T Weekly for July 26, 2018 by Muscat Media Group

VOL 11 ISSUE 32 / JULY 26, 2018

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 32 J U LY 2 6 , 2 0 1 8 Founder: Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO: Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali

Reminiscing on how far Oman has come, and how much farther it seeks to go Steering the nation on the road of unwavering prosperity and progress, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has made the Sultanate of Oman a dream come true for every citizen. We recently celebrated the 48th Renaissance Day through tributes paid by the Omani people to His Majesty, the architect of today’s modern and vibrant Oman. Whether it’s about the country’s strong economic growth, rapid developments in the health sector, or the emphasis on providing better education and training for the youth of Oman, distinctive progress has been made. It is in this spirit that the people of Oman share their golden memories of the Blessed Renaissance Day on our cover story. While Taghlib Al Hilal Al Barwani had the rare privilege of going to the palace every day to take pictures of His Majesty and accompanying him on tours and conferences, Abdullatif Al Balushi, Chairman of the Bait Al Adam Museum, considers himself lucky to have been present during the arrival of His Majesty. This and many more interesting anecdotes are featured this week. And when we talk of growth and development, how can we forget the contribution made by women in the country’s development? While equal opportunities for women in all sectors have been provided, their rights and protection have also been ensured in Oman. But it is not the same everywhere, and with this in mind, women can now join self-defence classes in Muscat, which teach women how to protect themselves in dangerous situations. In addition to self-defence, these exercises and techniques are also a great way to keep ﬁt. Fashionistas know that the 90s, was a revolutionary decade in fashion when highwaisted jeans, oversized shirts, and platform heels made a royal entry. Decades later, those trends are making an unexpected comeback. Indulge in the full-ﬂedged 90s look and read on as our fashion columnist tells us about the best trends from the 90s that can be worn today, with a modern twist. This week, it’s all about looking back and re-living fond memories. — Swati Dasgupta

Editor: Charles Lavery Features Editor: Swati Dasgupta Research Editor: Ashish Dubash Associate Editors: Salim Al Afifi, Shruthi Nair Copy Editor: Gautam Bhargav Viswanathan Online Editor: Christopher Isaac

Graphics Editor: Antonio Farach Design Editor: Sahir K.M. Lead Designer: Geri B. Sonny Designer: Gregory Fernandez, Jerrard Cedro Production Manager: Shafi Shaik Photography: MMG Photographers On The Cover: Design by Geri B. Sonny

For general enquiries or comments: swati@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 214 swati@timesofoman.com ADVERTISEMENT 24726600/24726666 Ext 432 ajayraj@timesofoman.com

CIRCULATION 24726600/24726666 Ext 135/136 circulation@timesofoman.com

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WHAT’S ON 29 THIS WEEK SUNDAY

05.00pm Cruise in Shatti Cruise down the ‘Love Street’ in Shatti Al Qurum where you can have a cup of coffee by the ocean, while enjoying a unique atmosphere at Oman’s busiest beach.

THURSDAY

6.00pm Camp in the Mountains Plan a weekend escape to the green mountains (Jabal Akhdar) and camp atop the peaks where the weather is breezier. The mountain has several hiking trails, and villages for you to explore.

MONDAY

8.00pm Eat Out in Ruwi Hungry for something different? Then head to the narrow streets of Ruwi, where you can find delicious Indian treats to treat your taste buds, from sweets to savoury bites and spicy takeaways.

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FRIDAY 10.00am Explore a Cave Did you know that the second largest cave chamber in the whole world is located here in Oman? Majlis Al Jinn cave is situated around 1,380 metres above sea level, and can only be entered through few holes at the top of the cave. A must-visit for explorers and hiking enthusiasts.

SATURDAY 04.00pm Splash some Water Oman is known for its strategic coastal location that offers adventurers a tonne of watersports to choose from kayaking to sailing, diving, and snorkelling.

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TUESDAY 10.00am Visit the Chiildren’s Museum How about an interactive science session for the kids? The Children’s Museum in Qurum is definitely a must-visit stop for a fun-filled day, where kids can learn science and still have a good time.

WEDNESDAY 11.00am Go to Nakhal Drive to Nakhal and explore its historic fortress that’s surrounded by date palm trees. The place houses a museum with exhibits of historic guns and other artefacts.

Journey’s End (Film) Genre: Drama, War Cast: Paul Bettany, Sam Claﬂin, Asa Butterﬁeld Set in a dugout in Aisne in 1918, it is the story of a group of British officers, led by the mentally disintegrating young officer Stanhope, as they await their fate.

(Genre

Lean on Pete (Film) Genre: Adventure, Drama Cast: Charlie Plummer, Amy Seimetz, Travis Fimmel

Sweet Country (Film) Genre: Crime, Drama Cast: Bryan Brown, Matt Day, Tremayne Doolan

A teenager gets a summer job working for a horse trainer and befriends the fading racehorse, Lean on Pete.

An aged Aboriginal farmhand shoots a white man in self-defence and goes on the run as a posse gathers to hunt him down.

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OUR OMAN OUR PRIDE

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Oman celebrated its 48th Renaissance Day and it is time for us to bask in the past glory, take pride in the glorious achievements of today, and march towards a promising future.

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July 23, 1970,

a date that changed Oman’s history completely — one decision, one victory that changed all future courses of action for the Sultanate. It has been 48 years since that blessed day when His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said took over the majestic throne of the Sultanate of Oman and ushered the nation and its people towards civilisation, progress, development, and prosperity. He single-handedly guided the nation to the 21st century, a much-needed pull that the country had been awaiting for years. His Majesty’s ascension to the throne was a grand event and meant a lot not just to people who were in Oman at that time, but also to those who decided to move to Oman upon hearing about the change in government. After landing at the old Bait Al Falaj airport, which was nothing but an old dirt track for ﬂights to land and take off, on a ﬂight from Salalah along with a few companions, he was welcomed by his overjoyed subjects, after which he went directly to his palace in Muscat and gave a remarkably memorable speech in which he invited all Omanis by birth, origin, and nationality to return to Oman. “I promise you (that I will) proceed forthwith in the process of creating a modern government,” said His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. “My first act will be the immediate abolition of all the unnecessary restrictions on your lives and activities. Yesterday, it was complete darkness (but) with the help of God, tomorrow will be a new dawn on Muscat, Oman and its people.” There were a lot of fortunate people in Oman who were there to witness this historic moment and remember following the red car that took him from the airport to his palace. Others heard the news on the radio from different parts of the world and accepted the clarion call almost immediately, setting off to come to Oman. And there were the rest who saw before their eyes the Sultanate’s evolution and growth, like a well-nourished sapling to a huge tree, and the achievement of unfathomable successes in different spheres in just 48 years, which took most countries decades or even centuries to achieve. As part of Times of Oman’s “Our Oman” campaign, we spoke to a few such people in Oman who generously and happily shared their stories and memories about the blessed Renaissance Day.

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Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health

“In 1970, when His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said became the Sultan of Oman, life expectancy in the country was only 50 years. The mortality rate in pregnant women, infants less than one year old, and children below ﬁve years old was one of the highest worldwide. Today, our life expectancy has exceeded 76 years, and the mortality rate in children below ﬁve has declined to 9.5 per cent from 20 per cent in the 70s. When His Majesty became the ruler and started building Oman, he made education and health a priority, in addition to security. School and health care facilities started being built across the country. There are now a total of 5,034 hospital beds, according to the MoH’s annual health report. Also, regarding its support for primary health care, the MoH opened one new health centre in Dhofar Governorate. This increases the total number of health centres to 206, of which 65 are equipped with beds (a total of 109 beds), and 23 extended health centres in the MoH.”

Dr Ibrahim bin Hamoud Al Subhi, Oman’s first ambassador to China

“Let me just say that there can be no comparison between 1970 and 2018. In 1971, even getting bread to eat was like a dream. There were no supermarkets. Today, we have everything, thanks to God and thanks to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. May God give him every happiness and a long life. We are very happy about what we have achieved in this time. In 1970, we had only three schools with 900 students. Today, we have more than 550 schools with more than half a million students. So it’s not just about roads. It’s about health and educational infrastructure as well.”

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Taghlib Al Hilal Al Barwani, Omani photographer

“I can’t put my feelings into words, as I never imagined myself taking pictures of His Majesty. As a photographer, I used to go to the palace every day to take pictures of His Majesty, and I followed him on all the tours and conferences he attended in the Emirates, Cairo, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Algeria, and many other countries. At that time, we didn’t have advanced technology to publish pictures right away. So I would come back to Muscat, if I was out of town, to develop the pictures and then publish them in the press.”

Ahmed Al Mahrouqi, Omani traveller

“In 1970, I was in Tanzania, in a place called Kabanga. It was on the BBC where (my father) heard that His Majesty had taken over Oman. The very next day, (my) father started packing up and making preparations for the long journey to Oman. We started from Kabanga by truck to Mwanza, and from there by aircraft to Nairobi and then to Karachi on a Pakistani airline and from Karachi to Ruwi airport, which was just opposite the Sheraton. There were very few houses and most of them were made of date palm leaves. Now, you won’t ﬁnd date palm houses anymore. You will see modern houses and good buildings.”

Abdullatif Al Balushi, Chairman of Bait Al Adam Museum

“I was studying in Bahrain. In 1970, we came to Oman for a school holiday and suddenly a week later the government changed. I call myself one of the lucky ones to have attended the arrival of His Majesty at Bait Al Falaj airport. I remember the aircraft he had taken from Salalah to Muscat, which was Gulf Air. He drove a red car and we followed him to Muscat Palace where he came out to the balcony to wave at the people who had come to welcome him.”

Vimal Purecha, partner at Ratansi Purshottam & Co

“My company has an almost 160-year history in Oman. My great-grandfather Ratansi Purshottam established the business in 1867. Even after ﬁve generations, we still do business under his name. Even Ratansi Purshottam’s ancestors were in Muscat, so the documented presence of my family in Oman goes back to 1838. I was at my university in India where I had a radio set. I learned from the radio that there has been a Renaissance in Muscat and His Majesty the Sultan had become the ruler. There would be many changes. The commentary which followed explained his vision for Oman, and it was very encouraging.”

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Ahmed Al Riyami, Omani author

“I believe what we have achieved here may take other countries centuries. From zero to 100, from nothing to everything. I didn’t believe it at ﬁrst. But when His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said personally invited all Omanis, by birth, by origin, or by nationalisation, I was more than overjoyed.”

Tahir Al Amri, Executive President of the Central Bank of Oman

“I was privileged to receive many things from the Blessed Renaissance. When I started school in the first grade in my hometown, it was the school’s first year of operations since it was built. Before that, students were taught in tents. One of the main reasons why I am so grateful to His Majesty is because when I was at the end of fifth grade, I got a scholarship from His Majesty to move into the first ever bilingual school in Oman, which had opened in Muscat. I then received another gift, which was the scholarship to study in the United Kingdom.”

Al Sayyida Thubayta bint Seif Al Busaidi

“I asked my father, ‘will you be going to Oman?’ and he said, ‘no, we will be going back to Oman’. That is how it all started. That day meant a lot for the Omanis in Zanzibar. The atmosphere on the island changed. Everybody was happy, even my father. I hadn’t seen him that happy for quite a while. Everything in Zanzibar changed. People were talking about going back to Oman.”

Prof. Neela Al Lamki, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital

“In 1970, on Renaissance Day, my husband and I were in Canada, and we heard the news from my husband’s brother, who was working as an ambassador in Egypt. When we heard the news, we were extremely happy to learn that His Majesty had opened the door for all Omanis. Many members of our family were scattered in different Gulf countries, as well as other Arab countries such as Egypt, among others. They all were very happy to hear the news, and they started moving back to Oman from 1970 onwards.”

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SIP ON THESE NO SUGAR ALTERNATIVES If you love your drinks, but not the sugar, take a sip of these easy to make sugar free drinks. They are not just refreshing in the summer heat but healthy as well. RECIPES BY ONEZA TABISH

Oneza Tabish is a food blogger, consultant, and columnist based in Oman. She is also the owner of Oman’s popular Facebook group ‘What’s Cooking Oman.’

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APPLE CINNAMON SMOOTHIE WITH DATES This is a dairy free smoothie with dates and apple and a spicy tinge of cinnamon will leave you asking for more. Ingredients 1 cup water 1 large sweet apple 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 4 seedless dates 1 cup ice Preparation Blend all the ingredients except for the ice until smooth. Add in the ice and blend for another 20 seconds. Serve cold. MANGO CARROT JUICE It helps you rejuvenate and energise. This recipe is also great for glowing skin and overall wellness. Ingredients 10 carrots, cut into small pieces 2 medium ripe sweet mango slices 3 cups water Preparation Blend all the ingredients till well blended and strain. Pour into serving glasses and serve cold. CUCUMBER LEMONADE This is made from blending cucumber, lime, and honey and is just the perfect naturally-sweetened refreshing drink for summer. Ingredients 4- 5 cucumbers, peeled and cut in chunks 2 cups water 1/2 cup honey Juice of 7 lemons Preparation Add the cucumber chunks, water, honey, and lemon juice to your blender and blend on high speed until very smooth. Pour the cucumber mixture into a large pitcher through a strainer. Serve chilled.

WATERMELON MINT DELIGHT An easy and zesty, sugar free drink of watermelon and strawberries with fresh hints of mint. Ingredients 1 1/2 cups watermelon, cubed 6 strawberries, quartered Juice of 1/2 lemon 1-2 sprigs of fresh mint, stem removed Preparation Place all ingredients in a blender and puree for about a minute. Serve chilled. PINEAPPLE BANANA SMOOTHIE It is a delicious and refreshing blend of pineapple and banana in milk with a healthy dash of flaxseed. Ingredients 2 cups freshly chopped pineapple 1 banana 1 cup milk 1 cup ice 2 tablespoons of flax seeds Preparation Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until creamy. Garnish with some flax seeds.

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Women living in Oman are blessed to reside in safe neighbourhoods with almost non-existent crime rates. Therefore, taking self-defence classes here is more about building your confidence and overall physique rather than beefing up defence mechanisms in case of assault. Mixed martial arts, which includes karate, boxing, and jiu jitsu, can also provide a fun experience. Risto emphasised that self-defence classes are important as they teach Omani women techniques that they can use here and when travelling abroad. “This class will teach women how to defend and survive the streets around the world,” said Risto. “We are living in a dangerous world. Especially because we all travel around the globe, we could meet very dangerous people who could put us in life threatening situations, so I think (the classes are) very important for your life and health.” Coach Risto’s class boasts a variety of self-defence techniques that he has mastered over the years. “This class offers specific techniques for real or effective self-defence, adapted specially for women,” he said. “I worked on these techniques during my time in the army, as a security expert, and as an MMA trainer.” The class features different techniques from the world of martial arts, applied on real life scenarios such as robbery, rape, attack, or attempted murder, to give students the full experience and benefits of mixed martial arts. Risto mostly makes use of MMA techniques because they closely resemble the techniques used in street fights.

“I am trying to raise awareness in women’s self-defence as they are a gentle gender and have less physical power than men, making them a target,” said Risto. “I am trying to raise awareness on this by teaching women how to defend themselves and survive.” The classes are open to anyone who wants to join and have a fruitful workout session. There is no age limit nor any requirement regarding physique. So why join a class, you ask? There are plenty of reasons why women should take self-defence classes in Oman. First, it helps women, especially single mothers and female commuters, protect themselves and their families from potential burglars. While it is true that women here live in a safe environment, it is great to have the skills in the bag. Women can use fighting techniques against their opponents to stop them and get to safety. Jiu jitsu, for example, teaches you how to use the attacker’s mechanics, such as their height and weight, against them, while bujutsu helps you master the art of escaping the attacker without being harmed. Second, by joining self-defence classes, you become a role model for the younger generation. Your daughters, who will be the leaders of the future, will grow up confident in their abilities and well-disciplined beyond compare. Finally, you will become empowered as well. Many women enter martial arts classes with a certain fear in their eyes, but walk out stronger and ready to take control of their lives. It doesn’t have to make you feel safe from others; it can help you feel safe and happy with yourself and your own decisions. Another benefit of MMA is that it helps develop confidence and self-discipline. In order to get the best out of self-defence classes and master the craft, you must first acquire self-discipline, as attending classes requires strong determination and dedication to the practice. It also improves your physical conditioning. Training hard prepares your body for the adrenaline pump that hits you when situations that require fighting arise. In such cases, if your body is not used to fighting, it will not function the way it is supposed to. Physical conditioning is necessary, as it keeps your physical and mental awareness intact. One of the most important benefits of the class is that it improves your street awareness, making you more aware of your surroundings and ready to defend yourself. During an assault, you might face a second-long shock, but with proper training you can quickly recover and assess the situation and react accordingly. Participating in a self-defence class can have a positive influence on your life. It is akin to life insurance. It is also great to experience things that make you feel safe and happy, and self-defence classes do that, and more. So why not boost your spirit and bring out a more confident woman and better version of yourself? — salim@timesofoman.com

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TOP

E R A T A H T S D N E R K T C N A O B I E H S M A O F C A G N I K A M ANTA STORY

RA BOS

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History repeats itself and fashion demonstrates this example perfectly. The good thing is that this gives us an opportunity to recycle stuff we would otherwise have to toss out. Here are 10 items that have ruled the 90s wardrobe and are now raging back.

DUNGAREES We’d say denim dungarees all the way. Style it with a crop top if you want to give it a more modern feel. From deeper colours to washed-out shades, these comfortable, utilitarian and stylish pieces should be evergreen.

HIGH-WAIST JEANS Honestly, we know a lot of you are happy these jeans are once again back in trend. Yes, it’s not as baggy as it used to be, which is great because we have a thing for silhouettes now.

HIGH PONY SCRUNCHIES Even the smallest of things can be used to make a fashion statement, it’s true. Back in the days, these little hair accessories formed a vital part of any hairdo. So keep the summer heat out with a stylish high-ponytail and a bright-coloured scrunchy.

BACKPACKS Forget those dainty little clutches and grab a backpack (because backpacks aren’t just for tourists or college kids). You can pack all your essentials, sling it over your shoulders and let your hands take care of more important things.

SQUARE-TOED PLATFORM HEELS You remember them, don’t you? They’d go so well under those ﬂared pants — such as 90s style. But we have to agree, they were super comfortable. Be ready to sport this retro style once again.

COLOURFUL SUNGLASSES If you’ve already matched your bags and shoes to your dress, don’t leave the sunglasses out. Shades with vividly coloured lenses that were once a huge sensation, are back again and taking over summer fashion on catwalks. We’re kidding about matching it to your dress though.

NEON COLOURS No shade can be too loud when you’ve decided to boldly ﬂaunt a neon accessory. We would however probably cringe if we saw you in an all-neon dress and blazer. Spike up a monotone or casual dress by adding only a single element of neon to it.

CHOKERS That black choker is evergreen and honestly we don’t think it can ever not look stylish. Minimalistic yet powerful, the chokers have deﬁnitely caught on once again. From expensive gold chokers to everyday lace ones, ﬂaunt it the way you want to.

VIBRANT HEADBANDS These work great to keep hair off the face in summers. Go for thick headbands in ﬂoral colours or match it with your dress.

OVERSIZED SHIRTS Borrow from your partner if you don’t have one but do not miss capitalising on this extra comfortable trend. It’s more of a casual style and is best paired with rugged jeans and sneakers.

Antara Bose is a model turned fashion and beauty consultant. A popular blogger, anchor, and voice over artist, she maintains a deep connection with the local fashion, wellness and health industry. For fashion updates follow Antara on instagram @ antarabose and on Facebook: Antara Bose.

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TEEN TITANS GO! TO THE MOVIES Voice Overs: Jimmy Kimmel, Nicholas Cage, Tara Strong, Will Arnett, Greg Cipes, Scot Menville When the Teen Titans go to the big screen, they go big! “Teen Titans GO! to the Movies” finds our egocentric, wildly satirical Super Heroes in their first feature film extravaganza — a kid-appropriately crass and tongue-incheek play on the superhero genre, complete with musical numbers. It seems to the Teens that all the major superheroes out there are starring in their own movies — everyone but the Teen Titans, that is! But de facto leader Robin is determined to remedy the situation, and be seen as a star instead of a sidekick. If only they could get the hottest Hollywood film director to notice them. With a few madcap ideas and a song in their hearts, the Teen Titans head to Tinsel Town, determined to pull off their dream. But when the group is radically misdirected by a seriously Super-Villain and his maniacal plan to take over the Earth, things really go awry. The team finds their friendship and their fighting spirit failing, putting the very fate of the Teen Titans themselves on the line. Running At: Vox Cinemas, City Cinemas, Al Bahja Cinema

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE FALLOUT Cast: Henry Cavill, Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson

SAHEB BIWI AUR GANGSTER 3 Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Jimmy Shergill, Mahi Gill, Chitrangada Singh, Soha Ali Khan, Kabir Bedi

When an IMF mission ends badly, the world is faced with dire consequences. As Ethan Hunt takes it upon himself to fulfil his original briefing, the CIA begins to question his motives. Hunt finds himself in a race against time, hunted by assassins while trying to prevent a catastrophe.

O T H E R

R E L E A S E S

The royal saga of deceit, conspiracy, greed and lust continues in the third installment of the series, as the Saheb and Biwi are pitted against an enemy and everyone involved is scheming ruthlessly for their own personal gain.

T H I S

W E E K

COMING SOON

SHOCK AND AWE Cast: Jessica Biel, Woody Harrelson, James Marsden, Tommy Lee Jones

FANNY KHAN Cast: Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Rajkummar Rao

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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

TIMES DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

T MAGAZINE may have been to ‘Mars’ and extraction of resources across the few months back but that hasn’t influRed Planet. Once you’ve found them that enced our decision to include this Maris: Earth’s resources may be well mapped, tian simulation as this week’s recombut on Mars, you need to send out your mended game. rovers to find metal and rock deposits, The European Space Agency and the and most importantly, water: Martian Austrian Space Forum had come to Oman water deposits are located far beneath the to conduct experiments towards one goal planet’s surface, and require extensive — putting a man on Mars in the future extraction before they can be harnessed — and if they (or indeed, anyone else) is for human consumption. curious about what life on Mars is actuThe Martian atmosphere, surprisally like, all they’d need to do is step into ingly, is also a great source of resources. the world of Surviving Mars. Because the Martian atmosphere is far Created by Bulgarian game developer thinner than the Earth’s it is able to harHaemimont Games, the guys who created ness a lot more solar energy, allowing for the amazing Tropico city-building series, clean power to be sent to your buildings, and published by Paradox Interactive, Sur- while vapourators allow you to reclaim viving Mars tells the tale of humanity’s water directly from the atmosphere, and first mission to colonise and settle on Mars. oxygen converters provide you with the The world has pledged most important resource of its resources towards a your colony — breathable manned Martian mission THE SHORT AND SKINNY air. Often, these resources for the collective good of its are quite far-flung from people, but whether or not Name: Surviving Mars your colony, requiring you Genre: Sci-fi/City building it actually succeeds rests to send out drones to build What it’s about: One small step for squarely on the shoulders of pipelines between these man, one giant leap for mankind. Only one person. You. key deposits and your base. this time, it’s destination Mars, and In the near future, the Nearly all of the automated you have been chosen as the leader of various nations of Earth’s work on Mars is done by the first colony on the Red Planet. governments decide to drones: Earth’s humans are Produced by: Haemimont Games send a manned mission to a rare resource here, and and Paradox Interactive the Red Planet. Various are vital to jobs required to Where to buy: Microsoft Store, confederations, including keep your population alive Paradox Plaza, Steam, GOG games, the Americans, the Euroand well. Amazon peans, the Russians and the Oxygen and water aside, Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Chinese want to sign you food is the main prerogaMac, Microsoft Windows, Linux up to lead their missions, tive of your population. IGN Rating: 7.8/10 with each faction providing Every passenger rocket its own benefits. The Yanks, you call for from Earth will for example, will provide bring with it a shipment you regular cash injections to fund your of food, but as your colony grows and colony, while the Europeans will reward expands, you will need far more than what you for scientific discovery. Money as a single rocket can carry. Fortunately, as you will quickly discover is key to life on you spend more and more time on Mars, Mars. Setting up a colony from scratch is you gain access to technologies and new far from easy, and requires you to estabperspectives from your time on the Red lish many basic services before your first Planet that allow you to gain more output colonists touch Martian soil. out of fewer resources. Hydroponic farms For starters, your first rocket to Mars and greenhouses — which are only located is likely to contain an assortment of raw in domes, which house your human popumaterials that go into the construction of lation — provide you food for your people, buildings ... whose purpose is to extract but do make sure you have enough. The more raw materials so that you don’t last thing you want as the leader of Mars’ have to call for resources from Earth first space mission is to leave behind a very often. It can get quite expensive, you legacy of starving colonists. know. These resources, such as machine Take care of your people, therefore, and parts, polymers, fuel and metals form the you should be okay. Oh, and do watch out foundations of your martian colony, and for the big meteor. are key to your Mars rovers’ exploration

7 3 1 3

5 4

6 2

6 9

6 7

2 5

Level | Moderate

8 4

2 5

9 5

2 1

1 2

Level | Difficult

6 1 3

8 6

2 5

Easy

3 1

9 2

THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SURVIVING MARS

9 9

Medium

Difficult

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Omantel and Equinix partner to bring a ﬁrst world-class, carrier-neutral data centre to Oman

man Telecommunications Company (Omantel) and Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the global interconnection and data centre company, announced the companies have entered into a joint venture to deliver data centre and interconnection services to customers in the Middle East through the development of a new network-dense data centre that will be located in Barka. This joint venture will establish the ﬁrst world-class, carrier-neutral hub in Oman where carriers, content providers and cloud providers co-locate critical IT infrastructure. Oman is strategically positioned between Asia, Africa, and Europe, and the new data centre will create a regional interconnection hub with ultra-low latencies between global business markets. The new data centre will beneﬁt from the in-

vestments by Omantel in connectivity to multiple strategic subsea cable systems throughout the region and world. Once complete, the data centre in Oman will be a part of Platform Equinix which is comprised of 200 data centres globally and provides access to business ecosystems made up of +2,900 cloud providers, +1,700 network providers, and +800 content and digital media providers worldwide. This enables companies to accelerate business performance and is aligned with Omantel’s vision for delivering quality content and high-performance applications with exceptional user experience. Under the agreement, Omantel and Equinix are the two equal shareholders. Equinix will operate this new data centre in full, which will include 18,600 square

feet of co-location space and approximately 750 cabinets at full build. The ﬁrst phase of the three-phase build will include 250 cabinets and is expected to be completed and open for business by Q2 2019. Talal Al Mamari, CEO, Omantel said, “We are excited to work with Equinix on this project and accelerate how users experience cloud, content and next-gen communications. Today, data centre infrastructure sits at the heart of global ICT and enables all of us to enjoy the cloud-based apps and services we use every day. The planned data centre with Equinix in Oman represents a massive step forward for Oman and the Middle Eastern ICT markets. Working on this project will allow both companies to bring together their strong assets and enable a new era of telecom-

munications both locally and globally. Such partnership will further enhance Oman’s competitiveness in the global digital economy and trade.” Eric Schwartz, President, EMEA, Equinix said, “We see signiﬁcant potential for Oman as a market generally and, in particular, supporting cable landing station (CLS ) requirements as subsea cable momentum accelerates. It’s all about meeting the growing need for interconnection – private data exchange between businesses. In the digital age, companies need to reach everywhere, interconnect everyone and integrate everything, and they need to do it out at the digital edge, where commerce, population centres and digital ecosystems meet. Our joint venture with Omantel will do exactly that.”

Savour ‘real halal’ chicken and food products from A’Saffa Foods

s markets in the region continue to import produce from companies around the world where there is no strong Islamic tradition, A’Saffa Foods, the Sultanate’s largest fully integrated poultry and snacks food producer, reiterates that it is ‘real halal’. Customers in Oman and across the GCC can rest assured that they can buy A’Saffa chicken and chicken parts with the conﬁdence that they have been raised and slaughtered by hand using real halal techniques in accordance with Islamic Sharia’a; whereas many other poultry producers around the world practice

slaughtering, birds using electrical impulses known as stunning. It is noteworthy that A’Saffa Foods specially employ trained Muslim staff to slaughter chickens by hand at their farm in accordance with Sharia’a principles. Sidhartha Lenka, Head marketing and sales, A’Saffa Foods elucidates, “For the slaughtering of our chicken the techniques that we use at our farm ensures that all of our birds are slaughtered by hand using a knife, processed in a way that is hygienic and ensures that the birds are of the highest quality and ﬁt for human consumption.”