The inflighT magazine of oman air

July 2014 your Copy To Keep

www.facebook.com/omanair www.twitter.com/omanair

Check Out The Majesty of Northern India

Check In Season of Plenty: Khareef!

The inflighT magazine of oman air

July 2014 your Copy To Keep

Voted*Middle East’s Leading

Airline Business Class 2014*Middle East’s Leading

Airline Economy Class 2013 & 2014

With the arrival in recent weeks of the Khareef, the monsoon

weather that is unique to southern Oman, hundreds of thousands

of visitors are taking the opportunity to experience the swirling

mists, cool temperatures and rains that characterise the Khareef,

and to enjoy the abundance of greenery, bright flowers and rich

wildlife that are sustained by the fresher weather.

The contrast with the heat of the summer found elsewhere within

the Gulf draws tourists from throughout the Middle East, and Oman

Air’s award-winning products, service and hospitality provide an ideal

introduction to the unique culture, ancient history and remarkable

beauty of the Dhofar region, of which Salalah is the capital.

During this year’s Khareef, Oman Air will be operating more flights

to Salalah than at any time in our history and additionally, we have

excellent holiday packages that allow you to enjoy the wonders of

this amazing region of Oman. However, seats are selling fast and

if you want to experience Dhofar’s matchless monsoon, I would

advise you to book as soon as possible.

We were delighted to accept the ‘Best Arab Air Carrier’ award at

the Arab Tourism Media Awards a few weeks ago, where Oman

Air was also presented with a special award for our support of the

Arab Tourism Media, and we have been listed as one of the world’s

best airlines by American Express

Executive Travel, Business Insider and

Bilanz magazines, whilst The World

Travel Awards recognised Oman Air as

the Middle East’s Leading Airline in

both business and economy class. A

true testimony of these recognitions

continues to be the extraordinary

demand for seats across our network.

So, thank you for flying with us. We hope

you enjoy our award winning service

and we look forward to welcoming you

back soon.

from the Ceo’s desk

Marhaba

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The Majesty of Northern IndiaTravelling the spectacular lands of Northern India.

Dieting days…Weight loss? Healthy heart? Diabetes management? You’ve got it with these popular diets and eating plans.

Season of Plenty: Khareef! During the annual ‘Khareef’

monsoon season in Dhofar, travellers are presented with an enchanting world of natural greenery, water and blissfully cool temperatures.

Must See: OmanThe mountain village of Balad Sayt is an exquisite example of what ‘Old Oman’ was once like.

DiaryA wrap up of what festivals, events and sports are happening this month.

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

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

EditorialEditorial HeadPaul Winterpaul.winter@npaoman.com

Mohammad Abu Al Majd

Client Servicing ExecutiveRuwayda Al Barwani

DesignersJustin Das Mohammad Asif

Media Sales and Marketingadvertising@npaoman.com

Photographic ContributorsGettyImages, ShutterStockMalaysia Tourism Promotion BoardParis International Film FestivalJerash FestivalIndia International Jewellery ShowOlympiapark MunichDeir El Qamar FestivalHenley Royal RegattaSky Pro CyclingPro 9 Sports Events/Takayama TakaoSultanate of Oman Public Authority for Craft IndustriesAhmed Altoqi, Basim Al Muharabi, Ahmed Al Shukaili Al-Baleed Archaeological Park (The Museum of the Frankincense Land)www.ethnicjewels.ning.comwww.beautifulmuslimahonlineboutique.blogspot.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.

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World View Life in all its forms from behind the photographer’s lens.

Unique Selling Propositions? Your product’s Unique Selling Propositions could well be your business’s most valuable possessions.

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Oman Air NewsOman Air’s news and events.

The inflighT magazine of oman air

July 2014 your Copy To Keep

www.facebook.com/omanair www.twitter.com/omanair

Check Out The Majesty of Northern India

Check In Season of Plenty: Khareef!

The inflighT magazine of oman air

July 2014 your Copy To Keep

Voted*Middle East’s Leading

Airline Business Class 2014*Middle East’s Leading

Airline Economy Class 2013 & 2014

mwaka Kogwa growing Season festival (3 July, Makunduchi, Zanzibar).

paleo music festival (22 – 27 July, Nyon, Switzerland).

Womad World music festival (24 – 27 July, Wiltshire, England).

Diary

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paris international film festival Where: Paris, FranceWhen: 5 July – 12 July What: The Paris International Film Festival is famous for showcasing re-mastered cinema classics, as well as movies that critics have described as ‘unfairly underrated masterpieces’. The festival takes place in various neighbourhoods throughout Paris, with at least two films scheduled to be displayed every night. The organisers clearly love their own culture and say this year’s festival will be as proudly French as possible!

Kuala lumpur music festival Where: Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaWhen: 1 July - 6 July What: The Kuala Lumpur Music Festival will once again offer a dazzling display of music performances, musical exhibits, artistic performances and sales of instruments this month. Kuala Lumpur is a dream destination in itself. If you combine it with music, you may never, ever want to leave!

Jerash festival of music and arts Where: Amman, JordanWhen: 19 July – 28 JulyWhat: ‘Jerash Festival’ is a festival of Arab culture that brings together performers in all categories of music and arts – including folklore dance, ballet performances, music concerts, theatre plays, opera, and singing. What makes the occasion so spectacular is that it all takes place under floodlight at the ancient Jerash city ruins.

Diary

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Deir el Qamar festivalWhere: Deir El Qamar, Beirut, LebanonWhen: Throughout July What: The medieval town of Deir El Qamar, which is just outside Beirut, will once again play host to the Deir el Qamar Festival. As always, this will be a showcase of the best up-and-coming local acts – which will include everything from jazz and classical music to film and theatre. All performances will take place in and around Deir El Qamar’s ‘Monastery of the Moon’.

india international Jewellery ShowWhere: Mumbai, IndiaWhen: 17 – 21 July What: The India International Jewellery Show is a prestigious fashion jewellery show that aims to provide and showcase the finest range of jewels designed and conceptualised by well-known personalities. It is also the time when exhibitors have the chance to get to know their market and customer base on a more personal level.

impark Summer festivalWhere: Munich, GermanyWhen: 31 July – 24 AugustWhat: This free festival provides everything a good summer day needs! Sports on the water, beach sessions, fireworks at night and lots of other activities. This year, there will also be hands-on activities such as wave and wake boarding, stalls for strolling around and shopping at, fairground rides, culinary delights and a place to relax at on the beach.

hampton Court palace flower Show

(8 – 13 July, London, England).

Bastille Day(14 July, Paris, France).

ramadan night market

(17 – 27 July, Dubai World Trade Centre,

UAE).

frankfurt ironman Triathlon (6 July, Frankfurt, Germany).

f1 British grand prix (6 July, Silverstone, England).

fifa World Cup final (13 July, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil).

adventure Sports awards 2014 (22 – 27 July, Livingo, Italy).

Commonwealth games (23 July – 3 August, Scotland, United Kingdom).

henley royal rowing regatta Where: Henley-on-Thames, England When: 2 – 6 July What: The Henley Royal Regatta is the most famous rowing regatta in the United Kingdom – if not the whole of Europe, and is a highlight of the summer sporting calendar and social season. It attracts thousands of visitors over the five-day period, who can witness over 200 races of international standard (some of the boats feature elite, Olympian crews).

uae 9 Ball pool ChampionshipWhere: Dubai, UAEWhen: 11 – 19 JulyWhat: In recent decades, nine-ball has become the dominant tournament game in professional pool – especially since the fast-paced nature of the game tends to attract large, appreciative audiences. The UAE 9 Ball Championship, which will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, should be a spectacular event.

Diary

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Tour De franceWhere: France (including England, Belgium and Spain) When: 5 July – 27 July What: This year’s 101st Tour De France will mark the first time that the event has visited the north of England (it previously only made visits to the south coast and the capital). The first stage takes in the breathtaking scenery and peaceful atmosphere of Yorkshire Dales. After England, the tour heads through Belgium, then France (there is a section in Spain as well), before finishing up at the famous Avenue des Champs-Elysées in Paris. A total distance of 3 656 kilometres will be covered.

Silversmith craftsThe silversmith craft and culture in Oman is unique and fascinating. This is due to the fact that over several centuries, the silversmiths and metalworkers of Oman have taken design elements in silverware manufacture from all over the world – especially India, East Africa, China, various Middle Eastern centres and even Europe – and come up with a unique style of their own that is inspired and influenced by the Omani culture and identity. Nizwa is renowned for its high quality silverware, but silver products can be found throughout the Sultanate.

Jerz axe makingThe craft of jerz making is unique to Musandam, and the local men here carry this long-handled axe as part of their traditional costume. In days gone by, the jerz was used for chopping firewood; as a support stick while walking and climbing over Musandam’s rocky terrain; and occasionally, as a weapon of self-defense against wild animals. Jerz making falls under the metalworking or blacksmithing craft in Oman – something which the Sultanate’s people are famous for. A typical jerz is just under a metre in length and a few centimetres in diameter. The axe head is about 10 centimetres long.

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Kohl makingThroughout Oman’s history, women have worn kohl around their

eyes. The function of khol is a cosmetic one – and it is said to give a woman’s eyes more expression. Kohl is a paste

traditionally made from finely powdered sulphide of antimony mixed with rosewater – and in some

cases, wood ash mixed with vegetable oils. These days, kohl is commercially available, but the

traditional, hand-made version is held in high esteem, and worn with pride. An Almekhala

is a small metal bowl (it is sometimes made of silver) used to contain kohl.

And in Northern India, New Delhi (the county’s capital) is probably the best place to start. New Delhi as well as the much older and antiquated ‘Old Delhi’ (officially, ‘Delhi’) might be in close proximity to each other, but there is an immense contrast between the two.

The narrow streets and outlying areas of Old Delhi are filled with history and fantastic relics of the past (forts, monuments, mosques and artworks) – all left behind by the Mughal rulers that once occupied the city. The much

more modern New Delhi is a city of beautifully landscaped gardens, wide streets, and trendy cafes, restaurants and malls. Both are worth visiting, and the two provide a fitting introduction to the truly huge variety of life that defines this spectacular country.

‘Northern India’ For the first time traveller, the ‘northern parts of India’ could do well as a description of the area. But the official geographic definitions of Northern India are more technical.

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The majesty of northern indiaIt’s been said that the question about India travel is not when and why you do it (every serious traveller must visit some time!), but rather how you’re going to explore the place. And where do you possibly begin? Northern India is a truly majestic place, and a great region to begin…

The Taj Mahal is described as the ‘Jewel of Muslim art in India’ by the UNESCO World Heritage organisation

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‘For travellers, a river trip done on the Varanasi

section of the Ganges at dawn or at sundown

is an unforgettable experience’

area also has ample opportunities for mountaineering, river rafting and skiing adventures.

6. Rajasthan Forts and Palaces: Rajasthan is famous for its numerous forts and palaces that are absolute masterpieces of Indian architecture and illustrations of the subliminal culture of Indian royalty and splendour.

7. Valley of flowers: This national park lies in the Zanskar range of the Himalayas, and is famous for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and rare and endangered animals. Permits are required for entry, and no overnight visits are allowed.

8. Dharamshala: This fascinating place in the Kangra Valley (Himachal Pradesh State) is surrounded by dense coniferous forest. ‘Upper’ Dharamashala is an especially popular hang-out for foreigners and students of Buddhism (the Tibetan Buddhist roots of Dharamsala stretch back to the 8th century).

9. Jaipur: Jaipur is the largest city in Rajasthan and was built in the 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh as India’s first planned city. It is also called the Pink City in reference to its distinctly coloured buildings, which were originally painted this colour to imitate the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities.

10. Ranthambore National Park: This Rajasthan park supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including around 30 tigers. It is very popular (sometimes overcrowded) due to its proximity to Delhi and the fact that the tigers are easy to spot here.

Cultural Capital of the World Northern India is a highly concentrated mixing pot of great cultures. The traveller to these lands comes face to face with a truly massive and glorious array of art, design, architecture, dress, cuisine, customs, languages, lifestyles and history. To call this place the cultural capital of world is no overstatement.

The Government of India defines the North India Cultural Zone as including the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, as well as the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

Then there is an overlapping neighbouring region, called the North Central India Cultural Zone that includes Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar and Delhi. The state of Bihar is also included in the East India Cultural Zone; and Rajasthan in the West India Cultural Zone – both of which form part of Northern India.

After Delhi and New Delhi, many travellers complete the ‘Golden Triangle’ tourist circuit, which includes the best of what Agra (including the Taj Mahal) and Jaipur have to offer. Trips typically last about a week. But in Northern India, a literal lifetime of experiences and adventures await. Here are some of the more popular ones.

1. Golden Temple: Amritsar is one of the largest cities of the Punjab state in India, and

home to the exquisite Golden Temple – the spiritual capital of the Sikhs.

2. Varanasi: Located on the banks of Ganga River in the Uttar Pradesh region, Varanasi is perhaps

the oldest living city in the world and a famous Hindu pilgrimage centre.

3. Agra Red Fort: Originally built in 1565 as a military establishment, this massive fort is two-and-a-half

kilometres long and entirely encompassed by a moat and 20 foot high wall.

4. Qutub Minar: At just over 72 metres in height, this is the tallest stone tower in India, and one of the most visited spots in Delhi. It is reportedly the first Islamic structure built in India.

5. Trekking in Ladakh: Located in the Jammu and Kashmir state in the extreme north of India, Ladakh is one of the least populated districts in India. It is nestled high in the Himalayan Valley, and famed for its adventure trekking. This

The exquisite Golden Temple, in Amritsar, is the

spiritual capital of the Sikhs

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18It is also a concentration point for the world’s great religious cultures. The region encompasses several of the holiest pilgrimage centres of Hinduism, the most sacred destinations of Buddhism, the most important pilgrimage points of Sikhism, and several highly regarded destinations in Sufi Islam. The largest Hindu temple in India, Akshardham Temple; the largest Buddhist temple in India, Mahabodhi; the largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid; and the largest Sikh shrine, the Golden Temple; are all located in Northern India.

Varanasi and the Ganges River Boat Trip The Ganges is the famous trans-boundary river which has its source in the western Himalayan region in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, and which flows south and east through the eastern plains of Northern India, and eventually into Bangladesh, where it empties into the Bay of Bengal. It is considered the 15th longest river in Asia and a lifeline to millions of people who live along its course.

The city of Varanasi has been a cultural centre of Northern India for thousands of years. For travellers, a river trip done on the Varanasi section of the Ganges at dawn or at sundown is an unforgettable experience – and a way to catch a fleeting glimpse of the profound, living spirituality of the people that have existed here for eons.

The Crown of Palaces In Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal – the ‘crown of palaces’ – remains a much-loved site visited and photographed by thousands of travellers every week. The Taj was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to their 14th child in 1631.

The building was constructed using materials from all over India and Asia and over 1 000 elephants were used to transport the materials needed to build it. The translucent white marble was brought from Makrana, Rajasthan, the jasper from Punjab, and the jade and crystal from China. The turquoise was imported from Tibet and the lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, while the sapphire came from Sri Lanka and the carnelian from Arabia.

In all, twenty eight types of precious and semi-precious stones were inlaid into the white marble.

The Taj was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. To many, the Taj remains the most beautiful building in the world and ‘the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage,’ according to UNESCO.

The city of Varanasi has been a cultural and spiritual centre of Northern India for thousands of years. It is a fascinating destination for travellers

Travel Token: Taj Mahal Replica Perhaps the greatest attraction of travelling to Northern India is the vast selection of high quality, very well priced teas, spices, glass and metal bangles, Saris, musical instruments, incense, henna dye, scarves, handmade carpets, antique weapons, camel leather slippers, and many, many more items that are available. If you’re looking for a touristy ‘been there done that’ type of souvenir, then pick up a small marble replica of the Taj Mahal, at Agra.

Northern India: facts Oman Air flies between Muscat and these major

Northern Indian cities regularly:

Jaipur: Daily

Kochi: Daily

Delhi: Twice daily

Visa Requirements: Most travellers to India require visas for entry, which are valid for six months from the date of issue (not the date of entry).

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Languages spoken: India has 22 official ‘scheduled’ languages, but Hindi is recognised as the main official language, with English acting as a subsidiary official language. (However, there is no National Language of India, since it is a multi-lingual country). Currency: The Indian Rupee (Rs) is divided into 100 paise (p), but paise coins are increasingly rare. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 paise, and Rs 1, 2 and 5. Notes come in denominations of Rs 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. 1 Omani Rial (OMR) = 156.70 Indian Rupee (INR) (June 2014)

The Qutub Minar in Delhi is just over 72 metres high – which makes it the tallest stone tower in India

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During the annual ‘Khareef’ monsoon season, Dhofar’s mountains, valleys, coastlines and interior become rain soaked and shrouded in mist – presenting travellers with an enchanting world of natural greenery, water and blissfully cool temperatures…

Season of plenty: Khareef!

During summer, Salalah and the Dhofar Province in southern Oman attract visitors from all corners of the Arabian Peninsula and Middle East region – and the rest of the world

During summer, Salalah and the Dhofar Province in southern Oman attract visitors from all corners of the Arabian Peninsula and Middle East region – and the rest of the world

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25From June through to September every year, the monsoon winds that blow inland over Salalah and the Dhofar coastline cause cool, moisture-laden air from the sea to rise up, and condense into thick fog and constant, light drizzle.

The result is an explosion of green as the plants, grasses, trees, shrubbery and natural vegetation in the hills and valleys around Dhofar come to life – so much so that you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in a tropical jungle in some parts. The streams and springs also come alive with the flow of water.

Khareef is the Arabic term used to describe this natural event. The word refers to the autumn season in which it occurs – but it also means ‘winds of plenty’. The blissfully cool temperatures in Dhofar during the summer months (they remain in the mid to low twenties during monsoon season) are a stark contrast to the rest of the country’s much warmer temperatures at this time of year.

The overall sense of being part of a landscape that is bursting with life can have a profound effect on those experiencing it, and Dhofar and Salalah witness a massive influx of travellers over the Khareef season. But what adds even more allure to the idea of spending time in this region, are the fascinating array of cultural-historical and nature experiences on offer for the traveller.

10 Salalah Highlights

1. Museum of the Frankincense Land: This museum provides a fascinating look at the history of Frankincense in Salalah.

2. Marneef Cave: Here, there are interesting cave formations and blowholes next to the sea.

3. Sumahram Old City: Legend has it that Sumharam was the fortress belonging to the Queen of Sheba.

4. The Frankincense Trail: The site includes frankincense trees, Khor Rori and the remains of a caravan oasis, which were all crucial to the medieval incense trade.

5. Nabi Ayoub’s Tomb: A small building encloses this important and revered tomb, which is set into the floor and draped with green silk cloth. (Also known as ‘Job’s Tomb’).

6. Salalah Museum: This small, well-kept museum documents Salalah’s history, as well as its maritime heritage.

7. Beaches: There are dozens of coves and bays to explore along the Dhofar coastline, and many kilometres of unspoilt beach.

8. Wadi Darbat: This is a natural park with majestic views of waterfalls, lakes, mountains, caves, wildlife and lush green vegetation.

9. Khor Rawri: Khor Rawri is one of the most scenic river valleys on the Arabian Peninsula.

10. Ain Homran: This natural spring is a paradise of beautiful greenery, water and rock formations. It is also an excellent spot for bird watching (several species of eagles have been identified here).

There are spectacular coves and bays to explore along the Dhofar coastline - including the rocky shoreline (and blowholes) of Al Mughsayl

Ala Souq: Market Day This much-loved souq is located in the middle of one of Salalah’s old neighbourhoods, and is famous for its high-quality frankincense supplies, and traditional crafts like basketry, leatherwork, pottery, silverware etc. Photographers will love that it is also situated in an area that provides classic examples of Arabic architecture and design.

Frankincense and ‘The Perfume Capital’ Frankincense is a symbol of life for the Dhofari people. Dhofar was a major exporter of frankincense in ancient times, with some of it being traded as far away as China. To this day, Frankincense from Dhofar is prized for its quality. A bag of fine quality frankincense from ‘The Perfume

Capital’ as Salalah is referred to, along with the set of paraphernalia used for burning it – Omani frankincense brazier, charcoals and tweezers – make a wonderful (and compact) travel souvenir to take home.

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The popular ‘Museum of the Frankincense Land’

Salalah’s markets stock an endless array of treasures

There are a host of fascinating cultural-historical and nature experiences on offer for the traveller around Salalah and Dhofar

Reason to celebrate:

The Salalah Tourism Festival

The Khareef Festival (officially the ‘Salalah Tourism Festival’) celebrates the fantastic, life-giving processes that this part of the world goes through every season. It also celebrates the people, customs, traditions and the remarkable, fascinating lifestyles that have been part of this great natural event since the earliest of times. The festival is held for around thirty days over July and August, and is a cultural extravaganza of folklore, dancing, music, crafts, art, photography, poetry, storytelling, theatre, and much more.

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Wadi Darbat, Salalah

Must See:

Oman30

Balad Sayt VillageLongitude: 23° 11’ 28.2” n Latitude: 57° 23’ 15.6” e

The village is an exquisite example of what ‘Old Oman’ was like – a trip here feels like a trip back in time to an era where you might never want to return from!

The town of Rustaq is located just under 60 kilometres away (about an hour’s drive) from

Balad Sayt, and is a good place to stock up with supplies for the

day, or for a camping trip.

Due to the relatively high altitude, Balad Sayt enjoys moderate daytime

temperatures – even during the peak summer months.

The village is surrounded by

the awe-inspiring peaks and valleys

of the Jebel Shams mountain range. A

camera is essential!

There are some spectacular natural camping sites next to

the few kilometers of road that ascend towards the village. Campers need to bring all

amenities and supplies with them – including lots of water.

Many of the village buildings are constructed in the

vernacular style – they have been built the same way for

hundreds of years using locally sourced clay, mud, stone and

date palm fronds.

The village itself is next to the local people’s date

palm plantations and agricultural terraces.

Due to its inaccessibility and out-of-the-way location,

Balad Sayt’s natural and cultural beauty is unspoiled.

The final approach to the village involves a steep climb, followed by an exhilarating descent into the mountain and valley oasis.

Balad Sayt is accessible only via

rugged mountainous roads, so a four-wheel drive vehicle is highly

recommended.

The village is located on the slopes of the Hajar Mountains near the highest peak in the Sultanate of

Oman, Jebel Shams.

Balad Sayt is a mountain village located just over 200 kilometres west of Muscat, approximately on the border between the A’Dakhiliyah and A’Batinah Governorates.

Dieting days…Here’s a look at some popular diets and eating plans that you could use to enhance your life. If ‘You are what you eat,’ as the saying goes, then by eating in the following ways, you can be anything you want! Weight loss? Healthy heart? Diabetes management? You’ve got it...

Weight Loss?

Weight Watchers: The Weight Watchers core approach is to assist you to lose weight by forming helpful habits, eating smarter and getting more exercise. In contrast to other diets that might provide a list of foods that either must be or should never be eaten, the Weight Watchers plan is compatible with any other diet, provided you measure and limit the amount of food consumed (and eat the right quality foods).

Biggest Loser Diet: Based on the worldwide Biggest Loser reality television show, which showcases overweight contestants attempting to lose the most weight, this ‘get the basics right’ diet simply prescribes lots of fruits, vegetables, lean protein sources, and whole grains on the menu – together with portion control, and monitoring your eating with a ‘food journal’. And lots of exercise.

Raw Food Diet: The central idea of this diet is that raw foods are packed with natural enzymes and nutrients that help the body reach optimal health levels – which ultimately aids in healthy weight loss. ‘Raw Food’ is food that hasn’t been cooked, processed, microwaved, irradiated, genetically engineered, or exposed to pesticides or herbicides. One of the

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drawbacks of this diet is the amount of time and effort that needs to go into preparing meals.

Healthy Heart?

Ornish Diet: The Ornish diet categorizes foods into five groups from most healthy to least healthy, and prescribes them in a way that optimises heart health and general well-being (as well as weight loss). The Ornish diet/lifestyle also prescribes aerobic activity, resistance training, and flexibility exercises – as well as stress management activities like yoga and meditation.

'Highly refined carbohydrates are replaced with complex carbohydrates that help keep blood sugar levels regular, due to slower digestion rates, and prevent your body from producing too much insulin'

TLC Diet: The Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet is aimed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The diet’s central aim is to help you cut back on saturated fat levels (fried foods, fatty meats, whole-milk dairy etc), and to limit your cholesterol intake. It also requires that you increase your dietry fibre on a daily basis.

Mediterranean Diet: This includes proportionally high consumption of olive oil, legumes, unrefined cereals, fruits and vegetables, and moderate to high consumption of fish, moderate consumption of dairy products (mostly as cheese and yogurt), and low consumption of meat and meat products. Traditionally, the diet was based on the claim that people living in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea suffer relatively less from cardiovascular ailments than other groups.

Diabetes? DASH Diet: While the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is intended to manage high blood pressure, nutrition experts say it is also an ideal eating pattern for the management of diabetes. It’s about lots of fruits and vegetables (combined with low-fat dairy, lean protein and whole grains) – and minimal saturated fats, sugar and salt.

Flexitarian Diet: The term ‘Flexitarian’ refers to someone who eats a mostly vegetarian diet, but occasionally meat as well. Experts say that this kind of eating has the potential to prevent and control diabetes. Exercise is also a part of Flexitarian lifestyle and diet – with 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week being recommended, along with at least two days of strength training per week.

Diabetes Diet: This is simply a healthy eating plan that is high in nutrients, low in fat, and moderate in calories – that is geared towards optimal control of diabetes. Highly refined carbohydrates are replaced with complex carbohydrates that help keep blood sugar levels regular, due to slower digestion rates, and prevent your body from producing too much insulin.

Super SuperfoodsEvidence suggests that many superfoods – foods that are claimed to have superior nutrient levels and health benefits – can help you stay slim and trim. Here are five (and why they’ll benefit you)…1. Black Beans: High percentage of

high quality protein, with hardly any unwanted saturated fats.

2. Salmon: Leaner source of protein than red meat, and full of healthy mono-unsaturated fats.

3. Broccoli: Low in calories and well-known as a high-quality source of fiber.

4. Green Tea: Loaded with antioxidants, which reportedly also contribute to calorie burn.

5. Quinoa: Rich in protein, which experts suggest make you feel full for longer.

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Your product's Unique Selling Propositions – the things that makes them

unique and valuable to your target market – could well be your business’ most

valuable possessions. Here’s a look at how and why.

unique Selling proposition: your business’s most valuable possession?

Business& Tech36

‘Don’t sell yourself short!’ the saying goes. You shouldn’t sell your products and services short either. Successful business owners know that their product’s USP – it’s Unique Selling Proposition – must be given all the attention it deserves. An official Business Dictionary definition of the term Unique Selling Proposition, or Unique Selling Point, reads as following:

‘A real or perceived benefit of a product or service that differentiates it from the competing brands and gives its buyer a logical reason to prefer it over other brands. A USP is often a critical component of a promotional theme around which an advertising campaign is built.’

The benefit of a Unique Selling Proposition is that you gain a key competitive advantage over other products on the market. This enables you to sell more products; which enables you to grow your business. But there’s more to it than this, of course.

Why your product needs a USP!

With such a large variety of products available these days, it is often difficult for customers to make an informed choice on what they need. Your product’s USP helps them with this decision making process, and communicates to them why having your product would benefit their lives. Ultimately, your product’s Unique Selling Proposition should be clearly able to answer the customer’s question, ‘What’s in it for me!’

How to identify your product’s USP! The process of identifying the Unique Selling Propositions of you product can be put into three broad steps:

1. Identifying and describing your target audience.

2. Identifying the problem your product or service solves for them.

3. Listing and communicating these distinctive features and benefits to them.

Emotional Selling Propositions? A product’s ESP or ‘Emotional Selling Proposition’ is a concept closely linked to the idea of a Unique Selling Proposition. An Emotional Selling Proposition however, appeals more to a customer’s thinking and emotional behavior, and as one marketing expert put it, seeks to find the deep psychological bond between your product and the customer. Emotional Selling Propositions answer the question, ‘How can we meet the emotional needs of the customer.’

When it comes to a product’s unique selling points, advertisers and copywriters are fond of communicating the actual features of the product; but also the benefits that these have for the customer. ‘Features tell but benefits sell!’ they say.

For example:

Features: A pizza restaurant that is open 24 hours a day. Benefits: So you can buy pizzas whenever you’re felling hungry.

Features: Batteries included. Benefits: So it is conveniently ready for you to use right out of the box.

Features: A global positioning device on your smartphone. Benefits: You’ll never get lost!

If all else fails?

So what do you do if you feel your product doesn’t have something about it that is truly unique or special? One marketing expert suggests you find something that your business can do (related to the product) that will put you in a superior and unique position over your customers. For example, excellent customer service, free deliveries or special packaging etc. Another expert simply suggests taking a look at your competition,

matching their products point by point, and then offering your customers something extra of value that your competitor can’t.

Business& Tech38

WorldView40

glass Blow glow

Balloon Building…

A glassblower shapes glassware with a flame in his studio in

Colombes, outside Paris, France. Only a few traditional glassmakers

remain in the region today. (Photo by Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images). A competitor performs an extreme motocross

jump in front of the Shanghai city skyline in

China, to kick off the recently held World Extreme

Games. The games showcase the best action

sport athletes from around the world. (Photo by

STR/AFP/Getty Images).

Members of an artist group take photos of their work in Bingen, Germany. For the

artwork, numerous semi-inflated gym balls were crocheted with wool and then strung up

to the side of the house. (Photo by Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images).

reach for the skies

Fashion &Trends42

‘English Edge’ WomenswearJasper Conran launched his first womenswear collection in 1978. The work has been referred to as being ‘English with an edge,’ and now, the Conran spring summer 2014 womenswear range is no different – with simple, immaculately styled pieces, and a classic colour palette. www.jasperconran.com

Easy Summer Wear…The Nicole Farhi label, by designer Joanna Sykes, has always been about timeless style and effortless elegance. The latest spring summer 2014 range brings together a fantastic eye for detail, as well as a great understanding of cut, proportion and fabrication – featuring a contemporary palate of colours and monotones. www.nicolefarhi.com

Fashion &Trends44

Ahmed Maqbool Al MaimaniAhmed says he is ‘An Omani photographer who fell in love with the world and its beautiful nature since childhood.’ His vision, he explains, is to add more value to photography by capturing the most unique and beautiful views of the world that he can. The Maryland (USA) born photographer, who currently lives in Muscat, only acquired his first compact film camera in 2006. But since then, he has become a top class photographer and has exhibited his work at numerous local and international exhibitions. In 2012, he won the gold award in the 34th Youth Prints Biennial in Spain (Category 1, Under 21 years) and says he now wants to get his International Federation of Photographic Arts certificate. www.ahmed-photography.com

46OmanView46

TravellerThe 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 SheetArea : 3 09 500 km2

Population (2014) : 4 000 345 million (1 767 396 expatriates)

Language : Arabic (official), English (widely spoken), German

& French (most hotel staff)

Capital : Muscat

Local Time : GMT +4

Currency : Omani Rial, which equates to US$ 2.58

Shopping Hours : 09:00 - 13:00 then 16:30 - 22:00

TravelGuide48

Savvy

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.

50 baiza

25 baiza

10 baiza

5 baiza

50 Rials

20 Rials

10 Rials

5 Rials

1 Rial

1/2 Rial

100 baiza

TravelGuide 49

Oman AirNews52

oman air accepts two trophies at arab Tourism media awards

Oman Air is celebrating the latest in a string of prestigious honours, following the presentation to the airline of the ‘Best Arab Air Carrier’ award at the Arab Tourism Media Awards. The national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman was also given a special award in appreciation of its long-term and continuing support for the Arab Tourism Media.

The Arab Tourism Media Awards are now in their fourth year and were held at the Al Bustan Palace hotel, in Muscat. They were organised by the Arab Centre for Tourism Media, in collaboration with the Oman Ministry of Tourism and under the auspices of His Excellency Ahmed bin Nasser al Mehrzi, the Minister of Tourism.

The awards were presented by Ahmed bin Nasser al Mehrzi, as well as Hussain Ali al Manaie, the Chairman of the Arab Centre for Tourism Media. In addition to Oman Air’s recognition, other Omani winners included the Al Roya newspaper, which won the ‘Best Tourism-Focused’ award; the city of Salalah, which captured the ‘Best Arab Tourism Destination’ award; and the city of Ras Al Khaimah, which received the ‘Best Tourism, Growing’ award.

Later this year, Oman Air will receive the first of 20 aircraft currently on order, and will be looking forward to not only offering even more people a superlative passenger experience, but also to enable more people to visit Oman and to discover for themselves the unique beauty and timeless culture of this wonderful country.

The presentation of the ‘Best Arab Air Carrier’ award follows a series of recent wins for Oman Air in international awards programmes. Recently, Oman Air also won the E-commerce; Food and Beverages; and Services categories of the Oman Web Awards, and in April this year, the airline won the ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – Business Class’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’ titles at the World Travel Awards, as well as the ‘Best First Class Male’ award at the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Bag Awards. These continue a trend that has seen Oman Air collect more than 40 awards and accolades over a four-year period in recognition of the high quality of every area of the carrier’s operations.

excellence in innovation and aircraft maintenance engineering

Since joining Oman Air in April of 1997,, Dhahi Bin Jamal Al-Barwani has spent 17 years practicing his profession of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Quality Assurance with the airline. However, Dhahi has recently also made a name for himself as an inventor of a water-operated welding and cutting machine.

Besides making innovative use of water as part of the fuel system, the device is also transportable, does not

require any gas storage, can becontrolled electronically with high degrees of precision, be operated indoors, and is also environmentally friendly.To acknowledge the importance of the invention, Dhahi was awarded a Silver Medal and a Diploma certificate at the 42nd edition of the prestigious International Exhibition of Inventions, which is also known as the world’s largest market place for inventions, held in Geneva, Switzerland, earlier this year.With regards to his career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, the Muscat-based Dhahi has a long list of professional certificates and experience from international and local training authorities to his name. These illustrate the incredibly high level of expertise, technical knowledge and professionalism required in this field. One of Dhahi’s career highlights was receiving ‘Outstanding Technical Dispatch Reliability Achievement’ certificate, from Boeing, which was given to him in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Oman Air from December 2001 to August 2003.

Oman AirNews54

Oman Air has won three categories of the 8th Oman Web Awards, which were presented at a glittering ceremony held at the Al Bustan Palace hotel in Muscat. The Chief Guest of the event was HE Hamood Sangour Al Zadjali, the Executive President of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO).

Oman Air triumphed in the E-commerce; Food and Beverages; and Services categories of the awards – which were in recognition of the national carrier’s

oman air scoops three titles at oman Web awards

website at www.omanair.com; its catering presence at http://catering.omanair.com; and its cargo operation at http://cargo.omanair.com, respectively.

The prestigious awards followed Oman Air’s relaunch of its website during the last few months, which has made it more visually appealing, easier to navigate and simpler to purchase products and services. The website also includes a wealth of information of interest to customers and casual visitors, and is now enabled in both English and Arabic – with more languages to follow.

earn & Spend Sindbad miles Sindbad membership earns you Sindbad miles both in the air and on the ground. Fly with Oman Air, our partner airlines or transact with any of our global network Partners and earn Sindbad miles. You can choose to spend your Sindbad miles for free flights, flight upgrades, exciting raffles, promotions and more.

Benefits and Privileges• Complimentary Airport Lounge Access

• Extra baggage allowance of up to 20 Kg

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• Buy, Gift and Share Miles

Earn miles for flights made up to 3 months prior to your enrolment. Join today by visiting

Sindbad.omanair.com or ask your hostess for an enrolment form.

Hello and welcome to Sindbad, the frequent flyer program of Oman Air. Whether you’re

travelling on business or going on a holiday, join Sindbad today

and make your journey with Oman Air even more rewarding.

exclusive privileges & BenefitsSindbad has three tiers to offer- Blue, Silver and Gold. The more you fly with Oman Air, the higher your Tier. As a Silver and Gold member, you earn additional privileges designed exclusively for you.

Sindbad partnersAs a Sindbad member, you have the added benefit of earning extra miles as well as special offers from our global network of partners which include Hotel, Leisure and Lifestyle, Car rental, Telecommunication and Retail Partners.

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