Y Magazine #377, July 2, 2015

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News: POPULATION HITS 4.18M 10 HEALTH: Fasting With Diabetes

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DESTINATION: The Grand Mosque By Night

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

JUL 02 - 08 2015 / ISSUE 377 • WEEKLY

PLUS!

GOOD DEEDS TAKE CENTRE STAGE

IFTAR PLANNER

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NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

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X-FACTOR SKIN

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EXPLORE ETHIOPIA

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COMPETITION

EDITOR’S

NOTE

Our Spirit of Ramadan giveaways continue this week and our prizes are getting better! For details – and a chance to win a Nikon Coolpix L340 – turn to P32.

And to check if you are a winner from last week, go toP34.

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

CONNECTIVITY New statistics from the National Centre for Statistics and Information have revealed that there are more than 6.3 million mobile phone lines in the Sultanate, while more than 2.9 million users have access to mobile phone internet broadband services – not bad considering the country’s total population is at 4.1 million.

GOING DOWN

OIL REVENUE For the first time since 2010, combined oil revenue for OPEC members has dipped below the US$1 trillion mark, highlighting the impact the slump in price has had on the producer group over the past year.

THIS WEEK… Team Y had fun at a surprise 40th birthday party, sampled the new shakes at Shakeaway and celebrated the Year 6 graduation at Royal Flight School, which brought on a few tears for some of the mums – and many of the kids. Good luck in Year 7, guys!

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

Fast forward

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amadan is a time for thinking about others and doing good deeds. It is a month in which acts of kindness and generosity take centre stage, when people from all walks of life reach out to those in need.

In our cover story this week, Y follows the inspirational journeys of companies and individuals who are helping the less fortunate during the Holy Month.

One remarkable initiative is Ooredoo’s Goodwill Journey around the Sultanate. Now in its 11th year, volunteers from the telecommunications company visit 11 cities on a two-week, 5,000km “care odyssey”, in which they help communities with donations and support.

Not only is it an enriching experience for Ooredoo’s Goodwill Ambassadors, it is also an inspiring story for our readers.

Elsewhere, we head to Ethiopia in Postcard, conclude our Ramadan meal planner in Food and check out the latest “sharing” gadgets in Y-Fi. In Destination, we continue with our night series and explore Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, while we enter the third week of our Spirit of Ramadan giveaway with even more exciting prizes for our readers.

Have a wonderful week – and please stay safe on the roads!

editor@y-oman.com

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

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

SUB-EDITOR Matt Blackwell PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi INTERN Deeba Hasan Heloise Vyas

DEPUTY EDITOR Kate Ginn ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst FOLLOW US ON:

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

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JUL 02 - 08 / ISSUE 377

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contents

JULY 02 - 08 2015

Your Oman 06 Iftar With Deeba

The Al Jahdhami Family 08 Voice Of Oman

Marjorie Lopes 10 News

Population Continues

To Grow 13 Gallery

Omani Craftsmen At

SABCO Centre

This week 14 Movie Listings

Sword Of Vengeance

14

Feature 16 Spreading Goodness

Caring And Sharing This

Ramadan 19 Ramadan Car Guide Top Auto Deals – Luxury SUV 29 #FYI

The Highest-Paid

Hollywood Actors

16

10 Cars and Adventures

Food and Drink

40 Destination

Grand Mosque At Night

30 Food Feature

Iftar Meal Planner

Health and Beauty

30

42 Postcard From

Ethiopia 44 Y-Fi

Tech To Share

36 Beauty 46 Y Photo Of The Week

X-Factor Skin

Shopping Spree 37 Health Ramadan With Areej

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44

NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE...

RAMADAN CAR GUIDE / POSTCARD FROM / MOVIES / TASTE TEST / Y-FI / HEALTH / FOOD

My IN THE SECOND PART OF OUR SERIES, DEEBA HASAN SAMPLES SOME DELICIOUS LOCAL DELIGHTS WHILE BREAKING HER FAST WITH AN OMANI FAMILY IN MUSCAT

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his week, I was invited by Buthaina al Jahdhami, who works in the corporate communications department at a bank in Muscat to have Iftar with her extended family at her mother’s home in Al Hail.

As soon as I walked through the door I was put at ease, as Buthaina and her family gave me the kind of warm welcome Omanis are famous for.

I first met Buthaina’s mother in the kitchen, where she greeted me kindly and welcomed me, after which I went in to see the rest of the family gathered around the Iftar spread, which was laid out on mats on the floor. According to Buthaina, the family normally dines at the dinner table, but during Ramadan they make a point to gather around and eat on the floor, in the traditional manner.

While I was taking pictures of the food on offer, I came across some unfamiliar items and inquired further. One of them, I was told, was a chicken cone, which looked somewhat like a croissant or pastry from the outside, but was stuffed with chicken.

As the call to prayer neared, I noticed little coffee cups filled with water, which I couldn’t help but quiz Buthaina about.

Apparently, the water was from the Zamzam well in Mecca, where her mother had visited recently to perform Umrah.

The family had made it a practice to break their fast with small amounts of the water each day.

When the call to prayer was heard, everyone was handed plates, so that we could pick whatever we liked and eat in comfort. I wanted to try a little bit of everything, but soon realised that the sheer variety on offer would make this difficult. I settled with a chicken

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food served. Spaghetti sat alongside a prawn curry, all of which could be mopped up with a special kind of homemade bread. I filled my plate and even asked for more.

Buthaina told me that the family always tries to do some charity during Ramadan because it is a very important element of Islam. “I take part in initiatives at work and also try and donate money in Ramadan,” she says. “At the same time, we grow closer to our neighbours because we interact with them a lot more during this time and also exchange Iftar items with one another.”

On most days, Buthaina

cone, spring roll, chicken sambosa and a few other items, all of which were delicious.

I was told that Buthaina’s mum had made the majority of the items on offer and it was at this point that I realised what a great cook she was. I even saw her son Malik, who is a chef at Bait Al Luban, secretly taking recipes from his mother, perhaps to be used in his own kitchen in the future.

Immediately after we had eaten, the ladies went into one of the rooms to pray and the men another.

After that, the evening became very relaxing, with the kids playing around and the adults watching TV and drinking karak tea. Flavoured with cardamom and ginger, karak tea has a gorgeous aroma and is the perfect after Iftar drink. Black coffee was on offer for those who preferred it, but most people opted for the tea.

Buthaina believes that the family comes a lot closer during Ramadan than in other months. “You might be in the same city and not see your family for days, but with Ramadan we have all this great time we spend with our family and catch up with everything happening in our lives,” she says. Although they do have weekly gatherings for lunch on days outside of Ramadan, the family bonding is taken to a new level in the Holy Month.

While I was talking to everyone and watching the children play with a smile, I was told that dinner would soon be served. I didn’t know if I would be able to eat much more, as I’d gone slightly over the top with the delicious Iftar, but thought I may be able to fit in a thing or two.

When dinner arrived, my full stomach suddenly felt empty, such were the delightful smells of the

would be preparing to go to the mosque for Tarawih at the time we were talking, but during Ramadan, the family tends to chat and spend quality time together, choosing to pray afterwards. Iftar in the household is generally brought to an end with a special drink made from yoghurt and rose syrup, something that helps the whole family to relax after a long and strenuous day of fasting.

As I was about to leave, Buthaina’s mother handed me a rosary, which she bought from Saudi Arabia when she was there for Umrah. It was a beautiful and thoughtful gift and it made me really appreciate the caring aspect in people’s attitudes during this holy time.

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THE VOICE OF OMAN MAJORIE LOPES ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SMARTPHONE ETIQUETTE

correspondence PRECIOUS RESOURCE Dear Y,

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he popularisation of smartphones has certainly revolutionised the way people live over the past decade. It has clearly impacted society in several positive ways, increasing efficiency and overall communication.

But there is also a flipside. Many countries have already acknowledged some of the problems they can create, especially in the work environment, such as decreasing focus and the level of the service being provided.

I’ve noticed that the usage of smartphones in Oman has a culture all of its own.

Over the past few months, I’ve experienced a few situations that have left me wondering how long it might take for an actual “etiquette” of smartphone usage to be followed as a part of society’s natural conventions.

I’m talking about the awkward feeling of interrupting someone as they use their phone and do not acknowledge your presence. I’ve come across this in supermarkets, shops and even at health clinics! Although I tried to exercise patience and understanding, I later realised that a certain level of customer service must be enforced. Should clients feel inappropriate by expecting good service from places they walk into to generate business? It makes me feel so uncomfortable! I addressed it a few times, but it didn’t seem to matter, so I now walk away and take my business elsewhere when possible – and I’m sure many others feel the same way.

This happens all over the world, but many countries have stepped up their game and created rules. Most office workers refrain from speaking on their phones while at work, as do shopkeepers and bank tellers, so why should messaging and game playing be allowed?

I hope it’s just a matter of time until this will naturally be seen as unacceptable as Omani society evolves with the times.

NEXT WEEK:

MATT BLACKWELL

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JUL 02 - 08 / ISSUE 377

Thank you for your recent article on “Time to Change” [Issue 373], it is fantastic to know there is a plastic recycling company in Oman.

Secondly, I am very surprised more and more buildings are going up at the base of the Bawshar sand dunes. I would have thought there would be some element of risk with buildings being so close to the dunes.

What I also see, is the waste of natural resources in Muscat.

We are so lucky to have dunes right on our doorstep which could be utilised as a natural playground in addition to the current activities, for instance, camel rides or a water slide fun park.

It would be a shame to see the demise of such a gorgeous, natural resource.

Kind regards, D L, Muscat.

DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:

How can the government ensure that Oman does not lose its cultural identity in the modernisation process?

RASU JOHN Oman has a rich and diverse cultural heritage that is owed to the geography of the country.

The cultural heartland lies in the interiors, within the valleys of the mountainous backbone. The Government’s commitment to preserve its cultural history should begin by creating an awareness of the importance of

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preserving these invaluable sites by sharing news and links through social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, especially when so many other countries are willing to discard their heritage in favour of modernisation.

CATHERINE BAKER By not taking the focus off traditions and locals, and turning it solely on luxury hotels, shopping malls and huge complexes. Crafts, for example, cannot continue to be carried out if there is no money in it, no job creation, no motivation and no support. Young people especially cannot and will not stay in their places of origin if there is no incentive to. And if you ask expats who are residents in Oman what they would like to see more of, I am sure many would answer local crafts, local places to stay and more rural tourism, not these big projects that are being prioritised. I know I would.

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We need an awareness of given knowledge based on our cultural values and history. It’s good to be up to date in this modernising society, but we need to balance both counterparts. The Government and the society need to play role in balancing them both.

JASON FELIX NORONHA Oman is blessed with rich cultural heritage. The feeling of oneness with the culture needs to be inculcated in the younger generation. They are the ones who will be ambassadors of the future Oman, modern yet soaked in tradition, futuristic yet culturally vibrant.

RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE

Oman is a beautiful country with a unique culture that is currently in the process of modernisation. In order not to lose its cultural identity in the modernisation process, it needs to start at home with the family.

Parents and grandparents should teach their children the history and culture of Oman and make sure the kids understand and know it by heart. Historical places and tourist attractions that reflect Oman’s history and culture, such as the forts and old villages, need to be well preserved.

An official website of Oman’s early history and culture should be created and promoted on social networking sites such as Facebook and Instagram for the benefit the younger generations and to create awareness for other people all over the world.

Lastly, Oman’s culture and history should always be promoted through documentaries, films and exhibits to be held at the Muscat Festival each year.

IMRAN TAGALE

Every country is trying to preserve their culture so why not Oman?

People need to create awareness of the importance of their rich cultural heritage by organising events that involve crafts, jewellery, weapons, and other important cultural items.

WWW.Y-OMAN.COM

USHAKIRAN KAKKAD

Oman can support all people creating arts, crafts, music and the like by increasing their livelihood by way of organising fairs, where they can display their talents and can earn money. They can also be given a minimum honorarium, so that they are not forced to leave their cultural activity just to maintain their livelihood.

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SAMIRA RENGERT

Support local crafts, cooking and traditions and make it part of every school’s curriculum.

WAFAA EL ANANY

Muscat’s sleek, modern flyover curves through its surrounding hillside, but you still enter Muscat through a canyon of rock rather than the fantastic hyper-reality of glass, steel and concrete that lines Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road.

Somehow the buildings along the highway, even in the business district of Ruwi, blend into the surrounding hills – unobtrusive yet present. It’s not an accident or a trick of the light, but a conscious choice from a government determined that the country maintains a sense of its own cultural and aesthetic identity as it grows. Oman has long been considered the most beautiful country in the Gulf and, because of its long isolation, also one of the most unspoilt. Yet we now live in age where such things as “unspoilt landscape” and “timeless beauty” have become a valuable commodity.

According to Hassan Shaban of National Bank of Oman, “The natural beauty of Oman is the core business for the future”.

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ANTHONY CARLTON

Encourage and incentivise SMEs and young Omani entrepreneurs to get into providing products and services linked to exquisite Omani handicrafts and traditional food.

There should be a focus on local content and the Omani way of life at world tourism festivals too.

New Debate: “Has Ramadan lost its true meaning through commercialism?”

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JUL 02 - 08 / ISSUE 377

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Gallery

YOUR

OMAN

NEWS

POPULATION H I T S

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Words: Heloise Vyas

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Interview

man’s population continues to grow, edging up 0.2 per cent in May to hit the 4.18 million mark, the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) revealed earlier this

week.

The NCSI said the population had reached 4,185,914, of which 2,338,769 were Omani and the rest were expatriates. It added that there were about 135,500 expats who were living in the Sultanate illegally.

There are more than one million people living in Muscat, the only city in the Sultanate where expats outnumber Omanis two to one. According to the NCSI, there are 802,024 expats residing in the capital, while there are 486,306 Omanis.

Other governorates, such as Batinah, Buraimi, Dakhiliyah, North Sharqiyah, South Sharqiyah and Dhahirah, also witnessed a rise in their populations by between 0.2 per cent and 0.3 per cent, from as little 50,000 people to 500,000.

However, the governorates of Musandam and Wusta faced a decline in their populations by 0.1 per cent and 0.3 per cent respectively.

Meanwhile, the country’s Omanisation programme continues to grow, with a number of sectors reporting a marked increase in local employees. According to recent statistics from the Ministry

of Manpower (MoM), the financial brokerage sector is the leading industry, reporting that 81 per cent of its workforce is Omani.

The gas, water and electricity supply sector follows with a rate of 70.46 per cent, then the mining sector with 59.24 per cent and the education sector with 28 per cent.

DESTINATION

SALALAH

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he onset of the muchawaited Khareef season in Salalah brings with it good news for potential visitors, with the Ministry of Tourism recently launching the Traveller’s Oasis website, which acts as a virtual travel guide to the Sultanate’s second-largest city.

The website offers all the information a tourist could want, from recommending a list of different services, activities and places to discover in Dhofar, to offering car rental services and a potential list of diverse accommodation. The website is accessible in both English and Arabic.

Initially set up in 2013, the Traveller’s Oasis is a temporary rest area housed at the Salalah City gate. The information centre stays open 24/7 from June 20 to September 20 to help the thousands of tourists who visit Salalah during Khareef. It offers amenities like prayer halls, toilets and a children’s play area, all free of charge.

This year has seen the Traveller’s Oasis go digital 010

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as the Ministry of Tourism seeks to stay abreast of new technological trends. To make it more widely available, the website will also be launched as a free app on both Android and iOS. Furthermore, the Ministry of Tourism has also recently inaugurated a round-the-clock call centre also based in the Traveller’s Oasis.

With each passing year, the number of visitors to Salalah continues to grow, with people from all over the GCC travelling to Oman to escape the intense heat. Last year, 268,386 tourists visited Salalah between June 21 and August 11, representing a 73.4 per cent increase on the previous year.

To visit the website, go to travelleroasis.om or search “Traveller Oasis” on social media.

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YOUR

OMAN

GALLERY

THE ART OF CRAFTING

A NUMBER OF ARTISAN CRAFT MAKERS EXHIBITED THEIR WORKS IN AN OMANI CRAFTS DISPLAY HELD AT SABCO COMMERICAL CENTRE OVER THE WEEKEND, DEMONSTRATING HOW CENTURIESOLD METHODS CAN BE USED TO CREATE ITEMS UNIQUE TO OMAN

16.000 net per person 13.000 net per person for a group of 10 or more

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013

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

Guardian

and silence the pair for good. Luckily, Sarah is a trained martial artist able to pass on her vast knowledge to her daughter. While Guardian lacks the finesse of fellow Indonesian action flicks such as The Raid, it may just be a guilty pleasure for fans of the genre.

Following the murder of her husband, who was an undercover police officer, Sarah (Dominique Diyose) finds both herself and her daughter the target of corrupt police officers and hired assassins who will stop at nothing in their quest to hide the truth

Afterparty

Sword of Vengeance Set in 11th century England, shortly after the Battle of Hastings and the genocide enacted by William the Conqueror, Sword of Vengeance focuses on a lone Norman warrior (Stanley Weber) who falls in with rebels in the north and sets about righting an ancient wrong by ousting his tyrannical uncle, all the while attempting to repel oncoming invaders.

With the Game of Thrones TV series reigniting people’s passion for sword and sorcery epics, Sword of Vengeance looks to cash in on the renewed interest and will no doubt appeal to those who like their heroes and villains clad in mail and

armour and love nothing more than hearing the clang of steel on steel.

Dialogue is sparse and the film is all the better for it, as director Jim Weedon is at his most poetic when choreographing and shooting intricate action sequences.

The film’s colour palate is an unimaginative one, made up of grey, grey and more grey, spattered with frequent spots of dark red blood and while Game of Thrones it certainly isn’t – both in terms of budget and quality – Sword of Vengeance is a strangely watchable film nonetheless.

Review by Matt Blackwell

PREVIEW

Cold in July

This crime drama set in 1980s Texas follows Richard Dane’s (Michael C Hall) life as it unravels after he killed an intruder in his home.

Despite being hailed as a hometown hero, Michael soon fears for his life and those of his nearest and dearest as the burglar’s ex-convict father comes to town, bent on revenge.

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

The day after a wild party that gives 2012’s Project X a run for its money, Carlos (Luis Fernández), the ageing star of a horror-themed soap opera finds himself sealed in an unfamiliar house on a remote estate, along with three women from the night before. As the foursome attempt to find their way out they are forced to deal with a hooded killer stalking the building, intent on picking them off one by one. Unfortunately, the self-absorbed TV star lead is risible, making it very hard to care when things start going south.

Bollywatch GUDDU RANGEELA

The title characters in this film are two cousins played

by Amit Sadh and Arshad Warsi, who are trying to make a living in their crime-infested north Indian hometown.

Singers with an orchestra by day, the duo become informants for local gangs at night in the hope of making a quick buck. Despite having a serious side to the plot, with Rangeela fighting a decade-old court battle to get justice for his murdered wife, Guddu Rangeela is, at its core, a good old comedy.

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

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

Contact: Movie enquiries 24607360

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Brought to you by

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

In which century is Sword of Vengeance set?

LAST WEEK'S WINNER Anirudh A

This month is a chance to give back and show others that we care with a united display of helping hands across Oman for those in need, writes kate ginn

T

he month is marked by acts of kindness and generosity as people reach out to those in need in Oman and show the less fortunate that the country cares, encapsulating the true essence of Ramadan.

Corporations and companies use this as an opportunity to further enhance their CSR initiatives and spread some smiles with benevolent gestures to help charities and individuals.

Most mosques provide free Iftars for needy expats or those struggling to afford a decent meal.

Charities are also active during the Holy Month with collections of food, clothes and toys and many malls act as venues for donation drops, while individuals are quietly going about doing charitable deeds for friends,

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neighbours and strangers.

One of the biggest Ramadan charity drives is the Goodwill Journey

by Ooredoo. Now in its 11th year, the initiative will see 22 volunteers from the telecommunications company travel the length and breadth of the country, visiting 11 cities in a twoweek care voyage, covering around 5,000km in the process, on a mission of compassion to make a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of residents.

The Goodwill Journey, held every Ramadan, aims to reach out to local communities across Oman and provide much needed help. For the volunteers who take part – known as Goodwill Ambassadors – it’s an enriching experience and a voyage of discovery of their own, witnessing first-hand how the support and donations make a difference to someone’s everyday life.

Since the inaugural event, Ooredoo volunteers have travelled more than 48,000km and visited 160 charitable organisations and associations, resulting in more than 10,000 people being supported by the initiative.

This year’s journey is focusing on empowering remote communities and developing financial independence in women, with the aim to support communities in the long term, while spreading a little happiness in the short term.

They will head as far north as Musandam, before stopping in Ad Dakhiliyah Governate on the way back to Muscat. They will also travel to Masirah and Dhofar, covering the north, south and Interior.

For the first time, Ooredoo also gave

Omani Women’s Association in Mussanah.

The trainees underwent a series of intensive workshops to learn essential tips in IT, beauty, cooking and sewing, enabling them to work in the local community or even start their own business enterprises.

Rahma al Noufli, chair of the Al

the public a chance to get involved by making their own donations.

Donation boxes for children’s toys and gifts were placed at a number of stores (Merge 104.8 and Al Wisal were media partners for this) and the donations will be distributed throughout the Goodwill Journey.

“Our aim this year is to achieve bigger and better results to help families and communities by empowering them through advanced education, skills training, charitable donations,” said Kumail al Moosawi, chief people and corporate affairs officer at Ooredoo.

Since the initiative began in 2005, Ooredoo volunteers have put smiles on the faces of thousands of people across the country, but this year, al Moosawi says they plan to take things one step further.

“Our aim is not only to provide charitable contributions from us, and our customers, but to invest in building the future of many men and women,” he explains. “Ooredoo’s support will extend to help them on their way to becoming small and medium enterprises and use their newfound expertise to enjoy a better and more prosperous tomorrow.”

The journey kicked off on June 22 and will run for two weeks (with a break of two days in the middle).

This year’s Goodwill Journey started in Mussanah, with a celebration of the graduation of 25 local women from a programme that taught them the skills they need to succeed in business. The programme was run hand-in-hand with the

Mussanah Women’s Association, says: “I’m proud that the journey started from here. We were preparing for the visit for two months.

“Some of the women who graduated from the programme are ready to start their home business, and others already have.”

Manal al Kiyumi, department head of CSR at Oordeoo, who is on this year’s Goodwill Journey, tells Y of her inspiration.

“An unforgettable moment was when we graduated the ladies on our first day of the journey, seeing the smiles on their faces, and knowing that by giving them a small gift, we had added value in their lives.”

From there, they went to the Omani Women’s Association in Liwa

The next stop was Nizwa Hospital and the children’s ward, where they handed out gifts and brought comfort to young patients, before the last stop at the Omani Women’s Association in Samail.

The first week of the Goodwill Journey ended on June 27 and the Ambassadors covered more than 1,500km to bring joy and smiles to communities in five Wilayats.

This year’s Journey has already touched the lives of more than 500 people and the second leg will see volunteers drive south, passing through Quriyat, Dima wa Taeen, Masirah Island and Duqm, before ending up in the Governorate of Dhofar.

For more information on the 11th Ooredoo Goodwill Journey and how

and then on to Al Buraimi, where the convoy stopped at the Deaf Club to hand out iPads and other gifts to support learning through specialised technology.

They also visited the Al Wafa Rehabilitation Center in Ibri, where they donated an indoor playground set along with education materials the school had never had before.

to contribute to it, visit ooredoo.om.

Elsewhere, other caring and sharing initiatives are being run throughout the Holy Month.

Muscat’s two Majid Al Futtaim shopping malls, City Centre Muscat and City Centre Qurum, are encouraging the spirit of solidarity and compassion with their annual scheme, “Make a Difference

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this Ramadan”, encouraging the community to carry out a good deed by donating non-perishable goods such as clothes, books and toys at donation boxes in the malls, exemplifying the spirit of the most reflective time in the Islamic calendar.

Muscat Grand Mall had similar donation boxes for visitors to deposit essential items to help Oman’s needy families.

Bank Muscat has presented Braille laptops to visually challenged students at Sohar University, helping to integrate the students into mainstream education and academic life.

The Oman American Business Council (OABC) has run a series of Ramadan charitable initiatives, including helping children with special needs and organising a week of fun for 350 children from the Nizwa, Bahla, Jebel Akhdar, Izki and Bidbid branches of the Al Wafa Social Centre for Children With Disabilities.

“We are proud of our efforts to share the joys of giving during the Holy Month of Ramadan with the amazing children of Ad Dakhliyah.

Reaching them was a key part of our CSR efforts to expand our activities outside the city of Muscat to touch more lives than ever before,” says Fouad Eid, OABC board executive secretary and vice president of Dover Middle East.

Meanwhile, the Information

Technology Authority (ITA) has set up a Donations Portal for Charitable Organisations so people can make online donations to charities of their choice during Ramadan. The portal donate.om makes donations quick, easy and all in one place.

Ahlibank’s annual Ramadan campaign, “Charity Drive” pledges to give back to various social institutions from orphanages to schools, through donations in cash or gifts.

“We are particularly delighted at supporting and contributing to the development of Omani society during Ramadan as it demonstrates the spirit of giving at this special time of the year,” says Lloyd Maddock, Ahlibank’s CEO.

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While her friends left for their vacations, Rishika Singh, a 14-year-old schoolgirl, volunteered to stay in Muscat for the summer break and work in a charity bookshop to give something back to the community.

“I thought I’d just help out and do some charity work in my free time since I think it’s important that you contribute to the community once in a while.

“When people ask me why I chose to work at a bookshop when there were so many options out there for charity work, I think the idea of being surrounded by books is my paradise. In the Let’s Read book shop, in Al Qurum Complex, we get tonnes of cartons filled with books everyday. One of my roles is to organise them onto the shelves or stamp them and make them ready for sale and I actually quite enjoy it. We then sell the softcover and hardcover books for one or two rials and all that money is invested in charity organisations around Oman.

We sell books cheaply for avid readers and those who might not be able to afford the highly priced books nowadays.

“Education is a vital part of our society and I find this a very nice way to spread knowledge and motivate kids to read more. It keeps them busy and, of course, it’s better than them becoming engrossed by gadgets and technology.

“I was also part of a community service club in my previous school, where we did little jobs such as giving leftover food to stray animals and providing warm clothing to the poor during the winter.

“I would probably want to become an editor or a software engineer when I grow up, but in addition to this, I’d also like to do a lot of communityrelated volunteer work because I think it gives you a different perspective on life and how other people live.

If you can help them, then why not do it?

This is only my first step and I’m thankful to my friends and family who have supported our work.”

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JUL 02 - 08 / ISSUE 377

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LUXURY

SUV

The Nissan Patrol really is the hero of all terrain

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FEATURES

imes change, a bond doesn’t. Over the decades, the Nissan Patrol has become an inseparable part of the social and cultural fabric of Oman. Giving birth to a myriad of heroic tales with its all-conquering performance on the toughest of terrain, the new 2015 Nissan Patrol takes the legend to every single terrain in life, from adventure to luxury and family life to business.

Whichever side of life you may want to conquer, the Patrol’s ferocious 5.6L V8 Engine, its cutting edge technology and distinguished status will take you there.

Price Range: From RO19,250 with Ramadan offer, which includes cash gift of RO500, free Insurance for one year (Oman only), scratch and win two assured gifts, fuel up to RO1,000 and service up to lifetime, registration, six years unlimited mileage extended warranty.

SPECIFICATIONS Engine

Transmission

Horsepower

Exterior Dimensions (mm)

Fuel tank capacity

5.6L V8 Engine

7-Speed Automatic with all wheel drive

5.6L V8 Engine 317 hp and 5.6L V8 Engine 400 hp

5165mm (L) X 1995mm (W) X 1940 (H)

140L

User Recommendation: With the Nissan Patrol one can conquer every terrain in life. It’s tough on the outside, but welcoming on the inside.

The all-new Nissan Patrol is a genuine 4x4.

- Sami Abdul Rasool al Raisi (customer)

FOLLOW US ON:

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www.nissanoman.com

Engine with VVEL and DIG technology Remote Engine Starter All Mode 4x4 system with Helical LSD and ABLS Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control Hydraulic Body Motion Control System (HBMC) Around View Monitor with parking assist guide display on monitor Intelligent Cruise Control steering switch with Distance Control Assist Intelligent Brake Assist with forward collision warning Blind spot warning and intervention Lane Departure warning and prevention 20-inch machine cut alloy wheels LED headlamps with pop up washer and LED rear combination lamps Eight-inch HDD Navigation 13 speaker Bose premium sound system Seven-inch WVGA screens in second row Wireless Headphones 9.3 GB Music Box Hard drive Rear Independent DVD Entertainment system on seven-inch monitor

LUXURY

SUV

The Pilot is Honda’s mid-size 4x4 offering, and their largest offering at this time

FEATURES

T

he new look features a new standard grille, new front and rear bumpers, and optional new wheels, along with a few other cabin additions. The Pilot can seat eight people at a pinch. The standard 253 hp 3.5-litre V6 engine features Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which allows it to operate on half the cylinders when power is not needed, improving fuel economy.

Price Range: From RO13,499 onwards with Ramadan offer SPECIFICATIONS Engine

Max Power

Max Torque

Transmission

3.5L V6 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC with Variable Cylinder Management

253 hp @ 5700 rpm

35.4 kg-m @ 4800 rpm

5-Speed Automatic

User Recommendation: Immerse yourself in the tranquil comfort of the Pilot’s spacious cabin. The tri-zone automatic air conditioner allows you to set individual temperatures for driver, front passenger and second-row seats. Combined with dedicated air conditioning vents for the third row seats, the air conditioning system expands comfort throughout the spacious cabin. A large, easy-to-use panel provides effortless switching between air intake and recirculation FOLLOW US ON:

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/HondaOmanConnect

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@hondaoman

/hondaoman

www.honda.com.om

Front and Rear Parking Sensors Cruise and Audio Control on steering wheel Multi-angle rear-view camera Tri-zone Auto AC and i-MID One touch 60:40 split fold-down third row seat Chrome Kit, Sunroof, CD-Library with 2GB Flash Memory, Leather Seats and Trim and Power Front Seats standard in EX-L grade 18-inch alloy wheels Navigation system Rear Entertainment System (RES) with 2 wireless headphones, Hard Disk Drive (HDD) with 15GB memory and 10 speakers with subwoofer Total Six Airbags: Dual stage, Multiple threshold Front Airbags Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist (HSA) ISOFIX and immobiliser IIHS narrowsmall overlap frontal offset (Top Safety Pick)

C.R No.: 1015354

For Honda Generators, Water Pumps & Garden Equipment Contact Binu Mathai – Mob: +968 99483678

Terms and conditions apply. Featured model shown for indicative purposes only

Showrooms: • Wattayah • Barka • Sohar • Salalah • Sur • Nizwa

*On all models except 2015YM Accord LX-A, LX-B, 3.5 EX & 2016YM Accords. **Only on 2015YM Accord LX-A, on other models, Service Package is 3-Years/ 50,000 Kms. #Raffle draws will be held only during the month of Ramadan. One, weekly Raffle Draw of R.O. 1,000/will be held on 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th day of Ramadan and on other days of Ramadan, one Raffle Draw of R.O. 500/- will be held.

Offer valid from 9th June 2015 to 31st July 2015.

• Free Insurance (Oman & UAE)* • Free Service Package – 5 Years/80,000 Kms** • Free Registration • Free Gift with each sale (Black & Decker Car Hand Vacuum) • R.O. 17,000/- to be won, this Ramadan – (one, Weekly Raffle Draw of R.O. 1000/- and Daily Raffle Draw of R.O. 500/-)#

Scan to download the Honda App

www.honda.com.om

HondaOmanConnect

800 71133

TOLL FREE NUMBER

LUXURY

SUV

A refined exterior design, complete with available bi-xenon headlamps with signature LED daytime running lamps, provides a premium appearance for each of the seven variants of the 2015 Grand Cherokee

FEATURES

I

nterior luxury is achieved with premium amenities, including Natura leather, exotic open-pore wood trim and unique colour offerings. Featuring variablevalve timing (VVT), the standard Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 delivers 290 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Pentastar-powered Grand Cherokee models tow up to 6,200 pounds (2,812 kgs) and get 17 mpg (13.84 L/100km) in the city and 24 mpg (9.80 L/100 km) on the highway. Its driving range of more than 960km is best in class for gas-powered SUVs. The available 5.7-litre V8 packs 360 hp of torque with best in class towing capacity. With VVT and Chrysler Group’s seamless Fuel Saver cylinder-deactivation technology, V8 fuel economy is 14 mpg (16.80 L/100 km) in the city and 20 mpg (11.76 L/100km) on the highway.

Price Range: From RO13,600 after cash gift SPECIFICATIONS – Grand Cherokee Summit Engine

Transmission

Price

Horsepower

HEMI 5.7L V8

8-speed automatic with E-Shift

RO24,700

360 HP

Vehicle Management System Air Suspension System Selec-Terrain®

Quadra-Lift®

User Recommendation: “An undoubtedly superior vehicle, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a strong SUV that rides wonderfully, handles great, and gets you there in style.”

FOLLOW US ON:

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Acoustic laminated windshield and second-row side glass Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system to reduce exterior road noise Illuminated door sills Remote start Uconnect® 8.4-inch touchscreen radio with integrated climate and infotainment controls 7-inch customer configurable multiview display cluster Steering wheel paddle shifters Electronic Range Select Eco Mode automatically engaged upon vehicle startup

LUXURY

SUV

The Audi Q5 is one of the most successful models offered by Audi in the Middle East because of its attractive, efficient and sporty solutions in design, infotainment, chassis and engines

FEATURES

F

or the Middle East a 2.0 TFSI and a 3.0 TFSI are available on the Q5. Both engines are combined with an 8-speed tiptronic gearbox and quattro permanent four-wheel drive as a standard. Both engines combine direct fuel injection with turbocharging, and a start-stop system is also standard.

The 2.0 TFSI produces 225 hp, yet it has a combined fuel consumption of just 7.9 litres per 100km with the tiptronic transmission. Offering even more performance is the new 3.0 TFSI – this supercharged V6 increases power output to 272 hp with 400 Nm of torque. It completes the sprint to highway speed in 5.9 seconds, a whole second less than its 3.2 FSI predecessor engine. Audi has also tuned the springs, shock absorbers and stabilisers for an even more balanced chassis.

Price Range: From RO18,010 SPECIFICATIONS Engine

Transmission

Horsepower

Exterior Dimensions (mm)

Fuel tank capacity

2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TFSI

8-speed tiptronic gearbox and quattro permanent four-wheel drive as a standard

2.0 TFSI produces 225 hp and 3.0 TFSI produces 272 hp

Length – 4629, Height – 1655, Width – 2089

75 Litres

User Recommendation: “The acceleration is fantastic, very good for road trips as well as battling the every day commute. Overall, it’s a great car; fun to drive, agile and sporty and has excellent mileage.”

FOLLOW US ON:

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Driver information system with rest recommendation Optional radar-based adaptive cruise control system Optional Audi active lane assist and Audi side assist Bluetooth online car phone offers integrated WLAN hotspot Voice controlled media centre Audi music interface Redesigned controls on the centre console and steering wheel Electric tailgate Xenon plus headlights with automatic range adjustment Electronically adjustable front seats and adjustable rear backrest Parking aid plus and electromechanical parking brake 18 and 19-inch aluminum wheels on the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TFSI respectively

Robert Downey Jr. US$75 million (RO28.8 million) per annum*

* Based on estimated earnings between June 2013 and June 2014 Source: richestlifestyle.com

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson US$52 million (RO20 million) per annum

Bradley Cooper US$46 million (RO17.7 million) per annum

Chris Hemsworth US$37 million (RO14.2 million) per annum

Leonardo DiCaprio US$39 million (RO15 million) per annum

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FOOD AND DRINK

BREAKING FAST

Set yourself up for the evening over Ramadan with our Iftar meal planner

A

s the sun sets at the end of the day and it’s time to serve the first meal to end the fasting, it’s easy to be tempted to pile your plate high with a huge portion.

Deep-fried food, such as pakoras and samosas, are also a big favourite on Iftar tables.

But after long hours without liquids or solids, your body needs time to adjust, so a balanced meal containing complex carbohydrates, protein, fruits and vegetables is far better.

It’s all about satisfying your culinary needs and your tastebuds, says Dr Anita Das Gupta, the chief dietitian at Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi.

Last week, Dr Das Gupta devised some ideas for Suhoor and this week focuses on the other end of the day, with suggestions opposite for fulfilling Iftars.

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Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

SPONSORED BY

News

TREND New Restaurant IFTAR MENU 1 3 medium dates

70 kcals

1 cup chicken soup

81 kcals

1 skewer shish taouk 1 cup tabbouleh salad with dressing

140 kcals 94 kcals

1 medium Arabic bread

164 kcals

1 cup low fat laban

120 kcals

1 cup mixed vegetable salona Total

50 kcals 719 kcals

IFTAR MENU 2

IFTAR MENU 5

3 medium dates

70 kcals

1 cup lentil soup

150 kcals

1 cup lentil soup

170 kcals

1 cup fattoush salad with light dressing

147 kcals

3 medium dates

70 kcals

3 baked kebbeh

155 kcals

2 medium lamb kofta

116 kcals

1 medium Arabic bread

164 kcals

Leafy green salad with ½ tbsp salad dressing

1 small plate fruit salad

60 kcals

Total

746 kcals

IFTAR MENU 3 3 medium dates 1 cup beef vegetable soup 2 baked vegetable spring roll Chicken biriyani (rice ¾ cup; chicken 60g)

70kcals 149 kcals

75 kcals

1 medium Arabic bread

164 kcals

1 medium plate cut fruits

120 kcals

Total

715 kcals

IFTAR MENU 6 1 cup of broccoli soup

40 kcals

40 kcals

3 medium dates

70 kcals

250 kcals

1 medium khubz

164 kcals 225 kcals

1 cup low fat yoghurt

86 kcals

90g grilled chicken with tarragon sauce

1 cup tabouleh with lemon and pepper dressing

30 kcals

1 cup rocca beetroot salad

1 pear

70 kcals

1 piece baklava

Total

695 kcals

IFTAR MENU 4

Total

45 kcals 113 kcals 657 kcals

IFTAR MENU 7

1 cup chicken soup

81 kcals

1 cup of mushroom soup

72 kcals

3 meduim dates

70 kcals

3 medium dates

70 kcals

30g of hummus

90 kcals

2 plums

70 kcals

Medium Arabic bread

164 kcals

1½ cup low fat harees

90g grilled chicken with steamed vegetables

275 kcals

1 cup tabbouleh with dressing

1 orange

60 kcals

Total

740 kcals

323 kcals 90 kcals

1 cup low fat laban

120 kcals

Total

745 kcals

This week’s winner For your chance to win a RO10 voucher, simply come up with a new idea for a tea, coffee or smoothie flavour that would give Chatime customers a taste sensation. The competition will run for 12 weeks and every winner will go forward to be considered for the Grand Prize. Send your entries to info@y-oman.com by July 6.

Rashmi Maheshwari

Winning flavour:

Peach and date milkshake

JUL 02 - 08 / ISSUE 377

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The Spirit of

THE HOLY MONTH IS ABOUT SHARING AND GIVING AND Y HAS SOME SPECIAL

Snap Happy Calling all of Oman’s photography enthusiasts! This is your chance to win a Nikon Coolpix L340, one of the coolest cameras around. With 20.2 megapixels, images taken are crisp and clear, while the 28x zoom helps you to capture all your beautiful memories perfectly. To enter, you’re going to need to show us your photography skills by sending your most artistic picture taken in Oman to Y’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram platforms before July 6. The photo has to be your own and you must like or follow us to confirm your entry. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #YRamadanGiveaways. Good luck!

The Gift of Iftar This week, the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel is giving away Iftar for two people at its opulent Sirj Tea Lounge, which has been transformed into The Majlis for the duration of Ramadan. To enter, get down to the Grand Hyatt and take a picture that typically encapsulates Ramadan for you. Think more than just food; it can include the hotel’s architecture, the lanterns, drapes and tents if you like.

Post your photos on Y’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram platforms, tag the relevant Grand Hyatt social media accounts and include the hashtags #RamadanakHyatt and #YRamadanGiveaways before July 6. Note: bookings must be made in advance.

A little over an hour away from the bright lights and bustle of Muscat, you’ll find the smooth sands and calm waters that surround the Millennium Resort Mussanah. The luxury hotel is offering one lucky reader a slice of relaxation in the form of a gift voucher that entitles them to a one-night stay in a deluxe room for two people with Suhoor. To enter, just answer this simple question: How many years in a row did Millennium Resort Mussanah win the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award?

A) Three B) Two Send your answer to editor@y-oman.com before July 6 to be in with a chance of winning.

Voucher is valid from June 18 – July 17.

Overnight Luxury

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Ramadan

TREATS LINED UP FOR LUCKY READERS OVER THE NEXT THREE WEEKS

Delicious Desserts Win a Sparkling Reward For your chance to win an RO50 voucher to spend at SABCO Commercial Centre, just answer this simple question: What popular Omani delicacy can you taste at the centre every weekend during Ramadan? Post your answer on our Facebook or Twitter account using the hashtag #SparklingRamadan and #YRamadanGiveaways or email us at editor@yoman.com before July 6 to be included in the draw.

Second Cup is giving away a gift voucher for two regular drinks and two desserts of your choice. All you have to do is answer the following question: How many outlets does Second Cup have?

A) 8 B) 18 Send you answer to editor@y-oman.com before July 6 to be in with a chance of winning.

Tune Your Body

Fine Dining

Its restaurants have some of the most alluring settings in Oman and Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is offering a lucky reader the chance to sample them with a sumptuous Iftar at Al Khiran, where celebrity chef Issa al Lamki has designed a unique Ramadan experience with a dish created exclusively for the hotel. To enter, simply tell us the name of the garden poolside bar at Al Bustan Palace. Email your answer to editor@yoman.com before July 6 for a chance to win.

(The voucher is valid for one person only, additional guests must pay separately).

Just like cars, our bodies have engines and regular servicing can reduce wear and tear.

Enter the Engine Room, a service provided courtesy of Horizon Fitness that uses functional training to really push your fitness boundaries and show you what a finely tuned machine your body is. If this sounds up your street, enter our competition to win 12 Engine Room sessions by simply telling us the special name given to Engine Room instructors. Send your answers to editor@y-oman.com before July 6 to be included in the draw.

Grub’s Up If you’re into your chicken, this competition is for you.

To be in with a chance of winning a free dinner for two at Nando’s at either City Centre Qurum or City Centre Muscat, just answer this simple question: How long do you need to marinate the Nando’s chickens?

A) 24 hours B) 2 hours Send you answer to editor@y-oman.com before July 6.

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The spirit of

ARE YOU A WINNER OF ONE OF OUR FANTASTIC GIVE

Fly Blade Winner

Y was flooded with entries for our star prize, the slimmest smartphone in the world, the Fly Blade. We asked you to send in a selfie of you with an Oman landmark in the background and you didn’t disappoint with inventive images coming in from the all around the country. From the Grand Mosque to wadis and from dunes to dhows, you certainly showed us that Oman has got a lot to be proud of. It was a hard choice but in the end, our editor Felicity went for Twitter user Piyushvora and his family enjoying a day on the water at the Almouj Marina. Congratulations Piyushvora! Don’t worry if you didn’t win this time round, there are plenty more chances to bag a prize.

Wi nn

BEST OF THE REST

er

Here a selection of pictures sent in by our readers that didn’t win but impressed Y’s editor. Is your photo here?

Meghna Khakhkhar Joshi at Salalah Gardens Mall

Muntashir Razzak with a traditional dhow

Jason Felix Noronha at the Wadi Dayqah Dam Rodney Woods at the Grand Mosque

Nirav Joshi in Salalah

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Sarwat Mohammed at the Grand Mosque

Karim Hatem at the Royal Opera House Muscat

Ramadan

WINNERS

B•O•X

EAWAYS CELEBRATING THE HOLY MONTH?

LAST WEEK’S WINNERS Congratulations to the following winners!

Grand Hyatt Muscat

GRAND HYATT IFTAR Kumar for his image (left) Ronak Bhatt at the Bimmah Sinkhole

MILLENNIUM RESORT, MUSSANAH Karen Riddy for guessing it was answer B) Zayna Spa

SABCO CENTRE Ivy Artieda for knowing that traditional artisans from Oman would be displaying their crafts at the centre

Saleha Haroon at Almouj Marina

ENGINE ROOM, HORIZON

Ahmed al Qadasi and friends at The Sultan’s Al Alam Palace

Merzia Vajid at the Royal Opera House Muscat

Shaza Taher for correctly guessing one of the Horizon Fitness locations that runs Engine Room sessions

AL BUSTAN PALACE Anthony Carlton for knowing Al Bustan Palace has 250 guest rooms and suites

Shoeb at MIllennium Resort Mussanah

Anuradha K overlooking Marina Bandar Rowdha

MERCEDES-BENZ LUGGAGE

Saral Patel at the Grand Mosque

Kumar out on the water

Mushtaq Ali overlooking Amerat

Syed Ali MH at Wadi Shab

Sunil D’Cruz at Mirani Fort in Muttrah

Odette Mohanty for knowing that the GLK 250 is available for RO17,995 with RO1,500 cash back this Ramadan JUL 02 - 08 / ISSUE 377

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

BEAUTY

Health Fashion

HAS YOUR SKIN GOT

?

THE X-FACTOR Travelling can take its toll on your body, especially long journeys on airplanes, but with some planning you can still look super glam. To look like a Hollywood star when you land, follow our tips

M

ost schools in Oman have now broken up and the great summer exodus has begun as families head off to their home countries or to escape the heat.

Summer holidays mean travel, but before the fun and relaxation, there’s the flight. Recycled airplane air, the pressurised atmosphere in the cabin, and the general stress of long-distance travel can wreak havoc on our skin – causing dehydration, flakiness and irritation. Premium French skincare brand Institut Esthederm has help at hand to ensure you step off the plane with a movie star glow and happy, healthy skin.

Here are four essential products to pack:

SCAN OUR QR CODES WITH ANY QR READER APP

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Institut Esthederm’s patented Cellular Water Spray and UVinCellium Spray are the perfect flight companions. Not only inspired by the skin’s natural moisture, but actually formulated as an identical replica of the water found in our skin cells, Cellular Water is a remarkable innovation in the cosmetics industry developed in the Institut Esthederm research laboratories. This active ingredient provides the necessary elements to optimise the skin’s vital functions and boost cell activity.

Cellular Water Spray is the skincare spray that maximises your cells’ energy environment to leave your skin looking energised and youthful. Use regularly throughout the flight, to provide your skin with instant moisture and counteract the drying effects of the in-cabin air.

For those long-haul morning or afternoon flights, UVinCellium Spray helps protect your skin from UV rays and environmental damage and at the same time provides the perfect moisturising elements that keep your skin radiant, soft and young. Cellular Water Spray and UVinCellium are suitable for all skin types, especially tired, dull and stressed skin. Apply at any time of the day to give energy and vitality to your skin; you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Price: RO14.5 and RO28 available in leading pharmacies throughout the Middle East.

Make sure the only bags you leave the plane with are those you’re carrying by using Institut Esthederm’s Eye Contour Lift Patches while you relax on the flight.

Easy to use and super effective, the pre-soaked patches work to visibly reduce shadows, bags, sagging and signs of fatigue, leaving the skin toned, repaired and lifted.

Apply a patch to the clean, dry skin under each eye.

Leave on for five to 15 minutes. Remove the patches and gently massage any excess into the skin.

Price: RO48.6 for a pack of 10x2 patches Available in leading pharmacies throughout the Middle East.

Intensif Hyaluronic Cream. A miraculous solution to the moisture loss experienced during a flight, Intensif Hyaluronic Cream is a highly concentrated cream that provides a double action: an immediate response to severe dehydration problems and an anti-ageing effect by plumping wrinkles from within. It delivers long lasting relief, by restoring optimal moisturisation and improves skin’s appearance, making it look young and radiant.

Apply to clean, dry skin on the face and neck morning and evening.

Price: RO45 available in leading pharmacies throughout the Middle East.

RAMADAN WITH AREEJ Fasting with diabetes can be straightforward if you follow some simple rules

D

iabetics can find the Holy Month a stressful time, but it’s often fuelled by misunderstandings or unhelpful information.Here, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre in the UAE explores the dos and don’ts to bust the myths and common misconceptions.

People with diabetes need to go on a special diet during Ramadan

Myth: The good news is if you’re already following a balanced diet, as is recommended for everyone living with type 2 diabetes or not, then there is a big chance that you do not have to change the ingredients of your diet. In fact, you should eat as you normally do, with the only difference being the time you eat your meals, rather than quantity or type of food consumed. It is very important that anyone living with type 1 diabetes understands that they are at a higher risk compared with those with type 2 diabetes when fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan. In general, people living with type 1 diabetes are strongly advised to not fast during Ramadan. Anyone living with diabetes should consult their doctor before deciding to fast.

It’s ok if I stop taking insulin during Ramadan Myth: This is a risky misconception. You should never stop your insulin, even during Ramadan. However, the dose and times of your insulin injections may change. Check with your doctor.

There is no need to wake up for Suhoor Myth: You shouldn’t underestimate the benefit of Suhoor, especially for people with diabetes. Long hours without eating increases the risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), so try to eat a meal at Suhoor just before sunrise rather than at midnight.

It’s very hot during Ramadan and fasting is very tiring so I can’t do exercise Myth: Actually, it’s good to take some moderate exercise just before you break your fast at Iftar, and again just before going to bed, as well as right before Suhoor.

It’s ok to fast while living with diabetes during pregnancy Myth: Pregnant women are advised not to fast on medical grounds. However, some still prefer to fast and if diabetes is also present, this This classic dish from Oman’s culinary cupboard is perfect for a family getis considered a high-risk scenario that requires together around the dinner table. special care. During fasting, blood glucose levels Ingredients: are generally lower, but after a meal, glucose • 2 quartered skinless chickens and insulin levels remain substantially higher in • 6 cups rice healthy pregnant women than in women who are • 5 sliced onions not pregnant.

• 3 minced garlic cloves People with diabetes don’t need to make • 2 chicken stock cubes (or chicken seasoning)) any special considerations for fasting • 6 cardamom pods Myth: Anyone with diabetes must carefully • 2 cinnamon sticks consider their Ramadan fasting prior to starting.

• 3 black dried loomi Your ability to fast safely depends on what type • 10 peppercorns of diabetes you have and what medication you • 1/2 tsp ginger powder might be taking. During fasting, about eight hours • 1/2 tbsp turmeric powder after the last meal our bodies start to make use of • 1 tbsp mixed spices energy stores to keep blood sugar levels normal.

• 2 tbsp tomato paste For most people, this is not harmful. However, a • 1/2 tbsp black pepper powder problem can occur if you are living with diabetes, • 1/2 cup Minara Sunflower Oil such as the risk of high glucose levels following the • 1/2 cup raisins larger meals that we eat before and after fasting.

• 1/2 cup peeled whole almonds, roasted This year, the fasting period is long in the GCC, • salt to taste meaning that the risk of high blood sugar levels Method: and dehydration is high. It’s very important that • Wash rice and soak. anyone living with type 1 diabetes understands • Boil the chicken pieces and skim off the froth. Add that they are at a higher risk compared with cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, black peppercorns, those with type 2 diabetes when fasting during dried loomi and salt and boil for a further 30 mins.

Ramadan. If you are a type 1 diabetes patient and Drain the chicken pieces and shallow fry in a little are fasting, it is very important that you are closely supervised by your doctor and ensure that your blood sugar is regularly monitored to mitigate health risks.

OMANI CHICKEN KABULI RICE Minara Sunflower Oil until golden brown.

• Fry onions in Minara Sunflower Oil until golden brown.

Remove half of the onions and keep aside for garnishing.

• To the remaining onions, add tomato paste, spices and nine cups of chicken stock. Boil for five minutes before adding drained rice.

• Cook the rice until water evaporates, then cover the pot and leave on low for about 30 minutes.

• Soak raisins for 30 minutes, then add to a pan with a teaspoon or two of Minara Sunflower Oil and fry with the almonds. Add onions and cook for two more minutes.

• Put rice on a plate and arrange the chicken pieces on top.

Garnish with raisins, almonds and the onion mixture and a few coriander leaves. Serve with a tamarind sauce (recipe below).

• Tamarind Sauce: • Add some dried tamarind to a bowl and pour 1.5 cups of boiling water and cover. Let stand for 30 minutes.

• Wear a pair of plastic gloves and rub the tamarind pieces with your fingers to release as much juice as possible into the bowl. Strain and put aside.

• In a blender, add one tomato and tomato puree.

• In a pan, add Minara Sunflower Oil. Once heated through, add two minced garlic cloves and the pureed tomato, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, salt and paprika or chilli powder depending on your preference.

• Add the strained tamarind sauce and cook mixture for 15 minutes. Serve with the chicken kabuli rice.

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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

• •

Khimji’s Mart 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 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 • Khimji’s Mart • 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 • The Noodle House • Starbucks • Tim Hortons • VLCC Wellness MBD • Bank Dhofar • Centrepoint (Splash) • Khimji’s Mart • 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 MQ • 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 Sifa • 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 • Chevorlet/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 The Wave • Almouj Golf • Costa Coffee • Oman Sail • Shakespeare & Co. • The Wave 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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Postcards from

Y- F i

CARS AND ADVENTURES

SHINING LIGHT

The Arabic-style lamps that hang around the Grand Mosque cast beautiful shadows when the sun goes down, giving you a whole new perspective on the building.

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

D E S T I N AT I O N P o s t c a r d s f r o m

Y- F i

Destination

SULTAN QABOOS GRAND MOSQUE ON HIS LATEST NIGHTTIME ADVENTURE, SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI VISITS THE GRAND MOSQUE FOR THE FIRST TIME DURING RAMADAN 040

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were just about to close, but managed to use my charm to get permission to slip inside and snap the images I was after. The timing really couldn’t have been better, as with all the worshippers gone, I had the entire Grand Mosque complex to myself. With walls rising around me and my footsteps echoing off the marble, I felt dwarfed by the mosque’s enormity.

While I’ve driven past the mosque hundreds of times at night, this was the first time I’d been able to get up close to it in the darkness and it was a stunning sight.

I was given a whole new perspective on the magnificent place of worship, watching intricately detailed shadows shimmer on the walls, cast by the Arabic-style lamps which hung from ceilings and arches to guide my way.

Shadow and light are two things that have been manipulated brilliantly in the building’s design, from the huge dome, which glows an inviting yellow colour, to the imposing marble arches and right down to the details of the intricate carvings on the smallest of features.

TRAVEL GUIDE

D

riving along the highway, the silhouette of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is an instantly recognisable part of Muscat’s skyline and the sprawling complex has the capacity to accommodate 20,000 people during prayer times, yet for all this, I have never actually prayed there.

It’s a personal decision really, as I prefer to pray in the mosques close to my home because everyone I know is there; I am surrounded by family and the friends I grew up with.

My past visits to the Grand Mosque have mainly been for photo shoots and last week was the first time I’d visited during Ramadan and specifically, during Iftar.

I’d seen pictures on social media, so was expecting a crowd, but the sight that greeted me when I arrived was nothing short of astounding.

More than 100 people from countries including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as Oman, lined the carpets laid out in the courtyard, on which sets of laban, water, tea, coffee and dates had been arranged. After the initial offering had been consumed, volunteers began to bring around big silver platters loaded up with chicken madhbi. The organisation and distribution was handled with military precision.

With the sun well and truly set, darkness was slowly creeping in and I went to break my own fast, with the intention of returning to capture some atmospheric images after night prayers.

Returning at around 9.30pm, I found the gates

My favourite shot was taken looking down a corridor with lamps and arches on either side.

It’s a simple image, but spoke volumes to me of the sanctity of the mosqie, together with the aweinspiring power of modern Islamic architecture.

I also urge any visitors to the Grand Mosque to simply look up. Several times I pointed my camera to the ceiling to capture some images that really play with the eye’s sense of perception. The carving and sculpting of the roof really is breathtaking, but when you look at them in a still image, they could easily be mistaken for something flat, like a Persian carpet.

These are just one of the many things that the camera simply cannot do justice to. When viewed in real life with the naked eye, the depth of the mosque and the transition from light to dark through layer upon layer is staggering.

As I exited, the moon was shining brightly in the pitch-black sky and I looked back to take one last shot of this stunning building against the backdrop of darkness. Although my pictures attempt to capture the beauty of the Grand Mosque, they fail to convey the full impact and the only way to truly experience the wonder is to go and see for yourself.

HOW TO GET THERE The Grand Mosque is in Ghubra South and is easily visible from Muscat’s highway.

GPS Location of the Grand Mosque: N23° 35’ 3” E58° 23’ 18”

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041

CARS AND ADVENTURES

CASCADING THUNDER

When people think of Africa, they may not imagine a lush, green landscape, but the Blue Nile Falls and the surrounding area may cause them to reconsider.

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO:

1. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Lalibela 2. Haggle at some of Africa’s largest outdoor markets 3. Sample some of the many delicious dishes at an Ethiopian restaurant 4. Visit the Blue Nile Falls 5. Venture into the Simien Mountains for amazing hiking opportunities

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Destination

Y-Fi

POSTCARDS FROM

Marjorie Lopes Recommends

ETHIOPIA S

p l e n d o r o u s m o u n t a i n s c u tt i n g t h r o u g h l u s h N a t i o n a l P a r k , c e n t u r i e s old medieval rock-hewn churches, diverse cultural manifestations and a vibrant atmosphere combining modernity and ancient customs; there are more than enough reasons to visit Ethiopia. My five-week long journey was divided between visiting the north, the east a n d t h e s o u t h a n d I s p e n t t h e f i r s t t h r e e w e e k s fo l l o w i n g a n i t i n e r a r y o f t e n c h o s e n b y m o s t t r a v e l l e r s e x p l o r i n g t h e r e g i o n , r i g h t fu l l y c a l l e d t h e “ H i s t o r i c a l R o u t e ” . E t h i o p i a o ff e r s s u c h a w i d e r a n g e o f activities and opportunities to travellers, that choosing where to go c a n b e a c h a l l e n g e o f i t s o w n , a n d e v e n m o r e fo r t h o s e w i t h a l i m i t e d a m o u n t o f t i m e . Fo r t u n a t e l y , I c h o s e t o t a k e q u i t e a f e w i n t e r n a l flights and managed to maximise my stay, seeing nearly everything I was hoping to, including the country’s vibrant capital, Addis A b a b a ; B a h i r D a r , h o m e o f t h e B l u e N i l e Fa l l s , L a k e T a n a a n d its and many ancient monasteries; the Simien Mountains National Park, home of the largest population of the very unique gelada m o n k e y s , b e fo r e f i n a l l y r e a c h i n g t h e a n c i e n t c i t y o f A x u m , a n d i t s many obelisks from the ancient Aksumite civilisation. I continued t o w a r d s T i g r a y , w o r l d f a m o u s fo r i t s r o c k - c a r v e d c h u r c h e s , b u t i t wasn’t until I reached the dusty rural town of Lalibela that my jaw d r o p p e d i n d i s b e l i e f u p o n s p o tt i n g o n e o f E t h i o p i a ’ s b e s t t r e a s u r e s , a n astounding sacred site of 11 churches, each carved entirely out of a single block of granite, which are worth a visit to the country alone.

ROYAL B U IL D IN GS AL E T H IO P O IA ’S “H IS T O R IC N G AL ROU TE

”

My Favourite place

Spending time breathing mountain fresh air on the top of the Simien Mountains could only really be topped by doing so while in the company of the gelada monkeys. These rare monkeys are well known and studied by researchers for having very different behaviour to other monkeys, and they are friendly and approachable. There were countless groups of monkeys everywhere we trekked, reaching altitudes of over 3,500 metres above sea level.

Highlights

Visiting the rock-hewn churches of Tigray was a big highlight of this trip, not only for their remoteness and historical value, but for the challenge to get there. Some of them are so difficult to reach that many visitors require assistance, being pulled up by a rope at the most strenuous points. The Ethiopian cuisine was definitely another big highlight! Many traditional restaurants serve an array of the most exquisite food at tables in front of a stage, where visitors enjoy music and dance acts. Once the meal is finished, there is often a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Costs are very low, making such restaurants affordable to all ranges of travellers.

Finally, observing the very religious Ethiopians making their way to church on a Sunday morning, all dressed in white, was a very inspiring sight to see. All around their many religious sites, ancient rites can be observed, and their devotion is captivating, even for people of different faiths or practices.

C H ES A NC IE NT C H UR

Lowlights The level of hassle coming from touts (trying to serve as drivers, tour guides or trying to sell something) was very high and almost constant. This, unfortunately, really does take away from the experience, as many visitors get tired of being constantly approached and treated as a “walking cash machine”. It is worth mentioning though, that the country is extremely safe. Travelling overland can be very time consuming as road conditions leave a lot to be desired. Internal flights are affordable and highly recommended to save time.

Souvenirs Coffee, coffee and more coffee. It is by far the best thing to be purchased in Ethiopia. The Harar coffee brand is the most famous of them all, and can be easily purchased from most hotels or souvenir shops.

Textiles such as linen dresses and cotton scarves are also very popular items often sold at most shops as well.

Where to stay

The Gheralta Lodge in Hawzen (near some of the rock church clusters), located in the heart of the Historical Circuit in Tigray, is such an incredible lodge that visitors make reservations months in advance. Surrounded by mountains, the peaceful environment provides high quality standards for very affordable rates when compared to similar properties in other parts of the world. Another top spot is the Simien Lodge, the highest hotel in Africa, located at 3,260 metres above sea level, surrounded by wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery.

TRADIT IONAL ETHIOP CRAFT IAN S

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Postcards from

D e s t i n at i o n

Y-FI

THE POWER TO SHARE What good is all that technology if you can’t share it with those around you?

Heloise Vyas looks at the gadgets that allow you to spread the love EYE SPY

FRAME THE MOMENT How better to breathe life into your pictures than with a Bigeframe 27inch USB Digital Frame with internal speakers? The image stream comes via the USB input or SD card, and the 1080p resolution frame screens all media including photos and videos in an effortless manner. No manual control is required to flick between pictures, since the HD frame has an auto-looping slideshow feature. The lightweight frame also has a 40-inch power cord and a year-long warranty.

What more do you need? Available at bigeframe.com/store from RO230.

Batteries, plug points and portable chargers could soon be made to look oldfashioned with the arrival of the Ultra-Slim QI-Enabled Wireless Charging Pad, brought to you by EC technology. The pad allows several devices to be charged at the same time, no matter where you are, with no cables or USB interface required. At the size of a coaster, it’s as sleek as the name suggests, with a simple yet fashionable design and is incredibly energy efficient, never overcharging devices or wasting battery. Available at amazon.com from RO6.16.

MAJOR LASER

EDITOR’S PICK 044

DITCH THE WIRES

If you’re an incessant snapper, Eyefi's newest launch, the Mobi Pro SD Card will be of interest, as it’s designed to make photo sharing more convenient for both photographers and photo-lovers.

The 32GB card can easily store 12 hours of video and around 16,000 photos, allowing endless sharing between photo apps, cloud services or personal computers without compromising on speed, convenience or quality. Photo files can now be transferred in any format at rapid speeds for instant preview, quick editing, syncing and sharing. The nifty Mobi Pro is also able to create its own Wi-Fi hotspot for easy transfer while away from home. Available at eyefi.com from RO38.5.

THE MAGIC CUBE LASER VIRTUAL PROJECTION KEYBOARD PROJECTS A FIXED KEYBOARD PATTERN THROUGH LASER BEAMS ONTO ANY OPAQUE, FLAT SURFACE, MAKING TYPING ALL BUT EFFORTLESS. IT CAN BE PAIRED WITH ALMOST ANY BLUETOOTHENABLED DEVICE, MEANING THAT THIS COMPACT, PORTABLE GADGET, WHICH ALSO CONSISTS OF A BUILT IN MULTI-TOUCH MOUSE, CAN BE INSTANTLY USED FOR TYPING ANYWHERE AND ANY TIME. GRAB YOURS AND GET TYPING FROM AMAZON.COM. PRICES START AT RO34.6.

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EASY TO FIND Now it's easy to locate your kids wherever they are thanks to the FiLIP 2 Smart Locator with Voice.

This unique phone-watch hybrid works like a secure parent who watches over their children, with storage for up to five preprogrammed contacts and one-way text messaging.

The FiLIP can make and receive calls from the pre-set contacts and receive texts from a parent. Serving multiple purposes, FiliP can indicate date and time as a watch, and on the other hand track the child's location using GPS, GSM and Wi-Fi. The wearable locator immediately alerts a parent when the child leaves a designated safe zone, ensuring awareness and peace of mind at all times. Available at myfilip.com from RO57.

NEW SHARING SOUND The iLuv Aud 5 Speaker Dock is specifically designed for regular iPhone and iPod users who love their music. Weighing in at a little more than 2kg and with high-quality speakers that deliver a deep resonant sound, there really are few better ways to share your tunes with those around you. The Aud 5 can be used as a docking station and you can play your music as well as charge your device at the same time. If your main focus is sound, the Aud 5 is sure to please. Available at amazon.com from RO30.

App of the Week

SIRA

Alpha apps from Abu Dhabi recently launched the Sira app, which aims to share the story of the Prophet Muhammad among children. Sira walks children through the life of the Prophet Muhammad, focusing on his ethics and teachings. The app uses high-quality illustrations, as well as interactive features and was launched in the Holy Month of Ramadan to give parents a better opportunity to share this story with their children. Sira is available in both English and Arabic and can be downloaded from the App Store.

SAVE THE PLANET When it comes to the crusade on conserving energy and reducing our carbon footprints, the Ankuoo Neo Pro Wi-Fi Smart Switch is leading the charge. Aimed at controlling electronics and monitoring energy usage from home appliances, the Neo Pro lets all members of the family know about the energy consumption of various electronic devices and gives them the ability to turn them on and off from anywhere at any time, thanks to the accompanying app. An essential investment for an energy-efficient life, available at amazon.com from RO14.

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Photo by Shaquel al Balushi

SHOPPING SPREE: Halfway through Ramadan, it is traditional for Omani men to shop for new clothes, including dishdasha, kuma and moussar. There are limitless styles to choose from and the colours and design, together with the way that they are worn, reveal a great deal about the individual – to those who know what to look out for, of course.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK