Faces Oman-94

Health & Wellness First Aid Brazilian Treats Online Marketing Blueprint Simply scan this QR code with your smartphone and see the FACES website online

Issue 94, November 2014

Family Attitude Class Entertainment Success Health & Wellness First Aid Brazilian Treats Online Marketing Blueprint Simply scan this QR code with your smartphone and see the FACES website online

Founder / Essa Bin Mohammed Al Zedjali 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 Telephone +968 24563382/24563385 Fascimile +968 24566014 Email - Editorial editor@facesoman.com Email - Sales sales@facesoman.com Website www.facesoman.com

Editor’s Note

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aking a cue from a Hippocrates’ quote - ‘It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has’ – we dedicate this issue of FAcES to your general health and wellness, with a special focus on the importance of first aid and emergency medicines.

With ‘wellness’ becoming a common term for a variety of health products, ranging from health supplements to fitness equipment, the import of healthy lifestyle practices on general wellness becomes all the more pronounced. It accentuates the health role that each one is called to play to create that perfect balance and celebrate life everyday.

While the lingering theme of health and wellness marks the different segments in this issue, the cover story is devoted to creating awareness regarding the importance of identifying emergency situations while providing first aid care. It throws limelight on the ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Health to encourage community involvement in providing first aid.

We present the ‘Aspirations Theatre Academy’ in our Spotlight and explore the world of online marketing through Thierry Moubax in our centre Stage. Find out more in our Special pages and get set for the countdown to the coming year.

Good health to all…

We are on Facebook!

‘FACES Magazine, Oman’

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.

Al Khamis Plaza – Tel: 24560992, Muscat City Center – Tel: 24558148, Muscat Grand Mall – Tel: 24399930

Contents In This Issue FACES Features 16 Cover Story

Dr. Khadijatul K Muneer of Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, delineates ways and means of administering ‘first aid’ in emergency situations

22 In Conversation Dr. J. Retnakumar, CEO of Lifeline Hospitals Group, Oman, reflects on his passion for art and culture, as he traces his professional successes

24 In The Spotlight ‘Aspirations Theatre Academy’, the only theatre academy dedicated to children in Muscat, is all set to present its first stage performance

30 Centre Stage Thierry Moubax, author of ‘The Online Marketing Blueprint’ ponders over the ease and reach of the online world

FACES Foodie 26 Feast on

Treat your palate to an array of grilled/ skewered/roasted meats and veggies at the newly opened Brazilian restaurant Espeto Gaucho

29 Healthy Bites Get ready for winter with some tried and tested remedies

FACES Style 36 In The Luxe

Health and wellness may not be dictated by wealth, but a host of fitness gadgets are clearly defined by the moolah

FACES Travel 42 Just Travel

Find out how you could do a quick health check before you venture on your long awaited holiday

40 Look Good

58 Explore Oman

54 Style File

FACES Razzmatazz

Find out how you could get the right balance between health and beauty with some easy tips

Get ready for the new season with R & B’s winter collection, featuring bright and earthy colours

FACES Elements 32 Man Date

Get a grip on your health with vitamin and mineral supplements

34 Relatively Speaking

Take this relationship health profile test and ascertain if you are in a healthy relationship or not…

56 At Home

Kristine Bonnici provides expert home decor tips

FACES Special

44 Health & Wellness Recharge your batteries and let the boundless energies of good health and wellness envelope your life

Check out some of the scenic wadis in and around the capital during the pleasant winter months

10 Star Light

From ‘Following’ in 1998 to his recent ‘Interstellar’, Christopher Jonathan James Nolan, has time and again proven his storytelling skills at the box office

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

Happy Diamonds Butterflies from Chopard

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Almouj Golf’s Early Bird offer

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alling all golf enthusiasts…

Almouj Golf has announced its Early Bird Membership offer, now available until 31st December 2014. The new packages offer members access to the club’s world-class facilities, great value on amenities and hospitality benefits throughout Oman and the United Arab Emirates.With no increase in domestic membership prices, the club is offering benefits that are as good as cash, with a total discount value of up to RO 1,020. New and renewed memberships will also receive a 20 percent saving on food and beverage, as well as 10 percent off in the Pro Shops at Almouj Golf, Dubai Creek and Emirates Golf Club.

he perpetually spinning, playful and joyful Happy Diamonds, which have been witnessing Chopard’s great moments since they were launched in 1976, is joined by the ‘Happy Diamonds Butterflies’. This new collection from Chopard is now available in Oman at Khimji’s Watches. At the heart of the collection is the Happy Diamonds Butterflies jewellery watch featuring two butterflies covered in sapphires and brown diamonds resting on the diamondset case. The curves of the case and the dial, mirror one another, while seven mobile diamonds twirl playfully between them.

In the centre of the dial, the cut-out profile of a diamond butterfly sits on a purple mother-of-pearl background. The gorgeous Happy Diamonds Butterflies jewellery collection is comprised of pendants, bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces.

Multivitamin Night Cream

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egular fairness cream users can now look forward to Advanced Multivitamin Night Cream from Fair & Lovely. The new Fair & Lovely Advanced Multivitamin Night Cream is enriched with a tri fair vitamin complex that goes five layers deep into your skin and works on fairness for eight hours. It also contains an active moisturiser so you can wake up to soft and smooth skin with a non-oily fresh feel. The new night treatment from Fair & Lovely contains a combination of vitamin B3, B6, C & E to help you wake up looking rejuvenated and radiant every morning.

Lumia 830 now in Oman

November 2014

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ood news for tech savvy buyers. Microsoft Devices has announced the availability of the affordable flagship Lumia 830 in Oman for RO 157. With a premium design, superior PureView imaging and integrated Microsoft services, Lumia 830 makes high-end innovation more affordable. Packing the very best Lumia innovations including Wireless Charging, Optimized Image Stabilization and personal wellness monitoring features such as SensorCore into an ultra-sleek package, the Lumia 830 delivers incredible image and video quality, day or night, Lumia 830 captures sharp images with a 10-megapixel PureView camera with ZEISS optics, Rich Recording, and our thinnest optical image stabilization system to date.

Flash Your Age Balinese Boreh at Six Senses Zighy Bay

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oodies in the capital have a valid reason to flash their age with the re-launch of ‘Flash Your Age’ at The Jungle Restaurant. It is an innovative promotion allowing diners to receive discounts on their bill related to their age. Guests simply show their ID card at the time of payment and receive a discount equivalent to their age. The promotion is valid every day until Wednesday 10 December for lunch and dinner; advance reservations must be made. Payment can be made by cash or any debit or credit card. Certain terms and conditions apply.

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et set for the winter season with Balinese Boreh, a traditional herbal scrub. Six Senses Spa at Six Senses Zighy Bay has embraced the changing season and launched a traditional Balinese Boreh for the winter season. Originally used by rice farmers in Bali at the end of a hard working day, the treatment is a centuries-old recipe used to relieve muscle aches, increase blood circulation and create relaxation by using heat therapy combined with exotic spices that stimulate the circulation and warm the skin with an aromatic blend. The ingredients of this fragrant boreh (paste) are a mixture of powdered sandalwood, whole cloves, ginger, cinnamon, coriander seeds, rice powder, turmeric root and nutmeg which are ground in a mortar and pestle and combined with water to make a thick consistency. Guests can book this ancient remedy treatment at RO 105 for a 60-minute session or RO 125 for a 90-minute session.

opens flagship store in Oman

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hopping for clothes just got exciting with the formal opening of the popular fashion outlet ‘twenty4’. The brand has set up shop at the Bait Al Ahlam building in MBD area. Part of the highly successful retail stable BMA International, ‘twenty4’ has carved a special niche in the GCC region by maintaining a pricing structure that is in keeping with that of the latest fashion trends from around the world. Their Winter Collection 2014, which is currently in the store, pays further homage to the brand’s highly trendy and vibrant range of fashion within considerably competitive prices. The store has already proven its mettle amongst consumers in the region, who are spoilt for choice with the brand’s exciting variety of clothes and accessories for women, men, young adults and kids.

November 2014

Truly South African at Grand Hyatt Muscat

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nown for its ‘rainbow cuisine’ in the culinary world, a five-day South African food promotion will be featured at Grand Hyatt Muscat’s al fresco restaurant, Safari Rooftop Grill House with guest chef Matt from eclectic contemporary restaurant Coobs in Parkhurst, Johannesburg. He will join the team at Grand Hyatt from 30 November to 4 December and will be adding his personal touch of rich South African flavours to some of Safari Rooftop Grill’s popular dishes. This joint promotion in partnership with the South African Embassy in Oman will give guests a unique opportunity to experience South African cuisine at its best.

‘Following’ Chris Nolan’s ‘Interstellar’ journey From ‘Following’ in 1998 to his recent ‘Interstellar’, Christopher Jonathan James Nolan, has time and again proven his nonlinear storytelling skills at the box office

November 2014

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ilmmaker Christopher Nolan’s Hollywood journey may have begun 15 years ago with ‘Following’, but his tryst with the camera began when he was just seven years old. It was his father’s Super-8 camera that initiated him into the field of movie making. What began as experimental short movies with male action figures, soon turned to films involving real people, leading to feature films, with ‘Following’ in 1998 - made on a budget of $6,000 establishing his firm presence in the film horizon.

It was while he was studying English Literature at University College London that he shot 16-millimetre films at U.C.L.’s film society. This is where he learned the guerrilla techniques, which was first seen in ‘Following’.

The film received critical acclaim at several international film festivals and earned Nolan credibility to garner better finances for his subsequent films. A couple of years before that, he’d proven his mettle with the short film ‘Larceny’, which was shown at the Cambridge Film Festival.

In an interview with a film magazine, he expressed his love for the movies, thus: “I’ve always been a movie guy, movies have been my thing. I love movies, all kinds of movies.”

Over the course of 15 years of filmmaking, Nolan has gone from lowbudget independent films to working on some of the biggest blockbusters ever made. ‘Memento’ in 2000 got him Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Original Screenplay. This was followed by ‘Insomnia’ in 2002, a gripping psychological thriller. However, it was the chance to revive the Batman franchise in 2005 that turned things completely for Chris Nolan. ‘Batman Begins’ was the modern interpretation of the iconic hero; it was followed by ‘The Dark Knight’ in 2008, which went on to gross more than a billion dollars at the worldwide box office. This won him nominations for a Directors Guild of America (D.G.A.) Award, Writers Guild of America (W.G.A.) Award and Producers Guild of America (P.G.A.) Award; the film also received eight Academy Award nominations. He concluded the Batman trilogy with ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, which was one of the highest-grossing movies of 2012.

Expressing his fascination for superheroes, he’d said in an interview, “Superheroes fill a gap in the pop culture psyche, similar to the role of Greek mythology. There isn’t really anything else that does the job in modern terms. For me, Batman is the one that can most clearly be taken

seriously.”

In between the Batman series, Nolan directed, co-wrote and produced ‘The Prestige’ in 2006 and directed and produced ‘Inception’ in 2010; the latter became a worldwide blockbuster, earning more than $800 millon. It was his preoccupation with the world of dreams that led to ‘Inception’. Talking about the movie, he was quoted saying, “I have been interested in dreams, really, since I was a kid. I have always been fascinated by the idea that your mind, when you are asleep, can create a world in a dream and you are perceiving it as though it really existed.”

Nolan, who currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife, producer Emma Thomas, and their children, is a movie man who appreciates all things movies. He’d said in an interview, “You know when Hollywood does a great big blockbuster that really wraps you up in a world, and lets you believe in extraordinary things that move you in some way, in an almost operatic sensibility? That to me is the most fun I have at the movies!”

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‘The Queen Latifah’ Show canceled Iggy AzaleaEminem feud heats up

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ggy Azalea is no stranger to feuds. From Snoop Dogg to Nicki Minaj, it appears as if Iggy intentionally seeks out drama. However, in reality, she seems to simply be a favorite target for A-list emcees.

Eminem, who seems to be using controversy to promote his new mixtape, Shady XV, has targeted Iggy. A recently released track on Shady XV contains the following lyrics: “So what’s it gonna be? / Put that sh-t away, Iggy / You gonna blow a rape whistle on me?” Many feel, however, that this time Em has simply gone too far, and his critics have pointed out that the sort of lyrics that may have gone unnoticed in 1999 are simply not acceptable in 2014 - particularly now that Mr. Mathers is 42 and has a daughter in college.

‘The Queen Latifah Show’ has officially gotten the axe due to poor ratings and production costs. The daytime talk show will finish its run at the end of its current second season. Confirming the reports and thanking her staff and crew for their hard work during their one-year run, Queen Latifah posted this note on her Facebook page: “Your dedication and sacrifice was crucial to the entire team, and in the face of intense challenges, you displayed ‘True Grit!’” The show began in September 2013, and was renewed for its current second season in January 2014.

Tori Spelling to divorce Dean McDermott?

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hile their reps insist that Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott are still together, new reports suggest that they are barely on speaking terms and headed for a split. According to a new report, however, she’s filled out divorce papers and is considering pulling the trigger on the long-rumoured split, at the urging of friends. This comes on the heels of Dean McDermott quitting their reality show True Tori and basically admitting he’s disgusted by the charade that is their life.

Khloe Kardashian finds ways to stop herself from eating

November 2014

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f you have heard ridiculous rumours about Khloe Kardashian’s weight loss strategies in the past, this one takes the cake.

Khloe is said to have taken a bizarre piece of advice from Victoria Beckham recently and began carrying a small bottle of ‘Windex-like’ cleaner with her at all times, so that she can spray it on food when she’s feeling tempted.

Lady Gaga spends £12k on bowling trip Lady Gaga splashed out £12,000 on a bowling trip, treating 110 friends and her beloved pet bulldog, Asia, to a game at Manchester’s All Star Lanes for a premature end-of-tour party earlier this month. The singer hired out the whole venue for the party, but opted against using the regulation bowling shoes and instead took aim in her stilettos.

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“I can’t give you any hints of when it will drop. It’s going to be great. That’s all I’m going to tell you, and I’m excited about it”

“Nicki Minaj? Hmmm, I’m going to pass on that one.”

- Rihanna talks about her highly anticipated upcoming album to reporters.

November 2014

- Aretha Franklin quips when asked about her thoughts on Nicki Minaj.

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“I don’t have a few words. I got a few letters... ‘OMG’.”

- Lil Wayne reveals his thoughts on Nicki Minaj’s ‘Anaconda’ music video.

“I really used to think that happily ever after was a thing… I used to believe that you find the one and that’s it: Nothing’s difficult after that.”

- Taylor Swift admits to a Hollywood magazine that she has sadly grown more cynical as so many of her high-profile relationships have flamed out.

- Kendall Jenner on juggling her two jobs - reality TV life and modeling..

“I just flew on an airplane with him, we all did. We think we recruited him to be in number three as the new boss. He might have said yes and I don’t think he knows it.”

- Jennifer Aniston admits that she is uncertain if she has managed to recruit Benedict Cumberbatch to star in ‘Horrible Bosses 3’.

-Nicki Minaj expresses her desire to becoming a mother by her fifth album release.

“I learned everything there is about being sexy from Matt. Thank you Matt and all the other previous intelligent men.”

- Chris Hemsworth tells Jimmy Kimmel on his talk show that he learnt how to be ‘sexy’ from Matt Damon.

November 2014

“It’s definitely two different worlds.

I feel like Hannah Montana.

But it’s fun.”

“If I’m done with my fifth album and I don’t have a child by then, no matter how much money I have, I would be disappointed, as a woman, because I feel like I was put here to be a mother.”

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First

cover STORY

Things First…

Get smart about your health, urges Dr. Khadijatul K Muneer, Senior House Officer, Department of Emergency Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, as she delineates ways and means of administering ‘first aid’ in emergency situations, in the following article

November 2014

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he ED (Emergency Department) of any hospital is a very dynamic department. Patients who end up receiving our care are commonly those who require interventions that are beyond the scope of your everyday local health centre. As the name suggests, this burgeoning specialty encompasses it all – we focus on emergencies across all disease and age spectrums; ranging from the child, to the pregnant lady, to adult/geriatric medical and surgical cases and many more.

Despite the multifarious presentations that transit through our doors, there are a handful of true emergencies where the outcomes vary dramatically, based on when and how you arrive to the hospital. With the advent of the Internet, healthcare is literally at your fingertips. However, just like a doubleedged sword, as a non-medical person, you need to get smart about your resources that will eventually dictate how you assess and approach your own health.

The ED functions on the foundation of teamwork and here’s the great news: you too, can become an important member of this dynamic process, by being informed about your health.

This article focuses on two common potentially life threatening, if not disabling, emergencies that require your invaluable participation before medical help arrives to you or prior to you reaching us. These are simple ways that you (as a patient/attendant) can assist your doctor to provide better care, if not actively help.

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Lightheadedness Lightheadedness Anxiety

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath Chest discomfort: Upper body pain

Nausea & Vomiting

Upper body pain Chest discomfort Nausea & Vomiting Stomach pain

Stomach pain Sweating Sweating

Unusual fatigue

November 2014

Inability to sleep

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Stroke – ‘brain attack’

Despite making up around 2 percent of our total body weight, the human brain consumes up to 20 percent of the body’s total blood supply. This means that any interruption to the blood supply of such a vital organ – which is, grossly, one big organised chaos of neurons (nerve cells) - can hold the potential to have a devastating effect on the patient.

A stroke occurs when this crucial supply to the brain is interrupted either due to a block (87 percent of cases, also known as ischemic stroke) or a bleed (13 percent of cases, also known as hemorrhagic stroke) of a blood vessel. The area of the brain supplied by that vessel is affected and subsequently, its function is impaired which may manifest as the neurological deficits that the patient presents with. Disability following stroke depends on the extent and area of damage and the timing of intervention.

It has been consistently proven that early recognition of the more common ischemic stroke (preferably within 4.5 hours maximum of onset of symptoms) and subsequent intervention (clot busting therapy) has better overall outcome for the patient in the long term. Unfortunately, most strokes occur at home and patients tend to seek medical help long after the aforementioned window period has passed.

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If 1 of the 3 signs is present, the stroke probability is about 72 percent. If all the 3 are present, the probability shoots to more than 85 percent. IT IS TIME TO CALL AN AMBULANCE! The advantage of calling an ambulance is that the EMS (Emergency Medical Service) can rapidly assess the patient, get a brief history to establish a timeline, get a few preliminary labs and support the patient vitally until s/ he arrives to us.

If you can do this part, you can dramatically improve the disease outcome for yourself/your loved one. Once you arrive to us, we will do a quick general and neurologic assessment to distinguish between stroke and its mimics, scan the brain (ischemic or hemorrhagic?) as management varies with the type of stroke and proceed accordingly within 60 minutes of your arrival.

The patient will then be admitted for close monitoring and further expert management. Thus, as you can very well tell, your input in the most crucial step to this process!

Myocardial Infarction ‘heart attack’

Just like every other organ, there is a specific group of vessels that supply the heart. These are called coronary arteries. When this blood supply to the heart’s muscle wall is interrupted by a plaque rupture (secondary to atherosclerosis), followed by subsequent erosion and clot formation, the region supplied by that vessel is deprived of oxygen and the muscle will be at risk of dying. The concept is quite similar to that of an ischemic stroke.

The most common presentation is severe chest pain that radiates to your jaw and left or both arms. The pain is often described as a heavy pressure or a crushing type of pain. This may be accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath, weakness (see illustration). E

The FAST (see illustration) approach to identifying a potential stroke can really make a big difference as ‘lost time is lost brain’. Quickly check: 1. Can the patient smile/show teeth (is one side droopy)?

2. Can s/he extend both arms, palms up for at least 10 seconds (does one arm not move or drift down slowly compared to the other)?

3. Can s/he speak clearly (are they slurring, unable to speak or using the wrong words)?

November 2014

What can you do?

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cover STORY

‘First Aid’ Training Dr. Thamra Al-Ghafri

A community-based project, undertaken by the Ministry of Health, aspires to train 30 to 40 percent of the general public on first aid, by 2020

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ransfer of first aid training from health workers to the community members, with the idea of equipping them to be a support to themselves as well as others, is the objective behind Ministry of Health’s medical emergency training programme, which was officially launched earlier this month at a workshop held in al Bustan Palace, A Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Aimed, mainly, at Omani women, the training will involve education related to emergency situations, especially cardiac arrests.

On the sidelines of the workshop, Dr. Thamra Al-Ghafri, Director of Planning, Directorate of Health Services, Muscat, explained that the programme, which was being planned for almost a year, is an ongoing project. “Training will happen directly through the Directorate General of Health Services in Muscat region and also through the primary health care institutes,” she pointed out, adding that the training is delivered by experts who are certified from American Heart Association.

The idea is to train health care personnel to be trainers, assisting in the process. Only the ones who volunteer to be trainers will be taken to another level of training. To make things flow smoothly, a questionnaire identifying the commitment of volunteers and seeking their opinions on the best ways of health intervention at community level, was delivered at the workshop.

The questionnaire replies will form a part of the database that will be utilised to coordinate with women’s associations and primary healthy care volunteer groups so as to have more organised training sessions.

Discussing the importance of first aid, Dr. Thamra explained that the Ministry is expecting this to have an impact on the services delivered in primary health care centres. “We are focusing on all the six wilayats of Muscat region; we already have our own administrative structure where every wilayat has its own directorate and primary health care institutes. The process of training the community has already started; we are just making it more organised with better communication strategies with master trainers in the community,” explains Dr. Thamra.

The focus is on the most common emergencies and health problems, ranging from simple fractures and cuts to strokes and cardiac arrests, with the training on ways and means to dealing with them and measures employed to save life.

November 2014

E The pain of a heart attack lasts for about 30-60 minutes,

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and can be unremitting. It is important to note that not all patients present this way; some have milder symptoms that can be easily mistaken for heartburn.

Patients with diabetes might not even have chest pain (silent myocardial infarction).

The management is again dependent on when and how you arrive to the ED. The two options here are using clot busting drugs or a special procedure were a catheter with a tiny balloon at its tip is snaked all the way to your blocked vessel (under radiological guidance) from your groin/arm and then inflated to open up the vessel.

A stent may be placed to keep the affected region of the vessel patent.

What can you do?

Heart attacks are associated with a 30 percent mortality rate, half of which occur before arrival to the hospital. Recognition of the aforementioned symptoms and calling EMS as soon as possible is key. Just like in stroke, there are different categories of ‘heart attacks’, which fall under the broader umbrella of what is known as Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) - this is beyond the scope of this article. You should be made aware, however, that the management varies based on the type of ACS and hence

Some Tips

No matter what your emergency, there is ALWAYS a way that you can help your ED Physician help serve you better. Here are a few general tips: 1. For seizures, it is always good to have a witness, as it will give us invaluable information on the type of seizure. We only require your keen observational skills, e.g. how did it begin, proceed, how long did it last, how was the patient after the seizure, etc.

2. If you or your loved one is on a long list of medications, bring them with you or have pictures of them in your phone to show your doctor. Medications always have 2 names, a trade name which can be anything (e.g. Panadol) and a generic name, which is always that unpronounceable name (e.g. paracetamol/acetominophen) written in a smaller font beneath the trade name, which is what we are interested in.

Trade names vary with companies, but the generic names remain as is.

3. Be honest about your symptoms when you meet your doctor. If there was one place to truly lay it all out, it’s within that sacred doctor-patient relationship. Your confidentiality is our priority.

4. Keep an open mind. With the advent of media and all kinds of sources, patients often are under the illusion that they need a certain specific procedure for their undiagnosed condition.

Every consultation with your doctor will begin with a history (where your doctor asks you questions about your visit and ailments). The reason behind this is that a good history makes up about 80 percent of the diagnosis.

5. If you ever have any queries, ask your healthcare provider on the spot. There are no silly questions; this is your health, your right and our privilege!

Useful Links

Although there is no substitute for professional medical advice, we do encourage you to read and know more about your condition from trusted well researched, evidence based and patient friendly resources online. Some of them include: 1. http://www.patient.co.uk/ 2. http://www.cdc.gov 3. http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/default.aspx 4. http://www.mayoclinic.com/ 5. http://www.medlineplus.gov 6. http://health.nih.gov/category/WomensHealth 7. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/ 8. http://www.fda.gov 9. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ (The statistics in this article have been referenced from the American Heart Association Guidelines and Medscape)

HAPPY NATIONAL DAY WHAT’S HAPPENING? WELL HERE ARE A FEW HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LATEST BUzz AROUND TOWN, WHICH WERE FEATURED IN THE BLOG The biggest event for this month could be nothing less than the celebration and rejoiced sentiments we as Omanis have felt hearing and seeing our beloved leader. May Allah Almighty grant His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said good health and return him to his homeland safe.

(Read my Blog post ‘A Nation’s Sigh of Relief’ which highlights a fellow blogger’s sentiments and depicts every Omani’s patriotic perspective). I cannot stop expressing the joy of this month and the significance of the National Day. What has happened this month? Well there was the initial innovative Art of C event, which was running in both the City Center locations. Artists were asked to portray their depiction of Oman on C shaped canvases. There were other activities running alongside, such as the NBO Golf Classic, Al Mara’a Awards, Motor Show Oman - all which are featured in the Aishelaqtta blog.

The ‘Not Alone’ campaign, which focused on Mental Awareness - hosted and organised by the Whispers of Serenity Clinic - showcased the very first Omani Video initiative on mental health awareness; it was playing in Vox Cinema. The video was presented by popular locals, who were willing to support and promote awareness within the community.

As usual, there is no reason you should be bored in Muscat; there is no excuse not to be up-to-date with all local events and more happenings. For details of the mentioned events above, visit the blog or stay updated via the Instagram account @aishelaqtta. You never know what else would be there for you to enjoy.

Get out and have some fun. There will surely be a lot of others doing the same thing!

Visit: D. Al-Riyami’s blog at: http: //aishelaqtta.blogspot.com/ Instagram: @aishelaqtta, E-mail: aishelaqtta@gmail.com

November 2014

the faster you reach us, the better the outcome, because these interventions are only effective within certain window periods.

Your aim should be to notice the time of onset of symptoms and seek medical counsel via EMS in less than 12 hours maximum, as during this time, we, as your doctors have the option to carry out interventions (invasive balloon procedure within 90 minutes vs. clot busting therapy in 30 minutes) which have been shown to improve your prognosis (disease outcome) significantly.

Once you arrive to us, we will do a brief assessment, give you certain oral medications to stabilise you, run some specific blood tests, do a chest X ray to rule out other worrying differentials and do an ECG (a non-invasive tracing of the heart) which will hone in on the type of ‘heart attack’ you are having in order to decide on an intervention based on set protocols.

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in CONVERSATION November 2014

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Beyond Professional Duties Dr. J. Retnakumar, CEO of Lifeline Hospitals Group, Oman, reflects on his passion for art and culture, as he traces his professional successes and artistic overtures

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hen Dr. J. Retnakumar took up his new posting as the CEO of Lifeline Hospitals Group, Oman, last May, he had the backing of his long and successful stint as the resident manager for Oman operations of New India Assurance and as the head of Gargash and Tradelinks Insurance Services. He easily connected the fine line between the insurance sector and the medical field to forge ahead and demonstrate his forte for management.

As he notes, “Insurance and health are, in a way, related.” Lifeline Hospitals in Oman is a part of the VPS Health Care, based in Abu Dhabi, which also runs the Burjeel Medical Centre. In Oman, VPS Health Care operates through Lifeline Hospitals in Sohar, Salalah, Muscat (medical centre in Darsait), plus the newly opened Burjeel Medical Centre in Azaiba. Besides, a new medical facility is also set to come up in the Al Khuwair area, by early next year.

There are challenges, he admits, but none that are beyond his managerial capabilities.While operating the insurance companies, he was instrumental in introducing several innovative and non-traditional insurance products, like the COMPASS (Comprehensive Personal Accident Security Scheme) and ‘Better Health’, a group medical insurance scheme that covers treatment in India and Oman.

A post-graduate and Associate of Insurance institute of India, he was always interested in public dealings and found his calling by leading the college union as its president. Later, he went on to become a member of the university union council, and continued his community service in his professional life too.

A familiar face in the local media circles – his trademark French beard, well-coiffed hair and dark business suits adding to the familiarity factor - he has with his sheer managerial expertise and skills to galvanise art lovers and patrons, managed to balance his professional life with his passion for fine arts, which has endeared him to the large expatriate community in the capital. His regular artistic detours into classical music and dance, alongside other cultural forays, has established his fondness for all things art and has demonstrated his endeavours to encourage talented people in the community. According to him, any science has meaning only when there is art in it, and, to prove the same, he explored newer avenues to satiate his hunger for art and formed ‘Bhavalaya’, in 2010, as a global platform for art and culture.

His larger objective has been to liberate the world through the power of arts. “When you engage in an art, your entire personality undergoes a transformation,” he opines.

in CONVERSATION

Maintaining that art requires a lot of dedication, he points out that his weekends and holidays are usually spent in pursuit or development of art. He has, during his long tenure in Oman, produced two music albums in Oman, one of which features classical dance from children. He equates classical dance to meditation… “Your mind, body and soul is synchronised,” he adds.

With wife Shyamala and younger daughter back home in India (eldest Saranya is settled in Chicago after her marriage to a scientist), Dr. Retnakumar devotes all his post office hours and holidays to his creative pursuits. “I believe a lot of art and culture should happen... I believed in supporting art and culture in whatever way possible,” he states

Up Close & Personal with

DR. J. RETNAKUMAR My favourite haunt/holiday destination…

Singapore.

My favourite weekend spot in Oman…

Kalbuh Park in Muttrah, Corniche.

I will not leave my house without…

My mobile, briefcase, spectacles, my finger rings and watch.

Five things I like about Oman…

Scenic beauty, culture, heritage, peace and harmony.

My success mantra is…

Achievement lies within the reach of those who reach beyond themselves.

In 10 year’s time, I hope to be…

A contributor in the socio-cultural arena of our country.

November 2014

The home I grew up in…

Thalassery in Kerala.

When I was a child I wanted to…

Become an artist.

My greatest inspiration…

My father.

My hero…

Subhash Chandra Bose (Indian freedom fighter).

I dream of…

An idealistic world where everybody loves each other.

You may not know it, but I’m very good at…

Acting and theatre skills.

My house is…

A shelter for peace and happiness.

23

in the SPOTLIGHT

‘Aspirations Theatre Academy’, the only theatre academy dedicated to children in Muscat, is all set to present its first stage performance at Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa on December 11

November 2014

A

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ll the world may not be, literally, a stage, as Shakespeare typified in his poem, but a first of its kind theatre academy, dedicated to children, has ensured that Muscat’s aspiring artistes take-on the Bard’s famous lines, as they explore the myriad avenues of show business.

They are the new genre of Muscat’s drama enthusiasts, who have filled the void in the theatre scene of the country by patronising the newly established ‘Aspirations Theatre Academy’, which has, since its inception in September this year, grown into a fun and interactive programme.

Cal Smith, the brain behind this upbeat academy, brings a whiff of fresh air with her tried and tested dose of theatre activities and events. Conceived in association with ‘My Book & Me’ library, the ‘Aspirations Theatre Academy’ is dedicated to children’s theatre, where children produce the entire stage show, while learning to perform to a live audience in a real theatre, in addition to exploring storytelling in dramatic ways and developing confidence and self-esteem.

“All theatre is based on story, which is why I approached the library and asked them to patronise the Academy,” explains Cal, who runs the operations of the academy with the help and support from the staff at ‘My Book and Me’ and conducts the various coaching classes for different age groups.

Her tryst with theatre goes back to her GCSE days when she was weighing her course options, while her drama teacher was pushing her to take up theatre. “I couldn’t have thought of anything worse… It was the

in the SPOTLIGHT the beanstalk’, which focused on stealing; ‘Cinderella’ followed it, with bullying as the moral focus. The ongoing ‘Hansel and Gretel’ is all about learning social responsibility.

Courses & schedules

Storyteller: It is held every Monday from 3.30 to 4.10 pm for 4 to 6 yearolds.

Acting skills: Includes ‘Junior acting skills’ (Tuesdays at 3.30pm) for 4 to 6 year-olds and ‘Acting skills’ for 7 to 12 year-olds; they learn about theatre and what it means to be an actor.

“We teach them how to use their body, voice, gestures…and also ways to understand the characters, the script, being aware of other people on the stage, acting and reacting. But this group does not perform,” points out Cal. The acting skills courses are split into modules, with each module stretching for about six weeks; it ranges from using imagination to using body to portray a role. “It is about spatial awareness and display of emotions…” she adds.

Performance based groups: It covers two sub groups - ‘Dramatic dance’ (Mondays at 4pm) and ‘Thespians’ (Wednesdays 4pm) - for the 7 to 12 year-olds.

1. Dramatic dance: This is aimed at children who want to be on the stage and are confident enough to perform, but not comfortable with speaking on stage.

According to Cal, it is the speaking that makes kids nervous.

She has worked around this issue by getting kids to use their creativity in presenting a piece of music. They are required to create a story around the piece of music

and tell it through movement alone.

“They are not allowed to speak. It is everything about a dance; it is very creative and imaginative,” she points out, adding that the group is scheduled to perform in December.

The next batch will begin in January and will take on another new piece of music, with performance scheduled for March.

2. Thespian: Children in the Thespian group are given a play script and taught the nuances of performing.

Both groups, the Dramatic Dance and the Thespian group, are scheduled to perform on December 11 at the Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa. Thespians will present a play called ‘The Apple’ - tickets for the show are on sale now. “It will be our first ever performance here in Muscat,” enthuses Cal. The second batch, to begin in January, will perform ‘Robin hood’.

Show-stoppers: Come January and the Academy will introduce a fresh new batch to accommodate 9 to 15 year olds. It is the first time the Academy is opening for older children. The new batch will do a musical – Rockin’ Tale of Snow White’ – involving singing, acting and dancing. It will be an 18- week course, beginning in January, with concluding performance in June.

Registration To register for any of the courses, email Cal Smith on: calsmith@ aspirationstheatreacademy.com with details of the student and the course option. Fee structure depends on the course chosen and the age of the student. Following the registration, students will be given Academy tee shirts, which act as a uniform, when students attend their weekly classes.

For more information, check http:// www.aspirationstheatreacademy. com/

November 2014

most frightening thing in the world,” she recalls, pointing out that she was a very shy child – “I wouldn’t even say boo to a goose,” she muses. But her mom thought drama would boost her confidence and it turned out to be the right decision, as she got an A star at the end of the grade. “After that I wanted to do drama all the time,” she adds.

Initially, it was about learning how theatre works, but soon she was on the stage, performing. “The adrenaline rush you get from being there and doing theatre is just amazing”, she notes.

For her degree programme, she chose teaching with drama; she continued to learn about theatre and how to teach drama, with the intent of moral education – which is what she is doing now through ‘Aspirations’.

Although the Academy is still in its nascent stage, it has garnered positive attention from all quarters.

Currently, there are more than 50 children between the ages of 4 and 12, undergoing theatre training in different batches and modules; this number is set to increase with new schedules in the coming weeks.

On the agenda of the academy are tailored activities for children who lack in confidence. “Some children may not want to go on the stage, but have the desire to learn the ropes…

We do courses for them to help build and develop their confidence,” states Cal, adding that the training also includes teaching values to children, through stories that have a moral focus.

The ‘story-teller’ batch on Mondays is, especially, dedicated to moral training. It began with ‘Jack and

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feast ON November 2014

26

Brazilian Culinary Odyssey At ‘Espeto Gaucho’ Treat your palate to an array of grilled/ skewered/roasted meats and veggies at the newly opened authentic Brazilian restaurant in the Cave complex

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othing can prepare you for the Brazilian experience at Espeto Gaucho if you are a first-timer or have never savoured authentic Brazilian food in a typical Gaucho outlet. It is a food haven with a completely unique twist; a food fiesta that celebrates the concept of dining out on a grand scale.

Like a magician pulling out a repertoire of tricks from his bag, or, perhaps like a stage play with every scene building up on the previous one, the set menu, loaded with grilled, barbecued and roasted meat and a host of veggie delights, takes you on a food journey that is replete with magic, drama and contentment. Be it the green and red coloured card that indicates your readiness or otherwise for the dishes, or the sequential presentation of grilled fare by pasadors (meat carvers who come to the table with knives and a skewers loaded with various kinds of meat), it is the element of surprise that is kept alive at every phase of the languorous meal.

Espeto (meaning skewer) Gaucho (a demonym of the people from the state of Rio Grande do Sul), located at the Cave Complex, the awe-inspiring landmark on Qurum Heights, is an authentic Brazilian restaurant that has been conceived to revolutionise the dining out concept in the capital with interesting and unique features, maintains Kishore Singh, Head – Hospitality Division of Hussain Fadhil and Partners, which operates the restaurant.

The food saga at Espeto Gaucho unfolds the minute you get inside the aesthetically adorned outlet. It is the first Brazilian Churrascaria (where meat is cooked in churrasco style) restaurant in the country, and it lives up to the concept of Brazilian dining and the Rodizio (all-you-can-eat style of restaurant service) style of service, catering to all meat and veggie lovers. The warm notes within the restaurant and the eye-catching furnishing and lightings, well complement the rustic façade of the complex, creating drama around the dining experience, which is further heightened by the distinct cutlery and serving dishes.

The coloured card, given at the entrance, act as cues in your culinary journey.

feast ON vegetables, imported cheese and more from the salad bar. The journey continues till you decide to turn the red side of the card on the table.

The green will bring out skewers of sizzling meats on the table. The menu also includes

flavoured with garlic butter and parsley). Starters are served with an assortment of sauces including chimichurri sauce, pesto and pineapple jelly. Pepper and mushroom sauces are presented along with the mains, which include

November 2014

Put the green side up and a pasador will help you begin your meal and set you on the food course, while the red side up will signal your intent to take a pause before the next course or the end of your meal.

Brazilian food is best experienced on a hungry stomach, muses Andrea Lewinsky, executive chef of Espeto Gaucho. “Brazilian food is simple but tasty,� she notes, pointing out that it is all about meat grilled, roasted and barbequed in a variety of marinades.

With meat forming the main food item of most nationals in the country, the focus is on beef, with scrumptious options.

The mains and soups are served in old-fashioned mini casseroles, while the meats are carved on the table with guests using little tongs to select their cuts.

An interesting twist to the meal is the introduction of sugar glazed and roasted pineapple in between courses; it acts as a

refresher to the palate and helps digest the meats.

As a diner, you could opt for the set menu or select a la carte. The 14-rial set menu is a full rodizio style of service with unlimited portions. It includes 16 signature cuts of prime beef/lamb and chicken; choice of gourmet salad, rare and exotic

10-rial set menu with limited rodizio options as well as the 8-rial vegetarian set menu.

Starters, soup and salad bars are part of all the menus. Starters come with a basket of warm pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread), mandioca frita (fried cassava), polenta (fried polenta with parmesan cheese) and pao de alho garlic bread (Brazilian style bread, baked on a skewer and

27 Photographs: Pushpender Sharma

November 2014

feast ON

Brigadiero

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Chef’s three signature Brazilian dishes chosen for the day and served in mini casseroles.

The menu includes Picanha (prime part of sirloin served with sea salt and pepper and flavoured with garlic); Alcatra (cut from top sirloin); Fillet Mignon (steak cut of beef); Fraldinha (cut from bottom sirloin and seasoned to perfection); Beef Ancho (prime part of rib eye, beef ancho celebrates the rich flavour and delectable texture of this elite cut), cordeiro (leg of lamb sliced off the bone); Frango (variety of cuts of chicken, including tender chicken breasts wrapped in turkey bacon, chicken legs and chicken wings); Abacaxi no espeto (pineapple grilled in Brazilian style – sugar and cinnamon); pao com manteiga de alho no espeto (home made bread with garlic butter on a skewer); and Queijo Coalho no espeto (melted cheese skewer).

The finale, as always, was the dessert... Traditional Brazilian desserts are typically creamy, notes Andrea as she narrates an interesting story behind the popular ‘Brigadiero de Colher’ dessert.

The story goes that an army officer, on return from his duty, asked his wife to make a dessert for him with whatever ingredients available at home. She had only condensed milk, cocoa and butter; she cooked the three together and created the delicious Brigadiero.

Brigadiero de Colher is a part of the dessert counter at Espeto, alongside Doce de leite, which is simply a concoction with milk and sugar cooked for six hours.

Other items on the list were Mousse de Maracuja – passion fruit juice, heavy cream and condensed milk with passion fruit syrup and Mousse de limao – lemon juice, heavy cream and condensed milk, along with a host of other treats…

Executive Chef Andrea Lewinsky demonstrates the art of preparing traditional Brazilian chocolate dessert - ‘Brigadeiro’

Ingredients l 1-teaspoon butter l One can of condensed milk l 3 tablespoons cocoa powder l 100 grams dark chocolate grated l 150 ml heavy cream l Chocolate grated for decorating Method 1. In a medium saucepan, over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the condensed milk and cocoa powder.

2. Cook the mixture until it thickens enough so you can clearly see the bottom of the pan when stirring - about 15 minutes.

3. The consistency should be firm enough.

4. Add the dark chocolate and mix for few minutes.

5. Add the heavy cream and mix.

6. Serve in bowls, garnish with chocolate grated.

Ills

Get ready for winter with some tried and tested remedies, suggests Anu Bahl, dietician and clinical nutritionist

Boost your immunity

The best thing you can do to protect yourself from colds and flu this winter is to strengthen your immune system. This can be done naturally with immune-boosting foods and nutritional supplements – generally, antioxidants. l Raw garlic or aged garlic extract is high in antioxidants and boosts immunity. l Vitamin C rich foods like kiwi, guavas, strawberries, broccoli, cabbage and parsley help in boosting immunity. l Zinc is important for healthy immune function. l Foods such as red meat, chicken, fish, low fat dairy foods, eggs, legumes, sunflower and pumpkin seeds are a good source. l Spirulina, a type of sea algae (rich in nutrients like iron and selenium) acts as powerful antioxidant in the body. It can be taken in capsule or tablet form (around 5grams a day) or add a teaspoon of powder to smoothies or juice).

Other immune-boosting foods that can be included in the diet are ginger, onion, yoghurt, green tea and seaweed.

Fight the winter blues

Lesser exposure to sunlight leads to drop in serotonin (neurotransmitter enhances mood) and Vitamin D levels, which leads to winter blues, weak bones and food cravings. So choose wisely and eat complex carbohydrates like whole grain breads, pasta, and oats. Eat a lot of proteins in the form of legumes, beans and lean meat to feel full for a long time. Make sure you are exposed to 15 minutes of sunlight. Eat foods rich in Vitamin D like fatty fish, cod liver oil, liver and eggs.

Take care of your skin:

A diet too low in fat and Vitamin A can lead to dry, scaly, and itchy skin.

Include good fat i.e. from fish, walnuts, chia seeds, beans and olive oil.

Consume spinach, carrots, kale, tomatoes for beta carotene (Vitamin A).

Keep moving

Activity keeps you warm so enjoy walking outdoors to get air and sunlight, if possible, or join a gym or adopt any indoor activity like yoga, pilates, aerobics and housework, etc.

Keep hydrated

You still need fluids, even though the temperature is cold. Drink at least 8 glasses of water. Include warm drinks like green tea, soups, warm milk and water

November 2014

T

he word winter brings memories of long nights watching movies and gorging on desserts and hot beverages. We tend to think that in order to remain warm we need to eat extra calories, which, unfortunately, come from fats and beverages. We forget that this is the time of year when we get a huge variety of colourful fruits and veggies. Its true our body needs to keep warm, but it needs a lot of exercise and movement too.

So let’s get started...

healthy bites

Fight Winter

29

Centre STAGE

The Infinite World of

Online Marketing

‘What is the first thing you do in the morning or the last thing you do before you go to sleep…’ asks Thierry Moubax, author of ‘The Online Marketing Blueprint’ and Associate Online Marketing of ‘Brain Tower’, as he ponders over the ease and reach of the online world, while delineating ways and means of influencing offline behaviour to impact online marketing

W

November 2014

hen Salim Al Barami, Managing Partner of Brain Tower, Middle East, wanted to purchase a training cycle, he checked the local market and found that the model he wanted was priced 1,200 rials, with the delivery scheduled two weeks later. Presuming the sports shop was getting it from Dubai, he contacted the dealers there and was stunned to learn that it would cost him only 600 rials – 100 percent less than in Oman – and that it would be delivered in a week’s time. Bolstered by the change in his shopping tempo, he went online and bought one from America…for 600 dollars; including shipping!

“That’s the scope and reach of online marketing,” he states.

“Previously, your competitor in business was in your vicinity… your community - not anymore. Your competitor is everywhere, all around the globe,” he reiterates, demonstrating the need for

30

concerted online marketing initiatives in the country and the region, which, according to him, is still in the nascent stage.

But the same, he notes, is set to change with the help of online marketing guru Thierry Moubax, whose role as the Associate Online Marketing in charge of ‘Brain Tower’ and as the author of the bestselling book ‘The Online Marketing Blueprint – How to create an online strategy that works for you’ is expected to present perfect avenues for those seeking consultancy services and guidelines to explore the infinite online

Big, bold online world

“What we really do is help our clients take advantage of the online world,” he states. Quoting as an example a small and medium-sized enterprise, he explains: “Usually, such businesses are only offline. What we do is create for them an online channel so that they can really grow businesswise.

We show them how it can leverage their business.” With a client list that includes international customers from diverse fields, Thierry is positive of making a difference in the local online market as well as the regional one.

“It is not too late,” he observes.

Elucidating further, he says: “There are billions of people coming online everyday… What is the first thing you do in the morning or the last thing you do before you go to sleep?

It is looking at your iPhone or your smartphone. And to think of it, it didn’t even exist a couple of years ago.

Today, there are more people with access to the mobile phones than toilets in the world; that is the reality.

We have changed how we live and

Centre STAGE Salim Al Barami & Thierry Moubax

also how we buy and search things.

We now have all the information at our fingertips, but on the other end of the spectrum are people who want to push information, which is why we have created filters. This is why I say online is a process – we have to create a process on how to do this.”

Niche approach

As far as Oman is concerned, the time is right to concentrate on the potentials of the online world, notes Salim, urging businesses to find the right trigger. “Oman’s population is 4 million, but there is no reason to limit yourself as a business with 4 million when you have the whole world…” he points out, however, lamenting that most people believe online marketing is only about creating a website and using social network channels.

Dismissing it as an unprofessional approach, he explains the need for managerial planning to drive traffic to one’s website. “You need to find where the traffic is; you need to find who your target customers are,” he exhorts, noting that the online market is a perfect platform for all business needs, as one can find the specific target audience, unlike the offline market.

According to Thierry, online marketing follows a niche approach. “You have to understand what that niche is and what is triggering those niches, because people have filters and you have to break into those filters,” he

states, adding that people are no more willing to give their email ids, unless it is in exchange for something. “I call it the bait… It is finding what people really want or what their end goal is; and giving them the first part for free in exchange for their emails…” he explains. It is also important, he says, to keep a track of the competitors and find ways to improve upon it. And for this to happen, his advice is to conduct online research and find out what they are doing good; how to improve upon it; which target audiences they have; and what channels and advertising is working for them.

The objective is to convert the traffic to buyers with social media acting as a trigger, note both Thierry and Salim.

As per the ‘Funnel’ model that Thierry propounds in his book, it starts with looking at your ‘audience, bait and competitors’ as the foundation. “Then you start making a funnel, with traffic, converting it and getting their email, followed by email conversation to convert the traffic into prospective buyers,” he outlines, pointing out that in Europe, businesses are trying to influence the customers’ online for their offline behaviour. “The practice that is starting to become common is what is called showrooming (the practice of examining merchandise or products in a store and then buying it online for a lower price). It is all about an on and offline multi channel approach,” states Thierry

Special for FACES readers :

Get the ‘Online Marketing Blueprint’ for free.

Go to : http://www.braintower.com/facesoman and fill in your details.

First 100 subscribers will get the book for free; if you qualify you might also get a free diagnoses of your website.

* Find out how to get more traffic to your website; how to get more leads, how to better convert your prospects; how to send multiple e-mails without being a spammer; how to leverage the power of Social Media in a profitable way… with Thierry Moubax’s ‘The Online Marketing Blueprint’

November 2014

marketing opportunities in Oman.

“We want to be the pioneers in online consultancy in this region,” maintains Salim.

Thierry Moubax is marketing expert, consultant and coach, with more than 20 years of international corporate experience, having worked in executive positions for companies such as Shell, DHL and Securitas.

He is also an entrepreneur and the founder of Blue Compass, an App business that makes educational apps for kids (more than 1.5 million users have downloaded it already).

By the time he left the corporate world, about five years ago, he was completely hooked on to the online world of marketing and became a part of Brain Tower, which has made inroads in Belgium, Spain and Oman as a consultancy company. Equipped with knowledge garnered from several online courses and seminars in the US, alongside tips from online masterminds, he has become an authority in the field of online market and, currently, helps start-ups, SME’s, corporate sector and governmental institutions with their online business and marketing strategies; he hopes to spur the interests of businesses in Oman and the region.

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man date

Health Supplements for Men Popping vitamin and mineral pills may not seem like a macho routine, but your body needs many a health supplements

W

hether you eat a balanced diet or not, your body has its own special requirements, which can be easily met with special supplements.

While a balanced diet does provide you with the required nourishment, the need to supplement it with vitamin and mineral pills is important to ensure optimum health. Generally speaking, though, most men are known to take a laidback approach to health and ignore supplements, which is why health supplement manufacturers have created blends that are specially formulated for men.

Here are ten main supplements to consider (please consult your doctor before taking any):

1. Fish oil: Most people do not get enough omega-3 fats even if they regularly eat fish. If you have a family history of heart disease, start thinking about fish oil, as it is the best protection available against the disease. Experts recommend taking at least one to two grams a day.

2. Multivitamin: These may not replace a balanced diet, but they can easily complement one. Although there are some supplements that both men and women can take, when it comes to multivitamins for specific health conditions, men and women have different requirements. The same goes for teen boys and senior men too. Always check with your health care practitioner before taking a new supplement.

3. Probiotics: These are said to be the new nutrition future. They provide live

bacteria, which is naturally found in the gastrointestinal tract to aid digestion.

Researchers studying the effects of probiotics on dental health have found the early results encouraging. They suggest that probiotics can help treat oral infections, including tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath; however, doctors caution against using them as treatment if you are experiencing any nausea, fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or severe abdominal pain.

November 2014

4.Vitamin D: Medical experts recommend vitamin D supplements, particularly during winter months; in the summer, your skin more readily absorbs the sun’s ultraviolet energy and turns it into vitamin D, which is a precursor to helping the body absorb the calcium you consume to build strong bones. Studies show that men who are deficient in vitamin D are twice as likely to have a heart attack than men who maintain adequate levels. Besides, low vitamin D levels are also known to be a factor in heart failure, stroke and cardiovascular disease. Experts also believe that vitamin D has an effect on controlling blood pressure and preventing artery damage.

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5. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant produced by the body, which helps convert food into energy. The CoQ10 levels are known decrease as we age; it could be a factor in cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses. These supplements are prescribed for people with respiratory issues or fatigue, or for those who are taking medications for high blood pressure or cholesterol that deplete naturally occurring CoQ10 levels in the body. There is also strong evidence that CoQ10 can benefit those suffering from depression by boosting this rich antioxidant’s levels, which are typically low in depressed patients.

man date 7. Protein Powder:

This is generally lower in calories than an entire ‘high protein’ meal. Drinking a protein shake after a workout can speed muscle recovery and supply your body with the amino acids needed for muscle growth. There are two widely used

proteins: whey and casein. The body absorbs whey more quickly, while casein is digested slowly, providing the body with a longerlasting supply of muscle-building nutrients. Experts recommend taking a mixture of the two.

8. Creatine: This synthetic version of an energy source, produced naturally in the body, is stored in the muscles for use during exercise (Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid that occurs naturally in vertebrates and helps to supply energy to all cells in the body, primarily muscle). Several studies have shown that creatine does help speed recovery and encourage the growth of lean-muscle mass after a workout.

weight and burned substantially more fat than animals getting a placebo.

While you could opt to drink the tea - experts ideally recommend about eight glasses a day – an easier way to go about it is to just take a supplement. Aim for 90 milligrams three times daily.

10. Zinc: Add zinc supplement to your medicine cabinet. It helps support your immune system and adrenals, particularly when you’re stressed. It is necessary for men to maintain healthy testosterone levels and prevent the conversion of testosterone to estrogen

9. Green Tea: Green tea is known to fight fat. In a study, animals who were given the extract, gained less

November 2014

6. Green foods: Green foods are fundamental building blocks to good health. Depending on the brand, a scoopful of green powder, added to a glass of water or fresh juice in the morning can provide you with the equivalent of four to five servings of fruit and vegetables in their most concentrated forms. This supplement is also good for detoxifying your system and keeping the stomach clean. Look for products that contain wheat or barley grass, chlorophyll and sea vegetables.

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Relatively SPEAKING November 2014

34

Are you in a healthy relationship?

Take this relationship health profile test and ascertain if you are in a healthy relationship or not…

PART - 1 1.

My partner doesn’t really listen to me.

True False 2. I feel picked on and put down.

True False 3. It is not easy to share my feelings.

True False 4. Sometimes I feel rage.

True False 5. I am out of control.

True False 6. My partner is harsh in his/her criticism.

True False 7. I fear my partner is bored.

True False 8. I imagine myself divorced.

True False 9. I know I am right.

True False 10. My partner is a taker.

True False 11. Sometimes I just want to hurt my partner.

True False 12. I would rather lie than deal with a problem.

True False 13. I am trapped with no escape.

True False 14. Our relationship has gotten boring.

True False 15. My partner is ashamed of me.

True False 16. We have become nothing more than roommates.

True False

17. I am no longer proud of my body.

True False 18. My partner constantly compares me to others.

True False 19. We just seem to want different things.

True False 20. I feel crowded by my partner.

True False 21. People have no idea what our relationship is really like.

True False 22. My partner has shut me out.

True False 23. I feel judged and rejected by my partner.

True False 24. My partner treats me like a child.

True False 25. I never seem to satisfy my partner.

True False 26. I chose my partner for the wrong reasons.

True False 27. My partner thinks I am a boring companion.

True False 28. My partner treats me like an employee.

True False 29. I envy my friends’ relationships.

True False 30. I am suspicious of my partner.

True False 31. My partner is jealous of me.

True False

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

I am content with my partner.

True False I trust my partner.

True False I feel hopeful about our future.

True False My partner often says, ‘I love you’.

True False I feel appreciated.

True False My partner is there for me in hard times.

True False My partner understands me.

True False My partner doesn’t like to share what’s on his/her mind.

True False My relationship is what I always dreamed of.

True False My partner treats me with dignity and respect.

True False We often do fun things together.

True False I feel loved.

True False We still have a lot of passion in our relationship.

True False My partner thinks I am fun to be with.

True False We enjoy going out on dates alone.

True False

16. We trust each other a great deal.

True False 17. I know my partner will never leave me.

True False 18. My partner respects me.

True False 19. My partner still finds me desirable.

True False 20. I am allowed to think for myself.

True False 21. I am honest with my partner.

True False 22. My partner is open to suggestions.

True False 23. My partner is my primary source of emotional support.

True False 24. My partner cares if I am upset or sad.

True False 25. My partner puts our relationship ahead of all others.

True False 26. My partner wants to hear my stories.

True False 27. I look forward to our time together.

True False 28. My partner is lucky to have me.

True False 29. I win my share of disputes.

True False 30. My partner would protect me if necessary.

True False 31. I feel needed by my partner.

True False

Relatively SPEAKING

PART - 2

November 2014

Scoring

Count all the True answers in Part 1 and write down the total.

Count all the False answers in Part 2 and write down the total.

Add the score of both the parts and get your ‘True Total’.

Part 1 ‘True’ responses _______ Part 2 ‘False’ responses _______ Overall Total _______ If your overall score is above 32, it is likely that your relationship is in extreme danger of failing.

If your total score is between 20 and 32, then your relationship is seriously troubled and you may be living an ‘emotional divorce’.

If your total score is between 12 and 19, then your relationship is probably just average and certainly needs work.

If your score is below 11, then your relationship is well above the norm and may have isolated areas in which you can improve.

(Source: Dr. Phil - http://www.drphil.com/page/rhpt/)

35

in the luxe

Wealth

&

Wellness

Health and wellness may not be dictated by wealth, but a host of fitness gadgets are clearly defined by the moolah

Hock Workout

This is just what style gurus would have prescribed for the gold-obsessed fitness freak. While Hock’s products are made of stainless steel, sustainable wood from Germany and finest leather, its newest creation, the Goldloft dumbbells, include 1,000 grams of 18 carat gold per dumbbell with handles of rare Grenadilla wood. Price: $123,621

Hypoxi Trainers

This one is for all those who have specific weight issues. Dr. Norbert Egger created this gym equipment back in the 1990s and it specifically targets the tummy fat, thighs, hips, butt, and other main problem areas.

Hypoxi comes with two models called the S120 and the L-520, which can let their users lose weight and cellulite. Price: $52,000

Show Court

November 2014

Stiga, which has signed a 10-year pact to outfit the Swedish National Table Tennis Team in Stiga’s gear, has created the ultimate table. Handcrafted in Germany, the Showcourt’s 30mm-thick top is sturdy, stable, and exceptionally even for consistent, blindingly fast game play. It has LED lights on the curved legs with three levels of brightness for illuminating whatever play area is choosen.

Price: $20,000

36

Crystal and gold

The Aurumania crystal edition gold bike takes bling to another level. This 24-carat gold plated bike, with more than 600 Swarovski crystals is, by all counts, one of the most expensive bikes to hit the road. Hand-built by Scandinavian design company, Aurumania, it is limited to just ten pieces, but well, if you have the moolah, go ahead and place your orders on the brand’s website (www.aurumania.com). Price: $103,000

in the luxe

Quick gym

One machine and several options… The Quick Gym Range of Motion (ROM) Machine offers full cardio, flexibility, and resistance workout within four minutes. This machine stimulates the muscles 12 times more than brisk walking or running. Those interested will have to shell out $2,500 for the trial alone.

Price: $15,000

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Express way…

This exercise bike is equipped with a 19-inch monitor that has the Expresso Live, an interactive system that manages fitness training. The machine features 30 virtual tours that allow the user to compete with other simulated bikers; it can even connect to the Internet so that you can compete with other players online. This bike machine offers terrain that makes you feel like you really are driving the real thing.

Price: $5,800

November 2014

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37

Health TIDINGS

Reduce acne scars with tattoo-removal laser The laser that is used to remove tattoos may reduce scarring from acne - a small pilot study has shown. Research has previously shown that acne scarring has negative psychological effects; the scars can, generally, ruin the skin’s texture and are, usually, hard to conceal with makeup. In the study, the laser transmitted lower energy doses and was used with a special add-on lens; it reduced acne scarring by an average of 25 percent to 50 percent.

A three-dimensional analysis showed an average 24 percent reduction of the amount of scarring.

Texting might mess up your spine Are you the type of person who’s constantly glued to your phone? If yes, here’s the warning: Looking down at your screen can be the equivalent of putting up to 60 pounds of extra weight on your spine. While the caved shoulders posture has already been classified as a recipe for back pain, leaning one’s head back is said to wreak more havoc. Besides, looking down to check a Facebook post or even read a story on your tablet can be just as costly for your spine. People spend an average of two to four hours a day with their heads looking down to read and text on their phones and devices, according to the paper. In total, that’s about 700 to 1,400 hours a year of excess stress on the spine.

Challenging job could be good for your brain Jobs requiring intellectually challenging tasks may help preserve thinking skills and memory as workers age. Researchers compared IQ scores obtained around age 11 from more than 1,000 Scottish people with their memory and reasoning scores around age 70. The scientists found that those who had mentally stimulating jobs appeared to retain sharper thinking, even years after retirement. In working with others, more complex occupations involve instructing, negotiating or mentoring. Less complex roles might involve taking instructions or helping.

November 2014

Bad marriage can burden an ageing heart

38

A bad marriage can increase an older adult’s – especially women - risk of heart trouble, states a new study. Researchers found that people with spouses who were overly critical or demanding were more likely to develop heart disease than those with supportive mates. They also found that the harmful impact of a bad marriage on heart health increased with age.

This may be because marriage-related stress might stimulate more - and more intense cardiovascular responses due to declines in immune function and increasing frailty as people age, the researchers speculated.

Women were more likely to suffer poor heart health due to a bad marriage.

A new research suggests that genes tied to blue eyes and red hair could put people at higher risk for moles or freckling in childhood, which are often precursors to the deadly skin cancer melanoma later in life. However, the finding in no way suggests that the risk can’t be reduced by prudent avoidance of cancer-causing UV sunlight, especially in childhood, the researchers said. The study found that children with a gene variant tied to blue eyes were more susceptible to the development of moles compared to kids without the gene, particularly if they took more beach vacations.

Health TIDINGS

Blue-eyed people face higher melanoma risk?

Teens suffer ‘cyber’ dating abuse

Night shift slows metabolism Working by night and sleeping by day may slow down the body’s metabolism, according to a recent study.

Researchers found that when they put 14 volunteers on a schedule that simulated night-shift work, it quickly curbed the number of calories their bodies burned every day. On average, they expended 52 to 59 fewer calories on ‘night shift’ days, the researchers reported. Although that’s a fairly small difference, there are chances of it adding up over time. What is important to note here is the food choices, lack of exercise and other lifestyle factors.

Many teens are abused online by the people they’re dating, states a new study. This abuse could include being monitored, stalked, threatened and harassed through hurtful comments. The findings were based on surveys of teens that visited northern California school health clinics; it didn’t, however, hint at how common this kind of abuse among teens is overall.

The study does suggest that females, non-whites and bisexuals are most vulnerable. The most common types of abuse were stalking (repeatedly contacting a person to ask what he or she was doing or whom he or she was with) and making mean and hurtful comments. Eight percent said they received threatening or aggressive comments, the investigators found.

Change your skin routine during winter, advice experts.

The American Osteopathic Association suggests these steps for healthier winter skin: 1. Since hot water can make skin lose moisture, take shorter warm showers and baths.

2. Use a gentle, light exfoliator to slough off dead skin cells.

3. Don’t pick at or peel dry skin.

4. Switch to an oil-based moisturiser that includes sun protection factor; apply throughout the day if outside.

5. Run a humidifier to keep home air moist.

6. Remove wet clothes to avoid irritating the skin.

November 2014

Skin routine for winter

39

look GOOD

What has health got to do with beauty?

Apparently a lot…for your skin, your hair and nails do act as an index to your health and your general appearance

B

eauty and health share a bond that goes beyond makeup and correction creams. While the preoccupation with beauty continues on cosmetic crutches, the health agenda does creep in to create a perfect balance on the look-good feel-good scale.

According to style gurus, one’s outward appearance serves as an indicator of health. “Beauty is an instant message to others that transmits youth, fertility, and health,” notes an expert, who equates beauty to an extremely important evolutionary cue. And the spotlight is not just on outwardly appearance; apparently, feeling good and being happy has tremendous health implications and general well being.

Find out how you could strike a right balance on the health and beauty scale with some tried and tested tips:

For healthy skin

BRUSH YOUR SKIN everyday before bathing or showering to help remove dead layers of the skin and wake your body up. It will leave you feeling tingly, unclog the pores, improve blood circulation, decrease cellulite and encourage lymphatic circulation and drainage, among others. USE A SOFT BRISTLE BRUSH with a long handle to reach all around your body. Begin with toes and feet and move in an upward direction in little circles. The idea is to make it feel like a massage; in no way should this be painful. Follow it with your normal shower/bath and remember to wash your skin brush in soapy water, once every two weeks.

Let it sun dry.

For healthy Hair

November 2014

Nothing screams out your health status as loudly as your hair. Dry and brittle hair can sap the very semblance of health, for healthy hair is all about a healthy scalp with proper nutrition. It is recommended

40

to eat two to three servings of protein everyday ensure normal hair growth and PROTECT THE SCALP FROM SUNBURN AND SUN DAMAGE by wearing wide-brimmed hats. If this does not seem practical, keep any cap handy to protect your head. It is important to use a wide toothed comb and brush with smoother tips. Never forget to USE A CREAM RINSE OR CONDITIONER after shampooing and never dry your hair vigorously – only towel dry lightly. Ensure MINIMAL USE OF HAIR DRYERS and irons and even dyes.

Ponytails and braids also tug on hair and can cause hair loss. Remember that what you feed your body also feeds all your hair follicles…this places the onus on your diet.

Try and include green tea (even rinsing with green tea is said to help prevent dandruffcausing fungus), walnuts and salmon for shiny hair; eat bright coloured fruits like peaches, strawberries, mango, kiwi and tomatoes to give structure to your hair; include Vitamin B rich foods like beans, peas, carrots, cauliflower, soybeans, nuts and eggs to reduce hair loss and encourage hair growth; and consume dark green vegetables like spinach, broccoli and Swiss chard to produce sebum, which acts as a natural hair conditioner.

t

o

lifestyle mantra

OF giFts and thOughts

By Sophia Raman IS IT REALLY THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS WHEN IT COMES TO GIFT GIVING?

Interestingly, the structure of your nails and how it looks also provide clues to your health. According to health and beauty experts, HEALTHY NAILS SHOULD FEEL SMOOTH to touch and have the same colour throughout. For changes in nail colour or even growth could signal heart, kidney or lung problems; it may even be indicative of diabetes or anaemia.

While it is important to consult a doctor if there is any discolouration or changes in the structure, NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS are recommended for treating any splits, breaks, and peels.

However, any supplement taken should be in consultation with your dermatologist. Properties of Biotin, one of the supplements recommended, are found in peanuts, hazelnuts, cashews, almonds, eggs, soybeans, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, fish and carrots.

For healthy teeth

Stained teeth are anything but beautiful. They convey a distinct un-groomed look and might even be suggestive of ill health.

However, there are several options to correct this situation and enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile. You could OPT FOR WHITENING CREAMS, brush-ons, strips and even whitening toothpastes, which remove stains from teeth by polishing or via chemical removal. Studies have shown that repetitive whitening at safe, low concentrations of the active ingredients gives longer-lasting results.

November 2014

For healthy nails

I

t is common to excuse the choice of a gift with the clichéd ‘it is the thought that counts’ quip. But what is thoughtful and what is not is a difficult bargain to win. For, there are many a slips to contend when we rely on our own taste and customs in selecting and presenting gifts.

With the onset of the season of gift giving, it is important to understand that a gift, while being an attractive form of expression, could also pose a relational risk when the choice made is wrong.

Gifts are said to be tangible representations of intangible thoughts and emotions.

From ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’ to ‘I love you’s’, gifts speak in different languages, depending on the situation. Sociologists will tell you that there are four gift-giving types – expressive, normative, strategic and ulterior-motivated. Expressive gifts are given to express good feeling toward the recipient; normative ones are given because they’re expected; strategic gifts are given to get something in return, or to create a positive impression; and ulterior-motivated gifts are given with the sole purpose of obligating the recipient.

Yes, sometimes gifts are given to incur obligation.

This is why selection and presentation of gifts require understanding of cultural norms. The most appreciated gift is one that indicates the person giving it has thought about this, done research, has been paying attention to the recipient’s likes, dislikes and desires, and has chosen the right time and manner of presenting a gift.

Follow these tried and tested guidelines to hit the right note between the perfect gift and the right thought: 1. Don’t rely on your own taste; try and do some research.

2. Understand the cultural delicacies involved while giving a gift to the wife of an associate if you are a man.

3. If you aren’t aware of the cultural dictates of your colleague/counterpart, do not insist that he/she open a gift in your presence.

4. Know the giftwrapping customs and stick to them rather than your own.

41

Just TRAVEL

Travel Healthy What is a holiday abroad if it is spent nursing a flu or, worse, at a hospital treating food poisoning?

Even the best-planned holiday can come to a naught in the face of an infection or a viral flu. The one thing you want the most of, while traveling, is your health, especially since international travel comes with its own package of health risks.

The onus, therefore, is on you to ensure that it is at the minimum.

Do a quick health check before you venture on your long awaited holiday with the following tips and guidelines: 1. Prior to the trip, assess the need for vaccinations depending on where you are traveling; what you intend to do during your holiday; your current health status and your vaccination history. Vaccinations can protect you from some serious diseases, such as typhoid and yellow fever, which are common in some developing countries.

2. Remember to use insect repellant, as bugs, such as mosquitoes, ticks and some flies, can spread disease. If you’re in an area that poses the risk of malaria, make sure you’re sleeping in an air conditioned or screened room under a bed net.

3. Be wary of animals during your trip, especially monkeys, dogs and birds – these animals can also carry and spread illnesses.

Avoid food poisoning

According to the Centers for Disease Control, traveler’s diarrhea affects 30 to 70 percent of travelers depending on their destination. While some destinations offer a higher risk, food poisoning can really strike anywhere due to poor hygiene practices in restaurants.

What you eat and drink, without considering the hygiene factors, could leave you trapped in your hotel room. Not only can contaminated foods cause food poisoning, but they can also carry hepatitis A or typhoid, depending on where you traveled.

The most common causes of food poisoning are infectious organisms, including bacteria, viruses and parasites, or their toxins. They can contaminate food at any point during processing or production and the symptoms of food poisoning, like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, could begin within hours of eating contaminated food.

November 2014

Maldives Islands

42

Just TRAVEL

Travel food guide

- Avoid buffets, as dishes that are warmed up or left sitting out are said to pose a greater risk of being contaminated.

- Do not consume any moist food that is room temperature, including sauces.

- Opt for food that is freshly cooked and hot.

- Avoid food from street vendors, as you aren’t sure how long they have been out.

- Avoid unpasteurised milk and dairy products, including ice cream.

- When it comes to fruits and veggies, stick to the ones you can peel yourself - like bananas, oranges and avocados.

- Fruits that cannot be peeled, such as grapes and berries, pose a food poisoning risk as they may have been washed in contaminated water.

- Drink bottled water; avoid water from a tap, well or stream. If you have to consume local water, boil it for three minutes.

- Mixed fruit juices may contain local water, so avoid those as well.

- Drink canned or bottled drinks as long as you break the seals on their containers yourself. Remember to wipe off the can or bottle before drinking.

- Make sure that hot beverages like coffee or tea are served steaming hot.

- Remember to clean your hands before eating, either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser.

Make sure your luggage includes the following: Sunscreen: Choose sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. The higher the SPF, the better the protection. Buy sunscreen labelled ‘broad-spectrum’, to get protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

First aid kit: A first aid kit is useful if you plan going off the beaten track.

Make sure it includes antiseptic with gauze squares, non-adherent dressings, bandages, fabric plasters

and adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers and safety pins and tick removers.

Insect repellent: Mosquitoes are attracted to humans by our body heat, smell and the carbon dioxide. They usually bite between dusk and dawn.

Products containing the chemical DEET are the most effective insect repellents and are safe when used correctly.

Mosquito net: A mosquito net impregnated with permethrin - is needed if you are travelling to a malarial country.

Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines can reduce itching and inflammation caused by allergies and insect bites.

Anti-diarrhoea pills: Anti-diarrhoea drugs, such as loperamide, can relieve symptoms of diarrhoea by slowing down the movement of bowel contents and sometimes by increasing water absorption from the gut.

Rehydration sachets: Rehydration sachets help replace fluids and salts lost through diarrhoea, vomiting and too much sun.

November 2014

Travel health essentials

43

Health & Wellness special November 2014

44

Health & Wellness Recharge your batteries and experience the boundless energies of good health and wellness envelope your life

Your WELLNESS Guide Seek nature and natural remedies to make health and wellness a part of your life To begin from the beginning…

Some of the best-known quotes on health and wellness came from Hippocrates, the father of western medicine. He said: ‘Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food.’

‘Walking is man’s best medicine.’

‘Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease.’

‘It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has.’

These quotes underscore the importance of natural approaches to health and the role played by lifestyle in dictating general wellness. It demands one to be connected with ones health and wellness. For, it is all about making important decisions for oneself, instead of just assuming that ones health and wellness will be fine as long as the medical system can take care of the future.

Studies have shown than an average person watches 25 hours or more of television each week, with more than 60 percent enjoying their couch potato status. The onus, then, is on each one of us to do whatever is possible to regain our health before it goes out of our control. All that this requires is an understanding that health and wellness is under our control, if only we learn to make intelligent choices now. It does not entail one to stop eating everything that is bad for health or make radical and uncomfortable changes; just taking small simple actions to start with will do.

Here are some simple steps that you could build on: l Park your car further away from the shop or office and walk the few metres to your destination l Eat two healthy, fat free lunches a week l Cook three healthy dinners every week l Buy a healthy, fat free snack, twice a week, instead of bingeing on chips and cookies l Exercise for 5 to 10 minutes a day, 3 or 4 days a week l Do some easy stretching for 5 minutes after having your morning coffee l Learn more about your body, and what it needs to be healthy.

There are many dimensions to health and wellness: it could range from how you eat, exercise and think, to how you handle family relationships, spiritual practices and even finances. Mainly, it is all about your diet, weight management, disease prevention, eating foods that heal and staying away from foods that harm.

You are what you eat

As Hippocrates indicated, what you eat has a profound bearing on your health. Every time you pop something in your mouth, first check if the food is healthy or harmful. Find out if it will keep you in good health as you are aging and if it will support your family's health and wellness.

Healthy home

It is not just about cleanliness and hygiene; sometimes the very products that you use to keep your homes clean, and ‘safe’ for your children could cause a host of health problems, from asthma and learning problems, to eczema, obesity, childhood diabetes and heart conditions. Little research and caution will go a long way.

First-aid dos and don’ts First aid is not simply about administering care before the doctor arrives on the scene; it is about identifying the problem and providing the RIGHT care. Check the first aid dos and don’ts to grasp the importance of that initial care:

Nosebleeds

Don’t lean back: the blood could get into the windpipe, blocking the airway.

Do sit in a comfortable upright position and lean forward slightly; pinch your nose just below the bony bridge and above the fleshy lobes of the nostrils until the bleeding is stemmed. Apply ice pack around the nose and on the forehead.

Tooth loss

Don’t scrub the tooth to ‘clean’ it, as this may damage the root surface. Avoid handling the root end; pick it up by the top.

Do rinse the ‘lost’ tooth in a bowl and then drop it in a glass of milk or a warm, mild saltwater solution before heading to the emergency department where it might be re-implanted. Handle the tooth by the top only, not the root.

Cuts and scrapes

Don’t apply a tourniquet or tie the injured limb to stem bleeding.

You will cut off circulation, doing more damage.

Do wash the wound with distilled water. Minor cuts and scrapes usually stop bleeding on their own, so swab with antiseptic and wait. But if blood spurts from the wound or continues to flow after continuous pressure for half an hour, seek medical assistance at once.

Burns

Don’t put ice on the burn, as it’ll delay healing or cause extra damage.

Do cool the area by holding under cold running water for at least 10 minutes.

Blister

Don’t pop a blister, as it will expose very sensitive raw skin, which can be more painful and can lead to infection. If the blister does break, do not tear the loose skin off.

Do cover with a loose gauze or cotton wool bandage until healed, after applying an antiseptic.

November 2014

Twisted knee or sprained ankle

46

Don’t exercise, as it will not lessen the swelling.

Do remember the acronym RICE: Rest the injured area; Ice it for 20 minutes at a time; Compress lightly with a bandage; and Elevate it over the level of the heart to minimise swelling.

Choking

Don’t slap someone who is choking, on the back. You could force the offending object further down the windpipe. Let the person cough; don’t rush to offer water.

Do let him/her cough forcefully to dislodge a piece of food.

If that is not helping or the person seems unable to cough or draw breath, stand behind the person and deliver five sharp blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

Poisoning

Don’t make the victim vomit, as it can do more damage than good.

Do not offer water either.

Do remove anything remaining in the mouth while you rush the person to hospital.

Foreign object in the eye

Don’t rub hard. Trying to pick out the object or brushing it out with a handkerchief or tissue can cause more injury.

Do examine the eye gently to find the object. Pull the lower lid down and ask the person to look up. Then hold the upper lid open while the person looks down. If the object is floating in the tear film on the surface of the eye, try flushing it out with a saline solution or clear lukewarm water.

Health & Wellness special

Check the mouth quickly after each blow and remove any obvious obstruction. Meanwhile, call a doctor.

If the obstruction is still present, try up to five abdominal thrusts— this is known as the Heimlich manoeuvre: Place a clenched fist above the navel and pull inwards and upwards.

Electric shock

Don’t try to yank the person away.

Do break the contact between the person and the electrical supply by switching off the current. If you cannot reach the mains supply, protect yourself by standing on some dry insulating material, such as a telephone directory, and use a non-conductive rod (such as a wooden broom handle or ruler) to push the person away from the electrical source (or the appliance away from the person).

Heart attack

Don’t wait; call an ambulance immediately.

Do sit the person down and try to keep him/her calm and conscious. If the person is conscious, give them a 300mg tablet of aspirin to chew.

Seizure (or epileptic fit)

Don’t put something in the victim’s mouth.

Do roll the victim on to his or her side to keep the airways clear. Also loosen tight clothing around the neck, especially ties or collars. If possible, put a small pillow or rolled-up jacket under the head to provide padding, and call for the doctor pronto.

Bee stings

November 2014

Don’t try to pull the stinger out with fingers or tweezers, as it will squeeze the attached poison sac and push more venom in.

Do remove the stinger as quickly as possible by scraping off gently with a straight-edged object, such as a credit card or the back of a knife. Wash the area with soap and water. Then apply a cold pack to reduce pain and swelling.

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First Aid essentials A quick guide to First Aid essentials in the car and at home

Tweezers: This should be an essential part of

your first aid kit, particularly if you enjoy hiking or other outdoor activities. It is the safest and easiest way to remove a splinter or a tick. Remember, however, to disinfect the tweezers well before and after each use.

Hydrocortisone cream:

This is a topical steroid that provides quick relief from itching and reduces inflammation.

Pain relievers: Aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen are popular over-the-counter pain relievers;, however, aspirin should not be given to anyone under age 18 because of the danger of Reye's syndrome (a potentially fatal syndrome that has numerous detrimental effects to many organs).

Wipes or solution for cleaning wounds: Before bandaging a wound/scrape,

clean it with antiseptic wipes or sprays. Sterile water or saline, such as contact lens saline solution, is also good to flush out eye injuries and can be used on other wounds.

Gauze and tape:

Gauze pads can be used to apply pressure on small wounds until the bleeding subsides.

When used with tape, gauze can also serve as a bandage to cover and protect wounds. Keep a stock of adhesive bandages of different sizes.

Antibiotic cream: Antibiotic cream/ointment can help protect minor wounds from infection and can keep the area moist; this may promote healing. It can also prevent the wound from getting stuck to a bandage.

Allergy medications: To counter a mild allergic reaction, keep antihistamines in your kit. If you or a family member has serious allergies, carry injectable epinephrine. It can save a life in the case of anaphylaxis - a severe and potentially deadly allergic reaction to triggers such as insect stings or food.

November 2014

Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a family of four include the following:

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l 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches) l 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes) l 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch) l 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram) l 5 antiseptic wipe packets l 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each) l 1 blanket (space blanket) l 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve) l 1 instant cold compress

l 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large) l 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each) l Scissors l 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide) l 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide) l 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches) l 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches) l Oral thermometer (non-mercury/ nonglass) l 2 triangular bandages l Tweezers l First aid instruction booklet

Diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol may not exhibit any symptoms for many years, which is why they are called silent killers, notes Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai, MD, DM, CIDC (UK), Specialist Endocrinologist at Apollo Sugar-IMC

I

t was a nice Friday afternoon; Abdul Razak, a 40-year-old businessman, was driving home after a nice lunch in a local restaurant. Suddenly, he felt uneasy and fainted and his car collided with a tree. He was hospitalised and it was found that he had suffered a massive heart attack, which made him lose consciousness. Doctors found that he had very high blood glucose levels and blood pressure, as well as cholesterol levels, when he was admitted to the hospital.

He smoked around 10 cigarettes per day, but never had any complications, and hardly ever visited any doctor.

This is not an isolated story. Many people get similar surprises. Mr. Razak had diabetes for three years and never had regular consultations with a doctor. He never bothered to check his diabetes status and believed that he only had ‘mild diabetes’, and that he was, otherwise, healthy, as he didn’t have any symptoms.

Diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol may not exhibit any symptoms for many years. They can silently damage our body. That is exactly the reason why they are called as silent killers. In type-2 diabetes, often, diabetes is present for many years before it is detected. However, just treating diabetes is not enough; blood pressure and cholesterol have to be controlled as well. All type-2 diabetes patients need an annual check up, including examination of eyes, feet, cholesterol profile, kidney functions, liver functions, etc. Blood pressure should be examined on each hospital visit. Blood glucose should be checked at home frequently and also during hospital visits. They should visit the hospital at suggested intervals. Diet control and exercise may not be enough in most cases to control diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol. Drugs should be used in correct combinations, along with diet and exercise.

Diabetes can be compared to the rust under your car.

The car may look fantastic outwardly; however, one may not realise that there is rust developing under the car unless you inspect it routinely and have it serviced. Similarly, you may not realise that diabetes is causing complications unless you look for it. Most people are careful about looking after their cars, but not their own body. Our body is more precious than our cars and hence a comprehensive yearly diabetes complication screening is recommended for all cases of type-2 diabetes from the time of detection. Your body needs periodical check up just like your car.

Mr. Razak would have, probably, avoided the heart attack, had he controlled his diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol. He only slept for 5 hours most of the days.

Remember:

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Smoking and tobacco use in any form should be discouraged.

Regular exercise for about 45 minutes a day along with a healthy diet low in salt, sugar and fat is essential in most cases.

Sound, continuous sleep, for at least 7 hours is required at night for a healthy life.

November 2014

The ‘silent killer’

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Orthodontics: A healthy smile for a better life

Prof. Dr. Jacob John, BDS, MDS, M Orth RCS (U.K), Ph.D, Consultant Specialist Orthodontist at Al Raffah Hospital, highlights the options available to correct dental deformities and perfect that smile

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rthodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly and focuses on diagnosing and treating dental and facial irregularities. This includes crooked, crowded and protruding teeth and poor jaw alignment.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment include a healthier mouth, a more pleasing appearance, and teeth are more likely to last a lifetime. Today orthodontic braces are not only for youngsters but adults as well. Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. It is however recommended that all children have an orthodontic screening not later than age seven, as some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if treated early.

Most commonly seen orthodontic problems are crowding, crooked, spacing, protruding upper teeth, missing teeth, cross bite, deep over bite, disproportional jaw size and abnormal oral habits like thumb sucking, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting etc.

November 2014

Various orthodontic treatment procedures:

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Fixed Orthodontic Treatment (Braces): In this treatment procedure alignment of irregularly placed teeth, correction of crowded, mal-positioned, rotated, proclined, retroclined and spacing of teeth for better aesthetics is carried out by using braces. This treatment can be done with or without extraction of selected teeth, depending on the severity of the case. Treatment duration is 12-15 months; with a monthly once follow up with the Orthodontist.

Braces are the most efficient and accurate way of moving teeth, they are glued to the teeth and act as handles to which the arch wires can be attached.

Thanks to today’s technologies we use a variety of dental braces to help patients of all ages to achieve a beautiful and attractive smile as a healthy, functional bite. Orthodontics offer a wide variety of braces to meet the individual needs and desires of each of our patients.

Metal braces: They are commonly used and are made up of stainless steel.

Ceramic (tooth coloured braces): They are made up of translucent clear material.

Lingual braces (invisible braces): It is placed behind the upper and lower teeth creating more aesthetically pleasing effect and are virtually undetectable allowing you to retain your normal appearance for the duration of your treatment.

Clear Aligner Therapy

The Invisalign System is a series of clear overlay templates called aligners that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move the teeth.

Growth modification treatment

A disproportion in the size or position of the jaws results in a skeletal discrepancy like forwardly placed upper jaw (prognathic and excessive maxilla), small upper jaw, forwardly placed lower jaw (excessive and large mandible) and small lower jaw (deficient and retruded mandible).

Management of these problems can be done by growth modification appliances. These appliances are most effective during the mixed dentition period (7-14 yrs) as it takes advantage of the prepubertal growth period.

People are very aware of how teeth look and an attractive smile can play an important role in enhancing selfconfidence. From traditional metal braces and ceramic braces to clear aligners that can be worn to improve appearance of misaligned teeth, and orthodontics can help you achieve a beautiful & healthy smile you’ve always dreamed about.

Skin Cancers The earlier the skin cancer is diagnosed, the better the results of the treatment, explains Dr. Muzna Al Taie, Specialist Dermatologist at Burjeel Hospital Skin Cancers are the most common types of cancers in the world. They come under two categories: Nonmelanoma (Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma) and Melanoma. In both types there are abnormal growths of skin cells, mainly in the sun-exposed areas (face, lips, scalp, arms and legs); but this does not mean that the covered areas of the body are excluded. Skin cancers develop due to DNA mutation caused by ultraviolet radiation, either directly from the sun or tanning beds. People who are immuno-suppressed, such as HIV patients, or are on treatment after renal or liver transplant, are at high risk to develop cancers on the covered areas of the body. Additionally, the exposure to toxic substances like vinyl chloride, formaldehyde, arsenic can lead to skin cancer.

The risk factors of skin cancers for fair-skinned people are:

l History of sun burns l Excessive sun exposure l A large number of moles and freckles l Family history of skin cancers l Premalignant lesions like actinic keratosis (pinkish, rough, scaly lesion).

Skin cancers can be detected by:

l Recurrent changes in the mole such as bleeding, variations in the colour, and itching. l Persistent skin lesions with crusting and bleeding. l Biopsy

The treatments of skin cancers include: l Early lesions can be treated by freezing l Excision of the lesion with extra skin around it l Imiquimod 5 percent cream for at least 6 weeks l Chemotherapy

l Avoiding the sun during mid-day l Wearing sunscreen with SPF 50+ l Wearing protective clothes l Regular skin check-ups l Making sure that your skins never burns The earlier the skin cancer is diagnosed, the better the results of the treatments are.

If a person is diagnosed with Melanoma, the early diagnosis and early excision with inclusion of a biopsy for the sentinel lymph nodes is highly important and beneficial.

November 2014

Skin cancers can be prevented by:

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Advertorial

Unwanted hair‌ Laser has proven to be the most effective solution to unwanted hair, says Kaya Skin Clinic expert

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or many women, dealing with unwanted hair is a daily struggle. Body hair is directly related to femininity, as it is not typical for a woman to have excessive hair in places such as the face and arms.

What not everyone knows, is that hair is found on the face and all over the body in females, in two different forms. On the face and chest there is fine and soft hair called vellus hair. However, hair that is thick and coarse in areas like underarms and scalp and is called terminal hair. In men, there are mostly terminal hairs on the face and all over the body.

Excessive hair growth is diagnosed as either hypertrichosis or hirsuitism. Hypertrichosis is usually a genetic problem and commonly seen in some communities. But hirsuitism is characterised with growth of excessive, coarse, long, beard like hair on the face and body in women, and is associated with hormone disturbances.

Dr. Marian, Dermatologist, at Kaya Skin Clinic, notes that the soft, vellus hair gets converted into coarse terminal hair in some women, and remains that way due to

Dr. Marian

the presence of androgens. Androgens are male hormones produced in the ovaries and the adrenals. Disorders of either the ovaries or the adrenals can lead to disturbance in androgen production. The common causes of increased androgen production are:

1. Polycystic ovarian disease/ syndrome (PCOD, PCOS)

The ovaries develop multiple, small cysts which produce male hormones.

It is associated with irregular periods, irregular ovulation, weight gain, acne, and increased hair growth on the face and body. It tends to run in families and is associated with an insulin imbalance.

2. Ovarian tumours

Androgen producing tumours in the ovaries lead to hirsuitism, even changes in body structure and voice in females

November 2014

3. Adrenal tumours

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Women suffering from hormonal imbalance suffer from emotional and psychological disturbances. This is due to the presence of unwanted facial and body hair, weight gain, acne, infertility, loss of hair on the

scalp. Since this disorder affects young women, it affects the self-esteem of college/school-going girls and young married women. One needs to remove hair by threading or shaving often, and this can be quite embarrassing and tedious. “Laser Hair Reduction has become a blessing for women having hirsuitism and hypertrichosis. Laser is a permanent method of hair reduction. It works by reducing the size of the hair follicle permanently, thus reducing the hair growth. It needs several sittings,� says Dr Marian.

Before opting for laser hair reduction, it is very important to consult a dermatologist, who will check the hair type and skin type. Once hirsuitism is diagnosed, certain blood tests, ultrasound needs to be done to ascertain the cause of increased hair growth and other symptoms like acne, obesity etc.

Then treatment has to be started by an endocrinologist or a gynaecologist and it has to be taken for a period of time as recommended by the doctor concerned. Along with the treatment, one can start the laser hair removal.

After proper medication, and hair reduction with the help of the laser, there is a remarkable change in the appearance of the hair on the face and body. It makes the lady much happier, confident, and improved self-esteem.

She is not embarrassed any more!

Lumia 730

- a must-have Selfie phone

bounce vividly, creating drama around the entire experiential activity with a video clip capturing the various moods and actions.

With over 93 million selfies taken everyday around the world and a staggering 1 million of those selfies uploaded on social media, the need for a mobile phone with great selfie taking capabilities is, definitely, of prime importance. While the trend continues to sweep the world, Microsoft Mobile Devices have designed a device that will enable just about anybody to take amazing selfies. It has been structured to take away the challenges posed by mobile cameras that require selfie sticks to capture wider pictures. The Lumia 730 and 735 smartphones are equipped with wide-angle lens, empowering people to

Tried & TESTED

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take avant-garde level of selfies that will drive their friends insane.

The devices combine a slim, vibrant style with powerful performance to create an uncompromised smartphone experience. The Lumia 730 is equipped with the dual SIM 3G support whereas the Lumia 735 has 4G LTE connectivity and also provides outstanding personalisation brought by the Windows Phone 8.1 platform. Besides, the back facing camera with its 6.7 MP ZEISS lens, can also take breathtaking pictures. And with that wide aperture of F/1.9 and some practice you can take amazing pictures with real blurred effects and create depth of field, so the subject of your photo will look robust and clear - By Sophia Raman

Lumia Selfie Apps

With the Lumia 730, there is a plethora of apps to help you perfect that selfie. So instead of just adding a high performance camera to the device, Microsoft Mobile Devices has developed a new Lumia selfie app. It is perfect for taking selfies with the front or main camera. You can also add filters, fine-tune facial details and create themes; but what is the most interesting feature is the self-portrait assistant, to help you take the best selfie.

Whether the Lumia 730 turns me into a selfie addict or not, its exciting camera features have hooked me to the set since I retuned back home. * Check out all the selfies that we took and posted on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Look for #LumiaSelfie

November 2014

emember Ellen DeGeneres’ famous selfie pic of the year? Do you recall how all the celebrities were, seemingly, joggling to find space in that frame? Now, if only Ellen had a Lumia 730…she probably would have included more Oscar winners and taken a more inclusive selfie without having to look for someone with a longer arm.

Powered with a full-HD 5MP wideangle front-facing smartphone camera, enabling one to take perfect impromptu group snaps, Lumia 730 is just what the tech geek would have ordered for a selfie freak. Although I am not exactly a selfie fan, when FACES was invited to a Lumia experiential activity in Dubai I took it up and returned completely wowed by its several exciting features.

Designed to fit the demands of the new selfie trend, this innovative frontfacing camera is all about giving the user more - more scenery, more detail, more you…more of everything. The new Lumia 730 is definitely here to redefine how the world takes selfies; it is the perfect answer to today’s mobile imaging challenges.

With ‘Voice Selfie’ loaded in, it has made taking selfies a breeze. All that you need to do is call out ‘selfie’ to the phone and it will do it with a timer to ensure your pout is just perfect. It is also equipped to take selfies while in motion, which we tested at Dubai’s large trampoline park, Bounce. It captured our playful

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style FILe

Winter with

R&B

Get ready for the new season with R & B’s winter collection, featuring bright and earthy colours that are woven into trendy designs to create an ensemble that is reflective of the brand’s ‘value for money’ concept Winter in this part of the world is sunny and bright compared to other countries, and R & B has tried to reflect the flavours of the season in this new collection, which consists of a wide range of colour options. The collection is intended to provide the look of a fresh, vibrant and soulful brand.

For kids

This collection is full of peppy and quirky designs, not only to keep your children warm, but also looking sharp. The collection caters to infants and young adults, up to 14 years of age.

Footwear

November 2014

The collection includes an exciting variety of formals, casuals, boots, party wear and sportswear.

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For men

This collection features clothes that help you look stylish and also keep it casual at the same time. It portrays a good blend of bright colours and pastels, in a wide range of fabrics that include sweaters, jackets and denims, and catering to the youth as well as the adults.

November 2014

It features a wide range of prints, consisting of Aztecs, geometrical prints, florals and paisleys. It includes a good mix of trendy western silhouettes and the range is designed to appeal to a wide age group.

style FILe

For women

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at HOME

Your Ultimate Decorating

Checklist Whether it’s picking a paint colour or finding a suitable fabric for curtains or upholstery, decorating choices can be baffling, admits Kristine Bonnici, as she presents some tried and tested guidelines

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esigning your home can be a minefield of one decision after another. The sheer choice of colours, fabrics and textures makes it particularly difficult to reach a final decision and it is very easy to make an expensive mistake that will affect the entire design concept. Follow our easy checklist to make sure you make the right choices.

Choose your paint

When choosing paint colours, it is important to keep in mind that the colour of the walls determines the mood, the apparent size and the visual impact of a room. The amount of light in the room, the number of external apertures as well as the quantity of furniture and paintings on the wall will determine the final appearance of the chosen shade.

Before making a final decision, check the colours IN the room you’re decorating, not in the paint shop. A colour card only shows a tiny amount and it can be deceptive. If in doubt, chose a colour that is a couple of shades lighter.

Buy tester pots in the colours you like and paint at least one square metre on two walls of the room. You will notice that the colour will change depending on the light being reflected off the wall. View the paint samples at

November 2014

different times during the day. Remember that curtains and blinds will affect the quality of light in the room.

Always buy paint from the same batch. It is better to overestimate than to try to match paint from different batches. Colour can drastically affect our mood.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Using colours that you know will lift your spirits will make your choice work for you.

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Fabric

Fabric comes in different weights and thicknesses for different purposes.

Upholstery fabrics need to be strong, durable and have closely woven designs.

If you want a luxurious look, go for microfibre, leather, velvet and chenille.

Textured designs hide the dirt but may snag. Hardwearing cottons, linen or a fabric mix is a good choice for family rooms.

Fabric for curtains needs to hang well.

In the shop, drape a couple of metres over your arm and check if it falls in soft folds. Choose your lining at the same time as your fabric. Lining makes fabric hang better. Blackout versions completely block out the sun’s rays and may be a suitable choice for a bedroom or nursery.

Interlining is wadding sandwiched between the fabric and the lining and gives warmth and insulation, making fabric look luxurious.

The choice of fabric requires putting together a collection of colours, patterns and finishes, either from scratch or by drawing together existing soft furnishings to make a cohesive whole. Fabrics have to be considered in the context of wall, window, ceiling and floor colour and

decoration. Overall, they must not only be consistent with each other visually and with the furniture in the room, but their character and style must create the atmosphere you want.

The task of co-ordinating many different fabrics in a room is not an easy one and the cost of fabric cannot, unfortunately, be dismissed. Many of the most beautiful materials are also the most expensive. Whatever your budget, fabric should be chosen carefully. Look at the fabric in natural and artificial light and at different times of day before making your final decision.

Light it up

Good lighting can make or break a home in the same way that furnishings and interior decoration can set the style.

Lighting should revolve around what we need the lighting for, since our tasks and activities range from cooking and cleaning to watching television and entertaining friends. In order to do our decorating schemes justice, we not only need different levels of brightness, but also different moods and emotional qualities in our lighting.

Many designers divide lighting into five different types – ambient, accent, task, decorative and kinetic lighting.

Try to include as many different types of light as possible in each room.

As its name suggests, ambient light is that which is all around us. It is often directed at a high level on the walls or on the ceiling. The effect of ambient light should be calming and neutral with no glare to distract the eye. In any room, ambient light provides an ideal background light and all rooms

at HOME

will benefit from this type of lighting.

However, it is particularly important in the living room, kitchen and study.

Ambient light sources should always be dimmable and as discrete as possible, although a feature can be made out of the light fixture.

Accent lighting adds interest, highlighting the ornaments and any special features in the room. Ambient lighting usually flattens a room, but accent lighting brings back character and interest.

Decorative lighting is provided by table lamps and any other striking light fixtures.

Use task lighting to illuminate any area that is used for a specific purpose. If you have a favourite armchair where you sit and read the newspaper every evening, make sure there is enough light to perform this task comfortably.

In the same way, if the kids use the coffee table to play board games, add task lighting in that area.

Kinetic lighting is ‘moving light’, provided by the flickering flame of candles or the moving images of a TV screen. Think about entertaining in the living room. The lighting scheme should be versatile enough to create a party atmosphere.

Add drama

All rooms need drama, even the downstairs loo. It could be a paint colour, a cool chandelier, some sort of object that fascinates you, anything at that draws your attention and makes your eyes widen!

Kristine Bonnici

Senior Interior Designer at StudioBasel design@kristinebonnici.com www.kristinebonnici.com Mobile: +356 7700 0077 https://www.facebook.com/ kristinebonnicidesign

November 2014

Choose two colours for your room – one as the main colour and the other as an accent. With these colours in mind, collect a variety of fabrics of different patterns, texture and weight before choosing the ones you are most happy with. Check these colours against the rest of the room – the colour of the floors, the colour of the walls, the furniture and accessories.

Make sure your colour palette flows from room to room.

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explore OMAN

Wadis and

weekends

Wadis in Oman are perfect antidotes for weekend ennui, with clear streams and ponds of water, shrubs, date palms and the ubiquitous bare mountains creating a perfect panorama of magic

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here is an old-world kind of charm about wadis, as if nature had all the leisure at its disposal while designing them to reflect beauty and make it a perfect destination for all those seeking some alone time with nature. The panoramic vista of still waters, green hedges and palm trees and the rugged mountains in the backdrop, help create that magic called wadi, which has become a major lure for weekenders in the capital and outside.

There is a picture postcard feel to most wadis in Oman - from the rugged mountains bordering them to the clear water, trembling to the fine moods of the winter breeze. Oman is truly blessed with more than its share of ideal wadis, most of which are immensely popular as picnic spots.

The charm of a wadi lies in its intrinsic appeal to project the perfection of an oasis. Seen from the eyes of a tourist or an intrepid traveller, the potential for adventure or even a languorous picnic is immense. There is that element of being away from the city and its accompanying cacophony; the feeling of oneness with nature, generated by the lush spread of greenery; and the choice of indulging in some wadi-bashing or even trekking on the uneven terrain‌

November 2014

However, all wadis demand a sense of caution when venturing in for a splash in the water or even a trek along the route. The seemingly safe ground can prove to be the most dangerous, as these wadis are prone to flash floods following heavy rains. Owing to the hard soil on the bed, water is not able to drain through and thus creates a flood; besides, water rushes in from the mountains, carrying away all that is in its path.

But of course, all wadis do not portend danger and even the ones that could experience trouble do not fail to evoke awe and wonder. What makes these wadis all the more interesting are the elements of culture and tradition woven into their very façade, thanks to the presence of local communities who have built homes around the wadis.

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Wadi Al Abyadh

Wadi Al Abyadh White water pools have earned this wadi – located in Nakhal, in the South Al Batinah region – its name.

It takes about an hour to reach this destination from Muscat, making it all the more attractive for visitors who want to picnic closer home. Exploring this wadi may demand a four-wheel drive, but the visual treat of beautiful green foliage and strikingly white boulders and rocks will make it worth your while. There is a nice trekking path and fresh water pools to add to the fun element.

Wadi Al Hoqain This wadi is accessible from the Wilayat of Rustaq and is characterised mainly by its springs which flow between the granite rocks and form beautiful waterfalls, cascading from up to 10 meters height. The Al-Hoqain fort, which dates back to 1722, presents a historical twist to the area.

There is also the Wadi Bani Auf, which presents a picture perfect feel to the surroundings.

Wadi Bani Khalid Approximately 200 kilometres away from Muscat is this popular wadi of the Sharqiyah region. There is constant flow of water in this wadi and it is home to some cave formations, including the Kahf Maqal, which is the country’s underground chamber. If you are seeking adventure, this cave formation can present the right choice; however, caution is advised, as you may need to go on your haunches in some places.

Wadi Bani Awf & Snake Gorge Located about one and a half hours from Muscat, this stunning wadi is the perfect

destination for trekking enthusiasts.

Its terrain makes it the most diverse and challenging of the lot. The wadi itself leads to the famous Snake Gorge, which has been so named for the serpentine effect created by the narrow valley in between the mountains. It skirts through rock pools, waterfalls and boulders.

Although trekking along this path is tempting, it can be difficult and even dangerous if there are signs of rain.

Wadi Dayqah Wadi Dayqah was described as ‘the most singular piece of earth sculpture in Arabia’, by explorer S.B. Miles, more than a century ago. It is located about 90 kilometers eastwards from the Wadi. It is popularly known as ‘Devil’s Gap’ – thanks to its breathtaking location through a narrow winding canyon, whose walls rise to a height of 1,700 meters. Deep pools and huge boulders mark this wadi.

Wadi Fida This is probably one of the lesserknown wadis, but its charm is no less.

Located in the Wilayat of Dhank, it passes through the Dhahirah region.

It is at its scenic best along a onekilometre stretch at Dhank; it is in full flow around Yanqul.

Wadi Ghul There is a mystical charm about this wadi, thanks to the abandoned village of Ghul, which is located between Wadi Ghul and Wadi Nakha - the village is perched on the sides of a steep cliff. Wadi Ghul, located about 15 km from Al Hamra, has a recharge dam that was built to stop

Wadi Bani Awf & Snake Gorge

floodwaters and also to store and drain the water in the wadi.

Wadi Al Khoudh It is situated in Wilayat Al Seeb and is considered one of the largest wadi basins in the country. The name ‘Khoudh’, apparently came from Arabic word from wade to indicate the abundance of water in the area and how children had to move before roads happened in the area.

Wadi Shab This wadi is located in Niybat Tiwi, the Wilayat of Sur. It is about 140 kilometres from Musat on the QuriyatSur coastal road. The road presents some breathtaking scenes as it passes through a ravine and traipses along the Tiwi road where houses cling on to the cliffs. Its important features are date plantations, pools and vegetation, like the oleander bushes that have become a hub for butterflies.

Wadi Tiwi Approximately seven kilometers away from Wadi Shab is Wadi Tiwi, which stretches about 36 kilometers inland, ending strikingly at the mountain village, Mibam. Nature lovers should watch out for the sea that is visible as one climbs up the hill and treks down to the valley.

Fruit trees and groves make it picture perfect

November 2014

Wadi Bani Khalid

explore OMAN

Check out some of the scenic wadis in and around the capital during the pleasant winter months:

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Oman Air’s Fleet Expansion Programme

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Omantel customer base grows to 4.2 million

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November 2014

man Telecommunications Company (Omantel) board has approved the company’s financial results for the period ending September 2014, that witnessed an increase in net profit by 7 percent. The company’s revenue recorded a growth of 1.7 percent and reached RO 357.6 million for the first nine months ending September 2014 compared to OMR351.5 million of the same period of 2013, while the net profit has increased to RO 95.9 million from RO 89.6 million in 2013. Broadband segment (both mobile and fixed broadband services) has been the key driver for the growth. Mobile and fixed broadband subscribers grew by 19 percent and 33 percent; Omantel domestic subscriber base witnessed a remarkable growth of 6 percent as of September 2014 reaching 3.260 million (excluding mobile resellers). Including Worldcall, total subscribers base has reached 4.204 million as of September 2014.

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man Air’s fleet received a boost earlier this month when the second Boeing 737-900 arrived, following the touch down of its latest Boeing B737-800 for the first time at Muscat International Airport on November 6th. The arrival of the brandnew aircraft marks the start of a major three-year expansion programme. This latest delivery takes Oman Air’s fleet strength to 32. These are the first of 24 aircraft, which will arrive with the Muscatbased carrier between now and 2018, taking the total fleet number to around 50 aircraft. The new Boeing B737 will operate on Oman Air’s short and medium haul routes, which cover the Middle East, the Sub-Continent and East Africa.

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Great value winter break at MRM

s temperatures drop, Millennium Resort Mussanah offers the perfect opportunity for outdoor fun. Patrons can enjoy a great value winter break until 30th April 2015 from RO 70 room and breakfast or RO 90 for room, breakfast and dinner per night, including deluxe room for two people, breakfast in Mydan for two, dinner in Mydan (where applicable) for two, connecting room for children at 25 percent discounted rates, complimentary access to all leisure facilities (water sports charges apply), extra bed supplement on room and breakfast at RO15, extra bed supplement on room, dinner and breakfast at RO 25 and upgrade to Sea View room at RO10. A family and sports oriented resort, the hotel features 234 spacious and well-appointed rooms and suites with views of the Al Hajar Mountains, Marina and the Gulf of Oman, boasting a wide range of regional and international culinary delights in three restaurants, plus a poolside bar and Shisha lounge. 74 luxurious studios, 1- and 2-bed apartments and duplexes, each with fully equipped kitchen overlook the private Marina, offering the ideal accommodation for longer stay guests or families seeking that additional space and privacy while enjoying full hotel facilities.

Ramniklal B Kothary – J&J division wins awards

NBO’s in-house innovations to improve customers’ experience

Ramniklal B Kothary & Co LLC, a leading FMCG distributor in Oman, is the recipient of two awards for its Johnson & Johnson division. Both the awards were handed over during Johnson & Johnson consumer’s annual day held in Dubai. It was in recognition of the outstanding performance in the ‘Best In Class Execution of Baby Week Activation’ and ‘Best Alignment to Customer Event’ titles. These awards came out of competitions during 2014 among all countries of MENAP (Middle East, North Africa & Pakistan) region. The awards were handed over to the Managing Director, Prabodh R. Kothary, during a ceremony held in Dubai.

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ational Bank of Oman recently launched its ‘Ibtikar’ programme, an internal technology-driven business innovation platform that encourages employees to develop new and innovative products and services. The ‘Ibtikar’ programme is a testament to that and serves as an innovation lab, spawning several ideas that have successfully manifested into functional prototypes. Individuals and teams presented their ideas and working prototypes and were rewarded by the bank’s top management team.

Based on their feasibility, winning ideas and prototypes have the potential of being implemented in the near future, with the ultimate goal of gaining competitive edge for the Bank and enhancing the overall customer experience.

OBO /Tahaddi wins Innovation Award

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epresented at the 2014 Outward Bound International World Symposium in Germany by Training Manager Mohammed Al Zadjali, Outward Bound Oman was awarded the prestigious OBI Programme Innovation Award, beating off strong competition from Outward Bound New Zealand, Czech Republic and Brazil. The 2014 symposium saw representatives from Outward Bound schools from 32 nations around the world gather to discuss key issues, and develop a strategic pathway for Outward Bound to best serve society in the coming years.

Microbial Genetic Resources

November 2014

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he Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Center (OAPGRC) is scheduled to hold its next in its popular series of Science Cafes on 3 December at Moca & More Café in Al Azaiba, from 7:30pm – 9:00pm.

Held on alternate months in English and Arabic, the OAPGRC Science Café is an informal event open to the general public. This Science Café will be themed around Microbes and held in English. “These tiny living things which can’t be seen without a microscope – things like algae, bacteria, fungi and viruses – tend not to get a lot of attention when we talk about biological diversity and genetic resources,” commented Dr. Nadiya Al Saady, OAPGRC Executive Director. Moderated by Sami Al Asmi the panellists will include: Professor Saif Al Bahari, Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Dr. N. Sivakumar, Assistant Professor in Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University and management from Gulf Mushroom Products Company SAOG.

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Mazda MX-5

named best-selling sports car

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he MX-5 from Mazda has been certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s bestselling two-seater sports car. Being around for 25 years, Mazda MX-5 also called the Miata is famous for its pure fun to drive quotient. In celebration of this, Mazda Oman has also unveiled 2 special 25th anniversary edition Mazda MX-5 Miata cars, which is a collector’s car. Just like the groundbreaking first generation, Mazda has continued building the MX-5 Miata to be an exuberant partner with unmatched driving pleasure, stimulating and exciting for both drivers and onlookers alike. The Mazda MX-5 represents Mazda’s vehicle-engineering philosophy – the pursuit of driving pleasure along with outstanding environmental and safety performance.

Geely GC2…

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eely GC2 (also known as Panda), the second bionic vehicle in the world, has been in the limelight of the public since being rolled off line. The fashionable and cute appearance, highly reliable security guarantee and interior decorations have reflected Geely’s precise control of processes and persistent pursuit of quality. A popular sedan in the small-size segment, the Geely GC2 is brought to Oman by Towell Auto Centre (TAC) under a distributorship agreement with Geely International Corporation.

Already available at a very reasonable price, until December 31, 2014, the buyers of Geely GC2 will also avail a guaranteed cash gift of RO 500 on its purchase. To ensure GC2’s high quality and safety standards, Geely strictly controls and manages the GC2 production technique and has handed over a more than satisfactory model to customers.

Introducing the iconic

Fiat 500

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n expression of style and character, the Fiat 500, an all-Italian invention created to satisfy everyone who loves to have fun, is finally available in the Sultanate of Oman. The Fiat 500 offers safety, fuel economy, quality and advanced technology perfectly balanced with iconic Italian style. Its cityfriendly four-passenger A-segment size, engaging driving dynamics, all-new fuel-efficient 1.4-litre Fiat MultiAir® engine, standard state-of-the-art Blue&Me™ Handsfree Communication technology, seven standard air bags and sixspeed automatic transmission combine to deliver a driving and ownership experience. To find out more about the Fiat range of automobiles from Dhofar Automotive in Oman, call 2458 4530 or visit the Dhofar Automotive Showroom.

Mitsubishi to organise November 2014

Team Pajero Adventure

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eneral Automotive Company, the official distributors for Mitsubishi in Oman, will once again be holding their annual desert adventure for Pajero owners and enthusiasts between December 12th and 27th, giving them a taste of a true desert adventure in the vehicle best suited to handle the challenge – the Mitsubishi Pajero. The Team Pajero Desert Adventure will be split into three separate groups over three weekends. All Mitsubishi Pajero owners in the Sultanate are invited to register for the upcoming trips at the Mitsubishi Showroom in Athaiba. All three Team Pajero Adventure events will follow a predefined course – participants first gather at the main Mitsubishi showroom at Athibah, and once underway, the convoy moves to Wahiba Sands before fully testing their off-road capabilities at the Al Raha Camp in Bidiya.

3 Months Instalment-Free on Peugeot 208 & 301

T

he official distributors of Peugeot Vehicles in Oman, European Motors, has announced an amazing new offer on the Peugeot 208 and 301 that ensures 3-months instalment-free motoring along with a host of other benefits including free registration and insurance, free roadside assistance and free gifts. Further sweetening the offer, prices start from as low as RO 4,995 for the duration of the promotion. Running alongside the offer will also be a ‘Test Drive & Win’ promotion wherein customers taking test drives on either the 208 or the 301 will be entered into a raffle draw. In total there will be six winners, each winning RO 250.

Valid till December 31, the special offer only applies to the Peugeot 208 and 301.

Al Jenaibi registers double-digit growth for BMW and MINI

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l Jenaibi International Automobiles, the BMW Group importer in Oman, has announced a growth of 52 percent for BMW and MINI sales during the first three quarters of 2014, compared to the same period in 2013. Leading the way for BMW in Oman were the BMW X models, which accounted for around 38 percent of the total sales. The BMW X5 was the best-selling X model registered a sales increase of 50 percent, which was driven by the introduction of latest third generation BMW X5 launched late last year and the introduction of the X5 35 engine variant launched earlier this year. Sales for the BMW X3 increased of 383 percent. The X1 also proved popular recording a 380 percent increase. Sales for the MINI brand during the first three quarters of 2014 increased 10 percent and were driven by the introduction of the all-new MINI Hatch as well as the MINI Countryman and Paceman.

Triumph announces 2015 model line-up

T

Audi

riple celebration for Audi in recent awards ceremonies... Best Plug-in hybrid has been awarded for both Audi production vehicles and concept vehicles at the eCar awards, the new TT has been awarded the Design Innovation of the year at the Automotive Brand Contest and the brand with the four rings also took first place with the RS6 Avant and the S1, at the sport auto awards. At the eCar Awards by Auto Bild and Auto Test magazines, Audi took first place with its A3 Sportback e-tron and the TT offroad concept car. The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron was the winner in the ‘Best Plug-In Hybrid – Production Vehicles’ category. The Audi TT offroad concept took the honors in the category of ‘Best Plug-In Hybrid – Concept Vehicles.’

November 2014

A

lfardan Motors, the official importers of Triumph Motorcycles in Oman, recently announced the updated Triumph Motorcycle Line-up for 2015.With a model range that includes 27 individual models encompassing Cruisers, Tourers, Supersports, classics as well as adventure motorcycles, Triumph’s comprehensive 2015 Motorcycle Line-up has something to suit almost anyone’s tastes. Forming the mainstay of the model line-up, Triumph cruisers offer surprising levels of agility and performance in a bike that can deliver an engaging ride every day; doing so with that pure classic cruiser style. In 2015 Triumph will be offering nine cruiser, ranging from the entry level America to the ultimate Triumph Cruiser – the Rocket III Touring.

Awards for

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Chill Out

Movies

Movie Review

Director

Peter Jackson

Cast

Martin Freeman Ian McKellen Andy Serkis Benedict Cumberbatch Cate Blanchett Luke Evans

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RE

ND I N G

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The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies

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CHART TOPPERS

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The third and final instalment of the three-part film adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’, brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield, and the Company of Dwarves

1. Blank Space - Taylor Swift 2. All About That Bass - Meghan Trainor 3. Shake It Off - Taylor Swift 4. Habits - Tove Lo 5. Habits - Tove Lo 6. I’m Not The Only One - Sam Smith

November 2014

7. Hot Boy - Bobby Shmurda

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8. Don’t Tell ‘Em - Jeremih & YG 9. Something In The Water - Carrie Underwood 10. Bang Bang -Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Mina

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he Battle of the Five Armies concludes the adventures of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenceless men, women and children of Lake-town. Obsessed, above all else with his reclaimed treasure, Thorin sacrifices friendship and honour to hoard it as Bilbo’s frantic attempts to make him see reason drive the Hobbit towards a desperate and dangerous choice. But there are even greater dangers ahead.

Unseen by any but the Wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen), the great enemy Sauron has sent forth legions of Orcs in a stealth attack upon the Lonely Mountain. As darkness converges on their escalating conflict, the races of Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide – unite or be destroyed. Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life and the lives of his friends in the epic Battle of the Five Armies, as the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.

Book

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget

Upcoming Releases Unbroken

Jack O’Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, Miyavi, Garrett Hedlund, Finn Wittrock

‘Unbroken’ is an upcoming war drama film, produced and directed by Angelina Jolie.

Based on the 2010 non-fiction book by Laura Hillenbrand’s ‘Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption’, the film revolves around the life of Olympic athlete Louis ‘Louie’ Zamperini. The former Olympic track star survived a plane crash in the Pacific, spent 47 days drifting on a raft, and then more than two and a half years living in several Japanese prisoner of war camps.

Book Review

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

Robin Williams, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Dan Stevens, Ben Kingsley

‘Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb’ is the sequel to the 2009 film ‘Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian’. It is the third and final instalment of the trilogy and one of Robin Williams’ final films. In this movie, Larry (Ben Stiller) spans the globe, uniting favourite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever..

Into the Woods

Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick, Johnny Depp, Chris Pine

Based on the Stephen Sondheim stage musical, ‘Into the Woods’ is an upcoming British-American musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Pictures. Set in an alternate world of various Grimm fairy tales, the film intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales and follows them to explore the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. What begins as a lively irreverent fantasy musical eventually becomes a meaningful tale about responsibility, the problems that come from wishes, and the legacy that one leaves behind for the next generation.

Cutting for Stone

Author: Abraham Verghese Marion and Shiva Stone are twin brothers born of a secret union between a beautiful Indian nun and a brash British surgeon at a mission hospital in Addis Ababa. Orphaned by their mother’s death in childbirth and their father’s disappearance, bound together by a preternatural connection and a shared fascination with medicine, the twins come of age as Ethiopia hovers on the brink of revolution. Yet it will be love, not politics — their passion for the same woman— that will tear them apart and force Marion, fresh out of medical school, to flee his homeland.

Coma

Silent Treatment

Author: Michael Palmer Physician Michael Palmer has drawn on years of firsthand emergency-room experience to create the drama of a frighteningly authentic world - a world where the line between medicine and murder is scalpel-thin. In this harrowing suspense novel, Palmer reveals how the power to heal can become a license to kill...

November 2014

Author: Robin Cook Susan Wheeler, a third-year medical student working as a trainee at Boston Memorial Hospital, discovers the evil nature of the Jefferson Institute… A dozen or so patients, admitted to Boston Memorial Hospital for routine procedures, were victims of the same inexplicable, hideous tragedy on the operating table. They never woke up… These patients are suspended from the ceiling and kept alive until they can be harvested for healthy organs.

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Chill Out

Movies Movies Books Book

Web World

Beyond Facebook...

Continuing from where we left off last month, here are more popular online sites and apps that kids have moved on to

Kik Messenger is an app-based alternative to standard texting that kids use for social networking.

It’s free, fast and has no message or character limits, making it decidedly more fun in many ways than SMS. The app, however, encourages new registrants to invite everyone in their phone’s address book to join Kik, as users can only message those who also have the app.

Oovoo is a free video, voice, and messaging app that allows users to have group chats with up to 12 people for free. Teens mostly log on after school and keep it up while doing homework.

Oovoo can be great for group studying and it makes it easy to receive ‘face to face’ homework help from classmates. Users can only communicate with those on their approved ‘contact list’, but it can be very distracting.

Ask.fm is a social site that lets teens ask questions and answer those posted by other users (even anonymously). However, users are known to post mean comments and, according to the British news website MailOnline, the site has been linked to the suicides of several teens. Anonymity is known to encourage mean behaviour and your teen could become a victim of cyber bullying.

Yik Yak is a free, location-aware, socialnetworking app that let’s users post ‘anything and everything’ anonymously through brief, Twitter-like comments, which are distributed to the nearest - geographically - 500 people who are also signed in to the app. Kids can find out opinions, secrets, rumours and more from a 1.5-mile radius.

The bottom line for most of these tools is the appropriate use by teens.

November 2014

Riddle Time

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1 2 3 4 5

Why should you take a pencil to bed?

Why can’t your nose be 12 inches long?

What dog keeps the best time?

Why did the tomato turn red?

What did the judge say when the skunk walked in the court room?

Riddle Time Answers (October 2014 issue)

1

What has four wheels and flies?

Answer: A garbage truck.

2

What do you call a nosy pepper?

Answer: Jalapeno business.

3 4 5

What did the water say to the boat?

Answer: Nothing, it just waved.

What do you get from a pampered cow?

Answer: Spoiled milk.

How do you organise a space party?

Answer: You planet.

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget

Gadget Notes Google’s Project Ara

Project Ara is the codename for an initiative by Google that aims to develop a free, open hardware platform for creating highly modular smartphones. The platform will include a structural frame that holds smartphone modules of the owner’s choice - display, keyboard or an extra battery. It would allow users to swap out malfunctioning modules or upgrade individual modules as innovations emerge, providing longer lifetime cycles for the handset, and potentially reducing electronic waste. A market pilot for Project Ara is scheduled for 2015 with a target bill of materials cost of $50 for a basic grey phone.

Fly6 Tail Light

If cycling on the road leaves you feeling vulnerable, why not get something to watch your back? The Fly6 Tail Light is fitted with an HD camera that will record on a loop while you ride. It is equipped to detect when the bike is laid down and turn itself off so the footage is saved should you need to look back on it. It’s built tough to survive all the knocks and bumps, and the circuitry is sprayed with a nanocoating to make it completely waterproof.

LED Pain Reliever

Using technology developed by NASA to heal astronauts’ injuries, this device’s 60 LEDs produce safe infrared heat to stimulate blood circulation, relieve swelling, and loosen muscles in small areas of the body.

Unlike heating pads that only treat just below the skin’s surface, the LED light penetrates deep into the tissue for lasting relief from muscle aches or arthritic inflammation. The device is placed 1/4” from the skin and begins to relieve pain in as few as three treatments. The lightweight, brush-shaped design is easy to move around the body and hold in place.

Ambulance Drone: Flying First Aid Doctor

Bites

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passenger in a taxi leaned over to ask the driver a question and tapped him on the shoulder. The driver screamed, lost control of the cab, nearly hit a bus, drove up over the curb, and stopped just inches from a large plate glass window.

For a few moments everything was silent in the cab, and then the still shaking driver said, ‘I’m sorry, but you scared the

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daylights out of me’.

The frightened passenger apologised to the driver and said he didn’t realise a mere tap on the shoulder could frighten him so much.

The driver replied, ‘No, no, I’m sorry, it’s entirely my fault.

Today is my first day driving a cab.

‘I’ve been driving a hearse for the last 25 years!’

h, boy! I’m glad you’re here,’ the little boy said to his grandmother on his mother’s side. ‘Why?’ she asked.

‘Because now Daddy will do the trick he’s been promising us.’

‘What trick?’

‘Well, he told Mommy that if you came to visit, he would climb the walls!’

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small frog went to a fortune-teller and asked if he was going meet a young girl.

The fortune-teller said, ‘Yes, you are.’

The frog questioned: ‘Where? In a pub or at a party?’

The fortune-teller quipped, ‘In biology class!’

November 2014

FUN

‘Ambulance Drone’ is a defibrillator, which will fly and reach an emergency situation in a jiffy. The drone will be stationed at various points in a city and people facing emergency will call upon the drone from their mobile phones and it will arrive within seconds. Each year, millions of people suffer from cardiac arrest and it has a very low survival rate due to slow response times of emergency services. With super-fast speed - it can fly at a speed more than 100km/h – the drone can reach at the destination within 1 minute, increasing the chances of survival. It has an inbuilt camera, which allows doctors to look into the situation while the shocks are delivered. A webcam and loudspeaker lets the doctor to talk to the person through the process of attaching electrodes and other preparations.

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Chill Out FUTURESCOPE

Taurus

For some reason you are feeling bothered about certain situations, or events, which seem to belong in the past. You are not really sure why these events are bothering, but you should spend some time thinking about it.

Do you have enough information to resolve these deep-seated issues once and for all? If you do, you should perhaps reflect on them for one final time, and then just forget about them. If you are a single Taurus romance will flourish over the next few weeks.

Gemini

This would be a good time of the year to have some extra cash in your pocket. Your social life has not been great lately, and you may want to add some extra fun into your life all around. Recently, everything seems to have been all work and no play, it is about time things changed. There are many ways in which you could improve your social life without having to hang around bars.

Cancer

November 2014

For some reason you are feeling extra hungry but you need to be careful. You are also in a bit of frivolous mood. You tend to impulse buy when you go off on one of your spending spree but this time you seem to be taking a different approach. You are considering some investment shopping, and you are even planning your purchases. Your work, or your business, seems to be a bit busier than expected. However, don’t forget to look and plan ahead.

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Leo

At the moment you may be feeling a bit fenced in and perhaps even in chains...

It is time to break free from all the things and people who are holding you back. It is time to take control and get it sorted out.

You seem to have taken on a lot of domestic responsibilities. Can you not share your responsibilities with somebody else?

Book

November 2014

Aries

There seems to have been a few roadblocks in your life this year, and you seem to have been able to remove some of those roadblocks harnessing the power of crystals.

During December you will experience your life moving forward again, and you will feel happier and almost lighter in yourself.

Make the most out of this feeling but don’t exhaust yourself as this could lead to health problems. Your financial situation is looking better but don’t be afraid to assert yourself a bit more.

Movies

Virgo

Impulsive spending can really damage your bank balance, and you don’t want to end up with massive credit card bills in January. Looking to the future you may want to do a quick career check as this year draws to a close. Are you happy in your career, or has your career choice left you a bit unfulfilled? Perhaps you should spend sometime over the holiday season reflecting on your career and consider other options.

Zayn Malik January 12, 1993

Zain Javadd ‘Zayn’ Malik, born 12 January 1993 is from Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. His father, Yaser Malik, is British Pakistani, and his mother, Tricia (née Brannan) Malik, is of Irish and English descent. He grew up in East Bowling, was a pupil at Lower Fields Primary School, and went to Tong High School, a state comprehensive school. He cites urban music as his main musical influence. He tried out for the X Factor as a solo artist, but did not make the show, and was later added to One Direction by the show’s judge, Simon Cowell. The band won eight Teen Choice Awards in 2014.

Capricorn

(December 22 to January 19)

You are probably feeling that you need to slow down and completely get away from every day life, and, perhaps, even spend some time away from home. Find out what would suit you if you have a family, and if you are single - the world is your oyster.

Keep all your senses open. During the next couple of weeks you might meet a new friend, not a love interest if you are single, a friend. Money is not exactly a problem, but don’t spend it unless you really have to.

Health always seems to be a minor issue.

It is not hugely important, but it could be a good idea to make yourself aware of your health strength and weaknesses. Look after yourself a little bit every day.

Pisces

Your mind has been spinning for most of this year but now it is time to reflect and slow down. Slowing down and taking it easy will give you some insights into your future. You will have an opportunity to reflect on future professional ideas, and prospects. There are some business opportunities and ideas that you would also like to spend time reflecting over. Romance is on the cards this season.

Libra

December will bring you more energy and you will be able to complete your projects. Once your projects are completed you should take a look at them. More than anything you should be proud of your projects, and perhaps showcase them. Make the most out of your family during this month. Your family would like to look after you this month so perhaps you should just let them. If you are a single Libra you might meet a new love.

Sagittarius

A new image is on the cards for many off your fellow zodiac friends, and you can count yourself in as well. It will be more or less a Sagittarius re-brand or complete make over. You will lay down the ideas for this project this year but next year you will have more time to work on it. Some family members might make you feel guilty that you are not spending your time, or financial resources, on them. To be honest they have been at the forefront most of this year, and it is about time you had some personal time out.

Scorpio

You may feel happy that the year is coming to an end as you have a strong sense and desire to wanting to move on and focus on different ideas.

Lots of new ideas are popping into your mind at the moment but you are not sure what to do about them. Put pen to paper and write them down, this will allow you to be selective. A change in dress, updated new look, can even bring around a change in personality and might even open some doors for your.

Aquarius

Remember that it is important to be yourself and don’t try to impress, or over state, any social engagements. Don’t dress to impress and don’t host a party to impress. Let new friends or social connections come into your house to enjoy themselves and to relax. This will impress them far more than anything else you can conjure up.

Consider supporting, or giving something, to a charity. It does not have to be money.

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget

Weird News Dog has its day as mayor of San Francisco

A previously unknown female Chihuahua named Frida has won her first political office, being named Mayor of San Francisco for the day as part of a campaign to support the city’s animal shelter. Frida, whose owner bid $5,000 for the privilege, will spend her special day touring Bay Area landmarks and receiving a commendation from the Board of Supervisors, according to a spokeswoman with the city and county Department of Animal Care and Control said.

The History of

Health

Lost kitten from New Mexico turns up in duffel bag in Maine

China hospital gives men chance to experience pain of childbirth

A hospital in eastern China is offering fathers-to-be a chance to experience the pain of childbirth after several new moms complained they got little sympathy from their partners. Free sessions are held twice a week at Aima maternity hospital in Shandong province and about 100 men have signed up to be tortured. Most are expectant dads but there are thrill seekers too among the volunteers for ‘taster sessions’. For the simulations, pads attached to a device are placed above the abdomen, giving electric shocks that induce pain. The test subjects writhe in agony for up to five minutes as a nurse gradually raises the intensity on a scale of one to ten.

Platypus…?

Jenya Bolotov is a platypus. Or at least, that’s how the 26-year-old Russian designer described himself to the media, recently. ‘Externally, I am now a platypus,’ he said. ‘My resemblance is the way I want it to be. It takes bravery to do what I’ve done and I will keep modifying my body until I am happy.’ Bolotov does have at least one platypus-like feature: His lip stretches out more than two inches horizontally.

He has been piercing and transforming his body since he was 18, and he says he’ll continue his piercings, though it’s unclear how more body modification would make him look more like a semiaquatic, egg-laying, duck-billed creature.

Chronological history of health around the world since 540 AD to 1900 - 540 Bubonic plague engulfs the Roman Empire until 592.

- 1347 Bubonic plague spreads in Europe through 1350. Over 100 million would die from the plague during the next 400 years.

- 1400’s George Grote gives the University of London £6000 to study ‘mental health’, which began the worldwide ‘mental health’ movement.

- 1563 General outbreak of plague in Europe. Kills 20,000 in London.

- 1567 In South America, 2 million die from typhoid fever.

- 1568 Disease epidemic in Lisbon kills 40,000.

- 1592 Plague kills 15,000 people in London.

- 1599 Outbreak of plague in Spain.

- 1603 Heavy outbreak of plague in England.

- 1665 London swept by bubonic plague.

Over 68,000 die.

- 1667 Epidemics of smallpox, dysentary begin.

- 1675 Malaria epidemic in England and discovery of ‘peruvian bark’.

- 1740 Smallpox epidemic in Berlin.

- 1741 Philadelphia epidemic of yellow fever.

- 1798 General vaccine programs against cowpox instituted in the US. - 1838 Smallpox epidemic in England.

- 1855 Outbreak of cholera in England.

- 1858 England experiences a 7-year epidemic of Pertussis (ending in 1865) in which 120,000 die.

- 1900 Cancer causes 4% of deaths in the United States.

- 1900 Deaths from measles were 13 per 100,000.

November 2014

An Albuquerque cat owner can sleep easier now that the kitten that went missing last month will be home for the holidays, despite a mysterious 2,300-mile side trip to Maine. Patsy Murphy, who runs an animal refuge center in Westbrook, Maine, said the kitten, named Spice, was brought to her shelter on Nov. 11 by a man who found the feline in a duffel bag while unloading furniture at a local Catholic charity. Murphy said Maine resident Bob Watterson brought the kitten home on Nov. 5, and cared for it for six days before he turned it over to the animal refuge, which found a microchip in the cat that could identify it.

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Airlines

SEARCHING

Emergency

1 SEARCHING

Airlines

Airlines Emergency Cinema

November 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

Airlines Emergency Cinema Beauty Health Clubs Hotel & Hotel Apartments Retail Sports Travel & Tour Operators Eat Out

Oman on your fingertips

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 November 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 Future Health Club .........................24600030 Grand Hyatt Club Olympus ...........24641234 Golden Tulip ....................................24510300 Hammer Gym .................................24483399 Horizon Fitness Center ..................24571337 InterContinental Muscat ...............24680000 Muscat Holiday Inn ........................24487123 Samaa Health Club .........................24694892 Qurum Beach Resort Hotel ...........24605945 Crowne Plaza Salalah .....................23235333 Hilton Salalah ..................................23211234 Sohar Beach Resort.........................26841111 Sky Club, Park Inn ..........................24507888

71

Sports Basketball

Oman Basketball Association .... 24796780

Boating

Retail

SEARCHING

3

Retail

November 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

November 2014

Travel & Tour Operators

73

SEARCHING

5

November 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 Mokha Cafe ................................ 24641234 Grand Hyatt 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

6 SEARCHING

Cafe’s

A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes November 2014

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

November 2014

A list of restaurant and eateries, to match your tastes

76

Golden Oryx .............................. 24702266 Rex Road Jade Garden................................ 24605945 Al Qurm Resort

Fast Food 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 Silk Route Chinese & Thai........... 24696967 Al Noor Plaza, Madinat As Sultan Qaboos 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 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

8

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 November 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

November 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 Olivos.......................................... 24487777 Radisson Blu Retro ........................................... 24571339 Shatti AL Qurum RBG Grill .................................... 24507888 Park Inn Muscat Samba ......................................... 24776666 Al Waha Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Slider Station .............................. 24698990 Oasis By The Sea, Shatti Al Qurum Stomach ...................................... 24692486 Jawaharat A’Shatti Complex Sultanah ...................................... 24776666 Al Husn Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr 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

Le Pub......................................... 24702311 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

Please mail us the details editor@facesoman.com or call us on: + 968 24563382/24563385 For a Quick Entry!

November 2014

Tapas & Sablah ........................... 24776666 Al Bandar Hotel, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa

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