Y Magazine #474, June 8, 2017

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YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

JUN 08 - 14 2017 / ISSUE 474 • WEEKLY

GUIDING LIGHT

PLUS!

THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN

COOL CLIMBS

32

PLAY TIME

40

FREEKAH FRIDAY

44

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

Fast forward

I

was fortunate enough this week to cross off a bucket-list destination – a longpromised trip to Jebel Akhdar. While I may have just missed the rose season, it was still a wonderful visit to the “Green Mountain”, which is rich in geological history dating back millions of years. From visiting Diana’s Point to witnessing some truly scenic vistas and enjoying the cooler temperatures, it was a great weekend away with friends and my daughter – and you can read all about it in our Destination section this week.

Elsewhere, we meet Assia Othman, a culinary superstar in the GCC with a massive following on social media, in our Food feature. Over the next two weeks Assia will be sharing with Y readers some of her favourite Iftar recipes, which are not only delicious but also easy to prepare for busy families.

In Y-Fi, we check out the latest efficient gadgets to help make your life a little easier, continue with our Spirit of Ramadan giveaways and check out the latest trends for young girls in Fashion.

Have a wonderful week!

editor@y-oman.com

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

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

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Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing & Advertising LLC / Y is a SABCO Media product.

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JUN 08 - 14 / ISSUE 474

03

contents JUN

Your Oman

08

-

14

2017

This Week

06 Coffee With Y

Riyas Kuttery

16 Spirit of Ramadan

Y Gives back with fun competitions

08 Voice Of Oman

Alvin Thomas 10 News

Three GCC nations cut

ties with Qatar

29 Movies

Churchill

12 Gallery

Welcoming Iftar

10

Features 19 Ramadan Car Guide

Top auto deals during

the Holy Month

19

13 News

Oman’s roads best in

the world 14 Gallery

Graduation Day

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Jebel Akhdar

Health and Beauty

34 First Drive

Lincoln MKZ 36 Postcard From

Derry, Northern Ireland 38 Y-Fi

Time savers

14 40 Fashion

Play time 42 Beauty

Face off

Food and Drink 44 Food Feature

Freekah Friday

44

43 Health

Man up

38 40

NEXT ISSUE...

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

Riyaz

I

y

Kutter

Alvin Thomas meets a form very much in the first di er Indian football star now vision of the travel busi t’s a balmy Sunday evening ness and “I was thankful to Go a

very depressing one at that: d for giving “This was my entry to the bea me the vision to see that the utiful Real Madrid has just taken re was no country that the is Oman. I continued to fut ure for me in the game.”

Champions League title (in work with BA for another two a thr After quitting professional foo years, against Juventus the night bef iller tball, here.” ore) Riyaz went on to take up top leaving me and millions of pos itio ns other Riyaz switched jobs and we in airline companies across (Barcelona) fans disappointed nt to the Middle work . as the country manager for Ea st.

Nevertheless, I am still in goo d Travelport – an American Of course, his success com spirits as I know I’m going travel es from to have com merce platform that provid har d wo rk and his will to succeed. At a quick chat with Riyaz Ku es ttery, a distribution, technology, pay 24, Riyaz headed to Saudi former Indian national-leve me Ara nt bia to l footballer find a job. and other solutions for the about his life, and perhaps travel and even hear tou “I rism industry. we nt to join my younger brother. some valuable analysis on the game He had just started his career But, in 2008, Riyaz got ano from last night. at the ther Int erC cha ont llenge, when he became the ine nta l hot Our chat has to be over the el there, and I too phone, started my career though, as Riyaz is an incred with the same group manager at the Indian airline Jet ibly busy in the trading div Airways. He worked with the ision. man and will also be breaki m for ng fast with But soon, Riy eig ht years, and became genera az had other ideas on his family for Iftar. l career development. manager for the airline in Om But Riyaz is actually a hard-c an. ore “D espite my passion for footba “I grew within Jet Airways Madridista (a Real Madrid ll, I thanks fan). always had a dream in me to the support of Abdulrahma decide to keep my ego in che So I to join the n al ck and aviation industry,” he says.

Busaidy – the current deputy don’t delve too deeply into the game chi ef “I used to see these very we after all. ll-dressed executive officer of Oman Air. I think han dsome men and beautiful wo Still, if there is anyone who men it is he who gave me direction and can walking the halls of the air provide some incisive game por ts. It was support when I most needed it.” analysis, and still is a very classy affa it is the Kerala-born Riyaz.

Riyaz is now the chief operat ir.”

He has ing He initially dreamt of becom four decades of experience offi cer of Mezoon International ing a under his pilot but his we akness in mathematics Travel – one of belt, which includes time in the oldest travel the junior and science me ant he had to put aside management national and Santosh Trophy com panies in Oman.

Kerala that dream. senior team squads in India, As for those who aspire to bec and he But he was still determined ome also had some time with loc to work the future Ronaldos and al teams in in the aviation Messis of industry. the Sultanate. the world, Riyaz says: “I com “I found my break when I saw e from “I was a football player by an ad Ind ia, which is a huge market for in a Sau di Ara such bian newspaper when profession,” Riyaz tells me. players.

“That was an airline was looking for new “staff actually my prime job.”

“But, you should ask yourse members”. No more lf Riyaz’s passion for the gam whether you will be able to e comes revealed but I app details were sustain from his father. lied there and hoped you rself and your family. You see for the best.” , you “I was three when I started can playing only sustain yourself in a spo And call it luck: Riyaz got a football. It is embedded in rt for cal l my blood. from British around 25 to 30 years, provid Airways (BA) for the Back in the days my father ed you used to play position of per do not have any injuries. sonal assistant to the for the Tamil Nadu special police team country manag “Within that time, if you hav er. And the rest, as they (TSP). e not ach ieved your goal then you wil say , is his tor y.

“He was a goalkeeper and l tha live your life in vain. So, you “I still remember Ali Fairoo how the whole idea of footba t’s nee d z, the ll got into country manag er for British Airways, to evaluate whether you are a good my head.” football player, and if not, you giving me that opportunity Needless to say, a great dea to work need to l the sta re. rt considering a future elsewh It wa s a goo of Riyaz’s time was spent on d start for me. And ere. the back then BA Saudi Arabia “You basically need a back-u pitch. But by the age of 24, wa s 50 p per plan. he had cent of the total Gulf busine something of an epiphany: ss. BA had Otherwise, you will not have that he realised great presence financial support when you in Saudi during those that his future in football wa need it. s limited day s.”

“If you do all of this, you wil by his nation’s lack of suppor l be t and However, BA briefly closed successful. I promise you.” interest in it. its ope rat ions in Saudi Arabia in 200 “Cricket was and still is Ind 5. ia’s Have you a unique story to tell?

But Riyaz then got posted to number one sport,” he says.

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THE VOICE OF OMAN ALVIN THOMAS VOICES HIS CONCERNS ON THE DANGERS OF JAYWALKING

J

aywalking: the act of crossing a road or street unlawfully or without regard for approaching traffic.

We all know that jaywalking is illegal and dangerous. Yet many of us continue to do so (some unknowingly, even) on a daily basis.

But I should be in no position to complain because, as a teenager, I was among the many that raced across roads without flinching. The zebra crossing was a conundrum to me: “Is it worth that extra two minutes?” I would ask myself before sprinting from one corner of the highway to the next.

Of course, those days are long gone now. Today, I drive. And you know what? It has completely changed my perception on jaywalking.

Last week, when driving back home after work, I came face-to-face with a group of jaywalkers. A harmless encounter? Well, no!

I was doing 120-odd kph (well within the legal limit) when the four young men jumped onto the otherwise empty highway and started sprinting to the other side (FYI: that’s three gigantic lanes).

Thanks to the amber lighting on the road I couldn’t spot them until the very end, when they were almost face-to-face with me... and imminent death. But thankfully, my car’s brakes were strong enough to bring the car to a complete halt.

Unsurprisingly, the guys couldn’t comprehend the seriousness of what had just happened and simply continued on their merry way.

I, however, still feel queasy when I think about the incident. Lots of questions come to mind: what if I had crashed into them? What if there had been cars behind me? What if they had died because of me?

All those questions give me the chills. So I have just one thing to say: if you care for your life and for the lives of others, do the nation a favour and use that zebra crossing.

It really is worth all that extra time.

NEXT WEEK: NISHAD PADIYARATH 08

JUN 08 - 14 / ISSUE 474

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: Charity and giving are an integral part of Ramadan – what do you do to give back during the Holy Month?

ELIZABETH JOSEPH

The Holy month of Ramadan is not only about fasting for long, long hours but it is also about the love and care and acts of kindness that one shows to others. Charity and giving are an integral part of Ramadan. A small act can make a big difference. During this Holy month of Ramadan let each of us stand united by holding hands to bring peace to our small world and may we all live happily together. Provide at least one meal to the less fortunate. Care for the sick and downtrodden. Every individual’s act can make this place a better and safer place to live without any fear. And may all of us continue to live with a good heart.

ADEEBA FATIMA

Ramadan is a time of giving whether it’s giving up food, giving to those closest to you or giving back to the community. During the month of Ramadan, we are encouraged to give generously and everyone should be expected to do so. It is said that charity wards off evil consequences.

Having fasted the entire day, if there are any shortcomings in our efforts, charity helps us purify our fast. Therefore, share everything you have with the less fortunate.

in our daily lives and without expecting anything in return. These are people who are poor, needy, sick or homeless. I do not wait for special occasions such as Ramadan, Eid, Christmas or my birthday to help people. I help them by giving food to eat, water to drink, and used clothing to wear. I buy or give the sick over-the-counter medications and refer them to doctors whom I know personally. Most importantly, I listen attentively to their life stories and include them in my everyday prayers. Every religion, whether Muslim or Christian etc teaches us to do good and be good to others.

ANTONY VETTIYAZHICKAL JOSEPH

Being a lowly paid employee, I can’t give back anything in kind to anyone although I would dearly love to do more during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Still, I leave no stone unturned, by substituting duty hours and helping the work of my colleagues who are fasting so that they can get an extra hour or two of rest. Besides, I offer snacks, food, fruits and laban from my quota so that they can have three good meals during the non-fasting hours. I do help to cook food for them as well, which helps in enabling them to pray in peace.

DR RAO BHASKARA SUDDAPALLI

I earmark a sizeable amount of clothing and distribute it to our staff and their families during RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE Ramadan, and also use the drop boxes for clothes Charity and giving should not only be undertaken during the holy month of Ramadan. and food items. Coming from my Muslim breathren from my state in India, I offer food, garments, suit It should be done wholeheartedly in our own little ways when we meet different types of people cases, dates and air tickets to the needy. For me

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humanity means more than other consideration; with it being more predominant during this month.

USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI

For me, charity has been an ongoing affair, irrespective of the significance going with every festivity. However, being in Oman I focus on helping to mitigate the sufferings of the working community, especially housemaids. This year, I donated cash to 15 deserving students, besides providing complimentary air tickets to five members, who have been struggling hard to return back home. Of course, it has been the norm for me to offer food for years; to the working community on the road near our home.

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

It is a big misconception that charity and giving are an integral part of Ramadan . Truly speaking, charity and giving are an integral part of Islam and should be continued in the same spirit throughout the year.

Allah has mentioned in the Quran that...one should give the best of what he/she has in charity to please Allah. So I try not to do anything special in this month except to try my best to clear the amount of the Zakat (compulsory charity) incumbent on me.

/YTABLOID

New Debate: The recent kidnapping of a teenage girl (who has since been located by the Royal Oman Police) has put the dangers of social media in the spotlight. What safety guidelines have you put into place for your children to follow to ensure their safety online?

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

SALEHA HAROON

The best charity, in my view, is giving someone a reason to smile. During this Holy Month I try to give myself a smile first and then I try to give others a smile by even looking at them with a smiling face while shopping for my groceries or just while walking my dog. Whoever I bump into, I try to keep my face smiling and it automatically brings a smile to the other person’s face as well.

Life is too hard and we sometimes forget to smile.

I give them a reminder to smile as a charity.

The Department of Internal Medicines at BABYLON MEDICAL CENTRE - AL AMERAT is headed by Consultant, Professor Dr. Hazim Abdul Razak, highly experienced and well qualiďŹ ed, bringing more than 30 years of experience to the department.

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ZAHID SAEED GULL WAS SPOTTED WITH HIS FAVOURITE Y MAGAZINE IN MUSCAT

JASON FELIX NORONHA

Charity is a virtue that transcends all boundaries.

There cannot be a right place or time for it. It is a feeling that builds from within you.

True, the Holy month of Ramadan brings one closer to God and in doing so we get the time to appreciate the good things we have been blessed with. However, by reaching out to the less fortunate we take one step closer to the Almighty. On a personal front we have made a regular habit of donating clothes and toys to Dar Al Atta throughout the year. If we can bring about a smile to at least one family we shall feel that our duty as compassionate human beings is fulfilled to some extent. Charity begins at home so teach your kids the joy of sharing and you will be blessed tenfold.

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+968-24878911, 97771003, 96759673

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

Send it to: info@y-oman.com

www.babylon-om.com JUN 08 - 14 / ISSUE 474

09

YOUR

OMAN

VISA BAN

EXTENDED ON SELECT

JOBS

F

inding a job as a salesperson or marketing manager will continue to be a challenge for expatriates in Oman, with the Government this week confirming that it had extended its visa ban on certain job categories in the private sector.

The ban covers jobs such as salespeople, marketing managers, purchase managers, carpenters, blacksmiths, bricklayers, labourers and cleaners.

The extension, which was issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MoM), will came into effect on June 1.

However, this will not apply to establishments registered with an excellent grade, international and consultancy companies, establishments working on government projects and establishments registered with the Authority for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises.

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NEWS

SAUDI ARABIA, UAE, BAHRAIN AND EGYPT CUT TIES WITH QATAR

Q

atar indicated on Tuesday (June 6) that it was ready for mediation talks after Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt severed all diplomatic relations with their GCC neighbour amid accusations that it was supporting terrorism.

The announcement means that transport ties have been cut, and that all Qatari visitors and residents will have to evacuate from the four countries within 14 days.

The Qatar foreign ministry said that it “regretted” the coordinated decision, and that the “measures are unjustified and are based on claims and allegations that have no basis in fact”.

Airlines including Etihad Airways, Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia discontinued all flights to and from Doha on June 6.

Abu Dhabi Airport stated that it would not receive any Qatar Airways flights until diplomatic ties were reestablished. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia also closed its airspace to Qatari commercial, state and business flights; as well as its land border.

“Any airlines wishing to fly across the Kingdom’s airspace from Qatar will need to seek permission from the authority and have one week to do so,” said Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Civil Aviation.

The announcement has also led to “large-scale ramifications”, and by the time Y had gone to press, oil prices had fallen by nine per cent – the lowest since an OPEC-led policy to cut crude output was extended into the first quarter of 2018.

Qatar’s stock market also fell more than seven per cent on Monday (June 5), erasing nearly 30 billion Qatari riyals off the market cap, leading the exchange to close at its lowest level since mid-2013.

However, it rebounded in early trade on Tuesday despite the riyal falling against the US dollar.

Qatar’s Foreign minister said on Tuesday that Doha was ready for “mediation efforts”, adding that Qatar’s ruler had delayed a speech in order to give Kuwait a chance to aid the easing of regional tensions.

He added that Qatar “believes such differences between sister countries must be resolved through dialogue”.

Meanwhile, the Philippines has also suspended the deployment of workers to Qatar in the wake of the diplomatic crisis.

OMANIS WARNED TO STAY ALERT AFTER UK ATTACK

T

he United Kingdom has suffered another terror attack – its third in just 73 days – which has left seven people dead and 48 injured.

Three men went on a rampage with their van in central London last Saturday night.

The trio mowed down several pedestrians before getting out of the van to stab passers-by with knives.

Police shot the men dead after arriving on the scene within eight minutes of the incident being reported.

Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the attacks and expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the UK. Meanwhile, Oman embassy officials in the UK have warned Omani citizens to be cautious following the attacks, and to avoid densely populated areas.

They have also urged the UK’s Omani residents to follow the instructions of local authorities and the Metropolitan Police.

Meanwhile, the Oman Cultural Attaché Office in London has also issued a warning for all Omani residents in the UK It states: “In case of emergency you can call or leave a text message around the clock on 07554884884, and the office will contact you.”

The London attack comes in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing, which left 22 dead and 120 injured on May 22, immediately after an Ariana Grande concert; and the Westminster attack (at Westminster Bridge and the Palace of Westminster) on March 22, which left six dead and 49 injured.

ROCKET KIDS

GALLERY

NEARLY 50 CHILDREN FROM THE AL RAHMA ASSOCIATION FOR MOTHERHOOD AND CHILDHOOD ORPHANAGE RECENTLY TOOK PART IN A SCIENCE-THEMED “ORPHANS CAMP”.

ORGANISED IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE TEAM FROM THE INNOVATION FACTORY, THE CHILDREN LEARNED ABOUT ROCKETPOWERED CARS AND EVEN GOT TO PUT THEIR KNOWLEDGE TO THE TEST.

Photos: Yamin al Balushi & Adil al Balushi

JUN 08 - 14 / ISSUE 474

011

YOUR

WARM & WELCOMING IFTAR

OMAN

KIMS OMAN HOSPITAL RECENTLY HOSTED ITS ANNUAL IFTAR AT THE GRAND HYATT MUSCAT HOTEL, THE IFTAR WAS ATTENDED

BY INDIA’S AMBASSADOR TO OMAN, HE INDRA MANI PANDEY, AS WELL AS VARIOUS GUESTS FROM GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES, AND THE INSURANCE AND MEDICAL SECTORS,

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NEWS

GALLERY

OMAN’S ROADS AMONG BEST IN THE WORLD O man now has the bragging rights to some of the best road networks in the world.

A report issued by Singapore-based website Mice Times placed Oman fifth among all the roads in the world.

Also among the top-five global highways are those in France, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Portugal.

“Oman certainly has some of the best roads,” says Shweta, a UAE-based business executive who frequently visits Oman.

“I have found the roads to be smooth going and the traffic to be rather linear whenever I visit Oman.

“Believe it or not, the road system – among many other things – is an important factor that is taken into consideration when someone decides to migrate to a country. The roads in the UAE are brilliant but a bit too confusing and congested.”

Oman’s roads were followed by the highways of Switzerland, Austria, Hong Kong, Finland and Germany. Meanwhile, at the bottom end of the scale were Russia and Ukraine, which were placed in 123rd position and 137th , respectively.

Recent statistics revealed by the Ministry of Transport and Communications also show that a total of 77 new interchanges and 41 bridges are currently under implementation in different governorates in Oman.

The projects being implemented this year include

23 flyovers, 67 underpasses, 34 pedestrian bridges and more than 2,900 viaducts.

According to the Ministry, the first phase and a part of the second phase of the 200km Bidbid-Sur road project and 181km Sinaw-Mahout road, as well as the Mirbat-Hasik road rehabilitation project are expected to be completed this year.

JUN 08 - 14 / ISSUE 474

013

YOUR

GRADUATION DAY HONOURS

OMAN

IT WAS A DAY OF CELEBRATIONS FOR THE 42 STUDENTS GRADUATING FROM YEAR 12 AT THE AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSCAT (TAISM).

REPRESENTING 25 NATIONALITIES, THE GRADUATION CEREMONY WAS HELD IN THE SCHOOL BOSCH CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AND WAS ATTENDED BY PROUD PARENTS, STUDENTS AND FACULTY.

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NEWS

ADMISSIONS NOW OPEN

2017 / 18

ENGAGE INSPIRE INNOVATE EDUCATE

AGS is a Bri�sh Interna�onal Preparatory and Senior School priding itself on the warmth of its welcome to pupils and parents from around the world. The mul�-na�onal community represented at AGS by children and their families, helps to create a learning environment which fosters a global understanding and apprecia�on for diversity and each other.

We are proud of our pupil’s high academic standards, and encourage them to achieve their best in all aspects of the curriculum. Academics are supported by a strong expressive arts specialist programme which is further fostered by our extensive extracurricular ac�vi�es, encouraging pupils to expand and explore their talents.

Essen�al values of caring, self-discipline, respect, humour, a love of learning and a sense of discovery are embedded in AGS life. These a�ributes are vitally important to a child’s overall personal and social development needed in today’s ever-changing global society.

T: +968 24423952 | E: registrar@agsmuscat.com

www.agsmuscat.com

3 k e We

The Spirit of

THE HOLY MONTH IS ABOUT SHARING THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN, AND Y HAS SOME SPECIAL TREATS LINED UP FOR LUCKY READERS OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS

Grand Prize

Win an iPad Mini

Are you in the market for an iPad Mini 2? Enter our Spirit of Ramadan competition this week and you could be the new owner of this 32GB, Wi-Fienabled tablet. Small and compact, it’s perfect for on-the-go, is Bluetooth enabled and weighs just 330g. Whether you are surfing the web, checking emails or staying on track with your social media

There’s no better time than now to escape the heat of the city and head up to Jebel Akhdar, where the temperatures are at least 15 degrees Celsius cooler.

Perched 2,000 metres above sea level in the Hajar Mountains, Alila Jabal Akhdar is the perfect escape for adventure travellers, nature lovers and those seeking a retreat from the desert heat. Best of all, Alila Jabal Akhdar is giving away one night’s stay for two people, inclusive of breakfast and dinner.

To enter, all you have to do is post a picture on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter (or all three!) of yourself or your surroundings showing us the temperature. The post with the most likes, comments and shares will be declared the winner.

And don’t forget to include all of the following hashtags in your post:

Mountain Getaway

• #15DegreesCooler • #AlilaJabalAkhdar • #YMagazine Competition closes: Monday, June 12

Retail Therapy

accounts, the iPad Mini 2 is a great device for everybody. To enter, all you have to do is send us your best photo of a Ramadan sunset with an Oman theme (photos taken from the internet will not be accepted. Email your answer, including your name and phone number, to editor@y-oman. com no later than Monday, June 12. Good luck!

Great Swing For those of you who have always wanted to try golf but have never taken the plunge, Al Mouj Golf’s “Try Golf Weekends” are an ideal taster for beginners. The one-hour introductory clinics, which are run on Fridays or Saturdays, are for first-time golfers, and all the necessary equipment is provided for seven people. To win a golf weekend lesson for you and up to six friends on a stunning 18-hole beach-facing course, all you have to do is answer the following question: How many holes are on the Al Mouj Golf Championship Course?

Email your answer, including your name and phone number, to editor@y-oman.com no later than Monday, June 12. Good luck!

THE HEART OF TOWN SINCE 1985

An impressive mall in the Sultanate of Oman, SABCO Centre is where pleasure and convenience meets luxury shopping.

Its original blend of traditional and modern décor radiates a quiet elegance that adds to the shopping experience. With 80 prestigious outlets in addition to the Souk shops, SABCO Centre is one of the most popular malls in Oman. It’s a must-visit destination for residents and tourists who go there for top-of-theline products from a variety of international brands. In addition, the Souk at SABCO Centre provides hand-made brocades, copperware, hand-woven carpets, silver crafts, silks and kaftans from Oman and around the world. To win a RO40 SABCO Centre shopping voucher, simply tell us: What is the name of the Omani designer showcasing her collection at SABCO Centre this Ramadan?

Email your answer, including your name and phone number, to editor@y-oman.com no later than Monday, June 12. Good luck!

V8_ALL LOGOS OF SABCO.Ai SABCO.AO

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JUN 08 - 14 / ISSUE 474

Ramadan Nestled between the mountains and the sea, the Ibis Muscat hotel is conveniently located in Al Khuwair.

With 171 rooms, the three-star hotel also features a range of modern, well-equipped meeting rooms and complimentary Wi-Fi. Offering a delicious all-day dining option at its Oopen Pasta & Grill Restaurant, it’s a great place to chill with friends in the evening or to host a business lunch or dinner. During Ramadan, Ibis Muscat will be offering Iftar for RO9.5 per person. And we have an Iftar voucher for two people to dine at the hotel this month.

To enter, simply answer the following question: What is the star rating of Ibis Muscat?

Email your answer, including your name and phone number, to editor@y-oman.com no later than Monday, June 12. Good luck!

Powered by

Stylish Iftar

Stunning Suhar

Are you looking for a short weekend break away from the city? Then base yourself at the Mercure Sohar hotel and explore all the delights that Suhar has to offer. Just 200km from Muscat, it’s an easy drive for that well-earned weekend break. Offering 152 stylish rooms and an outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool, it’s the second hotel in Oman to be opened by AccorHotels.

For a chance to win a one-night stay for two people at the Mercure Sohar hotel, simply answer the following question: What is the name of the restaurant at the Mecure Sohar Hotel?

Email your answer, including your name and phone number, to editor@yoman.com no later than Monday, June 12. Good luck!

Street style Inspired by food trucks, Sauce Street Kitchen is a street-style restaurant founded by Omanis. The restaurant specialises in burgers, steaks, healthy food, a variety of sweet delights and refreshing drinks, including the best-selling OrangePassion Juice. Located on Saih Al Malih Street in Qurum, the goal of the restaurant is to make every guest experience a great and an exciting one, and to serve good-quality food.

We have a Sauce Street Kitchen voucher worth RO25 to give away to one lucky reader this week.

To enter, answer the following question: What is the best-selling drink at Sauce Street Kitchen?

Email your answer, including your name and phone number, to editor@y-oman.com no later than Monday, June 12. Good luck!

Part-time or full-time studies

BSc(Hons) or Diploma in: Event Management

l al s! to itie n al pe n O tio na

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Relaxing break Nestled in between the dramatic backdrop of rugged mountains and the pristine waters of the Gulf of Oman, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah is a family and leisure-focused destination resort just 20 minutes’ drive from downtown Muscat. With a total of 640 rooms and suites, six swimming pools, a private beach and 500-metre lazy river, it is the place to keep calm and beat the heat this summer. To be in with a chance to win a one night stay for two people at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, inclusive of breakfast, simply answer the following question: How long is the lazy river at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa? Email your answer, including your name and phone number, to editor@y-oman. com no later than Monday, June 12. Good luck!

Eye for detail As the largest luxury car detailing centre in Oman, Reflexions44 prides itself on introducing worldclass products such as HüperOptik, Bodyfence, Swissvax, Smart Repair Technology Modesta and Opticoat treatments.

We believe every service should achieve 44 goals. “The Perfection of Preparation” is our benchmark without any shortcuts. Our signature 44-stage formula is technically proven to deliver masterpieces, from new cars to classic cars, from interiors to exteriors. We guarantee you a better than showroom finish the first time, every time.

For a chance to win a HüperOptik car window and rear screen tint and a Lalou paint protection package, worth a total of RO298, simply answer the following question: Reflexions44 is a master detailing company; do you know which handmade waxes are used for their special detailing treatments?

Email your answer, including your name and phone number, to editor@y-oman.com no later than Monday, June 12. Good luck!

WINNERS

B•O•X

WEEK 2 WINNERS Congratulations to the following winners!

ZEDAIR LAPTOP AND ILIFE SMARTPHONE: Karunakaran Ayinam Varadachari ALILA JABAL AKHDAR: Umyumna al Kharusi AL MOUJ GOLF LESSONS: Sameer Jadwet SABCO COMMERCIAL CENTRE: Debra Enzenbacher

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IBIS MUSCAT IFTAR VOUCHER: Hardik Pandit SAUCE STREET KITCHEN: Gail Saldanha MERCURE SOHAR: Mohammad Osama Rawat

We will be in touch shortly to arrange the collection of your prize vouchers

Journey of Flavours

Make Ramadan a flavourful journey at the Sheraton Oman Hotel’s Courtyard.

To mark the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Sheraton Oman Hotel invites you and your family to a special celebration of food and culture, inspired by the true spirit of giving and sharing. For a chance to win one RO36 Iftar voucher for two people at the Courtyard, all you have to do is answer the following question: What year was the Sheraton Oman Hotel built?

Email your answer, including your name and phone number, to editor@yoman.com no later than Monday, June 12. Good luck!

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LUXURY-LEVEL

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Sleek flowing lines, an elegant yet sharp design and a pulse for sportiness is what gives the Nissan Altima its unmistakeable look and sets it apart from its competitors.

Now in its fifth-generation, the stylish sedan not only appeals to the young but also a wider audience. Don’t believe that?

Just take a look at the streets.

T

he excitement of driving is just a press of the accelerator away in the Altima.

When you choose the potent yet efficient, 182hp, four-cylinder engine, you will get to experience its innovative engineering and magnificent power delivery. It is evident that Nissan has taken driving the experience seriously this time around.

FEATURES

● 7” Touch Screen Navigation*

● New Driver Assist Blind Spot Warning* ● 3D LCD Display ● 17” Alloy Wheels* ● 6 Airbags* ● Intelligent Cruise Control *

● ABS + EBD + BA

● Power Driver Seats*

● VDC + TCS +

● Dual Zone Auto A/C*

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* Available On Select Variants

Active Trace Control

The Nissan Altima has been touted as one of the best family sedans that money can buy. And why not? It comes with a host of active and passive safety features, a roomy cabin, and a host of technological features that will keep its driver and passengers occupied and safe. This is already one of our favourite cars.

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Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four cylinder Transmission: Continuously Variable

Transmission (CVT) Horsepower: 182hp Torque: 244Nm Length x Width x Height: 4879x1830x1471 Fuel tank: 68l Truck capacity: 436l

Price Range:

Y Recommendation:

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SPECIFICATIONS NISSAN ALTIMA

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RO10,050 to RO11,800

RAMADAN OFFER Cash Back RO2,000 Free Registration Scratch Card (2 Assured gift): Free Fuel – RO50 to RO1,000 and Free Service – 2 Yrs/30K to 5 Yrs/100K Variants: 2.5 S CVT, 2.5 SV CVT, 2.5 SL CVT Navi

LUXURY-LEVEL

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With the new BMW 7 Series, BMW has redefined what an exclusive and luxurious driving experience can and should be. With groundbreaking technology incorporated into the soul of the car, the 7 Series is not only a technological marvel but also a formidable limousine with a great deal of character

T

he BMW 7 Series achieves much success in the areas of lightweight design, powertrains, chassis, operating systems and interior ambience. All of these underline its mission to forge a bond with its driver and passengers thus providing an unbeatable driving pleasure and long-distance comfort in a luxury sedan.

The handing of the baton from one generation to the next at the top end of BMW’s model line-up sees the brand presenting a raft of innovations unmatched by any of its rivals, too.

FEATURES ●

● ●

●

●

ABS + Dynamic Traction New-generation Control (DTC) straight-six engines ● Brake energy regeneration BMW’s ConnectedDrive system ● Touch display w/ BMW Plug-in hybrid BMW gesture control 740e w/ BMW eDrive ● Executive lounge and touch Carbon core reduces weight commands by as much as 130kgs ● Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof Electric power steering ● Remote control parking ●

Y Recommendation:

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Engine: 3.0-litre in-line twin-turbocharged V6/4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 Transmission: eight-speed automatic w/paddle shifters Horsepower: 326hp/450hp Torque: 450Nm/650Nm Length x Width x Height: 5238 x 1902 x 1485 Fuel tank: 78l Truck capacity: 515l

Price Range:

RO34,000 to RO70,000

The BMW 7 Series has long been known as the king of the luxury sedans; however, its latest iteration ups the game beyond the reach of various other rivals. If you think your car is better, just take a ride in the 7 Series to understand what space, refinement and luxury really is. We have, and we cannot be any more confident about what we’re saying.

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RAMADAN OFFER

6 years Warranty or 200,000km (whichever comes first) 6 years BMW Service Inclusive Plus Package or 120,000km (whichever comes first) First year free comprehensive insurance First year free registration Complimentary iPhone 7 128 GB Variants: BMW 730Li BMW 740Li BMW 750Li BMW 760Li

LUXURY-LEVEL

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Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 offers an optimal blend of ride comfort and class-leading agility to drivers. It has also impressed a new generation of buyers with its new engine and chassis technologies that aim to deliver empowering performance and a rewarding drive.

T

he Infiniti Q50 offers a premium driving experience with two all-new powertrains – a 300hp and 400hp V6 – as well as several technological advancements in driver safety. The Q50 Red Sport 400 was designed to do just one thing: empower its driver. And with the kind of power the sedan puts down, there is little wonder as to why it stands out as one of the best cars to hail from Japan.

FEATURES ●

●

●

●

Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with full speed range Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention System (BLIS) Around view monitor w/ moving object detection

●

●

● ● ● ●

Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) w/ Active Lane Control Dual touch screens (LCD VGA 8-inch & LCD VGA 7-inch) 19-inch alloy wheels w/Run-Flat tyres Forward emergency braking 14-speakers BOSE premium sound system Active trace control

Y Recommendation:

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Infiniti-oman.com

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Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder/3.0-litre turbocharged V6 Transmission: seven-speed automatic Horsepower: 208hp/300hp/400hp Torque: 350Nm/400Nm/474Nm Length x Width x Height: 4800 x 1820 x 1445 Fuel tank capacity: 80l

Price Range:

The Infiniti Q50 is one of the most stylish and power-packed sedans to grace the roads of Oman. The Q50 has been revered by many – both young and old – as one of the finest cars to take on the competition from the feisty Germans and Americans. And with the latest Q50 Red Sport 400, the Japanese have taken the fight to another level altogether.

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SPECIFICATIONS INFINITI Q50

sbainfinitioman

RO19,500 – RO28,900

Top

Highest Grossing Movies Worldwide Titanic

❷

The Avengers

❺

Year of release: 1997 Worldwide Box Office: US$2.2 billion

❶

Avatar

Year of release: 2009 Worldwide Box Office: US$2.78 billion (RO1.07bn)

❸ Star Wars Ep. VII: The Force Awakens Year of release: 2015 Worldwide box office: US$2.05 billion

Year of release: 2012 Worldwide box office: US$1.51 billion

❹

Jurassic World

Year of release: 2015 Worldwide box office: US$1.67 billion

Source: the-numbers.com

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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

Sachin: A Billion Dreams Ask a young Indian kid who their hero is and they will probably say, “Sachin Tendulkar”, the Indian cricketing legend. This is why Sachin: A Billion Dreams makes sense as a biopic; it touches the hearts of a billion Indians worldwide. The biographical film follows the path that led a motivated

Churchill It takes a powerhouse actor to portray the most charismatic politician Britain has ever produced, and some of the greats have had a go, including Richard Burton, Albert Finney and Robert Hardy.

This time, it’s powerhouse Scottish veteran Brian Cox who takes up the cigar, stick and speech impediment.

In this, Churchill faces a pivotal moment in his war-time success with the D-Day landings in 1944. Then, Allied Forces invaded Normandy in France by sea in a bid to wrestle northwestern Europe from the control of Nazi Germany.

But Churchill is beset with demons over his shortcomings in the First World War, and finds that he doesn’t exactly have untrammeled authority as he struggles to remind America’s General Eisenhower who’s boss.

Mercifully, he stops short of reminding the Americans that they only entered the war in 1942, and then only after being

WIN CHANCE TO R U O Y B A R G TS EMA TICKE IN C Y IT C R FOU

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

Who plays Nick Morton in The Mummy?

LAST WEEK'S WINNER Yumna Rashid

attacked by the Japanese in their own back yard.

Historical films often play fast and loose with the facts but it’s well known that Churchill suffered much both as a man and as a politician.

With solid support from Miranda Richardson as his long-suffering wife Clemmie, we get a far more nuanced and authentic portrayal than we probably have seen before.

But does it make for a good film? Well, as a thriller it falls slightly short (not least because we know what happens) and while it’s reassuring to know that even great men have doubts and demons, we don’t necessarily want to be constantly reminded of it.

However, such is Cox’s supreme skill, we get a warts-and-all look at a politican under extreme pressure, and one not afraid to admit he has made mistakes while providing the leadership his country needs (take note, Theresa May).

Review by Kevin McIndoe

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

Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions, see voucher.

Contact: Movie enquiries 2460 7360

Tendulkar all the way from his hometown in Mumbai, to dictate matches on some of the world’s most hallowed pitches, including Lords in the United Kingdom and the Sydney Cricket Ground. The film also captures his dedication to cricket: think the time he scored 140 runs not out against Zimbabwe before rushing to his father’s funeral. There’s no denying that this will be a global hit.

The Mummy When an ancient princess (Sofia Boutella) is awakened from her crypt, she is determined to right some of the wrongs that were done to her, and wrestle some degree of vengeance for good measure. She is the very essence of evil, and it would take someone as formidable as Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to take her down.

Unfortunately, we get stuck with Nick Morton (Tom Cruise) who has to take some sagely advice from learned academic Henry Jekyll (Russell Crowe). Never mind though, it’s all wonderful fun, with great CGI and action. Even though you know Cruise will still be there at the end, it’s a great ride.

Long View TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT Is it just me or are there any other film fans out there bored with another would-be blockbuster, the premise of which lies with computer-generated protagonists or leading actors (who might as well be) tasked with saving the earth from a hideous catastrophe?

Mercifully, I haven’t seen a preview DVD for this. Frankly, I’d rather watch a kettle boil than sit through another bore-fest that pits humans against, well, in this case, transformers. I haven’t seen any of the previous Transformer movies (because I’m an adult) so can’t comment but apparently our future is under threat in it.

Oman Release Date: June 22

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GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS… Capital Region Azaiba • Amara

Dermatology Clinic • Audi Showroom • Bentley Showroom • Costa Coffee • Al Fair • Jaguar Showroom • Jeep Showroom • Al Maha Petrol Station • Mazda Showroom • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi Showroom • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Peugeot Showroom • Range Rover Showroom • Sayarti Auto Care • Shell Select • Skoda Showroom • The Sultan Center • Volkswagen Showroom • Volvo Showroom • Yamaha Showroom Bawshar • College of Banking

and Financial Studies • Dolphin Village • Modern College

of Business and Science • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital

(Emergency and Outpatients) • Oman Medical College CBD • Al Maya Hypermarket • Alizz Islamic Bank • Bahwan Travel Agencies • Bank Sohar • Copper Chimney Restaurant • Costa Coffee • HSBC • Lama Polyclinic • NBO • Oman Arab Bank • Standard

Chartered Bank • Woodlands Restaurant Darsait • Indian Social Club • SPAR

• KIMS Oman Hospital • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Bakery • Shell Petrol Station

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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 &

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& 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

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

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JEBEL AKHDAR FELICITY GLOVER HEADS UP TO THE “GREEN MOUNTAIN” FOR HER FIRST VISIT AND FINDS IT THE PERFECT TIME TO ESCAPE THE SUMMER HEAT OF THE CITY 032

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browns of nearer mountains, while green shrubs are dotted everywhere.

Up here, the air is cooler – perhaps 15 or so degrees lower than in Muscat – and cleaner than the city and you can see, quite literally, for miles.

Back in the car, we started driving towards Saiq Airport where we took a turn-off towards a village. The steepness of the road going down was a little too much for some of the passengers so we parked by the side of the road and walked. Here, we were practically opposite Diana’s Peak, which we could see in the far distance and while the view was just as beautiful, this had a more “wild” feel about it, with no safety fences or glass-enclosed viewing points.

We’d missed the rose season by just a couple of weeks and now that it was Ramadan, there were few people about during the day. But we did meet some of the animal inhabitants of the mountain, such as cheeky goats and some curious donkeys; all of them happily munching on a variety of shrubs, such as wild olive trees and junipers.

Al Hajar, or the “stony or rocky mountains”, pushed up from the seabed millions of years ago to form spectacular limestone rock formations. A geologist’s dream, you have on show millions of years of geological “processes”, while you can easily spot ancient marine fossils buried in the limestone rocks that are scattered everywhere.

It’s a remarkable place – and I was surprised to learn that it was a military base until 2005, open only to the mountain’s villagers and visitors with special permits. But perhaps that has contributed to its charm, from the crumbling abandoned villages to the friendliness of the locals, to the rose-making experts who continue to ply their trade as their forebears did before them.

Next week: The Butterfly Trail

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

I

t’s been three years since I arrived in Muscat and I’m ashamed to say that after all this time, I’d never visited Jebel Akhdar. Of course, I’ve heard many things about the “Green Mountain”, which forms part of the 300km-long Al Hajar mountain range. From the famous rose season to the stunning Saiq Plateau and the cooler climate, particularly during the summer months, it’s a must-visit destination for anybody living in Oman.

My visit happened to coincide with last week’s heatwave, in which the temperature had soared up to 50 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country. In Muscat, the temperature was hovering around the 45-degree mark, so it’s safe to say I was looking forward to a little relief from the heat and humidity.

Just a little more than a two-hour journey from Muscat, it’s an easy drive to the foothills of Jebel Akhdar. But from here on, you will need a 4x4 to continue as you must pass through a police checkpoint that will not allow you to go any farther if you are driving a sedan. And if you’ve come all this way, that would be a shame.

The road is well maintained but safe driving is a must going up the mountain – very steep gradients are the norm while hairpin bends abound.

Heading up, I was keen to stop and take in the vista and plateaux that appeared over each rise – the sides of the mountain were scattered with green bushes while I was beginning to notice that the vegetation was quite different to that of Muscat.

We were staying in an apartment in a village close to the Anantara Al Jabar Al Akhadar Resort, which opened last October. It’s a handy location as it also marked the first stop on our itinerary: Diana’s Point.

Named after the late Diana, Princess of Wales, she visited this spot in November 1986 with Prince Charles. According to the plaque commemorating the site, they reached this spot of then “untouched wilderness” by helicopter and spent six peaceful hours there. Charles spent his time painting the stunning scenery while Diana read a book.

Offering incredible views from the Saiq Plateau to the villages and rose terraces perched precariously on the cliff face of the wide canyon below, Diana’s Point is 2,000 metres above sea level. The soft, misty blues of distant peaks form a beautiful backdrop to the russet

From Muscat, join Route 15 from the Clock Tower roundabout and head towards Nizwa. Take the exit to Izki and follow the road. There are signs to Jebel Akhdar. When you reach the police security check, you will need to stop. You will not be allowed up the mountain if you are not driving a 4×4.

GPS location to the foot of the mountain: N23°11’08.6” E57°’22’17.3”

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

Photos: Alvin Thomas

Y’s Alvin Thomas has the hots for this Stateside sedan thanks to an engine upgrade and minor makeover

T

here are three key points one must keep in mind when reviewing cars: one, do not delve into a review with even the slightest preconception of the brand; two, respect the engineering that has gone into the car; and three, no matter what happens, do not fall in love with the car.

Now, I have to point out that I had already ignored all three pointers pretty much before I had even spent an hour with the Lincoln MKZ. I had always been under the impression that Lincoln has been a brand fraught in its efforts to discover a fitting identity.

And with the introduction of its all-new “Continental” sedan to the market, the brand was left with two cars with proper names – the Continental and Navigator, and a plethora of cars with names starting with “MK” and ending with alphabets such as “C”, “S”, “X” or “Z”.

Am I correct in saying that? Surprisingly, no. The Lincoln MKZ can actually trace its roots all the way back to the Zephyr sedan from the early 1930s.

But separate Lincoln’s nomenclature from the car and you’re left with a unique and fabulouslooking sedan with much pedigree. The styling is unmistakeably American, and the front-fascia resembles that of its bigger brother – the Lincoln Continental. Nothing else even comes close in terms of design with the MKZ. This really is not one of your plebeian sedans.

For 2017, the MKZ gets a redesigned front-fascia complete with a hunky new chrome grille and Continental-esque front headlamps, which look assertive on the road. This is definitely a score, as its predecessor didn’t win many hearts with its pointy eagle-eye headlamps and similar grille.

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The rear, with its thin strip LED tail lamps, however, remains unchanged but still manages to look avant-garde. It’s funny how the MKZ has been on sale for almost a decade now but looks like something from the future.

Sadly, though, my test car did not come with the large panoramic sunroof that we have got used to seeing on the MKZ. Stepping inside the cabin was like taking a trip down memory lane. The interior remains unchanged from previous years but that is hardly a complaint.

Everything is laid out systematically, and the fit and finish is sublime. There’s myriad padded soft-touch surfaces inside the car – even in areas you won’t be touching directly. There’s very little in the line of cheap plastics in the whole cabin, and you would have to be quite eagle-eyed to spot that.

The seats and steering-wheel are wrapped in premium leather like you would find in any of its rivals from Europe. Actually, it has much better interior trim than some of its German rivals.

The seats provide excellent shoulder and thigh bolstering, but are still typically Lincoln and are comfortable to ride in. They’re also heated and ventilated, depending on your taste.

The only real change in the cabin is the new SYNC3 capacitive touchscreen unit. It’s worlds away from its previous iteration, and the more I used it, the more I liked it.

For the first time, the unit comes with an easy-to-use navigation system and interface. Of course, you can still control the usual audio, Wi-Fi, phone, ambient

lighting and air conditioner settings using the screen.

But, if you are not into pushing screens to control your cabin temperatures and music, you still get easyto-use physical buttons and knobs at your fingertips.

Thankfully, Lincoln has thrown away those horrid unresponsive light-sensitive buttons from the sloped dashboard.

Space inside the cabin isn’t class-leading but there is adequate space for four adults (or five if you can convince a fifth to cram his/her legs away from the exhaust tunnel).

Like its predecessor, there’s no gear knob to be found anywhere in the cabin. Instead, the MKZ comes with buttons marked –“P”, “R”, “N”, “D” and “S”. This can come across as a bit too confusing at first but I could settle in just fine. Of course, the awkwardly-placed engine “Start/Stop” and the hazard light buttons will require a little getting used to.

For 2017, I am glad to report that Lincoln has added a silky-smooth (but low-revving) 3.0-litre “Ecoboost” turbocharged V6 engine pumping out a GSO-rated (Gulf Standard Organisation) 365hp and 570Nm of torque. Power is then transferred to all

Destination

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

four wheels via a potent six-speed automatic transmission.

And as is always the case: power solves everything. It didn’t take me long to fall completely in love with the MKZ. A quick push of the throttle revealed a bounty of low-end torque that thrusts the car forward (and the passengers deep into the seats) every time I put my foot down.

The transmission is quick to respond to the throttle but it generally likes sitting at higher gears to save fuel.

Granted, you can take control of the gear shifts using the steeringmounted paddle shifters if need be. Despite all that, the transmission does fall short of the newer dual-clutch systems you find in cars today.

I found there to be a slight lag in the gear shifts in manual mode.

But that’s just me nitpicking as most owners of the MKZ would find the gearbox smooth and adept.

The MKZ still hits 100kph from a standstill in a mere six seconds.

But I am sure it will do much better in winter months as engines tend to perform better in cooler weather.

Despite the turbocharger, power delivery is incredibly linear and there is very much less turbo-lag hunkering down the engine. The Germans (aside from the Bimmers and Porsches) and Asians can take a leaf out of Lincoln’s book on that.

The all-wheel drive system, coupled with the rear-axle torquevectoring translates to copious amounts of on-road grip. The car sticks to its original line even when pushed to its cornering limits.

The ride is very smooth and a bit floaty at times but the suspension adapts well when necessary.

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

You could come across a teeny-tiny amount of understeer depending on the type of road surface and the grip from the tyres.

But the torque-vectoring system rectifies it in a jiffy to bring your car back into the corner.

But since the car was in my hands, I decided to push it to its farthest limits by switching off the traction control and then gunning the throttle. Upon doing this, you will find yourself vying for control with the rear-axles, which by now is already working out the tyres that must receive the maximum amount of power for maximum grip.

If you are lucky, though, you can get the car to completely step out of line and enter a drift, and even better… a powerslide. Not many could imagine looking at a Lincoln slide around corners but this one completely changes that perception.

The car is very much composed mid-way in the corner, despite its soft-tuned chassis, and it doesn’t take much effort to hold a slide. It is ironic that I could enjoy taking corners in an MKZ much more than I did with the Dodge Charger, which was slithering about corners like an angry puppy.

One of the reasons the MKZ is quite fun to drive is the steering wheel. Yes, it is a tad too light for my taste but it still provides excellent amounts of feedback. Very rarely do cars translate the Lincoln MKZ Specifications: Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 Transmission: 6-speed automatic Horsepower: 365hp Torque: 570Nm Top speed: 250 (limited) All-wheel drive LED tail lamps Sunroof Digital instrument cluster SYNC3 8-inch touch screen Side curtain airbags Ford MyKey technology Full leather upholstery Push-button start 18-inch alloy wheels Paddle shifters Adaptive cruise control Wide-angle radar sensors Auto parking Mood lighting

information from the road surface into the steering wheel nowadays.

And funnily enough, by the end of my test, I had fallen completely in love with the MKZ. It is incredible how my perceptions of the car were changed courtesy of a minor facelift and an engine upgrade. The new MKZ is a very hard car to fault, and that is why this will be going in my recommended list of cars for 2017. It’s not the most objective statement I have ever made but cut me some slack.

I’m in love with this car, after all.

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CARS ADVENTURES

1. Get informed on Derry’s history at The Museum of Free Derry 2. Stroll around the city’s walls and sit on one of the cannons 3. Get a window on the underwater world available at the Riverwatch Aquarium 4. Visit Tower Museum, which encapsulates the city’s history 5. Get some fresh air at Ness Country Park, and see the majestic waterfall

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DAZZLING DERRY

A perfect city for walking and biking, Derry boasts a deep history and has much to offer visitors.

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POSTCARDS FROM

Kevin Rynn recommends

DERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND

I

’d never heard my name in a song before. So when the Undertones, from Derry, warbled a little ditty called My Perfect Cousin that contained the line “I’ve got a cousin called Kevin who’s sure to go to Heaven”, I wanted to find out more about this energetic band and their home city.

Of course, that was many years ago and Northern Ireland has been through a lot since then.

Northern Ireland is the smallest of the UK’s four countries, and Derry is its secondbiggest city and is home to around 250,000 people. Yes, it has had a turbulent past.

The longest siege in British military history happened here in 1689 when around 25,000 Protestants dug in against the Catholic English king James II. The city had a prominent role during the Troubles, and many believe they started here. But as in other British cities, the spirit of the people and some forward-thinking business and municipal leaders have made this city worth a visit. In fact, Lonely Planet put it fourth in a list of “Top Ten Cities Worth Visiting in 2013”.

As if nestling amid the backdrop of the Donegal mountains and its proximity to glorious beaches were not enough, Derry doffs a cap to its bellicose past with its perfectly preserved 17th-century walls, splendid architecture and a creative vibe that meshes well alongside its abundance of history. With a plethora of restaurants and cafes, the craic is never too far away. Don’t forget a walk or a bike ride across the Peace Bridge, either.

OLD C ANNONS

IN L O N D OND

ERRY

My favourite place

If you’re a museum fan, there’s one you cannot miss. The Museum of Free Derry can be found on the site of the Sunday Bloody Sunday massacre, a most ignoble chapter in UK history. In 1972, British soldiers shot dead 14 innocent civil rights protesters in the Bogside area, and the whole issue has been a thorn in the side of the British political establishment ever since. A priest who led victims to safety waved a handkerchief, and the blood-stained item is on display here along with the torn jacket of one of the injured on that tragic day. The museum opened in 2007 with the aim of telling the story of the battle for civil rights, and over internment without trial for many of the city’s residents. Its storyboards do not stint on the sectarian discrimination, authoritarianism and social injustice that has plagued its people over many years.

Highlights

Derry is eminently walkable, and there are guided walks available to help you appreciate the mile-long city walls that make it one of the finest walled cities in Europe. The walls were built between 1613-1619 to defend against settlers from England and Scotland. You can see the Roaring Meg cannon standing prominently in the western corner or head to a stretch that was a popular place to stroll for the city’s well-heeled in the Victorian era.

The Bogside wall murals (which depict sectarian confrontation from 1969 onwards) can also be seen from here.

Following the walk will, at some point, bring you to St Columb’s Cathedral. It’s a venerable Gothic wonder that pierces Derry’s skyline. Inside, you will find displays of ornaments from the siege and a fine collection of silver communion plates. Continue walking and you’ll come across the Centre for Contemporary Art, which is an emporium replete with works that really do challenge the mind and (thankfully) eschew meaningless displays of lights turning off and on or unmade beds etc. A good place to start any walk in the city is at Guildhall Square, which is the city’s “focal point”.

The neo-Gothic, red sandstone Guildhall was built in 1890 and accommodates the city council while playing host to important events.

W IT H AND PARC C IT Y W A L L HEDRAL U M B ’S C A T S A IN T C OL

Lowlights Always refer to the city as “Derry” and not its traditional British name of “Londonderry” and you shouldn’t run the risk of encountering any hostility.

Souvenirs The Craft Village, a collection of small shops around a central square is a good bet for crystal, Gaelic jewellery and artefacts.

Getting there Most major airlines offer flights from Muscat to London’s Heathrow Airport, from where you can

catch a connecting flight to Derry, which takes about one hour and 20 minutes.

Where to stay

There are hotel and B&Bs to suit every taste and budget. Check out the options available on Booking.com, Hotels.com or Trivago.

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FUL AR C H IT E C TURE O DERR F Y

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

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Gaming

Y-FI

TIME SAVERS From printing photos to paying bills; Y’s Alvin Thomas gears up for the latest über-efficient gadgets SUN’S UP Why waste your money paying electricity bills when you can harvest energy directly from the sun? The GreenLighting Solar Phone Charger is a device that lets you charge your smartphone (and other gadgets) using solar energy. It makes use of a 0.4-watt solar panel on the back, which will absorb the sunlight to recharge an internal battery. You can attach this to the window in your car or even at home. Buy it from amazon. com for RO16.55

SOUND CLOUD

PHOTOGRAPH IT

This is sound in the cloud… literally. The Air2 Bluetooth Levitating Speaker is a device that can levitate. It’s not unheard of but the convenience of having a speaker on it beats all else. Surprisingly, the audio quality is excellent for a device of this size, and the bass is good enough for a decent-sized boom. And don’t forget that you will have the bragging rights to having a floating speaker.

Buy it from amazon.com for RO45.5

How cool would it be if you could instantly print photos from your phone? Well, worry no more as the Impossible Instant Lab Universal makes that possible.

It instantly transforms images in your smartphone or tablet into photographs, and brings in a touch of analog depth and texture to your otherwise digital images. The pictures are processed on Polaroid-style photo papers, which you should buy separately.

Available from uncommongoods. com for about RO9.95

EDITOR’S PICK

YOUR MOVE

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IT’S FUNNY HOW PEOPLE HAVE STARTED PLAYING CHESS ON THEIR SMARTPHONES AS OPPOSED TO PLAYING WITH THE REAL THING. THAT BEING THE CASE, HERE’S SOMETHING THAT WILL TAKE YOU BACK TO THE GOOD ‘OL DAYS OF PLAYING WITH REAL CHESS PIECES. IT’S CALLED THE SQUARE OFF AND IT HAS TO BE ONE OF THE COOLEST CHESS BOARDS YOU CAN BUY TODAY. WHY? IT IS COMPLETELY AUTOMATED. YOU CONTROL THE CHESS PIECES WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE AND THE MOVEMENTS ARE MADE

BY THE BOARD ITSELF. TELL ME THAT THIS ISN’T STRAIGHT OUT OF A HARRY POTTER FLICK. PRE-ORDER YOURS FROM KICKSTARTER.COM

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Farming Simulator

App of the Week

B

elieve it or not, there’s a simulation game that can Info Box teach you to farm. However, I’d be lying if I told Developer: you I wasn’t interested in it. The best part about GIANTS SOFTWARE playing this on your console is that you get to experience Publisher: the pains of farming within the comfort of your own FOCUS HOME home, with no materialistic rewards (obviously).

INTERACTIVE Still, you take on the role of the modern farmer Platform: exploring the many sides of agriculture. You also get to MICROSOFT WINDOWS; play around with 250 pieces of farming equipment (best MAC OS; IOS; ANDROID; PLAYSTATION 3, 4 AND of luck learning how to use them) from more than 75 VITA; XBOX 360 AND manufacturers.

ONE, NINTENDO 3DS The controls are a tad complicated, especially if you AND SWITCH haven’t played a game of this genre before. It may take Genre: you many hours just to figure out how to get your tractor SIMULATION into gear. However, once you get going, this rewards you Ratings: with thousands of hours of stress-free gaming.

EVERYONE The graphics are incredibly slick, and you would be surprised as to how good the details are.

Apart from being able to harvest your own crops, you can also rear your own livestock, take part in forestry and then sell your goods for a very healthy profit.

But do bear in mind that profits take time to flow in, and that you actually have to drive to your selling location in lorries or even trains to sell your goods.

All of this means spending thousands of hours honing your skills as an armchair farmer. And the best part? You are not alone. Farming Simulator 17 has hundreds of thousands of gamers, and you can even engage in online activities, i.e. play in co-operative multiplayer with up to 16 players, download modes created by the (weirdly) passionate community and even interact with fellow farmers.

This is definitely a must-have if you have time on your hands. Otherwise, just stick with your daily dose of action gaming.

GRAMMAR PAL Typos can be a very embarrassing affair.

And that’s why you should have the GrammarPal app on your phone. It has built-in spellcheckers that are much more efficient (and intuitive) than the one preloaded on to your phone. The app makes a little floating bubble near your text when you start typing to tell you how many (if any) errors are there. Oh, and before we forget: it’s one of the most unobtrusive spellcheck and grammar apps we’ve tested in a really long time. Download for 700 baisas from Play Store or iTunes

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

PLAY TIME

It’s all about soft pastels, florals and denim for young girls this summer. From cute pinafores to playful T-shirts and adorable accessories, play time has never been so much fun – such as this look from Penneys of Ireland.

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Beauty

FASHION

T t Ge

k o o L e h

gh e hi h t d to ook. n e igh t the l h e th to ge m o r F you s p l he

r love G licity e F , et stre Stay in the pink in this cute embroidered pinafore set from F&F.

This mid-wash denim “pinny� dress from M&Co is light and casual, and pairs perfectly with a colourful T-shirt.

Rule the playground in this denim coordinated jumpsuit from Matalan. It will keep you cool and chic while the embroidered neckline is on trend this season.

Put your best foot forward in these floral canvas espadrilles from F&F.

Find your inner flower child in these cute, pink-tinted sunglasses from Next.

It seems that pom-poms continue to be all the rage for little girls, such as this clasp bracelet from Accessorize.

Create a little magic with this playful unicorn bag from M&S; a fun hold-all that little girls will love.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

FACE OFF Keeping our complexions clean, clear and wrinklefree doesn’t have to be a pain. Here are some simple tips for skin care

take yours warm with lemon or lime juice. Green tea – the kind you make from a tea bag – is another good choice because it hydrates skin while providing antioxidants, which are compounds known to help prevent cell damage.

Eat a healthy diet

A diet heavy on cooked and raw plant-based foods – think beans, tofu, fruits and vegetables – can help you manage your weight and enjoy clearer skin. Healthy oils, such as those found in olive oil, seeds, nuts and avocados, can also help to protect skin. But avoid full-fat dairy products and excess meat consumption, which can cause wrinkles.

W

ith such a cluttered market on the skincare front, it can be hard to work out what would work best in keeping your skin healthy and youthful-looking.

When it comes to skin, you really are as unique as a snowflake. No two people produce the same amount of oil; respond to heat in the same way or age identically.

But some advice does apply to everyone, and that is looking after your skin.

Here are some skincare tips to keep you glowing, no matter your age or skin type:

Stay hydrated

Scientists have debunked the old myth of drinking eight glass of water a day but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hydrate. Water aids every bodily system. It moisturises your skin from the inside out and helps to flush away toxins and maintain a youthful appearance.

Try cutting down on unhealthy drinks, such as coffee and soda and replace them with water.

If you find water hard to drink,

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Adopt a healthy skin-care routine

Wash your face twice daily, and be sure to moisturise. Look for products that can help your skin repair itself. For example, Re-Juv by Caci’s line of Anti-Wrinkle Essentials covers up wrinkles while also applying youth-rejuvenating ingredients to the skin.

Exercise

Walking around your neighbourhood might not give you washboard abs but exercise can benefit your skin.

Walking, running, yoga, sports or whatever your activity of choice will help improve circulation to your skin, boosting elasticity and skin tone. For more information, visit www.rejuvbeauty.com.

– NewsUSA

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

THE FALL GUYS Why manning up over medical problems is not the way to manage long-term health

W

hen faced with a medical condition, most men would rather tough it out than tackle it head on.

So why is it that the “stronger sex” are reluctant to admit they have a problem, and then to act on it?

This is especially true when considering how men care for themselves when faced with health difficulties.

Getting them to admit something is wrong is half the battle, while getting them to keep a doctor’s appointment is the bane of their wives’ lives.

Until then, men’s attempts at health management will be half-hearted until a severe prognosis puts them sorely on the spot.

In fact, while most men today would say they are more focused on their health than they have ever been; their doctors would beg to differ.

This difference is especially worth noting when it comes to treating chronic conditions because failure to follow treatment can lead to more serious health problems in future.

Let’s take a look at how men manage to make a mess of it when it comes to their own health:

Missed appointments and opportunities According to research from the American Academy of Family Physicians, one in three doctors said that up to half of their male patients did not take a prescription as directed. Four in 10 also reported that up to half of their male patients failed to follow up with a regular routine test when ordered for their condition.

In addition, nearly a quarter of surveyed doctors said up to half of their male patients failed to turn up for planned follow-up visits.

These missed opportunities come at a time when chronic conditions among men are on the rise.

According to the National Ambulatory Medical Survey (conducted in the United States) diagnoses of three common, yet potentially severe, conditions have all increased year-on-year.

Data shows that cases of high blood pressure (4 per cent increase), high cholesterol (5 per cent) and diabetes (2 per cent) have all seen notable increases.

Dr John Meigs, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, says people often don’t take these conditions seriously because they don’t display any noticeable symptoms.

“That’s a big mistake,” he says. “High blood pressure and high cholesterol have been called ‘silent killers’ for a reason.

“If they aren’t controlled they can lead to heart attack, stroke or kidney disease. In addition to these complications, uncontrolled diabetes also can cause blindness, nerve damage and loss of limbs.

“So it’s vital that men see their doctors, get preventive care and follow instructions for any chronic diseases they may have.”

Finding solutions for ongoing care Fortunately, taking a more pro-active approach to health care is easier than most men think. A visit to your family doctor is the first step towards taking charge of your health and identifying any issues. Your family doctor will help you learn about any chronic conditions you might have and how to treat them.

For health information that is easy to understand, visit familydoctor.org. You’ll find a men’s guide to preventative health care, and information about healthy diets and weight control.

Follow the advice provided here, as well as your doctor’s recommendations, and you’ll turn your goal for good health into reality.

– BPT JUN 08 - 14 / ISSUE 474

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FOOD DRINK

FRESH IDEAS

Simplicity is key to this flavourful Iftar recipe that combines chicken with freekah, creating a healthy meal for all the family to enjoy.

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FREEKEH FRIDAY UAE based cookery writer Assia Othman has a chicken dish perfect for this weekend’s Iftar

Freekeh with Chicken

(Created by Assia Othman for De’Longhi) Ingredients: § 2 cups Freekeh grain, washed and soaked § 3 chicken breasts cut into cubes § One full measuring cup No. 5 of olive oil § 2 teaspoons turmeric powder § ½ teaspoon nutmeg powder § ½ teaspoon black pepper § 2 teaspoons ground cardamom § 1 teaspoon salt § 1 tablespoon tomato paste § Roasted almonds for garnish § Parsley for garnish

Method: § Put the olive oil amount in the Multifry, and add the chicken and onions. § Select the “Stew” function and set the thermostat dial to position 4 for 40 minutes and press the on/off button. § Close the lid and let it cook for 10 minutes § Add the tomato paste, Freekeh grain, spices, and water then close the lid and leave it until the Freekeh is cooked.

Garnish it with nuts and parsley and serve.

O

ur Iftar recipe guide continues this week, with a delicious dish from the cookery book author and TV host Assia Othman.

Based in the UAE, the mother-of two is originally from Morocco, and is always on the lookout for delicious and nutritious meals to put on her blog and social media.

After a long day of fasting, it’s important to eat a healthy, balanced meal for Iftar, and this freekeh with chicken dish, which Assia developed, is a great option. It’s easy to prepare and best of all, you can simply place it in a slow cooker on the “stew” option and it is ready in just 40 minutes.

For more recipe ideas, check out Assia’s blog at assiakitchen.com/home/

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Photo: Shaquel al Balushi

Picture of the week

Ramadan