www.oman-air.com
� Qatar - Desert symphony � Nakhl - In the lap of nature � Muscat Festival - Confluence of Culture & Arts � Food’s power to combat cancer
YOUR FREE COPYVolume 1 - 2006
AAll HHoottaa CCaavveeII nn aa tt ii mm ee ww aa rr pp
DUBAI, SHARJAH ahmed seddiqi & sons • OMAN khimji ramdas
No one knows how he does it, but Phil Mickelson has become one of the game’s all -time greats by takingchances other pros won’t. From skipping a ball off a lake on to the green for an eagle, to playing chip shotsthat fly backwards over his head, Phil’s daring and creative game is a magical thing to behold.
OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUSTWWW.ROLEX.COM
golf club ormagic wand?
03
Dear Passenger,The New Year brings with it a slew of new surprises. The Tourism industry, supported by a
sustaining economy, is surging ahead with new visions. And your favourite airline, Oman Air, isproud to enhance the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism, aiming to make our country one of the mostpreferred holiday destinations.
The bounty that comes with such rehabilitated government policy has been mirrored by a host offeatures and services offered by Oman Air, for your flying convenience. Oman Air has become thefirst Sabre Airline Solutions customer in the Middle East, to implement e-ticketing successfullythrough its reservation offices in Muscat, Salalah, Dubai, Cairo, Mumbai, Chennai, Kuwait, Beirut andNew Delhi. Furthermore and shortly, we will witness Oman Air implementing the GDS e-ticketing.This will allow travel agents to issue Oman Air's e-tickets, through the global distribution systems.
We will also join Sabre Airline Solutions' Interline Electronic Ticketing Hub this year. This willfacilitate the carrier to issue single e-tickets, even when the route involves travelling on other carriers.
Many of our catering services have been enhanced with a sequence of menus changing every10 days, giving more variety, especially to our frequent travellers.
We are committed to make more services available to our valued customers, to accomplishcomfort and fulfillment. In general, we see a positive 2006 ahead, in where the major focus will begiven to our valued passengers. I am also delighted to announce that the year 2006, will witness thelaunch of our very own Frequent Flyer Programme called “Sindbad” after the famous Omani sailor.
Last year, hospitality industries have raised sharply, due to sustained tourism growth. The launching of mega tourism, in addition to the boost in real estate projects, have also aidedgrowth to this segment. The travel industry in Oman is buoyant with domestic and outbound tourismset to further rise, in the near future.
Oman is blessed with numerous hidden natural wonders, which are gradually being explored.Oman Air has started in “Wings of Oman” a feature titled 'Hideaway' wherein you will be charmedwith the interesting thrilling places awaiting your visits.
We have, as a nation, been endowed with an enduring legacy, that is inseparable from our richhistory. In this issue, as we highlight many interesting topics, the trivia section will certainly amuseyou, whilst the encouraging deals will inspire you to the hot stuff in travel.
We also give you an insight, of what is happening at the on-going Muscat Festival. Keep flying with us. We look forward to providing you with a progressively more enjoyable
onboard experience, each time you travel with us. “Fly with Friends”.
ZZiiaadd AAll HHaarreemmiiActing Chief Executive Officer
04
Cover Story
12Al Hota cave - In a time warp Although in its infancy, offbeat tourism inOman promises bright prospects. Get ready toexperience the charm of getting inside Al Hotacave in Oman as it readies for inaugurationvery shortly. AFTAB H. KOLA explores thesplendours of Al Hota cave.
12
18Qatar - Desert symphonyThirty-five years ago, Qatar was a flatdesert land. Now, it aspires to be a part ofthe trade and tourism hub of the region.
1822
22Nakhl - In the lap of nature110 kilometres from Muscat taking a leftdeviation at Barka roundabout leads you to Nakhl from where a winding road cul-de-sacs the natural springs of Nakhl.
06
36Fun Corner
Oman Air’s inflight magazine is issued by the Public Relations Department, Oman Air.P.O. Box: 2526, Seeb Airport, Postal Code 111Muscat, Sultanate of OmanTel: +968 24519616, Fax: +968 24510771E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.oman-air.com
The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors or omissionscontained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views con-tained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers.
All copyrights are reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproducedwithout our written permission.
For Oman advertising enquiries contact:Publishers:
National Publishing And Advertising LLC (NPA)P.O. Box: 3112, P.C. 112, RuwiMuscat, Sultanate of OmanTel: +968 24793098, Fax: +968 24708445E-mail: [email protected]: www.npaoman.com
For regional/international advertising enquiries contact:
Media Score ServicesDubai Media City,P.O. Box 502023, Dubai, UAE.Tel: +971 4 3908030, Fax: +971 4 3908031E-mail: [email protected]
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24Muscat Festival - 2006Confluence of Culture and Arts.
28Food's power to combat cancer The incidence of cancer is on the rise. Yourdiet is second only to smoking as the mostimportant risk factor you can control. What weeat strongly affects our risk of cancer, scientificresearch over many years has shown.
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32Business traveller's tools
34Kiddies’ CornerThe fox and the crow.
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News
Oman Air’s growth in passenger numbers in 2005 hit a new record, according to Acting CEO Ziad Bin Karim Al Haremi.
The growth is mainly attributed to the airline’s punctuality, reliability and good facilities.Al Haremi said passenger numbers registered 15.4 per cent growth from 984,000 in 2004 to
1,135,450 in 2005. A new operating procedure saw 75 per cent of flights departing on time andtechnical reliability of the planes hitting 99.6 per cent, which is higher than the global standard at 97per cent.
These results were achieved due to the new systems and policies implemented by the airline todevelop performance, to provide high quality services and to expand its destination network.
The company is well-known for its commitment to punctuality in departure and arrival timings.Oman Air has 10 aircraft – six Boeing 737s and four ATRs. The company operates flights to
16 destinations in Arab countries, the Gulf region, North Africa and the Indian subcontinent.
Passenger recordat Oman Air
Under the patronage of HE Said Bin Hamdoon
Al Harthy, Oman Air’s Chairman, and with Ziad
Bin Karim Al
Haremi, the Acting
CEO and a number
of company
officials in
attendance, Oman
Air held a function
to honour the 6th
batch of employees
who completed 15
years of service.
As an appreciation to the sincere and hard
work of the staff members, this annual tradition
has been organized to honour a group of
employees, who devoted their time and effort
which eventually
resulted in the
enrichment of their
department’s
activities and
positively
exaggerated the
company’s total
performance.
The guest of
honour, HE the
Chairman distributed prizes and certificates to
the sixth batch of 40 employees.
Honour for the 6th batch ofemployees, who completed 15 years of service
In line with Oman Air’s strategy of product development and enhancement, the Catering Businessunit launched its 2006 product at a recent Food Presentation – held at its flight catering facility - SeebInternational Airport.
This annual event which is held in the presence of Senior Airline officials, invited dignitaries and aselection of frequent flyers, presents an ideal opportunity to view the current trends of in-flightproducts served within the region as well as observing the ways in which Oman Air have addressedand improved the requirements of its clientele.
The development and planning team of the food production department have spent the recentmonths collating feedback and data from all the routes within the Oman Air network, determiningwhat the passenger actually expects and what is actually feasible to supply onboard.
With the recent introduction of new routes to Northern Indian destinations – Hyderabad and Delhi,it has become necessary to regionalize the foods offered to satisfy the authentic palate of those fromthese particular Indian states.
Many of the catering services have been enhanced with cycles of menus changing every 10 daysand complimenting the new onboard giving more variety – especially noticeable for those frequenttravellers.
Greater emphasis has also been taken to utilize and provide “Local Omani produced products”wherever possible, thus supporting and encouraging local businesses.
A full range of dietary and medical meals are also available as a free service to passengers travellingwithin all classes, however - these must be specified at the time of booking giving notice at least 24 hours in advance of the due travel date.
The catering production facility currently produces in excess of 10,000 meals each day for manyinternational carriers departing Muscat – of which Oman Air makes up over 40 per cent of this figure– an indication of how the national flag carrier has expanded its operations during the past year.
The recent acquisition of an Arabic bread plant – has enabled the kitchen operation to now attainan almost totally in-house production capability – this being extremely rare as many similar companiesaround the world “out source” much of their operations.
The advantages are that with the ability to produce goods from raw materials by skilled staff – thecustomer airline has no restrictions of supply or quality to worry about.
The skills of the chefs and cooks are constantly being enhanced with many internal developmentprogrammes undertaken internally, locally and overseas.
10
News
Oman Air launchesnew menus
AL HOTA CAVEIn a time warpAlthough in its infancy, offbeat tourism in
Oman promises bright prospects. Get ready to
experience the charm of getting inside Al Hota
cave in Oman as it readies for inauguration
very shortly. AFTAB H. KOLA explores the
splendours of Al Hota cave.
Guidance for visitors at the newly set up Ministry office nearthe Al Hota cave.
A close look at the colourful cave formation.
A growing number of tourists are shunning must-visit listsor rigid itineraries. It's more about exploring anddiscovering offbeat experiences.
Come 2006 and Oman will unravel the hidden treasuresof the earth down below. With more people breaking awayfrom conventional travelling, offbeat options are here tostay. Catching in on the new breed of adventure buffs thefocus is on the cave tourism in Oman. The Ministry ofTourism has left no stone unturned to make cave tourismvery interesting.
So, let us rappel down the black silence of one of themany wonders underneath in Oman without the help ofany tools. Forget the rope, sturdy flashlight, climbinghelmet, hiking boots, besides intestinal fortitude, and justwalk-in. Yes, Al Hota cave at the foothills of the Central AlHajar mountains in the wilayat of Al Hamra in the Dhakliyaregion will soon open for the general public to feast on thewonders down below.
Beneath Oman's parched plateaus and ruggedlyenchanting peaks lie some of the world's spectacular caves.Al Hota cave is one of them.
So one sunny morning we drive from Muscat to explorethe Al Hota cave. We take the Nizwa highway and on ourway some towering mountain ranges on our right sideclose on in making the drive romantic. The slanting rays ofthe sun accentuate the pretty landscape. The mountainstake on a brown hue as the sun, like a sliver of fire, slidebehind the ranges. We drive through Nizwa town sighting
the massive Nizwa fort looming large in the background.From Nizwa we hit the Bahla road; 15 kilometres beforeBahla take a deviation on the right (at Al Maha petrol bunk)towards Tanuf. We drive on this route until we sight amosque. Then we take the Ghubra Tanuf road to reach asite where we stop at the L& T camp set up for theconstruction of an open railway track, access tunnel anddevelopment of the cave.
Yes, we have now reached the site and are all set to getinside the cave. The Jebel Akhdhar massif looms large onthe horizon and as we close in on the area we sight a newbuilding. “This is the Visitor's Centre”, our guide, informs us.As we enter the building we can sight the ticket counter onthe right, which also has a section for security operationsfrom where the entire cave is monitored. Then there is aspacious rectangular-shaped restaurant, waiting hall withattached toilets, a train station from where you can boardthe 36-person capacity train which takes you just inside thecave, and a shopping hall. On the first floor a provision hasbeen provided for a cinema hall and a museum. The trainjourney of 350 metres takes you inside a long tube (accesstunnel) which opens to the cave. This is one of the twoentrances of Al Hota cave, popularly called Al Fallahentrance. The other entrance for the cave, Al Hota entranceon the upstream, is strictly for the experienced cavers. Wewere told that Al Hota entrance is not for common peopleas the path involves fairly perilous scrambles down slipperyrock faces.
The entrance of the Al Hota cave.
Cover Story
Riyaz Mehadi Syed, a geologist, and Abhijit S. Nalawade,a geologist with L & T, usher us inside narrating their ownexperience in working inside the cave. “Now we havemade it easy for people to enjoy strolling inside the cavernand admire nature's splendours,” they enthuse. The cave,punctuated with dozens of intriguing ancillary chambersand offshoots, carves its way from north to south taperingthrough the flanks of a large mountain. Earlier in the officeof Oman Geo-consultants, Salim Al Maskeri, its managingdirector, told me that they have explored and mappedabout five kilometres of total passageways. As we pass thesluice tunnel we found ourselves inside the cave and wereawe-struck to see the wonder of nature that surpasseshuman creativity. The cool environment inside puzzled us.But then we remembered having been earlier told by AnjanMohapatro, project manager of L & T, that the water tableinside was lowered to make the air inside cooler. As weamble inside the cavern I could make out that this isbasically an underground wadi or desert riverbed. We tookthe 840-metre walkway with railings which has been laid forvisitors to feel the magic of the cave.
As we move further a profusion of splendid caveformations, technically known as speleothems, comeinto view; they inspire awe and fascination. Riyaz isquick to share very useful nuggets of information: “Formillennia, it preserved within itself the priceless
memorabilia of passing years. It hid within itself apristine eco-system and gave birth to myriad myths.Speleothems (stalactites and stalagmites) are formedwhen rainwater enters the cave after passing throughplant debris and carbonate bedrock (limestone).Stalactites grow from the roof downward, whereasstalagmites grow from the floor upwards. From theseformations it is possible to study past tropical stormsand monsoons.”
As we trod ascending the stairs of the pathway somesmall bats whiz by; there are many of these harmlesscreatures inside. One light technician who accompanied uskeeps on illuminating partwise of the cave with his remote-controlled switch making the other part of the cave pitcheddark. The 120-metre short-span main chamber of the caveencompassing the size of the Al Bustan Palace Hotel'sballroom made a great impact on us leaving us with asense of wonder about the creation of God. Then the lionstalactite scared us with its artificial roar making us toclench our fists. The punctures on the roof called 'krasticcavity' look like a work of art. The development inside hasbeen done very carefully so as not to disturb the bio-diversity.
Another outstanding feature of this amazing cave is thepresence of a subterranean lake system which is home tounusual species of aquatic, the pink-coloured blind fish
14
The roof of the cave forms an eye-catching pattern. Inside the Al Hota cave.
16
which sense their way around the lake with feelers. SalimMaskeri had informed us that besides this lake there are achain of water bodies inside the cave, with one linking toTanuf system. As I footed further inside the cave our eyeskept popping out in dazed amazement at the naturallyformed columns and chambers.
After about 40 minutes we came out proud of the fact thatthe Oman Government has done a wonderful job forproviding people a unique opportunity of seeing inside acave. The whole cave seems to be stuck in a time warp.
Rudiments of cavesCaves are airfilled underground voids developed by the
former action of water on rock that over a long period oftime was dissolved, opening up holes and tunnels in theground. The holes and tunnels in cave systems arenormally interconnected, depending on how the waterseeped through the rock along joints and cracks, workingits way down to the water table below the surface of theground.
TThhee iimmppoorrttaannccee ooff ccaavveessCaves are important, not only because they are beautiful
and awe-inspiring, but because they provide a detailedrecord of past climate, surface processes, fauna, and flora.
Careful chemical analysis of the cave deposits revealsinformation about the abundances of different isotopes ofcarbon, sulphur, and other trace elements that werepresent in the atmosphere when the deposits formed andgives an age of the deposits. The two types of information- chemical and chronologic - provide a record of climatechange.
Examination of bones, pollen, and spores that may betrapped in dust and silt in the caves gives informationabout the types of animals and plants that existed in therecent past in areas that are now desert.
Age-old cave deposits.
The caves provide an interesting study.
A lit-up pathway inside the cave.
QatarThirty-five years ago, Qatar was a flat desert land. Now, it aspires to be apart of the trade and tourism hub of the region.
DDeesseerrtt ssyymmpphhoonnyy
Destination
The country looks like 'a drop of water' in the mightyocean. That is what Qatar means and that is what it is. Yet,during the last few years this small pearl in the ArabianGulf has unfolded its glitter to attract hordes of touristsand international conventions. And this year in Decemberit will host the 15th edition of Asian Games. The economyof this tiny peninsular state which juts due north into theGulf was spurred by oil like all other Gulf countries.
Taking cognisant of the fact that tourism was pickingup, Qatar unveiled in 2004 an ambitious tourism masterplan that would guide a $15 billion investment into anarray of prestigious projects and establish Qatar as a highquality destination for cultural tourism, beach resorts,shopping, lifestyle, business and sports events. Onetourism official said: “We expect that tourism will grow tomore than double in the next five years, from the 450,000visitors that presently visit Qatar, to more than one milliontourists in 2010.” In order to cater to increasing touristsand the business community a new airport is being built.The land reclamation work on the new $2 billion DohaInternational Airport to be built to the east of the currentairport is on schedule. When completed, it will have twoparallel runways and an estimated capacity to handle andprocess nearly 12 million passengers every year. Thecurrent airport handles 4.2 million passengers per year.
The dunes are spectacularand the slopes ideal forsandboarding. There are vastexpanses of idyllic desertand sea to savour for thosewho prefer to go it alone
Oil came toQatar in 1940,although the firstexploratory wellwas started in1938 and theconcessionagreement signedin 1935. And todayQatar is one of thelargest producers of gas inthe world. Less than twogenerations ago, Qataris made their livingby diving for pearls, which is reflected in the art andarchitecture around its capital Doha. These days for theirpearls, Qataris browse the air-conditioned boutiques thatcrowd the sprouting shopping malls. Statues of pearls inoyster shells abound and the shell motif appears onmany buildings.
Qatar is mostly flat desert lands with limestone hills, thehighest of which is 250-foot Jebel Dukhan in the west.The desert is Qatar's hidden jewel. The dunes arespectacular and the slopes ideal for sandboarding. Thereare vast expanses of idyllic desert and sea to savour forthose who prefer to go it alone. And there's nothingbetter than to take off 50 kilometres north of the capitalDoha and head for the desert to leave behind all yourtroubles. Sand dunes at Khor Al Udaid embrace the seaand the surrounding area is covered with many sabkhadeposits.
Among Qatar's premier tourist sights is the QatarNational Museum which houses gardens, restoredresidences, a spacious Museum of the State and astriking Museum of the Sea, which includes an aquariumand a pleasant lagoon in which five dhows float atanchor. The museum is devoted to Qatar's nomadic andseafaring origins. It houses the largest collection ofethnographical, ecological and historical materialassembled on eastern Arabia.
The completelylandscaped,crescent-shapedcorniche, thesparkling bluewaters of the
Arabian Gulf andthe sandy desert
backdrop provide thefirst glimpse of what
experiences await you. Thissun-kissed country is filled with
possibilities - desert escapades andshopping extravaganzas; natural attractions and watersports; state-of-the-art sporting facilities and historicalmuseums; all combined with fine dining and luxuriousaccommodations.
Forts are edifices that tell historical tales. Qatar'shistorical forts include Marroub fort, Al Ghuwair castle, AlThughb fort, Al Rakiyat fort, Barzan tower, Umm SalalMohammed fort and Al Wajbah fort.
Situated just 100 kilometres west of Doha lies the townof Al Zubara, an important archaeological site famous forits old fort. Located on the southeastern portion of thecountry Ishat Island has a total area of about 20 squarekilometres. It consists of three flat-topped islets borderedwith light coloured cliffs and two detached rocks lyingnortheast of Khor Al Udaid. Yet another island is theShra'o Island which is also a small fringed reef and asandy beach used by turtles to lay their eggs. Just threehours away from Doha by speedboat, Shra'o Islandserves as a haven to thousands of seabirds.
The Palm Tree Island, about 10 minutes boat ride fromthe corniche, provides lots of fun for the kids andfamilies. It is equipped with restaurants and cafés, andwater sports facilities along with beaches for swimmingin the warm waters.
The seafront in Doha makes a colourful picture.
Sandboarding on the slopes of the dunes.
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Other important sight-seeing spots include Al Wakra,Umm Said, Al Khor, Madinat Al Shamal, Al Ruwais,Dhukan, Haloul Island and Al Saflia Island.
Qatar's diverse population has also spawned anexcellent array of restaurants offering Asian, Europeanand Middle-Eastern cuisine. So, there are plenty ofoptions for the foodbuffs.
Several flamboyant projects are in the pipeline,including a Museum of Islamic Arts and a NationalLibrary, both due for completion by 2006, and thearchitecturally spectacular Qatar Photography Museum,designed by Santiago Calatrava, which is slated to openin 2008. In preparation for the Asian Games, Doha isupgrading its existing sports facilities and building newones, and will soon have 30 state-of-the-art venues,including the gleaming Khalifa Sports City. Another workin progress is Education City, built by the Qatar
Foundation which will promote research and educationalopportunities in Qatar.
The Pearl-Qatar is the jewel in the crown of Doha'sgrand transformation. The $2.5 billion Pearl - 350 metresoff the West Bay Lagoon - is being built in four phaseswith the first phase due to open in 2006. The 985 acres ofreclaimed land will house 30,000 residents in four stylesof architecture - Monaco, Tuscan, Provencale andFlorentine - reflecting its “Riviera Arabia” theme. Theproject is Qatar's first international real estate ventureand investors are being lured in with the offer ofresidential rights under the freehold leases with eachproperty. As well as trendy townhouses, penthouseapartments and palatial-style villas, the island will includethree deluxe hotels, four marinas, canals, lakes,mosques, schools and of course, ample retail andrestaurant space.
With a massive development on the tourism front,Qatar is certainly poised to become one of the mostsought-after destinations in the region.
BBeesstt ttiimmee ttoo ggoo:: October to March when there areno sandstorms and it is cooler. Average temperatures inNovember are 25oC, 20oC in December and 18oC inJanuary and February.
IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn:: Qatar Tourism Authority; Tel: 00974 4411555,Fax: 00974 4372993, E-mail: [email protected]
Flights: Oman Air has daily flights to Qatar.
Boats anchored on Doha creek.
A well-preserved fort in Qatar.
Doha - An ultra-modern city.
NakhlIn the lap
of nature
110 kilometres from Muscat taking a left deviationat Barka roundabout leads you to Nakhl from wherea winding road cul-de-sacs the natural springs ofNakhl. People come to Nakhl for two reasons: One,to scan the ship-like Nakhl fort standing majesticallywithin a gorge and hemmed by the mountainsaround it; two, to immerse oneself in the lap ofnature amidst the natural springs of Nakhl.
Hideaway
Date palms skirt the flowing waters of the Nakhl spring.
The town of Nakhl is a sequestered glen at the foothillsof the lofty mountains of Jebel Nakhl, which rises to aheight of 1,588 metres.
A good crowd throngs the Nakhl natural springs, theAthawara springs, skirted by lofty rocks and lush datepalms. The springs tumble from the mountain rocks,forming a continuous running stream. The spring yieldsits bounty at a constant rate of flow throughout the yearin all seasons. Here, one comes face to face with naturein all its splendour.
The sight of the shimmering sun dropping over thehills and the waters lapping gently against the rocks,make for a visual delight. To the centuries of visitors andcure-seekers, they are more than natural wonders: Theyare waters that heal, so the legend goes.
In the evenings sunlight splashes over the rim of thewadi, burnishing the hills and accenting the rocks thattower on either side. At the weekends the place isteeming with locals and tourists who wade through thewater amid the rock perches. Generations of theirancestors have done the same.
A pre-lslamic poet sang long ago of verdant Oman as"a goodly land, a land abounding in fields and groves,with pastures and unfailing springs."
Little wonder then the Nakhl natural springs is a part ofeight million gallons of hot water produced every day inOman.
The pretty garden ensconced in the rocks overlookingthe springs provides for a relaxing shelter.
The natural spring of Nakhl.
Chinese,Thai and Mongolian Cuisine to
stir your senses. Great food, authentic
cuisine and a splendid ambience. Come,
discover the exotic flavours of the Orient.
P.O.Box 1136, Ruwi, PC 112, Sultanate of Oman.
Tel: 24702266, 24706128 E-mail: [email protected]
For a journey to the Orient, travel to theGolden Oryx !
Confluence of Culture and ArtsThe festival will keep you on a cultural high for a month
Muscat Festival 2006
24
As we write this the Muscat Festival 2006 has reacheda high pitch with venues teeming with people. Thecultural festival, from January 11 to February 10, hasunleashed for visitors a bonanza of cultural heritage,shopping, entertainment, fun, music and adventurewhich are being staged at different venues.
So savour the right blend of shopping and fun broughtto you by the Muscat Municipality with the support of theMinistry of Tourism and BankMuscat as its goldensponsor. With a wide net of events to appeal to everyonefrom children to adults, this year’s festival literally takesculture to people’s doorsteps and makes them come outin the January cold to warm up to Oman’s rich culture.
On the occasion of the official announcement made inthe last week of December, Abdullah bin Abbas binAhmed, Head of Muscat Municipality and Chairman of
the Organising Committee of Muscat Festival 2006launched the website for Muscat Festival
(www.muscat-festival.com). He said: “Since itsinception in 1998, the festival has successfully
continued to attract attention and enjoys widerecognition both at the regional and
international levels as a cultural, artisticand social activity, which reflects the
characteristics of the Sultanate ofOman.” This edition of Muscat
Festival assumesimportance as it
coincides with thefestivities of
‘Muscat — City forthe Arab
Culture2006.’
Thefestival, with
‘confluence ofculture and arts’
as its theme,encompasses a slew
of activities spreadover at the Sultan
Qaboos Grand Mosque,Qurum Natural Park,
Festival Plaza at Al Azaibaand the beach at Seeb.
Specific venues have been assigned for categories ofevents.
Cultural events are currently going on at the SultanQaboos Grand Mosque. Several evenings focusing onintellectual activities are being organised, where expertspresent lectures on various subjects. Poetry events andseminars are also scheduled.
The Qurum Natural Park is hosting heritage events, anexhibition on ‘Islam in Sicily — A bridge between twoCivilisations’, family and children events and theatreevents, besides concerts by leading Arab singers at theaqua theatre. The Festival Plaza at Al Azaiba is hosting anexhibition featuring participants from different countries,amusement parks, international folk shows featuringparticipants from USA, UK, Russia, Kurdistan, China,Mexico, Slovakia, India and Tanzania. The plaza alsofeatures magic shows, fire and light shows, skill shows,
cartoon and circus shows, family events, maritimeactivities, talent and creative events.
Thursdays and Fridays are for activities at Seebbeach, including water games and kite flying,camel races and music concerts by a well-knownMiami band from Kuwait, renowned singer and
dancer Ruby, Haifa Wahabi and AbdullahBilkhair from UAE.
Events for women include aninternational fashion show, jewellery
show, meetings and eveningprogrammes.
The idea of the Muscat Festival isaimed at contributing to the artistic,
cultural and social movement, and provides anentertaining relief for the inhabitants andvisitors of the city, and to actively participate in
activating the Omani tourism sector.
Heritage
25
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CULTURAL EVENTSSSuullttaann QQaabbooooss GGrraanndd MMoossqquueeEEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Intellectual evening with Dr. ]afar AI Mergani 16.1.2006 8.00pm
Intellectual evening with Dr. Maki Sinadah 17.1.2006 8.00pm
Intellectual seminar with Prof Ali Othman Saleh 18.1.2006 8.00pm
Poetry evening with AI Ameen Hassan Mohammed Al Ameen 19.1.2006 8.00pm
Lecture on Human Genome Project & Its Medical Benefits by Dr. Mohsen AI Hazimi 21.1.2006 8.00pm
Poetry Evening: Folk Poetry 23.1.2006 8.00pm
Poetry Evening: Poetry by Alawi AI Hashmi, Bahrain 24.1.2006 8.00pm
Lecture on ‘Solar Energy’ by Dr. Hilal AI Henai 25.1.2006 8.00pm
Creative Experiences in the Arabic Novelby Dr. Ibrahim AI Kawni 28 & 31.1.2006 8.00pm
Lecture by Prof. Mohammed Arkoon 29.1.2006 8.00pm
Lecture on ‘Space Science: Its Benefits for Climatologyand Natural Disaster Forecast’ 30.1.2006 8.00pm
Seminar on ‘Ideas of Omani Children on the City of the Future’ 1.2.2006 9.00am
Evening of Poetry 1.12006 8.00pm
Seminars on ‘Changes in Contemporary Omani Culture’ 4-7.2.2006 9.00am
Seminar on ‘Voluntary Work’ 8.2.2006 9.00am
Lecture on ‘The Way to the Hearts of our Sons’by Dr. Mohammed AI Thuwaini 8.2.2006 8.00pm
Lecture on ‘Happiness Makers’ by Dr. MohammedAI Thuwaini 9.2.2006 8.00pm
QQUURRUUMM NNAATTUURRAALL PPAARRKKHHeerriittaaggee EEvveennttss
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Heritage Villages: Featuring participants from Oman,Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Sudan, Yemen, Jordan,Syria, Morocco and Iran Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
EExxhhiibbiittiioonn
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Exhibition on ‘Islam in Sicily - A Bridge between Two Civilisations’ Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
FFaammiillyy VViillllaaggee EEvveennttss
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Children’s Culture Corner Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Child Nursery Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Dabb Museum Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Snow House Fvent Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Children’s Movies Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Family Souk Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Wonders Studio Corner Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Games Comer Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Heritage Displays Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Balloon Formations Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Civil Defence & Rescue Displays Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Family Rest House Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Cartoon Shows Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Skill Games Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
FFaammiillyy VViillllaaggee TThheeaattrree
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Music Concerts Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Cultural Competitions Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Magic Shows Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
School Children’s Shows Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Parody Show Daily 5.00pm-5.30 pm
FFaammiillyy VViillllaaggee TThheeaattrree
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Aragooz (Puppet Theatre) Daily 6.30pm-7.00pm
Sultan Qaboos University Shows Daily 7.00pm-8.00pm
Dwarfs’ Show Daily 10 pm-11.00pm
International Shows Sat-Tues 4.30pm-11.00pm
Fun Science Activities Sat-Tues 4.30pm-11.00pm
Clown Shows Sat-Tues 8.30pm-9.00pm
Competition (Music Bands) Sat-Tues 9.00pm-10.00pm
Children’s Theatre Wed-Fri 4.30pm-11.00pm
Fashion Show for Children Wed-Fri 4.30pm-11.00pm
Al Asala Folk Dances Wed-Fri 8.00pm-8.30pm
SSpprriinnggss OOff HHooppee MMaarraahh LLaanndd
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
A Special Day for Motherhood & Disabled Care Association 19.1.2005 9.00am
AAqquuaa TThheeaattrree
QQuurruumm NNaattuurraall PPaarrkk
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Arabic Songs 12.1, 2.2 & 9.2.2006 9.00pm
FFEESSTTIIVVAALL PPLLAAZZAA,, AALL AAZZAAIIBBAAIInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall TTrraaddee EExxhhiibbiittiioonn
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Exhibition featuring participants from Oman, Bahrain, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, UK, USA, Yemen, Sri Lanka and Brunei Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
AAmmuusseemmeenntt PPaarrkk
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Amusement Park Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
FFEESSTTIIVVAALL PPLLAAZZAA,, AALL AAZZAAIIBBAAMMaaiinn TThheeaattrree
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
International Folk Shows: Featuring participants from USA, UK, Russia, Kurdistan, China, Mexico, Slovakia, India and Tanzania Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Magic Show from Hungary 11-25.1.2006 7.00pm-8.00pm
Magic Show from Ukraine 28.1-10.2.2006 7.pm-8.00pm
Fire & Light Shows 28.1-10.2.2006 8.10 pm-9.10pm
Magic Planet Puppets Show for Children 15-28.1.2006 5.50pm-6.50pm
Show by Hassan & Diana (TV Presenters of Children’sProgrammes on MBC3) 30.1-1.2.2006 8.00pm-9.30pm
Omani Folk Band Shows 11.1-10.2.2006 5.00pm-11.00pm
SSkkiillll SShhoowwss
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Cartoon Shows Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Carnival Circus Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Chinese Lion Show 13-19.1.2006 5.00pm-10.00pm
Chinese Show 21-27.1.2006 5.00pm-10.00pm
Dangerous Wheel Show 26.1-10.2.2006 7.30pm-10.00pm
Human Missile Show 12 - 25.1.2006 7.30pm-10.00pm
EExxhhiibbiittiioonn
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Participating Companies’ Exhibition Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
FFaammiillyy VViillllaaggee EEvveennttss
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Maritime Science Activities Corner Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Science Genius Corner Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Children’s Painting & Fine Arts Corner Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Talent & Creative Corner Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Wood Industries Corner Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
FFaammiillyy VViillllaaggee EEvveennttss
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Children’s Studio Corner Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Video & Computer Games Corner Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Balloon Formations Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Women’s Exhibition Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Children’s Museum Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
Consumer Protection Shows Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
SSppoorrttss CCoorrnneerr
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Table Tennis Competition (Men & Women) Daily 6.00pm-10.00pm
Badminton Competition (Men & Women) Daily 6.00pm-10.00pm
Darts Competition (Men only) Daily 6.00pm-10.00pm
FFiinnee AArrttss
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Omani Association for Fine Arts Daily 5.00pm-10.00pm
EExxhhiibbiittiioonnss CCoorrnneerr
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Fine Arts Exhibition by Linda Basten (Embassy of USA in Oman) Daily 5.00pm-11.00pm
British Council Exhibition Daily 5.00pm-11.00pm
Photography Exhibition: Showcasing the Cultureand Heritage of Oman Daily 5.00pm-11.00pm
Together Against Drugs: An Exhibition Daily 5.00pm-11.00pm
Fine Arts Exhibition Daily 5.00pm-11.00pm
AAssssoocciiaattiioonnss’’ CCoorrnneerr
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Event for Associations Caring for the Disabled Daily 4.30pm-11.00pm
SSEEEEBB BBEEAACCHH EEVVEENNTTSSTThhuurrssddaayyss && FFrriiddaayyss
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Water Games & Kite Show 19-20.1.2006 1.00pm-6.00pm
Omani Camel Race 19-20.1.2006 1.00pm-6.00pm
Chinese Band Show (Lion Dance) 19.1.2006 1.00pm-6.00pm
Chinese Band Shows 26-27.1.2006 1.00pm-6.00pm
Indian Shows 19-20.1.2006 1.00pm-6.00pm
Bicycle Show 26-27.1.2006 1.00pm-6.00pm
Acrobatic Displays on Horseback 26-27.1.2006 1.00pm-6.00pm
Indian Shows 26-27.1.2006 1.00pm-6.00pm
Jet Skis Show 2-3.2.2006 1.00pm-6.00pm
Chinese Band Show (Dragon Dance) 2-3,9-10.2.2006 1.00pm-6.00pm
Motorcycle Show 2-3.2.2006 1.00pm-6.00pm
African Shows 2-3.2.2006 1.00pm-6.00pm
Dangerous Car Race 9-10.2.2006 1.00pm-6.00pm
Sea Planes & Aerostats Show 9-10.2.2006 1.00pm-6.00pm
Thai Band Traditional Show 9-10.2.2006 1.00pm-6.00pm
African Shows 9-10.2.2006 1.00pm-6.00pm
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Children’s Village Thursdays & Fridays 1.00pm-6.00pm
Club Football Championship for Veteran Players Thursdays
& Fridays 1.00pm-6.00pm
Beach Volleyball Championship Thursdays
& Fridays 1.00pm-6.00pm
Basketball Championship Thursdays & Fridays 1.00pm-6.00pm
MMuussiicc CCoonncceerrttss
EEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Music Concert by Miyami, Kuwaiti Band 20.1.2006 4.00pm
Music Concert by Ruby 27.1.2006 4.00pm
Music Concert by Haifa Wahibi 3.2.2006 4.00pm
Music Concert by Abdullah Balkhair 10.2.2006 4.00pm
EEVVEENNTTSS FFOORR WWOOMMEENNEEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
International Fashion Show: Majan Hall, AI Bustan Palace Hotel 7.2.2006 8.00pm
Omani Silver Jewellery & Fashion Show: Majan Hall,Al Bustan Palace Hotel 26.1.2006 7.30pm
Poetry Evening: Grand Hyatt Regency 19.1.2006 7.30pm
Lecture on Religion: Oman Hall, AI Bustan Palace Hotel 17.1.2006 7.30pm
Chocolate Festival: Jibrin Hall, Intercontinental Hotel 24.1.2006 4.00pm
Women’s Meet: Grand Hyatt Regency 28-29.1.2006 4.00pm
Women’s Evening: Omani Women’s Association 5.2.2006 8.00pm
Show by Omani Cinema Association: The First Omani Film Show - Al Shatti Cinema 20.1.2006 8.00pm
VVAARRIIEETTYY EEVVEENNTTSSEEvveenntt DDaattee TTiimmee
Simile of Cure -An Event for Cancer Patients:Sultan Qaboos University 1.2.2006 9.30am
Bait Adam Museum: Sindbad Hall, Crowne Plaza Hotel 29.1-1.2.2006 4.00pm-9.00pm
Shooting Photographs on the Seabed: Intercontinental Hotel 26.1.2006 10.00am-5.00pm
Gulf Sand Challenge Race: Sands of Bausher 2.2.2006 10.00am-8.00pm
GCC Classic Cars Exhibition: AI Wazarat Road, AI Khuwair 3.2.2006 4.00pm
TTVV PPRROOGGRRAAMMMMEESS ((OOmmaann TTVV))PPrrooggrraammmmeess DDaattee TTiimmee
Special programme for children Daily 4.00pm
Daily update in English Daily 6.45pm
Programme on the Muscat Festival Daily 7.00pm
Special evening programme Fridays 11.00pm
Live broadcast of beach events Fridays 4.00pm
27
28
Food's power tocombat cancer The incidence of cancer is on the rise. Your diet is second only tosmoking as the most important risk factor you can control. What weeat strongly affects our risk of cancer, scientific research over manyyears has shown. The good news is that many foods in our diet contain protective substances that may slow cancer growth. So,which are these foods which could help prevent cancer?
29
The causes of cancer can be many and varied - stress,pollution, heredity, smoking, being overweight and poordiet. All these contributory factors have a terrible effecton the immune system which then cannot function as itshould to protect and supply healthy cells. Recentresearch suggests that poor diet is indeed a major causefor concern in the fight against cancer because in a poordiet many important nutrients are missing, such aspowerful cancer fighting antioxidants.
These antioxidants fight free radicals which damagehealthy cells and can cause cancer. They also boost thebody's immune system which will then fight and kill offthe abnormal cells.
The important antioxidants are vitamins A, C, D and E,selenium, zinc and lycopene. Other important nutrientsare potassium and iron whose deficiency is responsiblefor many forms of illness.
Therefore, we can dramatically reduce the risk ofcancer by reforming the way we eat and choosinghealthier life giving foods. And should this dreadfuldisease get hold, the use of better diets can runalongside conventional medical treatments veryeffectively. Renowned international medical bodiesstrongly advocate the importance of healthy food andsuggest the elimination of processed and refined foodand sometimes dairy, wheat and animal fats. There isalso a strong emphasis on choosing organic producewhich reduces the risk of ingestion of chemicals andpesticides.
For a damaged cell in your body to become a group ofcancer cells - a tumour - it has to be able to replicate, ormultiply. The good news is that many foods in our dietcontain protective substances that may slow cancer growth.
Hippocrates once said: “Let your food be yourmedicine.” So, which are the foods which will workbehind the scenes giving a helpful boost to your immunesystem and hopefully increase resistance to cancer?Below is a list of powerful, healthy foods which couldhelp prevent cancer. Reduce your risk of getting cancerby packing your diet with these powerful foods.
GGaarrlliicc:: This member of the onion family isn't onlypowerful in flavour and scent. Garlic effectively thwartscarcinogens with organosulphides and allicinthus,helping to protect the body from breast cancer.
TToommaattooeess:: These tasty spheres are bursting with thepowerful antioxidant vitamin C and lycopene. Vitamin Cbolsters the immune system and fends off cancer-causing free radicals, and lycopene is instrumental incutting the risk of stomach, mouth, bladder, cervical,colon and prostate cancer.
CCrruucciiffeerroouuss vveeggeettaabblleess:: Broccoli, red cabbage,cauliflower, kale, red beets and Brussels sprouts allbelong to this veggie family. All are amply fortified withcancer-fighting phytochemicals, includingsulphoraphane, beta-carotene and indolcarbinol.
Health & Fitness
30
SSooyyaa:: The soya bean is the staple food of the Eastwhere the incidences of cancer are much less. Soya andits products, soya milk, soya sauce and tofu are nowreadily available everywhere, including the Gulfcountries. Soya is high in protein and minerals and alsoisoflavones which are now thought to reduce the risk ofcertain cancers. Soybeans are stocked with proteaseinhibitors that don't let cancer cells invade the body.Recently, a team of scientists, led by Dr. MarcoFalasca (UCL Sackler Institute for Musculo-skeletal Research), has discovered that apotent anti-cancer compound found inbeans, nuts and cereals inhibits a keyenzyme - phosphoinositide 3-kinase -involved in tumour growth.
BBeerrrriieess:: Strawberries,blueberries, cranberries,raspberries, blackberriesand red and purplegrapes boast more thana sweet taste. Thesebite-sized fruits get theirdark hue fromanthocyanins that can neutralisecarcinogens. Plus, berries arebursting with flavonoids, a powerful group of cancer-fighting antioxidants.
OOrraannggeess:: Jam-packed with cancer-fightingbioflavonoids and immune system boosting vitamin C;oranges also contain 170 photochemicals, includingcarotenoids. In addition, limonoids, found in orangesand other citrus fruits, fuel the immune system to fightcancer.
FFiibbrree--rriicchh ffooooddss:: Foods full of fibre, such as wholewheat, grains, fortified cereals and apples, protect thebody from pancreatic and stomach cancer while alsohelping to flush toxins from the body. And apples providean additional cancer kicker with their ample supply ofellagic acid. Ellagic acid inhibits cancer cell division, thusthwarting the growth process of breast, pancreatic,oesophageal, skin, colon and prostate cancer -confirming that apples truly do keep the doctor away.
GGrreeeenn aanndd BBllaacckk TTeeaa:: Long heralded for theirhealth benefits, black and green tea are teeming withantioxidants known as polyphenols, the most potent
called catechin. Whether you drink them cold or hot,green and black tea can help you fight cancer. Scientistshave also discovered that chemicals in green tea alsoshut down a key molecule which can play a significantrole in the development of cancer.
SSppiinnaacchh:: This dark, leafy vegetable is chock-full ofantioxidants such as glutathione,
vitamin C, beta-carotene, folicacid and carotenoids.
Researchers haveidentified at least 13different flavonoidcompounds in spinachthat function as
antioxidants and asanti-cancer agents.The carotenoidfound in spinachnot only inducesprostate cancer
cells to self-destruct, but is
converted in theintestines into additional
compounds, calledneochromes, which put prostate cancer cells into a stateof stasis, thus preventing their replication.
HHoott rreedd ppeeppppeerrss:: Biting into these zesty peppersmay set off a fire in your mouth, but the capsaicin insidesnuffs out harmful carcinogens emitted by cigarettes andsome food. These hot numbers are number one inprotecting against lung cancer.
Tea fights cancer.
Cauliflower is amply fortified with cancer-fighting phytochemicals.
YYOOUURR QQUUEESSTTIIOONNSS AANNSSWWEERREEDD
QQ.. IIss ssaalltt ccaanncceerroouuss??A. Although salt is not itself carcinogenic, it may damagethe stomach lining. As the cells there multiply to repairthe damage, the chance of cancer cells forming may beincreased. Limit your total daily intake to no more than6g (about a teaspoonful). Most salt is in processedfoods, so check labels and eat more fresh food.
Limit your intake of salty foods (cheese, prepared saucesand soups, crisps and salted fish and vegetables), anduse herbs and spices instead of salt to enhance flavours.
QQ.. AArree ffrruuiittss aanndd vveeggeettaabblleess bbeetttteerr rraaww tthhaannccooookkeedd??A. Because some of the vitamins are destroyed duringstorage and cooking, raw or lightly cooked fresh vegetables and fruits are likely to have a higher vitamincontent. However, cooking may help to make some vitamins easier to absorb.
QQ.. CCaann ffoooodd aaddddiittiivveess ccaauussee ccaanncceerr??A. Dietary studies have not identified any link betweenadditives and the risk of cancer, but tests continue.Using fresh ingredients where possible will keep yourintake of additives to a minimum.
QQ.. DDoo ffooooddss lliikkee ccrriissppss aanndd ccrriissppbbrreeaaddss ccoonnttaaiinnaaccrryyllaammiiddee,, aa hhiigghhllyy ccaarrcciinnooggeenniicc cchheemmiiccaall?? A. Much more research is needed here. Acrylamide hasbeen found to form in starchbased foods such as potatochips, French fries, cereals and breads that have beencooked at high temperatures. In animal experiments itwas identified as a possible cause of cancer but theextent to which it affects humans is not known.
QQ.. WWiillll aa hhiigghhpprrootteeiinn,, lloowwccaarrbb,, wweeiigghhttrreedduucciinnggddiieett aaffffeecctt mmyy rriisskk ooff ccaanncceerr??A. It might. All the evidence indicates that your dietshould contain plenty of starchy food, fruits and vegetables, with small portions of animal protein.
•Antioxidants help with the maintenance and repair ofcells and DNA, the genetic code that controls the body.They may reduce the production of free radicals -molecules that damage DNA and increase the risk of cellsbecoming cancerous.
•Many foods contain important chemicals in additionto the vitamins and minerals that they have - and somemay be beneficial to health.
Strawberries are good for health.
Garlic protects the body from breast cancer.
31
Planning to go on a business trip? Business travelrequires well-planned strategy. With companies growingacross continents and cultures, travel planning hasacquired a new dimension.
The needs of business travellers have changed overthe years as the pressure of time and technology haschanged. Travellers are far more tech-savvy and demanda lot of more than just being able to plug their laptops intheir rooms. They are also far more aware of their healthand fitness. Besides, travel bags, clothes and accessoriesare no more mere carriers, they are much more of afashion statement. As is for branded apparels, sunglasses, your brand of travel stuff defines your taste. Littlewonder then the markets are flooded with elegant, sleekand stylish travel wares.
And with the surge of Net-related services, comingyears will see business travel grow and improve, withgreater choices for the commuter. Using the Net to planholidays and make big savings in the bargain is fastcatching up. Business travelling is also about a blur of
airport loungings and hotel rooms, of being on the roadfor more days than one is at home, and of coping withsecurity fears and mysterious viruses. So, this leaves thetraveller to plan, organise the trip well in advance by
obtaining as much information as possible at hand. TheWeb offers answers to a wealth of travel queries, fromthe obvious to the obscure, but you need to know whereto look for. The following sites are recommended forobtaining accurate and up-to-date answers to all yourtravel needs.
CCUURRRREENNCCYY CCOONNVVEERRTTEERRSS::www.xe.com. Best site for quick conversions of 21
major currencies. Also, visit www.oanda.com for similarinformation, plus a printable currency sheet.
AAIIRRLLIINNEESS SSEEAATTIINNGGSS::ww.seatguru.com. Are you travelling for business and
need to know which airplanes have laptop power at yourseat, the leg room available, proximity to the toilets, then
Business traveller's tools
32
33
this site answers many of your queries. If the airlinewhich you are looking for is not listed, trywww.seatexpert.com.
AATTMM LLOOCCAATTOORRSS::http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global. The Visa site
allows searches for ATMs by city or zip code worldwide.The MasterCard's site, www.mastercard.com/atmlocator,can locate more than 900,000 ATMs in 120 countries.Both sites offer airport-specific searches.
FFRREEQQUUEENNTT FFLLYYEERRSS::www.webflyer.com. The site addresses the
complicated subculture of frequent-flyer miles, coveringdetails on every major hotel and airline programme.
MMAAPPSS::www.mapquest.com. Plug in the address or city for
locations around the globe and this site will plot it on amap.
TTIIMMEE AANNDD DDAATTEE::www.timeanddate.com/worldclock Site contains a
chart of the current time in hundreds of cities across theglobe. Can be customised to show specific sites.
WWEEAATTHHEERR::www.weather.com. This site facilitates the search for
weather worldwide by zip code or city.
TTRRAAVVEELL WWAARREE::http://traveltools.com. For people looking for travel-
related products and gifts, like travel wallets, watches,organisers, luggage, office tools, accessories, etc.
TTRRAAVVEELL BBAARRGGAAIINNSS::www.travelcity.com. A comprehensive site for travel
needs, including travel bargains.Also, visit www.travelzoo.com,
www.news.cheapflights.com. For getting bargains inEurope browse www.1800flyeurope.com.
TTRRAAVVEELL IINNFFOO::www.smartertravel.com gives terrific collection of
news, sales, development and special advice.
Business Traveller
The fox and the crow
A fox once saw a crow fly off witha piece of cheese in its beak andsettle on a branch of a tree.
“That's for me, as I am a fox,” saidthe fox as he walked up to the footof the tree.
“Good day, young crow,” hecried. “How well you are lookingtoday: how glossy your feathers;
how bright your eyes. I feel sureyour voice must surpass that ofother birds, just as your figuredoes; let me hear one song fromyou that I may greet you as theQueen of Birds.”
The crow lifted up her head andbegan to caw her best, but the
Kiddies’ Corner
moment she opened her mouththe piece of cheese fell to theground, only to be snapped up bythe fox.
“That will do,” said he. “That was allI wanted. In exchange for yourcheese I will give you a piece ofadvice for the future: 'Do not trustflatterers'.”
36
HHuummoouurrDDaadd:: I want to know how the
dog escaped from our fenced-in
yard. I told you to close all the exits.
SSoonn:: Maybe he got out through one of
the entrances.
Have you heard the joke about the butter?
I better not tell you. You might spread it around
HHaannddyy ttiippss ……
HHooww ttoo wwrriittee aann ee--mmaaiill wweellll
• Write the way you talk. Read it aloud to see if it
sounds like you.
• Be clever but not cute. (Easier said than done.)
• Be plain-spoken, but not stilted.
• If it's early in the relationship, keep e-mails short.
• Punctuation and grammar matter.
• Remember that tone doesn't always translate.
• Use emoticons and IM acronyms (“LOL”)
sparingly.
• Don't say anything that would embarrass you if it
were read by other people.
KKnnoowwlleeddggee iiss ppoowweerrWWhhaatt hhuurrrriiccaannee ccaatteeggoorriieess mmeeaann
Recent months saw countries ravaged by hurricanes.
Hurricanes are categorised by wind speed. Here is
how storms are rated and the damage they can do:
CCaatteeggoorryy 11 (winds 75 to 95 miles per hour): Damages
trees and mobile homes.
CCaatteeggoorryy 22 (winds 96 to 110 miles per hour): Roofs,
doors and windows can be damaged.
CCaatteeggoorryy 33 (winds 111 to 130 miles
per hour): Destroys mobile homes;
large trees knocked down.
CCaatteeggoorryy 44 (winds 131 to 155 miles
per hour): Walls and roofs can
collapse; doors and windows
get blown out.
CCaatteeggoorryy 55 (winds more than 156 miles
per hour): Homes and other buildings
destroyed.
HHooww??HHooww ccoommee tthhee DDeeaadd SSeeaa bbee aallmmoosstt 440000 mmeettrreess bbeellooww
sseeaa lleevveell??
If the Dead Sea were connected to another sea or
ocean, water would flood in until it reached sea level. Its
isolation stops this happening. In fact, technically it's not
a sea but a lake. The Dead Sea came into being around
three million years ago and is losing more water through
evaporation than it gains from the rain and rivers. The
water level dips by about four inches a year. The very
high salt content is also caused by a decrease in water
levels.
WWoorrdd FFuunn• The word 'facetious' contains all five vowels in
alphabetical order.
• SWIMS is the longest word with 180-degree symmetry
(i.e., if you were to view it upside down it would be the
same perfectly readable word).
• Give an English word with four Zs.
A: Razzmatazz.
• No word in the English language rhymes with silver.
• The word ultra-revolutionaries contains each vowel
twice.
FFAASSCCIINNAATTIINNGG FFAACCTTSS• A camel with three humps is called
humphrey.
• Besides a rabbit, the only
creature that can see
behind itself without turning its
head is the parrot.
TRIVIAJUNCTION
• There are about 10 million bacteria in any place you
rest your hands on a desk.
• Gold medals at the Olympic Games must contain at
least 92.5 per cent silver, and a coating of at least six
grams of 24-karat gold.
• Dolphins sleep with one eye open.
• The sound made by Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is so
loud that it can be heard 40 miles away.
• Sheep will not drink from a stream or any other water
that is running.
• If you went out into space without oxygen, you would
explode before you suffocated because there is no
air pressure.
• A sea polyp can change sexes at will.
• When young, black sea bass are mostly female, but at
the age of five, many switches to male.
• Oysters can change from one gender to another and
back again.
How can you crush a sodacan without ever touching it?
How can you pour a glass ofwater upside down withoutspilling a drop?
How can youmake ice boil?
These maysound likemagic tricks, butas the titleshows, thesetricks only seemlike magic. Foreach of the 50“tricks” outlined in this book,there are scientific reasons(involving principles including
friction, pressure, inertia) forwhy the trick works.
This is a great book to havearound during your holidays
when youwant to dosomethingbesides playvideogames.There areenough cooland easytricks that agroup of
kids could put together amagical science show forfriends and family.
Fascinating book for the kidsNot magic but science!
37
The Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Fun Corner
TTrryy tthhiiss oouutt!!• Is it physically possible for you to standbehind your mother, and for yourmother to stand behind you at the sametime?
YYeess,, iiff yyoouu ssttaanndd bbaacckk ttoo bbaacckk..
• A father's child, a mother's child, yetno one's son. Who is the person?
AA DDaauugghhtteerr..
• What is once in a minute, twice in amoment, and never in a thousand?
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• What gets larger as you take morefrom it?
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Welcome aboardWelcome aboard
Oman Air’s constant endeavour is to make your journeysafe, comfortable and enjoyable. We provide below thedetails of the amenities that are provided on board for yourconvenience. Should you require anything not listed here,or have any queries, please contact our cabin crew. Theywill be delighted to be of assistance. If you have any sug-gestions to improve our service, please convey them to ourcabin crew.
Safety RegulationsHHAANNDD BBAAGGGGAAGGEE:: To ensure comfort to all the passengers,hand baggage in the cabin is limited to bags smaller than24 cm x 41 cm x 51 cm. These must be stored either in theoverhead baggage lockers or under the seat in front of you.Please do not leave any baggage in the aisle, galley or in away that obstructs the emergency exits. Doing so couldcause inconvenience and impede evacuation in an emer-gency.SSAAFFEETTYY OONN BBOOAARRDD:: Your safety is our prime concern. Youcan find a safety card in the seat pocket in front of you. Thiscard gives you the details of the safety features of the air-craft. Kindly study it carefully, note the emergency exits andpay close attention to the crew’s demonstration of theemergency drill. When the captain turns on the “Fastenseatbelts” sign due to any emergency or bad weather,please return to your seat immediately and fasten your seat-belt. For your own safety, we also recommend keeping yourseatbelt loosely fastened when seated during the flight.EELLEECCTTRROONNIICC EEQQUUIIPPMMEENNTT:: Portable electronic items such aspersonal computers and handheld games may not be usedduring take-off and landings as they could interfere with theaircraft’s equipment. Pocket calculators, hearing aids andheart pacemakers are exempt. Use of radios and mobilephones are prohibited on board at all times.
FACILITIES AVAILABLE ON BOARDIINN--FFLLIIGGHHTT EENNTTEERRTTAAIINNMMEENNTT:: For your enjoyment we arepleased to provide programmes in Arabic, English andHindi; we also show Tamil and Malayalam films in certainsectors. To listen to the programme you wish to enjoy, justplug in the headset and press the channel of your choiceon the control unit.RREEAADDIINNGG AANNDD WWRRIITTIINNGG MMAATTEERRIIAALL:: A wide selection ofnewspapers and magazines in English and Arabic, bothnational and international, are available on board. Should
you require aerogrammes or stationery, our crew will makethem available to you.TTOO FFRREESSHHEENN UUPP:: A selection of deodorants, perfumes,soaps, tissues and towels are available in the lavatories; alsoavailable are electric sockets for electric shavers.Toothbrushes, toothpaste and combs are available onrequest.FFIIRRSSTT AAIIDD:: Should you require any medical attention due toany pain or discomfort, please contact the cabin crewimmediately. They are trained in first aid procedures andemergency care. A first aid kit is available on board.DDUUTTYY FFRREEEE SSHHOOPPPPIINNGG:: A wide range of products are availableon board in the Duty Free Shopping facility; and you can findthe details of these in the accompanying literature. Pleasecontact the cabin crew if you wish to make any purchase.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTSUUNNAACCCCOOMMPPAANNIIEEDD MMIINNOORRSS:: If your child aged between 7and 12 is flying unaccompanied, please inform us whilemaking the reservation. Our staff will be assigned to takecare of your child’s requirements, safeguarding their pass-port, immigration and medical cards.DDIISSAABBLLEEDD PPAASSSSEENNGGEERRSS:: Our ground and cabin crew will behappy to assist disabled or injured passengers in every waypossible. Kindly inform us of the nature of the disability inadvance while making the flight reservation to help usmake the necessary arrangements.IINNFFAANNTTSS OONN BBOOAARRDD:: We have a limited selection of babyfood on board, plus bottles, teats, talcum powder and dia-pers. Should you have special requirements for your child,please inform us while making your flight reservation andwe will endeavour to make arrangements. Our cabin staffwill be happy to warm your baby feeding bottles for you.Our aircraft are fitted with baby bassinets which should berequested while making your reservation. If you are carryinga child on your lap, please ask the cabin crew for a child’sseat belt before take off.
FLIGHT RECONFIRMATIONPassengers breaking their journey for more than 72 hours atany point are required to reconfirm their onward or returnreservation 72 hours before the flight. Oman Air is well rep-resented in all our destinations through our Oman Airoffices and General Sales Agents.
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� Oman Air flies three NG B737-800 aircraft on international routes and to Salalah. This aircraft carries 154passengers (12 in Business Class and 142 in Economy) and is operated by two pilots and six cabin attendants.Maximum range of this aircraft is 5,940 km, with an average cruising speed of 818 kilometres per hour.
� Oman Air flies three NG B737-700 aircraft on international routes and to Salalah. This aircraft carries 114passengers (12 in Business Class and 102 in Economy) and is operated by two pilots and six cabin attendants.Maximum range of this aircraft is 4,190 km, with an average cruising speed of 818 kilometres per hour.
� Oman Air flies four ATR 42-500 aircraft. They carry 46 passengers and are operated by two Pratt & WhitneyCanada PW 127 turboprop engines. Maximum range is 774 km, and normal cruising speed is 525 kilometresper hour.
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DEPARTURES - FIRST FLOOR
DEPARTURES - GROUND FLOOR
ARRIVALS - GROUND FLOOR ONLYSeeb International Airport
TELL US.WE WILL TRY HARDERCChhiieeff EExxeeccuuttiivvee OOffffiicceerr
CChheecckk iinnWas easy and fast
Staff was polite and helpful
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Was presentable
Was courteous & helpful
Could solve my problem (If any)
BBuussiinneessss LLoouunnggee ((BBuussiinneessss CCllaassss PPaasssseennggeerrss))
Lounge facilities were good
Business centre facilities were good
The staff was courteous and efficient
Quality of food & beverages was good
Reading material was available
FFlliigghhtt AAtttteennddaannttss
Were presentable
Were courteous & friendly
Were prompt in answering my call
Could handle my request immediately
Briefed about the safety procedures properly
IInn--fflliigghhtt SSeerrvviicceess
Quality of food & beverages was good
In-flight magazine was interesting
Reading material was available
EEnntteerrttaaiinnmmeenntt
Had good choice
Programmes were interesting
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Had a good range of products
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Aircraft was clean
Had adequate room
Toilets were clean
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Flight was on time
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Flight timings are convenient
CCoonnvveenniieennccee ooff CCoonnnneeccttiioonnss
Connections are convenient
VV.. GGoooodd GGoooodd AAvveerraaggee WWeeaakkEExxcceelllleenntt
As the CEO of Oman Air it is my pleasure to welcome you aboard this flight. It has been our endeavour to offer the best ofservices at the standard that you have come to expect of us. It is of personal interest to me that your travel on Oman Air isenjoyable, pleasant and meets with your approval. I will appreciate, if you could spare the time to fill in the followingQuestionnaire, e-mail or fax me your comments of the Services, Facilities and Experience with Oman Air. Your feedback, beit an accolade or a critical comment, will assist us in identifying and improving the services offered to you. Thank you for fly-ing Oman Air.
Please write to me about any other aspect you would like to bring to my noticeName of Passenger:.....................................................................................................................................................................Address:...................................................... Tel:..................................... E-mail: ..........................................................................Flight on which you were travelling: ................................................... Date: ............................................................................Thank you for your time. Wish you a pleasant flight.SSeenniioorr MMaannaaggeerr CCuussttoommeerr SSuuppppoorrtt,, PP..OO.. BBooxx 5588,, PPoossttaall CCooddee 111111,, SSeeeebb,, SSuullttaannaattee ooff OOmmaann..TTeell:: 2244551199448888,, FFaaxx 2244551100338833,, EE--mmaaiill:: mmoohhaammmmeeddnn@@ooaass..ccoomm..oomm�
