Y Magazine #409, February 25, 2016 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

Coming To Oman

LOUIS VUITTON AMERICA’S CUP WORLD SERIES

Horsing

Free!

AROUND

News: TAXI DRIVERS BLOCKING 10 REGULATION

EVERY THURSDAY NOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR

BEAUTY: Male Grooming TASTE TEST: Paul’s Picnic

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

FEB 25 - MAR 02 2016 / ISSUE 409 • WEEKLY

CANINE CAPERS

PLUS!

MEET THE TOP DOGS IN OMAN

FUTURE ORANGE

NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

DESTINATION HAJIR

WATER BABIES

COMPETITION

EDITOR’S

NOTE

Y Magazine has teamed up with the organisers of the Dubai Food Festival to offer a great competition for our readers. For details on how to enter, go to P11.

THE BAROMETER

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

GOING UP

TEMPERATURES Has anybody noticed that the temperature is beginning to creep up, with the mercury hitting 30 degrees this week? It won’t be long before the summer months are upon us!

GOING DOWN

WORK BENEFITS The dominoes continue to fall in the wake of the oil price crash, with the Ministry of Finance announcing that expats and Omani workers at stateowned institutions will have a range of their benefits slashed, including school fees, annual tickets home and bonuses. See P10.

THIS WEEK…

Fast forward

t’s a well-known fact that pets can make a huge difference to our lives, with a number of scientific studies finding that they can improve our mental health, give our social skills a boost and even help to keep us healthy. While owning a pet is a huge responsibility – and one that is for life – there’s a tendency for many residents in Oman to shy away from this wonderful experience, which is a shame. And if any of you headed down to Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, for the Canines For A Cause Charity Festival last weekend, you’d know what I mean. Hundreds of people turned up for the day, many of them accompanied by their four-legged friends, all keen to enter in the many events that had been organised – from Most Outrageous Dog to Best Costume and Obedience Challenge just to name a few. It was a great day out and one that Y, as a sponsor, was very honoured to be a part of. Organised by Canadian Jebel K9 Dog Training & Services, the aim of the event is to raise money for charity and increase awareness of having a dog as a pet. It’s a very worthy cause and we are looking forward to next year’s festival! Meanwhile, one of the biggest sporting events to be held in Oman kicks off in the capital this weekend, with six of the world’s top sailing teams vying for line honours in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series. It’s the first time the series has been held in the Middle East and if you want to be a part of history, albeit as a spectator, then turn to P26 for a rundown of events and where to watch it. Have a great weekend!

Team Y enjoyed a great day out at the Canines for a Cause Charity Festival at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, has been getting back into the swing of the school routine and training hard for an adventure race in Dubai this weekend (good luck, Matt B!).

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

editor@y-oman.com

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

SUB-EDITOR Matt Blackwell

PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

contents

Features 20 Top Dogs Canines For A Cause Charity Festival 2016

FEB 25 - MAR 02 2016

Your Oman

This Week

06 Coffee With Y Salim-Sulaiman

16 #FYI World’s Most Dangerous Roads

08 Voice Of Oman Matt Blackwell 10 News Seventh Nizwa Bus Crash Victim 13 Gallery Koooora Talent Hunt

14 Gallery Tour Of Oman Champ/ Oman Avenues Mall 15 Hyundai – Driven To Success Khalid Al Habsi

26 Making Waves The America’s Cup Sails Into Town

17 Movies Deadpool 18 This Week All That Jazz

20 Cars and Adventures 38 Destination Hijar

Food and Drink 28 Food Feature Fresh From The Sea 30 Taste Test Picnic from Paul

40 Outdoors Sunset Horses

Health and Beauty 32 Fashion The Future Is Orange

42 Postcard From Loloata Island, Papua New Guinea 44 Y-Fi Water Babies

34 Beauty 46 Car Of The Week Male Grooming Nissan Sentra 35 Health Don’t Be Vein

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

Indian musical maestros Salim and Sulaiman Merchant have just brought their own special brand of music to Oman for the first time. Kate Ginn caught up with them

t feels a little like being in the presence of Bollywood royalty when you’re in the company of Salim and Sulaiman. They arrive at a reception at Muscat Grand Mall to announce their debut performance in Oman and are greeted with the sort of treatment reserved for VIPs. I suppose people who are known by their first names only (like Madonna) must be in the superstar stratosphere. “It’s wonderful”, Salim says later when I ask if he likes being famous and all that comes with it. “I would never say that it’s not nice. Sometimes I’d like to be normal and just take a walk, but in certain places, the smaller sectors in India, it gets crazy.” His brother agrees: “It [fame] comes at a price.” With their pedigree, it’s not surprising that everyone in their home country and beyond wants to get a selfie with them. Since being thrust into the global spotlight after their song, Africa – You’re a Star, was chosen to be the official tune of the FIFA World Cup in 2010, it must be hard to go anywhere in their home country without being recognised. Their career to date has seen them compose music for more than 100 Bollywood films and TV shows, including Chak De! India and Rab Ne Bana di Jodi, while their arresting vocals and perfect percussions have captured the hearts of people in every corner of the world. They’ve also worked with contemporary artists such as Lady Gaga and Enrique Iglesias and recently dipped their toes into Hollywood, while Salim was one of the judges for the fifth series of Indian Idol. Their MTV Unplugged acoustic sessions are legendary. It’s fair to say that the duo live and breathe music. Their late father, Sadruddin Merchant, led the Ismaili Scouts Orchestra in India and he remains their inspiration. “All our songs are

FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

tributes to our dad,” says Salim. “He was our mentor. We are who we are because of our parents, whether you’re a musician, artist or businessman.” Classically trained – Salim studied piano at Trinity College of Music [now Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance] in London and Sulaiman was trained in the tabla [a percussion instrument similar to bongo drums] – they got their Bollywood break composing the music for hit horror film Bhoot. Their distinctive work, a fusion of Hindi and Sufi influences mixed with western and folk sounds, resonates with audiences across cultures and countries. “Music has its own universal language. It has its own pulse frequency, its own beat. You don’t need to know the language for music,” says Salim. “Having classical routes and experimenting with different genres gives us an edge. We’re constantly listening to music and discovering new kinds.” Growing up, their western music favourites ranged from Michael Jackson to Sting and Daft Punk to Madonna (Sulaiman is a big fan, apparently). On Salim’s current playlist are Coldplay and the new Justin Bieber album Purpose. There have been many career highs, but one of the biggest was performing at the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa. “They invited us to perform in Johannesburg at the opening ceremony and when we walked out into the stadium, there were 90,000 people,” says Salim. “We are such a strong community, the Southeast Asians, and the minute they saw us on stage, there was a huge roar and it was so loud that we could not hear ourselves singing. It was really overwhelming.” Spending so much time with a sibling can’t always be easy and both admit to the odd argument when creative tension boils over. But neither seems to want to even contemplate the idea of not working with each other. They are like two halves of a whole that just don’t make sense without the other. “We’re each other’s punching bags,” says Sulaiman. “We’re

constantly bouncing off each other.” His brother adds: “We grew up listening to, learning and playing music together. It’s a huge part of our strength. We complement each other.” Trying to find out which one of the brothers is the oldest is like trying to crack a piece of concrete. Their ages have never been reported and when asked, Salim jokes: “Who do you think? Come on, don’t I look younger?” At a guess, I would say Salim is the elder. He does the most talking and seems to be in charge. We do know that both are married with one daughter. Forget fame, fortune and adulation. Family, the siblings agree, is the most important thing. “Whatever we have done is always towards family,” says Sulaiman. “When we go out there and we do all these things and we’re out 200 days a year, it’s such a wonderful feeling to go back home and feel your daughter and embrace them and enjoy them.” Salim adds: “They give us the inspiration and they give us the love. We’d be incomplete without them.” Sulaiman says his daughter, aged five-and-a-half, is too young to realise how famous her dad is, but Salim’s child is aware of the fuss. They better get used to more attention, as their work is soon to be shared with an even wider audience. The pair have collaborated on a Hollywood film called Sold, produced by Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson, about human trafficking, set to be released at the end of this year. Another film, a love story between an Australian man and an Indian girl, is also due out this year. Audiences who witnessed their spectacular first time appearance in Oman last Friday (February 26) in Muscat will know just how good they are live. Up close, they are even better. Before leaving, Salim sings a few lines from their hit Shukran Allah. His voice is sweet and mesmerising, and he sounds like the star that he is. Have you got a unique story to tell or do you know someone who has? Contact us to have coffee with Y and be featured in Y Magazine. Email: editor@y-oman.com

Y Magazine is looking for a first-class sub-editor/writer with an eye for detail and a flair for the English language to keep us at the top as the most talked about weekly magazine in Oman. Dedicated and hard-working, the successful applicant will be responsible for the magazine’s production schedule, ensuring our deadlines are met and that copy is crisp, bright, accurate and engaging to read. You will have at least three years’ experience working as a sub-editor in magazines or newspapers with InDesign experience. Your primary role will be checking, rewriting and editing editorial copy to an exacting standard, but you will also be expected to write news and lifestyle articles for the magazine and assist in the management of our website and social media platforms as part of a small, tight-knit and creative editorial team.

Y Magazine is looking for a reporter to join its team. If you have great contacts, a nose for a good story and sharp writing skills, then we want to hear from you. A minimum of two years’ editorial experience is required, as is excellent English, and social and digital media skills. You are dedicated, hard-working, a great communicator and team player who can also work independently. Your primary role will be writing a variety of stories focusing on lifestyle, social issues, news, reviews, attending events and conducting interviews, and conceptualising fantastic story ideas.

REPORTER

SUB-EDITOR/WRITER

WE’RE HIRING

If you are up to the challenge, send us your CV, cover letter and examples of published work to editor@y-oman.com by February 28, 2016, clearly stating in the subject line which job you are applying for.

JULY 03 - 09 / ISSUE 327

THE VOICE OF OMAN MATT BLACKWELL TALKS RUBBISH

correspondence SUPER SPRINGS Dear Shaquel,

man is a truly beautiful country. Venture as little as 30 minutes outside the capital and you have easy access to some seriously picturesque and unspoilt spots. Well, almost unspoilt. Having a five-month-old puppy, I’ve got an excuse to get out and about at the weekends and my Friday will usually start with me sifting through back issues of Y Magazine and selecting a suitably adventurous Destination, before I bundle Scotch into the back of my Pathfinder and get on my way. I’ve been up mountains, visited deserted beaches, splashed my way through wadis and more. Even though each destination is completely unique, the one thing nearly all of them have in common is rubbish. No matter where we go (yes, even the deserted beaches), it’s like someone got there just before us and upended their rubbish bin. I just don’t understand why people can’t clean up after themselves. I’ve noticed that quite often wadis will have large metal containers for waste around the more popular areas, but it seems that carrying rubbish from their barbecue or campsite a short distance to the bin is just too much for some people, who opt to carelessly leave their litter strewn about instead. Not only does it disfigure the landscape, it also poses a threat to local wildlife. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve had to extract half gnawed bones from Scotch’s mouth before he chokes on them. When it comes to outdoor adventures, Oman is right up there with an abundance of camping opportunities, but this beauty will not last forever; not when people take it for granted as they currently do. I implore any of you who enjoy taking advantage of Oman’s rugged beauty to clean up after yourself – every little bit helps!

NEXT WEEK: ALI AL RAHMA

FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

Thank you for your Destination article about Ain Ghala [Issue 405]. I live in Sad, Bawshar, so Ghala is close to my farm – just over a sand dune! I’d heard that there were hot springs in Ghala village, but like you had not been to see them. With time for a spin, I recently followed your directions and found the baths and buildings. You didn’t say the brown sign was only in Arabic! But I realised it was the one.  Nice touch that there are two “private bathrooms” for men or women, so you just go in and lock the door. And the water is warm. The following day, the weather was very cool and I needed a walk. I decided to go one step better, leaving the car at home and walking through the back lanes, wadis and farm paths of Sad, Fateh and old Bawshar to Bait al Maqham. Although it was locked, the Bengali looking after it got the key and let me in. There wasn’t much decoration,

DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:

“Is Muscat Festival good for Oman and how can it be improved in the future?”

but it had perfectly refurbished ceilings and windows. Kind regards and sincere thanks, Georgina Benison, Muscat ‪GAYATRI RAMAKRISHNAN‬‪

Muscat Festival is a colourful cultural and artistic event that brings various nationalities together. It also seeks to revive Omani heritage, making it good for Oman’s tourism industry. It can be improved by bringing many famous international bands and troupes to make the festival more attractive. The venue should offer quality products from both local and international companies at attractive prices, thereby providing a great shopping experience for visitors. Parking is always a problem during the festivals and should also be improved.

‪‪‪NAZEER M THAHA‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬

One of the most important festivals in Oman is the ‪‪‪SUNIL D’CRUZ‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‬‬‪ ‬ Muscat Festival. The festival should concentrate on two Muscat Festival is good because it showcases goals: creating world class events and retail promotions, the handicrafts, song and dance of Oman. to promote Muscat as the ultimate global shopping and Omani schoolchildren should be encouraged tourist destination, and to set the benchmark for events to participate and put on performances. and festivals around the world.

WRITE TO US AND WIN A VOUCHER

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

ebHotel /GoldenTulipSe eb @GoldenTulipSe

SEND US YOUR letters, photos, news and views to info@y-oman.com / @ytabloid / /ytabloid. Impress us and the winning correspondent will receive a voucher for dinner at the Golden Tulip. Vouchers must be collected from Y’s

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‪‪‪VIJAYALAKSHMI SHETTY‬‪

Muscat Festival is a connection between the old and new Omani cultures; we can make it more vibrant by adding the culture of the whole world.

‪‪‪SEEMI SAHAR‬‪

Muscat Festival is one of the most eagerly awaited events in Oman, but sadly it is the same each year. Oman is a vast and beautiful country with so many governorates and I’m sure each must have its own unique history, culture and cuisine, but this goes unexplored. I would request the organising authorities take ideas from other countries and seriously try to add more excitement to the festival, which I’m confident isn’t very difficult to do. This will also add to the charm of the nation.

‪‪‪ANTONY VETTIYAZHICKAL JOSEPH‬‪

Festivals need to be looked at in the festive spirit, not necessarily in terms of income or loss. Such once-a-year events like Muscat Festival are good for any country and Oman is no exception. But if one compares Muscat Festival with events elsewhere like Dubai Shopping Festival, one ends up nowhere. Seeing as the main aim of Muscat Festival is bringing Oman’s rich culture to the urbanites, Muscat Festival is needed and it is going to stay. Improvements are being made every year and I

am sure vital issues like better crowd management, parking and traffic systems will be addressed, besides allocating an exclusive families day and an exclusive women’s day.

‪‪SYED BOKHARI‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪

Muscat Festival is good for Oman as it depicts the true picture of the Sultanate’s old and present cultures, traditions and heritage, which attracts tourists. But improvement needs to be made regarding timings, parking and cuisine to benefit customers.

‪‪M SUBBASHINI MEENAKSHI SUNDARAM‬‪ ‬‪

Muscat Festival is the most anticipated event and it’s the ultimate destination for enjoyment. Every year they are making it more informative and beautiful. My suggestion is to make the starting time earlier, because the winter evenings are creating health problems for children.

New Debate:

“Should some beaches in Muscat be made exclusive family-only areas?”

Tell us on Facebook or Twitter and be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

YAHYA SELEHI, was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine in Seeb, Muscat.

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 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

YOUR

OMAN

Gallery

NIZWA BUS CRASH

DEATH TOLL RISES TO

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FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

NEWS

NO TO REGULATED TAXIS

t looks like tourists and commuters in the Sultanate will have to wait a while longer for a level playing field when it comes to fares, after an announcement this week that the concept of regulated taxis had been rejected by Muscat’s cab drivers. The Ministry of Transport and Communications had proposed the idea of uniting Muscat’s taxis under a single company as part of a new public transport system, but the plan was met with resistance by drivers, who believe they would lose business as a result. “Most of the orange taxi drivers feel this would risk their business, which is their main source of income,” Aziz al Hassani, a member of the Majlis Al Shura, was

fourth pupil from Indian School Nizwa on the bus that crashed returning from a field trip has died in hospital. Jaden Jaison [pictured below] had been fighting for his life since the accident on January 28, but never regained consciousness from terrible head injuries and passed away in Nizwa Hospital last week. “He was a loveable and playful child. He was good not only in his studies, but also in extracurricular activities, especially sports, and we find it hard to admit that he is no more,” said a friend of the family. Jaden’s parents, who kept a vigil by his bedside, took their son’s body back to India, where they remain. His death means seven people have now lost their lives in the tragedy, in which the school bus

Interview

filled with 34 Class II students returning from a picnic outing to Bahla collided with a truck carrying frozen fish. The bus flipped over on impact and rolled several times. Pupils Siya Sabu, Mohammed Shammas and Ruya, aged seven and eight, died from their injuries, along with teacher Deepali Sandip Seth. Both the Omani bus and truck drivers were also killed at the scene. Parents of the Indian School Nizwa are still waiting for answers as to what happened on the day of the accident amid claims that basic safety checks were not carried out and the bus driver was too old. An internal investigation into the crash by the Indian School Board, which oversees all Indian schools in Oman, is ongoing.

quoted as saying in a local newspaper earlier this week. Sulaiman al Jardani is the man who has been elected to represent more than 500 taxi drivers and previously spoke to Y when we investigated the clash between the new Mwasalat bus service and Muscat’s traditional taxis [Issue 402]. Commenting on the latest decision, Sulaiman told the media: “We don’t want any other company to come into the market. This company will hurt our business as it will get exclusive access to strategic places like shopping malls. How will our taxis be able to earn money? If people can easily order a taxi, what’s the use of cruising taxis? “We need our own call centre instead of another company, which will make it more difficult for us. We are already facing difficulties due to the new bus service.” The concept of metered taxis, widely implemented and considered commonplace around the world, has been on the table for a number of years, but is still experiencing opposition from orange-and-white taxi drivers. One of the main concerns is that taxis in Oman deal with multiple passengers and multiple drops, making a meter system hard to introduce. Another option that could potentially be explored is the idea of creating additional tourism taxis, which would be a different colour and more suited to a metered system, as they would be dealing with the number of trips as opposed to number of passengers.

WORK BENEFITS CUT

housands of expat and Omani workers will see their work benefits slashed as the Government continues cutbacks to claw back some of the massive RO3.3 billion budget deficit. It will only apply to those employed at state-owned institutions with 50 per cent Government funding or more, according to the decision by the Ministry of Finance. Workers face losing a raft of allowances such as health insurance for family, life insurance, car insurance, loans, bonuses and incentives during Ramadan or Eid. Other privileges including school fees, mobile

phones, annual medical check-ups for employees and family, annual leave tickets, housemaid allowances, furniture allowances, private cars for senior managers and credit cards for CEOs will also be temporarily stopped. A circular stated that the decision had been made to cushion the economy squeezed by falling oil prices. The Majlis Al Shura has also formed a team to study semigovernment companies and their use of funding. Last month, it was revealed that the Sultanate has borrowed money to finance the requirements of the state budget with a $1 billion loan facility agreement with 11 international banks.

L L A

Gallery

L P VA I I R T ST D FE I A P D O S E S I FO N E P BA X E DU O T

N I W

raving a taste of something different the next time you visit Dubai? This February may be the chance to do just that as the Dubai Food Festival (DFF) returns with a bigger and better menu of unforgettable gastronomic experiences. Running from February 25 to March 12, 2016, DFF is a citywide culinary celebration that showcases the Emirate’s emergence as a leading destination for foodies. From international street food, homegrown successes, food carnivals, farmer’s markets and pop-ups, to celebrity-hosted events and live entertainment, DFF guarantees to take you on a tasty journey of discovery!

Interview

NEWS

● Dubai Restaurant Week: The inaugural Dubai Restaurant Week will take place during the first week of DFF 2016 and will include amazing menus from 30 of the best-known and loved fine dining restaurants in the city. This is an exclusive opportunity to sample some of the top spots on your to-try list at an incredible price. ● Eat The World DXB: An exciting food and music festival where high-quality, authentic food is the star of the show. Enjoy the dishes on offer by 15 international street food traders, including food trucks from as far reaching as London, as well as a selection of tasty fare from local businesses. ● Beach Canteen: In addition to the foodie fun, Beach Canteen will feature daily programming and entertainment such as children’s activities and beach sports to the soundtrack of local bands and DJs. New to the line up this year, don’t miss the Glow in the Dark Party, The Best of the Dubai Farmers’ Markets and the live Chefs Demonstration stage featuring talented local and celebrity chefs. ● Dine with the Stars: The Dine with the Stars events offer you the chance to dine with your favourite celebrity chefs and enjoy a delicious menu crafted especially for the occasion. You’ll also be entertained as guest chefs share their personal stories and discuss their passion for all things food. The events will be held at exclusive five-star locations in venues offering stunning views and elegant surroundings.

h g i

WIN

Y Magazine has teamed up with the organisers of Dubai Food Festival to give one lucky reader the chance to win two tickets to attend a Dubai Food Festival event, in addition to two return tickets and accommodation in Dubai for two nights. All you have to do for a chance to win, is answer this simple question:

u l c

: e d

WHICH INTERNATIONAL CHEF IS LEADING THE ROSTER FOR THE FATAFEAT KITCHEN EVENT AT THIS YEAR’S EDITION OF THE DUBAI FOOD FESTIVAL?

A) ARDA TURKMEN B) SHANNON BENNETT C) ANDREW MITCHELL (HINT: For the full festival line up, go to dubaifoodfestival.com)

Send your entry to editor@y-oman.com by March 2 to be included in the draw.

/DxbFoodFest

/dxbfoodfest

FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

011

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

RAMBO GRANNY

What’s this about? It seems that an octogenarian grandmother has taken the law into her own hands after thieves stole her purse. Really? She sounds brave! Absolutely! Alice Makla, an 81-year-old from Pennsylvania in the US, was arriving home in her car when the bag snatchers struck, stealing her purse from an open window of her car. What happened next? Well, instead of panicking, Alice decided to give chase as the thieves jumped into their own car and sped away, following them down the street in her vehicle. Did she catch them? Not in the traditional sense, but she did manage to ram her car into theirs, forcing them to stop. She’s so cool! We have to agree with you on that. The thieves stole US$140 from her purse, which they then threw out the window, and sped off. Is Alice okay? Yes, she’s fine. The good news is that police later found the thieves’ damaged car in a parking lot at a local shopping centre and tracked down the owner from there. The thieves have since been arrested after admitting the crime. Don’t say: “She looks like an easy mark. Do say: “Crime doesn’t pay.” 012

FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

CANINE CAPERS

COMPETITION

YOUR

Say it With Love

This Mother’s Day

aking your meals, driving you to and from school, offering a helping hand with homework and a whole lot more – do you ever actually stop to think just how much mums actually do for us? We think it’s high time that these superheroes in disguise get the credit they deserve and that is why Y Magazine has teamed up with Puck to show the mums of Muscat just how much they are loved by their children in a special competition to coincide with Mother’s Day in the GCC, which is celebrated on March 21. This is the second edition of the competition and last year saw our boxes inundated with hundreds of entries as children across the capital put their feelings down on paper, proving why, in their opinion, their mum was the best in the world. It’s not just the title of Muscat’s Best Mum that is on the line. Thanks to Puck, there will be

goodie bags and cash prizes for the top three entries, with RO200 going to first place, RO100 for second and RO50 for third. If this isn’t motivation enough to show your love, then we don’t know what is – just think of all the treats you could buy your mum as a thank you. To enter this year, you’ll need to be 16 or under. Just pick up a special card, available in next week’s issue of Y Magazine, and fill it with a heartfelt message of love for your mum. Remember, our judges will be selecting the winners based on content and display, so don’t be afraid to really let your creative juices flow. Last year, we received poems, drawings, touching words and simple displays of gratitude for mums just being themselves. Look out for the A5 card in next week’s issue of Y. Complete your entry, being as creative as you like with words and pictures, and drop it into one of the specially designated boxes at all Gloria Jean’s Coffees outlets around the city, Markaz Al Bahja Mall and Panorama Mall. More details to follow next week.

I love you , mom

GALLERY

TALENT HUNTERS THE KOOOORA WA BAS TALENT HUNT 2015 CAME TO AN EXCITING CONCLUSION LAST FRIDAY NIGHT, WITH AN AWARDS CEREMONY TO HONOUR THE 60 FINALISTS OF THE POPULAR FOOTBALL COMPETITION. DISTINGUISHED GUESTS INCLUDED OMAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN SAYYID KHALID BIN HAMAD BIN HAMOUD AL BUSAIDI AND SABCO MEDIA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER EIHAB ABUTAHA. MAHMOOD MOHAMMED AL SIYABI, 12, WAS CROWNED THE WINNER OF THE EVENT, COLLECTING RO2,000 FOR HIS STERLING EFFORTS, WHILE TALAL YAHYA AL MUJAINI, 14, CAME IN SECOND (RO1,000) AND THIRD WENT TO ALI SALIM AL RAWAHI, 14 (RO500). “WE SAW SOME GREAT TALENT, WHICH IS FANTASTIC FOR THE FUTURE OF FOOTBALL IN OMAN,” SAYS KOOOORA WA BAS EDITOR IN CHIEF SAID AL BARAAMI

FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

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YOUR

GALLERY

TRIUMPHANT TOUR

OMAN

RETAIL THERAPY

AFTER SIX STAGES OF INTENSE CYCLING THAT TOOK IN MORE THAN 900KM OF THE SULTANATE’S LANDSCAPE, VINCENZO NIBALI EVENTUALLY CLINCHED VICTORY IN THE 2016 TOUR OF OMAN, AHEAD OF ROMAIN BARDET AND JAKOB FUGLSANG

THE THIRD FLOOR OF OMAN AVENUES MALL IS NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. IT INCLUDES A BOWLING CENTRE, VARIOUS RESTAURANTS, A WOMEN’S SPA AND A 400-CAPACITY PARTY HALL

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

DRIVEN TO

SUCCESS In association with Genesis

Graduating from Sultan Qaboos University’s College of Commerce and Economy, Khalid al Habsi worked for Oman Oil Marketing Company, Shell Development Oman and the Information Technology Authority before establishing Taskeen Properties, a development and investment company, in 2013. He talks about his career while taking the new Genesis for a ride Q: What drives you to success? In 2009, I started to notice that most property development projects in Oman were of a very low standard when it comes to the design and the quality of the building itself. My main motivation is to raise the quality of buildings in Muscat and I am constantly trying to improve this standard. Q: Who or what has been your inspiration in your career? My inspiration comes from my clients. Every time I deliver a project and a client likes it, they will advise others to work with me. Building a

villa is a life project for people and when they are really happy, their stories inspire me. Q: What is your biggest career success to date? My biggest achievement was winning an SME award that was set up in His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said’s name. We won the Best Small Company in the Service Sector in Oman in the second edition of the award in 2015. When they announced Taskeen Properties, I honestly couldn’t believe it. It was a very nice to be recognised amongst almost 400 companies that had participated in this award. Q: What are your career goals? When people talk of houses and villas, I want them to think of Taskeen immediately. My plan is for Taskeen to be the best property development company for the middles class in Oman when it comes to the quality and design of villas. Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? My plan in the next five years to 10 years is to undertake initiatives to help develop society. I believe that society provides for us and we need to give back. Right now, I am building Taskeen and once it has become a

THE CAR IS ENERGETIC, BOTH IN ITS LOOKS AND DRIVING DYNAMICS. FROM INSIDE, IT PAMPERS ITS OCCUPANTS WITH LUXURY AND ITS SAFETY TECHNOLOGY IS TOP CLASS big company, then I can free myself to carry out socially responsible activities like developing schools and helping poor people. I believe if we invest in the youth in a systematic way we will create successful people in our society. Q: What do you think of the Genesis, the premium series of Hyundai Motor Company? This was my first experience with the Genesis and it has left me very impressed. The car is energetic, both in its looks and driving dynamics. From inside, it pampers its occupants with luxury and its safety technology is top class. Having experienced this car now, I would highly recommend it to my friends and family, and to all enthusiasts who seek a modern machine that looks good and drives great. FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

015

Sichuan-Tibet Highway, China

Yungas 1 North Road, Bolivia

most dangerous roads in the world 2

Jalalabad窶適abul Road, Afghanistan

The Stelvio Pass, Italy

Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand

Karakoram Highway, Pakistan

Guoliang Tunnel Road, China

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The Zojila Pass, India

Los Caracoles Pass, Chile

James Dalton Highway, Alaska

Source: wonderslist.com

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

Criminal Activities

Deadpool Pack away your preconceptions of superhero movies, because Deadpool flips the script entirely on its head. Explaining the origin of Marvel’s most outrageous and rowdy anti-hero, Deadpool starts with a high-octane, high body count action sequence before flashing back to show how Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), a former special forces operative turned mercenary, became the eponymous red spandex-wearing character, affectionately known as the Merc with a Mouth. Obnoxious, crude and violent, Deadpool is a man intent on vengeance as he tracks down the rogue scientist (Ed Skrein) who nearly ruined his life, curing his terminal cancer and giving him accelerated healing powers,

but completely disfiguring him in the process. Just like the comic series on which it is based, Deadpool is self aware and Reynolds frequently breaks the fourth wall to trash just about everything, form superhero clichés to himself. Full of uproarious humour, Deadpool adopts machine-gun tactics when it comes to jokes, but the blanket approach means that plenty hit the mark. Like its lead character, Deadpool has a twisted sense of humour, so if you’re easily offended, you should probably think twice about going. Not one for youngsters, but adults will have a field day with Marvel’s biggest breath of fresh air since Guardians of the Galaxy. Review by Matt Blackwell

P RE VI EW

THE FAITH OF ANNA WATERS Jamie (Elizabeth Rice) is a young crime reporter who travels to Singapore to investigate her sister’s death, which has been officially classed as suicide. Finding that the circumstances were mysterious, she delves deeper into the case with the help of her sister’s husband and uncovers a string of related suicides that point to the return of an ancient demonic entity.

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

After a stock market investment goes south, four buddies are hauled in to see Eddie (John Tavolta), the mobster who part-financed their scheme. Eddie offers to wipe their life-threatening debt if they are able to kidnap a member of a rival crime syndicate and hold him for 24 hours. The only problem is they’re not criminals and the group soon realise they’re

in way over their heads. Mixing crime with comedy was a formula for success in previous Travolta-starring hits like Pulp Fiction and Get Shorty, but a lack of build up and a lazy script makes Criminal Activities a poor imitation.

El Americano: The Movie When the future of his father’s family circus is jeopardised by a rival group of bullying birds, the young parrot Cuco (voiced by Rico Rodriguez) takes it upon himself to venture to Hollywood and seek out his TV superhero idol, El Americano, for help. Embarking on a quest with his loyal band of friends, Cuco goes on to discover the hero inside himself. The film is the result of the first animated co-production between studios in Mexico and the US, but while the film’s heart and message are in the right place, the humour is bland, the music dated and the script cheesy.

Bollywatch TERE BIN LADEN: DEAD OR ALIVE

From initial impressions, the sequel to 2010’s Tere Bin Laden looks to be every bit as hilarious as its predecessor. In order to silence claims that the death of Bin Laden was a hoax, US Government agents track down a doppelgänger and convince a budding Bollywood director (Manish Paul) to shoot the footage that will “prove” the terrorist is dead.

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.

Brought to you by

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION What business does Cuco's father run? LAST WEEK'S WINNER Reden Jurado

Contact: Movie enquiries 24607360

FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

017

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

BUNKER BRUNCH

WEEK

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

F E B R U A R Y Nip across the border to swing out at the Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival, a unique take on music, art and lifestyle, at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Appearing on stage on Thursday will be British singer-songwriter David Gray and Sting, who will be sharing the stage with awardwinning master trumpeter Chris Botti. Multi-Grammy award winner and global guitar music icon Santana is the big name on Friday (26). For details and tickets, check out dubaijazzfest.com

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FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

All That Jazz

THIS

Bully-Off

Watch hockey teams from all over the GCC take to the field to battle it out for the Starcare Cup in the UTSC Gulf Hockey Fiesta 2016. Chief guest is P R Sreejesh, vice-captain and goalkeeper of the Indian Hockey team. Venue is the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Bawshar, and all the action can be seen from 8am-10pm. For more information, search Gulf Hockey Fiesta on Facebook.

READ ON

FEB

Bag yourself some reading material for half price at the Big Book Sale at the Dar Al Atta’a Let’s Read shop in the Al Qurum Complex. Hundreds of great books for adults and children available, priced from 500 baisa to RO1, all discounted by 50 per cent. Drop by from 10am-1pm. For more information, contact letsreadoman@gmail.com or call 9931 4230. Visit Dar Al Atta’s Let’s Read on Facebook.

Feb 24 - 26

Feb 26

FEB

Take a seat at the table for the first ever brunch at Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club. Starting from February 26, the club will be offering Brunch @ the Hills. Tuck into food as DJ V Groove plays chilled-out tunes to create the right mood. From 12pm-5pm with non-soft beverages served from 2pm-5pm. Starting from RO30 for members and RO33 for nonmembers. To book, call 2451 2482 or email FB@muscatgolf.com

TOP DOGS

THERE WERE TEARS OF JOY, LAUGHTER, LOTS OF BARKING AND TAIL WAGGING AT THE SECOND CANINES FOR A CAUSE CHARITY FUN DAY FOR DOGS AND THEIR OWNERS IN MUSCAT. KATE GINN AND MATT BLACKWELL JOINED THE FOUR-LEGGED FUN Main image: Bader al Lawati

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FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

Photography by: Shaquel al Balushi

resented with his winning rosette, Oscar the Jack Russell terrier ran around in circles with his little tail wagging in excitement. His young handler, Isla Spyropoulos, was just as thrilled with their first place in Musical Hoops – a dog-friendly take on the classic party game of musical chairs – the opening competition in the Canines for a Cause Charity Festival, which was held for the second year at the weekend. “We didn’t practice before, but he’s small, so you can lift him into the hoop,” says Isla, nine, revealing the secrets of her and Oscar’s success. As to why she likes dogs, Isla replies: “When you’re sad, they can make you happy. And no matter how much you want to talk to them, they just listen.” For Isla and her little canine companion, it was just the start of their winning ways. Oscar, aged two, got his paws on many more rosettes over the course of the day. Big, small, long-haired, shorthaired, they came in all shapes and sizes to take part in the Canines for a Cause event – and that was just the dog owners! When it came to their fourlegged friends, the breeds on show ranged from cute chihuahuas to a hulking auburn-coloured Tibetan mastiff, which was only a puppy at last year’s event. Organised by Canadian Jebel K9 Dog Training & Services, a dog training and boarding service based in Muscat, the event last Saturday (February 20) had a twin objective: to raise funds for Oman Diabetes Association and the child care centre in Al Khoud, where the orphaned children of Oman live and increase awareness about the benefits of having a dog as a pet. The setting was spectacular, in the grounds of Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton hotel, with the ocean as a backdrop. Some recognisable doggy faces were back from last year, including Jasper, a sleek black cocker spaniel, who went on to repeat his feat of third place in the Obedience Challenge, fending off tough competition from some very wellbehaved hounds. “It’s a brilliant event and really good fun for everybody. And it’s great for the dogs to socialise and just have a bit of a laugh really,” says his owner, Karen Jensen. “We’ve learned a new trick, so we’re going to see if he wants to

perform that for the Best Trick competition later.” Jasper’s trick turned out to be commando crawling towards his owner for a treat and was enough to earn him third place again. Watching from the sidelines were Mark and Nicole Boothwaite with their dachshund. “We came here last year without him, but we thought we’d bring him and he seems to be enjoying it,” says his master. Nicole adds: “I think this is fantastic and I think Oman needs more of this because there aren’t a lot of places that you can take your dogs and this is a wonderful event.” Highlighting how dogs can make great pets was the K9 Alpha Team, a canine display group with young Omani handlers. Dressed in matching black waistcoats, they marched into the show area like an elite army squad with their dogs – mostly German shepherds but also a rottweiler – walking smartly to heel, before being put through their obedience paces with military precision. Bursting with pride afterwards was Albaraa Alzadjali, who, at 14 is the owner of Vicki, a gorgeous German shepherd. Together, they won first place in the Obedience Challenge. “It’s very hard work, training and working with the dog,” says Albaraa. “You have to work with them every day, but I really like it. “In Oman, people just do not like dogs. I don’t know why. I try to change their minds, but I can’t. I am doing my bit.” Another winner from the K9 Alpha Team was Rambo and his teenage owner, Abdul Rahman al Balushi, who scooped first place for Best Trick. “We only did this trick today,” says Abdul, 16, of the entertaining feat that saw Rambo jump through his owner’s legs as he lay on his back. “I like having fun when working with the dogs and he’s like a friend

Top Dogs Musical Hoops Oscar Obedience Challenge Vicki Dress Up Relay Ben Best Trick Rambo Find It Kikan Agility Challenge Oscar Junior Handler Isla and Oscar Pawcasso (Painting Competition) Shera Bone Appetite (Eating Competition) Alf Best Dressed Dog Max Judge’s Special Award Most Outrageous Dog Eager

FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

021

who can be with me all the time. “I think things will change in Oman in two or three years. More Omani people will have dogs as pets.” If any canine could change people’s minds about dog ownership, it would be pit bull terrier puppy Eager, who at three months is simply adorable. It wasn’t a surprise when she was chosen as Most Outrageous Dog for, well, just being outrageously cute. “I’m not really much good with people,” says her shy owner, Ameer, 15. “I love animals. So I am excited to get a dog. She’s more like a human. She is like a friend to me.” Meanwhile, in the arena, which could be overlooked from an open tent, judging was under way for the Best Dressed Dog, which had the judges scratching their heads when it came to choosing the top three. From “Batdog” to pugs dressed in lederhosen and tuxedos, owners pulled all the stops to dress their pampered pooches to impress. In the end, Snowy, dressed in a denim waistcoat came third and Maddie as a ladybug took second, while the undisputed crowd favourite, Max, won first place. Max, who was dressed up as a blood donor dog to highlight how dogs can donate blood to their fellow canines, just like as humans, has a special story to tell. The nine-month-old German shepherd was found by a rubbish bin with a 022

FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

bandage on his leg, two dislocated hips and nerve damage to his right leg. His rescuers, from animal welfare group Omani Paws, aren’t sure what happened to him (possibly a car accident) and whether he was abandoned by an owner. Luckily for Max, he ended up being fostered by Vicky Byrne, a trained veterinary physiotherapist, who is nursing him back to health as best she can. She has now adopted Max permanently and does physio work with him every day. “He’s doing really well. He can jump over small fences now, he can run up and down the stairs, which he couldn’t do before, he swims, he keeps up with my two other dogs that are the same size as him and chases cats,” says Vicky. “He keeps surprising me, to be honest. Every day, he does something that I’m not expecting. With disabled dogs, you never really know how far they can go until you work with them. I want him to have the best, most fun life that he can.” It proved to be a good day for Omani Paws as well, as they managed to rehome three puppies rescued off the streets. Members of The Wadi Wranglers, a community organisation that recovers, trains

CANADIAN JEBEL K9

canadianJebelk9 canadianjebelk9 Web: jebelk9.com/ canines2106 Email: jebelk9@jebelk9.com

and rehabilitates rescue dogs, also had a great event with a seven-strong team representing them. One of the wranglers was nine-year-old Sara Bogunovic, who has been attending youth handler classes at Canadian Jebel K9 Dog & Training Services over the past month, learning about obedience training, leash handling and the close bond needed between dog and handler. After a tight heat in the hugely popular Dress Up Relay, which was sponsored by Y Magazine, Sara and the wadi dog rescue she was handling, Ben, eventually took first place. With a bag of Y goodies in hand, an excited Sara says: “This is the first time I’ve taken part in Canines for a Cause and it’s really nice. I like it because I’m having a lot of fun with Ben and all of the other dogs here.”

But the undisputed star of the day had to be Oscar, the Jack Russell, and Isla. As well as being Musical Hoops champion, they won Best Junior Handler and top spot in the Agility Challenge, and came second in Best Trick, which saw Oscar “dancing” on his hind legs. “I’ve done a lot of work with Oscar, mainly agility and obedience,” says Isla, who has been training Oscar at Canadian Jebel K9 and also at home. By the end of the day, there were a lot of dog-tired happy hounds and their owners heading home for a well-earned rest. Alfa Vold, managing director of Canadian Jebel K9, reveals that the event, which packed

in around 500 people, raised more than RO2,000 that will be split between the two charities. “We had some awesome dogs, really good contenders, and I was super proud of the junior handlers,” says Alfa. “It just shows you what hard work can do. A little bit of training, it doesn’t mean hours per week, just five minutes a day of working on one thing, and it all pays off. The dog enjoys it and [it] creates a better bond with the owner. “It was a fun day for everyone and a great setting. Who could ask for more than Al Bustan Palace? And we were so pleased with the turnout. We can’t wait for Canines for a Cause 2017.”

Puppy Playtime CANINES FOR A CAUSE 2016 THROUGH THE EYES OF MATT BLACKWELL AND SCOTCH, THE DUO FLYING THE FLAG FOR Y MAGAZINE

t’s said that the dog is man’s best friend and sure enough my five-month-old puppy, Scotch, has become my sidekick, my partner in crime as we visit beaches, wadis, and mountains, discovering the unique beauty of the Sultanate together. After deciding it was high time he met the rest of Muscat’s dog population, I bought us both a ticket to Canines for a Cause 2016. Freshly shampooed and with his best bandana tied proudly round his neck, we set off for Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton hotel, which had been transformed into a doggie’s delight. Judging from his reaction when we arrived, I’d say that his initial impressions of the scene that lay before him were of awe and surprise. Even I’d never seen this many dogs in one place, so who knows what was going through his head! Knowing that the Obedience Challenge was probably still a step too far for him at his young age, I signed Scotch up to participate in the Dress Up Relay, a puppy painting competition, the Agility Challenge, the Bone Appetite eating contest and, of course, the Most Outrageous Dog. First up, I had Scotch try his hand – or paw, rather – at painting in the “Pawcasso” competition. With a dollop of non-toxic paint applied to the middle of a blank canvas on

the floor, he set about his work. This largely included walking through the paint as he created his own unique masterpiece. While it may have been short of the quality associated with the Spanish painter who lent his name to the activity, it certainly had its own abstract appeal. Or maybe I’m just biased. After a little more socialising with the other dogs – Scotch was getting the hang of this now – it was time for the Dress Up Relay, the competition Y Magazine was sponsoring and one that I thought we might actually stand a chance at. Five items of clothing lay in a pile ahead of us, the idea being to dress your dog in one item, then perform a shuttle run, jumping over two lowlying bars before returning to put on the next part of the outfit.

It was fast, “fur-ious” and great fun for the pair of us. Scotch didn’t quite know what was going on or why he was being made to wear socks and a hat, but he went with it, jumping up to give me a “hug” each time we added another layer. Taking an early lead, we fell behind at the third item, the boxer shorts, which proved too big and kept falling off every time we jumped over the obstacles. We went on to finish second in our heat, missing out on a spot in the final, but enjoyed the experience nonetheless. The agility course that had been set up looked like the ultimate puppy playground, with hoops to jump through, fences to climb over and a see-saw to negotiate, but Scotch had other ideas, tackling each and every obstacle in his own unique way, ranging from avoiding them completely to crawling under the bars he was supposed to jump over. Still, he earned himself a fair share of laughs! Scotch’s last hurrah would be the eating contest, another challenge I was quietly confident about, knowing full well that he had a voracious appetite. He wolfed his way through the first three plates – chopped sausage, chicken and dry dog food – but ultimately drew the line at broccoli, as did every other dog still left in the competition bar one, who was declared the winner by default. Although we went home emptyhanded, the furious wagging of Scotch’s tiny tail tells me he had a fantastic time. He was flat out on the back seat for the entire journey home and fell asleep as soon as his head touched his blanket. FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

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Aseel vegetables ghee 4kg + Mumtaz frying oil 1.8L x2

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HISTORY AT SEA One of the most prestigious sporting events rolls into town this weekend as the America’s Cup comes to the Middle East for the first time. Here’s your definitive guide to catch all the sailing action

f you don’t know already, a sailing extravaganza like no other is about to dock in Oman, when a stage of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series comes to Muscat. It’s quite a coup for the Sultanate and Oman Sail, and very fitting given our strong maritime heritage, as we join the likes of New York and Chicago as one of the host cities for the oldest trophy in international sporting competition. We can all have front row seats to see the fast-paced action unfold on the water. You won’t want to miss anything that’s going on and with this handy Y guide, you won’t have to.

ERI CAS CUP AM .C ERI CAS OM AM C E U AM RICASC P ERI U P CAS CUP

TEA

Emi Artem is Ra rate cing Gro s Team New upa m Zeal a Lan a Team d Ro Fran nd ver B ce Ora cle T AR Soft eam ban U S A k Te am J apan

Time of Action:

SATURDAY, FEB 27 – RACE DAY 1 11AM: OMAN SAIL YOUTH SQUAD RACE 12PM-12.30PM: YOUTH SQUAD PRIZE GIVING, DOCK OUT SHOW, PARADE OF SAIL 2PM-3.30PM: LOUIS VUITTON AMERICA’S CUP WORLD SERIES OMAN 2016 RACE DAY 1 (3 RACES) SUNDAY, FEB 28 – RACE DAY 2 12.30PM: DOCK OUT SHOW, PARADE OF SAIL 2PM-3.30PM: LOUIS VUITTON AMERICA’S CUP WORLD SERIES OMAN 2016, RACE DAY 2 (3 RACES) AWARD CEREMONY AFTERWARDS THERE’S A PUBLIC VIEWING AREA TO SEE ALL THE ACTION ON SITE AT ALMOUJ GOLF CLUB THE BOATS: DOUBLE-HULLED FOILING AC45 CATAMARANS CAPABLE OF SPEEDS OF OVER 30 KNOTS (55KPH), SKIMMING OVER THE TOP OF THE WAVES. EACH CRAFT HAS A TEAM OF FIVE SAILORS CREWS: SOME OF THE BEST SAILORS IN THE WORLD, INCLUDING BRITISH OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST SIR BEN AINSLIE AND WORLD CHAMPION GLENN ASHBY, NEW ZEALAND’S SKIPPER AMERICA’S CUP HISTORY: Dating back to 1851, the America’s Cup is held every four years and contested between two racing sailing teams. In more than 160 years, teams from just four nations – the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland – have won the coveted trophy. Oman will hold the curtain raiser stage of the 2016 Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series from February 27-28 in Muscat. The winner of this pointscoring series, which will be spread over six cities, with Oman being the fourth leg, will then take on defending champion Oracle Team USA in the 2017 America’s Cup in Bermuda, the 35th edition. The two teams will battle it out for line honours in a best of seven races to win the America’s Cup

TROPHY THE AMERICA’S CUP, A SILVER TROPHY, WAS ORIGINALLY CALLED THE 100 POUND CUP. IT’S NOW AFFECTIONATELY NICKNAMED “AULD MUG” 026

FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

When?

FEBRUARY 26-28

Where?

ALL THE ACTION TAKES PLACE OFF THE COAST AT A SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED EVENT VILLAGE AT ALMOUJ GOLF CLUB IN MUSCAT

Opening Hours? FRIDAY 11AM-7PM (FOR CORPORATE GUESTS ONLY) SATURDAY 11AM-7PM SUNDAY 11AM-7PM

Event Village

THE EVENT VILLAGE IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND THERE IS NO ENTRANCE FEE FOR VISITORS

Village consists of: FAN ZONE – JUMBO SCREEN FEATURING EVENT HIGHLIGHTS AND LIVE ACTV BROADCAST, LIVE COMMENTARY, LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT, DOCK OUT SHOWS AND THE LOCATION FOR THE CLOSING CEREMONY

KIDS ZONE – ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY INCLUDING SOUL FLYER SHOW, POTTERY MAKING, MINI GOLF, CAMEL RIDE, WATER POOL SAILING, FOOTBALL TRICKSTER SHOW AND FACE PAINTING

FOOD COURT – FOOD AND BEVERAGES FOR THE PUBLIC CLUB AC & MEDIA CENTRE – VIP HOSPITALITY FOR LAND ROVER BAR AND OMAN SAIL AND ACCREDITED MEDIA. NO PUBLIC ACCESS

TEAM CHALETS – VIP HOSPITALITY AREA PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE EVENT VILLAGE IS FROM THE MAIN ROAD LEADING TO ALMOUJ GOLF CLUB PUBLIC VILLAGE GPS COORDINATES:   LATITUDE - 23°36’55.42’’ N LONGITUDE - 58°18’13.29’’ E

FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

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FOOD AND DRINK

Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

SUPER SEAFOOD

The health benefits of eating tuna and other fish are multiple, for both adults and children.

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FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

TUNE IN

TO TUNA

If you are fishing for a healthy meal, then seafood could be a smart choice

hen it comes to mealtime, are you thinking fish? You should! Fish is the premiere natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are not naturally produced by the body and, therefore, must come from food. If you’re an expecting or breastfeeding mum, it’s even more important to eat fish because it’s a vital staple for optimal brain and eye development in babies, as well as brain and heart health for mums. Eating two to three servings of fish each week has also been shown to have a positive effect on developing babies’ and children’s IQs. Unfortunately, many mothers avoid eating fish based on fears associated with misinformation. “Years ago, there were concerns that trace amounts of mercury in fish could be harmful, but, actually, hundreds of peer-reviewed studies show the health benefits of eating fish are real and the powerful nutrients in fish outweigh any potential concerns,” says Jennifer McGuire, a US-based dietician. “In fact, at a time when people are told to limit many foods, including popular proteins, seafood is among the handful of foods [people] are encouraged to eat more of for their health. Seafood is a satisfying and affordable source of protein that is easy to incorporate into meals twice a week.” According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, healthy eating patterns should include at least 225g – or two servings – per week of a variety of seafood because it is an important part of eating patterns that contribute to a healthy heart and weight. Seafood also provides powerful nutrients including brain-building omega-3 fatty acids, protein, B vitamins, vitamin D, iron and selenium. In addition, eating seafood during pregnancy contributes to better health for babies. Currently, many people only eat about half of the recommended amount of seafood, and the average mum-to-be eats less than a quarter of the recommended amount each week. If you’re not eating as much fish as you should, don’t worry – making a shift to add more seafood to your diet is easier than you think. Just substitute fish for meat, such as in a taco, or add it to a pasta dish. Fish can be the main course of a quick weeknight dinner, a pack-ahead lunch or even a weekend brunch. Fish is so versatile, you can easily add it to pasta, rice, tacos or a scrumptious salad, like this easy-to-make farro (a healthy whole grain), tuna and fennel salad with crumbled feta.

Farro, Tuna and Fennel Salad with Crumbled Feta Ingredients: § 1/2 cup farro, uncooked § 1 can tuna, drained § 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed § 1/2 large bulb fennel, cut in half, cored and sliced very thin § 2 generous handfuls baby rocket § 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil § 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice § Zest of 1/2 lemon § 1/4 tsp ground cumin § 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese § Salt and pepper, to taste Method: § Cook farro according to package directions. Drain well if any cooking water remains. § Transfer farro to a large bowl. Add tuna (flake with a fork), chickpeas, fennel, rocket, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, cumin and salt. Toss well. § Spoon into a shallow serving bowl or small platter and sprinkle feta over the top.

That’s it! A quick, easy recipe that serves as a lunch or a light supper for four or as a side dish for six with just 310 calories and 12g of fat. It boasts 18g of protein as well as omega-3 fatty acids. To learn more about the benefits of seafood and find other healthy, easy recipes you can enjoy every day, visit GetRealAboutSeafood.com

* BPT

FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

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FOOD AND DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

al u s Ca ning Di Info Box PAUL

City Centre Muscat Tel: 2455 8664 Opening Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 8am-11pm, Thursday-Saturday 8am-12am Muscat Grand Mall Tel: 2200 9583/84 Opening Hours: 8am-12am Picnic for two: RO17.9

ALFRESCO ADVENTURE

Verdict : 8 / 10 Service 7 / 10 Food 8 / 10 Ambience A convenient, healthy alternative for picnic lovers Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

WHILE THE COOLER WEATHER MIGHT BE GREAT FOR DIY OUTDOOR DINING, SOMETIMES IT’S NOT ALWAYS CONVENIENT TO PREPARE YOUR OWN. FELICITY GLOVER TRIES THE NEW PICNIC BAG FROM PAUL

can’t recall the last time I went on a picnic, but it was something that my family and friends did regularly when I was growing up. Back then, however, our idea of a picnic was a barbeque at the beach on a hot summer’s day. But that’s Australia for you. Anyway, the night before the picnic, my parents would always make a huge effort with the food, from making salads to marinating the meat for the barbecue and preparing dips and other delicious snacks and sweet treats. This, of course, was always done in careful collaboration with the friends who would be joining us, all of whom had been assigned various responsibilities when it came to who was bringing what in the F&B department. The next morning, we’d load up the car with a few cooler boxes stuffed to overflowing with food and drinks, a variety of balls, cricket bats, Frisbees, towels and everything else we needed for a long day of fun and alfresco eating in the sun. There’s something about a picnic that makes you feel so much more carefree and I think that it may have something to do with being in the great outdoors and being active, which definitely helps to make you hungrier. Or so they say. Unfortunately, I don’t have much spare time on my hands to plan and prepare for a picnic like my parents did when I was growing up. But that doesn’t mean my daughter and I have to miss out, especially if somebody can prepare the food for us. Sure, there’s all manner of easy picnic hacks out there, such as raiding the readymade sandwich section at Spinneys or Carrefour, or even buying a roast chicken, a few salads, some hummus and flatbread for an impromptu alfresco meal. 030

FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

But then I heard about the new picnic bag range that was being offered by PAUL and thought it might be a fun way to spend a weekday lunch outside with my daughter while she was on her mid-term break from school. As Murphy’s Law would have it, we picked the worst week to do it in – torrential rain for a couple of days last week meant sodden grounds and by the time we reached the park on the public beach at Al Mouj Muscat, it was already beginning to rain. This meant a quick dash home and making do – indoors. It’s not quite what we’d planned, but still, it was fun having a picnic in the great indoors. There’s a choice of breakfast or lunch picnic bags (for two or four people) and we opted, of course, for the midday meal. The picnic comes complete with napkins and plastic cutlery and is

contained in a stylish PAUL cooler bag. Unpacking it, we discovered a host of choices: a fresh orange juice and lemonade, two salads, one with just lettuce leaves, the other a Waldorfstyle with chicken, a huge dieppois sandwich stuffed with turkey, lettuce, sliced cornichons and a touch of mayonnaise, two sweet pastries and two different dressings. We kicked off with the turkey sandwich, which we split. The bread was deliciously chewy on the inside, while the outside was crunchy. The turkey was tasty, the lettuce fresh and the cornichons added a zingy pop against the creamy mayonnaise. Next up were the salads and the standout here was the Waldorf-style salad, which was a mélange of colours. The tender chicken strips had a lovely herby flavour and went well with the crunchy green apple slices, earthy walnuts, plump raisins, carrot, cheese and crisp lettuce leaves. I’m not a fan of sweets, but did try a bite of the tart – sweet, juicy strawberries sitting on a soft bed of creamy vanilla custard and encased in a crunchy, golden brown pastry. It wasn’t too sweet, which was to my liking. I left the chocolate éclair to my daughter, who said she loved the chocolate sauce (or was it a mousse?) squeezed between the delicate choux pastry halves. In the end, it was too much food for us both. But that could have had something to do with the fact that it was raining and we weren’t as ravenous as we would have been if we’d been outdoors. Next time, we’ve vowed to pick a better day! Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com

HEALTH& BEAUTY

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK

It seems that orange is the musthave colour of the moment. Everywhere you look in the malls around Muscat, you’ll see this bright hue beaming out at you from shop windows. And while it might be a hard colour to wear for some, there’s paler shades that may match your complexion. For others, though, it’s a chic choice, such as this look from River Island.

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

k o o L e h

licity e F , reet t s igh ok h e to th t the lo d n e It can be difficult to find colours to match one of gh eou to g i the rainbow’s brightest hues, especially if you h e sy h want to break it up. This elegant M&S white t lp checked blouse from the Twiggy range does Fromver he the job beautifully, especially teamed with slimo Gl fitted jeans or chinos. From RO21.4

T t Ge

If you are bored with the usual evening colours, such as classic black or red, then this fitted V-neck dress from New Look is sure to brighten your night, not to mention put you right on trend. From RO13.8

We love the rounded simplicity of this “clown’s-nose” ring in muted orange by Hring Eftir at Boticca. com. Best of all, you don’t need to be kitted out in orange to wear it! From RO17.7

If large blocks of orange are too much, then this fun, floral patterned scarf featuring the colour du jour is just the ticket. Available at H&M. From RO4.5

These pastel orange chinos from H&M feature slim, tapered legs and are a great weekend choice for those who are looking for a more understated look. From RO10.9

Okay, so you like orange, but perhaps not to wear. How about this fun, understated keyring in imitation leather with a metal carabiner hook from H&M? From RO1.9

Dune has recently released a new range of peep-toe wedges, including the “Charlotte”, which comes in bright orange and features that classic 1970s cork heel. From RO36

FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

BEAUTY

Health

Fashion

Looking

his

Best Grooming for the perfect date is essential. Follow these simple tips, guys, to help you to look your best

conditioner and shampoo in one. Many men tend to skip the conditioning step, which is crucial. Complete Care 2-in-1, specially formulated with caffeine and conditioning agents, strengthens and gently moisturises men’s dry hair. The Dove Men+Care Wash and Care range has a variety of additional shampoos and 2-in-1s that can help address men’s most common hair concerns, including thickening, cleansing and conditioning.

alentine’s Day may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean men shouldn’t look their best, whether it’s for a regular date night with your wife or for a special occasion, such as your wedding anniversary. While trying to create the perfect date for that special someone, it’s easy for guys to forget about looking the part themselves. There’s no better way to impress a date than with a superior grooming routine. Whether it’s the first date or the 20th, when it comes to a romantic night out, guys need to make sure they’re looking their best. We hope these simple tips will help to inspire you!

COMPLETELY CLEAN AND CONFIDENT

The key to any date is feeling confident, and that all begins with a good shower and shampoo. A man’s

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FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

SLEEK AND STYLISH hair goes through a lot during the day, especially after long hours at work and a visit to the gym. It’s easy for hair to build up stubborn residue and become oily. Using a shampoo daily will help clean men’s hair and ensure it smells fresh and clean. Men should look for combined shampoo and conditioners, which can help combat dry hair, especially in the cooler months. The new Dove Men+Care Complete Care Fortifying Shampoo + Conditioner is a great option for men because it’s designed specifically for their active lifestyles with a moisturising

For men, washing their hair is just the first step and foundation in a superior grooming routine to build healthier, stronger hair. Once the hair is clean, men can easily add some personality to their look by using a styling product. No matter what style guys may be looking for, Dove Men+Care has a full range of styling products in a variety of popular formats that will help transform their hair easily. If men are looking for a sleek, 50s inspired comb over, the new Dove Men+Care Defining Pomade can be applied to slick back the hair, leaving a shiny finish that looks polished and professional and will last throughout the day. For a more textured or disheveled look, the Dove Men+Care Sculpting Paste can style the hair with a medium hold and a matte finish that can be easily restyled and perfected throughout the evening. Once styled, guys will be ready to throw on their favourite shirt, a little cologne and get ready for a great date! * BPT

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

Perfect Legs T

Revolutionary new treatment for varicose veins comes to the Middle East for the first time

ired legs, bulging veins, ulcers and a burning sensation are just some of the symptoms associated with varicose veins, a condition that affects one in two people and is not solely related to age. Many people believe that it is only an aesthetic issue when, in reality, it is a chronic disease that affects a growing number of people in the region each year, making a direct negative impact on people’s quality of life. Varicose veins and spider veins, are the same thing but they differ in size. One resembles a large wormshaped structure, while the other is a green or purple network of veins, like a spider web. They are the result of weak or damaged valves in the veins. The valves become damaged when they do not open to allow blood to leave the veins, causing the blood to back up and making the veins swell. Both varicose and spider veins cause aching pains and discomfort that can progressively worsen. If left untreated, they can cause various complications such as venous ulcers (sores) and chronic venous insufficiency, when the veins of the legs are unable to pump the required volume of blood back to the heart. Pregnant women may also develop varicose veins because pregnancy increases the volume of blood in a woman’s body and the growing fetus compresses the vein along its tract, causing increased pressure on the leg veins. All of these factors can cause irreversible damage to vein walls and while varicose veins might reduce after delivery, causing the person to believe that she is cured, the irreversible damage will remain and reappear in the case of a second pregnancy. Dr Ashkan, specialist vascular surgeon at Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery, Dubai says: “It is not uncommon to have varicose and spider veins in one leg, but they are quite different. Spider veins for example are small, thin read or purple blood vessels that can be seen under the skin, whereas varicose veins are stretched out veins where blood vessels have pooled. While the majority of patients treated for varicose veins are women, men also suffer from venous diseases, even if they’re less likely to seek treatment. However, such factors as heredity, pregnancy, profession and obesity can also contribute.”

When a person has the signs and symptoms of varicose veins, they should attend a specialist to have their veins examined in a complete ultrasound study to eliminate the involvement of large veins and treat the problem from its roots, to avoid any further complication from venous insufficiency. The visual part of the condition is just as important as the medical one, since having varicose veins on the leg can cause people to become self-conscious. Help is at hand though, as a new technique called ClaCS (Cryo laser and Cryo Sclerotherapy) promises to put an end to dilated veins and is now being offered exclusively at Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery’s vascular surgery department – the first of its kind in the Middle East. ClaCS is the new ally in the fight against varicose veins and spider veins that combines laser, sclerotherapy and cold air jets into the skin using sophisticated state-of-the-art devices. Treatment with ClaCS begins by applying a device that projects a picture of the sophisticated network of veins under the skin to determine the feeder veins. Next comes skin cooling to a temperature of up to -20 °C, which helps to reduce pain at the site of application. Then a specialist uses a laser that emits pulses of light that pass through the superficial layers of the skin to reach the blood vessels, which is followed by injection of medication in the area. This causes the targeted veins to close, harden and disintegrate without damaging skin tissue. The minimally invasive treatment does not require anesthesia and is relatively quick compared with other treatments. “The big advantage is that patients don’t require long use of bandages or supporting stockings as other previously known cosmetic treatments do. ClaCS delivers quick and effective results and is relatively painless. But it is by no means a complete solution to varicose veins,” explains Dr Ashkan. “The overarching aim is to eliminate varicose veins, but the risk of recurrence depends on the patient’s hereditaty factors and way of life. The risk increases if the patient does not take various health precautions, such as exercising regularly, refraining from smoking and monitoring their weight.” FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

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

•

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

• • •

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

• •

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

•

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

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

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

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Postcards from

Outdoors

Y- F i

Cars

CARS AND ADVENTURES

WALKING IN THE WILDERNESS

The hills and mountains around Hajir are mostly populated by farmers, who are able to sustain themselves in this relatively barren region.

FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

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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

HAJIR

VENTURING OFF THE BEATEN PATH AND UP INTO THE MOUNTAINS, SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI FINDS A QUIET AREA OF CALM 038

FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

Cars

onsidering it was still early afternoon and my friends and I had already happened across a new wadi [Issue 407] and explored Sinaw Souk [Issue 408], I felt like I was on a roll. Spurred on by the morning’s events and with a newfound love for discovering Oman, we decided to take a turn into a mountainous region on our way back to Muscat. It’s not every week I get to use a 4x4 for my Destination feature and I was determined to make the most of the opportunity. Meandering down Route 27, the Hajar Mountains loomed large ahead of us. One particular mountain caught my eye due to its size and the fact it looked like it had been cut in half. The scene was very dramatic and so we decided to investigate further, turning down a track to our right and heading further into the wilderness. We drove as far as we could along a winding path that suddenly opened out into a vast area. Seeing that the terrain would not allow the jeep to continue any further, we parked and continued the journey on foot. I didn’t see any signs revealing the name of the place, but checking on Google Maps, I found that we were around Hajir. The was a kind of desolate beauty to this place. Gnarled and twisted bits of dried wood and the bleached bones of goats gave a barren feel on one side, but this was contrasted by greenery and palm trees on the other. We were walking with no particular aim or direction and although we saw a few basic dwellings, along with evidence of a thriving farming community, we hardly saw anyone around; it was very quiet. We also passed a few ruins of old buildings, showing that this area has been inhabited for many years. One of my friends, still in the “disguise” he had

TRAVEL GUIDE

adopted to blend in at Sinaw Souk, kept wandering ahead and almost looked like someone who called the mountains home. Once again, just as we had found with Wadi Uyun earlier that morning, the vegetation was completely different to what we were used to in the capital. Many of the bushes had long stems and branches that reached up to the sky, bursting into a flurry of green at the end. This rocky region of Oman made for a pleasant walk and thankfully, the weather was perfect. The sun was shining, but the temperature was mild and there was enough of a breeze blowing to prevent us from getting too hot. The only downside was we were all wearing dishdashas from our morning visit to the souk, which didn’t make for the most mobile trekking attire. The surroundings were impressive, though, and the view was great. The mountains weren’t too steep, which means even those new to trekking in Oman should be able to enjoy a day out here. As for the sharp mountain that had initially drawn us in, one of my friends mentioned that the hills and mountains of this area are used to make tiles, which could explain the sharp cut in the rock. Hajir is a very chilled-out place and at a little over 100km from Muscat, a great option for a day trip before the temperatures gets too high again.

HOW TO GET THERE From Muscat, travel on Route 15, taking the turn for Route 23 around Bidbid. Stay on Route 23 for roughly 66km and there should be a track

on your left. If you reach the Shell fuel station and the turning for Route 27, you’ve gone too far.

GPS location of the turning: N22° 55’ 47.78” E58° 15’ 27.596”

FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

Horses have been integral to the region for centuries and Shaquel al Balushi is lucky enough to capture a spectacular show as the sun goes down

s the sun dips below the horizon, Mahmoud al Mamari cuts a distinctive figure on Seeb beach. The stretch of sand is usually a popular picnic spot with families once they’ve finished work and school, but with the tide far out, Mahmoud has found himself a deserted strip and is using it as a space for his two majestic creatures to stretch their long legs. For Anud, a three-year-old purebred Arabian horse, this is an opportunity to become comfortable with the sights, sounds and smells of the outside world. “I’m making him familiar with the environment, with boats, the beach and people, to ensure he does not overreact in any situation in the future,” Mahmoud explains. “I was talking to him so that he becomes accustomed to orders and directions. I’m teaching him how to get in and out of the water and how to react when he hears the sound of motors.” Hurria, whose name translates to “Freedom” in English, on the other hand, is 15 years old and an equine veteran at all this. For him, it’s more just an opportunity to get out and enjoy himself. Still, the power of both animals is evident in their rippling muscles and they have a commanding presence that means you can’t help but watch them as they glide by. The connection between rider and horse is strong and the trust they share is implicit, as shown when Mahmoud kneels down in front of Hurria, who raises his hoof to place in his lap on command. “Our bond is strong. To the point where I don’t need to direct them with words any more. They can respond to sign language alone. Hurria knows this and Anud is currently learning,” Mahmoud says.

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FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

“For me, the horses are not just a business, it is more than that. What we share is friendship”

If such one-on-one sessions are practiced daily, a horse can be instructed to cope with the hustle and bustle of daily life within a month, according to Mahmoud. Mahmoud runs a training centre for horses in Al Hail and also breeds and prepares them for racing. The 26 year old was always destined to inherit the business, which has been in his family since the time of his great grandfather, but he says he was about 12 when he really began to take a keen interest in the animals. “I started to feel very comfortable and calm when I was with the horses. I felt closely connected and being with them offered an escape from day-to-day life,” he says. “For me, the horses are not just a business, it is more than that. What we share is friendship.” When he’s not at his specialised stable in Al Hail North with his horses, you can find Mahmoud down on the beach, as we did, riding through the dunes in Bawshar or even camping out in the Omani wilderness. Just before he leaves, Mahmoud swings himself up onto the back of Hurria to pose for some shots without saddle or reins – a rare riding technique that Mahmoud has mastered through years of working closely with these equine wonders. After this impressive demonstration, he quite literally gallops off into the sunset.

FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

DIVERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PARADISE

The waters around Loloata Island, Papua New Guinea, offer a wealth of fantastic opportunities for diving and snorkelling.

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO: 1) Diving trips around Bootless Bay 2) Snorkelling on Lion Island 3) Kayaking around Loloata 4) Hiking around the island 5) Boat tours

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FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

Destination

Y-Fi

Cars

POSTCARDS FROM

Felicity Glover recommends

LOLOATA ISLAND,

PAPUA NEW GUINEA W

hile some of you may think of Papua New Guinea as an unlikely tourism destination, I’d have to say that after living there fo r a s p e l l i n m y y o u n g e r d a y s , i t h a s a l l t h e m a k i n g s o f a n incredible adventure, especially if you love diving and water sports. While my weekdays were spent at work in Port Moresby, my friends and I often escaped the city at weekends to head out onto the water and explore deserted islands, some with rusted bombshells s c a tt e r e d a b o u t o n m a k e s h i f t , o v e r g r o w n r u n w a y s u s e d d u r i n g W o r l d W a r I I . I h a v e t o s a y t h a t t h e r e ’ s n o t h i n g q u i t e l i k e s i tt i n g o n a deserted beach and watching the sun go down as sleek dolphins frolic in the blue waters and starfish slowly emerge from the wet sand beneath your toes in search of something to eat. Yes, it really was that magical! We’d often head to one of our favourite places: Loloata Island, home to a small, down-to-earth resort that is easily accessible by a 10-minute boat ride from the mainland. Sometimes, w e ’ d s i m p l y s t a y fo r t h e d a y , p a y i n g fo r a s m o r g a s b o r d l u n c h a n d u s e of the resort’s facilities that would see us snorkelling the clear blue waters around nearby Lion Island, kayaking, hiking, swimming or just soaking up the sun. Other times, we’d book an overnight stay - and it w a s t h e s e w e e k e n d s t h a t w e h a d t h e m o s t fu n . L o l o a t a , w h i c h m e a n s “one hill” in Motu (one of the local dialects), has a dive centre that gives qualified guests access to The Papuan Barrier Reef, often described as an extension of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, while there’s numerous World War II shipwrecks and even a Boston Bomber shot down over the bay that can also be explored.

My favourite place

Without a doubt it would have to be Lion Island. Just a short boat ride away from Loloata, you simply organise your trip with the resort staff and set a time to be picked up. The snorkelling around this island is some of the best I’ve ever experienced, from playing hide and seek with clown fish hiding in their anemone homes, to the colourful whirl of schools of parrotfish flashing by and even sea snakes (stay clear of these!). But my most memorable experience would have to be the giant starfish resting on a ledge near a drop off. It was the biggest I’d ever seen – in fact, it was bigger than a grown man. Seriously!

LOLOA

T A IS L AND

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Highlights

Of course, the underwater activities are second to none. But if diving or snorkelling aren’t really your thing, there’s plenty of other options available. Kayaking is one of them, and you can explore the rocky outcrops and tiny beaches tucked away around the island. There’s also hiking up the hill that Loloata is named after for an incredible view of your surroundings or just simply dozing on a sun lounger as the slow-paced life of Loloata goes on around you.

Lowlights There are safety issues in the city of Port Moresby, but Loloata is quite safe. Just take your normal precautions, such as keeping money, passports and other valuables safe, as you would anywhere else in the world. If you are a diver, the tropical wet and dry seasons can play havoc with visibility, so always check the best times to visit so you won’t leave disappointed.

Souvenirs Loloata has a small gift shop that sells a variety of locally made souvenirs, such as the country’s renowned bilum – a handwoven bag that comes in a variety of designs and colours depending on the region it was made in – as well as wood carvings, wooden masks and jewellery. Where to stay

Loloata has 23 beachfront cabins that can accommodate up to three people, while they can organise extra beds for families. The cabins are not luxurious, but they are comfortable for a weekend trip away. But what they lack in the luxe factor is easily made up with the stunning views from the balconies. It should also be noted that the resort is undergoing upgrades over the next year and bookings will be limited.

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Outdoors

D e s t i n at i o n

Y-FI

WATER BABIES

Compact and waterproof cameras are often overshadowed by the convenience of smartphones, but it’s important to remember that our phones aren’t made for tough, rugged or wet shoots, says Matthew Herbst IN DEEP WATER The Canon PowerShot D30 lets you shoot underwater to a depth of 25 metres, can survive a drop from 2m and is freezeproof to -10°C. However, if you’re looking to use this camera professionally, note that it captures images in JPEG format and not Raw. When shooting underwater, you may want a continuous shoot, but the camera only manages a 1.9fps continuous burst, which makes it more challenging to get perfect shots. However, it does sport Canon’s Intelligent IS system to prevent blur caused by camera shake and you can tag shots with GPS data to log your journeys. Overall, a good starter kit. Available at amazon.com from RO114.99.

ADVENTURE SEEKER

COOL PICS

Although the Fujifilm FinePix XP80 comes with a plastic finish and is waterproof, freezeproof, dustproof and shockproof, the body doesn’t seem as robust as its competitors at first glance. However, it does what it says on the box and will give you high-quality JPEGs. Its best feature is that it comes equipped with wireless functionality for remote shooting through the Fujifilm Camera Remote app. It’s also a bright character and comes in an array of colours. Available at amazon.com from RO62.50.

ALL-ROUNDER

EDITOR’S PICK 044

The Nikon Coolpix AW130 is a rugged compact digital camera that is waterproof up to 30.5m, freezeproof to -10°C and shockproof for drops of up to 2.1m. It is available in black, yellow, red and blue and comes equipped with a 16MP CMOS sensor and 5x zoom. It boasts an altimeter and depth gauge, with convenient Wi-Fi for easy transfers to your smartphone. Available at amazon.com from RO103.82.

NOT ONLY CAN YOU TAKE BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS WITH THE PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-FT5, BUT IT CAN RECORD VIDEO AS WELL. THIS MEANS YOU CAN CAPTURE WHATEVER YOU’RE SHOOTING IN ALL ITS GLORY. IT HAS A WATERPROOF RANGE OF ABOUT 13M WITH 100KGF OF PRESSURE RESISTANCE, WHILE THE 16MP SENSOR AND 4.6X OPTICAL ZOOM ARE EQUIVALENT TO 28-128MM. ONE NIFTY FEATURE IS THE INTEGRATED WI-FI AND NEAR-FIELD COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, WHICH ENABLES USERS TO TRANSMIT IMAGES QUICKLY BY TOUCHING TWO DEVICES TOGETHER. FOR ACTION SHOTS, IT IS CAPABLE OF SHOOTING A FULL RESOLUTION BURST AT UP TO 10FPS, INCLUDING OPTICAL IMAGE STABILISATION ABILITIES TO REDUCE BLUR. AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.COM FROM RO105.30. JULY FEB 2503- -MAR 09 /02ISSUE / ISSUE 327 409

App of the Week

IRON MAN

The Ricoh WG-5 is a tough model able to withstand the harshest conditions. As well as being waterproof up to 14m and shockproof to 2.2m, the 16MP sensor provides a sensitivity range of ISO 125-6400 and sports a 7.6cm, 460k-dot screen. Additional features include an electromagnetic compass and GPS function and it also has six LED lights around the lens to help illuminate macro subjects in its digital microscopic mode. This also makes it good for capturing night and underwater scenes, as well as fast-moving subjects. The only thing it lacks is Wi-Fi connectivity. Available at amazon.com from RO104.61.

NEW

SONY RX100 IV

Wide-angle shots, video and ambient light scenarios; the Sony RX100 IV has got all of these covered. It’s the world’s first high resolution 4K movie recording device with direct pixel readout and has the ability to record mind-blowing, slow-motion videos. Image quality is crisp, whatever the speed of your subject, thanks to 1/32,000th shutter speed including a 16fps highspeed shooting mode. You can also get great wide-angle photos with the RX100 IV by using the Dyron Super-Wide Lens or the Nauticam Wet Wide-Angle Lens. Available at amazon.com from RO364.60.

LAPSE IT PRO There are many smartphone photography apps that offer time-lapse functionality, but the main draw of Lapse It is the streamline process that gives you full control before posting pictures online. The app can be set to shoot a specific number of frames for a specific length of time or, alternatively, can be left to shoot continuously until the stop command is pressed. Once you’ve finished capturing your subject, it can be instantly played back, edited and rendered into a streamlined time-lapse. Get it at lapseit.com from RO1.10.

TOUGH GUY Rugged enough to go anywhere and with powerful imaging technology, the Olympus Stylus TOUGH TG-4 is the latest model off the Olympus production line and one of the most versatile compact cameras yet. While it can reach depths of 15m, is shockproof from 2.1m and freezeproof to -10°C, perhaps the TG-4’s best feature for professionals is the ability to shoot in Raw format as well as JPEG. As professionals often prefer a manual aperture control, it sports an excellent mode dial. The TG-4 comes equipped with Wi-Fi, GPS and a compass feature that also provides pressure and altitude information for your adventure. Available at amazon.com from RO133.80. FEB JULY 25 - MAR 03 - 02 09 / ISSUE 409 327

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

Destination

Postcards from

Outdoors

Y- F i C A R S

Nissan Sentra 1.8 SV Specifications: Engine: 1.8 litre Horsepower: 130 Transmission: 6-speed Xtronic CVT automatic Top speed: 190kph Price: RO8,845 (less cashback deal)

If you are looking for an economical, family friendly sedan, then perhaps the Nissan Sentra 2016 fits the bill, writes Felicity Glover

kay, so let’s get straight to it. At first look, the Nissan Sentra wasn’t a standout car for me. As a fan of the big SUV, I have to admit that my heart sank just a little when I first laid eyes on this compact sedan. It also didn’t help that as I was waiting for the keys to the Sentra in the showroom, I’d been admiring Nissan’s big boys, the Armada and Patrol. But then again, as I was to discover, looks can be deceiving – especially when it comes to size. While the Sentra might be a pint-sized brother to the Armada and Patrol, it doesn’t mean that it’s been overlooked in the style stakes, possessing some sleek lines both on the inside and outside of the car. As I slid into the driver’s seat, my first thought was that it was very low, which wasn’t helped by the fact that I’d just turned up in my own SUV. But that’s more about perception and something I was determined not to get in the way of this driving experience. Despite its size, the Sentra was surprisingly roomy inside, giving me enough legroom to sit comfortably,

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FEB 25 - MAR 02 / ISSUE 409

while the rear passengers should also find it comfortable – especially if they are children. I was also surprised to see that the central console was dominated by a 5.8-inch screen that features the state-of-theart NissanConnect, an audio, navigation and communication system that can see you checking Facebook while streaming music via your smartphone. First, however, you’ll have to download the NissanConnect app on your phone (available on iTunes and Google Play), which is free for the first three years. Music on and mirrors and seats adjusted, we were ready to head out and join the traffic on Sultan Qaboos highway. What struck me most was the effortless power steering and the quietness of the engine as we merged with the traffic and headed towards Shatti. The engine, at just 1.8 litres, had a bit of zip, too, allowing me to accelerate out of a tight spot on the highway when needed. That said, it wasn’t huge, but it was enough. One of my favourite features about the Sentra was its fuel efficiency. And let’s face it; with the recent rise in petrol prices in Oman,

any savings we can make at the pump is a good thing. The Sentra’s fuel efficiency is helped along by the Eco Pedal Indicator – found on the instrument cluster in front of the driver – which gives instant feedback on how economically you are driving. The idea is that you will become a smarter, more efficient driver and, hopefully, keep your heavy foot off the accelerator to stop wasting petrol. The Sentra handled well on the highway, as well as around the twisting, winding hills of Qurum Heights. Thanks to the recent rain, there was quite a bit of water collected in pools on the roads in this area and I wasn’t willing to drive through them in case there was an unseen pothole. I didn’t want to risk any damage to the car, something I wouldn’t think twice about in my own SUV. While the Sentra is not the type of car that will turn heads because of a wow factor, it’s a comfortable ride that comes with a few bells and whistles that makes it the ideal compact sedan for a small family looking for safety and affordability. At the end of the day, the Sentra proved me wrong: good things really do come in small packages.

They say: “Redefines an affordable car” We say: “A budget-friendly ride”

Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control Push-button ignition Xtronic CVT 6-speed transmission NissanConnect system Eco pedal indicator Six airbags Anti-lock braking system Ignition immobiliser Brake assist Navigation assist and rear-view camera