Y Magazine #362, March 19, 2015 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

Mother’s Day Competition

WIN RO200 CASH TO TREAT YOUR MUM Motocross Mania

Free!

THRILLS, SPILLS AND LOTS OF MUD

EVERY THURSDAY

10 News: TAXIS GET SMART

NOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR

BEAUTY: Barely There GALLERY: The Wave Carnival

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

MAR 19 - 25 2015 / ISSUE 362 • WEEKLY

HELP WANTED FIGHTING BACK

PLUS!

AGAINST MAID ABUSE

RISOTTO KING

NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

FELINE FASHION

YOUR NEW BUDII

COMPETITION Mother’s Day is a special time of the year when we get to thank our mums for all the amazing things they do for us. To celebrate, Y is marking the occasion with a fun competition for kids who could win RO200 cash and other prizes simply by writing a special message for their mum. Turn to P27 for details.

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

ROADS It’s great news for motorists after this week’s announcement that an 18km stretch of the new Batinah Expressway will open in June, which will link Barka to Muscat and help to ease traffic problems. The 265km expressway is slated to be completed by 2017.

GOING DOWN

STOCKS The MSM, or Muscat Securities Market, index shed 90 points earlier this week on the back of the plummeting oil price. Even worse, analysts are forecasting that weak oil prices will further hit markets.

THIS WEEK… Team Y has been enjoying The Wave Carnival, taking the new Lincoln Navigator out for a test run and rehearsing for our role in the Royal Opera House Muscat’s latest production, Don Pasquale.

Ways to get your Y fix Online: Visit y-oman.com for even more inspiration. Smart device: Catch up with Y on the go by scanning the QR code below

EDITOR’S

NOTE

Welcome to Y Magazine – your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has to offer.

Fast forward

ince becoming an expat, I’ve been fortunate to be able to afford a housemaid to help me manage my home responsibilities. As the breadwinner of our family, I have peace of mind knowing that while I’m at work, everything is clicking along nicely at home – from the cleaning to cooking to looking after my daughter. We’ve been lucky to have some great housemaids – but to be honest, I have to say that treating people the same way you want to be treated goes a long way in helping to foster the working relationship. Unfortunately, many maids are not so lucky. The horror stories are everywhere: maids being abused – both physically and emotionally – by their employers, their salaries withheld and their passports confiscated. In our cover story, Y lifts the lid on the plight of maids in the Sultanate and finds heartbreaking stories that began with nothing more than a dream to make the lives of their families better in their home countries. While it is horrifying to learn that there are some people who have no respect for another human being, regardless of their status, it is heartening to know that steps are being taken to protect vulnerable maids. Elsewhere, we check out the latest gadgets for tech-savvy mums in Y-Fi, head to Wadi Qurai in Destination and learn all about the thrills and spills of Motocross in Outdoors. In Food, we take a masterclass in the art of making risotto, explore the delights of Sweden’s Gotland in Postcard and conduct our final weigh-ins for “The Weight Is Over” competition in preparation for our Grand Reveal this weekend. Have a fabulous week!

editor@y-oman.com

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

PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi CONTRIBUTOR Matt Blackwell INTERN Deeba Hasan

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

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

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Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing & Advertising LLC / Y is a SABCO Media product.

CEO Eihab Abutaha We’d love to hear your news and views. For editorial enquiries, please info@y-oman.com email Want to read Y on the go? Scan our digital issue here: Download any QR reader from iTunes or Google Play to read Y on the go

Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. MAR 19 - 25 / ISSUE 362

contents

MARCH 19 - 25 2015

Your Oman 06 Coffee With Y The Man Who Made Shaun The Sheep A Star 08 Voice Of Oman Yummy Mummy

This week 16 Movie Listings Run All Night 18 This Week Tenor In Concert

10 News Smart Taxis

Feature 20

Maids In Trouble Embassies Fight Back To Protect Their Women Workers

24 Into The Light Conquering Majlis Al Jinn 26 The Weight Is Over Grand Reveal Days Away 27 Mother’s Day Win RO200 Cash

Cars and Adventures

Food and Drink

38 Destination Wadi Qurai

28 Food Feature Master Chef 30 Taste Test Moza Wa Khamis

Health and Beauty 32 Fashion Feline Fine

40 Outdoors Motocross Mania 42 Postcard From Gotland, Sweden 44 Y-Fi Mum’s The Word

34 Beauty 46 Car Of The Week Barely There Budii Concept Car

NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE... BACKSTAGE AT THE OPERA / SLIMMING WINNERS / TASTE TEST / WELLNESS GOALS / SMART KITCHENS

big who has taken the ar st m fil lly oo w He’s the animator m. Kate Ginn meets or st by an m O in screen create Shaun the ed lp he ho w i, sk w Richard Goleszo big time t they both hit the Sheep, and finds ou

Gromit’s third short farmer – has sic ne am the d fin d an feature, A Close Shave. him and ith a shock of white n £12 million tha re mo en tak The audience loved box office. the fleece and inability at n) llio mi .8 O6 (R wanted more. e of to speak, he’s the out three years for ab k too It Golly, the first employe en before n) and the ev ow s, most unlikely of kn on is ati he im (as An n y” oll ma Aard n the Sheep, “G at Aardman Animations (also ned animator movie stars. But Shau a children’s team Nick Park, the renow e and Gromit, to it) om Gr of d ro an the animated he famous for Wallace and creator of Wallac g Shaun into , which come a lete the Shaun movie imation television show, has bey around mp co is credited with turnin on an oti p-m sto of ms bona fide film celebrit screen ter in a star. He wrote many speed. the world after his bign eponymous is apparently at lightning average, of the subsequent takes a whole day, on of appearance in his ow re. “It television episodes, ds mplete just two secon feature-length adventu le East co to each seven minutes lly. Go s say e,” Released in the Midd Oman tag foo long. in ematic in February, audienceso fell in love The film also made cin st sheep to After studying fine t fir wh se the go s wa n au Sh y. were among tho tor his art in the UK, Golly ny of . ma p, film ee d sh ate ble im in ea d an n an lov ow on with the star in his into animati for the te the film whom were meeting him Golly, who also co-wro“The TV the early 1980s joined e s: say n, rto e. Bu first tim with Mark Aardman, the four-tim have m and for far a on sed ba is While the film doesn’tof the ies ser Oscar winning studio ch e e Shaun film we wanted to takir comfort any dialogue and som British, the behind other gems su and the of t ou ers oth the set pieces are peculiarly d an as the film Chicken Run nscended tra s ha p ee Sh the n Shau zone. Morph. cultures in a and said t across continents and e of his co“We literally sat down t him into?’ “I’m very lucky in tha l on ge en rea we a ev n s k ca It’ . too es t do ap I way tha ‘What scr I love what eper ughter, as a and he feature film goes de re is an creators by surprise. La “T thrill to sit in a cinem ghing s. rie da the un d bo an no rs s lau cte ow e kn ara nc , ch die they say into their hear the au pular m.” come “I had no idea how post and otional story with the al em at the jokes you have Ea r on Fa oti the em in s. s an say wa ng n Shau Masteri up with,” he surprise,” aun and the Middle East, it’s a bigwski, who nnection between Sh part, given co So the big question is y zo ult les oll fic Go dif ard the ch is nce says Ri what’s next for our wo and directed audie aun and his fleecy friends r? sta helped develop Shaun e. t Sh vie tha mo m dog, the Shaun the Sheep Moviue and Shaun (Shirley, Bitzer the loyal far Well, there’s another d a me na to log ins an dia tw the d an y “There is no mm Ti series of 20 episodes ial aun’s s and Sh . rie ets sto pp the ec pu t , sp bu r all k ou er tal aft ’t lf-h doesn few) are, a festive ha de of r universal mas. arms and legs are mabeads. adventures he has covee can relate rs, ea called The Farmer’s Llabig on are ery es ev ey a of his ich k ile wh tal s, wh o ne, theme There’s als in the world.” silico cine is used for his eyelids and ct to sti to, wherever you live Pla movie sequel. So expe of m fro is ke at nli co y re ma oll hu mo wo s his nty ou ith W that fam be seeing ple brand of textile characteristics, Shaun’s nt comedy is material find in everyday Shaun the Sheep in the e sile c ssi cla d an k tic slaps shops. future. Catch him if ew big kids. Shaun is irresistible to little and in the Yet to millions of fans, can… He’s wildly popular inute stage l. rea -m how he y to tell or do you Middle East and a 45 ys regularly “We base Shaun and ar-old boy,” Have you got a unique stor ntact Co -ye know someone who has? show based on him pla behaves on a 10 to 12 eaking to Y . tar Qa d an h ia wit ab fee sp Ar s cof i e wa us to hav in Egypt, Saud says Golly, who animation Y and be featured in Y also shown The television series is tries around er winning yet another aft Magazine. Email: in more than 170 coun an and the award for his work. n as au Om editor@y-oman.com Sh ing of lud nk thi inc , he rld es the wo So do UAE. real? – which real in In the UK, the comedydecide “I do think of him as and ck wn flo gro his s d ha sees Shaun an a sense. Shaun the farm to take a day off from ts of sticky developed with us.” big time is but end up in all sor the Big City, Shaun’s rise to the gs. His first situations in from humble beginninwas in 1995 e ad ev to ing try n st ee lea t scr no appearance on Wallace & capture by the Animal for just six minutes in er fic Containment Of

MAR 03 19 -- 25 JULY 09 // ISSUE ISSUE 362 327

THE VOICE OF OMAN Karima Farid on the joys of being a mother

correspondence GETTING DOWN WITH DRIZZY Hey Y,

he minute she falls asleep, I rush to do everything I was meant to do or catch up with, but then I miss her, walk into her room, and give her one more kiss. Every day, I fall in love all over again. The past two years of motherhood has taught me more than I could ever imagine; it’s a life changing experience. I learnt that the very minute I had her, was the minute I passed on my heart to her – she’s my everything. Maryam, my lovely daughter, is pretty much a ‘Y’ baby. I have been writing about her since I was pregnant with her and Team Y has witnessed my ups, downs, lack of sleep and cravings. The fact that she was born two days after Mother’s Day (March 23, 2013) makes her my perfect gift every year. With Mother’s Day in Oman almost here, all I can think of is ways to honour my mother and show her how much I care. But this isn’t only about our own mothers, but other mummies or friends who make you feel cherished or special. To all you super mummies, I would like to thank you and tell you that you deserve to take a break and feel appreciated. Congratulations to all the new mums, and be sure that you are probably on the right track. For those who have lost their mums, let’s take a moment and pray that their souls rest in peace. Mama – my queen, wishing you a beautiful day and thank you for being you.

NEXT WEEK: ALI AL RAHMA

MAR 19 - 25 / ISSUE 362

I’m Riki, the brother of Rosanna Albert, the girl who won tickets for the Drake concert (in Dubai). (Y Competition; Issue 361). Thank you so much for picking my sister as the winner and giving us the tickets. I had a great time there! The hype is real! Drizzy can perform. The experience was one I couldn’t have imagined. And one which I’ll never forget!! Thank you guys again!!

From, Riki, Muscat P.S. Thanks again, Kate, and the entire Y team. Crossing out Number 5 on our bucket list thanks to you!! Love, Grateful Sister (Rosanna)

DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:

“What is your favourite type of cuisine or dish and why?” ‪‪RAFIA FAISAL‬‪ ‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‪

I love Indian cuisine. Food is something

WRITE TO US AND WIN A VOUCHER

everyone has to eat in order to survive, but we all want to eat something that gives us a lot of pleasure. My favourite dish is biryani. Biryani is one of my favourite things to eat in the whole world. I eat biryani every week and if I do not eat biryani I do not feel good and there is a kind of emptiness in me. Basically it’s a one-pot meal of curry and rice in fragrant layers, I have been fortunate enough to have eaten biryani in it’s native India, where it, like all of the food there, was incredible.

SOPHIA SYEDA SHAH BUKHARI‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬

My favourite cuisine is Chinese and favourite dish is Chinese fried rice. The reason? It’s aromatic and light in taste. Simple yet tempting.

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

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content and it is easy to digest. My favourite dish is the spicy Goan fish curry and rice.

I hated chicken biryani when I was a child when my father used to make biryani every week. Gradually I started liking it and now it has become one of my favourite dishes. My father’s biryani was famous all around the village. He made it using lots of spices and lots of coriander leaves, which gives it a pleasant smell and his final garnish made the biryani look so good. All these things make my father’s biryani my favourite dish. Thank you, Y.

MAZIN AL-DUGHISHI‬‬‪ Cuisine is Arabic and my favourite dish is mandi (rice, meat and spices). PRITI VASA‬‪ ‬‬‪

My favourite dish is choco lava cake because I love chocolate and this soft, spongy cake with melted chocolate oozing out from its centre is so irresistible. I just love it.

RISHIKESH CHIDHAMBARANATHAN‬‪ ‬‬

HUMAIRA ABDULLAH‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‬‪

Love Pakistani cuisine! The flavours are too good to keep away from.

Favourite cuisine Indian. Favourite dish dosa.

SAMAR M. ABDELGHANI‬‪ Italian cuisine, where you can find pastas and pizza. So yummy with different flavours and a lot of cheese on top.

SHAWN ALVA‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‬‪

I relish Omani cuisine, the way the shuwa is cooked and the great aroma and taste that compliments it. Kabsa, harees, majboos are all mouth-watering and best of all is the great hospitality with which they serve their dishes. Shukran Jazeelan.

‪‪MARIANNA PEREIRA‬‪ ‬‬‬‪ ‬

Any Mediterranean-Greek cuisine for their use of salads, olive oil and herbs.

New Debate: “What one film role would you like to play and why?” Tell us on Facebook or Twitter and be in with a chance to win dinner for two.

‪MIGUEL GUILA‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‬‪

ADEEBA MD HUSSAIN‬‬‪

Japanese. Simple yet full of flavour.

I am from India, but I love Iranian dishes because the food is so aromatic and less spicy, so everyone can have it whether children or adults and it is also very good for your health.

MASTERS CRICKET TEAM were spotted with their favourite Y Magazine in Al Amerat

DAHLIA C CASTANEDA‬‪ ‬‬‪

Spanish cuisine because it has the same taste and look of Filipino cuisine, which came from our ancestors. You have the tangy taste of meat like lengua estofado (ox tongue) and rice like arroz valenciana (a version of paella) and paella with fresh seafood ingredients.

‪RASHMI DSOUZA‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‬‪

I am a real foodie and can eat and enjoy almost everything, but my favourite cuisine is Indian, The food is simple yet it has rich flavours and texture, and the herbs and spices used also have health benefits. Recipes have improved as they are passed on by generations.

‪‪ANTHONY CARLTON‪‬‬‪ Portuguese, because of the varied but distinct flavours, unique spices and innumerable health benefits. THIS IS YOUR PAGE!

‪‪JOHANN DIETER VAN DEVENTER‬‪

Roast leg of lamb, with rosemary and garlic, the way my dad makes it.

Just send us your picture with the free Y magazine or pose with our photographer and we will publish it on this page

JONITHA DCRUZ‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‬‬‪

Send it to: info@y-oman.com

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My favourite cuisine is seafood, be it fish, prawns, oysters, mussels or crabs because of the high protein 5 5 5

NEWS

SMART TAXIS

fleet of new tourism taxis equipped with the latest technology will be operating on the streets of Muscat by the summer season, it was revealed this week. The “smart” taxis will be fitted with meters and devices that allow for advance bookings – even from outside the country – as well as tracking, billing and service monitoring, an official from the Ministry of Tourism told a local newspaper. Drivers of the new taxis will be given training to improve their language skills and how to maintain a clean appearance. They will be able to make extra income by selling bottles of water and snacks inside the new taxis. Advertising on the body of the vehicles will also be allowed. With the smart system, customers will be able to choose their driver. Strict standards on the age and safety of the vehicle will be set down, Salim Sultan al Abri, a tourism initiatives expert at the Minister’s Office, told local media. A pilot project will see the tourism taxis run from three, four and five-star hotels in Muscat and Port Sultan Qaboos. If successful, it will possibly be extended to other parts of the capital and Oman. An agreement has already been signed with a company from Singapore and work will begin in April with the aim of getting the system up and running by July.

BRAVO!

Max Team Bravo, whose members ranged from 14 to 20 years old, clinched victory at the Oman Automobile Association’s 24hour go-kart endurance race last weekend with an impressive 1,448 laps in total.

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MAR 19 - 25 / ISSUE 362

If all goes well, the “tourism smart taxis” brand may later be changed to “smart taxi Oman”, said al Abri. Furthermore, it could be applied to all taxis, seeing the old orange-and-white ones given a makeover. Speaking of the project, al Abri added: “Foreign visitors will be able to book these taxis before arriving in Muscat and a passenger can track the taxi when it is coming. “You can also evaluate the drivers and choose the driver you want.” Hotels and tourism experts, who claim Oman needs a world-class taxi service to compete in the market, have welcomed the sweeping changes. A similar tourism scheme in Abu Dhabi saw old gold-and-white taxis phased out in favour of a sleek new silver fleet.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

IN FOCUS

NEWS

afer school buses are on the cards for 30,000 students attending Indian schools in the capital, with authorities announcing a monitored transport system that will kick off in the new academic year. Wilson George, the chairman of the Board of Directors for Indian schools in Oman, said a pilot project would begin with Indian School Darsait (ISD) next month and this would be introduced to other schools at the beginning of the 2015-16 academic year. “We are coming up with a school approved and monitored transport system starting from the next academic year,” he told local media this week. The move comes after two deadly school bus crashes in the Sultanate last year. In January 2014, a school bus packed with students was travelling from Mabela to Pakistan School Muscat when it ploughed into a rubbish truck and overturned in Qurum. Three students were killed in the accident (pictured above), while two were critically injured and dozens of others suffered minor to serious injuries. Just two weeks later, in February 2014, two people were killed – a student and the driver – and 24 injured after a school bus collided with another car in Sur. This prompted calls to make school buses safer. Mr George said accidents involving school children and the worsening traffic conditions in and around Darsait prompted the board to focus on the safe transportation of students in the area. He added that the new transportation system would include features such as in-vehicle monitoring systems (IVMS), air conditioners, fire extinguishers, emergency exits, first-aid kits, warning devices, handrails and – most importantly – seat belts and assistants on the buses. “In the next phase, we will be adding CCTV, rear-view cameras, stop arms and buses will be painted yellow,” Harish Sidhartha, the head of the school transportation system and a school managing committee member of the ISD, was quoted as saying. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Education issued a set of guidelines that government school buses are required to meet, while yellow will be the standard colour of all school buses.

here were pirates, parades and a party atmosphere down at The Wave Carnival last weekend and hundreds of people made their way along to join in the fun. The organisers had promised that it would be an event to remember and they delivered with four afternoons and nights of family entertainment, which saw The Wave transformed into a Caribbean port. As well pirate shows, animal parades, puppets, circus workshops and cartoon characters, a spectacular laser show lit up Almouj Marina and wowed the crowds. Captain Jack Sparrow of Pirates of the Caribbean fame even put in an appearance (well, an impersonator did) although there was no sign of his ship, the Black Pearl, anchored in the marina. Y readers were also out and about over the four days, capturing themselves in the middle of all the carnival action with their smartphones and tablets to take part in our selfie competition. Y teamed up with The Wave, Muscat to offer two readers RO30 vouchers for the best selfies taken during the carnival, which ended on Saturday (March 14). We had dozens of amazing and creative entries but, as you know, there can only be two winners. After deliberation by Team Y, we have chosen, drum roll... April Joy Pineda and her son for their brilliant entries (top right – looked like they both had a great time) and Majeed Ali Kashmiri, who seemed to have some serious fun with his friends. Congratulations, guys! We’ll be in touch soon with details on how to collect your prize. Thanks to everyone who took part and see you at next year’s carnival. *More Carnival Fun p14 MAR 19 - 25 / ISSUE 362

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YOUR

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Gallery

Interview

NEWS

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED

Bite Sized OUR WEEKLY SLOT TAKES A LIGHTHEARTED LOOK AT A NEWS ISSUE OF THE WEEK.

ON A BRINNER

On a what? A brinner. It’s a combination of breakfast and dinner, hence brinner. Why would you combine them? It’s not so much combining them – it’s more about replacing your meat and two veg at night with what you’d eat for breakfast. You mean eat cereal for dinner? Absolutely. Or even scrambled eggs and toast, or perhaps your favourite fry-up. Why would I want to do that? You don’t have to if you don’t want to. But it seems the trend kicked off in the United States and has spread to the UK, where supermarkets have reported a surge in sales for breakfast and brunch-related items. What are the benefits of brinner? When you think about it, all those breakfast favourites are pretty easy to prepare, as well as more affordable. With a hungry family waiting for dinner at the end of a busy day, we know what we’d rather do. In fact, a few of us at Team Y have been known to have muesli or scrambled eggs on toast for dinner. What else could I make for brinner? As you can imagine, there’s a lot of brinner ideas to be found on Google. Some tasty creations include eggs and spinach en cocotte, huevos rancheros and waffles and syrup. But we have to confess we skipped the mushroom porridge recipe. Don’t say: What’s for dinner tonight? Do say: It’s brinnertime. 012

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t’s literally a bird’s-eye view – the heart-stopping moment when Darshan, an endangered eagle, was launched from atop the world’s tallest tower and flew into the arms of his trainer waiting 830 metres below. Darshan’s record-breaking flight from the top of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa last Saturday (March 14) was recorded thanks to the Sony ActionCam Mini – the world’s smallest video camera – that was strapped to its back, capturing stunning aerial views along the way. Organiser Freedom Conservation, a group that seeks to protect and reintroduce threatened birds of prey, claim it is the highest-ever recorded bird flight from a man-made structure. “[This] represents a historic opportunity for conservation – through these incredible images, we are bringing this important cause to the attention of people across the world,” Ronald Menzel, the director

A WEEK IN PICTURES

of Freedom Conservation, told the BBC. The two-minute clip, streamed live by the BBC, is a breathtaking wild ride as Darshan soars high above Dubai and battles with strong winds created by surrounding buildings. Trained by falconer Jacques-Olivier Travers, Darshan is a white-tailed eagle, a species that has been on the critically endangered list for more than 50 years. Travers described the flight as “perfect”. “This was an incredible challenge and the most difficult of my career,” he told the BBC. “Not only is this the highest vertical flight that has ever been done, but the eagle also had to fly in a totally different environment with strong wind disturbances caused by the skyscrapers.” To view the record-breaking flight, go to www. freedom-conservation.org or you can also watch it on Y’s Facebook page.

HEADLINING STORIES FROM THE REGION AND BEYOND

Thousands of people have been left homeless after one of the most powerful storms in history tore through Vanuatu’s islands at the weekend. Cyclone Pam left widespread destruction throughout the Pacific Island nation, while at least eight people were killed during the storm that whipped up winds of up to 320km an hour

Egypt is planning to spend US$45 billion (RO17.2bn) on building a new capital city east of Cairo. The new capital, expected to be about the same size as Singapore, would take five to seven years to complete and house government buildings, an airport, diplomatic missions and residential units, the country’s housing minister said

Disney has thrilled Frozen fans around the world after announcing that it will produce a sequel to the runaway hit of 2014 – and prompting many to ask: Will we ever be able to “let it go”?

The West Indies may have secured its place in the Cricket World Cup quarter finals with an easy win over the UAE, but our GCC neighbours can hold their heads high knowing that they gave them a run for their money despite crumbling to 26-5 at one stage of the match

YOUR

SHIVER ME TIMBERS

OMAN

THE WAVE, MUSCAT WAS TRANSFORMED INTO A VIBRANT CARIBBEAN PORT FOR FOUR DAYS WITH PIRATES AND PARADES KEEPING HUNDREDS OF VISITORS ENTERTAINED

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GALLERY

FA M I LY F U N

GALLERY

SABCO GROUP HELD A FAMILY DAY WITH LOTS OF LIVELY ACTIVITIES HELD ON AND OFF THE BEACH AT THE JEBEL SIFAH RESORT

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

Superfast!

Run All Night Liam Neeson is back in ageing bad boy mode as he takes on the role of veteran Brooklyn hitman, Jimmy Conlon, working for mob boss Shawn Maguire (Ed Harris). The pair’s friendship can be traced back years, but when Jimmy is forced to kill Shawn’s son Danny (Boyd Holbrook) in order to save his own estranged son Mike (Joel Kinnaman), all loyalties go out the window and the father-son team have a mammoth task on their hands just to survive the night. Anyone with the slightest shred of New York geographical knowledge will spot the holes in the plot, with the pair bouncing from borough to borough

in unfeasibly short times, given the timescale of the film. This aside though, the film’s pace is relentless and director Jaume Collet-Serra keeps the tension cranked high. As demonstrated throughout the Taken franchise, Neeson has an innate talent to actually make you care when members of his family are thrown into peril. Not only the hallmark of a great actor, it also goes to show that the 62-year-old is nowhere near his expiry date and remains a bankable action star. Review by Matt Blackwell

PRE VI EW

EX MACHINA Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson) is a young coder at an internet search giant who wins the opportunity to spend a week at the CEO’s mountain retreat in order to test and evaluate the company’s latest experiment: a fully humanoid (and beautiful) artificial intelligence. The lines between human and machine quickly become blurred in what looks set to be a stylish psychological thriller.

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

From minds that brought you Meet the Spartans and The Starving Games, comes Superfast!. Looking to cash in on the hype surrounding the impending seventh installment of The Fast and the Furious, Superfast! enlists a cast of almost lookalikes to play exaggerated parodies of characters from the juggernaut street

The classic fairytale gets a 21st century makeover, with Kenneth Branagh bringing a touch of directorial class to the proceedings. Ella wants nothing more than to attend the palace ball, but finds herself at the mercy of her wicked stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and cruel stepsisters (Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera), who conspire to keep her housebound. Helena Bonham Carter brings her whimsical allure to the role of the fairy godmother, while Lily James and Richard Madden are traditional yet enchanting in their lead roles as Ella (Cinderella) and Prince Charming respectively. Don’t expect many twists and turns; do expect tasteful and wholesome viewing.

NH 10

Fresh from her appearance in last year’s blockbuster PK, Anushka Sharma returns to star in NH10, a film that exposes the dark underbelly of violence and gang war in the north Indian state of Haryana. En route to a romantic getaway, a middleclass couple witnesses a young girl being picked up by a group of hoodlums and Meera (Sharma) decides to intervene, regardless of the danger.

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.

Contact: Movie enquiries 24607360

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Cinderella

Bollywatch

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

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racing franchise, who plan to double cross an LA crime lord and steal his cash from a fast-food outlet. Make no mistake; the tongue is firmly in the cheek with this one, to the point that it is actually quite funny.

Brought to you by

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION

What state of north India is NH10 set in? LAST WEEK'S WINNER Prakyat KP

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

Mar

MAKE A DIFFERENCE To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day 2015, the local Oman Down Syndrome Association is holding a special event at Al Sawadi Beach Resort and Spa. Along with bouncy castles, expect horse riding, performances, mascots and lots of creative activities. Free T-shirt, caps, kites, lunch and gifts. RO2 entry per head. From midday to 6pm. Join in and show that you care.

Into The Blue Join the American Women’s Group’s (AWG) Mona Lisa Art Group for their latest art exhibit “Blue” at MacKenzies Deli in Madinat Qaboos. Have a coffee and browse the art, all of which will be available to buy. From 10am. Find out more at awgoman.com

Mar

WEEK M

WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

Fans of the Royal Opera House Muscat are in for a real treat when Piotr Beczala performs for one night only in Oman. A regular star of the world’s top opera houses including Paris, Covent Garden and Zurich, Piotr will perform a showcase of operetta and romantic repertoire from Strauss to Dvorak, with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. Of his many recordings, Piotr’s performance of Verdi’s La traviata was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2008. Curtain raises at 7.30pm with a 20-minute intermission between two parts of approximately 45 minutes each. Tickets from RO5. Book and find out more at rohmuscat.org.om

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Yoga in the Park It’s healthy and good for the body and soul. Find out the benefits of yoga for yourself at Yoga Festival 2015 at Marah Land, Qurum, from 6pm-9pm. Free entry. Take part in fun yoga or simply watch a demonstration of a technique for stress relief and general wellness. Research has shown yoga could be good for obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Organised by Art of Living Oman and supported by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Sports Affairs. For more details and registration, contact +968 9364 1266, 9966 1264 or 9328 2435.

TENOR IN CONCERT

WHAT TO DO.

Mar

THIS

March

Holi Time Celebrate the colour festival of Holi Milan 2015 on the lawns of the Indian Embassy from 7pm onwards. There will be a DJ to rock the dance floor, live music, singing, sumptuous food, a raffle and lots of prizes. Entry for members is RO3 per adult and RO2 for children (aged between 5-12). Guest coupons charged at RO7 for adults and RO4 for children. For info, contact deepakmunshi2007@gmail.com or gajeshd@gmail.com

Go Green

Enjoy an Irish-themed night at Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. “Green On The Green” will feature an Irish buffet and live entertainment at the Caddy Shack from 8pm. Exciting gifts for the Best Dressed Couple. RO15 per head. Facebook.com/ CaddyShackMuscatHills, tel: 2451 4082 or email fb@muscatgolf.com

There are lots of events going on during March to celebrate Arab Water Day and World Water Day on March 22. For a fun-filled day, head to Qurum Beach on March 21 from 8am to 5pm for a water operetta, boats and planes show, and various sports. On March 24, the Children’s Museum in Qurum has a morning of festivities with songs, face painting and photographs for children, from 9am12noon. On March 27, it’s the turn of As’ Sahwah Public Gardens when little ones can enjoy competitions, water games and mix with cartoon characters. All are organised by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources. Check out mrmwr.gov.om

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Maids in

TROUBLE

EMBASSIES ARE MOVING TO PROTECT THEIR CITIZENS WORKING AS DOMESTIC HELPERS IN THE SULTANATE AFTER A SPATE OF COMPLAINTS AND A RUSH OF RUNAWAYS SEEKING HELP IN SHELTERS. DEEBA HASAN REPORTS

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Y spoke to one of the many recruitment agencies hen Aisha* arrived in Oman in Muscat to get the official view on maids who find two years ago to work as a housemaid, she believed she had themselves in unfavourable situations. “If the maids we recruit face any troubles in the made the right decision for her young family. Recently widowed, employer’s houses, they can come back to us and we can sort things out for them,” says one agency she had three young children employee. “If the two parties do not compromise, we to provide for and knew that the only way to keep them above the poverty line was to join the millions of normally transfer the housemaids to another waiting household, which takes about a week.” other foreign domestic helpers who were pouring into The National Centre for Statistics and Information the GCC in a desperate bid to support their families (NCSI) says that the number of domestic workers – back home. both male and female – in Oman reached 224,006 by Boarding the flight from her hometown on the the end of 2012, a rise of 25 per cent since 2010. outskirts of Delhi in India to Muscat, the 40-year-old In 2010, it was reported that the Director-General mother knew that what she was sacrificing – being of Labour Affairs in the Ministry of Manpower in away from her children and support network – was Oman received 1,000 complaints about housemaids her only option now that she had become the main running away from their original employers towards breadwinner of her family. the end of the year whereas the complaints stood at Aisha’s decision to leave India and work in another 700 in the same period in 2009. country was a leap of faith, as it is for many of “If housemaids are in trouble, they can approach her fellow housemaids. Oman was an unknown Ministry of Manpower’s Labour Welfare offices, destination, a faraway place that she’d heard of only through word of mouth from others in her hometown which have been set up across the Sultanate especially who were able to make a better life for themselves and for addressing such complaints,” an official from the Ministry of Manpower told Y. their families. The lure of working as a housemaid in The NCSI says that 91 per cent of domestic helpers a foreign country was hard to resist, more so as the consist of women, 46 per cent of which hail from promised salary was much more than she’d ever be India and Indonesia, while about 80 per cent of male able to earn at home. domestic workers are from Similar stories stretch from India and Bangladesh. Hong Kong to Singapore Aisha says her employer to Malaysia, Oman and the always told her how influential rest of the GCC, where the he was and that no matter how market for foreign domestic WHEN MY HUSBAND DIED, much he tortured her, nobody helpers thrives thanks to locals would do anything to him. and expatriates who have the I WANTED A REGULAR After almost one year in his money to hire people to clean SOURCE OF INCOME, house, the physically abused for them, cook their food, take SO I CAME TO OMAN TO and heartbroken Aisha was sent care of their children and, WORK AS A HOUSEMAID. to an Omani colleague of her basically, run their houses MY INDIAN EMPLOYERS employer. for them so they can have it BROUGHT ME HERE. “The Omani person took me all – their careers and social EVERYTHING SEEMED OKAY to the place where his extended lives without “worrying” about FOR THE FIRST FEW DAYS family lived,” Aisha says. “I what’s going on at home. THAT I WAS HERE, BUT Many are appreciated by the LATER I WAS BEATEN EVERY worked there for a few months without salary, but I didn’t have families they work for, but for DAY AND IT BECAME A any problems there.” every silver lining, the horror NIGHTMARE. She was then moved to the stories abound. And for Aisha, home of the Omani colleague to take care of his what started out as a leap into the unknown and a immediate family. “I cooked and cleaned in their flat dream of making a better life for her family turned without any salary, but at least I was not beaten or into a nightmare. tortured.” From not being paid what they were promised A few days later, Aisha learned there was another to not receiving a salary at all, passports being Indian family living in the same building and went confiscated illegally and being abused both physically to their flat looking for extra work. “The lady in the and mentally, the life of a housemaid can be house heard my whole story and felt very sorry for extremely difficult. me. I did small jobs for them and got paid in cash.” “I have three little children back in India,” Aisha Aisha had no idea, but her knock on the door of says in tears. “When my husband died, I wanted a regular source of income, so I came to Oman to work this family would change her life forever – and end the nightmare she had endured since arriving in Muscat. as a housemaid. My Indian employers brought me Just two months after her first visit to the flat of the here. Everything seemed okay for the first few days that I was here, but later I was beaten every day and it Indian family, she was able to return to the safety of her home in India. became a nightmare. “They fed me, supported me and did everything Aisha’s case is not an isolated one; similar cases they could to help me. They gathered their friends to have occurred in Muscat and in other parts of the donate money for me so I could come home. I will Sultanate, not to mention other countries. To escape always be thankful to them,” Aisha says. the abuse, housemaids often resort to running away, An official from the Bangladeshi Embassy tells Y: which causes even more problems as the employer “There are cases of abuse and housemaids run away often – and illegally – retains their passport and from their employers – sometimes the maids are at reports them as absconders to the Ministry of fault, but this can be dealt with in a responsible way.” Manpower. He adds that the embassy runs a shelter to assist In an interview with a local newspaper recently, maids who are seeking help from their situations. Rashid al Habsi, an agent who regularly brings “We keep them here for a few months until their housemaids to Muscat, says: “We receive a lot of complaints from both sponsors and housemaids. Most cases are solved and then we help them get back to Bangladesh.” of the sponsors put the blame on us. But ill treatment The Bangladeshi embassy official says some by sponsors is one of the reasons for absconding housemaids are living in poor conditions, but there housemaids, though there are some good sponsors who have lost their money because of the housemaid’s are others who are lucky to find good households. “The Ministry of Manpower has been supporting us irresponsible behaviour.”

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MINA’S STORY

ina* is a 25-year-old Indonesian housemaid who has been working for a large household in Azaiba for the past three years. Back home, her 11-year-old son is being cared for by her mother. She is a divorcee and has to support her family – the main reason she came to the Gulf a few years ago. She was first sent to Saudi Arabia for a year by the recruitment agency that she had signed up with. Although she didn’t face any abuse there, she was not paid for the time she spent working with this family. She managed to escape and returned to her agency; her case took one month to solve in the Saudi courts and Mina was then sent to Dubai, where she worked for an Emirati family for two years and had no problems at all. However, at the end of her two-year contract in the UAE, her agency sent her to Oman. Her sponsor here, who she currently works for, regularly sends her to work in his mother’s home and also to his brotherin-law’s home, despite the fact that she is already being overworked in the main house. Worse still, Mina says the brother-in-law hits her and once tried to sexually abuse her. But when Mina complained to his mother, this stopped. She says her sponsor and his family are okay, but she is overworked and receives less money that what was promised. “I was promised a salary of RO80, but I get RO70. Ten rials is a big amount for me because I have to buy all the basic necessities for myself, including soap, shampoo and other things the sponsor normally buys for the housemaids.”

with the hiring process and we really appreciate that.” But it’s not all good news and because of the problems the maids are experiencing in Oman, some countries are beginning to forbid their citizens from working here. The Indonesian Embassy in Muscat recently issued a notice to recruitment agencies that it had suspended the hiring of domestic workers from Indonesia, effective from March 1, 2015. “We care about the rights of our housemaids and want to make sure that if they work in countries abroad, they are treated well,” says an embassy official. “Our citizens have the rights to live and work anywhere in the world, but this ban has only been issued to look into the system of the recruitment of housemaids – we want to be able to track it well. We want Oman and Indonesia to be on the same page when it comes to the recruiting of domestic workers from Indonesia.” The official says Oman has been cooperating with the embassy when it comes to the hiring of housemaids and the embassy appreciates it. “Since the ban has been effective, the Royal Oman Police [ROP] and the Ministry of Manpower have also stopped issuing any new visas to Indonesian domestic workers who want to live and work here.” The official says that the minimum salary for an experienced Indonesian housemaid is RO120, but many of them are not paid this amount. The Indonesian Embassy also has a shelter for runaway housemaids. “We have about 90 runaway housemaids living in our shelters currently. “Some of them escape and come to Muscat when they should actually be approaching the labour offices in their regions and when they come here, we can do nothing but keep them in our shelters.” The minimum wage for Indian and Bangladeshi housemaids currently stands at RO75. In November last year, the Nepalese government announced that it was preparing to lift a temporary ban on Nepalese women travelling to Oman and other Gulf countries to serve as domestic workers after introducing new guidelines to protect its female citizens. 022

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WHERE TO GO FOR HELP: ● Recruitment agencies: the specific agency through which the maid was brought into the country ● Ministry of Manpower’s Labour office: +968 2476 6222 / 2476 6087 Local Embassies: ● Indian Embassy: +968 2469 5981 (24/7 emergency number); Toll-free helpline: 80071234 ● Philippines Embassy: +968 2460 5335 For extreme emergencies: +968 9988 5073 ● Indonesian Embassy: +968 2469 1050 ● Bangladeshi Embassy: +968 2469 8660

HIBA’S STORY

Meanwhile, in March last year, the ROP’s Directorate-General of Passport and Residence issued a notice that banned the processing of visas for new Ethiopian domestic workers hoping to work in Oman. The circular said that visa processing for Ethiopian maids would be frozen until further notice. And just last month, the Philippine Overseas Labour Office released a notice that reinforced a minimum salary of RO160 for its citizens working as domestic helpers. “The office is strictly implementing Philippine Overseas Employment Administration [POEA] rules and regulations on the US$400, or RO160, minimum salary for household service workers,” the statement says. An Indonesian embassy official admits there are cases where housemaids run away from their employers and turn to them for help. “If they approach the embassy, we first

call their legal sponsors and try to know the problem. We act like mediators and we are happy to do that. Sometimes the employers cooperate with us and if the housemaid has not fulfilled her obligations, we try and make them understand that they need to do these things, it is a part of their job.” Although the official says some housemaids might be at fault sometimes, they still need to be respected and not blamed or abused by their employers. “It is true sometimes they might be at fault, but the employers should try and assess the issue and see whose fault it really is. If you treat maids like sisters, they will be very happy to work for you, but if you don’t treat them well, they will not like working in such a household.” * Names have been changed to protect their identity

ome maids enter Oman via the “free-visa” system – an illegal practice in which Omani sponsors provide domestic helpers with a visa for a high fee – either monthly or yearly – that allows them to work anywhere they choose. While it might give some maids freedom, it does leave them open to exploitation. Hiba* is an expat who was approached by a Sri Lankan maid shortly after moving into a compound in Muscat. She had moved to Oman just a month before and was unaware of the “free-visa” system. “We had been in the compound for a few days when I was approached by the Sri Lankan maid,” Hiba says. “The maid was working for a neighbour, but wanted to know if I needed some part-time help. I was overwhelmed as I had already started work and our belongings had just arrived. We were living out of boxes and there was so much to do. I was assured that her ‘employer’ was okay with her doing some extra work and so I took her on parttime. “But what I didn’t realise was that the neighbour was not her really employer – and that she had not been paid for the better part of a year. She was eating at another neighbour’s house, who had taken pity on her. “It didn’t take long for her to ask me for a full-time job. Again, she assured me that her employer wanted to let her go, as he couldn’t pay her. She had no choice but to find another job – and that is what the freedom of the ‘free-visa’ system offers you. “The maid was being sponsored by an Omani, but the neighbour had her passport. The agreement he had with the sponsor was to pay him RO400 for having the maid work in his house. He had already paid him RO200 and if I paid him the other RO200 to give to the sponsor, then that would cover the expense. It seemed like a fair deal as he’d had the maid for more than seven months. “I did get the maid’s passport, but the neighbour took the RO200 from me under false pretenses. The original agreement was that he would give it to the sponsor. He kept it, saying he was ‘reimbursing’ himself. “The maid works for us now and I am in close contact with her sponsor to transfer her visa to us. The maid is now paid RO170 every month [she is Sri Lankan and her basic salary requirement set by the embassy is RO70], while she has her passport back.”

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Two professional rock climbers challenged themselves to do what no one had ever attempted before â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to climb out of the second-largest known cave chamber in the world, Majlis Al Jinn in Oman â&#x20AC;&#x201C; recording their journey in the documentary Into The Light, writes Deeba Hasan

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linging to a sheer rock face on a steep overhang with the muscles in his hands screaming in agony, Stefan Glowacz would have been forgiven for thinking it wasn’t such a good idea after all. He lost his grip and began plummeting to the floor, only to be saved by his climbing gear and ropes. Although the fall was not fatal, it did burn his palms and fingers and he knew the rest of the climb would be a struggle. Together with fellow professional rock climber, Chris Sharma, Stefan made the decision to attempt a climb out of the second-largest cave chamber in the world, Oman’s Majlis Al Jinn, in February last year. It was a feat they successfully completed in 12 days and one that was recorded in a documentary that was fittingly previewed at The Cave restaurant complex in Muscat last week. Stefan, who has 35 years of climbing experience, specialises in free climbing, in which ropes and other aids can be used to protect against falls, but cannot be used when ascending. He first heard of the Majlis Al Jinn through a friend who visited Oman three years ago to explore possibilities of free climbing the 300 metres from the bottom of the chamber to the top. After Felix Baumgartner’s base jump into the cave in 2007 inspired reckless copycat attempts, the government placed the Majlis Al Jinn off limits, meaning that Stefan and Chris had to have several meetings with the authorities before they were granted permission to undertake their mammoth task. Situated about 100 kilometres southeast of Muscat and 1,380 metres above sea level in a remote area of the Selma Plateau, the cave first had to be THIS CLIMB IS UNIQUE FROM cleaned by crew members before the pair could abseil down to discuss the best START TO FINISH. EVERY SINGLE route to the top. METRE IS OVERHANGING The rock face ranges in difficulty, but AND IT SOON TURNS INTO the duo agree that it is one of the most ROOF CLIMBING. IT IS NOT demanding roof climbs in the world. COMPARABLE WITH ANY OTHER

ROUTE ON EARTH.

The climbers received constant support from curious locals, who would sit at the top of the cave chamber and send shouts of encouragement down to the men, despite the lack of a common language. Stefan and Chris used to start their daily climb when the sun rose and wouldn’t stop until it set again. Although he is 50, Stefan manages to stay incredibly fit and always ensures he prepares well before his climbs. “I complete three or four climbingspecific training circuits a week. Then there’s the actual climbing, of course. Really that’s more than enough for me. But I just have that drive to do something every day,” he says. Stefan does admit that age sometimes creates difficulties in such activities. “When you get over 40 years of age, you have to train much more and take rests between sessions because you need some time to recover – you just can’t train on the same level as the young ones do. “This climb is unique from start to finish. Every single metre is overhanging and it soon turns into roof climbing. It is not comparable with any other route on earth. It is an outstanding achievement.” “Majlis Al Jinn” translates to “meeting place of the spirits” and several people have reported an almost otherworldly presence in the area. But were Stefan and Chris scared at any point? “Once we were down there in the cave, there was a spiritual feeling,” says Stefan. Although with no time for potentially dangerous distractions, he banished the goosebumps and got on with heading towards the light high above him. Into the Light is scheduled to be aired at VOX Cinemas towards the end of this month.

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he winners of our ‘T l e th t u o d n fi to l The Grand Revea etition is just days away. Who wil mp Weight Is Over’ co ing and Queen of Weight Loss? be crowned the K

second and There are also prizes forconsolation d an er l ov cia he wait is almost third place, plus a spe ight is hopefully the excess we ntestants as prize. r contestants almost off all of our coges of our Over the past month, ou eating and sta al hy fin alt he the on to d ad we he have embarke ir waistlines slim to win competition. althy regimes to improve the ess fitn urs, of he and general wellbeing. from After 28 days, or 672 hoare just two days we g, sin rci exe d With encouragement ely eating an the wn sho s Ge ha o wh t ou g our presenting sponsor, sedan, away from findin ight loss and we act d mp an t co en w ne itm the mm 7, co GC biggest mming e serious cash in the and advice from our Sli , bagged themselves som ess lln We CC VL er, s. rtn Pa proces stants in “The lance and Fitness Partner, Ba have All of our brilliant conteming together for ny co be ma ll ss, wi ne er” Fit & Ov h Is t alt He Weigh d ty Centre Qurum, turned their lives arouns that the Grand Reveal at Ci our venue partner, ge an ch ed uc rod int d an on the on Saturday hopefully have set them . (March 21). In ure fut r hie alt he a to th pa t the what promises “We are so excited aboully rea to be a nail-biting are d an l vea Re d an Gr how finale, they will all be looking forward to seeing to e tim t las the ll be for wi nts sta weighed nte co r ou od eat and go all their find out whether the sw has looking and feeling after Glover, nth mo st pa ity the s Felic tears over to be hard work,” sayr of Y Magazine. been worth it, as they vie g edito gin na ma Is Over crowned champion. “We hope our ‘Weight pping stone ste a be ll wi As well as showing off hes n’ Competitio with a new how many grams and inc for them to continue onstyle. They g pin ho be l life hy alt he d they’ve shed, they’l outlook an 00 fits of eating to get a share of RO2,2 will have seen the bene how important ing lud d an g sin rci worth of prizes, inc health well and exe families to gym membership and it is for them and their ir health in the bs. gra the to d itte treatments, up for mm remain co The winners will be future.” nt, eve the prizes, announced at the Regardless of who winsstants are to by d ere mp co nte be co ll which wi the efforts of all the Chris r eyes, they are all Merge 104.8 presenter all our be commended. “In ou by d de en ity. att lic d Fisher an winners,” agrees Fe wn to support sponsors. We hope you’ll come dothem on at City ve ha to led ea rev is eer r ch Whoeve the contestants and sed m. lost the most weight (ba ight Centre Qurum from 6p see photographs on the percentage of we ale xt week’s Y to ne ab Gr l and find out who loss) in the male and fem500 from the Grand Revea rs. RO ct lle co ll me wi categories are our winning slim cash for their efforts.

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FEB 0619 –- 25 MAR 12 / /ISSUE ISSUE306 362

PRIZES UP FOR GRABS EN FIRST PRIZE M : N E AND WOM and RO500 cash eachh & a Balance Healt ub Fitness health cl p hi rs single membe th for one year wor RO399 each E SECOND PRIZ D AN MEN WOMEN:

RO350 worth of ts VLCC treatmen each

THIRD PRIZE MEN AND WOMEN:

VLCC RO200 worth of ch ea ts treatmen

AWARD VLCC SPECIAL (FOR MEN AND WOMEN): C

VLC RO150 worth of ch treatments ea

is part of the * Geely Oman, which AC), has put up the Towell Auto Centre (T men’s category, the RO500 cash prize for s matched this for ha ine az ag M while Y ion. the women’s competit

MAIN SPONSOR

ASSOCIATE SPONSOR

other’s Day is a special time for us to say thanks to our mums for all the amazing things they do for us – and this year, you could be doing it in style with Y Magazine. All you have to do is write a special message to your mum on the Mother’s Day card we’ve provided in this week’s issue of Y and send it back to us to enter the competition, which is presented by Cake Gallery. It’s that easy! But before you rush off and start writing your message, think about what it is that makes your mum so special to you, as well as all those wonderful things she does every day that make you happy. Perhaps you want to tell your mum just how much you love her, or thank her for taking you to school every day, to football practice, your music lessons or dance class. You could also write her a poem or even add a picture or drawing to the card. Our mums are unique and precious – and this is your chance to say thank you! Then all you have to do is drop your card off at selected points across Muscat: at Cake Gallery and Nissan showrooms in Mawalah and Qurum. You can also drop it into Y’s office or email it to editor@y-oman.com. The best Mother’s Day card will win RO200 cash – imagine the treats you could buy for your mum if you won! The first runner-up will receive an overnight stay for two at The Chedi Muscat hotel (breakfast included) and the second runnerup RO50 worth of perfume. We will also frame the top three winning cards to give to your mums as keepsakes. The competition closes on March 30, 2015, and the winners – and their cards – will be announced in our April 2 issue. Good luck – and remember to say it with love!

Drop-off points: Cake Gallery Mawalah, Al Khuwair and Qurum branches Nissan Qurum showroom Mawalah showroom MAR 19 – 25 / ISSUE 362

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COMPETITION

u o y d n a Y with y a D s ’ r e oth 0! 7 M 3 e t O a R r g b n e Cel otalli t s e z i r p could win

FOOD AND DRINK

MASTER

CHEF

Making the perfect risotto can be tricky, but when the cook in question is Michelin-starred Giancarlo Morelli, it’s as easy as pie, discovers Deeba Hasan

s Chef Giancarlo gently stirred the perfectly cooked pieces of rice, the smell wafting out of the pan was so good. He gently spooned the mixture in bowls for us to try. My mouth was drooling in anticipation. I wasn’t disappointed; it tasted every bit as good as it looked, delicate flavours of black truffle and shrimp and Parmesan cheese married together in perfect harmony. I should have known that I was going to be in for a treat. Chef Giancarlo has been making risotto down to an art, finely tuned over the past 45 years to become his signature and award-winning dish. During a four-day visit to the Grand Hyatt Muscat, in which his dishes were on the menu at the hotel’s Tuscany restaurant, he found the time to give a risotto cooking masterclass. Risotto is a popular rice dish from the north of Italy. Cooked to a creamy consistency with the help of Parmesan cheese and a lot of butter, the dish can be made with meat, fish or vegetables. It’s a richly decadent meal and, it turns out, as historically traditional in Italian cooking than the usual suspects of pizza and pasta. “Pizzas and pastas are a major part of our cuisine especially now, but traditionally it was risottos which was a symbol of the Italian culture and cuisine, especially in the north of Italy. Risotto is the peak of what we define as traditional,” explains Chef Giancarlo. Chef Giancarlo has worked in different places around the world. In 2010, he was given an award for making the best Italian risotto by Riso Gallo (one of the largest rice mills in Europe and among the oldest Italian rice growers). His winning philosophy is not to use any salt while cooking the risotto. “Salt is not very healthy for humans and it is important that being a chef I feed my customers with high-quality healthy foods. I feel like they are my responsibility.”

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Two different risottos were on the menu for our class – one with saffron and beef marrow and the other one with lots of smoked ricotta, anchovy oil and chopped pieces of raw deep-sea shrimps. Chef Giancarlo also reveals another one of the secrets of his risotto success – always use ingredients of premium quality. “If you want fantastic results, you can only do that with superior quality ingredients, it is impossible to have good results without them, be it the vegetable stock, or the ricotta cheese, butter, olive oil or saffron.” Chef Giancarlo’s tips on how to make good risotto:

❖ High-quality ingredients are very important if you want the best results ❖ The portions of all ingredients must be carefully measured and used in making the risotto ❖ Time is very important, all ingredients must be put in at the right time ❖ Consistency of the mixture should be tested at every stage ❖ The rice in the risotto shouldn’t be very soft when cooked ❖ Butter is one of the most important ingredients in risotto – it has to be used in the right proportion ❖ You can use a timer to make sure you are on track with time

(Carnaroli rice, smoked ricotta, anchovy oil, shrimps tartare and black truffle) Ingredients: § 950g Carnaroli rice § 150g butter § 150g Parmesan cheese § 200g smoked ricotta § 25 g onion § 500g red shrimp or fresh shrimp § 20g black truffle § 1.3 centiliter anchovy oil § 2 litres vegetable stock § Italian extra virgin olive oil § Salt and pepper Method § Brown the chopped onion in a saucepan with butter and onion. § Add the rice and toast for a few minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon. § Pour in the vegetable broth and continue cooking. § Stir the rice with the Parmesan cheese, butter, extra virgin olive oil and chopped smoked ricotta. § Clean the prawns, chop the pulp and season lightly with salt and pepper. § Cube the black truffle in brunoise manner. § Pour the rice onto a plate, then add a chopped shrimp tartare and the truffle tartare and finally drizzle with a few drops of anchovy oil.

FOOD AND DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant Info Box

MOZA WA KHAMIS

Midket r Ma

Best Western Premier Muscat, Way 3341, Dohat al Adab Street, Al Khuwair Tel: +968 9380 0356 Opening Times: Sun-Weds 12noon11pm, Thu-Sat 12noon-12 midnight /mozawakhamis Website: bwpmuscat.wix.com/ MozaWaKhamis Lunch for three plus drinks: RO16.7

Verdict 7/ 10 Service 7.5 / 10 Food 6 / 10 Ambience Something different but go in the evening

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

FUSION FUN

A NEW CAFÉ OFFERING OMANI FAVOURITES WITH A TWIST IS WORTH CHECKING OUT – JUST AS LONG AS YOU LIKE CHIPS OMAN, FINDS KATE GINN

s I bit into the mini chicken burger with jalapeno and guacamole, there was an unexpected crunch and suddenly the inimitable taste of Chips Oman flooded my mouth. Closer inspection of my little burger revealed a thin layer of finely crushed chips at the bottom. Welcome to Moza wa Khamis, a newcomer to the culinary scene, which opened its doors to the eating public in February and claims to be Muscat’s hippest Omani Fusion Cafe. This, as I found out, includes a liberal use of the Sultanate’s perennial favourite snack, Chips Oman, as a side and ingredient. The founder of Moza wa Khamis, Yusra Jaffer, is referred to as the “mother” of the café and there is a homely feel as you walk through the door. The décor is bright and airy with white-washed exposed stone walls, white tables and a wooden floor. Colourful cushions are scattered around the benches and white plastic chairs. According to a waitress, the café is based on cartoon characters shown in the Sultanate during the 1980s and these adorn the menus, tables and walls, while songs and episodes from the series are played. It’s a clever idea to plug into this nostalgia and gives it an edge of fun. Unfortunately when we turned up for a late lunch at 3pm on a Friday, the café was empty. The two waitresses and the guys in the open kitchen seemed pleased to see us. Perhaps they were getting a bit lonely. To be fair, a colleague who has visited Moza wa Khamis several times tells me that it’s usually heaving with life in the evenings and during Sunday lunchtime, it was doing a good trade, too, apparently. With two waitresses to our three guests, we were ushered in and menus presented without delay. I went for the saffron frappe to sip on while choosing the food and my fellow

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diners, FG and Miss C, opted for water. My frappe was served in a very cute jam jar-type glass with a handle and was excellent, refreshing and creamy with just a hint of saffron popping up on the tongue. The menu was every bit as eclectic as I expected, taking dishes shared by Omanis over the years and updating them with modern touches, such as the prawn biryani with Chips Oman. I liked the sound of Khamis in Frankfurt, a hotdog with…yes, you’ve guessed it, Chips Oman, but was tempted more by the mini burgers with the Mexican vibe. FG went for Khamis in Beirut, a falafel sandwich, while Miss C only had eyes for the Chicken Shawarma wrap. For a starter, we shared the

REVIEWS

“Alexandria” from the “Egg” section of the menu, which turned out to be an omelette stuffed with ful medames (mashed fava beans), not one of my favourites. I only had one mouthful but FG tucked in and pronounced it as “nice”. All of our main dishes were served with a side of CO (Chips Oman) and bits of greenery. And all had the obligatory CO crunchy filling. Miss C said her shawarma was “okay”. I think a side of fries rather than CO would have elevated it in her estimation. The falafel was crispy and reasonably tasty, although I seemed keener on it than anyone else. At this point, it would have been good if other customers had turned up but alas we were still the only ones. It was a bit uncomfortable, especially as the waitresses were “hovering” around our table. Discreet serving is far more preferable. The undisputed star of the show came at the end. Dessert was French toast with

THE CAFÉ IS BASED ON CARTOON CHARACTERS SHOWN IN THE SULTANATE DURING THE 1980S AND THESE ADORN THE MENUS, TABLES AND WALLS, WHILE SONGS AND EPISODES FROM THE SERIES ARE PLAYED caramelised bananas and peanut butter on the side. Miss C and I made short work of it. We would have lingered for a coffee, but the café was absolutely freezing (rather over enthusiastic air conditioning), not conducive to making you hang around for long. Perhaps that explained why the waitresses were fluttering around us so much – probably trying to keep warm. Of course, we could have asked for the air con to be turned down but it was time to head out. A very nice touch was how the bill arrived, in a clay frankincense pot filled with old-school sweeties, toffee and bubble gum. I will be back, but next time I’ll go in the evening and take a jacket.

HEALTH& BEAUTY

TOP CAT

Make your pampered kitty stand out from the litter with feline fashions and fun styling. This city slicker outfit is just the ticket for a wellbrought up gentleman cat who loves to be the most dapper moggy on the block.

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

CAT

Whether your cat is big or small, they all think they are lions in their own territory. Whether that is the Serengeti or the sofa, this lion costume is sure to make your cat feel like the king of the jungle. From amazon.com for RO6

COSTUMES Make your furry friend feel like the best-dressed moggy in town and they’ll be feline fine, says Adam Hurrell

t’s often said that owners and pets look alike, but did you know that some take the anthropomorphic fun to new levels, dressing their feline friends up in costumes and clothes? It’s a fashion that has taken particular hold in Hollywood, with celebrities kitting their favourite little furballs out in specially made outfits. Here’s your chance to be ahead of the next big fashion curve, as we look into the best cat costumes and clothing available in the Sultanate. Get your “awwws” at the ready as we jump headfirst into the fashionable world of cat couture.

Is your cat a bit of caped crusader at heart? This brilliantly funny musketeer costume looks like it’s come straight off a movie set and will no doubt give your cat a sense of drama and action as he goes on his daily patrols. If his name is d’Artagnan then even better. See etsy.com for tailored prices

This rather sophisticated cat costume almost has a feeling of Victorian elegance about it with a high round collar and decorative edges. How practical such an outfit would be for the lady cat about the house remains to be seen, but it would certainly help reduce fur fluffing and hairballs. Available from amazon. com for RO13

HOW TO ROCK Tips for having the FELINE FASHION

best-dressed pussy:

I love this bumblebee costume; it’s just brilliant! Perfect for the cat that likes to change his stripes every now and again. Also ideal for adding an extra bit of warmth after your cat has taken that much-dreaded bath. From amazon.com for RO3

This little sailor’s outfit is wonderfully cute and perfect for any cats that spend time at sea. Whether they’re basking in the sun or catching mice, the accessory kit is perfect for the nautical feline in your life. From amazon.com for RO4

1. Before you dress up your cat, consider if this will be enjoyable for your pet. Not all cats like dressing up, so don’t force your pet to wear something – even for a little bit. 2. Look out for outfits that are fashioned like a harness with a simple strap that fits around the neck and tummy. 3. Avoid outfits with dangly stuff like bells and ribbons. Some moggies will try to pull them off and eat them.

MAR 19 - 25 / ISSUE 362

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

BEAUTY

Health Fashion

Barely

THERE

Y has been practicing a new skincare trend for years now, which means we are way ahead of the curve. Here’s our tips and tricks for going make-up free at weekends

ave you heard of the 5:2 skin diet? No? Neither had I until very recently. And it turns out that I am way ahead of the trend – albeit unwittingly. I’m sure there are lots of other women out there just like me. You wear make-up five days a week and then spend the weekend with nothing more than a slick of moisturiser on your face after a good cleanse and tone morning and night. I’ve been doing this for years – and have even overcome my fear of being seen in public without my “face” on. Ok, so I venture out to the supermarket and that’s as far as I will go. But hey, it’s a start. Just don’t expect me to take off my sunglasses if you see me in the fruit and veg aisle. Anyway, the idea behind the 5:2 skin diet is to give your skin a break. Let your skin breath, so to speak, without being clogged up with make-up. My motivation, however, is always because it’s the weekend and neither love nor money will get me to go through that weekday make-up routine of mine – unless, of course, I am heading out somewhere formal. Come the weekend, I simply cleanse and tone in the mornings and evenings, slap some moisturiser on and then my favourite lip balm, Lucas’ Papaw Ointment. There’s nothing quite like that feeling of not wearing make-up and all the responsibilities that come with it. I say responsibilities because no woman worth her salt would dare go to bed wearing make-up. After all, who wants to wake up looking like a panda bear in the morning with make-up smeared all over the pillow? I know I don’t. And anyway, it’s also bad for your skin. Experts say that following the 5:2 skin diet can help to “promote skin cell turnover”, which can leave your skin with a youthful glow and fewer fine lines. Some of you might not feel as confident about going “bare” and if that’s the case, then there are some tips and tricks on how to get your skin looking its best without the help of make-up. These include using a toner to tighten pores, an under-eye serum or cream to help with puffiness, a moisturiser and a good-quality lip balm. Of course, if you can’t go completely bare, there’s always a host of BB (Beauty Balm) creams out there to help with that flawless look. In the meantime, check out #youwokeuplikethis on Twitter for some make-up-free inspiration. Go on, dare to be bare!

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GET THE LOOK

CLARINS CLEANSING MILK FOR DRY TO NORMAL

SKIN One of Y’s favourites, this cleanser gently removes impurities and leaves skin feeling clean without stripping it of oils.

CLARINS TONING LOTION FOR DRY TO NORMAL SKIN If you haven’t already guessed, Y always uses the same brand of cleanser and toner. What we love about this one is that it’s alcoholfree and nondrying.

LANCÔME ABSOLUE YEUX PRECIOUS CELLS ADVANCED RADIANCE REGENERATING AND RESTORING EYE CARE Nothing beats a good eye cream for that barely there look. This one from Lancôme promises to reduce wrinkles and add radiance.

CLARINS SUPER RESTORATIVE DAY CREAM (ALL SKIN TYPES) Ok, so we are back with Clarins, but have to say that if we are not going to be wearing makeup, then we at least want our moisturiser to work hard for us, which means you can’t beat one that “restores”.

LUCAS' PAPAW OINTMENT Made with pure Australian papaya, models swear by it. But Y, thanks to its sole Australian link, has been using this for more than a decade now. It keeps our lips smooth, hydrated and gives them a natural shine.

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shop The Sultan centre (TSC) PDO • PDO • Oman Oil Head Office • PDO • Ras Al Hamra Club Royal Opera House • Indus Restaurant • More Café Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Carribou Coffee • Darcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Laser Center • Intercontinental Hotel • Jawaharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks Sarooj • Al Fair S/M • Al Masa Mall • Al Shatti Cinema (Dunkin Donuts) • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclinic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell MQ • Al Fair S/M • Arab Open University • British Council • Costa Coffee • Darcy’s Kitchen • Emirates Airlines • Hana Slimming Centre • Kargeen Café • KFC • Mackenzies • Mood Café • Oman Oil Ahlain • Papa John’s • Pizza Hut • Saharz Beauty Saloon • Starbucks • TBWA Zeenah Al Khuwair • Badar Al Sama • Bait Al Reem • Bait Al Reem Coffee Shop • Café Vergnano •

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Centre pointSplash • Diplomatic Club • Friendi Mobile • Grand Hyatt Muscat • Grand Hyatt Muscat (Saloon) • Gulf College • Harley Davidson • HSBC (Old OIB) • KFC • Khimji Mart • Khimji’s Watches Showroom • KM Trading • Landmark Group • McDonald’s • Ministry of Information • Muscat Bakery • Mustafa Sultan Enterprises • Oman Bowling Center • Oman Oil Ahlain • Oman United Insurance • OMRAN • Pizza Hut • Radison Blu • Shell • TGI fridays • The Kebab Factory • The Tikka Place • VLCC • Zahara Travel • Zakher Shopping Mall MGM • Carribou Coffee • Gloria Jean’s Coffee • Nawras • Paul Patisserie • Tim Hortons Bousher • College for Banking & Financial Studies • Costa Coffee • Crepe Café • Dolphin Village • Modern College Of Business Studies • Moka & More Café • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital Emergency • Muscat Private Hospital Outpatient • Oman Medical

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• VLCC Hail • Al Mouj Golf Club • Amouage - Oman Perfumery LLC • Bait al Hail • Burger King • Caledonian College • Costa Coffee • Markaz Al Bahja • McDonald’s • Oman Football Association • Oman Sail • Shakespere & Co. • The Wave H.O. Rusayl • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -1 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -2 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -3 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • SQU - Diplomatic Club • SQU - College of Commerce • SQU - Students Banking Area • SQU -Hospital • Waljat College Seeb • McDonald’s • SABCO Media Al Khoud • Badar Al Sama • Al Fair S/M • Pizza Hut Barka • Al Nahda Spa and Resort • Lulu Hypermarket Sawadi • Sawadi Beach Resort Massnaah • Millennium Hotel Sohar • Centre pointSplash • Crowne Plaza • National Gift Market • Nawras • Pizza Hut • Safeer Mall • Sohar Beach Hotel • Sohar Port • Sohar University Nizwa • Nizwa University

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Postcards from

Outdoors

Y- F i

Cars

CARS AND ADVENTURES

TWISTS AND TURNS

The falaj that snakes its way through the mountains at Wadi Qurai acts as your guide as you journey to the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s source.

MAR 19 - 25 / ISSUE 362

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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

Outdoors

Destination

WADI QURAI

STUNNING VIEWS, GREENERY, WATER AND SOME REMARKABLE ROCK FORMATIONS. SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI FINDS THAT WADI QURAI HAS IT ALL AND MORE ON HIS FIRST VISIT

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Cars

s we all know, Oman is a rocky country with some fantastic scenery, but Wadi Qurai really took my breath away when I went there for the first time recently. There is something different about this place and I have never experienced anywhere quite like it. On the advice of a colleague who had once visited the wadi with her friends, I travelled along the road towards Nizwa from Muscat, taking the clearly signposted turn on the stretch after Samail, but before Izki. I parked my car in a small space next to a mosque, just where the falaj starts, took my camera bag and headed off on my journey. The wadi is set between two imposing but beautiful mountains and the snaking falaj acts as your guide as you trek up towards the source of the water. The path goes up, down and from side to side – almost like a rollercoaster – and I followed the falaj for an hour or so before arriving at a huge pool of crystal-clear water. One of the first photos I captured on my trek is arguably one of my favourites. It was largely a cloudy day, although there was a small amount of blue sky shining through, which combined with the grey of the rocks and the greenery of the vegetation to really encapsulate the variety of colours that Wadi Qurai offers in a single shot. Even the rocks in this area are amazing just to look at and appreciate. The water in the wadi has shaped the rocks into some fascinating formations over countless years and in places, they almost look as if they’ve been sculpted by an architect. At the pool, I came across a large group of young Omanis, around 15 in total, who greeted me in the traditional way and invited me to join them for the simple lunch they were preparing. It would’ve been rude for me to refuse and so I sat with them and shared their dates and halwa. In actual

TRAVEL GUIDE

fact, this came as a refreshing break after the exertion of the trek and I spent around an hour chatting to these incredibly friendly people. According to one of the guys, there are 19 sources of water in these hills and mountains and I’m very keen to return the Wadi Qurai on a bit of an expedition to find the other 18. After thanking my new friends and saying goodbye, I continued on my journey slightly further before deciding to call it a day and head back to my car. Having captured plenty of beautiful images of the stunning scenery on the trek up to the pool, I decided to have some fun on the return leg. I have a keen interest in parkour that goes back to my childhood when my friends and I used to run freely through the mountains close to our homes in Al Amerat. So I carefully packed all my equipment away, tightened the straps on my bag and ran. Jumping over rocks and vaulting streams, I felt like I was in a scene from an Indiana Jones movie; the only thing I was missing was the hat and a whip. Naturally, it took me a lot less time on the journey back to my car – around 15 minutes in total – which led me to think that at a normal walking pace the trip could be completed in around half an hour (it took me longer on the way to the pool because I was stopping to shoot as I went). I have a huge interest in fashion-based photography and I am 100 per cent certain that I will direct one of my shoots at Wadi Qurai very soon, the setting was that spectacular. I would strongly recommend everyone to visit this particular wadi, as it provides an amazing change from the city. Last weekend was the first time I’d been there, but I know for a fact that it won’t be the last.

HOW TO GET THERE Getting to Wadi Qurai is The journey should take a little incredibly simple. From Muscat, over one hour in good traffic. simply take road 15 towards Nizwa and remain on this road for GPS location of turning: 76km before exiting to the right. N23˚ 09’ 52” E57˚ 51’ 14”

MAR 19 - 25 / ISSUE 362

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

lves e s m e h t t l t apu a c on s r s ’ e t i d i d r n s a e e s s rner hat t o t c r d o n p s u o a r s It’ skid d n ll a e r i w a k e c h a t l B h t Mat s throug d n fi , n a Om the rise i n

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and the wind dark, foreboding grey he sky has turned a ng mini cyclones of dust around the is slowly rising, creati Automobile Association (OAA). The grounds at the Omana few hours earlier, bringing a muchheavens opened just the parched soil and it looks like a inwater to needed deluge of ra uld be on the way. co ur po 0cc Suzuki bike clad second down ssell sits astride his 25a smile on his face. Ru d ar ch Ri ly, nt fia th De lmet and goggles wirace.” in boots, overalls, a he ing est er int an for e the US, ak “Now this should m il engineer, originally from Florida in will take d civ an ld s -o ar ar ye The 55-ye es for 40 racing motocross bik g glory at has been riding and hopefuls from around the GCC seekin weekend. is e th th g hip on ns Champio his place am e Oman Motocross fast-paced, the final round of th , the sport of motocross is all-weather, ted tia ini . For the un it’s growing in Oman es, noisy and dirty. And ssed with some amazing outdoor spacoff-road ble es is rid te o na wh The Sulta someone its are “heaven” for otorcycle which Richard adm cent years, Ali Nasser al Balushi, the me Oman re th r th ve wi O y ing closel motorbikes. OAA, has been work try, events officer at the ise the profile of the sport in the coun h ra ug ro to th ub rt Cl pa s to take Motocross blood and new rider encouraging young the Oman Motocross Championship. rpose competitions such ashas seen the creation of Oman’s only puuse on riders can This relationship it at the OAA, which practice hours in cu cir ad -ro off sed cking up built enclo hout during the week, clo a recreational basis competitive races that take place throug e th for preparation before you see the season. often hear the riders mbine to fill u yo A, OA e th at gines co Arriving pops from a dozen en d them. The revs and ous buzz. As you round the corner an nd ou inu ar nt r co a tea th ey ers as th the air wi o view, so do the rid the circuit comes int und, getting some impressive air time g their off-road playgrofore skidding into a deep corner, sendin a Of course, safety is the from steep jumps beying high into the air. d zz an n bu ra er d sp nc lle ud co ue m y e-f nalin primar plumes of ofessionals d, it’s the sheer adre OAA have trained pr For racers like Richarhim coming back after all these years. ing in the event s on hand to respond of the sport that keep Kawasaki at 15 and it’s just not like ridys. “It for sa g ts. ferent deal,” he “I started racin of any acciden se at the u just off-road is a whole dif The motocross cour ages and a road bike. Racing and a great deal of physical fitness. Yo all ina of s m takes a lot of sta OAA draws rider e to 55, from citement you feel.” can’t describe the ex working in the region backgrounds, from fiv world. “We e th en and all over a an Richard has be in m t O ou ed ipp sh e his bik recently and they’re since 1990 and had he realised the scope there had some kids start ys the veteran Richard. at the e m co el w e as ar sa ● Spectators ross container as soon the GCC. “If we’re not progressing well,” e Oman Motoc though is that you final round of th hich starts at 10am was for motocross in d us out in the desert. “Part of the problemand equipment.” And w , ip fin l e sh u’l Champion e to on the track, yo need your own bik try-level bike, it’s quite an the OAA tiful here and it’s nic on March 20 at p rates and advice The scenery is beau at RO1,500 for an en r membershi t Fo ac ● nt co t mix it up.” investment. Ali and the OAA y equipmen ort, there is an this is something thatreopened two on where to bu shi at the OAA er, ev ow As with any motor spnger and Richard has H lu da . “After we Ali Nasser al Ba inherent element of share of thrills and spills are looking to address on karting and then moved to 2451 0630 68 +9 r l: ed fai us Te ● his foc n ed we io building, experienc years ago, ileassociat four-decade racing ll in the process of rees for rent /omanautomob sti e e’r W ss. ro oc ot over the course of his m rg future is to have bik ● Omanauto.o career. but the plan for the ,” says Ali. motocross old an is er rid ss ro ns oc offe “A good mot nd to give lesso en speaking about th and instructors on haains and deserts of Oman were made for the of s rider,” he laughs, wh uries sustained while nt ge ou sta e m , th The wadis o years ago. bring one of to ks tal in ort is A sp e OA e th broken bones and inj. “I broke my ankle riding in Oman tw d a few roading and with th ampionship to the Sultanate, it seems following his passion the horse, you just get back on. So I ha Ch ld or W inue with Motocross But, when you fall offth anything that you love, you just cont set for a bright future. wi as d an in t pins pu it.”

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

GORGEOUS GOTLAND

With wonderful medieval architecture, beaches, green fields and even a unique breed of sheep, this Scandanavian gem is a must-see.

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO: 1. Take in the Medieval Festival 2. Visit the sea stacks at Ljugarn 3. Head to Lummelunda Cave 4. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss Tofta Viking Village 5. Wander the cobblestoned streets of Visby

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Destination

Indoors

Y-Fi

Cars

POSTCARDS FROM

Felicity Glover recommends

GOTLAND,

SWEDEN T

COBBL

u c k e d a w a y i n t h e B a l t i c S e a , 9 0 k i l o m e t r e s o ff t h e c o a s t of Sweden and a three-hour ferry ride from the mainland, i s t h e b e a u t i fu l i s l a n d o f G o t l a n d . O f t e n c a l l e d t h e “ P e a r l of the Baltic”, it has a rich and diverse history spanning as far back as the Vikings, while its medieval capital Visby is a Unesco World Heritage Site. With 800km of coastline, it’s a large island worthy of exploring in the summer months from the famous sea stack fields, known as rauk, in Ljugarn to wandering around picturesque fishing villages, hiking in nature reserves and even dropping in to say “hej” to Pippi Longstocking at Kneippbyn Resort. It’s a great place in the summer, especially if you can time your visit during Visby’s week-long Medieval Festival in August, where jousting, feasting at long tables, knights and fair maidens abound.

ED ST REET

S O F V IS BY

S TI VA L M ED IE VA L FE

My favourite place I have two contrasting favourites: the walled city of Visby and the tranquility and natural beauty of the beach in Ljugarn, where the sea stacks can be found. The sea stacks are tall rock formations that have been weathered by the Baltic Sea over quite a few centuries. To get there is equally as stunning. We drove through picturesque villages dotted with cute cottages, cafes and pottery studios, while the roads were lined with colourful wild flowers. On the flipside, the walled city of Visby is more crowded, but the winding cobblestone streets and rose-covered houses have a wonderful quaintness about them thanks to their medieval roots. Highlights From watersports to cycling around the island to heading underground – and 400 million years back in time – to visit Lummelunda Cave, there is something for everybody on Gotland. The Tofta Viking Village is a great place where you can try your hand at axe throwing, local handicrafts and even dress up in Viking costumes for a Viking feast. If your little ones are fans of Pippi Longstocking, head to Kneippbyn Resort, where you’ll find the original crazy house from the movies. Lowlights

I can’t think of any, to be honest. But winters can be harsh, so the best time to visit is in the summer.

Souvenirs

Gotland is famous for its sheep, which is one of the oldest breeds in the world, and you’ll find a lot of souvenirs related to them. Otherwise, there are dozens of pottery studios dotted around the island, where you’ll find unique, one-off pieces to remind you of your stay.

Where to stay We were lucky to stay with extended family, who own a gorgeous converted farmhouse on Gotland, but there are a range of choices to suit all budgets, such as the Clarion Hotel Visby, and the family friendly Sudersands Semesterby, where you can go camping or stay in fully equipped cottages.

GOTLA ND’S S HEEP A THE W RE ONE ORLD’S OF OLDES T BRE EDS

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Postcards from

Cars

Outdoors

Y-FI

MUM'S THE WORD

Finding something for the original lady in your life can be a daunting task, especially if she's tech savvy. Matthew Herbst tells you how to spoil her this Mother's Day

MOTHER POWER If your mum is a fashionable businesswoman on the move, then the Mini by Everpurse will complement not only her style, but her schedule. Everpurse literally combines power and beauty and will keep her phone charged all day long. The Mini is a large sized wallet that includes a built-in, inline charger for the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5. Simply pop it up, plug your iPhone in, and you're ready to charge. For a larger version, try the original Everpurse. Find them both at everpurse.com; prices start at RO95.86.

HANDS-FREE MUM

FORGET ME NOT

EDITOR’S PICK

Does your mum constantly misplace keys, her purse or even her phone? If so, she'll be grateful for the Kensington Proximo Starter Kit, which has the power to banish her forgetfulness for good. All she has to do is attach a dongle to her keys (or whatever she loses on a regular basis) and they will constantly be synced to her smartphone through Bluetooth and controlled via the Proximo app. The process is reversible and you can even press a button on your dongle to find your phone should you misplace it. It's a lot simpler than it sounds and compatible with the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5. Check it out at kensington. com from RO9.62 and up.

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If you’re looking to invest in your mother's driving safety, the Belkin CarAudio Connect FM With Bluetooth is what you need. It gives her the power to make hands-free calls while driving, as well as play her favourite playlist on the phone through the car speakers. That’s not all though, the USB port on the power adapter allows a phone to be charged while it’s synced to the car. It's small, easy to use and, most importantly, mum friendly. From RO38.11 at belkin.com

ON TRACK THE WITHINGS PULSE WIRELESS ACTIVITY AND HEART RATE TRACKER IS PERFECT FOR AN ACTIVE MOTHER WHO LIKES TO KEEP TABS ON HER HEALTH. SHE CAN SYNC IT TO HER SMARTPHONE OR TABLET AND CLIP IT TO HER CLOTHING IN ORDER TO TRACK EVERY MOVEMENT. IT WILL RECORD HER STEPS, TELL HER HOW MANY CALORIES HAVE BEEN BURNED AND EVEN THE DISTANCE TRAVELLED. DATA IS THEN PUT INTO A GRAPH TO SHOW DAILY TRENDS VIA THE ACCOMPANYING APP. KEEP MUM ON TRACK AT AMAZON.COM FROM RO38.11.

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PEACE AND QUIET If going for a relaxing shower is your mother's only opportunity to have time to herself, then get her the Moxie Showerhead and Wireless Speaker from Kohler for the option of listening to some soothing tunes, as opposed to the screams and shouts of your younger siblings. The showerhead speaker can connect to a smartphone or other bluetooth device up to 9.75 metres away, and isn't limited to the shower either – it's detachable and with seven hours of battery life, can travel wherever your mum wants to go. Give the gift of peace and tranquility for RO57.36 at amazon.com

NEW LENOVO YOGA TABLET 8 If you’re looking to seriously spoil your mum this Mother's Day, then the Lenovo Yoga Tablet 8 is the perfect gift. The eight-inch screen allows for a high-quality picture and is ideal for enjoying videos and photos, meaning endless hours of joy and fun for your mum. It runs on the Android operating system and is known for a quirky hinge that enables switching between tilt and stand mode. The tablet sports two HD cameras for pictures, video and facechat and is capable of a range of interactive media capabilities, not to mention the 16GB of storage space that comes as standard. Available from amazon.com for RO90.47.

App of the Week

SUPERMUM

Every mum wants to know where all her family members are and if they are safe and Family Locator gives her a hand in tracking everyone. While having your mother know your every move might be your idea of a nightmare, it could prove useful should you stumble into unfamiliar territory, or simply forget to tell her when you’re coming home. Save the phone bill and get her this app for peace of mind. Free for Android and iOS users.

MUM'S LIBRARY The Nook GlowLight eReader is a great gift for mums who like to unwind and curl up with a good book. In fact, with access to around three million titles, including books, magazines and newspapers, it actually allows her to bring the whole library home. The GlowLight is lightweight and the highresolution six-inch screen makes reading easy. With storage for 2,000 books at a time, mum should never again be short of something to read. Available from barnesandnoble.com from RO38.11. JULY MAR 03 19 - 25 09 / ISSUE 362 327

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

Destination

Postcards from

Indoors

Y- F i

CARS

Rinspeed Budii Concept Car Specifications: Engine: Electric Hybrid Battery: 21.6Kw Horsepower: 123 Range: 200km approx. 0-100kph in 7.2 seconds Top Speed: 150kph

Take a look at a slice of high-tech utopian autonomy – a car that could one day be your best friend

t might at first glance look like any other car on the road. But the minute the telescoping laser mounted on the rooftop starts to rise up into the sky sweeping the street ahead, it’s clear that this is something far more special. It is. Meet the future or rather a glimpse of what we all might be driving in the years to come. The Rinspeed Budii is a concept car for a time of autonomous driving, designed and engineered by a Swiss “creative think-thank” (as they call themselves) for the automotive industry, which has the slogan “Where the future is reality – today.” Rinspeed has dipped its toe in concept cars before. Previous delights include the Bamboo, Bedouin (a two-seater pick-up that can be transformed into a fourseater wagon all-road at the touch of a button) and the James Bondinspired sQuba, a car that can “fly” underwater. No wonder Rinspeed has a reputation for embracing the absurd. The Budii, which was unveiled at last week’s Geneva International Motor Show, is a bit more downto-earth, although it still has its quirks, thanks to the visionary Frank M Rinderknecht, CEO of Rinspeed, who wanted a car that would fundamentally change the interaction of man and automobiles. Not only is the Budii going to be your car, it’s your proactive companion that will 046

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literally be “your friend on wheels”. Based on the BMW’s electric i3 (the shape and body are very similar), the Budii sets out to explore and push technical boundaries, while creating a practical everyday car. Powered by an electric motor producing an output of 179 kW, this little car is a bit of a mover with a very respectable top speed of 150kph. A single charge should be good for about 200km. Chunky 19-inch alloy wheels add a touch of sportiness. It has air suspension, which – and this is the clever bit – can provide a ride-height adjustment range of nearly four inches, very handy for navigating off-road or flooded roads. Exterior panels and under the bonnet where the grill would be are fitted with ambient light effects and communication elements to stay in contact with other road users. On the roof, you can notice a fin-like object sticking up. This very nifty device is called TrackView, a telescopic laser scanner that can deliver a 3D perspective of the road and surrounding area like a periscope. Along with a highresolution camera, it maps the terrain ahead and adjusts the ride height and suspension accordingly. The system also identifies potential hazards and obstacles to avoid, which can be done autonomously. Sounds great for Oman’s Wacky Races roads. If you thought that was smart, wait until you see the inside. Both the driver and front-seat passenger have the option of taking

control of Budii via a steering wheel mounted to a multijointed, sevenaxis robotic arm. When the driver wants to take a break, the steering wheel can slide across to the front passenger to take control. If both become bored, the arm simply retracts to its resting spot in the centre and the car takes over. Plexiglass worktables allow the driver or passenger to catch up on urgent matters, such as writing a report for the office or a shopping list if you’re heading to the supermarket. Depending on where the vehicle is sold, the robotic arm means the steering wheel can be swivelled from the left to the right side of the cabin in seconds. There are also large iPad screens in the sun visors, with road information for the driver, and a TV or DVD player for the passenger. Inside, the colour scheme is silver and midnight blue with signal-orange roof and highlights. Dashboard air outlets have ambient lighting to set the mood. It’s all sounds pretty cool and like something out of a science fiction film. But the Budii’s intelligence doesn’t end there. An operating system allows the car to log the driver’s daily habits – the route of the daily commute for instance – which can then be programmed the following morning. Driving to work will never be so easy. You’ll have to wait a few years for your Budii, though. As of yet, there are no definite dates to start production.

They say: “Redefines humanmachine interaction.” We say: “Cute. We want one as a buddy!”

Aluminium body Robotic steering column 19” eight-twin-spoke alloy wheels Air suspension with ride-height adjustment Telescopic laser scanner High-resolution camera Removable Plexiglas worktable Bright anthracite paint finish with sparkler effect

Program leader

Under the auspices of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, and as part of the Diwan of Royal Court’s publicprivate partnership committee, a group of Omani leaders will form the first intake of Oman’s National CEO Program. They will be selected to grow a pipeline of Omani CEOs, helping to unlock the future economic potential of the Sultanate’s private sector. We are looking for candidates – both men and women, from all regions of Oman and representing all sectors of the economy – who are informed, enterprising and courageous, visionary and results-driven individuals.

Program sponsor

Knowledge partner

Apply now at www.ceo.om

Impact partner

During the course of 12 months, they will undergo a challenging and inspiring learning program delivered both by IMD of Switzerland – one of the world’s finest business schools – and McKinsey & Company – the global management consulting firm. They will become Oman’s new generation of business leaders, helping to deliver our nation’s economic growth and performance. To find out more, please visit our website www.ceo.om and – if you are prepared for the challenge – complete the online application. Entries close on April 11, 2015.