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Oman’s MangrovesProviding balanced ecosystem
Sylvan settings 28 30 34Symptoms
of anxiety attack
Douse those temper tantrums
24A slice of heritage
YOur Free COPY Volume 2 - 2009
www.omanair.aero
18Bahrain:Isle in the Gulf
With the world financial markets in turmoil and depressing results being reported by so many of the world’s airlines, it's encouraging to record a 31% increase in passengers carried on Oman Air services in 2008 over 2007. To you, our customers and especially to all of our Sindbad Frequent Flyer members, we would like to express our sincere thanks for your support over the past year.
Looking forward to 2009, we have many exciting developments happening in the months ahead. May will see the introduction of the Airbus A330-200 into our fleet fitted with lie flat seats in Business Class and a personal TV in every seat, featuring the latest blockbuster movies and video games. These aircraft will be deployed on our services to Bangkok and London. Major changes are being made to our flight schedules with the introduction of our Summer Timetable, which will provide many benefits to commuters within the Gulf Region, as well as better connectivity throughout our network via our Muscat hub.
We are working very closely with the tourism authorities in both Oman and the GCC, to promote both inbound and outbound regional travel. This leads nicely into our focus on how Oman’s natural resources provide compelling reasons for the visitor to explore the many attractions outside of the capital Muscat.
In this issue of Wings of Oman, you can read about Oman’s mangroves and how they are an integral part of the delicate ecosystem and most importantly how this dwindling resource is preserved and nurtured. Taking you on a journey back in time is our article on Bait Al Safah in Al Hamra, which is indeed very interesting. A place well worth a visit, where time seems to have frozen in a bygone era. To satisfy that adventure spirit in you, try a visit to Wakan, a picturesque hamlet that is also a trekker’s delight set a little away from Barka in our very own capital, Muscat. Read about it in our “Hideaway” section for descriptive details and information.
Known the world over for its thriving pearl industry, the Kingdom of Bahrain is a cosmopolitan wonder that has kept its traditions intact. For those who want a quick rejuvenating break, Bahrain is an ideal getaway. Read more about it in this issue.
Stress and strain have become part of our daily routine. How do we check its toll on our health? A report on the symptoms of anxiety attack in our “Health and Fitness” section should throw more light on this.
When we talk of stress and strain, can temper be far behind? Of course not! But temper tantrums in children should be nipped in the bud. The article titled “Douse those temper tantrums” will help you cope with your child’s outbursts.
Business leaders know it very well – the ability to build trust. Just to make sure you have all the points right, read this article in our “Business Traveller” section.
Last but not the least: did you know that Oman is all set to become a major player as a golf destination on the regional circuit? Read our report “Ready to tee off” and learn more.
Sit back and enjoy your flight with Oman Air.
Peter HillChief Executive Officer
3
MarhabaMarhaba
18 18Bahrain is a place for
those who wish to explore the delightful
mystique and rich culture of the true Arabia
Isle in the Gulf
28Wakan is moored on
the top of a rocky spur, well above the dusty bowls of Wadi Mistal
in Nakhl
Sylvan settings
12Cover Story
24A stroll inside Bait Al Safah in Al Hamra is like taking a walk down the centuries
A slice of heritage
Contents
Oman’s Mangroves
28
24
4
Providing balanced ecosystem
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]
34
38
40
30Fear, worry and
apprehension can be caused by many
events
Symptoms of anxiety attack
34Some tips to help control the temper of children
Douse those temper tantrums
38
40Oman is all set to become a major golf destination in the region
ready to tee off
30
Contents
To be a leader, build trust
Managers must strike the right balance between managerial
skills and leadership traits to pursue a successful career
6
8
News
The final draw of the 'Fly Free to London' campaign was held at the Oman Air Head office. The Chief Guest for the occasion was HE Said Hamdoon Al Harthy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications for Ports and Maritime Affairs. The 'Fly Free to London' campaign was launched on 16th September, 2008. Bringing desires to reality, the airline offered an opportunity for the residents of Oman to fly free to London. With this final draw, a total of 18 free tickets were given away to the winners.
The Final Lot Of Fly Free To London Winners Announced
The Ministry of Tourism and Oman Air will kick off their
largest ever marketing campaign in the GCC on 22nd
February, 2009. Running for four months, the campaign is
a joint initiative by the Ministry of Tourism, Oman Air and is
supported by Oman’s major hotels and resorts.
The GCC is Oman’s largest tourism market that has seen
significant growth in visitor arrivals by both air and road in
recent years.
Between 22nd February and 4th March, the Ministry of
Tourism, Oman Air, and major hotels will run trade briefings in
all GCC markets.
Campaign partners
include Shangri-La’s Barr
Al Jissah Resort and
Spa, Al Bustan Palace
Hotel, Crowne Plaza
(Muscat and Salalah),
Inter Continental
Muscat, Grand Hyatt,
The Chedi, Radisson SAS,
Park Inn, Al Nahda Resort and Spa, Golden Tulip Resorts and
Salalah Hilton.
Oman Launches Biggest GCC Marketing Campaign
Oman Air has recorded a considerable increase in the
volume of passengers travelling with 1,984,853 passengers
registered in 2008 as against the 1,513,071 of the previous
year. This represents a 31% increase achieved during
difficult trading conditions and reflects well on the
current strategies adopted by major stakeholders within
the Sultanate. The carrier has recorded strong growth
on Saudi Arabian routes with both Jeddah and Riyadh
reflecting triple digit increases of passenger percentage
numbers. Amman, Beirut, Dubai and Kuwait have also
grown considerably with future plans to add extra services
to cater to the growing demand.
Oman Air records Increased Passenger uplift
News
Oman Air is pleased to welcome Joy Alukkas as the most
recent partner of ‘Sindbad’, Oman Air’s Frequent Flyer
programme.
With this partnership, Sindbad members can earn
valuable Sindbad miles with purchases of Gold and
Diamond Jewellery across all Joy Alukkas outlets in the
GCC.
Joy Alukkas Group, a winner of the RetailMe Best Retailer
of the Year (Middle East) Award has its presence in nine
countries around the world across the GCC, India and
London. They are the only jeweller to be conferred the ISO
9001 and 14001 for the Middle East and India.
With over 70 jewellery showrooms around the world
including the world's biggest jewellery showroom located
in Chennai – India, Joy Alukkas offers a wide range
of choice in contemporary, ethno-contemporary and
traditional jewellery and assures the highest standards in
quality and service across all their outlets.
Oman Air expands Sindbad Frequent Flyer Partnerships
Oman Air has appointed Red Sea Aviation as its new General
Sales Agent for Egypt. With Oman Air's daily direct flights to
Cairo, there has been a marked increase in the number of
passengers travelling to Cairo from Oman. Red Sea Aviation
is a tour operator and travel agency established in 1993.
Their long-standing reputation combined with their sterling
performance in tourism and travel business will not only allow
Oman Air to sell airline seats but also to package attractive
holiday offerings. Red Sea Aviation has extensive network of
branch offices in cities such as Cairo, Maadi and Alexandria
and representative offices in Aswan, Luxor, Sharm Al Sheikh
and Hurghada.
Oman Air appoints new GSA for egypt
The dense mangrove forests stood
like a wall to save coastal communities
living behind them in several pockets
of the world when Tsunami struck. That
is the power of wetlands. Wetlands are
supposed to be the most productive
of all the ecosystems in the world. And
mangroves top the list of productive
wetlands - both in terms of direct and
indirect benefits and economic value.
Mangroves provide protection from
erosion and wind, and prevent saltwater
from surging inland.
Oman’s MangrovesMangroves provide protection from erosion and wind, and prevent saltwater from surging inland
Cover Story
12
Saving the coastal ecosystem
Image source: Naser Al Azri Khamis Al Moharbi
14
Oman is blessed with some pockets of mangrove forests, the
evergreen trees that grow in salty water of tidal zones that are
not only pleasing to the eyes but also a source of innumerable
benefits. Considering the importance of mangroves to the
environment, the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and
Environment (MRME) has launched an ambitious plan to
enhance its existing mangrove forests and to create new
forests along the vast 1,700-km long coastline, where dens of
mangrove forests existed in the past.
The mangrove afforestation programme is among the
most important environmental projects and covers more
than 300 Khawrs (salty creeks) along the long coastline of the
Sultanate.
The most famous mangroves in Oman are situated near the
beach below the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Qurum. Little wonder
the plush locality Qurum takes its name from the arabic word
for mangrove, qurum.
Presently, only one species of mangrove, Avicennia Marina,
grows in the country. It is also the main mangrove species
growing in the coasts of the Arabian Gulf and of the Red Sea.
Growing to a height of five to eight metres, mangroves are
among the most productive ecosystems in the world. Pollen
records show that another genus, Rhizophora, was present over
5,000 years ago, when the region was less hyper-arid. Today the
resilient Avicennia Marina grows to around four or five metres in
Oman, although in extremely saline habitat, growth is stunted.
One study of the mangroves in Qurum suggests that, contrary
to prevailing trends elsewhere, tree cover has increased over
time, with an eightfold increase in tree cover during the period
1966 to 2006 in the so-called East Channel.
The Qurum Reserve contains an important site where pre-
historic fishermen exploited the mangrove resources more
than 7,000 years ago.
The average tree height in the reserve varies between 2.0
and 5.3 metres and in Mahout between 1.7 to 8 metre, and
2.8 and 6.5 metres in Shinas. The flat sandy island of Mahout,
located about 400 km south of Muscat, is significant not only
because of its luxuriant development of mangroves but also
the Sultanate’s shrimp fishery centre exists in this area.
Oman is blessed with some pockets of mangrove forests, the evergreen trees that grow in salty water
Mangroves protect biodiversity
It is estimated that a further 3500-4000 ha remains along
the Arabian Gulf coasts of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and UAE. This
figure is declining all the time, as rapid development threatens
increasingly isolated mangrove stands. Along the Oman
coast, just over 1000 ha of mangrove remain, including which
straddles the Oman/UAE border. There are few remaining
mangrove dens on the Yemen coast of the Arabian Sea and
the entire eastern shoreline of the Arabian region therefore
hosts very restricted mangrove habitats.
Mangroves in the Qurum Reserve and Mahout are nursery
grounds for juveniles of many fish, including mullet, milkfish,
croakers, snappers, cragnids and seabream, according to
studies conducted by environmental experts of MRME. Oman
is treating Khawrs and mangroves as special environments
because they can be productive and valuable fish breeding
and nursery areas, in addition to their unparalleled beauty
for recreation.
A mangrove nursery established in Qurum Public Park and
Nature Reserve has begun to yield good results now. The
nursery, set up by the MRME in a friendly tie-up with Japan
International Co-operation Agency (JICA), provided 11,000
mangrove seedlings in the year 2000. Other areas identified
for immediate transplantation of mangroves include,
Bandar Khayran, Shinas, Barka, Sur, Ras Al Hadd, Salalah and
surroundings of Mahout Island.
The most suitable sites for mangrove afforestation are the
inlets in the above regions as they are protected against wave
actions and provide shallow sea. Over 250,000 seedling pots
have been planted to cover an area of 85,000 square metres.
Rehabilitating one Khawr means you are creating a new
environment. Once mangrove forestation is established, it
attracts fish, birds, and wild animals.
Thus protecting mangroves will help in protecting the
environment.
16
Mangroves serve as shield to storms, prevent floods and sustain a multitude of plant and animal lives
The evergreen natural plant wealth
Bahrain is a bit of a dark horse among the Gulf Cooperation
Countries. Yet it has developed a comprehensive infrastructure
with state-of-the-art airport and several fantastic attractions for
visitors.
The Kingdom of Bahrain - a name that translates as “Two
Seas” - is actually an archipelago of 33 low-lying islands
located in the heart of the Gulf. Situated along major Arabian
and international trade routes between Asia and the West,
the Kingdom has, for millennia, served as an important port
and centre of business. Today, the capital city of Manama is a
vibrant cosmopolitan centre offering an open economy and an
educated workforce enhanced by modern cultural amenities
like museums, shopping, restaurants and fine hotels.
Bahrain’s magic has the same appeal today it must have had
to the Sumerian settlers who plied its pearl-strewn waters at the
dawn of history.
HISTOrY: Bahrain is rich in history and ancient civilisations
have been discovered by international archaeologists, who also
believe that Bahrain was the site of the civilisation of Dilmun
dating from the third millennium BC, often referred to as the
fabled ‘Garden of Eden’, described as ‘paradise’ in the Epic of Gilgamesh. The land is repeatedly mentioned in Sumerian, Babylonian and Assyrian inscriptions as an important seaport between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. By 600BC, Bahrain was absorbed into the new Babylonian Empire and once again flourished as a prosperous entrepot. In 323 BC, two of Alexander the Great‘s ships arrived and new trade routes opened.
PLACeS OF INTereST: For those interested in history Bahrain once had the largest prehistoric cemetery in the world, when an estimated 100,000 burial mounds covered the central and western areas. Some still remain near A’Ali and Sa’ar. The Bahrain Fort, first built towards the end of 14th century, the Arad Fort, erected in typical Arab style in the 15th century and renovated in the 1980s, and the Riffa Fort are interesting.
Isle in the Gulf
InternationalDestination
18
Bahrain is a place for those who wish to explore thedelightful mystique and rich culture of the true Arabia
Bab Al Bahrain (the Gate of Bahrain)
Image source: Gallo Images / Getty Images
Among the residences worth visiting are the Bait Shaikh Isa with a traditional windtower built by Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa who ruled Bahrain from 1869 to 1932 and the Bait Sayida, a 19th century pearl merchant’s house featuring stained glass windows, carved screens and ornate ceilings.
Ancient artefacts from Bahrain’s historic sites, life-size exhibits including a burial mound, with 5,000 year old skeletons and pottery and scenes from the recent past are showcased in the Bahrain National Museum. There is also an Oil Museum which exhibits photographs and techniques used.
A top institution which should not be missed is the Beit Al Quran, meaning the House of the Holy Quran, in Manama, which is a unique Islamic cultural institution showcasing rare manuscripts of Islam’s holy book and of other Islamic artefacts. The museum was founded by Dr. Abdul Latif Jassim Kanoo, a member of a Bahraini merchant family whose written history goes back more than a century. The core of the museum’s holdings is Kanoo’s own collection of Quranic manuscripts and other Islamic art, one that he began after years of studying public and museum collections during his trips and studies abroad. A massive but understated textured-concrete exterior, fronted with a frieze of Quranic verses, gives no hint of riches within.
The King Fahad Causeway, 27 kilometres in length which links Bahrain to the Saudi Arabia mainland is another major tourist attraction.
The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park, in Manama, claims to be the biggest in the Middle East. Beat the heat in one of the many pools, ride the slides or try the family raft ride. The lush green oasis has even raging rivers. The high-tech aquatic rides have been set in a landscape aiming to recapture the ancient history of Bahrain by integrating the Dilmun period into the park's theme.
Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary in Zallaq Village is home to several Arabian mammals, most notably the graceful Arabian Oryx and the Reem Gazelle. It's well known for also attracting flocks of migratory birds. View them all on the park's guided bus tour.
Yet another landmark which should not be missed is the Bab Al Bahrain (Gate of Bahrain). Located in Manama's central business district (CBD), the Bahrain Gate was built by the British in the 1940s. When it was originally designed by Sir Charles Belgrave in 1945, it housed the government offices of the time and overlooked the sea. The sea has long been reclaimed. The monument was refurbished in 1986 to incorporate Islamic architectural features. Today, the ground floor houses the tourist information office and a handicrafts shop. The monument essentially consists of a huge arch, below which runs a road, which is often referred to as the entrance to the Manama souq (marketplace). The Government Avenue, which runs in front of Bab Al Bahrain, contains many major banks and business establishments.
PeArL INDuSTrY: The island has been known as a world class pearling centre. In the past the lives and livelihoods of people of Bahrain were compressed into the six months between April and September, the pearl-diving season. Bahrain’s major landmark is named as the Pearl Roundabout where the six arched pillars of the structure represent the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Known by many names (lulu, dana, hussah, hasbah), Bahraini pearls - sorted by size and colour, and sold by skippers to onshore buyers - could fetch high prices in the major pearl markets of Mumbai, London and Paris, where they would be fashioned into jewellery and worn by the world’s wealthy. The best place to buy natural pearls is the Gold Souk. Bahrain’s pearls are natural which accounts for their sometimes slightly irregular shapes. They also vary in colour, from cream or white to ochre or even green.
Beit Al Quran, meaning the House of the Holy Quran, in Manama, is a unique Islamic cultural institution showcasing rare manuscripts of Islam’s holy book and of other Islamic artefacts
Burgeoning Manama is like a magnet
One of the forts in Bahrain
One of the several traditional merchant homes
20
22
FeSTIVAL TIMe: The Spring of Culture festival is held every year in the month of March. The highlights of the festival include a series of cultural performances, exhibits and debates by artists and scholars from all over the world. Spring of Culture 2009 will set out a modern vision of Bahrain's culture. The date for the 2009 edition is yet to be announced. The festival is organised by the Culture and National Heritage Department and the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research.
SHOPPING: Bahrain City Centre is the biggest happening place. It not only offers an abundance of shopping, hospitality, food and beverage choices but also wholesome leisure and entertainment activities for the entire family.
Manama's Gold Souk is a three-storey Aladdin's Cave where you can haggle for everything from contemporary jewellery to over-the-top Arabian headdresses in 18- to 24-carat gold.
Seef's exclusive Al'Aali Shopping Complex features wall-to-wall designer boutiques, the best manicure in town and a 'souk' section with handicrafts and local delicacies.
Bahrain is famous for entertainment and locations like Juffair, Seef and Adiliya have plenty of them.
Oman Air flies 18 times a week to Bahrain effective from 29th March 09.
Currency: Bahraini Dinar 1 Bahraini Dinar (BD) = US $ 2.6596 US$ 1 = 0.376 BD
When to go: Bahrain is hotter from April to September and is pleasant from October to March.
Visas: Currently, nationals of 37 countries are granted visas on arrival at entry points, including Bahrain International Airport and King Fahad Causeway. Tourist visas can also be obtained from Bahrain embassy/consulate of your countries.
Time Zone: GMT +3 hrs
Dialling Code: 973
• 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 King Fahad Causeway which links Bahrain and Saudi Arabia
Traditional boats docked at Manama harbour
A panoramic view of Bahrain
A stroll inside Bait Al Safah in Al Hamra is like taking a walk down the centuries
Culture &Heritage
A slice of heritageConsider this: A house built of clay with ceilings made of
palm-tree fronds and household articles of wood, stone,
copper and brass. Yes, this was Oman of yore. The heritage
house offers us an opportunity to see the old lifestyle and how
the residences of those eras looked and what characteristics it
had and the household items used.
If you want to experience the old traditional lifestyle, head
to Bait Al Safah in Al Hamra, the quaint old township skirting
Nizwa.
Here the collection of artefacts and architectural structures
are a feast for those interested in cultural heritage. With the
advent of modern technology, age-old household articles
of wood, stone, copper, brass, etc. have been replaced with
stainless steel, glass, plastic, and other synthetic materials and
in Bait Al Safah, you will find utensils and furniture which were
used in olden days.
The impressive mansion standing tall amidst the mud
neighbourbhood in Al Hamra is open for visitors and
is attracting hordes of visitors. At the entrance, you are
welcomed with an earthen water pot which keeps water cool
any time of the year. The small passage cum sit-out opens to
a big hall where life is still relived. Women are seen engaged
in different activities which were part of olden days.
Considered to be a quintessential “Cradle of Heritage and
History”, Bait Al Safah stands testimony to the traditional skills
of people in the past. It is one of the few places where visitors
and guests can really live-out and experience the traditional
way of Omani life.
24
Bait Al Safah in Al Hamra is a bygone splendour
Image source: Khamis Al Moharbi
A staircase which runs from the main hall, leads to the upper floor. Visitors get the rare chance of observing the architectural and decorative aspects of the building, which remains very much as it was in the past. The intricate carvings on rosewood doors, the timber-log, lined roofs and thick walls, as well as the everyday utensils, woven carpets and the like that were, and in some cases still are, in use can be seen. The upper floors allow for a splendid and extensive view of surrounding village areas, including the entire street on which the heritage building is located. Visitors are entertained by Omani folkloric troupes and can watch an Omani swordsman re-enact battle scenes during their stay at Bait Al Safah.
Visitors get a guided tour of the multi-roomed mansion and its museum - displaying ancient Omani artefacts and utensils. They are also able to dine on traditionally prepared and cooked Omani delicacies and sweets. And, in true Omani
tradition, they can relish traditional Omani hospitality over a cup of aromatic, piping hot coffee (kahwa) with dates and Omani halwa (sweetmeat) sitting on a mat.
The grand building with several old structures dotting the Al Hamra town has become a premier tourist attraction for tourists inclined towards historical heritage.
Here the collection of artefacts and architectural structures are a feast for those interested in cultural heritage
26
Big, long niches in walls serve as cabinets
Water pitchers seen at the entrance
Splendid Omani architecture
How to get thereDrive down past the airport from Muscat, and turn left at the
Barka roundabout, towards Nakhl. The wadi is marked to your left.
Sylvan settingsWakan is moored on the top of a rocky spur, well above the dusty bowls of Wadi Mistal in Nakhl
Hideaway
Fancy walking savouring the sight of lush foliage and the fragrance of newly bloomed flowers. May sound a bit far-fetched for many, particularly when gardens have shrunk to a couple of pots with roses and money plants in most households. Head to Wakan moored on the top of a rocky spur, well above the dusty bowls of Wadi Mistal.
The colour, aroma and ambience of this picturesque hamlet is so relaxing that a mere presence here is enough to soar your spirits. The green environment here is amazing and peace-inducing.
Flowers are Nature’s gift. And every one of us love flowers. At Wakan, you will be feasted by flowers all around you. It is a place which has a rustic charm with its flower carpeted hillsides.
There’s something different about the foliage of Wakan, a lushness to the grass, the tall plants, the sheer weight of so much unbroken greenery, that sets it apart from most other places across Oman. Blessed with greenery the place offers breathtaking views.
The gardens of Wakan are amazing that makes walking a thrilling experience.
Still unspoilt, Wakan is no more than a few houses surrounded by green terraces that seem to embrace the mountain side. It is possible to get a taste of very old traditions and ways of life in harsh mountain conditions.
Since Wakan is situated at around 1000m (3,300 ft.) of altitude, it has a very particular set of climatic conditions. Orchards full of trees bearing pomegranates, peaches, and almonds make the view more enticing.
Trekking is a delight in Wakan. The beginning of the trek itself is well marked by a brown sign, and a map with the route is displayed. The full trek is 14 km (8.7 miles) long, and takes you all the way around the mountain in a wide loop. If you plan to do the complete trek, you will need two cars; one parked in the wadi below with the other parked in Wakan. Then once the trek is finished, use the car below to take you up to Wakan. When you finish the trek, just take the car below and drive up to Wakan again. This particular trek around the Gubrah bowl, and Wakan, has been classified by the Ministry of Tourism of Oman as grade 2/3. This means that you should have some previous trekking experience, and should carry out the trek accompanied. Furthermore, it means that the path is in many places above 2000m altitude, and steep. So, for a green adventure set out to Wakan.
It is a place which has a rustic charm with its flower carpeted hillsides
28
A walkway in Wakan
Wakan is replete with lush green landscape
Image source: Khamis Al Moharbi Yousuf Al Zadjali
Symptoms of anxiety attack
Health & Fitness
30
Fear, worry and apprehension can be caused by many events. But when fear, worry and apprehension are present on a person in an intense and irrational manner, possibly all at the same time, then he or she might be suffering from an anxiety attack. The three aforementioned conditions are accompanied by physical symptoms. They are as follows:
Perspiration or Sweating - It is normal for a person to sweat. This is the body's natural way to cool down after physical activity such as exercising. It is also the body's response to external heat. However, sweating is one physical symptom that is also apparent when a person is having an anxiety attack
Palpitations or fast and/or hard heart beating or pounding - Constant heart beating is obviously a sign of life. But, this should
stay at a normal rate. When a person gets excited or frightened, he or she can feel that his or her heart skips or
stops beating. Palpitating, however, can be an effect of anxiety. This is an unpleasant sensation that can be felt from the chest all the way to the neck and throat.
Stomach pain or abdominal pain - Often, physical pain has a
corresponding physical problem.
However, emotional illness such as anxiety attack can be
one reason of such pain. Emotions can greatly affect the system of the body and can even cause inability to the person. Physical pain such as stomach and abdominal
pain can be some of symptoms of anxiety.
Often physical pain has a corresponding physical problem
The inability to maintain balance while sitting or standing can also be a sign of anxiety
Image source: Gallo Images / Getty Images
Shaking or Trembling - Shaking or trembling can be caused by anger, stress, rage or anxiety. But it should be noted that experiencing this regularly can be a sign of physical imbalance and should be examined by a doctor.
Cold or Hot Flashes - A sudden and lasting sensation of body temperature change particularly in the upper body can be caused by emotional illnesses to include anxiety.
Lightheadedness, Faintness or Dizziness - Lightheadedness with no apparent physical cause can be a symptom of an anxiety attack. The inability to maintain balance while sitting or standing can also be a sign of anxiety. Some anti-anxiety drugs can provide help in treating these.
Nausea and Vomiting - Nausea and vomiting can be caused by external conditions or it can be the body's response to stimulants. These can be pain, changes in the body, taste, smell, irritation, poor blood circulation and anxiety.
Chest pain - It is described as a pressure, heaviness and discomfort on the chest. Meanwhile, a sudden and sharp pain in the chest can be a sign of heart attack. Still, other reasons can cause a person to feel chest pain. One of these of course is anxiety attack.
Difficulty in swallowing - A feeling of tightening from the neck to the upper part of the abdomen, tightening of the neck area or only at the chest (behind the breastbone) can be a sign of emotional problems including anxiety.
Periods of breathlessness, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing - Any of these can send discomfort to the person. This often leads to dizziness as the muscles, brain, and other body organs cannot receive their required oxygen supply to function properly. Periods of breathlessness, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing can be a sign of anxiety.
Any of these symptoms can be caused by other physical conditions but if a person has shown at least four of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek proper help immediately.
Fear, worry and apprehension can be caused by many events
Light-headedness with no apparent physical cause can be one of the symptoms of an anxiety attack
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Douse those temper tantrums
General
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From caveman to cyborg, no one has been delivered anger-free. The symptoms appear early, some would say at birth. Anger is a natural reaction that often needs to be expressed. However, the best way to control your temper is
Some tips to help control the temper of children
Parents often face temper tantrums
Image source: Gallo Images / Getty Images
to practise restraint. Force yourself to think positively every time you feel your hackles rise, adopt a few relaxation and breathing techniques to keep your temper under check. Try and re-channel your energies whenever you feel you are about to give in to your anger. Rather than reacting blindly to situations, listen.
What do you think the toddler’s temper tantrum is? A preschooler pushes, a school goer taunts, a teenager turns hostile and an adult rages.
One of the most frustrating aspects that parents of toddlers face is handling temper tantrums. Almost all children throw tantrums at some time or the other. Perhaps a closer look at why tantrums occur would give you some insight into dealing with these sudden bursts of anger.
Try as they might, a toddler is developmentally incapable of making complete sense of the world around him. He does not know why things happen, what is going to happen next and how he can solve problems.
At the same time, his new found independence comes to the fore and he is unable to understand his limits. Delaying gratification is also not developed. “I want it now!” seems to be his cry. There is no concept of ‘later’ in his dictionary.
Skills of expressionA young child is unable to voice his opinion because he
has not yet acquired the necessary verbal skills. Imagine how frustrating your life would be if you were not able to communicate effectively? He understands a lot more than he can express.
Tantrums occur at varying stages of child growth
It is not wise to punish children if they create tantrums
In controlThere are some adults
who are yet to master this skill and this is magnified in a toddler. He requires an immediate outlet in order to vent his feelings of anger and rage. His options are limited though.
He can’t talk about it, he can’t deny it, he can’t suppress it... what on earth should he do? Crying his lungs out, beating his fists on the floor and banging his head seems to be the only outlet. Some tantrums are a result of fatigue or anger.
Also adapting to unfamiliar situations, separation anxiety or a chronic medical condition could result in tantrums.
Now that we are aware of the underlying reasons, we can go about dealing with temper tantrums.
Make sure that your child has ample opportunity for play. This will help him use most of his seemingly endless energy.
Make sure that your child has ample opportunity for play. This will help him use most of his seemingly endless energy.
Allow him to make a few simple choices - what would you like to have, eggs or cornflakes for breakfast? This will give him a sense of control over his world and thereby reduce frustration.
See that your child is in a safe place where he cannot hurt himself physically. Then simply ignore the tantrum. Go about your usual business. Let him gain control over his emotions by himself. If you make the mistake of paying too much attention, he will use the tantrum to get your attention. When he is calm, ask in a friendly tone, “Do you feel better now?”
Don’t punish him for having one. Be neutral. Distract him by suggesting something fun to do together. His anger will soon fade away.
Public placesIt is certainly embarrassing to have your child throw a
tantrum at the market or in a friend’s place. Remember to be in control of your own emotions. Don’t argue with him, he is in no mood to listen to you. Pick him up and take him to a quiet corner where he can cool off.
Temper tantrums occur at varying levels according to the temperament of the child. Some children are sensitive and have intense emotions. In others, tantrums occur to a lesser degree.
As parents we can try and avoid letting these tantrums turn into tools of manipulation.
Maintaining a balance between making the child feel safe and loved and setting firm limits to expression of feelings is something that can be done to reduce the much feared temper tantrums.
Allow your child to play in a group to overcome tantrums
To be a leader, build trustManagers must strike the right balance between managerial skills and leadership traits to pursue a successful career
Business Traveller
People in managerial roles often struggle between being a good manager and being a good leader. In the initial stages of your career as a manager, you often feel that being a good manager means compromising on being a good leader. If you focus on being a good manager, you can enjoy only limited short-term success. But if you strive to develop leadership qualities, you can be sure of unreserved and long-standing success. So, managers must strike the right balance between managerial skills and leadership traits to pursue a successful
career. And the most important leadership trait that can make or mar your success at the workplace is trustworthiness.
Trust is fundamental for business leadership. Leadership necessitates influencing others to put them on the right track. But people are willing to be led only by the person whom they trust. So, a leader must demonstrate all the aspects of trustworthiness to assume the responsibility of guiding others. For this he first needs to have a proper understanding of trust and its dynamics.
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Managers must strike the right balance between managerial skills and leadership traits to pursue a successful career
Image source: Gallo Images / Getty Images
Charles M. Green along with David Maister and Rob Galford explored several aspects of trust in their book Trusted Advisor. According to Green, trust is composed of credibility, reliability, intimacy and self-orientation. Credibility is how believable a leader is. Reliability is how dependable he is. Intimacy rates how safe people feel sharing information with the leader. Self-orientation is how much the leader focuses on himself compared to his focus on others. Based on these four traits, Green devised a self-assessment test that helps you calculate your trustworthiness or ‘Trust Quotient.’
At the workplace, employees evaluate your trustworthiness by analysing factors like their experiences with you, your record, competence and attitude and the organisational culture, which reflect the four aspects of trust discussed by Green. So, you must use your speech and actions to make the right impression on your employees.
Making people trust you sometimes takes more time than you anticipate. The reasons are the same as your taking time to trust others. To gain trust from others, you must first trust them. In fact distrust is the biggest obstacle in the way to becoming trustworthy. A politician and author, Henry L. Stimson said, “The chief lesson I have learned in a long life is that the only way to make a man trustworthy is to trust him; and the surest way to make him untrustworthy is to distrust him and show your distrust.” But trusting others can sometimes land you in trouble. So, you must promote a trust based work environment gradually. The initial struggles that you face in this attempt are worth it as such an environment promotes good teamwork and success.
Once a mutual trust based relationship is established between you and your employees, leading them becomes easy. The task of management is a cakewalk for a good leader. You can educate, counsel, inspire and motivate them. But you must also ensure that you do not through any action raise doubts about your trustworthiness. As Warren E. Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. says, “It takes twenty years to build trust, and one minute to break it.”
You must use your speech and actions to make the right impression on your employees
Here are a few guidelines for you to begin: •Keepupyourpromises•Donotputblameonothersforyourmistakes•Contributeallyoucanforthesuccessofyourteam•Keepdevelopingyourabilities•Talktoyouremployeeshonestlyandclearly•Dowhatyoubelieveisrightthoughyouhavetopayapriceforit•Beconfident•Listentowhatothershavetosayanddoitwithempathy•Trustyouremployeesandtheirabilities•Praisethemfortheirsuccessandsharetheirsuccessstorywithothers•Acceptpeopleaswhattheyareandrespectthem•Placetheinterestsofyourteammembersbeforeyours
Get your speech and actions to make the right impression on your employees
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Sports tourism, in particular golf tourism, is a focal area in Omani tourism marketing strategy. Golf has been incorporated prominently in the government’s tourism plans to attract tourists to visit Oman.
From the sandy courses at the PDO Recreation Club, Al Maha Golf Club, Jabal Park Golf Club, Thumrait Golf Club, Wudam Naval Golf Club and Pink Flamingo in Salalah, Oman is going green. For over 30 years, these sandy courses have catered to golf enthusiasts. The players literally carry with them a small piece of Astroturf grass on which to place the ball before striking it to the brown turf.
That sand course has seen better days, but foreign investors are developing beach resorts incorporating luxury hotels, villas and condominiums nestled amid 18 - and 36-
hole golf courses. At least 10 golf resorts are at various stages of planning or construction in Oman.
They include the $400 million Muscat Hill Golf Course, as well as courses planned as part of the $7 billion Blue City, Dubai Holding’s $2 billion Salam Yiti resort and the Muriya project in the southern port city of Salalah.
The Wave project, under construction in the capital Muscat, will include an 18-hole course designed by Greg Norman.
Sports
ready to tee offOman is all set to become a major golf destination in the region
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Muscat will soon see a plethora of green golf courses
Among the most prestigious golf courses that are the talk of
the town is the Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club, Oman’s first grass course and the Arabian Gulf’s first mountain golf course. Situated in Seeb, the 18-hole Paul
Thomas designed golf course will have Bermuda grass on the
fairways. Spread amid three lakes and a flowing wadi spanning 800,000 sq.mtrs, Muscat Hills would also house a golf academy to train enthusiasts of the game.
The Wave Muscat, Oman’s top tourism and beachfront residential development, roped in golfing legend Greg Norman to design its world-class links Golf Course, the first sea-facing course in the Sultanate. Built on 800,000 sq.mtrs, this signature 18-hole Championship Golf Course, will include a Golf and Country Club equipped with sports, banquet and conference facilities, besides a teaching academy and driving range. Muriya Tourism Development Company, established as a joint venture between Egypt’s Orascom Hotels & Development and Omran, is involved in developing two 18-hole PGA golf courses as part of its Jebel Sifah and Salalah Beach integrated tourism projects.
Unlike golf businesses elsewhere in the region, Muscat Hills’ ‘pay and play’ strategy will foster interest in existing and potential golfers.
Similar golf facilities of top class standard are either planned or are under construction along the coastline at Sifah, Barka and Shinas. The primary aim is geared towards tourism and local golfers will soon be able to, at long last, enjoy top class golf courses at their doorstep instead of going next door to the UAE or Thailand or India.
A key feature on the current Oman golf calendar is the Open Championship for the senior golfers at the Wudam Naval Golf Club. The Championship which is open to all male and female golf players above the age of 50 has increased greatly in popularity each year.
Last year’s KPMG’s Golf Benchmark Survey report indicates that golf businesses in the Middle East are generating more revenues than their European counterparts do.
Construction of grass golf courses is a significant step for Oman, allowing to tap into the multi-billion dollar golf market, which in terms of the holidays segment alone is worth $44 billion a year worldwide. The country has already launched tournaments attracting strong regional participation.
Besides the beaches and the sun, Golf is seen as one sure way to attract wealthy European tourists to the country. Oman has taken a strong lead in tapping this lucrative and niche tourism segment.
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At least 10 golf resorts are at various stages of planning or construction in Oman
Fun Corner
QuOTABLe QuOTeS• If you are born poor it’s not your mistake, but if
you die poor it’s your mistake - Bill Gates
• If you win you need not explain …but if you
lose you should not be there to explain
- Adolph Hitler
• Don’t compare yourself with anyone in this
world. If you do so, you are insulting yourself.
- Alen Strike
• Winning doesn’t always mean being first,
winning means you’re doing better than you’ve
done before - Bonnie Blare
• I will not say I failed 1000 times, I will say that I
discovered there are 1000 ways that can cause
failure - Thomas edison
• If someone feels that they had never made a
mistake in their life, then it means they had
never tried a new thing in their life - einstein
• If you start judging people you will be having
no time to love them - Mother Teresa
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HuMOurA teacher told students in a class to write an essay on a football match. All were busy writing except Ahmed. The teacher went to see what Ahmed had written so fast. Ahmed wrote: "DUE TO RAIN, NO MATCH!"
Postman: I had to travel 5 miles to deliver this packet.Ahmed: Why did you come so far? Instead you could have posted it.
A person went into the office kitchen one morning and found Ahmed painting the walls. He was wearing a new fur coat and a nice denim jacket.Thinking this was a little strange, the person asked him why he was wearing them rather than old clothes or an overall. Ahmed showed him the instructions on the tin, “For best results put on two coats.”
FASCINATING FACTS• Butterflies taste with their feet
• The most nutritious part of a cucumber is its skin
• Each year, 30,000 to 80,000
meteorites land on earth
• Honey is so easy to digest because it has already been digested by the bee
• There are 1,792 steps to the top of the eiffel Tower
• Large kangaroos cover more than 30 feet with each jump
• Ants spend only one fifth of their day working
MarchMarch: 6 Desert rock Festival - Metal Lives!, Dubai. The festival which started
off as a three-hour show has now grown into a rock festival featuring some of the best local and international bands. This edition will devote itself strictly to heavy metal.
March: 6-8 Java Jazz Festival, Jakarta. Not just for jazz enthusiasts, the Java Jazz Festival invites lovers of all music to hear various sounds at the Balai Sidang Jakarta Convention Centre. Legendary acts and unknown performers take to the stage giving concert-goers a real musical treat.
March: 8 Colours of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Citrawarna (Colours of Malaysia) celebrates the country's unique spectrum of cultures throughout March. In 2009, the main launch takes place at Kuala Lumpur's Dataran Merdeka. Expect spectacular traditional performances, colourful parades and magnificent arts and crafts.
March: 11-15 ITB, Berlin. The whole travel world meets at ITB, Berlin: People, working in the travel industry and people, who want to catch up on the most beautiful travel destinations. The combination of trade exhibition, public exhibition and the biggest professional convention worldwide attracts tens of thousands of visitors, exhibitors and media representatives every year.
March:17-22 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. With 482 exhibitors from 42 countries at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is becoming the largest bookstore in the region. Bookworms participate in discussions, meet authors and watch European poetry and literature performances.
March: 24-28 Kuwait International Boat Show. Held at Al-Kout, the Kuwait International Boat Show attracts around 70 specialised companies exhibiting all types of sailing equipment, from yachts and boats to engines and other marine accessories.
March: 28 Dubai World Cup. When it comes to money, the Dubai World Cup at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, is the richest horse race in the world. The mile-and-a-quarter group-one race for four year olds and above, offers an incredible US$6 million prize fund, with US$3.6 million going to the winner. It is no surprise that the best horses, jockeys and trainers make the annual trip to the UAE.
AprilApril: 3- 5 Formula One: Malaysian Grand Prix, Malaysia. The second race of
the Formula One season comes from the fabulous Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Over 100,000 fans roar the teams on at one of the noisiest and most colourful sporting occasions anywhere in the world.
April: 4-19 Istanbul International Film Festival. The festival attracts 85,000 visitors every year with a programme covering everything from art, culture and feature films to literature, music and theatre. Films include brand-new productions as well as unforgettable classics and an elite selection of masterpieces by world-famous cinema gurus.
April: 8-11 The Bride Show, Dubai. The annual show for the bride who needs anything comes to the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. More than 300 companies from 16 countries offer everything from wedding gowns and international haute couture fashion to wedding venues and honeymoon destinations.
April: 10 Amman Dead Sea ultra Marathon, Jordan. The Marathon is a gruelling test of endurance. The competitors begin at the high elevations of Amman and make their way down to the lowest point on Earth, in the desert of southern Jordan.
April: 14 Bhakti Festival, New Delhi, India. The festival presents three days of devotional and sufi music performances at the Nehru Park in Delhi.
April: 23-25 Qatar Class I Powerboat Championship race. The stretch of water along the Doha Corniche in Qatar hosts 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.
April: 24-27 Jordan International rally. The new-look Jordan International Rally entails sensational stages in and around the Jordan Valley and within the Rumman forests, providing challenging routes both above and below sea level.
April: emir GCC Camels race Final, Doha, Qatar. The final of the long-established Emir GCC Camels Race will be held at Alshahaniya Race Track in Doha, attracting a select crowd of wealthy camel owners to compete against each other.
International events
KNOWLeDGe BANKGateway of India, MumbaiThe Gateway of India is an enduring symbol of India’s commercial capital Mumbai. Flanked by the luxurious Taj Mahal Hotel, the monument was built in December 1911 as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. It is complete with four turrets and intricate latticework, carved into the yellow basalt stone. Here, you can get onto one of the bobbing little motor launches, for a short cruise through Mumbai's splendid natural harbour or longer trips to the Elephanta Caves.
The whole harbour front was realigned in order to come in line with a planned esplanade which would sweep down to the centre of the town. Designed by George Wittet, this imposing structure overlooking the Arabian Sea, was opened to the public in 1924 and since then, it's been on every tourist itinerary besides being a favourite meeting point for the locals.
CITY eVeNTThe Bahrain International Garden Show at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, from 24th to 26th April 09, is a great treat for the eyes. The entire area 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.All lectures are free and operate on a first-come first-served basis, so arrive in advance. The theme for this year's show is "Water for Life", portrayed over 14,000 square metres of professionally landscaped displays.
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Tech Capsule
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Samsung is releasing a posse of high-definition
camcorders that store video on internal
solid-state drives. The flagship of
Samsung’s line, the HMX-H106,
is the first camcorder to come
stocked with a 64-gigabyte
SSD.
Samsung has also announced
two other SSD models, the HMX-
H105 (with a 32-gigabyte SSD) and
HMX-H104 (with a 16-gigabyte SSD).
The camcorders enable users to expand
memory capacity by adding a SD/
SDHC memory card.
The new camcorders
employ H.264 compression
technology, and Samsung
says the HMX-H106 can store
up to 12 hours of HD video
in fine mode.
Olympus’ new SP-590 Ultra Zoom has some impressive technology. But as its name suggests, this camera is all about the lens, a 26X optical zoom, equivalent to a telescopic zoom ranging from 26mm to 676mm. That makes it the most versatile lens you can get on a point-and-shoot camera today. The 12-megapixel SP-590UZ delivers many of the same features in a smaller, lighter and less expensive package.
The SP-590UZ also offers dual-image stabilization to eliminate camera shake, and face-detection technology.
Samsung’s wireless printerThe Samsung CLX-3175FW is a wireless colour laser 4-in-1 printer that crams in the following functions - printing, copying, scanning and faxing. This elegantly-designed, matte-black cabinet is perfect for just about any office setting, featuring high-speed USB 2.0 and Ethernet for instant plug-and-play capability.
FreeAgent Theatre HD media player
Seagate FreeAgent Theatre HD media player taps into a portable hard drive - one of the most popular PC peripherals these days - to put video, photos, music and more on a television set.
With the Seagate system, an external drive is slipped into the Theatre HD dock, much as an iPod is plugged into a speaker dock. It can be upgraded to larger drives as an entertainment collection grows. Connected to a television with component cables, the device will display video at 1080i - not at the full high-definition display of 1080p - and supports lots of audio formats.
OLYMPuS SP-590uZ
SAMSuNG’s SSD models
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Kiddies' Corner
For Saad, playing with a ball was great fun. Right from grade 2, he was obsessed with kicking balls. He had to be scolded by his dad when once he kicked the ball so hard that a passer-by around his house was hit hard. The passer-by instead of getting angry praised the strength of the child in hitting the ball so hard. And told Saad that he should try to pursue football. And that made Saad’s dad realise that his son had great potential to become a talented football player.
Saad’s father recognising his football talent used to accompany him to the grounds so that he could hone his skills. Very soon, Saad was taken in his junior school team where he excelled in no time. To improve his skills, his dad brought him video CDs on football coaching and appointed a coach. Saad was so passionate about the game that he never failed to watch any football league match, live or on TV. He was a special fan of Diego Maradona.
Saad never showed any disinterest in studies. He equally excelled in academics. So, his parents were very happy and he was given all facilities to improve
his football skills. Saad always liked to play forward and his dribbling skills became the talk of the town. He went
on to become the University captain and subsequently represented his country in a major event. For Saad, it was his passion and hard work that brought him and his country fame in football.
Passion for football
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, Star Cinema, City 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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