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EDITOR’S
NOTE
Welcome to Y Magazine – your top guide to the best of Oman every week.
Fast forward
T
here’s no doubting that the youth of Oman are the future of this great country of ours, from tomorrow’s business leaders to architects, engineers, writers, designers, athletes and everything else in between. In our cover story this week, Y sits down with a small slice of the new generation of rising stars, all of them below the age of 25. In fact, one is just 12 but has already set his sights on a glittering career as a Formula One driver. From designers to writers, a race driver and a singer-songwriter, they say their inspiration comes from their country and their families, while all of them are determined to make their mark in this world. Elsewhere, we check out the high-octane sport of Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, road test the Lincoln MKZ and explore the beauty of Bidbid Castle and its surroundings. We also head to the CBD to review 101 Parathas in Taste Test and continue with our fun competitions with The Butcher’s Block and Dovecote Nursery Muscat. Have a fabulous week!
editor@y-oman.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi
ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi
MANAGING EDITOR Felicity Glover
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03
contents
Features 20 Stars Of The Future Oman’s Talented Youth
SEPT 01 - 07 2016
Your Oman 08 Voice Of Oman Fahmi Al Ma’Awali 10 News Salalah Tourist Numbers On The Rise
This Week
24 Meet BB Man Enter Our Superhero Competition
16 #FYI World’s Top 10 Valued Companies
26 Dovecote Nursery Enter Our Healthy Eating Challenge for Children
17 Movies Mr Fuzzypants 10 News Muscat Marathon Goes 18 This Week Global Heart check-ups 12 News Children Rescued From Burning Car
12
20
13 Faces of Oman 14 Gallery NHI Chef Competition 15 Hyundai – Driven To Success Arif Abdul Aziz Mohammed Al Balushi
Food and Drink 28 Food Feature A Grape Idea 30 Taste Test 101 Parathas
28
Cars and Adventures
18
38 Destination Bidbid Castle 40 Indoors Muay Thai
Health and Beauty
44 Y-Fi Virtual Reality
32 Fashion His For Her
46 Car Of The Week Lincoln MKZ
34 Beauty Man Up 35 Health Vital check-ups
33
44
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nasiri is industry, Nadda BuraThai AirAsia ic us m e th in er re ca utive of After a long rlines as the chief exec ai of ld or w e th g in ck ro scovers X, as Felicity Glover di
the world or a top-notch I was a music person in taurant. t bu , iety var ce sin res l t’s been three years for nearly 20 years so I stilabout “If you enjoy shopping, it’sto me ask Nadda Buranasiri left can go u Yo it. low fol sic mu ng the same thing – you cantuchak] know what Thailand’s happeni I as es on ha [C est t lat rke the ma an the Sunday M. scene but that doesn’t me they are – I do enjoy ED named where you can enjoy a variety of . sic mu oy enj l stil nd ’t ba esn a he do e, you This year, I enjoy things or, at the same tim stores. As the former managing nt aham very much.” me Gr art cas dep Lu the to go sic can s is director of Warner Mu Now that he’s the chief “It is tough to say that thi d X, ia As Air ai an (Thailand) and head of Th do of to ive e cut hav exe you ing ), eth nd som more Universal Music (Thaila has bly for Nadda appears to spend es you can’t miss. But proba would do he n tha g it’s safe to say that Nadda the lin ,I vel nd tra aila e Th tim in e tim t firs in a kok. neither lost his interest Palace in his home city of Bangit to sic. say go and see the Grand quite vis h fift his industry nor his love of mu is are s ts thi can In fact, at night when the ligh s has But these days, he says he se Oman, a place that he say nd. au spectacular. bec re mo sic as enjoy the mu a strong affinity with Thaila about “That would be as good e rry wo t to e ub do hav ’t no l esn wil do rt he hav po rap you s as thi e d her An are a when you ai the commercial success of os become stronger since Th to go to the Sultan Qabo ist. ect art dir o sol ed or nch lau s band ha X ia As e.” Air squ Grand Mo scat “It’s a hobby now since it’s flights from Bangkok to Mu still But Naddas adds that for it’s t bu re mo y an rk wo ek. t we no a es tim ee thr ailand offers something trying an,” he says. “I feel Th ryone. something I enjoy doing;Nadda Om e lov “I eve in to discover new things,” to that Oman is very different “The people of Oman can but go to ces pla says during a recent trip nic sce of terms oy the vast network that weare enj of the way ms ter Muscat. we in ilar sim y ver now have. If you like beaches, or “Music is more enjoyable en uket and Thais behave. is Ph an to go Om to ted nec wh es, con d, because after those tim “They tend to be very kinthink Krabe – even Trang, which is a have I ly. nd frie y you listen to the demo, you ver d an le seaside province. tes and humb st important thing. new you like authenticity, to think how many casset s, mo the is t tha “If here CDs you can sell out of thi You can see a smile everyw n go to Siem Reap. Our have cut, to the nt wa t. you sca gle Mu sin o int ich wh en you come wh passengers from Oman can things like that. why same thing in the is “It n rde bu lots of choices and that’sto tailor o act like that. “But now there’s no als we – le nd ab be aila to Th – e you we are her se we nt.” on the commercial side so It’s a perfect match becau e your trip, which is importa ” oy. sam enj the lly at rea t bu can , ilar r ou sim e, so tim are an me rite In the h Ask Nadda what his favout time we can learn from eac erview is coming to an endare tha int ts mi ad he d an is um alb we er.” oth swer. and has come full circle – it’s a tough question to an the at would he recommend again talking about music. This wh So er sw an And when he does an nks I’ll first-time visitors from Om a sing. time, however, Nadda thicalled it’s , ain Ag . question, it’s slightly surpri nd aila ger Th sin do in e like an innovative only “If I have to pick only on my difficult choice – but that’s ed Blood Orange, based on a fan ert des in a to do e to album to tak there’s so much bit of a se au I’m t bec tha n a ssio be mi ad bly island, it would proba Night at Thailand. of rap. e was Queen album – either A ces. “I think, to have a flexibl And you know what? He Ra the at y Da A or to e era Op com the you en a! wh dd n Na pla ks, an right. Th His answer was a surprisetting Thailand because you can cha n bee o als ’d g. we se hin au ryt tell or do bec enjoy nearly eve Have you got a unique story toContact us is er off to s ? ha has about this year’s breakout cas nd who e aila eon Th som What you know ured in Y so if Danish pop-soul band Luourite to have coffee with Y and be feat an.com everything for everyone, oy fav his of e on or@y-om enj edit can ail: Em you Graham – ine. d, gaz foo Ma like you d acts so far this year. probably the best street foo s ha it as n] uee “I say [Q
I
06
SEP 01 - 07 / ISSUE 435
THE VOICE OF OMAN FAHMI AL MA’AWALI ON SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION
correspondence SHOPPING MADE EASY Dear Editor,
I
’ve found a niche in the market: A social media rehab clinic. Social media addiction is a behavioural disorder in which users become so preoccupied that it distracts them from engaging in the real world and, in turn, causes harmful effects on multiple aspects of their lives. At this clinic, doctors encounter two dominating characteristics: The large amount of time spent on social media and the underlying reasons why they’re doing so. This constant nagging desire to check updates, the amazing participatory skills that arise only in this online world. The idea of being hooked on taking selfies. At this clinic, real conversations happen and we engage in real experiences to nurture real social skills. For example, we could have sessions where we allow the user to view and take part in their real experiences, with a concentration on how it can “appear” in the social media realm, as opposed to just being present in what they’re doing. The clinic’s aim is to get people to focus on the present moment. To stop the constant search to convince an audience of a certain self-image while at the same time, helping them to understand their own identity. Let’s be honest here; the overuse of social media is distracting and confusing in its myriad of icons, apps and emojis. Experiencing our own lives as well as discovering our identities in an authentic way has become a troublingly hard thing to do. Social media at its best is supposed to connect us, but it’s a whole set of things we need to manage that most people don’t know how to control. At this clinic, you get back the awareness to make the connections between all different areas of your life. Next, how to wean you off Pokemon Go!
NEXT WEEK:
SAYYIDA MAYYA AL SAID
08
SEP 01 - 07 / ISSUE 435
It was mentioned in the article The Future Is Now (issue 434) that online shopping has been available for nearly a year in Oman, but for me this is welcome news. So thank you for this useful information. Owing to my dependency on my husband to do our shopping, I only have Fridays to buy groceries and vegetables for the coming week. It becomes very difficult for me if I miss a Friday without buying any food. Looking after my three-year-old daughter is very difficult in shopping malls and my elder daughter would rather not spend her weekend buying groceries with us. Online shopping has become a welcome solution to my shopping problem. It is also beneficial for many other families as weekend shopping can be stressful. Online shopping, I believe, will help put a stop to this. Thank you for guiding us towards a new era of shopping online. I’m
DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:
“Is global warming to blame for the scorching temperatures that Oman has experienced this summer?”
sure we shall easily adapt to it. You have made our Fridays much happier by giving my family and me more free time. Regards, Subbashini. M, Muscat on livestock, agriculture and even human beings. We must use our resources in limited quantities and protect the planet for our betterment. Let us all practise going green, plant more trees and avoid the burning of plastics. There are natural ways to dispose of things and we must stop polluting air and water. Social media is one way in which we can raise our concerns. We can also drive fuel-efficient vehicles. Change can happen if we take the initiative to make it happen.
DR RAO SUDDAPALLI
I definitely think global warming has resulted in increased heat this summer in Oman, with a host of man-made actions of convenience and necessity ELIZABETH JOSEPH turning the country into a hot bed. This has Yes. Our exploitation of human resources and happened despite the authorities in the Sultanate deforestation are two of the reasons why it leaving no stone unturned in seeing that ecological is. Due to human activity, there has been an practices are maintained to the maximum possible accumulation of greenhouse gases, such as carbon extent. Gaseous accumulations of all kinds have dioxide, that increase the earth’s temperature. been perpetrated by a host of factors that have been Some of the temperatures are shocking. The deployed by everybody. These have taken a heavy effects of global warming have had a scary effect toll on human living by the corresponding increase
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in summer temperatures over the years. Of course, there is no magic wand. No one can lessen the impact of it despite glib talk to the contrary.
GAUTAM GHOSH DASTIDAR
/YTABLOID
@YTABLOID
/YMAGAZINE
MARK ANGELO V. MANIMTIM was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine in Muscat
I don’t think anybody will negatively reply to the topic of the debate this week. Oman has become a victim of global warming despite most people’s thrifty standard of living. 2016 has become one of the hottest years in the earth’s history. We can compare this phenomenon to things like passive smoking in which non-smokers are suffering more than the actual smoker whose immunity level is maybe higher. Nevertheless, Oman must be even more careful to preserve its hereditary system of falaj and to put more emphasis on plantation. Wind turbines, solar cells and geothermal energy must replace fossil fuels. Fuel-saving cars, known as hybrids, must be marketed. Public transportation like ONTC should offer frequent services and economical options to commuters to discourage the use of private cars. Last but not least, Oman should instantly stop harming its topography by wounding the mountains to bring the ‘civilisation up’! This face-lifting is inviting the sea around us to enter into the mainland! Global warming is raising not only the surface temperature but also the sea level, very swiftly!
JONITHA DCRUZ
Definitely. The scorching heat can be attributed to global warming. What started 180 years ago, when the Industrial Revolution began to accelerate, continues today. New research led by scientists at the Australian National University’s Research School of Earth suggests that humans first started to significantly change the climate in the 1830s. The United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris last year agreed to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°Celsius, so as not to leave a planet with inhospitable temperatures for our children.
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JAYASHREE KRISHNAN
Yes, global warming is behind the high temperatures in Oman and, in general, everywhere. But we should realise that global warming is not caused by high pressure in weather conditions but also by man-made pollutions that are trapped stagnant in the air. Chemicals pumped by industries, burning fossil fuels, and chemical pollution from energy used in households all lead to carbon emissions. In GCC countries like Oman, air conditioning plays a major role in global warming. Carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases are major reasons for excessive heatwaves in Oman and in other Gulf countries. It’s time to evaluate a solution to overcome these issues before the Middle East becomes unfit for human habitation.
SYED BOKHARI
Although global warming is the main reason for the scorching temperatures in Oman, it can’t be ruled out that countries like the UK are also undergoing climactic changes. In countries like the UK, it is dry weather that has resulted in high temperatures Changes in the weather are taking place all over the world. Increases in population, buildings with air conditioning, chemicals, carbon emissions and population increases are all additional contributors to the problem.
MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT
Of course it is global warming to blame for the high temperatures we are experiencing this year in Oman. In fact, it’s not only Oman but also the entire planet that is affected by global warming and we must take the blame for it. We have been a party to massive development without giving any thought to its impact on Mother Nature.
New Debate:
“Should school starting times be staggered to help ease peak traffic in the mornings and afternoons?”
Share your view with us on Facebook and you could be in with a chance of winning dinner for two. SEP 01 - 07 / ISSUE 435
09
Gallery
YOUR
OMAN
Interview
NEWS
SALALAH VISITORS ON THE RISE
T R
oyal Oman Police (ROP) has launched a month-long social media campaign to create traffic safety awareness in the Sultanate. The Twitter campaign, dubbed “What Did They Say”, will be based on road safety facts and scientific studies. Launched on August 21, the ROP said it would post daily tweets to “educate and inform the public”, local press has reported. One of the tweets, which has already been posted on the social media platform, said: “Looking at your phone for two seconds while travelling at 100 kilometres per hour is equal to driving blind for 60 metres.” According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), 336 people were killed in car accidents in the first half of this year, up by 8.4 per cent compared with 2015. This is despite a raft of safety awareness campaigns targeting irresponsible motorists who speed or use their mobile phones while driving. The ROP has also introduced tougher fines to deter bad drivers. Last month alone (August), 20 people died on the roads in the Sultanate, including four members of a family in South Sharqiyah. The NCSI statistics also revealed that a total of 675 road fatalities were recorded for 2015, while there were 3,624 injuries. The ROP’s latest campaign will continue throughout September.
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SEP 01 - 07 / ISSUE 435
ourists are continuing to flock to Salalah as the Khareef season begins to wind down, with the latest statistics revealing that there was a 22 per cent increase in the number of visitors compared with the same period last year. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NSCI), more than 604,000 tourists have visited Salalah so far, up by nearly 22 per cent from 2015. Omanis comprised the biggest group of total visitors, representing 74 per cent, or 447,713, of people who were seeking to escape the blistering summer temperatures for the cooler climes of Dhofar Governerate. Salahah was also a popular summer destination for tourists from around the GCC region, with the UAE coming in second with 57,079 visitors, representing a rise of 13.1 per cent compared with the previous corresponding year. This was followed by 25,139 Saudi visitors (a rise of 39.5 per cent from 2015), 6,810 tourists from Qatar, 5,981 from Bahrain and 5,957 from Kuwait. The NSCI said that people from other Arab countries numbered 12,833, while visitors from Asia reached 40,056, with 23,220 of that total amount representing India. Khareef, or monsoon, season in Salalah usually begins around late June and runs until midSeptember. While the rest of Oman and the GCC is sweltering in the summer, visitors to Salalah enjoy rain showers, low temperatures, lush landscapes and fog and mist, while the popular Wadi Darbat is transformed into a green oasis.
MUSCAT MARATHON
around the capital. More than 1,200 runners are expected to participate in the Muscat Marathon in January and marathon, has joined hands with applications are available Oman Sail and Al Mouj Muscat to at marathon.muscatroadrunners. scale up the event to a global level. com. This year’s marathon will feature Roughly 600 runners, including three events: the marathon, half54 international participants, marathon and a 10km run. took part in this year’s Muscat The marathon route, which Marathon. will be announced soon, will showcase “Sponsoring the Muscat some of the most striking locations Marathon reflects our trust in the significance of supporting sports tourism as a key contributor to boost the tourism sector in the Sultanate,” said Nasser bin Masoud al Sheibani, the acting chief executive of Al Mouj Muscat. Expressing his gratitude towards the new partners, Ahmed al Malki, the chairman of the Muscat Road Runners, said: “We are very excited to team up with Oman Sail and Al Mouj Muscat because we realise that there is so much potential with the Muscat Marathon and feel they are ideal partners to develop the race.”
TO GO GLOBAL
M
uscat is set to be an international venue for marathons, alongside the big guns from Dubai, Boston and London. The sixth edition of the Muscat Marathon is expected to take place on January 27 and Muscat Road Runners, the organiser of the
YOUR
OMAN Bite Sized OUR WEEKLY SLOT TAKES A LIGHTHEARTED LOOK AT A NEWS ISSUE OF THE WEEK.
PEARLS OF WISDOM
Is this a feel-good story? You could say that. But it’s also a lesson on why you shouldn’t put your valuables under your mattress. Why’s that? Well, it’s one of the most common places to store things, such as cash, and is ripe for picking by thieves. Did something get stolen? Fortunately, no. But a fisherman in the Philippines who found a giant pearl off the coast of Palawan Island kept it under his bed – for 10 years! How big was it? A whopping 34kg – and worth a cool US$100 million (RO39m) What?!? Yes, you are not the only one to be stunned by its size, worth and the fact that it was casually kept under the bed. But in the fisherman’s defence, he didn’t realise it was so valuable and had simply kept it as a good luck charm. So where is the pearl now? It is currently on display in the remote town of Puerto Princesa. However, gemologists will be certifying the pearl soon, as well as confirming its value. Don’t say: “Let’s hide it.” Do say: “The world is your oyster.” 012
SEPT 01 - 07 / ISSUE 435
BURNING CAR RESCUE PROMPTS SAFETY PROBE
T
he rescue of two children from a burning car has highlighted service station safety breaches in the Sultanate. And experts say drivers should face fines for failing to exercise caution at service stations. Two children under five were trapped in a car at a service station in Sur last Wednesday. An attendant was filling the car with fuel as the engine was still running. Both children, Gazal Mohammed, five, and her brother, Sulaiman, three, were pulled to safety by Mohammed al Hashmi after their father left them in the car alone to buy groceries. A crew of municipal officials put out the fire. The youngsters are now recovering in the children’s paediatric ward at Sur Hospital. According to local press reports, Gazal is on life support with burns to 75 per cent of her body, while Sulaiman is recovering and has burns to 30 per cent of his body. Experts say the incident has highlighted health and safety issues at service stations. One campaigner said: “The basic rules should
A WEEK IN PICTURES
apply all the time. Never leave your children unattended in a vehicle, never leave the engine running and never leave the car unattended.” Safety campaigners are also calling on the authorities to impose fines on people guilty of petrol station offences, which they say should be “viewed as a serious offence”. Meanwhile, al Hashmi has been hailed a hero after saving the children, while a video of the rescue has gone viral on social media under the hashtag #thankMohamedhashmi.
HEADLINING STORIES FROM THE REGION AND BEYOND
Thousands of aftershocks have continued to rock Italy a week after a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck in the early hours of August 24, killing 291 people and destroying entire villages.
Yemen’s health ministry has confirmed that 54 people were killed by a suicide bomber in the southern port city of Aden earlier this week, marking one of the country’s deadliest attacks claimed by Islamic State.
Health officials in Singapore have confirmed 41 cases of the mosquito-born Zika virus, saying it had spread among foreign construction workers. While all but seven victims have recovered, the city-state said it expected more cases to emerge.
A freak bolt of lightning has killed more than 300 wild reindeer in a nature park in the Hardangervidda region in southern Norway, officials said earlier this week.
f
aces of
Oman
Welcome to Y’s weekly photo series that profiles the diverse characters who call the Sultanate home Name: Petar Bogunovic Age: 41 From: Serbia Occupation: Veterinary surgeon
Photo: Shaquel al Balushi
SEPT 01 - 07 / ISSUE 435
013
YOUR
GALLERY
IRON CHEFS
OMAN
HAPPY DAYS
IT WAS ALL SYSTEMS GO AT THE NATIONAL HOSPITALITY INSTITUTE’S RECENT OMAN CHEF’S COMPETITION, WHICH SAW A NUMBER OF TEAMS PITTED AGAINST EACH OTHER TO CREATE THE MOST DELICIOUS DISHES FROM A MYSTERY BOX OF INGREDIENTS.
MUSCAT’S UKRANIAN COMMUNITY RECENTLY GATHERED AT KARGEEN CAFFE IN MSQ TO CELEBRATE THEIR INDEPENDENCE DAY.
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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
DRIVEN TO
SUCCESS
Arif Abdul Aziz Mohammed al Balushi, 38, started out in hotel management but then took a different path. After obtaining a diploma in health, safety and environment management, he headed into the oil and gas drilling industry, where he now heads up a team of highly skilled professionals Q: What drives you to success? Success to me is all about passion and vision. I always want to achieve more than what I thought previously was possible. That, I believe, is what makes me strive to reach places that I have never been before. I am still only making my way up the career ladder. I started my career in the oil and gas
drilling industry and the support from everyone around me has been really good. Q: Who or what has been your inspiration? I take inspiration from lot of people, especially from my brother from whom I have learned a lot. There have also been some people who always stood by me. My boss, for instance, kept motivating me and guiding me to go forward in my career.
IT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL AND IT HAS PLENTY OF POWER AND STABILITY. IT IS SO SMOOTH THAT SOMETIMES I HAD TO LOOK AT THE ODOMETER TO BELIEVE I WAS RIDING AT HIGH SPEEDS Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? In 10 years’ time, I would like to have my own companies. I have some plans that are in the pipeline. If everything goes well then I am looking at starting my own business.
Q: What is your biggest career success to date? I cannot say that I have achieved the goals I have set for myself yet. But my team and I have been able to keep a clean sheet with a “free incident workplace” since we started. During my Q: What do you like about the Genesis, the premium series of Hyundai Motor time here, we have also set standards, with zero injuries during work. That is something that I am Company? In my opinion, the Genesis is the perfect luxury very proud of. car. It looks beautiful and it has plenty of power and stability. Q: What are your career goals? It is so smooth that sometimes I have a lot of goals in my mind, and I am I had to look at the odometer starting to try and drive for them. For starters, to believe I was riding at high I would like to have my own business. But I am on a mission to spread the message of safety and speeds. The cabin comfort and the host of controls and health beyond the oil and gas industry. I want everyone around my country, and the rest of the accessories further add to the sophisticated feel of the car. world, to give safety a lot of priority. And I can I really enjoyed driving the start by enlightening the people I am around, Genesis. about the same. SEP 01 - 07 / ISSUE 435
015
The world’s top
companies by brand value
➊
Google: US$229.2bn (RO88bn), up 32%
➋
Apple: $228.5bn, down 8%
Visa: $100.8bn, up 10%
➏
➐
➌
Amazon: $99bn, up 59%
Microsoft: $121.8bn, up 5%
➑ ➍
AT&T: $107.4bn, up 20%
➒
➎
Facebook: $102.6bn, up 44%
➓
Verizon: $93.2bn, up 8%
McDonald’s: $88.7bn, up 9%
IBM: $86.2bn, down 8%
Source: Millward Brown – BrandZ (2016) 016
SEP 01 - 07 / ISSUE 425
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
Don’t Breathe
Mr Fuzzypants Tom Brand (Kevin Spacey) is a billionaire businessman with a knack of making a fast buck. And with an eponymous company, FireBrand, that’s about to finish the tallest skyscraper in the northern hemisphere, he himself is on top of the world. But with a workaholic lifestyle, something’s got to give. A fervent family man, Tom is not, and his long-suffering wife Lara (Jennifer Garner) and angelic daughter Rebecca (Malina Weissman) find quality time together is one commodity that Tom doesn’t understand. When Rebecca wants a cat for her birthday, Tom faces a rare quandary. He hates cats but is running out of time to find her a suitable gift and has the sinking “feline” he is going to have to buy her one after all. When his GPS directs him to a magical pet shop he finds himself confounded with some of the most exotic cats he has
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ever seen. And then he ends up turning into one, Mr Fuzzypants. Suffice to say, family matters from the perspective on four paws is a different (knitting) ball-game altogether. To regain his old body, Tom has to learn a few lessons on how to bond with his loved ones. It’s rather refreshing to see Spacey in the guise of a cuddly cat rather than the more venal, menacing roles that have made his name. The question is: why, Kevin? No matter. While the kids can sit back and enjoy (maybe), mums and dads may find it a tad hard-going. Some of the more lavatorial jokes can wear a bit thin, and maybe should have stayed in the litter tray. Still, cat lovers will love it and any feel-good film that boasts Christopher Walken in a cameo is worth checking out. Review by Fatin Al Zadjali
TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN, just answer a question based on the week’s cinema reviews and send your answer to info@y-oman.com, along with your name and contact information. Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions, see voucher. Contact: Movie enquiries 2460 7360
Rocky (Jane Levy) wants a better life for her and her sister. To give their lives a healthy injection of cash, she agrees to break into the house of a wealthy blind man with her boyfriend, Money (Daniel Zovatto), and her friend, Alex (Dylan Minnette). However, if the three
think they’re going to get away with it, they’re in for one heck of a surprise. Their intended victim is not what he seems, and soon they find themselves fighting for their lives. A must-watch for horror fans.
Mechanic: Resurrection Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham) thinks he has hung up his boots (and guns) as a killer-for-hire, and settles down to a restful retirement in Brazil. When his longtime enemy Riah Crane (Sam Hazeldine) finds out Bishop isn’t really dead, he threatens to expose him. For good measure, he also kidnaps the love of his life Gina (Jessica Alba) and Bishop gets an ultimatum: Carry out three nearimpossible hits for Crane or lose Gina forever.
Bollywatch THE FLYING JATT With US-based superhero films being a sure-fire way to fill cinema seats, it wasn’t going to be long before Bollywood put its own take on the genre. Jatt (Tiger Shroff) is a martial arts teacher who is unlucky in love. But when he discovers he is actually a superhero, albeit one who can only act when a small child is in trouble, his life starts to look up. And despite his newfound superhuman talents, Jatt is actually afraid of heights. With plenty of obvious slapstick; the comedic stunts are well-intentioned but lack a little panache with the staging. Still, the film is no less charming for all that, and the kids will love it.
SEP 01 - 07 / ISSUE 425
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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE
Fun & Games
DANC E OFF
SEP 02
Join in the fun and games to celebrate the opening of the new Tropical Juice & Ice Cream outlet at the Al Maha petrol station, opposite Al Mouj Muscat. There’s a magic show, raffle draws, a host of fun games and opportunities to taste their produce. The celebrations begin at 5pm.
WEEK
WHAT TO DO. WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.
SEPTEMBER
Shakespeare’s tragic love story is brought to life in this stunning opera written by French composer Charles Gounod. Romeo is performed by the French tenor Jean-Francois Borras while Georgian soprano Nino Machaidze sings the role of Juliet. Curtain up at 7pm. Go to www.rohmuscat.org.om for bookings.
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Back by popular demand, the Caledonian Society of Oman has announced the return of its pop-up ceilidh dances. To be held at Señor Picas at the InterContinental Muscat, the fun kicks off at 7pm. Accordionist Scott Leslie will be calling the dances while ceilidh teachers will be on hand to help beginners. It costs RO25 for members and RO27 for non-members, which includes a Scottish buffet and drinks. For more details and ticket information, email caledoniansocietyofoman@gmail.com
Romeo et Juliette
THIS
SEP
SEP
29-30
Gallery
Movies
On the go
SEP
5-7
Catch some of the biggest players in the industry at the Middle East Transport & Logistics Expo and Conference. The expo will showcase the latest technologies, best practices and pioneering research and trends in the field. For more information, call 2478 8476 or email marketing@muscat-expo.com.
HEART TO HEART
SEP
2-3
To raise awareness about cardiovascular health, City Centre Muscat has launched a Feel The Beat campaign and is offering free heart checks for women. Staff from the National Heart Centre will be carrying out complimentary testing from 4pm to 9pm. The Oman Diabetes Association will also be offering a diabetic screening and short diet consultation. Free-for-all Zumba classes will also be held at 6.30pm and 8.30pm. The Feel The Beat campaign will move to City Centre Qurum on September 23 and 24.
Barbie
TIME
SEP 23
It’s time to fire up the barbecue and celebrate National Braai Day at the Radisson Blu Hotel. While braai is a traditional South African barbecue, everybody is welcome to join in. The festivities kick off at 6.30pm and prices start at RO15 for the braai and soft drinks. For more information, call 2448 777 or email reservations.muscat@ radissonblu.com. SEP 01 - 07 / ISSUE 435
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THE MANY OF OMAN From artists and writers to athletes and racing car drivers, Oman is fostering a new generation of promising young stars. Fatin al Zadjali and Alvin Thomas report
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man: think beautiful landscapes, stunning man-made structures, gigantic mountains and tranquil wadis. But undoubtedly within its crevices there lies a new generation of rising stars on a mission to catapult the Sultanate into the artistic, sporting and cultural stratosphere. These young Omanis all share the one goal: To be the best. Their inspiration comes from their country, their families and their heritage, but each has a different story to tell and a path to success they desire to follow. Here, we meet some of the talented Omanis who have not only broken onto the scene, but are also well on the way to achieving their goals.
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SABA AL HASHAR Saba Al Hashar, 22, is one of Oman’s up-and-coming urban artists. Currently dividing her time between her studies in Doha, Qatar, and Muscat, she hopes to inspire Omani youth with her visionary creations
I
see myself as a visionary; also, I love movement and structure. Since the first grade, my mother gave me her blessing and encouraged me to push my artistic goals to never-ending limits. I get inspiration from my family, professors and urban street artists such as Martin Watson (a Norwegian stencil and pop-art street artist). I love travelling and seeing what the world has to offer; art lays in the corners and spaces of every city. Interior design is another element that I introduce to my artistry, but I have an extreme passion for spray painting and the movement that flows from the nozzle. I’d love my art to send a message to the Omani youth that you can explore different artistry and there’s no limit, a blank canvas is a start to our brain’s desires. I also believe the Omani youth is our future and with supportive education and knowledge, it will give them the power to achieve their goals. My future 10-year plan is to be an entrepreneur in my own business, SabaArt, which will be a platform for young artists to merge together and create a defining meaning of artistry in Oman. @saba_alhashar
ALI AL SHARJI Ali Al Sharji, 23, is a conceptual artist/ photographer, storyteller and filmmaker. Born and raised in Muscat, he is well on his way to creating a new spectrum for visual communications
I
started photography eight years ago and I was creating perplexing photographs not knowing the true definition of my art form. Down the line, I realised that my photographs were a conceptual aesthetic that I merged with arts, such as performance and storytelling videography. My family is extremely supportive of my passions, but they still believe that it should not be my main priority. I understand that society and culture don’t support this career path but I believe that over time it will empower the community. I deal with constant career challenges. I would love to exhibit my work mainly in the Sultanate, but my work is better received overseas. My main inspiration is the late (Jamaican reggae singer) Bob Marley for what he’s done for his community, as well as Hassan Hajjaj for introducing me to photography and lastly, Abdulnasser Gharem for representing the Arab world and showing art to the rest of the globe. Art is the simplest, expressive way of communication and by targeting the Omani youth it will expand a new way of thinking. In the upcoming years, I plan to be an international conceptual artist and filmmaker, but my ultimate dream is to display my work at the Tate in the UK and speak in front of TEDx. Currently, I’m working on a short documentary about the art scene in Oman. In addition, I’m preparing for a showcase next month in Rome and my art pieces will be displayed in the United Kingdom during the month of October. . brilliantmindzphotography Brilliantmindzphotography.weebly.com
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NASREEN RASOOL AL BALUSHI
Nasreen Rasool al Balushi, 25, the founder of Nasreen Fashion, is a self-taught fashion designer who is on a mission to set trends with her stylish abayas
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etting a foothold in the fashion industry in a country like Oman, where values and traditions are upheld, is truly scary but not so much if your family has decades of experience under its belt. My love for fashion comes from my family, and especially my grandmother, mother and elder sisters who used to craft their own abayas and dresses. I have always had a flair for designing my own clothes since I was a little girl. I was probably 14 when I first developed an interest for designing. I took particular care to be unique with how I dressed. I remember my early days when my sister and I used to design and stitch our own clothes for weddings and parties. That’s probably when it all started. I still remember getting inspired from the local and Indian/Pakistani fashion magazines we used to get at home. Today, my sister and I run our own boutique, Nasreen Fashion. My work can be seen on Instagram. There is also a great deal of demand for my work. As a matter of fact, we are in talks to set up our own shop. However, that would require some time. I come from a background of accounting and administration but that has never kept me from exploring my interests in fashion. I think one of the main differences between me and other designers is my love for maintaining the abaya tradition while adding unique elements, such as crystals. But of course, you also need to have an eye for design. If I were not blessed with a with a keen eye, I don’t think I would have made it as a fashion designer. Shihab al Habsi, 12, is one of Oman’s finest My aim is to bring Omani designs to the forefront of fashion, perhaps within go-karting drivers. He has already proved his the the next 10 years. I hope my work will evolve on to the international stage where people other parts of the world can recognise us as pioneers of the Arab mettle in international championships and fashion world.
SHIHAB AL HABSI
@nesreen_fashion
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the youngster is now eyeing the bigger picture: Formula One
I
love racing and it is in my blood. I started racing at the age of nine. But I only learned about the sport from television, when I used to see Formula One and other car-related events. By then, I could also name each and every car on the road. My life as a racer began when my father took me go-karting at the Oman Automobile Association (OAA) grounds. And there’s no denying that I loved it from the get-go. I slowly improved under the guidance of my father, Ahmed al Habsi, who helped to train me. He himself only learned the art of racing from the internet and from television. But thanks to the Almighty, his strategy has worked well for me. My tactics are fairly simple: I brake late in corners and I accelerate early. It was initially quite hard to master, as that procedure can easily spin you out. But after months of practice, I can take corners faster than most of my competitors. I have also been lucky to receive some training from one of Oman’s greatest rally drivers, Hamed al Wahaibi. I am currently practising for the Junior Karting World Championship, which is due next month at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France. I got my ticket there after I won pole position in the Rotax Max and the IAME X30 championships that were held in the UAE. To practise for the forthcoming World Championship, I am concentrating very hard on my physical and mental strength. I spend more than two hours at the gym, and four hours at the OAA racetrack practising. My biggest inspiration is Lewis Hamilton (the British three-time F1 World Champion). I want to enter Formula One myself and I am willing to do everything I can to get there. I am hoping to enter Formula Four (a stepping ground for Formula One) in two years. If I can do well there, I can progress to Formula Three, GP2 and then finally, my ultimate dream: Formula One. . @shihabalhabsi_
GHAZI BALUCCI At 23, Ghazi Balucci, is a marketing student and an aspiring singer-songwriter who wants to share his passion for music and create a new voice for hidden Omani musical talents
M
usic and poetry were never really supported by my family as they were viewed as a taboo. They disregarded it as a wasteful hobby for being a musician. Although my family was persistent in achieving better choices to exhaust my energy, they never stopped me from playing music, which I was grateful for. Thankfully, over time my family saw my regional achievement in my craft and it seemed less outrageous. I started composing music at the age of 15. I describe my music as Indie folk and my artistry was kept behind closed doors until 2014, when I performed live on stage. This helped me to gain a supportive fan base around the region. Different musical genres inspire me; I can’t limit musical artistry to one idol. Oman has so many talented musicians but there is little offered to them. Local musicians need venues to perform and media support to showcase their abilities. My biggest advice to any aspiring creative is to constantly experiment with techniques and styles and there’s always room to ask for advice and develop. Music will be my consistent hobby that I’ll pursue and chase as far as it takes me. Recently, I founded Just Jam Sessions, a movement for local musicians, which I hope will develop a stronger music community in Oman. @ghazibalucci www.justjamsessions.com
RUFAIDA HAMDOON Aspiring novelist Rufaida Hamdoon, 17, has already won plaudits for her writing. However, she is now setting the groundwork for her biography, which she hopes will inspire the next generation of young Omanis
I
may have only discovered writing in seventh grade, when I was only 10 or 11, but writing has taken over my life. I still remember the first time I wrote a piece. I was at home, completing my homework. It was then, when there was a sudden realisation I could write a lot better than I had previously thought. My thoughts and feelings flowed onto the paper like never before. So I went to my class teacher and told her about what I was going through. She asked me to write a piece for her to evaluate and she did love it. Of course, I have grown a lot since then. I now write long stories about historical events. I think it helps me to reconnect myself to my passion for writing, as well as communicating with readers. One of my short stories, entitled True Eyes, is about an artist girl who had a rupture in her eye and lost her sight. She suffers a lot and is in pain, and is unable to fulfill her need to paint. That is when she confides in her doctor, who motivates her to carry on with her passion. It’s a motivational story, really. I won the first prize for it in an inter-school competition. I currently write in both Arabic and English. Since then, I have written a lot more. However, I want to write an autobiography, and the things I have endured to reach here. I think a lot of people could read it, and maybe even take inspiration from it. Some young talents are hiding themselves due to many restrictions. But if you think about it, everyone has one passion in their lives, and I want them to realise that chasing their dreams and goals could be what life is all about. @alsalmi98
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PROTEIN er
in association with
Pow
WITH
BB MAN
Fly high with BB Man and uncover your superpowers!
T
he competition is heating up as children in Oman uncover their superpowers and enter our fabulous competition, sponsored by The Butcher’s Block, the Sultanate’s premier butchery. The Butcher’s Block promotes the importance of a healthy diet, especially for growing, active kids. Studies show that nutrients like protein, vitamin B12 and zinc derived from natural, fresh meats – such as the products available at The Butcher’s Block – are essential for the immune system, growth, strength and brain power, which children need to help keep their focus and energy for busy days at school. But that’s not all we need meat for. Based on a 2,000-calorie diet, just 85g of lean beef also provides you with phosphorus necessary for strong teeth and bones, iron that helps in carrying oxygen in the blood to all cells and muscles to prevent fatigue, and B-Complex vitamins (including niacin, vitamin B6 and riboflavin) that help release energy from food. Therefore, a healthy lunchbox packed full of these nutrients goes a
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long way in ensuring that your kids are geared up to perform well at school. “I personally prepare the lunchboxes of my children using the products from The Butcher’s Block,” says Karien Bekker, a regular customer of The Butcher’s Block. “It may be a steak sandwich, a grilled sausage on a roll or even biltong for their break-time snack. Their products are always fresh and the best quality meat I’ve ever had in Oman.” At The Butcher’s Block, you can find everything you need to ensure your family is eating the top, most natural meats in the Sultanate. These include natural and fresh chicken, lamb, beef and top-notch steak cuts from the US, South Africa and Australia. The friendly, oldfashioned service at The Butcher’s Block is renowned with its customers while that “personal touch”
Mini Meat Loaves with Plum Sauce These mini meat loaves are great for lunch and can be served with mashed potato and salad. Ingredients: § 750g lean beef mince § Olive oil spray § 1 cup fresh white breadcrumbs (made from day-old bread) § 1 small carrot, peeled and shredded § 4 shallots, trimmed and thinly sliced § 2 tsp grated ginger § 1 tsp Chinese five spice Method: § Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Spray eight 185ml capacity mini loaf pans with olive oil. § Place the mince, breadcrumbs, carrot, shallots, ginger, five spice and two tablespoons of plum sauce into a large bowl. Stir well until combined. § Divide the mixture
among the prepared pans and smooth out the surface. Brush the tops with the remaining plum sauce. § Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the juices run clear when a skewer is inserted. Set aside for five minutes before turning out.
QUALITY CUTS
is important for their internationally-trained butchers. And if your children are prone to allergies, you can even request The Butcher’s Block to customise your favourite sausages or marinated meats to ensure your entire family can enjoy the delicious produce on offer. The Butcher’s Block has two outlets in Muscat – one in Al Mawaleh, opposite The Wave, Muscat, and a new branch at Al Noor Plaza in Madinat Sultan Qaboos. To enter our BB MAN competition, all you have to do is pick up an entry form from one of The Butcher’s Block outlets. Once you’ve filled it out, drop it back off at The Butcher’s Block for your chance to win a RO350 cash prize and a RO150 gift voucher. The competition ends on September 10 and is open to children aged 12 years and under. Remember the card has to be completed by children – no help from mums and dads! Good luck and may the best superhero win! In the meantime, mums and dads can try out this great recipe, at the top of this page.
DON'T FORGET WHEN YOU DROP YOUR CARD INTO A DROP BOX AT ANY BUTCHER’S BLOCK BRANCH, YOU WILL RECEIVE A SLIDER BURGER, HOT DOG OR BILTONG BAG TO GIVE YOU BB MAN PROTEIN POWER SEP 01 - 07 / ISSUE 435
025
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
The #DovecoteLunchboxChallenge
COMPETITION Is your little one a fussy eater? Try these top tips for stress-free mealtimes
T
here’s nothing worse: you’ve spent time preparing a healthy meal for your toddler and it ends up all over the floor in a matter of minutes because they wanted nothing more than a slice of toast or yet another chicken nugget. It’s a frustrating experience, especially when you want your little one to have a healthy, balanced diet based on the five food groups. But that’s easier said than done. According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, a medical practice and research group in the United States, parents should remember to think about their child’s diet over the course of a week, rather than daily. “Many parents worry about what their children eat – and don’t eat. However, most kids get plenty of variety and nutrition in their diets over the course of a week,” the Mayo Clinic says on its website. Dovecote Nursery in Muscat, a top childcare facility offering a premium British Early Years Foundation School (EYFS) curriculum, values the benefits of healthy eating for children in Oman. But that doesn’t take away the fact that some children can be fussy eaters. Helen Cairns, the manager of Dovecote Nursery in Muscat, says children’s health is an important part of their learning and development. “Education around food and healthy eating forms a part of our curriculum and daily routine,” says Helen. “We provide healthy snacks each day eaten in groups, strengthening the relationship between staff and children. We often cook together or taste different foods together. It Helen Cairns - Manager of is really important Dovecote Nursery for us to encourage
children and families to cook and eat together using healthy food and fresh, nutritious ingredients.” This is why the nursery, based in Shatti Al Qurum, has lauched the #DovecoteLunchboxChallenge, an initiative to motivate the country’s youngsters to eat healthy food.
Top 10 tips for fussy eaters:
❶ Respect your child’s appetite – or lack of one: If your child isn’t hungry, don’t force him or her to eat a meal or a snack. Make sure to set boundaries and guidelines around eating and healthy eating habits. ❷ Stick to the routine: Always try to serve meals and snacks at about the same time to develop a routine. ❸ Be patient with new foods: Serve new foods with favourite foods and remember, it may take a few attempts for your child to take their first bite. ❹ Make it fun: Use brightly coloured foods or cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes, or even create funny faces to keep your child’s focus.
The judges — a panel of school practitioners and senior leadership staff of Dovecote Nursery and its stakeholders - will choose three winners.
THERE ARE GREAT PRIZES UP FOR GRABS, SO DON’T MISS OUT!
PRIZES
1 +2
Two-week taster at Dovecote + lunchbox and a toy
other winners
One-week taster at Dovecote + lunchbox and a toy
Dovecote Nursery Muscat Villa No. 3422 & 3422A, Way № 3044 Shatti Al Qurum, Muscat, Oman T: +968 24 604041 E: infomuscat@dovecotenursery.org W: www.dovecotenursery.org
❺ Recruit your child’s help: Ask your little one to help you at the supermarket. They can also help you in the kitchen by rinsing vegetables or fruit, mixing a recipe or even setting the table. ❻ Set an example: If parents make healthy food choices and eat fruits and vegetables then their children are more likely to follow suit. ❼ Be creative: Disguising vegetables in sauces, which can be blended, is a great way to get your children to eat healthily – without them even realising! ❽ Minimise distractions: turn off the TV and other gadgets during meals and enjoy this quality family time. ❾ Don’t offer dessert as a reward: In fact, desserts should only be an occasional treat and not indulged in every night. ❿ Don’t prepare different meals: Everybody should eat the same meal (unless there’s an allergy). Otherwise, parents are run ragged creating different meals and will become stressed. Source: www.mayoclinic.org
TO TAKE PART IN #DOVECOTELUNCHBOXCHALLENGE COMPETITION PARENTS NEED TO:
1
TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR CHILD AGED 4 AND UNDER WITH A HEALTHY SNACK
2
UPLOAD YOUR PHOTO ON ytabloid
3
#
USE THE HASHTAG #DOVECOTELUNCHBOXCHALLENGE
@ymagazine @ytabloid
Sent by parent – Khaled Alazem
WINNERS
WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN OUR SEPTEMBER 8 ISSUE
Sent by par Jason Felix ent – Noronha
Sent by parent – Shareen S Nazim
Let your imagination and that of your child’s shine!
arent – Sent by pa Isabel Mariann
FOOD AND DRINK
Trend
SWEET TASTE
Grapes are a great way to add new dimensions of flavour to your meals, while it helps that they are also nutritious.
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New Restaurant
Reviews
A GRAPE
IDEA This flavourful fruit serves as hearthealthy snack, as well as an inventive ingredient
G
rapes make the perfect snack: they are delicious, with a juicy burst of flavour, and are hydrating, easy to eat and portable. Additionally, grapes are good for you, offering a variety of nutritional benefits. Grapes are a natural source of beneficial plant compounds, including antioxidants and other polyphenols. At just 90 calories per serving, they also contain no fat, no cholesterol and virtually no sodium. This healthy, handy fruit is also a versatile ingredient, making grapes a perfect way to enhance your favourite foods and recipes. With their delicately sweet flavor and vibrant hues of red, green and black, grapes lend a delicious and attractive addition to dishes from breakfast to dinner. Grapes are available year-round in Oman, so it’s an easy ingredient to add to a host of recipes. Find more recipes for every meal of the day at grapesfromcalifornia.com.
Grilled Ginger Salmon and Grape Rice Bowl Serves: 4 Ingredients: § 4 boneless salmon fillets (3 ounces each), skin on § kosher salt § freshly ground black pepper § 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar § 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger § 1 tablespoon honey § 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil § 2 cups mixed green and red grapes, halved § 2 scallions, thinly sliced diagonally § 4 cups hot cooked brown rice § 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage § 1 teaspoon sesame seeds § Reduced sodium soy sauce (optional)
bowls and top with cabbage and salmon. Spoon grape mixture over top and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve with soy sauce, if desired. § Nutritional information per serving: 487 calories; 23g protein; 69g carbohydrates; 13g fat (24% calories from fat); 3g saturated fat (6% calories from saturated fat); 43mg cholesterol; 301mg sodium; 6g fibre.
Method: § Heat grill to high and oil grates. Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper; set aside. § In small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, ginger, honey and olive oil, and bring to simmer over high heat. Stir in grapes and scallions, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside off heat. § Grill salmon, skin side up, 5-6 minutes. Turn and grill another 2-3 minutes, or until salmon reaches desired doneness. § Divide rice among four
* Family Features SEPT 01 - 07 / ISSUE 435
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FOOD AND DRINK
Tr e n d
New Restaurant
al u s Ca ning Di
REVIEWS
Info Box
101 PARATHAS
Next to Pizza Hut in the CBD, Ruwi Tel: 9192 6061 (takeaways and home delivery) Opening Hours: 8am-12am Price: RO11.4 (two people)
PARATHA POWER
Verdict : 8 / 10 Service 9 / 10 Food 8 / 10 Ambience Scrumptious food with great portions and a menu to match. Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals
101 PARATHAS DOES WHAT IT DOES BEST – CAPTURING THE TRUE ESSENCE OF NORTH INDIA, AND GIVING IT A WESTERN TWIST, SAYS ALVIN THOMAS
P
arathas are to India what shawarmas are to the Middle East. Parathas, and Indian flatbreads in general, are known to be exceptionally healthy foods made from wheat flour (atta). They can also sometimes be stuffed with generous amounts of various other fillings. I adopted them as my staple food for more than three years during my days at college. No evening would go by without me not having a paneercheese paratha with a side of sweet curd and green chutney (Indian mint sauce). However, finding good parathas in Oman has been a challenge. They’re either prepared in shabby outdoor kilns or with “maida” – bleached wheat flour, which is extremely harmful for your health. 101 Parathas can be found in the heart of the Central Business District (CBD) area in Muscat, just next door to a Pizza Hut outlet. However, much to my and my friend Jijin’s surprise – at 3pwm in the afternoon – the Pizza Hut was deserted and 101 Parathas was buzzing with customers! And since Jijin and I hadn’t eaten since morning, we gave our orders with alacrity. To start things off, we opted for the pahadi chicken, and a margherita and veggie delight paratha pizza. I also ordered a paneer (fresh
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cheese) cheese paratha and a chicken tikka pocket. As we waited for the food to arrive, we were also served with shots of sweet lassi, a sweetened yoghurt water, which was exquisite! It was very creamy and refreshing, and I went back for a few more shots of it. Our pahadi chicken was the first to arrive. This was a generous portion of boneless chicken pieces lavishly garnished in spinach, mint, coriander and chilli paste. It tasted brilliant. Needless to say, the chicken didn’t last very long on our plates. But seeing us go at the chicken, the waiter served us our pizza parathas. We dived in without any hesitation. Jijin and I declared the margherita paratha pizza the star of the show here. Topped with generous amounts of mozzarella cheese and pizza sauce, and finished in a crunchyfried atta base, the pizza paratha was absolutely scrumptious. We also noted that it tasted like an actual pizza but without the ridiculously “heavy” pizza base. This was the first time either of us had sampled a pizza paratha. The veggie delight, with its olives, baby corn, onions, tomatoes and cheese, was also delicious. Next to arrive was the paneer-cheese paratha and the chicken tikka pocket. They were alsoy top notch: the chicken tikka, much to our joy, was not too spicy and was very well done. The paneer-vheese paratha reminded me of the good times back in college in India. It really tasted that good! The stuffing was really lavish, and the cheese
was very fresh. But we had to wash it down with some soda. By now out tummies were full, but the waiter suggested we try the dahi kebab – the chef ’s special. Yet again, the kebabs were ready for us in no time. The dahi kebab is essentially a yogurt dumpling garnished with onions, chaat masala and various other spices and is covered in a thin layer of arrowroot. The yogurt gave the dumplings a citrusy flavour. But again, it was unlike anything we tried. Jijin even declared that it was the “perfect evening snack”. As much as we would have loved to taste the rest of the menu, which included chocolate parathas and even seafood pizza parathas, we had stuffed ourselves beyond our limits. I would happily return to 101 Parathas, as it truly captures the true essence of north Indian cuisine. I even likeed how they incorporated a touch of western culture in this cuisine with all the cheese. A place like this is a rare find and I’m going to make the most of it. Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com
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HEALTH& BEAUTY
Health
Beauty
OH, YOU PRETTY THINGS
These days, fashion can be ungendered and versatile. Women often experiment with men’s clothing to create an androgynous look that can be worn anywhere, such as this one from F&F.
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FASHION
k o o L e h
, reet look t s igh t the h e th to ge A bomber jacket from Superdry (Oman o t u d Avenues Mall) is versatile and can be a o n e lps y h long-term investment. Depending on the g i e h h i e shade of your jacket, wear with a dress and l th adja m heels or a basic tee and a cherished pair of o Z r F in al jeans. From RO95 Fat
T t Ge
This one is for the ladies, and has been sported by stars like Rihanna. This piece from Pretty Little Thing will knock your socks off, so wear with a black bomber or with heels. From RO40
A long grey tee from Superdry is comfy for both men and women. Men can don one with the camo jacket and some skinny jeans. Ladies can spruce it up with their fave accessories. From RO10.5
e from Blue such as this on Rapper s, et ck ja o e. Cam me a must-hav Inc, have beco ured camo pieces with at Kanye West fe turns at one of that were star nude shades O10 ows. From R his fashion sh
With Foot Locker and Nike open in Muscat, sneaker heads have plenty of choice. Jordan trainers are mega-comfortable and are a funky way to complement your daily look, like these Wolf Grey Jordans from Foot Locker. From RO35
A pair of shades is not just a fashion accessory; we should all shield our eyes from the sun. This pair by River Island is suitable for both girls and guys. From RO5.7
A suede snapback cap from River Island is a nifty accessory. It can protect you from the sun’s rays and add a bit of “street” to your outfit. From RO7.5
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HEALTH& BEAUTY
BEAUTY
Health Fashion
MAN UP YOUR DAILY
MAKEUP ROUTINE Women are fast discovering the benefits of using male products, writes Fatin al Zadjali
S
hopping for beauty products is one of my favourite pastimes. As women, we have so many options to choose from that sometimes we can get confused about what to select. However, I have just discovered some great products for men. Many are lightweight, cool and durable and can often be cheaper than what you will find with their female counterparts. . As women, it’s great to have facial wipes as they’re extremely handy as a refresher. Cetaphil has a great range of men’s daily cloths. They moisturise with a spring scent that is perfect for our skin. Cetaphil Daily Face Cloths, RO1.2
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❷
Primers are essential before you start your make-up routine and can keep your skin base intact and soft. Beauty YouTubers have raved about Nivea Men Post Shave Balm. It has a cooling agent that calms the skin down, as well as priming it up for the day. Nivea Men Post Shave Balm, RO2.5
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Clinique has a great range of products for women but the men’s range has a secret weapon. It’s an oilcontrol mattifying moisturiser. During the heat our skin becomes silky so with a few dabs of this clear gel it can work 034
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wonders. Clinique for Men – Oil control mattifying moisturiser. RO9.5
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Most women can go through a variety of hair removal options. As for shavers, there are ones that are gel-based or fragranced and so on. Medically, shavers designed for men are better for our skin. They tend to have more blades and sharper edges that benefit many areas. There are many options to choose from. Gillette for Men RO1.5
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After shaving, we often have to use oils or soft creams to tone down the dryness. An alternative is using a cooling after-shave mist. Mists are great because they cool the body down as well. The Cool Fix, RO9.5
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Try a citrus scent, as there are not that many of these fresh, zest-inducing products available for women. Try spraying Calvin Klein One Summer, and it could become your “go-to” eau de toilette.
Beauty
HEALTH
Fashion
MEN CAN IMPROVE
THEIR HEALTH
Staying in tip-top shape and having regular check-ups is essential
S
ome men don’t have the best track records when it comes to taking care of themselves. It’s safe to say we all know people who are just plain stubborn about going to the doctor. Even if they exhibit clear symptoms that should be checked out, say wheezing, chronic fatigue or worse; it can be a challenge to get them to seek medical help. Of course, not all men are like this. In fact, men have been getting better about taking care of themselves, according to new data gathered by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). “Men have begun paying more attention to their health, and acting to maintain good health,” says Wanda Filer, MD, MBA, president of the AAFP and a practising family physician. “They are getting physical exams, increasing their exercise activity and getting their health care from their regular doctor.” With this encouraging news, it’s important to remember that men’s health is still a big concern. It’s a common misconception that you go to the doctor only when you’re sick or not feeling well. So, what’s the most common barrier that prevents men from seeing a doctor? Answer: Themselves. According to a 2016 survey carried out by Harris Poll on behalf of the AAFP, 31 per cent of men wait until they feel extremely sick before seeing a doctor, and 21 per cent say they have no reason to go to a doctor when feeling healthy. As Filer says: “Not feeling sick is not necessarily the same as being healthy.” Early detection and preventive care are two of the most important ways to maintain health and prevent potential health concerns from becoming major problems. Though more men exercise in 2016 than they did in the AAFP’s 2007 survey (80 percent vs 74 percent), many men still spend a considerable amount of time looking at screens. In a 2016 online survey of 916 men across the United States, the AAFP found that men spend, on average, about 20 hours each week working at a computer and 19 hours in front of a television. While it’s nearly impossible to avoid screens in this day and age, men
should be motivated to take on more physical and active hobbies that can reduce stress and improve their physical health. An important step men can take to ensure they receive regular check-ups and preventive care is to regularly visit a family physician. Nearly eight in 10 men (79 per cent) have a regular doctor or health care professional they see when they are sick or want medical advice. However, a family physician usually treats not only the person but also the whole family. This is because an individual’s health should be a concern for the entire family. The value of a family physician is that he or she performs routine checkups, immunisations and screenings. The physician can also treat chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis and depression. “If more men develop ongoing relationships with their family physician, their perception of good health is more likely to become reality,” says Dr Filer. To learn more about men’s health, visit www.familydoctor.org. * BPT
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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
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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
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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
CARS AND ADVENTURES
Outdoors
Y- F i
STRONG DEFENCE
An old cannon guards the entrance of Bidbid Castle, which overlooks a calm wadi and is surrounded by date palm trees.
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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
BIDBID CASTLE
SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI FINDS HIMSELF IN UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY AS HE EXPLORES THE BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS OF ONE OF THE SULTANATE’S MOST FAMOUS LANDMARKS 038
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around the side. There was an oasis of date palm trees, which would provide some muchneeded shade for visitors during the hottest part of the day. A short walk away, I could see a wadi. The castle, which has been restored, was closed, so I couldn’t enter to explore further. But I have to say that it is one of the most amazing buildings I have ever seen. Because I arrived just before sunrise, it was very quiet. Pale rays from the rising sun were peeking through the leaves of the date palm trees and I quickly got my camera out and started shooting. High above the castle was an Oman flag,
TRAVEL GUIDE
I
’ve lost count of the number of times that I’ve driven to Nizwa and always missed the turn-off for Bidbid. It’s a place I’d never explored before so I was excited to be heading there for this week’s Destination. As always, I set off early. This time, it was a 4.30am start as Bidbid is just 40km or so from Muscat. Still, I wanted to get there before the sun started to rise as this is one of the best times of the day, in terms of light, for me to take photos. I was travelling solo this time around as my friend, Imran, couldn’t make it. Even better, I didn’t get lost, although I needed help from a patient and friendly policeman, who gave me detailed directions on how to get there. The first sign you see for Bidbid Castle is a little misleading – it says the turn-off is 3km away. However, it was less than 500 metres up the road, which took me by surprise. I didn’t have time to use my signal to indicate that I was turning right. This is how I met the policeman, who was driving a short distance behind me and noticed my slip. He was quite stern at first but once I explained what I was doing and why I was there, he was very helpful. And I have to say that without his directions, it would have taken me quite a long time to figure out exactly how to find Bidbid Castle, which dates back to the 16th century. When I reached the castle, I was a little underwhelmed by what I saw, which was a small watchtower. But after parking my car, I walked over a slight rise and was met with an incredible sight. Thick, high walls surrounded the castle and as I followed them around to the front I could see two cannons standing guard and our renowned ancient falaj system snaking its way
HOW TO GET THERE From Muscat, take the road to Nizwa along route 15. Pass the town of Fanja and shortly after, you will see the turn-off to Bidbid.
standing tall and proud against the lightening sky. The sound of the water in the falaj was tranquil. And while there was no breeze, it was still cool enough for me to explore and capture the stunning details of colourful flowers. What stood out the most for me on this visit was a combination of things: the wadi, the green grove of palms and the castle and its strong ramparts towering over the scene. I was impressed by the landscape, especially when the looming edifice came out of the shadows and took on the glow of the rising sun. It’s nestled in a tranquil spot and is a great place to spend an afternoon with family and friends for a picnic and perhaps even a cooling swim in the wadi. Hopefully, the castle will be open the next time I visit.
The castle is situated at the end of the village. Just remember that the sign is a little misleading!
GPS location of Bidbid: 23°24’46.45”N 58° 7’35.90”E
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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES
THAILAND’S NATIONAL SPORT OF MUAY THAI IS A UNIQUE FORM OF MARTIAL ARTS 040
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I
t’s a high-octane sport that has developed over the centuries and has deep cultural and spiritual ties. Yes, we are talking about Muay Thai, or Thai boxing. If you’ve ever been to a live Muay Thai bout, you’ll be familiar with the hard-hitting moves, known as the “Art of Eight Limbs” – eight points of contact a fighter uses to “mimic weapons of war”. According to tigermuaythai.com, Muay Thai was “developed several hundreds of years ago as a form of close combat that utilises the entire body as a weapon. “The hands become the sword and dagger; the shins and forearms were hardened in training to act as armour against blows, and the elbow to fell opponents like a heavy mace or hammer, the legs and knees became the axe and staff,” it says on its website. “The body operated as one unit. The knees and elbows constantly searching and testing for an opening while grappling and trying to spin an enemy to the ground for the kill.” These days, of course, the aim of Muay Thai is not to kill an enemy but to beat an opponent in the ring. While Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand, its popularity is growing around the world, including in Oman, where you can train at a number of martial arts clubs around the capital. And if you happened to be at Muscat Grand Mall last Saturday (August 27), you would have witnessed a spectacular Muay Thai show straight from the stadiums of Thailand. Brought to Muscat by the Royal Thai Embassy in association with the Oman Fighting Championship, the demonstration by 11 Muay Thai fighters drew a large crowd that was transfixed by the skills and agility of the athletes, as well as the cultural importance of the
martial art. Sahara Hamayon, 26, is a huge fan of Muay Thai and has been training in the martial art for the past two-and-a-half years. She was at MGM at the weekend to watch the show, which she described as thrilling. But for Sahara, the biggest thrill of all was the previous day, when six members of the Muay Thai squad and Thailand’s Ambassador to Oman, Jesda Katavetin, visited her martial arts club in Al Khuwar for a special training session. “The training was amazing,” says Sahara, who has also represented Oman at a Muay Thai competition in the Philippines. “They divided us into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels and we trained with them for three hours. “After the training was over, they showcased their moves and techniques and then we watched an actual Muay Thai fight. “What I loved about the training on Friday was that it was genuine – and I have learned Muay Thai in Thailand.” Sahara says she took up sport after losing 30kg in weight. “I wanted to do something different and build my self-esteem because I was obese,” she says. “I would say the sport is fun and a great cardiovascular activity. The average calorie burn for a training session is about 700 to 800. “The one thing I love about it is looking forward to class and I enjoy it because it’s not restricted to kicking … it’s an exciting sport.”
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CARS AND ADVENTURES A FINE CITY
Norwich has retained its cultural integrity and heritage, boasting many 16th-century buildings and medieval architecture.
TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO: 1) Visit Norwich’s finest Norman buildings – the castle and the cathedral 2) Watch Norwich City FC, known as the Canaries, at home at Carrow Road football ground 3) Eat at Delia’s Restaurant & Bar, which overlooks the football pitch 4) See a show at the mock-Tudor Maddermarket Theatre 5) Get a fabulous view of the Norwich skyline from Mousehold Heath
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Destination
Outdoors
Y-Fi
Cars
POSTCARDS FROM
Georgina Benison recommends
NORWICH, UK A
s you drive into Norwich in the heart of Norfolk, you will be met with a sign that greets visitors: “Welcome to Norwich, a fine city”. And that’s just what it is: a proud, selfconfident place that offers so much to everyone within its ancient walls. You don’t just “pass through” Norwich unless you are spending a holiday on the famous Norfolk Broads, or at any of the many beautiful beaches from Greater Yarmouth to Sheringham, both a short distance away. With a population of 130,000, Norwich has retained its cultural integrity and heritage. Even the traditional dialect of its people has been preserved. It grew up as the ecclesiastical capital of England and dominated an agricultural region rich with expansive tracts of flat, arable land and livestock farms. The city survived two world wars, as did the Norman Cathedral and Castle, and Elm Hill, a street of quaint 15th and 16th century houses on a narrow cobbled lane; and 52 other medieval churches. Norwich boasts the University of East Anglia, the University of the Arts, the School for Painters, a sometime-Premier League football team, the Norwich Union insurance giant, a shoe-making legacy and the legendary Colman’s mustard factory. The city offers a safe, historical environment and prominent retailing amenities, which range from modern shopping malls to quirky, independent shops in the narrow lanes.
MADD
ERMA
RKET T HEAT
RE
LL IT Y FO OT B A N OR W IC H C
My favourite place
The Forum, of course! It’s an amphitheatre in front of Norwich Millennium Library – an awardwinning example of modern architecture – that provides a platform for all sorts of performances: choirs, dancers, singers, and the Lord Mayor’s Celebration, charity promotions, a place for shoppers to sit and relax, for local food producers to promote organic wares, artists to exhibit, buskers to entertain and all manner of street life, bang in the centre of the city.
Highlights A visit to Norwich Castle Museum will give a broad view of the history of the area as well as stunning views from the battlements and gory stories from the dungeons! And then a short walk to the magnificent 11th-century cathedral will provide an oasis of peace and tranquility for a picnic, followed by a tour of the awe-inspiring edifice (inside and out).
Lowlights Depending on your perspective, the nightlife of Prince of Wales Road at 3 o’clock on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Not a pretty sight for the faint-hearted! Souvenirs
A visit to the Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum will give an excellent opportunity to try mustards of various styles and strengths and fill a suitcase of gifts.
PROTE
STANT
CATHE
DRAL
Where to stay Sleep in the same bed as Anne Boleyn, the mother of Queen Elizabeth I of England, at The Maid’s Head Hotel, just opposite Elm Hill in the heart of 16th-century Norwich. If you prefer a riverside location conveniently central opposite the train station, then the modern Nelson Hotel is for you. SEPT 01 - 07 / ISSUE 435
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-FI THE TECH IN YOU
Outdoors
D e s t i n at i o n
Y-FI
BACK TO REALITY
With virtual reality taking over the tech-sphere, Alvin Thomas takes a look at the best VR gadgets out there CHEAP AND CHEERFUL Enter another dimension with Google’s new Cardboard Virtual Reality eyepiece. The device is phenomenally simple: you can simply buy it off the store or just build from scratch. Once you have it, you can explore a variety of apps from the Google Play Store and even use it to view YouTube videos. There are plenty of viewers available so you can be sure to find one that’s perfect for you. At vr.google.com, from RO6.
IWEAR IT As they say, looks can be deceiving. This in-your-face virtual reality headset may look like a toy but this is as good as video headsets get. The iWear by Vuzix gives the viewer a field of view equivalent to a 125-inch home theatre screen viewed from almost 10 feet away. Aside from that, it also supports HDMI inputs for a 3D Blu-Ray player, tablet, console system, PC, and even mobile phones for plug-and-play. But most of all, it is the iWear’s HD 3D video gameplay compatibility that blows the competition away. At vuzix.com, from RO253.6.
A WHOLE NEW GALAXY The Samsung Gear VR has been on the market for quite some time now. However, there really isn’t anything that comes close to it in terms of functionality, user experience and build-quality. The Gear VR gives you a very wide field of view, smooth images and incredibly low-light leakage with reflection prevention. The device also comes with its own touchpad and home and back keys. It is compatible with devices higher than the Samsung Galaxy S5. Get it at your local stores, from RO38.
EDITOR’S PICK
GAME ON
044
THE PLAYSTATION VR IS EVERY GAMER’S DREAM. PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS PROJECT MORPHEUS, THIS HEADSET HAS A COMPLETE BUILT-IN VIRTUAL REALITY SYSTEM. PS VR IS AN ACCESSORY FOR THE PS4 CONSOLE, AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPATIBLE WITH A HOST OF NEW GAMES, INCLUDING THE SOON-TO-BE-RELEASED GRAN TURISMO 7. PLAYSTATION VR TRACKS THE MOVEMENT OF YOUR HEAD AND USES THE PLAYSTATION CAMERA, IN COMBINATION WITH YOUR REGULAR PS4 CONTROLLER OR PLAYSTATION MOVE MOTION CONTROLS, TO PRESENT THE VR EXPERIENCE. IT IS EXPECTED TO COST RO154, AND IS AVAILABLE FROM THE PLAYSTATION STORE NEXT MONTH. YOU CAN ALSO PRE-ORDER IT NOW. JULY SEP 0103- -0709/ /ISSUE ISSUE435 327
LIFE’S GOOD
The LG 360 VR isn’t the best VR headset out there but it sure is the most stylish one. The device weighs roughly 20 per cent less than your average VR headset because you don’t actually slip your phone into the device but connect it using a USB Type-C cable – making it seem like a pair of glasses. The headset houses two 1.8-inch IPS displays inside – one for each eye – each with a resolution of 960x720 pixels, resulting in 639ppi. As a blessing for those of us who wear glasses, the displays can be independently focused, too. The LG 360 VR is available from the LG retailers, at RO100.
NEW STORYTELLER Cinematic Virtual Reality, folks – Jaunt has mastered the art of storytelling with its new VR camera system, called Neo. It employs 360-degree stereoscopic 3D imagery with directional audio, to help you create some superlative titles. It also features custom optics for 3D light field capture, large format sensors, time-lapse, high-framerate capture, and also tools for configuration and rendering. It also supports all major videoediting software such as Avis, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X and more. The camera itself is bespoke, but Jaunt has declined to release its price online.
App of the Week
VRSE Unlike most VR tech out there, Vrse is not an application for gamers. The Vrse app gives you information, news, views and comments from top media houses such as The New York Times, the UN, NBC and others, in 360-degree presentations – allowing you to interact with the surroundings. Available at Google Play Store and iTunes for free.
GUARDIAN ANGEL Worried about running into a wall or stepping on your pet dog while immersed in the virtual world? Fear not! Nyko’s new VR Guardian is a system that will alert you with a small, tingling vibration from a designated wristband when you have come too close to stepping out of your VR zone or if someone enters your space. The sensors communicate via Bluetooth and are stacked on top of each other. The VR Guardian is set for release next month, and should retail for RO38.5. JULY SEP 03 01 - 07 09 / ISSUE 435 327
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CARS AND ADVENTURES
Destination
Postcards from
The Lincoln MKZ brings to the table a sophisticated and elegant ride, all wrapped around in beautiful American attire, finds Alvin Thomas
I
t’s quite surprising that the current generation of the Lincoln MKZ has been prowling around the roads of Oman for more than three years now. What’s more surprising is that there still isn’t anything else on the road that looks quite as avant-garde as the MKZ. There’s no denying that the MKZ’s design is truly outstanding. I spent almost 10 minutes staring at the vehicle before even climbing in. The MKZ is fundamentally based on the Ford Taurus sedan but they don’t share too many elements. The MKZ’s lights are pointy and angular, and the grille resembles an angel’s wings, with the Lincoln logo in the centre. All very elegant! The rear lights look pretty darn spectacular, too – it’s a thin strip of LED lights – sort of stretching across the rear of the car like an Italian moustache (that’s a compliment). In all, the design is inspiring and, dare I say, youthful. After all, in 2014, the average age of a Lincoln owner was a munificent 61 (no, I didn’t simply make that up). To be honest, I was sceptical about me – the 23-year-old “resident dyno-saur” enjoying any time with this car. But I had the keys and without any further ado, I jumped into the driver’s seat. The seats are extremely comfortable and soft, yet, very well-bolstered for added support. You can also have them massage you. The interior is extremely well laid-out and graceful: right in front is a thick-rimmed,
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three-spoke steering wheel (which also houses a host of buttons for commands); a mildly-finicky 25cm LCD screen, which houses everything from the airconditioning controls to the entertainment and seat adjustments; and also two stacks of excellent touchsensitive buttons for the entertainment and airconditioning units (for those who don’t understand touchscreens). Even the gearbox is neatly laid out on the centreconsole of the car. At first, I found it a bit unusual – as I kept hitting the “N” – neutral gear while looking for the hazard sign but I soon got to grips with it. Also adding to the pseudo-luxe appeal is an outstanding 14-speaker THX Premium Audio system, and soft-touch leather paddings throughout the entire cabin. Powering the Lincoln MKZ is a 3.7-litre V6 engine picked up straight from the new-generation Ford Mustang – a car I absolutely adore. It pumps out a stout 300hp and a grunty 375 Nm of torque. Additionally, it is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. My “Reserve” variant tester also came with all-wheel-drive so I wasn’t afraid to give it the beans. I headed to Amerat Heights to test out the car’s powertrain and driving dynamics. My initial impression was that the car was extremely smooth and comfortable for Omani roads. Flooring the accelerator reveals no real tyre squealing, so almost all of the power is conveyed instantly into speed and a glorious six-cylinder baritone.
Outdoors
Y- F i C A R S
Lincoln MKZ Specifications: Engine: 3.7-litre V6 Transmission: 6-speed automatic Horsepower: 300hp Torque: 375 Nm LED tail lamps Fully retractable panoramic moonroof 10.1-inch LCD instrument cluster 14 speaker THX stereo system SYNC MyLincoln touch with 8-inch touch screen Eight airbags Ford MyKey technology Full leather upholstery Push-button start 18-inch alloy wheels
This translates to a 0-100kph sprint time of a mere 7.2 seconds, despite the midday 40-degree heat. The six-speed gearbox did its job pretty well too aside from the rare moments it decided to shift-up automatically when in “manual” mode. The steering is also weighted very well. It lightens up at low speeds to aid parking, and increases weight at high speeds to aid cornering and stability – thus, allowing it to remain crisp and precise in corners – despite weighing in at 1,800kg. Switching off the “Traction Control”, however, reveals a hint of understeer (common with allwheel-drive cars). But, I enjoyed it even more with all the “electronic-nannies” turned on, and with the “S” – Sport Mode – engaged. The ride is very smooth and quiet, with only a slight hint of firmness during spirited driving due to the 45cm low-profile tyres. But the ride is still on par, and maybe even be superior, to certain German-built sedans in the same price range. Spending time with the MKZ certainly changed my perception of the brand. I really cannot find much fault with this car. I also don’t understand why the brand tends to appeal to an older audience. Let me put it this way: If there were to be another Back to the Future flick – the Lincoln MKZ could very well take over the role of the much-loved DeLorean DMC-12 sportscar from the 1980s.
Travel closer . Discover more Omran Hotels & Resorts
We’re offering our best available rates. Naturally. This Eid celebrate the best of Oman’s natural wonders at one of our special destinations.
Dive deep and dance with dolphins at Atana Musandam and Atana Khasab + 968 2673 0777
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Seek seashells on the shore and migratory flocks in the skies of Masira Island Resort +968 2550 4274
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www.masiraislandresort.com
Find sanctuary with the turtles at Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve +968 9655 0707
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www.rasaljinz-turtlereserve.com
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