Y Magazine #477, July 6, 2017

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YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

JUL 06 - 12 2017 / ISSUE 477 • WEEKLY

POLLS APART

PLUS!

CAN THE NOC ISSUE BE SOLVED?

NORDIC WONDERS

36

SHIMMER ME TIMBERS

40

BALANCING ACT

43

COMPETITION

EDITOR’S

NOTE

The Spirit of Ramadan Our five-week Spirit of Ramadan giveaways has come to an end for another year. To find out who the final winners are, turn to page 16.

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

HUMIDITY The Sultanate has been a sweltering place to be thanks to the high humidity. How are you coping with the humid conditions?

GOING DOWN

RENTS Landlords in Muscat are struggling to find tenants for their properties, blaming a glut in the market that is forcing down rents.

Are you finding the rental sector cheaper?

THIS WEEK… Team Y enjoyed the Eid Al Fitr break, with some of us heading home for the holiday or visiting Dubai in the UAE to catch up with family and friends.

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

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

Fast forward

I

t’s safe to say that the No Objection Certificate (NOC) rule is a hot-button issue in Oman at the moment. And the recent Arabic and English-language polls on Twitter, which were launched by the Government’s Implementation Support and Follow-Up Unit (ISFU) revealed some surprising figures .

While many expected the total of 35,000-plus poll respondents to vote against keeping the NOC, the final results revealed that 62 per cent of Arabic-language respondents voted to keep the NOC law in place, while 56 per cent of English-language voters also supported it.

In our cover story this week, we find that law has been criticised for allowing employers to exploit employees. On the flip side, employers want to prevent their staff from leaving their companies within months of beginning a new job. And this is an issue that I can understand.

Employers invest money in the hiring, (often) relocating and training of staff. And to start that process over again can have a devastating impact on a firm.

Finding a middle ground on the issue is a vital step forward, such as placing a cap on the amount of time an employee has to work for a company before leaving to take up a new position. One figure being bandied about is a two-year time limit, which is in line with standard employment contracts in Oman. But whatever happens, I am hoping a solution can be found that will keep both employers and employees happy – after all, a happy workforce is a more productive workforce, which can only be positive for the economy.

Have a great week!

editor@y-oman.com

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

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JUL 06 - 12 / ISSUE 477

03

contents JUL

Your Oman

-

12

2017

This Week

06 Coffee With Y

Sultan al Balushi

16 Spirit of Ramadan

Final winners announced

08 Voice Of Oman

Ibrahim Gailani

18 This Week

Women’s dive day

10 News

“Sin Tax” looms

for Oman 11 Gallery

Desigual launches

new collection

10

06

21 Movies

Ares

Features 22 Cover story

Can a compromise on

the NOC be reached?

28 Destination Downwind

Oman enters its first

Class 40 yacht race

28

13 News

Air Arabia expands

to Suhar

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Wadi Hatta 34 First Drive

Ferarri 488 Spider 36 Postcard From

The Faroe Islands 38 Y-Fi

Musical gadgets

21 Health and Beauty 40 Fashion

Shimmer and shake 42 Beauty

Need for speed

Food and Drink 44 Food Feature

Salad days 46 Taste Test

Qibara Restaurant

44

43 Health

Balancing act

38 40

NEXT ISSUE...

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

Sultan

ushi

al Bul

Alvin Thomas meets a biker who prefers seeing Sultanate on two wheel the s, and is anything but a Hell’s Angel ype in the word “biker” parents were over-p

T

rotective of on Google and it will plan everything we do.” him and even forbade him from predict that you want Sultan and his fellow bikers even looking at a motorcycle. to finish your word with “cult”, also take part in international “Back then our culture wasn’t “gangs” or “outlaws”. Funny? motorcycle events. The group acc has epting of motorcycles riding Not really. rep resented Oman in countries on the streets. So, I made this Come to think of it, such as the UAE, Qatar and eve promise to myself that I would n considering how society Bah rain. Sultan has also taken stay qui et and I wouldn’t act stereotypes bikers as outlaws second place at the estimable upon my love for it,” he says. or even bandits, it’s surprising Fujairah Custom Motorcycle “Although I did set just one how many motorcyclists still don show, in 2015. goal: I would buy a Harley jackets, kick up stands and ride “I’m sure many people have Davidson after I got my first here in the full confidence of see n many movies or TV shows paycheck,” he chuckles. being treated as equals by oth and perceive us bikers as outlaw er Sul s. tan’s love of rock and metal drivers.

What they must keep in mind, music – primarily bands such as And as luck would have it, I however, is that there is good Metallica, AC/DC and Judas and happened to meet a biker from bad in everything.”

Pri est – was also the reason for one of Oman’s most renowned According to Sultan, who is his biker leanings, or as Sultan clubs – the Sagittarius Motorc also the vice-president of the ycle would classify – a HOG (Harley Club – recently. And you know clu b, the members follow a very Owners Group member). what? He’s by far one of the mo strict structure. st “This kind of music sits well humble bikers I have ever me “We ride in a formation, we t. with the biker culture; it’s just you have a hierarchy pattern His name is Sultan Said Ali al that we and your mates on the highway.

Bulushi, and he aims to change follow in our club that we hav It’s e free dom . the way people think about adopted from biking groups in “O ma n, luc kily , is one country the US and above motorcycles and biker culture all, we always . with some amazing terrain. I just abide by the law.”

It doesn’t take me long to wan ted to take my bike and head realise Sultan’s affinity with the The group members also out and explore the roads.

USA. observe the speed limits, how “By the age of 17, I had But Sultan explains: “I was their bikes should look (bereft alre ady noticed that people have actually brought up in the US of too many modifications) and a bike culture here but, even [Ohio and California] before also have their licences and then, that was not the type of finally heading to my home reg istr ations in check. culture that I wanted to be a par country.” t Charity work is also part of of. Everyone has the same set of Today, the 28-year-old lives bikes like Harleys, Yamahas, etc. their programme, and last year and works in Oman as a retail the group helped to organise a and they would just ride them territory manager for a leading sho w for kids from an orphanage alone. oil company. at the Oman Automobile Sul tan wanted a change from “I developed a passion for Association (OAA). the norm. So, when he finally biking at the age of five and it “The thing is that by doing has been embedded in my blood eve got his hands on his first bike – a events and activities suc h as these, r rare Harley Davidson Dyna since.

Wide we have inspired many to change Glide – Sultan and a few of his “I remember seeing my uncle’s their outlook on bikers. friends started the Sagittarius Yamaha motorcycle back when “Maybe the day will come Motorcycle Club in 2014.

I was a kid. He would let me sit when everyone sees us as norma “Since then we have been l, on it and let me throttle up the peaceful people. act ive and hav e alw ays bel ieve engine.” d Have you got a unique story to tell? that we represent Oman and But life wasn’t easy, as his us to have coffee with Y and be featuContact Omani bikers so we carefully Magazine. Email: editor@y-om red in Y an.com

06

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THE VOICE OF OMAN IBRAHIM GAILANI ON WARHOL AND DALI – BRILLIANT ARTISTS OR SINISTER OPPORTUNISTS?

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:

A

rtists Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali are part of a rare breed who died millionaires but both are in the news this week for different reasons.

Warhol’s first “Selfie”, as it’s being dubbed, has just sold for £6million (RO3m) at Sotheby’s while Dali is having his body exhumed over a parental DNA extraction legal battle won by his self-proclaimed daughter, 60-year-old Pillar Abel.

To me, the two artists are linked not only by their financial success within their lifetimes but also for using their eccentricity and aloofness to gain notoriety while building successful brands that used the technique of reproduction to its full potential.

Dali used sculpture moulds that could reproduce sculptures and furniture. Warhol used stencils and screen printing to produce repeated patterns – multiple Marilyn Monroe images or the famous Campbell’s Soup were among the successful outcomes.

They both understood that their personalities and celebrity clientele, rather than the quality of their art, would “show them the money”.

Both surrounded themselves with celebrities, painted for celebrities and used them for their own exposure.

Both manipulated admirers with their distinctive looks; the upturned moustache and sequin blazers (in later years) of Dali, and the silver hair and thick spectacles of Warhol have ensured they will both be immortalised.

To me, they had a three-step approach; get the look, get the famous elite, and make moulds and stencils to reproduce art with minimum effort. So it begs the question: were they creative geniuses or masters in manipulating patrons to ensure the millions kept coming?

Either way, I say bravo!

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In light of the recent fatal accident between a truck and an Emirati tour bus near Qarn Al Alam, what more can be done to improve road safety in the Sultanate?

JASON FELIX NORONHA

The ROP has been very active in bringing down fatalities due to road accidents through a variety of measures. However, certain instances like tyre blowouts are beyond anyone’s control. That said, incautious overtaking and over-speeding account for 90 per cent of all road accidents.

The companies hiring the drivers to take on these long routes have an equal responsibility in providing adequate training. Measures should be put in place to hold the company to account should an accident occur due to driver error.

That said, there is an urgent need to install more radar on the Muscat- Salalah route and provide more rest areas so that drivers can take a break at least every two hours. Drivers, who put their own lives, as well as those of others, should have their licences revoked indefinitely. It has to be a joint effort by the ROP, the transport companies and the general public to make our roads safer and a joy to drive rather than a joyride.

ELIZABETH JOSEPH

Even though the number of accidents that take place in Oman is decreasing there are still reports of incidents that take place in Muscat. One of the things that can be done to improve road safety in the Sultanate is self-awareness. One must realise that it’s not a one-man show; rather it’s one in which there are other lives that one is responsible for. Speed meters must be installed.

Regular police patrolling in accident prone areas must be maintained. Creating awareness

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from school levels regarding road safety must be mandatory. Rash driving, tailgating and drifting must be strictly punished as such acts just create panic for other drivers. All vehicles, especially tour buses, must get their vehicles checked completely, especially when going for long drives so that breakdowns and tyre punctures can be avoided and thus keep passengers safe. Sign boards warning of speed humps are essential. One more suggestion could be the setting up of petrol bunks in areas like the road to Sur, as one finds long straight roads without petrol bunks for couple of kilometres and therefore no access to help if anything happens to the vehicle except a mobile phone, the use of which means a wait for help for hours. Safety is our responsibility! Speed thrills, speed kills!

CHARLIE SY BULFANGO

Whatever road safety signings you put in all the thoroughfares of the Sultanate, as long as the driver has no discipline all of these will be useless, and major accidents like these will continue to happen.

Thus, it is important for every individual driver to have self-discipline whenever they put their hands on the steering wheel because what is at stake here is the lives of people.

SUSEELA JOHN

Accidents happen all over the world, not just in Oman but more steps need to be taken to prevent them. In view of the recent accidents, better street lighting should be implemented to improve drivers’ ability to detect

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roadway hazards. Speeding and careless overtaking have been cited as the main causes of road accidents in the country. Apart from road awareness campaigns, some of the ways to prevent long route accidents could be by making rest spots along the road, putting speed limiters on the buses and trucks and penalising the companies who own the vehicles involved, not just the drivers. There should be stricter penalties on drivers who break the law such as revoking their drivers’ licences, impounding the vehicles; making drivers take education classes again and making them do public community service, such as cleaning the streets where they may be ashamed to be seen.

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

No road on this planet can be claimed to be accident-free. It is not always that the accidents are caused due to human error. However, there should be more road safety awareness campaigns carried out on a regular basis. The accident warning hoardings should be installed on the Muscat-Salalah route at a distance of every 50kms to remind drivers of the need to follow guidelines.

RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE

There are several factors to be considered and to be implemented to improve road safety in Oman. Firstly, I think the ROP

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has already done their part by increasing fines for all road and traffic violations but these must also include imprisonment and licence revocation and cancellation, depending on the frequency and seriousness of the violation. There must be strict implementation on the part of the ROP and other authorities. Secondly, there are many parts in Oman, even in Muscat, where roads are dark at night so the authorities should put more street lighting prevent accidents during peak and late hours in the evening.

Thirdly, some drivers lack discipline while driving along the main and busy roads. Our self-discipline, attitude, and patience as drivers are major factors and will make a big difference in improving the road safety in the Sultanate.

MOHAN ANANDAN

There is no doubt that the authorities are trying their best to rein in errant drivers with the help of a technology-oriented surveillance system and other innovative ideas and programmes. However, the frequency of fatal road accidents show time and again that stringent measures are not yielding the desired results. That takes us to the core problem – the attitude and mindset of the driver. This is what is required to

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be addressed now. Constant, effective and vigorous awareness campaigns about the perils of reckless driving must be put into action. This should be taken as the responsibility of everyone; private and public sectors, print and social media groups, schools, colleges, social clubs, corporate houses and so on, by conducting regular training programmes, quizzes on sound driving skills, etc. to promote safe driving skills and attitude. When the temperament and attitude of the driver is fine-tuned, safety on the road will improve.

SYED BOKHARI

I think it’s all about road sense and awareness. Drivers who speed and in so doing can’t control their vehicle care neither for their own lives nor for those of others.

They cut their speed when nearing the cameras, and I think the ROP should be more active and vigilant.

This could mean imposing heavy fines, impounding vehicles and cancelling driving licences for lengthy periods.

ANJI GANGADHARA WAS SPOTTED WITH HIS FAVOURITE Y MAGAZINE IN MUSCAT

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

Send it to: info@y-oman.com

New Debate: Were you surprised by the result of the recent Tandfeedh Twitter poll on the No Objection Certificate (NOC) rule, which found that 59 per cent of all respondents supported keeping the regulation?

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

TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY The most important step is to see the doctor when you feel the preliminary symptoms of pregnancy. This will ensure good health of women by conducting small necessary tests, prescription of essential vitamins and taking important tips for a healthy pregnancy. Take care of what you eat and include a variety of food in your diet. The food sources are divided into 3 main meals. Your food should include sufficient amounts of protein, vegetables and fruit, plus 600 ml of milk. For fish, you should eat the type that contains Omega 3 fatty acids, such as Salmon. The consumption of white tuna should not exceed 6 times per week. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Decrease the amount of caffeine to a maximum of 300 mg a day, equivalent to 3 cups of coffee daily.

Wear comfortable and loose clothes. Avoid eating any medicines without consulting your doctor. Involve yourself in sports for half an hour a day, 3 times a week after consulting a doctor. Studies has shown good results for exercising during pregnancy.

Make sure to get regular check-ups with your doctor to ensure safety during your pregnancy. Avoid tension and stress during pregnancy Be calm and quiet and your family should help you in providing a good environment during pregnancy.

DR. BATOUL DALATI is a specialist gynaecologist at Burjeel Hospital Muscat and has more than 12 years experience in her field.

MOH NO 270/2017

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09

YOUR

OMAN A

NEWS

NEW ‘SIN TAX’ TO BE LAUNCHED SOON

re you a smoker or consumer of alcohol? If so, there is bad news: you will have to dish out twice the amount that you are currently paying for these products by the end of this year.

This hike will arise courtesy of the excise tax that all GCC-state members have committed to introduce by the end of 2017, under the GCC excise framework agreement. The tax – when levied on items such as cigarettes and alcohol – is dubbed sin tax, and will translate to a 50 to 100 per cent increase in the price of “unhealthy” goods.

Many experts, however, are already welcoming the decision to levy the “sin tax” on unhealthy products in the Sultanate.

A medical professional from Sultan Qaboos University said the increase in prices would most likely help lessen the consumption of tobacco-based products, alcohol and sugar (and energy) drinks.

“The price of cigarettes is roughly RO1.2 here, and it will jump to RO2.4 once the tax is in place. This is a substantial increase, and I think it will pinch the people’s wallets,” she said.

“This means that people will have to settle with lesser packets of a cigarette or bottles of alcohol on a daily basis. That is, of course, if they are not willing to spend more than they always did.

“But this should reduce the consumption of these products,” she added.

The retail selling prices (RSP) of the affected goods have not been revealed in Oman, nor is there a published guide on how the RSP will be determined.

However, according to the framework published in the Saudi official Gazette recently, beverages, energy drinks and tobacco will be taxed at 100 per cent while a 50 per cent tax will be levied on soft drinks. Saudi Arabia has already applied the “sin tax” on unhealthy products, while, the United Arab Emirates is expected to begin taxing consumers by the fourth quarter of this year.

ALI AL HABSI MAY BID ADIEU TO READING FC

A

li al Habsi may call it quits at Reading FC soon, after media reports this week said he could sign a deal with Saudi Professional League club Al-Hilal.

The Omani football legend has been playing for Reading FC, based in Berkshire in the UK, since 2015 and had reportedly signed a contract with them in January. This would ideally have tied him down as goalkeeper for the club until 2019.

However, our sources revealed that al Habsi could receive well over £1.5 million (RO747,555) if the Saudi deal – which would span over a period of two years – materialises.

Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club, commonly known as Al-Hilal, is based in Riyadh and emerged champions in the Saudi Super Cup and the Crown Prince Cup in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

The announcement of the deal is set to happen this week. Meanwhile, it was

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also revealed that Reading will receive just over £600,000 (RO299,000) as a transfer fee in two installments.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper played a key role in Reading’s season last year, helping the club to reach the Championship play-off final.

DARING DESIGUAL

GALLERY

INTERNATIONAL CLOTHING BRAND DESIGUAL LAUNCHED ITS ALL-NEW GLOBAL TRAVELLER COLLECTION AT ITS STORE IN CITY CENTRE MUSCAT. SEVERAL FASHION INFLUENCERS ATTENDED THE LAUNCH, ALONG WITH FRANCHISE HOLDER MONIQUE HELOU, WHO IS THE HEAD OF THE HOLDING COMPANY VIVID TRADING.

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YOUR

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

OMAN

OMAN AVENUES MALL CELEBRATED EID AL FITR WITH A RANGE OF ENTERTAINMENT FOR SHOPPERS, INCLUDING TANOURA DANCERS AND LIVE PERFORMANCES

BY THE INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PACO, KNOWN AS THE TWO-HEADED MAN, AS WELL AS VARIOUS OTHER EID AL FITR THEMED EVENTS, SUCH AS THE “EXPLORE THE WONDERS OF THE UNIVERSE” PLANETARIUM.

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NEWS

GALLERY

AIR ARABIA ADDS SUHAR TO ITS NETWORK T he UAE-based Air Arabia will fly to Suhar three times a week from Sunday (July 9), the airline has announced.

According to Air Arabia, Suhar will become the third destination to join its Oman network.

The new route complements Air Arabia’s existing operations in Oman to Muscat and Salalah, boosts travel and trade opportunities between the two Gulf countries, and provides hassle-free travel options for the residents of Sohar.

The three-weekly flights will operate on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays, departing from Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) at 8am and arriving at Suhar International Airport (OHS) at 8.40am local time. The return flights will depart from Suhar at 9.20am and land in Sharjah at 10am local time.

“Announcing a third destination to Oman is a testament to our strong commitment to facilitate passenger travel between Oman and the UAE,” said Adel Al Ali, the group chief executive of Air Arabia.

“We are proud to be one of the first international carriers to operate from Suhar International Airport, and look forward to extending our offerings to passengers flying with us between both cities and across our expansive route network.”

The strategic location of the port of Suhar,

which lies at the heart of global trade routes between Europe and Asia, has made the city significantly important to the country’s economy, and a hub for its industrial activities.

Just last month, SalamAir also announced that it

THROUGH YOUR EYES

The beauty and colours of Darsait Beach have been captured by Kedar Sadhale, who has named his stunning photo “Shades of Blue”. Kedar used an iPhone 7 Plus to take his photograph.

would operate flights between Salalah and Suhar from June 28, with a one-way ticket for the sector starting from RO12.

The SalamAir flights will also operate three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

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PHOTO: Kedar Sadhale

Send your photo to editor@y-oman.com to be featured in our new section, Through Your Eyes. Include where it was taken, your name and a few details about your photograph, such as the camera used.

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013

In a new series, Y’s photographer Shaquel al Balushi looks for inspiration from a variety of influences around Oman, including its people, places and wildlife.

Today’s inspiration: Living life as it comes Photo: Shaquel al Balushi

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The Spirit of Ramadan CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FINAL WINNERS OF OUR COMPETITION TO CELEBRATE THE HOLY MONTH

W

ith some great prizes on offer during Y Magazine’s fiveweek-long Spirit of Ramadan giveaways, it was no wonder we were inundated with entries – nearly 5,000 to be exact!

But now it is time to announce the final winners of the last instalment of our giveaway prizes, in which the Grand Prize was a Sony PlayStation Pro, while other prizes included a mountain getaway at the Alila Jabal Akhdar, dining and shopping vouchers, as well as overnight stays at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa and the Hotel Mercure Sohar. Your prizes are ready to be collected from our office in Seeb. Thanks to everybody who entered – and stay tuned for announcements of other competitions throughout the year!

WINNERS

B•O•X

WINNER: USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI

Grand Prize

Sony PlayStation Pro WINNER: FAARIS KUKKADI

WINNER: MOHAMMED AL MASOUDI

WINNER: RODNEY WOODS

WINNER: VICTORIA TUZLUKOVA

THE HEART OF TOWN SINCE 1985

WINNER: RANJAN VORA

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WINNER: YOUSEF KHAN

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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

ROCK ON

SUMMER FUN

JUL

16

JUL

07

Shake your groove thing at On the Rocks Muscat for a night of cool African beats with DJ Tinko, who will be spinning the decks for their Afrobeatz Party.

Even better, it is free entry before 11pm and ladies can enter free all night. Doors open at 10pm while the dress code is smart party wear. And don’t forget: no hats and sportswear are allowed on party nights.

Sign your children up for the My Gym Muscat Summer Camp for lots of fun and games until the end of August!

The summer camps run until August 24 for kids aged between four and 10 years. Camp timings are from 9.30am-12.30pm but you can book an additional hour if needed. With different themes every week, it’s promising to be an exciting programme for the little ones. For details, call 9320 3322 or visit the organisers on the ground floor of Panorama Mall to register.

JUL

THIS

WEEK J

U

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

L

Y

Discover the beauty of Oman’s oceans by learning to dive. Muscat Hills Dive Centre is hosting a Padi Women’s Dive Day, which will introduce the delights of the sport with a free dive in their swimming pool at Muscat Hills Resort in Al Jissah. A minimum age of 14 years is required, and a comfortable level of swimming ability is necessary. And if you sign up for their scuba diving course, you will also receive a 10 per cent discount. For details and bookings, call 2485 3040 or email dive@ muscathillsresort.com.

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Deep dive

15

Gallery

Movies

JUL

14

JUL

08

Dance fever

Have you ever wanted to learn how to dance? Here’s your chance with the Vantage Dance Programme. This workshop will focus on “Popping and Freestyle”, a funky street style of dance that originally hails from Los Angeles, USA. Led by instructor Onur Ogurol, the aim of the class is to explore the simplicities of freestyle and discover how habits and benefits are formed in dance. The class starts at 2pm. For details, call 9343 5226.

INFANT INTERESTS JUL

30

LAUGH IN The Stand Up Comedy Night is back at the Radisson Blu Hotel Muscat. Leading the charge this time around is the comedian Khalid Khalifa from Saudi Arabia, along with Amr, Vikas and Kush. Seats fill up quickly so it’s a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 6pm and the first comedian hits the stage at 8pm. Enjoy delicious food and take advantage of the 25 per cent discount during Happy Hour from 6pm-8pm. Entry age is 21 plus, while it costs RO2 to enter. For more information or inquiries, call 2448 7777 or email reservations. muscat@radissonblu.com.

Are you looking for some fun and exciting activities for your children during the summer months? Little Fingers Nursery, in Madinat Al Ilam, is holding summer school classes from July 30 for children between the ages of two and seven. The summer school will be held from Sunday to Thursday, 7.30am to 12pm, while extra day care is available from 12pm to 2pm. It costs RO50 per week and the theme will be Around the World in 4 Weeks. For details and registration, call 9779 0288.

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019

Top

richest tennis players of all time

❶

❷

Roger Federer

Andre Agassi

Career earnings: US$180 million (RO69m) Country: Switzerland

Novak Djokovic

Career earnings: US$165 million Country: Serbia

Career earnings: US$175 million Country: United States

❸

Serena Williams

❹

Pete Sampras

Career earnings: US$150 million Country: United States

Career earnings: US$160 million Country: United States

Source: gazettereview.com *Note: Career earnings includes sponsorships, endorsements, business deals etc

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❺

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

Spider-Man: Homecoming

Ares

According to most tourism polls, France is still the most visited country in the world.

And apart from its national drink, some wonderfully smelly cheeses and an overabundance of culture and artistry, the French really know how to do an intelligent film.

In this, it’s 2035 and the country has 10 million people out of work (sounds more like the UK of 2017, but never mind).

Ares (Ola Rapace) is a man with nothing much left to lose after the death of his wife except to protect his nieces from an omnipotent pharmaceuticals company bent on world domination.

It may sound faintly Orwellian but what makes this dystopian sci-fi action thriller so appealing is its resonance for the modern age.

The sense of impending doom is palpable throughout, and its basic premise – ie that the general population is simply fodder for powerful multi-

national companies – is really not that far-fetched at all. In fact, the human condition is given as gritty a going-over as in any Shakespeare play, and through the prism of a world in which the economic schisms of the wealthy and corrupt are juxtaposed with those of the disenfranchised and exploited masses.

The acting is excellent, the cinematography superb and the action sequences are tautly handled and untainted by too much flashiness or CGI. Writer/director Jean-Patrick Benet manages a quite magnificent melange of action, emotion, tension and suspense; all of which provide a sense of foreboding that oozes like a tangy tranche of Camembert.

This is a film for adults, in terms of both its plot and message.

Congratulations to Vox Cinemas for giving us some of the best of French cinema!

Review by Kevin McIndoe

morph into web-slinging superhero mode once more. Even if you’ve had your fill of Marvel protagonists this one is still great fun. With Michael Keaton and Robert Downey Jnr.

It’s Tom Holland’s second chance to squeeze into the Spandex, and shinny up a few skyscrapers in full superhero mode. This time, though, we see more of Peter Parker in a more mundane role as a regular college student. Since his debut in Captain America: Civil War, Parker/Spider-Man just wants a regular life and routine. Alas, when the venal Vulture swoops in to threaten his world, he realises he’s going to have to

Role Models Gautham (Fahadh Faasil) is a man whose passion for life seems to consist of timing his trips to the office water cooler.

For him, fun is an inconvenience and serves no useful purpose in life. When he hooks up with his old college buddies, they are shocked to see his transformation from the gregarious guy they used to know and hang out with. But could it be that Gautham’s malaise is due to his failure to win the love of Shreya (Namitha Pramod), who might just have been the love of his life? His beleaguered and bewildered mates go to Goa to find her, and find out for sure.

Long View KHAMMIS WA JUMA Despite not having seen a preview of this Kuwaiti comedy, the portents are good. Two elderly men (Tareq al Ali and Abdullah Zayed) escape from their nursing home to stop the daughter of the former plighting her troth to a man he deems totally unsuitable for her hand. The fact that he hasn’t seen her in ages is neither here nor there. The duo’s foray from the clutches of their confinement has plenty of scope for hilarity, with a slight dig at how society generally treats the old, ie as invisible or to be simply tolerated in “God’s waiting room”. I’m looking forward to this one.

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POLLS APART

The controversial No Objection Certificate is back in the spotlight thanks to a recent Government survey on Twitter asking residents to vote on whether or not they support the rule. Alvin Thomas investigates

une 20, 2016, was a significant day in the life of Varun Reddy*. He quit his job as the manager of a leading engineering contracting company in Oman; a job he had been doing for 20 years. The 55-year-old expatriate, from Jaipur in India, had been working for his employer since 1996.

However, a swift decision to promote a younger colleague to general manager – a position promised to him initially – prompted Varun to resign.

His only request was a No-Objection Certificate (NOC), which his company initially agreed to.

Varun was happy, as he had already received two “lucrative” job offers from rival companies.

An NOC is a letter granted by an employer to expatriates who want to move from one job to another at the end of their contract. The law came into effect in July 2014.

Varun recalls: “My colleagues were all supportive of me leaving, as they thought that it was best I was moving on after the regional office glossed over two decades of my work. Our chief executive officer also promised me an NOC so that I could pursue a better career for myself.”

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THE VOTING FOR THE ARABIC P WITH THE NOC RULE FROM THE WITH MANY VOTERS CASTING T IN FAVOUR OF KEEPING THE NO

BY THE END OF DAY O ARABIC POLL HAD 910 V 61 PER CENT VOTING T THE NOC, 33 PER CENT TO REMOVE IT, AND SIX PER CEN VOTING “NOT SURE” However, a week into his one-month notice period, his new general manager scrapped his NOC, leaving him and his family in a dilemma.

“The moment I was told by my new boss that I was not going to get an NOC, I realised that I had nowhere to go. “My wife was working in the accounts department of a sub-contracting company and earns RO450, but that was not going to be enough to keep our family running.

We also have a son who is doing his aeronautical engineering in the US, and have to fund two more years of his tuition fees.”

Varun then breaks down: “I had no idea what I had to do. I am sure the general manager had a strong say in this. He completely disregarded me and left us on our own.

“He also slashed half of my gratuity claiming that I had caused unpreceded losses for the company, and threatened to take away the whole gratuity if I filed a case against the organisation.”

After a very long discussion with his wife and son, he decided to leave the country. And on July 21, 2016, Varun’s company cancelled his visa and he boarded his flight home.

“My public relations officer – an Omani – was also emotional, as everyone in that company was close to me,” he adds.

Roughly two weeks from now it will be a year to the day since Varun left his wife for his hometown. His wife, Lata*, says the two have not

met since her husband left the country.

Lata says: “I tried to apply for a visit visa for him last week but our public relations officer says that he cannot even visit the country. Even I am getting weaker by the day, as I am giving up hope of trying to work out some form of a solution.”

However, the two began hoping for a change in the situation in October last year, when a media outlet carried an “exclusive” story stating that the NOC rule would be scrapped.

However, Lata says it was “a cruel move to give

confirmed that Tanfeedh – “Oman’s solution to raise issues surrounding a non-oil future, and discuss ways to prepare the country for a better tomorrow” – was introduced to discuss the prospects of a revised NOC law.

The labour lab, headed by Shashswar al Balushi, had drawn up proposals around the NOC regulation to make it fairer to both employers and employees.

However, no notable changes were made to the NOC law after six weeks of brainstorming sessions, and news surrounding the issue vanished into thin air by February this year.

But last month many expatriates, including Varun and Lata, were given another glimmer of hope when the Tanfeedh Implementation Support & Follow-up Unit (ISFU) launched two polls on its Twitter account (@ISFUOman) – one for Arabic-speakers and one for English-speakers – asking business owners and members of the public for their opinion on the NOC rule.

“The NOC structure must be modified to make sure it works well,” Shashwar al Balushi, the head of Tanfeedh labour labs and also chief executive of the Oman Society of Contractors, was quoted by local media as saying.

However, the voting for the Arabic poll sided

I TRIED TO APPLY FOR A VISIT VISA FOR HIM LAST WEEK BUT OUR PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER SAYS THAT HE CANNOT EVEN VISIT THE COUNTRY. EVEN I AM GETTING WEAKER BY THE DAY, AS I AM GIVING UP HOPE OF TRYING TO WORK OUT SOME FORM OF A SOLUTION.

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struggling expatriates false hope and a feeling of comfort”.

She says: “I called up Varun to tell him that there was a possibility for him to return to Oman.

We had only been apart for a few months then, and thought that everything would fall back in place for us. But, as we all now know, that was not to be.”

The issue of scrapping the NOC rule was back in the spotlight a few weeks later after it was

POLL SIDED BEGINNING, THEIR VOTES OC. ONE, THE VOTES, WITH TO RETAIN T AGREEING NT

with the NOC from the beginning, with much of the voters casting their votes in favour of keeping the rule.

By the end of day one (Thursday, June 22), the Arabic poll had 910 votes, with 61 per cent voting to retain the NOC, 33 per cent agreeing to remove it, and six per cent voting “not sure”.

Meanwhile, by the end of the first day, the English-language poll received 609 votes, with 80 per cent unsupportive of the NOC, 18 per cent supportive of it, and two per cent “not sure”.

The polls also attracted a range of comments from many respondents.

But, in an effort to clarify what the poll meant, the ISFU also tweeted an infographic with a definition of the NOC, and arguments for and against the regulation.

In its tweet, the ISFU stated: “Some business owners believe that NOCs lead to restrictive movement of workers, and decrease their productivity, and therefore lead to barriers in front of business with regards to attracting talent from world markets.

“Other employers think that this certificate protects the confidentiality of both the profession and their clients, and it serves their interest.”

Y Magazine contacted several employees in various fields while the poll was being conducted.

Siddhant Giri, an operations officer from a leading contracting firm for a telecom company in Oman, says: “The NOC law is clearly one way for companies to squeeze every inch of their manpower. Thanks to this, people have lost faith in work, and even the system.

“Can you imagine coming to work in a company that you do not want to work in?” he asks. “I would sincerely like to ask the officials at Tanfeedh to reconsider the NOC law, and perhaps meet at a halfway point.”

Meanwhile, numerous expats say their employers exploit staff by making them work long hours in return for no extra pay, as well as working on weekends, cancelling annual leave,

and withholding salaries for weeks or months at a time.

Adam*, a top-level expat employee at a leading petroleum company in Oman, says numerous employees of a company contracting for his firm’s refineries have not been paid for more than six months.

“I was aghast when the workers came to my office asking me to help them. What upset me even more was that they hadn’t even had lunch that day as they couldn’t afford to have their meals. That is unacceptable.

“Their company doesn’t care about the workers. For them, all they have to do is make sure they meet their targets. Most of the labour force allegedly threatened to quit a few months back and in response, the company told them they were free to quit, and leave for their hometown and not look for another job in Oman.

“Will there ever be a solution here?”

Apart from being criticised for allowing employers to exploit employees, the NOC has also been blamed for the Sultanate’s drop in points – from 70 to 66 – in the Global Competitiveness Index 2016-17, which is an annual report published by the World Economic Forum that assesses the ability of countries to provide high levels of prosperity for their citizens and residents.

On June 28, six days into the poll, the results were published. And to the surprise of numerous expatriates and citizens alike, the votes came out in favour of keeping the NOC law.

The final results of the Arabic poll indicate that most respondants “disagree” with removing the NOC guideline (62 per cent), while only 32 per cent of voters “agree” with removing the regulation. Six per cent were unsure. In total, 7,117 votes were cast on the Arabic poll.

Results from the English-language poll revealed that 56 per cent of voters “agree” with the NOC rule, while 42 per cent said they do

JUL 06 - 12 / ISSUE 477

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not, with the remaining two per cent saying they human resource executive working for a telecom Ahmad points out, are new graduates. School were “unsure”. In total, 28,738 votes were cast on firm, says: “I can understand why the numbers drop-outs also add to the number of jobseekers, the English-speaking poll, thereby amounting to are in favour of the NOC rule. The Omanis who with 6,129 registered as of last year. the total number of votes of 35,855. are graduating from the colleges need a job too.

Sulaiman*, an Omani graduate in the field The polls show that about 20,506 votes went The unemployment rate is quite high here and of information technology, has been looking for for the NOC rule, while work in vain for the 14,347 votes went eight months.

“I DO NOT INTEND TO BE INSENSITIVE TO MY FELLOW EXPAT past against the NOC rule, “I do not know FRIENDS BUT I THINK WE OMANIS ARE FINDING IT HARD TO if I will ever get while 1,002 voters were GET A JOB HERE DUE TO THE SATURATION OF THE EXPATRIATE undecided. a job in the field An expatriate woman, WORKFORCE. AND HOW CAN YOU EXPECT OUR COUNTRY TO of IT here in who declined to be Oman,” Sulaiman GROW IF THAT IS THE CASE?” named, says: “The results says. “Most of the poll will have no of the private impact on the NOC issue in general. I knew that we need to support the young generation a bit to companies prefer taking in expatriates from from the beginning and because of that I stayed give them that push.”

India and Pakistan as they sometimes have better away from voting. I have just lost hope.”

In a Ministry of Manpower report, there are experience and thereby more exposure.

The results of the poll, however, have been more than 54,000 registered jobseekers, and “I do not intend to be insensitive to my fellow welcomed by some. unemployment in 2016 stood at 18 per cent. expat friends but I think we Omanis are finding it One Omani citizen, Ahmad Ali al Maimany, a A significant proportion of this group, as hard to get a job here due to the saturation of the

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expatriate workforce. And how can you expect our country to grow if that is the case?”

Ahmad Ali al Maimany says: “We need to focus on one thing at a time. First, let us get our children out from the streets and into the offices, then let us shift our focus on stabilising the job market for the expatriates.

“But that will take us a very, very long time.”

The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) revealed that Oman’s population stood at 4,558,847 last month. Of this, the expatriate population stood at 2,054,594, or a total of 45.1 per cent of the total number.

While this is a drop of more than 6,000 expats, the total Omani population stood at 2,054,594 constituting 54.9 per cent of the total population.

But experts believe that expatriates will only rise in numbers over the coming years.

Sudhir*, an expatriate businessman who owns an aluminium fabrication company in Oman, believes the only the way to solve this issue is to “meet halfway” and work out a “viable fix”.

“Why don’t we allow those who have completed a two-year contract with his or her employer to change jobs freely?” he asks.

“There’s a basic decorum that has to be followed when it comes to implementing laws, and it has to be in favour of all parties [Omanis, expatriates and businesses]. Right now, I believe that the reason the NOC law is still being favoured is because a lot of Omanis believe it will aid in Omanisation.

“But let me tell you one thing: it really will not help in any way. Most companies don’t issue NOCs stating that they will lose their visa for hiring another expatriate. While the government has not made it clear if that is actually the case, I can tell you that most companies will try re-hiring an expatriate on that visa; not hire an Omani.

“So who is at fault now? I personally feel that this is a one-sided game. I am a man who believes that everyone must be given a fair chance in life. If that is the case, then he or she will work harder, which in turn will amount to higher productivity and higher revenues, and that will ultimately turn out to be a better way for the country to progress.”

WHY DON’T WE ALLOW THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT WITH HIS OR HER EMPLOYER TO CHANGE JOBS FREELY? Sudhir’s comments are further echoed by numerous voters who have voiced their opinion on Twitter.

Meanwhile, in his recent interview with local media, Shashwar al Balushi is quoted as saying: “I think expats must understand the company has outsourced a certain job to them so they should be fair to the company by honouring the two-year contract. In this manner, the NOC is good and should stay and expats must honour their contract.

“If an expat worker has completed his two-year contract and wants to leave the current employer, he must be allowed to leave without the need for an NOC,” al Balushi added The ISFU team has been conducting meetings with different Tanfeedh initiative teams to evaluate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and find solutions for the challenges they face – and a verdict on the NOC is expected to be reached soon.

But until then, the existing laws are still in order, and Varun and Lata – among many other angry expatriates – will continue to be affected by the rule that is the NOC. JUL 06 - 12 / ISSUE 477

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DESTINATION

DOWNWIND Oman’s Fahad al Hasni juggles the ropes and rigging in one of the world’s most gruelling sailing events

Photo credit: Vince Curutchet / Oman Sail

T

his week marked an important milestone in Oman’s maritime history, with Oman Sail’s Fahad al Hasni becoming the first homegrown sailor in the Sultanate to compete in the gruelling Sables-Horta-Les Sables Class 40 race, which set sail last Sunday (July 2).

The two-handed offshore event – a 2,500-mile Atlantic challenge from France to the Azores and back – will see al Hasni team up with his mentor Sidney Gavignet as co-captain, and both say this race is their biggest challenge yet.

“Sidney and I have raced together a lot and this is an exciting new challenge for both of us,” says al Hasni. “It is a new venture for Oman Sail as well, and I am proud to represent my country in a double-handed race for the first time.

“The Class 40 fleet is very competitive and they have had more experience than we have so far this season, but we are positive and will be aiming for a good result.”

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The Class 40 project is the latest chapter in a five-year relationship between al Hasni and Gavignet, with the two men having raced together as part of the record-breaking MOD70 Musandam-Oman Sail trimaran crew.

An international fleet of 20 other Class 40s are participating on the Horta race, with Briton Phil Sharp aboard Imerys, and Spanish ace Gonzalo Botin racing Tales II, among their main rivals.

“The Les Sables-Horta race is a big step for sure for Fahad,” Gavignet says. “The biggest quality that we have is that we know each other very well. We have been sailing together for five years and have respect for each other. We have been through tough times together and we know how to help each other in difficult conditions.”

Starting from the French west coast port of Les Sables d’Olonne, the Azores race marks a new beginning for the Class 40 campaign and Gavignet is positive about the challenge.

“Our goal was, and still is, to reach the podium on each race we do but

we have respect for the fleet and they have had more experience this year than we have. But we are motivated and we have been out training with other boats and that has been great.

“Another good thing is that it is shorthanded racing, so everyone has to have a full understanding of every aspect of the boat and sailing – tactics, trimming, steering, electrics, electronics – so that makes the sailors more rounded.

“The main quality of being a good shorthanded sailor is the ability to plan ahead, like when you play chess you have to think three or four moves ahead. It is very good training for the crew.”

Following the Azores race, the Oman Sail pairing will take part in the legendary Rolex Fastnet Race in August, when the crew will expand to include Omani sailor Sami Al Shukaili, another MOD70 regular; and veteran Spanish sailor Alex Pella. With the return leg of the Horta race beginning on July 14, we wish al Hasni and Gavignet the best of luck – and you can follow their progress on Oman Sail’s website at www.omansail.com.

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&

Adventures

Fa s h i o n

Health

Fo o d

LIFE STYLE

COOL RUNNINGS

We head to Wadi Hatta in Destination to escape the heat – P32.

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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

WADI HATTA

Photos: Alvin Thomas

AN ALLURING WADI BRINGS BACK SOME FOND MEMORIES FOR ALVIN THOMAS

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and headed right into the heart of the wadi.

Mind you, there’s a bit of trekking involved if you decide to enter the wadi from Al Wajajah. Even stock SUVs won’t cut it here. You would require a military-spec Hummer or Range Rover to dissect the wadi from here.

Walking in the wadi, I was quickly taken back to the days I would hold my father’s hand so as to not trip and fall down.

I managed to climb down safely though and once I was there, I realised that the wadi had almost dried out due to the heat unlike the last time I visited the area. But, there were still spots of fresh water protected from the sun by the trees.

I quickly headed there to wash my face (which by now had already burnt), and to get some shade.

Silly me had also left the water supplies back in the car.

I noticed that there was some fish in the wadi. I tried to capture a few photos of them but alas they were too quick for me even with the fastest shutter speed. And even I gave up after the fifth failed shot.

Walking onwards, I noticed that there was some sort of a burrow or a cave in the mountain wall. I captured a picture of it before trying to peek in but then realised it was home to a nest of scorpions.

I bid a hasty retreat from the area after that, at Road Runner pace.

After climbing to safer grounds, I snapped a few photos of the surroundings. The images were almost washed out thanks to the heat... even with the lowest ISO settings.

But it was when I was up there that I realised that I was not just looking at a wadi and sandcoloured mountain peaks that seemed to span forever: I was looking at a wadi that is shared by two countries.

And at that very moment, I realised the importance of this area: Hatta is more than just a wadi; it is the grounds where two countries meet to shake hands. And yes, this is exactly the sort of brotherly love that we need to see flourish within the Gulf region in the coming years.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

T

here’s something about a wadi that appeals to me: finding a body of water amid the mountainous terrain in this scorching hot country is nothing short of alluring. This is the reason I take time to tour across the Sultanate in search of some of the most picturesque wadis. But for decades now, one particular wadi has stood out, in my view, from the rest – Wadi Hatta.

Why? Well, I was born in Dubai and during my childhood, the only real foreign trips I had consisted of flying back to our hometown in India or taking long bus journeys to Oman to visit my cousins.

And during those bus trips, I distinctly remember spending hours at the Oman-UAE border in Hatta.

To keep us occupied, my father would walk me and my brother through to the nearby wadi to explain about rock formations. He also warned us about how dangerous wadis can get when it rains. Hence, I do not venture into these areas during the winter months.

So, when presented with the opportunity to drive out of Oman to the UAE last week for Eid, I did not hesitate to carry Y’s camera gear along with me in the hope of stopping by the wadi for a break. Think of it as me trying to revisit my past, if you may.

The drive to Wadi Hatta is simple and straightforward but extremely tedious. You’re practically driving to the ends of the country and it is best to concoct a trip with your family or buddies and perhaps camp for the night.

The drive should take you around four hours if you decide against taking a break. But do bear in mind that your vehicle has to be thoroughly checked (tyres, oil, etc) before undertaking a journey such as this. I also made sure to stack up on water, snacks and other goodies to keep me safe for the length of the trip.

Starting from my home in Azaiba, I took Route 1 that heads towards Suhar, and then kept on the road until I reached the turn-off – a sharp left – at the roundabout in the village of Al Aqar.

The wadi starts here but it extends all the way to the UAE. But since I was alone, I decided it would be safer for me to head as close as possible to the Al Wajajah border post, which is well protected with emergency services, before embarking on my journey across the wadi. However, it is best if you enter the wadi from Al Aqar if you are planning on doing any offroading with your SUV as there’s a sharp ascent as you proceed towards the checkpoint.

Sadly, it was a hot (and hot doesn’t even begin to describe the agony) day, and the temperature was bordering on 50 degrees Celsius! I still grabbed the DSLR

From Muscat, take Route 1 north, passing through the Shinas Gateway. Take a left at the Al Aqar roundabout and join Route 5. This road takes you all the way to the dirt track, which can be found on the left after passing through the Al Wajaja Border Post.

GPS location to the foot of the mountain: N24°47’23.991” E56°’14’38.013”

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CARS ADVENTURES

Photos: Alvin Thomas

W

Alvin Thomas finds a supercar that ticks all his boxes, and is the best he knows

ait, wait, wait! Before you traduce me for reviewing another Ferrari 488 supercar, I must point out to avid readers of the First Drive page that the car I am reviewing this week differs from the one we did a few weeks back. To be specific, this car is so different, I’m surprised it even shares the same name as the 488 GTB we tested before.

I am not keeping it away from you any longer.

The car we are featuring this week is the Ferrari 488 Spider and I test drove the car at an exclusive drive event in Dubai.

Let’s get the elephant out of the room first, though – this car suffers from stiff competition, with the likes of supercars such as the Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, McLaren 650S Spider, Mercedes-AMG GT roadster, Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, and even the Aston Martin V8 Vantage roadster.

While the Ferrari will hold its own with its enthusiasts (and fanboys), there’s one very good reason why I think it will do better than its counterparts: it is the best supercar ever made; if you set aside those ridiculously priced limited-production hypercars like the Ferrari LaFerrari, Porsche 918 and McLaren P1.

Don’t believe me? Just take a look at my review of the 488 GTB (think of it as the prequel). And yes, I will be backing up my claim with facts, but keep reading.

First and foremost, the difference driving around in a Ferrari with and without a hard top is sort of like watching actress Margot Robbie’s scenes from The Suicide Squad and then The Wolf of Wall Street – there’s a world of difference between them.

Cosmetically, at least, the only real difference between the two 488s is that folding metal roof but

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there’s no denying that the Spider has that extra wow factor slathered all over it. There’s nothing quite like driving around in a convertible in between the skyscrapers of Dubai.

Apart from that, however, you still get that dropdead gorgeous curvaceous body, low-slung ride and a darn good amount of bragging rights to owning one of the spiciest supercars ever made.

My test car, which was finished in dark grey, managed to garner quite a lot of attention on the streets of Dubai. I also remember being snapped many times at Jumeirah.

However, my biggest worry before taking the wheel of the 488 Spider was… well… the folding roof. You see, when a car loses its top, it loses its structural integrity: it becomes all wobbly and flimsy while taking corners. To circumvent that, most manufacturers add extra strength to the chassis, thereby making it heavier and effectively slower.

I was afraid that the 488 Spider would fall prey to this phenomenon but thankfully, the Maranello engineers have a done a great job in strengthening the car without adding too much weight to the chassis, courtesy of reinforcements made using reworked aluminium alloys.

As a matter of fact, they told me that the car maintains 95 per cent of the rigidity of its original coupe brother.

And thanks to this, the 488 Spider is just as composed in the corners.

The 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged that resides in the middle of the car still pumps out the same 661hp and ginormous 760Nm of twist (torque).

Couple this with Ferrari’s seven-speed

dual-clutch F1 gearbox and I could hit the 100kph mark from naught in a mindboggling 3.3 seconds.

What’s even more amazing is that I achieved (and validated multiple times) this on a hot 45-degreeCelsius day.

On the road, the 488 Spider is a well-behaved supercar with very less in the line of driving obscurity, meaning, the car is incredibly predictable, and poised. Weirdly, the 488 Spider’s adaptive suspension is also more bearable than the Nissan GTR on normal roads.

Switch the red button on the steering wheel into “Race” mode, however, and things take a turn for… well… the insane. Now, the car becomes ever more focused, and track-ready. Upon doing so, the car is every bit as sharp as the 488 GTB is, even taking corners with very little (almost non-existent) levels of body flex.

The grip from the Pirelli P Zero tyres is truly phenomenal, allowing you to hug corners and even keep the racing lines at almost unbelievable speeds.

At one point, I saw myself take a sharp right-hand

Destination

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

corner at 120kph. The only way I could tell I was doing too much was when I felt I would snap my neck with the generated G-Force.

Ufff !

Ferrari’s traction control system, however, can induce a faint touch of understeer, especially if you are burying the throttle before entering a corner. But that can be corrected by laying off the throttle.

Don’t get me wrong, though. It is very easy to induce tyre-squeal and oversteer and lead into a drift; even with the electronic nannies switched on. Feeding in the throttle midway through a bend is one way to do that. But, the low-end torque is sufficient enough to spin the tyres of the car even when you’re coasting at 100kph.

The gearshifts are downright quick, and it maintains the right gears at all times, even in the “Auto” setting. Things only get ferocious when you use the paddle shifters, and sometimes downshifting gears would spike the engine revs to a point at which you are well within the power and torque band for a quick manoeuvre. No surprises there, though.

The steering is incredibly direct and provides me with ample feedback. Like I stated last time, this allows you to orchestrate some dramatic slides without making a fool of yourself. Much like the 488 GTB, you can easily chuck the car into a corner and hold your line by countering the drift using the steering.

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CARS

The four Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes are simply splendid, and provide ample if not a bit more stopping power for your daily needs.

Oh, but they do squeal a lot when they are cold.

But what are the minor squeals and hiccups when driving a midengine supercar, right?

Truth be told, the 488 Spider, like its coupe brother, is still one of the better supercars to drive on a daily basis (if you can afford it).

The cabin in my test car was essentially the same as the coupe: the sleek dashboard remains to be intensely driver-focused – you will lose focus of the oversized rev counter and the “Manettino” dial on the steering wheel.

But simpler features like a new keyless starter switch and a sleek infotainment system with some extra processing grunt makes this car all the more appropriate. Granted, the latter could be a handful when you’re driving.

The seats, their positioning and the general milieu are all perfect.

The around visibility is excellent, even with the top deployed.

The retractable hard top peels off and backflips into a slender compartment behind your head in about 14 seconds. But, as I stated earlier, top and windows down, the car looks doubly sensational, and good enough to drop your arm onto the door and simply cruise the highways.

Ferrari 488 Spider Specifications: Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 Transmission: Seven speed “F1” dual-clutch Horsepower: 661hp Torque: 760Nm Top speed: 330kph Rear wheel drive Retractable hard top LED headlights and tail lamps Four airbags Italian leather upholstery Carbon-ceramic brakes Cruise control Column mounted paddle shifters Drive mode selector “WET”, “RACE”, “SPORT” Adaptive suspension Sports bucket seats ABS, F1 Traction Control

By now, you would have guessed that I am completely bowled over by the Ferrari. But before I let you make any assumptions, I have to tell you that I have driven the previous iteration of this car (the 458 Spider), the current McLaren 650S Spider and the Lamborghini Huracan. But, here’s the thing: none of them can quite capture the finesse and the overall aura of this Ferrari. Reliability, sensibility and simple thought as to what a driver needs are the key qualities that make this car all the more special… and all the more desirable.

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1. Go island hopping by boat or helicopter 2. Explore the fort on Skansin 3. Visit the storm peterel colony at Nolsoy 4. Learn about Faroese culture at Nordic House 5. Discover the magic of music on the island of Hestur

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FAROE MAGIC The Faroe Islands are a delightful place to visit, offering a range of unspoiled attractions for visitors.

Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Christopher Clarke recommends

THE FAROE ISLANDS

I

first went to the Faroe Islands in the year 2000 to ask a girl to marry me.

Since she would have to make an important decision I took her to the world’s oldest parliament, at Tinganes, where Viking chiefs first met 1,200 years ago.

We arrived just before midnight, still as light as day at this Arctic latitude, and a choice was made that has strengthened Anglo-Faroese relations ever since.

The wild Atlantic surf still pounds these remote islands located between Scotland and Iceland but the locals have given up raiding and will welcome you to one of the safest places in the world. For many years, these islands have been off the tourist trail until National Geographic Traveler magazine deemed them the most “authentic, unspoiled, and likely to remain so” of 111 islands around the world.

Gone are the longships but it is easy to imagine them sailing into the fjords, and between islands, mountains and majestic cliffs, particularly if you brave the rough waters. The islands are named not after ancient Egyptian kings but sheep, and the name is apt as sheep outnumber humans by almost two to one. Their impact on the landscape has been profound; helping to keep the steep mountain slopes free of trees and bushes, and maintaining a verdant layer of grass over every square inch - the icing on a cake sculpted by mighty glaciers. Together the sea, ice, grass and sheep have created a unique and spectacular landscape, unlike any other in the world. Cool, moist and green, with mountains, stacks, sea cliffs and abundant fresh air, they provide a perfect getaway from the stifling heat of the Arabian summer.

VESTM

My favourite place Torshavn, one of the world’s smallest capital cities with a population of 17,000, is a charming place with a rich history. Tinganes is the core of the capital and is home to the oldest parts of the city. Many of the charming small grass-roofed houses built along cobbled streets were built in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the streets are too narrow for cars to enter. Nearby are harbourside cafes looking out to fishing boats, private yachts and masted schooners. Across the water lies Skansin, a fort built to repel Algerian pirates. Other attractions include an aquarium, Nordens Hus, a wooded park, an art museum and the Faroese National Museum.

A short ride by boat will take you to Nolsoy opposite the capital where a local naturalist will take you out to the world’s largest colony of storm peterels. Only at dusk do they appear as a swarm, churring as they fly in towards you at great speed and shooting into holes between rocks all around you. It is an amazing experience to witness this nocturnal spectacle. Your guide is the local taxidermist so you can take a stuffed puffin home as a souvenir.

ANNA B IR D C L IF F S

T OR S H A V N

Highlights

Go island hopping by helicopter, bus and ship. Helicopter rides are remarkably cheap for what you get, with rides as low as 85kr (RO4) to fly over breathtaking mountain scenery. The ride is exhilarating, if a little scary.

Even the bus rides will challenge your sense of security as they cross some islands by deep undersea tunnels. Other islands are connected by ferries or small fishing boats converted for passenger use. For a better view of stunning sea cliffs rising to 1,000m, take a chartered vessel that will sail between narrow stacks festooned with seabirds. Or, ride on the schooner Norðlýsið to the island of Hestur where you find the magic Klæmintsgjógv that sets the scene for the world famous Cave Concerts. Famous Faroese musicians play the concerts live, and no concert is the same thanks to nature’s participation. It may be so quiet that you can hear the cry of seabirds or the waves lapping the waters in the cave will add a background beat to the orchestra.

Lowlights

The myriad rushing streams and “emerald carpet” comes at a price, and that is the misty, wet weather that robs these islands of sunlight. Don’t go without a warm coat and waterproof trousers, and be prepared for summer, autumn, winter and spring greeting you in the same day without warning.

Souvenirs For islands whose name comes from sheep, it is perhaps no wonder that the Faroese know how to knit.

Those who have seen the popular Danish TV crime thriller The Killing will be familiar with the Faroese sweater worn

by Inspector Sarah Lund, and the same-style hand-knitted sweaters plus a range of fabulous wool products can be purchased in Torshavn.

Getting there

Atlantic Airways have direct flights from Copenhagen and Edinburgh. From Copenhagen there are several flights a day in the summer but add a day for the interconnecting flight in case fog delays your journey.

Where to stay

For a world-class view of Torshavn and the island of Nolsoy, stay in the Hotel Foroyar. Or try the Hafnia if you would rather be a stone’s throw from the Old Town. Further afield, the adventurous, will enjoy staying at the youth hostel in Mykines, the furthest western island, with the biggest puffin population on your doorstep. For a cosy Nordic chalet, stay in Gjáargarður, the most charming hotel in the Faroe Islands, located in the picturesque village of Gjogv.

GASAD

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

TUNE IN Make sure your mode of music is ultra-modern, as Alvin Thomas tries out some of the devices that deliver

GRAND STUFF Keeping sheets of paper for your music notes is old-school and, frankly, a tad non-environmentally friendly. The One Smart Piano, however, allows you to play your tunes, as well as keep in touch with current times. And it’s not something amateurs pieced together: you get 88 keys and three foot pedals, all crafted meticulously in a stunning polymer-based shell. Oh, and the best part is that the dedicated app lets you manage your notes, keeps a track of the music you’re playing, and can also correct your mistakes. Get it from smartpiano.com for RO578

JUST BEAT IT We’re not big fans of Beats headphones, solely because of their pricing.

However, we cannot help but talk about the new Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones: for starters, they look and feel fantastic on your ears, and secondly, they boom like nothing else. They really beat everything else on the market. The headphones should also give you up to 40 hours of battery life, and a quick five-minute charge should give you three hours of juice (!). Moreover, the acoustics are sharp, and the ear cups prevent sound leakage so you can listen to your music all alone. Buy them from beatsbydre.com for RO115

KEEP JAMMING The guitar is one of the most played instruments in the world. Yet, if you ask someone who plays it what its drawbacks are, they will almost always say “portability”. But there’s a solution to everything. And in this case, it is this tiny little guitar, the Jamstik+. As you can see from the image, the device gives you all the essentials without taking away all the fun: you still get real strings and frets, and also a MIDI controller. There’s an app you can download, with which you can download various tones as well.

Available at jamstik.com for a very reasonable RO108

KARAOKE NIGHTS

EDITOR’S PICK

THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE SPENDING YOUR NIGHTS WITH YOUR LOVED ONES KARAOKE-ING TO YOUR FAVOURITE JAMS. MANY SMARTPHONE APPLICATIONS WILL GIVE YOU ACCESS TO INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BUT NONE CAN REALLY COMPETE WITH THE POPSICAL. THE DEVICE IS THE SMARTEST AND SMALLEST STREAMING KARAOKE SYSTEM. IT WILL ALSO GIVE YOU ACCESS (LEGALLY) TO MORE THAN 100,000 COPYRIGHTED SONGS FROM REPUTED ARTISTS, AND IS UPDATED FREQUENTLY. THERE’S A REMOTE APPLICATION THAT CONNECTS TO THE DEVICE. YOU CAN USE IT TO RECORD YOUR SONG, TOO. BUY IT FROM POPSICAL.COM FOR RO139

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Micro Machines World Series

App of the Week

M

illennials, this one is for you: the Micro Info Box Machines World Series. Does the name sound Developer: familiar to you? Well, it probably will, if your CODEMASTERS childhood (like mine) revolved around your Nintendo Publisher: NES or SEGA Genesis.

CODEMASTERS This, folks, is the very game that shackled millions of Platform: youngsters on to their sofas and kept them away from PS4, XBOX ONE, PC sunlight for days. Many parents will agree, and perhaps even thank the developers for creating a game that kept their then young sons and daughters away from those dangerous streets (or is that me just inferring?).

Either way, the game is now back, and you know what? It’s a nostalgia fest.

Micro Machines World Series is still, by far, the hardest game you can play on a console. It’s utterly unfair, hard to control, exceedingly frustrating, and oh boy, it will have you pull your hair out. But that’s also what makes this game incredibly fun.

The game relies on you memorising those race tracks – which includes driving around everyday objects in miniature-sized cars. The area of view is tight so unless you know your way around the course, you’ll find yourself haplessly sliding right off the map… and straight into last place.

There are three game modes: a straightforward race, with 12 racers, battle, and elimination. There are also several different battle games, which are chosen randomly, including Capture the Flag, and a mode where you have to bomb your opponent’s base.

Unlike old times, however, developers Codemasters, want you to play this game online. Case in point, the game immediately starts compiling possible racers even before you start a race. Of course, all empty spots will be replaced by AI racers. There is an offline mode for up to four gamers but that’s tucked away in one corner of the menu.

In all, Micro Machines World Series is a nice way to kill time. Ah, how the good life is when you can sit back and enjoy all your old titles in HD. Thank you Codemasters.

TUNE IN TO THE MIX It is a pity that smartphones of today don’t come with a radio receiver. Even old phones such as Nokia and Sony Ericsson came with their own set of receivers (courtesy a unique set of earphones). But, fret not, as you can listen to your favourite local and international stations with TuneIn Radio. The app lets you select stations of your choice, set them as presets or even enter a song or artist name to listen to whichever station is currently playing their songs. Download from iTunes and Google Play for free

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

SHIMMER ME TIMBERS

Add a little sheen to your summer wardrobe this season with the metallic look. From light shimmery shades to darker hues, it doesn’t matter if it’s a jacket, jeans, shoes or a classic top; metallic fabrics are here to stay, such as this look from Oliver Bonas.

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Health

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

These skinny, high-waisted, sequinned jeans from Monsoon are a classic cut and will have you stepping out in style in no time.

Team this rose gold metallic biker jacket from New Look with your favourite T-shirt and jeans for a fun take on the classic black version.

Add some glamour to your look with this Monsoon “Ada” sparkle knitted cami top, which is perfect under a classic jacket or even on its own with trousers or jeans.

This festive pink metallic backpack from New Look is a great hold-all for women on the go, not to mention that it’s a stylish bag for all ages and budgets.

A classic pair of metallic thong sandals from Accessorize will have you on top of your game in no time.

Sunglasses are vital during the harsh summers in Oman, and these “Mia” metal arm Catmasters from Accessorize fit the bill in the style stakes and for protection.

These stylish “Z Saturn” hoop earrings from Accessorize are sure to add a splash of glamour to your outfit.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

BIG TIME OPERATOR I

Make sure your morning routine flows as smoothly as your moisturiser with these time-saving tips

f you wish you had more time to get ready in the morning, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are plenty of shortcuts you can take during your morning routine that can give you more time to sleep, eat or just make it to work on time without having to sacrifice looking anything but your best.

Leading beauty and lifestyle personality Laura Lee, who has more than 4 million followers across her social media platforms, provides these timesaving tips to improve your morning ritual. With Lee’s recommendations, you’ll be out the door and glowing faster than you think.

Get everything together the night before

Get yourself prepared for the day ahead by laying out everything you’ll need the night before.

Picking out your clothing, laying out make-up, gathering your car keys and any other essentials, packing your lunch and charging your mobile phone before you go to sleep can save you time when you get into the morning crunch.

Multi-task in the shower

Turn the tedious, time-consuming tasks of applying sunless tanner and moisturising into something quick, seamless and simple by incorporating it into your daily shower routine.

The easiest way, according to Lee, is to use a

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product like Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturiser, which is available in fair-to-medium and medium-to-tan shades and is made to be applied to wet skin right after you shower to lock in moisture and gradually build natural-looking colour.

Lee says: “One of the first questions I always get asked is: ‘How do I get my signature glow?’

“I say: ‘A great look doesn’t end with your make-up. It goes beyond highlighting and contouring the face’.

“To get a head-to-toe flawless look, I use Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturiser. It’s so easy to use and saves me a ton of time.”

After showering, simply turn off the water and apply the moisturiser to wet skin, then towel off as usual.

Natural-looking colour gradually develops in three to five days.

Release clothing wrinkles

When you’re pressed for time in the morning, one of the last things you want to do is get out the iron and ironing board. Instead, hang your clothes near to the shower to allow the steam to release some of the wrinkles. If that doesn’t do the trick, Lee suggests putting your outfit in the dryer with a damp cloth and running it for a few minutes.

For more information, go to www.jergens.com. * Family Features

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

BALANCING ACT

Dr Hilmi Abdulsalam, an ENT-specialist at Burjeel Medical Center in Muscat, talks about vertigo and how to overcome it

H

ave you ever experienced spinning sensations and dizziness?

Good balance is important for daily life. And for this to happen effectively, it requires a complex integration of sensory information regarding the position of the body relative to your surroundings.

The systems involved are vision, vestibular sense (inner ear), proprioception (sense of position), muscle strength and reaction time.

Dizziness is a subjective term (nobody other than the patient can experience what that person is experiencing). For some people, dizziness/vertigo is a feeling of unsteadiness while others can experience the whole room spinning around them.

Many times in my OPD, I have patients who can’t explain what they are feeling. Dizziness/vertigo can affect a person’s independence, ability to work, and their quality of life. A lot of people say they feel dizzy but what they are feeling is really unsteadiness on their feet.

Dizziness and balance disorders may also lead to other problems including fatigue, difficulty walking, depression, or disinterest in everyday activities.

Generally, if someone has feelings of nausea, wooziness, and a sensation of

spinning; this is called vertigo.

Causes of vertigo Vertigo is a symptom of several different conditions. There are two types of vertigo, known as peripheral and central, depending on the cause.

Who to see for vertigo treatment?

Seeing a doctor is appropriate early on, reserving speciality care for chronic cases.

Is there a certain age this is usually brought on by?

It is extremely rare but not impossible for young children to have vertigo. It becomes more common in the early 20s and can affect all ages after that.

Can stress cause vertigo?

Mental stress can make many forms of vertigo worse but will not produce vertigo.

Is dizziness the same for all people?

No. For some people it is lightheadedness. Some people feel faint. Some feel as if they are moving when they are not. Others feel a spinning sensation in which either they are doing the spinning or the world around them is spinning.

Is dizziness very common?

For people over 65, dizziness is one of the most frequent reasons for physician visits and hospital admissions.

How does one determine if

dizziness is due to an inner ear problem?

Dizziness is a symptom. Proper evaluation is required to determine its cause.

Is there any treatment for dizziness?

Depending on the underlying cause, treatment options may include medication, changes in diet, physical therapy or even surgery in the most severe cases.

Is anxiety associated with vertigo?

Yes, vertigo causes extreme anxiety in most people. Anxiety, by itself, does not produce vertigo.

5. Ginger Drink ginger tea or eat a piece of raw ginger. This will help to control the nausea associated with vertigo.

6. Basil Basil is a herbal remedy for vertigo.

You can either chew basil leaves or add them to your tea.

7. Almond milk Take some almonds and soak them in water, overnight. Now, make a fine paste and mix this almond paste in a glass of lukewarm milk. Drink it.

Almond milk helps to cure vertigo.

8. Salah/Yoga Regular Salah is the best yoga.

Take the help offered by yoga and meditation. These are the best vertigo Home remedies for vertigo home treatments.

1. A good night’s sleep Dizziness usually goes away on its 2. Lemon own. If it doesn’t, consider the tips Prepare a lemon drink (a glass full below: of lukewarm water, add black pepper, • Be aware of possible warning signs a pinch of salt and squeeze half a before dizziness, which can lead lemon) and drink it. Also, sprinkle to falls and serious injuries. Avoid lemon peel in your salad. Lemon is a moving suddenly or driving natural remedy for vertigo.

• Fall-proof your home by removing 3. Water and juices tripping hazards Keep your body hydrated. You • Sit or lie down immediately if should drink at least 10 to 15 glasses feeling dizzy of water a day. Drink fresh and • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, salt and organic juices as they are rich in fibre. tobacco 4. Strawberries • Discontinue medication that causes Mash some fresh and ripe dizziness strawberries in fresh yogurt. This • Consult a doctor is a very quick, healthy and easy For more information call 2208 5252 or homemade remedy. email: info@bmcoman.com JUL 06 - 12 / ISSUE 477

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GOING GREEN

Keep it cool and fresh over the summer months with healthy salads that pack a flavour punch.

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SALAD DAYS Try out this light, tasty take on chicken for the summer table

T

here are many seasonal salads to enjoy, and everyone has a favourite. Change your warmweather dining habits up a bit with this recipe for Ruby Beet Chicken Salad Skewers. Easy to prepare, this deliciously unique salad on a skewer is perfect for entertaining family and friends.

The sweet-tangy, nutty, piquant and savoury combination of ingredients provides layers of flavours in every forkful. One-bite Aunt Nellie’s Baby Whole Pickled Beets are just right for skewering with the mustard-marmalade glazed chicken and crisp romaine.

To finish, drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with toasted almonds and cheese.

Add a wholegrain baguette and your meal is ready. For more warm-weather recipe ideas, visit AuntNellies.com.

Ruby Beet Chicken Salad Skewers Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 8 Ingredients: § 1 jar (454g) Aunt Nellie’s Baby Whole Pickled Beets, drained § 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 454g) § salt, to taste, plus 1/2 teaspoon, divided § pepper, to taste, plus 1/2 teaspoon, divided § 4 1/2 tablespoons stone ground mustard, divided § 1 1/2 tablespoons orange marmalade, plus 1/3 cup, divided § 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives § 1 large lemon, zested and juiced (about 1/3 cup juice) § 1/4 cup olive oil § 1 bag (255g) leafy romaine pieces § 8 wooden skewers § 1/3 cup chopped almonds, toasted § 1/3 cup crumbled firm white cheese (such as blue cheese, feta or goat) Heat oven to 190 C. Drain the beets and set aside.

Method: § Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper, to taste.

In a small bowl, combine one-and-a half tablespoons each of mustard and marmalade. Brush the mixture over the chicken until completely coated. Bake the chicken on an aluminium foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet for 20-25 minutes or until the juices run clear. Set aside. § To make the vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, combine the remaining mustard, remaining marmalade, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and one-half teaspoon of pepper. Slowly pour in the oil while whisking vigorously until completely combined. § Slice cooled chicken into 2.5cm pieces. On each skewer, thread a beet, a piece of chicken and 4-5 pieces of lettuce; repeat twice and add one beet at the end. Repeat to make eight skewers. Place skewers on a large serving platter. Stir the vinaigrette and drizzle lightly over the skewers. Sprinkle with almonds and cheese. Serve with the remaining vinaigrette. § Substitution: Whole pickled beets may be substituted. Cut the beets in half. § Alternate preparation: To grill the chicken, brush both sides with the mustard-marmalade mixture. Grill over a medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through and the thermometer reads 73 C. If the chicken cooks too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low.

* Family Features

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QIBARA RESTAURANT

Seeb Mall Opening Hours: 11am to 12.15am Lunch for four: RO19.740 Verdict : 8/10 SERVICE 7/10 FOOD 7/10 AMBIENCE Excellent food with value for money.

QIBARA

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

A NEW RESTAURANT IN SEEB HAS BECOME THE TALK OF THE TOWN FOR ITS QUALITY AND LOW PRICES. NISHAD PADIYARATH REPORTS

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ating out can pinch your pockets ever so badly these days. However, all is not lost, because there are some restaurants like Qibara in Seeb, for instance, that offer good food at an affordable price. It’s perfect for when you are eating out with friends or family.

Qibara Restaurant has been the talk of the town ever since it was launched recently. Social media is also abuzz with people posting pictures across Facebook and Instagram about the newly opened restaurant that that is fast becoming a household name among food lovers.

So on a recent Sunday afternoon, I, along with three of my colleagues, set out to Qibara for an early lunch. Located inside Seeb Mall, the restaurant dishes up a serious wow factor; with moody lighting, striking décor, a spectacular wall, and a creative choice of food. If you’re looking for a restaurant that will impress with both substance and style, look no further – Qibara is the place.

The restaurant is relatively quiet but the attentive staff and the clever design ensure it never feels empty. “This is ideal for a romantic date night, or a special catch-up with friends,” said my friend, looking at the interior of the restaurant.

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JUL 06 - 12 / ISSUE 477

THE RESTAURANT DISHES UP A SERIOUS WOW FACTOR; WITH MOODY LIGHTING, STRIKING DECOR... AND A CREATIVE CHOICE OF FOOD

The mixed grill was unlike what you would receive in a Lebanese or Turkish restaurant: there were no traditional Arabic breads or hummus served alongside it. However, it’s worth its price for the portion of grill that was served. In true fashion, you get three sticks (each) of chicken tikka, sheesh tawook and beef tikka, served alongside a healthy portion of saffron rice.

The presentation was top-notch, the meats succulent, and the rice freshly steamed.

“But because I don’t particularly enjoy saffron rice, I had to set it aside and proceed to finishing the grill items lonesome,” said my colleague Alvin.

We also ordered fresh juices, and this time, the presentation surprised us. It was served in a unique package that resembled a light bulb. It’s a bright idea that helps Qibara stand apart from other restaurants. The total price of the lunch was RO19.740.

Qibara is a place where you get your money’s worth. So head to the restaurant anytime you want to eat a nice, heavy, but light-on-the-pocket lunch.

Qibara’s menu looks impressive, with a variety of dishes to choose from. From pizzas to pastas to Arabian cuisine, Qibara has everything you would wish to eat. I begin with the Chinese soup of the day, the sweetcorn chicken soup, which is a good appetiser. Among other soups in the list, the Mexican beef chilli and Thai-style chicken soup with coconut milk are popular at Qibara.

In the salad section, there is a garden green salad and a tandoori chicken salad. Since I love garden green salad, I dump my plate with it and take a portion of the Tandoori chicken salad, which is generously topped with avocados and yoghurt.

Moving on to the main course, I find that there Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see is a mix of Indian, Arabic and continental dishes. reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com I go for penne chicken pasta while my friends choose chicken biriyani, lamb biriyani and a mixed grill.

The pasta was nice and creamy, with a white sauce that wasn’t too thick or saucy. The chicken in the pasta was juicy and tender, and the sweetcorn added to the flavour. The portions were good, too – one plate is enough for two people.

I took a portion of the chicken biriyani my friend ordered. It was soft and just spicy enough for me to tuck in with some gusto. More importantly, it was cooked skilfully enough so that my hand was not slathered with oil in so doing.

The meat was tender and slid right off the bone, and the steamed rice was perfectly fluffy. It was a winsome combination that connoisseurs of biriyanis would certainly enjoy. The lamb biriyani was soft and the best my friend had had in recent times. “There is oil in it but it tasted good,” he said.

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