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AUG 10 - 16 2017 / ISSUE 482 • WEEKLY
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THE CHANGING FACE OF COSMETIC SURGERY IN OMAN
ABOUT A BOY
01
NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258
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THE CHEF BATTLE
39
IN THE PINK
40
EDITOR’S
NOTE
Welcome to Y Magazine – your top guide to the best of Oman every week.
Fast forward W
hat price beauty and the quest for the ideal physique that is glorified in today’s visual culture? Looks can kill, going by recent plastic surgery procedures that have gone horribly wrong. But plastic surgery can be safe, say experts, provided one follows established good practices. Perfectly healthy women and men, consumed by a burning desire to look young and beautiful, willingly submit themselves to such surgeries. Size zero waistlines, hair transplant and the perfect aquiline nose… it is a wish list that everyone would die for, figuratively speaking and literally too. Official statistics of visiting patients are unknown, but it is known – as per the data revealed by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – that 11 per cent of the patients that undergo cosmetic surgery in the country are Omanis. Even in Oman, the cosmetic surgery industry is thriving and the business is getting a “complete facelift” as more men are joining the female-dominated clientele. At least, that is what Dr Rami Anderi, a consultant plastic surgeon at La Clinica, seems to think. While some people consider cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance, others are obliged to undergo plastic surgery out of necessity. In our cover story this week we talk to patients and experts in the field and investigates why people go under the knife. Have a great week!
editor@y-oman.com
A neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is an intensive care unit specializing in the care of ill or premature newborn infants. Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) are equipped with complex machines and monitoring devices designed for the unique needs of babies.
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03
contents
AUGUST 10 - 16 2017
Your Oman
This Week
08 Voice Of Oman Hasan al Lawati 10 News Fees prescribed for entry into turtle reserve 11 Coffee with Y Donna Legissi 13 News New City Centre to open in Sohar by 2018
18 Retro beat Relive the greatest hits of the 60s and 70s
32 Destination Samail Castle
21 Movies Annabelle: Creation
40 Fashion In the pink
36 Postcard From Angkor Wat 38 Y-Fi In-sight
21 Health and Beauty
34 First Drive Audi Q2
42 Beauty Glam Glow
38
22 Cover Story Cosmetic surgeries on the rise in Oman 26
A design for life Donna Legissi talks to us about changing design trends in Oman
19 Enlightened kids Discover and develop positive values in your children with Rajayoga
10 Cars and Adventures
Features
26 Food and Drink 44 Food Feature Delightfully Mexican 46 Taste Test Paul
44
43 Health Preschool jitters
40
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THE VOICE OF OMAN HASAN AL LAWATI ON WHY TWITTER HAS TAKEN OVER TRADITIONAL MEDIA
correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:
O
nly when a government minister responds to a tweet from a member of the public do you realise the boundless power of Oman’s favourite media, Twitter. Nowadays, Shura members, private sector CEOs and even some ministers make official announcements on Twitter before sending any press releases to traditional media. Recently, the Ministry of Tourism responded – in less than 24 hours – to a series of suggestions and concerns tweeted by an Omani citizen. Mwasalat, a fresh example of a government body using Twitter to break news, shared on its timeline the latest statistics about its fares and timetables; hours before any newspaper carried the story. Last month, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs used its Twitter account to debunk two social media-based rumours while Muscat Municipality continues to react to almost every pictureproofed complaint. And with more influential officials taking to Twitter to share their ideas, the blue bird keeps giving more blows (or pecks) to the mainstream channels, with wide-ranging implications. While many might argue that government bodies are bureaucratic and motionless when it comes to people’s complaints, their Twitter handles prove otherwise. But why is this the case? I think that when a complaint is publicly visible, it puts way more pressure on the receiving end to respond before a single tweet snowballs into a groundswell of criticism, especially if it came from a popular figure. It is healthy for both parties, I believe. It helps building bridges between the public sector and the people it serves. This might be the first sign of banishing the “closeddoor system” in Oman.
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More than 20 people have died on the NizwaSalalah highway over the past two months. What measures can be taken by you – as a driver or passenger – to reduce the chances of having an accident en route to Salalah? MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT
The recent accidents on the Nizwa-Salalah route are really quite worrying. I usually drive from Muscat to Salalah during every khareef season with my family and complete the route with two to three hours’ rest after Haima. So far the journey has been safe. My humble advice is that we should drive within the prescribed limit and should be very careful while overtaking. We should stop driving when we start feeling drowsy, and keep calm when coping with some of the driving behaviour of others.
RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE
First as a driver, we should fervently follow the traffic and road rules and regulations, and practise self-discipline every time we are driving. Avoid speeding and using your mobile phone when on the road. If you feel tired, take a rest at the safe side of the road until you feel refreshed. We should also report to the ROP any violations of the road and traffic rules and regulations. Lastly, the authorities must also play their part by putting up more rest areas and more street lights on the road going to Salalah. Safety should always be our priority and responsibility.
PEREIRA F SAVIO
WRITE TO US AND YOU COULD WIN
Firstly, ROP rules, if maintained and followed, will help. Secondly, plan the journey with sufficient rest/ breaks in between to help in concentration and to reduce chances of drowsiness. With regard to oncoming traffic, driving free from distractions and being alert are key to staying safe. Better to arrive late and safe than not arrive at all.
JASON FELIX NORONHA
The Nizwa-Salalah route has been nothing short of a nightmare for drivers. The stretch is quite monotonous in the sense that all you see on both sides are vast stretches of desert. That, coupled with no filling station for almost 350km after Adam, makes it a difficult ride at any time of day. It is necessary to rest at times. Nobody is a Formula One driver so it’s better not to act like one on the road. Drive within the limits set down for a single carriageway. If one feels drowsy it is better to stop and rest for a while rather than take the risk of not being alert and in a position to endanger lives. There is a need to introduce more filling stations and motels along the route so that the journey can be broken and one can be relaxed and refreshed.
JANKI RISHIT HEMANI
The ROP is trying to create a lot of awareness yet accidents are still happening. It is every person’s
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responsibility to be vigilant and follow traffic rules while driving. Mobile phones should not be used, and speeding above limits should be completely stopped. If motorists drive responsibly there won’t be any accidents.
SYED BOKHARI
Well, it’s a matter of deep concern that hardly a day goes by without hearing about the loss of life due to the reckless and violent way of driving. In such cases all the lame excuses abound: too many single lanes, flouting of ROP rules, not wearing safety belts and using mobile phones etc. There isn’t any road sense or awareness as we are endangering our lives and others too in this way. It is our obligation to ensure safe and secure driving to avoid all these mishaps that take place.
MUNA ZAYED
I was in Salalah last week. The road should be wider and have at least two sides to prevent accidents because of cars trying to pass the big trucks. Also drivers should take care specially if there is a sand storm. Drivers should follow safety rules during driving. Also, passengers should report the car registration plate of any driver that doesn’t follow the rules of the road.
SUNIL JOHN MARTIN
Try to drive to Salalah during the day time. Slow down at camel crossings. Do not overtake at night. Maintain speed limits. Take breaks in between driving. Stay alert at all times. Share the driving. Be in control of your vehicle rather than your vehicle taking control of you. Better be safe than sorry. Happy driving to Salalah.
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ELIZABETH JOSEPH
The recent accident was very disturbing. Carelessness and ignorance are the words to be used for such incidents that take place. A driver should be aware of the fact that the passengers in the bus travelling with him have put their trust on him to get to their destination safely. Car drivers must take adequate rest and during long hours of travelling, the driving should be shared. Road safety rules and regulations must be adhered to and the ROP must ensure that drivers follow them. Buses must offer protective equipment and first aid kits in the case of an emergency. Speeding, overtaking and tailgating must not be tolerated. Radars and monitoring cameras must be placed for safety purposes. Anyone who flouts the law must feel the heavy hand of the law. On the other hand, passengers should also play a role. Following safety precautions like wearing seat belts is of the utmost importance. In any situation passengers must not panic but work as a team to protect themselves and look after anyone who is hurt.
HUSSAIN AL LAWATI
More breaks, preferably every three hours. And it is always good to have a passenger on board who can drive so two drivers can take turns along the way. I think the road has been designed to acceptable safety standards and the number of deadly accident is not relatively high when putting in count the massive number of cars that cross this path from and to Salalah during the monsoon season.
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AUG 10 - 16 / ISSUE 482
09
NEWS
YOUR
OMAN
Q
SOHAR AIRPORT RECEIVES FIRST
QATAR AIRWAYS FLIGHT
atar Airways’ inaugural flight to Sohar Airport arrived on Tuesday. The Qatari airline will be the third operator to function from Sohar Airport. “The first flight arrived at 4:10pm at Sohar and departed at 5:10pm,” said Joe Rajadurai, Qatar Airways country manager for Oman. The new Sohar route will be served by the Airbus A320 aircraft, with 12 Business Class and 132 Economy Class seats. The three flights a week between Sohar and Doha will operate on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. With this launch, the number of weekly flights to and from Sohar Airport will go up to nine. Three of them are SalamAir flights to and from Salalah, three Air Arabia flights to and from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and three Qatar Airways flights to and from Doha.
TWITTER TACKLES
TOURISM QUERY
O
man’s Minister of Tourism has called for a meeting with a member of the public after he raised concerns on Dhofar’s cultural amenities. Al Mutasim al Mamari posted a series of tweets on Friday, highlighting the lack of man-made tourist attractions in the southern governorate. He then received a phone call from Ahmed al Mahrizi, the Minister of Tourism, to address his concerns. Al Mamari’s tweets prompted hundreds of Twitter users to share their suggestions on how to develop tourism in the Sultanate.
“There is an absence of creativity and innovation at the tourist attraction,” he tweeted. Al Mamari said that whenever he visited Salalah he was disappointed at the lack of creative tourism outlets. But on Saturday, the Ministry of Tourism responded to almost every tweet. “The ministry is, and has been working on bringing investors to invest in entertainment
projects (electronic gardens, water parks, cable carts) in different governorates,” he responded. Calling upon the private sector to invest in tourism, the ministry said that the monsoon season had proved to have been beneficial for different sectors. Captioning an image of people boating at Wadi Darbat, Al Mamari said: “This beautiful and (very) easy idea can be repeated 100 times in other destinations. “There is no explanation for why we do not see a cable cart here (Salalah) where people would flock to enjoy, regardless of the price. “When the government builds roads that cost millions to fabulous touristic spots, and then the ministry then fails to install a (game) to restore some of the money, this is a disaster,” he tweeted.
FEES PRESCRIBED FOR ENTRY
INTO TURTLE RESERVE
T
he Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs has prescribed fees for entering the turtle reserve. As per a ministerial decision, those wanting to enter the reserve for diving or spending a night should pay the prescribed fees. Personnel of the Sultan’s Armed Forces and Royal Oman Police (ROP) will be exempt from paying fees if the visit is for performing their duties. Employees of government departments and academic institutions are exempted from paying the fee if the visit is for research purposes or official
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purposes. Likewise, fishermen, residents of the reserve and the official government delegations need not pay the fees. A permit is required from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs for entering the reserve for camping or spending a night. Pets are not allowed in the reserve. A maximum of 80 people will be allowed to camp at prescribed places inside the reserve. The speed limit inside the reserve has been fixed at 50kph. Violation of the regulations will attract a fine of not less than RO50 and not more than RO300.
Donna
i
Legiss
Alvin Thomas shares a coffe e with an arch who knows so itect and interi mething abou or designer t building a go o d w o rk -l if e et’s get the obviou balance s out of
L
“From a young ag the way: my latest ca attracted to interio e, I have been for Coffee with Y ndidate Donna then goes r design; beautiful is multion to praise talented and a ve im ag th e es role of Omani w , ar t an ry focused busines d building structu omen in the s So, when I manager. But surp society: “When yo came to universit res. risingly, that is u go out, you y, I not the focus of m decided to be an can see many wom y interview, toda ar ch ite en ct . w orking. It’s y; because somethi “Architecture is m progressive, and ng about the way or th e at in , to I be sc ie lieve nc she approaches lif e setting th e inspires me. And and mathematics than interior e tone for a bright , is er future who knows, may design. And un for Oman. be she could do th e Albania they fortunately, in same for you, too. How does she kn don’t offe ow so much Her name is Don “So, I challenged r the latter. ab out Oman? Well, na Legissi, and m ys el f to The Albanian do it. she is the franchi The course took calls herself a “c se supporter for fiv e lo ng ur ye io ar us s, an Kare Design – an d I did well. I held “I try and stop by traveller”. international the highest averag the local furniture compa e marks over all th attractions and sp ny based in e years,” she says en d some time Germany. While . Sadly, however, th there,” she laughs her job title lend e scope of job . s a certain sense of fo r an architect in Alban But that’s not all. seriousness to ou ia durin Donna is a selfr that time w chat, neither Don proclaimed book as low. So, Donna g na nor I intend to w di or d m who loves talk shop. what she though reading self-impr t was best: look fo ov em ent books. She r Born and raised a job outside her co calls it “treatmen in untry. t fo r mountain-town of the beautiful th Her grades and ta “Reading can’t do e mind”. Rubik, in lent soon landed Albania, Donna anyone any he r a job with Kare D grew up with lofty esign, in Qatar harm. I think it opens your goals. (in 2011), where mind to someone else’s she view, thereby At the age of five, role of interior de undertook the making you a touc signer and visual h wiser and more asked her what sh when her father merchandiser. e wanted to be experienced. when she grew up A fter three years – , Donna said: “I “This can also be and after a stiff want to become taken into a competition with powerful enough w nu id er perspective: ed m er ou s ot he to employees – r handle my own pr ucation. I she landed the po oblems.” sition believe that everyone must spen She laughs abou of fra nc hi se d supporter, in Ger t it today, but time learning in many. says: “Since then school and then She asserts: “You , he (her father) w un se iv e? er If sit y. you do as believe and really scared of m do what you love e. “I know universit , success if I said something He believes that will find you.” y of such intensity bit boring,” she sa can be seen as a when I was five, ys N . ow in her fifth (busines then “Most of your fri s) trip to predict what I wou he cannot th e en Su ds are doing lta na te, Donna ld do “It is very importa or say, today. in love with Oman says that she is something else or you are going nt for a woman . with the flow. Bu to be independen t what you must “I love Oman an t today. Our d I ke am ep in mind is that ve ry world is evolving at tra ct it is the most ed to Islamic cultu quic fundamental perio re. women, must play kly, and we, as “But Omanis, an d of your life. a much bigger d Oman as a “University is no role in the societ country, is very di t everything but y than we ever di fferent to that of it se ts the tone for your d. “Today, women m an y of future. its ne ighbours. In som are not Finally, talking to e just mothers or w ways Oman rem youngsters ives. We are inds me of life ba in Oman, Donna businesswomen, ck ho m e in Albania. tells: “Don’t let managers, and ho anyone tell you ca ld much more impo “Here, the people nnot do it. A rtant positions ar e ve dr ry eam is a dream, than we used to. ge ne ro us and it is up to yo an d down-to-earth. But it’s all about u to make it big. A And I what you want to re sp ec t s th lo at ng as you love . H ere, you see Oman be what you want to is stopping you but come. No one is working in all do, I am sure you sphere you.” can become succ This, she explains that’s not the case s of life – es sful. , is the very w ith many other “That’s the key to reason she took on countries. having a healthy architecture – work and life bala both interior and “This shows that nc e, too.” exterior design – th ey are working as for their econ her major for he omy and this is r undergraduate H av e you got a uniqu and what makes master’s degrees. their economy m know someone who e story to tell or do you ore ha structured than th coffee with Y and be s? Contact us to have at of the others. featured in mail: editor@y-oma n.com
Y Magazine.
AUG 10 - 16 / ISSUE 482
011
YOUR
WEALTHY AND WISE
OMAN
BANK NIZWA LAUNCHED ITS NEW WEALTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LAST WEEK [AUGUST 2] TO PROVIDE HIGH NET WORTH CLIENTS WITH EFFECTIVE ISLAMIC FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, TO GROW FUNDS IN THE SULTANATE CUSTOMERS WILL RECEIVE A FULL RANGE OF TAILORED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO CATER TO THEIR EXCLUSIVE NEEDS, INCLUDING DIRECT ACCESS TO A RELATIONSHIP MANAGER.
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GALLERY
NEWS RO45 MILLION CITY CENTRE
SOHAR TO OPEN IN 2018
W
ith an investment of RO45m, Majid Al Futtaim is all set to build the City Centre Sohar. The mall is expected to open doors to the public, next year. Suhar, a port city and major industrial hub, has seen substantial economic growth in recent years, which Majid Al Futtaim is keen to contribute to. The construction contract for City Centre Sohar has been awarded to the Oman-based company, Al Turki Enterprise, and the work will start in November 2017. City Centre Sohar has also set a target to achieve the LEED Gold status – the coveted energy-efficient design certification – within three months of its opening. This will include implementing sustainable building practices with enhanced insulation, LED lighting and solar panels that will contribute to the centre’s energy requirements. Furthermore, condensation from air-conditioning and ventilation systems will be used for irrigation purposes. In addition to City Centre Sohar, Majid Al Futtaim Properties owns and operates the newly-upgraded City Centre Qurum, as well as City Centre Muscat, which recently underwent an RO27m expansion.
NEW TRANSPORT LINE TO LINK LAND AND SEA
M
wasalat, along with the National Ferries Company (NFC), is set to launch a line connecting the mainland with the sea. From August 24, the new line will connect Muscat, Shinas and Khasab, the Oman News Agency said. Passengers will first be transported by Mwasalat buses and will then board the ferry. The route will have four weekly ‘back and forth’ trips. The duration of the trip will not exceed the time currently taken by the ferry between Muscat and Khasab. Passengers will have the flexibility of starting or ending the trip in other cities in the Sultanate without incurring additional costs. Abdulrahman bin Salim al Hatami, CEO of Asyad, said the service is an “important step” and a culmination of efforts to develop the logistics sector in the Sultanate and add value to its activities. He said: “The new route has become necessary because of the low number of users on the current Muscat-Khasab route and the high cost of support for it.”
THROUGH YOUR EYES
Mahdi bin Mohammed al Abdawani, CEO of NFC, added that the new route would be an important step for easing access to the Musandam Governorate by linking the land and sea services of the two companies. He confirmed that the MuscatKhasab route would be replaced by the latest one. The company will study the possibility of providing low-cost ferries on the Muscat-Khasab route in future. Ahmed bin Ali al Balushi, CEO of Mwasalat, said the new route will carry on the efforts made by the company to provide the service and make it more accessible to its customers. He said: “It confirms our efforts to connect logistics services and unite them to achieve the global vision so that the Sultanate becomes a global centre in these services.”
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Y reader Sharukh Zalam captures this beautiful picture of an Omani man selling traditional khaizaran (Omani walking stick) made of bamboo, at the Muttrah souk.
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.
PHOTO: Sharukh Zalam
AUG 10 - 16 / ISSUE 482
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YOUR
SAMURAI JACK
OMAN
CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS COMPETED FOR BOUNTY IN ‘THE CHEF BATTLE’ COMPETITION, WHICH WAS ORGANISED BY CITY CENTRE MUSCAT. THE EVENT COMMENCED ON JULY 20 AND RAN UNTIL AUGUST 5, GARNERING MUCH ATTENTION FROM PASSERSBY. WINNERS RECEIVED INSTANT PRIZES, INCLUDING DINING OFFERS, VOX CINEMA MOVIE TICKETS, MAGIC PLANET CARDS AND MALL GIFT VOUCHERS. SHOPPERS WILL ALSO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF WINNING PRIZES WORTH RO250 IN A DRAW, WHICH WILL BE HELD ON AUGUST 12.
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GALLERY
NEWS
OMAN AIR LAUNCHES THIRD
DAILY FLIGHT TO MUMBAI
O
man Air has announced the launch of a third daily flight on its popular Muscat to Mumbai
route. Launched on August 1, this year, the 2hr 50 minute flight leaves Muscat at 10.40pm and arrives in Mumbai at 3pm. Meanwhile, the return flight leaves Mumbai at 4.05am and reaches Muscat at 5.15am. The new time slot is expected to prove popular, especially with business travellers who can now take an evening flight and reach their destination early next morning. It is the latest move in Oman Air’s programme of fleet and network expansion, as it aims to boost Oman’s connectivity with India — who is also a principal trade partner for the Sultanate. Abdulrahman al-Busaidy, the Deputy CEO & Chief Commercial Officer
of Oman Air, said: “We are extremely happy to announce this new service between Muscat and Mumbai. “The addition of this flight is a part of our wider commitment to the Indian market. “India is a key destination for Oman Air and the demand for all 11 of our Indian destinations has
always been high. “Increased frequencies offer yet more choice and convenience to our guests, who will now be able to leave Muscat in the evening and arrive in Mumbai the following morning. We are sure this new service will prove just as popular as our other Indian routes,” he added.
CONSUMER WATCHDOG OMAN CRIME: OMAN CLAWS BACK MORE THAN WOMAN TIED UP, ROBBED AT HOME
RO50,000
A A
n Asian woman was tied up and robbed in her own home by an attacker who then tried to flee the country, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has told the local media. The man — an Asian national — stole more than RO17,000 from her home, the statement further revealed. The department of Investigations and Criminal Investigations, led by the South Batinah Police Department, in cooperation with the department
of Investigation and Criminal Investigation of Barka Police station, arrested the accused for attacking and robbing the woman, in her residence, which is located in the Wilayat Barka. The suspect was arrested at Muscat International Airport (MIA) when he tried to flee the country. “He was caught with all the stolen money, and was charged with the crime. He was referred to the prosecution to complete the rest of the legal proceedings,” the ROP said.
lmost RO53,000 was recovered for consumers in Dhofar during the first half of the year, according to the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP). In a statement to the media, the PACP said: “The Department of Consumer Protection in Dhofar managed to recover RO52,350 for consumers during the first half of 2017. These refunds are a part of the department’s efforts to resolve complaints received by consumers through friendly settlements.” Ali al Basrawi, the director of the department, stated that there were a total of 492 complaints received from different sectors, with the automotive sector at the top. “The automotive sector and its services, including the vehicle repair workshops, tyres and spare parts, received a return of about RO31,241 while the labour sector had a return of RO6,680 to consumers,” the director added. Meanwhile, the electrical and electronic sector received a total of RO3,025 in recoveries, while RO2,524 was recovered in the aluminum, blacksmithing and carpentry sector. RO2,250 was recovered in the telephone and services sector and RO2,205 was recovered in furniture and mattresses. According to the report, the recoveries in the travel and tourism sector amounted to RO1,721 while the construction sector recovered RO1,015 for consumers.“These efforts come in order to preserve the rights of consumers and to return their right to them in every way, either by solving complaints through friendly settlement methods or by referring them to the judicial authorities in accordance with the procedures approved by the Consumer Protection Law No. 66/2014 and its executive regulations,” the PACP said.
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YOUR
WILD FACE-OFF
OMAN
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER HAITHAM AL SHANFARI RECENTLY LAUNCHED HIS SOLO EXHIBITION IN DHOFAR. SOME 50 WILDLIFE IMAGES WERE DISPLAYED AT THE BAIT AL ZUBAIR GALLERY.
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GALLERY
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Photos: Shaquel Al Balushi
Today’s inspiration: The start of a new beginning.
In a new series, we look for inspiration from a variety of influences around Oman, including its people, places and wildlife.
THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE Planning to go into a retro mood? Relive the greatest hits of the 80s and 90s from all genres with your favourite hits from 9pm until the early hours, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Al Khuwair.
RETRO PARTY
AUG
11
THIS
WEEK
MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS WHAT TO DO. WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.
A U G U S T Meditation enables you to embark on an inward journey. Raja Yoga meditation gives you a clear, spiritual understanding of yourself, helps you re– discover and use the positive qualities already latent within you, enables you to develop a stronger character, and create new attitudes and responses to life. Join this stress-reliever programme for 60 minutes for five consecutive days. For more details, contact 247 82924 or meditate@rajayogaoman.org
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Gallery
Movies
The 7th Oman Health Exhibition and Conference is taking place from October 9-11 at the new Oman Convention and Exhibition Center. The conference will feature government and industry experts and leaders who will share their insights on the challenges, solutions, and opportunities accompanying the most critical and current issues in Oman’s healthcare sector.
OCT
09
ENLIGHTEN YOUR KIDS
HEALTH CONFERENCE
Discover and develop positive values in your children. Rajayoga Oman is organising an ‘Enlightened Kids’ workshop for the age group of 6-11 years, to discover and develop positive values and move towards their potential. This Workshop aims to create a value-based environment. To register, contact 247 82924
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GCC ARBITERATION FORUM
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The annual commercial arbitration forum will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, in Salalah, from August 15 to 17. Several experts and judges from various GCC states will take part at the forum, which will be opened by Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan al Busaidy, the Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar.
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Top
most expensive football transfers
➌ ➋ ❶
Paul Pogba
From Juventus to Manchester United Fee: €105m (RO47.7m)
“Neymar” da Silva Santos Júnior
From Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Fee: €222m (RO101m)
➍
Gareth Bale
From Tottenham to Real Madrid Fee: €100.8m (RO45.8m)
➎
Gonzalo Higuain
From Napoli to Juventus Fee: €90m (RO40.9)
Cristiano Ronaldo
From Manchester United to Real Madrid Fee: €94m (RO42.7m
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SOURCE: goal.com
MOVIES MOVIES FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES, GO TO: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.com Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641
Long View
Annabelle: Creation
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ith an overwhelming jump-scare scenes, this supernatural horror movie is worth spotlighting. To me, dolls and possessed children are the silver screen’s most unnerving villains, and Annabelle: Creation has just the perfect share of both.
Storyline
When their only daughter perished at a young age, devastated parents Samuel and Esther Mullins did not grieve but instead, they took a darker path. The story revolves around a group of orphaned girls who were welcomed in the parents’ house, only to be victims of
Samuel’s possessed doll, Annabelle and her affinity for young souls. The much-anticipated movie treats you to a well-put-together demonic visual effects. Growing up on horror, I felt that most scenes were quite predictable, but the cinematic effects gave me the chills. However, the storyline, like most American horrors, is corny and quite confusing, which was the biggest drawback. The cast, on the other hand, is spot on. Child actress Talitha Bateman pulled off a stunning performance with her haunting smile. Overall, viewers were left with many goosebumps and unanswered questions.
KAJOL RETURNS TO TAMIL CINEMA AFTER 20 YEARS WITH VIP 2 Bollywood actor Kajol, who is making her comeback in Tamil cinema after 20 years with the upcoming film Velaiilla Pattadhari 2 (VIP 2), revealed that she was a little apprehensive about speaking Tamil in the film. The 42-year-old actor said, “I am very excited about VIP 2. I am glad that the film is over and I had a great time shooting the film. I was little apprehensive about speaking Tamil, I was not sure whether I could do it or not and I have to say that Dhanush and Soundarya Rajinikanth were absolutely wonderful with me, around me and reassured me constantly that it’s working.” VIP 2 is a sequel to the 2014 Tamil-language film Velaiilla Pattadhari. Apart from Kajol, it also has Dhanush, Amala Paul, Vivek, Saranya Ponvannan and Samuthirakani returning from the first film. Dhanush, besides acting, is also co-producing the film and has written the story and dialogues for the film When asked about her experience of working with South superstar Dhanush, the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai actor said, “It’s been great working with Dhanush. He has been a fabulous costar to be with. He is a wonderful actor and I think we really worked out all the scenes.” Kajol was in the national capital to launch Harper’s Bazaar India book titled The Iconic and the actor looked stunning in a blue saree with diamond earrings. She has also graced this month’s cover page of Harper’s Bazaar magazine. Kajol, who made her acting debut in the 1992 romantic film Bekhudi was last seen in 2015-flick Dilwale alongside superstar Shah Rukh Khan. When quizzed about her Bollywood plans, Kajol said, “I am doing our home production film, which will be starting in September.” Oman Release Date : On a related note, the Dhanush starrer VIP 2 is all set to hit the theatre on August 10.
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 is the director of Vilaiilla Pattadhari 2 LAST WEEK'S WINNER Ashita Chakraborty
TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN, just answer a question based on the week’s cinema reviews and send your answer to info@y-oman.com, along with your name and contact information. Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions, see voucher. Contact: Movie enquiries 2460 7360
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NIP, TUCK,
MONEY AND LUCK
While some people consider cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance, others are obliged to undergo plastic surgery out of necessity. Hasan al Lawati and Alvin Thomas talk to patients and experts in the field and investigates why people go under the knife
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spiring engineer Ansar Mohammed was 21 when he first began seeing his hair fall out. The youngster was then in his freshman year of college, in the state of Kerala, India; and found the whole experience to be “embarrassing”. It had affected his social life but it was the stigma attached to a youngster with bald spots that perturbed Ansar. After all, baldness has long been associated with ageing. “It’s not often do you see a young man with baldness, do you?” asks Ansar. In desperation, he started opting for Ayurveda medicines (Indian medicines) and also other remedies to cover up his bald spots. However, it was to no avail. Ansar then came across the Minoxidil Tropical – a medicine designed to “cure” hair loss in men. However, he asserts that – despite temporarily curing his baldness –his use of it resulted in side-effects, which eventually led him to him giving it up. Now, 10 years later, Ansar is completely bald, and has given up hope of “growing hair” with medicines. But all is not lost for Ansar, as he has recently discovered the “magic” of cosmetic surgery at a clinic in Oman. So, what exactly is cosmetic surgery? According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, cosmetic surgery is defined as the procedures, techniques, and principles that are entirely focused on enhancing a patient’s appearance. Improving aesthetic appeal, symmetry, and proportion are the key goals of this form of surgery. It can be performed on all areas of the head, neck, and body but, because the treated areas function properly, cosmetic surgery is elective. It is practised by doctors from a variety of medical fields, including plastic surgeons. A session with the doctor from the cosmetic clinic has already promised to rejuvenate Ansar with a youthful look. “Twenty-four thousand hair cells, is what I will be replacing, sometime this year. Now, it’s just a matter of paying the amount and setting the date,” he says. The cost of all this? RO1,200. But, getting a date for the surgery isn’t as easy as it sounds, as more patients are coming forward and opting for cosmetic surgery in Oman. And in a turn of events, the number of men opting to go “under the knife” is on the rise. So, it would be fair to say that the cosmetics business is getting a “complete facelift” in Oman as more men are joining the female-dominated clientele. At least, that is what Dr Rami Anderi, a consultant plastic surgeon at La Clinica, seems to think. “We are seeing a remarkable increase in the number of males who undergo cosmetic surgeries. Men make around 30 per cent of our patients,” the doctor says. He adds that men are still undergoing simpler procedures like nose jobs (an operation involving rhinoplasty or cosmetic surgery on a person’s nose) and liposuction (a technique in cosmetic surgery for removing excess fat from under the skin by suction), than most women, who opt for major surgeries such as breast implants, tummy tucks and facial contouring. Dr Nehal Ali Fadlalla, a cosmetological and aesthetic procedures specialist, at Burjeel Hospital, agrees: “It is true that more men are opting for cosmetic procedures and surgeries. “I am not a surgeon but I can tell you that there is a sharp increase in the number of men who come into the hospital for getting some small cosmetological procedures. Men usually opt for Botox® and fillers to eradicate wrinkles or to lift their cheeks and their under-eyes. “Another trend is that both the husband and wife come together to get these procedures done. But, there was a time when men were ashamed to get cosmetic treatments
Hair transplants can cost anywhere between RO800 and RO1500. But, the demand for such operations have increased substantially.
done. “Now, the trend has changed. People want to look good, and the media has definitely helped remove any stigma surrounding men and cosmetics. “Of course, another reason why men opt out of procedures and surgeries is the cost factor. But, as the demand rises, and as we advance with technology, the time taken for procedures has come down. This has dropped the rates, substantially, compared to the early 2000s,” she adds. Dr Anderi concurs, saying: “As technology is getting more advanced and prices for getting cosmetic surgeries are dwindling, more people have been coming to us to change their looks.” The statistics revealed by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), confirms Dr Anderi’s statement, too. As per the report, surgeons across the Sultanate performed 102,965 surgeries –of which 56,601 were minor and 46,364 were major surgeries – in hospitals and health centres, in 2015. In comparison, the total number of surgeries in 2014 was only 94,830. According to the Annual Health Report 2015 issued by the Ministry of Health, “other” operations, including tissue disruption, plastic surgery (cosmetic) and “other surgical procedures not otherwise specified” were the ones that involved the most surgeries, with 23,844 operations. Dr Anderi then explains that the cosmetic surgery industry in Oman is thriving, and that citizens from neighbouring countries travel to the Sultanate for availing themselves of the services here. “Even when it comes to the cost, the Sultanate is the
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cheapest place in the GCC region to have cosmetic was the best decision that he has ever made. surgery,” he adds. “Today, I am not only confident at work. Even my Official statistics of visiting patients are unknown, personal life has taken a turn for the better. I can but it is known – as per the data revealed by the wear whatever pleases me, and whenever I want. American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital, This is what cosmetic surgery has done for me. in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – that 11 per “Gynecomastia is a known condition in my family, cent of the patients that undergo cosmetic surgery and many of my cousins have it, too. But, they are in the country are Omanis. all afraid to undergo cosmetic surgery, as they think But how can a simple surgery change a person’s it is either too painful or for men who cannot deal life? with their bodies. “People feel more confident socially when they “The latter may be true, but we must realise that change a body part that they feel unsecured about. being confident in one’s own skin is key. And if you We have seen change in people’s social lives and cannot do that, I would advise you to tone your marital relations,” he explains. body – whether it is with regular exercise or surgery For some, cosmetic surgery is more than just –until you achieve that.” hiding their insecurities, though. Dr Anderi is keen to explain why men look Arjun Arora, a 24-year-old cinematographer for cosmetic surgeries and how the industry not and a part-time short-film actor says that cosmetic restricted to women. surgery saved his career. “We deal with patients from 20 to 70 In 2007, Arjun was diagnosed with a years old. Girls in their 20s usually ask for condition known as gynecomastia – a nose jobs and liposuction; middle-aged swelling of the breast tissue in boys or men women, especially after giving birth, go – caused by an imbalance of for breast lifting and tummy BOTH COSMETIC SURGERIES tuck operations. the hormones oestrogen and AND COSMETOLOGICAL testosterone. “Nevertheless, private clinics PROCEDURES HAVE THEIR in Oman refuse performing This, he says, completely PROS AND CONS. HOWEVER, such surgeries on children destroyed his confidence. IT IS BEST TO OPT FOR As per statistics revealed by below 18,” the BrazilianSURGERIES ONLY AS A LAST Lebanese doctor says, adding the webmd.com – an online RESORT OR IF YOU WANT that it is better for people in health website – 50 to 60 TO GO WITH SOMETHING Oman to have their surgeries per cent of boys undergoing A SIMPLE PROCEDURE puberty develop this condition. done locally to maintain the CANNOT OFFER YOU “I felt embarrassed to even follow-up sessions and avoid wear a body-hugging T-shirt when going out in any complications. public,” Arjun says. However, not everyone looking to cosmetically “My friends used to tease and bully me. Because enhance themselves need go under the knife, says of this, I hated school and college, too. There’s no Dr Nehal Ali. denying I was never cast in the short films that we “Both cosmetic surgeries and cosmetological shot, and I didn’t have the confidence to work as procedures have their pros and cons. However, it part of a team.” is best to opt for surgeries only as a last resort or if But, in 2015, Arjun decided to undergo a you want to go with something a simple procedure gynecomastia surgery, which would remove excess cannot offer you.” fat and glandular tissue to restore a flatter, firmer Currently, Dr Nehal offers services such as and more masculine contour to the chest. fillers, Botox®, laser hair removal and even acne The surgery was successful, and Arjun says that it treatment.
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Dr Rami has recently been listed among the world’s top 100 plastic surgeons, according to the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, UK.
She explains: “If someone wants to have a simple nose correction, you can try out fillers. A filler can cost up to RO150 per session, and you may have to undergo up to three sittings. But if it helps, then you don’t have to go for surgery. “Of course, a specialist can always advise you whether you need a simple procedure or a surgery after a one-time consultation. The difference between the two can be quite immense, especially in terms of the cost.” Simple non-surgical procedures can cost anywhere between RO150 to RO250, per session. However, surgeries can cost anywhere between RO1000 to RO5000, depending on the surgeon or the procedure. Arjun says a gynecomastia surgery here would cost roughly RO2500 to RO3000. So, he underwent the procedure in India, where he paid INR150,000 (RO905). But, he regrets the decision as he has to fly back to India for follow-up sessions. Echoing him, Dr Muadh Abdul Hameed, resident plastic surgeon at Khoula Hospital, says that many patients who have to travel abroad to get plastic surgery may come back with complications and they are forced to revisit public hospitals. Public hospitals in Oman provide free reconstructive surgeries (plastic surgeries) to its citizens, but do charge for cosmetic surgeries, thereby adding to the overall cost. Plastic and cosmetic surgeries must not be confused with each other. Plastic surgery is defined as a surgical procedure dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease. It is intended to correct dysfunctional areas of the body and is reconstructive in nature. Reconstructive surgery is performed to treat structures of the body affected aesthetically or functionally by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumours or disease. Speaking about plastic surgeries, Dr Anderi encourages people seeking reconstructive surgeries to undergo them in public hospitals where they will be operated by an integrated team. “Around 99 per cent of the reconstructive surgeries
Mishal Hadid Al Musharfi and his wife were quite surprised when their son, Ihab was first born. “His upper lips were torn up to his nose. At first we thought of taking Ihab abroad to treat him but then doctors at Khoula Hospital assured him that the problem is minor and can be easily treated,” he says. Ihab is one year and three months old now and looks like any other baby. The 30-year-old father admitted that he was initially afraid of the surgery. “He was too small and we were worried. But now our baby boy can be fed normally,” Mishal says.
Types of Cosmetic Surgery
The scope of cosmetic surgery procedures includes:
● Breast Enhancement: Augmentation, Lift, Reduction ● Facial Contouring: Rhinoplasty, Chin, or Cheek Enhancement ● Facial Rejuvenation: Facelift, Eyelid Lift, Neck Lift, Brow Lift ● Body Contouring: Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, Gynecomastia Treatment ● Skin Rejuvenation: Laser Resurfacing, Botox®, FillerTreatments
in Oman are done in government hospitals while the majority of the cosmetic ones are only provided by private clinics and health care centres,” Dr Muadh says. Every year, at least 200 babies in Oman are born with defects in their upper lips, according to local sources. Medically known as cleft lip and palate, the condition is an opening in the upper lip that may extend into the nose, according to Dr Muadh. “It is the commonest birth defect and while it is not seen as a stigma anymore, parents suffer a lot of trauma when they see their newborn with this condition,” he says. Abdul Hameed also says that this disorder can cause feeding problems, speech problems, and ear infections. “Around 30 per cent of the babies can be associated with other disorders,” he explains. That is why medical staff in Oman have launched an awareness campaign to help new parents to cope with the disease. There are three hospitals in Oman that treat such defects, Al Khoula hospital in Muscat, one in Sohar and other in Salalah, according to Dr Muadh. “We perform around five surgeries per week to patients suffering from facial defects,” he says while talking to Y magazine on the sidelines of The Omani Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery event. The annual event was held at Muscat Grand Mall on Monday, July 31 to mark the Cleft and Craniofacial awareness month
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A design An architect and design guru is helping to harness changing tastes in Omani homemaking. Alvin Thomas met her
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hen author and motivational speaker Jamie Notter said that “innovation is the change that unlocks value”, many questioned him and termed his ideology as blasphemous. But, then he refuted this with one question: “if we do not innovate ourselves, then why do we call ourselves intelligent beings?” While Notter’s statements can (rightly) be taken into a broader view; today, we’re going to apply that very thought into a more localised perspective: our changing desires in the field of home décor. But how much has Oman adopted modern designs and décor in place of traditional ornamentation? To get to grips with the question, I sit down with Donna Legissi, the franchise supporter (and an architecture graduate) of Kare Design – an international furniture company that specialises in “unconventional” and Avant-Garde designs. She says: “Oman is definitely one of our growing markets. And it is surprising because it is still one of the most serene and unadulterated regions in the whole of the Middle East. “But you see, we live in a time where we’re slowly adapting to a more ‘Avant-Garde’ lifestyle. The designs we currently see around us – in our homes, work, cars and even on the streets – are all bespoke, and aim to invoke a sense of allure. “We have many unique pieces that customers like. And by unique, I mean to say that the furniture stands out when you put it in your homes and your rooms,” she explains, pointing at one of the bespoke mirrors that she offers to customers. The mirror, which is finished in chrome and has an oddly-shaped design, is a crowd favourite. It resembles the mirror as seen in the 19th century German fairy tale, Snow White. Donna then imitates the Queen’s words (from Snow White): “Mirror, Mirror on the wall. Who is the fairest of them all?” She then laughs: “You see, it goes parallel with your personality. “Your décor is what defines you as a person. You can get to tell the personality of the host by simply looking at their furniture. It’s an important aspect to one’s social life.”
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Kare Design offers “unique” pieces like armchairs, mirrors, and various other home accessories like lamps, carpets, etc. “These are the most important parts of an interior, as it brings your home to life.” But she reveals that local buyers are not yet making the full transition into modern designs. “From my experience with customers in this region, I see a tendency of them to go into newer interiors for their personal space (rooms, halls, etc.) but I have been working in many Majlisrelated projects, and I can vouch that people here still want to keep their typical Islamic designs and features intact. “It’s amazing, and that’s what the signature for this region is. As a matter of fact, this has resulted in a whole new lineup for Kare Design: the Gobi Collection.” The Gobi collection reflects Islamic designs and traditional lines and curves, and stands true to the “Arab Bedouin culture”, according to Donna. “We offer the concept because no matter what,
Omanis love both styles of designs but most of all, they love colour. It is probably because they miss it from their mountainous surroundings
our regional customers will always want to have their traditional designs in at least a few rooms in their homes. “This is what inspires our collection, too.” And in a twist in the tale, Donna tells me that the ‘Gobi Collection’ is well-received in European countries. “This Bedouin-style décor features typical Arab and Oriental designs. It reflects in the designs that the Bedouins used to have in their tents back in the early days. Even the carpets that we offer are similar in design. “Omanis love both styles of designs but most of all, they love colour. It is probably because they miss it from their mountainous surroundings. Finally, she explains: “Designs are all about finding the right shape and structure. And as time moves on, peoples’ understanding of the world changes and so does their interests.” This is also why Donna believes Avant-Garde designs are here to stay.
Kare comes Design exclus to Oman IDDes ively by Markaign, in the Mall z al Bajha curren. The brand 108 sh tly operate s ops the wo all over rld.
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HOW OMANI GOODWILL CHANGED THE LIFE OF AN ORPHAN SUDANESE BOY. HASAN AL LAWATI REPORTS 028
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s we grow up, we look up to our fathers. We bring home our football trophies to show Dad, seeking his approval. And for good or ill, fathers lead us through our first steps to manhood. His acceptance means the world to us. But Abu Ubaida missed out on all that as he had to bury his own dad at the age of 13. It was 2007, when the little Sudanese boy washed his dad’s body and carried him to his final resting place; a graveyard in Abu Dhabi. On the very same evening, Abu Ubaida and his mum sat beside the grave for untold hours, staring at the darkening skies, uncertain about the crowds gathering over their future. “He had called us at 4am to tell us how much
he missed us. We discussed the plans and the trips we were going to make when we met again. “At 11.30am we received a call from Abu Dhabi – where he worked – that Dad had been in a car accident, and that he was not going to make it,” says Abu Ubaida. “It felt like I was in a nightmare. Nothing sounded real.” He was hit by the inescapable reality that he and his widowed mother would now have to get by on their own. In her small house in Ruwi, the grieving mum struggled to feed her four children. She worked day and night at a grocery store, and Abu Ubaida had to grow up very quickly. He simply had little time to grieve properly.
“I used to walk with Mum from her workplace every night because I was worried about her safety,” he says. “The Omani community supported us in an exceptional way. People cared about our wellbeing in every aspect and they went the extra mile to help us emotionally and financially throughout our ordeal,” Abu Ubaida says. But he could not enjoy a normal childhood, such as going to the movies with his friends. Abu Ubaida, being the eldest of his siblings, had to support his mum, who was left with little option but to sell the family’s apartment in Sudan. But his school grades nosedived. Abu Ubaida failed to get a scholarship to complete his higher studies and to achieve his dream to become an engineer. But local company W J Towell brought some colour back to Abu Ubaida’s life. As a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, W J Towell supported the family, granting Abu Ubaida a full cost-free scholarship to China to study petroleum engineering.
The young man has just come back to Oman with a bachelor’s degree and limitless hope. “I am indebted to the people of Oman and W J Towell for being there for me and my family. My dream will finally come true when I land on a job to give back to Mum and compensate her for all the agony she went through to raise us,” Abu Ubaida says. “I never felt like a stranger here. Oman is my home,” he says. Abu Ubaida is one of 50 other college graduates who have recently graduated under the company’s sponsorship. The company held a party on Monday at Towell Knowledge Institute in Al Rumays to celebrate the graduation of 51 Omanis and expatriates of different nationalities. “It is our moral responsibility to help the ones in need. Companies CSR programs are designed to give back to society. Some do it by protecting the environment, others by building schools. And our vision is to support the less fortunate to lead a better life,” Ali Shaban, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer said.
Abu Ubaida, the eldest son among three other siblings.
I am indebted to the people of Oman and W J Towell for being there for me and my family. My dream will finally come true when I land on a job to give back to Mum and compensate her for all the agony she went through to raise us
Abu Ubaida graduating with a petroleum engineering degree from university.
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GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS… Capital Region Azaiba • Amara Dermatology Clinic • Audi Showroom • Bentley Showroom • Costa Coffee • Al Fair • Jaguar Showroom • Jeep Showroom • Al Maha Petrol Station • Mazda Showroom • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi Showroom • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Peugeot Showroom • Range Rover Showroom • Sayarti Auto Care • Shell Select • Skoda Showroom • The Sultan Center • Volkswagen Showroom • Volvo Showroom • Yamaha Showroom Bawshar • College of Banking and Financial Studies • Dolphin Village • Modern College of Business and Science • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital (Emergency and Outpatients) • Oman Medical College CBD • Al Maya Hypermarket • Alizz Islamic Bank • Bahwan Travel Agencies • Bank Sohar • Copper Chimney Restaurant • Costa Coffee • HSBC • Lama Polyclinic • NBO • Oman Arab Bank • Standard Chartered Bank • Woodlands Restaurant Darsait • Indian Social Club • SPAR
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• McDonald’s • Muscat Bakery • Oman Bowling Center • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Oman United Insurance • Omran • Pizza Hut • Radisson Blu • Shell Petrol Station • TGI Friday’s • The Great Kabab Factory • The Tikka Place • Zahara Travel • Zakher Mall Mabela • Gulf College Oman Mawalah • Chili’s Restaurant • Costa Coffee • Al Makan Café • Starbucks • Tim Hortons • VLCC Wellness MBD • Bank Dhofar • Centrepoint (Splash) • SPAR • NBO • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Pizza Muscat • Shell Petrol Station MGM • Caribou Coffee • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • Just Falafel • Ooredoo • Paul • Tim Hortons Al Mina • Bait Al Baranda • Bait Al Zubair MSQ • Al Fair • Arab Open University • British Council • Costa Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • Hana’s Slimming & Skincare Centre • Kargeen Caffe • KFC • MacKenzies Café & Deli • Mood Café • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Papa John’s Pizza • Pizza Hut
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Muscat-4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • Waljat College of Applied Sciences Ruwi • Apollo Medical Centre • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Mega Store – Swarovski Showroom • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • Oman Trading Establishment • Saravana Bhavan Sarooj • Al Fair • Al Masa Mall • City Cinema • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell Petrol Station • VLCC Wellness Sawadi • Al Sawadi Beach Resort Seeb • Golden Tulip Hotel • McDonald’s Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Caribou Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Centre • The Indus Restaurant • InterContinental Hotel Muscat • Jawharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks • VLCC Wellness Sifah • Sifawy Boutique Hotel SQU • Diplomatic Club • College of Economics and Political Science
• Students Banking Area • Reception/ Canteen Wadi Kabir • Al Maya Hypermarket • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Pharmacy • National Hospitality Institute • Pizza Hut • Shell Petrol Station Wattayah • Ahli Bank • Best Cars • BLS International Services • Chevrolet/GM showroom • Ford Showroom • Hatat House • Honda Showroom • Hyundai Showroom • Kia Showroom • Lexus Showroom • National Travel & Tourism • Passage To India Restaurant • Shell Petrol Station • Subaru Showroom • Suzuki Showroom • Toyota Showroom Al Mouj Muscat • Almouj Golf • Costa Coffee • Oman Sail • Shakespeare & Co. • Al Mouj Muscat Head Office Other Regions Barka • Al Nahda Spa and Resort • LuLu Hypermarket Nizwa • University of Nizwa Sohar • Centrepoint (Splash) • Crowne Plaza • National Gift Markets • Ooredoo • Pizza Hut • Safeer Mall • Sohar Beach Hotel • Sohar Port and Freezone • Sohar University
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Adventures
Cars
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Gaming
CARS AND ADVENTURES
THE DOOR
Shaquel al Balushi heads to the town of Samail, to explore the beautiful castle and mosques. –P32
AUG 10 - 16 / ISSUE 482
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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
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Destination
SAMAIL CASTLE
Shaquel al Balushi finds an enchanting fortress that continues to keep its eye on the region 032
AUG 10 - 16 / ISSUE 482
Gaming
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here’s something eerily unique about a castle. Yes, with militarythemed architecture and heavily fortified walls, they all may look identical, but under the surface, each castle tells a different story – and that’s what makes my trips to these areas all the more special. And as spectacular castles go, the one at Samail has to be among my favourites, as it sits atop a rocky crop, and is nestled carefully amid the dramatic mountainous backdrop and date farms. I suspect that this is what gives the castle its commanding features. The line-of-sight and its strategic position must have been a nightmare for marauding opposition forces, when in war. It’s ideal for foiling an ambush. Of course, those days are long gone now, and all that remains is the fort, its legacies and the numerous tourists who visit. And this is exactly what I wanted to see during my trip to the historically important and beautiful town of Samail. The trip is quite long and it is best if you have some company. As usual, I also start early in the morning to avoid any traffic, and
also avoid the midday heat. To head to Samail, you have to take the route to Nizwa and look out for road signs. Once you take the exit, it is a straight drive for 15odd km before you can start seeing signs of the castle, and the town. Oh, and you see, since this area of Al Dakhliyah has an abundance of historically important sites, there are numerous mosques here, too. Earlier, someone had told me that there are nearly 300 mosques within the valley (!) Impressive, isn’t it? Surprisingly, Samail was also home to Mazin bin Ghadouba –the first Omani to embrace Islam. He built the town’s first mosque in the seventh century, introducing the people of Oman to Islam. Also, the old Silk Route passed through here, with goods from the Far East. Among those who traversed its trails were Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta. Thankfully, by the time I visit the fort, it is only 10am, and there are not many tourists. So, I can capture the photos in peace. The castle has started to show signs of wear-and-tear from my last visit here. However, it is still a gorgeous spectacle that oversees the underlying areas. After all these years, it continues to watch over
the area. Mind you, the castle was renovated a few years ago, and it still maintains the historical style of the era; a fact you notice when you walk into the characteristically Omani heavy dark wooden doors. Sadly, on the day I visit the fort it is closed to the public. So I cannot find what resides inside it. I resort to clicking photos of the exterior, and the beautiful palm trees that flank the areas around it. The exterior of the castle is typically Omani. There are high walls and the building itself is made from traditional mud bricks. Thankfully, the weather is on my side, too: today is relatively cool and dry, and the fresh winds from the hills bring in a touch of freshness to the air. Henceforth, I walk to the top of the mountains and admire the valleys, the groves of palm trees and the village of Samail that lay underneath. And standing there, I realise how I can be a part of a place that is of utmost importance to my region, culture and religion. Samail isn’t just another village, it is a part of who I am, and above all, the source for all our beliefs and philosophies.
TRAVEL GUIDE
HOW TO GET THERE You do not need a 4×4 to visit the castle and other historical sites in Samail Valley. From Muscat, take the main road to Nizwa and look out for road signs. Take the Samail turn and drive around 15km, when you will see the castle well indicated by brown signs. The castle is on the right hand side of the big hill. There’s parking next to the road to the castle.
GPS location of the castle: E57°59’53. 80” N23°18’38. 63”
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CARS ADVENTURES
FIRST DRIVE
AU D I Q 2
This quirky crossover SUV reeks of class, style and versatility, says Y’s motoring expert Alvin Thomas
I
f I had a dime for every time a manufacturer took its flagship SUV and put it on shrink through their scanner (figuratively) to reveal a smaller version of the same, I would be worth – at the very least – a couple of dollars. There really is no other way of putting it: motor manufacturers love recycling and eking out every inch of potential from their designs before finally laying them to rest. And undoubtedly, Audi has been involved in this wheeze – alongside most other European manufacturers – for a while now without blotting its copybook. Hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it; right? Mind you, Audi’s Q7, Q5 and Q3 are still all SUVs that have their own perks and their own signatures despite sharing roughly analogous designs. But you know what? People adore them all. Just take a look at the individual sales figures of the
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vehicles against their rivals on the market. As a matter of fact, Audi’s Q5 was ranked in second place in sales in the premium SUV segment in 2016. That’s pretty darned impressive. Little wonder then that the lineup has grown by one; and that too by an SUV that comes as a complete surprise to us motoring journosaurs here in the Middle East. Yes, folks. It’s the Audi Q2, and it’s here to steal the “smallest Audi” title from the Audi Q3. And you remember all those statements I made about Audi SUVs sharing similar designs? Well, take them out and throw them in the woodchipper. Because, the Q2 is as exclusive as an Audi SUV can ever look. Boy, does it look fantastic, or what? Granted, the Q2 is unmistakeably an Audi, with its large octagonal grille and gaping air intake scoops. But, it looks more amusing than its larger siblings; more exciting, even. Why, though? For starters, the Q2 is wellproportioned. The lights are larger, and even the daytime-running LED lamps look disparate from what you would customarily find on another Audi product. Apart from that, Audi has also strategically-used plastic panels to give the Q2 its laddish charm. My tester, which came in red, and with blackedout panels looked especially stunning in person. The side profile of the Q2 is far from boring, too. The low roofline and ride height, combined with the length of the SUV, gives it a unique and sporty appeal. There’s also a horizontal line that runs across the doors of the SUV, which splits into two and then conjoins again. This is not a typical Audi
design, but it’s definitely beguiling for a sub-compact SUV. The rear, thanks to its sloping roofline, small rear window, and plastic-covered bumper panels also enhance the distinct look of the SUV. Oh, and for that added touch, Audi throws in dual-exhausts, too. Thankfully, regarding the latter, there’s none of that usual design malarkey, either. The exhausts are rounded, and fit into the posterior rather well. If I had to nitpick, though, I’m not a big fan of the grey blade plastic panel on the C-pillar of the SUV. But, ask Audi and they will chuck in a black C-pillar.
Destination
P o s t c a r d s Fr o m
Y- F i
Overall, the Q2 still has the same Audi DNA but the Underneath the hood lies a 1.4-litre in-line four-cylinder subtle changes distinguish it from the other ‘Q’ crossovers, turbocharged engine. While the engine may be puny, with efficacy. there’s nothing frail about the performance of the Q2. For the first time, Audi has also chucked in a funky Power and torque figures are rated at 150hp and 250Nm, interior into the mix. The dashboard is simple but can be respectively. The engine is furthermore mated to Audi’s ordered in many different colours (for the inlays, sections legendary seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which of the seats and contrasting stitching). You can also opt for sends power to the front wheels. white plastic or brushed aluminium as you see fit. The engine is torquey at low rpm, resulting in excellent The interior is simple and the buttons are all well placed. pull from the get-go. It makes the car a breeze to drive You get your usual physical buttons for all controls, in the city. Even on the highway, the Q2 holds its own. including the AC, music controls, 18cm infotainment However, the engine does suffer from a slight hint of screen and even the vehicle dynamic controls). I’m turbo-lag, especially when you slam the throttle at speeds grateful Audi hasn’t gone the way of other manufacturers above 100kph. in eliminating buttons from the cabin. Even then, the Q2 is extremely brisk. It Surprisingly, only the top half of the interior completed the 0-100kph run in a mere 8.9 and the door armrests are wrapped in soft-touch seconds, making it faster than its nearest rivals. padding. But, even then, the rest of the cabin is Predictably, there’s a lot of wheelspin upon covered in hard – but premium take-off despite my test-car being THE STEERING, LIKE THAT OF fitted with large tyres wrapped in –plastics. MOST AUDIS, IS SHARP AND 46cm alloys. The traction control The seats, meanwhile, are very PRECISE YET LACKS FEEL. supportive and bolstered, too. will eliminate any unwanted STILL, THE STEERING RACK IS understeer, though. The knee and head room upfront RESPONSIVE AND INCREDIBLY However, the Q2 stands out from is top-notch, but things get a bit FUN TO PLAY AROUND WITH all other entry-level Audis, in one sketchy in the rear. With the seat pushed back into my driving position, rear knee room was single aspect: it’s extremely peppy to drive. The Q2 is a bit scarce. But that’s a characteristic of vehicles in this based on Volkswagen’s ‘MQB’ platform, and it gives the class. Competing SUVs really do not offer much more in SUV a different character. terms of space, either. While a handful of Audis understeer, the Q2 likes to Meanwhile, headroom is above-average, despite the oversteer into corners like a hot hatchback. Driving this sloping roof. reminded me of the previous iteration of the Volkwagen The boot is sizeable, and is perfect for your transporting Golf GTi. of eight to ten shopping bags or even a small mountain The oversteer comes courtesy of a stiff (and extremely bike. However, if the going gets tough, you can always well-tuned) chassis, which flexes ever-so-slightly when fold the rear seats down to make more space for cargo. cornering hard. This aids in lifting the rear wheels, Mind you, even then, the floor is quite high, thereby thereby resulting in a graceful power slide. Of course, the resulting in a shallower boot. computer nannies will keep the oversteer in check if you leave them on. The steering, like that of most Audis, is sharp and precise yet lacks feel. Still, the steering rack is responsive and incredibly fun to play around with. Meanwhile, the brakes are well-weighted and progressive, making it easy to drive in and around the city. This,
Gaming
CARS
Audi Q2 Specifications: Engine: 1.4-litre “turbocharged” in-line four-cylinder Transmission: seven-speed dualclutch automatic Horsepower: 150hp Torque: 250Nm Top speed: 205kph Sunroof Rear sensors and camera Leatherette upholstery Front-wheel drive Traction control Stability control HID headlights Optional Audi Virtual Cockpit 46cms alloys Smart key ABS, EBD 18cms touchscreen
coupled with the slick-shifting doubleclutch gearbox makes for a very special driving experience. The gearbox is quick-witted and remains in the right gears for most of my drive. Sadly, my tester did not come with paddle-shifters. But, I’m sure that will be an optional extra in the future 2.0-litre variant, which will debut, soon. In all, the Q2 is an excellent offering by Audi for the young hipster audience in the region. It’s got everything: the looks, power and even the character to gain cult status; and above all, it is one of the most engaging SUVs that you can currently drive from the German stable. Don’t buy it because you want a premium SUV that is relatively inexpensive to buy. Buy this because it’s a fantastic vehicle to own. For the duration of my drive, I was grinning like a Cheshire cat; and that’s something its competitors have yet to match.
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CARS ADVENTURES DIVINE INTERVENTION
The largest religious monument in the world —the temple complex of Angkor Wat — reflecting off the lake.
1. If you want to beat the crowds, do the tour in reverse(!): start with Angkor Thom and by the time you reach Angkor Wat the crowds would be long gone! 2. Enjoy the sunrise spectacle at Angor Wat; it’s an experience worth sacrificing your early morning sleep for one day. 3. Watch the sunset from the terraces of Pre Rup temple. 4. If you have more time at your disposal, make a day trip to the floating village on the outskirts of Siem Reap. 5. Visit one of the local handicrafts factories supported by the local government to preserve their handicrafts skills.
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Destination
Cars
Y-Fi
Gaming
POSTCARDS FROM
Christine Karan recommends
ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA S
ometimes amazing... sometimes upsetting. A visit to the massive spread of Angkor Wat, once the capital of the flourishing Khmer Kingdom of Cambodia, now in ruins consumed by the power of nature, is surely an overwhelming experience. Not very popular, except for ardent tourists interested in history, heritage and art, the global spotlight fell on Angkor Wat, thanks to Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider movie (released in 2001) that was filmed in and around this temple complex. Today it is one of the top 25 tourist destinations! Built by Khmer kings Jayavarman and Suryavarman dynasties between 9 and 14 centuries, the massive temple complexes give you a glimpse of how life would have been during the golden reign of the Khmer Kings. A quick research shows the Khmers enjoyed a great life; they played competitive ball games and festivals that were marked by firework displays, dance and music, wild-boar fights and what not! Just a short 40-50 minutes flight (or a 4 hour bus ride) from Bangkok to Siem Reap, will land you in Cambodia’s second largest city - the touch point to Angkor Wat. Life at Angkor Wat begins very early - even before sunrise! Hordes of tourists armed with smartphones, amateur photographers with Nikons and Canons and professionals with their Leicas and Hassleblads start assembling from 4am around the lotus pond in front of the temple entrance to grab a vantage point and wait for the famed, picturepostcard event of the golden-orange sunrise from behind the temple towers. Soon after, scores of tourist coaches start arriving, offloading hundreds of tourists. The usual itinerary begins here; the Angkor Wat temple complex, then Angkor Thom complex followed by Preahkhan temple and the Roulos Group of temples. The main Angkor Wat temple complex - the largest religious monument in the world - is the heart and soul of Cambodia and a national pride. Spread over 200 hectares, Angkor Wat is both awe-inspiring and stunning for its grand scale and its architectural excellence. Unlike Angkor Thom, this one is well-preserved having withstood the test of times. The main entrance, with five intricately carved towers perched on top, welcomes you to an awe-inspiring experience, but be prepared to walk through the long, stone-paved corridors with decorative doorways and up and down the steps. Almost every pillar and doorway feature twin Apsaras (nymphs) richly decorated with fashionable hairstyles and creative accessories. Past the massive stone gate of Angkor Thom made of giant faces, the Bayon temple is your next stop. Towers, small and big, with each one of them featuring four huge, carved, bas-relief faces represent the classic Khmer art and architecture. Stand next to one of the faces and see how dwarfed you are by the faces. Next is Angkor Thom temple (yes, the famed Tomb Raider locale!) The sprawling Buddhist temple with unique Khmer sculptures featuring exquisite carvings of designs, motifs and figurines have almost been devoured by massive trees growing over them over centuries. An unexplainable, eerie feeling takes over you as you walk around soaking it all in. The Preah Khan temple is more or less the same but has some buildings other than temples probably residences and social gathering halls - all in ruins. Is Angkor Wat only about temples and ruins? Reserve your evenings to visit Siem Reap Town. Though very touristy, the town has plenty of cafes and restaurants to suit every taste and purse. The well-organised new market offers every type of souvenir that you want to take home. Walk across the small river and enter the old market area and mingle with the locals. Wander through the alleys and see the local shopkeepers’ wares - from wooden pots and earthen wares to spices and dry fishes.
My favourite place Without a doubt, it has to be the temple complexes of the Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Highlights The sunrise at Angkor Wat and the sunset at Phnom Bakheng terrace, will set the tone for your day. Lowlights Summer months can be very hot, humid and exhausting. Try to visit between November and March. Souvenirs Cambodian handicrafts (eg: dolls and puppets) from the handicraft market near the old market. Getting there Oman Air flies directly from Muscat to Bangkok. Bangkok Airways and Air Asia fly several times a day from Bangkok, and is a relatively quick 40-minute flight.
S IE M R EAP
F L O A T IN
G V IL L AGE
RKET P N IG H T M A S IE M R E A
S IE M R EAP
TOWN
Where to stay Siem Reap has a wealth of hotels and guest houses ranging in classes. But, if you’re on a budget, you can also avail the ‘backpackers accommodation’. AUG 10 - 16 / ISSUE 482
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-FI THE TECH IN YOU
Destination
Cars
Gaming
Y-FI
IN SIGHT
Virtual-reality gadgets have brought us closer to believing in science-fiction than ever before. Alvin Thomas takes a look at some of the hottest tech of this year
RE-VIVE The HTC Vive is not just another virtual-reality headset in the market; it’s the best one out there. It is also HTC's answer to Samsung’s and Sony's VR headsets, thereby giving the struggling brand some footing in the war between global electronic conglomerates. The Vive is designed for deeper immersion than the Samsung. It does this by making use of two handheld controllers and a total of 32 sensors for full 360-degree head tracking. The only downside is that you need to have a powerful and compatible Microsoft PC or laptop to work with. Get it from vive.com for RO308
NOKIA OZO
GEAR UP We here at Y love surprises. Therefore, when we got our hands on the all-new Samsung Gear 360 at the launch event of the Samsung Galaxy S8, we were mighty chuffed. The all-new Gear 360 camera shoots and broadcasts live 4K videos with two wide-angle cameras placed opposite each other. The resulting footage can then be stitched together for a VR movie. You can also use it to create some stunning 360-degree photographs. Buy it from the Samsung Store for RO99.9
When you think of Nokia, your mind immediately wanders back to the days when the company hauled out some of the finest phones of the early 2000s. And even though the brand has made a comeback into the smartphone arena, it still takes the cake for putting together the Nokia OZO camera – a professional-grade virtual-reality (VR) camera – for shooting immersive 360-degree videos VR with surround sound. It comes with eight (2K x 2K resolution) sensors with a field of view of 195-degrees per lens. You’ll need deep pockets though. Buy it from ozo.nokia.com for RO17,000 (yes, that’s right).
GAME ON
EDITOR’S PICK
THERE'S NO DENYING THAT THE PLAYSTATION VR IS THE BEST VIRTUAL-REALITY HEADGEAR YOU CAN CURRENTLY BUY TODAY. IT IS COMPATIBLE WITH A RANGE OF GAMES, INCLUDING SOME MAINSTREAM TITLES SUCH AS THE LONDON HEIST AND STAR TREK: BRIDGE CREW. THE LIST HAS BEEN GROWING CONSISTENTLY, TOO. THE PS VR TRACKS THE MOVEMENT OF YOUR HEAD AND USES THE PLAYSTATION CAMERA, IN COMBINATION WITH YOUR REGULAR PS4 CONTROLLER OR PLAYSTATION MOVE MOTION CONTROLS, TO PRESENT A “TRUE” 1080P VR EXPERIENCE. IT IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AS A STANDALONE PRODUCT WITH THE CAMERA FOR RO195.9 FROM LULUWEBSTORE.COM
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The Chef Battle
here are no worldclass chefs here: neither Gordon Ramsay nor Mary Berry to criticise my cooking. But the ‘Chef Battle’ is more fun than just cooking and gastronomy. It’s about having fun. It all starts with you taking control of the virtual reality (VR) headset and walking into the gaming arena – a red stand in the midst of the restaurants – at the City Centre Muscat. So, there’s none of that real-world interaction involved. Following that, you’re given an almost sword-like knife. Yep, I’m pretty darn sure it’s not a spatula or a fork – despite being a completely ignorant chef. And then the countdown starts. 3…2…1… Slash (!) Soon, vegetables and fruit will be flung at you; one at a time. Carrots, potatoes, oranges; you’ve got it all. Your goal is to slash them away with your knife, and avoid the glowing red ingredients. Slowly yet steadily, the pace and intensity of the game increases. And the chances of you striking the red glowing ingredients rise, too. But, it’s fairly easy once you get to grips with the controller and the virtual reality headgear. The key is to focus on what comes towards you and ignore everything else. Of course, standing like a vegetable in the grand stand will not help your cause, either. Try to move around a bit and slash all those ingredients. After a two-minute session with the game, I scored roughly 380 points – a whole 500 points behind the leader. But I heard that it was among one of the better times, as kids generally struggle to get into the groove of the game in under two minutes. I feel good knowing that. Being an adult does have its perks after all.
App of the Week
SEE IT THROUGH If you’re into VR gaming, then are a slew of games available at your fingertips. But, Vrse Within isn’t one of them. It aims to give readers an insight into information, news, views and comments from top media houses such as The New York Times, the UN, NBC and many others… in VR (!) All the content is available in 360-degree presentations, and you can also interact with the surroundings. So, if you’re watching a news video, you get to be there with the reporter. Cool, isn’t it? Available at Google Play and iTunes for free
Info Box
The Chef Battle was organised by City Centre Muscat, and ran from July 20 till August 5, garnering much attention from shoppers and their children alike. Winners received instant prizes, including dining offers, VOX Cinema movie tickets, Magic Planet cards and mall gift vouchers. Shoppers also have the opportunity of winning prizes worth RO250 in a draw by spending as little as RO20 at any of the retail stores at the mall. The lucky draw lasts until August 12.
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HEALTH& BEAUTY
Health
Beauty
IN THE PINK
FASHION
Who says pink belongs to the ladies? Men can rock it too, like with this bold combination of soft pink shirt and tropical blue capri shorts from Burton.
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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 g hi th the to get n Insta m Fro s you tine o is help w Chr o Foll
T t Ge
Be cool and keep cool with these ultra-modern sunglasses from New Look. Buy them at RO4.
Keep it simple; keep it casual. This is a tee shirt that screams “chilledout”. Buy this sassy little number from H&M at RO2.5.
Combine this pair of rugged denim shorts from Topman with a cool cotton tee or a golf shirt, and you are fashionready for a day out with your mates. Buy them at RO14.
Going out with friends or finishing off that presentation? This Gingham shirt from M&Co will give you a fun yet an intellectual look. Talk about killing two birds with one stone! It costs RO12.
We know Muscat is very hot and you’ll want your clothes to be light and airy. These premium cotton shorts from H&M are guaranteed to do the business. Buy them at RO16.
For those of you who love a good, classic belt, this is for you. It’s a simple accessory that can enhance your look. Buy it at H&M for RO.11.
This colourful bead bracelet from H&M is the accessory you need to embellish your appearance. Buy it at RO2.5.
AUG 10 - 16 / ISSUE 482
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HEALTH& BEAUTY
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GLAM
GLOW
What lifts your glamour quotient is that perfect shade and glow, and for that you need the right highlighter. Christine Karan tries out the must-have vanity essential for different tones and moods 042
AUG 10 - 16 / ISSUE 482
am an avid watcher of YouTube beauty tutorials. Thanks to the numerous beauty gurus, I’ve learnt plentiful tips as well as tricks on makeup. One of my favourite beauty gurus is Nikkie De Jager, or popularly known as NikkieTutorials, and there is only one thing she preaches: Glow. In most of her videos, she always adds that perfect shade of highlighter to her cheek bones as a final step that immediately elevates the glamour quotient. As a fan of glitz and shimmer, I decided to buy myself a palette of highlighter. After going from shop to shop (not that I complain) in search of that perfect shade and glow, I landed at Kiko Milano — an Italian brand that the Middle East has embraced. Right in front on the showcase was a Limited Edition Kiko Milano Highlighter and it was love at first sight. I couldn’t wait to get home and…after doing a full-face make-up, I tried the brand new highlighter. The glamour proportion lifted many levels. My love for highlighter grew manifolds and thus I started my search for many more shades of shimmery glamour in a box. One of the first brands that I came across was Marc Jacobs Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter. With just one swipe it takes your entire glam game to a different level but at the same time gives the whole look character and illumination. The Kate Von D’s Alchemist Holographic highlighter looks just brilliant even at the first look. A futuristic packaging with four different shades of crispy green, oceanic purple, Disney blues and flirty pink, this highlighter has choices to suit different skin tones and different moods — and in my opinion is a vanity essential. Need a morning sheer for a brunch or a glamour glow for an evening party? This highlighter kit is definitely a must-have. Another brand that carries the right shade of highlighter that suites my skin tone was Nars Illuminator in the shade of Copacabana. Easy to carry and easy to wear, this liquid illuminator is light-reflecting that enhances the complexion with an incandescent shimmer.Wear it alone or with a full-face make-up and get that extraordinary shine. If you are a fan of a blinding glow, which also gives a dewy look for the day or night, then Too Faced Love Light Prismatic Highlighter is the illuminator for you. Stacked in three shades, this powder-based highlighter gives the blend of a gel highlighter with a pearly radiance and eye-catching metallic shine. Compact to carry in your purse for any time re-touch, this Love Light Prismatic Highlighter is an everyday essential. Korean beauty products are worldrenowned and one of the recent entries into the Middle East is the very popular Korean brand Too Cool For School. Their highlighter Dinoplatz Pearl Bay Invasion is a deeply moisturising that instantly gives the complexion a perfect 3D illumination that is light, effortless and natural. Give yourself a perfect, classic yet elegant radiance and dazzle like a diamond.
Beauty
HEALTH
Fashion
Xxxxxx PRESCHOOL FEARS
The transition of starting school for the first time can be difficult for children because it changes their routine unnecessary illnesses and deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How do parents allay a child’s anxiety about starting school? Paediatricians often encourage parents to get their children into routines – bath time, bedtime, meals – because they can help create a sense of comfort and calm. The transition of starting school for the first time, changing grades or changing schools can be difficult for children because it changes their routine. Parents can help ease anxiety about school by: ● visiting the school and/or classroom in advance ● keeping your own anxieties from your children ● not belittling the child’s feelings ● relating stories of your childhood, for example, about your first day of school Why are childhood immunisations important? Childhood immunisations are important because they prevent people from getting certain diseases. Some people believe that immunisations are no longer important because the diseases that they prevent are now no longer common. But, physicians insist the reason these diseases are not common anymore is because so many people have been vaccinated and protected against them. Many schools require children be vaccinated against certain diseases before starting school. Find out what immunisations your child’s school requires. Making sure children are up-todate with immunisations is the best way to protect your family, school and community from outbreaks of
Why is it important for kids to continue to get an annual health-check even when they appear to be healthy? Annual health visits are an opportunity for your children’s doctor not only to make sure they have been given the appropriate vaccines but also to check their development, behaviour and overall well-being. Some things your children’s doctor might look into, according to the AAP, are any concerns about: ● attention ● eating ● learning problems ● sleeping ● social behaviour ● toilet training Health visits can help identify possible concerns about your children’s health, including hearing problems, vision problems or learning disorders. There is more time to focus on your children’s overall health at a health visit because there is not the immediate focus on any sickness they might have. What are the harmful foods that can affect a child’s learning? Too much junk food – especially fast food – can have a negative effect on a child’s ability to learn. According to a study printed in journal Clinical Pediatrics, kids who ate fast food at least four times a week had lower test scores in reading, maths and science than kids who had not consumed any fast food. Diets high in fats and sugars and low in nutrients have been shown to hurt immediate memory, learning processes and cognitive development, according to the study. How can summer’s extreme heat affect children? Children’s body heat can rise faster than an adult’s, and it only takes a few minutes for children’s bodies to overheat.
Health effects that could be caused by extreme heat include: ● dehydration – caused by not drinking enough water. The hotter it is and the more active your child is, the more frequently they need to drink water. ● heat cramps – low salt levels caused by sweating can cause these painful muscle cramps. The cramps are typically in the hands, arms, legs and abdomen and are usually the first sign that the body is having trouble with the heat. ● heat exhaustion – loss of water through heavy sweating causes this mild form of shock. Heavy sweating, extreme weakness and fatigue, dizziness and clammy skin are all signs of heat exhaustion. ● heat stroke – if the body’s temperature goes over 104 degrees, seek medical treatment immediately for your child. Symptoms may also include dizziness, confusion, headaches and chills. To keep summer’s extreme heat from affecting your children: ● protect them from the sun – try to spend time outside in the morning or at night when the sun is least bright. Try to find a shaded spot. ● find cool shelter – plan to have a cool, air-conditioned place for your child. If this isn’t your home, find someplace else, such as a friend’s house or a library. ● increase water intake – drink more water before, during and after your outdoor activities. ● rest – heat can make children feel tired so plan for extra downtime. What areas of a family’s life should be considered when creating a healthy transition from summer to school? Working your way from a looser summer routine back into a more structured school-year routine is a great way to get a healthy start
to school. To start the school year off on the right foot, Dr Haneef recommends some of the following tips: ● healthy breakfast – give your kids healthy fuel to start the day. Try a fresh fruit and spinach smoothie, some oatmeal or some fruit and nuts. ● walk/bike to and from school – incorporate healthy activity by taking an opportunity to walk or bike with your kids to school when you can. If they’re old enough, encourage them to walk or bike to school with friends and use it as an opportunity to talk about safety. ● smart lunches – work to cut back on sugary drinks in your kids’ lunches by packing a water bottle instead. Try to include something proteinrich, like some almonds or apples with peanut butter. And, don’t forget to add a cooling pack of some kind to keep their lunch at the right temperature. ● after-school activity – once your kids are home from school, encourage them to have some fun outside when the weather is nice. Also, sign them up for after-school activities, such as sports or dance, which can keep the sofa and screen time to a minimum. ● hit the hay – children should be getting 10 to 12 hours of sleep a night, and teens need at least eight hours. Starting to get back into good sleep habits before summer ends will help once school starts. ● comfy clothes – help your kids choose loose fitting, comfortable clothes that don’t restrict movement and play while at school. Also make sure they’re wearing shoes that will let them be active – trainers are always a good choice. Starting off the school year on a healthy note can help that tricky transition from summer to school go as smoothly as possible. AUG 10 - 16 / ISSUE 482
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KEEP IT HOT A Mexican-themed meal is a sure-fire way to keep things lively around the family dinner table.
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Slow Cooked “Pulled” Chicken Tacos Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 2 hours Servings: 5
Llife to ive
THE MEX
There’s more to Mexican than tacos, so try these recipes for some South American dishes to savour
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usy school days demand meals that can match our pace of life. A Mexican-themed meal is a sure-fire way to keep things lively around the family dinner table. Not only does a meal centred on Mexican cuisine let you spice up your menu, it also allows for the pickiest of palates to be satisfied. That means less time in the kitchen and more time spent around the table. Put a fresh twist on your next school-night fiesta with these ideas: ● Sample variations of classic salsas, include seasonal ingredients like jicama and diced sweet peppers or put a spicy spin on Mexican-inspired stuffed shells. ● Get creative with proteins. Chicken and beef are common options, but heart-healthy fish and shrimp are also great candidates for a Mexican-style meal. ● Mix-up your taco night. Try an alternative to the traditional corn shell with an option like Ortega Good Grains Taco Shells. They are crafted with blends of real corn, unique grains and ingredients baked into each shell. They’re made with whole kernel corn, giving them an authentic taste and a distinctive flavour, aroma and texture. ● Keep things kid-friendly and fun by focusing on finger food. A large taco can be difficult for little hands to handle, but a street taco portion, a chimichanga or even nachos are more hands-on. ● Look for fun toppings that add an extra crunch. For example, new Ortega Crispy Taco Toppers, lightly breaded slices of real jalapeno or onion; provide a bold kick and are the perfect finishing touch for tacos, salads and even Mexican-style burgers. ● Don’t forget dessert. No meal is complete without a sweet treat, such as a churro, flan, empanada or sopapilla. Many of these favorites can be prepared ahead of time so you can simply cook and serve for a perfect ending to your family fiesta. Find more mealtime inspiration like these recipes, perfect for the busy back-to-school season, at ortega.com, or find Ortega on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Ingredients: § 680g boneless, skinless chicken thighs § 1 bottle (225g) Ortega Chipotle Taco Sauce § 1/2 cup chicken stock § 1/2 teaspoon salt § 1/2 teaspoon pepper § 1 package (10 shells) Ortega Good Grains White Corn with Chia Taco Shells, warmed taco toppings Method: § In a medium-sized frying pan, combine the chicken, taco sauce, chicken stock, salt and pepper and cook on low; covered for approximately two hours or until the internal temperature of chicken reaches 75C. Remove the chicken from the pan and shred using two forks. § Turn up the heat to medium-high and reduce the cooking liquid into thick sauce, cooking for 3-5 minutes and stirring occasionally. § Remove from the heat and combine the sauce with shredded chicken. § Serve in taco shells with desired taco toppings.
Baja Chicken Pizza Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 5 Ingredients: § boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 454g § 1 bottle (225g) Ortega Green Taco Sauce § 1 can Ortega Vegetarian Refried Beans § 3/4 cup Ortega Homestyle Salsa (any variety) § 1 Mama Mary’s prepared pizza crust § 1 red bell pepper, diced § 1 can (113g) Ortega Diced Green Chiles § 1 bag (225g) Mexican-style shredded cheese § 1 bottle (225g) Ortega Original Taco Sauce (any variety) § 1 bag Ortega Crispy Onion Taco Toppers Method: § In a large bowl or re-sealable plastic bag, combine the chicken breasts with green taco sauce. Stir or shake to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to two hours. § Heat oven to 175C. § Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 75C. § Let the chicken cool down for 10 minutes then cut into small cubes. § In a medium bowl, combine the refried beans and salsa. § Transfer the prepared pizza crust to a baking tray. § Spread the bean mixture over the dough, leaving 0.5cm at the edges for crust. § Top with the peppers, green chillies, chicken and cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. § Top with taco sauce and crispy onion toppers then serve.
Mexican Style “Totchos” § 1 packet Ortega Taco Seasoning § 1cup water § 454g shredded cheddar cheese § 2 medium tomatoes, diced § 1 container (454g) sour cream § 1 bag Ortega Crispy Jalapeno Taco Toppers
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 5 Ingredients: § 1 package (900g) tater tots § 680g ground beef
Method: § Prepare the tater tots according to the directions on the packet. § Heat a standard-sized frying pan over a medium heat. Cook the ground beef for 4-5 minutes until browned, using a wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Add taco seasoning and water. Cook until the water evaporates and the sauce is thickened. § Top the hot tater tots with the cooked ground beef and cheese, and heat in the oven for five minutes. § Top with the tomatoes, sour cream and crispy jalapeno toppers, and serve immediately.
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Info Box PAUL
Muscat Grand Mall, Baushar, Muscat Opening Hours: 10am to 11pm Contact: +968 2200 9583 Dinner for two: RO33.300 Verdict : 9/10 SERVICE 8/10 FOOD 8/10 AMBIENCE Expensive food, but well worth the money
PAUL
Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals
ALVIN THOMAS GOES ITALIAN AT PAUL AND IS MADE AN OFFER HE CAN’T REFUSE; A DINNER THE GODFATHER WOULD KILL FOR
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t’s 7pm on a balmy Thursday evening and the roads are packed with commuters going home. After spending nearly an hour in traffic, Y’s online editor Nishad and I head for the Paul restaurant; it exudes quality and is always buzzing. Perfect, then, after a hectic day of work. The menu is well laid out, and compiled mostly in French. But, there’s a description of each item with each dish so you will not be flummoxed by all the fancy names. I opt for a well-done portion of filet boeuf grill, and a glass of orange and carrot juice while Nishad opts for the pasta tagliatelle chicken and glass of red berry mint juice. Nishad’s pasta is the first to arrive, and he quickly declares it one of the best he has ever had. After sneaking a few bites from his plate, I concur. With its creamy texture and its yummy cheesy flavouring, the pasta tagliatelle is quite delectable. The tagliatelle – which is a long, ribboned pasta, generally a shade thinner than fettuccine – is well steamed, and retains its consistency until the last bite. I cannot fault it at all.
THIS IS THE FINEST DINING EXPERIENCE I HAVE HAD IN A REALLY LONG TIME
Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com
Next to arrive (after 30 minutes) is the filet boeuf grill. Surprisingly, the waitress apologises profusely for taking time for preparing the dish but I assure her that it’s perfectly alright, and that I know slow-cooked well-done beef usually takes up to 20 minutes to prepare. The steak is accompanied by steamed vegetables like baby carrots and broccoli. Now, I usually don’t like raw vegetables, but in a weird turn of events, I find myself digging into the baby carrots. The veggies are fresh, and steamed just right. The well-done beef is juicy (thankfully), yet firm 046
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with precise flavouring. It doesn’t sit on my plate for too long. I wash it down with my glass of orange and carrot juice, which isn’t too tangy, nor sweet. After slurping down his red berry mint juice, Nishad declares his drink “superb”. Finally, we order strawberry and passion-fruit cheesecakes. They are pre-prepared but both are first-rate. The passion-fruit cheesecake (the one I choose), with just the right serving of chocolate sauce and passion-fruit slices offers a delightful fusion of flavours. The base is soft yet sturdy enough to give the cheesecake its structure. My fork slides down the walls of the cake smoothly, thereby signalling fresh cheese. Nishad delves into his strawberry cheesecake and in less than five minutes, both of us are done. In all, we are two very happy and replete men and vow to return. And why not? This is the finest dining experience I have had in a really long time.
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