Y Magazine #483, August 17, 2017

Oman’s Qais Al Khonji

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DESTINATION: Al Amerat Wildlife Reserve TASTE TEST: The Steak Company

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

AUG 17 - 23 2017 / ISSUE 483 • WEEKLY

CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?

PLUS!

THE NOC ISSUE HANGS BY A THREAD AS SMES PROTEST

THE BODY BEAUTIFUL

01

NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

28

STUNNING SEOUL

36

TOUGH FORMALS

40

COMPETITION

EDITOR’S

NOTE

Share your opinion on Y’s ‘Debate of the Week’ and get a chance to dine at the Le Jardin restaurant, in the Golden Tulip Seeb Hotel, with your loved ones.

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

FISH PRODUCTION In what is good news, it was reported that the Sultanate’s fish production increased by 6.1 per cent, during the first quarter of this year. Have you noticed a drop in fish prices in the markets?

GOING DOWN

TEMPERATURES Oman is the coolest country in the GCC… literally! The temperatures in the capital have been hovering around the 30-degrees-Celsius mark, this week.

Forecasts suggest that the conditions will continue to remain tolerable.

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

Fast forward S

ince its introduction in July 2014, the two-year visa ban has sparked controversy among the expatriate community in Oman. The NOC is a letter granted by an employer to expatriates who want to move from one job to another at the end of their contract. It also bans expatriate employees from entering the country for a period of two-years.

According to Y’s sources at the Ministry of Manpower and Royal Oman Police (ROP), numerous complaints of “mistreatment” and “wrongful termination” have been come up in the courts of Oman. And over the past three years, several reports – some suggesting the scrapping and “relaxation” of the law –had made waves in local media.

The longstanding law has not seen any change, as yet. But, today, several small-and medium-sized enterprises/business (SME) owners are calling for the law to remain in place to protect Omani businesses, and in effect “uplift the Omani economy”. But expat workers are worried. Some employees deal with threats, intimidation and unpaid wages. Are these SMEs really benefiting out of the NOC rule? Our cover story this week talks about how the ruling affects Oman’s businesses while keeping a tight rein on its workers.

Have a great week!

THIS WEEK… Team Y has been out off-roading and exploring the wildlife reserve at Al Amerat, spending quality time with family and exploring cuisines at new restaurants in the capital.

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editor@y-oman.com

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

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REPORTER Alvin Thomas PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

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AUG 17 - 23 / ISSUE 483

03

contents

AUGUST 17 - 23 2017

Your Oman

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman

Hasan al Lawati 10 News

Gold smuggled from

Oman to India seized 11 Coffee with Y

Jihed Lejmi 13 News

Bus crash in Rusayl

leaves 25 injured

18 Party Time

Dance away your

worries at the Teej 2017

32 Destination

Al Amerat Wildlife Reserve 34 First Drive

Mercedes-Benz C 63S

AMG Coupe

21 Movies

Seven Sisters

21 Health and Beauty 40 Fashion

Tough formals

36 Postcard From

Seoul

42 Beauty

The outer limits

38 Y-Fi

Road trip tech

43 Health

Pre-natal yoga

38

22 Cover Story

SME owners open up

about the NOC-rule 26

The Body Beautiful Take a look at some steps to protect your car’s paint from the summer heat

19 Cultural Fiesta

Celebrate Eid and the

Kerala festival of

Onam at the Al Falaj Hotel

10 Cars and Adventures

Features

22 Food and Drink 44 Food Feature

A fresh start 46 Taste Test

The Steak Company

44

40

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AUG 17 - 23 / ISSUE 483

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THE VOICE OF OMAN

HASAN AL LAWATI ON WHY SOCIAL MEDIA REVIEWERS NEED TO GET REAL WITH THEIR REPORTS

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: Muscat Municipality has banned dunebashing activities in the Bausher area. What do you think about the move?

I

n Oman, it is nearly impossible to find an honest review online about anything, be it a luxurious fivestar resort or a near- abandoned food joint on the outskirts of Muscat.

Even the new, “independent” Instagram pages can’t be relied on anymore as users are apparently obliged to cash in by eulogising business owners.

And since 2014, when the famous Omani Cuisine page stopped posting restaurant reviews – I don’t know why – choosing a place for dinner has been just like playing the lottery.

While this could also be linked to oversensitive businessmen’s attitude toward criticism, it is unarguable that profit is the number one reason behind the lack of sincere reviews in Oman.

Which makes me wonder: Instead of shooting in the dark, where can we read a proper review that discloses all the good and bad about a product?

Y Magazine is the answer.

You can read honest reviews on restaurants and tech products, here.

Another platform is TripAdvisor, which is an open forum for any user to submit a review. I think it is still one of the very few legitimate sources of reviews.

So to all foodies here I say: it is the time to stop relying on the fawning social media faces who would burnish any product to get a free sample.

I think the local market is crying out for a credible, localbased app or website, run by professionals who can openly give “brutal” reviews and make money from a financial backer that has zero interest in hotels, restaurants or cars.

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AUG 17 - 23 / ISSUE 483

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

a bit of fun without disturbing others. Let there be specific days and times for dune bashing, instead of the activity being indulged in round the clock. Quad bikes need to be registered and the riders should face legal consequences for irresponsible bahaviour, if any.

No idea why dune bashing has been banned at Bausher. If it is for safety reasons, Muscat Municipality could have issued guidelines for the riders and ensured that they are being strictly followed, instead of banning the off-roading adventure. The show must go on, and the SUNIL JOHN MARTIN authorities should develop the area to make it one Dune bashing at Bausher was one of the most of the major tourist destinations. popular weekend activities easily accessible to all Muscat residents. Also, relatives and friends who JASON FELIX NORONHA are on a short visit to the Sultanate have always Dune bashing at Bausher was bound to be banned, considering the proximity of the terrain appreciated the facility available right in the centre of the city. Wonder how the ban will affect the to the residential apartments coming up in people renting out quad bikes. Instead of banning the area. While the adventure activity offers the adventure at Bausher, the authorities should an opportunity to experience thrill for some, a look at ways of making it one of the biggest tourist majority of the peace-loving community would attractions of Muscat. With prudent timings for be happy that the irritating noise created by the the activity, the residents of the area would have no quad bikes has vanished. That said, considering reason to feel upset about the fun sport. the few options available here to locals and expatriates to get their adrenaline going, NADEEM NOOR alternative arrangements should have been made It’s sad to hear that dune bashing has been before an outright ban on dune bashing. banned at Bausher. Driving a quad bike over the sand dunes is quite thrilling, but without ALI SAIF AL RAHBI If dune bashing at Bausher was banned for safety proper safety equipment and procedures in place the risks were too high. Fatal accidents could purposes and out of respect for the people living leave a trail of blood and painful memories on the in the vicinity, then that’s good. The Wahiba Sands in the Sharqiyah region is a more spacious dunes if all parties involved, both the riders and those renting out quad bikes, leave things to chance. and appropriate place than any other for dune Muscat Municipality should come out with strict bashing. However, since dune bashing is one safety standards. Oman has majestic sand dunes and of the popular tourist attractions in Muscat, the riding bikes over them is an experience one should authorities should find a safe and suitable site in town where adventure-loving people could enjoy enjoy—but without throwing lives at risk.

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More notice boards need to be put up at Bausher, maybe one every kilometre or so, to warn the youngsters of heavy fines if they break the rules. The boys are aware of the regulations, but they flout them.

Rules are in place but what is required is their strict implementation. The youngsters love to make their bikes make a lot of noise, and they do many tricks to up the decibels, but people are sick of this nuisance.

GAUTAM GHOSH DASTIDAR

Dune bashing is nothing but a form of suicide that is accelerating to Apocalypse Now levels. Hats off to Muscat Municipality. Better late than never, but why at Bausher only? Dune bashing must be banned across the globe with immediate effect! These activities in the name of adventure create a plethora of problems, such as air and noise pollution, soil erosion, extinction of species and destruction of habitats. Anything that could pose a threat to life and the environment need proper monitoring.

BARBIE MORGAN

It’s a shame dune bashing has been banned as it is a fun activity. I think the municipality should certainly ban all private vehicles from going on the dunes as there were no controls and safety was a big issue. The quad biking business should be able to continue, and the municipality should ensure that the business meets safety regulations, for example: dune bashing only to be allowed within certain times, restrictions on age using the bikes, biking sessions to be timed and the numbers of bikes on the dunes should be limited.

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New Debate: The Royal Oman Police has called on parents to avoid risking their children by allowing them to ride motorcycles.

Such a risky decision might turn into sad ending as many accidents have been reported in the past. What are your thoughts?

Share your view with us and you could be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

FAIZ AL BALUSHI was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine in Muscat

SYED BOKHARI

Well, the ban was long overdue. The prohibition will help preserve the beauty of the Sultanate and eliminate noise pollution created by the quad bikes.

The authorities should implement the ban strictly.

No use issuing a ban and not implementing it. It’s a good move that will bring much-needed relief to the people living in the vicinity of the dunes.

JOM SAGAL

A very good step taken by the municipality. It helps preserve the beauty of the dunes and eliminate noise pollution created by the quad bikes. Also, those who do not respect the ban should be jailed.

These arrogant bikers always made irritating noise when they rode on the streets, especially in the Al Khuwair 42 area.

JANKI RISHIT HEMANI

It is a good move. Road accidents are on the rise and the cars used for dune bashing are also seen on the roads in the city, which is illegal and dangerous. The young kids driving these vehicles are irresponsible and have no respect for law. I support the ban entirely.

YASSER MACKI

It’s a shame that dune bashing has been banned at Bausher. The municipality should inform the public the reason for the ban. People have been doing dune bashing for years, but now they are not allowed! The dunes are the only place where people can have fun.

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AUG 17 - 23 / ISSUE 483

09

YOUR

OMAN

G

NEWS

GOLD SMUGGLED

FROM OMAN SEIZED

BY INDIAN CUSTOMS

old smuggled from Oman into India has been seized by customs officers at Trivandrum Airport.

Officials confiscated 17 gold biscuits from the socks of two passengers on Saturday.

Both had boarded the Jet Airways flight in Muscat and were arrested at the Indian airport at 3.30am.

The value of the haul has yet to be confirmed, and officials have begun investigating the source of the consignment.

DIGITAL RETAIL TO GET

A REVAMP IN OMAN

I

n a bid to facelift the e-commerce market in Oman, Mars Hypermarket and digital enabler, SAP, are joining hands to unveil a wide range of digital business solutions.

This should make shopping for groceries and other goods available at the customer’s fingertips.

As part of this partnership, Mars Hypermarket will also deploy a wide range of digital solutions via the ‘in-memory SAP HANA’ platform, to enhance the customer experience and supply chain of thousands of products.

The platform will make available real-time business suite solutions, mobile apps, and augmented and virtual reality innovations for Mars Hypermarket.

“Oman’s customers expect a personalized and seamless shopping experience from their mobile devices,” said V.T. Vinodan, the managing

director of Mars Hypermarket Oman and UAE. “With real-time technology, Mars Hypermarket can deliver innovative digital business models with better product decisions, convenient omnichannel shopping experiences, and customer loyalty programs,” he added.

Mars Hypermarket feeds Oman’s USD4 billion supermarket sales, currently.

MOTORBIKES SEIZED

IN POLICE CRACKDOWN

A

crackdown on unlicensed and illegal motorbikes has been launched by the Royal Oman Police.

The new campaign has already resulted in the seizure of 38 motorbikes for violating traffic rules.

It is a part of the drive by police to enforce traffic regulations.

The campaign also aims to limit antisocial behaviour from motorcyclists such as speeding, weaving in and out of traffic and heavy revving.

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AUG 17 - 23 / ISSUE 483

KHAREEF CHALLENGE

GALLERY

BRINGING FUN TO FAMILIES THROUGHOUT THE SULTANATE’S SOUTHERNMOST GOVERNORATE, OMAN OIL MARKETING COMPANY UNVEILED ITS NEW KHAREEF CHALLENGE. IT AIMS TO OFFER VISITORS AND RESIDENTS IN THE CITY WITH A CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN A HOST OF ENTERTAINING GAMES STARTING FROM END OF JULY TO MIDAUGUST.

AUG 17 - 23 / ISSUE 483

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YOUR

‘INDIA AT 70’

OMAN

INDIAN SCHOOL MUSCAT DONNED PATRIOTIC COLOURS, AS IT CELEBRATED THE 71ST INDEPENDENCE DAY OF INDIA, IN THE SCHOOL’S MULTI-PURPOSE HALL. MEANWHILE, 400 MEMBERS OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY ATTENDED THE FLAG HOISTING CEREMONY AT THE EMBASSY OF INDIA.

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AUG 17 - 23 / ISSUE 483

GALLERY

NEWS

RO1.2BN PUMPED INTO CHINA-OMAN INDUSTRIAL PARK

BUS CRASH IN RUSAYL

LEAVES 25 INJURED

T

he China-Oman Industrial Park in Duqm is making “good progress”, says the boss behind the development.

Ali Shah, Chairman of Oman Wanfang, said he hoped the project would play a significant role in the development of the Sultanate’s economy.

The foundation stone for the park was laid in April this year as part of 10 projects worth RO1.2 billion (USD3.2bn).

In an interview with Duqm Economist, Mr Shah said the projects were “carefully-selected, to be diversified in the economic gains” that would be achieved for the Omani economy and the Economic Zone in Duqm in particular.

Both projects are in line with the Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm’s (SEZAD) plan to attract investments and revitalise economic activity.

Mr Ali Shah said the projects for which the partnership agreements were signed with Chinese companies represented the first stage of the projects at the park.

The remaining 25 developments are in the final stages of study or at the design stage.

He said all of them would be ready in 10 years’ time.

“Most of the projects will be completed before this date,” he confirmed.

THROUGH YOUR EYES

I

n an unfortunate incident on the Nizwa-Salalah route, a bus carrying 50 people lost control and crashed, leaving 25 injured.

The bus was known to have veered off course and turned turtle near the industrial hub of Rusayl, as per the details revealed by the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

The ROP spokesman said: “A passenger bus carrying 50 people and travelling towards Muscat overturned on the road.

“The incident resulted in 25 people receiving various injuries, who were rushed to several hospitals,” he added.

The ROP was also swift in debunking rumours that had been circulating in social media that 25 people had succumbed to their injuries post the crash.

The accident caused congestion in the areas surrounding Rusayl.

The accident –the fifth involving a passenger bus –this year, comes after the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) revealed that the Sultanate witnessed an 18 per cent decrease in number of registered traffic accidents until the end of June 2017, when compared to the same period in 2016.

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‘Scenes at seashore’, taken by reader Shriyan, near the old dhow ruins, at Bander al Khyran.

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

PHOTO: Chetananand Shriyan

AUG 17 - 23 / ISSUE 483

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YOUR

#THROWBACKTHURSDAY

OMAN

IN THIS WEEKLY SERIES, WE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF Y’S PHOTOGRAPHER, SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI’S, MOST COVETED SNAPS. THIS WEEK, WE HIGHLIGHT SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE CLICKS -FROM Y’S ‘DAILY PHOTO’ SEGMENT -THAT WERE PUBLISHED ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS.

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AUG 17 - 23 / ISSUE 483

GALLERY

NEWS

100 DAYS TO KITE SPEED WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

W

ith just 100 days to go before the six-day Festival of Speed, organisers Oman Sail are putting in the final preparatory touches.

A fleet of up to 105 men and women are expected to take part in this coveted competition.

It will be held on November 19, at the Masirah Island, and will feature numerous high-performance hydrofoiling Formula Kite boards.

This is the latest discipline in kiteboarding and its enthusiasts are campaigning for it to become an Olympic sport. A decision is expected around the time of the championship.

The 100-day landmark comes shortly after Oman was hailed as a “kiteboarding paradise” by competitors at the recent Kite Speed World Championship.

Markus Schwendtner, CEO of the

International Kiteboarding Association, said: “The Formula Kite World Championships is our biggest event of the year.

“We are also awaiting an announcement on the class being included at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which could well increase numbers at the World Championships. So, it could be a very big year for us, and for Oman.

“Oman was a revelation to the Kite Speed competitors – everyone was blown away by the conditions, by the friendliness of the people, by the landscape; just everything.”

Some of the biggest names in the fastgrowing sport are expected to compete for glory in Muscat.

Among those expected are Germany’s Florian Gruber and French speedster Nico Parlier, who top the world Formula Kite rankings just behind Britain’s Olly Bridge.

CRUDE OIL PRODUCTION IN

JULY AT 29.98M BARRELS

T

he Sultanate’s total crude oil and condensates production during July 2017 stood at 29,977,000 barrels, a daily average of 967,000 barrels; according to the monthly report published by the Ministry of Oil and Gas. The total quantities of crude oil exported abroad during July 2017 stood at 25,440,811 barrels, a daily average of 820,671 barrels. This represented a rise of 1.97 per cent compared to June 2017.

For the third consecutive month, import quantities of Oman oil dropped by 8.59 per cent compared to June 2017 to reach 65.38 per cent.

However, China still imports the bulk of the total quantities of Oman oil.

Quantities imported by Taiwan fell as well by 8.12 per cent compared to the previous month.

Oil quantities imported by Japan and India rose by 3.63 per cent and 1.47 per cent respectively. During July 2017, Omani oil quantities were shipped for the first time to Burma, as well as exporting Omani oil to the United States of America (USA) and Malaysia.

The report pointed out that the price of crude oil for the reference oil around the world witnessed a rise during July 2017 compared to the previous month.

The average price of West Texas crude grade in New York (NYMEX) stood at USD46.72

per barrel, comprising a rise by USD1.38 compared to June 2017 trading.

The trading of Oman Crude Oil Future Contract at Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME Oman) rose by 2.4 per cent compared with the last month. The Oman oil price (September Delivery 2017) stood at USD47.63 a barrel, comprising a rise by USD1.10 compared to August delivery 2017. The trading price of Oman Oil averaged between USD45.31 a barrel and USD50.26 a barrel.

The international benchmark for prices of reference oil for July 2017 rose compared to June 2017 due to several factors that have direct impacts on prices, including a decrease in crude oil production in the USA and depreciation of the US dollar, as well as a drop of oil exports by the Saudi Arabia, which increased confidence in the market over OPEC decisions to rebalance global supply and demand, thus recovery of market sentiment that pushed the prices positively.

OMAN INTENSIFIES CHECKS

ON EUROPEAN EGGS

T

he Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has said all precautionary measures are in place to ensure that table eggs imported from European countries to the Sultanate are safe for consumption.

The assurances come in the wake of reports of detection of the use of Fipronil insecticide in the farms.

Fipronil is a popular insecticide for treating pets for fleas and ticks but it is forbidden for use in the food chain.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers Fipronil to be moderately toxic and says very large quantities can cause organ damage.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry said it has currently stopped issuing any new licences for the import of table eggs from European countries.

It has directed specialist veterinarians in the veterinary quarantine offices at all border check-posts to intensify the examination procedures by taking samples from all table eggs imported from the European countries, irrespective of whether the importer had permits and the products had reached the ports of the Sultanate earlier.

These eggs will be subject to necessary laboratory tests to ensure they are free of any pathogens.

It is also coordinating with the local regulatory authorities in the Sultanate to ensure that the eggs already available in the markets are also subject to laboratory tests.

The ministry affirmed its continued keenness to follow up on any developments in this regard and take necessary measures to ensure the safety and health of all consignments received in the Sultanate.

Millions of chicken eggs have been pulled from European supermarket shelves as a result of the scare over the use of Fipronil and hundreds of thousands of hens may be culled in the The Netherlands.

The EU countries known to be affected by the problem are Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, France, Sweden, the UK, Austria, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Denmark.

AUG 17 - 23 / ISSUE 483

015

Oman is the land of m ho w r fo er ag an m l a hote Alvin Thomas meets uch-loved adopted home m many opportunity, and a economy on oil has helped here.

that I wanted to live other industries to establishsector he 19th century poet curred. And that’s the con he “S themselves; the hospitality Walt Whitman wrote w I chose Oman.” ho of ry sto he being one of them. en e (in d some true words wh Ever since he moved her young , “There are many hotels an ess pin ap “H es: the , of ver all we d ho an ), , 16 penned these lin up 20 January retail chains coming place, l wil it t, knowledge, not in anotherother Bu . has made sure to be as ian rism nis tou Tu in ent of the it will aid ber that but this place – not for an involved in the developm as an take time: we must remem . ur” ho ry, s ust thi t ind lity bu nta rism me hour, tou ns, y’s tio ntr isla cou leg ght us there are ed. .

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His name is Jihed Lejmi,ster tely different ho ple the com hin is wit It ce sales offi . he holds the title of the clu places I have lived in before. And “To make Sohar a tourist har a d an s Ibi of ger ess na sin bu ma l is So ess sin genera bu ut, “B destination and Mercure one of part of Mercure Sohar hotels – a nate. the UK and France rtner , pa rse to d cou ha of we s, ces suc nies in AccorHotels – in the Sulta minent are more established in terms of the biggest airline compa ement for , up ing com ’re we t While he does hold a pro thing iev bu ach ity, y hospital the world. So, an no Sohar. position in his company, is highand fast. them will be a success forsays Jihed. ay tod g st mo the of e on ,” about our meetin is n city s “Oma “I believe in thi a lot to ever tar brow. He has actually got an, and beautiful countries I have marketed “It is a hub, and with Qa ns in Om in e t no is it tio nk thi era say about his tim I op t, its Bu seen.

Airways starting tourism his role in developing the as a tourism country, yet. when you the city, it will soon change the face y. ntr cou t we also industry in the “Although, that is why see of the city. Apart from tha e, and outside, you on Jihed, a Tunisian, spent his y the e-z m fre fro the e rts, com po have the ntr ed. ect exp ite qu t mix.” er fec nev early days in his home cou per you the s thing the greenery; it’s dies in that ls fee before completing his stu k up his have the sea, the ed you Jih , re, ore He erm Furth ing tak e tur na ng the bei d of an s Nice, France. He then too, in the ns ces tai moun Sohar is in the pro s. rist tou as opposed to manfirst job with AccorHotels ng on for ge, sta on tre ati tin cen des a made d an s. ed on “City of Light”, before goindon ati Jih cre all. made But that’s not about g to manage the Novotel Lo Jihed’s tone, when talking team are currently lookin the g his kin ma d an . stic sia uce hu rod Heathrow hotel, ent int is to , Oman for opportunities ltanate. qm and decision to move to the Sut always Today, he takes care of two properties in Muscat, Du sn’ d wa an e s Ibi her r sta eethr But moving the : ties proper Salalah. tells me: re coming on his list of plans, Jiheded to shift the all-new four-star Mercu “More properties will be ask s wa I e .

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AUG 17 - 23 / ISSUE 483

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

Today’s inspiration: You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one. -John Lennon

Photo: Shaquel Al Balushi AUG 17 - 23 / ISSUE 483

017

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

PARTY TIME FOR LADIES AUG

17

THIS

WEEK

DJ BLISS LIVE AT ON THE ROCKS WHAT TO DO. WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

A U G U S T On The Rocks Muscat will be hosting an epic party featuring the popular DJ Bliss on August 17. With more than 1.2 million views on his You Tube single ‘Shining’ and collaborations with major names such as Shaggy and Wyclef Jean, Bliss is a force to be reckoned with.

Supporting DJ Bliss with his awesome set list to get you moving will be the man of the moment, DJ Ahmed Pharaoh.

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The Hindi Wing Muscat is organising ‘Teej 2017’ – a party time for lady members and their guests. The programme will have scintillating dances, interesting games and spot prizes.

The most coveted part of the programme will be the crowning of the TEEJ QUEEN along with a sumptuous dinner and evening snacks. Contact 99740339 for details.

AUG

17

Gallery

Movies

Celebrate Eid and the Kerala festival of Onam at the ‘AAVANI RAAVU’, with the folk from the All India United Association. The event will be hosted at the Le Grand Hall in the Al Falaj Hotel, and doors will open at 6.30pm. H.E.Indramani Pandey, the Ambassador of India to The Sultanate Of Oman, will be the chief guest. Ms. Neena Kurup and Mr. Raja Sahib are also among the line-up of stars that are expected to attend the night.

SEP

02

FESTIVAL OF COLOUR

CULTURAL FIESTA

It’s time for the colour festival. On August 18, from 5pm to 9pm, Muscat Hills Golf Club will organise the festival of colours. The event includes DJs all day, war of foam spray, water balloons war, water guns war, a water fight and many more surprises.

Contact 98273473 for details.

AUG

HEALTH CONFERENCE

18

The 7th Oman Health Exhibition and Conference is taking place from October 9-11 at the new Oman Convention and Exhibition Center. The conference will feature government and industry experts and leaders who will share their insight on the challenges, solutions, and opportunities accompanying the most critical and current issues in Oman’s healthcare sector.

OCT

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AUG 17 - 23 / ISSUE 483

019

Top

most richest countries in the world ❷

❶ Qatar — GDP per capita: USD129,726 (RO49,938)

Luxembourg — GDP per capita: USD101,936 (RO39,240)

❸ Macao — GDP per capita: USD96,147 (RO37,011)

❹

❺

Singapore — GDP per capita: USD87,082 (RO33,522)

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Brunei — GDP per capita: USD79,710 (30,684)

*Source: Business Insider

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

Security When Eduardo (Antonio Banderas) winds up with no money, he takes a job as a security guard at a mall between two towns with high crime rates.

Before opening time, he is being shown the job by his colleague Vance (Liam McIntyre) when Ruby (Gabriella Wright) arrives at the mall’s entrance pleading to be let in. The inexperienced Eduardo does so. When Charlie (Ben

Seven Sisters If you hate the new breed of Hollywood actresses who like to act tough, but everyone knows they’re not (Jennifer Lawrence, take note), then it’s great to have a film led by two charismatic stars who really can handle themselves.

Noomi Rapace has cemented her status as the flawed, indomitable female par excellence in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo trilogy, and Glenn Close raised the role of the fiendish female to new heights of delicious demonry in Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons

Kingsley) follows her and also asks to be let in claiming he is her father, our Ed smells a rat and refuses. And so one heck of a gun-toting siege ensues with Kingsley on form as the scene-stealing villain we all love to hate.

and er… 101 Dalmations.

In this, the two are pitted against one another. Rapace plays seven sisters in a dystopian society that dictates a one-child parenting policy. Any extra offspring are detained by the sinister Child Allocation Bureau headed up by mad scientist Nicolette Cayman (Close).

As one of seven sisters (named after days of the week) raised in isolation, Rapace has been brought up to play the same person, Karen, to a ‘T’, as has each of her siblings.

However, each sister has a personality and a mind of her own. Their seclusion has taken a bit of a toll on them, and it stretches to more than just arguments over makeup and curlers.

When Monday goes missing, a horde of Cayman’s henchmen hone in on the sisters forcing them to fight for their freedom, and survival.

It’s all wonderful fun, if a little bit cheesy at times.

Still, Rapace takes on seven different, disparate characters and delivers on that highly taxing premise in spades.

Meanwhile, Close gives it some welly as the scientist with a screw loose, without overdoing it.

The result is a highly watchable sci-fi thriller that is a bit of fun, too. Enjoy.

Review by Kevin McIndoe

Paris Can Wait When Anne (Diane Lane), the wife of movie producer Michael (Alec Baldwin) takes a road trip from Cannes to Paris with one of his associates, it takes her on a journey of self-discovery. In the French countryside, she recovers her appetite for life amid resplendent fields, abundant sunshine, fine food and genial company.

This is a road movie-comedy-drama that is a true delight. It is neither mawkish nor full of the vacuous dialogue that can so often taint a film like this. Only a real woman of the world could have directed it and Eleanor Coppola, at the ripe old age of 80; has delivered.

Long View THE GLASS CASTLE As a distraction to grinding poverty, Rex (Woody Harrelson) regales his children with recycled pearls of wisdom from his limited experience. His wife Jeannette is a (not very talented) artist who can’t put down the brush long enough to make her kids’ meals. This saga surrounding a family of nomadic dropouts does not sound like an easy one to watch.

Whether or not the daughter Rose Mary (Naomi Watts) can make it to adulthood relatively unscathed is obviously its main focus. It all sounds like a demanding display of dysfunction that, while worthy, is not going to be a typical date movie. Still, it’s no less welcome for all that.

Oman Release Date: August 31

WIN CHANCE TO R U O Y B A R G TS EMA TICKE IN C Y IT C R FOU

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Who is the director of Seven Sisters?

LAST WEEK'S WINNER Pranav Chad

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN, just answer a question based on the week’s cinema reviews and send your answer to info@y-oman.com, along with your name and contact information.

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

Contact: Movie enquiries 2460 7360

AUG 17 - 23 / ISSUE 483

021

AGAINST

THE TIDE SMEs are locked in the continuing controversy of the NOC. Bosses cite being left out of pocket as expat staff deal with threats, intimidation and unpaid wages. Alvin Thomas and Hasan al Lawati investigate how the ruling affects Oman’s businesses while keeping a tight rein on its workers

W

hen Jagdish Menon* joined an engineering firm as a sales executive in 2016, he was elated.

His dream of starting his career and settling down in the Sultanate had finally come to pass.

The Muscat-based expatriate’s first few weeks at work were “challenging” but “blissful”. He even managed to extend his company’s portfolio beyond the capabilities of his senior colleagues.

It was – in his words – a “walk in the park”.

However, as time went by, and as the oil crisis began bearing down on the market, his sales results began to drop. Soon, with no warning, his company – citing “delays in funding” – decided to stop paying salaries to their employees.

And by the beginning of this month (August), Jagdish was owed three months in unpaid wages.

With no other means to sustain himself or his family, which includes his wife and two young children, he questioned the management about the dues.

But he did not get his salary. Instead, he was fired from his job, and was denied a No-objection certificate (NOC) that would have enabled him to continue living and working in Oman.

Desperate for an NOC, he contacted his managing director.

To that, his words were: “You weren’t committed enough in your job to work without a salary. The other employees are all doing that and you should have, too.

“If that’s the case, why should I give you an NOC, then?” he asked Jagdish.

Since its introduction in July 2014, the two-year visa ban has sparked controversy among the expatriate community in Oman.

The NOC is a letter granted by an employer

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to expatriates who want to move from one job to another at the end of their contract. It also bans expatriate employees from entering the country for a period of two-years.

According to Y’s sources at the Ministry of Manpower and Royal Oman Police (ROP), numerous complaints of “mistreatment” and “wrongful termination” have been come up in the courts of Oman.

And over the past three years, several reports – some suggesting the scrapping and “relaxation” of the law –had made waves in local media.

The longstanding law has not seen any change, as yet.

But, today, several small-and medium-sized enterprises/ business (SME) owners are calling for the law to remain in place to protect Omani businesses, and in effect “uplift the Omani economy”.

To get to grips with the worries and concerns raised by SMEs in Oman, we talk to Redha Juma Mohammed Ali al Saleh, the vice-chairman at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI).

“We support the NOC,” he says.

“We believe it is vital to stay because it is not acceptable for an employee to leave a job to join a competitor.

“Plus, finding a suitable substitute takes a long time, which affects a company’s work process,” Mr al Saleh adds.

Haitham al Zadjali, the owner of a web-designing and information technology company in the capital concurs.

“Why should I incur a loss for bringing in an expatriate from another country, pay for his visas, invest in his training and take up his losses if he has made any?” Haitham asks.

“It’s unfair, you should understand. I want to see the NOC stay in place.

“People think that it is easy to just hire an employee, here. That’s not the case. We have to run – sometimes on our own – to the ministries to get the approvals. Also, it costs RO301, for hiring one person,” he exclaims.

In November, last year, the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) increased visa fees for expatriate workers by 50 per cent.

This meant sponsors are now paying RO301, as opposed to the previous RO201, from previous years.

“What people fail to understand is that we who run SMEs are mostly running on loans that we took up from the government and our relatives. We have to pay them back.

“I have a huge debt with the bank, and it isn’t going to clear itself.

He reveals that he is operating on a debt of RO80,000, that he must clear in the coming nine years.

“Of course, my priority is to pay my employees.

When I am the owner of a business, I am not only responsible for myself and my family; I am responsible for the people who work for me, and their families, too,” he says, after hearing Jagdish’s story.

Haitham’s company – an eight-man team – is predominantly run by expat designers and an engineer, hailing from India and Pakistan.

Another SME owner, Saeed al Farsi, who runs his own diary factory, in Oman says that the NOC-rule has to stay.

“I invest a lot when hiring an expatriate. I train them, pay for health insurance and for travelling tickets. The absence of such a law will put any business owner in a financially difficult position.

“I do not think it is fair,” Mr al Farsi exclaims.

But, he then points out that a similar rule should be implemented on the Omani workforce.

“The new generations [employees] do not stay

at one place and they want to work less for a higher pay. It has been difficult for me to hire Omani drivers as they do not stay.

“Earlier, people had more dedication and were more committed to their jobs. I used to work for years with minimum wage without jumping from a company to another,” he explains.

After a quick research, we learn that the minimum wage for a driver – or any Omani – in the private industry is RO325. In retrospect, an expat driver can earn anywhere between RO100 and RO250.

Haitham tells us that he opted for expat designers due to the “lack of experienced Omanis” in the field.

“I can get an Omani designer, but he will most likely be a fresh graduate. But, I pay my designers RO300 and I train them on a yearly basis. This, of course, means that my company is stable.

“I cannot afford to let them work for a competitor,” he explains.

But, much like Saeed al Farsi, Haitham also reveals that he would hire Omanis if the MoM were to implement an NOC-rule for Omanis.

“I don’t mind training Omanis for the job. The only concern I have is if they will stay. The general trend is for them to jump ship after a few months of work for a better opportunity.

“I recently lost my public-relations officer when he got offered a job with a better pay with a private organisation, in Al Amerat,” he adds.

The NOC-rule, however, is not only supported by Omanis.

John Joseph, an Indian expat, who co-owns a medium-scale engineering firm that operates in the petroleum industry in Oman, says: “The NOC may be a bane for the employees, here. But, given the market that we operate in, it is a blessing.

“My words

It is only fair to include both Omanis and expatriates under a unified law because employers do hesitate to employ Omanis due to the immunity they have by the law

AUG 10 - 16 / ISSUE 482

023

Q & A WITH SIMON WARD – Partner at law firm Curtis, Mallet-Prevost

Q: IS AN EMPLOYER LEGALLY REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A NO-OBJECTION CERTIFICATE (NOC) AFTER THE END OF A CONTRACT TERM, SUCH AS TWO YEARS? A: No, there is no such requirement.

Q: IF THE EMPLOYEE IS NOT PROVIDED WITH AN NOC, CAN HE/SHE CHALLENGE IT? IF SO, CAN HE/SHE TAKE THE EMPLOYER TO COURT? IS THIS A DIFFICULT/COSTLY PROCESS THAT THEY RISK NOT WINNING? A: No, an employer cannot be compelled to provide an NOC under the law. In ordinary circumstances, any complaint to the courts would almost certainly fail.

Q: IS AN EMPLOYER LEGALLY BOUND TO PROVIDE AN NOC IF THEY LET GO OF AN EMPLOYEE DUE TO BUDGET CUTS? A: No, there is no legal requirement to do so. We are not aware of any case where the court, when considering a claim against termination due to redundancy, has ordered that an NOC be granted.

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may come across as insensitive. But I’m a businessman, and I have to take care of my company.

“You see, if one of my skilled engineers were to leave my company with a release and an NOC, then he will most likely join one of my competitors. That will completely put my company on the back foot.

“He or she will most likely leak out sensitive company information, too.

“In a market like that of Dubai, there are hundreds of players in one industry so switching jobs will not affect as much as it will here.

“In Oman, we only have 12 direct players in the industry that I operate in.

And if my staff were to move over to one of them, the chances of it affecting me are higher.”

John also points out that the NOCrule, coupled with the difficulty of securing visas for expats has led to the employment of more Omanis. He boasts an Omanisation rate of 32 per cent.

But has this law really benefited Omanisation?

According to the government’s latest figures (released in 2016), more than 1,824,282 expatriate workers currently reside in Oman.

The Omanisation rate in the private sector is roughly 12 per cent, according to statistics revealed by the National Centre of Statistics and Information (NCSI).

Moreover, the expat employment grew by 9.3 per cent in 2016, as opposed to a rise of 6.4 per cent in the hiring of Omani workforce, in the private sector.

“An increase is an increase,” says Jameel al Bulushi, the owner of a chain of restaurants, in Muscat and Al Amerat; commenting on the increase in Omanis in private sector jobs.

“I don’t understand why we’re making a big fuss about the NOC. I have not felt the

pinch to keep my staff from leaving. If someone wants to leave, let them.

“I would like ask business owners here one question: do you think an unhappy employee will give you 100 per cent of their effort?”

“If money is an issue, deduct the visa fees from their salary for one month, and let them leave. The NOC-rule is against their well-being. I’ve heard countless cases of companies using employees – it’s horrible,” he exclaims.

“Are we all such heartless people?” he asks.

Jameel believes that the key to solving the NOC issue is to let employees make a decision after they have completed a contract with their employer.

“After two years, an employee most likely will want to switch jobs. I know that because I was an employee for 20 years. I cannot keep count of the number of jobs I switched to during that period of time,” he says.

This idea is also shared by the assistant general manager and head of SME business at Ahli Bank, Azzan Al Saleh.

He says: “An expat employee should be allowed to decide where he or she wants to work after finishing a two-year contract.

“I think the NOC-law should be eased in in a way that an employee can move freely upon finishing a contract.

He adds that business owners should work on keeping their staff through ‘incentives’.

“It is only fair to include both Omanis and expatriates under a unified law because employers do hesitate to employ Omanis due to the immunity they have by the law,” al Saleh explains.

“This will eventually boost Omanisation and ensure the expat labour force a freedom of movement,” he adds.

Extending his support to employees in Oman is Abdul Rahman al Adawi, the owner of a small gaming arcade.

“The rule does not harm all SMEs. It depends on the enterprise.

“To me, I would never stop a staff member from joining another company.

“But for other establishments; a restaurant, for example, losing a cook to a competitor can be harmful to the business,” he says.

Still, expatriates are afraid there is no one to listen to their woes.

Agreeing to speak to Y, on condition of anonymity, is a chef for a top restaurant in Oman.

“I have been meaning to leave my restaurant for months now for a better offer from within Muscat.

“And from the day I put down my papers, the company has been threatening to terminate me without the possibility of an NOC.

“They even slashed my salary

by RO120,” he says in a broken tone.

“Thanks to this, my family gets less money every month. Not being able to give them enough money has been haunting me for months now,” he says, before he breaks down.

Expressing his frustration to Y is Oliver J*, an employee of a communications company in Oman.

“There must be some form of a reprieve for employees,” he tells.

“I love this country from the bottom of my heart.

“But, at this point of time, the government is treating employee rights like two sides of a coin… no wait! They’re treating it like one side of a coin. And that’s the side of the employers.” *Name changed to protect identity

I think the NOClaw should be eased in in a way that an employee can move freely upon finishing a contract.

He adds that business owners should work on keeping their staff through ‘incentives’

AUG 17 - 23 / ISSUE 483

025

Deciding to get your car’s paint protected is the best gift you can give your car

L U F I T U A E B Y D O B

E M O UR S T YO A S ER K O MP O L PA S A TO M O AYS MER H T W M N I L SU V A AL ECI THIS SP AR C

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E H T

S

o it’s summer time and you’re huddled inside the comforts of your home. You’ve got your friends to keep you company and your air conditioner to cool the temperature all the way down to 18-degrees-Celsius from the scorching 45-degrees sun outside.

Rich, isn’t it?

Things only get better when you finally give up your television remote and ascend from your sofa to head outside. Of course, you’ve got your fancy car to take you wherever you want, and again, in air-conditioned comfort.

So, why bother about anything else, right?

Wrong!

You see, just like how you must protect yourself from the heat and sunshine (ultra-violet [UV] rays), your car needs to be kept away from them, too.

And that’s not all, even particles of dust and sand; bird droppings; petrol leakage from your fuel cap; dirty wash clothes and tar can affect the paint on your precious car.

There’s no denying that nothing draws the attention of a bystander than a dazzling and shiny car. But, to keep things sparkly, a lot of work has to go into the paint of the car.

And when it comes to paint protection, you can either take things into your own hands, or leave it to the professionals.

We decided on the latter. And to get a clearer idea on how we can protect the paint on our car, I made a trip to one of Oman’s best car detailing companies – ProTech Monte-Carlo.

“Deciding to get your car’s paint protected is the best gift you can give your car,” says Mehdi Murtadha al Lawati, the owner of ProTech Monte-Carlo in Oman.

“The temperature and conditions in Oman are very much against the paint of your car so it would be wise for you to invest in protecting it.

“Also, a majority of cars coming straight from showrooms have scratches on them. You just cannot see them with the naked eye,” he adds, before taking me on a tour of his showroom.

Walking around the showroom is like a dream come true for a car enthusiast. It has everything from expensive Bentleys to Porsches and Ferraris.

But, Mehdi explains that ProTech paint protection and ProTech paint protection film aren’t just for exotic supercars.

The price range for paint protection on your car can start from RO400, and paint protection films can cost anywhere between RO2,000 and RO4,000, depending on the size of the car.

So, what are the advantages of ProTech paint protection?

The ProTech Monte-Carlo paint treatment creates a strong additional protective barrier against any external attack that could damage the paint. It is a proven defence against the dramatic effect on the paint of UV rays, acid rain, hard water, salt residues, etc.

By adding a layer of coating on the car, you will effectively bring a brighter shine that will improve on the original gloss of the paint and bring out deeper colours, especially on cars with metallic paint. This will also provide a silky touch effect when you rub your hands down the treated paint surfaces. Above all, it makes it easy to clean your car.

ProTech products are manufactured in France, and the products all comply to the ISO 9001 quality standards.

How long does the application take and what are the steps to protecting the paint on your car?

It takes numerous dedicated hours to complete the work on one car, explains Mehdi. The products are

exclusively applied by trained and certified technicians.

It begins with a deep cleaning and decontaminating of all surfaces.

This ensures that no dust remains on the surface.

After this, the condition of the paint is evaluated. This is followed by the paint correction process. This involves preparing the car for the application of the protective layer.

The step creates a positive electrostatic charge, which contributes to the adherence of the next layer.

Finally, the protective layer is applied. This stage takes the most amount of time.

To get to grips about why paint protection is not offered on all cars as standard, Mehdi says: “It’s the time constraint. Cars are mass products, and they have to be quickly shipped to the owner.

“It takes at least 20 to 40 hours to properly work on the paint of a car. And they cannot afford to take that much time.

“Even bespoke cars come with scratches because they are handmade. This means the chances of you having a car with scratches is high. We aim to reduce and finally correct it for the customer.

What more can I do for my car?

If you’re interested to protect your car from debris, scratches and stone chips, then you can also opt for the CrystGard paint protection film. This is a hydrophobic self-healing (yes, you heard that right) paint protection film that will protect your car with a thick – but invisible – layer of acrylic polymer.

This means all unwanted foreign objects will not strike the paint directly, thereby decreasing the chances for you to take a trip down to the dealer for an expensive re-paint.

You can also opt for a Titan X Cool N Lite window film that will protect your vehicle from the harmful UV rays from the sun.

This will also cool the interior of the car substantially and reduce the load on your car’s air conditioner.

Mehdi says: “We love our cars like we love our wives. And that’s why we take care of them.

“Thankfully, a lot of people are now opting to do the complete ProTech paint protection and paint protection film package to keep the shine on their car. This means that their cars remain younger and glossier for longer.

“At the end of the day, a car is your status symbol,” he adds.

mani

shortlisted

in top GCC poll Oil and gas entrepreneur Qais al Khonji has become one of the Gulf’s top movers and shakers.

Hasan al Lawati met him

O

mani businessman Qais al Khonji has been listed among the GCC’s top ten entrepreneurs in 2017 by Gulf Business.

He is the only Omani national on this year’s list, as published by the UAE-based magazine.

Nominees were chosen based on their company’s financial performance and the achievements of the person cited.

Thirty firms were asked for their audited revenue, and a shortlist of ten was compiled.

An online vote is ongoing on the magazine’s website to select the top entrepreneur from the 10 nominees.

Mr Al Khonji said: “It feels great to be the only Omani and I hope to see more Omanis on the list in the future.”

He said that many Omani entrepreneurs deserve to be recognised.

The 38-year-old is well-known for helping Omani citizens to set up their own businesses.

Being a board member of Sharakah, a government body that funds and supports start-ups, Mr Al Khonji said that at least 300 Omanis apply for SME ventures every six months.

“Around 30 to 35 per cent of them fulfil the requirements,” he said.

But Mr Al Khonji pointed out that, according to international studies, only one in ten projects is successful.

“However,” he said, “the chances of success in Oman are even

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tougher in its small market.”

Despite this, Mr Al Khonji is optimistic about the future of SMEs in Oman.

“I feel that the market is growing and the mindset of young Omanis about starting businesses is positively changing but it will take some time for them to mature.”

To Mr Al Khonji, entrepreneurship is about taking risks and trial-and-error.

“I started a couple of ventures in 2010 that did not make it.

Nevertheless, it was a good experience for me and it helped me to get to where I am today,” he said.

Mr Al Khonji’s first steps in the business world were through starting a training consultancy.

“I found out later that it was not the right place in which to start and went straight away into the oil and gas sector.”

He is encouraging businessmen to start ventures in that field.

“It is a very profitable sector; it requires taking risks but the return is heavy. However, it takes lots of investment and at least four years to break even,” he said.

When asked if start-ups can boost employment rates in Oman, Mr Al Khonji said: “I do think employment in Oman has improved when compared to the last five to seven years.

“The evidence is that the population of expatriates is now almost equal to the Omani population, and that is a sign that the employment process has been eased up to the maximum.”

MY PLAN IS TO EXPAND LOCALLY AND TO HAVE A SOLID GROUND IN OMAN BUT WE ARE LOOKING FOR ANY JOINT-VENTURE IN THE REGION BECAUSE WE HAVE THE KNOW-HOW AND EXPERTISE TO ACHIEVE THE SAME SUCCESS ON A BIGGER SCALE

Mr Al Khonji set up GENESIS Projects & Investments LLC in 2013.

Using Iranian and Indian technology, the Omani company provides core laboratory tests to produce reports in order to enhance oil production. It also offers lube analysis to help oil machinery perform more effectively.

Mr Al Khonji also has another business, GENESIS International, a company that makes equipment to sell for educational purposes.

He is also the founder of Entrepreneurs’ Organisation (EO) in Oman, which has 50 members. EO is a global, peer-to-peer network of more than 12,000 influential business owners.

Talking about his forthcoming plans, Mr Al Khonji said: “My plan is to expand locally and to have a solid ground in Oman but we are looking for any joint-venture in the region because we have the know-how and expertise to achieve the same success on a bigger scale.”

AUG 17 - 23 / ISSUE 483

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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

• KIMS Oman Hospital • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Bakery • Shell Petrol Station

Al Falaj/Rex Road • Al Falaj Hotel • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Golden Oryx Restaurant • Kamat Restaurant • Toshiba Showroom Ghala • National Mineral Water Ghubra • Al Hayat International Hospital • Al Maya Hypermarket • Bank of Beirut • Costa Coffee • Crêpe Café • GMC Showroom • LuLu Hypermarket • Moka & More • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Park Inn • Porsche Showroom • Al Raffah Hospital • Stationery Hut • The Chedi Muscat Al Hail • Burger King • Caledonian College

of Engineering • Markaz Al Bahja Mall • McDonald’s • Omantel • Starcare Hospital Al Khoudh • Al Fair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Pizza Hut Al Khuwair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Bait Al Reem Mall • Caffè Vergnano • Centrepoint (Splash) • Diplomatic Club • Grand Hyatt Muscat • Harley-Davidson Showroom • HSBC • KFC • SPAR • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Landmark Group

• 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

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Gaming

CARS AND ADVENTURES

24K MAGIC

The Mercedes-Benz C 63S AMG is the feistiest contender to have come from the Stuttgart stables. –P34

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

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

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

Y- F i

Gaming

Destination

Al Amerat

Wildlife Reserve Shaquel al Balushi treads carefully around an area near a Bedouin enclave but finds it no less rewarding for all that 032

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wildlife that I was hoping to capture with my camera.

It wasn’t what you would get to see by veteran broadcaster and naturalist – David Attenborough – from the BBC’s award- winning show, The Life.

But, it still was a start.

Capturing wildlife is difficult, especially when you’re exploring alone. You would need to camp for hours, with a camera crew set on multiple locations, to capture some stunning shots.

Sadly, that wasn’t the case, today.

I could spot a few donkeys and a flock of birds.

The birds seemed like they were eagles, but were too swift for me to snap (sigh).

Driving farther, I came across footprints of another animal. Again, I couldn’t spot the animal at first. But as I drove down, I caught a glimpse of it hiding behind the bushes. It seemed like a jackal at first but I wouldn’t be surprised if it were a sand cat.

However, golden jackals are quite common in this part of the world. Of late, though, they have been known to be hiding out in caves and other mountainous terrain to protect themselves from humans.

Speaking of humans, a few kilometres down the path, I came across an old, beaten down house. It would have been at the very least 30 years old.

But, fearing that I was intruding into the tenant’s personal space, I made a hasty retreat.

I was also a tad afraid that I would be in trouble with them if I had inadvertently crossed into their domain.

Bedouins are known to be very protective of their homes, and it would be wise if you didn’t disturb them while travelling around the outskirts of Oman. Do note that this is also the case with Bedouins outside the country. But from my experience, those in Oman are actually very friendly and hospitable.

In any case, driving down further, I re-joined the highway that leads to Al Amerat. And, without haste, I drove back home armed with images of another location, and possibly a potential story for a future story on animal life, in Y. My detour wasn’t so bad after all, right?

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

H

ow often do you set out to undertake a task and completely change your mind half-way through it? Well, frequently, right? At least, that has been the case with me, and many of my friends, family and colleagues.

Ever-changing plans are part and parcel of our lives, or so it seems.

Well, the reason I bring that up is because of my recent Destination trip. You see, after years of travelling around the Sultanate, looking out for places that I can visit to photograph for the magazine, I came across a dry patch.

I did not know where to go (!) No, really.

And after much time pondering a location that I could head to, I decided to take my Jeep and simply go for a long drive. My idea was that I would stumble upon someplace interesting on my way.

There’s always something interesting to check out, here, in Oman. Believe me, I’m not hoodwinking.

But, it was on my way that I realised that I hadn’t been to Huqum for a few months. It is a beautiful location with some stunning mountain views and a relatively temperate climate (than the underlying capital city).

So, locked and loaded from the local store with adequate water and food supplies, I began my journey to the enchanting town of Huqum.

Fifteen-odd kilometres into my journey, however, I stumbled upon something I had never seen before. It was a board that pointed towards an ‘animal wildlife reserve’.

I never knew that it existed; and I thought it would be best to stop by the location, and scout for some wildlife while I was at it. Huqum then, was off my list of plans for the day.

The reserve was deserted and devoid of any human elements. The only way I could make out that I was heading down the right path was through the beaten down path that I was driving on.

Still, I persevered.

For the first hour or so of my journey, I didn’t come across anything interesting. It was just sand and mountains. But driving deeper revealed the

While heading from the capital, take the turn towards Al Amerat and proceed onwards to Huqum.

En route -roughly 10kms into the journey -you will come across a board that points towards the wildlife reserve at Al Amerat.

Make sure you are armed with adequate water and food supplies, and an SUV to take the nature’s beatings.

GPS location of the Al Amerat wildlife reserve: 23°20’33.1”N 58°22’54.9”E

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MERCEDES-BENZ C 63S AMG COUPÉ

FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

A class C coupe gets the AMG treatment while retaining sleek, classic looks. Y’s motoring expert Alvin Thomas gets behind the wheel

G

erman car engineers are extremely fascinating: they’re an extremely systematic and efficient bunch of people, with inordinate vision. No, really! They really are the best at what they do, and the statistics are right by their side.

Thanks to this over-the-top attention to detail, German car manufacturers are on top of their game, currently.

Don’t believe me? Volkswagen snagged the world’s largest automaker title from Toyota and General Motors last year.

Now, if that isn’t a feat, I don’t know what is.

But, I’m not here to talk about Volkswagen. I’m here to talk about another German flagship – Mercedes-Benz – which is now the world’s largest luxury carmaker.

Weirdly, however, the vehicle I tested this week – the Mercedes-Benz C 63S AMG Coupé – did not

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exhibit German traits at all. As a matter of fact, this has to be the most non-German car I have driven, to hail from the stables in Stuttgart.

No! I don’t intend it to be a pejorative statement.

I just think the C 63S AMG is a very, very amusing car to drive and live with. And “amusing” isn’t a word you can casually tag along with most German cars; even those hooligan AMG-powered SUVs and sedans.

This then, is the brainchild of German engineers, who were permitted (after much argument, I presume) to go bonkers with their project.

This, my friends, is a real muscle car. Americans, take note; because, it’s time for a real shakedown.

Let’s start with the looks: The C 63S AMG coupe looks remarkable. With its C-Class-inspired headlamps, gaping front air intakes and overly-wide footprint, the coupe looks and feels muscular.

There’s not much going on at the sides; although, this is where things become a little more apparent.

The narrow but long windows; pillar-less doors and the swooping roofline do a good job setting apart the coupe from its sedan siblings.

Oh, and the ornamental chrome strip on the side skirt and the blacked-out 18-spoke 46cms ably break the paleness in my white test car.

Meanwhile, the tail-lights are taken straight from the S-Class coupe but it is shorter and taller than the former. The AMG-treatment also adds chisels to the rear bumper to reveal two functional air vents, a small carbon-fibre lip spoiler, quad chrome-tipped exhaust tips, and a colossal rear diffuser.

All very good, but there’s no denying it would take a trainspotter to identify the difference between a regular C250 AMG Line and a C 63S AMG

Coupé. Still, the uniqueness transcends any criticism you can put forward about the design of this car.

Much of this translates to the interior, too. It’s modern, with mostly premium materials and genuine leather upholstery, but the metallic and the carbon-fibre trim bits take the cake. Even the bottom panels in the cabin are finished in high-quality red-coloured plastics.

Stepping inside the cabin, you are treated to Mercedes’ traditional analog gauge cluster, with a small digital information display in the centre. I would have appreciated it if they had chucked in the S-Class’ digital instrument cluster; but hey, certain bits have to remain

Destination

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

Y- F i

exclusive.

Oh, and you better be prepared to take swift action You still get a slick and easy to use 18cms wide when you lose traction. multimedia screen. Of course, you can control it using The gearbox – a seven-speed dual clutch automatic – Mercedes’ ridiculously glossy touchpad. can handle all the heavy-duty grunt. It is also intuitive, The seats are very comfortable but supportive at the selecting the right gears at the right time. Of course, you same time. The bolstering – as with all AMG cars – is can take control of the shifts via the steering-mounted aggressive, especially on the shoulders and hips, to keep paddle shifters. The shifts are lightning-quick, visceral and you in check while cornering hard. Still, you should be controlled, with very little jerks. able to take long hours of driving without too much The marriage of this engine, gearbox and largelydiscomfort. bespoke chassis means the C 63 AMG Coupé now feels There’s plenty of leg and headroom upfront, and the supercar-like in terms of acceleration. Granted, the rear can seat two average-sized adults in comfort. The accompanying exhaust grunt and burble, which can be seats are smaller than what you would find in the C 63S amplified with the push of a button, is what sets this car AMG sedan (duh!) but they’re nicer than what you would apart from its rivals – the BMW M4 and the find in the latter. Knee and head-room is quite Audi RS4. decent for a coupe, but getting in and out of the car It rides fairly smooth for a sports coupe in will require some acrobatics.

‘Comfort’ mode, but firms up THE MERCEDES-BENZ C 63S to reveal a brutal ride in ‘Sport’, The boot is very sizeable for a AMG COUPÉ IS LIKE YOUR car of this class, although my tester ‘Sport+’ and ‘Race’ modes.

PERFECT DOG: IT WILL PLAY came with a space-saver wheel, Mind you, it still is comparable to, WITH YOU, CHEER YOU UP say, a Ferrari 488 GTB in comfort which took a substantial amount WHEN YOU’RE LOW AND of space. so it’s not all that unbearable; GIVE YOU COMPANY WHEN all thanks to the “AMG RIDE Underneath the hood lies an YOU’RE ALONE. BUT, IF AND CONTROL” adaptive suspension.

AMG-fired, hand-built 4.0-litre WHEN YOU’RE ATTACKED twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Yes, The latter three modes also remap

BY AN INTRUDER, IT WILL it renders the ‘63’ badge redundant, the throttle response, gearshifts and STAND UP FOR YOU AND RIP the steering wheel’s sensitivity. In my but, fret not, for the new motor – THEIR FACE APART which replaces the highly regarded limited time behind the wheel of the 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 car, I could push the car to its limits engine from previous years – pumps out 510hp and in ‘Race’ mode – a privilege not everyone gets.

700Nms of torque (from just 1750rpm!)

I cannot lie: it comes alive in corners thanks to its stiff The way the torque is served up to you is staggering. chassis (and that limited-slip differential), which aids in the There’s very little in the line of turbo-lag, and the kick car stepping out and into a bout of drift even before you from the turbochargers is adequate to spin the superstomp on the throttle pedal. sticky and wide 285/30 Continental tyres… at any speed!

Of course, you can continue to poke it with a stick and As a matter of fact, wheel spin and counter steer (if you pull its rear out farther by feathering the throttle or the switch ‘off ’ the electronic systems) will be quite a common strong (and linear) brakes. occurrence while driving this car.

Although, I must warn you: your name would have to start with ‘Lewis’ and end with ‘Hamilton’ – at the very least – if you were to tame this car.

Gaming

CARS

Mercedes-Benz C 63S AMG Coupé Specifications: Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 Transmission: Seven-speed dualclutch automatic Horsepower: 510hp Torque: 700Nm Top speed: 250kph (limited) Rear-wheel drive Rear sensors and camera Leather upholstery Carbon-fibre elements Traction control 3-Stage stability control AMG Ride Control suspension AMG Dynamic Select Performance exhaust system Collision Prevention Assist Burmester surround sound

Without the traction and stability systems switched ‘on’ you will almost certainly spin out and end up in a cloud of your own smoke (set into motion by your spinning tyres). But, the systems are intuitive, often kicking in (overly in Comfort mode) to save you from slipping out in a corner.

This, in ‘Comfort’ mode can result in understeer but, let’s face it: you will not be driving this at a racetrack, so it’s not all that bad.

Never in a million years would I have thought that the C 63S AMG Coupé – with its new forcefully-induced engine and new chassis – would be a superior rival to the BMW M4, than its loudmouthed predecessor.

But it is, and that’s what makes this car all the more special. You see, unlike the BMW M4, the C 63S AMG isn’t just about devouring corners on a racetrack with precision; it’s about having fun on a track, and then driving back home with a smile on your face.

In many ways then, the Mercedes-Benz C 63S AMG Coupé is like your perfect dog: it will play with you, cheer you up when you’re low and give you company when you’re alone. But, if and when you’re attacked by an intruder, it will stand up for you and rip their face apart.

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CARS ADVENTURES STUNNING SEOUL The colourful Gyeongbokgung Palace, in Seoul, is a paradise for tourists. For a relatively small land, South Korea has so much to offer

1. Book a temple stay to enjoy a spiritual experience.

2- Buy some cute anime figures at Myeongdong and some high-tech souvenirs.

3- Eat from the popular food stalls and themed cafes 4- Visit the massive museums in Seoul to learn about the country’s war history.

5- Take long trips using South Korea’s renowned metro system.

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Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Hasan al Lawati recommends

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA W

hether you’re alone or with friends and family, South Korea would be your perfect oneweek holiday getaway.

And being an Omani, I do not need a visa to fly to Seoul; a privilege that I made sure to luxuriate in when I planned my annual leave.

The moment I arrived at its massive airport, I surrendered to the city’s charm.

South Korea is one of the most advanced countries in the world and is home to tech giants, Samsung and car manufacturing giants Kia and Hyundai.

But despite its ever-expanding businesses and innovations, tourists can enjoy an authentic taste of life around every street corner.

Beautifully-made handicrafts, adorable calligraphy shops and theme cafes, bustling old-school arcades and lots of street-food stalls can be seen in every district.

For a relatively small land (one third the size of Oman), South Korea has so much to offer. Adventurers can enjoy endless options of activities during summer, spring and autumn (winter may be too cold to handle).

Famous for its pop culture and modern fashion, South Korea is a wonderland for shopaholics.

Myeongdong is the biggest shopping hotspot in Seoul and one of its most touristic attractions.

I remember stopping for a cup of coffee at a cat cafe (Yes, it was full of cats) and then enjoying a cheap barbecued chicken at a food stall in Myeongdong, before my female friends decided to “explore” at least 20 cosmetic shops there.

But for the more culture-savvy visitors, South Korea has a lot of history that is visible all across the land.

I took an early morning trip to the DMZ, a border land where I learnt about South Korea’s dark political history with its northern neighbour.

I walked inside a very low-ceiling tunnel which was built by the North Koreans under the most heavily militarised borders in the world to attack Seoul.

I remember banging my helmet against the tunnel’s rocky ceiling more than ten times while my shorter friends gracefully weaved their way through the tunnel.

The guide told me later that the average North Korean’s height is too low compared to the international average.

But the highlight of the trip was my stay. Given the wide array of accommodation options in South Korea, I decided to book for the first time through Airbnb, an online marketplace and hospitality service.

I booked a small, barely furnished room inside a traditional Korean house where I could immerse myself in the rich, local culture.

The people were very welcoming but communication was hard and funny because most of them couldn’t speak English and I couldn’t even say ‘hi’ in Korean.

When it comes to transportation, South Korea sets an example to the world.

Seoul is known to be the most connected city in the world and that is essentially owed to its brilliant metro system.

It is affordable, safe, and culturally rich. For sure, it was one of my most unforgettable trips!

My favourite place Very hard to choose but I will go with the DMZ. Highlights NANTA Kitchen Show, it is a weirdly funny musical cooking show. A must-attend if you are in Seoul.

Lowlights People do not speak English.

Souvenirs Cute wooden handicrafts from Insadong.

Getting there There are no direct flights between Muscat and Seoul but Oman Air and Korean Air fly indirectly

from Muscat to Seoul. Oman Air stops in Abu Dhabi and its whole trip takes around 22 hours while Korea Air’s total trip is around 15 hours and stops first in Mumbai.

Where to stay

GYEON

GBOKG UNG PA LACE CHERR W IT H Y BLOS SOM

NAMDAEM

T UN MARKE

Y O N G IN EVERL METR IN E O P O L IT AN SU BWAY

Bukchon Hanok village is the quietest, most historical place to stay in. Highly recommended.

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

ROAD TRIPPING

Is it time to hit the road again? With summer vacations still in full swing you’ll need the best gadgets around to help with everything from navigation to planning. Matthew Herbst helps to make your next road trip a hassle-free experience VIEWFINDER Here is a gadget that will make you a happy traveller without a doubt. Snapchat (now Snap)’s new video recording glasses called Spectacles are here, and the product is not just cool and goodlooking ,but it also protects your eyes from the glaring sun. Despite all that, its main function is to record snaps of your day and sync them straight to your Snapchat Memories.

The eyewear comes in three colours (black, coral, and teal), and has a small camera built into the frame, allowing users to capture 10-second clips all hands-free. The bright yellow case doubles up as a portable battery charger and includes a USB cable. Brilliant. At www.spectacles.com from RO64

THE WHEEL DEAL Finding the best carry-on luggage for your next trip depends on your personal style and needs. So why not opt for a practical, stylish and fun accessory like the Micro 3in1 Luggage Scooter that helps active travellers to move around swiftly should they want to? Even cooler is that it doubles as a kickboard scooter that also has Bluetooth Sound2Go speakers incorporated for listening to your favourite tunes while gliding your way around. Carrying your luggage will never be the same again! At amazon. com from RO99.50

TO THE RESCUE Inspired by disaster rescue and recovery operations, goTenna has been designed to keep Android or iOS devices connected even when there is no cellular service. This makes it the ideal companion for desert and mountain trips. It is made of rugged materials and uses Bluetooth-LE to pair with any smartphone. This bit of kit allows users to share messages and location info instantly within a range of up to 50 miles in ideal conditions. Stay safe and go and explore without fear. At amazon.com from RO57

IN THE LIGHT

EDITOR’S PICK

IF YOU’RE OUT IN THE STICKS AND NEED A SMART AND SUSTAINABLE SOURCE OF LIGHT FOR YOUR ADVENTURES, THEN THE LUMINAID IS JUST FOR YOU. CHARGE IT UP FOR AROUND 6-7 HOURS IN THE SUN, AND LET THIS INNOVATIVE INFLATABLE LAMP GUIDE YOUR PATH FOR UP TO 16 HOURS. IT’S PORTABLE, WATERPROOF, AND WEIGHS JUST A MERE 56 GRAMMES. AT AMAZON.COM FROM RO8

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Best upcoming PS4 games

App of the Week

A couple of modern takes on classics has Alvin Thomas reeling for more SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS Sony’s PlayStation E3 event is a haven for gamers all over the world: all the top gaming titles are disclosed to the masses, there. It’s little wonder then that the Shadow of the Colossus garnered a lot of attention when it was revealed last month, thereby making it the biggest unveil at the event. The game is an adaptation from the 2005 classic (with the same title), and is expected to feature abundant giant beasts and jaw-dropping graphics – at least from what we saw in the footage. Keep your eyes open for this one.

Release date: 2018 Platform: PS4 Publisher: Japan Studio

ROADTRIPPERS Roadtrippers for both iOS and Android is a useful resource for road trip planning. It can help users find everything from restaurants, dives to hotels, national parks, roadside attractions and many other scenic points of interest. You can now plan trips in the app or alternatively on its web portal, allowing you to save locations and stops into the trip plan which you can sync across multiple devices for quick reference. Free at iTunes.com

THE LAST OF US PART II If you’re into narrative-styled actionadventure survival horror gaming titles (yes, that’s actually a genre), then this is the game for you. No lies! It's trailer – when revealed at the E3 2017 – evoked goosebumps, and even tears from some loyalists (!) It’s still early in development, but the gameplay footage and the narrative bits are sensational, to say the least. Certain characters (who we shall not name) make a return for this sequel, and should keep the storyline very much in line with the preceding title. But, fret not: the developers say that the story is “really worth telling, and that's not repeating itself”.

BEYOND GOOD AND EVIL 2

Release date: TBC PS4 exclusive: Yes Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Fifteen years is too late for a sequel. Heck, it’s a decade and a half of absence from the limelight. But, that has not dampened the anticipation or eagerness from fans. Ubisoft’s latest title revolves around inter-galactic communication and interaction. It’s a generic genre, we know; one that has been tried and tested numerous times. This being Ubisoft, you can also expect ground-breaking graphics and a quirky storyline. We’ll spend hours on this game; no questions asked.

Release date: 2018 Platform: PS4, but also on Xbox One and PC Publisher: Ubisoft JULY AUG 0317 - 23 09 / ISSUE 483 327

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HEALTH& BEAUTY THE TOUGH FORMALS

A modern-day woman’s wardrobe essential is a crisp suit in which she will feel fashion-forward and comfortable to take on the world, like this elegant suit from Next.

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

k o o L e h

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

T t Ge

There are a few fashion essentials that are basics and must-haves. This white shirt with puff sleeves from Debenhams is a must-have for the everyday modern woman. Buy it at RO3.5

Wondering what to wear for that big board meeting? This satin patch blazer from Debenhams is the solution.

It’s a perfect piece in which to win over the meeting. Buy it at RO10

Feel easy, classy and bossy in these striped trousers from River Island. Pair them with a classic white or black shirt and you’re ready to roll. Buy them at RO23

Feeling a little fashion-forward or edgy, today? Then this striped full-sleeved shirt from M&Co is the shirt for you. Buy it for RO10.

Nothing beats a pair of good black shoes, especially in the boardroom. But a fashionista likes you needs embellished kitten heels. Buy these pretty shoes from New Look.

It a Thursday and many of us want to keep it casual and light. But all we have are just shirts or glamorous tops. This white-ribbed corset tee from Miss Selfridge is the Thursday fashion you need. Buy it at RO8

The contents of a woman’s handbag are a mystery to every man. Keep the mystery up with this tote from Accessorize.

Buy it at RO12.5

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

THE OUTER LIMITS As autumn approaches, Y offers seven tips on how to keep your skin beautiful in cool weather

W

hen temperatures plummet, a seasonal wardrobe change helps protect most of your body from the elements. However, your face and hands will still be exposed, and even areas protected by clothing can be affected by a harsh climate.

An autumn skin-care regime can help ensure your delicate features fare well even as blustery winds blow.

Sunscreen smarts Most people know that slathering on the sunscreen is a must when heading to the pool or beach, but your skin can actually take a hit from the sun’s damaging rays all year round. Apply a sunscreen lotion or moisturiser containing SPF daily to reduce the risk and minimise your chances of sun spots and wrinkles.

Healthy hydration When it’s hot, you’re more likely to feel thirsty and drink more, but staying well hydrated is important in colder weather, too.

Proper hydration affects numerous body functions, such as ensuring your muscles and joints are well-lubricated and helping your body to regulate its temperature. Water is the 042

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solution most experts recommend, but nonsugary options like tea can also help.

Food factors Although limiting the amount of fat you consume is generally recommended for a nutritious eating plan, in the autumn and winter it’s especially important to be sure you’re consuming enough healthy fats and Omega-3s to promote moisture from the inside out. Good sources include eggs, nuts, avocados and lean proteins like fish, turkey, chicken and beef.

Clothing concerns Even if you don’t feel the chill, cold wind can do a number on your skin. Be sure to cover up adequately when outdoors to prevent the chapping and irritation that can come from sustained exposure. Also be wary of precipitation; be sure your outer layers repel water and that you can change into dry clothing promptly if you do get wet.

Ample exercise Getting your heart rate up helps get your blood circulating, which is not only good for burning calories and beefing up your muscles, it also promotes healthy skin. Sweating helps

push impurities out of your pores, and the increased circulation helps distribute nutrients throughout your body, including the skin.

Avoid irritants Especially if you have sensitive skin, cool wind can be brutal. Take care to avoid potential problems by sticking to softly textured fabrics that won’t get itchy.

Take it easy on the exfoliating and be mindful of skin care products, soaps and detergents that may be particularly drying to already parched skin. Also skip the temptation to warm up in a hot shower, which can dry your skin even further.

Manage moisture Even oilier skin types may need extra moisture when dry, cold conditions prevail. Oil-free options let you add moisture without over-stimulating oil glands, while natural oils such as coconut or jojoba are ideal for dryer skin. Apply a lotion after every shower to trap in moisture and as needed throughout the day to prevent chapping and cracking, and give special attention to areas that are prone to damage, such as your lips and hands. Find more ways to weather through this winter at eLivingToday.com.

Four Ways to Perfect a Carefree Style

A carefree style may appear effortless, but creating a look that stands up to a busy day still requires some simple work.

Keep your skin in top condition and your hair and makeup on point with these tips from the beauty experts at US department store Macy’s to help you look and feel your best.

Protect your skin If there’s only one skin care product you use, it has to be sunscreen. Not only is daily SPF important for avoiding sunburn, it also helps prevent wrinkles and spots caused by sun damage. Apply early and often, and don’t be fooled by a cloudy day. Even when skies are overcast, those UV rays can inflict plenty of harm.

If you’ll be out for an extended period, consider a stylish hat to lend extra protection to your scalp, ears and face. Also remember to cover or apply sunscreen to often-overlooked places, such as the tops of your feet.

Go for all-day eyes When you’re embracing a laid-back look, a fully done eye can be overkill. A basic tint and some mascara is a simple way to achieve a put-together but fuss-free style. Using a waterproof formula can give you the confidence that your lashes are in perfect condition and ready for whatever the day may bring. If you have a favourite formula, check to see whether a waterproof version is available.

Make it matte For lip colour that lasts from sunrise to moonlight, matte lipstick is the real deal. In addition to being longlasting, matte lipsticks pack an intense punch of colour perfect for a bright and cheerful lip. If a little sparkle or shine is more your thing, go ahead and add a light layer of clear gloss and give yourself bonus points if one layer or both include SPF. Explore new ideas Switch up your look and unlock new favourites with Macy’s Beauty Box, a (USD15) RO6 monthly subscription to beauty’s most wow-worthy products specially chosen by beauty experts. With a variety of products from the best brands ranging from eye shadows to mascaras and lipsticks, each month you’ll receive five deluxe beauty samples: one bonus item, a collectible cosmetics bag and a (USD5) RO2 beauty coupon available for use in-store and on macys.com.

Source: Family Features

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

Union with

THE DIVINE

A healthy and joyful pregnancy can be hard work but pre-natal yoga can bring many health benefits, says Dr Ashwini Gaddikeri, Specialist Gynaecologist at Burjeel Medical Center

Y

oga is a commonly-known generic term for the physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India with a view to attaining permanent peace.

It is practised in many different ways all over the world. Yoga has also been popularly defined as a “union with the divine”.

Apart from the spiritual goals, the physical postures of yoga are used to alleviate health problems, reduce stress and make the spine supple. Yoga is also used as a complete exercise programme and physical therapy routine.

Prenatal yoga is a multifaceted approach to exercise that encourages stretching, mental centring and focused breathing. Research suggests that prenatal yoga is safe and can have many benefits for pregnant women and their babies.

Research suggests that prenatal yoga can: ● Improve sleep ● Reduce stress and anxiety ● Increase the strength, flexibility and endurance of muscles needed for childbirth ● Decrease lower back pain, nausea, carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, headaches ● When paired with a cardiovascular exercise such as walking or swimming, yoga can be an ideal way to stay in shape during your pregnancy.

This age-old practice keeps you limber, tones your muscles, and improves your balance and circulation; with little, if any impact on your joints.

labour, birth, and motherhood. A regular yoga practice will help you fight the urge to tighten up when you feel pain, and show you how to relax instead.

Along these same lines, according to a report in the Harvard Mental Health Letter, rigorous studies have found scientific proof that yoga helps the body deal with stress by slowing heart and breathing rates and lowering blood pressure, which can benefit new mums after the baby is born, too.

As with any exercise, you need to take certain general precautions when you’re pregnant. ● Consult your obstetrician before starting Prenatal yoga can also help you meet and bond with other expectant mothers and prepare for the any form of exercise. ● Always have an instructor who is trained stress of being a new parent.

Being in a positive, supportive environment with in Prenatal Yoga. ● Keep yourself well hydrated. others can give you a regular emotional boost and ● Avoid overheating. Wear loose clothes. keep you motivated to continue exercising. ● Skip positions that stretch the abdominal Yoga also works because it helps you learn to muscles too much breathe deeply and relax, which will help during

● Discontinue at once if you experience pain in your abdomen or bleeding. Rush to your doctor immediately.

Prenatal yoga can be started from the time you become pregnant, and can be continued until the day of delivery. Have a joyful and a healthy pregnancy and afterwards…

For more information call 22085252 or email: info@bmcoman.com) Source: 1. Birdee, Gurjeet S. et al. Characteristics of Yoga Users: Results of a National Survey. Journal of General Internal Medicine. October 2008, Volume 23 Issue 10. p1653–1658 2. “Yoga could be good for heart disease. Simultaneous focus on body, breathing, and mind may be just what the doctor ordered”. (2010). Harvard Heart Letter: From Harvard Medical School, 21(3), 5. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

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Reviews

A FRESH START Delicious, wholesome ingredients are the centrepiece of breakfast dishes.

Check out our must-try recipes

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Y your last, our first,

YOUR EVERYTHING

F

Make breakfast at any time of the day with these nifty recipes

or those of you who think nothing of tucking into a bowl of honey nut cornflakes as an anytime snack, you’re onto a good thing.

Never mind the ‘breakfast of champions’. Foods typically eaten at breakfast time are often too scrummy to confine to the most important meal of the day.

So, if you’re a partial to a turkey bacon bagel and cream cheese for supper, then why not have it?

You really can give your meals a wake-up call because breakfast is

no longer just for mornings.

Delicious, wholesome ingredients are the centrepiece of breakfast dishes, and turkey bacon and turkey ham can lend mouthwatering flavour to breakfast dishes you can enjoy all day, any day.

Put a hearty spin on avocado toast or get creative with a proteinpacked breakfast bowl.

Find more recipes you can enjoy morning, noon and night at Smithfield.com.

Breakfast Avocado Toast with turkey bacon and turkey ham

Hearty Breakfast Bowl

Cook time: 30 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: § 12 slices turkey bacon § 454g Boneless Sliced turkey ham § 1.5-2 litres water § 1 lime, juiced § 1 cup freshly made or refrigerated, prepared guacamole § 4 large eggs § 4 thick slices seeded wholegrain bread, toasted golden brown freshly ground black pepper § 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or cilantro leaves Method: § Heat the oven to 190C. Lightly spray a baking rack and place on top of a foil-lined, rimmed baking tray. Separate the strips of the turkey bacon and lay flat in a single layer on the rack. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or just until crisp, rotating the pan halfway through cooking. Using the spatula, remove the bacon from the pan while warm and drain on paper towels. § While the turkey bacon is baking, lay the sliced turkey ham on a lightly sprayed, rimmed baking pan. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Keep the turkey bacon and turkey ham warm. § In a saucepot over a medium-high heat, heat the water and lime juice until simmering. Crack the eggs into small cups. Slowly add the eggs one-at-a-time to the pot and simmer for 4-5 minutes or until the whites are just set for a runny yolk or a little longer for a firmer yolk. Remove the eggs from the water with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel. § Spread the guacamole onto the toast, topping each one with sliced turkey ham, egg, pepper and turkey bacon. Sprinkle with parsley or cilantro and serve warm.

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: § 8 slices turkey bacon § 225g boneless turkey ham steaks, cubed § 3 cups cooked steel-cut Irish or traditional oatmeal § 3.3 litres water, divided § 454g fresh asparagus § 4 eggs § 2 cups fresh assorted berries § 1/2 cup walnuts § 1/3 cup pepitas (Spanish pumpkin seeds) Method: § Heat oven to 190C. § Lightly spray a baking rack and place on top of a foil-lined, rimmed baking pan. Separate strips of turkey bacon and lay flat on a single layer on rack. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until just crisp, rotating the pan

halfway through the cooking. Using the spatula, remove the turkey bacon from the pan while warm and drain on paper towels. Drain the fat from the pan. Place the turkey ham cubes on the same rack and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. § Prepare the oatmeal as directed on the packet and keep warm with the turkey ham and the turkey bacon. § Over a high heat, bring two litres of water to the boil and blanch the asparagus for 1-2 minutes, or until tender-crisp when pierced with a fork. With tongs or a slotted spoon, remove the asparagus; drain and set aside. In the same saucepot over a high heat, bring 1.5litres of water to the boil. Reduce heat to simmer and, using a slotted spoon, carefully lower the eggs into the water individually.

Cook for six-and-a-half minutes for a softer, jammy yolk or a little more for a firmer yolk, keeping the water simmering during cooking. Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water and chill for one minute for easier peeling. § To assemble, divide the oatmeal, asparagus, berries, turkey ham and turkey bacon among four bowls.

Place the peeled, halved egg in each bowl and top with walnuts and pepitas.

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THE STEAK COMPANY

Bareeq Al Shatti Shatti Al Qurum, Muscat Opening Hours: 10am to 11pm Contact: +968 94116600 Lunch for two: RO29.4 Verdict : 7/10 SERVICE 8/10 FOOD 6/10 AMBIENCE

THE STEAK COMPANY

High-end eatery. Expensive food but totally worth the money.

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

KEEN CARNIVORE HASAN AL LAWATI CHOOSES FISH (FOR A CHANGE) AT THIS MAGNET FOR MEAT EATERS, BUT FINDS THE DESSERT MENU A LITTLE LACKING IN OPTIONS I want to rock my ‘cheat day’. Any suggestions?”

I decided that Steak Company would be the place to wreck my friend’s diet.

Located in Bareeq Al Shatti, the restaurant offers more than 10 steaks, and each comes paired with three dips and mashed potatoes.

The eatery is cozy, family-friendly, and has the steakhouse feel and ambience thanks to its cowhide-themed decor. Its Argentinian steak menu looks very inviting for any carnivore.

My friend, knowing that I’m paying for lunch, ordered the RO 15.9 lomo frito from the steak menu.

He was fancying a monster; a 1.3 kg tomahawk which, sadly, was not available at that time, and neither was the T-bone.

Nevertheless, his thick-cut, medium-well steak arrived only 20 minutes from ordering, and its shades of red were just irresistible.

“So tender, perfectly grilled but quite overpriced,” he said.

I, on the other hand, decided to test the chef by

WAS IT WORTH IT? PERHAPS, YES. THIS STEAKHOUSE’S STAFF WERE VERY FRIENDLY AND THEY SERVED US VERY QUICKLY

Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com

ordering a grilled salmon, which was one of only four non-steak dishes.

It was the best salmon I ever had, period.

I managed to feast on the delicious fish in a record time, thanks to its smoky taste and really small size.

The fresh juices were surprisingly cheap compared to the rest of the menu, the prices similar to those of any small juice joint in Muscat.

For RO3, we ordered orange and lemon with mint juices.

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I think the two main courses were just brilliant but the portions were relevantly small when considering the price.

Despite the fact that we had demolished both the meat and the sides, we were still hungry for more, so we ordered a molten chocolate cake.

The dessert list is very limited; there are only three on offer.

We loved the cake; it was divine and served with two scoops of vanilla ice cream.

However, we were startled when the bill arrived.

It was RO29.4.

Was it worth it? Perhaps, yes. This steakhouse’s staff were very friendly and they served us very quickly.

Overall, I loved the restaurant and will definitely visit it again when I receive my next salary. It is highly recommended for hardcore meat lovers.

The restaurant opens from 11am to 11pm and it also serves pasta as a possible vegan choice.