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The inflighT magazine of oman air

June 2014 Your CopY To Keep

As we prepare for Oman Air’s next phase of expansion, which will begin with the arrival, later this year, of the first of the 20 aircraft we currently have on order, we have been careful to retain our focus on delivering the highest possible quality of products and services throughout our network.

Whilst our expanded fleet will allow us to offer even greater choice and convenience – we will also be announcing new destinations and increased frequencies over the next few months. With this growth, our focus on continuing to offer the very best in onboard and ground services, technological innovation and attention to detail, in whichever class you travel in, will remain our priority.

So it is with a great sense of pride and satisfaction that Oman Air has just received recognition at the World Travel Awards, which were held in Dubai in May. At a glittering ceremony, Oman Air was named as ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – Business Class’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’. This is the second year running that we have received the Economy Class award and, with the World Travel Awards being voted for by travellers and travel professionals, it is gratifying to receive acclaim from the ‘real’ experts.

An essential part of providing Oman Air’s outstanding passenger experience is getting the details right. One of those details is our amenity kits, which have won awards at the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Bag Awards in 2011, 2012 and 2013. At the beginning of this year, we introduced new kits in First and Business Class and I am delighted to say that, once again, we have won a TravelPlus Gold Award for our First Class male product. Having worked closely with Gate Group Harmony to develop these amenity kits – which include exclusive grooming products supplied by Omani perfumers Amouage – I am delighted that they have been received so well.

So, Oman Air’s award-winning progress continues apace and I look forward to sharing future developments through the pages of Wings of Oman. In the meantime, please enjoy your flight and thank you for choosing to fly with Oman Air.

From the CEO’s desk

Marhaba

The Serious Side of Laughter?It’s really no joke. A daily dose of laughter can bring serious benefits to our health.

Photography: Oman in FocusOman is a dream destination

for photographers. The Oman in Focus experience makes the most of it.

Must See: OmanMasirah Island is the Sultanate of Oman’s biggest island, and a true Arabian ‘desert island’ experience.

DiaryA wrap up of what festivals, events and sports are happening this month.

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Zanzibar Island:The ultimate East African island experience.

World View Life in all its forms from behind the photographer’s lens. 38

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

EditorialEditorial HeadPaul Winterpaul.winter@npaoman.com

Mohammad Abu Al Majd

Client Servicing ExecutiveRuwayda Al Barwani

Designers Justin Das Mohammad Asif

Media Sales and Marketingadvertising@npaoman.com

Photographic ContributorsCover Photo: Stephen Bugno/Oman in FocusGettyImagesShutterStockOman in Focus StudiosZanzibar International Film FestivalParis Music FestivalMunich Opera FestivalLondon Parks and Gardens Trust

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.

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Personal Branding:

What do you stand for? Due to the truly global reach that business owners and entrepreneurs have these days, the way we brand ourselves is more valuable than ever.

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Oman Air NewsOman Air’s news and events.

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Check In Oman in Focus

Sindhu Darshan Festival

(1 June – 3 June, Indus/Sindhu River,

India).

Penang International Dragon Boat

Festival (7 June – 8 June,

Penang, Malaysia).

Glastonbury Music Festival (25 June – 29 June, Somerset, England).

Diary

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Zanzibar International Film Festival Where: Zanzibar, TanzaniaWhen: 14 June – 22 June What: ‘ZIFF’ is East Africa’s largest film, music and arts festival, and once again brings together new film making talent from all over the world this month. Each year, some of the most captivating and cutting-edge cinema is screened at venues across the island – from full-length, world-premier features, to locally made short films. This year’s festival theme is ‘A Common Destiny’. The final night takes the form of an awards ceremony, with the winning films being recognised and celebrated.

Paris Music Festival (La Fête de la Musique) Where: Paris, FranceWhen: 21 June What: This is one of Paris’ most popular events. The Fête de la Musique is held during the summer solstice every year – the longest day of the year – and generally starts to get going later in the day at sundown. Hundreds of musicians gather in the streets, eateries and cafes of Paris, and give free performances of everything from jazz and rock, to modern hip-hop and electronic music. This is a great time to get to know the city’s neighbourhoods and cultural atmosphere.

Munich Opera FestivalWhere: Munich, GermanyWhen: 27 June – 31 JulyWhat: Since its founding more than 130 years ago, the Munich Opera Festival has lost nothing of its attraction.When the international festival with the richest history of its kind begins again at the end of June 2014, friends of opera from Munich, from Germany and from all over the world will set out to share their enthusiasm for musical theatre together.

EcOrient International Environmental Technologies,

Sustainability & Clean Energy Conference

(4 June – 5 June, Beirut, Lebanon).

Dar Es Salaam Charity Goat Racing

(7 June, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania).

Regatta of St Ranieri Boat Race

(17 June, Pisa, Italy).

Diary

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Milan Men’s Fashion Week Where: Milan, ItalyWhen: 21 June – 24 JuneWhat: Italy’s fashion capital, Milan, has several fashion weeks for men and women throughout the year. But the hugely popular Milan Men’s Fashion Week taking place this month is one of the most important, as it is a showcase for the spring and summer collections of some of the best fashion designers in the world.

Open Garden WeekendWhere: London, EnglandWhen: 14 June – 15 JuneWhat: This month, around 200 communal gardens not ordinarily open to the public will unlock their gates to the public, for a weekend. The event takes in all sorts of spaces – from traditional squares to roof terraces and allotments, as well as gardens belonging to historic buildings, schools, shops and cafes. At last year’s event, well-known (but normally-off-limits) gardens like Number 10 Downing Street, Eaton Square, Cable Street Community Gardens, Regent’s Park allotment garden and The Royal College of Physicians’ medicinal garden were all open to the public. Guided tours (on foot and by bike) are available.

Malaysia Mega SaleWhere: Malaysia, CountrywideWhen: 1 June – 1 SeptemberWhat: The first day of June represents the first day of Malaysia’s popular Mega Sale season. During this period, retail outlets, malls and shops will be selling everything from luxury goods and electronics to curios and souvenirs and clothing at massively discounted prices. There is always a festive atmosphere at this time, as the malls and streets bustle with activity.

Football Five’s World ChampionshipsWhere: Dubai, UAEWhen: 12 June – 13 June What: This first-of-its-kind tournament will see the best 5-a-side amateur teams from 32 countries travelling to Dubai this month to compete for the Football Fives World Champions title. The tournament will be broadcast live on TV and attended by some of the top scouts in world football who will be on the lookout for the world’s next football stars!

WimbledonWhere: London, EnglandWhen: 23 June – 6 JulyWhat: ‘The Lawn Tennis Championships’ will once again take place this month in London’s suburb of Wimbledon. Tournament traditions include a strict dress code for the competitors, the eating of strawberries and cream by the

spectators, and Royal patronage. It is the oldest and arguably most

prestigious event in the sport of tennis. This

year should be as spectacular as

ever!

Diary

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Nepal-India Taekwondo Championship

(7 June – 8 June, Kathmandu, Nepal).

Italian MotoGP Superbike Championship

(1 June, Mugello, Italy).

Rowing World Cup (20 June – 22 June,

Aiguebelette, France).

International ‘Go Skateboarding’ Day

(21 June, Worldwide).

FIFA World Cup (12 June – 13 July, Brazil,

Nationwide).

Taj Mahal MarathonWhere: Taj Mahal, AgraWhen: 14 June – 16 June What: The Taj Mahal Marathon is a one-of-a-kind, ultra distance marathon with a distance of 220 kilometres. It begins at the famed Taj Mahal, and finishes at Bhangarh Fort, Alwar, in Rajasthan. The course is relatively flat and the surface is even most of the way. But the heat and sun gives the race a definite ‘extremeness’. Each racer has a crew supporting them from start to finish. This is a truly magnificent event – especially if you finish!

Omani JewelleryJewellery has always been an important part of the traditional Omani dress aesthetic. These days, antique as well as new jewellery items – necklaces, bracelets, ear rings, anklets, ear pendants, bangles and hair decorations – can all still be acquired. There are also exquisite collections of traditional silver and gold jewellery on display at the Sultanate of Oman’s various museums. The bold, vivid attractiveness of Omani jewellery is truly unqiue, but the symbolism, tradition and stories that are incorporated into each piece are also what add even more beauty and allure to them – and what brings this wonderful jewellery to life.

Omani HalwaIn Oman, the sweet, slightly spicy, jelly-like sweet called

halwa is considered a symbol of generosity, hospitality, and excellence. The craft of halwa making is held in high esteem

throughout the Sultanate, and each region tends to have its own, unique flavoured product. Preparation methods are adhered to

strictly, and the preferred method of cooking is over a traditional wood fire. Halwa is often served with hot, black kahwa – which is

Arabic coffee prepared with cardamon spice. The sweet flavours and chewy texture of the halwa, contrasted with the bitter, earthy flavours of the

kahwa, make for a truly memorable tasting experience!

Omani

Souvenirs14

Our crafts our wealth

@PACI_OMAN Pacioman PACI_OMANPaci oman

Frankincense BraziersFrankincense braziers – also called censers – are the small, traditional clay receptacles in which frankincense resin is burned. Along with the Sultanate of Oman’s age-old reputation as a producer of the world’s finest frankincense resin (from the Boswellia species of tree that occurs naturally in the region), the craft of these braziers has also been developed over hundreds of years. Braziers are often ornamented with bright engravings and colours by the craftsmen that make them – and

each design differs according to the region in which they are made. The frankincense resin ‘teardrops’ are burned slowly on small, flat coals.

The Oman in Focus tour offers photographers a visual adventure of a lifetime

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The high quality natural lighting, spectacular landscapes and fascinating array of people and culture make the Sultanate of Oman a dream destination for professional and amateur photographers. And the Oman in Focus photography experience makes the most of it!

Photography: Oman in Focus

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The Oman in Focus tour experience is the brainchild of Omani photographer Maisa Al Hooti. Besides having a talent for creating photographs herself (she has been recognised for her personal photography work in and outside Oman), Maisa clearly also has a talent for bringing together groups of highly enthusiastic and highly skilled photographers – and giving them the visual adventure of a lifetime.

Oman: In Focus?Under the support and sponsorship of Ministry of Tourism and Oman Air, the Oman in Focus tour aims to open up tourism in Oman to a wider range of traveller – and to continuously promote the spectacular natural and cultural beauty and heritage of Oman not only in the Middle East, but also to the rest of the world.

Over several days, photographers have the opportunity to document the Sultanate of Oman according to their individual expertise and creative point of view

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‘Being a photographer, I wanted to do something for my country that would promote its beauty through photographs. I participated in a photography tour in Rajasthan, India, in 2011 and was deeply moved by being immersed into its culture and witnessing how beautiful the place is. I realised through this experience that I should share the same experience with my fellow photographers. But this time, it would be in my own country – my beloved Oman.’

Basically, over a ten day period, the Oman in Focus tour takes a group of professional (or skilled amateur) photographers around Oman, and gives them the best opportunities to explore and experience the beauty of the countryside – and then the opportunity to take photographs of it according to their individual expertise and creative point of view.

Very importantly, the tour frees the photographers up from having to worry about the hassles of planning and scheduling itineraries and logistics, so they can concentrate exactly on what they do best – create spectacular pictures!

On conclusion of the tour, all participants then exhibit the best of their work from the adventure at an official farewell function. (After the last Oman in Focus event, photographers showcased their work at

‘Oman is a very special visual destination because it has a large variety of landscape features all grouped together in a single country location’

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the prestigious Royal Opera House in Muscat – first to the Oman in Focus group participants, and then to the public).

When it comes to photography, what does Oman have that no other country can match? According to Maisa, Oman is a very special visual destination because it has a large variety of landscape features all grouped together in a single country location.

‘And they are majestic and diverse. I had always wanted Oman to be known for its landscapes, architecture, culture and people,’ Maisa explains, and she lists some examples. ‘We have Nizwa where you can experience rocky mountains; the Sur region for the beaches; and we also have deserts like Badiya.’

The Omani people are well known for their hospitality and friendly nature. Photographers make the most of this during the Oman in Focus experience

Oman’s contrasting colours and textures (and fascinating

cultures) make for spectacular imagery

Desert landscapes have always been dream destinations for photographers

The tour offers excellent opportunities for portrait

photography and for documenting Oman’s

regional cultures

Recent participants after showcasing their work at the Royal Opera House Muscat

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She also points out that the Omani people are well-known for their hospitality and friendly nature, and that wherever they go, the local people are very welcoming and accommodating to the Oman in Focus photographers and tourists, and are always keen to engage with the group on a social level. Because of this, the photographers are able to get to know and understand the Sultanate of Oman in a deeper and more enriching way.

Of course, Oman in Focus is just as much about the photographers as it is about the photography and pictures being taken. The tour is a perfect opportunity to share personal skills, experiences and knowledge in photography, and learn from others at the same time. ‘Aside from promoting Oman, another goal of the Oman in Focus project

is to strengthen the bond that Oman has with every country,’ Maisa explains. During the most recent Oman in Focus tour, the photographers had ample opportunities to talk with one another, and discuss ideas and experiences. ‘These conversations became foundations of new knowledge, experiences and friendships.’

Of course these conversations and the Oman in Focus tour in general, also became the foundations of some truly brilliant images of the Sultanate of Oman!

‘The photographers have ample opportunities to talk with one another, and discuss ideas and experiences. These conversations become foundations of new knowledge, experiences and friendships’

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As an island destination, Zanzibar is magnificent. The name conjures up exotic images of white sand beaches, palm trees, sun and spice, coconuts, shells, diving and daydreaming, and Indian Ocean dhow adventures.

You could easily spend most of your stay exploring the picture perfect beaches and swimming or diving in the warm Indian

Ocean waters offshore – and following it up with Indian Ocean seafood feasts in the evening. But besides the beaches, there is also the easy-going, fun-loving nature of Zanzibar’s people and culture. And this is reflected in a yearly calendar that is packed full of festivals and events. In fact, they are all reasons enough to come to Zanzibar (and the beaches can be a bonus).

Zanzibar’s white sand beaches, azure blue seas, palm trees and traditional dhows are fantastic. But there are also the music, film and fashion festivals - and a history that goes back thousands of years.

Zanzibar Island:The ultimate East African island experience.

Zanzibar Island is a mixing pot of culture,

people and history

23Check Out

The Sauti za Busara music festival, for example, is held every February and is regarded as the best music get-together in East Africa. It attracts around 400 musicians from Tanzania and other African countries – and hundreds of music lovers from all over the world.

The Zanzibar Cultural Festival, also in February, features local culture, music and dance traditions, with many events such as the canoe races and carnivals, taking place around the much-loved Stone Town.

East Africa’s biggest film festival – the Zanzibar International Film Festival (usually held in June or July) is another highlight on the calendar. The event features the most captivating and cutting-edge cinema from Africa and beyond, and is screened at venues across the island.

The Jahazi Literary and Jazz Festival, in August, is a weekend of outdoor/indoor parties, poetry readings and debates held in various venues around Stone Town.

The Zanzibar Island Run, which is held at the beginning of December in Stone Town, includes a short, but very scenic half marathon fun run.

Swahili Fashion Week, held in neighbouring Dar Es Salaam (November) is the region’s top fashion event, where renowned African-based designers showcase their latest work.

Zanzibar’s beaches and Indian Ocean are unforgettable. But the island’s colourful festivals and culture are also worth travelling to.

Stone Town Time

Stone Town is the old part of Zanzibar City. It was a flourishing centre for the spice trade in the 19th century, and has always been a city of prominent historical and artistic importance in East Africa.

It is possible to spend days winding through Stone Town’s labyrinth-like alleyways and streets – shopping; taking photographs, drinking tea; visiting the historic sites; and wandering around the Stone Town market, which is one of the largest, most vibrant and popular open-air markets in East Africa.

Stone Town’s architecture mostly dates back to the 19th century, and reflects the diverse influences underlying the Swahili culture, with a unique mixture of Moorish, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences. For this reason, the town has been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list.

Zanzibar is a very visual and photogenic destination

Island Hopping: Pemba and Mafia • Pemba Island is situated about 50 kilometres

north of Zanzibar; Mafia Island, about 150 kilometres south. They are collectively referred to as the Spice Islands, and definitely worth visiting…

• Pemba Island is known as ‘The Green Island’ in Arabic. Indeed, Pemba is, with the exception of a strip of land along its east coast, a very fertile place. The centrally located capital town, Chake-Chake, is perched on a small hilltop overlooking a beautiful bay and the tiny Misali Island. Here the tides determine when a dhow can enter the local harbour. Pemba is also well-known for its spectacular diving potential.

• The Mafia archipelago consists of one large island and several

smaller ones. There is a fascinating array of birdlife and

wildlife on Mafia. Just like Pemba, the snorkelling and scuba diving is excellent. There are also kilometres of empty beach to explore.

‘Zanzibar’s beaches and

Indian Ocean are unforgettable. But

the island’s colourful festivals and culture

are also worth travelling to’

One of the many attractions to discover around Zanzibar

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Oman and Zanzibar?Interestingly, in 1698, Zanzibar became part of the

overseas holdings of Oman, falling under the control of the Sultan of Oman.

The height of Arab rule came during the reign of Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al-Busaid, who in 1840

moved his capital from Muscat, in Oman, to Zanzibar’s Stone Town and established a ruling Arab elite, which continued until the late 1800s. However, ancient pottery finds and other evidence demonstrate that trade routes linking Zanzibar with places like ancient Sumer and Assyria even existed thousands of years ago. These early traders made use of the monsoon winds to sail across the Indian Ocean into places like Zanzibar Town’s protected harbour. Traders then began to settle in small numbers on Zanzibar in the late 11th or 12th century.

Some of the other sites are The Old Fort – a heavy stone fortress that was built in the 17th century by the Omani rulers at the time. It has a square shape, and the internal courtyard is now a cultural centre with shops, workshops and a small arena where live dance and music shows are held daily.

The House of Wonders was built in 1883 and restored after the Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896. It was the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity as well as the first

building in East Africa to have a lift. Since 2000, its interior has been dedicated to a museum on Swahili and Zanzibar culture.

The Forodhani Gardens are a small park where every evening after sunset there is a popular, tourist-oriented market that sells grilled seafood and other Zanzibari cuisine.

Zanzibar and its neighbouring islands Pemba and Mafia represent the ultimate in the East African island experience. And it’s all worth travelling to!

East Africa’s landscapes and seascapes offer countless opportunities for exploration and adventure

The Palace of Wonders, in Zanzibar’s Stone Town.

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Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam: FactsOman Air flies daily between Muscat - Zanzibar and Muscat - Dar Es Salaam.

Visa Requirements: A Single Entry Tourist Visa is available at the Zanzibar International Airport with validity of up to three months (90 days) from the date of issue. Citizens of certain countries do not require a visa for entry, but might need an entry permit clearance. Passports with a validity of at least 6 months are also required for entry. Travellers are advised to check the exact visa requirements before arriving. Languages spoken: The official languages of Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam are Swahili and English. Many of the population also speak Arabic, and Italian is fairly commonly spoken. Travel Health: Travellers are advised to check what medical precautions are required for travelling in Tanzania (including Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam).Currency: The official currency of Tanzania (including Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam) is the Tanzania Shilling (TSH). Notes come in denominations of 500, 1 000, 2 000, 5 000 and 10 000 Shilingi. Coins come in 50, 100 and 200 Shilingi denominations. United States Dollars (USD) are also commonly used.1 Shilingi (TZS) = 0.00023 Omani Rial (OMR)1 Shilingi (TZS) = 0.00061 United States Dollar (USD)(May 2014)

Travel Token: Tinga Tinga Painting‘Tinga Tinga’ is a painting style that developed in the second half of the 20th century in Dar Es Salaam and then Zanzibar, before spreading throughout most of East Africa. The genre is named after its founder, Tanzanian painter Edward Said Tingatinga. Tinga Tinga paintings are traditionally made on hardboard using several layers of bright colour. The paintings are often small (or done on rolls of canvas), which makes them ideal to travel back home with.

East Africa and it’s islands will leave a very

vivid and memorable impression on anyone

visiting them

Must See:

Oman28

Masirah IslandMasirah Island is located off the central, eastern part

of Oman’s coastline. It is the Sultanate’s biggest island and for visitors, represents a true Arabian ‘desert island’

experience.

Longitude: 20° 19' 54.3" N Latitude:58° 41' 20.3" E

Masirah is a paradise for naturalists – it is well-known for its spectacular array of birdlife and marine life.

The island is located about 15 kilometres off the mainland. It is approximately 95 kilometres long from north to south, and

about 15 kilometres wide (with a total area of around 650 km2).

Masirah is the Sultanate of Oman’s largest island

– located off the country’s central, eastern coastline.

It forms part of the Ash Sharqiyah Governorate.

There is a selection of hotel resorts that suit most budgets

– as well as various camping options on

the island.

Masirah’s main village is Ras Hilf, which is located at the northern end of the island. Masirah also has a Royal Air Force of Oman

air base and a few small, quaint fishing villages.

Visitors normally reach the island by ferry, which leaves

from the mainland at Shannah several times a day. The ferry

regularly ships passengers and cars across the channel.

Many of the island’s beaches are good spots to witness Loggerhead Turtles

nesting in their natural environment.

A road runs around the entire circumference of the island. But to

explore the coastline in detail, visitors will have to walk a short distance to

the shoreline at most areas.Due to the favourable wind and sea

conditions (especially during summer), the island is a popular destination for kitesurfing and surfing. There is also

excellent snorkelling to be had around the shallower reefs.

The highest spot on Masirah is Jabal

Madrub, a 256 meters high mountain located at the island’s

northern end.

The rugged terrain of the island’s coastline has become the final resting place of many shipwrecked wooden

dhows, which reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s long history of maritime trade

and ocean exploration.

The Serious Side of Laughter?It’s really no joke. A daily dose of laughter can bring serious benefits to our health. We all know exactly what laughter is, but according to the official dictionary definition, ‘Laughter is an expression of certain emotions, especially mirth or delight, by a series of spontaneous, usually unarticulated sounds often accompanied by corresponding facial and bodily movements.’

If this description sounds too serious to describe something as light-hearted as laughter, it probably is. But laughter really does have a serious side. When it comes to proven health benefits for our bodies and minds, a good dose of laughter really is no joke.

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Your Daily Dose?

In fact, a daily dose of laughter may be just what the doctor ordered. Medical studies have repeatedly shown that genuine laughter affects our bodies and our minds in many positive ways.

One of the most profound benefits of laughter, as one psychologist explained, is that humans cannot experience humor – and feel depressed, anxious or angry at the same time. So while we’re laughing, or while we’re experiencing something we find humorous, any negative or miserable feelings that we have are naturally eliminated for that moment.

So, as we all seem to know, laughter provides us with an important (and free!) source of stress reduction and relaxation. Wellness experts report many benefits of a good dose of genuine, heart-felt laughter…

• Laughter can assist in relieving pain by triggering the release of endorphins – the body’s so-called natural painkillers and so-called ‘feel good’ chemicals.

• Scientific studies have shown that laughter has the potential to strengthen our immune system by decreasing stress hormones and increasing immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies.

• Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against cardiovascular problems.

• Laughing relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed and invigorated.

• Laughter can be a good ‘workout’ for sedentary individuals confined to a bed or wheelchair.

• A good, hard ‘belly laugh’ works the abdominal muscles – and also massages and invigorates your internal organs.

• Unlike some medications and stimulants, there are no side effects of laughter.

Learn to Laugh Again?

Could you do with more laughter in your life? Ideas from wellness experts that can be prescribed on a daily (or hourly basis?) to make us laugh more include making the most of laughable moments during our day; learning to laugh at ourselves; seeking out and establishing relationships with funny friends and work colleges etc; and nurturing your inner, ‘comic genius’ in order to be able to create humorous situations from everyday life.

One psychologist explains that ‘making the unreal, real’ – actually pretending to be happy (and laughing) when there’s no reason why we should be – can have a very real effect on our levels of happiness. In other words, the humorous situation might not be real, but the effect our body experiences from the laughter is very real.

Children reportedly laugh hundreds of times a day. Most adults laugh little over a dozen times a day. Perhaps we could all learn something from our little ones. And laugh while we’re doing it!

Getting serious

about laughter? In these laughter therapy practices, participants learn how to laugh at

themselves and to treat life less se-riously as a way to reduce stress…

Laughter Yoga Groups: Laughter Yoga combines interactive laughter

exercises with deep centering breathing and calming movements.

Laughter Therapy Groups: Laughter therapy groups are used to relieve and deal with issues like physical pain and weight loss. The therapy encourages participants

to take part using funny toys, jokes and fancy clothes.

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& Mind32

Due to the truly global reach that business owners and entrepreneurs have these days, the way we brand ourselves, and the way we communicate to the world what we stand for, is more valuable than ever.

It is well known that a ‘brand’ is the name, design, symbol, or any feature that identifies a product as distinct from another product.

Personal branding, then, is the ongoing process of establishing an image or impression in the target market’s mind about yourself and the unique work you do. It involves marketing yourself and the work you do as a brand.

Personal Branding:�What do you stand for?

Business& Tech34

More specifically, it involves defining the unique experiences and knowledge that you are offering, and then presenting this to the marketplace through your digital and online presence, and also in public setting. It is telling your target market, ‘This is what I do,’ and ‘This is what I do well!’ To be in business today, your most important job is to be the chief marketer of the brand called ‘You’ as one business management expert describes personal branding.

Brand Blogging: For Free!

Posting regular blog updates remains an effective and very popular way to communicate what you – and your personal brand – are all about. Here are three of the most user-friendly (and free!) blogging platforms.

1. WordPress: The WordPress platform is known for its advanced customisation levels and editing features. But at its most basic, users need to do little more than enter a post title, add the desired content (words, photos, video etc), and then click the publish button.

2. Blogger: Blogger has a reputation of being incredibly easy to set up and use; so it is especially useful for first time bloggers.

3. Tumblr: The Tumblr platform is more suited to short, to-the-point blog posts – as opposed to traditional long-form journalism.

Business& Tech36The Process: Personal Branding

Personal branding is a process that needs ongoing attention and energy. Here are some insights and ideas to boost your personal brand…

• Effective personal branding is about identifying the core values and attributes of you and your work, and acknowledging where your expertise and mastery lies – and then deciding how you would like your target market to perceive this; and then clearly communicating it to them in the most appealing way. It’s been said that if you don’t define your personal brand, then your market will. Personal branding puts the control back in your hands.

• Marketing experts say that your target market needs to feel like they know you, and can trust you. Especially if your presence online is the source of most of your work and business. A full spectrum of visually-based personal branding – selections of appropriate imagery, photographs and video material of you and your work – solves this problem. After all, it is natural for people to want to put a face to who they’re dealing with.

• The term ‘Impression Management’ is used to describe the process of forming an individual or company’s public image. Closely linked to this is the simple idea of ‘Self Presentation’, where a person endeavours to influence the perception of their image. Of course, both are crucial to the success of the impressions you create in a public and social settings – and therefore your personal branding.

• While personal branding has attracted some criticism as being a form of manipulating the truth, and presenting an untruthful version of you and your work, branding experts point out that the best personal brands are always authentic, and represent a person ‘being their best selves’. All people can be ‘desirable products’ if they get the messaging right, as one marketer explained.

The most powerful thing about personal branding is that much of its success lies entirely in your hands. You control the impression that you and your work make on your target market. And therefore, it puts you in powerful control of the success of your business. The stronger your personal brand, the more likely you’ll experience demand for your services – and the more likely you’ll be able to charge a premium for it.

www.omanairports.co.omOman Airports Management Company SAOC, PO Box 1707, PC 111 CPO, Sultanate of Oman.

Your Gateway to Oman

Oman Airports Management Company S.A.O.C (OAMC) is owned by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, OAMC is responsible for the management and operation of Muscat International, Salalah and Jaaluni Airports.

VISIONTo be a world class organization in airports management and related businesses, contributing to the prosperity of the Sultanate of Oman.MISSIONManage, maintain, operate airports and related businesses with a focus on Safety, Security and Profitability to deliver High Quality of Services to all Customers and Business Partners while fostering a culture of Innovation and valuing Human Resources.

Oman Airports

WorldView38An aerial view of the beautiful Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which connects the Toyama and Nagano prefectures through the Hida Mountains in Japan. Every year, snow removal has to be done on the route before it opens for the spring sightseeing season.

(Photo by Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images).

A giant chrome and aluminium skeleton sculpture of a so-called Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaur stands below the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

(Photo by Claire Lebertre/AFP/Getty Images).

At the Martin-Gropius Bau museum in Berlin, Germany, a worker stands and ponders over an installation artwork entitled ‘Stools’. The artwork consists of hundreds of wooden stools arranged together over a large area.

(Photo by Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images).

Ice Age…

‘T-Rex’ Tower

Sit or Stand?

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Cosmopolitan CasualwearJames Lakeland’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection is a set of timeless wardrobe classics that have been given an up-to-date edge. Designed with the ‘21st century woman’s cosmopolitan lifestyle in mind’ according to the designer, the collection features ultra-chic dresses in block coloured stretch crepe or lace and tailored items that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. The line also includes an extensive casualwear range. All items are crafted in Italy. www.jameslakeland.net

Outdoor Colour The Spring/Summer 2014 collection from the UK-based label Common People reflects what the designers say is ‘the essence of summer holiday trips’ and it is inspired by 1970s field and beach trips – as well as modern interpretations of Celtic art. The use of bright, primary colours on strong outerwear pieces is present throughout the collection. This is mixed with clean silhouettes and technical details – which gives the range a fresh, colourful, contemporary edge. www.

commonpeopleclothing.co.uk

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OmanView44Basim Al MaharbiBasim Al Maharbi says that he was inspired by photography from an early age. As a child, he recalls his father taking him and his elder brothers (who were all carrying cameras) on regular weekend trips away. At the time, Basim says he longed for the day when he’d be able to do the same - carry his own camera and take his own pictures.

Well, it wasn’t long before Basim bought himself his first DSLR camera, and began to take photography more seriously. And he was eventually able to shift from an admin and accounts career into photojournalism. Basim can be contacted via infor@basimphotography.com

TravellerThe 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 northernmost 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 09 500 km2

Population (2014) : 4 000 345 million (1 767 396 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

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Savvy

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 500, 250, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 Baizas.

50 baiza

25 baiza

10 baiza

5 baiza

50 Rials

20 Rials

10 Rials

5 Rials

1 Rial

1/2 Rial

100 baiza

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Oman Air and ambassador Al Harthy make winning start to 2014 motor racing seasonHigh flying international racing driver Ahmad Al Harthy, a key corporate ambassador of Oman Air, has set out on his most ambitious motor racing programme to date this year with a dual campaign in the Avon Tyres British GT Championship and the Pro Cup class of the Blancpain Endurance Series.Both categories, which form prestigious rungs on the professional ladder towards the world’s greatest motor race, the Le Mans 24 Hours, feature some of the world’s most exclusive sportscars and for 2014 Al Harthy has a new brand affiliation with legendary car manufacturer Aston Martin.

As well as competing in a new car this year – a beautiful Aston Martin V12 Vantage – the 32-year-old from Muscat has also established the fully-fledged Oman Racing Team which competes for the first time under an Omani entrant’s licence.

Boosting yet further his own presence on the world motor racing stage, as well as that of his key commercial partners such as Oman Air, the current season is an incredibly important one for all involved – and it has started in the best possible way with victory during the first race of the British GT season at Oulton Park.

Utterly dominant in the first qualifying session of the 2014 campaign, Al Harthy secured pole position by more than half a second and after holding the lead throughout his stint, team-mate Michael Caine managed to bring the car home 3.5 seconds clear to claim a memorable win.

‘It’s been a dream start to the British GT season for us,’ the Omani told Wings of Oman magazine. ‘When we began the hard work on this project last year, we always knew we wanted to start this season as strongly as we could – it doesn’t get any better than pole position and victory.

‘We all made some big steps forward last year, it was a fantastic season, but this year we want to try and win the championship and to be consistently at the front in Blancpain too. It’s going to be an unbelievably tough challenge but we know we have the team, the car and pace to be successful.’

In the Blancpain Endurance Series, Al Harthy is also partnered by Caine with the latter’s fellow Briton Stephen Jelley also part of the driving strength. Visiting some of the world’s most high-profile and renowned motor racing venues, including Monza in Italy and Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, the heavily subscribed championship has become the biggest GT category in Europe.

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& Places48

‘In addition to his career aspirations at the highest level of motorsport, of utmost importance to Al Harthy is the opportunity to promote his home country and everything the Sultanate has to offer’While the 10 round British GT Championship season continues until mid-September, including one European event mid-season, the five-event Blancpain Endurance Series will reach its conclusion one week later on 20th/21st September. At each event, the driving time is split between team-mates with mandatory pit-stops to change drivers at set points.

‘It doesn’t seem five minutes since we started racing back in April,’ reflects Al Harthy. ‘So far, things are going well and we’re very happy with the level of performance we’ve shown. There are some big races coming up, the biggest being the Blancpain 24 Hour race at Spa in July – that’s going to be an amazing weekend.’

In addition to his career aspirations at the highest level of motorsport, of utmost importance to Al Harthy is the opportunity to promote his home country and everything the Sultanate has to offer the rest of the globe – through business, tourism and leisure.

As an integral part of the outreach from the government’s Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Sports Affairs departments, he continually strives to highlight the promotion of Oman through his racing and associated activities. Oman Air, of course, is a major part of the equation and the airline’s support for Ahmad (which started many years ago when he was a go-kart racing hopeful) has been vital. This has formed a part of Oman Air’s programme of nurturing and promoting Omani sporting talent on the international stage.

Oman Air’s sponsorship of Oman Sail and the Oman national soccer team have put the Sultanate’s sports men and women

into the international spotlight, whilst its involvement in the European polo scene has brought the airline and Oman as a destination to the attention of many thousands of potential visitors.

‘We’re so fortunate to have the long-standing support of partners like Oman Air. I simply wouldn’t be competing without the company’s backing,’ adds the racing champion. ‘Over the last few years we’ve helped to promote and highlight everything good about Oman, throughout the UK and across Europe too in recent times.’

General Manager, Marketing of Oman Air, Mohammed Al Shikely, adds: ‘Europe represents a key territory for both Oman and Oman Air, so being a major partner in the Oman Racing Team is incredibly important for us, especially given that promoting the Sultanate is a key priority for Oman Air. We’re continuing to expand in these important markets and are therefore delighted to be supporting Ahmad’s racing in both the British GT and the Blancpain Endurance Series.’

To learn more about Ahmad Al Harthy and the Oman Racing Team, visit www.ahmadalharthy.com or follow Ahmad on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AlHarthyRacing and Twitter @AlHarthyRacing

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Oman Air has launched a major advertising campaign that sees the airline’s brand enveloping some of London’s iconic, black taxi cabs. For the next 12 months, 12 traditional London taxis will feature stunning images of the Sultanate of Oman and four of the airline’s most beautiful onward destinations.

The taxi campaign aims to generate greater awareness of Oman Air, the multi-award winning national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, and the many stunning destinations it flies to, including the Sultanate itself.

Painted in the distinctive turquoise of the airline’s corporate identity, each cab features one of four striking images of Oman on one side, together with photographs of one of four beautiful locations - Sri Lanka, Maldives, Thailand or India - on the other side. In addition to this, Oman Air-branded taxi receipts are handed out to customers to complete the advertising exercise.

As the only airline to fly daily, non-stop from London Heathrow to Muscat, Oman, this is the first time the airline has undertaken a taxi advertising campaign of this scale in the city.

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Oman Air brand envelops London’s iconic Black Cabs

Oman Air joins with Boeing to present ‘Airplanes 101’ seminar

Oman Air and Boeing Commercial Airplanes Communications recently welcomed delegates from throughout Oman to an intensive training seminar titled ‘Airplanes 101’.

The seminar, which was held at the Shangri-La Bar Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat, brought together representatives from Oman’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA), Oman Airport

Management Company (OAMC), the Embassy of the United States of America, local media, as well as staff from Oman Air, to hear senior Boeing technical experts discuss issues such as the principles of aviation, aircraft design and certification, environmental impact, aviation safety and production and delivery systems.

The event comes ahead of Oman Air receiving 11 new Boeing 737s and six Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which will join the airline’s 30-strong current fleet from later this year. Oman Air also has three Airbus A330s on order.

Oman Air’s sales support expertZiyad Mohammed Saud Al Dughaishi: Regional Sales Support Officer (Asia Pacific), Sales (Commercial)

Ziyad Mohammed Saud Al Dughaishi graduated from Sultan Qaboos University with a Bachelors in Travel and Tourism Operations Management in 2006. ‘From my early studies in the tourism industry, my ambition was to join an international airline company,’ he explains. ‘The national carrier of my country, Oman Air, was the best choice.’ Al Dughaishi adds that he joined Oman Air in June 2013 after obtaining 7 years’ worth of experience in marketing research as a Data Processing Manager working on a number of high profile projects and various types of surveys – as well as assisting in the development of research tools and analysis, and in the interpretation of research data.

‘My current position in Oman Air as a Sales Support Officer in the Sales Commercial Department has helped me a lot in developing my knowledge in the airline field and improved my skills in data analysis, communications, statistics and evaluation,’ he explains. ‘I deal daily with highly professional management in my department, and I can see from their long term vision that Oman Air is headed in the right direction to be one of the top leaders in the airline industry. I hope to contribute with all Oman Air teams in their effort to achieve the company missions and goals.’

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Oman Air wins double at World Travel Awards

Oman Air, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, has won two categories of the World Travel Awards, which were announced in Dubai on the 4th May this year.

At a dazzling ceremony which was held at the JW Marriot Marquis Dubai, Oman Air was named the ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – Business Class’ and the ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’.

The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all

sectors of the tourism industry. They are hailed as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’.

This is the second year running that Oman Air has been named as the ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’ at the World Travel Awards, and the Business Class accolade follows Oman Air being named at the World Airline Awards in 2011 and 2012 as the airline offering the ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat’. Furthermore, Oman Air has just received a Gold Award for the fourth year in a row at the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Bag Awards.

Earn & Spend Sindbad Miles Sindbad membership earns you Sindbad miles both in the air and on the ground. Fly with Oman Air, our partner airlines or transact with any of our global network Partners and earn Sindbad miles. You can choose to spend your Sindbad miles for free flights, flight upgrades, exciting raffles, promotions and more.

Benefits and Privileges• Complimentary Airport Lounge Access

• Extra baggage allowance of up to 20 Kg

• Duty Free discounts of up to 10% discount on Oman Air In-flight Duty Free

• Check-in at Priority Counter

• Priority baggage handling

• Double miles on your first flight

• Bonus miles, discounts and special offers from Partners

• Buy, Gift and Share Miles

Earn miles for flights made up to 3 months prior to your enrolment. Join today by visiting

Sindbad.omanair.com or ask your hostess for an enrolment form.

Hello and welcome to Sindbad, the frequent flyer program of Oman Air. Whether you’re

travelling on business or going on a holiday, join Sindbad today

and make your journey with Oman Air even more rewarding.

Exclusive Privileges & BenefitsSindbad has three tiers to offer- Blue, Silver and Gold. The more you fly with Oman Air, the higher your Tier. As a Silver and Gold member, you earn additional privileges designed exclusively for you.

Sindbad PartnersAs a Sindbad member, you have the added benefit of earning extra miles as well as special offers from our global network of partners which include Hotel, Leisure and Lifestyle, Car rental, Telecommunication and Retail Partners.

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