Y Magazine #406, February 4, 2016 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

Frozen in Time

THE MEN OF SAQLAH Y We Are

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YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

FEB 04 - 10 2016 / ISSUE 406 • WEEKLY

PLUS!

FATAL SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT ROCKS OMAN YOUNG CASUALS

NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

WILD WADI

FIAT 500X

Camry Unexpectedly Exciting

Corolla Step into the Spotlight

Yaris Style at Play

RAV4 Fungineered

Hilux Feel the Toughness. Feel the Comfort

Avalon Advanced Sophistication. Inside Out.

Campaign Period: 24th January 2016 (Sunday) – 13th February 2016 (Saturday). Benefits are applicable for all purchases except Government Organizations & Ministries. @@ Cash Gift: “Assured Cash Gift” is applicable on 2015YM/2015 Production and 2016YM models of Yaris Hatchback, all Toyota Sedans, Avanza, RAV4 and Hilux 4x2(2.7L) only and the amount varies between model, model variants and model year. “Cash as gift in lieu of benefits” varies depending on the models, model variants and model year. In case customer opts for benefits as applicable on model purchased, he or she will not be eligible for cash gift offer. Cash Gift can also be used as part of down payment. For exact details please contact your nearest Toyota showroom. ** Comprehensive 1 year Insurance (Oman only) on 2015YM/2015 Production models of Fortuner, Prado, LC Wagon (LC 200), Innova & 2016YM models of Prado. For RAC, Taxi and driving school purchases, insurance would be given to the extent applicable for private vehicles. Additional premium as per insurance norms would have to be paid by the buyer. ^^3 Years / 30,000 Kms Service (whichever is earlier) covering 3 services at 10,000 kms service interval for Petrol models based on normal operating conditions and 6 services at 5,000 Kms service interval for Diesel models: on 2015 YM/2015 Production models & 2016 YM models of FJ Cruiser, Sequoia & Hilux 4X4. 2 Years / 20,000 Kms Service (whichever is earlier) covering 2 services at 10,000 kms service interval for Petrol models based on normal operating conditions and 4 services at 5,000 Kms service interval for Diesel models: on 2015 YM/2015 Production models & 2016 YM models of LC Pick-up (LC 70).

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Enjoy the Festive Delights

COMPETITION Have you registered for our “Y We Are Soulmates” competition yet? There’s still time to enter to see if you and your partner are Muscat’s best-matched couple! Turn to P24 for details.

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

CANCER The number of cancer cases in the Sultanate has hit 1,314, according to the latest statistics from the National Registry of Tumours. Broken down, 1,212 Omanis have been diagnosed with the disease, while expats number 102.

GOING DOWN

TEMPERATURES Has anybody noticed the cooler weather since last weekend, when snow reportedly hit Saudi Arabia? We certainly have, but that’s only because we are up at 5am, when it’s definitely chillier!

THIS WEEK…

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

Fast forward S

ince moving to the GCC eight years ago, I have struggled to hide my worry whenever my daughter and her class go on field trips. Of course, I trust her teachers to always ensure that she and her classmates are safe, both at school and away. But what always worries me is the bus journey itself. Having experienced firsthand what can only be described as atrocious driving behaviour both here and in the UAE, where we used to live, it’s little wonder that I feel this way. And I know that I am not alone. The sense of relief I feel is overwhelming when I know my daughter reaches home safe and sound from a field trip. And then, of course, I feel a little silly. All that worry for nothing, I would chide myself sometimes. But then the unimaginable happens and you learn that a bus filled with young children has been involved in a fatal accident while returning to school from a field trip. And then the fear starts to creep in again. In our cover story this week, Y looks into the heartbreaking story of last week’s deadly bus crash involving Class II students from Indian School Nizwa, in which three students, a teacher and two drivers were killed and dozens of others injured, some critically. The Nizwa tragedy is every parent’s nightmare, all of whom trust that their beautiful children will always return home to them after a day at school. What the parents of these young children are experiencing is unimaginable – and something nobody should ever have to go through. While rumours, blame and anger abound since the Nizwa tragedy, questions are being raised – once again – about school bus safety in the Sultanate. It seems that nobody is learning from school bus accidents from the past – Y has counted at least 13 since 2010, but we are sure there are many more that go unreported – all of which have left schoolchildren dead or severely injured. I have lost count of the number of unroadworthy school buses and minivans that I have seen plying the highways of Oman and am always left wondering why they are allowed anywhere near a road – let alone transport our children. This latest accident should act as a clarion call for the authorities to step in and finally ensure that stiff regulations are established for all school buses and minivans, such as making it mandatory that seatbelts be worn at all times. After all, these are our children – our future – and their lives depend upon it. One death is too many, one injury is too many and this is an issue that should have been addressed years ago rather than being pushed aside with the usual promises that are nothing more than lip service. In the meantime, Y Magazine offers our sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in Nizwa and wish the injured a speedy recovery back to full health.

Team Y has been winding down its 8th anniversary celebrations, organising our personal finances for 2016 and headed to the mountain village of Wakan.

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. FEB 04 - 10 / ISSUE 406

contents

Features 20 In Safe Hands? Y Investigates School Bus Safety

FEBRUARY 04 - 10 2016

Your Oman 06 Coffee With Deeba Thanae Pachiyannaki 08 Voice Of Oman Matt Blackwell 10 News Empty Quarter Team Back In Muscat 13 Gallery Classic Cars 14 Gallery Muscat Marathon 2016

15 Hyundai – Driven To Success Fahad Al Hinai

24 Y We Are Soulmates Valentine’s Competition

This Week

26 Frozen In Time The Men Of Saqlah 16 #FYI World’s Most Popular Sports 17 Movies Concussion 18 This Week Love Opera

26 Cars and Adventures 38 Destination Rustaq Fort

Food and Drink

40 Outdoors Wadi Adventure Racing

28 Food Feature Main Event 30 Taste Test 1947

Health and Beauty

42 Postcard From Lyme Regis, UK

32 Fashion Time To Play

44 Y-Fi Office Gadgets

46 Car Of The Week 34 Beauty Fiat 500X Beauty Conscious

35 Health Yoga 101

33 NEXT ISSUE...

FEATURES / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / FOOD / DESTINATION / HEALTH / FASHION / OUTDOORS

Deeba Hasan meets Thanae Pachiyannaki, a Muscat-based singer with a soulful voice, who also manages two family businesses and enjoys living life to the fullest

here is a lot currently pursuing. “Although all the Sri Lankan more to Thanae my siblings were taught music, it’s Sch ool Muscat Pachiyannaki than only me who has actually followed it and a childhood just her amazing thro ugh unti l now. Other siblings of personality. She is tall, smart, speaks mine are into totally different fields,” during which friends eloquently and, perhaps most and family would she says. importantly, loves coffee, making ofte n speak English In fact, Thanae has taken her her perfect for an interview. As the around her. pass ion for mus ic to a whole new manager of two family businesses, She is also keen to create level with her band Pulse and Soul, there is a lot of responsibility on a different image of women in whic h perf orm s at different hotels her young shoulders, but in spite of the country along with the help and events throughout the country this she comes across politely and I of other young Omani females. with Thanae as the lead singer. “I am immediately put at ease by her Tha nae is an advocate of trying can sing well, but I can also play the friendly nature. her hand at things that are slightly violi n bad ly,” she laughs. At 28, Thanae’s duties include the unusual for women in society and She also holds free open mic running of two family businesses – bein g outgoing. sessions for aspiring singers and Tunes, a music store that also runs In Thanae’s opinion, music musicians at Tunes regularly. “I am music schools offering tuition, and is very important to all of us very passionate about encouraging Eurodiet Gulf, a dieting centre. young and aspiring singers, for them and believes it is something that needs promoting. “I think music Tunes was started 25 to be able to sing confidently with is something that teaches all of us years ago by Thanae’s some support from us. I do it for free a lot and there are a lot of young Greek father and at and I’m always looking for support children who are trying their best the time it was the from people to help us out with to excel at it. We are trying to push first music store these sessions because they are really them with our schools and the open in Oman. “It important,” says Thanae. mic sessions we do. Hopefully, one happened that my Musical passions aside, Thanae day everyone father was looking also enjoys keeping fit. “I lost 22kg will have a for some musical and my father also lost a lot of muc h better instruments for my weight. Ever understanding of sisters and wasn’t able been into dietsince then we have to find them anywhere we want to and nutrition because music.” encourage healthy eating in Muscat – that’s when in the country.” This led them to Have you got a unique story to the idea for Tunes came to open tell or do you know someone who has? him,” Thanae says of the shop’s well Eurodiet Gulf, a health and ness centre based in Qurum. Contact us to have coffee with Deeb origins. Twenty-five years later and Bec ause of all these commitments, be featured in Y Magazine. Email: a and the store is running “beautifully Thanae is often unable to find time editor@y-oman.com well”, with several branches spread for hers elf, but is satis fied whe n across Muscat. she sees that her work is making a Music and singing are difference to people’s lives. longstanding passions for Thanae, As a result of a busy schedule, who says: “I’d always wanted to mar riage isn’t a real priority for sing and that is exactly what I have Thanae just yet, but she does confess been doing for all these years. Ever a soft spot for children. “I love since I was a little child, I have been children and they are amazing to singing and both my parents have have. I would want to have them encouraged me tremendously,” she at some point in life, but at the says. moment I am not really sure when.” In her family, Thanae is the With an Omani mother and a one who has followed her father’s Gre ek father, Thanae speaks a little ambitions into music, her other bit of her mother’s language and siblings are doctors or do things understands Greek, but is fluent completely different to what she is in English thanks to her studies at

FEB 04 - 10 / ISSUE 406

THE VOICE OF OMAN MATT BLACKWELL ON GENEROSITY

correspondence HAPPY HOVERBOARDS Dear Editor,

very now and again, someone comes in to your life, often quite by chance, and restores your faith in humanity. I had such an experience during a weekend escape to Sifah beach. I’m notoriously bad for winging it when it comes to the petrol gauge in my car and recently, my runningon-fumes mentality got the better of me and my Nissan Pathfinder gently glided to a halt en route back to Muscat. Pulling over with the hazards on, I set about waving down a 4x4, hoping that the driver may be carrying enough spare fuel for me to limp to the nearest petrol station. The first car to pull over was a huge Toyota Tundra and while its occupants – two Omani men and a woman – had no fuel to spare, they offered to double back on themselves in search of petrol for me. They returned half an hour later empty-handed, but promptly set about attempting to siphon gas from their own tank into mine. It was now dark and when this too proved fruitless, they resolved to tow me all the way back to Wadi Kabir and the nearest filling station. The drive back was full of frayed nerves and hair-raising moments, but we finally arrived at a garage. Filling the tank to the top, I soon discovered that the car battery had suffered in the ordeal. But sure enough, my generous benefactors towed me slightly further, turned their car around and jump-started my engine. Despite the fact I completely ruined their own plans for the afternoon, the trio asked for nothing in return and parted with a simple handshake and a smile.

NEXT WEEK: ALI AL BALUSHI

FEB 04 - 10 / ISSUE 406

We saw your story about the hoverboards [Issue 404] and wanted to say some things. We are sisters and both have hoverboards. We are always careful. “I love the feeling of gliding along the ground pretty fast. When we walk the dogs, I don’t have to walk any more, I just bring my hoverboard! “I only feel out of control when I lean forward and go too fast.” (Amber, aged nine). “It’s incredible being able to control the hoverboard almost with my mind.” “I love being able to move without effectively putting any effort into it. On a bike you pedal; on a skateboard you propel yourself with your foot, but on a hoverboard you move without really thinking about it. “When you’re first starting out with the board and you’re not confident on it, it’s easy to feel out of control. You have to be confident to control the hoverboard.” (Jasmine, aged 12) From, Jasmine and Amber Squires, Muscat

DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:

“What is the best birthday gift you have ever received?” ‪ SHAFAQ ASAD‬‪ ‬

The love and togetherness of my family every year on my birthday.

‪ ZAINAB AIMA‬‪‬

My sweet little daughter, as she was born on my birthday, which is the best gift one can ever receive.

WRITE TO US AND WIN A VOUCHER

‪ USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI‬‪

It was a speech from our daughter at a gathering on my 60th birthday, rating me as the best mother and role model to her. That’s the best birthday gift I ever received and it made my life.

‪ DIMPLE KANABAR‬‪ ‬‬‪

The best birthday gift is pure love from my hubby. He makes me happy by spending good time with me and giving some surprises every time it’s my birthday. Nothing can be more precious than his feelings.

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

‪ SHYLA GOLDA‬‪ ‬

A card along with a huge yellow teddy bear that was gifted me by my better half on my first birthday after our marriage. It was sweet and loving and I still treasure it, even after 12 years.

‪ VIBHA SIMHA‬‪ ‬

In the National Cadet Corps we were taught to do one good deed every day. It was my birthday and wearing a colourful dress and with a bag of chocolates in my hand, I began walking to school. On my way I started giving

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the chocolates to the homeless kids on the street who were about my age. The smiles on their faces bought the broadest smile to my own face. Is there a better birthday gift than this?

‪ MONICE PARAISO RAZO‬‪ ‬

It was a pair of black shoes from my mum. At that time I wanted to start anew in a far away place and was having a hard time finding a good job opportunity. Elder people say that gifting someone with shoes makes the recipient go places and three months later I was on a flight to Oman. Four years after that, I’ve been to awesome places and beautiful countries. I know it’s not just the shoes, but it was my mother believing I could make it! Best gift ever.

‪ ‪AMNA TANVEER‬‪ ‬‬‪

The affection and sincere prayers of my dear parents and friends, which I receive on every birthday. They are the source of my happiness and success in life.

‪ ‪LASTY EDD‬‪‬‬‪ ‬

A rice cooker from my husband and kids. At that time our rice cooker didn’t work and as Asians, our meal is incomplete without rice.

‪ ‪PREETI CHACKO‬‪ ‬‬‪‬‬‪ ‬

My sister, as we both share the same birthday but our years are different.

each letter. It’s hard to be away from your home.

‪ ‪‪‪RINSU MARY‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪‬‬‪ ‬

My daughter got first prize in an art competition on my birthday. This is the best birthday gift I’ve ever received.

‪ PARVI PONAMBALAM‬‪

The best birthday gift was when I received a pink birthday card in the mail with RO1 in it from my brother. I was seven then and to a little girl that was like “wow”! Thirty-four years on, no gift could match that card and the token of love.

‪ ‪‪MONIKA KAUSHIK‬‪ ‬‬‪‬‬‪ ‬

The birthday gift I get on all my birthdays is the blessings of near and dear ones. Blessings of our relatives and parents are always with us and they save us. Materialistic things can break down or become lost, but these blessings go with us even after death, so this is the best gift.

‪‪‪ANTONY VETTIYAZHICKAL JOSEPH‬‪

A job offer in the Sultanate of Oman.

New Debate: “Is it better to be focused on today or tomorrow?” Tell us on Facebook or Twitter and be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

‪ ‪‪ASSMAA ABOU ALSOUD‬‪

My husband, who I met on my birthday.

‪ ‪‪KIMBERLY MAE SAMONTE‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪

My family in the Philippines sent some letters and a sketch of my face. I was crying the whole time reading

ANTHONY DENG, AGED SEVEN, was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine at home in Madinat Sultan Qaboos

THIS IS YOUR SPOT! Just send us your picture with Y Magazine or pose with our photographer and we will publish it on this page

Send it to: info@y-oman.com

FEB 04 - 10 / ISSUE 406

YOUR

OMAN

NEWS

TAX FOR

UNHEALTHY

PRODUCTS

tax on products bad for the health, such as fast food and tobacco, could be on the way in Oman soon, following a rise in petrol and gas prices. GCC governments reportedly agreed last November to impose a uniform tax of 100 per cent on tobacco and related items, but this has yet to be introduced. Speaking on the sidelines of a press conference this week to announce the first GCC Cancer Awareness Week, Oman’s Minister of Health, Dr Ahmed Mohammed al Saidi, said the taxes must be introduced “soon”, along with a tax on other products bad for the health, including fast food and soft drinks. His comments followed reports that the number of lung cancer patients in Oman was expected to rise dramatically and become the most common cancer in the Sultanate in the next five years, according to the director of oncology at the Royal Hospital. Currently, there are 600 cancer patients for each one million population, said Dr Basim al Bahrani, who is also head of medical oncology at the hospital. He added that the number of cancer patients in the Sultanate was expected to increase in the forthcoming years due to several factors, including

bad food habits, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking and drinking alcohol. “By 2040, we will be likely expecting more than 3,500 cases of cancer every year,” he added. The latest statistics from the National Oncology Centre showed that the number of visits to outpatient clinics reached 19,103 in 2015, an increase of 10 per cent compared to 2014. Imposing a tax on products and food contributing to this rise – 97 per cent of those diagnosed with lung cancer are smokers – could help to reduce the financial burden of treating patients. The cost of cancer treatment in Oman government hospitals can reach RO30,000 per year for each patient, according to the Ministry of Health. Obesity levels, caused by a junk food diet and lack of exercise, are also soaring in the Sultanate and creating a generation of diabetics. A tax on tobacco and fast food follows a 33 per cent rise in super unleaded petrol, which came into effect last month. All the GCC countries are also reported to be looking at imposing Value Add Tax (VAT) in the near future to shore up budget deficits due to falling oil prices.

t took 49 days on foot and camels, for the Empty Quarter team consisting of Mohammed al Zadjali, Amour al Wahaibi and Mark Evans to re-trace the 1930 crossing done by British explorer Bertram Thomas and Sheikh Saleh bin Kalut. They are back now – arriving in Muscat this week – and have made the country proud of their acheivment. Welcoming them home, HE Ali bin Khalfan al Jabri, undersecretary in the Ministry of Information, said at a press conference held at the Diplomatic Club on Sunday: “We congratulate them for this historic achievement, which has showcased to the world the strong determination of the Omani people.” Mohammed al Zadjali, who is also an Outward Bound Oman (OBO) instructor, said: “This has been the most difficult thing – mentally and physically – I have ever done in my life. In 49 days, I have lost more than 10kg. I will miss the good times we had together as a team, regardless of the hardships we experienced.” Mark Evans thanked his companions and the support team, which included John Smith and Sim Davis, who took photos and drove behind in two 4X4s.

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FEB 04 - 10 / ISSUE 406

The BBC, Al Jazeera International and leading UK newspapers such as The Times and The Guardian had covered the historic event. A documentary film and book will be produced about the expedition, while a series of lectures will take place in Oman, the UK and US later in the year. The expedition began on December 10, 2015, in Salalah and covered 1,300km, passing through the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia, before coming to an end in Doha, Qatar, on January 27. The journey, blessed by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, was organised as part of the nation’s 45th National Day celebrations.

NEWS

ANCIENT OMANI TOMB

DISCOVERED IN UAE

rchaeologists are preparing to rewrite the history books of the region after the tomb of an ancient Omani ruler was discovered at Mleiha in Sharjah, the UAE, providing the earliest known reference to Oman, dating the country back to at least the third century BC. The remarkable discovery was made on December 17 last year by a Belgian expedition from The Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels, and while studies into the tomb are still in the preliminary stages, the find does provide concrete proof that the ancient Kingdom of Oman existed as early as 216 or 215 BC. Inscriptions in Aramaic and ancient South Arabian list the name of Amad bin Jar bin Ali Kahin, the King of Oman, and also identify his descendant. The tomb itself includes an underground burial chamber measuring 5.2 square metres.

Dr Bruno Overlaet, curator of the Ancient Near East, Iran and Islam collections at the Royal Museums, led the team and the expedition was held in collaboration with the Directorate of Antiquities at the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information. The announcement of the findings was made last week by Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah, when he inaugurated the first phase of the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project, considered to be one of the most important tourist and archaeological projects in the UAE. Prior to the latest find, the earliest known mention of Oman came in classical sources from the first century BC and it is hoped the new discovery, along with further work on the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project, will help shed light on the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s far distant past.

Archaeologists are preparing to rewrite the history books of the region after the tomb of an ancient Omani ruler was discovered

FEB 04 - 10 / ISSUE 406

011

YOUR

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

SWAN SONG

ARE YOU A BIRTHDAY WINNER? L

ast week, we hit a milestone in the history of Y Magazine as we came together to celebrate eight fantastic years as the leading weekly magazine in the Sultanate. The occasion was marked in style with eight full days of fantastic prize giveaways in which we put some amazing treats up for grabs, ranging from VIP cinema tickets to a weekend getaway for two in Salalah. We were inundated with hundreds of entries every day, with our readers responding in droves on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, all eager to share in the birthday celebrations with us. It’s fair to say we saved the best for last, with a 43-inch Panasonic LED TV on offer as our grand prize. As we were in a giving mood and wanted to spread the joy further, we also had two top of the range Huawei Mate 8 smartphones to give away as bonus prizes. As much as we would have liked to give everyone a prize, there can only be three winners and in the end, Ritesh Bhatia was chosen as the winner of the Panasonic TV, while Amoosha Atoosha and Mohammed Sultan Shaikh were selected as the lucky recipients of the Mate 8 smartphones. Congratulations to all of you! Thank you to everyone who took part in our Birthday Bonanza giveaway and here’s to the next eight years at the top! Here is a full breakdown of the prizes and winners in our Birthday Bonanza giveaway.

What’s this about then? We get the feeling that a certain opera fan in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, won’t be singing along to his favourite arias any more. Why’s that? Well, it seems that the man in question was enjoying a spot of opera at home when the police kicked his door in and wanted to arrest him.

A WEEK IN PICTURES

Day 1 Pair of tickets to VIP Lounge at City Cinema in Panorama Mall in Muscat Winner: Tawkir Arif Day 2 2 x RO100 shopping vouchers for Markaz Al Bahja mall Winners: Yvonne Davidson and Adeeba Fatima Day 3 Huawei P8 smartphone Winner: Ian Inoncillo Day 4 8 x Entertainer Oman Apps Winners: Lea Chilton, Yasmeen Sund, Patrick Fernandez, Formoso Savio, Rafi Subhna, Lamiyah Alabri, Sara Amjad and Saud Asghar Day 5 Dinner for two at Rumba Lattina restaurant in the Cave complex, Muscat Winner: Shafaq Asad Day 6 2 x 1-year membership at Horizon Fitness Oman Winners: Thouseefanp and Moirjamestagram Day 7 Two-night stay for two including breakfast at the Salalah Rotana Resort Winner: Debbie Barber GRAND PRIZE 43-inch Panasonic LED TV Winner: Ritesh Bhatia BONUS PRIZE 2 x Huawei Mate 8 smartphones Winners: Amoosha Atooshaa and Mohammed Sultan Shaikh

HEADLINING STORIES FROM THE REGION AND BEYOND

They what? According to the Amsterdam police department’s Facebook page, a neighbour of the man thought his singing sounded like screams of agony and reported it as a domestic violence incident. That’s embarrassing! Very! In his defence, the man was listening to the music via his headphones, so probably had no idea just how bad he sounded. Then again, if we were his neighbour, we’d try knocking on the door first. What happened next? According to the police, everybody laughed about the incident later, while the opera lover was not “subject to any legal proceedings”, which must have been a huge relief for him. We just can’t imagine anybody getting arrested for seriously bad singing! Don’t say: “Sing, sing out loud.” Do say: “Try lip-syncing.” 012

04 - 10 FEB / ISSUE 406

The World Health Organization (WHO) declares a global emergency over the mosquito-borne Zika virus linked to health conditions, including birth defects in newborns. Warnings about travelling to areas in the Caribbean and Latin America where the virus is spreading rapidly have been issued. Brazil, which has a bad outbreak of Zika, says it is pressing ahead with the Olympics in Rio, due to start in August

Donald Trump’s presidential ambitions are dealt a blow after the tycoon is beaten by Ted Cruz in the Iowa Republican caucuses, the first US vote on the road to the White House. Hillary Clinton is believed to have won the close-fought Democratic vote

Ethiopia is facing a drought worse than the 1984 crisis, when water shortages and conflict combined to cause a famine that killed an estimated 1 million people. Relief efforts are struggling to keep pace with the aid needed

Parts of Saudi Arabia saw heavy snow fall as a cold spell swept across the Gulf blanketing the northern regions of the country in white

THE CLASSICS

GALLERY

OLD NISSANS, DATSUNS AND 4X4S WERE AMONG THE VEHICLES ON DISPLAY AND VYING FOR PRIZES AT A VINTAGE CAR SHOW AT THE OMAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION IN SEEB, MUSCAT, AT THE WEEKEND

04 - 10 FEB / ISSUE 406

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YOUR

GOING THE DISTANCE

OMAN

Photos: Muscat Marathon 2016 Facebook page

THE 5TH ANNUAL MUSCAT MARATHON WAS A GREAT SUCCESS WITH PERFECT WINTER RUNNING CONDITIONS FOR THOSE TAKING PART IN THE FULL MARATHON, HALF MARATHON AND 10K

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FEB 04 - 10 / ISSUE 406

GALLERY

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

DRIVEN TO

SUCCESS In association with Genesis

IT IS AN AGILE VEHICLE WITH AMPLE POWER RESERVES AND SMOOTH ACCELERATION

top rock bands in Oman and we received a lot of support from different places. There was a battle of the bands and we took second place, but it was a really good competition and experience overall.

Q: What drives you to success? Since I was a kid, I always wanted to be one of the best gamers and I wanted to see my country reach a high level in gaming, to the point where we could enter international tournaments. We have the gamers, but there is no motivation or support for them. I’m trying to gather resources and support from different companies to raise standards of gaming and achieve that dream. Most of the time when you go to a gaming centre in Muscat they are hidden and you don’t get good quality. We decided to come up with some new ideas and give Professional Gaming a different look. Q: What or who has been your inspiration in your career? Whenever life let me down and I always used to fail, I kept trying to succeed and push myself. I owe this to my two inspirations – my mother and father. They always taught me how to fight in life and never give up on what I want. They encouraged me to do what I wanted to do. Q: What is your biggest career success to date? My band, Question Mark, was one of the

Q: What are your career goals? I have two. One of them is to be one of the best pianists and develop my playing skills, while the second is to develop the gaming industry here in Oman. In Europe, gaming competitions are held in big arenas and I would like to reach that level here one day. Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? I’m trying to develop the new generation of gamers and create a good atmosphere where people can gather. I want Professional Gaming to be a place of all-round entertainment. Q: What do you think of the Genesis, the premium series of Hyundai Motor Company? The Genesis looks good and feels great. The design speaks of sophistication and refinement, which is evident from the poise of this car. From inside, the Genesis pampers you with comfort and features. It is an agile vehicle with ample power reserves and smooth acceleration. At the same time, the well-balanced seating and suspension can make long drives a real pleasure. I loved this car and would consider buying one in the future. FEB 04 - 10 / ISSUE 406

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of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular sports 1

3 Estimated Fans: 3.5 Billion Regional Popularity:

Europe, Africa, Asia, America

4 Estimated Fans: 2.5 Billion Regional Popularity:

Estimated Fans: 2 Billion Regional Popularity:

Asia, Australia, UK

Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia

Estimated Fans: 1 Billion Regional Popularity:

Europe, Asia, America

9 10 Estimated Fans: 400 Million Regional Popularity:

America

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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

Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip

his girlfriend on a road trip. The humour is far from intellectual, but it’s just the kind of thing that is likely to appeal to youngsters as Alvin and co move from one scene of mayhem to the next. If you can stand the grating voices of the furry little critters then feel free to take your kids along.

Brooklyn

Concussion It takes a brave man to take on the might of America’s National Football League (NFL), but that is exactly what Dr Bennet Omalu, a Nigerian-born forensic pathologist did starting in 2002 after examining the body of former Pittsburgh Steelers centre, Mike Webster. Concussion tells the true story of Dr Omalu’s (played by Will Smith) research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is brought on by repeated trauma to the head, and the struggle he went through for the NFL to recognise his work. He teams up with former Steelers doctor, Julian Bailes (an effective Alec Baldwin), in order to take on

“a corporation that owns a day of the week”, as one character says. But this is a film that is held up by the immense skill of leading man Smith, who puts in a sensitive and wholly believable performance as the Nigerian immigrant; so much so that you sometimes forget you are watching one of the world’s most charismatic action stars. The script can be a little selfindulgent at times, wandering close to lecturing territory, but on the whole, Concussion offers a fascinating insight into an issue that is all too often swept under the rug. Review by Matt Blackwell

P RE VI EW

THE FINEST HOURS

The sea can be an unforgiving mistress, but a small coast guard crew braced freezing temperatures and 20-metre waves to rescue the crews of two stricken and rapidly sinking tankers back in the winter of 1952. The Finest Hours tells their against all odds story and stars Chris Pine, Holliday Grainger and Casey Affleck.

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

Alvin, Simon and Theodore (voiced by Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney respectively) are back on the path to accidental destruction. Their second outing sees them attempting to foil any attempt by Dave, their legal guardian) (Jason Lee), to propose to

Leaving behind a grim and grey town in the south of Ireland, Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan) sets out for pastures new in 1950s New York. As she finds her feet in the community, she begins a tentative courtship with the Italian-American apprentice plumber Tony (Emory Cohen), but is frequently plagued by a longing for home. There is no shortage of films about immigrants moving to America for a new life, but the approach taken by Brooklyn is emotionally intelligent, old fashioned (in a good way) and the romance will send shivers down your spine by its denouement.

Bollywatch GHAYAL ONCE AGAIN

Twenty-six years is a long time to wait for a sequel, but the answer to 1990’s Ghayal is finally here, in the form of Ghayal Once Again. Sunny Deol is back in his role as Ajay Mehra, who emerges from prison to start a newspaper that quickly gains popularity. Four of his fans unwittingly record a murder that implicates important figures and it falls to Ajay to save the group before it’s too late.

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN, just answer a question based on the week’s cinema reviews and send your answer to info@y-oman.com, along with your name and contact information. Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions, see voucher. Contact: Movie enquiries 24607360

Brought to you by

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Which actor plays Dr Bennet Omalu in Concussion? LAST WEEK'S WINNER Maha Allawati

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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

BE CREATIVE

Feb 13

Bring out your inner self with the latest Gailani Art Retreat, a full-day escape using art and music. Hosted by Left Bank restaurant and bar in Qurum, the event is hosted by renowned local artist Gailani. It starts at 8.30am and finishes around 5.30pm. Cost is RO20, which includes a buffet lunch, to be paid on registration prior to the event. Please note the price does not include art supplies or materials. Take your own paints, brushes and canvas. You don’t need to be a trained artist or have even painted before to attend. To book your place, contact Huma on 9760 9925 or email gailani.art@gmail.com

Croquet Anyone? FEB 09

What could be more civilised than a game of croquet on the lawns of the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton hotel? Join the fabulous ladies from the Women’s Guild in Oman (WGO) for a fun morning of play and chat. Tickets are RO10 for members and RO12 for non-members, which includes croquet, sandwiches, cakes, beverages and lots more. From 9am-12 noon. For details and tickets, call Martina on 9944 5201 or check out womensguildoman.com

THIS

WEEK

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

F E B R U A R Y Be mesmerised by Gaetano Donizetti’s most celebrated comic opera, L’Elisir D’Amore, on for three nights at the Royal Opera House Muscat. Telling the story of a peasant’s search for love and wonders of a love potion, this charming production is presented by the renowned Teatro La Fenice of Venice. Ticket prices from RO10. Curtain rises at 7pm. For more info and to book, visit rohmuscat.org.om

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PARTY GIRLS It’s Ladies Night at the Mirage Club at the Qurum Beach Resort, Shatti Qurum, so round up the girls and head out for an evening to remember. Women get in free on the night and have a complimentary drink with their entry. Simply pick up a voucher from the front counter. DJ Hans will be playing the music you love, so kick it on the dance floor! Men pay RO10 on the door. All the fun starts around 10pm.

Love Opera

Feb 17 19 20

FEB

Gallery

Movies

Network Night

FEB 9

Motivational speaker Drew Dudley is the guest at the next Back to Business 2016 event in Muscat. Drew, a former coordinator of one the largest university leadership development programmes in Canada, has spoken to audiences on five continents and his TED talk has been voted “one of the 15 inspirational TED talks of all time”. Drew will be passing on leadership tips and advice on how to make a difference. The venue is the gardens at the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel from 7pm-10.30pm. Tickets in advance are RO25, including dinner and beverages. On the door tickets will be RO30. Reserve your tickets by contacting Katrina Pulusan on 2464 1104 or email katrina.pulusan@hyatt.com

JOIN FOLK FEB (AND EVERY WEDS)

Catch some amazing traditional acoustic Irish and folk music sessions every Wednesday down at Feeney’s Restaurant and Bar at the Qurum Beach Resort, Shatti Qurum, from 7pm-9.30pm. New musicians and singers are always welcome! Free entry.

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DANCE TIME!

Grab your dancing shoes and join in the fun as the 6th edition of the Oman International Salsa & Zouk Festival is back by popular demand. Head to the Al Nahda Resort & Spa in Barka, Muscat, as the party begins. It promises to be fun evening, while you can chill out after all the dancing by the pool. It’s all organised by the Oman Salsa & Zouk Group. For festival passes and reservation details, check out Oman International Salsa and Zouk Festival on Facebook, oiszf.com or call 9932 6632.

Feb

23 - 27 email: master@mcbs.edu.om www.mcbs.edu.om FEB 04 - 10 / ISSUE 406

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? s d n a H e f a S In

The latest school bus crash in Oman has left three children and a teacher dead, and a community devastated. Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it about time that schools and the authorities take action to stop these tragedies? Y investigates Report: Kate Ginn and Deeba Hasan

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s the automatic doors to Nizwa Hospital slid open, a small boy emerged hesitantly into the sunlight holding tightly onto his mother’s hand. Covered in cuts and scrapes, Mohammed Rahman’s face and arms bore the marks of the trauma the seven-year-old had just been through. That Mohammed was walking out the door was something of a miracle in itself. He was one of 34 pupils in a bus crash that has, so far, claimed the lives of three fellow students and a teacher at the Indian School Nizwa, and to see him leave hospital on Sunday (Jan 31) was a ray of light in what has been a dark few days for the community. Around 15 minutes after Mohammed left hospital, an ambulance pulled up to the same door carrying the body of pupil Siya Sabu, who was not so lucky. Siya died earlier that morning after fighting for her life since the accident last Thursday (January 28) and was being taken to Muscat for repatriation to India. Siya’s mother, Rajani Babu, is a nurse who works at Nizwa Hospital. “We tried our best, did everything we could, but we lost her,” said a medic at the hospital. Amid such utter despair, it’s not surprising that the appearance of little Mohammed walking out of hospital was met with joy. Teachers and the principal from the school, Mainakshe Minoo, gathered to see him leave, lining up to stroke his face or murmur a thanks to God for sparing his life. His survival symbolises hope. The father of Jaden Jaison, whose life is hanging in the balance as he lies in hospital in a critical condition with serious head injuries, will certainly be wishing for a similar miracle. “We are hoping he will recover. All we can do is wait,” says his father, who is maintaining a vigil at the hospital, along with teachers from Indian School Nizwa, who have been gathering at the hospital every day since the accident waiting for news. Their sense of desperation when word came through that they had lost Siya, described by her uncle as “like an angel for us”, was painful to see. Rewind back three days and the atmosphere could not have been more different. Teachers were milling around awaiting the arrival of the buses to take them the 40-odd kilometres to Bahla and there would have been excited chatter from the children in eager anticipation of their field trip. A total of 120 children set off in four buses from different transport companies. Parents would have waved off their children that morning, relaxed that their little ones were in safe hands and would return home bursting with stories of the day. The 20-minute journey to Bahla was uneventful and the convoy of buses left around 1pm on the return to the school. However, only three buses made it back. About 13km from the school, the fourth bus was hit by a truck carrying frozen fish as the driver attempted a U-turn at a notoriously dangerous spot on Route 15. The force of the impact caused the bus to roll several times. The children, all aged seven or eight, were not wearing seatbelts (parents claim there weren’t belts on any of the buses, but the owner of the bus company says there was). One can only imagine the scene inside the bus as the unrestrained children were thrown around the tumbling vehicle with glass from the windows shattering all around them. They must have been terrified. As the bus skidded to a halt, some of the children were said to have been thrown from the wreckage.

Not a single child on the bus escaped WILSON V GEORGE, THE CHAIRMAN OF without an injury of some kind. Some INDIAN SCHOOLS’ BOARD OF DIRECTORS, suffered nothing more than cuts and RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT THE bruises, but a few, like Mohammed NIZWA SCHOOL BUS TRAGEDY. Rahman, needed hospital treatment. Q: What are normal safety procedures for school There were fractured bones and head trips at Indian School Nizwa and other Indian injuries, which were in some cases Schools in Oman? catastrophic. A: ● The teachers finalise the venue of trip; send Performa “My child, Hanna Aleena, was [permission slip] for getting the permission of the parents. Get it signed sitting on the teacher’s lap who died by the parents; the signed Performa is deposited at the office. in the accident. When the bus was hit ● Make a list of the students going on the trip, with parents’ name and by another vehicle, she luckily got hold telephone number. Handover the list to the office. of a handle in the bus and so was not ● A PT teacher or a male teacher will accompany the students. thrown away. But the teacher was thrown ● Class teacher to carry the list with them, too. towards the window under the impact,” ● Attendance shall be taken at the time of boarding the bus and at Mohammed Nawab recounted to a local the time of coming back from the venue. newspaper. ● First aid box is carried by the teachers. “My daughter has injuries on her hand and body. It will heal. But she has seen her Q: Were these followed for the picnic trip teacher and her friends dying in front of to Bahla? her. What kind of trauma will it be?” A: Yes. These steps were followed on the trip to Bahla. As the bus slid to a stop, chaotic scenes Q: Did any member of staff at Indian School unfolded. The lone teacher on the bus, Nizwa carry out checks of the buses for safety Deepali Sandip Seth, was unconscious and and meet the drivers to assess their suitability the driver of the bus and the driver of the before leaving? fish truck were both dead. A: The buses are the ones in which the students are brought to the Rather than wait for emergency services school everyday, hired by the parents. Visual checks are being done. to arrive, local Omanis started picking their way through the carnage and and began ferrying the casualties to the nearby Q: Is it true there was only one teacher supervising on each of the buses? Nizwa Hospital in their own cars. A: The class teachers of these classes and a PT teacher were sent to At the hospital, it was equally supervise and maintain the discipline. chaotic. Word had spread Q: Were there any concerns about the age of among the parents the driver? about the accident via A: This can be answered only after the investigation report is done. WhatsApp and social media and many headed Q: Parents have claimed that the bus that straight to the hospital. crashed was overcrowded with 34 children “It was crazy. We were and only 33 seats and that one of the all rushing around trying children was sitting on the teacher’s lap. to find out if our children Can you respond to this? were okay, not knowing A: This can be answered only after the investigation report is done. if they were hurt or even alive,” says Akhilesh Q: The bus company owner said the bus Kumar, a parent who also had seat belts. Is this true? Why were the works at Nizwa Hospital children not wearing seat belts at the time as a senior pharmacist and of the crash, as medics and parents have HOD-medical supplies. claimed? A: This can be answered only after the investigation report “It was an awful situation for the parents. is done. I saw them running here and there to know whether their child was injured or not. Even Q: Is there anything the school would like myself, I was searching for my son.” to say about the children who lost their lives He tells Y that the lack of information added and their teacher, Mrs Deepali? to the confusion. A: The school, students and the whole Nizwa community “None of the children had ID cards and we are grief-stricken at this unfortunate accident. didn’t even know which children had been on the bus. The school did not have a list of names Q: What lessons can be learned from along with contact numbers. this tragedy? “Some of the parents were shown in to look A: The team was busy managing the emergency and we need at the bodies of the dead children to try and to wait for a full investigation report to come up with proper identify them. It was all so shocking.” lessons. However, the need of compulsory usage of seat Mohammed Shammas’s father, Ahmed Kabir, belts could be an obvious lesson. The accident once again arrived after being told that his son had been emphasises the need to implement a school managed/ monitored safe transport system where schools can exercise injured in a bus accident. “When I rushed to the controls over the transporters. Running the buses within the hospital, I found that he had succumbed to his seat capacity, using proper safety belts are of vital injuries,” he told a local newspaper. “His mother importance and will help to reduce the severity of impacts is still in shock.” in case of an accident. Mrs Deepali, the teacher on board, would also lose her fight in hospital after major organ Q: What role should the Government play failure brought on by internal injuries. She was in bringing in a set of regulations to apparently not even supposed to have been going prevent tragedies such as this? on the trip, but covered for a colleague at the last A: Existing Government rules address many of the safety minute. requirements already. There is room for further Back at school, teachers from the other three improvement. However, what is more important is the buses, which had arrived safely, were aware strict implementation of the same. The safety specification something was amiss when the fourth failed to developed by the Board for a “ Safe transport system” in all Indian Schools has enhanced requirements on safety show up. Then news started to filter in about an and we are trying our level best to implement it. We accident. expect support from the parents and the Government “The day went by as usual and I think at about to implement it in all the schools.

We were all rushing around trying to find out if our children were okay, not knowing if they were hurt or even alive. It was an awful situation

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2.30pm, buses came back, but we were told that another bus met with an accident,” says a school source. “Then a little while later one of the teachers said that there is some problem and that’s when we were told that one child and possibly a teacher died on the spot of the accident and others were critical. “Some teachers fainted on hearing the news. Others left for the hospital and we decided to not spread the news out loud because everyone might start panicking.” A week after the accident that claimed six lives and destroyed many others in the process, and as the shock begins to lessen, questions are now being asked about what happened that day. Two years after a fatal bus crash that killed three students from Pakistan School Muscat in Darsait, Muscat, there are those who believe that lessons have not been learned. “As parents, you have to put your trust in a school to look after them. We never thought for a moment that something like this could happen,” one parent with a child at Indian School Nizwa tells Y. Parents, who paid RO2 for their child to attend the picnic and pay up to RO50 a month in school fees (according to Akhilesh Kumar), want answers. There have been claims by some parents, including Faisal Rahman, the father of Mohammed, that the bus that crashed was not equipped with seatbelts, an accusation that has been refuted by the bus company. “The bus had seatbelts, but it was not our responsibility to ensure that they were wearing it that day or not, that is what the supervisor [or] teacher needed to check,” says a worker from the bus company, which has been running since 1993. He also says the bus that crashed was the only one they operated exclusively for school transportation and was a 2005 model in “good condition”. Other parents claim that the school did not carry out any safety checks on the buses or assess the suitability of the drivers before the children left for the picnic. There are also unconfirmed claims (from parents) that the elderly Omani bus driver, whose age has been put at anything from 68 to 75, was a diabetic who was suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure and glaucoma (an eye disease that affects vision). Responding to concerns about the driver’s age, the bus worker tells Y: “This driver who died was a very nice man. He had retired and previously worked for PDO as a driver, so he was also aware of the safety procedures and things like that. “We often have a problem when we recruit drivers because parents don’t like it if we get young drivers on board because they might speed or use their phones while driving, and so we hired an older driver who would be more responsible. The driver was about 67 or 68 years old and had been

with us for about seven to eight years. We never got a single complaint about him from either the school or the parents. His conduct was very good and he never drove more than 100kph.” Y also spoke to the ROP in Nizwa, who were unable to answer our questions. The three adults involved, who might be able to shed light on what happened, are all dead and seven-year-old children, even those who are not traumatised, could not be expected to articulate what unfolded that day. The part of the road where the bus driver was attempting a U-turn is, according to locals, a known accident spot. The day after the bus crash, two Omani car drivers were reportedly killed in a collision in the same place. There are parents who have suggested that the bus was overcrowded with 34 children and only 33 seats, hence why Mohammed Nawab says his daughter was sitting on the teacher’s lap. Shortly after the crash, the Indian School Nizwa moved quickly to dispel any misinformation that might be flying around, saying in a message to parents: “Looking forward to your support. Please do not believe rumours.” It has not, however, dampened the disquiet among some parents, including Akhilesh Kumar, who spent two years on the school’s management committee. “No ID card was given to kids for identification and that’s why it was very difficult to identify injured kids who were brought to the emergency department,” he says. “No check list was displayed for each bus by the school administration, so no one knew which children were on which bus. “Though we have reminded repeatedly to develop a proper system of quality assurance in school, our reminders went on deaf ears. “Even now there is no policy or approved protocol for many school activities. “How can we trust the school with our children? This is a very big alarm saying that all is not well. The Indian Embassy needs to take urgent action to investigate and take necessary steps.” Mr Kumar also says the Government needs to bring in laws and regulations governing the use of school buses as a matter of urgency. “We cannot wait until another heartbreaking accident like this happens. “We need proper regulations in place. The buses need to be checked regularly to make sure that they’re roadworthy. There should be a minimum and maximum age for school bus drivers and they should be tested every year for good driving, as well as medical fitness. “There should be a minimum number of teachers per pupils on a bus to supervise. Proper procedures and protocol should be introduced for all schools.” Road Safety campaigners are also calling for action. “We are greatly disappointed with another school bus accident involving young children, which has also caused fatalities. It’s never a nice thing to hear the news of young children dying,” says Daryle Hardie, CEO of Safety First, a nonprofit road safety organisation that campaigns to reduce the number of road accidents and fatalities in Oman. “It shouldn’t take more accidents and deaths for the authorities to realise that we need a proper bus management system and this can’t keep happening. In fact, it’s getting worse now, there are bus accidents almost every six months. “This tragic event should be utilised as a measure for such accidents to be avoided in the future.” A number of steps need to be taken to protect children on our roads and in school buses, he adds. This includes

Timeline of school bus accidents ● October 2010: Three students from Middle East College of Information and Technology in Muscat are killed and 31 injured, three critically, when a tyre burst on their college bus, causing it to lose control and hit a parked car. ● March 2011: One student is killed and 45 injured, three of them seriously, when their school bus is hit by a truck at Al Sawadi junction in Barka. ● May 2012: Six college students and a driver of the bus they were travelling in are injured when their vehicle collides with a car on Al Draiz Road, Ibri. ● November 2012: A 10-year-old student from Indian School Seeb dies and 14 fellow pupils are injured when the school minivan they were travelling in hit a road divider. ● November 2013: A six-year-old pupil from Indian School Darsait suffers head injuries after falling out of the window of a school bus.

● January 2014: A school bus carrying

seatbelts in all school buses, monitoring of drivers and their speed, along with having a supervisor on each bus. “Oman has a small population compared with a lot of other bigger countries, but our accident rates are higher compared with them, so something has to be done.” After the Pakistan School Muscat bus crash in 2014, schools pledged to act to prevent similar tragedies. This week, it was reported that a planned safer school-managed transport system for Pakistan Schools was dropped after only 1 per cent of parents wanted to participate, according to Muhammad Adnan Shahzad, chairman of the board of directors of Pakistan Schools. Indians Schools in Oman also announced they would introduce measures such as cameras and IVMS (In Vehicle Monitoring System), but so far, only two of the 19 schools, in Mabela and Darsait, have been equipped. Two more schools, Indian School Muscat and Seeb, will see changes in the coming months, it was reported. The Ministry of Education has also said it was planning a safe transport scheme for all

government schools in partnership with the recently launched public bus service, but no timeline has been given. Y put several questions to Wilson V George, chairman of the Indian Schools’ board of directors, but had not received a reply at the time of going to press. The truth of what happened to the fourth bus from the Indian School Nizwa may never be known. What is clear is that six lives have been needlessly lost. Three children have been denied a chance to fulfill their potential and live long and happy lives. Jaden Jaison remains on a ventilator in hospital. A third girl, Nandika, is also still in hospital but her condition is not said to be life threatening. Indian School Nizwa was due to remain closed until February 3, when it would reopen for older children. Younger pupils are expected back today (February 4). Special activities and counselling will be offered, said the school. Dealing with the aftermath in the months to come, however, will not be easy. As one parent says: “How do you get over something like this? You can’t. The school will never recover.”

Pakistan School Muscat pupils crashes into a rubbish truck, killing three children and injuring 24, two of them critically.

● February 2014: A school bus carrying 37 Indian School Sur pupils crashes headon into another car, killing the driver and a seven-year-old student on the bus. ● April 2014: A bus carrying students

from Indian School Wadi Kabir is involved in an accident near the Sheraton signal, injuring four pupils.

● October 2014: A school bus skids and overturns in Bidbid, leaving four children with minor injuries.

● November 2014: Three students from Indian School Darsait suffer minor injuries when two school buses collide in Ruwi. ● May 2015: A university bus with 24 students on board overturns after its brakes fail, injuring nine. ● September 30, 2015: A school minibus carrying students from Al Baraeim School collides with a car in Mudhaibi, killing an Omani student and injuring 13 other children. ● January 28, 2016: A school bus

carrying students from Indian School Nizwa collides with a truck, killing two drivers, three students and a teacher. Another student remains critical in hospital.

● January 31, 2016: A Class III pupil at

Indian School Seeb is dragged several metres along the road by a school bus after falling over as he boarded.

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FEB 04 - 10 / ISSUE 406

ith the sweet aroma of love in the air as the day of romance approaches, Y is looking for some special couples. Back by popular demand is our “Y We Are Soulmates” competition, offering partners a chance to show just why their relationship is true love in a live compatibility quiz. If you believe that you’re the perfect couple, we want to hear from you as the call for contestants continues. Time to enter is running out, but you’ve still got a few days left to stake your claim to share prizes worth a total of RO850. The entries are pouring in, but only 10 can ultimately be chosen to go forward to our live final show. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve just got together or have been married for 50 years; the most important thing is that you’ve got the right recipe for love and all the ingredients for a long life together. Presented by Mitsubishi Motors and in association with Panorama Mall, Golden Tulip Seeb Hotel and Manara Global Investment, “Y We Are Soulmates” will see doting couples go headto-head against other pairs to test how well they know each other in front of an audience. Our 10 finalists will

answer a series of questions about their spouses with the added pressure of a live audience, with one wrong answer spelling the end of their dreams. If you think that you know your husband or wife well, this is your chance to prove it to them in the most romantic of ways – and win some suitably dreamy prizes. The winning couple will get RO500 worth of prizes, with the two runners-up receiving RO250 and RO100 worth of rewards. In our first two seasons, we found some amazingly wellmatched couples and we’re expecting this year to be even better. “We’ve had some very touching, romantic entries, which prove that there really is a lot of love out there,” says Felicity Glover, Y’s managing editor. “Having to whittle all the entries down to our final 10 is going to be a tough task. If you think you and your partner have got what it takes, there’s still time to enter and prove that you are Oman’s number one couple.” For a chance to become one of our 10 contestants in the live final at Panorama Mall on February 13, simply tell us in 50 words or less who your soulmate is and why. Send your answer to editor@y-oman.com by February 8. We’ll choose the best answers and invite these couples to be part of our exciting and fun final to find out if they really are soulmates. Good luck and we look forward to your entries!

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ROZE

HEADING INTO THE MOUNTAINS, SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI FINDS A VILLAGE AND A WAY OF LIFE THAT HAS REMAINED UNCHANGED FOR DECADES

in time

y first impressions of the small mountain village of Saqlah in Al Batinah South was as the sun rose above the mountains, bathing everything within sight in a warm orange glow. I was suddenly glad we had followed a wandering camel down a track that branched off from Route 13 just after Nakhal. As beautiful as the surroundings were, however, it was the people who really made the village of Saqlah special. There is an unspoken rule in Omani culture that when you visit villages in the Interior you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just grab your camera and start snapping away. When I saw a group of elders taking a simple breakfast in the centre of the village, my friend and I approached to make our introductions as a matter of courtesy. These initial greetings help smooth things over and often follow the same format. First there will be extended introductions to everyone present, which can go back as far as your grandparents as you explain who you are and where you have come from. Once they feel comfortable, they will begin joking to put you at ease and quite often food will be served. As it was the morning, we were treated to dates, coffee and fresh fruit. These hospitality rituals stretch back hundreds of years and remain deeply rooted in Omani culture to this day, particularly in the smaller villages away from the capital. Once all the necessary greetings had been made, the old men became the most hospitable of hosts and gave us a tour of their village, which was made up of around 10 buildings and nearly all the inhabitants were cousins or other family relations. Next, we moved to the outskirts of the village to provide a dramatic backdrop for some portrait photos. There was strong emotion shown in their weathered faces and you could practically tell the story of their lives through the cracks and lines. These old men were proud of who they were and what they had achieved in life. With several generations joining in the photo shoot, it became obvious that these people had lived most of their lives almost completely cut off from technology and the modern world. Their posture was very

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straight, almost military-like, and this extended from the oldest in the family right down to the youngest. It was like a glimpse into a different era and felt like a far cry from 21stcentury life. Another thing that surprised me was just how fit these men were. Moving to yet another location to snap further shots of the family, I found myself in a friendly race with one of the gentlemen as he vaulted over rocks and scarpered across the brush barefoot. While this bout was proclaimed a draw, I was beaten hands down on the return leg as my opponent raced back up the mountain at a lightning pace. The mountains nurtured and raised these people and I became resigned to the fact that there was no beating them on their home turf, regardless of their age. After another extended exchange full of well wishes and pleasant goodbyes, we eventually parted company, but I promised to return one day with their copies of Y Magazine.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Trend

New Restaurant

DINNER DATE

Reviews

When it comes to the main course, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about showcasing the best of your cooking skills.

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MAIN EVENT Let the food shine and take centre stage with the big course of the meal

ou’ve served up a standout starter to get the evening off on the right note and now it’s time to let the main course shine. Many hosts feel this course can be the hardest of all and feel a pressure to produce something special to impress the guests. With planning and the right ingredients, however, it can be as easy as, well, pie. Preparation is often key – and that means not leaving everything to the last minute, when you’re juggling other courses, setting the table and getting the ambience right. Even if you’re just planning a casual meal with family or friends, it pays to be prepared and ready in advance. If you are pushed for time or don’t want to tackle anything too elaborate, keep it simple. There are lots of main courses that are relatively easy to make and have the “wow” factor, but won’t leave you feeling frazzled. Try this delicious recipe to make your main course sing while also leaving you time to enjoy the evening. Next week, we’ll be looking at the last course, dessert. Happy cooking!

Stuffed Chicken Ingredients: § 150g Puck white cheese, diced   § 1 Handful Puck Shredded Mozzarella Cheese    § 4 whole chicken breasts, with skin   § 1 shallot or half onion, very finely chopped   § 1 tsp oil    § 1 clove garlic, finely chopped   § 1 handful sultanas, chopped   § 1 handful pine nuts, chopped   § 1 tsp harissa paste    § 1 handful fresh mint, chopped Method: § Fry onion lightly in oil for five minutes, then add the garlic and cook for a further minute. Do not allow it to burn. Tip into a bowl. § Finely chop the nuts and sultanas, then add them to the bowl along with the harissa paste, fresh herbs, a little of the black pepper and stir well. § Add the diced Puck white cheese and stir again. § Loosen the chicken skin. Stuff the mixture between the flesh and skin of the chicken, smoothing the skin back over the stuffing. § Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper. Place on a baking tray and bake at 170°C for 20 minutes. § Top with Puck shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for a further 15 minutes until cheese is golden and melted. Check that the meat is well done before serving.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

Midket r Ma Info Box 1947

Al Ghubra, behind Oman Arab Bank HQ Tel: 9224 1112 Opening Hours: Daily from 12.30pm-3pm (lunch) 7pm12am (dinner) Dinner for two: RO11.2

PATRIOTISM ON A PLATE

Verdict : 8 / 10 Service 6.5 / 10 Food 6.5 / 10 Ambience Nice idea, but the food needs work. Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

SOMETIMES TRYING DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF THE FOOD YOU’RE USED TO EATING CAN BE AN INTERESTING EXPERIENCE, BUT OTHER TIMES IT CAN BE DISAPPOINTING, FINDS DEEBA HASAN

rom the outside, 1947 looks like quite a fancy dining spot thanks to a chic black-and-white logo, wooden carvings and lighting that helps to liven up the ambience. Inside, I found that the black theme continues with dark blinds, black wooden benches and walls painted in a similarly dark shade. To break the monotony, there are pictures of some Indian freedom fighters on the wall as well as newspapers from August 15, 1947, the day India gained independence from British rule. With a name like 1947, this strong independence theme was expected, but what did surpise me was the number of people in the restaurant. Almost all the tables were full, but thankfully we were able to locate a vacant space. We quickly settled ourselves down and I couldn’t help but notice that a large line formed in barely any time at all. Looking around, I soon noticed that this was a south Indian restaurant, which I hadn’t previously known. I was able to tell this by a quick glance at the kind of food being served up at the different tables and a look at the clientele, who were mostly from the south of India. Our waiter was a friendly youngster who was dressed in a black shirt and white skinny trousers, topped with a white cap. He reminded me a little

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of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister. After browsing through the menu, we settled on the “chicken 65” and fish tikka for the starters, and chicken tikka masala and paneer qorma for our mains. After the orders were placed, the anticipation began. Both my dining partner and I were both incredibly hungry and looking forward to the food we had selected. Everything took quite a while to arrive and we both got a little bored, our eyes wandering to the various photos on display around the restaurant, which offered an insight into India’s past. From where I was sitting I could see Dr B R Ambedkar, a well-known social reformer, and Sarojini Naidu, an independence activist known as “The Nightingale of India”. I then looked at the tablecloths, which had the newspapers from August 15, 1947, printed on them. It was a unique way to decorate a restaurant, but it failed to inspire my patriotism, perhaps down to the heavy use of dark shades throughout. Ater all, independence is supposed to be a happy event. The arrival of our food interupted my thoughts and at first glance, everything looked good. I started with the chicken 65 and my friend started with her fish tikka. While I was munching on the tiny pieces of fried chicken, I figured they were

nice and tender, but was surprised with a little bone that I felt while biting one piece. The flavour of the chicken was distinctive, but the whole dish used more oil than I am usually accustomed to. My friend, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy her fish tikka and said it was nice. We soon moved to the mains and although I initially liked the flavour of the chicken tikka masala, I couldn’t eat much, again because of the oil, which made the dish no more appetising than the starter. Unfortunately, the same fate befell the paneer qorma. Although I initially liked it, I became increasingly put off because of the oil content. I must admit that both were cooked well, but didn’t particularly suit my taste. Towards the end of our meal, we ordered gajar ka halwa (carrot halwa) for dessert and really enjoyed it. Cooked to perfection, it was bursting with deliciously sweet flavours. If I go back again, I would like to see a more diverse menu and a more cheerful setting that better reflects the feelings and emotions that surround our Independence Day. I also wouldn’t mind some patriotic Indian songs to create an even better mood. Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com

HEALTH& BEAUTY TIME TO PLAY

It’s all about comfort and style when it comes to casual wear for girls. From denim to florals to funky accessories, there’s a wealth of choice out there, such as this cute denim jumpsuit from Next.

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

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 Feli

T t Ge

Denim is a versatile fabric and this adorable chambray shirt dress from Next is bang on trend for any little miss not keen on the classic jean look. From RO9.8

Cut-off denim shorts are a perennial favourite with kids and this embellished pair from Next come with some seriously cute motifs. From RO8.7

A pair of Oriental print Wayfarer-style sunglasses from Accessorize will definitely add to that cool factor! From RO3

These floral skinny jeans from Next are fun and can be dressed up or down. They team perfectly with a favourite T-shirt or button-down blouse. From RO7.1

Hats are a must in Oman and this striped flower hat from Accessorize will keep the sun out of your little one’s eyes. From RO6.6

Ballet pumps, such as these ones from Next, are a great choice for little girls, giving them the freedom to run about while still looking cool. From RO6.6

This hold-all pineapple backpack from Accesorize is perfect for sleepovers or a fun day out at the park with friends. From RO6.6

HOW TO WEAR

1. Look for quality over quantity when it comes to choosing clothes for children. Sure, they might be growing, but you want their clothes to withstand the rough and tumble of playtime, too! 2. Check out some of the great budget-friendly kids’ stores in Oman that offer funky, on trend clothes for little ones. 3. Let your children help to choose their clothes – the older they get, the more they will insist on this!

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

BEAUTY

Health Fashion

BEAUTY CONSCIOUS Be kind to your body and the environment by going organic

SCAN OUR QR CODES WITH ANY QR READER APP

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e’ve become used to organic food produce, but now more and more beauty brands are getting in on the act. It’s all about looking good, while maintaining your green credentials and knowing that you’re helping keep the planet healthy for now and future generations. Take, for instance, the latest addition to H&M’s beauty collection. Called H&M Conscious, the entire range is Ecocert, meaning that it’s been approved with organic certification. An Ecocert stamp means that the products meet the highest standards. To attain Ecocert certification the H&M Conscious beauty range has to ensure that the products have at least 95 per cent of the total ingredients from natural origin (water included) and at least 10 per cent of the total ingredients are from organic farming. Launched last month and available in stores and online, the range has more sustainably produced products for skin, hair and body. “We already offer conscious choices with our fashion collections, so it is natural for us to have the same offering within our beauty collection,” says Sara Wallander, concept designer at H&M Beauty. “We always aim to develop our products to high and responsible standards in both materials and production. With the Conscious range we have taken this philosophy even further. We are very proud to now be able to offer organic beauty to our customers.” The range consists of around 30 body and hair care products: everything from lip balm to body washes and shampoo, as well as hand cream, dry shampoo, aluminium-free roll-on deodorant and innovative products such as pre-shampoo hair oil. There are three types of face masks, five flavours of tinted lip balm (blueberry, vanilla, lemon, ginger and raspberry) and hand creams just right for keeping in your desk drawers or handbag.

Even the packing used was chosen with the environment in mind. The contemporary packing uses recyclable materials, while the plastic in the primary containers is also made from recycled material. The body care selection, which makes up the majority of Conscious beauty range, comes in two contemporary, aromatherapy-based fragrances, which work for both men and women: Vitalising – with ingredients such as mandarin, grape and lime to create a modern, uplifting scent.

Relaxing – with antistress ingredients and a modern take on lavender with vetiver and rosemary.

The new beauty range from H&M was launched autumn 2015. The collection includes a comprehensive selection of make-up and colours as well as body care, hair care and beauty tools. The conscious range is an addition to the beauty collection.

Beauty

Fashion

HEALTH

YOGA 101 How to get started with this accessible, balanced form of exercise

hile many people exercise, there’s still room for most people to improve their fitness. Even if you’re exercising a few times a week, that may not meet recommended activity levels. If you’re looking for a type of physical activity that fits easily into your lifestyle, delivers physical and mental health benefits, yet is gentle enough to be done every day, yoga may be what you’re looking for. “Yoga delivers countless health benefits, including stress reduction, improved blood circulation, flexibility and strength,” says Ashley Kohler, manager of Yoga on the Lake, part of Destination Kohler, the five-star, five-diamond resort in Kohler, Wisconsin, in the US. “Doing yoga just three times a week can help you sleep better and reduce symptoms of many chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes and thyroid disorders.” If you’ve never considered yoga, or have thought of it but weren’t sure whether it’s for you, Kohler offers some insights into how yoga works and the benefits it offers: ● Any age is right. Yoga is good for people of every age, from children to senior citizens. In fact, many studios offer classes for new mums and their infants to help the mother’s post-childbirth recovery and facilitate bonding between mum and baby. Its benefits for older demographics are also widely recognised, from helping improve balance and flexibility, to gently improving muscle tone and strength. ● You can jump right in. While many people will enjoy a one-onone experience with a certified yoga instructor, it’s not necessary to take private lessons before joining a class. Studios offer a variety of beginnerfriendly classes, as well as individual lessons for those who want a more private setting for learning the basics, or who want to work on specific personal goals. ● Yoga is great for varying levels of physical ability. You should always consult your doctor before beginning any new fitness routine, especially if you have existing health conditions. That said, yoga is accessible to people of virtually all fitness levels, from those who are starting out sedentary to people who are very physically active. You don’t have to be particularly flexible to get started, either; yoga gives you flexibility. And for yoga enthusiasts, yoga sculpt formatted classes provide a high-intensity yoga option. ● It's about more than just improving flexibility. Better flexibility is probably one of the best-known benefits of yoga but it’s far from the only one. Ultimately, yoga aims to bring together the mind, body and spirit in healthful physical activity.

without straining or injuring yourself. ● Leave distractions outside the studio. Leave cell phones and pagers in the locker room or your car; never bring them to your yoga mat. Yoga studios are also typically quiet environments in order to foster relaxation and peace, so try to leave socialising and business outside. ● Yoga can be a vacation from the everyday. “Many people who practice yoga regularly view it as their 'me time',” Kohler says.” It’s a break from the demands of the everyday.” Visit destinationkohler.com for more information. * BPT

● Fast a few hours before class. Attempting yoga on a full stomach could lead to discomfort and cramps, so try to avoid eating an hour or two before class begins. ● Start from a place of love. “You’ll go farther, faster if you take a loving attitude toward yourself and work from where you are, not from where you think you should be,” Kohler advises. Don’t feel pressured to perform as well as anyone else in the class. Do as much as you’re able FEB 04 - 10 / ISSUE 406

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PRESENTS

A thought leadership forum in Oman Date: February 10 & 11, 2016 Time: 8am - 5pm Venue: Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Ballroom A two-day thought leadership forum. Created with an objective to transfer knowledge to young entrepreneurs. Featuring iconic speakers.

Delegate Registrations Open. Entrepreneur Chris Gardner

Set to Synergise, Motivate and Educate!

Footballer Ruud Gullit

Princess Beatrice of York

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur

MEDIA PARTNERS RADIO PARTNERS

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER

For individuals / corporate bookings mail: bwopenminds@gmail.com Call: 95122430 / 99620757 / 98564505 / 24565697

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Postcards from

Outdoors

Y- F i

Cars

CARS AND ADVENTURES LONG WAY UP

The imposing walls of Rustaq Fort are among some of the tallest in Oman.

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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

RUSTAQ FORT Hidden in plain sight, a visit to Rustaq Fort makes for an eye-opening experience, says Shaquel al Balushi

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uilt four centuries prior to the dawn of Islam, Rustaq Fort is up there among the oldest of Oman’s forts; its walls are also some of the tallest. I’ve been to the area around Rustaq several times for other Destination pieces and it’s with some embarrassment that I admit I didn’t even know there was a fort there. I just hadn’t noticed it on my travels. Discussing possible locations to visit on a Wednesday evening with friends, one of them mentioned the fort in passing and I resolved to head west from Muscat once more and pay the fort a visit early the next morning to atone for my ignorance. After a 4am wake up call, my cousin and I arrived at the fort bright-eyed and bushytailed at around 7.30am, which was a shame, because the fort didn’t actually open until 9am. We proceeded to engage the guard in a long and drawn-out conversation and after much pleading and sweet talk, he eventually let us pass through the gates into the sprawling complex where old cannons stood like sentinels silently guarding the fort’s entrance. This gave us the unique experience of having the fort entirely to ourselves as we wandered around at our leisure. The word “amazing” does not do justice to this fort. One of the first things that struck me was the engineering. I couldn’t help but wonder just how the architects and designers had come up with such an impressive structure all those hundreds of years ago without modern tools and machinery. The walls are so high that you have to crane your neck from ground level and actually lean back slightly to take it all in. The fort goes on for what seems like forever and each of the different buildings is filled with several rooms that you can enter to get a feel for what life was like when the fort was

in use. Each room had its original purpose stated, but apart from this were empty. It was quite dark inside the fort, so I had to rely on where the light was falling for my photos. After negotiating a series of twisting and turning interconnecting paths through the belly of the fort, we were able to find the stairs and climb to the top of the tallest tower. Emerging blinking into the sunlight once more, it was from here that I captured one of my favourite shots of the day – a panoramic view of the whole of Rustaq. Green date palms filled my vision almost as far as I could see, thanks to the falaj that runs through the city. Sat up here enjoying the commanding view, I imagined myself as the dignitary or noble who resided in the castle hundreds of years ago, assessing his town spread out below. On our way back down, we stumbled across the solitary confinement or prison area. It was very claustrophobic and my cousin began crawling through the tight space for a better look. I didn’t dare follow him, but it didn’t sound like a nice place to be judging from his description. All in all we spent a good two hours at the fort and even that probably wouldn’t be enough for a tourist to see everything. I think the best time to visit would be in the morning (although perhaps not as early as we did!) so that you beat the crowds and can explore in peace If the fort opened at sunrise it would make for some beautiful shots and I would highly recommend a trip there. Having finally visited Rustaq Fort, I’ve decided it’s actually very visible and you can’t really miss it. I’ve been to my fair share of forts up and down the country over the years, but this was definitely one of the most interesting ones I’ve ever seen.

TRAVEL GUIDE

HOW TO GET THERE Rustaq Fort is very easy to get to from Muscat and the whole journey takes a little more than an hour and a half in total. Just take Route 1 all the way past Barka and exit left onto Route 11 at Muladdah. Follow this road until you reach Rustaq and the fort should be signposted from here.

GPS location of the fort: N31º 8’ 49.223” E10º 18’ 18.632” FEB 04 - 10 / ISSUE 406

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

to its Pushing your bodmybling limits while scra not over obstacles is f fun. It everyone’s idea oncan, is for Heather Du up for though, who was the challenge

aist deep in mud, plunging into pools of icy water, scaling heights and scrambling back down with a real fear of breaking limbs – this is what I do for fun. Last week, I travelled to Al Ain to take part in the Wadi Adventure Race. The idea behind the race is similar to other concepts like the Spartan, Tough Mudder and Ninja Warrior, pushing your body to its limits of strength and endurance while overcoming extreme obstacles. It doesn’t sound like much fun to some people, but I was in my element and loving every exhausting, sweaty minute. Almost a year ago, a friend asked me to take part in a similar endurance competition with her. At the time, my fitness levels were embarrassing and I knew it wasn’t possible for me. From that moment on I made it my mission to get myself in shape and to stop being the person left behind longing to join in. After the initial sign up for the adventure race, I was not content at just entering and taking part – I wanted to do it to the best of my ability. This meant long, hard training sessions over the past few months, but where is the fun in dedicating yourself to a lonely training life with hours in the gym all by yourself ? So I roped in my fittest friend, Sarah, for the journey as well. 040

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Training for an event such as this requires all-round fitness – you have to be able to run, crawl, jump, climb and swim. Most of our training took place at the gym under the watchful eye of Coach Yoka, who trained me especially to improve my upper body strength and be able to hold my own weight. I’m the type of girl who can’t usually run a bath, so running a race was daunting. Thankfully, the wonderful Muscat winter weather has been kind to us and we have been out hiking and running, which helped to build endurance and coordination. All our meals have been based around an eating plan made for us to be able to maximise strength and energy to get the best from our bodies. Race day finally arrived and the nerves began to kick in, even more so when seeing the fit-looking contestants arriving to join the same category as us. I was scared about how I was going to keep up with the pack, but from the beginning, our survival plan was to just keep moving and finish the race in one piece. It didn’t matter how fast or slow we were as long as we did our best. As the countdown began and we stepped over the starting line, the competitive side of me clicked into action and it was full steam ahead. Bounding over hurdles and a tyre pit, it was on to the first real challenging obstacle – a 150m crawl through the mud on our stomachs to avoid the

sharp barbed wire above. By this point, we had completed three obstacles out of 27; I was nervous for what was ahead, but my body was filled with adrenaline and it just kept powering through. Surprisingly, my favourite parts of the race were running through the wadi terrain. I enjoyed this mostly because I was well practiced and my body felt strong and coordinated. All our running and sprint training in the mountains of Muscat had prepared us well for this as we lapped past people who previously had an early advantage on us. My least favourite and the only obstacle that I could not manage was the monkey bars. This has never been my strength. It’s mostly down to technique and I just couldn’t manage it as I plunged into the water pool below. Maybe next time. Crossing the finishing line, I felt a mixture of emotions from relief to I have survived without serious injury and sadness that after all those months of training it was over so soon – I wanted to keep going! I completed the 5km race and all 27 obstacles in a time of 56 minutes, ranking me right in the middle of the women in our category. Although it was a good place on the board, I know that I can do better than this next time. All that training for so many months and it was all over in less than an hour! But the whole event was a wonderful experience and I already have my sights set on the next challenge. I’ll call this first event the warm-up round because now I have an idea of what to expect and I’m going to come back better and stronger for the next one. * To see more of Heather’s hardcore adventures, check out theduncanadventures.com

Tips on how to get fit: ● Find a gym, sport or club that motivates and excites you to join. ● Enlist a buddy to train with you. It’s harder to quit when you are letting someone else down. ● Make time to train, rearrange your priorities. ● Eat well, rest well. Give your body a chance to repair and recover from the exercise and it will reward you. ● Keep track of your progress to keep motivating you whether it’s kilos lost or the distance you can run without losing your breath. FEB 04 - 10 / ISSUE 406

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CARS AND ADVENTURES FEAT OF ENGINEERING

Rebuilt in 1820, but originally constructed in the 14th century, the Cobb protects Lyme Regis harbour from the wrath of the ocean.

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO: 1) Visit Dinosaurland Fossil Museum 2. Eat fish and chips on the seafront 3. Stroll through the Lister Gardens 4. Walk the length of the Cobb 5. Take a sea fishing trip

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Destination

Y-Fi

Cars

POSTCARDS FROM

Richard Blackwell recommends

LYME REGIS, UK T

he harbour town of Lyme Regis lies on the south coast of England on the border of the counties of Dorset and Devon. This area is known as the Jurassic Coast, a Unesco World H e r i t a g e S i t e s t r e t c h i n g m o r e t h a n 1 5 0 k m a n d r e n o w n e d fo r i t ’ s d r a m a t i c c l i ff s , r o c k f o r m a t i o n s a n d f o s s i l s . L y m e R e g i s slopes steeply down to a charming seafront with a beach and a small harbour teeming with fishing boats and, while it is a popular seaside resort, it has escaped the influx of major hotels and amusement arcades and retains a bustling historical charm. The harbour is protected from the Atlantic Ocean by the Cobb, a dramatic sea wall originally constructed in the 14th century and rebuilt in 1820, which has literary connections, appearing in Jane A u s t e n ’ s P e r s u a s i o n a n d J o h n Fo w l e ’ s T h e F r e n c h L i e u t e n a n t ’ s W o m a n . I n a d d i t i o n t o t h e t o w n ’ s c h a r m s , i t fo r m s a n i d e a l b a s e fo r e x p l o r i n g the surrounding area whether your interests are in sandy beaches, q u a i n t h i s t o r i c a l v i l l a g e s o r fo s s i l h u n t i n g .

LYME

R E G IS

HARBO

My favourite place

While it is one of the simplest attractions in the town, my visits to Lyme Regis always commence with a walk to the end of the Cobb. This dramatic construction sweeps round the harbour and you can walk along the top to stand at the outermost point, which is constantly battered by the ocean on one side and provides a view of the charming harbour and town on the other. The contrast between the tempestuous ocean and serene bay is testament to this feat of civil engineering. From this viewpoint, the town can be seen as a whole with its harbour and beach backed by seafront houses painted in pastel shades of pink, orange and blue and the rest of the town stepping up the hill into the distance. I find this particular location a place for peace and contemplation, although care is needed if the weather turns, as waves can often break over the Cobb and the access steps found at various points can be tricky. They are almost two centuries old and beginning to show their age.

E LO C A L FO S S IL S IN TH R OC KS

Highlights Being on the Jurassic Coast, palaeontology plays a large role in Lyme Regis. The town is home to

Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, a privately owned museum that features a vast range of fossilised specimens, with plenty of hands-on activities for the kids. Just around the bay from Lyme Regis is Charmouth Beach, also famous for its fossils, so make sure you take your fossil hammer and see what you can find. While there are a number of shops catering for all things palaeontological, it isn’t all about fossils and there are many shops selling local crafts and produce including at the Town Mill, which also boasts a working watermill, art galleries, garden, café and craft studios. Boat trips are available at the harbour and can either be pleasure trips along the coast or sea fishing trips for anything up to a full day. Being a working harbour, fish is obviously top of the menu, be it freshly caught sea bass and John Dory in one of the many restaurants, or traditional fish and chips eaten al fresco on the seafront. For a more peaceful sojourn, try a walk through the Lister Gardens, which offers views down to the seafront and harbour.

Lowlights If you’re staying away from the seafront, be prepared for a steep walk back to your accommodation, which can be a little taxing after a long day on the beach and a hearty fish and chip meal. Souvenirs You can’t visit Lyme Regis without a fossil to remind you of your stay and there is no shortage of shops catering to this need. For the younger ones (or young at heart), there is an almost limitless supply of toy dinosaurs to help create your own Jurassic World. Where to stay Lyme Regis is not home to any large hotels, but there are numerous guesthouses and bed and breakfasts providing comfortable accommodation. Alternatively, there are cottages available to rent for those who prefer self-catering, which is certainly my preference as it provides an opportunity to cook some of the delicious local produce.

TRAD IT IO N A L F IS H A C H IP S ND

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Outdoors

D e s t i n at i o n

Y-FI

OFFICE TECH

Technology is designed to save us time and some gadgets really come into their own in the workplace. Matthew Herbst brings you some of his favourites

LOCKED CLOUD

SMART DOCK If you’re looking for an elegant desktop charging solution for an Apple Watch, make sure you check out DOCK for Apple Watch Marble Edition. It features a brushed metal rotating arm that lets you comfortably navigate the watch face as it charges. Available at nativeunion.com from RO45.50.

The Transporter Sync Private Cloud works just like the file sharing service Dropbox, but with a greater capacity at a fraction of the cost. A huge plus is that it is 100 per cent private, meaning that your files are completely safe and free from hackers. You can automatically sync anything you choose between your computers and privately share and collaborate on entire collections of files with anyone you want. There is no limit on file size, quantity, or the number of people you share with. Available at amazon.com from RO61.90.

PAPER SAVER This in-office paper recycling machine may be a stretch beyond the average household budget, but it’s great for eco-conscious companies that use a lot of paper. Epson has recently developed the PaperLab, which takes waste paper and is able to pump out perfectly white sheets of recycled paper within minutes. Choose your preferred thickness and density and the system will produce around 14 A4 sheets of paper per minute, or 6,720 sheets in an eight-hour working day, as well as A3. The PaperLab will be available in most regions in late 2016 at an assumed cost of around RO27,402. Keep up to date with developments at global.epson.com

EDITOR’S PICK

FINGER PRINT

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IF YOU WORK IN A SECURE OFFICE BLOCK LIKE TEAM Y DOES, THEN CHANCES ARE THAT YOU HAVE TO CARRY AN ENTRY CARD AROUND. YOU MAY ALSO MISPLACE IT OFTEN. HOWEVER, IF YOUR COMPANY IS ABLE TO INVEST IN UGUARDIAN –AN EASY BIOMETRIC FINGERPRINT LOCK – CARRYING AND LOSING CARDS WILL SOON BE A THING OF THE PAST. WITH A TOUCH OF YOUR FINGERTIPS, YOU’LL BE ABLE TO GAIN ENTRY EASILY. IT’S ALSO VERY USEFUL FOR YOUR HOME IF LOSING KEYS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE. AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.COM FROM RO103.50. JULY FEB 0403- -1009/ /ISSUE ISSUE406 327

App of the Week

FREEHAND

Are you an artist who misses being able to draw freehand in an increasingly digital world? If so, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to investigate the Ugee 19-inch Graphics Drawing Pen Tablet Monitor, which easily lets you see what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re drawing. Its interactive display is connected to a desktop computer or laptop, meaning you can see your art come to life and easily correct any mistakes. Available at amazon.com from RO165.48.

CITRIX PODIO Masses of documents, emails, presentations and information flying through cyberspace can be a hazard in the business world, but Podio is a great way to make sure everyone is on the same page. Brought to you by the same people responsible for GoToMeeting, Podio allows your team to communicate, organise, track and get work done all in one place. This cloud platform is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Podio Lite supports up to five employees and is free, while Podio Teams offers more features and costs RO3.50 per employee per month. Available at podio.com

NEW MICROSOFT SURFACE PRO 4 The new Surface Pro 4 offers the versatility of a laptop and tablet and weighs just 784g. It has a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with high contrast and low glare and can easily switch functions from laptop to tablet with a multi-position kickstand and keyboard. The device comes with a 6th Gen Intel Core m3, i5 or i7 processor and sports a battery life of up to nine hours. Available at amazon.com from RO345.

SUPER ZOOM Pack those spectacles away because the future of digital magnification is finally here. The Electronic Digital Video Magnifier from ViSee allows you to magnify and enlarge information of any TV screen or monitor by up to 32 times. Just manoeuvre the mouse over the text you want to read and it will be enlarged on the screen. Zoom in to amazon.com and pick one up from RO30.78. JULY FEB 03 04 - 09 10 / ISSUE 406 327

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

Destination

Postcards from

Outdoors

Y- F i C A R S

Fiat 500X Specifications: Engine: 1.4 Turbo Multiair II Transmission: 6-speed automatic Power: 140 hp @ 5,000rpm Torque: 230 Nm @1,750rpm

With a deceptive size, the new Fiat 500X has more than a few tricks up its stylish sleeve, finds Matt Blackwell

’m not going to lie: when I first learned I would be driving a Fiat 500X, my initial reaction leaned towards scepticism. I wasn’t familiar with the car, but I knew the Fiat 500 well enough. Since its relaunch in 2007, the Fiat 500 has been a roaring success as a city car and proved especially popular with the fairer sex. What I found waiting for me at the Fiat showroom in Azaiba, however, was a different beast entirely to the images I had in my head. For the first time, the Italian car manufacturer has taken its trademark style and injected it into a bigger, bulkier 4x4 crossover that is now ready to hit the streets of Oman. If the Fiat 500 had a beefed up big brother from out of town, the 500X would be it. The 500X retains that charismatic Fiat 500 charm while creating its own distinctive appearance with elevated ground clearance and added ruggedness that allows it to take different terrains in its stride. When I took to the road, the first feeling I got was one of overwhelming safety. The 500X is not the biggest car around – only slightly larger than your average saloon – but despite this it has a definite feeling of solidarity. The car felt secure on the road, even when travelling and cornering at speed. Initially, I was slightly concerned 046

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about rear visibility because the middle headrest blocked out a significant proportion of the rear windscreen, but this was easily adjusted. Even though the model I was driving did not have a reversing camera, the parking sensors helped guide me into spaces on several mall trips over the weekend. The 500X’s Drive Mood Selector gives you the option of Auto, Sport and All-weather modes (Allweather is replaced by Traction on the range-topping Cross Plus trim) and while the mid-level Lounge that I was driving is not intended for hardcore off-roading, I decided to see what it was capable of. My destination was Wakan, a mountain village around 130km from Muscat, and the smooth drive was a genuine pleasure on the open and empty roads out of the capital. Nearing the village, the blacktop road gives way to a stony track and I must admit that the 500X adapted to the change in terrain well and made its way dutifully up the winding mountain trail. Just 50 metres from the village the track inclined sharply, which proved to be one hurdle too many for the 500X and I had to find a safe place to pull over so that I could walk the remaining distance. Still, I was suitably impressed with the off-roading pedigree the car had demonstrated. I think the Cross Plus, with its Traction mode and 2.4-litre engine would’ve perhaps been better suited

to the task. The engine lurking under the bonnet of my model was a 1.4-litre, but before you scoff, it was a 1.4-litre Turbo. Switching into Sport mode, the digital speedometer on the display in front of the driver is swapped for a turbo gauge, enabling you to really squeeze every drop out of the engine as you rocket past other road users and leaves you feeling like you are actually driving something far more powerful than a mere 1.4. The classic Fiat 500 is known for its compact size and the designers of the 500X seem to have pulled off some sort of miracle of physics in that the car seems both big and small at the same time. As already mentioned, the high ground clearance and chunky size give it a large feel, but as soon as I sat in the driver’s seat I felt quite low down. This theme carries on in the rear, where legroom comes at something of a premium. I’m an average-sized guy and when I hopped into the back to assess what the ride would be like for passengers, I found my knees right up against the seat in front of me. My impressions after a full weekend with the 500X were that it’s a great option for families seeking a stylish city drive, with the option of going further afield for light off-roading. However, you may struggle if you want to fill the back with anything more than kids and shopping.

They say: “The strength of beauty” We say: “Stylish crossover”

18-inch alloy rims Rear spoiler Chrome-plated exhaust pipe Tinted windows Automatic dual-zone climate control Drive Mood Selector Electric parking brake Keyless entry and ignition Bi-Xenon headlights Rear parking sensors Refrigerated storage compartment on dashboard Cruise control with speed limiter 3.5-inch multifunction display with colour TFT technology Uconnect Radio with 4 speakers Start&Stop system