Hi Weekly - January 12 2017

OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 46,760 COPIES

VOL 10 ISSUE 53 / JANUARY 12, 2017

Suds and Beauty PG 20

THIS WEEK IN OMAN

HAVE A NIHARI BRUNCH

EXPERIENCE OFF-BEAT LUXURY

TRY AN ANCIENT STRESS-BUSTER

Perhaps you never thought of Pakistani cuisine for breakfast, but this hearty buffet will make you a believer.

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What do a Lincoln SUV and the new Anantara Jabal Akhdar have in common? Read on to find out about their unique takes on luxury.

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Meditation doesn’t require a monk-like mountain top removal from the world, and it could help you live a happier life.

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Give us a shout with questions, comments, compliments, complaints, or just to say “Hi” Founder Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali

scottarmstrong@timesofoman.com

Chief Executive Editor Scott Armstrong felicia@timesofoman.com

Executive Features Editor Felicia Campbell Features Production Editor Swati Dasgupta swati@timesofoman.com Research/Copy Editor Ashish Dubash shruthi@timesofoman.com

ashishdubash@timesofoman.com

Associate Editors Salim Hamood Al Afifi Shruthi Nair

salim@timesofoman.com

Digital Editor gautam@timesofoman.com Gautam Bhargav Viswanathan

Chief Creative Officer Adonis Durado Associate Art Director Waleed Rabin Graphics Editor Antonio Farach Design Editor Sahir K.M. Lead Designer Geri B. Sonny Designers Antonio Ismael Sandiego Gregory Fernandez Director of Digital Television Joe Morrison Photography MMG Photographers richard@timesofoman.com Chief Sales Officer Richard Pakenham aziz@timesofoman.com

Head Of Advertising & Marketing Aziz K. Baker Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Design by Geri B. Sonny Photograph by Salim Al Afifi For general inquiries or comments: HiWeekend@timesofoman.com

Muscat Media Group AN ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED COMPANY Post Box: 770, Postal Code: 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman EDITORIAL 24726600/24726666 Ext 235/160 felicia@timesofoman.com

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THE WEEKEND LINEUP

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Your calendar of the hottest events happening in Muscat this weekend

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THURSDAY 7:00pm Shop to Win Popular fashion brands in Oman Avenues Mall are teaming up to offer shoppers a chance to win prizes and a fashion box from a well-known designer. Available to anyone who spends OMR15 or more.

Oman Avenues Mall Ghubra +968 2200 5420

7:00pm Party Spanish-Style in Oman Love Spanish culture, food, and dance? Then head to the Palm Garden at InterContinental this Thursday to feast on tapas and paella while watching beautiful flamenco dancers perform to the sound of Spanish guitar. Free-flowing selected beverages, food, and entertainment for OMR20 net.

InterContinental Hotel Muscat +968 9137 3243

fb.icm@ihg.com

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What are you doing this weekend? Tweet us @HiWeekly_Oman; tag us in your weekend instagram photos @hiweekly_oman; or share with us on FB/hiweekly

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FRIDAY 5:00pm Dance with a Veil Learn the basics of belly dancing with a veil in a special workshop with probellydancer, Marion. Wear comfortable gym clothes and shoes to the 2 hour session. Fee is OMR3.

The Champ Oman, Al Khuwair +968 2447 6102 thechampoman.com

7:00pm Listen to a Master Enjoy the soothing tunes of the Royal Oman Symphony orchestra as conducted by maestro Placido Domingo during Tchaikovsky’s first piano concert featuring Beatrice Rana.

Royal Opera House Muscat +968 2440 3300 Rohmuscat.org

6:00am Take a Picturesque Trek If you are up for a weekend challenge then try this 2-day trek from Wadi Bani Khalid to Wadi Tiwi, which will include mountain climbing, hiking, walking through water, and occasional gazelle or Arabian tahr sightings as you march along with internationally certified instructors. The all-inclusive camping experience is OMR115.

Eastern Hajar Mountains +968 9068 9823 Twenty3extreme.com

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SATURDAY 3:00pm Go Study in England If you want to study in the UK, but are confused about how to go about it, then go avail of free information and advice from UK boarding schools, summer schools, and language programmes at this education fair.

Crowne Plaza enquiries@andersoneducation.co.uk

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MARVEL’S AGENTS OF SHIELD WITH GAUTAM BHARGAV VISWANATHAN

FIVE TO TRY

FURNITURE SHOPS

MARINA HOME INTERIORS Marina is a Muscat favourite, selling a variety of handmade, wooden furniture that will leave you smitten. They have a huge selection of woods, from oak to teakwood, in styles ranging from re-purposed and rustic to smooth modern chic. Their unusual and antique-inspired home accessories are a draw as well.

Oman Avenues Mall, Bousher +968 2206 0999

IDDESIGN IDdesign is a one-stop-shop for everything modern, offering sleek designs, vibrant colours, and funky, artistic pieces you cannot find anywhere else in town. Their fabulous wallpapers and accessories also feature one-of-a-kind designs.

Markaz Al Bahja, Al Hail +968 2454 5658

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W

e all liked the Avengers. Let’s face it, they were cool, they were determined, and they always — well, almost always — ended up saving the day.

There were qualities in the Avengers we all wished we had: Integrity, honour, intelligence, presence of mind, and the willingness to do what was right.

But the Avengers were only called upon when the fate of the world was at stake. They were supposed to be Earth’s get-out-of-jail-free card in the face of extreme adversity. Ensuring that all of us were able to sleep soundly without having to worry about extraterrestrial threat, now that was the job of the Agents of SHIELD. Ostensibly named the “Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division”, SHIELD is run – but seldom publicly acknowledged – by the US Government. Set in a world populated by Inhumans – humans whose DNA have been altered from birth – giving them access to superhuman powers, which may range from super speed to the manipulation of fire, it’s SHIELD’s job to ensure that these powers are used for good and to stop those who would exploit them for their own nefarious purposes and, more importantly, reach out to those who may be too overwhelmed by their powers before anything bad happens.

Leading the SHIELD team is Phil Coulson, long been associated with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, who is played by Clark Gregg, the star of both the Iron Man movies as well as the original Avengers. He is joined by some of the world’s best and brightest scientists and soldiers, like his second-in-command, an ace pilot and martial arts expert, Melinda May (Ming-na Wen, who starred in Mulan, ER, and Two and a Half Men).

Hard at work in SHIELD’s laboratories are Leo Fitz, weapons technology expert, and Jemma Simmons, life sciences genius, played by British actors Ian de Caestecker (Adam Barlow from Coronation Street) and Elizabeth Henstridge (Emily Alexander from Hollyoaks). They’re joined by elite hacker Skye Johnson (Chloe Ben-

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nett, who starred in Nashville), black ops commando Grant Ward (Brett Dalton of Nurses,Blue Bloods and Army Wives), and gearhead Alphonso Mackenzie (Henry Simmons, from Taxi, NYPD Blue, and CSI Miami).

The motley crew is trying to make the world a better place, but they’ll need to act fast if they’re going to achieve their objectives as SHIELD’s arch-rivals, Hydra (a secret organisation formed by the Nazis during the World War II) is on a mission of their own to use the inhumans to help them achieve world domination.

Not all the inhumans agree with SHIELD’s pacifist ideals, and sometimes, when you’ve got a group of super-powered people who can pack a punch, all you can do is respond with a bigger one.

Fortunately, being a covert government organisation has its perks. SHIELD is always on the forefront of cutting edge technology, with several of their favourite gizmos still only in their experimental stages, ranging from supersonic cloaked aircraft to bullet-free stun-guns and electromagnetic weapons that can cut power to entire cities.

With an ensemble cast of characters, some fantastic, literally out-of-this-world tech, and plenty of intriguing storylines, Agents of SHIELD is a brilliant addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and one that perfectly merges the theatrical effects of the cinema with the small screen.

—gautam@timesofoman.com The Short and Skinny Series Name: Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD Genre: Sci-fi/Action Producers: Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen Cast: Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Brett Dalton, Chloe Bennet, Iain De Caestecker, Elizabeth Henstridge, Nick Blood, Adrianne Palicki, Henry Simmons, Luke Mitchell, John Hannah IMDB Rating: 7.5/10 Where to watch: Netflix, ABC.com

PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

HOME CENTRE Home Centre is one of the most popular furniture stores in Oman as they offer a wide range of furniture options from contemporary to traditional. They also have pretty cool kitchen appliances, as well as great bedding, rug, and home accessories options.

City Centre Muscat, Al Mawaleh +968 2455 8063

ATMOSPHERE Atmosphere is a unique store situated in a grand home on 18th November Street. At this shop you’ll find high-end Italian furniture, wallpaper, to kitchen table settings, paintings, and other decorative elements. If you are overwhelmed by the options, they also offer full-service interior design.

18th November Street, Azaiba +968 2449 6640

ETHNIC HOMES Ethnic Homes is hidden away on the first floor of the Azaiba Mall. This gem of a shop sells truly one-of-a-kind items made from recycled and repurposed materials as well as vintage goods. It is the best shop in Oman for those who want rustic chic or weathered furnishings.

Azaiba Mall, Azaiba +968 9390 0023

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BINGE ON A BUDGE T

Breadtalk Fresh-baked breakfast pastries that are meaty, cheesy, and oh-so-filling are the best way to start the day, which is why we are crazy about the salty-side of this famous shop.

STORY FELICIA CAMPBELL • PHOTOGRAPHY SALIM AL AFIFI

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THE PLACE Breadtalk is a beloved Singaporean bakery that specialises in sliced breads, cakes, and buns. The chain opened its first branch in Oman in 2008 in Bareeq Al Shatti, expanding to Qurum City Centre, and recently to Oman Avenues Mall. The casual café features a glass case where you can select your own savoury pastries and a bright seating area to enjoy them while watching the bakers at work in the windowed kitchen. Though many know the shop for it’s sweets, the savoury pastries make an amazing meal.

SIGNATURE DISH The most distinctive thing on offer at this café is the savoury pastry selection. Buns stuffed with turkey and cheese, peri tuna, chicken parmesan, or topped with sliced chicken sausages are both savoury and slightly sweet.

The offerings change daily and throughout the day the pastries are freshly baked and re-stocked. My favourite is the turkey and cheese pastry, which features a sweet dough layered with salty turkey ham, and oozing with mild, white cheese. The unusual sausage creations are also not-to-be-missed.

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What’s your favourite bun at Breadtalk? Show us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly

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THE DEAL Fuel up for the day with two buns for around OMR1.5 and keep an eye out for the seasonal combo offers that include a beverage.

ADD-ON Have your savoury pastries as your main meal, along with a coffee or juice, then splurge on a sweet treat from the display case, like a lighter-than-air slice of Angel Cake; rich Black Date Cake, or surprisingly heavy, Plain Butter Cake to round out your meal.

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A Pot of Potato .500 baisa Double Up Sausage .800 baisa Peri Tuna .800 baisa Chicken Floss .800 baisa Chicken Parmesan .700 baisa Mushroom & Cheese .800 baisa Turkey & Cheese .800 baisa Pizzeria .800 baisa

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Breadtalk Bareeq Al Shatti, Shatti Al Qurum +968 2460 3033 Qurum City Centre, Qurum +968 2447 0622 Oman Avenues Mall, Ghubra +968 2200 7474 The Walk at Al Mouj, Seeb +968 2454 4471

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W EEK EN D ESCA PE

A GRAND STAYCATION IN BEAUTIFUL BOUSHER STORY GAUTAM BHARGAV VISWANATHAN • PHOTOS SUPPLIED

B

ousher is probably not the first place you think of when you are planning a staycation. I certainly never have. But, like me, I’m sure you’ve all driven past the Millennium Grand Hotel in Bousher, sparing it a curious glance on the way to Lulu Hypermarket, the Muscat Grand Mall, or Oman Avenues Mall.

What’s inside that rather large, expansive building? you might have asked yourself, or at least I always did. Finally, the curiosity got the best of me, and I arranged to go find out.

From the outset, it was clear that the good folks at Millennium realise that what is at the foundation of strong, lasting connections is a personal touch. I was astonished (in a pleasant manner) to be greeted by none other than Frank Funke, the hotel’s head of food and beverage, who kept referring to me as a ‘preferred guest’. It felt nice, but something inside me tells me that’s a moniker they attach to all of their visitors.

After a few half-hearted protestations from me, an attentive porter quickly whisked my bags upstairs (who doesn’t like to be waited on hand-and-foot after all?) where I was greeted by the most splendid of surroundings.

As I stepped onto the plush carpeting of my king-size suite, and there, emblazoned onto the television screen in bold, vibrant lettering was a welcome sign bearing my name. Arrayed on the table was a mouth-watering array of sweets and beverages. I began nibbling on the Omani halwa, sampling delicate macaroons, and devouring the creamy, crumbly, sweet-salty

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You’ve all driven past the Millennium Grand hotel in Bousher, sparing it a curious glance on the way to Lulu Hypermarket and wondering, ‘What’s inside that rather large, expansive building’.

Well, curiosity got the best of me, and I arranged to go find out.

cheese wheel encased in its own pastry. I wondered whether eating all this would leave me much of an appetite for dinner.

I resisted the generously-filled bowl of M&Ms interspersed with coffee beans (until later), and stood pondering the hand-crafted broadsheet of the Times of Oman, made entirely out of white chocolate. I’ll give you a minute to pause and let that sink in. Alright. Two minutes.

I was in pretty much the same reverie you’re in right now, and after recovering from the shock of this unexpectedly warm welcome, I was happy to discover that my snacking had only served to whet my appetite for dinner. Honestly, I was also just plain curious to see if this property would continue to surprise and delight.

“Mr Gautam, this is your home away from home,” said the Head Chef, as he ushered me towards the spread they’d prepared for their evening meal. And what a spread it was.

My biggest concern was how to do justice to the food, which occupied at least five long tables. From Arabian appetisers such as hummus, baba ganoush, stuffed vine leaves and tahini, to a make-your-own soup and salad station, to the finest cuts of lamb and the best fish tikka I’ve ever eaten, there was little out of place at Millennium’s fine gastronomic display. I ate and ate, and sandwiched somewhere in there before my destiny with dessert, I managed to sample a plethora of starters, most notably, the divine tempura prawns (I suggest you try them with sweet chilli sauce) and freshly

GRAND MILLENNIUM MUSCAT Where Millennium Grand Hotel is located right next to Muscat Grand Mall, behind Oman Avenues Mall and Lulu Hypermarket Contact +968 2234 2222 millenniumhotels.com What can you expect?

An ultramodern hotel 15-minutes from the airport in the heart of the city featuring a rooftop pool and tennis court, 296 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, 32 spacious apartments, a world-class spa, and an executive lounge with panoramic views of the city.

What will it Cost?

OMR53.55 to OMR87.55 per night

made fish tacos, which reminded me of the times my friends and I used to while away long summer afternoons on Qurum beach, with the sea-scented wind and the swaying palm fronds creating a cocoon of comfort that few would ever want to get out of.

Fearing that I was getting too full, I ventured over to the dessert station. My fork dropped with a loud clang. There before me was a revolving ice cream counter with 12 different flavours ranging from mango sorbet to chocolate brownie fudge; the creamiest chocolate mousse I’ve ever tasted; and what is now my newest desert obsession: Mud pie pudding. A study in sweet, creamy, chocolaty decadence.

I wandered back to my room in the soft haze of a food coma, knowing I’d need a good workout the next morning, but longing only for my dreamily soft bed. I crawled in and switched on National Geographic. I found myself enraptured by a thrilling documentary about submarine warfare during the World War II on Ultra HD (Yes, I’m just that much of a nerd), before drifting off to dream of flying over the Atlantic in my very own fighter plane.

I woke up in what felt like a cloud the next morning feeling more refreshed than I had in ages. After a leisurely breakfast of light, fluffy scrambled eggs and heaps of fresh cut fruit and crunchy herbed vegetables, battling my inner desire to stay longer and help myself to the fresh-baked muffins, doughnuts, and paninis, instead making my way downstairs for a much needed workout.

I know exercise is supposed to be a strenuous ordeal, but I rather enjoyed my programme. A few invigorating laps around the pool, a very comfortable steam, and the most relaxing Jacuzzi sit ever, followed by an hour on Millennium massage beds, left me feeling like a new man.

Everything at Millennium seems to be designed to make you want to stay just a little bit longer, from the bed that begs you to stay just five minutes more, to the superbly crafted lunch that seems best suited for a lazy Friday afternoon of leisurely conversation over the best crab arrabiata ravioli and scalloped potatoes in town.

All those days and nights I passed by this property, wondering what was behind the sleek glass, never once did I imagine what an oasis it would be. The Grand Millennium is a business hotel that clearly has made it their business to take the best care possible of each and every visitor. Far from an impersonal, efficient stay, they offer the kind of service and amenities of a leisure property, giving so much more than expected.

On the border of Bousher and Al Khuwair, wedged between shopping malls and freeway, the Grand Millennium is an unlikely staycation destination, chuck full of pleasant surprises. —gautam@timesofoman.com

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EXERCISE YOUR MIND STORY SWATI DASGUPTA

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L E A R N TO M E D I TAT E SAHAJA YOGA OMAN Visit 2nd Floor, Super Plaza, after Zubair Automotive in Azaiba Call +968 9304 1802/ +968 9521 6198 Every Friday 4:30pm -5:30pm Course Fees Free of charge ART OF LIVING Visit Muttrah next to Khimji Ramdas head office Regular Meditation Timings Weekdays 7pm – 9pm, Weekends 10am- 12pm Call +968 9328 2435 Email deebamenon@gmail.com Course Fees Regular Fee OMR75; Repeater Fee OMR40 Sahaj Samadhi Meditation will be held from January 12 (today) till January 14 at AOL Centre, Mosaic Heights (next to OIFC Building, Muttrah); Course Timing: January 12, 7.30pm-9.30pm; January 13 & 14, 10am-12 noon; Call + 968 9268 2643 or +968 9328 2435 RAJYOGA CENTRE FOR SELF DEVELOPMENT Visit Villa No. 3743, 2950 Way, Near Modern Oman Bakery, Rex Road (Al Iskan Street), Ruwi, Muscat Call +968 2478 2924 Email meditate@rajayogaoman.org Course Fees Free of charge Next Meditation for World Peace will take place on January 15, 7:30pm–8:30pm at the Rajyoga Centre for Self Development

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he word “meditation” conjures up different images for different people. As a child I always believed that it was something that only sages and monks did. I would imagine them clad in their saffron coloured robes sitting atop a hill, far away from the rigmaroles of worldly life.

This misconception was cleared-up with time and age, though knowing that meditation was something anyone could do did nothing to make it more appealing to me. To my adult mind, it sounded like a chore that would require immense mental grit and discipline.

Then one day I read an article about the stress-busting benefits of meditation practice, and I decided there was no harm in

trying this gentle method to try and rid myself of the innumerable stressors that I seemed to have accumulated over the years.

I enrolled in a beginner’s class and during the very first session, after a mere ten minutes, I felt a surge of calmness unlike anything I had experienced before in my adult life.

In the days that followed, I learned that incorporating meditation into daily life is a great way to improve one’s mental health, but beyond that, regular practice of this ancient discipline has physical health benefits as well, including reduction of hypertension and relief from tension related body pains. It is also a great way to boost one’s energy.

With origins dating back thousands of years, different types of meditations have been in practice all over the world,

the most popular of which today are transcendental and mindfulness meditation. Transcendental meditation finds its roots in Hindu traditions for which mantras are chanted and repeated.

Mindfulness meditation is a modern, more moderate version of transcendental meditation, based on breathing exercises and things like focusing your attention on what is being experienced in the present, rather than the future or the past, in order to achieve greater balance and acceptance.

In Muscat, several meditation classes are held for newcomers on a drop-in class basis, and regularly for those looking for a continuous practice. Sahaja Yoga Oman holds meditation classes that teach the fundamentals of traditional meditation techniques while helping participants to achieve self awareness.

There are many levels to Sahaja Meditation, but they are simple to learn and easy to practice on one’s own for 10-20 minutes once or twice a day.

The Art of Living Oman Chapter, who organise many meditation classes and workshops in Oman, firmly believe that in today’s time, when our minds are often busy swinging between thoughts about the past and thoughts about the future, it is more important than ever to take our minds into a state of relaxed alertness. They feel that because of our constant distractions we are often unable to experience and enjoy the present. Constant activity eats into our energy reserves and can cause us mental, emotional, and physical stress, so the subtle art of meditation can be a great tool for taking ourselves outside of this mental swirl. Their ‘The Art of Meditation Course’ provides a solid foundation on the science and principles of meditation; instruction in Sahaj Samadhi, an effortless mantra meditation technique; and instructions and recommendations for practising meditation at home. They also periodically offer meditation classes for children, especially before examinations, to help them relax and focus better.

Rajyoga Centre for Self Development Muscat Chapter is another centre that practices and teaches meditation to help nurture a healthy balance between our inner and outer worlds, as well as with the world at large. According to them, the most powerful way to feel calm from within is to learn to relax the mind, and meditation is a natural way to do so. It also helps participants enjoy restful sleep, which is essential to recovering from illness.

Activities, courses, seminars, and other events at Rajyoga are conducted free of cost as this centre’s main aim is to help all people let go of their tension and stress, bring their minds and bodies into a state of calm and peace, and gain a clear understanding of the inner self. Beyond stress-relief, Rajyoga Centre is dedicated to the idea that helping people rediscover their positive qualities and develop their strength of character is the key to world peace.

Rajayoga offers a five-day beginner’s course in meditation through which one can learn the basics of meditating. They also have Meditation Sessions for World Peace every third Sunday of the month at 7:30pm, during which anyone can join to direct their positive thoughts towards making the world a happier place.

—swati@timesofoman.com

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OMANI SLANG

A LL A BO U T TI M I N G

Interspersed with the Arabic conversations overheard throughout the capital city, even native Arabic speakers might be surprised to hear some unfamiliar words. Though Arabic is the official language in the Sultanate, there are all kinds of words and phrases that are purely local. Here’s your monthly primer from Omani Hi editor, Salim Al Afifi. — hiweekend@timesofoman.com ILLUSTRATION WINIE WIDYA ARIANY

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DINING

PASSAGE TO PAKIS THE FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MY MIND WHEN I THINK OF PAKISTANI CUISINE IS FRAGRANT BIRYANI, thick, dense flavourful curries, and oil-brushed (sometimes stuffed) breads. This is a nation that takes their rice, breads, and meats seriously. I can relate, as we Arabs take our meatand-rice lunches pretty seriously, too.

What I had never though of in terms of Pakistan food before, however, was breakfast. So, when I heard about Haveli, an authentic Pakistani joint in Ghubra, who were said to have a fantastic weekend brunch, I was eager to check it out.

Located in Al Ghubra, near Ghala’s Oman Oil station, just opposite Bank Muscat and Pizza Hut, Haveli wasn’t too difficult to find, thanks in large part to the massive signboard bearing the

restaurant’s name. As I stepped inside, I was hit with the familiar aroma of chicken biryani. At that moment, I knew I’d found a very happy place.

The place is quite spacious with a perfectly shaded interior adorned with purple, blood maroon, and wooden accents on the walls and sofas. Though it has a massive seating area, the whole space has a cosy, family diner feel.

I found a table and learned that in addition to daily buffet lunches and dinners and an ala carte menu, the restaurant offered a weekend brunch each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am-3pm. I was glad to have made it on the weekend, as the spread looked nothing short of lavish.

I rolled my dishdasha sleeves and headed for the buffet

line where I found rices, Pakistani curries, mutton, chicken, grilled platters, fresh breads, and, of course, traditional sweets and desserts.

For my first plate, I couldn’t resist a generous scoop of chicken biryani, cooked the traditional way with Haveli’s own specialty masala blend and topped with crispy, caramelised onions and mint. I enjoyed every bite of the flavourful rice, which was only moderately spiced. I quickly went in for round two, going a little cuckoo with the curries.

We all know how Pakistanis rock their curries, so with a little help from the friendly waiters, I selected their three signature stews. The paya curry was a light, soup broth simmered with mutton bone, ginger, lemon, and green chillies. The flavours

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were impeccable, reminding me of my mother’s coconut bone soup. The chicken kurma, was a dense yoghurt curry made with smashed onions and topped with aromatic cardamom pods, a rich, delicate curry in which the flavours of cardamom and the other spices mingled perfectly. Finally, I tasted Nihari, which I learned was one of the most beloved dishes in Pakistan, and a breakfast favourite.

The famed dish consists of a thick tomato-based stew made by slowly simmering beef and bones overnight. The next morning, the stew is served with fresh naan and garnished with fresh ginger, sliced chilli, and a wedge of lime. It was heavenly. Soft bread soaking up all the meaty flavours of the broth, and the pieces of meat so tender that they melted in the

Haveli Restaurant Al Ghubra Street, Athaiba mouth, and all the richness cut by the sharp, fresh slivers of ginger, and the citric pop of lime. With my feast I was able to sample a range of breads, including thin, crispy, light-as-air poori; taftan bread, a clay-oven-baked flatbread flavoured with saffron, a bit cardamom, and brushed with oil before being sprinkled with seeds; and my favourite, sheermal naan, a sweet, saffron-flavoured flatbread.

If you haven’t tried Pakistani food, you would be wise to indulge as soon as possible, as these distinctive dishes offer a true culinary adventure of flavours. And if you do, the homey ambiance, comfortingly rich foods, and amazing variety at Haveli might just be the perfect introduction to home-style Pakistani cooking in Muscat. —salim@timesofoman.com

(Next to Royal Hospital) +968 2459 5288/ +968 9176 4210 Brunch Thursday to Saturday, 10am-3pm OMR4.200, all-inclusive

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WHATSAPP +968 9651 8718 INSTAGRAM @AMIRA_SOAPS PRICES OMR1-3 FOR BARS OMR12 FOR THEMED COLLECTIONS *Customised soaps must be ordered a month in advance

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HAVE YOU EVER wondered what makes handmade soaps so special? Apart from the exotic look and feel they have, it’s the use of natural ingredients that makes them such sought-after products. In Oman, handmade soaps are quite in trend and one young Omani soap maker, Amira Al Rawahi, is working up the lather by making particularly beautiful bars all by herself.

Amira’s handcrafted creations look deliciously tempting and the fragrances, made with all natural, often local, ingredients make them especially distinctive. Her passion for soap making goes back to her college days when she began collecting scented items. And it was this love of fragrances, coupled with her skills as an artist and painter, she was naturally attracted to the world of soap making. After spending countless hours watching YouTube videos on the process, she began to practice the intricate details of the production and design. After familiarising herself with the entire process she enrolled in an online course for formal training.

As her skills grew along with her stock of creations, Amira decided to try to take her hobby on an entrepreneurial route by starting her own line of products to sell online. Working from her one room workshop, she imported materials from the USA and Germany to create lovely pieces of usable art. She posted her products, and waited to see if there was a market for this kind of thing.

“I enjoy anything artistic and anything crafty, so when I find an artistic field, I try to master it,” she said, explaining her drive and inspiration. “Sometimes it’s just an idea, other times it’s a mistake, then I work around it. Making soaps has become my creative outlet, so I put my signature in it.”

Her artful soaps incorporate a variety of ingredients like flowers, spices, oils, fruits, and fragrance oils. Most interesting are her locally-inspired and funky soaps, like karak soap, a sweet and spicy mix of tea, vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom. The masculine-scented masala chai bar is made of Indian-inspired spices such as mandarin leaf, agave nectar, cardamom, nutmeg, and peppercorn. Her most Omani product is the luban and bakhoor soap, an aromatic bar that combines frankincense with traditional Omani incense. The pieces of frankincense embedded in the bottom of the bar serve as body scrubbers. Other notable items in her extensive list are cheesecake, no-stain henna, sweet coconut, honey, mint, lavender, and fruit soaps.

From tiny cupcakes sprinkled with gold to lollipop-esque soaps-on-a-stick to lego designs to translucent neon soaps, the designs are as delicious as the scents.

Available for order through Instagram, Amira’s soaps can be purchased from her current stocks, or she can customise orders from selecting the ingredients to offering unique designs and packaging for the most luxurious lather in town.

—salim@timesofoman.com

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ROUGH-AND-TUMBLE

LUXURY STORY FELICIA CAMPBELL • PHOTOGRAPHY MEHDI TAGHAVI

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nantara Jabal Akhdar is not like other luxury hotels. This is not a property where you are going to be coddled with robotic niceties, it is a resort where you will be offered the best of everything—from the bedlinens and toiletries in your room to the expertly crafted cuisine at the restaurants to the pampering treatments in the spa, all provided along with a healthy dose of humour.

When my husband and I visited the new 5-star property, our every desire was indulged, and then we were thrown off a cliff and sent on an army-style march down the mountainsides of the great Green Mountain. They knew that as local residents, we had surely seen a lot of Jabal Akhdar, but the mountain gurus had a new perspective to share with us. It was memorable. It was an adventure. And isn’t that even more vital than 600-thread count sheets when it comes to having an amazing holiday? (Well, the sheets are pretty great too). At Anantara, they realise that gone are the days of stuffy pretention being the benchmark of the premium hospitality market. And thank goodness for that.

As it turned out, our ride for the weekend had a similar perspective. Lincoln, a brand with a long history of fine crafted, personalised luxury, is built on the engineering of one of the hardest working car brands in the world. The Lincoln MKX has the heart (and engine) of a rugged Ford—able to tackle anything thrown its way with safety, fuel efficiency, and comfort. But it is, at the end of the day, a Lincoln, which means that no detail was overlooked with regard to comfort, on-road entertainment, and styling. Sitting in the interior felt like lounging in the cockpit of a private jet, surrounded by premium leather and wood grain, curvaceous lines, and a massive entertainment display. The audio was perhaps the most dramatic of the high-end touches, with a 19-speaker Revel Audio sound system so all-encompassing that it eradicated any other thought from my mind as I was submerged in the sounds of my favourite jams.

We rolled down the windows, turned up the volume, and opened the panoramic sun roof to let in the cool air as we ascended Jabal Akhdar, switching to the paddle shifters to put the six-speed transmission through its paces. The paddles are so ergonomically located on the very manageable-sized wheel, that playing with the gears going up and down the hills was effortless and exhilarating. We reached the resort late in the evening, and I noticed that as I exited the MKX, the welcome lights illuminated the door handles and cast the Lincoln logo like a doormat on the ground beneath my feet.

Upon entering the Anantara, we were greeted with the soothing sounds of the sleek Moroccan fountain bubbling in the entryway where we were met by smiling receptionists who showed us to the waiting lounge while they prepared our checkin documents. After signing for our keys, we were escorted through the lantern-lit paths running between villas and modern falaj water features to our cliff side villa.

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We pushed through the oversized door and found ourselves in a living room overlooking our softly lit infinity pool, beyond which we could see only darkness and stars. In the next room the bed was strategically positioned in the centre of the space facing the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, a desk set behind it. Behind the bedroom, duel vanity sinks occupied the spacious bathroom. As I explored the area, I found one door lead to the toilet, and the other, I assumed, would lead to the shower. Pushing through the door, I caught my breath.

This was no ordinary shower. The door opened like a secret passageway, the space behind it seemed impossibly large. It was a circular, tiled, hammam-style room with a rain shower built into the ceiling. In this shower room, a built-in tile bench overlooked a small outdoor garden and, on the other side, a deep soaking tub. Though I was dying to take a long, lingering shower in my own mini-hammam, it was getting late and we were starving, so we left our villa in search of Bella Vista restaurant.

Perched on another cliff, adjacent to the main pool, the self-proclaimed casual Italian eatery is run by Francesco Cutino, the property’s executive sous chef.

Looking at the menu, I was filled with cautious optimism. Half Italian myself, I am usually hard-pressed to find “paizano” food that lives up to my expectations (or fantasized memories) here in Oman. I took a deep breath and ordered us the osso bucco with saffron risotto and butternut squash ravioli. Then we waited.

With the temperatures hovering around 10 degrees, it was pretty chilly, but the accommodating staff fired up the tall heat lanterns and soon we were enjoying the crisp air and fresh-baked ciabatta bread from our warm cocoon. A short while later, our meal arrived. The osso bucco melted off the bone, so rich and deeply flavoured that each bite warranted a close-eyed, slow-chewed moment. The delicate, perfectly cooked risotto provided the perfect foil for the luxurious meat. The ravioli were likewise cooked to perfection, each toothsome pasta packet housing warm sweet-savoury squash filling, the entire dish draped in a luscious parmesan cream and dotted with sweet, aged balsamic vinegar. So utterly surprised and delighted by our discovery, we ended up eating at Bella Vista three more times during the course of our stay. The daytime boasted especially fabulous views and excellent white sauce pizzas. We had finally found authentic Italian in Oman. Who knew we just needed to head to one of the highest mountain ranges in the country to find it?

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STAY AND PLAY ANANTARA AL JABAL AKHDAR RESORT +968 2521 8000 jabal-akhdar.anantara.com Don’t Miss • In room dining (especially if you book a villa) • Authentic Italian food at Belle Vista • Rock climbing or trekking adventures with the mountain gurus • Expert facials and massages • Excellent wet and dry spa facilities including experience showers, saunas, and plunge pools • A warm (or warming) beverage in the fireside courtyard • In-room sleep rituals Current Special Offer Anantara Al Jabal Short Breaks Special Book a minimum two night stay to receive daily breakfast for two, upgrade to the next room category (subject to availability), one signature cocktail, late check-out time of 4pm (subject to availability), 20% off dining throughout stay for two persons (soft beverages only), 20% off 90-minute oil massages, starting at OMR184 per night.

DRIVE LIKE A BOSS LINCOLN MKX Trims available in Oman: Premier/ Select/ Reserve (reviewed)

The surprises were just beginning. The next morning we awoke to find that beyond the glass wall of our infinity pool, our villa overlooked nothing but the sprawl and dive of the awesome Jabal Akhdar peaks. At the spa, the pre-treatment experience showers, plunge pools, and saunas were almost as spectacular as the expert treatments. The room service, in a villa with a view like ours (spoiler: All 33 villas aside from the garden villas boast the same awe-inspiring scene) is perhaps the most picturesque and perfect breakfast-in-bed imaginable. And then there are the local attractions.

Having visited Jabal Akhdar many times, I assumed that there was little this new property, even with its local “gurus” could show me. I’d been to the villages, met with locals, seen rose water made (all of which Anantara can arrange for guests). So what was it they had in store for us?

Told to report to the recreation centre, home to a fantastic kids club and a great teen lounge with billiards and foosball tables, my husband and I were shown to an indoor rockwall. We were given pointers and after a few successful trips up the wall, we were handed helmets and carabiners before being marched passed the infinity pool, past the cliff side view deluxe rooms, and right over to the edge of the aforementioned cliff. From there we were walked through the safety procedures, and then, with the patience and encouragement of seasoned coaches, our climbing mentors coaxed us right over the edge. It was unexpected and exhilarating.

Feeling quite proud of ourselves, we spent the rest of the day indulging at the spa and back in our villa, but the biggest adventure was yet to come.

The next morning, we met another local expert in the lobby, a man who was born and raised on the Green Mountain. He was going to show us a wadi that his family discovered when he was a boy. With packed lunches and bottles of water, we set off on what was to be a seriously challenging hike. We bouldered down steep inclines, scrambled up rock, and then found ourselves on the placid banks of a small wadi.

As we ate a picnic lunch, we heard stories of his misadventures in the valley, like when sudden rain washed away his camp, then he pointed out his family name, carved high above us on the rock face.

Upon our return the grinning staff was waiting with cold water bottles to see how we had enjoyed our trek. The hospitality at Anantara is as authentic as the local experiences they offer to guests, and that authenticity changes everything. It is a resort where you feel comfortable and relaxed, pampered but not pandered too. It is just plain fun. Likewise, the comfort and styling of the Lincoln MKX is far from precious, with a practicality underlying its fine trappings. On our weekend escape, we discovered a rough-and-ready side of luxury in Oman, one in which the playfulness in no way diminishes an absolute commitment to excellence in quality, but instead enhances it. —felicia@timesofoman.com

Engine: 3.7L twin turbo Ecoboost Transmission: 6-Speed SelectShift® automatic transmission with paddle activation 308 Net PS (227 Net kW) @ 6,500rpm 379Nm of Net Torque @ 4,000rpm Highlights • Active noise control • 4-Wheel anti-lock disc brake • AdvanceTrac with roll stability control • Specially designed dual stage front airbags, driver knee airbag, and side air curtains to minimise trauma when deployed • SecuriCode keyless entry • Inflatable rear seat belts • Adaptive led headlamps • Revel ultima audio with 19-speakers • Adaptive cruise control • Active park assist • Front camera with 360-degree view • Automatic wash and wipe rain sensing wipers • Automatic headlamps with auto high beam • 10-way power driver seat, heated and cooled • Door handle illumination • Approach detection with Lincoln logo welcome mat • Hands-free power lift gate • Remote start • Voice-activated entertainment system • Authentic wood trim inserts Starting Price: OMR18,500 Authorised Oman Dealer Arabian Car Marketing Wattayah Showroom +968 2457 5900 +968 9288 0658 me.lincoln.com

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The Sheraton Hotel New Year’s Party was attended by more than 2,000 guests.

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‘Glimpses of India’, organised by the Embassy of India and Indian Social Club Oman, took place at the Oman Auditorium, Al Bustan Palace - A Ritz Carlton Hotel in celebration of 61 years of Oman-India diplomatic relations.

Photos by Purushothaman K.

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Muscat Table Tennis Academy Open Tournament was held at the Oman Bowling Centre in Al Khuwair.

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 53 JANUARY 12, 2017

Dar Al Atta’a Association inaugurated green houses in Bid Bid sponsored by the Dutch community in Oman.

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Mega Blood Donation Camp, organised by Chiru Mega Youth Force at the Central Blood Bank in Bousher, saw 105 volunteers donate blood.

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SUDOKU

HOW TO PLAY Fill empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column, and area.

Level | Easy

4

2

5 1

7

6

3

2 4

4 8 3

9

6

1

7

1 1

5

2 3

8 2

1

8 3

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9 8

9

5

Level | Moderate

9 7

2 1 4

4

3 2

5

7

9

8

3

1

4

8 2

3

1

5

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6 1

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4 5

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7 6

Level | Difficult

9

2

4

7

1 5

3

4

6 2

3

6

8

1

8

3 1

3

1

PLAY AND WIN

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SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS IN THE COMMENTS SECTION OF OUR POST ON FACEBOOK. COM/HIWEEKLY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN VOUCHERS FROM PIZZA MUSCAT.

9 3

1

9

5 9

1

7

6

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SOLUTIONS & WINNERS POSTED EVERY SUNDAY.