JUNE 2011 YoUr CopY To KEEp

The inflighT magazine of oman airThe inflighT magazine of oman air

JUne 2011 YoUr CopY To Keep

healthRaw truth about diabetes

businessCreative (and rich!) entrepreneurs

it’s oman Silver Screen, silver sands

destinationZanzibar: Have you been yet?destinationZanzibar: Have you been yet?

it’s oman Silver Screen, silver sands

healthRaw truth about diabetes

businessCreative (and rich!) entrepreneurs

MarhabaOman Air scoops Best Luxury Airline, Middle East award.

Oman Air has been named Best Luxury Airline, Middle East 2011 in the prestigious Business Destinations Travel Awards. The national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman triumphed despite stiff competition from some of the biggest names in the industry.

The award recognises the highest standards of comfort, space, services and hospitality that Oman Air offers both in the air and on the ground, together with its expanding network of exciting, high quality destinations.

The award follows the introduction of a brand new fleet of Airbus A330s to the airline’s long haul routes and Embraer 175s to short haul routes, the pioneering launch of onboard mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity and the unveiling of superb new business class and first class lounges at Muscat International Airport.

The airline has also launched new onboard products, including economy class seats with adjustable head and leg rests, 10.4-inch individual video screen and extra leg room; wide business class seats that offer every passenger direct aisle access, a 17-inch video screen and which convert to 82-inch long, fully lie-flat beds; first class mini-suites that offer extraordinary

levels of comfort, space and privacy, a 23-inch video screen and which convert to 87-inch long full lie-flat beds. The latest in-flight entertainment package is available in every class and offers a great selection of movies, music, games and live satellite TV, as well as USB ports and iPod sockets, allowing passengers to personalise their entertainment choices. Award-winning amenity kits, award-winning wine lists and delicious a la carte menus, served by highly-trained crew attired in Balenciaga-designed uniforms, add that extra touch of refinement.

The Business Destinations Best Luxury Airline, Middle East 2011 award comes just a month after Oman Air was awarded Official 4-Star Airline status by Skytrax, who also named the airline’s Business Class seat as one of the best three in the world.

The Business Destinations Awards are voted for by readers of Business Destinations magazine, which is published in the UK every other month. The magazine has a worldwide readership of more than 100,000 and is distributed in premium aircraft cabins and airport lounges, to travel professionals and is sold through retail outlets.

Peter Hill Chief Executive Officer

The raw dealDiabetes is on the increase in the Middle East due mainly to poor eating habits, says raw nutition coach Renee Maguire.

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ContentsFestival focus The annual Chelsea Flower Show and the Chariot Festival in Nepal. 8

Island ParadiseSun, sand and spectacular seafood in the scenic and historic tourist hub of Zanzibar. What are you waiting for?

28Location OmanA UK film maker visits the Sharqiya Sands and the Hajar Mountains. She chats to Wings about how a stunning location and her friendly Omani guide made for good viewing!

12

Think outside the boxSix proven money-spinners that grew out of nothing.

20

ReviewsA selection of some fab reads and latest movies on circuit this month.

36

World ViewLife in all its forms on the third rock from the sun.

34Contents32

SportsBook your place in front of the big screen for these sporting dates!

Oman Air’s inflight magazine is issued by:Corporate Communications & Media Department - Oman AirP.O. Box 58, Muscat International Airport, Postal Code 111, Sultanate of OmanTel: +968 24519616, Fax: +968 24510771E-mail: wings@omanair.com Website: www.omanair.com

For advertising enquiries contact the publisher:National Publishing & Advertising LLCP.O. Box 3112, P.C. 112, RuwiMuscat, Sultanate of OmanTel: +968 24793098, Fax: +968 24708445Email: advertising@npaoman.com

EditorialManaging Editor

Craig Bishopcraig@npaoman.com

Translator

Mohammed Abdullah Abu Al Majd

Designers

Justin Das

Mohammed Iqbal

MarketingMedia Sales Director

Ashish Chaturvediashish@npaoman.com

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

Tourism & EntertainmentWhere to stay, where to shop and where to find the best buys.

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8 Festivals

WHERE: DubaiWHEN: June 22 - July 31WHAT: One of the largest and longest-running summer festivals in the world, Dubai comes alive this month with its ever-popular summer festival. Lasting for 10 weeks, the programme includes outdoor concerts, themed expositions and impressive discounts at citywide shopping centres. Since its inception in 1998, more than 17.5 million people have visited the event and spent AED22.5 billion. www.dubaiabudhabi.com

WHERE: Melaka River, MalaysiaWHEN: 1-30 JuneWHAT: Enjoy a month of riverside festivities. There will be a lucky draw and among the prizes are hotel vouchers, electrical items and much more. An expo will be open through the month at Taman Rempah and Dataran Sungai Melaka. The official opening will be on the 5th of June. Other interesting activities are a dragon boat race, a grand parade and a Lion Dance. Plenty of fun activities for kids, such as Catch the Duck, pillow fights, Climb the Post and the balloon slingshot! www.visitorsguide.com.my

WHERE: Bath, EnglandWHEN: Until 5 JuneWHAT: This festival has an illustrious artistic history and has long been a well-established event of international reputation. It takes place annually over twelve days in late May/early June, presenting a range of high

Be a part of these fun cultural festivals this month

Dragon Boat festival

Summer surprises

River fiesta

quality events including orchestral, chamber and contemporary classical music, contemporary jazz, world and folk music. The programme takes place mainly in city venues and also includes free outdoor events. www.bathmusicfest.org.uk

Music Festival

WHERE: Hong KongWHEN: 6 JuneWHAT: The fifth day of the fifth moon of the lunar calendar is the day the Chinese celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, combining traditional elements of a religious occasion with the drama and glory of a sporting event. The celebration dates back 2 000 years when Qu Yuan, a Chinese statesman and poet, flung himself into the Mi Lo River in protest against imperial corruption. The highlight is the race between long slim boats with ornate dragon heads and tails, crewed by 20-22 paddlers to the beat of heavy drums. www.discoverhongkong.com

Let Oman Air fly you to these exciting events this month

World Environment Day WHERE: Global activityWHEN: 5 JuneWHAT: Wherever you are in the world, take some serious time out to consider your role in saving the environment. India will be the global host this year and this year’s theme: Forests: Nature at Your Service, underscores the intrinsic link between quality of life and the health of forests and forest ecosystems. India has instituted a tree-planting system to combat land degradation and desertification, including windbreaks and shelterbelts to protect agricultural land.

Summer solsticeWHERE: Stonehenge, EnglandWHEN: 21 JuneWHAT: The annual midsummer night ritual with all sorts of druids, hippies and New Age wackos celebrating the longest day of the year. Fascinating, and you get to touch the stones! Set in the gently rolling, rural Salisbury plain, a two-hour drive from London, this is one of England’s top monuments. Treat yourself to a mystical experience of note, and chat to like-minded people about the mysterious folk who erected Stonehenge.

Sunken treasure expoWHERE: ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands, SingaporeWHEN: Until July 31WHAT: For the first time on display, an exhibition of unique treasures found on a sunken 9th-century Arab dhow revealing insights into the flourishing trade between China and the West via a maritime silk route along South East Asia. The cargo had lain undisturbed on the ocean floor before its discovery near Indonesia’s Belitung Island. The treasures include a magnificent one-metre high dragon-head ewer, a unique octagonal gold cup and a wealth of the famous Tang Dynasty blue and white ceramic ware. www.asia.si.edu/shipwrecked

10 event Horizon

International bird countWHERE: Fraser’s Hill, Kuala LumpurWHEN: 25-26 June

WHAT: Fraser’s Hill is hailed as a world-class bird watching destination in the region as

it is home to about 247 species of birds. The bird

race is an excellent opportunity for locals and tourists alike to view a variety of migratory and montane birds, which are very different from those in the lowland forest. Birders can view species from as far as Northern Siberia and the islands north of Japan.

12 international Destination

(Image source: Photolibrary)

Zanzibar’s northernmost tip is a beach holiday paradise. There are numerous little villages packed with character. Once a major dhowbuilding hub of the East African region, it is today a bustling fishing centre, but much of the area’s rustic charm remains to delight party animals and sun worshippers, cultural enthusiasts and nature lovers.

For centuries, northern Zanzibar’s great fame was built on its reputation as one of the dhowbuilding centres of East Africa. It spawned generation upon generation of expert craftsmen who passed on their timeless skills to a growing pool of dhow-building apprentices. For example, wood from scenic Nungwi’s teak forests was used to make these rugged vessels, and coconut-fibre coir rope sourced from the local shoreline, was used to secure the planks.

Island paradiseGo discover sun, sand and super seafood in this scenic tourist hub

Dhow Culture: Dhow-building is an essential part of Swahili culture. Historically, the Indian Ocean dhow trade linked the East African coast with Oman and India. Although local East Africans had known how to sail for at least two millennia, it was the Arabs who introduced the dhow to East Africa. The vessel with its lanteen sail soon became mblematic of this region.

The monsoon winds, which blow regularly from the northeast from ovember to February, and from the southwest from April to September, meant that the Swahili could trade along the coast, as well as across the ocean to the East.

Gold, ivory, turtle shell, leopard skins, rhino horn, timber, and later people from Africa’s interior all made their way to the East in this way.

The sea, and of course the dhow, united many nations. It created a cosmopolitan maritime way of life – a so-called “culture of the dhow countries” – where language, clothing, cuisine and beliefs were shared between countries as geographically remote as those along the East African coastline and ones as far afield as Oman, the Persian Gulf and India.

Holiday Paradise: Today the region supports a very different type of cosmopolitan sea culture, one that is now based on the thriving tourism industry that has sprouted in the area during recent years.

InternatIonal DestInatIon 13

Take Nungwi for example. Thousands of visitors flock to the village each year to enjoy its steady supply of sunshine, miles of silky soft white beaches, fantastic marine life, and gentle turquoise waters. From German seniors on package tours and young dreadlocked backpackers from all over Europe, to flocks of Italians, and English gap-year students, Nungwi offers something for everyone. Some visitors like it so much that they stay for good. Hang around one of the local bars and you’ll meet many locals

who were once visitors to these shores, but never left. Tanned Swedish diving instructors, South African deep-sea fishermen, Australian journalists, Tanzanians from the mainland... the list is long.

Marine Life: Head to nearby Kendwa, if you feel like a bit of a walk. Time it carefully and you can catch a sunset dhow cruise from Kendwa back to Nungwi.

Whether you take the stroll or not, one of these sunset dhow cruises is a must. Local operators offer packages that cater to every taste and take all budgets into account. Guests may bring their own drinks and snacks, or the crew can cater for you. There are also day trips to nearby Mnemba Island, home to a famous protected reef, where you can snorkel or scuba-dive. Aside from the exquisite underwater world, a Mnemba trip simply is a fabulous day at sea. Motorised dhows leave Nungwi early morning for the reef, most offering a fresh seafood barbeque lunch as part of the package.

14 InternatIonal DestInatIon

Dolphins are frequently spotted en route. The dhows return in the late afternoon, usually sailing back old-world style – without the aid of the engines. Nothing beats dozing off in the sun, tired and happy after an active day at sea, while a softly creaking mast and the gentle lapping of the waves on the bow lull you to sleep.

Another way of seeing some local marine life is to take a stroll up the beach to the lighthouse on Nungwi’s northernmost tip. Just before the lighthouse is the Mnarani Aquarium, a sheltered inland lagoon that is also a conservation site. Feeding seaweed to green sea turtles or holding green sea turtle hatchlings is a wonderful opportunity to see these majestic sea creatures up close. Endangered hawksbill turtles also inhabit Mnarani, but they’re harder to spot.

16 InternatIonal DestInatIon

Boat trips to Kizimkazi in the south of the island, to swim with dolphins, are also easy to arrange from Nungwi and many tour operators offer daily tours.

Once you’ve had your fill of marine life, Jozani Forest, is just a short drive away. It is home to the endangered red Colobus monkey and offers a pleasant afternoon excursion. Transfers can easily be arranged from Nungwi. If you’re on a budget, or want to travel locally, dala-dalas (the local Zanzibar taxis) offer a cheap and relatively direct way of getting around.

Capital Idea: Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar is an easy hour’s drive from Nungwi. If you’re based in the north for your holiday, a day trip down south to meander through the fascinating labyrinth of Stone Town’s streets is well worth it.

The city is filled to bursting with a wealth of historical, cultural and sensory experiences, and shopping in these winding streets is like exploring Aladdin’s cave.

Wander around the crumbling, moss-fringed mansions and regal seafront palaces as you step back in time. This ancient, showy architecture is a legacy of the rich profits the city once made from the slave and clove trades.

In East Beach Ras Nungwi Beach HotelA popular choice for high-end honeymooncouples and is by far the most upmarket placeto stay in Nungwi.Tel : +255 24 224 0014+255 741 324 744Email: E-mail: info@rasnungwi.com www.rasnungwi.com

Mnarani Beach CottagesTel: +255 24 224 0494Email: mnarani@zanlink.com;Website: www.lighthousezanzibar.com

Sazani Beach Hotel+255 24 224 0014 / +255 741 324 744Email:bookings@sazabnibeach.comwww.sazanibeach.com

In South Beach Amaan BungalowsVery popular with a young crowd seeking to beat the very centre of the action

Tel: +255 24 224 0026Email: bookings@amaanbungalows.comWebsite: www.amaanbungalows.com

In West Beach Flame Tree CottagesTel: +255 24 224 0100Email: etgl@zanlink.comWebsitewww.flametreecottages.com

Smiles Beach Hotel Tel: +255 24 224 0472Email: smilesbeachhotel@zanzinet.comWebsite: www.smilesbeachhotel.com

Nungwi Nights: Nungwi is known for its vibrant night life, and is peppered with restaurants and bars. Expect to find deliciously fresh, cooked-onthe-spot seafood everywhere – from rustic beachside restaurants, to upmarket hotels.

Don’t be sceptical when you spot a tiny three-tabled beach shack, claiming to be a restaurant, and thrown together crudely from poles and plastic sheeting. Chances are the place will boast an impressive menu, ranging from barbecued garlic king prawns to fried ginger calamari, and everything will be delicious. So go on, give it a try.

These rustic venues are a common sight along the Nungwi and Kendwa shoreline. Memories of this deliciously simple food, enjoyed with your toes in the sand, lit by the flickering light of a candle against the backdrop of the waves gently rolling onto the shore, will stay with you forever.

With its laid-back atmosphere and variety of cheap beachfront guest houses, it’s no wonder that Nungwi is firmly entrenched as one of the world’s favourite backpacker haunts. As a result there is no shortage of charismatic beach bars. One of the more popular ones is Cholo’s – a rustic Rasta establishment with a dhow’s prow for a bar, and canoes that provide seating, is a favourite with locals and tourists. It offers a modest seafood menu, but the cocktail menu is impressive, and cocktails are all day. When things heat up later in the evening, the bar counter becomes a dance floor and later on, a midnight dip in the ocean will seem like the only sensible thing to do!

Western Roots: Tourism has long since replaced the ancient art of dhow-building as the town’s major industry, but the essence of olden days can still be found if you’re willing to leave the comfort of your sun lounger and explore a little more energetically. Development is still fairly modest and fishing is still the main industry for many locals, who carry on as people around here have done for millennia. When the tide is out, women wade in the shallows, harvesting seaweed or hunting crustaceans, their kangas bright against the blue sea behind them.

Under swaying coconut palms fishermen mend their nets or haul in the day’s catch to nearby fish markets. And the dhow builders still remain. These craftsmen, some of them descendents from the master dhow builders of the 16th century, quietly carry on with their work, chipping away at their dhows in the shade of the sprawling trees, using construction methods and tools that have changed little over a period of a thousand years.

Fishermen leave at dawn every morning for their day’s work in the deep blue waters. One by one the dhows leave for the open ocean, picturesque lanteen sails billowing, framed against the orange sky of dawn. Another day has started.(Reprinted courtesy of Destinations magazine. www.eadestination.com)

18 InternatIonal DestInatIon

BasicsHello : Mambo How are you ? : Uhali gani ?What is your name? : Jina lako nani?What’s news ? : Habari gani ?Yes : NdiyoNo : HapanaOkay : SawaNo problem : Hakuna matataHow much ? : Bei ganiPlease : TafadhaliWelcome : KaribuThank you : Asante sanaExcuse me : SamahaniFine : MzimaGood morning : Habari ya asabuhi Good night : Usiku mwemaGood bye : Kwaheri

NumBers0 : Sufuri1 : Moja2 : Mbili3 : Taatu4 : Nne5 : Tano

Learn Swahili Country FactsOman Air flies 3 times weekly between Muscat and Zanzibar.

Visa Requirements : All foreigners from non-Commonwealth countries are required to have a valid visa unless their countries have agreements with Tanzania under which the visa requirement is waived. Exemptions - Citizens of Commonwealth countries are not required to obtain visas unless they are citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, or India. Tourist visas can also be issued on arrival at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam. Contact your nearest United Republic of Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or your travel agent prior to travelling.

Languages spoken: 137 languages are spoken in Tanzania. Swahili and English are the official languages. Bemba, Gogo and Haya are the other common languages spoken on a regular basis.

Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) and Cents. 100 cents make 1 shilling.

6 : Sita

7 : Saba

8 : Nane

9 : Tisa

10 : Kumi

InternatIonal DestInatIon 19

A cameraman once told me of the time he worked for the cult British Sci-Fi series, Dr Who. One of the episodes was set in the desert in Dubai. The producers shipped over an old London bus and got a stunt man to drive it through the dunes. They even hired people to sweep the sand.I recalled this recently when, in temperatures nudging 30 degrees, I was filming in the Sharqiya desert in Oman. I was sliding down a dune, trudging along its base and scrambling up the far end for the third time that morning - all to avoid footprints - when I thought how I much easier it would be if I too had someone standing by with

Eyeson OmanUK Travel Broadcaster of the Year Karen Bowerman recently travelled to Oman to make a film for BBC World Television, focusing on the Sharqiya Sands and the Hajar Mountains. She chats to Wings about how a stunning location and her friendly Omani guide made for a successful trip

a broom. Instead I had Nabhan, my Omani guide, who at least seemed to understand my dilemma. “You need virgin sand Karen,” he said. “Don’t worry. Leave it to me.” He scanned the dunes and pointed out a strip of sand, which if I got the position of the camera right, would show the only patch of desert surrounding us that we’d not yet ruined with tyre tracks or footprints. I set up the tripod accordingly and told Nabhan to drive our 4x4 (via a hugely circuitous route) to the start of the shot. He was to appear over the tip of a dune, turn at the foot of another and drive off, into the distance. As I emphasised how vital it was he got this right, I heard myself becoming a touch melodramatic. But I couldn’t bear to shoot it all again… There was no need to have worried. Nabhan followed my instructions exactly. It was a perfect (eight second) shot.

(Image sources: Photolibrary, Ahmed Al-Shukaili)

20 It’s Oman

It’s oman 21

The day before we’d sat on plastic chairs, sipping coffee at a café at the foot of the Hajar Mountains. We’d discussed the film, the shooting schedule and my wish list: villages hidden in the peaks, valleys rich with date palms, sunrise over the dunes, sunset over the summits, cattle markets, camels, starry skies and blazing camp fires.

When I produce my wish list I usually get a good idea how the shoot’s going to pan out; it’s the point at which most guides flinch at the workload. But Nabhan? He just nodded and smiled.

“Let’s start with a village.” I said. “How about Al Hamra?”

I’d seen pictures of it online – traditional mud-brick houses nestling in the mountains.

“I know a better place,” Nabhan said. “We should go there. It’s not far.”

I wasn’t used to guides questioning my schedule.

“When you say ‘not far’, how far?” I asked. “Exactly?”

“An hour.”

That meant two, I thought, in Arabian time.

“But it’s beautiful,” he insisted.

I’d heard that line before. Beauty is a very ambiguous word.

22 It’s oman

I hesitated. Two hours there and two hours back for a village I knew nothing about. What if Nabhan’s idea of beauty was nothing like mine? We’d be behind schedule - on Day 1.

I dithered. Then nodded. Why hire a guide and not listen? Nabhan knew Oman a lot better than I did. (And at least if I saw this village it would give me a yardstick by which to measure any other ideas he might come up with…)

We drew up at Misfa Al Abreen - exactly an hour later. The village entrance, a tunnel cut into the rocks and accessible only by foot, led to a jumble of alleyways. Houses with rickety shutters sprouted from the mountainside, their clay walls smoothed into the crags.

An old man shuffled past, splitting a piece of almond bark with a small, rusty scythe; a woman bent over a stream, washing clothes; a boy led a donkey laden with grass up steep, stone steps.

We turned a corner to shouts and squeals. Kids dive-bombed into a makeshift pool where villagers had diverted a mountain stream. Date palms rustled in the wind.

There were pictures everywhere. I nodded at Nabhan in appreciation. As I packed away and took a few quick snapshots I noticed Nabhan chatting to an old man, sitting on a low wall.

“He wants you to take his photo,” Nabhan said.

I showed them the picture.

Instead of nodding in acknowledgment, the man hitched up his dishdasha, leant forward and began shouting. A stream of Arabic cut through the quiet of the village.

“Delete the photo!” Nabhan demanded. “Now!” The man took off his turban, spun it round his head and tied it neatly. Nabhan laughed.

“He thought he looked messy,” he said. “Now you can take it again”.This time the photo got the thumbs up. For a few minutes the man and I chatted easily via Nabhan. As I went to leave our new friend suggested if I stayed in the village he’d build me a house and provide me with children. “I’m sorry,” I said, “but I have a film to make…” He gave a loud guffaw and shook my hand warmly. I looked at Nabhan. He shrugged his shoulders. I feared he may have taken a few liberties in translation. As for Oman, the country exceeded my expectations. I’d read of its stunning scenery but never imagined a landscape so vast or so bleak. The mountains offered drama; the desert stillness; the souks oozed energy; the oases calm, while forts towered over the landscape with a sense of history and pride. Above all, the light was staggering. Everyone knows dusk is a good time to film but in Oman it was exceptional: the sky turned azure, bleached mountains glowed, forts glistened, fjords glittered and people’s eyes shone. The country offered variety, intensity and colour. It was a filmmaker’s dream. And although tourism is still in its infancy, I discovered endless reasons to visit - scenery, culture, history and heritage – all waiting to be explored.Time passed. Nabhan and I ticked off my wish list. We shot sunrise, chased sunsets and even interviewed the Bedouin whom Nabhan charmed into being filmed. We grabbed shawarma from roadside stalls, ate curry with

our fingers and drove hundreds of miles to the sounds of Arabic rap. Finally, Nabhan’s immortal phrase, “You want to shoot more pictures?” received a new response. “No,” I replied, “I think we’re done.” On my last afternoon he pulled up outside a whitewashed house. “I want you to have lunch,” he said, “with my family.” I sat cross-legged on the floor, scooping up rice with my fingers and trying to shovel it into my mouth as delicately as I could. Grains scattered everywhere. “I hope your film is better than your manners!” Nabhan commented with a large grin. Then he jumped into the 4x4, turned up the rap and drove me to the airport. Whenever I plan a film I tend to begin by focussing on the country, since a unique location usually helps sell a story. Oman’s diverse landscape meant that bit was easy. But filming in the sultanate reminded me of something else too - that if in addition to a stunning destination, you find an enthusiastic, like-minded guide, then not only a place, but also its people, come to life.

It’s oman 23

Change your diet and beat diabetes, which is on the increase in the Middle East due mainly to poor eating habits, says raw nutition coach Renée Maguire. The sad truth of the modern diet is that food-related diseases such as diabetes are on the increase. In the Middle East, diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate - one of the highest in the world. With a steep rise in diabetes cases in the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia over the last few years, medical experts are concerned this has become an epidemic.Change in lifestyle and the availability of fast-food chains are among the reasons causing people to make poor lifestyle choices. Fast food is convenient, cheaper and, with people leading busy lives, consideration of healthy food is not always at the forefront of people’s minds.

The raw deal

(Image sources: Shutterstock, iStockphoto)

24 HealtH & Beauty

Poor health will lead to a reduced workforce and therefore reduced productivity. The costs implications to such an epidemic can be an economic burden to all countries concerned, plus the rise in health care cost in an economy that has a less than a productive workforce is not the future any government wants to see. According to the International Diabetics foundation, the Middle East can expect the number of diabetics to increase from 26.6 million to 51.7 million by 2030. In December of 2010, the Middle East and Northern Africa diabetic leadership (MENA) met in Dubai to address this dramatic increase in diabetes in the Middle East. Bill Clinton was the keynote speaker. “This whole region is in the midst of a burst of modernisation, with so many exciting things going on,” Clinton said. “But it can all be interrupted if we don’t block this diabetes epidemic.” So what can be done to address this epidemic? Can the individual make a difference? Why should it be down to world leaders to take responsibility for an individual’s health?Type 2 diabetes is a direct result of poor lifestyle choices. Eating too much refined food, such as bread, biscuits, white pasta, confectionary and ice cream leads to your blood sugar levels rising. This inhibits the body’s ability to regulate insulin levels, which can result in Type 2 diabetes.However, the good news is that although diabetes can be a life-threatening disease, it need not be. By controlling blood sugar levels and eating a diet rich in raw food, the damage to your body can be controlled and reversed. When Hollywood star Halle Berry was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, she started to follow a diet rich in raw whole food and is now know longer insulin dependant. She herself

HealtH & Beauty 25

By controlling blood sugar levels and eating a diet rich in raw food, the damage to your body can

be controlled

claims to have cured her condition by following a healthy raw diet. A diet rich in raw whole foods is the inclusion of fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds. When food is cooked, as much as 80% of the nutrients are lost. The natural enzymes within the food are depleted and our body has to produce more enzymes to digest the meal. This puts a strain on our digestion system and also takes much more energy from the body to digest the food we have consumed. It takes the body a matter of hours to digest a raw salad, but it can take up to two days to digest meat. If at the same time our body is also trying to counteract the increase in insulin levels due to excessive refined foods, the strain is again increased.

We all aspire to lead healthy, fulfilling lives and through a balanced healthy diet we can protect ourselves against diabetes, heart conditions and food allergies such as gluten and lactose intolerances. The key is balance. Sacrificing all of the food you love takes a strong will and that “all or nothing” regime can leave you feeling deflated and set for failure before you have even started. By gradually making better choices, educating yourself about food that is highly nutritious and adding it to your diet, you will begin to feel the health benefits. Your energy levels will increase, you can better control your weight and reduce stress. However, finding the happy alternative to your firm favourites is also the key to success. Take the foods you love and adapt a healthier version.

26 HealtH & Beauty

Consider a raw lasagne alternative, made with mushrooms and walnuts instead of meat, and a cheese topping of blended cashew nuts with nutritional yeast flakes, which give it that tangy parmesan taste. How about sushi with grated parsnip and cauliflower, or a sumptuous chocolate dessert prepared with natural cacao powder, avocado and agave syrup, which is the sugar of a cactus and is an accepted sugar for diabetics. These are subtle changes and yet they can make such an impact to your health.You do not have to be another statistic in the Middle East diabetes crisis. Enjoying a balanced healthy diet will result in a balanced healthy you.(Contact Raw Nutrition Coach Renee Maguire of Raw Chi Food on renee@rawchifood.com or visit www.rawchifood.com)

28 BusIness

(Image sources: Shutterstock, Photolibrary)

From teaching people how to play video games to making moving house easier, here are six proven business ideas that grew out of nothing

Think outside the boxEveryone likes reading about a success story, right? The following six entrepreneurs all saw a gap in the market that no one had spotted before. Add in a certain amount of creative va-va-voom, and some sheer financial genius and the results were nothing short of inspirational!

Spare trier: Two years ago, Eli Reich was a mechanical engineer consultant for a Seattle wind energy company when his messenger bag was stolen. The environmentally conscious Reich, who rode his bike to work every day, decided that instead of buying a new one, he would simply fashion another bag out of used bicycle-tire inner tubes that were lying around his house. Soon compliments on his sturdy black handmade messenger bag turned into requests. Reich obtained a business license, gave up his day job, and quickly launched Alchemy Goods in the basement of

his apartment building. The company’s motto: “Turning useless into useful.” www.alchemygoods.com

Moving mountains: When Marty Metro and his wife added up the number of times each of them had moved over the years, it came out to an astounding 29 times. Metro knew they were not alone in using massive amounts of cardboard boxes and was convinced he could help movers, businesses and the environment by creating a solution to the cardboard quandary.

For now, BoomerangBoxes.com offers an online exchange for those outside the delivery area to link up and exchange boxes with others for a nominal fee. With annual sales projections exceeding $750 000, the company boasts 75%-plus gross margins. www.usedcardboardboxes.com

Tee-hee: While golfing one day, Andy Yocom saw prime advertising space on the flags on the course. He reasoned that marketing messages would get prominent attention if they were placed on the flags, since golfers focus on them when they take their shots. Today, Invision Golf Group has expanded its advertising and marketing services beyond just flags to include whole golf course sponsorship, from banners in locker rooms to advertising on golf carts. The strategy is working: the company now has a presence on 142 golf courses in 26 states. www.invisiongolf.com

Purse nurse: Betty Funk’s purses, made from used seatbelts, are so strong you can pull a truck with one, as a customer found out when

a tow rope proved too short. The purses are so strong, you could whack a purse snatcher into next Tuesday. The strap won’t rip, either, if you get into a tug-of-war with a thief. After all, the purses are made from material designed to save your life. Some people balk at the prices, which range from $40 to $130, depending on the size of the bag, and can rise to $160 for custom-made bags. Business is booming. www.recycledseatbelts.com

I, author: Like so many great business ideas Katie Olver’s eureka moment came to her out of a desire to buy something that didn’t exist. She was on the look-out for a personalised novel as a present for a friend, but the only ones she could find were for children. She turned the idea into a business, and got to work on setting up U Star Novels, a series of personalized romance novels where the reader is the protagonist. The 2007 revenue is expected to be around $140 000. www.ustarnovels.com

Game for a laugh: Tom Taylor never expected to be a player in the business world; he just wanted to play video games. But his passion for competitive gaming and his desire to share his expertise with others grew. Last year, Taylor started a video game coaching business to help others who wanted to improve their games. Running his business, Gaming-Lessons, out of his home, Taylor draws dozens of clients from middle-school kids to middle-aged parents and from college students to celebrities. All for a whopping $65 an hour. www.gaming-lessons.com. (More business ideas: www.nichegeek.com)

BusIness 29

Ice brideA range of stunning bridal jewellery sets which were recently modelled during a VIP fashion show in Dubai. Each design is one of a kind, which enables the bride to enjoy wearing a totally exclusive piece of exceptionally high quality jewellery. The collection comprises handpicked diamonds of the most exquisite cut, colour and clarity; pearls of rare lustre and colour; as well as precious stones. The hand-crafted collection is built on a foundation of diamonds, with colours infused throughout certain sets via Burmese rubies, Sri Lankan and Madagascan sapphires, and Colombian and Zambian emeralds. The yellow and pink diamonds that

are used in some pieces are completely natural, with each gem having

international certification.

30 FasHIOn & trends

It’s in the bagAdmit it, guys. A man-bag really is a handy accessory. Women have known this for centuries, so get with the times. When choosing one, go for one that is small, sleek, lightweight and definitely does not look like a purse. Leather and canvas proclaim masculinity and practicality. Your man bag is one way to carry extra necessities that don’t fit into the pockets of your jeans or khakis without creating unsightly bulges. Briefcases, messenger bags and backpacks are not man bags. They are too large and bulky to carry on a daily basis without looking like you’re headed to school or work. Fanny packs are a no-no, unless you want to look like an ubergeek and repel women. Also, stay away from fancy designs, patterns, or the color pink. Flight, utility and certain camera bags generally fall into the category of man bags. www.fossil.co.uk

Aisle senseThere are a couple of royals either already married, or getting married this year, so fashion designers have pulled out all the stops in the world of weddng couture. Make sure you are all clued up about what to wear should you crack the nod. From immaculately tailored suits to highland dress and traditional morning suits, there is a style to suit every taste. There is a focus on classic silk and wool tail coats, one-button lounge suits and zany neckwear with colours crossing the spectrum from amethyst and spearmint to royal blue and fuchsia. The cuts of suits have slimmed down with grooms favouring a sleeker look. Popular fabrics are a mix of wool and mohair. Popular colours include the whole spectrum of grey from silver-grey to charcoal. Navy blue is knocking on the door, too. www.bbeh.co.uk

FasHIon & trenDs 31

Saving faceTwo women wearing carnival costumes and masks pose in St Mark Square in Venice, Italy. The Venice Carnival in March attracts thousands of people from around the world each year. (Photo: Marco Secchi/Getty Images)

Arms and the manVadim Muntagirov and Daria Klimentova of the English National Ballet perform during a dress rehearsal of Swan Lake at the London Coliseum in London, England. (Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

Our hourWorld Wildlife Fund pandas are arranged near to the Eiffel Tower before the lights are switched off for Earth Hour on March 26, 2011 in Paris, France. Earth Hour encourages individuals around the world to turn off their lights for one hour to take a stand against climate change. The largest Earth Hour was in 2010 when 128 countries participated. (Photo: Franck Prevel/Getty Images)

Mellow claretMellow pink light surrounds a couple as they watch the sun set next to wicker beach chairs on the beach on the Baltic Sea in Kuehlungsborn, Germany. The Baltic Sea coastline, with its long sand beaches, is a popular holiday destination. (Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

32 WOrld VIeW

Scaley modelSchool children meet a life-sized baby Tyrannosaurus Rex during a preview appearance of Walking With Dinosaurs at Bialik College in Melbourne, Australia. Walking With Dinosaurs is a theatrical prodcution that features 15 life-sized dinosaurs. (Photo: Mark Dadswell/Getty Images)

A bridge too farThe Sam White Bridge is moved into it’s final resting in American Fork, Utah. The 3.9 million pound, 354

foot long Sam White Bridge will be the longest two-span bridge ever moved in the Western

Hemisphere. There are about 400 wheels on the transporter moving the bridge.

(Photo: George Frey/Getty Images)

WorlD VIeW 33

Wimbledon 20 June - 3 JulyThe oldest, most prestigous tennis tournament in the world takes to the perfect grass courts this month. Men’s champ Rafael Nadal and Women’s champ Serena Williams will be defending their titles against the top grass court players in the world. Last year, the men’s and women’s winners each netted a cool £1 million. There are five major events - the Mixed Doubles, Ladies’ Doubles, Gentlemen’s Doubles, Ladies’ Singles and Gentlemen’s Singles, as well as five main invitation events - the Ladies’ Wheelchair Doubles, Gentlemen’s Wheelchair Doubles, Ladies’ Invitation Doubles, Senior Gentlemen’s Invitation Doubles as well as Gentlemen’s Invitation Doubles. www.wimbledon.com

Horse racing14-18 June, Royal AscotThe poshest of England’s posh horse riding events, there are few sporting venues that can match the rich heritage and history of Royal Ascot race course. For almost 250 years, Royal Ascot has established itself as a national

institution and the centrepiece of the British social calendar as well as

being the ultimate stage for the best racehorses in the world. Tradition, pageantry, fashion and style all meet in a glorious setting at one of the most beautiful racecourses in the country. The quality of the horseracing at Royal Ascot is simply outstanding, with £4 million in prize money on offer

and a total of seventeen ‘group’ races over the five days. www.ascot.co.uk

Motorsport28 May - 10 June, Isle of Man TT racesThe centenary of the classic, world-famous Isle of Man TT Races roar off this month in the ultimate event for bikers. Watch racers on 37 miles of narrow, winding, stone walled roads travelling at way over 200mph. No other motorcycle race is held on such a challenging track with its seemingly never-ending series of bends, bumps, jumps, stone walls, manhole covers and telegraph poles. Thousands of fans arrive on Man to revel in the island’s special mix of incredible racing and beautiful scenery.www.iomtt.com/TT-2011.aspx

June 25 - Porsche Carrera World CupGermany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife, regarded as the most demanding and daunting race track on the globe, will play host to the inaugural Porsche Carrera World Cup on Saturday, 25th June – an event featuring Oman Air ambassador Ahmad Al Harthy. The 29-year-old, who regularly competes in Porsche Carrera Cup GB, will join drivers from all over the world to take on the unique challenge of the infamous 13-mile (20.9km) course in a six-lap encounter like no other. Such is its popularity, 250 000 spectators are expected. Boasting an incredible 73 corners, the mighty Nürburgring Nordschleife is the ultimate test of man and machine.

34 spOrts

Bad TeacherDirector: Jake KasdanStarring: Cameron Diaz, Lucy Punch, Justin TimberlakeStudio: Sony PicturesReleasing: June 24, 2011 Elizabeth (Diaz) is a rude and inappropriate teacher who couldn’t care less about her students. When she is dumped by her fiancé, she sets a plan in motion to win over a rich, handsome substitute (Timberlake) – competing for his affections with an overly energetic colleague, Amy (Punch). When Elizabeth also finds herself fighting off the advances of a sarcastic, irreverent gym teacher, the consequences of her wild and outrageous schemes give her students, her co-workers, and even herself an education like no other.

Super 8Director: JJ AbramsStarring: Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Ron EldardStudio: Paramount PicturesReleasing: June 10, 2011A sci-fi thriller produced by Steven Spielberg. In 1979, after the US Air Force closes a section of the controversial alien crash site of Area 51, all materials are transported to a secure facility in Ohio. A train carrying some of the materials derails during an accident and something escapes from one of the cargo cars. A group of kids making movies with their Super 8 cameras accidentally capture what escapes on film.

X-Men: First ClassDirector: Matthew VaughnStarring: James McAvoy, Kevin Bacon, Michael Fassbender Studio: 20th Century FoxReleasing: June 3, 2011The prequel to the original X-Men trilogy, the story centres on the teenage years of the first team of X-Men to come out of the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning. The film, following the classic Marvel mythology, charts the epic beginning of the X-Men saga. Before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Before they were arch-enemies, they were closest of friends, working together, with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known. In the process, a rift between them opened, which began the eternal war between Magneto’s Brotherhood and Professor X’s X-Men.

36 reVIeWs

SolarBy Ian McEwanAn oftimes slapstick funny story about a sly and self-absorbed, middle-aged, Nobel Prize-winning scientist who drifts through life relying on his fame, until he realises his fifth wife is having an affair. McEwan is the best selling author of Saturday and Atonement. This latest novel, Solar, is as good as anything he has ever written. Solar is interested in the best and worst of the characters, as well as in the politics and business of science and academia.

The American Journey of Barack Obama By the editors of Life magazineThe American Journey of Barack Obama combines photos and essays to look at US President Barack Obama›s life and rise. Unlike other commemorative photo books about Obama, this book less on his run for president in 2008 and more on his family and personal history. It contains numerous essays on Obama’s life and appeal that are well written and thoughtful. It is, however, designed for people who are infatuated with Obama. It has information about his life and family that is not really news, just the kind of stuff that is fun to know about someone you admire. Those who want a more personal look at Obama will enjoy this book.

The Salmon of DoubtBy Douglas AdamsAdams is one of those authors that whenever people see his name on a bookshelf, they tend to stop everything and buy the book. This is a posthumous collection of essays, letters to editors and newspaper column pieces from the author of the hilarious cult series Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Originally meant to be the third in Adam’s classic Dirk Gently series, this book also contains something fans will fight to get their hands on - the inclusion of the incomplete novel on which Adams was working at the time of his death. The UK edition includes a foreword by comedy actor and author Stephen Fry.

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discount on purchase of books while referring the code JE

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reVIeWs 37

Meat your makerThe Grilliput is stainless steel; weighs roughly 20 ounces; folds up to about the size of a thick, round ruler; and costs less than $30. It is small and compact enough to stick in your backpack and pull out on top of whatever mountain you have just climbed. Now that will impress the ladies! (source: www.pointswizard.com)

38 tecH talk

Air linesStuck in your plane seat and urgently need to message someone? Welcome to the first in-flight messaging service for use during air travel and on the ground. This new communication tool will allow airline passengers to stay connected with up to 25 business associates, family and friends all at one time while in-flight. InFlight Messenger makes use of the aircraft’s Wi-Fi Internet connection to provide passengers with real-time two-way communications while in the air. Using a laptop (or soon, using your iPad), subscribers can access InFlight Messenger’s website. Passengers can then send and receive unlimited text messages which will take less than seven seconds, even at 30,000 feet. Sign up free of charge for this new service by visiting www.InFlightMessenger.com.

Clean waterThe SteriPEN is fast (48 seconds for 16 ounces of water), light (under 110g/4 oz), easy and effective. It is perfect for hikers and campers who value powerful products in small packages with no loss of effectiveness. This gadget is especially effective against common protozoa like Cryptosporidium.” Opt for the solar adapter and you too can live indefinitely out in the wilds.

Power to the peopleTumi’s Ultra Slim Universal Power Adaptor Kit-“the ultimate power tool for mobile computer and electronics users.” Pricey but ridiculously thin and portable.

Lessons from a father to a sonLove has nothing to do with looks, but everything to do with time, trust, and interest.Laughing, crying, joy and anger make us human.Time heals all wounds… regardless of how you feel right now.Most of the time what you are looking for is right in front of you.Your health is your life.Chance is a gift, so act when given the opportunity.

Plane humourIn the 1930’s, a farmer and his wife went to a fair. The farmer was fascinated by the airplanes and asked a pilot how much a ride would cost. “$10 for three minutes,” replied the pilot. “That’s too much,” said the farmer.

The pilot thought for a second and then said, “I’ll make you a deal. If you and your wife ride for three minutes without uttering a sound, the ride will be free. But if you make a sound, you’ll have to pay $10.”

The farmer and his wife agreed and went for a wild ride. After they landed, the pilot said to the farmer, “I want to congratulate you for not making a sound. You are a brave man.”

“Maybe so,” said the farmer, “But I gotta tell ya, I almost screamed when my wife fell out.”

Life’s lessonsOnce, a man pulled up into a petrol station in the country, and asked the attendant, “What are the people like in the next town up ahead?” The attendant said, “What were the people like in the town you just came from?”

“Awful people,” the man responded. “Rude, cold, hostile, abrupt, unfriendly. They wouldn’t give me the time of day.”

“Well,” said the attendant, “I’m sorry to say it, but you›re going to find exactly the same sort of people in the next town up ahead.” A bit later, another driver pulled in, heading in the same direction as the first. “What are the people like in the next town up ahead?” the second man asked. The attendant said, “What were the people like in the town you just came from?” “Wonderful people,” the second man responded. “Friendly, warm, helpful, patient, kind. They went out of their way to help a stranger.”

“Well,” said the attendant, “I’m happy to tell you that you›re going to find exactly the same kind of people in the next town up ahead.”

Time OutPeople deserve a second chance, but not a third.Marry your best friend.Take lots of pictures. Someday you’ll be really glad you did.Your actions now create memories you will talk about in your elder years.Taking ownership of failure builds the foundation for success.If you never act, you will never know for sure.

tIme out 39

Sharquiyah SandsCovering about 10 000 square kilometres, and arguably one of the Sultanate of Oman’s most popular destinations, the Sands are about two hours away from Muscat by car, towards Ibra. Winter is the best time to visit the home of the Bedouin in the desert, due to the extreme heat between April and October. There are several top-notch camping oasis sites in the Sands, for example Wilayat Badiyah, Al Raka oases, Shahik and Al Hawiyah, the largest oasis. Al Hawiyah is a green gem amid a sea of golden sand. Many tourist activities take place on these sands, such as sand-duning in four-wheel drive dune buggies, as well as horse and camel racing.

YitiYiti is a seacoast town about 25kms from Muscat. An ideal spot to take the family if you only have a day or two to spend in Muscat and you want to escape the city vibe, Yiti beach is a beautiful, deserted sandy strip flanked by two rocky cliffs. Make sure to take your camera as the sunsets and sunrises here are quite spectacular. It is a good place to have a picnic or barbeque and maybe an afternoon snooze while the kids go off exploring.

Dhofar MountainsThere are many off-the-beaten-track coastal camping spots in the southern Dhofar region, for example Dhalkut, Rakhyut, Hinu and Mahallah. In most of these places, drive a couple of kilometres away from the town or village and you will find good camp sites. There are many other inland sites, although their suitability for camping depends on the time of year and weather conditions, especially temperature, humidity and wind. During the Khareef season (May - October), swimming is not permitted in any of the beaches of Dhofar due to dangerous rips and undertows. The natural beauty of the surrounding area is breath-taking. You will witness the stunning view of dramatic mountains reaching right to the edge of the Arabian Sea.

40 culture & HerItage

If you have a tent and a 4x4, Oman is full of beautiful, dramatic landscapes against which to pitch canvas. Here are three spectacular destinations for outdoor adventure lovers

Places to camp

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

Hotels Oman has a wide variety of staying options catering to

any and all types of visitors. From plush five-star beach-facing resorts and spas for the more upmarket visitors, to

the four-star, three-star, hotel apartments, camps, guest houses, and youth hostels, everyone’s wallet is catered for.

Desert and mountain camps are particularly interesting experiences if you have not had the opportunity to enjoy

them before. While in Muscat, you will be spoilt for choices, and when you head towards the interior you will

experience true rustic charm and old-world elegance. Either way, you will get to experience the essence of true

Omani hospitality wherever you stay.

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

Ramada Muscat Hotel

Bahla Souq

tOurIsm & entertaInment 41

Children Museum

Omanat a glance

The Sultanate of Oman is the third largest country located in the southeast coast of the Arabian peninsula. The Sultanate is bordered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the west, the United Arab Emirates in the northeast, the Republic of Yemen in the southwest, the Strait of Hormuz in the north and the Arabian Sea in the east.

Oman has a land area of approximately 3 09 500km2 and a 3 165km long coastline extending from the Strait of Hormuz in the north, to the borders of the Republic of Yemen in the south.

Oman’s coast spans the three seas : the Arabian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A number of islands also are part of Oman including the famous islands of Masirah and Halaniyat (Kuria Muria). The country’s northern most part, the Musandam peninsula is Oman’s only coast on the Arabian Gulf and it is located across the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Fact SheetArea : 3 09 500km2.Population (2010) : 2.69 million, including 743 000 expatriates.Language : Arabic (official), English (widely spoken), German & French (most hotel staff ).Capital : Muscat.Local Time : GMT +4.Currency : Omani Rial, which equates to US$ 2.58.Shopping Hours : 09:00 - 13:00 then 16:30 - 22:00

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

ReligionIslam is the official religion of the Sultanate of Oman.

(Image source: Ahmed Al Shukaili)

42 get FamIlIar

Trave ltips

Whenever you travel overseas, it is often useful to understand the local laws and customs in the destination country, as they can often be very different to your own. To avoid any mix up or confusion with local laws and customs we have provided some travellers tips to assist you in having an enjoyable visit to the Sultanate.Please be advised that the information contained on this page is not fully comprehensive and may be liable to change without prior warning. Consult a travel expert or your local embassy prior to departing on your journey.Oman’s laws are based on Sharia law, also known as the Islamic Law. • In Oman, it is illegal not to have some form of

official ID on you at any given time. Therefore, it is recommended that you carry either your passport, or a photocopy of, or some other valid identification card. Other forms of ID such as overseas driver’s license or overseas ID cards will not be accepted.

• Visitors holding valid UK, Australian, and American and certain other nation’s driving licenses (check with the embassy if your country’s license is valid) can currently obtain an Omani license without taking a driving test.

• Vehicles are driven on the right side of the road.

• Heavy rainfall can cause sudden and severe flooding to dry riverbeds, which may pass over a road. You are advised to take full precautions when driving during rains.

• Oman is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religion at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, or if you intend to visit religious areas.

Basic Arabic Phrases

(Image source: iStockphoto)

Yes : naäam No : laa Please : arjook Thank you : shukran You’re welcome : äafwan

Excuse me : lao samaht I am sorry : ana aasif Good morning : sabaah al khayrGood evening : masaa’ al khayrGood night : tusbih äalaa khayr

Get FamIlIar 43

44 Oman aIr neWs

Zanzibar flights back onOman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate

of Oman, has resumed services between

Muscat and Zanzibar. Flights will operate non-

stop between Muscat and Zanzibar three times

a week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Zanzibar represents the third destination in

Africa and second in Tanzania on the Oman

Air growing network.

Oman Air flights will build stronger business,

cultural and tourism ties between the two

countries, as well as increase opportunities for tourists from Europe, the

Indian subcontinent and other Oman Air destinations to explore and

enjoy this unique destination.

Once a major dhow building centre of the East African region, tourism

has long since replaced the ancient art of dhow building as the town’s

major industry, but the essence of the olden days and its cultural heritage

can still be found. Zanzibar is now a bustling fishing centre and much of

the area’s rustic charm remains to delight sports and cultural enthusiasts,

as well as nature and party lovers. For more on Oman Air flights to

Zanzibar, log on to www.omanair.com or call 24531111.

46 oman aIr neWs

Oman Air Cargo unveiled its Pan-GCC Custom Bonded Truck services connecting Muscat with Salalah and other GCC countries. Hailed as a milestone in the annals of Oman Air achievements, this service will be effective from 1st June 2011.

It is the first time in Oman’s freight history that a scheduled custom-bonded trucking service is being introduced for customer use, connecting cargo from one airport to another, both domestically as well as to selected airports in

Pan-GCC trucking services the GCC. The trucking services of Oman’s national carrier will be operated by its business partner M/s. Able Logistics Group (Oman) LLC, providing airport-to-airport connectivity. This is expected to play a major role in improving export and import growth in the country by adding faster and more efficient connections. Able logistic Group (Oman) LLC, is an Omani registered company with established transport and freight forwarding roots in the Sultanate of Oman. Able Logistics Group (Oman) specialises in transporting customs-bonded cargo from airport to airport and non-bonded cargoes cargo throughout the GCC and Middle East Region.

Oman Air will link from and to its cargo hubs in Muscat and Salalah to all the GCC countries, namely United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi airports), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (King Fahad Abdul Aziz Ad-Dammam, King Khalid Riyadh and King Abdul Aziz Jeddah airports), Kuwait (Kuwait International Airport), Bahrain (Bahrain International Airport) and Qatar (Doha International Airport). The domestic markets that will be covered under this service are: Salalah and Sohar, followed soon by Adam, Nizwa, Duqm and Sur.

Oman Air will complete its present online destinations network with additional new offline destinations, adding ground transport services along with its flight programmes.

Oman Air number one at Heathrow

Nonstop Salalah/Dubai

Oman Air has been named as the top on-time performer at London’s Heathrow Airport. Figures released by BAA show that Oman Air achieved the number one rank with 100% punctuality for departures in February 2011, and the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman has been consistently listed amongst top five airlines for on-time performance at Heathrow.

Oman Air has restarted services between Salalah and Dubai. Salalah flights will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

To celebrate the resumption of the flights between Salalah and Dubai, a ceremony was organised at Salalah Airport, attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Saif Al Mahrouqi, Dhofar Deputy Governor, as well as local dignitaries, major travel agents and Oman Air senior management.

The initial response for the promotional fares to this sector has been very encouraging. the prices start from 85 Omani Rials, including taxes.

Oman Air Holidays has also come up with a unique package for those who wish to enjoy the two cities at their own pace and leisure.

For more information regarding our unique holiday packages, visit www.omanair.com or call 24531000.

London Heathrow is a challenging environment in which to operate and being ranked first for on-time performance is testament to the outstanding dedication of Oman Air’s staff and plane handling staff.

Oman Air is recognised internationally as an outstanding airline and the quality of its onboard product is mirrored by the excellence of its services on the ground. Customers can be confident that Oman Air’s reliability and hospitality will ensure a seamless, convenient and thoroughly enjoyable passenger experience.

we wish you a pleasant journeyTravel City LLC established in 1989 is one of the most reputed & successful travel service providers in the Sultanate of Oman. Our primary

focus is on providing quality products and superior service. We are actively involved in every aspect of the travel industry from retail to corporate travel management through product, people & technological development.

PO Box 1694, Muttrah, Postal Code 114, Sultanate of OmanHead Office (Ruwi) Tel: +968 2476 0800 Fax: +968 2476 0888 | Qurum Office Tel: +968 2466 1800 Fax: +968 2466 1899

Toll Free 24x7 : 800 78 777

PROMOTIONAL PARTNER

MuscatThe capital city of Oman, is the place where Traditional and Modern create the perfect blend. Highlighted by the glowing Muttrah Corniche, Muscat proudly states the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in all its magnanimity. Al Alam palace again takes the visitor back to the Persian influence on the architecture while the incessant chatter of the shopkeepers in Muttrah Souq can keep a buyer engaged in the numerous Omani silver jewellery stories and other artifacts. Taking a trip on the traditional handmade dhow boats from the beaches of Muscat showcases the simplicity of the lifestyles of the fishermen in the earlier times. Nightlife offers plenty of options in forms of restaurants and lounges catering to all different requirements.

For more information, please visit TourOman at our travel office located at CBD - Contact +968 2476 0833

www.touroman.org

What is your ideaof an exotic getaway...

A luxurious Spa holiday,Royal Rail tour or an exclusive Cruise trip?

For more information, please visit Vacations at our travel office located at Qurum - Contact +968 2466 1818/17/15

WingsOman_Ad_June.pdf 5/21/11 12:11:38 PM