Y Magazine #359, Feburary 26, 2015 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

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FEB 26 - MAR 04 / ISSUE 359 • WEEKLY

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HOW RECKLESS DRIVERS ARE RUINING OUR BEACHES

TIME FOR TEA

NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

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COMPETITION If music’s your thing, then this competition is for you! Y Magazine has teamed up with LOUDER Entertainment to offer readers a chance to win tickets to see Canadian crooner Michael Bublé or hip-hop sensation Drake in concert in Dubai. Turn to P16 for details on how to enter.

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

LOBSTERS Expect to see plenty of crustaceans on the menu at restaurants, as the lobster fishing season officially starts on Monday (March 1) and runs until the end of April 2015. Fans of fine dining will be happy!

EDITOR’S

NOTE

Welcome to Y Magazine – your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has to offer.

Fast forward

O GOING DOWN

TEMPERATURES What a difference a week makes! Last week’s 35-plus temperatures and hot, swirling winds have given way to averages of 22°C and blustery, cool breezes, not to mention more sandstorms.

THIS WEEK…

ne of the best things about living in Oman would have to be the almost 2,000km of beautiful beaches we have at our disposal. They are a magnet for many seeking a serene place to relax after work, where they can exercise, swim or have picnics with their friends and families. But they can also be dangerous, as the recent tragic drifting accident – in which two women were killed by the driver of a 4x4 – on a beach in Shinas has proven. In our cover story this week, Y explores the ever-increasing numbers of vehicles invading the Sultanate’s beaches, many of them putting beachgoers at risk as thrill seekers speed up and down the shoreline practicing dangerous manoeuvres. Road safety organisations are calling for more police patrols and stricter punishments for offenders – but they fear that more innocent people will die before anything is done. To put it bluntly, cars, quad bikes and 4x4s don’t belong on beaches that are populated by people. And the dangerous practice of drifting should be outlawed except for the safest of places, such as the dedicated drift arena at the Oman Automobile Association. Elsewhere, we take the BMW X6 out for a spin (but we stuck to the roads) in Car of the Week, head to Sicily in Postcard and show you how to dress for career success in Fashion. Have a wonderful week – and stay safe on the beaches!

Team Y has been jumping off the rocks at the Bimmah Sinkhole, enjoying a night out at the Royal Opera House Muscat to see My Fair Lady and hanging out with great friends in Abu Dhabi.

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EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi MANAGING EDITOR Felicity Glover

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contents

Feature 20 Bad Beach Behaviour Reckless Driving Claims Lives

FEB 26 - MAR 04 2015

Your Oman 06 Coffee With Deeba Khalid Al Anqoodi 08 Voice Of Oman Felicity Glover

24 #Swim4Life Water Hero

This week

26 The Weight Is Over Slim To Win RO500

14 Movie Listings Black Or White

10 News UK Apologises To Omani Girls

16 Competition Win Michael Bublé And Drake Tickets

18 This Week Life Model Drawing

Cars and Adventures

Food and Drink

38 Destination Bayt Al Naman Castle

28 Food Feature Afternoon Tea Party 30 Taste Test Marina Café

40 Indoors Laser Quest

Health and Beauty

42 Postcard From Taormina, Sicily

32 Fashion Working Girl

44 Y-Fi Be Productive

34 Beauty 46 Car Of The Week Forever Young BMW X6

35 Health Posture Perfect

NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE... DESTINATION FANJA / VOLVO XC60 / IRON MAN / MOVIES / TASTE TEST / EVENTS / FASHION / GADGETS

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NT U O C S I D K R N E A N I B A B T R A E R NT N A E HE OMA T TH UR S* I W YO RD S S A E H L C T I OR G W EDIT F R E ON C R O AL M OY FFERS J EN O

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Khalid al Anqoodi

FEB 2603 - - MAR / ISSUE JULY 09 / 04ISSUE 327 359

THE VOICE OF OMAN FELICITY GLOVER ON VISA JOY

correspondence YOU ARE UNIQUE There are two kinds of people in this world: 1. Normal people 2. People like John

t’s always a relief when your family visa is approved and your spouse and children no longer have to race out of the country to renew their 30-day tourist visas. After nine months, my daughter’s family joining visa was approved this week. And I have to say that I am very happy knowing that I won’t have to take my daughter out of school for yet another quick trip to the UAE to renew her tourist visa. While she is happy about these random days off (sorry Mrs Looker!), Murphy’s Law always seems to dictate that the 30-day visa expires on a school day. For me, though, I worry that she’s missing important lessons, not to mention that her teacher must be getting a little tired of a student doing a visa run every other month. But, being an expat family, I also know that we are not the first ones to experience this – and certainly won’t be the last. Her school also knows that and has been understanding and patient – something that I am very grateful for. In the UAE, we had to renew my daughter’s residency visa every year, but this time around, we have been given a two-year visa, which means no renewal until 2017! While we celebrate my daughter’s residency this week, I am sure her school will be very happy knowing that her visa runs are finally over. I know I am – in more ways than one.

NEXT WEEK: ALI AL BALUSHI

FEB 26 - MAR 04 / ISSUE 359

But there is nobody in this world like John, so I would like to rephrase: There are two kinds of people in this world: 1. Normal people 2. John Now, I don’t know who John is. But replace his name with yours, and the above statements still hold true. Samawiyah Ulde, Student at Indian School Muscat, Grade XI

DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:

“Has society become too dependent on technology?” ‪‪‪ARSHI KHAN QADRI‬‪ ‬‬‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‪

The access to information that technology brings means that people, especially the younger generations, tend to be at a loss without it. When people forget their phone, they often feel the phantom vibrations, much like a lost limb. There is less of a need to retain knowledge when it is a mere Google search away; learn a language when we can just use automated translators and pocket dictionaries and uphold normal social interactions when the majority of our friendships are maintained online. If all technology was removed for a week or for a month, we would find it hard to

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cope with the loss of the resources and shortcuts it provides us with.

‪AMITA NAGPAL‬‪ ‬

Yes, society is becoming too dependent on technology because it gives you all the information you need instantly, but at the same time it comes with disadvantages too. Now people are losing family time because children are addicted to tablets, mobiles and laptops and spend time lazing around at home, hampering their physical, mental and emotional growth. Too much of anything is bad, so we need to maintain a balance. Technology is helpful if used sensibly.

‪RISHIKESH CHIDHAMBARANATHAN‬‪ ‬

To debate this, we need technology.

‪‪SANDHYA VORA‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬

Yes, technology is slowly taking over our social lives and everyday activities, but technology isn’t really the problem. It is the people that use it and how they use it that affects the overall positives and negatives of technological advances.

‪PRITI VASA‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‬

It is true that society has become acutely dependent

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on technology. Rather than playing games physically, the younger generation enjoys playing on electronic devices. It is affecting their mental growth and emotional balance. People are too preoccupied with their personal electronic gadgets and this reduces personal interactions between family members. This, in turn, has negatively affected relationships between them.

‪ MATTHEW TIPTON‬‪ ‬

I’m going to swim against the tide and argue why we’re not too dependent on technology. Let me first make the point that we are dependent upon technology, but this is not a bad thing. Technology has enriched our lives immeasurably. Ask the opinion of someone that’s reconnected with an old friend via social media, had their life saved by the computercontrolled safety system in a car, or found an organ donor via international computer databases and you will find people grateful for what technology has done. Many people use the power and connectivity they’re given to help people around the world, when previously their reach was limited to the local community. I would rather see people empowered to use the technology around them in an intelligent and meaningful way to make the world a better place for themselves and their fellow humans

‪‪SHYAM AGASTHYA‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‪

We live in a world where the use of technology is accelerating at breakneck speed. From mobile phones and video games to smart appliances and social networks, with each passing day, technology becomes more a part of everyday life. If you feel like you’re caught in a speeding current of bits and bytes that seems to be carrying you away from the world you knew, away from a place of comfort, know that you’re not alone. This is the lifescape of the 21st century. But is technology in control? Absolutely not.

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performing long-distance robotic surgeries successfully, the possibility of reaching Mars and the moon, the intermingling of cultures seamlessly and globalisation have all been possible only because of technology.

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‪‪KHUSHBOO UDESHI‬‪ ‬‪ ‬

Absolutely, yes. I will give you a few simple examples: can we keep away from our mobile phones for just 24 hours? The answer is no. Can we stop being on social networking sites? The answer is also no. Saying that, it is definitely not a bad thing to depend on technology, as it makes our day-to-day tasks easier.

‪‪BUSHRA AHMED‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‪ ‬

Technology makes life faster, easier and smarter. It is a big help and a big problem. Although technology benefits our lives greatly, it can go a bit too far. If we just used it as a tool instead of a way to escape reality, then all would be fine.

‪‪ADEEBA MD HUSSAIN‬‪

Yes, it’s absolutely true that society has become too dependent on technology. There’s no doubt that it’s very useful in modern life, but on the other side it’s very harmful, too. The young generation is becoming increasingly glued to technology, which could affect their health, career, culture, relations and family. As a result, there must be limitations for technology usage.

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‪ ‪SHABNOOR ALAM‬‪ ‬‬‪

Technology has both advantages and disadvantages. When people sit together, they are often more interested in using social networking sites and replying to the person who is chatting to them virtually than the people who are talking in front of them. On the other hand, when I am far away from my family, they don’t worry about me because they are in touch with me through WhatsApp.

PRIYA UNNI ‬‪‪‬‪ ‬

One can educate, empower, earn, care and share through technology. Things can happen easily at the swipe of a finger, time can be better managed and fruitfully utilised with modernday technology. It has broken down barriers of distance and has caused the term “impossible” to be redefined. Examples of doctors

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FEB 26 - MAR 04 / ISSUE 359

YOUR

OMAN

NEWS

UK ISSUES APOLOGY TO OMANI GIRLS

he British Ambassador in Oman has apologised on behalf of his government for the treatment of four Omani girls who were apparently handcuffed, detained and deported from the UK after missing a flight. His Excellency Jonathan Wilks (above right) publicly apologised during a live interview with Y’s sister Arabic radio station Al Wisal 96.5 FM after the incident caused a furore in Oman and Britain. The girls were prevented from entering the UK when they landed at Stansted Airport from Holland a day later than specified on their electronic visa waiver. This was enough to raise suspicions of British border staff who detained the girls and reportedly held them in handcuffs before sending them back to Eindhoven, where they are studying. “I apologise for how these Omani girls were treated at the airport and I would welcome the opportunity to talk to them and their families in person,” Mr Wilks said on Tuesday afternoon. Giving some background to the Febraury 13 incident, the Ambassador added: “Britain lifted the requirements for visas for Omanis to visit the country over a year ago. In return we ask them to input accurate information about their names, the flights they are taking and time of arrival so we can do necessary checks before they arrive. “We welcome tens of thousands of Omani

nationals to the UK every year and over 99 per cent experience no problems at the border.” The British Embassy in Oman has also issued a statement apologising for the “distress” caused and said: “Whatever the circumstances of this case, we regret any impression created that Omani citizens are not welcome to visit the United Kingdom.” During the Al Wisal interview, one of the girls was contacted and told how the immigration authorities treated them like “criminals”, handcuffing them and taking their fingerprints as if they were involved in drugs or terrorism. Two of the girls have been named as Adhraa Said Hamed and Feithla Faisal al Abdul Salam. A selfie photograph circulated in the media showed them smiling after landing at Stansted shortly before their nightmare began (above left). The Omani ambassador to the UK, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al Hinai, also spoke on the radio, and said the Omani Embassy in London was not contacted on the day and the girls were not allowed to contact them.

The UK’s Home Office confirmed an investigation has been launched into the circumstances of the detainment. When Y asked Ambassador Wilks if the incident would impact the relations between Oman and the UK, he said: “I doubt it. Relations between Britain and Oman are really deep rooted. I don’t think it’s going to be a big deal, but it’s going to be on the basis that we learn lessons from this.” The Ambassador said he will try to ensure nothing like this happens again. “One of the things I have done is made sure that the people in London actually understand a bit more about the Omani background, because our relationship between the two countries is very historic and excellent. “I will do everything I can to make sure those personal links continue with the younger generation, including through welcoming lots of young Omani visitors to the UK.”

FREE CONCERT FOR 10,000

o mark its 10th anniversary in the Sultanate, Ooredoo is staging a giant free public outdoor music concert in Muscat and wants as many people as possible to join the celebrations. Bollywood singing sensation Shankar Ehsaan Loy and rising Arabic glamour star Carmen Soliman will have top billing at the event on Thursday, March 19, in the grounds of the Oman Automobile Association. Up to 10,000 people will be able to attend. There will be a dedicated family section with seating and VIP areas. Gates will open from 5pm with Shankar Ehsaan Loy starting at

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6.30pm, followed by Carmen at 9pm. Live music from DJs, prize draws and laser shows are also planned as part of the entertainment. More details will be released closer to the time. “We are really excited about bringing two very popular entertainers from the Arab and Asian world to Oman,” said Greg Young, CEO of Ooredoo. “The event is our gift to our customers and the people of Oman, as we mark this special milestone of 10 years of service to the nation.” It was on March 15 2005 that the former Nawras (now Ooredoo) was granted a licence to operate in Oman.

NEWS

TOWERING

INFERNO R esidents of one of the world’s tallest residential buildings have been returning to their homes after a fire ravaged The Torch in Dubai in the early hours of Saturday morning. Nearly a sixth of apartment units (101) in the blaze-hit building at the city’s marina are still not accessible however, with affected owners and tenants offered alternative accommodation by insurers until their homes are habitable. The Torch was completed in 2011 and stands at more than 330 metres tall, but at around 2am last weekend, the fire alarms went off and flames grew to engulf between 10 and 15 floors of the 79-storey apartment tower. The cause of the fire is as yet unknown, although it is suspected to have originated around the 50th floor. It is thought that the fire was the result of an accident and a deliberate criminal act was not suspected to be the cause, General Khamis Mattar, Dubai’s police chief, said in comments carried by state news agency WAM. Eyewitnesses reported seeing what looked like molten glass and large pieces of debris come crashing to the ground still in flames. Two nearby buildings were also evacuated. Mehdi Ansari, a resident of the 27th floor, escaped with his wife and

A DRUG BUST

baby after the alarms sounded. He said the evacuation from the burning tower was orderly. “The firefighters did well. They were pretty quick, they organised people, got them out, gave them water and found others.” The wind caused the fire to spread quickly, but it was later brought under control by firefighters and extinguished at approximately 4am, just two hours after it started. Hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes and despite the ferocity of the blaze, no casualties were reported. This is not the first time one of Dubai’s high-rise buildings has been struck by fire, in 2012, flames swept through the 34-storey Tamweel Tower. No one was injured in the incident, but many residents were left homeless.

nti-narcotics officers have seized a ninekilogram cache of heroin and arrested two Asian nationals after they hid the stash on a beach in the Wilayat of Quriyat. Colonel Sulaiman bin Salim al Habsi, assistant director-general of the Directorate-General for Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances in Muscat, said that the case is considered a qualitative drug case because it involves a large amount of drugs. Additionally, the defendants, who entered the country illegally, have links with a global drug trafficking ring.

The pair was arrested in Bawshar, along with two dealers who were negotiating to buy a large portion of the drugs. The latest arrests come as the Royal Oman Police (ROP) step up their efforts to crackdown on drug dealers. Earlier in February, two suspects were arrested and police confiscated 2,578 bundles of qhat and 51kg of hashish at four locations in Dhofar governorate. Two persons of Asian nationality were also arrested on drug peddling charges in Musandam governorate in September of last year after the Drug Enforcement Administration of the ROP seized a total of 10,750 tramadol tablets along with 11kg of heroin. In addition to the drug arrests, three people have been arrested on charges of possessing and selling alcohol in a restaurant in the commercial district of Qurum. More than 3,500 cans and 652 bottles of alcohol were seized in an ROP raid.

FEB 26 - MAR 04 / ISSUE 359

011

YOUR

OMAN Bite Sized OUR WEEKLY SLOT TAKES A LIGHTHEARTED LOOK AT A NEWS ISSUE OF THE WEEK.

BLUE-RINSE BIKERS

Is that a new bikie club? You could say that – but it’s not so much an organised club. It’s more of a lifestyle choice for women in their 60s who are taking to the highways with a cool motorbike. So what’s a blue rinse got to do with it? Well, this refers to a woman of a certain age who may choose to put a rinse in their hair to hide the grey. A pale blue rinse was pretty popular back in 70s and 80s, but we’d have to say that lavender was up there, too. Do women still do that today? I guess that depends on where you are in the world (think the UK and Australia) and the age of the woman. Y thinks it is more likely to be confined to the 75-plus age group rather than women in their 60s, but you just never know. Then again, we could be wrong, as we don’t see this any more, especially living in Oman. So blue rinse is used to describe women of a certain age rather than the colour of their hair? You’ve hit it on the head (sorry)! That’s exactly right – think of phrases like “the blue-rinse brigade” (a group of women older than 60). It’s nothing more than a cheeky phrase that describes a certain demographic. So older women are buying motorbikes now? Absolutely! And all the more power to them. They’ve got time on their hands and want a bit of adventure while they’re still young enough to enjoy it. As they say, 60 is the new 50. Don’t say: I like the blue in your hair. Do say: A motorbike is an excellent way to spend your grandchildren’s inheritance.

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Gallery

Interview

NEWS

OLÉ! SPANISH RIDER WINS TOUR OF OMAN

fter five days, 984 gruelling kilometres and lots of blood, sweat and tears, the most dramatic Tour of Oman race so far ended with a sprint to the finish line along the Muttrah Corniche. Spanish cyclist Rafael Valls was crowned overall champion following the 133.5km last stage on Sunday (22). He clinched victory by nine seconds. It was exciting but nothing compared to the events the day before when sandstorms, severe heat and an unprecedented riders’ protest forced cancellation of stage five of the Tour. No one could have expected such melodrama when the international field of 138 riders lined up at Al Sawadi Beach at the start. But high winds and swirling sand intervened and the route was deemed too hazardous. The race was shortened and the convoy moved to the foot of the Bawshar-Al

A WEEK IN PICTURES

Amerat climb only for the weather to spoil the party again. With the mercury pushing 50 degrees Celsius several riders’ tyres melted in the heat – one team suffered six tyre explosions – while others found their brakes weren’t working properly. Not keen to undertake a descent at 85kph in such conditions, the riders squealed to a halt and refused to go any further. “We are fathers and sons, we are not here to fight a war. No one wants to put their lives at stake,” said Tom Boonen, a Belgian rider and member of the Etixx-Quick Step team, reportedly said. Organisers were keen for the race to continue. The riders weren’t. In the end, the stage was cancelled. Luckily for Valls, the final stage went ahead (at one time there were fears it wouldn’t) and he triumphed. “It is a reward for the past four or five difficult years that I have experienced,” said the 27-year-old. For a full breakdown of results, go to tourofoman.om.

HEADLINING STORIES FROM THE REGION AND BEYOND

At least 70 people including 11 children die as an overcrowded ferry with 150 on board sinks in the Padma river in Bangladesh after colliding with a cargo vessel, the second deadly boat accident in a fortnight in the country

The Oscar for Best Actor goes to Britain’s Eddie Redmayne for his role as Stephen Hawking in film The Theory of Everything. Julienne Moore won Best Actress, while Birdman was named Best Picture

Roads were blocked and people were warned to stay indoors as snow blizzards blanketed most of Jordan, Lebanon and much of the occupied West Bank

A FIFA taskforce has recommended that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar take place in November and December instead of the Summer, expressing concerns for the health of players and fans

Gallery

Interview

NEWS

ANONYMOUS HIV TESTS

ore centres offering anonymous HIV tests with results in minutes have been set up after 2,500 people visited the Ministry of Health (MoH) information camp at the Muscat Festival. The first Voluntary Counselling Centre (VCT) was launched in Al Khoudh and three additional centres have now been established across the country in Al Amerat, Sohar and Al Buraimi. Prior registration is not required and the test is free. “People will have access to anonymous testing at the centres where the results will be produced in a few minutes,” Dr Mohammed Redha Moosa al Lawati, head of the National TB, AIDS and Leprosy Control Programmes at the MoHh, told a local newspaper. Al Lawati said that the main treatment for HIV is called anti-retroviral therapy, during which three anti-HIV drugs are taken by the patient each day to help prevent viruses from reproducing. “The drugs rapidly kill the virus and help rebuild the immune system of the body which is destroyed by this lethal virus,” he said. “As a result, complications from the HIV disease are prevented. Also the latest research has shown that the treatment prevents the transmission of infection to others.” According to the MoH, 2,394 HIV/AIDS

infections were registered among Omanis by the end of 2013. Of these, 1,511 (63 per cent) were alive by the end of last year, 65 per cent of whom were males and 35 per cent were females. Ministry statistics say that there were 874 persons on antiretroviral treatment by the end of 2013. “In Oman, there are patients who were diagnosed with HIV over 20 years ago. With the anti-retroviral treatment, they live a near normal life, have full-time employment, are married and have children who are not infected with HIV,” a ministry official added. The first case in Oman was diagnosed in 1984 and while there is no cure for the disease, HIV is now considered a chronic disease and not a killer one thanks to advancements in treatment. MoH figures show that the main modes of transmission in cases where the sufferer is still alive were hetrosexual (50.6 per cent), homosexualbisexual (13.8 per cent), mother-to-child (5.7 per cent), injection drug use (3.8 per cent) and blood transfusion (3.0 per cent). Since July 2009, all pregnant women have been tested for HIV after giving their verbal consent. For further information about HIV testing, contact 2460 7082, email hiv.moh@gmail.com, or visit omanaids.org. To schedule a free, anonymous HIV test call +968 9449 1411.

on registration you will receive: • An opportunity to attend a free IELTS Orientation session* conducted by an experienced IELTS Examiner • Access to 30 hours of free online training – Road to IELTS • Flexible test dates and more options for test venues

be smart, take IeLts wIth the brItIsh CounCIL

• Receive your test results within 13 days Next IELTS Exam dates: 14, 21 and 28 march 2015 11, 18 and 25 april 2015

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Or for enquiries please call us toll free: © Mat Wright

800 24680 *Limited seats, first come, first served.

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MOVIES MOVIES FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES, GO TO: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.com Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641

The Protector 2 When the prized elephant Khon is stolen from a rural Thai village, Kham (Tony Jaa) must once again battle to free his lifelong companion, this time coming face to face with Mr LC (rapper RZA), an arms

Costner puts in a great comeback performance and really holds the film together, along with Spencer, as the whole thing succumbs to becoming a rather drawn-out courtroom drama. Mike Binder is a director used to handling uncomfortable emotions with films like Reign Over Me and The Upside of Anger, but while Black or White has good intentions, it ultimately doesn’t push the boundaries far enough, preferring to play out as a very safe race relations melodrama. Review by Matt Blackwell

P RE VI EW

REC4

REC4 comes full circle as it extracts the young TV presenter who was trapped in a building full of zombies in the 2007 film that kickstarted the Spanish horror franchise. She is taken out to sea on an oil tanker for examination and mistrust quickly spreads throughout the crew as the demonic virus breaks out once more.

IN W O T E C N HA C R U O Y B A GR ETS K C I T A M E IN TWO CITY C

Bollywatch DETECTIVE BYOMKESH BAKSHY

Based on the fictional character created by Bengali writer Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy is set in Calcutta during World War Two and follows the eponymous detective on his first adventure. Fresh out of college, the young Byomkesh Bakshy (Sushant Singh Rajput) is forced to pit his wits against one of the most villainous criminals the world has ever seen in order to foil his evil plans.

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN, just answer a question based on the week’s cinema reviews and send your answer 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

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Combustion Mikel (Álex González) falls for Ari (Adriana Ugarte), a waitress he meets at the engagement party organised for him and his fiancée. As his involvement with Ari grows deeper, he is sucked into her underground world of illegal street races and jewellery store heists. No matter how you look at it, director Daniel Calparsoro has essentially produced a souped-up, second-rate Spanish take on The Fast and the Furious.

Black or White After Elliot Anderson (Kevin Costner) watched his daughter die in childbirth, he and his wife took responsibility for raising their granddaughter together. The film opens as Anderson’s wife has just died, leaving him as the sole carer of Eloise (Jillian Estell). Despite the difference in both age and race, the two make a good team, but when Eloise’s absent father reemerges after drug problems, her paternal grandmother, Rowena (Octavia Spencer), stakes a claim for shared custody that will ultimately end up in the courts.

dealer and ringleader of a circle of brutal fighters. This is a film that hinges on its (many) fight scenes and, while the physical ability of Tony Jaa is jawdropping, if you take them away, there really isn’t much there. Poor acting and an even worse plot.

Brought to you by

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION What kind of animal is Khon? LAST WEEK'S WINNER Taiyaba Asad

COMPETITION

TICKETS TO SEE

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Feb

27 Very

The world-renowned singer of Pakistani songs and ghazal, Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi, will be performing live at Le Grand Hall at the Al Falaj Hotel in Muscat on February 27 from 7pm onwards. Tickets are priced at RO25 for VIP, RO10 for gold, RO5 for silver and RO3 for bronze and can be purchased from Ittfaq Travel and Tourism outlets, Bar B Q Tonight, Rahat Computer Services, Al Haikal Restaurant, Dosteen restaurant and Meerath Restaurant. The show is organised by Alpha Events. For more details visit Facebook.com/ alphaeventsoman1, or call +968 9444 5031.

THIS

WEEK FEB

Bait Al Zubair’s fun-filled bazaar is back. Brands from all over Oman will be showcasing their items and shoppers will get a chance to choose from the best, including various artifacts, jewellery, clothing and even food. Timings are from 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm. For more details contact Bait Al Zubair on 2208 4700.

Life Model Drawing WHAT TO DO. WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

MAR

March

018

Bazaar

Feb 26 - 28

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Calling all budding artists: be a part of an instructed life drawing session with the renowned Omani artist Saud al Hunaini. Saud will be on hand to answer your questions and support you in perfecting drawings of the human body. Entry for each session is RO5, while participants must be aged 15 and above. The workshop will be conducted in both English and Arabic and will take place at the MuscArt Gallery in Ghubra Plaza on 18th November Street. For details, contact 2449 3912 or visit muscart.net

Mar 05

GHAZAL EVENING

GOT THE BRAINS?

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

Think you’ve got what it takes to win a general knowledge quiz? Here’s the chance to show off your brain power at the Women’s Guild in Oman Quiz Night at Dolphin Village, Bawshar. Tickets are RO8 for members and RO10 for non-members, which includes a fish and chip supper. Teams of eight must register at 7pm and the quiz starts at 7.30pm. Tim from the InterContinental Muscat Hotel is the Quiz Master, while there will be prizes for the winning team. www.womensguildoman.com

REVIEW

IT’S JUST LOVERLY Kate Ginn reviews My Fair Lady at the Royal Opera House Muscat

ackling one of the most beloved and iconic stage musicals and film adaptions of the modern era is a daunting prospect. Thankfully, the members of the Cologne Opera were up for the task. Adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion and a 1938 film of the same name, My Fair Lady tells the story of poor Cockney flower seller Eliza Doolittle, who is plucked from the streets of London by a professor of linguistics who claims he can teach her to speak “proper” English and become accepted into high society in just six months. It’s a tall order. Eliza, whose father is a dustman, appears to love mangling her vowels as much as she adores flowers. Showing for three consecutive evenings at the Royal Opera House Muscat, the marathon performance – more than two-and-a-half hours plus intermission – attracted a good size house. Some in the audience (myself included) may have been familiar with the story from the hugely successful 1964 American film adaption starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, which won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Expectations were high then. Much of this expectation fell on the

shoulders of the two leads, Eliza Doolittle and Professor Henry (or ‘Enry as Eliza would say) Higgins. Both acquitted themselves resonably well, occasional slightly stumbled lines aside. My Fair Lady is packed with toe-tapping wonderful – and instantly recognisable – songs from the genius of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, such as Wouldn’t It Loverly and I Could Have Danced All Night. Aoife Miskelly, as Eliza, and Stephen Chaundy, as her mentor Professor Higgins, both gave it their all. Miss Miskelly, a Northern Irish soprano who has been with Cologne Opera since 2012, was a charming Eliza, even if her Cockney accent wavered a little at times and she lacked steely grit. In the most recent film version, Audrey Hepburn’s vocals were judged too weak and her singing was dubbed. No need for such dramatics for Miss Miskelly, who carried off her plum role with gusto. There was good chemistry with Chaundy, who was an excellently eloquent Professor Higgins, striking the right balance of arrogance and vulnerability, with a decent voice to boot. They were aided by a great supporting cast – I enjoyed the big song and dance numbers – and a steady hand from musical director Andreas Schuller. There are some memorable moments – the full transformation at the ball and a hilarious scene at the races – as Higgins wins his bet and falls for the girl. It might not quite have hit the heights of London’s West End or Broadway in New York, or matched Hepburn and Harrison, but it was nonetheless an immensely enjoyable show. The next performance will be Tchaikovsky’s classic, The Nutcracker, performed by the Hamburg Ballet on Feb 27 and 28. For tickets and details go to rohmuscat.org.om

BOOK FAIR

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For all you bookworms out there, the annual Muscat International Book Fair will start on February 26 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Seeb and run until the first week of March. Organised by the Muscat International Book Fair Committee, many international sellers are expected to take part in this highly anticipated event.

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BEHAVIOUR A GROWING MECHANICAL MENACE IS BEGINNING TO THREATEN THE SERENITY OF THE SULTANATE’S BEACHES, PUTTING LIVES AT RISK IN THE PROCESS. MATT BLACKWELL AND DEEBA HASAN REPORT Photos: Shaquel al Balushi

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icture the scene: the Omani sun beats down on a flawless stretch of sand, a slight breeze blows in off the sea and the waves gently lap the shore. A family have put down a blanket and are beginning to unpack some home cooked food and drinks. Then, a low rumble slowly builds in volume until suddenly a quad bike bursts through the trees and onto the beach, shortly followed by a motorbike and a 4x4, sending clouds of sand flying up into the air as they spin around in circles, engines roaring above the sound of the sea. The drivers see the family and are able to swerve to avoid them at the last minute, but are helpless to prevent a thick layer of sand from settling over the picnic, ruining the food. Believe it or not, the members of this family are some of the lucky ones. With kilometres of beautiful coastline, thousands of Omanis, expatriates and tourists flock to enjoy the Sultanate’s beaches every weekend. Unfortunately, the peace is being threatened by reckless drivers who use the beaches as a playground for their vehicles

and practice dangerous drifting stunts, while completely disregarding the safety of others. Even outside Y Magazine’s office in Seeb, the problem is evident daily. Quad bikes and motocross bikes can be seen and heard racing up and down the sand on Seeb beach, not only generating incredible amounts of noise pollution, but also creating a real safety hazard, endangering the many bystanders who come to the beach after work to relax for the evening. Thankfully, Y has not witnessed any accidents on our doorstep as yet, but the residents of Al Asrar in the Wilayat of Shinas were not so lucky earlier this month (February). The population of Oman was shocked when it was revealed that a driver allegedly performing a drifting stunt in his 4x4 on the beach at Shinas had run over a woman and her pregnant daughter, killing them both instantly. In addition to the tragic deaths, two more women were left injured and a further two had a narrow escape. The group were exercising on the beach after the sun had gone down. Speaking to a local newspaper, an

A sign at the beach entrance stating no vehicles, motor cycles or dogs allowed on the beach. These signs are ignored as seen below.

official for the Royal Oman Police (ROP) said that the driver first transported the injured persons to hospital before turning himself in to the police. Sadly, this is not the first time reckless driving and drifting both on and off the beach has claimed a human life. Three people were killed in drifting accidents last year, four died in 2013, while nine lost their lives in 2012. The ROP has warned that it will be taking a strict view on drifting cases due to the deaths caused by the practice. They have increased patrols in areas where many drivers gather and seized hundreds of vehicles last year alone. Hamed al Wahaibi, an international rally champion and the founder of the independent, not-for-profit road safety organisation, Safety First, has called for the culprit in the Shinas incident to be dealt with sternly if it is proved he was playing around. He said that people indulging in such irresponsible behaviour should be severely punished and that “there should be strict rules to tackle these issues.” While Safety First is not actively

campaigning against dangerous driving on the beach, CEO Daryle Hardie leaves no ambiguity as to where the organisation stands on the matter. “It’s absolutely disgusting. The fact that a driver thought it was okay to drive like an idiot and drift on the beach, close to innocent bystanders, is appalling and stupid,” he told Y. Drifting, which involves drivers purposely oversteering their vehicles to cause a loss of traction in order to perform dramatic skids, is a sport that has experienced a huge popularity surge in Oman in recent years. While the practice is illegal on the streets, it is not currently illegal to drive cars on the beach, according to Hardie, leading to a grey area in the eyes of the law. Y contacted the ROP for clarification on the matter, but they declined to answer our questions. However, strictly going by the letter of the law, given that drifting is illegal on the streets, one would naturally assume the same applies to the beach. “I think we are extremely lucky to have access to the beach in a vehicle in Oman,” says Hardie. “But driver

A DRIVER ALLEGEDLY PERFORMING A DRIFTING STUNT IN HIS 4X4 ON THE BEACH AT SHINAS HAD RUN OVER A WOMAN AND HER PREGNANT DAUGHTER, KILLING THEM BOTH INSTANTLY

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The recent tragedy is not the first time drifting has claimed life and caused injury in the wilayat of Shinas. In September 2014, three people were injured in an accident between two cars and were rushed to hospital.

A dramatic video clip that subsequently went viral on social media sites showed the moment when a passenger was hurled from one of the out of control vehicles. After colliding, the two cars quickly set alight, scattering the crowds that had gathered around them.

behaviour on the beach, like on the roads of Oman, is questionable and sometimes dangerous. I encourage the ROP beach patrols to continue in order to monitor drivers’ activities. Let’s not let them ruin it for everyone else.” Shaima al Lawati, CEO of the Oman Road Safety Association (ORSA), goes a step further and believes that stricter rules need to be implemented when it comes to driving on the beach. “From my point of view, it shouldn’t be allowed at all. Any action that could risk other people’s lives shouldn’t be permitted,” she says. “Even if the driver is experienced, the chances are very high for him or her to lose control – especially on uneven surfaces like sand – since they cannot control other factors such as kids playing, ladies walking or men playing football. It is very dangerous to use cars in a place that is meant to be for pedestrians and families to play and relax.” ORSA has implemented several campaigns aimed at engaging different groups within the community, including youth, who are most commonly associated with drifting. The “Be Street Smart” campaign seeks to address topical issues for youngsters including speeding, drifting, driving on beaches and drink driving. “Drifting on beaches is definitely a problem,” says Loay Eletreby, marketing manager at the Oman Automobile Associtation (OAA). “It is not something we encourage. We are trying to send the message that if you want to drift you have to go to the proper places.” In an effort to get thrill-seeking drivers off Oman’s beaches and streets, the OAA set up a drifting arena at its headquarters in Seeb 18 months ago. After registering with the association, drivers are free to join the coaching sessions held by professionals on Tuesday and Saturday evenings, where they can learn the technical nuances of drifting and improve their skills in a safe and controlled environment. According to Eletreby, the response from Oman’s drivers has been “excellent”. He insists that driting is not just about burning tyres and that there is a precise science behind the sport. “When people take their cars and drift on the streets or in other places it is done in a very unorganised and unprofessional way; they create hazards for the community. The first step is training them to understand both their own and their car’s limits.” Eletreby believes that many drifters and dangerous beach drivers act the way they do in pursuit of fame. “They do it in small neighbourhoods where everyone knows them, they want an audience,” he says. “That’s what we give them, we create stars. We organise drifting championships all year round, we have stands and people come to watch. “When many drivers come to us, they already have the skill and know how to drift. This leads to one conclusion; they used to drift illegally somewhere. We are very proud that we give them space to increase their skills safely.” And it appears that the efforts of the OAA may be working. As 022

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Back in June 2013, Omani national Abdullah al Ansari lost his life while attempting a similar stunt in a sedan in Shinas. It’s not only the drivers who are at risk though, in many cases, displays of illegal drifting draw large crowds of local residents, who often stray too close to the action. Hamdan al Balushi, from the wilayat of Lima was a spectator at one such display and fell victim to a drifting accident that changed his life forever. “I was an onlooker at the drifting arena, and today I am a disabled man. I was run over by a drifting enthusiast,” he told a local newspaper last year. “Everything happened in a flash and when I woke up in the hospital, I realised that I had lost my legs. I had to stay in hospital for weeks and discontinue my studies. It was a complete nightmare. I also had to go abroad for treatment.” In an attempt to curb the illegal practice and ensure that no further loss of life occurs, tenders to build drifting arenas with high safety standards, like the one at the OAA, have been approved in Ibri, Shinas, Sohar and Mussanah. The ROP has also started to raid workshops that prepare vehicles for drifting and has urged parents to watch out for signs that their children may be addicted to drifting in unlicenced areas.

EVEN IF THE DRIVER IS EXPERIENCED, THE CHANCES ARE VERY HIGH FOR HIM OR HER TO LOSE CONTROL – ESPECIALLY ON UNEVEN SURFACES LIKE SAND – SINCE THEY CANNOT CONTROL OTHER FACTORS SUCH AS KIDS PLAYING, LADIES WALKING OR MEN PLAYING FOOTBALL. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO USE CARS IN A PLACE THAT IS MEANT TO BE FOR PEDESTRIANS AND FAMILIES

increasing numbers of drivers sign up to the coaching sessions, drifting is being moulded into a competitive sport that is practiced in a safe environment. The standard in Oman is also improving, as evidenced in last year’s Red Bull Car Park Drift regional competition, at which Omani driver Ali al Balushi came runner up, making him the second-best drifter in the Middle East. For some however, the safe environment of the OAA drift arena takes away the very reason they enjoy drifting. Sami al Zidjali is 34 years old and has been drifting for four or five years now. “I like being close to nature as opposed to driving somewhere man-made,” he says. “It allows me to challenge myself further by confronting the unknown. You never quite know what lies ahead.” However, al Zidjali is quick to fervently condemn the Shinas incident. “It is very sad news and it shouldn’t be that way,” he says. “Our decisions should not be the cause of other people’s misery. If you want to enjoy your car you should go to isolated places where you won’t harm others.” While he has driven on the beach in the past, as many will have done, al Zidjali prefers to drift in wadis these days. He doesn’t want to risk lives or even create annoying levels of noise that would disrupt residents and those trying to appreciate nature. In most cases, the majority of those who take their cars onto Oman’s beaches do so with innocent intentions. It seems that a small minority is not only ruining it for others, but are also putting lives at risk in the process. For now though, it seems all that can be done is to join in the calls of the road safety organisations for increased vigilance from ROP patrols, tough punishments for offenders to be enforced and plead with drivers guilty of reckless beach driving to exercise more common sense.

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In his job as a lifeguard at a hotel swimming pool in Muscat, Kelvin Bwibo has saved several lives. Here he tells why he’s backing Y’s #Swim4Life water safety campaign. Inter view: Kate Ginn Photos: Shaquel al Balushi 024

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Lend JOIN US: #Swimyour voice Post y 4Life cam to Y’s Faceb our comme paign. tweet ook.com/y nts on us @ ta editor ytabloid obloid, @y-om re an.commail

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I go as w oy b er h h ot e H le and it . im h d got de for examp u could ri t oa , b n e ic ow went down an er who was by the side. n d t swim, yo e out on a h He was going “You could b to trouble and if you can’ him to his mot eir father) was drowning. y shoulder. I got in ts h m “T he man (t capsizes or ge d he clung to er too swim from a ight to him an allowed quite a bit of wat ra st t en w ught myself to e water. By the I die. ta so I sw , ya ad h en I K l. th in e poo “Growing up ew strong and confident in king him out of th an th e m ool.” p of gr t e d on young age an winning gold medals in th vin is more than kneeling in fr by then. as w an m e el as th K w s, “Afterwards, age of 14 I o sons. as been pping 6ft 5in b.” 26 and a stra self in the water, which h him and his tw e, I was just doing my jo g ed n vi ag sa r ow n N fo vi e el m m swimmer, at, K ter him a hero but to hood. A keen l Hotel Musc l of looking af oy ta b le en n ce ab ti n p si “I was called ca on fe rC li g in a poo at the Inte the London part of his As a lifeguard ell the dangers of swimmin utes to drown an important r Kenya and tried out for 0.6 seconds, in fo w m ce o ed st also row ifying pla by lines – at one e al h in u q knows only to instruction; it can take ju en a p g n ap si h is n ,m discip er d accidents ca Olympics 2012 full of medals for both er s in the whole of without prop ging injury an er an w w ch ra ro fe d p li a to a e as th and h or suffer sidered one of ere visiting n w co d as ve s. w sa d e n n h vi co e, Kel place tim just se could d his sons that taking pride of l one of them d n an at – th a. n t ic io fr ar ou ct T he father an A ed st ye is medal colle terContinenta ty that day la abi and it turn Included in h resented to him by the In for saving the from Abu Dh r them, Kelvin was on du so n ee b e av p ght) ate fo uld h – is a certific Hotel (pictured bottom ri swim. Luckily ning, saved the day. It co Abu Dhabi. ai tr ung sons from Todd, my yo is and with his h d an man anager, David ager s have dif ferent. re port released he general m al “T ob gl her man to g in Accord World aid, and the ot ” says Kelvin, who e S , th er by ag ar an ye m last portive of me, in November ation (WHO), ever y hour been very sup in July 2013. iz an rg to O s h ve lt an Hea eir li moved to Om taken American-standard people lose th ple per der eo n more than 40 p u g 4 jusy picture 1. in av e, H ag aver 2013, you can ready to in g O in T n T ai drowning. On e water s each year in tr N lifeguard PORTA th watch hero, ’S VERY IMW IM, 100,000 die in a real-life Bay ice and save people IT W as S n O vi T el K O s not more LEARN H AS LOTS OF Oman. at a moment’ in edies happen p ag m tr ju l oo p s H g re OMAN D THE SEA, IT’S in need. Swimmin e are no figu e than once. k. While ther CHES AN R EVERYDAY A to do that mor pulled an Egyptian than you thin e, most drownings among E B ad h s e’ H U at ar, he for the Sultan e to four year s in the US PART OF OY D TO ember last ye had got into trouble E ec E D N In U O on LIVES SO RTABLE IN THE man from the pool who h eight friends and children aged ing pools. m h im ot b sw , n in ound wit re ar r d il cu ch oc BE COMFO ATER. Omani ile playing ar e two teenager s from Qat h o w tw , 13 g W in 20 m im th e sw e In May er a th w in e to in then ther ar s, drowned after straying day. aged three ye village in needed help e d ah th d an ve ad sa im R sw to in t t h his floa it who couldn’ w pool at a farm atinah. Family member s e er lifeguards th e av as B nental, h Kelvin w ti . d on en rC p te Y ee d In hy Saham, North ies. e w els, like th accompany od vital, which is ulsor y Most pool hot guidelines – adults must found their b young age is p a m co at and the rest om e fr b ct im to M ri s ches in usc ty and st ea u b d e ls Learning to sw ing for swimming lesson on th oo t p g bu in – gner s believe instance ic swimm paign ething campai dren and adults. m children, for so has been cam the Sultanate and for publ With more than , ed n an chil not m in e countr y. of Oman are prevent needless deaths of the shallow water s in all schools er y child in th in Oman not a luxury. ev to to to e k ge bl ic la an st , ai ch swim must to be av necessity vin. in a pool and know how to astline, it’s a im,” says Kel “If you don’t 1,700km of co ortant to lear n how to sw part of our always wait ’s it a, se n e th d “It’s very imp . er an for instructio ts of beaches be comfortable in the wat “Oman has lo to a from s, so you need ys ever yday live lifeguard,” sa Kelvin. “Swimming pools often slope to dee p water quickly and if you don’t e under stand th n ca u depth, yo get in trouble very fast. “Always be safe in the water and . lear n to swim It could save your life.”

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As we reach the halfway point in our slim to win competition, participants are gearing up for the second weigh-in to assess their progress so far

“

The Weight Is Over” has reached a very exciting point in its four-week journey. Today (Thurs) marks the halfway point in our competition and the second weigh-in will be taking place over the coming weekend. When Y spoke to a handful of participants last week, most of them were in high competitive spirits and were looking forward to the upcoming weighing session. Most people were keen on losing weight by introducing new health routines such as cycling, walking and eating better. Some were finding it difficult to devote time and effort to slimming due to their work commitments, but vowed to commit to getting fit over the competition’s remaining weeks. The second weighin is set to reveal whose hard work has paid off and who still needs to push limits. “Our ‘The Weight Is Over’ competition has reached its halfway point and it’s great to see that everybody is giving it 100 per cent of their efforts,” says Felicity Glover, managing editor of Y Magazine. “We know that changing an unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits can be difficult and challenging, but at the end of the day, it is worth the effort – not only for yourself, but also for your family and friends. It means more energy, more strength and, most importantly, a huge boost to your confidence.” There are two categories in the competition, one for men and one for women, and all participants are in with a chance of winning cash and RO2,200 worth of prizes, including gym membership and health treatments. Whoever has lost the most weight at the end of the four-week period (based on the percentage of weight loss), in both categories, will be crowned the winners, each claiming RO500. There are also prizes for second and third place, plus a special consolation prize. “The Weight Is Over” is presented by Geely GC7, the new compact Sedan, along with our Fitness Partner, Balance Health

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& Fitness, and our slimming partner, VLCC Wellness. “Weight loss is the only word that has a lot of gains hidden in it,” says a VLCC representative. “We are excited for our participants and we wish them good health and also thank them for taking this leap with us on their journey of health and well-being.” Padma Kasthurirengan, one of the directors at Balance Health & Fitness spoke to Y to explain the importance of exercise as part of any attempts at weight loss. “To lose weight it’s important to exercise consistently as well as maintain a balanced dietary routine,” she says. “It is extremely important to understand our body and know how fit we are. Assessing and recording our baseline fitness scores can give us a benchmark against which one can measure their own progress in terms of aerobic and muscular fitness, flexibility or body composition. “Starting an exercise programme is an important decision. But it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming one. By planning carefully and pacing yourself, you can establish a healthy habit that lasts not only for the duration of a competition, but a lifetime.” After passing the midway milestone, participants will have the final weighing session to look forward to, when the ultimate winners will be decided. Until then, workouts and diets will continue to be a regular feature of our participants’ lives. Everybody involved in the competition is looking forward to the final results, there are some fantastic prizes up for grabs for deserving dieters, who have expertly controlled their eating habits and made significant changes to their lifestyles in an attempt to turn over a new and healthy leaf. “As we head into the final two weeks of our competition, we will be watching everybody’s progress and cheering you all on!” Felicity added. Next week Y will bring you all the action from the second weighing session. In the meantime, eat well, stay healthy and good luck.

WORK OUT TIPS

Balance Health & Fitness is the official Fitness Partner of “The Weight Is Over” and their experts have come up with the essentials to include in your workouts in order to get the best out of them

WARM UP

A proper warm up can increase the blood flow to the working muscles, which results in decreased muscle stiffness, less risk of injury and improved performance. Additional benefits of warming up include physiological and psychological preparation.

PRE-WORKOUT STRETCHES

The purpose of stretching before exercise is to help prevent injury and improve performance. Stretching does this by lengthening the muscle and the associated soft tissues, which in turn increases range of movement, thus ensuring we are able to move freely without restriction or injury occurring.

3 4

POST WORKOUT STRETCHES

Post workout stretches primarily help to aid in the repair and recovery of muscles and associated soft tissues. Stretching helps to prevent tight muscles and soreness, which usually occur after a strenuous workout.

BUILD ACTIVITY INTO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE

PRIZES UP FOR GRABS FIRST PRIZE MEN AND WOMEN: RO500 cash each and a Balance Health & Fitness health club single membership for one year worth RO399 each SECOND PRIZE MEN AND WOMEN:

RO350 worth of VLCC treatments each

THIRD PRIZE MEN AND WOMEN:

RO200 worth of VLCC treatments each

VLCC SPECIAL AWARD (FOR MEN AND WOMEN):

RO150 worth of VLCC treatments each * Geely Oman, which is part of the Towell Auto Centre (TAC), has put up the RO500 cash prize for the men’s category, while Y Magazine has matched this for the women’s competition.

Finding time to exercise can be a challenge. To make it easier, schedule time to exercise, just as you would schedule time for an important appointment. One way to motivate yourself while working out is to listen to your favourite songs. Another very successful way to engage yourself is to have a workout partner, one who has similar goals as you and can help motivate you to work out, and vice versa.

ALLOW TIME FOR RECOVERY

Many people start exercising with frenzied zeal and work out for too long, which can lead to muscles and joints becoming sore or injured. Therefore, it is important to plan time between sessions for your body to rest and recover as well as to prevent unnecessary injury.

START SLOWLY AND BUILD UP GRADUALLY

Give plenty of time to warm up and cool down with easy walking or gentle stretching. Then increase the intensity for five to 10 minutes without getting overly tired. As your stamina improves, gradually increase the amount of time you exercise. Work your way up from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

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FOOD AND DRINK

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Trend

New Restaurant HIGH TEA

Forget dinner parties – it’s all about hosting an elegant afternoon tea these days to add a touch of sophistication to a social event. But perfecting the art of high tea takes patience, creativity and a great theme.

Reviews

TREND New Restaurant

News

TIME FOR

TEA

The craze for afternoon tea parties is sweeping the capital as many choose to add a spot of sophistication to their socialising, finds Deeba Hasan

hether you’re in the mood to celebrate or are just having a reunion with old friends, an afternoon tea party is always a fun-filled affair. The lavish settings, elegant teapots, cutlery and a delectable menu, comprised of sandwiches, pastries, cakes and tarts, can combine to create a wonderfully elegant occasion. In many countries around the world, tea parties are a regular feature on the social scene and a big business has blossomed, with hotels and teahouses all offering their own sophisticated take on the classic concept. The tradition of afternoon tea is believed to have originated in England. The 7th Duchess of Bedford was fond of having her butler deliver her tea with sweet and savoury morsels at 4pm in her sitting room and she began to invite her friends, giving birth to the ritual of the afternoon tea party. As Oman continues rapidly along its path of development, similar events are being held across Muscat in both hotels and homes. While some people are into the rhythm of hosting such parties, there are others who want to learn the art of organising them. Nashwa al Sharji and Ashwaq al Shaqsi are two friends who run the Muscat-based Nashwaq Planner, a company dedicated to the practice of organising tea parties. Nashwa says that most of their customers are teenage girls and young mothers, keen to use the event as an opportunity to socialise in an elegant fashion. She thinks that having a theme for afternoon tea parties helps all the other little details, such colours, tablecloths and flowers, fall into place. “The most important thing is to have a theme,” says Nashwa. “You need to know where and when you will hold the tea party and send out early invitations.” Since tea menus are normally very important, the business partners keep a close eye on them. “Most of the menus are fairly

similar, but we take into account the ages of people attending. We normally have cookies, cakes and mini sandwiches among other items.” Above all, afternoon teas are organised for the attendees to have a good time in each other’s company, so ensure you make the most of the opportunity to laugh your stress away over some fine finger food. Tips: • If the afternoon tea is to mark an occasion, send out the invitations several weeks in advance. If the gathering is more informal, you can just phone your guests. • Do not invite more guests than you can comfortably cope with. If you plan to invite more than a dozen, perhaps think about getting some help in the kitchen. • Good timing is critical for the perfect afternoon tea party. Do as much preparation ahead of time as possible, but don’t be tempted to make the sandwiches more than an hour before serving. • Ensure that you have a plentiful supply of boiling water. • Make sure you have adequate stocks of good-quality china, serving platters, teapots, cutlery, tablecloths. Hire additional stock if necessary. • If you are planning an outdoor garden event, always be prepared for a change in weather. • If time and kitchen space are in short supply, don’t be afraid to buy in a selection of quality cakes and pastries from your favourite bakery. Source: gourmet-food-revolution.com

Scones Preparation time: Less than 30 minutes Cooking time: 10 to 30 minutes Makes 8 to 12 scones Ingredients: § 225g self-raising flour § pinch of salt § 55g butter § 25g caster sugar § 150ml milk § 1 free-range egg, beaten, to glaze (alternatively use a little milk)

a baking sheet. Lightly knead together the rest of the dough and stamp out more scones to use it all up. § Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg. Bake for 12-15 minutes until well risen and golden. § Cool on a wire rack and serve with butter, jam and clotted cream. Source: bbc.co.uk/food

Method § Heat the oven to 220ºC/425F/Gas 7. Lightly grease a baking sheet. § Mix together the flour and salt and rub in the butter. § Stir in the sugar and then the milk to get a soft dough. § Turn on to a floured work surface and knead very lightly. Pat out to a round 2cm thick. Use a 5cm cutter to stamp out rounds and place on

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FOOD AND DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

Midket r Ma

Info Box

MARINA CAFÉ

Qurum Beach Tel: +968 9911 3344 Opening times: Sunday-Thursday: 9am1am, Friday-Saturday: 10am-2am Lunch for three plus drinks: RO21.5

DINING BY THE SEA

Verdict : 7 / 10 Service 7.5 / 10 Food 9 / 10 Ambience Good value, but you can’t beat the view Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

THE MARINA CAFÉ IS ONE OF THOSE HIDDEN GEMS TUCKED AWAY ON THE BEACH WITH A VIEW TO DINE FOR, FINDS FELICITY GLOVER

t’s a hot, windy day and there’s a lot of sand swirling about in the air in our neighbourhood. Thanks to the rising temperatures over the past week, we figured there was only one place to cool off at the weekend: the beach. At least that was the plan. We were hoping for a fresh sea breeze and perhaps a walk along the beach to cool us down after a late lunch. We headed to Qurum, where I’d been told there was a great little café at the end of the beach past the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel that offered uninterrupted views of the water and an outdoor seating area. Marina Café is one of those hidden gems that I’m sure many of you know about, but only through word of mouth. I arrived in Oman nearly nine months ago and I have only just heard about it. But hey, it’s not like the owners have set up a website or appear to be doing much advertising, which could be one reason as to why I wasn’t in the know. We head into the main dining room and it’s not as crowded as I thought it would be. I mean, café + beach = hungry diners and packed dining rooms, right? Let’s hope that didn’t mean the food wasn’t up to scratch. Then again, even though it was indoors, people were smoking and the shishas were doing overtime, which could have explained

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why dining inside was not an option for some. Because of this, we decided to sit outside on the shaded terrace. We were given a prime table right at the front, where we could people watch and gaze at the azure blue water beyond. The breeze was a treat and we were protected just enough to avoid the dust that had been plaguing us earlier. Menus were brought over quickly and there was plenty to choose from. There’s the usual strong Middle Eastern influence, but some odd Mexican and pasta additions. Tortillas or spag bol, anyone? Because there was so much to choose from, we decided to share. We kicked off with a

THERE WAS NO PRESSURE TO LEAVE AND WE WERE ENJOYING THE VIEW AND THE SEA BREEZE. YOU CAN HAVE A LEISURELY MEAL WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND KNOW YOU ARE GETTING GREAT FOOD AND GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY WITH A PRICELESS VIEW TO BOOT mixed mezza of hummous, mutabal, tabouleh and fattoush, the falafel plate with tahini and Provencal chicken wings with lemon and garlic. Miss 12 threw in some French fries for good measure. Drinks were a “frozen” chocolate for Kate, the big kid at the table, while I stuck with water and Miss 12 ordered the fresh mango juice. Flatbread was delivered along with the drinks – the mango juice was declared delicious, while the frozen chocolate was good, but a “bit like Nesquik”. And then the food started to arrive. The waiters had warned us that our small table wouldn’t be big enough, but we naïvely waved away their offer

to bring us another table. First up was the mixed mezza. A beautiful looking dish, it was a mélange of smoky dips and sharp, citrusy salads. Fresh looking and tasting, it was a great way to wake up our taste buds for our next delicacy – and what I would say was the star of the show. The falafel plate was a simple affair, although I have to say that I’d never before seen falafel that resembled small golden doughnuts. Crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside – they were the best that I’d had in years. The chicken wings were the only disappointment in our starters – a little too much fat on them, they were chewy and lacked flavour. Next up were the chicken shawarma plate and a chicken fajitas, one of Miss 12’s favourites. Huge portions, we were going to be hardpressed to finish everything. But the shawarma proved too moreish with its sharp tang of garlic cream and marinated chicken, while the fajitas were a hit for Miss 12. We lingered over our late lunch for a couple of hours. There was no pressure to leave and we were enjoying the view and the sea breeze. And that’s what I like about Marina Café. You can have a leisurely meal with friends and family and know you are getting great food and good value for money with a priceless view to boot. But next time, I’ll be trying the seafood. After all, that’s what beachside dining is all about.

HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

BRIGHT SPARK

FASHION

Turn up the colour dial with a sunshine yellow dress like this one from Hobbs. Keep things looking slick and expensive with simple silhouettes and neutral accessories. No black please. You want to look busy, not bee-like.

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The moment I saw this Matalan bag, I had to have it. Not only does it offer plenty of space for business essentials, but the pretty Eastern print adds a discrete point of interest. From RO11

WORKING

GIRL Dressing for the office now means putting added oomph into structured classics with ladder-climbing accessories, says Penny Fray

If your job necessitates dark colours or a uniform, try a slash of red on your lips. The classic blue-red shade almost always makes an impact, such as this YSL version. From RO15.5, it looks the business

Roksanda Ilincic uses colour blocking to flattering effect. Nipped in at the waist, this “Izumi” dress is crafted from a sumptuous blend of wool and silk. Fold the yellow cuffs to reveal the lilac underside. Available from RO548 at Net-A-Porter This striking bead necklace from H&M provides the perfect foil to fuss-free business dressing. From RO6

ou’ll have a more interesting life if you wear interesting clothes. That’s Vivienne Westwood’s theory. And the grande dame of fashion has a point – what you wear is often the preamble to your future. So, who do you want to be? A cool creative or a thriving CEO? Maybe you want to be a billionaire blogger. Do your clothes reflect your ambition? I see you rolling your eyes, but before you give voice to your scepticism, science says it matters. Really! According to Harvard University research, looking like a success is the first step to being one. But you no longer have to wear padded shoulders and vertigoinducing heels to exude power. These days, it’s about polishing your personal style rather than wearing a tired 1980s cliché. Don’t be a wallflower. “Hear me, see me” should be the modern working woman’s mantra. If you keep shapes clean, you can do colour, say top stylists. And who says an executive has to be trussed up in a hot suit to make a statement? A tailored dress can look just as professional if the length and cut is right. Ditto heels. They should be high enough to give you stature and low enough to let you move. Of course, there are no hard and fast rules in the new age of workwear. Flats can be as strong as the stiletto. Denim works in some offices, especially creative ones. But details count. Wear statement jewellery but don’t pile it on, experiment with your bag but don’t overstuff it. Finally, whatever your choice, make sure you look fabulous and finished. Now go forth and get that promotion.

LOOKING THE

BUSINESS

Tips on getting ahead with your clothes:

Smythson’s “Panama” cardholder is made from the crème de la crème of textured leather. Designed with internal pockets and a slot at the back, you can keep your business cards and receipts in check. Presented in the house’s signature blue box, it also makes a thoughtful business gift. From RO68, but you can get cheaper versions at most accessory shops

All hail the sensible court shoe. This Zara version gets extra style points for its quirky structure and textured effect. From RO25 1. Be realistic. That white linen suit may look amazing, but will it survive the commute to work, coffee splashes and 10 hours in the office? Probably not. Opt for practical fashion statements only. 2. Looking powerful doesn’t have to be about masculine lines. Swishy skirts and chiffon shirts can also make an acceptable impact. 3. If you can go casual into the office, always wear jeans with tailoring.

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BEAUTY

Health

Fashion

FOREVER

YOUNG The hottest beauty trend this year is dewy skin. Y shows you how to get glowing

here’s a big difference between dewy skin and sweaty skin – and finding the right balance can be difficult. But if you want to be on trend in the beauty world this year, then getting the look right is essential – more so as we head out of the cooler months towards the searing heat of Oman’s summer. It’s not as simple as patting on some face powder to help soak up some of the sheen – the idea here is to have as natural a look as possible, say the experts. “What’s really beautiful about dewy skin is that it is a natural glow that looks like it’s coming from within your complexion, not on top,” says totalbeauty.com, a US-based website that provides all manner of tips and tricks for the ultimate in beauty. So what’s the key tip to achieve a beautiful, natural glow? One word: hydration. It really is that simple. Basically, you’ll get the look by using a mix of scrubs, skin brighteners, the right moisturisers and hydrating masks – all of which are suited to your particular skin type. But don’t forget that keeping your body hydrated from within is also important, so drinking water will go a long way in helping you to achieve that fresh-faced look. Follow Y’s top tips and you may find that your skin has never looked so good.

GET THE LOOK

SCAN OUR QR CODES WITH ANY QR READER APP

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BRIGHTEN UP Skin brighteners can do wonders for a dull complexion, helping you to even out your skin tone, as well as reduce the appearance of dark spots and scarring. It’s worth getting a good-quality brightener as many have been found to not work. Although expensive, one worth trying is Chanel’s Le Blanc Illuminating Brightening Concentrate.

SCRUB UP That’s right – using an exfoliator helps to get rid of old skin cells. Incorporate a scrub into your routine twice a week to help your skin stay fresh. We like the Nutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Scrub as it’s gentle on the skin and contains micro pearls.

TRY A MASK But make sure it is a hydrating mask and suited to your skin type. Y has tried quite a few out there, but has to say one of our favourites is Lancôme’s Hydra Intense Hydrating Gel Mask. Used once a week, you’ll feel – and see – the difference.

A LITTLE SPRITZ Y is a huge fan of Evian’s Brumisateur Facial Spray. You can simply pop it in your bag and spritz your face whenever you need. It’s great when flying, when running about doing errands or simply sitting in an air-conditioned office. It helps to keep your skin hydrated and also cools you down – perfect!

Beauty

HEALTH

Posture

Perfect Did you know that your smartphone can actually affect your health? Y gives you the lowdown on the importance of posture

To hold a phone properly, keep it at eye level with a neutral, relaxed neck.

espite the many benefits of having information at your fingertips, smartphones and tablets can do damage to your body and overall health in unexpected ways. You may not realise it, but all that time spent with your head down checking emails and WhatsApping may be creating more than a social gap – you may also be harming your spine. Research suggests that spinal pressure actually doubles with each inch you bend your head down. Smartphone users spend an average of two to four hours per day hunched over, says Kenneth Hansraj, chief of spine surgery at New York Spine Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine, in his recent report for Surgical Technology International. As a result, back and neck pain have increased among users of electronic gadgets and the effects may linger for years. “Poor posture is easy to spot in the hunched over forms of older adults who have carried bad habits for a lifetime,” says Stephen Gubernick, doctor of chiropractic at The Joint Chiropractic. “However, few people realise that there are health implications that make good posture essential for healthy living at any age.” Dr Gubernick explains that a misalignment of your spine can affect your overall health and well-being. Your spine protects your nervous system, which controls and

coordinates all the different functions of your body. Any disruption in nerve communication to your organs and tissues may result in abnormal function. “There are countless benefits from simply improving the alignment of the spine,” he added. Poor posture negatively impacts your muscles and ligaments, as well as your spine, which can lead to a host of health problems ranging from neck and back pain to gastrointestinal problems and even hyperkyphosis – a condition in which spine curvature is significantly exaggerated, with increased risk of pulmonary and arterial health problems. When posture or other factors cause a misalignment, a spinal adjustment is one way to help restore normal nerve function and communication, thereby allowing your body to work normally and naturally. In addition to recommending exercises that strengthen your core postural muscles in an effort to sustain and improve posture, a chiropractor can also assist you with identifying proper posture techniques to use during daily activities that help to reduce the risk of injury. To learn more about how your spine affects your body’s overall health, visit thejoint.com/spine Why Posture Matters There are many benefits to practicing good posture.

Fashion

According to the American Chiropractic Association, keeping your spine aligned properly: ● Ensures bones and joints are correctly aligned. This helps the muscles to be used properly, diminishing abnormal wear, which can cause degenerative arthritis and joint pain. ● Places less stress on the ligaments that link the spinal joints, decreasing the chance of injury. ● Creates efficiency within the muscle groups, helping the body use less energy and avoid fatigue. ● Reduces the likelihood of back and muscular pain, overuse disorders and muscle strain. Maintaining Good Posture Ditching your smartphone probably isn’t a practical solution for improving your posture, so keep your posture in check with these tips instead: ● To protect your posture while using your phone and other electronic devices, avoid angling your head down for prolonged periods. Raise the device closer to eye level, or use a stand to prop the screen up. ● Treat back and neck pain, which may signal a posture problem or worsen poor posture habits, with regular chiropractic adjustments to keep your body balanced and flexible. ● When sitting, avoid crossing your legs and keep your knees at or below hip level. Use a back pillow to support your lower and middle back. Relax your shoulders and avoid sitting in the same position for extended periods of time. ● While standing, keep your feet shoulder width apart and your knees slightly bent. Stand straight with your shoulders pulled back and your stomach tucked in.

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GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS… Yiti • Sifawy Boutique Hotel Qantab • Al Bustan Palace Hotel • Marina Bander AL Rowdha • Oman Dive Club • Shangri La - Barr Al Jissah Wadi Kabir • Al Maya Hypermarket • Khimji Mart • Lulu Hypermarket • National Hospitality Institute • Shell MBD • Bank Dhofar • Moore Stephens • NBO • Oman Oil Ahlain • Pizza Hut • Pizza Muscat • Shell CBD • Al Maya Hypermarket • Alizz Islamic Bank • Bahwan Travel Agencies • Bank Sohar • Centre pointSplash • Copper Chimney • Costa Coffee • HSBC • Lama Polyclinic • NBO • Oman Arab Bank • Standard Chartered Bank • Woodlands Restaurant Muscat • Muscat • Bait al Baranda • Bait al Zubair • Diwan • Shell Darsait • Cave Restaurant • Indian Social Club • Khimji Mart • KIMS Hospital • Lulu Hypermarket • Muscat Bakery • Shell AL Falaj/Rex Road • Al Falaj Hotel • Badar Al Sama • Golden Oryx Restaurant • Kamat Restaurant

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Toshiba Showroom RUWI • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Watches Showroom • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • OTE • Sarwana Bhawan • Swaroski Hamriya • Apollo Medical Centre Wattayah • Ahli Bank • Best cars • BLS • Ford • GM (Chevrolet) • Hatat House • Honda • Hyundai • Kia • Lexus • National Travel & Tourism • Passage to India • SABCO Group • Shell • Subaru • Suzuki • Toyota Qurum • Al Araimi Complex • Balance Gym • Bank Nizwa • BMW showroom • Burger King • Capital Store • Chili’s • Crowne Plaza • Finland Eye Center • Fun Zone • Gloria Jean’s Coffee • Jungle Restaurant • Left Bank • McDonald’s • Mercedes Benz • Mumtaz Mahal • Nandoos • Nissan • Oman Oil Ahlain • Pizza Hut • Qurum Commercial Complex (Old CCC) • SABCO Centre • Second Cup • Starbucks • Tché Tché coffee

shop The Sultan centre (TSC) PDO • PDO • Oman Oil Head Office • PDO • Ras Al Hamra Club Royal Opera House • Indus Restaurant • More Café Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Carribou Coffee • Darcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Laser Center • Intercontinental Hotel • Jawaharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks Sarooj • Al Fair S/M • Al Masa Mall • Al Shatti Cinema (Dunkin Donuts) • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclinic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell MQ • Al Fair S/M • Arab Open University • British Council • Costa Coffee • Darcy’s Kitchen • Emirates Airlines • Hana Slimming Centre • Kargeen Café • KFC • Mackenzies • Mood Café • Oman Oil Ahlain • Papa John’s • Pizza Hut • Saharz Beauty Saloon • Starbucks • TBWA Zeenah Al Khuwair • Badar Al Sama • Bait Al Reem • Bait Al Reem Coffee Shop • Café Vergnano •

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Centre pointSplash • Diplomatic Club • Friendi Mobile • Grand Hyatt Muscat • Grand Hyatt Muscat (Saloon) • Gulf College • Harley Davidson • HSBC (Old OIB) • KFC • Khimji Mart • Khimji’s Watches Showroom • KM Trading • Landmark Group • McDonald’s • Ministry of Information • Muscat Bakery • Mustafa Sultan Enterprises • Oman Bowling Center • Oman Oil Ahlain • Oman United Insurance • OMRAN • Pizza Hut • Radison Blu • Shell • TGI fridays • The Kebab Factory • The Tikka Place • VLCC • Zahara Travel • Zakher Shopping Mall MGM • Carribou Coffee • Gloria Jean’s Coffee • Nawras • Paul Patisserie • Tim Hortons Bousher • College for Banking & Financial Studies • Costa Coffee • Crepe Café • Dolphin Village • Modern College Of Business Studies • Moka & More Café • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital Emergency • Muscat Private Hospital Outpatient • Oman Medical

College • Stationery Hut Ghubra • Al Hayat Polyclinic • Al Maya Hypermarket • Aster Hospital • Bank of Beirut • GMC • Lulu Hypermarket • Oman Oil Ahlain • Park Inn • Porsche • The Chedi Ghala • National Mineral Water • TAISM Azaiba • Al Fair S/M • Al Maha • Al Meera H/M • Audi • Bentely • Brand Oman • Carribou Coffee • Costa Coffee • Infinity Service Station • Jaguar • Jeep • Land Rover • Mazda • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Ahlain • Peugeot • Seven Seas Complex • Shell • Skoda • The Sultan centre (TSC) • Towell • Volks Wagon • Volvo • Yamaha • Zubair Automotive (Sayarati) Al Murtafaa • Bank Muscat • Golden Tulip • DHL • KFC • Muscat Hills Golf Club • Oman Air Mawaleh • Chili’s • Costa Coffee • Makkan Café • Noodle House • Starbucks • Starcare Hospital • Tim Hortons

• VLCC Hail • Al Mouj Golf Club • Amouage - Oman Perfumery LLC • Bait al Hail • Burger King • Caledonian College • Costa Coffee • Markaz Al Bahja • McDonald’s • Oman Football Association • Oman Sail • Shakespere & Co. • The Wave H.O. Rusayl • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -1 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -2 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -3 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • SQU - Diplomatic Club • SQU - College of Commerce • SQU - Students Banking Area • SQU -Hospital • Waljat College Seeb • McDonald’s • SABCO Media Al Khoud • Badar Al Sama • Al Fair S/M • Pizza Hut Barka • Al Nahda Spa and Resort • Lulu Hypermarket Sawadi • Sawadi Beach Resort Massnaah • Millennium Hotel Sohar • Centre pointSplash • Crowne Plaza • National Gift Market • Nawras • Pizza Hut • Safeer Mall • Sohar Beach Hotel • Sohar Port • Sohar University Nizwa • Nizwa University

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Bayt Al Naman castle was an important military defensive position and is still guarded to this day, nearly four centuries after it was built.

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BAYT AL NAMAN CASTLE A FASCINATING HISTORICAL WONDER IS WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED JUST A STONE’S THROW OUTSIDE MUSCAT, SAYS SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI

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fact that the difference between these “before” and “after” places is not actually that great stands as a testament to the engineering skill of those who built the castle 390 years ago. Amazingly, the tree that stands sentinel in the courtyard is actually older than the castle itself, with its age estimated at around 400 years. Inside, the intricate details are fascinating. There are a number of exhibits on display, including hand-carved wooden chests, khanjars and teapots. The architectural features like the windows and staircases were interesting and I couldn’t help but marvel at how clever the builders were to have accomplished all that they did without modern technology. They really were geniuses. I spent close to two hours wandering around the castle taking in the sights and was joined by a group of what looked like college students who were on a guided tour. As the minutes ticked by and the start of the Tour of Oman got closer, even a few of the cyclists appeared to take a quick look around and appreciate some of the Sultanate’s heritage. Bayt Al Naman really

TRAVEL GUIDE

had been assigned to cover the opening of the Tour of Oman, the first stage of which began at Bayt Al Naman Castle last week, and decided to use the opportunity to explore a bit of Oman’s history. The castle is located just beyond Barka and is clearly signposted from the main road, so thankfully it was quite easy to find. I’m a man who likes his history and the restoration work that has been done on Bayt Al Naman Castle is nothing short of superb. I arrived early – about 8.30 in the morning – which meant that I pretty much had the whole castle to myself and got chatting to one of the guards, who kindly offered to act as an impromptu tour guide and gave me some basic details as he showed me around. Built in the late 17th century by Imam Saif bin Sultan Al Ya’ruba, the castle was initially used as a royal retreat and a rest house for journeys between Muscat and Rustaq. A century later, Bayt Al Naman was given a military makeover by the Al bu Said dynasty, who transformed it into a formidable defensive position complete with murder holes, from which boiling oil could be poured over marauding attackers, and a 360-degree range of firepower over the surrounding territory. Situated inside a walled compound, the whole castle has been more or less restored to its former glory apart from a few areas that have been purposely preserved as they were found. The

is a beautiful castle and I would strongly recommend people to visit, especially those who live close by and haven’t been. It’s an important part of our history and I was glad to see it preserved the way it was. The castle has been kept very neat and clean, which was pleasing to see. Unfortunately, some of Oman’s other historical sites have been destroyed by people with little regard for their importance, who go there and leave litter.

HOW TO GET THERE Take the highway all the way down this road on the left. out to Barka. Exit the highway 17kms after the turn-off for road GPS location of Bayt Al 13. Turn left and then take the Naman castle: third right. The castle is 3km N 23° 42’ 16” E 57° 50’ 58”

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i ng g d o d e l i , wh s m, d a n e e t i s r f e t m a ff so lasts o b t e r l e s o t a l y Shooting is the perfect wa their fire eba Hasan e wr ites D 040

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INDOORS

was hiding behind an oil drum when I spotted my little brother’s blue vest and fired in his direction. The laser gun in my hand registered it as a hit and the small screen read “good shot”. For a tense 10 minutes I was on edge, ducking and diving, taking cover, evading shots and returning fire in my first experience of a laser tag game. I have always been a fan of gaming centres and bowling alleys, but Laserblast at Fun Zone in Qurum was a new concept to me. I’d heard it was similar to paintballing – which I had also never tried – so I really didn’t know what to expect. When I entered Fun Zone, I was quite excited, but as I moved into the Laserblast zone, I started to get a little nervous. My soon-to-be opponent on the other hand – my eight-year-old brother Bilal – could barely contain his excitement. As we were we kitted out in leather vests by the operator, I tried to discover exactly what lay ahead of me. Would it hurt in any way? Could the lasers damage your eyes? Calmly, the employee attempted to put my apprehension at ease and told me there was nothing to worry about. I was still not convinced. My brother leapt over to the blue team’s gear and would be called “Spy”, while I was clad in red and given the codename “The Rock”; fun names, I thought. When we entered the play zone – a 200-metre-square indoor area, I was captivated by the special light effects, fog and music. In no time, my little brother started unleashing bursts of laser at me as I ran between panels to dodge him. The operator had to shout from the far end, reminding me to turn back and return some fire. I was just too nervous and I wasn’t even trying to hide. However, after a few minutes I got my head together and sent a volley of shots in my brother’s direction. My fire was somewhat sporadic and random, but as I adjusted to the game, the operator’s words of wisdom started to come back to me. We were told to aim specifically at the chest, back and shoulders

Opening hours: Saturday-Thursday: 10am to 11pm; Friday: 1pm to 11pm Price: RO3 per person for a 10-minute game Phone: +968 9567 7480 Location: Fun Zone, Qurum Capacity: two to 14 players (bookings required for groups of six and above) Age limit: six and over to achieve maximum points and I remembered that by holding a button on my gear I could generate a shield for a few seconds. In addition to this, by flicking a switch on my gun I could enter machine gun mode, which allowed for bursts of automatic fire. Now things started to get clearer and I felt my inner Rambo straining for release. I was hiding behind the different panels, laying in wait to ambush my unsuspecting brother. The place was completely dark except for the neon glow of the panels and the oil drums. All we could see were the laser lights glowing from our gear, alerting us of each other’s approach. Just as I was getting into the swing of things, I was informed our 10 minutes were up. As we exited from the battle zone we were handed two slips of paper that had all the game details on them. The data from our guns

and vests were recorded and it turns out that I had scored 600 points, but my brother had clenched victory with 950 points. I realised he hit me 10 times in total, whereas I only managed to hit him three times. Bilal wanted to go straight back in for another round and has already announced that he wants to go back there for his birthday party. I felt quite stress-free after playing the game, which project manager Abbas Khalil tells me is how a lot of people feel. “The game is a total entertainer for friends and family and helps them feel relaxed,” he says. It was good to let off some virtual steam and expend a bit of energy. I would definitely go back for more – starting with my brother’s birthday if he has anything to do with it. I just need to work on my accuracy first. FEB 26 - MAR 04 / ISSUE 359

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BELLA VISTA

Taormina is a charming hilltop town that is full of history. It is home to some wonderful hotels and restaurants, not to mention some of the best ice cream on the planet.

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO: 1. Visit the Teatro Greco 2. Visit Carvajal Palace 3. Have some local ice cream 4. Take the cable car down to the beach 5. Have lunch in the main square and enjoy the view

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Adam Hurrell recommends

TAORMINA, SICILY T

a o r m i n a i s p e r c h e d o n t o p o f a c l i ff l o o k i n g o u t a c r o s s t h e I o n i a n S e a a n d i s o n e o f t h e m o s t b e a u t i fu l t o w n s in all of Sicily. Positioned about halfway between Messina and Catania, Taormina has been an immensely popular tourist destination since the 19th century. The town was a particular favourite of artists and intellectuals during the 20th century. It was home to English w r i t e r s D H L a w r e n c e a n d D a p h n e P h e l p s . D u r i n g h e r t i m e in Taormina from 1948-1999, Phelps entertained friends and fellow writers, including Bertrand Russell, Roald Dahl and Tennessee Williams. One of Taormina’s most well-known artists in residence was German photographer Wilhelm von Gloeden, who l i v e d i n t h e t o w n fo r a l m o s t 5 0 y e a r s b e fo r e h i s d e a t h i n 1 9 3 1 . Oscar Wilde is also said to have visited, making it a town adored by bohemians and academics alike. Taormina is characterised by small alleyways, cobbled streets a n d s q u a r e s w i t h d e l i g h t fu l l y M e d i t e r r a n e a n c a f é s . I f y o u a r e a l o v e r o f i c e c r e a m , y o u w i l l b e m o r e t h a n c a t e r e d fo r . A n d fo r t h o s e w i t h a p e n c h a n t fo r d e s i g n e r c l o t h e s , y o u r e a l l y a r e s p o i l t f o r c h o i c e a s t h e s h o p p i n g i n t h i s c l i ff t o p r e t r e a t i s e x c e p t i o n a l .

My favourite place

As a lover of history I found the Teatro Greco, otherwise known as the Greek Theatre, fascinating. It’s an ancient theatre that, despite its name, was most likely built by the Romans on the base of an older theatre originally constructed by the Greeks. It is the second-largest theatre in Sicily, after Syracuse, with a diameter of nearly 110 metres. It is still used today as a stunning setting for operas and concerts. The theatre is at the very top of the town and the view across the bay is breathtaking and worth the climb alone. Go to the top of the auditorium and take a seat for a few minutes and drink in the atmosphere. You can’t help but marvel at an incredible feat of engineering that has stood the test of time.

TAORM

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H BY TO TH E B EA C H EA D D OW N C A B LE C A R

Highlights

The main square in Taormina, is charming and looks out across the bay below. Lunch in one of the many restaurants is something you won’t ever forget. Another highlight of Taormina is the Carvajal Palace, which is in the Piazza Badia. An Arabic tower dominates the main body of the palace and further Arabic influences can also be seen in an inner courtyard. In 1410, Carvaja Palacel housed the Sicilian Parliament and it was heavily renovated after the Second World War. Ice cream is something the Italians are famous for and with good reason – they make the best in the world. No visit to Taormina would be complete without trying some of the local ice cream and I cannot recommend La Gelateria on Corso Umberto, the central street of Taormina, enough. With an array of flavours so vast you could honestly spend all day deciding which one to chose, it has some of the best ice cream I have ever tasted.

Lowlights

Taormina, like so many picturesque towns in Europe, is fiercely expensive. Walking is certainly the main mode of transport here and on cobbled streets, it can be tiring.

Souvenirs

Like all tourist spots, there are plenty of places where you can purchase local souvenirs to remind you of your trip. The shopping in Taormina is good, especially for designer clothes and jade jewellery. You can also purchase lacework and jewellery made out of pumice stone (volcanic rock) as Taormina is close to Mount Etna.

Where to stay Taormina is a very affluent town and is home to numerous five-star hotels. Having stayed at the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, I can vouch for its splendour. The nearby Hotel Villa Diodoro, is also excellent and slightly cheaper.

TAORM

INA PIA ZZ

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

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BE PRODUCTIVE Got your eye on a promotion? Then you’re going to have to keep

productivity at optimum levels. Matthew Herbst checks out the gadgets that will take your career to the next level

POWER UP If you’re a gadget guru, you may find yourself drowning in a sea of unorganised power chargers. The Griffin PowerDock 5 charging station has been designed to power up to five USB-powered gadgets from a single power source and offers a backrest that can accommodate all smartphones and most tablets without having to remove their cases. The PowerDock's 5V (2.1 amp) charging circuitry will charge all iOS and most Kindle and Android devices. Available at amazon.com from RO40.28.

LOUD AND CLEAR

POINT AND PRESENT

EDITOR’S PICK

The Kensington PresentAir Pro Bluetooth 4.0 Presenter is a slim, sleek device that helps you stay in control of your presentation. With Bluetooth support, the need for a USB port for your dongle is history. It's the size of a conventional pen and features a laser pointer, which enables you to draw attention to points of importance. The PresentAir Pro offers three distinctive modes of operation – Presenter, Media and a Custom mode – that can be configured with the free PresenterWorks app available for both iOS and Android. Get yours for RO23.08 from amazon.com

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Let’s be honest, the built-in speakers of a laptop simply don’t cut it when it comes to clear audio. If transcribing voice recordings or giving presentations are part of your job, then the Altec Lansing FX3022 Expressionist BASS could well be the accompaniment you need. With a built-in subwoofer for crisp and clear audio at any frequency, the Expressionist Bass provides the powerful sound you require. Get transcribing at amazon. com from RO38.48.

POCKET SCANNER THE DOXIE FLIP SCANNER EASILY FITS IN YOUR BAG AND GIVES YOU THE POWER TO SCAN ON THE GO. A DETACHABLE LID AND TRANSPARENT SCANNING WINDOW ALLOWS THE ENTIRE SCANNER TO BE "FLIPPED" TO CAPTURE POCKET NOTEBOOKS OR SMALL OBJECTS SUCH AS PASSPORT PHOTOS AND STAMPS. THE DOXIE FLIP SCANS A6 IMAGES AT UP TO 600 DPI AND ITS SMALL COLOUR SCREEN ALLOWS USERS TO PREVIEW AND CONFIGURE SCANNED IMAGES. ANOTHER GOOD THING ABOUT THIS IS THAT IT HAS AN "AUTOSTITCH" FEATURE, WHICH ENABLES USERS TO MERGE MULTIPLE SCANS INTO ONE LARGE IMAGE. FROM RO57.33 AT GETDOXIE.COM

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App of the Week DIGITAL CONTACTS With the DYMO CardScan Executive, the days of carrying reams of business cards away from meetings and networking events are a thing of the past. All you have to do is scan the card and the device will sync the details with Outlook, your PDA or smartphone effortlessly. Of course, such a system isn't cheap, but if you attend lots of events and conferences, then it is an investment that will surely pay off. Get yours from RO76.96 at cardscan.com

NEW PLANTRONICS CALISTO 835

TO DO

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll probably find that managing the thousands of Post-it notes on your desk will be much easier with Post-it Plus. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a free app for Apple devices that works with paper Post-it notes, allowing you to manage and rearrange them digitally. All you have to do is take a picture of your Post-it notes and Post-it Plus will do the rest for you. Free for all iOS users.

Whether in life or in business, communication is always important, so it is best not to miss that all-important call. Streamlining all your devices has never been simpler with this multi-device speakerphone system from Plantronics. Connect your mobile phone, land line, and computer to the device and enjoy premium sound on the speakerphone. If you like to pace around while striking up a new deal, no problem; Plantronics has a great wireless microphone that is integrated into the unit. Ideal if you're working from home or own a small business, but don't want to spend thousands on an expensive phone system. Available at plantronics.com from RO98.83.

RE-ROUTE The DIR-510L Portable Wi-Fi Router and Charger from D-Link is worth investing in if your business is always on the go. It features an internal 4,000 mAH rechargeable battery, which can power the travel router or charge any additional USB device. Being a wireless router, the DIR-510L can also share a wired Internet connection via its built-in Ethernet port or a connected mobile 3G/4G/ LTE modem. Get connected at amazon.com from RO38.48. FEB JULY 26 - MAR 03 - 04 09 / ISSUE 359 327

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BMW X6 xDrive50i Specifications: Engine: 4.4L V8 petrol Transmission: 8-speed automatic Horsepower: 450 Torque: 650 Nm 0-100kph: 4.8 seconds Top speed: 250kph

Promising both luxury and power, the new BMW X6 will make you the undisputed king of the road, says Matt Blackwell

his was my first test drive for Y Magazine and in all honesty, I have been spoiled. After having spent a day with the new BMW X6, it will be hard to accept anything less than the best in future. The X6 is a mid-size luxury crossover, which means it combines both the high-ground clearance and all weather ability of an SUV, with the stance of a coupé. With the characteristic BMW sweeping contours and sloping roof, boy does it deliver on both counts. As I opened the door and took my place in the driving seat, the first thing that hit me was the smell. If luxury had a scent, I’m pretty sure this would be it. There was enough leather upholstery in this car to put a furniture shop to shame; it simply exuded elegance. The second thing that struck me was the sheer number of dials, knobs, switches and buttons that lay before me; I didn’t know where to begin. Luckily, I am fairly tech savvy and despite the choice, it was all fairly straightforward. Within five minutes I had my phone synced, giving me access to my contacts and text messages, and had music playing through my iPod. I was ready to take to the road. My test drive took place last weekend as strong dusty winds battered Muscat, but thanks to the 046

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wide stance of the X6, which gave it a sturdy feel, I went about my business almost oblivious to the adverse weather conditions. Comfort is one thing the X6 does very well. The seats alone had dizzying scope for customisation, with the ability to extend the support under the thighs and alter the extent to which they hug your torso in addition to the usual forwards, backwards and posture position. My only slight gripe was that I couldn’t seem to lower the seat, meaning that the rearview mirror took up an awkward position, blocking some of my view of the road. Comfort is all very well and good, but most importantly, how was the drive? Well, I can report that the X6 also excelled in this area. Switch from Comfort to Sport mode, drop a gear or two using the paddles behind the steering wheel and you will be pushed back in your seat as the X6 rockets forward. It can be quite a task keeping to the speed limit as you simply don’t realise how fast you’re going, such is the tranquility of the atmosphere within the cabin, even when travelling at speed. BMW’s xDrive four-wheel drive system cleverly adapts to even the most challenging road surface conditions, ensuring the driver is always given the most traction possible. I had no complaints from

a handling point of view either, with the X6 hugging the road even when negotiating sharp bends. The X6 is a big car and I was gifted with a superior position, high above the other drivers on Muscat’s roads, but it never felt ungainly; it is an incredibly easy vehicle to manoeuvre. When I put the X6 in reverse for the first time, I got a pleasant surprise. In addition to the now standard reversing camera, the X6 offers Surround View. This incredibly clever system gives you a bird’s-eye view of the car through a 360-degree camera system, with the obstacles around you and the car’s movement tracked in real time on the colour display on the dashboard. If you still find parking too much of a chore, you can always engage the latest generation Parking Assistant. The X6 is spacious, with easily enough room for three in the back and a sizeable luggage capacity to boot. Moreover, the rear-seat entertainment system offers the best possible entertainment options for passengers via two separate HD colour displays. As my day with the X6 came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness when I handed the keys back. I was left wanting more, which I believe any car manufacturer would view as a job well done in terms of design and drive quality.

They say: “Expect the exceptional.” We say: “Don’t accept anything less.”

Full colour heads up display Electronic glass sunroof Adaptive LED headlights Surround View 19-inch alloys Real Time Traffic Information Rear seat entertainment