Sur’s boat building traditions

20 24Oman’s South Eastern Coast: A fisherman’s paradise

How to raise confident kids

32www.omanair.aero

Camel racing in Oman

YOur FrEE COpY Volume 5 - 2007

16

Lucknow:

Soak in culture in this historical city

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Delivering service quality

Dear Passenger,

In our continuous efforts to deliver quality service and honour our commitments to you, our valuable passengers,

Oman Air has added more flights to its international schedule. London is our next gateway to the international arena that

will offer the discerning passenger a scheduled non-stop daily service between Muscat and London. We plan to spread our

services to reach exciting new destinations to cater to the demand from a diverse group of travellers.

London Gatwick is part of the route expansion plan that will reinforce our position on long haul routes and Oman Air is ready

to undertake the future using the long-range Airbus A330-300 and A310-300.

In view of new flights, new schemes and new services the National Carrier will certainly surpass the number of passengers

it flew (1,225,604 passengers), as compared to last year - and more is to come from the beginning of the New Year.

For your reading and entertainment pleasure this edition of Wings of Oman has been packed with informative features

and articles that will help you to relax, as well as know more about fascinating places in Oman. Sur, known for boat building

traditions, has been the focus of this issue.

This time we also take you to the City of Nawabs – Lucknow. This historical city, steeped in culture where every lane has

a story to tell, will keep you enthralled. Another article that makes interesting reading is Camel Racing, a sport which is very

popular in Oman. While reading this piece one can actually feel the pulse of the race as owners along with the spectators

holler and cheer on their camels with great fervour.

Read about fishing on the South East coast of Oman, a tradition which still lives on in the lives and hearts of the Omani

people and which has also proved to be a popular and relaxing activity for all, visitors and locals alike. On the sports front we

focus on the Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race to be held in March 2008. Other features like ‘How to raise confident kids’,

‘Brand with the best’, ‘Neck strain’ also make for educative comprehension.

Happy reading and wishing you a pleasant journey!

Ziad Karim Al Haremi

Chief Executive Officer

MarhabaMarhaba

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20The pearl of the East coast is known for dhow building

Alongside the track, owners and trainers lean outside their

vehicles to holler and cheer on their camels with fervour

Camel racing in Oman

Sur’s boat building traditions

24On the South East coast of Oman, the

tradition of fishing lives on and is even proving to be a popular and relaxing

activity for visitors

Oman’s South Eastern Coast:A fisherman’s paradise

Contents

12Cover StoryLucknow: Soak in culture in this historical city

Oman Air’s inflight magazine is issued by:Corporate Communications & Media Department - Oman Air P.O. Box: 58, Seeb Airport, Postal Code 111, Seeb International Airport, Sultanate of OmanTel: +968 24519616, Fax: +968 24510771E-mail: wings@omanair.aero Website: www.omanair.aero

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: advertising@npaoman.comWebsite: www.npaoman.com

The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers.

All copyrights are reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without our written permission.

For regional/international advertising enquiries contact:Media Score Services Dubai Media City,P.O. Box 502023, Dubai, UAE.Tel: +971 4 3908030, Fax: +971 4 3908031E-mail: kazansc@cyberia.com.lb

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Contents

28The increasing incidence of

neck strain can be attributed to faulty postures while sitting for

long hours

Neck strain

32If a child has strong self-esteem, it has positive benefits for the immune system

How to raise confident kids

36The biggest advantage of building

a brand image for yourself is that it helps define who you are

Brand with the best

40Fascinating facts

Fun Corner

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Oman Air announces its operations to London

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman,

will be launching daily non-stop scheduled services between

Muscat, capital of the Sultanate of Oman, and London Gatwick,

which is considered a significant milestone for Oman Air. The

carrier can now offer passengers seven flights a week between

Muscat and the London market.

In this regard, Mr. Ziad Bin Karim Al Haremi, Chief Executive

Officer of Oman Air said, “London is one of our prime markets,

and Gatwick offers an alternative to the highly popular Heathrow

services. Oman Air is really planning to spread its reach to

exciting new destinations to cater for upward demand from a

diverse group of travellers. London Gatwick is part of a route

expansion programme that will reinforce the carrier's position

on long haul routes. Our plans include the further breaching of

the high-potential markets. We are pleased that our enhanced

presence will provide travellers, particularly those in the Middle

East more convenient access to London. I am also confident

that the new, direct link will stimulate increased commerce and

tourism exchange between the two long-standing partners,

namely the United Kingdom and the Sultanate of Oman, and

prove popular with both business and leisure travellers,” he

added. Mr. Al Haremi also indicated that they would soon be

announcing new destinations that would connect with the

London route in the very near future.

Giving a background of the airline, Oman Air’s CEO said the

young airline is moving swiftly on the upward curve, and is

now set to achieve greater heights. Oman Air is ready to tackle

the future with the long-range Airbus A330-300 and A310-300,

featuring the latest inflight entertainment system. He added

that the new A330 and A310 would be used principally for the

carrier's new non-stop flights to operate the Gatwick service and

other long haul destinations to be launched soon. "We will be

operating seven times a week to London Gatwick with two-class

service, international standards of catering and entertainment in

both business and economy. People can experience the latest

in in-flight entertainment and airline amenity," he added.

Mr. Al Haremi acknowledged that the new London Gatwick

flights depart Muscat at 1600, arriving in Gatwick at 2030. Return

flights depart London Gatwick at 2230, arriving in Muscat at

0945. Daily service with A330-300 (6 days) and A310-300 on

Sundays to / from Muscat. Complimentary limousine services

will be available to all business class and gold card Oman Air

Sindbad FFP members when departing and arriving in London.

Holiday packages inclusive of flights, hotels, and tours for the

United Kingdom will be on offer. "The delivery of the two new

Airbus aircraft represents our continuing commitment to offer

our customers a greater choice of destinations, more flights, and

a premium class service," said Mr. Al Haremi. "We can continue

to offer the travelling public an excellent airline service. These

wide-bodied aircraft will be used to attract corporate travel

business."

“Oman has tremendous potential, and His Majesty Sultan

Qaboos Bin Said has a strong vision for our country and, we

are committed to fulfill that. Our objective is to promote Oman

to the public and introduce Oman Air services such as our new

long-haul destinations,” said Mr. Al Haremi.

He added, “Oman Air plans to expand its fleet, further enhance

service products and systems, and push into new markets. We

are on the right track and we have something to build on going

forward. Among items on the agenda are fleet expansions, also

network expansion and, critically, a continuation of focus on

corporate discipline, a relentless drive for efficiencies, attacking

costs, and further strengthening of the company’s financial

position.”

Oman Air’s Corporate Communication and Media Department

in conclusion affirmed that Oman Air today stands tall with a list

of achievements to its credit. Distinguishing itself as a leader in

the region, Oman Air was the first commercial operator in the

Gulf to purchase Boeing's new version of the 737. The all-new

Next-Generation 737 is the best selling airplane in commercial

aviation history. The safety record is a matter of pride. Oman

Air has excellent on-time performance - OTP exceeding 95%

and is striving to better its record of accomplishment, in times

ahead. They said that the national carrier of Oman is perhaps,

one of the youngest fleet in the world, but its growth strategy is

aggressive. Since its inception in 1993 until now, Oman Air has

witnessed only success. The airline, which began operating only

one aircraft for its flights to Salalah, has now grown to become

an international airline ready to face all challenges. The airline

network will consist of 28 destinations by end 2007. Receiving 10

new Boeing 737-800 aircraft by the end of March 2009, and nine

Airbus A330s by the end of 2011 are merely the beginning.

News

10

One of the biggest hassles of travelling that passengers face

when they arrive at international airports is the congestion they

face at the immigration counters and baggage claim areas.

Queues are endless and procedures are unfamiliar.

Mr. Mohammed Al Shikely, Oman Air Senior Manager

Marketing said that in order to ensure that the Business Class

travellers and Sindbad Gold Cardholders avoid such queues and

procedures on arrival at Seeb International Airport, Oman Air

has introduced the Ahlan Lounge facilities. With the introduction

of this privilege, these special Oman Air passengers can now

experience Omani hospitality at its finest as soon as they enter

Muscat Seeb International Airport.

“Both Business Class passengers and Sindbad Gold Members

may either collect their invitation for the lounge access from the

airport check-in counter at their point of origin of any Muscat

bound Oman Air flight or enjoy the facility simply by submitting

their boarding card or Sindbad Gold Card to the Ahlan lounge

staff. Friendly staff of the lounge will welcome them into Seeb

International Airport and while they are enjoying a refreshing drink

in the comfort of the lounge, their passports and visa formalities

will be taken care of. Thereafter these elite passengers will be

escorted through the exclusive immigration counters designated

only for the guests of Oman Air to the Baggage Claim area

where their bags loaded on the trolley will be waiting for them

to proceed through customs and enter the Sultanate of Oman,”

said Mr. Al Shikely.

He further added, “Speed, reliability and comfort are the three

most valued key areas by business passengers and Oman Air

has strived to cover these areas by offering this value benefit

that will ensure the first point of contact into Seeb International

Airport for our passengers will allow them to experience the true

hospitality of our great nation.”

“Presenting our Business Class travellers and Sindbad Gold

members the best of on the ground and in the air service is Oman

Air’s passion. Dedicated Business Class counters, Departure

lounge access, Priority baggage delivery, Extra baggage

allowance are just some of the other privileges they relish every

time they depart from any Oman Air destination,” he concluded,

verifying that many members praised this new service as being

far superior to the fast track facilities offered in other airports.

N e w s

Added service for premium passengers of Oman Air

12

Cover Story

It is a place known for impeccable tehzeeb (culture). It is

a home of the best biryani in the world. The Urdu spoken

here is taken as a barometer for originality. It is the city of

the Nawabs. There are no prizes for guessing which place

is this. It is Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, India’s

largest state. The Gomti River, the chief geographical

feature, meanders through the city, dividing it into two

regions.

Lucknow: The city of Nawabs

Soak in culture in thishistorical city

Imambara, the defining landmark

History: Located in what was historically known as the Awadh

region, Lucknow has always been a multicultural city. After

1100 AD the Lucknow and Awadh region have been under

the rule of the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, the

Nawabs of Awadh, the East India Company and the British

Raj. Lucknow’s rise to growth and fame began with its

elevation as capital of Awadh by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Dowlah.

What to see:The city’s defining landmark, the Bara Imambara on

Hussainabad Trust Road, which translates as “grand residence”,

was built in 1784 by the fourth Nawab of Oudh, Asaf-ud-

Daula. It’s the city’s finest specimen of early grandiose Nawabi

architecture. There are excellent views of Lucknow from the top

of the Imambara. An external stairway leads to an upper floor

laid out as an amazing labyrinth known as the bhulbulaiya

(labyrinth). The dark passages stop abruptly at openings which

drop straight to the courtyard below. There’s a mosque with

two tall minarets in the courtyard complex and to the right of

this is a well which is said to have secret tunnels openings.

The Imambara is open from morning to 6pm.

Artistic interiors

The city is known for heritage

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Bara Imambara is the city’s finest specimen of early grandiose Nawabi architecture

Hussainabad or Chota Imambara, was built by Mohammed Ali

Shah in 1837 as his own mausoleum. The appeal of this structure

lies in its furnishings comprising exquisite chandeliers of Belgium

glass. It contains the tombs of Ali Shah and his mother. A small

bazaar, known as the Gelo Khana or “Decorated Place”, lies

inside the imposing entrance of the Imambara.

Shah Najaf Imambara holds the tombs of Ghasi-ud-Din

Haidar and his two wives. Situated on the south bank of Gomti

towards the west of Sikandar Bagh, the building is almost

an exact replica of the tomb of Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of

Prophet Muhammad and the fourth Caliphate of Islam, at

Najaf Ashraf in Iraq. It is open from 6am to 5pm.

4 kms from the Charbagh station is the Lucknow Zoo or the

Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens. The zoo comes under the

Banarasi Bagh area. This zoo, constructed in 1921, also has a

museum, an aquarium and a toy train. The plane Rajhans used

by Pandit Jawarharlal Nehru is also kept in the zoo. It is open

from 8am to 5pm.

The 67m high Clock Tower, Lucknow’s Big Ben was built in 1887

to mark the arrival of Sir George Cooper, first Lieutenant Governor

of the United Province of Awadh.

Shopping: The malls on Mehrauli-Gurgaon and Shahnajaf Road, apart from

offering an international experience of shopping also cater to the

low middle class. Chikan embroidery is Lucknow’s most famous

craft. There’s an astonishingly wide selection of the intricately

hand-embroidered cotton and silk clothing at Chikan Pvt Ltd,

and at Mahaveer Complex on Cantt Road. The most favoured

and flocked shopping destinations of the city are located in old

Lucknow area. Among them, Hazrat Gunj off Mahatma Gandhi

Road (named after Begum Hazrat Mahal) is most frequented. This

is the best place to pick up clothes, furniture, antiques, souvenirs

and numerous handicrafts. Aminabad and the Chowk are also

famous for shopping.

Cuisine: The city is the nucleus of Awadhi food. Don’t leave Lucknow

without eating tundey kebabs, the city’s signature dish. Sewiyon

ka muzafer, lab-e-mashooq, lagan ka murgh, galauti kebab, dum

ka murgh, murgh chandi khaliya and noorani sabzi are some

of the best known delicacies found here. And of course, the

Lucknowi biryani!

Lucknow is replete with traditional architecture

Oman Air flies 4 times a week to Lucknow.Timings:

Muscat - Lucknow: 0035 - 0525Lucknow - Muscat: 0615 - 0820

1�

On a sandy, circular track camels lunge forward and thrust

themselves into a gallop, kicking up swirls of dust with their

hind legs. Alongside the track, owners and trainers lean

outside their vehicles to holler and cheer on their camels

with fervour. After all, there are big prizes of cars and cash

at stake.

The usual fare for racing camels is a diet consisting of honey,

dates, bread and cow’s milk but, according to caretakers, alfalfa

remains a favourite. Occasionally they may be supplemented

with other ‘secret’ ingredients to enhance their racing ability

and assist them to reach top speeds of 30 to 40 kms/hour. To

produce a winning camel takes much effort and patience.

Training is intensive and often begins from around sixteen

months to two years of age and continues throughout the

camel’s racing career. Known among the Bedouin as ‘Ata Allah’

or ‘God’s Gift’, these prized possessions are usually very well

cared for by their caretakers. Many owners and trainers speak

of their genuine love of the sport and are proud to have been

passed down precious camel rearing skills from their fathers

and grandfathers.

Article by: Michelle Balmer

Camel racing in Oman

Jockeys urge their camels to speed towards the finish line in first place

Culture & Heritage

17

A visit to the camel races in Oman confirms the sport has

long been an important part of the Omani culture. Camel

races are said to have originated as informal events during

celebrations and gatherings and have now progressed into

organised race meets. In fact, the sport has developed into its

modern day format largely due to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos

bin Said who saw a need to preserve this facet of the nation’s

heritage as well as the pure Omani camel breeds. Camel

races are continued to be organised throughout the country in

accordance with their rules.

So what once was once a recreational pastime for the Bedouin

has now become a fully-fledged business that contributes

significantly to Oman’s economy. According to the Oman Camel

Racing Federation, total camel sales in 2005 were estimated at

approximately OR 6,000,000. Oman has an excellent reputation

for breeding some of the region’s best Sabooqs (racing

camels). Buyers from places including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and

neighbouring emirates visit Oman to make their camel purchases.

Just like a racehorse, these mammals are inspected to ensure

they have the right features to ensure they can travel at optimum

speeds. Usually, buyers will attend the races and, after spotting

a suitable candidate, will begin to discuss prices with the owner.

A ‘fast’ dromedary is said to command OR 100,000 although

there have been stories of some fetching even higher amounts.

1�1�

Trainers with their camels before the start of the race

Alongside the track, owners and trainers lean outside their vehicles to holler and cheer on their camels with fervour

Oman’s Camel Racing Federation has strict rules when it comes to

Omani nationals purchasing camels intended for racing. The beast

must be registered with the relevant local government authority,

after which an ‘application to race’ is submitted to the federation.

Only pure Omani breeds are allowed, which means they must be

owned by Omani nationals. Generally, the camels race in their own

‘home registered’ regions with the exception of a few particular races

near the end of the racing season, when camels from all regions are

allowed to race together. The Oman Camel Racing Federation also

enforces separate races according to the camel’s age; with divisions

of three year olds, five year olds and six year olds.

Older camels have not been forgotten and are allowed to race

in a special event called Al Zamool. The races are held over varying

distances usually of 4 kms, 5 kms and 6 kms.

The racing season swings into full force from August to March/April,

but is subject to change if Ramadan falls during the season. This year

the season will not commence until October, after Ramadan. The

Oman Camel Racing Federation marks the end of the season with a

race held in Sohar. It’s a massive event that draws up to 300 camels

and 5000 spectators. Along with camel races, visitors are usually

treated to other ‘traditional’ competitions including ‘the camel that

can produce the most milk’ and the ‘best dressed camel’. Similarly,

the Directorate-General of Camel Affairs holds its own final race of

the season in Barka. Tourists from Europe have been known to book

their trips to Oman to coordinate specifically with these remarkably

entertaining events.

Apart from racing, tourists are drawn to learn more about the

unique kinship between Bedouins and their camel. Most likely, it was

Wilfred Thesiger who summed it up best in Arabian Sands: “Always

the camel's needs come first. It is not only that the Bedu’s existence

depends upon the welfare of his animals, but that he has a real

affection for them.” Such affection is evident in the Dhofar region

where camels are often used for milk. Unlike the racing camel, in

this region it would be very rare that a dairy camel would ever be

sold. It is not surprising then to find that, on entering a pen, camels

will rush to greet you with a gentle ‘welcome’ nuzzle with their nose.

Of course, part of this experience usually involves caretakers offering

fresh camel milk as a sign of hospitality. Most tourists will vouch

that it’s much lighter than cow’s milk, and Bedouins proclaim that

it is very good for the digestive system. Often, the owners of dairy

camels compare notes about the best grazing areas and have even

been known to travel great distances to find the best quality grass.

And, so the Bedouin tradition of providing camels with the

best available nourishment

continues for dairy camels

and racing camels alike.

It’s wonderful that this

remarkable desert

creature is still so greatly

admired for its ability

to provide milk, meat,

transport, income and

entertainment when,

in fact, it has the ability

to live on very little.

picture courtesy: Kirsten Holst

Oman

Sur is an ancient port and seafaring town that lies on the

east coast, 310 kms from Muscat.

The town played a major part in the trade between Oman,

East Africa and India. A variety of goods were imported and

exported through its port. It was one of the renowned centres

for shipbuilding in the country, with great ocean-going, high-

sterned baghalas and ghanja ships in continuous production.

In 1861, when Zanzibar and Oman split to become two

separate Sultanates, Sharqiya still boasted a fleet of more than

100 large ocean-going boats. The separation had far-reaching

effects in Oman.

Trade suffered in Sur and this, coupled with the arrival of the

British India Steamer Navigation Company, which operated

between India and the Gulf, meant that Omani boats were

less in demand. With the decline of the shipbuilding industry,

Sur gradually became a less prosperous town.

The advent of better roads and services, new teachers’

training and technical colleges, and improved fishing practices

mean that Sur is well on the way towards regaining the position

as the capital of Sharqiya. Sprawled along the bay, it once again

has taken on the air of a busy and vibrant town, with new

housing making it bigger by the day.

20

Sur’s boat building traditions

The pearl of the East coast is known for dhow building

A dhow sails past the seafaring town of Sur

Article Courtesy: Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman

Icons in SurThe HarbourFishing dhows make a splendid sight bobbing at anchor in

the sparkling blue waters. It’s impressive to see scores of them

sailing out late in the afternoon on the way to the fishing areas. If

you’re an early riser, you will see the fishermen bringing in their

morning catch at dawn. The small, modern speed boats go out to

the dhows to bring fish ashore for sale at the fish souq.

The BoatyardsSituated on the sheltered lagoons, there are dhows in various

stages of construction and you can follow the building process.

Huge imported teak logs are used for the keel and hull while

local acacia wood is used for the ribs. Coats of varnish finish the

job, giving a splendid sheen to the new boats.

Although fitted with modern diesel engines, they are still built

by craftsmen who follow traditional designs without the aid

of drawings. Sur was once famous for building high pooped,

ocean-going baghala and ghanjah. Now you are more likely to

see smaller boats like the sambuk which are easier to build.

The magnificently restored ghanjah, Fatah Al Khair, can be

seen standing on dry land at the edge of the lagoon. Estimates

of its age and tonnage vary but it is believed to be about 70

years old, around 300 tonnes and over 20 metres long. It is

thought to be one of the last ocean-going cargo-passenger

vessels built in Sur.

Martime MuseumThis is a small but interesting museum located on the main

road from Muscat into Sur. Entering Sur, it is on the right-hand

side of the road after the first roundabout. Immediately before

it, you will see a power station and make a sharp left into the

Aluruba Sports Club.

The museum is the white building with a ship’s wheel on

the wall. Sur has a number of craftsmen who continue to

manufacture their traditional wares by traditional methods.

Using basic wooden handlooms, weavers make wizar (cloth

worn around the waist under the traditional dish-dasha), massar

(turbans) and a’suba’eeya (decorative shawls worn around the

neck). They use local wool as well as imported cotton and silk,

and dye the fabrics to create colourful patterns. The weavers

work in Bilad Sur and are kept busy with local orders.

Al AyjaThis village, on the opposite side of the lagoon to Sur, can now

be reached via a new tarmac road. Until the road opened, access

was only possible by ferry.

The ferry still goes and the boat used is called ‘Abbara’, the journey

takes just a few minutes. Situated between the sea on one side and

mountains on the other, the town was isolated for centuries but well

fortified by watchtowers and forts. Take the right turn at the second

roundabout on the road into Sur (a large twin-domed mosque appears

on the left just before the roundabout). Follow the road as it passes

the mangrove swamps and swings round past foothills into Al Ayja.

One of the traditional dhows in Sur

21

22

Sunaysilah CastleSunaysilah Castle stands high on a knoll overlooking the

seafaring and boat-building town of Sur. Based on an arche-typal

square plan with round towers at each of its four corners, this

dominating fortress is said to be more than 300 years old.

Bilad Sur CastleThe castle at Bilad Sur, known for its unusual tower,

is surrounded by lush goves of date palm. Strategically

positioned inland from the sea to protect against raiding

tribes from the interior, the fort is part of a comprehensive

network of regional defence that originally comprised five

fortresses and numerous watchtowers.

How to get thereThe easiest route to Sur from Muscat passes the Seeb

Airport roundabout (zero odometer) and joins the new dual

carriageway road to Nizwa. At Bid Bid, 36 kms from Muscat,

the slip road is clearly signposted for Sur.

The road heads into the mountains, through the Sumail

Gap and Wadi L’Akk.There follows a 24 kms stretch of winding

road, full of sharp bends, starting at 58.2 kms. It is clearly

signposted and the slow down signs should be heeded.

At Wadi Seigani, there are delicious fruits for sale at the

roadside. The road passes through Ibra and on to Al Kamil,

some 249 kms from Muscat. There is a signposted left turn to

Sur, another 60 kms further on through Wadi Fulaij.

The journey takes about four hours on good tarmac road

with plenty of petrol stations en route. Alternatively, take the

road from Muscat to Quriyat via Wadi Adai roundabout at

Hatat House (zero odometer).

At the roundabout, 85 kms from Muscat, turn right and reset

the odometer to zero. Follow the sign for Daghmar. After 6.2

kms turn right for Tiwi and after 9.3 kms, turn right into the

gorge of Wadi Dayqah. Continue on this road, ignoring the

turnoff to the right at 19.5 kms signed for Wadi Al Arbieen,

until at 35 kms the coastal village of Dibab is reached.

The road now follows the coast through Fins, Tiwi and

Qalhat to Sur. This route is shorter than the first in terms of

kilometres but takes much longer to cover – about 5 hours.

The road is narrow and bumpy in places and can be difficult

to travel after heavy rain.

This route is beautiful, hugging the coast with mountains

on one side and sea on the other. Fishing villages dot the

coastline and the beaches are good for camping, swimming

and snorkelling. Plans are in progress to tarmac the road

between Quriyat and Sur but presently a 4-wheel drive vehicle

is necessary. The two routes to Sur lend themselves nicely to a

round trip: Muscat – Quriyat – Sur – Ibra – Muscat.

Sur is known for maritime history

On the South East coast of Oman, the tradition of fishing lives on and is even proving to be a popular and relaxing activity for visitors

With 1700 kilometres of coastline, it’s little wonder that much

of Oman’s heritage and culture is connected to the sea and

the rich marine life found within it. On the South East coast of

Oman, the tradition of fishing lives on and is even proving to be

a popular and relaxing activity for visitors.

One advantage of fishing in this area is that you don’t

need to venture far to catch ‘big’ fish. A few hundred metres

offshore from Hasik, the ocean floor drops away dramatically

to depths of 150 to 200 metres. The conditions are excellent

for reef fishing – a line in the water for a mere 60 seconds can

fetch a huge grouper, hammour, rainbow fish, tuna or giant

trevally. Meanwhile, seagulls and sea eagles bob around the

ocean beside boats, waiting patiently for scraps of bait to be

dropped back into the water. It’s impressive to watch the local

commercial fisherman at work.

Using live bait and a hand line, a man pulls in metres of line,

lifting one arm at a time – the reward is a massive shimmering

silver kingfish. After the icebox is full, the boat travels back

to a small harbour where a large refrigeration truck waits to

transport the fish to Salalah. Tuna, camel fish and barracuda

are unloaded but the heaviest of these is the kingfish, which

is said to fetch up to OMR 50 or 70 for a large size. As the fish

comes off the boat it is weighed and given to the wholesaler

who records each transaction in his book.

The fish is then neatly packed in bright blue crates filled

with ice, covered in plastic and loaded into the truck. The final

destination will be Italy who imports large numbers of red sea

bream, the area’s most expensive fish.

Hideaway

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Article by: Michelle Balmer. photographs by: Kirsten Holst

Oman’s South Eastern Coast

A fisherman’s paradise

Birds bob around the ocean hoping for a treat

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The government ensures the species are not depleted by

designating specific fishing seasons. The sardine season runs

from January to March and the lobster season for traditional

fisherman is during December and January. Abalone is another

of Oman’s famous delicacies. Harvested in November and

December it commands prices of OMR 75 per kilogramme

because this is the only place in Oman where it is found.

Other fishermen can be found on the beach launching

traditional nets each morning. They return in the afternoon

to find masses of sardines which are packed into sacks and

dumped onto the back of trucks. Once the net has been

emptied it is inspected for any remaining fish and given a

clean in the water. The day is nearly over as the men twist

and squeeze the net, placing it into the truck in preparation

for the next morning. Most of the sardines caught will be

dried out and used as animal food when the grazing areas

have been exhausted. The remainder is sent to the market.

Of course, the visitor’s catch of the day is likely to end

up on the barbecue, allowing an opportunity to sample

the taste, which is said to be very different to the fish in

Northern Oman. Whether you choose to base yourself in

Salalah (and take a boat from there) or camp near Mirbat or

Hasik, there is plenty to offer. The new asphalt road to Hasik

winds its way around the coast providing scenic views. And,

wherever you step aboard the boat, be on the lookout for the

pods of dolphins that glide through the waters beside you.

In fact, these waters are yet to be fully studied and are just

waiting for visitors to search out more of nature’s delights.

Take advantage of a weekend fishing getaway – it has a

therapeutic effect.

A tourist tries his hand at hooking a big fish A fishing net bursting with sardines A fisherman shows off his catch

Abalone, Oman's famous seafood delicacy

Now-a-days people often complain about pain and

impairment of the neck. One of the most common reasons

for this is faulty posture.

The neck is composed of seven vertebrae (cervical

vertebrae) or the building blocks of the spine. These

surround the spinal cord and canal. Discs cushion the

vertebrae and the nerves of the neck pass nearby. Within

the neck, there are neck muscles, arteries, veins, lymph

glands, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, oesophagus,

larynx and trachea.

Numerous treatments Most people’s lives do not allow them to do enough

exercise, and they spend far too much time in postures

which put a constant strain on the neck, such as sitting in

front of a computer for much of the day. Both factors in

combination mean that neck pain, after the age of 40 or

50, becomes more the rule than the exception. Experts

often call this non-specific neck pain.

Treatments for neck pain are numerous:

painkillers, spinal manipulation, massage,

exercises, heat packs, cupping, traction — you

name it, some healthcare practitioners will

offer it. Whenever there are dozens of

treatment options, there is, good

reason to suspect that none is truly

effective.

CausesOne of the most common causes of mechanical neck

pain among computer users is the forward head posture.

A healthy back has three natural curves: a slight forward

curve in the neck (cervical curve), a slight backward curve

in the upper back (thoracic curve), and a slight forward

curve in the low back (lumbar curve).

Good posture actually means keeping these three

curves in balanced alignment. Strong and flexible muscles

also are essential for good posture. Abdominal, hip, and

leg muscles that are weak and inflexible cannot support

our back’s natural curves.

The increasing incidence of neck strain can be attributed to faulty postures while sitting for long hours

Health & Fitness

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Neck strain

A “perfect” head posture shows an imaginary line dropped

from the centre of the external auditory meatus (outer ear

opening) would land directly in the centre of the shoulder.

A faulty neck-head posture causes stress to the neck bones

(vertebrae). The bones will not be aligned properly, and the

muscles, joints and ligaments take more strain than Nature

intended.

The perfect head posture Faulty posture may cause fatigue, muscular strain and, in

later stages, pain in and around the neck and upper back

region. The causative factor for these symptoms is faulty

posture for many years.

In the forward head posture, the head moves “forward”,

and the muscles in the upper back and neck have to work

harder to keep the head (chin) from dropping forward onto

the chest. This forces the muscles that raise the chin to remain

in constant contraction, putting pressure on the suboccipital

(base of skull) nerves.

This can cause headaches at the base of the skull commonly

called as cervicogenic headaches, and even mimic sinus or

migraine headaches. Pain is usually on one side. Even if it

affects both sides of the head, it is usually more severe on

one side.

The treatment involves postural correction, chair adjustment

and correct display and lighting. Forward head posture can

also compress the nerves that run from the neck into the arms.

Such compression may weaken the muscles of the upper

extremities, and cause painful sensations in the arms or the

hands. If untreated, this can cause disc herniation commonly

called as pinched nerve or intervertebral disc prolapse where

people complain of pain in the neck and radiating symptoms

to the arm, forearm and hand areas.

There are various physical therapy treatment options available

including exercise therapy, manual therapy techniques like

joint mobilisation or manipulation, mechanical traction,

interferential current, heat/cold applications, and other

modalities used by the physical therapists. Evidence-based

practice through multiple research studies found that many

respond well to cervical and thoracic joint mobilisation or

manipulation techniques if there are any spinal derangements

resulting from faulty posture.

One randomised controlled study has found ultrasound

therapy to be ineffective in treating neck pain trigger

points. Prevention is better than cure. Those who are prone

to neck pain like computer professionals should work on

changing their posture and redesign the office workstation

ergonomically.

Longstanding neck problems take a long time to resolve.

Cultivate patience along with good postural habits. An acute

strain will take four to six weeks to resolve with avoidance of

prolonged computer use with a forward head posture.

Good posture Doctors suggest that, “the best way to improve or maintain

our posture is to always practise good posture, when sitting,

standing, or moving. Practising good posture is not always

as easy as it sounds, especially for some of us who have

forgotten what good posture feels like.”

Those who are prone to neck pain like computer professionals should work on changing their posture and redesign the office workstation ergonomically

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Turning side to side Bending side to side

There is a direct link between a child’s emotional well-being

and self-esteem and his/her overall health. If a child has strong

self-esteem, it has positive benefits for the immune system.

Think of their self-esteem like the roots of a tree - the stronger

the roots the taller the tree will grow and flourish.

Here are some simple tips you can use to enhance your child’s

confidence so that they become happier, more confident, and

healthier young people...

Let them be themselves Many parents fail to recognise the importance of cherishing

who their child really is. Let them be their own unique person,

rather than trying to shape them into something you want.

Just because you’d love them to be the next tennis champion,

doesn’t mean they will have arty interest in the sport. You can

damage their self-esteem by trying to force them down a route

that is not their natural path.

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General

How to raiseconfident kids

Enhancing your child's confidence is important

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Make it clear you love them Do not withhold your love as a punishment. It may be

tempting to suppress care, love and affection when you are

angry with your child. Children do need boundaries and

appropriate discipline but it’s completely inappropriate to say

things such as, “I won’t love you any more if you behave like

that.” A parent’s love should never be in question despite being

rightly frustrated or annoyed with a child’s behaviour.

Ask for their opinionIt’s easy to forget that children have their own views on all

sorts of subjects, so ask how they feel about things. You might

even learn from them. Asking for their thoughts on a television

programme, film or, depending on their age, a news story,

makes them feel valued. Listening to their opinion boosts their

confidence.

Be positivePraise good behaviour. It’s easy to ignore a child who is

playing happily alone while you get on with chores. Parents

often give children attention only when they’re misbehaving.

Reverse this by taking time to compliment them on a beautiful

drawing, or just to say: “Aren’t you playing nicely?” By rewarding

good behaviour you encourage more of it. In turn, this positive

cycle makes them feel good about themselves.

Don’t get jealousThink about the role model you present when you complain

about another family having better holidays, a bigger home or a better car. This can breed envy in your child. Instead, be thankful for all you have. Emphasising the good, non materialistic things in your life makes your child feel secure at home.

Give them self-respectTeach your child appropriate boundaries within your home

- and tell them how they can apply these outside. If you show your child that people can walk all over each other at home and never show that you can assert yourself, that’s what your child comes to expect. This means they are liable to be bullied at school and don’t know how to assert themselves where necessary. Help them develop self respect. Bullying has a very negative impact on a child’s self-esteem.

Don’t be dramaticChildren need to accept that bad, sad or difficult things occur

in life. But don’t over dramatise every hurdle you face. When a parent reacts to a challenge with hysteria, it immediately teaches the child that the world is a frightening, horrible and impossible place. By keeping calm and looking for solutions to the problem, issue or dilemma that you’re facing, it will help your child develop the confidence to face whatever life throws at them.

Reward good behaviour in children

BRANDING in simple terms is all about building an image that captures the imagination of your target audience. And yes, branding is no longer restricted to consumer goods anymore. The ‘brand’ new addition to the bandwagon is career branding. This is what management guru Tom Peters, in his book ‘The Brand You50’ has to say about

career branding, “Regardless of age, regardless of position, regardless of the business we happen to be in, all of us need to understand the importance of branding. We are the CEOs of our own companies: Me, Inc.” He adds, “You’re not defined by your job title and you’re not confined by your job description.”

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Business Traveller

The biggest advantage of building a brand image foryourself is that it helps define who you are

Brand with the best

Career branding has become important today

In a world of cutthroat competition, a strong career brand can highlight the value of investing in your talents/services to potential employers. This will make you stand out in a crowd of contenders. Why does a particular customer prefer Pepsi to Coke or Nike to Pepe or vice-versa? Is it because of the brand image? Is it the pitch and publicity? Personal taste perhaps? Well, most likely a mix of all three.

It is the same when it comes down to hiring. Job-hunting and marketing are analogous and an interview is your sales pitch; the resume is your publicity pamphlet; the interviewer - your customer and you are the brand!

The biggest advantage of building a brand image for yourself is that it helps define who you are, and why you are the right fit for the job. Career branding is in effect your reputation and good name. Just as a strong brand image keeps the customer coming back for more, a strong career brand will create opportunities by setting you apart from the competition and creating a compulsion in the employer’s mind to hire you.

So how does one go about building that ideal brand image that will make the employer choose you over all the others in the fray? Read on:

Every successful brand has a solid product to bank on. Your career brand is no different. If your brand image has to be strong and unbeaten, it must be founded on truth and authenticity. Take time to plan and focus on what you want your brand to be.

Track past accomplishments that reinstate your brand, plan to improve on your weak areas and try to gain experience and add achievements that will give value to it.

Conduct some analysis to determine what the market conditions are if your brand has to succeed. Is there a market for what your brand has to offer? Are companies hiring in that area? What about competition, and more importantly the quality of competition? Your brand might need some fine-tuning based on these inputs.

Success in any career calls for a high degree of specialisation. Although you may possess adequate qualifications, education, skills and specialised training, authentic certification can greatly enhance your career brand. If you are unsure about your brand image and feel you need to add more value to it, you can take advice from a mentor or someone who has achieved a high degree of respect and success in the field that you have chosen.

promotion and publicity Even the best brands need publicity. There is nothing

wrong in promoting yourself when you have real achievements to back it up. Devise campaigns to reinstate your brand whenever you get the opportunity. If you can get your name recognised by writing articles, speaking

at association meetings, requesting to work on high-profile projects, serving on projects where you’ll be seen by a number of people, then do it! Your brand also needs to have a strong online presence.

This is because the Internet is the quickest and most easily accessible source of information for many people. Develop an online portfolio. Consider investing on a personal website or you could market yourself on a quality blog site and let the world know about you. It’s all good PR, and you never know what it can lead to.

The whole process of hiring is tilted in favour of people who are able to sell themselves and it is important that you be able to catch the attention of your prospective employer with an interesting USP. You should prepare your sales pitch in writing, then rehearse it and practise it rather like an actor or a salesman, until it sounds natural and not memorised.

Condense your life and career history into a 30 second capsule that defines who you are, what you do, with a few key points about your background, skills, and experience - and make it sound convincing and interesting.

Yes, the Image You must be careful about the brand image you want to

convey. Branding will either add to or take away from the image you want to create with the potential employers. While a lot of contrived exertions go into building a brand, the best brands manage to make it look almost effortless. If you can do that, you can be sure your brand has delivered!

Take time to plan and focus on what you want yourbrand to be

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Sports

racing along the straitsThe Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing race to be held in March 2008 offers lots of excitement

Sleek, glistening sailing yachts docked at the Marina Bandar Al Rhowda in Oman present a lovely sight. This picturesque

bay will now be the finishing line for the much-awaited 15th Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race.

Participants gearing up for the sailing race

Come March 2008 and you would be able to feast your eyes

on flashy yachts reach the finishing line at the Marina Bandar Al

Rhowda. Starting in Dubai, this 360-nautical mile offshore sailing

race takes a flotilla of boats in the shallow waters of the Gulf, the

ruggedly spectacular cliffs of Musandum, the famous Straits of

Hormuz and ferociously lobster buoys, rides and deep water in

the Gulf of Oman before arriving in Oman.

This race, besides the old entrants, will see new participants

from across the Gulf, Singapore and other countries. Though the

crew might have to encounter some daredevil moments in the

sea, yet it is the excitement of the race that lures participants to

enter the race. The teamwork is vital, ensuring an alert watch

and keeping the rest of the system in place.

The race has become a firm favourite of the region’s sailing

calendar. First held in 1992, the race is still growing in popularity,

with around 30 participants every year. It has attracted

international attention with worldwide media covering the event.

The event was initiated by sailors from the Dubai Offshore

Sailing Club (DOSC) and the Royal Navy of Oman.

The DOSC said that they are delighted to be involved once

again in the organisation of the event which is fully supported

by the Ministry of Sports Affairs, Sultanate of Oman, the

UAE Marine Sports Federation and the UAE IRC Owners’

Association.

Entries for this year's event are expected from all Gulf

Cooperation Council countries with a number of crews visiting

from overseas, as boats are now available for charter from

various companies in Dubai, UAE.

Event : Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race

When : March 2008

Contact : dubaimuscat@dosc.ae

Website : http://www.dubaimuscat.org.ae/

Excitement at its best during the race

The sailing race attracts participants from all over the world

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Fun Corner

ChocolatesChocolate! A word that is capable of arousing a lot of feelings. The very mention of the word chocolate can make your salivary glands work.

It grows on an evergreen tree. The scientific name given to that tree is Thobroma cacao, which means ‘food of the God’.

The Mayas were the first to discover chocolate and believed it had miraculous powers. It was used in religious rituals as well as treatment for common illnesses such as fever, cough and pregnancy pains. They did not sweeten it because they didn’t know about sugar and they used it as exotic spice. But since then a lot has changed in the world of chocolates. With support of all the latest technology and research and development, chocolate has come a long way.

There is a wide variety of chocolates available in the market today. Mint chocolate, hazelnut chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, fruit chocolate... the list is endless. But why eat chocolate?

Like the unlimited varieties of chocolates available, there can be unlimited number of reasons as well. But the most common reasons can sure be counted. Like, using it as a way to show love, to have a quick bite to keep that pang of hunger at bay. For some, chocolate is the way out of everyday stress! As tempting as chocolate may be, it is very much avoided, especially by those on a diet.

The combination plus sugar and vegetable fat makes the number of calories grow at an alarming rate.

Reasonable and moderate quantity will surely not affect your weight, but consumed in

industrial quantities it might give you some problems. Calorie and nutrient

count may vary from brand to brand, variety to variety but in general, it goes like this:

The break up for 100 gms of chocolate goes like this: calories - 530,

carbohydrates - 57.1 gms, proteins - 7.8 gms, fat - 29.9 gms, fibre - 0, alcohol - 0.

Fascinating Facts• A cow gives nearly 200,000 glasses of milk in her lifetime.

• A newborn kangaroo is about 1 inch in length.

• The hummingbird is the only bird that can hover and fly straight up, down, or backward!

• Russia lies across 11 time zones.

• Ancient Rome became the first city to reach a population of one million in 5 B.C. It would be more than eighteen centuries before the second such city, London, would reach that milestone in 1800.

• A woodpecker can peck twenty times a second.

• One of the greatest soldiers in history, Alexander the Great, was tutored by the greatest thinker of all time, Aristotle.

• Great Britain was the first country to issue stamps in 1840.

• The designer of the Statue of Liberty, French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, used his wife as the model for the body and his mother as the model for the face.

A cow gives nearly 200,000 glasses of milk in her lifetime Woodpecker The Statue of Liberty

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Oct: Bahrain Horse race, BahrainBahrain’s love of all things equestrian is evident in its splendid Sakhir Race Course, which has a grandstand for 3000 spectators. During the racing season, from October to March, you can see beautiful Arabian purebreds and thoroughbreds hurdle and flat race each Friday. Betting is strictly prohibited.

Nov: IrB World Sevens Series, DubaiThe Dubai Exiles Rugby Club hosts the opening round of the IRB World Sevens Series, featuring 16 international teams. All matches are seven minutes each way, apart from the three finals, which are ten minutes per half. An International Invitation, Gulf, Local Social, Ladies, Veterans and Youth competitions add to the action-packed three days. Nov: puppet Theatre Festival, Mumbai, India The highlight of the Mumbai theatre calendar in November is undoubtedly the Puppet Theatre Festival. Acts from all over India and the globe will feature in the five-day festival which will be held at the Prithvi Theatre in North Mumbai and the Experimental Theatre in the National Centre for Performing Arts in the south of the city. Opening Hours: 6.30pm.

Nov-Dec: Muscat Oud Festival, MuscatCelebrating the Arabian lute (oud), symbol of Arabic music since ancient times, the Muscat Oud Festival offers new and old works based on the sound of the solo instrument.

9 Nov: Diwali, MumbaiDiwali, or Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is the most important pan-Indian Hindu festival. Every Hindu home in Mumbai, no matter how humble, and many non-Hindu households too, light lamps and lanterns in celebration.

11-13 Nov: Media & Marketing Show, DubaiThe one stop shop for Marketing and Media professionals organised by the Domus Group.

12 -19 Nov: World Spice Festival, Colombo, Sri LankaThe culinary delights of the World Spice Festival draw on a fusion of Sri Lankan spices and cooking methods as well as the talents of visiting chefs and the signature spices from their home countries. With mouth-watering recipes from Africa, China, India, Malaysia, Thailand and Australia, visitors and locals savour every last spicy bite.

13-17 Nov: Jewellery Arabia Show, BahrainThis began in 1991 and now attracts over 500 exhibitors to Bahrain’s International Exhibition Centre every year. An international exhibition of fine jewellery and luxury watches, it attracts buyers and private collectors from throughout the Arab World.

12-15 Nov: World Travel Market, LondonStaged annually in London under one roof, the World Travel Market is a must attend, business to business exhibition. WTM provides a unique opportunity for the whole global travel trade industry to meet, network, negotiate, conduct business and stay abreast with the latest developments in the travel industry.

19-22 Nov: International Medical Travel Conference, ManilaOne-stop event platform to meet healthcare, travel, hospitality, government, medical ancillary services and buyers of medical travel.

19-22 Nov: Diyafa 2007, QatarThe second edition of Diyafa in 2007 is expected to attract more international exhibitors from many international countries as multi-billion USD opportunities are waiting to be grasped, and will provide a unique opportunity for hospitality suppliers to meet prominent Gulf businessmen and decision makers from the Gulf and the Middle East.

21-24 Nov: The International Fine Art and Antiques Fair, Abu DhabiThis offers visitors the opportunity to see and buy some of the world’s most exquisite and rare antiques and pieces of fine art. It is attended by top collectors and dealers from across the world.

25 Nov-5 Dec: Lucknow Festival, Lucknow, IndiaThe annual festival captures the undying elegance and splendour of Awadh - now Lucknow - a cultural centre for Muslims before the time of partition. Colourful processions, traditional dramas, Kathak dances, sarangi and sitar recitals, ekka races, kite flying, cock fighting and other traditional village games aim to recreate an atmosphere of Awadh’s Nawabi days.

International Events

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Interesting quotes“I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.” - Thomas Jefferson, Ex-President of USA

“Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” - Thomas Henry Huxley, English biologist

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” - Thomas Alva Edison, Scientist

“Be nice to people on your way up because you meet them on your way down.” - Jimmy Durante, Musician

“The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.” - Samuel Johnson, Author and Poet

“Thank you for sending me a copy of your book - I’ll waste no time reading it.” - Moses Hadas, Scholar

“Well done is better than well said.” - Benjamin Franklin, Scientist

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” - Sir Winston Churchill, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Two kids went into their parents bedroom and noticed the weigh scale in the corner. “Whatever you do,” cautioned one youngster to the other, “Don’t step on it!”

“Why not?” asked the sibling.

“Because every time mom does, she lets out an awful scream!”

Man: “I would go to the end of the world for you."

Woman: “Yes, but would you stay there?”

"Doctor! I have a serious problem, I can never remember what I just said."

"When did you first notice this problem?"

"What problem?"

Humour

Tech Capsule

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Whole network can access peripherals

WizCom InfoScan 3 Lite makes digital note taking as easy as using a standard highlighter. Roll the InfoScan 3 Lite across printed text to instantly recognize and store more than 500 pages of text, or scan directly to any Windows based application. Use the new on-screen, touch keyboard to edit or add text of your own. Scans and recognizes English, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese. View stored information on the integrated LCD display and easily transfer data to any PC, PDAor Smartphone via standard USB or infra-red connections.

The first Wi-fi BlackBerry

The modern PC is a constellation of devices orbiting a humming box. But now USB devices don’t have to be tied to one computer.

The Keyspan USB 2.0 Server allows some of those devices to sit quietly on your home network, available for anyone in the house or office to use.

Keyspan’s server has two USB ports and an Ethernet port for connecting to a wired or wireless router. It works

with both PCs and Macs and can transfer data at USB 2.0

speeds, about 480 megabits a second, depending on network

capacity.

The device allows users to connect to printers, scanners, portable hard drives and even USB thumb drives over the network. The server weighs about 3 ounces and is about 4 inches long, making it fairly unobtrusive. It is available through major online and offline retailers.

The Keyspan USB 2.0 Server won’t solve all of your USB problems, but it can cut down on some of the clutter - at least until all devices are wireless and the PC sits alone.

Digi notes made easy

The 8820 is the first BlackBerry to support most worldwide GSM cellphone frequencies, G.P.S. mapping and Wi-fi for phone calls and e-mail downloads. Outside of that, it’s looking more or less just like an 8800, complete with G.P.S., with the added bonus of being RIM’s slimmest device to date, as well as supporting high-capacity microSD cards.

A small Guitar for big-time songsThere are no strings to break on Hasbro’s Power Tour Electric Guitar, coming in September to stores and to hasbro.com/

tiger. Instead, your fingers glide on a glassy, lighted fret board that picks up the electrical charge of your fingers — not unlike your computer touchpad — to sense the pitch. Strums are detected by sensors

that track your thumb speed and direction, and you can shake to guitar to bend a note.

You can use the built-in speaker or headphones, and a Power Tour Amp

from Hasbro. Regular speakers provide mixed results.You can toggle between free play or tutorial modes and learn the 12 built-in songs, including six rock classics like “Wild Thing” and “Smoke on the Water,” a few bars at a time.

It is a classic gadget-world situation: features that start off in a top-of-the-line model eventually migrate down the product line. Some features from the K10D single-lens reflex camera, for example, Pentax, show up in the K100D Super. The 6.1-megapixel K100D Super does give you a removable 18-55 mm zoom lens, the same sophisticated processor and the same image stabilization and sensor dust cleaner. The K100D Super is small -- 5.1 by 3.6 by 2.8 inches — and light, at 23.5 ounces with batteries. Interestingly, these are AA batteries, which may allow further weight economy by letting you pack just one charger for both the camera and an external flash.

Digital SLr Camera with top features

Kiddies' Corner

A shepherd-boy, who watched a flock of sheep near a village, brought out the villagers three or four times by crying out, “Wolf! Wolf!” and when his neighbours came to help him, laughed at them for their pains.

The Wolf, however, did truly come at last. The shepherd-boy, now really alarmed, shouted in an agony of terror: “Pray, do come and help me; the Wolf is killing the sheep”; but no one paid any heed to his cries, nor rendered any assistance. The Wolf, having no cause of fear, at his leisure lacerated or destroyed the whole flock.

There is no believing a liar, even when he speaks the truth.

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The Boy Who Cried Wolf

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ECO-TOurISM/WILDLIFE With eco-tourism catching up fast all over the world, Oman has its own share. The Ras Al Hadd Turtle

Reserve is known for turtle nesting beaches while the Oryx is found in its natural habitat at the Haylat

Jaaluni. The Arabian Oryx Sanctuary was established in 1994 to help protect the oryx and to conserve

desert habitat and threatened species. The Al Saleel Park is a nature reserve located in the town of

Al Kamil wal-Wafi, in the interior of Oman, and was established to protect gazelles and plantations of Samr

and Ghaf trees (Acacia tortilis and Cineraria). Beaches like Qantab, Shatti Qurum, Azaiba, Shatti Bahja and

Sawadi beach offer quiet retreats.

HErITAGE

Forts: Oman’s strikingly beautiful landscape is punctuated with several impressive forts, castles and watch

towers. Dotted throughout Oman, these edifices add a picturesque element to the country’s landscape.

Aflaj: It is the splendidly-engineered aflaj, the system of underground and surface canals, that have

watered the country’s agriculture for millennia, which will astound visitors. These aflaj still course like

arteries beneath the hills and plains of Oman, twisting along precipitous cliffs and threading villages and

date-palm groves, bringing to the parched land water and coolness and life itself.

CuLTurE The Omani culture has its roots firmly in the Islamic religion. Hospitality is legendary as any visitor to homes

is offered kahwa and dates. The bukhoor which perfumes the house is usually burned in a mabkhara,

traditional incense burner. It is traditional in Oman to pass bukhoor amongst the guests in the Majlis,

this is done as a gesture of hospitality. Oman is permeated with frankincense. Government buildings are

censed daily, even the elevators. The annual Muscat Festival, held during the early months of the year, is

OMAN BECKONS We extend to you a warm welcome to Oman, a country where hospitality is legendary.

The Sultanate of Oman is located on the south-eastern shores of Arabia and covers 309,500 sq. kms. Flanked to the north-west by the

United Arab Emirates, to the West by Saudi Arabia, and to the south-west by the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen, Oman is

divided into 9 administrative regions: Muscat, Al Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, Al Wusta, Al Sharqiyah, Al Dhahirah, Musandam, Dhofar and

Al Buraimi. Mythical home of Sindbad the Sailor and dubbed as Gulf’s favourite getaway, Oman delights with its blend of modern

elegance and historic charm of a sea-faring nation. A nation of warm people, Oman is emerging as a favourite haunt for tourists.

a celebration of the cultural heritage of Oman. Another period of festivity is the 'Khareef Festival' in Salalah,

starting from the mid of July till the end of August. The National Day, celebrated on November 18, is also a

day to rejoice.

VISAS

Single entry visa - Valid for one month. It can be obtained on arrival at all land, sea and air terminals and

at Oman diplomatic missions abroad. Fee is OR 6.

Multiple entry visa - Valid for one year. It can be had on arrival at all land, sea and air terminals and also

at Oman diplomatic missions abroad. Fee is OR 10. This type of visa allows its holder to stay in Oman for 3

weeks in each visit during the validity period of the visa. A minimum of 3 weeks must elapse between each

visit.

Express visa – It is issued on the same day through the DG of Passports and Residency and at diplomatic

missions abroad. Fee is OR 7. Validity is two weeks.

Welcome to Oman

CApITAL: Muscat

ArEA: 309,500 sq. kms

TIME: GMT +4 hours

LANGuAGE: Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken.

CurrENCY: OR = Omani Rial

Exchange rate: One US Dollar = 0.384 OR

VISAS: Single entry visit visa, Multiple entry visa, Express visa

ELECTrICITY: 220/380 volts

HOurS OF WOrK/BuSINESS: Government departments are open from 0730 – 1430 hrs and closed on Thursdays and Fridays.

Private sector offices are open 0800 – 1300 and from 1600 – 1900 (except on Thursdays, till 1400 hrs), closed on Fridays.

CLIMATE: The hottest months are May through August. The summer monsoon just touches the southern coast of Dhofar during these months bringing regular light rain to Salalah and reducing the average daytime highs to 25°C.

The most pleasant months to visit Oman are mid October through March when daytime temperatures fall into the lower 30s and below.

AIrpOrT: Seeb International Airport is the main airport Salalah also has an international airport. There are domestic airports at Sur, Masirah Island and Khasab (Musandum).

INFOrMATION

Ministry of Tourism:

P. O. Box 200,

Postal Code 115, Muscat,

Sultanate of Oman.

Tel: +968 24588700

Fax: +968 24588819

www.omantourism.gov.om

info@omantourism.gov.om

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LEISurE/ENTErTAINMENT

Shopping: Oman is a great place for shopping as it blends the new and the old. The snazziest

shopping malls stand alongside the wonderfully quaint traditional markets like the Muttrah

souk, Nizwa souk, Hala souk in Salalah and Sinaw souk. Malls include Markaz Al Bahja, Al Araimi

Complex, Sabco Centre, Khamis Plaza, Al Harthy Complex, Capital Commercial Centre, LuLu

Hypermarket, Centrepoint, Muscat City Centre, among others.

Hotels: Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Hotel, The Chedi, Muscat InterContinental Hotel,

The Grand Hyatt, Sohar Beach Hotel, Al Sawadi Beach Resort, Radisson SAS, Al Falaj Hotel,

Ramada Hotel, Hilton Hotel - Salalah, The Crowne Plaza, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

and Golden Tulip Hotel, Sheraton Oman Hotel, Sheraton Qurm Resort.

Museums: Bait Al Zubair, Natural History Museum, Oman French Museum, Sultan’s Armed

Forces Museum, Children’s Museum, Bait Al Baranda, Bait Al Muzna Gallery.

Dive Centres: Oman Dive Centre, Bluzone Water Sports, Capital Yacht Club, Marina Bander

Al Rowda.

Cinemas: Al Nasr Cinema, Ruwi Cinema, Star Cinema, Al Shatti Cinema, Al Bahja Cinema,

Al Wafi Plaza (Sur).

- at a glanceOman

- at a glanceOman

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SAFETY rEGuLATIONSHAND BAGGAGE:

To ensure comfort to all the passengers, hand baggage in the cabin is

limited to bags smaller than 24 cm x 41 cm x 51 cm. These must be stored

either in the overhead baggage lockers or under the seat in front of you.

Please do not leave any baggage in the aisle, galley or in a way that obstructs

the emergency exits. Doing so could cause inconvenience and impede

evacuation in an emergency.

SAFETY ON BOArD:

Your safety is our prime concern. You can find a safety card in the seat

pocket in front of you. This card gives you the details of the safety features

of the aircraft. Kindly study it carefully, note the emergency exits and pay

close attention to the crew’s demonstration of the emegency drill. When the

captain turns on the “Fasten seatbelts” sign due to any emergency or bad

weather, please return to your seat immediately and fasten your seatbelt. For

your own safety, we also recommend keeping your seatbelt loosely fastened

when seated during the flight.

ELECTrONIC EQuIpMENT:

Portable electronic items such as personal computers and handheld games

may not be used during take-off and landings as they could interfere with the

aircraft’s equipment. Pocket calculators, hearing aids and heart pacemakers

are exempt. Use of radios and mobile phones are prohibited on board at

all times.

FACILITIES AVAILABLE ON BOArD IN-FLIGHT ENTErTAINMENT:

For your enjoyment we are pleased to

provide programmes in Arabic, English and

Hindi; we also show Tamil and Malayalam

films in cetain sectors. To listen to the

programme you wish to enjoy, just plug in

the headset and press the channel of your

choice on the control unit.

rEADING AND WrITING MATErIAL:

A wide selection of newspapers and magazines in English and Arabic,

both national and international, are available on board. Should you require

aerogrammes or stationery, our crew will make them available to you.

TO FrESHEN up:

A selection of deodorants, perfumes, soaps, tissues and towels are available

in the lavatories; also available are electric sockets for electric shavers.

Toothbrushes, toothpaste and combs are available on request.

FIrST AID: Should you require any medical attention due to any pain or

discomfort, please contact the cabin crew immediately. They are trained in

first aid procedures and emergency care. A first aid kit is available on board.

DuTY FrEE SHOppING:

A wide range of products are available on board in

the Duty Free Shopping facility; and you can find

the details of these in the accompanying literature.

Please contact the cabin crew if you wish to make

any purchase.

SpECIAL rEQuIrEMENTS uNACCOMpANIED MINOrS:

If your child aged between 7

and 12 is flying unaccompanied,

please inform us while making

the reservation. Our staff will

be assigned to take care of

your child’s requirements,

safeguarding their passport,

immigration and medical

cards.

pASSENGErS WITH SpECIAL NEEDS:

Our ground and cabin crew will be happy to assist passengers with special

needs in every way possible. Kindly inform us of the nature of your health

condition in advance while making the flight reservation to help us make the

necessary arrangements.

INFANTS ON BOArD:

We have a limited selection

of baby food on board, plus

bottles, teats, talcum powder

and diapers. Should you

have special requirements

for your child, please

inform us while making

your flight reservation and

we will endeavour to make

arrangements. Our cabin staff will be happy to warm your baby feeding

bottles for you. Our aircraft are fitted with baby bassinets which should be

requested while making your reservation. If you are carrying a child on your

lap, please ask the cabin crew for a child’s seat belt before take off.

Welcome aboard

Oman Air’s constant endeavour is to make your journey safe, comfortable and enjoyable. We provide below the details of the amenities that are provided on board for your convenience. Should you require anything not listed here, or have any queries, please contact our cabin crew. They will be delighted to be of assistance. If you have any suggestions to improve our service, please convey them to our cabin crew.