood is all about playing games that are aimed at keeping boredom at bay Doll time…
Cloud Pets Teddy is your huggable messenger. Unlike all the stuffed toys, the Cloud Pets Teddy allows you to send recorded messages directly to it, using your smartphone and the associated app. You simply record the 10-second message, and send it to the cloud, where it will float down to little Teddy, lighting his flashing heart. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the next room, or halfway across the world, Teddy repeats your message of love, and your kid has a furry friend to squeeze. It works on batteries and each battery change can last up to a thousand ‘voice tweets’.
August 2014
Chameleon Vision Goggles
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Get a new perspective on the way you see things around you with the Chameleon Vision Goggles, which aim your vision i n different directions – you can rotate it all over the place! There are even options to see rs and behind, thanks to the hidden side mirrors the adjustable straps make it convenient to fit re anyone. A cautionary notice though: make sure you’re not prone to getting dizzy, and try not to attempt running any races while wearing them. You will not be able to walk very far, definitely not in a straight line.
Sword of Justice
Diablo III The Sword of Justice Prop Replica - El’Druin - has been specially built using in-game, digital files. And to add to the overall effect, it boasts of a pulsing blue LED that is located in the hilt itself, with the entire sword measuring more than three feet in length in total. With seemingly magical hand painting, it just looks like the real deal; it is, however, far safer and lighter since it is made out of high-quality plastic.
Knock-Knock…Mr. Knocky
Playing percussive instruments is said to relieve frustration, as it lets you hit things. So, if you know you are not going to play professionally, but still want to hit something that is specifically meant for percussion, then Mr. Knocky is what you need. It’s a simple toy that will allow you to make it seem as though a little robot is i playing drums, but will rely on you your talent. This plastic drum toy doesn’t need batteries, as the controls are solel solely based on the hand-held triggers. You can either press the orange knobs on the triggers, or swing it at varying strengths to get Mr. Knocky to hit whatever is in front of him.
Pool Fun
The Mermaid Me Swim Fins is designed to make poolside more fun and add to the fascination with mermaids. The Mermaid Swim Fins sports foot pockets that are accompanied by a neoprene quick release st strap, where the adjustable Velcro strap makes it ssafe and fun to use. Of course, it requires adult ssupervision.
The New Generation Tablets T
InnoTab MAX, by VTech, is described de as the newest ewest generation of kid’s tablets. It boasts a 7-inch screen, a 8GB on b able board memory (expandable to up to 32GB with a mi deo micro SD card), rotating camera, and video recording action. Kids can find their groove with the integrated MP3 ing and video players, and they get to choose from well over 600 Learning ps. Downloads, and, over 200 hand-picked educational Android apps. nd With the new InnoTab MAX, kids can send and receive text and n voice messages, share photos, drawings and much more! They can n also connect with family members using the new Family Bulletin features. Star Wars Death Star Planetarium offers education ucation and fun in a single package. It will be able to light up tem. The just about any dark room with a full solar system. oject the Star Wars Death Star Planetarium can also project Star Wars solar system, letting you pinpoint the secret location of the hidden Rebel base and send a fleet of Star Destroyers to crush whatever hope there is left. Powered by a trio of AA batteries, the Star Wars Death Star Planetarium is relatively small - 5.6" x 5.6" x 6.2".
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Star Wars
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NBO scores hat-trick at Banker Middle East Awards Education Fun for children of Omantel employees
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mantel - represented by its HR unit - held its second Educational Summer Club for children of Omantel Employees, earlier this month, with the objective of providing children with new skills to develop the spirit of creativity and innovation. The programme included Omantel staff kids from Sur, Sohar, Ibri, Nizwa and Salalah, as well as the company’s headquarter in Muscat, in collaboration with Abdullah Al Aisari Center. It covered programmes such as Smart Explorers, a workshop on inventions to teach students the principles of electronics; the Smart Reader Programme to train participants to overcome weak reading keys; Historical Intelligence Program to discuss Omani stories and tales in the form of questions and answers; Spiritual Intelligence Program; and the Environmental Intelligence Program.
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ational Bank of Oman (NBO) has scored a hat-trick at the Banker Middle East Product Awards Oman in recognition of its ability to deliver exceptional levels of customer service across the breadth of its operations. The Banker Middle East Product Awards acknowledge the most successful, innovative and forward thinking financial services institutions in the region, and are voted by the magazine’s readers. NBO was recognised for its exceptional standards of customer service, the outstanding responsiveness of its call centre, and the tailor-made solutions of its Sadara wealth management and private banking division.
‘Chatpatta’ Loyalty Card from ‘The Bollywood’
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he Bollywood, which serves Indian ‘chaats’ and snacks has launched the ‘Chatpatta’ Loyalty Card, which offers progressively higher discounts on cardholders’ fourth, eighth and twelfth bills. It gives diners discounts of 10 percent, 15 percent and 20 percent on their fourth, eighth and twelfth bills respectively. The card is valid for a period of one year, and can be used at The Bollywood’s Al Qurum outlet. However, the card is only valid for dine-in - not takeaways - and the customer will have to present a minimum bill of RO 3 to avail the offer.
Oman Air partners with Aston Martin for exclusive Lagonda test
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man Air has announced a key partnership with British car manufacturer Aston Martin, which sees the Middle Eastern carrier bring the marque’s yet-to-be-launched Lagonda to Muscat as part of its early testing programme. Reviving the iconic Lagonda name from Aston Martin’s renowned heritage, the brand new car is a top-of-the-range, luxury four-door super-saloon which has been designed exclusively for the Middle East market. The Lagonda’s introduction to Oman not only builds on Oman Air’s undisputed ability to safely transport highly valuable, precision-built freight, but also the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman’s continuing sponsorship of Omani motorsports star Ahmad Al Harthy’s Oman Racing Team. Ahmad played a key role in introducing the Aston martin team to Oman.
MRM staff become certified lifesavers
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ORSA recognises ‘Be Street Smart’ volunteers
taff at Millennium Resort Mussanah (MRM) have become certified lifeguards after passing the ‘Lifesaving Begins’ course held onsite, recently. Seven members of the resort’s recreation and security departments passed at the first attempt and renewed their qualification after completing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and medical first aid, deep water, multiple-victim rescue exercises, in addition to learning how to use Automatic External Defibrillators (AED). The training programme was coordinated by Hamad Ali, Spa Manager at MRM and a qualified CPR practitioner, along with Joe Geeganage, the Resort’s Recreation Manager.
ecognising and appreciating the efforts of its volunteers, Oman Road Safety Association (ORSA) rewarded the youth who have been actively engaged with the ‘Be Street Smart’ project for the past two months. In partnership with AIESEC, the awareness raising activities included talks about the dangers of speeding, the importance of wearing seat belts, child restraints, risks of using mobile phones and adhering to traffic rules and regulations. ‘Be Street Smart’ selects college and university students and young people from ORSA and AIESEC in Oman to become Road Safety Educators who are enriching the project with their own experiences and knowledge and becoming ambassadors of road safety in the Sultanate.
Radisson Blu’s Fontana Health Club & Pool
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he Fontana Health Club and Pool at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat has new offers designed to invigorate and revive body and mind. It has great deals for singles, couples and families on memberships ranging from one month to a year. All guests who take membership for six or more months will als0 get a 15 percent discount at all the food and beverage outlets at the Radisson Blu. Regular as well as novice swimmers will enjoy the pool, set in the midst of a beautiful landscaped garden. The gymnasium, meanwhile, is equipped with a full range of weights and resistance and cardio machines and manned by expert trainers who can help guests create personalised work-out plans.
ESO’s Egyptian Vulture Conservation Project
August 2014
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he Environment Society of Oman (ESO) has launched Phase 2 of the Egyptian Vulture Conservation Project. Sponsored by Shell Development Oman, with the support of Muscat Municipality, Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs and Office for Conservation of the Environment, the project is aimed at assessing vulture populations in the Sultanate and implementing conservation measures that counter the prominent threats to the species. This phase will focus on extending the research study to cover the breeding territories of the species in different areas of Oman in the governorates of Al Batinah, Al Dhahirah, Ah Sharqiya, Dhofar and Muscat. The Egyptian Vulture is classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and reports suggest its worldwide population has declined by 90 percent in the last 50 years.
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OABC & US Embassy send 700 Omani Scholars to the USA
Park Inn Muscat staff receives HACCP certifications
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nder the patronage of the U.S. Embassy in Muscat, the Oman American Business Council (OABC) has supported an exclusive two-day recruitment platform for local companies to meet the 700 Omani Scholars set to depart for the U.S. on international scholarships. OABC’s facilitation of the event presented the opportunity for Omani and American businesses to establish relations with the students set to embark upon the experiencebased programme, allowing them to explore potential work placements in Oman and the United States. Hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), the event was attended by a number of dignitaries including Asia Al Lamki, Cultural Attaché of the Omani Embassy in Washington D.C., Dr Kahlan Al Kharusi, Assistant of the Grand Mufti, and Ahmed Al Azri, Director of Scholarships at MoHE.
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ark Inn by Radisson Muscat hotel has announced the achievement of the Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) certificates by 20 of its staff, recently. The certificates were handed over by Neelesh Sinha, DirectorMiddle East, United Registrar of Systems ME FZC. United Registrar of Systems (URS Certification) is an independent certification body operating in more than 30 countries within the multinational URS Holdings. Training based on the application of scientific principles to food processing and production is regularly provided to relevant staff to ensure the continuous successful implementation of HACCP principles.
Ford to provide USD100,000 for Environmental Projects in the ME
ord Motor Company will award a total of USD100,000 in Conservation and Environmental Grants to help fund existing environmental projects in the Middle East region. For the first time, the programme is extended to environmental projects in Yemen in addition to the GCC, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. The deadline to send applications is on September 14, 2014. Ahead of its 15th anniversary next year, the Ford Grants, which help grass-roots level projects in the Middle East, are already looking back on more than 150 successful green initiatives. Over USD1 million has been allocated since the initiative first started in 2000 and the support helped projects to study and conserve the region’s rich biodiversity, to support recycling schemes and green building initiatives, as well as to raise conservation awareness. The Ford Grants is one of the largest corporate initiatives of its kind in the region, created to empower individuals and non-profit groups that are donating their time and efforts to preserve the environmental well-being of their communities. In terms of monetary contributions, the Grants programme
has had a significant impact in Lebanon, where a total of 37 projects received grants worth US$322,500 to date. In the Gulf, green projects from Saudi Arabia received the largest amount of support with a total of US$193,000 given to organisations in the Kingdom since 2000. Environmental projects in Oman received nearly US$160,000 in funding, while UAE-based projects were given US$149,500. In 2013, 17 environmental projects from Lebanon, Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iraq also received various grants. All of the entries awarded this year showed diverse methods in promoting environmental awareness and conservation across a broad spectrum of communities in the region. Themes ranged from awareness campaigns on saving water and sorting waste, awareness campaigns on renewable energy, a smartphone app allowing users to conduct simple energy audits at home and share with neighbours, and many more. Individuals, community and non-profit groups that have projects currently running in the areas of preservation of the natural environment, environmental education or conservation engineering can apply via the online form (http://fordmegrants.com/en) until September 14, 2014, for a chance to share the total grants of USD100,000. Eligible countries include: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Yemen.
BMW i8 arrives in Oman
Mercedes-Benz inaugurates new facility in Sohar
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awawiTrading Company (ZTC), the exclusive distributor for MercedesBenz in Oman, has officially opened a brand new, state of the art facility in Sohar, to further enhance and extend MercedesBenz’ customer service within the Sultanate of Oman. The new Sohar service centre is equipped with the latest technologies, equipment and professionally trained technicians. This new centre currently employs 16 specialists, salespeople and support staff, a mix of existing employees and new team members, in line with Zawawi Mercedes-Benz Omanisation program.
W
ith its ultra-dynamic proportions, elegantly sporty lines, low-slung silhouette and futuristic design features, BMW’s i8 plug-in hybrid sports car is a sensation on the roads. The BMW i8 is the second model after the BMW i3 to be unveiled by BMW i, the company’s sub-brand focusing solely on developing sustainable products and services. Both the exterior and interior of the 2+2-seater embody a revolutionary, pioneering take on the sheer driving pleasure for which BMW is renowned. The BMW i8 features a completely new, exciting sports car design, which includes sophisticated aerodynamics features and environmentally friendly materials. It comprises BMW LifeDrive architecture, the worlds’ first body architecture specifically designed and purpose-built for series production of electric and plug-in hybrid cars.
Zhengzhou Nissan pickup a popular choice
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he original in the premium segment of small cars completes its 55th yea year, but it is still younger than ever - the classic Mini first went on the roads in 1959; the new MINI continues the success story in 2014. When the first classic Mini, made in Birmingham, went on the market on A August 18th 1959, none of the people involved at the time are like likely to have imagined that the concept of a revolutionary small car wou turn into one of the automotive industry’s most impressive would success stories, stretching over a period of five and half decades. 55 years ago, two models were presented to the public, which differed solely in their radiator grille, hubcaps, and paint finishes: the Morris Mini Minor and the Austin Seven. Today the range comprises a large number of models: starting with the classic body variant of the MINI, it includes the MINI Clubman, the MINI Convertible, the MINI Coupé and the MINI Roadster, going right through to the MINI Countryman and the MINI Paceman.
August 2014
MINI turns 55: a small car with a great history
h e n g z h o u N i s s a n Automobile (ZNA) continues to maintain strong sales figures among the small and medium business in Oman. The single and double cabin pick-ups have been well accepted by the fishermen, merchants and farm owners who have welcomed the new enhanced interiors. The Rich pickup from Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile (ZNA) is a workhorse equipped to meet busi varying business needs and is complete value for money. Dependable for varie of activities, it is available in single cabin 2 door and double a wide variety cabin 5 door configurations. The powerful 2.4 litre 4-cylinder engine sees you all be it a long drive to a faraway destination or hauling heavy loads. through it all,
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Movies Mo
Movie Review
Director Wes Ball
Cast
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CHART TOPPERS
Dylan O’Brien Kaya Scodelario Will Poulter Thomas BrodieSangster Patricia Clarkson Ki Hong Lee Blake Cooper
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1. Rude - Magic! 2. All About That Bass - Meghan Trainor 3.
Stay With Me - Sam Smith
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Break Free - Ariana Grande & Zedd
5. Fancy - Iggy Azalea & Charli XCX 6. Black Widow - Iggy Azalea & Rita Ora
August 2014
7. Am I Wrong - Nico & Vinz
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8. Chandelier - Sia 9. Bailando - Enrique Iglesias 10. Maps - Maroon 5
The Maze Runner
This futuristic science fiction film is based on the first novel of ‘The Maze Runner’ trilogy, written by James Dashner The story follows a boy named Thomas who wakes up in a metal lift, in a strange place called the Glade with no memory aside from his first name. The Glade is an enclosed structure populated by other boys; it is surrounded by tall stonewalls that protect them from monsters called Grievers that live in the Maze, which surrounds the walls around the Glade. The boys pull Thomas out and tell him he is in the Glade and he discovers that the gladers have been trying to solve the Maze for two years. He finds out that at night-time, the walls of the Maze, called the Doors, close to protect the Gladers from the Grievers outside. Every day, some of the kids who are Runners venture into the labyrinth trying to map the ever-changing pattern of walls in an attempt to find an exit. Only by piecing together fragments of his past with clues he discovers in the maze can Thomas hope to uncover his true purpose and a way to escape. When the first girl arrives in the Glade, she brings a message that she will be the last one to ever arrive in the Glade, as the end is near.
Books
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Upcoming Releases Before I Go to Sleep
Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth, Mark Strong
An adaptation of British author Steve Watson’s debut novel, the film is a psychological thriller about a woman suffering from anterograde amnesia. She wakes every day with no knowledge of who she is and the film follows her as she tries to reconstruct her memories from a journal she has been keeping. She learns that she has been seeing a doctor who is helping her to recover her memory, that her name is Christine Lucas, that she is 47 years old and married and has a son.
Search Party
TJ Miller, Adam Pally, Thomas Middleditch, Shannon Woodward, Alison Brie 24 hours ago, Nardo (Thomas Middleditch) was standing at the altar next to the love of his life. Now he’s shivering in just a pair of gold leggings in the Mexican desert, and the only men who can save him are his best friends (TJ Miller, Adam Pally). Writer Scot Armstrong makes his directorial debut in a comedy that follows a rescue by the guys you call when you’ve run out of all other options.
The Longest Week
Jason Bateman, Olivia Wilde, Billy Crudup, Jenny Slate
Conrad Valmont (Bateman), the over-educated, underemployed heir to the Valmont Hotel fortune, is cut off from his allowance following his parents’ abrupt divorce and tossed out into the unforgiving streets of the Upper West Side. Luckily, he is taken in by his old friend Dylan (Crudup) and returns the favour by immediately falling for Dylan’s girlfriend, Beatrice (Wilde). As Conrad attempts to woo Beatrice while keeping both their relationship and his bank balance secret, Dylan tries to set him up with Jocelyn.
Book Review Once Upon an Ordinary School Day
Author: : Mark Teague In this picture book for children between the ages of 3 and 7, Teague entices the reader to join small Wallace Bleff on his train trip Westward ‘to visit Aunt Fern in her house on the plains’. A kidnapping by some rough and tough cowboys plus a narrow escape from a herd of stampeding cattle keeps things from ever getting dull.
The School Story
Author: : Andrew Clements Natalie and Zoe have been best friends since kindergarten; now they are in the sixth grade at a private school in New York City. Natalie, whose mother is a children’s book editor, is the observer and writer; Zoe, whose father is a big-city lawyer, is the talker and the planner of this spunky duo. When Natalie writes an exceptional story, Zoe moves into action. She uses a pen name so she can submit the manuscript to Natalie’s mother. The author makes this funny, implausible venture into the world of publishing plausible.
August 2014
How I Spent My Summer Vacation
Author: : Colin McNaughton Created for children aged 5 to 8, the picture book follows the boy who has a very ordinary life; even his thoughts are ordinary. But when he goes to his classroom and sits down at his desk, his day begins to change - a new teacher, Mr. Gee, bursts into the classroom with an extraordinary idea that challenges all the children to use their imagination. Suddenly an ordinary day is turned topsy-turvy, and the boy is inspired in a way that will change him forever.
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Movies Mo
One Thousand Acts of Peace
Web World
What if… We committed just three Acts of Peace a day, totaling over one thousand each year? How would it affect our lives and the lives of people we know? Would it change the way we see the world, and the world sees us? What would it mean at our workplaces, in our homes, to our world? And, once we started committing three Acts of Peace a day . . . could we ever stop? These and more questions are posed by www.onethousandactsofpeace. org, which is aimed at encouraging children and teachers to inculcate the spirit of peace into the school curriculum and make it a part of every day life. The website includes the following pointers: Acts of Peace Suggestions: For further inspiration, Teacher and children go to ‘Suggestions for Acts of Peace’ on the website. Acts of Peace Notebooks: Children make their own Acts of Peace notebooks, draw and colour the covers, write a starting date, and record ‘Yesterday’s Act(s) of Peace’ that they remember. The next day (and every day), children return to their journals to record ‘Today’s Act(s) of Peace’…beginning with One a Day…and gradually working up to Three a Day. The Acts of Peace notebooks may be hung around the classroom on a sturdy string, like a clothesline, and attached by multi-coloured clips, so that every day, the children pick them off the line and keep them at their desks…to record their intentional Acts of Peace at the appropriate time. Acts of Peace Bracelet: In this activity, children make a Peace Bracelet they can wear – as a reminder to commit Three Acts of Peace a day. Acts of Peace Circle: This is a beautiful way to create a sense of community in the classroom and to demonstrate what the world could look like. Acts of Peace Walk: In this class outing, children are encouraged to be more peaceful moving within the world around them.
August 2014
Riddle Time
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Acts of Peace Math: In this demonstration, children can get a sense of how their three Acts of Peace a day will accumulate to over one thousand in a year.
Riddle Time Answers (July 2014 issue)
Why did the turtle cross the road? ad? What part of a fish weighs the most?? What’s the difference between a fish and a piano? Why did the elephant leave thee circus? He was tired of working for peanuts. anuts.
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Why do cows wear bells? Answer: Because their horns don’t work. What did the frog say when he heard ‘time flies when you are having fun?’ Answer: Time is fun when you’re having flies! How do you catch a squirrel? Answer: Climb up a tree and act like a nut!
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Where do fish keep their money? Answer: In a river bank!
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What did one cow say to the other? Answer: Mooooooove over!
Books
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Gadget Notes Robots use Wi-Fi to see through walls
Robots can now even see through solid walls. A set of robots, created by a team at the University of California, Santa Barbara, are able to look through solid walls using just Wi-Fi signals. These robots have the capability to identify the position and outline of unseen objects within a scanned structure, and then categorise their composition as metal, timber, or flesh. Working in pairs, the robots traverse the perimeter of an object or structure and alternately transmit and receive Wi-Fi radio signals between each other through the object being scanned.
Want to make you own 3D Avatar?
If you have ever wanted to create your own, animated, 3D Avatar, but didn’t have the patience, financial means or the brains to do it, Microsoft Kinect for Windows has the answer. Microsoft announced earlier this month that KfW users could animate themselves and insert the character into their favourite games. According to the official KfW blog, “The magic begins with the Kinect for Windows v2 sensor. You simply pose in front of the v2 sensor while its 1080p high-resolution camera captures six images of you: Four of your body in static poses, and two of your face. With its enhanced depth sensing up to three times greater than the original Kinect for Windows sensor) and its improved facial and body tracking, the v2 sensor captures your body in incredible, 3D detail. It tracks 25 joint positions and, with a mesh of 2,000 points, a wealth of facial detail.”
iWatch not ready for launch
Rumours have it that Apple may be pushing the launch date of its long awaited smartwatch – iWatch - to next year. Analysts have blamed the issue on smartwatch’s small size and its flexible AMOLED screen. There are also reports that Apple is having problems with manufacturing enough sapphire glass to meet demand. Apple was expected to unveil the iWatch at its iPad launch event in October. While they might still go ahead and display it, buyers will have to wait until the coming year.
New wearable device for children Ne
LG KizON, a new wearable technology, has been specially designed as a child tracker. This wristband from LG will be exclusively de designed for pre-school and primary school children, so as to e enable parents to track their young children’s whereabouts. The L LG KizON will make use of of GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity in order to deliver real-time location information so that parents can keep track of their children’s whereabouts using a smartphone or tablet from a remote area.
FUN
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n elderly man finally invested in a hearing aid after becoming virtually deaf. It was one of those invisible hearing aids. “Well, how do you like your new hearing aid?” asked his doctor. “I like it great. I’ve heard sounds in the last few weeks ow existed.” that I didn’t know “Well, how doess your family ng aid?” like your hearing
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man speaks frantically into the phone, “My wife is pregnant, and her contractions are only two minutes apart!” “Is this her first child?” the doctor queries. “No, you idiot!” the man shouts. This is her husband!” husband! “This
August 2014
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here was this city doctor who started a practice in the countryside. He once had to go to a farm to attend to a sick farmer who lived there. After a few house calls he stopped going to the farm. The puzzled farmer finally phoned him and asked, “What’s the matter, don’t you like me or something?” The doctor replied, “No, its your ducks at the entrance... every time I enter the farm, they verbally insult me!”
“Oh, nobody in my family knows I have it yet. Am I having a great time! I’ve changed my will three times in the last two months.”
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September 2014
Aries
your life, and completely sweeps you off your feet. Love will enter your life everywhere and you will take that loving feeling into the rest of your life. It will even affect your professional life, and colleagues at work will notice that you have a new glow.
Routines are often part of every day life but recently you would have noticed that you have been stuck in a bit of a rut. During this month you will finally realise that your life has become one long routine, and you desperately need to change the routine in your life. It would be better to identify which routines you need to change to be able to sustain a comfortable standard of living.
Scorpio
It is not always easy for you to keep all of that passion under wraps so why not let it out to play for once. Your needs, emotional and physical, seem to be turning more into cravings as they have been locked up for such a long time. Work has been dominating your life for sometime now, and you have been focused on making money and increasing your bank balance.
Taurus
Don’t skim through your work, especially if you have your own business; read every line, because somewhere in that pile is an opportunity to increase your business or prove your weight in gold to your employer. Focus on strengthening relationships within your own family. Rather than creating chaos, try to spend quality time with your family and perhaps a long weekend break with your family might be the best way forward.
Gemini
If you are self employed or run your own business, you may have a run with a friend or colleague. Do not let work rule over your life. Accept work as a part of life but keep personal friendships where they belong – in your personal life. During September you will be tempted to try a new risky sport. Think twice before you get involved...
Cancer
Your top priorities for September will be work and health. You may have to work a little bit harder to take advantage of the current opportunities, but it will be worth it. Do not forget your health. Physical health is just as important as mental health, and now is the time to start finding some new routines to keep you healthy.
August 2014
Leo
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Family members’ actions can be a bit unpredictable during the month of September. You are so preoccupied with yourself sometimes that you forget the fact that others have a life too. Apply your leadership skills on yourself and sort out your own home quarters. You don’t need to work weekends nor do you need to be the CEO of the company. You have done well already.
Libra
You have love written all over your horoscope in September 2014. If you are a single Libra don’t be surprised if a new love comes into
Movies Mo
Wiz Khalifa
September 8, 1987 Cameron Jibril Thomaz, better known by the stage name Wiz Khalifa, is an American rapper and singersongwriter. He released his debut album, ‘Show and Prove’, in 2006, and signed to Warner Bros. Records in 2007. He became known for his hit song ‘Black and Yellow,’ which hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Billboard Music Award for Top New Artist in 2012. He won a BET Award for Best New Artist in 2011 and his song, ‘Young, Wild & Free’ was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2013. He became engaged to model Amber Rose on March 1, 2012, and they had a son named Sebastian in 2013. He and Snoop Dogg have paired up for numerous song and video collaborations, including the 2011 song, ‘Mac & Devin Go to High School.’
Virgo
(23 August – 22 September) During September your thoughts will be strongly focused on work and financial issues. You have actually spent a little too much money this summer, and your bank balance is looking a bit depleted. You need to review some of your financial commitments. If you are close to retirement you may want to make sure you have some ways of making extra cash once you retire.
Sagittarius
This month will be all about work, and furthering yourself in work or in your business. Mind you, it may not feel like hard work. Your professional life feels a bit stale and it has nothing to do with work load. You may be feeling a bit down when it comes to work, and your business. The problem is your attitude is affecting others around you as well.
Capricorn
Business and work might be a bit slow during September and this could impact your financial status. You have some special plans for October so you may want to keep economic outlay to a minimum. Things will not grind to a halt, but things can be quieter than normal so it is better to be prepared.
Aquarius
New technologies coming in the market will fascinate you, and you will want to fill your life with them. You have a vision of the future, and you know how amazing it will be so you are better off waiting. Your home will be important to you this month. New ideas for decorating and restyling your home have been with you for some time now and perhaps it is time to put some of them into practice.
Pisces Are you thinking about going on a longer trip? Something is bubbling away in that imaginative mind of yours, and the truth is you might even become the leader of this trip. If you decide to not go off on that trip, your work experience will completely change; there will be change in your life one way or the other. Your work experience could change dramatically; it might even involve a relocation.
Books
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14,000 post-it notes…
A young couple returned home from their honeymoon to find that their friends had covered the inside of their house with 14,000 post-it notes! The couple – Jamie and Emily Pharro – had left a set of keys with friends who were meant to pop in every day to feed their cats. Instead, they stuck notes in every nook and corner of the kitchen and living room, including the inside of the washing machine and television, with the message: ‘so sorry’. Previously, the notorious friends had filled another couple’s house with 3,000 balloons.
Teen sent home for dyed red hair
An Alabama teenager with dyed-red hair was sent home from school by her principal over concerns that her mane was too bright and distracting. Hayleigh Black, a 15-yearold student at Muscle Shoals High School in northwestern Alabama, had been dyeing her hair red for three years without incident. School policy dictates that students cannot have unnatural colours, as it is distracting for the others.
Five-year-old ‘mayor’ loses bid for third term
Robert Tufts lost election for a third term, as honorary mayor of an unofficial northern Minnesota town; but he is not really upset as he is looking forward to kindergarten. Robert, who is 5 years old, did not campaign this year for mayor of Dorset, which picks an honorary leader in a drawing each August, during its Taste of Dorset festival. Dorset, which has a population of about 22 and is approximately 160 miles north of Minneapolis, allows anyone to run for its unofficial mayor.
Groom fakes death to avoid wedding
The story of Tucker Blandford (23) and Alex Lancaster (23) begins in August 2012, when the two fell in love. The two talked every day and started planning a wedding in Connecticut. Lancaster spent money on a dress, invitations and for flights for Blandford. But things changed a few months ago, when she got a call from a man who said he was Blandford’s father. He told her that Tucker had been deeply depressed and wanted to die and that he threw himself in front of a car. She called his family and soon found out that it was a faux. The groom had faked his death to avoid getting married!
Toy Tales
Did you know that the origin of toys is prehistoric…?
- Dolls representing infants, animals and soldiers are found at most archaeological sites. - The word ‘toy’ is believed to have been first used in the 14th century. - Earliest toys were made from materials found in nature – rocks, sticks and clay - Thousands of years ago, Egyptian children played with dolls that had wigs and movable limbs made from stone, pottery and wood. - Children in ancient Greece and Rome played with dolls made of wax or terracotta, sticks, bows and arrows and yo-yos. - The yo-yo is believed to be the secondoldest toy in the world. The name yo-yo comes from a Filipino expression meaning ‘come come’. - The Yo-Yo originated as a weapon in the Philippine Islands during the sixteenth century. - On the eve of their wedding, young Greek girls would offer their dolls in a temple as a rite of passage into adulthood. - The oldest known mechanical puzzle appeared in Greece in the 3rd century BC. - In Iran, ‘puzzle-locks’ were made as early as 17th century AD. - Monopoly was invented in 1932 by an unemployed salesman, Charles Darrow, during the Great Depression. - The first jigsaw puzzle was in invented in 1767 by John Spilsbury to help children learn geography. - The ‘rocking horse’ was developed at the same time in England. - The oldest set of board game equipment ever found is The Royal Game of Ur in the 1920’s. It was played in Babylon for over 5,000 years. - Monopoly was invented in 1932 by an unemployed salesman, Charles Darrow, during the Great Depression. - Parents had to supply real potatoes for the body of Mr. Potato Head until 1964, when Hasbro introduced a hard plastic body!
August 2014
Weird News
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Airlines
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August 2014
Beauty
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Flight information ....................... 24519456 Aeroflot ....................................... 24704455 Ahlan Lounge ............................. 24519088 Air Arabia ................................... 24700828 Air France ................................... 24562153 Air India...................................... 24762111 Air Maldives ............................... 24566046 Air New Zealand ......................... 24700326 Bangladesh Airlines.................... 24701128 British Airways............................ 24568777 Cathay Pacific ............................. 24789818 Continental Airlines.................... 24816565 Egypt Air .................................... 24794113 Emirates Airlines ........................ 24404444 Ethiopia Airlines ......................... 24660314 Gulf Air .......................24703222, 80072424 Iran Aseman ............................... 24660313 Japan Airlines ............................. 24704455 Jet Airways ..................24787248/24787246 Kenya Airways ............................ 24660317 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines ........... 24566737 Kuwait Airways ........................... 24701262 Lufthansa..................................... 24796692 Malaysian Airlines ...................... 24560796 Middle East Airlines ................... 24796680 Oman Air .................................... 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines................... .................................................... 24792471 Qatar Airways ............................ 24771900 Qantas ........................................ 24559941 Royal Jordanian ........................... 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines ................ 24789485 Shaheen Air International ........... 24817021 Singapore Airlines ...................... 24791233 Sri Lankan Airlines ..................... 24784545 Swiss International Air Lines ...... 24796692 Syrian Airlines ............................ 24797567 Thai Airways ............................... 24705934 Turkish Airways ................ 24703033/ 2778
Emergency Hospitals
Al Nahdha Hospital ..................... 24837800 Khoula Hospital........................... 24560455 Muscat Private Hospital .............. 24583600 Royal Hospital ............................. 24599000 Al Raffah Hospital .................. 98294371/70 KIMS Oman Hospital ................... 24760100
Electricity
Muscat / Muttrah ........................ 24714300 Ruwi ............................................ 24701821 Salalah ........................................ 23219188
Water
General Enquiries ..............................1442 Muttrah ...................................... 24795775 Salalah ....................................... 23290222
Cinema
City Cinema Ruwi ................. 2456 7664/68 City Cinema Al Shatti ........... 2456 7664/68 City Cinema MGM................ 2456 7664/68 City Cinema Sohar ............... 2456 7664/68 Star Cinema ................................ 24791641 Markaz Al Bahja .......................... 24540855
Cinema Beauty Health Clubs Hotel & Hotel Apartments Retail Sports Travel & Tour Operators Eat Out
Beauty Al Lilac Beauty Center ................ 24483994 Al Nahda Resort and Spa, Barka ................ 26883710 Ayana Spa ................................... 24693435 Beauty Centre ............................. 24697585 Beauty Today .............................. 24568991 Chi Spa, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa ....................................... 24776666 Daksha’s Salon ............................ 24562596 Emirates Medical Center............ 24604540 Essence Spa................................ 24603225 Europe Beauty Centre & Health ................. Club, CBD ................................... 24797813 Europe Beauty Centre & Spa .................... Wadi Kabir.................................. 24815805 Grand Spa................................... 24695766 Grand Spa (Bareeq Al Shatti)..................... .................................................. 95588880 Hana’s Slimming & Skincare ....... 24697270 Holistic Skin & Hair Care ............ 24601134 Hollywood Beauty Centre ........... 24568292 Kaya Skin Clinic ................ 24601700/4300 Kottakal Arya Vaidya Sala ........... 24701555 Manal Beautician ........................ 24479655 Muscat Beauty Salon ................... 24562541 Muscat Slimming Centre ............ 24565687 Nadia Beauty Salon ..................... 24689777 Nails Spa ..................................... 24699440 Raz Hair and Beauty Salon .......... 24692219 Saharz Beauty Centre ................................ ................................24695151 / 24696161 Signature .................................... 24490282 Sri Sri Ayurveda Clinic .............................. ..................................24480874, 92800793 The Chedi, The Spa .................... 24524400 Tips & Toes Nails Spa.................. 24603969 The Spa Bar for Men ................... 24698681 Touch & Glow Beauty.................. 24791979 VLCC .......................................... 24695157 Perry's Saloon ............................. 24538539
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Oman on your ÀQJHUWLSV
Health Clubs
Muscat Region
Al Bustan Palace Hotel ................ 24799666 Al Bahjah Hotel ........................... 24424400 Al-Khuwayr Hotel Apts ............... 24478171 Al Madina Holiday Inn ................ 24596400 Al Fanar Hotel ............................. 24712385 Al Falaj Hotel .............................. 24702311 Azaiba Hotel Apartments........................... ................................24490979 / 99424470 Beach Hotel ................................ 24696601 Bowshar Hotel............................. 24491105 Coral Hotel Muscat ..................... 24692121 Crowne Plaza Muscat.................. 24660660 Golden Tulip Seeb...................... 24510300 Grand Hyatt Muscat .................... 24641234 Haffa House Hotel ....................... 24707207 Holiday Inn Muscat ..................... 24487123 InterContinental Muscat ............. 24680000 Best Western Hotel ..................... 24692121 Majan Continental Hotel ............. 24592900 Marina Hotel ............................... 24711711 Mina Hotel .................................. 24711828 Muttrah Hotel .............................. 24798401 Nuzha Hotel Apts ........................ 24789199 Oman Dive Center...................... 24824240 Park Inn ...................................... 24507888 Qurm Beach House Hotel ........... 24564070 Radisson Blu Hotel Muscat.......... 24487777 Ramada Qurm Beach .................. 24603555 Ramee Guestline Hotel ............... 24564443 Ramee Dream Resort .................. 24453399 Ruwi Hotel .................................. 24704244 Safeer Hotel Suites...................... 24691200 Qurum Beach Resort Hotel ......... 24605945 Shangri La’s Barr Al JissahResort and Spa .....................24776666, 800708102 The Chedi Muscat....................... 24524400
Al Dhakliya
Nizwa Hotel................................. 25431616 Al Jabal Al Akhdar Hotel............. 25410500 Adam Motel ................................ 25434975 Al Diyar Hotel ............................. 25412402 Bader Aslam Motel ..................... 25435007 Bahla Hotel ................................. 25420211 Matan Motel ................................ 99062641 Majan Guest House..................... 25431910 Tanoof Guest House.................... 25411601
Al Batinah
Al Nahda Resort & Spa .............................. ............................... 26883710/ 992RELAX Al Sawadi Beach Resort .............. 26795545 Sohar Beach Hotel ...................... 26841111 Al Wadi Hotel .............................. 26840058 Al Suwaiq Hotel .......................... 26862241 Green Oasis Motel ...................... 26846442 Ghurnata Hotel Apartments........ 26844539
Al Sharqiya
Al Ashkara .................................. 25566266 Al Qabil Resthouse ..................... 25581243 Al Raha Tourism Camp ............... 99343851 Al Sharqiya Gardens................... 99332264 Al Sharqiya Sands Hotel ............. 99205112 Al Wasil Camp ............................ 99332264 Desert Safaris ............................. 25593232 Golden Sands Camp................... 99445092 Ibra Hotel.................................... 25571873 Mahoot Hotel .............................. 25504401 Marsa Sur Hotel Apartments....... 25540784 Masirah Motel ............................. 25504401 Ras Al Hadd Beach Hotel ........... 25542031
Musandam
Millennium Resort ...................... 26871555 Khasab Hotel .............................. 26730267 Qada Hotel ................................. 26731664 Isra Hotel Apartments................. 26730562
Al Wusta
Ghaftain Rest House ................... 99485881 Ghaba Rest House ...................... 99358639 Haima Motel ............................... 23436061 Qatbit Motel................................ 99085686
Dhofar
Hilton Hotel Salalah .................... 23211234 Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah ...... 23235333 Haffa House Hotel Salalah........... 23295444 Al Hanna Hotel............................ 23290274 Al Jabal Hotel .............................. 23210611 Al Mazyuna Hotel........................ 23293340 Al Nassr Hotel ............................. 23294815 Al Saada Tourism Complex ........ 23225250 Bamasir Hotel ............................. 23293340 Darbat Hotel ............................... 23295877 Dhofar Tourist Hotel.................... 23282300 Redan Hotel ................................ 23292255 Salalah Beach Hotel Apts ............ 23235999 Salalah Hotel ............................... 23295332 Samahram Hotel Apts ................. 23295444 Thumrit Tourist Hotel .................. 23279371
Al Dhahira
Al Buraimi Hotel.......................... 25652010 Abha Hotel.................................. 25654700 Al Aeilat Hotel Apts .................... 25654330 Al Baraka Oasis Hotel Apts ......... 25650955 Al Dhahira Hotel ......................... 25650492 Al Masah Hotel ........................... 25653007 Al Raha Hotel Apts ...................... 24701898 Al Sharq House Hotel Apts ......... 24702399 Hamasa Hotel.............................. 25651200 Ibri Oasis Hotel........................... 25489955 Nafahat Al Burami Hotel Flats ..... 25654777
SEARCHING
Hotel & Hotel Apartments
2
Health Clubs Hotel & Hotel Apartments
August 2014
Your Fitness Quotient....
Al Falaj Health Club ........................24702311 Al Majan Hotel ................................24592900 Al Qurum Resort .............................24605945 Adam’s Fitness Center ....................24684989 Balance Health & Fitness ...............24564132 Bodylines, Al Sawadi ......................26795545 Body Speak ......................................24765578 Crowne Plaza...................................24660660 Fitbody Gym....................................24601970 Fontana Club Radisson Blu ...........24487777 487777 Future Health Club .........................24600030 600030 Grand Hyatt Club Olympus ...........24641234 641234 Golden Tulip ....................................24510300 510300 Hammer Gym .................................24483399 483399 Horizon Fitness Center ..................24571337 571337 InterContinental Muscat ...............24680000 680000 Muscat Holiday Inn ........................24487123 487123 Samaa Health Club .........................24694892 694892 Qurum Beach Resort Hotel ...........24605945 605945 Crowne Plaza Salalah .....................23235333 235333 Hilton Salalah ..................................23211234 211234 Sohar Beach Resort.........................26841111 841111 Sky Club, Park Inn ..........................24507888 507888
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Sports Basketball
Oman Basketball Association .... 24796780
Boating
Retail
SEARCHING
3
Retail
August 2014
Sports
72
Al Araimi Complex ..................... 24566180 Al Khamis Plaza .......................... 24562791 Al Harthy Complex ..................... 24564481 Al Wadi Commercial Centre ...................... .................................................. 24564782 Alasfoor Plaza ............................. 24564686 Capital Commercial Complex (CCC) ...... .................................................. 24567338 Jawaharat A’Shatti Complex ....... 24692113 Khimji Megastore........................ 24708075 Markaz Al Bahja .......................... 24540222 Sabco Center .............................. 24562761
Capital are Yacht club ................. 24737712 Desert Thunder........................... 95555153 Grand Hyatt Boat House ............. 24641234 Gulf Leisure ................................ 99819005 Marina Bander Al Rowdha .......... 24737288 Ocean Boats Diving and Sea Tours ............ .................................................. 92645889 Rawabi Desert Adventures ......... 95201107
Bowling
Al Masa Bowling ......................... 24693991 Oman Bowling Centre ................ 24480747 Seeb Novotel .............................. 24510300
Classes
Al Falaj Hotel (Martial Arts, Tennis, ........... Swimming).................................. 24702311 Grand Hyatt Muscat (Aerobics, Ballet, Salsa, Yoga for women) ............... 24641234 InterContinental Muscat (Fitness workouts, Aqua Aerobics, Spin, Pilates+) ... 24680000
Cricket
Oman Cricket Club .................... 24703142
Cycling
Muscat Cycling ........................... 98453580
Diving & Snorkeling
Al Khuwair ..................96473101, 24601569 Fahad Plaza, Ruwi ....................... 96725845 Muscat City Centre .................................... ..................................96473113, 24558063 Sohar .......................................... 95119656 Salalah ........................................ 23289260
Al Sawadi Beach Resort .............. 26795545 Blu Zone Watersports.................. 24737293 Desert Adventures ...................... 95201107 Desert Thunder........................... 95555153 Dimaniyat Diving ........................ 24795545 Global Scuba .............................. 99317518 Gulf Leisure ................................ 24693561 Musandam Extra Divers.............. 99877957 Muscat Divers ............................. 99355671 Muscat Diving and Adventure Cente......... .................................................. 24485663 Ocean Boats Diving and Sea Tours ........... .................................................. 92645889 Oman Dive Center...................... 24824240 Sub Aqua Dive Centre Salalah .... 92471073
Muscat City Centre
Golf
Centrepoint
Muscat City Centre (Mall) .......... 24558888 Bata (Footwear) ........................... 24558855 Emax (Electronics) ..................... 24558062 Home Centre .............................. 24558063 Max (Fashion) ........................ 24558981/82 Origem (Fashion)........................ 92648542 Oysho (Fashion).......................... 24558865 Rado (Watches) ........... 9776492, 92247101 Salsa (Fashion) ............................ 24558631 Sunglass Hut ............................... 24558869 Zara (Fashion) ............................. 24558887 Zara Home .................................. 24558869
Muscat Grand Mall
Muscat Grand Mall ..................... 22000000
Almouj Golf Club........................ 22005990 Ghala Valley Golf Club ............... 24591248 Muscat Hills Golf Club ................ 24510065
Hiking
Desert Thunder........................... 95555153 Muscat Diving and Adventure Center ....... 24485663 Rawabi Desert Adventures ......... 95201107
Horse Riding
Al Sawadi Beach Resort .............. 26795545 Al Sawahil Horse Riding ............. 95177557 Desert Thunder........................... 95555153 Qurum Equestrian School........... 99832199
Ice Sports
Ice Skating Centre ...................... 24489492
Jet Skiing
Al Sawadi Beach Resort .............. 26795545
Kayaking
Al Sawadi Beach Resort .............. 26795545 Muscat Diving and Adventure Center ...... .................................................. 24485663 Rob Gardner ............................... 99239658 Oman Dive Center...................... 24824240
Motor Sports
Bikers Oman ............................... 99556430 Harley Davidson Owners Group ............... .................................................. 99310853 Oman Automobile Association ................. .................................................. 24510239
Rock Climbing
Muscat Diving and Adventure Center ........................................ 24485663 Rob Gardner ............................... 99239658
Rugby
Muscat Rugby Club .................... 24604890
Running
Muscat Road Runners ................. 24692903
Sailing
Castaways Sailing Club ............. 24594613 Desert Thunder........................... 95555153
Sport Fishing
Desert Thunder........................... 95555153 Grand Hyatt Boathouse ............... 24641234 Gulf Leisure ................................ 99819006 Muscat Diving and Adventure Center ...... .................................................. 24485663 Oman Dive Center...................... 24824240 Marina Bandar Al Rowdha .......... 24737288 Rawabi Desert Adventures ......... 95201107 Water World Marine ................... 24737438
Squash
Al Falaj Hotel .............................. 24702311 Al Sawadi .................................... 26795545 Crowne Plaza Muscat.................. 24660660 Grand Hyatt Muscat .................... 24641234
Tennis
Oman Tennis Association ........... 24751902
Khasab Travel and Tours............................ 26730464 Kurban Tours & Travel ................ 24699886 Mark Tours .................................. 24782727 Marmul Travel and Tours ............ 24482868 Majan Travel ............................... 24785728 Mezoon Travel ............................ 24796680 Midland Tourism......................... 24566524 Moon Travels ............................. 24793551 Nahar Tourism Oasis .................. 99387654 National Travels & Tourism (NTT) .............. 24660376 Nomad Tours .............................. 95495240 Nomadic Adventures and Tours................. 99336273 NTT Tours............................... 24660378/70 OTTB ........................................... 24789845 Oasis Tours .................24499922, 99440441 Oman Geo Tours......................... 24600914 Oman Discovery ......................... 24706424 Oman National Transport ........... 24490046 Oman World Tourism .................. 99252680 Orient Holidays .......................... 24478902 OUA Travel ................................. 24559900 Premier Tours ............................. 99222620 Rawabi Desert Adventures ......... 95201107 Remal Al Sharqiya Tourism......... 24544525 Rusayl Travel .............................. 24510012 Salalah City Services .................. 23299663 Salalah Tourism........................... 23292289 Sama Al Wasil Tourism Village................... 99604004 Shanfari Travel and Tours ........... 27602710 Sumahram Falcon ....................... 95774166 Sun and Sand Tours .................... 99373928 Sunny Day Tours, Travel & Adventure ........ 24490055 Steps Travel and Tourism............ 24488891 Tour Oman .................................. 24799966 United Tours ............................... 24787448 Zahara Tours ............................... 24400844
4 SEARCHING
ABC Tourism ............................. 244582663 Adonis Oman Travel & Tours 24693371 Advantage Travel & Tours ........... 95220095 Airborne Travels......................... 24479295 Al Azure Tours .......................... 244565745 Amazing Arabia ..........24701454/99310005 Al Ahlam Tours ......................... 244892612 Al Areesh Wahiba Camp ............ 99317107 Al Daleel Tours ........................... 23296503 Al Ghadeer ................................. 99325441 Al Ghubayra ............................... 24812874 Al Haditha ................................... 24603587 Al Hashar Tourism & Travels ....... 24836100 Al Hasn Araimi Travel ................. 24799966 Al Maskry Tourism & Travels ...... 24595241 Al Naheem .................................. 24478192 Al Noor ....................................... 99318822 Al-Qandeel Travel & Tourism ..... 24643877 Al Raha Tourism Camp ............... 99343851 Al Sawson ................................... 24485637 Arabian Sands Tour Services ...... 24785027 Arabian Sea Safaris..................... 24693223 Arabian Trails ............................. 24475437 Arise Travel and Tour ................. 24605825 AST Tours ....................24571311, 23298085 Bahwan Travel Agencies............. 24797405 Choice Holidays ......................24660364/7 Desert Discovery ........................ 24493232 Desert Thunder........................... 95555153 Eihab Travels .............................. 24683900 Elite Travel & Tourism................. 24485020 Empty Quarter Tours .................. 99387654 Ena Tourism ................................ 23298500 Global Tours ............................... 24484156 Golden Oryx Tours ..................... 24489853 Gulf Leisure ................................ 24693561 Gulf Ventures .............................. 24559985 Kanoo Travel ............................... 24700249
Travel & Tour Operators
Augu Au August gust st 2 2014 01 0 14
Travel & Tour Operators
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SEARCHING
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August 2014
A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes
74
Arabian Al Deyar ...........................................24603553 Next to Shatti Plaza
Kababji ............................................24488846 Al Khuwair
Al Khanjar ........................................24795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort
Kargeen Café AL Harthy Complex ........................24560531 Centrepoint .................................... 24694048 MQ Complex ...................................24692269
Al Istanbuli ......................................24480900 Next to Rawasco, Al Khuwair Al Reef Al Lebnani ..........................24485775 Al Khuwair, Opp Safeer Bld Al Tanoor .........................................24776540 Al Bandar Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Al Zafran ..........................................26841111 Sohar Beach Hotel Arab World Al Ghubrah ......................................24491734 Ruwi High St. ...................................24798119 Automatic Al Khuwair .......................................24487200 Azaiba...............................................24499981 Bareeq Al Shatti...............................24605735 Qurum..............................................24561500 Seeb ..................................................24424343 Beirut Restaurant ............................24568411 Near Qurum Roundabout Bin Ateeq Al Khuwair .......................................24478225 CBD ..................................................24702727 Camilia Restaurant and Cafe.........24706663 CBD Irani House ......................................24698098 Al Khoud ..........................................24545741 Azaiba ..............................................24491921 Jabal Lebnan....................................24698098 Al Noor Plaza, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos Al Jood Restaurant .........................24472630 Al Khuwair
Samar .............................................992RELAX Al Nahda Resort & Spa Samat (Iranian food) MQ.....................................................99 889394 Qurum................................................24605515 Shahrazad ........................................24776565 Al Husn Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Shiraz................................................24660660 Crowne Plaza Hotel Tarboosh Opp Sabco Centre...........................24565673 Al Ghubrah ......................................24498553 The Arabian Courtyard .................24524400 The Chedi Muscat The Khanjar Omani Cuisine ..........24795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort Turkish House .................................24488071 Al Khuwair Ubhar ...............................................24565689 Bareeq Al Shatti Wadi Hadramout Restaurant Al Khuwair ......................................24475282
Al Ahli Cafe ................................ 24424400 Al Bahjah Hotel Al Falaj Coffee Shop ................... 24702311 Al Falaj Hotel Al Fursan ................................... 24603555 Ramada Beach Hotel Al Maha ...................................... 24487123 Muscat Holiday Inn Al Makan Café Muscat City Centre ..................... 24545311 Shatti Al Qurum .......................... 24404200 Al Mas......................................... 24491105 Bowsher Hotel Deluxe Atrium Tea Lounge ..................... 24764000 Al Bustan Palace Barista ......................................... 24571531 Sabco Centre Cafe Barbera .............................. 24603505 Near Shatti Cinema, Shatti Al Qurum Café Capuccino .......................... 24564443 Ramee Guestline Hotel Café Ceramique ......................... 24566617 Al Araimi Complex, Qurum
Caribou Coffee........................... 24694473 Bareeq Al Shatti
Mood Café Madinat Plaza ............................. 92125639 Markaz Al Bahja .......................... 24538752
Casa de Cafe .............................. 24499565 Midan Hotel Suites
Patisserie .................................... 24479344 Risail Complex, Seeb
Colombian Aroma Cafe .............. 24693131 Bareeq Al Shatti
Petit Café .................................... 24603555 Ramada Beach Hotel
Coffee Republic........................ 244703739 Qurum City Centre
Pink Berry................................... 24558113 Muscat City Centre
Costa Coffee Seeb Intnl Airport ....................... 24519734 MQ .............................................. 24692858 Muscat City Center..................... 24535895 Oasis by the Sea ......................... 24605574 Alasfoor Plaza ............................. 24571236 Lulu Bowsher .............................. 24503861 Bareeq Al Shatti .......................... 24692699 MBD ............................................ 24793169
Pooldeck ..................................... 24680000 InterContinental Muscat
Chado Tea Lounge..................... 24500773 Oasis By The Sea D’Arcy’s Kitchen Jawaharat A Shatti ....................... 24600234 MQ .............................................. 24699119 Glacier Café Markaz Al Bahja ......................... 24540200 Zakher Mall ................................ 24540391
Café de Lotus.............................. 24560439 Al Khamis Plaza
Gloria Jean's Coffees .................. 24662940 Fun Zone, Qurum, MGM........................................... 22009295
Café G Patisserie ........................ 99531999 Madinat as Sultan Qaboos
Golden Bean Café ..................... 96969645 Al Araimi Complex, Qurum
Café Samaharam......................... 24707207 Haffa House Hotel
Grind Floor ................................. 24487777 Radisson Blu
Café Torque ................................ 24500773 Azaiba
Le Mermaid Café ........................ 24602327 Near Grand Hyatt Muscat
Café Unique................................ 96684686 Ruwi
Majlis al Shams ........................... 24680000 InterContinental Muscat
Richoux cafe .............................. 22005165 Opera Galleria Ground Floor Rumours Cafe ............................. 24692121 Coral Hotel Muscat Second Cup CCC, Qurm ................................. 24566616 Shatti Al-Qurum .......................... 24699951 Bareeq Al Shatti .......................... 24697776 Sirj Tea Lounge ........................... 24641234 Grand Hyatt Muscat Shalashil Café ............................ 24498008 Star Hotel Apartments, Ghubra Starbucks Ernst and Young bldg ................. 24567644 Jawaharat A’Shatti ....................... 24601457 Muscat City Centre ..................... 24558861 MQ .............................................. 24699367 Borders, Muscat City Centre....... 24558636 Qurum City Centre ..................... 24470588 Surf Cafe ..................................... 24776666 Al Waha Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Sidewalk Cafe and Deli .............. 24563058 CCC, Qurm
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A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes
Mokha Cafe ................................ 24641234 Grand Hyatt Muscat
August 2014
Cafe’s
SEARCHING
Café Vergnano 1882.................... 24692370 Madinat as Sultan Qaboos
Mokha Cafe ................................ 24776666 Al Bandar Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa
75
Far Eastern Bamboo Kitchen ......................... 96969645 Al Araimi Complex, Qurum China Mood ................................ 24764000 Al Bustan Palace InterContinental - Muscat China Town ................................. 24567974 CCC, Qurm, MBD Chinese Durbar .......................... 24486688 Al Khuwair Chinese Garden ......................... 24489414 Al Khuwair, Near Ice Skating Rink
7
Chinese Palace ........................... 99563368 Al Wadi Commercial Centre Pal Meera.................................... 24692368 Shatti Al Qurum
SEARCHING
Golden Dragon ........................... 24697374 Madinat As Sultan Qaboos Golden Oryx .............................. 24702266 Rex Road
A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes
Silk Route Chinese & Thai........... 24696967 Al Noor Plaza, Madinat As Sultan Qaboos
Jade Garden................................ 24605945 Al Qurm Resort
August 2014
Chicking Markaz Al Bahja .......................... 24540200 Muscat City Centre ..................... 24489575 Cold Stone Creamery ................................ 24470614, 95202436 Qurum City Centre Coral Express ............................. 24540200 Markaz Al Bahja Dairy Queen Jawaharat A’Shatti ....................... 24693031 Lulu, Ghubrah ............................. 24504504 Seeb Intnl Airport ....................... 24519468 DQ Grill & Chill .......................... 24693031 Jawaharat A’Shatti
Lai Thai ....................................... 98025189 Al Khuwair
Domino’s Pizza ............................ 24479111 Al Khuwair
Magic Wok Muscat City Centre ..................... 24537118 Qurum City Centre ..................... 24470596 Mamasan .................................... 24210452
Dunkin’ Donuts Ghala .......................................... 96177967 MQ .............................................. 96177967 Shatti Cinema ............................. 96177967
Marjan Rest. and Pool Bar ........... 24641234 Grand Hyatt Muscat
Gourmet Burger Kitchen............. 24558065 Muscat City Centre
Meji’s Aroy Thai .......................... 99839595 Shatti Al Qurum Narjeel ........................................ 24560606 Asas Oman Hotel Apartments Palayok ....................................... 24797290 Ruwi High Street, opp. OC Centre Al Khuwair Shang Thai ................................. 24483083 Al Khuwair slip road
Royal China ............................... 24571339 Shatti Al Qurum Hot Pot & Grills ........................... 24404291 Bareeq Al Shatti Thai Basil .................................... 24499565 Midan Hotel Suites, Ghubrah The Noodle House ...................... 24558377 Muscat City Centre
76
Fast Food
Tokyo Taro .................................. 24702311 Al Falaj Hotel Wasabi Sushi............................... 24699490 Bareeq Al Shatti
Il Gelato Di Bruno ....................... 95275987 Oasis By the Sea Hardees ...................................... 24477774 Al Khuwair, Wattyah, Al Khoud, City Centre One number for all the four stores Hot and Crispy ........................... 24699524 Al Masa Mall, Sarooj Just Falafel................................... 22009922 Muscat Grand Mall KFC ............................................. 24477777 One number for all the 21 stores Ruwi, Qurum, Al Khuwair, MCC, QCC, Lulu Ghubra and Darsait, Near Airport, Azaiba Roundabout
McDonald’s Al Khuwair .................................. 24482046 As Sarooj..................................24691033/4 Muscat City Center..................... 24545773 Book Roundabout ....................... 24421119 Qurm Behind CCC ..................... 24565798 Papa John’s Pizza Lulu, Ghubrah ............................. 24501111 MQ .............................................. 24697220 Qurum ........................................ 24571100 Muscat Intl Airport...................... 24519468 Ruwi ............................................ 24793153 Al Khoudh ................................... 24546516 Penguin Ghubrah ..................................... 24493963 Seeb............................................ 24422004 Sultan Qaboos University ........... 24413144 Pizza Inn Ruwi ............................................ 24784555 Al Araimi Compex, Qurum ......... 24566661 Pizza Muscat Al Khuwair .................................. 24483393 Al Harthy Complex ..................... 24565618 MBD ............................................ 24817715 Pizza Hut ..................................... 24822500 Wadi Kabir, MBD, Rex Road, Qurum, CCC, QCC, MSQ, Al Khuwair, Ghala, Bowsher, Ghoubra, Airport, Al Khoud, Mawallah, Mabella, Barka Subway Oman Oil, Qurum Jabal .............. 24666704 Al Khuwair .................................. 24593963 Al Masa Mall ............................... 24604664 CCC............................................ 24560327 MQ .............................................. 24694774 Muscat City Centre ..................... 24558080 Wally’s Markaz Al Bahja .......................... 24540200 Al Masa Mall ............................... 24543154 Al Khuwair .................................. 24502929
Indian
Lazeez ........................................992RELAX Al Nahda Resort & Spa
Aaryans ..................................... 24702311 Al Falaj Hotel
It’s Mirchi ................................... 24564443 Ramee Guestline Hotel
Ananthapuri .............................. 24706226 Opp. Muscat Municipality, Darsait
Mumtaz Mahal ............................ 24605907 Qurum
Annapoorna ............................... 24810396 MBD
Mughlai Zaika ............................. 24568200 Wattayah
Biryani House ............................. 24488478 Al Khuwayr
Omar Al Khayyam Restaurant .................... Ruwi ..........................24703035/ 24707082 Al Khoudh ..................24535001/ 24539718
Curry House ............................... 24564033 Wattayah Mullapanthal ............................... 95267540 Ruwi Chowpatty .................................. 24488829 Al Khuwair Daawat ........................................ 24787980 Ruwi Divine ......................................... 24705070 Ruwi Dosteen Restaurant ..................... 24622850 Seeb Happy Village ............................. 24564995 Qurum Horizon Restaurant ..................... 24798252 Ruwi Hot Pot Restaurant...................... 24700691 Near Khimji’s Mart, Darsait Kamat Al Khuwair .................................. 24479243 Ruwi ............................................ 24783300
Passage To India ......................... 24568480 Behind Hatat House Princess ...................................... 24482213 Al Khuwair Punjabi Dhaba ............................ 24787755 Darsait Puranmal...................24707172 / 24706969 CBD
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Sagar .......................................... 24794114 Ruwi Saravanaa Bhavan ................ 24704502 / 07 Near Ruwi Roundabout Spicy Village.............................................. Al Khuwair .................................. 24475518 Rusayl ........................................ 24510120 Nizwa ......................................... 25431694 Sohar ......................................... 24843238 Sur ............................................. 25544594 Customer Care ............... 800spicy (77429) Sayujya Restaurant...................... 24816909 MBD
Italian
Swagath Veg Restaurant.............. 24707676 Ruwi
Capri Court ................................ 24776666 Al Bandar Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa
The Indus Restaurant .................. 22022888 Opera Gallaria - Shatti Al Qurum
Come Prima................................ 24660660 Crowne Plaza Hotel Muscat
Keranadu .................................... 24564443 Ramee Guestline Hotel
Taj Samarkhand Restaurant ........ 24582040 Muscat Oasis Residence, Bowsher
Khana Khazana............................ 24813466 Ruwi
Tawa Magic ................................ 24703300 CBD
Mediterranean Grill.................... 24680000 InterContinental Muscat
Khyber ........................................ 24781901 CBD
The Great Kabab Factory............ 24478373 Al Khuwair
Koliwada .................................... 99421778 MBD
The Taj ........................................ 26795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort
O Sole Mio .................................. 24487777 Radisson Blu - Muscat Trattoria ...................................... 24210451
Kumkum...................................... 24714114 Muttrah
Woodlands.................................. 24700192 MBD, Ruwi
Pane Caldo ................................. 24698697 Jawaharat A’Shatti Complex Pizza Express .............................. 24696169 Oasis By The Sea, Shatti Al-Qurum Tuscany....................................... 24641234 Grand Hyatt Muscat
SEARCHING
Copper Chimney........................ 24780207 CBD
A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes
August 2014
The Bollywood ............................ 24565653 Qurm, Behind CCC
77
International Al Bandar Lounge ....................... 24776666 Al Bandar Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa
SEARCHING
9
August 2014
A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes
78
iFoods ......................................... 24121114 18 November St, near Sultan Centre, Azaiba Japengo....................................... 92892868 Qurum
Al Aktham ................................... 24489292 Al Khuwair, behind OIB
Jean’s Grill .................................. 24567666 Sultan Center
A’Rifaak ...................................... 92558842 Al Khoud, Main Street
Jungle ......................................... 24561600 Qurum Rose Garden
AlExandria.................................. 24561611 Qurum, next to Sabco Center
Khaboura Cafe............................ 24592900 Majan Hotel
Al Khiran Terrace Restaurant ..................... Al Bustan Palace ......................... 24764000
Khalab .......................................992RELAX Al Nahda Resort & Spa
Sundowner’s Beach Bar............... 26795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort
Al Waha Lounge ......................... 24776666 Al Waha Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa
La Brassiere ............................... 2471 3707 Muttrah
TGIF ............................................ 24488899 Al Khuwair, City Seasons Hotel
La Mer ........................................ 95038487 Shatti Al Qurum
The Beach Restaurant ................. 24524400 The Chedi Muscat
Left Bank ..................................... 24693699 Below Mumtaz Mahal restaurant, Qurum
The Chedi Pool Cabana.............. 24524400 The Chedi Muscat
Le Jardin...................................... 24510300 Golden Tulip Seeb
The Crepe Cafe .......................... 24558530 Muscat City Centre
Beach Pavilion Restaurant and Bar Al Bustan Palace ......................... 24764000
Love At First Bite ......................... 24601737 Shatti Al Qurum
The Serai Pool Cabana ............... 24524400 The Chedi Muscat
B+F Roadside Diner................... 24698836 Bareeq Al Shatti
Musandam Café.......................... 24680000 InterContinental Muscat
The Restaurant ............................ 24524400 The Chedi Muscat
Blue Marlin ................................. 24737940 Marina bander Al Rowdha
Musandam Restaurant ................ 26730267 Khasab Hotel
The Coffee Shop ......................... 24704244 Ruwi Hotel
BreadTalk.................................... 24603033 Bareeq Al Shatti
Nando’s ....................................... .... 24561818 Opp CCC Muscat City Centre
Tinello......................................... 24502570 The Treasurebox Hotel
Assira Pool Bar............................ 24776666 Al Waha Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Bait Al Bahar ............................... 24776666 Al Waha Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa
Bread and Co.............................. 24698379 Oasis By The Sea, Shatti Al-Qurum Buffet Restaurant ......................... 24697967 Bareeq Al Shatti Chilli’s Muscat City Center .................... 24558815 Qurum City Center .................... 24470700 Circles ........................................ 24776666 Al Bandar Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Class Room ................................. 24813141 National Hospitality Institute, Wadi Kabir Coral Reef Cafe .......................... 26795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort Coffee Shop ................................ 24702311 Al Falaj Hotel Four Seasons ............................... 24707207 Haffa House Hotel Golden Spoon Al Khuwair .................................. 24482263 Seeb Souq................................... 24424204 Hamburger Nation ...................... 24558077 Muscat City Centre
Neptune Bar................................ .... 24795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort Nouras Al Shatti .......................... .... 24603555 Ramada Beach Hotel Odyssey ...................................... .... 24824240 Oman Dive Centre, Bandar Jissa sa Olivos.......................................... .... 24487777 Radisson Blu Retro ........................................... .... 24571339 Shatti AL Qurum RBG Grill .................................... .... 24507888 Park Inn Muscat Samba ......................................... .... 24776666 Al Waha Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr rr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Slider Station .............................. .... 24698990 Oasis By The Sea, Shatti Al Qurum rum Stomach ...................................... .... 24692486 Jawaharat A’Shatti Complex Sultanah ...................................... .... 24776666 Al Husn Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr rr Al Jissah Resort and Spa
Trader Vic’s................................. 24680000 InterContinental Muscat Tropicana.................................... 24660660 Crowne Plaza Hotel Muscat
Long Bar and Xyro ...................... 24776666 Al Bandar Hotel, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Nirvana ......................24781901/ 97015530 CBD
Mediterranean
O'Malleys .................................... 24487777 Radisson Blu
Bellapais .................................... 24521100 Risail Complex
Periwinkle’s Pub ......................... 26795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort
Mediterranean Grill ................. 246803000 InterContinental Muscat
Piano Lounge .............................. 26776666 Al Bander Hotel, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah
Pubs & Lounge Al Ghazal .................................... 24680000 InterContinental Muscat Al Jizzi Lounge ............................ 26841111 Sohar Beach Hotel Al Marrah Pub ............................ 24424404 Al Bahjah Hotel Barrio Fiesta ............................... 24592900 Majan Hotel Churchill’s Pub............................ 24487123 Muscat Holiday Inn
Mexican Pavo Real .................................... 24602603 MQ Senor Pico................................... 24680000 InterContinental Muscat
Sports Bar ................................... 24487123 Muscat Holiday Inn The Hut ....................................... 26795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort The Lazy Lizard ........................... 24487777 Radisson Blu
Club Safari.................................. 24602327 Grand Hyatt Muscat Copacabana ............................... 24641234 Grand Hyatt Muscat
Steak & Grill
Feeney’s Irish Pub....................... 99262821 Al Qurum Resort
Grill House ................................. 24603660 Grand Hyatt
Habana Cafe ............................... 24602327 Grand Hyatt Muscat
Just Grilled.................................. 24601290 Oasis By The Sea, Shatti Al Qurum
John Barry Bar............................. 24641234 Grand Hyatt
Kobe’s Sizzlers .........24563220 / 24564092 GBM Building, Qurum
Layalina Bar ................................ 24487123 Muscat Holiday Inn
The Safari Rooftop Grill .............24641234, .................................................. 24641114 Grand Hyatt Muscat
Pub......................................... 24702311 Le Pub.............. Al Falaj Hotel
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The Wahiba ................................. 26795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort
Club Bar ..................................... 24704244 Ruwi Hotel
Duke’s Bar ................................... 24660660 Crowne Plaza
Is your enterprise missing in our lists?
Sama Terazza ............................. 24507888 Park Inn Muscat
SEARCHING
Tomato ........................................ 24680000 InterContinental Muscat
Rock Bottom Cafe’ ...................... 24564443 Ramee Guestline Hotel
A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes
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August 2014
Tapas & Sablah ........................... 24776666 Al Bandar Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa
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