Y Magazine #471, May 18, 2017

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YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

MAY 18 - 24 2017 / ISSUE 471 • WEEKLY

CATCH OF THE DAY PLUS!

OMAN TIGHTENS RECREATIONAL FISHING LAWS

QUINTESSENTIAL 32 QANTAB

STAY COOL

38

SPARKLING LOOKS

40

COMPETITION

Do you know anybody competing in Y’s Got Talent? Turn to page 16 for the latest updates!

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

SOLAR POWER In what can only be good news, the Authority for Electricity Regulation is planning to install solar power in homes around the country to test the long-term benefits of switching to a clean, renewable source of energy.

GOING DOWN

FAKE NEWS The Royal Oman Police confirmed this week that news of a young girl being abducted was bogus. The report, which was being circulated on WhatsApp, is a timely reminder that spreading rumours is a criminal offence in Oman.

THIS WEEK… Team Y has been beating the heat at the mall with a spot of retail therapy, enjoying the cloudy skies and rain, and exploring the peaceful village of Qantab.

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

Fast forward

F

ishing is one of the world’s most popular pastimes – and Oman is up there as one of the top 10 angling hotspots around the world thanks to its pristine waters and thousands of kilometres of coastline.

The recreational fishing industry is a boon for the country, with many visitors and residents heading out to try their hand at deep-sea fishing while others are happy to spend an afternoon casting their line out from the Muttrah Corniche.

But in an effort to crack down on rogue operators, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has announced that fishing for recreation and sport will now require a permit. In our cover story this week, Y Magazine discovers that the news has been welcomed by both fishermen and licensed boat operators. However, we also reveal that there was an element of confusion about the issue, with many people not knowing they now required a licence to fish.

Elsewhere, we head to Qantab in Destination, check out the latest cool gadgets that are perfect for summer in Y-Fi and put the Lincoln Continental through its paces in First Drive, while we also try to learn the intricacies of Gaelic Football.

Have a wonderful week!

editor@y-oman.com

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MAY 18 - 24 / ISSUE 471

03

contents MAY

Your Oman 06 Coffee With Y Atousa Dawood Khan 08 Voice Of Oman Felicity Glover

18

-

24

2017

This Week

22 Catch of the Day The Government tightens fishing laws 28 A Perfect Pitch Learning the art of Gaelic Football

16 Y’s Got Talent Check out our finalists 18 This Week Sailing Through Time

10 News Oman braced for cyberattack

Features

20 Movies Alien: Covenant

22

11 Gallery Land Rover Discovery

10

12 Gallery Samsung Galaxy S8 launch 13 News French sailing family leave Oman

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination Qantab 34 First Drive Lincoln Continental 36 Postcard From Birmingham, UK 38 Y-Fi Cool gadgets

20 Health and Beauty 40 Fashion All that glitters 42 Beauty Face off

Food and Drink 44 Food Feature Licence to grill 46 Taste Test On The Wood

44

43 Health Bright smiles

38 40

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

an

ood Kh

Daw Atousa

Alvin Thomas meets on e of Oman’s top entrep reneurs, Atousa Dawood Khan, who says she is simply a working woman trying to run th in gs smoothly t all started this week at the Land Om

I

an. I think those are the yea Rover Discovery launch at rs that fact I love decoratin the Al gave me the strengt g. h to take up the Mouj Golf Course: the am “I don’t mean to blow my ow bience roles I play today. n was perfect, and the evenin trumpet but I think I have alw g humid “I think my time in the US ays been but cool. The setting was fan gave me rather good at hom tastic and some exposure e décor. towards many things, even more so because of the “I still remember decorating floral especially in the corporate my arrangements on display at world.” roo m in our family’s new house each table.

However, in 2008, Atousa ret Don’t believe me? Just turn urn ed age of nine. By the age of 12, at the to our to Oman to be with her fam I was page 11 Gallery. But let us ily. already designing rooms for keep that “Despite everything, my firs my siblings aside for now and fast forwa t home and keeping thin rd a bit. gs lively in mine.” is Oman. Life here is slow-pa Today, I am here to intervie ced When I ask her about where w but since I have had a taste she Omani entrepreneur Atousa of both gets her talent from, Atousa Dawood countries, I can says: “My positively report that I fath Khan, one of the finalists for er.” the Bank would choose Om an over the US any Muscat al Wathbah “Busines “You see my father [Dawood s Women day.

Khan] Award” for 2017 – an award is an artist. I think that is wh presented “It is because ere I get of the lifestyle,” she to the most enterprising wo my love for art forms and also men in the says. “I am ver my skills y old-school, and would as country. a home decorator from. Wh like my two sons [aged four and six] at I do But the 38-year-old Omani to can also be considered is a very grow up here and a form of art.” keep in touch with busy lady and so we have to Her idea for her start-up com con es our interview over the telepho duct their culture and understanding this not just because of her passion ne. lifestyle.” for Atousa is softly spoken but decorating. It comes after yea she keeps And then of cou rs of her words short, to the point, rse, there’s the car eful planning, after which she and question every working woma doesn’t shy away from any n has to thought there was questions. answer: how to a dearth for such juggle work and family bus She is the perfect interview inesses in Oman. ee. life.

She has quite a CV, too. Ato “I decided to go for succulent usa “I think I have a very good is the managing director of work-life bouquets and oth the er live plants because balance,” says Atousa.

KHANCO metal fabrication there is a tendency for people company “You see, my adv to opt for – a company that opened its antage is that I plastic plants and decoration doors to work for myself s as they and that means I get ten clients in 1971 – and has sin d to think that floral arrang ce served to choose when ements I go home although “numerous high-profile clie only last for a few days. nts and I onl y do tha t in the case of an companies”.

That mindset is what needs emergency. to She is the heiress to the bus changed, according to Atousa be iness that “But being the . boss is indeed a was first set in motion by her “I do a lot of succulent pla father, blessing. That also allows me nts. Now, Dawood Khan so one would to these are plants that store wa assume learn a lot from ter in their my team as they are that she has had an easy pat stems and will last for years h. transparent with me.” if they are But “no”, she laughs. “I had taken care of. it just as This is important hard as any other person wo , she says, as “They’re small enough to be uld. I had her company dea given ls with high-end to work my way up toward as a gift, and beautiful enough s where I customised metal fabrication to be am today. work. a part of decoration along Even one botched job can hav with some “I was born and raised in Om e them flowers. “This wil an but l not only liven up out of the market, she says.

I had to leave my country for the atmosphere but also giv the state But Atousa has considered e a very of Oklahoma, United States all positive aura to any surroundi where I the options and ngs.” has started another did my higher education.”

Despite this, however, Atousa com pan y: the claims Blo om She completed her degree in systems firm that deals wit ing Gardens – a she does not have a “green thumb”. h floral decorations management from the Oklah “I leave that to my mother oma City for weddings, pro and duct launches and University in 2001, after wh bro ther. They’re the ones with ich she corporate events etc. the worked in numerous multigreen thumbs. I’m just a wo national “It is my baby, and if I am man who firms. She started at the bot hon est, it is working to run her busine tom before takes up most sses as of my time now,” laughs sm finally taking up the role of oothly as I can.” operations Atousa. manager for Citibank.

Have you got a unique story to tell?

“It all started as a hobby wit “I spent a whole 15 years aw h live have coffee with Y and be featured Contact us to ay from plants and decora in Y Magazine. tions. As a matter of Email: editor@y-oman.com 06

MAY 18 - 24 / ISSUE 471

THE VOICE OF OMAN FELICITY GLOVER ON THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOOD AND BAD WEATHER

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: What impact will the looming ValueAdded Tax (VAT) have on the cost of living in Oman?

T

he rain and thunderstorms that lashed many parts of the Sultanate last weekend got me thinking about “good” and “bad” weather. But what sparked it was a simple tweet on Y’s Twitter account.

I had just tweeted that Oman was expecting more “bad” weather and linked it to a story on our website.

But then one of our followers replied: “Why is it called bad?”

Good point. Why exactly had I called it bad weather? Well, for one thing rain and thunderstorms in Oman can lead to dangerous flash flooding in wadis and other places.

And some people here do head out into the wild weather, putting themselves at risk and potentially their rescuers if they get into trouble.

That’s what I meant by bad. But on the flipside, I do understand that rain in the Sultanate is an exciting time for many residents living in a land that sees very little rain for months on end. It cools us down and washes away the dust from the air.

For me, going out when it’s raining is not something I do by choice, but perhaps that is more about where I come from.

That said, when I was living in Denmark, it was constantly raining.

And schoolchildren, for instance, had no choice but to go out into the playground during break times regardless of the weather – rain, hail, snow or shine (just no throwing snowballs!).

Yes, rain is good. But for me, I’d rather be inside listening to it rather than schlepping through it.

NEXT WEEK: EMILY SHOTTER 08

MAY 18 - 24 / ISSUE 471

NITESH AGRAWAL

Value-Added Tax is going to increase the cost of living for everybody in Oman. However, it is not going to have much of an effect on inflation.

It is expected to affect inflation in the range of 1.25 per cent to 1.75 per cent despite the rate of 5 per cent tax. There are few goods and services considered basic necessities that will be zerorated, meaning that VAT will have no impact on the prices of these goods. I don’t think anyone will even notice this slight change in the cost of living. On the other hand, this will help the government to get another source of revenue to use in employment or infrastructure projects in the country. It is a welcome change in the country to obtain different sources of revenue and get contributions from the residents of the country.

DR BRINDA KALYANI P R

Value-Added Tax in Oman is definitely going to raise the cost of living in Oman but medical, educational and some cross border supplies may be zero-rated. If necessary items are exempted from VAT then definitely the country will gain from its implementation. The framework and pattern of the imposition of VAT should define the success of the system for the government but at the same time it will increase the cost of living for both nationals and expatriates. It is likely that the spending habits and of every individual will be checked since luxury goods will be viewed with more consideration before they are purchased. Oman, being a citizen-friendly

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country, is likely to exempt and zero-rate essential goods, medical supplies and education items.

SYED BOKHARI

VAT will undoubtedly bring Oman as much as RO250 million in revenue and Omani businesses will have little time to acclimatise to a VAT regime likely to be implemented next year. The Government hopes that earnings will rise up to 14 per cent of its GDP annually, which is definitely a significant stream of revenue. Ultimately, the cost of living in Oman will increase although exemptions will apply to the education and healthcare sectors.

But bear in mind that if petrol prices at filling stations jump up to nearly 5 per cent then that will have a serious impact on everyday necessary items.

Ultimately, it will be the consumer who will feel the pinch. In short, VAT will leave a long-term impact on the cost of living in Oman.

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

Value-Added Tax in Oman would certainly affect the cost of living in Oman but not as much as compared to other countries as the percentage of VAT would be much less, at 5 per cent only.

However, while less affected than consumers in other countries (such as in the UK; 20 per cent) the consumer will have to review his spending patterns.

MOHAN ANANDAN

Although the VAT framework for Oman has yet to be announced, the percentage of VAT deduction is said to be around 5 per cent, which is much lower

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than the OECD average VAT rate of approximately 19 per cent. Since essential items such as food, education and healthcare may be exempted from VAT, the impact on the cost of living would not be significant. On the contrary, it may correct the imbalance in the consumption of non-essential and luxury goods and services, and arrive at a new equilibrium based on the market forces of demand and supply.

RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE

Value-Added Tax (VAT) will definitely have an impact on the cost of living in Oman but it will also help to boost the economy of the Sultanate. I think the ones who will be greatly affected are poor people and those earning a low income. VAT can be used by the government of Oman to get more revenue. When there is high VAT on luxury products or services, people will try to buy in order to fulfill their needs only so it is for the benefit of the economy. On the other hand, since VAT is imposed on other products, it puts more of a burden disproportionately on the poor rather than the rich. When VAT is imposed, it gives the opportunity for sellers to increase their prices and then the price of products or services will go up, which will affect the cost of living. Due to VAT, people will think twice about spending wisely or will save their money if a product or a service is not an immediate necessity. I hope that the essential and everyday needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, gas and petroleum products will all be exempt from VAT.

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USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI

VAT is certain to adversely impact the cost of living in Oman, for the reason that every consumer has to bear the brunt of it. Depending on the spending behaviour and lifestyle of an individual or family; this impact will be felt on petrol, cars, garments, shoes, imports, food products, telecommunication, gadgets and services obtained.

It essentially covers 70 per cent of one’s essential requirements. This will not spare any wage earner or establishment although basic foods, health care, insurance, rental properties, exports and domestic transport could be exempted.

MICHAEL RENONO WAS SPOTTED WITH HIS FAVOURITE Y MAGAZINE IN MUSCAT

DR RAO BHASKARA SUDDAPALLI

Like any other tax, Value-Added Tax (VAT) too will be punitive as it has been the most intrusive economic policy to be levied in any of the GCC countries over the past three decades. It has had a considerable impact on ordinary people who are the end-users of most goods and services. The impact will be adverse and far- reaching on business and individuals.

Since this tax is levied at a stage in the chain of production and distribution, consumables like food products (except basic foods), all gadgets, automobiles, petrol, cooking gas, furniture, garments, leather products, telecommunication services, business consultancy, international travel etc, will be affected.

It is the consumer who will pay the price. We all are aware that the crude oil prices are at the lowest end and we need to recognise that VAT can add RO250 million a year to the Exchequer. The silver lining is that basic foods, exports, health care, insurance, rentals, financial services would be exempted.

Besides we are lucky enough to be in Oman as the proposed VAT is just 5%, probably the lowest in the world. Still, we have to come to terms with this change, as VAT can alter our way of life to an extent; like salt adding to the wound it is certain to hike inflation.

JESSE ESTANDARTE

Everyone will be affected by VAT and the cost of living will be higher. The middle class and lower class of society will bear more of the hardship. Tightening belts and austerity programmes will be adhered to in these trying times. Everyone will be tougher in squeezing all their budgets. Consumers will think twice before going out to spend. There will lesser people in spending their money unwisely. People will focus only on the necessities rather than what they want. We hope that the Government will delay implementing this as salaries of the employees were frozen and does not commensurate the VAT.

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MAY 18 - 24 / ISSUE 471

09

YOUR

OMAN

NEWS

MUSCAT BAY MAKES GOOD ON VILLAGE VOW

Sheikh Hamood bin Sultan al Hosni, CEO of Muscat Bay, said: “As a core part of the wider Omani community, Muscat Bay has worked closely with Qantab village to develop strong and enduring links with the local neighbourhood.

“We are striving to make a positive difference through social initiatives, such as the Qantab Public Majlis and Qantab Playground to further develop a strong community feel for the people of Qantab.”

Ibraim al Akhzami, a Qantab representative, playground aimed at turning out fit, said: “The majlis and playground are a welcome healthy young people in both body and addition to the village of Qantab. mind has been launched at Qantab “The majlis is located at the heart of our village village. and is the mecca of all social activity. The amazing It is one of two projects set up as part of Muscat football field provides our team with the necessary Bay’s corporate social responsibility to provide facilities to train and improve their skills.” first-class recreational facilities.

The Qantab Playground and the Qantab Public Majlis are now open to village residents.

Both are for community use, with the playground aimed at improving the well-being and social lives of the younger generation while the majlis will be ideal for weddings, religious celebrations and council meetings.

The Deputy Governor of Muscat, H.E Sayyid Said Bin Ibrahim Al Busaidi, was guest of honour at the launch event last Monday.

A

OMAN BRACED FOR CYBER-ATTACK

T

he global cyberattacks that hit nearly 150 countries and affected almost 200,000 computer systems have put Omani Government institutions on red

alert.

Some Omani Government websites have already been hacked, according to the Oman National Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT).

All electronic services including the complaints system, work permit requests, commercial electronic licence requests and work leave notices were suspended for 48 hours, the Ministry of Manpower confirmed.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, The Public Authority for Consumer Protection, and Muscat Municipality also temporarily

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closed down their electronic services as a precautionary measure.

Online trading at the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) was suspended, and Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) disabled its electronic systems to protect data while investigations into a possible cyberattack were ongoing.

DISCOVERING A NEW SUV

GALLERY

THE AUTOMOTIVE DIVISION OF MOHSIN HAIDER DARWISH LAUNCHED THE NEW LAND ROVER DISCOVERY AT AL MOUJ GOLF LAST WEEK. GUESTS WERE TREATED TO A VIP PASSENGER EXPERIENCE IN THE SUV, COMPLETE WITH A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER AT THE CONTROLS AS THEY NEGOTIATED A VARIETY OF OBSTACLE CHALLENGES. MEANWHILE, THE SUCCULENT PLANT TABLE DECORATIONS WERE DESIGNED BY ATOUSA DAWOOD KHAN. TURN TO PAGE 6 TO READ MORE!

MAY 18 - 24 / ISSUE 471

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YOUR

BEYOND THE GALAXY

OMAN

THE SAMSUNG GALAXY S8 WAS LAUNCHED IN OMAN RECENTLY, AT A GLITTERING EVENT HELD AT AL BUSTAN PALACE, A RITZCARLTON HOTEL. THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SMARTPHONE PACKS AN INCREDIBLE ARRAY OF TECHNOLOGY, FROM ITS 12MP REAR CAMERA TO FACE RECOGNITION SOFTWARE AND IS WATER AND DUST RESISTANT.

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NEWS

GALLERY

MARINE MISSION OVER FOR FRENCH SAILORS A French family on a mission to highlight marine pollution issues has set sail for home from the Musandam Peninsula.

The Paris-based family, led by skipper Philippe Poupon, bid farewell to the Sultanate after four weeks of exploring the country.

Mr Poupon, his wife and three children, had arrived in Oman aboard their 18-metre ketch Fleur Australe in April after a voyage through the Suez Canal and across the Gulf of Aden.

During their stay they visited Salalah, Duqm, Masirah Island, Ras Al Jinz, Muscat, Damaniyat Island, Nizwa and Musandam.

Their activities included a beach clean-up event and an environmental awareness festival, which had been organised on Masirah Island by the Environment Society of Oman.

Mr Poupon also gave a seminar on marine protection measures and met young Omani sailors from Oman Sail.

He and his family also visited Wadi Shab, the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, the Baleed archaeological site, the frankincense tree reserve, the National Museum and the Grand Mosque.

Their tour of the Sultanate came during the course of a seven-year global voyage to raise awareness

of climate change and marine ecosystems. “Our expedition around the world has been about highlighting the threat to nature, and it has been a true delight to visit Oman and appreciate that we share many of the same values, and have many of the same goals,” Mr Poupon said shortly before the family left the Sultanate.

“The warm welcome we have received here will live long in our memories, as will the magnificent landscape and natural beauty of Oman.”

MAY 18 - 24 / ISSUE 471

013

YOUR

TASTE OF OZ

OMAN

THE AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS GROUP OMAN (ABGO) RECENTLY HOSTED ITS SIXTH ANNUAL TASTE OF AUSTRALIA DINNER AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL MUSCAT’S LA CAPRICE RESTAURANT. FEATURING INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIAN INGREDIENTS AND PRODUCTS, GUESTS, INCLUDING ABGO CHAIR SUSAN RAE, WERE TREATED TO A DELICIOUS FIVE-COURSE MEAL. A HOST OF DOOR PRIZES WERE ALSO UP FOR GRABS, INCLUDING AIR TICKETS FROM QATAR AIRWAYS AND A VARIETY OF TREATS FROM AL MOUJ GOLF CLUB AND OTHER SPONSORS.

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MAY 18 - 24 / ISSUE 471

NEWS

W

ith just a few more auditions to be held and 10 spots to fill for the Grand Finale of Y’s Got Talent, our search for the overall Mr and Ms Cool of Muscat’s colleges is nearing an end.

With 14 finalists (see the full list opposite) already making it through to the Grand Finale, we have been impressed by the talent on show so far.

Our auditions move to Majan College this week, where the judges are expecting some top-notch performances from contestants.

Presented by Nestle, powered by Renault, and in association with VLCC, The Sultan Centre and Pizza Muscat, Y’s Got Talent aims to find the most talented university students in Muscat and reward them with exciting prizes.

“We are in the final stretch now,” says Felicity Glover, the managing editor of Y Magazine. “We’ve seen an amazing array of talent so far and we are

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expecting to be wowed by contestants in the remaining auditions as they vie for a place in the Grand Finale.”

In the audition phase, 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!

EX

IO

N

Y’S

E G E L L O C N A J A M N

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

T TALENT O G

T AU DIT

• 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 of Business and Finance • Majan College • GUTech • Bayan College

DANISH SHUJA – Dancer / Middle East College NOREEN HASSAN – Singer / Middle East College KEVIN JACOB THOMAS – Pianist / Waljat College of Applied Sciences

AISHWARYA VINAYA SEKHAR – Dancer / Waljat College of Applied Sciences

PRIYANKA BOBBY – Dancer / Scientific College of Design

YOUSEF AL KITANI – Dancer / Scientific College of Design

AMUR MOHAMED AL WAHAIBI – Actor / GUTech AMJAAD AL SHUKAILI – Singer / GUTech MOHAMMED SALIM KHAMIS AL ADHALI – Singer / Oman Tourism College

RUQAIYA AL BADI – Poet / Oman Tourism College NASR SALIM AL NAABI – Singer, guitar player, breakdancer / National Hospitality Institute

MAHSA SHARIFI – Dancer / National Hospitality Institute

OMAR KHAMIS AL KIYUMI – Singer, guitar player / Caledonian College

MOSAMMAT MONIRA SIDDIQA – Dancer / Caledonian College

MAY 18 - 24 / ISSUE 471

017

CARNIVAL TIME

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

ON THE MIC

MAY

18

The Big Carnival rolls into town tonight at On the Rocks Muscat in Seeb, marking the end of the party season ahead of Ramadan. Guests will be entertained by a host of entertainers, DJs and fun surprises throughout the night. Better yet, entry is free and selected complimentary drinks will be served. The fun kicks off at 10pm. For details or VIP bookings, call 9798 3333.

WEEK

Oman’s renowned Tunes music store is continuing its popular Open Mic night, giving budding musicians, singers and other entertainers a chance to perform in front of a live audience. Open Mic Oman starts at 5pm and is being held at the recently opened Tunes showroom in Ruwi (near Pizza Hut). To register, email thanae@tunesoman.com or call 9749 7777.

A

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

Y

Popular Middle East dance theatre company Caracalla is back at the Royal Opera House Muscat for the first time since 2014, this time performing its colourful extravaganza Sailing Through Time.

Founded in Lebanon in 1970 by Abdel Halim Caracalla, the company’s latest offering follows the travels of the adventurer Taymour, who leaves his home in Lebanon to travel to Xi’an in China. His adventure comes alive on stage with 120 dancers, actors and singers, who hail from Lebanon, China and India. The performance starts at 7.30pm. For bookings, go to rohmuscat.org.om.

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Plain Sailing

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MAY 18 - 24 / ISSUE 471

MAY

19 & 20

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

A Family Man

Alien: Covenant It’s one of the best horror franchises of all time, and the sequels (mostly) haven’t stinted on the premise of the original slogan, “In space, no one can hear you scream”, so why not squeeze another dangerous and delicious gorefest out of it?

Now it is 2109 and the crew of the USCSS Covenant is transporting 2,000 colonists off to a new life on the planet Origae-6. En route, they get wind of an alternative option; a planet that is not only nearer but also offers better climactic conditions.

After a recent tragedy, the crew members decide to go to plan B and land in the untested environment.

It’s only when they disembark that Officer Daniels (Katherine Waterston) notices there doesn’t seem to be any wildlife or birds.

Then it doesn’t take long before there is a full-on gut-gorging, stomach-slashing

onslaught as the protomorphs (aliens) start preening around the ship doing what they do best.

But how do you carry on without Ripley (Sigourney Weaver)? The woman who could keep calm in (a heck of) a crisis and keep her head still when the most horrible teeth imaginable had her on the ropes? She is not here this time.

Waterston is the tough if unstarry female lead this time, while Michael Fassbender makes a creepily charismatic David, the newfound planet’s only inhabitant who doubles up as Walter, another synthetic.

Despite being helmed by Ridley Scott, who directed the first in the franchise, this effort can’t quite match the tension and pace of its predecessors.

But could it be that familiarity with the aliens’ excesses means we have become used to them? I think so.

Review by Kevin McIndoe

A terrorist cell is about to spread a biological agent over cities via a drone, and so Stratton (Dominic Cooper), a special boat service agent for MI6, and his US counterpart Marty (Tyler Hoechlin) are roped in to curtail the culprits. With such a Bond-esque action-spy-thriller feel about this film (based on the novel by former special security adviser Duncan Falconer) it should be a smash. But it isn’t. I’ve seen more action in your average British TV soap. Cooper (a fine actor) lacks the physical might for the fight, on this occasion. Maybe 18th-century era duels are more his thing. Better read the script more closely next time, Dom.

Long View DUNKIRK For Y’s younger readers, Dunkirk was when the Germans (during World War II) forced Allied soldiers to wade into the sea off the coast of France either to drown or be shot at while boats hurriedly sailed across the English Channel to pick them up.

Now this bit of British history gets a movie outing with Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy, for which I haven’t yet seen a preview DVD. No matter, with these two stalwarts the premise looks good. Mind you, it will have to go some to emulate the battle scenes Steven Spielberg managed in Saving Private Ryan. One Direction’s Harry Styles makes his acting debut in this. Presumably, he had to cut his hair.

Oman Release Date: July 22

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Who stars as Officer Daniels in Alien: Covenant?

LAST WEEK'S WINNER Christian Nuñez

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Stratton

When headhunter Dane Jensen (Gerard Butler) locks horns with rival Lynn Vogel (Alison Brie) to head up their job placement company, his goals and aspirations end up clashing with the needs of his family. Jensen is up for the challenge but his vaulting ambition is thrown off track when his son is

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diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia.

This is the type of light fare that Hollywood likes to pass off as a morality tale but there’s a couple of powerful supporting performances from Willem Dafoe and Alfred Molina to come to its rescue. It’s clichéd, sure, but enjoyable enough.

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN, just answer a question based on the week’s cinema reviews and send your answer to info@y-oman.com, along with your name and contact information.

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CATCH AS CATCH CAN 022

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Oman’s status as one of the world’s top fishing locations is a boon for tourists. But now the fisheries ministry is cracking down on rogue operators who take visitors out to sea without proper licences or safety equipment. Alvin Thomas reports

I

t’s a balmy summer morning but the temperature is well within the 30-degree-Celsius mark, although there is a chance of rain.

That hasn’t spoiled the enthusiasm of five friends who have flown in from Kuwait for a weekend of fishing in Oman.

This, they all chuckle, is “the perfect way to get away from their daily routines” in Kuwait City.

The men, all in their late 30s, are high-level employees in a marketing firm.

Oman has been their destination of choice for more than two years, they say, and is where they all socialise, fish and then do a spot of camping on the beautiful sands at Sharqiyah.

But this time, things are a bit different. When they approach their “plug”, as they call him (the man who hooks them up with skippers to take them out to sea), it’s not going according to plan.

Photos: Elvis John Ferrao MAY 18 - 24 / ISSUE 471

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At one of the well-known marinas in the country, the guys learn that the “plug” has lost his licence for fishing as well as the licence for sailing his boat. Therefore, he can’t take them out.

The “plug”, Y learns, has been operating illegally. The man, an Asian expat, didn’t have a licence for fishing yet has been taking tourists out on tours for years.

Oman is known worldwide for its yellowfin tuna, sailfish, dorado grouper and kingfish.

And all year round, Oman’s waters are wellstocked with schools of fish. The magazine Sport Fishing has placed it among the world’s top 10 countries for the pursuit.

But its seas of plenty have drawn a number of fraud tour operators who work from remote

it say that we need to have a special licence for fishing.”

However, a decision issued this year by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries does state that fishing for recreation and sport now requires a permit. A permit, with other criteria, is also required for boat operators.

And HE Hamed Bin Said al Oufi, the UnderSecretary of Fisheries Wealth at the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries Wealth makes it clear.

He says: “The law was always there but it is only now that we are publicising it to such an extent. These laws aren’t just pertaining to Oman but are actually international laws that govern sport fishing.”

According to His Excellency, this law has been put in place to ensure the practice will not harm

WE EXPECTED TO HAVE A NICE TIME AT SEA AND NOW WE ARE BEING TOLD THAT OUR FRIEND IS NOT OPERATING FROM THE MARINA ANYMORE. TO BE HONEST, NOWHERE ON THE INTERNET DOES IT SAY THAT WE NEED TO HAVE A SPECIAL LICENCE FOR FISHING villages. They hold neither permits from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries nor comply with safety regulations.

The demise in the “plug’s” operations has not gone down well with the gang of professional guys.

“It’s shocking,” says Sami, the group’s leader.

“We expected to have a nice time at sea and now we are being told that our friend is not operating from the marina anymore.

“To be honest, nowhere on the internet does 024

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local fishermen and will also help to regulate tourism and recreation businesses in Oman.

The law now obliges boat owners, cruise vessels belonging to maritime clubs, and firms organising fishing activities for tourists to have a valid permit, which is issued by the Ministry.

“A permit is valid for one year and it can be renewed for the same cost, too. But as an added bonus, people can now obtain a daily permit, which is very reasonably priced,” says Hamed.

The 24-hour permit is available for RO2

whereas the 30-day permit can cost up to RO25.

But permits for recreational fishing at sea will only be considered for applicants over 18. The applicants must also be medically fit and skilled swimmers, in case of an emergency.

Expatriate residents with valid residency permits can apply for fishing permits, although no form of commercial fishing is allowed.

“Anybody who resides in Oman can fish,” assures Hamed.

“We had an old law that required people to have a licence too but then there was no limit on the quantity so they could fish for up to one or two tonnes.

“Now they have a limit of 20kg, which is the general limit for recreational fishing for many countries. Also, you are only supposed to fish as a hobby and not for any selling purposes.

Alaa, the skipper of a tour operator’s six-metre yacht, says the law is a blessing for him and other fishermen in the region.

“The rules are simple. You abide by the rules,”

THIS DEPLETES THE RESERVES IN THE REGION, AND ALSO MAKES LIFE HARDER FOR FISHERMEN WHO LIVE OFF THE MONEY THEY MAKE FROM CATCHING THESE FISH. SO I CAN ONLY SUPPORT THE MINISTRY’S DECISION he says.“I have seen numerous people misusing their rights to go on a boat and catch some fish.

“Some people even carry nets that they use at night to catch and then sell them at the local market.

“This depletes the reserves in the region, and also makes life harder for fishermen who live off the money they make from catching these fish.

“So I can only support the Ministry’s decision.”

Alaa says the law has had a positive impact on his business.

“A few months ago, you could see numerous local men operating on unsafe [but registered] boats and then carrying tourists on them for hours

of recreational fishing. They charged anywhere between RO150 to RO200 and used to make business easy for us. They didn’t even dock in the marina.”

By contrast, a tour package can cost anywhere between RO250 and RO500, according to Alaa.

The operator also provides high-quality fishing rods, bait and safety equipment.

However, the illegal businesses offer none of these services, he says.

“We coordinate very closely with the local fishermen. They tell us where the schools of fish are, and how far we have to travel to reach them.

Today, for instance, it might rain but the fish are to the shores so we will only be travelling 30km from the marina.”

For fishermen who live in the nearby village of Bustan, the move by the Ministry has not gone unnoticed, and they have had to adapt.

One, Abdullah al Amri, an Omani, says: “We [Omanis] don’t have any restrictions on fishing but for a while now, I have not let my Bengali [Bangladeshi] helpers on the boats.

“We use a fishing net, and we head out 30km or 40km out to sea to catch the fish. And back in the day, I used to go out with my two helpers but we were stopped one day and I was threatened with a fine by the coastguard.

“So since then, these guys hang around the shore and wait for us to return. Then they get all the fish back to shore with us,” he adds.

Hamed had earlier told Y that Omanis with a valid licence can fish for commercial purposes but hired help will not be allowed during fishing.

This has left many expatriates in limbo.

Talking to Hussain, one of the helpers, we learn that this law has also had some implications for his livelihood.

“Since we have not been able to go to sea, we have had a cut in our salaries,” he says.

“I used to get RO75 and free fish for our sustenance when I could go to sea. But now that we cannot do that, I only receive RO50, and no other incentives from the fishermen.”

Some expatriates have also contacted Y, asking for clarification on the recently strengthened law.

Binoy Kumar, a keen angler from India, loves spending his nights fishing from the Muttrah Corniche.

He says: “I have stopped fishing for a while after I learned that fishing would now require a licence. I have no idea if that is true or if it applies to small-time hobbyists like me who sit on a ledge and fish.”

IF YOU OWN A YACHT, YOU WILL REQUIRE A LICENCE. MAYBE THE BOAT OWNER CAN OPT FOR ONE LICENCE FOR THE BOAT OR INDIVIDUALS CAN HAVE THEIR OWN DAILY OR YEARLY LICENCE. IT DOESN’T MATTER. YOU JUST NEED TO HAVE THE LICENCE We put forward Binoy’s query to Hamad, who clarifies,: “We are not concerned about those who fish using fishing rods from the shore, expecially in corniches. We are only worried about those who come to Oman and catch fish in big quantities and with fishing nets.

“So those who are fishing from the shore can continue to do so.

“If you own a yacht, you will require a licence.

Maybe the boat owner can opt for one licence for the boat or individuals can have their own MAY 18 - 24 / ISSUE 471

025

daily or yearly licence. It doesn’t matter. You just need to have the licence.”

Tourists or expatriates who don’t have boats, however, can approach a legal tour operator from marinas such as Al Mouj or Bander Al Rowdha, where only legal operators dock.

Shaizal Yoosuf, who has just bought professional fishing equipment from Europe, can now heave a huge sigh of relief. Shaizal, an avid fisherman, says: “While fishing I feel stress lifting from the buzzy working atmosphere. It’s even better with friends as it helps us share a social bond “Sharing a fishing experience helps us strengthen our relationships with each other and I’m thankful to the Oman Government for allowing us to continue with our activities.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is about to implement online services to residents, Hamed says.

As of now, anyone interested can avail themselves of the Ministry’s services in under a day.

Failure to comply with the rules will incur a fine ranging from RO20 to RO300, and penalties can be doubled for repeat offences, or even worse, cancellation of the permit altogether.

Hamed says: “We are coordinating with the coastguards and the Ministry inspectors. The Ministry inspectors will watch the law but from

Oman was placed in the top 10 fishing locations in the world by Sport Fishing magazine. Here are a few places you can try your hand at fishing: 1) Muttrah Corniche 3) Yiti beach 2) Towards the Arabian 4) Juweira Boutique Hotel Sea from the Al Mouj or Marina, Salalah Bander al-Rowdha marinas 5) Al Hallaniyah islands time to time we will also be asking Royal Oman Police (ROP) coastguards to help us in some missions.”

When we explain all of this to our Kuwaiti

tourist friends, who are confused over the changes, they resort to using the services of a renowned tour operator at the marina.

The agent quotes them RO450 for “unlimited

WE ARE COORDINATING WITH THE COASTGUARDS AND THE MINISTRY INSPECTORS. THE MINISTRY INSPECTORS WILL WATCH THE LAW BUT FROM TIME TO TIME WE WILL ALSO BE ASKING ROYAL OMAN POLICE (ROP) COASTGUARDS TO HELP US IN SOME MISSIONS

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time” (a maximum of 24 hours), and they happily take him up on the offer. The agent provides them – as promised – with professional fishing equipment, bait and even food.

“Fishing is a very good business,” Hamed laughs.

“Also, they are now in accordance with our

sustainability programme; making sure the fishing rate is sustainable and that no one is harmed in the process.

“By regulating it, we will be making it even more attractive for tourists to come here and fish. They will have confidence that they are fishing in accordance with the law and,

above all, now the laws are all clear.”

His words are proved correct when our Kuwaiti friends make it back to shore. It’s been eight hours since they left for their 30km journey out to sea and they have returned with an impressive haul of fresh tuna – 18kg in total.

And the smiles on their faces says it all.

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Oman’s status as one of the world’s top fishing locations is a boon for tourists. But now the fisheries ministry is cracking down on rogue operators who take visitors out to sea without proper licences or safety equipment. Alvin Thomas reports

A PERFECT PITCH

Felicity Glover learns a new game and finds out that Gaelic football is a mix of codes that remind her of basketball, rugby and football

I

t’s late afternoon and the humidity is high thanks to the recent rains that lashed the capital last weekend. But this doesn’t seem to deter the Oman GAA football players warming up on the pitch at The Sultan’s School in Al Hail for a match against arch-rivals the South African Gaels.

This is the first time I’ve watched a Gaelic football match, and as the players are warming up, I am reminded of a variety of sports – from basketball to rugby, football and even the Australian Football League (AFL), also known colloquially as aerial ping pong.

But this seems to be more intense, possibly also due to the fact that this match is a replay of the GAA World Games shield final at the legendary Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, last August, which saw Oman GAA take home the trophy with a nail-biting 1-0 win over the South African Gaels.

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) World Games 2016 played host to more than 1,000 players from 56 teams and 20 countries, all of 028

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whom were competing in either Gaelic football, hurling or camogie (hurling for women).

Oman GAA’s win was impressive, more so as the club was founded in 2012 and many of the players – all of them Omani – have only been playing for a couple of years.

But back to the tournament at hand. The Gaels have flown in from Johannesburg for this weekend’s tournament, in which six other teams were also scheduled to compete. However, the inclement weather has kept them at home in the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi and Bahrain.

“The idea of this weekend is to show Oman what Gaelic football is all about,” says Oman GAA chairman Faris al Shaqsi. “The game is not well-known here but today is about introducing it, so it’s not about winning or losing.”

The game is about to start and all eyes are on the pitch as Irishman Mark Cusack, Oman GAA’s coach who is also doubling up as the referee for this game, throws the round ball in the air to kick off the match.

And then it appears to be a free for all – to the novice eye, at least – as the players race to grab the ball. The aim of the game is to score a goal (worth three points) or a point (worth one point).

And to do this, the players race up and down the field carrying the ball, bouncing it, kicking it, hand-passing it and “soloing” it – dropping the ball onto your toes then kicking it back into your hands.

To make it more complicated, you have to bounce or solo the ball every three steps, not to mention avoiding the players on the other team, who are chasing you down and tackling you. I said it was intense – and as you can imagine, the injury rate is high so it’s a good thing that the medical experts from the club’s health partner, Starcare Hospital, are on hand tonight.

One person who understands the intensity of the game is Oman GAA coach Mark, who started playing Gaelic football as a child and continued into his late 20s.

“I was playing club level and then went up to

county level under 21s. I Stopped playing at 28 or 29 – and I had broken a lot of bones by then,” he says.

“The game is played in two seven-minute periods with a two-minute break in between. It is very intense and the injury rate is high.

“The best player to play Gaelic football is a cross between a soccer player and a basketball player. The sport itself is a cross between rugby and soccer but it is played with a round ball.”

However, Mark commends his team for their quick learning curve to pick up the sport and to win the shield trophy at the GAA World Games.

“As a native [non-Irish] team to pick up a sport, could I pick it up as quick? I don’t think so,” he says.

“Going to Ireland last year for the GAA World Games was great for them. There was such cameraderie for the group… and the World Games was the first trophy they have won.”

The club’s long-term plan is to develop junior teams, as well as work on a number of CSR initiatives to give back to the community. But that, as they say, is another story.

In the meantime, the match is over between Oman GAA and the South African Gaels – and the winner? It was a hard-fought game but it was the Gaels’ turn to take the winner’s podium.

“This is the good thing about football,” says Faris. “Wherever you are, whatever nationality, we speak one language: it’s friendship with football.”

Get involved

The Oman GAA has both men’s and women’s teams. To join the club or for more information, search for Oman GAA on Facebook, or call 9918 5517. The Gaelic Football season begins in September and ends in March, while teams travel around the region to play in tournaments.

MAY 18 - 24 / ISSUE 471

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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

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

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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

COLOURFUL CANALS We explore Birmingham in Postcard From this week – P36.

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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

QANTAB

A NOSTALGIC TRIP TO THE BEACH BRINGS BACK MEMORIES BOTH GOOD AND BAD FOR ALVIN THOMAS

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here today had it also struck Oman.

I began to search for things to photograph before the light faded. The clouds had completely taken over the skies and rain had just broken a few hours before. And another shower was looking likely.

I first came across an ancient pulley system that had been used to wrench boats filled with fish back onto shore. I quickly photographed it but had to keep the camera set at a focal length of 1:28 (or f2.8) to get a narrow depth of field (to blur out the activities in the background).

I then met a few local kids who were busy throwing rocks into the sea. I tried photographing them too but the dark skies hampered any possible shots I could get.

Following that, I caught a few expat guys playing football on the beach. They seemed to be trying to dribble and run to the other side of their pitch to score a goal. However, the guys – who hailed from Tamil Nadu in India – were loud and a little inconsiderate, given that there were quite a few families on the beach.

I asked them to keep it safe, to which, they surprisingly agreed. They even invited a small girl to play with them. And soon, it became a very friendly match of how far the little girl could dribble the ball away from the guys.

Soon, all the other kids joined in, and it became all the more fun.

In a few minutes, though, the sun had set completely; painting the sky in a dark orange hue.

The locals and tourists had already started settling down on the beach sands, the fishermen had started retreating from the sea, and the game had come to an end.

And you know what? The barely 200-metrelong beach soon turned into the beach that I had first visited in Oman; it became Qantab. It may be less than half its size in length now but the spirit of the beach still remains, and so does my love for this village and beach.

It was truly and utterly sensational.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

T

he beach of Qantab is one that I hold very close to my heart. You see, when I first came to Oman with my parents and siblings in 2004, we didn’t travel across Oman much; partly because we didn’t have a car then and partly because we didn’t know anyone to give us any tips on where to visit.

So if someone offered to take us somewhere nice, we would simply ask to go to Qantab beach. It seemed like the perfect location for a (then) family of four: the people were very friendly and the location with the rock formations simply surreal. The drive to Qantab was a mere 45 minutes from our home in Azaiba and, above all, you always left with more friends than you had before.

It was the perfect weekend getaway.

So when I asked my friend Elvis if we could head to the beach at Qantab for a spot of reminiscing, he quickly looked at me and smiled, saying: “It no longer exists, Alvin.”

Those words shocked me, and from that very moment, I knew I had to visit the location to see what was left of the beach, or rather, what has become of it.

And it is only upon reaching Qantab that I realised that the beach is now part of the Saraya Bandar Jissah resort – a project of the Dubai-based Jumeirah Group.

Nevertheless, the characteristic of Qantab is that there are two beaches, which are split by a large rockface. I still remember trying to scale that rock as a young child and failing miserably when I slipped and fell onto the sand (sigh).

So with that in mind, I headed straight to the second beach; a smaller one compared to its predecessor.

I saw what has to be the most modern beach house that has (possibly ever) been built in Oman, just a few metres from the beach. I went on to park my Jaguar F-Type next to the villa to ensure the car’s safety from kids’ hands.

Walking on the sands, I was quickly taken back to December 24, 2004 – just a month after we had moved to Oman – when we were playing and suddenly the whole sea just seemed to retreat into the horizon.

We walked across the then almost dry sea bed but little did we know that it was then the cause of the devastating Asian Tsunami that struck parts of Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and many other countries.

I still get shivers when I think about it, as all of us would not be

Take An Nuzhah Street through Al Wadi Al Kabir towards Al Bustan Palace. Take the exit to Qantab road before you reach the hotel. Stay on this road for 4km and then take a left towards the village. The route to Qantab is well sign-posted.

GPS coordinates: N23°33’43” E58°’37’50.3”

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

Photos: Alvin Thomas

Y’s motoring expert Alvin Thomas welcomes back the all-American luxury sedan, and finds it ‘stands tall’ in its class

L

incoln has often been touted as a silent brand. Over the years – mostly the late 1990s – the brand slowly dissolved into oblivion, partly because it was serving customers with fluffed Fords and partly because competition from the British and Germans was stiff.

But come the first decade of 2000, Lincoln did a major overhaul of the brand, starting with its SUV – the Navigator.

And boy, did it aid the cause.

Rappers, politicians and actors all quickly jumped on the bandwagon, and before we knew it Lincoln was back in the game. Other sedans followed but none caught as much attention as the Navigator.

That is, until now. This year is a crucial year for the brand as it marks the the return of the Continental (after it was discontinued in 2002).

But the name “Continental” has garnered so much stature and allure over the past decade or so thanks solely to another car with the same name – the Bentley Continental.

However, little do people know that it was actually Lincoln that introduced the “Continental” nameplate to the world. Released in 1939, the Lincoln also beats its British rivals to this feat by a respectful 13 years.

Irrespective of that, however, the boffins at Lincoln have had to rebuild their reputation from scratch and so, the all-new Continental is crafted to be unique in every single way, starting from its exterior design.

It’s definitely unlike any other car I have seen in a long time: the hood and boot are almost of the same length, giving it a very rustic but rather sophisticated appeal. The most eye-catching feature has to be the almost ornamental full-face chrome grille upfront, which is complemented by rather small, thin and long LED headlamps.

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Oh, and the chrome continues throughout the length of the car, flanking the side quarters and even the rear. There’s so much chrome that even the door handles are wrapped underneath a thick strip (almost a bar) of chrome.

The rear is quite catchy too: there’s a long singlepiece LED light-bar that flows towards either side, and dual chrome-tipped exhausts. For the most part, however, the car maintains a very unassuming and simple design. But it all works very much in favour of the Lincoln. During the duration of my drive, the car garnered so much attention that one member of the Royal family even came forward to ask me if the car was on sale.

The grandeur continues into the interior. There’s myriad wood and genuine leather in the cabin that should have you confused as to whether you’re in a royal palace or actually in a car. In retrospect, sitting in the previous-generation (2002) Lincoln Continental was a bit like sitting in a prison cell.

The headlining feature of the interior is indeed the seats: they are multi-layered and are designed to be adjusted in every way you can possibly conceive. You can even set the bolster for each thigh if you want to.

The rear seats recline, and leg and head room in the rear is plentiful.

Of course, chances are that most people who buy this car will

be chauffeured around. So keeping that in mind, Lincoln has thrown in individual side blinds and inflatable rear seat belts.

But the list doesn’t stop there. You even have your own set of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) controls, audio controls and a small screen to keep the settings in check, while the door-opening mechanism is taken care of by individual buttons and not levers.

Up front, the dashboard is very neatly laid out and, as with all Lincolns, the gear-shift controls are placed next to the infotainment screen. It will take a bit of getting used to but, trust me, you would have to be blind to accidentally push those large buttons unknowingly. The dash is certainly functional but it doesn’t stack up to the edgy interiors of its German rivals.

Everything is digital up front: there’s a sharp LCD screen that houses all the gauges in the instrument cluster, and a fancy-looking 21cm touchscreen unit

D e s t i n at i o n

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

powered by the all-new SYNC3 system. The latter is extremely easy to use and frankly miles better than the previous generation of SYNC systems. Meanwhile, entertainment is taken care by a crisp-sounding 19-speaker Revel audio system.

My tester Lincoln came with a GSO-rated (Gulf Standard Organisation) 378-hp 3.0-litre twin-turbo Ecoboost V6 that pumps out 575Nms of grunt (torque).

The sedan reportedly produces 400hp in the US, and I suspect it is the lower quality of fuel (yup, even M95) in Oman that causes the difference in output.

Either way, the power is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic with manual over-ride function.

How is the performance? Well, it’s bang on.

As usual, there’s negligible turbo-lag from that Ecoboost engine and there’s an instant shove in the back from a standstill. But as you progress, the car smoothly proceeds to the desired speed with no drama whatsoever. Still, I could achieve the 100kph mark from zero in under six seconds.

The accelerator-pedal felt damped, like what you would find in the Mercedes-Benz’s flagship S-Class or the Rolls-Royces of today;

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

and it is designed to keep passengers comfortable and not thrown around like in a sports car. Of course, our tester is hardly a rival to either but it does feel like it is right up there.

Gearshifts from the (dated) automatic tranny are surprisingly quick and smooth, with little jerking produced in the midst of a shift. The gearbox is also tuned to maximise efficiency but I did not have the car long enough to test the fuel economy readings.

There’s no feedback from the electric steering at all but it is very precise. As like most electric set-ups, the Continental’s steering firms up at high speeds and remains light at low, around-the-town speeds.

Our tester rode on massive 52cm alloys, which are wrapped by low-profile 245/40 tyres. It is the perfect recipe for a harsh ride.

However, the Lincoln rides over bumps smoothly and effortlessly, so all credit goes to the blokes who tuned the adaptive suspension.

As expected, this also translates to smooth cornering. Throughout our drive, I encounter no form of oversteer or understeer from the car… even with the traction control switched off. It sticks to corners like glue, and heads to the desired direction without any fuss.

Lincoln Continental Specifications: Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo “Ecoboost” V6 Transmission: Six-speed automatic Horsepower: 378hp Torque: 575Nm Top speed: 240 (limited) All-wheel drive Ford SYNC3 system w/21cms touchscreen 19-speaker Revel audio system LED lights w/ daytime running lamps Adaptive power steering Push-button transmission Sunroof Rear-axle torque vectoring 360-degree camera Lane-keeping assist Blind Spot monitoring Massage function on rear seats

When all is said and done, the Lincoln Continental is actually one of the biggest surprises I’ve have this year. It is a fantastic car with much pedigree and tonnes of sanity. It’s unlike most German cars of today; cars that are trying too hard to be perfect, and in the process are losing out on capturing a car’s true soul.

That said, the Lincoln Continental does what it has been designed to do very well. And for that very reason it stands tall in its segment. The Cadillacs and Bimmers should watch their backs.

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1. Wander around the historical and bustling Brindleyplace 2. Visit the infamous Bull Ring, now flattened, and full of shops 3. Step back in time in Aston Hall, a 17th-century mansion 4. Chill out with a walk around Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens 5. Admire the bulbs, birds and butterflies in the Botanical Gardens

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BEAUTIFUL BRUM From biryanis to baltis, arts, culture and fun activities, the city of Birmingham is a great choice for visitors.

Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Kevin McIndoe recommends

BIRMINGHAM, UK C

ontrary to popular belief, the national dish of the UK is not fish and chips.

It’s actually curry, and Birmingham - Britain’s second-largest city - is where to indulge in all manner of biryanis and baltis.

The city can also boast a cultural and arts scene unrivalled outside London having brought up some of the world’s biggest rock stars of all time Despite this, and its outstanding contribution to the UK-led industrial revolution, Birmingham tends to be overlooked. And this often occurs with a soupcon of the “southern arrogance” (a sense of superiority [unjustifiably] expressed by inhabitants of the UK’s London and south-east region).

This is unfair, because the city is one of the friendliest, most vibrant and multicultural cities in the world.

Home to 927,000 people, its identity crisis could be because of where it is. As the largest city in the English region of the West Midlands, it is neither “the north” nor “the south” so tourists wishing to visit major UK cities other than London tend to gravitate to Liverpool or Manchester.

But they would be missing out. The city, known as Brum for short, is bursting with A-list shopping, Michelin-starred restaurants and an annual calendar packed with artistic events, exhibitions, concerts and theatre productions. It also has more museums, art galleries and places of historical interest than any other UK city outside London.

Birmingham has become a hotspot for business (try booking a hotel at short notice), new technology and (wait for it) architecture. Yes, that’s right. The city howled at for hideous 1960s carbuncles has had them cleaned up or cleared out. It is no longer Britain’s ugliest city (Reading, anyone? Aberdeen?) but now, actually, one of its most appealing. The city is also the perfect place to base yourself for a visit to nearby Statford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare’s birthplace) or Warwick (with its magnificent castle).

SELFR

ID G E S

B U IL D IN

G

My favourite place Gas Street Basin. Once the heart of England’s canal network in the Victorian age, this area would have reverberated with the sound of coal, glass, timber and foodstuffs being loaded and unloaded as surly barge handlers jostled for space along the canal’s edge. From the basin, a five-minute walk along Broad Street will take you to Brindleyplace. It’s a delight: full of shops, restaurants and cafes that radiate a cosmopolitan air in an area replete with industrial heritage. Here, you are in the centre of things; with New Street rail station just five minutes’ walk away.

Highlights Birmingham really is the city to come to in Britain to eat curry (with Bradford its closest rival in the curry

stakes). The city boasts more than 100 balti houses that serve more than 20,000 discerning diners every week.

The city’s “Balti Triangle”, an area around the suburbs of Moseley, Balsall Heath and Sparkbrook, is a mustvisit. You can get vindaloo cooked with lamb; or sample chicken chetinad (chicken simmered in a sauce of black pepper, roasted coriander and curry leaves), all kinds of kebabs, and katlama (a deep-fried, mince-stuffed pastry).

Y’s regular Taste Testers Allen and Alvin Thomas would be well-satisfied here, and would easily order seconds (and probably thirds). Birmingham gave the world Typhoo Tea, Bird’s Custard, HP Sauce, Bournville cocoa and Cadbury’s chocolate. George Cadbury started making chocolate in 1824 and you can visit Cadbury World, which is one of the UK’s top attractions. And no wonder, it’s the closest you can get to Roald Dahl’s fictional chocolate factory; with the “4D chocolate adventure”, a chocolate “rain” for the kids to play in, a magical Cadabra ride, and a journey into the Aztec jungle (the source of the cocoa bean). Cadbury World is an odyssey of all things chocolatey. With so many museums on offer, it’s hard to pick a highlight but the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is a bit of a gem.

Nowadays, the Jewellery Quarter (in the Hockley area of the city centre) has given way to affluent urban living but still has more than 200 listed buildings and more than 500 jewellery businesses. It has also been described by as “a national treasure” by English Heritage. The museum recalls the factory that it once was before its closure in the early 1970s; from ancient lathes and “battleship” typewriters right down to a spartan staff canteen complete with grubby tea mugs and jars of Marmite.

DA OP A B OA R SNACK SH IE W S OA T W IT H V N A R R OW B OF T H E IC C THE REAR T OW A R D S

Lowlights Don’t drive there. The infamous “Spaghetti Junction” (a very complicated motorway interchange) might force you to give your visit the “Brum’s” rush (ie forget all about it).

Souvenirs Who would have thought that a giant anvil-shaped building covered in silver discs would be Selfridge’s?

Yes, this is a futuristic gem housing one of Britain’s top stores and offers plenty of choice under one roof.

Getting there Emirates and Qatar Airways offer flights to Birmingham International Airport from Muscat (via Dubai and Doha, respectively). Flight time is about 10 hours and 20 minutes.

B IR M IN GHAM TOWN H S IT U A T A L L IS E D IN V IC T O R IA SQUAR E

Where to stay

There are many, many options in Britain’s second-largest city. But hotels here are hubs for conference business so book early, on sites such as Booking.com and Hotels.com.

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-FI

D e s t i n at i o n

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

SUMMER FEVER

THE TECH IN YOU

The temperature may rising but you can keep cool and be the centre of attention with these gadgets, says Alvin Thomas COOLULI There’s nothing more annoying than driving somewhere and finding out that the cold soda you bought on your way from the convenience store has turned into a molten ball of lava (figuratively, obviously). Well, fret not, for the Cooluli Mini Fridge is here to save the day. The refrigerator plugs straight into your car’s 12V socket, and can carry six averagesized cans of soda. You can also power this using a standard USB hub. Yours for RO16.9 from amazon.com

M(I)YSTIFYING This, folks, is a rechargeable fan but it’s no ordinary fan. This tiny-looking contraption – the Osunlin USB Mini Portable Misting Cooling Fan – can actually spray mist on to you to keep you cool. There’s a tiny reservoir where you can pour in cold water, and a 3,600mAh battery that should ensure more than six hours’ worth of run-time.

The fan has multiple settings and should aid with the misting to keep you cool.

Yours for only RO7.3 from amazon.com

CENTRE OF ATTRACTION How awesome would it be if you could play your own tunes while taking a dip in the ocean? Well, with the New Bee waterproof Bluetooth speaker you can do just that. The speaker’s IP65-rated coating provides protection against water, rain and even dust. The device pairs with your phone through Bluetooth (4.0), stays connected over a range of 10 metres and also provides you with more than 10 hours of playback in one charge. Best of all, you can simply clip this on to your swimsuit while you’re swimming. Yours for RO6.4 from amazon.com

GO ANYWHERE

EDITOR’S PICK

THERE’S NOTHING MORE RELAXING THAN SITTING BY THE POOL AND CATCHING UP ON SOME COOL STUFF ON SOCIAL MEDIA. OF COURSE, TO DO THAT YOU WOULD REQUIRE A SMARTPHONE THAT IS WATER-RESISTANT; AND THAT’S WHERE THE SAMSUNG GALAXY S8 COMES IN HANDY. THIS NEW DEVICE CAN NOT ONLY TAKE THE HEAT – UNLIKE CERTAIN PHONES THAT ABRUPTLY SHUT DOWN DUE TO OVERHEATING – BUT ALSO TAKES SPILLS AND SPLASHES. IF YOU DARE, YOU CAN ALSO TAKE THE S8 UNDERWATER AND SHOOT 4K VIDEOS USING THE PHONE’S BRILLIANT 12MP SHOOTER. THE PHONE ALSO COMES WITH 4GIGS OF RAM, A BRISK OCTA-CORE PROCESSOR, 64GIGS OF STORAGE AND IS ENCRUSTED – QUITE LITERALLY – IN A STUNNING 12CM- AMOLED DISPLAY. YOURS FOR RO300 FROM LULU ELECTRONICS

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Must-have PlayStation 4 games of 2017 App of the Week

PERSONA 5 Japanese role-playing games (JPRG) aren’t for everyone.

The storylines can be a bit corny and the gameplay a tad too comical, but not Persona 5. This has to be the best JPRG on Sony’s console… ever. The storyline is fairly relatable: you attend classes like a regular student, make friends and then proceed to infiltrate a series of sinister dungeons (Oh, wait! You don’t?). Playing as a young kid living in Tokyo, you somehow find yourself entangled in a cult group called “The Phantom Thieves”; a cult that you actually lead, by the way.

All jokes aside, however, developer Atlus’ latest iteration of the game will certainly have you hooked on your console for hours, if not days.

The visuals are stunning and the writers have incorporated a lot of wit into the story.

Definitely one of the best games on PlayStation 4… so far.

Info Box

STARDEW VALLEY

Developer: ATLUS

Publisher: ATLUS

Writer: KATSURA HASHINO

Genre: SOCIAL SIMULATION, ROLE-PLAYING

Rating: MATURE 16+

COOL IT It’s a well-known fact that you can’t keep your phone cool when you’re out in the sun.

But in case you didn’t know, the heating on your phone isn’t simply because of the summer heat but rather due to the numerous apps running on it. With Cooling Master-Phone Cooler, you can kill apps that are eating up your CPU and causing abnormal heating. The app is simple to use and will also give you tips on how to keep your phone clean from heavy software.

Download for free from Google Play.

STARDEW VALLEY They started with a humble PC game but gamers quickly realised that Stardew Valley was so much more, and (after months of rallying), the developers have finally ported it to the PlayStation console.

Games don’t get any simpler than this: you’re the citizen of a town called… yup, you guessed it… Stardew Valley, and trying to start off a new life as a farmer.

Your goal is to make it big in life and keep your social persona up to mark. It all sounds like a recipe that should work but somehow it just does. I’ve heard cases of gamers spending up to 600 hours behind the gamepad: it really is that addictive. Get this for around RO6 from the PlayStation Store.

Info Box

STARDEW VALLEY

Developer: ERIC BARONE

Publisher: CHUCKLEFISH GAMES

Engine: XNA

Genre: SIMULATION, ROLE-PLAYING

Rating: EVERYONE

JULY MAY0318 -- 0924 // ISSUE ISSUE 327 471

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

ALL THAT GLITTERS There is no doubt that adding a piece of jewellery will amp up your ensemble. But the trick is choosing the right piece, and that could be the challenge.

But there’s no need to worry: Y has found a few statement pieces like these ones from Accessorize.

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

k o o L e h

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 If you think a necklace is not giving your end e look. ram h outfit that desired edge, then why not g i h g h t t ta e e s go for this simple yet glamorous body h t n g I o chain with three-bead detail from H&M? From s you t tine on s From RO7 i p r l he w Ch o l Fol

T t Ge

Beautify your legs with these anklets or ankle bracelets from H&M. Coming in a pack of three and in different designs, these are the unique fashion accessory you need. From RO4.5

This multi-layered chain with white pearl detail from M&Co is an elegant piece that can turn simple jeans and a top into a perfect brunch outfit. From RO6

This is a perfect piece of jewellery that can adorn a simple, single coloured ensemble.

Buy this from Marks & Spencer. Price unavailable.

This elegant and classic white stone bracelet from Folli Follie will light up your evening look. Just the perfect accessory for a night out with your loved one.

From RO45

When your statement pieces are lighting up the night, let your features glow with this shimmery highlighter from H&M in the shade “Delicate Pearl”. Another perfect accessory for day or night. From RO7

If you love exotic birds and want to show them off then this is the necklace for you.

It’s fashionable, colourful and very cute! Buy this adorable necklace from Accessorize for RO3.5.

MAY 18 - 24 / ISSUE 471

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

FACE VALUE

Guys, these facial care tips will help keep your skin clear and your bristles tidy – without hitting your pocket

O

ur face is our most precious possession.

It is the part of us that everyone sees day in, day out. However, the products that we use to care for it are often expensive, which is the last thing we want as the cost of living rises in Oman.

But here’s the good news: taking care of your skin doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips to improve your skin on a budget:

grapefruit and tangerine, which all help to condition skin while eliminating the need for preshaves and aftershaves.

Toss out your facial cleanser Soap dries skin, which leads skin cells to overproduce oil and create a vicious cycle of breakouts. The skin naturally produces oil for a reason so instead of stripping oil away from your skin, give your face what it wants: more oil. Mix Exfoliate with baking soda 25 per cent castor oil with 75 per cent of another For very little cash, you can scrub your skin oil (sunflower, coconut clean. Simply mix a small amount of baking soda and extra with water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste virgin olive to your skin gently and massage your face with oil work small, circular motions. Leave the baking soda on well). Put your face for 20 minutes and then rinse off the a small paste with warm water. Exfoliate once or twice to amount remove dead skin and other blockages from your of the pores. oil mix in your Ditch the shaving cream hands then Shaving cream is aerated so cans do not last rub it between long. Replacing cans of shaving cream regularly your palms to can become expensive over time. Many shaving create warmth. creams contain chemicals and fragrances that Thoroughly irritate skin, which can lead to dry patches and massage the oil into acne. Switching to shaving oil can cut costs and your skin for about help give you a much smoother shave. A little 10 minutes then shaving oil goes a long way, and one manufacturer, wet a washcloth Pacific Shaving Company (www.pacificshaving. with hot water. com), claims that 15g of its all-natural shaving oil Put the washcloth will last 100 shaves. Better yet, it contains essential over your face oils such as sunflower, bergamot, avocado, until it returns to 042

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room temperature then re-wet it with hot water and put it over your face. Use the washcloth to steam your skin two to three times then rinse your face thoroughly with warm water. Massage any remaining oil into your skin.

The oil removes debris from pores without stripping skin of its natural moisture, helping to improve your skin’s look and feel. Better yet, the oil costs much less than most chemical-based facial cleansers. *NewsUSA

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

DIAMOND SMILE Maintaining your mouth requires more than simply brushing your teeth. Get working on those gums for overall oral health

A

re you drawn to a dazzling smile? Approximately one-third of American adults report first noticing a smile when meeting someone they find attractive. However, poor oral hygiene can harm not only your smile but also your overall health.

US reality TV show contestant Trista Sutter (The Bachelor) knows how to make a good first impression, and she is joining forces with the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) in a public awareness campaign on the importance of healthy gums.

“I believe in being grateful for, and loving, what we have, and the gums we are given are the gums we have for life,” says Trista. “I personally have always tried to take good care of my teeth but like many people, I didn’t know I should be doing more to take care of my gums.

“This is why I believe the AAP’s campaign to Love The Gums You’re With is so important. Everyone should understand the importance of keeping their gums healthy.”

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is surprisingly common.

It occurs in half of American adults aged 30 and older. The condition – caused when bacteria in plaque forms below the gum line – can lead to swelling, irritation, and possibly receding gums and tooth loss.

Gum disease may affect more than just your smile. Symptoms such as red, swollen gums and bad breath may be signs of a person’s health beyond his or her mouth. Gum disease has been linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer. Not only can gum disease affect your overall health, it can also affect your personal life.

The AAP recommends brushing at least twice a day, flossing once a day and receiving an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation to help prevent gum disease.

It is treatable, and, in many cases, reversible with the right care. If you suspect you are at risk for gum disease, you should talk to a periodontist about your gum health. A periodontist is a dentist who specialises in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums. He or she can also provide a personalised treatment plan.

Check out the AAP's Facebook page at bit.ly/loveyourgums or @PerioNews on Twitter for tips and resources, including some fun educational information and a message from Trista about the importance of gum health.

Trista adds: “Your gums will be grateful for the extra attention.” *NewsUSA MAY 18 - 24 / ISSUE 471

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FOOD DRINK

LICENCE TO GRILL Add some new flavours to your barbeque line-up to wow your guests and have them coming back for more.

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Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

GRILL, THRILL AND CHILL Beef up the barbie this summer by upping your grilling game

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Ingredients: § 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (if thick, cut horizontally into two even pieces) § 1 bottle (340g) Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, divided § 1/4 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing § 4 hard rolls, split § 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled § lettuce leaves (optional) § tomato slices (optional) § red onion rings (optional)

Method: § Marinate chicken in 170g Buffalo wings sauce for 30 minutes or up to three hours. § Mix the rest of the Buffalo wings sauce and dressing together. Keep refrigerated until ready to use. § Grill the chicken for 12 minutes, turning once or until no longer pink in the centre. § Place two tablespoons of mixed sauce on each roll half. Place the chicken on top of the roll half and top with one tablespoon of crumbled blue cheese. § Add lettuce, tomato and onion rings, if desired. Top with the second roll half. Repeat for the remaining sandwiches.

T

he days might be getting longer and hotter but it’s still great weather for a late afternoon or evening barbecue. After a few weeks of eating the same boring burgers and hot dogs, you’ll want something a bit more exciting (and so will your guests). This recipe can help take your grilling skills to the next level and make your next party something to brag about.

When people come over for Buffalo chicken, they expect authentic flavour so give the people what they want by making Buffalo chicken sandwiches, with Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce. Frank’s RedHot was the secret ingredient used in the original Buffalo wings recipe in 1964.

For maximum flavour, each Buffalo chicken sandwich gets a quarter of the bottle of sauce to bring in just the right blend of flavour and heat. Take it to the next level by marinating the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes so it can absorb that unmistakeable Buffalo flavour that will put any party into overdrive. Add the tangy blue cheese and cool, crisp lettuce and tomato and you’ve got the perfect bite for a hot summer day.

For more grilling tips and recipes, visit franksredhot. com/recipes.

– Family Features MAY 18 - 24 / ISSUE 471

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get d u B ndly Frie

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

Info Box

ON THE WOOD

Al Mouj Street, Wanasa Hotel Apartment Building Mawaleh North Tel: 2427 1444 Open: Daily Lunch for six, including water: RO17.9

KNOCK ON WOOD

Verdict : 7/10 SERVICE 7/10 FOOD 8/10 AMBIENCE A great value eatery with service to match Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

FELICITY GLOVER HEADS TO A NEW LEBANESE-ITALIAN EATERY AS HER QUEST FOR THE PERFECT FALAFEL SANDWICH CONTINUES

I

s it just me or is Al Mouj Street becoming something of a dining hotspot in the capital?

There have been several new restaurants that have opened their doors there over the past six to eight months, such as Al Mukhtar and even a new branch of Golden Spoon taking up a spot next to stalwart Italiano.

Perhaps it has something to do with the Wanasa Hotel Apartments and other nearby residential developments that have caught the eyes of canny restaurateurs. That said, it also helps that Al Mouj Muscat is just a few minutes’ drive away. Whatever the reason, it’s a boon for local residents looking for a little diversity and some interesting cuisine choices without having to drive too far.

And so it was that I found myself walking into On The Wood with a group of friends, known as the “P Family”, on a recent hot Saturday afternoon. It’s a cool, relaxed space with a café-style feel but I have to admit I was a little surprised: the place was buzzing despite only opening a couple of weeks ago.

Fortunately, our group of six bagged the last two tables and a friendly waiter put them together for us. Another waiter gave us the menus and welcomed us to the restaurant, telling us that On The Wood prided itself on its fresh, natural

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also given the thumbs up although it didn’t look half as good as the pizza that was sitting on a neighbouring table.

THE SERVICE IS FAST, THE Unfortunately, my quest to find the perfect falafel sandwich continues. I had high hopes for WAITERS FRIENDLY AND the classic baked falafel sandwich but it was quite KNOWLEDGEABLE, AND THE dry. The flavour was there, and the mint was a DINING SPACE LIGHT AND nice touch with the tomato lettuce, turnip pickles and tahini sauce.

BRIGHT ingredients that had been sourced from Lebanon.

Luckily, I also ordered a classic hummus, which Knowledgeable and friendly, the waiter also had saved the day, and the sandwich, by obliterating some recommendations, particularly the chicken the dryness and adding a much-needed earthy taco pizza – a concoction of marinated chicken punch to the dish. strips nestling on a thin, crispy pizza base and We weren’t in the mood for dessert but some of smothered in tortilla chips, cheese, a “joy” sauce the options looked interesting, such as the kunafa and avocado sauce. As odd as it sounds, he assured and latayef. Other choices included a chocolate us it was delicious. cake, cheesecake and the chocoba – chocolate Our orders quickly taken, it was just a few Nutella with banana. minutes before the food started to arrive – yes, All in all, it was a good experience. The they really were that fast! service is certainly fast, the waiters friendly and First up was my daughter Cia, who appeared to knowledgeable, and the dining space light and have eyes bigger than her stomach. She ordered bright. We’ll definitely be heading back, but the cheese manakish with regular flour (you could perhaps this time for pizza night. also opt for brown or multi-cereal) and a minced chicken tawouk in dough. Cia’s a huge fan of Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see manakish and has been struggling to find a decent reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com one that compares to her all-time favourite from Lebanese Garden in Abu Dhabi. This one was close, she said, but not quite there.

Her tawouk was wrapped in a thin, almost crunchy pastry and was stuffed with minced chicken, French fries, pickles and a garlic sauce. A little on the dry side, the flavours came alive when it was dipped in hummus.

Meanwhile, Mr P’s cheesy roast beef in dough was declared a winner, with the beef tender and juicy. Smothered in a lemon mustard sauce and a steak sauce, it’s safe to say that the cheesy roast beef was the star of the show.

But Mrs P lucked out again, this time with her chilli kebab, which she thought would be beef but instead tasted like lamb, which she’s not a fan of.

However, the jalapeños added a nice zing, helped along by the Mexican sauce.

Next up was what Miss Pre-teen opted for, the “margeritta” pizza. Quickly devoured, this was

JAGUAR F-PACE

WANT TO MAKE OWNING YOUR DREAM CAR A REALITY?

With 0% interest, you can now experience thrilling performance, dramatic beauty and everyday practicality in the exhilarating Jaguar F-PACE. Inspired by the F-TYPE, its powerful, muscular looks give the F-PACE a head-turning road presence.

It also delivers the connected steering feel and sharp, responsive handling of a sports car, thanks to its aluminum double wishbone front and integral link rear suspension.

Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC Muscat 24523200, Sohar 26841087, Salalah 23230727 jaguar-me.com/mhd * Subject to half of the car price being paid upfront. Finance subject to Credit Approval. **Whichever comes first.

Offer valid from 07/05/2017 till 24/05/2017. CR No.1/00199/0

Package includes: - 0% Interest over 2 − 4 Years* - 5 Years’ Warranty or 250,000 km** - 5 Years’ Service or 65,000 km** - 5 Years’ Roadside Assistance or 250,000 km** - Diamondbrite Car Paint Protection