Hi Weekly - 27 November 2015

DINE DIFFERENT

EMBARK ON A CREATIVE QUESTSearch for the perfect piece of local art and learn about Oman’s creative community along the way. PAGE 22

SOUND THE RETREAT Meet the Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace, Muscat’s newest stress-free hideaway. PAGE 8

THISWEEK IN

OMAN

VOL 9 ISSUE 32 / NOVEMBER 27, 2015

PLAY LIKE YOU MEAN ITGet serious about your gaming with the latest and greatest in the capital. PAGE 12

MUSCAT’S MODERN SUSHI HOUSES ARE SERVING UP A WORLD OF NEW FLAVOURS

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FounderEssa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali

ChairmanMohamed Issa Al Zadjali

CEOAhmed Essa Al Zedjali

Chief Executive EditorScott Armstrong

Executive Features EditorFelicia Campbell

Features Production Editor Swati Dasgupta

EditorHubert Vaz

Senior EditorsT. A. Ameerudheen

Faisal Mohammed Naim

Chief Sub-EditorsMohammed Shafeeqe, Ashish Dubash

Online EditorMahran Shaukat Ali

Multimedia Editorial AssistantShruthi Nair

Chief Creative OfficerAdonis Durado

Associate Art DirectorWaleed Rabin

Graphic EditorAntonio Farach

Design EditorSahir K.M.

Lead DesignerAli Jani

DesignersAntonio Ismael Sandiego

Geri Batara SonnyGregory Fernandez

Director of Digital TelevisionJoe Morrison

PhotographyMMG Photographers

Chief Sales OfficerRichard Pakenham

Head Of Advertising & MarketingAziz K. Baker

Production ManagerShafi Shaik

On The CoverPhotography and Design by Ali Jani

For general inquiries or comments:[email protected]

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Tell us what you’re doing this weekend:

Tweet us @HiWeekly_Oman; tag us in your weekend

instagram photos @hiweekly_oman;

or share with us on FB/hiweekly

26 27 28THURSDAY

7:30pm Attend a BallIt’s time again for the annual

Caledonian Society’s St. Andrews Ball, where you

can try out some ‘jigs and reels’ (Scottish dancing, enjoy an evening of folk

melodies by a Scottish Ceilidh band specially

flown in, and feast on a sumptuous traditional

Scottish dinner featuring haggis and other Scottish

delicacies.Intercontinental Muscat

+968 9671 1908

caledoniansocietyofoman

@gmail.com

Take in aBollywood Flick

Sajid Nadiadwala’s latest romantic film directed

by Imtiaz Ali - Tamasha, starring Ranbir Kapoor

and Deepika Padukone, hits theatres this weekend.

Catch Bollywood’s mischievous duo fall in

love in the French island of Corsica.

City Cinemas

+968 2460 7360

citycinemaoman.net

FRIDAY SATURDAY

THE WEEKEND

LINEUP Catch the hottest events that are happening this week in our calendar.

4:00pm Sail at SunsetEnjoy a splendid view of the Muscat coastline in a sunset

dhow trip, organised by Al Massa Events, leaving from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha at 4:00pm and returning at

6:00pm this Thursday.Marina Bandar

+968 9656 4997

facebook: Al-Massa-Events

Visit Daymaniyat IslandsTake a two-day excursion

to the famous Daymaniyat Islands for a weekend of diving, snorkelling, and

a luxurious stay at the Millennium Resort Musannah

with Arcon Diving group.Millennium Resort Musannah

+968 2687 1555

arcon-diving.com

Catch Muscat Fashion Weekend

Muscat City Centre is celebrating the 20th

anniversary of the City Centre brand with a

three-day fashion and beauty event (Nov

26-28). Catch the final day and enjoy a runway

show displaying the latest trends and looks from

the international brands housed in the mall’s

new wing.Muscat City Centre

+968 2455 8888

citycentremuscat.com


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Going out of town to

see any of these events? Tag us on Instagram

@hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on

facebook.com/hiweekly

Broadcasting the best events in the GCC (November 26, 27, 28)

K H A L E E J I H A P P E N I N G S

FIVETO TRY FUN ZONE

Fun Zone is an all-purpose gaming and amusement zone

that is open every day from 9am to 12 midnight.

funzoneoman.com +968 2466 2951

HAPPY LANDWith fun rides and arcade

games, Happy Land at Muscat Grand Mall is open from 9am-10pm (Sun-Wed), 9am-12pm

(Thurs), 12am-12pm (Fri), and 9am-11pm (Sat)+968 2200 9520/21

FANTASIAFantasia is a ‘fun park’ in Markaz

Al Bahja that features video games, rides, and consoles and is open from 9am to 11pm, Saturday

to Thursday and Friday, 2pm to 11pm.

+968 9944 6828

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MAGIC PLANETThe new, renovated Magic Planet

in Muscat City Centre offers video games and redemption games for kids and teenagers from 10am-11pm weekdays,

Thursday and Friday 10am-12am.playmania/magicplanet.com

+968 9211 4858

ALMIRA GAMING ZONEThis Salalah-based gaming zone has 12 custom built gaming PC’s, all of which are packed with the latest video games. It is open

from 2pm-5pm, daily. +968 9575 0395

Thursday, November 26Runway Dubai Season III (Dubai)

Runway Dubai, a recognisable entity in the Dubai fashion scene, will be hosting the third season of their fashion show to provide local designers a platform to express their creativity. Watch the show to stay in-the-know about the lastest and greatest local fashion brands and their creators. Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa

+971 55301 5050; runwaydubai.com

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Thursday, November 26International Coffee & Chocolate

Exhibition (Riyadh)Coffee and chocolate lovers have the opportunity to check out some of the best new international products at this expo that brings together the world of coffee and chocolate under one roof. visitors can taste, shop, and explore all aspects of these dark passions for three days (November 26-28).Riyadh Palace of Exhibitions and Conference

+966 55879 1293, coffeechoco-expo.com

02

Friday, November 273rd Red Bull Flugtag (Dubai)

Attend the Red Bull Flugtag, a colourful human-powered flying competition that provides flying enthusiasts a chance to entertain spectators with fancy flying machines that take off from a 6 metre-high flight deck. The amature “pilots” are expected to try to soar as long as they can before plunging into the waters of the Dubai creek.Dubai Creek Park

+971 4299 5151; redbullflugtag.com

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Friday, November 27Qatar’s Strongest Man Contest (Qatar)

Head to Aspire Park to witness the 3rd edition of Qatar’s Strongest Man competition for which a group of ten of the most physically powerful men from all over Qatar will come on a common dais to showcase their strength and endurance with tasks like Truck Pulling, Sand Bag Lifting, Giant Wheel Tyre Pushing, Weight Lifting (150kg), and Car Lifting.Aspire Park, Near Burgeri

+974 4413 8106; [email protected]

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Saturday, November 28Parade Downtown Dubai (Dubai)

Join in the The Emaar Parade Downtown Dubai to celebrate UAE’s National Day, in a march that takes participants, including families, biker clubs, schools, government entities, and NGOs, down Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard

+971 4450 7600; mydowntowndubai.com

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What would your ultimate spa day look like? Show us on

Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on

facebook.com/hiweekly

Things don’t often go perfectly in life, even at the spa. Sometimes the massage is too rough,

the facial products interact badly with your skin, or the spaces beyond the sanctuary of your treatment room are less than tranquil (I know, I know, cue violins). But, from the moment I began follow-ing the Zen-like, modern falaj through the outer gates of the new Al Bustan spa, walking through a rock and cactus gar-den, and entering the crisp-white structure through a heavy, traditional Omani door, everything seemed to go right for me.

I was greeted and lead to a comfortable, modern majlis, my sofa positioned to look di-rectly out of a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the royal blue sea below. A tray of hot ginger tea, water, dates, and nuts was presented along with

a pre-treatment preferences survey. I sipped my tea and filled out the short form before being lead to my therapy room.

In it I had access to my own personal steam room, shower, and bathroom adjacent to the softly lit treatment area. (Had I wanted to spend more time relaxing, pre-treatment I could have taken advantage of the expansive women’s changing facilities, which fea-tures an ice bath, hammam, infrared sauna, traditional sauna, and steam room, but I was eager to get the kinks in my neck rubbed out.) My therapist entered, and I had one of the most perfectly ex-ecuted massages of my entire life. This may have been due in part to the extensive pre-treatment preferences sheet I filled out, but I mostly attrib-ute it to the expertise of my therapist, who at the slightest cringe of pain on my part, ad-

justed her pressure. She left me on my heated treatment table and sent in my facial therapist who administered the least traumatic facial of my life. No poking or prod-ding or torture—the anti-age-ing treatments were applied through facial massage after a facial steam. While the tonics worked their magic, I dosed off as the therapist gave me a foot massage.

Though my treatments were finished, my bliss continued as I meandered through the perfectly balanced modern-Omani designed halls of the retreat, weaving my way up to the private, ladies-only pool that peeks out over the cliffs to the private ladies’ beach. The air was filled with the clean aroma of lemongrass, and whether I was sitting in the sea-view majlis or by the pool, I was treated with lemon, cucumber, and mint-scented

water, hot ginger tea platters, and, after my treatments, a hot neck wrap. My relaxation was effortless because the service and attention to detail of the staff was rigorous. A day spent in this kind of setting is as restorative as a weekend away, maybe more-so.

As I laid back on a plush lounge looking out over the rolling waves below, I began thinking of all the women I wanted to bring back to this oasis with me…my best friend for her birthday, my mother when she comes to visit, per-haps even my brother who could enjoy the gentleman’s treatment area. I wanted to find as many excuses as I could to return to this world where for a few hours, per-haps even an entire day, I could rest knowing every-thing would be taken care of, including me. —[email protected]

Six Senses at Al Bustan Palace is not a spa. At 3,500 square feet, surrounded by pristine gardens, a private beach, and housing a member’s-only wellness

club in addition to 17 treatment rooms, it is a destination all its own. Story Felicia Campbell Photography Shabin E.

S TAY CAT I ON

SIX SENSES SPA, AL BUSTAN PALACE

LIVING THE FANTASY

10 H I W E E K L Y V O L U M E 9 I S S U E 3 2N O V E M B E R 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

10.00 Sleep late and head to the spa. Enjoy ginger tea, dates, nuts, and floral water while you are checked in.

10.30 Sit in the steam room, or if you are feeling bold, take an ice bath followed by a warm shower and steam (the icy wa-ter is said to help promote cell rejuvenation). Lay down on one of the plush lounges and read a magazine or nap while you wait to be escorted to your treatment room.

11.30 Begin your day of beauty with a “clarity” body scrub, which uses local frankin-cense to exfoliate your skin and soothe your mind.

12.20 Relax as an expert massage therapist rubs all your aches and pains away.

13.10 Choose from a menu of facials from anti-ageing to “rose crystal”, which uses acupressure for maximum relaxation.

14.00 Finish-off your beauty treatments with a mani-pedi.

15.30 Sit in the relaxation lounge and order a salad or light sandwich for lunch. Sip on fresh juice while your nails dry.

16.30 Walk down to the beach to lay-out on a lounge chair. Listen to the waves crashing and watch sailboats float by.

17.15 Take a dip in the infinity pool and watch the sun set over the ocean.

18.00 Steam, sauna, shower, and take your time getting ready in the luxurious, fully-equipped dressing room.

19.30 You look and feel too good to go straight home. Walk down to the Beach Pavilion lounge at Al Bustan beach to have a light nibble and a beverage. Listen to the resident DJ spin tracks, feel the cool ocean breeze on your freshly buffed skin, sigh hap-pily, and extend your beachy bliss as long as you possibly can. —[email protected]

There are many ways to escape at Six Senses Al Bustan Palace, from single treatments and day passes to annual memberships. Here’s my guide to a perfect day away:

11H I W E E K L Y V O L U M E 9 I S S U E 3 2N O V E M B E R 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

A day pass to the female-only retreat is OMR25 per person for use of all spa facilities – sauna, steam room, ice fountain, infrared sauna, ladies gym, indoor pool, and private ladies beach. The 4-hour Beauty Ritual package includes body scrub, massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure as well as access to the saunas and relaxation areas of the spa for OMR136. A treatment room with private sauna and changing area can be booked at no additional cost. Be sure to come early to your appointments to take full advantage of this wonderful property.

For a full menu of services visit ritzcarlton.com. For prices, call the spa at +968 2479 3030.

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Play Like a ProPHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI

Long gone are the days when the only choices for home gamers were Atari, Sega, and Nintendo.

With next-generation gaming gear that offers total immersion with state-of-the-art graphics,

sound-enhancing accessories, and even controllers and chairs that vibrate in sync with the action

on screen, it’s no wonder that gaming has become as much a lifestyle as it is a hobby. To have an

enhanced experience, you gotta have the right gear, so we raided Geekay Games to bring you

our picks for the best consoles and accessories in the Sultanate. [email protected]

GAEMS – G155 PORTABLE GAMING MONITOR

A clever combination of a rugged case and a HD monitor makes this accessory the go to for travel gaming. OMR 114.900

XBOX ONE CONSOLE LIMITED EDITION HALO 5: GUARDIANS

Microsoft is also celebrating one of it’s flagship franchises for the Xbox with this 1TB custom console with it’s distinctive metallic blue accents themed after Halo 5 protagonist, Spartan Locke. OMR 185

FUNKO POP! SPIDERMAN VINYL BOBBLE HEADThe Japanese super deformed (chibi) style of these toys is all the rage. Reason enough to get one OMR 5

MOJANG MINECRAFT CREEPER

The creeper from Minecraft game is one of those villains that gamers secretly love. OMR 12.500

THRUSTMASTER T500RS DRIVING SIMULATOR This Force feedback steering wheel enhances the experience for any racing game with its life-like vibrations. It comes with a solid metallic pedal set and the official Gran Turismo and Playstation licences for the ultimate, realistic driving experience. OMR 241.500

XBOX ONE LIMITED EDITION HALO 5: GUARDIANS – THE MASTER CHIEF WIRELESS CONTROLLER This controller feature the signature green and metallic orange accents of the Master Chief ’s armour, in a nod to Halo’s most iconic character. OMR 28.990

MARVEL UNIVERSE IRON MAN MARK VII FIGURINENo Marvel fan’s collection would be complete without an Iron Man figurine. OMR 62.900

DUAL SHOCK 4 WIRELESS CONTROLLER 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION 2015 marks 20 years since the first Playstation was released, this special edition controller combines the sleek DualShock 4 style with the original PlayStation console design. OMR 30.900

ASTRO A40 GAMING HEADSET The strongest feature of this Dolby 7.1 Surround headset resides in its own mixer/amplifier, allowing gamers to have complete control of the game and communications audio. OMR 99.900

PS4 CONSOLE MGS V: THE PHANTOM PAIN LIMITED EDITION This collector edition console comes in a distinctive deep red with gold line detail, inspired by the look of Snake’s bionic arm. It comes bundled with a special metallic grey controller as well as the Day 1 Edition of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. OMR 179.900

RAZER NAGA EXPERT MMO MOUSEWith its 12 fully programmable buttons grid, the Naga expert has established itself as a must for any MMO games fan. OMR 37.500

TURTLE BEACH STEALTH 500P GAMING HEADSETLong rechargeable battery life for over 15 hours, crystal clear wireless sound and microphone monitoring to prevent shooting make the 500P a very comfortable gaming headphone. OMR

41.900

PLAYSEAT: ULTIMATE GAMING SEAT For those who are looking to immerse themselves into the ultimate racing without the hassle of a slippery pedal or the disappointment of a cheap trembling wheel attached to a desk. OMR 82.500

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RAZER BLACK WIDOW ULTIMATE KEYBOARDThis keyboard packs all the features that PC gamers look for; mechanical switches, individual backlit keys and anti-ghosting function. OMR 28.990

METAL GROUND SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES ACTION FIGURINE Snake from the Metal Gear Solid series is rendered with great detail and with help of a new joint system can accommodate multiple poses. OMR 53.500

We found our gear at Geekay Games geekaygames.com

Muscat City Centre (+968 2455 8496/97), Qurum City Centre (+968 2447 0498/99),

and Avenues Mall (+968 2206 3900/01)

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ROUGH & TUMBLESTORY FAISAL MOHAMMED NAIM | PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI

SPLASH DNMPAPAL-15-SF This technologically advanced pair of low rise, slim fit with sun wash neutralises odour causing bacteria, provides UV protection, and decomposes organic dirt in presence of sunlight. Style-wise, the acid wash tone looks quite jazzy. Splash, Al Khuwair +968 9672 5845splashfashions.com/enOMR 14.500

PEPE LONDON One of the bestselling Pepe models, the London features a slim fit, low waist, and straight leg. These jeans have a leather Union Jack appliqué on one of the back pockets and a striking Pepe Jeans London emblem detail on the coin pocket.Jolly Silks, Ruwi High Street +968 2470 4897jollysilks.comOMR42.400*

*with current discount

SPLASH DNMBADGE 1Deep blue, worn-wash, and loaded with badges, this pair is one of a kind. Featuring low rise with slim fit, they would go perfect with riding boots for a complete rebel look.Splash, Al Khuwair+968 9672 5845splashfashions.com/enOMR 31.500

LEVI STRAUSS 504A modern straight fit the 504s sit below the waist with a slimmer leg is made with strong, stretch fabric that is water repellent, and features a higher back rise for coverage while riding.Jolly Silks, Ruwi High Street

+968 2470 4897

jollysilks.comOMR 30.800*


LEE POWELLThe low-waist brother of Lee’s regular slim fit, Daren, the Powell features slim fit, low waist, and straight leg, for a classic jean fit that pairs equally well with a semi-formal button-up or a casual t-shirt.Jolly Silks, Ruwi High Street +968 2470 4897 jollysilks.com OMR 37.500*


NORTH COAST 31576-89 BY MARKS & SPENCER Sitting just below the waist, relaxed through the thighs and hips, this one will become the backbone of your wardrobe. Marks & Spencer, City Centre Muscat (Seeb), +968 2455 8455, MarksandSpencerME.com

OMR14.500


Jeans, a staple of almost every ward-robe the world over, were originally designed for cowboys and miners until

they caught the fancy of teenagers in the 1950s and quickly became an icon of casual dress. Typically made from denim fabric or Dungaree, jeans are still worn as protective garments by ranchers and motorcycle riders, but now these comfortable, durable pants come in endless style and colour options for the fashion-conscious. Torn or worn or crisp and new, skinny, tapered, slim, straight, boot-cut, cigarette bottom, narrow bottom, low waist, anti-fit, flare, the list goes on and on. And the best way to care for this ward-robe essential? Don’t wash them. Ever.

“If you talk to real denim aficionados, they tell you don’t wash your blue jeans,” said

Chip Berg, the CEO of the world’s oldest jeans brand, Levi Strauss & Co., “The pair I’m wearing are a-year-old and have yet to see a washing machine.” Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger, concurs, stating in an inter-view that he never washes his Levi’s.

So you might be wondering how to keep your beloved blues fresh. Experts recom-mend eliminating odour by spritzing jeans with white vinegar and hanging them out to air dry and killing bacteria by putting jeans (turned inside-out) in the freezer overnight once per month. Washed or not, faded or dark as the day you bought them, jeans might just be the most universal item in a man’s wardrobe. Here are a few great ones, avail-able here in Muscat, to add to your collec-tion. —[email protected]

WRANGLER VEGASSlick and super trendy, the Vegas skinny jeans has a classic, close-fitting design with a low rise and a contoured leg. A very slight fade over the knees and orange stitching adds subtle, interesting detail. Pair them with a white tee and boat shoes for an indie-inspired look. Jolly Silks, Ruwi High Street +968 2470 4897jollysilks.com OMR 35.100*



Will you be dining in or dining out this week?

Share with us your innovatively mouthwatering dishes and their

recipe on facebook.com/hiweekly or tweet us @HiWeekly_Oman

or tag us in your instagram photos @hiweekly_oman

Ask anyone who’s been in Muscat for a while about where to get good sushi and you’ll no

doubt be pointed toward Tokyo Taro, the oldest Japanese restaurant in Oman, where you can enjoy hibachi, bento boxes, sashimi, and sushi rolls in a traditional Japanese-style dining room set atop the Al Falaj Hotel in Ruwi (+968 2470 2311, omanhotels.com). But there is a new crop of sushi restaurants popping up around the city whose focus is not on tradition, but on modern variations of the all-mighty sushi roll.

Rolls are one of life’s greatest pleasures; they are light, fun to eat, and pretty to look at. At Chez Sushi, a new fast-casual chain with outlets at The Wave and in Al Qurum, you can create your own sushi rolls (which are 2-for-1 for ladies every Tuesday) or choose from one of the restaurant’s signature spins, like the salmon or tuna wrapped sushi that swaps rice for thick cuts of prime, raw seafood.

Offering a fresh twist on the traditional Japanese restaurant, the newest addition to the sushi circuit, Zen Asian Bistro, features sunken seating and a wide menu of pan-Asian dishes. Located on the second floor of The Avenues Mall in Ghubra, Zen offers both traditional sashimi and classic rolls, along with a lineup of wildy popular "special rolls," like the decadent Godzilla, stuffed with shrimp tempura, avocado, and cream cheese and topped with fried eel tempura, and the Green Dragon, another tempura-stuffed creation that is topped with thin slices of avocado, a generous slathering of spicy mayo, and a dusting of crunchy tempura flakes. These rolls, as with many on the special menu, contain no raw seafood, making them much more accessible to sushi novices.

Head out for sushi this weekend and try something new and different. When you're done with your meal, I have no doubt you'll lean back and let out a satisfied gochisosamadeshita (it was quite a feast). —[email protected]

N E W K I D S O N T

ZEN GREEN DRAGON ROLL

Roll with prawn

tempura, crabstick,

eel, cucumber, spring

onion, teriyaki sauce,

sliced avocado on top,

and tempura flakes

OMR 4.200

CHEZ SUSHI SALMON WRAP

ROLLSalmon wrap

with crab, jalapeno, cucumber, siracha, and

yuzu dressingOMR 4.100

CHEZ SUSHI CALIFORNIA ROLL Roll with crab, avocado,

cucumber, mayo and sesame seedsOMR 3.700

STORY FELICIA CAMPBELL | PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI


SERVES 2-4

California rolls, made of sushi rice, avocado, cucumber, and crab, were actually created in California by a Japanese chef who couldn’t find the sushi-grade raw fish he needed to make traditional raw fish rolls. The fact there isn’t any raw fish in them makes them a safe option for home cooks, but as it is pretty difficult to source seaweed, nori, and bamboo mats here in Muscat, we developed this Spicy California Roll-inspired salad for those wanting to dine-in this weekend.

INGREDIENTS• 3 tbsp mayonnaise• 1 tsp sriracha (or any spicy Thai

chilli sauce), more to taste• 1 tsp wasabi sauce• 1/2 a lemon, juice only• 10 oz bag of lettuce, cabbage, or spin-

ach, cleaned and chopped• Cucumber, sliced into thin “match-

sticks”• 1/2 to 1 avocado• 4 sticks of imitation crab stick,

shredded with fork• Toasted sesame seeds (if untoasted,

just heat in a dry pan over medium flame until they become fragrant)

• Cooked jasmine rice (Optional)

PREPARATIONIn the bottom of a large serving bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha (more to suit your taste), and wasabi sauce; add the juice of 1/2 a lemon and mix sauce well.

Add all the greens and cucumber to the bowl and toss until coated in dressing. Top with avocado slices and shredded crab stick; sprinkle with sesame seeds to taste. Serve salad on its own or over a bit of jasmine rice for a light meal.

SPICY SUSHI SALAD

H E B L O C K

ZEN ASIAN BISTROAvenues Mall, 2nd Floor, Bausher, Muscat, Oman

+968 2206 0200 | Hours: 10:30am-10:30pm | zenbistro.asia

CHEZ SUSHI QURUM Al Qurum: Badr Al Qurum Building, Sayh Al Malih Street, PDO Road

The Wave: Seeb

+968 8007 8744 | Hours: 12:00pm to 12:00am | chezsushioman.com

CHEZ SUSHI TUNA WRAP ROLL

Tuna wrap with crab,

avocado, cucumber

and spicy lemon

dressing

OMR 4.000

ZEN GODZILLA ROLL

Shrimp and eel tempura, avocado,

cream cheese, unagi sauce, and white

sesameOMR 4.400

ZEN CALIFORNIA ROLL

Roll with crabstick, avocado, cucumber, asparagus, orange

tobiko, and Japanese mayo

OMR 3.900



Pouty or playful — women across the globe have long vied for perfect lips: painting, pumping, and pencilling to achieve the latest trendy shapes, voluminous size, smooth texture,

and even colour. Fifty years ago, the only solution was to outline lips with colour. A decade ago, Angelina Jolie’s bee-stung lips sent women fl ooding into their doctor’s offi ces for injections; and recently an on-line video demonstrating Kylie Jenner’s supposed secret to pout perfection had young women sucking on soda bottles un-til their lips were awkwardly blown out of proportion. The results of this viral video were disturbing, with many damaging the delicate skin on their mouths. But the good news is, after years of research, there are now plenty of safe, non-invasive ways to get luscious lips.

Dr Maria Veiga of the Kaya Skin Clinic here in Muscat helped to develop a new combination of treatments that launches next week called Kaya Lipcraft. Lipcraft combines three common treatments into one pout-perfecting package for fullness, satin-smoothness, and colour and tone evenness. I spoke to her to fi nd out ex-actly what this three-part lip-perfection process entails. —[email protected]

The Three Elements of Lipcraft

FILLER: Dermal fi llers are injected into the lips to give it a defi nite shape and vol-ume. The most common fi llers today are those that contain hyaluronic acid which are natural acids found in the body that help to increase volume in the lips.

PEEL: Chemical peels are used to exfoliate dead cells, reduce vertical lines and frown lines around the mouth, and smooth the texture of the lips. These are gentle on the lips and the results are visible immedi-ately, especially on those with skin damage due to over exposure to the sun, pollution, or smoking.

LASER: Laser treatments help to break down pigmentation and lighten dark spots on lips. This cosmetic procedure makes lips lighter, brighter, and pinker.

Lipcraft packages are OMR180 and results last for 6 to 12 months. Contact Kaya Skin Clinic in Shatti Al Qurum for a lip consultation (+968 2460 1700).

STORY SHRUTHI NAIR

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I

is a danger-ous disease,

but you needn’t be scared of it, you need to learn how to manage it. You have to compensate for every extra calorie you consume with exercise,” said Hassan Yahya Al Behani, a resident of Azai-ba who has been effectively managing his Type II Diabetes Mellitus for the past three years.

Discovering the DiseaseIt was two days before my birthday (December 25) in 2012, when I went to a supermarket with my wife, I suddenly felt the urge to urinate again and again after drinking water. I knew immedi-ately that something was wrong. When I visited a doctor at Al Hayat Hospital and mentioned the symptoms — frequent hunger and thirst, fre-quent urination, dizziness — they did prelimi-nary tests and confirmed that I was suffering from diabetes. My blood glucose level was found to be above 11mmol/L (for diabetics, it should be 4-7mmol/L before meals).

Reacting to the DiagnosisI never imagined that I could have diabetes because no one in my family had it. Besides, I have been a very active person. I walk a lot during the day instead of using my car to trav-el short distances, I play football, and I have also been a coach for a few local teams. For us Omanis, diabetes is one of the worst things to happen to anyone because we regularly meet

and food is always at the centre of all gather-ings, whether weddings, other celebrations, Eid, or even casual meetings of families and friends. When I realised that I have diabetes, I decided to continue all my regular activi-ties more seriously. But now, I have trained myself to draw the line. I do take part in gath-erings where there is food, but I know what to eat and how much to eat. I always check the amount of calories I consume and try to make up for it by walking or indulging in oth-er activities that help me burn some calories. You cannot run away from diabetes and you cannot lie to yourself if you do get it. So, bet-ter train yourself to manage your diet and exercise regularly. Doctor’s OrdersMy doctors asked me to lose weight imme-diately, besides prescribing regular medi-cation. My current weight is 101kg and I have decided to bring it down to 91 over the next year which means I have to conscious-ly reduce my weight by at least 500g every fortnight. I have stepped up my walking schedules: I walk to a nearby mosque (500 metres away) five times a day, I walk to the supermarket (500 metres away) whenever we need provisions.

Also, I am very happy when I don’t get parking space near any destination and have to park far away because it will force

me to walk a little more. At home, my wife and I do all the cleaning, mopping, cook-ing, and everything that has to be done. As far as diet, I was never fond of red meat, I prefer chicken, fish, and vegetables, but I have reduced my quantity of food and taken to having many smaller meals. When you get diabetes, you have to manage the blood sugar level between meals, so you have to eat just enough to keep you going till the next meal. You also have to be wary that the sugar levels do not become low, so I always keep sweets and dates with me to maintain my sugar lev-el. I have a blood sugar testing kit to regularly keep me abreast of my sugar levels.

Family MattersMy children are married and living sepa-rately, but my wife is a great support. She monitors my diet and keeps an eye on excess sugar in everything I eat. She also allows me to be busy with various activity and we share all the housework together. Often, she goes ahead to the supermarket in the car while I go walking and catch up with her later.

Advice for Young OmanisMy advice is simple: Be aware of what you eat from an early age. It is your body, give it the best; don’t consume anything that will harm you in the long run.—[email protected]

A senior finance professional, diehard football fan and coach, and avid traveller, Hassan Yahya Al Behani never imagined that diabetes would affect him, but three years ago, when he was suddenly diagnosed with the disease, he didn’t run from the diagnosis, but instead used it as an opportunity to live a more conscientious life.

STORY HUBERT VAZ

THE GAME CHANGER

“Diabetes

A D I A B E T E S D I A G N O S I S


Support the fight for diabetes awareness by participating in the annual walkathon at Qurum Natural Park on December 4 at 8am. You can register at any Landmark Group store or at beatdiabetes.me.

DIABETES CLINICS

IN OMAN

Sugar Apollo Diabetes Services, Al Hamriyah+968 2479 4501sugarimc.com

Provides complete and integrated solutions to manage diabetes based on the recommendations by the American Diabetic Association and the World Health Organisation.

Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, Al Azaiba+968 2449 6967drmohansdiabetes.com

Provides world class health care to diabetic patients at nominal charges. Dr Mohan’s DSC has branches all over India in addition to one branch in Muscat.

Oman Diabetes Association, Bausher+968 2421 7907omanda.org

Aims to spread awareness about diabetes and methods to combat it, to find solutions to minimise its spread, and to mitigate the negative impacts of the disease on the individual and society.

DIABETES CLINICS

IN OTHER HOSPITALS

Al Raffah Hospital

+968 2461 8900; asterdmhealthcare.com

Al Hayat Hospital

+968 2200 4024; alhayathospital.com

KIMS Oman Hospital

+968 2476 0123; kimsoman.com

Starcare Hospital

+968 2455 7200; starcarehospital.com

Muscat Private Hospital

+968 2458 3600; muscatprivatehospital.com

Atlas Hospital

+968 2450 2560; healthcare.atlasera.com

Badr Al Samaa Hospital

+968 2479 9760; badralsamaahospitals.com

PDO Diabetes Clinic

+968 2467 7439; pdo.co.om

WALK FOR AWARENESSMicky Jagtiani, the owner of the Landmark Group, knows first-hand about the challenges of living with diabetes, so his company’s ‘Beat Di-abetes’ CSR awareness campaign is a personal one.

Landmark Group, one of the region’s leading retail chains, launched the campaign (supported by the Ministry of Health and the Oman Diabetic Association) in 2010 to raise awareness about dia-betes in the region as well as to pro-vide free blood sugar testing camps across the Sultanate.

Diabetes is a condition which af-fects more than 14.49% of the adult population in Oman (as per 2014 IDF figures). And the World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death by 2030.

“The Beat Diabetes initiative is an excellent model of public-pri-vate partnership targeted at raising public awareness about a grow-ing problem in this country,” said Dr Sulaiman Al Shereiqi, a senior specialist in public health from the National Diabetes and Endocrine Centre, Ministry of Health.

“The fight of diabetes does not stop at providing best quality care in hospitals but must include implementing comprehensive preventive measures,” added Dr Noor Al Busaidi, the president of the Oman Diabetes Association. “Eating healthy is a right and not a privilege.”

Landmark Group’s campaign has been creating a wider awareness about diabetes in Oman, and in ad-dition to the blood glucose testing camps, a variety of other events and activities are being organised by the group throughout the year.

“I advise residents to attend these camps and get their blood glucose level checked by professionals from Al Raffah Hospital as well as ask any questions they might have about the condition,” said Clive Free-man, the COO of Landmark Oman.


DISCOVERING


TO HAVE AND

TO HOLDSTORY PATRICIA GROVESPHOTOGRAPHY SHABIN E

It was a mere three-and-a-half decades ago, in 1980, that the Ministry of Heritage and Culture established a workshop for aspiring artists called the Youth Studio. This was the beginning of what would eventually become an efflorescence

of the visual arts in Oman. Two major milestones followed — an Art Education degree was introduced at Sultan Qaboos University in 1986, and the Omani Society for Fine Arts was launched in 1993 to support and mentor Omani artists.

Naturally, the emergence of several art galleries and cultural institutions — Bait Al Zubair in 1996, Bait Muzna in 2000, the Al Madina Gallery in 2004, Bait Al Baranda in 2006, Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art in 2010, and Gallery Sarah and Stal Gallery in 2013 — followed, providing the opportunity for people to peruse and acquire local masterpieces.

THE ART OF MUSCAT

O

O O


BAIT MUZNA234 Saidiya Street, Old Muscat

+968 2473 9204baitmuznagallery.com

Muscat’s oldest Art Gallery, Bait Muzna is located in Old Muscat not far from Al Alam Palace. This premier

gallery offers a plethora of artworks through its affiliation with a host of acclaimed artists in Muscat,

among them Anwar Sonya, Hassan Meer, Abdul Majid Karooh, Radhika Hamlai, the Hunaini brothers,

and Ahmed Al Busaidi.

GALLERY SARAH180/4 Al Sadiya Street

+968 2208 4747gallerysarah.com

Just across the street and around the corner from Bait Muzna is Bait Al Zubair’s Gallery Sarah, established

in memory of the greatly loved artist, curator, and arts advisor, Sarah White (1968 – 2013) according to her

ideals. Gallery Sarah hosts an e-marketplace on which contemporary as well as traditional visual artists

including photographers display and sell their work. The Gallery also has an excellent collection of art books.

BAIT AL BARANDAMuttrah (Immediately south of the

Muttrah Corniche roundabout) +968 2208 4747

baitalbaranda.mm.gov.omThe old harbour town of Muttrah hosts two important

galleries – Bait Al Baranda and Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art. Housed in an historic Portuguese mansion, the Bait Al Baranda Visitor Centre also

operates as an art gallery where the works of some Muscat artists such as Anna Dudchencko and David

Willis can be found.

GHALYA’S MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

Muttrah Corniche+968 2471 1640

ghalyasmuseum.comAlso in Muttrah, Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art

houses a contemporary art gallery with some pieces from renowned Muscat artists

such as Alia Al Farsi.

AL MADINA ART GALLERY187 Al Inshirah Street (British Council Road),

Madinat Qaboos+968 2469 1380

almadinaartgallery.comServing the city’s arts community for more than a decade, the Al Madina Art Gallery in MQ includes

a gift shop featuring the works of a number of local, regional and international photographers

and painters, currently Monique El Helou and Juliette Thomson.

STAL GALLERYVilla 221, Al Inshirah Street

(British Council Road), Madinat Qaboos+968 2460 0396

stalgallery.comNot far away from Al Madina Art Gallery, on the same street in fact, is Stal Gallery, Muscat’s newest gallery, founded by the non-for-profit Al Serkal Group under

the leadership of renowned Omani artist Hassan Meer. The gallery supports both established and emerging Muscat artists and has rapidly gained

a reputation for exhibiting avant-garde works including multi-media installations. Stal has

expanded Muscat’s gallery-going cultural community, attracting experimental artists and a new, often

younger, clientele. Of special interest are the emerging artists associated with Stal – Wadhah Al Masafir,

Ahmed Al Mullahi and Muzna Al Musafer.

Muscat is a place where you can acquire original works of art that you know are authentic

and will have lasting value as they enhance your home environment and give more meaning to daily life. Whether you prefer contemporary or traditional approaches, there is considerable variety and many of the works are affordable. A good way of gaining an overview of art and artists in Muscat is to tour Bait Al Nadhah at the Bait Al Zubair Museum. There you will find a comprehensive collection on three floors covering the full panorama of artists, both Omani and expatriate. This excellent collection represents the development of art in Oman and its current status. And the next time you are at Barr Al Jissah’s Shangri-La, pay special attention to the paintings hung in the lob-

bies, halls, and restaurants, works by thirty-three of Oman’s most important artists. The bookstore in Shangri-La’s Al Bandar Hotel has copies of The Art of Barr Al Jissah by Sarah White, which provides profiles of all the artists, and if a particular piece catches your eye at Shangri-La or Bait Al Zubair, take note of the art’s name as nearly all of them have websites featuring their work and backstories.

Once you have an idea of what you like, you’ll be in a good position to head to the galleries to hunt for local, original art for your home. Good prints and some pieces of photographic art range from OMR 50 to over OMR 250, while drawings and paintings can be found for under OMR 100 to sever-al thousand of rials. Before buying it’s best to tour the major galleries to see what is available to suit your tastes and budget, here’s your gal-lery itinerary, happy hunting.


Anwar Sonya Grand prize Style: Dynamic Abstract Expressionism in muted coloursMedium: Acrylic on canvasSubject: Omani women in ritual dance celebrationPrice: OMR 1,000

Ayoub Al Balushi Highlighting the work of his students Style: Contemporary sculpturesMedium: Wood, Omani marbleSubject: Beautiful abstract shapes Price: Various, with small student works in marble at OMR 300

Moosa Omar Second prize Style: Symbolic Expressionism in old Omani coloursMedium: Acrylic and mixed media burlap Subject: Icons and symbols of life in traditional Omani townsPrice: OMR 1,800

Juma Al Harthy Third prize Style: Semi-realistic and symbolic Medium: Mixed Media on WoodSubject: Representations of Omani architecture and culture Price: OMR 1,500

Among the top prize winners from the past not exhibiting this year

Al Hunaini Brothers – Abdullah and KhamisPast First prize winnersStyle: Realistic Medium: Oil on canvas, drawingsSubject: Portraits, still life, land-scape scenes of OmanPrice: Usually above OMR 1,000

Budoor Al Riyami Past Grand prize winnerStyle: Abstract Expressionism, Surrealistic Symbolism, Medium: Various, especially mixed media on canvas and installationsSubject: Abstraction, social commentary

Radhika Hamlai Past First prize Style: Abstract Expressionism Medium: Acrylic on canvas, charcoal, mixed MediaSubject: Relationships, familyPrice: OMR 150 (small works) OMR 750 to above OMR 1,000

Every year the Omani Society for Fine Arts (OSFA) holds an exhibition with prizes awarded to local artists whose artwork is considered noteworthy by a panel of judges. This year almost all the entries were large contemporary works in either abstract or abstract expressionist styles. Only a few were rendered in realistic or figurative styles. This year the top prizes were awarded to established artists. Here are some highlights from exhibition winners past and present.

ARTISTS TO WATCH

Pictured galleries, clockwise from top: Al Madina Art Gallery, Bait Muzna, Bait Al Baranda


Weekends are all about making relaxing plans, nothing too early in the morning,

and nothing rushed. So a leisurely afternoon brunch is a great way to enjoy time with family

and friends. The Muscat brunch scene is back on for the winter season, so we rounded up some

favourites to whet your appetite.

Muscat Brunching

STORY SWATI DASGUPTA ILLUSTRATION ALI JANI

Olivos Restaurant Olivos Restaurant & Terrace& Terrace

Radisson Blu Hotel

In keeping with the spirit of the extended afternoon gathering,

the poolside Friday brunch at the Radisson Blu not only provides access to an extensive buff et featuring salads, a live pasta counter, fresh mussels, and Indian specialties, but it also includes

complimentary access to the swimming pool.

Brunch Hours: 1:00-4:00pmBrunch packages for OMR 26 for adults, OMR 7.500 for children

Reservations: +968 2448 7777

The Straits The Straits RestaurantRestaurantHormuz Grand Hotel

The Straits Restaurant in the newly opened Hormuz Grand Hotel in

Seeb off ers the only Saturday brunch in Oman, with tables overlooking

the designer pool, and live stations off ering grilled items, pasta,

vegetables, and even custom pancakes.

Brunch Hours: 12:00-4:00pmBrunch packages for OMR 18,

including mocktails and soft drinks, OMR 24, and OMR 9 for children


The RestaurantThe RestaurantThe Chedi Muscat

Brunch is on every Friday at The Restaurant at the stylish Chedi Hotel

where you can sit and savour your fresh oysters, cheeses, and a range

of international main dishes inside the main dining room or out on the sun-soaked terrace overlooking the

Zen-like, manicured grounds.


OMR 35, and OMR 55Reservations: + 968 2452 4400


Al TanoorAl TanoorShangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah

Resort & Spa

Every Friday afternoon, a special buff et brunch is served amid the palm

trees overlooking the mountainous inlet of Shangri-La’s private beach

at Al Tanoor restaurant. From fresh lobster and oysters to Iranian grills

and freshly carved meats, the generous buff et features six types of cuisine plus

live cooking stations, so there is truly something for everyone. As though

the idyllic views and wide selection of cuisine weren’t enough, there is also

live entertainment to add to the ambiance.

Brunch Hours: 12:30-3:30pm Brunch packages for OMR 18,

OMR 35, and OMR 42 for adults, OMR 9 for children


Beach Pavilion Beach Pavilion Al Bustan Palace

The Veuve Clicquot Friday brunch at Beach Pavilion at the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is perhaps the ‘beachiest’ brunch in Oman, with tables set up directly on the sand and additional lounge seating on

the beachside terrace. The extensive buff et is appropriately seafood heavy, featuring raw oysters, sushi and sashimi, smoked fi sh, ceviche, boiled crab legs, grilled lobster, prawns, and steak, as well as salads, cold mezza, fresh breads, kid-friendly chips and chicken fi ngers, and a fabulous cheese and

dessert station. Guests can migrate to the lounge area to continue enjoying their brunch experience for hours, sipping on cappuccinos or bubbly

beverages while listening to the resident DJ spin.

Brunch Hours: 1:00-5:00pmBrunch packages for OMR 25, OMR 39, and OMR 49

for adults, OMR 12 for children Reservations: +968 2476 4000

Musandam Café Musandam Café &Terrace Restaurant&Terrace Restaurant

InterCon tinental Muscat

Listen to live Jazz and take your time sampling the staggering number of options at

the InterContinental’s Friday brunch. Sit on the terrace under swaying palm trees and nibble

on everything from Thai beef salad and shrimp cocktail to penne alfredo and fi sh biryani, but be

sure to save room for the live barbecue station that turns out prawn, king fi sh, beef

steak, lamb chops, chicken breasts, chicken sheesh taouk, and more.

Brunch Hours: 12:30-3:30pmBrunch, including tea and coff ee,

OMR 20, OMR 10 for children under 11, free for children under 5

Reservations: + 968 2468 0000

Duke’s BarDuke’s BarCrow ne Plaza

Every Friday there is an English roast brunch at the Crowne Plaza, which can be enjoyed on the expansive balcony in front of Duke’s Bar,

overlooking Qurum beach.

Brunch Hours: 2:00-5:00pmBrunch package is for OMR 14, including

three beveragesReservations:+968 9508 7517

Tuscany Tuscany Grand Hyatt Muscat

The monthly brunch at Tuscany restaurant in the Grand Hyatt Muscat

caters to connoisseurs of Italian cuisine in a sophisticated, adults-only aff air held the fi rst Friday of

every month (next up December 4th).The restaurant’s Italian chef, Mauro Ferrari, personally welcomes guests and guides them through interactive

counters and stations serving a selection of Italian cold cuts, seafood, prime meats, and special homemade

Italian desserts.


OMR 37, and OMR 51Reservations: + 968 2464 1234


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Hanoon Modern Project LLC announcing the launch of its new brand ‘Smile Hypermarket’ at Grand Hyatt Muscat.


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Launch of New Product Range of Al Maha Ceramics at Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

Hi Weekly - 27 November 2015

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