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DEC 27 - JAN 02 2019 / ISSUE 550 • WEEKLY
Happy New Year Oman!
PLUS!
2018 MARKED SOME OF OMAN’S GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS AND, THROUGH IT ALL, Y WAS THERE TO BRING YOU THE NEWS AND STORIES THAT MATTERED TO YOU FROM ACROSS THE SULTANATE AND AROUND THE GLOBE. HERE, WE USHER IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A LOOKBACK AT THE TRIUMPHS AND CHALLENGES THAT DEFINED US AS A NATION, AND ALL WE’VE ACCOMPLISHED IN 2018!
POSTCARD: GDANSK,NOVEMBER POLAND 01 24 / ISSUE 258
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FASHION: NYE COUNTDOWN TO STYLE
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YUMMY OMAN: ROCK THOSE HOLIDAY LEFTOVERS!
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EDITOR’S
NOTE
Welcome to Y Magazine – your top guide to the best of Oman every week.
IN THIS ISSUE…
W
ould it be eye-roll-inducing to say that we can’t believe where the year has gone? As clichéd as it sounds, it’s the truth. These past 12 months have flown by as we’ve jumped from strengthto-strength (though not without some pitfalls along the way). Now, with the last few days of 2018 upon us, it’s time to look back before leaping ahead, and take stock of it all. That’s where we’re turning our focus to in this week’s cover feature. Despite wildly unpredictable high- and low-points, Oman has largely seen success in 2018 – with achievements such as the opening of the new airport being the icing on the cake. As we enter the new year, we look back at the year that was in Oman and the rest of the world, to discuss the good, bad and everything in between. We also touch upon the projects that are expected to transform the Sultanate in 2019 and speak to high-ranking officials to get to grips with what’s feasible and what’s not. Also, in this issue, ring in the New Year with Team Y as we bring you our ultimate guide to the Sultanate’s best parties, celebrations and festivities to usher in 2019. And to get you all dolled up for the big night, head over to our Fashion and Beauty pages for some ultra-glam inspiration to plan your perfect look. Plus, if you’re bored of staring at those heaps of festive leftovers in your fridge, head to Page 44 as Yummy Oman helps you reheat and revive them – with a twist! Plus we bring you our annual ‘Best of’ edition for 2018 for everything from the best makes and models in First Drive, to the top titles in gaming – 2018, it’s been a ride of a year! Until next week, happy reading!
EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi ADMIN MANAGER Yousef Al Harrassi ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst
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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. DEC 27 - JAN 02 / ISSUE 550
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contents
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Your Oman 08 Voice Of Oman Mundhir al Alawi 10 News Seeb dengue fever alert ‘not due to travel’ 12 News Jellyfish sting warning issued by Ministry
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This Week 18 Star tenor World-class tenor Vittorio Grigolo brings his magnificent voice to the Royal Opera House Muscat on Sunday, December 30.
34 First Drive 2018 year-end rev-up 38 Y-Fi New year, new apps
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The year that was As 2018 draws to a close, we take stock of the highs, lows, and everything inbetween that’s marked an unforgettable year of life in the Sultanate and around the globe. Check out which milestones made our year-end list!
22 Y’s New Year’s Eve party guide We’ve rounded up the top festivities and celebrations happening 19 Movies across the Sultanate to Emily Blunt takes help you ring in 2019 on the title role of our with a smile! So, here’s favourite magical where you should be… nanny in the musical family sequel ‘Mary 28 Mission: possible Poppins Returns’. We meet two inspiring young women who are bringing Oman to the world stage.
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Cars and Adventures 32 Destination Al Rawdah
Features
Health and Beauty
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MY
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Food and Drink
40 Fashion New Year’s glam
44 Yummy Oman How to rock your festive leftovers
42 Beauty Ultimate up-dos
46 Taste Test Shanghai Kitchen
CMY
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39 44 NEXT ISSUE... FEATURES / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / BEAUTY / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FASHION / FIRST DRIVE
brity ch and the latest celeve got at w to ts tis ar e th we’ From ate hits of the week, gossip, to your ultim from the pulse of the music your superstar dose Radio Oman 100.9 FM world, with Virgin
Kid Cudi opens up We know Kid Cudi from hit songs like ‘Day ‘N Night’ and, from his most recent collaborative work with Kanye West – ‘Kids See Ghosts’. After going MIA for a few years, he’s entered the spotlight once again to talk about his struggles with mental health, joining Jada Pinkett Smith and Willow Smith on The Red Table Talk, saying: “For a long time I wasn’t happy when I woke up in the morning.” He expressed how the pressure of fame and unrealistic expectations from the industry and from fans prompted a decline in his mental health. Yet, 2018 was a big year for Cudi, as he appeared on albums with the Smashing Pumpkins, ASAP Rocky, Quavo, and Kanye West. We hope that 2018 continues to see him on the up. Wedding bells for Gwen? Mega-artist and ‘The Voice’ judge Gwen Stefani has been dating colleague and co-judge Blake Shelton for a while now and, of course, rumours are flying that the two may just soon be making a trip down the aisle after Blake commented that the two are ‘meant to be’. He recently revealed: “I’ve learned more from Gwen Stefani as a human being and how to grow as a human being than I have from anybody ever in my life. She’s everything that you could hope a human being could be.” Awwwwwwww! Anne Marie’s rising star 2018’s been good to songstress Anne Marie. The rising star reflected back in a recent interview on the advice she would have given herself at the start of 2018. She said: “My anxiety’s been quite bad, so I’d tell myself to chill out a bit and relax! But I feel like I’ve 06
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had a really amazing year and have gone with the flow. This probably has been my favourite year.” Learning to cope with her anxiety has also had its challenges she opens up: “I’ve always suffered from anxiety and, as weird as it sounds, I get really anxious when I’m around new people and a lot of people. But I’ve recently learned a lot from that and learned a lot about myself and I’m starting to really enjoy meeting new people. I think that’s a massive moment for me.” Paris vs. Lindsay Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan were the best friend goals of the 2000s. Now, in a recent interview, Paris finally revealed why they’re no longer friends: “Back in the day we were friends, but she’s just one of those people I don’t really trust. I only like to be around positive energy and good people.” She also explained that that iconic picture of her, Lindsay, and Britney Spears in a car together – which only happened, it turns out, because Lindsay crashed their night out. According to Paris: “She just squeezed in and I didn’t want to humiliate her in front of all the paparazzi and be like ‘get out of my car’ – so I was like…whatever…” Selena heads home Recently pop star Selena Gomez was checked into hospital after experiencing an emotional breakdown and panic attack after being hospitalised twice for health issues. Now, she’s back at home after spending two months in hospital. Friends of the songstress shared pictures on social media of Selena enjoying the snow and looking happy and healthy while on holiday in Big Bear, California. According to an insider, Gomez is in a much better head space and is feeling refreshed and in a much better place.
Sam’s new single drops Sam Smith is back with a new track called ‘Fire On Fire’. The song was featured in the trailer for the upcoming Netflix adaptation of the 1972 children’s book ‘Watership Down’ voiced by James McAvoy, Gemma Arterton, John Boyega and others. The single comes on the heels of Smith’s year-and-a-half-long ‘The Thrill Of It All’ tour. New music from Shawn Mendes Fans of Shawn Mendes – get your playlists ready, as Mendes has released a three-track EP called ‘The Album (Remixes)’ featuring Leon Bridges, Jessie Reyez, and Kaytranda. The EP follows his latest selftitled album and we can’t wait to get this one downloaded! 5SOS remix 5 Seconds of Summer have released a remix to their smash single ‘Lie To Me’ off their latest album ‘Youngblood’. Plus, after their latest tour, they’ve also decided to release a live album based on their ‘Meet You There’ tour. Definitely lots to look forward to! 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.
Season’s Celebrations
Sparkle your festive celebration this year & Join us to make your choice from our exciting variety of events & par ty options
Lebanese Night
R.O. 45.000 net per person
Monday, 31st December 2018 8:00pm, Al Hossen Ballroom
Why Not & Roof Top Club Monday, 31st December 2018 Doors open at 8:30 pm
Free Entrance
New Year Lunch
R.O. 17.000++ per person
Tuesday, 1st January 2019 12:30pm, Le Jardin Restaurant & Terrace
inclusive of soft beverages
R.O. 19.000++ per person inclusive of bubbly beverages
Above rates are subject to 50% discount for kids from 6 to 12 years. For Reservation: Tel.: +968 24514444 fb@goldentulipseeb.com
goldentulipseeb.com
+968 9788 2080
goldentulipseebhotel
goldentulipseeb
THE VOICE OF OMAN
MUNDHIR AL ALAWI, A YOUNG OMANI ENTREPRENEUR IN THE F&B SECTOR, ADVISES OUR COUNTRY’S YOUTH TO USE 2019 AS A START TO REALISING THEIR GOALS
correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: As we reflect back on our achievements and challenges as a nation this last year and look forward to new milestones for 2019, we want to know how far has Oman progressed over the last 12 months and in which direction are we headed as the Future Vision 2020 looms ever closer? MOHAN ANANDAN
F
irstly, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish readers, in advance, a very happy New Year. Another year, another host of new opportunities – I hope 2019 will be another fantastic year for all. On that note, let’s also resolve to take the first step towards our entrepreneurial goals. We’re lucky enough to be one of the few countries in the GCC that can safely say the market isn’t so saturated that young people can’t try their hand at setting up a business. This means that if the idea clicks they’ll be successful: there just isn’t much competition around. And that’s what we need to keep in mind as well. Delve into markets that have a greater scope for success. Take time out this year to study and research everything about what you want to start. There’s nothing wrong with taking your time when investing your money in a business. Don’t give into the notion that you need to become the first in the game. In the world of business, it’s all about who does it best. Not who entered first. Keeping that in mind, let’s also begin filling in the gaps that are in the market. Our services must add value to the residents of Oman. People must think of coming to the local market when they’re thinking of a product. This, coupled with His Majesty’s ‘Vision 2020’ and his wise leadership that has made the market favourable for young Omanis to dip their toes in, means there’s a great scope for entrepreneurial success. And believe me, these are the ripe years to aim for.
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Oman continued to maintain its stature as a peace-loving nation and has been playing significant roles as mediator to bring peace in the neighborhood. It also achieved significant growth in the tourism sector, with growth in hotels and the relaxation of visa norms for tourists. Considerable progress has been achieved in education, health and gender equality. The scope of governance has been widened as every issue is discussed at the Majlis al Shura and its views are taken into account. Economic diversification is also yielding the desired results as the country has initiated giant steps to develop sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, fishing, mining, cottage industries, etc in order to minimise its dependency on oil sector alone. The efforts and focus of the nation will certainly be on all these elements, with special focus on small and medium enterprises and also to bring down the budget deficit with financial planning and discipline.
and fulfill gas demand, especially in Mabrouk North East gas field. These are some of the footsteps of Oman’s Victory Path in 2018.
ROSHNI MAZUMDAR
Our aim is to set goals and tangible targets for 2020. This is not difficult because we have achieved a lot over the past few years. The government is strong and has effectively executed futuristic projects to keep the wheels of growth moving for another few years. The people of Oman are privileged to lead quite a luxurious life. Its happy people make a Happy Nation. However, the fear factors creep into our minds with less demand for oil and gas, and falling oil prices. Government budgets will suffer. The world may face economic recession and see fierce competition amongst nations. This is the time when we have to stand on our own feet. Government institutions like the Central Bank, all ministries, the Supreme Court, the Federation of Commerce and industries have to put in a little bit of extra work; especially to motivate and upgrade their employees’ qualifications and skills. On the MUTHUMARI PANDIAN other hand, the educated youngsters, especially The productivity of wheat has increased with those with professional qualifications, must become improved traditional agricultural methods. The agriculture and fishing sectors witnessed a massive entrepreneurs so that more jobs can be created in growth. Especially, fishing is gaining prominence future. Each and every one should have a source of under the diversification programme due to huge earning so that people have buying power, which in turn will keep the Happy Nation moving. scope, and it’s one of the traditional sectors. The tourism sector’s achievements are milestones SANGEETHA SUDEER for Oman. This sector has been on a remarkable The achievements in road transport and Oman’s road to success. In addition, the Ministry of growing role as a logistics hub from around the Tourism has launched “Tourism Awards” to world has given the country a remarkable position. support and encourage establishments in the Situated at the centre of some of the most dynamic tourism sector. transport and trade corridors in the world, Oman The Gas Exploration department has been is working on becoming one of the leading logistics continuing its discoveries to boost the economy
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opens its doors to the world – something that’s been refreshing amid the last 12 months of unrest among GCC neighbours. Tourism continues to boom, with upwards of 3 million tourists passing through the Sultanate this year. The opening of the new Muscat International Airport was a huge feather in the cap towards that. It’s also a sector that we can see the government investing in fully. There are just two years left to go in order to meet the deliverables set out in the Future Vision 2020 – and tourism will play a huge role in helping Oman shift away from a carbon-based economy to other sources of reliable GDP. Despite this, 2018 hasn’t been without its ups and downs – as the visa ban on many professions previously allotted to expats continues to be extended into 2019. But for the country’s push to Omanisation, it’s a step towards empowerment of its LYNN SAVIOUR own population – especially the younger Oman has had a bumper year for 2018 and generation. And, in the end, that’s a good continues to position itself as a country that thing. players in the coming years. According to a survey conducted by the IRU, 57 per cent of all transport operators surveyed globally cited geopolitical uncertainty as the biggest threat facing road transport. The risk of a global recession and the challenge of keeping up with changing customer demands coming a close joint second at 52 per cent. The 9th Five-Year Development Plan acquires special importance as it is the final plan for Vision (2020), and paves the way for the formulation of the long-term Vision (Oman 2040). In addition, studies conducted by international organisations, global research centers and specialised consulting firms were also utilised. The Plan methodology also took into consideration the international reports that monitor the ranking of the Sultanate according to comparative international indicators.
New Debate: With the deadline for Oman’s ‘Vision 2020’ fast-approaching, the country is now in its final stages of wrapping up its plans for a sustainable and diversified economy. Do you think this has attracted more SMEs and foreign companies to the country – and if so, why? Share your view with us and you could be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.
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DEC 27 - JAN 02 / ISSUE 550
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SEEB DENGUE FEVER ALERT ‘NOT DUE TO TRAVEL’
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dengue fever case in Seeb is being investigated by Ministry of Health officials. The case is not travel-related but due to local transmissions, officials say. The MoH, in cooperation with Muscat Municipality, is conducting a survey on the presence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito that can transmit dengue, yellow fever, Zika virus, and other viral diseases. A spokesman said: “We conducted a field survey and found that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were present in the wilayat of Seeb. This case of dengue fever was not travel-related but due to local transmission.” For details, people can call the Ministry of Health at 2444-1999.
EGG-SHAPED CAFE OPENS IN AL GHUBRA
O
man’s first-ever eggthemed establishment, the Eggspress Café, has opened in the heart of Muscat’s Al Ghubra district. Its goal is to explore everything an egg can do for your appetite. The café, which has an eggshaped interior, can be found behind Aster Al Raffah Hospital. Celebrity anchor Mohammed Al Mukhaini cut the ribbon at its launch alongside some of Muscat’s most well-known movers and shakers. While egg-based dishes are the focus, the menu consists of an impressive array of both European and Arabic dishes. These include full English or Arabic breakfasts, omelettes, steaks, rice noodles, wrap noodles, and
OOREDOO SIGNS DEAL TO HIT BACK AT HACKERS
T pasta dishes. Executive Chef Mohammed Ali has worked in several top restaurants around the world, including the Richoux Café at the Royal Opera House Muscat. He said: “I am passionate about serving palatable dishes to the people, which I’ll be doing here at the Eggspress Café, in alignment with my hospitable team.” The cafe is open from 8:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m., daily.
elecoms giant Ooredoo has joined forces with security solutions firm Hemaya Information Security in a bid to combat cyber-crime. The deal, the first of its kind in Oman, is aimed at enhancing security measures in the B2B market in the Sultanate. Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Wahaibi, Chief Business Officer at Ooredoo said: “We are delighted to be working with Hemaya as their
digital partner of choice. “This partnership will allow us to add more unique services and products to the market, especially with the increasing number of smartphones and devices connecting to a single network. “With consistently evolving threats being inevitable, we are looking at providing our business customers with the best and most up-to-date protection.”
OMAN POST CELEBRATES POWER OF WOMEN
It depicts the organisation’s logo along with the words ‘Oman’s chairmanship of the Arab Women Organization’. man Post has issued a stamp to Its aim is to recognise the contributions women commemorate Oman’s presidency of the have made to social and economic development Arab Women Organization (AWO). across the Arab world. The stamp was unveiled in a ceremony Abdulmalik al Balushi, Chief Executive Officer attended by H. E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Said al of Oman Post said: “Women in Oman have gone Kalbani, Minister of Social Development, at the from strength to strength, guided by the wise seventh AWO conference. vision of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to
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empower them with the opportunity to achieve their aspirations. “At Oman Post, commemorative stamps such as this latest one constitute a significant part of our strategy to tell the story of key milestones and achievements that are paramount to the building and prosperity of the nation.” Oman hosted the seventh edition of the AWO Conference from December 18-19. It focused on strengthening the role of women in consolidating the values of peace and citizenship. It also aimed to have participants share success stories of the social liberation of women.
K9 COMPANIONSHIP
GALLERY
THE THIRD EDITION OF THE ‘CONFORMATION SHOW’ HELD AT THE ‘MUSCAT HILLS’ ON DECEMBER 15TH WAS A GRAND SUCCESS WITH NEARLY 80 CANINES PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENT.
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JOIN FORCES TO SECURE HOMES, MOH TELLS OWNERS
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omeowners could soon be made to form associations with their peers, the Ministry of Housing has
warned. Officials are planning to make it mandatory for homeowners to set up groups to manage common areas, Muscat Daily reported. Eng. Siham Ahmed al Harthi, Director General, Real Estate Development in the Ministry of Housing said: “We want propertyowners to form an association much before he or she starts living in houses. “The owner’s associations will be responsible for managing and administering the common areas on behalf of all the owners; dealing with issues such as maintenance, security, rule enforcement and engagement with statutory authorities.
“Through homeowners’ associations we aim to ensure that buildings follow local laws strictly, like maintaining the beauty of the area, ensuring cleanliness in the compound, and proper disposal of garbage.” Eng. Siham said that flat-owners in a building can come together to form the association. “They can bring in a company who can take the responsibility of maintenance and the expenses can be borne by all.” She said that she had floated the idea on social media and the response had been positive. “We will have data of all associations and their work. We want to see if people care for their surroundings or depend on the municipality for everything. We will reward them accordingly,” Eng. Siham added.
OMAN TO FIELD SIX TEAMS FOR WORLD BEACH EVENT
S
ix teams from Oman should be all set for the ANOC World Beach Games, which will be held in San Diego, United States, from October 9-15. Members of the Oman Olympic Committee have recommended representation in six events – beach soccer, beach volleyball, beach basketball, beach handball, open water swimming, and sailing – in the Californian city. Oman teams in these sports have done well over the past year through the continental qualifiers and world championships. The committee also reviewed the preparations for participation in the qualifying championships for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
JELLYFISH STING WARNING ISSUED
BY MINISTRY
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he Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has issued a warning on how to deal with jellyfish stings, particularly those from the ‘Portuguese man o’war’. In an online statement, the ministry said: “Jellyfish are highly toxic creatures. A sting from one can have dangerous health implications. When you see it, leave the water and don’t touch it. “In case the jellyfish stings anyone, victims must wash the stung area with sea water and go to a health centre as soon as possible.”
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MONEY MATTERS
GALLERY
FAMILY FINANCING WILL NOW BECOME EASIER WITH THE NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN. THE NEWLY-LAUNCHED ‘BADEEL FAMILY PREPAID CARDS’ WILL ALLOW CUSTOMERS TO MANAGE THEIR FAMILY’S FINANCES INCLUDING HOW THEY SPEND MONEY ON UTILITIES, GROCERIES, ENTERTAINMENT, AND MORE.
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DECK THE HALLS
OMAN
AN EXPAT FAMILY’S CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS – CRAFTED OUT OF RECYCLED CANS, PLASTIC BOTTLES, CHOCOLATE WRAPPERS AND FOIL – IS LEADING THE WAY FOR A SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS WHILE ALSO RAISING AWARENESS ON WASTE MANAGEMENT.
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FRENCH CONNECTION
GALLERY
FRENCH AUTOMAKER PEUGEOT IS MAKING A REENTRY INTO OMAN AFTER A BRIEF HIATUS. THE BRAND – WHICH IS NOW BEING HANDLED BY AL HASHAR GROUP – WAS LAUNCHED THIS WEEK AT ITS SHOWROOM IN AZAIBA.
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LET’S ROLL
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PUTTING THEIR SKILLS TO THE TEST IN BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU, LAST WEEK, IN THE ‘LET’S ROLL’ COMPETITION WERE THE FIGHTERS FROM THE UFC GYM. FOUNDED BY COACH TAOUFIK SERBOUT, THE EVENT WAS AIMED TO PROMOTE THE SPORT AMONG THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES OF OMAN.
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GALLERY
Photography by: Shaquel al Balushi Location: Al Hamra Style: Architecture A standing stairway hides its mysteries still, amid the ruins of an ancient structure in Al Hamra.
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Cultural and economic ties are expected to be formed at the Iranian Cultural and Commercial Exhibition, which is being held at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat. Representatives from the world of business, education, and the arts will be in attendance. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m., and details are available on the exhibition centre’s website at www.omanconvention.com.
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STAR TENOR
CULTURE OF IRAN
THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE
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Vittorio Grigolo, one of the world’s great tenors, will be bringing his magnificent voice to the ROHM stage. Mr. Grigolo, 41, has performed in the world’s great opera houses including the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, London; La Scala, Milan; and New York’s Metropolitan Opera. His repertoire includes arias from a range of composers including Mozart, Donizetti, Verdi, Puccini, and Bernstein. He will be accompanied by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, which will be conducted by Marcello Mottadelli. Also appearing will be the Kazakh soprano Maria Mudryak, with the participation of the young Russian pianist Arseny TarasevichNikolaev. Curtain up, 7:00 p.m. For more information, call the ROHM at 2440-3332 or email info@rohmuscat.org.om.
COUNTDOWN TO 2019
THIS
WEEK
WHAT TO DO. WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.
D E C E M B E R Ring in New Year at the glitziest, most glam party in town on December 31, at the InterContinental Muscat. You can dance the night away with five-piece band Counter Flow, who will perform hits from the latest Hollywood movies. Book now, dress up to the nines, and get the chance to win exciting prizes including hotel stays and flights. The Hollywood New Year’s Eve party is supported by Oman Air. The night costs RO60 per person, which includes an open buffet and beverage package. The InterContinental Muscat is also offering holiday staycation packages that include overnight stays, and access to the New Year’s Eve Party. For bookings, call (+968) 9137-3243 or 2468-0000. You can also visit www.intercontinental.com/muscat.
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DEC 31
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 2479-1641
Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! Cast: Dona Adwera, Peter Andre, Richie Campbell
Mary Poppins Returns
Cold Skin
Cast: Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw So she’s back. More than 50 years later, the prim nanny with a knack for fixing any problem has her work cut out. Dressed in navy blue, Mary Poppins (Blunt) returns, tethered to a kite (nice touch!) to the family home she left so long ago. But one of her former charges Michael (Whishaw) is now a widower with three children to support. He’s also up to his eyes in debt (how modern); ironically, to the bank that
Once Upon a Deadpool Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin
employs him as a teller. If he can’t find the cash, he will lose the family home. Can Mary Poppins save the day, stave off a dastardly bank manager (Colin Firth) and do it all in time for tea and crumpets? It’s all almost as delightful as the original. And even adults will enjoy cameos from Meryl Streep, and wait for it…Dick Van Dyke! Gor blimey, guv’nor!
This sequel finds Wade/Deadpool (Reynolds) spending his days fighting criminals and his evenings getting cosy with his beloved Vanessa (Baccarin). Alas, life does not always run smoothly and soon Wade finds himself in a very low place. However, there’s a trio of baddies to battle against and Deadpool decides superior superpower is what’s needed. It’s more than he can manage on his own, though, so pretty soon an all-new X-Force is all squared up and good to go. It’s all rip-roaring fun, with plenty of action, slapstick, and laugh-outloud moments to gladden even the most Scrooge-like of Christmas movie-goers. Reynolds really looks like he’s enjoying himself here, and can even sell seemingly lame jokes. Brolin is the heavyweight in this, and he’s great. See and enjoy.
Cast: Ray Stevenson, David Oakes, Aura Garrido
Like Mary Poppins, another British favourite is back on the big screen and keen to keep things on track. In this, Thomas the Tank Engine’s wheels want to go a-wandering, and he is talked into a round-the-world trip by Ace (Andre) who is something of a flash harry. On the way, Thomas takes it all in and makes new friends like Nia, and we’re not sure if he’s ever going to come back to safe, secure Sodor. Grown-ups with fond memories of the brightly-hued locomotive in the original British TV series may miss the mellifluous voiceover talents of Ringo Starr. However, your youngest will love this and there are enough ditties to deliver a bit of a danceathon in the aisles without Disney-like bombast. And at least the Fat Controller is back.
When Gruner (Stevenson) is sent to a remote island in the Antarctic as a lighthouse keeper, he finds no-one to greet him and can’t find his predecessor, who was supposed to show him the ropes. It’s not long before he realises the man has gone missing, and when Gruner clocks the hideous sea creatures closing in, it doesn’t take Miss Marple to work out what happened to the guy whose job he’s just taken. This horror-thriller has a ‘Night of the Living Dead’-type feel about it. But its eerie yet ethereal feel really racks up the desolation and bleakness of both the location of Gruner’s new job and his desperate situation. You won’t find these creatures showing ‘The Shape of Water’- like affinity with human beings; that’s for sure. Excellent, gripping stuff.
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‘Mary Poppin’s Returns’ Emily Blunt unrelatedly shares a surname with which famous singer? LAST WEEK’S WINNER Almira Karimova
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THE YEAR THAT WAS Team Y reviews 2018, selecting some of the highlights we shall always cherish, and some of the lowlights we’d prefer to forget
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s is the case with every passing year, 2018 was one filled with much excitement and unpredictability – with several high- and low-points making it one of the most memorable years for Oman… and possibly the world too. From milestones ranging from the signing of the peace treaty between North and South Korea that
ended the century-long war, to Facebook coming under the radar for breaching personal data in the ‘Cambridge Analytica’ scam – there was always enough content for us to deal with on a day-to-day basis. The Sultanate, meanwhile, had its own share of upbeat news: the opening of the new Muscat International Airport, the resurgence of the oil
prices, the curtailing of the budget deficit, and the nation taking the Gulf Cup early on in the year. While trivial news remains plentiful, this week we here at Y Magazine are focusing on some of the greatest news – that affected Oman and the world – recalling some things that could change the course of Oman and even the future of humanity.
January January 5 Oman brings the Gulf Cup home
January 31 The marvel of the ‘Blood Moon’
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t’s a start of the year that seemed scripted from above. After a (long) wait of nearly nine years, the Gulf Cup finally came home. It wasn’t an easy fight either, with opponents the United Arab Emirates constantly piling the pressure on the Omani team and only finally letting go in a penalty shootout that had people on the edges of their seats.
he first lunar eclipse of the year also coincided with a ‘blue moon’ (the second full moon of a month) to result in a ‘blue blood moon’ – a phenomenon that causes the moon to appear bright red in colour. This was the first time in 150 years that we could witness the marvel.
January 28 Oman temporarily stops issuing expats visas for 87 jobs
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n what came as a shocking revelation, Oman’s Ministry of Manpower (MoM) banned expats of 87 professions from being able to obtain visas, in view of Omanisation. The government also promised 25,000 jobs to Omanis.
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February February 2 Bitcoin dips to nearly half its value
February 8 Mars mission in Oman
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ryptocurrencies are generally known for their volatility and unstable nature – but when the value of Bitcoin – the largest and most-used cryptocurrency crashed by nearly half (from US$15,000 to US$8,500), it sent the online world and trade market into a frenzy.
elieve it or not: Oman’s Marmul (the capital city of Dhofar) played host to the 16-member Mars expedition experiment, which for all intensive research purposes conducted 19 simulation experiments that would then be progressed into use on planet Mars.
February 11 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Oman
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fter nearly three years of serving as Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi made his first visit to Oman. He addressed the Indian crowds at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Stadium and met His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said to sign eight key agreements, one of which was to provide the Indian military access to Oman’s Duqm port.
March
March 14 Prof. Stephen Hawking dies aged 76
March 20 Oman’s new airport opens doors to the public
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heoretical physicist Professor Stephen Hawking was probably the only man who came close to answering the secrets of the universe with his theories on dark matter, black holes, and its relation to time – or at the very least the one who inspired young minds to follow the murkiest corners of our universe (or shall we say, multiverses?). His death not only shook the physics world but everyone familiar with his works. Prof. Hawking was diagnosed with a rare form of Motor Neurone Disease at the age of 22 but fought until the age of 76, before finally breathing his last at his home in Cambridge, UK.
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n what can be called Oman’s proudest moment since the ascension of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said to the throne and the opening of the first Muscat airport back in 1970, the new airport came roaring to life on this day when the first flight – an Oman Air flight from Iraq – landed safely at the new terminal.
March 19 Vladimir Putin reelected for another term as President
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espite being surrounded by a wave of conspiracies and corruption allegations, Russia’s Vladimir Putin was re-elected President for another term of six years. With a lead of over 76 per cent, the leader took the race from main opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was eventually barred from the race after cases of corruption were exposed.
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April
May
April 3 Oman gets its very own solar-powered service station
May 26 Cyclone Mekunu makes landfall in Salalah
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ith sustainability in mind, Shell Oman opened its first solarpowered service station near the Mukhainza oil field, which is in the Al Wusta Governorate. This falls in line with the brand’s first phase of “Solar Into Stations” project, which focuses on implementing solar energy into their existing service stations.
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ringing Salalah to a complete standstill and wreaking havoc in the city, Cyclone Mekunu made landfall on the eve of the 27th. With wind speeds recorded between 126kph and 144kph, the Category 3 cyclone was soon recognised as one of the most devastating cyclones to make landfall since the Cyclone Gonu, which hit the Sultanate in 2007. Roughly 31 casualties were reported.
April 4 Facebook scandal exposed
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n a shocking revelation to the public, social media platform Facebook acknowledged the leak of the personal data of up to 87 million users with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.
April 20 Swedish DJ Avicii found dead in Oman hotel
May 29 Malaysian Airlines MH370 flight mystery to remain unsolved
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our years and thousands of hours of search for any form of debris – after the fateful crash of Malaysian Airlines MH370 flight in the Indian Ocean – later, the last of the private investigators, US-based Ocean Infinity, recalled their deep-sea survey vessel too. This left the case of the crash officially hanging in the balance. The plane disappeared on March 8, 2014, while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 passengers on board.
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ending the music world into a shock was the news of the demise of superstar DJ Avicii. He had reportedly taken his own life at one of the top hotels in the Sultanate. His body was found a few hours after his show at the hotel, which was reportedly a full house.
August August 1 Khareef season wows crowds; visitors hit all-time record
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he onset of Oman’s monsoon season, Khareef, brought rains and much greenery to the southern city of Salalah. This also translated into 796,894 visitors – the highest number of tourists ever recorded in Salalah.
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Image grabbed from Nat Geo documentary, titled: ‘Drain the Oceans’.
August 2 Apple becomes the world’s first trillion dollar company
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e wonder if Steve Jobs knew that his creation, Apple Inc., would become the world’s first trillion dollar company. While he isn’t here to
June
July
June 18 Rapper XXXTentacion found dead
July 23 Oman celebrates 48th Renaissance Day
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oundCloud rapper turned mainstream singer, XXXTentacion, 20, was shot dead in a robbery gone bad as he was driving away from a motorcycle dealership in his sports car. The singer has posthumously garnered recognition and awards since.
he birth of a new era for Oman – one of prosperity, success, and glory – began 48 years ago on this day. While the citizens and residents celebrated the launch of the “modern renaissance” under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, a host of other joint sessions between the State Council and Majlis al Shura were held to discuss topics relating to expanding the capabilities of the armed forces, diversifying Oman’s income sources, streamlining Oman’s fuel subsidy system and implementing Omanisation.
June 26 Oman’s visa law changed to attract more tourists
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n lieu of shelling out RO20 for a visit visa, tourists looking to spend fewer than 10 days in the country can do so by obtaining a short-stay visa for RO5. The move is intended to help attract more tourists visiting the GCC.
June 30 Qalhat enters UN ‘World Heritage Site’ list
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n a storyline that seemed to be pulled straight out of Hollywood, 12 boys from a football team and their coach were left stranded after the cave they entered was blocked off by water brought in by the monsoon rains. The entire group was found alive in the cave on July 2 – and following a rescue effort that involved more than 10,000 people, including more than 100 divers, representatives from about 100 governmental agencies, 900 police officers and 2,000 soldiers, ten police helicopters, seven police ambulances, more than 700 diving cylinders, and the pumping of more than a billion litres of water out of the caves – the 12 boys and the coach were brought to safety.
July 25 Liquid ‘lake’ detected on the surface of Mars
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he mausoleum of Bibi Maryam, which is safely confined in the ruins of Qalhat, was recognised as a ‘World Heritage Site’ by the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
cherish the rewards of his – and his shareholders’ – hard work, the company edged out its Silicon Valley rivals such as Amazon and Microsoft to hit the 12 digit mark.
July 10 Thailand boys rescued from cave
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es, there’s water on Mars – we’ve all read the news. But what’s astonishing is how we stumbled upon substantial traces of liquid water, albeit in frozen form, that we could photograph. Situated just under the south polar ice cap, the water body is 20km across and about 1.6km deep.
August 9 – 16 Floods batter Kerala; Omanis step in to collect aid and donations
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he southern Indian state of Kerala witnessed unusually high rainfall, which resulted in heavy flooding and widespread damage that spread over seven days. While rescue efforts and other aid made its way from the state’s neighbours, Omanis stepped in to make personal donations and also collect aid to send to the victims of the floods.
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September September 30 Omani sports star Fatma al Nabhani calls out racism in tennis
September 3 Brazil’s National Museum is gutted in fire
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alking out on a sure shot second round match in the ITF France 21A Tournament citing racism, Fatma al Nabhani quickly gained publicity for being a victim – and her allegations had furthermore resulted in an investigation into the case. Her claims include not being provided with water on the court or with a ball boy to assist her with picking up loose balls, and above all, being asked to remove her leggings – which she strictly wears to adhere to her faith. The investigation is still ongoing.
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ne of the largest anthropology and natural history museums of the Americas went up in flames owing to poor safety systems and “lack of funding”. The 200-yearold museum was also the home of the oldest discovered woman in Latin America – Luzia – who was reportedly carbon dated at 12,000 years’ old.
September 26 Omani crude hits fouryear high
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t US$88 (RO33.88), the price of Omani crude may not even seem to edge close to what it was trading for back in 2014 – but it turned out to be the highest we’d seen in four years. This was obviously good news for the Sultanate although fluctuating rates brought the rate back down in the coming days.
October 24 Oman hosts Asian Champions Trophy
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man’s hockey team may still be in its grassroots stages, opting to take a steady and unrushed path towards success but that doesn’t mean those here can’t catch a glimpse of the action. At least, that was the case in the recently-concluded Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament. All the hockey matches took place at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, in Baushar, and was attended by several fans of the sport.
October 26 Israeli Prime Minister meets HM in surprise trip to Oman
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fter a long hiatus in diplomatic talks, Oman and Israel seemed to make headway in forging new relations after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Sultanate. As per the Oman News Agency, the two leaders discussed ways to take the peace process forward in the region and also other issues of common interest in order to serve security and stability in the region.
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November November 18 The National Day of Oman
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orty-eight years ago, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said made a promise to us: that Oman would become the most harmonious and peaceful country in the Middle East. Not only does that stand true today, but both citizens and expats reap the rewards of this wonderful country. As time ticks by, it only becomes clearer why His Majesty is indeed the driving force of this glorious nation.
November 13 Did we stumble upon UFOs after all?
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here’s no conclusive evidence to suggest that we did stumble upon a superior species cruising around in flying saucers, but the BBC recently noted that one British Airways pilot contacted the Irish Shannon air traffic control to report objects that were “moving so fast” at about 6.47am. The object subsequently veered off to the north – but without any solid evidence to back up the pilot’s statement, this may join the corner end of the X Files.
November 6 UK to open a new military base in Oman
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man and UK share a strong bond that dates to the early days of the formation of Oman. It’s little wonder then that British troops will deploy a new training base in the country this coming March (2019). As per a report by the Bloomberg, UK’s defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, said that when made ready, the base would also stay “for generations to come”.
December 24 Tsunami strikes Indonesia without warning; more than 373 feared dead
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ragedy ensued after undersea landslides from the Anak Krakatau volcano caused a tsunami to hit the west coast of Java Island with little to no warning, leaving tens of thousands shocked and stranded with nowhere to go or run. The tsunami struck the coast at 8.30pm (local time) sweeping away everything in its path. A video of one of Indonesia’s famed bands ‘Seventeen’s’ members being swept viral. The band lost two of its members instantly, away by water during a live performance has gone while three other members are still missing.
Moreover, 373 have been feared dead and more than 150 missing.
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OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW With a round-up of New Year parties, Team Y takes a look at the best places to see in 2019
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atch Muscat come alive one last time in 2018. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to amp it up and party like there’s no tomorrow or sit down for a pleasant supper with your loved ones as you count down the last few moments of this year, and look back at the year that was; there’s something to suit everyone.
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Whatever you opt for, however, just make sure that you find yourself amid all the frolic and action as the countdown starts. After all, New Year’s Eve 2018 only happens once – and there’s no need to miss out on celebrating the last night of the year. Below are six of the nation’s top parties that’ll help you usher in 2019.
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MISSION: POSSIBLE Two inspiring young women are helping to raise Oman’s profile on the world stage. Ali Al Rahma reports
Rumaitha Al Busaidi
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Alena Dique
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man’s global reputation has never been higher than in recent years. Its status as a power broker within the GCC and a scion of diplomacy when dealing with Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran are welldocumented. As a result, our voice at the United Nations has become one of the world’s most respected, and two distinguished women have represented the Sultanate at two UN events this year: Alena Dique and Rumaitha Al Busaidi. Both have carved out successful careers and are blazing a trail for Omani women. They are determined to consolidate Oman’s progress in ‘green’ issues, diversity, youth opportunities and female empowerment. And that means not being shy about shouting it from the rooftops on the world stage. Alena, a communications and HR professional, represented Oman at The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) youth forum and the World Investment Forum (WIF) in Geneva, Switzerland in October. Rumaitha, an award-winning radio presenter and sportswoman, spoke at the Sustainable Development Impact (SDI) Summit and the UN Solutions Summit in New York during the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September. Alena is a member of the UNCTAD youth delegation, and was representing Oman. She was also a finalist among 500 nominations at the prestigious Women in Tech Awards Middle East for the category Young Leader of the Year 2019. She has already actively been involved in campaigns surrounding mental health awareness and is a part of global social networks such as the Ariel Foundation International, a non-profit organisation that promotes peace, partnerships and prosperity. She says: “There is an army of people who come together to make sure that we are advancing toward sustainable development goals (SDGs). “I have learned a great deal during the events. It is great for a young person like myself to be given the opportunity to represent youth and have them as part of the decision-
making table with senior leaders.” Rumaitha has been an inspiration for Arab women by swimming in the five oceans and seven seas of the world as well as having taken part in a record-setting expedition to Jabal Shams among her many achievements. She is credited with being the first female football analyst in the Arab world, and works as a communications manager. She says: “I had the opportunity to speak about Advancing the Action Agenda for Nature in the SDI summit and the power disruption innovation has in facilitating our role to achieving the SDGs.” Alena’s event gathered around 150 youth from all around the world aged between 18 and 30 to learn and exchange local and global-focused experiences, ideas and best practice. Participants from 80 countries were handpicked by the United Nations to create the 2030 vision for sustainability around the globe. Alena’s participation marked the entry of Oman as part of the UNCTAD Youth Network aimed at promoting sustainable development goals and sharing knowledge through exchanging local experiences on a global scale. In attending the SDI summit, Rumaitha took part in an annual event organised by the World Economic Forum that aims to drive solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Paris Agreement on climate change. More than 750 delegates attended and these included businessmen and women, civil servants, scientists and academics. Rumaitha was also invited to attend the Sultanate’s session during UNGA week where HE Yusuf bin Alawi, Minster Responsible for Foreign Affairs, spoke about the role of Oman in brokering peace in the Middle East Region. Here at Y, we wish both women well in their endeavours for the year ahead, and look forward to speaking to both again soon.
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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 Outpatients) • Oman Medical College CBD • Al Maya Hypermarket • Alizz Islamic Bank • Bahwan Travel Agencies • Bank Sohar • Copper Chimney Restaurant • Costa Coffee • HSBC • Lama Polyclinic • NBO • Oman Arab Bank • Standard Chartered Bank • Woodlands Restaurant Darsait • Indian Social Club • SPAR
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• McDonald’s • Muscat Bakery • Oman Bowling Center • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Oman United Insurance • Omran • Pizza Hut • Radisson Blu • Shell Petrol Station • TGI Friday’s • The Great Kabab Factory • The Tikka Place • Zahara Travel • Zakher Mall Mabela • Gulf College Oman Mawalah • Chili’s Restaurant • Costa Coffee • Al Makan Café • Starbucks • Tim Hortons • VLCC Wellness MBD • Bank Dhofar • Centrepoint (Splash) • SPAR • NBO • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Pizza Muscat • Shell Petrol Station MGM • Caribou Coffee • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • Just Falafel • Ooredoo • Paul • Tim Hortons Al Mina • Bait Al Baranda • Bait Al Zubair MSQ • Al Fair • Arab Open University • British Council • Costa Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • Hana’s Slimming & 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 Coffees • The Jungle Restaurant • Left Bank • McDonald’s • Mercedes-Benz Showroom • Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant • Nandos • Nissan Showroom • Oman Oil Petrol 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 AND ADVENTURES
Cars
Y- F i
Gaming
V IS FOR VELOCE
Alfa Romeo’s Giulia Veloce is one of the sedans that joins our list of top cars for 2018. Turn to P34 for the full scoop.
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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
AL RAWDAH Shaquel al Balushi is charmed by a border village where the residents cherish the time-honoured Omani-Emirati traditions 032
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get there. All that driving paid off though, and when we reached the first signs of settlement at the town of Al Rawdah, we were in for a treat although it’s not the kind that you’d imagine. The setting varies from what we normally associate with scenic towns around Oman famed for its flora and fauna. Instead, Al Rawdah manages to stand out in the cultural and architectural department, blending the best of both Oman and the UAE. While I couldn’t mix with the locals enough over the course of my trip to validate this, I came to realise that everything from their attire to their speech patterns differ from those in Muscat. That aside, you’ll also find that a lot of the people are a “mix” of both Omanis and Emiratis, even
been constructed. Spaced in good length between them and designed alike, Al Rawdah stands out as a unique residential area. That’s also the selling point of this town: just standing there brought to mind a time when both Omanis and Emiratis were part of one giant country, and how they’re still clawing back today to maintain that longstanding relationship, through this small town. It’s eerie how time flies but I’ll tell you this: Al Rawdah is a clear case of life between borders – a group of people who don’t associate with one nation but rather accept wholeheartedly the spirit of two beautiful nations currently ruled by two different forces.
HOW TO GET THERE
TRAVEL GUIDE
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loss over the multitude of ‘Al Rawdahs’ that pop up on Google Maps that would lead you towards the confines of Al Khoud, Nizwa; and even a village in Syria and you’ll be left with a town in possibly the last place you’d look – on the border of the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Oman’s border with its neighbours is quite a unique one: once you’ve exited Oman, you can legally enter the UAE and proceed onwards to Oman by sticking to the highway (!). This means there’s a small patch of Omani land – about 20km – that oversees GCC travellers passing by. Keeping that area in mind, we came from Muscat on a cool winter’s morning. The drive to the spot was simple but cumbersome, given that it took us three hours to
if they’re technically residing on Omani lands. I suppose the border is merely a dotted line for those motivated enough to pull the walls down (figuratively, of course). Either way, inter-caste weddings have led to Al Rawdah becoming one of the few cities that have adopted this mixed culture in the Middle East. This can also be said about the architecture in the town: all the buildings are distinctively different from what we usually see in Oman. They’re a bit taller and broader than the norm – possibly due to the excess of land for the few hundred residents that reside there. Still, there’s a sense of unity and order in the way the houses have
Omanis and other GCC nationals can head to Al Rawdah by making use of the newly-opened Al Batinah Expressway to head to the Oman-UAE border at Hatta. Once you’ve gone past the visa office, head onwards until you come across a second checkpoint, which signals your re-entry towards Oman. The underlying settlement is classified as the town of Al Rawdah. Alternatively, expats can head to Sohar and split to Route 7 towards Sahlat. Follow the road until you reach Mahdah and look out for the signboard to Al Rawdah.
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FIRST DRIVE
CARS ADVENTURES
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2018 YEAR-END REV-UP
Be it slithering about on a racetrack in a Ferrari 488 GTB and a GTC4 Lusso T or hypermiling in a Lexus ES300h, we’ve done it all this year. Here, we select our favourite rides from 2018.
ach car has been judged based on six key features – style, space, economy, sportiness, pricing and comfort – and
finally classified into six different categories – sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, sports cars, hybrids and trucks.
#1: Ford Expedition
SEDANS
#1: Lexus LS350
Style, check. Comfort, check. Sportiness, check. The Lexus LS350 is at the apex of Japanese luxury cars – and the greatest reminder to the world that it’s not just the Germans that do fancy, dolled-up sedans. If you spec the car correctly (and with the 414hp V6), you’ll be keeping up with the best limos from Bavaria – all while quietly and comfortably floating about in 2.2 tonnes of grandeur.
#2: Volvo S90
It’s a cruel market out there and the Volvo S90 must be its fiercest victim – pulling through nearly three years without even a facelift. But then again, it doesn’t need one: the S90 is easily the hunkiest of the three here. Looks aside, the sedan rides and handles well, pumps adequate grunt when required, and above all; drives itself.
#3: Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce
Reliability issues and the price tag aside, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is not a car you buy because it’s the best in its class. You buy it because you want to experience the thrills of driving Italy’s finest sedan; albeit, dressed with a toneddown 280hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder pot banger. There’s a 505hp variant packing a Ferrari engine too, which we’ll be driving early this year if the car can make it past its “programming” issues.
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SUVs This one’s a no-brainer: it packs everything you require from an SUV – space, functionality, power and, as an added treat; fuel efficiency too. The Ecoboost engine is a treat on long journeys and the chassis now manages itself well in corners, requiring minor inputs and with minimal body roll. Space is available in abundance. Eight passengers can be seated at a time and it’ll still pop all the way to Jebel Shams and back on one tank of fuel. For the first time ever, the interior is also on a par with, if not better than, some of its European competitors.
#2: Jeep Wrangler
The new Wrangler is a revelation to drive and is only shadowed by the Ford Expedition. It does everything you’d expect from a Wrangler… and more. The ride is absolutely sublime for an SUV with a body-on-frame chassis and there are enough gizmos to keep the techies happy. This is, by a mile, the best Jeep product we’ve tested till date.
#3: Maserati Levante
It’s a shame that we’ve had to classify the Levante as an SUV. It drives, feels, and sounds like a sports car. Spec the SUV right and it’s a looker too. Nothing spells ‘fancy’ better than this able-bodied SUV that’ll ride the streets like a luxury cruiser and then go on to break track records on racetracks. What’s more, there’s a 590hp variant that’ll munch on everything from the Lamborghini Urus to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio (QV).
Destination
P o s t c a r d s Fr o m
Y- F i
Gaming
CARS
HYBRID AND EV
HATCHBACKS #1: Mercedes-Benz A250
From the most dangerous hatchback (for rolling over during a safety test) to the finest hatchback ever built, the A-Class has come a long way. The latest version of the car takes refinement levels that its predecessor upped back in 2014 and outdoes it. The new A250 is lower, meaner, betterlooking, and faster than the car it replaces. And while it doesn’t grow much in size, it still offers enough space for four full-size adults and a fair dinkum amount of space.
#2: Infiniti Q30
The Infiniti Q30 offers everything you expect from a hatchback: space, comfort and sportiness – but keeps the latter in check so that there’s decorum within the cabin. The chassis and internals are picked up straight from the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, so what you’re essentially driving is a Mercedes-Benz with a prettier exterior and certified Japanese reliability.
#3: Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce
Not in a million years did we think we’d ever like the Giulietta. A front-wheel-drive hatchback with a frail 1.8-litre engine (?) Err, no thanks. Yet, after a weekend with the car, we’d fallen in love with it. For this Model Year, the car also pumps in more power – 240hp – to be specific and 340Nms of torque. It also handles naturally and effortlessly as opposed to the German hatchbacks, which have electronic nannies controlling every step of the drive. The Giulietta is imperfectly perfect.
SPORTS CARS #1: Ferrari 488 GTB
Italy’s finest-crafted in an equally stunning body; the 488 GTB is our pick for the top supercar of the year – and with good reason. It’s lightning-quick off the line, handles itself well enough to make you look like F1 racer Sebastian Vettel, and rides rather well when it needs to. We’re yet to come across another supercar that can take the challenge to the 488. Lamborghini’s Huracan does come close but fell out in consistency in lap times due to a horrendously unreliable exhaust manifold during our tests.
#2: Aston Martin DB11
Britain’s finest sports car finally got a makeover – and we love it. It isn’t as pretty as, say, its sibling – the Aston Martin DBS – which is probably the best-looking modern car we’ve ever seen. But, with just about enough power to smoke anything that comes its way and a ride that is so compliant, you’ll be surprised to find the DB11 to fit the bill as a daily driver. Oh, and there’s nothing quite like the scream of a V12 engine, which despite its lack of soul is still a force to be reckoned with on the motorway.
#3: Ford Mustang
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: this is the best American sports car ever built. Introduced back in 2015, the current generation Mustang ditched its live axle suspension for independent ones thereby allowing it to take the challenge to the Europeans. And that it does well, too. The 5.0-litre V8 underneath the hood packs a sturdy punch every time you step on the throttle and there’s enough and more torque to have you leaving tyre marks at every stop light you see. Another tribute to the classic Mustang… only that this one’s better in every single, conceivable way.
#1: Toyota Camry Hybrid
The introduction of Toyota’s Camry Hybrid in Oman meant that those looking to attain the fuel efficiency of the Prius and the sporty looks of the new Camry sedan could now do so without having to import one from the USA. With a total power rating of 208hp, not only is the Camry is brisk off the line but it also keeps up with its gas-guzzling mates from the other side of the pond. Couple all of that with a refined cabin – which is possibly the best we’ve seen in a Camry – and the brand’s legendary reliability, and we have a winner.
#2: Lexus ES300h
Possibly the finest hybrid car we’ve ever tested and second to the Camry only due to its pricing and “luxury” status, the ES300h is a superb addition to Lexus’ lineup. Its 215hp electric is astoundingly nippy and the CVT tranny smooth. Apart from that, there are the usual goodies such as precrash braking, the large 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a whole suite of other features that sets it apart from its competitors from Europe and America.
#3: Tesla Model S
Fast but expensive. Comfortable and efficient but lacking in build quality. These are concerns that Tesla has to iron out before it’ll set Oman’s car market on fire (figuratively, we promise). Still, it remains one of our favourite electric vehicles ever built. Not only will it smoke supercars that cost three times as much, it’ll do so in such a manner that will have you gawking at the time sheets. Sure, the lack of any sound is eerie but a dearth of buyers in the market means it currently sits as an exotic.
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BALTIC BEACON
Gdansk is finally gaining the tourist plaudits it deserves.
1. Take a stroll around the European Solidarity Centre. 2. Climb the tower at Kosciol Mariack for city views. 3. Gaze at the 78m tower of St Mary’s Church. 4. Take a boat tour from the Motlawa River area. 5. Enjoy some seaside fun in the spa town of Sopot.
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POSTCARDS FROM
David Hughes recommends
GDANSK, POLAND P
oland has long been overlooked in favour of the Czech Republic or Croatia as former Eastern European nations worthy of the tourist dollar or riyal. And, for those who haven’t given it a body-swerve, Gdansk has tended to come in third behind Krakow and Warsaw on the traveller’s itinerary. But that might be about to change as British guidebook publisher Eyewitness Travel has put it on its Top 10 List of the World’s Must-See cities. ST. MA RY This coastal city has been one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for its T H E O L ’S C A T H E D R D TOWN A scenery, architecture and social, industrial, and cultural heritage. It O F G D A L IN NSK boasts an impressive array of art galleries and museums positively bursting with paintings, artefacts, and sculptures from every historical era you can name. And its expansive beaches are as stunning as any you’ll find in northern Europe. Gdansk is certainly easy to navigate, and this makes getting around a pleasure. Public transport is cheap, simple to use, and with the accessible (and reliable) network you’d expect in any EU city. There are also hop-on, hop-off buses that even the less worldly of travellers will find easy to use. Foodies looking to eat well and heartily without burning a hole in their pockets will have come to the right place here. Expect the Eastern European staples of sauerkraut, fish soup, bigos (a savoury stew of cabbage and meat), golonka (fresh hocks served with horse-radish) and of course, dumplings galore (wild boar dumplings, beef and chilli, apple and cinnamon; the choice is E AT almost endless!). S FO R S A L BER BEAD AM
My favourite place The Old Town. Gdansk’s historical centre boasts some of the finest and most fascinating façades you’ll find in Europe. Grand former homes (now mostly offices), municipal buildings, and museums all represent a veritable time-travelling experience that takes the strolling awestruck onlooker on a journey from the medieval to the post-modern age. The gargoyles that line some of the streets might frighten the kids, but are no less arresting for all that. Dluga Street is a standout, with buildings swathed in more colour than the contents of a packet of Starburst.
T R MARKE A N OU T D OO K IN G D A N S
Highlights
I’m going to say, value for money. Even the most energetic typical tourist day: seeing museums, climbing church towers, taking day-trips, eating lunch and supper is going to cost you a lot less than one spent in any city in Germany, Austria, or even the Czech Republic. One could argue that yes, Poland, is slightly shabbier as a relative arriviste on the European tourism map but that makes it more appealing in my book.
Lowlights None, but this is a Baltic city so it’s not going to be that warm, even in summer. If you aren’t going in summer, bring layers of clothing and a windproof and waterproof jacket. If you are, bring a couple of sweaters and a showerproof jacket, just in case.
Souvenirs Gdansk is famous for its amber, and some of the most beautiful and intricate jewellery in Eastern Europe can be found here; all made from that natural resin. There’s no shortage of shops offering to sell you pendants, rings, ornaments, and cufflinks made with the ‘Baltic gold’ – so shop around. Getting there Etihad and Lufthansa offer flights from Muscat to Warsaw (the capital of Poland). From Warsaw, take the train to Gdansk, a regular service offering journeys that take about three hours on average. Where to stay All the world’s best-known hotel chains are represented here, which you can survey by checking out the
usual websites like Trivago, Expedia, Booking.com, and Kayak. But why not try and find an apartment on Airbnb? You might be surprised to find some elegant 19th century apartment options available.
TUCK IN TO SOM POLISH E TRADITION AL DUMPL INGS
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Y-FI
NEW YEAR, NEW APPS The Y Geek Squad looks to 2019 with downloads to deliver a fitter, richer, and more efficient you
THE TECH IN YOU
IN YOUR POCKET If reading more – be it e-books, e-magazines or even web content and the like – is on your list of resolutions for the coming year then you’re in luck. The Pocket – an app for both smartphones and PCs – should have it covered. When summoned it will let you save web pages, book and magazine pages, links and videos, for further reference or reading. This means you can now spend hours catching up on content you glossed over when scrolling through Facebook at work. The app will also sync with your devices so you can read links you saved on your work computer on your smartphone or tablet. Get the app from Google Play, iTunes, Mac OS, and PC (amazon.com) for free
COACH ME The dawn of a new year means there’s plenty of scope for resolutions, some of which will inevitably be broken by the end of January. But for those of you looking to see them through there’s the coach.me application. Essentially, it’s a social platform that contains a mix of life coaches and users. The app allows you choose your personal coach and mentor, and lets them walk you through your goals – however hard they may seem. Users rave on about the app’s usefulness although it’s clear its mojo comes from the experienced life coaches on board. This fantastic piece of software is available for download on Google Play, iTunes, and on your PC for free
FITNESS PAL If we had a nickel for every year we took a resolution to get back in shape, we’d have just about enough to grab a Happy Meal from McDonald’s right now. But let’s not lose hope. Maybe 2019 will be our year – the year we get fit. Those of you looking to achieve this can download My Fitness Pal (if you haven’t already), an app helps track your food and calorie intake by simply scanning the barcodes of food items, offer you tips and tricks on how you can lose weight or keep your health in check, and even log your exercises. It’s the personal trainer you always wanted: the kind that wouldn’t be up to your face when you’re caught slacking in the gym or the one that likes sneaking up on you when you’re queuing up for a hot dog. This free app is available for download on Google Play and iTunes
EDITOR’S PICK
PERSONAL FINANCE
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LET’S FACE IT: 2018 SMACKED OUR SAVINGS SO HARD WE’RE NOW LEFT WONDERING WHERE THEY ALL WENT. WHILE A PERSONAL FINANCE MANAGER WOULD BE THE IDEAL BET TO CLEAN UP OUR SPENDING, NOT MANY OF US WOULD HAVE THE DOUGH TO DISH OUT FOR ONE. THAT’S WHERE THE MINT APP COMES IN HANDY. THIS APP, WHICH CAN BE DOWNLOADED ONTO YOUR SMARTPHONE, WILL ALLOW YOU TO SEE ALL THE BALANCES AND BILLS THAT YOU’VE PAID AND WILL NEED TO PAY OVER THE COMING WEEKS. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE APP WILL ALERT YOU ON AND ISSUE WARNINGS WHEN YOU’RE BEHIND ON YOUR PAYMENTS. IT WILL ALSO GIVE YOU A CREDIT SCORE (WITHOUT THE NEED OF A CREDIT CARD) TO LET YOU KNOW IF THAT FANCY CAR YOU WANT TO BUY OR RENT IS WITHIN YOUR BUDGET – AND MORE SO A HEALTHY PURCHASE WITH ALL THE EXPENSES YOU’RE ALREADY INCURRING. FREE FROM GOOGLE PLAY OR ITUNES JULY DEC 2703- -JAN 09 /02ISSUE / ISSUE 327550
Top 5 Games of 2018 that’s set in the hearts of Japan’s crime world. The rest of the game’s brilliance can be pegged to a striking combat mode, which allows players to make use of objects lying around as weapons; the brilliant storyline, featuring protagonist Kiryu Kazuma; and the ease of progression (which also mars the game a bit in the latter stages). It’s a fantastic package overall – and one that we’d like to recommend.
#4: PUBG MOBILE
The Y Geek Squad offers its round-up of the best games for this year, and beyond
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handful of superb titles that blew our caps away and a whole host of duds: that’s how we’d sum up gaming in 2018 in a nutshell. Yet we’re hard-pressed to say that the year has been a fruitful one for gamers
#1: SPIDER-MAN
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tan Lee may be gone but he made sure we had in our hands Marvel’s best animated movie and game before he left us. Ironically, Spider-Man fills both the shoes (sorry not sorry, Avengers!). The Spider-Man game has come a long way in production but the underlying storyline still remains, paving the way to create what has to be Marvel’s only indelible title. There’s no mucking about when it comes to the “friendly neighbourhood” superhero: you’re chucked into the Marvel universe to fight crime, wander the streets, and take on diabolical supervillains in a manner so comical that we’re questioning whether Tony Stark’s ego is warranted. Developers Insomniac games should be praised for blending an adapted version of their own in-house engine to work with Spider-Man’s open world structure. This game also draws attention to the powerful console that is the PlayStation 4, which the game is solely available in. 10 out of 10 on all fronts.
as just a few spectacular sequels have illuminated an otherwise dull year. Here, we count down our top five picks of the year that deserve your hard-earned money and a place in Y’s ‘Hall of Games’. publisher ‘Microsoft Studios’ has become. Skinned to sit in the lineup as an open world racing game, Forza Horizon 4 takes the best of its predecessor – a variety of cars, the physics and the weather engine, and superbly-detailed shells – and sets it in a relatively mangled version of London. Think of it as a giant theme park sprawling with cars. The final product is a fantastic game that captures the essence of arcade racing and turns it into a graphical extravaganza that trumps its competitors in every way possible.
#5: DRAGONBALL FIGHTERZ
T #3: YAKUZA 6
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t’s hard to digest that the 13-year-old crime and adventure gaming series, Yakuza, came to an end this year. But, in true anime fashion, it did so with a bang… and then some. Unlike anime, however, #2: FORZA HORIZON 4 the game took a wild nce stacked at the bottom of the turn for this pack as a sub-par alternative to Sony’s Gran Turismo to fetching year with a surprisingly the title of the ‘world’s greatest racing game’, Forza is a clear case of how strong believable storyline (of any Yakuza game)
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f you strip away its core audience – eight-year-old kids uploading their gaming reactions to YouTube – PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) is a fantastic game. Made better by its addition to smartphones, the game chucks 100 players – some in teams of four – into an 8km-by-8km map fight to the death. It’s not a unique concept but when adapted to smartphones, it fuses two important elements: online multiplayer battle royale gaming and portability. Aside from the usual smartphone-related bugs, we have yet to come across any serious glitches that would turn us away from the title. It’s little wonder then that more than 100million players have downloaded it on Google Play..
his one inched out the Red Dead Redemption 2 game by a whisker – and we’re banking on hardcore fans of the open world action-adventure games being disappointed. But bear with us, for DragonBall FighterZ is, by a mile, the best fighting game we’ve come across in a long, long time. Aside from the bragging rights that you’re entitled to after each win, there’s so much more soul to this title than what the slow and twisted Red Dead Redemption game brings to the table this time around. From the simple yet engaging controls to the slow-motion animations you’re treated to as you smash the living daylights out of your opponent’s character, there’s something oddly satisfying about progressing through the fights. Is it addictive? Possibly – and then there’s the dubious and violent nature of the game that’ll have your friends question why they began playing with you in the first place. DECJULY 27 - 03 JAN- 02 09 / ISSUE 550 327
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FASHION
COUNTDOWN TO STYLE
As the clock strikes midnight this NYE, be the belle of the ball in a look that blends the best retro glam with a heaping helping of 2019 chic – like this glitzy gold mini-dress that we’re ready to rock!
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, reet t s gh e hi look h t d to get the n e to gh e hi s you h t lp From Y he m Tea
Keep the jewel tones coming and offset that sparkly strapless dress with a pair of shoulder-grazing sapphire-hued tassels with imitation pearls from Aldo Accessories. Snag them for RO3.8.
Retro onepieces are back in rotation with souped-up styles that won’t drag you bag to the 1970s. Roar into 2019 in this fierce version from River Island for RO28.1.
If there’s one statement piece you put on to party, let it be these 100mm stiletto Alta Firma’s from Christian Louboutin. Twinkle-toe gold specchio leather is offset by clear PVC to give the illusion of a floating anklestrap. We’re most definitely floating – on Cloud 9. Price: RO497.9.
It just wouldn’t be a NYE party if we weren’t sporting the reddest lippy we can find. We’re obsessed with MAC’s Viva Glam Sia – an eyepopping crimson shade with a matte finish that will last the night. Slip it in your purse for RO9.9.
This chic black bow cuff blazer from River Island does the double duty of keeping you warm while keeping you sleek. It’s a tough job – but something’s gotta do it! Make it yours for RO26.7 and shrug it on over that jumpsuit or dress.
Want to up your shine factor without competing with the glitter ball this New Year’s Eve? This gorgeous little slinky sequinned dress from Dorothy Perkins in a glitzy rosegold hue will have heads turning your way. Own it for RO19.4.
Offset your look – whether edgy or super-glam with a statement bag in a bold jewel tone and a bit of gold bling. (It is New Year’s after all…) Draw inspiration from the New Wave Chain Bag PM from Louis Vuitton’s new collection. It’ll set you back RO725.7. Brave enough to buy it?
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UP-DOS
Turn heads as you step out for New Year’s Eve with these splendidly simple top-knots that are a cinch to pull off!
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o you want a rockin’ do for that NYE hot ticket party but your Christmas budget is already long gone? Keep it simple, we say. These effortless up-dos can be done in minutes at home so you can spend more time at the party – not the salon. Braided-top bun Ladies with long locks – gather them into a high pony at your crown, braid the remaining strands then twist them into a swirly bun and secure with bobby pins. Set your strands in place with a spritz of hairspray – and job done! No…seriously, we promise! We love: TRESémme Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray. Price: RO1.9. (Photo credit: joannagoddard.blogspot.com) Three twisted buns
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Again, it doesn’t get much easier than this. Divide your hair into three sections of equal thickness and secure with bands. Twist each tendril into its own bun and secure with pins. To glam this look up and avoid any comparisons to Princess Leia, add some accessories to up the sparkle and pin your hair in place. We love: These TASHA Twinkle Star Hair Clips that you can artfully clip between each bun. Price: RO6.1.
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Chic chignon We love this do-it-yourself twist (no pun intended!) on the classic French chignon. After brushing your hair thoroughly, grab two side sections and twist them against your temples. Secure with bobby pins. Continue to twist the two strands, gathering more sections of hair as you go along until you reach the base of your neck. Gather the remaining hair into a low ponytail, and twist into a low, messy bun. Secure with more bobby pins and finish with a light setting spray to hold the look. We love: Ouai Dry Texture Foam. Work this luscious texturiser through your hair before styling to give your strands that effortlessly tousled look. Price: RO10.7. (Photo credit: blog.blanchemacdonald.com) Halfway there Veer away from a full-on up-do, by mixing it up with a half-up, half-down look. This one allows your hair to be out of your face, while still letting your tresses shine. Begin by using a curling iron to tousle the ends of your freshly-washed hair. Separate the top section of hair from your crown and make a simple French braid. Gently tease and pull apart the edges for a slightly ‘messy’ effect, then twist the loose braaid into a rose-shaped bun and secure with pins and setting spray. We love: The Remington Pro 1-1 ½ “Curling Wand. Not only is this pretty-inpink device superaffordable, it’s also the bestselling curling wand on Amazon. Price: RO9.6.
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A BREAKTHROUGH
IN HEALTH One of the medical world’s most innovative weight-loss procedures has been performed by a top Oman hospital. Y has the details
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octors at the Aster Al Raffah Hospital have introduced Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), a minimally invasive weight-loss procedure. ESG is a less invasive, non-surgical procedure that reduces the size of the stomach using an endoscopic device. This device is inserted orally to restructure the stomach, thus reducing its size by about 70-80 per cent. Dr. Ashik Sainu, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Medical Director of Aster Al Raffah Hospital, said: “This procedure achieves results similar to that of weight-loss surgery but has more advantages and fewer complications in comparison to traditional surgical procedures.” After this procedure the stomach remains intact, but is stitched from top to bottom leaving a smaller stomach that makes one feel full fuller. Performed on an outpatient basis, the patient experiences minimal pain and should recover within 2-3 days. Obesity is an epidemic that is widely prevalent in the region and spreading at an alarming rate. Weight-loss procedures have emerged as an aid in the treatment of obesity, with various types of minimally invasive and non-surgical means of treatment. The newest of its kind, Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is a type of weight-loss procedure that offers eligible patients an alternative treatment option to surgical weight loss. Seeniya Biju, Chief Executive Officer of Aster Al Raffah Hospitals & Clinics said: “We are proud to extend the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty to the region, which revolutionises the practice of weight loss treatment.
“Alarmingly, obesity among youngsters and adults is rising in Oman and it is the prime reason for diabetes and various other chronic health conditions. Our goal is to address some of the most pressing healthcare needs in Oman whilst offering our patients the best healthcare services for their holistic wellbeing.” An individual, 18 years Dr. Ashik Sainu and above with a BMI of Consultant Gastroenterologist and Medical Director of Aster Al Raffah 30 or more who has been Hospital unsuccessful in losing weight through other means is eligible MBBS, MD, DM (GI), MRCP (UK), MRCP to undergo Endoscopic Sleeve (GASTRO), FRCP (LONDON) Gastroplasty. The procedure that lasts not more than 60-70 minutes is non-surgical and much less invasive than conventional bariatric surgery. It leads to significant weight loss but is only a tool to aid weight loss by allowing portion control. Weight loss varies from person to person and it is important to be aware of maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise. Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is best effective when coupled with a heathier lifestyle. For more information, contact 9281-2992 or WhatsApp message on 9298-3397. DEC 27 - JAN 02 / ISSUE 550
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Too much turkey left after this week’s festive feast? Don’t let it go to waste. Here’s how you can recycle all that you couldn’t eat on the day.
Rock your FESTIVE LEFTOVERS
Forget about nuking a cold plate of turkey and mash in the microwave for a few days’ worth of post-Christmas dinners. Breathe new life into your leftovers with these recipes that will help you savour every mouthful
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o you went all out and made more than you bargained for this festive season – and now it’s sitting in the form of leftovers taking up all (and we mean all!) the room in your fridge. Get creative with your savoury surplus by taking your leftover game to a whole new level. Here are some of our favourite recipes to help you get there:
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Curried Leftover Pot Pie Recycle all your leftovers in one go in a homely pot pie redolent of curry and with an ultra-flaky crust. Nextday nibbles never tasted so good!
Turkey Ramen
Cook time: 45 minutes Serves: 8 Ingredients: § 4 Tbsp unsalted butter § 1 cinnamon stick § 3 cardamom pods, crushed § ½ tsp whole cloves § 1 cup leftover peas (150 g) § 1 cup leftover carrots, chopped (120 g) § 1 cup onion, chopped (150 g) § 1 Tbsp garlic, chopped § 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded (250 g) § 1 ½ Tbsp garam masala § 1 bay leaf § 1 ½ cups leftover gravy (355 g) § 2 Tbsp heavy cream § ½ cup leftover mashed potatoes (125 g) § 1 sheet puff-pastry § 1 egg § 1 Tbsp water § Salt and pepper, to taste
What better comfort food is there on a cold winter’s night than a piping-hot bowl of ramen? Give your leftover morsels of turkey a Japanese twist with this healthy, hearty bowl. Prep time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Serves: 2 Ingredients: § 2 garlic cloves § Thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced, plus a few slices cut into fine matchsticks to serve § 1 ½ Tbsp white miso paste § 1 Tbsp goma (white sesame paste), or tahini § 15g dried shiitake mushrooms § 700g leftover turkey gravy, or good-quality chicken stock § 2 Tbsp soy sauce § 2 eggs, at room temperature § 150g ramen noodles (egg, rice, or udon noodles will work too) § 200g leftover turkey meat, shredded § 2 spring onions, finely-sliced, white and green parts kept separate § 1 lime, halved § 25g ready-to-eat bean sprouts § Sesame oil, sriracha, chopped coriander, crushed peanuts, crumbled sheets of nori or dried chilli threads (silgochu), to serve (optional) Preparation: 1. Crush the garlic with the back of a big knife, then put it in a saucepan with the ginger, miso, goma, mushrooms, gravy and soy. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover and bubble for 5 minutes until the ginger is soft. Strain into a clean pan and discard the aromatics and mushrooms. 2. Meanwhile, cook the eggs in a pan of boiling water for 7 minutes. Plunge straight into a bowl of cold water and set aside to cool. Cook the noodles for 1 minute less than instructed on the pack, so they retain a little bite. Drain and leave in the pan with a little cooking water so they don’t stick together. Add the turkey and whites of the spring onions to the broth and gently reheat for 1-2 minutes. 3. Divide the noodles between two deep bowls, ladle over the broth and top with a squeeze of lime, the beansprouts, ginger matchsticks, green spring onion, and a drizzle of sesame oil, plus the other toppings, if you like. Peel and halve the eggs and place these on top too. (Source: www.bbcgoodfoodme.com)
Preparation: 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) degrees. 2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter on a medium heat and cook until it just starts to brown. Add cinnamon stick, cloves, and crushed cardamom pods and reduce heat to low. Cook until the spices are fragrant,
about 3 minutes. 3. Strain the spices from the butter and add the spiced butter back into the pot. Turn the heat up to medium and add onion, cook until caramelised. 4. Add the garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Add shredded turkey, peas, carrots, gravy, garam masala, and a bay leaf. Simmer for 10 minutes. 5. Add the heavy cream and season to taste with salt and pepper. 6. Pour the pot pie filling into a pie pan. Place spoonfuls of mashed potatoes around the pie pan. Place a sheet of puff pastry on top, crimping the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top for steam. 7. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the tablespoon of water until totally combined. Brush the egg wash onto the puff pastry. 8. Bake for 45 minutes or until pastry is cooked through and golden-brown on top. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. (Source: www.tasty.co)
Christmas Pudding Ice Cream What to do with your leftover slabs of Christmas pudding or fruitcake? Give them sweet new life in this spoon-licking sweet treat – the simplest you’ll ever make! Prep time: 5 minutes Serves: 2 Ingredients: § 1 cup, leftover Christmas pudding or fruitcake § 2 cups, softened vanilla ice cream § ¼ of a cup, orange juice § 2 Tbsp, non-alcoholic vanilla extract Preparation: 1. Crumble leftover pudding or fruitcake into a bowl and pour the orange juice and vanilla extract over it. Allow it to soak for a few minutes.
2. Stir the crumble into the slightly softened vanilla ice cream (homemade or store-bought) and re-freeze 3. Serve and enjoy! (Source: Adapted from www.chocswirl.wordpress.com)
DEC 27 - JAN 02 / ISSUE 550
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New Restaurant
REVIEWS
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Info Box
SHANGHAI KITCHEN
Near Al Nahda Towers next to the Savoy Grand Hotel, Azaiba South Opening hours: 12 noon to 3pm & 6pm to 1am daily. Contact: (+968) 2450-2344 Snacks for three: RO48.1
SHANGHAI KITCHEN AUTHENTIC FAR EAST FLAVOUR WITH A PRICE-POINT TO BEAT MAKES THIS AZAIBA STALWART A RETURNING FAVOURITE
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ead to Shanghai Kitchen in South Azaiba on a Thursday or Friday without a reservation and chances are you’ll end up eating at the takeaway next door. One of the only restaurants in Muscat that doesn’t lure you in with promises of authentic Chinese fare and then serve you an Indo-Chinese fusion instead, it’s been hallowed ground for the city’s foodie faithful craving a spot of Cantonese. For that’s what Shanghai Kitchen offers up – credible regional cuisine that (for the most part) packs a punch in terms of flavour, presentation and variety. It’s early on a Thursday evening when we arrive – without a reservation – and manage to snag one of their last walk-in booths. There are ‘Reserved’ signs on most of the tables around us and, by the time we leave, it’s a full house. In addition to serving up quality cuisine, the premises are also licensed, which means tables book up fast – especially on the weekend so expect minimal vacancies and plan ahead. The décor is a throwback to those Art Deco Chinese restaurants that your parents used to frequent for a New Year’s takeaway – the ones that had the best egg-rolls and threw in some extra fortune cookies. Foodie buffs with a soft spot for such nostalgia will feel right at home among Shanghai Kitchen’s lacquered lattice-work interior. We’re seated in a booth mid-way down the restaurant’s main pass and, as the dinner rush picks up, it isn’t long before giant trays laden with all manner of drinks and steaming dishes begin wafting by to tempt us. As we get settled with our noses in the menu, there are a few hiccups out of the gate – but thankfully that’s all they are, hiccups. The freshlyset linen has very prominent food stains on both sides of the table, which is a bit off-putting but nothing a well-placed coaster and glass can’t hide.
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DEC 27 - JAN 02 / ISSUE 550
Oddly, for a Cantonese restaurant, they bring us a small bowl of kimchi as a starter nibble/palate cleanser for the meal to come. Looking nothing like authentic kimchi – which is a Korean condiment ¬– it consists of fibrous slices of cabbage drenched in a gloopy red paste nothing remotely like the real thing and, after one puckering mouthful, we set it aside. Additionally, perhaps due to the high volume of diners, or shortage of ingredients from suppliers – quite a few food and beverage items are unavailable. Our dreams of ordering a round of pillowy-hot bao buns stuffed with spicy chicken have been dashed from the word ‘go’. What does end up on our table, though, is a choice array of platters that is nothing less than spectacular. We start with a round of Vegetable Spring Rolls, which are served piping-hot and enrobed in that classic egg-roll-style pastry that bubbles around the edges. Six-to-an-order, the presentation is slightly impractical – each roll upended in its own shot-glass with a dollop of sweet chili sauce at the bottom. We’d have been just as content had they come served in a mountainous pile – delicious as they are. Next up is a starter of their Dynamite Shrimp, which comes presented in a sundae-style dessert glass – fitting, given that each golden morsel of sweet shrimp is tossed in a fiery drizzle of their signature wasabi/sriracha sauce. These don’t last long, and we could have wolfed down two of them. The final main to grace our plates is a case of
Verdict : 8/10 SERVICE 8/10 FOOD 7/10 AMBIENCE Original Cantonese cuisine served sharing-style with an emphasis on seafood and dim sum Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals
saving the best for last. Their Sweet and Spicy Crispy Chicken is a bestseller and comes at our server’s recommendation. Expecting the usual – doughy-battered and deep-fried, what arrives is a delectable surprise. Forgoing the usual starchy coating and, instead, hero-ing the natural juicy crispiness of the chicken skin, these succulent bites are satisfyingly moreish: crunchy chicken skin and juicy chicken breast with a delicate glaze of fierysweet sauce that have us reaching for our glasses and yet doesn’t oversaturate the dish. We’d hands down come back just for this dish. For our mains we sample an order of their Wok-Tossed King Prawns in a choice of hot garlic sauce, a tureen of their Hong Kong Chicken in a rich sauce swimming with ginger and spring onion, and a platter of their traditional Hakka Noodles as recommended by our waiter. The prawns come swimming in a fiery red chili-garlic sauce and go toothsomely with the noodles, which are tossed with an array of Chinese veg. While the prawns are sweet, they go slightly gloopy after soaking in the sauce. The Hong Kong Chicken is more subdued in flavour but everything balances nicely together on the plate. With just enough room for dessert, we opt for a portion of their mango pudding which comes beautifully presented. We also try one of their sizzling brownies which comes presented on a skillet with a topping of ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce that smokes and sizzles to the desired theatrical effect. While the brownie is somewhat hard and dry, we enjoy scraping up the caramelised bits of chocolate from the pan. Is it a perfect meal at Shanghai Kitchen? No. But, a week later, and we’re still thinking about that Sweet and Spicy Crispy Chicken – so that makes it near enough to the mark. Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com
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