Y Magazine #478, July 12, 2017 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

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JUL 13 - 19 2017 / ISSUE 478 â&#x20AC;¢ WEEKLY

HOUSE OF CARDS

PLUS!

FALLING RENTS A WORRY FOR LANDLORDS

MAGICAL HELSINKI

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL

ALL SMILES

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

Fast forward

f you want to rent an apartment in one of those expensive places in the capital but can’t afford one in your price range, this could be your lucky year. Rents may slowly be spiraling downward by as much as 20 percent. According to property analysts, owners of residential flats and villas in Oman are generally being more flexible than they have been for a long time. They’re not just increasing lease instalments, they’re also extending contracts and lowering rents, in a bid to keep their units occupied amid a sluggish market. According to a report by Cluttons, for the last many months, they have been reporting big corrections taking place in the market, and to an extent, there are some initial signs to suggest that in some locations both residential and commercial sectors may be starting to bottom out. It is too early to fully call it but there are signs indicating that. In our cover story this week, our team talks to experts, landlords and tenants to find out about the falling rents. In Destination, we explore the delights of Wadi Lasmu, check out some fun gadgets in Y-Fi and put the impressive SsangYong Tivoli through its pace in First Drive. Have a great week!

editor@y-oman.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi SENIOR ONLINE EDITOR Nishad Padiyarath REPORTER Alvin Thomas

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. JUL 13 - 19 / ISSUE 478

contents JUL

Your Oman News International operations begin at Suhar airport

11 Gallery Spongebob mania at City Centre Muscat

2017

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman Kevin McIndoe 10

13 News 35,000 vehicles recalled in Oman this year

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination Wadi Lasmu 34 First Drive SsangYong Tivoli 36 Postcard From Helsinki 38 Y-Fi Security gadgets

18 Floral Workshop Learn how to create floral arrangements 19 Art for Children Enter the summer workshop at Bait Al Baranda

Features 22 Cover Story Falling rents a worry for landlords in Oman 28 Say It With Flowers A group of decorators with a floral edge

21 Movies War for the Planet of the Apes

21 Health and Beauty 40 Fashion Bold and Beautiful 42 Health Face Facts

Food and Drink 44 Food Feature Italians do it better 46 Taste Test Spice Hill

43 Health All smiles

38 40

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

This is not a Mall

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AN EXPERIENCE # ShoppingDestinationOman

From 6th July until 18th July 2017

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PER

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‫ مصر‬،‫زيتون أخضر كبير‬

Green olives jumbo, Egypt

l a i R PER

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RIAL ‫ريال‬

Feta cheese, Egypt

frozen

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‫ غرام‬٧٥٠ )‫بطاطس مقرمشة للقلي (المب وستون‬

‫ كيلو‬١ )‫دجاجة كاملة مقطعة (ساديا‬

LambWeston extra crispy fries 750g

Sadia chicken cuts 1kg

PER

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Jam assorted

1.000

RIAL RIAL 361.730 PCS

5 /‫ت‬.‫س‬ 1672150

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PCS

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‫ غرام‬٤٠٠ )‫فول مدمس (لونا‬

Lui rice 5kg

‫ غرام‬٢٥٠ )‫عسل نحل (يونجيز‬

‫ع‬

Original juice 0.95L assorted

‫ كيلو‬٥ )‫أرز (لوي‬

les 70g Indomie instant nood

1.000 RIAL

‫ لتر متنوع‬٠,٩٥ )‫صير (أورجنال‬

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‫ لتر‬١ )‫حليب كامل الدسم (يونيكاي‬

RIAL

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1.000

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PCS

1.000 RIAL

١٢ x ‫ غرام‬٢٠,٥ )‫كات‬

‫شوكوالتة (كيت‬

KitKat chocolate 20.5g

x12

1.000 RIAL ‫ريال‬

‫ غرام متنوع‬٧٥ )‫صابون (ميسميرايز‬

‫ منديل‬٢٠٠ )‫مناديل للوجة (باسيو‬

‫ مل‬١٨٠ ‫ بلسم‬+ ‫ مل‬٤٠٠ )‫شامبو (بانتين‬

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Pantene shampoo 400ml + conditioner 180ml

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THE VOICE OF OMAN KEVIN MCINDOE ON WHY LIFE IS LIKE A TENNIS MATCH

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:

t has been that time of year again, with the world’s finest tennis players wielding their racquets in a leafy suburb of south London. But aside from being one of the world’s great sporting events, Wimbledon is so much more than just a tennis tournament. It is a showcase of how a human being can respond to pressure, adversity, despair, disappointment or joy on their way to defeat or victory. As the Kipling quote so clearly displayed in the All England Club says: “If you can meet with Triumph or Disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same”. Life IS a bit like a tennis match. You can be two sets up and then lose, or two sets down and then win. The successful players who find themselves two sets down don’t get down on themselves, moan or slink around in a sulk. They get themselves going again, think positive and knuckle down to turn the match around, and many times they do. There’s a life lesson there, I’m sure of it. And champions know how to play the big points in a match. They don’t wait for their opponent to make a mistake; they make it happen. They also find a way to win even if they aren’t playing their best. The Swiss tennis star Stan Wawrinka has a tattoo on his left arm that bears some wise words of Samuel Beckett: “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better”. And I think the golden rules of tennis can easily apply to life: Firstly, keep your eye on the ball; and secondly, the game is never over until the last ball is played.

JUL 13 - 19 / ISSUE 478

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? MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

Yes, I was surprised by the survey result. This NOC rule is an obstacle to attracting good manpower to this country. More often than not, employers are recruiting experienced employees and are virtually refusing to spend any money on training them. There is no way an employer would be at a loss if the NOC rule were to be lifted. Usually, one looks to switch over to another job only when the current job conditions are not up to expectations. Thus, to retain the manpower, the working environment and conditions have to be made more attractive rather than be restricted by the NOC rule. I think the NOC rule should be lifted.

LOURD JAMES GARCIA

Fair and square if an employee has finished his contract, then give him the freedom to decide whether to renew or find another job. What is the use of the working contract if our workers are still bound by the rules even when the contract itself has expired already? I suppose if the company is good then the employee will stay.

JAFIN JOSE

When employers are no longer treating their staff well, then any of their employees has the right to look for another job. With this rule, the chance to change employers has been removed.

WRITE TO US AND YOU COULD WIN

Most employers are unwilling to give an NOC. It is difficult even after completing a two-year contract. With this NOC rule Oman has lost many qualified employees and if they continue, will carry on losing more. Business has gone down because too many workers are leaving the country and none are coming to Oman. I have lived, studied and am now working here in Oman. I would like to continue here but because of this rule I don’t think I’ll be able to.

SHIVA KUMAR

Despite the outcome of the voting exercise, it’s highly appreciated that this matter was brought under public voting. This has made it look like a very transparent way of coming to an acceptable outcome. Mabrook!

DR RAO BHASKARA SUDDAPALLI

I was shell-shocked by the result of the recent tandfeedh Twitter poll on the No Objection Certificate (NOC), for many reasons. I believe this result does not stand the test of statistical validity. Since the rule found strict enforcements, hopes for and against the continuation were being aired, with some newsmedia hinting that the said rule was going to be lifted. Since then, discussions, reviews and deliberations have taken place at formal and informal levels. However, this step to conduct

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polls was unexpected and caught many expatriate families off-guard. Many would have been on a school vacation, coupled by a nine-day break for the Holy month of Ramadan. Those observing this Holy month were therefore unable to respond to it. Coming to the statistical significance: of the total population of The Sultanate that currently stands at 4,558,847; only 35,855 responded in both Arabic and English polls. This means that just 1.272 per cent of the total population participated. The pros and cons of this mandate have been widely debated; with most employers favouring its continuation and employees protesting against. Therefore, while maintaining the norms of International Labor Organisations and GCC conventions, Oman needs to put this topic to bed. Lastly, the NOC is a double-edged sword. It may help employers but it has also been abused by some if not all; with gullible employers and employees having been the victims.

PEREIRA F SAVIO

This result was undoubtedly surprising, given the benefits of the NOC being done away with. However, there have also been legitimate concerns posed by employers. When an employee is provided with a NOC, he leaves with all the proprietary and intellectual information of the earlier company despite having signed a non-disclosure agreement. This aspect needs to be studied to ensure that NOC removal is fair to employers too.

RUSSEL HAMMED JOHNNY

There are lots of reasons to remove the NOC, and not just for employees but for employers as well. I can’t help noticing that the cost of renting apartments is dropping in Oman. This is because many tenants are expats. If more end up leaving the country then rents are going to fall. At the same time, there are other rules. For instance, if you are not earning more than RO600 a month, you cannot bring your family here as most expats’ salaries amount to less than that figure. Without their families here, expats send all their money home to support them. If their families were allowed to stay here then that would not only benefit the housing sector but also local businesses. As for the NOC survey, many respondents didn’t understand the question because it wasn’t clear enough.

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New Debate: According to recent reports, rents across the Sultanate have dropped substantially. Has your landlord reduced your rent? If not, do you expect to see a drop in your rent over the coming months? Share your view with us and you could be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

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USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI

Although I am disappointed at the outcome of this NOC poll, it was no surprise to me as it was on Twitter. The Twitter population is miniscule among the affected category of employees who feel disadvantaged with the implementation of this rule. Above all, this poll was conducted amid the Ramadan month and academic break, and not many would have used this poll to vent their opinion. A democratic verdict of this kind may not go as per what a majority really intend. Nevertheless, it has its own value as far as guiding the decision makers.

AYMAN

The platform that was used to conduct the voting was not used by expatriates and came at the annual vacations and Ramadan times. The NOC is very well-known to be an obstacle for business development in the country. The outcome is not representative at all, and an official campaign addressing the right community would have gathered more accurate results. In addition, how many expatriates, such as construction workers, are capable of using Twitter?

JUL 13 - 19 / ISSUE 478

YOUR

OMAN

ROP CRACKDOWN ON SPEEDSTERS

o you have the need for speed? If so, we advice you to refrain from taking it out on the roads. Not only is it unsafe for road commuters, it will also put you behind bars, as the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has started cracking down on speedsters around the Sultanate. More recently, two individuals were arrested after they were caught racing on radar, said a senior ROP official, to the local media. The ROP also released a statement saying: “The ROP confirms that legal action has been taken against those who committed this act. “We hope that everyone will abide by traffic rules and regulations and make our roads safer for their users,” it added. Meanwhile, a citizen had also been arrested for drifting and performing stunts with his car in a parking area, in Khasab. The fines for drifting can range from RO500 to three months in jail, depending on the severity of the incident.

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JUL 13 - 19 / ISSUE 478

NEWS

FIRST INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TOUCHES DOWN AT SUHAR AIRPORT

uhar Airport successfully marked its International status after the first overseas flight –an Air Arabia Airbus A320-200 – touched down at the airport, earlier this week [Sunday, July 9]. According to a tweet by the Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC), the Air Arabia flight departed from Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, and arrived at the airport, at 9am. The Air Arabia flight currently operate three times a week, on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays, departing from Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) at 08:00 hours, and arriving at Suhar International Airport (OHS) at 08:40 local time. The return flight departs from Sohar at 09:20, landing in Sharjah at 10:00 local time. Meanwhile, the region’s leading flight operator, Qatar Airways, will also launch its flights to Suhar on August 8. The Doha-based airline had expressed interest to commence operations to Suhar, earlier this year. Qatar Airways will operate three flights weekly. Oman-based airline SalamAir, and Air Arabia had been given approval by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) to add an extra flight to

Suhar, earlier this week [Tuesday, July 11], too. With the approval, both SalamAir and Arabia are now entitled to fly four flights a week to Suhar. “The authority today issued its approval to add a fourth weekly flight to Suhar from next week for SalamAir and Air Arabia, from Salalah and Sharjah (respectively),” PACA reportedly stated, this week [Monday, July 10]. Mohammed bin Nasser al Zaabi, CEO of PACA, in a statement to local media, said: “Increase in flights to and from Sohar is a good indicator of growth demand and increased passenger traffic. We look forward to more”. The OAMC had earlier revealed that the Suhar airport is currently able to handle up to 500,000 passengers, annually.

MWASALAT HITS NEW MILESTONE

man’s national transport company, Mwasalat, continues to show its prowess in ferrying passengers across the capital, after it marked carrying an astonishing 2.2mn passengers in its buses over the first six months [January to June], this year. This is a growth of 48.5 per cent –or roughly 800,000 additional passengers –when compared to the results from the same period, in 2016. Also impressive is that the buses now transport more than 12,000 passengers, on average, daily, as opposed to the 8,000, from last year. Of the total number, 2.06mn passengers utilised the services in the Muscat Governorate. The Ruwi-Al Mabela route had the highest of more than 790,000 passengers, followed by 360,000 on Ruwi-Al Wadi Al Kabir, 340,000 on Ruwi-Al Amerat 240,000 on Al Khoud - SQU - Burj Al Sahwa and 190,000 on Ruwi-MutrahMuscat routes. The other routes are to the different governorates and Dubai.

Mwasalat had the highest number of passengers –24,000 –on July 1, the first day of Eid Al Fitr, within Muscat. On another note, it was also reported that the number of nationals using the bus services peaked at 40 per cent. The increase in the company’s growth rate reflects people’s awareness of public transport and its services, including free Wi-fi on board.

SPONGEBOB MANIA!

GALLERY

IT WAS A FUN EVENING FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS ALIKE, AS SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS AND HIS CREW FROM THE HIT COMEDY TV SHOW ON NICKELODEON, ENTERTAINED AT THE CITY CENTRE MUSCAT. THE FREEFOR-ALL EVENT WAS CONDUCTED OVER THREE DAYS [JUNE 30TH ONWARDS] AT THE MALL, AND WITNESSED LARGE CROWDS.

JUL 13 - 19 / ISSUE 478

011

YOUR

MAKE A WISH

OMAN

THE MUSCAT GRAND MALL (MGM) INTRODUCED ITS NEW AND ENTERTAINING ‘MGM WISH BOX’EXPERIENCE FOR CHILDREN TO CELEBRATE EID. KIDS WERE AMAZED WITH THE LIST OF GIFTS, WIHCH INCLUDED DOLL AND TRAIN SETS, REMOTE CONTROL CARS, EMOTICON PILLOWS, TALKING TOM AND ANGELA AMONG MANY OTHER TOYS. A TOTAL OF 2,422 GIFTS WERE DISTRIBUTED IN ALL, OVER THE EID WEEK.

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JUL 13 - 19 / ISSUE 478

NEWS

GALLERY

36,000 VEHICLES RECALLED IN OMAN THIS YEAR

as your vehicle been recalled for a repair? If you are not sure, do keep an eye out for the warnings issued by the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP), on its

website. Your vehicle could be among the 36,000 vehicles that were recalled for repairs, this year. The month of January witnessed 11,788 recalls which has so far been the highest month, while

THROUGH YOUR EYES

The sun setting over the Seeb beach brings out the adjacent mosque in a striking silhouette. The photo, titled ‘The Setting’, was captured by Allen Thomas, using his Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge.

April had 11,736 vehicle recalls, and May saw 4,957 vehicle recalls. According to the data revealed by the PACP, the month of March had the lowest recall count at 1,951. Recalls are issued to rectify or replace defective parts, and to conduct technical repairs that are discovered later by the manufacturing factory. “Such situations require bringing these vehicles to the workshops of authorised agents in various countries around the world,” the report read. The recalls came in accordance with the provisions of Article (27) of the Consumer Protection Law, which states that ‘upon discovery of a defective product or service, the supplier shall be liable to harm the consumer or his funds by stopping the circulation of the goods or services and informing consumers of this defect and withdrawing the defective item from the market immediately’.

SHARE YOUR PHOTO WITH Y TO BE FEATURED IN OUR NEW READER SECTION

PHOTO: Allen Thomas

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.

JUL 13 - 19 / ISSUE 478

013

014

JUL 13 - 19 / ISSUE 478 Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspiration: The perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of life.

In a new series, Yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photographer Shaquel al Balushi looks for inspiration from a variety of influences around Oman, including its people, places and wildlife.

TH RENAISSANCE DAY WITH ‘47 Reasons Why You Love Oman’

Like us on Facebook and tell us 47 reasons why you like Oman to stand a chance to win attractive prizes! Send your entries to editor@y-oman.com Last date for entry is 22nd July 2017

COMPETITION

Celebrate 47

YOUR

MEET AND GREET

OMAN

THE BRITISH BUSINESS FORUM (BBF) ORGANISED ITS MONTHLY MEET AND GREET SESSION AT THE LAVAL RESTAURANT, THIS WEEK [JULY 9, SUNDAY]. THE EVENT WAS ATTENDED BY SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE GROUP, INCLUDING ORDER OF BRITISH EMPIRE HOLDER, MAGGIE JEANS. THE BBF IS A NETWORKING GROUP, WHICH AIMS TO PROMOTE UKOMAN BUSINESS LINKS.

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JUL 13 - 19 / ISSUE 478

NEWS

STAY CONNECTED With

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THE WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON GUIDE

BLOOD DONATION

JUL

INFANT INTERESTS JUL

Planning to donate blood? Apart from the fact that it is a noble deed, blood donation is largely recommended by doctors and medical experts for health reasons. If you are planning to donate then there is a blood camp being organised by We Help â&#x20AC;&#x201C; BDK Oman Chapter this week in Baushar. Call Kabeer on 96094365

WEEK

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

JULY-AUGUST

Learn how to create floral arrangements for your own enjoyment and use. Vantage International is organising a workshop at Mumtaz Residence to introduce floral design for all Vantage members who wish to learn about flower arranging. The formative sessions are taught by experienced instructors. For details and bookings, call 93435226.

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JUL 13 - 19 / ISSUE 478

JUL

Floral workshop

THIS

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.

Gallery

Movies

Play it up with music AUG

ART CLASSES FOR CHILDREN

Summer is here and it’s time to gear up for the season’s hottest trend – music camps. Tunes Institute of Music is organising a music summer camp for kids aged up to 11 years. Kids will get a chance to learn about various musical instruments and can take part in other programmes that include an introduction to music, recorder workshops and a Cajun workshop. For bookings, telephone 95454888.

PAINT YOUR FURNITURE

AUG

Instead of keeping your children at home during the long summer school holidays, here’s your chance to indulge them in art of all forms. Bait Al Baranda is launching a children’s summer workshop on August 6. For bookings, call Malik Al Hinai on 24714262.

JUL

Paint your own furniture and take on other home projects under the guidance of a trained professional. Sununu Muscat is hosting a workshop where you share your space with other creative people while listening to music and exploring the wonders of Annie Sloan’s decorative paint. Telephone 90185174 for details.

JUL 13 - 19 / ISSUE 478

019

expensive buildings of all time

Top

❶

❷

Palace of Versailles

Abraj Al Bait

Location: France Cost: US$16 Billion

Location: Mecca, Saudi Arabia Cost: US$15 Billion

❸

❹

Marina Bay Sands

Resorts World Sentosa

Location: Marina Bay, Singapore Cost: US$5.5 Billion

Location: Singapore Cost: US$4.93 Billion

❺ Burj Khalifa

World’s Tallest Building Location: UAE Cost: US$1.5 Billion Rank 22

The Cosmopolitan

Location: Las Vegas, USA Cost: US$3.9 Billion Source: themysteriousworld.com

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JUL 13 - 19 / ISSUE 478

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

The Hunter’s Prayer

War for the Planet of the Apes Caesar (Andy Serkis) is a world-weary ape leader with some hefty weight on his hairy shoulders. He had been hoping to retire in the lush and bountiful forest that is his home. But then he and his cohorts are forced to defend their habitat against a battalion of human interlopers. Instead of killing them, he displays humanity (ironic) and sends them home as a gesture of peace. However, his gesture fails to impress their leader, the Colonel (Woody Harrelson), a blond-haired messianic nutcase (remind you of anyone?) A deadly virus has rendered humans speechless and reduced them to the role of animals. The malevolent Colonel, while wishing to relieve the human race of those infected, rejects Caeser’s largesse and launches his bid to wipe out the apes.

Caesar knows there’s never going to be peace and harmony between anthropoids and humans. It’s all heading for a showdown, and a pretty spectacular one at that. This, the third in the current franchise, is a gritty war film with admittedly a bit more chest-thumping than most. There’s a nod to Apocalypse Now (with the Colonel more than a little Kurtz-like) as well as the dystopian original Planet of the Apes, which starred Charlton Heston. It’s also a masterclass of modern CGI, and some of Caesar’s close-ups betray more emotion and gravitas with one flick of a furry eyelid than any forced grimace your average action hero could muster. It’s a great film but one for adults. It’s dark in places (in every sense) with some scenes of ape suffering so leave your young ones at home. Review by Kevin McIndoe

It’s not a bad little action thriller but not particularly enthralling. The hitman-forhire-with- a-conscience theme has been done rather a lot in recent years, too.

Lucas (Sam Worthington) is a hitman hired to kill a young woman Ella (Odeya Rush) who has no idea of the dodgy deals that led to the murder of her family. When Lucas can’t bring himself to pull the trigger, his employers aren’t best pleased, to put it mildly. He ends up having to team up with Ella in an uneasy alliance to escape his employers and find out who killed her family and bring the culprits to justice.

Mehrunisa V Lub U Ali (Danish Taimoor, pictured) and Mehrunisa (Sana Javed) are a happily married couple living in Karachi. However, there is but one blott on their otherwise perfect domestic harmony: they are having trouble bearing a child. This delightful rom-com tastefully and skilfully treats a subject that could easily have sunk into syrupy mawkishness. We may have seen films about couples trying for a child before eg Maybe, Baby but this is a very accessible mix of romance, comedy and action, with something to say. Both leads deliver deft, nuanced performances, and Javed (a cricketer) proves you can moved from the world of sports to film in her big-screen debut. David Beckham, take note.

Long View THE DARK TOWER Roland Deschain aka The Gunslinger (Idris Elba, pictured) trudges around a Wild-West landscape where the world has moved on, in search of Walter O’ Dim, also known as The Man In Black (Matthew McConaughey). The former is in a battle with the latter over the Dark Tower, which is key to holding the universe together. The two men are destined to fight it out in the ultimate battle of good vs evil. It all sounds very promising, and anything adapted from a Stephen King novel must be worth checking out. I always thought The Man in Black was the epithet earned by the legendary Johnny Cash, though. Oman Release Date: August 3

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 Lucas in ‘The Hunter’s Prayer’? LAST WEEK'S WINNER Ryan Dias

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HOUSE O The significant drop in oil prices, the controversy surrounding the NOC rule, and the consequent shrinking of the expatriate population has attributed to a sharp drop in residential rents in Oman, reports Alvin Thomas.

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F CARDS T

his year has been an important one for Shimon Mohandas. He has just tied the knot and has moved out of his parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; home in Ruwi. When looking for an apartment for his bride and himself, he was expecting a frustrating search, as any house-hunter would appreciate. But the newlyweds have found a beautiful, fully-furnished one-bedroom apartment with A/C, and their good fortune is down to one thing: a drop in the residential rental market across the country. A recent survey by a top Muscat estate agent has revealed that would-be tenants are now paying less rent for their homes.

And that has been attributed to a drop in oil prices, the controversy over the NOC issue for expats, and the consequent shrinking of the population. Shimon and his wife began their search for a one-bedroom apartment between Al Hamriyah and Darsait, and within a monthly rental of RO200 and RO250. They were not expecting to find good flats at that price and had been willing to compromise. But to their surprise, not only could they find an apartment for that price, they were also inundated with calls from landlords offering twobedroomed flats for what they had expected to pay for just one. Shimon, a manager in an engineering firm,

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says: “We went through nearly 50 apartments before finally making a decision. We had that many options to go through. “I remember that even last year, when I first dipped my feet into the property market, I could not find even old one-bedroom apartments for below RO250. “This time around not only did we have the upper hand with landlords, we could choose between numerous houses before we made up our minds. Heck, we also do not have to pay the maintenance fees to our apartment. This is how desperate landlords have become to get tenants.”

deterioration in tenant requirement levels over the last few years” due to the sharp drop in oil prices in 2016, which caused job uncertainty among expats and citizens alike. A recent study carried out by the Oxford Economics finds that Oman’s hydrocarbon receipts have fallen while the government deficit has widened, and stood at 21 per cent of the country’s GDP, to the end of November 2016. While it highlights some positive steps taken by the government to manage the evolving conditions, overall spending has continued to recede, falling by 7.5 per cent last year.

THIS TIME AROUND NOT ONLY DID WE HAVE THE UPPER HAND WITH LANDLORDS, WE COULD CHOOSE BETWEEN NUMEROUS HOUSES BEFORE WE MADE UP OUR MINDS. HECK, WE ALSO DO NOT HAVE TO PAY THE MAINTENANCE FEES TO OUR APARTMENT. THIS IS HOW DESPERATE LANDLORDS HAVE BECOME TO GET TENANTS. Maintenance fees are costs incurred for various tasks that are carried out across the property i.e. cleaning the halls, servicing equipment, electricity charges for lifts, escalators and lights or any other added costs. In a normal apartment, this is known to amount to 10 per cent of the monthly rent of the house. In reality, Shimon and his wife are just two of many tenants overjoyed by a recent drop in rent rates across the Sultanate. According to the recently-published Cluttons Muscat Spring 2017 Property Market Outlook report, by international real estate consultants Cluttons, tenants are paying less in rents for residential properties. According to the report, average rents across Muscat receded by 10.1 per cent in 2016. However, during the final quarter (Q4) alone of last year, rents fell by 4.2 per cent, leaving average monthly rents around Oman at just below RO700. UP UNTIL 2013, THE RENT STOOD AT RO550, BEFORE DROPPING TO RO500, IN 2016, AND RO475, RECENTLY. THIS IS WHAT WE USED TO PAY AS RENT 10 YEARS AGO Shimon then adds that he is currently paying a rent of RO475 for his parents’ villa, in Ruwi. “Up until 2013, the rent stood at RO550, before dropping to RO500, in 2016, and RO475, recently. This is what we used to pay as rent 10 years ago,” he exclaims. As far as the state of the property market goes, Faisal Durrani, the head of research at Cluttons, says: “For the past many months, we have been reporting big corrections taking place in the market, and to an extent, there are some initial signs to suggest that in some locations both residential and commercial sectors may be starting to bottom out. “It is too early to fully call it but there are signs indicating that.” But, many experts say that the falling rents across the market are symptomatic of a “rapid 024

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And reports that Oman’s population reportedly shrank by 1.2 per cent in June (from May) have also surfaced. It is also worth noting that nearly 6000 expatriates were known to have left the country in a period of 30 days. These statistics were revealed earlier this month by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). So, is the falling number of expatriates affecting the property sector, here?

“Yes,” says Fahad al Kharusi, a landlord of two apartment complexes in Azaiba.“My buildings are running at less than 55 per cent occupancy, and I have been reducing the rent for the past year-anda-half. “I even make sure my agency takes special care to maintain the flats free of cost. My tenants must not feel like I am ripping them off,” he says. “But, I have witnessed numerous families take off after losing their jobs or simply moving to newer and cheaper apartments.” Faisal isn’t alone, either. “All our neighbouring flats have been running at less than 60 per cent occupancy for the past two years,” he says. And little wonder, as the Cluttons report highlights that tenants are “aware of the market conditions and are very much in the driving seat”. One tenant (who wishes to remain anonymous) asks: “Why should we pay hundreds of Riyals and stay at a place where we are treated like nobodies?” “If I pay RO500 for a flat or villa, I expect to get the maximum value for it or I will make myself and my family scarce. We can always find a new house, given the current market.” He then goes on to explain that one residential complex (owned by a reputable property company) in which he had been living had a faulty plumbing system. “One of the flats I stayed in had very bad plumbing, which meant there was no pressure in the pipes. We couldn’t even take a shower, and the tub in my washing machine would never fill up with water. “So, we had to fill buckets to shower and rely on dry-cleaners to get our clothes cleaned,” he says When asked why he didn’t shift out immediately, he says: “I was made to sign a year-long contract, and had to pay six months of my rent upfront. “By the second month we were tired of living there, and we asked if we could move out of our apartment. But the management wouldn’t allow us to do that, and threatened that they would not reimburse me with the six-months rent that I had

ALL OUR NEIGHBOURING FLATS HAVE BEEN RUNNING AT LESS THAN 60 PER CENT OCCUPANCY FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS.

paid up front. “I had to stay there for one whole year. And you know what, I’m sure they still haven’t fixed the plumbing there.” Several reputable real-estate companies have come under fire from tenants for making them sign bonds and complete contract periods or face strict fines. Shane Benz, an American expatriate, told Y: “I moved into a pent-house in Ruwi in December 2016. However, I soon lost my job. “The day I lost my job, I alerted my landlord that I would be moving. But instead of simply fining me for breaching the contract, he asked me to pay 11 months’ rent prior to leaving. “I was shocked. Alongside that, I was also asked to pay a municipality tax, and also cover painting charges for the house,” he exclaims. In retaliation, Shane had threatened to file a case with the Public Authority of Consumer Protection (PACP), after which his landlord backed off. He was then made to pay only one month’s rent, as stated in a standard “occupancy contract”. However, despite the issues faced by tenants with real-estate companies, Cluttons points out that it is these complexes that continue to maintain high occupancy levels. Their report highlights that residential and commercial complexes such as Al Assalah Towers, Hatat Complex, The Greens have “greater than 95 per cent” occupancy rates, in Muscat. Meanwhile, Meydan Al Azaiba, is reported to have 80 to 85 per cent occupancy. “They (the tenants) are gravitating towards larger, well-managed residential schemes with facilities that are considered to offer both a desirable lifestyle and good value for money,” says the report. However, an investigation into the rents reveal up to a 40 per cent drop in rents in several of these apartment complexes. But we understand that the price drop comes at a price. The operations manager of one of Oman’s leading residential and commercial property firms, on condition of anonymity, tells Y: “For months now, we have been cutting down on costs, as we have dropped the rents by up to RO200 in certain locations. “We cannot afford to let our flats go empty. That’s just a waste of space. In return, however, we have been made to compromise on maintenance equipment. JUL 13 - 19 / ISSUE 478

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“For instance, the recent order we placed for a set of taps, tubelights and A/C refrigerant which were of lower quality than what we usually provide. It’s just a decision that came from higher up the management chain.” However, he remains tight-lipped when asked about whether his company skimps on any other equipment (i.e. lift maintenance, cleaning, pest control, painting, etc.), ducks the question, and ends the interview. Despite this, tenants are still overjoyed over the dropping rents. And things can only get better as the short-term prospects for the market mean rent corrections on average of 10 to 15 per cent this year. But their optimism may be short-lived, as the real-estate sector may bounce back for landlords. H.E. Mohammed al-Busaidi, the chairman of Oman Real Estate Association (OREA), is confident that it will. “There has been a general slow-down in the number of residential properties that are being developed in the area, because of the abundance in supply and lack of demand for properties,” he says. “This can be attributed to many factors and the lack of new job opportunities is one of them. “But I cannot say that there has been a “drastic” drop in rents. Yes, there is a drop. But I feel it is only marginal. “The real estate market is a cycle – prices will drop down and then come back up again. All of this depends on the various factors and living conditions prevalent in the region. “I believe that the market will be stabilised soon. More Omanis are graduating and moving on to work with companies within Oman. “This means more of these youngsters will move away from their homes and rent out apartments in the city. “This will surely help to bring back the demand and supply ratio back up,” he adds. Meanwhile, Durrani confirms that 2017 has begun on a more stable start, with rents during 026

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! • The landlord is responsible for

registering the lease agreement with the local Municipality (where the leased premises are located) within one month of entering into the lease agreement in order to render the agreement valid and binding. • The landlord is required to bear all costs associated with registering the lease and if the parties fail to register the lease within one month, the landlord shall be responsible for paying three times the registration cost for registering the lease. The tenant may also register the lease and deduct the costs from the rental payment owed to the landlord. • The rent for leased premises cannot be increased for a period of three years from the date of commencement of the lease term. • The landlord and tenant are required to give notice to each other three months in advance of the expiry of the lease term in case they wish to terminate the lease agreement. However, the landlord is prevented from terminating the lease agreement for three years for residential leases and five years for commercial leases, during which time the lease term will be renewed automatically unless

the tenant gives three months’ notice before expiry of the relevant year during the lease term. • The landlord may evict the tenant earlier than the aforesaid periods in case of non-payment of rent or misuse of the property by the tenant, or if the tenant sublets the premises without the landlord’s approval. Moreover, the landlord may evict the tenant if he requires the premises for residential use for himself or his first or second-degree relatives. • If the landlord does not hand over the premises in a good condition to the tenant, or does not hand over the premises at all, then the tenant may approach the court to terminate the lease agreement and refund any rent paid to the landlord. • If there is a new owner of the leased premises, the landlord is required to notify the tenant and the tenant is required to pay rent to the new owner with effect from the date that the new title deed was registered with the Secretariat of the Land Registry at the Ministry of Housing. Hasnain Bokhari is a lawyer specialising in commercial real estate, tourism and infrastructure at law firm Al Busaidy Mansoor Jamal & Co

the three months to the end of March only declining on average, by 0.6 per cent – a blessing for many landlords across the Sultanate. “We track 12 locations in Muscat, four of them have no change this quarter,” confirms Durrani. “People are still nervous about job security; tenants are still shopping around for what they perceive as the best deal for them. We are seeing some changes in the behaviour of landlords; you still get some landlords who are stubborn to react

to market conditions. “We are aware of some cases, where the vacancy rate in the building is as high as 25 per cent,” he tells. While tenants across the Sultanate have welcomed the rent drop with open arms, how much will this affect the landlords, and more so, how will this have an impact on the economy? And with GDP growth forecast to slow to 0.4 per cent this year, from 1.5 per cent, in 2016;

the prospects for a sudden surge in job creation rates and a subsequent increase in the level of requirements for rented accommodation remain low. As the Cluttons report says: “It is perhaps too early to call the current conditions entirely stable as the weak signs of stability may be quickly upset by any shocks to the global economy, or indeed the local economy.”

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SAY IT WITH FLOW From a gift to your hostess to making a brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day unforgettable, a group of decorators are making floral art a mainstay in Oman, writes Alvin Thomas

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“

ERS

lowers are the music of the kinds of flowers that we use to set ground… from earth’s lips the mood. spoken without sound”, “I am glad to see people are the beautiful lines from the accepting the new flavours on ode Flowers, written by the 20th the market. We place orders for Century American poet Edwin conventional as well as eßxotic Curran. blooms but the best-quality And while it talks about flowers are those imported from the majestic “silent melodies” Holland, Thailand and Malaysia. composed by daffodils and “Oman is a tad diverse, marigolds, it highlights something however,” Khushbu says. greater: our love affair with flora. “Occasions like birthdays, The tradition of giving and baby showers, graduation and receiving flowers – and more weddings are the events that are importantly – using floral most celebrated here, today. arrangements for occasions, dates “Weddings in Oman, back to the late BCs in ancient particularly, are becoming a Rome. grand affair. To make it more But it hasn’t been until memorable day, it is decorated recently that demand for floral with lots of loose flowers as well arrangements has gradually as arrangements. The demand increased in the Sultanate, for these wedding decorations has according to one of Oman’s top given us a boost to deliver more flower experts. in this market, too. Walking through this wind of “We are specialised in change is Khushbu Toprani, the arranging the wedding Sales and Marketing Manager decorations and our team of of Ultimate Planner, a shop that florists and event planners craft specialises in floral decoration designs for each wedding as per and implements the renowned the preference of the client.” “Dutch Master Floral Art” i.e. After a recent trip to an flower arrangement art concept, Omani wedding, we learn that in the country. weddings require decorations Flower arrangement training, at the entrance, stage decor, also known as the Master Flower table arrangements and bridal Arranger (or Dutch Master bouquets. Florist) course, is very much the However, in a changing trend, showpiece of the industry. even cars are decorated with “Seeing the rise in the demand flowers (!) of flowers preferred by the people Each arrangement varies from of Oman for various occasions one to another thereby causing and their needs gave us the idea a fluctuation in pricing. After of this unique retail outlet,” a conversation with Khushbu, says Khushbu, who joined the we learn that a typical floral company last year. decorative piece can cost What makes Ultimate Planner’s anywhere between RO5 and idea stand out, however, are the RO20. kinds of flowers they use to create “We also get orders for the floral art. larger arrangement for home “We have a variety of flowers or office decor. Artificial floral at our store. We also provide arrangement is usually preferred exotic flowers from different for these, as they are long-lasting parts of the world; mainly and easy to maintain.” Holland. Roses, Hydrangeas, But, be it real or artificial, it Chrysanthemums, Amaryllis, seems that the floral culture in Orchids, Peonys, etc. are the Oman is here to stay. Where to find them? The store is located in the heart of Qurum, falling on the service road of Sultan Qaboos Highway, alongside the HSBC Bank offices. Call 24657191 or WhatsApp 79059708

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Adventures

Fa s h i o n

Health

Fo o d

LIFE STYLE

LOVELY LASMU

Catch Shaquel take on the gorgeous Wadi Lasmu in a funfilled trip to the outskirts of Oman â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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

Photos: Shaquel al Balushi Words: Alvin Thomas

WADI LASMU

SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI FINDS A WADI THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GREAT FOR WILING AWAY SOME TIME, AND HAS A UNIQUE LINE IN FREE PEDICURES 032

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whereabouts thus leading to better climactic conditions for wildlife. I notice that there are two other groups who have been camping in the area too. However, I don’t intend to disrupt their day and continue without disturbing them. Imran and I then have a dip in the wadi, which consists of crystal, clear water that has a steady and smooth rate of flow. Imran takes a nice bath while I set my camping chair in the water and simply sit there – in the middle of the wadi. The sound of the water hitting the thin legs of the chair makes a very distinct sound, and it is very, very soothing to listen to. I sit there for minutes, enjoying this moment of tranquility. However, soon, I feel something weird and ticklish on my feet. Looking down, I see a shoal of tiny wadi fish nibbling down on my feet. Well, I’ll tell you this: it is the cheapest pedicure I have ever had. No appointments, no annoying queues and no expense. This is the ideal trip after months of being bogged down with physiotherapy at home. Soon, Imran joins me, too. We then sit together to chew the fat. Imran calls the place “mesmerising”, and I concur. Funnily enough, there isn’t much banter between us this time around. It can only be because we have just resumed these excursions we take together. I give it a couple more weeks before he and I start our usual (friendly) fights. Oh, as for Wadi Lasmu, I would like to advise those interested in trekking there to head down on the weekend. It really is worth it. A disconnect like this is exactly what we all need. Let nature work its magic on you. And while you’re at it, try out its free pedicure, too.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

can scarcely believe it but it has been three long months since I last ventured out for a Destination. Keen readers will know that I was actually away for quite a while due to a shoulder injury. Now I’m back in business, and trust me when I say this: I couldn’t feel any better but because I’m only just getting back into the swing of things at Y, I’m taking it steady. So, accompanying me on my trip is my old buddy Imran, who is also my designated driver for the day. Unlike the old days, however, this time we actually sit down to pinpoint a location for our trip so we don’t get lost. Have you seen the temperature and humidity levels around here? Ufff ! Our destination is Wadi Lasmu, a wadi disconnected (but not too far away) from civilisation; and one that is actually known to be wet all-year around. We here at Y have also never headed there so this would be a first for us. So, bags set and Imran’s trusty Pajero all filled up with fuel, we head out into the unknown. The drive is fairly straightforward: we take Route 17 highway and then take the turn towards the village of Quriyat. From there, we have to resort to using Google Maps, as there are no known markings pointing towards this wadi, and surprisingly even the remote village that surrounds it. In any case, we proceed across the Quriyat road and get as close to the village as possible before heading off-road towards the direction we think is the safest and most vehicle-friendly. Mind you, you will still require an SUV should you want to head here. After a few minutes of gravel driving we begin to see greenery and wildlife (goats, mostly). Another 10 minutes of driving later, the GPS tells us that we are in the heart of the wadi. So, we disembark from our “warrior” SUV and scour the land on foot; not because the SUV cannot take more but rather because I have to start taking pictures. There’s abundant water in the wadi, and there are many different “pools” – some deep enough to bathe in – that are scattered across the terrain. The temperature is a mild 30-degrees Celsius, too although humidity is a mood-killer. I begin shooting and getting back into the groove of work. I first snap some images of the wildlife that is around, and the beautiful wild shrubs and grass that have completely taken over the wet areas. Obviously, these are known to disappear in the summer months in many other wadis I have been in. But because the wadi is carefully nestled between mountains, shadows are always cast on the

From Muscat, take the Route 17 and head straight to the village of Quriyat. Take the turn-off towards Wadi Daykah, and keep to the road. Use your GPS to roughly locate the destination of the village of Lasmu. Head off-road for 20 minutes, and you will reach the wadi.

GPS location: N23°08’01.8” E58°’53’43.3”

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

Photos: Alvin Thomas

Alvin Thomas finds a car with verve, versatility and a veritable handle on how to do things well for less money

irst things first: let’s answer the big questions. Is it an SUV? Is it a hatchback? Or is it a super-mini? Well, folks, guess what: unlike one would expect our test car – the SsangYong Tivoli – is a blend of all three. And you know what? It is pretty darn good and then some. Introduced to the world as a vehicle manufacturer in 1954, SsangYong first gained traction around the world with its SUV, the Musso, in 1993. The SUV was the offspring of a technology deal between the brand and Daimler-Benz. The brand went on to become the fourth bestselling car manufacturer in South Korea, a position it still holds. I still remember when SsangYong began importing its vehicles to the Middle East: I believe it was the early 2000s, when its cars first started rolling across the roads of Oman. I recall telling my friends: “What hideous looking cars these Mussos and Rodiuses are.” Styling seemed to be the last word on the plate for SsangYong, then. Many moons have passed since then, though, as is evident with this Tivoli I’m driving this week. Setting aside the cleverly inspired name (from the town with the same name in Italy) and rather fitting face value, what you actually have at hand is a very handsome and youthful-looking urban cruiser. Mind you, the design-language isn’t particularly groundbreaking but its inoffensive styling, coupled with the solid red paintjob – the one my tester came in – gave it ample character. The body shell is boxy but the sweeping headlamps with built-in LEDs, the flared arches, and chiselled front bumper give the car an aggressive front profile. The rear, however, is a tad subtle. You get transparent tail lamps and even the silencer is buried under the

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rear bumper. I wouldn’t be wrong in saying that the Tivoli looks a tad more European than Asian. Inside, you get a very functional and neatly laid-out dashboard, which is a doddle to use. All the buttons on the dashboard are neatly labelled, aside from the button that alters the steering feel, which was oddly placed away from the driver. The seats are covered in two-tone cloth upholstery that is quite comfortable. The seats don’t have much bolstering, though, and can be a handful while cornering hard. But the seating position is excellent and is almost like that of a tall sedan.

The arm-rests on the doors and the top of the dashboard are wrapped in soft-touch materials but the rest of the interior is pretty much all plastic. Mind you: it still is a very nice place to be in, and at no point did I feel as if I was in a budget car. The features list in my test car included a responsive 20cm LCD multimedia display, cruise control, dualzone auto air-conditioning, steering firmness modes, driving modes and even a multi-information display screen, which shows the steering angle of the car on the instrument cluster. What caught me by surprise; however, were the safety features that have been added on as standard.

Destination

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

You get seven airbags (!), stability and traction control, ABS, seat-belt pre-tensioners and a tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Practicality is the Tivoli’s strong suit: there’s ample space in the rear for three healthy adults, even with the exhaust tunnel hump in the middle. The headroom is exceptional, thanks to the tall stance, and there’s no chance of rear-seat passengers experiencing claustrophobia. Getting in and out of the Tivoli is easy, thanks to its wide opening doors. Meanwhile, the front seats offer plenty of movement fore and aft, allowing adults of various sizes to make themselves comfortable. The boot space in the Tivoli is excellent. The boot is in a square shape and has a wide aperture to give you easy access. However, the load lip is quite high, meaning; you will find yourself having to lift goods higher up than usual. Underneath the hood lies a tiny 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated in-line four cylinder engine, pumping out 126hp and 160Nm of torque. The engine is furthermore coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox, driving the front wheels. The Tivoli will reportedly hit 100kph from naught in 12.5 seconds but because it was a hot 42-degree-Celsius day, I thought it wasn’t fair to push the car to test its limits.

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

The engine is refined at low revs but comes alive past the 3000rpm mark before finally loudly screaming its way (as is characteristic with four cylinder cars) past 4000rpm. This can get a tad annoying as most of the power is delivered in the upper rev range. It still is charismatic and lively, unlike most cars of today. The traditional automatic gearbox is pretty nifty to respond to the corresponding speeds and revs, and sits comfortably in the right gears for the most part. Despite this, you could throw the gearbox into “S” and push the “Power” button to eke out a bit more juice out of the gearbox. The Tivoli’s steering is well-weighted and precise but like most cars of today doesn’t provide much feedback. It still is a joy to use, when compared to those completely dead electric steering racks of today that rivals use. As an added treat, in “Sport” setting, the steering also gains weight and seems to alter its steering response ratios. The ride in the Tivoli is pretty smooth, despite riding on large 44cm alloy wheels. But, as with most rival sub-compact SUVs, the ride on the Tivoli can be bumpy and unsettled on rough roads. I found myself fidgeting with the steering more than I should have had to on the older roads in Ruwi. But that is only a small niggle, as the SUV handles corners rather well and is sure-footed even at high speeds. There is a substantial SsangYong Tivoli Specifications: Engine: 1.6-litre in-line four-cylinder Transmission: Six-speed automatic Horsepower: 126hp Torque: 160Nm Top speed: 160kph Front wheel drive LED daytime running lights Seven airbags Fabric upholstery ABS 18cms colour LCD touchscreen 43cms alloys “Floating” roof Dual zone air conditioning Smart instrument cluster Cruise control Drive mode selector Steering mode selector Traction control Stability control

amount of body roll but nothing that you should be worried about. The tyres are quite grippy but understeer will kick in and wash you wide, if you take corners past 70kph. The SsangYong Tivoli is the Korean carmaker’s first product under Indian Mahindra ownership. And while it does have its flaws, it still takes on its competitors from Asia with much flare and gusto. And you know what? It succeeds as one of the better propositions in the market, with its good looks, long list of features and a price to match.

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CARS ADVENTURES

1. Watch the world go by in Mannerheimintie Street 2. Take a ferry trip to the Suomenlinna islands 3. Admire the commanding buildings in Senate Square 4. Step back in time at Seurasaari open-air museum 5. Let off steam with a walk through Keskuspuisto

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HELSINKI MAGIC

Helsinki lies on a peninsula on the north coast of Finland, and looks out onto the Baltic Sea.

Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

David Hughes recommends

HELSINKI, FINLAND

inland is often unfairly thought of as the slightly less well-known Scandinavian sibling of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. It’s not renowned for oil wealth (Norway) IKEA, Abba and Volvo (Sweden) or gritty TV cop dramas (Denmark) but it is the land of voracious coffee drinkers (more cups per capita than in any other European country; Italy included), and its capital city absolutely radiates cool (in every sense of the word). A more outdoor-oriented city would be hard to find. Helsinki lies on a peninsula on the north coast of Finland, and looks out onto the Baltic Sea. The peninsula has numerous isles and craggy inlets, and the city itself is surrounded by acres of forest. And it certainly doesn’t stint on the design front, either. The pristine architecture; from the Neo-Gothic and Art Deco of yesteryear to the clean-cut lines of the modern era are immediately apparent, and the city’s ochre and azure-blue coloured edifices are very easy on the eye. One must-do in Helsinki is to visit a sauna. This particularly Scandinavian form of keeping clean has been a way of life in Finland for more than 2000 years, and was invented here. Before people had their own bathrooms (and now, builtin saunas), a communal neighbourhood sauna was the place to go, keep clean and socialise. There are still a few original ones open, and a few new ones have opened such is their prominence in the culture. There’s more to Finnish food here than simply herring and pickle, and the fashionable Kallio area has a host of eateries; from hip and affordable delis to cosy cafes offering home-made fare to more fancy bistros many of which offer some really great value lunch-time deals. Waiting to be savoured are mouthwatering Kalakukko (a kind of pasty filled with minced herring), grillimakkara (big fat juicy sausages), crayfish, and of course, reindeer steak served with mashed potatoes and cranberries.

SUOME N L IN N A SEA FO JUST O RTRES U T S ID E S H E L S IN C A P IT A K I, T H E L O F F IN LAND

My favourite place I think the real heart of Helsinki is Mannerheimintie Street. It runs north from the Central Railway Station and starts from the end of Helsinki’s Esplanade. Named after the prominent military leader Marshal Mannerheim (there’s a statue of him, too), it’s a great place to walk, hang out, shop and take in some of the city’s best cultural attractions. A stroll will bring you to Kiasma, the city’s magnificent Museum of Contemporary Art as well as the Parliament building. The street is also the nucleus of all tram and bus routes to almost anywhere in Helsinki and even beyond.

E L S IN K I A N D S IN H R OC K Y IS L AGO A R C H IP E L

Highlights

Keskuspuisto, Helsinki’s central park, is more of a wild forest than simply a park with well-maintained gardens and paths. It really is huge (more than 10 sq km) and is packed with biking and walking trails as well as the usual complement of swings, roundabouts and chutes. The park begins at the Olympic Stadium and stretches into the Paloheina forest, which is popular for cross-country ski-ing. After your taster of what is clearly a model for modern urban outdoor life, you might want to head to Market Square. It’s the traditional heart of the city and hosts one mighty outdoor market that boasts an array of stalls selling food, flowers and takeaway snacks. As you’d expect, they do museums well here, and there’s plenty to choose from. From the Helsinki Olympic Museum, the National Museum, the National Museum of Art, Seurasaari (an open-air museum of Finnish dwellings though the ages) and Suomenlinna (an 18th century island fortress now UNESCO listed, there is much to broaden the mind.

Lowlights Souvenirs

It’s Finland so don’t expect it to be cheap.

The Design District is the place to head to for jewellery, clothing, antiques, objets d’art etc. Finland’s flagship scion of furniture design, Artek, is a great place to meet friends, drink coffee, sit down (on numerous display models) and buy that funky piece to be shipped back home, and maybe a light or two while you’re at it.

Getting there Oman Air, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines all offer flights from Muscat with one stop on the way (Munich or Istanbul). Where to stay

There are plenty of hotels here to suit all budgets. All the world’s top chains are here, and most are in the city centre. The best places to look for options are websites such as Trivago, Booking.com, Hotels. com, Kayak or Expedia.

KALAK UKKO T R A D IT IO N A L FO FI N N IS H O D FR O R E G IO N M THE OF SAV O N IA M A BAKED D E FR O IN S ID E M FI S H A LOAF OF BRE AD

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

SAFE AND SOUND Alvin Thomas gets a handle on some devices designed to deal with home security

SMART LOCK “Wait! Did I lock the door?” – how many times have you asked yourself that while in the middle of something important? Well, don’t worry; we have all done it. This is precisely why you (and I) need the August Smart Lock. As its name suggests, the device acts as a virtual key, locking the door automatically behind you as you walk out. It works by connecting to your smartphone and detects when you’re stepping out. Moreover, you can also track who comes in and goes out while granting time-sensitive access to friends or guests. Get it from august.com for RO76.6

SAFE HAVEN Are you afraid of burglars kicking down your door? If so, you need to install the Haven on your door. Unlike most keylocks, the device is placed at the bottom of the door, providing a sturdy obstacle to prevent unwanted entry. Moreover, Haven is made with steel and glass-reinforced nylon and aluminium, thus providing your door with added levels of strength. And yes, it can be controlled via Bluetooth. Buy it from havenlock.com for RO96.2

LIFE’S GOOD The name LG Smart Security may sound a tad uninspiring but don’t be fooled: the device is all game and here to protect you from… well… anything that shouldn’t be in your home. It comes pre-fitted – despite its small body shell – a highresolution camera, environmental monitor, siren and even the ability to control other security devices (like the August Smart Lock we talk about, here). This really is a case of “big things come in small packages”. You can even control the device’s functions with your voice, using Amazon’s Alexa service. Yours for RO76.6 from amazon.com

LOCK AND LOAD

EDITOR’S PICK

REMEMBERING NUMEROUS PASSWORDS TO OUR EVER-EXPANDING SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES, BANK ACCOUNTS, SMARTPHONE LOCKS, ETC. CAN BE A TEDIOUS PROCESS. THEREFORE, PEOPLE RELY ON A PASSWORD MANAGER TO KEEP THINGS IN CHECK. BUT, THINGS CAN GO AWRY IF SOMEONE GETS HOLD OF YOUR MASTER PASSWORD. THAT’S WHY YOU NEED THE SONAVATION IDKEY. LIKE ALL PASSWORD MANAGERS, THE DEVICE CAN STORE ALL YOUR DATA IN ONE PLACE BUT YOU CAN ONLY UNLOCK THE DEVICE USING YOUR FINGERPRINT. IMPRESSIVE? OH, AND WE HAVEN’T EVEN GOT TO THE BEST PART: THE FINGERPRINT SCANNER IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER. IT CREATES A 3D IMAGE OF YOUR FINGER AND SCANS THE RIDGES AND WHORLS TO GRANT YOU ACCESS. PRE-ORDER IT FROM IDKEY.COM

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Dirt 4

App of the Week

here’s nothing quite as satisfying as barrelling Info Box down a dirt track at 200kph and swerving around Developer: the corner, clipping the boundary ropes ever-soCODEMASTERS slightly to let the audience know that you have the race Publisher: under control. And in a nutshell, that’s Dirt 4. CODEMASTERS But, of course, there’s more to the game than just Engine: speed driving. After all, the Dirt franchise has long been EGO ENGINE 4.0 acclaimed as the best dirt rally game in the business. Platform: So, does Dirt 4 deliver the goods, then? MICROSOFT WINDOWS, PLAYSTATION 4, In short: Yes and No! XBOX ONE You see, my first interaction with this franchise came in 1998, when the game wasn’t Dirt at all. It was dubbed the “Colin McRae Rally”. Back then, the game focused solely on rally stages – like a real dirt rally. But then, things changed: Codemasters (the developers) soon started targeting the American audience. Thereafter, what ensued was a host of drab and dingy games aimed at pulling out the perfect donuts, drifts and wooing crowds by pulling off unnecessary stunts. Gone were the days of good ol’ rallying. On the plus side, though, things have come back for this year… to an extent. For instance, when you turn on the game, you get asked whether you want to play in “Simulation” or “Gamer” mode. The latter is purely for gaming fun, and in my opinion, should be left alone. Simulation mode can be a tad difficult at first but the rewards are well worth your time and effort. The tracks are no longer hand-made, and are instead procedurally-generated. This means you get an infinite supply of never-seenbefore tracks. The graphics are incredible, too, and there’s no denying that you do get to drift around in some cool cars – the Audi Sport Quattro, Lancia Delta and a wealth of Cosworth-powered vehicles and many other cars. However, Dirt 4 falls short of its more visually-focused rivals (Forza and DriveClub). Playing Dirt 4 is like wrestling with a monkey: you have to muster all the confidence in the world to tame your rally car. And that’s precisely why Dirt 4 is still worth your money and above all, time.

LOOKOUT Losing your smartphone or tablet is like losing a part that holds your life together. Lookout is a security, backup and missing device application that takes safeguarding your devices one step further. It is more effective than Google and iTunes for tracking your device, and also has remote capabilities to encrypt your information, identity and personal data so that you can remain safe until you retrieve your phone. Free at iTunes

JULY JUL0313 -- 09 19 / ISSUE 478 327

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL

Keep something bold; keep something sheer as with this beautiful yet mystical, daring yet feminine ensemble from Debenhams. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to a party or just for a casual stroll in the mall, this is definitely a headturner.

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

k o o L e h

aran K e tin hris C , t ry tree esto s o h h g s e hi rmy h a t e o t H end e look. ram h g This simple yet classic jacket from g hi th the to get n Insta ZARA is a perfect accessory to make m any ensemble refined, stylish and Fro s you tine o is chic. The added contrast stash offers help w Chr the perfect fashion edge. Buy it at o l Fol RO26.

T t Ge

A pair of denims is a must-have in any womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wardrobe. These light blue, ripped jeans from H&M can be paired with anything. Buy this pair for RO18.

Dresses are elegant and classic. But adding a twist to them elevates the fashion bar. This floral sheer asymmetrical dress from Miss Selfridge is a classic number with a modern twist. Buy it at RO21.

This sleeveless sheer shirt from H&M paired with denims or skinny leather trousers will instantly turn you into a sophisticated rocker! Check out this shirt from H&M, at RO5. Paired with a tee shirt or a classic top, this black, umbrella-shaped sheer skirt from New Look can be styled any way. No need for any add-ons; this skirt will definitely be a fashion winner. It costs RO11.5.

Any ensemble can become fashionforward with the perfect pair of shoes. These multi-coloured stilettos with black lining from ZARA make for a stylish piece and a wardrobe essential. Buy them for RO13.

These classic hoop earrings are something that every fashionista swears by for a chic everyday look. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have them in your jewellery box yet? Buy these from H&M as a pair of three at RO1.5.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

FACE FACTS Knowing your face shape is essential when choosing your hairstyle, says celebrity stylist Asgar Saboo

Oval Face Shape

n oval face has long been the most desired face shape, and it is probably the most versatile when choosing a haircut to complement it. An oval face is longer than it is wide with not much jutting definition around the cheekbones and a slightly wider forehead than chin. How to wear your hair: A centre parting on the crown of the head is a great look for the oval shape as it keeps the face symmetrical. Adding texture using layers and waves helps to prevent long hair adding too much length to the face. This big, beautiful hair is a winning combination, and will keep your hair looking super glossy and shiny. Volume to the hair can also be added by using a good stronghold hairspray or salt spray for extra texture.

Square Face Shape

The characteristics of a square face are that the sides of the face will be straight and the face will be nearly as wide as it is long. The jaw line is defined, with only a minimal curve. Therefore, a square face shape requires haircuts, styles and makeup that will help to soften the strong angled characteristic of the shape. How to wear your hair: Wavy ends are a perfect style for a square face especially from the ears down, which helps obscure any harshness within the jaw line. Use a large, round brush to smooth hair then spritz on a wave spray to fix into place. A square face can also pull off a tousled look, by running and shaking your fingers through the hair with a styling cream to emphasise layers and soften angles.

Long Face Shape

When it comes to haircuts for long face shapes, the aim is to balance out proportions. This is to soften the angles and make the face look rounder and more oval in shape. A person with a long face shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go for hairstyles that are overly harsh. How to wear your hair: Fringes are great at shortening face length, with soft curls and waves in longer hair also helping to lift facial features. Upping the volume of the hair at the sides will give the illusion of a shorter face shape. The grown-out fringe look is the most on-trend this summer and

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the most flattering cut for a long face. Having long fringe sections cut to hang just below the cheeks will really balance out features, and by flicking them away from your face with straighteners to give them a slight wave will soften the finished look even more.

Round Face

The characteristics of a round face are that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just about if not the same in width as it is in length with no major corners at the jaw. The perfect hairstyle for a round face should make your face appear longer and more oval-shaped, which is exactly what chest-length hair does. How to wear your hair: Long layers, highlights, side fringes, partings and a bit of texture will help to break up the width of a round face. Even up dos can make your face look longer, and by keeping some face-framing strands will help to soften any up do. Tip: Avoid blunt fringes and one-length cuts as these styles will only accentuate the width of the face and make it look rounder. By keeping a little hair out in the fount of the ear on one side of the face and not tucking it back will make the face asymmetrical, which will also help break up the shape of the face.

Heart Face Shape

The characteristics of a heart-shaped face are that it is widest in the middle where the cheeks are along with a pointed chin. A heart-shaped face could also be a broad forehead that narrows at the bottom where the chin and jaw line are. How to wear your hair: Choosing a style that will create volume around the bottom of the face will balance out features. The cut should not be too long as this will drag down the facial features. Creating loose waves around the bottom of the face will help to create the volume and not look overly styled for an everyday style. Much like the long face shape, the heart-shaped face needs to avoid adding height to the hair as this will give the appearance of a longer and narrower chin. A heart-shaped face is one of the most desired, as cheek bones are more prominent, which should be emphasised. * Family Features

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

ALL SMILES Keep your kids’ teeth healthy and white well into adulthood with these tips to make the most of their molars

e all want our kids to have movie-star smiles as adults. As parents, this means knowing how to protect their teeth when they’re young while ensuring that they practise good dental health care for a lifetime. Any time is the perfect time to “brush up” on instilling good oral-hygiene habits and according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), nearly one in three children aged between two and five in the United States is affected by tooth decay. It is one of the top infectious diseases among children and can compromise their health, development, and quality of life. “Parents are bombarded with unsolicited advice and health findings that are constantly changing,” says Dr. Jade Miller, AAPD President. “We don’t want to add to that stress but there are a few common misconceptions that could help make a huge difference in your child’s oral health – which is linked to their overall health and wellness.” The good news is that tooth decay is nearly 100 per cent preventable. The following tips from the AAPD can keep tooth decay at bay and keep kids smiling for years to come:

• Do avoid teething gels and rings. The U.S. Food and Drug

Administration warns against using teething gels that contain benzocaine or lidocaine because they can harm your child. Parents and caregivers should stay away from teething rings too which contain chemicals, and low levels of BPA– despite labels citing otherwise – that can be harmful to your child.

• Do cut down on sugar. Children shouldn’t consume too many sweets

and sugary drinks (including sports drinks and juice). That prolonged exposure to sugar and acid can wreak havoc on teeth. Instead, stick to designated meal and snack times and make them drink plenty of water throughout the day. Don’t put babies to bed with a bottle. Milk and juice contain sugar. When babies are put to bed with a bottle, the sugar coats their teeth while they are sleeping, causing tooth decay. If you use a bottle before sleep, opt for water. Do wean children off dummies by age three. Dummies are a natural way for children to self-soothe. However, prolonged use can increase the need for fillings and affect the way a child’s teeth bite together, often causing an overbite.

• •

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FOOD DRINK

Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

LOVE FOR ITALY

Mealtime is a celebration, captured by the Italian proverb: “You never grow old at the table.”

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ITALIANS DO IT BETTER The Mediterranean diet is wellknown for using fresh, wholesome ingredients and even pizza done properly can be good for you

talian cuisine has influenced food culture around the world, and is often viewed as an art form that includes the freshest, most authentic ingredients that are prepared with passion and served with love to family and friends. Mealtime is a celebration, captured by the Italian proverb: “You never grow old at the table”. Classic Italian dishes have been joined by refreshing, modern twists on tradition that help keep the love affair alive and well with this simple but colourful; flavoursome yet healthy cuisine. Started in Lucca, Italy; in 1867, Filippo Berio Olive Oil celebrates 150 years of culinary passion and artistry by combining traditional ingredients in contemporary, unexpected recipes that can help you savour the moment. For more recipe creations, take a look at FilippoBerio.com/recipes.

Cast-Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe courtesy of Chef Mary Ann Esposito Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Makes: Two 22cm pizzas Ingredients: § 454g store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature § 1 ripe tomato, thinly sliced § 113g fresh mozzarella cheese, diced § coarse sea salt § 2 tablespoons Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil § 1/2 cup shredded fresh basil

Heat a well-oiled cast-iron or nonstick 25cm frying pan over a medium heat for five minutes. Method: § Divide dough in half; roll one half into a round 2.5cm smaller than the pan’s diameter. Cook the dough in a hot pan until the dough begins to rise and the bottom starts to brown. Using a metal spatula, turn carefully. Layer half the tomato slices over the dough; scatter half the mozzarella over the top. Lower the heat to a medium-low and cook until the mozzarella melts. § Using a metal spatula, transfer the pizza to a cutting board. Sprinkle with salt; drizzle with half the olive oil. Cut into wedges and sprinkle with half the basil on top. § Repeat with the remaining ingredients, and enjoy.

* Family Features

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FOOD DRINK

get d u B ndly Frie

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

Info Box

SPICE HILL

Near Indian School Al Ghubra Opening Hours: 12pm to 12am Dinner for three: RO12

SPICE HILL

Verdict : 8/10 SERVICE 8/10 FOOD 6/10 AMBIENCE Excellent food with value for money. Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

GENEROUS PORTIONS AND AN AUTHENTIC TAKE ON FARE FROM HIS HOMELAND KEEP ALVIN THOMAS AND FRIENDS HAPPY, AND REPLETE

here comes a time in everyone’s life when they have to live in solitude. For me, it’s because of my family, who recently returned to India for a long vacation leaving me to fend for myself. No biggie. Now I am a man of many trades: writing stories, debating, repairing damaged engines, smacking the ball off the park in a game of cricket, running, video editing, sleeping, etc. are among the things I can do very well. Sadly, cooking isn’t one of them. And it shows; the last time I ventured into the kitchen, I nearly burned it down. I’m not exaggerating. Facing a serious dilemma, I have been looking for a traditional home-cooked Indian meal for dinner. It’s funny how beggars can be choosers, sometimes. Luckily, Nishad – Y’s online editor – and his friend Ansar empathises, and agrees to join me on my latest food journey for home-cooked food. Surprisingly, it doesn’t take us long to find a restaurant that fits the bill. A simple five-minute drive into our journey, we see a board that reads “Spice Hill”. And without haste, Nishad proclaims that the restaurant is Indian, and that it will undoubtedly be “Keralite” (a term to describe us people from Kerala). We agree, and follow him into the restaurant; a simple setting in the heart of the Al Ghubra. Seating is limited for 15-odd customers although we notice more seats outside. But, the general aura

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mushroom sauce. The lamb, too, much like the veggies, is fresh and a delight. It doesn’t take me long to wipe it off GENEROUSLY GARNISHED WITH my wooden plate. TRADITIONAL KERALA SPICES The potato wedges are crispy, and have been AND A HANDFUL OF THIN-SLICED done very well, too. A charred metal plate COCONUT CHUNKS, THE BEEF underneath keeps my Sizzler sizzling for as long as ULARTHIYATHU IS A ‘BLAST OF there is food on my plate. SPICES’ One thing though; the restaurant should really offer steak knives instead of regular knives. Our friend compliments the beef, too. of the restaurant is congenial: it’s clean and the “Scrumptious”, he chants, as he munches on the layout is very easy on the eye. last strand of beans on his plate. His beef was soft Still, we ask for the menu, still unaware of and done perfectly, too. It’s a surprise, considering whether or not this eaterie is Keralite. that the Sizzlers only cost us RO4.5 each – a A few seconds later, the waiter – a Malayali who says he has worked in the UK – hands us our bargain, compared to what we would find in most menu cards. He also points out that the restaurant restaurants. We then ask the chef how he keeps his meat has just opened its doors. fresh and well- flavoured. He says he buys it from We scour the menu – which the waiter says is still under “construction” – and find that there are one of the leading vendors in the country, and keeps it in the freezer for only a couple of days. indeed several dishes from Kerala. In all, we have a very nice – and serendipitous Without hesitation, Nishad orders a plate – experience at Spice Hill. A Malayali restaurant of Kerala parotta (Indian flatbread) and serving authentic Japanese-American dishes may beef ularthiyathu aka roast beef (which we seem blasphemous. wholeheartedly enjoy here in Oman; take that But I have to point out that the folks here have India!). definitely turned the tables and have created what He then asks me if I’m going for the same. I could very well be the first Malayali/American/ change my mind and opt for a serving of lamb Sizzler and traditional fried chicken. Meanwhile, Japanese restaurant in town. Correct me if I am wrong. Ansar decides to go for beef Sizzler, too. It takes a good five minutes for our food to Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see arrive but it is the parotta and beef ularthiyathu reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com that arrives first. Generously garnished with traditional Kerala spices and a handful of thinsliced coconut chunks, the beef ularthiyathu is a “blast of spices”, according to Nishad. He also points out that the parotta is melt-inthe-mouth fresh, and again, much like the curry, very liberally-sized. Much to the credit of the chef, Nishad pronounces the beef to be very soft, and very consistent. We begin to see a trend in the size of the portions as our Sizzlers arrive (five more minutes later). There are two sizeable portions of lamb chops – done just right – served alongside fresh vegetables, hand-cut potato wedges and

let’s do more

Life. Plan for the journey. bank muscat life insurance plans In partnership with AXA, bank muscat has a protection plan for you, every step of the way. • Life • Health • Home • Travel • Motor

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Disclaimer: bank muscat is only an agent and the insurance policy is provided by AXA Gulf (Oman Branch). The insurance contract is between AXA Gulf (Oman Branch), and the customer and NOT between bank muscat and the customer. Conditions apply.