Y Magazine #469, May 4, 2017

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST WINNERS REVEALED MAGICAL MASERATI

Free!

EVERY THURSDAY

FUEL PRICES HIT AN 10 News: ALL-TIME HIGH

NOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR

BEAUTY: Spruce up for summer HEALTH: The pet effect

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

MAY 04 - 10 2017 / ISSUE 469 • WEEKLY

AT PEACE

PLUS!

WHY OMAN IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S SAFEST COUNTRIES

STUNNING SIFAH

32

SMART CARS

38

SUMMER FLAIR

40

COMPETITION Did you enter Y’s fun Beauty and Beast competition?

Turn to page 16 to check if you are one of our five winners!

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

FARM FIRES The Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) has warned of an increase in farm fires this summer as temperatures soar above 40 degrees.

GOING DOWN

OIL The price of oil slipped below US$52 a barrel this week, as rising output in the US offset Opec’s production cuts aimed at clearing the global supply glut.

THIS WEEK… Team Y had a great time perfecting their aim at the new Bows and Arrows leisure facility at Muscat Grand Mall, spent some time relaxing on the beach at Qurum and headed out for a spot of 10-pin bowling at the mall.

Ways to get your Y fix Online: Visit y-oman.com for even more inspiration.

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EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

Fast forward

I

t comes as no surprise that Oman was recently recognised as the fourth-safest country in the world for visitors in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report.

And I think it is safe to say that the Sultanate’s growing reputation of unity, harmony and friendliness is at the root of this accolade. In our cover story this week, Y looks at the factors behind Oman’s high ranking, talking to a number of residents about why they believe it is so safe here. But the good news doesn’t stop there: the report also cited Oman as one of the top 10 fastest-growing travel destinations.

Of course, we all know that Oman has long been one of the world’s best-kept secrets thanks to its stunning landscape, famous hospitality and culture. But it seems that our days of being overshadowed by the likes of the UAE are coming to an end – which can only be good news for the country’s ambitions to move away from its reliance on the petro dollar.

Elsewhere, we head to Sifah Beach in Destination, check out the latest car gadgets in Y-Fi and announce the winners of our Beauty and the Beast competition.

Have a great week!

editor@y-oman.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi MANAGING EDITOR Felicity Glover SENIOR ONLINE EDITOR Nishad Padiyarath

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PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi REPORTER Alvin Thomas DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

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MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

03

contents MAY

Your Oman

10

2017

16 Competition

Beauty and the Beast

winners revealed

08 Voice Of Oman

Alvin Thomas 10 News

Fuel prices hit all-time

high 11 Gallery

Bunker restaurant

opens

10

-

This Week

06 Coffee With Y

Ali al Habsi

12 Gallery

Azayem Cafe

04

18 This Week

Thai trade fair 21 Movies

Guardians of the

Galaxy 2

Features 22 Cover story

We explore why Oman is so safe for residents 28 Y’s Got Talent

The auditions continue

22

13 News

Power and water

demand on the rise

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Sifah Beach

Health and Beauty

34 First Drive

Maserati Quattroporte 36 Postcard From

Niagra-On-The-Lake, Canada 38 Y-Fi

Smart cars

21 40 Fashion

Summer flair 42 Beauty

Spruce up for summer

Food and Drink 44 Food Feature

Of grains and greens 46 Taste Test

Barbeque Nation

44

43 Health

The pet effect

38 40

NEXT ISSUE...

FEATURES / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / BEAUTY / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FASHION / FIRST DRIVE

Ali al

Habsi

Nishad Padiyarath mee ts the Middle East’s mos t famous footballer and finds that it’s the ‘beaut iful game’, and not fame, th at keeps him interested ike a butterfly flirting

L

260 appearances in the top around the pitch, Ali al and social work these days, division of European footba ll Habsi has this uncanny foo tball is his calling. and 118 caps for his countr ability for making things loo y plu s “I opened a football school k easy. an FA Cup winner s’ medal and We all know what he did in in Mu scat and that has been a a Gulf Cup title, a tourname 2009 when he helped Oman nt dream come true. I always win in which he was nam wanted ed the best their first-ever Gulf Cup and to give back something bac we goalkeeper in 2003, k to 2004, 2007, my cou all know what he did four yea ntry and this is one way,” rs 2009, 2011. later in 2013, when he guided he says.

“I wa s 16 wh en my brother Wigan Athletic to lift the FA It was the goalkeeping coach Cup asked me to play as goalkeeper in England.

Joh n Burridge who first took him and not striker. And I just said yes And last Wednesday (April . to Europe.

26), I believed in him. when he was voted Reading’ “Burridge took me to Old s best “All my life I have believed player of the year, it didn’t in Trafford, clicked my pictur come people and respec e, and ted them. And as a surprise to me. I am me said: ‘I promise you that you eting all my life it has wo rke will d,” he the legendary footballer afte r play here one day. He was recalls. right – several years. after six years I played there.

Despite his success, al Habsi It’s “Do you remember when we all been a dream.” sta ys gro und ed. first met?” I ask al Habsi.

And his future?

“How do you do that?” I ask “In 2009, at the Radisson Blu .

“I don’t worry about when “It ’s because I come from Hotel in Al Khuwair. You we re it wil a stro l all end because nothing ng cul ture. My family is young and looked thin then.

You very tightly bound. sta ys the same in this world,” he I have seen have changed completely,” he rep eve lies ryt . hin “M g; y soccer will have to diffi cul t phases and replies quickly with a smile. goo sto p d som tim es. eda “Fo y. It will be a tough otb all mu Al Habsi snaps shut his mo st make bile you a good man too decision because it’s hard to ,” he adds phone, on which he has bee n in with a smile. imagine life without footba earnest conversation. ll.”

Em otio A final question, then: What n is al Ha bsi’s weakness.

“I am sorry for keeping you He is regularly seen in tears would he say to a young pla waiting. My mobile has not yer, wh enever Oman or Reading win the next al Habsi, startin stopped ringing ever since I g out in s a match. the game? landed here,” he says. “But I like “It is bey ond a patriotic feeling,” He smiles and says: “I’d just tell to be here in Muscat. I hav e more he says. “It is natura him not to find shortcuts. He l, and freedom to do whatever I wa ’s nt emotion is something that you got where he is because of and move around without any tale nt, thrive on. It is within me and hard work, discipline, dedica problems. it tion just happens and I can’t con “I enjoy that feeling; it is ver trol it. and all the other qualities you y It’s hum an.

I alm need. ost cried when different for me. I am given my we wo n the FA Cu “Don’t change. You just nee p bec space, which is important, and ause that d to I was something special,” he be yourself, and try to learn mo can go for nice walks in the say s. re park.”

Of f the fiel d, al Habsi shies about the game. This was act Ali, as al Habsi is known as, ual ly is away from his superstar ima my father’s advice to me, and the best player – and possib ge I’d ly the and instead spends time with his like to pass it on to those wh greatest player in the Middl o care e East. family. “Out of foo tball, I like to to listen.”

And he also has a knack for the spe nd tim e with my kids. That’s spectacular. the best thing in my life, not Al Habsi is surprisingly mo hing Have you got a unique story to tell? Contact dest matches that,” he say us to have coffee with Y and be feat s. for someone who has more ured in Y Magazine. than Even though he’s into charity Email: editor@y-oman.com

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MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

THE VOICE OF OMAN ALVIN THOMAS HAS HIS FAITH IN HUMAN NATURE RESTORED, THANKS TO THE ROP

I

t’s another 9pm on Tuesday and we have just put our latest edition of the magazine to bed. The week has been quite hectic, and all I’m looking forward to is a calming drive home in my car.

And so humming the tune to one of The Weeknd’s new songs, I approach my car. What lies in front of my eyes, however, leaves me in dismay: my parked car has just been badly damaged in a hit-and-run.

How do you respond to situations like this? Well, initially I want to scream out loud to let go of the frustration.

That anger then slowly boils down to a stream of sorrow, and finally the will to take control.

The hooligan has taken out my alloys, fender and my steering rack and suspension.

Without delay, I call the Royal Oman Police (ROP) – who are on the scene within minutes. By now, an onlooker also offers me part of the miscreant’s registration number, which he clocked as the culprit drove off.

The officers take me to the police station to get more details. So, armed with a partial plate (and sinking hopes), I accompany them.

At the station, however, things are a bit different. I meet a team of young, amenable officers.

And one does a complete visual check of my car. He then proceeds to console me, and assures me that he will catch the culprit, which is pretty impressive considering this officer has just finished his day’s shift.

His confidence and sympathy raises my hopes. And you know what? Three hours later, we have the details of the person who rammed my car.

The perseverance of the ROP not only helped me to catch the scoundrel but restored my confidence in my fellow men. A day filled with mixed emotions, indeed. Thanks, ROP!

NEXT WEEK: AYSHA FAROOQ 08

MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: According to the World Economic Forum, Oman is the fourth-safest country in the world. In your experience here, what has contributed to this global accolade?

HARISH BALA

I consider myself fortunate to have had the chance to live in not only one of the safest countries but also one of the friendliest countries on this planet. People respect the laws of the land here and are considerate towards each other.

For such a wonderful country with so many beaches, mountains and deserts my only wish is that tourism is advertised and developed more so that more of the world can come and visit this wonderful country.

JESSE ESTANDARTE

The Omani Government’s strict implementation of its law on all levels; labour laws, penal laws, judicial systems, and municipal laws synchronise with its economic reforms to stabilise the economy and maintain standards of living.

The good nature, character and attitude of the Omani people blend well with expatriates so that everybody can live together in harmony. I believe these are the essential factors.

RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE

I’m lucky enough to have continually worked and lived in the fourth safest country in the world.

I have enjoyed Oman’s geography, topography and culture; the kind, hospitable, peace-loving, and friendly Omanis, and of course the great leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. Oman has mountains, deserts, wadis, beaches, caves, hotels, and natural parks that are unique. Public transportation in Oman is

WRITE TO US AND YOU COULD WIN

starting to be developed and this has contributed to our country’s international status. Our unique, distinct, and traditional culture has been preserved but modern culture and technology have also been embraced. The expatriates who consider Oman as their second home have also contributed to this development. Based on my experience, Oman is the safest and the friendliest country.

PARUL JAIN

A country is considered safe on the basis of the costliness of common crime and violence as well as terrorism, and the extent to which police services can be relied upon to provide protection from crime.

When we see the ROP, do we feel safe? Yes. If we leave our things somewhere, by mistake, do we get them back? Yes. Have you seen people willingly offering help to accident victims and the needy?

Yes. Have you seen beggars? No, as they aren’t any. These factors have contributed to the global accolade without any doubt.

Tourism depends on the beauty in the hearts of citizens as much as any beautiful landscape. Will you travel to a place with picturesque surroundings but one which cannot guarantee your safety? Most of us would answer no. The efficient management established by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said has made Oman a safe country. Nothing is hidden. Abraham Lincoln rightly said: “Tell the people the truth and the country will be safe” and so it is.

MOHAN ANANDAN

The foremost factor is that the people of Oman

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are, by nature, peace-loving people. The aura of hospitality, friendliness and brotherliness are extended to everyone is evidence of this. Anyone who visits this beautiful country has wonderful experiences to share about the magnanimity and selflessness of its people. Many residents here would tell you of innumerable occasions when citizens help an accident victim, offering solace to the needy or graciously volunteering to change the flat tyre of your vehicle when you are stranded. That is the true image of Oman for you, which our ruler HM the Sultan exemplifies. It’s no wonder then that Oman finds a place at the top of the safest countries in the world.

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

The WEF rating has not surprised me at all. Being in Oman for the past 25 years my family has never felt unsafe at any point in time. Hats off to the tradition and culture of this beautiful country and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos for his leadership, which along with modernisation, has kept the traditional cultural values of the nation intact. In my humble opinion, the simplicity and hospitality and the moral values of the people of Oman are the main contributing factors in this global accolade. At the same time I feel that the Royal Oman Police should also be applauded for making each resident and visitor of this country feel safe and secure in all circumstances, 24/7.

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/YMAGAZINE

New Debate: According to media reports this week, a woman in Oman stabbed to death a man who was allegedly blackmailing her.

In the light of this, should citizens take the law into their own hands?

Share your view with us on Facebook and you could be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI

Oman deserves this accolade as most expatriates do not willingly return to their homelands because Oman is a most friendly nation. We came here way back just to spend a few weeks and that turned out to be nearly two decades. Every two years we think about leaving for good, but it is not to be and I believe it is the culture here that has helped to make Oman the fourth-safest country in the world. Given a chance to live through our entire lives, we wouldn’t hesitate to take our last breath here.

ANTONY VETTIYAZHICKAL JOSEPH

Oman has never had a history of terrorist attacks and it is not a country that is ridden with violence and anti-social behaviour. In these days of global terrorism, visitors and job seekers first look for the safety and security aspect before they visit or choose to live in a particular country. Financial aspects are a secondary consideration in making such a decision.

My experiences in this country are in tune with what these reviewers have assessed about Oman. More importantly, Finland had a wafer thin majority securing 6.65 points to be in first place, in comparison to Oman that got 6.49 over a scale of 10. At this rate, I am optimistic that Oman will top the poll in the years to come. When I look at public transport, the Muttrah Corniche beach area, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House Muscat I can sense a beehive of activity, with foreign tourists anxious to see these places. That says a lot and speaks volumes on Oman’s entitlement for this accolade.

SEETHAKAMAN. K AND HIS CHILDREN WERE SPOTTED WITH THEIR FAVOURITE Y MAGAZINE IN MUSCAT

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

Send it to: info@y-oman.com

DR RAO BHASKARA SUDDAPALLI

The Sultanate of Oman, under the dynamic and able leadership of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said has earned this ranking. Oman has no record of terrorism and violence, is marked by a minimal crime rate and has effective police and emergency outfits to protect citizens, residents and tourists.

There is also the freedom to follow religious-cultural beliefs within the confines of the laws of the land. Moreover, the hospitality of its citizens is one of Oman’s greatest assets. It is the combination of these factors that have led to this acclaim.

Our congenial climate has given Oman this pivotal position, as evidenced by the record number of over 2.5 million tourists.

Above all, Oman is known for playing a Good Samaritan role in being an international peacemaker too.

MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

09

YOUR

OMAN

M

NEWS

OMAN FUEL PRICES AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH

otorists in Oman will be paying more to fill their fuel tanks, with the latest figures released by the Ministry of Oil and Gas showing a substantial increase in the price of high-grade M95 petrol and diesel.

According to the figures, the price of a litre of diesel will stand at 204 baisas, which is 4 baisas more than last month, while the price of highgrade petrol, also known as Super, has been set at 199 baisas, which is an increase of 7 baisas from last month.

Despite the hike in prices, M91 petrol, also known as Regular, will only rise to its original value of 186 baisas per litre, the price that was agreed upon by the Shura Council in February this year.

However, the recent jump in prices has left many confused, citing worries that the cap on M91 fuel has been lifted by the Ministry.

But Salim Al Aufi, the Undersecretary at the Ministry of Oil and Gas, was quoted by the Times of Oman, as saying: “First, it was not a freeze but ‘capping’ at the February monthly price for M91 only.

“The February pump price for M91 was 186 baisas per litre.

“Second, the decision to cap the price of M91 to the February level was taken by the Cabinet, not the Ministry of Oil and Gas. “The pricing committee [of the Ministry) honoured this decision and for March, fixed M91 to 185 baisas

per litre.” This month’s petrol-price hike has divided the opinions of many motorists.

One taxi driver, who is based in Muscat, said: “How can we afford to feed ourselves when all we can pay with our daily earnings is pay for fuel?

“The Government must bring the rates back down,” he added, saying that he pays an excess of RO1.5 to top-up his minivan with M95 fuel.

But another Omani motorist believed that the hike in prices was actually good for the country.

“I sincerely believe that the increase of fuel prices is 100 per cent justifiable and necessary,” he said.

“This will help urge people to stop using their cars and avail the services of the new Mwasalat buses.”

UPDATE ON LABOUR LAW EXPECTED SOON

O

man’s Labour Law is back in the spotlight after reports surfaced this week that the Royal Oman Police (ROP) and the Ministry of Manpower would soon make an announcement on the existing laws.

In an interview with national broadcaster Oman TV, the Minister of Manpower, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser al Bakri, said: “The Labour Law is in the process of being implemented and will be issued soon.”

He added that discussions over whether Oman’s Labour Law should be updated were now “complete” and that the findings would be revealed “as soon as procedures are completed”.

The much discussed Labour Law formed a part of the Tanfeedh labs discussions, which were held late last year.

Since then, the ROP and the Ministry of Manpower have reportedly been discussing whether

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MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

to implement a change in the law. The Minister added that “a national committee has been set up to run the large number of job seekers”.

Details on what the changes will be or when the announcement will be made have not yet been revealed. But stay tuned for more information.

BUNKER DOWN

GALLERY

BUNKER OPENED ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC, LAST FRIDAY (APRIL 28).

THE NEW FAST-CASUAL DINING RESTAURANT SPECIALISES IN BURGERS, SLIDERS AND SHAKES. STAYING TRUE TO ITS NAME, THE RESTAURANT WILL SERVE YOU DISHES IN A COMPLETE ARMY-STYLE SETTING, WITH EVEN THE WAITERS DRESSED IN CAMOUFLAGE. THE OUTLET IS LOCATED AT AL MASA MALL IN SHATTI AL QURUM

MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

011

YOUR

AMAZING AZAYEM

OMAN

AZAYEM CAFÉ BECAME THE LATEST ENTRANT IN THE CAFÉ SCENE IN OMAN AFTER ITS INAUGURATION LAST THURSDAY (APRIL 27).

THE CAFÉ WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY KUWAIT’S AMBASSADOR TO OMAN, HE FAHD HAJAR AL MUTAIRI, AND WAS ATTENDED

BY NUMEROUS KUWAITI AND OMANI SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS. AZAYEM CAFÉ IS LOCATED NEXT TO AL AMIN MOSQUE IN BAUSHAR.

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NEWS

GALLERY

DEMAND FOR ELECTRICITY AND WATER ON THE RISE: PAEW T he Sultanate is rapidly evolving into one of the region’s most energy hungry countries, with the Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW) announcing that Oman’s power demand is showing an annual growth of 11 per cent – 2 per cent higher than that of the UAE. The report shows that the numbers are up from recent years, further asserting the need to switch from fossil fuels to alternative renewable energy resources.

The PAEW addressed this, and many issues concerning supply and demand of water and disposal of waste water, at the third edition of the Oman Energy and Water Exhibition and Conference, which was held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) on Monday (May 1).

Addressing local media, Dr Ali al Ghafri, the chairman assistant for international relations and media at PAEW, said: “As energy, water and drainage sectors play a vital role in the country’s development, it is an obligation to promote them to keep abreast with the constant economic and constructional expansion.”

He also pointed out that Oman was working hard to keep up with the country’s energy demands.

“The number of implemented as well as assigned projects from 2012 to 2019 stands at 12 projects at a cost of RO3 billion. Four projects are currently being executed by the private sector in Musandam, Salalah, Ibri and Suhar with a total capacity of 3,784 megawatts,” he said.

Al Ghafri added that 98 per cent of urban areas were now covered by power supply as production capacity reached 8,000 megawatts by the end of 2016.

Meanwhile, the PAEW also highlighted that demand for water was growing rapidly at 10 per cent annually.

“The current water desalination capacity in the country was 1.15 million cubic metres per day and annual demand growth was estimated to be 10 per cent,” al Ghafri said in his speech.

However, he said that an additional 764,000 cubic metres per day capacity would be added between 2018 and 2020.

MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

013

YOUR

INCREDIBLE INFINITI

OMAN

INFINITI RECENTLY GAVE CUSTOMERS, THE MEDIA AND INFLUENCERS AN EXCLUSIVE PEEK INTO THE ALLNEW Q60 SPORTS COUPE AT THE SUHAIL BAHWAN AUTOMOBILES SHOWROOM. THE COUPE MARKS THE RETURN OF THE MUCH-LOVED (AND NOW DISCONTINUED) INFINITI G37.

THE COUPE WILL BE AVAILABLE WITH TWO POWERTRAIN OPTIONS THAT ARE CAPABLE OF 400HP AND 211HP, RESPECTIVELY,

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NEWS

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MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF OUR BEAUTY AND THE BEAST COMPETITION! We were inundated with entries to win our Beauty and the Beast exclusive branded merchandise and tickets to see the blockbuster movie. And after sifting through all of the entries we now finally have our winners

T

o enter, all our readers had to do was to answer the following question: Who stars as Belle in Beauty and the Beast? We embedded the answer in last week’s story (issue 468), which was: Emma Watson.

The movie, based on Disney’s 1991 animated version, also stars Dan Watson as the Beast, who imprisons the beautiful and independent Belle in his castle. But as she makes friends with the enchanting staff, she soon learns that what lies beneath is what really counts and that inside the Beast is actually the kind heart and soul of a prince.

The movie has received critical acclaim from around the world – and is one of the must-see movies of 2017.

First Prize

Safiya al Sharji

Safiya wins one pair of movie tickets to see Beauty and the Beast plus an exclusive branded Beauty and the Beast jewellery box and tote bag q

Runners-up

Abbas al Balushi Katrina de Leon Salgado Shyla Ivan Muntaha al Lawati

Our runners-up each win one pair of movie tickets to see Beauty and the Beast

Thanks to all who entered!

MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

017

SUMMER BREEZE

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

FOR HIRE

MAY

6

Head to the Bosch Center for Performing Arts at The American International School Muscat (TAISM) for the Muscat Singers’ summer concert. This year’s theme is Let There Be Love, and they will be accompanied by Muscat Brass and the PDO School choir. The concert kicks off at 4pm and tickets cost RO3, which are available at TAISM reception. Children over five years of age are also welcome.

MAY

6

Are you looking for a job in administration or teaching? Then the Oman Job Fair is the place for you to be this Saturday. The job fair is being held at the International School of Choueifat in Al Hail South from 10am to 4pm. Recruiters are looking for candidates to work in Manama, Dubai, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Amman, Jeddah and Doha – and don’t forget to bring printed copies of your CV with you!

MAY

9-13

THIS

WEEK M

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

A

Y

The second Thai Trade Exhibition Oman 2017 (TTXO) is coming to Muscat, where visitors can shop for high-quality Thai products, taste authentic Thai food and experience some traditional Thai performances.

TTXO is the leading trade fair for Thai SMEs to explore business opportunities in the Sultanate, as well as introduce their products and services here. TTXO 2017 will be held in Hall 5 at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, while buyers from across the Middle East are also expected to attend. For more information, email marcom@ vegainter.com or WhatsApp +971 56 548 6609.

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Top

of the world’s largest mosques ❷

❶

Al-Masjid al-Nabawi Where: Medina, Saudi Arabia

Masjid al Haram Where: Mecca, Saudi Arabia

11

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Muscat, Oman

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ri Sh

❸

za an Re had, Ir

am: Mas

Im

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❹

❺ The Hassan II Mosque Where: Casablanca, Morroco

Istiqlal Mosque Where: Jakarta, Indonesia

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Source: the wondrous.com

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

Revenger

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 Most sequels can often be about as entertaining as a GCC conference. Put simply, we tend to have seen it all before.

And as for surpassing the original; forget it unless it’s The Godfather Part II or Aliens.

Happily, in this, the moviegoer can sit back, relax, and not have to worry if this is a worthy successor because it is, and then some.

And for those of you worried that another inter-galactic fight fest might be a tad on the tedious side, think again.

Director James Gunn has got it covered and he’s moving the action, and some of the characters, on.

While Vol I was about uniting the most enigmatic outlaws in the universe, this time around the team has to stick together while working through some issues.

And the usual suspects are back: green-skinned assassin Gamora (Zoe Saldana); a walking tree (voiced by Vin

Diesel); follicly-challenged muscle-man Drax (Dave Bautista); cosmic, plasteredin-blue-paint rogue Yondu (Michael Rooker) and foul-mouthed raccoon Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper).

As Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) tries to uncover the mystery of his parentage, Gamora has some deep-seated family issues with her nasty sister Nebula while Drax may have found love.

Even the grandparents will love this, as there are plenty of timeless classics from the 70s peppering the movie soundtrack, such as Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain, or George Harrison’s My Sweet Lord, and yes they work rather well It’s so much more than superhero slapstick with moments of Marvelesque bon mots. Take the whole family and enjoy. It’s two hours of your life you won’t want to get back, and will remember for a good while.

Review by Kevin McIndoe

offensive. Sigourney Weaver co-stars but she really should exercise more care when selecting character parts. This is the kind of straight-to-DVD-type tripe that film distributors think is OK to dump onto an Omani audience. Don’t fall for it, folks.

Vote with your feet and give this infantile film a body swerve.

Vincent N Roxxy

After waking up and discovered she has undergone gender reassignment surgery, the assassin (Michelle Rodriguez) has to hunt down the venal doctor who did the deed. This is an action-thriller that some may find enjoyable but it is based on a premise that is, at best, crude and immature; and at worse,

When small town loner Vincent (Emile Hirsch) and feisty punk rocker Roxxy (Zoe Kravitz) fall in love, they find their path of true love has a lot more bumps in the road than that of most other couples. Pretty soon, they find themselves on the run while violence follows them everywhere they go. While it seems like a simple tale of star-crossed lovers and a romance ridden with problems, it’s actually pretty good; a chick-flick that guys wouldn’t be embarrassed about saying they have seen it. Both protagonists are outstanding, the writing and dialogue incisive and perceptive, and it is paced well. A delight.

Long View OVERDRIVE Two brothers, Andrew (Scott Eastwood) and Garrett (Freddie Thorp) are car thieves who want to beef up their business in luxury and vintage cars.

When hired to steal a Bugatti valued at one million euros, they head to the south of France to take the job on. But when they get caught, the car’s owner Jacomo Morier (Simon Abkarian) is not best pleased, to say the least. If they want to carry on living, they will have to steal a Ferrari belonging to his arch-rival. This is a good, old-fashioned action thriller that’s a lot of fun. Pity Scott’s dad, Clint, wasn’t behind the camera, though.

Oman Release date: June 22

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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 MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

021

STATE OF THE UNION Oman has been recognised as the fourth-safest country in the world by the World Economic Forum. Alvin Thomas investigates some of the factors behind this acclaim, and discovers that it is the Sultanate’s core values of unity and harmony that lie at the root of it

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MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

O

man has always been one of the world’s best-kept secrets.

Its beauty, hospitality, culture and standard of living have always been slightly under the international radar.

One could also argue that it appears to have been overtaken in the global spotlight by other GCC states such as the UAE and Qatar.

But that could be about to change, as the Sultanate has added another string to its ever-expanding bow.

Oman has been voted as the “fourth-safest country in the world” for visitors, according to the new Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report just published by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Safety rankings included the categories of police services, the terrorism index, the homicide rate, and costs of crime and violence. The UAE was placed second, and Qatar, 10th.

The recognition comes as Oman has been cited (by the same report) as being one of the top 10 fastest-growing nations for leisure travel spending.

This accolade is not a surprise to one businessman who has been living in Oman for the past 45 years.

Francis Davis, an auto parts dealer in Ruwi, believes that it is the diversity of the population in Oman that makes it an “exceptional country to live in”.

According to recent statistics published by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), there is a total of 4,614,376 people living in Oman, of which 2,120,734 are expats and 2,493,642 are Omanis.

MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

023

I CAME TO OMAN WHEN I WAS ONLY 20 YEARS OLD. AND I CAN TELL YOU THAT THINGS HAVE DEFINITELY CHANGED AROUND HERE. BACK THEN IT WAS JUST OMANIS, INDIANS, PAKISTANIS AND THE BRITISH. THERE WAS DEFINITELY A LOT OF NATIONALITY-RELATED ISSUES BACK THEN

“I came to Oman when I was only 20 years old,” says Francis.

“And I can tell you that things have definitely changed around here. Back then it was just Omanis, Indians, Pakistanis and the British. There was definitely a lot of nationality-related issues back then.”

Today, however, Francis says that the influx of a large number of expats from other countries has helped to ease that problem.

And according to him, the Omani authorities deserve much of the credit for the change.

“The facilities you get today are fantastic, and the ROP are doing an exceptional job in handling all of our needs.

“I am essentially an Anglo-Indian [an Indian with British roots] and my heart lies back in India but somehow I cannot seem to let go of Oman.”

While his business hasn’t lately been up the mark, the thought of leaving Oman sends “shivers” down his spine.

“I cannot sustain such a business in India solely because I think that the people there are a bit harder to deal with. Here, I come across people who are so polite and well-spoken. Even youngsters who deal with me respect me for my age.”

Moreover, the businessman points out that because Oman is on good trade terms with most countries across the globe, he has no restrictions in legally importing parts for motor vehicles.

“My father used to run a car garage in India, too. But, I remember how hard it was for him to obtain parts from certain countries as trade with certain countries was barred.

“I just feel very secure and comfortable here. Maybe I will not leave

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Oman after all.” While Francis has been here for 45 years, the abundant charms of Oman have not been lost on one of his compatriots, a young woman who has made Oman her home, and has no intention of returning to her home state of Kerala in India.

“Home is where my heart lies, and Oman is my home,” says media professional and Indian classical music singer Devika Sreekumar, who likes to meet her friends at night and on weekends.

It’s the ideal time to sit back, relax and share their experiences at work or even gossip about their friends.

However, on a recent Friday evening, Devika, 23, has happy news to share with her friends. She has just released a music video on Facebook, which has received more than 3,000 views in just a few hours. It’s a personal milestone so she has a lot to talk about.

Sitting with her friends in a cafe near Qurum Beach, the group talks into the small hours, even after the establishment has shut its doors for the night.

“Hanging out like this for hours is nothing new to us,” says Devika. “We are all professionals who spend our days working so it is only on days like these that we actually get to spend some time with each other.”

However, Devika and her friends don’t look like they will be budging from their spots anytime soon.

And there is a reason for that. They don’t feel threatened by staying out late, unlike when they are in India.

“We really do feel like we are well protected and part of one community.

And I am sure that everyone who visits this country will have a similar story to tell,” says Devika.

One of her friends, who has only lived in the Sultanate for three months, agrees and says she has grown to “embrace the general feeling of safety that Oman provides”.

With positive comments such as these, there is little wonder as to why Oman has been voted as the “fourth-safest country in the world” for visitors to travel to.

The WEF report ranked Oman 66th overall out of 136 countries, after factoring in categories such as business environment, human resources, hygiene and information technology, and the safety of citizens.

Devika believes that Oman is not only safe for visitors but also for expatriates and citizens alike.

“I don’t feel like an outsider here and I feel I am treated better when I am here in Oman,” she says.

But Devika is troubled by the gender inequality and blatant sexism that continues to blight the lives of many women in her own country.

She was a victim of teasing and harassment in her native town in Kerala,

India, during her college days. “There was this one time that I was followed by a man on a bike. He came and started snapping pictures of me on his mobile phone. I simply put my head down and kept walking.”

But the man continued to harass her by invading her space, and she was shocked when not a single bystander acted to protect her or even stop him.

“I was left to fend for myself and that’s exactly what I did. I screamed at him, and then went running home to avoid any further altercation with him.”

However, what happened next shattered her trust.

“That same man tried to break into our house late at night through one of the back doors at our house. It was just me, my mother, my cousin and aunt at home then.

“We didn’t know what to do so we grabbed our torches and started pointing them outside to grab someone’s attention,” she says.

“Luckily though, he left. I think it must have been because he saw that we had woken up.”

Devika may have swept her memory of that day under what she calls “a thick sheet of carpet”, but she has not stayed in the house since without the presence of her father.

“This is why I feel that I am much safer here in Oman,” she says.

“I can even head out past midnight and furthermore drive back and then go home safely. I have not encountered any such situation here in Muscat and I really don’t think I would, because the people around here are very caring and would really go out of their way to protect me.

“The only real worry I have is driving on the roads at night.

People can get a bit rude on the road especially if they see a girl overtaking them. But nothing has really translated to real

TOP 20 SAFEST COUNTRIES 1. Finland 6.65 2. United Arab Emirates 6.60 3. Iceland 6.57 4. Oman 6.49 5. Hong Kong SAR 6.47 6. Singapore 6.45 7. Norway 6.41 8. Switzerland 6.41 9. Rwanda 6.39 10. Qatar 6.33 11. Portugal 6.32 12. Luxembourg 6.32 13. New Zealand 6.31 14. Austria 6.28 15. Estonia 6.26 16. Sweden 6.22 17. Slovenia 6.20 18. Spain 6.16 19. Netherlands 6.14 20. Morocco 6.14 Source: World Economic Forum

aggression that I have to be concerned about.” She also has much praise for the Royal Oman Police (ROP) in their efforts to make life for citizens “safe and secure”.

When Y told ROP official Abdullah (who did not want his surname published for privacy reasons) about Devika’s love for Oman, he said: “Mashaallah! I am very happy to hear that.

“Our country is in the top of the list of safest countries to live in because of the people.

“In general, we Omanis are very welcoming people. We think of people from any other nationalities like our guests, and that is something that we apply in our daily duties at the ROP, too.

“We make sure that we listen to the worries and pains of every person we deal with, and try to understand or at least try to assess the situation even if we do not understand the language that much,” he adds, before asserting that it is this mix of nationalities that gives the country its charm and reputation in the GCC as a friendly country.

The ROP’s work has made the Sultanate safer for its citizens and resulted in a low crime rate, which was recorded as four crimes per 1,000 people this year.

In comparison, England and Wales (not Scotland or Northern Ireland) recorded 83 crime offences per 1,000 people in 2016, according to the UK’s Office for National Statistics.

Abdullah says: “One of the things we can successfully say we have cut down is crime incidents at night. We have patrol units that are deployed everywhere, and they are in charge of keeping an eye out for suspicious activities such as robberies, as well as other offences that are traffic related.”

Renjini, a medical secretary working in a hospital in Ghubra, agrees with Abdullah.

“I have been taking a cab past 10pm from Ghubra to my house in Ruwi for over two years now, and I haven’t had any issues whatsoever,” she says.

I HAVE BEEN TAKING A CAB PAST 10PM FROM GHUBRA TO MY HOUSE IN RUWI FOR OVER TWO YEARS NOW, AND I HAVEN’T HAD ANY ISSUES WHATSOEVER

MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

025

TOP 20 UNSAFEST COUNTRIES

Source: World Economic Forum

66th /136

Oman Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index 2017 edition

Key Indicators

Sources: World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)

International tourist arrivals

1,897,000 T&T industry GDP

International tourism inbound receipts

US $1,539.7 million

Average receipts per arrival

US $811.6

US $1,812.5 million 2.5%

% of total

53,251 jobs

T&T industry employment

2.7%

% of total

Performance Overview

Key Score

Highest score Pillar Rank/136

Pillar Rank/136

Price competitiveness 24th

International Openness 116th

Environmental sustainability 109th

Prioritisation of Travel & Tourism 81st ICT readiness 46th

Air transport infrastructure 57th

Human resources and labour market 103rd

Ground and port infrastructure 47th

Health and hygiene 65th

Tourist service infrastructure 67th

Safety and security 4th

Natural resources 87th

66th Oman

Overall score 3.8

Business environment 26th

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Cultural resources and business travel 58th

1

2

3

4

5

6

Past performance Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Edition

2015

2017

Rank

65/141

66/136

Score

3.8

3.8

Source: World Economic Forum 026

MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

7

“True, I have heard reports of ill-happenings but I think a large number of them are merely rumours fuelled by ill-wishers. No one has ever misbehaved with me, and I now know several drivers personally. So, they will drop me off at my house safely, no matter what the time is.”

She maintains that taxi drivers are “unsung heroes”, and says that they are also one of the reasons she can return to her family after work.

Despite commending Oman for its safe environment for residents and tourists alike, the WEF report cites discrepancies in the region, making the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) one of the least homogeneous regions.

For example, countries such as Oman, the UAE and Qatar rank among the 10 safest economies globally, with little incidences of terrorism, according to the report.

Oman has also been recognised as one of the emerging economies that are showing a substantial improvement in its performance scores in previous Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Reports.

This recognition has corresponded with the Sultanate’s increasing success on the travel and tourism world stage.

More than 2.5 million travellers visited Oman from January to October last year, an increase of 300,000 visitors from the same period in 2015.

These results echo World Travel

and Tourism Council (WTTC) research, which forecasts that between 2016 and 2026, the 10 fastest-growing destinations for leisure-travel spending will be India, followed by Angola, Uganda, Brunei, Thailand, China, Myanmar, Oman, Mozambique and Vietnam.

Talking about this steady growth in tourism, a Muscat-based travel agent, who declined to be named, says: “Oman is one country that is actually making leaps and bounds in the tourism industry in the GCC. “The reason for that is because the facilities that are offered to visitors are much more advanced than they ever were. I deal with numerous cruise ships that dock in Oman, and I can assure you that no one returns to the ship without a smile and a story to tell.

Some of the factors that tourists take into consideration while visiting a country are safety and security, public facilities, such as banks, hotels and tour guides, and accommodation.

“Oman offers all of this, and more,” she says.

As for Devika, her enthusiasm for her adopted country is palpable.

Her career is here, her life is here, and she couldn’t be happier with her decision to stay.

“Most people consider us expatriates in India nowadays because we bond with this country a bit more.

“Mind you, I love India but the general feeling of safety and security is one that cannot be matched. And every time I am here, I just feel that I am being taken care of. It feels good; it feels warm.”

‫مركز ُعمان للمؤتمرات والمعارض وجهتك األمثل‬ ‫لإلفطار والتسوق واإلستمتاع في ليالي شهر رمضان‬

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: ‫ليالي رمضان مقدمة لكم من‬

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SOUQ LAYALI

MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

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Y GOES ON THE HUNT FOR THE KING AND QUEEN OF COOL OF MUSCAT’S COLLEGE CAMPUSES. IMPRESS OUR JUDGES AND YOU COULD WIN A SHARE OF RO4,500 IN PRIZES

C

ongratulations to Nasr Salim al Naabi and Mahsa Sharifi, who have been crowned Mr and Ms Talented of the National Hospitality Institute (NHI)!

The multi-talented Nasr impressed the judges with his singing, guitar playing and breakdancing while Mahsa wowed the crowd with her Iranian dance number.

According to the Y’s Got Talent judges, there was some incredible talent on show at the NHI audition this week, while the audience was one of the largest so far.

Nasr and Mahsa now move on to the Grand Finale where they stand a chance of winning even more prizes!

Presented by Nestle, powered by Renault, and in association with VLCC, The Sultan

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MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

Centre and Pizza Muscat, Y’s Got Talent aims to find the most talented university students in Muscat and reward them with exciting prizes.

“With just six more auditions to go, we are witnessing many talented college students,” says Felicity Glover, the managing editor of Y Magazine. “This week at the NHI, we saw hip-hop dancing, rappers, singers and even musicians playing their own songs, while VLCC was there to give students free BMIs. Spot quizzes also kept the audience entertained, and there were fun prizes to also win.”

In the audition phase, which will be held throughout this month, our talenthunting MC and panel of judges will scour each of the participating colleges to assess

applicants, based on their two minutes in the spotlight. Once the votes are in, one boy and one girl from each college will go forward to the Grand Finale and compete against winners from the other colleges taking part.

Whoever is named Mr Talented and Ms Talented from each college audition will receive each RO150 worth of vouchers for their efforts, as well as the chance to win even more in the Grand Finale.

The winners of each college audition will then face off against each other for the glory of being crowned overall Mr and Ms Talented, as well as the opportunity to lay their hands on a cash prize of RO250 each plus RO200 worth of vouchers!

PARTICIPATING COLLEGES

• Waljat College of Applied Sciences • Middle East College • Caledonian College • Oman Tourism College • Scientific College of Design • International College of Engineering and

Management • National Hospitality Institute • College of Banking and Financial Studies • Modern College for Business and Science • Oman College of Management and Technology • GUTech • Bayan College MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

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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 • SPAR

• 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 • SPAR • 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 • Starbucks • Tim Hortons • VLCC Wellness MBD • Bank Dhofar • Centrepoint (Splash) • SPAR • 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 MSQ • Al Fair • Arab Open University • British Council • Costa Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • Hana’s Slimming &

Skincare Centre • Kargeen Caffe • KFC • MacKenzies Café

& Deli • Mood Café • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Papa John’s Pizza • Pizza Hut

• Saharz Beauty Salon • Starbucks Al Murtafa’a • Bank Muscat • KFC • Muscat Hills Golf &

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

Muscat-4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • Waljat College of

Applied Sciences Ruwi • Apollo Medical Centre • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Mega

Store – Swarovski Showroom • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • Oman Trading Establishment • Saravana Bhavan Sarooj • Al Fair • Al Masa Mall • City Cinema • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell Petrol Station • VLCC Wellness Sawadi • Al Sawadi Beach Resort Seeb • Golden Tulip Hotel • McDonald’s Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Caribou Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Centre • The Indus Restaurant • InterContinental

Hotel Muscat • Jawharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks • VLCC Wellness Sifah • Sifawy Boutique Hotel SQU • Diplomatic Club • College of

Economics and

Political Science

• Students Banking Area • Reception/ Canteen Wadi Kabir • Al Maya Hypermarket • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Pharmacy • National Hospitality Institute • Pizza Hut • Shell Petrol Station Wattayah • Ahli Bank • Best Cars • BLS International Services • Chevrolet/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 Al Mouj Muscat • Almouj Golf • Costa Coffee • Oman Sail • Shakespeare & Co. • Al Mouj Muscat

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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&

Adventures

Fa s h i o n

Health

Fo o d

LIFE STYLE

BEACH WEATHER

We head to Sifah Beach for a day of exploring and relaxing in Destination this week – P32.

MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

D E S T I N AT I O N C a r s

P o s t c a r d s Fr o m

Y- F i

Gaming

Destination

Photos: Alvin Thomas

SIFAH BEACH

Y’S ALVIN THOMAS AND HIS FAMILY FIND A STRETCH OF SAND THAT TYPIFIES THE OUTDOOR WONDERS OMAN HAS TO OFFER

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MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

in a community is what makes the beach at Sifah stand out.

We see numerous families spending time here, some teaching their young ones how to swim; others trying to catch some fish and the rest simply trying to get a head start on their presummer tan.

Apart from the sheer beauty of the place, the sea overflows with coral and fish, which is unsurprising as the coastal areas of Oman are known for their marine life. The waters are relatively clear, and you can see through to the coral.

Although we can’t have a dip as we haven’t brought our swimming gear we manage to get some sand between our toes, and let the water simply lap at our ankles on a barefoot stroll from one end of the beach to the other. It’s a refreshing respite from our long 70km journey.

The sandy beach is pristine, and there are numerous cleaners toiling to clear all manner of litter and detritus. And their assiduous efforts are clearly paying off as it is one of the cleanest beaches I have ever seen in the Sultanate.

We catch a few Omani families making sand castles, and one hospitable family offers us some Omani kahwah (coffee), which rather hits the spot after our journey.

A little while later, we make ourselves comfortable at one end of the beach, and realise that the sun is already setting. And we three (Allen, Jijin and me) are still bowled over by the location’s sheer beauty.

It really does resemble what you might see in an Impressionist painting. The sun is setting behind the mountains that stretch across the horizon, and an orange hue endows them with a light Claude Monet would find hard to resist.

In the process, the panorama highlights the wondrous allure that attracts worldly travellers to Oman.

Good coffee, magnificent scenery and the sonorous splashing of waves in the background: can life get any better than this?

T

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

here comes a point in everyone’s life when one has to stop working and take time out to do something they love. And for me, last week’s trip to find the “perfect driving road in Oman” was nothing short of nirvana.

If you read last week’s Destination feature, you would know that I took a trip (with my brothers) to Yiti and the overlying areas of Al Khiran. The sights and roads, as I said, are truly magnificent. However, I know that Oman has a lot more to offer.

With that in mind, my aim was not only to escape from work and capture the sheer glamour and beauty of Oman through my lens but also answer a question I was asked (rather goofily) by a friend in Dubai: “What is the difference between the landscapes of Oman and the UAE?”.

I decide to go one step further and dedicate a whole Destination to answer her question.

It doesn’t take long for me to respond, though.

The drive from Muscat to Yiti is picturesque but the moment you pass the village of Al Khiran and proceed into the foothills of the mountains, you realise that Al Khiran is merely a prequel to the sheer magnificence ahead.

Its true beauty lies within the bowels of the mountains, and even the roads, which are steeper and sharper than the ones you would normally encounter, are enclosed safely between the peaks. The only time you gain a perspective on how high up you are is when you stare down at the landscape or when your ears start popping.

This road is currently under construction so we decide to take things at a moderate pace.

To reach Sifah, though, you must cross two villages, and a total distance of 20km.

It doesn’t take us long: in just 45 minutes we reach the entrance to Jebel Sifah, which consists of luxury properties.

But, sadly there are no markings to lead us to the beach so we are forced use Google Maps instead. That doesn’t work either as most roads that have been plotted are now non-existent.

We simply follow our instincts and, with some help from a few of the residents at Jebel Sifah, we reach the beach.

And my gosh, what a view it is.

Suddenly, all our frustration at getting lost just fades away. The beaches of Khadda and Fins have a lot of appeal but the feeling of being

From Muscat, take the road to Al Bustan road and then the exit that leads to Qantab. From here on, continue through the length of Al Jissah Street. In about 10km, you will have to take the first exit from the roundabout to Al Khiran.

Continue on the road until you come across the village of Al Khiran and

then Sifah. Once at Sifah, proceed to the entrance of Jebel Sifah. The beach is clearly marked, and you can also ask for directions once within the gated community.

GPS coordinates: N23°24’57.3” E58°’47’32.7”

MAY 04 - 10 / ISSUE 469

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FIRST DRIVE

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Photos: Alvin Thomas

Do Italians do it better? Y’s Alvin Thomas takes to the road with a stylish, sporty sedan that is sharp but somehow subtle

ype in the words “Maserati” and “Quattroporte” into Google and you will find that the literal translation for Maserati’s resplendent four-door sedan is – yes, you’ve guessed it – “Maserati four-door”. And I must say that only the Italians can pull off naming their own car the “four-door”. But then again, most uncool words sound endearing when uttered in a different (mostly European) language.

Don’t believe me? Well, the French get away with calling their fancy scents “eau de parfum” while the Italian lexicon includes words such as “bellissima” and “amore” to describe beauty and denote love.

At this point, however, I must stop giving you language classes and point out that the Maserati Quattroporte is more than just a tuneful car with a catchy name. It is actually one of the most magnificent sedans that has ever graced the roads, period.

It is, and always has been, spectacular to look at: as gracious and charming as Anita Ekberg wading into Rome’s Trevi Fountain in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita or as determined and composed as Marcello Mastroianni in any of his film roles.

I’ll tell you this, though: if the Quattroporte took part in a beauty contest for sedans, it would certainly be the first to grab the chequered flag.

The headlights of the Quattroporte are petite and chiselled while there’s a gaping hexagonal chrome grille and dual air-intakes up front to give the car a menacing persona.

Granted, at first, I was taken aback by the almost ostentatious looks but I have to confess: when you see the Quattroporte in the flesh, there really is no way you can hate it.

No air intake is small, and no slash, too short. As

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a matter of fact, the car’s hunky low-slung profile is further enhanced by the sharp line that runs across the sides of the car – all the way from Maserati’s trademark tri-fender-vents – to the rear of the car.

The uniqueness of the front, however, peters out in the rear as Maserati rounds off the car with a rather generic look. It doesn’t look off or anything; it just doesn’t shout out like the front profile of the car does. Still, my pearl-white test car came with quadexhausts to round-off the exterior package.

Much of this Italian-ness is carried over to the interior. Unlike most Maseratis of old, sitting in the Quattroporte no longer makes you feel like you’re sitting in an old cathedral.

Of course, you still get tonnes of real wood and myriad soft leather to finish of the dashboard and the seats of the car. Plastics are virtually non-existent unless you bother to search deep in the cubby holders and the lower side panels of the doors. The overall design, however, is conservative. The biggest change is the addition of the new Chrysler-sourced 22cm infotainment system.

The latter is definitely an upgrade from the previous unit, and is still is one of the easiest infotainment systems to use while driving. The graphics, however, could use a bit of a reboot.

Still, I did fancy interior details such as the long chrome strip that integrates the AC vents and also the chrome lining on the steering wheel.

The seats of the Quattroporte are multifunctional – hugging you with adequate side and back bolstering while cornering hard and cushioning you while you’re simply cruising along. I did take a 150km journey in the car, and I can safely say that it is one of the most

comfortable cruisers around. The car will seat four passengers with adequate space, and a fifth passenger if he or she really does not mind the exhaust hump running through the middle of the car. That said, the Quattroporte is still one of the largest sedans in its class, with generous amounts of head and leg room for all passengers.

Even the boot is big enough to store two or three full-sized suitcases.

All-round visibility is good despite the small windows and the thick B-pillar, with only marginal blind spots. But there’s a blind-spot monitoring system to take care of you while you’re on the road.

Underneath the long sculpted hood lies a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine pumping out a stout 330hp and 500Nm of torque. Furthermore, the engine is mated to an eight-speed “ZF” gearbox, and power is put down on the road via the rear wheels.

Power delivery is very linear in normal driving mode, and the turbos seem to take their own sweet time to spool up. But switch the car to “Sport” mode, and everything suddenly becomes very urgent; ferocious even.

In “Sport” mode, the gearshifts are snappier, the turbos spool instantaneously, with very little lag, and the throttle response is quicker. I could launch

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the car from zero to 100kph in a mere six-seconds flat.

Theoretically, however, it can do even better (assuming one can find the ideal conditions).

The sound from the engine while accelerating simply growls. I have been very vocal about Maserati’s soundtracks in the past, and the Quattroporte is no different. It still feels like there is a jackal residing within the exhaust howling away in a very sorrowful tone. Mind you, the sorrowful tone makes for a very melodious and awe-inspiring soundtrack to listen to while you’re driving.

Of course, when you want things to quieten down, you can simply push the I.C.E button to give you a quieter exhaust note, improved efficiency and furthermore, a very smooth and refined ride.

The driving feel is unlike what you can usually expect from a four-door limousine, too. The Quattroporte takes corners like its smaller sibling, the Ghibli. The grip from the 245/40 and 285/35 tyres is simply phenomenal as it lets you hang onto corners like a little child clinging onto his or her parent’s hands in public. It truly feels me with a boot full of oversteer when I took a very sharp corner like nothing else I have tested in a really long time. with the traction control switched off.

The Quattroporte displayed no form of understeer throughout my Holding the car in a drift is extremely (almost ridiculously) easy test drive despite the (comparatively) thin front rubber but surprised despite its sheer length.

The steering is still hydraulic, so there’s adequate feel translating from the wheels to the steering while driving. All the controls are all sharp and precise, and the brakes are very linear in speed retardation.

I wouldn’t mind saying that the Quattroporte is in essence a sports car (and a very good one at that) trapped in a pretty limousine.

But I guess that’s the charm of this Italian sedan: it hides itself in a discreet manner until the times comes when its master summons all of its might. And then, there’s no stopping it.

This really is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Think of the Quattroporte as a Ferrari with a Maserati badge on it. It really is one of the best Italian sedans ever made.

Oh, and if you’re wondering, the Italians will chuck a 523hp twinturbo V8 in the Quattroporte if you can handle it.

Maserati Quattroporte Specifications: Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged sixcylinder Transmission: Eight-speed “ZF” automatic Horsepower: 330hp Torque: 500Nm Top speed: 265kph Rear-wheel drive Real wood finish 22cms infotainment system Maserati Touch Control Plus Traction Control Electronic Stability control Anti-Lock Braking System Engine Auto Stop-Start Feature Sport Tuned Adaptive Suspension 4-Wheel Disc Brakes Harmon Kardon 10 speaker Apple CarPlay

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1. Soak up the atmosphere by strolling the city’s main street 2. Amble around the historical fortress at Fort George 3. Have a picnic in Queenston Heights Park 4.Take in the scenic gems by driving down Niagara Parkway 5. Delve into deathly secrets by joining the Ghost Walks tour

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RICH HISTORY

Niagra-On-The-Lake is a stunning place to visit thanks to its olde-world charm.

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POSTCARDS FROM

Gemma Harrison recommends

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO, CANADA

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etting confused over where places are is the bane of any tourist. For instance, how many people have travelled to York (in Yorkshire, UK) to visit the parsonage where the Bronte sisters grew up, only to find that it is 83km away?

So Niagara-on-the-Lake is NOT where the world-famous Niagara Falls are (they are 22km away). And the town (the clue is in the name) does very nicely as a tourist attraction by not being so (fewer tourists, fewer gaudy hotels, less tack).

Niagara-on-the Lake has been described as one of the prettiest places in Canada.

It’s a well-preserved 19th-century town that radiates the charm, pace of life, and courtesy of that era.

It sits on Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Niagara River, and was rebuilt after being razed to the ground by American soldiers during the 1812 war. Nowadays, the US border is just 32km away.

Popular with tourists who enjoy world-class theatre (at the Shaw Festival), you can also enjoy some wonderful restaurants and cafes, shopping, farm markets and an impressive array of historical sites.

Its olde-world appeal has earned it a reputation for being a bit, well... spooky. So there are plenty of ghost tours to enjoy, with sagas of spectres whose lives were lost during the war and beyond.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a versatile and delightful destination for all ages. It’s also a great outdoors town (obviously, it’s on a lake) with paddle-boarding, kayaking, and cycling on offer.

N IA G A R

My favourite place I liked Fort George; a splendid, historical reminder of Canada’s traditionally fractious relationship with the United States. The displays of armour, uniforms, period costumes and weapons are simply fascinating, and the well-designed placards on the points of history make readability easy. My eight-year-old boy enjoyed the doughty demonstration of muskets (as did my husband), and lionhearted re-enactments of battle-drills are gallantly performed (by uniformed participants) throughout the day. There’s a 45-minute tour that recalls the lifestyles of the soldiers and their families, and it’s a pleasure simply to stroll around the grounds and soak in the venerable atmosphere.

Highlights

Every holiday has to have a road trip, and the Niagara Parkways is a very scenic route. It runs from Niagara-on-the-Lake, past Niagara Falls to Fort Erie and is probably the best way to see the beauty of the Niagara area. Lined by green spaces and open parkland, there are plenty of places you can stop, take a break and chill out.

Along the parkway, you will find the Floral Clock, a large clock face made up of colourful flowerbeds; the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory; Queenston Heights Park, which offers woodland trails and numerous places for picnics, and lastly, obviously, Niagara Falls.

To get into the spirit of some ghost-hunting with gusto, you can join the Ghost Walks of Niagara-on-the-Lake tour, which leaves the Haunted Shop on Queen Street every night at 8pm. For an hour-and-a-half, you can visit some places where things still, allegedly, go bump in the night; such as at the Courthouse, the Apothecary, the Prince of Wales hotel and the Royal George Theatre.

A PAR KWAY

T T E R FL Y , ANDED BU OR A N G E B IA G A R A T OR Y A T N C ON S E R V A FA L L S

Lowlights Obviously, it can get very cold here in the winter, so plan your visit accordingly.

Souvenirs At Lakeshore Antiques and Treasures, you’ll find a 4,000m market, with 16 rooms all full of

themed artefacts and souvenirs for you to spend time perusing. There’s an amazing array of objets d’art to choose from, and all under one roof; marvellous. The town’s main street area is also great for gifts.

Getting ther Lufthansa, British Airways and Etihad all operate flights from Muscat to Toronto, with at least one stop on the way. Niagara-on-the-Lake will take about an hour and 40 minutes by car.

Where to stay In Canada, guesthouses and inns are generally of a very high standard. In Niagara-on-the-Lake, you will have little trouble finding somewhere that was once a grand 19th-century mansion, a harbourmaster’s home or a former post office. Check Trivago, Expedia or Booking.com to view options.

FORT G EORGE N A T IO N A L H IS T O R IC S IT E

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

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SMART CARS Bring your wheels to the future with these devices to drive with, says Alvin Thomas IN-CAR ENTERTAINMENT There’s a saying that a little thing can make a big difference. Sticking to that motto are the boffins from TaoTronics, with their wireless portable audio adapter. As the name suggests, the device lets you wirelessly connect your smartphones and tablets – even those running the newer Bluetooth 4.0 and 5.0 – to your car. All you need after that is your car’s 3.5mm jack. Once connected, you can play all your music files; remotely control the volume, play or pause the music and even skip tracks using only your voice. The TaoTronics also features a “Double Link” technology that allows you to connect two devices at the same time, so you can answer your phone and enjoy music all at once.

Yours for RO6.1 from amazon.com

PLUG AND PLAY

CAPTAIN COOL

Automatic is a car adapter that plugs into the on-board diagnostics port of your car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) to provide you with essential information. The device pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth to give you data readouts such as your fuel economy, engine wear and tear and trip history. The device also moonlights as a GPS tracker for your car – so you don’t have to (embarrassingly) spend hours searching for it in the mall parking lot. Oh, and before I forget: the Automatic works with most cars built after 1996. Get it at amazon. com for RO27.8

How awesome would it be to have cold soda to sip on while on a road trip, right? Well, worry no more, as the Wagan Personal Fridge eradicates the need for you to stop at every convenience store to buy more drinks. The Wagan plugs straight into your car’s cigarette lighter and can cool nine cans. The refrigerator can cool your drink to below five degrees Celsius, and once you remove the adaptor from its power source, you can still enjoy your cold cold drinks (and food) for up to two hours. Yours for RO17.3 from amazon.com

HEADS-UP

EDITOR’S PICK

MODERN CARS HAVE COME TO A POINT WHERE THEY CAN LITERALLY DRIVE YOU FROM POINT A TO POINT B SAFELY. BUT THERE’S NO DENYING THAT WE’RE STILL YEARS, IF NOT DECADES, AWAY FROM AUTONOMOUS CARS. UNTIL THEN, THE WEAKEST LINK ON THE ROAD IS STILL THE DRIVER. BUT NAVDY – WITH ITS HEAD-UP DISPLAY – AIMS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HAVING AN ACCIDENT BY GLUING THE DRIVER’S EYES TO THE ROAD. LIKE ANY OTHER HEAD-UP DISPLAY, THE NAVDY DISPLAYS ESSENTIAL INFORMATION SUCH AS YOUR VEHICLE’S SPEED, LOCATION (USING GOOGLE MAPS), AND EVEN TURN-BY-TURN NAVIGATION; BUT AS AN ADDED TREAT, THE DEVICE GIVES YOU LIVE FUEL-READINGS, THE ABILITY TO CONDUCT SEARCHES ON GOOGLE, ACCESS TO SIRI OR GOOGLE’S ASSISTANT AND EVEN RESPONDS TO HAND GESTURES. GET YOURS FROM AMAZON.COM FOR A HEFTY RO193

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MUST-HAVE GAMES OF ALL TIME SIM CITY 2000 Released: 1993 Sim City brought to the hands of the average gamer one very special feature: the ability to build and control an entire city. That had never been done before and, for that very reason, Sim City 2000 manages to sit atop our list of must-have games. When it was released, it came with bareto-the-bone graphics and even a basic control system. However, it still allowed gamers to visualise and execute beautiful cities and manage real-world scenarios.

There are reports of users clocking nearly 10,000 hours with this game, and while that may not seem like too much nowadays, it still gives you some idea of how addictive this game is.

BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM Released: 2009 Batman: Arkham Asylum is a cramped, dense, dark, unoriginal and extremely claustrophobic game but I love it, as do the millions of others who have played it. It gives you complete control of Batman, with whom you can explore the far ends of Gotham’s Asylum (Arkham). There isn’t much to explore, though.

But Rocksteady’s (the developer) melee combat system is simply spot-on and the storyline is anything but unique. There are terrific-looking horror scenes, psychedelic cut-scenes and a Joker that Jared Leto can only dream of becoming.

Think of this as the daddy of all open-adventure Batman games that have followed since its release in 2009.

App of the Week

I-SPY There are many applications that can help you improve your driving but very few that can integrate driving aids into your smartphone. That is where the iOnRoad comes into play: the app gives you information such as collision and lane departure warning, headway distance monitoring (distance between cars), speeding alerts, car locator as well as SMS and notification narrator while you’re behind the wheel of your car. The app is available for download from both Google Playand iTunes for 381 baisas.

GRAND THEFT AUTO: VICE CITY Released: 2002 The only reason GTA: Vice City comes third on our list is because it is rated PG. Even then, I was probably 13 when I first came across this game. It let you do what every 13 year old has always wanted to do: run wild through the streets, drive fancy cars and have cutting-edge haircuts (No? It was just me? Oh well…).

The scene is set in 1980s Miami and has a complex storyline. However, most kids who have played this game have never cared about the missions; for them it has been all about street cred. GTA: Vice City was followed by GTA: San Andreas, which is arguably the next best game on the list, but that’s for another day. Even today, Vice City is touted as a game-changer in the much-loved, open-world action-adventure,third-person shooter genre.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

SUMMER FLAIR

Summer is in full swing and many of you will have already planned your holiday to escape the heat. Whether you are travelling alone or with family, there’s nothing like travelling in style; like this casual and relaxed ensemble from Debenhams.

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aran K e tin hris C , t ry tree esto s o h h g s e hi rmy h a t e o t H end e look. ram h g g hi th the to get n Insta m Keep your holiday look fun and Fro s you tine o fashionable in this gradient print s i help w Chr T-shirt from Matalan. From RO4.5 o l l o F

T t Ge

Whether you are on an adventure of a lifetime or exploring a new city, we are sure these light blue ripped jean shorts from TOPMAN will be your best friend.

From RO14

Cargo trousers spell “off-duty� and these casual khaki cargo trousers from River Island are a perfect look for your holiday.

From RO17.5

Have bag; will travel. And this paintsplatter rucksack from Next will do the job just perfectly. From RO12.5

Planning an island holiday? Then this breezy cotton pineapple-print shirt from H&M is just the ticket. From RO7

Level up your cool factor with these sunglasses from Next.

From RO7

Regardless of where you are heading, a simple cap like this one from Matalan will keep the harsh rays of the sun at bay.

From RO3

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SPRUCE UP FOR SUMMER

Celebrity stylist Asgar Saboo helps you to recreate a salon-worthy blow-dry at home

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e all know there is nothing better than walking out of the hairdresser’s with that perfect, glossy, salon blow-dry, but as much as we’d like to make this a daily ritual, our purses probably wouldn’t. That’s why learning how to blow-dry your own hair effectively is a real time and money saver and will ensure your hair stays styled for hours.

Whether you want to add some extra volume to hair that is lacking lift or want to create a power hold for a special event, the perfect blow-dry is your new best friend. Follow these top tips on how to achieve the perfect blow-dry that will leave you looking and feeling like you have just stepped out of the salon.

Pre-Dry

Pre-drying your hair makes it much easier to manage later on. Toweldry your hair slightly then untangle with a wide-toothed comb to minimise breakage.

Prep

In achieving the perfect blow-dry, preparation is key! Smooth over toweldried hair with a small amount of serum or natural oil, such as coconut or argan oil but ensure you use the mid to ends of your hair to avoid the look of greasiness. For curly hair, the trick is to ensure the curls remain constructed so add a volumising mousse or curl-enhancing product to set them. Finally, brush through again with a wide-toothed comb to spread the product evenly. Add a heat protection spray to dry or damaged hair.

Section

For particularly thick hair, sectioning it will make the process of drying a lot easier and quicker. Start by creating a horizontal parting along the back of your hair and fasten the top section of hair out of the way. Drying the bottom layers first will ensure all the hair is dried thoroughly.

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Dry

The perfect blow-dry is about focusing the direction of the hair when it is drying. For this, it is best to use the concentrator nozzle of your hairdryer.

Using a barrel brush, take a small section of hair and lay the top end over the brush. With the hairdryer on a high heat but medium power, hold it next to the hair and pull along the brush. Curl the brush under slightly when you reach the end of the hair to ensure it falls with a soft finish. For curly hair, using a brush will cause the look of frizziness so it is best to dry by scrunching and holding your hair under the heat.

Volume

The volumising mousse will have already added some va va voom to your hair but if you are looking for extra volume, Velcro rollers are a perfect way of naturally lifting and curling your hair. By focusing on the top layers, particularly for thicker hair, separate individual sections and place the roller at the roots underneath your hair. Pull the roller along the hair and when you reach the ends, roll it back under itself to the scalp. Fasten the roller onto your head with a grip, and secure with a medium-hold spray. Once you have secured all the rollers, give a final spray and warm gently using a low setting on the hairdryer.

Finish With Finesse

Now your hair is beautifully prepped and dried, the final steps allow you to polish the look as much or as little as you like. For a bouncy blow dry, remove the rollers and shake your hair gently but be wary of running your fingers through the curls as this can cause the look of frizziness. Position your hair around your shoulders to frame your face. For a sleek and sultry style, carefully brush through the hair with a paddle brush to eliminate stray hairs and give a soft finish. Finish with a spritz of shine serum and spray to hold.

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

THE PET EFFECT Animals can help us feel better about ourselves, and a US company is keen to spread the message

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hen you’re ill and your cat curls up on your lap, you might think you feel a little better. If you take your dog to work, you may notice that the day is less stressful or if you travel with your four-legged friend, the journey is less wearisome.

It turns out you don’t just think you feel better but your pet may actually make you healthier. A growing body of scientific research supports that this “pet effect” is real.

The animal health company Zoetis has launched a campaign called The Pet Effect to raise awareness about how pets make people healthier and how, by extension, the veterinary professionals who keep pets healthy are key contributors to human and public health. The company has launched this campaign with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI).

“We’ve learned that human well-being is enhanced because of a healthy relationship with a pet. Now we want to educate pet owners, veterinarians, doctors, employers and non-pet owners about these overall health benefits,” says Dr. J. Michael McFarland at Zoetis. “We are hopeful this will help improve policies regarding pets in public places and also improve public health.”

The research collected by HABRI shows a variety of potential positive effects of pets; for example, that having a dog or cat can lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. One study from the University of Minnesota even found that people who have never owned a cat have a 40 percent higher relative risk of death from a heart attack.

Other research shows that pets may help prevent allergies in children, strengthen the immune system, increase social interaction, benefit children with autism and provide relief for victims of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Pets may also provide mental health benefits. Studies show that dogs and cats can reduce several symptoms of depression, including loneliness, loss of interest and feelings of worthlessness. Pets are also shown to reduce stress and anxiety.

Human health professionals are starting to take notice that pets change people at more than just the emotional level. A HABRI study found that 97 percent of physicians believe there are health benefits to owning a pet and most of them had recommended that a patient get a pet.

Veterinarians are now educating pet owners about the many benefits of The Pet Effect. Research from HABRI overwhelmingly illustrates that pet owners have a high level of trust in their veterinarian and more than 60 percent would be more likely to visit their veterinarian if he or she discussed the human-animal bond.

So the next time you’re feeling a little blue, anxious or stressed out maybe the best prescription isn’t necessarily from the pharmacy but at your local animal shelter.

To learn more about The Pet Effect and how your pets can have an impact on your health, visit ThePetEffect.org. Then share the videos, data and how your own dog or cat has changed your life on social media with the hashtags #dogsideeffects and #catsideeffects.

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New Restaurant

GARDEN FRESH

Jazz up mealtimes with a range of delicious dishes that combine healthy grains, herbs and spinach.

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Reviews

OF GREENS AND GRAINS We all love mash but why not go for healthier, fresher produce when it comes to sides?

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edicating more of your plate to fresh-fromthe-garden produce as well as rice and grains can lead to a healthier lifestyle, according to Cheryl Forberg, a dietitian and awardwinning chef and nutritionist for the US TV show, The Biggest Loser.

“Most of my adult clients who are not veggie lovers usually had little exposure to them growing up or they just weren’t cooked properly,” says Forberg.

“It’s important for parents to get their children involved in cooking, shopping and even gardening so kids can understand the journey from seed to plate.”

To start living healthier and greener lives, Forberg offers four simple tips:

Start in the garden

This hands-on approach is a fun way to learn about nutrition and where food comes from. Following produce from seed to plate can compel you to eat more healthily. Plant a garden at home or become involved in a local project nearby.

Opt for veggies with big impact

Richly coloured veggies contain the richest supplies of nutrients. Opt for spinach or romaine instead of iceberg lettuce in your salads. Skip the celery or carrots and go for red bell pepper slices to deliver a healthy serving of antioxidants and vitamin C.

Make smart swaps

Replace the dense calories of pasta noodles with a flavoursome cup of cooked spaghetti squash. The squash is a satisfying and tasty alternative with a mere 40 calories, two grammes of fibre and loads of vitamins.

Pair with whole grains

Mashed potatoes may be a favourite dinner side but there are more nutritious options to complement your garden produce, such as this grain bowl with wild salmon from chef Seamus Mullen.

Learn more about starting gardens and living a greener, healthier life at seedsofchangegrant.com.

Warm Grain Bowl with Salmon, Almonds and Salsa Verde Total time: 20-25 minutes Servings: 8 Ingredients: § 8 salmon fillets (85g each) sea salt, to taste fresh pepper, to taste § 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided § 1 cup asparagus, cut into 5cm pieces § 1/2 cup shitake mushroom caps, sliced § 1 package Quinoa, Brown & Red Rice with Flaxseeds § 1/4 cup slivered almonds

slivered almonds, and continue to saute until heated through, for about 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste. § Divide the grains among eight plates, place a piece of salmon on each plate then finish with dollop of Salsa Verde, if desired, and serve. § Substitution: Shitake mushroom caps may be substituted with button mushrooms or other wild mushrooms.

Salsa Verde (optional): § 1 bunch scallions § 1 clove garlic § 1/2 cup packed coriander leaves § 1/2 cup packed mint leaves § 1/2 cup packed basil leaves § 1/2 cup lemon juice § 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil Heat the oven to 190C. Method: § In an oven-proof pan, season the salmon with salt and pepper, and drizzle each fillet with olive oil. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked through. § In a blender or a food processor, combine all Salsa Verde ingredients and pulses until fully incorporated but still rustic and chunky. Set aside. § In a medium-sized frying pan, heat the remaining olive oil on a medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and asparagus and saute vigorously for 3-5 minutes. Add the grains and

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BARBEQUE NATION

Opp. Bank Muscat offices, Baushar Opening hours: 11am-1am Tel: 9179 8999 Dinner for two: RO24.5

BARBEQUE NATION

Verdict : 7/10 SERVICE 8/10 FOOD 6/10 AMBIENCE Great food and good service Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

ALLEN THOMAS TACKLES A TRADITIONAL BRITISH DISH AT AN EATERY THAT GOES IN FOR GLOBAL GASTRONOMY

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rather arduous day left me with a dilemma on where to go for dinner.

Mostly, I just go where my appetite tells me. But work this week was quite grilling so it seemed fitting to go for some grills.

Located in Al Ghubrah, I’ve had my eyes on the all-new Barbeque Nation Restaurant for quite some time now. So my brother, Alvin, and I decided to give it a go.

As we headed down to the restaurant, we took a minute to figure out the aesthetics of it all. Funnily enough, we were offered a seat in the party hall.

And I mention funnily, because they also have private booths that seem a lot more hospitable and welcoming than the usual seating area.

However, on this occasion, the party hall consisted of around 10 to 15 tables that were completely empty, which gave us a negative vibe off the bat.

Although the waiters were welcoming, a language blockade existed. It wasn’t much of an issue for us as we shared a common culture but it got me worried as to how many other customers manage to get their message across. This did put me off a bit because I wondered how many details were missing or being missed out on.

However, on perusing the menu we found it offered 447 dishes in total; from Turkish, Indian,

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jaws dropped as his molars made contact with the batter: “It’s so tender! How? How? How on earth?” he asked. As for the crispy chicken, I have AS FOR THE CRISPY CHICKEN, no words (in a good way). Unlike traditional crispy I HAVE NO WORDS (IN chicken, this came with a tang and left a legacy for A GOOD WAY). UNLIKE the taste buds that I won’t forget for some time.

TRADITIONAL CRISPY When we couldn’t go any further, to our surprise CHICKEN, THIS CAME we noticed that the restaurant sold camel. But with WITH A TANG such replete tummies and our belts popping out, we were left with no choice but to call it a night.

And just as we were about to summon the bill, Chinese and European. But then, the restaurant the waiter asked us if we fancied any dessert. does have the moniker “Barbeque Nation”.

Without thinking, we went forward and had So after a lot of skimming through and the special Mutka Kulfi, and boy did we make shortlisting, we chose the restaurant’s Barbeque the right call. With well-balanced sweetness the Special Mixed Platter, Chicken Crispy, fish and delectable dish would have been well-suited for the chips and two watermelon juices for us both. We most discerning Delhi denizens. also asked to get the drinks in early.

As we headed out, we learned that all the dishes, As we waited, we mused on the restaurant’s suitability for satiating us after a hard day’s work. including the kulfi, were handmade by the chefs Sure, the ambience is pleasant, the décor tasteful on the premises, whereas other restaurants simply and the waiters affable enough but everything just bring them in. Made in traditional Indian earthen seemed a bit full-on. It was all slightly discomfiting, pots, the kulfi simply shouts freshness and exhorts initially. you to have more, even though you’ve had (more It had been 10 minutes since we ordered and we than) enough. still hadn’t seen anything. Well, at least the food Overall, exceptional food but there’s a little work would be fresh, was my brother’s opinion. Always needed on the ambience. the optimist is my brother.

While he continued to bend my ear (as is his Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see wont), our food arrived. And boy was it a sight reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com to behold! First up was our Special Platter, which lived up to its name. Alongside it were our luscious drinks. I dived in while my brother took a moment to snap away.

How wrong can you be? That platter consisted of food sent down with some degree of divine magic as if some mystic hand had conjured it up.

The barbeque was exceptional. I have never seen anything like it; the platter comprised succulent kebabs of chicken, fish, mutton and paneer (cottage cheese).

Cooked to perfection with nothing to complain about, we were then left with the fish and chips, and the crispy chicken. My brother is an aficionado of fish and chips. As a matter of fact, I haven’t seen him take me as seriously as he takes this traditional British dish. And bro’s

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