Y Magazine #513, March 29, 2018

Moving the Goalpost

INSIDE AL HABSI’S ACADEMY Stunning Camry EXPLORING TOYOTA’S ALL-NEW SEDAN

News: RESTAURANT SHUT DOWN 10 FOR USING EXPIRED INGREDIENTS

CATCH THE LATEST UPDATES ONLY ON WWW.Y-OMAN.COM

DESTINATION: Wadi Andam TASTE TEST: Jashn Restaurant YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

MAR 29 - APR 04 2018 / ISSUE 513 • WEEKLY

ALL WORK AND PAIN

PLUS!

WORK STRESS, ANXIETY ON THE RISE IN OMAN

BEAUTIFUL JORDAN

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NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

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RUFFLE IT UP

40

PARENTING TEENS

42

EDITOR’S

NOTE COMPETITION Send in your answers for our ‘Movie contest’ and stand a chance to win two tickets of your choice from VOX.

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

OMANIS IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE The Ministry of Finance achieved an Omanisation rate of 96 per cent last year, according to recent figures published by the governmental organisation.

Welcome to Y Magazine – your top guide to the best of Oman every week.

Fast forward

L GOING DOWN

ILLEGAL STREET FOOD VENDORS A group of street vendors were detained and the food they were selling was seized, at the Al Qurum beach, by municipal authorities in cooperation with the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

THIS WEEK…

ast month, I met a popular social worker in Muscat who informed me that an expat migrant worker was forced to quit his job owing to depression at his workplace. The popular misconception is that depression is a lifestyle disease and the luxury of an indulgent few. Nothing could be further from the truth; students, professionals and housewives are likely to experience depression at some point in their lives. We are always taught to gloss over any unpleasant episode. It could be a bad examination grade or a friendship turning sour. The repeated advice is to ‘move on’ without processing or acknowledging how we feel. These repressed feelings accumulate over time, and when we are least expecting it, debilitate us.

The most unsettling fact about depression is that you cannot rationalise why you are feeling a certain way. To compound the problem, it is often not a permanent phenomenon, paying random visits for months or even years. You could have woken up feeling okay, yet, a few hours later, you just want to be alone or cry in the confines of your apartment. You are in an environment where everyone is working towards their goals, yet you are in a state of suspension after being pulled out unceremoniously from your previous trajectory. As the days progress, a feeling of worthlessness encapsulates you; you question your purpose and the need to live.

This week our cover story deals with depression in the workplace. According to experts, there is an alarming rise in the number of people who are depressed at work. What could be the real reason and how it can be solved? Find out from our cover story!

Happy weekend!

This week, we headed to the beautiful mountains of Jebel Shams to escape from the heat in the city, tried out the famous Jashn restaurant in Al Khuwair, and visited Wadi Andam for some time with friends.

Ways to get your Y fix Online: Visit y-oman.com for even more inspiration.

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editor@y-oman.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi SENIOR ONLINE EDITOR Nishad Padiyarath ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

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MAR 29 - APR 04 / ISSUE 513

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contents

MAR 29 - APR 04 2018

Your Oman

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman

Prasad Panicker 10 News

Fishing and sale ban on

Sea Cucumbers 12 News

Restaurant shut

down for using expired ingredients

18

Shake it off Join some of the region’s best DJs in a night of music and dance at the Sunset Musica Festival

19

Movies Spielberg’s ‘Ready Player One’ is an ‘80s pop-culture binge-fest

10

20 Trail of tears

More employees are falling prey to workplace

depression and anxiety

in Oman. We investigate

the concerns 26

Moving the goalpost Ali al Habsi’s football academy is making waves in Oman for all the right reasons.

19

20 Food and Drink 44 Food Feature

The perfect breakfast

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Wadi Andam

Health and Beauty

34 First Drive

Toyota Camry

39

Features

38 Y-Fi

Internet of things

38 Fashion

Ruffle it up 41 Health

Be the superwoman

46 Taste Test

Jashn: A Celebration

Called India

44

40 NEXT ISSUE...

FEATURES / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / BEAUTY / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FASHION / FIRST DRIVE

novation e r o t in s t e g as InterCon the man in charge p u p o p s le Amazing ta homas sits down with y with IHG e n r u T jo in le lv ib d mode. A 5 to his incre n e t s li o t e of Room 50 le a t g of chang in t a l cin s back severa and the fas to me takes u expat was ning

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B w e sk ffe ta t co rs ve fi ha is to in H e in ontinental he that take prid ierry narrates Geneva InterC then h ce T n y si or d st an e , h d T Switzerlan ral managerial has held seve

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THE VOICE OF OMAN THE OLD ORDER CHANGETH YIELDING PLACE TO NEW, BUT THE NEW ORDER WE WATCH IN AWE AT THE ALL-NEW MUSCAT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HAS A DASH OF OLD IN ITS FOLD. PRASAD PANICKER WALKS DOWN MUMBAI-MUSCAT MEMORY LANE

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: Indian schools in Muscat, Seeb, Al Ghubra, Darsait, Buraimi and Salalah have all announced fee hikes. Do you justify the fee increase? What are your thoughts?

GAUTAM GHOSH DASTIDAR

I

t was past midnight when I landed at the then Seeb international airport close to three decades back. That was my first flight out of India to live and work. As I stepped into the bus a dark, ugly, unknown fear crept in.

The guy at the immigration counter, dressed pleasingly different than anything I had seen until then, looked intimidatingly serious. No hint of smile as he flipped through my passport taking occasional glances at me.

As I picked up my luggage and walked out staring at the faces lined up near the arrival gate, some with placards carrying the names of persons they were looking for, I felt like going back to India. Luckily, the world was not really connected then and smartphones were not even on the drawing board. Otherwise I would have called up my employer to enquire about the possibility of catching the next flight to the then Bombay.

Three years later I walked out of Oman for good through the departure gate at Seeb international airport, and walked back into the Sultanate a year later after a short stint in Dubai.

No confusion or anxiety the second time around: I stood with a smile at the immigration counter as the guy, a different one of course, stamped my visa. He too was serious, but I was happily occupied with the “backhome!” euphoria.

I quit Oman four times — twice to take up another job elsewhere in the region, and twice to retire back into my own home country — and somewhere between these years the name of the airport got changed from Seeb to Muscat, but the change was mostly in the nomenclature. Everything else was so perfectly, comfortably familiar.

That wouldn’t be the case anymore.

If — if at all —I get into a flight to Muscat again and land at the all-new airport now, I might find myself a stranger. But someone in his midtwenties could be on that flight landing here for the first time, as confused and unsure as I was years ago.

And the story would repeat itself a couple of decades on.

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In most, but not all, Indian schools in Oman there is a fee hike of RO1, whereas the increase is RO2 in the Seeb school and RO4 in the Indian School Muscat. The October 5, 2017, issue of Y reported a 3.5 per cent price rise in furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance, 0.25 per cent increase in clothing and footwear, 0.39 per cent in health, 0.33 per cent in recreation and culture, 3.48 per cent in fruit, 6.49 per cent in fish...

From February 2018, M91 fuel has been costlier by 8 baisas per litre, M95 by 5 baisas, and diesel by 14 baisas. So why not in education, the fuel of our life – present and future?

PARUL JAIN

The fee hike is no good news for the already economically burdened parents. The Indian schools are doing it in the name of infrastructure development. A nominal increase is permitted but huge increases are unwelcome.

On the other hand, I believe these schools should improve the salaries and other facilities offered to the teaching community. The teachers are not paid adequately, and this forces them to offer private tuition — that’s another burden on the parents. Schools need to pay attention to this problem. Companies have cut down on the salaries of their employees, and fuel and commodity prices are going up, so it’s difficult for many parents to make ends meet.

An increase in fuel prices means an increase in the cost of transportation. The rents are going down but the cost of living has increased in Muscat. Only a few parents are in a comfortable position. The rest are struggling to survive but still dreaming of giving the best of education for their children. Nobody has the right to crush

WRITE TO US AND YOU COULD WIN

these parents’ dreams.

BRINDA KALYANI

The excuse given by the Indian schools to raise fees is “infrastructure development”. A revision of the salary of the teachers was never on the agenda.

The pay scale was fixed long ago and is nowhere matching the existing economic conditions. The schools lack qualified teachers. Definitely we need infrastructure development but equal importance is to be given to having qualified teachers.

PRATHEEKSHA BHATT

Why are we making much ado about nothing? The fee kike ranging from just a Riyal to a maximum of four is not definitely as big or ugly as it has been made out to be. So what do we want? Free education? Free transport? Free tuition? Everything free, but our pay cheque must be fat! Come on guys and girls, get out of this sickening attitude and be ready to pay a fair amount for the education of your child. You could cope with it with some cuts on a few indulgences of life, like weekend eating outs, going to the movies, lavish birthday parties, etc. Now is the time to tighten your purse strings and prioritise your spending. I believe nothing else should top our list of priorities than the education of our children. Let’s postpone our lavish celebrations until the dawn of better times, and I’m sure in a year or so we will be out of the economic downtown we are caught in at the moment.

WILSON DE SOUSA

The tuition fee at Indians schools here is quite low compared to that of some other schools here.

Schools run by other communities charge many times what Indian schools do. Of course I am aware that the Indians get paid a lot less than Europeans

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working here do, so there is no point comparing the fees paid by Europeans and Indian parents, but the difference in pay is reflected even after the current fee hike, which is just a nominal amount of one or two riyals.

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BIJU JANARDHANAN was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine in Muscat

CHANDNI VOHRA

We seek the highest standards for the lowest price! We want the best teachers, great facilities and European standards in the Indian schools but when it comes to fees, we want Indian standards! I am sure even if the Indians schools were to announce a reduction in fees, the disgruntled elements would have found some reason to grumble, asking “why it’s just this much only?” It’s impossible to please us, isn’t it?

ASHOK THOMAS

I am not against the fee hike, but I think it came at the wrong time. Couldn’t they have waited for just another year? It would have made matters easier then, with a changed economic outlook and the positivity beginning to take shape, perhaps.

ZAHID SAEED

The fee hike by the Indian schools here is like the proverbial last nail on the coffin. Parents are already in a lot of trouble as companies have cut down on their spending on staff to cope with the grim economic realities. Unable to manage, many parents have sent their families back to India, and the fee hike will force many others to follow suit.

New Debate: Passengers who park their cars in the long-term parking area will now have to pay more than double the old rate at the new Muscat International Airport.

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THIS IS YOUR SPOT! Just send us your picture with Y Magazine or pose with our photographer and we will publish it on this page

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Y Magazine reader Aadesh captures this picture at Muttrah Corniche using his Canon 1300D camera.

Send your photo to editor@y-oman.com to be featured in our new section, Through Your Eyes. Include where it was taken, your name and a few details about your photograph, such as the camera used.

PHOTO: Aadesh

MAR 29 - APR 04 / ISSUE 513

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YOUR

OMAN

A

DRUG USERS ON THE RISE IN OMAN

study conducted by the Ministry of Social Development has revealed an alarming increase in the number of drug users in the Sultanate.

The study based on people’s visits to the specialised treatment institutions threw up some shocking results. The Outpatient Clinic of Addiction at Al Masarra Hospital, for instance, received 4,216 visitors in 2010 as against 2,418 in 2009.According to the National Record of Addiction (NRA), between 2004 and 2015, the

number of drug addicts who sought treatment at public health institutions reached 5,363, of which 56 were females.

A total of 372 cases of drug abuse were registered in 2015, of which 72 per cent were below 35 years old, the study has found.

The National Committee for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances has warned that these figures “do not represent reality” as some people receive treatment at private clinics, while some prefer to go abroad for social reasons,

FISHING, SALE BAN ON SEA CUCUMBERS

O

man’s government has banned the fishing, trading and possession of sea cucumbers for a full year, beginning March 26.

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Dr Fuad bin Jaafar Al Sajwani issued a ministerial decision to prohibit the fishing, trading and possession of sea cucumber in Oman.

Based on the Agricultural Quarantine Law issued by Royal Decree No. 53/81 and the Executive Regulations of the Agricultural Quarantine Law issued by Ministerial Decision No.4/94, he decided: Article 1: Fishing sea cucumber in all Omani waters is prohibited for one full year, since the date of applying this ministerial decision. Additionally, possessing, selling, buying, exporting, and storing sea cucumbers, and any other action related to this issue, is prohibited during this period.

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especially females.

Drugs can negatively impact all aspects of a person’s life, family, friends and community, and mount an enormous burden on society. Drug addicts could also become responsible for various crimes.

Between 2000 and 2016, the number of drugrelated crimes has been increasing. In 2016, 2,538 crimes were committed, an average annual rise of 43.4 per cent, according to the Public Prosecution.

BUSINESS NETWORKING

GALLERY THE BRITISH BUSINESS FORUM (BBF) OMAN RECENTLY HOSTED ITS NETWORKING EVENT. THE MEET WAS HOSTED BY TROWERS & HAMLINS, AT THE GRAND HYATT MUSCAT HOTEL, LAST WEEK, AND WAS ATTENDED

BY SEVERAL MEMBERS AND GUESTS OF THE BBF.

The original Day in Paradise allows direct access to Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa’s 600m private beach, swimming pools, Lazy River, 20% off treatments at CHI, The Spa, and lunch at Al Tanoor. OMR 30

Day in Paradise with Watercooled Powered

by Uniboats includes OMR20 credit to enjoy fun activities, including jet skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and full access to the beach, pools, and Lazy River. OMR 30

Spa-Mazing Day in Paradise includes a 60-minute body massage at CHI,The Spa and full day access to Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa’s 600m private beach, pools, and Lazy River. OMR 50

MAR 29 - APR 04 / ISSUE 513

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RESTAURANT SHUT DOWN FOR USING EXPIRED INGREDIENTS

A

restaurant in Daba has been shut down for violating health laws, according to the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP).

Officials said the owners of the restaurant had used expired ingredients to cook food.

The Court of Appeal in Musandam passed a ruling against a group of defendants for violating the consumer protection law and its executive regulations. The accused were fined RO3,400, and the seized products were destroyed.

In a statement online, PACP said: “Judicial enforcement officers from the PACP shut down a restaurant in Daba for using expired products in cooking food. Based on that, authorities took legal action against the defendants by fining them and destroyed the seized products.”

The PACP called on all traders and suppliers to comply with the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law and to abide by the laws and regulations in order to maintain the stability of the markets and to protect the safety of the consumers.

DUPED MOBILE PHONE CUSTOMERS TO

GET BACK RO61,000 FROM SELLER

T

he Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) was able to recover OMR61,644 for a number of consumers, as part of the Authority’s efforts to resolve issues and complaints received through amicable settlement.

“The Complaints Department received 240 complaints in 2017 by consumers against a specialised mobile phone company’s procrastination in handing over devices they had agreed to buy, even though they paid the money for them,” PACP said in a report online.

The investigation found that the accumulated amount incurred by the corporation as a result of the delay amounted to more than OMR61,000. It was therefore agreed that the company will return all amounts received by the consumers.

TWO CITIZENS ARRESTED AFTER FAKE INSURANCE CLAIM IN OMAN

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wo Omani citizens have been arrested for attempting to defraud an insurance company by setting their car on fire.

According a Royal Oman Police statement, the Criminal Investigation and Investigation Department at the police station arrested two citizens for causing a traffic accident and setting fire to a vehicle in order to obtain indemnity from the insurance company.

An official source at North Batinah police said, “The accused informed the police station about an accident between their vehicles on one of the internal streets in the state.” A police investigation found evidence that the accident was fabricated.

A case has been filed against the accused, who have been referred to judicial authorities to take legal action against them.

THE FUTURE IS NOW

GALLERY

THE OMAN AMERICAN BUSINESS CENTER (OABC) HOSTED ITS SECOND RENEWABLE ENERGY SERIES: LOCAL CONTENT PROVIDERS IN SOLAR PV IPP SUPPLY CHAINS, EARLIER THIS MONTH.

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OGWA 2018

OMAN

THE OMAN OIL AND GAS CONFERENCE 2018 (OGWA) KICKEDOFF AT THE OMAN CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, THIS WEEK. HIS EXCELLENCY MOHAMMED BIN ZUBAIR, ADVISOR TO HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN FOR ECONOMIC PLANNING AFFAIRS, INAUGURATED THE EXHIBITION. MORE THAN 400 LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES TOOK PART AT THE EXHIBITION THAT CONCLUDED ON MARCH 28.

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GALLERY

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YOUR

PASTRY DELIGHTS

OMAN

CAKE TALKS 2018 - AN EXHIBITION OF CAKES AND A COMPETITION FOR BAKERS - WAS ORGANISED IN OMAN. THE EVENT TOOK PLACE LAST WEEK AT THE OASIS MALL.

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Photo: Shaquel Al Balushi

Today’s inspiration: The whole world is wild at heart and weird at top. - David Lynch

In a new series, we look for inspiration from a variety of influences around Oman, including its people, places and wildlife.

EASTER DAY FUN

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

THIS

Celebrate Easter with your family and friends at Muscat Hills Resort. The event will be familyand kid-friendly, with several exciting activities lined up for the visitors. It will be hosted on the new grass lawn from 9am. To keep the kids occupied, there will be a bouncy castle and face painting. Kids under the age of 10 will also receive a complimentary buffet. Entry will cost RO10 for adults and RO5 for children between the ages of six and 12. The event will be powered by My Gym Muscat and supported

by Axis Events. For more information call or whatsapp: +968 7150 0555 or email the sponsors at muscathillsresort.com

WEEK M

C

R

APRIL 06 Are you ready for NOS? The first National Obstacle Series, organised by Sabco Sports, will kick off next week. The series will push contestants through some challenging yet fun inflatable obstacle courses. Oh, and it’s the only such series in the Middle East, so you might want to register for this. To get your heart pumping, the team has designed a 3km race for adults and a 1km race for kids in the world’s largest inflatable obstacles placed at strategic points at Al Mouj Golf (which is the venue, by the way). The race will commence at 5pm for kids and 7pm for adults but make sure you arrive an hour before the event to collect your timing chips. Buy tickets for the event from nationalobstacleseries.com for RO7.5 and RO20, for children and adults, respectively.

WHAT TO DO.

A

READY, STEADY... NOS

SUNSET MUSICA FESTIVAL

WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

H

After an unforgettable and star-packed night last year, Spirals, in association with Fasi Production, is bringing back the Sunset Musica Festival 2018 to Oman. The festival expects to bring music and dance lovers to the grounds of InterContinental Muscat for a night of fun and frolic. World-renowned Swedish-Congolese singer Mohombi will grace the event along with DJ Darly from Brazil, DJ Essie from Spain, DJ Khalifa, DJ Gine, DJ Sultan, Dub Bass, DJ Leon and Zo Electric Project feat, Drum Infection from Oman, and DJ Miss Cara and DJ Wazi from South Africa. Doors to the event will open at 5pm – and the event will run until the early hours of the day. Tickets will start from RO7 (for those 21 and under), and will run up to RO10 for single men and women, and RO15 for couples. For more information contact: 97098681, 99805525, 96584858

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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

Peter Rabbit Cast: James Corden, Rose Byrne, Domhnall Gleeson, Margot Robbie and Daisy Ridley

Ready Player One

Hurricane Heist Cast: Toby Kebbell, Maggie Grace and Ryan Kwanten

Cast: Antonio Banderas and Milo, Bikovi

A talented gambler gathers a team of people in Moscow with superpowers to win big at a casino. But at the game he finds himself up against a much stronger mystical rival and ends up in a deadlock putting in danger himself and his team that he has grown to love. To save his friends and his girlfriend the lead character will have to go above and beyond.

Oman release: March 22

Poomaram

Cast: Olivia Cooke, Tye Sheridan and Hannah John-Kamen From filmmaker Steven Spielberg comes the science fiction action adventure Ready Player One, based on Ernest Cline’s bestseller of the same name, which has become a worldwide phenomenon. The film is set in 2045, with the world on the brink of chaos and collapse. But the people have found salvation in the OASIS, an expansive virtual reality universe created by the brilliant and eccentric James Halliday (Mark Rylance). When Halliday dies, he leaves his immense fortune to the first person to find a digital Easter egg he has hidden somewhere in the OASIS, sparking a contest that grips the entire

Beyond the Edge

Cast: Kalidasan Jayaram, Kunchacko Boban, Meera Jasmine and Lijo Jose

world. When an unlikely young hero named Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) decides to join the contest, he is hurled into a breakneck, reality-bending treasure hunt through a fantastical universe of mystery, discovery and danger. Spielberg directed the film from a screenplay by Zak Penn and Ernest Cline.

Oman release: March 29

Under the threat of a hurricane, opportunistic criminals infiltrate a US Mint facility to steal $600 million for the ultimate heist. When the hurricane blows up into a lethal category 5 storm and their well-made plans go awry, they find themselves needing a vault code known only by one Treasury Agent (Maggie Grace), a need that turns murderous. But the Treasury agent has picked up an unlikely ally, a meteorologist (Toby Kebbell) terrified of hurricanes but determined to save his estranged brother kidnapped by the thieves. He uses his knowledge of the storm as a weapon to win in this non-stop action thriller ride charged with adrenaline throughout.

Oman release: March 29

Join the club

VOX REWARDS

Peter Rabbit, the mischievous and adventurous hero who has captivated generations of readers, now takes on the starring role of his own irreverent, contemporary comedy with attitude. In the film, Peter’s feud with Mr McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) escalates to greater heights than ever before as they rival for the affections of the warm-hearted animal lover who lives next door (Rose Byrne). James Corden voices the character of Peter with playful spirit and wild charm, with Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki, and Daisy Ridley performing the voice roles of the triplets, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail.

The film marks the debut of popular Malayalam film star Jayaram’s son, Kalidas. The story revolves around an incident at a ‘kalolsavam’(college fest). The Mahatma Gandhi University Youth Festival kicks off and two rival colleges are putting in all that they have got to win the champion’s trophy. In the course of the fest, a few things go awry due to an unexpected turn of events. Replete with lovely songs, great friendships, engaging fights and enjoyable comedy, Poomaram promises to be a visual treat for both family and youth.

Oman release: March 29

Oman release: March 29

!

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Who directed the film Poomaram?

LAST WEEK’S WINNER Athira Ravi

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TALES OF TEARS

Unforgiving bosses, impossible tasks and mounting targets.

Piles of work that don’t get finished even when you toil for 12 hours a day.

Workplace disgusts are driving employees into depression and drugs in Oman. Alvin Thomas follows the trail of tears

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geism, gender bias, bullying and ever-increasing workloads are driving employees mad. At least that’s what young marketing executive Fatma al Lawati (name changed to protect identity) who works with one of Oman’s leading banks believes.

The 24-year-old joined the bank fresh after graduating from a university in 2016. First on her list of priorities was repaying the loan she had taken to pursue her degree.

During a recent interaction with Y outside of her working hours, Fatma tells: “My prayers were answered when I got the job at the bank. The pay wasn’t good, to be honest, but it covered the education loan I had taken from the same bank.

“I was a young, passionate and energetic employee at first – and I had fulfilled my dream of making my own money. I was even promoted twice in my first 16 months after I hit my targets, from a junior to my current position as a marketing executive. But that meant I was given almost impossible targets (to catch new clients).

But the over-achieving Omani woman soon realised that with greater power came greater responsibility. And for Fatma, her responsibilities grew further than her span – and that meant she carried work home, dedicating up to 12 hours a day to complete her tasks.

“One of my college professors had told me that anyone who opts to work for a corporate firm is signing their soul away to the company. I remember laughing at that then,” she reminisces.

“It has been a while since I have smiled like a normal human being.

“Work, work and work: That is my life now.

I even asked to be demoted to my previous position but my immediate boss said it was either my current job or nothing. And ever since that conversation, his attitude towards me has changed for the worse.

“Of late I have been holding as many as over 12 meetings with clients, following which I will also have to take care of existing clients,” she exclaims, before telling me that she could be receiving and making over 60 calls in a single day.

“Everybody tells me that it’s wise not to show your emotions at work. But inside my head, I’m in pain and there’s a little version of me screaming and crying with pain and agony.

“I know that it takes a lot to succeed in life and that we must all work hard to do so, but …”

Her words deeply moved us, forcing us to connect her with one of the leading mental health wellness institutions in the Sultanate – The Whispers of Serenity Clinic.

While Fatma may have found respite and possibly a solution to her worries, several others – tens of thousands – continue to bottle up their emotions and their pains go unnoticed.

But is occupational stress affecting the employees and employers in Oman? And if so, is it prevalent to such an extent that it must be brought into the limelight?

A SERIOUS PROBLEM Depression falls into the category of cognitive, emotional, and social impairments (CESI).

During an in-depth conversation with Y, Dr Amira al Raaidan, the director for health education and awareness programs, and head of the mental health department in the Ministry of Health, says: “Just like every other country, people in Oman undergo problems arising from workplace stress. And among the main problems is depression and anxiety. Both are very dangerous and need to be treated adequately and on time to avoid complications that may arise from these two conditions.”

Depression stemming from work is simply termed ‘workplace depression’ – and is becoming an area of increasing concern. And according to mental health website, PsychCentral, it is defined as the state of mind that arises when an employee is depressed in the workplace.

When an employee is depressed, it can affect the employee’s productivity, and mental and physical well-being.

In some cases, it can also affect the mood of their co-workers too.

“Depression and anxiety can arise from various factors,” says Dr Amira. “It can be from a tough employer or boss, strict deadlines, relationship problems and many other factors.

“By 2020, depression will become the biggest form of mental health illness. That’s a sign that things need to be done and that we need to take care of the well-being of these people who are suffering.”

She’s not wrong. Statistics in a report published in the Oman Medical Journal of 2017 states that there are signs that depression is on the rise in Oman.

Steps you can take to ensure a happy working environment: 1. Engage in meaningful (in-person) dialogue

When you make the effort to connect with your team members in person — individually and as a group — you’re establishing a position of caring that motivates individuals in all sorts of crazy-good ways.

2. Show your appreciation

One of the biggest complaints from employees is that they don’t feel appreciated. The second someone gives us a “nice job” or “you made a difference on this project”, we feel like we matter in a way that gives our work a sense of purpose.

3. Listen to everyone’s ideas

Your entire team has great ideas. They’re in the trenches all day, bringing their own experience and perspectives to the part of the project they’re focused on.

4. Trust your team members

This is a harder rule to practise for some more than others. So try to default to the assumption that your team is made up of adult, responsibility-taking, competent workers that don’t need to be treated like children.

5. Be spontaneous and have a little fun

Everyone wants to have fun at work — even though everyone defines “fun” a little differently.

Still, if you can keep the previous four tips in action, then fun—or a sense of enjoyment and being able to be yourself at work—becomes a more natural part of everyone’s job.

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STATISTICS OF DEPRESSION Depression falls into the category of cognitive, emotional, and social impairments.

“Currently, when we speak about workplace depression, anxiety and stress, we usually relate with employees and office-goers. Certain jobs require more monitoring and it can take a toll on the person who is presented with the task.

And when it happens on a more frequent basis, it can affect his or her health,” Dr Amira says.

While signs of depression in children can be bed wetting, biting nails and aggression, adults exhibit symptoms more differently, the doctor explains.

The signs of an adult suffering from anxiety or depression can be irritation, aggression, mood swings, restlessness, emotional instability, pessimism and hopelessness.

While these can hamper one’s mental health drastically, studies point out that occupational depression and anxiety can also lead to other health problems.

Dr Amira adds: “One suffering from these conditions can experience other problems and diseases like obesity, hypertension, heart diseases, diabetes and, in some cases, substance abuse.”

YOUTH ON THE BRINK OF SUICIDE During our interviews, we stumbled upon one Omani man in his early30s who claimed that he had used narcotics to calm himself following working hours.

He refused to reveal his identity to us, but asserted that he has been clean since 2015.

“When I took my new job as a junior engineer in a telecom firm in Oman, I was only 26. The initial days were all about learning and taking time to settle into my

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Everybody tells me that it’s wise not to show your emotions at work. But inside my head, I’m in pain and there’s a little version of me screaming and crying with pain and agony first real job,” he tells Y. “But as time flew, the company began downsizing and eventually I had to take care of everything from renewing visas for existing employees, which is the job of a public relations office; site inspections; health and safety of the staff; laying the blueprints for our projects; and, finally, creating weekly reports.

“This grew on my head to a point that I couldn’t take it anymore. I always knew that I had hated the job and that I was very upset. My bosses were unforgiving and there was no room for errors. This continued for eight years and I was doing it as a routine for my family (parents and siblings).

“That’s when I came across the narcotic, which my friend used to abuse himself with. It didn’t take me long to get hooked onto it. And before I knew it, I was taking it at least five to six days a week and I was spending more than RO300 to fulfil my needs.

“The pleasure came from detaching myself from the surroundings and work.

But I would still go to work the next day and do my job. Soon, this activity became the reason I was earning; my whole life fell apart, but I kept thinking that all was well.”

Things changed soon, though, he

By 2020, depression will become the biggest form of mental health illness. That’s a sign that things need to be done and that we need to take care of the wellbeing of these people

pointed out, before taking a deep gulp.

The man’s emotions ran deep when talking about his bygone days.

“The time soon came when people at work started suspecting that I was using narcotics. I was let go from my job. And I remember walking into my house at 12:15pm – for what seemed like the first time in six years – and I went into my room. What happened next is something I am not proud of: I decided to take a whole packet of Panadol to just let everything go from me. I didn’t want to live anymore,” he tells, with his voice now almost inaudible.

“But the reason I didn’t do it is because of the sound I heard of my sister from the other room. I heard her talking to my mother about something, but just the voice that I heard made me feel that I wasn’t alone in this.

“Trust me: I had three whole strips of Panadol in my hands. And as I put them away, I felt a voice in my head assuring me that if I pray all will be well. I prayed to Allah like I had never done, and that was the day I walked into the rehabilitation centre in Al Masarra Hospital.”

Today, he remains clean and has switched from engineering to operating his own business: car washing. The entrepreneur can now look back at his life and heave a sigh of relief as to how he has turned his life around.

But many others aren’t that lucky.

A MATTER OF CONCERN Oman has often been touted as the country in the GCC with the least number of suicides annually, but the numbers must be lowered further. In 2016, the country registered 25 suicides in total, down from 30 in 2015.

But a report published in the 1990s (as per the UAE daily The National) did find that one in five patients admitted for ingesting pills with the aim of committing suicide were female.

While the reasons for the suicides haven’t been revealed, Dr Amira believes that there isn’t enough data to pinpoint workplace depression as a major cause of suicides in Oman.

“Yes, suicides are a matter of concern for anyone undergoing depression, but I think there’s no way we can tell the reason as to why a person took his or her own life.

A majority of people with depression and anxiety problems don’t seek medical help either.”

NEEDED: MORE CLINICS This, however, sheds light on another prominent topic: The availability of qualified doctors and health facilities to treat those in need. Currently, the Al Masarra Hospital, Whispers of Serenity Clinic and Al Harub Medical Centre are among a few of the leading centres for mental health care in Oman.

As per WHO-AIMS (World Health Organisation- Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems), the “density of psychiatrists in and around the largest city (Muscat) is 2.42 times greater than the density of psychiatrists in the entire country”.

Dr Amira says: “We need to provide more facilities for behavioural consultation in Oman. We’re currently in the development phase of these facilities.

We really need the human resources to conduct all these services too. So, in the coming years, you will be seeing more specialised doctors in Oman.

“At the end of the day, awareness is key and the number one way to tackle this issue. Community awareness will slowly bring to light these issues – and that’s how we can sort out this concern. We don’t want to see these numbers rising.” ■

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M oving th e

GOALPOST ALI AL HABSI’S FOOTBALL SCHOOL GRADUATES INTO AN ACADEMY. THE GOALS ARE GRAND: CATCH THEM YOUNG, TRAIN THEM AND GET THEM READY TO RAISE THE BAR — IN OMAN AND BEYOND, WRITES ALVIN THOMAS 024

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ome address him as the ‘man with golden gloves’, a handful of others know him as the ‘redefining face of football in Oman’, while the rest fondly term him as ‘captain’. Be that as it may, Oman’s star goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi will always thrive in our hearts as the driving force behind the nation’s first ‘Gulf Cup’ title in 2009 – and subsequently the wall that many a time has saved not just Oman, but also Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic and Saudi club Al-Hilal from attackers around the world.

Last week, however, the talented Omani wasn’t making waves for his performance but rather for something else: His role in shaping the future of several young kids and in turn securing the future of football in Oman.

To do so, he has called forth the support from his faculty, which is headed by none other than Andy Watson – the head coach of Ali Al Habsi’s football training institute.

While many of you readers will recognise the brand Al Habsi Football School, we must bring to notice that the coaching institute is shedding the moniker for a new name: Al Habsi Football Academy. And that’s also the core of the press conference that was held at the Holiday Inn, in Seeb, which was attended by several dignitaries from Oman Football Association and also the former Omani football team.

It may not seem like much on the face of it, but Ali is beyond enthralled to continue his journey with the new nameplate.

“We started this football training school two years ago from a thought that came to mind to shape the future of young kids who want to train and learn football,” said Ali with a smile on his face.

“But going into an academy level is a whole different league, so it took us a while to get there. And I am proud to say that with the support of Andy Watson and all the other coaches and trainers we have been able to achieve something truly special.

“I believe that the future of Oman football is in great hands and a lot of

these kids will benefit from the level of training they get here. And thankfully, I have played outside Oman, so I have made some new connections. That can someday help a few of these talented youngsters to maybe break into the foreign grounds,” he added, before trotting off into the crowd.

Among the crowds were several prestigious guests, including Sayyid Khalid al Busaidi, the chairman of Sabco group, who was all smiles over the announcements that had just been made.

All the pride and glee seen in the hall was a testament to how strong the followership of football is in the Sultanate. And there’s little wonder that Ali Al Habsi’s academy is going to

make a mark.

Andy Watson said: “Football is something that is in the blood of Omanis. They love the sport and cherish the wins of their beloved team. And, as you know, Ali Al Habsi has been an integral part of that team.

“With this academy, we aim to raise the bar of football in the Sultanate. So, our motto is to start them young.

We get hold of these kids and we train them so that they’re slowly becoming more and more competitive in the sport as time passes.

“And that’s very necessary if you’re looking to pave the way for a team that can go on to attain something truly special… like Ali did.” ■

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IS AIRPORT PARKING TOO EXPENSIVE FOR YOU? AN OMANI CHARITYWORKER-TURNEDENTREPRENEUR STEPS IN WITH A TOTAL SOLUTION TO YOUR TRANSPORT PROBLEMS, WRITES HASAN AL LAWATI

Take

A RIDE

H

ave you ever delayed your car service because you could not find a free lift? Or had a late-night flight and was forced to drive alone and park your car in the pricy parking lot at the airport?

Omani entrepreneur Ali Al Bimany has been facing such dilemmas for years. And that inspired him to come up with an idea that is sure to make many happy: Zajil The 35-year-old Sultan Qaboos University graduate set up Zajil, an Omani SME, to provide you with a temporary driver who picks up your car and parks it where you want.

Zajil is an Arabic word used to describe pigeons that deliver letters.

“Taking your vehicle to the workshop is a time-consuming activity. Zajil helps busy employees save time,” says Al Bimany.

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“Moreover, Zajil ensures independency as you don’t need to bother a friend late at night or during working hours,” he adds.

Ordering a Zajil driver costs RO6. It’s RO11 for a round trip. An official car dealer will soon offer Zajil services to its customers.

With two full-time employees and more than five part-time drivers, Zajil is stepping up its marketing game through social media advertising.

Zajil operates for 24 hours. However, Al Bimany says it is always better to book a driver a day before any appointment.

Influenced by his previous volunteer work in charitable organisations, Al Bimany says his ambitious project is not purely aimed at making profits, but at providing a useful service to the community as well.

He has also launched Muwasalatekmobile app which provides carpooling services and vehicle rentals.

“This app is totally free. We charge nothing.”

Muwasalatek is available on iOS and Android platforms and “provides easy and flexible one-stop shop for transport owners who want to provide their services and for people who need transportation services‬”.

“Oman lacks such services, and we need to establish more app-based initiatives to provide people with more transportation options, especially now when petrol prices are going up,” he adds. ■

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COMPETITION

d r o w e h t s ’ m Mu

Hey kids! Here’s a dream chance for you to put a big, proud smile on your mother’s face that’s going to stay there for a long time. Be free, get creative and win it — Oman’s Best Mum tiara — for her

M

others are the lifeline of the family – there’s no denying that, and it is high time we gave the mums the credit they deserved.

To show the mums of Oman just how much they are loved by their children, Y magazine has teamed up with PUCK, to reveal our annual Mother’s Day competition.

This is the fourth edition of the competition – and following trend, this event is only going to be bigger and better than last year.

In 2017, we saw our boxes inundated with hundreds of entries as children across

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Love you mum

the capital poured out their feelings, proving why their mum was the best in the world.

It’s not just the title of Oman’s Best Mum that is up for grabs.

Thanks to PUCK, there will be several valuable prizes for the top three entries. And if this isn’t motivation enough to show your love, then we don’t know what is – just think of the treats you could buy your mum as a thank you to all that she does for you.

“The first real human interaction a child has once they are born is with the mother. It’s a bond that is strong and beyond what words can convey. But, every now and then, we must try and express our love to our beloved mothers. So, here’s a competition that will do just that,” says Nishad Padiyarath, the editor of Y magazine.

To enter, you’ll need to be 16 or under. Just pick up the special card, which was slotted in Issue 509 of the magazine and fill it with a heartfelt message for your mum.

Remember, our judges will be selecting the winners based on content and display, so don’t be afraid to get creative.

Last year we received poems, drawings, touching words and simple displays of gratitude, so getting creative is a must if you want to take home the top spot.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab the card from the magazine and complete your entry with creative drawings, words and pictures. Good luck!

AND FINALLY: ● The top three entries will also be framed and given back to the participants for them to present to their mothers as a keepsake. ● The competition starts on March 1 and you can collect the specially designed card from Issue 509 of the magazine. ● Winners will be awarded prizes with their mum at a special ceremony, in March.

COMPETITION RULES: ● The competition is open to children aged 16 and under. ● Cards must be decorated and written by children only. Entries will be disqualified if there is evidence of parental involvement. ● Children of employees of SABCO Media or associated companies are excluded from taking part. ● The editor’s decision is final. ● Winners will be notified by email or telephone. ● Winners and their mums must be able to attend the prize ceremony in Muscat on a date to be confirmed.

DROPBOX LOCATIONS ● SPAR MBD ● SPAR Darsait ● SPAR Waves (Al Maha Petrol Pump)

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GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS… Capital Region Azaiba • Amara

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Muscat-4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • Waljat College of

Applied Sciences Ruwi • Apollo Medical Centre • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Mega

Store – Swarovski Showroom • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • Oman Trading Establishment • Saravana Bhavan Sarooj • Al Fair • Al Masa Mall • City Cinema • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell Petrol Station • VLCC Wellness Sawadi • Al Sawadi Beach Resort Seeb • Golden Tulip Hotel • McDonald’s Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Caribou Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Centre • The Indus Restaurant • InterContinental

Hotel Muscat • Jawharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks • VLCC Wellness Sifah • Sifawy Boutique Hotel SQU • Diplomatic Club • College of

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Head Office Other Regions Barka • Al Nahda Spa and Resort • LuLu Hypermarket Nizwa • University of Nizwa Sohar • Centrepoint (Splash) • Crowne Plaza • National Gift Markets • Ooredoo • Pizza Hut • Safeer Mall • Sohar Beach Hotel • Sohar Port and Freezone • Sohar University

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Adventures

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS AND ADVENTURES

POWER RANGER

The Toyota Camry has shed its nice guy moniker for a mean and aggressive look for 2018.

But that’s not all: It now has more power and go too. – P34

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&

CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

D E S T I N AT I O N C a r s

P o s t c a r d s Fr o m

Y- F i

Destination

WADI ANDAM

In search of a perfect place to beat the heat and catch up with an old friend, Shaquel al Balushi spends five hours driving around before spreading the mat at a cool spot where the trees and rocks quietly merge to lend a surreal touch to a long, lazy chat

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Gaming

people visiting with their families, so it was quite a task to find a place to sit and relax.

Still, we quickly reserved an empty spot and lay there continuing our talks.

It’s funny how we – after all these years – still have much to share every time we see each other. I guess that’s what the core definition of friendship is.

Before we knew it, we realised that we crossed the 4pm mark – and that we had families waiting for us back home. So, we made a hasty retreat home and promised each other that we’d continue our adventures, much like we did when we were just young kids and without any mode of transportation, in the coming weeks.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

W

adi wadi everywhere but not a drop of water to bathe.

That has been the case in Oman since the start of summer, which arguably began this month.

Nevertheless, we Omanis aren’t exactly quitters, so this week’s destination was all about finding water or, at the very least, a place cool enough for relaxing.

Joining on the trip was an old friend – and this would be our first trip together. He suggested we head out of Muscat for our trip – so when we started our trip in the wee hours of the morning – we had no idea where we were going to.

Nevertheless, armed with gallons of water, a full tank and a GPS that would bring us back on track if we got lost, we began. The journey took us all the way to Sharqiyah, which is about two hours from Muscat.

But because we had not planned on a route, we passed Nizwa before turning towards Izki and then Sinaw. In total, it took us five hours to pinpoint a location – which was the famous tourist spot of Wadi Andam.

Regardless of the time – which was inching towards midday – we unpacked at the wadi.

Still, because we had much to talk about and share (about life), we didn’t feel the time flying away.

The location is perfect for tourists, as it – much like the areas surrounding Bimmah Sinkhole – is covered and sheltered.

The insides of the wadi are neat and with several amenities. For instance, the municipality has also laid out clean toilets and garbage bins for the visitors to use.

The wadi was completely flanked by

From Muscat, take Route 23 that will lead you to towards Al Fajr mountains (i.e. towards Samail and Fanja).

Once you’re at Fanja, take a turn towards Ulya, and towards Sinaw. En route – and much before you reach Sinaw – you will see a brown signboard that reads Wadi Andam; you cannot miss it.

GPS location of the fort: 22°46’04.0”N 58°00’44.0”E

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

T

he Toyota Camry that has been on sale in the Middle East for over three decades is a car of many shades. It’s a family cruiser. It’s a youngster’s first car. It’s a young employee’s trustworthy mode of transport. It’s your taxi driver’s reliable car that runs for hours straight. And the list goes on. But, over the course of its existence, it has never been one thing: A sports car.

So, then why is my garnet red test Camry fitted with quad exhausts, 18-inch alloy wheels, a lip spoiler and, above all, an ‘SE’ and ‘V6’ badge? Is the Camry finally having a crack at the sports sedan segment? Or have the tables turned so much that Toyota is now aiming to dethrone competitors from the US? To answer my queries, I took the Camry for a long drive – after all, this could very well be the first ‘real’ sports sedan from Toyota’s stables.

To begin with what now seems to be a transformation process, the Camry – which is now entering its eighth generation – dons a new look…

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T O Y OTA C A M RY

Powerful ponies, stunning new looks and funky interior, the boring best-seller for years is now a free, sporty spirit.

Alvin Thomas takes the 2018 model for a long drive to unravel the mysteries, body and soul from head to tail. I’m not kidding, either. The PR has (obviously) termed the fascia ‘Keen Look’, but it really does stand out from among the competing sedans in this segment. For instance, there’s a twopiece grille upfront that now nestles the Toyota emblem, and the air intake vents take up a greater portion of the bumper – it’s uncanny but incredibly handsome and sporty.

The side profile is sleek, too. While the extra-large windows don’t do much to hide the sedan-like proportions of the car, the chiseled side mirrors and the bevelled door line and the 18-inch machinepolished alloys do manage to add to the appeal.

The rear, however, is where people will start to take notice. If anyone looking at you from their rear mirror mistakes you for a regular Camry driver, then rest assured, the posterior will change their opinion. The ‘SE’ variant comes standard with a lip spoiler and quad exhausts (!). Just to get things into perspective, these are features that cars like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and Jaguar F-Type V8 bring to the table.

Nonetheless, if you’re ever thinking that the Camry is all show and no go, you’d be wrong… again. It’s not that the base Camry, with its 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder producing 178 ponies, is a slouch, but the 3.5-litre V6 in my tester – which produces 298hp and 363Nm of torque – is just fast.

Plainly put, it’s a lot brisker than you’d think.

Again, let me bring the facts to the table. Your family-hauling Camry now produces as much power as a 2004 Audi S4, 2015 Ford Mustang Ecoboost and even a Ferrari 348 Spider (which when new, retailed at about RO60,000). So, it’s safe to say that the Camry is now playing in new grounds.

Power kicks in higher in the rev-range but the

torque delivery is linear as you’d expect from a traditional V6. However, the eight-speed automatic gearbox is quick to put down power to the front wheels, especially when the drive-mode selector is set in ‘Sport’ mode.

Sport mode also sharpens up the throttle and adds weight to the steering wheel. However, the punch you receive from about 4,700rpm does add a bit of torque steer drama when taking off from a standstill. Albeit, the car will still clock up a 6.8 seconds 0-100kph time, which is impressive.

While the SE only adds exterior body styling and wider tyres to the mix, it is still by far the best cornering Camry I’ve ever tested. Cornering ‘Gs’ are quite higher than the regular variant, thanks to the sticky

Destination

P o s t c a r d s Fr o m

Y- F i

THE CAR IS A CAMRY. IT’S STILL THE SAME CAR THAT YOU PROBABLY RODE IN AS A YOUNGSTER AND GREW UP WITH. IT HAS A SOUL – AND THAT’S SOMETHING YOU JUST CANNOT PUT A PRICE ON Bridgestone Turanza tyres. Mind you, it is still soft enough to glide over bumps without much judder.

The suspension tuning is bang in the middle of soft and harsh, with emphasis on cabin comfort, but it is somewhat eager when you’re taking corners that are well within the limits of the tyres. Pushing it further will only reveal understeer.

The chassis is well-tuned and, contrary to popular belief, quite enthusiastic in sharp bends. The stiffness of the chassis isn’t close to that of its rivals (which his great), but is definitely enough to eke a bit of lift-off oversteer – which will undoubtedly be siphoned off by the busy traction control system. It’s extremely fun to wrestle with the electronic nannies, to be honest.

Adding to the comfort of the car is the electric steering system, which is undeniably light, even in Sport mode.

Characteristically, it has no feedback to it; however, it is very responsive and sharp. The brakes, meanwhile, are linear and soft but not too ferocious.

Moving over to the interior, I’d have to say that this is, by a mile, the best Camry interior till date, period. The red and gray dual-tone interior combination is stunning to look at.

Mine was the

humble gray and beige duo, but it still had stitched elements on the dashboard that added to the allure.

The most striking feature of the interior has to be the distinctive and angular section on the dashboard, which holds the 8-inch wide touchscreen that runs Toyota’s own software. It’s fairly responsive and also comes preloaded with navigation. Meanwhile, there are physical buttons for your a/c and infotainment needs. These buttons are wellweighted, and the larger ones are also embossed.

My variant came with the gorgeous 7-inch wide TFT multi-information display on the instrument cluster.

It’s sizeable and offers necessary information, but the graphics are a bit excessive.

The leatherette-wrapped seats are comfortable and what you’d normally find in a Camry. They offer adequate amounts of side bolstering and lumbar, and are eight-way adjustable. I also found them to be very compliant during

Gaming

CARS

TOYOTA CAMRY Specifications: Engine: 3.5-litre V6 Transmission: eight-speed automatic Horsepower: 298hp Torque: 363Nm Top speed: 235kph Front-wheel drive LED headlamps 8-inch infotainment screen 7-inch TFT screen Drive mode selector Leatherette upholstery 8-way power adjustable seat 9-speaker JBL audio system 18-inch alloy wheels

long journeys.

Rear space has always been the Camry’s forte – and it keeps the trend going. Leg and head room are in plentiful, and the large windows will ensure that passengers don’t feel claustrophobic at any point.

As is expected from a large sedan, the boot space is excellent, too. With its rear seats in position, it offers about 427.5 litres of cargo area.

The coming of more power into a car that was already practical and good to look at has spelled well for Toyota’s flagship. Think of the Camry as a car that brings together the best of both worlds. But the reason it stands out isn’t just because of its brute engine and passenger-friendly interior; it’s because it’s a ‘Camry’.

It’s still the same car that you probably rode in as a youngster and grew up with. It has a soul – and that’s something you just cannot put a price on.

Not in a million years did I ever think I would say this: The Toyota Camry SE may be all the car you would ever want.

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CARS ADVENTURES FOUNTAIN OF LIFE

The Dead Sea may be a scientific anomaly but you won’t be thinking about that when you’re floating on the surface. Also, the sunrise over the sea has to be one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind.

1. Take videos of you floating on the Dead Sea 2. Visit the iconic Petra 3. Trek across Wadi Rum 4. Get amazed by pre-modern era structures such as the Roman Theatre 5. Check out the Ma’in Hot Springs

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Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Alvin Thomas recommends

JORDAN R

elaxing on the Dead Sea, looking curiously at the time-worn sand walls of the Ad Dier and trekking across Wadi Rum are a few of the sights that come to mind when you think of visiting Jordan. While these are details that have been publicised time and again by travel websites, television shows, famous Hollywood celebrities (almost exclusively) on tour, social media influencers and the whole lot, two things continue to reign: the beauty and the serenity of Jordan.

Still, there’s no denying that most of you here reading this wouldn’t mind being featured on television as you walk past the Ain Ghazal statues making awestruck faces.

As you all would know, Jordan is an Arab nation which, much like its neighbours Egypt and Israel, harbours much of the region’s secrets. They’re not kept particularly well though, which is great for tourism in the country.

It doesn’t matter where you look; there’ll always be a tourist around the corner taking a selfie. Sigh!

Just gloss over the annoying bits and you’ll be left with quite a lot to experience. Jordan is defined by its ancient monuments, which came into existence during the biblical times. The Roman Theatre that still stands tall in the heart of the city, for instance, is known to have been built in the 2nd century. Just the thought of brushing your hands on the stone and sand surface - which was laid and carved into place by the people from the time gives you goosebumps.

Then there’s the famous Petra. Let me put it this way: It has starred in more movies than - well - you. The site came into life circa 300 B.C. and has been featured in movies such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Arabian Nights, Passion in the Desert, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, The Mummy Returns, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, etc. Petra is set a narrow valley with tombs, temples and shrines carved into the surrounding pink sandstone cliffs - thus it is nicknamed the “Rose City”.

The people in Jordan - at least those that interact with tourists on a daily basis - will take care of all your needs depending on your budgets. They’re friendly, and those travelling from Oman, up to an extent, will feel like they’re at home.

AD DE IR , T H E MONAS TEMPL TERY E OF PE TRA

ERVE REST RES D IB B E E N FO

My favourite place

The Dibbeen Forest Reserve is a must-visit for all animal lovers – and that’s also my place of choice.

The reserve is one of the driest places in the region and has changing altitude due to which the temperatures vary too.

However, the centrepieces, so to speak, are the pine-oak trees, which are several hundreds of years old, and the fauna in the region, some of which are endangered.

Highlights By now you would’ve learnt that Jordan is a nirvana for those seeking a trip down the early days of humanity.

But there’s more to this country: If you’re a car enthusiast, head to the Royal Automobile Museum which houses some of the world’s most sought-after cars. Art enthusiasts can catch glimpses of rare paintings at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, and adventurists can head to Wadi Rum, which is a perfect trekking spot in southern Jordan.

Lowlights

Not much, really. But Amman is a busy hub for tourists: If you’re looking to spend some time peacefully tanning at a beach or sightseeing, it’s best you head down south to Aqaba.

Souvenirs Skin products made from the Dead Sea (I’m not sure of the ingredients), personalised silver jewellery and the Indiana Jones head scarf are must-haves.

Getting there Take an Oman Air flight from Oman to Amman for about RO108. Keep in mind that the operator

M A ’I N

HOT SP R IN G S

only flies to the country on select dates.

Where to stay

This is the best part: Hotel rooms in Jordan are as cheap as dirt (figuratively). A stay at a reputed three- or four-star hotel will only set you back, on average, about RO10.

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

INTERNET OF THINGS

How about having your own barista at home to serve you a piping hot cup of coffee? Stimulating, yes! Alvin Thomas checks out how the internet of things could transform the way we live

EVER-READY There’s no denying that normal life – up to an extent – will come to a complete halt without the internet; that’s just the world we currently live in. Avoid such situations at home by installing the tp-link 450Mbps Wireless N Router. The device provides a range of up to 10,000sq ft., which is admirable performance from a basic router. As its name suggests, it provides up to 450Mbps of wireless speed (under ideal conditions), and you get three strong antennas to increase the wireless robustness and stability. To secure your router, there’s a WPS button that will enable encryption. We’ve been using this device (with about seven connected devices) for a while with no hitches and loss in throughput. Buy this from LuLu Electronics for RO22.8 along with a range extender for free

COFFEE MAKER Having the right kind of coffee in the morning can brighten up your mood for the day. And if you’re one that takes your morning coffee seriously, then it’s best you invest in the Behmor Connected Temperature Control Coffee Maker.

The device connects to your home WiFi and – after tethering it to an iOS or Android application – can pre-heat your coffee to the temperature of your choice. Apart from that, it can also presoak your coffee grounds, create pulsating water flows and delay the brewing cycle to create the perfect blend for you. Think of it as your very own barista. Get yours from amazon.com for RO65.1

If you were hoping to cast magical spells on people with this device then it’s best that you look elsewhere because the Amazon Dash Wand – despite certain features that make it look magical – is essentially an Amazon Alexa that will fit right into your pocket. The device, with its built-in microphone and speaker, can help you make use of Alexa’s ever-growing list of features.

It can tell the prices of goods, time, weather, play music, navigate you and, best of all, scan the price of goods with its barcode scanner. While all of this is amazing, Alexa is also known to be a great tête-à-tête starter. Just don’t introduce it as your friend in parties… trust me. Get this for a mere RO2.3(yes, you heard that right) from amazon.com

SMART BAGS

EDITOR’S PICK 038

DASH WAND

WE’VE HEARD OF SMARTPHONES, SMART WATCHES AND SMART TOYS, BUT THIS SMART BAG IS DEFINITELY A FIRST FOR US. THE BLUESMART ONE IS – YES, YOU GUESSED IT – A SMART BAG WITH SEVERAL FEATURES. IT COMES WITH ITS VERY OWN GPS TRACKER, A SIM CARD SLOT AND 3G CONNECTIVITY, WHICH CAN COME IN HANDY IF YOU’VE LOST YOUR VALUABLE LUGGAGE. BUT THAT’S NOT ALL, YOU CAN EVEN CHARGE TWO OF YOUR SMARTPHONES COURTESY THE BUILT-IN 10,000MAH BATTERY; CHECK THE WEIGHT OF YOUR GOODS USING THE BUILT-IN SCALE; AND ALSO REMOTELY LOCK OR UNLOCK THE BAG. IN SHORT, IT’S THE PERFECT GADGET FOR THE MODERN TRAVELLER… OR MAYBE INSPECTOR GADGET. THE BAG WILL SET YOU BACK A HEFTY RO134.8 ON AMAZON.COM

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Bears vs Babies

Info Box Designer:

ELAN LEE

Artist:

MATTHEW INMAN

Year: 2017

Publisher:

THE OATMEAL

If you choose to provoke the babies, you could get eaten up unless you got a really strong monster on hand.

Hasan al Lawati has fun with the violent babes and vicious monsters

A

monster-building card fun from the creators of Exploding Kittens, this colourful game for two-to-four players lets, as described by its makers, you build monstrous bears who devour horrible babies.

The game is played over rounds where each player is allowed to perform a number of actions, mainly to

build

and beef up monsters with arms, legs and torsos.

By connecting more cards to a monster head, you create funny sentences and more powerful characters.

There are three types of monsters in the game: the land, sky and sea mosters. The same goes for the babies.

When your monster is strong enough, you, or any other player, can provoke the baby army.

If your numbered monster cards are higher than the babies', you eat them. If not, they kill your monster.

When the deck is finished, the player who has the most number of babies wins the game.

Bears VS Babies is one of the funniest party games that I have ever played. However, the game is highly based on luck and fails to cause any fights among players.

But it is also one of the few games that offer random comic moments that leave you

with a giggle even when losing.

However, the game is no fun when played with two players.

The packaging, on the other hand, is cool. The fluffy box is made of brown fur resembling that of a bear and the artwork, similar to Exploding Kittens, is hilarious.

The game was first introduced on kickstarter.com where 85,581 backers pledged $3,215,679 to help bring the project to life.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

RUFFLE IT UP!

FASHION

Fashion weeks this year have showcased a lot of ruffles. This trend has passed on to the high street – and brands are crying over them in full flair. Albeit, we are not complaining.

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k o o L e h

aran K e tin hris C , t ry tree esto s o h h g s e hi rmy h a t e o t H end e look. ram h g g hi th the to get n Insta m Fro s you tine o is help w Chr o Foll

T t Ge

Yes, Muscat has officially entered the summer season and jackets are totally out of question.

However, when style calls for a vogue jacket, it’s time to pull out your biker jacket. If you don’t have one, shop this uber biker jacket from Superdry right away for RO81

If you are feeling bold, then this dress is for you. It’s on trend with multiple ruffles and the bright and bold floral designs will elevate your style factor.

Shop it today at New Look for RO13.5

The general rule of fashion is, when in doubt, wear your little black dress.

Now, when that dress is in trend, it makes the whole ensemble even better.

F&F has this super chic ruffle black dress waiting for you to shop for RO12

Summer is on, but have you equipped yourself? Try this pair of cat-eye mirrored sunglasses from H&M to keep yourself fashionably protected. Buy it for RO5

There is something high fashion about wearing contrasting jewellery. It highlights both the dress and the accessory. We are in love with this rhinestone earring from ZARA. Buy it for RO9

If you are not in a mood to dress up in ruffles, you can still add a bit of it to your collective. Dressed in simple jeans and tee, add this kaleidoscopic ruffle jacket to your attire and make it go from bald to vogue spicy! Pick up this jacket form ZARA for RO36

There is something very elegant and vintage about lace-up boots. But this kind of boots can complement any kind of dress and give that perfect style edge. Pick this pair of fashionable lace-up boots from F&F for RO13.5

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

FAMILY

Fashion

Home

Beauty

PARENTING

TEENS

If you have no clues about how to handle your teens, read on and rediscover your plan of action. Note these tips from Gayathri Das

R

aising teenagers is no simple task these days. But there are things you could do, and things you shouldn’t, to make it all a less-complicated affair than what you have been through.

Who is the parent?

It is always important for the child to realise that he or she is the child and you are the parent. Teenage is the time when they start feeling they know more than you. You should be the one leading them and you should always be the rule setter.

Plan For any project we handle, we first plan the things to be done. Similarly, you need a plan to parent your teen. You need to decide on what you want them to accomplish and strategise accordingly.

Listen This is a stage where they start questioning their identity. So, it’s important you show them that they are valued. Keep aside your regular chores and 042

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listen to them. Listen to what they feel and the things they go through and support them. Talk to them about their fears, concerns and excitement and lead them in the right way. Have meaningful conversations with them.

Expectations and discipline Be clear about your expectations about them and let them know about it. Keep a few disciplinary actions if they don’t follow the rules you have set for them. At this stage they must realise life doesn’t go by their rules.

They will always have to be accountable to someone in life like parents and teacher. They must realise that society works that way.

Self expression Give them the freedom to self-expression within safe bounds. If they want to dress in a manner or do their hair in a way they fancy, allow them to. You should not the rule maker always.

Social media Have clear rules about phone, internet and social media use. Have an open talk with them about what’s happening. Always have access to the things they do with their phone, internet, etc. so that they don’t fall into traps.

Trust You must earn your teenager’s trust. For earning their trust, you have to trust them too. It is a give and take. This way they can have open talks with you.

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

Home

Family

BE THE SUPERWOMAN It’s not beyond you, but you need to mind a few things. Take an inspiring look! Follow these tips from Gayathri Das

Y

ou don’t need to spend hours in the gym or starve yourselves to get in the right shape you have always dreamed of. It’s all a matter of getting a few things right, and sticking to the right things.

● Eat your food on time. Eat the right food at the right time. Over a period of time, eating late will make you prone to various diseases. ● Make sure you get your daily dose of iron and folic acid. Let the iron woman in you come out. They help your body produce red blood cells and help in the proper working of your nerves and muscles.

Make sure to include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, chicken and beans in your daily diet. ● Calcium helps you to fortify your bones. As women age there is a tendency to lose calcium leading to issues like arthritis and osteoporosis. For maintaining a good level of calcium, include milk, curds and eggs in your diet. ● Physical exercise is very important even during your busiest days. Even half an hour of exercise is good. ● Cardio workouts are a must to maintain your heart health. If you don’t have time, at least make sure you use the stairs and not the lifts. ● Recharge yourself by getting some “me time”.

Make sure you make time for yourselves to do something you like.

This will boost your energy levels.

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FOOD DRINK

Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

HEALTHY BITES

Don’t skimp on the most important meal of the day. However, if you’re on a diet, it’s best to cut calories by making use of organic foods and whole wheat breads.

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MORNING MEAL

in a moment Many miss the first and most important meal of day, not because they don’t like it but they don’t have time to make it. For all those time-starved people out there here are some savvy steps to simplify breakfast

Hummus Toast

W

hile it is widely known that starting your day with a balanced, nutritious breakfast can have a positive impact on overall health, it may be difficult for some people to make it a priority. Whether you generally run low on time in the mornings or have little ones to keep on track before heading out the door, it simply isn’t always an option to piece together a grandiose morning meal.

Rather than overhauling your lifestyle, consider some simpler ways to incorporate breakfast into your daily routine. These tips can help you start the day strong — and on time — without sacrificing the day’s first meal.

Prep the night before Not everyone is fortunate enough to have ample time in the morning to prepare what some studies consider to be the most important meal of the day. If you’re typically short on time before heading out the door, prepare breakfast the night before so you can ensure you’re starting each day with proper fuel and nutrition. Even if it’s as simple as setting out a bowl, spoon and your favourite cereal before you go to bed, you can set yourself up to shave a few minutes off your morning routine.

Take it to-go If your kids are a handful or that snooze button is just too easy to reach each morning, sitting down at the table — even for a quick breakfast — might be out of the question.

Preparing in advance by packing a to-go container with your favourite morning foods can be a simple solution to keep everyone happy without adding more strain to the day.

Keep it simple Breakfast doesn’t have to be elaborate to get your day going in the right direction. Simple options like avocado toast take little time to create yet can go a long way toward adding nutrients in the morning. For a different spin on traditional avocado toast, combine it with a unique taste like Sabra Classic Hummus, which can help you add fibre and protein before the day truly begins. Even if you aren’t an avocado person, just by swapping out the jelly you might put on your morning toast for hummus instead can help you reduce sugar intake without compromising on taste.

Find more solutions to busy days and recipes for any occasion at sabra.com.

Ingredients: § 2 tbsp Sabra Hummus (any flavour) § 1 slice whole-wheat or hearty bread, toasted § 1/2 cup avocado, sliced § 1 sliced radish § 1/4 cup tender arugula § 1 tbsp chopped pistachios § salt, to taste § pepper, to taste Method: § Spread hummus on toast. § Top with avocado, radish, arugula and pistachios. § Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.

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FOOD DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

Info Box

JASHN: A CELEBRATION CALLED INDIA

Mid ket Mar

Al Kuleiah Street, Way No. 4144, Near Badr Al Sama Hospital, Al Khuwair Opening Hours: 11am-4pm and 7pm to 12am Contact: 2448 8521 Supper for four: RO27.3 Verdict : 9/10 SERVICE 8/10 FOOD 8/10 AMBIENCE Not your typical upscale Indian restaurant: Great Indian food served by staff that respect and value diners.

JASHN: A CELEBRATION CALLED INDIA

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

A RESTAURANT THAT CELEBRATES THE CULTURE, CUISINE AND SPIRIT OF INDIA IN THE MIDST OF REDOUBTABLE LOVE FOR OMAN. ALVIN THOMAS DEMOLISHES A TOWER AND SWALLOWS A POT, SPOON AND ALL, ON A DAL-KOFTA-NAAN-RICE-INSPIRED EVENING

W

hen a restaurant adopts the tagline ‘A celebration called India’ in its nametag, it’s vital that the brand lives up to its name – you know, for the sake of those being raked in trusting the marketing. That name is the very reason why I headed to Jashn with my family this week.

Snuggled into one corner of Al Khuwair, Jashn is situated just adjacent to the Modern Oman bakery and nearby what used to be the Great Kebab Factory. You can’t miss it, especially with the large ‘I Love Oman’ banner placed underneath the humble-looking signboard.

Walking into the restaurant, we were greeted by a waiter at the door, before being walked to our seats and presented the menu. The interiors are quite dusky and reminiscent to most upscale Indian (and perhaps even Nawabi) restaurants in the region. But then again, Jashn competes with the very best in Oman too.

The menu is well laid out, but the dishes have been renamed and the accompanying taglines are rather cheesy, albeit with adequate information.

We decided to opt for a vegetarian dinner, so we began with the Vegetarian Delight, and for main course, a plate of Gulnaar Kofta, Kurkuri Bhindi, black dal tadka, steamed basmati rice and butter naans.

Moments later, the waiter brought us four servings of amuse-bouche, which was a yoghurtbased and savoury – it was a good start to our meal.

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However, the star of the night was the black dal tadka.

It came with a heavy and creamy base, and the black dal was well soaked. It was an absolute treat when tried in combination with the steamed rice.

I assume it would do great as a side for the Indian THE SEAFOOD SAMPLER WAS THE FIRST TO ARRIVE FROM THE LOT. IT CAME breads too.

WITH THREE KINDS OF FISH – AND IN A The portions of all the curries were decent, but PLATTER FORM. THE BREADED FISH FILLET you’d have to ask the waiters if it would suffice.

WAS CRISPY ON THE OUTSIDE, WHILE Also keep in mind that the prices are up there with SUCCULENT AND SOFT ON THE INSIDE the leaders in the market.

Coming back to our supper, we decided to wash things down with a chocolate pot. The catchy name was quickly shadowed by the amazing presentation: It’s essentially an edible chocolate pot (duh!), filled with black forest sponge, Oreo chunks and whipped cream. Even the spoon that comes with the dessert is made of dark chocolate.

We enjoyed it thoroughly, but would’ve loved if it came with a bit more cream.

Those looking for Indian puddings to end their meal can order Jashn’s signature flavoured cakes, gulab jamun, carrot halwa or rasgullas, too.

We certainly enjoyed our supper at Jashn: A Next to arrive was the starter. It came with two celebration called India. It’s definitely not the best portions of candied batata wada, surkh paneer upscale Indian restaurant around, but the very tikka, desi pesto kebab and cheese corn seekh. The fact that it strives to outdo itself with every dish batata wada and desi pesto kebab took the cake; it is admirable. And for that very reason, it’s worth was simply splendid. The other dishes were great your time and, above all, your money. too, but the paneer was a tad tough. Still, it was garnished with the appropriate amount of masala. Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see Soon after, our main course arrived. All the reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com dishes were garnished with class, I must point out. The kurkuri bhindi, meanwhile, looked like a tower at its time of arrival. But the okra-based dish was unlike anything we had ever eaten – and it didn’t last on our plates for long.

The gravy that was poured over the dish separately gave it its delicious edge, but we were quite amazed by the effort put in to cut the okras into what seemed like a million bits.

The gulnaar kofta was completed with soft and sizeable paneer and dried fig kofta (dumplings) pieces, and went well with the simple butter naans.