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Omani Music Exceptional & Fascinating Rustic settings 28 30 Investing in Good Health 24 Muscat Festival: An embodiment of regional brotherhood YOUR FREE COPY Volume 1 - 2009 www.omanair.aero 18 Jeddah: Bride of the Red Sea

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Page 1: Exceptional & Fascinating

Omani MusicExceptional & Fascinating

Rustic settings 28 30Investing

in Good Health

24Muscat Festival: An embodiment of regional brotherhood

YOuR FREE COpY Volume 1 - 2009

www.omanair.aero

18Jeddah:Bride of the Red Sea

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Compliments of the season and a very happy New Year from all of us in Oman Air !

2008 was a year that will be remembered in many ways. It was certainly a significant year for Oman Air as we further

expanded our wings to new destinations and increased services to many more.

In 2009, we believe Oman Air will really come of age with the introduction of new aircraft, for both long and short haul routes,

a completely new product offering both in the air and on the ground, more new destinations and schedule improvements as

well as new uniforms for all of our front line staff. These enhancements will be progressively introduced during the year, with

the first major change happening on 15th January, which sees us switch our daily service to London from Gatwick to Heathrow

Airport, Terminal 3. During the months ahead we will bring you regular updates of the many changes that we are making to

improve your travelling experience on Oman Air.

Muscat Festival, the region's premier cultural showcase, is around the corner. Tourists flock to Muscat during this almost-

month-long-Festival, which has an attractive line-up of top quality events. Oman Air has always been very proactive in supporting

the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism in promoting in-bound tourism, and is proud to be associated with the Muscat Festival. In

this issue of Wings of Oman, you will get to know about the important events and venues of the Muscat Festival.

There are many scenic spots that one can explore in Oman and we bring to your notice one such place that has been an

attraction with back-packers and picnickers alike – Belad Seit. Incidentally Oman's caves are becoming extremely popular with

tourists and attract cave explorers from around the world. You will learn more about the thrill of cave exploration in our article

titled just that.

Oman's musical legacy is legendary. The report on Omani Musical Instruments will enrich your knowledge on this subject.

Jeddah has many attractions and amenities for tourists and our International Destination Report featuring Jeddah, will shed

more light on this beautiful city.

In our health and fitness section, we focus on the importance of taking the right actions at the right time when it comes to

your health. As important as managing your health is managing your time. That's precisely the reason we have an article this

month on learning to manage your time well.

Did you know there is so much of history behind a cup of tea? Sit back then and relax, perhaps whilst enjoying a cup of tea

and read all about it in your very own personal copy of Wings of Oman.

We wish you an enjoyable flight with Oman Air.

peter HillChief Executive Officer

3

MarhabaMarhaba

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18 18

Jeddah has retained its original character in spite of modernity engulfing every aspect of the

denizens’ lifestyles

Jeddah: Bride of the Red Sea

28The breathtaking landscape makes

Baled Seit a unique tourist attraction

Rustic settings

12Cover Story

24

As with past editions of the festival, the 2009 edition will combine local and international events

Muscat Festival: An embodiment of regional brotherhood

Contents

Omani MusicExceptional & Fascinating

28

24

4

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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 OmanTel: +968 24519616, Fax: +968 24510771E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.omanair.aero

For Oman advertising enquiries contact: Publishers:

National publishing And Advertising LLC (NpA)P.O. Box: 3112, P.C. 112, RuwiMuscat, Sultanate of OmanTel: +968 24793098, Fax: +968 24708445E-mail: [email protected]: www.npaoman.com

The publishers regret 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 publishers.

All copyrights are reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without our written permission.

For regional/international advertising enquiries contact:Media Score Services Dubai Media City,P.O. Box 502023, Dubai, UAE.Tel: +971 4 3908030, Fax: +971 4 3908031E-mail: [email protected]

32

36

40

30Good health is more than a

roll of the dice. Taking control of your health and managing

some of the key health-risk factors can help you prevent a

heart attack or a stroke.

Investing in Good Health

32Tea is the most popular drink in the world, next to water

A nice cup of tea

36

40Described by National Geographic magazine as one of the top adventures in the world, caving, has become extremely popular with tourists.

Sports:The thrill of cave exploration

30

Contents

Learn to manage your time well

Every organisation will reap beneficial results if it helps employees in this essential

task of using time well

6

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8

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman has officially launched its new Contact Centre at Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) – the emerging IT Park of Oman. Under the auspices of HE Darwish bin Ismail Al Balushi, Secretary General, Ministry of Finance.

The carrier has invested in “state of the art” technology providing a platform that will ensure their services standards are at the leading edge of airlines worldwide. Flight reservations, ticketing, holiday enquiries and Sinbad the airline’s Frequent Flyer Program can be accessed 24 hours x 365 days.

The Contact Centre allows passengers to access information through multiple means of communication including phone, email, fax and the recently launched SMS mobile phone service.

After extensive research the airline settled on Infoline, a leading IT Service Provider in Oman which forms the backbone of the Contact Centre’s functions.

During Oman Air's participation in World Travel Market that was held in London last November, The Under Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, His Excellency, Mohammed bin Hamoud Al Toobi, awarded Oman Air with a memento in appreciation for the efforts put up by the national carrier in promoting the country's tourism potential and also for spreading awareness about Oman to international travellers abroad. The CEO of Oman Air Mr. Peter Hill, received the memento at the Ministry of Tourism pavilion at the WTM venue.

The second draw of the "Fly free to London" campaign was held at the Oman Air Head office. The Chief Guest for the occasion was HE Sheik Mohamed bin Sakher Al Amri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications for Civil Aviation Affairs and Board Member.

Oman Air has opened a new office at the Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok. This is in addition to the elegant sales and ticketing office at Silom Road in Bangkok. The new office will help cater better to the needs of passengers. The official opening was well-marked with top dignitaries and special invitees attending the event. Present on the occasion as chief guests were Oman's ambassador to Thailand, Hafeedh Bin Salim Mohammed Ba Omar, and Wing Commander Prateep Wichito, who is the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Thailand Airport. In his welcome note, Bennet Stephen, Country Manager of Oman Air in Thailand pointed out that the number of travellers travelling to Bangkok from Oman is steadily on the rise ever since Oman Air started operations to this destination.

News

Oman Air inaugurates its state of the art Contact Centre

Ministry of Tourism Awards Oman Air The Second Lot of

Fly Free to London Winners Announced

Oman Air Opens Airport Office At Suvarnabhumi

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News

Oman Air recently added another aircraft to its rapidly expanding fleet. The new Boeing 737 – 800 NG, named "Ras Al Had", arrived from Seattle, USA at Muscat International Airport on 21 December, 2008. This latest aircraft increases Oman Air’s B737 NG fleet to 11.

Peter Hill, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air said that this latest addition is in line with Oman Air's plans to expand the company's network of short and medium haul flights within the Middle East and South Asia.

"Oman’s growing prominence as a key player in regional economic and business forums and Oman Air's steady growth as the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has made fleet-growth and expansion in terms of destinations and frequencies imperative. We intend to link Muscat through direct flights to the major regional cities and also offer convenient connections to an increasing number of long haul destinations."

Oman Air, the National Carrier of Sultanate of Oman, launched Short Messaging Service (SMS) recently, partnering with an Omani company, as part of the Airline’s efforts to enhance customer service through e-commerce.

This enhancement will narrow the communication bridge between customers and Oman Air and will convey quick messages round-the-clock globally.

Oman Air urges customers to ensure their contact mobile numbers are provided in all flight booking records with Oman Air to reach customers through SMS with updated information.

Initial services include, booking confirmation from waitlist, flight delay/cancellation, etc. The next phase will include reminders before the ticketing time limit expires to avoid cancellation of bookings.

Ras Al Had - the new 737 in the Oman Air fleet

Oman Air to fly to Heathrow

Oman Air partners Tamimah to introduce SMS Services

Commencing Thursday 15th January 2009, Oman Air will be starting its new service to London Heathrow Airport, providing the only daily, non-stop service between Muscat and London.

Flight WY 911 will depart from Muscat International Airport at 1255 hours and arrive London Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 at 1740 hours local time. The return flight WY 912 will depart London Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 at 2130 hours and arrive at Muscat International Airport at 0900 hours the following morning.

With the introduction of these new services to London Heathrow, Oman Air’s current operation into London Gatwick will cease.

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Omani musical instruments are unique, because of the rich

heritage of the country that is further enriched by Asian and

African heritage and culture. The joint synergies of these cultures

and heritage is reflected in the musical legacy as well, which

results in a spell-binding performance.

Rhythmic instruments play a major role in Omani music. There

are different types of drums which are made from different

woods, some of which are sourced locally and some imported

from Africa and Asia.

The Oman Centre for Traditional Music classifies Omani musical

instruments into three main types – cordophones (stringed

instruments) such as the oud (Arabic lute) and the qabbous,

believed to have originated in Yemen; aerophones or wind

instruments including the qasaba (flute) and the sirnai, a type

of oboe; and a huge range of rhythm instruments, themselves

divided into membraphones (drums) and idiophones (cymbals

and the like).

A performance of drumming and dancing in Salalah comes as

a further introduction to the fine qualities of Omani music. The

drums accentuate the dance rhythms, with the harmonic chants

of such tunes as the razha qassafi augmented by the ululations

of performing artists. The total effect is spellbinding.

Back in December 2004, the Ministry of Information sponsored

an International Conference on Arabic Music in Muscat. As part

of the festivities, the Oman Centre for Traditional Music held

a performance of Omani traditional music at Sultan Qaboos

University. Especially highlighted were four types of Omani

drums.

The Oman Centre for Traditional Music will be buying a

new range of Omani musical instruments in early 2009 after

which the Centre may be open to the public. “We hope this

will give people the opportunity to appreciate a wide range of

these instruments”, said a spokesperson from the Ministry of

Information.

Omani MusicExceptional & FascinatingThere is something very special about the music of Oman. It’s hard to put it in words, but after just a few minutes the listener is carried away by the hypnotic rhythms and chants, the piercing ululations and the sheer raw energy of the music. Most people come away from a performance saying that they have never heard anything like it before.

Cover Story

12

Burgham Instrument

Article by: Graham SimmonsImage source: Graham Simmon Khamis Al Moharbi Creative Eye Yousuf Al Zadjali

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Some Omani musical instruments Rhythmic Instrument :

Rahmani: The rahmani is considered the most important

rhythmic instrument in Oman's traditional music. It is found in

most of the Sultanate's regions and districts and is one of the

most important instruments in Omani funun. Therefore, it can

be considered a 'symbol of Omani music'. The rahmani plays

the role of the rhythmic base - i.e. it

provides the main element of the

rhythm. Thus, its sound should be

deep and full compared with the

other accompanying rhythmic

instruments.

Kasir: The same type of instrument is called a kasir depending on its musical function. Whereas the rahmani forms the rhythmic fundament, the kasir is usually used for embellishment and ornamentation. Thus, the sound of the rahmani has to be deeper and heavier than that of the kasir.

Mirwas: The mirwas is used in

Dhofar and is the region's smallest

drum when compared with the

mahgar drum and kasir. It is mainly

used in the bara and the sharh

genres.

Musundu tawil: This is the

longest instrument of its class

and most players prefer to have

the musundu tied to their waist by

a belt which allows for playing with

both hands. The player puts the musundu

between his legs as if mounting a horse.

Sama: The sama is also called the tar or the duff al-kabir. The

diameter of its round wooden frame is about 40cm and sheep,

cow or deer skin is tightened to the frame in a unique way:

the skin is actually sewn onto the wooden frame. It covers the

complete outside of the drum and part of it is pulled inside the

frame as well. It is usually used in large collective celebrations.

Wind Instruments:

Gim: The gim sometimes pronounced 'yim' is a sea shell that

is prepared for blowing into, either through cutting its upper

part or by making a hole in it. The gim produces one tone

which is rhythmically used as described above.

It adds additional colour to

other single-skinned rhythmic

instruments.

Burgham: The burgham is made

from the horn of a big animal such

as an oryx, ibex or buffalo. The player

blows into one hole that is adjacent to

the closed and pointed edge, producing

one tone which the player uses in a

rhythmic manner according to the rhythm

of the genre. Even if the player extends the

tone of the burgham, its general rhythmic

function always becomes very clear. The

burgham is used in saber genres like the

razha and the azi.

Melodic instruments:

Mangur: The mangur consists of a

wide belt of cloth on which hundreds

of sheep hooves are fixed very close

together. This belt is tied to the waist of the

mangur player.The rhythmic sound is produced

by the movement of the player's waist. The mangur

player usually stands in one place and shakes his hips to

produce the desired sound. We can say that he is a player and

a dancer at the same time because the rhythm is closely tied

to the movement of his body. The mangur sound is strong due

to the dryness of the sheep's hooves and the intensity of their

knocking together. Al-mangur is an essential part of the rhythmic

instruments of the tanbura genre.

Some of Oman's most famous traditional musical instruments

Mizmar

14

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Adad: Women use the adad to give rhythmic impulse

to their dance formation in wiliyat an-nisa in Manah.

Al'adad is originally woman's jewellery: a round bangle

made of silver. It is filled with some dry grains or stones

to produce the rhythmic sound when shaken.

Sihal: This is also called tasa, sinug or ring and

consists of a pair of cymbals made from copper and

round in shape. The player holds each cymbal in one

hand and produces the sound by beating both cymbals

together. The sihal is used in many Omani genres such

as funun al-bahr, the aiyala and the wailiya. The sihal

not only embellishes the rhythm but also has a special

role in some genres like the midema.

String Instruments:Tanbura: The tanbura is one of the most important

string instruments presently used in the Sultanate. It

hasn't changed over thousands of years on its journey

through different cultures and it is easy to follow the

historical traces which prove this. This instrument

appeared for the first time in the Sumerian civilization

in 2700BC. Then it moved through the Arab Peninsula

to the Pharaohs and then, through the Nubians, to

Africa, where it assumed a strong position among

other instruments. Furthermore, other smaller or larger

forms of it emerged.

ud: The ud is considered the most important Arab

instrument and is called 'The Prince of Instruments'. It

is easy to use, but not to master. 'Use' means simple

playing, while mastering is the art itself which needs

effort and special talent. The ud is the symbol of Arab

music in general because it has accompanied the

history of Arab music since its very start. It was necessary

and essential for any researcher or philosopher who

wanted to deal with Arab music and at all times, it was,

and still is, equally important for the composer and

singer.

Wind Instruments:Mizmar: The mizmar belongs to the double-reed wooden

wind instruments. It is cylindrical in form and is known by various

names such as the naghghar, surnai or sirnai. Playing the mizmar

requires considerable skill because the double reed needs high

blowing power. Furthermore, the player should have the ability to

perform with uninterrupted blowing. This technique dates back to

ancient civilizations: it is found depicted on ancient Greek vases.

In this case, the player stores the air in his mouth and breathes

through his nose. Thus both of the player's cheeks are inflated

with the stored air, and while breathing, he pushes the air from

his mouth into the instrument so that the sound can continue

without interruption. Using this technique, an experienced

mizmar player can play continuously for several hours. The lewa

is the most important musical genre which employs the mizmar.

The mizmar is the only melodic instrument beside a complete

set of rhythmic instruments that usually consists of musundi

lewa (standing or sitting) as well as tabl rahmani and another

kasir. The tanak also has its fixed place in this genre.

Qasaba: The qasaba is a pipe made from bamboo, wood or

metal. It is characterized by its lack of mouthpiece for blowing,

and is cylindrical in form and open at both ends. It has six holes

in the front and one in the back. The sound is produced by

blowing sideways into one of its two openings. The qasaba is

similar to the nai and produces three-quarter tones.

The qasaba is the main melodic instrument in Dhofar and

is mostly used in the sharh and the bara genres. A well-known

qasaba player is Awad bin Guma bin Taufiq of Salalah.

Habban: The habban is a skin bagpipe so it is sometimes

called the girba, meaning 'bag'. It has several pipes, most of

them producing a fixed drone or Bordun and one, the 'melodic

pipe' playing the melody. The impression of polyphony is created

by the continuous drone of the Bordun pipes. The player blows

air into the qirba where it is stored and from there, pushed

into the melodic pipes so that the sound continues without

interruption.

For more information about Omani Musical instruments

you can visit the Oman Center for Traditional Music

web site http://www.octm-folk.gov.om

Habban

16

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Jeddah still conjures up images and stirs the nostalgia of a typical Arab land. “The bride of the Red Sea”, as it is called, has retained its original character in spite of modernity engulfing every aspect of the denizens’ lifestyles. The major commercial hub of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah’s 80-km long Red Sea coastline attracts a multitude of visitors. And for the Muslims of the world, the port town is a Gateway to Islam’s holiest sites, the Kaaba in Makkah and the Masjide-Nabawwi (Prophet’s Mosque) in Madinah. This important role of being the gateway was bestowed upon the city by the third khalifa, Uthman bin Affan, who chose Jeddah because of its superior facilities. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 reinforced Jeddah’s position as a major trading hub of the Middle East. Jeddah traces back its history over thousands of years. In the 11th century the traveler, Nasir-i-Khusro, described Jeddah as a city surrounded by walls with two gates, one towards Makkah and the other towards the sea. The Bab Makkah, or Makkah Gate, was the route by which pilgrims left for the holy city.

This small village blossomed into an important staging

post on the ancient trade routes linking the civilizations of

the Far East with the city-states of the Mediterranean

SIGHTSEEING: Of prime importance is Old Jeddah

where the structures are expressions of long-established

regional building traditions. In the narrow streets and

alleys of Balad, the heart of Jeddah, some traditional

houses can still be seen in all their glory. Built of local coral

limestone hand-hewn into square-cut blocks and laid in

lime mortar, reinforced with timber beams and faced with

white or tinted plaster, the houses display a marvellous

symmetry. The windows of the buildings are masked by

elaborately carved wooden shutters and latticed screens.

These bay windows (rawasheen, singular roshan) are the

most distinguishing feature of the houses, projecting well

beyond the walls of the building to catch every passing

breath of wind.

Jeddah: Bride of the Red Sea

InternationalDestination

Jeddah has retained its original character in spite of modernityengulfing every aspect of the denizens’ lifestyles

18

Al-Kabaa Al-Shareefa

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One of the most famous of the city’s dwellings is the house of the Nasif family. Other notable houses, such as Bayt Sharbatly and Bayt Jughda, have become local museums and thus have a new lease on life. The Noorwali house is considered to represent the ultimate in the local traditional builders’ art, its monumental overall dimensions perfectly balanced yet showing great delicacy in detail. The Old City in Jeddah is a remarkable sight which reflects upon the 2500 year old history of the city.

There is no better place in Jeddah than its long stretch of corniche. All along the beaches big crowds can be seen enjoying the sea breeze. The famous 216-mtr. tall King Fahd fountain in the Red Sea (the second tallest fountain in the world) is an attraction which should not be missed.

Jeddah is identified for one ‘unique aspect’ that is conspicuously missing in other cities of the world. The whole city is graced with a glittering collection of road monuments (art objects) that dot the city landscape. These monuments or sculptures numbering about 250 give the city a different look. They encompass a spectacular range of subjects and are a feast for the eyes. Some of the most alluring ones include a seagull, an engineering compass, a huge bicycle, the cosmos, obelisques, mosque lanterns (lit at night), the plane in the clouds, sailing ships, Islamic calligraphy and many more.

One of the unique monuments that dot the cityThe corniche of Jeddah

The city gives great importance to preservation of old architecture

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22

The Floating Mosque at the coast of Red Sea is a must in the itinerary of all Muslim pilgrims and is also known as the White Mosque. Here you will find picnickers all along the corniche. There are a few amusement parks in Jeddah which are well equipped to entertain visitors, especially children. One of the most popular amusement parks at Jeddah is the Al Shallal Theme Park which has the distinction of having the largest roller coaster in the country. The theme park also features an ice rink. Other prominent amusement parks in Jeddah are the Fantasy Garden, Atallah Happy Land, and Sanabel Park. Other recreational parks at Jeddah are the Train Lake and Sindbad Park.

The culture and diversity of the city are reflected through the collections in the museums. Jeddah has about 12 local and private museums. The Municipality Museum is one of the most important and prominent museums in Jeddah. This traditional house was restored 200 years back. Red Sea coral was used to build the museum which has a collection of rare photos exhibiting the development of Jeddah.

Another museum worth a visit is the Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum. This museum has about 10,000 items covering the history of Jeddah. The collection is housed in three sections. The first deals with Saudi heritage, the second deals with the Ottoman Empire and the third covers European development. The museum has a collection of some real gems on display. The Castle of Cultural Arts Museum, Islamic Fiqh Academy and the Jeddah Museum are other important museums in Jeddah.

SHOppING: Jeddah is home to traditional markets as well as glittering malls. Balad is a downtown shopping area where you will find anything under the sun. Prince Mohammed Street

(formerly Tahlia Street) is the place to visit for brand conscious shoppers. Located in the heart of Jeddah, most of the famous designer brands are available here. Some of the famous malls include the Heraa Mall, El Khayyat Shopping Centre, Al-Basatin Centre, Jeddah Mall, International Market, Oasis Mall, Mall of Arabia and Aziziyah market. And if one does not want to splurge and is looking for small local items, then the best place to shop is at Gabel Street. The streets are lined with open air souks which are famous for their collection of traditional items such as Arabian tea pots, rugs and Arab perfumes.

JEDDAH SuMMER FESTIVAL: An extravaganza with lots of cultural and entertainment activities, the Jeddah Summer Festival which is held in the months of June and July attracts about 3 million visitors every year. Activities range from camel races to musical concerts, and spectacular fireworks displays to grand sales in the numerous shops and malls. Organised by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), the festival last year had Saudi folklore bands representing cultures and traditions from the different regions of the Kingdom. A musical drama on the history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was also staged by popular artistes. Events are usually divided into three parts: family activities, activities for young women, and for children, all of which include educational and recreational activities like sports, marine and cultural events. The 2009 event will be the 30th edition.

With its unique sightseeing and great shopping Jeddah is a new destination waiting to be explored.

Oman Air flies two flights to Jeddah in a weekCurrency: Saudi Rials (SR). US$ 1 = 0.266 SR One Saudi Rial = 3.75 US Dollar (USD)When to go: Jeddah is hotter from April to September

and is pleasant from October to March.Visas: To get a visa you will have to approach the

Saudi Embassy. Time Zone: GMT +3 hrs Dialling Code: 966-2

• Abu Dhabi: +971 2 6221140 • Al Ain: +971 3 7669943 • Amman: +962 6 5607928 • Bahrain: +973 17500020/17214887 • Bangkok: +66 2 635 1222-5 • Beirut: +961 1 753581/2/3/4 • Cairo: +202 5775304/5789393 • Chennai: +91 44 42147676 • Dammam: +966 3 8961412• Delhi: +91 11 23324097/23324087/23766280/ 23766281 • Doha: +974 4424579/ 4320509 • Dubai: +971 4 3521777 • Hyderabad: +91 40 23245500 • Jeddah: +966 2 6577979 • Khasab: +968 26731592 • Kochi: +91 484 2358185/6/7 • Kuwait: +965 2412284/5 • London: +44 0 8707707 319 • Mumbai: +91 22 22819180/83/85 • Muscat: +968 24765129 • Riyadh: +966 1 2168943/4 • Salalah: +968 23294301 Ext 111 & 112 • Sharjah: +971 6 5748212 • Thiruvananthapuram: +91 471 2314889/2727901/2728137

The city is emblazoned with a glittering collection of road monuments (art objects)

The King Fahd fountain in Jeddah The attractive Jeddah festival

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As with past editions of the festival, the 2009 editionwill combine local and international events

Oman

Muscat Festival:An embodiment of regional brotherhood

A potpourri of culture, shopping and entertainment will

mark the Muscat Festival 2009 which will be held from January

19 to February 12 in different venues spanning across the

Governorate of Muscat. This year’s extravaganza under a

new main venue will certainly throw up a lot of surprises. The

festival will encompass a vast selection of events and activities

of entertainment and recreational value to citizens and

residents of Oman and outside tourists. The Festival Village

has remained an embodiment of fun and entertainment and

is the most sought after destination during the Festival.

The main festival venue this time will be Naseem Gardens

in place of Azaiba Festival grounds. Other venues like Qurum

Natural Park and Seeb Beach will continue to host the festival

activities. Naseem Garden embracing a gross area of 750,000

square metres will be an ideal venue for the main events. The

idea behind the change is that people can engage in festival

activities and can also enjoy being in a garden sheathed in

green. The gardens, which used to attract teeming crowds

before the inauguration of the Qurum Natural Park, will have

a chance to once again become the premier public park in

Oman.

According to the organisers, the Muscat Municipality, the

Muscat Festival 2009 promises to transport you to the exotic

world of the Arabian Nights with an attractive line up of exciting

events and activities during the 25 fun-filled days. Gleaning

the best of talent from the field of music, art and cultural

performances from the Middle East, this realm of entertainment

is sure to pamper the senses of visitors this year making their

festival experience most memorable.

Connoisseurs of culture as well as shoppers can get a

peek into the Arabian Bedouin’s lifestyles through folklore

performances, exhibitions and traditional shows at the Festival

sites. And added to this are the great shopping discounts

offered by several malls. So, it is time to splurge while the kids

play.

More than two million visitors flocked to the festival venues in

the last edition and enjoyed the events organised from January 21

to February 15, 2008. The festival attracted visitors from within and

outside the Sultanate, and from all age segments because of its

range of events and activities. The festival stands out from other

similar festivals in the region as it maintains its special identity

and has created for itself a specific track since its launch.

24

Every year the inauguration presents an exciting spectacle

Image source : Suliman Al-Khasaibi

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In 2007, the number of people visiting the event from the GCC and

other Arab states and foreign countries totalled 2.3 million, compared

with 2.2 million in 2006 and 1.8 million in 2005.

The venues were prepared taking into consideration the diverse nature of events that they host and their suitability to cater to visitors and residents belonging to different strata.

The festival is also an occasion for the authorities to showcase the various sights in the Muscat governorate. The capital Muscat has an impression of being a spic and span and peaceful city, endowed with manicured parks and cultivated gardens, scenic beaches, with the finest amenities for tourists, and world class hotels. Woven into all this is Arab hospitality and thus the festival is an opportune time for sightseeing and to savour the legendary Arab hospitality. Little wonder people from across the Middle East and from Europe make it a point to visit Oman during the Muscat festival. Moreover, it is ideal time to visit Oman as the weather during this time of the year is extremely pleasant.

Drawing more than two million people every year, the festival is fun and educational. There are also lectures and forums for arts students, seminars on Islam, poetry and more at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, while international music concerts, singing and theatrical events will also be staged. Thus, the Muscat Festival is truly an embodiment of regional brotherhood, happiness, excitement and adventure.

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Musical concerts are a big draw

A cultural kaleidoscope

The venues were prepared taking into consideration the diverse nature of events

Daredevil acts attract big crowds

Traditional Omani danceShowcasing local heritage forms an important part of the festival

Silver objects can be bought at discount rates

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Page 28: Exceptional & Fascinating

The lure and charm of villages in the mountains can be overwhelming. And Oman is teeming with hamlets in the mountains, at the footsteps and on the cliffs. One of the picturesque villages where rustic appeal finds abundant expression is Baled Seit.

Ensconced in the protective embrace of Al Rustaq’s towering hills, Baled Seit is a world away from the madding crowd. Tourists can savour its unspoilt beauty and traditional character, which is generally missing in urban areas.

The cute tiny town’s appeal lies in its cluster of stone-and-mud tenements spread out like steps along the slope of a rocky hill. It is a typical Omani communal-style settlement, not very different from the old neighbourhoods of Al Hamra, Nizwa and Adam where homes are built in a tight huddle. A maze of narrow pathways links these traditional dwellings, some of which are even two or three storeys high. A square tower, now in a state of ruin, serves as a sentinel to the town. The watchtower can be reached through a narrow path which runs by the houses. A wadi running through Al Sakhri village is considered a big tourist attraction owing to its rare topography, narrow paths and high setting.

Modernity is yet to engulf the place and therein lies its sheer appeal. A falaj meanders through small date palm plantations and fodder farms scattered out around the village.

A sea of date palms and a patchwork of terraced fields enhance the scenic beauty of this picture post card milieu. The spectacular contours of mountains, part of the Jabal Shams range, make the place more dramatic. Emanating from the mountain ranges are crystal streams of water that feed the village’s aflaj. The village has three water springs that converge in a major falaj. These nurture the area’s lush heritage of date palm gardens and farms below. The villagers have built a bridge across a falaj to facilitate access to farms in the eastern side The stream ends up in the wadi that skirts Baled Seit and courses on for about 7km, cutting a deep swathe through the surrounding mountains.

Before it joins forces with the spectacular Wadi Bani Auf downstream, this wadi creates dramatic gorges that also invite discovery. Adding to the village’s rural charm is the sight of farmers tending lush fields of Alfalfa. In summer, menfolk from the village set out early every morning to scour the nearby mountains for the bhoot tree that produces a type of sweet, purple-coloured berry. The tree usually grows along the ridges of high mountains, notably in Jabal Shams and Jabal al Akhdar, and its fruit is hugely relished by Omanis.

While looking for berries in the mountains, the villagers also check out caves and crannies for honey stashed away by wild bees. This pure, natural honey is also in great demand around the Sultanate. Because of its location high in the mountains of the Jabal Shams range, Baled Seit enjoys moderate daytime temperatures even in summer while the rest of the interior region sizzles. Winter weather can be especially pleasant.

Rustic settingsThe breathtaking landscape makes Baled Seit a unique tourist attraction

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Hideaway

Getting thereBaled Seit is within easy reach of Rustaq town.

From the town centre, drive towards Al Awabi, and turn right in the direction of Wadi Bani Auf. Drive for about 25km through this wadi until you come to an intersection that will take you to Baled Seit. If you are coming from Barka, drive towards Nakhl and Al Awabi beyond. A few kilometres from Al Awabi, an intersection appears on your left taking you to Wadi Bani Auf. The rest of the route is as described above.

The town at the foothills of a mountain presents a lovely picture

The lively waterfalls

The route that leads to the village

Image source: Khamis Al Moharbi Khalil Al Zadjali

Page 29: Exceptional & Fascinating
Page 30: Exceptional & Fascinating

Investing In Good HealthGood health is more than a roll of the dice. Taking control of your health and managing some of the key health-risk factors can help you prevent a heart attack or a stroke. Make sure you know the health-risk factors and take the appropriate measures to ensure a healthier lifestyle.

Health & Fitness

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The Statistics• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) include Heart diseases and

strokes and are the leading cause of death in the world according to the World Health Organization reports.

• 1 in 4 first heart attacks are fatal.• More than half of the heart attacks occur as the first

manifestation of Heart disease without preliminary signs.• Women are twice as likely to die from a first heart attack as men,

and also have a much greater risk of a second heart attack.

What causes Heart Attacks and Strokes? The mass occurrence of Heart attacks and strokes relate

strongly to lifestyles and to modifiable physiological and biochemical factors

There are 9 key factors out of which 3 are non modifiable risk factors (Increasing age, male gender and family history of CVD - Heredity).

The 6 modifiable key risk factors that are the focus for prevention are: • Increased blood cholesterol • Increased blood pressure

(Hypertension) • Cigarette smoking • Lack of regular physical exercise • Diabetes • Obesity

How can you prevent a Heart attack or a Stroke?Prevention can be achieved through 2 steps:• Health screening for risk factors and disease – To give

individuals specific information regarding their own health and risk factors.

• Health education – Aimed at helping the individual translate the information which he/she has been given, into sustained and effective action to achieve better health.

New Imaging techniques for screening of CVDHeart disease is often advanced before the first clinical

manifestation therefore the need for non invasive and reliable tests to detect sub clinical (early stage) disease.

Conventional diagnostic tests like the treadmill stress test or echocardiography detect heart disease only at an advanced stage and cannot rule out disease at early stages.

Recently Multislice Computed Tomography (CT Heart scan) has emerged as a very accurate and reliable test to assess for Heart disease. Its advantages over more conventional tests are:• It is the most accurate non invasive test for CVD diagnosis

and assessment.• It detects disease at an early stage so that preventative

measures can be implemented before it is too late• It can study heart and brain vessels• It is a quick, painless and non invasive procedure • It has a low radiation capability

Six Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle• Don’t smoke cigarettes• Have your blood pressure checked regularly• Stay physically active• Achieve and maintain a healthy

weight• Read labels to make sure

you eat foods low in fats and cholesterol

• Have regular medical checkups

Take appropriate measures to ensure a healthier lifestyle

Take prompt measures to ensure a healthier lifestyle

Image source: Gallo Images / Getty Images

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Are you at risk of Heart Attack or Stroke?Take a few minutes to complete the self assessment below.

• AGE. I am a man over 40 years old or a woman over 50 years old.

• FAMILY HISTORY OF HEART DISEASE. My father or brother had a heart attack before age 55; OR my mother or sister had one before age 65.

• HEART DISEASE MEDICAL HISTORY. I have coronary artery disease, OR I’ve had a heart attack or another heart condition(s).

• VASCuLAR DISEASE HISTORY. I have been told that I have carotid artery disease; OR I have had a stroke; OR I have a disease of the leg arteries.

• BLOOD pRESSuRE. My blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher, OR a health professional has said my blood pressure is too high, OR I don’t know what my blood pressure is.

• TOBACCO SMOKE. I smoke OR live OR work with people who smoke regularly.

• TOTAL CHOLESTEROL. My total cholesterol is 240 mg/dL or higher, OR I don’t know my level.

• HDL CHOLESTEROL. My HDL (“good”) cholesterol is less than 40 mg/dL OR I don’t know my HDL cholesterol level.

• pHYSICAL ACTIVITY. I get less than a total of 30 minutes of physical activity on most days.

• OVERWEIGHT. I am 9 Kilograms or more overweight for my height and build.

• DIABETES. I have diabetes (a fasting blood sugar of 126 mg dL or higher), OR I need medicine to control my blood sugar.

If you found two or more points then you have risk factors which increase the chances of developing cardiovascular disease and you should see a healthcare professional for a complete assessment of your risks.

Meditation also helps

Get medical check-up done at regular intervals to avoid heart attack

Page 32: Exceptional & Fascinating

A nice cup of tea

General

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Tea is the most popular drink in the world, next to water. Every year an astronomical 768,500,000,000 cups of it are consumed around the globe and Britain, famous for the custom of afternoon tea, holds the global record as the largest importer of tea. The tea plant, botanically known as Camellia Sinensis, is a hardy evergreen with fragrant white flowers, and is believed to have originated in the wild, mountainous region where Burma, China and India meet. The infusion of the tender leaves and buds of a once wild tree, when dried and fermented, and steeped in boiling water, produce that aromatic, slightly bitter drink referred to as tea. Such an infusion has had the most profound influence for centuries on the economy of tea producing, trading and drinking countries. The tea trade has caused wars and provoked the independence of the United States. In fact its historic origins and fascinating associations are as rich as the saga of civilisation itself.

Legend has it that the Emperor Shen-Nung discovered tea in China in 2737 B.C. A firm believer in hygienic precautions, he always had his drinking water boiled. One day, while out on a hunting trip, the servant boiling the Emperor's water allowed a few leaves from a neighbouring bush to fall in. The leaves imparted to the water such an exquisitely delicate aroma that the Emperor was tempted to sip it. Feeling refreshed and invigorated, he introduced the beverage to his court. Tea had been 'discovered'.

The custom of infusion of the tea leaf was adopted from China by the Japanese around 1,000 A.D. and had a profound influence on both their philosophy and daily manners. The 'way of tea', the Chado, evolved from the inspiration of Zen Buddhism towards a striving for the recognition of spiritual beauty in plainness and simplicity. A typical Chanoyo or tea ceremony is still held in a specially

constructed Tea House, comprising a tea room, a preparation room, and a waiting room. The entire ceremony is carried out to observe strict etiquette, humility, even economy of movement, in an attempt to harmonise with the simplicity and beauty of nature.

Tea was first imported to Britain in 1610, tea parties becoming an occasion to indulge in gossip and scandal. It was also an excuse to be seen posing in the latest fashions, and for the host or hostess to display considerable wealth with all their tea drinking accoutrements.

Tea even played a major role in warfare. The infamous Boston Tea Party of 1773 served as the catalyst for the American War of Independence. Enraged by the imposition of new colonial taxes from England, American nationalists emptied crates of tea into the sea.

Mass cultivation of tea in India began in 1823. The plant excels in the foothills of the Himalayas, where it produces what is recognised today as the 'champagne' of teas, Darjeeling. Colonial connections ensured the planting of tea bushes in Sri Lanka, East Africa and the Far East too. Tea even influenced the history of art. When the French Impressionists of the late 19th century saw the discarded printing roughs of master Japanese artists like Hokusai, which were used to line tea chests from Japan, they were so bowled over by the revolutionary design concepts, that they incorporated them into their own work.

Today, world tea production amounts to around 2,340 billion kilos per year. India holds the number one position with a yearly output of approximately 675,000 million kilos. China comes second, contributing 22% of world tea output. Other notable nations in the tea stakes include Sri Lanka, Kenya, Indonesia, Turkey and Japan.

Tea is the most popular drink in the world

Article by: Juliet Highet Image source: Gallo Images / Getty Images

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Page 34: Exceptional & Fascinating

Fine tea is highly influenced in its character, flavour and bouquet by environmental factors such as climate, soil and altitude. It requires both plenty of sunshine and ample rain for growth, while the relative coolness of tropical highland areas produces aromatic teas full of distinctive flavour. In broad terms, there are four types of tea, each of which is produced by a different processing method. The first is Black Tea - a fully fermented variety, sometimes referred to as Ceylon or English tea. The fermentation process brings out its flavour and robust or 'brisk' characteristics. Then there is Green Tea - an unfermented tea which is steamed and fired after plucking. When brewed, the leaves turn a light green colour and have a slightly tangy taste. Teas from Japan and South America are often green. Third comes Oolong or Ou-long Tea, also known as the Black Dragon. This is a semi-fermented variety that is withered in the sun, rolled lightly until it turns red, and then fired. Many Chinese teas are produced using this method; and Taiwan is noted for its "chestnut" oolongs. Last come the herbal teas, which are usually only dried, and often used for therapeutic purposes. The herb Comfrey, for instance, helps to set fractures and clear infection, and when it was made into a tea at the time of the Crusades, it was known as "Knitbone". Cola tea is still used by the Mayan descendants of Peru to combat altitude sickness.

Propagation of tea plants begins with careful selection of cuttings, which are rooted and then nurtured in shaded nurseries. After about a year, when the young plants are about 46cm tall, they are transplanted to the field. Then for the next three to five years, the little tea bushes are constantly pruned into shape to form a 'table' for picking. When mature, at five years, the bushes are picked about every 15 days, the growth of a new leaf being called a 'flush'. At six monthly intervals the plantations are fertilised - by helicopter nowadays. A tea bush has a productive life of about a century.

The sacks of plucked leaves are first checked for quality, then weighed and transported to the factory for processing. Then they are withered, rolled, fermented, dried and sorted. And before the final packing stage, the tea must be tasted, to monitor and judge the characteristics of the tea manufactured that day. You too can become a connoisseur and make a perfect 'cuppa'. Though, mind you - tastes differ - Tibetans like their tea served with rancid yak butter. In all the best souks of the Middle East and north Africa, shopping would not be the same without an encouraging cup of tea with pine kernels in it; and in many homes in that region, a visitor is welcomed with cold mint tea and pastries. It's worth searching out the specialist brands to enjoy not just a nice, but a perfect cup of tea.

Tea is the most popular drink in the world, next to water

Tea-picking in the lush tea gardens

Page 35: Exceptional & Fascinating
Page 36: Exceptional & Fascinating

Learn to manage your time wellEvery organisation will reap beneficial results if it helps employees in this essential task of using time well

Business Traveller

Time management is based on the principle that you have your choice over what you do, when to do what, and how much time is to be allocated to each task with all tasks not being equally important. This will make every moment count and more useful. The ability to work faster and get more done in less time is a skill to be developed

But the paucity of time is a constant fear chasing many of us. For not only is it intangible but also notoriously evasive. No matter how hard one tries, time is never enough. Thus it

is true to its ephemeral nature and makes us subservient to it,

especially at the workplace.

Caught in the whirlwind of work, swamped by impossible

deadlines, and countless presentations, the ever diligent

employee is short of time, even for a gasp of air. So are students

who feel they have no time for studies but the fact is that all

have enough time; they just need to know how to manage

time well.

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Managing your time well will help you reap rich rewards

Image source: Gallo Images / Getty Images

Page 37: Exceptional & Fascinating
Page 38: Exceptional & Fascinating

Every organisation will reap beneficial results if it helps employees in this essential task of using time well. Organisations need to propagate tools for effective time management. Employees will then be able to develop strategic methods of work, streamlining activities such that they become more productive, and more competent, adapting to change without procrastination. Thus working at a steady yet prolific pace they can meet the demands of their jobs. The employee will understand the nuances of time management and better his performance owing to the clarity and organised method of work that comes with better planning. Imparting tools of time management will help the employee by assisting him in making the best possible use of the scarce resource, i.e. not piling up work but allocating and doing the right thing at the right time. An employee can manage time efficiently provided he learns to:

prioritise: The employee must realise that to simply fill up one's time with work that is piling up everywhere is a futile exercise. Prioritising is critical. This is possible only if his tasks are clearly defined and goals set. Tasks can be ranked in order of urgency and importance. Management gurus categorise goals as short term and long term. Employees are so lost in everyday trivia that long term goals are often

dumped in oblivion. A ‘to do’ list, with prioritised goals will help save a lot of time.

Schedule: Deadlines and time frames for work help employees organise their work efficiently. However, one has to be careful while setting deadlines. Over ambitious goals and overloading of employees will prove counterproductive. Hence an estimate of the quantum and time required to complete it must be made. In short, the tasks and deadlines must be realistic.

Gain clarity: Often delays in delivery occur as the employee, especially new recruits are unclear about operational methods, or lack the information and skills to accomplish the job. Adequate training, instruction and orientation are imperative.

A brief with well articulated instructions about the procedure, purpose and significance of a task helps

the employee perform as per expectations without wasting precious time.

To further help employees use their time better, one can provide the requisite infrastructure and technical tools like appropriate software. When faced with the paucity of time, employees should have the liberty to seek advice from seniors.

Time managed well, gives clarity of purpose and yields right action.

Some important hints to ‘save’ time are: Set your goals high. Let them be challenging but feasible and time-bound.

Enjoy your work. That makes you work hard.

Become more active physically and mentally.

Be organised and plan your work in advance.

Avoid stress; be relaxed; Practice yoga and other relaxation techniques.

Get up an hour early.

Learn to say “NO” to time wasters. Avoid unnecessary chatting; minimise phone calls.

Break complex jobs into easier and manageable parts.

Make your environment comfortable and pleasant to work in

Being busy does not tire you. It keeps you mentally active.

Time management is based on the principle that you have your choice over what you do, when to do what, and how much time is to be allocated to each task

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Learning to manage your time is essential for success

Page 39: Exceptional & Fascinating
Page 40: Exceptional & Fascinating

They have all the ingredients of a thriller. Adventure, a hint of danger and loads of excitement. The thrill of adventure sports lies in its unpredictability, so it’s not surprising why there are not many takers. But the situation is fact changing and adventure sports as a concept is fast catching up around the world.

Sports like paragliding, parajumping, paratrooping and scuba diving are the latest craze but one sport which was hardly talked about is being given some attention at least in some pockets of the world. It is the sport of cave exploration.

One of the hottest destinations for cavers in this part of the world is right here in Oman. Oman is bestowed with a range of mountains and caves are often found in the mountains. And there is no dearth of caves in Oman's mountains.

Caving or spelunking is the recreational sport of exploring caves. The challenges of the sport depend on the cave being visited, but often include the negotiation of pitches,

squeezes, and water (though actual cave diving is a separate sub-specialty undertaken only by very few cavers). Climbing or crawling is often necessary, and ropes are used extensively for safety of the negotiation of particularly steep or slippery passages.

Caving is often undertaken for the enjoyment of the activity or for physical exercise, as well as original exploration, similar to mountaineering or diving. Physical or biological science is also an important goal for some cavers.

Caves have been explored out of necessity (for shelter from the elements or from enemies), out of curiosity or for mystical reasons for thousands of years. However, only in the last century or two has the activity developed into a sophisticated, athletic pastime. In recent decades caving has changed considerably due to the availability of modern protective wear and equipment.

40

Sports

The thrill of cave explorationDescribed by National Geographic magazine as one of the top adventures in the world, caving, has become extremely popular with tourists.

They have all the ingredients of a thriller. Adventure, a hint of danger and loads of excitement

Image source: Gallo Images / Getty Images

Page 41: Exceptional & Fascinating

As in all physical sports, knowing one's limitations is key. Many cave environments are very fragile. Many speleothems can be damaged by even the slightest touch and some by impact as slight as a breath.

Pollution is also of concern. Since water that flows through a cave eventually comes out in streams and rivers, any pollution may ultimately end up in someone’s drinking water, and can even seriously affect the surface environment, as well. Even minor pollution such as dropping organic material can have a dramatic effect on the cave biota.

Cave-dwelling species are also very fragile, and often, a particular species found in a cave may live within that cave alone, and be found nowhere else in the world.

Caves in Oman are given a set of grades, which apply to the normal route to reach the deepest point of the cave. The first grade represents easy to traverse caves while moderate caves are denoted as second grade. Caves which have at least some slight hazard are graded as three. Grade four represents caves which pose some hazard or have large underground pitches. The highest grade (five) are taken by those which have difficult sections or large and wet underground pitches.

The first ever cave to be developed for tourism purposes in Oman is the Al Hooti cave and tourists can just walk in to experience the natural wonders.

Another major cave system, Majlis Al Jinn (The Meeting Room of the Spirits), now the largest known subterranean chamber in Arabia and probably the second largest in the world, has all the ingredients for cave exploration. The dimensions of Majlis Al Jinn are staggering. Some 340 meters long and 228 meters wide, with a ceiling height of 120 meters (389 feet), it

is roomy enough to hold more than a dozen new Boeing 747's, parked wingtip to wingtip. It was discovered by Don Davison, an American h y d r o g e o l o g i s t mapping the limestone plateau of Sharqiyah for the then Public Authority for Water Resources, in 1983.

To enter this cave, one must initially be lowered down on a free-hanging rappel. There are two drops into the chamber.

This is an extremely difficult cave to negotiate, and it is important that the expedition is not undertaken lightly and without professional guidance. If you are caving, do not forget your equipment. You will need:• Two heavy-duty flashlights - replace the batteries before

your trip and ensure the torches are in perfect working order

• Extrabatteriesandbulbs• Climbinghelmet• Plentyofwaterandhigh-carbohydratesnacks• Goodhikingbootsandlight-weightclimbingclothing.

Many caves in Oman are, essentially, underground wadis. Do not attempt any cave exploration if you suspect it may rain, or if it has recently rained in the area. Flash floods can be fatal.

Caving is often undertaken for the enjoyment of the activity or for physical exercise, as well as original exploration, similar to mountaineering or diving

Caves provide a breathtaking peek into the past

Majlis Al Jinn is one of the major caves found in Oman

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FASCINATING FACTS•RayTomlinsonsenttheworld’sfirsteveremail

to another computer in the same room in Cambridge, uSA.

•Ironaccountsfor35percentoftheEarth’scomposition?

•Wormsareemployedtoturnorganicgarbageinto ‘vermicompost.’

•Highesttemperatureeverrecordedwas57.7°Cat Al Aziziyah, Libya on September 13, 1922.

•Vatican,theindependentpapalstateisnotamember of united Nations.

•Theelectriccatfishcanproduceashockofover100 volts.

•Ahummingbirdmaybeabletohoverinoneplace for up to an hour.

Fun Corner

QuOTABLE QuOTES• If you have been betrayed from behind the scene,

then you should be proud because you are the only one who is in front.

• People feel small in the presence of some of the great personalities, yet the greatest is the one who lets all around him feel great as well.

• Be as cheerful when getting out as you are when you are coming in.

• Don't be a critic to your wife's taste, she is the one who selected you in the first place.

• Dive with the shark but beware not to be swallowed.

• Don't argue with an ignorant for it will be hard for people to differentiate between you.

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HuMOuRA pick pocket was up in court for a series of petty crimes. The judge said, “Mr. Banks you are hereby fined $100.”The lawyer stood up and said “Thanks, sir, however my client only has $75 on him at this time, But if you’d allow him a few minutes in the crowd he will gather all the required fine.”

A university committee was selecting a new dean. They had narrowed the candidates down to a mathematician, an economist and a lawyer.Each was asked this question during their interview: “How much is two plus two?”The mathematician answered immediately, “Four.”The economist thought for several minutes and finally answered, “Four, plus or minus one.”Finally the lawyer stood up, peered around the room and motioned silently for the committee members to gather close to him. In a low tone, he replied, “How much do you want it to be?”

Vatican

Hummingbird

Page 43: Exceptional & Fascinating

January

Jan:7-9 Mumbai International Book Fair, India. A wide range of high-profile works and new editions are on sale at the Bandra Kurla Complex during the Mumbai International Book Fair. The event also offers rare, antiquarian and secondhand books, maps and prints, magazines and computer software.

Jan:15-18 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. The immaculate green course at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton is the setting for the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. The tournament has a US$2-million prize.

Jan:21-24 Qatar Masters, Doha. The PGA European Tour visits the Persian Gulf for the Qatar Masters. While the tournament is growing in importance every year, few of Europe's big guns make the trip, providing the perfect opportunity for up-and-coming players to make their mark and win US$2.5 million.

Jan:15 - Feb:15 Dubai Shopping festival, Dubai. More than two million visitors attend the Dubai Shopping Festival each year, with retail spending totalling in excess of US$1 billion. The event is enlivened with international theatre and street performances, fashion shows, nightly fireworks and laser shows, prize draws (with booty such as luxury cars and gold), film festivals, children's events and handicraft shows.

Jan:21 - Feb:22 Cairo International Book Fair, Cairo. This is one of the leading cultural activities in the Middle East and, with over 3000 exhibitors and three million international visitors per year, the biggest in the world after Frankfurt.

Jan:31 - Feb:3 India International Leather Fair, Chennai’s Trade Centre hosts this fair, offering everything from personal goods to the products needed to create them in the first place (including chemicals, machines and dyes).

February

Feb:12-14 Bahrain International Garden Show. The Bahrain International Exhibition Centre fills with all the trimmings that make up an impressive-looking garden. The International Garden Show includes conferences, workshops, live shows, a themed carnival which tours the city and various competitions that encourage preservation of the environment.

Feb:17-19 Oman Travel Mart. In its 6th successive year OTM is a must attend annual event which presents a diverse range of destinations to Omani travellers. OTM provides an excellent opportunity for the global travel & tourism industry to meet, network, negotiate & conduct business at one of the fastest growing markets in the Middle East.

Feb Class I Powerboat Races, Doha. Every year, the stretch of water along the Doha Corniche in Qatar is the location for one of the eight races that make up this Class 1 offshore powerboat competition. The boats reach speeds in excess of 160mph, giving both drivers and spectators an adrenaline-filled day.

Feb Doha Cultural Festival. Held at venues throughout Doha, including the Visual Arts Centre, Alwaseel auditorium - Ritz Carlton, the city centre and a number of shopping malls, the annual cultural festival brings together theatre, poetry, music, dance, exhibitions, lectures and much more.

International Events

COuNTRY LANDMARKThe Royal Automobile Museum, JordanThe Museum is home to a collection of cars and motorcycles owned by His Majesty King Hussein (1935-1999). The museum uses the cars to tell fragments of the history of modern Jordan. Some of the cars and the photos that act as their background date back to the Great Arab Revolt. The museum encompasses five sections. The Entrance Walk orients the visitor on what is in store in the museum and gives an overview of Amman under different rulers. The Royal Room presents a snapshot of the political and official events. Cars displayed represent King Abdullah I, King Hussein while they were students, and other cars of Jordanian historical significance. One of the interesting exhibits is the Mercedes Benz 600 that carried King Hussein in his last return to the country. The Round Room has the ‘Red Motorcade’ with a three-dimensional diorama of Amman depicting motorcades for King Hussein either with dignitaries or on special occasions, through Amman in the 1960s and 70s. Then there is the Classic and Sports Car Hall which is devoted to several of the classic American cars that King Hussein collected, as well as the racing and sports cars which he used in different races. The Rally Room showcases a rally in motion using some of His Majesty’s King Abdulla II's rally cars.

The museum is open to the public on all days (including national holidays), except Tuesday, from 10am to 7pm. For more information, visit www.Royalautomuseum.jo

CuLTuRAL FESTIVALThe Hala February festival, KuwaitThe Hala February in Kuwait is a yearly event that is celebrated during the spring season. On your visit to Kuwait during the springtime, you can see the scorched sands of the desert turning into a land of magical lush greenery swathed with blossoming and vibrant flora. Musical concerts play an important part at the festival.The 2008 edition was held on Feb 15 and the organisers have yet to announce the exact date for the 2009 edition. Since the festival started in 1999, there have been some new activities added every year. The 2009 edition will have competitions and prizes and the ceremony will conclude with fireworks. It is an occasion to splurge as great discounts are offered at many malls.The arrival of migratory birds and seasonal animals during this time adds further colour, elegance and beauty to the desert. Springtime is the tourist season in Kuwait when visitors are especially welcomed for a month long celebration, a cultural and entertainment extravaganza.

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Tech Capsule

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Asus Eee pC S101 notebookThe Asus Eee PC S101, an ultra-thin 10.2-inch netbook, features the Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, and hybrid storage that consists of a 16GB solid state drive and 30GB HDD. The S101 is 0.75-inches thin and weighs 2.3 pounds. The mate display has a resolution of 1024-by-600 pixels and uses LED backlight. Asustek’s mini-laptop also includes a web camera, 802.11n wireless module, Bluetooth, multi-card reader and multi-touch trackpad.

Rumble blasterFans of Nintendo’s Wii gaming system are mostly drawn to the console's Wiimotes, a set of controllers that translate physical motion — slashing, jabbing, swinging — into on-screen action. Unfortunately, most of the games involve guns and golf clubs often get short shrift.

The Rumble Blaster, however, turns your entire Wii controller into a two-handed gun system with realistic rumble action.

The kit snaps onto the Wii's remote control and "nunchuck" control and can be used separately as two pistols or together as a riflelike combination. An LED lights up when you fire, and the controller is compatible with most Wii shooting games.

ECO ShowerdropThere are many useful ways to conserve water. The ECO Showerdrop from Product Creation bills itself as the world's first low-cost, universal shower meter.

The company, based in Britain, uses a numerical display to show how many litres of water you've used and how much time you've spent in the shower.

The shower meter also comes with a man-shaped icon that displays the volume of water recommended for a shower (as suggested by British water authorities). When the icon indicates you've used 35 litres, a buzzer sounds for five seconds. The meter continues to measure water use up to 99 litres.

Leapfrog’s Crammer Study and Sound System

This is a pocket-size device that displays flashcards you download straight from your Mac or PC.

Sleek and powerful for studying on the go, the Crammer handheld comes with a powerful flash-card creation engine and access to over 16,000 quiz questions, and it is a fully functional digital music player.

Study what you need to know most by going online to create digital flash cards you can download to your Crammer handheld. Download more than 1,000 3rd through 8th grade math, science, social studies and language arts quizzes.

Veho’s VMS- 001 uSB Microscope

Of course the old microscope kit would get an upgrade. What used to be the prize of any science-obsessed schoolchild is now a more compact, digitally enabled magnifier.

The VMS-001 USB-powered microscope by Veho lets you see an object 20 to 200 times larger. It comes with an internal white LED to better help you home in on the details and software (which requires Microsoft Windows) so you can convert the images into photos and videos for viewing on your desktop.

GoStudio fromBelkinThe GoStudio is compact, portable, and sturdy enough to stand up to the rigours of a mobile digital lifestyle. Designed for a wide range of users from podcasters to students, teachers to journalists, its shape offers easy access to the controls and simplifies the audio recording process. The iPod docking cradle keeps your iPod secured in a position that allows convenient and comfortable access.

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Kiddies' Corner

Little Hassan was busy playing with his cars and vans. His mother kept on calling him for dinner but Hassan could hardly hear anything, so engrossed was he in his world of wheels. Cars and automobiles always fascinated Hassan. He would play with them for hours without giving much thought to other activities.And then he would start breaking up the parts of the vehicles. He loved opening up the toys to see how they were set. He would take hours to detach them and then would patiently join them. Everybody at home used to get angry at Hassan for doing this. “Why do you do this Hassan,” his mother would often ask to which he had no answer. Hassan had many friends but they all laughed at him for doing this. “Why do you waste so much time doing this?” they often asked. Hassan could never explain the satisfaction he got in separating and then joining the tiny parts of the car.Years rolled by and his love for cars and its parts grew with time. Hassan pursued his dreams and became an automobile engineer. His inventive and inquiring mind helped him excel in his profession. He did a lot of research on design, development, manufacture and maintenance of vehicles and their components.But Hassan wanted to do something different. And he worked day and night for this. It was his dream come true when he designed a unique eco-friendly hybrid car. Soon he became famous for his remarkable achievements. His parents were very proud of him. And his friends, those who once used to make fun of him, realised what living one's dream truly was.

Engineering a dream

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Welcome to

Oman

OMAN BECKONS We extend to you a warm welcome to Oman, a country where hospitality is legendary. The Sultanate of Oman is located on the south-eastern shores of Arabia and covers 309,500 sq. kms. Flanked to the north-west by the United Arab Emirates, to the West by Saudi Arabia, and to the south-west by the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen, Oman is divided into 9 administrative regions: Muscat, Al Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, Al Wusta, Al Sharqiyah, Al Dhahirah, Musandam, Dhofar and Al Buraimi. Mythical home of Sindbad the Sailor and dubbed as the Gulf’s favourite getaway, Oman delights with its blend of modern elegance and the historic charm of a sea-faring nation. A nation of warm people, Oman is emerging as a favourite haunt for tourists.

ECO-TOuRISM/WILDLIFE With eco-tourism catching up fast all over the world, Oman has its own share. The Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve is known for turtle nesting beaches while the oryx is found in its natural habitat at the Haylat Jaaluni. The Arabian Oryx Sanctuary was established in 1994 to help protect the oryx and to conserve desert habitat and threatened species. The Al Saleel Park is a nature reserve located in the town of Al Kamil wal-Wafi, in the interior of Oman, and was established to protect gazelles and plantations of Samr and Ghaf trees (Acacia tortilis and Cineraria). Beaches like Qantab, Shatti Qurum, Azaiba, Shatti Bahja and Sawadi beach offer quiet retreats.

HERITAGE Forts: Oman’s strikingly beautiful landscape is punctuated with several impressive forts, castles and watch towers. Dotted throughout Oman, these edifices add a picturesque element to the country’s landscape. Aflaj: It is the splendidly-engineered aflaj, the system of underground and surface canals, that have watered the country’s agriculture for millennia, which will astound visitors. These aflaj still course like arteries beneath the hills and plains of Oman, twisting along precipitous cliffs and threading villages and date-palm groves, bringing to the parched land water and coolness and life itself.

CuLTuRE The Omani culture has its roots firmly in the Islamic religion. Hospitality is legendary as any visitor to homes is offered kahwa and dates. The bukhoor which perfumes the house is usually burned in a mabkhara, traditional incense burner. It is traditional in Oman to pass bukhoor amongst the guests in the Majlis, this is done as a gesture of hospitality. Oman is permeated with frankincense. Government buildings are perfumed daily, even the elevators. The annual Muscat Festival, held during the early months of the year, is a celebration of the cultural heritage of Oman. Another period of festivity is the Salalah Tourism Festival, starting from mid-July till the end of August. The National Day, celebrated on November 18, is also a day to rejoice.

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OMAN - AT A GLANCECApITAL: MuscatAREA: 309,500 sq. kms.TIME: GMT +4 hoursLANGuAGE: Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken.CuRRENCY: OR = Omani RialExchange rate: One US Dollar = 0.384 ORVISAS: Single entry visit visa, Multiple entry visa, Express visaELECTRICITY: 220/380 voltsHOuRS OF WORK/BuSINESS: Government departments are open from 0730 – 1430 hrs and closed on Thursdays and Fridays.Private sector offices are open 0800 – 1300 and from 1600 – 1900 (except on Thursdays, till 1400 hrs), closed on Fridays.CLIMATE: The hottest months are May through August. The summer monsoon just touches the southern coast of Dhofar during these months bringing regular light rain to Salalah and reducing the average daytime highs to 25°C.The most pleasant months to visit Oman are mid October through March when daytime temperatures fall into the lower 30s and below.AIRpORT: Muscat International Airport is the main airport. Salalah also has an international airport. There are domestic airports at Sur, Masirah Island and Khasab (Musandam).

INFORMATIONMinistry of Tourism, P.O. Box 200, P. C. 115, Madinat Al-Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Sultanate of OmanTel: +968 24588700, Call Centre: +968 80077799Fax: +968 24588818Website: www.omantourism.gov.omE-mail: [email protected]

LEISuRE/ENTERTAINMENT Shopping: Oman is a great place for shopping as it blends the new and the old. The snazziest shopping malls stand alongside the wonderfully quaint traditional markets like the Muttrah Souk, Nizwa Souk, Haffa Souk in Salalah and Sinaw Souk. Malls include Al Araimi Complex, Al Harthy Complex, Al Khamis Plaza, Al Masa Mall, Al Sarooj Complex, Al Wadi Commercial Centre, Capital Commercial Centre, Centrepoint, Jawaharat A’Shatti Mall - new, LuLu Hypermarket, Markaz Al Bahja, Muscat City Centre, Sabco Centre, among others.Hotels: Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Hotel, Muscat InterContinental Hotel, The Chedi, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, The Grand Hyatt, Hilton Salalah Resort, Al Nahda Resort & Spa, Crowne Plaza Resort – Salalah, Crowne Plaza Muscat, Corel Hotel Muscat, Radisson SAS, Ramee Guestline Hotel, Al Sawadi Beach Resort, Golden Tulip Hotel – Nizwa, Safeer International Hotel, Safeer Continental Hotel, Sur Plaza Hotel, Al Buraimi Hotel, Al Qurum Resort, Hotel Muscat Holiday, Majan Continental Hotel, Ruwi Hotel, Ramada Qurum Beach, Golden Tulip Hotel – Seeb, Golden Tulip Resort - Khasab, Sheraton Oman Hotel, Al Falaj Hotel, Sohar Beach Hotel. Museums: Bait Adam, Bait Al Baranda, Bait Al Muzna Gallery, Bait Al Zubair, Children’s Museum, Currency Museum, Frankincense Land Museum, Muscat Gate Museum, Nakhal Fort Museum, National Museum, Natural History Museum, Planetarium, Omani Heritage Museum, Oman – French Museum, Salalah Museum, Sayyid Faisal bin Ali Museum, Sultan Armed Forces MuseumCinemas: Al Nasr Cinema, Ruwi Cinema, Star Cinema, Al Shatti Cinema, Al Bahja Cinema, Al Wafi Plaza (Sur)Dive Centres: Oman Dive Centre, Bluezone Water Sports, Marina Bander Al Rowdha

VISAS For detailed information on visa requirements, log on to http://www.rop.gov.om/english/dg_passport_visas.asp

IMpORTANT NuMBERSOmantel Enquiry 1318Talking pages 24600100Emergency 9999Dialling Code +968

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