Y Magazine #504, January 25, 2018 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

Rich Traditions

A SPECIAL FEATURE ON MUSCAT FESTIVAL 2018 Ferrari Fantasy

EXPLORING THE NEW GTC4LUSSO News: OMAN AMONG SAFEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD, SURVEY SAYS

TASTE TEST: Hitam DESTINATION: Hawana Salalah YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

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READERS, WELL-WISHERS AND TEAM Y CELEBRATE DECADE OF EVENTFUL JOURNEY

COOL KIDS

NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

FLU FIGHT

TRIM YOUR TUMMY

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

ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS FOR CARS Eighteen charging stations will be opened throughout the country during a 1,200km tour by a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs). Oman’s first EV charging station was opened at the Crown Plaza, Sohar, as part of the tour.

GOING DOWN

SCAM CALLS The Royal Oman Police has nabbed 22 Asian expats on charges of electronic fraud and seized 60 phones and 76 SIM cards. They were also linked to scamming several residents in Oman.

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

Fast forward

oday marks 10 years since the very start of the Y magazine and we are heralding the milestone with a nostalgic look back to 2008 and celebrating our success and challenges – which have made us bigger, better and stronger. It is also a great opportunity to go through the photo album and say a huge hello and thank you to several key members of the team who have been part of Y over the decade. The brand and the magazine has evolved with the times, but we have always remained true to the core mission. Ten amazing years on, we are producing beautiful, inspirational, how-to content in every issue – and that is truly something to celebrate. The magazine’s passion for celebrating and enhancing readers’ lives has never been more relevant to marketers than now. We are moving through an exciting phase, pushing forward our digital platforms, making them better and stronger in months to come. Finally, I would personally like to thank all of you — the clients, the team members and the suppliers — for your support and for challenging us to be bigger and better. We are extremely proud of this special anniversary issue, and are looking forward to continuing to delight and inspire the readers for many more years. Happy reading!

THIS WEEK… This week, Y headed to the beautiful Aqua Park in Hawana, explored the Souly Lodge and also tested the Ferrari GTC4Lusso in the UAE.

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

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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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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. JAN 25 - 31 / ISSUE 504

contents

JANUARY 25 - 31 2018

Your Oman

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman Alvin Thomas 10 News Narendra Modi likely to visit Oman 12 Gallery Al Mouj Muscat Marathon 2018 a grand success

Clash of the titans Try your hand at the Oman Avenues Mall’s ‘Mall Warriors Challenge Season 2’

Movies Chris Hemsworth’s 12 Strong to hit theatres today

Features 20

10 years and counting Y Readers, well-wishers and team Y on the 10 years of journey

Walk back in time We take a stroll around the Muscat Festival grounds in Al Amerat

Food and Drink 44 Food Feature Soup it up

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination Hawana Salalah 34 First Drive Ferrari GTC4Lusso 36 Y-Fi Top picks of CES 2018

46 Taste Test Hitam

Health and Beauty 38 Fashion Cool Kids 41 Health Take precautions to keep flu at bay

36 NEXT ISSUE... FEATURES / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / BEAUTY / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FASHION / FIRST DRIVE

ME E FIN T TH AL E IST S

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10-13 YEARS

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THE VOICE OF OMAN FROM A KID IN THE SCHOOL WHO FOUGHT WITH HIS MATES FOR A COPY OF Y TO THE TEAM Y — IT HAS BEEN AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE. ALVIN THOMAS RECOUNTS HIS JOURNEY WITH THE MAGAZINE

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: The Public Authority for Consumer Protection has taken action against a number of retailers in the Sultanate over dodgy pricing and false sales promotions. Recently, a shop promising 70% discounts was fined RO200 after customer complaints. Have you come across such issues? What are your thoughts on this? NEERAJ KUMAR

here’s a consensus that goes, ‘it’s best not to meet your heroes’. That, however, has not been the case for me – and I hardly find it an apt adage in this scenario. My journey with Y started much before I joined this publication as a journalist. It began in the late 2000s – 2008, I think – when I would rush to the school library, pushing aside my friends in a bid to grab the latest issue of the magazine. My aim: To read the car reviews and latest gadgets featured in the magazine. The kids in the school were ruthless, though, and I’d be left in dust – pages would likely be devoured and torn away before I could get my hands on the copy. The Y magazine was the one that everyone wanted – and the one we all adored. So, after I ditched engineering to become a journalist, it was only fitting to apply for a job in the Y magazine. And that, my dear friends, is how I became the first person to read Y before it was available to anyone else. Diabolic plan, right? In any case, fast forward two years, 1200-plus articles and about 90 issues, and I’m still smitten when someone asks me about Y. It’s not just the car reviews and gadget talk (which I now write), though; it’s the many hard-hitting cover stories that we currently compile that entice us to work harder. This has also pushed several boundaries – and there’s no doubt that we’re making waves. Our stories on the expat exodus and the growing worries of unpaid workers in the country were game-changing. One of our interviewees stated that he was paid following the release of the story – so we can only look back at our work and say that we’re incredibly proud. And we’re humbled, looking at the tens of thousands of people who pour in to show their love for the magazine every week. If that isn’t acceptance, then what is? Thank you, readers! We vow to serve you better in the future.

JAN 25 - 31 / ISSUE 504

I commend the PACP for the action taken against the retailers over dodgy pricing and false sales promotions. Such cases are on the rise as the retailers are trying to increase their sales volume and profit margins. Most of them are resorting to more or less the same trick: they offer 50 to 70 per cent discounts by inflating the original price two or more times the manufacturers’ suggested retail price.

ZAHID SAEED

The signboard outside a shop with the word “Sale” printed in bright, bold colours like red and yellow draws large crowds. The discounts are often 50 per cent, or more, and this is done by way of increasing the original price. The authorities need to do frequent inspections to stop these greedy retailers.

PUNEET DOGRA

It’s a good move by the government. Many retailers jack up the prices and give discounts — such cheating must be ruthlessly defeated.

REEM MOHAMED

I am a travel agent. Not only the retail shops but airlines too resort to such cheating. One of the airlines is now offering a 50% discount to a destination, but a close look will give their game away: the discounted price is same as the original fare before the promotion period!

MOHAN ANANDAN

If retailers are being dishonest and employ false means for sales promotions, then the law must certainly take its course. There is

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that hidden “Terms and Conditions Apply” in every sales promotion and no promotion leaflets or advertisement would tell you what those T&Cs are! If regulators force these retailers to disclose those T&Cs in a transparent way, there won’t be much scope for them to take naive customers for a ‘promotional drive’!

PAUL BARUA

I haven’t gone through the situation, but it’s good that the government is keeping an eye on the cheats. Customers wouldn’t have any idea about the fake and right prices.

ALI SAIF AL RAHBI

I don’t usually buy stuffs like clothes, household appliances and electronic gadgets unless they are absolutely necessary and are available on sale. The PACP must make the public aware of such fraudulent schemes through information dissemination via radio, television and social media of those retail stores that resort to dodgy pricing and false sales promotions. Not just that, the retail stores selling fake branded clothes and fake low quality appliances should also be fined. Keep up the good work, PACP!

SUNIL HEGDE

The signboard hanging outside a shop with the word ‘Sale’ often written in red letters is irresistible for most people. They just flock to the shop “just to take a look” but walk out of the shop an hour later with bags full, and purses empty. The shop-owners smile as each customer walks in, they smile as each customer walks out and then they laugh all the way to the bank.

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

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LAKSMI RAJASEKHAR

Have you ever wondered why people fall for the “Sale” trick employed by the retailers? Greed! It’s just the same thing. It’s the common factor that drives both the customers and the shops: the greed. While one — the customers — tries to pay less and get more, the other — the retailers — tries to get more or something for their old stuff.

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MAHNAZ KHAN was spotted with her favourite Y Magazine in Muscat.

REENA MATHEW

You failed to buy from a shop that put up the “Sale” board with an attractive 70 per cent discount and feel disappointed for having missed an opportunity. This feeling of missing the bus gets heightened when you walk into the same shop a week after the sales period has ended. The salesperson sympathise with you saying “madam, you are late by a few days, we sold this product at 50% less”. You curse your luck and for the next few days read every signboard so you don’t miss again a golden opportunity! This is the irony of it, really, and this is how I felt just recently.

SUNADA KHANNA

Why does everyone — the masses and the classes — fall for the trick employed by the retailers? It’s not the ordinary folks who get cheated by the flashy “sale” boards, but the educated ones as well. The temptation to get something cheap is irresistible, rich or poor. That’s the weakness the retailers take advantage of, and I think they are right to do that, perhaps.

New Debate: Real estate transactions have dropped sharply in the last year, a Ministry of Housing report has revealed. Is there a drop in rents in Oman? What are your thoughts?

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 Parvathy G Nair took this beautiful shot of a crimson sunset in Mawaleh using her Canon EOS Digital REBEL XSi.

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: Parvathy G Nair

JAN 25 - 31 / ISSUE 504

YOUR

OMAN

NEWS OMAN IS ONE OF THE SAFEST

COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

FOR EXPATS: SURVEY

man has been listed in the top 11 safest countries for expats by an InterNations’ survey, and is the only country from the Middle East region that features on the list. In the survey by InterNations, the world’s largest network for people who live and work abroad, the company asked 14,300 expats, representing 174 nationalities and living in 191 countries or territories, to rate 43 different aspects of life abroad on a scale of 1-7. One of these aspects was “personal safety and security”. According to the survey, Oman is in the 11th position — higher even than the US and the UK — with low crime rates across all metrics and a low cost of living, making it a prime spot for expats.

In order of the list, these are the 11 safest countries for expats: Luxembourg, Singapore, Japan, Canada, Malta, Switzerland, Norway, New Zealand, Finland, Taiwan and Oman.

IS INDIAN PRIME MINISTER

MODI COMING TO OMAN?

ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Oman in February as part of a Gulf tour, the Times of Oman has reported. Though there are no official confirmation from any sources, Prime Minister Modi is likely to visit Oman prior to his visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the second week of February. An official announcement about his schedule is expected soon. The visit is seen by many as cementing the close relationship he shares with the Oman leadership, and in furthering cooperation in diplomatic, economic and security issues. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit the UAE on February 10 and 11 where he will address the sixth World Government Summit in Dubai. Though this will be Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to the UAE, an official visit to Oman would be a first for the Indian leader. Also, he is likely to address Indian expats in Oman.

India and Oman enjoy a strong strategic partnership and shared culture, with a centuries-old relationship. The consulate of India was opened in Muscat in February 1955. In April 1960, it was upgraded to consulate general and became an embassy in 1971. The first ambassador from India arrived in Muscat in 1973.

MUNICIPALITY RAIDS MUSCAT

FARM USED FOR ILLEGAL

COMMERCIAL WORK

unicipal authorities in the capital’s Seeb area have carried out a raid on a farm in Wadi Al Lwami where its rooms were used for commercial activities. “In coordination with the Public Prosecution and the Royal Oman Police, the Inspection and Food Control Department, together with the Legal Follow-up Department and the Cleaning Department in Muscat Municipality, conducted a raid on a farm in the Wadi Al Lwami area after they discovered that the farm rooms were being used for commercial activities. Legal action has been taken against this violation,” Muscat Municipality announced.

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Pas de deux for Toes and Fingers

Svetlana Zakharova Prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia, Ă&#x2030;toile of Teatro alla Scala in Milan & Vadim Repin violin

YOUR

MUSCAT MARATHON

OMAN

THE RECORDBREAKING 2018 AL MOUJ MUSCAT MARATHON WAS HAILED A HUGE SUCCESS AS THOUSANDS OF RUNNERS FILLED THE STREETS OF AL MOUJ FROM THE EARLY HOURS ON FRIDAY MORNING [19TH JAN 2018]. IN TOTAL, THE SEVENTH EDITION OF THE MARATHON SAW 6,094 ENTRIES ACROSS ALL RACE CATEGORIES.

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GALLERY

JAN 25 - 31 / ISSUE 504

013

YOUR

OMAN

ADVISORS FOR

PRIVATISING FIVE

POWER FIRMS NAMED

man’s state-owned electricity holding firm, Nama Holding, has appointed a consortium of advisors, jointly led by London Economics and Lazard Freres, to privatise its five subsidiary power distribution and transmission firms. London Economics will provide economic advisory services, while Lazard Freres will manage financial transactions. The consortium will also have five other advisory firms providing services in other areas, according to a Nama Holding release. The five Nama group companies to be privatised are Muscat Electricity Distribution Company SAOC; Majan Electricity Company SAOC; Mazoon Electricity Company SAOC; Dhofar Power Company SAOC; and Oman

Electricity Transmission Company SAOC. The advisors were appointed after the country’s cabinet decided to privatise stateowned electricity firms, which was announced by Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs Darwish bin Ismail Al Balushi. The government has also formed a temporary supervisory committee to oversee the privatisation of firms in the power sector. Nama Holding owns nine power companies engaged in predominantly distribution and transmission. A major portion of Oman’s electricity is generated by independent power producers, which are partly owned by multinational firms. Although the government had indicated plans for divesting stakes in several state-owned firms, the entire process is taking time, and

several companies have yet to announce a plan for the disinvestment programme. The companies for privatisation will be identified after carefully considering their present financial status. The Ministry of Finance had earlier revealed that the government planned to divest stakes in at least 11 state-owned companies to raise funds to reduce deficits and improve efficiencies. In an attempt to enhance efficiency and facilitate the smooth privatisation of stateowned firms, the government has transferred its stakes in several firms to either sectorspecific holding companies or investment funds. These holding companies include Oman Food Investment Holding, Oman Global Logistics Group, and the Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic).

WARNING ON ILLEGAL

DISPLAY OF NATIONAL EMBLEM T

he Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has issued a stern warning about products that illegally display official Oman’s national emblem or logo in their packages. In a warning statement issued on Saturday, MoCI said legal proceedings would be initiated in cooperation with the Royal Oman Police and the Public Prosecution against commercial institutions and individuals violating the guidelines laid out by the company. It affirmed that the agencies and companies cannot import or manufacture products bearing the national emblem or any other official logo without a written permission from the authorities.

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BRIGHT LIGHTS

GALLERY

OMAN AVENUES MALL’S FESTIVE SEASON CELEBRATIONS, “MAGIC, LOVE AND MIRACLES!” WERE IN THE AIR FOR THE “WISHES DO COME TRUE” CAMPAIGN, WHICH TOOK PLACE LAST MONTH.

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015

YOUR

RACE WEEK

OMAN

OMANI SAILORS CELEBRATED A SERIES OF STRONG PERFORMANCES AT THE MUSSANAH RACE WEEK INTERNATIONAL DINGHY REGATTA, SEALING THEIR SUCCESS IN THE CONCLUDING RACES, LAST WEEK [WEDNESDAY, 17 JANUARY]. IN A COMPETITIVE FLEET WHICH FEATURED 172 OF THE BEST EMERGING INTERNATIONAL YOUTH SAILORS, OMANI RACERS – MANY PART OF OMAN SAIL’S OMANTEL YOUTH PROGRAMME – WON TWO OF THE REGATTA’S FIVE CATEGORIES, AND EARNED PODIUM PLACES IN TWO MORE.

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Photo: Shaquel Al Balushi

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspiration: The innocence of youth.

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

GOURMET NIGHT

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE Are you finding it hard to get over the hump day? Tuesdays – the mid-point of the week – can be quite taxing, especially if you’re spending time cooking after work. If that’s the case, you should set your chef’s hat and apron aside, and head to the InterContinental Muscat for the Gourmet Night. The pre-dinner drinks will start at 7.30pm and it will be followed by a sixcourse dinner. Seats are limited, so be quick in making your reservations. Call 9137 3243 for more details.

Are you a warrior? If you think so, try your hand at the Oman Avenues Mall’s ‘Mall Warriors Challenge Season 2’, which is designed to push you to your limits. The challenge will feature a set of courses that are specifically designed to test your resilience, concentration and strength. Among the tests are a ‘Car Pull Challenge’ and an ‘Indoor Football Challenge’ – which should have you sweating hard. The event will commence at 5pm at the mall grounds and will continue until 18 - 25 9pm. Registration is free, but hurry up as spots are limited. For Inquiries call 7939 1527

JAN

JAN 30

WEEK -

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

FEB

The biggest rooftop party of 2018 will be set in motion, next month, at the Sama Terrazza in the Park Inn. A lineup of handpicked artists will be mixing and spinning the tunes from the patio to deliver you a night of music and dance. The doors will be opened to the public at 8pm and the party will run wild until the early hours of the morning. You can reserve a VIP table if you’re looking to relax with your friends. Ladies enter for free until 10am,while stags will have to shell out RO10 (inclusive of 1 complimentary beverage). For inquiries, call 9779 8111

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LIQUID NATION

THIS JAN

MALL WARRIORS

FEB

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

Don’t Kill It Padmaavat Cast: Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor

12 Strong Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Peña

ho is Chris Hemsworth when he isn’t Thor? Not an action star, as the excellent but financially disastrous Blackhat can attest; not a prestige-picture anchor either, as evidenced by the Moby Dick quasi-adaptation In the Heart of the Sea. The God of Thunder comes closer to answering that question by trading in his hammer for a horse in 12 Strong, which positions its star as a rather different kind of hero: an American soldier. Set in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 and styling itself as a portrayal of the first victory in the War on Terror — a bittersweet milestone to celebrate, given that said war hasn’t ended and we certainly haven’t won it — Nicolai Fuglsig’s film injects some rah-rah patriotism into the January multiplex à la Lone Survivor and 13 Hours before it. It tells the story of Task Force Dagger, comprised of a dozen elite soldiers tasked with striking the first blow to the Taliban alongside an Afghan general (Navid Negahban) who hates his countrymen in the

tenuous Northern Alliance almost as much as he hates their shared enemy; their joint mission, though not as cloak-and-dagger as the one dramatised in Zero Dark Thirty, comes with a high chance of failure as they seek to reclaim the Talibanoccupied city of Mazar-i-Sharif. Fuglsig’s feature debut is ultimately less an action movie and more a procedural, one in which incremental gains and minimal casualties are as much as can be hoped for. Hemsworth tells his men several times that they might not all make it back alive; the movie’s marketing materials all but guarantee they will. Still, this isn’t a film you watch to find out how it ends — especially since we all know that, in most of the ways that count, this story hasn’t ended at all. 12 Strong presents its conclusion as both a military and moral victory, albeit one whose inspirational qualities are lessened by the fact that winning the battle and winning the war are two very different things. - IndieWire. Release Date: 25 January 2018

Set in 1303 AD medieval India, Padmaavat (formerly titled Padmavati) is the story of honour, valour and obsession. Queen Padmavati is known for her exceptional beauty along with a strong sense of justice and is the wife of Maharawal Ratan Singh. The legend of her beauty reaches the reigning Sultan of Hindustan – Allaudin Khilji. He becomes obsessed and wants to capture Chittor and its queen at any cost. The story revolves around the efforts of Khilji to breach the fortress – and how the queen decides to protect her dignity. Release Date: 25 January 2018

Cast: Dolph Lundgren, Kristina Klebe and Elissa Dowling

An ageing demon hunter teams up with an FBI agent (Kristina Klebe) to defeat a supernatural menace that’s terrorising a small town in Mississippi. There’s just one catch: The malevolent entity has the ability to possess the person that kills it. Release Date: 25 January 2018

The Florida Project Cast: Brooklynn Prince, Bria Vinaite and Willem Dafoe

Set over one summer, the film follows precocious six-year-old Moonee as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother, all while living in the shadows of Disney World. Release Date: 25 January 2018

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Who is the director of Padmaavat? LAST WEEK’S WINNER Shakunthala KN

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.

JAN 25 - 31 / ISSUE 504

019

AS WE TURN 10, WE TAKE A LOOK BACK IN TIME, ALONG WITH OUR READERS AND WELL-WISHERS, TO LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT 10, AND MANY MORE, YEARS OF OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES. ALVIN THOMAS CAPTURES THE ANNIVERSARY MOOD

decade of resilience, ambition and uncompromising journalism: That’s what Y Magazine – Oman’s best English weekly publication – is built on. And as we turn 10 in the nation’s media scene, we cannot help but look back at our supporters – the readers, the clients and our management – that have stood by us in the thick of times. From cover stories that focused on real-world issues – the gloomy summary of expatriates leaving the Sultanate, a covert operation to uncover the stories of the unpaid workers in Sawadi, the little joys of abandoned orphans in Oman, the numerous bus accidents that continue to haunt the families of the deceased, the sad stories of unpaid workers, and so on – all the way to lifestyle stories that highlighted fashion, travel, cars and food; Y Magazine has been covering it all for you wonderful readers. And if there’s a pledge we’d like to take, it is to keep our targets aligned with the likes and interests of our readers. As we complete a crucial period and step into another, we spoke to some of our growing cohort of followers and well-wishers, as well as those who have aided us in the smooth operation of this magazine. Here’s what they have said:

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Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi – Chairman, SABCO Group

he vision of the Y magazine has grown over the last 10 years and consolidated into one of Oman’s most endearing success stories. Today, when we look back at the venerable heritage of Y, there can be no denying the fact that it has so successfully maintained its tradition and the high value set 10 years ago. As Oman was fast developing into a favourite investment destination, it attracted people from across the world. A future-looking English lifestyle magazine, with an international outlook, was a prerequisite. More than anything else, in true sense, the Y magazine has been a constant partner to Oman’s meteoric growth and development since its inception. Today, as Y completes 10 years, its future looks bright. People talk about digital media and we have already embraced that format as we are now looking to strengthen our online assets because technology is the new method to bring people closer. This magazine belongs to our readers. With constructive criticism, unreserved appreciation and undying enthusiasm, you have provided us with unwavering support and confidence all these years. We wholeheartedly thank you!

Eihab Abutaha – Chief Executive Officer, SABCO Media

en is a great number by any standards. A decade of hard work, a decade of covering thought-provoking and boundaryscaling issues. This is who we are and we will continue to be committed to doing this hard work for our beautiful Oman. There’s a strong thread that runs through the city and the Y magazine connects us all together. The past 10 years have marked an era of transformation for Oman. The culture, the heritage, the warmth, the respect for all and the desire to march ahead have remained in place, though. It’s the same story for Y as well. Oman has defined Y within its core. Y is the Pulse of Oman. Y brings readers quality, thought-provoking, community-sensitive views, and raises awareness on “boundary-scaling” issues. We are about culture, beauty, technology, generation and society. The team at Y is a passionate and dynamic one, with a penchant for critical journalism. Valuing diversity and respecting individual thought, we are not afraid of sharing our opinions. We have over the years gotten into trouble a few times. We have brought you the sights, sounds and spirit of life in the Sultanate in nearly 500 editions of Y. Our investigative stories daringly dealt with current issues, and our lifestyle articles kept you in tune with the city and the wider world. Our readers cannot make us more proud. They are open-minded people who aspire for a better life, and appreciate quality journalism. Diverse, vibrant and cultured. There’s so much more to come, of course. We are continuously creating compelling content. We promise you a fun and exciting read, wherever you are, probably mostly online, somewhere. We will take you on a journey that will captivate you. One thing though, we will always want to bring communities together.

Ali Al Habsi – Oman football skipper

ongratulations to the Y magazine and its wonderful team on completing 10 years. In the last one decade, the Y magazine has clearly created a mark to become the number one English lifestyle magazine in Oman. Y has been a great supporter of sports and football in general, thanks to its illustrious Chairman Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi. In the last one year, the magazine under Nishad Padiyarath, its editor, has redefined the reading experience, bringing stories that interest people. Thank you team Y for sharing with us some inspiring stories! Here’s to many more!

JAN 25 - 31 / ISSUE 504

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Ahmad Al Harthy, Motor – Racing champion

appy to know that the Y magazine has completed 10 years and I am someway also a part of your journey. I just completed my 10 years of racing and I am honoured to say that I grew up with Y. I must say the reading experience has been phenomenal with interesting stories. Y has been supporting my career since day one and it is great to see the effort taken by team Y in covering all types of sports and, as athletes, we would like to appreciate that. At this juncture, I would like to congratulate the talented team of Y on their 10th anniversary.

Neil D’Souza IT Manager, SABCO Media

y role with the Y team has been to provide technical support to the operations. I’ve been a part of a team providing backend support since the earliest days of Y. I’m currently responsible for Y’s digital platforms – developing the website and administering the social media platforms, as well as executing other technology initiatives that come up. As a part of SABCO Media, Y has grown strategically in the digital space and today it is the leading lifestyle magazine on the web in Oman. With our new digital strategy and direction for Y, we plan to grow aggressively this year and forward. The new Y portal will have something for everybody and is still in keeping with the original vision and values for brand Y. With appreciation going out to our devoted readers, fans and followers, who dedicatedly pick up a copy every week, or go online every day, we promise you a much more engaging digital experience, and interactive features that will keep you abreast of the ‘Pulse of Oman’. All we ask in return is your feedback to fuel the journey and improve our content and team. Together with everyone here at SABCO Media, I wish the team at Y the very best. Happy anniversary! The last 10 years have been a blast and I’m sure the next 10 will be amazing!

HH Mayya Al Said – Media influencer and socialite

still remember how I felt when I received an email from the then editor of the Y magazine asking me to write for the ‘Voice of Oman’ section. All thanks to my good friend Karima Farid who recommended me when they were looking for Omani writers. I can’t believe that it has been 10 years since the launch of the Y magazine. Y has been keeping us updated with the happenings in Oman and more. As we look at Y’s journey, so much has changed since its first issue. I sincerely hope that it continues to give us thought-provoking topics to feed our minds and showcase the beauty of Oman – the nation that we all call home.

Prashanth Dutt – General Manager, Markaz Al Bahja

irst of all, I would like to congratulate the Y magazine on its 10th anniversary. A decade of success is something SABCO Media can be proud of – and we’re only happy to be a part of this wonderful magazine. We’ve been involved with the Y magazine for a long time. For instance, the first edition of Portrait By A Nation was hosted at Markaz Al Bahja – and it was a grand success. Following that, we’ve had several competitions together. This is also why we’re happy to continue our association with this wonderful magazine. Why I think Y is the best publication out there is because it caters for a very versatile audience. There’s something for everybody: Coffee with Y, current affairs, feature stories, car and food reviews, travel, gadgets, beauty and health, and so much more is available to the readers. We all love it, and it makes for great weekend reading. Also, the quality of the paper is excellent and it’s a niche magazine. And the job done by the team is fantastic.

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Mohammad Osama Rawat, Y Reader

sincerely congratulate the entire team of Y – the Pulse of Oman on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. It has come a long way since the 62page first issue that came out in January 2008. Right from day one of its launch, it carved a special impact on the readers’ minds and became a household name. It covered business, entertainment, local and global news, leisure and lot of local events. There have been many pages for people to express their views about local issues, publish short stories, etc. which made Y what it is today. There are nostalgic memories of Editor-in-Chief Iman Hamad Hamood al Busaidi’s editorial page Y not?, Adarsh Madhavan’s Read My Lips abusiness and leisure news get reduced; which need more coverage. All the best to team Y. Keep ruling the mind, soul and heart of your readers by adding more interactive pages.

Dr Bhaskara Rao Suddapalli, Y Reader

Nishad Padiyarath – Editor, Y Magazine

y wife Usha Devi joins me in congratulating the Y magazine – the Pulse of Oman on its 10th anniversary, with its issue #504 going to hit the newsstands today. Behind this successful achievement are the SABCO management and team Y who have left no stone unturned to serve the interests of everyone. Our journey with Y started way back in 2008 with us contributing our thoughts to it with our friend – who was an editor with Y, and today we are overwhelmed at our continued association with this fabulous publication for nearly a decade. We are clueless how Y affords to publish this full-fledged 48-page magazine on glossy paper for free to cater for tens of thousands of readers. Rain or shine, the magazine is on the newsstands on Thursday morning. From current affairs to topics of vital interest discussed in the Debate of the Week, culture, entertainment, sports, automobiles, gadgets, fashion, travel and food, Y has been catering for all walks of life. Y has been rewarding the readers not just with its rich content but with weekly prizes also, while making it more attractive with bonanzas during the holy month of Ramadan, Valentine’s Day and Renaissance Day, to name some occasions. The display of patriotic fervour is evident in the encouragement offered to the budding community by way of organising the Portrait by the Nation competition that has been a grand success over the years. It is this approach, in totality, by team Y that makes us hooked on. We wish Y and its team the best for further success and glory.

ow. Ten years! It’s been an incredible ride for us. We are so proud to have created content that ultimately established a new lifestyle category for publishing. We have seen our readership grow tremendously over the years, and our editorial content continues to inspire, instruct and please our readers. It’s your support, understanding and unwavering belief that the Y magazine could and would do great things that has been a beacon of hope and a challenge we constantly strive to meet. A decade is a long time. Few things in our lives or in the world last that long. I’m honoured and humbled that you’ve stuck with us all this time, and I promise that in the years ahead Y will deliver more and better work in the areas you need most. Thank you for the ten remarkable years of warmth, friendship and support. We absolutely couldn’t have done it without you, nor can we take the next steps without your help. I hope you’ll keep holding us to high standards, and telling us when we’ve met your expectations and when we’ve let you down.

Feroz Khan – Director of Sales and Marketing, SABCO Media

en years back when Y started, being the second free publication distributed in the capital, it was quite a challenge. But I think we have come a long way – initially it was difficult – but people have since accepted Y. When we started, our focus was mainly on the Asian community, but it has now been tweaked to focus on everyone, and the credibility of Y is phenomenal. Clients now perceive Y as an unbiased source of information about what’s happening in society, because we discuss issues that are affecting society at large. In terms of sections, we cover everything: this is what a lifestyle publication should be. You’ve got fashion, travel, car reviews, movie reviews and everything that should make for good weekend reading. There is something for everyone – starting from the children to the parents. So, I think the moment we keep the copy on the newsstands, it disappears. We have been complimented many a time by people but have also been asked by clients and readers to print more copies because of the demand. Over 10 years, a lot of people have come and gone but everyone has added some value to this publication in some way – be it in content or sales perspective. We also have launched some unique properties to Y, like the Portrait By A Nation, which is one of the largest events in Oman; Y We are Soulmates; Y’s Got Talent; and so on. We’ve learned a lot over the years, and we’ve been tweaking our content over the years. So, that has been the key to success.

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Yousef al Harrassi – Administration and Communications Manager, SABCO Media

s is the norm, to start a new business, we need to get approvals, be within the guidelines and, above all, prove that we are producing a product that will sustain itself in the years to come. I have seen the Y magazine from its early days, and it has certainly done that and become a valuable brand within this country. We started very strong, and I see that it is our passion to succeed that has kept us anchored as one of the leading publications in Oman. In 2008, we faced a lot of issues in the market, but we fought a lot to keep this magazine moving. What I think the Y magazine does right is that it attracts everyone: People of all ages – starting from the older audience to the young kids in the school – and of all genders want to grab a copy of Y; there’s a lot of content in it for them. Of course, since the start, we have had to work with the Ministry of Information and also the government to procure visas for our staff – and they have been very helpful to us.

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Matthew Herbst – Art Director, Y Magazine

Magazine is one of the most forward-thinking magazines in the region and it is a bargain for the readers as we cover some amazing content. Most magazines with such stories are expensive to buy and the fact that our magazine is free for all adds to our value. I joined the Y magazine in 2013 when the magazine was revamped, and my journey since then has been phenomenal. I have enjoyed working here, and it’s a place wherein I can let my creative juices flow. There are certain sections in the magazine that I take pride in having designed, namely: Postcard, First Drive, News, Gallery, Features and so on. The Y magazine is also one of the very few magazines that is focusing on its digital footprint. Not many magazines spend money on expanding digitally – and it has led to their downfall. But I think it is this beautiful harmony of having a magazine and a digital platform to complement it that keeps this publication on top of others in the region.

Shaquel al Balushi – Photographer, Y Magazine

have gone a long way with Y – and I cannot explain why – but it’s been a very important part of my life. The Y magazine gave me my first break as a photographer 10 years ago. I was an amateur photographer but team Y trusted me and I think they saw something unique in me. I enjoyed a lot back then, but decided to explore the market for a while. So, I left Y. They say you always come back to your first love, and that’s what I did. The current team is really strong and I am very comfortable working with and I feel like giving my best. They’re letting me do what I want to do – and that’s why I think that some of my best works are showcased here. One thing I have learned from my work experience of 18 years is that if you wake up excited to go to work, then you’re in the right job. If not, it’s time to leave. Of course I feel fresh and energetic when I wake up every morning!

Mohammed Salim – Senior Logistics Executive, SABCO Media

orking with SABCO Media and the Y magazine is a matter of pride. It brings me a great deal of joy when I go on rounds to check if the magazine has been dropped off at the several locations around the capital and I see that the people are quickly grabbing a copy. What I have seen is that if the magazine is dropped off in a mall, it wouldn’t even last for two straight hours. People love to see a glossy 48-page magazine, and they’re even happier with the content. There are several kids and parents who love to see the Y magazine on the newsstands every Thursday – and there are also vigilantes who alert us if the magazine is late by a few minutes. Such is the love they all have for our magazine. I pray to see this magazine reach greater heights.

Mathew K.M. MatthewManager Herbst of Accounts and – Assistant – Art DirectorSABCO at the YMedia magazine Administration,

witnessed the first issue of the Y magazine going to the printers; it was a moment of pride and joy as it was the first baby of our company. Getting the opportunity to celebrate its 10th birthday – or anniversary, as we call it – is quite a moment for every one of us who was involved in it. What I love about the Y magazine is its content. It has articles that appeal to a broad audience. My son, for instance, loves the car reviews. He even tears the pages out and sticks them on the wall. We also love the travel, destination and food reviews that are published every week. I firmly believe that this is also the reason why people love this magazine. Yes, it’s glossy and free, but it is the journalism that sells in the end. Without the right content, we would be going around in circles. And that’s something we were on point from the very first issue. It has also been a breeze to work with the teams that have come and gone over the years. The teams have been incredibly supportive of our departments and have always respected and accepted us as their own – and that’s something we are happy about.

Abhudit Greene – Advertising Manager, Y Magazine

he Y magazine has been going from strength to strength ever since its inception in 2008. I still remember being accepted as part of the team and taking the Y magazine into the market. It’s a premium product, and the people see it that way. That is also why we have been able to sustain ourselves and publish as a free magazine for over 10 years. Of course, we couldn’t have done this without the help of our wonderful clients, who have been supporting us. I am proud to say that we have clients who have been by our side for all this period of time – and that in itself is a testament to how good the various departments of the Y magazine are. I sincerely hope to see this magazine grow by leaps and bounds in the coming years, and would like to be a part of this ever-growing and everevolving team. I would also like to thank all our readers and clients who have accepted us as a part of their family and business – and would like to ask you all to continue supporting us in the way that you have. ■

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wtime alk back in

An encounter with dinosaurs, a bit of shopping at the Heritage Village, a chat with a British tourist, a glimpse of breathtaking circus and a bite of halwaâ&#x20AC;Ś Shaquel al Balushi and Alvin Thomas join the revelry at Al Amerat Park

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walk through a dinosaur park isn’t something one can simply indulge in. For starters, dinosaurs have been extinct for centuries and, secondly, it makes no sense unless you’re filming for a sequel to Jurassic Park. But, somehow, Oman has turned into a hub for visitors looking to gleam into the sands of time – and in turn take a trip down to catch a glimpse of these reptiles. Are you wondering where you can interact with these reptiles? Well, the answer is simple: It’s at the Muscat Festival grounds in the Al Amerat Park. But it’s not just that; the Muscat Festival is – and has been – the official platform for several quirky activities. And if that wasn’t all, the nation’s beloved festival turned 18 this year. During our outing to Al Amerat Park last week, we came across some breathtaking sights. One that particularly caught our eyes were the galore of circus performers – presumably from Europe. They’ve been the highlight of the festival for several years now, and it’s only palpable that the group has earned another entry ticket to entertain us all with their skills. Moving on, we then entered the famed ‘Heritage Village’, which is arguably a one-stop-shop for those

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looking for authentic Omani and African handicrafts, and an array of cultural parades. Simon H, a British tourist visiting Oman for the Muscat Festival, said: “Oman’s festival is quite culturally sound compared to others in the region. I particularly like how many of the Omanis come from as far as Salalah to present their frankincense and even their handicrafts here. “Such determination is what makes this festival a global phenomenon. I will be coming back with my family for the festival again,” he added. Meanwhile, our favourite Omani halwa makers are also back for the festival. You can take home a freshly prepared box of the sweet to keep your tummies happy. The festival gates are open from 4pm to 11pm on weekdays, and from 4pm to 12am on weekends. ■

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GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS… Capital Region Azaiba • Amara Dermatology Clinic • Audi Showroom • Bentley Showroom • Costa Coffee • Al Fair • Jaguar Showroom • Jeep Showroom • Al Maha Petrol Station • Mazda Showroom • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi Showroom • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Peugeot Showroom • Range Rover Showroom • Sayarti Auto Care • Shell Select • Skoda Showroom • The Sultan Center • Volkswagen Showroom • Volvo Showroom • Yamaha Showroom Bawshar • College of Banking and Financial Studies • Dolphin Village • Modern College of Business and Science • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital (Emergency and Outpatients) • Oman Medical College CBD • Al Maya Hypermarket • Alizz Islamic Bank • Bahwan Travel Agencies • Bank Sohar • Copper Chimney Restaurant • Costa Coffee • HSBC • Lama Polyclinic • NBO • Oman Arab Bank • Standard Chartered Bank • Woodlands Restaurant Darsait • Indian Social Club • SPAR

• 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

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Adventures

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS AND ADVENTURES GRAND TOUR

The Ferrari GTC4Lusso is the perfect mile munching supercar for the discerning magnate, says Alvin Thomas. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; P34

JAN 18 - 24 / ISSUE 503

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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

HAWANA SALALAH

YOU COULD EITHER LIE ON THE WHITE SANDS OF THE BEACH AND SOAK IN THE ORANGE SPREAD IN THE EVENING SKY, OR STAY IN THE ROOM FITTED WITH TELESCOPES AND EXPLORE THE COSMIC MYSTERY. SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI IS OVER THE MOON AFTER A TOUR OF THE LAGOONS, MARINA AND AQUA PARK

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awana is slowly gaining traction as one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. No, I’m not talking about the city of Havana in Cuba, but rather the beautiful and vast Hawana in Salalah. And guess what? I recently got a chance to experience the whole property. Starting from the gorgeous Marina and the Hawana Aqua Park to the galore of splendid dining options, I was completely mesmerised by what the area had to offer. For the trip, I was given access to the beautiful Souly Lodge in Hawana Salalah. It’s in the milieu of all the other hotels in the vicinity, but this one stands out with its handcrafted (yes, you heard me right) wooden and palm-frond walls. It’s reminiscent of what you would usually catch a glimpse of in a Bollywood song, or even some travelogue on television. Each hut, while sustainably built, includes modern amenities but successfully simulates the life of a Bedouin (a well endowed Bedouin to be specific). I grabbed my camera and headed straight to the beach, which the lodges overlook. The white sands on the beach gave the orange evening sky a very mystical feel. I sat on the beach for a while before I deduced that it was one of the most peaceful destinations I had ever been to. It is the perfect location for anyone looking to get rid of their work stresses. Simply looking up at the sky will open the whole universe for you; literally. Once the sun sets, you can see the stars and even the constellations. I heard that some rooms have telescopes in them. So, make sure that you ask for it when you head there. Of course, Salalah is also one of those places that has long been known for its greenery and tranquility. The temperature was quite low – somewhere around the early 10°C mark – during my trips as strong winds were predominantly blowing over the region. Otherwise, the temperatures are known to be quite bearable. By the end of my trip, I found it hard to part with Salalah. It’s unexplainable how a city in Oman possesses characteristics of a tropical location like the Bahamas, Mauritius or even Kerala. And perhaps that’s the reason why I’m proud to say that I’m part of this wonderful country.

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

It may be foolish to push an RO100,000 car to its limits, but the temptation to press the pedal hard and down all the way to the carpet was spot on and irresistible. Alvin Thomas takes his dream machine for a spin from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

four-seater, four-wheel-drive supercar for the average (well endowed) businessman sounds like a far-fetched idea. But throw on a Ferrari badge on the front and it all magically makes sense – and I’m not jesting when I say that. Who knew that Ferrari – the makers of cars like the 488 Spider, the 812 Superfast and the LaFerrari – would be able to pull off what is arguably the most idiosyncratic family haulers of all-time? Of course, keen-eyed Ferrari enthusiasts would probably point out that the GTC4Lusso – the car in question here – isn’t the first four-seater supercar to hail from the Italian stables. In 1960 it was Ferrari, with its 250 GT/E, that revolutionised the way the Italians drove around the streets of Maranello. Three of your favourite mates could finally travel with you in what could very well be one of the first grand-touring cars (if you ignore the Lancia Aurelia GT) the world had ever seen. Fast forward 58 years, however, and you have what must be the spiritual successor of the 250 GT/E.

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FERRARI GTC4LUSSO

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And unlike its granddaddy, this one is fast. Very, very fast. Despite what its profile suggests, the GTC4Lusso is no regular hatchback. Sure, it has two doors and a tailgate that suggests otherwise, but it’s more of a shooting-brake coupe than anything else. The bonnet, for instance, stretches far into the horizon and the C-pillar blends in well with the tailgate and the burly arches in the rear. Up front, you’re treated to Ferrari’s signature headlamps; the ones that debuted with the Ferrari FF (the GTC4Lusso’s predecessor). But, for the current model year, the headlamps have more flattering angles. The FF, on the other hand, looked like it wanted to gobble up every car in front of it. Still, at 1980mm, the tracks are wider than the former. The GTC4Lusso is also a long car: its wheelbase measures in at about 2990mm. But the Italians have managed to hide the length very well with sharp contours and subtle lines. In one sentence: it’s a work of art. Much of this dauntlessness carries over to the interior too. It’s a completely radical design change when compared to the FF, but it’s still one of the prettiest ones I’ve seen in an Italian car in a long time – the last one being the Alfa Romeo 1900 C SS Zagato Berlinetta from 1955 (!) The circular A/C vents in my tester were finished in aluminium and knurled in to replicate a jet engine. Then there was the easy-to-use 10-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that sat like an ornament on the dashboard. The infotainment unit is quick to respond to the user’s inputs and is also easy to navigate through. It has a split-screen setup for when you need to

use multiple applications, say, the navigation and the music functions. Also interesting is the optional extra – which I think everyone buying the GTC4Lusso must tick – 9-inch “scream-o-meter” touchscreen for the passenger, which displays speeds, revolutions, G-force as well as infotainment controls. The steering is derivative of current-day Ferraris – it’s functional, heavy on buttons and, above all else, a hell of a lot unique than the prosaic ones in our cars. You can control everything from the lights, wiper functions, indicators, engine start/stop and even the drive modes, using the steering-mounted buttons. The insides are finished in premium leather that has been stitched in contrasting colours. The four

Destination

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

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

FERRARI GTC4LUSSO Specifications: Engine: 6.3-litre V12 engine Transmission: Seven-speed dualclutch automatic Horsepower: 680hp Torque: 697Nm Top speed: 335kph Four-wheel drive Electronic differential Carbon-ceramic brakes Panoramic moonroof Suspension lifter Scuderia Ferrari shields Passenger display Dual-view infotainment screen front parking camera 51cm forged diamond rims Bianco Avus paintjob Adaptive headlights F1-DCT Gearbox F1-Trac, ESP

seats are essentially sport buckets, but are extremely to all four wheels. The way it shuffles power from each comfortable for long-distance driving. During the course wheel is phenomenal – it’s impossible to get any form of of my 12-hour road-trip from the heart of Dubai to the understeer as the car quickly negates any slip from the borders of Abu Dhabi, I felt comfortable front-end by sending a boatful of power to the and relaxed – even with the overly rear wheels to induce a bit of oversteer action. supportive shoulder bolstering and All of this also translates to a 0-100kph lumbar support. time of 3.9-seconds. And that’s an impressive Underneath the long bonnet lies an when you realise that the car tips the scales equally big 6.3-litre naturally at about 1,700kg. The car powers off THE GTC4 LUSSO – LIKE aspirated V12 that cranks out the line quickly and screams (rather 680hp and 697Nm of torque ALL OTHER FERRARIS – IS euphoniously) all the way to about at the flywheel. It’s only 200cc MESMERISING TO DRIVE. 8000rpm before ferociously hitting the smaller than the engine in the IT’S TRACK-READY WHEN redline. The torque band of the V12 812 Superfast, but it’s more than is wide and strong enough to keep the YOU NEED IT TO BE, AND speedometer ticking all the way to the adequate to put the “f ” back in WHEN YOU WANT TO COOL seventh gear. fun – really! OFF AND CRUISE, IT LETS The power is sent to the ground The GTC4 Lusso – like all other YOU DO SO TOO via a quick-shifting seven-speed Ferraris – is mesmerising to drive. It’s “F1” dual-clutch gearbox to the track-ready when you need it to be, and beautifully tuned electronic-differential that sends power when you want to cool off and cruise, it lets you do so too. The chassis is meticulously tuned to be predictable, despite its large size. The suspension alters itself as per the driving mode to present the driver with the most felicitous control at any given time. The car also makes use of four-wheel steering to curb the effects of its

length. The system effectively reduces the footprint of the car in tight corners, but more so than that, it helps the chassis wrap around the cockpit to fool you into thinking that you’re driving a smaller vehicle. The hydraulic steering is wellweighted and precise, and provides ample feedback too. This inevitably gives the driver a sense of confidence when pushing the car hard through corners or when reveling around in a cloud of thick smoke from the rear tyres that are devouring themselves. It’s not advisable to push an RO100,000 car to its limits but, in the name of journalism, I did so (legally). So, after switching the electronic nannies off, I pushed the pedal to the carpet, and sent the rear end into oblivion… or rather, into a long and wide power slide. But you can quickly counter the drift thanks to the four-wheel steering. This may not be our first review of the Ferrari GTC4Lusso. But I’ll tell you this: the more time I spend behind the wheel, the more I fall in love with it. And that’s a very disquieting prospect. Because, the 10-year-old in me wants to stick a poster of a 488 Spider or GTB on the wall, but the 24-yearold me prefers riding around in a longer and functional shooting-brake coupe. Oh, well! At least the car of my choice is a no-nonsense Ferrari – and that too a Ferrari that’s just as good – and if not better – than all its competitors from Germany and Britain.

JAN 25 - 31 / ISSUE 504

035

-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

FABULOUS FOUR

Alvin Thomas picks top four gadgets on display at the Consumer Electronics Show 2018 in Las Vegas. The choice ranges from digital assistant to smart glass to smartphone to gimbal

SMART DISPLAY If you thought that the Amazon Echo or the Google Home had become the holy grail of personal assistants, you’d be wrong – very, very wrong. Lenovo’s new Google-powered Smart Display is just as cool, albeit it’s bigger and a lot more functional. It comes in two different screen sizes: 8 or 10 inches. The device is touch-enabled and can also be integrated with your smart home devices. What’s more, it can play YouTube videos (a feature the Amazon Echo Show lacks), access Google’s security system Nest, and has a polished design which will fit into your home. The prices start at RO76.9 and you can pre-order yours from lenovo.com

VIVA VIVO Who would’ve ever thought that a Chinese manufacturer would be the one to revolutionise the smartphone industry? The electronic maker in question here is Vivo, and it has come forward with its all-new X20 Plus UDsmartphone – a device that features a discrete fingerprint scanner underneath the screen. The user can unlock the phone by putting their finger on the large 6.43-inch AMOLED screen. While this challenges newer security systems that brands like Apple and Samsung are incorporating into their phones, Vivo will definitely set the ball rolling for hidden fingerprint scanners. What this means is that the phone can be crafted with no bezel, thereby giving it a sleeker and unique look. The device can be purchased from vivo.com for about RO240.6

AUGMENTED REALITY Google may be taking the fight to Amazon with the release of the new Google-powered Lenovo Smart Display, but the online shopping conglomerate is staging a comeback with the Vuzik Blade Augmented Reality Smart Glasses. It will be compatible with Amazon’s Alexa personal assistant, and is essentially a polished version of the Google Glass. It runs on Android (I know, ironic!) and is a fully functional computer. There’s also an 8-megapixel camera for snapping photos on the move. Navigation is handled by swiping and tapping on a touchpad along the side of the glasses’ frame. The display is bold and crisp too, further offering the users a perfect mix between reality and augmented reality. Post its release mid-2018, you can get yours from vuzix.com for RO385

SMOOTH AS BUTTER

EDITOR’S PICK

AS YOU ALL PROBABLY KNOW, MORE PEOPLE ARE RELYING ON THEIR SMARTPHONE CAMERAS TO SHOOT IMAGES AND VIDEOS. WHAT THIS MEANS IS THAT MOST SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS ARE SATURATED WITH SHAKY AND BLURRY CONTENT. AND THE FOLKS FROM DJI ARE HAVING A GO AT ERADICATING THAT WITH THEIR ALL-NEW DJI OSMO MOBILE 2. HOW HAVE THEY DONE THAT? WELL, FOR STARTERS, THEY’VE DROPPED THE PRICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO MAKE IT AFFORDABLE FOR ALL. IF THAT WASN’T ENOUGH, THE DEVICE STILL HAS ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES OF THE MODEL IT REPLACES, AND ALSO COMES WITH FEATURES SUCH AS ACTIVETRACK, MOTIONLAPSE AND CINEMATIC ZOOM CONTROL. GET YOURS FROM DJI.COM FOR ABOUT RO49.6

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Down to the detail

Alvin Thomas journeys through the seamy side of LA streets, searching for clues and looking suspects straight in the eye. The business of being Cole Phelps is thrilling and chilling

hen released in 2011, L.A. Noire rose in ranks to snag the title of the ‘Best Game of the Year’. It’s one of the rare times I had adhered to the likes and interests of other gamers from around the world. The game – with its intricate storyline and superior character depiction – appealed to a broad audience. The game was so complex that you were forced to read the expressions of the interviewees during questioning. It was difficult, but that made it more beguiling. Nevertheless, the famed developer, Rockstar, is bringing back the title – but not how you would’ve imagined it. It’s now in virtual reality (VR) format – and for the first time ever, we’re glad about such a port (from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation VR). In some ways, it feels like you’re playing it for the first time: The firstperson format gives you control of the surroundings like never before, and the ability to look directly into the eyes of the accused is nothing

short of fascinating and a bit Sherlock-like. The catch is that you only get to play seven cases, as opposed to the 21 cases that were crammed into the console and PC versions. This means you – Cole Phelps – will be running around and solving only a third of the missions that you are presented with. The flaws may be patched in the coming versions of the game and, besides, you have already got about eight hours of gameplay – which is mindbogglingly impressive. The physics engine is altered to a minimum, although the increased number of interactive elements in the game makes it more engaging. Oh, and did I mention? You can land punches using your fists; it’s an oddly satisfying feel. L.A. Noir still follows an episodic route. This makes it easy for you to settle into the game and the narrations are comprehensive. The controls are easy to use, too. Granted, it’s no keyboard or wireless controller, but the motionsensitive stick is always on point. At the end of the day, Rockstar may be seemingly making use of this game to increase sales figures for 2018, but anyone staying away from this game with prejudice is losing out on an opportunity to live this game like you were originally supposed to… from within the streets of 1940s L.A. JULY JAN 03 25 - 09 31 / ISSUE 504 327

039

HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

COOL KIDS

FASHION

It’s important to keep up with the trends when you’re a teenager. Else, you’ll find yourself away from the herd and wandering all alone – probably listening to Lil Pump on your smartphone. Keep an eye out on our fashion trends of the season to stay in touch with what’s currently out there.

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k o o L e h

r p fo mere o h a st s erb k: from H thew our loo t a M y and sform s a an m Tho ould tr hero n i Alv that c super f stuf tal to a mor

T t Ge Nothing shouts out “youth” than a pair of skinny jeans. Yes, it’s an annoying fit if you’re 50, but it should wear well with the younger audience. The superstretchy pair of blue jeans from H&M is perfect for all occasions, since anything less is oldfashioned, right? Get it for RO10.9

You probably don’t own a motorbike, but that trivial matter shouldn’t stop you from adorning a cool biker’s jacket. It fits the bill on all fronts: it’s black, leatherwrapped and comes with a fabric hoodie. What more could you possibly want? Buy it from H&M for RO17.7

T-shirts are quite hard to pull off (without looking like a snob) when you’re 30, but a 15-year-old would find it easy to rock these uber-casual tees from H&M. Purchase this set for RO6.9

Agreed, this probably isn’t Batman’s most-prized watch, but it serves justice (geddit?) to the superhero with its yellow and black dial, and cartoonish leather strap. This DC accessory should go well with a DC funnel-jacket hoodie. Buy yours from H&M for RO2.5

Simple and elegant: That’s what these socks are. Sure, it does not sport the typical in-your-face designs that you see youngsters of today flaunting, but hey, no one’s going to notice it with your hi-top shoes and swagger jacket. A pack of seven from H&M should set you back RO4.9

If a black cap with a Batman logo imprinted on it doesn’t shout out your love for Batman, then we don’t know what will. Wear this with the Batman watch that we’ve featured here to round off your superhero wannabe look. You can buy this from H&M for RO4.5

These colourful hi-tops – or “kicks” as they’re fondly called – should add the much-needed vibrancy to your already vibrant attire. After all, you’re trying to blend in with the other millennials – and this should give you the necessary leverage to pull off a swanky look. Get this from H&M for RO12.9

All items are available at the City Centre Muscat, Seeb

JAN 25 - 31 / ISSUE 504

041

HEALTH& BEAUTY

Skin

DEEP

Dermatologist debunks top five skincare misconceptions, including popular DIY tricks such as baking soda paste and lemon juice When it comes to your skin, there are many elements to consider," says Dr David Lortscher, board-certified dermatologist, CEO and founder of Curology. "Clogged pores, acne and other common issues can be a result of age, genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors. I often hear about common misconceptions that cause otherwise well-meaning people to make mistakes that trigger larger skincare problems." To help people better understand skincare and take control of their daily regimen, Dr Lortscher shares the top misconceptions about skincare and acne. #1 Misconception: Exercise and sweat can cause acne. Fact: Sweating while exercising doesn't cause acne. The eccrine glands produce sweat and the sebaceous glands produce oil â&#x20AC;&#x201D; so revving up the sweat glands doesn't actually turn on the oil glands involved in acne breakouts. The truth is sweating and humidity can aggravate breakouts by giving the bacteria on the skin a better environment to grow. Cleansing is key postworkout, but keep in mind vigorously cleansing your skin can also be a source of friction that aggravates acne. The best strategy is to splash comfortable-temperature water on your face and neck, then pat dry gently. #2 Misconception: Chocolate and greasy foods cause acne. 042

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Fact: Many people have heard that chocolate and junk food are the worst foods for your skin, but modern science hasn't found a direct link between acne and oily foods. Diets are like acne treatments: highly individual. That's not to say your eating habits can't affect your skin. Eating simple carbs and sugar raises your blood sugar levels, causing your body to produce excess insulin, in turn stimulating oil production and leading to more inflammation and increased acne severity. #3 Misconception: DIY skincare and home remedies are good for your skin. Fact: The DIY craze has extended to skincare routines, giving people ample ways to create their own remedies at home. However, it's wise to be careful about the ingredients applied to your skin. Some people try baking soda as a cost-effective scrub or mask. Baking soda is pH 9 and the pH of the skin is 4.5-5 or so. Therefore, scrubbing your face with a baking soda paste can be harsh and disturb your skin's natural barrier, leading to red, raw and sensitive skin and leaving it susceptible to breakout. Others suggest lemon juice as a home remedy for acne but it can cause significant dryness, redness and irritation. Lemon juice may have an exfoliating effect on the most superficial dead skin cells, but there are better ways to treat your acne. If you're fed up with DIY remedies and over-the-counter products just haven't worked for you, you have options. Try custom prescription skincare like Curology,

a service that gets you expert dermatology care from the comfort of your home. Just take a few photos and a skin quiz to get a prescription formula customised to your individual needs. #4 Misconception: You can make your pores smaller. Fact: Most people want smaller pores, but in reality, you can't change the size or force them "open" or "closed." Pore size is genetic; you can't shrink them or make pores go away. To keep large pores from worsening, treat acne breakouts, don't pick and use sun protection. Sun exposure breaks down collagen, which is the support structure surrounding the pores, so pores do appear larger as you age. #5 Misconception: You only need to wear sunscreen on sunny days. Fact: It doesn't matter if it's sunny or cloudy; if you plan to spend time outdoors, wear sunscreen daily. It is estimated that damage caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun is responsible for up to 80 per cent of skin ageing. SPF is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. Most sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher do an excellent job of protecting against UVB. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Source: BPT

Beauty

Fashion

HEALTH

FLU FIGHT Experts offer tips beyond vaccination to help fight germs and stay healthy during cold season

s temperatures remain low, the spread of cold and flu germs continues to rise. Start the year off healthy and be sure to rid your home of lingering germs that may be hiding in places you don't expect. “I always recommend the flu shot – especially when officials are predicting a harsh flu season like this year – good nutrition and plenty of sleep, but there are other healthy habits we can all develop to help keep ourselves and those around us stay healthy during cold and flu season,” said Dr Tanya Altmann, paediatrician, best-selling author and founder of Calabasas Paediatrics. These tips from the experts at Clorox can help you prevent the spread of germs: Get Vaccinated. Even though it's well into cold and flu season, it's still important to get a flu shot if you haven't already. Vaccination is the first step in flu prevention. The Centres for Disease Control recommend a yearly flu virus vaccination – even if the vaccine's efficacy fluctuates – for almost everyone six months and older. Wash your hands. Hands touch so many things throughout the day. It's important to wash your hands often, including after using the bathroom and before preparing or serving food. Germs can spread by touching your eyes, nose or mouth after coming in contact with a contaminated surface. Those areas are common entry points to the body for germs, so try not to touch your face or eat until you wash your hands. Stay at home if you're sick. Even though you may not want to miss work or school, it's important to stay home to prevent the spread of illnesses to those around you. Even at home, make sure to cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue to prevent the spread of germs to your loved ones. Lastly, try your best to make good use of your time off from work or school to rest, relax, eat well and recover from illnesses.

Follow health guidelines. It's important to eat right (fill up with fresh fruit and veggies, vitamin D and probiotics), get some exercise (at least 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity) and get plenty of sleep (at least eight hours per night) to help boost your body's ability to fight the effects of cold and flu viruses. Be aware of your environment. Be aware of illnesses going around in your community to take extra precautions to avoid them.

Disinfect hard surfaces. Disinfection is a key step to help prevent the spread of cold and flu germs. The CDC recommends disinfecting frequently touched, hard surfaces, such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, light switches and faucets, with a disinfectant like Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. They help kill 99.9 per cent of germs that can live for up to 48 hours on hard, nonporous surfaces. Learn more at clorox.com Source: Clorox JAN 25 - 31 / ISSUE 504

043

HEALTH& BEAUTY

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

TRIM Your TUMMY Bariatric surgery has become the popular choice for people to lose weight in a wholesome way. Dr Raymond Elias explains the procedure to Hasan al Lawati

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mid our ever-growing dependency on technology, the number of people gaining extra, unwanted kilogrammes is on the rise, and so is the demand for weight-loss surgeries, according to health experts. In Oman, obese people are only allowed to undergo bariatric surgery if they have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 and above, according to Dr Raymond Elias, Medical Director of Muscat Private Hospital. You need to divide your weight in kilogrammes (kg) by your height in metres (m), and divide the answer by your height again to get your BMI. Dr Elias says bariatric surgery is now becoming the most requested surgery, especially in this region. "Obesity is becoming the disease of the time," he says, adding that one the best procedures to counter overweight is 'sleeve surgery'. Explaining the procedure, Elias says: "In sleeve surgery, we are not changing the digestive track of the patient, we just make a big stomach smaller." "It is an easy and safe procedure," he assures, announcing that Muscat Private Hospital is now cooperating with Europe-trained Dr Ali Fardoun who has earned worldwide recognition for his pioneering work in obesity surgery. Dr Fardoun has performed around 4,000 surgeries during his 15-year career in Oman, the UAE and Lebanon. According to Dr Fardoun, "bariatric surgery helps provide immediate solution to the problem of obesity and also offers considerable relief from other associated diseases like diabetes, high levels of blood pressure and cholesterol." With cosmetic surgery becoming minimally invasive and more affordable, the number of people opting to go under the knife to look better by getting slimmer or reducing the tummy is increasing in Oman. There is an increased awareness and acceptability about cosmetic surgery in Oman now, besides medical purposes. Bariatric surgery is rapidly becoming the treatment of choice for many in Oman who are exploring all available options to get rid of fat, according to Muscat Private Hospital. â&#x2013;

JAN 25 - 31 / ISSUE 504

043

FOOD DRINK

Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

SOUP IT UP A warm bowl of soup is perfect to get cozy on a cold winter’s night. Try out some of Europe’s favourite soups at your home here in Oman.

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arm up with Soup

Two contemporary recipes that take just 30 minutes to cook will warm you up in the days of dipping mercury

hen cooler temperatures call for something to warm you up, good, old-fashioned soups and stews may be just what you need. You can create delicious, steaming pots that taste

Bacon-Apple Red Cabbage Soup Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients: § 2 slices thick-cut beef bacon, chopped § 1 medium red onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup) § 1 clove garlic, minced § 1 jar (450g) red cabbage, not drained § 2 cups low-sodium, fat-free chicken or vegetable broth § 1 medium apple, chopped (about 1 cup), plus additional for garnish (optional) § ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional) § 1/8 tsp ground allspice (optional) § 1/8 tsp ground cloves (optional) § plain yogurt or sour cream (optional) Method: § In a large saucepan over a medium heat, cook the beef bacon for 2-3 minutes, or until cooked through and crisp. Remove bacon from the frying pan; reserve. Drain drippings; return 1 tbsp to pan; discard remaining drippings. § Add onion to the pan. Cook for about two minutes, until tender, stirring frequently. Add garlic; cook and stir for about 30 seconds. Add red cabbage and liquid from the jar, broth and chopped apple. Stir in cinnamon, allspice and cloves. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Add water, 1/2 cup at a time, if soup is too thick. Add bacon to pan. Continue simmering for about 3-5 minutes, until apples are tender and soup reaches desired consistency. § Spoon into a bowl. Garnish with apples, yogurt and crumbled bacon, if desired.

like they’re straight out of mom’s kitchen with flavourful, convenient ingredients such as pickled beets and salads to help streamline preparation. With these contemporary recipes, you’re in and out of the kitchen in under an hour without any long simmering required.

German Potato Salad Soup Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients: § 1 cup chopped onion § 1 cup chopped red bell pepper § 1 tbsp olive oil § 2 cans (425g each) German potato salad, chopped § 3/4 cup reduced-sodium, fat-free chicken broth § 170g (1 cup) diced ham, smoked turkey or sliced smoked sausage (optional) § 1/2 tsp salt (optional) § 1/4 tsp pepper § 1 tbsp chopped parsley § rye croutons (optional)

salad, broth and meat, if desired, and stir to combine. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt, if desired, pepper and parsley. § Serve topped with rye croutons and beef bacon, if desired.

Find more recipes to warm yourself from the inside out at AuntNellies.com and READsalads. com. Source: Seneca Foods

Method: § In a 3-quart saucepan over a medium heat, cook onion and bell pepper in oil until onion starts to brown, for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. § Add potato

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045

FOOD DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

Mid et k Mar

Info Box HITAM

Al Khuwair 1st floor of Al Yasmeen Complex Opening hours: 11:30am -12:00am Phone: 933347 or 92532741 Dinner for six: RO26 Verdict : 7/10 SERVICE 7.5/10 FOOD 5/10 AMBIENCE

HITAM

Good food overshadowed by bad decor Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

HASAN AL LAWATI ON A WEEKEND GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE THAT’S SEASONED WITH A GOOD MEASURE OF SURPRISES: SOME PLEASANT, SOME FUNNY AND SOME UNPLEASANT

uscat is seeing the opening of a new eatery almost every week, but having an authentic experience is only getting more challenging than before even when you are really spoilt for choice. Last weekend, I took my family out to a relatively new Omani restaurant, Hitam. Little did I have any inkling of the slew of shocks and surprises lying in wait for us. First, about the shock. The restaurant was empty on a Friday night. It was all the more shocking because it is located in Al Khuwair, one of the capital’s most happening places. The friendly waiter brought us free dates and coffee, a nice hospitality surprise. The menu was great with a reasonable number of options at really good prices. For appetisers, I had baplo, a traditional sea food-flavoured soup. It was not up our expectation. The pickled olives were equally bad. We really liked the fried cheese samosa though, which made our starters experience better. For the main course, we ordered pizza. Doing that in an Omani restaurant might sound like a mistake, but

THE DECOR WAS DISAPPOINTING. THE COLOURS, THE TEXTURE, THE LIGHTING, THE MIX AND ALL MADE US FEEL AWKWARD

it was really and surprisingly good. The meat harees, on the contrary, was awfully dry and tasteless. The steak, according to my brother, was heavenly, though. Likewise, the grilled prawns tasted fresh and went well with the mashed potatoes. The total cost was RO26, a very reasonable amount for six adults. In fact, it was a bit underpriced for the quality of service and food. The only service flaw we had was the Pepsi order. It took the waiter 20 minutes to bring the soda cans. Overall, this ambitious project, like many other SMEs in the food industry, lacked the look, feel and flavours it needed to set it apart from the rest. The decor was disappointing. The colours, the texture, the lighting, the mix and all made us feel awkward. The food was not bad and the waiters were really good. Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com Photos: instagram.com/hitamoman17

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Meet the network that’s with you wherever you are. With our advanced network, enjoy the widest coverage across Oman. • 99% of populated areas covered • Over 9,000 minutes of video streamed every day • Over 20,000 social media updates exchanged every day *Average daily mobile data usage on Oman’s widest 4G network

Amazing happens together.