Y Magazine #499, December 21, 2017

Art from the heart

OMANI ARTIST HELPS SYRIAN REFUGEES

Sublime ride EXPLORING

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THE NEW JAGUAR XF

10 PLANS TO HIRE EXPATS: MINISTRY News: SUBMIT OMANISATION

DESTINATION: Hiim TASTE TEST: Soha Restaurant YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

FUELLING

EVERY THURSDAY NOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR

DEC 21 - 27 2017 / ISSUE 499 • WEEKLY

IMPACTS

PLUS!

DOES PETROL SUBSIDY MEASURE UP TO THE EXPECTATIONS?

JOIN AIRPORT TRIALS

01

NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

24

BEAUTIFUL BANGALORE

36

DRY SKIN CARE

42

Oman Avenues Mall ; 22060120 City Centre Seeb ; 24558330 Aalami, Qurum ; 24560419

EDITOR’S

NOTE COMPETITION Send in your answers for our ‘Movie contest’ and stand a chance to win two tickets of your choice from VOX.

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

NUMBER OF PEOPLE REGISTERING FOR THE FUEL SUBSIDY More than 50,000 people have already applied for the fuel subsidy, which brings down the price of M91 fuel from 186baisas to 180 baisas. Eligible Omanis can avail this rate for a maximum of 200 litres every month.

GOING DOWN

TEMPERATURES IN JEBEL SHAMS The temperature in the tallest mountain in Oman – Jebel Shams – has dropped to minus five-degree-Celsius. The area was also blanketed by snow over the course of the week.

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

Fast forward

T

he government has announced plans to introduce a new fuel subsidy scheme for low-income Omanis starting from January.

The government’s decision aims to ensure the welfare of the citizens. As per this mechanism, Omani citizens who meet eligibility requirements will get 200 litres per month of M91 petrol at a cost of not more than 180 baisa per litre.

The mechanism relies on a set-up that connects the Royal Oman Police’s system with fuel-marketing companies to ensure accuracy and smooth implementation. This scheme is applicable to Omani citizens above the age of 18 who own in their names a vehicle registered with the Royal Oman Police and whose monthly income from all sources is not more than RO600. Those covered include all Omani employees, entrepreneurs, job seekers, students, housemaids and retirees, as well as fishermen who meet the said eligibility terms.

At the time of going to press, more than 50,000 citizens have registered for the national subsidy system. Omani citizens who met the eligibility requirements have begun receiving smart cards from fuel-marketing companies.

Introducing this scheme is a great reform from the government and in the long run it will have a greater impact on the economic and social goals.

Our cover story this week focuses on the National Subsidy Scheme and how it will have an impact on the lives of Omanis.

Have a great week!

THIS WEEK… Team Y headed out of the capital to experience the rains. We also visited the Bimmah sinkhole and the wadi in Hiim.

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

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

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DEC21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

03

contents

Features

DECEMBER 21 - 27 2017

Your Oman

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman

Hasan al Lawati 10 News

Oman hotels post 1.6

per cent rise in earnings 14 News

Two killed as rains lash Oman

18 Christmas Special

Check out some of the

best restaurants to

dine at on the special day.

19 Movies

Tiger Zinda Hai to hit

theatres in Oman soon

20

Fuelling impacts We talk to experts and Omanis about the new fuel subsidy scheme

26

Art from the heart An Omani artist has launched Art with Refugees not just to raise funds but awareness too.

26

19

10

Food and Drink 44 Food Feature

Healthy nosh

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Hiim

46 Taste Test

Soha restaurant

Health and Beauty

34 First Drive

Jaguar XF 38 Y-Fi

Top Christmas gifts

for 2017

40 Fashion

Glitz & Glamour 42 Health

Beat the flu season

44

40

39 NEXT ISSUE...

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THE VOICE OF OMAN

IT’S AMAZING HOW A SHORT SPELL OF RAIN LIFTS THE SPIRITS OF PEOPLE IN OMAN. HASAN AL LAWATI REFLECTS ON THE MERRY MOOD SWINGS WHEN THE SKIES OPEN UP

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: Education is becoming cheaper, thanks to the digital revolution, and e-learning is becoming popular across the globe. Do you think schools in Oman should follow e-learning?

HARSH LARA

L

ast Sunday, there was a tremendous increase in Oman’s feel-good quotient. Sample these statements: Sources said a majority of the patients in hospitals in Oman were “happy and carefree” on Sunday.

Reports suggested that road users had been notably “giving way to other drivers” as zero road-rage incidents were recorded last Sunday.

Observers even confirmed seeing a motorist stopping by the yellow line to feed a stray cat.

‘Why in the world would people be so happy and polite on a Sunday?’ you might ask.

It was raining. Yes, pretty much that’s it.

Very few nations in the world would understand how a short period of medium rainfall can lift the spirits and draw smiles on people’s faces.

To my western friends, it could be like waking up to a sunny, 30°C morning in Dublin in midDecember.

Dry countries, unlike most other states, lack the visual change of nature.

We do not have the seasons, all of them, and that can be profoundly depressing. The life we live is highly dependent on change. We are designed to seek change, in the way we dress, communicate, work and eat.

Cool weather does not only bring cheers, but also provide an opportunity to wear the dark and thick clothes that have been buried deep inside our drawers for the past ten months.

Adrenaline junkies did not miss the chance on Sunday to feed their lust for excitement as they bashed overflowing wadis, giving rescue teams some extra work to do.

Last Sunday, the sea looked like it’s dancing, the dim skies looked at us with eyes of mercy and, most importantly, people left their umbrellas at home, allowing rain to cleanse their souls.

Which made me wonder: Would you choose a rainy working day over a sunny holiday?

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DEC 21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

Schools in Oman should definitely capitalise on the accessibility provided by the digital revolution. Online courses — popularly known as MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) — are a great way to pick up skills that are very relevant in today’s jobs market. Online communities like Coursera and EdX have an array of great courses with up-to-date teaching material and expert faculty. Not only are the academic benefits impressive, students opting for MOOCs get a chance to network with the biggest possible peer group of fellow students from around the world. This entails a better understanding of course material via exchange of ideas, and a much larger view of the subjects.

There is a shift in the traditional studentteacher interaction paradigm that has moved the reach of subject material from the confines of a single classroom to large learning communities around the world. Many of the world’s best universities are now offering completely online bachelor’s and master’s degrees, even in rigorous fields of study such as engineering and computer science. Students should, therefore, learn how to navigate through and make the best use of online coursework as early as possible. In the internet age, it is very important to sensitise students about the positive benefits of the online world, as well as the negative side of it.

At this moment, there are more than 40 million people accessing completely online course material to study subjects from topics as pragmatic as engineering and as far-reaching as philosophy and sociology. Having been an active member of several MOOCs in order to supplement classroom teaching during

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my undergraduate studies, I can vouch for their effectiveness. I had the opportunity to study cuttingedge topics like machine learning and artificial intelligence from expert faculty from Stanford at my own pace of learning.

Teachers can choose to upload classroom material and assignments via web-based study management tools like Piazza and Schoology. This enables the faculty to reach out to the students and track the progress of each child very carefully. Moreover, the faculty can upload informational advanced material for students who wish to go beyond the required curriculum to get a deeper understanding of the subject.

Online courses provide a great opportunity for students to expand their knowledge of the subjects, and should definitely be used to supplement classroom education. The current generation of school students can benefit a lot from web-based course material.

BAREEK AMIN

E-learning is a modern concept but going online completely will have its cons as well. The best way forward is to have e-learning smart classes separately as practicals for a particular subject. This way we could make the education system better with the use of technology.

TANIYA AKTHER

The effectiveness of e-learning depends on the personality type of the students. E-learning is suitable for students who have an introvert personality and who aspire to pursue a career in research. If a student with an extrovert personality, a potential marketing employee, is made to opt for e-learning, then his/her marketing and improvisation skills will gradually dilute. Proactive students will make the best use of e-learning but students with a

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

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reactive mindset are likely to procrastinate. Oman should have both e-learning and conventional schools. It is the responsibility of the parents to identify their child’s personality type and enrol them at schools which best suit their area of spontaneity.

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MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

E-learning makes the process of learning easily available and helps save time and cut costs. It enables students to access the courses at will. But we should not forget the fact that all courses cannot be taught online. Some require the physical presence of both the student and the teacher in a classroom. For some students, online courses might not work well and they might feel isolated. Some might find it hard to motivate and organise themselves without the presence of a classroom and teacher. Learning in a real classroom is more personal and interactive. However, there is no harm in trying out the e-learning education system in Oman, but certainly only in the higher classes. It would be a tightrope walk, to start with.

MOHAN ANANDAN

E-learning is picking up momentum globally rendering education much cheaper and comprehensive. It is the age of information explosion today. As technology is evolving, it is time schools in Oman too followed this trend to be in tune with the times. However, it has its own challenges such as heavy investment in technology, training to all concerned, and getting students prepared for the switch-over.

New Debate: Omani nationals whose monthly income from all sources is not more than RO600 are eligible for the National Fuel Subsidy scheme. What about the expatriates whose salary is below RO600? What are your thoughts?

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SHARE YOUR PHOTO WITH Y TO BE FEATURED IN OUR NEW READER SECTION Y Magazine reader Neha Pathak captures the beauty of Nizwa Fort using her Canon 600D camera.

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: Neha Pathak

DEC 21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

09

YOUR

OMAN T

OMAN HOTELS POST 1.6%

RISE IN EARNINGS

he hospitality industry in Oman has witnessed a 1.6 per cent increase in revenue until the end of September this year.

The revenue of three- to fivestar hotels touched RO135.009mn, compared with RO132.831mn in the same period of 2016.

The total number of guests in the hotels reached 1,117,840 until September this year, compared to 1,145,025 guests until September 2016, registering a 2.4 per cent decline, according to the data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information.

The occupancy rate rose by 0.7 per cent to reach 54.7 per cent this year, compared with 54.3 per cent during the same period last year.

Guests from African countries witnessed a 28 per cent growth to reach 7,690 until the end of September 2017, compared with 6,008 guests during the same period in 2016.

There was a 26.5 per cent growth in the number of guests from European countries until the end of September 2017, compared with that of 2016.

ROP ARRESTS THREE FOR THEFTS, TORCHING CAR

T

he Royal Oman Police (ROP) has arrested three people for stealing RO5,000 and committing five other thefts at shops in Nizwa.

The suspects admitted their crime during interrogation and confessed to committing five other crimes as well as burning a car to mislead the police.

“The suspects stole an amount of RO5,000 from a safe in a shop. They then stole a vehicle parked in front of the shop and burned it with the stolen safe inside in order to mislead the police,” an ROP spokesperson said.

They were referred to the judicial authorities to complete the legal proceedings.

PRIVATE COMPANIES ASKED TO SUBMIT OMANISATION PLANS

P

rivate companies in Oman have been called to submit their Omanisation plans for 2018 if they are to hire expatriates for work.

“The Ministry of Manpower would like to announce to the private sector institutions and facilities the need to submit their Omanisation plans for the year 2018 by December 31, 2017, and abide by them by profession and date,” according to a statement from the ministry.

“The ministry will not look into the expatriate manpower and recruitment applications by the private sector institutions and facilities that do not submit the Omanisation plan before the deadline. The facilities can find the Omanisation plan sample on the ministry website,” it added.

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DEC 21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

YOUR

GALLERY

THE AFTERMATH

OMAN

RAIN BATTERED PARTS OF OMAN LAST WEEK [DECEMBER 16 TO DECEMBER 18], LEADING TO THE OVERFLOWING OF WADIS. THE ROYAL OMAN POLICE WAS INVOLVED IN THE RESCUE OF 50 RESIDENTS WHO FOUND THEMSELVES STRANDED IN THE WADIS. MEANWHILE, JEBEL SHAMS RECEIVED SNOWFALL FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR. THE TEMPERATURES ACROSS THE CAPITAL ALSO DROPPED.

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DEC21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

GALLERY

DEC21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

013

YOUR

OMAN

H

T WO K I L L ED AS RAINS LASH OMAN

eavy rains across the country last week (from December 16 to18) claimed two lives, including of that of a child. Meanwhile, fifty people were rescued by the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

On Sunday, an Asian man lost his life in Izki when an electricity pole fell on him, while a child drowned in a falaj system in the Wilayat of Dima W’attayeen.

Traffic was disrupted in several wilayats as wadis began to overflow.

In Shinas alone, eight wadis — Hemera, Wediat, Melaha, Nema, Arar Bani Sad, Fedh, Tameat and Aqar — disrupted traffic, said the ROP. The other wadis that left commuters stranded on either side were Wadi Shafan in Saham, Wadi Al Hawasena in Al Khabourah, Wadi Al Rumailiya in Liwa and Wadi Sur Al Balush in Shinas. Wadi Sahtan posed a serious threat to motorists as the gushing waters had left behind rocks on its path.

While the rain water affected the Samayil Hospital, the

staff at College of Education in Rustaq said a part of a building’s shade collapsed because of accumulation of water. No one was injured.

More than 20 electrical fires had been reported due to heavy rains over two days. The Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) has rescued 50 people since Saturday. Among the rescued were five members of a family stuck in their house in Shinas, two children in the Wilayat of Dhank and a stranded man in Wadi Mudhaibi.

A family of eight was rescued after they were stuck in their vehicle. Another vehicle with two people inside as well as three more people whose vehicle was swept away by wadis were rescued.

In Izki, 12 vehicles were swept away by gushing wadi waters. Drivers were rescued later. A Pakistani driver was rescued after his truck got stuck.

In Barkat Al Mouz, three Egyptians were rescued after their vehicle was swept away by a wadi. A family of six stuck inside their vehicle were rescued in Bahla, while another family of three was rescued after they were swept away

by Wadi Blad Seet.

In Daba, an Emirati family of three was rescued after their vehicle was stuck in a wadi, while a citizen was rescued in Al Sharqiyah.

EARTHQUAKE RECORDED OFF THE COAST OF OMAN

A

n earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale was reported on Tuesday, according to the Earthquake Monitoring Centre at Sultan Qaboos University.

The epicentre of the earthquake, felt around 11:44am, was around 320km from Duqm, an official stated to the local news media.

No more details were available at the time of going to press.

Earlier this year, a study conducted in the Makran, the southern coastal region of Iran and Pakistan, revealed that Oman was susceptible to tsunamis and earthquakes. The study was subsequently published by the Geophysical Journal International.

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DEC21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

ORIENTAL CUISINE

GALLERY

ASIAN RESTAURANT WAGAMAMA OPENED DOORS TO THE PUBLIC ON DECEMBER 13 UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HIS EXCELLENCY HAMISH COWELL, THE BRITISH AMBASADDOR TO OMAN.

DEC21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

015

YOUR

XMAS BLISS

OMAN

CHRISTMAS IN SABCO WAS NOTHING SHORT OF A MAGICAL AND JOYFUL, AS IS THE TRADITION IN OMAN’S FIRST BOUTIQUE MALL. THIS YEAR, ON THE 11TH OF DECEMBER, MORE THAN 30 SINGERS FROM MUSCAT SINGERS AND 250 OTHER ATTENDEES SANG THE CHRISTMAS CAROLS TO SPREAD THE FESTIVE SEASON, CHEER AND JOY BETWEEN ALL THE ATTENDEES, FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT CAME TOGETHER TO SING ALONG AND ENJOY TAKING PICTURES WITH SANTA. EVERY YEAR, SABCO CENTRE LIGHTS ITS CHRISTMAS TREE WITH A CELEBRATION.

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DEC21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

SWINGS OF THE SEASON

Santa, snow and sparkles of festive spirit… the season is upon us. Alvin Thomas finds some of the best places in Muscat to get into the swing of things

I

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The temperatures have dropped; it’s snowing in parts of Oman (far away in Jebel Shams but it’s snowing nonetheless) and the seasonal celebrations have begun. Moreover, it’s only four days until Christmas. Add more sparkle to your festive celebrations this year with a choice of events and parties.

INTERCONTINENTAL MUSCAT There’s nothing better than spending Christmas Eve and Christmas day with your loved ones. Christmas Eve dinner starts at 7pm at the Musandam Café & Terrace Restaurant, Tomato, Al Ghazal Pub and the Traders Vic. The Musandam Café & Terrace Restaurant will serve a delectable selection of international dishes featuring live cooking stations, grills and barbeque, sushi and sashimi station, meat carvings and a decadent dessert buffet. You can also indulge in a three-course set menu featuring Italian classics and your favourite drinks at Tomato, or dance away all your stresses to the latest tunes at Al Ghazal Pub. On Christmas day, head straight to the Musandam Café & Terrace Restaurant at noon for brunch. Santa Claus is expected to make an entrance to enthral everyone, too. The little ones can also have fun playing in the bouncing castle, games and even magic shows.

GOLDEN TULIP SEEB Celebrate Christmas Eve with your loved ones at the Le Jardin Restaurant & Terrace. The cost for the dinner – which will include roast turkey, smoked duck, vanilla lobster and a variety of beverages – will be RO17 net per person.

On Christmas day, the restaurant will also host a ‘Christmas Bubbly Lunch’. Santa Claus will also make sure you receive presents. The price for this will be RO17 net per person.

SHANGRI-LA BARR AL JISSAH RESORT & SPA Several restaurants in the five-star restaurant will host dinners on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Visit the Bair Al Bahr, Shahrazad, Al Tanoor and Capri Court for dinner on December 24, and the Bair Al Bahr, Capri Court, Sultanah and Al Tanoor on December 25. All these restaurants will serve a fivecourse set menu.

If you’re a bit more adventurous, head to the Samba for an international buffet or the Sultanah for the BBQ buffet. For more details contact fbreservation.slmu@shangri-la.com or (+968) 24776565.

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DEC 21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

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

Father Figures Starring: Owen Wilson, J.K. Simmons, Christopher Walken, Glenn Close and Ving Rhames

film boasts an ensemble of actors including Nayanthara, Fahadh Faasil, Prakash Raj, Robo Shankar, RJ Balaji, Sathish, Sneha, Vijay Vasanth and Rohini.

Sources say that Velaikkaran is an action entertainer with a relevant social message.

Velaikkaran is said to be the biggest release in Sivakarthikeyan’s career and according to early estimates the film will hit more than 1,000 screens across the globe.

Oman release: December 21

Vimanam Starring: Prithviraj Sukumaran and Durga Krishna

Tiger Zinda Hai Starring: Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif Soon after the trailer of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s latest film was released, it went viral on social media. After the Tubelight debacle, Salman Khan is back in action. You will have no complaints after watching the three-minute trailer which packs elements of thrill, action and romance — because Katrina Kaif is also back in the film. In Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Tiger (Salman Khan), an Indian spy, and Zoya (Katrina Kaif), a Pakistani spy, were up against each other but this time they have a common enemy to fight. The film is fictionalised retelling of a real-life incident where 25 Indian nurses were kidnapped in Iraq in 2015.

How Tiger and Zoya rescue those nurses and of course beat their governments’ tactics to capture them (they are fugitives, remember?) form the film’s plot.

A comedy directed by Lawrence Sher and written by Justin Malen, it’s about two adult brothers who set out to find out who their true biological father is. Upon learning that their mother has been lying to them for years about their allegedly deceased father, two fraternal twin brothers hit the road in order to find him.

Oman release: December 21

Oman release: December 21

Velaikkaran Starring: Sivakarthikeyan, Nayanthara, Fahadh Faasil and Prakash Raj

Directed by Mohan Raja of Thani Oruvan fame, Velaikkaran passed the censors with a clean U certificate. The

!

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas and Bobby Cannavale

In the brand new adventure, the tables are turned as four teenagers in detention are sucked into the world of Jumanji. When they discover an old video game console with a game they’ve never heard of, they are immediately thrust into the game’s jungle setting, into the bodies of their avatars. What they discover is that you don’t just play Jumanji — Jumanji plays you. They’ll have to go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives, or they’ll be stuck in the game forever.

Oman release: December 21

The film is inspired by a true-life story of a differently abled man from Kerala.

It showcases how Saji Thomas, who had speech and hearing impairment, fought all the odds and built a lightweight aircraft from recycled materials without any external support. An inspiring story of a person who made headlines and entered the Indian Book of Records for his unique invention.

Oman release: December 22

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

Who is the director of the hindi movie Tiger Zinda Hai? LAST WEEK’S WINNER Pramod Shende

WIN FREE MOVIE TICKETS! Read our movie section and answer the question to stand a chance to win two tickets to watch movies of your choice! Send your answers to info@y-oman. com, along with your contact information.

Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions, see voucher.

DEC 21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

019

FUELLING

BLISS ?

FOR MANY, IT’S THE FIRST POSITIVE STEP TOWARDS A BETTER FUTURE. FOR OTHERS, IT’S WELCOME BUT NOT ENOUGH. AND FOR A FEW, IT MEANS NOTHING. ALVIN THOMAS AND HASAN AL LAWATI FIND OUT IF FUEL SUBSIDY MEASURES UP TO THE EXPECTATIONS

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DEC21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

BY AROUND NOVEMBER OF 2016, THE PRICE OF REGULAR PETROL ROSE TO 173 BAISAS PER LITRE FROM AROUND 145 BAISAS PER LITRE IN FEBRUARY WHEN I RECEIVED MY DRIVING LICENCE,

W

hen 18-year-old Sami al Balushi received his driving licence in February last year, he was ecstatic. The young aspiring business graduate could finally drive to his college and around Muscat, as opposed to relying on his friends or the public transport.

But to put himself through college Sami works part time at an international eatery in Muscat. He is paid RO500 for his services, which he puts into his college funds and daily expenses. He also purchased a secondhand car for RO3,800 by availing a bank loan.

He soon started driving to his hometown in Bahla for the weekend to meet his ailing father and his family.

This, he says, is when things started to get harder: he constantly found himself tight-strapped when he had to pay his daily bills.

The reason for that, he says, was the unprecedented rise in the fuel prices and of some other commodities.

“By around November of 2016, the price of regular petrol rose to 173 baisas per litre from around 145 baisas per litre in February when I received my driving licence,” says Sami.

“This meant I was paying RO9.51 for a full tank of fuel – and I had to fill up every three days during the week, and once when I travelled back home to meet my family.

“In short, I was spending roughly RO28.5 every week just to fulfil my daily tasks. As a matter of fact, I even considered ferrying some of my expat friends to college so that they would chip in for petrol. But I soon buried the idea because car-pooling is illegal in Oman,” he tells Y. Frustrated, Sami finally decided to ditch his car and opt for the Mwasalat

buses instead. This meant he was starting his day in the wee hours of the morning.

“To save the fuel expenses I decided that I would only use the car when I drive to Bahla and for nothing else.

Else, I would be requiring close to 180 litres of petrol every week,” he exclaims.

But come last week (December 13, 2017), Sami’s worries were partially put to rest following the announcement of the fuel subsidy scheme under the National Subsidy System (NSS).

This means Sami can return to his routine and drive his vehicle without any of the hitches.

But, as it turns out, it is not just Sami who is benefitting from this scheme but rather more than 500,000 Omani citizens who are currently earning a salary of RO600 and below. And it was reported by the NSS this week (Monday, December 18) that more than 50,000 had already registered for the scheme.

As per the details revealed to the public, Omani citizens who meet eligibility requirements will get 200 litres of regular ‘M91’ petrol per month at a cost of not more than 180 baisas per litre.

The current price of M91 petrol stands at 186 baisas – and this translates to a six baisas drop from the current price.

This mechanism will include all sectors of society who meet the following requirements: Omani citizens above 18 years old who own in his or her name a vehicle registered with the Royal Oman Police or a fishing boat registered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, provided that his or her total monthly income from all sources is not more than RO600.

With the introduction of the National Subsidy System, the current price cap on M91 petrol will also be lifted, as directed by the Council of Ministers, according to authorities.

Based on the subsidy terms, the categories covered include all Omani employees, job seekers, students, housemaids and retirees, entrepreneurs and also fishermen who meet the said eligibility terms. No details were shed on whether taxi drivers can also avail the subsidy.

Those who meet the conditions should register themselves on the website nss.gov.om.

The Oman News Agency revealed that a support

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mechanism for farmers will be announced soon.

“Following the oil crisis in 2015, this became quite hard for us to Meanwhile, those who have registered are reporting that they have now maintain. So, as you all know, we removed the fuel subsidy. begun receiving their smart cards from fuel-marketing companies.

“But now they have started it again – only that the subsidy is roughly Sami is one of those who have received their fuel cards; but the cards RO100mn. This is not enough for everyone, which is why it only applies can only be used from January of 2018. to a portion of society (Omanis falling under the criteria).

“The card for Shell and Oman Oil must be activated through the “Essentially, this is aimed to make the people feel better and to stop website, while Al Maha cards are automatically activated. The card is to them from making a big fuss about this situation. Moreover, the valuebe used in January 2018,” the NSS has announced online. added taxes (VAT) system is also on the cards to be implemented in Until Thursday, December 14, the number of fishermen who applied the country.” for the scheme stood at 51.

According to al Harthy, the government – following the implementation Sami says: “It may not seem like a big difference, but I have to of the subsidy – will be providing 200 litres of petrol (M91) at be honest, it will reflect in our savings. It’s still not the amount we RO36 per person for a month. This translates into a saving of were paying in 2016 but at least it’s a start. It makes us feel that RO1.2 per person in a month. we are all looked after and our voices are being heard.”

“I know a lot of people are complaining about it, but I support This is echoed by Mohamed Issa al Zadjali, an the government’s decision here, because more employee at a coffee outlet. He tells: “I am happy than 500,000 Omanis are going to benefit from it with the move; it may not be the biggest subsidy IT MAY NOT SEEM LIKE A BIG and that is a big number. but this will help those who have to travel a lot.

DIFFERENCE, BUT I HAVE TO BE “My estimate is that the oil prices in Oman will “There are several Omanis living on low HONEST, IT WILL REFLECT IN increase and that will help stabilise the market. salaries, and it gets hard if you have a family. I OUR SAVINGS. IT’S STILL NOT And maybe then, the whole scenario of the know people who stop going outside because they THE AMOUNT WE WERE PAYING subsidy will change too.” cannot afford to drive their car on a daily basis.

IN 2016 BUT AT LEAST IT’S A Mousa al Raisi*, a government employee, also For them, it is simply work and home; maybe that START. IT MAKES US FEEL THAT goes on to tell us that this move is a strategic one.

WE ARE ALL LOOKED AFTER AND can change,” he remarks.

“The message is clear: It is intended at those OUR VOICES ARE BEING HEARD. with low salaries. Two hundred litres depends on Currently, citizens of Al Batinah Governorate are in first place with 30.7 per cent of registrations who receives it; if you’re earning a low salary, then originating from the region, while Muscat came in second at 25.58 per it will reflect in savings. cent.

“Imagine you’re driving to your far-off hometown every weekend To get to grips with the new initiative, we talk to Mohammed al of the month. If that’s the situation, then you’re probably spending Harthy*, a government employee. He tells us: “There was an oil subsidy more than 200 litres of fuel. But when you’re getting the first 200 for in Oman and it was roughly RO1bn in 2014. This was applicable to all a discounted price, you’re inclined to see a difference in your overall the people in Oman – both Omanis and expats. spending from the last few months,” he adds.

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However, while the move may seem positive, will it lead to the ineligible people (earning more than RO600 per month) availing the services for their benefit by hook or crook?

“Probably not,” says al Harthy. “Yes, every law that is passed can be broken or a loophole can be found, but it probably won’t be the case here.

The subsidy is marginal and it probably wouldn’t be enticing for richer people to try and exploit.”

But, Qais al Khonji, an entrepreneur in the oil and gas field, thinks that it could be. “Actually people could misuse it more than companies or big organisations with employees using cards as a method of payment. It would be a bit tough to track these transactions but it’s not impossible.”

Nonetheless, he believes that the way to move forward at this time is with a fixed price system for all. “To be honest I’m for a fixed oil prices for everyone. Fix it at 150 baisas at all times and for everyone.

Stability is healthy in any economy. When the price is fixed, at least people will be able to calculate their exact monthly expenses and help them make any future financial decisions. They should only reconsider it when it drops back drastically again (God forbid).”

Talking to al Harthy, we also learn that there are no immediate plans for a fixed rate or a subsidy scheme for fuel for expats in the country. “Expats will certainly not like this,” he comments. “I understand that there is a strong ratio of Omanis to expats, so there will be quite a lot of market share. But if the subsidy will be applied to the expats, then the load on the allotted subsidy will increase, thereby reducing the effectivity of it.”

Shyam Vasudevan, a junior accountant in a leading bank in Oman, tells: “It’s surprising that the fuel subsidy was implemented only for Omanis – and that too for people who have salaries of nearly RO600.”

He adds: “I understand the need for such a subsidy if you have a family but for all else, I think it is a high salary cap. For example, I earn RO300 and I am not given any form of subsidy; but again, I do not pay any taxes so it’s not right for me to complain. Still, I would like to see some steps being taken for people who earn low among the expat community.”

Mazin Hasan al Rashdi, a businessman who is also a business turnaround specialist, says: “This form of a subsidy will really not translate into much for a person earning RO600, and the problem for the Omanis will not be the 200 litres cap but rather the actual price of the fuel, which is 180 baisas.

“As for expats, it will be the same concerns. Expatriates who earn above RO500 mostly own a car and they like to use it. They may also take a loan for the same. But, if the cost of fuel is 186 and 207 baisas for M91 and M95, respectively, then they may stop using it regularly.

“This will further translate into them spending lesser outside, as they travel less frequently and thus affecting the overall economy of the country. The spending power of the people determines the GDP (gross-domestic product) of the country,” he adds.

Melissa Joan, an economist based in Oman, further asserts the statement. “Mazin is right,” she says. “If an expat earns RO600 and spends RO50 on fuel every month – and if he or she sees that there is no change in the petrol prices – then they will most likely cut back on as much driving as they can. This will mean they will eat out less, shop less and even visit places less,” she tells Y. Ala’a al Maskary, a businessman running a metal works company, says: “I do not fall under the bracket of people eligible for this subsidy, but there’s one thing you should keep in mind: this is the first real positive change we have seen since the fall in oil prices.

“Sure, expats and Omanis enjoy subsidised electricity and water services but this is the first change with regards to the petroleum sector. And we must welcome it with open arms.

“Don’t forget that the government is shelling out RO100mn for this purpose. It must mean that they are considering the well-being of the citizens here, and that they are now in a position to answer the requests of the people that are finding it hard to make ends meet.

“I believe this will pave way for a better future year for Oman, and I certainly hope that this is a sign of the positive things to come.” ■ *Name changed to protect identity

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Take Off

Hasan al Lawati was one of the thousands who attended the new Muscat international Airport trials last week. Here’s his take on the incredible experience

L

ast week I had an amazing opportunity to taste a complete travelling experience at the muchanticipated Muscat International Airport.

Getting to see what is expected to be one of the country’s iconic landmarks was a once-in-a-lifetime chance that I was not ready to miss.

It all started when we, a group of media professionals, met at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre at 2pm.

After waiting for a relatively long time in the queue, we got our safety vests and headed for the briefing hall.

We were given our dummy passports, tickets and luggage and a short brief on our roles. We were to act just like any normal travellers.

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After having a quick snack, I proceeded to the Mwasalat bus with people belonging to different age groups, nationalities and backgrounds. The bus took us to the new airport.

“When you pass by the airport, you can see it sparkling. How cool that is!” Tom Green, Merge FM radio host, said.

According to the brief, I was coming from Duqm to Muscat and transferring to Salalah. Not the shortest way, indeed!

I went to the counter to collect my boarding pass which had the name Mrs Mitchell.

The group made fun of me. Of course I did not look like any Mrs Mitchell.

All of us started looking for our respective gates. I used the opportunity to explore the massive airport.

It looked gorgeous. The design is simple, yet very modern and artistic.

The campaigns aim at assessing realtime experience of customers and checking if the operations are in line with the requirements

DEC 21 – 27 / ISSUE 499

And the size is just insane. No wonder it has been billed as one of the largest airports in the Middle East.

The workers were giving the final touches to the main terminal and they looked happy and proud of their accomplishment.

I did not have time to explore the other terminals because my dummy flight to Salalah was about to leave.

Around 19,000 people have already registered for the trial runs and explore the new airport, thanks to the marketing campaigns carried out in shopping malls and schools.

The campaigns aim at assessing real-time experience of customers and checking if the operations are in line with the requirements.

The stakeholders supporting the roadshow and ORAT (Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer) trials include the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Public Authority for Civil Aviation, the Royal Oman Police and Oman Air. Oman Airport Management Company launched the campaign with a roadshow titled ‘#JoinTheTrials’ on November 19, which is being held at several commercial and educational institutions, starting with the Oman Avenues Mall, followed by Muscat and Qurm City Centers and Muscat Grand Mall. ■

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Artwork by Syrian children

AN OMANI VOLUNTEER BACK FROM ATHENS AFTER HELPING SYRIAN REFUGEES LAUNCHES ART WITH REFUGEES — ‘NOT JUST TO RAISE FUNDS BUT AWARENESS TOO’. HASAN AL LAWATI LISTENS TO THE TALE OF HOPE AMID TEARS

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S

itting cheek by jowl on trembling boats, Syrian refugees saw horror and despair as they crossed the cold waters of the Mediterranean.

And when Riham, an Omani volunteer and artist, gave the Syrian children blank papers to draw anything on, they painted their grim sea journey to their new home, Greece.

Few could forget the atrocities of the merciless civil war.

“A few painted scenes of blood, death and war,” Riham, who spent two months volunteering in Athens, said.

Still, hope is what inspires them. Some of the kids painted “warm, happy-looking homes with beautiful gardens”.

It was not the first time Riham had volunteered to work outside the Sultanate, but her latest was surely an eye-opening experience.

“We visited buildings which were abandoned before refugees used them as shelters, instead of roaming on streets. It was so surreal. I felt like I was in a movie.”

Where there is a will, there is a way, and the “nice lady with a cheerful beam on her face” Riham met was a living example of this wise saying.

“We came to know later that she had lost four of her children in the war,” Riham recalled with misty eyes.

“But no matter what hurdles they have surpassed, you can feel the scars the wars had left on their souls,” Riham said.

Her initial plan was to volunteer for two weeks, but she fell in love with the people and decided to stay on for six more weeks. A lifetime could not be enough to help wipe tears off their eyes, Riham observed.

She brought the kids’ paintings to Muscat and launched the ‘Art with Refugees’ campaign that aimed at “not just raising funds, but raising awareness too”.

It was the idea of Riham and Sulaiman Dakduk, a Syrian humanitarian, also known as ‘Castro’, to start the campaign.

When she introduced her idea to a group of local artists, Riham was amazed by their overwhelming response. “To my surprise, they were all up for it, the reaction and feedback I got from them was so heartwarming,” she said.

The artists donated paintings they did inspired by the Syrian kids’ drawings.

“When Riham told me about what she was doing, I knew I wanted to be part of that. After looking at these paintings, I was inspired, so I just sat down and started drawing,” said Rawan Al Mahrouqi, an artist who contributed five artworks to the campaign, despite being in England at that time.

“Riham did a great job. She has a big heart. The cause is great and I love that she decided to involve art instead of just collecting donations,” Riham is donating the money to support sustainable farming projects in Athens that aim at providing refugees with jobs and foodstuff.

‘Art with Refugees’ has already commenced in Greece and Barcelona, and its Muscat version has been a successful one, according to Riham.

The group held a silent auction at a local five-star hotel.

Inspired by a drawing by a Syrian teen named Fuad, Riham used his work as the campaign’s cover image.

“I sent the boy the modified artwork. He was very happy about it. He made it to Germany now,” she explained.

The two months left an indelible impact on Riham.

“It is not enough to watch news on TV and condemn wars… not seeing a famine and then eat like nothing is going on in the rest of the world.”

It was getting really cold by the end of October in Athens. “Many people donated clothes to them. I remember one refugee wearing flip flops in the cold weather, maybe they didn’t have shoes for her size among the donated items.”

Amid the bleak winds of winter, Riham found the warmth. “During the recent storm in Greece that hit the villagers hard, refugees helped by travelling to these villages and handing them their donated blankets, food and other things they needed,” she narrated.

“Although there were about three families cramped in each small apartment, I never wanted to leave them,” Riham said.

“They don’t want to be a burden, and are indeed slowly helping the society and economy there. An example is what they are doing through ‘The solidarity farms’ that Art with Refugees is also supporting.

“When we get rid of our separatist view of “us and them”, when we see in every human a reflection of our families and ourselves, then we would be determined to help,” Riham stressed.

“I saw in those kids my nieces and nephews, and couldn’t bear the thought of them getting hurt, or going through more bad experiences.”

Riham will visit Greece again to continue with the campaign. ■

We visited buildings which were abandoned before refugees used them as shelters, instead of roaming on streets. It was so surreal. I felt like I was in a movie

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FABULOUS FRAMES

THE LOVE AND RESPECT BUBBLED UP IN THE MINDS OF 2,300 YOUNGSTERS HAS TRANSFORMED THE FRAMES INTO FABULOUS PORTRAITS. BE READY TO GET THE BEST GLIMPSE OF THE FINAL 47, SAYS ALVIN THOMAS

Associate Sponsor

Powered by

47 Electronics Partner

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Supporting Partner

T

here’s a beautiful saying that goes: “Art speaks where words are unable to explain.” This is exactly what we saw at the nation’s largest art competition – the Portrait by a Nation – wherein thousands of students came together to create their versions of the portrait of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

This is also the reason that we’re taking special care to judge each painting individually. Several students came forward with paintings that were truly exceptional and crafts that were beyond what one could normally envisage – it goes to show the love and affection they carry for His Majesty the Sultan.

And remember: More than 2,300 young kids participated in the event this year, which is the highest turnout we’ve ever had.

We will be revealing our final 47 finalists soon.

Choosing 47 from 2,300 has been a daunting task but we did it. It was amazing to see the level of creativity that has been showcased

Still, there can only be three winners, and the pot is overflowing with several prizes valued at RO3,150.

This year’s competition was powered by FRiENDi, in association with sponsors Muscat Grand Mall, PUCK, IDdesign and Finland Eye Center. eXtra was the electronics sponsor, and Tanuf the supporting partner for the event.

“We all have our favourite paintings but at the end of the day, it is the judges who have the final say,” says Y’s editorial head, Nishad Padiyarath.

“Choosing 47 from 2,300 has been a daunting task but we did it. It was amazing to see the level of creativity that has been showcased.

“I am proud to say that this was the biggest art contest organised by Y magazine. The response from the students participating in this competition was so overwhelming. We had the highest number of entries compared with that of the previous years and more than 200 spot registrations at the venue.

This shows the popularity of this competition,” he added.

This year’s event – touted as the nation’s largest art event of its kind – witnessed a staggering 2,300 young artists take on each other at the Muscat Grand Mall in Baushar to show their love for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said earlier last month (November 11-12). ■ DEC 21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

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&

CARS ADVENTURES

Adventures

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

READY TO POUNCE

The all-new Jaguar XF is quite a looker. But that’s not all: It’s a lively sedan that packs a frisky turbo engine sending power to the rear wheels and has enough space for five adults.

-P34

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

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

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

Y- F i

Gaming

Destination

Hiim THE OMINOUS GREY CLOUDS HOVERING IN THE SKIES DAMPENED THE ADVENTUROUS MOOD, FORCING SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI TO LOOK FOR SAFER DESTINATIONS. AND HE DISCOVERS ONE, AN ANIMAL RESERVE, NOT TOO FAR FROM QURIYAT! 032

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I guess I was just unlucky, but I couldn’t even catch the sight of a single life form. Even on my worst days I hd always been able to photograph something. The only animal in the area was the embossing of the bull logo on the hood of my truck.

A few hours into my journey, however, I noticed that the sky was turning darker and thicker. Rain seemed like it was all set to pour down, and that’s when I realised Hiim is prone to wadis.

Hiim isn’t really considered a wadi, but because it lies in the foothills of the (beautiful) mountains, water does flood the area. My belief was asserted by the fact that the roads leading to Hiim are all laid with wadi-proof concrete.

I quickly retreated. There’s nothing more hazardous than being entrapped in a wadi during rains. The waters can quickly fill up and take you along with it; there have been numerous cases of people losing their lives while they were exploring wadis during rains.

The best time to visit Hiim would be a couple of days after the rains – that’s when the greenery will sprout and the waters settle down. It’s a lovely place for families, especially those looking for some adventure. I’m sure the animals will be back post the rains, and that should make Hiim an interesting excursion. You could also try your hand at camping if you are confident enough that you’re away from all conceivable wildlife.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

W

hich is the best place to head for before the rains? Well, it’s a very tough decision to make, especially if there has been a rain forecast.

This was my very dilemma this week: I couldn’t risk heading to a wadi owing to safety and I didn’t know if a flatter land would do the trick for a Destination trip.

Moreover, I had just taken delivery of my all-new ute – a Dodge RAM 1500 Sport – which will be my off-road companion from here on.

So, it was with a bit of hesitation that I set out on my journey this week. Nevertheless, I started from my home in Al Amerat and headed straight for Quriyat, hoping that I would stumble upon something interesting.

And boy, that’s exactly what happened.

Not too far away from Quriyat there was a large signboard that pointed towards Hiim.

And no, it’s not a typo; the place really is called ‘Hiim’.

I had travelled past this location several times but never really heeded the board.

I turned off the highway and drove on.

It’s a fairly easy drive for anyone residing in the capital, as it is only about an hour’s drive. What’s better is that you can access the location using a sedan.

Driving deeper into the area, I realised that it was an animal reserve. I quickly deduced that I would stumble upon some oryx or even ostriches – but that was not to be.

From Muscat take the Highway 17 road to Quriyat.

A few kilometres down the road you will see a signboard to Hiim. The right turn should lead to your destination and there are well-marked boards that will take you there.

GPS location of Ibri old town: 23°17’57.7”N; 58°29’03.2”E

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

JAGUAR XF

Handsome from all angles. Menacing on the highway. Computer firepower to outwit a Boeing 777. Alvin Thomas gets the hang of British pride and takes the fight to the German establishment

W

e’ve all heard people chime these rants at some point: “Cars are for travelling from A to B quickly” or “Why would anyone spend so much on a car when you can just as easily resort to a cheaper car?” Well, to all those whiners, I just have a piece of advice: Go book a test drive of the Jaguar XF. No, really! It’s a true testament to how a car should be. Think of it as the holy grail of cars to hail from Europe – and perhaps also the last breed of driverengaging sedans you can buy.

Gone are the days when Jaguar was just a status symbol for Brits with large pockets; now it’s actually a desirable brand. So, it’s safe to say that Jaguar – and its whole lineup of cars – slot right in between the big guns — Mercedes-Benz and BMW. But before you are up in arms about my proclamation, I’d like you to carry on reading to find out why the XF is actually a formidable opponent to the E-Class and the 5-Series.

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Let’s start with its fascia: It looks fabulous. Sure, it is redolent of the smaller XE sedan that we tested a while ago, but the proportions seem in order. The Jaguar XF is one of those rare sedans that look handsome from all perceivable angles.

The sharp headlamps carry all the theatre, while the large, almost-oval grille and the mammoth air intakes give it its purposeful look. It’s definitely a menacing car to look at, especially if you’re being tailgated by one on the highway.

The XF is also 2091mm wide and there are two strong character lines running across the hood that further adds to the stance. My tester also came with the ‘R-Sport’ kit, blacked-out ornaments and 20inch alloys.

The ‘R-Sport’ package also adds some unusual quirks into the interior. For instance, you get badges on the steering and on the sills of the side skirts that remind you that you’re not driving a “regular” XF. Most of the interior is wrapped in leather and all the areas your hands will touch are posh and soft – if a bit low-key. However, the bottom panels are all plastic-appointed. The fit and finish is great and the leather is stitched in contrasting red accents.

Moreover, the seats are supportive and – as expected – are broadly adjustable. You can even alter the bolstering on the sides with a knob on the lower corner of the seat. But, the seats are on the stiffer side, owing to its sportiness. The space up front is above-average but the rear leg and head room is up there with that of the bulbous Americans. The boot is sizeable and has a low loading lip. The highlights of the interior, by far, are the 26cm touchscreen to operate Jaguar’s InControl Touch Pro infotainment system and the 32cm TFT

digital instrument cluster. The new screen is the fastest I have ever tested in a car.

It sports an Intel quadcore processor to take care of all the effects, processing and the transitions.

The Jaguar XF can be had in numerous variants, namely: 3.0-litre supercharged V6s with two different tunes and a 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder pot banger.

I was presented with the latter which I thought would be a bit tame… at first.

Destination

The engine pumps out 240hp and 340Nm of torque, and all of the power is sent to the rear wheels via a quick-shifting eight-speed ZF-sourced automatic tranny. Believe it or not, this makes way for some serious fun – no jokes.

Sure, if performance is what you’re after, the 340 or 380hp variants are what you should be opting for, but the 2.0-litre engine is just as fun to drive. There’s a fair bit of turbo lag when you throttle up, as is characteristic of forcefully induced engines, but it all spools up and comes alive by 2000rpm and holds steam until about 5000rpm. Oddly, the engine is capped at 5500rpm, which is quite high (and athletic) for an economy-minded engine.

The 100kph mark can be achieved in (roughly) 7.9 seconds, but the

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

Y- F i

tip in torque low down the power band is addictive.

However, what the XF 2.0 loses in straightline speed it makes up in the corners.

The lighter powertrain and aluminium underpinnings mean it’s nimbler. The reduced load up front is evident and even the chassis THE RIDE QUALITY OF responds better when unsettled.

THE XF IS ADMIRABLE Push past the threshold (which isn’t much) FOR A VEHICLE RIDING of the 255/35 low-profile rubber and you’ll ON THIN RUBBER. I even be treated to some sideways action.

SUSPECT, THE AGED But the traction control and electronic AUDIENCE WILL stability programme (ESP) will take good RELISH IT, THOUGH. care of you if you miss inadvertently the STILL, THE SLOW mark. Nevertheless, the XF is stable in the RECOIL RATE MAKES bends, with only a hint of lift-off oversteer WAY FOR A SMOOTHER while cornering swiftly.

RIDE IN THE BACK The steering – which is an electronically

Gaming

CARS

Jaguar XF Specifications: Engine: 2.0-litre ‘turbocharged’ inline four-cylinder Transmission: Eight-speed ‘ZF’ automatic Horsepower: 240hp Torque: 340Nm Top speed: 248kph Rear-wheel drive LED headlamps J-Blade LED DRLs Traction control 26-cms touchscreen w/ Jaguar’s InControl Touch Pro Backup camera Cruise control Leather seats 11-speaker Meridian Surround sound system JaguarDrive Control Lightweight aluminium construction 540-litres boot space

assisted hydraulic setup – is responsive and gives a hint of feedback. There’s none of that 90’s Jaguar rumble from the steering, though.

The ride quality of the XF is admirable for a vehicle riding on thin rubber. I suspect, the aged audience will relish it, though. Still, the slow recoil rate makes way for a smoother ride in the back.

In all, the XF has matured from a car that you should glance at when cross-shopping for a luxury midsize sedan and into a car you should seriously consider buying. It has enough computer firepower to outwit a Boeing 777 and while it may not offer you as much space, it does offer you enough to shame its competitors.

Oh, but hell with them all; this is a ‘Jaaaag’ after all – and the best I’ve tested in a long time.

DEC 21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

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CARS ADVENTURES

MIXED CULTURES

Bangalore is a city that blends the new and old; the city boasts some of the oldest monuments and also some of the top IT companies in the country.

1. Try to find peace at Dyu Art CafĂŠ 2. Take a stroll at Cubbon Park that has more than 6,000 species of trees and plants 3. Learn about the local culture 4. Feast on fiction at Premier or try on ethnic designs at Cinnamon and Tulsi 5. Visit the majestic Bangalore Palace and learn a bit of history

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Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Nishad Padiyarath recommends

BANGALORE, INDIA W

e a l l a r e e m o t i o n a l l y a tt a c h e d t o t h e p l a c e w e g r e w u p i n . B e it a small village or a big metro city, our hometown always remains close to our heart. And then there comes a place which embraces one and all: the expats, people from other cities and of course those who belong there.

Bangalore is such a place, but I was lost when I visited it last month. It took me almost 45 minutes to get out of the busy D o m l u r , t h e e a s t e r n p a r t o f t h e c i t y . T h e t r a ff i c , a u t o r i c k s h a w s and long distances...I hated it all and couldn’t wait to get back t o M u s c a t w h e r e e v e r y t h i n g i s s o p e a c e fu l . B u t j u s t i n a d a y , t h i s place has become a close part of my life.

T h a t i s B a n g a l o r e fo r y o u , t h e f r i e n d l i e s t I n d i a n c i t y .

Fr o m a l o n g w a l k i n t h e c i t y t o t h e h u n d r e d s o f c a f e s , f r o m t h e trails of trees everywhere to the amazing weather, you can’t help falling in love with this city.

Bangalore’s neighbourhoods are mostly quiet, especially the older parts. You will still find street vendors with carts ambling along in the mornings and evenings selling fresh fruit and vegetables.

Then there are rubbish collectors - those that buy old newspapers a n d s e n d t h e m fo r r e c y c l i n g - m e n w i t h d e c o r a t e d b u l l s s e e k i n g a l m s (because bulls are holy too), young boys selling plants and organic eggs from nearby villages. In Bangalore, you see varied shades of India. Bangalore is also called India’s “Garden City”. A stroll through the leafy Cubbon Park, with its more than 6,000 species of trees a n d p l a n t s , w i l l b e a n e v e r - g r e e n m e m o r y t o c h e r i s h fo r a l o n g t i m e .

The 300-acre park, surrounded by colonial architecture, makes fo r a n i c e r e s p i t e f r o m t h e b u s y c i t y . T h e r e a r e n u m e r o u s t r a i l s t h r o u g h o u t t h e p a r k t h a t l o c a l s o f t e n u s e fo r m o r n i n g w a l k s o r j o g s .

T h e r e a r e a l s o m a n y o t h e r a tt r a c t i o n s c l o s e t o t h e p a r k , i n c l u d i n g the State Central Library, an art gallery, and the Government Aquarium (as well as a metro stop), so it’s a good place to start a day of sightseeing.

CUBBO

B A N G A L OR

N PARK

H E LALBAG

PARK

My favourite place If you’re in Bangalore next time, then try out Dyu Art Café in Koramangala, a perfect place to meet, relax and have your favourite coffee.

Highlights

Bangalore Palace is another good spot to put on your itinerary. Built in 1887, the palace was inspired by Windsor Castle and is still home to the current royal family. Take a self-guided audio tour to learn more about the architecture and history and then spend some time checking out the ornate wood carvings and lavish décor inside.

Lowlights Buses are erratic and crowded and taxis reasonably cheap but hard to get. Also, like all Indian cities, you will be importuned by beggars at traffic lights, but not pickpocketed or mugged.

Souvenirs Bangalore has the best bookshop in India, the Premier Bookshop, on Church Street, stocking contemporary Indian history and fiction as well as out-of-print western classics. Cinnamon on Walton Street and Tulsi (round the corner on 14, Vithal Mallya Road) are high-end design stores with a wonderful selection of apparel and lifestyle items based on Indian designs.

Getting there Flying to Bangalore is easy. Oman Air has two daily flights operating to Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore.

FLOWE R SEL LERS MARK AT KR E T IN B ANGAL ORE

Where to stay Leela Palace Bangalore is the perfect hotel in Bangalore that will give you peace of mind. This five-star property stands majestically amid seven acres of lush gardens and a sparkling lagoon in the garden city.

DEC 21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

GORGEOUS GIFTS

It’s that time of year to shop for an awesome gift. Alvin Thomas unwraps four cool gadgets that could make the kid smile through Christmas to the New Year and beyond

LASER TAG Thinking of buying some fun Christmas gifts for the kids to play? Look no further, because this laser gun set from Laser X is the one to buy. The set comes with two guns (duh!), which are pinpoint accurate up to 60 metres; and a receiver vest that records if you’ve been hit by your opponent. As per the game, the vest changes colour – from green to red – if you’ve been hit more than 10 times. The toy also packs voice coaching guidance, full lighting effects and stereo sounds (to make things more cinematic, we suppose). You can add as many players as you require, but it’s best if you make sure to set up the game in a safe locale. Buy it from argos.co.uk for RO25.71

PERSONAL DROID

RE-KINDLE Let’s face it: No one spends money on printed books anymore. We have the Amazon Kindle to thank for that. As you all should know by now, it’s the world’s best-selling electronic reader. And now, the folks from Amazon have come up with a newer version – the Kindle Oasis – which is completely water resistant. Yes, you can now read while you’re de-stressing by the pool or in the bath. It sports a large seven-inch-wide display and comes built in with Audible. As is currently the norm, the Kindle will also pack 8gigs of on-board storage and have Wi-Fi connectivity. Why would you buy a physical book again? Get it directly from amazon.com for RO117.7 (well, a book’s cheaper, I tell you)

If you’re trying to get your child to indulge in something constructive this Christmas, you must invest in this Wonder Workshop Dash Robot. Not only can your little ones programme the droid to do quirky tasks, they can also learn basic coding in the process. Of course, the toddlers can simply begin by arranging pictures using the iOS or the android app that you can download from the respective online stores but the more serious ones can indulge in complex coding. It’s a great way to get your child hooked to technology – and who knows, you could be looking at the next Bill Gates or Elon Musk. Get yours from amazon.com for about RO73.5

X MARKS THE SPOT

EDITOR’S PICK

SURE, YOUR KIDS WILL APPRECIATE A LASER GUN OR A DROID, BUT IF YOU’RE REALLY TRYING TO GET THEM SOMETHING VERSATILE, YOU MUST BUY THEM THE NEW MICROSOFT XBOX ONE X – THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL GAMING CONSOLE. WHILE THAT GIMMICKY TITLE IS AIMED TO PLEASE GAMING GEEKS (LIKE ME), IT SHOULD FIT RIGHT INTO YOUR CHILD’S SWING OF THINGS, TOO. THE CONSOLE PACKS A 12.3GHZ PROCESSOR THAT CAN SMOOTHLY RUN GAMES AT 4K RESOLUTION FOR HOURS – AND WITHOUT ANY HITCHES. ALSO, MAKE SURE YOU AVAIL THE CALL OF DUTY WWII BUNDLE FROM YOUR RETAIL STORE. GET IT FROM ANY ELECTRONICS STORE IN OMAN FOR RO232

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Top three Xbox games of 2017

If you want to take speculation and guesswork out of buying the best for your Xbox and wish to get your money’s worth, it’s quite simple now.

Alvin Thomas takes his pick

ASSASSIN’S CREED: ORIGINS Let me be quite honest with you: I couldn’t really care less about Assassin’s Creed games, at least not since Assassin’s Creed: Liberation, which was released in 2012. But, with Origins, Ubisoft has made a successful comeback into my drawer of special things – a drawer reserved for nothing but the best games (what did you think it was?). The game has now transformed into an action/role-playing and openworld game, and it finally brings back stealth and tactical warfare into the mix. Origins maintains the series’ tradition of period-piece sets and wild tales that made its preceding games so engrossing (I’m not talking about Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, which you can apparently now download for free – pfft!).

RESIDENT EVIL 7: BIOHAZARD Quick question: What happens when you give up a third-person perspective for a first-person one in a survival horror game? Well, you stop running and give into whatever’s haunting you (at least that’s what I did).

And if that’s on your to-do list for this year, simply grab your copy of Resident Evil: Biohazard. No, seriously! The game is downright spooky and nerve-wracking. All you really aim to do in the early stages of the game is run around the Baker home and pray to God that you don’t cross paths with Jack. Jack who? Jack the psychotic patriarch, that’s who.

WHAT REMAINS OF EDITH FINCH Seriously guys! It is time to stop asking questions and head straight into this game. This is, by a mile, the best mystery/puzzle game to be released on the Xbox platform this year. It has everything: the story, the scares and the spooky graphics. The story revolves around the tragic tale of the Finch family but what’s best is that you get to explore the plethora of dazzling labyrinths in the Finch home.

As you go along, you get to delve into the history of the Finch family, their deep and dark secrets and other very (very!) interesting facts.

JULY DEC 03 21 - 09 27 / ISSUE 499 327

039

HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

GLITTER POWER

FASHION

It’s not everyday we can wear glittering, glamorous dresses.

However, now it’s the time of the year to sparkle – at least for a few weeks. With Christmas just around the corner, glam up the party look with an ensemble like this from M&Co

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k o o L e h

aran K e tin hris C , t ry tree esto s o h h g s e hi rmy h a t e o t H end e look. ram h g g hi th the to get n Insta m Fro s you tine o is help w Chr o Foll

T t Ge

This holiday season ZARA has brought in some amazing dazzling outfits and we absolutely love this black sequenced blazer! Do you?

Available for RO46

Planning to dance all night with your friends? Then you need something that will give disco ball some competition; get hold of this multicoloured dress from H&M! Shop it now for RO21

Make heads turn at the Christmas party in this super chic, longsleeved, fully sequenced dress from ZARA. A real showstopper you need to shop! Buy it for RO46

‘Go big or go home’ is the perfect saying we have for this beautiful, velvet, and beaded necklace from ZARA. An accessory that can emphasise the fashion-ista in you.

Make it yours for RO12

Organise all your essentials for the party and spread some love this holiday season with this simple, yet bold shoulder flip bag from H&M. Shop it for RO13.

When you go for a full glittering look, then your shoes should also dazzle. NewLook has the right pair — simple blackheeled pumps with striking embellishment on the bow strap. Shop it now for RO15

All items are available at the City Centre Muscat, Seeb

Break the monotony of dazzle and allure with a fashionably rebellious matt faux leather jacket from ZARA. We assure you this flowing jacket will give you the right fashion balance.

Buy it now for RO18

DEC 21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

041

HEALTH& BEAUTY

Here are some quick tips that you can take if you’re looking to avoid dry skin: ● Limit your time in the shower or bath.

Keep your showers and baths short (to about 5 or 10 minutes) and make sure to use warm water, as opposed to hot water.

Also, make use of gentle fragrance-free cleansers, but avoid lathering too much.

When rinsing off, blot yourself gently with a towel. Skip to tip #2 immediately after you finish your shower.

Winter without

THE WRINKLES

Winter is here, making the skin dry and itchy. Mind your skin right from the morning shower till you hit the bed at night to keep it soft and glowing, writes Alvin Thomas

W

inter is undoubtedly the best time of year – at least if you, like me, reside in Oman. The cool sub-20°C nights are comforting and peaceful, while the moderate morning and afternoon hours are cool enough to keep our sweats away.

It’s definitely the time of year you’d want to actually enjoy a staycation in the country and perhaps even indulge with the crowds and visit places.

While all of this may seem like the beginning of a fairytale between me and Oman, there’s something you and I must take care of in these months of delirium – our skin, or rather, our dry and patchy skin.

Following the same skin care routine year in, year out may not work so well when the temperature and humidity falls. And without an immediate change in your skincare, dry and cold air can lead to wrinkles, itchy and scratchy skins. Failure to tend to your skin’s needs can also cause bleeding.

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● Apply moisturiser immediately after washing.

Ointments, creams, and lotions work by trapping moisture within your follicles. If you’re suffering from severe case of dry skin, avoid using a lotion.

Ointments and creams are known to be more effective and less irritating than lotions. Look for a cream or ointment that contains an oil such as olive oil or jojoba oil and shea butter. Also, make sure you carry a non-greasy hand and face ointment with you, and apply it after each wash. ● Lip balm.

Lip balms taste good, but it also serves another purpose: it heals your lips and prevents it from chipping. But make sure you try out a lip balm that will not irritate your lips. ● Use unscented skin care products.

Scented skincare lotions and soaps can be too harsh for dry and sensitive skin.

Keep in mind that alcohol-based lotions can accelerate the process. ● Choose non-irritating clothes and laundry detergent.

Wear cotton or silk under wool (or other clothes made out of rough materials). Also switch to laundry detergents that are labelled “hypoallergenic”. ● Add moisture to the air.

Plug in an air humidifier in your room.

Most air conditioners in Oman do not come with a built-in humidifier, so you may have to invest in one. The benefits of having one on a cold, dry night are endless. ● Visit a dermatologist.

IIf you notice that things are getting out of hand, visit the doctor. Very dry skin may require a prescription ointment or cream. Dry skin can lead to bleeding, and other complications, if left untreated.

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

FAMILY PLAN FOR FLU SEASON

Mercury has dipped in Oman, bringing with it cheers, but you don’t enjoy the fun unless you stay healthy. Seven simple ways to fight the bugs lurking in the cool air

D

eclining temperatures in the Sultanate can bring fun and cool-weather activities, but they also mean cold and flu season is lurking. While everyone hopes to stay healthy, it can be difficult to completely avoid viruses and bugs.

Dr Deborah Gilboa, a board-certified family physician and Braun spokesperson, offers some simple suggestions to help your family plan for cold and flu season.

Dispose of expired medicine Spend some time checking the medications you already have at home. Review the expiration dates and if any need to be thrown out, research how to properly dispose of them. Some medicines can leech into the garbage bins and affect stray animals.

Stock up Before cold and flu season, make sure to stockpile

must-haves like ginger ale and (recommended) cough suppressants. Thinking ahead means you won't have to rush out when you or a family member comes down with something. Schweppes and Canada Dry ginger ales are available in your local hypermarkets.

Practise healthy habits Encourage the entire family to maintain healthy habits such as regular hand washing, following a nutritious diet, drinking plenty of water, and coughing or sneezing into a tissue to help minimise the spread of cold and flu viruses.

Use a reliable thermometer Reading the temperature of a person who feels ill can help provide confidence and peace of mind. Make sure you have a reliable thermometer like the Braun ThermoScan 5 Ear thermometer, which takes professionally accurate temperature readings via the ear canal and, based on a survey, is the number 1 brand recommended by paediatricians who recommend a brand of thermometers.

Have important information on hand To save time when your child is ill, keep a reference of your child's allergies, prescribed medications, dosage amounts and current weight handy. Health-care providers typically need this information to correctly prescribe and dose most medications. Other items to keep onhand include school sick day policies, operating manuals for medical devices and a reference of temperature readings that classify a fever.

Manage humidity levels Control your home's humidity levels with a humidifier to help prevent the survival of flu viruses on surfaces and in the air. The cold weather in Oman may hinder your sense of humidity.

Keep contact information accessible Keep a list of important phone numbers and addresses inside your medicine cabinet door or on the fridge so they're easily accessible to family members, babysitters and caretakers. Include your family doctor or local clinic, schools, pharmacists and anyone else you may need to reach in an emergency.

If cold or flu reach your household this winter, it's always important to consult a doctor if you have any questions regarding the health of your family members. For more information, visit braunthermometers.com.

Source: Family Features DEC 21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

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&

FOOD DRINK

Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

HEALING STRANDS

They may look normal to you but vegetables like spinach and kale or ingredients like ginger and turmeric have healing properties that can eradicate joint pain or stiff knees.

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Fforood

PAIN Bay Scallop, Baby Kale and Corn Salad with Tart Cherry Granola Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 45 minutes

It’s always good to know what foods trigger inflammation and what soothe it. Here’s a recipe with ingredients handpicked to ease off stiff knees or painful joints

O

n top of being tasty, certain foods contain specific nutrients and natural compounds that may help fight inflammation, a condition linked to arthritis and gout. With that in mind, try heading to the fridge or pantry the next time you feel joint pain, swelling or stiff knees.

Colourful fruits and vegetables, including ruby red tart cherries and dark leafy greens like spinach and kale, are among the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods, along with oily fish (salmon, sardines and scallops), nuts, seeds and whole grains.

Ingredients such as ginger, turmeric and olive oil may also help combat inflammation, and can be found in local supermarkets like Lulu Hypermarket or Al Fair.

For an inflammation-fighting boost, Montmorency tart cherries contain the “highest anti-inflammatory content of any food,” according to research conducted at Oregon Health & Science University, US. Results show that cherry intake can help reduce blood levels of gout-causing uric acid and reduce the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis. Research also shows that Montmorency tart cherry juice can reduce post-exercise inflammation and muscle pain.

To help fight inflammation with food, try this recipe for Bay Scallop, Baby Kale and Corn Salad with Tart Cherry Granola, which is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients. Learn more about the research on Montmorency tart cherries and inflammation, and find more recipes, at choosecherries.com.

Ingredients: Savory Granola: § 1/3 cup oats § 1/3 cup chopped walnuts § 1/4 cup sunflower seeds § 2 tbsp buckwheat groats § 2 tbsp pepitas § 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil § 2 tbsp honey § 1 tbsp spicy brown mustard § salt – to taste § pepper – to taste § 1/4 cup dried Montmorency tart cherries Dressing: § 1 shallot, minced § 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil § 2 tbsp dried Montmorency tart cherries § 2 tbsp Montmorency tart cherry juice § 1 tbsp spicy brown mustard § 2 tsp apple cider vinegar § 1 tsp honey § salt – to taste § pepper – to taste Salad: § 280g baby kale § 1 grilled ear of corn, kernels sliced off § 1 cup sprouts (alfalfa or microgreens) § 1/2 tbsp butter § 225g bay scallops, patted dry Method: § To make savoury granola: Heat an oven to 177°C. Line the baking sheet with a parchment paper or baking mat. § In a large bowl, combine oats, walnuts, sunflower seeds, buckwheat groats and pepitas. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, mustard, salt and

pepper. § Pour wet ingredients into a large bowl and toss until well combined. § Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 18-20 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until granola starts to turn golden brown and crispy around edges. § Remove from the oven, add cherries, toss to combine, spread into a single layer and let cool. § To make dressing: In a food processor, process shallot, olive oil, cherries, cherry juice, mustard, vinegar, honey, salt and pepper until smooth. § To make salad: Place kale, corn kernels and sprouts in a large bowl; set aside. § In a large frying pan over a mediumhigh heat, melt butter. Once hot, add scallops and cook until golden and starting to caramelise on one side. Flip and repeat on the other side. § Add scallops to a large salad bowl.

Pour dressing over top and toss until well combined. § Break up granola into small pieces and add to the salad bowl. Toss lightly before serving.

Source: Cherry Marketing Institute

DEC 21 - 27 / ISSUE 499

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FOOD DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

et

g Bud

Info Box

SOHA RESTAURANT

Behind Burger King, Al Khuwair, Muscat Opening Hours: 7am to 11pm (flexible) Telephone: 2447 9012 Dinner for four: RO5.6 Verdict : 9/10 SERVICE 8.5/10 FOOD 5/10 AMBIENCE

SOHA RESTAURANT

I

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

LEFT WITHOUT ANY CHOICE, ALVIN THOMAS WALKS IN, BUT WALKS OUT WITH A SURE CHOICE FOR THE NEXT TIME AROUND. DELICIOUS INDIAN FOOD ON A PLATTER AND SWIFT REFILLS WITH A SMILE

t may not seem like the ideal place for a family dinner, but Soha Restaurant behind the ostentatiously placed fast-food outlet in Al Khuwair is one of the best places to dine when you’re on a budget.

This was very much the scene last week after a spot of Christmas shopping with my family.

It was 11.30pm and most restaurants had closed for the night, and Soha Restaurant was the only place in the vicinity that still had lights on. So, without any choice, we headed right in.

The restaurant is analogous to what you would find in Indian towns: the decorations are kept to a minimum and there are numerous tables spread across the insides; it’s all about raking in the customers.

Still, the insides were clean and sanitary. The authenticity of it being an Indian restaurant was back in the spotlight when I saw the menu. It consists mainly of north-Indian dishes – mostly Rajasthani.

We quickly opted for three thalis – which is an Indian-style meal made up of a selection of various dishes which are served on a platter. The dishes in the thali are set and you get no options for curries (unless you order it separately).

The thalis arrived in no time, and we dug in immediately. Our thalis consisted of rotis, rajma masala (kidney beans), rajasthani-style paneer

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Homely Indian foods at nominal prices.

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restaurant is definitely what makes it stand out from the ones in the vicinity.

After we wiped our plates clean, the waiter WE ENDED OUR MEAL WITH THE offered us pulao (rice cooked in seasoned KESARI. IT WASN’T OVERLY SWEET broth) and plain rice. I opted for the pulao and LIKE THAT SERVED IN A MAJORITY immediately deduced that it was the best pulao OF INDIAN RESTAURANTS IN THE that I had ever tasted. The rice was perfectly REGION AND WENT VERY WELL seasoned, and the chick peas and the beans WITH MY HEALTH-CONSCIOUS complemented the overall aura of the dish. I loved PARENTS. it so much that I asked for it again.

We ended our meal with the kesari. It wasn’t overly sweet like that served in a majority of Indian restaurants in the region and went very well with my health-conscious parents. Even my little sister seemed to take a shy at it.

But, as they say, no Indian eat-out is ever complete without gulab jamun (a milk-solid-based sweet). So, we ordered a plate of that to top it all off. The gulab jamun was soft and perfectly made; we thoroughly enjoyed it.

This was also the theme of our night, as we all left the restaurant with wide smiles on our faces and tummies that were satisfied.

Soha Restaurant has etched its way into our list curry, kadhi (a thick gravy based on chickpea of favourite budget eateries in Oman, and it is flour, containing vegetable fritters to which curd is definitely worth a try. added to give it a sour taste), sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew or chowder cooked with a tamarind Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see broth), and kesari (a semolina-based sweet). reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com The rajma masala and the paneer curry were the stars of the night. The rajma beans were well steamed and soft, and the accompanying gravy was consistent and spicy. The paneer was fresh and the gravy thick. It went well with the rotis.

The best part about ordering a thali is that the food is unlimited, meaning that you can ask for as much curry as you want.

I noticed that the waiters were involved in a fit of laughter, but surprisingly, they were by our side the very second we finished our dishes asking us if we wanted a refill. The hospitality of this