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Check Out Mount Everest

Check In World Heritage Wonders

For many people, their first glimpse of Oman is from within the pages of a newspaper or magazine, or via online media. The country’s awe-inspiring landscapes, dramatic mountains and crystal-clear waters combine with the vibrancy and colour of its towns to offer a gift for picture editors the world over.

And Europe’s media is banging the drum for Oman in spectacular fashion. That is why we celebrated this year’s fifth anniversary of our services to Frankfurt and Munich by launching the Oman Air Media Awards at ITB Berlin, Europe’s largest travel show. The Awards were open to German-speaking media that had published feature articles about Oman over the last five years and we received a staggering number of entries.

The standard was incredibly high and, whilst every entry was greatly appreciated, there could only be five winners. Adrian Pickshaus, Christian Haas, Linus Geschke, Peter Pfänder and Yvonne Zagermann each wrote tremendous pieces and richly deserved the first Oman Air Media Awards, which were presented at our high-profile stand at ITB.

And Oman Air itself has been attracting even more accolades, following the publication by American Express’s Executive Travel magazine of their ‘Top 12 Airlines for Business Class’. The list was compiled after looking at all the world’s luxury carriers, listening to the views of air travellers and aviation experts and taking into account the results of surveys by such highly respected airline quality experts as Skytrax, the organisers of the World Airline Awards. Oman Air came second – way ahead of most of the biggest names in air travel.

So, as you sit back, relax and enjoy Oman Air’s award-winning hospitality, you can be confident that you are flying with one of the world’s very best airlines. Thank you for choosing Oman Air and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.

From the CEO’s desk

Marhaba

Unique UNESCO

Oman currently has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But did you know about the Sultanate’s ‘tentative list’ of sites that could be added to these?

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

The World’s Greatest Mountain Mount Everest is the world’s highest and greatest mountain. Here’s a look at the culture of climbing it.

Musandam PeninsulaOman’s spectacular and enchanting Musandam Peninsula is located at the northern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. It’s well worth visiting!

Posture perfect…Good posture is essential for our health and well-being. Here’s how to perfect it.

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

Savvy Social Media MarketingThanks to Social Media Marketing, business owners can market their products and services on a truly global scale.

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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 ContributorsGettyImagesShutterStockBharat Bhandu ThapaBoard of Control for Cricket in IndiaAhmed bin Said Al ShanfariZahran Al Abdul SalamGassan bin Ahmed Al Jamali

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.

Oman Air NewsOman Air’s news and events.

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احتفظ بنسختك المجانية أبـريـل 2014

مجلة رحالت الطيران الُعمانيمجلة رحالت الطيران الُعماني

احتفظ بنسختك المجانية أبـريـل 2014

زر ُعــمــانروائــع الـتــراث الـعـالمـي

The inflighT magazine of oman airThe inflighT magazine of oman air

www.facebook.com/omanair www.twitter.com/omanair

april 2014 Your CopY To Keepapril 2014 Your CopY To Keep

Check Out Mount Everest

Check In World Heritage Wonders

اكتـشـف العـالـمجبـل إيفـرسـت

Wings Cover April.indd 1 3/26/14 4:33 PM

Burning of the Böögg FestivalWhere: Zurich, Switzerland When: 27 April – 28 April What: In Zurich, there is an ancient spring custom of chasing away the cold of winter by burning the model of a disguised, masked dummy (called a Böögg) on a huge stack of wood. The traditional procession of the guilds sets off the festivities at around 6:00pm on the first day.

London Coffee

Festival (April 3 – April 6, Brick Lane, London)

Gangaur

Festival (April 2 – April 3, Rajasthan, India)

Chocolate

Festival (April 4 – April 6, Zurich, Switzerland)

Diary

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Songkran Water Festival Where: Thailand (Nationwide)When: April 13 – April 15What: Thailand is a fun-loving and water-loving

nation – especially during the Songkran water festival in April. During this month, which is the hottest of the

year, it seems the entire country (and a whole bunch of visitors and tourists) put their daily lives on hold to take

part in a giant friendly water fight and street party that lasts about a week. Traditionally, the Songkran water festival

represents a ‘washing off of the old year’ – so participants can have a fresh, clean start to all the good of the year ahead. Either

way, it is lots of good, clean fun!

Amman Jazz Festival 3Where: Amman, JordanWhen: April 30 (and into May) What: This year, the Amman Jazz Festival has diversity and cultural fusion as its theme, and organisers say there’ll be a large variety of jazz styles on offer – everything from American jazz to European avant-garde jazz; to Latin and jazz fusion, and much more. The festival is being held at one main location in Amman, and several other smaller venues dotted around the city.

Munich Auer Dult market (26 April – 4 May, Munich, Germany)

Malaysia International Jewellery Festival (April 18 – April 21, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Easter Sunday (20 April, various countries)

Diary

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Nepali New YearWhere: Nepal (Nationwide)When: April 10 – April 19What: One of the most important dates on the official calendar of Nepal (the Bikram Sambat) is the Nepali New Year. It coincides roughly with the arrival of spring each year and continues for several days. Musical and other cultural events are also organised around the country.

Bride Dubai Where: Dubai, UAEWhen: April 2 – April 5 What: Bride Dubai is the largest and most luxurious bridal and fashion show in the Middle East. With thousands of inspirational ideas, this is the ultimate destination for all brides-to-be looking for the latest trends in fashion and beauty. The show includes a jewellery pavillion, VIP lounge and a wedding dresses and wedding planner section.

Salone del Mobile Furniture ShowWhere: Milan, ItalyWhen: April 8 – April 13What: Salone del Mobile is one of the world’s largest exhibitions for furniture and fittings and features top global designers. The event’s main base is in Rho, but the fringe of exhibitions, events and parties back in town (Milan) are what really make the event so memorable. Many smaller galleries and lesser-known designers also install themselves in the ‘palazzi’, workshops and exhibition spaces in the region.

Oxford and Cambridge Boat RaceWhere: London, EnglandWhen: April 6What: The famous Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is an annual contest between two rowing crews from these respective universities. The race takes place on the River Thames in West London between Putney and Mortlake. The first race took place in 1829 in Henley on Thames following a challenge between old school friends. Now, the 2014 event will be the 160th in the race’s history. Cambridge lead the series with 81 victories to Oxford’s 77 (with one dead-heat in 1877). Dead Sea Ultra Marathon

Where: Dead Sea, JordanWhen: April 4 What: Every year, the Dead Sea Ultra Marathon sees a bunch of runners making their way from Jordan’s capital Amman, all the way through to the shores of the Dead Sea. The full race is 50 kilometres long, but there is also the standard marathon.

‘IPL 7’ Cricket Season Where: India (Nationwide)When: April 8What: As the 2014 Indian Premier League season launches this month, the reigning champions Mumbai Indians will be preparing to go all out to defend their 2013 title – which they won after defeating the Chennai Super Kings in the final last year. The Premier League is considered to be the highest-profile showcase in the world for Twenty20 cricket (the shortest form of professional cricket with just 20 overs per innings). It should be fantastic!

Diary

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• ATP BMW Open Tennis Tournament (28 April – 4 May, Munich, Germany)

• Paris Marathon (6 April, Paris, France)

• London Marathon (13 April, London, England)

• Bahrain Grand Prix (4 – 6 April, Sakhir, Bahrain)

• Ironman 70.3 Middle Distance Triathlon (13 April, Putrajaya, Malaysia)

Pottery: In the Sultanate of Oman, the pottery industry

goes back hundreds of years. Because of this, the Omani people have had all kinds of pots and pottery items available for use in their homes since early times. Bahla, in the A’Dhahirah

Governorate, has traditionally been one of the main centres of pottery in Oman and there

is now a pottery and porcelain centre here – including a factory and training centre.

Textiles: The craft of textile making is widely spread in the Sultanate of Oman, and especially prominent in the

Al Sharqiyyah and Al Batinah Governorates. Omani textiles are

used for various purposes, but often for wearable garments, rugs,

or camel decorations such as Al badad, Al shadad and Al garada.

Distillation: Due to the range of medicinal and perfume plants, and the favourable weather and climate conditions present throughout the year, the Al Jabal Akhdar mountainous region of the Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate is the best-known place in the Sultanate for distillation. Oman Rose Water, Thyme Water, Al Ghada’a, Al Shoua’a Oil and Gafass Oil are some of the famous products that are made here. In the past, the boiling down and production of these valuable liquids was done in traditional distillation ovens.

Omani

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At 8 848 metres, Mount Everest is the world’s highest mountain. Would you ever dream of climbing it? And making your way safely back down to tell the tale? Many have done so. Tragically, many have also tried to, but never returned from the mountain’s icy, rocky slopes. Here’s a look at the culture of climbing the world’s greatest mountain.

Mount Everest:Because it’s there

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Climbers and adventurers from all over the world are drawn to Mount Everest and the Himalaya’s spectacular terrain

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On 29 May 1953, the New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary and the Nepalese Sherpa-mountaineer Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest. But in the decades leading up to this day, many climbers and expedition parties had been enthralled and seduced by the idea of climbing the world’s highest mountain, and many attempted to do so.

One of these men was George Mallory, an English mountaineer who took part in the first three British expeditions to Mount Everest in the early 1920s, and he might have even reached the top.

During a 1924 expedition, Mallory and his climbing partner both disappeared forever on the mountain’s north-east ridge during their attempt to make what would have famously been the first ever ascent of Everest. The pair were last seen when they were about 245 metres from the summit. Whether he or his climbing partner ever reached the summit before they died remains a mystery.

Since then, the mountain has attracted more and more climbers every year to Base Camp – the rudimentary campsite below the mountain that is used as a launching point and return base for expeditions.

Mounting Modern Everest?

These days, there are two main climbing routes up Everest. One approaches the summit from the south in Nepal (the standard route) and the other from the north in Tibet.

Most attempts are made during April and May before the summer monsoon season. As monsoon season approaches, a change in the weather conditions reduce the average wind speeds high on the mountain, making it easier for climbers to summit.

For the standard southern approach to the climb, mountaineers fly into Kathmandu and spend several days here arranging climbing gear, going through logistics, and stocking up on food and supplies.

Everest’s Base Camp is the traditional starting point for a summit attempt

Travel Token: Prayer Flags: �One item that is synonymous with climbing Everest is the prayer flag. If you go on an Everest Base Camp trek, you’ll come across many along the way. Prayer flags typically come in five colours – blue, white, red, green, yellow. Each one is printed with traditional images and texts.

Nepal:FactsOman Air flies once daily between

Muscat – Kathmandu.

Visa Requirements: All foreigners, except citizens of India, must have a visa to visit Nepal. Nepali embassies and consulates overseas issue visas on demand. Tourist visas are available on arrival for citizens of most countries at the designated land borders and at Kathmandu Airport. They are granted for a maximum of 150 days in a visa year. Passports must have at least six months validity.

Languages spoken: Nepali or Nepalese is the official language of Nepal. English is fairly widespread. The people of the Sherpa tribe speak Sherpa (or Sherpali).

Currency: The Nepali rupee (Rs) is divided into 100 paisa (p). There are coins for denominations of one, two, five and 10 rupees, and bank notes in denominations of one, two, five, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees.

1 Nepali rupee (Rs) = 0.0039 Omani Rial (OMR)1 Nepali rupee (Rs) = 0.0125 United States Dollar (USD)

(March 2014)

Climbers then fly into Lukla, in the north-eastern region of Nepal, and make their way overland to Everest Base Camp. The altitude at Base Camp for the southern route is already over 5 300 metres so climbers spend about one or two weeks here or more, acclimatising their bodies.

To begin the ascent, climbers must then pass through Everest’s notorious Khumbu Icefall multiple times. Even with safe climbing methods, this section is extremely dangerous due to shifting ice and deep crevasses.

Once through the Khumbu Icefall, climbers reach Camp 1 at 6 065 metres, and then make their way to Camp 2 (6 492 metres) before having to ascend the sheer wall of ice named the Lhotse Face to get to Camp 3 (7 470 metres).

After this, they cross a section of the climb called the Geneva Spur to reach Camp 4 (7 925 metres), and push on to Camp 5 (7 925 metres) where many climbers spend their first night in the so-called ‘Death Zone’ – the altitude at which the oxygen available for breathing is dangerously low. The majority of climbers use bottled oxygen in order to reach the summit, although some have reached the top successfully without it.

If all is going well, and if weather conditions allow, climbers head up to an altitude of 8 440 metres to a spot called The Balcony, which offers the opportunity for a brief rest from climbing, and then on to the Hillary Step which is

one of the most challenging elements of the climb. Once they have negotiated this, they must trek the final few feet to reach the summit.

It all sounds straightforward on paper but of course it’s not! Once a climber has reached the top, their Everest adventure is far from over. Statistically, coming back down from the peak is far more dangerous than ascending it – and most accidents occur during this time.

While Everest is not the most technically difficult mountain to climb, the challenge in reaching its summit lies in dealing successfully with debilitating effects of altitude and freezing temperatures – and negotiating the ever-present danger of extreme weather shifts, avalanches and rock falls, and the physical and mental effects of over-exhaustion.

The previously mentioned George Mallory is famously quoted as having replied to the question ‘Why do you want to climb Mount Everest?’ with the statement, ‘Because it’s there’.

These most famous three words in mountaineering have been at the heart of why countless mountaineers have succeeded – and failed – in climbing Mount Everest. We are presented with life, and therefore we live it. We are presented with a big mountain, and therefore we attempt to climb it. Just because it’s there!

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Everest Info...

• The majority of climbers use bottled oxygen in order to reach the summit. The Italian Reinhold Messner was the first to climb the mountain without oxygen, along with Peter Habeler, in 1978. Two years later, Messner surpassed the achievement, reaching the summit solo – and again without bottled oxygen.

• On 23 May 2013, Japan’s Yuichiro Miura again became the oldest person to reach the summit of Everest, at the age of 80.

• These days, mountaineers that attempt Everest are highly experienced. However, in the last few years, there have also been a large number of lesser experienced (but still capable) climbers that have hired professional mountaineering guides to assist them to the top. Because of this, the main route to Everest’s summit has been clogged with people during the few days each

year when weather conditions are right for the attempt.

• On 19 May 1975, Junko Tabei, a Japanese mountain climber, became the first ever woman to reach the mountain’s summit.

The physical and mental effects of climbing in Everest’s

high altitudes and freezing temperatures are extreme

A climber’s perspective of the dangerous Khumbu Icefall

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Unique UNESCO:�World heritage wonders

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Throughout hundreds of years, the people that have inhabited Oman have been responsible for establishing a fantastically rich array of culture and tradition. They also continue to be the proud guardians of a magnificent geographical landscape and biodiversity.

The Tomb of Bibi Miriam near the ancient harbour city of Qalhat

An ancient inscription on a stone at Al-Baleed, at the Land of Frankincense World Heritage Site

Oman’s four already-established UNESCO World Heritage SitesNizwa Falaj Daris: This is Oman’s biggest falaj irrigation system, and one of five collectively listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The origin of this system, which uses gravity to channel water to villages, dates back to around 500 AD in Oman (some archaeological evidence suggests as early as 2 500 BC).Location: Dakhiliya Region

Longitude: 22° 59’ 56”N Latitude: 57° 32’ 9.8”E

Land of Frankincense: The frankincense trees of Wadi Dawkah and the remains of the caravan oasis of Shisr/Wubar and the affiliated ports of Khor Rori and Al-Baleed vividly illustrate the frankincense trade that flourished here for centuries.Location: Dhofar Province

Longitude: 18° 15’ 11.99”N Latitude: 53° 38’ 51.32”E

Archaeological Sites of Bat: The sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn lie near a palm grove in the interior of the Sultanate of Oman and form the most complete collection of settlements from the 3rd millennium BC in the world. The necropolis of Bat represents especially well-preserved evidence of the evolution of funeral practices during the first Bronze Age. Location: Al Dhahira region

Longitude: 23° 16’ 11.50”N Latitude: 56° 44’ 42.00”E

Bahla Fort: The oasis of Bahla owes its prosperity to the Banu Nebhan – the dominant tribe in the area from the 12th to the end of the 15th century. Bahla Fort’s unbaked brick walls and towers are a reflection of the genius and ingenuity of these people. Location: Oasis of Bahla, near Nizwa

Longitude: 22° 57’ 51.01”N Latitude: 57° 18’ 4.00”E

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UNESCO World Heritage Site?

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) encourages the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.

The Sultanate of Oman currently has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites that as per the UNESCO organisation’s set of criteria are recognised as having ‘outstanding value to humanity’.

But did you know that Oman also has a ‘tentative list’ of heritage sites that are shortlisted for inclusion in the World Heritage Site list? There are currently eight. Here’s a look at each one.

Rostaq and Al-Hazm Forts

Rostaq Fort is located at an oasis at the foothills of the Jebel Akhdar mountains, near Nizwa. It has been an important town and marketplace since Persian rule in pre-Islamic times. Al-Hazm Fort is nearby, on the western bank of the Wadi Far. It has an unusually large design and contains the tomb of its builder – Imam Sultan bin Seif II.

Qalhat City

Qalhat is an ancient harbour city, about 20 kilometres north of Sur. It was considered an important sea port before 1 500 BC and welcomed ships coming from India, Yemen, Dhofar and other regions. Even artifacts from as far away as China have been found here.

Prehistoric Bisyah and Salut

Settlements This multi-period archaeological site clearly indicates that the area was a focus for occupation from the late 4th millennium BC until Islamic times. Salut especially has been linked with the first arrival of Arab tribes in Oman from different regions across the Arabian Peninsula. It is located on a rocky outcrop near Bisyah, in the Dakhiliya region.

The magnificent Rostaq Fort

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Al Hillaniyat Islands Proposed Nature Reserve

These five islands encompass the natural habitats vital to the survival of large numbers of birds, marine turtles, corals, reef fishes and marine organisms. They are located just over 200 kilometres away from Salalah, the capital of the Dhofar Governorate.

Barr Al Hikman Proposed Nature Reserve Barr Al Hikman is one of Oman’s most important wildlife zones. It is of global importance for the protection of the wintering grounds of migratory bird species – including birds from as far away as Siberia’s northern shorelines. It is located in the centre of Oman’s east coast, about 500 kilometres south of Muscat.

The Daymaniyat Islands are a vital breeding ground and nesting area for various marine life and migratory species

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24Smahan’s Mountain Nature Reserve This is an important refuge for the endangered Nubian Ibex and the rare and endangered Arabian Leopard – and many other plant and animal species. The reserve, located in the southern region of Oman, is currently the largest protected area in the country at 4 500 square-kilometres.

Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve This reserve provides a vital breeding and nesting area for marine and migratory birds, and turtles. The nine islands are surrounded by rocks and shallow seas which lie about 18 kilometers out to sea, just offshore of the coastline at Barka, near Muscat.

Ras al Had Turtle Reserve and the Heritage

Site of Ras al Jinz Ras al Had Turtle Reserve, near Sur, covers an area of 120 square kilometers. At certain times of the year, hundreds of Green Turtles come to nest here. There is also an important archaeological site near Ras al Jinz that provides evidence of settlement during the Copper Age.

The unbaked brick walls surrounding Bahla Fort – an official UNESCO World Heritage Site

Archaeological sites of Bat

Must See:

Oman26

Musandam PeninsulaThe Musandam Peninsula’s mountainous terrain

rises up over 2 000 metres from the sea, creating countless fjord-like inlets and a spectacular,

enchanting setting for those keen to explore it.

Longitude: 26° 12’ 08.2” N Latitude: 56° 14’ 57.5” E

The Musandam Governorate is located at the northern tip of the Arabian Peninsula and extends into the Strait of Hormuz - the narrow entry into the Gulf. It is an enclave of Oman, separated from the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates.

Khasab is the regional town centre of the Musandam Governorate. Khasab’s natural harbour was originally used as

a dates and water supply point for ships sailing through the strait.

The fjords and inlets are best explored by boat or traditional dhow. These

charters can be arranged through various tour

operators.

The mountains and valleys of

Musandam have housed isolated communities for centuries. Some

of the coastal villages here can only be reached

by boat.

Telegraph Island is about a mile offshore from Musandam. In the 19th century, the island was used

as a base to boost messages along the London-to-Karachi undersea telegraph cable.

Dolphin watching on a traditional dhow is one of

the truly special experiences on offer at Musandam.

Snorkelling is also very popular, as there is a large variety of

marine life to observe.

In recent years, Musandam has become a popular location for adventure

travellers – including rock climbers, sea-kayakers and

scuba divers.

In 2008, the world’s ‘fastest passenger ferry service’ was launched

to operate between Muscat and Musandam. This made the area more

accessible to tourists. The spectacular scenery

and contrast between the mountainous terrain and the

sea make Musandam a dream destination for photography.

The Musandam Peninsula has an

area of roughly 1 800 square kilometers.

The Musandam Governorate consists of four districts: Khasab, Bukha, Dibba Al-Baya and Madha. Madha is located half-way between

the rest of Musandam and Oman proper.

Posture perfect…

Good standing and sitting posture helps promote nor-mal functioning of the body’s organs and keeps bones and joints in the correct align-ment so that muscles can be used properly, and fatigue is minimal.

According to established med-ical terminology, good posture cannot be defined by a strict formula, but in a standing position the body is naturally, but not rigidly, straight, and in a sitting position the back is comfortably straight.

‘Sit straight!’ and ‘Stomach in, shoulders back, head up!’ is how our parents commanded us to sit and stand as we were growing up, as they tried to instill in us correct posture. We can definitely thank them for it – because good posture is absolutely essential for our health and general well-being.

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The benefits of good posture according to most experts are as follows: • Prevention of the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces

and ligaments holding the joints of the spine and skel-eton together.

• Prevention of the spine becoming fixed in abnormal positions.

• Prevention of fatigue due to your body’s muscles being used more efficiently.

• Prevention of backache and muscular pain.

• The quality of your posture has a lot to do with the qual-ity of your breathing. Poor posture results in shallow breathing – which has a direct impact on your energy levels and vitality. We can only oxygenate our bodies properly with proper posture.

As we all know, our posture also conveys a lot about our inner feelings and emotions. Many studies show that certain body postures represent certain emotions. For example, sitting up straight may indicate that a person is focused and paying attention to what they’re doing

and not what is going on around them. Sitting with the body

hunched forward could mean that we are

frustrated, bored, and indifferent. Confidence and a healthy self-esteem are often conveyed with an upright

posture.

Good posture

procedures?Here are

three of the best:

Alexander Technique: This posture alignment technique is an educational process, and teaches people how to stop using unnecessary levels of muscular and mental tension during their everyday activities.

Pilates: A body conditioning routine that places an emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing and developing a strong core and improving coordination and balance.

Yoga: It is well known that certain yoga poses and exercises can improve posture and body alignment.

A lack of exercise is your posture’s worst enemy…Posture practice makes perfect According to the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), the ideal posture would allow for an imaginary line to run straight through your ear, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle – and at the same time, you would be standing in a relaxed way, but gently contracting your abdominal muscles. They also mention that a lack of exercise is your posture’s worst enemy – and the fitter you are, the less likely you are to injure yourself. The BCA also gives this advice:

While sitting: Try to avoid sitting for prolonged periods.

While driving: Allow your car seat to take your weight and make sure you are sitting as far back in the seat as possible so it can support you fully. A relaxed driving position also reduces stress on the spine.

Carrying things: Be aware of putting more strain on one side of the body. Any bag that spreads weight equally on both shoulders is preferred.

At your computer: Make sure you are sitting comfortably and have your spine supported – and don’t forget to shift position from time to time. If possible, have your arms supported.

While sleeping: Try and adopt a sleeping position that creates less physical stress on the back. Try doing some gentle stretches, such as drawing your knees to your chest, before getting out of bed in the morning.

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Thanks to the internet, making contact with our target market and audience – and doing business with them – is more possible than ever before. And thanks to Social Media Marketing, we can market our products and services on a truly global scale.

Social Media Marketing is the process of gaining website traffic or attention through social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. These days, a large percentage of buyers go online to learn about what they’re buying, so it clearly makes sense to communicate with them via traditional online marketing methods – especially also through ‘SMM’ – Social Media Marketing. Using social media, marketers and business owners can:

1. Improve brand presence across social media channels

Media Marketing campaigns can be implemented at a fraction of the cost of what it takes to run traditional marketing campaigns. The other great advantage of

Savvy Social Media Marketing

Social Media Marketing is that it reaches a large audience very easily – and often instantly. And due to a single user having more than one account (they could be on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, Twitter and more) they will receive your brand message and information many times, which increases your brand presence and exposure.

2. Increase traffic to websites If you want your potential target market to go to your

website, then the role of your Social Media Marketing campaign would simply be to attract them directly to it. In other words – while Social Media Marketing is a powerful tool for businesses, it is most effectively used to supplement, rather than replace, other online marketing methods.

3. Increase positive sentiment about a brand

Public relations professionals know that the key to generating positive attitudes towards your brand is about mastering the relationships you have with your target market. It is a mistake to think that Social Media Marketing is about the ‘technology’ – like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Reddit etc. In fact, Social Media Marketing is more correctly seen as the relationships

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Facebook: The largest social networking service in the world. WhatsApp: An instant text messaging service for smartphones. (Users can also send images, video, and audio messages).Twitter: A social networking and ‘microblogging’ service that enables users to send and read ‘tweets’ (text messages limited to 140 characters).Instagram: A service that enables its users to take square-shaped pictures and videos, apply digital filters to them, and share them.LinkedIn: The social networking website for people in professional occupations.Google Plus: A social networking and identity service, operated by Google.Pinterest: Pinterest is a pinboard-style photo-sharing website that allows users to manage collections of images.Tumblr: A social networking site allowing users to post multimedia and other content to a short-form blog. Flickr: This image and video hosting website lets it’s online community share photographs.VK: The second biggest social network service in Europe after Facebook – popular with Russian-speaking users. MySpace: A social networking service with a strong music emphasis.

A ‘Phablet’ combines the best of smartphones with the best of tablets. New findings from a leading hi-tech analyst reveal that while the Phablet was once perceived to have limited potential, an estimated 120 million units will be shipped by 2018, rising from an estimated 20 million in 2013. With so many mobile and internet connectivity options scheduled for the years ahead, the way we do business will be evolving fast. Social Media Marketing for one thing, will have a huge influence on the way we generate value and make money.

Social Media sites: Ten of the best

The fabulous Phablet?

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that we develop, through this technology. Once we understand what photos, videos, illustrations and information our audience appreciates and needs, we can engage with them in meaningful and lasting ways, and increase positive sentiment about our brand.

4. Develop relationships with prospects for future business opportunities

Once a business has identified key groups of people and individuals that would benefit from knowing about their products, it can then target the social media areas they are currently active in. The business can then communicate their message to them via Social Media Marketing. By doing this, they establish relationships for future, potential business opportunities.

With the explosive growth of smartphones and mobile computing at the moment, social media is set to play a big part in the way we do business in the future. One marketing expert went as far as to say that if you aren’t using Social Media Marketing to grow your business, then you probably aren’t getting the market share that you should. And therefore, you’re being irresponsible towards your business! So be responsible, and get Social Media Marketing!

In Frankfurt am Main, in Germany, a plush toy teddy

bear creates a giant soap bubble.

(Photo by Frank Rumpenhorst/AFP/Getty Images).

WorldView36

Noodles or Newdles?

Bubble Bear…

A worker leaves Mie Sua noodles to dry in the sun in Singkawang, Kalimantan, Indonesia. The long noodles are traditionally made from only flour, water and salt. (Photo by Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images).

An 18 metre-high toy duck

artwork floats for repairs in the northern Taiwan port of Keelung. (Photo by Sam Yeh/

AFP/Getty Images).

Keelung Quack!

High-end bridal couture Leading Kuwait-based designer Tahani Alotaibi specialises in high-end, formal bridal couture. Her current range features bold striking silhouettes, combined with subtle use of pattern and textured design detail. All items are created with exclusive combinations of the highest quality fabrics. www.tahani-alotaibi.com

Fashion &Trends38

Classic, carefree styling For the Spring 2014 menswear collection, the UK-based ‘Fat Face’ brand embodies rugged masculinity with utility. The range features textured knits and weather appropriate garments that give wearers the freedom to enjoy the outdoors. Natural textures are also explored through a mixture of cotton blends and twisted yarns – for easy styling and a classic, carefree look. www.fatface.com

Fashion &Trends 39

Ahmed Al-ShukailiAhmed Al-Shukaili says he is ‘fascinated by the world of light.’ As a photographer, he has received an impressive list of national and international awards for his work, and accomplished a range of achievements – one of which was becoming a certified artist at the prestigious Federation of International Photographic Art, in 2008. He also received the Excellence FIAP certificate last year, and finished first in the Still Life Category of a 2013 photo exhibition. While his people and portrait photography is clearly spectacular, landscape photography is Ahmed’s current specialty and passion. He is particularly keen on recording Oman’s coastline, deserts, sand dunes, mountains and wadis. ‘Nature has its unique way to invite you to capture it and I find myself absorbed by it.’ www.ahmedshukaili.com

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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 500km2.

Population (2014) : 3.96 million, including 1 744 347 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

TravelGuide42

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

TravelGuide 43

In an upright position, leaning back into your chair, engage your abdominal and ‘core’ muscles and hold for several seconds.

In-flightExercises

While in an upright position with a straight back, gently move your head forward and backwards, and from side to side several times.

While flying, it is important to keep your muscles and body activated and moving.

Try these exercises from time to time during your flight.

While in an upright position with a straight back, move forwards and backwards in your seat.

Flex each individual knee and foot up and down alternatively.

Healthy Flying: Tips for a healthier,

happier flight

Before boarding:• Get a good night sleep before your

scheduled flight.

• Eat moderately. Flying with a full stomach can be uncomfortable.

• Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing should be worn.

• Sleeping pills should only be taken if recommended to you by a physician.

• Make sure to drink in enough fluids to stay hydrated in the hours leading up to your flight.

• Remember to include some in-flight entertainment in your hand luggage – books, magazines, and an e-reader, tablet or smartphone etc.

On board: • Flying across time zones disrupts your

body’s biological clock, and often causes jet lag. As soon as you’re on board, adjust the time on your watch to that of your destination. This will help you prepare mentally for the new time zone.

• Drink enough water to stay hydrated, and limit your intake of caffeine, which can cause dehydration.

• Get up out of your seat for a walk every hour to get your circulation going. Or do the light exercises recommended on this page.

• If you are suffering from nasal congestion or allergies, use a nasal decongestant 30 to 40 minutes before the descent to help open up your sinuses and ear passages. This will help you ‘equalise’ and clear the pressure in your ears as you descend.

YourWell-being44

At our blog www.omanairblog.net there are more interesting articles on the Sultanate

of Oman, and the destinations Oman Air flies to.

And finally, please visit our official website www.omanair.com for everything you need to know about flying with the Sultanate of

Oman’s national carrier.

Welcome to Oman Air’s social page. We love hearing about your travel and flying experiences with us. Next time you’re online, please post a comment on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/omanair or Tweet us at @omanair. Here are some updates and comments recently seen on our social pages…

Our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/OmanAirCompany) is where you can see all what Oman Air offers its passengers – and also why the Sultanate of Oman is such a special destination. Oman Air’s video, ‘Salalah Khareef Season’ showcases the southern region of Dhofar, and Salalah, during the cool, wet, foggy monsoon season (www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNLuIe0TgEk).

45Like

Oman AirNews46

Oman Air named second in list of World’s Best Business Class AirlinesOman Air has achieved second place in the American Express Executive Travel’s 2014 Top 12 list of the Best Airlines for Business Class. In announcing the accolade, which was also published by CNN, Executive Travel praised Oman Air’s exemplary service, as well as its Business Class cabins and seats. Oman Air was beaten only by Singapore Airlines.

In compiling their list, Executive Travel established a number of baseline criteria, such as fully lie-flat beds, the amount of space between seats and easy access for passengers to the aisle. In addition, the magazine consulted a range of industry experts, including SeatGuru.com and Skytrax, which operates the World Airline Awards (a benchmark of airline excellence based on global surveys of millions of air travellers). The views of travellers, industry insiders, experienced flight attendants and travel bloggers also informed the decision-making process.

Oman Air’s Airbus A330 aircraft each offers 20 Business Class seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration which ensures that every passenger enjoys direct aisle access. Every seat in the cabin converts to a fully lie-flat, 82-inch long bed and is accompanied by an ottoman, which enables face-to-face meetings and dining with fellow passengers. Furthermore, every Business Class passenger is able to enjoy Oman Air’s extensive range of inflight entertainment options via a 17-inch personal inflight entertainment monitor, which can also be used to access the internet, check emails and view personal electronic devices. Meanwhile, flight attendants offer the highest standards of service and a la carte dining puts Oman Air at the forefront of inflight fine dining.

Oman Air’s Business Class seat was named the best in the World by Skytrax, at the World Airline Awards, in 2011 and 2012, and came third in 2013, whilst the overall cabin came second in 2013.

Oman AirNews 47

1. Singapore Airlines2. Oman Air 3. Qatar Airways 4. British Airways5. Etihad Airways

The top 10 best airlines are:6. Swiss International Airlines7. Virgin Atlantic Airways8. Cathay Pacific Airways9. Qantas Airways10. Emirates Airline

Oman Air Media Awards at ITB Berlin 2014‘Best travel articles about Oman within the past five years’Oman Air successfully participated in the recent ITB Berlin travel convention – which is often referred to as the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. This year’s ITB Berlin – which is also Europe’s largest travel show – sent out very positive signals for the international travel industry.

This year also saw Oman Air giving away awards at the first ever Oman Air Media Awards, which was held at the same time as the ITB event. The event was attended by the journalist community of Germany, as well as Oman Air’s top management.

The German people are keen travellers and Oman has always been a very desirable destination for German tourists. Due credit must be given to both the Ministry of Tourism in Oman for this – as well as Oman Air. Both organisations have been responsible for arranging many road shows and promotional campaigns that have served to highlight Oman as a truly exceptional destination.

Sustaining the above efforts have been are the initiatives undertaken by the Corporate Communictions and Media (CC&M) department of Oman Air in cooperation with the appointed PR agency in Germany, COMBO. Both have been instrumental in facilitating members of Germany’s media (including the country’s print, electronic and non-conventional media) to visit Oman – and get a first hand experience of the country’s spectacular natural, cultural and historical heritage and highlights.

Oman Air awarded German travel writers Adrian Pickshaus, Christian Haas, Linus Geschke and Peter Pfänder with what were the first Oman Air Media Awards for their outstanding articles about the Sultanate of Oman. A special award also went to blogger Yvonne Zagermann from Justtravelous.

The event took the form of a special awards ceremony held at Oman Air’s stand at ITB Berlin. It was also a celebration of almost five years of Oman Air’s non-stop services from Muscat to the German cities of Munich and Frankfurt.

Over the years, and at the invitation of Oman Air, almost 200 journalists have flown via Oman Air. In doing so, they have

had the opportunity to discover the rich culture and history, breath-taking landscapes and legendary hospitality that the Sultanate of Oman offers as a leisure destination.

The results have been hundreds of travel articles which have fascinated millions of readers, listeners and viewers, and have increased awareness and interest in the Sultanate. Oman Air has reviewed all the articles and has praised the quality of each of them. However, a number of them attracted the particular attention of the jury and were recognised with an award.

The categories included daily and weekly newspapers, online publications, travel magazines and special interest titles. Each winner received a certificate, as well as an Omani ‘treasure box’, created by Oman Air, that contained a selection of fascinating items particular to the Sultanate of Oman.

Oman AirNews48

The winners are:Winner, daily and weekly newspaper:

“Oman – The Caribbean of the Orient”, by Adrian Pickshaus (published in Bild am Sonntag).

Winner, online media: “Style destination Oman: See it before others do”,

Focus Online by Christian Haas (published in Trend destination Oman).

Winner, travel magazine:“Gulf lesson”, by Peter Pfänder

(published in Abenteuer & Reisen).

Winner, special interest: “Fish soup with a touch of whale”, by Linus Geschke

(published in SPIEGEL online).

Special award, travel blog:“Muscat, a city between the times” from, “The faces of Oman – a photo documentary”, by Yvonne Zagermann

(published on Justtravelous).

Oman AirNews

Oman Air launches new Codeshare Agreement with SriLankan Airlines

First class cooking

Oman Air has signed a brand new codeshare agreement with SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, which will offer even greater choice and convenience for customers of both airlines.

The agreement, which came into effect on 23rd January 2014, allows Oman Air customers to book seats on SriLankan Airlines’ services from Muscat to Singapore, Male, and China via Colombo. In turn, SriLankan Airlines’ customers will be able to book Oman Air flights from Colombo to Zurich via the Omani capital, Muscat.

Oman Air operates Airbus A330s and Boeing B737s on the routes covered by the agreement, while SriLankan Airlines operates Airbus A320, A330 and A340 aircraft out of Colombo to Male and Singapore.

Omani born Fuad Al Hinai has completed his culinary qualification in Oman and began his career with the world-renowned Al Bustan Palace Hotel in Muscat. After having worked in a series of positions at the Hotel, he flew to France where he continued his training at the Chateau de Germigney – Port Lesney.In 2003, he moved to the aviation sector and joined Gulf Air as the first gulf national Sky Chef. During this time, he was responsible for the award-winning first class operations of the airline – which involved cooking onboard while flying at 40 000 feet. With his extensive culinary background he then decided to return back home and joined his national carrier, Oman Air, as the Head Chef in the catering division. It was due to his contribution and dedication that Fuad was asked to take the challenging function of Production Manager. With an efficient performance and operation of all production facilities operated by the department within

the Catering Business Unit (and all external activities), Fuad runs the operation with a taskforce of 300 staff, who produce over 15 000 meals a day.‘All meals are prepared 24 hours before the flight and cooked 6 to 8 hours before the flight. The meals are then rolled out 90 minutes before the flight,’ he explains. ‘In Oman Air Catering, all meals are designed by a special team according to the time of flight and the customer’s profile. The division works like clockwork with each department

from the receiving area, storage, hot kitchen, cold kitchen and pastry department – to the delivery area, and everyone works in coordination with each other to ensure that the meals are freshly prepared and delivered on time,’ he adds. It is clear to see that there is a system in place which guarantees smooth operations at all times. And all of it runs well under the expert guidance of Omani chef Fuad Al Hinai and his team.

Oman Air has announced the appointment of Katera Tourism Investment Group as general sales agents (GSA) for Turkey. The appointment, which sees the company take responsibilty for offline sales in the Turkish market, is effective immediately and follows the signing late last year of a codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines.

Katera Tourism Investment Group was established in 1997 and includes the TravelClub, Gurme Tourism and Katera Fleet brands. Its range of services include general sales agency, working with all

types of domestic and international travel organisations, supporting MICE and DMC activities, and event management. The Group also offers visa services, arranges private jet hire, organises individual travel packages and hotel bookings, arranges transfer, transportation and car hire services, and offers guide and translation services.

Furthermore, Katera shares Oman Air’s commitment to social and cultural responsibility, especially in the area of education.

Oman Air appoints GSA for Turkey

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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.

SindbadProgram50