Y Magazine #531, August 9, 2018

Oman guide

MUST-KNOW TIPS FOR EXPATS

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

Hidden treasures 5 OF MUTRAH SOUQ’S MOST UNIQUE FINDS

News: 84 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS 10 ARRESTED

DESTINATION: Wadi Qabil TASTE TEST: Ocean Basket YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

AUGUST 09 - 15 2018 / ISSUE 531 • WEEKLY

WHAT’S FOR DINNER? AS OMAN PUSHES AHEAD WITH AMBITIOUS PLANS TO REDUCE RELIANCE ON OVERSEAS FOOD IMPORTS, WE FIND OUT WHERE OUR FOOD IS COMING FROM AND WHICH SEAT AT THE TABLE AGRICULTURAL SECURITY NOW HOLDS

PLUS!

AS OMAN PUSHES AHEAD WITH AMBITIOUS PLANS TO REDUCE RELIANCE ON OVERSEAS FOOD IMPORTS, WE FIND OUT WHERE OUR FOOD IS COMING FROM AND WHICH SEAT AT THE TABLE AGRICULTURAL SECURITY NOW HOLDS

FIRST DRIVE:

VOLVO EVOLUTION 01 NOVEMBER 24–/ THE ISSUE XC40 258

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POSTCARD: BARCELONA

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YUMMY OMAN: ULTIMATE SUMMER FOOD HACKS

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EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE… I

’m writing this as I eat at my desk. A late lunch, packed from the previous night’s leftovers meant to keep the brain cells fuelled while on deadline. A weekend roast dinner, reheated – but a multicultural hodge-podge nonetheless. The sweet potatoes are from Europe, the Brussels sprouts Iranian, the chicken Omani.

Cast your mind back and ask yourself – when was the last time you had a meal that came from the same place? As the farm-to-table movement takes root in Oman with a rise in local production and more organic farms, we look at the impact grassroots agricultural is having on the bottom line at the supermarkets.

What is Oman’s long-term vision towards agricultural independence and breaking the cycle of reliance on foreign imports of dairy, poultry, and certain varieties of produce?

In this week’s cover story, we speak to local suppliers, food experts, restaurants, supermarkets and consumers to determine if the country is headed in the right direction when it comes to the sustainability of what’s on the nation’s plate.

Also in this issue we bring you our guide to the top five things every expat should know as they settle into Oman, go hunting for treasures in Mutrah Souq, and test out some ultimate summer food hacks in our Yummy Oman pages.

Until next week, happy reading!

editor@y-oman.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi MANAGING EDITOR Ashlee Starratt

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER/REPORTER Alvin Thomas PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi

SENIOR ONLINE EDITOR Nishad Padiyarath

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

MANAGER – DIGITAL MEDIA SALES Umair Mehmood

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AUG 09 - 15 / ISSUE 531

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contents AUGUST 09 - 15

Your Oman 08 Voice Of Oman

Dr. Mary Ann Roberta 10 News

Divorce cases on the

rise on Oman 12 News

84 illegal immigrants arrested

10

This Week 18 EDM Nation DJ Vinyl and friends are back on the decks at the Sheraton Oman Hotel for an unforgettable night at Muscat’s hottest party!

19 Movies Move over ‘Jaws’, because ‘The Meg’ is about to swallow you whole. Catch this deep-water thriller in theatres now!

19

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Wadi Qabil

Health and Beauty

34 First Drive

Volvo XC40 38 Y-Fi

A wireless world

38

2018

Features 20 Man vs Food What is Oman’s longterm plan to break the crutch of reliance on foreign food imports.

24 Oman Guide: 5 tips for new expats

From setting up a bank account and accessing the healthcare system – we tell you how to do it all.

28 Hidden treasures We’ve rounded up the top five one-of-a-kind finds you’ll stumble across at the Mutrah Souq.

28 Food and Drink 44 Summer food hacks Prep like a pro at your next barbecue or patio party 46 Taste Test Ocean Basket

40 Fashion

Sporty-chic

menswear 42 Beauty Summer skincare

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46 NEXT ISSUE...

FEATURES / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / BEAUTY / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FASHION / FIRST DRIVE

brity ch and the latest celeve got at w to ts tis ar e th e’ From e hits of the week, w gossip to your ultimat from the pulse of the music your superstar dose Radio Oman 100.9 FM world, with Virgin

‘Friends’ reunion?

It looks like we are not the only ones who want a ‘Friends’ reunion! Jennifer Aniston says she’s absolutely open to the idea of starring in a reboot of the hit sitcom.

In a recent interview, Jen shared the fact that she and Courteney Cox who played Monica and Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe) talk about a reunion quite often. She even admitted that she fantasises about it! And while the ladies from the cast are game for a reunion, she says some of the guys like Matt LeBlanc (Joey) isn’t so convinced it’s a good idea.

Calvin Harris is highestpaid DJ Forbes has just released the list of the highestpaid DJs in the world. Calvin Harris came in at number one, bringing in 48 million dollars (RO18m) a year.

The Chainsmokers hold the number two spot as they make just over 45 million dollars a year. And in at number three is Tiesto, bringing in 33 million dollars.

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J.Lo wins MJ Video Vanguard Award Jennifer Lopez is going to be honoured with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2018 MTV VMAs later this month. Lopez says it’s amazing to get this type of recognition. The coveted award acknowledges an artist’s contributions to the world of music videos. Past recipients of the award include Beyonce, Madonna, Rihanna and Justin Timberlake. The VMAs are on August 21 Kesha to release new documentary Kesha has released the emotional trailer for her new documentary ‘Rainbow – The Film’.

The minutelong trailer documents Kesha’s creative process during the making of her album ‘Rainbow’, which was also during the same time she had her legal battle with producer Dr. Luke. The documentary will also feature footage from live shows.

It comes out on August 10 exclusively through Apple music.

No more new music from the Biebs Although Justin Bieber just released ‘No Brainer’ with Dj Khaled, Quavo and Chance the Rapper, he says not to count on any more new music from him. Justin was recently asked what his next move is in his music career and he said that for now getting married is the number one priority – so any other new music will have to wait.

David Guetta teams up with AnneMarie David Guetta is back at it again this time teaming up with Anne-Marie on ‘Don’t Leave Me Alone’. This is the first collaboration between the Grammy-winning producer and the British singer. Guetta says that AnneMarie is an amazing artist, and he’s super proud of the track and so happy he finally gets to share it with the world!

Bazzi releases new song with Camila Cabello Bazzi is back with a remix of his song ‘Beautiful’ that features Camila Cabello. The romantic song talks about a woman’s beauty inside and out, with Camila adding the female perspective on her man being equally gorgeous.

Zayn teams up with Timbaland on new song Zayn is back with a new song called ‘Too Much’ featuring super producer Timbaland.

Not only does the track have the familiar Timbaland sound we all know and love, but the producer also lends his vocals on the hook.

This is the fifth song Zayn has shared from his currently untitled second album.

He previously released ‘Dusk Till Dawn’, ‘Let Me’, ‘Entertainer’, and ‘Sour Diesel’.

Be sure to keep it locked to Virgin Radio Oman 100.9 FM, and don’t miss your Tea Time with Maya Noise, daily on Chad in the Morning.

THE VOICE OF OMAN

DR. MARY ANN ROBERTA, A NUTRITIONIST FROM OMAN, TALKS ABOUT THE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF SWITCHING FROM REGULAR FOODS TO ORGANICALLYGROWN FOODS

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: What impact do you foresee Oman’s new National Mandatory Insurance Scheme having on the cost of healthcare in the Sultanate?

BRIJESH SALIAN

I

’m a firm believer in everything that’s natural and organic. If possible, I would even suggest to those reading this to switch to a diet that’s as organic as can be. I think that when people hear the word “organic”, they associate it with healthy eating but despite that we have yet to see a switch from processed vegetables and fruit to more organic yields.

As far as the farm-to-table movement goes, I think it’s the best way forward. That’s how most of us, as days went by, grew up. Just look at our senior citizens; they don’t seem to have experienced the ailments that most people do today.

Organic V Chemicals is a neverending war – and as we know, the commercialisation of food has made the farming industry reliant on chemicals in the form of pesticides and compounds of manure.

This is killing us slowly!

People come to me with diseases at such young ages; you’d be shocked.

We’re now seeing a lot of problems that we must diagnose, and we look at the patient and think “I wonder what on earth this is now”.

It’s the chemicals reacting with our bodies. The nutritional value of products is highest when it comes straight from an organic farm.

But even then, we can destroy these organic foods by overcooking.

On a side note, I would suggest keeping the peel on most foods that you consume if you know that they have not been exposed to herbicides and pesticides.

Unfortunately, because people are now afraid that the peel of the food has been exposed to these chemicals, they’ll remove it. In reality, these are packed with vitamins and essential nutrients.

Try out organic foods for a while – most markets sell them. And trust me; you’ll see your body change for the healthier.

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Medical facilities in Oman for expats are basically in the hands of private clinics, which charge very high consultation fees. Most blue-collar expats cannot afford the fees and hence ignore their health problems. This leads to the deterioration of their health, and them having to return home for treatment. With the implementation of mandatory insurance, proper medical treatment will be available to the lowest level of employees at the initial stages of their illnesses. Employees will not have to worry about their sudden medical bills and this will reduce their stress, which will thereby help them to perform their jobs without worry. A healthier employee will definitely result in greater productivity. The cost of the implementation of mandatory insurance in the Sultanate will definitely be high but if the number of people covered by the scheme is considerable then the cost per person will definitely be lower.

number of visits to hospitals by employees, overuse of medicines and at libitum use of diagnostic facilities such as laboratory tests to MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound etc. We often hear of insurance frauds worldwide, more so in the United States, which make up an unholy nexus between various stakeholders and which naturally have an impact on healthcare costs. Lastly, pricing is a challenge and if health loss ratios are not controlled, insurer’s profitability and capital adequacy could deteriorate.

Control of medical fraud and misuse of medical benefits, coupled with an increased volume of claims will mean certain challenges. Solving them will take an effective infrastructure and regulatory control at various levels. But at the end, the end user is going to be at an advantage and this social welfare measure and corporate social responsibility are laudable.

MOHAN ANANDAN

In an ideal world, due to economies of scale, the mandatory insurance scheme should bring down costs as everyone is covered. This would reduce operational costs and achieve optimum leverage on equipment and machinery. At the same time, since it USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI Being a global order, the cost of healthcare in the is coming “free” to the employee, the urge to misuse it will also increase, resulting in buying medicines Sultanate is bound to go up when the proposed Oman’s National Mandatory Insurance comes in that are not essential or hitherto have not been to force. For sure this measure is going to improve prescribed. It remains to be seen how the employers would absorb the insurance cost and whether or not the quality of healthcare but it will be at a cost. the employees would be spared from the burden of The first and foremost hike will be in insurance bearing this cost as well. premiums, which is around 7.8 per cent now, and experts foresee it will soon touch 25 per MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT cent. It means that private-sector employees will Healthcare service providers will be subject to strict have to bear the brunt of this hike. The second professional scrutiny by the insurance companies to and most important issue is of the irrational use deliver only the services really needed, rather than of healthcare facilities, starting from increased

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the bills that patients are forced to pay now for high-end medicines, unnecessary tests and consultation fees incurred by specialised check-ups. In many cases, it comes to a couple of hundred riyals before the specific treatment starts.

Therefore, the cost of healthcare in the Sultanate should come down, provided the insurance companies have a strict regulatory body to plug the loopholes.

At the same time, employers will have a healthy workforce. Employees, irrespective of their pay packet, will be more willing to see a doctor early if they

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have a health issue rather than being too scared to visit one, which is the case now.

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ANTHONY CARLTON

The proposed directive is surely the right start but what needs to be anticipated are any cost increases at every stage of the process and to look at solutions to plug in the loopholes and efficiencies that will come to light as the market cost for insuring people is bound to increase. However, this is surely a step in the right direction.

New Debate: Are you receiving your salary on-time? Tell us if you think Oman’s new Wage Protection System is working the way it should.

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Y Magazine reader Tino Thomas captures the rocky inlet of Sur Beach using his Samsung Grand 2.

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: Tino Thomas

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YOUR

OMAN

OMANI DIVORCE RATE UP M

ore couples in Oman are divorcing than ever before, according to figures released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

In 2017, there were 3,867 divorces in Oman compared to 3,736 in 2015.

However, in 2015, there were just 3,619 cases reported.

But the number of marriages in the Sultanate has fallen over the past three years. The number of marriages decreased from 25,659 in 2015 to 24,014 in 2016 and 22,284 in 2017.

Wahda Salim Al Alawi, assistant director at the Department of Family Counselling and Guidance

at the Ministry of Social Development, said couples often had high expectations of married life and were not always ready for the reality.

She said: “Lack of knowledge about marital life is the reason for this. This is a serious concern and we need to educate youth before they get married.”

The Ministry has recently launched marriage guidance counselling services for Omani couples.

“We had organised 65 lectures last year and we are also planning to conduct these courses in schools, colleges and even health institutions,” she added.

ONLINE BANKING BOOST LUGGAGE LEVY

IMPOSED

M

ore Omanis are banking online as the ‘Invest Easy’ portal from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) is becoming more popular.

According to a statement issued by the MOCI, more than 90,000 e-transactions were made in the last six months of 2017.

“The portal is a quick way to do e-transaction and more investors

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are relying on this website instead of coming directly to the Ministry,” the MOCI said.

The portal, which was launched in 2016, aims to ease the process of doing business.

“You need not wait for hours in the queue to submit a document.

You can simply send it through the Invest Easy portal,” the MOCI said.

A

ir travellers are facing charges for misshapen luggage, Muscat International Airport has warned.

According to a notice issued by Oman Airports, baggage without a flat surface, blankets and ropewrapped packages will be subject

to charges.

In a statement, an Oman Airports spokesman said: “We had introduced this rule last year but it is now mandatory.

Passengers can still take their baggage provided they pay an extra fee.”

HOT RODS

GALLERY

CELEBRITY SHUTTERBUG, BADER AL GHAILANI, TRAINS HIS LENS ON MUSCAT’S ULTIMATE SPEED DEMONS — BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS ‘EM!

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YOUR

OMAN

T

he number of road accidents in Oman has dropped, according to data from the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

There is a 37.86 per cent drop in accident rates in the first half of this year compared to the same period of 2017.

According to the data, there were 1,236 accidents reported from January to June 2018, compared to

ROAD ACCIDENTS DROP IN OMAN 1,989 accidents over the same period last year.

A Royal Oman Police spokesman said: “Wrong overtaking is the number one cause of road accidents in Oman. Around 131 such cases were reported last year.” As per the NCSI data, there were 313 deaths in the first six months of 2018.

“Accidents mostly happen at night. In June, 61 per cent of accidents took place at night,” the ROP spokesman said.

SALALAH

STILL TOP FOR HOLIDAY BREAKS

84 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SENT HOME

E

ighty-four illegal immigrants were arrested and deported last week, the Royal Oman Police have confirmed.

An ROP spokesman said: “These illegal immigrants are from different

countries and we have managed to arrest them and send them back to their home countries.”

Last month, 61 people were arrested and deported from the Sultanate.

BURJEEL HOSPITAL

S

alalah has become Oman’s top holiday destination, thanks to the Khareef Festival.

A survey for the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI) found more than 420,000 people had visited Salalah by the end of July 31.

A NCSI spokesman said: “This is a new record. Last year, there were only 286,616 visitors during the same time.”

F

or the first time a private health institution in Oman has opened a clinic for its VIP customers. Burjeel Hospital has opened a VIP Lounge Clinic at its Al Khuwair branch and will provide customised services including priority appointment scheduling, VIP helpline call facility and an innovative Royale Privilege Card. The VIP Lounge was inaugurated by Salaam Said Salim Al Shaksy, Member

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of State Council, in the presence of Amir Firdaus, Group CEO of Burjeel Hospitals and VPS Healthcare. Burjeel Hospital has been providing integrated medical care across the entire healthcare spectrum. The hospital offers the best in diagnostic, curative as well as preventative healthcare in over 30 clinical specialties.

CLIMB FOR A CURE

GALLERY

OMAN CANCER ASSOCIATION MEMBERS SCALED MT. KILIMANJARO IN A FUNDRAISER FOR A GOOD CAUSE.

AUG 09 - 15 / ISSUE 531

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YOUR

YOUTH OF OMAN

OMAN

Y CAPTURES THE FACES OF THE NEXT GENERATION OF THE FUTURE OF OUR NATION.

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GALLERY

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YOUR

POINT OF VIEW

OMAN

SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI FINDS NEW ANGLES TO HIS SURROUNDINGS IN THIS PERSPECTIVE SERIES.

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GALLERY

Photography by: Shaquel al Balushi Location: Khaba Beach Style: Landscape Swathes of algae-covered rocks at low-tide offer a vibrant contrast against the monochrome palette of Khaba Beach in a landscape that begs us to slow down and breathe in the salt air.

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SUMMER MUSIC CAMP

If music is what makes your child tune in then this is the gig for you.

Tunes Institute at Al Hail North is holding a four-week summer music camp for kids starting today (August 9). The lessons will be taught by highly-qualified instructors for age groups 1.5 years to 11-years. You will also get a 20 per cent discount if you can get one of your friends to sign up too. Contact 9545-4888.

AUG

09

AUG

THIS

WEEK

09

WHAT TO DO. WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

A U G U S T Are you a Martin Scorsese in the making? Here’s a chance for aspiring directors to showcase their work at the Oman-India Short Film Festival, to be held today and tomorrow (August 9 and 10). Organised by the Embassy of India in Muscat, the festival is open to short films produced in English, Arabic or in any other Indian language.

A five-member jury will judge these films. Pre-screenings of entries will be held at the Oman Film Society Theatre on August 9. For more information log on to www.indemb-oman.gov.in.

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EDM NATION

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

AUG

09

The wait is over! The EDM Nation Volume 2 is happening tonight at Turbine & Taps at Sheraton Oman Hotel. Some of best DJs in town including Vinyl, Loona and Leon are sure to set the stage on fire. With live band performances, these artists should make your night an unforgettable one. If you want to join the party, call 9452-1845.

SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

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

Blindspotting Cast: : Daveed Diggs, Rafael Casal, Janina Gavankar

The Meg Cast: Jason Statham, Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson Just when it was thought safe to snuggle up in a deep-sea submersible research station, a 75ft long shark (thought to be extinct) comes along and rattles the cage of a team of scientists. Stranded inside, it’s up to diver Jonas Taylor (Statham) to save the day with the technical expertise supplied by Suyin Zhang (Li Bingbing).

It’s mighty brave to attempt to do the

The Catcher Was A Spy Cast: Paul Rudd, Mark Strong, Sienna Miller

shark thriller/disaster movie given the legendary status of Jaws, the film that propelled Steven Spielberg onto the ‘A’-list of directors. But in this day and age, you can be sure that CGI has gone that extra nautical mile to scare the audience. And there’s not a plastic model in sight.

Oman release: August 9

Moe Berg (Rudd) is one heck of a guy: a brilliant mind (a graduate from Princeton University) and one amazing athlete (a major-league baseball player). He’s also something of an enigma and plays his cards close to his chest. Little wonder then that America’s war-time spymasters find his talents too good to pass up on as a potential recruit.

Berg’s mission is to go behind enemy lines in Europe and assassinate Germany’s chief nuclear scientist before the Nazis build an atomic bomb. He must cope with the slings and arrows of high-level espionage at a time when the fate of the world is at stake. Paul Giamatti, Tom Wilkinson, and Jeff Daniels co-star in this thriller based on a true story.

Lashtam Pashtam Collin (Diggs) is an ex-con trying to ensure that his last three days on probation remain trouble-free. If they don’t, he could end up back in the slammer for another year, at least. Trouble is, his best friend Miles (Casal) is, well, volatile; to say the least. Collin is keeping it together working for a removals company. But when he witnesseses a racially-charged police shooting, you just know his path to becoming a reformed citizen is not going to be easy. This is a searing thriller with a soupçon of social commentary, and plenty to say about America’s justice system. A real treat, in fact.

Oman release: August 9

Cast: Priyanshu Chatterjee, Tisca Chopra, Om Puri

This Dubai-based drama is about the friendship of two guys: one Indian; the other, Pakistani. The two men are also tennis doubles partners. They do say if you can travel with someone for more than three days you’ll be friends for life. We at Y would say if two people can play tennis under the day-time sun in Dubai then they must be pretty solid pals. In this, two guys find that learning how to navigate one’s way through life is not unlike how to win a tennis match. And it’s never over until the last point is played. This is based on a true story, and is in Hindi with subtitles.

Oman release: August 9

!

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION How big is the shark in ‘The Meg’?

LAST WEEK’S WINNER Muhammad Umair Qamar

Oman release: August 9

WIN FREE MOVIE TICKETS! Read our movie section and answer the question to stand a chance to win two tickets to watch movies of your choice! Send your answers to info@y-oman. com, along with your contact information.

Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions, see voucher.

Experience more VOX Cinemas magic! Discover

Now open near you at VOX Cinemas, Muscat Grand Mall Book your tickets at voxcinemas.com or the VOX app AUG 09 - 15 / ISSUE 531

019

Man Vs Food While we give little thought to where our meals come from, a ‘farm-totable’ movement aims to bring fresh, organic Omani produce to our tables at prices we can afford. Alvin Thomas reports on why our diet depends on growing our own food

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H

unger is the greatest equaliser. You could be the most successful businessman to have walked the face of the earth or just a newborn baby but filling your stomach is essential to your very existence.

Life revolves around food, which is why we’re taught to respect what’s put on our tables.

“Bismillahi wa ‘ala baraka-tillah,” chants Ahmad al Kharusi, an eightyear-old Omani, before tucking into his supper – a plate of rice, grilled chicken and vegetable curry.

Saying grace before a meal isn’t a trait that’s synonymous with Omani culture: giving thanks to God is just one way people of various societies from around the world pay their respects to those who have toiled to produce food.

But just as Ahmad begins his meal, he asks his father a question – one that most curious children ask their parents at some point: “Abba, where does our food come from and who makes all the meals?”

The youth’s father Moosa knows well enough to answer that it is his wife – Ahmad’s mother – that prepares all the dishes at home. He is also aware that his only contribution is when he grabs hold of “fresh” fruit and vegetables written down on a list for him to pick up from the local supermarket every week.

“Where the ingredients come from doesn’t matter if they are fresh,” Moosa says, before telling us of his ignorance of where the veggies and fruit are grown.

“Nowadays people have no time to learn where their food comes from.

It could be from the UAE, India, Pakistan, or wherever… we just need it to be on the plates.”

But then he asks us: “Do you know where all this food comes from?”

The answer to the father-son duo’s question is a bit more complicated though. Food, as it turns out, is one of the leading industries – a US$130 billion (RO50bn) sector – in Oman.

But tracing your food’s origins isn’t that tedious a task – in fact every ingredient has a story to it… it’s just up to you to listen to it.

A quick stroll down a vegetable aisle in one of Oman’s supermarkets will display a wide variety of products – all from different countries ranging from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Brazil, USA and the UK.

Pakistani mangoes, and Indian potatoes and onions; for instance, are the three items that Oman imports in great quantities. Still, what most people don’t realise is that a great portion of what you find on the shelves in supermarkets here are grown in the Sultanate.

It’s then up to the consumer to pick up the right kind of fruit or vegetable.

As per statistics revealed by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), Oman yielded roughly 1.87 million tonnes of produce last year, of which 25,600 tonnes were vegetables, and a further 972,800 tonnes of fodder crops, as well as 457,660 tonnes of fruit.

Mahmood Khan, an expat farmer based out of a large-scale farm in Barka, says that Oman’s arid climate and soil isn’t obstructive to farming – a point he proves by plucking out a handful of lemons and okras, before offering them to us.

“We just need to grow the right crops in the right season. Unfortunately, because we’re still in the peak of summer, most of the crops we usually grow won’t survive but some types of fruits, such as cucumber, okra, and eggplant, will thrive during this season.

“In a 45-day period, we can harvest – if there’s no loss of crops – at least 100kgs of okra and cucumber,” he adds.

“These yields are then cleaned, quality inspected, and packed. We do not spray pesticides on our fruits and vegetables so they must be transported quickly. Our pickup trucks are always on standby, should a request come through.

“Most of our vendors are souks and small shops – and they like to stock up on our okras,” he says.

Oman is currently ranked 27th and 70th in world for the export of okra and cucumbers, respectively. Though, a greater portion of the produce is processed and sold in markets within the country.

But just how much of what we buy from the stores is locally grown and processed? And if so, what are the types of fruit and vegetables that are grown extensively in the Sultanate?

It’s an answer we were hoping to find – and our search led us to one of the largest producers of organic produces and the first certified organic farm land in the Sultanate: The Pairidaeza Organic Farm.

Organic farms to the rescue

The 11-acre stretch of land is used to grow everything from cucumber, beetroot, kale, dates, potato, radish, tomato, lettuce, capsicum, lemon, zucchini, banana, spinach, rosemary, mango, and 60 other types of fruit and vegetables!

But, Narges Mohammed Mirza, the founder of the Pairidaeza Organic Farm, says that this is just the start – and that the four-year-old farm is planning on expanding to bring more varieties of fruit and vegetables into Oman.

“Most people, when they think of Oman, say that it isn’t suitable grounds for growing most foods.

However, we’ve been proving them wrong. Over a year, we can grow anywhere between 60 – 65 types of crops.

“You’d be surprised to see what’ll grow here. We didn’t even

know that some of these crops can grow in such arid lands but Oman continues to surprise us.

“Most of our efforts have been based on trial and error, and we’ve now got the pattern of which crop grows in which season.

“Normally, the months of July and early August

are when we usually close the farm lands but this time around, we’re still going strong. Our lands are lush with fresh lemons, and more fruit and veg such as cucumbers are on the way.

“It did take us a while for us to master it, as we’re an organic farm. So, we don’t make use of any kinds of chemicals, and must make use of only natural fertilisers to grow the crops. Also, special care must be taken to protect these crops from any diseases and pathogens.”

During our trip to the farm in Barka, we’re even made to park our car far from the grounds to fend off any unwelcome germs that may have stuck to the tyres of the car.

A product is termed ‘organic’ if it is grown and processed in a wellbalanced soil that’s free of chemical-infused pesticides, petroleum-based fertilisers or bioengineered genes.

Similarly, the term also applies to animals raised in open spaces, fed with grain and grass, and without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics.

But organic produce is an easy target for pathogens such as bacteria and fungi, says one of the farmers working in the fields.

“And because we mix to produce our own fertilisers or import them from the UAE, we sometimes face the loss of crops.

But we know we’ve done a great job when

SOME OF THESE FARMS THAT GROW THE PRODUCE ARE AUTHENTICALLY ORGANIC SO IT TAKES MORE THAN TWO MONTHS FOR THEM TO GROW THE CROPS. THIS IS A LONG WAITING PERIOD, AS WE REQUIRE VEGETABLES – MOSTLY POTATOES, ONIONS, AND LETTUCE – DAILY.

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the final produce is harvested. The smiles on the customers’ faces are enough testament to our work,” he adds.

While there’s no fixed target as to how much produce is harvested per season from the Pairidaeza Organic Farm, Narges says that they currently have a capacity to serve retail outlets such as Mars Hypermarket, LuLu Hypermarket, and select Carrefour and Spar outlets.

At full capacity – which is achieved in the period after September and until June every year – the farm’s 12 pathogen-free greenhouses, combined with the farmlands, can successfully grow up to 30 different kinds of crops; all organic, all fresh.

Her farm is also certified by organic certification boards, OneCert and USDA. “This is not just an achievement for us, but rather for the whole country. We need to see more farms such as ours taking up hygienic and healthy practices to serve the nation,” she tells Y. In reality, it’s farm owners such as Narges and farmers such as Mahmood – among several others that are now adopting organic farming techniques – to help raise the standards of produce in the Sultanate.

This has also given rise to what is now called the farmto-table movement.

At its heart, the farmto-table

movement is one that promotes serving local foods in homes, schools cafeterias, and even in restaurants. This can only be accomplished by maintaining direct relationships with local farmers and distributors by restaurants, retail markets and other local vendors.

But it’s still only gaining strength in Oman.

A recently concluded farmers’ market – Souq es Sabt – which was held at the Al Mouj grounds, garnered a positive response from residents in the country. It is also known that almost 178 vendors participated in the 15-week event.

Several residents and even restaurants are now asking for the organisers to bring back the farmers’ market.

Is it too soon to rely on organic food in Oman?

However, local vendors in the Seeb Souk collectively say that Oman may require a few more years before it can rely on organic foods.

Abdul Manaf, an expat salesman in charge of a vegetable stall in the souk, explains: “Organic foods are expensive and are very hard to come by.

“Some of these farms that grow the produce are authentically organic so it takes more than two months for them to grow the crops. This is a long waiting period, as we require vegetables – mostly potatoes, onions, and lettuce – daily.

MOST PEOPLE, WHEN THEY THINK OF OMAN, SAY THAT IT ISN’T SUITABLE GROUNDS FOR GROWING MOST FOODS. HOWEVER, WE’VE BEEN PROVING THEM WRONG. OVER A YEAR, WE CAN GROW ANYWHERE BETWEEN 60 – 65 TYPES OF CROPS.

Photos supplied by The Pairidaeza Organic Farm AUG 09 - 15 / ISSUE 531

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“One of the farmers who supplies us with doesn’t begin and end with fruits and vegetables; organic fruits, for instance, is only able to do so it also includes meats and dairy products. four times in a year. This is not feasible – so we “The cost of a kilo of cucumbers in the market end up going to our vendors in the UAE and is 750 baisas. But it rises to RO3 when it is grown India, who provide us with the foodstuffs. organically and imported from countries such as “Most Omanis, when they walk into the souk Australia. We require 18kg of cucumbers daily expect to buy these organic vegetables and fruits. for our salads, so switching to organic foods isn’t It’s a trend I’ve been observing of late. something we can do right now.”

“And while keeping your health first by The official line watching what you eat is important, you must This farm-to-table movement is also supported also make sure that the food you’re eating from by the Oman government, says an official (who outside is also organic. I see double standards in declined to be named), from the Ministry of some of the people that come here.

Agriculture and Fisheries.

“You “Oman passed [consumers] a law in 2017 that come here WE’D LIKE TO SEE MORE prohibited easy asking to buy entry of fruits and fresh and RESIDENTS PURCHASING vegetables from untainted foods LOCALLY-GROWN VEGETABLES AND the neighbouring but then eat from countries such restaurants that FRUITS. TO DO THAT, WE’LL NEED as UAE, Saudi serve you food TO BUILD A LEVEL OF TRUST THAT Arabia, and so on. that is of low standards,” he says.

THE LOCAL FARMERS AREN’T USING The vendors must now produce a This is a concern HARMFUL PESTICIDES AND certificate issued expressed to us by FERTILISERS ON THEIR CROPS. from local labs local eateries too. indicating the Predictably, no goods’ pesticide content, at the Oman border. restaurant wanted to speak to us on the record, “This did create a problem early on when but the marketing manager of an Asian chain there was a decline in goods entering the markets in Oman – in exchange for complete anonymity in the Sultanate, thereby causing a flux in the – said: “Organic food is expensive to buy. And price of vegetables early last year. But it has since contrary to what people think, organic food 024

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stabilised as more vendors are now taking these laws seriously, and are preparing their deliveries without any loss of goods.

“We cannot completely cut down on imports, though,” the official says, before adding, “the perfect answer would be strike a harmony between what can be grown here and what can’t.

“For example, we’d like to see more residents purchasing locallygrown vegetables and fruits. To do that, we’ll need to build a level of trust that the local farmers aren’t using harmful pesticides and fertilisers on their crops.

“Our labs constantly test the local produce, and last year, we were proud to announce that 98 per cent of all tested foods came back within the permitted limits of sprayed pesticides.

“So, while you can now trust the local produce, we’re now looking to get more Omanis to start farms or encourage farming. Also, we’ve made the law clear: a person cannot simply make use of land allotted for agriculture for non-agricultural use.

“If any discrepancies are found, the lessee could face strict charges,” he says.

Surprisingly, during our trip to one of the farms in Sohar, the farmers complained about how their landlord was planning on converting the farmland to residential apartments. The lives of the six farmers employed by the landlord hang in the balance.

Despite the grey skies hovering over the nation’s farming sector, however, this year, Oman was ranked as the most food-secure country in the GCC – and this can be attributed to the country’s move towards sustainable food development, long-term planning, and stringent policies that ensure higher food standards than those of many of our neighbours.

Currently, 12 per cent of Oman’s overall imports are fresh foods – which is a drop from the 15.92 per cent that were imported in 2016, as per figures released by the World Bank.

But as the country’s food consumption grows, we’ll need to move to towards a more sustainable goal to reduce our dependence on food items from other nations.

To find a solution – at least on a small scale – Pairidaeza Organic Farm has begun marketing their products as affordable organic products.

Talking on behalf of the farm, Yasir Iqbal, the marketing manager says: “We’re not here looking for profits. Our aim is to provide the consumers with the best possible product – and one that is grown locally in Oman.

“We have realised that two products – our cucumbers and tomatoes – were very famous so we decided to sell them at a lower cost. So, a cucumber costs only 800 baisas per kg (which is on a par with what other non-organic farms are offering).

“Similarly our zucchini costs RO1 per kg and our eggplant RO2 per kg. Top that off with the fact that our foods don’t have any pesticides or chemicals sprayed on them, and you’ll realise the great deals we’re offering.

“We have more plans in the pipeline to increase our output but we’re still working on them. The responses we’ve got from our customers so far are what keep us going further. After displaying our products at retail outlets, we realised how big a gap there was in the organic foods department.

“Today, to serve our customers well, our output is six to eight times more than what we were pulling when we started. And that’s a testimony to how the people are accepting us – and more so – organic products, here in the Sultanate.

“Health, after all, is wealth.”

OMAN GUIDE: 5 THINGS EVERY EXPAT SHOULD KNOW

S

o you’ve made the decision to move to Oman – and while mixed feelings of anxiety and nervousness abound, you know it’s a move that will inevitably bode well for your career.

Being an expat in the Sultanate is an easy task, according to people who’ve lived here for decades. But, just like any other country, there are several things you might want to keep in mind when you move to Oman.

Don’t let that dishearten you, though.

Omanis – the citizens of the country – are polite and welcoming people, and they’ll make you feel right at home.

Still, migrating to a new country is a tedious task. So, today, we take you through some simple steps to keep in mind when you move to this wonderful land that you’ll soon call “home”.

Obtaining your visa and residence card

It all starts when you land here and find your way to the immigration department in the new Muscat International Airport (Yes! We have a new airport now).

For instance, these are the steps you’ll have to follow if you’re here on an employment visa:

1) Make sure that you receive the employment visa with all the required stamps from your company through email or post.

You’ll need to carry a copy of it to avoid any confusion at the airport.

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2) Present your copy and passport at the retina and fingerprint scanning desk, following which, you’ll need to proceed to the immigration desk. Don’t hesitate to reveal your purpose of visit, i.e. entering Oman for a job (if you’re indeed entering legally on an employment visa).

3) The official will stamp your visa and mark your entry and exit dates, by hand, on the page.

Note: Make sure to regularly follow-up with the company’s public relations officer (PRO) for your residence card.

4) Provide your recently-stamped passport to the PRO for processing, and head to a hospital that provides health tests for immigration purposes. The Badr Al Samaa Hospital in Al Khuwair charges roughly RO20 for the tests, which will include routine STD/STI screening, and a chest-radiograph X-Ray, among other tests.

5) Once you’ve cleared all the tests, present the medical file to your HR department.

6) Then, proceed to the Directorate General of Passport & Residence closest to you, and submit your medical tests and paperwork from the Ministry of Manpower. The PRO should ideally be present with you through the process.

7) Once the paperwork is done, head to the Directorate General of Civil Status and wait for your turn. Make sure to smile for the photograph.

You’ll be asked for your fingerprints again, and you should have your residence card with you in no time.

Renting a property

Once you’ve entered the country, your next step is to look for a place to stay – assuming your company hasn’t set you up with a place to move into. Some reputed companies provide free stay to their employees.

But if you’re looking for a place of your own, take note of these steps you’ll need to follow:

1) Search online listings or check with local property agents for apartments or villas. Eliminating the agent, or a middleman, would mean you’ll pay less per month but you may need to trust a landlord completely before committing to the house.

2) After finding the place you want to move to, draw up the agreement.

3) Next, you’ll need to pay 10 per cent of the annual rent as the municipality charge. So, if you’re paying RO500 per month as rent, you’ll need to shell out RO600 upfront.

4) Some landlords may also ask for a security deposit of three months that may be refundable.

5) Most landlords will offer you flexible payment options. You can either pay your rent monthly by cash, or else issue 12 cheques made out to the landlord. The latter can be a bit tedious if your employer has a reputation of delaying payment of your salary.

6) Move in.

Apply for a driver’s licence

Contrary to popular belief, it’s easy to procure a driving licence. It’s just up to you to impress the Royal Oman Police (ROP) officer at the time of your test.

But there is a long list of steps you’ll need to follow before you can get your prized licence.

Obtaining it can vary depending on your previous country of residence.

For instance, if you’re a GCC expat with a valid driver’s licence then head to the Directorate General of Traffic in Seeb with a copy of your passport, your valid residence ID, and passportsize photographs.

The conversion should take place quickly, and will set you back RO25.

Note: Saudi Arabian drivers will need to wait for two weeks for their Omani licence.

However, there are reports of residents having to wait for up to four months.

1) Head to the Directorate General of Traffic and obtain the ‘Green Book’ for RO5. The ROP will not accept cash payments so carry a bank card on you.

2) Take the eye test in the area allocated. It’s a simple test that will entitle you fit to practise driving.

3) Approach a driving instructor, preferably one who can speak English. Don’t hesitate to haggle on the daily rates. The standard rates can vary anywhere between RO7 and RO10.

4) Your first assignment would be to learn the road signs, and practice for the drum and slope tests. Take the test. The instructor will charge you roughly RO30, from which he will also pay the ROP test fee.

5) The last step in obtaining your licence begins with your training on the road. Take as many classes as you can before trying out for the tests. Instructors will charge you RO30 for failed tests and RO40 if you pass (ROP fee included).

6) Once you pass the test, head to the Directorate General of Traffic and obtain your temporary licence.

Expats from other countries applying for a licence will need to follow these steps:

How to attest your documents

It’s important to have your documents attested by the official body in your country if you’re planning to register for a job or looking to study in Oman.

to your respective embassy to get a seal of authenticity. Otherwise, you’ll need to send your papers back to the country wherein the certificate was issued for the seal.

2) Once the seal is in place, you can head to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Shatti al Qurum for the final attestation. The cost for attestation can range anywhere from between RO10 and RO60.

Opening a bank account

Having a bank account is vital.

All government offices in Oman are reportedly paperless and do not accept hard cash.

Here’s how you can open your account in Oman:

1) Do your research on which bank account will be the most beneficial to you. There are plenty of options to choose from but keep in mind that some banks do not offer loans to expats.

2) Once you’ve narrowed down your choice, head to the branch with copies of your passport, residence card, photographs, and a salary certificate issued by your employer.

3) If your salary is below RO100, then you might be asked to visit other branches of the bank, which dedicate themselves to opening ‘low-income accounts’. All others can head straight to a branch to set up their accounts. The bank card should be presented to you on the same day.

Note: Check if a minimum balance should be maintained. You could incur a fine if you fail to maintain the amount.

Here’s how you can attest your documents:

1) If your documents were issued from Oman (i.e. an Omani university, school, marriage certificate, etc.), then you can head AUG 09 - 15 / ISSUE 531

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HIDDEN TREASURES Shoppers have been coming to Muscat’s Mutrah Souq for 200 years or more. Here, Nishad Padiyarath picks out some of its most one-of-a-kind finds.

I

t’s always a magical experience to visit the iconic Muttrah Souq on a weekend.

You could either walk across the souq in under 10 minutes or you could even spend hours here with the family, and shop for a variety of goods rarely seen in modern markets.

For anyone looking to buy the

famous frankincense or even traditional jewellery, this is the perfect place to shop.

Mutrah Souq, is one of the oldest of its kind in the Arab world, and it continues to stand as a symbol of traditional Omani trade.

Thousands of tourists visit daily to get a glimpse of this souq.

H

ARABIAN LAMP

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ave you read ‘Aladdin and the Magic Lamp’? Let’s face it: we all dream of walking in Aladdin’s shoes and think of having that magic lamp to make our three wishes. Well, you can find that famous lamp here at Mutrah Souq. The vintage lamp is beautifully decorated with vibrant enamel. Made of bronze, this genie lamp comes in various sizes and the one we found at Old Silver LLC is priced at RO9.

“This is our best-selling item. Most of the tourists come and enquire about the lamp,” says Salim, the shopkeeper at Old Silver LLC.

OMANI SILVER NECKLACE

I

f you’re a frequent visitor to Mutrah Souq, you can never miss the famous Ali Baba Gift Town located in the centre of the souq. Owned by Akthar Rasool Baksh, the shop has been in existence for more than 90 years. The store has some of the best antique collections that you could dream off. The highlight of this shop is the Omani antique silver necklace that weighs 375 grams. The necklace has six Maria Theresia Thalers and a large disc with a sun motive. “In Arabic, we call this necklace ‘as Samt’,” explains Akhtar. “This is a rare necklace and people come here to take pictures of it,” says Akhtar. You can buy this beautiful jewellery for RO350.

ANCIENT GLOBE

J

amal Mohammed Ali Trading at Mutrah Souq is truly a magical place to visit. The shop showcases items that date from more than 4,000 years ago. As you enter the shop, the first thing that catches your attention is this antique globe made of bronze.

Hung neatly inside the shop, this globe shows the map of the Ottoman Empire and is priced at RO65.

T

he Arabic coffee pot famously known as ‘Dallah’ is a common item you can find here at Mutrah Souq. It comes in various shapes and styles and was used by Omani Bedouins for serving coffee or Qahwa. This silver coffee pot is a rare piece that can be found only at Ali Baba Gift Town. “It’s a richly ornamented pot and it was used as a sign of Omani hospitality,” says Akhtar. This iconic piece is priced at RO800.

DALLAH

LOOKING GLASS

A

re you looking to buy an antique looking glass from Europe? You don’t need to go that far. You can find it right here in Mutrah Souq.

Ali Baba Gift Town offers a wide range of mirror collections. This 80-year-old Roman antique looking glass is a handmade piece and is priced at RO350.

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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

Dermatology Clinic • Audi Showroom • Bentley Showroom • Costa Coffee • Al Fair • Jaguar Showroom • Jeep Showroom • Al Maha Petrol

Station • Mazda Showroom • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi Showroom • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Petrol

Station • Peugeot Showroom • Range Rover Showroom • Sayarti Auto Care • Shell Select • Skoda Showroom • The Sultan Center • Volkswagen Showroom • Volvo Showroom • Yamaha Showroom Bawshar • College of Banking

and Financial Studies • Dolphin Village • Modern College

of Business and Science • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital

(Emergency and

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of Engineering • Markaz Al Bahja Mall • McDonald’s • Omantel • Starcare Hospital Al Khoudh • Al Fair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Pizza Hut Al Khuwair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Bait Al Reem Mall • Caffè Vergnano • Centrepoint

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Skincare Centre • Kargeen Caffe • KFC • MacKenzies Café

& Deli • Mood Café • Oman Oil Petrol

Station • Papa John’s Pizza • Pizza Hut

• Saharz Beauty Salon • Starbucks Al Murtafa’a • Bank Muscat • KFC • Muscat Hills Golf &

Country Club Muscat International Airport • Caribou Coffee • Majan Lounge • Plaza Premium Lounge Mussanah • Millennium Resort Muttrah • Shell Petrol Station Qantab • Al Bustan Palace • Marina Bandar Al Rowdha • Oman Dive Center • Shangri-La Qurum • Al Araimi Complex • Balance Health & Fitness • Bank Nizwa • BMW showroom • Burger King • Chili’s Restaurant • Crowne Plaza • Finland Eye Center • Fun Zone • Gloria Jean’s

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Station • Pizza Hut • Qurum Commercial Complex • Ras Al Hamra Club • SABCO Centre • Second Cup • Starbucks • The Sultan Center • Tche Tche Café Rusayl • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-1 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-2 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-3 • Knowledge Oasis

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

Economics and

Political Science

• Students Banking Area • Reception/ Canteen Wadi Kabir • Al Maya Hypermarket • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Pharmacy • National Hospitality

Institute • Pizza Hut • Shell Petrol Station Wattayah • Ahli Bank • Best Cars • BLS International Services • Chevrolet/GM showroom • Ford Showroom • Hatat House • Honda Showroom • Hyundai Showroom • Kia Showroom • Lexus Showroom • National Travel & Tourism • Passage To India Restaurant • Shell Petrol Station • Subaru Showroom • Suzuki Showroom • Toyota Showroom Al Mouj Muscat • Almouj Golf • Costa Coffee • Oman Sail • Shakespeare & Co. • Al Mouj Muscat

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

WILD WADI

For one Omani daytripper, the waters of Wadi Qabil are too tempting to pass up. – P32

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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

Gaming

Destination

WADI QABIL

SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI FINDS A WADI THAT’S JUST RIGHT FOR A COOLING OASIS ESCAPE FROM AUGUST’S STIFLING HEAT AND HAZE 032

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were quite calamitous: the wadi rocks had ripped through the bumper and sheared off the number plate and other vital essentials from underneath the truck.

Nevertheless, But what’s an adventure without a setback? armed We didn’t let the mishap bother us and with an idea of the proceeded to place two chairs on the banks of the whereabouts of the wadi, wadi to stop for a quick breather, after which I we powered onwards. started clicking photos of the area.

The only way you can Among the light-brown rocky landscape, there spot the entrance of the were bursts of green with shrubs and bushes – wadi is if you look out for though quite scanty owing to the heat. a tired-looking boom gate We wandered along the wadi at our own pace, that was initially intended stopping whenever we fancied a rest or dip in the to fend off unwanted refreshing water. visitors. It now lies open The currents in the wadi were strong. The indefinitely. reason for the strong flow can be put down to the The initial part of the stream of water originating from the mountains drive to the wadi is a walk and partly from the dam in Wadi Dayqah. hen you think of water in the park – even your average sedan can forge This means the flow is strong enough for those sporting activities such through without breaking sweat. However, things looking to go rafting or kayaking too. as paddle boarding only get difficult from there on, at which point I’d We did raft for a bit but found it to be a handful or whitewater rafting, suggest you park your car and complete the rest of for us amateurs. The strong flow in the wadi your mind immediately wanders to your journey on foot. meant that we were constantly thrown off the raft. countries such as Norway, Austria or I wish someone had told me that because not so We assume someone with better knowledge and Switzerland. long after we encountered a clear stream of water skills in rafting will find Wadi Qabil a formidable These nations are known for some that we boldly decided to drive through. I mean, challenge. of the world’s most pristine waters how hard could it be for a brawny truck, right?

You don’t need to be an adventurist to enjoy although watersports are now sought The mirror-like clarity the beauty of Wadi Qabil. It’s one of those rare by thrill-seekers from around the world. of the water was such locales that just has so much on offer. When you Still, those thrills don’t come cheap: that we were coaxed do eventually head there, it’s best to take a few you’ll be shelling out anywhere into thinking that friends along and make a day of it. between RO300 and RO500 for a it wasn’t deep – After all, there’s nothing quite like weekend in any one of these countries, but boy we were experiencing a sunset with your best and that’s before you even talk of wrong. mates, as the sound of gushing water renting out a kayak or raft.

Mother hitting the rocks breaks the stillness of But what if I told you that you could Nature can be an otherwise silent valley. partake of the same thrills without a bit deceptive: leaving Oman – does that sound a bit that’s something far-fetched? we learned when Well then, you’ll be glad to know we were halfway that there exists a wadi in Qabil, which through the wadi. lies en route to the more famous Wadi The depth at the Dayqah in the fishing town of Quriyat. midway point nearly Wadi Qabil is quiet – almost deserted equalled the height of my – compared to the latter. However, truck! Yet, committed to refrain that’s hardly a testament to the beauty from stalling the vehicle, I and serenity of this wadi. gunned the throttle.

It’s one of those places I’d call a rare In a few moments, we gem within the Sultanate. On the right were at the other end of day, you can drive down there with the wadi, but the results your rafts, pander in a spot of rafting, and then camp From Muscat, take Route 17 towards Sur and then the there with your mates for the Wadi Dayqah turn-off, which is signposted. Continue night… all for free! towards the dam and you’ll see a road to the left with A part of me wanted to see a barrier (which should be up). Take this road for 10 if that was indeed the case, so minutes and you’ll reach the first pool – the crystalI headed to Wadi Qabil along clear one. You don’t need a 4×4, but to go farther, you’ll with my friend Imran. need one or travel by foot.

There are no sign boards to the wadi so we asked for Coordinates: N23°08’01.6”, E58°53’43.4” directions to the nearby village.

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TRAVEL GUIDE

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

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V O LV O X C 4 0

Alvin Thomas finds an SUV that offers a smorgasbord of style, safety, and comfort

t’s hard to come up with a plausible explanation as to why one would want a Swedish car over a German or French one – but for some strange reason Volvo’s formula of blending contemporary Swedish style with world-class safety features in its vehicles – has put it on a par with other manufacturers from Europe.

We wouldn’t mind saying that Volvo is currently on a roll now – as has been the case since its takeover by Chinese giants Geely in 2010.

Take our latest tester: the XC40. Pegged by the brand as the baby crossover in the lineup, one would have expected the boffins from Sweden to have skimped on all conceivable fronts but surprisingly they haven’t.

We’re a bit baffled by how comparable it is to its larger siblings – the XC60 and the XC90. For the purposes of impartiality, let’s set aside the larger seven-seater XC90, but we’re hell-bent on this: the XC60 and the XC40 share several similar traits.

Don’t get us wrong: we’re mighty thrilled by how the little cues plucked from the XC60 – the “Thor’s

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Hammer” headlamps, the three-dimensional grille that sits snugly below the clamshell hood and the busy-looking bumpers with several sharp lines and air inlets – add up to the fetching exterior.

Overall, it’s even sophisticated and classy unlike some of its competitors, which opt for more inane themes when compared to the XC40. Of course, to keep in line with its rivals, Volvo has given the crossover a dual-tone colour scheme.

My tester, for instance, was a combination of solid baby blue and white – two colours that shouldn’t work but do so marvellously for some inexplicable reason.

The posterior of the Volvo is, again, like what you’d find on its larger siblings – neat and functional. But, the slender L-shaped tail lamps and the black plastic on the underside of the bumper can split the audience.

It’s evident that the crossover is designed for a younger demographic – and that’s a fact that reveals itself further when you enter the cabin. The real estate in the room, for starters, is limited when compared with the XC60, but there’s plenty of tech – which we quite liked – to upset the mature audience.

The interior is a fun place to be in; everything is controlled centrally by the large 9-inch (22cm) touchscreen that handles everything from the infotainment to the vehicle functions, and even Volvo’s signature safety features.

The only buttons in place are those under the screen – one that brings up the home screen while the others take care of the volume and track options. There’s also a ‘Drive Mode’ button that allows drivers to change the feel of the car while driving, but more on that later.

Where the XC40 wins is in passenger comfort – even more so than with the XC60 that we tested a while ago. The seats are cushy and supportive in sharp turns, which is a good thing as body roll does creep in while taking sharp corners. Moreover, the driver does get the option to control the lumbar on the seats too, an option that was missing on the passenger seat in our T6 variant.

But we’re sure it’s an option you can tick when you’re spec’ing your car.

Space in

Destination

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

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

VOLVO XC40 Specifications: • Engine: 2.0-litre ‘turbocharged’ in-line four cylinder • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic • Power: 245hp • Torque: 350Nms All-wheel-drive 460-litres capacity boot Cruise control 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system Pirelli P Zero tyres Pilot Assist system 19-inch alloy wheels Leather upholstery Selectable drive modes Parking sensors Lane departure warning Collision mitigation system Cross-traffic alert

VOLVO’S FIRST ATTEMPT AT CRACKING THE PREMIUM SUB-COMPACT SUV MARKET IS COMMENDABLE – AND IT’S DONE SO WELL TO ETCH ITS MARK IN A SEGMENT OTHERWISE HOGGED BY THE GERMANS. the rear is admirable, given the dimensions of the car. Rear head and leg room is available and plentiful, and three adults can easily sit behind in comfort on long journeys.

However, one should keep in mind that there’s a high central tunnel along the floor.

The XC40’s boot can carry 460 litres, which is comparable to its rivals from Audi and BMW, but the square-shaped opening makes it easy to load and unload goods. We could fit about seven full-size suitcases in the boot during our airport run.

Underneath that sleek clamshell hood lies a 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbocharged pot banger that cranks out an admirable 254hp and 350Nms of twist. Turbo lag is kept to a minimum, courtesy a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic, which shifts down smartly to bring the engine back to its power band during high-speed driving.

The all-wheel drive system is intuitive too, vectoring just the right amount of power when you’re hard on the

throttle but the engine wheezes out of torque at about 4,000rpm like most turbo engines from Europe. Still, the gearbox – when set in ‘Normal’ mode – doesn’t hold the engine against such high rpms.

Those looking for more performance from the crossover can opt for the more powerful 320hp variant, which reportedly also comes with adaptive suspension. But, even in its base form, we found the XC40 to be spritely, taking corners without much of a fuss; all while maintaining a smooth ride inside.

Our only trepidation was that the XC40 confidenceinspiring chassis can interpret a bit too much eagerness at times leading you to misjudge corners. Still, the ESP system can dial down any understeer that may creep in past the limits of the (Pirelli P Zero) front tyres.

The crossover sits comfortably at speeds of up to 134kph, with noise, vibrations, and harshness kept to a minimum at most times. We were even quite surprised by how efficient the single-glazed windows were in keeping tyre and wind noise down. We’d like the Japanese manufacturers to take a leaf out of Volvo’s book on that.

In true Volvo fashion, the electric steering is overly light at low speeds, with a bit more weight creeping in as you click into higher gears. But more weight is added in the ‘Sport’ mode. Feedback – as expected – is still nonexistent.

The brakes are not just strong – they’re Volvo strong, and the pedals feel progressive.

At no point did we find

ourselves needing more pressure from the brake pistons, or the need to use engine braking. But if you do find yourself in a sticky situation, Volvo’s Pilot Assist system will boldly step in to kick in the brakes, at which point the alarm in the car will beep to let you know of your incompetence on the road.

Volvo’s first attempt at cracking the premium sub-compact SUV market is commendable – and it’s done so well to etch its mark in a segment otherwise hogged by the Germans. But, we strongly feel that the XC40 is in a league of its own – as it lunges ahead of its competition when you begin comparing standard options and prices. So, is it worth a second look? You’d be foolish not to do so.

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CARS ADVENTURES BEST OF BARCELONA

Spain’s Catalonian capital brims with cultural vibrancy.

Ashlee Starratt discovers its essence.

1. Take the ultimate footie fan tour of FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou home-base.

2. Lick up the best gelato in Barcelona at Gelaaati di Marco.

3. Grab the train for a day-trip to the Dalí’ Theatre-Museum in Figueres.

4. Take a medieval night-tour on the darker side of history.

5. Get up-close with the wildlife at Zoo Barcelona.

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POSTCARDS FROM

Ashlee Starratt recommends

BARCELONA, SPAIN

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t’s not often a city is built around an artist’s vision. Yet Barcelona stands as much in the indelible embrace of Antoni Gaudí as it does the lingering echo of medieval antiquity - a beacon in a land of artists. For this is a nation from whose tangled roots sprung the branches of Surrealism and Cubism that shaped Spanish contemporary art.

Gaudí, Picasso...Dalí. Contained within the heart of Catalonia is a vital essence of sorts where expression breeds in its most enlightened form. And Barcelona, its capital, is a testament to its actualisation.

The second-largest city in Spain with a population of 1.6 million, Barcelona is best explored on-foot - a feat made easy by an accessible bus and metro system that spans the city from its centre to the outer suburbs. Mediterranean breezes, Catalan architecture, vibrant street life, and art and culture for miles are just some of the dalliances that will keep you THE SA lingering along its cobbles. Oh, and the food - which is an art unto itself.

GRA E T H E R D A F A M IL IA ’S Take your time to wander through its iconic Gràcia neighbourhood and take in the EAL BE AUTY Festa Major happening mid-August, ride the funicular or brave the epic trek by dragon staircase up to the pinnacle of Parc Güell. With some of the most stunning vistas out over the city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an Art Nouveau garden-city commissioned in 1900 to artist Antoni Gaudí by Catalonian entrepreneur Eusebi Güell. It was opened as a public park in 1926 and you can wander through its mosaic tableaux as nature blends with the surreal (don’t miss out on the Hall of One Hundred Columns).

As the summit and descent to and from the park is hungry work, follow your inner rumblings to any one of the city’s hundreds of tapas cafés and restaurants. Pro tip: Look for the spot with the longest line-up of locals - as that’s usually where the best fare can be found. Spanish life moves languidly and is meant to be savoured and enjoyed - and meals are no exception.

More intrepid foodies can craft their own culinary adventure at the Abaceria Central Market where mouth-watering sensory overload awaits among its stalls.

No visit to the Catalonian capital is complete without exploring the epochal Sagrada Familia - Antoni Gaudí’s basilica monument consecrating the intertwined bond between faith and the divine workings of nature. You’ll be humbled by its beauty and the celestial mathematics found within its architectural facades as you let the din of the city fade away among its columns and porticoes.

LA Here, art is sanctified in its most sacred form on the bedrock of a city that’s stood through PLAYA DE RENCHED -D N U S A the centuries as a bastion of its expression.

R C E L ON E T BA

My favourite place The vibrant streetscape of La Rambla. Translating to ‘the boulevard’ from the Catalan tongue, this 1.2km stretch of tree-lined promenade is one of the most scenic tourist destinations in the city. Explore from the Plaça de Catalunya, the main city square, down to its old Gothic and El Raval Quarters, revelling in the shops, restaurants, and street life all the way down to the Christopher Columbus Monument and the old port of Barcelona.

Highlights

Head to the Museu Picasso to view some of the Cubist master’s works, ramble along the ramparts of the Palau Nacional – home to the National Art Museum of Catalonia since 1934 and soak up some sun and surf at the city’s famous Playa de la Barceloneta.

Lowlights While Barcelona remains fairly safe for tourists, cases of pick-pocketing remain a problem in the most touristic areas of the city – so exercise usual precaution and due diligence when it comes to keeping your valuables safe. Also, if you take the elevator up to the top spire of the Sagrada Familia basilica, be prepared for a vertigo-inducing rail-less spiral staircase descent down.

Souvenirs Catalonian olive oil, Gaudí lizard figurines, sweet Turrón de Crema Catalana – found in most bakeries in the city, an FC Barcelona jersey, or a pair of ‘espardenyes’ – traditional handwoven footwear.

Getting there

All major Gulf carriers fly daily to the Catalonian capital, with Oman Air round-trip flights to Barcelona starting from RO930.

Where to stay For budget-friendly options, let Airbnb be your best friend in Barca. For those with more dosh to dole out, the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona tops the list as one of the city’s best hotels – one look at its view and you’ll understand why. And, for those seeking mid-range budget accommodation, the Hotel Derby ticks all the boxes and is just 3km from the Sagrada Familia.

THE RE GAL ST ATURE OF THE PALAU NACION AL

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WIRELESS WORLD

THE TECH IN YOU

We live in a wireless world and all of us want our devices to work seamlessly. The Y Geek Squad picks some of the coolest wireless gadgets you should own

FEEL THE MUSIC If you’re a music lover and if you’re someone who travels frequently, then this is one gadget you should own. The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ offers you the ultimate music experience with 16 hours of battery life. This wireless speaker plays true 360-degree. That means, it gives you a jawdropping sound in every direction. Buy it from Amazon for RO115.

NEED FOR SPEED How fast is your internet? There are times when your home WiFi can give you a hard time especially when you’re about to stream a movie online or trying to download a file. The Linksys Max-Stream AC1750 MU-MIMO Gigabit Wi-Fi router will solve your problem. Equipped with seamless roaming, this router gives you uninterrupted internet connectivity to multiple devices by delivering speeds up to 1.7Gbps. Buy it from Amazon for RO15.

SECURE YOUR HOME

EDITOR’S PICK

Are you travelling with your family during the Eid holidays this month? Do you want to keep an eye on your home in Muscat?

Then buy the Logitech Circle camera that is wireless and streams high-quality video of your home 24/7 from your mobile or the Logitech web app. This device also gives you an instant alert on your smartphone when it detects any motion. You can buy it from Amazon for RO44.

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WIRELESS CHARGER

CHARGING YOUR PHONE CAN SOMETIMES BECOME A HASSLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS A WIRED CHARGER. YOOTECH HAS RECENTLY LAUNCHED A WIRELESS CHARGER THAT CAN BE USED ANYWHERE. THE CHARGER IS BUILT WITH AN INTELLIGENT PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY THAT SAFEGUARDS YOUR PHONE FROM BECOMING WARM WHILE CHARGING. IT CAN POWER AN IPHONE X OR A SAMSUNG GALAXY S9 PLUS FROM ZERO TO FULL IN AROUND THREE HOURS. BUY IT FROM AMAZON FOR RO4.5.

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Top 5 games hitting the shelves this month

Info Box

Platform: PLAYSTATION 4 AND 3, MICROSOFT WINDOWS

The Y Geek Squad finds some top titles to get you hooked this summer YAKUZA 0

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ave you ever wondered how your life would turn out if you were to be born into the world of the mafia? And in Tokyo, no less?

If you have, then here’s your golden opportunity to experience it all. The Yakuza 0, a prequel to the muchacclaimed adventure game, Yakuza, takes place in the Japanese towns of Kabukicho and Dotonbori, wherein you’ll alternate between the roles of protagonists Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. As the mafia boss, it’s your job to earn money and expand the businesses. This period game (from 1988) is expected to hit shelves in Muscat later this month.

PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2019

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he 2018 FIFA World Cup may have concluded in Russia with France taking home all the glory.

And as expected, some people are not pleased with the results.

Info Box So, if you’re Platform: looking to PLAYSTATION 4, XBOX take revenge, ONE, MICROSOFT and perhaps WINDOWS avenge your favourite side, Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) 2019 is here for you. It may not be the best game out there but with life-like graphics and a gaming engine to match, PES 2019 will give EA’s FIFA 2018 a run for its money. We’re only hoping that licensing issues don’t take out all the fun from this year’s game.

MADDEN NFL 19

WE HAPPY FEW

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on’t Info Box let the Platform: cheerful PLAYSTATION merican title put you 4, XBOX ONE, Info Box football is off. We Happy MICROSOFT Platform: big in… well...

Few is not a WINDOWS, LINUX, MICROSOFT WINDOWS, the USA. But that game for the MAC OSX PLAYSTATION 4, doesn’t mean we faint-hearted.

XBOX ONE can’t get a taste of According to the action here in the developers, the game’s universe Oman. This game, which revolves around the takes place in an alternative version National Football League (NFL) comes with of World War II, wherein the Final sophisticated graphics, a physics engine that Solution – the Holocaust – occurs encourages you to pull off some insane tackles, much earlier than it actually did. This and furthermore, raise your favourite team – if results in a secondary German Empire you have one – to the top of the league tables. that successfully invades Great We know EA has faith in this game; they’re Britain. During the invasion, Britain is featuring artists like Cardi B, Migos, Nicki contaminated with chemicals that can Minaj, and Lil Yachty in the title’s soundtrack. manipulate the minds of the residents, which makes them suppress all their unhappy memories. This forms the OVERCOOKED 2 basis of a dystopian society in Britain.

As the characters of the game, it’s et’s get this straight: contrary to what up to you to find a solution to the people are inferring, playing Overcooked problem, and open the eyes of the 2 will not prep you for the role of a chef in residents of the nation to take a stand a Michelin-starred restaurant. But, if you’re against the oppressors. simply looking to learn a bit about cooking, all while having fun with four of your mates, then look no further – grab a copy of Overcooked 2 when it hits shelves this month. Players can learn to chop, Info Box cook ingredients, Platform: and prepare NINTENDO SWITCH, meals in some PLAYSTATION 4, XBOX of the quirkiest ONE, MICROSOFT restaurants around WINDOWS the world.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY FIT FOR THE FELLAS

Go trendy this summer with your favourite sports outfit.

Add a new collection to your wardrobe and let fitness and fashion go hand-in-hand.

Adidas has introduced a wide selection of items to take your look up a notch.

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

k o o he L

, reet t s gh e hi . h t p to ion tyle it u h s s fa igh ps you h l From Y he m Tea

T t e G

Tango Downtime shorts Comfy and stylish‌ are these your fashion watchwords?

Then grab this pair of sporty shorts for this summer. They are super-comfortable and at the same time stylish. These shorts cost RO16.5 and are a must-have for this summer.

Tango Jacquard Jersey If you want a football jersey that can be worn as a casual outfit then this new arrival is the one for you. The special fabric keeps you dry even after hours of heavy workouts. The regularfitting tee comes with short sleeves and in bright colours. Grab this for just RO19

Camouflage Snapback Cap Go for these trending camouflage caps to protect yourself from the heat when you go for a run. The cotton cap comes with an adjustable strap for a convenient fit. The Trefoil logo on the front adds to the style. Camouflage your head by spending just RO13.5.

Linear Performance Duffel Bag Are you looking for a bag that can accommodate all your gym accessories? Then buy this training bag from Adidas that also comes with a detachable shoe sack. The padded shoulder gives you the comfort to carry your belongings. Organise your gym gear in the three-divider bag. Carry this trending duffel bag for only RO13.5.

Deerupt Runner Shoes Run in style this summer. These running shoes will give you optimum comfort with their lightweight and cushioned soles. They also come with rubber outsoles. The flexible mesh netting will also give you all-day comfort. Buy these for RO60.

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SKIN DEEP

HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Y

Exfoliate: An excess build-up of dry

skin can dull your complexion, making it rough or patchy. Daily exfoliation with either a gentle scrub will help even out your skin-tone for that beachy glow. Just be sure to apply extra sunscreen as you’re more apt to burn post-scrub.

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Fashion

Home

Family

Want to put your best face forward this beach season? Make the most of your skin by keeping it protected from the elements. Y brings you the basics

ou’re in holiday mode, the sun is shining and the summer season is blissfully upon us BUT don’t even think of hitting the beach without prepping and protecting your skin – and yes, that goes for men and women alike. While it might seem like a no-brainer, how many of us remember to lather up the Factor 50 before heading out for a day on the water or wadi?

And while a good dose of sunshine does wonders for our bodies – think Vitamin D and lots of it, a nutrient that many of us living in the GCC are, ironically, deficient in according to studies

by Zayed University in the UAE – it can also inflict its fair share of damage.

Here’s how you can prep your skin to maintain its inner glow while staving off some of the worst effects of the sun’s rays.

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BEAUTY

Beat those sunspots: Feel confident in the skin you’re in this summer by treating any unwanted dark spots or sunspots with Vitamin C essential oil. On its own, Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant. Pair it with moisturisers containing Vitamin E and you’ve got a powerful combo that will help fade those scars and spots.

Manage breakouts: Ever had that moment of donning your swimsuit only to catch a glimpse of a bout of unsightly ‘bacne’? Banish it by using a serum of body-wash containing glycolic acid.

You’ve probably heard of salicyclic acid and, while great at spot-treating those breakouts you already have, it’s glycolic acid that helps prevent new ones by dissolving those pore-clogging dead skin cells that are the culprits behind your pesky pimples.

Boost lacklustre tone: If you want that beachy glow but don’t fancy going the spray-tan route, then good hydrating oil could be your best friend this summer. Best applied after your base coat of sunscreen, look for a hydrating oil

that will give your skin that dewy glow.

Some varieties even come with built-in SPF protection of their own.

We’ve got one skin to live in – the more we take care of it, the more we can enjoy it at any age.

HEALTH

Fashion

Home

Family

FEEL GOOD MORE FIBRE WITH

Beauty

Are you getting enough of this dietary staple? If not, here’s why missing your daily dose can slow you down in more ways than one

The ‘fibre gap’ exists • Make your grains whole for two reasons: people Read labels and swap out conventional grains think fibre supplements for wholewheat when buying bread and pasta are primarily for aving enough daily fibre in your diet products and choose brown rice over white maintaining a regular digestive system, and has become increasingly important • Make your veggies green traditional forms of fibre supplements such as because fibre helps support a Green vegetables including beans, spinach, powder or capsules are inconvenient to take. smoother, more functional digestive cabbage, and asparagus are good sources of “Dietary fibre is known for keeping our bodies system while providing stronger immunity and dietary fibre. regular,” says Michael Epstein, a leading US overall well-being.

• Go bananas gastroenterologist.

But did you know that even though you make Many types of fruit are high in fibre but bananas “Most importantly, it’s essential that you get an effort to eat healthy, you may still have trouble enough fibre in your diet. One way to do that is to are an especially rich source. Add mashed reaching your daily fibre requirement? bananas to muffins, smoothies or a bowl of supplement your daily intake of dietary fibre with Most of us average only half of the oatmeal as a way to increase fibre intake. natural, pre-biotic fibre supplements.” recommended 25 to 30 grammes of dietary fibre • Add a supplement If you do choose to go down that route, try to per day, according to the Academy of Nutrition Sometimes eating enough fibre-rich food is a find supplements containing inulin (pronounced: & Dietetics in the United States. Yet the current challenge so choose a dietary fibre supplement in-yoo-lin), a natural fibre found in many fruit average daily intake of fibre is 15 grammes, as the and vegetables. Inulin works by helping to build with pre-biotic effects designed to promote the typical diet includes many foods with high calories healthy, good bacteria in the colon while keeping same health benefits as the fibre found naturally such as white bread, doughnuts, fizzy drinks, in foods. food moving through the digestive system. This juices and red meat; to name a few. can soften stools and improve bowel function.

It’s impractical, however, to think you can get Research shows that the digestive system does your daily fibre requirement from food alone, more than digest food; it plays a central role even though you can find it in edible plants in the immune system. The healthy bacteria including fruit, vegetables, grains, and legumes. that live in the digestive tract promote immune For example, you would need to eat about 10 system function so it’s important to nourish the apples or bananas every day to obtain your daily body with fibre. Inulin has secondary benefits, fibre requirement. too, of possibly lowering cholesterol, balancing An unfortunate result of our lack of dietary blood chemistry and regulating appetite; all of fibre is a substantial burden on the health care which can help reduce calorie intake and play a system and on our individual health as well. supporting role in weight management.

This is known as the ‘fibre gap’, as limited fibre But getting enough fibre in one’s diet can be a intake has been associated with colon cancer and challenge. So, try these tips to increase the amount metabolic syndrome. of fibre in yours:

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Trend

YUMMY

A QUICK BITE

These five simple summer food hacks will have you mastering the art of serving up a good meal in no time.

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New Restaurant

Reviews

Ice, ice baby

FIVE FOOD HACKS YOU CAN’T A LIVE WITHOUT THIS SUMMER Are you a fan of warm-weather entertaining but melt when the heat is on? Then does Yummy Oman have some top tips for you…

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icnics on the beach, barbecues, patio parties – any way you want to spin it – nothing spells summer like a good old-fashioned cookout. The long days and warm weather make for the perfect time to bond with family and friends over good food and drink.

To minimise your time in the kitchen or behind the grill as the mercury rises, here are our essential summer food hacks to help you keep your cool and be the host-with-the-most.

warm drink is a sad drink so keep cold those summery sodas, juices, mocktails and more by having plenty of ice on hand. Buy an extra portable cooler and keep it well-stocked with bags of ice with more than a few trays at the ready in the freezer. And because, well, it’s ice – you know it’s going to melt, which can dilute your drink.

Up your ice game a notch by adding fresh fruit and herbs such as raspberries and fresh mint leaves to your trays of cubes.

Simple sides

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ess is more when serving a summertime crowd.

You’ve got your protein on the grill, now keep your accompaniments simple yet flavoursome and – most importantly – hassle-free.

Really, do you want fiddly fixings to cut into your quality time? We didn’t think so. So have easy cheat-sheet items on hand, like pre-cut coleslaw packets of shredded carrot and green and purple cabbage. You can toss both of these together with a creamy dressing as a side dish to the main event or as a tangy topping to your favourite burger hot off the grill.

Yellin’ for melon

C Make it pop

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e all love a good lick of an ice lolly to cool us down on a hot afternoon. A hit with the kids especially, having a stock of ready-to-go, homemade ice pops in the freezer is a home-run hitter any day of the week. You can find the ready-made moulds at your local supermarket or hypermarket, and whipping up a fresh batch is as easy as dicing or pureeing your favourite fruit, swirling it with a few dollops of fresh Greek yoghurt and popping them in the freezer for frosties on-demand!

olourful, sweet, and packed with hydration and nutrients, the humble watermelon may just be the unofficial fruit of summer. Juice it or jazz it up on your salad; its value lies in its versatility. Don’t be afraid to go bold and pair it with savoury dishes to pack an unexpected punch and balance of flavour.

And, if you’re on the clock and can’t be bothered to slice, chop, or cube a whole watermelon by itself, stock up on the pre-chopped grabn-go versions available at your local supermarket – ask them to do it for you at the produce counter. Job done!

Low ‘n slow

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ight after the grill, a slow-cooker is your best friend in kitchen this summer. With hundreds of more-ish recipes you can find easily online, it’s a simple as doing a little chop ‘n prep the night before. Combine all the ingredients into the slow-cooker in the morning, set it, and forget it. What you’ll come home to is a onepot wonder that the whole family will be happy to tuck into. And the best part about slow summer cooking? It doesn’t add extra heat to your outdoor or kitchen space like traditional stove-top ovens and barbecue grills do.

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OCEAN BASKET

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

Info Box

OCEAN BASKET

Level I, Muscat City Centre, Seeb Opening hours: 1 ‫ ‏‬1:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Contact: 0860-333-374 Dinner for two: RO31.2 Verdict : 8/10 SERVICE 7.5/10 FOOD 7/10 AMBIENCE A seafood restaurant that has successfully mastered its core cuisine. Don’t be shy to try out new flavours.

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

as I was told by the waiter. So, our 15-minute-long wait was filled with anticipation, if also a bit of anxiety, as to whether we could gobble it all.

Once placed on our table, we realised the sliphere’s nothing quite as inviting as the up we had just made. The crammed platter is aroma of freshly- grilled prawns and unquestionably meant for those looking to share a batter-fried tuna lingering in the air. meal: Loaded with deep-fried calamari, six grilled If anything, it calls out to all seafood prince prawns, golden-fried crumbled cod, and lovers strolling along the empty verandas of the three mussels, all laid atop a sizeable portion of first-floor in the Muscat City Centre (MCC) at IT’S HARD TO FIND GOOD RESTAURANTS seasoned rice.

THAT SERVE UP PALATABLE SEAFOOD IN THE Seeb – leading them to the open-front Ocean We proclaimed the grilled prawns to be the star SULTANATE, BUT AS FAR AS OUR SEARCH Basket restaurant. of the night – offering just the right mix of flavour HAS GONE, THIS MALL RESTAURANT TOPS and consistency to every bite. However, we were We must confess: Y’s experiences with mall THE CHARTS. restaurants haven’t been the best of late; the let down by the chef ’s decision not to de-vein the Buffalo Wild Wings outlet, which we reviewed prawn. a fortnight ago, is the perfect testament to our It didn’t stop us from enjoying our meal – but longstanding disappointments with mall eateries. we’d rather our prawns had been de-veined.

Still, call it the ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ – On the other hand, the crispy calamari and because as seafood enthusiasts we couldn’t stop the accompanying herb mayo went well with the ourselves from walking into the newly-opened seasoned rice. Our only concerns were that the seafood restaurant – not even if we wanted to. cod was a bit overdone, and the mussels were a bit Meanwhile, peering at us through an open chewier than what I’d have liked. quarter was the Buffalo Wild Wings outlet – Nevertheless, the sea-brine flavour of the screaming at us about our recent letdown at mussels was inviting, and the crusty cod made the mall and imploring us to give our selection up for its overdone crust with its well-cooked and another thought. soft-to-the-touch meat. After a long sitting, I could But the choice had been made – seafood it was. seared cuboids of meaty tuna were then doused wipe it all clean from my plate.

The waiter – a welcoming Filipino man – was to perfection in ponzu sauce, and drizzled with There’s a lot to like about the Ocean Basket quick to hand us our menus, which we briskly pickled red onions and red chillies.

– and thankfully, much of it has to do with the glanced through. The colourful nauticallyWe judged the creamy consistency of the tuna to delectable seafood that is on offer than the overall themed menu is a bit gaudy but it’s neatly laid be luscious, while the ponzu sauce and red onion ambience of the restaurant. It’s hard to find good out and easy to understand. absorbed by the meat delivered the dish its much- restaurants that serve up palatable seafood in the We soon marked down a plate of crumbled needed flavour.

Sultanate, but as far as our search has gone, this prawn tails, sizzling tuna, and a carafe of pink But even before we could munch down all the mall restaurant tops the charts. lemonade to set the ball rolling for the night. tuna, the waiter brought us our crumbled prawn So, here’s the big question: Would we go back to It didn’t take longer than 10 minutes for tails – and boy, we couldn’t take our eyes off them. Ocean Basket? Yes, and in a heartbeat. the first of the dishes – the sizzling tuna – to They looked splendid. arrive. Laid out in precise sashimi-style cuts, the A whiff of the golden-brown batter cocooning Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see what can only be described as freshly-caught reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com prawns was enough for us to realise what was in store for us.

A couple of bites in – and we were completely sold. The juicy prawn meat, coupled with the crunchy bread coating and the herb mayo, made for a delightful – if slightly heavy – start to our supper.

We were still confident that we could down more food, though. So, after cleaning our plates – and by clean, I mean ready-to-hang-on-the-rack spotless – we ordered two seafood platters.

The heaviest selection on the menu (for one person) is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes,

ALVIN THOMAS DIVES INTO SOME SCRUMMY SEAFOOD THAT PROVES TO BE A GOOD CATCH AT A FAIR PRICE

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AUG 09 - 15 / ISSUE 531