JAN 9 – 15 • ISSUE 252 • WEEKLY
10
Meet Poochy
Oman’s only World Cup pet predictor MATCH PREVIEWS / WHERE TO CATCH THE ACTION / THE GOL / TROPHY HUNTER / POSTCARD FROM RIO / FOOTBALL FREE ZONES News: ILLEGAL NURSERIES
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SHUT DOWN Interview: On the ball with Paul Le Guen HEALTH: Getting your beauty sleep Your top guide to the best of Oman, every week
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JUN 12 - 18 / ISSUE 324 • WEEKLY
Game on All eyes on Brazil
PLUS!
Fashion
SOCCER STYLE
01
NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258
Food
32
ARMCHAIR SNACKS
Outdoors
28
Footy Five
40
THE BAROMETER
EDITOR’S
NOTE
Going up
FIFA World Cup There’s no escaping it – especially as it only comes around every four years. All eyes will be on Brazil for the next four weeks as the 32 teams who have made it on the road to Rio compete against each other for sporting glory.
weekend getaways Summer’s here and suddenly the weekend getaway to the mountains or wadis is de riguer again. Team Y is planning to join the seasonal weekend exodus as we seek to swap the heat and humidity of the city for the cooler temperatures that only a mountain or a wadi can bring.
Going DOWN
Sleep The World Cup means only one thing: a lot of lost sleep for fans staying up until the early hours of the morning to catch their favourite team playing. All we can suggest are a few catnaps to stay on top of your sleep cycle – and awake at work.
Going, going, gone
Y’s intern For the last six months, Shishira Sreenivas has been writing brilliant articles for Y Magazine. But she’s now off to study in the U.S. From all of us at Y Towers, thank you and good luck!
Welcome to Y Magazine – your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has to offer.
Fast forward
I
t’s finally here – after a four-year wait, football fans the world over are rejoicing at today’s (June 12) kick-off of the highly anticipated World Cup in Brazil. To celebrate, Team Y has spent the past week immersing itself in all things football, not to mention Brazil-related. From where to watch the matches to a revealing interview with Oman’s national football team manager, Paul Le Guen, our World Cup-themed issue has something for everybody – even if you are not a fan of the beautiful game. We’ve tasted South American food, tried on the footy fashion for size, come up with some delicious Brazilian-themed recipes if you are planning to host a World Cup party and found a host of fun things to do if you are looking to escape the month-long football fest – aside from living in a cave, that is. Meanwhile, Poochy, our resident cat predictor, is hoping to give Paul the Octopus (who sadly passed away in 2010) a run for his money after picking Croatia to beat Brazil tonight. Yes, we know it’s a bold call, but that’s what the world’s biggest football completion is all about: surprise winners and losers. Enjoy!
THIS WEEK… Team Y has been buying a cute Himalayan kitten (name TBC) figuring out how to avoid the traffic on the morning school run and breaking out a forgotten Easter egg for a late-night chocolate fix.
Ways to get your Y fix Online: Visit y-oman.com for even more inspiration. Smart device: Catch up with Y on the go at y-oman.com/current-issue
TEAM Y
editor@y-oman.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Eihab Abutaha CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Felicity Glover SECTIONS EDITOR Kate Ginn
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CONTRIBUTOR Tom Robertson PHOTOGRAPHER Jerzy Wierzbicki ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan
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JUN 12 - 18 / ISSUE 324
03
contents JUNE 12 2014
This week
Your Oman
16 Oman In 43 Objects
06 The Big Interview
Her Excellency Mitzi Gurgel Valente Da Costa
08 Voice Of Oman
Sultanate’s National Football Jersey
17 Movie Listings
22 Jump Street
18 This Week
Ali al Balushi
10 News
Art Smart
Features 20 World Cup Special Football Carnival 21 Who Do You Support? The Fans 22 Pet Predictor Poochy Picks 23 Game Previews Ones To Watch 24 Interview Paul Le Guen 25 World Cup Venues Where To Watch 26 The Big Escape Football Free Zones
20
Nurseries Closed
13 Gallery
14
Ball Talent
15 Gallery
British School Muscat Art Exhibition
Cars and Adventures 37 Destination
Food and Drink
18
28 Food
Armchair Snacks
30 Food Review
Samba
Al Ayn Tombs
40 Outdoors
Redbull 5s
42 Postcard From
Rio de Janeiro
44 Y-Fi
29
Health & Beauty
Go the Distance
46 Car of the Week 32 Fashion Volkswagen Gol Sporty Looks 34 Health Beauty Sleep 35 Style Counsel Barbra Young
33
45
NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE
THE DEMISE OF OMANI CRAFTS / CYBER SAFETY FOR KIDS / JAGUAR PROWLING / SALT FLATS / GLUTEN-FREE FOOD / FABULOUS FASHION
YOUR
News
Gallery
INTERVIEW
OMAN
Football
Ambassador Her Excellency M it zi G urgel Va l e n te Da Costa , Ambassador of B razil to O man Tell us about your career so far. After obtaining a degree in science, I entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) in 1979. I was first posted to Los Angeles, then I went to Sydney, Denmark, Uruguay, and Rome – with periods in Brazil in between – before I was appointed as Deputy Ambassador in London. I became Brazil’s Ambassador to Oman three-and-ahalf years ago. Why were you interested in a career in external relations? My father was actually a diplomat and it was while I was living with him in Saudi Arabia that I first became interested. I started helping out in the Brazilian Embassy in Riyadh and it was there that I became fascinated by its work. I also wanted to live in lots of different countries. I’m the kind of person that lives in a place for a few years and then wants to discover somewhere new. Career diplomats spend a lot of time away from home. What do you miss most about Brazil? I would say that it’s my friends and family, just that feeling that comes from being home. I also miss the great food that Brazil has to offer and simply spending time in Brasilia, the capital, where my daughter now lives. What do you like most about being in Oman? The main thing is the friendliness of the people. Since being here, everybody has been extremely welcoming; from the people I work with in official roles right through to the person that you meet on the street who stops to offer help. 06
JUN 12 - 18 / ISSUE 324
Plus, of course, it’s a beautiful country and I’ve managed to see a lot of it, though I still have yet to go further up north to Musandam. All in all, I find that there’s really nothing to dislike about have two different types of visas Oman. available at the moment. As well The World Cup is at the as the usual tourist visa, Brazilian forefront of everybody’s mind embassies around the world are when Brazil is mentioned. offering special World Cup visas How will you be celebrating for people who have either match the tournament and what will invitations or tickets and for which set this World Cup apart from the usual visa fee is waived. All of the other FIFA tournaments? those applied for were successful – We’ll be celebrating right from there would have to be a very good the start by holding a screening reason for us not to process a World of Brazil’s first match here at the Cup visa. embassy for friends There has been and colleagues some negative Do you think coverage of events as Brazil take on Croatia on the very in Brazil as a Brazil will first day. result of the World win the What will make this Cup. Could you World Cup? tournament special comment on this? I wish I had will be the Brazilian There have been a crystal ball attitude to football. some protests about to help answer People will see just the amount of money that question. how welcoming we being spent. But you are to foreigners have to consider that Let’s just say when they visit the this is an investment in that I hope that country. Then, of Brazil. The stadiums, the best team course, there’s the sports facilities and wins – and I Brazilian passion for the public transport hope Brazil are the game, which will improvements such as the make it a very special modernised airports best team. tournament indeed. and urban transit Speaking of systems, are facilities visitors to Brazil, that will stay in the it’s been reported that your country for the Brazilian people. All embassy has processed about these things will be there for many 400 visas for people travelling years to come. to Brazil for the World Cup. All eyes are on Brazil for the next Yes, we’re able to know the number month, but I think that the World of people travelling to watch Cup will have a very positive effect the football because we actually on the way Brazil is seen around
the world. Representing Brazil abroad during the World Cup is obviously a key moment – but what are the other memorable parts of your career? Being Ambassador here during the Brazilian Vice President’s visit to Oman last year, which was a first. Vice President Michel Temer came with a delegation of Brazilian businessmen, which was important for commercial relations between our two countries. There’s also just been a delegation from Oman to Brazil. I suppose another key moment will come when I leave here. I will feel that I’ve done my job, which is to represent Brazil to Oman, and I will also have developed strong personal ties, which is very important. Describe yourself in three words. Stubborn, shy and restless. When you’re not furthering Diplomatic relations between Brazil and Oman, how do you like to relax? Long walks along the beach are one of my favourite things to do, as is going to the Royal Opera House Muscat and socialising with friends. I love all kinds of books so I also like to read a lot, especially during the weekends. I find that because I’m out and about a lot during the week, I tend to relax and stay in a fair bit at the weekends.
The Voice of Oman
Ali al Balushi ponders the spread of rumours through social media
one rule for all Dear Team Y,
O
ur world is getting smaller due the rapid development of technology. Smartphones have made communication faster than ever. The first text message was sent in 1992 and we have now progressed to sharing videos and photographs through Snapchat or getting connected through WhatsApp and BBM. It’s astonishing how fast news travels via these platforms. And rumours. Lately, there has been a spate of false news and rumours being spread excessively on social-media platforms. Of course, rumours and misinformation are widely shared in our daily life. But social media and apps have made it easier – and faster – to share information. In my opinion, what is worse than falsifying a piece of information is believing it and then sharing it. For example, news of accidents in our community will see people sharing a different story about the same incident. Then there was the recent “news” that a cyclone would hit Oman. This was even shared with maps of the supposed event. Unsurprisingly, some people tend to believe such rumours as fact, which is perpetuated by word of mouth. We need to be careful when receiving news about anything in our society. We might not be able to prevent others from falsifying information, but we can manage the spread of it. Make sure that the information is from a credible source, such as government entities, authorities and local media, many of whom have created apps and Twitter accounts to share the latest updates and news. Getting information from a credible source and making sure that it is true will help to stem the flow of misinformation. So next time you receive some “news”, stop, think and check – before you pass it on!
Next week: YUMMY MUMMY KARIMA
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I am somewhat bemused to read that tighter restrictions are being imposed on expatriate drivers in the Sultanate for use of All Purpose Vehicles (APVs).What about everyone else living here and driving restrictions on them? More often than not, people are texting on their phones while driving, tailgating, not indicating and not thanking others for giving way. Last week in Qurum, somebody was tailgating me and I put on my hazard
warning lights. He went completely crazy and tried to drive me off the road. Fortunately, he did not succeed. Something needs to be done. Perhaps more people need to voice their opinions on this matter. Perhaps it’s time for a serious debate on driving in the Sultanate. There needs to be a real crackdown on all drivers here, not just some targeted groups. The traffic police also need to be more visible. Kind regards, Jennifer, Muscat
when only the best will do Dear Editor,
best, on every occasion. This was evidenced when I visited a restaurant recently. The service is more personal. When a waiter, waitress or butler spends time with his or her customers, it creates an atmosphere similar to being at home. Their tireless efforts always help to create perfect and memorable moments for guests.
“Every man’s work, whether it be literature or music or pictures or architecture or anything else, is always a portrait of himself.” While going through the story, “Personal Touch” (Issue 323), I recalled this quote. In fact, the never-ending quest for perfection is causing people to deliver the
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YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US
Debate of the Week We asked:
“Does money make you happy?” Jinan Al Busaidi
Money does not necessarily mean happiness, but it does help. Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times. Money is just a way to live in comfort, which, in turn, results in happiness.
LETTERS huge inheritance for my loved ones. Money brings an eventful life, lots of cash, a mansion, a modified Cadillac and my happiness.
Jayashruthi Senthil Murugan
Money is like a passport to go anywhere.
Marianna Pereira
Only temporarily.
Abdul Saleem
pet “Money”?
Sharifa Al Barami
Happiness makes me money.
Abdullah Bin
Yes, money makes me happy because when you have money you can enjoy life, when you have money you can go where you want to go. If you have money you can also have your dream car.
Khadija Lovai
Money can make anyone happy, but true happiness doesn’t come from money – it comes from loving and sharing.
Madhuri Senthil Murugan
Fely Rose Monforte Nacario
No, money can’t make you happy. Peace and satisfaction do. If money did make you happy, all rich people would be happy.
Sutharmini Muthukrishnan
Why do you think I named my
Money makes me happy. I think it is better to sit in a Mercedes-Benz or in a Range Rover and cry rather than sit alone on the pavement late at night and cry.
FA C E B O O K
Yes. We cannot enjoy our life without money. But to me, real happiness comes from acting on Islamic teachings.
Money is important in life. Money is as important as petrol is for a car. But at the same time, money cannot take the place of tyres, the steering wheel and seats.
Priti Vasa
E-MAILS
Krishna Sanal
If money is used to buy the basic needs such as food to eat, a place to stay, clothes to wear, plus other comforts and luxuries in life, it can definitely make a person happy. However, material things are only sources of temporary happiness. There is much more than these
that the soul longs for – peace of mind, unconditional love, purity in relationships and true friendship – which are eternal sources of true happiness.
Kalpana Prakash
Money makes the world go round. It’s necessary for day-to-day living. However, we should not live only for money. Money earned should be spent wisely as it’s very difficult to earn through honest means. Spend the minimum necessary on yourself and also consider giving the remaining money to the less privileged.
New Debate: Was Brazil right to spend an estimated RO5.39 billion on hosting the World Cup? Tell us on Facebook or Twitter and be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.
German Quipe from manilla, was spotted with Y Magazine at MGM
Anthony Carlton
Money is useful and can facilitate certain wants and needs, but it cannot buy sustainable happiness.
Beena Xavier
No, money can never make you happy.
Nariman Attal Al Jamil
Special moments and achievements make me happy. But we can’t deny the “power” of money on some occasions.
Jomari Somontina Sagal
People are hypocrites if they say money doesn’t make you happy.
Adam Collins
Money doesn’t make me happy, but it allows me to be happier.
Lorelie Vico
Yes, definitely. Money brings a smile to my face, but I would be completely content if I had a happy family with whom I could share my wealth.
Virginia Gomez
I get depressed without money. It buys me and my family ultimate happiness. We mortals live just once and money can buy a fantastic, smooth life until I die, when I would leave behind a
JUN 12 - 18 / ISSUE 324
09
YOUR
OMAN U
NEWS
NURSERY SHUTDOWNS
p to 10 nurseries a month are facing closure by the Ministry of Social Development for breaching rules and regulations, it has been
revealed. Inspectors visiting the nurseries, most of which were run by expatriates, found cases of abuse, lack of staff and proper facilities. The majority being shut down were in private homes without proper licences from the authorities and were breaking the Omani labour law with staff, according to a senior ministry official. Many of the illegal nurseries were also ignoring the age limit set for admissions, with, in some cases, children over four years of age being admitted. Only children between three months and three-and-a-half years are usually allowed to attend nursery, unless the Ministry has given special permission. Nurseries were also understaffed, leading to improper treatment. In one case a child suffered fourth-degree burns to his or her private parts after an act of violence. The child’s parents have referred the matter to the public prosecution. No further details of the incident have been released. The Ministry has not named any of the nurseries that have been closed. However, an official said: “Most of these nurseries are being run in homes and they do not have proper, healthy environments for such activity.” Often, the nurseries lacked sufficient rooms for classes, a reception, visitors and administrative work. Another issue of major concern noted by the Ministry was the insufficient ratio of nursery workers
Words: Shishira Sreenivas to children. According to the Ministry, there should be three groups of children with a nanny assigned for each group separately. There should be no more than five children between the ages of three months and one year in each group. Furthermore, for a group of eight children between the ages of one and two, there should be at least one nanny in charge. However, one supervisor would suffice for a group of 15 children above the age of two. Despite admitting it did not have enough staff to monitor and keep track of illegal nurseries, the Ministry said it would do all it could to crackdown on offenders. At present, nurseries that have broken the law are given 30 days to make necessary changes or face permanent closure. Wave Set to Open New Nursery The Wave, Muscat, is set to open its first nursery school in September. It will offer primary education for residents at The Wave, as well as surrounding communities. The nursery will be located next to the sales centre at the Wave. The Dubai-based Al Najah Education, along with the Muscat Overseas Group, will provide an Early Years Foundation Stage programme for about 180 children between the ages of three months and four years. The establishment of the nursery is part of an attempt to enhance the overall living experience at The Wave. Registration for the 2014/2015 academic year will start from July 2014.
EXPATS ON THE RISE
T
he number of expatriates in Oman has more than doubled in the past decade as the country pushes on with major developments. According to the latest statistics from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the number of foreign workers in the Sultanate has leapt by a staggering 167 per cent since 2003. However, as of March this year, there were 1,766,988 expatriate workers in the private sector. Ten years ago, there was just over half a million expats. A large number of these – 665,679 – were working in construction, an industry hoping to achieve 30 per cent Omanisation. Currently there are only 57,464 Omanis working in the sector. Other areas attracting expatriate workers are retail, hospitality and manufacturing. Big projects such as Muscat’s new airport and new roads have seen an influx of workers from abroad. Figures from the NCSI show that Muscat has the highest number of working expatriates, with 626,418 foreign employers. The least number of expat workers are in Musandam, with just 10,894.
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The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) pinpointed the growing numbers of large-scale development projects as the reason for the escalating number of expats. Redha Juma Mohammed Ali al Saleh, OCCI’s vice chairman for administration and finance affairs, said that the number of expats would be reduced. “After big projects such as airports and road projects are completed, the number of expatriate workers will be reduced automatically,” he said.
YOUR
OMAN Bite Sized Our weekly slot takes a lighthearted look at a news issue of the week.
Football Referees
Who is he / she? The person who enforces the rules in the game of football. Not quite the Judge Dredd of the beautiful game but given the reactions of some players, they might as well be making life and death decisions. What do you mean “reactions?” Remember the deference to authority exhibited in most sports towards the referee? Well, football seems to have its own brand of “respect” for the person in charge. Picture players surrounding the ref, shouting verbal abuse, even punching the man in black. Is that the worst? No, but if we wrote about tragic events resulting from referee abuse it would take this column from the slightly tongue-incheek to the morose and tragic – it’s that bad. Do they have anything to defend themselves with? A whistle and the self-control of the players. Sometimes, both are totally defunct. Surely there are some referees that the players obey? The baldheaded and rather stern looking Pierluigi Collina from Italy seems to have been able to command a decent amount of respect, if not fear. It’s all in the eyes. Are referees entirely innocent though? Not really, they’ve made their fair share of clangers. In 2006, an English referee, Graham Poll, gave a Croatian player a second yellow card but failed to send him off the pitch, as would normally happen. When Brazil played Sweden in 1978, Welsh referee Clive Thomas caused outrage when he blew the whistle for full-time between a corner being taken and Brazil scoring directly from it with a header, resulting in a draw. It’s enough to result in referees receiving death threats – yes, really. Will the men in black be getting any help? After a series of blunders that have seen perfectly good goals being disallowed (Frank Lampard’s goal against Germany in South Africa 2010, for example), the FIFA powers that be have finally allowed technology to help decide if the ball was over the line. Rio 2014 will use the new “GoalControl” system in stadiums. Other than that, they’re on their own – armed guards aren’t on the cards just yet. Is there anything else that could be done to help? Maybe changing the colour of the cards would help – I’m sure that there’s a saying about showing a red rag to a raging bull. Or perhaps a wardrobe change for the ref – baddies always wear black in films. Do say: We was robbed Don’t say: Is he wearing a bulletproof vest?
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Gallery
Interview
NEWS
DREAM JOB – AND YOU GET
TO TRAVEL THE WORLD Wanted:
two fun-loving people to travel the world and serve as ambassadors for a Dubai nightclub. All flights and travel expenses paid. Too good to be true? Well think again. Dubbed the “best job in the UAE”, it really is up for grabs – and the selection process has already started. The hunt was launched by the nightclub Societe Dubai, which opened for business last December. Since then, it has become firmly established on the city’s social scene as a “super cool hangout”, attracting former English international footballers Peter Crouch and Teddy Sheringham among others. Now, it wants to find two people just as cool to promote the brand further afield. In an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the two World Brand Ambassadors will travel to six locations – including Nepal, Thailand, Turkey and Sri Lanka – to engage with different cultures and share the club’s vision. “We are looking for charismatic individuals who are extrovert, positive and have happy personalities,”
A WEEK IN PICTURES
said Gary Holliday, director at Societe Dubai. “Given the nature of the role, they will also need to be energetic, uninhibited, outrageous and fun.” The lucky winners will be announced at a special season closing party on June 27. To find out more, email a Selfie and short description of yourself to apply@bestjobinuae.com or visit www.bestjobinuae.com But hurry, the queue is growing all the time.
HEADLINING STORIES FROM OMAN AND BEYOND
Six-hour siege of Pakistan’s busiest airport, Jinnah, in Karachi, by Taliban gunmen ends leaving 28 people dead
Humanoid robot ‘Pepper’ was unveiled to the public in Tokyo. The 1.2 metre tall household robot, which can make jokes and dance, will go on sale next year at a price of RO762
Rafael Nadal clinches record ninth French Open title after beating Novak Djokovic in four sets and claims No.1 spot in the world
Tickets go on sale for the Royal Opera House Muscat’s new season. Buy at the box office and online
GALLERY
Tomorrow’s Talent
Training stars of the future. football development program launched by mercedes-benz and mosaic sports in Bawshar
Jermaine Wynter senior coach at Mosaico sports
David Swain Sales GM Mercedes
Mihir Khimji director at Mosaico sports
We don't just do chocolate
Al Ghubrah, Al Marafah Street, Mirbat Tower 1, Muscat, Oman &
Follow us on: thechocolateroomoman
Tel: +968 24499922 JUN 12 - 18 / ISSUE 324
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YOUR
OMAN
Gallery
T
BEATLE
NEWS
Archaeological survey unearths ancient remains
he Ministry of Heritage and Culture has confirmed the discovery of a number of artefacts from an ancient tomb and hundreds of cemeteries in the Wilayat of Sinaw. Sultan Saif al Bakri, head of the Ministry’s Archeological Studies Department, confirmed that the findings came as a result of a survey carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The majority of findings are occurring over a 100km stretch of the Sinaw-Duqm road, which is being expanded into a dual carriageway. The upgraded road forms part of an RO41million road transport project, which started in July last year.
BAGHDAD
Interview
M
aking his first appearance in the Oman media, Iraqi singer Ilham al Madfai this week visited our sister radio station Al Wisal 96.5FM. Ilham, a guitarist, singer and composer, is a popular artist in the Middle East with his distinctive blend of western guitar and traditional Arabic music. He has appeared at the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Glastonbury Festival in the UK.
To date, excavations in the Al Oyoon area of Sinaw have revealed that some of the discovered tombs date from the 1st millennium BC, while others date as far back as the 3rd millennium BC. Al Bakri also confirmed that the corpse of a man dating from 2,300 BC, and who is believed to have died in his fifties, had also been excavated. He was buried along with two daggers and a sword. Two camels – found buried alongside the site – pottery objects and vessels have also been listed among the findings so far. It’s believed that to preserve the recently discovered rare tomb, a model of the structure will be reconstructed in the soon to be opened National Museum.
THE MILLION-DOLLAR WATCH
I
f you’re in the market for a new watch, perhaps this Excalibur Quatuor, unveiled this week, will catch your eye. If it has, you’d better have deep pockets or have time on your hands to be on very friendly terms with your bank manager. Buying this lavish timepiece will cost you a cool RO387,597 – that’s a
million dollars. Your money will get you timeless elegance from the finest watch by Swiss manufacturer Roger Dubuis, complete with four sprung balance, which apparently is a big deal in the world of watchmaking. Crafted out of titanium, the Excalibur was made after five years of research and development and has 590 working parts. Still want one? The Mistal Boutique in Darsait, part of the Ajit Khimji Group, is a stockist.
New campus for French School
T
he new French School of Muscat campus is a step closer to becoming a reality after the first foundation stone was laid this week during a special ceremony. Construction of the school’s new premises in Airport Heights – it is currently based in Bawshar – is scheduled to finish in 2015, the school’s board said. The new school will boast a range of top-end features, including 25 classrooms, four science labs, a library, a 25-metre swimming pool and a student cafeteria, as well as a 200-square-metre gym. Up to 450 students across all class levels are expected to attend the French School’s new campus. The school, whose curriculum is based on the French education system, originally opened its doors in 1979. “The project is expected to be completed at the end of 2015,” the school’s board said. “Through this new campus, the school will open new horizons for international education in the Sultanate.” The Ministry of Housing provided the land for the new campus, while the French government is also contributing to the project.
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GALLERY
Art E x h ibition
Annual display of art by British School muscat students from year 11 - 13 at the Omani society for fine arts, shatti, muscat
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OMAN IN 43 OBJECTS
Oman’s national 29. football jersey
J
ust because Oman didn’t make it to the World Cup, it doesn’t mean that you can’t proudly wear the team’s jersey during the month-long football fest. Known as The Red Warriors, Oman’s national team are decked out in a red jersey that sports a green and white trim around the neck. The Oman Football Association (OFA) logo completes the look. The team, coached by Frenchman Paul Le Guen and captained by Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Ali al Habsi, have changed their kit a few times in the past. The current kit was launched by the OFA in May 2012 as part of the quest to qualify for this year's World Cup. Designed by Taj Oman, the OFA also signed up Italian sportswear maker Kappa in February to produce the team’s kit for four years.
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MOVIES MOVIES For more information and times, go to: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641 a trans-Pacific flight, the film portrays a harrowing journey in which a group of passengers meet their grisly end at the hands of an evil entity. Director Takashi Shimizu’s horror flick enjoys a long delayed release and, like a plane itself, is better late than never – just.
7500
22 Jump Street A large number of cinephiles who saw 21 Jump Street will have rejoiced at the news that rising stars Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill are to produce a sequel to their highly successful 2012 comedy. Fresh from busting a high school drug-dealing ring in the first movie, the pair are back in a logical follow on. This time, the two unconventional and unruly policemen are sent by deputy chief Hardy (Nick Offerman) to university, where they try to expose a narcotics ring. Quite frankly, it’s an unashamed rerun of the first film, but this time it’s bigger, better and funnier. Produced by the two leading actors
themselves, Tatum and Hill obviously know they’re on to a good thing – and it shows. Their characters play to their different strengths, with Tatum throwing himself into an undercover “jock” role while Hill plays college party animal Morton Schmidt as they try to catch the campus criminals. But their different lifestyles at college inevitably lead to a questioning of their friendship and professional partnership. However, as fans of the first movie will know – it’s the brotherly chemistry between the two that realigns their friendship and, ultimately, really sells the film. Review by Tom Robertson
PREVIEW
Bad Words Director Jason Bateman could have picked a more exciting subject than a spelling competition for his most recent movie but, bizarrely, the choice seems to have actually worked. The director himself stars as Guy Trilby, a 40 year old who exploits a loophole to hijack a spelling competition, which leads to a curious reporter (Kathryn Hahn) trying to unearth his true motivation. An unlikely friendship ensues with a young fellow competitor to whom he teaches the more adult ways of the world. The language is blue, but the sporadic humour just about keeps the film going until the closing credits.
IN W O T E NC CHA R U O Y B A R G KETS IC T A M E TWO CITY CIN
If you do not like flying and are afraid of ghosts and ghoulies, then avoid this film at all costs. Set aboard
A Case of You Justin Long stars as Sam in a film that reminds us that if you tell a lie, you have to maintain it. Having created a somewhat embellished online profile to attract the girl of his dreams, Sam soon finds himself struggling under the weight of keeping up appearances in this gentle romantic comedy.
Football Focus Bend it Like Beckham
Football may exist in a world of global glamour, but the top footy films oddly revolve around the game at the grassroots level. One of the most successful and charming football films to be made, Bend It Like Beckham features Keira Knightley, in her breakthrough role, and Parminder Nagra as Jess, a young female footballer desperate to prove her mettle on the pitch.
TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN just answer a question based on the week's cinema reviews and send your answers to info@y-oman.com, along with your name and contact information. Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions see voucher. Contact: Movie enquiries 24607360
Charming and humorous, it reveals so much more than a peek into local football. It’s also a light and interesting observation into the challenges of young people fitting in and how they attain their dreams.
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THIS WEEKS QUESTION Who stars as Jess in Bend It Like Beckham? LAST WEEKS WINNER Eshan Waghe
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Enrol
NOW
Young Masterchef June
20
Axis Events will host Oman’s first foam party with DJ Katerina, DJ Dovie and DJ Um Ailana at Al Nahda Resort & Spa. Entry is RO10 per person and the party begins at 6pm and ends at 3am. For details and booking, call +968 94101162/98805071 or visit www.axisroyal.com
THIS
What to do.
WEEK U
What to hear.
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Art Smart
Rev up your knowledge on all things artistic by enrolling in an art history summer course at Bait Al Zubair this month. Courses offered include Bauhaus to conceptual art (15-19) and photography to the future of art (22- 26). To secure a spot, email baz@baitalzubair.com or call 2208 4700.
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Until June 26
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What to see.
Time to get junior into the kitchen to learn some culinary skills. Sign him, or her, up to the Junior Chef Summer Special, where your child will learn all about cooking and food safety over a month at the National Hospitality Institute. Dates July 6 -10, 13 -17, 20 - 24 and 27 - 31, lessons 3pm6pm. Cost: 8 -12 years RO75 and 13 - 19 years RO96. Uniforms provided. For information, call 2481 6313 or WhatsApp +968 98246267. Email businesscentre@nhioman.com
June 18
Coffee & Cake
Fun with Foam
THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE
Join the Women’s Guild Oman for its Wednesday Coffee Morning at Gloria Jeans in Qurum, near the Fun Zone at Qurum Natural Park. It’s a great way to meet new people or catch up with old friends. You can also pre-register for the new membership year 2014-2015. From 10am-12 noon. Further details at www.womensguildoman.com
June
19-25
Teen Trauma
JUNE
12-15
An award-winning member of the International Association of Human Values (www.iahv.org), Muralidhar Koteshwar, will be hosting a series of training sessions for anyone involved in education, be they teachers, parents or students. The sessions include a “Stress Free Workshop” on the 12th and 15th for teachers, and “Know Your Child” and “Know Your Teens” on the 15th between 4.30pm-9.30pm. For details and reservations, contact +968 99098215/92801152. Prior registration is mandatory.
A Family Affair Head to the Modern Shopping Family Exhibition for a preRamadan retail blitz at the Oman International Exhibition Centre, Seeb. The exhibition features toys, clothes, jewellery and food, perfect for Eid gifts. For more information, visit www. omanexhibitions.com
ROOF TOP CLUB
GoldenTulipSeebHotel
@GoldenTulipSeeb
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THE GREATEST FOOTBALL CARNIVAL
B rou g h t to you by
World Cup 2014 is ready to begin and you won’t miss a thing with Y’s weekly coverage
Drama
A
fter a build-up of four years, a race to get the stadiums ready in time and endless hype, the rhetoric is over and it’s time for the football boots to do the talking. The road to Rio began in 2011 with the first qualifying matches, and the hosts, Brazil, will kick-off the World Cup finals under the floodlights of the Arena de Sao Paulo. It will all end with the final match at the Estadio Do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro. It all comes down to 32 teams, filled with superstar multimillion dollar players, performing on the biggest football stage in the world. At stake is national pride, players’ quest for glory and desire to get hands on the most sought after and recognised sports prize – the FIFA World Cup Trophy. The Rio final will take place on July 13, kicking off at 11pm (Oman time). But before then, we can expect the next four weeks to be filled with drama, goals, fouls, tears, cheers, triumph and despair. It’s what the World Cup is all about – there really is nothing like it on earth.
Watch It
While no GCC team has qualified for the tournament finals, interest is still high in the football-mad Middle East. About 400 visas have been issued to Omani residents to travel to Brazil for the World Cup. More could make the journey after the group matches when the knockout stages begin. If you’re planning to watch at home, or on a big screen, just remember the time difference. Oman is seven hours ahead of Brazil so the games will be at night or, in some cases, in the early hours. Matches will be broadcast live between 8pm-4am in Oman and the UAE. - Speaking of which, work productivity in the Middle East is expected to go down during the World Cup, according to a survey. Offices can expect staff to arrive late, skip work altogether or be too tired to contribute much due to keeping late hours, says online recruitment firm GulfTalent. * Check out where to watch the action in Muscat with our guide on p25
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The World Cup has not even started and there’s already been enough theatrics for a soap opera plot. Cameroon’s players refused to board their airplane to fly to Brazil after a row about bonuses (now resolved), construction is going to the wire to finish some of the stadiums with hours to go and the opening could be chaotic if an ongoing subway workers’ strike in Sao Paulo isn’t resolved. The city’s metro is vital to shuttle fans around the traffic-choked city. About 24,000 supporters are expected to ride the metro to the host’s first game.
Who will win?
Hosts Brazil are red-hot favourites to win their sixth World Cup. On paper, they should be dead certs: no country have beaten Brazil on their home turf in almost 12 years. Argentina are second favourites followed by Germany and then the current holders, Spain.
The Trophy
The World Cup trophy has had a chequered past. The first trophy, the Jules Rimet Cup, was made in 1946. While on display in England in 1966 it was stolen before being discovered, with the help of a collie named Pickles, hidden in a suburban garden. A new trophy was commissioned for the 1974 World Cup in West Germany. That was also stolen, in Rio de Janeiro in 1983, never to be seen again (it is believed thieves melted it down for the gold). The current trophy is 35cm inches high, weighs 6.17kg and is made of 18-carat gold.
It’s all Balls
When Messi & Co kick off, they will be using a ball manufactured in a factory thousands of kilometres away in Pakistan – and the chances are it was made by a woman in an abaya and niqab. The FIFA-approved “Brazuca” football has been made in the Forward Sports Factory in Sialkot, a town in eastern Pakistan. The factory has been working with Adidas since 1995 and supplies match balls for some of the world’s top football competitions. About 90 per cent of those who worked on the RO61 “Brazuca” ball were women.
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WHO ARE YOU SUPPORTING?
Y Magazine heads out and about to find out which World Cup teams will be getting support from Oman’s residents
Name: Yahya al Najashi Age: 31 From: Al Khoud, Muscat Which team will you be supporting? Argentina Why? Because that’s the team that Lionel Messi plays for. I’m a big fan of his.
Name: Craig Reed Age: 27 From: Ghubra, Muscat Which team will you be supporting? England Why? I’m from England but I also feel a bit sorry for them so I want to see them do well. I see a lot of passion among the supporters so I really want them to do well this time.
Name: Richard Saren Age: 24 From: Qurum, Muscat Which team will you be supporting? Brazil Why? I love Brazil’s playing style and the way that they put 100 per cent effort into each and every game.
Name: Deborah Shannon Age: 34 From: Al Hail, Muscat Which team will you be supporting? England and Ghana Why? England because being English I feel that I have to but I’ll also be supporting Ghana because my husband and I spent a year living there.
Name: Alia al Harthy Age: 35 From: Al Hail, Muscat Which team will you be supporting? Iran Why? I visited the country and found that the Iranian people were so very friendly and hospitable so I’d like to see them do well.
Name: Saif Abdullah Age: 16 From: Wadi Zekt Which team will you be supporting? Argentina Why? Lionel Messi plays for Argentina and he’s my favourite player out of all the footballers.
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Poochy
Brazil vs Croatia
Pet Predictor
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Soon to be one of Oman’s iconic pets, Y’s Poochy is here to give you top tips on the tournament’s crucial matches
nimals have a proud history of providing the inside track on World Cup matches, with all creatures great and small getting in on the football action. Perhaps the most famous match predictor from the animal kingdom was Paul the Octopus, from Germany, who shot to world fame during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Picking one of two boxes, each marked with a national flag and containing food, Paul managed a staggeringly successful prediction rate of 85 per cent in the 2010 tournament. Sadly, Paul has gone to the big fish tank in the sky, but his spirit lives on – there’s also Mani the Parakeet of Singapore and England’s Roo the Psychic Dog. Roo allegedly already has a psychic pedigree after successfully predicting the winner of the English Premier League, Manchester City. It seems everyone has their favourite, from the small to the absurdly large, as Citta, an Indian elephant at Krakow Zoo in Poland, goes head-to-head with Fred the Ferret from the Ukraine. But stepping up to the plate, or paper, we should say, in Oman is Poochy. The Seeb resident recently made her first prediction for the tournament’s high-pressure opening game. Assessing the options before her in two paper envelopes – and, we should add, with no enticement of food at all – Poochy wasted no time in choosing a winner. After just a tiny “paws”, in which she took a sniff of the envelope marked “Brazil”, the precocious pet predictor turned to the Croatian envelope and, without further ado, sat her selfdown. The winner had been chosen. Not moving from her controversial choice for some time after, Poochy, it seems, has the courage of her convictions. Look out for the next edition of Y to see which teams she’ll be backing to win in their critical group matches.
PREVIEW
Brazil vs Croatia
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he stage is set, the teams are ready and the world’s biggest football festival is about to begin. The top 32 footballing nations will compete for the biggest prize of them all, but only one can be crowned king of world football. Brazil is hosting this tournament and considers itself a top contender to claim the title on home turf. Brazil begins its campaign with a match against Croatia in Sao Paulo tonight (June 12). The opening game will give fans worldwide their first glimpse of a team that is a strong favourite to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Following victory in last summer’s Confederations Cup thanks to a dazzling display by the team, the pressure is on for star striker Neymar and his cohort to go one further this summer. A young and exciting team, an experienced manager in Luiz Felipe Scolari and a strong sense of togetherness, this side has all the makings of a truly great team. Brazilian football is known for its flair and excitement and this current squad is no exception. With stars such as Neymar, Oscar, Hulk and Willian, goals are not the problem. While some argue that a lack of a world-class out-and-out striker will be a drawback, the performances of those in
Y’s human expert, Raid Bushara, favours Brazil to edge out Croatia in what should be a thrilling opening match of the World Cup
the midfield have shown that this team is not only capable of maintaining possession, but also converting in front of goal. Brazil’s defensive unit, surprisingly, is also just as solid. A back four that comprises Marcelo, Dani Alves, David Luiz and the ever-reliable Thiago Silva is one that very few countries possess and one that has proved itself time and time again. However, we must not forget Croatia. A nation used to competing at the highest level, it too possesses a side that is more than capable of causing an upset. The Croatian midfield is packed with quality players, with Luka Modric and Ivan Rakiti providing star quality following great seasons with their club sides. Up front, they have one of the world’s best strikers in Mario Mandzukic. But to limit Brazil’s attacking fluidity, expect Croatia to abandon their usual possession-based approach and set up very defensively with the possibility of hitting on the break. Ultimately, and as is the case with such matches, the team with the most ambition to score and the most quality in midfield will find a way through and win, which is why the safe bet is on a comfortable win for the home side in what will be one of the greatest opening games in recent World Cup history.
Key matches this week Only the best of the best qualify for the FIFA World Cup and so every game is definitely worth watching. To make it easier, Raid Bushara reviews some of the biggest matches over the coming week in what promises to be a fascinating first round of games
Brazil vs Mexico (June 17)
In what is considered to be a classic rivalry, games between these nations are always interesting and even sometimes quite edgy. A lot will be at stake here as a predicted second victory for the hosts will allow them to enter the knockout phase of the tournament, marking the end of experimentation. However, Mexico will also have a lot to play for as second spot in this group will always be up for grabs with both Croatia and Cameroon fancying their chances of qualifying too. Expect a tense encounter, but a win for Brazil.
(June 13)
In a repeat of one of the tetchiest, ugliest World Cup finals in recent years, the Netherlands will be out for revenge against a Spain side that ended their dream of becoming world champions. Now managed by Louis van Gaal, the Dutch will be the toughest test Spain has faced in quite a while. However, Spain’s irresistible possession-based “tiki taka” is still devastating. With the likes of Xavi and Andrés Iniesta passing the ball better than most, expect plenty of goalscoring opportunities for “La Roja”. Spain are the team to beat, but it will be a game too close to call between two world class sides.
England vs Italy (June 14)
England always goes into World Cups with the expectation of winning the trophy. But this year, expectations seem to not be as high, which in many ways could help Roy Hodgson’s side this summer. An exciting blend of experience and youth makes England very unpredictable at this World Cup. England face an Italian side that is, well, extremely Italian – but with a twist. Defensively, as is the case with most Italian sides, solid play is a guarantee. This side does not concede goals easily. Governed in midfield by Andrea Pirlo and supplied with goals by Mario Balotelli, Italy will be a threat.
Spain vs Netherlands
Germany vs Portugal (June 16)
This is a match that many are considering to be between Germany and Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2013 Ballon d’Or winner has had a tremendous season with Real Madrid, winning both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. If anyone can guide this Portugal side through the group stages, it is Ronaldo. Germany, on the other hand, are among the favourites for the competition and with quality all over the field, they are a side to fear. The real key in this game, and its outcome, is whether Ronaldo features and whether he is in a condition to have a telling impact on proceedings. JUN 12 - 18 / ISSUE 324
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National Defender
Oman’s national football team manager Paul Le Guen talks to Tom Robertson about the hot picks for this year’s World Cup – and Oman’s future footballing aspirations
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ossing a football to Paul Le Guen and seeing the way he interacts with it reveals his profession immediately. The ball is always under his total command as he casually kicks it up and down. But as well as his former worldclass footballing prowess, it’s his skills as a coach that led him to Oman’s shores in June 2011. And it’s this transition to the Gulf region that Le Guen recognises brings certain challenges and differences. “In many countries in Europe, football is very professional. Here in Oman, we’re becoming more and more professional and we have improved. We know that if we don’t, we won’t be able to compete with the best nations in the world,” concedes the 50 year old. “People do understand this, though. We have to change our way of preparing and our way of training.” It’s that change in training that has led Le Guen to insist on
Win!
Y has an official Adidas World Cup football signed by Oman’s national coach, Paul Le Guen, to give away. For your chance to win, just email the answer to the following question to editor@y-oman.com by Monday (16). How many times has Paul Le Guen represented France in international football?
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footballers being in peak physical condition, as well as technically advanced in their ball skills. “When I first arrived, I wasn’t after a revolution, I just wanted an evolution. A great job had been done before I came here. What I tried to do was convince Paul Le Guen everybody that without the W Oman national highest levels of fitness, you can’t football team manager compete. I think we’ve improved W Played for club this part of our game.” sides Brest, Nantes Although Le Guen points and Paris St Germain to the improvement in form – as a defender. Oman met with relative success in the qualifying stages of the W 17 caps for France World Cup – the Sultanate sadly W Managed teams won’t be one of the teams on Rennes, Lyon, show at Brazil 2014. Rangers, Paris St “So will you now start to focus Germain, Cameroon on Russia 2018?” I ask. and Oman. “It’s too early to start discussing that,” he replies. “What we’re focusing on right good decision by picking a few new now is the Asian Cup. We have to players, but he kept the backbone of compete with the favourite teams. the team. They will be a tough team In our group, that’s Australia and to beat, although the Netherlands Korea Republic. It will be tough, and Chile will be tricky in their but I think that we have refreshed group. It’s a difficult start, but if they and improved the team and we still can get through this stage, I think have time to prepare well.” they will be a very dangerous team Regardless of Oman’s progress at in the later matches.” international tournaments, all eyes Le Guen is no stranger to playing at the moment are on the World international matches himself, with Cup. 17 caps for France. Although he “I’ll be watching,” Le Guen was part of the French team which confirms. “As a coach, I have to. lost out on a trip to the World I won’t go this time, but I’ve been Cup in 1994, he’s still one of the before and seen the passion that the best people to ask about the huge Brazilians play with.” pressures that the footballing stars But then I have to ask the millionare facing in Brazil. rial question – who will go far? “You have to realise that it’s Who are Le Guen’s top picks this a great feeling,” says Le Guen. tournament? “You’re aware that it’s a great “I have two favourites this time. privilege to play at such an event First, Brazil, because they have a and all the players are used to good team and are playing at home. these kinds of big games as well. Second, Spain, because they have All season long they’re playing in a great team and a good coach important matches such as the [Vicente Del Bosque]. He made a Champions League and most are
used to huge pressure. “But it will be very difficult for Brazil. Perhaps the Brazilian people expect too much. The team are expected to win each match three or four nil – but that won’t be the case and then there will be criticism. It will be difficult for the squad to cope.” Le Guen has been so open about his thoughts on the World Cup and Oman’s team, I almost feel guilty about asking my final question. But it has to be done. “Are you sad that Oman won’t be there?” I ask with a touch of reluctance. “We were a little bit unlucky in qualifying. But we have to be proud of what we have achieved and to keep our chin up,” he says with conviction. “Just to play at this level is an achievement already. But we have to go further, to improve and to compete with the best teams in the world.”
BRAZIL ON THE BOX
Games will be shown on a combination of big TVs and a projector leaving guests to relax in the gardens of Kargeen Caffé while their food and drinks are served. It’s also a great place to go to for those that like their football with a side of shisha. For details, contact 2469 9055 or info@kargeencaffe.com
Al Ghazal Bar, Intercontinental Hotel
Tche Tche, Qurum Nawras and Al Wisal 96.5 FM radio are bringing enthusiastic football fans a series of exciting prizes and offers for visitors to the ever so trendy Tche Tche café at Qurum. Live games will be accompanied by daily giveaways, followed by live broadcasts. For details, contact 2457 1313
Duke’s Bar, Crowne Plaza Muscat
Die-hard football fans of Muscat can come together in the friendly atmosphere of O’Malley’s at the Radisson Blu. In football season the mood resembles a fiesta, with excitement levels overflowing, complete strangers becoming friends and loud cheers and groans ringing throughout the bar as the games unfold live on the large screen. O’Malley’s has also introduced special offers while it showcases the matches. You can get a “Fifa O’Malley’s value card” (available on request), a loyalty card that comes with goodies like free meals and overnight stays. They have also introduced “two for the price of one” offers on popular beverages in different categories. For details, contact 2448 7777 or visit muscatwww.radissonblu.com/hotel
Beirut Restaurant
Kargeen Caffé
The Ramadanak at Marjan Lounge will be one of the venues showing the games. So this Ramadan, lighten up and unwind in their closed, air conditioned spaces at the Lounge. Watch the action live on large screens and get great deals on traditional Ramadan beverages along with a lavish selection of Arabic mezze. There is no entrance fee but there will be a minimum consumption fee at the Marjan Lounge. Stay tuned for the Holy month of Ramadan for giveaways presented by Bank Muscat. The Habana Sports Bar will be one of the cheering zones at the Grand Hyatt for the enthusiastic fans in Muscat. There is no entrance fee. For details, contact 2464 1234 or visit www.muscat.grand. hyatt.com
O’ Malley’s at the Radisson Blu
THE Grand Hyatt Muscat
So the World Cup is finally here and now it’s all about securing the best seats to watch the games. If you would rather not be an armchair fan at home, there are plenty of places across Muscat to catch the action and join fellow football supporters as they come together to celebrate the great event that is the Copa do Mundo da FIFA. So whether you’re cheering for the hosts, Brazil, current world champions Spain or any of the 30 other teams, head down to any of these locations to join in the fun and thrilling atmosphere. Guide by Akshaya Ramalingam and Shishira Sreenivas
The games will be screened live at the Al Ghazal pub between June 12 and June 26 (until Ramadan). The bar is hoping to be open longer hours for all the late-night action. For details, contact 2468 0000
Although it’s the balcony of the Crowne Plaza that offers one of the most scenic vistas in town, the best seats during the World Cup will be found inside. Duke’s bar will be showing the group stage matches on a combination of TVs and projector until Ramadan begins. For details, contact cpmuscat@ihg.com For or 2466 0660
Located behind SABCO shopping centre in Qurum, Beirut Restaurant is totally committed – they’ll be showing every match from day one, including those that end in the early hours of the morning. There’s a big screen TV and also dedicated smoking and nonsmoking areas. For details, contact 2456 8411
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FOOTBALL FREE ZONES So you’re not a soccer fan and are dreading the thought of non-stop World Cup for a whole month? Y is here to help with a guide by Shishira Sreenivas on how to escape the action
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n case you’ve missed all the hype that has been building up since the beginning of the year, the biggest tournament in football is now upon us. From today (June 12), four weeks of non-stop football is going to flood almost every bit of space in the Sultanate. While Oman might not have made the finals this time, the country loves its football, so we can expect World Cup fever to be just as frenzied here as it is in other parts of the world. Cafes, restaurants and malls will be joining the bandwagon. Screens will be blaring out games day and night. Which is great if you’re a fan, but not so good if you aren’t a lover of the so-called beautiful game. I don’t even pretend to be ambivalent about football. It’s just not my thing. I don’t understand the difference between a penalty and a free kick – and don’t get me started on the offside rule. In short, I just don’t get it. So, if you, like me, are looking to escape the football frenzy that’s going to take over our city, indeed country, I have compiled a list of things you can do to get away from the fanatical, screaming fans for some much needed peace and sanity.
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The mountains are calling: The Sultanate has an amazing range of mountains that provide not only breathtaking views, but a host of options for outdoor activities like camping and hiking. With summer in full swing, getting away for a weekend in the mountains will not only free you from the football mania, but the fierce sun too with cooler temperatures. Head to Jebel Akhdar (the Green Mountain) and set up camp or go up Jebel Shams, at 3,028 metres the highest peak in the Arabian Peninsula, where you’ll be too high up to hear the cries of football fans.
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Resorts and private beaches: The quiet, serene and opulent setting of a resort with its own private beach will be the perfect getaway for die-hard football haters to relax and unwind. Markus Iseli, General Manager at The Chedi Muscat says the hotel is staying away from the football hype this world cup season so it might just be the perfect haven for those looking to escape the mania. “The FIFA World Cup is an exciting event for football lovers around the world, however for non-football fans The Chedi Muscat offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle and the ultimate pampering in sublime serenity to avoid the crowds. The hotel site on 21 acres of gardens, and has three temperature controlled pools to cool off in and a state-of-the art spa where you can unwind and relax in ultimate privacy without being distressed.”
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An alternative watch party: While all football fans gather to watch the matches and support their beloved teams, anti-footballers could do the same and host a watch party with all the trimmings, like snacks and beverages, but without the football. Instead, watch a favourite film or binge-watch a series that you might not have had the time to catch up on. Catching the latest blockbuster on the big screen is also an idea, especially now that VOX Cinemas is here.
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Shopping: Nothing is as soothing as retail therapy. Surely, football fans are too busy watching the games to waste their precious time in shops. Hitting the mall could offer uninterrupted time to restock your wardrobe or redecorate your living space. Markaz Al Bahja Mall is a football-free zone, so is an ideal haven away from the vuvuzelas, or whatever wretched noise-maker is in fashion this time around.
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Reading: Time to work your way through the list of “must-read” books that you’ve been meaning to do for so long. Switch off the television and settle down with a good book, it’s great escapism for a few hours. Turn it into a family event by reading with your children.
Digital detox: While reading will cut you off from the screen-centric life for a bit, why not go the whole way and try a digital detox for a weekend? This will mean no smartphones, no Internet – nor any WhatsApp notifications. Not only will this get you away from the endless matches, punditry and re-runs of goals, it will also get you off the grid and detox your mind.
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Hit the gym: You might find the gyms a little quieter as football fans bed down on their sofas with snacks and fast foods for marathon game watching. While the others pile on the kilos, a month-long commitment to working out could leave your football-loving friends envious of your toned body. Desert trips: You won’t find any televisions out in the Empty Quarter, just lots of sand, dunes and silence. There shouldn’t be a single thing remotely football-related, making it, possibly, the ideal getaway.
Outer limits: The ultimate escape would be to get out of this world and head to outer space, but the cost might be a little prohibitive.
So there you have it. If you indulge in any of the above ideas, the World Cup might not be the bane of your life after all. 026
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food and drink
Trend
New Restaurant
Reviews
snack attack
Hosting a World Cup party and can’t get past boring crisps and a dip? Check out Y’s delicious alternatives.
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TREND New Restaurant
Ideal match for the big kick-off With the whistle about to blow, Shishira Sreenivas serves up some tasty dishes for football fans planning to host a World Cup party
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t’s World Cup time and so out come the football shirts, face paint and plans to host a party. However, no World Cup watching party is complete without some scrumptious finger food to munch. As the games will be played according to Brazil’s time zone, football fans in the Sultanate are in for a whole lot of late-night cheering. While crisps and fizzy drinks seem like the most obvious options to feed grumbling tummies late into the night, here is a list of five delicious snacks that will not only be in keeping with the World Cup theme, but will add colour and taste to your palate, not to mention help you to keep a check on your waistline.
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Pastel: To honour the World Cup hosts, the pastel is a must. It is one Brazil’s most-loved snacks. These homemade fried delicacies are fairly easy to make and take very little time. While ground beef and cheese are the most common stuffing, you have every right to get creative and stuff it with your favourite meat. Munch on these crispy yet soft snacks as you wash it down with a cold beverage. It’s the perfect exotic snack to share with your fellow football fans as you cheer on your favourite team. Recipe: See right California club chicken wraps: These colourful wraps not only fill you up but, with grilled chicken, spinach tortillas, tomatoes, avocados and some of your favourite shredded cheese, also pack a good helping of some much-needed nutrients! It takes less than10 minutes to prepare these tasty bites if you have the ingredients at hand and they can be eaten cold or grilled. Recipe: www.allrecipes.com Nachos and cheese: This ultimate finger snack is downright popular everywhere in the world simply because of how easily accessible and delicious it is. This is fail proof at any football watching party and the bowl always seems to need refilling. Usually very high in calories, you can switch to a healthier version by swapping the tortilla chips with wholegrain ones and substituting the melted cheese with some local low-fat hummus. It will still be crispy and very tasty! Parmesan spinach balls: Here’s a snack that’s bound to hit the spot for every vegetarian football lover out there. These healthy oven-baked goodies take only 10-15 minutes to prepare as they require only seven easily accessible ingredients. And they will surely appease even the most hardcore meat lover. Recipe: www.allrecipes.com Virgin Caipirinha: Considered the national beverage of Brazil, the Virgin Caipirinha is a refreshing chilled drink with lemon, orange and ginger beer. It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and will definitely quench your thirst in this sultry weather. It’s the ideal drink to wash down any carb-filled snack you’re bound to have consumed. Recipe: top right Well, there it is! Get a shopping list ready as these colourful yet moderately healthy snacks are bound to impress your guests, as well as spice up your whole World Cup experience.
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News Recipes
Virgin Caipirinha Prep time: 10 minutes Ingredients: 1/2 diced lime, 1/2 small diced lemon, 1/2 small diced orange, 1 sugar cube, ginger beer and fresh mint to garnish (optional) Method: l Place the fruit in a mixing glass. l Add the sugar cube and a dash of ginger beer. l Muddle to release the juices. l Strain into an oldfashioned glass filled with crushed ice. l Top with ginger beer. l Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint on top of the drink if desired. l Serve with a straw. * Source: www.food.com
Pastel with meat and cheese filling Ingredients: l 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil l 1 medium onion, finely diced l 2 garlic cloves, minced l 340g lean ground beef l 1 large tomato, chopped l ½ tablespoon sugar l ½ tablespoon chilli paste l Salt and ground black pepper l 3 tablespoons scallions, finely chopped l 113g Gouda, cubed l 16 rounds of empanada dough l Vegetable oil for frying Method: In a skillet over a mediumhigh heat, combine olive oil and onions. Cook the onions until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until brown, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes, sugar and chilli paste. Cook until tomatoes are soft and incorporated into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat, fold in scallions. Set aside to cool. To assemble, place the empanadas on a flat surface, spoon one tablespoon of the meat mixture on them and top with a cube of cheese. Fold over, crimp the sides with a fork and deep fry until golden. Let stand for three minutes. * Source: www.cynthiapresser.com
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food and drink
Trend
New Restaurant Info Box Samba
Al Waha Hotel, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Al Jissah Street, Qantab, Muscat Tel: 2477 6565 Opening Hours: Breakfast 6.30am11am, Lunch 12 noon-3pm & Dinner 6.30pm-11pm. Dinner for three people, including soft drinks: RO48 Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals
Latin Flavour
You’ve read about the country and are going to watch the games, but will Brazilian cuisine match the World Cup hype? Kate Ginn finds out
B
efore I headed off to dabble in South American food, someone asked me what I would be eating – and I couldn’t answer. My mind went blank. I couldn’t for the life of me think what Brazilian dishes there would be. Someone mentioned fried tarantulas and snakes as I left my flat, but obviously they were joking… Thankfully, there wasn’t a sign of any reptiles or arachnids on arrival at Samba, a restaurant in the family Al Waha Hotel at Shangri-La. The lunch serving was due to end at 3pm and we arrived with half an hour to go, but the staff were unconcerned and showed our party to a table overlooking the garden and pool. Décor was modern and a bit more sprinkling of Latino style wouldn’t have gone amiss. Apart from terracotta floor tiles and large colourful paintings, there wasn’t much of a flamboyant flair about the place. Aside from our table of three, there was one group and a lone female diner, although that was probably indicative of the time rather than the restaurant. It was a late lunch. The friendly, attentive waiters brought drinks swiftly and efficiently. My quest was to find a taste of Brazil to get into the spirit of the World Cup. Samba promotes itself as serving international cuisine with
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a mix of Asian, Latin American and I couldn’t work out what the salted Mediterranean fare. popcorn on the side was for, until I Flipping through the menu, it realised it seemed to cool the burn certainly lived up to the billing with on the tongue. everything from jalapeno peppers to Little one loved her salad with nachos, and seafood to pasta, along creamy buffalo mozzarella and juicy with a good vegetarian selection chunks of tomatoes. and Arabic dishes. There were, Having already bulked out the I’m pleased to report, no spiders or stomach with the bread basket – a other creepy crawlies to be seen. little disappointed here with the A nice touch is the open-show packets of butter, which looked a bit kitchens allowing customers to cheap – the adults opted to share watch the chefs at work preparing the Brazilian vatapa-style shrimp their food. with the South American speciality We were hungry and wanted to of sweet potato and yucca (a desert get stuck into the best that plant) croquettes from Brazil. Brazil had to offer. For Mini diner got a plate VERDICT: starters, we kicked off of steaming spaghetti with Ranchero smoked bolognese with garlic 10 chicken wings with bread on the side, a huge Excellent service, food needs to chipotle chilli jam and helping, which saw her catch up the Equador ceviche eyes go as wide as saucers (marinated fish and in surprise. It was an adult shellfish cooked in lime juice). serving and at just 11 years Our younger diner went for the old, a bit much. She did her best caprese salad. to climb the pasta mountain and There was no elegant way to eat polished off a respectable half before the wings and the accompanying bowing out with no disgrace. The jam had a powerful kick like Brazil’s adults, meanwhile, were making star striker Neymar, followed by inroads into the prawns, which came a slow burn that lingered on the smothered in a coconut-cashew tongue for some time. In contrast, and dried shrimp gravy. While the the ceviche with shrimp, red onion, sauce’s texture and brown colour orange juice, cilantro, tomatoes and were not the most appealing, it chili was refreshing with a more tasted better than it looked, with refined zing. Scooped up on corn a definite undercurrent of shrimp. chips, there was a nice crunch, too. The prawns, however, were a bit
7
overcooked and chewy, and the rice too gloopy, rather than fluffy. Overall, though, it wasn’t bad. The star of the mains, though, was the croquettes, smothered in a spicy tomato sauce, and the unusual flavour of the yucca coming subtly through. Our waiter fluttered back and forth like a butterfly, checking we were happy. A few more waifs and strays had drifted into the restaurant by then and, while it was long past the official closing time, were welcomed in with a smile. And so we sambaed our way to pudding. The signature dish is the samba chocolate trio, but we fancied the flan of the day, a goat’s milk caramel with fresh berries. Two caramels were served, one looking lighter with a different shape and texture to the other. No matter, both had the same sweet tang, though only glimpses of the goat ingredient were shown to the palate. I had expected, and hoped for, a more pungent showing from the goat. Our request for a side of strawberry ice cream for little Miss was obliged with no fuss and she cleared it away like a pro. It was a meal of two halves. The first was a better performance, but it was an all-round good result for Brazil, albeit one with room for improvement.
Indexing the media landscape
HEALTH& BEAUTY
SOCCER STYLE
For those who want a World Cup-worthy look, sport manufacturers such as Adidas, Nike and Reebok are all hawking new lines this summer. The most obvious choice is the classic football shirt or a souvenir tee.
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Health
Beauty
fashion
FASHION
If your national team isn’t in the World Cup, settle for Brazil’s home shirt for RO36 from Kitbag.
KICKS
Crew’s soft-stretch denim shorts have frayed edges and are lightly distressed for a lived-in feel. Wear this faded mid-blue pair with your World Cup top. From RO48, although you can get them cheaper at Muscat’s Brands For Less.
Football has never been so fashionable. As the FIFA World Cup begins, manufacturers of everything from high-end televisions to T-Shirts have fallen in love with the beautiful game, says Penny Fray
O
ne of the best things for me about football – particularly in a World Cup year – is, apart from appreciating the ball skills of all those good looking players, the opportunity to dress differently. In fashion terms, that means leaving behind our ordinary dayto-day uniforms – no matter how chic – and opting for something that looks brighter and feels a bit freer. I’ll be honest here, when I was asked to write this piece, I cried. You see, I hate football. And I particularly dislike naff, novelty items with flags attached to them. Even worse, I shudder when thinking of images of half-naked Brazilian woman and tight football shirts worn by men with, to put it kindly, oversized bellies. Thankfully, the selection of football-themed clothing is rather on the compact side here in Muscat. I find that the cheaper the outlet, the more likely you are to find South American-themed gear. So I decided to embrace the World Cup carnival vibe currently gripping Brazil – to wear the magical colours of the Brazilian flag. Yellow is seriously hot this season, as is green, and if you have to buy just one item then make it a pair of Havaianas – the flip-flops are just perfect for dealing with the Muscat heat. However, a word of warning: if you’re thinking of the whole football kit – shirt, shorts, socks – then don’t. Leave that to the players on the pitch. Instead, pick just one item of clothing and co-ordinate it with your fashion favourites. A football top looks particularly cute with a pair of jeans or cut-off shorts. Alternatively, even cuter, dress your child or dog in a Brazilian top and use them as your ultimate accessory.
How adorable is this World Cupthemed shopping bag from Accessorize? It’s designed in such a way that you can keep using it even after the event is over. From RO12.5.
These fringed earrings from H&M are not only seriously fashion forward, they tap into Brazil’s party vibe at RO5.
Get your pets in on the footballing action with this Brazilian dog coat. You can get them from various online outlets, but we got ours from George at Asda from RO4.
SPORTING LIFE
No self-respecting Brazilian would go out without a pair of Havaianas flipflops. This neonchartreuse pair has a comfortable and flexible rubber sole. From RO13.5 at Neta-Porter.
Get into the carnival mood with these Riostyle beads, also available in Accessorize from RO5.
1. Why not mix World Cup fever with this season’s focus on the athletic trend? Think hi-tech fabrics, go-faster stripes and retro inspired plimsoles. 2. Pairing tracksuit bottoms with trainers is a no-no unless you’re vertically blessed. Go instead for sandals or skate shoes to give the ankle a bit of breathing space. 3. Beware of wearing 2014 World Cup pieces unless they’re cheap. They date quickly.
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HEALTH& BEAUTY
Health
Beauty
Fashion
Wakey
Wakey!
With some World Cup matches kicking off in the early hours of the morning due to the time difference, making sure you get enough sleep will keep you at the top of your game, says Shishira Sreenivas
H
ow many times did you have to hit the snooze button before finally dragging yourself out of the bed this morning? I hit mine three times with five-minute intervals and still managed to oversleep. Maybe it’s my body telling me something. Hitting the sack at 2am after a long day at work only to have to get up again just four hours later is doing more damage than you can imagine – it definitely did for Arianna Huffington. The co-founder and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media Group experienced her personal wake-up call when she, literally, collapsed from exhaustion and lack of sleep, resulting in a nasty gash over one of her eyes and a broken cheekbone. It made her wonder – is this really what success feels like? It inspired her to write her book, Thrive, in which she urges people to measure success not just in terms of money and power, but exploring other things such as inner self, wonder and wisdom. Our fast-paced 24/7 world is leading us to an epidemic of exhaustion and stress-related illnesses. Huffington points out that some people even get a perverse pleasure out of not getting enough sleep. Sadly, some find it strangely gratifying to boast about their lack of sleep at work, as though there is a direct relation between not getting enough shut-eye and success. While its commonplace to think that success is defined by the number of hours you put in to your work, research suggests that a good night’s sleep can make you feel ready to take on the world. Adults actually require seven to eight hours of sleep every night to function optimally. The Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard University has found that sleep has a vital role to play in our daily lives. It is crucial for a robust immune system, metabolism, memory, learning and many other functions. Without adequate snooze time, you could be inviting negative short-term and long-term consequences. In the short term, the effects span from an inability to judge situations, mood swings and a reduced capacity to learn and retain information, to accidents and injury. In the
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long term, sleep deprivation might contribute to obesity, diabetes and even a shorter life. Former US president Bill Clinton was famous for getting just five hours of sleep a night. Later on, he candidly admitted: “Every important mistake I’ve made in my life, I’ve made because I was too tired.” The sleep gurus from the division of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School say that human beings should treat sleep just like other life-sustaining activities, such as eating and drinking, without which, our existence would dwindle. This means that just as you’re eager for the 12.30pm lunch break or your eight glasses of water every day, setting aside adequate slumber time is equally significant. Getting enough sleep has numerous benefits, according to Dr Aziz Alnamani, a specialist psychiatrist from Top Medical Care in Muscat. “A good night’s sleep definitely helps with weight management, appearance, athletic performance, memory, creativity and, most importantly, making informed decisions,” he says. If getting eight hours of straight sleep seems like a waste to your time-conscious brain, there might be a way to resolve the matter to help with your daily activities. While naps are in no way a replacement for adequate hours tucked up in bed, short naps of 20-30 minutes can help elevate mood, alertness and basic performance, says Dr Alnamani. A study by the US space agency NASA into tired military pilots and astronauts found that a 40-minute nap improved performance by 34 per cent and alertness by a whopping 100 per cent, according to sleepfoundation.org I guess a catnap before your afternoon meeting is not such a bad idea after all. So by all means stay up to watch a late-night World Cup match, but have an energising snooze beforehand. It could make all the difference. And getting some beauty sleep will help to banish the panda-eyed, bleary-faced look, too. Alternatively, give it a miss completely. Switch off your computer, turn off the TV, put down the phone and go to bed early. Sweet dreams.
Don’t Be a World Cup Sleepy Head
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Don’t insist on watching every World Cup game. Choose a few “must-sees” and stick to the schedule.
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Try to avoid fast food and snacking in front of the television.
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Healthy snacks will aid better sleep.
Keep your skin glowing by drinking lots of water. A hydrated body will help you to sleep better.
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Take a cat nap if you’re staying up for the games that kick off at midnight or, as in the case of some group matches, 2am.
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Don’t scream too loudly when your team scores a goal. You don’t want to wake the neighbours – they need their sleep, too.
BARBRA YOUNG ANSWERS YOUR FASHION QUESTIONS
If you have any fashion questions for Barbra, email info@y-oman.com or tweet #style @ytabloid Barbra Young, a former designer and retailer
Q.
IN W
STYLE COUNSEL
Beauty
w elo eb Se
Health
Fashion
We are going on holiday to Europe for three weeks and need help as I am a terrible packer! I always take too much, but never have the right thing to wear. This time, I want to look effortlessly chic. Our trip will involve visiting friends in a city and spending a week at a beach resort. I will only be able to take one suitcase. PG, Muscat
A.
It is liberating to travel light and still emerge looking stylish on every occasion – if you plan and don’t panic! Your travel outfit is key. Cropped stretch trousers, a T-shirt, light jacket, sandals, a large handbag and a colourful shawl that can be used as a cover on the flight, plus sunglasses and a straw hat, will see you looking chic as you pass through airports. Your list to pack should include: A summery dress, two pairs of long trousers – one casual and the other in a dark formal fabric – an extra pair of cropped trousers, a white shirt, three T-Shirts and two belts, one casual, the other dressy. Flat shoes, a pair of glam heels, an evening bag, two shawls, two pairs of swimmers, and a couple of statement necklaces and earrings. A fabulous kaftan is a must – this can take you from the beach to dinner. Select a colour palette, three maximum, and stick to it. The dress can be worn with sandals over a swimming costume, with flats for sightseeing or belted with heels for dinner. Place all your cosmetics and toiletries in a clear plastic zip bag to see everything easily. Lastly, roll your clothing tightly in your case – don’t fold! Folding leaves marks and that is not chic. As any good fashionista knows, accessories can lift an outfit from the ordinary to the extraordinary, which is why this jewellery from Italian boutique Reflection will make any look that extra bit special. Team the earrings, red with gold and white-gem inserts, with casual or evening wear. For a touch of glamour, wear the distinctive ring with silver and gems to add a bit of sparkle to your attire. In the third week of our month-long giveaway, one reader could win the earrings and ring by answering the following question: Which one of the following gemstones is red: a. Emerald b. Ruby c. Sapphire Email your answer and contact details to editor@y-oman. com by June 16. Last week’s winner is Zaina, with the correct answer of Rome.
The Glamour of Italian Fashion Now Open
Italian High Fashion Now Has An Address in Oman Reflection | Italian fashion & style | Al Maha Petrol Station , Al Mawaleh South | 5 minutes away from The Wave | Tel: +968 24184604 | GSM: +968 96342525 | E-mail: reflectioneventsmuscat@gmail.com | /Melis Reflection | @Reflection | melisbyreflection
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Postcards from
Indoors
Y- F i
Cars
CARS AND ADVENTURES
Tomb hunters
Clustered on a rocky hillside, ancient burial chambers, believed to be thousands of years old, stand in defiance of time.
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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES
D estination P o s t c a r d s f r o m
Y- F i
Indoors
Destination
Al Ayn Travel to a small village near Ibri in the north of the Sultanate for a fascinating insight into the burial customs of Oman’s ancient culture, says Jerzy Wierzbicki
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Cars
located near to each other means there are no long hikes to see the whole site, a blessing as we clambered out of the car and felt the full force of the summer heat. It was a pertinent reminder to cover any exposed parts of our bodies from the fierce rays. It was definitely a day for long, loose trousers and longsleeved shirts. As we set out on foot along the irregular path up the scree hillside, the 47°C registered by my thermometer brought cries of protest from my travelling companion, but at least the humidity was barely noticeable and we made steady progress. But it wasn’t far to the actual tombs and in just a few minutes, we were standing beside the peculiar stone structures. I noticed that most of them measured up to four metres across and possibly two to three metres high. Starting off with a wide round footprint, the walls of the tomb narrowed to give the impression of beehives, a reason for the tomb’s nickname. Made from stony blocks that lock into each other, I couldn’t help but marvel at how solid and impressive the structures were. And they haven’t escaped the attention of the international community. The tombs have been listed as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Bat and Al Khutm, since 1988. Unlike the ancient buildings found 30km to the south-west in Bat, Al Ayn hasn’t been excavated and some of the tombs are in a good state of preservation. It’s a remarkable feat considering that the tombs are believed to date from the 3rd Millennium BC. At that time, the area was known as Magan and historical sources indicate that it was a prime region for the extraction of copper. Even at this stage in Oman’s Bronze Age history, it’s believed that the metal was exported to as far away as Mesopotamia. In Bat, the tombs, which number more than 100, are spread over the hillsides. But at Al Ayn, they’re far more densely grouped, sometimes within just a few metres between the stone burial chambers. It’s a gift for those who want to photograph the area; ancient tombs stand beside one another in the foreground, while in the background Jebel Misht looms over the scene with saw-like jagged edges. While photographers such as myself appreciate the mountain for its photographic attributes, mountain climbers have also come to know and love Jebel Misht for its challenging routes. We’re lucky that here
in Oman, the Al Ayn tombs are just one of many fantastic historic sites. But there’s something special about this little collection of stone structures. They remind the visitor that they unequivocally deserve their place on the UNESCO list and are, as such, protected. If you do visit the site, take only photographs and leave only footprints. This location really deserves special attention and it is a sign of the rich culture that has graced Oman for thousands of years.
HOW TO GET THERE
travel guide
I
f, like me, you are always on the hunt for another adventure, then consider moving away from wild wadis and mountains. Consider instead, exploring time, or rather going back in time to Oman’s ancient past. The Sultanate is littered with fascinating sites where you can delve into the country’s rich cultural heritage. One of these is Al Ayn, where you’ll find the intriguing “Beehive” tombs. The first time I visited this unusual archaeological site, I was struck by its atmosphere. There was such a compelling spirit and soul there that I was keen to share it with a former colleague on her recent return to Oman. We didn’t have much time, but I knew the tombs should be a priority for anybody coming this way, or living here for that matter. We set out from Muscat in the morning and after three hours of leisurely driving, arrived at the village of Ayn, located off Road 21 between Ibri and Nizwa. This was to be one of my more relaxing journeys. There was no wadi bashing or thrashing my Land Cruiser over dune after dune. A tarmac road led gently along Wadi Al Ayn, through the village and passed just a few hundred metres from where a long row of tombs lined the crest of a small, rocky ridge. The fact that all 21 tombs are
The distance from Muscat is about 250km. The route is relatively straightforward. Travel out of Muscat on road 15 and drive past Nizwa and then Bahla in the direction of Ibri on road 21. After several dozen kilometres, you will see the turn off to
Amlah, where there is also a service station. Turn towards Amlah and follow the road into the wadi towards Al Ayn, where the tombs will appear on a small ridge on the left-hand side. You can park your vehicle on the roadside and walk to
the tombs. They are located about 300-400 metres from the road. A 4x4 car is not needed for this journey.
GPS location: 23°12’59.15”N 56°57’43.28”E
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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES
G N I K C I K
N O I T AC
The stage is set for an epic battle to crown champions in Oman’s very own football tournament with a difference 040
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Postcards from
A
ll eyes might be on Brazil as far as the world’s best professional footballers are concerned, but in Oman, teams will be taking on each other in their very own World Cup – of sorts. True, it might not be quite as prestigious as FIFA’s showcase event, but the amateur players taking part in the Red Bull Winning 5 will be just as passionate about winning as Rooney or Ronaldo. Being held for the first time in Oman, the knock-out tournament is five-a-side football with a twist – there’s no goalkeeper and when a goal is scored a player from the opposing team has to leave the field of play. Qualifiers have been taking place across the Sultanate – as far away as Salalah – since May. Teams in Muscat will be bidding for a place in the final qualifying games this weekend in Bawshar before the grand final on June 20. Of course, it’s not just all for the glory. The winning team will receive a cash prize of RO2,000. Not quite what Messi will earn if he scores the winning goal for Argentina in the World Cup final on July 13, but certainly enough to have made all the hard training worthwhile.
Y- F i
Cars
INDOORS
RED BULL WINNING 5 ● 224 teams and 1,120 players are taking part in the tournament ● The top 16 teams will contest the finals ● RO2,000 cash prize for the winning team, RO1,000 for the
runners-up and RO500 for third place For more information: redbull.com/winning5oman Like on Facebook: facebook.com/redbull Follow on Twitter: @redbulloman #winning5
THE RULES ● Five players in each team, but there is no goalkeeper ● Each game will last 10 minutes, five minutes each half ● A player is taken off the pitch every time the opposing team scores a goal ● Choosing the player to be taken off is the decision of the team captain who has five seconds to decide by pointing at the player ● The game ends when the whole team are wiped out or the 10 minutes is over ● If the time is up or there is a draw, there is a penalty shoot-out with a difference – two players will go one-on-one for 30 seconds ● Normal football rules apply ● Red and yellow cards are used
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CARS AND ADVENTURES TOWERING TRIBUTE
The statue of Christ the Redeemer keeps watch over the city of Rio de Janeiro. At 30 metres tall, not including the eightmetre pedestal, it weighs 635 tonnes.
Top 5 Places To Visit: 1. Sugarloaf Mountain 2. Christ the Redeemer statue 3. Tijuca Forest National Park 4. Santa Teresa 5. Copacabana Beach
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Destination
Indoors
Y-Fi
C a r s postcards from
Jane Thomas recommends
Rio de Janeiro A
warm Latino greeting awaits you in Rio. While Brasilia is actually the capital of Brazil, Rio, also known as “The Marvellous City” or “The City o f D r e a m s ” a n d o n e o f t h e h o s t s fo r t h e W o r l d C u p , i s t h e c i t y t h a t captures the imagination and best epitomises the outward glamour of this South American country. R i o w a s t h e l a s t s t o p o n m y B r a z i l i a n a d v e n t u r e . L e a v i n g t h e r a i n fo r e s t s a n d samba bands of Salvador behind, I was in need of some relaxation and luxury in the city that was Brazil’s capital between 1763 and 1960. With a sexy and s c i n t i l l a t i n g r e p u t a t i o n , i t l i v e s u p t o i t s b i l l i n g a t e v e r y t u r n . Fr o m t h e d r a m a t i c landmarks of Sugarloaf Mountain and the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, t o p o s t c a r d - p e r f e c t b e a c h e s l i k e C o p a c a b a n a a n d t h e fa m o u s a n n u a l C a r n i v a l , R i o h a s s o m e t h i n g fo r e v e r y o n e . B u t t h i s i s a a l s o a c i t y o f c o n t r a s t s , a n d R i o i s a l s o h o m e t o s p r a w l i n g s l u m s ( fa v e l a s ) , t h e b i g g e s t a n d m o s t w e l l k n o w n being Rocinha, which tumbles down the hillside in a mass of ramshackle homes. T h o s e w h o d o m a k e t h e j o u r n e y t o R i o t o w a t c h t h e fo o t b a l l w i l l h a v e p l e n t y t o keep them occupied between games, so much so that they might even miss a couple of matches due to the plethora of distractions. If watching men run around a field after a ball is not your thing, you can immerse yourself in trendy urban art galleries, water sports and, of course, the music and dancing. The six million people who call Rio home - it’s the second-largest city in the country after Sao Paulo - are known as “Cariocas” and they will welcome you with open arms with their joie de vivre and charisma.
R io C a r n iv
al
My favourite place
The city is a heady mixture of South American beauty and gritty favelas. A day spent on Ipanema working out who belongs where on the beach – each section has a numbered lifeguard post, which also serves to cut it into segments for beachgoers, where 3 = buff, 6 = families, 8 = lost tourists – gives you a great idea of the diversity of the Carioca. The beaches are as amazing as I had hoped – 72 kilometres of sand peaking with the delights that are Ipanema and Copacabana (with the more local and sophisticated Leblon next door). Christ the Redeemer is an experience (you can get to it by escalator!) and there are breathtaking views at the top of the 396-metre Pão de Acúcar and Sugarloaf, as well as a nature escape to the Tijuca rainforest (only 15 minutes away).
C op a c a b a na
B ea c h
Highlights My highlight was visiting the old area of Santa Teresa, or Santa as it’s known locally. A bohemian vibe, eclectic restaurants, old cafés – still full of friendly characters and beautiful tile work – are alongside old grocery stores and rambling houses. It’s on a hilltop, which means this artsy bairro is endowed with countless vantage points and home to a loving, combative community that’s always eager to defend its cultural heritage. From here, you have an amazing view of the contrasts and character of Rio – the beaches, icons and the favelas are all in view and when you return to the city, you do it on a charming old trolley car. Lowlights
I’d been warned not to wear jewellery or a watch and to take care on the beach – but I didn’t once feel threatened and even the evenings didn’t feel edgy. Perhaps it has changed; the people were warm and friendly. One thing that’s hard to ignore, though, is the child poverty. Even on the most beautiful beaches, it is difficult to turn a blind eye. Children are everywhere in Rio, begging, playing or working. Since there is a huge problem with poverty, Rio’s children are in business quite early in their lives – begging and petty sales are just one of the sundry services they are paid to do.
Souvenirs
I returned home with a bag full of Havaianas flip-flops for my nearest and dearest. Easy to carry, jaunty colours and designs that we can’t get here, and all for RO3.2 a pair – what more could anyone wish for?
Where to stay
I stayed at Villa Rio (villario-brazil.com), which has great views over the beach and excellent service. Set on top of Joa’s Cliffs, minutes from secluded Joatinga Beach, this designer boutique hotel is inclusive and friendly with great authentic food. For high end, book into the Copacabana Palace, a landmark stucco-fashioned edifice and Rio’s most luxurious hotel. There’s also plenty of nice affordable accommodation, such as the Novotel, or for those on a budget, a good range of cheap and cheerful hostels.
Sugar
loaf M ount
ain
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-FI THE TECH IN YOU
Postcards from
Cars
Indoors
Y-FI
Go the Distance
Forget technology that keeps you glued to your chair, the latest sports gadgets will help you to get up and start burning those calories, says Tom Robertson
Razor Sharp
Swing HIGH
EDITOR’S PICK
Perfecting its original 2012 version, Swingbyte has launched the latest iteration of its swing analyser, the Swingbyte 2. The lightweight motion sensor clips on to the shaft of your golf club and pairs with your Android smartphone or iPhone to reveal a whole host of information, such as the tempo of your swing and the top speed of the club’s trajectory. The app will also remodel your swing in 3D to show where you’re going right or, more likely, wrong. Even more exciting is the ability to record your swing on video, which is then played alongside the 3D model in real time. A valued tech addition to any golfer keen on self-improvement. RO65 from swingbyte.com
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High technology doesn’t have to be in the actual products. Instead, leading sports products can be born of the latest manufacturing and testing techniques. And that’s exactly what Adidas has focused on for its futuristic looking Springblade Razors. The elephant in the locker room is, of course, those wacky-looking soles that Adidas claims will launch you along the running track. Combined with breathable mesh to keep your tootsies nice and cool, they could be the athletic tools to help you first over the line (just don’t ask whether they fit with current athletic regulations). On offer for RO50 from adidas.com
Heavy sounds, lightweight Proving that beautiful sound quality does not necessarily have to come from big over-ear cans, Sony has produced an affordable answer to our exercising prayers. The MDR-AS400EX Sports Headphones are incredibly light and, at just 10g, are ideal for those Azaiba beach runs. Water resistant and with adjustable earloops, they’ll be fitting snuggly over your ears, whatever your choice of exercise and regardless of the weather – probably sunny. Priced at RO11.5 from sony.com
Up and Away Following its successful Up, Jawbone is back with a newer, more advanced version of its lifestyle wristband, the Up24. Designed to track all your daily activities, the hypoallergenic TPU rubber wristband comes in three different sizes to help keep tabs on every activity from sleeping to swimming. The inbuilt precision motion sensor combines with an App to estimate the calories you’ve burnt and also detects micro movements to chart your sleeping patterns. Whereas the original Up synced using a headphone jack, the new Up24 makes syncing with your smartphone seamless using Bluetooth. RO57 from Jawbone.com
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FIND OUT WHAT’S HIP & HAPPENING IN GADGETS
App of the week
KICKR the Habit If you’re into cycling but can’t quite drag yourself out of bed at 6am to avoid the summer heat, then consider staying in. Wahoo Fitness, the official sponsor of professional cycling outfit Team Sky have developed the KICKR Power Trainer to keep its athletes in peak condition. Hook your usual road racer up to the powertrainer’s rollers and you can control the levels of resistance using your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone. Also compatible with third-party software to provide further analysis of your rides. RO423 from wahoofitness.com
NEW! Xbox and Kinect 2.0 While Microsoft has recently announced an Xbox One package without the Kinect Motion controller included, it remains a staple piece of kit for those looking to use a games console to boost their fitness. Gimmick or not, it’s a seriously advanced piece of kit that won a following in the early days of Xbox’s release. Within 24 hours of the Xbox One launch, players had clocked up 43.3 million points between them on Xbox fitness. There’s now a raft of other fitness titles appearing that harness the considerable power of the impressive tech. Xbox One packages, including Kinect from RO251 from geekaygames.com. Xbox Fitness is downloadable free with Xbox Live gold membership.
SCORE
Get truly connected to the World Cup with the official FIFA app, which allows you to access the latest scores from the tournament and all the event’s top headlines. iOS and Android versions are available for free through app stores or fifa.com/mobile
A variety of the world’s top physical trainers provide onscreen workouts and challenges. The Kinect 2.0 can even monitor a player’s heart rate from up to 10 feet away by detecting micro-fluctuations on the skin and make an estimation of the calories players are burning. Microsoft’s Kinect technology is capable of tracking 25 joints on the body and the weight put on each limb to provide feedback on form, balance and power during the exercises.
For HER
If you’re looking for an intelligent way to chart your progress and measure the outcome of those gutbusting exercise sessions, consider the Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyser. Not only will this Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled scale pair with a smartphone to build up an accurate picture of your weight and body fat, it will also measure your heart rate. It seems the only thing it won’t do is the exercise itself. RO83 from Amazon.com FEB 27JUN – MAR 12 - 0518 / ISSUE 309 324
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CARS AND ADVENTURES
D e s t i n at i o n
Postcards from
Indoors
Y- F i
Cars
Volkswagen Gol Specifications
Engine: 1.0L to 1.6L Transmission: Four/five-speed manual/automatic Horsepower: 112 (1.0L turbo) 0-100kmh in 9.5 seconds Base price: RO6,900
car of the week It’s in the premier league of cars in Brazil, but is barely known anywhere else in the world. Find out more with Kate Ginn
E
ver heard of the Volkswagen Gol? No? Me neither. Nor has anyone else I’ve talked to seemingly been aware of such a car. And, before you ask, it’s not the Golf with the letter “f ” missing, as some kept correcting me. Let me reveal all. As the World Cup kicks off today (June 12), we thought it would be fitting to look at the car market in South America and discover their star striker, so to speak. It’s not, as you might imagine, a ravishingly good-looking sports machine or muscle-bound SUV with wheels bigger than some cars. Step forward the humble VW Gol. This little hatchback is like the automobile version of Pele in Brazil with its astonishing record of being the best-selling car in the Latin American country for 26 consecutive years and the top seller in Argentina since 1988. The Gol’s journey to the top division began back in 1980 when it became VW’s entry-level car in the South American market, succeeding the Beetle (Fusca). Despite the car being rated as highly unsafe by safety experts, more than five million have been manufactured since, making it the 046
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fifth-most produced VW car. As for its name, Gol, well, fittingly as this is a special football edition, it means goal in Brazil. You may already know the car if you are American – variants of the Gol were marketed there in the 1990s as the VW Fox. Looking at the photo, you may well ask what makes the Gol so special. True, it doesn’t look particularly amazing, just a standard hatchback with nothing out of the ordinary. But the little car has won the hearts of the Brazilian car-buying public with its affordability, economy and longevity. The small Gol really came into its own in 1991 as a result of changes to the tax laws in Brazil, prompting a flurry of cars with engines under one litre. A GTI version with a 2.0-litre engine introduced in January 1989 was also something of a landmark, being the first Brazilian-built car equipped with electronic fuel injection. The Gol runs on petrol or ethanol. For the low price, you cannot expect luxury, or lots of gadgets. The Gol has the basics – a stereo and alarm – but not much else.
But then, no one buys the Gol for the extras. What they want is a reliable car, cheap to run and maintain, that will last longer than the legacy of the World Cup and can be passed down through the generations. The Gol has also undergone a facelift. In its new guise it has had changes to the grille, front and headlights, giving it more than a nod to the Polo. With rising fuel prices, VW has big plans for its small car in Brazil. A television commercial for the new Gol, which reportedly cost RO3.8 million, features the Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen and Sylvester Stallone, no less, who drives the Gol and outruns a team of Hummers through fires and other obstacles. The symbolism is clear. VW is also said to be looking at launching the Gol in emerging markets, such as Eastern Europe and Asia, to compete with other superminis. Whether it makes it as far as Oman remains to be seen. Given the penchant for larger cars in the Sultanate, the wee Gol may find itself a little overshadowed on the roads.
They say: ‘The best you’ve seen’ We say: ‘Cheap and cheerful cute car’
Check this out
Radio with USB Bluetooth Connectivity Audible and visual alarms Sun visors with vanity mirrors Collapsible steering column Motion sensor Taillights with integrated reverse light Seating comfort Average fuel consumption 17km per litre