AmAzing Adventure SportS

nAturAlly nepAl

generAl BeAuty Advice

creAtive teAmBuilding methodS

March 2010The inflighT Magazine

of oMan air

AmAzing Adventure SportS

nAturAlly nepAl

generAl BeAuty Advice

creAtive teAmBuilding methodS

Welcome to Oman Air and to the latest issue of Wings of Oman.We are looking into the coming months of the year with more ambitious plans to continue with what we had promised you, our valued customers: to provide you with exemplary services and products that will open up a whole new experience for the discerning travellers. Feedback has been extremely positive on the latest in-flight entertainment technology to our Airbus A330 aircraft, with our wide range of music, movies, documentaries, news and sport, all proving very popular. It is clear that, for many travellers, the audio/video on demand and live satellite channels we now offer have transformed their journeys.Starting this month we will be rolling out both mobile phone and Wi-Fi connectivity across our A330 fleet. For the first time in the world, the technology we take for granted on the ground will be available in the air, meaning that you can stay in touch with those closest to you, arrange transport from the airport – or simply surf the net. A world first for Oman Air! As more of our aircraft offer these services, we would be delighted to hear your views, so that we can continue to ensure that your journey is an enjoyable, relaxing, productive and fully satisfying one.If, as the saying goes, half the pleasure of travel is getting there, the other half must be the arrival and we are constantly adding more wonderful cities to our choice of destinations. Over the coming months, Oman Air is planning to launch a range of new services from our base in Muscat. We will also soon be flying to some of the fascinating and inspiring cities of the world that will provide more unique experiences, rich and diverse cultures and stunning environments – perfect destinations for both business and leisure. Future issues of Wings of Oman will offer insights into each of these exhilarating cities, and we will keep you updated as we announce even more new routes.In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this packed issue of Wings of Oman and I look forward to welcoming you back to Oman Air in the near future. Peter HillChief Executive Officer

leAd FeAture 5

general BeauTy advice

conTenTs

Simple ways to add a sure sparkle to your personality.

22

34fashion & TrendsA snapshot of the latest accessories and embellishments to make you look your best.

naTurally nepal6No other place on earth comes close to offering you that unique ‘top-of-the-world’ feeling like Nepal does. Come and discover.

conTenTs

creaTive TeaMBuilding MeThods

30

aMazing advenTure sporTsExperience that amazing adrenaline rush, right here in Oman.

16

Making work a pleasure is not as difficult as you thought. Know more.

6 leAd FeAture

Oman Air’s inflight magazine is issued by:

corporAte communicAtionS & mediA depArtment - omAn Air

P.O. Box 58, Muscat International Airport,

Postal Code 111, Sultanate of Oman

Tel: +968 24519616

Fax: +968 24510771

E-mail: wings@omanair.com

Website: www.omanair.com

For advertising enquiries contact the publisher:

nAtionAl puBliShing And AdvertiSing llcP.O. Box 3112, P.C. 112, Ruwi

Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

Tel: +968 24793098

Fax: +968 24708445

E-mail: advertising@npaoman.com

The publisher regrets that they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

reviews 42An update of the latest movies and books.

44

40sporTs The region’s four best sporting attractions condensed for you.

Know about the side roles played by Oman’s ‘Beasts of Burden’.

46culTure & heriTage

Unwind with these proven stress-busters.

Kids corner

Afghaniststaan

Albbanania

AlgA gerieria

AAnguiluilla

AnAntigugua & Barbubudda

ArArgentinaa

Armenieniaa

AruAruba

Australiaa

Austriaa

Azeerrbarbaijajann

BaBahBahrairain

BanBangglaaddesh

BBarrbabados

Beelaruss

BBelgiuiuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

BenBeBennBennBenBenBenenBenBenenenBeBeBenBenennBenenenBBenBeeenB ninininnninnnninnninininnnninninnnn

BerBerBe mudmuda

BosBoBosBosBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB niani & Herzegovina

BrBrazzilzizzziziziziiiziii

BBulggaaaararraaaaaaaaaa iaia

BBurkkina Faa Fa Fa Fa Fa Fa Fa Fa F FFFFFFasoa

Caammbodiaa

Caameeroonn

Cannadda

Cayymannm

Chad

CChina

Conongo

Croatatia

CyCypCC russ

CzezeeCzech c Repepublic

Dennmarmarm kk

Dominiccann Re R pubpu lic

EgyE pt

El l SalS vador

EquEquatoatoriariall Guinea

Estonia

Ethhiopiopiaia

Finland

FraFrancence

GGamGambibia

Georgig a

Germannyy

Ghana

GreGreGreeceeeceecec

Grenada

Guauaaatemtemtemtemalaalaalaala

Guernsey

GuyGuyyyanaanaanaana

HaiHHaititi

HonHonduras

HonH g Kg ongongongongongongongongongngngongongonnongngongngongongggonngnggng

HunHunHH gargaryy

Iceland

India

Indonesia

Iran

Iraq

Ireland

Isle of Man

ItaItalyly

JamJJJJJaJJaJaJaJaJaJJaaaa aici a

Japapapapppapapapapappapaaaaa an

JJJJerJJJJJJJJJerJJJJJJ seysey

Jorordandanddan

Kazakhstan

KenKenKenenyayayaya

Kosovo

KuwKuwKuwKuKuKuuuKuuKuuuKuwKuwuuuuuuuwaitait

Kyrgyzstan

LatLatvia

LebLebanon

Liberiaa

Libya

Lieechtenstein

Lithuahuaniania

Luxembourg

MacMacMa auau

Macedonianiania

MadMadagaa scar

MalMalawia

Malaysia

MalMalMallMa divdivdivvd es

Mali

MalMaMalMaltatt

Mauritaninininiaaaa

MauMauM ritiususssussssssususssss

MexMexxexMexexexexMexexMexexMexMexexexexMexMexeeee icoicoicoicooicoicoicoicoiiicoicoicoicicocoicoicoicocoicoocooicc

Mongolliaa

MonMontetenegro

MorMorororororororrrororororororoccooooooooooooo oooo

Mozozozozozozozozozozozozozozo ambaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ique

Namibia

NepNepepepepeppepepeppepeppeeeepeppeepalalaalalalallalalaaalllalalaa

Nethererererererererrrerrrrrere lands

NicNicNicNicNicNiccNicNiccNicNicNiccicNiNiciccccccaraaarar gua

NNNNigNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN er

Nigerieriaa

NNooNoNorNorNorNNNoroooooo wawwaywa

Paaaakaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa istan

PPPPPalPPPPPPPPPP esttsttinineinen

PPPanama

Papua a NeNNewNewew

GGGuGuiGuinea

Paraguayay

PerPeru

PhiPhilippines

Pollandand

PorPortugtu al

Qatar

RomRoRoR ania

Russsiasias

Rwandnda

Samoa

Saudi Arabiaa

SeSenegal

Serrbiabi

Sierra LLeone

Singaporere

SloS vak Repuublic

Slovvenia

SSouth h AfrA ica

SouSouth KoKorKK ea

SpaSpapapaaaaaiiiiiininii

Sri Lanka

St. Kittsttsttstststtsttstsstssttsttstststtssststststtttsstssstttts/N/N/NN/N/N/Nee///N//N////N/N/N//N/ vis

St. Luciaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

StSt.t.tttttttS VVVV ViVV ncenceeeeeeeeeeeeeeentntntntntntnntntnt ntntnt nnnnntttnnnnnn && t& he

GreGreGGreGreGreGreGreGreGreGreGreGreGreGreGreGrereGGGreGreereeeGreeGreG er nadnanadnadnadnadnaddnadnadadnadnadnadnadadddnaddnadnanadnanaadnadnadnnadan iiiiineineiiiiii ss

SuSuduuuuuuuuuuuSuSSS ann

SSwedeen

SwiSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS tzzez rlarlandndd

SySSySSyrSySySySSySySySSySySySSSSySySyyyyy iaiaa

TaTTaTaiTaiTaiTaiaiTaiTaiTaiTTaiTaiTTaiTaiTaiTaiiTaTaTaiaiaaTaaiTaT wawanwanwanwanwanwanwanwanwananwanwanwanawanwanwanwanwawanwaawawanwawanwwwwwaan

TajTTTajTajTTTTTTTajTTTajjikiikiikikiikiikiikikikikiikiikiikiikiikkikikikikikikkkiikkkistastaasttststtstttstststststsssstssttstsss nnnnnnnnn

TanTanzazaniaiiaaaiaaaa

Thailandd

TriTriTriiTriTrTrTriTriTrTrTrTrrTrTrrTTT nidnidnidnidnidnidnidnidnididnididididiidddddddddddadad adadaddaddadadaadaadaaaaadd & T& TTTobaaaaaaaaoo aaaaaaaaaago

TunTunisia

TuTurkey

Turks & CCaaicos

UAE

Ugannda

Chile

Suriname

Fiji

Mongolia

Afghanistan

AustriaBelgium

CongoEquatorial Guinea

Denmark

GeorgiaAlbania

Ireland

JamaicaHonduras

Panama

Malaysia

Mauritius

Singapore

Namibia

Liberia

Guinea

MauritaniaGambia

Chad NepalNicaragua

Norway

Pakistan

Sri Lanka

Uruguay

Maldives

FranceLuxembourg

CyprusGreece

Switzerland

Syria

Taiwan

SamoaPapua New Guinea

Croatia

Romania

UkraineSlovaniaSerbia

Lithuania Belarus

AzerbaijanKazakhstan

South Korea

Macau

Iraq

El Salvador

Dominican RepublicSt. Lucia

HaitiBarbados

Malawi

Bangladesh

Bermuda

Kenya

Cambodia

Brazil

Mali

AlgeriaBurkina Faso

Iceland

EthiopiaRwanda

Cameroon

Poland

Finland

HungaryNetherland

Niger

Uganda

Qatar

KuwaitBahrain

Sierra Leone

Ecuador

New Zealand

The local network with the widest global reach

Note: This map is not an authority on boundaries.

As a Nawras Mousbak or Nawras Ajel customer, you can roam seamlessly in over150 countries with more than 400 operators around the globe.

You can surf the Internet as well as send and receive emails through Nawras Data Roaming with more than 200 operators in 100+ countries. Nawras also provides the widest prepaid roaming coverage abroad. For more information, SMS Roaming to 1500*.

Visitors to Oman can make and receive calls and exchange SMS, as well as check emails and surf the Internet by simply connecting to the state-of-the-art Nawras network (could appear as nawras, 42203 or OMN03 on the handset). While in Oman, you’ll automatically be eligible to use the Nawras 3G+ network, the only 3G network available in the Sultanate.

For more information please visit the Nawras Kiosk at the airport arrival area,call Customer Service on 95011500 or visit www.nawras.om.

*Sending SMS to 1500 while in Oman is free of charge and while roaming is charged as per international roaming SMS tariffs.

conTenTsconTenTs

38world viewA collection of pictures that will make you look again ... and again !

8 leAd FeAture leAd FeAture 9

From east to west, Nepal is all of 800 kms in length and 230 kms in breadth, from north to south. A narrow strip of land dividing India and China, the landlocked Nepal is a nation that is so richly diverse and its people so greatly mixed that it is hard to imagine how a land this narrow could have variety this wide !

Imagine this : 8 of the 10 highest mountains in the world are located either wholly or partially in this country, including the mighty Mount Everest (8848 m / 29,028 ft), Kanchenjunga (8598 m / 28,209 ft), Makalu (8481 m / 27,824 ft), Dhaulagiri (8172 m / 26,811 ft), and Annapurna 1 (8091 m / 26,545 ft). As much as 35% of the country’s sparse land area is forestlands. There are nine national parks, three wildlife reserves, three conservation areas, one hunting reserve and

nine buffer zones. Nepal has 185 different mammals found in various parts of the country and is home to almost 10% of the world’s bird species, out of which 500 are found in the Kathmandu valley alone. The record books state that Nepal has 11 out of the 15 families of butterflies in the world, or over 500 species. Even today, many new and hitherto unseen species are getting spotted. Nepal has 6,391 flowering plant species representing 1,590 genera and 231 families. Rare varieties of Orchids are quite widespread in Nepal giving nature lovers and horticultural experts a visual treat. The population of Nepal is made up of people coming from more than 100 multiple ethnic groups speaking 93 different languages and a mindboggling number of local dialects.

nAturAlly nepAl

leAd FeAture 7

Image source : Gallo Images/Getty Images iStockphotoCover image : Gallo Images/Getty Images

6 lead feaTure

Topographically, the country can be divided into four zones : the Great Himalayas, the Middle Himalayas, the Outer Himalayas, and the Tarai - a flat, fertile lowland, the southernmost topographic zone in Nepal. The fertile soils of the Tarai make up a major agricultural area where nearly half the country’s population lives. High amid the mountains are glacial lakes and breathtaking valleys where few people venture.

Nepal’s seasons are specified as Spring, Pre-monsoon, Summer-monsoon, Post-monsoon, Autumn and Winter. Within the Kathmandu Valley, the climate is usually quite mild with day temperatures reaching 18ºC in mid-winter.

Adding to the spectacular and natural beauty and diversity is Nepal’s abundance of rivers, most of which originate in the Himalayas. It can be said with a certain amount of certainty that the most abundant and rich natural resource in Nepal is its water, after of course the mighty mountains. Much of the rivers play a crucial role in tourism, as most of them are ideal for adventure sports like kayaking and rafting. Several rivers run through Nepal’s Middle Himalayas range including the Seti, Karnali, Bheri, Kali Gandaki, Trisuli, Sun Kosi, Arun, and Tamur. The Tarai supports extensive hardwood and bamboo forests in areas not cleared for agriculture or resettlement. On the lower slopes of the mountains, pines flourish amid oaks and wildflowers. Firs and shrubs thrive in

the higher regions, most notably the Rhododendron, Nepal’s national flower, which produces beautiful red and pink blooms from March to April. Smaller plants, such as mosses and grasses, grow at elevations above 3700 m (12,000 ft). Above the snow line of the Great Himalayas (higher than about 4300 m / about 15,000 ft) no vegetation grows. Nepal’s biodiversity is a reflection of its unique geographic position and variations in altitude and climate.

Nepal’s indigenous population consists of two major groups, the Indo-Nepalese, whose ancestors migrated into the country from the south and who make up the majority of the population, and the Tibeto-Nepalese, whose ancestors came to Nepal from the north.

8 leAd FeAture

10 leAd FeAture

Naturally, with some of the best mountain ranges and the world’s tallest peaks Nepal is a trekker’s dream-come-true destination. The scenic beauty of the countryside attracts millions of trekkers from around the world and there seems to be an ever-increasing number of mountaineers attempting to climb the many hundreds of peaks that have been thrown open for conquering.

The Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site is Nepal’s first and most famous national park that is situated in the ‘Chitwan Doon’ or the lowlands of the Inner Tarai. For Nature lovers this place is the ideal destination to spot endangered species like the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros.

The second but more famous World Heritage Site, the Sagarmatha National Park includes Mount Everest and other high peaks such as Lhotse Shar, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Kangtega, Gyachung Kang, Thamserku and Kwangde. Located Northeast of Kathmandu the park lies above 3,000m. Sagarmatha is a rugged terrain with deep gorges, glaciers, unnegotiable ice, and sheer rock faces. Locally known as the ‘Khumbu’, it is the home of the famous ‘Sherpas’. These indomitable Sherpas have carved a niche for themselves as knowledgeable and dependable guides for mountaineering and trekking groups.

If you were thinking that Nepal is all about mountains, trekking and mountaineering, please think again. There is much to be seen and enjoyed in Nepal. For example, you could plan to start your trip from Kathmandu, the capital city. Durbar Square in the middle of the city is a maze of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, which used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu.

sagarMaTha is a rugged Terrain wiTh deep gorges, glaciers, unnegoTiaBle ice, and sheer rocK faces.

numBerSOne : AekTwo : DuweThree : TeenFour : CharFive : PanchSix : ChhaSeven : SaatEight : AthaNine : NaouTen : Dhaas

BASicSHello / Good Bye : NamasteHow are you : Sanchai chha ?I am fine : Sanchai chhaOK / Alright : Thik chhaYes : Hajur / HoNo : HoinaIt is good / Nice : Ramro chhaVery good : Dherai ramroWait a minute : Ek chin parkhanusWhat is this / that ? : Yo / tyo ke ho ?That’s right / true : Pakka hoIt does not matter / that’s ok : Kehi chhaina

leArn nepAli

country FActSOman Air will fly 4 times weekly between Muscat and Kathmandu soon.

Visa requirements: All visitors except Indian nationals must hold a passport and valid visa. The single entry tourist visa can be obtained from the entry points of Nepal or from the Royal Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad by paying US$30 for 60 days. If visitors wish to obtain the facility of single, double or multiple re-entry, they can get it by paying additional US$25, US$40 and US$60 respectively.

Languages spoken: Nepali is the official language of Nepal, with over 93 other languages and dialects spoken in different parts of the country.

Currency: The currency of Nepal is called Nepalese ‘Rupee’ in English or Nepali ‘Rupayiaah’ in the Nepalese language.

The smallest unit of a Rupee is called Paise. 100 Paise equals 1 Rupee.

Swayambunath is one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist shrines. It is said to be 2000 or more years old. It is three kilometers west of Kathmandu city and is situated on a hillock about 77 m. above the level of the Kathmandu valley. Pashupatinath Temple is situated 5 km east of Kathmandu. Boudhanath, a World Heritage Site, is also known locally as Khast. Boudhanath lies about 6 km to the east of downtown Kathmandu and has the largest pillar in the valley. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of pillar design. Nagarkot situated 32 km east of Kathmandu and at an altitude of 2175 m above sea level is a popular destination for the stunning view of sunrise and sunset and a panoramic view of Himalayas, including Mount Everest. For those inclined to indulge in a bit of milder water sports, Pokhara is the place to visit. Situated 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is well connected by air or by road from Kathmandu. Located at an altitude of 827 meter above sea level, Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre and all the

5 peaks of Annapurna as well as others. Pokhara’s numerous lakes, known as ‘Tal’ in Nepali offer tourists fishing, boating and swimming adventures.

For those desiring some adrenaline-pumping action, canoeing in the Rapti River is a good place to begin. One can also take guided tours into the jungles,

either on foot, or on elephant’s back to spot wildlife in their pristine natural surroundings.

Nepal packs in a whole lot more than what is obvious at first look. The best way to

discover its many hidden secrets is simply to lose yourself in this wonderful land and explore its mysteries, naturally!

12 leAd FeAture

“Now I can talk longer to my friends and family!”

NEW international rates,LOWEST in Oman!

For a complete price list of all international destinations visit www.friendimobile.om

For more information, call Customer Service 98400000 to talk in Arabic, English, Malayalam, Hindi,Urdu and Bengali.

Pick up your FRiENDi Mobile Starter Pack from Muscat Duty Free at the Arrivals Lounge.Muscat International Airport, Oman

14 leAd FeAture

PePPer LAMb bhutuwAIngredients• 2 lbs. lamb, cut into 1-inch pieces • 2 tablespoons freshly crushed black pepper • 1 teaspoon turmeric • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 2 tablespoons mustard oil for marinating • 2 tablespoons soy sauce • 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds • 5 fresh chilies, julienned • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced • 4 tablespoons mustard oil for stir-frying • Salt to taste • 1 cup lamb stock • 1 cup fresh green peas• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper • 1 cup green onion, cut in 1-inch length for garnish

Instructions In a large bowl, mix lamb pieces, lemon juice, turmeric, soy sauce, two tablespoons of oil, and crushed black pepper together and let marinate for two hours.

In a non-stick pan, heat four tablespoons of mustard oil. Add fenugreek and fry till it turns dark. Transfer marinated lamb pieces to the oil mixture and brown it well over high heat. Lower the heat to medium and add garlic, ginger and fresh chilies. Stir well. Cook till the lamb pieces are tender, periodically adding lamb stock to moisten and prevent the mix from burning. Once the lamb pieces have become tender, add green peas and stir for 2-3 minutes.

Just before turning off heat, add green onions and one teaspoon of black pepper. Adjust seasoning with salt. Drain out any excess oil before serving with rice.

trAditionAl nepAleSe recipe

18 leAd FeAture it’S omAn 17

Irrespective of the level of adventure one seeks, Oman has the right ingredients to provide for a truly memorable outing. From the Strait of Hormuz in the north, down to the southern borders of the Dhofar region, Oman is a land filled with an amazing variety of diverse topography. Blessed with 3,165 kms of pristine coastline a wide variety of water adventure sports can be enjoyed. Another dramatic topographical highlight of the Sultanate is its vast deserts. The Al Sharqiya Sands, also known as Rimalat Al Wahiba and Oman’s area of the Empty Quarter, known as the Rub Al Kahli are the 2 large sand deserts that are found here.

One can also see some stunning mountain ranges. Conquering the imposing 10,000-foot Al Hajar range running from Musandam in the north to Ras Al Hadd at the other end of the Arabian Peninsula is every mountain climber’s ambition. For the passionate rock climber, nothing in all of the Arabian Peninsula comes anywhere close to Jabal Misht for its pure challenge

and unmatched beauty. The Jabal Shams approach from the east or from the western side, Jabal Misht looks incredible with the sheer cliffs standing at over 1,000 meters.

With this kind of an inbuilt variety woven into its very fabric, Oman is custom-made for a wide variety of outdoor activities like Camping; Hiking; Trekking; Snorkeling; Scuba Diving; Deep-sea Diving; Underwater Photography; Game Fishing; Mountain and Rock Climbing; Mountain Biking; Sailing and Boating; Horseback Riding; Quad Biking; Dune Bashing; Camel Safaris; Sand Boarding; Desert Trekking; Kite Surfing, Beach Lounging and more.

16 iT,s oMan

For those in the know, Oman is a stunning country with vast areas of rocky terrains, tempting deep emerald waters, ocher hued sand dunes, lush green mountains and raw natural beauty all around. Given its breathtaking topography Oman is, by choice, one of the most preferred adventure holiday destinations in the Middle East.

For those who may not be familiar, here is a chance to get to know why the die-hard thrill-seekers swear blindly by the Sultanate when it comes to adrenalin-pumping outdoor action.

S p o r t SAmA zing Adven ture

Image source : iStockphoto Gallo Images/Getty Images Yousuf Al Zadjali

for faMilies wiTh sMall children, caMping in a dense oasis close By a shallow pool of waTer could Be an enjoyaBle experience.

The best time to enjoy Oman’s great outdoors is from September until end of March. Referred to as the ‘High Season’, winter falls between December and February with the average temperature dropping significantly to 25-30ºC with light occasional rainfalls and sometimes even some heavy downpour.

Camping in Oman is ever a pleasure, for there are numerous possibilities available. Some of the most ideal places where one could camp would be in the desert, where the stillness of the night could be deafening. Another great place for an overnight camp could be

by a gurgling Wadi up in the mountains to experience Nature’s sublime tranquility.

For families with small children, camping in a dense oasis close by a shallow pool of water could be an enjoyable experience. One other popular camping site is to pitch the tent close to the shore of the beach, where the lapping waves crashing on to the shores will lull one into a dreamlike trance. Camping besides the warmth of a camp fire, under the brilliant star spangled skies

after a brisk climb up the mountain on a cool February night is enough to

restore and refresh one’s flagging soul and spirit.

Another great outdoor adventure pursuit is Hiking. For a novice it is better to go for a short and easy walk rather than embark on an arduous daylong trek. For the physically fit and well-trained hiker, trekking through centuries old trails between remote mountains provide for an unique experience. One such very popular trek-track is the ‘Snake Canyon’ or Wadi Bimmah.

This route is filled with amazing mountain scenery, and requires swimming across swift flowing streams and traversing ravines. Close by is Wadi Bani Auf that meanders right through some rocky mountains, date plantations and dusty slopes giving its other name of ‘Snake Gorge’. This place is strikingly beautiful as the wadi runs wide and deep between two steep walls of limestone mountains.

Another great trekking area is by Wadi Bani Khalid in the Wilayat of Rustaq. Trekkers and hikers can enjoy swimming in some of the warm water pools and may even explore the small Miqil Cave System there.

The most demanding and challenging Cave exploration in Oman can be experienced at ‘Majlis Al-Jinn’, meaning the ‘Meeting Place of the Jinns’. This massive cavern can be located in a remote area of the

Selma Plateau at 1,380 m above sea level, 3 hours drive from Muscat. Majlis Al-Jinn is amongst the top ten of the biggest cave chambers on Earth. Unless one is physically very fit and trained in cave exploration, surveying this huge cave could pose some serious effort. Lately, base-jumping into the cave has become another very adventurous and a popular sport in Oman.

Skateboarding / Kite Surfing / Wind Surfing are exciting new water and wind sports that have caught the fancy of the more fervent adventure seekers. Al Sawadi beach just outside Muscat is one of the best-known kite surfing destinations, closely followed by the breathtaking Masirah Islands. For beginners, the Azaiba beach has some good stretches. South of Ras Al Hadd, Aseela is yet another great place to enjoy these outdoor activities in the Sultanate of Oman.

The trekking season is generally from September to May, but the best period is October to April. Above 1,900 meter altitude trekking is possible all year round. The countryside is mostly rugged and the trails are loose, but trekking is by far the best way to enjoy Oman’s spectacular mountain-landscape.

18 it’S omAnit’S omAn 19

20 it’S omAn

Majlis al-jinn is aMongsT The Top Ten of The BiggesT cave chaMBers on earTh. unless one is physically very fiT and Trained in cave exploraTion, surveying This huge cave could pose soMe serious efforT.

For water lovers, Oman presents some scintillating snorkeling and diving opportunities. Where else but here can one explore the coral covered ship wreck while swimming with Whale Sharks for company!

Kayaking is also an active adventure activity seen mostly around the Bander Al Khayran and Masirah Island regions. Interestingly, Oman has some of the world’s best known underwater diving sites.

The Damaniyat Islands off the Al Sawadi coast is one of the region’s celebrated dive sites because of its rich underwater coral treasures.

Oman is a land filled with a plethora of pleasant surprise. Keep on discovering !

24 leAd FeAture 22 healTh & BeauTy

gener Al Be Au t y

Contrary to what many believe to be true, being beautiful and staying beautiful is more an inward thing than otherwise. Beauty is not so much about the looks, or how to carry it off. True beauty is a state of mind. And one can choose how they want to feel about themselves. Forever grumbling about the way one looks not only lowers the person’s self-esteem and confidence levels dramatically, but also works counterproductively in many ways.

Advice

Image source : iStockphoto

24 heAlth & BeAuty

Most of those whom this world labels as ‘beautiful’ or ‘gorgeous-looking’ consciously take a great deal of effort to be seen thus. Just like how one needs to work hard to stay fit and healthy by following a strict diet plan and a regular and systematic workout regime, one has to work hard at keeping oneself always attractive. If followed regularly, in due course, it becomes the person’s second nature.

The basic step towards becoming stunning is to feel confident about you. Become aware of, and identify your strengths – innate, as well as acquired. Just so that you do not forget, we urge you to list them down and carry it always with you. Refer to this list every now and then. Keep adding when you notice something good about yourself. Do not forget to remind yourself regularly how good you are. And sure enough, you will start feeling good about you. This goodness will then start spreading to your face and in a short time, you will start radiating this inner charm through your confident smile; that firm handshake; erect posture; straight walk, and you will soon exude an overall positive aura around you.

Next, you must work towards maintaining a regular and disciplined schedule to enhance your outer beauty. This could be done through various ways. Remember, natural remedies are the best way by which you can keep a tab on your health and beauty.

One of the most important beauty tips anyone can give you is this : Get adequate sleep. At least 7-8 hours of good sleep every night. This is very critical because only when you are sleeping does your body get a chance to repair itself. If you deprive yourself of this very important break, then your body will take that much longer to recuperate and to recharge its batteries.

Regular exercise is a must. Climbing stairs, brisk walking and deep breathing are all good exercises that can be done at will. If you are serious then join a traditional Yoga or Aerobic Class. For the more daring, Salsa, or even Kickboxing could be an option.

... ensure ThaT your waTer inTaKe is noT coMproMised. your sysTeM requires waTer To flush ouT all Toxins.

26 heAlth & BeAuty

Add more greens to your diet. Go liberal with your intake of fresh fruit and vegetable salads. Make sure you consume at least two good portions of green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits daily. This diet offers your body a wealth of benefits. Soon your skin will start to glow, your hair will regain its bounce and your eyes will sparkle. You can see the difference by simply observing your fingernails, which will turn from pale yellowish to a healthy pink in a matter of just weeks.

One way to maintain your skin fresh and supple is to keep it well hydrated. And the best way to do that is not by using moisturising creams. Splashing cold water on your face, every couple of hours is enough to open up the pores and make your skin breathe and keep it naturally nourished.

Defoliating your facial skin on a regular basis will also make you look young and fresh by removing the dead epidermis. A simple yet benefit-loaded face scrub that you can make for yourself at home is a mixture of sugar, salt, oatmeal, crushed almonds and gram flour. Mix these with milk and yogurt to make an effective face scrub.

Another way by which you can maintain youthful-looking skin is through ‘peel treatments’. Forget electrolytic peels. Do your own thing instead. Mix dried yeast, orange juice, raw milk and rose water and apply on your face and allow it to dry naturally. Do it twice a week and by the end of the month, you will be surprised at how young and soft your skin feels.

30 leAd FeAture

Say goodbye to skin blemishes by rubbing the mixture made of a little camphor and coconut oil, over the spot. You can also lose those dark circles around your eyes by rubbing a slice of raw potato over them. Manage blackheads effectively by rubbing a slice of freshly sliced tomato over your nose and other areas that are more prone to blackhead attacks.

Get rid of greasy skin by applying a mixture of lettuce leaf, a rose and some limejuice. Apply this mixture on your face and rinse it off after 15 minutes.

A great natural body moisturiser is castor oil. Applying it on your face, dry elbows, knees and heels and leaving them overnight will soften these spots. You could also apply a smooth mixture of banana, fresh cream and honey as a nourishing body pack to rejuvenate your body.

Your lips are another important part of your face that you need to care for just as much as you care for the

rest of your body. Use some toothpaste and massage your lips gently for a few minutes every other day. Do this and your lips will become full and firm making them look refreshingly healthy. You could add some sparkle to your teeth by rubbing salt dipped in a cut lemon over your teeth to give it a lustrous shine.

Lastly, the importance of drinking plenty of water cannot be stressed enough. Make sure you drink at least 2 litres of water daily. This quantity may vary depending on your region, the climatic conditions and even your physical frame. But ensure that your water intake is not compromised. Your system requires water to flush out all toxins.

Remember, getting older is a fact of life but looking old certainly is not. While there is nothing wrong with ageing gracefully, you can always choose to delay it and stay beautiful - inside and out.

28 heAlth & BeAuty

32 leAd FeAture

If you know of a conflict within your team, you might want to find creative exercises that focus on what people enjoy doing, such as positive feelings or experiences they can share with each other. Create positive interaction in a safe place. It is important to respect each individual as a person because fostering respect and mutual support is the basis of successful relationships.

Team building is an art. It is all about people making meaningful connections with others and working together to meet a common goal or solve a common problem. Team building is not an event or a one-day affair. It is a culture. If you want people to behave in a certain way, your organisation, from top down must model appropriate behavior.

Creative team building exercise should be a process incorporated into the day-to-day or routine operations of the day. You might have team building events from time to time, but the most effective team building is a process that is ongoing. The best activities will develop teamwork, cooperation, creative thinking, skill building, strategy and support of each other’s strengths.

Creative team building activities also help and encourage staff members to work together, assume leadership roles and value everyone’s inputs. Effective staff interaction can be encouraged through set team building days and fun team building activities. The outcome will make an amazing difference, as the increased morale and cooperation of your staff will extend to the daily operations of your company.

Incorporate team-building activities into your staff’s daily, weekly or monthly routine. Try to choose activities that relate to the current projects. For example, if you need to brainstorm ideas for a campaign, then you should choose a team work game that emphasises creativity.

BuSineSS 31

The dynamics of today’s work place has evolved over time to lay focus on delivering results. The accent is on achievement which is interwoven with interpersonal and communication skills.

In many situations, people’s attitudes and personalities do not immediately jell well. This is a concern that many try to address through creative team building exercises. It needs to be tackled delicately because sometimes addressing conflicts makes people defensive and they do not want to share or participate in problem solving.

Building methodSc r e A t i v e t e A m

30 Business

Image source : iStockphoto

Which creative team building activities are the best? You could adapt any game to your work environment, as long as it specifically addresses your team’s needs. The game cannot seem pointless or your employees will learn nothing from it. Creative team building ideas could involve small groups combining their skills to solve a puzzle, riddle or challenge. Another could involve finding the answers to an assortment of questions, which requires them to combine their expertise and knowledge for a greater purpose. Incentives can be motivating, so at times you may wish to offer a prize to the team or group who performs its task with excellence.

Do not give away a prize every time or it may replace the motivation of reaching the goal as a team. Vary the activities so that one session may require participants to get to know each other personally, while another requires everyone to assume leadership roles, even those who may rarely step up. If you remember the goals of cooperation, make everyone feel valued and achieve a purpose together, you cannot go wrong.

Creative ideas, especially in team building, must be chosen very carefully. Otherwise, you will risk alienating large portions of the team-building group. Also, the atmosphere created by the facilitator must be conducive to being creative. Otherwise, the participants may fear looking ‘dumb’ or throw ‘dumb’ ideas. This must be avoided if the team building activity is to be successful.

32 BuSineSS

Staff members should know the goals of the team building exercise in advance. Otherwise, they might see the team building activity as irrelevant. Let them know what you are looking for, whether it is increased cooperation or problem solving skills or whatever else it might be. Secondly, staff members should know how the exercise relates to their daily work routine. For example, in an icebreaker activity, the team should understand why it is important to get to know each other better.

Good team building exercises encourage creative thinking in a motivational environment. Many proven team building activities acknowledged this by presenting staff with a series of challenging problems and limited resources. Team building also encourages the stronger team members to support the weaker ones, thus improving their own performance and encourages time for review and reflection.

Creative team building techniques contain activities that are enjoyable and educational. These activities should teach lessons that will bring about improvements in your company. Furthermore, improving relationships among employees can go a long way toward helping them feel more productive and positive about their work.

36 leAd FeAture

Regal RegaliaThe kind of necklaces

that adorned the

necks of the famous

queens and princess

of a by-gone era is

making a fashion

comeback. Much

unlike what the

originals were, these

modern creations

are very light and

comfortable when

worn. The Fabric

Bib Style Necklace

is actually made

of coloured and

metallic bead-woven

fabric and fastened

at the back with a

thick contrast satin

ribbon knot. Not only

will these versatile

ornaments go well

with any outfit, these

will more importantly

make you feel like a

real queen.

Foot ArtThe latest craze sweeping the world of ladies footwear is the funky and uber cool Espadrille (fabric top shoes with twisted cord or rope sole). Ideal accompaniment for a casual stroll in the mall or for a cosy kitty party these shoes scream for attention. Coming in brightly painted fluorescent colours and eye-catching patterns, the footwear is lightweight and comfortable. A kind of comfortable hybrid between a sports sneaker and rope-soled sandal, this new creation breathes easy so your feet do not sweat.

34 fashion & Trends

Get hookedEvery time you sit down your handbag invariably ends up in your lap or on the floor. Right? Here comes something new that will rest your lap and keep your bag dirt-free. The stylish and functional polished metal heart is your ultimate fashion ornament. Twist it open, hook one end to your handbag’s strap. Hang the other end to a table or chair or any place else so that your handbag is not resting in your lap or on the dirty floor. But is always close by – safe and stylish!

36 FAShion & trendS

Seriously Stylish What you carry says a lot about who you are, just as what you wear is an indication of your true character. Get that wining edge with an elegant business bag. And there is nothing quite like carrying a genuine milled calf leather business briefcase to announce your classy arrival. It is certainly an investment worth making. Even though it may have many compartments, do not encumber and stuff your briefcase with all and sundry. Remember that it is not your mobile office desk. Carry just the basic essentials. Best understated, they willdraw the discerning eye.

Strappy SandalsThis year’s absolute, trendiest footwear for men is none other than the strappy sandals. Not just known for its comfort and that ‘cool dude’ looks, the sandals do a lot of good for your feet too. Being open, they keep your feet well ventilated so they do not feel suffocated. If you do not have a few of these pairs in your closet yet, it is about time you grabbed some colourful ones and flaunted them with your favourite jeans and Hawaiian cut-offs.

Stylish shoesPundits have declared that the key theme this season with men’s fashion line is travel. And what better accessory than a pair of flamboyant tennis shoes to give you that typical ‘traveller’ look. This stylish footwear is ideal to be worn for almost any casual occasion. But what gives the otherwise staid shoes a new top spin is the addition of cheerful colours and sheen, making them an attractive adornment both at work and at play.

40 leAd FeAture leAd FeAture 4138 world view World vieW 39

The world’s only leather artist Mark Evans works on large hides and hand-etches them with knives and scalpels. The process is both time consuming and strenuous. His ‘micro-sculptures’ take months to be finished. (Photo by James Osbourne / Barcroft Media / Getty Images)

The Lake Elsinore Wing-suit World Record, where 71 skydivers spent five days practising for the world record, jumping 30 times before breaking the record building their V-formation. (Photo by Barcroft Media / Getty Images)

12-foot tall when standing on two legs, Hercules the 900-pound ‘Liger’ is a rare cross between a Lion and a Tiger.To maintain its incredible size it needs 25 pounds of meat and gallon of water daily. (Photo by Barry Bland / Barcroft Media / Getty Images)

An exhibit at the 26th Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in China. The sculptures and buildings are built from ice blocks cut from the frozen surface of the nearby Songhua river. (Photo by Adam Pretty / Getty Images)

Humpback Whales feeding in the Tenakee Inlet, South East of Alaska. Images like these enable animal lovers to get up-close and personal with these majestic creatures. (Photo by Duncan Murrell / Steve Bloom Images / Barcroft Media / Getty Images)

As night arrives at Himalayas stars appear and by Earth’s rotation, rise above the top of the world, in this long exposure image captured by Iranian astrophotographer Babak Tafreshi using time-lapse photography. (Photo by Babak Tafreshi / Barcroft Media / Getty Images)

This Snowy Egret, a small white Heron, mistakes the still American Alligator for a floating log, a disguise that usually works well to snare dinner for the voracious carnivore. (Photo by Barry Bland / Barcroft Media / Getty Images)

42 leAd FeAture

horSe rAcing

motorSportJORDAN RALLYAMMAN, JOrDANMarch 31 – April 4Jordan’s quest to become the long-term home for the FIA World Rally Championships (WRC) in the Arab world will get a fillip when it welcomes back one of the most exciting sporting extravaganzas for the second time. In a double boost for the region’s drivers and fans, the Kingdom’s Middle East Rally Championship round will be incorporated into the WRC programme, making it one of the biggest sporting and social events to be held here. Jordan is one of 13 rallies confirmed on the calendar for this year, following Mexico as round three and joining the likes of Finland, Germany, Japan and Great Britain. The inclusion of the Middle East round into the itinerary means that local crews will be rubbing shoulders with the sport’s legends, including multiple world champion Sebastian Loeb.

DubAI wOrLD CuPDubAI, uAe

27 MArCh Taking place at the end of March,

the world’s richest horse race is worth a staggering US$26.25 million. It is not just about the money, as the rest of the eight-race

card is also stacked with quality.The Dubai World Cup is classified as a

‘Group 1 Flat Race’ previously run on dirt for four-year-old thoroughbreds and above,

and spans a distance of 2000m (one mile, two furlongs). 2010 marks the first year this race will be run on Tapeta. To celebrate the

15th renewal of the Dubai World Cup and opening of the iconic Meydan Grandstand and

Racecourse an extension of the programme was recently announced, and the

Dubai World Cup meeting will now stage eight races, with the addition of the

Group 3 Al Quoz Sprint, a 1200m turf raceworth US$1 million.

AthleticS

40 SportS

FormulA 1bAhrAIN GrAND PrIXSAKhIr, bAhrAIN12-14 March The 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix marks the first race in Formula One’s 60th season and will see Schumacher and Mercedes confront an all-star line-up including the British McLaren ‘superteam’ of reigning World Champion Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s new partnership of double world champion Fernando Alonso with two-time Bahrain Grand Prix winner Felipe Massa. The newly laid track will be an extension from the pervious 5.412km circuit to a thrilling 6.299km. After six years as host to the biggest sporting, business and social event in the Middle East, the Bahrain International Circuit’s new track extension now offers a challenging loop of corners and height changes reaching out into the Sakhir desert to bring fresh challenges and exciting overtaking opportunities in readiness for this event.

13th IAAF wOrLD INDOOr ChAMPIONShIPS DOhA, QAtAr12-14 MArCh

Under the aegis of the Qatar Association of Athletics Federation, one of the most important sporting events in

the Middle East, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Indoor Championships’

13th edition would get underway. The World Indoor Championships (WIC) organising committee has

confirmed the participation of 152 countries, where the world’s top athletes will compete for season-opening

honours in a total of 26 sporting events split evenly across men’s and women’s disciplines. Covering an area of about

120,000 square meters, with a total seating capacity of 15,000 spectators, the events would be held at the modern

Aspire Dome in Doha. Amongst one of the finest sporting destinations of the world today, the Dome is the centre piece of Qatar’s Aspire Zone, a state-of-the-art sport, recreation, leisure, retail, tourism, sports science and

medicine and education destination.

SportS 41

44 leAd FeAture

By joshua ferris

This is the second novel by Joshua Ferris, who became a literary sensation with his funny, inventive debut novel ‘Then We Came To The End’. Unlike his first, this one is a more serious fare. It narrates the trials of Tim Farnsworth, an accomplished lawyer who lives in an exclusive suburban home with his beautiful wife and troubled teenage daughter. His unexplained compulsion and how he manages to conquer that mysterious disorder forms the plot of this gripping novel.

the checkliSt mAniFeStohoW to get thingS right

the unnAmed

By aTul gawande

Surgeon and writer Atul Gawande’s crusade seems utterly mundane at first: He wants surgeons to use checklists to help them avoid mistakes caused by fatigue, flagging attention and other factors. Using anecdotes from aviation, construction and medicine, Gawande sets out to demonstrate that routine works wonders, even though checklists require putting aside the pride and surgeons’ mystique of infallibility.

don’t Sleep, there Are SnAkeSliFe And lAnguAge in the AmAzoniAn JungleBy daniel l. evereTT

Linguistics professor Daniel Everett was a missionary when he and his family arrived in the Amazon in the 1970s. He set out to convert the Piraha, a tribe of several hundred people in central Brazil who have no counting system, no personal property and a language that can be whistled as well as spoken. This book is about how over the next 30 years Everett befriended the Pirahas, nearly lost two family members to malaria, battled giant anacondas and his assumptions about the nature of their language.

BookS

casT : johnny depp, Mia wasiKowsKa, crispin glover, anne haThaway

sTudio : walT disney picTuresreleasing : friday, March 5

The old children’s classic by Lewis Carroll “Alice in Wonderland” gets a modern makeover in this fully loaded 2010 edition. Shot

using 3-D and high-end performance capturing technology, the film will be released in Disney Digital 3-D and IMAX 3-D providing for

some breathtaking visual effects. The storyline has not had much of change from the original where Alice tumbles down and deeper down

into a rabbit-hole one hot summer’s day while chasing a white rab-bit. At the end of that long fall Alice finds herself in a Wonderland

filled with the odd and the absurd.

i love you phillip morriScasT : jiM carrey, ewan Mcgregor,

leslie Mann, rodrigo sanTorosTudio : freesTyle releasing

releasing : friday, March 26When a local Texas policeman, Steve Russell

(Jim Carrey) turns to con and fraud to allow him to change his lifestyle (in more ways than one) his subsequent stay in the state penitentiary results in

meeting his love of life, a sensitive fellow inmate named Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor).

What ensues can only be described as a relentless quest as Russell attempts escape after escape and

executes con after con, all in the name of love.

green zonecasT : MaTT daMon, aMy ryan, greg KinnearsTudio : universal picTuresreleasing : friday, March 12Here comes a refreshingly different take on the much told story about the Iraq war of 2003 that is every bit as thrilling as it is electrifying. The action takes place during the chaotic early days of the Iraqi War when no one could be trusted and everydecision could detonate unforeseen consequences. At thisblistering time and in this combustible place, he will find the most elusive weapon of all is the truth. Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass team together to deliver this blockbuster.

42 reviews movieS

Alice in WonderlAnd

leAd FeAture 47

did you knoW?kidS corner 4544 Kids corner

More than 20 million meteoroids enter Earth’s atmosphere every day.

You share your birthday withat least 9 million other people in the world.

There are no penguinsin the North Pole.

There are no ants in Iceland, Antarctica, and Greenland.

Over 10,000 birds a year diefrom smashing into windows.

According to scientific studies, a rat’s performance in a maze can be improved by playing music written by Mozart.

A blue whale’s heart is the size of a Volkswagen Beetle!

48 leAd FeAture

shoppingWhen it comes to shopping, Oman is full of choices both traditional and modern. If you are looking for some of the world’s best brands, you could head to the nearest mega malls, shopping complexes or hypermarkets. You can find these outlets all across the capital city, as well as in the larger cities like Nizwa, Sohar, Sur and Salalah. If traditional shopping is your interest, then you must visit the Muttrah Souq beside the Muttrah Corniche area. There are also some very old and famous souqs in Nizwa, Sinaw, Ibra and Salalah. For tourists, these souqs are a paradise for souvenir hunting ! Frankincense, perfumes, spices, dates and antiques jostle for space with electronic products, fashion accessories and toys. For a complete Oman experience, have a go at both the old and the new!

hoTels Oman has a wide variety of staying options catering to any and all types of visitors. From plush five-star beach-facing resorts and spas for the more upmarket visitors, there are enough four-star, three-star, hotel apartments, camps, guesthouses, and youth hostels. Desert and Mountain Camps are particularly interesting experiences if you’ve not had the opportunity to enjoy them before. While in Muscat, you will be spoilt for choices, when you head towards the interiors you will have to make good with what is available. Either way you will get to experience the essence of true Omani hospitality wherever you stay.

MuseuMsTo make your cultural journey complete a visit to at least a few of the over a dozen museums in Oman is necessary. The Natural History Museum features Oman’s flora and fauna, including some of the indigenous species. To get a glimpse of Oman’s military history, visit the Armed Forces Museum. The National Museum showcases a rare collection of the history of the ruling dynasty. The archaeological lineage of the country can be found in the Omani Museum. There is an exclusive museum for children, the Children’s Museum, that is educative as well as entertaining. Bait Al Zubair and Bait Al Baranda are examples of how Oman’s history has been captured in a capsule for those who are not familiar with it. For a complete listing of Oman’s various museums, please refer to the local dailies.

Muttrah Souq

bait Al Safah Museum

TourisM & enTerTainMenT 47

caMel racing Given their adaptability to survive in the harsh desert climate, no other animal is more precious to Omanis than their beloved Camels. Called with reverence as ‘Ata Allah’, meaning ‘God’s Gift’, the camel has been an integral part and parcel of the Omani fabric of life and society. Today, Camel Racing is a popular spectator sport with races conducted mostly in the interior regions especially during Eid and National Day holidays. Camels are carefully bred exclusively for racing. The pure Omani camels undergo intensive training in order to compete at national and international levels. The winners are in great demand almost like that of a pure Arabian thoroughbred horse.

Bull fighTingUnlike in the west, Bull Fighting here in Oman is a clash between two muscular animals with no bloodshed or death. The sport is a very popular amongst Omanis living along the Batinah coastline. The fight is simple and straightforward. Two equal sized bulls will be made to lock horns. The spectators’ excited shrieks will goad the bulls to go at each other with all their might. The weaker of the two will turn and take to its heels, or will fall on its knees signaling the end of the fight lasting just a couple of minutes. Usually there is no prize money, but the owner of the winning bull may receive some small sum as a token of appreciation.

oMan’s horsesOne of Oman’s most endearing passions since time immemorial is the breeding of purebred Arabian horses. Historians have traced the origin of the Arab horses in Oman to the period of Prophet Suleiman. The most famous horse from that time was ‘Zad-Arr-akib’. It is believed that all Arabian thoroughbreds in Oman descended from this stallion. For many centuries, Horse Breeding was the nation’s main economic driver. Since then, till now the bloodlines of these animals are carefully preserved through selective breeding, earning the Sultanate the enviable reputation of possessing the region’s purest bloodline and the best of class thoroughbreds, trusted for their strength, reliability, stamina and courage.

46 culTure & heriTage

Shangri-La’s barr Al Jissah resort & Spa

50 leAd FeAture leAd FeAture 51 get FAmiliAr 49

trAvel tipSWhenever you travel overseas, it is often useful to understand the local laws and customs in the destination country, as they can often be very different to your own. To avoid any mix up or confusion with local laws and customs we have provided some travelers tips to assist you in having a more enjoyable visit to the Sultanate.Please be advised that the information contained on this page is not fully comprehensive and may be liable to change without prior warning. Consult a travel expert or your local embassy prior to departing on your journey.Oman’s laws are based on Sharia law, also known as the Islamic Law. • In Oman, it is illegal not to have some form of official ID on you at any given time. Therefore, it is recommended that you carry either your passport, or a photocopy of, or some other valid identification card. Other forms of ID such as overseas driver’s license or overseas ID cards will not be accepted.• Visitors holding valid UK, Australian, and American and certain other nation’s driving licenses (check with the embassy if your country’s license is valid) can currently obtain an Omani license without taking a driving test.• Vehicles are driven on the right side of the road.• In Oman if you are involved in a car accident and there is damage done to either party or their

vehicles or any public property, e.g. road signs, you must wait at the scene and contact the Royal Oman Police (9999) and wait for further instructions. Leaving the scene can result in heavy fines and possible imprisonment.• Heavy rainfall can cause sudden and severe flooding to dry riverbeds, which may pass over a road. You are advised to take full precautions when driving during rains.• Local Sharia laws reflect the fact that Oman is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religion at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, or if you intend to visit religious areas.

Yes : naäam No : laa Please : arjook Thank you : shukran You’re welcome : äafwan Excuse me : lao samaht I am sorry : ana aasif Good morning : sabaah al khayrGood evening : masaa’ al khayrGood night : tusbih äalaa khayr

BASic ArABic phrASeS

Image source: Fahad Al Zadjali

omAn At A

glAnceThe Sultanate of Oman is the 3rd largest country located in the southeast coast of the Arabian peninsula. The Sultanate is bordered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the west, the United Arab Emirates in the northeast, the Republic of Yemen in the southwest, the Strait of Hormuz in the north and the Arabian Sea in the east. Oman has a land area of approximately 3,09,500 Km2

and a 3,165 Kms long coastline extending from the Strait of Hormuz in the north, to the borders of the Republic of Yemen in the south. Oman’s coast spans the three seas: the Arabian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A number of islands also are part of Oman including the famous islands of Masirah and Halaniyat (Kuria Muria). The country’s northern most part, the Musandam peninsula is Oman’s only coast on the Arabian Gulf and it is located across the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Fact SheetPopulation (2005) : 2,509,000 including

666,000 expatriates.Language : Arabic (official), English

(widely spoken), German and French (most hotel staff).

Capital : Muscat.Local Time : GMT +4. Currency : Omani Rial, which equates to

US$ 2.58.Shopping Hours : 09:00 - 013:00 then

16:30 - 24:00Currency The local currency is the Omani Rial (referred to as RO or OR or OMR). It is further divided into 1000 Baizas. Currency denominations are available in 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 Rial and 500 and 100 Baiza notes. Coins are available in 50, 25, 10 and 5 Baizas.

ReligionIslam is the official religion of the Sultanate of Oman.

48 geT faMiliar

Image source: Yousuf Al Zadjali

52 leAd FeAture 50 oMan air news

omAn Air

oFFiciAl cArrier oF tour oF omAn cycling event

omAn Air

commemorAteS operAtionS to Sri lAnkA

WorkShop held For trAvel AgentS on munich

omAn Air helpS BridAl dreAmS tAke Flight

The Sultanate of Oman joined the world cycling circuit when it hosted for the first time a round of UCI ProTour from February 14 to 19 in 2010. The Tour of Oman, organised by the Muscat Municipality in co-operation with International Cycling Union (UCI) and Tour de France organisers,

saw some of the top professional riders descending on Oman. Top professional riders from more than 25 countries participated in the six-day event that saw the riders as well as the fans travel through the capital city of Muscat and the varied and dramatic topography of Oman.

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman commemorated its flights to the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo on February 26th. The flights to this destination were launched in November last year with four weekly frequencies between Muscat, capital of the Sultanate of Oman and Colombo.

HE Eng Sultan Hamdoon Al Harthi, the President of the Muscat Municipality, was the chief guest for the launch celebrations that had a high-level delegation from Oman Air, led by Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer Peter Hill, along with other Senior Management team who were in Colombo for this purpose.

Oman Air in conjunction with the Munich Tourist Office and Munich Airport held a workshop presentation in Muscat. The well-attended event aimed primarily to generate awareness about Munich, Bavaria and the Alpine Region as a prime destination for leisure travellers and medical tourists from Oman, was attended by over 60 travel agents from Muscat. Oman Air, Munich Airport and Munich Tourist Office brought along many tourism partners from Munich, Bavaria, Salzburg and Tirol Region, which offer packages and program ideas. Oman Air flies to Germany daily with four weekly flights to Frankfurt and three weekly flights to Munich and operates the brand new A330 aircrafts to these routes.

Oman Air supported the Wedding Shows that took place at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat on 26th February and at the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai on 27th February. The event brought together Oman Air, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and world-famous haute couture designers Caroline Castigliano and Professor Jimmy Choo OBE to celebrate the ultimate in superlative wedding and honeymoon style.