healthGet yourself tested

event horizonGlobal gig guide

it’s oman Sea trees

destinationsSingapore, the Lion City

healthGet yourself tested

event horizonGlobal gig guide

destinationsSingapore, the Lion City

March 2011 Your copY To Keep

The inflighT Magazine of oMan air

it’s oman Sea trees

MarhabaOver recent weeks, a range of facts, figures and accolades have emerged which show that Oman Air’s recent transformation is really paying off for passengers.

Towards the end of last year, Oman Air’s innovatory in-flight connectivity service was recognised at the Aviation Business Awards, and in February we were delighted to pick up two Golds and one Silver at the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Bag Awards. That same month, we saw Oman Air ranked higher than any other Middle East airline in the Wanderlust Travel Awards 2011.

We were delighted to receive such prestigious recognition following a year which has seen remarkable changes take place at Oman Air. Over that time, we have introduced a fleet of new aircraft, launched a host of new destinations and unveiled a range of new products and services which aim to offer our customers an unrivalled in-flight experience.

And recent figures show that Oman Air’s customers agree that we offer a winning combination of quality and value. The number of passengers we carried in 2010 increased by 38% compared with the previous year, with seat factors increasing from 61% to 72% and revenues growing by a massive 51% - results made all

the more notable by being achieved in the face of the worst recession air travel has ever known.

But this is no time for us to rest on our laurels and our commitment to expanding our range of passenger choices continues. The recent launch of our service from Muscat to Milan was celebrated at a glittering ceremony which showcased Omani creative talent at the heart of the Italian fashion industry.

On the ground, we have just opened our spectacular new First Class and Business Class lounges at Muscat International Airport. Combining outstanding comfort, space, service and technology, each lounge offers the perfect environment in which to relax, enjoy Oman’s legendary hospitality and await your flight.

As the year unfolds, we will have many more innovations to announce, each of which will offer you even more luxury and amenity. So, whether you are travelling to Oman or further afield, thank you for choosing Oman Air and I look forward to welcoming you back soon.

Peter Hill Chief Executive Officer

ContentsFestival focus Calling all cool cats for the Cairo Jazz Fest, and dreamers for the Paris Festival of the Imagination.

6

Lion CityConstructed according to the principles of Feng Shui, Singapore has an odd mix of calm and chaos that is bound to draw you in.

10 Test itMake sure you get these10 medical tests done this year.

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26

Ancient forestsAn Omani environmental expert chats about the importance and beauty of rare and endangered mangrove forests in the region.

Online gemsNet yourself a packet from the comfort of your own home.

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ReviewsA selection of some fab reads and latest movies on circuit this month.

36

World ViewLife in all its forms on the third rock from the sun.

Tourism and Entertainment Where to visit, how to find the best bargains and where to stay.

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34Contents

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SportsBook your place

in front of the big screen for these sporting dates!

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

For advertising enquiries contact the publisher:National Publishing & Advertising LLCP.O. Box 3112, P.C. 112, RuwiMuscat, Sultanate of OmanTel: +968 24793098, Fax: +968 24708445Email: advertising@npaoman.com

EditorialManaging Editor

Craig Bishopcraig@npaoman.com

Designers

Justin Das

Mohammed Iqbal

MarketingMedia Sales Director

Ashish Chaturvediashish@npaoman.com

Media Sales Executive

Ravan Jaafarravan@npaoman.com

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

6 Festivals

WHERE: ParisWHEN: March 11- April 15WHAT: Devoted to the music and cultural styles of people across the globe, the annual festival is held at the Maison des Cultures du Monde and other regional venues. Grand masters of numerous traditions perform side by side with young artists. Past programmes have included Iranian interpretations of the poetry of Mevlana Rumi, choral music from the Syrian Orthodox Church, Japanese puppetry from Sado Island, dance music from Cape Verde and folk music from the Hmong in the Golden Triangle (Thailand/Burma/Laos). Alongside the performances, lectures and round-table discussions take place, with the aim of enlarging our vision of the world.Visit www.whatsonewhere.com for more information.

Cairo Jazz FestivalWHERE: Various Cairo venuesWHEN: March 17-19WHAT: One of the more unique events in the region, the festival began in 2002 and has been welcomed by the Cairo population. It is a unique experience to hear this kind of music surrounded by a landscape

Be a part of these fun and education cultural events this month

as distinctive as the Nile. The festival mixes sounds as diverse as European jazz, Cuban or African and Egyptian. Last year saw bands from the region and France, USA, Germany, Holland, Japan, Lebanon, Spain and Austria. Workshops and Master classes, in addition to Jam sessions with the masters every night at various locations. www.cairojazzfest.com

Motor ShowWHERE: Bangkok International Trade Exhibition CentreWHEN: March 23 - April 5WHAT: Calling all petrol-heads for the international Bangkok Motor Show, which showcases all the latest cars and other vehicles along Bang-na Trad Road. The annual event pulls in large crowds of car enthusiasts. Look out for the latest concept cars and designs for the future. www.bangkok-motorshow.com

ArtScience WHERE: Marina Bay Sands, SingaporeWHEN: Now openWHAT: The world’s first ArtScience Museum has just opened at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and is set to become the heart of the growing ArtScience

movement as well as the premier venue for major international touring exhibitions from the most renowned collections in the world. Featuring 21 gallery spaces totalling 50 000 square feet, this will deliver an impressive array of exhibits that embrace a spectrum of influences from art and science, media and technology, to design and architecture. There are galleries dedicated to wonderful inventions, multimedia and challenging scientific riddles. The gallery also features engaging touch screen units with information on ArtScience innovations in areas such as architecture, transportation, technology and exploration. www.marinabaysands.com

Let Oman Air fly you to these exciting destinations this month

8 event Horizon

Performing ArtsWHERE: Beirut, Hotel Al BustanWHEN: Until March 27WHAT: Immerse yourself in music, opera, dance and theatre during the Al Bustan Festival, which smoothes the way from winter towards spring. There are 30 events to choose from over five weeks at Emile Bustani Auditorium. Selected performances take place in the hotel’s Crystal Garden glass conservatory.www.albustanfestival.com

Festival of ColoursWHERE: Northern Indian towns.WHEN: March 20WHAT: The second most important Indian festival after Diwali, the Spring Festival of Holi is a festival of colours. It welcomes the season and potential good harvests. It is a festival of romance often represented by the love story of Radha and Krishna. Each year, young and old, men and women, all indulge themselves in the spirit of colours. There are mouth-watering delicacies to savour such as gujhias and papris, and there are interesting traditions and customs of Holi that have their own regional variances.

10 international Destination

What immortal hand or eyeConstructed according to the ancient principles of Feng Shui, Singapore has an odd mix of calm and chaos that is bound to draw you inThere are a thousand stories in the naked city, so they say, and Singapore, which takes its name from the Malay name Singapura, or Lion City, is

no exception. One of its own peculiar stories is about the little-understood art of Feng Shui, literally “wind water”, the ancient Chinese system of architectural aesthetics.

Now some people hold that Singapore’s remarkable economic boom in the last few decades can be attributed to the persistent observation of Feng Shui principles by various leaders, most notably the former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. Consider this example. During a Feng Shui consultation, Lee was told that Singapore’s fortune could be improved by hanging up a Ba Gua, an eight-sided Feng Shui symbol. Since the government was not convinced about adopting a Chinese symbol, Lee instead introduced a Ba Gua-shaped one dollar coin. When the economy still did not recover, he created road tax disks in the shape of the Ba Gua and the economy immediately improved. (And consequently, every car in Singapore began hanging this symbol in their windshield.)

That’s not all. A decade later, Lee was told that a dragon placed looking over the mouth of Singapore River and the Merlion, Singapore’s symbol, would ensure Singapore’s good fortune. So on the top left-hand corner of the country’s fifty dollar bill, Lee placed a scene of the Singapore River, harbour, and Merlion. In this way the dragon would be forever symbolically poised above the Merlion, thereby safeguarding its prosperity forever.

(Image source: Photolibrary)

InternatIonal DestInatIon 11

If your taste buds are not singed, then you haven’t

really experienced the culinary delights of the

local fares at all

Believe it or not, one thing you cannot dispute is that Singapore is an incredibly ordered, manicured city. Attention has been paid to all the details.

The Far East is hardly lacking in dramatic skyscraper skylines. Take Hong Kong for example. Singapore also boasts a superb vista that can hold a candle to tall buildings anywhere else in the world. Local Feng Shui experts claim that the very design of the city centre allows local business to recover from the draining energy of capitalism, returning life back its original state of peace and, more importantly, prosperity.

Indeed, the ultra-modern lifestyle, state-of-the-art transportation and communication

systems, rocking nightlife, the mysterious medical art of Feng Shui, and colourful opera are some faces of this wonderful state, but year-round festivals make the Lion City busy with tourists all year long. Added to that, a bullish economy spurred a 10-month string of record-breaking visitor arrival numbers, beginning from December 2009. Last year, the Singapore Tourism Board got ready to greet a record 12 million visitors, with tourism spending more than $18.5 billion.

So where is all that money being spent? Well, a single day’s walking will transport you from peaceful past to pumping present, from colourful ethnic quarters to efficient business centres, from serene private grounds to sleek skyscrapers. Indeed, Singapore has gone from being called the Lion City to the Garden City, in honour of its green lungs.

A good way to see the city is -by joining a guided tour, led by an eclectic bunch of researcher-guides who have taken locals and travellers alike off the beaten track, and regaled them with an endless store of anecdotes that reveal the true heart of the city. These tours usually start at the D’Centennial building.

It is also worth taking a tour round Chinatown, a bustling and colourful area with shops, teahouses and restaurant, and also several temples such as the Fuk Tak Ch’i in Telok Ayer Street and the Temple of the Calm Sea. Ancient crafts of calligraphy, papermaking and fortune-telling are practised here, and traditional goods and foodstuffs can also be bought.

12 InternatIonal DestInatIon

14 InternatIonal DestInatIon

Swop cultures down Serangoon Road, the centre of Little India, stretching from Rochar Canal to Lavender Street. The Zhu Jiao Centre, at the southern end of Serangoon Road, is a particularly vibrant example of Little India. Other attraction

in the area include the Sri Veeramakalimman Temple, the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hall in Race Course Lane and Farrer Park.

Tourism is also not complete without a journey through Singapore’s food paradise and if your taste buds are not singed, then you haven’t really experienced the culinary delights of the local fares at all, such as Hainanese

cooking, spicy Indian food, delectable and flavourful preparations from the Chinese kitchens. Take a walk on the wild side of things and try more spicy preparations and, if you are lucky, then you might have visited Singapore just in time for the food festival, which showcases the old, the new and the delectable dishes from the many local chefs in Singapore.

At the end of the day, Feng Shui or not, Singapore has a definite pulling power. It was voted as one of the top 10 cities in the

world in Lonely Planet’s 2010 travel guide, and has been was recognised as one of the top 10 countries in the world for

quality of life.

The dragon would be forever symbolically poised above the Merlion, thereby safeguarding its prosperity forever

BasicsHello : HaiGoodbye : Selamat jalanHow are you? : Apa khabar?Yes : YaNo : TidakWhat is your name? : Apakah nama anda?OK : BaiknyaNo problem : Tiada masalahHow much? : Berapa harganya ini?Please : Tolong/ SilaWelcome : Selamat detangThank you (very much) : Terima kasih (berbanyak-banyak)Excuse me : Mafkan sayaGood morning : Selamat PagiGood evening : Selamat Petang

NumBers1 : Satu2 : Dua3 : Tiga4 : Empat5 : Lima

Learn Malay Country FactsOman Air code-shared Malaysia Airlines flies twice weekly between Muscat and SingaporeVisa requirements: All British, Australian, Canadian, USA and EU nationals require a Social Visit Pass, which is issued on arrival, provided the traveller holds a valid passport, sufficient funds to cover stay in Singapore, confirmed onward/return tickets and entry documentation for further destinations. For nationals holding British and Irish passports, the maximum length of stay is 30 days; for other nationals the maximum length of stay is 7 or 14 days depending on nationality. Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.

Languages spoken: Singapore has four national languages: Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English. For business and politics, English is the language of choice.

Currency: One Singapore dollar is divided into 100 cents.

6 : Enam7 : Tujuh8 : Lapan9 : Sembilan10 : Sepulu

16 InternatIonal DestInatIon

It’s oman 19

Not many Muscat motorists know this, but every day they probably drive past one of the rarest and oldest living treasure troves in the region writes Oman environmental expert Rob Baldwin

Omani sea treesOmani sea trees

Forests are a rarity in an arid environment such as Oman’s and, perhaps because of this, they are highly valued. Of the very few forest trees present in the Sultanate only one, Avicenia marina, the black mangrove, can tolerate the salty conditions of the shoreline. Most people living in Muscat drive past the Qurum forest every day on their way to work, although few give it a second glance. It is among more than 20 other mangrove forests dotted along Oman’s shoreline from the northern Batinah to southern Dhofar, which together represent the vast majority of mangrove remaining in eastern Arabia covering an area of little more than 1 000 hectares. Compared with the estimated 9 000 hectares that occur along the coast of Iran and the vast 260 000 hectares in Pakistan’s intertidal zone, this is a meagre amount.

Mangrove forests in Oman are a dwindling resource, the last of those to survive an onslaught of natural and human pressures. And yet, they are also a living treasure trove. Among their many important ecological roles and functions are the provision of habitat and nursery grounds for fishes, including those of commercial importance, as well as invertebrates, birds and other wildlife.

Some of this wildlife depends almost solely on this environment in Oman; the White-collared Kingfisher, for example, lives only here and is one of the world’s rarest birds. Mangroves also have critical roles in shore stabilisation, trapping sediment and protecting hinterland development. They may even trap unwanted pollutants which may be sequestered by the plants and effectively removed from harm’s way – at least temporarily while the plants remain living. Arguably one of the most important ecological functions of mangroves, however, is the export to surrounding coastal waters of organic nutrients, a result of the extremely high productivity of typical mangrove environments.

Clearly, it is more than just rarity for which these forests should be valued. And yet a good look at any one of the remaining mangrove forests in the country will reveal a multitude of threats to its survival. In some cases they are heavily encroached by roads, housing and recreational facilities such as at Qurum, in other cases by industrial development, such as at Sohar where the new port lies just a stone’s throw away from a mangrove forest.

Along with such encroachment comes the threat of pollution from poor water quality, and pollutant-laden run-off. Use of fertilizers in irrigation water on nearby landscaping also threatens the trees’ survival. Littering, cutting of mangrove trees and harvesting its resources are more direct threats. In some cases wood is cut and subsequently taken out to sea to be sunk in order to help attract fishes on an otherwise barren seabed. Such use of the mangrove, itself a nursery for fishes, is beneficial in the short-term only and clearly not a sustainable or logical use of the resource.

18 It’s Oman

Some local use may have been tolerated in the past to an extent, and indeed ancient people fed well off the many fish and shellfish that the mangrove supplies.

However, the combination of threats now facing mangroves makes any harvest difficult to sustain. The noise, vibration and lighting associated with development and other activities also make life increasingly intolerable to the wildlife that retreats ever deeper into the forests. Meanwhile, some domestic animals freely graze the mangrove trees, in some cases reducing the density of forests to a point where viable ecological functioning is threatened. In some cases overgrazing has led to the erection of fences around mangrove forests, such as in Dhofar. An effective management step, it would seem, provided gates are kept closed.

Many more threats are hidden, or at least not all that obvious, although just as significant. For example, as groundwater reserves in coastal regions become increasingly saline, so mangrove trees, which although tolerant of a high degree of salt water, slowly suffer the effects of extremely salty conditions. Mangroves, and the marine life in their creeks, also rely on ready access to the sea. Blockage of channels caused by the effects of erosion/ accretion and divergence of flood waters, sometimes by infrastructure several kilometres away, may sever this lifeline.

Given the value, importance and array of threats to mangroves, steps to prevent their further loss are required, such as the creation of new habitat and planting. A system of management that seeks to avoid future impacts and prevent encroachment and destructive use, including the creation of managed no-access zones and buffer zones around them, may, however, help to conserve what remains of Arabia’s sea forests.

20 It’s oman

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say. Here are 10 medical check-ups that the Forbes List recommends you get done this year

Better safe…

(Image sources: Photolibrary; iStockphoto)

No matter your age and your general state of health, illness can strike at any time. Prevention of disease obviously matters to physicians. Unfortunately, it is usually off the radar screen for most patients. “If it ain’t broke, why fix it,” is the mantra many people adopt when it comes to getting preventive care. However, it’s a lot easier to prevent diseases than to combat them.

HealtH & Beauty 23

Blood pressure screening: This is crucial for vascular health, as elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Home blood pressure machines are widely available and are especially helpful for those trying to monitor the effects of a blood pressure medication like a beta-blocker. Reducing the amount of salt in your diet can help lower blood pressure.

C-reactive protein test: This test, for a blood marker called C-reactive protein, measures the amount of inflammation in the body. Though not specific to the heart, it has been considered helpful in diagnosing and monitoring cardiovascular problems, since arterial inflammation is believed to be involved in heart attacks and strokes. The simple blood test is used as an adjunct to more traditional measures of risk, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Colonoscopy: Screening for colorectal cancer is an absolute must, as the disease is the third most common cancer in both men and women. “Virtual” colonoscopies, a non-invasive technique that uses computed tomography scans to create computer-generated images of the colon, are widely considered much more comfortable from the patient’s perspective. However, some studies have shown that virtual colonoscopies miss more polyps than the traditional variety.

CYP450 test: Enzymes that encode CYP450 genes–or genes found primarily in the liver, where we metabolize drugs and other foreign substances that enter the body–impact the ability of prescription drugs to penetrate the bloodstream properly. That means that the efficacy of a drug depends upon the availability of these enzymes. The CYP450 test measures the enzyme levels so that doctors can find the right dosage for your body and see if you have immunity to a particular drug.

Diabetes risk: Routine screening is highly recommended, using one of two simple, inexpensive tests that can detect early stages of type II diabetes: the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral glucose tolerance test. The blood glucose levels measured after these tests indicate whether you have a normal metabolism, pre-diabetes or diabetes. If you are more than 20% above healthy body weight, you should certainly be screened for diabetes.

Lipid profile: Knowing your cholesterol level is crucial for both detecting and managing problems with your overall vascular health, but there’s more to cholesterol than just the “bad” low-density lipoprotein and the “good” high-density lipoprotein. There are less-traditional blood markers such as lipoprotein particle size and apolipoprotein that also have been shown to detect risk.

Pap smear: Changes in the cell of the cervix can show cervical cancer or possibly conditions that might develop into cancer. Experts recommend that all women over age 21 get an annual Pap smear–a simple test used to detect precancerous conditions that could lead to cervical cancer.

22 HealtH & Beauty

24 HealtH & Beauty

Prostate-specific antigen screening: Prostate-specific antigen is a substance released into a man’s blood by his prostate gland. The amount of antigen in the blood typically increases with age–but it also can be increased sharply by prostate cancer. The test is done by a simple blood sample drawn from a vein, most typically from the arm.

Skin cancer exam: The best way to detect the early warning signs of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma (the three main types of skin cancer) is to get a yearly skin exam by a dermatologist. Often, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the shape, colour or size of an existing mole. Asymmetry of a mole is also something to watch out for, as it can sometimes indicate the presence of skin cancer.

Stress test: Designed to determine if there is adequate blood flow to your heart during increased levels of activity. It typically involves walking or jogging on a treadmill or pedalling a stationary bike, while your electrocardiogram, heart rate and blood pressure are all monitored. Physicians use this test to help determine the likelihood of coronary artery disease.

More and more people are using the networking potential of the internet to create highly successful online businesses, says NicheGeek.com blogger Dmitri Davidoff

26 BusIness

Home economicsDread getting up to go to work in the mornings? Don’t like your co-workers? Hectic personal life? Be the master of your financial security by turning your home into your very own corporate castle. Your family will love you for it and it could make you an overnight millionaire, as these entrepreneurs found out.

Course work: Take the example of American entrepreneur, Michael Senoff, who stumbled upon a perfect online home business opportunity – reselling old seminar materials. He was really impressed by a seminar he attended. The only problem was that it cost $20 000 to attend one workshop. So he did some digging and managed to find a guy from Northern California who had attended the seminar, asking to buy seminar materials off him. He bought the entire set for $50. He broke up the set and sold separate items for $1700. Thus, his perfect online homebusiness was born. Michael now resells old seminar materials for dozens of marketing gurus, easily profiting over $1000 a day.

Going for a song: How about New Yorker, Catherine Keane, the owner of Hungry Pod, who makes over $100 000 a year, uploading music to other people’s iPods. This online homebusiness idea came to her when an acquaintance offered her $500 to load his CD

collection onto his iPod. HungryPod has expanded to three employees and four computers, and has annual sales that exceed $100 000. The New York Times even ran an article about Catherine’s business.

Ring fencing: Sometimes opportunity strikes close to home. After Joshua Opperman’s divorce, he was stuck with the expensive engagement ring. He went back to the jeweller where he’d bought it three months earlier, but found he could only get 32% of its original cost. Josh didn’t like that one bit, so he set up a site, where people in the same situation can sell their engagement rights for a better price.

(Image source: Photolibrary)

Where you bean!: Rick Field, a Yale graduate and former TV producer, is a perfect example of how you can start successful home business out of a hobby. Field learned the art of pickling when he was growing up in Vermont. About eight years ago, gripped by a sense of nostalgia, he took up pickling again. In his tiny kitchen, Field made family recipes and then quickly began experimenting. People’s wildly enthusiastic response to his Windy City Wasabeans (soybeans in wasabi brine) and Slices of Life (sliced pickles in aromatic garlic brine) told him he was onto something.

About turn: Karin Markley set her online business right out of home. Having 15 years of experience working in a civilian employment agency and knowing that companies value employees with military backgrounds, she wanted to provide a link between the two. Her website, MilitaryExits.com, is now linked to all the military bases. Markley, who projects annual sales of $600 000, points to her biggest reward: “Helping the military. Getting the letters and phone calls from these people thanking me so much for what I’m doing for them.”

It’s a gas: Oregon enterpreneur Nick Landauer makes $200 000 a year blogging about hot sauces. In 2001, while still in college, he launched his online homebusiness then called Sweat ‘N Spice out of his apartment. He sold a few dozen types of hot sauces, packaged each order by hand, and

shipped everything from his local post office, barely eking out a profit during his first year of operation. Today, Landauer sells over 1000 products from some 300 manufacturers. In 2005, the business grossed around $130 000. He got $200 000 in 2006. One day, it’s going to be a cool $1 000 000.

Flutter byes: And to end off, consider this amazing million-dollar, homebusiness idea success story. Jose Muñiz’s career began when a friend bet him $100 that he could not sell butterflies for a living. Now, seven years later, the former business consultant and his wife, Karen, own Amazing Butterflies, a live-butterfly distributor that generated $1 million in revenues in 2006. Though Muñiz is still waiting for his $100 bet, he says that he has backed his way into a job that he loves. “I could never go back to consulting,” he says. “This is just too much fun.” (Visit www.nichegeek.com for more inspiring business ideas.)

BusIness 27

racing Henley. Also in this season is the gypsy top, perfect for holiday dressing, wear over a bikini for instant beach chic, and by night, accessorise with boho jewellery and heels.www.kettlewellcolours.co.uk

MyPhoneCustomise your iPhone case with photos and digital art. A catalogue of over 100 000 user-generated custom iPhone 3 and iPhone 4 cases are available from CafePress and you can create your own unique designs to purchase. Make your iPhone case an extension of your personality, as it’s rare nowadays to see someone on the street without a phone in hand. www.cafepress.com

CharmingQuirky is all the rage this season, especially when it comes to jewellery. Charm bracelets have sparked a massive trend in the jewellery sector and are worn by high profile women such as actresses Catherine Zeta Jones and Goldie Hawn, the President of Ireland and High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations, Mary Robinson and women’s rights activist Mukhtar Mai. With a lot of retailers selling jewellery, it is so important to be able to differentiate yourself. www.argento.co.uk

Such a breezeSpring dressing is such pleasure. Fill your wardrobe with clothes you can live in - no fuss, no logos, just simple basics made from beautiful fabrics. The look this Spring is the pastel top, and the flowing skirt. You can choose your own style, be it button neck, boat neck or

28 FasHIOn & trends

Button itSome things just never go out of fashion. A leading London tailoring company has issued a set of instructions on how to look instantly cool, by plumping for the three-piece suited look. For that dapper, slightly conservative look that suggests elegance and a love of old-world values.

www.kingandallen.co.uk

Tried and testedA black-tie request may come your way for an evening wedding, opening night of the opera or perhaps your company’s holiday party. Break out the penguin suit, guys, because black tie means only one thing: a tuxedo. Classic menswear proponents argue that there is no benefit to tampering with the classic formula as it has essentially been perfected. Black bow-tie, and black cummerbund complete the aristocratic, suave look that has been turning ladies’ eyes since, well, the first time it hit the dance floor some time back in the 1930s.

www.asuitthatfits.com

30 FasHIon & trenDs

The stepmotherA cheeky looking orang-utan baby stands on top of its mother. Reflecting its intelligent and social nature, the name of this large primate species derives from the Malay for “man of the forest”. (Photo: Charles Cangialosi/Photolibrary)

Once were dinosaursThe head of a Indian rhino which has had its horn removed to deter poachers.(Photo: Imagebroker/Photolibrary)

I’m so lonelyA Giant Panda, (ailuropoda melanoleuca) sitting on a fallen tree in a Panda centre in the Wolong Valley in the Chinese Himalayas. The Giant Panda is the flagship species of the Worldwide Wildlife Fund, due to its extremely endangered status. (Photo: Polking Fritz/Photolibrary)

Bird-brained Brits!Competitors in the annual International Bognor Birdman competition launch themselves from the pier watched by spectators and fellow competitors. The Birdman is a flight competition for human powered flying machines held each summer in the picturesque seaside resort of Bognor Regis on England’s south coast. (Photo: Andy Sewell/Photolibrary)

Pegasus dreamsLooking like a creature from legend, an orange Speckled Seahorse is caught on camera in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Sardinia near Italy. The sea horse dervies its name from its uncanny resemblance to terrestrial equines. (Photo: Reinhard Dirscherl/Photolibrary)

WorlD VIeW 3332 WOrld VIeW

RowingMarch 26Oxford Cambridge Boat RaceThe world’s oldest and most famous boat race slugged out between those hallowed bastions of education. Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Hundreds of thousands of Londoners rush down to the River Thames to get a glimpse of the boat crews from Putney Bridge to Chiswick Bridge in the 157th annual race that first started in 1829. Oxford is aiming for their third win in a row. It is 80 wins to 75 in favour of Cambridge.

Rugby SevensHong Kong Sevens, March 25-27

Universally acknowledged to be the greatest rugby party on earth, tens of thousands of fans are getting ready to jet into Hong Kong for three days

of carnival parties and the fastest, most agile version of rugby ever played. The Hong Kong leg is the main event in the world sevens circuit which

see 24 of the world’s best rugby teams, from South Africa to Fiji, go head to head, literally, in thrilling 14-minute matches for rugby glory. Visit

www.hksevens.com for more on tickets and accommodation.

Horse ridingArabian Horse Champs, March 17-19 Dubai International Convention and Exhibition CentreThe Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship showcases beauty, agility and

purebred Arabian horses over a three-day display and competition. With US$4million prize money, this ranks amongst the most prestigious shows worldwide. A week later, on March 26, the world’s richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup takes place at the Meydan Racecourse with $10 million prize money and $5 million in duty free. The magnificent 60 000-seater Meydan Racecourse also boasts a luxurious hotel and six haute cuisine restaurants.

34 spOrts

ScorecastingThe Hidden Influences Behind How Sports Are Played and Games Are WonBy Tobias J Moskowitz and L Jon WertheimA controversial debunking of many sports myths that could upset sports fans who are convinced they have a firm grasp on the laws of probablility. In a series of essays that criticise accepted strategies, the answers are all in the stats, argue the authors, and their conclusions are certainly entertaining at times and annoying at other times. For example, no matter how many games in a row a team wins, the likelihood of success in the next game is identical. Or consider the referee who doesn’t raise his flag - we judge him less harshly that the referee who does, even though both may have been in the wrong.

Of Thee I SingBy Barack ObamaHe is not the first and he won’t be the last US president to write a book. Barack Obama forays into children’s literature here with a profile of a very diverse cluster of 13 Americans whose lives span the course of the country’s history. The group includes five women and eight men and ranges from George Washington to Sitting Bull, and Albert Einstein to Helen Keller. Written for his daughters Sasha and Malia, this is an upbeat, appealing message with illustrations by popular children’s book artist Loren Long and collaborations with celebrities including Madonna and Frank McCourt.

The Tell-Tale Brain. A Neuroscientist’s Quest for What Makes Us HumanBy VS RamachandranThe author, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, San Diego, sheds light on unusual mental aberrations. For example, the woman who laughs when she should be crying in pain. Or those people with an intense desire to have their own healthy limbs amputated, others who are paralysed on one side but insist against all evidence that they are not, and people who really believe they are dead.Ramachandran builds a picture of the areas of the brain and the pathways between them, concluding that many delusions result from the brain trying to make sense of signals that have gone haywire.

Sucker PunchDirector: Zack SnyderStarring: Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens, Abbie Cornish, Jamie Chung, Jena Malone Studio: Warner Bros. PicturesReleasing: March 25, 2011A trip into the vivid imagination of a young girl whose dream world provides the ultimate escape from her darker reality. Unrestrained by the boundaries of time and place, she is free to go where her mind takes her, and her incredible adventures blur the lines between what is real and what is imaginary. She has been locked away against her will, but Babydoll (Browning) has not lost her will to survive. Determined to fight for her freedom, she urges four other young girls to band together and try to escape their terrible fate at the hands of their captors. The girls engage in fantastical warfare against everything from samurais to serpents. Together, they must decide what they are willing to sacrifice in order to stay alive.

Jane EyreDirector: Cary Joji FukunagaStarring: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell,Judi DenchStudio: Focus FeaturesReleasing: March 11, 2011An adaptation of the 19th-century romance by Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre is one of the most adapted novels in English literature, with at least 20 previous film or TV versions. The story follows a governess who softens the heart of her surly employer Mr Rochester, only to discover that he is hiding a terrible secret. A classic of English literature and one of the most famous love stories ever.

The Adjustment BureauDirector: George NolfiStarring: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Anthony Mackie,Shohreh AghdashlooStudio: Universal PicturesReleasing: March 4, 2011After glimpsing his future, an ambitious politician David Norris (Damon) battles the agents of Fate itself to be with the woman (Blunt) he loves. On the brink of winning a seat in the US Senate, Norris meets beautiful contemporary ballet dancer Elise Sellas, a woman like none he has ever known. But agents of the mysterious Adjustment Bureau will do everything in their considerable power to prevent David and Elise from being together. In the face of overwhelming odds, he must either let her go and accept a predetermined path, or risk everything to defy Fate and be with her.

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Say it ain’t so!On reaching his plane seat a man is surprised to see a parrot strapped in next to him. He is even more surprised when, asking the stewardess for a coffee, the parrot rudely interrupts and demands some peanuts. The stewardess brings back the peanuts but forgets the man’s coffee. As he tries to remind her, the parrot again interrupts and again rudely demands more peanuts, and she returns with the peanuts, but not the coffee. Angry now, the man also shouts rudely at the stewardess for his coffee. Next moment, both he and the parrot have been wrenched out of their seats and thrown out of the emergency exit by two burly stewards. Plunging down to the ground, the parrot turns to him and says, “For someone who can’t fly, you shouldn’t be so rude!”

Life in the fast laneA young businessman was driving fast in his brand new V8 Vantage Aston Martin down a neighbourhood street. Suddenly there was a terrific crash as a brick was thrown from the street into the side of his car. Furious, the man screeched to a halt and leapt out of his car. He saw a young boy standing by the road and he grabbed him and started shouting at him. The boy stammered an apology.

They said itReal quotes from pilots and air crew:Pilot - “Folks, we have reached our cruising altitude now, so I am going to switch the seat belt sign off. Feel free to move about as you wish, but please stay inside the plane till we land...it’s a bit cold outside, and if you walk on the wings it affects the flight pattern.”Pilot - “Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but they’ll try to have them fixed before we arrive.

Time Out

Sit and swivelFujitsu has announced the launch of its Lifebook T580 Tablet PC with three-way input and a 10.1-inch Superfine HD Display. Weighing only 1.4kg, the PC keeps you mobile and connected, while a host of security features keeps data safe. The T580 is powered by Intel®’s Core™ i5 processor, up to 8GB RAM and a wide variety of SSD and SATA hard disk drives. It comes with four-finger multiple touch functionality, providing an intuitive user experience. Features such as the Advanced Theft Protection system, fingerprint sensor and Kensington Lock are in addition to Fujitsu’s own security systems.www.theportsmouthgroup.com

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Two’s a pictureHow many times have you photographed a friend or loved one standing in front of some majestic backdrop, only to wish you too could be in the shot? Well, now you can with Ion’s new dual-lens camcorder that captures front and rear video and audio images in high-quality 640x480 fps resolution. Along with real-time playback and triple digital zoom, Ion’s latest toy has user-friendly button, a weighted bottom for steadier recording and rear and front lights for low-level ambient lighting. www.pcworld.com

Airborne assaultWe are not sure whether this is sheer genius or an indication that the men in white coats have too much time on their hands, but either way, this award-winning little gizmo is sure to make you stand up and take a look. Literally. When the alarm clock goes off, the whole device takes off and flies round the room, humming like a mosquito! So if you sleep with the windows open you may have to run down the street trying to catch your alarm clock, thereby waking the whole neighbourhood up! There is also the chance that when the batteries run it could drop on your noggin, so best you get up immediately!www.boysstuff.co.uk

Pilot: “ Thank you, and remember, nobody loves you or your money more than us.”Flight attendant’s comment on a less than perfect landing: “We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal.”Pilot - as the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Washington National: “Whoa, big fella. Whoa!”

“Please, mister! Please! I’m sorry but I didn’t know what else to do,” he pleaded. “I threw the brick because no one else would stop!” With tears dripping down his face the boy pointed down the road. “It’s my brother,” he said. “He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can’t lift him up. He’s hurt and he’s too heavy for me.” Stunned beyond words, the businessman quickly helped the boy’s brother back into his wheelchair and watched as he pushed his brother down the street. Returning to his car, he realised that the damage to the side door was extensive. However, he never fixed it, preferring to keep it there as a reminder to the simple warning: “Don’t go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention.”

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Arabian OryxA medium-sized antelope, well adapted to life in the desert, it was brought to the edge of extinction by indiscriminate hunting. Thanks to initiatives by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, international wildlife organisations and private donors, numbers are starting to recover. Jiddat Al Harasis was declared an Arabian Oryx Sanctuary, Oman’s first protected area, and UNESCO listed the sanctuary on its World Natural and Cultural Heritage Register. As of 2008, there were an estimated 1100 individual Oryx living in the wild in the GCC region, according to the Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species (Cites).

Arabian TahrThe Office for Conservation of Environment, which is in charge of the Arabian Tahr Conservation Project, is putting in place measures to protect the Arabian Tahr, a wary, grey-brown mountain goat found in northern Oman mountains, in Wadi al Sareen. Wadi al Sareen is home to one of the last three main remaining populations of the Arabian Tahrs. The other two populations are in Jabal Qahwan and Jabal Nakhal. The Arabian Tahr lives at altitudes of above 2 000m on mountain cliffs where, unlike the drought-tolerant Oryx, it is dependent on small freshwater seepages. The Tahr lives in small groups.

Arabian LeopardThe Arabian leopard is a flagship species for Oman’s mountain habitats. The largest feline in the region, and half the size of the African leopard, it is classified as rare and critically endangered by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature). In 1997, Andrew Spalton, environmental advisor to the Royal Court, began the Leopard Survey project that has helped to promote the leopard as one of the three flagship species in the country. Jabal Samhan Reserve is the main focus of these efforts. Oman’s conservation laws now punish the shooting of a leopard with a fine of up to 5 000 Rials, ($13 000) and five years imprisonment.

MuseumsTo make your cultural journey complete, a visit to at least one of the dozen museums in Oman is recommended. The Natural History Museum features Oman’s flora and fauna, including some of the indigenous species. To get a glimpse of Oman’s military history, visit the Armed Forces Museum. The National Museum showcases a rare collection of the history of the ruling dynasty. The archaeological lineage of the country can be found in the Omani Museum. There is an exclusive museum for children, the Children’s Museum, that is educative as well as entertaining. Bait Al Zubair and Bait Al Baranda are examples of how Oman’s history has been captured in a capsule for those who are not familiar with it. For a complete listing of Oman’s various museums, please refer to the local dailies.

Hotels Oman has a wide variety of staying options

catering to any and all types of visitors. From plush five-star beach-facing resorts and spas for

the more upmarket visitors, to the four-star, three-star, hotel apartments, camps, guest houses, and

youth hostels, everyone’s wallet is catered for. Desert and mountain camps are particularly

interesting experiences if you have not had the opportunity to enjoy them before. While in

Muscat, you will be spoilt for choices, and when you head towards the interior you will experience true rustic charm and old-world elegance. Either

way, you will get to experience the essence of true Omani hospitality wherever you stay.

ShoppingWhen it comes to shopping, Oman is full of choices both traditional and modern. If you are looking for some of the world’s best brands, you could head to the nearest mega-malls, shopping complexes or hypermarkets. You can find these outlets all across the capital city, as well as in the larger cities like Nizwa, Sohar, Sur and Salalah. If traditional shopping is your interest, then you must visit the Muttrah Souq beside the Muttrah Corniche area. There are also some very old and famous souqs in Nizwa, Sinaw, Ibra and Salalah. For tourists, these souqs are a paradise for souvenir hunting! Frankincense, perfumes, spices, dates and antiques jostle for space with electronic products, fashion accessories and toys. For a complete Oman experience, have a go at both the old and the new!

Omani Museum

Salalah Marriott Resort

Sinaw Souq

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Oman’s wildlife conservation efforts make for good research, education, tourism and community upliftment, as seen in the case of these three rare flagship species

Wild at heart

Omanat a glance

Trave ltips

The Sultanate of Oman is the third largest country located in the southeast coast of the Arabian peninsula. The Sultanate is bordered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the west, the United Arab Emirates in the northeast, the Republic of Yemen in the southwest, the Strait of Hormuz in the north and the Arabian Sea in the east.

Oman has a land area of approximately 3 09 500km2 and a 3 165km long coastline extending from the Strait of Hormuz in the north, to the borders of the Republic of Yemen in the south.

Oman’s coast spans the three seas : the Arabian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A number of islands also are part of Oman including the famous islands of Masirah and Halaniyat (Kuria Muria). The country’s northern most part, the Musandam peninsula is Oman’s only coast on the Arabian Gulf and it is located across the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Fact SheetArea : 3 09 500km2.Population (2010) : 2.69 million, including 743 000 expatriates.Language : Arabic (official), English (widely spoken), German & French (most hotel staff ).Capital : Muscat.Local Time : GMT +4.Currency : Omani Rial, which equates to US$ 2.58.Shopping Hours : 09:00 - 13:00 then 16:30 - 22:00

Currency The local currency is the Omani Rial (referred to as RO or OR or OMR). It is further divided into 1000 Baizas. Currency denominations are available in 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 Rial and 500 and 100 Baiza notes. Coins are available in 50, 25, 10 and 5 Baizas.

ReligionIslam is the official religion of the Sultanate of Oman.

Whenever you travel overseas, it is often useful to understand the local laws and customs in the destination country, as they can often be very different to your own. To avoid any mix up or confusion with local laws and customs we have provided some travellers tips to assist you in having an enjoyable visit to the Sultanate.Please be advised that the information contained on this page is not fully comprehensive and may be liable to change without prior warning. Consult a travel expert or your local embassy prior to departing on your journey.Oman’s laws are based on Sharia law, also known as the Islamic Law. • In Oman, it is illegal not to have some form of

official ID on you at any given time. Therefore, it is recommended that you carry either your passport, or a photocopy of, or some other valid identification card. Other forms of ID such as overseas driver’s license or overseas ID cards will not be accepted.

• Visitors holding valid UK, Australian, and American and certain other nation’s driving licenses (check with the embassy if your country’s license is valid) can currently obtain an Omani license without taking a driving test.

• Vehicles are driven on the right side of the road.

• Heavy rainfall can cause sudden and severe flooding to dry riverbeds, which may pass over a road. You are advised to take full precautions when driving during rains.

• Oman is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religion at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, or if you intend to visit religious areas.

Basic Arabic Phrases

(Image source: Ahmed Al Shukaili) (Image source: iStockphoto)

Yes : naäam No : laa Please : arjook Thank you : shukran You’re welcome : äafwan

Excuse me : lao samaht I am sorry : ana aasif Good morning : sabaah al khayrGood evening : masaa’ al khayrGood night : tusbih äalaa khayr

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Defining a communications strategy and laying down a robust blueprint was what Chief Officer Corporate Affairs Philippe Georgiou set out to achieve at Oman Air’s first Communications Summit, which witnessed the coming together of more than 30 public relations and advertising professionals representing the airline’s strategic global communications partners across the network.

The summit, a first of its kind, was inaugurated by HE Darwish bin Ismail Al Balushi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance and Chairman of the Executive Committee at Oman Air, who reiterated

Communications Summit talk shop

the importance of engaging stakeholders in addition to maintaining a long-term outlook and projecting a consistent brand image. “Communicating what we do and how we do it bears almost equal importance to our actual deeds and actions. It is only when our target audiences hear about our stories in an efficient and credible way that we develop their allegiance and loyalty,” said HE Al Balushi.

In his keynote address, His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said, Chief Operating Officer of Brand Oman Management Unit, highlighted the fact that Oman needs to identify, promote and celebrate, for example, its offer in areas that include tourism, business, logistics, manufacturing, shipping, education and IT and communicate and promote this to Oman-based residents, employers, international visitors and potential investors. “Again, this is an area where Oman Air will play an important role. By developing and communicating a strong national brand identity we can speed up development by attracting foreign investment and tourists. That, in turn, will increase Oman’s global influence and help domestic corporations grow. In this regard, Oman Air plays a pivotal role,” he said.

During the two-day summit held at the Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, agencies appointed by Oman Air shared industry acumen and best international practices from their respective markets during highly interactive sessions in efforts to create synergy between advertising and public relations disciplines and build a niche and differentiating global positioning for the national carrier.

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HE Darwish bin Ismail Al Balushi

His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said

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Oman Air Holidays have come up with unbeatable packages to Kuala Lumpur and Salalah, valid until 31 March.

For just OMR199 per person, the three-night Malaysia package, which includes flight, hotel, transfers and taxes, comes as a not-to-be-missed offer that is sure to be extremely popular with discerning travellers.

The 4-star Seri Pacific Hotel in Kuala Lumpur offers great ambience and impeccable service to make the stay a memorable one. It is just a short walk from the Petronas Tower and the bustling shopping areas of Kuala Lumpur. Or for just OMR34 extra per person, the stay can be upgraded to the popular 5-star Prince Hotel. The Malaysia package includes return flight on Oman Air’s A330 aircraft offering 34” pitch legroom with the best of inflight entertainment; three-nights twin-share at the 4-star hotel, return airport transfers with Meet & Greet, daily buffet breakfast, all airline taxes, and free dinner on the last evening.

For those who want to travel closer to home, Oman Air Holidays have packages to Salalah partnering with the 5-star Salalah Marriott Resort and the 5-star Crowne Plaza Salalah Resort to offer residents of Muscat an opportunity to experience the enchanting city of Salalah with 5-star

Fly to Malaysia and Salalah with Oman Air Holidays

services and amenities. The Salalah Break Package includes return flights from Muscat, complimentary hotel transfers with a two-night luxury stay at one of the 5-star resorts on twin share basis and complimentary buffet breakfast.

The subtropical city of Salalah is an ideal and rewarding destination for those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of Muscat. Unspoiled, delightfully lush and picturesque, Salalah boasts captivating archeological remains registered as Unesco World Heritage Sites and is the home to the prized and fabled frankincense trees. Truly, it is a haven for any nature enthusiast.

Packages start from OMR99 per person at the Salalah Marriott Resort, and OMR129 per person at the Crowne Plaza Salalah Resort, which also offers free buffet dinner every night.

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Oman Air has scooped three awards at the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Bag Awards 2010. The national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman won gold in the Best First Class Female Amenity Bag category, as well as gold for Best Inflight Amenity – recognising Oman Air’s pioneering introduction of both mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity onboard its aircraft. It also won silver for Best First Class Male Amenity Bag. Oman Air was also shortlisted in the Best Business Class Unisex Amenity Bag category.

The awards attracted a record number of entries from airlines, manufacturers, suppliers and designers of airline amenities. Winning the awards follows a year in which Oman Air has been transformed, with the introduction of new airbus A330 aircraft to its fleet, the inauguration of a range of exciting new destinations, the unveiling of spacious and luxurious aircraft interiors and the launch of state-of-the-art inflight entertainment systems. Oman Air was also at the forefront of technological innovation when it became the first airline in the world to offer passengers full mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity simultaneously on all of its widebody aircraft.

Bagging Gold