black & white mag issue 49

Khalil Gibran theatre in October Khalil Gibran theatre in October p12p12

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4 August 7- September 6, 2012

My surname left me some fundsBy Adarsh Madhavan

Hello folks,

Let me introduce you to Mr Benjamin Dabrah, a

citizen of Ghana. No, we have never met before and

we have not even corresponded to each other. I have

never even heard of him prior to the missive he sent

me recently. Never ever heard of him and no, I don’t

have him on Facebook either. This is a total stranger

who just shot an intimate letter to me out of the blue

saying that he had in his bank “the existence of a

big amount of money that belongs to a customer, Mr

Daniel Madhavan” who he graciously pointed out had

the same surname as mine.

Yes, the surname is the same as mine. No doubts

about it. But, other than that this Mr Daniel and I are

not related in any way. But somehow Mr Benjamin

Dabrah, citizen of Ghana, tracked me down in Oman

and without even knowing who I am, what I do,

made me an offer in this letter of his, all the way from

Ghana.

Am not sure if you are in receipt of such letters

before, but I certainly have (no, not a ‘Dear John’

letter or the pink slip). But, even in my weakest

moments, I did not bow down to the dictates of such

letters offering me something for nothing.

But, this time, Mr Dabrah was offering me more than

something. He was saying that the erstwhile Mr

Daniel who has the famous surname as mine, died

(God bless his soul), leaving behind enormous funds.

Mr Dabrah did not explain how he made these funds;

probably left behind by some other rich and generous

soul. Whatever, now, Mr Dabrah was offering to

pass on Mr Daniel’s claimless funds to me as we

both shared the same surname. Simple. No other

reason. It is not because I am Mr Daniel’s long-lost

adopted son, or I am a member of the family – no,

this generous offer is being made just because we

both shared the same surname.

[email protected]

Mr Daniel, who died in a ‘deadly’ earthquake in China in

2008, left behind this wealthy legacy and since there were

no takers, somehow, Mr Dabrah (God bless him) found out

that there lived in Oman, a man, a gentleman, who had the

same surname and decided that if no one from the family

of Mr Daniel existed, the funds (which I expect would be

grand) should at least be given to someone with the same

surname, so it sort of stays within the family surname! I am

impressed.

According to Mr Dabrah, these funds are lying unclaimed in

some bank somewhere and although I do not know how he

came to know about Mr Daniel’s funds, I did not ask either

as I am not interested in all that – all I am interested is in

getting hold of these funds somehow, take my quota and

give off Mr Dabrah’s share and then live a life of joy, ease

and merriment.

I wonder why Mr Dabrah was so polite in just seeking my

“cooperation” so that he could make the bank send me the

funds as the “beneficiary and next of kin to the funds”; all

he needed to do was send me a letter asking me whether

I was interested in some moolah; or, in other words, some

ill-gotten gain? And I would have just jumped up and

grabbed the offer, even if he happened to be rude to me.

This transaction, as in the words of Mr Dabrah, “will be of

a great mutual assistance to us”. Of course. Like I said, if it

comes through, it is going to be a jolly life for me – rather,

for both of us, Mr Dabrah and I. We will travel the world,

or perhaps even do some joint investments and buy real

estate and get into many partnerships and the like, which

will fetch us more and more funds. I was already dazed at

the thought of the riches that awaited me, so much so that

I was forced to ignore other such beautiful and tempting

letters from others of Mr Dabrah’s ilk who were writing to

me from some other countries. I mean, you can’t have it all.

I am a one financial transaction man – and will not stray.

I will stick with Mr Dabrah and get the funds my surname

deserves! What say you? Did your surnames from far-flung

countries leave a treasure behind for you? No?

All a

bout

X,

Y &

Z

Mail your views and opinions at

[email protected]

What is that one thing you would like to change in Oman?

Good question and good answers were featured in the story,

‘What we would like to do for Oman…’ (Issue 48). If that

question was put to me, I will say: A free and independent

press! A press that does not run after yellow journalism, but

thinks and act for the good of the country, of its people and

is a press by the people, for the people…

And the one great thing I would like to do for my country?

Make this happen and be a part of this dream of a free press!

Saleh Al Baharani, Al Ansab

Words are not enough to express my happiness on reading

the story about the young Omani lawyers’ efforts to free

those inside for small financial misdemeanours (Issue 48). It

is great news and I hope that they are able to free as many

as possible. The fact that such efforts have been able to

unite some families during this Holy Month is really great!

God bless these young Omani lawyers!

Mohammed, Muscat

Congratulations – great and successful effort by the team of

Omani lawyers who have helped spring out those who have

committed small financial crimes. Like the story said, what a

way to begin the Holy Month!

Radheyshyam Sunder, Ruwi

It was quite refreshing to read about the renaissance in the

Omani musical side. Oman has talent and this is evident in

the story about the Omani interest in Oud (issue 47).

Khalid Al Balushi, Seeb

What I would like to do for my country…

Words not enough

What a way to begin!

Renaissance in Omani music

Reader's

colu

mn


I think I really appreciate Krishnaswamy Iyer’s letter (Issue 47) but, I think

Tim Saunders has gone off the ledge with his ideas of how to deal with traffic

violators and accident causers on the roads. I do not believe in an ‘eye for an

eye’ kind of deal in a situation like a road accident would work. If someone lost

a loved one in an accident it does not mean that person can be replaced by

any means. I understand the anger behind Tim Saunders’ remark, but it is not

practical.

Saurab Saxena, Qurum

An ‘eye for an eye’ will not work

7Black & White


Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC

Black & White

Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos

Office location: Hatat House A, II Floor, Suite No: 212, Wadi Adai

Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496

Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com

Editorial: [email protected]

Printed at Oman Printers

Xclusive

Hijab unveiled

Tired of being stigmatised and looked at

with derision, women who wear hijabs are

now thinking out aloud: Why are they (hijab

wearers) crucified for their preference to

cover their head?

Editor-in-chief Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali

Managing editor Priya Arunkumar

Work editor Adarsh Madhavan

Design & production Beneek Siraj

Advt. & marketing Shannon D'Souza

Priyanka Sampat

Conte

nts

If it is done right, running on the

treadmill can actually help you

maximise your fat loss. If used

properly, they can provide a great

workout. One essential way to help in

your bid to lose weight is to run, jog,

or walk on a treadmill.

Mr Know-It-All!

There are some who know too

much and there are some who can

talk too much. Imagine the deadly

combination of someone who knows

too much and can also talk too much

52

40

12

26

Khalil Gibran play on October 24

Treading the mills

Bitter Batter

Black & White magazine will be

staging a popular theatrical play on

the renowned Middle Eastern artist,

Gibran Khalil Gibran on October 24,

at the Oman Auditorium of Al Bustan

Palace, a Ritz-Carlton hotel

wishes its readers

10 August 7- September 6, 201210 August 7- September 6, 22012

Men r

ead

Good men can also become good fathers. In fact, the value of a good or even great father is always overlooked, something which the male gender is forced to endure. But,

what is endearing is that there are men out there who will do everything they can, and provide everything for their children

so they all can become better than him!

Good men

good fatherswho are

too

10 July 21- August 6, 2012

SHOWER UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

It is not easy as it sounds. Sometimes, you would be beating your head against a wall wondering why you

had to take up the responsibility of looking after your two mischievous kids. But despite the fact they get too

naughty, you would still love them, unconditionally.

TAKE CARE OF THEM COME WHAT MAY

The father is often the main provider. But beyond being a provider of security and necessities, a father will

take care of them, look after them and be there for them, come what may. If needed, he will work extra, take

another extra job, and will even play ‘superman’ if need be to protect his children. So, in turn, he sacrifices a

lot for his children, a point that will be deeply embedded in the hearts of these children.

TEACH THEM ALL HE CAN

What are the values that a parent can impart on their children, probably everything under the sky. He can

teach the boys to be men and the girls to be women. Whatever he teaches them, he makes sure that these

are in accordance with the society he lives in and would make them well-rounded members.

HE LEADS BY EXAMPLE

Now, this is something at which most fathers fail. What will he teach his kids when he himself is addicted to

many bad habits? Nothing? But, a real good father, will go beyond all that and instill in values in his children

noting that mistakes do happen, but not to make them knowingly. So, if he has a bad smoking habit, then

he should take care not to flaunt it at all and make sure that his smoking is done well away from them. He

showers affection on them and makes them understand the benefits of displaying love, care and affection.

HE IS SUPPORTIVE AND LOYAL

There are many things that you, as a father, maybe crazy about, but that doesn’t mean you should force

your son to love cricket, or, make him become a heart surgeon like you are! As a father, you have to support

and propagate your child’s interests and give the latter the freedom to choose the career he wants. Also,

remember that if your children needs your urgent help or wants you to rescue him or her, you should be

there for him.

HE CHALLENGES HIS KIDS

Which father would not want his children/child to be the best?

But, at the same time, don’t mollycoddle them and make them into puny weaklings terrified of everything.

They should be made to understand and face moderate crisis and assist them in resolving them.

SPENDING QUALITY TIME WITH CHILDREN

A dad knows how to have fun with his kids too, taking them out to games, movies, and supporting their

sports teams by attending their matches. He takes the time to listen to his kids and have a good, easy chat

with them. He also makes time to help them with their homework, every night if necessary.

Drive Assured with MoparYou can drive your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep® and Ram with complete assurance, courtesy of Mopar. Providing you with genuine parts installed by trained technicians at our authorized Service Centers, Mopar provides the highest quality after-sales care at a great value.

For more information call: 2458 4530or email us at [email protected]


Om

an w

atc

h


13Black & White

Black & White will be staging a popular theatrical play on the renowned Middle Eastern artist, Gibran Khalil Gibran on October 24, at the Oman Auditorium of Al

Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton hotel. ‘Rest upon the wind’, originally a London West End play produced by AM Productions Ltd., was inspired by the life and times of

Gibran, the third best-selling poet of all time, and his most famous book, The Prophet, which has sold over 140 million copies across the world. Gibran is arguably the

Middle East’s most famous son in terms of writing and poetry and his work has a great deal of resonance in this part of the world. It is a show that will surely get people

talking. ‘Rest upon the wind’ was written by acclaimed actor and playwright Nadim Sawalha, and was launched last November in the heart of London’s theatre land. All of its two week’s shows sold out days before the opening night; a success that has meant that theatres across London are now requesting to host the play, with UK art festivals also making room for it in their production programmes. The show details the relationship of Gibran and his sister Myranna as they struggle to adapt to their

life in America following their immigration to the country and has received numerous plaudits and accolades for its Arab sense of humour and warm portrayal of family life.

For early ticket bookings mail to bweventsoman@gmail .com

play on October 24

Black & White to host

KHALIL GIBRAN

Ifta

rs in t

ow

n

The Wave

Omanoil

Al Mouj

Shangri La


Omran

Traccs

Sohar Aluminium

Intercontinental

Kargeen

Grand Hyatt

15Black & White

Nawras Al Bustan


Ifta

rs in t

ow

n

Khimjis Al Bustan

Zeenah Shangri La

17Black & White


By Adarsh Madhavan

O

ff th

e wall

When you don’t

look good…

you don’t

[email protected]

“My God!” someone exclaimed very close to me while I

was at a shopping mall recently.

My God, I thought, thinking I must have absentmindedly

pushed my shopping trolley on someone’s foot.

I have been doing things like that, lately.

But, it was no accident. It was a long-lost acquaintance.

“My God,” he exclaimed again. “You look so different!” I

know what was coming, but I gritted my teeth and smiled.

“You are bald, thin, dark...what has happened to you? I

did not recognise you – it has been some years now. You

looked so changed – I would not have recognised you if

I had not given you second or third glances -- what has

happened to you?”

I am used to this. So, I did not deny and mouth the usual

‘nothing’ to that query. I quickly told him that I was a bit

under the weather. Diabetic, asthmatic, frozen shoulder…

He brushed it off. “God, you look terrible! You have some

problem?”

I did not reply to that and tried desperately to see if my

friends were anywhere around and would come and

rescue me. I had no words to such comments. What can I

do if I used to look bad and now look worse?

No one came. And since I felt miserable and a trifle guilty

for having disappointed this acquaintance by not looking fit

and fresh as I should be, I slumped into a bigger stoop and

sort of hung my head down and looked at my misshapen

shoes as I tried to engage in some kind of conversation

with him.

So, we made small talk, but the subject again veered to

the ‘drastic’ changes in me. “You are half the size you

were some five to six years back,” he said.

I haven’t been good, I said, wishing someone would come

and push me away from him like I was a shopping trolley.

But, no one came. So, he began to push me around – with

words.

Abuse, I said. All the self abuse, bad habits, bad lifestyle,

bad thoughts, anxiety, depression…all of this has a severe

toll on you, I said.

“Not true always,” he broke into my theory. “Look at me.

Have I changed a bit? Yes, I am older now, but still, look at

me – I have also abused my body in all manners possible

– but, there is no sign of wear and tear! Perhaps, I

am lucky…but, thanks to God, I have not fallen sick

or had any physical problems. Some of us don’t

change like that. And I am much older than you, he

said pointing out that he landed in Oman many years

before me.

And I couldn’t counter attack him and say that he also

looked different – that I couldn’t recognise him. I could

recognise him from one end of the shopping mall. He

was right: he had not changed one bit.

How did he achieve that? I knew him. He was at least

six to seven years older than me and he had led an

even more hectic and wilder lifestyle than me. He

was into social work and I have seen him burning the

candle at both ends, and I could not compare myself

with him – for I led a more sheltered, comfortable and

safe life than he did, yet, he looked picture perfect

and I, something like a bug someone has stepped on.

Trick of fate, I guess. But it still pays to find out why

something works against for me, while the same, in

larger doses, hardly seems to affect others. Maybe

I don’t have it in me to take on abuse. I must be

a weakling, I told myself as I slowly and aimlessly

pushed the recalcitrant shopping cart forward.

Suddenly, I lost interest in the purchase. I am like a

cuckoo when I shop, I go for the glitter. But bumping

into this er, ‘healthy’ man from the past and his open

words not only set me thinking, I began to actually

worry. Like the man asked me: What has actually

happened to me? I don’t know. A kind of premature

aging… I went around desperately checking out

perfumes, creams et al at the cosmetics counter,

but then kept back everything I took: You could

not pick up health and youth from the shelves of a

supermarket!

Off

the w

all

19Black & White

Air Arabia, has been ranked as the world’s second

best performing airline in a study by Aviation Week, the

leading global aviation magazine. The Top-Performing

Airlines (TPA) Study ranks the top 10 performing

airlines worldwide, based on five different performance

categories, including financial and operational

performance.

Air Arabia, the only Middle East airline to claim a spot in

the Aviation Week TPA Study, demonstrated sustained

profitability and solid growth margins in 2011, placing

it at number two among all airlines worldwide. In each

of the past years, the airline has advanced its ranking

in the TPA rankings. “To be ranked second among all

airlines worldwide for the level of our performance, it’s

a remarkable achievement and a source of great pride

for everyone at Air Arabia,” said Adel Ali, group chief

executive officer, Air Arabia. “As we continue to expand

into new geographies and consolidate our leadership

position in existing markets, Air Arabia is uniquely

positioned to capitalise on the many exciting opportunities

present in the aviation sector today.”

Air Arabia named world’s second best performing airline

Bin Mirza International (BMI) recently

entered a partnership with the National

Hospitality Institute (NHI) to employ

young Omani talent interested in

attaining positions within the hospitality

industry. The affiliation comes as

a result of the continuous efforts

exerted by BMI to further delve into

the Omani society and market, by

investing in the development of the

Sultanate’s future generation. As part

of an annual recruitment agreement,

BMI will be hiring and training young

Omani potentials via the ministry

of manpower’s vocational training

programmes as well as the NHI. By

participating in such an agenda BMI

are ensuring their dedication towards

His Majesty the Sultan’s Vision 2020,

to build the skill capacity of the Omani

workforce and diversify the national

economy. “Over the past few years,

we have grown to a family of 100

employees who dedicate their time and

effort to creating the BMI experience

every day. As we continue to expand,

we look forward to take in more local

and homegrown talent, who, given the

opportunity will become upstanding

members holding key positions within

the organisation,” said Jannat Moosa,

marketing director at BMI.

Bin Mirza

International

partners with NHI

Qanun player Wahab Abdullah Wahab

Al Dhanki joins UK band Transglobal

Underground to perform with musicians from

the Gulf at one of the largest music events in

London this year. BT River of Music welcomes

the world to London with a once-in-a-lifetime

weekend of free music at landmarks along

the River Thames, the weekend before the

Opening Ceremony of the London 2012

Olympic Games. And Oman will be there on

the stage performing with musicians from

the UK and the Gulf. A massive musical

celebration, BT River of Music will feature

performances by musicians representing all the

Olympic and Paralympic nations, from leading

international musicians and major starts

to home-grown talent from across the UK.

Musicians from the world’s major continents will

be represented across six stages: Battersea

Park (Asia stage); Trafalgar Square (Europe

stage); Somerset House (Europe stage); Tower

of London (Americas stage); Greenwich Old

Royal Naval College (Oceania stage) and

London Pleasure Gardens (Africa stage).

Oman on the stage at the Cultural Olympiad in London


Word

pre

ss

Damas, launched its new diamond brand,

OneSixEight by Damas. OneSixEight, which

refers to the number of hours in one week,

captures the brilliance of diamonds in an

extraordinary collection that is designed

to be worn every day of the week, for all

occasions. Each piece highlights the

bold beauty of a single solitaire diamond,

accented by individually matched stones. The result is a

stunning illusion of a far larger carat.

The full collection, which includes earrings, pendants,

necklaces, bracelets, bangles and 17 different ring

designs, is now available at 108 Damas

stores throughout the UAE. The products

are exclusive and are designed for every

day wear, to celebrate every hour of the

day. The collection starts at only AED

2,656. “OneSixEight embodies affordable

luxury and represents excellent value

for money. The beautiful jewellery in the

collection is exquisite and is crafted using advanced

technology that is exclusive to Damas, which means that

the craftsmanship is of the highest quality that Damas is

renowned for,” said Raj Sahai, retail director, Damas.

Damas launches its new diamond brand: OneSixEight

Emirates’ young globalistas can now enjoy the company

of new travel companions with the introduction of a

collection of onboard toys. With two ranges of toys aimed

at pre-school and older children, the travel experience

has been further refined by Emirates to enable young

passengers to have an entertaining, memorable journey.

Pre-school children can look forward to collecting a range

of original monster characters from the ‘Fly With Me

Monster’ collection. The playful monsters - Jimbob, Tezz,

Camus and Wagga, each have their own personalities

and traits, and are ideal characters to fuel a child’s

imagination. Each monster toy comes in three product

categories; Blanket Buddies - plush characters wrapped

around soft polar fleece blankets, Seat Belt Critters - little

toys worn around a seat belt to encourage safety, and

Magnetic Sketchers where Emirates’ youngest customers

can unleash their inner Picasso for hours of creativity and

entertainment.

For older children, Emirates will offer a range of new

travel-inspired products co-designed with iconic lifestyle

brand Quiksilver. Tapping into the spirit of adventure,

travel and the great outdoors, the Quiksilver collection is

designed around three themes - surfing, snowboarding

and skating. The collection features travel folios aimed at

encouraging personalisation and discovery, velcro surf-

style wallets with the latest Quiksilver graphics and fun-

fact game cards which combine inspirational photography

from Quiksilver’s own photo archives with Emirates’

diverse destinations.

“We are constantly seeking more dynamic entertainment

options for our discerning young travellers, when they

are onboard,” said Terry Daly, divisional senior vice

president, Service Delivery, Emirates.

Emirates carries new friends for children

21Black & White

Every Monday evening during

Ramadan, the Academy restaurant at

Almouj Golf offers a stunning setting

for an Iftar, whether an intimate

gathering or an occasion for family

and friends.

Full length picture windows provide

a beautiful vantage point over the

grass of the course and driving

range; the restaurant has the perfect

surroundings to sit back and relax in

with your loved ones at this special

time of year.

The specially-created Iftar buffet

menus incorporate Arabic and

international flavours and favourites

including Hammour Sayadieh and

Umm Ali to ensure that, whatever

your taste, everyone is catered for, at

just RO10 per person (RO5 for under

12s).

On the course this month Almouj Golf

has launched a special Ramadan

rates deal so that golfers can enjoy

the company of a friend or family

member during a round, and pay

green fees for just one player.

The offer is valid Saturday to

Wednesday for the full 18 holes and

9 holes, and ensures that golfers can

keep up the collective spirit of this

Holy Month while enjoying a game.

Contact: 22005990

Share in the spirit of Ramadan at Almouj Golf

The Fortune

Global 500

list of 2012

was recently

released,

and ‘Zhejiang

Geely

Holding

Group’, has

made it to the prestigious list at the 475th place

with a revenue of $23.3557 billion earned in

2011. Making high quality cars and maintaining

high safety standards has become signature to

Geely automobiles, and after Geely’s successful

acquisition of Volvo Cars in 2010, new batches

of Geely products such as the EC7 and EC8

have been launched to the international market

in quick succession. At the first half of 2012,

Geely showed its robust growth momentum

in the international market; and the overseas

sales volume of the company over the past

six months has gained a 210 per cent growth,

compared to that of the same period last year.

‘Zhejiang Geely Holding Group’ in Fortune Global 500 list!

Having already bagged

Skytrax World Airline

Award for being the best

low cost airline of India &

Central Asia at the World

Airline Awards in 2011-

IndiGo, India’s largest

carrier celebrates yet

again for being recognised

as the Best Low-Cost Airline in Central Asia/India, for the third

time in a row. Marking a double milestone IndiGo also bagged

its second prominent award, for Best Staff Service in Central

Asia/ India at the SKYTRAX World Airline Awards 2012 held at

the Farnborough International Air show in London. Speaking on

the achievement from Farnborough, Aditya Ghosh, president,

IndiGo said, “To be recognised at the world stage, for the two

most prestigious accolades, is indeed exhilarating yet humbling

experience. It’s really big for us and this recognition is proof

enough to let everybody know that customer service is not just

a department but an attitude. Fine customer service is clearly

reflected when it’s done from the heart and that’s what we at

IndiGo take pride in. What’s even more thrilling is that we are

the only airline from India to have received an award at the

World Airline Awards this year. This makes the occasion even

more special and momentous.” IndiGo was also nominated in

the category of Best Airline in Central Asia/India.

IndiGo scores a hat trick


Word

pre

ss

BankDhofar recently celebrated the

success of one of its employees who was

part of the winning team that took home

the prestigious first prize in the Oman

Ford Focus Raba’a Rally recently. The

rally, which is an epic challenge involving

six teams, six countries and six cars, saw

Azzan Al Saleh, unit head, mid corporate

sector, along with his team 'Qadiroon'

beat off stiff competition to be the first

team home. Speaking after the rally Al Saleh said, “It

was tough, but with the right attitude, planning, strategy,

and implementation, we managed to succeed and

emerged as the most popular team in the competition. I

am very proud of this achievement! I would like to thank

BankDhofar for all the support

they have given us. Many of

my colleagues signed onto our

facebook page during the rally

and helped us to solve our clues

and find the right solutions."

Tony Mahony, Ceo, BankDhofar

said “The Rally was not about

who was the fastest but who was

able to solve the most challenges

the quickest. Here at BankDhofar, we love to support our

own, especially when they do something extraordinary,

and Al Saleh has certainly earned this support. He and

his team have done us proud and he himself has shown

great leadership talent."

BankDhofar employee wins Ford Focus Raba Rally

Khimji’s Mart has been in the forefront of creating customer centric

initiatives and offers for many years now. Its promotion themed ‘Hala

Ramadan – Shop & Win’, will give customers a chance to win KIA

Cerato’s and a host of other exciting prizes. This special promotion will

run till this August 25. With Hala Ramadan, customers who purchase for

a minimum of OMR5 and in multiples thereof, will be eligible for a raffle

draw.

The bumper prize is 2nos Kia Cerato 1.6LX PS plus there are exciting

gifts like Refrigerator, LCD TV’s, Moulinex Masterchef and Khimji’s

Mart Vouchers. Devendra Kumar, divisional manager for Khimji’s Retail

said, “Being a customer-centric organisation our focus has always been

on providing our esteemed customers with maximum value addition

through our product offerings and excellent customer services. We

have put together a superb array of prizes this Ramadan to make this

promotion more exciting.”

'Hala Ramadan' - Shop & Win with Khimji’s Mart

Nawras, announced that its Al Khoudh and Seeb Stores

are now managed by female family members, marking

another ‘first’ for the company. This is part of a series

of recent promotions for ladies to store manager and

assistant manager positions within the Nawras family.

Four of these ladies have been on the front line, looking

after the dynamic communications company’s customers

since the pre-launch phase in 2004.

Ross Cormack, chief executive officer of Nawras, said,

“We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and

firmly believe that our people are the driving force of

the company. The contribution of ladies is highly valued

at Nawras and we ensure that we provide enriching

career advancement opportunities based on talent and

dedication to serving customers. It is great to see our

people grow as the company itself grows and to know

that customers are helped by those who live our values of

being caring, excellent and pleasingly different.”

Nawras promotes nine talented ladies to managerial positions in stores

23Black & White

Packed with new and exciting

offers Mazda Oman has recently

announced their Ramadan promotion

- ‘Get more than you wished for

with your Mazda’. Buy a Mazda2,

Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-5, CX-9,

BT-50, or MX-5 and you can avail

of exceptional offers and gifts that

will enhance the overall driving

experience of your Mazda.

So whether you are making a choice

within the Mazda range for the first

time, or opting for upgrades, Mazda

cars have just become even more

irresistible. To avail of the Mazda

Ramadan promotion, buy a Mazda

during the offer period and drive

home with free vehicle registration,

‘scratch and win’ up to 100,000 kms

of free service, an assured buyback

value of 50.55 per cent, and a special

Ramadan gift.

Moreover, by buying a Mazda during

the course of the Ramadan offer,

you will also get a chance to win a

Samsung Galaxy SIII in Mazda’s

daily Ramadan raffle!

That’s not all, on buying the CX9 GT

ALT you will also get a striking free

In-car Entertainment System. For

those buying the Mazda6 2.5L, you

will receive a Bluetooth with Rear

Mazda this Ramadan!

Parking Sensors absolutely free. This

offer is valid until September 30.

Together, Muscat City Centre and

Qurum City Centre will continue to

support local charity efforts and the

under-privileged, by running the

‘Make a difference this Ramadan’

donations campaign, building on the

success of last year.

The initiative is part of annual Majid

Al Futtaim Properties’ region-wide

Ramadan campaign, with all 11

malls in the AGCC participating.

Last year, over 149,000 items were

gathered collectively and due to

the overwhelming success, Muscat

City Centre and Qurum City Centre

are proud to once again host the

drive and inspire customers to give

generously.

“Holding the make a difference this

Ramadan campaign again this year

holds at its core the importance

of respecting those who are less

privileged and to make efforts to

give what we can, with the aim of

bettering their quality of life. We

hope to promote the spirit of charity

and generosity during Ramadan and

to improve on last year’s collection

total,” said senior manager, Muscat

City Centre, Husam bin Mohammed

Al Mandhari.

Contribution boxes will be located

in each mall, where the public is

encouraged to donate everyday

items that modern society often takes

for granted, such as non-perishable

foods (canned vegetables, dried

dates, sugar), books, reading glasses

and mobile phones.

All collected items, from both malls,

will then be distributed to the local

charity, Dar Al Atta’a association. As

a token of appreciation, everyone

that makes a donation will be given

vouchers redeemable for discounts

at participating retailers.

‘Make a difference this Ramadan’ with City Centre Malls

Muscat Grand Mall announces the introduction of a dedicated

Social Media Division to facilitate its growing number of fans

and followers on a majority of the most popular social media

websites; namely Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Foursquare.

“This new division of the mall management is dedicated to

keeping our fans up-to-date on the latest happening in the mall.

This will include news on any new shops opening, any events

taking place and also news on any attractive promotions that

will be taking place in the mall,” says Hassan Jaboub, general

manager of Muscat Grand Mall.

Muscat Grand Mall Social Media Division


The Radisson Blu Hotel, which offer world-class services

and facilities in Muscat, has designed an elaborate Iftar

buffet in addition to a wide range of local and international

gustatory delights at Olivos restaurant this Ramadan to

satisfy every taste.

The buffet being offered includes the choicest gourmet

dishes include hot and cold mezze, soothing soups,

stews, and tantalising curries and biryanis prepared

specially during the Holy Month. The menu also promises

a scrumptious mix of Far Eastern and Mediterranean

cuisines and all types of Arabian sweets and drinks

specific to Ramadan.

The extensive Iftar buffet is priced at OMR 14 net and

there is a special discount on offer for a booking of 11

or more people. For bookings of 40 or more people a

private meeting room area can be reserved and the rates

will be subject to further discount. The meeting room area

rates will also include soft drinks, chilled juices, tea and

coffee. The Iftar buffet will be available from sunset to 8

pm and after that an a la carte menu will be available.

24

Word

pre

ss

Omantel recently announced the

commercial launch of the first 4G

LTE network in Oman. The launch

of Oman’s first 4G LTE network

comes after a series of trials which

successfully delivered speeds of up

to 100 Mbps. The launch follows

the awarding of Omantel’s 4G

LTE network contracts to Huawei

and Ericsson end of last May. “We

are proud to announce the launch

of first commercial 4G LTE network in the Sultanate

centered on providing our customers with unprecedented

speeds which will revolutionise the way we use the

internet,” Amer Awadh Al Rawas, Ceo of Omantel, said

addressing the audience of the press conference. “This

is another historical moment for the telecom sector as

a whole as we continue to enrich our customers and

offer them the most innovative products and services.

Our state-of-the-art network will enable us to provide

unmatched mobile broadband speeds,” Al Rawas further

noted. Omantel is offering 4G LTE with a promotional

offer at the same rates of the 3.5G Mobile Broadband

packages. Prepaid customers can opt for a daily package

for OMR1, weekly for OMR3 or monthly starting from

OMR5 onwards. While postpaid Mada customers can

subscribe to the monthly packages that start from as

low as OMR5 for one

month making them the

most competitive 4G

LTE offering in the whole

region.

Omantel launches Oman’s first 4G LTE mobile broadband network

Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) is

currently organising an awareness campaign aimed for

families and children in Dhofar governorate with the aim

of introducing Omani products to different segments of

the society. The campaign has targeted thus far Omani

Women’s Associations in the wilayats of Salalah, Marbat

and Taqah. A lecture was also held in Salalah College of

Technology.

The PEIE officials underlined the national objectives of

the 'Omani Campaign', which attempts to encourage

consumers and organisations to buy local made

products and services; promote national pride in the

local manufacturing industry; create awareness of

the employment, economic, environmental and social

benefits of buying

local made products

and services;

and contribute in

increasing Oman’s

manufacturing

capability. “The Omani Products Exhibitions, which are

organised in the various governorates in the Sultanate

throughout the year, endeavour to spread awareness

on the quality of Omani products and their local and

international competitive capabilities. These exhibitions

also attempt to encourage consumers, both individuals

and organisations, to purchase local products and

services,” informed PEIE officials.

PEIE organises awareness campaign in Dhofar

Special Ramadan Iftar at the Radisson Blu

25Black & White

HIJAB -- SERVING ITS PURPOSE?

Over the years, the traditions of Islamic dress codes

have been evolving progressively, but surely within

limits. Muslim scholars and jurists, past and present,

have determined the minimum requirements for

Muslim women’s dress and that their clothing should

cover the entire body, with the exception of the face

and the hands. As it is said, to observe ‘proper hijab

is to dress up oneself modestly and appropriately

without showing one’s figure or curves and without

using any sort of make up’. The attire should not be

form fitting, sheer or so eye-catching as to attract

undue attention or reveal the shape of the body.

That is how the abaya and hijab have come in place,

as a modest piece of clothing.

PURPOSE IS LOST

But, look around …is this what you see around you

today? You will notice that the abayas – which is not

really traditionally Omani -- have now literally become

evening gowns, shape fitting and designer pieces,

expensive even to look at. The new generation

prefers to wear tight, sheer, revealing, or eye-catching

Hijab in Arabic means protection and cover. Women put a lot of effort on the hijab but we are wondering whether it has taken a new route… today’s hijab is colourful, precious stone studded and decked up more than any other attire!

Mohamed Issa Al ZadjaliEditor-in-chief

In Black...

& White

In B

lack &

Whit

e

clothing today. I do not dispute the fact that what you

choose to wear is entirely upto you, but when the question

does it serve the traditional or religious purpose is asked,

I would have to demur.

I really don’t think it is serving any real religious or

traditional purpose. Today, the whole purpose of wearing

a hijab is lost. There are many out there who have failed

to understand the actual meaning of hijab!

NEW ROUTE?

Hijab in Arabic means protection and cover. Women put

a lot of effort on the hijab but we are wondering whether

it has taken a new route… today’s hijab is colourful,

precious stone studded and decked up more than any

other attire! Show stoppers actually! The traditional

black-coloured ones are slowly fading away and remain

a tradition only with the older generation. The B&W team

also spoke to the younger generation who is taking hijab

to a new fashion level, explaining the turn of events, and

also to a few who helped us understand the real essence

of wearing hijab the right way!

Let the readers be the best judge in this issue that we are

shedding light on and help us arrive at a conclusion!

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“Where do you find diamonds? Embedded deep down in the ground, fully covered and protected…

“Where do you find pearls? Down at the bottom of the ocean, covered up and protected in a beautiful shell.

“Where do you find gold? In a mine, covered with layers and layers of rocks…”These are the ready examples wearers of hijab propound to believers and non

believers alike…

“Everything that is made valuable in the world is covered and not easy to get to…”

Somehow people out there seem to want to make a

‘blanket out of a mere piece of cloth’. But, why isn’t

anyone making so much noise when women walk around

practically naked in various parts of the world and on

various unsuitable occasions?

Shouldn’t we have evolved from the time when we walked

around naked to a time we began to clothe ourselves?

Why is modesty condemned in this modern age…?

And, why is it that – in the same breath -- no one

questions those from other communities who also cover

their hair? Tired of being stigmatised and looked at with

derision, women who wear hijabs are now thinking out

aloud: Why are they (hijab wearers) crucified for their

preference to cover their head? What is the mistake they

have done? What wrong have they done and what harm

have they caused anyone?

These questions ricochet in the confines of the hearts of

Muslim women wearing hijab and thud dully against the

walls of their inner resolve to hold on to the traditions of

Islam that they strongly believe in.

What difference would it have made for

any one fighting Saudi Arabia’s Wodjan Ali

Seraj Abdulrahim Shaherkani if she wore an

Islamic headscarf or not?

But, everyone made a hue and cry of

Olympic proportions about this and

even though the lady in question did not

shine at the Games, the controversy still

continues. Recently, a former Disneyland

restaurant employee sued Walt Disney Co

for harassment and religious discrimination,

saying she was fired because she wanted to

wear a Muslim head scarf at work.

HIJABU n v e i l e d

27Black & White 27Black & White

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liberates, not repressHIJABHowever, any Muslim woman who has chosen to wear the hijab does so not out of repression but liberation, they claim. Yet, they face stiff opposition from many who believe otherwise. They feel that hijab sought to imprison women, but the believers counter that by saying: those who feel that the hijab imprisons women should not

live in any confined space, or in their homes/houses as that was in a sense, close to a prison than a hijab! Contrary to belief, the hijab does not, in any way, subordinate women. “It liberates women from the trap of western culture and gives them greater

freedom and mobility,” a firebrand Omani woman tells us.

“The Quran is an address to a person’s heart and soul, without need

for interpretation or mediation – if one chooses to submit himself or

herself to a greater belief, and that is manifested in his/her dress.

Then I don’t see how it can be seen as anything other than the

purest liberation. It is not for us to judge those who choose to wear

the hijab nor those who choose not to – it is ignorant and simplistic

to assume a veiled woman is a more pious or modest woman.

It is forgotten that dress is but one facet of hijab, it is not merely

a physical covering; it is about modesty in actions, morals and

speech, and is an essential commandment of Islam for both males

and females,” Yuthar Al Rawahi, founder and chairperson of NACA

(National Association for Cancer Awareness) told Black & White.

DIFFERENT IN ISLAM

“The scale of self-fulfillment and happiness is different in Islam;

in non-Muslim societies, beauty is determined by what can be

seen rather than what cannot. Demeaning and humiliating women

based on their perceived attractiveness or sex appeal is certainly

a greater cruelty,” Yuthar noted. She agreed that the “hijab has

been a contentious issue around the world because it is entirely

misunderstood and unfortunately used as a political and social tool

by both those who impose it on women and those who deny women

the right to observe it”.

NOT WORN ON A WHIM

“To wear the hijab is not something which is done on a whim,

the level of commitment (and in some cases bravery) it requires

Practicing

modesty in action

should not be underestimated. It is a life

altering change which I believe must be

driven by a powerful conviction of heart and

mind, not motivated out of fear or a wish to

please others,” Yuthar said. “Whatever the

controversy, the fact remains that the hijab

prevents women from being treated as sexual

objects. “I don’t think it prevents women in any

way from fulfilling their roles as important and

equal members of society nor does it make

them inferior. It means a multitude of things to

the many women who choose to wear it and

also to those forced to wear it; it is a shame

that is so misunderstood!”

Yuthar Al Rawahi

29Black & White

Bilquis Jawad Al-Khabori

Nasra Al Adawi

“First of all hijab in Islam doesn’t necessarily mean headscarf

only when we are referring to women’s (also includes men’s)

modesty. It refers to the physical appearance to the physical acts

of women and men,” Bilquis Jawad Al-Khabori, former director

of the Language Centre, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) said,

referring to the Holy Quran Al Nur 24:30, 31.

“In brief the literal meaning of hijab is to cover. Men and women

are both instructed to cover those parts of their bodies, which

are likely to allure and arouse sexual feelings of the opposite sex

(other than their own spouses). In order to guard their modesty

and avoid being the cause of unacceptable happening, women

are advised not to display their beauty and ornaments and that

they should draw their veils over their bosom, likewise men

and women are advised to lower their gaze and protect their

private parts that are private for them! “Those physical acts and

behaviour that could arouse sexual feelings in the opposite sex

(other than their own spouses) should also be avoided,” Bilquis

Al-Khabori said.

Her personal opinion:

“To maintain the modesty, women should pay more

attention to the way they dress and the way they cover their

bodies(excluding the face) than covering their heads only. Using

headscarf has become such a big issue that some women, by

covering their hair, get away with the modest dress-code and get

themselves a chance to clad their bodies in an alluring fashion

and some also behave in a very sexually unacceptable manner.

This is what is disdained, disapproved, disliked by Islam. They

may not wear black cloak because that is not the only cover,

which avoids making a woman’s body alluring.

As for covering of head or hair, I believe, it depends more on the

A sign of modesty

Not a constraint!

culture of a particular place. In the western

world or places where the head cover is not

an issue or not common, arousing or alluring

of unwanted feelings would not occur in most

cases, uncovered hair or head goes unnoticed

unless it is intentionally done to attract. On

the other hand, in our culture, it is a sign of

modesty. It is culture-based. It is a question

of conformity with the community at large.

One becomes an oddity if she doesn’t cover

whereas if one is wearing a headscarf in the

west she becomes the odd person out.

“I do believe that if a woman is modestly

dressed she draws more attention to what

she presents (her ideas, her opinions) than

her outward appearance and also gets more

respect!”

“I think there is a misconception that a hijab would constrain a woman; but, if you see the recent participation of women from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Oman etc in the Olympics…they were all participating with headscarves!” points out Nasra Al Adawi, Ceo, Tawasul. “So, that is a very clear example that hijab does not constrain a person from pursuing activities. Oman also has many examples of women in various fields, including the police and orchestra, wearing the hijab.”

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GIVING AN IDENTITY

But, how does the hijab provide a

woman with an identity? Why should a

Muslim woman want her religious beliefs

to show up-front?

“For me, the hijab is an identity of who I

am; it has never been an issue to travel

with headscarf. Besides it varies from women to another,

how she wears her hijab or headscarf, as headscarves

varies in style and texture. Women wear it with their dress

and it becomes an accessory just like a watch etc.

“The west always had an issue with hijab, like in France

where the hijab is banned in schools. I don’t see what

is the problem of showing one’s belief if it does not, in

anyway, impose itself on others.

On the other side, I see in Christianity, nuns also have

headscarves and also per orthodox Jewish tradition,

women cover their hair after they are married with either

headscarf or hats!”

A PERSONAL CHOICE

Nasra says that she chose to wear the hijab out of her

own choice. “It was not enforced on me in anyway.

Wearing hijab is part of our Islamic teachings. As for the

type of hijab we wear and how much our women could

be covered varies from culture to culture. For example,

now, what I have realised within society that wearing

abaya and headscarf is regarded as modesty. This was

not been there before, as some women would cover their

head and wear long sleeve dresses (traditional dress).

However, influence, from other countries, has also had

some kind of effect on us, so abaya has become as

indispensable for women and a form of modesty!”

MODESTY IS NOT ABOUT HIJAB ALONE

I firmly believe that wearing a hijab or abaya does not

really portray her modesty. It is always actions and

the way the person carries herself, bearing in mind

that today, there are abayas and hijabs, which can be

revealing,” Nasra noted.

But, then, by just wearing a hijab, would it gain automatic

respect?

“I must admit, the first time I started wearing hijab, I

sensed that strangers had different views. My own

presumption is that as a woman you are respected more

and also given more personal space! I feel that the hijab

does not change the person you are, because a person is

about attitude and character. Hijab also gave me sense of

responsibility: the fact that I am a Muslim woman and how

I translate that freedom into reality!”

The hijab frees women from being slaves of fashion and rescues them from being mere commercial items that promote vehicles and electronics, says Aisha Alwi Baabood, a lecturer at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), in remarks made to the Black & White. “Hijab does not stop women from being productive – nothing stops women from being scientists, pilots, explorers and the like,” Aisha enthused.

Hijab frees

women

Aisha Alwi Baabood

Excerpts:

Why do some Muslim women choose to wear the

hijab, while others don’t?

One thing I am pretty sure about is that wearing Hijab

(covering of the body except the face and hands) is a

must for every Muslim woman according to what Prophet

Muhammed (PBUH) told us in Sunna and Sharia’a.

Women who wear know of this fact. However, others

who don’t are either ignorant of this fact or just have

misconception about the rationale behind wearing the

hijab. And to the query why do they choose to wear it:

well, ask yourself why Nuns choose to cover their hair

and others don’t?!

How is the hijab a form of liberation for the women

who choose to wear it?

It frees women from being slaves of fashion and saves

them from being commercial items that promote cars,

31Black & White

phones, bags and other goods!

Liberalism claims that hijab is an

ancient tradition, which limits

women's potential!

Hijab doesn’t stop women from

being productive or play essential

roles in society and even in

the world. Yet, nothing stops

women from being scientists,

pilots, explorers and even mountain climbers. They can

realise their dreams with or without it! It can never be

a constraint! People’s views on it make the constraints

not the hijab! It is how they think about it not the practice

itself! Yet, being racists imprison people’s potential!

How does the Hijab provide a woman with an

identity?

Globally, people recognise Muslim women from hijab

because it is known as part of the Islamic rituals. So in a

way it gives people and idea about Islam.

Why do Muslim woman want her religious beliefs to

show up-front?

It is one way of promoting Islam. Wearing hijab and

displaying good manners, positive and proper attitude/

behaviour towards others will teach others about Islam

and how Hijab is a means to blessing, love and peace…

especially when the western media has demonstrated

negative views about Islam and Muslims internationally!

Is it necessary to wear the hijab to gain respect?

Not at all! Respect is mutual regardless of hijab!

Would women gain automatic respect just because

they wore a hijab? Why has its purpose been

misunderstood?

Sometimes yes. But it depends on whom they deal with

and what is their cultural educational background. It

depends on the person’s mentality. Unfortunately many

things are misunderstood not only hijab. The reason is

ignorance, media, culture, and many other hidden factors!

Does the hijab free a young woman from one form of

oppression only to put her in the path of another?

Not at all! Hijab is not about freedom or imprisonment.

And it is not fair to connect it to such concepts!

Is a woman’s voice stronger if her body is veiled?

No, not in particular! One philosopher said that women

are strong because they are not afraid to show their

weaknesses! Their voices can be reachable even if

they aren’t veiled. Human history has proved and

demonstrated many strong influential women who were

never veiled! This is a different issue!

Why is it that only

women need to veil

themselves?

Women are very beautiful

vulnerable human beings.

Let me illustrate this

with an example: Why

do we cover pastries at

the bakery? Because

sweet, uncovered pastries attract flies and other insects.

Similarly, the hijab protects women from harassment and

crimes! Women need it, but men don’t. It is similar to hear

of the crimes that were committed against women. We

have to understand that the women and men are different

in nature and accordingly they have different duties and

dedications! We just need to understand, absorb and act

upon those values and beliefs.

When a woman is covered, men cannot judge her by

her appearance, but are forced to evaluate her by her

personality, character and morals – is this true?

That’s the way it should be. This is a global perspective,

we should not judge any human being according to their

appearances, race, religion, colour or language. Our

deeds speak for us!

Do men (people in general) treat you differently

because you wear the hijab?

Well, sometimes people misjudge me just because I wear

the hijab. Some foreigners think that I am not educated

as the hijab stigmatises my identity as a human being and

restrict me from many privileges in life, therefore, they

either sympathise or totally avoid me. On the other hand,

the reactions from Muslims may vary according to their

cultural, religious and educational background.

At the same time, there are many who believe that

the hijab imprisons women and subordinates them –

your opinion…

That’s right! It is unfortunate that those women are

either brought up in an aggressive culture where their

parents force them to practice traditions against their

will and follow them blindly. They didn’t have the chance

to learn the beauty of wearing hijab. Of course, this

applies to everything we do. When people are forced to

do things since childhood, their feelings are suppressed!

Also, when they are never involved in any decision that

concerns their lives, consequently, they will revolutionise

against all actions taken by their superiors, even if it is

right!! This is a normal reaction because it is a human

nature. Moreover, there are others who are brought up in

western cultures, who, to some extent, might believe in

this way just because they live the in an environment that

doesn’t nurture Islamic beliefs in which hijab is a critical

part.

This is a global perspec-tive, we should not judge any human being according to their appearances, race, religion, colour or language. Our deeds speak for us

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Christian nuns have to cover their head and wear loose clothing.

Hindu women cover their head and wrap their saris around them

during prayer. Orthodox Jewish women also follow the same

clothing practice. So, why is that only the Muslim women are being

projected as oppressed and backward when they cover their heads

with the hijab, queries Nisham Rayees, broadcaster, Radio Oman.

“I hope this debate will set the record straight!” says Nisham

who started wearing the hijab a decade or so back, purely out of

personal choice and not because it was forced on her. This was

a decision she took after performing Haj and since then she has

not only gained respect, but also had the satisfaction of being

identified as a Muslim. “Traditionally, women from all communities

have covered their hair and worn loose clothing to protect their

modesty,” Nisham points out.

Women from all communities

cover their hair

Nisham Rayees

Excerpts:

Why do some Muslim women choose to wear the

hijab? And why do others choose not to?

I am from the Sunni Muslim community in north Kerala.

Earlier days, women would wear the saris with a longer

blouse and full sleeves and cover their head with the saris

or salwar dupattas. In the past 20 years, the headscarf is

common along with saris or salwars. However it is more

of a choice for women in my community. In Islam your

intention is really important. So if someone is forced to

wear it without any good intent, then it is worthless!

How is the hijab a form of liberation for the

women who choose to wear it? How is it a form of

constraint?

I did not wear the hijab during the early years. There

was no family pressure to wear it. It was my personal

choice to do so 10 years back after performing Haj. I feel

people respect me a lot more and I am identified as a

Muslim. The transition was really easy. But response from

others varied from support to ridicule. The more people

questioned my intentions, the more resolved I was to

wear the hijab.

What does the need for the hijab suggest about the

Muslim view of men? Why has its purpose been

misunderstood?

While the entire world debates about Muslim women

and hijab, look at other religions: Christian nuns have

to cover their head and wear loose clothing. Hindu

women cover their head and wrap their saris around

them during prayer. Orthodox Jewish women also

follow the same clothing practice. Then why is that only

the Muslim women are being projected as oppressed

and backward? I hope this debate will set the record

straight! Traditionally, women from all communities have

covered their hair and worn loose clothing to protect their

modesty.

Does the hijab free a young woman from one form of

oppression only to put her in the path of another?

I did not wear the hijab during the early years. There

was no family pressure to wear it. It was my personal

choice to do so 10 years back. I feel people respect me

a lot more and I am identified as a Muslim. When you

dress up modestly, people think twice before they make

a wrong move. It is common practice now between men

and women to hug and kiss while greeting each other. I

have felt the moment they see my hijab, men will just do

a namaste or a verbal greeting. Also my hijab protects me

from eve teasers.

Is a woman’s voice stronger if her body is veiled?

I feel that any women who dress up modestly will be

treated with more respect in any society. An intelligent

woman does not need to use her body to find success in

life.

Why is it that only women need to veil themselves?

What about men; aren’t both men and women

required to dedicate themselves to God; and if so,

why is that only women are expected to demonstrate

this dedication outwardly in the form of hijab?

Hijab does not mean only the head scarf. It is

misunderstood. It means to protect your modesty, privacy

and morality. So apart from covering your hair, you also

need to wear loose clothing which does not encourage

a stranger to look at your body. Clothing applies to men B&

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33Black & White

also. Hijab also means lowering your gaze when you

see something tempting or desirable. If you have a

lovely voice, lower your voice so it does not encourage

anyone to have any negative thoughts.

I wish men will also follow the hijab. Unfortunately

all the focus is on women and hijab. During summer

holidays, it is common to see women wearing the

hijab while their husbands are wearing shorts and tight

T-shirts. Talk about double standards!

When a woman is covered, men cannot judge her

by her appearance, but are forced to evaluate her

by her personality, character and morals – is this

true?

I believe each person should be judged by their

personality and character. So wearing a hijab does

not make you a better person or worse. I have family

and friends who wear hijab or those who don’t, but my

relationship with them is based on their character and

values. Clothing doesn’t make any difference.

Do men (people in general) treat you differently

because you wear the hijab?

When you dress up modestly, people think twice

before they make a wrong move. It is common practice

now between men and women to hug and kiss while

greeting each other. But, I have felt the moment they

see my hijab, men will just do a namaste or a verbal

greeting. Also my hijab makes me a lesser target from

eve teasers.

Does the hijab wearer get an air of authority,

dignity and respect?

The hijab is also my Muslim identity. When I travel,

strangers have said salaam to me because of my hijab.

Once during holidays, when I walked into a restaurant

the manager said the chicken is halal but they also

cook pork in the same pan. It was my hijab, which

prompted him to warn us. It is easy to pray whenever

you are travelling.

At the same time, there are many who believe that

the hijab imprisons women and subordinates them

– your opinion…

I would like to quote Tawakul Karman, the youngest

Nobel prizewinner. When asked about her hijab by

journalists and how it is not proportionate with her level

of intellect and education, she replied: “Man in his early

times was almost naked, and as his intellect evolved

he started wearing clothes. What I am today and what I

am wearing represents the highest level of thought and

civilisation man has achieved, and it is not regressive.

It’s the removal of clothes again that is regressive, back

to ancient times!”

33Black & White

B&

W X

clu

sive


Hijab bun epidemicB&

W X

clu

sive

35Black & White

The popular trend of wearing the hijab bun seems to have turned into

an epidemic of sorts. This outbreak of fashionable hijabs has spread

across the Gulf and while all Muslim girls may not be following the

trend, a good majority of them are.

In Oman, you can be a mute witness to this viral trend from the

classrooms to the malls of Muscat and beyond. There is a vast

variation in appearances of Muslim women who are covered in layers

of makeup, flashy hijabs, form-fitting abayas and fragrances that waft

through the entire realm. One is not clear as to what stereotype fits

the description of such displays of vanity since their intentions are not

known.

But, what is known are the facts presented by the Holy Quran on the

appearance of Muslim women. And based on that holy book, this

fashionable trend seems to have a very superficial connection to Islam.

“ Say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and

guard their modesty ; that they should not display their beauty and

ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof.[Quran : 24.31]”.

What we can observe today is the complete opposite of what it should

be. Below is a brief reminder of what the Quran states: The whole

body excluding hands, feet and the face should be covered. The face

is to be covered if:

*The woman is beautiful or beautifies herself

*Society is corrupt and men do not lower their gaze

*The covering of a woman must not be a display. It is to cover beauty;

not to show off.

*The covering must not be transparent

*The covering must be loose and not tight. It should not describe the

woman’s body.

A Muslim woman should not dress for fame, pride or vanity. They must

not also dress in raggedy clothes in hopes of others admiration of

one’s selflessness.Throughout the years we have witnessed the rise

and fall of the hijab. What was once a symbol of modesty and devotion

has now become a walking contradiction!

Here, Black & White looks at the worrying new trend through the eyes

of some of the Omani women in town:

By Khadija Al Zadjali

B&

W X

clu

sive


SAMAH AL WAHAIBI, FOUNDER OF LAYALI AL-ASALAH

I believe many women are motivated by what they see on the

television. Yet, not everything they watch suits our society.

Makeup artists are offered an opportunity to flaunt their makeup

skills on television series and celebrities. But these actresses do

not dress the same in real life.

Everything has standards. Make up is used to cover flaws and

not to make a woman look different. I believe that our daily

diet plays a big role in how we feel and look. So instead of

concentrating on how to fix your exterior, start in your interior

and give your body the nutrition it needs. You will end up looking

the way you want and feel good too.

I personally enjoy and prefer simplicity. So a simple hijab and

abaya is the most elegant in my eyes. I don’t see a problem

with adding colours and decorations, as long as it fits in with

the event. Yet there is nothing in our community that supports a

reason to over dress. If anything, we are forced to wear the hijab

and abaya by tradition.

What Islam actually states is that a woman must dress decently

and modestly. Therefore we are trying to bring back a blend of

BUTHAINA AL ZADJALI – ABAYA DESIGNER

When a lady goes out, she dresses according to the occasion.

With that said, different circumstances call for different

standards of appearance. If you have been invited to a wedding

or a formal function, you have the option to go all out and

spend hours doing so. But if you are going shopping or running

errands, there is no real significant motive to dressing that same

way.

As an abaya designer I am constantly in search of inspiration. I

need to always keep an eye out for trends, colours, styles and

fabrics. My daily research is conducted on every day women,

with a range of ages and in different regions. From what I have

noticed, the evolution of the hijab is only amongst the youth

but not every young person either. There is nothing wrong with

Judge a woman

by their action

and words

People have forgott

traditional-casual outfits.

I do not judge women based on their

appearance, but by their actions and words. It

is very important how a woman carries herself.

Women, you are all so beautiful; don’t try and

ever change. My only advice is that people will

perceive you through your own eyes.

37Black & White

FATMA AL ZAHRA AL MAHROOQI – 3RD YEAR, STUDENT

ABROAD, MEDICAL GENETICS

There are many reasons a girl would cover up. It could be for

social reasons, peer pressure, her faith, tradition and sometimes

even forced upon her at home. The girls who choose to wear

the appropriate Muslim attire for religious reasons wear it

properly due to their faith being a motivator.

The girls who dress for society are usually the ones who are a

lot more relaxed with the strict dress code. Some even go to

the exaggerated extent of flaunting themselves when they are

supposed to do the complete opposite and consequently turns

into peer pressure amongst the other girls.

Many women do not wear the hijab or even the abaya for

modesty anymore, it has become a fashion statement and it is

not the same fashion statement initiated by the first who covered

themselves. If a Muslim girl was walking on the street, her

clothes would help her go unnoticed but girls today ‘dress to

impress’ and aim to flaunt.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon

Him) said: “O Ali, do not follow a glance with another, for you

will be forgiven for the first, but not for the second.” The way

women present themselves almost forcefully bring upon a

Admired for

their strength –

not looks

ten real meaning of hijab

second gaze which is haraam in Islam. I have

no objection with women who dress decently

and take care of themselves, but I firmly believe

that women should use their inner beauty,

personality and strength to make a statement.

Many professional women in our society do not

cake on the makeup, but they use clothes to

cover what is needed and still look presentable.

They are admired because of their strength and

capabilities; not their looks.

modifying the hijab or even the abaya for that matter as

long as you maintain its fundamentals.

A Muslim woman’s clothing is a representation

of oneself, religion and region. If you take into

consideration how Muslims dress in Western countries,

you will notice that they dress modestly (as they should)

without a hijab or an abaya, which in return creates

a sense of comfort and natural beauty. We live in a

Muslim community with no real diversity amongst

religions in comparison to the Western countries.

Therefore much of what you see is more traditional

rather than required.

The problem with this new “craze” is that the young girls

and women deliberately go un-noticed. There is nothing

wrong in dressing respectfully and looking like you take

care of yourself, but I am talking about the girls who go

to the extent of making sure their hair is done so that

their scarf elegantly stays in place.

When I go out, I dress for myself. I dress according

to comfort and not for the people. The most important

thing a woman can wear is her confidence and being

comfortable in her own skin. It seems that people have

forgotten the real meaning behind the hijab and the

abaya!

www.blackandwhiteoman.com

Read our magazine ONLINE

Log on to

BLACK AND WHITE MAGAZINE, OMAN

Like our page on facebook

39Black & White

Live today better than yesterday

By Dr CK Anchan

Dr Anchan C.K.

managing director,

World Wide Business House

Like it or not, problems, or challenges,

are a recurring part of everyday life.

Whether you choose to call them

challenges, as I do, or problems, certainly

doesn’t change the fact that they happen.

However, it does change the way we

respond to them and that little shift can

make a huge difference in our outlook.

According to Wikipedia, "A challenge is

a general term referring to things that

are imbued with a sense of difficulty and

victory." Challenges require courage,

skill, presence of mind, ability to think on

the spot and many more such qualities.

Are people running away because they

don’t have them? Are people scared

to face challenges? Do people want to

always take the easy path?

It is easy to get bothered or upset by the

fact that a challenge has come your way.

“Everything was going so well. Why me?”

“Can’t this issue just go away?” These

are just some of the things that may

come to mind when you haven’t really

accepted a challenge. However, the first

thing you want to do when you realise a

challenge has come your way is accept it

for what it is.

Life is full of challenges. They are not

supposed to affect you but are supposed

to help you discover the inner you. Most

people are afraid to take them. I have

learnt one thing over time: Accepting

challenges that life throws upon you, only

makes you stronger in the end. Even if

you fail, you have learnt something at the

end of it.

It’s highly likely that when a challenge

comes our way, we may have an initial

negative reaction to it. Hey, we are

human. However, the best thing about

negative reactions is that if you can

recognise them, you can acknowledge

their presence, manage them by stepping

back and looking at things from a

different perspective.

Changing the words we use changes

our perception of life, Simply replace

the word problems in your vocabulary

with the word challenges and see what

happens? It’s not uncommon to use

the words problems and challenges

interchangeably, but the fact is, they

send entirely different messages to our

brains. Many of the most powerful life

skills you will ever learn are as simple as

exchanging one word for another.

Be realistic when facing the challenges.

It really helps if you decide from the

very beginning of a challenge that

you are going to face the challenge

and overcome it. No hiding from it or

pretending it doesn’t exist. What’s the

solution? What’s the best way through?

The word “crisis” is from the Greek,

meaning “a moment to decide”. This

answers the word crisis.

Challenges help shape our character,

round out any rough edges, give us

lessons we need for our future success

and most importantly allow us to realise

that we absolutely can manage through

anything that comes our way.

Like everything in life, if you want to

get something you need to have the

determination that will keep you going. If

you are not committed, you will never do

what is needed to achieve the goals you

want.

Try pursuing a challenge. The taste of

victory is really sweet. You got to feel it to

believe it! It will certainly lead you to live

today better than yesterday.

39Black & White

Managem

ent

talk


Common sense dictates that a good handshake (between men)

should be, we quote: “firm, enthusiastic, and sincere”. But, why

is it that so many of these pseudo machos are keen to squeeze

our frail little hands until they feel bone to ensure that they are

shaking hands vigorously enough? Apparently, among men it

is sometimes part of an alpha complex where guys try to prove

“how manly they are to each other”. Even those men who can

definitely be bracketed into the ‘older’/ ‘elderly’ category are

increasingly sporting these hand crushers, believing that it will

propel them into instant male macho-dom. You bump into these

bone-cusher hand shakers in the everyday walk of life and

wonder why they go to such great lengths to show that they are

macho. However, when we took a poll we realised that most men

preferred being squeezed to discomfort than holding a dead wet

fish (both men and women are often accused of giving these

wet, limp shakes) in their hands! They say your handshake tells

a lot about you. Perhaps, that will give us an indication of what

these guys are all about who want to crush and murder your

pinkies – they should not be touched with a 10-feet pole. Keep

away from them!

It’s an ad mad world

Keep away from

bone crushers

Nit

tern

att

er

We have been thinking of it since quite sometime now. Fi-nally, we have taken the plunge to bring home to you some offbeat stuff. Here goes, if you like it, give us the green signal for more; if not, just take it with a pinch of salt. For this fort-night, here is some nitter natter for the B&W Bitter Batter:

At one end we hear that things are not looking good for ad

agencies in town, and at the other we hear that some of them are

making a mountain of a molehill when they organise functions.

A recent 30-minute function was a case in point. The agency

in question was asked by a top group to organise their recent

foray into a new line and naturally it was a good chance to

show that they could do well. But, this agency seemed to have

gone a bit over-the-top with their efforts. The agency apparently

worked for nearly 30 days plus an extra five to six days on

rehearsing the programme. Outsiders roped in to support the

event said that they went mad trying to cope with the endless

changes, especially last minute ones and the constant blames

and reprimands that was part and parcel of the whole rigmarole.

“And all that for just a nearly 30-minute programme!” one of the

suppliers, who swear that he will not work for them again, noted.

But, then when you charge a bomb (like these ad agencies do)

you need to make such crazy efforts, don’t you?

41Black & White

A not-so-funny incident that we encountered recently on our office lift made

us think. One of our colleagues got into the lift and an Asian lady followed.

Then a blue collar worker (actually in blue overalls) was about to walk in

when the lady swung from her face watching in the lift mirror and gestured

to the latter to stay put. The bewildered worker put one leg in and then

quickly took it out struck by the lady’s rude behaviour. The lady did not want

the worker in because he was precisely just that – a worker and she would

obviously be some society woman. However, when our colleague, who

was aghast at this behaviour, tried to ask her why she did not allow a third

person in the lift that could easily accommodate 11 people, she just gave

a stony stare and huffed and puffed out of the lift! Why this discrimination?

Aren’t workers human beings?

There are some who know too much and there are

some who can talk too much. Imagine the deadly

combination of someone who knows too much and

can also talk too much. Our world weary media

guy experienced such a man recently at an official

launch party recently and he couldn’t shake off this

guy who was not only all over the place, but mostly

on him. This man seemed to know more about the

product our media man was selling and seemed

to tell him all the bad points about it. After hearing

him tearing up his product to bits, our media man

was ready to get into fisticuffs when the subject of

the all-knower shifted to Olympics and why certain

countries were not doing well and why others were.

At this stage, some more interested listeners (read

victims) gathered around him and on cue, our media

man gave the all-knower the ready slip. “Whew! Am

going to avoid him in future; in fact, will not attend if

he is going to be at a function,” our media guy says.

Not human beings?

Mr Know-It-All!

(Note: Readers who have something bitter to chatter about can either email on [email protected] or call 99218461)

Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given

numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares

so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same

number only once.

SOLUTION:

©T

hom

as S

nyder

©T

hom

as S

nyder

42 July 7-20, 2012

43Black & White

©Thomas Snyder

Whenever we are dealing with our friends, family and strangers we are

like Sherlock Holmes the legendary detective who could find clues which

had escaped everybody else’s notice. It would be impossible to fool him

and pull wool over his eyes…he always solved every case.

So how do we become this great detective when we are interacting with

people?

By finding faults with them. Sometimes their physical appearance like a

long nose (like I have) or big ears or being overweight which helps us to

reach a conclusion that they are weird. So it’s an open and shut case.

Nothing ever escapes our notice even if it is the slightest of hurt or an

imagined insult. Even if the hurt doesn’t exist we will make it up and then

magnify it to gigantic proportions. Then we go to the next level of pinning

the blame on them and finding other clues to justify our case. Finally

when we have accumulated enough evidence we pronounce them as

guilty. Then of course we sentence them to a jailhouse of ostracism.

So another case solved successfully!

But in this Holy month of Ramadan we must realise that being Sherlock

Holmes does not always help. Sometimes it is just nice to be Dr Watson

and overlook all the clues so that the case of ‘Finding Faults’ is never

solved.

Till next time.

Love hugs and prayers.

Sherlock holmes – part 1

Vandana, award winning author (‘360 Degrees Back to Life')

By Vandana Shah

It's m

y lif

e

Vandana Shah, Author 360 Degrees Back To life, editor of Ex-Files. www.vandanashah.com.

Email me what you’d like to say on [email protected]

Follow me on twitter Vandy4PM

43Black & White


Kid

stuff

All

The ear continues to hear sounds, even while you sleep.

The ear’s malleus, incus and stapes (otherwise known as the hammer, anvil

and stirrup) are the smallest bones in the human body. All three together

could fit together on a penny.There is much more to the ear than the part you

can see on the outside of your head.

Ears convert sound waves into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain.

While your ears pick up the sound, it is your brain that does the hard

work of making sense of it all.

The middle part of the ear (behind the ear drum)

amplifies sound pressure.

The middle ear also contains the

Eustachian tube which helps equalise

pressure and drain mucus.

The ear is responsible not only for your ability to hear, but also for your sense of balance. Only the external portion of your ears are visible, but in total there are three sections--the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear--that work together to make sense of the sounds you hear. Here are a few facts on ears:


45Black & White

Tongue twisters:Near an ear, a nearer ear, a nearly eerie ear.

The inner ear is found inside the temporal bone, the hardest bone in the human body.

The inner ear contains the spiral shaped hearing organ called the cochlea as well as the vestibule and semicircular

canals which help with balance.

Sounds waves are passed from air to liquid in the inner air, which air also contains tiny hair cells that react

to sound waves, triggering chemicals sent to the brain as nerve impulses.

Abnormalities in the inner ear of humans can cause deafness.

Skin glands in the ear canal produce ear wax which helps protect the ear by

lubricating it and cleaning it of dirt and dust.

Dogs can hear much higher frequencies than humans.

Snakes hear through the jaw bone and through a traditional inner

ear.

Male mosquitoes hear with thousands of tiny hairs growing on

their antennae.

Fish do not have ears, but they can hear

pressure changes through ridges on

their body.

45Black & White


You’re energetic, edgy

and aggressive this week, so direct

your enthusiasm to getting stalled

plans up and running again, but

don’t take risks. As long as over

confidence doesn’t trip you up, you’ll

make amazing headway in both

work and love this week. Long may

it continue.

Disruptive influences make

life unpredictable, so if I were you,

I’d keep a low profile or at least duck

for cover if things get out of control.

Self improvement and personal

advancement is what you’re aiming

this week, so its irritating when you’re

knocked off track by others like this.

Although it’s tempting to

venture into new territory and break

new ground, an underlying panic that

you won’t be able to get back to your

old routine stops you in your tracks.

You’re more comfortable dealing with

what you know. Mull decisions over

before acting on them.

Unexpected news causes

plans to change, and although you’re

motivated over what you want to

achieve, any setback no matter how

small causes your hackles to rise.

Avoid loud temperamental outbursts,

yours or others and the moon in your

sign will bring warmth and loving

support.

The moon in your sign at

the start of the week is a stabilising

force, but the ongoing freedom

versus commitment issue moves

things into shaky territory by the

weekend. Money matters are never

far from your mind, so don’t stretch

yourself if possible. Luxuries are not

necessities.

Although you’re champing at

the bit to take action over a situation,

don’t make moves that could

jeopardise your social standing or

street cred. Take a subtle approach

to achieving your objectives and just

shrug off irritating setbacks. Be willing

to compromise over the weekend.

March 21-April 20

June 22-July 23

April 21-May 20

July 24-August 23

May 21-June 21

August 24-September 23

Your ARIES

CANCER

TAURUS

LEO

GEMINI

VIRGO

Horo

scope

USAIN ST. LEO BOLT, OJ, C.D. (BORN 21 AUGUST 1986),

is a Jamaican sprinter widely regarded as the fastest man ever.

Along with his teammates, he also set the world record in the

4×100 metres relay. He is the reigning Olympic champion in

these three events, the first man ever to win six Olympic gold

medals in sprinting, and a five-time world champion. He was

the first to achieve a "double double" by winning 100 m and 200

m titles at consecutive Olympics (2008 and 2012), and topped

this through the first "double triple" (including 4x100m relays).

His 2009 record breaking margin for 100 m, from 9.69 (his own

previous world record) to 9.58, is the highest since the start

of fully automatic time measurements. His achievements in

sprinting have earned him the media nickname "Lightning Bolt",

and awards including the IAAF World Athlete of the Year, Track

& Field Athlete of the Year, and Laureus Sportsman of the Year

(twice). He is the highest paid athlete ever in track and field. He

has been called the world’s most marketable athlete and the

greatest athlete ever.

Your patience seems

stretched to the limit this week and

you’re easily agitated, so don’t be

surprised that people seem to be

avoiding you. Keep a low profile at

the weekend. Avoid risks. But make

sure you finish your own work before

you promise to help others.

Don’t step on anyone’s

toes this week, especially anyone in

authority from a boss to an official.

The new moon puts a strain on

relationships, but can stabilise ties

with friends, so strive to cement

friendly ties. Its time to focus on

what’s in your best interests, so get

to it.

Don’t allow minor

negativities to undermine your self

confidence this week or anger will

have the upper hand. You may

alter your perspective on life by

highlighting limitations, but will also

show you how to overcome them,

so don’t be tempted to throw in the

towel.

You’re enthusiastic about

a big venture or new launch in the

offing, so don’t let your old inner

demons sabotage your efforts by

making you unsure of your abilities.

You will have an itch to rebel if

someone tries to inhibit your freedom.

Go Aquarius.

The tide could turn either

way when it comes to friends and

loved ones, freedom or commitment

depending on which side you come

down on. Try to avoid fighting over

money matters. At the end of the day

they don’t really matter. Love and

support is what’s more important.

Don’t allow unwelcome

disturbances to upset your plans

this week. In fact put a positive spin

on things and you’ll maybe manage

to turn a problem to an advantage,

albeit others are not the pushovers

you think they are. A sobering

change of heart takes you by

surprise. Breathe.

September 24-October 23

December 23-January 20

October 24-November 22

January 21-February 19

November 23-December 22

February 20-March 20

starsLIBRA

CAPRICORN

SCORPIO

AQUARIUS

SAGITTARIUS

PISCES

E-MAIL: [email protected], Website: www.albahja.com

For men


WADI KABIRBait al Zubair Bait al BarandaMarina Bander Al Bustan Palace HotelOman Dive club Shangri-La- Barr Al JissahSri Lankan School NHIPencil Building (Stationery shop)Al Maha bunk –Wadi Kabir Ajay Enterprises (Khimji) – (Next to Jingles nursery) Hotel Golden OasisSana FashionsAl Maya markets – (Old Rawasco) Scientific pharmacy – Opp to al Maya market ( Arab Udipi Rest)

CBD AREA TO DARSAITAl Amana Building materials – Opposite Jawad SultanAl Omaniya Financial Services office Oman oil bunk Khimji mart shopping mall – (Old shopping & saving)Khimjis Bait al Ahlam- CBD areaPizza Muscat (Opposite ministry of manpower)Pizza Hut/TFC – CBD areaCentre point-SplashMuscat Securities market Times of OmanShell petrol Bunk (Next to Sheraton)OCCI Library – Oman Chamber of commerce (OPP MSM)KFC – Ruwi Oman International Bank – RuwiPalayok Restaurant – Filipino restaurant Ever ready supermarket New India Assurance OfficeAl Fair – Ruwi high street Lakhoos Money Exchange, Ruwi High streetDamas Jewellery/office – Ruwi Oman UAE Exchange – OCC CentreAir Arabia Office- Shanfari TravelsRuwi HotelGulf air building – Gulf air officeSaravanabhavan Restaurant Sarco – Samsung showroom Khimji Megastore – Swarovski showroomOTEMoosa Abdul Showroom – next to al JadeedToshiba Showroom Al Jadeed shoppingBadr Al Samaa Samara video (next to Talentz, old bait al ahlam) after 5pmMinistry of Education – Opp Wearhouse – Ruwi Future management consultants -(opp Toshiba showroom)Haffa House HotelAl Falaj Hotel Muscat Bakery- Near church Pakistan School (after temple & church Darsait)Naranjee Hirjee office (before Hotel Golden Oryx)Hotel Golden Oryx Bank Muscat corporate office (Opposite Hotel Golden Oryx)Kamat Restaurant Uptown Restaurant Turtles Book shopAl Rima Clinic Lama Polyclinic

Oman Air – CBD NBO- CBD areaBank MuscatBank SoharHSBCStandard CharteredOman Arab BankHarmony Music Centre – Next to OAB Bahwan Travel Agencies – CBD banks areaOTTB – Oman Travels BureauAir India office – CBD next to Costas CostasPapa John Supa Save – CBDWoodlandsBank DhofarHorizon Restaurant – (Next to Moon travels)Oman post office Lulu DarsaitKhimji Ramdas Head office, Muttrah (Kanaksi Khimji & pankaj Khimji) Majan College – Darsait junction (canteen)Indian Social ClubMelody Music Centre – Next to ISMGerman Embassy – Hamriya roundaboutApollo Medical CentreComputer Xpress – Hamriya Roundabout Atlas Travels (Wadi Adai Roundabout (next to polyglot)Hatat HousePassage to IndiaBest carsHyundai/Subaru/GM showroomAl Asfoor FurnishingAhli BankShell marketing officeSEAT car showroom- Wattayah DHL office- Wattayah Honda ShowroomSabco Head office wattayahNTT travels WattayahToyota Bahwan Advertising – Ist floor – Toyota showroomLexusFord showroomShanfari AutomotiveWattayah Motors- VW showroomKhoula HospitalInstitute of Health sciences – opposite KhoulaKia showroom- wattayah

QURUM AREA TOWARDS AL KHUWAIRAl Harthy Complex- Pizza Muscat – next to Sultan Center in al Harthy complexSultan Center Nissan showroomBMW showroom Muscat Private School Qurum city centrePizza Hut – Qurum Capital StoreAl Asfoor PlazaKFCHardeesFono showroom next to Sabco centreShah NagardasSabco Centre- Barista coffee shop onlyAl AraimiPanasonic ShowroomNBO QurumAl Khamis PlazaAl Wadi commercial centre – Coffee shopMercedes showroom

CCC- StandCCC Al FairBollywood chatPizza Hut – Qurum Second CupNandos McDonaldsSalman StoresJawahir OmanHamptonsBusiness Services & Travel Amex office Ernst & Young buildg (OUA Travels) StarbucksHawthorne institute- ELS Fahud Street, opp Qurum parkMumtaz Mahal Left bankOman Association for the disabled Ministry of education (20 +20=20)Muscat Intercon Jawaharat Al Shatti complex- standOasis by the sea - crepe café standLNG OfficeAl Qurum resortBareek Al Shatti ComplexAl Qandeel head office -, Entrance of Bareek al Shatti Al Shatti Cinema - Dunkin DonutsAl Sahwa Schools– principal’s office next to Ramada hotelHotel RamadaAl Muriya Offices- next to Al sahwa schoolsGrand Hyatt MuscatAl Masa MallRadio ShackAl Sarooj ComplexShell Petrol Bunk- Al Sarooj Al FairRamee GuestlineRock BottomClassic Institute of Arts- next to Asas OmanAsas Oman ApartmentsCrowne PlazaCoral hotelQurum Pvt schoolPDORas Al Hamraa ClubOmanoil head office

AL KHUWAIR/MSQ TOWARDS AZAIBAELS – Al khuwair service roadBritish School Muscat – MSQBritish Council Oman oil- Madinat Qaboos Pizza HutKhimjis mart – MSQ Kargeen Café Al fairFamily Book shop- MSQ Tavola – Al Noor Hall buildgStarbucks Hana slimming centre – Ist FloorFotomagicAl Noor Hall Al JadeedEqarat office Above Welcare Clinic – al KhuwairDomino Pizza Oman mobileSafeer Hypermarket Mustafa SultanSouk TechniaOmantelOman international Bank – Al khuwair main officeIbis Hotel

Park inn HotelFriendi OfficeMuscat Bakery Tropical Ice creams SubwayPizza Hut service road Ice Skating RinkNational Training InstituteGolden spoon RestaurantShell Select- Al KhuwairMcdonaldsMct holiday Inn HotelOman Bowling Center HalliburtonCafé VergnanoKhimji Mart – Next to Verganano Safeer suitesAxa insurance (opp assarain Al khuwair)Zakher shopping MallPAN Furnishing Harley DavidsonThriftyAl Amal Medical Centre – Dr BashirHotel RadissonPizza Hut Al KhuwairOzone Video Shop(Next to Pizza Hut)American British School Omar Khayyam Restaurant, next to V kool Grill House (next door)V KoolTAISM Centre for British Teachers – CFBT Baushar Complex CaféAviation Club Restaurant

AZAIBA TOWARDS SEEBLulu Hyper market – BausharOman Medical collegeCollege for Business & financial Studies opp Oman medical, bausharAzzan Bin Qais school - BausharMuscat private HospitalDolphin Village – BausherRoyal hospital Ghala industrial area – NTINational mineral water – Tanuf ( next to Al Madina Holiday Inn)Oman oil AzaibaSpicy Village – Rusayl Pizza Hut – GhalaOman oil – GhalaTowell head office – Enhance & Ist floorMazda showroom Mcdonalds – Azaiba Select shell AzaibaOman Tribune – Al Watan officeNew India assurance Azaiba office Safeer HypermartNawras head office Zubair showroom and Yamaha corporate office(two places)- Yamaha Showroom – close to Zubair showroom – 1st floor Polyglot InstituteGU Tech – Beach road AzaibaChedi Muscat The wave Muscat corporate officeNACA – national cancer Awareness AssnMCC – Crepe CaféAl Bahja– Mood Café & food CourtAl Maya Super market Oman air Seeb office (Below Flyover, before Golden Tulip)Oman Tourisn College Golden Tulip HotelAir portSelect Shell – SeebPizza Hut airportKFC

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HOTELSCrown PlazaHilton Salalah Hamdan plazaDhofar HotelSalalah hotelHaffa HouseRedan HotelAl- Hanaa HotelBAMSIR hotelAl- Jabel hotelAl- Nile suite (Saada)Salalah Mariott

MINISTRIESMinistry agriculture & fisheries Ministry of educationMinistry of defenseMinistry of housing & electricityMinistry of waterMinistry of tourism Diwan of Royal court (Salalah)Ministry of primary court and justiceMinistry of Commerce & industryDhofar municipality (Baladia)Ministry of man power

PETROL STATIONS, BANKSShanfari filling Stationshell select, al saadaOman oilShell SalalahBank MuscatOmantelOman Arab BankPizza hutDhofar UniversityAl Maha souk

OIB, NizwaOIB, FirqBankMuscat, NizwaBM main branch, NizwaBankMuscat, FirqNBO, NizwaNBO, FirqBank AbudhabiToyotaOTEOmantelNawrasKhimji, NizwaKhimji, IzkiMuscat Bakery, NizwaPizza HutDiscount centreFamily shoppingAl Diyar HotelSafari hotelAl-Nif shopping, IzkiHungery Bunny, NizwaCollege of ScienceCollege of TechnicNizwa Medical CollegeBusmath ClinicThalal ClinicOmanoil, IzkiOmanoil, FirqOmanoil, NizwaOmanoil, MarfaShell, IzkiShell, FirqShell, NizwaAl-Maha, FirqNizwa university -Dept of foreign langAl-Maha, Marfa

Lulu hyper marketSafeer CentreAl Nahda resortAl Maha SoukOman Oil RumaisOman College of managementOIBNBOBank MuscatShellOTESARCONissan showroomOmantel

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Muscat golf hills, SEEBKOMSQU – SQUH hospital , SQUH 2- canteen, 3- Diplomatic Club, 4 – College of Commerce, 5 – Students banking area)Pizza Hut – al Khoud Sultan School al hail service road – principals’ officeCaledonian college – principal’s officeOman Foot ball association

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Spicy Village RestaurantLulu HypermarketJumeirah Shopping CentreKhimji’s MartAl Salem shoppingCentrepointMoosa Abdul Rahman – GMCToyotaNissanMitsubishiLG showroomSohar BakerySohar UniversityBank MuscatHabib BankBank SoharOman International BankAl Raffah HospitalBadr Al SamaaOman Arab BankBank DhofarHSBCTravel CityNational Travels and ToursUniversal Travels and TourismDHLDhofar InsuranceAl Ahlia InsuranceTaeeger Finance CoOmantelAl Jazeera GroupNarenjee Hirjee (International)

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49Black & White


Cookin

g

avocadosAlthough the yummy dip is probably one of their most popular uses, avocados are fantastic fruits…It has a sweet flavour that suits it well, and makes it a worthy candidate in recipes both

savoury and sweet. Here are a few easy recipes to try at home:


51Black & White

Ingredients

Juice of 2 limes

4tsp honey

1tbsp olive oil

Sea salt, to season

Freshly ground black pepper, to season

1 cantaloupe melon, quartered and seeded

1 avocado, halved, pitted, and skinned

120g of mixed salad leaves

Method

In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, oil,

and salt; set aside. Cut each cantaloupe quarter in half

lengthwise. Run a knife between the flesh and the skin

of the melon; discard skin. Slice each wedge lengthwise

into half inch pieces. Cut each avocado ln half and

again lengthwise and then into half inch-thick slices. Add

cantaloupe, avocado, and grape tomatoes to bowl with

dressing and toss to coat. Divide among 4 plates and

finish with freshly milled black pepper

Avocado dip

Avocado-stuffed baked potatoes

Avocado melon salad

Ingredients:

¼ cup cream cheese

1 large ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, chopped

½ jalapeno pepper, seeded, chopped

1 clove garlic, chopped

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground cumin

Method:

Combine all ingredients, except cumin, in a food

processor; pulse until smooth. Transfer mixture to a

serving bowl; sprinkle with cumin and serve.

Ingredients:

2 baked potatoes

1 whole avocado, peeled, pitted, and

diced

1 cup cheese

1 small can tomatoes, 10 ounces

1/4 cup sour cream

2 teaspoons cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped cilantro, as needed for

garnish

Method:

Cut open the baked potatoes and

scoop out about half the cooked

potato flesh.

In a medium bowl mix together the

potato flesh, avocado, tomatoes,

cheese, sour cream, and cumin.

Season the filling with salt and

pepper. Fill the potato skins with

the filling and bake at 350F until

cheese is melted and the potato is

hot throughout. Garnish with cilantro

and serve.


Opin

ionate

d

TREADING the mills

If it is done right, running on the treadmill can actually help you maximise your fat loss. Now, I am not the greatest fan of treadmills, but I have found out that if used

properly, they can provide a great workout. One essential way to help in your bid to lose weight is to run, jog, or walk on a treadmill.


53Black & WhiteE-MAIL: [email protected], Website: www.albahja.com

For women

CALORIES BURNED

Treadmills cause you to lose weight through burning

calories. The more calories burned in your session on the

treadmill, the greater chance you have of losing weight.

The amount of calories burned varies widely depending

on your gender, age and weight, and the level of intensity

on the workout such as the speed and incline.

FAVOURITE WAY

The design of the treadmill has evolved over the years

to the point where you can get a great simulated outdoor

workout in your own home, so treadmill workouts have

become a favourite way to lose weight and burn fat in a

controlled and safe environment. Treadmills are able to

tell you how far you have travelled, time taken, calories

burned, and even keep track of your heart rate, allowing

you to train to a plan, whether it be weight loss, or training

for a marathon.

But, remember when you start out on any type of exercise

programme, start off slowly to build up your general

fitness so as not to strain your cardio vascular system

and/or injure yourself.

NOT EVERYDAY

You do not have to exercise every day on a treadmill to

lose weight. It is recommended that an average adult get

at least 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise every

week to stay healthy. Moderately intense exercise on a

treadmill consists of a light jog to a slow run, but can also

include a brisk walking pace. For quicker weight loss,

consider gradually increasing your time on the treadmill

to 300 minutes a week, or about an hour a day, five days

a week. This can be split up into three 20 minute session,

or two 30-minute session throughout the day for the same

results. Do not start or increase an exercise schedule

without first consulting your doctor.

WINNING COMBINATION

Exercising on a treadmill alone may help you lose weight,

but combining exercise with a healthy diet can give you

even better results. A health diet should be comprised of

primarily fruits and vegetables along with whole grains,

lean proteins, low-fat dairy and healthy fats, such as

from nuts, olive oil and fish. A healthy diet should also be

portion-controlled, aiming to keep your calories within the

specific calorie goals based on of your gender, height,

weight and physical activity level.

Treadmills are a piece of aerobic exercise

equipment. Usually a small motor turns a track that

allows you to run in place with almost the same

feel and benefits as running, jogging or walking on

a track or outdoors. As you increase the speed or

the incline of the treadmill track, the intensity level

of the aerobic exercise increases as well, resulting

in more of an aerobic workout. This allows for easy

customisation to fit all fitness levels, ranging from

basic walking to training for an event such as a

marathon or triathlon.

She would hardly be 10 years old.

Amusingly, she looked as serious as an

adult and was reading through the contents

of the box she picked up from the shelf in

the mall, like a miniature adult.

No mischievous smile, no playfulness, no

running around.

Concentrating to read what she cannot

possibly comprehend.

I was pretty sure she would not understand

whatever she was reading, but kept an

eye on her to see what she was up to. She

kept the pack back and looked at another

one, picked it up and read through the

contents, with little frowns on her pretty little

forehead.

I passed by closely to see what she had

in hand. The pretty little kid, looking at

cosmetic face creams and lotions! Looking

broadly at the section, I could see at least

4 to 5 young kids checking out face packs

and creams.

Well, what are our kids up to? Checking

out face creams and lotions? Not chips,

chocolates, biscuits, ice creams, toys,

dresses…?

Can only blame the impact of the

multimedia channels! If technology has

progressed in leaps and bounds, it has also

made us yearn for a life that is glamourous

and beautiful.

The television channels are flashing dime

a dozen commercials. Over a good 60 per

cent of them are on skin and food items,

claiming to change lives through good

looks and better intelligence.

Pick up the remote and swap channels…

seeing is believing.

The first commercial said you don’t have to

cover your face anymore in the sun. Your

cream will save you from the sun and keep

you fair and white!

The second one said magic in your

fingerprints, a few drops of a cream

overnight could reduce your 10 years of

age and keep you fair and beautiful!

Third one had a heartthrob actress whisper

soap’s brand, for the lingering luxury feeling

smooth fair skin.

The fourth one said even white tone all

over the body… otherwise how will you

play tennis?

Then you have a girl who actually goes

scientifically technical and says the

damage your face could have due to the

sunlight and pollution and just one sachet

of cream can get rid of all those symptoms!

While you swap channels you see a shy

boy applying ladies face cream to become

fair… Not anymore, warns an actor; men

have their own fairness face cream and

they don’t have to steal the woman’s face

cream to look good and FAIR! And the best

part is educated youth fall for it, because

the models are so bright and fair.

The silliest one of all is the one where a

girl gets an sms which says see you in

15 minutes, there she disappears in a

whiff and is seen washing her face with

an instant face wash to be all glowing and

fair…

Wish life was so easy, that one little

product on the shelf can change your life

and lead you to that dream career of yours!

Can being fair and beautiful actually

change your lives?

Not fair at all! What about hard

work, dedication, focus, intelligence,

perseverance?

One hour in front of the television can leave

you fair and square!

Why waste one hour? In 30 minutes, you

will start believing that fair skin is just a

cream away, intelligence is just a drink

away, slim figure is just an oil away, and

success is just a car away!

By Priya Arunkumar

[email protected]

Not fair!

black & white mag issue 49

Documents

mr daniels funds

mr benjamin dabrah

mr dabrah god

mr dabrahs

family of mr daniel

mr daniel madhavan

erstwhile mr daniel

mr daniels claimless