Y Magazine #398, December 10, 2015 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

On The Buses

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News: AMERICA’S CUP IS 10 COMING TO OMAN

COMPETITION: Europcar Golf Winners Y’S COOLEST FRESHER: The Auditions Begin

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NOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR

DEC 10 - 16 2015 / ISSUE 398 • WEEKLY

HIGH FLIERS PLUS!

THE FEMALE SUPER HEROES MAKING STRIDES IN OMAN

EAT STREET

NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

GET THE LOOK

AL HAMRA

COMPETITION

EDITOR’S

NOTE

Did you enter our Europcar Open 2015 golf competition? We received some fun selfies from golf fans keen to win some great prizes! Turn to P12 to see if you are a winner.

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

SAVINGS At least according to HSBC Expat Explorer, whose latest global survey of 22,000 people found that Qatar (first) and Oman (second) topped the GCC region in terms of more disposable income for expats.

GOING DOWN

CRIME It’s good to hear that the crime rate in Oman fell by 22 per cent in 2014, according to the latest figures from the National Centre for Statistics and Information. However, we’d love to know the stats for the current year.

THIS WEEK… Team Y had a wonderful long weekend in Dubai, ran out of petrol on the way home from Sifah and had fun on the Big Bus Muscat to celebrate the opening of Let’s Popcorn – a new gourmet popcorn store opposite Qurum Natural Park.

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

Fast forward T

hroughout history, there’s been many inspirational women making their mark on the world – from politics to science, sport, business and the arts, just to name a few. But what about closer to home? Who are the trailblazing women in Oman who are making a difference and becoming role models for our future generations? In our cover story this week, we kick off a special four-part series and sit down with eight inspirational, high-achieving women in the Sultanate to talk about what drives them to succeed in their chosen fields, such as sport, the arts and business. We hope you find them as inspiring as we do! Elsewhere, we explore the ancient village of Al Hamra in Destination, head to Eat Street in Taste Test and take a spin on Muscat’s new public bus service in Outdoors. Have a great week!

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EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi MANAGING EDITOR Felicity Glover DEPUTY EDITOR Kate Ginn ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst FOLLOW US ON:

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SUB-EDITOR Matt Blackwell

PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. DEC 10 - 16 / ISSUE 398

contents

DECEMBER 10 - 16 2015

Your Oman 06 Coffee With Deeba Sultan Khalfan Al Abdali 08 Voice Of Oman Matt Blackwell 10 News Oman To Host America’s Cup

14 Gallery Beat Diabetes Walkathon

15 Hyundai – Driven To Success Qais Mohammed Al Hinai

Features 20

Super Woman Special Series On Inspirational Women Of Oman Begins

This Week

24 Y’s Coolest Fresher The Talent Hunt Starts

16 Movie Listings In The Heart Of The Sea

26 Urban Camels Ships Of The Desert In The Heart Of The City

18 This Week You’re Having A Laugh

24 Cars and Adventures 38 Destination Al Hamra Ruins

Food and Drink

40 Outdoors On The Buses

28 Food Feature Movie Recipes 30 Taste Test Eat Street

Health and Beauty

42 Postcard From Green Patch, Australia

32 Fashion Cool White

44 Y-Fi Battle Of The Tablets

46 Car Of The Week 34 Beauty Bentley Bentayga Party Hair

NEXT ISSUE... FEATURES / COFFEE WITH DEEBA / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / FOOD / DESTINATION / HEALTH / FASHION

al Abdali, a n a lf a h K n a lt u S ets Deeba Hasan me rofession, but a p y b r e h p ra g o e d vid photographer an ther trades o, they master of many o Revo a few years agfor a five0 came 80

end were given RO In 2000, Sultan’s fri th a n tells me t wi ia ys ala M minute display, Sulta m itting quietly in a flaned fro ck ba . ile ta stree oad sm cap and fully butto n DVD on B-Boying, lves various with a brteaching tae kwon vo le in hi at W th e nc checked shirt, Sultamay da style ning the n would film his Khalfan al Abdali bly freestyle moves. Likeperformers do, Sulta d the moves of his ka ar m re e fluid motion of th thin his own moves anto help improve their not strike you as a t as we all students to the movement wi e, Sultan talented person, budeceiving. s through lin ip be sc n di ca technique and it wa d an s ts ok ar l lo , tia ar m know pe lo ndo this that he deve ing. In was fascinated. knew by From being a taekwonal gamer, I sio d es of an it pr interest in filmmak a short film a ed to lov h “I coac be r to he ed ap nt gr wa eo I vid at th er, 2009, Sultan made mpany in watching it photograph gh is ou lth he y, “A for a well-known coit so much a B-Boy,” he says. rd and and a master B-Bo nd at ha ha re s hi we Oman, who loved m further es those mov willing to try d an s in that they offered hi him included head sp d my friend almost anything. credits his d an ol e m ar s, projects. This led toa company ye The 30 handstand to ng s tti ld ge , fie eventually opening tions in still practiced thems along the success in different parents t rie os ju in “M called SNK Producnickname). d s. bruises an his parent m fro n re ild 2010 (based on his I do now way.” would stop their ch that I ter as m ng to hi g yt in “Filming is what at keeps er rn After lea pursuing ev th ey th , do ds en n’t fri wo s for my income and ltan says. B-Boying with hi rm at the did, saying that it though Su ” sy, bu y rfo all Al pe . re to e od m ed go were invit them any “That that, I am also on a few ani-French Centre.we were “Along with out gaming, m O my parents objected y all and r actu passionate ab was our first show recalls. things, [they] neve rsuing I have n pu lta m Su fro which is somethingwas a little e ,” m ed ed cit ex pp so sto e. I m ce le ls peop he tel been doing sin “When we finished en I see them completely,” , our wh w no t child.” bu , ed pp “When I was little t the cla ur older cause our ou He grew up with foys has that video I laugh bey.” teacher asked us abto go sa brothers, which he at he is moves were so funnew careers we wanted had an wh m hi e ad ne cr m s yo hi at er d ev wh an ] Sultan into [and ey were d say a today. “Although th me, I performed at the otel answer. Some woul liceman; to n ea sometimes m InterContinental Hter and pilot and some a po. However, did that af rts ng so lo all t think I am glad they re no t we ca e us er M th tough.” e m e ’t at ad dn th ance e, I di [because it] m it was this perform up for when it came to m side of o wh Sultan is someone y venture really opened thingstaking his have an answer. In to be a er ev ter wants to mas them. People were them to me I knew I wantedbut if I said what really g h, kin ac as co d he starts and this is t in the o an r nd be wo m ek nu ta d ou nd ul nd ou wo ar ne ces makes him sta do paid performan yond, that out loud, everyo e someone e.” be m d at g an crowd. “When I se er than me in try gh un lau co rt e th sta gg bi in it, t n ou titio who is getting He never spoke ab ened including a compe e of better pp on ha s it ap re rh in filming, I try to beafter su Pe . e ad ain m hr t Ba bu s e, wa m us ts fro ca en ted om than them be Sultan’s proudest m ab festival and when he gradua g this fulfilled he Ar , ol an ho at all, I have been doin w – I sc g y in ar rm nd rfo co pe se no s dy ar e ta ye ne ga Ken for so many held at the John F rming Arts his goal of becomin b he did ” jo rfo a Pe h, e ac th have to be the best. r co fo do er nt on Ce kw 09 “I 20 in ars. in Washington DCfirst lady, for more than 10 ye e kwon story to tell Have you got a unique e who has? in front of the US and her started practicing taht and was someon w kno you do or fee with Deeba Michelle Obama, do at the age of eig proud Contact us to have cof agazine. M Y in ed daughters. tur in love with it. I am e a coach and be fea at Sultan n.com In the final show th ew SNK that I finally becam s loved Email: editor@y-oma cr s nt hi de performed with and that my stu he says. training with me,”

JULY1003- -1609/ ISSUE DEC / ISSUE398327

THE VOICE OF OMAN MATT BLACKWELL ON THE NEED TO SPREAD KINDNESS

correspondence OBESITY WORRIES Dear Editor,

he long National Day holiday weekend brought with it a revelation for me – and it wasn’t necessarily a good one. I realised with some sadness that the world has turned me into a sceptical cynic. I’ve been on the hunt for new digs recently and went as far as posting on a website advertising my need. Later that same day, I received a phone call from a very friendly man who said he was looking to rent out one of his rooms. My parents were in town at the time, so I was unable to view the accommodation, but the would-be renter rang me on several further occasions, sometimes just for a chat. He treated me like an old friend, asking how my parents were and saying he respected my work ethic. Immediately my guard was up. Why was he being so nice? What did he want from me – other than the rent, of course? Fears not completely aside, just squashed somewhere deep down within me, we met up a few days later and after a lengthy chat in person, he turned out to simply be a genuinely nice guy. He offered a reasonable rate on the room and said my little puppy was also welcome in his house. Afterwards, I felt slightly ashamed that my initial reaction towards this man was one of intense suspicion. Why should it be that when a stranger acts with kindness they are instantly met with doubt and distrust? Admittedly, one has to retain a certain degree of caution when dealing with strangers, but nevertheless, I wish there were more people like him in the world. If there were, perhaps a pessimistic attitude wouldn’t be our default stance.

NEXT WEEK: HEATHER DUNCAN 08

DEC 10 - 16 / ISSUE 398

Obesity is a vital health issue and the fact that the Y trio wrote an eye-opening article on this topic [Issue 397] is highly commendable and appreciated. It is unfortunate that despite the fact everyone knows and is conscious of the need to not be obese, most fall prey to tempting junk foods and a sedentary lifestyle, with little interest for physical activity. I have these observations to make from my 18 years of exposure to a vast cross-section of Oman’s population. A common scenario at ATMs is that most people stop their cars within touching distance, despite nearby parking being available. The excuse is that they are busy and they never accept that they are too lazy to walk even few steps. Similarly, people will often park their cars directly in front of a shopping mall for a quick transaction, again missing out on the chance of exercise by walking. Another issue that we cannot turn a blind eye to is the late night nocturnal lifestyle that deprives people of quality home food and undisturbed sleep. There is an overdependence on owning

DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:

“How can Oman avert an obesity crisis?” ‪JESSE JAMES ESTANDARTE

This is serious and determined efforts from the government, private sector and all citizens of Oman are

WRITE TO US AND WIN A VOUCHER

cars and no intention to take up journeys by public transport, both contributing to a mindset that is hampering physical activity. It needs a big change in the mindset, although as mentioned in the article, lifestyle management is the order of the day to reduce obesity numbers. Averting the crisis altogether is a tall order for any nation, despite their best efforts to contain it. Regards, Dr Suddapalli Bhaskara Rao, Ruwi

needed to address the issues on obesity through effective media programmes, TV and newspapers. The Ministry of Health must lead the campaign on what the healthy foods to eat are. Obesity should be highlighted like diabetes is, with a funded campaign and walking events.

‪‪‪SOLLY R PHILIPS ‬‬‪

All of us must understand and accept the grim truth that obesity is a real but avoidable disaster. Medical experts, the Ministry of Health, educators, media and the community leaders must join hands to create strong public awareness at all levels – homes, schools, colleges and the workplace. We must tackle obesity by adopting a multi-pronged strategy of healthy and wholesome food, regular exercise and adequate rest and relaxation. We have no other choice.

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

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I was wonderstruck to read that Oman holds 14th position in the chart of obesity. In line with the saying “Eat to live and not live to eat”, we should follow a healthy diet, which includes lots of fruits and vegetables, go for walks or jogs and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Oman and avoid siestas and sleeping late. Awareness campaigns regarding obesity and its scary outcomes should be created. People must be encouraged to get regular health check-ups and join fitness clubs. Awareness regarding obesity and the various diseases linked to it should be spread among children from primary age.

‪‪‪‪KAMAL GANATRA‬‪ ‬‬‬‪ ‬

Oman can avert an obesity crisis through awareness campaigns about the ill effects of tasty temptations, a sedentary lifestyle and short hours of sleep. There should be heavy taxes imposed on unhealthy food choices. When one turns on the TV or goes online, one hardly ever sees any really cool ads for fruits and vegetables. Sugar, salt and flour should be used sparingly. Mindfulness of healthy eating and regular workout habits need to be promoted from schooling years.

‪‪‪‪MICHAEL RAMIN‬‪ ‬‬‪

Proper eating habits and times should be observed in every Omani household. Currently, breakfast is taken near noon, lunch in midafternoon and supper is had late in the night. In this regard, the digestion of the food is not normal since dinner was taken so late in the night, followed by sleep. There is no proper exertion of the body to digest the food, thus it accumulates and results in obesity. As an old adage says, “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and supper like a pauper”, but what is happening is the other way round.

‪‪MALINA GHOSH‬‪ ‬

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principles are qualitative healthy living, changing sedentary lifestyles, saying no to junk foods, enjoying physical activity and lastly, undisturbed sleep.

‪‪‪SAMIRA RENGERT‬‪ ‬‬‬‪ ‬‬

Food education at all levels is the key to better nutrition, from expecting mothers and children to grandparents.

‪‪‪‪PRACHI SHARMA‬‪ ‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‪

Good knowledge and awareness about healthy eating should be imparted in schools and colleges. At home, parents should encourage their child to eat more fruits and vegetables instead of junk food. There should be more involvement in sports and physical activity.

‪‪DR RAJAN PHILIPS‬‪ ‬‬‪

We must strongly believe that “Health is wealth” and achieve it through wholesome food and a healthy lifestyle. Let us resist the urge to splurge on junk food and fizzy drinks and lead a sedentary life. Since the time bomb of obesity is ticking down to a great catastrophe, we must act with a sense of urgency and unwavering determination.

‪‪‪‪‪EIRSHAD TESTA‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‬‪

Averting obesity can be a very demanding task and one that most of us are not able to instill in our current generation. We can start by improving our lifestyles and making them healthy. Following a healthy diet and half an hour of physical activity can be a great start. Early morning walks benefit us in

New Debate: “Which public figure has inspired you the most in your life?” Tell us on Facebook or Twitter and be in with a chance of winning dinner for two. many ways, including reducing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels. We also have to focus on the portion sizes of the food we eat. We should keep track of our weight and body mass index so in time we can actually see fruitful results of our hard work. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health should initiate programmes like walkathons or a family fun run. The cost of a joining a gym can also be very expensive, so reducing prices could be a boost for some.

‪‪‪‪GAUTAM GHOSH DASTIDAR‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬ ‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‬‪

Today, most people in developed as well as developing countries suffer from a Prader-Willi syndrome – a condition that triggers an uncontrollable urge to eat. This is surely a lifestyle disease, very much curable by correcting genetic and environmental factors.

KAYLIN AND LAUREN PUNG were spotted with their favourite Y Magazine at Starbucks in Shatti Al Qurum, Muscat

Obesity is spreading worldwide like a contagious fever. Soon it’ll be a genetic problem. We are all attracted by junk food because of its availability, but we never think about the long-term effects. Our lifestyles have changed and taken a turn for the worst. We lead luxurious lives with cars, air conditioning and so on. We can consume any food, but subsequently need to burn it off through proper exercise. This is the time to choose between what is right and what is easy.

‪ABDULRAHMAN MSELLEM AL HARTHI‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‬‪

Build a nice park with grass and trees in every neighbourhood and ensure all schools have proper playgrounds. There are too many buildings and roads; we need more walkways and open areas.

‪‪‪‪ANTONY VETTIYAZHICKAL JOSEPH‬‪ ‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‬‬‪

Although genetic factors that are beyond the reach of any to address contribute to obesity, a combined, cohesive and coordinated effort from all stakeholders – the government, nongovernmental organisations and the people at large – is needed to raise awareness and implement the basic preventative and curative steps that can avert an obesity crisis. The basic

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Send it to: info@y-oman.com

DEC 10 - 16 / ISSUE 398

YOUR

NEWS

OMAN

man will make sporting history next year when it becomes the first Middle East country to host a round of the America’s Cup World series, the most prestigious sailing competition in the world. Oman Sail made the exciting announcement this week after managing to keep the news a secret for some time, despite speculation. The actual America’s Cup – the oldest sports trophy in international sport – was paraded before the media at The Chedi Muscat Hotel, giving everyone a tantalising glimpse of what’s to come. Dating back to 1851, the America’s Cup is held every four years and contested between two racing sailing teams. In more than 160 years, teams from just four nations – the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland – have won the coveted trophy. Oman will hold the curtain raiser stage of the 2016 Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series from February 27-28 in Muscat. The winner of this pointscoring series, which will be spread over six cities, with Oman being the fourth leg, will then take on defending champion Oracle Team USA in the 2017 America’s Cup in Bermuda, the 35th edition. The two teams will battle it out for line honours in a best of seven races to win the America’s Cup, affectionately nicknamed “Auld Mug”. Being selected as one of the venues is a huge coup for Oman and will place the country on the world sailing stage. “The America’s Cup is the pinnacle of sailboat racing with a long and interesting history and we are thrilled to be hosting the first Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series event in 2016 here in Oman,” said David Graham, CEO of Oman Sail. “The America’s Cup brand is incredibly powerful so this will be a monumental opportunity for us to showcase the Sultanate of Oman and to celebrate a landmark moment in the history of Oman Sail.” For two days in February next year, Muscat will host some of the best sailors in the world, including

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DEC 10 - 16 / ISSUE 398

British Olympic gold medalist Sir Ben Ainslie. Their double-hulled foiling AC45 catamarans are capable of breathtaking speeds of over 30 knots (55kph), skimming over the top of the waves. Each craft has a team of five sailors. All the action will be broadcast live around the world and followed by millions of sailing fans. “We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Oman here in Muscat for the first time and we are very proud and excited to welcome the America’s Cup community and its massive following to the Sultanate,” said Salim al Mamari, the Director General of Tourism Promotion for the Ministry of Tourism. David Graham believes that the wide reach of the America’s Cup will create new opportunities for the Sultanate and increase the country’s exposure around the globe. “Oman Sail has worked hard since 2008 to reconnect the people of Oman with their sailing roots and to create a generation of sailors,” he said. “We have a very successful youth, women, national and international sailing programme and are actively generating socio-economic benefits for the country and contributing to the development of the Omani people through sailing. “Hosting a Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series event will provide huge inspiration to our sailors and take us closer to our aims.” Harvey Schiller, the commercial commissioner of America’s Cup, added: “Oman is an ideal place for us to open the 2016 racing calendar. It’s exciting to be bringing America’s Cup racing to this part of the world for the first time. We all look forward to adding to the success of Oman Sail with this historic event.”

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

HOME ALONE

What’s this about then? Are you in the market for a ghost town? Why do you ask? Well, if you want to own a deserted town in South Dakota in the US, then we’ve got a deal for you! What sort of deal? Ok, so the town of Swett, which even has its own watering hole, is up for sale for just US$250,000 (RO96,232.50). That seems cheap. Yes, it is. That said, the estate agent says it has been reduced from US$399,000 – which seems like a steal. So what do you get? You get a tavern, three-bedroom house and a former tyre shop, all set on about 2.5 hectares of land. Does anybody live there now? Um, no. That’s why it’s called a ghost town. But back in the 1940s the town’s population peaked at 40 people. It sounds lonely! Yes, it does. But if you are seeking a quiet life without noisy neighbours, then this could be just the deal for you. Don’t say: “Anybody home?” Do say: “Home alone.” 012

DEC 10 - 16 / ISSUE 398

IN THE SWING W

COMPETITION

YOUR

e set Y readers a challenge to come up with some fun golf-related photos for our competition to mark the Europcar Open 2015 tournament, which is about to tee off this weekend. And you didn’t’ disappoint. We received some great entries from golf fans showing why they should be a winner. Up for grabs were some cool prizes from Europcar, the car rental company. It was a tough choice for our managing editor, Felicity Glover, but she has made her decision and we can reveal that the winners are: 1st Place: Joel Lorenzo for his entry “Shadow Putting on the Green” Joel wins an exclusive invitation for two to the gala presentation dinner for the Europcar Open Golf Challenge 2015, which is being held at Almouj Golf ’s Academy Restaurant this Friday (Dec 11). 2nd Place: Abbass Abdul Aziz al Balushi Abbass has got himself a complimentary voucher for a weekend car hire in Muscat of a Mitsubishi Outlander (or similar car). 3rd Place: Sanjay Gajaria A Greg Norman T-shirt and cap will be winging their way to Sanjay. 4th Place: William Welsh William bags a Europcar T-shirt and mug. Congrats, guys! We’ll be in contact about your prizes. In the meantime, Almouj Golf is getting the fairways and greens ready for the third edition of the Europcar Open Golf Challenge. This exclusive, invitation-only event, for which Y Magazine is a media partner, will see 80 players take on the championship course and 28 players do their best on the Academy Par-3 course. Some of the best corporate golfers in the country, both men and women, will be competing for the prize trophy. Following the event, there will be a prize ceremony and gala dinner. “After successfully hosting two golf tournaments in the past years, we are indeed excited for our third. “We are certain this year is going to be an even more exhilarating experience,” said Nitin Spare, general manager of Europcar Oman. “Europcar Open Golf Challenge retains the essence of a true golfing experience, subtly blending the elements of business with pleasure. The event is a unique networking opportunity for all golf enthusiasts.”

O ORENZ JOEL L : E C A 1ST PL

ABDUL BBASS ACE: A 2ND PLL BALUSHI AZIZ A

WELSH ILLIAM ACE: W 4TH PL

YOUR

WALKING FOR A CAUSE

OMAN

HUGE CROWDS DESCENDED ON QURUM NATURAL PARK LAST WEEKEND TO TAKE PART IN THE BEAT DIABETES WALKATHON. THE EVENT OFFERED FUN FOR ALL, WITH MUSIC, AEROBICS SESSIONS, FACE PAINTING AND FREE BLOOD GLUCOSE TESTS

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GALLERY

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

DRIVEN TO

SUCCESS In association with Centennial

THE CAR IS ABOVE MY EXPECTATIONS, AND THE MANUFACTURERS HAVE OUTDONE THEMSELVES. IT’S BEAUTIFUL, SMOOTH AND I LIKED IT VERY MUCH Q: What is your biggest career success to date? There have been a few successful moments in my life, however, I think being appreciated for what I give to the bank, and seeing the fruits of whatever I do.

Q: What drives you to success? Waking up every morning with the aim of trying to attract and retain the best talent in Oman is what drives me. I’ve always believed that it might take a while, but hard work always pays off. I put in a lot of hard work and I have had a lot of sleepless nights. I believe in working hard in silence and letting the results make the noise. Q: Who or what has been your inspiration in your career? There are two people; the first is the chief operating officer of our bank. When I was doing my Master’s in the US, he emailed me wishing me luck and told me I would make it successfully. It was largely because of this email that I graduated with a distinction in a very short time. The second inspiration is my father; he has instilled some wonderful values in me and has always been a very positive person, which is why I am positive and always remain calm and jolly.

Q: What are your goals? Right now my goal is to be part of the management team, playing more of a strategic role, to help foster growth through policies and procedures that can help attract and retain talent to achieve the end goal. Q: Career-wise, where do you plan to be in 10 years’ time? I would like to have done my doctorate in HR and maybe move into the consulting business. I feel that I have the knowledge and experience coupled with a lot of passion for HR development and that’s where I want to push myself. Q: What do you like about the Centennial, the premium series of Hyundai Motor Company? The car is above my expectations, and the manufacturers have outdone themselves. It’s beautiful, smooth and I liked it very much. The interiors are nice, the drive, the engine, the quietness, the smoothness is very pleasant. It gives you a luxurious feel that reminds you of the German stereotype. DEC 10 - 16 / ISSUE 398

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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

The Keeping Room

In the Heart of the Sea For those of you who like your films big, In the Heart of the Sea is certainly on your wavelength. Based on the story that inspired Herman Melville’s classic novel, Moby Dick, this film follows Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth), first officer of an American whaling ship, his inexperienced captain, George Pollard Jr (Benjamin Walker), and the rest of the crew on an ill-fated journey that sees their ship, the Essex, sunk by an enormous sperm whale. The sense of scale is epic, as is the spectacle, with man shown to be rather small in the face of nature’s fury, present here in the form of both

intense storms and one incredibly angry sperm whale. Chris Hemsworth plays his character with square-jawed masculinity, like the John Wayne of the waves, alongside the film’s other standout performer – the whale, which is only ever referred to as “demon” or “the white whale”. The result of the encounter between the two is that the crew are left stranded at sea and here the focus turns to the lengths men will go to in order to stay alive. A powerful drama, made all the more fascinating given that it is based on true events. Review by Matt Blackwell

P RE VI EW

HOWL When a 23.59 train service breaks down a few kilometres from it’s destination, the passengers quickly realise that they are not alone in the British countryside. Stalked by a monster that threatens to pick them off one by one, they must confront their fears and face their attacker head on if they are to have any hope of survival.

IN W O T E C N A CH R U O Y B A R G TS E K C I T A M INE C Y T I C R U FO

As the American Civil War slowly comes towards its end, sisters Augusta (Brit Marling) and Louise (Hailee Steinfeld) find themselves in a bloody battle of the sexes, forced to protect themselves from two ragged Union scouts who relentlessly plague their isolated farm. Western is a genre of film that rarely offers a woman’s perspective, so for that, The Keeping

After being refused a loan to pay for his daughter’s medical treatment at the hands of notorious gangster Francis “The Pope” Silva (Robert De Niro), Luke Vaughn (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and his crew decide to rob Pope’s riverboat casino. Needless to say, things don’t go entirely to plan and the group end up hijacking a bus, which puts both the mob and the police on their tail. Whichever way you look at it, Bus 657 boils down to nothing more than a low budget thriller with a decent heist scene and not much else.

HATE STORY 3

Exactly as its name suggests, Hate Story 3 is a venomous thriller that documents what happens when love turns to hate and then betrayal in the corporate world. The film stars Sharman Joshi, Zarine Khan and Karan Singh Grover, but the rumours are that Hate Story 3 has been censored for audiences in India, so don’t be surprised if the film doesn’t pan out entirely as the trailers suggest. Still, it’s fairly safe to presume you can expect plenty of loathing, lies and revenge.

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

DEC 10 -16 / ISSUE 398

Bus 657

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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Room is worthy of praise, but there are times when director Daniel Barber takes a highbrow, arty approach, filling scenes with loaded silences and as the film progresses, screenwriter Julia Hart becomes guilty of oversimplifying matters, forcing characters to bluntly state what was previously implied – much more powerfully – by their actions.

Brought to you by

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION During which war is The Keeping Room set? LAST WEEK'S WINNER Marvin Rivera

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

SEASONAL COFFEE This is your last chance before Christmas to join the lovely ladies of the Women’s Guild in Oman for their famous coffee mornings. Meet at McKenzie’s Café & Deli, in Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos. Chat over coffee and cake from 10am to 12pm. For details, visit womensguildoman.com

DEC

Dec 16

Time To Socialise

Enjoy an elegant evening of mingling, music and great food and drinks with the latest get-together of expat group InterNations. This time, the venue is Rumba Lattina restaurant at The Cave, Muscat, from 7pm. A selection of snacks will be served from 8pm-9.30pm. If you’re new to Muscat or simply want to expand your social circle, it’s a great way to meet people. RO5 entry fee. For more details, visit internations.org

WEEK

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

D E C E M B E R Fancy a chuckle? Then head to On the Rocks Restaurant and Lounge in Seeb, Muscat, for a stand-up comedy night. Some of Oman’s best comedians will be trying to bring a smile to your face with new material and funny gags. Go with your friends and make a night of it, from 7pm-9pm. Entry is RO5 on the door for men and women. Brought to you by Oman Comedy Central, Oman’s first and only stand-up comedy group. Follow Oman Comedy Central on Facebook.

Dec 12

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You’re having a laugh

THIS

DEC 13

Movies

n w o d t n u o C l a n Fi

It’s time to set the floor on fire and celebrate like never before at the New Year’s countdown party brought to you by Axis Events at Almouj Golf, Muscat, from 7pm to 3am. Top international acts including DJ Sabrina Terence from Germany, DJ Jabu from the US, DJ Jassy from India and more will mixing beats from different parts of the world. Single entry is RO30 or RO50 for a couple, which includes two complimentary drinks and free finger food. VIP tables for eight people start at RO500. There’ll also be a kids’ play area. A pick up and drop off service will be available from all over Muscat. For bookings and tickets, call 9709 8681 or 9241 7948, or search Axis Group Events on Facebook.

Grub’s Up

Dec 31

Dec 11

PERFECT PRINT

Gallery

MuscArt’s latest exciting workshop for children aged between 10 and 14 is focusing on lino printing, a form of print making that is created with a relief image on a block of linoleum. After completing, designing and cutting the lino blocks, students will print their designs. Minimum class size is three and maximum is 10. Classes will be conducted in English on three days – Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4pm to 6pm at the MuscArt Gallery in Ghubra. Workshop fee is RO45, with the cost of materials included. For more information, call 2449 3912 or visit muscart.net

GET SOUL

Dec 20 - 21

Enjoy the moving melodies of Maher Zain, a young, influential Nasheed singer, loved by young people in the Arab world and beyond, at the Royal Opera House Muscat in a free event, starting at 7pm on both days. The hugely popular singer will perform his soulful music with modern flair in a superb open-air event celebrating humanity. For bookings, visit rohmuscat.org.om

Time to dust off that one Christmas jumper you’ve been keeping in the wardrobe all year. Pull on your winter warmer and join a great Christmas meal with members of the Muscat Rugby Club at the Safari Rooftop Grill House restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel. Prices are RO32 for rugby club members and RO35 for non-members. Email events@muscatrugby.net for tickets. Space is limited so don’t delay. Doors open at 7pm. For details, search for Muscat Rugby Football Club on Facebook. DEC 10 - 16 / ISSUE 398

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In the first of a fourpart series, Y meets Oman’s inspirational wives, mothers and daughters, who continue to make strides in their fields. This week we chat with two high achievers from sport and health Report: Kate Ginn, Deeba Hasan and Matt Blackwell 020

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s Oman has evolved over the past 45 years, so too has the role of women, who have become empowered to contribute to the prosperity of the country and to take an active part in its constant development. Women are now flying high in different fields across the Sultanate, providing significant input in areas from politics to the arts, blazing a trail for future generations to follow. In 2001, the National Strategy for Omani Women Development project was started, with the aim of supporting women to contribute to the country’s progress more than ever before. Under the instructions of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al

Said, October 17 officially became Omani Women’s Day, to celebrate the achievements and great efforts of the Sultanate’s women, whether in a ministerial office or the corporate world. It’s not just Omani women who have benefitted from these changes. Women from all nations are now playing active roles in every area in Oman, becoming decision-makers and helping shape our future. Y is setting out to meet some of these high achieving women in a special four-part series, beginning this week, with Sayyida Basma Al Said and Thuriya al Abdali. We also look at whether high achievers are born with ambition or a will to win can be cultivated in children and adults.

Sayyida Basma Al Said, mental health

expert, and founder and owner of Whispers of Serenity Clinic

Sayyida Basma is a popular figure in Oman, mostly due to her work on mental health, in which she has been instrumental in helping break taboos about subjects such as depression and anxiety. A psychologist by profession and the owner of Whispers of Serenity, Oman’s first mental health clinic, in Azaiba, Muscat, Sayyida Basma has been working in the field for 15 years, spending 11 years at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) hospital before establishing Whispers three years ago. Sayyida Basma grew up reading books on inspirational figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela. Besides that, her father was a diplomat, which enabled her to experience different cultures all over the world. Closer to home, Sayyida Basma’s cites her father, mother and grandmother, as her own personal inspirations. “I think people always have inspirations within the family and for me it’s been these three people. My granny taught me that nothing is impossible to do in life; my mother taught me to be friendly and positive at all times and my father taught me to work hard. “We were a family of four sisters and so my father always emphasised the fact that we don’t have to be boys to achieve things in life, we can fix things ourselves and do much better than boys.” She is most impressed when people give her constructive feedback, and says: “It’s lovely to get feedback from people at all times because feedback is like food for the mind. I love giving back to the community and I think constructive feedback is really important in my job.” Sayyida Basma says she would like to meet Angelina Jolie and Queen Rania of Jordan, both of whom are her role models. “They are my inspiration and I think that is because they don’t really need to do what they are doing, they can manage without it, but they are still out there helping people in so many different ways, which I think is amazing.” When it comes to promoting mental health, Sayyida Basma wants to find more creative ways to spread the word. “I am making more media projects, because sadly people don’t want to read these days. I am developing something for children as well, because they are always on smartphones and tablets and so I thought why not develop some exciting applications for them about child abuse where they can learn to protect themselves?” A few months ago, she introduced the groundbreaking “Not Alone” stories, a special programme in which speakers were invited to share their experiences about different mental health issues to an audience. It saw people opening up for the first time in public about suffering from depression or anxiety. It was so successful that Sayyida Basma now wants to make

it big and take the concept around Oman. She also dreams of creating shelters for abused, troubled women and children, which might be the first one in the Gulf region. In her 15 years as a mental health advisor, Sayyida Basma has tried her best to eradicate the taboo surrounding mental health in Oman, the GCC and around the world. “There is taboo around mental health everywhere and we can’t get away from that truth, we all know that it’s there,” she says. “However, over the last few years the taboo has reduced to a great extent, which is good. Earlier if someone was sick [suffering from mental health issues], people would think that it was because of the ‘evil eye’ or a witch’s spell, but now that has changed and people have started to understand that there are other reasons behind this, so that is a good move. “We have more clients now, which is not a good thing but at least people have started to talk openly about their problems. [This] is what we have always wanted.” Sayyida Basma, who away from work enjoys interior design, event management and karaoke, is happy that more and more women are coming forward to take up psychology as a profession. “A lot of girls come up to me and say that our families might not be okay with it, but we want to be psychologists and I encourage them and I am glad that they are inspired by me. There are a lot of career choices with psychology, you can work in the army, police, schools, and colleges – you name it.” Being an active woman in the country, Sayyida Basma feels strongly about diversifying the economy in Oman and has ideas to set up mental health retreats in different parts of the Sultanate, which will attract people from all over the Gulf region and world. Sayyida Basma is adamant that success doesn’t come without a strong network of support. “My husband is a university professor of economics and is my biggest supporter. I believe that one can do so much with a good support system.”

Thuriya al Abdali, taekwondo instructor, 18 “My father is a taekwondo master, and he is the one who inspired me. He was giving me lessons when I was only three years old,” says Thuriya al Abdali, who is now one of the top female taekwondo fighters in Oman. Martial arts have not traditionally been sports that Omani women have taken part in. In particular, taekwondo, a Korean contact martial art with a heavy emphasis on kicks, was not something that a little Omani girl would once be encouraged to take up. But Thuriya is clearly made of sterner stuff and even from a young age, showed a steely ambition. “When I was 10, there were not many women taking part in taekwondo, but when I saw videos of women practicing, I just thought that I wanted to be like them. I wanted to do the stunts that they did and copy their moves. Also, my dad was always there, encouraging me, so that was the beginning,” she says. “In 2008, I grew serious because I started to understand the sport more. One of my dreams from back then was to be the best Omani female. I always did taekwondo and nothing else.” Thuriya’s father, who told her that he wanted her to be the best and became her coach, was the driving force behind her rise, both as a fighter and eventually as a coach herself. “My father is a master and my stepmother is also a taekwondo instructor, so I started coaching when I was little. I used to give the warm-up sessions to the little children, who were my age, so coaching began for me then. DEC 10 - 16/ ISSUE 398

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“However, I came into intensive coaching after my stepmother got busy. She used to coach the women in my father’s training centre, but when I turned 17 she asked me to support her during the training and eventually I took over. “Before I started coaching, I used to train with boys, so I was used to being tough and then I was asked to teach a class full of women. I made it very clear to them that just because I am young and a woman, it doesn’t mean that I will make it easy for them.” Away from coaching, Thuriya began competing and collecting medals. “I always wanted to take my own skills to the top and so I took part in 10 competitions in Oman, where I got silver medals in two and the rest were gold. “Besides Oman, I recently took part in a competition in South Korea called The World Taekwondo Hanmadnag 2015, where I competed with a girl from Russia for first place, but managed to settle in the second spot. The other medal I won in South Korea was a gold one, I got it for breaking something made of cement.” Despite her small stature, Thuriya is clearly not a pushover. Away from the ring, Thuriya’s other passion is photography, something fostered by her uncle, who is a professional photographer based in Oman. “I was always interested in photography but my inspiration was my uncle, I saw him start things from scratch and he is doing really well now. Both my father and my uncle both started from zero and seeing them working so hard and accomplishing something, gives me hope that I can do the same.” She is just as serious about her academic endeavours. Since starting university – she attends GUtech in Muscat, where she is studying urban planning – Thuriya has had to stop training taekwondo to concentrate on her studies. “I am still coaching, but whenever I stop fighting and training, I feel that something is missing because I completed 14 years of taekwondo.” Her fellow female students are very impressed with her skills and now expect her to teach taekwondo at the university. Thuriya still has a lot of dreams she aims to achieve and thinks that she is well on the way to success. “Actually, I am in the

middle, not exactly where I want to reach because it’s really hard to convince people that taekwondo is for women too. People think that if you are a woman you should not play this game because it is so aggressive, and my message is that if you are a women you should learn taekwondo because you learn self defence, and you will be confident at the same time, so it’s a sport where you gain a lot.” Thuriya is one of the few women in Oman who has managed reach a high level in the sport she loves, however, if she had heeded the comments of some of her extended family, she might not have pursued the sport she clearly loves. “Actually, my extended family were like ‘you should stop and finish, this is enough’ and so I asked my father if I should stop and he said definitely not. At the end of the day, it’s a sport and in taekwondo there are limits – girls are girls and boys are boys, and I will never stop. Now my family is very proud of me. They know I teach women so encourage me a lot and have asked me to never stop.” She has also taken on the boys and won. “I did compete with a guy once, in 2012,” she says. “He was my age but tall, I was about 15 or 16. I won because I was faster than him. He was good, he had more power than me, so when he hit, it was really bad.” Being an instructor has made Thuriya become more responsible at a young age. “Now my dream has sort of changed; one of my dreams is that my students should be able to make it big in taekwondo and become champions.” Thuriya has had to use her skills once in real life. Someone was trying to give her his number and when she refused, he held her hand and pulled her. That was when Thuriya showed some of her finely tuned abilities, but in the heat of the moment hit another guy by mistake. Thuriya thinks that it is really important for women to learn taekwondo and martial arts. “As you know, life has become different now,” she says. “It’s not as safe as it used to be and being a woman means that you are in danger more than men. You should learn self defence, as you are not sure what will happen and when. If you practice taekwondo, you will be so confident and at the same time it’s a sport and so it gives flexibility. It’s all about discipline and respect.”

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN 5. Rosa Parks (1913-2005)

After opening her first millinery shop in 1912, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel went on to become one of the premier fashion designers in Paris. The iconic brand produces clothing, jewellery, handbags and perfume and her legacy includes timeless designs that are still used today.

4. Mother Teresa (1910-1997)

This Polish-French physicist and chemist undertook pioneering research into radioactivity that was crucial in the development of x-rays. She discovered two new chemical elements and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1903 and the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1911.

3. Coco Chanel (1883-1971)

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2. Marie Curie (1867-1934)

1. Jane Austen (1775-1817) 022

Despite living and working in a time when female writers were viewed as inferior to their male counterparts, this British author penned a number of romantic fiction novels that remain popular to this day, including Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion and Emma.

Born in Skopje, then part of Kosovo, Mother Teresa taught in India for 17 years before devoting her life to the care of the sick and poor. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950 and established a leper colony, an orphanage, a nursing home, a family clinic and a string of mobile health clinics.

Known as “the mother of the freedom movement”, Rosa Parks was an African American who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger in 1955. This simple action galvanised the Civil Rights Movement in the US and became an important symbol in the struggle to end racial segregation and discrimination in the country.

BORN WINNERS?

Often high achievers share similar traits or personalities; the so-called Type A individuals. But can success be learned or are winners born with a natural tendency to do well? Natalia Gomez Carlier, a psychologist and art therapist who works at the Al Harub Medical Centre in Muscat, says: “I believe not all of us were meant to be high achievers. Not because we can’t, but because we don’t really want to. We do not all have a drive towards success. Luckily, some of us have a drive towards collaboration, or towards giving. This is what I refer to as the seed. But if you have a seed of this drive towards achievement, then of course experience and society can help develop, or hinder, the high achievement. “If you find the seed in a girl particularly, what I believe makes the difference is the support of somewhat masculine tendencies and qualities. Being assertive does not make me less feminine and this is what girls need to hear. In contradiction to this, many girls and women actually succeed to prove the others wrong. To show that they can regardless of what family and society believes. So at the end it is very difficult to create a formula for high achievement.” Roma Fernandes, a clinical psychologist at Whispers of Serenity Clinic in Muscat, believes that while people aren’t “born winners”, the ones who do succeed have an inherent drive. “I do believe in some bit of luck, but also that luck does run out and what remains is hard work and perseverance. As it is said, there is no shortcut to success. It has to be a constant effort and by doing so, even if things are not working well for now or even if you feel like you are stuck but pushing for each day to be better, you will ensure that success comes your way.” As to whether it’s possible to “programme” yourself to be a winner, Roma believes it is, to some extent. “Being successful comes from having some good habits like time management, organisation and leadership. These are habits that the younger you are, the better it is to learn and the faster it is to pick up. Our mind is very programmable. The same way we get programmed to think negativity, which is a learnt behaviour, we can learn to think positively and we can learn to have that winner’s spirit and drive.” Having a “Type A” personality doesn’t always guarantee success. “There needs to be a drive and passion for what you do and even after being knocked down, the way a person deals with challenges sets them up to either success or failure,” says Roma. “Having a Type A personality helps because these people are generally competitive and driven, but that doesn’t mean anybody else cannot push themselves to acquire these traits as well. It only means that the others need to work a little bit harder because these are traits that they do not have naturally in them. “I think the edge that they [high achievers] have is a ‘never say never’ attitude. No matter what happens and how many hardships they face, they always get back up and try harder. I think this way of thinking is hard to have and it needs a lot of positive thinking, self-worth and self-confidence to keep going against all odds.”

High achieving women are often driven in all areas of their lives, whether at home or in the office. “High Achieving women usually hold multiple roles and have a desire to excel in those roles,” says Natalia. “It is the way they think and their drive that makes them go the extra mile. This way of thinking is related to excellence and achievement regardless of the task, it can be a board meeting or a luncheon. When a high achieving woman commits to something she will take it towards perfection.” High achievers are, by their natures, at risk of burnout. They can become depressed if they lose the drive or start to achieve less, according to Roma Fernandes. “Also, when someone keeps going in a certain area, for example work, and that becomes the only focus of their life, their personal life and self well-being takes a back seat and suffers. These people are also at risk of burnout because they do not stop for anything and only realise that maybe their health or something else is suffering as a result when it is too late.”

Personality traits of high achieving women: Drive. They share an inner force that drives them to succeed in their

tasks while at the same time keep finding new and more challenging tasks. Competitive and assertive. These traditionally masculine tendencies are difficult for many women to master. To be up front and direct is not the way that traditional girls are raised to be. But high achieving woman usually manage to master these two tendencies, and become more rational in their arguments than emotional. Not that they do not also have a high emotional intelligence, but more that they can use both the rational and the emotional intelligence to express their thoughts and ideas. Ego strength. Being able to feel confident about your own thoughts and ideas. Being realistic of your strengths and weakness and being able to overcome challenges as they show up. Perseverance. This is generally seen as high energy and vitality. Finding more energy in the challenge itself. The dark side is that it is sometimes difficult to relax. Risk takers. This is another tendency that goes against our female archetype, as we were the gatherers and the creators of the nest. But high achieving women tend to be able to take controlled risks and have a high tolerance for stress.

Passionate.

High achievers can sometimes drive themselves too hard. Their characteristics and tendencies can become double-edged swords, as these women tend to develop higher levels of stress and burn out. They develop unrealistic expectation of themselves, which makes it impossible for them to feel like they have achieved and they keep searching for non-existent perfection. In extreme cases you can see the “Impostor Phenomenon”, where women feel like an impostor in their own lives. It also comes with a high amount of guilt, as they wonder if they spend too much time outside of the family, and society does tend to judge them harshly. (Source: Natalia Gomez Carlier)

OVE R T H E A G E S The American tennis superstars have won a staggering 28 Grand Slam singles titles between them. Serena has picked up 21 of these, leading many to regard her as the greatest female player of all time. The pair also form a formidable doubles team and are unbeaten in Grand Slam tournament finals.

10. Malala Yousafzai (1997-)

Born to a poverty stricken family in rural Mississippi, Oprah Winfrey shrugged away her disadvantages to become the first and only African American billionaire. The media giant was the first female to host her own talk show and is also an actress, philanthropist, publisher and producer.

9. The Williams sisters (Venus 1980-, Serena 1981-)

8. Oprah Winfrey (1954-)

7. Angela Merkel (1954-)

6. Benazir Bhutto (1953-2007)

As the first female leader of a Muslim country, Benazir Bhutto was instrumental in the political shift of Pakistan from dictatorship to democracy. Her goals included social reforms that helped women and the poor. She was assassinated in 2007.

A former research scientist, Angela Merkel has been the Chancellor of Germany since 2005, becoming the first female leader of the most powerful economy in Europe. Her tough stance on domestic and international issues along with a nononsense attitude has marked her out as one of the most influential women in politics.

When she called for female education in the Swat district of Pakistan at the age of 15 years old, Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman. She survived the attack and went on to become the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize when she was jointly awarded the honour last year.

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Presents In Association with

THE HUNT FOR

BEGINS

The auditions have started as we trawl Muscat for the most talented first-year college students 024

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urban camels Photos: Shaquel al Balushi Words: Matt Blackwell

They’re more commonly seen in the desert, but Shaquel al Balushi tracks down the camels of Muscat to get up close and personal

itting cross-legged on a cushion, sipping a cup of sweet karak tea as a light breeze billows a huge Omani flag behind him, Muhsin al Amri proudly gazes out over his camels. The herd, which currently numbers at 22 camels, is the legacy of his grandfather, established more than 40 years ago. The scene is a common one, especially on the fringes of the desert, in places like Bidiyah, but what makes this story so unique is the setting. To one side, the Arabian Sea gently laps the sand while fishermen examine the day’s catch, but to the other is a busy road bordered by residential buildings, just a stone’s throw from the new Muscat International Airport construction site. They’re known across the city, but for those who are unfamiliar – meet the camels of Muscat. Camels are known for their versatility and ability to survive in unforgiving conditions, but Muscat’s are some of the more pampered variety. Muhsin explains that they are primarily used for breeding, with some being selected by instructors from around Oman and trained for racing, with the family collecting a percentage of any winnings, while others are purely there for show. Nine members of Muhsin’s family own a stake in the venture and when the camels aren’t grazing on the scrub and wandering the small dunes just down from Al Mouj Muscat, they are kept at one of the family homes close by. They make for quite a tourist attraction, drawing curious visitors from the GCC and beyond. Many stop by for a photograph with the urban camels and it’s clear that Muhsin has a close connection with his animals as he tenderly leads one across the dunes and the pair pose for the camera. Next time you’re in the area, drop in for a warm drink and a warm welcome from both the camels and their owners. 026

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FOOD AND DRINK CELEBRITY CHEF

Follow in the footsteps of Bradley Cooper in the film Burnt and cook up a culinary feast thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sure to impress your nearest and dearest.

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UNLOCK YOUR INNER CHEF WITH

DINNER INSPIRED BY THE

MOVIE BURNT

For a romantic date or an outing with friends, you can’t go wrong with dinner and a movie. Whether you’re headed to a cinema or settling in at home, make your cooking the star of the show by taking inspiration from the culinary movie Burnt, starring Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller

n Burnt, Bradley Cooper plays a twostar Michelin chef named Adam Jones, who has only ever cared about the thrill of creating explosions of taste. In the movie, he sets out to land his own kitchen and that elusive third Michelin star with the best of the best on his side. A night of tantalising, movie-inspired recipes Kick off your movie night with a creatively crafted cheese board featuring aged Havarti, saga blue Brie and traditional Danish blue from Castello cheese. Perfect your plate with gourmet pairings such as honeycomb, apricots, mixed olives and slices of grilled baguette. Use your cheese board to create

a decadent crostini appetiser by layering cheese, fruit and honey atop a slice of bread. To truly unlock your inner chef, start with a main course that brings Burnt to life on your plate through Sweeney’s simply satisfying cacio e pepe. This delightful spaghetti dish features a garlic butter sauce and aged Havarti cheese, which marries a rich buttery aroma with a creamy, melty texture. Your evening’s grand finale is an indulgent dessert of chocolate mousse with Danish blue cheese and mango. Traditional Danish blue is a cheese with a nutty aroma and hints of marzipan. * BPT

Sweeney’s Simply Satisfying Cacio E Pepe (from the movie Burnt) Serves: 4 Ingredients: § 1 package dried spaghetti § 1 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper § 2 1/2 cups Castello Aged Havarti (or similar), shredded § 3 1/2 tbsp butter § 1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed § 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped § Salt Method: § In a large saucepan of boiling, salted water, cook spaghetti until al dente. § While the pasta is cooking, add black pepper to a nonstick skillet and toast until fragrant. § Add the butter and garlic and cook for one additional minute, until butter is melted. § Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta liquid. Place the pasta and liquid back into the saucepan. § Toss with shredded aged Havarti, season with salt (optional) and top with fresh chives. For more movie-inspired recipes, visit the Castello cheese Facebook page (CastelloUSA) or go to CastelloCheeseUSA.com

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FOOD AND DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

MIDKET R MA

Info Box

EAT STREET

Al Noor Plaza, MSQ Tel: 800 74992 Opening Hours: MondaySaturday 12pm-3pm for lunch, 6pm-11pm for dinner Lunch and drinks for two: RO20.6

STREET FOOD FIESTA

SOME OF THE MOST AUTHENTIC CULINARY EXPERIENCES ARE OFTEN TO BE HAD AT STREET FOOD STALLS. MATT BLACKWELL SAMPLES THE RESTAURANT THAT OFFERS A TRIP AROUND THE WORLD WITHOUT LEAVING MUSCAT

s soon as I arrived at Eat Street, tucked away in a corner of Al Noor Plaza in MSQ , I knew I was in for something a little bit different. It was lunchtime on a sunny Friday and the doors, windows and shutters of the restaurant were all fully open, creating a light and airy feel that was only enhanced by white walls filled with quirky doodles. The décor was contemporary, with bright light bulbs, exposed metalwork and wooden cable reels, all lending Eat Street an air of industrial chic. It felt like I could’ve been in a funky street café in London or another of Europe’s fashionable capitals. When I had finished marvelling at my surroundings, I found that a smiling waiter had placed a paper menu in front of me and I set about assessing the food on offer. Eat Street’s Facebook page pins it down as a soul food restaurant offering eclectic street food with a twist and with Jamaican, Ukrainian, American, Thai, Australian, Indian and Armenian cuisine all available, I certainly had to agree with the eclectic part. The lunch menu is not as extensive as the evening one, but I was still finding it difficult to narrow down my options. I wanted to try it all! The Chang Mai coconut chicken burger held my attention for a long time, with the satay sauce, roasted peanuts and Chinese cabbage all bringing

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the memories of my visit to the Thai city flooding back, but ultimately it was the English fish and chips that won my vote. My dining partner opted for the “China Town” from the Pavement Pizza section, made up of slow roasted duck, crispy noodles, fresh leeks and hoisin sauce. Our drinks were a “Coconut Colarda” and a peanut butter and banana milkshake, both of which took incredibly long to appear, but when they did, the reason for the delay became immediately apparent. My thick and creamy milkshake was served with a dolphin carved from a banana with a marshmallow in its mouth and while this served absolutely no function at all, it certainly looked very impressive. My friend’s colarda concoction came in a hollowed out coconut, although he wasn’t much of a fan and ordered a simple Coke soon after. No more than 30 seconds later, our food followed. Initial impressions were good, with a chunky battered fillet of fish served on a wooden carving board, along with a small pot of mushy peas and tartar sauce, while the rustic-looking pizza was not quite round; a tell tale sign that it was handmade with love and affection. Not to be big-headed or anything, but I consider myself something of a connoisseur when it comes to fish and chips. Being English, I have sampled some of the best and the worst from up and down the UK, which I feel has given me enough experience to comment with authority. Now don’t get me wrong: Eat Steet’s were good, but they weren’t quite there in my opinion. The batter was slightly on the soggy side, a far

Verdict : 6 / 10 Service 7 / 10 Food 8 / 10 Ambience Funky setting for decent food Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

cry from the crisp, light batter I was expecting. The fish contained within was okay, but little more. The chips, which were more like wedges, were perfectly fine, though. I’d never had duck on a pizza before. It was a combination that hadn’t crossed my mind, but I can tell you that it works. Lurking beneath a mountain of leek strips and crispy noodles were tender pieces of duck which, when combined with the hoisin that arrived as a separate dipping sauce, tasted great. Things got a bit messy, as the toppings – the noodles and leeks in particular – were not baked into the pizza, but I could handle that just fine. The portion size defeated us both and we were unable to finish our plates, let alone face the dessert menu, which included Indian kulfi (a frozen dairy pudding), Spanish churros, Parisian crêpes and an intriguing-sounding Oreo “pizza”. Delays in service can be forgiven thanks to some fantastic presentation and a slightly subpar fish and chips is easily excused because of the overall vibe of Eat Street. It’s something genuinely unique to Muscat and I’m already planning my next visit – and the one after that – so that I can slowly work my way through their menu and embark upon a globetrotting culinary adventure. Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com

CMY

HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

FASHION

COOL WHITE

There’s something alluring about crisp, chic white. Cool, calm and elegant, it’s the perfect hue for this time of the year in the Sultanate, like this sophisticated all-white look from Littlewoods Ireland.

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k o o L e h

, reet look t s igh t the h e th to ge o t end ps you h g l i e h ver he h t Glo From y t i c Paired with a pair of Feli strappy heels, these

T t Ge

chic white Autograph trousers from M&S will lift your look to the next level. From RO26

This tuxedo-style white blazer from Debenhams adds a timeless touch for those more formal occasions. From RO45.9

Add a layering effect to your silhouette with this cool white Phase Eight Allie V-neck top. From RO22.6

Pearls are a classic accessory and team perfectly with white, such as this catwalk double pearl open ring from Accessorize. From RO3.4

You’ll be right on trend with this fun Fiorelli print-style watch with white leather strap and silver bird design. From RO22.6

HOW TO WEAR White

These strappy silver sandals with mesh pattern from New Look will take your look to new heights and are perfect teamed with either bootleg or straight-leg trousers. From RO13.3 1. Don’t be afraid to add a splash of colour as white is considered a blank canvas. Practically every hue matches, from classic navy to silver and gold. 2. If you are looking for a warmer version of white, try elegant cream or ivory. 3. Remember to have fun and try to experiment with this timeless, classic hue.

DEC 10 - 16 / ISSUE 398

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

BEAUTY

Health Fashion

PARTY

HAIR

Get the glam tresses to look super chic for social gatherings

t’s the start of December, which means that party season is officially upon us, and this year’s main trend is for little dresses in rainbow shades of green, red, purple and blue. Of course you’re going to want to make sure your locks look just as good. From family meals to festive parties, no matter what this season may bring, hairstylist to the stars Asgar Saboo has some great advice on the hairstyles that can transform your look into the perfect party piece for every occasion, so you’ll be looking gorgeous wherever the evening takes you: SLEEK AND SIMPLE This chic style can be dressed up or down to tailor your every need, as seen on celebrities from Olivia Palermo to Sonam Kapoor and Eva Longoria. The secret to getting the hair sleek and glossy is to prep with a conditioning masque so that your locks are in top condition. Then use a hair oil or serum as you blow-dry and finish with straightening irons. It’s more about getting the hair smooth rather than adding volume. Make sure you spritz with hairspray before you leave the house to avoid your look becoming frizzy or anything less than perfect. KEEP IT CROPPED This style can look either chic or edgy. It will work for any brightly coloured dress, whether you want a classic Hollywood look or something alternative and modern. Make sure you request a cut, which flatters your face shape, but the secret to the finish is how you style it. Go for something effortless like Sienna Miller or Alexa Chung and use a sea salt spray to muss up the hair, or take a curling tong and gently add waves for some extra volume and texture. However, don’t forget that this look is also super flattering when you keep it sleek – channel Gwyneth Paltrow and straighten your crop, finishing with a glossing spray or oil for extra shine. TOUSLED TRESSES Tousled locks are a favourite look of many celebrities on the red carpet, including Kristen Stewart, and this is particularly suited to a bright colour – it adds a different vibe to your overall look and allows the dress to make a statement on its own. This style has become an iconic look for the likes of Jennifer Aniston and it’s easy enough to do at home. Simply rough dry your hair after you’ve added a heat protectant, then use straighteners to tame any unruly areas or to add some subtle waves to your look. Don’t forget to backcomb at the crown to add glamour and finish with your favourite hairspray.

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UP AND AWAY A good look for women of any age – it’s simple but always makes a great statement. It’s perfect if your dress has detail at the back or neckline which you want to show off, plus it’s great for a party as it will stay in place all night, as seen on Rachel McAdams. This actually works better on hair that hasn’t been recently washed – start by combing through the hair to avoid any tangles, then add some dry shampoo or a volumising spray at the roots. This will give you the body you need so that this look is evening appropriate. Then simply gather your hair at the nape of the neck, or at the crown if you prefer, twist over until it’s a bun and fix with a hair grip. BOUNCY BLOW-DRY The big, bouncy blow-dry is one of the classic, glamorous choices for a party and it’s not difficult to see why. As seen on Jennifer Lopez and Kate Middleton, this is the perfect style for a party or red carpet and works especially well with dramatic makeup and glamourous accessories. Plus, this look isn’t difficult to achieve at home once you know how. Use a heat protectant first, and using a round brush, take the hair from the root and run the brush down each strand, moving the blow dryer over the brush as you go. Finish with a medium sized tong to add waves at the end and fix with hairspray – you’ll be causing hair envy wherever you go!

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GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS… Capital Region Azaiba • Amara Dermatology Clinic • Audi showroom • Bentley showroom • Costa Coffee • Al Fair • Jaguar Showroom • Jeep Showroom • Al Maha Petrol Station • Mazda showroom • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi Showroom • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Peugeot Showroom • Range Rover Showroom • Sayarti Auto Care • Shell Select • Skoda Showroom • The Sultan Center • Volkswagen showroom • Volvo Showroom • Yamaha Showroom Bawshar • College of Banking and Financial Studies • Dolphin Village • Modern College of Business and Science • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital (Emergency and Outpatients) • Oman Medical College CBD • Al Maya Hypermarket • Alizz Islamic Bank • Bahwan Travel Agencies • Bank Sohar • Copper Chimney Restaurant • Costa Coffee • HSBC • Lama Polyclinic • NBO • Oman Arab Bank • Standard Chartered Bank • Woodlands Restaurant Darsait • Indian Social Club • Khimji’s Mart

•

KIMS Oman Hospital • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Bakery • Shell Petrol Station Al Falaj/Rex Road • Al Falaj Hotel • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Golden Oryx Restaurant • Kamat Restaurant • Toshiba Showroom Ghala • National Mineral Water Ghubra • Al Hayat International Hospital • Al Maya Hypermarket • Bank of Beirut • Costa Coffee • Crêpe Café • GMC Showroom • LuLu Hypermarket • Moka & More • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Park Inn • Porsche Showroom • Al Raffah Hospital • Stationery Hut • The Chedi Muscat Al Hail • Burger King • Caledonian College of Engineering • Markaz Al Bahja Mall • McDonald’s • Omantel • Starcare Hospital Al Khoudh • Al Fair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Pizza Hut Al Khuwair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Bait Al Reem Mall • Caffè Vergnano • Centrepoint (Splash) • Diplomatic Club • Grand Hyatt Muscat • Harley-Davidson Showroom • HSBC • KFC • Khimji’s Mart • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Landmark Group

• • •

McDonald’s Muscat Bakery Oman Bowling Center • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Oman United Insurance • Omran • Pizza Hut • Radisson Blu • Shell Petrol Station • TGI Friday’s • The Great Kabab Factory • The Tikka Place • Zahara Travel • Zakher Mall Mabela • Gulf College Oman Mawalah • Chili’s Restaurant • Costa Coffee • Al Makan Café • The Noodle House • Starbucks • Tim Hortons • VLCC Wellness MBD • Bank Dhofar • Centrepoint (Splash) • Khimji’s Mart • NBO • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Pizza Muscat • Shell Petrol Station MGM • Caribou Coffee • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • Just Falafel • Ooredoo • Paul • Tim Hortons Al Mina • Bait Al Baranda • Bait Al Zubair MQ • Al Fair • Arab Open University • British Council • Costa Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • Hana’s Slimming & Skincare Centre • Kargeen Caffe • KFC • MacKenzies Café & Deli • Mood Café • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Papa John’s Pizza

• •

Pizza Hut Saharz Beauty Salon • Starbucks Al Murtafa’a • Bank Muscat • KFC • Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club Muscat International Airport • Caribou Coffee • Majan Lounge • Plaza Premium Lounge Mussanah • Millennium Resort Muttrah • Shell Petrol Station Qantab • Al Bustan Palace • Marina Bandar Al Rowdha • Oman Dive Center • Shangri-La Qurum • Al Araimi Complex • Balance Health & Fitness • Bank Nizwa • BMW showroom • Burger King • Chili’s Restaurant • Crowne Plaza • Finland Eye Center • Fun Zone • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • The Jungle Restaurant • Left Bank • McDonald’s • Mercedes-Benz Showroom • Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant • Nandos • Nissan Showroom • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Qurum Commercial Complex • Ras Al Hamra Club • SABCO Centre • Second Cup • Starbucks • The Sultan Center • Tche Tche Café Rusayl • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -1 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -2 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -3

•

Knowledge Oasis Muscat -4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • Waljat College of Applied Sciences Ruwi • Apollo Medical Centre • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Mega Store – Swarovski Showroom • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • Oman Trading Establishment • Saravana Bhavan Sarooj • Al Fair • Al Masa Mall • City Cinema • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell Petrol Station • VLCC Wellness Sawadi • Al Sawadi Beach Resort Seeb • Golden Tulip Hotel • McDonald’s Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Caribou Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Centre • The Indus Restaurant • InterContinental Hotel Muscat • Jawharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks • VLCC Wellness Sifah • Sifawy Boutique Hotel SQU • Diplomatic Club • College of Economics and

Political Science Students Banking Area • Reception/ Canteen Wadi Kabir • Al Maya Hypermarket • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Pharmacy • National Hospitality Institute • Pizza Hut • Shell Petrol Station Wattayah • Ahli Bank • Best cars • BLS International Services • Chevorlet/GM showroom • Ford Showroom • Hatat House • Honda Showroom • Hyundai showroom • Kia Showroom • Lexus Showroom • National Travel & Tourism • Passage To India Restaurant • Shell Petrol Station • Subaru showroom • Suzuki Showroom • Toyota Showroom The Wave • Almouj Golf • Costa Coffee • Oman Sail • Shakespeare & Co. • The Wave Head Office •

Other Regions Barka • Al Nahda Spa and Resort • LuLu Hypermarket Nizwa • University of Nizwa Sohar • Centrepoint (Splash) • Crowne Plaza • National Gift Markets • Ooredoo • Pizza Hut • Safeer Mall • Sohar Beach Hotel • Sohar Port and Freezone • Sohar University

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Postcards from

Outdoors

Y- F i

Cars

CARS AND ADVENTURES

LOST IN HISTORY

Hours can be spent leisurely wandering around the maze-like ruins at Al Hamra, just make sure you know your way out!

DEC 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16 / ISSUE 398

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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

Al Hamra Ruins The old village of Al Hamra is a place where the past comes to life, with ruins mixing in seamlessly with inhabited mudbrick houses, says Shaquel al Balushi 038

DEC 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16 / ISSUE 398

Cars

TRAVEL GUIDE

y friend used to be a part-time tour guide in his free time and occasionally took visitors to the ruins at Al Hamra, one of the bestpreserved old towns in Oman. So when he suggested that we make a trip there, I jumped at the opportunity to be shown around by a seasoned pro. On the surface, the ruins look like any others, but what makes Al Hamra so unique in my view is the blending of old and new. Most of the ruined houses are deserted, while others are somewhat less so – as I found out firsthand – but more on that later. Mixed in with the decaying houses made of mud and wood are some slightly newer ones, with electric lights and coils of wire visible from time to time, but these are the only signs that betray an ongoing human presence at Al Hamra. We were able to freely enter many of the mudbrick huts and climbed the different levels to get a better view of our surroundings. However, what looked relatively stable soon began to feel quite shaky under the weight of two grown men and I decided to keep my feet on the ground from then on. My friend wasn’t deterred, though, and was up and down the ruins as if they had been built yesterday. From our aerial vantage point, we were able to see evidence of water passing through the village in the smooth stone that formed the pathways, but what I found fascinating was that the houses themselves had been left seemingly unaffected. Some of the ruins have fallen, but others are still standing tall and proud and I walked through the labyrinthine network of crisscrossing streets for hours, happily lost among the ghosts of the past. As many will know, Oman is famed for its intricately carved doors and Al Hamra is no different. My favourite was one that was inscribed with calligraphic verses from the Holy Quran. We’d been following signs for a heritage museum that my friend half remembered from his tour guide days, but it turns out that his senses have dulled a little since then, as we eventually lost our way and couldn’t find the museum no matter how hard we searched. What we did find though, was a room filled from floor to the ceiling with incredible carvings. I couldn’t decipher the meaning of them, but regardless of this, it was probably the most unique find of the trip and my favourite part of our

visit to Al Hamra. At one point we walked into a house close to a group of European tourists, thinking we had finally found the museum we’d been searching for. My friend hurried over to a bamboo throne to pose for a picture as I greeted the spirits of the house with a traditional saying of peace, as is customary when entering any ruins. No sooner had the words come out of my mouth that we heard commotion and voices from another room. The goosebumps tingled up and down my spine, but I quickly realised we’d stumbled into one of the inhabited dwellings and set about making a sharp exit. Shortly after this comical mistake, hunger struck and we called off our museum hunt for the day. Nevertheless, the whole experience was amazing and I would recommend a visit in a heartbeat. Al Hamra made a pleasant change to the beaches and wadis that I’ve explored over recent weeks and I am 100 per cent sure I will return there to choreograph a fashion shoot set among the ghostly ruins in the near future.

HOW TO GET THERE Al Hamra is around two hours’ drive from Muscat and easy to find. Take Route 15 to Nizwa and then join Route 21. Turn right at the roundabout before Bahla and Al Hamra should be signposted.

GPS location of Al Hamra ruins: N23º 07’ 14.542” E57º 16’ 59.048”

DEC 10 – 16 / ISSUE 398

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

ON THE

BUS AS A PUBLIC TRANSPORT NOVICE, DEEBA HASAN TRIES OUT MUSCAT’S NEW BUS SERVICE AND FINDS IT’S A GREAT RIDE

ou can’t have missed the bright red buses zipping up and down the Sultan Qaboos highway, diligently making their way between Ruwi and Mabela as part of Muscat’s first fully comprehensive and instantly recognisable domestic public transport system. Having grown up in Oman, I’m a self-confessed car addict – partly due to a lack of other viable options – but with a much more noticeable presence on the roads since the Oman National Transport Company rebranded and relaunched as Mwasalat on November 22, I felt compelled to give the bus a go. So it was that I found myself standing at the bus station in Ruwi at 10am on a recent Sunday, waiting to embark on a journey that would take me all the way across town to Seeb and Y’s offices. Mwasalat ran a promotional offer of free transportation across the designated zones that cover Muscat until November 30 and most of the buses I’d seen were crammed full of people taking advantage of this deal. I’m well used to the comforts of a car and didn’t find the prospect of travelling alone with strangers terribly appealing. However, with buses every 15 minutes from Ruwi from 6am to 9.15pm I didn’t have long to dwell on such reservations and soon left my preconceptions at the side of the road and climbed aboard. I told the driver I wanted to get to Seeb and he issued me with a ticket that read “Zone 2”. The fare structure, which came into effect from December 1, seemed straightforward and reasonably priced, with the cost of a journey starting at 100 baisa and ranging up to 500 baisa depending on the distance travelled. Apart from the Ruwi-Mabela route, there are also buses servicing Ruwi-Wadi Kabir and Ruwi-Wadi Adei. Three further lines are set to launch next year, incorporating areas like Muttrah, Amerat and Al Khoudh. The journey was a quiet one, with the passengers – the majority of whom were men – often glued to their phones, or looking at the passing scenery from the wide windows as Muscat flashed by. I did spot a bus on my way home that was filled with chatting children and families, though. Adil Rehman, a young Pakistani travelling on my bus, told me that he’d used the bus service a couple of times and felt it was much better than a taxi. “The bus is very convenient because our [work] sites change in a matter of a few weeks,” he says. “Average taxis don’t have a fixed price but these buses do, which is great for us. “The surroundings are comfortable, it’s nice and cool and you can change your seats when you like because the buses are not packed.” Taking in the spacious and clean interior of the bus, I found myself agreeing with Adil. I can also empathise with some complaints I’d heard about the air conditioning. The vents are fixed and cannot be adjusted or lowered, which could lead to a chilly journey, especially in the winter months. Although saying that, I’m sure it will be a necessity come summer. When we made a stop, the driver would check the vacant seats and guide customers; a nice but time consuming touch and one that I’m sure could be done by an assistant. Over the course of our journey, we encountered some traffic at a few places, but on the whole the journey was quite smooth, taking a little under an hour and 20 minutes in total. 040

DEC 10 - 16 / ISSUE 398

As we travelled further along the highway with familiar sights flashing by outside, I found that my initial trepidation was largely unfounded. The buses are fitted with cameras, which act as a way to monitor the drivers as well as the passengers, and there are signs that point out eating and smoking is prohibited, which makes for a pleasant overall atmosphere. The buses have specified seats for disabled passengers, as well as families and women; there are fire extinguishers and also a first aid kit, while future models are expected to offer customers the option of Wi-Fi. Binod Das, who is originally from Nepal but has been working in sales and marketing in Oman for the past two years, was also impressed with the new line of buses. “It’s a very good, hassle-free service,” he says. “You don’t have to wait in long queues and at the moment, this is the best service on offer. “I live in MBD and can travel anywhere with the buses. They’re nice and spacious and the drivers drive very well, it’s a brilliant initiative.” Lamiyah al Abri, an Omani woman who works for an oil company, is equally happy that the capital finally has a functioning public transport service. “It’s brilliant and it reminds me of my university time in Holland. There was a great transport system and I’m so happy that it’s finally here in Oman,” she says. Muscat has long been in need of a public transport overhaul, so I think the Mwasalat initiative is a great one. Once a few glitches have be worked on, I’m sure the buses will be able to attract a much larger audience and help ease the level of congestion on the capital’s roads. The first steps have certainly been taken and with any luck, we’ll soon be able to stop moaning about bad traffic and will instead have the beginning of a public transport system that we can all be proud of.

DEC 10 - 16 / ISSUE 398

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CARS AND ADVENTURES PARADISE FOUND

The coast around Green Patch, Australia, offers crystal clearwaters and sandy beaches, making it the perfect place for camping, snorkelling and scuba diving.

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO: 1. Go whale watching during the migration season of May to November 2. Chill out on the beach at Green Patch 3. Try the snorkelling or diving 4. Spend the day at Huskisson 5. Learn about Aboriginal culture

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Destination

Outdoors

Y-Fi

Cars

POSTCARDS FROM

Felicity Glover recommends

GREEN PATCH, AUSTRALIA D

rive about three hours south of Sydney and you’ll discover a hidden gem on the NSW South Coast known as Green Patch. N e s t l e d i n t h e B o o d e r e e ( t h e A b o r i g i n a l w o r d fo r “ B a y o f Plenty”) National Park on the bright-blue shores of Jervis Bay, Green Patch is set in a stunning natural bush reserve that is p e r f e c t fo r d a y - t r i p p e r s a n d c a m p e r s a l i k e . T h e c r y s t a l - c l e a r waters and white sandy beaches combine to make Green Patch a great DIY holiday in the traditional Aussie fashion and the best way to explore your surroundings is to pack up your tent and the rest of your camping gear and stay a few days, if not a week. T h e c a m p i n g g r o u n d s a r e w e l l - m a i n t a i n e d a n d o ff e r h o t s h o w e r s a n d bathroom facilities, while there are also barbecues available. And if you are keen to see that quintessential Australian wildlife up close and personal, you won’t have to go far, with groups of kangaroos and t h e o c c a s i o n a l w o m b a t w a n d e r i n g t h r o u g h y o u r c a m p s i t e . I t ’ s a fu n way to wake up in the morning and be greeted by the “locals” in their n a t u r a l s e tt i n g . T h e b e a c h i s j u s t a f e w m i n u t e s w a l k a w a y f r o m t h e camping area and from May to November, you will be treated to a whale-watching extravaganza during their migration season. If you a r e s e e k i n g a l i tt l e m o r e e x c i t e m e n t o r a g o o d l a tt e , t h e n h e a d t o t h e nearby town of Huskisson, where you can do anything from stand-up paddle boarding to surfing lessons, kayaking, dolphin-watching tours or just chilling out at a café on the water’s edge.

BUSHW A L K IN G IN B O O D N A T IO N EREE AL PAR K

G S C UB A D IV IN

My favourite place

It would have to be chilling out on the beach at Green Patch. There are a number of deserted coves and stretches of beach where you will be happy to set up and spend the day swimming, beachcombing and sunbathing. But it’s essential to bring your own snorkelling and/or diving gear to do some underwater sightseeing. From stingrays to a variety of curious fish, frolicking dolphins and other sea life, you won’t be disappointed.

Highlights It would have to be the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches of

Jervis Bay. It’s a perfect spot for snorkelling and diving, while you can also do a bit of hiking in the park itself. But the real highlight is learning about the Wreck Bay people, the traditional Aboriginal owners of Booderee National Park who have cared for the area for generations. Visitors to the only Aboriginal-owned Botanic Gardens in Australia can learn about the bush, plants, culture and traditional medicines of the Wreck Bay people.

Lowlights Having camped at Green Patch on numerous occasions, the worst time I ever had was when it rained. But then again, some would argue that it’s all part of the experience. It’s not all bad though – a rainy day is a good excuse to do some exploring further afield or even settle in for the long haul at a café in one of the nearby villages. Souvenirs Obviously, you can’t take anything out of the Booderee National Park itself. But there are some lovely fishing villages in the area, such as Huskisson and Vincentia, where you’ll find a few local markets that are held either weekly or monthly. Here, you can pick up some unique arts and crafts and fresh produce, all the while rubbing shoulders with the friendly locals. Where to stay The camping ground at Green Patch is a great option. Not only is it economical, but it is also very family friendly. Just remember to book ahead. Other options include local B&Bs, motels and caravan parks. And if you are in to surfing, then head to Caves Beach, which also offers a camping ground.

BEAUT IF U L G R EEN PA BEACH TCH W IT H W H IT E S AND C AND LEAR WATER

DEC 10 - 16 / ISSUE 398

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Postcards from

D e s t i n at i o n

Y-FI

BATTLE OF THE TABLETS The market is flooded with tablets, all vying for your hard-earned rials, but which one is worth the investment? Matthew Herbst brings you the cream of the crop ON THE SURFACE Starting at RO435.50, Microsoft's Surface Pro 4 is more expensive than the previous generation, but has gone the extra mile when it comes to improvements and upgrades. It’s now a viable contender as a replacement for your laptop. The iPad Pro is a more affordable RO394.50, but that price only gets you 32GB of storage and doesn't include a keyboard or the Apple Pencil. With that in mind, the Surface Pro 4 looks pretty good with a minimum of 128GB storage, Intel Core i5 processor and the Surface Pen included (but not the keyboard). Alternatively, go big with the 256GB, 8GB RAM, Intel Core i7e version for RO614.97. Check out your options at amazon.com

A GALAXY AWAY

GOOGLE IT Google's Nexus 9 is likely to be the best tablet the company sells through its Nexus range. With an 8.9-inch screen, it’s much smaller than the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but is ideal for those who want a standard Android. On the plus side, the Nexus 9 is quite powerful and boasts a 64-bit Nvidia Tegra 1 processor, which, when translated into English, basically means great clarity of graphics. At a starting price of RO153.62, it's a perfect option for those on a tight budget. Available at amazon.com

FLEXIBLE

EDITOR’S PICK 044

The Samsung Galaxy Note Pro’s 12.2-inch display is not the only thing this fun tablet has going for it. The generous 3GB of RAM and quad-core processor give it great performance and the S Pen works great with the large screen. It's a good choice for digital artists or anyone who wants a device that enables them to be creative on a large scale. It’s also a safe choice for web browsing and watching videos. Available at samsung. com from RO288.

THE LENOVO YOGA TAB 3 PRO IS PACKED FULL OF MEDIA-FOCUSED FEATURES AND SPORTS A UNIQUE AND DISTINCTIVE DESIGN. IT INCLUDES MULTIMODE CAPABILITIES LIKE HOLD, HANG, TILT AND STAND AND COMES WITH A FANTASTIC 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE. YOU’RE NOT RESTRICTED TO A SPECIFIC EXPENSIVE PEN EITHER, AS IT HAS LENOVO ANYPEN TECHNOLOGY, WHICH DETECTS ANY CONDUCTIVE OBJECT AS A PEN. THE BEST FEATURE OF ALL? IT BOASTS A REVOLUTIONARY INTEGRATED PROJECTOR THAT TURNS ANY ROOM INTO YOUR VERY OWN THEATRE. AVAILABLE AT SHOP.LENOVO.COM FROM RO172.68. JULY DEC 1003- -1609/ ISSUE / ISSUE398327

App of the Week

SUPER SURFER The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is a decent device, despite the obvious attempts to align it with a smartphone. Reviewers have concluded that the screen isn't as high-res as its rivals, making the price tag hard to digest compared with some of the other options available. Despite all that, Sony uses its Bravia technology to make the screen look sharp and colourful and the thin design makes the Z3 easier to hold than you'd expect. Probably the best thing going for it is that it’s waterproof. Available at amazon.com from RO168.83.

NEW APPLE IPAD PRO It's Apple's biggest tablet ever. Opinions are divided over whether or not the iPad Pro could replace both your laptop and tablet and become the sole computing device in your home, but only time will tell. The iPad Pro is a stylish, powerful tablet that, when combined with a keyboard and Apple Pencil (sold separately), has the ability to successfully replace a laptop – despite running the iOS 9 mobile operating system. Without these, though, which come at a hefty additional cost, the iPad Pro is realistically just an oversized tablet – great for entertainment and web surfing, but not much else. You’re looking at a minimum outlay of RO394.50 for the basic 32GB Wi-Fi model, with additional extras bumping that price up by another RO100. Decide whether it’s worth the cost at apple.com

VIDEOSHOP - VIDEO EDITOR Who needs a laptop to download, edit, upload and share your videos? Meet Videoshop, an easy video editor with fast editing tools, filters and many other effects for personalising your videos. An amazing app if you don't have a lot of time to process your videos and extremely easy to use. From 800 baisa for iOS users.

THE BIGGER PICTURE If you’re on the hunt for the biggest tablet screen around, the Samsung Galaxy View might just tick the box. The tablet's monster screen measures 18.4 inches and is designed for those who are looking for the full entertainment experience. The special operating system skin makes it easier to access film and entertainment applications. It also sports a stand and handle to carry it around. Available at samsung.com from RO230.50. JULY DEC 0310 -- 09 16 / ISSUE 398 327

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

Destination

Postcards from

Outdoors

Y- F i C A R S

Bentley Bentayga Specifications: Engine: 6.0L W12 12 cylinder Horsepower: 600 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds Top Speed: 301kph Price: Reportedly from £160,000 in the UK (RO92,640)

A newcomer has arrived in the prestigious SUV market and it’s a Bentley, out to set the bar higher than ever before, writes Kate Ginn

hat does an automotive manufacturer responsible for producing some of the most prestigious and beautiful cars on the roads do next to make a mark? In the case of Bentley, you design and build the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world. Meet the Bentayga, the iconic British brand’s first SUV model and, it hopes, one that will set the benchmark for all others to follow in the new ultra-luxury SUV segment. Four years on from the concept stage – and a massive £840 million (RO486,277) investment – the very first production Bentley Bentayga rolled off the assembly line at the company’s iconic headquarters in Crewe, the UK, on December 1 and straight into motoring history. Deliveries to customers will start in January (2016). There has, says Bentley, been around 4,000 “expressions of interest” for the Bentayga and the imagination runs wild at the thought of who some of these potential clients might be. Driving the Bentayga would be a mouthwatering prospect for any driver, even one who already has some pretty impressive cars in the garage (as most of those who can afford this car would have). For the record, the biggest markets are predicted to be the US and China, with Russia and the Middle East close behind. Bentley’s aim was simple: to create a new level of SUV that would combine unparalleled luxury with sporting ability, off-road 046

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performance and everyday usability. The question is: have they achieved it? Oh yes. Like a rarefied creature, this beautiful car has the refinement and expert craftsmanship that we have come to expect from Bentley, married with a raw power that can take this vehicle from a standing start to 100kph in 4.1 seconds, making it as quick in a sprint as a Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Put your foot down, however, and the Brit will beat the German with a higher top speed. Everything about the Bentayga (named after a peak in the Canary Islands to drive home its rugged capability) is exquisite, from the gorgeous, flowing lines of the body to an interior made with the finest leathers and woods that money can buy. You wouldn’t expect anything less of a Bentley of course. It looks effortlessly elegant and timeless, and retains the trademark Bentley features such as the large matrix grille and B-shaped wing vents. Make no mistake, this is very much a beast of a car, albeit a very well-mannered one, that delivers incredible strength from that huge 6.0-litre twin-turbo charged engine, pumping out 600 horsepower. If I tell you that each Bentayga takes 130 hours to handcraft – that’s up to six times longer than it takes to build a more average automobile – then you’ll start to realise that this is an extraordinary car. Step inside and it just keeps on getting better. The detailing in metal, wood and leather showcases exceptional skill and the sort of

attention to detail that blows you away. Take, for instance, the leather interior. It’s been subjected to six months’ worth of “solar loading” (subjected to simulated extreme sun) to ensure it doesn’t fade in even the most extreme climates, which buyers in Oman and the Gulf region will be reassured to hear. Around 15 pieces of handselected veneers are used around the interior, shaped by Bentley’s artisans from a choice of seven different woods. There are 17 different colours of body paint. You get the drift. It’s a seriously amazing car. It’s also bursting with innovative safety features such as Electronic Night Vision, which uses infrared technology to identify potential obstacles ahead and warn the driver (very handy for camels straying into the road). It’s spacious, but doesn’t look as roomy in the back as the long wheelbase Range Rover, despite being the same length. Now, you may well be thinking would you want to take such a stunning car off-road? Bentley certainly maintains it’s an SUV built to tackle a wide variety of climates and terrains – part of the development programme saw it tried out on the sand dunes near Dubai – and it has the world’s first electric active roll control technology, which helps keep the vehicle stable. But with a price tag starting from RO92,640 (converted from UK prices), you might be a little reluctant to take it dune bashing in Sharqiya Sands.

They say: “Sector-defining SUV” We say: “We want one”

Steel and aluminium body All-LED headlamps with daylight running lamps 8-inch central touchscreen with gesture control Navigation with 3D building display 60GB solid state hard drive with 11GB for onboard music 4G telephone module and Wi-Fi hotspot 2 x 10-inch rear seat Android entertainment tablets (optional) Integrated webcam 10-speaker sound system standard (optional upgrades) Night Vision Park Assist Panoramic glass roof Luxurious handcrafted interior