English - Oman Air

The inflight
N ovember 2011
it’s oman
Opera for the people
magazine of
Oman Air
Y ou r C op y T o K e e p
destination
Must-go Mumbai
entertainment guide
Wide range of in-flight entertainment
Oman Air
Best business class seat in the world
Marhaba
As the searing heat of the Omani summer gives
way to the more relaxing warmth of autumn,
the number of visitors to the Sultanate’s shores
– especially from Europe - is once again on the
increase. As Oman Air’s network has continued
to grow, more and more travellers from around
the world are exploring Oman’s awe-inspiring
landscapes its rich culture – which has just received
a boost with the opening of the world-class Royal
Opera House Muscat.
In fact, it is not just visitors who are discovering
Oman. This autumn, an international group
of young people, including many Omanis, will
undertake a challenging journey from Salalah to
Muscat, on foot, by camel, horse and traditional
boats. Oman Air is proud to be supporting their
endeavour and we look forward to hearing about
their experiences and insights once they have
completed the expedition.
Of course, for many visitors to the Sultanate,
Oman Air is the only way, on top of the best
way, to travel and we find that increasing numbers
of customers are booking with us following a
word-of-mouth recommendation. And those
recommendations have not only been passed on
to friends and family, but also to the organisers
of a number of awards.
In recent months, air travellers’ votes have
seen us win “Best Business Class Seat in the
World”, “Best Service Excellence Middle
East” and “Best In-Flight Connectivity and
Communications” awards, Furthermore, just
a few weeks ago German readers of Reise &
Preise magazine voted Oman Air as “Best
Airline in the World”.
Customers’ accolades are priceless and it is clear
that many agree with me when I say that there
is no better way to discover the pleasures that
Oman has to offer than to arrive with Oman
Air. We look forward to welcoming you back to
Oman Air very soon.
Peter Hill
Chief Executive Officer
Contents
8
Musical
chairs
A sneak peek at the latest addition to the Muscat skyline, the brand
new Royal Opera House.
12
Festival
focus
Be a part of these fun, educational
and cultural events this month.
26
Dumb
belles
and busy
bodies
Eight ways to avoid
being one of those
loud, rude exercise
freaks at the gym.
Must-go Mumbai
The Gateway to India, Mumbai boasts great beaches, fantastic
shopping venues, ancient culture and a pulsing nightlife.
18
30
Bull’s
eye
How to play, avoid crippling risk and
win big in the stock market.
Contents
34
World View
Life in all its forms on the third rock
from the sun.
36
Sports
Crank up the big screen
for these top sports
events this month.
38
Reviews
The latest movies and
some entertaining reads.
Oman Air’s inflight magazine is issued by:
Corporate Communications &
Media Department - Oman Air
P.O. Box 58, Muscat International Airport,
Postal Code 111, Sultanate of Oman
Tel: +968 24519616, Fax: +968 24510771
E-mail: wings@omanair.com
Website: www.omanair.com
42
Culture
& Heritage
Take a tour of fascinating Muscat.
52
Entertainment
Guide
A selection of movies, TV, radio, games and CDs for
For advertising enquiries contact the publisher:
National Publishing &
Advertising LLC
P.O. Box 3112, P.C. 112, Ruwi
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Tel: +968 24793098, Fax: +968 24708445
Email: advertising@npaoman.com
Editorial
Managing Editor
Craig Bishop
craig@npaoman.com
Translation
Mohammed Abdullah Abu Al Majd
Designers
Justin Das
Mohammed Iqbal
Marketing
Media Sales Director
Ashish Chaturvedi
ashish@npaoman.com
The publisher regrets that they cannot accept liability for errors
or omissions contained in this publication, however caused.
The opinions and views contained in this publication are not
necessarily those of the publisher.
your viewing and listening pleasure.
8 Festivals
Sun Festival
WHERE: Singapore
WHEN: Until November 6
WHAT: The Singapore Sun Festival returns
for another year of stellar events and world-class
performances! Experience the best of music, visual art,
literature, film, cuisine and wellness at Asia’s premium
lifestyle festival. The festival was awarded Leisure
Event of the Year for the second year in a row by
Singapore’s Tourism Board, firmly establishing it as a
highly popular and anticipated event on the Singapore
social calendar.www.singaporesunfestival.com
Culture Festival
WHERE: Paris
WHEN: Until November 30
WHAT: It’s that time of year again for the 14th annual
Paris Banlieu Festival. Events and activities during this festival
include concerts, dancing, cinema and video, art exhibitions,
theatre, photography, lectures, workshops, cabaret evenings
and food and drink. Although the overriding theme of the
festival is the South American dance form of the Tango, there
is a little bit of international culture for all the family too.
Jazz Festival
WHERE: London
WHEN: November 11 – 20
WHAT: The London Jazz Festival 2011 is going to present a series
of landmark cultural and arts events across London for the successive
19th year. London Jazz Festival is a 10-day festival in London featuring
more than 250 shows at numerous venues across the capital. The
hub of the festival will be the Southbank Centre London but other
major venues will be the Barbican Centre, Royal Albert Hall, 606
Club, Ronnie Scott›s Artsdepot, The Forge and various restaurants
in London. London Jazz Festival 2011 in London will have a strong
line-up of veteran jazz artists to spellbind
every type of jazz-enthusiast. With plenty of
newcomers, jazz maestros and rare performers
on hand, the festival will offer a great variety
of amazing performances. London Jazz
Festival will also have a plethora of high-flying
European jazz professionals, American jazz
traditionalists and free musical thinkers.
10
Event Horizon
World Travel Mart
WHERE: London
WHEN: November 7-10
WHAT: This is one of the premier tourism events, hosting most
industries related to the travel sector from all over the world. The event
is a perfect venue for the travel industry to meet and enhance their
business. The World Travel Market offers a varied and exciting range of
destinations, industry sectors and industry professionals. The event is
a great business opportunity for anyone involved in the travel industry,
allowing like-minded people to negotiate and conduct business with top
industries. www.wtmlondon.com
Don’t miss the unique offers of Oman Air
by visiting stand No. ME 430. See you there!
Milan Bike Expo
WHERE: Fiera Milano
WHEN: November 8-13
WHAT: The 69th annual Milan EICMA
Motorcycle exhibition kicks starts this month
with hundreds of displays of cool bikes and related
items. Expect to be wowed by the latest models and
concept bikes, as well as the most recent advances in
associated technology and customised wear.
Dubai Motor Show
WHERE: Dubai IEC
WHEN: November 10–14
WHAT: From concept creations to global
launches, the evolution of the motor industry in
the Middle East has been fuelled by the Dubai
International Motor Show for 22 successful years, and
2011 will be no exception! The show will take place at
the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition
Centre. Renowned as the manufacturers’ event with a
proven track record for serious business, this is where
the global automotive industry meets with motoring
enthusiasts and trade professionals from across the
Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.
www.dubaimotorshow.com
Paris Photo 2011
WHERE: Paris Grand Palais
WHEN: November 10-13
WHAT: Paris Photo will celebrate its 15th anniversary
at the Grand Palais with a selection of 111 local and
international galleries from some 30 countries will present
the best of 19th-century, modern and contemporary
photography in the heart of the French capital. To complete
this panorama of worldwide photography, a selection of
16 publishers and international specialised bookstores
will have a dedicated space in the fair. Paris Photo will
also celebrate African photography from Bamako to
Cape Town, unveiling the creative wealth of historic and
contemporary African artists.
12 It’s Oman
Music
for the people
Muscat now boasts a brand new, state-of-the-art opera house,
the first of its kind in the region. Are you in town for some of these dates?
If so, why not take in some splendid musical performances!
(Image sources: M Al Zubair, Khalil Al Zadjali, ONA)
It’s Oman
The newly built, Royal Opera House Muscat
proudly announced its inaugural season last
month. The landmark building is an iconic
symbol of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s
ongoing dedication to support the cultural
development of the Sultanate and a commitment
to global outreach and dialogue through the
arts. Furthermore, this historic cultural effort
is unprecedented in the region: a world-class
performing arts venue that will serve as an
incubator for creativity and innovation for
generations to come.
The 1,100-seat opera house has already started
hosting musical concerts in Muscat. Covering
80,000 sq metres, half of which consists of
landscaped gardens, the complex also includes
a smaller theatre, restaurants and luxury shops.
The project was initiated by Sultan Qaboos, who
celebrated his 40th year as ruler of Oman in 2010.
13
International architectural firm Wimberly Allison Tong and Goo
(WATG) won a design competition for the venue, from an initial concept
drawn up by UK-based Theatre Projects Consultants.
WATG’s concept balances ethnic Omani design elements with
contemporary styles, using pure Omani motifs (such as colonnades,
terraces and sculptural tower forms) in the exteriors and moving towards
traditional Arabesque in the central parts of the opera house.
Unusually, the shell of the concert hall can be detached to allow
an adjustable proscenium (the part of a modern theatre between
the curtains and the auditorium) to drop into place, creating a
traditional theatre format. The capacity of the auditorium decreases
to 850 seats in its proscenium mode. The design also incorporates
a 32m fly tower. Iman Hindawi, the general director of the venue,
recently said that the official opening was a “world-class music
event,” and he was completely right.
Currently the only other opera house in the Arab world is thousands
of kilometres away in the Egyptian capital of Cairo. It was
established in 1988.
14
It’s Oman
Her Excellency Dr. Rawya Al Busaidi, Chair
of the ROHM Board of Directors, said that
the inaugural season represented a significant
milestone in the cultural development of
Oman, and a momentous contribution to
the performing arts worldwide. This opening
season presented outstanding international
artists and attractions, many of which are
being seen for the first time in the region.
ROH Muscat is distinguished by an august
and stately architecture that represents Oman’s
proud heritage. Its technical facilities are stateof-the-art.
“This year’s productions were chosen not only
for their artistic excellence, but also for the
inspiration they give to the human spirit. The
Royal Opera House welcomes all the people of
Oman – as well as friends and colleagues from
the region and around the world – to join in
celebrating this splendid first season,” she said.
Throughout the inaugural season, ROH
Muscat will host various activities including
open houses for the public - featuring
free performances, backstage tours, pre-
performance talks with artists and experts in the fields of music and
opera, and workshops for children and adults. From November 28-30,
ROH Muscat will host approximately 200 arts and culture leaders,
policymakers and cultural entrepreneurs at the Royal Opera House
Muscat-Aspen Creative Arts World Summit.
Leadership
The Supreme Committee has engaged The John F Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts to provide interim executive leadership. The transition
team is led by Michael M Kaiser, President, and Brett Egan, director of the
DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the Kennedy Center.
For more information about Royal Opera House Muscat, tickets, and
frequently asked questions, please visit the ROH Muscat website at:
http://www.roh.org.om
The first half of the 2011-2012 inaugural season
features:
• Andrea Bocelli is joined by The State Hermitage Orchestra under
Maestro Eugene Kohn in a concert of arias from timeless Italian
operas.
(1 November, 20:00)
• The London Philharmonic Orchestra and the esteemed cellist Yo-Yo
Ma, conducted by Maestro Christoph Eschenbach, will perform in an
unforgettable night celebrating the cello. (5 November, 20:00)
16
It’s Oman
• Milan’s Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company presents the spectacular
Giselle under the direction of Makhar Vaziev accompanied by the
Academia Teatro alla Scala Orchestra conducted by David Coleman.
(10, 11, and 12 November, 20:00)
• Umm Kulthum: The Legacy – by acclaimed diva Riham Abdul Hakim
accompanied by the Selim Sahab Arab Music Ensemble.
(17 November, 20:00)
• Magida El Roumi (23 November, 20:00).
• The adaptation of a fairy tale from the Far East, Shim Chung by
the Universal Ballet of Korea tells the story of a daughter’s love and
compassion for her blind father. (28 November, 20:00)
• Legendary trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and New York City’s Jazz
at Lincoln Center Orchestra take a musical tour of Harlem as seen
through the music of Duke Ellington, a forefather of American Jazz.
(30 November, 20:00)
• Royal Opera House Muscat’s new production of Georges Bizet’s
dramatic opera, Carmen, is directed by Oscar-winning set designer
Gianni Quaranta and features the Orchestra
Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi, the
Coro Sinfonico di Milano Giuseppe Verdi,
and the Coro di Voci Bianche de la Verdi.
(17, 19, 21 December; 20:00)
• The world-renowned Mariinsky Ballet
presents Swan Lake accompanied by the
Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra
conducted by Boris Gruzin (27, 28, 29, 30
December, 20:00)
• The Mariinsky Ballet returns in a special
gala performance to ring in the New Year
featuring three celebratory works: Fokine’s
romantic classic, Chopiniana; Simple
Things, a new work by Emil Faski, set to
music by Avro Pärt; and Alberto Alonso’s
Carmen Suite, set to the music of Georges
Bizet (31 December, 20:00)
18 International Destination
Must-go Mumbai
Welcome to the Gateway to India, Mumbai is packed full of great beaches,
fantastic shopping venues, ancient culture and a pulsing nightlife
Mumbai is renowned as the gateway of India with its majestic look and
elegant ambience, blessed with soft breezes off the Arabian Sea and many
breath-taking beaches and metro facilities.
Mumbai, the capital of the Maharashtra State in India and a replica of
India’s unity in diversity, represents all cultures, all religions, all languages
(Image sources: Photolibrary, Shutterstock)
and all regions of the country. Mumbai, the
name derived from the Hindu Goddess
Mumbadevi, is the most populous metropolitan
area in India and is placed as the sixth most
populated metropolitan area in the world.
International Destination
19
20
International Destination
Mumbai is a fun city to explore on your own and there’s no need for a
guide. If you are on your own, visit the Gateway of India and you will also
get a nice view from the top if you go to any of the higher floors of the
Taj Mahal Hotel. If you want to visit the Elephanta island for the famous
caves then take a boat (ferry) from the Gateway and it will take you about
an hour to get there. The tickets can be bought in front of the Gateway
from one of the booths selling them. There is a free guide inside the caves
complex from morning to afternoon. Just ask the security guard for his or
her whereabouts.
After you get back from the island, carry on walking towards the Regal
Theatre and see the museum as well as the other places for art such as the
National Gallery of Modern Art and the Jehangir Art Gallery for some
interesting art exhibitions.
Then carry on towards the other side of the
University of Mumbai buildings and see the
Rajabai Clock Tower, Library and Convocation
Hall. Take a stroll down to the Marine Drive
promenade and take a long walk towards
Chowpatty beach for a snack of bhelpuri, pav
bhaji and also some Indian ice cream kulfi and
another sweet dish called rabdi.
Take a long walk towards
Chowpatty beach for a
snack of Bhelpuri, Pav
Bhaji and also some Indian
ice cream kulfi
22
International Destination
There are some other interesting places to see in between, such as the Flora
Fountain and Hutatma Chowk (Martyr’s Square) and St Thomas’ Cathedral,
which contains stunning marble sculptures. You can visit Mani Bhavan
(the house in which Mahatma Gandhi lived in Mumbai) which is now a
museum devoted to his work and life as the father of the nation. Nearby is
the FD Alpaiwalla Museum which has a lot of Iranian artifacts housed in
the Khareghat Colony Hall and if you climb the steps (from the main road
before the Kemp’s Corner flyover bridge) leading up to the Parsi Towers of
Silence and Hanging Gardens from the outside, then you will be able to get
a good view of the Queen’s Necklace from above. On the way down, you
can visit a very elaborately carved Jain temple, visit the Banganga Tank along
with it’s many Shiva Temples and then come down towards the Governor of
Maharashtra’s bungalow before reaching Chowpatty beach.
Borivali National Park at the northern end of Mumbai is where you can
go to see the Kanheri Caves complex of more than 100 caves. Here there is
a beautiful view of the northern city along with a view of the Film City at
Goregaon where television serials are shot.
At the Sewri mudflats you may be lucky enough to see the beautiful
flamingos which visit between November and May, presenting a pink and
white explosion of pastel serenity when the tide
is out. You may also visit the Sewri Fort nearby
for some good views of the city from the top.
Beautiful flamingos which
visit every year from
around November to May,
present a pink and white
explosion of pastel serenity
If you are interested in shopping, then
depending on what you want to shop for there
are many specific markets like Zaveri Bazaar
for gold and silver jewellery, Mangaldas Market
for clothes, Chor Bazaar for antiques, Bandra
Linking Road for lots of designer shops. Lots
of other shopping arcades and malls have
recently opened up in many areas so you can
just walk into one for a quick look and buy
whatever catches your fancy.
24
International Destination
Learn
LearnGerman
Marathi
Basics
Hello:Namaskar
Goodbye:Achacha/Yeto
How are you?: Thu kasa ahes (m)? Thu kashi ahes?
Yes:Ho
No: Nahi
What is your name?: Thujha nāv kāy āhe?
How much? Kiti?
Please: Krupaya
You’re welcome: Suswagatam
Thank you: Abhari ahe
Excuse me: Kshama kara
Good morning: Su prabhat
Good evening: Shubh sandya
Numbers
1: Ek
2: Doan
3: Teen
4: Chaar
5: Pach
6: Saha
7: Saat
8: Aath
9: Nau
10: Daha
Country Facts
Oman Air flys 14 times a week between Muscat
and Mumbai
Visa requirements: Visitors to India require a visa. Your
passport must also be valid for at least six months from the
date of your arrival in India. Contact your local Consulate or
Embassy for more information.
Languages spoken: Hindi, English and Marathi are
counted amongst the major languages in Mumbai. Mumbaiya
or Bambaiya Hindi is the slang language of Mumbaikars. This
is a blend of Marathi, Hindi and English.
Currency: One rupee is divided into 100 paise.
26 Health & Beauty
Dumb belles and
busy bodies
Eight ways to avoid being one of those loud, rude exercise freaks at the gym
(Image sources: Photolibrary, Shutterstock)
Health & Beauty
No sweat: Do you sometimes feel a shower of sweat spraying off the person
on the treadmill next to you? Do you sometimes have to forego a certain
exercise because the previous person left sweat all over the equipment?
Well, you have two options. Either you train at different hours when the gym is
less busy, or you politely ask the person to wipe the sweat off their body or the
machine. You can also ask the gym instructors to enforce good etiquette here.
No equal opportunity: Most regular gym goers manage to have one favorite
piece of equipment at the gym. But what happens when someone refuses to
budge from it? What about if that person is you? Spare a thought for the rest
of the gym! If you see a line behind you, do not use cardio-machines for more
than 20 minutes, and weight-lighting equipment for more than 10-15 minutes.
If you plan to do multiple sets on it, wait for the person next in line to finish to
resume your workout. If someone is keeping you waiting, ask them to move on.
Tidy mind, tidy body: If you are lifting weights, replace them where they
belong when you are finished. It is not acceptable to leave weights on machines
or anywhere else after you are done. It could injure someone. If you see
someone doing that, let them know. They will be so embarrassed, they won’t do
it again. Make sure your message is audible to those around so they follow the
same ethics to avoid being pointed out like that.
Ban the cell!: Yes, we are all addicted to our cellphones, but the gym is a
special place dedicated to concentrating on your health. If someone is using
their cell while on a machine, it wastes the
precious time of other people waiting to use
the machine. Short of the gym installing a
jamming device, this is a tricky one. I mean
some conversations have to be had right there
and then. Ask the instructors to put up ‘No
Cellphone Use Allowed’ signs.
Work your muscles not your mouth: Hey
moms! Let’s work out here instead of making it
your daily hang-out spot to whine about your
ungrateful bosses, your naughty children or
your difficult husband! If someone’s gossiping
is getting on your nerves, try a loud, “Ssshhh!”,
complete with a glare. It will take more than
just one try to successfully shut them up. But
people, keep your chitchat under a minute or
take it out the gym.
27
Keep it tidy: People often leave their water
bottles, moist napkins and iPods on their previous
machines. How are you supposed to know if the
person who was using the equipment will be back
in a few minutes to use it or they just forgot it over
there? If you see someone’s stuff lying around on a
machine or a bench you want to use, hand it over
to the gym instructors.
Moaners and screamers: This is a sensitive
one. Some people are so caught up in their
training routine that they are not aware of the
noises they are making. Granted, there will
always be grunting, moaning and groaning noises
in any gym, but let’s keep it real here, people. If
someone near you is breathing too heavily or
grunting too loudly, you could always plug in
your iPod and escaping that way. The only other
solution is to change your timing or your gym!
Eyes front!: Being inquisitive, social animals,
human beings all stare at one another in the gym.
But this can make people very self-conscious
when they know they have unflattering body
parts, which is exactly why they are at the gym.
Wear proper gym clothing for your workouts. If
you catch someone staring at you, look at them
and smile every time they do it. It is a subtle way
of telling that person, “I caught you looking at
me”. Most people stare without realising it.
28
Health & Beauty
Simple gym etiquette
• Always carry a towel or napkin with
you to the gym, to keep yourself dry
while you workout.
• Keep your cellphone on silent mode
so as to avoid disturbing others.
• Always clean the machine after you
have used it.
• Always wear fresh and clean gym
clothes.
• Put your dumbbells at right place,
where they belong. Mixing up their
places can cause an inconvenience to
someone who may not be as strong
as you.
• Keep your noise low to the bare
minimum. Focus on your breathing.
• Do not keep machines on hold for
more than a minute or two.
Bull’s eye
30 Business
Investing in the stock market is always a risky venture, unless you are very clear about
how to proceed and where to put your money
Mastering the art of reading stock charts isn’t as difficult as it seems. All
you need is some basic knowledge about what to look and where to look
for it, along with practice, practice and more practice!
Starting off: In order to be able to read stock charts quickly like the
trade pundits do, you need to have a good deal of experience analysing
stock trends. The more you practice, the quicker you will know how to
read stock charts like a pro. There are many elements in a standard stock
chart that enable you to interpret the information contained in it. These
elements are termed as the indicators. The most basic indicators are
enlisted below along with their significance.
Trends: The first thing that you need to look for while trying to read
a stock chart is the trend. The trend can be upwards, downwards or
sideways. If the trend is upwards, it signifies a rise in the price of the
stocks of the particular company. A consistent upward trend in the stocks,
along with other factors, can be safely assumed to be a good indicator
of the fact that a prospective investor would gain from the stocks of the
company. This is in accordance with the principle of technical analysis,
which states that stock prices mostly have a tendency to follow similar
patterns in the future as they did in the past.
(Image source: Shutterstock)
Resistance and support: If you observe a
stock chart closely, you’ll find that there are
certain price levels at which the graph seems to
have got stuck and it has remained consistently
at these price levels for a pretty long time, unable
to move up or down. These points are significant
for the overall analysis of the stock chart because
these indicate the ability of the stocks of a
company to overcome situations of crisis. The
level of resistance is defined as the price level the
stock is unable to break through or has done
so with much difficulty. Similarly, the level of
support is the price level below which the stock
price seldom falls. If you observe that the stock
price has overcome the level of resistance in
more instances than one, then this shows that
the stocks of the company have the potential
to recover from crisis and it is relatively safer to
invest in stocks of the company.
Bulls and bears: At the bottom of the stock
chart, you’ll find a bar graph that represents the
number of people who purchased stocks of the
company over a period of time. If you find that
more people were interested in the stocks when
the prices were up, then it is a healthy trend and in
stock market terminology, is referred to as “bullish”
(the market will witness further growth). However,
if the number of interested people decrease with
the increase in the price of stocks, then the trend is
termed as “bearish” (the market will witness decline)
and it is not advisable to invest in stocks that exhibit
bearish trends.
Spot the pattern: In addition to studying the
trends given above, you should also try and find any
particular patterns on the chart. There is a set of
pre-defined chart patterns that you need to look out
for and these can either be continuation patterns
or reversal patterns. Some of the common patterns
found on stock charts are given below along with
their meanings.
• Bullish rectangle: The graph shows a
continuous upward trend and indicates that the
uptrend would continue.
• Wolf wave: Graph is in the form of a wave and
the price of the stock oscillates between the levels
of support and resistance.
• Bear flag: Indicates that the prices of stock
will continue to go down.
• Flat base: Indicates that the stock prices have
remained stable for a substantial period of time.
• Double top: The stock, having made two
attempts to break through the resistance level,
goes below the support level. It is a reversal
pattern.
32 Fashion & Trends
Dress Sensation
Make the statement of sophistication
as you enter the room. Wear the dress
you can’t go wrong in. You’re a woman of
substance. Your sense of fashion is classic
and timeless. Wear the dress you always
turn to when you want to “look right” for
the occasion. This evening wear derives
more from boutiques in the West End
than cocktail lounge culture. The beautiful
garments look beautiful on camera and
blend nicely with many types of accessories.
Fashion & Trends
33
It’s a wrap
For this
coming
autumn/
winter some of
the key trends
of the season
include chunky
cable knitwear,
tweed,
quilting and
the timeless
duffel coat.
The look is
very European,
very chic and
urban trendy
with a casual
elegance that
tells the world
the wearer is
comfortable
and confident.
Cool shoes
A warming selection of casual boots for autumn and winter 2011, with a cool and
quirky, innovative and individual range for the high street. Taking Alpine expeditions
as a theme, this range provides an fresh new take on classic walking boots, supplying
warmth and durability to tackle the chilled season with casual aplomb.
A traditional walking boot silhouette reveals traditional lacing features and a cool
Nordic knit padded ankle cuff and padded tongue. A striking casual military boot
can be worn high or folded down at the ankle to reveal a fleece lining that covers the
whole of the interior, keeping the warmth in nicely.
A casual woodcutter chukka boot takes a classic boot shape and provides it with
casual design features. A traditional woodman’s red buffalo check outer lining makes
for an eye catching finish. Buy online from www.baselondon.com
34 World View
In-depth exposure
3D interactive art featuring the British Royal
Wedding is seen on display as part of the
VisitBritain tourism campaign at Circular
Quay in Sydney, Australia.
(Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Oh, don’t exaggerate!
Cats will be cats. Two, two-month-old Sumatran tiger
cubs play in their enclosure in Prague Zoo in the capital
city. (Photo: Michal Cizek/AFP/Getty Images)
Tale of the sting
Malaysian jellyfish swim in a
tank at the Sunshine Aquarium
in Tokyo. The aquarium located
on the top of a building, has
undergonea recent facelift.
(Photo: Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP/
Getty Images)
World View
35
Such a drag-on
A child playing in the car
show during the Fifth
China International Hot
Air Balloon Festival in
Langfang, China.
(Photo: Lintao Zhang/
Getty Images)
By Jove!
Members of the Colla Jove Xiquets de Valls team form a
human tower during a contest in Vilafranca of Penedes,
eastern Spain. (Photo: Josep Lago/AFP/Getty Images)
Hot lips
Nepal’s Ambika Niraula blows
a fire ball in an attempt to break
the Guinness World Record of
the most consecutive fire balls
blown by mouth without refuelling in Kathmandu. Niraula
blew 151 fire balls, breaking
the record. (Photo: Prakash
Mathema/AFP/Getty Images)
36 Sports
Tennis
November 20-27
Swiss superstar Roger Federer will
try to lift his sixth trophy at the
Barclays ATP World Tour finals
this month. He has qualified for the
season’s finale for the last 10 years in
a row! He will be up against the eight
top-ranked players in the world,
including Andy Murray, Novak
Djokovic and of course the inimitable
Rafael Nadal. The finals take place
at the O2 arena in London. Make
sure you book your tickets early!
www.barclaysatpworldtourfinals.com
Grand Prix
November 11-13
The 19th race of the 2011 Formula 1 World
Championship is taking place on one of the world’s
premier motorsport facilities, the Yas Marina circuit. The
combination of thundering engines, live entertainment
and a rapt audience make this an experience like no other.
Get ready for incredible on-track action featuring the
world’s leading racing drivers who will tackle 21 turns and
the longest straight on a current Grand Prix circuit, with
top speeds of almost 320km/h. From thrilling racing ontrack to live bands, DJs, family activities and merchandise
kiosks in the oasis areas, this is one event you won’t want
to miss. www.abudhabi-grand-prix.com
Southeast Asian Games
November 11-22
Some 11 nations will go head to head in 44 disciplines at
the 26th SEA Games, to be held in Jakarta and Palembang,
Indonesia, this month. Events include archery, Tae Kwondo,
wrestling. volleyball, football, baseball and many more, even
chess! Events in Palembang will take place at the Jaka Baring
Sports Complex and Gelora Sriwijaya Sports Complex,
while events in Jakarta will be centered in Bung Karno Main
Stadium, one of the largest and oldest stadiums in Indonesia,
with seating for 88 000 spectators. www.seag2011.com
Horse racing
November 24-26
Newbury racecourse in Berkshire, England, will host
the classic Hennessy Winter Festival this year. The
event is the highlight of the National Hunt season at
Newbury, and is sure to draw the biggest crowds of
the year. Featuring one of Britain’s most prestigious
jump races, the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, this
three-day festival is packed with top quality races.
Select from the array of top class hospitality packages
and enjoy the excitement of the races in style.
www.racecoursehospitality.net
38 Reviews
J. Edgar
Director: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Armie Hammer,
Judi Dench, Naomi Watts
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
Releasing: November 11, 2011
Without a doubt, one of the most controversial and,
in many quarters, disliked public figures in American
history, in 1935. J. Edgar Hoover forms the FBI and
makes it an efficient crime-fighting organisation - in
part by harassing dissenters and building secret files on
politicians. Hoover also fights the gangster wars in the
1930s and, later, the Mafia. In the movie, he remains
the FBI’s director until his death in 1972.
London Boulevard
Director: William Monahan
Starring: Keira Knightley, Colin Farrell, Stephen Graham, Ray Winstone
Studio: IFC Films
Releasing: November 11, 2011
The story of Mitchell (Farrell), who is newly released from prison and
wants to go straight. He meets and falls in love with a reclusive young movie
star (Knightley) whom the paparazzi adore. He finds himself in a duel with
a vicious gangster who has heard of Mitchell’s tough reputation and wants
him to come work for his criminal organisation.
Puss in Boots
Director: Chris Miller
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Releasing: November 4, 2011
Antonio Banderas stars as Puss In Boots and Salma Hayek as
Kitty, Puss’ love interest. Swords will cross and hearts will be broken
in this adventure starring one of the most beloved characters of the
Shrek universe - Puss In Boots. It’s a swashbuckling ride through
Puss’ early years as he teams up with mastermind Humpty Dumpty
and the street-savvy Kitty to steal the famed goose that lays the
golden eggs.
First, Do No Harm
By Lisa Belkin
Medical non-fiction
A poignant, heart-wrenching and factual account of the ethical
decisions faced by doctors and medical staff at Hermann
Hospital in Texas during 1988. The book follows the cases of
four sick children/young adults and their parents and discusses
the decisions facing them regarding what treatment to carry out
(or not) in the face of poor life expectancy/quality measured
against the expense of the treatment.
Water For Elephants
Unbroken: A World
War II Story of Survival,
Resilience, and
Redemption
By Laura Hillenbrand.
Non-fiction
This gripping tale tells the amazing story of Louie Zamperini
who, during World War II, crashed his plane in the Pacific
Ocean where he drifted at sea for weeks before landing on a
seemingly deserted island where his nightmare really began.
Described as the ultimate real-life thriller, Laura Hillenbrand,
authoress of Sea Biscuit: An American Legend, brings us this
true story which is almost too incredible to believe. Beautifully
written, and sure to please.
The destination for books, gifts and novelties.
Stores at Muscat International Airport - Arrival,
Departure Landside & Airside Departure.
Get 10% discount on purchase of books
while referring the code FY2011
This offer is valid until 31st Dec 2011
By Sara Gruen
Fiction
This is an amazingly well-researched and thoroughly
enjoyably told story about 93-year-old Jacob Jankowski,
who worked as a youth in one of the US’ travelling
circuses in the post-war Depression era. In the first
person, told by Jacob himself, now confined to an old
folks’ home, Gruen successfully jumps between the past
and present. Jacob joined the circus after the untimely
death of his parents one week before he was due to sit
his veterinary final exams. He enters the circus world a
vet in all but name, and the story concentrates a lot of
the time on the welfare of the circus animals.
40 Tech talk
Remote controlled
soccer boots
This is one strange way to burn up some time. The kit comes with
two boots for some one-on-one action, as well as the necessary
remote controls and a couple of goal nets. The shoes have four
hidden wheels that will allow for them to zoom across the floor.
To keep them running they’ll need 2 AA batteries, that you can
purchase along with the set. Of course along with all of the rest of
the gear there is a ball to knock around between the two boots. You
can purchase the set for about $38 through www.proidee.co.uk
Tech Torque
Stash sandals
If James Bond ever went surfing, these are what
he would leave on the sand while he hit the
waves! New from Reef, these normal flip-flops
have a secret, hidden compartment where you
can keep valuables such as cash, credit cards and
car keys. Stash sandals are comfortable enough
to wear on the beach, but their real utility
is as a mobile safe. The secret tray in the
sole slides out to hold personal items
and slides back in to make sure no
one knows they’re there.
Swiss Army all-in-one
When an 84-tool Swiss Army Knife isn’t enough, you need
Wenger’s Giant Collector’s Swiss Army Knife. It weighs in at a
cool, practical 2 pounds, 11 ounces and boasts 85 tools – that’s
every tool ever created by Wenger. Oh and it’s only $1200. The
only thing missing? Flamethrower. You just never know when
that’ll come in handy.
Virtual Keyboard
The Virtual Laser Keyboard (VKB) leverages the power
of laser and infrared technology and projects a full-size
keyboard onto any flat surface. As you type on a full-size
QWERTY keyboard, the laser projection, detection
technology based on optical recognition enables the
user to tap the images of the keys, complete with
realistic tapping sounds, which feed into the compatible
Bluetooth-enabled PDA, Smartphone, laptop or PC.
Time Out
41
They said it! Light humour
Pilot: “FLX 30, we just
have a few gallons of fuel.”
Tower: “Please give us
your position. We don’t
see you at the radar!”
Pilot: “We are standing
at runway 2 and want to
know when the fuel truck
will come!”
At the airport for
a business trip, a
businessman went to gate
35 to catch his plane. A
voice on the public address
system then told everyone
to move to gate 41. Then,
10 minutes after that, all
the passengers were again
told to move this time to
gate 35 after all. As the
weary passengers returned
to the gate with all their
hand luggage, the same
voice announced, “Thank
you for participating
in our physical fitness
program!”
A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to
lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a genie comes
out. The genie says, “I’ll give each of you just one wish”
“I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the
world,” says the admin clerk. Poof! He is gone.
“I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal
masseuse, an endless supply of good books and the love of my life,” says
the sales rep. Poof! He too vanishes. “OK, you’re up,” the genie says to the
manager. “I want those two back in the office after lunch,” he demands.
Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.
Time Out
10 Rules for Flying
(This appeared in the June 2000 issue of Australian
Aviation Magazine)
1. Every take-off is optional. Every landing is
mandatory.
2. If you push the stick forward, the houses
get bigger. If you pull the stick back, they
get smaller. That is, unless you keep pulling
the stick all the way back, then they get
bigger again.
3. It’s always better to be down here wishing
you were up there than up there wishing
you were down here.
4. The propeller is just a big fan in front of the plane used to keep
the pilot cool. When it stops, you can actually watch the pilot start
sweating.
5. When in doubt, hold on to your altitude. No one has ever collided
with the sky.
6. A good landing is one from which you can walk away. A great landing
is one after which they can use the plane again.
7. Always try to keep the number of landings you make equal to the
number of take offs you’ve made.
8. Helicopters can’t fly; they’re just so ugly the earth repels them.
9. It’s always a good idea to keep the pointy end going forward as much
as possible.
10. Remember, gravity is not just a good idea. It’s the law. And it’s not
subject to repeal.
Muscat
City tour
First stop on your Muscat
City Tour is a visit to the
Grand Mosque, the largest
mosque in Oman. Take a
scenic tour of the nearby
ministries and embassies
and then wander down to
Qurum Park Beach for a
picnic.
Culture & Heritage
If you have some time to spare in the capital city,
why not try this all-day tourism route.
Muttrah Corniche
After you have eaten, drive down to Muttrah
Corniche, with a stop at the recentlyopened Bait Al Baranda museum and then
continue onto the Fish Souk and Al Dhalam
Souk, Oman’s largest indoor market. At
the souk, built in traditional style, you will
find exquisite silver jewellery, frankincense,
intricately hand-made khanjars (daggers)
and other handicrafts. Don’t forget to look
out for the local Omani sweet halwa from
one of the shops within.
Jalali and Mirani
Continue your tour along the Corniche to
Muttrah (Old Muscat). Visit the charming
Bait al Zubair, a private museum housing
traditional Omani items reflecting the
country’s rich heritage. Nearby is His
Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ Al Alam Royal
Palace, protected in the bay by the famous
twin forts of Jalali and Mirani, rebuilt by
the Portuguese around 1558.
Passing through the fishing villages of
Sidab and Haramel you could follow
the scenic coastal route towards Muscat
Heights, with stunning views across Ruwi
and Muscat, a sight not to be missed.
Tourism & Entertainment 43
Museums
To make your cultural journey complete, a
visit to at least one of the dozen museums in
Oman is recommended. The Natural History
Museum features Oman’s flora and fauna,
including some of the indigenous species. To
get a glimpse of Oman’s military history, visit
the Armed Forces Museum.
The National Museum showcases a rare
collection of the history of the ruling dynasty.
The archaeological lineage of the country can
be found in the Omani Museum. There is an
exclusive museum for children, the Children’s
Museum, that is educative as well as entertaining.
Bait Al Zubair and Bait Al Baranda are examples
of how Oman’s history has been captured in a
capsule for those who are not familiar with it. For
a complete listing of Oman’s various museums,
please refer to the local dailies.
Children Museum
Hotels
Oman has a wide variety of staying options catering to
any and all types of visitors. From plush five-star beachfacing resorts and spas for the more upmarket visitors, to
the four-star, three-star, hotel apartments, camps, guest
houses, and youth hostels, everyone’s wallet is catered for.
Desert and mountain camps are particularly interesting
experiences if you have not had the opportunity to enjoy
them before. While in Muscat, you will be spoilt for
choices, and when you head towards the interior you will
experience true rustic charm and old-world elegance.
Either way, you will get to experience the essence of true
Omani hospitality wherever you stay.
Sifawy Hotel
Shopping
When it comes to shopping, Oman is full of
choices both traditional and modern. If you are
looking for some of the world’s best brands, you
could head to the nearest mega-malls, shopping
complexes or hypermarkets. You can find these
outlets all across the capital city, as well as in the
larger cities like Nizwa, Sohar, Sur and Salalah.
If traditional shopping is your interest, then you
must visit the Muttrah Souq beside the Muttrah
Corniche area. There are also some very old and
famous souqs in Nizwa, Sinaw, Ibra and Salalah.
For tourists, these souqs are a paradise for souvenir
hunting! Frankincense, perfumes, spices, dates and
antiques jostle for space with electronic products,
fashion accessories and toys. For a complete Oman
experience, have a go at both the old and the new!
Sabco Shopping Cente
44 Get Familiar
Oman
at a glance
The Sultanate of Oman is the third largest country located in the southeast coast of the Arabian peninsula. The Sultanate is
bordered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the west, the United Arab Emirates in the northeast, the Republic of Yemen in the
southwest, the Strait of Hormuz in the north and the Arabian Sea in the east.
Oman has a land area of approximately 3 09 500km2 and a 3 165km long coastline extending from the Strait of Hormuz in the north
to the borders of the Republic of Yemen in the south.
Oman’s coast spans the three seas: the Arabian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A number of islands also are part of
Oman including the famous islands of Masirah and Halaniyat (Kuria Muria). The country’s northernmost part, the Musandam
peninsula, is Oman’s only coast on the Arabian Gulf and it is located across the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Fact Sheet
Area
Population (2010)
Language
Capital
Local Time
Currency
Shopping Hours
:
3 09 500km2.
:
2.69 million, including 743 000 expatriates.
:
Arabic (official), English (widely spoken), German & French (most hotel staff ).
:Muscat.
:
GMT +4.
:
Omani Rial, which equates to US$ 2.58.
:
09:00 - 13:00 then 16:30 - 22:00
Currency
The local currency is the Omani Rial (referred to as RO or OR or OMR). It is further divided into 1000 Baizas. Currency
denominations are available in 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 Rial and 500 and 100 Baiza notes. Coins are available in 50, 25, 10 and 5 Baizas.
Religion
Islam is the official religion of the Sultanate of Oman.
(Image source: Ahmed Al Shukaili)
Get Familiar
Whenever you travel overseas, it is often useful
to understand the local laws and customs in the
destination country, as they can often be very
different to your own.
To avoid any mix up or confusion with local laws
and customs we have provided some travellers tips to
assist you in having an enjoyable visit to the Sultanate.
Please be advised that the information contained
on this page is not fully comprehensive and
may be liable to change without prior warning.
Consult a travel expert or your local embassy
prior to departing on your journey.
Oman’s laws are based on Sharia law, also known
as the Islamic Law.
• In Oman, it is illegal not to have some form of
official ID on you at any given time. Therefore,
it is recommended that you carry either your
passport, or a photocopy of, or some other
valid identification card. Other forms of ID
such as overseas driver’s license or overseas ID
cards will not be accepted.
• Visitors holding valid UK, Australian, and
American and certain other nation’s driving
licenses (check with the embassy if your
country’s license is valid) can currently obtain
an Omani license without taking a driving test.
• Vehicles are driven on the right side of the road.
45
Travel
tips
• Heavy rainfall can cause sudden and severe flooding to dry riverbeds,
which may pass over a road. You are advised to take full precautions
when driving during rains.
• Oman is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs,
laws and religion at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that
they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during
the holy month of Ramadan, or if you intend to visit religious areas.
Basic Arabic Phrases
Yes :naäam
No :laa
Please :arjook
Thank you :shukran
You’re welcome :äafwan
Excuse me I am sorry Good morning
Good evening Good night :lao samaht
:ana aasif
:sabaah al khayr
:masaa’ al khayr
:tusbih äalaa khayr
(Image source: iStockphoto)
46 Oman Air News
Outward bound
Supported by Oman Air, a Muscat-based organisation is helping young people realize
their dreams through nature-based education programmes
On May 2011, the Outward Bound
Oman/Tahaddi project in Muscat
celebrated its second birthday. An
educational, non-profit organisation,
Outward Bound Oman/Tahaddi is an
initiative aimed at using Oman’s beautiful
outdoor environment to unlock the human
potential of people in the Sultanate. The
project works in close partnership with
the Ministry of Education, and it was
established by founding partners SNR
Denton, Shell and the Suhail Bahwan
Group.
Established in 1941, there are Outward
Bound schools in over 30 countries,
attended by more than 220,000 each
year. Outward Bound Oman is the first
Outward Bound operation in any Arabicspeaking country.
Over a million people have now benefited from the life lessons and survival skills
of Outward Bound. The last decade has seen a growing level of debate about the
way we nurture young people. Endless exam pressure, technology that isolates
young people from their peers, the obesity time bomb, decreasing contact with
the environment, anxious parents wrapping their children in cotton wool - these
are just a few of the many issues of concern.
Outward Bound Oman has worked with more than 1,000 people, including
Omani youth from government schools, as well as international schools and
colleges in Oman and throughout the region, and Europe. In addition, leading
corporates such as Oman Air, Oman LNG, Oman Arab Bank and Port of
Salalah have been sending their emerging talent on courses to improve crossdepartmental communication, and to develop leadership skills.
Oman Air is playing a key role in supporting the development of the
programme to ensure it becomes a sustainable entity. Later this year, to celebrate
the 41st National Day, eight teams of six young
people will undertake a challenging journey from
Salalah to Muscat, on foot, by camel, horse and
traditional boats. Each team of six young people
will spend 10 days working their way as a team
across the desert landscape, using GPS and ancient
instruments called astrolabes to navigate their way
north towards Muscat.
Word is spreading - media interest is high – BBC
World Service will be covering the event, and there
will be daily updates in the Oman and regional
press and radio. Follow the progress of the journey,
and listen to daily audio updates by clicking on
www.outwardboundoman.com
48
Oman Air News
Oman Air Wins Best In-Flight
Connectivity And Communications Prize
At Passenger Choice Awards
Oman Air’s pioneering inflight mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity
has been recognised with the award of Best In-flight Connectivity and
Communications at the Passenger Choice Awards.
The Awards highlight the aviation industry’s innovation, products and
services and are organised by APEX, the Airline Passenger Experience
Association. Each award is determined solely by the votes of the travelling
public and voting is tracked by the Neilson Company.
The Best In-flight Connectivity and
Communications Award was accepted by
Oman Air’s Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Chief Officer,
Management Affairs, and
Linda Celestino, General
Manager Onboard Services,
at a ceremony held in
Seattle. The connectivity
services are available to
passengers throughout
their flight, from
shortly after take-off
until the aircraft is
preparing to land.
Mobile phone
connectivity is
charged at roaming
rates, in just the
same way as other
mobile phone calls
made from overseas.
Wi-fi connectivity is
currently charged per
flight at $29.95 for 26MB of data
for internet usage, $9.95 for webmail-only usage
or $4.95 for instant messaging. Additional
charges are made for usage over 26MB and for
webmail attachments.
Sindbad, Oman Air’s Frequent
Flyer Programme Introduces
Online Raffles
Sindbad, Oman Air’s frequent flyer
programme, has introduced Online Raffles,
a new online feature that allows Sindbad
Members to spend their Miles to participate
in exclusive online Raffle draws and stand a
chance to win exciting prizes.
and exciting, and to launch the online Raffles feature we have
associated with the Ritz-Carlton Al Bustan Palace, Muscat. Members
can buy Raffle tickets online for just 100 Sindbad Miles and they
stand a chance win a two nights’ stay for two people at the Al Bustan
Palace including breakfast as well as dinner at the award-winning Al
Khiran Restaurant.”
Online Raffles are an additional redemption
option for Sindbad members who can now
spend their Miles for raffle tickets in addition
to Flight tickets and Upgrade Rewards
Sindbad’s introduction of online Raffles is the latest step in Oman
Air’s ongoing drive to deliver convenience and value for all its
customers, in addition to the ultimate passenger experiences onboard
its fleet of modern and luxurious aircrafts.
Oman Air News
49
In recognition of outstanding
service and commitment to quality
Oman Air’s luxury Muscat lounges receive ISO certification
Oman Air’s luxurious lounges at Muscat International Airport have just
been awarded ISO certification, following an audit by Intertek Semco
Certification AB.
The First Class and Business Class lounges, which were unveiled earlier this
year, have been awarded the ISO 9001:2008 certificate in recognition of its
quality management systems.
The audit which preceded ISO 9001:2008 certification examined every aspect
of Oman Air’s airport lounge management systems, ensuring that they are
Ist class
robust, adaptable and applicable to all areas of the
lounges’ operations.
The award of certification to Oman Air’s lounges
at Muscat International Airport follows the recent
ISO certification of the airline’s supply chain
management and is the latest step in Oman Air’s
programme of ensuring the highest possible quality
in all aspects of its business.
Business class
American Express Middle East
and Oman Air partner to
reward customers
American Express Middle East and Oman Air, the national carrier of the
Sultanate of Oman, are partnering to offer American Express Cardmembers
even greater value. Cardmembers enrolled in the American Express Middle
East Membership Rewards Programme can now redeem their points for
Oman Air Sindbad Miles. With this partnership, Oman Air becomes
American Express Middle East’s tenth airline redemption partner, further
cementing the position of Membership Rewards as the region’s leading
loyalty programme.
Membership Rewards is a globally award winning rewards programme
from American Express where one point is earned for virtually every dollar
or equivalent spent on the Card. Membership Rewards points do not expire
and can be redeemed across a wide selection of
reward categories including flights, hotels, dining
and entertainment, a variety of merchandise, and
charity donations
Oman Air’s partnership with American Express
Middle East is the latest step in the airline’s
ongoing drive to deliver convenience and value
for all its customers, as well as the ultimate
passenger experience onboard its fleet of modern
and luxurious aircrafts.
50
Oman Air News
Oman Air
‘Commended’ at
TTG Travel Awards
Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has been
‘Commended’ in the ‘Airline of the Year’ category at one of the UK travel
industry’s most prestigious awards.
The TTG Travel Awards are run by the industry’s leading trade
newspaper, Travel Trade Gazette, and are held at London’s prestigious
Grosvenor House Hotel.
Oman Air’s Commendation, the second prize in the category, follows 18
months in which the airline has introduced new airbus A330 aircraft to
its fleet, each with spacious and luxurious interiors and state-of-the-art
in-flight entertainment. It has also been the first airline in the world to
offer passengers full mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity simultaneously
onboard its widebody aircraft.
The TTG Travel Awards are judged in two stages. Each registered
company is rated by the very agents that use their companies and
products. The results of these ratings are used to create shortlists for each
award from the entries that meet the minimum judging requirements.
Each category is then assigned a panel of four to five people to assess the
shortlisted finalists. Chaired by a TTG journalist who does not have a
carrying vote, each panel debates and discusses
each entrant against the rigorous criteria set
for that category. At the end of the judging,
the panel picks the winner. For the award, ten
categories were evaluated: cabin appearance,
onboard meals, cleanliness of the toilets,
beverage service, seating comfort, service
onboard, ground service, cost-performance
ratio, punctuality and facilities for kids.
Oman Air Wins
‘Airline of The Year’
Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate
of Oman, has continued its run of prestigious
awards successes, having collected the Airline
of the Year award at France’s Laurier d’Or
du Voyage d’Affaires. The Gold award was
presented at the International French Travel
Market IFTM-Top Resa, France’s leading
international travel and tourism trade fair.
The awards, hosted by IFTM-Top Resa in
partnership with Deplacements.com and Thalys,
recognise the very best in the business travel
products and services, and Oman Air’s won the
Gold Award in the Airline of the Year category,
ahead of Qatar Airways and Korean Airlines.
52 Entertainment Highlights
Movies
Captain America
Chris Evans, Samuel L Jackson
125 Mins
Water for Elephants
Reece Witherspoon,
Robert Pattinson
120 Mins
Harry Potter and the
Deathly Hallows Pt 2
Daniel Radcliffe,
Emma Watson
130 Mins
Rise of the Planet of the Apes: James Franco, John Lithgow; 105 Mins
The Guard
John Michael McDonagh
Niagara
Henry Hathaway
Fortune Cookie,
Billy Wilder
Night at the Museum
Sean Levy
Sherlock Holmes
Guy Ritchie
Animal Kingdom
David Michod, J. Liebesman
District 9
Neill Blomkamp
And many more...
Television
Glee
Comeback
Haramt Ya Baba
Siham Ajram
My Name Is Earl
Big Days
The Simpsons, Elementry School Musical
Adaalat
Mukhyamantari Ka Qatil Kaun
Ammaji Ki Gali
Episode No. 5
Blue Skies
Episode No. 1
Bollywood
Biographies
Kareena Kapoor
Haramt Ya Baba
The Loving Doctor
Gazoon
Ep 21 - 30
Green Apple
Sugar Addiction
And many more...
Entertainment Highlights
53
Live Television
To keep yourself updated with current affairs and business news please tune into Live TV under our Television
category. (Service available on A330 only)
EUROPE
Al Jazeera News (Arabic)
BBC News (English)
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MIDDLE EAST
Al Jazeera News (Arabic)
BBC News (English)
Al Jazeera International
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Radio
Oman Unlimited
Western New
Oman Unlimited
Best Of 19802000
Western New
Classic Songs
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Western New
Featured Artist
Western New
Featured Artist
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Games
Multi-Player
Al’s Casino
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Backgammon
Bejeweled 2 ®
Brain-Fu Tournament
BumpOut 3D
Bzzz The Busy Bee
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CD’s
THE HOLY QUR’AN
Sheikh Saed Al Ghamedy
Holy Qur’an
Artist: Wael Jassar
Album: Koul Dakeeka Shakhseya
Artist: George Wassouf
Album: Allah Kareem
Artist: Hany Shaker
Album: Ba’dak Malish
Artist: Amani Souwissi
Album: Ana Mush Malak
Artist: Fadel Shaker
Album: Baada Al Bal
Artist: Haifa Wehbe
Album: Baby Haifa
Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Album: I’m With You
Artist: Pascale Machaalani
Album: Bhebak Ana Bhebak
Artist: Khaled Selim
Album: Dah Ana-This Is Me
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Bodyguard
Artist: Samo Zein
Album: Dayman
Artist: Ehab Tawfik
Album: Ahla Samrah
Artist: Amr Diab
Album: Aslaha Bitifrek
Artist: Hussain Al Jassmi
Album: Al Jassmi 2010
Artist: Assi Helani
Album: Assi 010
Artist: Mohamed Fouad
Album: Ben Edeek
Artist: Diana Karazon
Album: Diana 2010
Artist: Kazem Al-Saher
Album: Al Rasm Bel Kalimat
Artist: Latifa
Album: Atehadda
Artist: Nancy Ajram
Album: Betfakar Fee Eh
Artist: Ilham Al Madfai
Album: Dishdasha
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And many more...