Sonakshi at LFW Italian desserts z Page 13 z Page 10 Glorious sunsets and beach BBQs at Abnormal breathing triggers Bandar Khairan z Pages 8&9 hyperactivity z Pages 14 Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Weekend Muscat International Book Fair making words go further — Page 16 Weekend HERITAGE2 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012 Bait Al Zubair showcases Omani village life in presenting the country’s heritage and culture to strating how to use natural resources to fulfil the the visitors. people’s basic needs. Bait Al Zubair is a private museum in Mus- The displays comprise various aspects reflect- cat; it opened its doors to the public in 1998. This ing the Omani architecture and everyday life in- museum is intended to display Al Zubair family’s cluding small forts, castles and houses as well collection of the Omani artefacts that have been as a spectacular landscape of mountains, wadis, preserved for centuries. The building is one of the aflaj, grassland, and even people doing their daily country’s architectural icons and in 1999 it was routine and minding their business. Those breath- awarded His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Award for taking attractions are aimed to offer a unique and Architectural Excellence. The museum complex charming experience to all visitors. consists of five separate buildings that are Bait Al Through observing the displays of the Omani Bagh, Bait Al Oud, Bait Al Dalaleel, Bait Al Nah- village at the museum, you will surely get a first- dhah and the museum gift shop. hand experience about the rural life of Omanis in Bait Al Zubair Museum is one of Muscat’s most the past. This would also help you portrait a clear popular destinations. It is committed to showcase picture of the pristine Omani culture and daily a wide range of important spectacular works of lifestyle. The architecture of traditional buildings art reflecting the outstanding Omani heritage and is characterised by its simple lines and maintains culture that define the Omani society — both past an understated elegance of its own. The castles, and present. Various traditional craft exhibits are forts and walls, for example, are evidence to an displayed in different buildings at the museum. architectural style that serves the purpose of de- Among the historical monuments and cultural fence. attractions at Bait Al Zubair Museum is the sym- Like the country’s diverse topography, archi- bol of the Omani traditional Village which is built tectural styles vary in Oman with the change of in the yard to attract visitors. The new miniature landscape and surroundings. The types of houses By Abdulaziz al Jahdhami Omani culture is the unique architecture of houses displays of the traditional Omani village were of- and building materials reflect the variety of the which reflect the authentic Omani civilisation. ficially unveiled as part of the museum’s celebra- unique Omani architecture. There are houses built NE of the best parts of Omani culture is Museums play a vital role in presenting and tions to mark the 40th National Day in December on mountains in different parts of Oman while oth- the traditional Omani lifestyle still being keeping alive the Omani history and culture for 2010. ers are built near the sea or in countryside areas. Opracticed with its various features almost the new generations, visitors and residents of The miniature displays reflects the simplicity The evolution of architecture is a measure of a na- all over the country. The traditional villages in dif- Oman. One of the most renowned museums that and roughness of the daily lifestyle of Omanis at tion’s civilisation and Oman thrives with a number ferent governorates of the country represent the ru- strive to preserve the Omani culture and heritage that time. It also demonstrates the scope of its ad- of cultural buildings that stand as a testament to ral life of the people in the past. Part of the pristine is Bait Al Zubair Museum. It has a unique way aptation to the surrounding environment, demon- this art. — Pictures by Saeed al Harrassi Bait Al Zubair Museum is one of Muscat’s most popular destinations. It is committed to showcase a wide range of important spectacular works of art reflecting the outstanding Omani heritage and culture that define the Omani society — both past and present. Various traditional craft exhibits are displayed in different buildings at the museum Weekend TOURISM3 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012 WINDOW By Ahmed al Falahi [email protected] Let us agree to disagree ISAGREEMENT is inherent in hu- man nature. All societies are based Don various aspects of agreement Haramel, an unspoilt stretch of coastline anandd disagreement at the same time. Perhaps iitt iiss natural that disagreement and agree- mmenten came together ever since mankind began its first step towards life. The early conflict between Adam’s sons — Cain and Abel — is one of the disputes that retain its position in the list of continuum differences between humans since the early history of mankind, even today and all the way to the end of life on earth. We must not forget also the significant dispute shown by the devil with the Lord Almighty where Adam was sent out of paradise so his nation continue the battle of difference and agreement until the Day of Judgement. Some see that disagreement and agree- ment is a correct human situation, without them, mankind wouldn’t have reached the progress, growth and prosperity it achieved today. As the rule says: “Let us disagree so that we reach a state of agreement”. With- out the questing nature and doubts that By Ra’al al Jardaniya Yankat, Yiti, Al Khairan al Sifa and dition has it, fishing is one of the traditional lifestyle at the same time came into man’s mind at the early ages, he Sifat al Sheikh. foremost livelihoods in the Wilayat gives this little town its unique would not have shown all this creativity HE Wilayat of Muscat One of these ten villages is Hara- of Muscat and most of its citizens character. Residents of Haramel to change what was not accepted; and he sprints along the Sea of mel. Many people driving from Al have a passionate interest in fishing. are very social, and helpful. It’s the would not have made this universe an ac- TOman across a long moun- Bustan to Muscat city do not recog- Many of Haramel residents are sail- perfect place to discover the real ceptable place for his works helping him to tain range which extends from nise and notice that there is a small ors, expert in fishing and in the craft traditional life of Muscat because use his abilities to live a normal, acceptable Bandar Najih adjacent to the turn on their right side which leads of sewing nets. of their attachment to their customs life leading him to what he aspires to be- Wilayat of Muttrah on the north to a small village on the seaside The government has taken all and traditions as well as adopting come. Here a free area for dialogue appears western side. Here the villages and called Haramel. necessary steps to preserve this the modernity of these days. leading to a life shared by humans. When mountains of Muscat extend as Haramel, located a few kilome- livelihood, and provided the fisher- Tourists visit this village gener- people use the language of dialogue, the far as the village of Al Sifa at the tres from the Al Alam Palace and men of Sidab and Haramel with a ally for boat cruising, and enjoying difference will shrink, and the mind reaches borders of the Wilayat of Quriyat Sidab, is a beautiful coastal village. model fishing village. the sea and the mountains from dif- a state of comfort. This is a very high case in the south east. Muscat has nine Fishing is the lifeline of this village The distinctive feature of this lit- ferent spots of the same area. Also, and can be rarely achieved in reality with villages joined to it — Sidab, Hara- and this tradition has been passed tle village is worth to be discovered. they enjoy the harmony of nature on its absolute image. Relativity remains the mel, Al Bustan, Al Jussa, Qantab, down through generations. As tra- The tangible mixing of modern and an excursion to Bander al Jissah. continuing hope for getting comfort as real- ity has the ability to overcome many of the cases of clash between the difference and the agreement. Probably many people agree with Dr Abd al Hameed al Ansari in his vision on dialogue issue when he says, “Dialogue means to accept people as they are, not as we want them to be. It doesn’t mean to ac- cept their views or opinions but to accept him like a brother having the same rights that I have so I don’t confiscate his opinion or hurt him in anyway. Between the two — agreement and disa- greement — there is the dialogue coming to free some space to accept others and to go away a little from the undesired competi- tive atmosphere. So let us agree and disa- gree and let dialogue be the light of these divisions. Weekend CITY4 TALK WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012 ‘Have Omani women’s outlook widened At My Workplace! Majid Said with active participation programmes?’ al Suleimany www.majidall.com ES of course, the role of UNDERSTAND that Oman Ywomen has broadened in Iis one of the fewest countries the past few years. His Majesty that have more freedom and Sultan has set October 17 as equality for women in the region. Omani Women’s Day.