Y Magazine #486, September 14, 2017

Let’s Laugh

NITIN MIRANI TO PERFORM IN MUSCAT A dreamy

ride

Free!

EXPLORING THE ALL-NEW INFINITI QX60

News: SOCIAL MEDIA STAR CAUGHT 10 AFTER SPEEDING VIDEO GOES VIRAL DESTINATION: Tanuf TASTE TEST: Grill House

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

EVERY THURSDAY NOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR

SEP 14 - 20 2017 / ISSUE 486 • WEEKLY

THE GOOD,

THE BAD,

and the ugly

PLUS!

THE IMPACT OF CUSTOMER SERVICE IN OMAN

SOUL-STIRRING 28 SEASON

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NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

MAGNIFICENT MONACO

36

TEEN CASUALS

40

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

Fast forward

S

hopping for clothes can be truly joyous, or truly traumatic, which is to say a certain level of diplomacy is required in retail. There are things that staff should never, ever say. But some do.

A friend of mine recently discovered his new jeans had a big white mark where the dye had not taken. He took them back to a manager who was snobbish, didn’t apologise and made him feel like he had done something wrong. This is not good enough. I just don’t see any real reason why all customer service isn’t good. It’s not rocket science, you just have to be nice. And try to help as best you can. Even if you can’t help, being nice when you say there’s nothing you can do goes a long way to keeping everyone happy.

Business owners need to realise that building a culture of good customer service is the easiest way to increase your bottom line without it really costing you anything, other than the time required to teach your staff to be nice. Word of mouth is the most powerful marketing tool. But bad word of mouth travels faster than good. So, if you want people to keep spending their hard-earned cash with you, you got to be nice.

How good is customer service in the Sultanate? We focus on several sectors, including aviation, hospitality, telecommunications and automotive, to find out the level of customer service in Oman and we come out with some stunning revelations.

Read our cover story this week to find out!

Have a great week!

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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03

contents SEP

Your Oman

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-

20

2017

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman

Hasan al Lawati 10 News

Expat arrested for

Buraimi Murder 13 News

Social media star

hauled in after

speeding video goes viral

18

Features 22 Cover Story

Serving with a smile 28 A Fresh Start

Capturing the flavours

of a new season of Opera

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

20 Movies

American Assassin

22

10 Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Tanuf

20 Health and Beauty

34 First Drive

Infiniti QX60

40 Fashion

Teen talk

36 Postcard From

Monaco 38 Y-Fi

Smartphones galore

42 Beauty

Shaving grace

Food and Drink 44 Food Feature

Smart meat 46 Taste Test

Grill House

44

43 Health

Top lifestyle tips

40

38

NEXT ISSUE...

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

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07

THE VOICE OF OMAN

WHY DO OMANIS TRAVEL EAST AND WEST WHEN THEY FALL SICK? NOT CERTAINLY BECAUSE WE LACK PROPER FACILITIES OR TOP DOCTORS HERE. THE HEART OF THE MATTER LIES IN A LACK OF PERCEPTION AND AWARENESS. AND, THAT’S BECAUSE WE ARE A LITTLE SHY OR TOO MODEST WHEN IT COMES TO BLOWING OUR TRUMPET. HASAN AL LAWATI TAKES THE PULSE OF THE HEALTH SECTOR

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK

W

hen I interviewed a team of doctors recently, I was astonished by the number of ground-breaking surgeries they have done during their careers in Oman.

Many patients who travelled abroad for medical reasons told me that they got there the same treatment and prescriptions they had received in public hospitals here, hailing the standard of our health services.

So why do Omanis travel east and west for “better treatment”? I think public and private firms in Oman have failed in marketing their services to the community.

Take for example the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) campaigns where major companies spend decent portions of their annual profit on development projects across the country.

For decades, private businesses have been funding charities, and education and health programmes.

Yet, the public’s perception of big companies is very negative.

People, more often than not, deem them “sharks” and “thieves”.

This mistrust has been resulting in losses of millions of Rials for a very long time and it has to stop now.

Public relations officials need to wake up and do their job in a more engaging method and stop relying on word-of-mouth.

But again, there is a cultural aspect to this problem.

Omanis do not brag about their kindness. Many believe that talking about their acts of kindness affects their genuineness.

Which leaves me wondering: is scarcity of promotion more of ‘Omani modesty’ than of very poor PR work?

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WE ASKED: 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?

ELIZABETH JOSEPH

My personal encounters with customer care staff have been satisfactory. There has been a lot of improvement in their response and the way they handle customers. Good communication skills and quick response to the problems are the essential factors that people look out for and I can say I was satisfied with the way my wifi issues were solved. Well-trained staff means improved service and satisfied customers.

ANAND BABU

Customer service in some sectors needs improvement. Responses to problems faced by customers from some telecommunication sectors are not satisfactory. I wish they improve their pronunciation and communication skills. When I inquired about my network plan recently with the customer care concerned, I was left completely confused. Eventually, my problem was sorted out by a retailer shop. Quick response to complaints

WRITE TO US AND YOU COULD WIN

and appropriate resolution of the problems will be much appreciated.

JEESMON JOHNSON

The customer service of a supplier company in Oman messed me up over a product delivered to me in faulty condition. I was put on hold for a long time when I had called them and the call got transferred to higher officials, but the issue remained unresolved. I hope companies in Oman will improve customer care up to standard.

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

I found customer service in Oman up to the mark and I have no complaints. Long back, I bought a refrigerator from Lulu and after using it for threeto-four days cracks inside had been detected. The problem was reported to them and the refrigerator was replaced without any fuss. It took around a week —the time taken to resolve the issue could have been a bit quicker than that, perhaps.

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JASON FELIX NORONHA

Every business sector has a unique process defining customer service. While the level of customer service is pretty efficient in the hotel sector, some sectors like telecom and, especially, banking still have scope to improve. Often, I have come across service agents who are absolutely unaware of the solution to be provided and they just give a standard reply.

The managers defining the CRM process need to provide proper training to all the executives concerned so that all aspects of an impending problem are understood and an optimum solution could be proposed to resolve the issue.

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TRISHNA AND ASHWAD were spotted with their favourite Y Magazine in Muscat

GAUTAM GHOSH DASTIDAR

Absence of tough competition in the market triggers poor levels of customer service and that is what is happening in Oman. Set to begin the 17th year of my stay in Oman, I think improving customer service should be given more priority than it gets now. Any product, regardless of what it really is, requires a market, and no market exists without customer service. Equipping businesses with the latest machinery is useless if sales personnel fail to improve their skills and customers’ complaints are not handled in a professional way.

New Debate: The advent of new technologies has changed some of our reading habits. To survive in the digital age and stay relevant do we need more public libraries in Oman?

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Y reader, Finto Anto, travels to the town of Al Hamra in Nizwa, to capture the true emotions of horse riding.

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09

NEWS

YOUR

OMAN

A

EXPAT ARRESTED FOR

BURAIMI MURDER

n Asian national has been arrested for the ghastly murder of an expatriate in the Wilayat of Mahdha.

The deceased was found dumped in a well by the locals, according to details revealed by the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

The suspect confessed to the crime, the ROP said.

The investigation of what is now touted as the “Buraimi murder” was conducted by the Department of Criminal Investigation, along with the Buraimi police department.

“The killer threw the body of the victim in an abandoned well in the wilayat of Mahdha to hide the crime,” an ROP officer told the media.

“A team was formed after a report on the disappearance of the victim on September 3.

“An Asian national was arrested on suspicion

of the crime. The suspect confessed to the murder during interrogation.

“The man guided the probe team to the well in which the body was dumped. The body bore stab wounds from white weapons (knives),” the official added.

SECOND PHASE OF MEASLES

VACCINATION LAUNCHED

A

re you in the age group of 20 to 35? If so, you are advised to immunise yourself against measles with a free vaccination that has been organised as part of the National Measles Immunisation Campaign

(NMIC).

The drive –which is now in its second phase –has been organised by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and other

KIDNAPPED INDIAN PRIEST FREED, THANKS HIS MAJESTY SULTAN QABOOS

A

n Indian priest kidnapped after an attack on a care home in Yemen’s southern port city of Aden, in 2016, has been freed and flown to Oman, the government has revealed.

Father Tom Uzhunnalil was abducted in March 2016 when four gunmen posing as relatives of one of the residents at the home burst inside, killing four Indian nuns, two Yemeni female staff members, eight elderly residents and a guard.

The Sultanate helped to find and rescue the Vatican employee, the government said.

“In response to the Royal Orders of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and as per a request from the Vatican to assist in the rescuing of a Vatican employee,

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civil authorities.

“Everyone in Oman between the ages of 20 and 35 must get vaccinated to stop a measles outbreak,” the MoH has announced.

The campaign will run until September 16 and will cover all governorates except Dhofar and Al Wusta which had already been covered in the first phase of vaccination, conducted in May, this year.

There were 114 measles cases registered in the Sultanate in 2016 and 89 cases so far in 2017, according to the statistics revealed by the MoH. Vaccination will be free for all citizens and residents, and will be available in government health centres and vaccination centres. Contact your local hospital for more details.

the concerned authorities in the Sultanate, in coordination with the Yemeni authorities, have managed to find a Vatican government employee. He was transferred this morning to Muscat in preparation for his return home,” the government said in a statement online.

Tom Uzhunnalil expressed his thanks to God Almighty and to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, and wished him good health and wellness.

He also thanked his brothers, sisters and all relatives and friends who prayed for his safety and release,” the statement added.

THE KIDS CLUB

GALLERY

WITH ACTIVITIES SUCH AS MESSY PLAY AREA, BOARD GAMES, TRAMPOLINE ZONE, ART AND CRAFT SECTION, BALL PIT, READING SECTION AND MORE, THE MUSCAT KIDS CLUB OFFERS A RANGE OF GAMES FOR CHILDREN OF MULTIPLE AGES. THE CLUB IS LOCATED AT AL ANSAB. CONTACT 94901006 FOR MORE DETAILS, OR VISIT THE CENTER.

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YOUR

CELEBRATION

OMAN

BURJEEL MEDICAL CENTER CELEBRATED ITS THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF OPERATIONS IN OMAN, LAST WEEK [10 SEPTEMBER, 2017], AT THE HOSPITAL PREMESIS.

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GALLERY

NEWS SOCIAL MEDIA ‘STAR’ HAULED IN AFTER

SPEEDING VIDEO GOES VIRAL

D

o you speed on the roads?

If so, it’s time you put the brakes on the dangerous habit as the Royal Oman Police (ROP) is cracking down on reckless drivers in the Sultanate.

The ROP has arrested a social media “star” after a video of her driving a car in excess of 200kph went viral on Snapchat.

The violator, Wijdan Algharibi, 21, was hauled in and her Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG impounded following her social media stunt.

She has more than 200,000 followers on Instagram alone.

In the clip, Algharibi filmed herself while driving her vehicle (an offence in itself) and viewers can see the speedometer slowly climb to 203kph as she weaved in and out of traffic while on her way to the UAE. In a statement to local daily, Times of Oman, Wijdan said: “I took a snap of myself speeding on my way to the UAE before Eid Al Adha. I admit that I made a mistake by speeding above the limit, and I regret it, especially because I’m a public figure, and I have loads of followers. I know now that I should be more careful.”

Apart from losing her car for two weeks for the offence, she was also ordered to pay RO1,000 for the 76 fines that she had committed over the year.

“My message for everyone is to follow the law. Remember that the Oman police are here for our safety, and that is the reason why we should respect the rules. Usually, in a similar case, the police would take the person directly to the Public Prosecution, but sometimes, the police make you pay all of your fines and confiscate the vehicle, which is what happened in my case,” she added.

The ROP said legal action would be taken against perpetrators of such acts. In August, a Lexus SUV was impounded after a video of it doing donuts in Salalah went viral.

NEW CEO FOR SALAMAIR

O

man’s budget airline, SalamAir, has appointed Capt.

Mohamed Ahmed as the chief executive officer (CEO), effective October 2, 2017.

As per a statement released to the media by the airline, Capt.

Mohamed Ahmed will be leading SalamAir through its next phase of development focusing on driving efficiency, performance and customer satisfaction.

“I have been following SalamAir’s progress from the very start and am proud to be joining and working alongside the team to make SalamAir the travelling partner of choice for guests flying between our ever-expanding destinations,” the captain was quoted as saying.

“The success of a budget airline business model is centered on offering safe and affordable flights which represents a great value for money. I plan to build a winning team and apply my experience and know-how to write the next chapter of SalamAir’s success story.”

The chairman of SalamAir, Eng. Khalid bin Hilal Al Yahmadi, said: “It is our pleasure to welcome Capt. Mohamed Ahmed to SalamAir. His wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry will play a pivotal role in the airline’s growth and development journey.”

“As a young, home-grown airline, SalamAir has achieved many milestones in record time. In fact, in just eight months it opened the skies to more than 380,000 guests flying over 450,000,000 kilometres across seven destinations. We are confident that with Capt. Mohamed Ahmed at the helm, SalamAir will claim its position as one of the region’s leading budget airlines,” he added.

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SHOWTIME: 8PM TO 10PM

SEPT 29

LOOK WHO’S

TALKING Popular stand-up comedian Nitin Mirani, aka the Komic Sutra, who has been hailed by Hollywood legend Richard Lewis as the one walking his talk ‘to the big league’, is coming to town to make you laugh non-stop

K

eep your laughing hats and hankies ready, folks. “Why?” you may ask. Well, stand-up comedian Nitin Mirani, aka the Komic Sutra, is coming to town… for the first time ever!

He is going to talk about us; quite literally. His show is titled “Let’s Talk About Them”. But we will not hold that against him. After all, the young comedian has been touted as one of the funniest humourists currently alive!

Don’t believe us? Just ask legendary Hollywood comedian and actor Richard Lewis, or Comedy Central presenter Trevor Noah – they’ll vouch for our claims. Richard even went on to say that Nitin “has it all and is on his way to the big league”.

And boy, he has been playing in the big leagues. Nitin went global – aside from his usual performances in international arenas in the UAE and India – with an appearance at the Gotham Comedy Club, in New York.

Of course, he has also gone on to perform in Carolines, on the famous Broadway in New York; The Laugh Factory in Chicago; The Comedy Store in London, UK; and at Yuk Yuks in Canada.

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Nitin’s comedy performances are currently viral on YouTube and Facebook, and have raked up tens of thousands of views globally.

Mark your calendar for Friday, September 29, 2017, for it is the day that will set in motion the “Let’s Laugh” calendar in Muscat.

The event is brought to you by SABCO Art –the leading event management company responsible for bringing to Oman the most-talkedabout events, and will be hosted at the jewel of Muscat –the Sheraton Oman.

WHERE CAN I BUY THE TICKETS? ● Oman Avenues Mall ● Virgin Megastore ● SABCO Commercial Centre ● Lulu Darsait

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FINNISH FINESSE

OMAN

THE TECH WORLD WAS IN AWE AFTER THE LAUNCH OF THE ALL-NEW NOKIA 8, IN THE UAE. THE PHONE PACKS A STUNNING 13-MEGAPIXEL ‘CARL-ZEISS’ DUAL-CAMERA, 5.3-INCH SCREEN AND 4GB OF RAM.

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GALLERY

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Photo: Shaquel Al Balushi

Today’s inspiration: Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn.

In a new series, we look for inspiration from a variety of influences around Oman, including its people, places and wildlife.

The Royal Opera House Muscat will commence its seventh season, this month, with a wide array of top quality productions in different 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 today [September 14] with Giuseppe Verdi’s grand masterpiece, Aida, set in ancient Egypt. It will be performed by world-class artists in a production by Teatro Regio Torino. The season will conclude in May, 2018.

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WEEK

OCT

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

AUGUST - OCTOBER Award-winning comedian Nitin Mirani is set to perform in Muscat on September 29. “Let’s Talk About Them,” an amazing night of hysterical comedy, will be held at the Sheraton Oman Hotel. Nitin has gone global with appearances at the Gotham Comedy Club in New York, where he reduced audiences to tears with his routine of crazy, embarrassing and bizarre comedy sketches. Ticket prices starts at RO7 and can be purchased from Virgin Mega Store at the Muscat City Center, Oman Avenues Mall, Lulu Hypermarket Darsait and also SABCO Commercial Centre.

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NITIN MIRANI SHOW IN MUSCAT

THIS

The seventh Oman Health Exhibition and Conference is taking place from October 9 to 11, at the new Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. 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.

HEALTH CONFERENCE

NEW SEASON AT ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

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MOVIES MOVIES FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES, GO TO: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.com Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641

Simran Starring: Kangana Ranaut, Catherine Dyer and Jeff Rose

Renegades

Oman Release Date: 14 September 2017

Starring: Sullivan Stapleton, J.K. Simmons, Sylvia Hoeks and Ewen Bremner ‘Renegades’ is about a team of Navy SEALs on assignment in war-torn Europe who discover a treasure of gold at the bottom of a lake --rumoured to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. In an effort to help the locals, they go rogue and engineer a heist to retrieve the gold and return it to its rightful owners. But in a deadly turn of events, they are detected by the enemy and left with only 10 hours to carry out their mission. The film stars J.K. Simmons (‘Whiplash’) and Sullivan Stapleton (‘300: Rise of an Empire’), is directed by Steven Quale (‘Final Destination 5’ and ‘Into the Storm’) and is an original story written by Luc Besson (‘Taken’ and ‘Lucy’).

Oman Release Date: 14 September 2017

American Assassin Starring: Dylan O’Brian, Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan and Taylor Kitsch

Twenty-three-year-old Mitch lost his parents to a tragic car accident at the age of 14, and his girlfriend to a terrorist attack just as they were engaged. Seeking revenge, he is enlisted by CIA deputy

‘Simran’ ran into controversies much before the trailer release as Kangana was rumoured to have taken over the editing of the film apart from meddling with the script. However, director Hansal Mehta had denied such reports terming them as completely false.

director Irene Kennedy as a black ops recruit. Kennedy then assigns Cold War veteran Stan Hurley to train Mitch.

Together they will later investigate a wave of apparently random attacks on military and civilian targets. The discovery of a pattern in the violence leads them to a joint mission with a lethal Turkish agent to stop a mysterious operative intent on starting a world war in the Middle East.

Oman Release Date: 14 September 2017

Adam Joan Kangana Ranaut is back and how! The actress, who took home the National Award for her leading role in ‘Queen’, returns as yet another captivating character of a girl who is fond of living life to the fullest, gambling and shoplifting. Is she a kleptomaniac or does she often steal things to feel liberated?

Kangana plays a Gujarati divorcee, Praful, in the Hansal Mehta film, who lives life on her own terms and takes it easy as life unfolds around her.Going by the looks of the trailer, ‘Simran’ seems to promise a lot of fun, adventure and a look at the many sides of a character we haven’t seen the actress perform yet. The diva, who slips into several costumes and disguises to pull off robberies, has quite a few action and chase scenes here and there. Playing the hero of the film again, there isn’t a doubt that she will surely raise the bar of her own standards of acting. The film that also stars Soham Shah was widely shot in Atlanta in the US. Kangana made her first public appearance at the trailer launch of the film post her recent accident on the sets of another film ‘Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi’ in Varanasi in which she received a gash on her forehead that left her with several stitches.

WIN CHANCE TO GRAB YOUR MA TICKETS CINE FOUR CITY

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Who is the director of American Assassin?

LAST WEEK'S WINNER Jalpa Gajaria

Starring: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Mishti Chakraborty, Bhavana, Rahul Madhav, Siddique, Naren and Jaya Menon

Adam Joan Pothen (Prithviraj), a young planter from Kottayam, falls in love with Amy (Mishti Chakraborthy), a choir singer in his hometown, and marries her. The young couple’s romance goes for a toss when they start their lives with Adam’s family in Scotland.

Prithviraj seems to be on a quest for thrillers this year, and ‘Adam Joan’ is his second such film this year after ‘Ezra’. Its debutant director Jinu Abraham has tried to infuse suspense and thrilling elements to keep the audience on the edge of their seats with haunting background scores.

Oman Release Date: 14 September 2017

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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B H RA I BA T W ND AR NO D C HENAN E T US T D B LI NO BE TO HE US ST T AL M R IN EN FO W ER E IS E S A D S T REV YS SER AN S R IS O E R V E E P G AN US TH R W IGH ICE XT UT E E D T, F TA RO T, A . CU ND ATI TH R L N N S E O E OM ES G. D TO D S NS CO O A BU M T T T U HE F SM LV SI ER RE AK RT K IN N S AK E A I IE IN LE T ES M O RS G S HO SE AY F S AN M S D AS

With A Smile

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Menu Starters

T

he late business mogul, Steve Jobs, was definitely onto something when he set the tone for the customer service department for his global company Apple Inc. Going by his words, “Get closer than ever to your customers.

So close, in fact, that you tell them what they need well before they realise it themselves,” you learn that there’s more to customer service than what meets the eye.

These words have since laid the groundwork not only for Apple Inc. employees but also several customer service agents across the globe; some even from Oman!

So, has it worked for consumers here in the Sultanate? To an extent, “yes”.

But, it’s not all a walk in the park for consumers. The experience, as one consumer puts it, is “far from perfect”.

Today, several companies claim that consumers are their number one priority.

This teaches us that businesses are ready and willing to go the extra mile for each of their customers.

But, as we learn, consumers are captivated by the good and bad side of customer service. They even like to take the experience of others and apply it in their daily lives. Hence, they visit restaurants with higher ratings, opt for products with quality after-sales scores and even purchase cars or flight tickets based on the earlier experiences cited by consumers.

To understand customer service and satisfaction levels in Oman, we speak to numerous customers who have availed services or purchased goods from local vendors, recently. Furthermore, we also talk to business owners in an effort to comprehend what is being done to further improve the sector.

Aviation Sector Since 2010, there has been a change in the customer service of

Oman, says Muneera al Balushi, a bank manager.

“Oman Air has come by leaps and bounds in service – both on and off the ground,” she explains.

“It’s a matter of pride for us Omanis.

“I happened to take an Oman Air flight to Paris, from Muscat. It was on the newer Boeing 787 flight; it was simply superb. The air hostesses were very kind and professional, and the food that was served on-board was simply fantastic,” she exclaims.

“There was a time when we used to dread flying, mostly because of the way we were treated in the flight.

Back in 2007, I remember getting scolded at by an attendant on the flight for not turning off my mobile phone.

“It was an embarrassing moment for me that still makes me cringe. I would have put away my phone even if the attendant peacefully asked me to do so.

“Since then I had vowed not to take Oman Air. But now it’s all different; they’ve changed so much and it means we can now travel with a certainty that we will all be treated equally.

“If they notice any offences, the attendants come and instruct us in a very calm manner; it’s a better approach than scolding or shouting at passengers.”

Before ending our chat, Muneera points out that Oman Air’s investment in in-flight entertainment, which includes Wi-Fi and even touchscreens for every passenger, is a welcome addition that will keep the flyers happy and occupied.

But not everyone is singing laurels about the aviation sector in Oman.

Riyadh Mohammed, an Indian expatriate working in Oman, seems to think that local airlines have (figuratively speaking) miles to go, before attaining international standards.

“I flew with a local airline based in Oman, recently. And I must point out that I was flabbergasted with how my pregnant wife, my three-year-old daughter and I were treated.

“Things went smooth at the airport as preference is given to families while checking in. It was all too easy for us, but after boarding the flight, my wife was separated from me because of some mix-up while issuing the boarding passes.

“This is a frequent occurrence, so I didn’t bother much.

“However, trying to push my luck, I enquired with the flight purser if my daughter and I could be seated with my wife. Immediately (in an agitated tone), he asked us to settle into our seats and not bother other passengers.

“I raised my voice to explain that I was not in the wrong asking to be seated next to my wife.

“Upon doing so, he simply walked away,” Riyadh adds.

“This is not the type of service we want to see when we’re travelling. Because of this I will never opt for the flight again. I have also lodged a complaint with them online, and noticed that several other travellers had complained of poor services, too,” he adds.

We narrate this incident with Shweta, an air hostess, working with the airline company. She stands by her company’s policies: “There are strict processes one has to go through to become a flight attendant, today.

“So, if someone has encountered a bad incident, the attendant will most likely be questioned and an action will be taken.

“Every flight attendant must keep a track of the passengers and whether they have encountered any problem. We’re so meticulous in our work, and that’s our duty to the passengers flying with us.

“We are the face of the flight,” she chuckles.

SEP 14 - 20 / ISSUE 486

023

From 14th September until 24th September 2017

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‫ كيلو‬٢,٥ )‫أصابع بطاطا للقلي (أيدا‬

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Mains Hospitality sector

To get to grips with the customer satisfaction levels in the hospitality sector, we interview several individuals. They all chime together that the service in the hospitality sector is up to the mark in the country.

Hammond, a British expatriate working as an engineer in the oil field for the last 12 years, says: “If there is one thing I have learned over my time in Oman, it is that food and beverages are, more often than not, served wholeheartedly.

“Till date, I have never really been dissatisfied with the service. And I can vouch for that, because I tend to travel a lot. And if there are restaurants that do offer below par services, then they will end up paying for it with a poor review.

“Oman is cruel that way: word of mouth travels fast. It’s also a small market, so a competitor is always ready and geared up to take an unhappy customer and turn that frown upside down.

“Comparing with restaurants in the United Arab Emirates, we see that the service here in Oman is of a much higher class. The attendants work for the satisfaction of the customers and not tips,” he jokes.

“Because of this very reason, I love tipping them,” he adds.

Ahmed al Batashi, an Omani businessman who frequently travels across the GCC, says: “It’s funny how much we have improved in the hospitality sector over the years.

“We’ve gone from two- and three-star hotels to five-star rated luxury hotels. We also have several resorts and hotel apartments within the country. They’re all top-notch, and never have I ever come across any issues, here.

“All of us are humans, so there will be the odd glitch here and there. But that’s just the way the world works.

“In the UAE, most cost-effective hotels come with their own baggage: some are noisy at night due to its proximity to the nightclubs, and others skimp on amenities due to the low rates.

“Oman is a hospitable country with people who welcome you with arms wide open. It’s our culture and tradition, and we will incorporate it in our businesses, too.

“During a recent stay at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, I encountered some of the best services possible. I cannot lie: the service sector in hotels and restaurants have always been good; so, we cannot better what was always good.”

Ahmed and Hammond are right in their words, too. Oman is currently witnessing development in the hospitality sector. As per a report published by the investment banking advisory firm, Alpen Capital, the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) stands at 6.2 per cent (from 2015) to reach USD1 billion (RO385,005,000), in 2020.

This growth is attributed to a 5.3 per cent annual rise in hotels and serviced apartment room inventory and a 6.3 per cent increase in international tourist arrivals.

The report also said Omani government’s tourism plan to double tourist arrivals by 2040 by developing tourist spots and encouraging private investments is likely to boost demand.

Telecommunications sector The telecom sector in Oman has witnessed its ups and downs with regards to customer

satisfaction in recent years.

The upgradation of internet lines from copper to fibre optics means several residents (in select areas) are now able to browse and stream at higher speeds.

But as the number of subscribers have gone up, so has the number of complaints and cases of repairs. All of this has resulted in a “red tape” of cases that the companies fail to address at pace.

Little wonder then that several consumers are now unhappy with the service that is offered by the telecom providers in Oman.

At the time of going to press, one of our readers Ravi Shanker complained that he had not been able to connect to the internet for more than 25 days.

“I have been calling up the service department for weeks. They keep giving me different claim numbers and that makes me even more angry.

“It’s almost like they are not doing anything about my complaint. Every time I call them, they tell me that the request is under process and that the technicians will be at my place soon.

“But, till date, I have not received even one call from a technician. I have given up hope and 026

SEP 14 - 20 / ISSUE 486

HER HIGHNESS SAYYIDA MAYYA AL SAID, LIFE COACH, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, BLOGGER AND SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER, VOICES HER OPINION ON THE SALES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE SECTOR IN OMAN

T

he customer service sector is slowly developing over time, but I think we’re not doing enough. Business owners have started to realise that. However, there is no real transfer of training or knowledge on this particular subject to the lower level staff members.

I firmly believe that higher officials must go to their employees or staff members and teach them how to approach, and maybe even show them how one must interact with the customers.

At the end of the day, the customer is always right. And for us consumers, a smile will go a long way. We understand the limitations that the sales and service staff have, so sometimes honesty is the best way forwards.

If the service agent is having a bad day – whatever the reason may be –he or she must not take it out on the customer. At the end of the

I am now planning on shifting from my current provider. It’s pathetic, the after-sales service that this company offers.

But there’s another side to the story. We interview a telecom engineer working with a sub-contracting company for a telecom company in Oman. He reveals that he attends more than 30 cases of repairs on a daily basis (!)

“We definitely require more personnel,” the engineer says.

“The faults and complaints are all logged by the telecom service centre team, and is forwarded to us.

But you will be surprised by the number of calls that we have to take, daily.

“Some of these cases require us to go through the lines underneath the roads; and that can be a hassle.

We need to be a little more systematic. I think the companies need to begin recruiting more technicians and engineers to keep up with the demand of the people,” he adds.

If there is one thing I have learned over my time in Oman, it is that food and beverages are, more often than not, served wholeheartedly

day, they are giving your company the money.

I, myself, had recently gone through a frustrating incident with the customer service department of a company. The person in charge did not allow me to speak and kept interrupting me.

This was insulting. Would I ever go back to the company to avail of the services? No. And that’s what must be kept in mind. Customer service is a very important part of running a company.

A sales man –or a member of another department –should not be handed over this task; it requires trained and skilled personnel that can calmly and efficiently sort out the troubles of the customer.

can be a bit late, sometimes.”

Automotive services sector When it comes to the automotive sector, we

notice a contrast in the services consumers receive.

Several interviewees echo that sales agents from leading car showrooms in Oman are professional and well-informed when pitching for a sale but are unhappy with after-sales services.

“My sales agent was incredibly formal, and sold me the car only with his words,” says Mukesh V, the owner of a new American SUV. “He made sure I was ready to drop the cheques the next time I walked into the showroom. His confidence in the vehicle further helped me make my decision; and I was indeed happy with the services and the incentives they were offering me,” he tells Y. He took delivery of his SUV earlier this year.

But, as luck may have it, Mukesh was involved in a hit and run, and his car was in dire need of body work.

After settling the details of the cost with the insurance agents, he drops his car off at the body shop, in June.

However, to his surprise, the body shop had still Despite all of Oman’s recent laurels in the not completed the work after six weeks. transportation sector, earning the title of owning the “I didn’t have a replacement car, and getting to most advanced and young fleet in the GCC and for and fro work was a hassle. It was a nightmare. I also operating with the minimum number of mechanical kept chasing up with the service manager but he incidents (courtesy Mwasalat) as well as launching the began avoiding my calls. I was frustrated. all-new Marhaba taxi, there is still a “long way to go”.

“Finally, I decided to visit the body shop and For instance, Elena Jacobson says private and threaten that I was going to file a case with the airport taxis continue to overcharge passengers.

Public Authority of Consumer Protection (PACP).

“Did you know that it costs RO7 to take a taxi from “It worked. In less than a week, I had my car in the airport to Azaiba,” she asks. my hands. I really detest taking drastic actions such “Most private taxis drivers are well-mannered, but as this, but it really had to be done,” he tells. there are times they make use of your ignorance of Suleiman al Ghawi, a business owner based the location to earn a bit more money. in Muttrah, tells us that he has stopped servicing “This happened to me recently when I took a his cars at the dealership after the paintwork on private taxi from Al Mouj to Azaiba. It was 7pm, his RO45,000 luxury sedan was damaged during and the driver – who was speeding and also using his service: “I had dropped of my car for routine mobile phone excessively – overshot my destination. service; oil change and so on.

“He had to drive “But, when I came back to another 3km in order collect my car, I noticed a deep Oman is a hospitable scratch on the car’s hood. My to drop me to my country with people heart started pounding harder; apartments. He decided to charge me an extra it was my dream car and I who welcome you RO4, because of his mistake. When that the dealer would with arms wide open. thought I questioned him, he was angered; take care of it like their own. he started shouting at me in Arabic. It’s our culture and “I quickly called for the “I paid him and ran home,” she tradition, and we will manager and enquired with exclaims. The London-born expat, Upon doing so, I was told incorporate it in our him. however, takes time to appreciate that the scratch was present Oman’s efforts to bring things under businesses, too before the service. control.

“He lied to my face,” “Marhaba is a blessing in Suleiman exclaims. disguise,” she smiles.

“I called up the Royal Oman Police (ROP) “I have been using the services frequently. The immediately and told them the situation. They smartphone application is easy to use and is similar to came down to the showroom; the manager didn’t Uber in the United Kingdom; it’s better in every way. expect that.

“The prices are monitored, although they do Soon an investigation was launched and fluctuate sometimes. It’s still a step, and a good one at Suleiman was presented with footage of his that,” she tells us. car in the service centre. In the video, a service Meanwhile, Shashidaran, a carpenter working in man is seen accidentally scratching the surface Ruwi, says: “The Mwasalat buses have reduced my the hood with a heavy tool.

“That was enough proof for me. I took it to the travelling time and my costs by at least RO9 a month. manager, and soon the case was escalated to the The prices are apt and I feel they’re really hitting PACP. I was granted a free repair from the service putting the private taxis drivers at a limbo. centre, and also an extended warranty and service “These buses are relatively punctual and the air period –at no added cost!” conditioner inside works well. The only time I really “But I am never going there again. I would use sharing cabs or vans is if I am running late and if rather give the car to the Shell service at the there is no bus. petroleum station,” he tells.

Charith*, a student of Indian School Muscat, takes On the positive side of things, the PACP now time out from listening to music to share his thoughts takes strict action against service errors and other on the services offered by Mwasalat. He tells: “I am losses caused by the automotive manufacturer or very happy with Mwasalat. There’s Wi-Fi on the the dealer. It is known that a total of 121,408 cars buses and I think that’s a win for us students. were recalled in Oman over a six-month period “I can now browse YouTube or simply stream (January to June) in 2016. ■ music on-the-go. The only downside is that the buses

Transportation sector

SEP 14 - 20 / ISSUE 486

027

T

he Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) tunes in to its seventh season with dream events that offer a chance to people in Oman to see some of the world-renowned performers up close and personal. From opera, concerts, ballet, jazz, musicals to special events, the choice on the menu is awesome and all-encompassing. Also, ROHM is paying tribute to Pavarotti with a gala concert featuring four amazing singers: FiorenzaCedolins, Sumi Jo, Marcello Giordani and Francesco Meli. Among the highlights will be nine Omani and Arab performances.

The 2017-2018 season is titled “A Legendary Season.” Brief us about the upcoming season The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) is set to commence its seventh season with a wide range of top quality productions in many different genres – opera, concerts, ballet and dance, Arab performances, jazz, world music, family and education, musicals and shows, and special events. This rich diversity of top-notch programmes has become a hallmark of the Royal Opera House Muscat that is recognised all over the world. The new season will open on September 14 with Giuseppe Verdi’s grand masterpiece, Aida, set in ancient Egypt and brilliantly performed by world-class artists in an excellent production by Teatro Regio Torino.

There are two more great romantic tragedies, which, like Aida, take us into the deeper realms of human passion.

Staged by the world-famous stage director Franco Zeffirelli and performed by Teatrodell’Opera di Roma, Ruggero Leoncavallo’s late nineteenth-century opera, Pagliacci, is based on a real-life story about a clown who makes people laugh while his own life falls apart. ROHM’s presentation of Norma, Vincenzo Bellini’s magnificent belcanto masterpiece relating the tale of a Druid priestess and her ill-fated love for a Roman conqueror, will be a very special event as the opera is co-produced by the ROHM and Opéra de Rouen.

soul -

tirring

season

Y Magazine sits down with Umberto Fanni, Director General of Royal Opera House Muscat, for a chat on the flavour of the new season 028

SEP 14 - 20 / ISSUE 486

This year marks the 10th death anniversary of Luciano Pavarotti, one of the greatest singers of all time. Is ROHM paying tribute to the legend?

Yes, ROHM is paying tribute to him with a gala concert titled HomageLuciano Pavarotti. We are also holding an exhibition of treasured Pavarotti memorabilia —running from December 14 to January 6, 2018. The gala concert features four amazing singers who are in demand on the world’s best stages: FiorenzaCedolins, Sumi Jo, Marcello Giordani and Francesco Meli. This is sure to be an unforgettable, soul-soaring concert.

Are there any Omani-related concerts during this season at ROHM? Among the many highlights in ROHM’s 2017-2018 series of nine Omani and Arab performances are the annual Omani Women’s Day Celebration, featuring talented Yemeni singer Balqees and ROHM’s greatly loved Military Music: Oman and the World, with hundreds of musicians marching in dress uniform on the Maidan. The Oman Royal Symphony Orchestra Ladies Ensemble and musicians from the Oman Oud Hobbyists Association will play at the Women’s Day Celebration; and the military music event will put the spotlight on two guest military bands from Asia and Europe. Apart from that, rising Omani star Salah al Zadjali will sing well-loved songs that will make joyous, intimate connections with the audience. I am also happy to say that the Royal Opera House Muscat is continuing on the path of transformation from a predominantly hosting institution to a thea- Marcelo A’lvarez tre that also creates its own productions in-house.

How does ROHM work to attract tourists and residents to its variety of shows and events?

The ROHM is in itself an attraction that brings tourists to the city, not only because of its renowned contemporary Omani architecture but also because of its stellar programming. Our selection of events at ROHM is very balanced, which include a broad range of genres encompassing opera, symphonic concerts, both vocal and instrumental recitals, ballet, musicals, world shows, jazz, productions for families and children as our own original productions and special events. This could be the reason why we had more than 90% occupancy in all our events last season. It is worth noting that our opera is one of its kind in the entire GCC. What are the educational and outreach initiatives at the Royal Opera House?

We have some great education outreach initiatives at ROHM and last year more than 10,000 students participated in our open-house events. These initiatives take place in the main building which houses the auditorium and also in the equally stunning commercial Opera Galleria wing of the ROHM complex. We are now engaged in further efforts to expand and deepen our relationships with private and public schools in Muscat.

Sir Cliff Richard

Gilberto Gil

Sami Yusuf Umberto Fanni

Highlights

We also have two delightful, heart-warming operas that give us incredible joy and insight - Gioachino Rossini’s L’Occasione fa ilLadro (Opportunity Makes a Thief), a delightfully funny, beautifully sung story of identity theft and mixed-up rival lovers; and La Sonnambula (The Sleepwalker), Bellini’s enchanting belcanto opera about a beautiful young orphan who almost loses her beloved fiancé when she sleepwalks into the wrong room. L’Occasione fa ilLadro is masterfully performed by the Rossini Opera Festival, while Fondazione Arena di Verona will give a brilliant performance of La Sonnambula.

■ ROHM’s 2017-18 galaxy of opera stars also includes luminaries such as Roberto Alagna, one of the most celebrated tenors in the world, in a special gala concert with renowned soprano, Aleksandra Kurzak, in addition to another concert by the universally acclaimed tenor, Marcelo A’lvarez.

■ The roster of superstars also includes Sir Cliff Richard, the rock legend who has sold more than 250 million records worldwide over the past five decades. The fabulous 2017-18 schedule also features Dianne Reeves, a living jazz legend who has won five Grammys and several other awards, and has been hailed by The New York Times as “the most admired jazz diva since Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday”.

■ Another legendary star is Gilberto Gil, known as “The Soul of Brazil”, a multiple Grammy Award-winning singer, guitarist and a songwriter.

Gilberto is known for his intelligently innovative music, deep musicality and quiet charisma. Platinum award-winning singer and songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway will sing some of Barbra Streisand’s timeless classics.

■ Arab concerts will feature contemporary legends like Sami Yusuf, named by The Guardian as “the biggest British star in the Middle East”. Other Arab superstars include the singer, oud player and composer, LotfiBushnak, who will perform with the acclaimed Egyptian singer, Mohammed Tharwat, in a concert enriched by the beautiful voices of Retaj, a choir of young Omanis devoted to Inshad.

SEP 14 - 20 / ISSUE 486

029

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The Japanese have been upping their game, of late. The all-new Infiniti QX60 is mind-blowingly good, says motoring expert, Alvin Thomas.

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

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

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

Y- F i

Gaming

Destination

TANUF

TANUF IS A WONDERFUL DESTINATION FOR FAMILIES. THE RUGGED MOUNTAINS AND THE MYSTIC REMAINS WILL KEEP THE LITTLE ONES INTRIGUED LONG ENOUGH FOR THE ADULTS TO TAKE A SWIM IN THE WADI. SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI EXPLORES THE MUD-HOUSES AND CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATERS TO DISCOVER THE ANCIENT CHARMS

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took me a solid two hours. The location is en route to Bahla – similar to the route we took a few weeks back (to Kumma).

On the highway, you should see a turnoff towards Tanuf; a few kilometres off the renowned Nizwa Fort.

Upon reaching, I noticed that there wasn’t much water in the wadi, or even in the overlying dam. It was a pity, I thought; it had only rained on the outskirts a few days ago.

The famous dam of Tanuf was also on the brink of exhausting its water reserves.

The only possibility of seeing some water in the wadi is post the rains, which is expected sometime early in 2018.

Nevertheless, I unpacked my camera kit and began clicking away.

The sun was glaring down on me, which affected some of my photos – the afternoon rays are every photographer’s nightmare.

I believe things

TRAVEL GUIDE

A

nother day, another adventure.

Isn’t life idyllic when you get to walk around, soaking in the various shades of Oman without having to worry about any of the drama and tensions linked with daily life?

Well, if you cannot relate with me, then you definitely need to start setting aside your weekends towards exploring Oman. There’s a zing – a positive vibe if I may say – to this country that no other state in the GCC can quite capture.

This feeling that I talk about is exactly what I came across this week on my trip to the outskirts of the Sultanate.

My point of interest was the springs of Tanuf – the legendary location that has given birth to some of the most prominent history lessons in school and several businesses (i.e. the water and tissue paper company) which share the same name.

Tanuf isn’t just about the water bottles that are stacked up in supermarkets and coffee shops; the place bears a much stronger meaning to us Omanis. It was once an important part of the region –the first signs of human existence here date back to the preIslamic period.

Today, the ruins of mud-brick houses are a reminder of the wadi’s dramatic past.

Tanuf also lay victim to several bombs by the British Air Force during the historical uprising crushed by the Sultan of Oman. The war literally shook Tanuf to bits, and the ruins of the same can – till date – be seen there while sightseeing.

It’s almost eerie.

Unsurprisingly, all of this means Tanuf is currently a heaven for tourists looking to learn about the history of the country and take a swim in the wadi’s crystalclear waters.

The drive to the wadi

will be different in the winter months. It is the best time to visit the location, too.

Upon scouring the rocks, I noticed the ruins; they are located a few metres from the vast valley of narrow and sloping rocks. Walking through, it made me feel like I was exploring a canyon of some sorts.

For a few moments , I felt like Bear Grylls exploring new and unknown lands.

The centre of Tanuf contains the remains of a big building. Today, only sections of the tower are intact. I found it redundant to head inside and explore the location again, as I had written about the ruins a few years back.

But my primary goal was to photograph the picturesque setting behind the ruins; the mountains that seemed to spread on forever and the green trees that flank the underlying wadi, as you can see here.

Tanuf is a wonderful place for families to visit.

There’s plenty of shade, there’s adequate amount of vegetation to break the otherwise brown mountains, and the ruins will keep the little ones intrigued long enough for you to kill the exhaustion with a nice quick swim.

Just make sure to head there after the winter showers, and keep an eye out for possible flash floods

HOW TO GET THERE From Muscat, drive to Nizwa. Pass Nizwa and head straight to Hamra. Around 20km behind Nizwa is village called Tanuf. Follow

the brown road signs.

GPS location: N23’03’8”; E57’28’8”

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

INFINITI QX60

The 2017 Infiniti QX60 comes with a lot of luxury, comfortable threerow passenger space and great safety scores at a comparatively low price. Alvin Thomas takes the mid-size SUV for a first-hand taste of the all-new thrills and frills and declares: it may be the deal of the decade

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hen you think of luxury crossovers, it’s highly unlikely that Infiniti is on the top of your list. Heck, if you’re dead serious about investing in an expensive SUV with seven seats, you’re most likely going to consider a German or American vehicle.

Let’s be honest: the only reason you stopped at the showroom is because of its close proximity to several others, in Wattayah.

But that’s where things take a turn for the better. This is 2017, and Infiniti, after years of soul-searching, has finally shed its longstanding ‘underdog’ tag and begun playing with the big boys from the league.

How? Keep reading to find out.

What you’re looking at here then, folks, is a new era of Japanese luxury vehicles.

The future does look great, and for Infiniti, it all starts with the name: QX60.

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Keen car-nuts will argue that it was once called the JX35, and they’re right! The SUV’s name has been changed – alongside several other SUVs in the lineup – in 2014. Think of it as a move by a teenager trying to figure himself out.

Now that they’ve got it sorted out, however, it all looks mighty good on paper.

A vehicle packing a V6 engine, all-wheel drive and an interior to rival most American SUVs, Infiniti isn’t just going at the competition; they’re trying to annihilate them.

It all starts with the exterior, though: it is unlike anything I have ever seen on the road. No, really!

The body is curvaceous and incredibly slick; almost like it has been sculpted into various shapes by its designers.

The front fascia of the car is clean, and is only broken by a galore of chrome fittings upfront. It certainly broke the pearl white paint that my car was finished in and gave it a very posh feel.

The headlamps are carried over from the 2013 variant, but it adds daytime-LED lighting and xenon projector headlamps to the mix. Of course, you also get fog lamps and swooping air intakes on the bumper. If you look closely, though, you will notice the car chortling at you. It really cannot be unseen.

The sides are far more busy, with several curves and lines added to the body panels. Further incrementing the look is the sloping roofline, which ends in a slight kink in the D-pillar – it looks cool.

The rear possesses a hunchback-

Destination

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styled posterior, but it works in the legroom, meanwhile, access to the third row is dignified QX60’s favour. The boomerangand easy. But, space in the third row is cramped, and shaped tail lamps now have diffusers should be used exclusively for young kids. Of course, inside them, which spread lights you can always make more space for taller passengers by evenly. I never thought I would say siphoning off space from second row passengers. this, but the Infiniti QX60 actually On the plus side, the third row folds flat to make a large looks much swankier than when it cargo floor, and can be electronically operated. first hit the market.

As for the tech, Infiniti adds automatic parallel parking Stepping inside, the interior looks to the mix. Is it useful? Yes, but I think of it as a gimmick, fabulous, even by ultra-luxury unless you really put your heart into it; using the system standards. Thankfully, Infiniti sticks every time you want to park your car. to a single touchscreen on the Besides, you also get Infiniti’s legendary 360-degree dashboard, which is controllable via surround view camera, which should take care of your a rotary dial and shortcut buttons, parking needs, any way. integrating the stereo, climate Just to be safer, there’s also a back-up collision-avoidance control and navigation; in lieu of the system that detects cross-traffic as you back out of a dual-screens found on the brand’s Q50 sedan. parking space. It even brakes automatically at the The touchscreen displays dated graphics last minute if there is an obstacle. but is functional and quite responsive to the Power is sourced from a 3.5-litre V6 “VQ35” touch. I was disappointed when I found out engine that is seen on the Nissan Maxima and that Infiniti had omitted Apple Murano. But, for some reason, it has IF YOU ASK ME, I WOULD CarPlay and Android Auto from been detuned to churn out 295hp at HAVE TO SAY INFINITI the infotainment system.

6400rpm and 336Nm of torque at MAY VERY WELL HAVE But worry not, for the Infiniti 4400rpm. I assume it is to save on GIVEN US THE DEAL OF THE fuel and keep things sane within the scores where it should: there’s a DECADE. THIS IS SMART generous dose of leatherette and cabin upon hard acceleration.

CALCULATIONS AND soft-touch materials covering all Still, mated to Nissan’s continuously STRATAGEMS IN MOTION above-the-waist areas. Even the variable transmission (CVT), the hard plastics feel relatively upscale SUV picks up speed with much when compared to that of other SUVs at this price point. efficacy. During my mid-summer run, I was able to clock Moreover, the seats are comfortable and very cushy a 0-100kph time of 9.5 seconds. It isn’t what I would call to the touch, and side bolstering and lumbar support is quick, but it is brisk; more like a highway cruiser. adequate while taking tight corners. The riding position Overtaking and quick manoeuvres are fairly easy, is what I would call perfect; not too low and not and the transmission shifts ratios without much haste. obnoxiously high.

Obviously, you would have to select ‘Sport’ mode to eke Space is generous up front. Secondout the performance out of the V6 motor. row passengers also This also livens up the throttle response. But, be aware enjoy excellent that smashing the throttle does invoke the drone and head and stuck-rev nature characteristic of traditional CVTs. Thankfully, there’s very little noise (almost none) entering the cabin, so I didn’t find the noise to be particularly annoying.

The QX60 takes

Gaming

CARS

Infiniti QX60 Specifications: Engine: 3.5-litre “VQ35” V6 Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Horsepower: 295hp Torque: 336Nm Top speed: 200kph Intelligent all-wheel drive Parking sensors Moonroof Push-button start 51cms alloys Traction control Rear-view monitor Tri-zone climate control Adaptive cruise control Backup collision intervention Blind-spot monitoring Fuki-Urushi interior 360 -degree camera

corners with ease, but it is most settled when taking turns below the 60kph mark. Any more and a substantial amoung of body roll will kick in.

But, if you’re planning to take things to another level (although I cannot for the love of God comprehend why) there’s plenty of grip from the all-wheel drive system that sends power to the adequately-sized 235/55 tyres, riding on 51cm multi-spoke alloys.

Thanks to the hefty high-profile tyres, the ride in the QX60 is smooth and linear. Bumps rarely upset the overall dynamics of the vehicle, and remarkably there’s none of that general floatiness that is tagged along with SUVs, while cruising.

Handling is benign and the steering is soft and light. No feedback is translated back from the roads to the driver, either.

But, why should it? It’s a luxury cruiser, after all.

The brakes are progressive and linear in providing stopping power. In short, it handles all the heft with ease.

We didn’t spend much time offroading in the Infiniti QX60, but in pursuit of some photos, we did show it soft sand. I can report that it did very well, not getting bogged down at any point. If you’re planning a trip to the beach, the SUV should do just fine.

Infiniti –in pursuit of claiming a share in the luxury car market –has put forward a magnificent contender in the form of the QX60.

No, it does not aim to dethrone its competitors with a fit of rage; it’s more serious than that. What it does is it provides the discerning customer a family SUV with all the thrills and frills of a luxury crossover, and at a very attractive price tag.

If you ask me, I would have to say Infiniti may very well have given us the deal of the decade. This is smart calculations and stratagems in motion.

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CARS ADVENTURES HOUSE OF CARDS

Monte-Carlo: The name alone conjures up images of overbearing opulence, inaccessible glamour, glistening beaches and famously wealthy glitterati.

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1. Head for Larvotto beach and stroll through the pebbles 2. Wander into the Prince’s Palace and marvel at fabulous furniture and art 3. Step into the Saint Nicholas Cathedral and admire remnants of ancient architecture 4. Click a selfie with the succulents at the Jardin Exotique 5. Sit by the streets and stare at the fancy cars

Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Alvin Thomas recommends

MONACO

hard for us Indians to think of Monaco without smearing a smile on our faces. While it I t’s may be the swankiest microstate in the world, it is, to us, a brand of biscuits (Monaco

biscuits) that we adored, growing up. Of course, that’s just me being a bit cheeky.

Monaco is one of the tiniest, but most extravagant countries on the face of the earth.

It is so opulent that it makes Dubai look like it’s on pensioner’s support; the country practically drips with wealth.

There are numerous luxury boutique hotels and restaurants, hyper car showrooms (including Bugatti and Marussia Motors), designer stores and casinos. It really is an ideal location for one to blow one’s life savings. And don’t be surprised if you manage to eat through all of it in a week or two.

Over the years, the country has also established itself as a Mecca of speed and automotive racing. The Monaco Grand Prix -an annual event -which was first held in 1929, is among the most-sought-after races on the Formula One calendar.

Not everyone is blessed with the opportunity to see a million-dollar Formula One car blast through the tight city roads -which consists of the city streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine -at 240kph.

All of this means that the country is dotted with tourists from all over the world, some turning up in their luxury yachts or by helicopters. Rumour has it that a sailor must book his or her yacht at least a few weeks before the Grand Prix, or be left without a docking space at the marina.

Monaco has quite a past to its name, and it’s not very illustrious. It all began when the Monaco fort was seized by the Grimaldi family (in 1297) from a rival Italian faction. They have since held on to this tiny piece of land for more than 700 years.

The most notable year in the history of the country’s formation has to be 1861 when Monaco relinquished half of its territory to France in exchange for cash and independence. This meant all their natural resources were in the hands of the French.

But, Monaco’s move to make the country a tax-free haven has since made it the go-to spot for businessmen and women, actors, royals, politicians, and even Formula One racing drivers. Oh, and let’s not forget: Oscar-winning Hollywood star Grace Kelly certainly did add to the glamour of Monaco when she tied the knot with Rainier III, the then Prince of Monaco, in 1956.

LARVO

TTO BE ACH

My favourite place I would love to migrate to Monte-Carlo someday, but hotel rooms here are among the most expensive

in the world. Renting an apartment is not an easy task either, primarily because the condos – most of which are owned by F1 superstars – don’t come cheap; and secondly, they don’t need to rent out apartments to strangers to make a fast buck. My only option then is to sit by the Monaco streets and stare at the fancy cars. When I’m done with that, I would perhaps head to the Palais Princier de Monaco (Prince’s Palace of Monaco), a compact yet lavish royal pad filled with fabulous furniture and 19th-century art; and then take a spiritual stroll through the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée (Saint Nicholas Cathedral). There, you can walk – in silence – past the princess’s and prince’s graves.

IX GRAND PR

Highlights

There’s no wrong time to visit Monaco; there’s always life in the streets. But things get all the more lively a few weeks prior to the Grand Prix when they shut down the roads, add sound and protective barriers near the homes, and open up the boutique shops to the public. Monaco has a humid subtropical climate due to its proximity to the sea –but temperatures hover around the 20-degrees-Celsius mark at all times. This makes it perfect for visiting the beaches –Monte-Carlo beach in particular. Keep in mind that everyone has the same idea, and you will have to vie for a spot on the beach to relax; talk about having to earn a tan. The Jardin Exotique de Monaco (botanical garden) is also an attraction. These extraordinary gardens tumble down the slopes of the Moneghetti district through a maze of paths, stairs and bridges

Lowlights Apart from the extravagant rents and hotel prices, Monaco is also the most densely populated country in the world. This means it’s hard to find a room for yourself, and if you do, it’s going to be cramped. Planning on taking a drive in your rented hatchback? A litre of petrol costs a whooping 700baisas (!) Oh, and don’t forget: you’ll be surrounded by Ferraris and Lamborghinis. It’s an ego killer.

Souvenirs Grand Prix T-shirts, shoes, caps and shades are a must-have when you’re on vacation in Monaco.

There’s nothing like walking around the streets trying to look like Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton.

Getting there

The most ideal way to get there is to take a bus from the city of Nice in France. But you can fly from Muscat to Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport, by Emirates. A return-trip will set you back roughly RO600.

J A R D IN

E X O T IQ

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Where to stay There are several hotels for tourists to opt for, but they’re expensive. The cheapest hotel we could

find was the Hotel Novotel Monte-Carlo, at RO87 for one night on an off-peak day. Hotels rates are known to shoot up to RO250 (or more) during the Grand Prix season.

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

Cars

Y-FI

GET SMART

Smartphones have revolutionised our life over the years and the latest versions are trying to keep us hooked, making the single device in our hand do an incredible number of tasks.

Alvin Thomas gets smart with the price tags, killer looks and fabulous features FINNISH FINESSE

CHEAP AND CHEERFUL It’s hard to ignore OnePlus when talking about success stories in the tech world. It’s an undeniably brilliant tale of rags to riches. But why is it such a hit with the audience? Well, for starters the OnePlus 5 is one of the most affordable devices you can currently lay your hands on.

Even better, the specs are tight: you get a 1080p 5.5-inch AMOLED display upfront, and inside is the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. You also have the choice of either 6GB or 8GB of RAM. Buy it for RO200 from souq.com

Gaming

Some may say that Finnish giant, Nokia, is coming back to the market all guns blazing with their all-new smartphone. In reality, however, they’re on the back foot. Only a few months ago, Nokia existed only as a Wikipedia page, showing the world of their past achievements. It was a classic story of ‘had it’ and ‘lost it’.

Not anymore, though.

This time around, the boffins are vying for top spot.

The Nokia 8 is crafted in an aluminium chassis, complete with a large 5.3-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen and 13-megapixel ‘Carl-Zeiss’ dual cameras. It’s packing tough internals, too: there’s a powerful Snapdragon 835 chipset and 4 gigs of RAM that will take care of all the thirsty processing. Other features include fast charging, Nokia OZO audio and USB 3.1 connectivity. The phone will be released in Oman later next month, and will cost RO177

THE RIGHT NOTES It may look like a seventh-generation Samsung Galaxy smartphone, but the HTC U11 is definitely beyond its Korean competitor; probably because it’s new. It’s touted as a phone for music enthusiasts due to its excellent speakers (positioned on the top and bottom). They’re loud and clear, and strong enough to cover an entire room. Audiophiles will also love the branded headphones that are bundled with the package. Apart from that, the shell of the U11 is glossy, giving it a very chic touch. The display is 5.5-inches wide, and all the processing power comes from a Snapdragon 835 chipset. I’m still not sure if it is good enough to resurrect the struggling brand, though. Get it for RO330 from amazon.com

SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 8

EDITOR’S PICK

SIX-AND-A-QUARTER INCHES AMOLED TOUCHSCREEN SUPPORTING 4K RESOLUTION, A DUAL 12-MEGAPIXEL CAMERA THAT CAN SHOOT AT 2160P, SIX GIGS OF RAM, A WATERPROOF BODY, AND CORNING GORILLA GLASS 5 –THESE ARE ALL FEATURES THAT THE BEST PHONE IN THE WORLD CURRENTLY PACKS. YES, FOLKS! SAMSUNG HAVE EXPLODED (FIGURATIVELY, THIS TIME AROUND) BACK INTO THE TECH SCENE WITH ITS ALL-NEW GALAXY NOTE 8. IF THAT WASN’T ALL, THE KOREANS ALSO THROW IN A FORMIDABLE OCTA-CORE EXYNOS PROCESSOR, A 3300MAH BATTERY, AND THAT STYLUS NOTE PHONES ARE WELL-KNOWN FOR. NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT’S ALSO QUITE A LOOKER WITH THAT BEAUTIFULLY SCULPTED CURVED DISPLAY. HOMINA HOMINA; I WANT. GET IT FROM LULU ELECTRONICS FOR RO375

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Top Android games of the season App of the Week

The latest instalment in the NBA 2K franchise comes with features that offer irresistible simulations, while the third edition of the Real Racing series is still a must-have on smartphones. Take a shot at the hoop or get behind the wheel for exceptional experiences NBA 2K17

AMAZON ALEXA How cool would it be if your phone was also your personal assistant? Those who said Siri (Apple) and Bixby (Samsung), please take a step back, because there’s no beating Alexa when it comes to functionality. It’s great at managing all your devices; even the lighting in your home, the volume on your home theatre, or simply cooling your room with the air conditioner. Of course, you would require the Amazon Echo to do all of that, but it’s really not much of a price to pay. The app will also take your requests for music, set reminders and create shopping lists. Get it for free from Google Play.

It’s hardly a surprise that NBA 2K17 takes the top spot on our list of Android games for the season; it really is a class apart when compared to other games in the corresponding sports genre. Super-slick graphics, an unparalleled bespoke physics engine and a star-studded player list are what make this a great title.

Other highlights include a MyCareer mode, a new Off-Day Simulator, an expanded EuroLeague feature, and (thankfully) accurately licensed team kits.

Oh, and before I forget: you can also play the game with a controller; meaning, you can finally enjoy your games like it was always intended to be played.

Developer: Visual Concepts Genre: Sports game Series: NBA 2K

REAL RACING 3 Released back in 2013 (!), Real Racing 3 has (now) started showing its age quite a bit; but there’s no denying that it is still the best racing game you can currently indulge in with your smartphone. Even better: you don’t need a power-packed phone to run the game; your four-year-old Samsung Galaxy S3 or iPhone 5 can easily churn out the slick graphics without much sweat. The game lets you take control of real world cars such as the Nissan GT-R, Shelby GT500, Lamborghini Aventador LP-700, and many more, to round off the simulation experience. The graphics are splendid, and can only be seen as tacky when viewed from a bird’s-eye angle. There are numerous game modes, such as time trials, standard races and the Time Shift multiplayer mode, which offer varying challenges to players. All of this, coupled with constant updates and patches added to the game by publisher, Electronic Arts, makes this a musthave game on your smartphone.

Developer: Firemonkeys Studios Publisher: Electronic Arts Mode: Multiplayer online game Genre: Racing video game

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

PLAY IT COOL

FASHION

Fashion is nothing but an experimental space for a teenager; it’s a phase to try out new and different things.

But give them a pair of comfy jeans and a top to match, like this breezy ensemble from M&Co, and they will wear it anytime, any day.

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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

We are sure your teen can’t live without her BFF. It’s time you got them a T-shirt like this from H&M and let them show off their friendship to the world. Shop it at RO5

Casual tees are a must-have in any teen’s wardrobe.

So, keep them funky and (a bit) starry, like this frilled sleeve T-shirt.

Buy it from H&M at RO5

Even socks can spell fashion. Get rid of those boring, regular black and white socks.

Get these fun and funky print socks from H&M for RO5, instead

Never bore teens with an ordinary black jean; give them something stylish and edgy like this ripped lace jean from New Look.

Now that’s something they will love for sure.

Okay, do they make these in adult sizes? ‘Coz we are loving it. We are also sure teens will go crazy with these stylish and sparkly sneakers.

Grab yours from F&F for RO8.

Let your teens go crazy with their hair; it’s the latest fad.

These clips from F&F will help them invent their own hairstyle and make a fashion statement. Buy them at RO1.5

Most teens love staying on the edge and letting their fashion do all the talking. But, if not, it’s best to stay simple with this soft yet stylish flannel shirt from H&M

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

SHAVING

GRACE

Having to shave every day may be such a drag for some of the men, but for those who love a wellshorn face, here are six tips to clear the stubble without getting the nicks

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he world of men's grooming has come a long way in a short amount of time. It wasn't so long ago when terms like pedicures and manicures were the sole preserve of women, but these days if you're not moisturising in the morning and exfoliating every other evening you're in the minority.

Confusingly, then, shaving is one of the oldest practised forms of grooming for men, and yet, despite how much attention we're now paying to other aspects of our appearance, this is an area many guys still fall down on. Even more confusing is the amount of money the modern chap spends on his skin, while causing it all sorts of damage by approaching the stubble in the wrong way. Keen to prevent more devastation than has already been wreaked, here are our top six shaving tips for those who value a well-shorn face. ➊ Go against the grain on the neck Despite what Murtaugh tells his son in Lethal Weapon 3, for the closest shave possible our advice is to carefully work against the direction of the hairs on your neck –there's more of a chance you'll nick yourself, so only use a new razor, but it's guaranteed to do the job. ➋ Hot water opens the pores, cold closes them Shaving will be easier with open pores, but it's crucial to make sure they're closed before finishing.

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➌ Use short strokes In an ideal world you'd be able to put blade to chin in one position and continue through to the other side in one fell swoop. In reality, though, this doesn't work very well, if at all, so be sure to take things slowly, and focus on each tiny section of your face in turn. ➍ Shaving after showering is a good idea Thanks to the effect of steam and hot water on your skin, there's a good chance you'll find it much easier to take off the stubble cleanly, and without mishaps, after you jump out of the shower. And by that we mean immediately after. ➎ Never dry shave Imagine putting a razor blade to your skin without any form of lubricant.

Well, anyone who has ever felt the need to dry shave won't have to, because that's exactly what it entails. The only no-no you really need to know; trust us when we say it hurts. ➏ Don't use soap Shaving creams and aftershave balms are always a good idea, providing you know which ones will suit your skin. In contrast, it's no longer OK to use soap alone to lather up for a wash, so imagine what it's doing to your skin when combined with sharp blades.

Source: Free Features

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

READY STEADY

HEALTH

Good health is not about doing a few things right to get quick results, but going slow and steady about everything that matters, from fats to fluids to exercise. Here are five best ways to an ideal, sustainable lifestyle

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hen it comes to advice about healthy living, there are opinions nearly everywhere you turn. Unfortunately, a great deal of that information is based on fad diets and trendy workouts that may deliver quick results but don’t promote a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. The medical community generally agrees that slow and steady is the way to win the race towards healthy living. Adopting a broad set of healthier habits can deliver results over time and foster a new way of living that promotes your overall health and wellbeing.

Set your body in motion Increasing your activity level not only helps burn calories and boosts your metabolism, it also helps tone your muscles and improve overall body condition by promoting healthy blood flow. The exact amount of exercise you need will vary depending on your goals, age and physical ability. You may need to work up to the optimal level, which according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week for most adults.

Aim for balance A diet that combines healthy levels of protein and carbohydrates from all the food groups is the surest way to deliver your body the vitamins and nutrients you need for optimal health. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans call for an eating plan that is centred on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and reduced-fat dairy foods, rounded out by lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts for protein. When planning your meals, be sure to limit saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium and added sugar.

Replace what you lose A strong workout may help you shed calories, but it also can deplete your body of essential fluids. Staying hydrated is crucial to keep your body functioning properly –from regulating your body temperature to providing the lubrication your joints and muscles need to keep you in motion. Rehydrating during and after exercise is important for getting the most out of your workout. For example, try incorporating an electrolyte beverage which helps replace what is lost in sweat and supports hydration by stimulating thirst and promoting fluid retention.

Know when to say when Building a healthy lifestyle is about more than eating the right foods. It also means keeping your calorie count in check. That means keeping the amount you eat and the portion size in mind. Work with your doctor or a nutritionist to determine your body’s true caloric needs, which can vary depending on numerous factors such as your age, activity level and overall health. Then get smart about the portion sizes that will help you stay within those parameters. Initially, you may want to weigh out portions, but soon you’ll be able to recognize and adjust your portions on sight.

Give yourself a break Most experts agree it’s OK to indulge and enjoy your favourite treat occasionally. Skipping a day at the gym won’t end your efforts either. The key is to make those allowances an exception rather than the norm; skipping one day instead of three or eating a sliver of pie, not a giant slice. Rewarding yourself within reason is a good way to stay motivated and create a sustainable healthy lifestyle.

Source: Family Features SEP 14 - 20 / ISSUE 486

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EAT SMART

Have you had to give up your favourite meats for a diet? If you said “yes”, then take a look at some of our alternative eating plans, which will not only help you keep the meats on your plate but also your body in shape.

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Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

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tay Lean

WITH Protein

How to shed excess weight without depriving yourself of your favourite foods, including red meat, and maintain muscle mass and heart health

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study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Health and Wellness Center shows that healthy, higher-protein diets, including lean beef, can be beneficial to not only weight loss but also maintaining muscle mass and heart health.

The study is in line with ongoing research on the importance of lean protein for weight loss.

To kick your healthy eating plan into high gear, try these tips: ■ Enjoy protein in every meal. One of the benefits of having protein in your meal is feeling more satisfied, which helps reduce mindless eating or snacking in between meals.

Additionally, meals with high-quality protein help build muscle and reduce body fat.

■ Choose lean protein options. Picking lean protein options can be easier than you think.

You can still enjoy a beef burger and save calories by choosing lean

or extra-lean ground beef. Other smart meat case picks include top sirloin steak or sirloin tip, bottom round steak or roast, eye of round steak or roast, or top round steak or roast. Also make sure to choose colourful vegetables and fruits to round out your meal, like in this recipe for Grilled Southwestern Steak and Colourful Vegetables.

■ Dine out smart.

Many people struggle with getting a balanced, protein-filled meal when dining out or grabbing food on-the-go. Look for words like “grilled,” “broiled” or “baked” when browsing the menu for lean proteins. Or add a lean protein to your entree salad, whether it’s for lunch or dinner. For snack time, consider beef jerky to get protein onthe-go.

For meal ideas and tips to support your weight loss goals, visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner. com. * Family Features

Grilled Southwestern Steak and Colourful Vegetables Recipe courtesy of the Beef Checkoff Total time: 25-35 minutes Servings: 6 Ingredients: § 1 beef top round steak, cut 1-inch thick (about 700g) § salt, to taste Marinade: § ¼ cup fresh lime juice § ¼ cup prepared mild salsa § 1 tbsp chopped garlic § 1 tbsp olive oil § 1 tsp ground cumin § 1/2 tsp coarse ground black pepper Colorful Vegetables: § 2 tbsp olive oil § 1 medium green or red bell pepper, cut

into 1/4-inch strips § 230g button mushrooms, sliced 1/4-inch thick § 2 cups zucchini, sliced 1/4-inch thick § 3/4 tsp ground cumin § ½ tsp salt § 1/4 tsp coarse ground black pepper § 1 cup finely chopped tomatoes § 1/4 cup chopped green onions Method: § In a small bowl, combine the marinade ingredients. Place the beef steak and the marinade in a food-safe plastic bag; turn the steak to coat. Close the bag securely and marinate in a refrigerator for six hours, or as long as overnight, turning occasionally. § Remove the steak from the marinade; discard the marinade. Place the steak on the grill over medium, ash-covered coals. For a medium-rare (63°C) doneness, grill covered, turning once, for 12-14 minutes (on a gas grill over a medium heat, for 16-19 minutes).

To prepare Colorful Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large, nonstick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper strips; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Add the mushrooms, zucchini, cumin, salt and black pepper; cook and stir for 3-4 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Add the tomatoes and green onions; cook and stir for 1 minute. § Carve the steak into thin slices; season with salt, to taste. Serve with Colourful Vegetables.

SEP 14 - 20 / ISSUE 486

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New Restaurant

etg d Bu ndly Frie

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GRILLHOUSE

Opposite Muscat International Airport, Seeb Tel: 2451 1337 Opening hours: 11am to 4pm / 6pm to 12:30am (Weekdays) 1pm to 4pm / 6pm to 12:30pm (Fridays) Meal for three: RO11.100 Verdict : 7/10 SERVICE 7/10 FOOD 4/10 AMBIENCE

HUBBA HUBBA! HAUNTING HUMMUS

Good fuss-free food at affordable rates. Lacks the ambience of a diner, though Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

GENEROUS PORTIONS, DELICIOUS DISHES, WAITERS WITH WARM SMILES AND AFFORDABLE PRICES… GRILL HOUSE MAKES UP FOR A LACK OF LOOK AND AMBIENCE WITH EVERYTHING ELSE YOU SIMPLY CANNOT RESIST. ALVIN THOMAS STEPS OUT OF THE SEEB RESTAURANT WITH A TUMMY FULL OF YUMMY MOMENTS

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here are three criteria that a restaurant must fulfill in order to attain cult status in Oman: first, it must have the right ambience; second, it must serve flavoursome foods; and third, the waiters must be courteous and mannerly.

If it fails any one of the three, it will inevitably flop. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at the burger joint that recently closed down at the Muscat Grand Mall or the numerous joints that have been replaced by other vendors, in Shatti, in recent times.

Somehow, I seem to have found an exception; a loophole in my theory, if you may say.

The restaurant in question is the Grill House –which is situated in Seeb, opposite the Muscat International Airport.

It may seem like the perfect location for a restaurant, but surprisingly, it isn’t. There are never enough customers in the restaurant during peak hours, and it’s all thanks to the dearth of offices in the neighbourhood.

But, this restaurant has been hanging on to dear life for years now –and that’s mighty admirable.

It’s a sight you cannot miss on your drive from Muscat to Seeb.

Walking into the restaurant, I was greeted with a blast of warm wind –not something you expect when you are entering a dining area (!)

I was quickly told by a staff member (not a waiter) that the entrance leads straight to the party hall and that the restaurant itself is towards the corner of the building.

Not a good start, then. My colleagues Matthew (aka Matt) and Salim (aka Mr Bean), who were accompanying me, also concurred.

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and with the precise serving of garlic. Any more and he would have seen himself running around the restaurant with a burning tummy, I imagined.

THE GRILL HOUSE DOES EXACTLY The chicken was succulent and the gravy thick.

WHAT IT SAYS: IT GIVES THE But, it was indulging alongside the otherwise dry DINERS A GOOD MEAL AT AN naan slices.

AFFORDABLE PRICE Speaking of which, Mr Bean said his biriyani was a tad dry, too, but with the perfect serving of spices and masala; just the way he likes it. The portion was generous, and the ratio of masala to rice was nothing short of admirable.

I must point out that I found the biriyani to be too spicy for my liking. Needless to say, spice lovers will thoroughly enjoy it.

The egg fried rice, unlike the biriyani, was not too dry. I certainly enjoyed the general simplicity of the dish. A dab of soya sauce, and it was good to go.

We were then greeted by a very courteous Matt, who tried out the fried rice, said it was attendant. He presented us with our menus, one of the better ones that he had in recent times. and waited for us to complete our order. It’s not That was enough testimony for me, not just for the really a grill house in the traditional sense of the word, but unlike similar places where you just get dish but the restaurant, too. rice with meat, this place has a bit of everything The food, the generous portions, and the –Chinese, Indian, Thai, Arab and continental welcoming waiters took away any of my dishes galore. pretensions I formulated over the ambience and Matt went for his favourite: Madrasi chicken the location of the restaurant. curry (a south Indian dish) and garlic naans Agreed, it was wrong of me to judge a (Indian bread). Mr Bean opted for chicken biriyani restaurant by its looks, but I have to say the Grill and I topped the order with a plate of egg fried House does exactly what it says: it gives the diners rice and hummus with naan. a good meal at an affordable price; all served with The hummus was the first to arrive, and we all a smile on the waiter’s face. dug into it without any haste.

And it earns big points just because of these two Mr Bean –being the hummus aficionado that details. he claims he is –said it was one of the best he had ever had.

Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see He was right: with just the right serving of reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com ground chick peas and olive oil, the hummus was perfect in consistency and mild (and delightful) to the taste.

Some restaurants are known to serve sour hummus, which is characteristic of low-grade chick peas.

Our main course was the next to arrive.

Matt –with a wide smile on his face –quickly said the chicken was not too spicy but just right.

He also found the naan to be soft and delicious,

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