�

Ain Al Kisfa: the oasis of health

20 26Chronicling Muscat through the ages

16 Sunshine: the natural route to Vitamin D

28www.omanair.aero

Jaipur:

In the pink of health

Your Free CopY Volume 2 - 2007

Birdwwwatching in Qitbit

Jaipur:

In the pink of health

�

MarhabaDear Passenger,

The consequence of marketing in the context of spreading consumerism has always been felt by Oman Air. The

Annual Sales and Marketing Conference which was held recently at Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa under the slogan

“Expect More” and was attended by Oman Air senior officials, regional managers, sales managers and airport managers

highlighted the important accomplishments over the past year, in addition to key projects and strategies planned for

the year 2007.

Oman Air’s participation in the International Tourism Exchange (ITB) in Berlin last March along with distinguished

presence in the Arab Travel Market (ATM) 2007 in Dubai in the beginning of May aims to strengthen the Sultanate’s

presence on the world tourist map, bolster ties with key world tourist decision-makers and players and to promote Oman

in the European markets at large. In the days to come we will certainly witness excellent consequences.

Air travellers from Abu Dhabi, Chittagong, Lucknow and Jaipur can look forward to avail of Oman Air’s new services, as

the airline is all set to add more frequencies and destinations to its network. It is our endeavour, to carry on the legacy

of the past several years wherein Oman Air has shown it can participate with the best.

This edition of Wings of Oman embarks on a romantic journey to Jaipur, the famous “Pink City”. Closer to New Delhi,

India’s capital, Jaipur offers a rewarding experience to those who want to be treated like Maharajahs.

Your stress-battered, under-oxygenated body needs an urgent dose of rejuvenation? We have an answer for you. Ain

Al Kisfah in Rustaq is blessed with a hot spring which has therapeutic properties. Would you like to revert to Muscat in

the past? A great opportunity awaits those longing to learn the olden history of Muscat at Bait Al Baranda in Muttrah

where Muscat of yore comes alive. Wings of Oman takes you back in time with a feature on Bait Al Barandah. Articles on

Vitamin D, Empowering Employees, offer interesting bits of useful information, while the Tech Capsule unveils the latest

in gadgets and the international events column tells you what is happening when and where. Also the sports feature

revives Oman's traditional games.

We hope you will enjoy reading this issue.

Ziad Karim Al Haremi

Chief Executive Officer

Marhaba

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Contents

12Cover StoryJaipur: In the pink of health

16

26Ain Al Kisfa:

the oasis of healthHead to Ain Al Kisfa where you

can soak your legs in a hot water spring that is believed to have

special health-giving properties

20

26

16Birdwatching in Qitbit

Patches of greenery and water sources, offered both by Qitbit and nearby areas, prove

too enticing for birds to ignore

20Chronicling Muscat through the agesWould you like to revisit Muscat’s past? A great opportunity awaits those inclined to learn the history of Muscat at the newly opened Bait Al Baranda, near the fish roundabout in Muttrah

12Cover StoryJaipur: In the pink of health

Oman Air’s inflight magazine is issued by:Corporate Communications & Media Department w 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

28Sunshine:

the natural route to Vitamin D

An exposure of 10-15 minutes to sunlight is enough to get a day’s

requirement for an adult

28

32escape by 4WD into the desert Camping in deserts conjures up imagesof adventure and enchantment

32

36empower employees effectively

Organisations have begun to realise that empowered employees are the key to unlocking

the latent potential

40Fun CornerFascinating facts

36

40

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Contents

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N e w s

Under the theme "expect More", Oman Air holds its Annual Sales & Marketing Conference

Under the auspices of H.E. Said bin Hamdoon Al Harthy, Oman

Air’s Chairman and Mr. Ziad bin Karim Al Haremi, Chief Executive

Officer, Oman Air held its annual sales and marketing conference

at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa in Muscat on 2nd April,

2007. The two-day conference under the slogan "Expect More"

was attended by senior officials of Oman Air, as well as regional

managers, sales managers and airport managers.

The Conference commenced with a speech delivered by H.E.

the Chairman, followed by the Chief Executive Officer, who

indicated important accomplishments materialized over the past

years, in addition to key projects and strategies planned for the

year 2007.

Mr. Abdulrazaq Al Raisi, Senior Manager Sales said, “The

annual conference aims to focus on upgrading the level of

Oman Air’s performance in terms of sales and services provided

to our valued customers who we aspire to be distinctive.

Outstation performances were reviewed and important methods

and possible measures are offered, in order to overcome any

problems that might emerge in any station in order to honour

our commitment to our customers.”

He also added, “The national carrier of the Sultanate of

Oman had exerted all efforts to make this Annual Conference a

success in order to achieve the anticipated ambitious goals. The

conference is a continuation of the previous ones which assisted

in achieving the desired objectives, wherein Oman Air achieved

success in all spheres of activities, thus carving a niche for itself

among the leading airlines in the region. The substantial increase

in passengers during the last five years was a clear indication of

the efficiency of operational processes and the effectiveness of

the company's policies in this regard.”

The Corporate Communications and Media Department stated

that the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman continued

to establish standards in the aviation industry, which was fast

becoming competitive. They confirmed the importance of the

conference, as it provided an opportunity to determine Oman

Air’s marketing plans for 2007. Choosing Muscat, Oman’s capital,

for this Conference also played a significant role in keeping with

the National Carrier’s keenness and the Sultanate’s planning

for promoting Oman as a tourist destination. This conference

provided an opportunity for the Sales Managers to observe the

most recent tourist projects and facilities which promoted their

related stations.

It is worth mentioning that Oman Air, the national carrier

of Oman which has Muscat as a base for its operations, has

succeeded over the past three years, in achieving considerable

financial results. Its net profits in the last year amounted to

RO 2,983 million compared with RO 1,006 million in 2005.

Operational capacity had increased by 2% as it carried 1,226 million

passengers during 2006 with an increase of 91,000 passengers or

8% as compared with 2005. The seat factor has maintained its

good rate at 76%. These figures are indicative of Oman Air’s well

planned strategies which ensured its steady growth.

�0

N e w s

Oman Air participated in the International Tourism Exchange

(ITB) in Berlin, under the umbrella of the Sultanate of Oman’s

270 square metres exhibition area that included 24 tourism

providers from Oman. The Exhibition took place at the Berlin

Exhibition Centre from 7th to 11th March 2007.

To highlight the important global event, Mr. Mohammed

bin Mubarak Al Shikely, Oman Air’s Senior Manger Marketing

said, “Our annual participation in (ITB) Berlin activities aims to

strengthen the Sultanate’s presence on the world tourist map,

bolster ties with key world tourist decision-makers and players

and also to promote Oman in European markets at large.

ITB-Berlin will give a boost to the Tourism industry in Oman,

keeping in mind the comprehensive strategy being consistently

pursued by the Ministry of Tourism to boost the tourism sector

and enable it to act as a key segment of the economy.”

He reiterated, “ITB facilitates the development of tourism as

it highlights the avenues of Tourism available in the Sultanate.

thereby demonstrating the government’s support to investors

operating in the areas of tourism. Participation in such major

tourism exhibitions also facilitates our goals to raise the profile

of Oman Air.”

The Senior Manger Marketing also added that ITB is considered

a unique opportunity for Oman Air to promote its distinguished

programmes and packages and to assist tourists to discover

Oman, specially the “Visit Oman Air pass” which offers an

exclusive opportunity to visit the Sultanate from many cities in

the AGCC countries such as Dubai, Doha and Bahrain in addition

to the opportunity of visiting internal getaway destinations

such as Salalah and Khasab. This package has witnessed high

demand from Europe via Oman Air’s European travel and

tourism approved representatives of the company.

Commenting on the occasion, the Corporate Communications

and Media department said that Oman Air is planning to play

a recognizable role in increasing passenger flow to Oman by

establishing connections with the most important tourist and

commercial cities worldwide. Undoubtedly ITB provides an ideal

platform for establishing new customer contacts and conducting

business as it attracts high-ranking professionals with decision-

making powers.

oman Air promotes the Sultanate’s tourism opportunities at ITB Berlin

�2

Stepping InCapital of Rajasthan; gateway to the

state and the fabled Thar Desert; home

of stately palaces and forts; and a craf t

centre par excellence, Jaipur’s salient

features come thick and fast.

Known as the ‘Pink City’ because of the

pink sandstone used in the construction

of its older buildings, Jaipur carries the

legacy of being the world’s first planned

city.

HistoryJaipur owes its founding and name to

Maharaja Jai Singh II, who moved down

here in 1727 from his hilly fortress of Amber,

and laid out the city in a systematic way with

surrounding walls and six rectangular blocks.

Boasting an embarrassment of riches, it’s a city hard to describe.

DeFINING LANDMArK: The Hawa Mahal

Cover Story

Article by: Inder Raj Ahluwalia

Jaipur:

In the pink of health

SightseeingI started my city sojourn at its signature monument,

the inimitable Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds). History

records that it was in 1799 that Jaipur’s then ruler, Maharaja

Sawai Pratap Singh dedicated the seven-storied Hawa

Mahal to Hindu deity Krishna. Since then much wind has

blown through the 900-odd niches and labyrinths of this

remarkable looking structure, and millions have treaded

its narrow corridors to reach its latticed balconies and stare

down at the bustling marketplace below.

There are many interesting aspects to the building. Of

its seven stories, five are above the ground, while two

form its basement. The building’s niches had cloth bags

that helped local meteorologists predict the weather after

observing wind directions. Another interesting feature is

that what’s perceived as the front of the structure is actually

its back. In Jaipur, temples were the only buildings to open

on to main roads.

Today, a freshly painted Hawa Mahal awaits visitors, fulfilling

its role as the local showcase. One can do the mandatory

climb up to its top, to be instantly rewarded with scenic views

of the walled city, just below. Etched out in the distance were

the famed hill forts of Nahagarh, Jaigarh, and Amber.

A few short steps deposits one at the City Palace that stands

adjacent to the Hawa Mahal. Replete with courtyards, gardens

and buildings, the spacious palace is grandeur personified. Spend

two hours admiring the in-house museum’s vast collection of art

objects, carpets, textiles, and old weaponry, and then move on.

A few more steps, and you can find yourself amidst the

ancient wonders of the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in

1728 by Jai Singh who had a passion for astronomy.

The beguiling charms of the Pink City flourish literally at

the feet of the Hawa Mahal. You lose yourself in the crowds;

encounter some really aggressive but innovative salesmen

who never seem to give up trying to lure you into nearby

alleys to show ‘genuine antiques’.

eYe CATCHING: Superb designs adorn a palace

��

Known as the ‘pink City’ Jaipur carries the legacy of being the world’s first planned city

��

Shopper’s DelightIn Bari Chaupar, vendors ply their trade, selling everything

from spices to magazines, to ‘Itr’ (Indian perfumes). On

one side, nestles Ramganj Bazar, traditionally known for

its footwear shops selling Rajasthani jutees (slippers).

Backtrack a bit and you stumble onto Johri Bazar

(Jewellers’ Market), arguably the world’s biggest and

noisiest jewellery market, with exciting bargains in Kundan

Jewellery pieces for which the city is renowned. Silver

jewellery and precious stones are other local specialties.

Jewellery apart, the shops here offer excellent shopping

opportunity for block-printed fabrics and fresh spices and

pickles.

Stop a while at LMB, arguably the only quality restaurant

of its kind in the world, serving not just pure vegetarian

food, but also totally without garlic, ginger, and onions.

The food’s delicious and the prices friendly.

excursionsJust outside the city, the hill-perched fortresses of

Nahagarh, Jaigarh and Amber stand as grand relics of the

past. While Nahagarh provides a panoramic view of the

city sprawled below, from Jaigarh you get to look directly

down at Amber. Ride an elephant up to the Amber fort,

see its interiors, palaces, gardens and temples.

Jaipur offers everything except a dull moment.

TrADITIoN: The city is famous for puppetry

STATeLY: All the royal buildings in the city have intricate designs

ready reckonerJaipur is about 250 kilometres from Delhi, and is a five

hour drive. By train it’s three hours. There are regular bus

and train services from Delhi. Oman Air flies directly from

Muscat to Jaipur (effective from June onwards).

The best time to visit is from October through April.

Rajasthan Tourist Information Centres are located at the

Rail Station, Airport, the main Bus Stand, and also in the

downtown areas.

Shopping is a local highlight with the best buys being

handicrafts, textiles, spices, brassware, leatherware and

jewellery.

Dining out options include a variety of eateries. There are

outlets that serve international cuisine, and also ones that

offer traditional Rajasthani food like lalmas (mutton), gatta

(flour balls), and saag.

Local transport comprises auto rickshaws, private taxis,

and buses.

��

• Abu Dhabi: +971 2 6266800 • Al Ain: +971 3 7669943 • Amman: +9626 5 626644 • Bahrain: +973 17 225383 / 225282 • Beirut: +961 1 485076/ 511786 • Cairo: +202 5759797 / 5789393 • Chennai: +91 44 52147676 • Dammam: +966 3 8961412 • Delhi: +91 11 2332 4097 / 2332 4087 • Doha: +974 4424579 / 4320509 • Dubai: +971 4 3521777 • Hyderabad: +91 40 23245500 • Jeddah: +966 2 6456893 • Khasab: +968 26731592 • Kochi: +91 484 2358185 • Kuwait: +965 2412284 / 2452796, Ext.103/104/105 • Mumbai: +91 22 22819180 • Muscat: +968 24765129 • Salalah: +968 23292777 • Sharjah: +971 6 5748212 • Thiruvananthapuram: +91 471 2728127 / 2728137

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oman

Cattle Egret about to land at Muntasar oasis

Qitbit offers visitors a chance to spot large number of migratory birds that stop to break their journey between Africa and North West Asia and beyond.

Article by: Michelle Balmer. picture courtesy: Kirsten Holst

A few resident bird species can be found at this

ecologically important destination, but the two

migration seasons falling between March and April

and September and November are the main attraction

for birdwatchers from all over Oman and the rest of

the world.

Birdwatching in Qitbit

�7

Qitbit is located in South West Oman on the edge of the Al-

Rub Al-Khali (Empty Quarter). It is conveniently situated directly

below the bird migration route that passes over the vast and

barren sands. Patches of greenery and water sources, offered

both by Qitbit and nearby areas, prove too enticing for birds to

ignore. This vital haven offers the birdwatcher ample avian activity

to keep them enthralled. Qitbit has been declared an absolute

must on any birdwatcher's itinerary. Birdwatching groups from

France, Britain, Netherlands, Germany and Taiwan have

already experienced the delights of these little known

sanctuaries, and due to the success of their trips, have

significantly contributed to data collection.

Qitbit’s only rest house keeps a record of birds spotted

in its private gardens and surrounding areas. Its ink-filled

pages are testimony to a multitude of sightings in the

region including Golden Eagles, Cattle Egrets, and even

the rare Grey Hypocolious. Data from the Oman Bird

Records Committee shows further evidence of rare birds

spotted in the area such as the White-throated Bee-eater,

Dusky Thrush, Paddyfield Warbler and Cretzchmar’s

Bunting.

Most birdwatchers agree that the Qitbit region is best

known for its consistency in sightings of the Spotted

and Crowned Sandgrouse. Nearby at the Muntasar

oasis, approximately 22km south of Qitbit, the chances

of sighting these birds in large numbers are especially

good. Avid birdwatchers say as many as 800–1000

Sandgrouse come into drink. Experts reveal the best

times to spot Sandgrouse are around 9.00am or 5.00pm.

It is recommended you adhere to these times, otherwise

there is little chance of seeing them; as my photographer

and I discovered, ten minutes late is too late, although

we were delighted by sightings of Little Stint and Cattle

Egret. Other places nearby attracting a variety of birdlife

and worth visiting include Wadi Muqshin, and a small

oasis located less than one kilometre east of the rest

house.

If looking for a break from birdwatching, visitors can

take advantage of the close proximity of the dunes in

the Empty Quarter. Few tourists are aware these sand

dunes are easily accessible by a standard car, although a

four-wheel drive vehicle is advisable. From Qitbit, head

West and journey the 25 kilometres on a graded road to the

nearest sand dunes and take the short walk to reach the sand,

rather than drive off the road. If you are travelling alone, it is best

not to venture off-road, even if you are in a four-wheel drive.

Those adequately prepared with water and fuel and who are

confident with directions, do not need a guide. However

safety precautions one usually takes when travelling in the

interior should still be adhered to.

For more birdwatching action visit Wadi Muqshin and the oasis behind Qitbit rest house

pict

ure

court

esy

: Ia

n H

arri

son

��

Alternatively, a guide can easily be arranged by

contacting the rest house on arrival, while the more

adventurous may wish to head to the dunes near

Muqshin. If you are yearning to visit the Empty Quarter,

without the added complications of heading too far from

civilization, these dunes offer the perfect opportunity to

do so.

The last three to four years has seen an exponential

increase in foreign birdwatchers in and around Qitbit.

Ecotourism in Oman is on the rise and this area is certainly

attracting its fair share of visitors. This important location,

which offers wildlife a haven, is best experienced in

the migratory season as this is when the visitors will be

rewarded with an abundance of avian wildlife, and if

they are lucky enough, an awe-inspiring view of the sand

dunes. What more would an eco traveller want.

WHere To Go: Qitbit Oasis, Muntasar and Wadi Muqshin.

WHeN To Go: During the migration seasons from September to November and March to April.

BeST TIMeS For BIrDwWATCHING: Morning and late afternoon. For Spotted and Crowned Sandgrouse the best times are 9.00am and 5.00pm.

HoW To GeT THere: Qitbit is situated on the Muscat to Salalah Highway (31). To visit the nearby areas a four-wheel drive is recommended, but not essential.

WHere To STAY: Bring your own camping equipment and set up camp at one of the bird-watching spots or nearby sand dunes. Visitors can also stay overnight at Qitbit Rest House Tel: +968 990 85686

uSeFuL INForMATIoN: The Oman Bird Records Committee has a total of 343,000 records. Anyone interested in obtaining more information can contact the Environmental Society of Oman

Tel: +968 244 82121

QitbitBirdwatching Fast Facts

Muntasar oasis for an abundance of birdlife and a chance to see as many as 800w1000 Spotted and Crowned Sandgrouse come into drink

Reflection at Muntasar oasis

20

Would you like to revisit Muscat’s past? A great opportunity awaits those inclined to learn the history of Muscat at the newly opened Bait Al Baranda, near the fish roundabout in Muttrah.

Culture & Heritage

eoNS AWAY: Dinosaur fossils

Here inside the museum, Muscat of yore comes alive.

This heritage structure stands as a reminder of a chequered

past. The structure has an imposing façade with beautiful

detailing. Once inside, you enter a hall with an atrium

adorned with wooden panelling. Malik Al Hinai, museum

director, quickly comes in to the scene. He says: “Bait Al

Baranda presents the story of Muscat from over hundred

million years ago to its present renaissance which began

with the accession of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said

in 1970.” He takes one on a detailed and engaging trip

of the evolution relating to the great city of Muscat. As

you enter there are two rooms on either side which are for

private exhibits, any artist can display his art works, or any

material of historical value here. Bait Al Baranda museum,

(from the local pronunciation of the word verandah) when

literally translated means ‘The Veranda House’.

Bait Al Baranda: Chronicling Muscat through the ages

HISTorICAL ACCouNT: The imposing Bait Al Barandah museum in Muttrah FroZeN IN TIMe: Sepia and latest pictures of Muscat adorn the museum walls

22

The name derives from the distinctive feature of the

verandah extending across the first floor. It is also known as

Bait Nasib after its first owner Nasib bin Mohamed, who built

it in the late 19th century as his alternate residence but never

moved in. The building appears to have been built in two

or three phases: the inscription above the front door dated

1350h (1931 AD) probably gives the construction date of that

front.

In 1909, the house was rented out to the American mission

for use as a clinic. It wasn’t until 1933 when the Al Rahma

hospital was built in nearby Muttrah, that the mission moved

out and the house become inhabited by foreigners only.

The British Council took over the house in 1972 and

renovated it with classrooms, offices, library and other

necessary facilities. Notably in 1979, Bait Al Baranda was

nominated for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

In 2004, Muscat Municipality took over the building and

completed a renovation in October 2006 that turned out into

a visitors’ centre detailing a history of Muscat.

Development over the last 36 years has turned Muscat

into an award-winning city, earning trophies from the United

Nations, Organisation of Arab Cities and the Arab Organisation

for Administration Development. Perhaps it is because of

such achievements that the Muscat Municipality felt the need

to celebrate its city’s history and culture with this centre.

The House has a fantastic history of Muscat to narrate. That

covers everything from plate tectonics, sepia photographs of

Muscat, dinosaurs running amok, the birth of Islam in Oman,

and the occasional colonial invasion. And the tourists can

go around the house sans a guide because of its interactive

features that tell everything at a press of a button. Turn a

wheel and you’ll see the continents float to their present

positions and see where Muscat will be positioned on the

world map in the coming millennia.

INTo THe pAST: Relics on display at Bait Al Barandah museum

encapsulating Muscat of yoreAncient Muscat• Plate tectonics form the beginning of the museum’s story, from

750mn years ago. See how the Gulf of Oman is all what’s left of

what used to be the prehistoric Tethys Ocean.

• The Ras al Hamra archaeological site dates back to 5,000BC. You

can’t actually see the artefacts here in the museum, but it does

print them out for you: shell jewellery, stone hammers, fishing

hooks and burial grounds.

• Some 66 million years ago, dinosaurs and crocodiles inhabited

Al Khoud area which is now dry. Bones of large carnivorous and

small herbivorous dinosaurs were found in Al Khoudh. Look at the

skeleton model, and hear the dinosaur roar.

• People lived in Al Wattaya area of Muscat from as early as 10,000BC.

A variety of tools have been discovered in this area dating back to

the Stone Age.

• The archaeological site at Bowshar documents the settlements

through more than three millennia. There are several tools housed

here.

• You’ll see Qurm build itself, from reed huts to blazing white villas,

Ruwi, from rubble and a lone airstrip to a bustling business district,

and the corniche being developed.

Interesting nuggets of informationOman’s seafarers reached Persia, Iraq, East Africa, Canton, Java,

India, Egypt and Sudan.

The Azd tribes from Yemen migrated to Oman, and settled in Qalhat,

from where they liberated the country from the Persians.

Alexander the Great planned to invade Oman for its frankincense,

but died before he could.

Music and danceDisplays include musical instruments, and shows video of traditional

performances.

CuLTurALLY INVIGorATING: Display of traditional musical instruments

2�

Malik Al Hinai says the Muscat Municipality has major plans.

It will launch a series of incentives and awareness campaign

to make the capital an environment and tourist friendly

city. The museum will conduct a competition for the public

hygiene award among the companies in the city. And in the

coming years it will serve as a full-fledged community centre

organising workshops, lectures and many more activities for

the visitors.

Open to the public, Saturday to Thursday from 9am to 1pm

and 4pm to 6pm. The museum remains closed on Fridays and

public holidays. Entrance fee: Adults: RO1, Children: 500bz

2�

Hideaway

Welcome to the world of natural spa. The concept of wellness

has moved from the realm of simple, traditional massages to

super specialist treatments in the hands of professionals. Forget

all these, head to Rustaq where you can soak your legs in a

hot water spring that is believed to have special health-giving

properties. Yes, Ain Al Kisfa, outside Rustaq town is receiving a

good number of tourists who come to experience the healing

waters.

The Government has made some facilities for people to

lower their legs in the water and experience the warmth. The

Government has also provided other facilities for tourists who

come here from far and wide. Rustaq, which is known for its

massive fort, is two hours drive from Muscat. So, make it a point

to visit Ain Al Kisfa next time you visit Rustaq.

Ain Al Kisfa: the oasis of health

THerApeuTIC: The spring water is believed to have medicinal value

2�

An exposure of 10-15 minutes to sunlight is enough to get a day’s requirement for an adult

Getting too little sunlight interferes with the vitamin D supply

for many people, not just the elderly, whose efficiency at making

the vitamin declines. The sunlit route to making vitamin D is the

most important one for most people.

To strike a balance between useful exposure and necessary

protection from cancer-causing rays, skin specialists recommend

10-15 minutes of exposure to sunlight thrice a week is sufficient for

the human body to produce the required dosage of Vitamin D.

In turn, the vitamin ratchets up the body’s calcium absorption

capacity by as much as 80 per cent.

This period of sun exposure without sunscreen at least two

times a week, making sure the light hits the face, arms, hands

or back, is usually sufficient to provide adequate vitamin D. If

this much sun exposure is not possible, extra care must be taken

to get enough vitamin D through the diet. Only a few foods

are rich sources, among them cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel,

sardines and fortified dairy foods.

Health & Fitness

Sunshine: the natural route to Vitamin D

GooD SourCe: Exposure to sunlight triggers vitamin D synthesis

30

It is well-known that calcium is essential for the human body-

for strong bones and teeth, to fob off osteoporosis (porous

bones), to keep the heart, muscles and nerves functioning

well and even for blood to clot. What is less known is that,

for calcium to do its good work, Vitamin D must pitch in

too. In other words, even copious amounts of calcium will

not help your body unless you combine it with a judicious

consumption of Vitamin D. So, let sunshine in.

It is especially important for post-menopausal women to

know this as they are particularly vulnerable to osteoporosis

and osteomalacia (softening of bones). This information is also

crucial for infants and growing children, because a calcium/

Vitamin D deficiency at this age could cause deformed bones,

characteristic of rickets. Vitamin D is also instrumental in

controlling the movement of calcium between bone and blood

and vice versa.

Vitamin D, also known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ (because the

body manufactures it on exposure to sunlight), is a hormone-

like, fat-soluble vitamin. It regulates the formation of bones and

the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestines.

Doctors recommend that adults aged between 19 and 50 years

require 400 international units (IUs) of Vitamin D per day. Adults

over 50 should receive 800 IUs. An exposure of 10-15 minutes

to sunlight is enough to get a day’s requirement for an adult.

Explains a gynaecologist: “Lactating and expecting women need

about 400-500 IUs of Vitamin D per day. However, since it is

difficult to get enough Vitamin D from food alone, supplements

like multivitamins - which provide 400 IUs of Vitamin D per pill -

or calcium supplements (most of which are Vitamin D-enriched)

may also be taken.”

“In winter, an additional intake of Vitamin D from fortified

foods/supplements is, therefore, strongly recommended. Winter

intakes of about 15 micrograms of Vitamin D per day helps

prevent bone loss.”

Despite all this, precautions to protect our skin so that no

complications arise due to it also need to be taken. Some of

the commonest skin problems experienced during the summer

are sunburn, melasma, prickly heat, etc. So, follow the correct

dosage of getting sunshine.

Vitamin D is instrumental in controlling the movement of calcium between bone and blood and vice versa

General

Enthusiastic campers are in for a treat in Oman as the country boasts endless opportunities for

desert dune escapes in the Al-Rub Al-Khali (Empty Quarter) and the Al-Sharqiyah regions. While

camping in these deserts conjure up images of adventure and enchantment, few realize that to

have a successful journey, extensive preparation is required before you tackle the sands.

Before you go…

Many ‘off-road veterans’ agree that the success of a trip is all in the preplanning. This starts with

vehicle safety checks and inspections of emergency equipment, to making sure your vehicle’s

insurance is covered for off-road driving. Inexperienced dune-drivers may wish to invest in a

desert-driving course which allows for errors to be made in a safe and non-stressful environment

and provides students with an invaluable learning experience. Visitors hiring vehicles can ask

their car rental company about the various short courses on offer. Loading your vehicle also

requires careful thought particularly in regards to weight distribution.

escape by 4WD into the desert

�2

Driving between the dunes is always advised when you can avoid having to go over a big sand dune! Rub Al Khali

Article by: Michelle Balmer. picture courtesy: Kirsten Holst

��

Sand driving requires more fuel than regular road driving,

so many people will need to test their vehicle beforehand,

while visitors will need to ask their rental company about fuel

consumption. It‘s also advisable to bring a jerry can of fuel in case

of an emergency. Finally, it is important to arrange for a back-

up vehicle to travel with you and leave an itinerary and contact

details of your party with a responsible person so that someone

knows your whereabouts.

In the dunes…

The thrill of driving over sand dunes is hard to beat, but safety

is paramount and one must remember never to venture into the

desert alone. Tyre pressure will most likely need to be reduced

to make it easier to drive in sand. It is always the responsibility

of the leading vehicle to wait for the vehicle behind and keep

them within their vision. Anyone who has lost sight of their back-

ensure you have basic desert driving skills and know the capabilities of your vehicle before you leave home

up vehicle in the middle of a desert will tell you it’s a scary

feeling. Try to keep a distance of at least ten car lengths in

between vehicles in case someone needs to stop suddenly

and where possible, always try to stop on a downward slope.

Having a passenger on the lookout for obstacles and assisting

with navigation and looking for oncoming traffic is a great

benefit because it is impossible to see what is on the far side

of a dune.

Additionally, descending vehicles should always give-way to

climbing vehicles. A vertical route (with wheels straight) should

be taken when ascending and descending a dune, as it is

extremely dangerous to cross a dune diagonally. Setting out

in the dunes in the morning or late afternoon usually makes

for easier driving because the sand is generally harder at those

times. Most importantly, if you do feel the vehicle starts to

bog down in soft sand, do not continue to accelerate as the

situation will only worsen.

If you are left wondering whether all the preparation is worth

it, think again. Those who escape to the desert will be rewarded

with an unforgettable experience of sleeping under a blanket

of stars.

essential Vehicle equipment List:Shovel

Tow Rope (ensure this attaches to all vehicles travelling in the party)

GPS (preferable)

Jack & Wheel Brace

Spare Wheel (in good condition)

Base Plate (for jacking in soft sand)

Basic Tool Kit

Jump Leads

Industrial Gloves (required for pushing the car when it is hot to touch)

Tyre Air Compressor & Pressure Gauge

Spotlight

Fire Extinguisher

essential personal equipment:

Water

Food

Clothing

Blanket / Sleeping Bag

Tent with sand pegs (Able to withstand strong

winds)

First Aid Kit

Radio / Phone / Satellite Telephone

Maps

Torch

Compass

Binoculars

Sunscreen

Flares

The last several years have seen the rise of a concept called participative management. It is a

detour from the traditional top-down hierarchical system of control, turning the management

pyramid upside down. Organisations have begun to realise that empowered employees are

the key to unlocking the latent potential.

A CEO of a company says, “If you want to get the benefit of everything employees have,

you have to free them - make everyone a participant.”

Employee empowerment calls for decentralising the decision-making process and delegating

responsibility to the lowest levels of the organisation. This creates a dynamic structure with

a creative and balanced distribution of power. Result: a motivated and committed workforce.

Business Traveller

Organisations have begun to realise that empowered employees are the key to unlocking the latent potential

��

FRUITFUL DISPENSATION: Employees are the key to unlocking the latent potential

empower employees effectively

�7�7

putting them into action

It is not enough to just say ‘employees should participate’. The

management must build avenues that allow workers to take part

in the decision-making process. The policies of the company and

its organisational structure have to be modified to give its staff

opportunities to participate. However, this is not an overnight

process. Change takes time to settle. Often, the employees will

be hesitant and slow in adjusting to their new responsibilities.

They must be encouraged and if necessary, coaxed to start

making choices. One way to do this is to align their individual

goals with those of the company and ultimately, put some

faith in their ability. Workers must be trained to enhance their

problem solving and time management capabilities. Educating

workers about the company policies and developing their skill

sets is essential, if the concept is to work.

Letting them deal with day-to-day problems, such as resolving

customer complaints, troubleshooting, etc; will help them slip

into their new role easier. Proper communication channels are

vital. It keeps employees updated about facts and creates a

means for personnel to air their ideas and suggestions.

Take for instance, General Motors. The gargantuan company

empowered its employees by letting its work teams manage

assembly lines. They are also encouraged to make suggestions

on how to improve the design process.

Responsibility, authority and accountability should go hand-

in-hand. The management should have foresight and guide its

employees in the right direction. It is important to remember

that the management needs to leave some room for error. It is

an inevitable consequence of allowing employees to make their

own decisions, but in the long run, it is a strategy that pays off.

Such structural changes also mean that the middle managers

should be prepared to relinquish their control, as this concept

will definitely cut away at their authority.

The winwwin advantage

“Empowerment pays back exponentially. It is essential for

the holistic growth of any organisation that the employees are

allowed to think independently,” says a management analyst.

Empowering employees will give the management the space

to focus on high-level decisions. They can harness individual

capabilities and capitalise on their creativity and energy. It

will reduce absenteeism, staff turnover and improve overall

performance.

Employee empowerment also generates customer satisfaction

as the staff is authorised to meet their needs at the point of

purchase.

Departing from the traditional command-and-control system

is bound to be a long and arduous journey. However, ethical

governance is a pillar of development. Choosing the ‘road less

travelled’ will indeed prove to be a wise decision!

EFFECTIVE: Employee empowerment calls for decentralising the decision-making process

educating workers about the company policies and developing their skill sets is essential, if the concept is to work

��

Sports

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In this information age, there is nothing in common among kids and that can inculcate in them a sense of traditional value. Traditional games can just do that. Within the context of the continued care extended by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for the revitalisation of Omani heritage and preservation of traditional sports and games, His Majesty the Sultan issued royal orders on the establishment of Omani traditional sports contests during His Majesty’s annual meet-the–people tours.

During His Majesty’s meet-the-people tour held in February this year, the wilayat of Sumail and the wilayat of Ibra hosted traditional sports competitions. The enthusiasm demonstrated by the kids greatly reflected the importance these kids attach to anything traditional.

Oman has its own indigenous sports and games. In a determined bid to promote such games the Ministry of Sports has established the Committee for Traditional Games under it. These games, besides being inexpensive and easy to play, are also fun.

The Minister for Sports Affairs, His Excellency Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, met in November 2006 the UNESCO Director-General to discuss expansion of co-operation in reviving and developing traditional games and sports. So, the coming years can see the full revival of Oman’s traditional games and sports. Here are some of the popular ones:

Al Quraiyya: Twenty players, in two teams of ten each, are involved in this sport. The teams face each other across the ground. The members of the second team are spread out much in the fashion of fielders in a cricket team. A member of the first team strikes hard at a ball with a bat – more of a baseball bat sized stick. The moment the ball has been sent flying, the members of the first team run halfway towards the other team, followed by a rapid withdrawal towards their base line. The second team, meanwhile, has to hit as many of the opposition with the ball that they have acquired after it had been hit.

Revivingoman’s traditional sports

picture courtesy: Ministry of Sports Affairs

TrADITIoNAL GAMe: Reviving Oman's history

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A batsman is allowed three chances to thwack the ball, but if the second team manages to get the entire batting team the roles are reversed and the first team gets a crack at hitting the opposition with the ball.

Al Yous: Al Yous, also known as Bu Halan, is highly popular in Dhofar and the Batinah and requires agility. Simple in nature, this sport too involves two teams. The two teams stand facing each other. The second team has to touch at least one member of the first and then run back about 40m without getting any of its own members caught by the opposition. Four such attempts are followed by a reversal of roles. The team with the higher number of members who escaped being caught by the opposition wins.

Al Halein: Al Halein involves two teams of eight players each, with six on the field and two in reserve. The game is played in a circle of 3.5m radius. While the six members of one team stay within the circle, the six from the other team hover around it. The first team has to try and pull a member of the team outside the circle into it. Having done that, the member who has been pulled into the circle engages in a bout of freestyle wrestling with a member of the opposing team. The players keep wrestling till one of them falls. The game is hugely popular in the Batinah, Dakhliyah and Dhahirah regions.

As Sayyad: As Sayyad, like Al Quraiyya and Al Yous, involves two teams of ten players each. As Sayyad is played on a 20m long court similar to the one for tennis, in halves of 15 minutes. Players from one team are split further to form two sub-teams that stand at either end of the court, with the opposition placed between the two sub-teams. Players from the first team strike at members of the other team with two tennis balls. Players from the second team who are struck by the ball have to leave the court. If all the members of the second team have been struck before the end of the half, the first team has the option of calling the second team back onto the court and then replaying the entire sequence till the end of the half. At the end of the allotted 15 minutes the roles are reversed, with the second team

now trying to hit members of the first team with the tennis balls. The team that manages to clear the most of the opposition from the court is the winner.

Al Doha: This game is played in a court made of two concentric circles and involves two teams of six members each. While the players of the first team stand in the inner circle, which is about three metres in diameter, the opposition stands in the outer circle, about seven metres in diameter. Players inside the inner circle try and pull others in the outer circle, inside. With positions being changed at intervals of seven minutes, the team that has managed to pull more of the opposition into the inner circle wins the game. Al Doha is quite popular in the Batinah, Dakhliyah and Dhahirah regions.

Al Laqqad: Yet another game involving two teams of ten players each, Al Laqqad is played all over the Sultanate and is easily the most popular of them all. A team of raiders, comprising nine players and a leader, are required to reach a flagpole that is placed 20m into the opposition’s territory. Sounds simple enough, except that the players are only allowed the use of a single leg. Played in the best of three format and involving high physical contact between the teams, Al Laqqad involves tackles that are akin to those seen on rugby fields.

Al Arty: Each of the two eight-member teams sends a player into a circle of seven metre diameter. Once inside the circle the players must hop about on one leg and try to push the opposition out of the circle. Whenever a player falls, another replaces him. Eventually, the team with the most members left standing wins. Al Arty is played in halves of seven minutes.

In a determined bid to promote such games, the Ministry of Sports has established the Committee for Traditional Games under it

Al Quraiyya game As Sayyad game

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Fun Corner

Humour“Waiter, send the chef here. I wish to complain

about this disgusting meal.” Waiter: “Am afraid

you will have to wait, sir. He just went out for his

dinner.”

The visitor to the art museum said to the guard:

“And this, I suppose, is one of the ugly caricatures

you call modern art!” “No, sir,” said the guard,

“that is just a mirror!”

Inviting a friend to his wedding anniversary party,

the host explained, “we are on the seventh floor

apartment D. Hit the buzzer with your elbow.”

“Okay, but why should I use my elbow?” asked

the puzzled friend. “You don’t mean you are

coming empty handed?”

Fascinating facts If the world’s total land area were divided equally among the world’s people, each person would get about 8.5 acres.

Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world combined.

When frightened, sharks swim in a figure eight.

Though the US has just five per cent of the world’s population, it has 70 per cent of the world’s lawyers.

PICTURESQUE: A lake in Canada

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1 w 4 May 2007 w Arabian Travel Market, Dubai, uAe: It will be the largest travel event in the Arab Gulf Countries, and the only one to serve the whole Pan-Arab region. The long established Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is entering its fourteenth year as a foremost regional industry forum for in-bound, out-bound and intra-regional tourism, attracting international representation from all over the world. It is being held at Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

1w31 May: South Sinai Camel Festival, egypt: Camels provide some of the speediest and bumpiest racing as any well-seasoned traveller unfortunate enough to have had their bones vigorously shaken will testify.

1 Mayw31 october: North Sinai Diving, egypt: North Sinai offers the diver a very different experience to the more developed diving areas further south. The clear waters offer perfect visibility and some of the least spoilt reefs off the Egyptian coast.

3w7 May: Kids Kingdom, Mumbai, India: Keep the kids quiet by taking them to the annual Kids Kingdom event at the World Trade Centre in Mumbai.

23 May: Banganga Fair, Jaipur, India: Celebrating the full-moon day of Vaishakh season, the annual Banganga Fair near the historical town of Bairath in Jaipur attracts many thousands of devotees.

25 May w 3 June: World Book Fair, Singapore: The World Book Fair held at the Suntec Centre in Singapore is the largest and most popular in South East Asia. JunewSeptember: Dubai Summer Surprises: Second only to the frenzied bargain-hunting of the Dubai Shopping Festival in spring, Dubai Summer Surprises is an event which encourages visitors to shop, save and celebrate during ten weeks of entertainment. 16w19 June: Thailand Travel Mart: The Impact Exhibition Centre in Bangkok hosts this annual exhibition showcasing Thailand’s travel and tourism industry. 27 June: rath Yatra, puri, India: Each year, the 12th-century temple town of Puri in Eastern Indian state of Orissa transforms under the weight of one of India’s most impressive festivals, which draws hundreds of thousands of ecstatic devotees from all over the subcontinent. 30 June: Champakulam Boat race, Kerala, India: Kerala’s winding stretches of backwater are famous for their native boat races, held during harvest. The centuries-old Champakulam boat race in Alappuzha is the first of the season and marks the beginning of a month of festivities.

Funny signson a plumber’s truck: ‘We repair what

your husband fixed’.

pizza shop slogan: ‘7 days without pizza

makes one weak.’

In a nonwsmoking area: ‘If we see smoke,

we will assume you are on fire and take

appropriate action.’

International events

What is Bluetooth?

It is a new technology originally created with the aim of doing

away with cables in computers.

Bluetooth can change all that. The technology is based on a

small, cheap radio chip. It can replace cables by taking the

information normally carried by the cable and transmitting it at

a special frequency to a receiver Bluetooth chip which will give

the information to the printer, phone, etc.

The originators of the idea soon realised that Bluetooth could

be used for a variety of other operations - for transmitting

data from a mobile phone to a printer for

example, or even from a printer to

a printer.

The name honours the

10th century Danish king,

Harold Blatand (translated

as Bluetooth in English)

who united Denmark and

Holland.

The originator of Bluetooth

technology, Ericsson, which has its

headquarters in Sweden is trying to unify

the telecom and computing industries.

BlueAnt V12 Bluetooth

headsetCombining the magic of Bluetooth with the wonders of Caller ID, a new wireless headset lets you see who is calling right on the earpiece. The BlueAnt V12 Bluetooth headset has a backlit LCD screen that displays the phone

number of the caller alongside other information like battery and volume levels. The lightweight V12 is available for about $60 from retailers and sites listed at www.myblueant.com.

Tech Capsule

Canon’s new megawcam, the EOS-1D Mark III does not capture more pixels than other cameras, just better ones. Canon says its 10-mega pixel CMOS sensor (for complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) has bigger micro-lenses over each picture element, so more light from the subject is recorded. The sensitivity allows high-quality photography in very dim light, or the use of a very long lens without a tripod. The EOS-1D Mark III is also the first dual-processor camera.

LG’s iconic Shine phone

JuST larger than a deck of cards, Franklin’s top-of-the-line Speaking Global Translator can order sushi for you, in 12 languages.The device, found at www.franklin.com, uses a real human voice instead of

a synthesizer to speak typed words in English, Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. According to Franklin, the device can speak up to 450,000 words. Other features include an MP3 player, an alarm clock for multiple time zones, a calculator and a lottery-number generator.

The featurewrich, slim LG Shine phone is designed with a sophisticated, yet highly trendy “styled in metal” concept. It is a super-slim handset with a trendy mirrored LCD front that magically transforms into a high-quality colour screen when the phone is activated. The super-slim and sleek design belies its high-tech functionality which includes a 2.0 mega pixel camera and a convenient scroll key function on the front. The latest piece totes reassuringly clunky keys and sports a super smart roll bar for navigating menus.

Franklin Translator

�2

Canon’s new dual processor camera

At one time the Fox and the Stork were on visiting terms and seemed very good friends. So the Fox invited the Stork to dinner, and for a joke put nothing before her but some soup in a very shallow dish. This the Fox could easily lap up, but the Stork could only wet the end of her long bill in it, and left the meal as hungry as when she began. “I am sorry,” said the Fox, “the soup is not to your liking.”

“Pray do not apologise,” said the Stork. “I hope you will return this visit, and come and dine with me soon.” So a day was appointed when the Fox should visit

the Stork; but when they were seated at table all that was for their dinner was contained in a very long-

necked jar with a narrow mouth, in which the Fox could not insert his snout, so all

he could manage to do was to lick the outside of the jar.

“I will not apologise for the dinner,” said the Stork.

Moral: “One bad turn deserves another.”

Kiddies' Corner

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The Fox and the Stork

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eCowTourISM/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 30°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).

INForMATIoNMinistry of Tourism: P. O. Box 200, Postal Code 115, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Tel: +968 24588700Fax: +968 24588819 www.omantourism.gov.ominfo@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 INwFLIGHT 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 seletion 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 seletion 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.