Y Magazine #491, October 19, 2017

Enter Our...

47

PORTRAIT BY A NATION COMPETITION

Free!

EXPLORING

ALL-NEW Massively THE FERRARI 812 Entertaining SUPERFAST

Special Feature: ESCAPE TO 26ZANZIBAR

EVERY THURSDAY NOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR

DESTINATION: Tharmad Castle TASTE TEST: Yellow Chilli

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

OCT 19 - 25 2017 / ISSUE 491 • WEEKLY

BOLD & Buoyant PLUS!

CELEBRATING OMANI WOMEN’S DAY

DUSTBIN OF HISTORY

01

NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

28

THE FUTURE OF HUAWEI

38

SUIT UP

40

COMPETITION

EDITOR’S

NOTE

Send in your answers for our ‘Debate of the Week’ and stand a chance to win a dinner for two at the Golden Tulip Hotel.

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

NUMBER OF CHILDREN BORN IN OMAN Statistics revealed by the NCSI show that there was a steady increase in the number of live births, in Oman, last year [2016].

GOING DOWN

PROPERTY RENTS In what is good news for the residents of Oman, the prices of apartments, villas and commercial complexes are slowly dipping, owing to a sharp increase in the number of new buildings being constructed.

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

Fast forward W

hen a woman goes beyond her boundaries and attempts to take up professions that males have set foot on, takes risks and works with courage, she is bold. Being bold can change the world. When a woman turns bold, then the perspective of society changes — the old society turns into a modern society and the status of women become equal to men.

These women are at the top of their professions and shaping the future of equality — be it in business, flying or on a tennis pitch. Having just celebrated Omani Women’s Day on Tuesday – a landmark day for Omani women, although the whole month is dedicated to women in the Sultanate – we turn the spotlight on a few of those women who have embarked on journeys across various paths, from doctors to pilots to TV presenters, all united by one thing – the belief to succeed and make a difference for their country. “On that first ever flight, I knew I have just made the right decision. And this is the job I was born to do,” says Maha al Balushi, Oman Air’s first woman pilot.

In our cover story this week, we asked top woman personalities to reflect on what being a woman means to them today, why we should be proud to celebrate Omani Women’s Day, and why the sky’s the limit for women across the world.

Happy reading!

THIS WEEK… Team Y had a nice time relaxing by the beach in Shatti and exploring the castle of Tharmad in Mussanah.

We also indulged in a double dose of crepes and waffles from the Crepe Café, in Al Mouj and Azaiba.

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

Smart device: Catch up with Y on the go by scanning the QR code below

editor@y-oman.com

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

FOLLOW US ON:

@ytabloid /ytabloid

REPORTER Alvin Thomas PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

/ytabloid ymagazine

www.y-oman.com /ymagazine

Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing & Advertising LLC / Y is a SABCO Media product.

CEO Eihab Abutaha We’d love to hear your news and views. For editorial enquiries, please info@y-oman.com email Want to read Y on the go?

Scan our digital issue here: Download any QR reader from iTunes or Google Play to read Y on the go

Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman.

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

03

contents

OCTOBER 19 - 25 2017

Your Oman

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman

Jagruti Naravani 10 News

Oman Air CEO Paul

Gregorowitsch resigns 12

News Ministry of Health issues safety tips after H1N1 death

17 News

Fulk Al Salamah leaves

for Dar es Salaam

18

Win your battle Join hands with Oman Cancer Association and the Knockout Gym to raise awareness on cancer

32 Destination

Tharmad Castle 34 First Drive

Ferrari 812 Superfast 36 Postcard From

Saint Helena 38 Y-Fi

A look into the future

of Huawei

22

Wonder Women Y shines light on some of Oman’s most prolific and influencial women

26 The Great Escape

A look into the many

wonders of Zanzibar 28

Dustbin of History Y finds out that residents are vandalising ancient graves for their benefit

29 Movies Geostorm capture

audience in Oman

26

10 Cars and Adventures

Features

21 Health and Beauty 40 Fashion

Suit Up 42 Health

Vision Impact

Food and Drink 44 Food Feature

It’s time for a roast 46 Taste Test

Yellow Chilli

44

40 38 NEXT ISSUE...

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

@almazaar

Busy administr writer, caring ator, passionate quizmaster, husband and d otting father — eloquent speaker, habitual of many hues. this top bu Nishad P man, his visio adiyarath gets up, close and reaucrat is a man n and the mile stones in his il personal with the ohamed Hanish lustrious life whispers

M

Cup and manag to me with an in ing director of fectious an Islamic Financ smile: “My mothe its success. Footba r ll wanted me to be Company (NBFC ial Services a revenue-generatinis growing as a do ct or ) ow ; my ne d by grandfather hope th e government with India today. With g industry in a few nonth become a lawyer. d I would re sid en th t e Indian Super Lee success of Indian directors. plan. I wanted to I had another How does he man is played widely in ague, football age time with In Administrative Sebe in the Indian al l th e he hi gh-profile portfol says. Hanish laug dia today,” io dream I cherishedrvice (IAS), a s?

“I t’s qu ite challenging,” “But it will take a hs and adds: he says. “But w My father and un from grade IV. on ce yo In u dian football teamhile for the have a handle on Indian Foreign Secle, a former tim e, it’ s quite easy. If a da with the Oman na to be on a par y is rough, tio ambassador, gave rvice (IFS) I te ll m ha ys ve a strong wall in nal team. You elf the classic qu ot the form of support. So, my all the required e – to m orrow is another Ali Al Habsi. He day. If that is an unbeatable Father and unclemother lost. do es n’ go t w al ork, I sta keeper, in ad w He adds: “Wha on.” the next project at rt my work on excellent players”dition to other th e so on profession is the t I like about my es t.”

Hanish is warm, With so many po affable and rtfolios to his like me can help way I or people ge ne ro cr us ed . it, does he have tim T ch he an se ge the lives cret of his of many ordinary su cc es w s ith lie s in his his family? “Of co e to be the better. By qu people for ur charm which is onsimple, engaging tim e to al ifi be with my wife se, I find ca tion, I’m e of his natural an engineer and as se ts. an T d ha my daughter Aysh Ameena t’s what makes hi analytical view ofit gives me an m so a, who persuasive. in ci de ntally plays footba iss ue s. I have also studied publ ll and is a H an hu ish ge was in Barca fan.” administration froic policy and recently as part ofMuscat H an m ish w ’s ell-known family universities in th scholarship prog a foundation’s ties with the Mid has had business ramme. “It is a dle East that date west. In fact, easte east and the ph ila nthrop back to many cent of similarities an and west have lot has been w ic organisation which most heartening uries. What’s orking for over 28 while addressing d dissimilarities ye ar to s su pport excellence his family built mto him is that in ed uc All praise to the the same issues. at ion among stude holy cities of Mecosques in the kind to me and IAlmighty for being who is also nts,” says Hanish, centuries ago that ca and Madina its chairman. ar based on facts an take decisions T he fo Hanish is an avid e still in use. rm d er Kochi district He joined the IA inner faith.” co lle ctor,who is docum has also hosted se quizzer and ented for ve worked in many S in 1996 and w or ki ng on fo TV in India. Hisral quiz shows r more than 18 ho annual quiz capacities. He gr cities in various ur s da a y for close to five ye show in Bahrain ars, quips: attracts over career with the Inew up in his “K ee p 9, lif 00 e 0 sim spectators. and holds quite a dian government leave the re ple, work hard and He has a habit of st to the Almight writing offices now. Little few high-profile y… that’s my sim daily tidings in a di ar y at the respected Economwonder, the well- designations ple belief. Don’t take end of each day too seriously; give and he’s been London selected ist magazine of im po rta w rit nc in e g since grad to yo the best administ Hanish as one of Look for men an ur work content. much before Goo e III. “I started d w om en w few years ago. rators in India a ho are ready to roll Maps, Photos, et gle Direction, up their sleeves Hanish is now ch an d w fashioned, you sec. I’m a little old ork. Aim for exce lle nc managing director airman and e; recognition will fo while trying to une,” says Hanish llow. Never the State Civil Supp of the Kerala ot he r his multiple hand successfully hide way around.”

-held techno better known as lies Corporation, As nodal officer fo devices. r the FIFA gateway to 30 m Supplyco, the U nd er -17 World He’s got to catc of the state, assu illion people managed to battl Cup, Hanish just see the FIFA teen h a flight to rin g th e e se m ve uc ra hl hurdles needed food secu for the smooth co “Good luck Nish stars in action. nd uc t of th substantive way byrity in a e global football ev my hospitality w ad and enjoy ent. “It’s several he essential commod supplying ye ar s In of dia, sir,” says the n you come to hard work that go ities. es He is also the CEO in to an event which is move, with affect man on the of Smart under the strict ion and respect.

City, Kochi; noda su pe rv ision and guidelin es the 2017 FIFA U l officer for of th H e FIFA. Its credit go ave you got a uniqu nder-17 World know someone who e story to tell or do you who worked tirel es to my team has? Contact us to essly to ensure coffee have with Y and be featur ed

06

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

in Y Magazine.

THE VOICE OF OMAN

WOMEN AND EMPOWERMENT FAIL TO CONNECT WITHOUT ‘ME’ STEPPING IN WITH CONFIDENCE AND PLAYING THE RIGHT, REQUIRED ROLE. JAGRUTI NARAVANI LOOKS WITHIN TO POWER AHEAD

DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: The Royal Oman Police has confirmed that the minimum salary requirement for an expatriate to bring his family to Oman has been reduced from RO600 to RO300. What do you think about this move?

T

oday, the words Empowerment and Women go hand in hand. With the fact that this background noise of ‘empowerment’ is being embraced by all, it often comes across as an ‘overused’ term, losing its true meaning and purpose.

So, on this Omani Women’s Day, how about going back to the basics and understanding this term? Google provides the below meaning: empowerment noun 1. authority or power given to someone to do something.

1.1 the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights.

If I refer to point 1, ‘someone’ is a woman, and say that woman is ‘me’. Now, I’d like to know who is giving me the authority and power? Is it the government, the men in society, the social activists, my parents or my spouse? It is undoubtedly a collective effort.

But before looking out I have to look within because empowerment begins with my inner-self.

The power to challenge, to change and to move forward is in my hands and nobody can take that from me. And once I have this confidence and zeal, it is my duty to extend a hand to those who need to realise and awaken this power.

Recognising and claiming rights is one aspect, but as a fellow being, recognising duties and fulfilling them is the only way to contribute to economic and social development.

This act of standing and speaking up, giving and balancing, will not happen overnight. It is a step-by-step process. Step one begins with Me.

08

correspondence

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

SALEHA HAROON

The lowering of the minimum salary limit to RO300 to bring one’s family here comes with its pros and cons. It may be good for the economy of Oman and for expatriates who are missing their families. But is RO300 enough for a family with at least one child to survive a month? House rent, electricity and water bills, phone expenses, groceries, school fees, etc. figure among the basic needs of a family and I don’t think a monthly salary of RO300 would be enough for meeting these requirements, as well as for making provisions for others such as medical expenses. Under the present circumstances, an expatriate earning just around RO300 should think twice before bringing his family here.

JERALDINE ARANTE

It’s a good move because expat families help boost Oman’s economy as they earn and spend in Oman. Minimum salary as requirement doesn’t mean you could bring the whole “clan”— working expats have to ensure they can afford living in Oman too! Kudos to the authorities for this move!

PAUL BARUA

A good decision by ROP. Many expatriates who have been dreaming of living with their family here would be happy and the move will also benefit Oman’s economy. Due to the tough economic conditions, many expatriates have

WRITE TO US AND YOU COULD WIN

sent back their families to their native countries, though some are managing on tight budgets.

USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI

Though I welcome the decision as it offers a chance for many expatriates who have been peeved at the 2013 order of raising the minimum salary limit to RO600, I think RO300 would be hardly enough even for a couple, and it would be harder still if they have children, besides the need to save for the future or send money to their home countries to look after the parents. Even if one is lucky to get a living space on a monthly rent of RO100, a couple needs at least RO200 more to meet other expenses. This hand-to-mouth existence could lead to unhappiness, friction and hardships that could force some to look for alternative means of income which is against the existing rules. On the economic front, the decision will help businesses and land lords.

RYAN BOBADILLA

This is a good gesture by Oman. It is especially helpful to those expatriates who don’t have a child, or the child is not of school-going age. It is a big help if you have your loved ones, like your spouse and baby, with you. The additional members will boost the Omani economy as they purchase products and avail of services. The pros end when the child starts going to school, and at that time the family may go back to their native countries. That ends their life together in Oman, but at least Oman gave them a chance. For those earning above RO600 a month, togetherness can continue with simple living.

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

ebHotel /GoldenTulipSe eb @GoldenTulipSe

SEND US YOUR letters, photos, news and views to info@y-oman.com / /ytabloid. The winning correspondent will receive a voucher for dinner at the Golden Tulip.

Vouchers must be collected from Y’s Seeb office in person. Only one winner per week; editor’s decision is final. For other terms and conditions, see the Golden Tulip voucher.

SCAN THESE QR CODES &

FOLLOW US

WWW.Y-OMAN.COM

ELIZABETH JOSEPH

The ROP decision is appreciable. But it has its cons too. With the current rise in house rents, air fares, education fees, etc. life for someone who earns around RO400 has become tough. With no facilities like accommodation or car, a sole breadwinner of a family will have a heavy burden on his shoulders. Unless there is a balance between one’s earnings and expenditures, life here would be difficult.

/YTABLOID

@YTABLOID

/YMAGAZINE

GEORGE DEVASSIA was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine in Muscat

FATIMA RAHMAN

I have been residing in Muscat for 23years. Born and brought up here, I have been working as an intern doctor at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital for the last four months. I was frustrated in the beginning because expatriate interns were not getting salaries for their hard work. At the end of every month I used to rethink my decision to continue my internship here. I belong to a middle-class family and despite being in an age group where people start earning I find myself dependant on my father, which is a really uncomfortable situation. Various issues used to cross my mind at the end of each day, but leaving Oman is not an option for me because it is my first home despite the fact that I am an expatriate. I lived all my life here and will be living my whole life here, inshallah. Reading everyday articles about Omanisation plans in newspapers makes me hopeless, but now the visa news gives me some hope that His Majesty the Sultan is trying to create equality in a country where many expatriates believe that Omanis enjoy priority in every aspect of life.

It feels nice to read that the Omani government is keeping us in mind as well.

New Debate: Rogue driving instructors are taking hundreds of rials from learners and disappearing, prompting a warning from the Royal Oman Police. Have you come across such a situation?

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

THROUGH YOUR EYES

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

Send it to: info@y-oman.com

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

Y Magazine reader Gayathri Arun captures the beauty of Masirah Island using her Canon 100D.

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

PHOTO: Gayathri Arun

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

09

YOUR

OMAN

EXPATS JAILED FOR SELLING ROTTEN MEAT

T

wo Asian nationals have been sentenced to 18 months in prison and fined RO17,000 for selling rotten poultry.

The preliminary court at Izki issued the judgment against the Asian nationals accused of selling and storing rotten goods, the Public Authority for Consumer Protection has announced.

The accused will be deported on completion of their sentences, the court ruled.

PACP received a complaint from a consumer who bought a carton of chicken from a poultry company at Izki. The meat was different from the brand name indicated on the carton and beyond the sell-by date.

After reporting the matter to the authorities concerned, PACP inspected the company headquarters and found 29 cartons of expired poultry in the refrigerators there. The company manipulated the weights and expiry dates of the products, it was found.

“On the first charge, the accused were sentenced to six months in prison and fined RO5,000 each. On the second charge, they were sentenced to one year in jail and fined RO2,000 each. On the third charge of supplying consumers with incorrect information, the court imposed a fine of RO2,000 on the first accused. On the fourth charge of storing expired goods not suitable for human consumption in food outlets, the accused were fined RO1,000.”

OMAN AIR CEO RESIGNS SUNDUS ROTANA TO

P

aul Gregorowitsch resigned from his position as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oman’s national air carrier, Oman Air, this week [Monday, October 16].

“The Board of Oman Air directors has accepted the resignation of the CEO, Mr. Paul Gregorowitsch. The Board of Directors lauds the efforts of Mr. Gregorowitsch during his tenure with the company,” the airline said in a statement to the media.

Eng Abdulaziz Saud al-Raisi, executive vice president for products and brand development, will take over as the Acting CEO of the airline until a permanent replacement is announced.

This news comes only a few months after François Bouteiller of Salam Air – Oman’s budget carrier – stepped aside from his position as the CEO of the airline.

DRUNK MAN ARRESTED FOR

THREATENING TO KILL PARENTS

A

drunk Omani man has been arrested at Lima for making death threats against his parents. The Royal Oman Police’s Special Task Unit in Khasab arrested the man after they had received a complaint from his brother.

“The police immediately moved into the site to evacuate the house and deal with the man,” the ROP said in a statement on Sunday.

010

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

OPEN SOON

T

he face of Seeb is all set to change with opening of the all-new and striking four-star hotel – the Sundus Rotana. The hotel is currently in the final stages of preparation, and should be fullyfunctional by November.

Located just a few minutes away from Muscat International Airport (MIA) and the landmark Oman Convention and Exhibition Center (OCEC), Sundus Rotana Muscat will boast of 215 modern rooms and also offer residents and tourists the Rotana legacy of culinary excellence through three signature restaurants, including the Lobby Lounge café, Ginger all day dining and fusion fine dining restaurant Teatro.

In a statement to the press, Sundus Rotana Muscat General Manager, Mark McCarthy said: “Oman is a burgeoning tourism

destination with tremendous potential to equally attract visitors who are seeking nature and culture and business travelers thanks to the government’s longterm infrastructure investments and nurturing business environment.

“We are confident that Sundus Rotana will be an important addition to Oman’s hospitality offering. For years, we have been catering to the needs of global travelers seeking contemporary facilities and world-class service, transforming thousands into brand ambassadors thanks to the exceptional levels of satisfaction we deliver.

In addition, the hotel will also feature six flexible meeting and conference rooms, an elegant ballroom, as well as the stateof-the-art Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club.

THE F&B SHOW

GALLERY

OMAN EXPO SUCCESSFULLY ORGANISED THE 12TH FOOD & HOSPITALITY OMAN EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE – AN INTERNATIONAL TRADE EXHIBITION THAT SERVES AS A PLATFORM FOR COMPANIES TO PROMOTE THE LATEST PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN THE F&B INDUSTRY. MORE THAN 500 BRANDS FROM 15 COUNTRIES TOOK PART IN THE EXPO.

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

011

YOUR

OMAN

NEWS

MINISTRY OF HEALTH ISSUES SAFETY TIPS

AFTER H1N1 DEATH

A

n Oman resident has died from the H1N1 flu virus, the Ministry of Health has announced.

Government health officials have reassured people that all measures are in place following the death in the first week of October, and issued guidance on how to avoid the virus.

There have been many notified cases of influenza in Oman in 2017, with just one death from H1N1 and many others making a full recovery, according to the ministry.

H1N1 is caused by a relatively new type of flu virus responsible for a global flu outbreak in 2009-10. It’s now just a normal type of seasonal flu and is included in the annual flu vaccine.

The scientific name for the flu virus is A/H1N1pdm09 – sometimes shortened to “H1N1”.

The virus was first identified in Mexico in April 2009. It spread rapidly

from country to country because it was a new type of flu virus that few young people were immune to.

A Ministry of Health spokesman said: “In the first week of October 2017, one death was reported due to infection with this type of virus. The competent authorities of the directorate, represented by the Department of Control and Control of Diseases, have taken the necessary procedures for epidemiological investigation of the case and follow up the direct contacts of the case and took samples of them, which later showed their non-infection with the virus.

Awareness of the community about the disease and its prevention methods has also been intensified.”

The statement added: “Seasonal influenza is a severe respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus spreading all over the world. Influenza infection is spread through the spray when coughing or sneezing.

Occasionally, infection may occur by touching surfaces or objects contaminated by the influenza virus and then touching the eyes or mouth.

“Influenza A (H1N1) is one type of influenza A virus, the most influenza-causing species in humans. It first appeared as a new virus that caused a pandemic in 2009, and the World Health Organisation declared the epidemic to end in August 2010. Since then, the virus has been circulating among humans, like all seasonal

flu viruses.

“As in other governorates of Oman, Al Dhahirah has been registered since the onset of the disease in 2009, and so far there have been many cases of influenza A (H1N1) that have recovered.

“Because the current period is the period of spread of seasonal influenza, preventive measures, such as covering the mouth and nose from cough and the need for hand washing regularly, should be taken to avoid infection.

“The most vulnerable groups, including those in the field of healthcare, women at any stage of pregnancy and the elderly, and patients suffering from chronic diseases and pilgrims are recommended to get vaccinated against the virus. The ministry also asked resident to receive information on H1N1 only from official sources and not to listen to rumours.”

NEW TOURIST DESTINATION

TO BE SET UP IN SEEB

T

he Ministry of Tourism (MoT) is set to develop a new tourist destination in Seeb to recreate the magic of old Omani souks and traditional villages.

The project will have restaurants, cafes and shops which will be leased for 50 years, the MoT said. “For this, we are looking for investors.”

The ministry said the project would be set up on land number 277 in the wilayat of Seeb. “The investor will be selected based on their best architectural concept containing plans, facades and 3D images to describe the project and who can execute the project quickly and who will offer the

012

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

highest rent,” the ministry said.

The investor will be given the right to connect the project to the beach and establish a walkway which will have cafes and restaurants and will be open to all. “Interested investors can submit their proposals to the ministry by February 15, 2018,” the ministry said.

The Sultanate has a wide range of unique architectural heritage reflected in the designs of local castles, fortresses, ancient traditional souks and villages with alleys. “This varies from one governorate to another in harmony with its surroundings telling the story of Omani success in adapting to nature,” the ministry added.

TEA LIBRARY

GALLERY

THE SHERATON OMAN HAS LAUNCHED ITS ALL-NEW CONCEPT - THE TEA LIBRARY - WHICH IS A SETTING THAT GIVES THE CUSTOMERS A CHANCE TO INDULGE IN SOME EXOTIC VARIATIONS OF TEA. IT IS OPEN FROM 10AM TO 11PM, BUT IT IS BEST TO MAKE RESERVATIONS.

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

013

YOUR

OMAN

T

GALLERY

MORE THAN 88,000 BORN

IN OMAN LAST YEAR

he Sultanate welcomed home more than 88,000 newborn babies, last year, as per the data published by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

To be specific, the total number of live births touched 88,346 – of which there were 81,868 Omanis and 6,478 expatriates – by the end of the 2016.

This was a substantial increase from the previous year, wherein 79,926 Omanis and 6,360 expats were born.

According to the bulletin, the number of live births increased in 2016 by 242 per day, up from 2015, by about six live births per day, further bringing the birth rate to 10 live births per hour.

Meanwhile, the number of Omani live births continued to rise by 18,987, between 2011 and 2016, at a rate of 30 per cent.

The rate of change in births rose from 247 between 2013 and 2014, to 69 live births between 2014 and 2015, and 118 live births between 2015 and 2016.

The highest rate of childbearing was in the age group of 25 to 29, and it stood at 32.7 per cent in 2015 and 32.1 per cent in 2016.

The birth rate of women of childbearing age (over 35 years) was 21.4 per cent in 2016, up from 1.1 per cent in 2015.

On the contrary, the number of deaths in the Sultanate in 2016 stood at 8,828 deaths, including 7,399 Omani and 1,429 expatriates.

Omani deaths constituted 83.8 per cent of the total deaths in the Sultanate. Roughly 60 per cent of them were males, which is equivalent to 4,507 deaths.

Expatriate deaths constituted 16.2 per cent of the

Sultanate’s total mortality. Males account for 81.4 per cent of the total number of deaths in the Sultanate.

The monthly death rate in 2016 was about 735 deaths, while the daily average was 24 deaths.

Statistics furthermore indicate that there were an additional 52 deaths for Omanis between 2011 and 2012. But it decreased by 366 deaths between 2012 and 2013, and then rose by 226 and 326 deaths between 2013 and 2014, and 2014 and 2015, respectively.

MINISTRY CLAMPS DOWN ON HALWA SHOP USING PLASTIC BUCKETS

T

he power of social media was highlighted yet again after the video of a halwamaker using plastic buckets to transfer the traditional Omani sweet from the stove to the final pots went viral online.

The video finally resulted in the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources clamping down on numerous sweets makers. It was reported that many unsuitable utensils and pots were confiscated in the sting operation.

The short clip was shared through WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook, and gained tens of thousands of views in the span of a few hours.

Many also took to the platforms to express their frustration and anger, with one Omani user saying, “this sweets maker is deliberately trying to kill its customers by opting for low-quality utensils”.

In a statement to local media in Oman, the ministry stated: “The campaign aims to strengthen the supervisory role on these establishments to ensure their compliance with health requirements and their conformity with the approved standards, and to take action on those who violate these conditions.

“It also aims to raise awareness of the best ways to store the raw materials and the final product and how to keep the preparation, cooking and washing sites clean and healthy,” it added.

014

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

NEW BEGINNINGS

NEWS

OMAN’S NEW FOUR-STAR HOTEL, THE SUNDUS ROTANA, HAS ANNOUNCED THAT IT IS IN THE FINAL STAGE OF PREPARATIONS TO OPEN ITS DOORS IN MUSCAT THIS NOVEMBER.

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

015

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

Today’s inspiration: One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be broken. - Leo Tolstoy

Photo: Shaquel Al Balushi

016

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

OMAN’S FULK AL SALAMAH LEAVES FOR DAR ES SALAAM

T

he jewel of Oman’s seas – the Fulk Al Salamah – has left the city of Zanzibar and onwards to the city of Dar es Salaam, in Tanzania, as a part of its East Africa voyage.

After a four-day visit in Zanzibar, the magnificent Omani Royal support vessel and superyacht has successfully completed its mission in the city.

This is following the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said to revive the Omani maritime heritage. Albeit, the mission aims to convey greetings, love and peace from the Omani people to their brothers in these countries.

The journey is a continuance of the grand voyages made by the Omani vessels to numerous ports across the world, with the aim of enhancing ties of friendship and love between the Sultanate and these countries.

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

017

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

OCT

19

THIS

WEEK

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

WIN YOUR OWN BATTLE

The Knockout Gym is joining hands with the Oman Cancer Association for the Pink Month to spread awareness and remind people of conducting periodic checkups, following healthy diets and including fitness as part of their lifestyle. The event will be held at the gym from 7pm to 9pm.

OMAN SCIENCE FESTIVAL OCT

24

The Oman Science Festival is an inspiring scientific event which is concerned with introducing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to students and the public in general in an interesting and interactive manner.

The festival will be held on October 24 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.

OPERA BY GIOACHINO ROSSINI

O C T O B E R The Rossini Opera Festival represents the absolute crème de la crème in the realm of Rossini performance. With stage direction by the great Jean Pierre Ponnelle and world-class stars soprano Olga Peretyatko and tenor Maxim Mironov, L’Occasione fa ilLadro (Opportunity Makes a Thief) is a delightfully funny, beautifully sung tale of identity theft and mixed-up lovers. Through a cleverly entangled web of amusing obstacles, ill-fated deceptions and lucky twists of fate, those who are meant for each other eventually realise their hopes and dreams. The Filarmonica Gioachino Rossini will be conducted by Christopher Franklin who is sought after as a guest conductor by many of the world’s finest orchestras.

OCT

27

018

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

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

Message from the King

Golmaal Again Starring: Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi and Tusshar Kapoor

Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Teresa Palmer, Luke Evans and Alfred Molina

Gopal (Ajay Devgn), Madhav (Arshad Warsi), Lucky (Tusshar Kapoor), Laxman Prasad (Shreyas Talpade) and Laxman (Kunal Khemu) move back to their old neighbourhood in a new, palatial house.

What they don’t know is that the house is haunted by a ghost, and later when they come to know about it, they become terrified.

Will they be able to save themselves from this big problem?

Oman release: October 19

Geostorm Starring: Gerard Butler, Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris and Andy Garcia After extreme weather ravages the planet, nations unite to create Dutch Boy, a global satellite system that stops the problem with missiles and energy beams.

The system’s architect, Jake Lawson (Gerard Butler), is fired for insubordination and replaced by his brother Max (Jim Sturgess). Fatal consequences of a malfunction lead to Jake’s return and a high-level conspiracy is uncovered.

The heavy-handed, old-timey feel of this disaster movie might have you thinking of Roland Emmerich, the German film-maker who directed Independence Day (1996) and its sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence (2006). You would be wrong, but only just. Geostorm is the directorial debut of writer Dean Devlin, who is a frequent collaborator with Emmerich.

The jingoism, sentimentality and bombast in Geostorm are in the same vein as the Independence Day films, which Devlin co-wrote.

This is a movie where the special effects are relied on so heavily that acting, dialogue and wardrobe do not matter.

After losing contact with his younger sister, Jacob King arrives in Los Angeles looking for her. Within 24 hours he finds unsettling evidence of a life gone awry — sex, drugs and secrets in the sleazy underbelly of the City of Angels.

Message from the King is the story of what happens in the next seven days.

Mersal Starring: Vijay, Samantha, Nithya Menon, S.J. Surya and Kajal Aggarwal

Oman releasing: October 12

Secret Superstar Starring: Zaira Wasim, Amir Khan & Meher Vij

Oman release: October 19, 2017

Insu, a young Muslim girl, aspires to become a singer but faces restrictions from her conservative father. She happens to cross paths with a musician, which unfolds into an exciting journey.

Oman release: October 19

The film, directed by Atlee Kumar, has been released worldwide (October 18) as part of Diwali. Vijay will be seen in three different get-ups in the film. Playing the female leads are Kajal Agarwal, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Nithya.

Produced by Thenandal Studio Limited, it is made on a budget of Rs130 crore.

The technical team of the film comprises music director A.R. Rahman, editor Ruben, and costume designer Neeraja Kona.

Cinematographer is G.K. Vishnu who had assisted Richard M. Nathan in several films earlier.

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

019

Omani

Women’s

Photographer: Yamin Moosa al Balushi Fashion Designer: Noora Karim al Balushi Model: Lujina al Bilushe

day

020

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

Powered by selfbelief and inspired by opportunities, the Omani woman is ready to play her role in all walks of life.

Alvin Thomas meets a passionate bunch of them

Maryam al Zadjali Maryam al Zadjali, member of Oman’s State Council and chairperson of Dar Al Atta’a – a charity organisation that caters to the needy in the Sultanate – talks about her roles and how she overcomes her daily struggles to build on her dream of helping others in need

Photographer: Yamin Moosa al Balushi Fashion Designer: Noora Karim al Balushi Model: Ghada al Zadjali

S

he is ambitious, she is driven and she is on top of her game. But that is just what her portfolio says. As she looks into the lens of the camera, it is evident she is more than what her image suggests.

It becomes clear that she is motivated: she has a vision and a goal, both of which are not only aimed at making her and her family proud of her but also intended to show the whole country what she can do. In the process, she will craft a sense of achievement in the minds of those following in her footsteps.

This, she believes, will set afoot a new generation of youth which will create its own waves and etch names into the history books.

And, as we celebrated the landmark Omani Women’s Day on Tuesday, October 17, we turn the spotlight on a few of these women who have embarked on journeys across various paths; from top CEOs to doctors, actresses and sportswomen, all united by one thing – the belief to succeed and make a difference for their beloved country.

It’s hard to describe the incredible support that we have received from the Omani community. It’s not new for Omanis, as it is part of our culture. Despite that, it has been overwhelming, and that’s what encourages us, keeps us positive and inspires us to give more.

We struggle to keep up with the increasing demand from Dar Al Atta’a. The focus of our activities is to create fundraising programmes that are effective and diverse.

We are continuously brainstorming for new ideas to raise more funds and, at the same time, engage our audience in order to produce more effective results and achievements.

I believe that there is always a chance and opportunity whether your idea or project requires support from the government or the corporate sector.

Success requires focused planning and hard work. Setting goals is crucial to understand where you’re at and where you aim to be. Although the pace of life is becoming faster, we all need to take advantage of our free time and I encourage all young Omani women to learn new things. Challenging our minds is what will develop us and our skills. Learning is what inspires us to succeed.”

Her Highness

Say y i d a B a s m a a l S a id Sayyida Basma al Said, founder of Whispers of Serenity – Oman’s first mental health clinic that aims at raising mental health awareness – talks about the importance of a day marked for women in Oman and how women have been making their mark in the country for decades What I believe is that Omani women have to be thankful for having this wonderful opportunity and acknowledge this. A lot of us fail to not realise that and tend to think that we need more.

We need to appreciate where we have reached today; we need to think about tomorrow and think about how we can expand in and outside Oman in different ways, and not in the traditional way that we have been doing.

Yes, we have ambassadors, ministers, doctors and so on, but choosing new things must be our next goal. Today, we hear the stories of Omani women climbing Mount Everest, sailing, and doing lots of new activities that we hadn’t heard of before, and that is also an accomplishment.

Being diverse and doing things internationally, and getting people to know how an Omani woman is and what her strengths are, and what she is capable of, is important.

We need to appreciate ourselves, be mindful of where we are today and have that one thing that is very vital: self-esteem and self-awareness, and we will fly. Just keep in mind what His Majesty the Sultan said: ‘Like the bird that worked side by side by her Omani brother to make Oman succeed in a beautiful, graceful way, and to be known internationally as the country of peace and giving.’ ” OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

021

D r. Ama l al H ashm i Dr Amal al Hashmi, BSc, MD; senior consultant neurologist and head of the Central Stroke Unit in the Ministry of Health, is Oman’s first woman adult neurologist. She is also an associate editor at the international Journal of Psychology and Neuroscience, a member of the Omani Human Rights Commission, and former vice president of the Oman Medical Association.

Here she shares her experiences and advises young women about how to pursue her profession At the outset, I would like to thank His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said for declaring October 17 as Omani Women’s Day. It’s a day to celebrate womanhood, honour Omani women and recognise the status that they have earned in practical and social aspects of society.

Apart from International Women’s Day (March 8), I don’t think there is any country other than Oman in the region that celebrates women’s day on a national level. All of us are proud of this.”

Talking about Omani women opting for neurology and neuro-sciences, Dr Amal says: “I will say go for it! The subject of neurology is expanding every day and vast research has been

conducted on it in the last few years. My advice to our young Omani women is to grab the opportunity the government is offering and serve the nation. That is important.

Neurology is not limited to just the brain but the entire nervous system, including the spine. It’s the most rational field of medicine and I am proud to say that I am the first Omani woman neurologist. It is a challenging field but life without challenges is always going to be boring.

I always dreamed of being a doctor; the field of medicine always inspired me. Even at the age of five, I used to play as a doctor and call my cousins, friends and kids in the neighbourhood to act as patients. But, honestly, I never realised I would reach this stage someday. It’s pure hard work and I should thank my parents and mentors who inspired me throughout my journey.”

Neurology may be a male-dominated profession, but Dr Amal believes that this is changing: “The journey has been fascinating and I have come a long way. But more women are now choosing neurology, which is otherwise a male bastion. I am proud to say that I set up the first stroke unit in Oman at the Khoula Hospital and now we have just opened two more in Nizwa and Sohar hospitals. We are also going to have one more new stroke unit at Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah. Through these units, my mission is to improve the stroke care provided for patients in Oman to match the standardised and up to date management worldwide. Stroke as you know is the second leading cause of death worldwide and Oman is no different. People need to be englightened and pay more attention.”

It was an opportunity when I was nominated to be a police officer in 1996. It was the first for an Omani police woman at that time. I believe it was a challenge and a step towards success.

I also had the honour to be a commandLt Col Shaikha Ashour, new head of the Al er of the parade military in 2011 in the Wattayah police station, shows young minds the presence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos path ahead by setting herself as an example.

Here she passes on words of encouragement to Bin Said. The trust of the ROP headquarters to post me as officer in charge of the the women of the Sultanate Wattayah police station came in 2016.

The woman’s day celebration, which happens To achieve goals, you are required to every year, shows the successful role women work hard and desire to reach the replay in all areas of work in the country. The mother, wife quired goals. This will not come easy. and even the daughter have big and important roles to You will have to be brave and overcome contribute and participate in developing the nation. many difficulties.”

Lieu t ena n t C ol o n e l Shai k ha bi n t A s h o ur al H am b a s i ya h

Laila M oh s en a l B a r wa n i Laila Mohsen al Barwani may act from behind the scenes, but her work as the IT manager has made the lives of thousands of visitors at the InterContinental Muscat hotel easier. She talks about her slow rise in the ranks, and about how young women must be patient when striving to achieve their goals. The Omani woman is now the second female IT manager in the IMEA – an international membership organisation committed to global sustainability There will be several challenges in life. But I must say that the confidence I received from my parents and family and the passion about the work I do is what makes me the person that I am today. Thanks to that initial push, I am now responsible, professional and wiser.

Of course, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) also gave me the opportunity to establish my career in this field. I started as an accountant receivable clerk in 1994, and then worked my way up to what I am today. I am also celebrating my 24th work anniversary here.

In between, I had taken up the position of income auditor supervisor, systems supervisor and even assistance IT manager, before finally reaching the position that I have today. There are still days that I do not go home to achieve targets and complete work. That is the sign that you are in a job that you love doing.

Back when I started, there was a stigma attached to working in the hospitality industry but my family really supported me through it all. Today, however, the industry is growing fast in the Sultanate. I encourage all Omanis 022

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

who enjoys taking up challenges, or are customeroriented, to join and have a career in this field.

There’s nothing more satisfying that watching a smiling customer.

Coming back to the topic, Omani Women’s Day really reminds me to be proud of being a woman. I would also like to thank His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said for giving us this special day. We feel proud to be a part of this society and, as you can see, a lot of women have taken up important positions across Oman.

I would also like to tell every youngster that patience is really a virtue. It takes you a long way. It avoids you from taking harsh decisions and thereby allows you to think properly and also work better.”

Celebrity fashion designer Amal al Raisi is one of Oman’s greatest assets. Not only does she showcase her fashion in her country, but also internationally, in fashion capitals such as Paris and Turin. She talks about her life and give young and aspiring designers a push for glory I take pride in representing my country on an international platform and the love and encouragement that I have been receiving from Oman drives me to do better.

Being able to witness women wearing my label is the biggest source of encouragement. Also, social media is a great platform to stay connected and get feedback from my people.

I am honoured to be a motivation for young minds. I would like to advise young women about the importance of having a career. The days that women sit at home are long gone. Follow your dream and be passionate about whatever career you choose.

I would also like to advise to always compete with yourself to be the best of you and to face the hardships that life throws at you with a smile on your face.

My career in fashion began with me wanting a bespoken piece for my wedding.

During the journey of creating it I realised my passion. When I started with this career, there were very few designers in Oman and it was a career almost untouched

by Omanis.

Therefore, the challenge was not only to make my existence but also to introduce the art of haute couture to Oman. So the struggle was real but I honestly enjoyed every bit of it.

I like to challenge myself from my comfort zone as I move forward from each season. It inspires me to face new challenges and move ahead. The love and support that I get from my family also inspires me to do better.”

Ta j N oor Television presenter, actress and musician, Taj Noor reveals the importance of Women’s Day in Oman, but opens up about the challenges she faced in the initial days of her (now) illustrious career I feel that I am proud and very, very happy to be a part of this country. It has given me and all the women in the country so much importance; it has given a special day for us to focus on and talk about us, and show everyone our successes, accomplishments and the abilities we have.

It also throws light on how women have helped develop the country and do everything, and how we can be beside the man and develop the thinking of everything we have around us.

I did not plan to be a public personality but from my insides, I always knew that I wanted to do something unique and that people would know me because I did it.

As for the challenges that I faced, the first was society; and the second, my family. It is difficult to be someone different here. Yes, we grow up and develop our careers but society still wants us to hold back sometimes. There were a lot of questions that were asked when I started appearing as an actress.

But the first support was also my family. They took me by my hand and led me forward. When people started asking questions about my existence in the public sphere, they started asking questions to my family. All of that has changed now, though.

My goal, however, is to become the best media personality and use that to help people; I like people to come to me if they think I can help resolve their problems.

And I would like to see all the women in the country to succeed and, in turn, see the world – not just Oman – happy and prosperous. In many other countries, women are not given her rights, and I would like to see that change, first.”

Photographer: Yamin Moosa al Balushi Fashion Designer: Noora Karim al Balushi Model: Areej al Balushi

Amal a l R a i s i

M a h a a l B a lush i

Oman Air’s first woman pilot Maha al Balushi talks about taking to the skies, but advises young women that when it comes to chasing their dreams, the sky is not the limit

I was very excited to operate my first flight. It was a great first experience that changed the way I looked at aviation before. It gave me a great sense of responsibility. With that first flight I knew that I had made the right decision in my career, and that it was the job I was born to do.

Although we are a part of an Arab and Muslim culture, which is also very much bound by traditions, the reaction of most people came in the form of encouragement and support for the idea of a female flying aéroplanes.

Of course, there are always those few individuals who find it difficult to accept any new concepts in culture. But, overall, I see people full of pride and support when they see me in uniform.

If you want to be a pilot, it should come out of passion. Image, prestige or money should not be the driving force behind your decision. There is a lot of work that has to be done to excel. No short cuts or easy goings are allowed, and nothing below the highest levels of professionalism is accepted.

If aviation is your dream, go for it and remember that we have the capability to be what we want to be. You only need to stay focused and strong no matter how you struggle along your path to success.

My advice to the Omani youth in general – and to females in particular – is that we must follow our inner voice that tells us what we truly want to be. We should know what we are passionate about, bring it out and excel in it.

And, no matter what our ambitions are, I believe that hard work will be the key to success and the way forward to accomplish your dreams. Remember this: luck doesn’t exist, and if you want to succeed, you should choose between working hard or relaxing; each of them is in a different circle and do not mix in one place.

I would also like to tell all Omani women out there that we are together. And our responsibility is to build our country and seek a better life that is no less than that of our brothers.

Side by side with the men, we can make a greater power. ■ OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

023

Y B T I A R T R O P

T A N A

47 In Association with

CELEBRATE OMAN’S 47TH NATIONAL DAY AND SHOW YOUR PRIDE BY BEING PART OF PORTRAIT BY A NATION, Y’S BIGGEST ANNUAL EVENT, GIVING YOUNG ARTISTS A CHANCE TO SHARE A TOTAL CASH PRIZE OF RO3,150

A

fter the fantastic success of last year’s first-of-its-kind art event, Portrait By A Nation is back, bringing the children of the Sultanate together to mark 47 glorious years under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said.

Building on the historical inaugural event, this year’s instalment is set to be a much bigger competition, taking place in cities across the country, including Sur, Nizwa, Sohar, Salalah, as well as the capital. Children from all regions in Oman will be given the opportunity to display their creativity as they paint or decorate a printed canvas of His Majesty in any way they wish as they compete for huge cash prizes.

The event will be organised in association with sponsors Muscat Grand Mall, PUCK, IDdesign and Finland Eye Center.

It will be held on November 4 and 5 in the interior regions, and on November 10 and 11 in Muscat.

National Day is a special time in the Sultanate when everybody joins hands to commemorate the years of Renaissance and the road of evolution Oman has taken to become a nation that can proudly hold its own on the world stage.

The progress and prosperity of the past 47 years has been achieved under the guidance of His Majesty The Sultan, who continues to lead the country with a steady, inspirational hand, and there is no better way to celebrate National Day than by creating a lasting tribute to our visionary leader.

Last year’s competition attracted more than 2,200 entries from children across the country,

024

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

who came together under one designated banner to create their portrait. Now in its fourth year, this year’s Portrait By A Nation could see numbers double as we celebrate this momentous milestone together.

This year’s event will again be open to three age categories, each with prizes for first place, runner-up and second runner-up, giving children more chances to win. The age categories will be five to nine years old, 10 to 13 and 14 to 17. We will also be including a new category this year for children with special needs.

“Once again, we are very proud to present Y’s the fourth edition of our annual competition, Portrait By A Nation. The past three years of the competition have been a huge success and we have received an overwhelming response from many children across the Sultanate, all of them inspired by the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said,” says Nishad Padiyarath, editorial head of Y Magazine.

“And we believe that the 47th National Day will be even more special.”

At the end of the painting events, 47 finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges that includes representatives from our sponsors and Nishad. The finalists will then be invited to a special ceremony on November 18 to reveal the winners. The final 47 portraits will also be collated and spread onto a larger canvas that will act as a collage of the many faces of His Majesty, as seen through the eyes of the nation’s children.

This larger piece of art will then be on public display for the duration of the country’s National Day celebrations.

N O I T

HOW TO TAKE PART 1) Online at y-oman.com/register 2) Pick up registration forms from Y magazine’s office in Seeb, the IDdesign store in Markaz Al Bahja, Finland Eye Center, and Muscat Grand Mall.

3) You can also Whatsapp (Name of the children, Age, Gender, Contact no., Email Id, School, Age Category) us on 9715 8499

we believe that the 47th National Day will be even more special

The art competition is a great chance for children to show their pride in the nation they call home and Y is encouraging as many children and parents as possible to get involved and support the initiative.

Portrait By A Nation is a fantastic opportunity for children to display their creative prowess on a wide platform and to also show their love for the nation and express their gratitude to His Majesty The Sultan.

Talking about the event, a spokesperson for Muscat Grand Mall says: “We are proud to be a part of Y’s Portrait By A Nation event, this year. This is a wonderful opportunity for the children to showcase their talents and also nab some lucrative prizes.

“We feel this will make way for some healthy competition but also some really striking art,” he adds.

To take part, children need to register their interest and select the correct age category they will be entering. Entrants will be invited to take part in the event hosted by SABCO Media, Y Magazine’s parent company, at a designated venue depending on where they live.

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

025

SCAP

WITH FULK AL SALAMA LIGHTING UP THE COASTLINE OF ZANZIBAR, MAKING PEOPLE SMILE AND RECONNECT TO THEIR SHARED PAST WITH OMAN, HASAN AL LAWATI MINGLES WITH THE CROWDS AND MARVELS AT THE RELICS

to Zanzibar

I

026

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

lluminating the coastline of Zanzibar with its yellow and emerald lights, Oman’s royal support vessel ‘Fulk Al Salama’ has become the talk of the town on the African island. From the moment we landed in the small, worn airport, locals kept mentioning the Omani luxury yacht to us.

People’s eagerness to take a closer look at the ship mirrored the deep-rooted ties between the Sultanate and the Tanzanian archipelago.

The eastern African island, like Oman, is home to a glittering mixture of ethnicities as it was once a melting pot of religions and nationalities. The Omani cultural influence is visible at Stone Town, a historic business hub. Here, you see many locals sporting Omani headdress and dishdasha.

“We used to be one nation, there is so much history between our two countries and you can see that in the architecture of Zanzibar’s old buildings,” Mohammed, a taxi driver, told me on our way to the hotel, the first and only Park Hyatt in Africa.

Legend has it that the five-star hotel used to be owned by a rich Arab who challenged his mates to build the biggest house on the island. After accomplishing his dream in 1847, the businessman named his new home ‘Do not imitate’, and is now registered as a Unesco world heritage site.

No one knows whether his friends built other houses or if they were demolished later, but Milvas Burince, marketing community manager of Park Hyatt, said the hotel management had hardly renovated the 170 -year-old building.

“The owner mixed eggs with soil when he built the house which made it stand still for more than a century,” said Burince.

“Mostly rich business owners and expatriates live in Stone Town (MjiMkongwe- in Swahili),” she told me.

But poverty has taken a toll on the outskirts of Stone Town. Young men would openly (but politely) ask tourists for some cash, especially at the popular tourist traps.

“Do not be too friendly,” my tour guide advised.

But despite that, Zanzibaris live by ‘hakunamatata’, a Swahili phrase that means ‘no worries’.

It is impossible to find an empty field,

We used to be one nation, there is so much history between our two countries and you can see that in the architecture of Zanzibar’s old buildings

sandy or grassy. People here adore football and they play at all times.

At Forodhani gardens, a popular street food market that attracts thousands of picnickers in the evenings, we saw teens jumping off the corniche to hit the cold, dark waters of the Indian Ocean as spectators cheer to every loud splash.

We enjoyed the scene as we ate spicy Zanzibari food and dirt-cheap ice cream from the street stalls.

As we walked past the gardens along the seafront, we got a glimpse of the House of Wonders built by the former Omani government. The century-old building was the first in East Africa, and Zanzibar, to have electricity. The House of Wonders is a cultural museum now but, sadly, it was closed for renovation so I could not go inside.

Adjacent to it is the Old Fort. Now a cultural centre, it was once an Omani fort built to protect the town from European invasions.

The two historical sites are only a five-minute walk from the hotel, which itself embraces a natural wonder: a 200-year-old mango tree. â– OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

027

N I B T S U D

HISTORY

F O

ng dumpi a e m as beco like. Alvin h e g a e bygon useholders a are scarring a m o r f o it rs ty spot inesses and h and fly tippe done about u a e b A bugs can be or bus r t f e a t d h t i n l w u s w gro ees ho d investigate s s a m n Tho cape, a s d n a l the

T

he scene is picturesque, it’s almost like the setting from an episode of Man vs. Wild starring British celebrity survivalist Bear Grylls on television: my friend (whom I shall call the ‘explorer’) and I have come face-to-face with a barren wadi, which we discover just off the highway that heads to the city of Suhar.

It’s not your average wadi, though. It’s teeming with wildlife; scorpions, snakes (I presume) and several packs of wild wadi dogs.

It would be the ideal hunting ground for Grylls since he loves feasting on scorpions and snakes. But, because we’re not experienced explorers, we stay ensconced in our safe Toyota off-roader as we head in to explore the beautiful wadi.

And boy, we are in for a treat. The rays of the sun gleaming off the mountains make for a striking photo; the type you only get to see in postcards and paintings. To see it more clearly, we head deeper into the wadi.

But, the more we drive inside, the more variation we see in the landscape. And no!

It isn’t changing for the better but rather for the worse. It’s something that unsettles both of us.

We are disappointed by what we see: it’s garbage littered across the wadi beds. And it’s not your regular trash. This is solid waste dumped by several industrial companies after their works; wooded crates, sofas, tables and chairs, cement, paint, tyres, used cutlery

028

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

and in some spots, even exhausted bottles of liquor (!)

“What on earth is going on here? Are we in a junk yard?” asks my friend.

The answer is no. This wadi is actually quite significant to the history of Oman: it is known to be a part of a burial ground – an ancient tomb – of sorts, and has been prevalent in the country for a number of decades (although, the actual date of the tomb has been known to go back even further).

The location has also been recognised by the Muscat Municipality as a “restricted site”, and numerous sign boards warning vandals with prosecution have also been erected.

However, all of them have been ignored.

Just as we drive past (legally) one of the graves, we notice a group of workers dumping a load of wooden sticks next to a graveyard, which has been protected by a wall.

“I pity how these bodies are being

treated,” my friend points out, before deciding to call the Muscat Municipality to report the incident.

The response, we get from the on-call attendant, however, is shocking.

“We know that people are littering in the wadi. But, the lands have been used for dumping waste by lots of new residents who are now erecting houses, there,” the Municipality spokesman explains.

“What can we do? Today, we will send people to clean the wadi but tomorrow they will begin dumping waste there, again.

“I am guessing that we will begin issuing warnings as soon as the industrial and personal construction sites are taken off,” he says, but also points out that the possibility of a clean-up in the near future is unlikely.

“This is the wrong attitude to the issue,” says one volunteer at the Environment Society of Oman (ESO).

“I have lived by the code that the only imprint you should leave behind in the environment after you have visited there is your footprint. So, it upsets me that the people are dumping waste in such grounds; and grounds of very high historical importance.

“People must take special care when it comes to preserving the environment. For instance, all you have to do is call for a dump truck and they will come and clear the waste out for you, but most people will not make that call as they will have to shell out money from their pockets,” the volunteer adds.

“This form of littering can not only cause an imbalance in the wildlife of the area, but can also pose a risk for humans travelling on foot.

“Snakes and scorpions can begin nesting in these dump yards, and people could get stung or bitten and subsequently poisoned because of that.

“Moreover, many people come to pay respects in these grave sites. How do you think they would react if they saw waste dumped right next to their family member’s burial ground?” he asks.

“Another recent trend we are starting to see is people burning their waste. This is toxic, I tell you. It will add to the pollution and also scar the area with black carbon stains. This will look like a bad scar on the land for a very long time.

“The ideal way to proceed would be to collect the waste and call the municipality truck for cleaning up,” the spokesperson adds.

Ditching our car, we visit one house that is currently being built. We talk to the

“Now more customers are requesting biodegradable bags”

Manager at Al Isteqrar Plastic Bags Factory

workforce. One man says: “Our Arbaab (boss) does not pay us to dispose the waste with the municipality. We cannot afford it, either.

“But, at the same time, if he sees waste on the construction site, he will shout at us. So, it is an easy way out for us to dump waste in the wadi.”

When we ask the workers whether they know of the importance of the area, they answer: “Yes, we do. But Arbaab is new here and he has only moved from Rustaq so he does not know about it.”

When we ask them to tell their contractor to clean the waste, they collectively begin threatening us to leave the premises.

After a quick chat with the Municipality, we learn that residents can call for a dump truck for roughly RO30. You can also ask for a larger truck for RO50, if the need arises.

Currently, offenders are asked to pay RO1,000 in fines for throwing trash in the street, as per the Muscat Municipality. It was also stated that fines would be doubled for repeat offenders and that they would be given 24 hours to clean up the waste.

The decision was issued on March 16, 2017, and will came into effect on April 15, 2017. But, is the law being enforced?

“No,” says Ibrahim al Khindi, an Omani national residing in the adjacent town to the wadi. “People will never learn if you are simply placing laws and not enforcing them. I think the fines are harsh but I do not see any form of checking being conducted to see who is littering. “Wadis are a dumping ground for waste as people think that no one sees them littering, there.

This is the attitude people have, currently. And until that changes, we will continue to see such inhuman activities being conducted in Oman,” he adds.

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

029

GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS… Capital Region Azaiba • Amara

Dermatology Clinic • Audi Showroom • Bentley Showroom • Costa Coffee • Al Fair • Jaguar Showroom • Jeep Showroom • Al Maha Petrol Station • Mazda Showroom • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi Showroom • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Peugeot Showroom • Range Rover Showroom • Sayarti Auto Care • Shell Select • Skoda Showroom • The Sultan Center • Volkswagen Showroom • Volvo Showroom • Yamaha Showroom Bawshar • College of Banking

and Financial Studies • Dolphin Village • Modern College

of Business and Science • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital

(Emergency and Outpatients) • Oman Medical College CBD • Al Maya Hypermarket • Alizz Islamic Bank • Bahwan Travel Agencies • Bank Sohar • Copper Chimney Restaurant • Costa Coffee • HSBC • Lama Polyclinic • NBO • Oman Arab Bank • Standard

Chartered Bank • Woodlands Restaurant Darsait • Indian Social Club • SPAR

• KIMS Oman Hospital • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Bakery • Shell Petrol Station

Al Falaj/Rex Road • Al Falaj Hotel • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Golden Oryx Restaurant • Kamat Restaurant • Toshiba Showroom Ghala • National Mineral Water Ghubra • Al Hayat International Hospital • Al Maya Hypermarket • Bank of Beirut • Costa Coffee • Crêpe Café • GMC Showroom • LuLu Hypermarket • Moka & More • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Park Inn • Porsche Showroom • Al Raffah Hospital • Stationery Hut • The Chedi Muscat Al Hail • Burger King • Caledonian College

of Engineering • Markaz Al Bahja Mall • McDonald’s • Omantel • Starcare Hospital Al Khoudh • Al Fair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Pizza Hut Al Khuwair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Bait Al Reem Mall • Caffè Vergnano • Centrepoint (Splash) • Diplomatic Club • Grand Hyatt Muscat • Harley-Davidson Showroom • HSBC • KFC • SPAR • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Landmark Group

• McDonald’s • Muscat Bakery • Oman Bowling Center • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Oman United Insurance • Omran • Pizza Hut • Radisson Blu • Shell Petrol Station • TGI Friday’s • The Great Kabab Factory • The Tikka Place • Zahara Travel • Zakher Mall Mabela • Gulf College Oman Mawalah • Chili’s Restaurant • Costa Coffee • Al Makan Café • Starbucks • Tim Hortons • VLCC Wellness MBD • Bank Dhofar • Centrepoint (Splash) • SPAR • NBO • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Pizza Muscat • Shell Petrol Station MGM • Caribou Coffee • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • Just Falafel • Ooredoo • Paul • Tim Hortons Al Mina • Bait Al Baranda • Bait Al Zubair MSQ • Al Fair • Arab Open University • British Council • Costa Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • Hana’s Slimming &

Skincare Centre • Kargeen Caffe • KFC • MacKenzies Café

& Deli • Mood Café • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Papa John’s Pizza • Pizza Hut

• Saharz Beauty Salon • Starbucks Al Murtafa’a • Bank Muscat • KFC • Muscat Hills Golf &

Country Club Muscat International Airport • Caribou Coffee • Majan Lounge • Plaza Premium Lounge Mussanah • Millennium Resort Muttrah • Shell Petrol Station Qantab • Al Bustan Palace • Marina Bandar Al Rowdha • Oman Dive Center • Shangri-La Qurum • Al Araimi Complex • Balance Health & Fitness • Bank Nizwa • BMW showroom • Burger King • Chili’s Restaurant • Crowne Plaza • Finland Eye Center • Fun Zone • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • The Jungle Restaurant • Left Bank • McDonald’s • Mercedes-Benz Showroom • Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant • Nandos • Nissan Showroom • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Qurum Commercial Complex • Ras Al Hamra Club • SABCO Centre • Second Cup • Starbucks • The Sultan Center • Tche Tche Café Rusayl • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-1 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-2 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-3 • Knowledge Oasis

Muscat-4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • Waljat College of

Applied Sciences Ruwi • Apollo Medical Centre • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Mega

Store – Swarovski Showroom • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • Oman Trading Establishment • Saravana Bhavan Sarooj • Al Fair • Al Masa Mall • City Cinema • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell Petrol Station • VLCC Wellness Sawadi • Al Sawadi Beach Resort Seeb • Golden Tulip Hotel • McDonald’s Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Caribou Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Centre • The Indus Restaurant • InterContinental

Hotel Muscat • Jawharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks • VLCC Wellness Sifah • Sifawy Boutique Hotel SQU • Diplomatic Club • College of

Economics and

Political Science

• Students Banking Area • Reception/ Canteen Wadi Kabir • Al Maya Hypermarket • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Pharmacy • National Hospitality Institute • Pizza Hut • Shell Petrol Station Wattayah • Ahli Bank • Best Cars • BLS International Services • Chevrolet/GM showroom • Ford Showroom • Hatat House • Honda Showroom • Hyundai Showroom • Kia Showroom • Lexus Showroom • National Travel & Tourism • Passage To India Restaurant • Shell Petrol Station • Subaru Showroom • Suzuki Showroom • Toyota Showroom Al Mouj Muscat • Almouj Golf • Costa Coffee • Oman Sail • Shakespeare & Co. • Al Mouj Muscat

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

TOO LATE? DON’T WORRY. GET Y INSTANTLY ONLINE USING YOUR MOBILE DEVICES & PC

Visit www.y-oman.com/current-issue/ No downloading required FOLLOW US ON:

@ytabloid

/ytabloid

www.y-oman.com

/ytabloid

ymagazine

/ymagazine

Adventures

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS AND ADVENTURES

TOP GEAR

Photo: Ferrari

Ferrari weren’t kidding when they named their new two-door Berlinetta the 812 ‘Superfast’. The car is mind-bogglingly tantivy on the straights and agile in the corners. -P34

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

031

&

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

THARMAD CASTLE

PACKING UP AFTER A SPLENDID DAY OUT AT THE MILLENNIUM RESORT AT MUSSANAH, SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI CATCHES A GLIMPSE OF THARMAD CASTLE AND SUCCUMBS AGAIN TO ITS IRRESISTIBLE CHARMS 032

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

T

A few metres in, you can begin to catch glimpses of the castle sitting atop dishevelled rocks and towering over every other building in the vicinity – it’s a sight you cannot – and should not – miss!

The drive will take you roughly two hours from the capital, so make sure you manage your time and resources efficiently. It is one of the safest locations to visit when you are on your own (as I was, in this instance).

Sadly, I realised that it was quite foolish of me to visit the castle past the working hours. The evening sky was also drab, meaning the photos didn’t turn out as well as I had initially hoped.

But something is better than nothing, right?

I was surprised with the electrifying energy of the residents flocking the nearby market. The hullabaloo is good enough to keep the whole place alive and beating for hours even if you are dead exhausted.

Without any haste, I clicked photos of the market and the castle.

The insignias of Tharmad Castle – as a citadel of defence, ancestry and heritage – reek through the images that I captured.

Everything from the dome-shaped windows,

the cannons and the escape passages are evidence to what I just said. Of course, the aura carries on to the large and heavy wooden doors, the thick walls and even the narrow, but damped halls.

Sadly, this means that even when the castle is open to the public, access to certain rooms and “hideouts” are limited.

I continued exploring the castle from the outside.

The walls are of a beige hue, typical of forts constructed during this period. Unlike most castles, however, Tharmad is well-maintained thanks to the efforts of the Muscat Municipality and the residents in the region. It takes a union of forces to keep a structure as large as this clean and attractive.

I also wouldn’t be surprised if passersby mistook this to be a functional castle. Why? Well, droves of goats gawk at you – almost like you’re a spy trying to infiltrate the castle.

Some of the older audience – the human kind – also sit on the footsteps of the fortress to discuss of older and simpler times. I could overhear some of them ask each other what I was doing with cameras strapped around my shoulder.

This is exactly why I continue to love Mussanah: it’s a wilayat (state) that brings out the cultural side of you. I could be an Omani living in New York for years, but if I were to come back and spend an hour with the folk here I would go back to feeling like an Omani.

All of this is probably why Mussanah is still considered one of the nation’s most prominent cities, and Tharmad one of our most significant castles.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

he term ‘serendipity’ is one that I hold close to my heart. Roughly translated, it is “the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way”.

Sadly, however, the advent of social media has taken away all its charms. Today, a quick search of the hashtag (#serendipity) on Instagram reveals a whooping 850,000 posts; it’s a word that is overused, and up to a point that it no longer holds its relevance.

But I am going to gloss over all of that when I talk to you about my latest adventure: a trip to the beautiful city of Mussanah.

It all began when I was invited for a day out frolicking with several other media folks at the Millennium Resort, in Mussanah. I thought of taking the trip, spending some time there, and simply heading back after it was all done.

As luck would have it, there were other plans in store for me.

After packing up to leave from the resort exhausted and spent, I could not help taking a look at the mammoth castle that spread across the side of the road. Now, I am not the type of person who usually rushes through work, but a glimpse of the castle was enough to make me realise that it was one that I couldn’t simply gloss over. So, as any keen photographer would, I headed there – even though it was not for the first time.

It is the Tharmad Castle, one of the few fortresses that still looks over a bustling city. Most other forts and castles reside on the outskirts of Oman; places where you could have expected to see an ambush or an uprising occur in the days of yore. This one, however, has been preserved for decades and continues to watch over its citizens.

To visit the castle, you must drive past the Millennium Resort and to the next roundabout.

From Muscat, don’t need a 4X4 for this take Route 1 to the journey.

Millennium Resort Mussanah. Tharmad GPS coordinates: Castle is easy to find and is just past the hotel N 23°47’24.8”; E at the roundabout. You 57°31’09.0”

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

033

&

FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

F E R R A R I 8 1 2 S U P E R FA S T

The new Ferrari GT has all that makes you fall in love with it: power and personality, and style and sensibility. Alvin Thomas merges with the chassis and flirts with the limits to tame the monster

I

s the Ferrari 812 Superfast a supercar? Or is it a hypercar? Wait a second: what if it is just a spruced-up grand tourer? The answer to that I will never know for sure; partly because I spent half my time behind the wheel of the 812 Superfast screaming “powweeerrrrr” like a maniacal kid controlling a PlayStation game; and the other half concentrating painstakingly hard as I flirted with the limits of grip and astounded by what the car has to offer to its driver… while the chassis was still flat on all four-wheels, that is.

Ladies and gentlemen, this then is my first look – a sneak peek of sorts – and impression of the all-new Ferrari 812 Superfast.

Before I head into the specifics, though, there is something I can tell you right away: this is not a car for the faint-hearted. So, if you’re not keen on cars such as this, it’s best you flip through the pages.

As for those of you who stayed, things only get better – and feistier – from here on.

I was presented the keys to the 812 Superfast earlier last week at an exclusive – and by exclusive, I mean really, really exclusive – event hosted by the

034

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

folks at Al Fardan Motors at the Muscat Bay. There is not a lot to talk about the 812 Superfast, at least not until you settle into the car. To a passerby, the car may quite simply seem as a replacement to Ferrari’s not so unsuperfast F12 (more so the pimped-out F12 TDF, actually!).

To us enthusiasts, things start to take shape once you flump into the cockpit of the car. For starters, you sit low – as is the norm with cars of such a stature.

It is not the first time that I have settled into a car like I was trying to wear it for pants. But, when you see the car in person, you’re pushed into a façade; you expect it to ride high, like a grand tourer. Oh, but I was wrong, and pleasantly so.

Instead, you must lower yourself into the rather brilliantly supportive and well-engineered (duh!) bucket seats, and become a part of the chassis.

It was also when I realised that I was far, far away from the regular 500- and 600-horsepower blunderbusses; and that this was the real deal.

Then, it was my turn to push the ‘Start’ button on the beautifully laid-out steering wheel. Upon doing so, I began to think: “why on earth did I ever criticise Ferrari’s (seemingly complicated) steering wheel when it first broke into the scene?”

This is how all cars must come straight from the factory; indicator buttons, wiper control and light functions, all ready for your command, on the wheel.

But just as I began to take bother of the miniscule details, the alternator kicked in to crank the engine (which resides in the front) and before I knew it, the twelve-cylinder heart – which comprises a meaty 6.5-litres of cylinder volume – began its cycles. And

boy, it was truly momentous, if a bit philharmonic!

Mind you, this is not the first V12 car that I have driven, so it didn’t take me long to realise that the engine is jauntier and much,

Destination

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

Y- F i

much louder than most vehicles in this class. The engine quite hard to believe that the 812 Superfast is road legal. also beckons an unbelievable, yet anticipated, 789hp (or In any case, I then approached a tight corner and 800ps), and 718Nm of torque at 7000rpm. before I could realise, I was completely in the zone; all What this means is that you will be inevitably hitting my questions about the two-door Berlinetta-style car soon the redline to eke every bit of power out of the prancing disappeared into oblivion.

Italian masterpiece of an engine. And that, folks, is Handling the 812 Superfast – or any car with such fire exactly what I did… eventually. power under the bonnet – requires a certain amount of Smashing the throttle all the way down requires you to finesse. One mistake and you could very well be on your possess a certain iron-clad set of… err… let’s say guts. way to an expensive insurance claim. It’s bonkers, I The ideal way to approach the throttle – at first – would tell you. be to play with the revolutions and come to grips with the Yes, it’s a Ferrari, and yes, the nameplate assures you a sheer power that you have on tap. car that can master the bends and troughs at the Fiorano Remember: the 812 Superfast packs a whole 60hp more test track in Maranello (or any other) with utmost ease. than its predecessor. In comparison, the car is also lighter But nothing can truly describe the way this car devours than a BMW M3 (!) and packs as much power corners. as six hatchbacks, so it’s wise to remind yourself Thanks to its four-wheel steering system, the what you’re dealing with, every now and then. dimensions of the car do not factor into the way There’s no shame in backing out; but that this car attacks the bends. This makes way for a was not what I envisioned – not when I ‘virtual short wheelbase’ as the rear-wheels CARBON-CERAMIC clock in various degrees of steering angle was asked to push a Ferrari to its limits.

BRAKES ARE Instead, I found an open (and safe) stretch to complement the steering lock on the IMPRESSIVE, of tarmac and floored it. front axle.

OFFERING The engine was soon revving its way to While this makes for a very complicated EXCEPTIONAL (AND and unnatural feeling at first, you begin to the redline at 8900rpm, and the sevenLINEAR) STOPPING laud the amount of grip the car offers you speed “F1” dual-clutch gearbox kept POWER the needle shifting back and forth (in at incredibly high speeds. Keep in mind: split seconds) the torque bands, as the this is a car with an implausibly wide body, environment gyrated into a blur. and a long wheelbase and track.

Thankfully, and unlike the F12 Berlinetta, the 812 It’s quite hard to tone down my juvenile-ness and Superfast provides twist (torque) from the get-go and factor in some objectivity here, but I can report that I builds it in a crescendo; this is also the case with the was indeed pushing the gas pedal down hard to test the power curve. threshold; I wanted to see how much I could flirt with the Of course, I had to abide by the laws, so my burst of rear wheels before the back-end gave away to reveal some adrenaline came to an end in a mere three seconds – tyre-smoking oversteer. which is the time taken to hit Because you have all the power at your feet, the latter the 100kph mark. is quite easy to invoke. But, the ‘Sport’ mode still lets Sometimes the electronic nannies take control. This means that it’s the stability control will kick in every time the Pirelli P-Zero tyres implore for grip, and the SSC 5.0 (the new generation of side slip control) will remain on standby should you make a hash of things. You must take this car to a racetrack to test out its full potential, though.

Throughout the course of my short test drive, I could tell the difference between the “new” electric-steering unit in the 812 Superfast and the hydraulic steering rack that is found on its other products (like the 488GTB, GTC4Lusso, etc.).

I cannot comment on whether it was a consequential switch – at least not until I drive the car for a longer period.

But, it does feel a bit hyper-active, at times, and often fails to talk to the driver. It’s

Gaming

CARS

Ferrari 812 Superfast Specifications: Engine: 6.5-litre V12 Transmission: Seven-speed dualclutch “F1” automatic Horsepower: 789hp Torque: 718Nm Top speed: 355kph Rear-wheel drive Four-wheel steering Side Slip Control “F1” Traction Control Electric Power Steering Virtual Short Wheelbase Carbon ceramic brakes Passenger display Touchscreen infotainment screen Selective drive modes Pirelli P-Zero tyres Leather upholstery Aero design Electronic differential

almost like the car perturbs itself just to test out whether the electronic systems are in check – it’s very Italian in that sense.

The carbon-ceramic brakes are impressive, offering exceptional (and linear) stopping power. Of course, you would have to generate quite a lot of heat in them to stop from squealing during normal use. Although, I cannot be sure of who can listen to the squeaks with that engine running.

Shutting off the engine – after 10-odd minutes behind the wheel – was the moment I realised that I had come back down to reality. And that’s also when I stepped out of the car to admire the work put in by the engineers and designers who worked in tandem on this car.

The cuts and inlet chisels on the bonnet, and the wide grinning grille intended to channel dense oxygen-rich air to the mighty V12, are necessary to keep the engine cool and the car composed.

The winglet-style rear spoiler is there to stabilise the car at high speeds, and the intakes on the B-pillar aligns the car to its predetermined line during fast driving.

The car doesn’t photograph too well, but it looks marvellous in person. My tester – which was finished in rosso corsa (red) – looked its part, no doubt.

Now this brings me back to my earlier question about its place in the Ferrari lineup. While I still haven’t been able to come up with an answer to it, I can tell you this: the Ferrari 812 Superfast is super-fast, and it is – by a mile – Maranello’s best attempt at conquering the ultra-exotic GT-supercar territory, thereby leaving its competitors metaphorically holding their crotches in agony.

So, as far as car names go, it doesn’t get any more literal than this.

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

035

&

CARS ADVENTURES OH! HELENA

Saint Helena isn’t for everybody; it only appeals to those of you who enjoy a bit of adventure and outdoor trekking.

But gosh, when you are in the zone, the beauty really transcends over everything else. It’s the perfect getaway spot.

1. Trek up the Diana’s Peak 2. Visit the Knoll Fort. It has served military and other terrestrial purposes (for NASA) 3. Explore the artefacts at the Museum of Saint Helena 4. Try spotting the heart at the waterfall in the Ascension and Tristan da Cunha 5. Scour the shops for local woodcrafts

036

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Alvin Thomas recommends

SAINT HELENA O

ne of the joys of being a journalist is having the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful places in the world. Jealous much? Heck, I’ve been visiting so many glamorous nations over the years and driving exotic supercars that I don’t seem to have friends anymore.

While a lot of that can be put down to my snazzy Facebook and Instagram posts, not many would approve of a 24-year-old who has done so much in such less time. All right, enough of blowing my own trumpet for now.

In any case, here’s another Postcard from my bank of locations I have scoured before my time at Y magazine. In this instance, it is the small yet appealing and homely island of Saint Helena - which is a British Overseas Territory (or so Google tells me). It is also the second oldest overseas territory after Bermuda.

Although the island is one among the 14 BOTs that currently exist, it is by far one of the more isolated and sheltered locations - at least by the looks of it. It is notoriously known as one of the most ‘remote islands in the world’.

Of late, things have taken a turn for the better as more tourists head there to catch a glimpse of the many surprises Saint Helena has to offer. One of my favourite features would have to be the resting grounds of the famous (or infamous, depending on your dogmas) military and political leader, Napoleon Bonaparte.

If you’re into exploring, simply head into the striking mountain peaks or to the waterfalls - one of which is shaped like a heart. There is also the fort of High Knoll that you can visit. It even looks like a fort that has been taken straight out of an early 19th century fairy tale; it’s that surreal.

Anyone visiting the island from Oman is in for a treat as there’s enough greenery to envelop the whole of Muscat.

Oh, and for the first time ever, you can now fly to Saint Helena. And yes, you will be landing at the ‘world’s most pointless airport’. Sources suggest that the airport cost an unbelievable GBP285mn (RO145mn) to construct, while only being able to handle a total of 68 travellers at a time. This is one instance where we Indians can hold our heads high.

ROCKY

VOLCA

N IC IS L AND

J A M E S T OW

N

My favourite place

The Diana’s Peak, an 818m tall volcanic mountain, is one of my most favoured locations. The underlying areas are now proclaimed as a national park – meaning you can explore the whereabouts safely (courtesy the tour guides) and in complete confidence that you will make it to the top of the peak. If you want to keep your adrenaline in check, then your best bet would be to explore the Museum of Saint Helena.

Highlights As I stated before, Saint Helena is one of the oldest BOTs. This means the country reeks of history and culture; the gravestone of Napoleon Bonaparte is a prime example of that. But I hear that the body no longer resides there, so make sure you’re not paying homage to an empty grave. The island boasts of tropical climate for most months, and people visiting from the Middle East should find the temperatures bearable. Oh, and before I forget, make sure you click photographs of the (naturally occurring) heart-shaped waterfall in the Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. I, for the love of God, couldn’t figure out how the waterfall resembled a heart but people told me that they felt it did.

Lowlights

The island of Saint Helena came under the close radar of the United Nations when allegations of crime against children surfaced. Today, things are much better, but it’s always good to be aware of your surroundings when you’re heading for a vacation.

Souvenirs There are several handicraft vendors operating on the island. The Moonbeams Shop, the Arts & Crafts Centre and the Museum of Saint Helena, in Jamestown, are some of the shops you can visit, if need be.

Getting there Now here’s something to take note of: you can sail to the island from Cape Town, but it takes over a week to reach your destination if you do that. Thankfully (although weirdly), you can now fly to Saint Helena from Johannesburg. Do make sure you schedule your flights right to avoid any confusions.

Where to stay

LONGW OOD HO U R E S ID E N C E O S E W H IC H W A F NAPO S THE LEO E X IL E T O S T H N D U R IN G H IS ELENA

Book yourself into the Wydown Hotel if you want to experience living in a traditional British house; the amenities are staggering, too. If you’re on a budget, you can also opt for a motel stay.

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

037

-FI THE TECH IN YOU

T

Nova Series

P Series

he anticipation is at an all-time high as we go into this week: it’s the launch of Huawei’s new Mate 10 smartphone and we’re mighty excited to catch the device in all its glory.

Of course, by the time this article is out, the phone will have broken into the global smartphone market.

But, Huawei is only releasing its flagship in Oman on November 2 – and that means I have a good two weeks before people here can have a taste of what will be offered with the brand’s allnew device.

As of today, however, all I have on me is a bunch of teasers released by the company itself – some taking a fair shot at its competitors from the West (you know who I’m talking about) – and a

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

THE FUTURE OF HUAWEI

HUAWEI DEVICES

With built-in artificial intelligence, the Mate 10 will see, think and learn like us for us. Alvin Thomas sifts through the rumours and teasers about the personalised performance monster and Huawei’s brand new plans for Oman

Matebook Series

galore of pixelated photos leaked out by those restless (yet irritable) tech websites.

I’ll tell you this, though: the rumour mill has been going crazy, and I’ve been quite anxious to jump on the bandwagon.

“Why?” you ask. Well, it’s because I hear the new Mate 10 is going to be the world’s first ‘Intelligent Machine’ and much less of an actual smartphone. And, if the teaser is anything to go by, the device ‘sees’, ‘thinks’ and ‘learns’ like us and ‘for us’ with its ‘built-in AI (Artificial Intelligence)’.

It’s creepy (sort of) but revolutionary at the same time. I sit down with the brand’s country manager, Bill Yu, to get first-hand information on Huawei’s new device and to learn about its strategies in the coming years.

Mate Series

Watch Series

Can you swiftly talk about Huawei as a company today and how much it has grown in the recent years? Also, could you elaborate on your role in the company?

Huawei has 180,000 employees (worldwide) and is a company driven by innovation, invention and imagination. We obsessively focus on bringing to the world devices that make people’s lives better. My role with Huawei is to build network distribution, complete sales targets in assigned areas and promote the company and brand as per the company’s overall operating strategy; to extract the appropriate mode of operation of the regional market.

I have seen teasers of your new Huawei Mate 10 flagship device. What can you reveal to us about it?

Of course, by the time readers will see it, the phone would have been released internationally. But, for now, I can tell you that Huawei will deliver a truly personalised device to the consumer.

It will come packing a brilliant and intuitive Huawei AI Kirin 970 chipset. This is the latest in artificial intelligence that is brought to you by the brand. Years of research has gone into it and so it will definitely be a standout feature from flagship phones from other brands.

The Mate 10 will also function at a much higher speed, and with faster responses, higher user privacy, and far better reliability and efficiency.

This is because it is no longer 038

JULY OCT 1903- -2509/ /ISSUE ISSUE491327

Does the cultural difference pose any challenges for you? What methods do you use to penetrate the market?

necessary to upload data from the device into the cloud and then have the processing done there.

The new NPU (numeric processing unit) also makes the device more secure with higher user privacy. The power and data consumption of the NPU are also much lower compared to that of the cloud-based AI. We are taking smartphone photography to the next level.

Our device – using AI – will truly know and understand its users by supporting real-time image recognition, voice interaction and intelligent photography. German imaging company – Leica Camera – is also helping us in achieving our milestone.

The Middle East is actually a very diverse region with many languages and cultures. So, when we started building our brand here, we needed to make a number of adjustments.

The first being the language: Oman is a country with an (almost) even split between locals and expatriates. This means a majority of the population speaks Arabic and English but others speak in languages such as Hindi, Urdu and Bengali. So, we built a local team in Oman with Chinese, Omani, Indian and Pakistanis. This means you will always feel comfortable conversing with our team.

What lies in store for Huawei in the field of AI (artificial intelligence)?

In short, Mobile AI = On-device AI + Cloud-based AI. Huawei is committed to developing smart devices into intelligent devices by building end-to-end capabilities that support coordinated development of chips, devices and the cloud.

The ultimate aim is to provide users with excellent user experience. The Kirin 970 is the first in a series of new advances that will bring powerful AI features to our devices and take them beyond our competition.

We do not want to give our consumers a product that is halfmade; we want it to be the best when it reaches your hands.

tablets, wearables and accessories.

Of course, we also have our share of Wi-Fi routers, dongles and other equipment.

As for the steps we are taking, we opened the first exclusive service centre in Muscat in 2014. We also have the Huawei consumer business group (CBG), which is dedicated to delivering the latest technologies to consumers and sharing the happiness of technological advances with more people around the world.

How is Huawei doing (in sales) in the Oman market?

Are you taking any steps to make it more popular here?

What is the biggest difference that you have found working here as opposed to anywhere else in the world?

Huawei started business in Oman in 2013. Now we rank second in the share of mobile phone units here. We cover everything from smartphones,

The Middle East is a region with high-income consumers and a burgeoning middle-class; they represent a huge opportunity and valuable market for all global companies – not just Huawei. We are also constantly investing in the region. For instance, in 2003 we launched 3G connectivity in the region with Etisalat – a first in the Arab world.

We also established our consumer business group in 2011, and it now has a strong position in the region. The motto of this is to offer businesses solutions for their needs.

Apart from that – as you already know – Huawei is also gaining excellent market share in the region. We have 13.8 per cent share in the Middle East smartphone market. We’re always growing as a smartphone brand.”

Do you have any exclusive information on your future offerings in Oman; something that will make your customers happy?

As you know, the Huawei Mate 10 will be available in certain markets after October 16. But, for the Omani market, we are conducting an exclusive road show on November 2, at the Muscat City Center, in Seeb.

In the coming years, Huawei will not only continue to bring exceptional products to Oman but also focus on improving customer service. As part of this, we will be opening a second service centre in Salalah, soon. ■ JULY OCT 0319 -- 09 25 / ISSUE 327 491

039

HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

SUIT UP

FASHION

Who says girls should have all the fun? Get involved in the latest trends and take the right pick when suiting up, like this piece from Giorgio Armani. Not only does a well-tailored suit give you the edge; it also helps raise your confidence and poise.

040

FEB 1119 -- 1725/ /ISSUE OCT ISSUE407 491

k o o L e h

as & m o Th vin l A , t tree look. s h e g e hi o get th h t d to s you t n e lp gh e hi rbst he h t e From hew H t Mat

T t Ge

A navy blue tie with stripes may seem a bit like a cliché, but do keep in mind that there’s a certain sense of sophistication it brings to the table. It should also go in tandem with your light shirts. Hurrah!

There’s nothing fancier than a man sporting a classic watch.

This metallic-faced watch by Keller and Weber is cheap to buy and also gives you a very sophisticated look. Oh, and that brown leather strap only adds to your overall appeal.

A well-tailored suit is a must-have in every man’s wardrobe; think of it as a precision weapon in one’s arsenal.

Not only does it evince attention from passersby but also helps you garner all the respect in the world. This midnight blue suit by Giorgio Armani is perfectly suited (no pun intended) for a formal dinner date or even a wedding.

“Wow! Here comes the man.” That’s what the visitors at the party will be telling each other when they spot you in your design-centric Loake Brogue black shoes. The pointytoe look isn’t for everybody but try it on before you throw them away from your wish-list.

Simple yet elegant; that’s what makes this light blue shirt from Hackett distinct. It will do well on its own tucked into your beige trousers, but will also stand out when coupled with the Giorgio Armani suit we have featured here.

A pink tie goes well with light shirts and dark blazers. But, donning one of these dotted candy-pink ties from Hackett for a formal event will show everyone how comfortable you are in your clothes. Needless to say: you will be turning a few jealous heads.

Who’s the boss? You’re the boss. Well, if you aren’t the boss of your company, you will – at the very least – be putting his or her attire to shame with your formal shoes by Hugo Boss. They’re incredibly light and minimalistic, making them perfect for a long day of meetings.

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

041

HEALTH& BEAUTY

OF THE

BATTLE

BLOAT

Do tummy troubles stop you from doing the things you love? Here’re five simple tips to keep occasional bloat under control

T

here's an aspect to warm weather that some people dread: swimsuit. Three out of four women (77 per cent) have felt self-conscious while wearing a swimsuit due to body issues, according to a recent survey, and their midsection is a big reason. Belly bloat is the No. 1 reason they feel self-conscious. To battle the bloat and feel your best at the pool, beach and beyond, follow these five simple tips.

1. Cleanse First, prime your body with a herbal cleanse. This easy threeday cleanse works with the body's natural metabolism to help eliminate waste and toxins, and relieves occasional bloating and constipation. You'll detoxify, reduce water retention and immediately feel more energised.

2. Eat smart Avoid highly processed foods to maintain a tame tummy.

These foods are typically high in sodium and low in fibre, which contributes to that bloated feeling. Some vegetables should be avoided as well. Beyond beans, avoid broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, which can cause a gassy feeling.

3. Hydrate Staying hydrated is essential on hot days, but don't reach for carbonated drinks. The bubbles can get trapped in your belly and contribute to bloating. Instead, go for good old H2O. If you need a little flavour, add a few wedges of fresh orange, lemon, lime or grapefruit for a healthy twist that's sure to quench your thirst.

042

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

4. Maintain gut health A properly functioning gut contains a delicate balance of bacteria to help with digestive and immune health. Without this balance, you can feel bloated and unwell. Keep your gut in check with a daily probiotic supplement. Just one daily pill can help replenish the balance to help you keep bloat under control.

5. Exercise If you're bloated, you may be more tempted to curl up on the couch rather than get active. However, exercise stimulates the bowels and helps keep your digestive tract regular. Strive to move and groove at least 15 minutes a day. Take a short walk, turn on that workout video and sign up for that yoga class — not only will you kick bloat to the curb, but you'll look and feel great.

Source: BPT

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

VISION

IMPACT There are many correlations between vision health and the financial, educational and safety implications it can have on society

A

n estimated 4.3 billion people suffer from the same health problem regardless of gender, age or ethnicity: vision impairment. Whether moderate or severe, vision impairment can have far-reaching social and economic impacts.

As the number of Americans with visual impairment is expected to double by 2050, vision health has an obvious role in the national health conversation. Uncorrected vision is highly noticeable among certain groups, like the elderly and workers who rely on vision for safe and effective job completion. According to the Vision Impact Institute, USA, two other groups significantly impacted by poor vision are drivers and children.

Drivers A study from the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that one of the major causes of visual impairment is uncorrected refractive error (URE), and that preventable URE causes nearly 80 per cent of the global burden. The number of people impacted by URE is especially troubling when taking into account day-to-day activities such as driving. A report from the American Academy of Optometry revealed that even moderate visual field loss causes drivers to have significantly poorer capabilities in completing tasks such as matching speed when changing lanes and maintaining lane position.

When you consider how changing technology and business models like ride-sharing companies and delivery services are adding drivers to the road, this impact becomes all the more crucial. If eye exams were part of the standard for renewing driver's licences then these issues could be called out by an eye

care provider in advance of potential accidents on the road.

Children Today, vision impairments and eye disorders are the third-leading chronic conditions among children in the United States, with costs for direct medical care, vision aids, devices and caregivers amounting to $10 billion per year. In the US alone, the total economic burden of eye disorders and vision loss was $139 billion in 2013.

Uncorrected vision problems in children can have serious negative impacts on their educations and future employment opportunities. In 2014, researchers studied the impact on academic performance after providing a vision screening and free eyeglasses to low-income and minority elementary school children in the US. The study found that among fifth-grade students both the screening and eyeglasses significantly improved student achievement in math and reading.

As 80 per cent of all learning occurs through vision, a simple pair of eyeglasses could correct poor vision and drastically change the course of a child's life.

Source: Vision Impact Institute/ Family Features

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

043

&

FOOD DRINK

HELL’S KITCHEN

Never underestimate the beauty of a well-roasted and crispy veggie. It’s healthy, nutritious and wholesome. Surprisngly, it’s quite easy to prepare, too.

044

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

Q&uick Easy A wholesome, delicious dish you can prepare without the hassle and serve with a smile when pressed for time on a hectic day

W

hen busy mornings give way to a hectic workday followed by homework and afterschool activities, a fresh, simple meal is often the only option.

Take a nutritious dish to the family table that still brings a flavorful bite. This savoury lasagna recipe boasts meaty eggplant, fresh zucchini and lycopene-rich tomatoes.

Whole-wheat noodles pack fibre and natural plant compounds, called phytochemicals. * Source: Family Features

Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research.

Servings: 12 Ingredients: ยง 2 eggplants (about 1.360g), quartered lengthwise ยง 6 medium zucchini (about 1.360g) ยง 450g canola oil cooking spray ยง 450g whole-wheat lasagna noodles ยง 425g low-fat ricotta or low-fat cottage cheese ยง 2 eggs ยง 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ยง 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg ยง 1/2 tsp garlic powder ยง 3 cups low-fat mozzarella cheese ยง 4 cups low-sodium tomato sauce, divided Method: ยง Heat an oven to 232ยฐC. Grease a 13-by9- by-2-inch baking pan; set aside. ยง Slice the eggplant and zucchini in 1/2inch slices. Layer on two baking sheets and coat both sides of the vegetables with the cooking spray. ยง Roast for 20 minutes. Toss the vegetables and continue roasting until well browned and soft, for about 20

minutes more. ยง Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl. ยง Reduce the oven temperature to 190ยฐC. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. ยง Separate noodles and let cool slightly. ยง In a medium bowl, mix together the cheese, eggs, Parmesan, nutmeg and garlic powder.

To assemble: ยง Spread a thin layer of sauce over the bottom of the prepared pan. Cover with a layer of pasta (noodle strips slightly overlapping). ยง Spread with one-third of ricotta mixture. ยง Sprinkle 1/4 of mozzarella over ricotta.

Spoon 1/3 of the roasted vegetables on top. Top with 1/2 cup tomato sauce and continue assembly as directed until there are four layers of pasta and three layers of filling. ยง Spread the remaining sauce on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella. ยง Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. ยง Uncover and continue baking until golden and bubbly, for about 15 minutes more. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

045

&

FOOD DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

t

rke a m p

U

Info Box

YELLOW CHILLI

First Floor, Panorama Mall, Baushar Opening hours: 12:00 - 15:00 and 18:00 - 22:30 Dinner for four: RO32.655 Verdict : 9/10 SERVICE 6/10 FOOD 5/10 AMBIENCE

YELLOW CHILLI

Overpriced Indian food served with diligence.

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

THE MENU MIGHT LEAVE YOU CHUCKLING MERRILY BUT THE DISHES MIGHT WIPE IT OFF SOON – THE TASTE ISN’T QUITE RIGHT FOR THE PRICE TAG. THE PRAWNS AND THE SPINACH KOFTA MAKE ALVIN THOMAS AND HIS FAMILY SMILE SOFTLY, THOUGH

T

here are three key features an Indian restaurant must possess for it to prosper in the market: the food must be unerringly priced and taste exceptional; the ambience must be right – the lighting dim and the music lax; and the service must be up to the mark.

It is something Indian restaurants in the Sultanate have been doing right for decades, if not longer. But the Yellow Chilli at the Panorama Mall in Baushar somehow fails to capture the true essence of dining in an Indian restaurant – albeit I am jumping the gun here.

It all started when I headed to the restaurant for a spot of dinner with my family; the setting looked on point for a casual Friday evening dine out. The restaurant also boasts of culinary delights crafted by the legendary Indian chef Sanjeev Kapoor – a man I grew up watching on daytime television.

The overall aura of the restaurant is quite rustic, if a bit sophisticated and chic, for a mall. It wasn’t the first time that I had been to a restaurant of such stature, but The Mumtaz Mahal (that sits atop the mountain in Qurum) and the Passage to India in Wadi Adai are both superior in terms of ambience.

Nevertheless, we jumped straight into the menu.

My mum opted for a serving of makhanwala paneer (widely known as paneer butter masala) and a serving on butter naan, while my father and I decided to go desi with two servings of dumgosht biriyani (lamb biriyani), a side of prawn kurkurikadai and lambrogan josh. We then collectively ordered a plate of shaamsavera – a dish marked with a golden star on the menu.

046

OCT 19 - 25 / ISSUE 491

OUR EXPERIENCE WAS HINDERED

BY THE FACT THAT THE DISHES WERE NOT EXTRAORDINARILY EXCEPTIONAL FOR THE MONEY THAT WE PAID

She did, however, commend the suppleness of the naan.

I found the biriyani to be quite flavoursome, if a little too strong with the smell of saffron. But the caramelised onions on top gave the dish its neutral flavour, while the spices and the well-marinated mutton slices added to the overall piquancy of dish.

It was delightful but, after a hard thought, I realised that it was no better than the biriyani served at Mauryas in Azaiba, or even Begums in Al Khuwair. Both restaurants also serve biriyani for a fraction of the cost, per plate.

On its own, the prawn kurkurikadai was the star of the evening. It is prepared with a base comprising of ground spices and bell peppers, and is topped with fried prawns.

It was amazing to see such modest ingredients make way for a succulent dish. Au contraire, the mutton rogan josh was a disaster. The gravy was too inconsistent and oily, and the spice was exceedingly overpowering. It’s not a dish I would ever write home about, or even ask for again (!)

Thankfully, the spinach koftas, which were filled with cottage cheese and served on a velvety tomato butter gravy, took my mind away from the disappointment. The portion was lovely and the presentation superb.

Still, our experience was hindered by the fact that the dishes were not extraordinarily exceptional for the money that we paid.

Glancing at the menu, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the names of some of the foods. I can only imagine that there was a meeting – at some point – wherein members of the restaurant came together to give foods the hardest and most unconceivable names possible.

In any case, our waiter Laxman was incredibly kind and professional – often painting a description of the dishes so that we knew what we were ordering.

Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see Our dishes – all of them – arrived in a mere 20 reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com minutes. They were freshly prepared as I deduced from the steam arising from the bowls. We dug into the dishes immediately.

From the expression on my mum’s face I could realise that she wasn’t impressed with the makhanwala paneer. The dish – which is essentially cottage cheese doused in a rich tomato sauce base and accentuated with fenugreek – looked fabulous but failed to justify its price tag.

“The base is fresh and the paneer soft,” she told me. “But I really don’t think it is worth RO4.500.”

MARKAZ AL BAHJA MALL, MUSCAT, SULTANATE OF OMAN Call us on 2454 5658 | www.iddesign.om

ALMAR’A EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2017

HOME FURNITURE

Wellington corner SOFA SPECIAL PRICE: 559RO

These products are part of promotional offer and they are excluded from any discounts | Promotion valid upto October 31, 2017

SOFIA 3 SEATER SOFA SPECIAL PRICE: 280RO

ADELANTO SOFA SPECIAL PRICE: 664RO

The only prepaid SIM with 1.5 GB free data and RO 1 credit for RO 2.

C.R. No: 1640747

It gets better. You can also enjoy 2 GB data for only RO 5 for the next three months.

To subscribe, dial *171*11# Offer valid until 7th November, 2017.

Terms & Conditions apply.

Amazing happens together.