Y Magazine #485, August 31, 2017

Handsome Honda

THE NEW CIVIC BRINGS STYLE AND CLASS

Jet Set Go!

MAKING WAVES IN OMAN News: OTAXI SERVICE SUSPENDED, FIRM TOLD TO GET LICENCE

10

DESTINATION: Kumma TASTE TEST: Jollibee

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

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AUG 31 - SEP 06 2017 / ISSUE 485 • WEEKLY

Fare

BATTLE PLUS!

ARE OMAN RESIDENTS PAYING MORE FOR AIRFARES?

LUST FOR DUST

01

NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

26

EXPLORE L.A.

36

MAGIC GEL

42

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

Fast forward W

hen purchasing airline tickets, timing is everything. Or is it?

To buy a plane ticket at a fair deal, several factors have to be taken into consideration, which include: checking fares early and often, booking at the right time, and being mindful of seasonality

and holidays.

Following the announcement of the Eid Al Adha holidays (on August 28, 2017), however, many travel agencies and flight operators are claiming that they are booked out, or are offering increased fares, citing higher demand from passengers for flying out of the Sultanate.

It’s a little hard to get our heads round, because in most circumstances in life, pricing is not dynamic. When we go to the store to buy milk, the price does not go up through the day, or when the shelves start emptying.

Whereas the airline pricing model is built to hammer the customer; trying to ascertain, to the very last Rial, how much customers might be willing to pay. Is this justified? “It’s simple economics. As demand increases prices increase,” says Wasim Zaidi, General Manager of Jet Airways.

With delayed holiday announcement, the demand has only increased. But is this really fair, and can anything be done to curb airlines hiking up prices? Read our cover story this week to find out.

Enjoy your Eid holidays!

editor@y-oman.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi SENIOR ONLINE EDITOR Nishad Padiyarath ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

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AUG 31 - SEP 06 / ISSUE 485

03

contents

AUG 31 - SEP 6 2017

Your Oman 08 Voice Of Oman

Lamia Maan Naddaf 10 News

Eid Al Adha holidays announced 13

News Omantel completes RO325.6mn share deal with Zain

This Week 18

19

20 Health and Beauty

34 First Drive

Honda Civic

40 Fashion

Jean genies

36 Postcard From

Los Angeles 38 Y-Fi

Diving gadgets

42 Beauty

The magic gel

38

28 Making Waves

Take to the seas with jet skis

Health Conference Join medical experts at the OCEC to find out more on the future of healthcare in Oman

10 32 Destination

Kumma

22 Cover Story

Are airline companies

taking you for a ride?

Grand Masterpiece Royal Opera House Muscat’s new season all set to begin

20 Movies

Logan Lucky

Cars and Adventures

Features

22 Food and Drink 44 Food Feature

Bread talk 46 Taste Test Jollibee

44

43 Health

Rest assured

40

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THE VOICE OF OMAN

14-YEAR-OLD LAMIA MAAN NADDAF ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAYING SPORT

A

DEBATE OF THE WEEK

ll of us know that playing sports or working out and being active can be crucial in protecting ourselves

from illness.

But, even then, a lot of us prefer to sit at home and relax on the sofa.

I am writing this after I recently noticed a lot of my peers ignoring sports and running towards their phones and gadgets with arms wide open.

Now, I do not intend to compare sports with technology. But, what really is the point of sitting at home poking away at your phone – probably even playing games – when you really can be outside kicking a football or playing any kind of sport you may see fit.

During my (recently concluded) vacation days in Syria, I spent a lot of time playing sports; that’s when I realised and recognised how useful it was to my body – especially in removing the daily stress from my head.

It was so good in fact, I vowed to continue playing sports after coming back to Oman.

I sincerely hope today’s generation of kids (including me) understand how sport is not just a physical activity but a mental one, too. The benefits are countless.

Of course, if you’re trying to exert less energy, you could play a game of chess, and vice versa would be a taxing game of basketball (which I dearly enjoy playing).

You see, Oman provides everyone with an opportunity to get moving; it’s such a country.

There are numerous sports arenas and gaming zones where you can go and participate in competitions.

So, why not try your hand at it?

No, really. Do it for a week and see the changes you will go through.

After all, a life full of vitality and a day filled with energy is what will make your life a complete one.

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correspondence

AUG 31 - SEP 06 / ISSUE 485

WE ASKED: Trash left behind by careless visitors is not just an eyesore but also has an adverse impact on the ecosystem in Salalah. Do you think fines for littering should be stricter?

BLOEM ST

Unfortunately, a lot of people think it’s OK to do such things because someone will clean up after them. That’s not the case as we should all be respectful to nature. I do think fines for littering should be stricter and higher. This is the only way some people will learn. We should also be raising awareness on the harm littering does, via signs, videos and TV commercials etc. Some people are also ignorant to the real impact of littering.

IBRAHIM SHAIKH

My wife and I are continually annoyed and disappointed that people litter and leave cans and bottles along our favourite hiking/beach area. One day we simply decided to do something about it! We could not stop the littering but what we could do is actually pick that stuff up and haul it out. We started with a pledge that henceforth we would no longer walk past any garbage. We have a bunch of other

WRITE TO US AND YOU COULD WIN

hikers who also pick up as they go. The trails have never looked better. You can’t stop the litterers but you can stop the litter. Officials cannot be anywhere and it would be difficult to penalise someone. Teach by example, starting with your younger siblings and within your peer group. Outsiders may not notice or comprehend your example, but the insiders will.

Ideas do rub off; whether those ideas are expressed in words or in deeds.

RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE

The main causes of littering are laziness and ignorance. People do not realise the effects of littering; the garbage bins are dirty and not big enough but that is not an excuse. Littering can be controlled by increasing fines and imposing their implementation more forcefully. Education can play an important role. Children need to be taught at an early age as to how littering can affect the environment. They can also be taught how to correctly dispose of garbage. Social media,

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TV, radio and print ads can also be deployed in bringing awareness of the effect of littering on the environment, our bodies of water, and to our health as well. Littering affects communities and people who live not only in Salalah but also in other parts of Oman. It can be poisonous for plants and animals. It can have a severe impact on tourism. Reducing litter can be done by having a degree of self-discipline and by starting it within yourself and at home.

Stop littering, pick up litter, and report to authorities if you catch someone littering illegally.

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SYED KASHIF

The smart way is to implement a rewards system in which points are given for the proper disposal of waste. These points can be later used to receive a discount coupon or reduction in points. Stricter implementation of rules and an increase in penalties is not a bad idea.

SUNIL JOHN MARTIN

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

Send it to:

info@y-oman.com Visitors visiting Salalah should realise that they should keep the place clean and beautiful for others to enjoy too. Nobody would like to visit a picnic spot littered with trash. So, rather than making littering fines stricter, more care should be taken of the environment and the ecosystem.

New Debate: Are levels of customer service up to the standards we expect in Oman? Have you ever had a problem being served efficiently? If so, was the matter settled to your satisfaction?

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AUG 31 - SEP 06 / ISSUE 485

09

YOUR

OMAN

C

NEWS

16 PER CENT RISE IN PASSENGERS AT MUSCAT AIRPORT,

SALALAH NUMBERS RISE TOO

ombined passenger numbers of the Muscat International and Salalah International airports are inching towards the 9 million mark, according to latest government data.

The total number of passengers in Muscat International and Salalah Airports reached 8,717,854, by the end of July, 2017. The total number of international flights at the two international airports reached 61,241.

There was a 19 per cent increase in total departures through the airports during the period and 16 per cent increase in the total arrivals until the end of July this year, according to figures released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

Flights, both domestic and international, at Muscat International Airport increased 10 per cent to touch 64,879, until the end of July 2017, compared to 58,965 flights during the same period last year. The number of passengers at Muscat International Airport reached 7,863,684 in the end of the month, compared to 6,778,631 passengers in the same month in 2016, registering a 16 per cent growth.

Meanwhile, the number of transit passengers grew by 144.9 per cent to 19,679 from 8,036 passengers last year. According to the nationality of the carriers, flights from India registered 79,318 take offs and 115,548 landings followed

by Bangladesh with 21,204 take offs and 22,835 landings at the Muscat International Airport.

Flights from Pakistan registered 16,988 take offs and 21,424 landings, according to the NCSI data.

The total number of domestic flights rose by 29 per cent to 6,899 flights from 5,347 flights.

The passenger numbers were up to 660,798 from 549,111 passengers, registering a 20.3 per cent rise.

Salalah Airport registered a 51.6 per cent growth in flight movement to 8,358 compared to 5,512 flights during the previous year. While the total number of international flights went up by 34.3 per cent to 3,261 flights from 2,429 flights in 2016, domestic flights registered a 65.3 per cent growth to 5,097 flights this year compared to 3,083 flights during the same period of 2016.

The number of international passengers was up substantially to 329,926 at the end of July 2017 compared to 224,803 passengers in the same period of 2016 – registering a 46.8 per cent growth.

The total domestic passenger number was up by 30.6 per cent to 524,244 in 2017 from 401,565 at the end of July 2016, the NCSI data further revealed.

EID AL ADHA HOLIDAYS

ANNOUNCED

E

id Al-Adha holidays have been announced for residents in Oman.

The holidays will begin today [Thursday, August 31] and end on Monday, September 4 for both public and private sector workers.

“Eid holidays for the private sector are set to start on Thursday, August 31 until Monday, September 4,” according to a statement from the Ministry of Manpower.

Work will resume on Tuesday, September 5, 2017.

THREE ARRESTED FOR STEALING

RO10,000, VANDALISM

T

he Department of Inquiries and Criminal Investigations at the Bausher Police Station has arrested three Arabs on charges of theft and vandalism.

The accused followed the victim who was carrying RO10,000 to his house from a bank in his vehicle.

They waited for the victim to park his vehicle and enter the house. They then proceeded to break the car’s window and steal the money. The accused were identified and arrested later.

The ROP has advised all citizens and residents to take extra precaution when drawing large amounts of money from banks or carrying money in a way that might attract attention. The ROP has also asked people not to keep money or any precious items in vehicles.

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AUG 31 - SEP 06 / ISSUE 485

THE RIGHT CLICK

GALLERY

TOP PHOTOGRAPHERS FROM OMAN VIED FOR TOP SPOT IN THE AL MOUJ MUSCAT PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION, WHICH WAS ORGANISED AT THE WALK, IN THE AL MOUJ, ON THE OCCASION OF OMANI RENAISSANCE DAY 2017.

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011

YOUR

FAST AND FURIOUS

OMAN

THROUGH THE LENS OF HIS CAMERA, BADER AL GHAILANI, AIMS TO SHOW THAT CARS CAN BE ART, TOO.

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GALLERY

NEWS

OMANTEL COMPLETES RO325.6M

and Khaled al Khaled, CEO of Boursa Kuwait.

Bader al Kharafi, Zain ViceChairman and Group CEO, said: “We welcome Omantel’s investment in Zain, and we look forward to exploring mutually beneficial synergies and business enhancing opportunities across the region.

“The strategic visions of both Zain and Omantel complement each other as do our cultures, and we are confident that this deal is value-enhancing to all our stakeholders on multiple fronts. The liquidity from this transaction brings many benefits to Zain as it enhances our financial flexibility as we continue to seek opportunities in the digital space and invest in upgrading our modern networks to enhance the mobile experience for our customers. Additionally, the deal allows us to reduce our debt levels as well as increasing our shareholders’ equity”.

Talal bin Said al Maamari, CEO of Omantel, said: “The global telecoms market is changing fast, and our region has not escaped this trend. Data and content is where growth lies and investing in innovative digital products is critical to building a stronger company.

“In this competitive environment, our acquisition of a minority stake in Zain Group is a strategic move for Omantel as we continue to deliver against our Corporate Strategy 3.0, create value for shareholders, diversify our revenue, raise our regional profile, and mitigate the risk of operating in a single market.

Omantel is the incumbent player in Oman, with expertise in fixed, mobile and broadband networks and wholesale operations. We have long admired Zain for their deep digital expertise and regional footprint, which is highly complementary to ours.

SHARE DEAL WITH ZAIN

O

mantel has acquired 9.84 per cent of Zain’s shares for RO 325.6 million ($846 million/ KWD 255.4 million) at an offer price of KWD0.600 per share, after an auction at Kuwait Stock Exchange, on Thursday.

Zain and Omantel entered into a share purchase agreement (SPA) for Zain’s treasury shares on August 10.

This announcement triggered a formal block trade auction process under Boursa Kuwait rules, and culminated in a ceremony hosted by Boursa Kuwait to mark the successful closing of the transaction.

The ceremony was attended by Bader Nasser al Kharafi, Zain ViceChairman and Group CEO, Talal bin Said al Maamari, CEO of Omantel,

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YOUR

#THROWBACKTHURSDAY

OMAN

IN THIS WEEKLY SERIES, WE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF Y’S PHOTOGRAPHER, SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI’S, MOST COVETED SNAPS. THIS WEEK, WE HIGHLIGHT SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE CLICKS -FROM Y’S ‘DESTINATION’ SEGMENT -THAT WERE PUBLISHED IN OUR MAGAZINE, PREVIOUSLY.

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GALLERY

NEWS

1,000 OMANI SMES TO

ATTEND EXPO 2020

M

ore than 1,000 Omani small and medium enterprises (SME) are expected to take part in Expo 2020, which will be held in Dubai. The expo is expected to open global windows to SMEs across the world, according to a report published by local daily, Oman Observer.

A tendering and registration programme for all interested local firms was launched at the Taiseer – Oman Trading Platform under the auspices of Mohsin bin Khamis al Balushi, Adviser at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI).

The organisers said that the

tendering and purchasing opportunities were huge and the potential, enormous.

To participate in the process, there is a mandate for SMEs to complete.

Interested SMEs have to go to Taiseer’s website and register, following which they will be called for a screening process.

The SMEs will also receive all necessary information before they can participate in the Expo 2020.

The event is partnered by Riyada, Al Raffd Fund, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), Public Authority for Craft Industries (PACI), Oman Post, PEIE and Towell among others.

BAN FOR EXPAT WORKERS

E

xpats have been banned from working in certain jobs for the next six months, the Ministry of Manpower has announced.

Oman’s Minsitry of Manpower has announced a temporary ban on permits for non-Omani workers at “development centres”.

“There will be a halt of permits given

to non-Omani labour force who work in learning and development centres for six months,” according to a ministerial decree issued by Abdullah al Bakri, minister of manpower.

“Work will continue for expats with permits issued prior to the date of implementation of this decision,” added the minister.

OMAN CUSTOMS FOILS ATTEMPT TO SMUGGLE ARTIFACTS, PRECIOUS

GEMSTONES

OTAXI SERVICE SUSPENDED, FIRM TOLD TO GET LICENCE

A

taxi service via mobile app in Muscat has been suspended by the transport ministry.

The app – Otaxi – which was developed by a group of young Omanis in 2014, had 100 drivers working daily via their app, according to a company spokesman.

The Ministry of Transport and Communication ordered them to suspend operations until they acquire the proper licence, a spokesman for Otaxi said.

“The Ministry Of Transport and Communication has requested an immediate suspension of our app Otaxi,” said Otaxi in a tweet.

The app was developed by young Omanis in 2014, to ease the process of getting a taxi in Muscat.

An official from the company said, “Our app was suspended because of lack of the required authorisation in road transport.”

“We will surely comply with the orders of the ministry, and we have done so already, as we immediately suspended our application,” he added.

The app has a number of features such as GPS to locate the user, a mechanism to show how far the driver is, and it sends notifications when the driver arrives.

Additionally, the app allowed users to save their favourite spots so that they could easily select it when selecting a drop off location.

After drop off, the user received an electronic receipt which displayed the pick-up time, drop off time, the name of the driver, distance, duration and total cost.

The app mainly focused in the Muscat area, where they had approximately 100 daily active drivers, who were available 24-hours through the application.

A

n attempt to smuggle artifacts of cultural importance and precious gemstones has been foiled, according to a statement from the Oman’s Director General of Customs.

“Customs at Al Maziona were able to stop a smuggling operation of cultural artifacts and precious gemstones,” the statement said.

According to the Oman’s Director General of Customs, the smuggled items were hidden in various parts of the vehicle.

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015

YOUR

YOUNG SAILORS

OMAN

THE MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL YOUTH EVENT IN THE 2017 CALENDAR - THE OMAN SAILING CHAMPIONSHIP - DREW TO A CLOSE THIS WEEK. THE EVENT SHOWCASED THE TALENTS OF 81 SAILORS AGED FROM 10 TO 17 YEARS OLD – MANY OF THEM PART OF THE OMANTEL YOUTH PROGRAMME - AS THEY COMPETED AT OMAN SAIL’S STATE-OF-THEART SUR SAILING SCHOOL.

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GALLERY

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Photo: Shaquel Al Balushi

Today’s inspiration: The light will always find a way to shine through the darkness.

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

CULTURAL FIESTA Celebrate Eid and the Kerala festival of Oman at the ‘Aavani Raavu’ with the folk from the All India United Association. The event will be hosted at Le Grand Hall in the Al Falaj Hotel, and doors will open at 6.30pm. H.E. Indramani Pandey, the Ambassador of India to Oman; will be the chief guest. Ms Neena Kurup and Mr Raja Sahib are also among the VIPs expected to attend.

THIS

WEEK

02

NEW SEASON AT ROYAL OPERA HOUSE WHAT TO DO. WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

AUGUST - OCTOBER The Royal Opera House Muscat will commence its seventh season – September 2017 to May 2018 – with a wide range of top quality productions in many genres such as opera, concerts, ballet and dance, Arab performances, jazz, world music, family and education, musicals and shows and special events. The new season will open on September 14 with Giuseppe Verdi’s grand masterpiece, Aida, set in ancient Egypt and performed by worldclass artists in a production by Teatro Regio Torino.

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SEP

AUG 31 - SEP 06 / ISSUE 485

SEP

14

Gallery

Movies

Food & Hospitality Oman is an annual international exhibition that focuses on Oman’s food and hospitality industry. It showcases food, hotel equipment and supplies, kitchen and catering equipment, food packaging products, and food processing technologies, and other related products and services. The exhibition will be held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Center.

OCT

16

HEALTH CONFERENCE

FOOD & HOSPITALITY EXHIBITION

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 insight on the challenges, solutions, and opportunities accompanying the most critical and current issues in Oman’s healthcare sector.

OCT

09

THROUGH YOUR EYES

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

Y reader, Mohammed Ansar Salam, captures the beauty of an evening at Jebel Shams.

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: Mohammed Ansar Salam

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019

Top

Drivers with Most Number of Formula 1 Titles

❶

❷

Michael Schumacher

Juan Manuel Fangio* Titles: 5 Grand Prix Wins: 24

Titles: 7 Grand Prix Wins: 91

❸

Alain Prost

Titles: 4 Grand Prix Wins: 51

❹

❺

Sebastian Vettel

Ayrton Senna*

Titles: 4 Grand Prix Wins: 42

020

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Titles: 3 Grand Prix Wins: 41 *Now deceased *Source: Wikipedia

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

American Made Barry Seal (Tom Cruise) is a man with a finger in many pies. He’s an airline pilot who finds himself working for both the CIA and a Colombian drug cartel in the 1980s.

He has to please both of his employers while making sure he gets paid and make it home to his loving family. You really couldn’t make it up; except that it is all based on true events. The film

Logan Lucky Two redneck brothers Jimmy (Channing Tatum) and Clyde Logan (Adam Driver) attempt to pull off the ultimate heist during the Coca-Cola 600 race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

While they know how to get to the vault, they don’t know how to open it, and have to reel in the safecracking skills of the aptly-named Joe Bang (Daniel Craig). And there is also the slight problem of Joe being behind bars in a minimum security prison.

Still, Jimmy and Clyde have it covered; when Clyde contrives a threemonth jail term by crashing his car into a gas station, the brothers orchestrate a prison break to spring Bang and get their heist plan rolling.

Of course, it all does sound a bit

takes a look at the whole Sandanista affair in Nicaragua in that terrible decade, but Cruise storms it and strikes the balance between handling the serious and fun side of the role just right.

like a redneck version of heist classic Ocean’s Eleven but without the boxoffice wattage of that film’s cast.

And with Jimmy, a construction worker; and Clyde, a barman, it’s just a tad implausible. How on earth do they think they could pull off such a big job?

Although the action takes place in North Carolina, all the Southern accents seem well.. a little elongated (you know, for instance, saying ‘baa’ for ‘bye’); and especially Craig’s.

Still, it’s no less fun for all that and it’s an action comedy that delivers.

In a sea of comic book character spin-offs, sequels and reboots dominating movie screens at the moment, there’s a real lack of variety in today’s cinema.

This is a refreshing change, and thank goodness one of America’s most gifted directors, Steven Soderbergh, is back behind the camera. He knows how to pace a film, and helms this entertaining let’s-rob-the-racetrack heist movie with his usual flair.

Good job.

Baadshaho Set in 1975, as India’s then prime minister Indira Gandhi set up a State of Emergency, Rati Gatanjali has her palace in Jaipur raided by police. When police find huge amounts of (undeclared) gold, Rati is arrested. Officers seize the gold and decide to transfer it by road to Delhi with cocky officer Singh (Vidyut Jammwal) in charge of the whole operation. Transporting gold by road in a state of emergency? It’s not going to go smoothly, is it? It’s a road movie with gold taking a starring role, you might say.

Director Milan Luthria has evoked the period really well, too.

Long View MY COUSIN RACHEL Long before Nordic Noir, there was Daphne Du Maurier. The enigmatic English novelist’s flair for slowburning tension, Gothic imagery and sinister sub-plots have made her books a magnet for filmmakers for years. In this, a young Englishman Philip (Sam Claflin) plots revenge against his cousin Ambrose’s evil wife Rachel (Rachel Weisz) believing she is responsible for his death.

However, on meeting her, Philip is pleasantly surprised by Rachel’s beauty and charm. Instead of settling scores with her, he starts to fall in love with her. The question is: did Rachel do it or didn’t she? Let’s see if this mystery-romancedrama does the novel justice, and can match the 1952 classic starring Richard Burton and Olivia De Havilland.

Oman Release Date: September 7

Review by Kevin McIndoe

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 Baadshaho?

LAST WEEK'S WINNER K. Mathiyazhagan

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

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Contact: Movie enquiries 2460 7360

AUG 31 - SEP 06 / ISSUE 485

021

FLIGHTS OF

Fancy

Getting away at peak holiday times has always been expensive as airlines take advantage of increased demand.

But is this really fair, and can anything be done to curb airlines hiking up prices? Alvin Thomas investigates

F

or 17-year-old Indian expat student, Jeslin, a fresh chapter in her life is fast-approaching.

All the aspiring engineer wants is to be accepted into a reputable university back home in India.

She completed her schooling from Indian School Muscat a few months back and passed her grade 12 examinations with top grades.

She just got a call from two top universities (one in Bengaluru and the other in New Delhi) offering her a place in her preferred field of study: electronics engineering.

But there’s a catch: she now must attend interviews.

She has to book a ticket to her hometown of Kochi, from Oman.

And she has to leave on September 1 – the day of Eid Al Adha.

However, she cannot afford the RO190 airline fare.

“I cannot believe my bad luck,” a distraught Jeslin says.

“I have asked the colleges for an online interview but to no avail. I must fly there. We are trying to borrow money from our family and friends, now, in order to book two tickets (for Jeslin and her father, George).

Following the announcement of the Eid holidays (on August 28, 2017), however, many travel agencies and flight operators are claiming that they are booked out, or are offering

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increased fares, citing higher demand from passengers for flying out of the Sultanate.

“This is exploitation of passengers,” Jeslin says.

Desperate, the girl and her father book tickets with one of the international carriers.

In reality, Jeslin and her father George are only two residents – among many others – who are frustrated with this sharp rise in ticket pricing, and are calling for dropping the rates during peak travel times.

“We need to see a drop in the airline pricing, especially during such times,” says Martin, a British expat working in Oman, who says he had planned on surprising his parents with a visit, during Eid. “This overnight change in pricing is nothing but a gyp. I feel that there is a definite need to increase the numbers of flights that operate during these sensitive days.

“Back in Britain, most airline operators come up with discounts and offer at least a few weeks before, if they know the demand is going to be high. This includes flexible tickets and small drops from the average peak prices that they offer.

“It all adds up, you know,” he says.

“Here, though, I remember

We were initially planning on visiting Kochi to celebrate Onam.

But, we couldn’t book our tickets because we weren’t aware of the official Eid holidays

the prices peaking even a month before I wanted to book my flight.

And because the Eid dates weren’t announced, I had to wait until the last minute to get a ticket.”

Martin says he ended up paying RO640 for a two-way ticket to London, from Muscat, with Etihad Airways.

We conducted a quick investigation to compare current ticket rates with those of what passengers are charged during normal ‘off-peak’ days.

A return ticket to the city of Kochi (India) from Muscat, by Oman Air, costs RO307, as opposed to the RO131 that is normally charged during off-peak days; highlighting an increase of RO176 over the normal rates.

Meanwhile, to travel to the same location, Air India Express charges RO245; and Jet Airways, RO195, which is roughly a RO50 to RO100 increase from the usual off-peak days.

Surprisingly, you can opt for a flight to any other part of the country, from Oman, for less than half the cost. For example, a return trip from Oman to Mumbai costs roughly RO145.

Shockingly, we also learn that the rates differ by more than RO440 for a flight to London from Oman.

But, why is there such an increase to the state of Kerala, in India?

As it turns out, residents are celebrating its annual festival of Onam, alongside Eid Al Adha, this week. This means there are plenty of passengers opting to fly to the city.

One Keralite family of five are

disappointed at having to cancel their trip to their homeland, owing to the price hike.

“Onam falls during the Eid Al Adha holidays, this year,” says engineer Suman.

“We were initially planning on visiting Kochi to celebrate Onam.

But, we couldn’t book our tickets because we weren’t aware of the official Eid holidays. But, because we were given a last-minute notice about the holidays, we had to book it at a higher rate.

“However, we simply couldn’t afford to fly the five of us to and from Kochi.

It was amounting almost RO1,100, and that is a lot of money to pay.

“I was supposed to meet my parents and relatives, and spend a nice time away from work,” the father-of-three points out.

Etihad Airways charges passengers RO210, for a flight to the city, during off-peak days. The reason for the hike, according to Sameer, an executive with a leading travel agency in Oman, is the five-day long break (August 31 to September 4).

This is also the situation of local operators flying within Oman.

A return ticket from Muscat International Airport to Salalah International Airport currently costs RO63, a whole RO20 more than the regular rates.

Many passengers are opting to head to the green city, to escape from the city for their micro-holiday, and flights are being overbooked now, according to Sameer.

“You will not believe the number of people opting to fly to

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023

Salalah, this weekend. Because of that we have been asked to raise the rates by RO10, per side. But, this has not translated to any drop in the demand.

“Most of the people visiting Salalah are single tourists. It is definitely one of the more economic options; even when compared with travelling to countries where Omanis, Europeans and Asians can avail themselves of a visa-on-arrival – such as Georgia.

Oman Air is also offering tour packages in Salalah to holiday-makers. For instance RO179 will get you a three-night stay at the Salalah Marriott Resort.

But, in an effort to get to grips with the concerns of travellers opting to fly out of the country during mini-holidays, we contact numerous travel agents and airline officials.

So, in an interview with Y, Wasim Zaidi, the General Manager of (Indian airline company) Jet Airways, in Oman, explains the situation: “The whole increase in the pricing of tickets comes down to basic economics – the demand and supply theory.

“If capacity is still less than demand, then the demand needs to be managed.

“You see, during peak times –Eid Al Adha is one of them – we get substantial number of bookings.

And this means, we sometimes have to accommodate a maximum number of passengers, with our existing resources.

“So, the people who require the tickets the most will opt for it. Of course, our goal at the end of the day is to make money.”

Jet Airways currently operates a total of four Boeing 737-800 flights to the cities of New Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi and Trivandrum, with a total capacity of 168 (12 business class

and 156 economy class) passengers.

Wasim then says: “You see, we only have a limited number of peak days, annually. This is when our flights are most likely to be completely booked out, and we may have to reap some rewards out of it.

“The peak days are a small percentage, in a year, thus the pressure to generate revenue is paramount,” he adds.

By definition, ‘peak days’ are the time of the day or season during which the demand for airline services is at their highest. If a person books a flight during this period, he or she will have to pay the “peak fares”.

However, the airline fares are said to shoot up to their highest two days before the closing on the bookings; these dates are termed ‘super-peak’ days.

But, like Martin asks, is it possible to increase the number of flights during peak periods?

“No,” says on official (who wishes to remain anonymous) from the Oman Airports Management Company S.A.O.C (OAMC).

“An airline who wishes to apply for more slots has

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to go through a strict process. You cannot simply add a flight to your inventory for a week and then decommission the flight.

An airport slot gives an airline the right to operate at an airport at a particular time. They are used when the airport is constrained, either by the runway throughput or by the available parking space. These slots may be traded and can be very valuable, especially during peak times.

In 2016, Oman Air purchased a prime London Heathrow Airport slot from Air France/KLM for a record US$75 million (RO29 million).

The official also explains that an operator also cannot switch its landing and take-off times, especially during peak hours of operation of the airport.

“This is a question of safety,” he says.

“We have air-traffic controllers looking at the safety of the passengers. We simply cannot give him or her too many aircrafts at once; it’s too risky, particularly if the sector has complex traffic, with crisscrossing aircrafts that need to climb and descend,” he says.

But, Wasim adds that Jet Airways was interested in operating more flights to and from Oman but due to the nature (timing, date, etc.) of the slots they received, the deal didn’t materialise.

In what is good news for passengers, however, Oman Air will soon begin operating more flights within the Asian subcontinent, after it takes delivery of the first of its

ABOVE The Departures terminal at the Muscat International Airport. An increase of 16 per cent was noted in the number of passengers at the airport, this year.

Boeing 737 MAX flights. The flights are expected to begin operations early next year.

In all 34 flights are expected to join the fleet over the coming years.

The airport official refrains from revealing any further information, but he says that it should definitely help ease the congestion of passengers towards their destinations.

“We are in the process of connecting our passengers efficiently. Once the new Muscat International Airport terminal opens its doors, and the new runways open to flights, we should be able to increase the number of flights to the country.

“This should ideally help ease the fluctuating prices,” he says.

“It will definitely not stop completely, though. You see, it is all business tactics. Airline operators have a set target to achieve, and they achieve it by charging extravagantly during these peak days.

“Is it fair? Well, no it probably isn’t. But, then your only way forward would have to be booking your ticket at least two months in advance.

“We cannot simply blame Omani and international operators in the country. This is the case everywhere. It is a business, and it will continue to run with its model. So, even if are to increase the number of flights taxing in our airports, the best we can do is stabilise the fluctuation in pricing between various operators, and not eradicate this phenomenon completely.

“It’s all about making the best out of a bad situation. Let’s take what we’re offered, and keep going on with our lives.” ■

It’s all about making the best out of a bad situation.

Let’s take what we’re offered, and keep going on with our lives

AUG 31 - SEP 06 / ISSUE 485

025

l

ust for

dust

A British photographer is seeking to capture the stories behind some of Oman’s uninhabited dwellings.

Hasan al Lawati met her

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A

s time goes by, more people move from their villages to towns and cities, leaving their homes to be remnants of the past.

But, one British woman is dedicated to documenting Oman’s abandoned abodes in an attempt to keep some memories of the oncefull-of-life homes alive.

“Layers of dust have settled on everything but if you stand there still for long enough, you can almost feel them. The ones that once lived and loved, laughed and fought in those places,” says Rachael Maclver, narrating one of her many visits to abandoned homes in Oman.

Her fascination with abandoned places started when she moved to the Sultanate in 2004.

“You see the books they left behind; a hook for holding the pot in place over the stove, the carefully carved door panels. It is all there as though the former inhabitants one day just walked out and forgot to come back.

“Walking around in a village where all the houses are empty and deserted gives the feeling of walking around on a movie set after working hours. It is all there, except for people,” she says.

But Maclver, 54, admits that she sometimes feel like an intruder in these homes.

“That is when it is handy to be able to hide behind a camera lens,” she says, sheepishly.

Maclver has recently published a photo book

that features a collection of pictures of Oman.

“Oman really is a smorgasbord when it comes to photo opportunities. I just take photos,” she says.

Most of her pictures are in black and white.

“The black and white photos started as a fluke. I like their pure graphic sensation and I find that too many colours confuse what I am looking at. Sensory overload perhaps,” she says.

But there is a little dash of colour often hidden in her prints.

“It is like a woman wearing her little black dress.

She needs just a hint of red lipstick to set it off,” Maclver explains.

But how hard is it to be a photographer in a conservative society?

“I find that Omanis are very private people. And from a photographer’s point of view, it can be

difficult to see what is behind the curtain, so to speak.”

However, Maclver told us that she always tries to respect this privacy.

“My photos only show a face if I have the person’s permission to do so, and even then I know it is a privilege.”

When asked about her favourite destination in Oman, she says: “One of my favorite places in Oman is Bilad Sayt.

“Both because I think it is the most picturesque place you can find. The steep drive up to a point where you can’t actually see the road from the car’s dashboard and you feel like you are driving directly into the clouds… and then suddenly there it is, this beautiful village with all the green just below you . Absolutely beautiful.” ■

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Making waves

Hasan al Lawati gets his need for speed from a jet ski, for an aquatic adrenalin rush that’s hard to beat 028

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>

It’s a sight one cannot miss: the jet skiers roaring across the visible horizon, jumping upon each and every trough and crest of the waves at the Al Mouj Muscat Marina; riding the sea in perfect harmony, just like a professional motocross biker would ride his motorbike in a BAJA circuit.

Of course, while one sport occurs on land, the other is orchestrated on water.

But in certain ways, the two sports are similar. For starters, both are powered by hefty engines; and secondly, the rider is the backbone of the machine.

One false move and you’re hauled off in the air... and subsequently, into the ground, or the water.

The idea of falling off and getting wet, however, was my biggest worry, as I took to the seat of my very own jet ski. I’m not afraid of the sea or anything, but the idea of being hauled into the air and crashing down into the water is terrifying.

But, “all will be well,” instructs Adil al Abri, the owner of UniBoats, before he graciously lends me his many thousand Riyals expensive jet ski.

And you know what? He is right!

Everything goes as planned, and before I know it, I’m taking on the waves like a champion; skidding through the waves and drifting into them like what you see in videos on YouTube.

Oman is blessed with an endless strip of beaches but we have only eight water entertainment firms so far I also start making dramatic turns, some good enough to give American professional jet skier Elijah Kemnitz a run for his money (or so I think in my head).

It’s just me, the jet ski and that glorious Yamaha engine in the background; it’s pure bliss.

I spend a whole 30 minutes ruling the waves before

making a retreat back to land.

After cooling down, I spend a few minutes talking to Adil about his brilliant idea to establish this sport in Oman.

The young Omani entrepreneur says he developed his love for marine life to start at a very young age.

And according to him, jet skiing is a “booming business”.

Currently, numerous visitors flock to him for a session of jet skiing in the waters. Thirty minutes on a jet ski will set you back RO16, and the price increments to RO26 for an hour’s worth of watersports.

“The sky is the limit for this industry. Oman is blessed with an endless strip of beaches but we have only eight water entertainment firms so far,” he explains.

UniBoat operates jet ski tours from 9am to 5pm.

For more visit uniboats.com AUG 31 - SEP 06 / ISSUE 485

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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

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Head Office Other Regions Barka • Al Nahda Spa and Resort • LuLu Hypermarket Nizwa • University of Nizwa Sohar • Centrepoint (Splash) • Crowne Plaza • National Gift Markets • Ooredoo • Pizza Hut • Safeer Mall • Sohar Beach Hotel • Sohar Port and Freezone • Sohar University

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Adventures

Cars

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Gaming

CARS AND ADVENTURES

INSIDE OUT

Take pictures and videos underwater like a professional cameraman, with the Dome H5. To learn more, turn to P38

AUG 31 - SEP 06 / ISSUE 485

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

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

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

Y- F i

Destination

KUMMA

SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI SURVIVES HIS FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH A SNAKE, AND ISN’T ASHAMED TO SAY HE RAN LIKE THE WIND 032

AUG 31 - SEP 06 / ISSUE 485

Gaming

A

TRAVEL GUIDE

s many of you know, I’m an adventurist: I revel in tough situations and take pride in setting higher targets for myself when it comes to scouring locations around my home country.

I came across one such instance, last Wednesday, when I read online – on Accuweather – that there was a possibility of scattered rains across the outskirts of Oman. It was time to break out my trusty Jeep, then.

You see, I’m no stranger to rain but no one is foolish enough to simply give up on the opportunity of getting wet in the middle of summer; it was fascinating and I just wanted to stand in the rain like I did when I was a teenager.

Soon, I drew up a plan: I called up my friends Imran, and two Sarahs (one from the UK and the other from South Africa), and decided to chase the dark, voluminous clouds.

I felt like a daredevil; more like the (late) storm chaser Tim Samaras, even – of course, without the tragic ending.

In any case, we started our journey in the wee, small hours of the morning – 3.30am to be precise.

The sun was still down, and we were hoping that we could hit the highway to Nizwa – where the rain was predicted – by 5am, at the very least.

Our chase for the clouds, however, diverted us to Wadi Qurai, a location that I had visited only a few months ago. There was no rain, but we still took the opportunity to explore the area.

Not much has changed there, and I decided that it was best that we kept chasing the clouds until we struck… err… drops of water.

But, just as we were packing up, we came across a terrifying sight: a snake.

Yes, it may only have been a wadi snake but some of them are known to be deadly poisonous. Ironically, this was also the first snake that I had seen in my entire life despite spending hours in wadis such as these.

I completely froze for a second, before making a sprint for my dear life. There’s nothing valiant about being protective of your life, I tell you.

We then continued on our pursuit. It took us farther into the heart of Nizwa, and away from the highway; soon we were off the roads

completely!

We reached an area called ‘Kumma’: a mountainous area with patches of greenery. I found the place fascinating, as Kumma in Arabic translates to the traditional ‘hat’.

Kumma posed to be quite a formidable location, though. But, it is a haven for off-road enthusiasts like me.

It was a test of my Jeep, and even the ladies were enjoying all the slithering about.

After all, you do not get to go gaga in the mountains in an SUV, every day.

Even I was enjoying my experience, there. Do take heed that if you are planning a trip to Kumma, you must have an offroad ready SUV complete with a lift-kit, heavy-duty suspension and a roll-cage.

Trust me: you do not want to find out that you’re not prepared for exploring this area in your SUV the hard way.

Much to our dismay, however, all the clouds had started dissipating, leaving a clear and calm sky.

This was it for our storm chasing, then.

So, we decided to camp at Kumma and relax for a bit. It was there that I actually got to explore and shoot some photos for the magazine.

I noticed that the mountains had stream marks on them, meaning it had rained there at some point, earlier.

Sadly, we weren’t there to experience the soothing drops of rain; but we still cherished our time at Kumma.

We ended up sitting there and talking among ourselves for hours – making the most of our time on our weekend.

But, today, as I look back at my time there, I realise that these aren’t just ordinary days – these are the days of our lives; ones that we will always value.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Muscat, take the highway to Seeb and exit at the road that leads to Nizwa. Follow the road for about 100 kilometres, and take a right towards the village of Kumma. The location is duly signposted.

GPS coordinates: 23°00’29.1”N; 57°31’53.2”E AUG 31 - SEP 06 / ISSUE 485

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CARS ADVENTURES

FIRST DRIVE

HONDA CIVIC

The legendary Honda Civic is still a strong contender in its class, says Y’s motoring expert Alvin Thomas

B

eing a motoring journalist isn’t a stressfree task. Most of my conversations with people involve me giving them valuable car advice (or so I suppose), offering technical know-how and car buying tips to those in need; it’s a tough job but someone has to do it.

While, a certain technical know-how is required in this job, the part where I recommend cars to buyers is actually one of the easier tasks.

Want a fast SUV? Get a Range Rover Sport SVR. Want a good supermini? Get a Kia Rio. Want a hot hatchback? Go buy a Volkswagen Golf GTi. The list goes on, and I have a set answer for almost every category.

But one that has always haunted me is the compact sedan segment: there are numerous contenders, and each of the cars in this list is better in its own game than its corresponding competitors.

It’s really hard to choose a winner, really!

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That is, until now.

Yes, folks. I think I may have found the new leader of the compact sedan segment: the Honda Civic.

You see, off late, Honda had been struggling to keep its identity intact. For a few years (early 90s) they were out pumping out brilliant sports cars in the form of Acura NSXs and Honda S2000s, but then completely (and by completely, I mean wholly) shifted their focus onto mass-market cars such as the Honda Accord, CR-V and the Civic.

To compensate for their shift, their family sedans were spurred on by its sports car looks and boyish charms.

Don’t believe me? Just take a look at the 2006 Honda Civic.

Sadly, however, Honda fanboys will vouch that the ’06 Civic was the last of the truly-innovative Honda cars to have hit the market in recent years.

But, it seems that the Japanese brand has finally decided to turn the tables around – and that thankfully, they’re doing it with the all-new Civic.

The design of the new Civic definitely did it for me: with its large chrome hammerhead grille, beautifully sculpted long, sharp headlights and an angular

Destination

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

Y- F i

bumper, with two large intakes; the and dashboard.

Civic definitely possesses a sporty While it’s less cluttered than before, the boffins still cram appeal to it. in abundant technology for the driver and passenger The sedan also rides considerably to meddle with. It all starts with the instrument cluster, lower, so it looks more poised and which breathes to life in an animated format when the car composed than most rivals in this is switched on. segment. In fact, the new Civic The whole cluster is digital, and parts of it can be has gained almost 80mm in extra configured to your taste. But, accessing it means going length, and is also about 40mm wider through the 18cm-wide Android-powered capacitive and lower. touchscreen display. It’s extremely functional, as you can Meanwhile, the side profile of the control almost everything –from the air-conditioning car is coupe-ish; meaning, the C-pillar settings to the audio or even browsing the web – by using swoops down into the it. But it’s not the slickest of head units I tail lamps. While this have used in recent times. liftback-style rear is the There are cruise and audio control case with many cars of buttons on the steering, too; and thankfully, today (eg: the Audi A7, they’re all physical. But, the thumbNissan Maxima, etc.), the Civic manages operated volume-control button is tacky. to pull the look out without much Meanwhile, as has always been IT MAY HAVE TAKEN gaudiness. the case with Honda, there’s plenty CADILLAC 13 YEARS TO GET of space inside – even to store your The rear of the Civic, however, THE RECIPE RIGHT. BUT, is where the opinions split halves. bottles and other goods. There’s also LOOKING AT THE XT5, YOU some nifty design ideas such as a The tail lamps are quite large and REALLY CANNOT FAULT THE double-decker centre-console storage are shaped like individual claws, BRAND FOR TAKING ALL THIS so you can hide your goods from the and there are two non-functional TIME. THIS TIME AROUND, eyes of your passengers. vents in the posterior. In the blue THEY’VE GIVEN IT THEIR ALL, Head and leg room is in plentiful in that my car was finished in, it looked acceptable; but not so much AND EVERYTHING HAS ALL the front, but passengers taller than FALLEN INTO PLACE in lighter tones. Funnily, Honda six feet will struggle with head room has also gone on to hide the tail in the back. The seats in my test pipe underneath the rear bumper. car were covered in soft-touch fabric material, and were Mind you, minus the rear, the Civic is quite a looker. splendid.

The interior of the Civic is definitely a class apart Sadly, however, there are plenty of hard plastic surfaces from its rivals. Getting into a Civic – even in 2017 – in the dashboard and the door panels (as is the case with reminded me of the good old days when most cars in this segment).

Civics were known for their My model came packing a 2.0-litre in-line four cylinder almost spaceship-like i-VTEC engine, which is good enough to pump out instrument 158hp and 187Nms of torque. cluster The engine is furthermore mated to Honda’s new continuously variable transmission (CVT), sending power to the front wheels.

Acceleration from the engine is spritely, even when the car is

Gaming

CARS

Honda Civic Specifications: Engine: 2.0-litre in-line four cylinder Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Horsepower: 158hp Torque: 187Nm Top speed: 200kph Front-wheel drive Rear parking sensors Push-button start Cruise control Traction control Stability control Android-based infotainment system Dual-zone climate control 41cms alloys Right blind-spot monitoring camera

crammed with passengers. Upon flooring the throttle, I was able to hit the 100kph mark from naught in about 9.5 seconds. Oh, and before I forget, upon doing so, you are also treated to the typical Honda roar.

But, as is the case with all CVT transmissions, there’s a fair bit of drone and characteristic “rubber-band” effect upon smashing the pedal to the metal.

The ride in the Civic is sublime, as the suspension soaks up all the bumps and undulations on the road with much efficacy. The handling is also impressive, with very little in the line of understeer; there’s an agreeable balance between fun and comfort. Body roll is kept to a minimum, too.

Of course, understeer does kick when you break past the limits of the grip of the 215/55 front tyres that are wrapped around the 41cms alloys.

The steering ratios are quicker than what you would find in its other Asian competitors, and is also well-weighted.

But, as with most steering setups of today, it does lack feedback.

The brakes are strong and have linear stopping power, and the throttle response is quick. But, in ‘Eco’ mode, it does take a few moments for the car to kick down to its respective ratio.

On a positive note, I could clock a fuel consumption ratio of 9.8 litres/100 km, in the duration of my test drive.

In all, the all-new Civic may seem far from being the perfect sedan. But, its character helps to make this a wellrounded contender in its segment. And funnily enough, that is also what makes it the best compact sedan you can currently throw your money on.

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CARS ADVENTURES

TINSELTOWN The Hollywood Boulevard is a prime spot for tourists and residents alike. Several business owners and actors also come here to show off their prized exotic car collections.

1. Visit the Universal Studios in Hollywood 2. Take a tour across the Griffith Park and Observatory 3. Snap selfies at the Hollywood Walk of Fame; Instagram loves those 4. Explore the paintings at the Getty Center 5. Learn the culture and tradition (not too much) of the city from Venice Beach locals

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Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Alvin Thomas recommends

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

et’s face it: the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of the L city of Los Angeles is Hollywood - ‘The Entertainment Capital of the World’. And tagging alongside that significant slogan is the ever-so-prominent

‘HOLLYWOOD’ signboard; the swanky multi-million dollar mansions that flank the area, some owned by the biggest names in the movie and music industries; and the prowling gold and chrome supercars in the (now infamous) Hollywood Boulevard.

But, what many don’t realise is that there’s so much more to Los Angeles than just Hollywood. The city - often abbreviated as L.A. - is actually home to some of the world’s most striking mountain ranges, valleys, forests and beaches along the rim of the Pacific Ocean.

L.A. is also an important hub in the US’ culture (supposedly): medicine, agriculture, business and finance, energy and aerospace, science, food processing, media, international trade, and tourism. This has resulted in an influx of working-class residents; L.A. is currently the second-most populous city in the US. The city’s beaches are also a haven for sun-seeking tourists. Venice Beach is among the preferred destinations for tourists visiting L.A. It has long been touted as the “kooky” epicentre of the city, as it nurtures those looking to display their eccentric characters. A simple Google Image search will reveal how important the beach is to the local culture. If you’re feeling a bit creepy, you can also watch live, online videos sourced from nearby surveillance cameras, to feel like you’re there (don’t ask me how I know that). The climate in L.A. is known to be subtropical-Mediterranean, with temperatures hovering around the 20- and 30-degree Celsius marks, in winter and summer, respectively. Winter days are actually comparable to those in Oman, even!

The public transport system in the city is among the best in the country, and there’s also a new bike share programme, which allows tourists to rent bikes for days to go sightseeing.

Meanwhile, families can enjoy a day out at Disneyland, wherein children can have a fun day out; or at the Universal Studios, learning about the inception of mainstream motion pictures.

Over the past decade or so, L.A. has lost a lot of its charm after it started harbouring several oil refineries, mundane factories and food processing facilities to cater to the nation’s needs. But, one thing is evident: for as long as the city provides shelter to famous actors, musicians and businessmen and women, it will definitely not go out of style.

My favourite place I’m not a big fan of beaches, so Venice Beach is not on my list of places to visit. Nevertheless, it happens to be one of the most crowded beaches in the world, and is also an amusing place to meet strangers and learn about their likes and interests. It’s also a cultural hub for the city and is the easiest way to get to know the various backstories of the locality. Weirdly, the residents are keen to propagate horror and ghoulish stories to visitors – and people love it. Moreover, if you’re an admirer of fancy cars and homes, then head to Hollywood Boulevard – a long stretch of road popular with people just hanging out. It’s a place where you can go to set your ego free.

V E N IC E

BEACH

IN L S T U D IO S U N IV E R S A D H OL L Y W OO

Highlights

It’s hard to point out what makes L.A. so special. But, its role in the foundation of mainstream motion pictures, is what gives the city its glamour. Hollywood aficionados will also know that L.A. is home to various actors such as Mila Kunis, Johnny Depp and singers such as Katy Perry and Chris Brown; thereby making it all the more special to tourists. Who knows? If you’re lucky, you may also bump into them. Secondly, it is also home to the Getty Museum. It doesn’t match the rich collections of other galleries but it features some impressive works including several paintings by Rubens, Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and even Van Gogh (!)

Lowlights Before you head to the city, watch the movie L.A. Confidential. Of course, things are very different now, but it’s just nice to see how things were in the 1940s. Granted, crime in the city is at an all-time high, and as Y went to press, there was a case of shooting on Hollywood Boulevard. Also, L.A. is prone to earthquakes and fires.

Souvenirs You have numerous options when it comes to shopping at L.A. Rodeo Drive is one such location but the prices of goods are excruciating. Of course, if you’re a simpleton like me, simply head to the Venice Beach and grab hold of some funky T-shirts.

Getting there

If you’re already in the US, I suggest you rent a car and drive down to the city. Renting a car within the city can be a hassle with the number of people visiting daily. If you’re flying to L.A. from Oman, you can opt for Etihad, but tickets are expensive.

Where to stay It is best to opt for a hotel close to Hollywood, as your destinations will be easily accessible. But,

HOLLY

WOOD W ALK

OF FAM E

downtown L.A. is best for business travellers flying from Oman. With several big names such as the RitzCarlton and The Four Seasons, and even reputed Airbnb home owners operating within the city, choosing a place to stay should be easy, too.

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

UNDER THE SEA

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your diving gear, hunting for the most innovative sea gadgets or just seeking thrills, Matthew Herbst checks out what’s around to help make the most of your time beneath the sea

SEA SEEKER In Issue 483 [August 17, 2017] we featured Snapchat spectacles that we hope you have bought by now. If so, why not make them even more special by turning them into underwater goggles with SeaSeeker? This cool, waterproof scuba mask created by Royal Caribbean lets divers Snapchat their experiences underwater. These nifty goggles allow around half an hour of filming at depths of approximately 46 metres. One small snag is that they aren’t available everywhere other than on Royal Caribbean cruises. Did someone say holiday? At royalcaribbean.com. Price unavailable

SPLIT IT Ever seen those digitally adapted over-under (split-shot) water photos? Yes, they are digitally doctored most of the time. But, you can now break the norm and take real footages with a Dome H5! All you really need after that is a GoPro Hero5 Black, as the Dome H5 is specifically designed to house the camera safely.

With the Dome H5's 6-inch optically correct lens shape, this lightweight camera accessory from GoPole will let you capture the most epic images and videos, both above and below the water, simultaneously. We want one. At shop.gopole.com from RO25

TIME TO DIVE Yes, it’s a watch, but not just any watch.

It’s a stylish and lightweight Suunto D4i Novo, which is an excellent allaround dive computer for all levels of adventure. The upgraded version of the Suunto D4i now comes with a slick and soft silicone strap, optional wireless air integration, and four dive modes: Air, Nitrox, Freedive, and Gauge. At www.diveshop.ae from RO240 (we think it’s worth it!)

DIVE BUDDY

EDITOR’S PICK

YOU MIGHT BE AN AVID DIVER, BUT LUGGING YOUR GEAR AROUND CAN BE A NIGHTMARE. THEN WHY NOT LET TECHNOLOGY INTERVENE? TRY OUT THE AIRBUDDY, WHICH IS BILLED AS THE WORLD'S SMALLEST AND LIGHTEST DIVING GEAR. YOU CAN FINALLY EXPERIENCE THE THRILLS OF DIVING BUT WITH THE EASE AND SIMPLICITY OF SNORKELLING. THE AIRBUDDY'S UNIQUE FEATURE IS A TANKLESS DESIGN THAT SPORTS A FLOATING AIR COMPRESSOR AND A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY. THIS ALLOWS USERS DIVE AT DEPTHS OF UP TO 12 METRES FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES. PREORDER ONE AT WWW.INDIEGOGO.COM FROM RO230

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Age of Empires IV App of the Week

Alvin Thomas finds nuggets of history served up in the latest version of his all-time favourite game

T

Info Box

Developers:

RELIC ENTERTAINMENT

Publisher:

hat’s it, folks. I never thought it would have MICROSOFT STUDIOS come to this. But, I think it is about time I took a Platform: sabbatical from writing at Y. PC, XBOX, “Why?” you ask.

PLAYSTATION (LIKELY), ANDROID AND IOS Well, I’ll make it easy for you: Age of Empires – my Genre: favourite game of all-time – is making a comeback.

REAL-TIME STRATEGY Needless to say, I’m mighty chuffed about it.

Release date: I’ve learned more world history (even if it’s not TBC complete in historical accuracy) from my long hours playing this epic strategy game saga than I ever learned in high school – no kidding!

Soon, my knowledge on history rose: I went from, “Genghis Khan, who?”, to “Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire – the largest contiguous empire in the world”.

From the teaser revealed by Microsoft at the Gamescom 2017, last week, in Germany, fans around the globe are excited, too.

And why not?

It has been 12 long years since the last Age of Empires game was released.

Now in its fourth generation, Age of Empires – as per my analysis of the trailer footage – will largely remain true to its original hawk-eye-style game format.

No more details of the game have been revealed, but leaked game footage (by international gaming website IGN) shows an analogous gaming engine – similar to what we find in Age of Empires II and III. You will still get to play campaign mode; getting an insight into the history of the world like never before, while also getting the opportunity to re-write the books, in ‘conquest’ mode.

Oh, and yes, the graphics are spectacular, too. The game can be played in 4K resolution, which should spruce up your gaming.

Just make sure you have a compatible, high-speed internet connection to complement the game. Otherwise you will just end up cussing your way through to an inevitable loss to your opponent, in your multi-player conquests.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Age of Empires, Microsoft will also launch an ‘Age of Empires: Definitive Edition’, which will include a wealth of new features while keeping a lot of the aspects of the original adventure to preserve the feel of the original game.

I'm eager to get my hands on this one.

DIVEBOARD If you are a diver, it’s a must that you have a scuba logbook to keep track of your dive data. But, why not do it online?

This way it’s impossible to lose your stats, and you can also pop straight out of the water and log your dive details into your phone. Furthermore, it allows you to add photos and videos as well as share your experiences at the push of a button. With the wallet feature, you can also upload your certifications and ensure they are always on you. Another nifty feature is that you can log the species you have seen, and the buddies you have dived with. Free from itunes and Google Play

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

JEAN GENIES

Denim never goes out of style.

Comfy and practical, there’s a reason it has been a staple for generations of men (and women).

Nothing is better than putting on something that’s hard-wearing but very versatile, stylish and even smart. Walk tall in this straightlegged pair by RJR.John Rocha available at Debenhams

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

T t Ge

k o o L e h

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

n riso r a H ma m e et, G stre

OK, you want to wear a denim jacket but don’t want to look like a relic from any US goldrush? Hit pay dirt instead with this revival vintage number from Lee.

Denim shirts don’t need to be dull or a cast-off from a Status Quo concert.

Embrace embroidered additions, patches or even tassles or tinted pockets. This funky one can be found at WSCLN.

Boho and wanderlust go hand-in-hand with denim, and this smart, black mini flight bag from Levi’s is just the ticket.

Now, how to find that jumper without looking like a nerd or an extra from “That 70s Show”? Keep it simple in shade and design, like this light-grey, tight-fitting pullover from River Island.

Guys, you CAN wear lightblue, washed out denim without looking like your dad, and this option comes in more fits, cuts and sizes than ever before, such as this pair of jeans from Levi’s

Who says you can’t wear formal shoes with jeans? Don this classic pair of brown Oxford brogues from Peter Christian. With dark socks and a pair of smart, grey jeans, you’ve got the demands of your day covered.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

The allure

OF ALOE VERA

Go natural with the magic gel and keep your skin healthy

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ood old Aloe Vera doesn’t need any introduction. We have it in our beauty counters and bed side tables in the form of creams, gels and moisturisers etc. However, did you know using Aloe Vera in its natural form has tremendous benefits? ➊ Perfect for sun burn Due to its nutritional and moisturising qualities, Aloe Vera gel helps to heal sunburn on the epithelial level of the skin, a layer of cells that cover the body. So, if you are sunburnt after a long day-out on the beach, make sure you apply fresh Aloe Vera gel (scooped right from the plant) on your body to keep it cool and revived. ➋ It keeps your skin moisturised Aloe Vera keeps the skin well-hydrated and soft making it a great natural moisturiser. It easily enters the skin when rubbed in and increases the pH balance of the skin. More importantly it does not give a greasy look, which makes it a good option for those who have oily skin.

A 2006 study published in Skin Research and Technology says that freeze-dried Aloe Vera extract can improve skin hydration.

Consequently, it may be used in cosmetic products for the treatment of dry skin. ➌ Perfect for the No-Sleep puffy eyes: Again, due to its natural nutrients, Aloe Vera is a perfect and natural choice to get rid of puffiness or dark circles. From now on, whether you are burning the midnight oil to finish your presentation or dancing the night away at your friend’s birthday party, the next day you know you have Aloe Vera to bring back the glowing eyes! ➍ Become an ageless beauty Are you one of those who almost empties your bank account on skin care products to fight against wrinkles and ageing? Here is a cost-effective solution; get some Aloe Vera right away. This magic gel contains a good amount of antioxidants including, beta carotene, vitamin C and E, all of which can help improve the skin’s natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated. This helps in reducing wrinkles. ➎ Reduces Acne Aloe Vera is a natural antibacterial agent that helps fight the bacteria that causes acne. It also stimulates the growth of new cells. Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that help the skin heal quickly and reduce skin inflammation.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment has found Aloe Vera can help to cure acne. You can: ● Apply fresh healing and gel directly on the affected areas a few times a day. ● Fill an ice cube tray with Aloe Vera gel and freeze it. Rub a frozen cube on your acne to soothe the inflammation. Repeat 2 or 3 times a day. ● Alternatively, mix one teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel with ½ teaspoon each of honey and lemon juice. Apply it on the acneaffected area. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes, and then rinse it off with water. Do this twice daily.

So, stop emptying your bank balance on chemicals stuffed in a box and go natural with the magic gel Aloe Vera!

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AUG 31 - SEP 06 / ISSUE 485

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

REST

ASSURED Few people never get the amount of sleep they need. With these handy tips, make sure you get a good night’s rest to face the demands of tomorrow

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e all know there are power professionals who claim they can get by on four to six hours’ sleep per night, eg: Marissa Mayer, the former CEO of Yahoo!

But for the rest of us, too many nights when we are not getting our eight hours is likely to result in increased stress, anxiety and irritation.

The trouble is; we think everyone else is making do with sleeping less so we should too, right?

Wrong. Everybody’s different, for starters; and a lack of a good sleep can lead to aches and pains, stiffness, sore muscles, tingling or numbness, fatigue, as well as an increased risk of becoming ill.

According to the National Sleep Foundation in the United States, the average adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep a night. In fact, a survey by Mattress Firm revealed a correlation between stress and those who receive less sleep than experts recommend.

Twice as many stressed people get fewer than five hours of sleep each night compared to those who are not. What’s more, those who are stressed are five times more likely to experience insomnia at least once a month.

The proper amount and quality of sleep can have a dramatic impact on your life. If you’re stressed and experiencing trouble sleeping, these tips from the sleep experts at Mattress Firm can help ensure you’re getting the rest you need to improve your sleep health.

Minimise technology use before you head to bed.

The survey found that quality of sleep is negatively affected because of stress-induced use of technology. For example, those who are stressed are 60 per cent more likely to watch TV an hour before bed, more than twice as likely to post to social media an hour before bed, twice as likely to check email an hour before bed and more than 40 per cent more likely to sleep with their phones next to their beds.

Ensure your body is getting adequate support.

What felt comfortable to sleep on eight years ago may not provide the support your body needs today.

Your weight, pressure points, ailments, etc. can change over the course of time, so it’s important to check the mattress tag. If it’s more than eight years old, it is time to replace it. Another way to make sure your body has the proper support and alignment is to figure out your sleep

position and select the right pillows to support your body. This can help alleviate tossing and turning, and provide a more comfortable night’s sleep.

Avoid nighttime snacking About 24 per cent of extremely stressed people indulge in a snack an hour before bed, according to the survey. There are many food and drink options that encourage a good night’s sleep more than others, such as tryptophan-rich foods like dairy, nuts and seeds, bananas, honey and eggs. Conversely, foods and medications with caffeine and foods with high-fat content should be avoided. The foods you choose are important, but also pay attention to the timing of when you eat and drink. Even fighting stress with an afternoon espresso can affect your ability to sleep hours later when your head hits the pillow.

Find more ideas for relaxing and achieving better sleep at dailydoze.com.

Source: Family Features AUG 31 - SEP 06 / ISSUE 485

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FOOD DRINK

Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

THE PERFECT START Ironically, the ‘most important meal of the day’ is also the most skipped one. Make sure you grab a few croissants or at least a toast, before you start your day.

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AUG 31 - SEP 06 / ISSUE 485

Bofreakfast champions Alvin Thomas likes to miss the most important meal of the day to wolf down a large lunch. He checks out BreadTalk in a bid to change his breakfasting habits

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f I had a penny for every time I have been told “a hearty breakfast fuels you up and gets you ready for the day”, I would undoubtedly be a few dollars richer by now.

And no, I promise you: I’m not hoodwinking when I say that.

While breakfast is the most ‘important meal of the day’, I have, like many, skipped the morning meal in favour of a heftier lunch. And currently, more people are opting to do the same than ever before – at least according to statistics revealed by WebMD (online health website) – owing to lack of time among myriad other excuses.

But, what are the dangers of skipping breakfast?

Well, for starters, foregoing breakfasts have long been linked with weight gain, although recent studies from both the University of Alabama in the US and the University of Bath in the UK have debunked the theory… partially.

Also, as per a study published in medical research website JAMA, men who skip breakfast have about 27 per cent more chance of sustaining a heart attack when compared to those who eat breakfast.

The numbers are even worse with women.

Those who skipped their morning meals had a 54 per cent more chance of developing Type 2 diabetes, as opposed to those who took breakfast.

But, one thing is for sure: eating first thing in the morning fuels your body with essential nutrients and replenishes glucose levels, both of which sharpen your mind and furthermore, set your mood for the day.

All those numbers got me thinking, and to avoid being a statistic for diabetes patients in WebMD, I (recently) made a vow to take breakfast daily.

But, where could I get a quick breakfast?

Well, the answer to that, it seemed, was right in front of me: BreadTalk, at Oman Avenues Mall.

So, I headed there with Nishad Padiyarath, our editor. They have an elaborate breakfast menu, and we were quite eager to try some of the options out for size.

We started with a portion of cheese tarts (sweet and salty) and custard lava croissants.

They were sizeable, and very, very flavoursome. The cheese was fresh and the tart’s crust crunchy.

Needless to say, it didn’t last on our plates for long.

For those interested, BreadTalk also has a new menu, which includes a turkey cheese avocado croissant, mini croissants and also feta cheese toasts.

We then asked for a BreadTalk Breakfast Platter, which consisted of a large omelette with mozzarella cheese, two chicken sausages, sautéed mushrooms, hash browns, baked beans and a side of toast, jam and butter.

It was scrumptious and fulfilling.

The freshly deep-fried hash browns and the sausages were my picks – they were fantastic.

We washed them down with black coffees.

By then, we were stuffed. But, those interested in satisfying their early morning sweet cravings can indulge in a blueberry or red velvet pancake pops, and peanut butter coco or red velvet pancakes.

In all, we were a happy duo.

They really weren’t lying about the fact that a hearty breakfast sets the tone for the day, I can tell you.

Breakfasts are available at BreadTalk, in the Oman Avenues Mall branch, seven days a week from 10am – 4pm on weekdays, and 8am – 4pm on weekends.

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FOOD DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

get d u B ndly Frie

Info Box JOLLIBEE

Al Khuwair service road Tel: 249991127 Open: 9am – 11.45pm Dinner for three: RO16.900 Verdict : 8/10 SERVICE 8/10 FOOD 6/10 AMBIENCE

JOLLIBEE CHICKENJOY

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Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

MATTHEW HERBST FINDS AN UNUSUAL TAKE ON SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE, AND BUCKETS OF CHICKEN THAT BUCK THE NORM

ith my love for all types of chicken, I had been told about the Philippines Jollibee, which has been touted as Asia’s answer to McDonalds, but is similar, if not better, than KFC. Therefore, I headed off to give it a go with my colleague Neal Bowden from Merge 104.8 and his girlfriend; my two erstwhile tastetesting compadres.

As soon as we knew we were going, we primed our stomachs for a little bit of everything. After all, I was told about sweet spaghetti Bolognese. Say what? Yes, exactly that. And I was keen on giving it a go along with everything else on offer.

On reaching the restaurant, we were greeted with large smiles and effusive greetings. At the counter we wasted no time in ordering a bit of this and a lot of that. All very reasonably-priced, and very delicious-looking dishes.

With hindsight, it looked like we had ordered enough food for 10 people, but the portions were quite small, so it wasn’t as bad as you may have thought.

Due to it being a fast food outlet; doing starters, mains and desserts was not going to work. So, we ordered them all together and sampled everything in stages. Despite the big order, the wait wasn’t very long. So, if you’re hungry then expect the meal to come fast, which is always good news.

We went upstairs where there was more seating.

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Friendly, efficient service with a smile, with tasty food served quickly

AUG 31 - SEP 06 / ISSUE 485

Daisy dipped into the Burger Steak which is a burger patty served with savoury mushroom gravy and steamed rice on the side.

THE SPICY CHICKENJOY Daisy’s main dish, the spaghetti was loaded DEFINITELY LIVES UP TO ITS with a sweet-style tomato and beef sauce, chunky NAME AND HAS A NICE SPICY pieces of hot dog sausage and topped off with BITE TO EACH PIECE cheese.

To drink, we enjoyed the very refreshing pineapple juice as we had our sights on the Pepsi Float for dessert instead of the cups of ice cream that you can usually find in many fast food outlets.

The Pepsi float was similar to what I used to enjoy as a child in South Africa and I was so pleased to taste this again.

It consisted of Pepsi (of course) and boasted a huge dollop of ice cream on top, making it a creamy and moreish dessert. The Jollibee version adds chocolate, which tantalises the taste buds.

According to Neal, the downside of this eatery was that parking can be a little difficult. It’s on a My one gripe was the Jollibee jingles on repeat busy service road and finding a space close to the as background music, which made me dizzy and restaurant can prove to be tricky at times. hysterically; it made me eat faster too.

But overall, it was an enjoyable visit and it offers The feast finally arrived and consisted of a fare that really hits the spot if you fancy something delicious and spicy six-piece bucket of chicken, a little different to KFC. which come with pots of delicious warm gravy on And without a doubt, we will be back for sure. the side and a six-piece bucket of plain chicken.

The spicy Chickenjoy definitely lives up to its Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see name and has a nice spicy bite to each piece. Both reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com buckets are southern-fried; crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.

I made the mistake of tasting the spicy bucket first, which made the plain bucket seem quite bland despite it still being very tasty. Neal tucked into the Yum Burger without cheese as he isn’t a fan of cheese, and I delved into the Jolly hotdog which was smothered in it. I wished the hotdog had been much bigger, but knew that my stomach only had so much space, so I didn’t mind so much on this occasion.

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