OMANISATION - A CAUSE FOR CONCERN?
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Your top guide to the best of Oman, every week
FEB 20 - 26 • ISSUE 258 • WEEKLY
Picture Perfect
Life behind the lens of HH Sayyid Tarik Bin Shabib Al Said
PLUS!
Fashion
Monochrome Mania
Food
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Cool Crockery
News
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ORPHAN ART
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EDITOR’S
COMPETITION
NOTE
MUM OF THE YEAR Welcome to the new look Y Tabloid - your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has to offer. Mother’s Day is on March 21. To celebrate, we want you to nominate Muscat mums who are unsung heroines. Maybe they’ve raised money for charity or selflessly helped others despite having their own challenges to overcome. Whatever their story, please send us your suggestion to info@y-oman.com by March 13. Being a mum can be hard work and we believe it’s important to tell the mums how special you think they are – so come on, let’s spread some love. There’s even a prize for the best mum in Muscat.
THIS WEEK… Team Y have been surprised with Andis excestrunt, nusanisdone the Valentine visits from Europe, autem dolupta tessinus et tourist trail, bagged some es bargains fugiam il everi ommos sefrom Muttrah Souk and enjoyed the quodipsum quunt, siti andusci we’re hospitality of Dar Al Atta’a…but psamus, corrore rspienis ulpar still looking for a happy home for our rescued kitten Sabco.
Fast forward N
ow I don’t want to bite the hand that feeds me – but it does look as though us expat workers are still useful in keeping Oman going, 25 years after His Majesty the Sultan launched his Omanisation programme. So why is it that Omanis are not filling more of the many perfectly good jobs to be had in this beautiful country? The public sector is so tempting, with the jobs so well paid and secure. But long term, a country also needs a private sector that is vibrant and entrepreneurial. And it needs more Omanis to get out there and prove they can do these jobs as well as, if not better, than the imported workers. Maybe, just maybe, the way to make that happen is to make those public sector jobs just a little less attractive, to create a level playing field for private businesses to attract the Omani labour force? In this issue we explore the topic of Omanisation from all angles. Join in the debate and let us know your thoughts.
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Penny Fray
editor@y-oman.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi
WE ♥ CONSUMER EMPOWERMENT Calling all Omani entrepreneurs. Crowd funding using websites like kickstarter.com gives innovators the resources to get their idea off the ground and consumers the chance to influence the product as it’s being designed. That’s how the new smart watch the Pebble (which recently featured in Y) was made. Genius!
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Eihab Abutaha CONTRIBUTORS Kate Ginn, Joe Gill, Tariq al Haremi, Laura Shergold
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PHOTOGRAPHER Jerzy Wierzbicki ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan LOGISTICS MANAGER Ayman Canawati
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FEB 20 – 26 / ISSUE 258
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contents
FEBRUARY 20 2013
Features 18 Omanisation Does It Work? 23 Photography Special With HH Sayyid Tarik Bin Shabib Al Said
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Your Oman 06 The Big Interview Sadiq Al Lawati 08 Voice of Oman Readers’ Letters 10 Gallery Bollywood Stars 11 News Royal Opera House
This Week 14 This Week Chris Tucker 16 Movies listing Lincoln
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Food & Drink 26 Cool Crockery Vintage Vogue Rocks 29 Restaurant Review The Indus 30 Gallery Y-Valentine Event
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Cars & Outdoors Health & Beauty 32 Fashion Monochrome Mania 34 Beauty Opposites Attract 36 Shop Of The Week All Things Bling
37 Destination Coral Reef 40 My Hood Azaiba 42 Gallery Muscat Festival 43 Outdoors Tour de Qurum 44 Y-Fi Peddle Power 46 Car Of The Week Peugeot 207CC
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OMAN
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Sadiq Al Lawati, Omani entrepreneur and director of EO Majlis Words: Penny Fray Photo: Jerzy Wierzbicki
Give us a 60-second lowdown on your career. After graduating in the UK, I started my career in banking before joining the family business. I took over one of our companies in food manufacturing and alongside my team and family, revamped the factories, which became Mehdi Foods. We worked with international companies to rebrand a whole range of products and tripled our capacity in production and packaging. We then went into juices in 2005, getting involved with Tetra Pak and buying state-ofart machinery. We were also the first in the GCC to have Disneybranded products. But last year, an Omani company approached us to take over our snacks division, so we sold it. Then an Emirati company came to us about our juices division, so we sold it. We exited from manufacturing peacefully. Since I had all this experience in food, I thought why not focus on restaurants? In March 2009, we opened B+F Roadside Diner and then, working with the same Kuwaiti people, brought Slider Station here. We now have a new concept called Fresh Plus, which is a premium convenience shop with a premium bakery, Arabic coffee and sit down area. You’re also a director of EO Majlis in Oman and helped organise the latest celebrity-packed event. Tell us more about that. Entrepreneurs’ Organisation (EO) is a dynamic, global network of more than 8,700 business owners. It was founded in 1987 by a group of young entrepreneurs and has a lot of chapters around the world with annual revenues of $17.3m. It allows entrepreneurs to grow and learn from each other, leading to business success and an enriched personal life. EO Majlis is a yearly regional event, hosted by EO Oman. It brings together entrepreneurs and world-class speakers. It’s about learning and socialising. We formed a committee of EO Majlis and I was elected to become a director. I have a lot of work to do such as getting speakers, venue and getting connected with EO Global to finalise the schedule for the event. Being an EO member, it’s been great to contribute my time to both EO and the community. Who would be your dream guests – dead or alive? Steve Jobs and Richard Branson. What is your ultimate ambition? I like innovative ideas, so I’d like to get involved with more unique franchises that have a touch of entrepreneurship. They motivate me to work harder. What do you do in your spare time? Outside work, I spend time with my children. Being with them is really important to me. I also collect stamps and notes. Two to three hours a week, I give time to my hobby, from reading about the subject to connecting with people. What three words describe you? Innovative. Passionate. Patient. Anyone who can wait more than ten years to see one stamp has to be patient. Sadiq’s Advice To Entrepreneurs What’s your business philosophy? 1. Don’t Give Up 2. Be Innovative It’s a group policy to be about people, whether they’re your team Maryam offers a gateway for businesses to enter Oman • For more information, go to www.blueumbrella.com 3. Be a Risk Taker or guests.
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The Voice of Oman
Yummy-mummyto-be Karima Farid describes the magic and mysticism of having a child grow inside her.
correspondence picking up the pieces
Winner! Reply of the Week
Dear Editor,
I
t is three in the morning and I am awake thanks to an early morning meeting and a shot of espresso. My mind is buzzing with thoughts, plans and ideas until the baby starts kicking in protest. Suddenly, all thoughts are directed to the miracle growing inside me and I feel calmer. It’s strange. During these moments, I feel mystical and protected. People smile at me. I know what they’re thinking. In a few months’ time, sleep deprivation not maternal dreaminess will account for my glazed look. It’s going to be tough but worth it. Just the thought of holding my baby is indescribable. It also helps knowing that I have an amazing network of support. Being surrounded by people’s positivity, care and happiness has been important during this pregnancy. And it’s not been a big ‘ask’, thanks to my amazing mum, family, gorgeous husband and sterling friends. My constant questions have been answered with patience and reassurance. I feel cocooned and content. If I were to give any advice to all those mummies-to-be out there, it would be: relax, be prepared mentally and physically, don’t forget to pamper yourself, surround yourself with love and positivity and make time for people who make you happy – but most of all, enjoy every peaceful moment you have now because soon, it won’t be just coffee waking you up at the crack of dawn, it’ll be baby. Next week: ALI AL BALUSHI TALKS ABOUT CULTURAL SHOCKS
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The physical and chemical changes brought about by the loss of romantic love can create a cycle of symptoms (What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, February 13). If the heart does not heal quickly, symptoms can begin to build upon one another, creating more and more problems. Many people nursing a broken heart withdraw from social activities and sink into depression. The sleep cycle is thrown off as the person either lies in bed all day or develops insomnia. Frequently, there are also disturbances in eating patterns. Some people will stop eating while others may overeat or tend to over indulge in very unhealthy foods. The constant nagging pain of loss may also lead to constant, uncontrollable crying, and an inability to work or concentrate on any task. These debilitating symptoms can have adverse effects on all areas of life. As work suffers, so do finances. As social relationships are put on hold, support and connection with reality are lost. It is important for someone who has just had her heart broken to keep a social support system. It may also be helpful to look at the benefits of singlehood. Many people find that after the initial shock of the breakup has passed, they have a newfound energy. The freedom, independence and sense of accomplishment that come with doing it all on your own can be revitalizing. Anyone who feels overwhelmed by the loss of a lover should seek professional help. Sometimes the pain is too difficult to bear alone. A chat with a therapist may help to sort out the negative feelings. I hope this information should help many of my friends to overcome this syndrome. Neetu Kailesh Asher, Al Wadi Al Kabir
Of hearts and minds
Make the pledge for safeR roads Dear Editor, Last week’s Y (256) and the contents of the issue were mind blowing. The pictures, articles and the writing in the magazine are excellent. Each and every article evokes a positive feeling. I appreciate the wonderful efforts of Penny Fray and the team. I was lucky enough to meet national star football champion Mr. Ali Al Habsi at the Make the Pledge for Safer Roads launch event. He is the role model for citizens and residents. With warm regards V Kumar Azaiba
WRITE TO US AND WIN A VOUCHER
“Y” issue 257 raised the important topic of dating. Yes, of course, in this modern world dating is nothing unusual, but in certain countries, tradition takes the centre stage and dating is considered a crime according to their culture. It is in the mind and heart to decide about the way we go forward in life. So many barriers have to be crossed to attain the hand of loved ones, which is beyond the reach of many love-struck couples. Thank you Y for bringing this important issue for discussion during St Valentine’s Day. Thanks, Ramakrishnan Anand Ruwi, Muscat
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YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US
Debate of the Week We asked:
Is the new minimum wage of RO325 enough to live on? Ching Domen “The higher you earn, the wider range of costly things you want. So for me, it’s all about how you budget. It doesn’t make any difference at all how high or low your salary is.” Poyal Don “Maybe it’s enough for a single person but it’s a problem for a family at this level.” Krishna Nikhil “For a small family it’s enough, if you have no extra expenses and you don’t have to pay rent.” Vijas Singal “RO325 is enough for a bachelor. Money should be increased on a performance basis. There are so many people working on 50-60 rials a month.”
LETTERS
E-MAILS
Destination EXTRAORDINAIRE The article ‘Destination Mumbai’ (Issue 256) was very informative. From slumdogs to millionaires, Mumbai has changed a lot. Unity in diversity can be found in almost all cities in India, and none more than Mumbai. We can find small huts and very big buildings together, while the contrasting architectural values
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FA C E B O O K
and all varieties of pleasurable things can be found in Mumbai. After the cruel inhuman attack in 2008, Mumbai is slowly coming back to normal. It is the financial capital of India. People are coming to accept that to build a new India we must adapt to change and move forward. Envious people may create obstacles but Mumbai people know how to live together. A great story – hats off to Y. Dr. Mohammed Shafiuddin Nizwa College of Technology
SYED JALALUDDIN BASHA was spotted with a copy of Y Tabloid at The Wave, Muscat
Lorelie Vico “For an expat like me, RO325 is enough to survive on but for an Omani, especially with a family, I don’t suppose it would be. If you are single, then, yes, it’s fine.” Jaya Kumar “As we are facing rising prices for daily necessities, I am not sure this will be enough. But if we limit our needs, this amount can work.” Shaidal Ikram “In this expensive age, RO325 is enough for a bachelor but in a family there needs to be more than one person earning.” Sherrin Finoj “It’s absolutely not enough for a family to live here. The cost of food stuffs are rising day by day, even electric and water bills are high – all these things are the basic part of our life without which we can’t live.” Ako Si Jomz “Salary increment should also be given to expats because we also need money and we work more than any local staff.”
This Week’s Debate: Some children seem to be out of control these days. Why? Tell us on Facebook.
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Just send us your picture with the free Y Tabloid or pose with our photographer and we will publish it on this page. Send it to: info@y-oman.com
FEB 20 – 26 / ISSUE 258
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News
Gallery
Interview
BOLLY ROCK
Photographed by: Jerzy Wierzbicki
Shah Rukh khan and KATRina KAIF thrill the crowd at mega gig Temptations reloaded
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NEWS
Gallery
Interview
Let the music
play on
Royal Opera House extends season to May The Royal Opera House Muscat has extended its current season into May, adding three new performances, it has been announced. Music lovers will be treated to the first full-scale production of a Wagner opera in the region with two shows of the ever popular The Flying Dutchman. A ballet company from Argentina and a Lebanese dance theatre troupe are the two other additions. “The season has been very successful with a wonderful response from audiences and we are very excited to add another month of unique, diverse and world-class performances by three first rate companies,” said Christina Scheppelmann, director general of the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM). The ROHM will join other opera houses around the world in celebrating the 200th anniversary of Richard Wagner’s birth. Performed by the Latvian National Opera, the two shows of the 19th century German composer’s dramatic and romantic tale about a legendary ghost ship will be the first staging of his work in Oman. “It’s an excellent cast and production, beautifully done and very striking,” said Scheppelmann, who took over the helm of ROHM in December. “I hope the audience will come with us on this trip to Wagnerland.” Audience favourite Teatro Colón Permanent Ballet Company, South America’s most celebrated ballet company, will present three dances, set to Vivaldi, modern and tango.
Clockwise from above: Caracalla Dance Theatre; Permanent Ballet Company of Teatro Colón and Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman
Ending the season on a high note will be the Caracalla Dance Theatre with a diverse and colourful evening of music and dance blending Eastern and Western styles for Kan Ya Ma Kan (Once Upon a Time). Traditional Arab instruments like the qanun, descended from the old Egyptian harp, will feature along with Arabic songs. The ROHM will announce the line-up for next season in a few months. Tickets for all three productions are on sale now. • The Flying Dutchman by Richard Wagner: May 8 & 10 at 7pm. • Permanent Ballet Company of Teatro Colón, Buenos Aires, Argentina: May 15 at 7.30pm and May 16 at 2pm and 7.30pm. • Kan Ya Ma Kan (Once Upon a Time) by Caracalla Dance Theatre: May 28-30 at 7.30pm. Tickets at the ROHM box office or online at www.rohmuscat.org.om
Hunger strike continues at Sumail jail
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hunger strike by 11 activists detained last year for unlawful gathering has entered its second week. The hunger strike at Sumail Central Prison in Muscat was called in protest at alleged delays in the appeal of the case of those detained following protests in Muscat last summer, according to a legal source. Lawyers and representatives of the National Human Rights Commission have visited the prisoners in the last week. The Commission, which was formed by Royal Decree in 2008, is still investigating the situation at the prison. The prisoners are taking liquids only. Since the New Year, the Court of Appeal has upheld verdicts in 29 cases, and sent 28 people
to jail for terms of six months to one year. Two women activists, Basima Al Rajhi and Basma Al Kiyumi, are among the hunger strikers. All 11 were charged with holding an illegal gathering in Qurum last June when they were protesting the detention of a friend, according to the legal source. Three judges presided over the Qurum case, with the first and second judge quitting part way through the hearings, the source explained. The Supreme Court later threw out one-year sentences against the defendants for blocking traffic during the protest, but the illegal gathering charges were upheld, the source said. Meanwhile, several activists are in pre-trial detention for insulting His Majesty Sultan
Qaboos on Facebook and their hearing before the Primary Court will be held on February 27. This is not the first hunger strike at Sumail Central Prison in recent weeks. An official source said the prisoners who began their hunger strike this month had joined a hunger strike by other prisoners held at Sumail, which began in December. “A lot of these individuals were not aware of the consequences of their actions. They are protesting the sentences handed down to them, which they believe are not fair,” said the source. “Individuals were given the right to freedom of speech. They had violated the law by blocking highways, threatening people and insulting His Majesty. Only then did the police get involved,” the official source added.
FEB 20 – 26 / ISSUE 258
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Gallery
Interview
ZOOM ZOOM FROOME Briton crowned Tour of Oman champion in thrilling finish
W Chris Froome punches the air in delight at the finishing line
ON YOUR MARKS
Teams look forward to Oman Youth Rally Cup
AFTER being put through weeks of gruelling physical tests and interviews, the wait was finally over. Thirty-two young Omanis found out this week they have been selected to hopefully become the next generation of rally stars. Ahead of them lies an exciting double challenge – competing in the inaugural Oman Youth Rally Cup next month and playing a key role in a yearlong series of community activities aimed at making roads and drivers in the Sultanate safer. More than 200 applied for places in the four teams as drivers, co-drivers and technicians. They were put through their paces in a series of aptitude and physical fitness assessments and interviews to win a place in the Rally, an initiative by Safety First, Oman’s leading non-profit road safety campaigning organisation. The teams will compete in a specially designed Toyota Yaris Car, built and tested for rallying in Oman. “They have made a big effort to get here and we look forward to working with them,” said Hamed al Wahaibi, international rally champion and cofounder of Safety First.
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ith the sun shining and Muttrah Corniche providing a fittingly beautiful backdrop, the curtain came down on the Tour of Oman. French rider Nacwer Bouhanni might have won the sprint to the finish line to claim the final stage win but the afternoon, the leadership Red Jersey and the crown of overall champion belonged to Britain’s Chris Froome. After an exhausting six days of six stages and 935.5km through streets, mountains and wadis, the mammoth effort required was etched on the face of every one of the 139 riders as they came home. From the joy on his face when he crossed the line, it was evidently a sweet moment from Froome after finishing runner-up in last year’s Tour de France behind teammate Bradley Wiggins, who rounded off a sensational year by picking up gold in the London Olympics and a knighthood. “The race seems to have been received really well by the Omani people and it is exciting to see for the future,” said a smiling Froome, after collecting the winning trophy for a 24 second winning margin from second placed Alberto Contador, from Spain. “I think there are a lot of links between here [Oman] and East Africa where I was born. There seems to be a lot of Omani influence there and in return there are a lot of Omanis who can speak the language we speak in East Africa, Kiswahili. It is refreshingly different from the typical European races.” Over the six days, riders have battled rugged terrain and strength-sapping steep climbs
taking in some spectacular and dramatic scenery along the twisting route, which took in Jabal Al Akhdar and Wadi Dayqah Dam, before racing past landmarks such as the Royal Opera House Muscat and Al Bustan palace. HE Sheikh Saad Bin Mohammed al Saadi, minister of sports affairs and guest of honour for the final stage, said: “This race is impressive and we are extremely proud to be hosting these elite athletes in Oman. The crowds watching from the finish line speak for themselves and showcase the increasing popularity of cycling here in Oman. We look forward to welcome the cyclists back for the 2014 Tour of Oman and I am confident that we will see the impact and positive legacy that these riders will have on inspiring our next generation.” Third place overall went to Australian Cadel Evans. Bradley Wiggins finished 74th overall. “It has been an honour to be able to watch a battle between the best riders in the world unfold here in Oman,” said HE Sultan Hamdoon al Harthi, head of Muscat Municipality and organiser of the Tour of Oman. “We have the ideal landscape for cycling and I am optimistic that the combination of our road system, organisation, the warm weather and, most importantly, the warmth and enthusiasm of the welcome by the Omani people, will continue to make our race a firm favourite on the calendar for elite cyclists for many years to come.” Full details of the race, standings and photo galleries can be found on the website www.tourofoman.om
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True colours Orphans find artistic voice
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AKE 10 children and let them loose with paint and brushes in a room. It sounds like a recipe for disaster. In fact, this was the scene of organised chaos at the Child Care Centre during Fun Art Friday. Children from the orphanage, Oman’s only such centre, were given free rein to express themselves with art under the guidance and watchful eye of members from Muscat Art Club. Local and international artists have volunteered to take part in the initiative, the first of its kind in the country, which brings together two parts of the community that in normal circumstances would never meet. Using blank walls at the centre in Al Khoud as a canvass, the children are encouraged to express themselves through art and creativity. Their first attempt produced colourful pictures on the walls of the Amphitheatre, along with inspirational themed messages and characters from Arabian tales such as Sinbad and Ali Baba. Armed with a pot of colourful paints, the young artists tackled the bare walls in the gymnasium, drawing depictions of their dream jobs when they grow up, together forming a mural representing the Tree of Life. “We wanted to do something with the children on a Friday, which is traditionally a day to spend with the family, and make them feel part of their own family,” said Martin Mbuta, a Kenyan artist living in Muscat who first came up with the idea. “We were told they love art and it’s a great way to encourage self-expression. “The children are quite enclosed living here and can lack that connection with the community. We want to show them that society actually cares for them.” At least 16 artists from 12 nationalities, including German, French, Spanish and Serbian, have offered their time and expertise. Omani artist Hana al Lawati said: “It’s an important part of community giving. We have to do something. “If we don’t who will? I believe that through art you can heal, you can balance emotionally and use paint to open up what you feel and open yourself up to others.” The Child Care Centre is home to 120 children aged between four months and 22 years. Around 30 or so are adopted each year but some will spend their entire early lives living there. Fun Art Friday will continue until the orphanage is painted completely. FEB 20 – 26 / ISSUE 258
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T H E W H AT ’ S ON G U I D E
Global pioneers The Nobel Prize-winning economist and pioneer of the Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, Professor Mohammed Younis, is the top line speaker at an exclusive meeting of the Entrepreneurs Organisation in Muscat this week. It is the second gathering of the EO Majlis - or parliament - after the inaugural event in Qatar last April. Over three days at the Ritz Carlton, Bustan
- march 27 What to do. What to see. What to hear.
F E B R U A R Y
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Palace, worldwide members of EO will network and hear talks from pioneers in social entrepreneurship and human development. They include Colourblind Entertainment founder Riz Khan, famous for his CNN and Al Jazeera interviews with global figures including Nelson Mandela, and Omani visionary speaker the Honourable Sheikh Khalfan Al-Esry, co-founder of ProsperKhalfan.
Keep on dancing Who says there’s nothing to do outside of Muscat at the weekend? How does three nights of brilliant salsa music, 30 international artists, dancers, instructors and DJs in the gorgeous setting of the Al Nahda resort sound? Yes, like a party. The salsa will go on all night just like in Caracas and you can dance by the pool like in Rio. Tickets are from RO37 for the whole event or RO5 for single workshops, with discounts at the resort for guests. Email info@omansalsafestival. com for more information.
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Swing to it Oman The 17th GCC Golf Championship takes place at Almouj Golf this week, the first time Oman has hosted this major tournament. Golfers from Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait will battle it out for the cup against Oman’s senior team. Oman is represented by Azaan al Rumhy, Hamed al Rumhy, Ali Hameed al Saleh and Mohammed ‘Eddy’ al Mawali. The junior team comprises Ahmed al Balushi, Rashad al Harthy and Hamood al Harthy, with Fahd al Kitani and Amjad al Touqi in reserve. The teams have had plenty of practice at Almouj so that should give them a fighting chance. Go get’ em boys.
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Hoop dreams Genre busters Jazz pianist Jason Moran has been breaking down barriers between jazz and more contemporary genres, mixing funk, blues and improvisation to connect with the audience. He joins his fellow players the Bandwagon for one night only at the Royal Opera House next week. Starts 7.30pm
The PDO Club is hosting the eighth annual 3 on 3 Outdoor basketball tournament this Friday and no less than 38 teams are taking part. Some players are flying in from Dubai for the day, which will kick off at 7.30am at the PDO Club in Ras Al Hamra. Teams are from most of the international schools, colleges and universities, including members of both the boys and girls youth national basketball teams. “For the first time I have 16 girls teams,” says organiser Sabah Al-Fadhil, “it’s usually only eight. So the guys are going to have fun!”
Mumbai maestros
Coming Soon
India is not necessarily known for its western classical music tradition but that is changing. The Symphony Orchestra of India from Mumbai has been developing Indian musical talent while drawing in musicians from around the
world since 2006. Conducted by Zane Dalal, the Mumbaibased orchestra will perform at the Royal Opera House with music director and violinist Marat Bisengaliev and Indian tabla master and composer Zakir Hussain.
FUNNY BUSINESS
Just when we were wondering where all the jokers were hiding in Oman, along comes Chris Tucker to give you a real face ache. Tucker can be more than a little raw and raunchy so this is for over-18s only. The gig starts at 8pm on March 4 at the City Amphitheatre (next to Mumtaz Mahal and Left Bank). Tickets start at RO25 rising to RO55 for the front row where he’s guaranteed to pick you out. Get tickets at the Bose store in Qurum City Centre, HI FM in Grand Mall, MacKenzies in MSQ and ConneXions in Muscat City Centre.
Oh for the wings
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Well, how many chicken wings can you eat? It’s a serious question and one that will be answered at Nando’s in the Muscat City Centre tonight (Weds) as the restaurant hosts a PERi-fect Chicken Wing Eating Competition. Chicken fans will have an opportunity to max out on wings by eating as many Nando’s chicken wings as possible in three minutes. The competition will be judged by a panel represented by Nando’s, Merge 104.8 as the radio sponsor, Muscat Daily and local race driving hero Ahmad Al Harthy.
Sing the world
February
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Fast Forward
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The windows may just break at The American International School of Muscat (TAISM) as it hosts the 10th annual Festival of Choirs over two evenings this week. There are 20 choirs from 13 countries (put the two numbers together and you get...2013 – geddit?). The venue for this global musical gathering is the Bosch Centre for the Performing Arts on the TAISM campus. Choirs are flying in from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia and USA. Entrance RO3. Doors open 7pm. For more information email festivalofchoirs@taism.com
THIS WEEK
MOVIES MOVIES THIS WEEK’S MOVIES
Lincoln Daniel Day Lewis transforms himself into the quiet-voiced 17th President of the United States for Steven Spielberg’s surprisingly cerebral epic on Lincoln’s last year in office. Day Lewis is almost a dead cert for the Best Actor Oscar, playing the President who abolished slavery with wit, wisdom, melancholy and occasional passion. He is utterly convincing as a President burdened with a historic mission to win a war and end a system of bondage, with a face that might just as well be carved in Mount Rushmore. The script crackles with intelligence and humour, giving life to all the peculiar and appalling political characters of the era. With the backdrop of the bloody Civil War, you might expect a whole heap of battle scenes from the director of Saving Private Ryan. Instead what you get is a fascinating and politically resonant essay on how the President and his Secretary of State use all means available to hack through a Congressional viper’s nest to win the
vote for the 13th Amendment. Tommy Lee Jones steals his scenes as the razor-tongued radical abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens, while James Spader gives Day Lewis a run for his money as the cigar-chomping political fixer WN Bilbo, tasked with dragooning reluctant backwoods members of Congress into voting for abolition. Sally Field plays Mrs Lincoln with real emotional power as a mother heartbroken by the death of her second son. The scenes between her and Day Lewis are among the most moving in the film. Lincoln suffers from Hollywood’s general inability to give African Americans any real place within the story of slavery. Apart from two scenes where Lincoln talks to ex-slaves about what freedom means for them, black cast members are the usual noble onlookers on a struggle among rich white folk over the fate of millions. For a more taboo-smashing take on slavery, watch Django. Reviews by Joe Gill
For more information and times, go to: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641
The indisputable leader of the gang is back in a feature-length animation, 40 years after he first hit the small screen. For those of a certain age, Top Cat was the ultimate wise-cracking, smart moves street cat. He lived in a dustbin and, with his gang of loveable feline no-hopers, entertained us with hair-brained schemes to make a dime while outwitting police officer Dibble. Sadly, by all accounts, anyone who has fond memories of the ’70s cartoon should stay clear of this remake, which lacks the original’s magic but may please the uninitiated.
COMING UP NEXT WEEK Side Effects 016
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Guilt Trip Barbara Streisand plays Seth Rogan’s mother in this old-school comedy. He returns home from California to get the typical Jewish mother treatment. She blurts out a secret about an affair she had before he was born and so he invites her to drive across country with him while he secretly searches for her ex-lover. Just like those old Streisand movies, but not as funny.
Hobo with a Shotgun
Officer Down
Rutger Hauer made his name in the ’80s cult horror The Hitcher, and did a great turn as a ‘replicant’ in Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. Here he is, older, fatter but still with a crazed glint in his eye as a homeless man who is left for dead by the local bad guys. He turns scourge of the corrupt and evil, blowing away brutal cops, child-molesting
In the movies there are only violent cops, corrupt cops, drug and booze-addicted cops. Stephen Dorff plays, yes, a drunk cop trying to stay clean who is approached by a stranger claiming to have saved him from an attacker a year before. Dorff then becomes embroiled in a murder case centred on girls working in a strip club. A routine thriller with a strong supporting cast.
Y’s TOP TURKEYS Parker 1 Dependable British tough guy Jason Statham joins forces with superstar and million-dollar bootie owner Jennifer Lopez. She’s hooked in with the gang who double-crossed Statham on a heist and left him for dead. Strictly one in the bank for stars, screenwriter and director as everyone goes through the motions and leaves without a trace.
PREVIEW
Top Cat The Movie
Santas and other filth with a pump-action shotgun. A superior addition to the lowbudget splatter genre.
Spiders 3D
A Russian space station crashes into a New York City subway tunnel, unleashing a species of venomous spiders, which mutate into gigantic eight-legged freaks and wreak havoc on the city. CGI-dominated B movie that’s not nearly scary enough.
The Bang Bang Club
7500
2
The policy of Omanisation is struggling to achieve its goals. Can it be made to work? Words: Tariq al Haremi & Joe Gill
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They come in whenever they want, and in some cases they don’t come into work at all.” That is the blunt assessment of Omani businessman Mohammad Haroon Mohammad about many Omani workers. It is also one of the hurdles facing the government’s drive to end dependence on expatriate workers in the Sultanate. Twenty-five years on from the launch of Omanisation, Mr Mohammad, a partner in his family’s furniture distributing company, believes many young Omanis have impossibly high expectations if they apply for private sector jobs. “A lot of high school graduates don’t enrol in a university or college but instead begin searching for work with very high expectations of a high salary – but they lack training and experience.” With higher salaries, secure promotion structures and shorter hours, it is small wonder that the public sector remains the natural career path for many Omanis, leaving the country’s army of expatriate workers to roll up their sleeves and do the hard work in the private sector. The Oman News Agency reported last week that 247 jobseekers from various governorates were called by the Ministry of Manpower for job interviews. Less than half of the candidates showed up and only 21 accepted a job. Out of 30 jobseekers from Muscat, just 11 appeared and none took a job. This snapshot illustrates starkly the challenges facing the government’s Omanisation. In 1988 His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said announced the policy to dramatically raise the proportion of Omanis in different sectors of the economy and reduce dependency on expatriate workers. The policy has evolved significantly over the years as Oman’s Renaissance has brought the blessings of growth but also the challenges of integrating both local and foreign workers for the benefit of society. There is little doubt that the policy faces some very big hurdles if it is ever to be realised. Manpower Minister Shaikh Abdullah bin Nasir al Bakri faced questions at the Majlis earlier this month over the implementation of Omanisation from one representative, who claimed that the policy had not made much progress over the last decade. In response, the Minister pointed out that a large number of development projects in recent years had created demand for an increasing number of expatriates. “Low salary, long working hours, less flexibility and less job security are the reasons why Omani workers do not accept private sector jobs,” says Shadi Jamal, who is administration manager at recruitment agency Shiya’a Trading Partners Company. It is also claimed that many Omanis do not have the level of English required in many private sector jobs. Shiya’a Trading & Partners recruit mainly expats into construction, cleaning and skilled labour roles. One of their big clients is the Muscat Municipality. “We mostly recruit expats, as there is another system of job registration for Omanis through the Ministry of Manpower,” explains Jamal. “Unemployment registration is with the Ministry, so they will immediately check the list of unemployed [Omanis] and they will send one or two people to be interviewed.” It is a fact that Omanis dominate the public sector but comprise less than one in six employees in the private sector. Only 10 per cent of Omani nationals with degrees have private sector jobs. Compared to the public sector with its fixed working hours, job security, easier promotions and various benefits, the long hours and generally lower pay in the private sector are often seen as unattractive to Omanis. Moreover, the process of integrating Omanis into the private sector economy is coming up against an unstoppable flow of expatriates who come to Oman with the skills, experience and will to work that employers here desperately need but that, often, Omanis are unable or unwilling to match. Last month the government showed its serious intent to improve the incentives for Omanis to take up more private sector jobs by announcing a massive 62 per cent hike in the minimum wage, from RO200 to RO325. The last hike in the minimum wage followed the protests of February 2011. In response to perceived grievances, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos also introduced a new unemployment benefit of RO150 per month for Omani nationals. The number of jobseekers in Oman is 153,000, according to the Ministry of Manpower. The new minimum wage is due to be implemented in July. However the hike has caused ripples in the private sector, with some businesses publicly saying they will not be able to pay it and still make a profit. Earlier this month the Oman Society of Contractors urged the government to compensate small and medium sized enterprises for the costs arising from the wage hike. Dr P Mohammed Ali, chairman of Oman Society of Contractors said: “We have to protect the construction industry, which is the most important sector for the development of the country, in economic terms as well as employment.” According to the OSC some 57,000 Omanis work in construction and three quarters of them are on minimum wages. Although private sector companies are trying to apply Omanisation, they are still finding it difficult to hold on to Omani workers. In 2012, approximately 620 workers quit private sector jobs and joined the public sector while, according to the Ministry of Manpower, 56,000 jobs were created in Oman, Mohammad Haroon Mohammad, student at with more than half of them in the government sector. MCBS and partner in family distribution business Omanisation should in theory benefit the national economy by creating more employment for Omanis, while also ensuring that most of the income earned by workers is spent within Oman rather than sent back to the home countries of expat 2010 Omanisation targets (Ministry of Manpower) workers. The reality, however, is more complex. The difficulty faced by employers who Transport, storage and communications 60% spoke to Y is in finding sufficiently dedicated and reliable local staff to meet the Sales and Distribution 60% Omani manpower quotas. Industrial 35% Joseph Fadoul, the general manager of Salam Stores, says that he fully agrees Hotels (3, 4 and 5 stars) 85% with Omanisation. “Salam Stores has achieved a 70% rate of Omanisation and I Telecom 68% would not hesitate to employ more Omanis if the ceiling is raised to 80%. I am with Contracting 30% Omanisation, and I am fully dedicated and have no problem employing an Omani if Electricity and Water 90% he or she is a dedicated worker,” says Fadoul. Banking 90% Labour Law regulations restrict employers’ ability to terminate Omani workers, which means they have no easy way to deal with irresponsible workers. Fadoul says: “Termination due to poor
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Hala al Jamali, a student in the Modern College of Business and Sciences:
I’d rather have a private job rather than a routine government job. If the job satisfies my need of experience and a competitive environment, I do not mind accepting a low-paying salary.
performance should be applied by the Ministry of Manpower. I urge that we, as a company, also have the freedom to terminate anyone who is not performing properly. “If we do terminate the services of some individual, it doesn’t mean we will replace the Omani with an expat – the priority goes to the Omani. We will find the appropriate, responsible and dedicated Omani who will work, and we will surely award him or her for the performance they put in, and this will allow the company to grow as well as Oman’s economy.” The number of Omani workers taking private sector jobs is slowly increasing, but the pull of the comparatively cushy government job is stronger. The number of expatriates hired by the private sector in Oman rose from 1,114,000 in 2011 to 1,254,000 in 2012, data from the MoM shows. There was a 12.5 per cent increase in the number of expats hired by the private sector by August 2012 compared with the previous 12 months. By contrast, the recruitment of Omanis increased only between 0.3 and 0.5 per cent in the same period. Obviously this does not bode well for the success of Omanisation, which requires recruitment of Omanis to increase at a higher rate than that of foreigners. For employers, the attraction of hiring expatriates can simply be that they often come with greater work experience than the equivalent Omani graduate, and can still be hired on a lower wage. Mohammad Haroon Mohammad is a student at MCBS as well as a partner in the family furniture distribution business, says Omani workers need better education and training to prepare them for the job market. “The Ministry of Manpower and Ministry of Education, in my opinion, should team up, “ says Mohammad. “They should create more vocational training institutes to train high-school graduates for a few months in order for them to gain hands-on work experience.” Not everyone agrees with Omanisation. in fact, some believe that Omanisation in the private sector will slow the growth of Oman’s economy and revenues to the country’s treasury. The owner of one micro engineering company based in Muscat expressed his fears over the increase of the minimum wage. “I know that youths have to be attracted to accept jobs, and that’s why the government has raised the minimum wage, but they are not addressing the issues why Omanis do not accept private sector jobs in the first place. “This increase in wages is more like charity. It is not based on economic reality,” he adds. “Now that the wage is increased, that means I will have to increase my employees’ salary, which will force me to increase my product prices, therefore, I will lose customers and less products will be sold. “But I have no choice - I will have to raise my prices to cover expenses, and my company may just go to the wall.”
Siham al Khanjari, an employee in the public sector:
I am a wife and a mother. I chose to work in the public sector so that I can spend time with my family. We hope that every Omani accepts jobs in the private sector, when the opportunity arises, in accordance with his Majesty’s order and also to give Omani youths a chance to prove themselves. Employers should provide motivation for Omanis to work for them. I wish I worked in the public sector, because the government provides better benefits for the future as compared to the private sector.
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of the beholder
HH Sayyid Tarik Bin Shabib Al Said has a lifelong passion for photography. Here he talks to Jerzy Wierzbicki about his global journey and love of the lens
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H Sayyid Tarik Bin Shabib Al Said is passionate about photography and has exhibited his work in Muscat. A selection of his stunning photographs published here provides a visual portrait of the world around us through his eyes. In a one-to-one discussion, Sayyid Tarik spoke to Y photographer Jerzy Wierzbicki about his love for the art of photography and what inspires him.
JW Two years ago I saw your photography exhibition in the Bait Muzna Gallery tilted ‘The Journey.’ Could you tell us about the long trek between your first photograph and this exhibition?
HH Sayyid Tarik Bin Shabib Al Said
Old Souq, Yemen Sana’a 09/2004
Friends convinced me that I should try exhibiting my photographs because I have been taking pictures since I was 10 years old. This is part of the reason why I called the exhibition ‘The Journey’. It’s not just a journey geographically around the world but I suppose the journey of an amateur photographer discovering different types of subjects and techniques. The exhibition is trying to show a little bit of diversity geographically and the growing of a person through the perspective of the lens.
JW
This year marks the 174th anniversary of the first ever photograph. Can you tell us something about the traditional techniques you have experienced?
HH Sayyid Tarik Bin Shabib Al Said
I never really took photography classes but I was always very curious. I went through a stage of my developing my own black and white materials in a small lab at home. I got to understand the process from taking the photos all the way through to the laboratory, and having control from A to Z. I could understand the attraction of that but to be honest, when digital came, the ability to immediately see a mistake was a huge revolution for me. I actually think that I learned a lot more about photography when I was able to immediately see the result. It has been a really interesting discovery in terms of photography and for me the biggest breakthrough in photography is putting a camera in everybody’s hands through phones. My first digital camera was a Canon SLR with only three megapixel but I had all the lenses. Today everybody with a smartphone has a camera with three megapixel or more. With 20-30 megapixels cameras, we are really back to the original quality we had with film before. I also appreciate people who want to stay with film because life is full of imperfections and if you try to make something too perfect it almost disturbs the viewer - where is the reality?
Ghost ship in Ra’s Madrakah, Oman 01/2004
JW
Do you not miss the days when photographers would spend the night in the dark room doing the mysterious process to develop films and make fine art prints?
HH Sayyid Tarik Bin Shabib Al Said As I said, I fully understand what drives people to want to control the process from the beginning to the end, but at the same time, I feel there are a number of advantages. For example, someone is able to take a picture and in minutes can distribute the image to tens of thousands of people immediately. The ability to do that is fantastic.
JW
There are around 2.5 billion digital cameras in the world. Nowadays, we are attacked by photography from everywhere; media, Internet, advertising and television. Mostly the images are created on the computer and photo-illusions are not real photography. What do you think photographers should do in our fast-changing world to be eyecatching for the potential viewer who has probably seen everything?
HH Sayyid Tarik Bin Shabib Al Said Well, I think you can be different in many ways.
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I mean you can be different through photo manipulation. I have a lot of respect for some artists who spend hundreds of hours creating images on the computer using many pictures. For me that in itself is an art form and when it’s done very well it can be absolutely fantastic. At the same time, I agree with you, there is a terrible amount of photographs very badly taken. But they still somehow make it on to these platforms in the Internet or somewhere. There are so many ways of expressing yourself and there are a lot of mediocre things in the middle. So how do you differentiate yourself? I think like any artist you have to be creative and think outside of the box. You have to surprise people with perspective, colours and combination things that they are just not used to seeing. In the beginning, people used to ask me what attracted me to photography. My answer was that I like to create images that could not be seen by the human eye. So a traditional landscape or portrait isn’t anything special to me, it’s just capturing the moment. But if you create something that the human eye is incapable of seeing, then you start to pique the curiosity of people.
JW
I have been doing photojournalism for many years and now computer manipulations are very easy with the number of fake images dramatically increasing. What do you think about the future of press photography?
HH Sayyid Tarik Bin Shabib Al Said
It is definitely a huge problem. But it is a part of human nature. Before photography people were writing or even verbally transmitting stories, which included untruths. I think it is always going to happen in everything we do because it is our nature to want take control of the situation. My wife sometime accuses me of being just too cynical because everything I see, I say it’s fake. You have to look at the probability of it being real versus the probability of someone spending a few hours on Photoshop. It’s easier to do Photoshop then actually catch the image in the first place. That’s why I believe it’s probably fake. It makes people like me become too cynical about everything and also makes gullible young people believe anything. What it has done is make us lose trust in what we are seeing.
Above: Total eclipse of the sun 07/2010
JW
I am not a big fan of the never-ending conversation about photographic equipment. What kind of equipment do you use and why did you choose it?
HH Sayyid Tarik Bin Shabib Al Said
I started with Canon and had six or eight lenses, many of them much more expensive than the actual camera. From film to digital, I still have some of those original lenses. I like this familiarity. The last two or three years, I have started using a Sony and I have tried a Leica S2 camera. I have to say, I’m not a person who carries a lot of equipment. I can’t leave out of this conversation my phone because how I use it has changed over the last couple of years. I have subscribed to a social media thing called Instagram and have put more than a thousand photographs on there. There is a community of people who freely share their methods and talk about how they put pictures together and all the editing tricks. You end up following people whose talent you admire.
JW
Here in Oman we have some talented photographers. During the last few years we have seen photography events and exhibitions. What do you think about the future in terms of education of talented young Omani photographers?
HH Sayyid Tarik Bin Shabib Al Said
In government schools you can do photography courses. You get sent out to do a project, where you have to take pictures as part of a team. It is a lot of fun for the youth and I think that kids are much better at thinking outside the box than adults. If you really want to produce some good photographers we need to let children play with cameras in the schools. It should be an integral part of art class. If you paint or sketch you also have to go out and take pictures. At the moment, I think what’s happening is that passionate people are exposed to photography through friends or family and their passion grows. There are also many online competitions. If a kid or adult from Oman wins a competiton with international competitors it boosts their confidence to say ‘I am good’. Confidence is important in many ways. It
Right: Ras Abu Daud edited by Iphone
allows you to express ideas that maybe you are hiding because you think you’re not good enough. If people start telling you that you have something special, it may bring out some of your hidden work. That is why photography is so great.
JW
Please tell us about your three favourite destinations in Oman where you like to take photographs?
HH Sayyid Tarik Bin Shabib Al Said
My three favourite destinations in Oman are Ras Madrakah, the Empty Quarter and The Hajar Mountains.
JW
We have spoken about your past experiences and the photographs you have taken. Can you tell us about your future plans?
HH Sayyid Tarik Bin Shabib Al Said
We spoke about mobile phone photography and Instagram and my wish is to base a future exhibition on this type of photography and source pictures from a wide group of contributors.
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food and drink
Trend
New Restaurant A little bit eccentric and a whole lot of lovely, fill your table with beautiful botanics, flamboyant birds and candy-coloured crockery. Afternoon tea continues to be tres trendy, especially when served on an old-looking tea set like this Regency Collection from Contemporary Home. Prices start from RO3.
Trend Alert
Instead of serving the ubiquitous cupcake, try making sweets from your grandmother’s recipe book. It’s not just about vintage crockery this season. Authentic, handme-down recipes are about to become all the rage.
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Reviews
COOL CROCKERY
Nicole breakfast set from RO4.50 at Zara Home
Thanks to a vintage revival and the rise of lifestyle blogs, fine china and old Omani recipes are back on the table, says Penny Fray.
F
orget about expensive French antiques or designer Arabic diningware, this season it’s all about second-hand crockery. Gone is the irony in which hipsters once mocked twee tea sets and granny’s glass cake stands – now interior designers and hip hostesses are getting competitive over eBay finds and vintage hand-me-downs. Thanks to the Internet, the revival of baking and a renewed interest in history, heirlooms have never been hotter in Muscat. You just have to visit Shakespeare & Co in The Wave to see that. Rarely an hour goes by on Twitter when someone isn’t ‘instagramming’ an old vase they’ve found in a souk or displaying cupcakes on a chintzy china tea stand. As far as home ‘trendsters’ are concerned, anything with a whiff of eccentricity, eclecticism and dust is du jour because it has a story. For them, it’s not just a dinner set – it’s the gilt-edged part of someone’s life. Of course, not everyone has the stomach for second-hand stuff. That’s why both high-end and high-street stores have stocked up on pretty china in pastel hues and faux antique pieces in elaborate designs. Laura Ashley (Mercato Mall in Dubai) always excels when it comes to pretty, vintage looking pieces. If you prefer something a little cooler, try Zara Home or The White Company – both in Muscat City Centre. Just add a dash of Omani authenticity with family recipes for halwa and baqalawa, handed down from one generation to another – and voila, you have afternoon tea with a difference.
Bon-bon jar from RO20 at The White Company
Vintage glass cake stand RO12 from the dotcomgiftshop
How to make Baqalawa Ingredients: 1 package of filo dough papers 3 cups of ground almonds or pistachio nuts 1 cup of fine or powdered sugar 2 teaspoons of ground cardamom ¾ cup of melted butter 2 cups of sugar 1 cup of honey 2 cups of water Juice of one lemon Directions: o In a saucepan, bring the syrup ingredients to the boil. o Reduce heat and simmer for about five minutes, then put aside for later. o In a mixing bowl combine the nuts, powdered sugar and cardamom. o Open the filo dough but keep it covered with a kitchen towel to stop it from drying out. Brush melted butter over one sheet. Put another sheet across it and repeat the process twice.
o Across the middle of the top sheet, take four rounded tablespoons of nut mixture and make a line. o Fold the dough in half over the nut mixture so that the mixture is right inside the fold. Then roll it up as tight as you can, with the nut mixture in the very middle. Move to baking sheet. o On the baking sheet, diagonally cut into ¾ inch pieces with a shape knife. o Repeat the process again until you have used all of the filo. Drizzle any remaining butter over the baqalawa pieces on the baking sheet. o Bake in a pre-heated 350°F oven for 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned. o Remove from the oven. o Take five or six pieces of baqalawa at a time and dip them into the syrup allowing them to soak up syrup for about 15 seconds. o Remove them from the syrup and place them in a strainer or on a rack where the excess syrup can drip off. Add nuts for decoration.
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Trend
CENTRAL PERK
New Restaurant
News
F
Café culture in a convenience store – Fresh Plus is set to become a new oasis for Muscat’s busy professionals.
orget about Greek yoghurt – the darling of the active cultured crowd – it’s now all about homemade yoghurt. It’s creamier and less sour than the store-bought stuff, plus there are tons of recipes trending online.
T
here is nothing we like more than a strong cup of Arabic coffee and a freshly baked treat – especially if it’s during our supermarket run. (Is it me or is grocery shopping such a bore chore that it requires several vats of caffeine to complete?). That’s why we’re thrilled to discover that Muscat is about to host a new kind of convenience shop – one that features a premium bakery, coffee stop and community vibe. Fresh Plus is what every neighbourhood needs in that it provides fresh food, continental goodies and a unique kind of service. The franchise, which is being brought to Bowshar later this month by Omani entrepreneur Sadiq Al Lawati, has been tailor made to meet the needs of local residents. All we need now is a group of single thirtysomethings and we could remake Oman’s very own version of Friends.
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In over 170 locations across the globe including HONG KONG
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LONDON
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NEW YORK
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PARIS
Reviews Info Box
Contact number: Priyanka on 93883919 / 22022888 Address: First Floor, Opera Galleria, Royal Opera House, Muscat Opening Hours: Daily 12.30pm – 2.45pm (except Friday 1pm – 4pm) / 7.15pm-11.45pm (with 6pm opening for the opera) Average price: (for two people) RO35
CURRYING FAVOUR Spice fiend Mark Thomas tries out The Indus and comes away feeling as satisfied as the Maharajas of old.
W
hen your better half is prone to break out in a mild sweat at the taste of a strong mint, negotiating an Indian restaurant menu can be a bit of
in the bustling kitchens, another reassuring sign of culinary quality. Madam chose a starter of doodhiya kalmiya – char grilled cottage cheese rolls stuffed with bell peppers, a minefield. potatoes and Indian spices. They were fresh and Spices that will barely raise a tingle on my jaded delicious, with a just a little kick from the peppers. palate have been known to elicit actual screams of A hastily summoned yoghurt raita cooled her down distress from the admittedly drama-prone lady in before a fit of the vapours could develop. my life. I opted for the gosht ki pasliyan. Mutton chops Happily, the staff at The Indus, the swish new eatery marinated with herbs and rose petals, cooked to on the first floor of the Opera Galleria alongside perfection, gushed the menu. Muscat’s Royal Opera House, eased us through the “I’ll be the judge of that,” I grunted. By the time I’d tricky selection process with patience and care. eaten them, I really couldn’t argue. As one of the newest jewels in Muscat’s It might be an upmarket venue and one of culinary crown, The Indus was doing the places to be seen in Muscat right now, VERDICT: brisk business when we arrived, mid-way but sometimes you just have to abandon through a Tuesday evening. the cutlery and go in with the fingers. A 10 Yet the staff, though clearly quite delicious and tactile treat. Authentic food, relaxing atmosphere busy, never seemed rushed or harassed For her main course, it was hamour fish, and exemplary as they helped to advise us on the with fresh coconut and herbs, wrapped in service – who could menu, top up our drinks or check on our banana leaves and finished in the tandoor ask for more? progress through our three-course dinner. oven. Not a murmur of protest about the Indoor and al fresco dining options are spices this time, for a mild and tasty dish. available at the Indus. We ate in the relaxing, woodI was staying on the lamb, with a mutton rogan. panelled main dining room. Tender chunks of meat fell off the bone of this dish, The tables are arranged around a dramatic central which came in a rich and warming gravy, which I sculpture of two figures in turquoise, one reaching hungrily soaked up with a light nan bread. down from the heavens through the ceiling to lend a For desert, homemade ice cream was the lady’s helping hand to a second reaching up out of the floor. choice, while I went for a sweet, crisply cold traditional This work, by Omani artist Essa Ahmed Al Mafarji, Indian mango gulab jam, also fashioned on the forms a spectacular talking point for diners. premises. Both were refreshing, palate-cooling treats The menu is not extensive, a feature which gets a big to draw the curtain on a thoroughly agreeable dining tick in my book. My general rule of thumb is the less experience. choices, the more care and devotion is applied to each This was good, unpretentious, fresh and flavoursome course on offer. Indian cooking. The surroundings were sophisticated Diners can watch their food being prepared through and relaxing, and the service was a delight. And not a a glass panel which gives views of the chefs at work bead of sweat all night.
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Trend
New Restaurant
GALLERY
Y-VALENTINE s
MUSCAT CITY CENTRE SAW COUPLES QUIZZED AND PRIZES GIVEN at y ARE WE SOULMATES
Merge 104.8’s Chris Fisher (left) with Rajesh Sharma and third placed Jitender and Namita Pandey
Chris Fisher, Mitsubishi’s Rajesh Sharma and Y’s Feroz Khan Y Soulmate winners Asfandyar Mukhdoom Mufti and his wife Lubna with Rajesh Sharma, national marketing head for Mitsubishi
THINK OF SOFA, THINK OF US.
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Showroom Timings : Saturday - Thursday - 9.30 AM to 1.00 PM & 4.30 PM to 9.00 PM. Friday - 5.00 PM to 9.00 PM.
HEALTH& BEAUTY
SWEET & STRIPEY
The ’60s and stripes – two of spring’s strongest trends get an outing in this cute Apricot dress. RO20
Monochrome gets a modern makeover with geometric shapes and clashing prints.
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Health
Beauty
FASHION
MONOCHROME MANIA Black and white is set to make a fashion statement for the new season, says Penny Fray
The ’60s silhouette on this monochrome dress puts it way ahead in the fashion league. RO15 from Misguided.
Shoe fans rejoice – Saint Laurent Paris has come up with a monochrome version of their iconic heel. RO308.
W
hat’s black and white and rad all over? Monochrome, of course. This season, designers saw the world in two-tone as Chanel’s favourite colour combo came back into fashion. But forget minimalist chic. It was spotty at the House of Holland, stripey at Mark Jacobs and oriental at Prada. From clothes to accessories, there were no grey areas in this most classical of palettes. At both Gucci and Gautier, the silhouette was distinctly masculine while Chanel and Calvin Klein stuck to a more lady-like look. The ’60s vibe was also strong with mini dress mania seen everywhere from Giles to Moschino. This is an easy trend to embrace as black and white pieces can be seen everywhere – from Zara to M&S. On the high street, we adore Next’s collection of printed clutches and stripy blazers – wear together for a very modern interpretation of monochrome.
This spotty clutch from Lulu Guinness gives a kitsch edge to formal attire. RO180
This tweed Lanvin necklace looks amazing with an LBD. RO270 from Harvey Nichols.
This versatile jacket from A-Wear.com can be dressed up or down. RO27
Check Mate Penny’s tips on how to make monochrome look marvelLous: 1 Whether skinny or fat, monochrome stripes made a statement on this year’s catwalk. Just ignore the faux fashion tip that horizontal stripes make you look fat. They don’t! 2 Architectural frills and ruffles can give monochrome a more interesting edge for evening. 3 If this season’s clashing prints seem a bit too busy for you, try wearing a tailored dress or suit with black piping – it’ll knock pounds off you.
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B eauty
Fashion
Health
CHANGING FACES
Whether you use skin lighteners or false tans, women of all ethnicities feel the pressure to stand out from the crowd, say Penny Fray and Azza Al Riyami The Eastern View
T
he trend started long before Hollywood actresses Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore put porcelain skin back on the red carpet. For generations, paler has equaled prettier in Oman. Even science confirms that men are more attracted to the fairer female. Just as white westerners prefer tanned skin, so Arabic women want to look pastier. In beauty terms, it’s a simple case of the grass is always greener. Going lighter is not just trendy but a normal part of our skincare regime. Of course, the price of beauty can be high. Some skin lightening products contain banned compounds that can damage your health. These include high dose steroids and bleaching agents that irritate and ruin the face. These are illegal in Oman – but still, women are prepared to take the risk, creating their own careless concoctions at home. Pharmacy hopping in order to get the right combination of skin whitening chemicals is common in some parts of Salalah, while others just go on the Internet for their banned beauty fix. Personally, I stick to off-theshelf products, going a shade lighter than my natural skin colour. For special occasions, I’ll add coloured contact lenses in either hazel or grey. I don’t do it because I want to look Western. I do it because I like to experiment.
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The Western View
T
he ability to create a beautiful sunkissed look is every pale woman’s quest. But say the word ‘self-tan’ and a minefield of beauty faux pas spring to mind, from stained hands to streaking and a lingering potent scent. That’s why I envy Omani women their honey brown skin. They have what I want – naturally. Apart from looking permanently ill, alabaster skin is like a blank canvas – it shows every blotch and mosquito bite. And being of the Celtic variety, there’s no turning a gorgeous golden hue in the desert sun. No. This skin stays white unless scorched red. And let’s be honest, the only place a lobster looks good is on a platter surrounded by French fries and mayo. But the coveting doesn’t stop there. I’d happily swap my boring blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair for the exoticism of ebony. The old phrase ‘gentlemen prefer blondes’ no longer rings true with western men. Hollywood’s love affair with the blue-eyed, goldenhaired starlet is fast waning thanks to the rise of brunettes such as Kristen Stewart and Megan Fox. Saying that, I have been on both spectrums of dark and light, and blondes generally have more fun – even when you’re in your 30s and have a law degree. The dumb blonde routine rarely fails and a flick of the locks definitely helps me breeze through Muscat traffic jams.
promotion
SHOP
the week CRYSTAL PLAZA
(Al Sudasia LLC)
T
he age of opulence is upon us. Baroque details, gold embellishments and sparkling crystal characterises the trend for all things decadent and delicious this season. But we’re not just talking about fashion here. No. We’re talking about statement homeware. And where better place to visit than Crystal Plaza for the crème de la crème of decorative items? Metallic continues to be big – especially if you mix textures and materials for the ultimate luxe look. Add a touch of sparkle to any room with these decorative boxes, frames and even crockery. Not only do they make great gifts for friends and family but they also create character in your own home. We love the luxury of these intricately adorned gold coffee sets. Not only do they tick the trend box for all things bling and beautiful but they’re also the ideal for showcasing your posh coffee.
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Visit the Crystal Plaza showrooms at: Markaz Al-Bahja: 24538579 Al Araimy Complex: 24560811
Get up to 20% off selected items.
My Hood
Cars
Wi-Fi
OUTDOORS
CARS AND OUTDOORS
FANTASTIC VOYAGE
Jerzy Wierzbicki delves into the strange world of algae and micro sea life seen on Masirah Island
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Wi-Fi
Destination
The life aquatic on Masirah Island Nature creates some truly bizarre forms that can be an inspiration for the photographer in this remote beauty spot. Words and photos: Jerzy Wierzbicki
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OUTDOORS
P
travel guide
ainters, sculptors, architects, photographers and designers have always looked to nature for inspiration in their art. In Oman there are a few places where the photograph almost takes itself – I don’t need any special techniques or equipment, I just have to be in the right place at the right time with a good camera. One of these locations is undoubtedly Al Hauf Escarpments, where massive rocks carved over millions of years by the wind, sand and water have been shaped into fantastical forms. The same principle applies at a miniscule scale where the human eye cannot see. There are hidden locations where nature has created astonishing shapes and vivid colours. A few weeks ago I visited a place that still holds many secrets for me but I was lucky enough that they were unveiled for my camera. This place is Masirah Island. But let’s go back to the beginning. I left Muscat in the night and took my favourite road – number 32 to Mahout or Duam. I reached the Shannah ferry harbour very late, just in time to catch the ferry. I fell asleep and was woken by a ferry worker at dawn as we reached the jetty. Early morning on the ferry is marvellous. It’s cold, the sun shines, there is the smell of seawater and seagulls in the sky, the rumble of the boat engine and the obligatory big cup of strong coffee. A magnificent combination. Ras al Hilf is the harbour town on Masirah Island, reached after a 90-minute ferry ride. After a quick shopping trip for essentials near the harbour, I set off in a southerly direction. With fantastic weather and a light breeze, I pulled my 4x4 up on a small white beach littered with many dark rocks. The tide was out and about 100 metres of beach were exposed. The air was very clear and the sea had an intense turquoise colour – ideal conditions for photography. After several minutes and a few pictures I got back into the car in time for breakfast. I took out my camping gear as I planned to stay here for a few hours. Lack of sleep the previous night caught up with me and I fell sleep immediately on the sleeping bag next to my car. My dog slept next to me in the shade of the vehicle. I slept for a couple of hours and woke up feeling refreshed. I saw that the sea was still receding and a big part of the shoreline was uncovered. I walked along the beach and saw many puddles that were like traps for many sea creatures, mostly small fish, crabs and snails. Using a close-up lens I began taking pictures of this ‘sea world’. Suddenly I saw something strange, like a piece of Styrofoam stuck to a black rock. I checked what it was and realised it was green algae, which close up appeared to be composed of thousands of small green symmetrical cells formed into surreal shapes. It looked fantastic and I immediately started taking some close-up pictures. It is beyond my knowledge to say what all these fantastic forms were, but I hope the pictures speak for themselves. Soon the sea would submerge these amazing natural phenomena and they would be hidden from view once more.
Masirah Island is well known location in Oman. If you would like to go there, take road number 32 to Mahout. In Mahout turn left to Shannah Ferry harbour. The ferries operate regularly so the best time to get there is morning. A 4x4 is not compulsory due to good Tarmac road on the island. But if you wish to explore the beach and the mountains, a 4x4 is required. Total distance from Muscat is around 500 km. I recommend the southern part of Masirah for any sea activities. This place is called Ras Abu Rasas. GPS location is : N20’10’21 E58’38’33 FEB 20 – 26 / ISSUE 258
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CARS AND OUTDOORS
My Hood
Cars
Wi-Fi
GALLERY
Muscat Festival
Photographed by: Jerzy Wierzbicki
FUN FAIR RIDES, LIVE MUSIC AND FIRE AT Naseem PARK
Star Bowling Center
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My Hood
Cars
Wi-Fi
OUTDOORS
THE Tour DE
Qurum
CYCLING IS A GREAT WAY TO SEE THE SIGHTS AND GET FIT Photos & words: Laura Shergold
I
nspired by the awesome physical prowess of the cyclists in this year’s Tour of Oman, I decided to get in the saddle and attempt a spot of cycling myself this week. With blue skies and a cooling breeze, the weather was perfect for an outing on two wheels. After recruiting my husband – who had been expecting a more relaxed day – to join me, we headed to Oman Bicycle to hire out bikes. Based behind the Park Inn by Radisson in Al Khuwair, the shop rents out bikes for the day, the weekend or the whole week, with renters picking up and returning at the shop. There are a variety of different cycles available, suitable for all abilities, as well as servicing and spare parts. We had phoned up in advance and explained that we were beginners looking for street bikes and when we arrived our bikes were on hand ready and waiting. The area surrounding the shop is industrial with no suitable cycling paths, so you will need to take your bikes to one of the many beautiful outdoor spaces that Muscat has to offer. As it was a beautiful sunny day we needed no excuse to head to the nearby Qurum Beach, pre-armed with sun cream and water.
Sun, sea, sand and cycles made for a rather appealing combination. Now, neither my husband, Pete, nor I had been on a bike for some time. I figured, though, that once you learn how to cycle, you never forget so it should all come flooding back once you get into the saddle. After a shaky start with a couple of swift braking moments, I soon got into the swing of things. While my husband shot ahead as if he was actually taking part in the Tour of Oman and had just broken away from the pack, I took a slightly more sedate pace, taking in the beach views and people watching as I glided past. Lamp posts aside, the path was clear for a leisurely ride to the end of the Corniche and back. We kept to the pavements but if you decided to bite the bullet and ride on the roads here in Muscat, make sure you are fully equipped with a safety helmet and reflective clothing. Most of the main roads in the city have a hard shoulder that provides a fairly safe lane for cyclists. As always, pay attention to drivers, especially at junctions and roundabouts. Bear in mind, though, that the driving in Oman can be a bit unpredictable to say the least so if you don’t want to take your life in
your hands, it might be wise to stick to parks and pavements, unless you are very experienced or Bradley Wiggins, the current Tour de France champion. That said, our mini cycle tour made me realise how long it had actually been since I had been on a bike, and I loved it. Slightly reticent at first, I needn’t have worried, the sense of freedom, combined with the feeling of doing something healthy was as satisfying as ever. We ended our ride with a hard-earned coffee in one of the many cafes along the way and I even found room for a muffin too – did I mention cycling can help weight loss as it burns calories? We returned the bikes to the shop feeling noticeably more relaxed. Ok, we hadn’t tackled the gruelling Omani mountains or attempted any wadi crossings, but we had enjoyed our day immensely. We have even decided to buy our own cycles in the near future and start to use pedal power regularly. Bradley Wiggins watch this space!
Info Box: Where can I hire cycles? Oman Bicycle Shop, Al Khuwair How much does it cost? 1 day: RO15 Weekend: RO25 Week: RO75 Opening Hours: Saturday - Wednesday: 10am-1pm, 3pm-7pm Thursday: 10am-2pm Contact: www.omanbicycle.com +968 96773824
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Photos by Jerzy Wierzbicki
CARS AND OUTDOORS
The LowDown Azaiba - also Athaiba - has been called a poor man’s (or woman’s) Qurum because it offers a similar lifestyle, but at a more affordable price. This is a little unfair as Azaiba is a much sought-after living area in its own right. Its biggest selling points are a beautiful long stretch of beach, luxury villas in a prime seaside location and plenty of amenities within easy reach. This adds up to the sort of neighbourhood a real estate agent would probably describe as ‘highly desirable’. Particularly popular with expatriates, because of its clean, quiet and peaceful air, it has a safe, family-friendly feel with a touch of class to satisfy the most upwardly mobile and postcode conscious.
EXPLORING
AZAIBA
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Wherever you may live in Azaiba, you will never be too far from the beach, which is a big plus for lovers of the outdoors life. Finding a parking space is rarely a problem but youths and stray dogs hanging around near the beach at night can be. The Royal Oman Police can usually deal with both. Young men racing down November 18th street on noisy exhaust-spluttering quad bikes at the weekends can also be a pain.
Living There Azaiba can be an expensive place to live, particularly if your tastes stretch to one of the premium beachfront villas where the sea is quite literally a stone’s throw away. The prized residential address is Street 37, which runs along the beach right next to the shore, where those lucky enough to afford the rental prices can sit on their terraces and admire uninterrupted views out across the water. This is really villa territory, either seaside or tucked away in quiet back streets, and inflated prices for gullible newcomers are not unknown. There are both public and private schools in the vicinity, along with several health centres. Although primarily a residential area, Nawras has its head office here and there are also a clothes factory and a few banks. Azaiba’s location is perfect for those who don’t want to live right in the centre of things but still feel close to the action. It’s nicely positioned almost halfway between Muscat International Airport and the exclusive area of Shatti al Qurum, meaning everything is within striking distance. With restaurants, supermarkets and cafes on the doorstep, however, there’s no need to travel too far. 042
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Forget Qurum, desirable Azaiba has prime beachfront locations, great villas and plenty of shops and places to eat.
Cars
Wi-Fi
Why I live here: “Azaiba is a nice place to live. It’s peaceful, the streets are clean, services are affordable and recently many shops and restaurants have opened around the area. I hope it does not turn into a busy area because that will take away from the peacefulness. Another good thing is it’s really close to the airport and not too far from other places like Al Khuwair, MQ or Shatti, where people usually hangout. Ghassan Atary, student
Outdoors
My Hood
Places of Interest Scholarly types might be interested in the German University of Technology (GUtech) campus located near the beach. There are also a few other institutions such as the Arab Center for Training and Development and the Association for Early Intervention for Children with Special Needs. Among the mosques to be found is Al Rahman Mosque, one of the biggest and considered to be the oldest in the area. Pet owners will be delighted to know the area is also home to one of the few vets in Muscat, Tafani Veterinary Clinics. The RO30 million Azaiba Hotel is also due to open by the middle of this year, providing a landmark building in the area. The five-star project will have 240 rooms and no fewer than four differently themed restaurants.
Hang Outs
Photo by Matthew Herbst
The endless sandy beach will keep you busy outdoors, for family picnics, lounging and relaxing in the sun, jogging along the sand, or trying something more adventurous such as kite surfing lessons. It’s also a popular fishing spot for anglers. Right by the beach is the cute little Azaiba Park with shelters for shade and lawns, while you watch the little ones having fun in the playground. Jump in your car and cruise down Street 37 right along the beachfront before heading to Costa Coffee on November 18 Street, which has an outdoor seating area for chilling out with a cappuccino while watching the world go by. Check out My Book & Me, a unique educational centre and library, which encourages children to read and enjoy learning. Spend the morning here and then cross the street to the beach for a family afternoon together. Next door is the Whispers of Serenity Clinic, offering well-being and stress relief among other things for when life gets a bit too much. This is not the place for earth-shattering vibrant nightlife but there are several hotels and restaurants offering Arabic, Turkish, Indian, Yemeni and other cuisines.
Shopping There are plenty of small shops in the neighbourhood to pick up groceries and household supplies, while the bigger weekly shop can be done at Al Safeer hypermarket, Al Fair supermarket and a branch of The Sultan Center (TSC), which has a good restaurant upstairs and is conveniently sited on the main road. For clothes shopping and designer names, Muscat Grand Mall (MGM) is only a short drive away and it also has a multi-screen cinema for entertainment. Anyone in the market for a new vehicle will also be happy with a number of large car showrooms and dealerships, and service centres, to be found here. FEB 20 – 26 / ISSUE 258
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-FI THE TECH IN YOU
My Hood
Cars
Time was, anyone cycling in their teens was tagged a nerd. But in the past few years, cycling has undergone a surge in popularity. In the wake of The Tour of Oman, Penny Fray picks the best in biking paraphernalia.
Bike baskets are so passé – that’s why we love this Link Modular Carrying System. It provides muchneeded storage space and will be on the market soon.
RACING ROYALTY In homage to the classic Maserati racing car, this limited edition bike has become a big hit with cycling buffs. It oozes style and is available from www.maseratistore.com for a cool RO1555
EDITOR’S PICK THE INVISIBLE HELMET Cycling bare headed in Muscat? Have you got a death wish? If you don’t fancy messing up your mussar with a helmet, try this technologically advanced solution to road safety – the award-winning Hovding helmet. Worn around your neck, it pops open to create a protective airbag when it senses impact from a car. Invisible, ergonomic and safety compliant, there is nothing like it on the market. Available for RO206 from www.hovding.com
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WI-FI
PEDAL POWER
CHIC CARRIER
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Outdoors
SAFETY SENSOR Let’s be honest here – Muscat drivers can be mad, bad and dangerous to know if you’re a cyclist. That’s why the Crash Sensor from ICEdot is a genius piece of kit. When paired with a smartphone it can detect motion as well as changes in force and impact. So, if you crash, an alarm will be triggered and an emergency countdown will be initiated. Unless stopped, the app will then send GPS co-ordinates to the emergency services. Clever huh? It’s not out yet but you can join the waiting list via icedot.org/crash
FIND OUT WHAT’S HIP & HAPPENING IN GADGETS
DIAMOND DRIVING The LED headlights are diamond encrusted and the hood is gold plated – yes, the Lykan Hypersport is the most ludicrously luxurious car ever constructed. It may not be a gadget in the strictest sense of the word but it’s certainly a desirable device. This limited edition sports car was recently unveiled at the Qatar Motor Show by W Motors. Yours if you have $200,000 (RO78,000) to spare, in September. See wmotors.ae for details.
NEW! Nokia Asha 310 Swap SIM cards to suit your lifestyle. With Nokia’s built-in Easy Swap Dual SIM technology, you can use the external slot on the Nokia Asha 310 to add another SIM card, while keeping your principal SIM card in place. This means getting the best available tariffs when commuting. Freedom to do more online with Wi-Fi, including streaming videos from YouTube or downloading 40 free EA Games from the Nokia Store.
APP OF THE WEEK
PinYinPal Play Scrabble in Chinese? Are you kidding? Well, actually no. Mandarin is the world’s most popular language, spoken by more than 1 billion people, and now you can unravel its secrets with the new app PinYinPal. You learn to read, recognise,and define Mandarin characters in a fun, simple game. Impossible? Well, it’s a free app, so there’s nothing to lose by trying.
Discover a rich and reliable mapping experience with the pre-loaded Nokia maps, which work both online and offline. Also find more places of interest using the Nokia Nearby web app, then share your plans with friends on Facebook.
THE GIRLY GADGET
Say “so long” to that tangle of wavy locks. Silky straight hair is back at the cutting edge of fashion – which means one thing – some Coolway straighteners. The ceramic plates and low-heat technology of this RO95 tool smooth hair without damage.
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My Hood
Wi-Fi
Outdoors
CARS
PEUGEOT 207CC 2012 Body: 2 door 4 seat Engine: 1600cc 4 cylinder 0-100km/h: 9.6-12.6 seconds Horsepower: 120
Check this out
Car of the week
The Peugeot 207CC is a sporty and stylish drive for a coupé
N • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Passenger airbag with deactivation switch Tilt and telescopic adjustable power steering Electric mirrors Athermic windscreen and tinted glasses Cool vent inside glove compartment Radio and CD player with USB Bonnet soundproofing and thermal protection Adjustable rear head restraint Headlight height adjustment Outer temperature display On-board trip computer Double optic halogen headlamps Blue Tooth Rear parking sensors
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ot everyone wants to drive a statement 4x4 that swaggers and bullies its way across town while consuming fuel like a fighter jet. Sometimes comfort and convenience arrive in small, elegantly presented packages that are environmentally friendly and economical to boot. The Peugeot 207CC is the coupé convertible to the Peugeot 207 family, and offers smooth driving, affordability and a large boot – although it does shrink when the roof is down. Unlike other smaller convertibles this one is unusual in having a folding hard-top rather than a fabric roof. It isn’t the fastest convertible on the road and, as with many vehicles in this class, the rear seats are best used for extra storage space rather than for seating. Road handling is reasonable if not super sharp. The 207CC’s four-cylinder engine can produce a horsepower of 120 – and more with a turbo engine. It uses a six-speed manual gearbox and has a 50-litre tank. The coupé has a combined fuel consumption of 7.3 litres per 100km, which is not bad for a convertible and means you can drive two thirds of the way from
Muscat to Salalah without a top up. For such a trip you might well want to use the car’s cruise control for relaxed driving. The convertible’s exterior exudes sleek and sporty elegance, with a gaping grill and headlamps that curve back almost to the windscreen. This feeling is enhanced by the 17-inch alloy wheels and the colour-coded bumper and door handles. Road visibility is assured with front fog lights and the directional headlamps, as well as the electric folding mirrors. On the inside, a dual-zone automatic climate control allows driver and passengers to adjust their environment as needed. Seats are covered in plush leather and there is a refrigerated coolbox for refreshments. In addition to standard safety features such as the anti-locking brake system and electronic brake distribution, Peugeot have added side impact bars for added protection, as well as tyre-pressure sensors and a rear-parking sensor. High-tech safety functions include the automatic activation of hazard lights in emergency braking, automatic driveaway locking and anti-theft alarm system.
POWER POWER POWER DEMANDS DEMANDS DEMANDS RESPECT RESPECT RESPECT Acadia: Rial 13,795 onwards Acadia: 13,795 onwards Acadia: RialRial 13,795 onwards Loaded with 19” Wheels, Keyless Loaded 19” Wheels, Keyless Start,Start, Loaded withwith 19” Wheels, Keyless Start, Remote Cooling System Remote Cooling System Remote Cooling System
Yukon: Rial18,499 18,499 onwards Yukon: onwards Yukon: RialRial 18,499 onwards Loaded w ithLeather Leather Seats, Rear DVD Entertainment Loaded Seats, DVD Entertainment SystemSystem Loaded withwith Leather Seats, RearRear DVD Entertainment System & Power Lift Gate & Power Lift Gate & Power Lift Gate
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Now itsyour your chance toa own a GMC SUV with Now chance own a GMC SUV with Now itsits your chance to to own GMC SUV with attractive prices the following benefits attractive prices & &the following benefits attractive prices & the following benefits Fuel Consumption •• Lowest Lowest Consumption • Lowest FuelFuel Consumption maintenance •• Lowest Lowest maintenance • Lowest maintenance costcostcost every 10,000 kms •• Servicing Servicing every 10,000 onlyonly • Servicing every 10,000 kmskms only years unlimited km warranty all models •• Extended Extended 5 5years unlimited warranty on models allon models • Extended 5 years unlimited km km warranty on all
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