Y Magazine #510, March 8, 2018 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

Redefining sports

SABCO SPORTS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED Racing Ahead Free!

AHMAD AL HARTHY REVEALS 2018 PLANS

News: OVER 130 ILLEGAL EXPAT 10 WORKERS ARRESTED

DESTINATION: Harat Safala TASTE TEST: Zahlawi Restaurant YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

EVERY THURSDAY

NOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR

MAR 08 - 14 2018 / ISSUE 510 â&#x20AC;¢ WEEKLY

EQUALLY

RIGHT?

PLUS!

ARE WOMEN EQUAL TO MEN IN OMAN?

BEAUTIFUL VENICE

NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

PLUS SIZE

AMAZING ALMONDS

EDITOR’S

NOTE COMPETITION Send in your answers for our ‘Movie contest’. Stand a chance to win two tickets to attend the Tomb Raider premiere show from VOX.

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

TOURISTS VISITING OMAN Tourism in Oman grew by almost 5 per cent to 3 million, in 2017, according to recent figures published by the Ministry of Tourism.

GOING DOWN

ROAD ACCIDENTS IN OMAN The number of road accidents in Oman dropped for the month of January this year, compared to 2017. According to the NCSI, there were 194 road accidents recorded in the Sultanate by the end of January, 2018, showing a decline of 39 per cent.

THIS WEEK…

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

Fast forward W

hen I was younger, I thought I knew everything there was to know about gender equality. It seemed so straightforward: “If a man can do it, a woman can do it as well.” Much later, I realised there were entirely different angles to the issue than I had imagined. A story I recently heard (source forgotten) went like this: In an argument between a man and a woman about this world-famous question of equality, the man said: “If you want to do what a man does, go climb a coconut tree.” Without missing a beat, the woman retorted, “Why don’t you go climb one and show me first?” The debate went no further, naturally. As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, the debate once again comes alive particularly here in Oman. Women in Oman enjoy a wide variety of roles and responsibilities. They have the right to vote and the right to contest elections. When it comes to work, Omani women do not shy away from fields that used to be viewed as male bastions. More than half of engineers in Oman are women. This week our cover story talks about gender equality in Oman. Are women equal to men here in Oman? Find out from our experts. Happy Women’s Day!

This week, we tried our hand at the Jaguar Art of Performance Tour and Land Rover Experience Tour, at the Oman Automobile Association, and went head-to-head against other competitors who were at event.

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

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contents

MARCH 08 - 14 2018

Your Oman

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman Prasad Panicker 10 News 7,000 tested in Oman for non-communicable diseases

Game On Join the crowds and indulge in an evening of fun and games at the 968 GameZ event.

12 News Ahmad Al Harthy reveals 2018 racing plans

Movies Win tickets to the premiere show of Tomb Raider

Features 20

Equality in Oman We talk to experts to find if women are equal to men in the country

24 A new phase of Sports Sabco Sports is on a mission to bring to light a new wave of sports stars in Oman

20 Food and Drink

Cars and Adventures

44 Food Feature Celebrate St Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

32 Destination Harat Safala

46 Taste Test Zahlawi Restaurant

34 First Drive Alfa Romeo Giulia 38 Y-Fi Top picks from MWC 2018

Health and Beauty 38 Fashion Red rage 41 Health The benefits of almonds

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

w o L Low t l a S Fat

y o j n e o t s y a w Delicious new e s e e h C m a e r Puck C

Celebrating the everyday chef

rs ic parents and teache st ia us th en er ov s, se nsai Outdated syllabu students are more Bo s y’ da to e… lin ip sc di ’s in tears seeing obsessed with ho w r he ac te a ts ee m as than teak. Alvin Thom smile to ed his students too scar elopment of a child.

dev he or g cannot imagine.” “If you ask a child what will the of e on here’s something intriguinr. t tha y es the iev e, bel om He bec to nts wa che she ing about the life of a tea to primary concerns hinder tell you that they would likeer. But the is More often than not, ent pm ine elo eng dev l or r nta cto me do a e ly om ive bec on rents, their lives are almost exclus restrictions that are placed behind the eyes of their pa eral the by ay tod of dedicated to the crafting ir sev e en ldr hav s chi kid the se the of st mo their lives of children during the their parents. talents, and that’s where l. It’s en ldr chi ir the nt formation years in schoo ngly wa nts are “P be. uld sho us foc of their ome an observation that was stro to fulfill dreams that are ds to the “If you’re good in art, bec lea t tha es in validated during my recentl tim d own. Some an artist. If you’re goo a am interview with high schoo rup, ld having to pursue a stre chi singing, work to become ne must Ku na ish t they are not teacher, Radhakr tha s die stu of it, rsa musician. In short, everyo this is from the Indian School Da interested in. Remember, with for follow their dreams. And that is in in Oman. what the child has to live the what will lead to diversity Dressed in simple clothes,erview the rest of their lives. is that jobs too.” that a teacher walked into our int “Another concern I have s are The Despite that, he believes ught in a ttin La a kid mb Ru the l, the oo sch in spot at bro s be sse st cla mu er e aft ng in his radical cha Where Cave, Muscat, with a gift d book. sent out for extra tuitions. friends,” to the existing schooling system. she bli pu ly d new an s Hi not been hand: is the time for family al’ “The school syllabus has years,” Titled the ‘Bonsai Kuttik Bonsai he asks. 20 n re tha e one to changed for mo (roughly translated as ‘Th’s Radhakrishna is also not strated he tells me. na ish akr Children’), Radh hold back on the tears. Frusociety, “If this remains, children in lives st book revolves around the oing eral factors in sev the h wit will completely lose intere essible e incident in and well-being of school-g – as on acc is tes ng rra thi na ery he Ev ng. dyi stu g of these children who are forced to– be school: “Once, I was walkin on the internet, but noneng used the title shrewdly suggests to life; past the hall in the school and I bei new technologies are the are restricted in their approach some students looking at saw in the classroom. Children se who es. the tre t was hung on just like Bonsai tho tha is it t ion bu vis t, tele ap ad to dy rs,” rea toon “Children are like flowe st erning wall. It was showing a carBut mu are sitting on top and gov g to . nk thi I ry, uin Radhakrishna says. “Youe them Jer d tin an con m are To t – tha ia) Ind (in their ng take a lot of care and giv want the kids were all holding s while incorporate such old teachi uth mo ir the t a lot of nourishment if you ins aga s nd ha ds. tho me .” any them to grow and bloom laughing so as to not make Radhakrishna is a strong All metaphors aside, the lains . ise no vocate of e-learning ad exp teacher of over 20 years (in utter nonsense,” is t ha “T applications. teacher. “Let them that the children of today a lot the s laim exc Radhakrishna’s new book Indian schools) are underm enjoy. This is their time which compiles his thoughts, d an gh lau nk been of pressure stemming fro and it makes me cry to thitrol emotions and beliefs has the g the curriculum. rs want to con on che am ll tea t we y tha received ver such an. “Today’s curriculum is ts and discipline children to Malayali community in Omressed den stu the ch tea to ed design exp e hav el.” ers lev a oth l e it. But severa mall and not let them experienc “Also, have you been to a asks their interest in the book – so an at’s wh ow kn n’t e,” do tim en m ldr exa chi The book will in Oman during hing d English version of theblic soon. fin t no l wil ou “Y . going on outside as everyt na ish Radhakr be revealed to the pu y are they do is on paper and on a single student there as the tell or do the books. at home forced to study.” slips Have you got a unique story toContact us I “So, there are times whent sation then e who has? ver eon con som r w Ou kno you ou ured in Y e have to take the children rld. to have coffee with Y and be feat an.com into another direction: Thn wo l rea y-om the m or@ tio edit the na w ail: agi Em sho and Magazine. importance of im ir eyes And the enthusiasm in the vity for the healthy ati cre d an t jus paints a picture that you

MAR 08 - 14 / ISSUE 510

THE VOICE OF OMAN THE BEST IS YET TO BE, PERHAPS, BUT WHAT’S ENJOYED BY OMANI WOMEN LEAVES LITTLE ROOM TO GROUSE ABOUT THE RIGHTS BITTERLY. PRASAD PANICKER PRESENTS AN EXPATRIATE’S VIEW OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN OMAN

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: The Royal Oman Police has announced that all applications for tourist and express visas will only be available online from March 21 and not at the service desks. What do you think about the move? MOHAN ANANDAN

hts in the fag-end of the 20th century was the lady who worked in the front office of my workplace waiting every working day during the short lunch break for her husband to pick her up so they could head for home, take a quick lunch and get back on time to their respective offices. I don’t know whether it was the necessity that helped women enjoy the right to work here, but I am sure both men and women welcomed the opportunity. Later, in the early part of the allnew century, a group of students, both boys and girls, from Sultan Qaboos University would drive to Ruwi where my office was located to hand over the flash drive that contained articles they had written for their campus publication. The boys and girls expressed their ideas fearlessly, argued with another in a healthy way to make their points and at the end of it all happily trotted back to the car — they came in a single car — to get back to SQU. I was impressed how the younger generation was getting on, without fear and inhibition. I lived in the region from 1991 to 2014, and during the course of my life, both professional and personal, got to meet, chat and argue with a crosssection of Omanis, young and old, men and women. That’s why I could say without second thoughts that women here enjoy a good deal of rights. During the course of those long years I happened to live and work, besides Muscat, for short periods of time in Dubai and Doha too which helps me say without bias: hat off to you the men and women of the Sultanate for the lovely, lively way you are getting on with life, making the choice to embrace the change but always remaining true to the culture and heritage you are born into and brought upon. I am aware of the things that are far from ideal. But the hope, based on what has already been achieved and enjoyed by women in Oman, makes me confident of the future. The best is yet to be, of course!

MAR 08 - 14 / ISSUE 510

It will simplify and speed up the visa-issuing process and be in tune with the times when efficiency is measured in terms of minimum paper work and speed. This will see more tourist inflow into the Sultanate and facilitate prospective investors/businessmen to plan more visits to the country. The issue that needs consideration is the requirement of local sponsorship. Do away with it, and that may add value to the above decision.

SEEMA SHARMA

The ROP is trying to push Oman further on the world tourism map. ROP website https://evisa. rop.gov.om/ is very user-friendly and helpful to tourists. The website provides detailed information regarding visa types suitable for different nationalities and documents and other requirements. Even Oman Air has provided a link to this web page on its website. The opening of the ‘e-visa’ facility in January this year and now restricting application ‘online only’ will help attract more tourists into the country. However, a large numbers of tourists still have to approach a travel agent for getting visas, costing them RO70 to RO90. Hope the ROP will do something to help tourists cut down on such avoidable expenses.

BRINDA KALYANI

From service desk to online, the ROP is marking a big step forward to the smart world. As envisaged in the 2018 budget, there is going to be a paradigm shift in the tourism and logistics

WRITE TO US AND YOU COULD WIN

sector. The ROP move will cut delay. The online application system is appreciated for its impartiality and minute second queue management techniques. It’s people who visit the country for a short stay who apply for tourist and express visas and, therefore, speeding up the process will be much helpful. Now, one need not travel to the ROP offices and waste time in the queues.

WAFAA EL ANANY

It will make it easier for travellers, and hotels and tour operators will find it convenient to get visas for their guests. The move comes as Oman aims at boosting tourism revenues, given that the government has implemented various measures to cope with the plunge in oil prices.

ASGHAR ALI

Another positive step to promote tourism. This will make it easier for expatriates to bring in their family and friends to enjoy the beauty of Oman.

GOVINDARAMAN PARTHASARATHY

While I would be happy to welcome the online process of applying and getting tourist and express visas, let me share with the readers an experience more than a couple of decades ago. Obviously, I am referring to a time when the world was not as connected as it is today. I landed at the then Seeb international airport for the first time on an employment visa and the documents I received from my employers said my visa had been deposited at the designated counter at the airport. All I needed to do was just walk up to the counter and show my passport to the person in charge who would then hand me the visa that had been deposited there.

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

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Everything was smooth until I held out my passport to the lady at the visa collection counter. She took my passport, sifted through a maze of documents, pausing now and then to stare at me. And this went on for a couple of minutes without success. Frustrated, she just left my passport aside and attended to the others in the line. I waited, feeling a bit upset: what if my employer had forgotten to deposit the document at the airport? The time I am referring to is the pre-cellphone era, so there was no way I could have called up my employer. It was around 5 in the morning, so there was no use trying the landline number of the office. Once all others got their visas and walked away to the immigration counters, the lady picked up my passport again and tried to pronounce my name. She could not. It was after another 10 minutes of frantic search that she managed to locate my visa. Those were the days. Now the technology is so smart and we are so connected that such incidents of the past bring a smile on oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face. If everything is perfect we would be missing such moments to cherish. Well, all the best to the new visa applicants and the authorities who are keen on making it swift, smooth and simple.

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IVON DIAS, JOSE & ISABELLA were spotted with their favourite Y Magazine in Muscat

PRAVIN TUPE

It is good to know the process of applying for a tourist or express visa will now be hassle-free, but what about actually getting one? How fast will it be? Delays at all fronts need to be eliminated to tap the full potential of the tourism sector here. If the process and procedures are simplified, Oman will see a lot more tourists flocking to the amazing souqs, historical forts and pristine beaches here.

New Debate: There has been a 10 percent drop in the number of admission requests to Indian schools in Oman. What do you think is the reason?

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Send it to: info@y-oman.com

THROUGH YOUR EYES

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Y Magazine reader Muhammed Mukthar captures the beautiful Al Mouj using his Canon 750D.

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: Muhammed Mukthar

MAR 08 - 14 / ISSUE 510

NEWS

YOUR

OMAN

total of 138 expat workers were arrested and deported last month in Al Buraimi by the Ministry of Manpower. Around 82 workers were

OVER 130 EXPAT WORKERS ARRESTED AND DEPORTED

found violating labour laws in February. While 71 expats were working at a business, 11 workers were part of the private workforce. Out of these 82, 52 workers were labourers who left their

jobs, while the other 30 were part of a workforce that was demobilised. Around the same time, 56 expat workers were deported due to violating provisions of the Labour Law.

7,000 TESTED IN OMAN FOR NON-

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

alan Bani Bu Ali health teams have checked up 7,000 people for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) over a period of two weeks as part of the Ministry of Health’s ‘Check Today To Be Safe Forever’ campaign. The campaign targets people in the age group of 30 and above, and includes all health centres in the regions and villages of the wilayat to combat NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and heart disease by promoting early diagnosis and awareness and to intervene in such cases quickly. The campaign has been divided into two categories: People aged between 30 and 39, tested for diabetes, blood pressure, and body mass, weight; and people 40 years of age and above, being tested for diabetes, blood pressure, body mass, cholesterol, kidney function, and albuminoid. To reach a wider number of people throughout the governorate, health examination units were available at most commercial centres during the campaign period. A number of activities had been carried out as part of the campaign, including visits to schools and official, institutional and sports activities, as well as awareness lectures for the community. 010

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SABCO SPORTS

GALLERY

SABCO SPORTS OMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PREMIER SPORTING AGENCY - HAS LAUNCHED ITS ACTIVITIES SUCCESSFULLY. IN AN EXCLUSIVE EVENT HELD AT THE LAVAL RESTAURANT, MANAGING DIRECTOR, NIC CARTWRIGHT, ANNOUNCED A HOST OF ACTIVITIES THAT IS EXPECTED TO REDEFINE THE FACE OF FOOTBALL AND OTHER SPORTS IN THE COUNTRY. SABCO SPORTS AIMS TO HONE LOCAL TALENTS AND CREATE A NEW GENERATION OF SPORTS STARS FOR OMAN.

MAR 08 - 14 / ISSUE 510

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YOUR

OMAN

AHMAD AL HARTHY REVEALS

2018 RACING PLANS

mani racing superstar and reigning Blancpain Endurance Cup Pro-Am Champion Ahmad Al Harthy has officially launched his and the Oman Racing Team’s 2018 motor racing programme at the Barr Al Jissah resort in Muscat. This will be Ahmad’s sixth season in the biggest GT endurance racing championship, but the racer will now be competing against some of the world’s best in the new Silver Cup class. Ahmad was promoted from Bronze to Silver following last year’s title win, which he snagged with the help of his Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 car. Oman Racing’s entry will once again be engineered and prepared by British squad TF Sport, with a three-driver line-up confirmed for the new campaign. Joining Al Harthy will be Euan McKay, who contested one event with Oman Racing last year, and team newcomer Charlie Eastwood.

was Pro-Am1 Champion in 2012. “Euan obviously raced with the team in the Gulf 12 Hours last year and he did a fantastic job on our way to a podium finish, so it’s wonderful he is with us for the full season in Blancpain,” added Al Harthy. “Charlie more than proved his talent in Porsche Carrera Cup GB, so I’m really looking forward to racing with him. I think we have a very strong, competitive and exciting driver line-up.” A key part of Al Harthy’s motorsport programme will be the National Bank of Oman, Omantel, Barr Al Jissah and Amouage, all confirmation of the tremendous commercial value supporting the Sultanate’s number one racing driver brings. Oman Racing will travel to Paul Ricard in France next week for the official pre-season Blancpain Endurance Cup test days on March 13 and 14. Round one of the new season will then follow over the weekend April 21/22 at Monza in Italy.

SALALAH 2 INDEPENDENT POWER

PLANT TO OPEN TODAY

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Officially confirming his 2018 plans in front of gathered dignitaries this week (Monday, March 5), Al Harthy said: “We come into 2018 off the back of an absolutely incredible season last year for Oman Racing. To win the ProAm championship in Blancpain was a dream come true, especially in the 10th anniversary year of Oman Racing. It was the culmination of so much hard work. “Now we have an exciting new challenge awaiting us this year and it’s one we’re all very much looking forward to. As ever, the level of competition is going to be extremely high and the Silver Cup will be a very closely contested championship. It’s important for me to continue to progress, so racing in the Silver Cup is another step-up made possible by my incredible partners.” Euan McKay and Charlie Eastwood both make the move into full-time GT endurance racing from the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship, where Al Harthy himself

here will not be any shortage of electricity in Salalah in the foreseeable future as the Salalah 2 Independent Power Plant officially kicks off its operations. The plant will be opened today (Thursday, March 8) in the Governorate of Dhofar under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq al Said. The Salalah 2 Independent Power Plant has a capacity of 445MW, bringing Dhofar Generating Company’s capacity to 718MW, across the two existing and new stations at a cost of RO240m. Eng. Naef bin Mohammad al-Awaed, CEO of Dhofar Generating Company, told Oman News Agency (ONA): “The Salalah 2 Independent Power Plant started its commercial operation on January, 1, 2018, in addition to the existing 273MW plant, thus the company has become the largest producer of electricity in the Governorate of Dhofar.” He added that the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company would purchase the power produced from the new and old stations belonging to the company for 15 years under the power purchase contract signed between the two parties. Dhofar Generating Company was established in 2015 in partnership with Mitsui (45 per cent), ACWA Power (45 per cent) and Dhofar International Development and Investment Holding (10 per cent).

INTERNATIONAL DAY

GALLERY

THE AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL CELEBRATED THE ‘TAISM INTERNATIONAL DAY’ AT THE SCHOOL PREMESIS, LAST WEEK. TAISM’S DIVERSE COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER ANNUALY TO CELEBRATE ALL CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS AS WELL AS COLLECTIVE IDENTITY AS A COMMUNITY.

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YOUR

OMAN

NEW PHARMACEUTICAL

COMPANY IN OMAN

he face of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Oman is expected to see a substantial facelift soon, and the first step was initiated when the Salalah Free Zone celebrated the laying of the foundation stone of Felix Pharmaceutical Industries – an RO140m ($365m) investment. The plant will produce more than 100 types of pharmaceuticals and it is eyeing upwards of 20 international markets. The project will be implemented in three stages, starting this year and ending in 2021. The project will include a research and development centre and high quality international laboratories. On the job front, more than 300 young men and women are expected to be part of the venture in the Sultanate. The ceremony was attended by HE Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mehrazi, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Salalah Free Zone Company, in the presence of His Excellency Mohammed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar, and numerous international dignitaries, officials and companies involved in the pharmaceutical industry. The project seeks to establish an industrial logistics centre for international companies in this field and a point of contact between local and international investors to achieve joint economic growth and provide the pharmaceutical needs of the public and private sectors from a local source as well as reduce the cost of imports and the operation of national cadres and attract international expertise. The Minister of Tourism and Chairman of Salalah Free Zone Company said the project represented a qualitative addition to existing projects in the Salalah Free Zone and would support the national economy, and it’s the

SQU FAIR BOOSTS JOBS FOR OMANIS

13 ENDANGERED EGYPTIAN VULTURES TAGGED IN OMAN

T U

nemployed Omanis may soon be a thing of the past as more citizens are being hired than ever by private companies. And in what is good news for the nation, more than 60 public and private establishments have come forward to providing 279 job opportunities and 199 training offers to Omanis. The companies came together at the annual Career & Training Opportunities Fair 2018, which kicked off at the Grand Hall of Sultan Qaboos University under the auspices of Minister of Health Dr Ahmed Al Saidi. “The exhibition aims at supporting Omanisation plans and programmes in different sectors of work, and at introducing students and graduates to work and training opportunities,” SQU stated on its official Twitter page.

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result of the efforts exerted by the free zone in Salalah to attract foreign investments to the Sultanate. Waseem Hamad, the CEO of Felix Pharmaceuticals, said: “We are delighted to be the first building block for a world-class industrial pharmaceutical project that will provide basic needs in the pharmaceutical industry and serve as a magnet for the global industrial technology transfer to the region in the pharmaceutical sector.” The Minister of Tourism and the Governor of Dhofar laid the foundation stone for the first stage of the project, which will include the construction of a pharmaceutical factory on an area of 10,000 square metres and a high production capacity for tablets and capsules and logistic services centre.

o better understand and monitor the movements of 13 endangered Egyptian vultures in Oman, tags have been added to its bodies. The program focuses on tagging vultures and eagles with tracking devices that allow detailed monitoring of their movements in order to investigate where these endangered species are breeding, feeding and migrating. This initiative is a collaboration between International Avian Research (IAR, led by Dr. Michael McGrady), the Bernd Meyburg Foundation for Raptor Research and Conservation (led by Prof. Bernd Meyburg who also holds the positions of Deputy Chairman of the Advisory Group for Ornithology and

Bird Protection and Chairman of Raptor Working Group of BirdLife Germany (NABU), and the Environment Society of Oman (ESO). This initiative was launched in 2014, and aims to monitor the movements of scavenging, soaring raptors (e.g. Egyptian vultures and eagles) in Oman. Most vulture species and many species of eagle are in decline internationally, but recent research shows Oman to be a hotspot for them, holding important populations of both resident and migratory individuals. The project aims to develop a greater understanding of the movements and migration of the birds, and the habitats they use. Dr. McGrady says: “So far our work has focused on Egyptian vultures, but we have also been tracking two Steppe eagles, a species that is also globally endangered. The focus in coming years may shift somewhat towards eagles because we are currently tracking a good number of vultures. However, trapping these species can be difficult, so we take what we can get. Trapping the hybrid spotted eagle was a pleasant surprise, and already the data are fascinating.”

GRAND WELCOME

GALLERY

THE INTERCONTINENTAL MUSCAT UNVEILED THE NEW INTERCONTINENTAL CONCIERGE LOUNGE, LOCATED AT THE HOTELâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MAIN LOBBY, LAST WEEK. IT IS INTENDED TO SERVE THE CUSTOMERS TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS.

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YOUR

COLOURS GALORE

OMAN

RESIDENTS OF OMAN CELEBRATED THE INDIAN FESTIVAL OF COLOURS - HOLI - AT THE AL MOUJ GOLF GROUNDS, LAST WEEK. THE ORGANISER, AXIS EVENTS, REVEALED THAT MORE THAN 5217 VISITED THE EVENT AND USED MORE THAN 2.5 TONNES OF COLOUR.

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In a new series, we look for inspiration from a variety of influences around Oman, including its people, places and wildlife. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspiration: Use your smile to change the world. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the world change your smile.

Photo: Shaquel Al Balushi MAR 08 - 14 / ISSUE 510

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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

PEACE AND YOGA

Are you striving to become a yoga trainer? If so, you’re in luck. Simply register yourself at the Yoga Teachers’ Training Programme to learn the art form. The training will take 200 hours and will be provided by registered yoga teachers. After successfully completing the training, you can apply to become a member at the World Yoga Alliance. The training will be held at the Al Nahda Resort & Spa, Barka. For more information, contact: 9884 0456 or sssymiddleeast@gmail.com

08-28

WEEK

WHAT TO DO.

WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

Who cares if Comic-Con isn’t hosted in the Sultanate? We’ve got our very own 968 GameZ to keep company with. The event – which is aiming to become Oman’s premier gaming and arts event – will kick off this week at the lovely Opera Galleria in the Royal Opera House Muscat. Visitors can take part in gaming duels, tournaments, cosplay and more. Rumours that celebrities will headline the function are also in the air. For more information, check out the organisers’ Facebook page: 968Gamez

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Dance away your troubles and worries this weekend at the 25th Annual Canadian Stampede. The event, organised by Axis Events and Muscat Mutterings, will be hosted at the PDO Club. The Distillers – the band that played the last night of the Dubai 7s tournament last December – will set the tone for the night alongside other big names. Tickets will set you back RO25 (or RO23 for members) and water is complimentary all night. Of course, the tickets will ensure you entry (if you’re 21 and above), a bandana, sheriff badge, buffet dinner, three drinks tickets and a photo. For more details, contact Axis Events on their Facebook page.

GAME ON

THIS

MARCH

SHAKE IT OFF

MAR

MAR 08-10

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

laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa (Sally Hawkins) is trapped in a life of isolation. Elisa’s life is changed forever when she and co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer) discover a secret classified experiment. Rounding out the cast are Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones and Michael Stuhlbarg. Release Date: March 8

Cast: Alicia Vikander, Hannah John-Kamen and Walton Goggins Lara Croft is a fiercely independent daughter of an eccentric adventurer who vanished when she was scarcely a teen. Now a young woman of 21 without any real focus or purpose, Lara navigates the chaotic streets of trendy East London as a bike courier, barely making the rent, and takes college courses, rarely making it to class. Determined to forge her own path, she refuses to take the reins of her father’s global empire just as staunchly as she rejects the idea that he’s truly gone. Advised to face the facts and move forward after seven years without him, even Lara can’t understand what drives her to finally solve the puzzle of his mysterious death.

Going explicitly against his final wishes, she leaves everything she knows behind in search of her dad’s last-known destination: a fabled tomb on a mythical island that might be somewhere off the coast of Japan. But her mission will not be an easy one; just reaching the island will be extremely treacherous. Suddenly, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Lara, who -- against the odds and armed with only her sharp mind, blind faith and inherently stubborn spirit -- must learn to push herself beyond her limits as she journeys into the unknown. If she survives this perilous adventure, it could be the making of her, earning her the name tomb raider.

The Shape of Water

The Shape of Water comes from master story teller Guillermo del Toro. The story revolves around an otherworldly fairy tale, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962. In the hidden high-security government

Cast: Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shanno

problems, often with bizarre consequences, in this hilarious social comedy. Release Date: March 8

3 Storeys (Hindi) Cast: Richa Chadha, Sharman Joshi, Pulkit Samrat and Renuka Sahane

Shaghaltna Arjantenia (Arabic) Cast: Abdullrahman Al Zaraoni, Yousif Al Kaabi, Mervat Yusef, Makram Khan and Diva Riachy

A regular Emirati family is faced with the typical challenge of finding a replacement maid. When they hire Sandra, a domestic worker from Argentina, the once normal family starts behaving strangely. Sandra also has her own unusual ways of solving domestic

3 Storeys takes us on a journey across three floors of a lively residential apartment building in Maya Nagar, presenting a microcosm of human existence amid Mumbai’s bustling urban landscape. A playful and moving study of intricately intertwined lives, the film depicts loves lost, avenged and forbidden. Over the course of three acts, dark secrets and past regrets are revealed, and it becomes clear that life in this small community is not quite what it seems. With stunning cinematography, powerful performances and fascinating commentaries on the power and destruction of class, religion and status, 3 Storeys blends Bollywood with universal themes and heart-wrenching storylines that will resonate strongly with audiences across the globe.

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

Who plays Lara Croft in the Tomb Raider film? LAST WEEK’S WINNER Roshini Bhatt

WIN FREE MOVIE TICKETS! Read our movie section and answer the question. Two lucky winners will get two tickets each to watch the premiere of Tomb Raider on the 13th of March! Send your answers to info@yoman.com, along with your contact information. Competition lasts until March 11th and winners will be randomly selected.

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New laws, broad mindsets and revamped social milieus have brought in a fresh wave of optimism in society on women’s rights. Hasan al Lawati seeks to explode the gender myths ou may have shared the stands with them and cheered just as wildly for the guys in action. And now, you could even hail a taxi driven by one of them at the end of the match to make it back to your place. Women in Oman could flock to a soccer stadium and root for the team of their choice along with men, and they have been driving cars for years. From the first of this 020

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month they have been even allowed to run taxis, too. There could be people who wonder what’s so much to talk about these small, normal, routine things, such as watching a game of football in public or a woman driving a car, but the truth is that such simple pleasures of life are still denied, in full or in part, or just granted, for women in some parts of the world. Women in Oman enjoy a wide variety of roles and responsibilities. They have the right to vote and the right to contest elections. They are no longer restricted by male domination in the matter of marriage as a Royal Decree has granted them the right to appeal to His Majesty the Sultan against male guardians’ objections. Nor do they require the guardian’s approval to obtain a passport. When it comes to work, Omani women do not shy away from fields that used to be viewed as male bastions. More than half of engineers in Oman are women. Neither are they afraid of working shifts nor reluctant to work outdoors. That’s a bright, happy picture of women’s life, but does it mean that everything is so perfect for women here? How do society as whole and family in particular view the role and rights of women? Among the slew of rights Omani women have been granted

by law are the right to education, right to own property, right to employment, right to earn a fair and equal pay and the right to equal opportunities, but do these rights mean that there is no discrimination at all against women in Oman? And how these rights guaranteed under law enable and empower women to lead a better life? Change for the better For decades Middle Eastern countries have been subjected to accusations of gender discriminations and the western media has labelled the Arab world as a “non-female-friendly zone”. Is there any grain of truth in such allegations? And how is Oman different from its neighbours on the matter? A look back in history will reveal that Omani women were widely empowered even before modern laws came into existence. It’s this fact that Dr Sharifa Al Yahyai, Oman’s former minister of social development, has stressed at a recent symposium, stating that Omani society was more moderate and open-minded then than it is now. Post 1970, the Sultanate went through dramatic changes as it witnessed an economic boom that profoundly influenced all

aspects of life in Oman. The laws that were in place in the 70s have been subjected to a series of amendments to make sure men and women enjoy equal rights. “Legislative reforms would not have been successful without the profound support and vision of His Majesty the Sultan,” Dr Sharifa pointed out in her speech at the symposium organised by the Women’s Engineering Chapter last month. Article 17 of the Basic Law of the State says that “… all citizens are equal before the law and they are equal in public rights and duties. There shall be no discrimination between them on the grounds of gender, origins, colour, language, religion, sect, domicile or social status.” This clearly shows that the constitution stipulates that women in Oman are equal to men with absolute and complete rights and duties in public life. “No discrimination between citizens regarding social rights and obligations, nor occupations and public office,” Dr Sharifa stressed. Among the laws that were abolished or amended to ensure a fairer treatment of women in Oman were: MAR 08 - 14 / ISSUE 510

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Male guardian authority According to Article 11/B of the Personal Status Law, consent of the male guardian was required for women for marriage, and there had been several cases in which male guardians prohibited their female relatives (sisters or daughters) from marrying the man of their own choice. A Royal Decree issued in 2010 eliminated such male domination on women’ social life. The decree allows women who are prevented from marrying by their guardians or by Supreme Court rulings to submit their plea to His Majesty the Sultan within 30 days of the court order. Land entitlement For years, the Omani government granted men lands for different uses, while women were granted land only if they were in receipt of social security benefits. But this discrimination was brought to an end in 2008. A Royal Decree issued in 2008 allowed women to stand a chance to be granted a plot of government land irrespective of their social and financial status. Testimony value A woman’s testimony is worth half that of a man, as per a religioninfluenced law that is effective in all other GCC and most Arab states. Oman made women and men’s testimony equal before the court of law in 2008, making the Sultanate the first and only GCC country to make such a radical change. Omani Passport Law In 2010, a Royal Decree was issued to reform Article 12 of Omani Passport Law No. 69/97 to eliminate the need for guardian’s approval for issuing women’s passport. The political regime in Oman believes in women’s participation and capabilities, Dr Sharifa said. Where women lag behind In Oman, women make 41.5 per cent of government employees, and enjoy an equal pay, according to the National Statistics and Information Centre, as of October 2017. But women make only 24 per cent of private sector employees and 63 per cent of total job seekers. While it is expected to see fewer women in fields like engineering and oil and gas sectors, more than half of engineers in Oman are women, according to Nashwa Al Rawahi, director of HMR Consultant She said globally women’s participation in national parliaments was 23 per cent, adding that fewer than 33 per cent of senior and middle management positions were held by women. Prof. Salma Al Kindy, Dean of College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, drew attention to another area where women are lagging behind men. “Women are under-represented in research,” she said, blaming a lack of role models, prevalence of social taboos, and the load of family responsibilities being carried by women for this. Are women happy with the changes? A recent study by Sumaya Al Weheibi, a women and gender inequality specialist at the United Nations, shows that the level of education is “significantly related to happiness” of Omani women. The higher the level of education the higher the rate of happiness, according to the study that covered 1,926 Omani women from 11 governorates. Sumaya’s study reveals that, occupation wise, Omani women who run their own businesses are the happiest lot, compared to students and employees. Also, the study said a majority of the one-to-one interview samples indicated that “society is anti-women empowerment and social equality”. Eight of 12 (67%) of the participants said employment status contributed to their happiness. 022

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We study with men in colleges and attend the same training courses. While women would not have taken up such jobs some years ago, we see them now as opportunities

“They expressed that obtaining a tertiary level of education enhanced their everyday life from different perspectives. Getting a higher degree gave women the opportunity to be engaged in the workforce which could lead them to be independent financially and that increases their confidence,” the researcher said. All participants indicated that the roles of the household in Omani society are highly genderbased, according to the study. New generation, new mindset Young Omani ladies, empowered by the state’s laws, are now conquering many maledominated fields. Y spoke to six young women employees of Shell who work in aviation refuelling at Muscat International Airport. Ranya Awlad Thani, aviation operator, said she had not faced any objection from her family when she accepted the job. Ranya has been trained on quality control and safety in the workplace. “I convinced my family saying that I hold an engineering certificate and this is part of my profession.” Salma Al Rasbi, who works in the same area, said her brother was the only family member who was not happy with working shifts, citing that it would be tiring for her. “I like this job, I told him that I will get experience and new skills. I do not really like office jobs and prefer more practical ones,” Salma explained.

Tahani Al Jahwari, aviation administrator, said she had no issues at all as two of her sister work as cabin crew. Salma Al Midelwi explained that her father was the one who encouraged her to work outdoors. Sarah Al Mamari said the lifestyle had changed. “We study with men in colleges and attend the same training courses. While women would not have taken up such jobs some years ago, we see them now as opportunities.” Shell said the recent signing of an agreement for operating the fuel farm facilities at the new Muscat International Airport had “played a significant role in creating these opportunities”. Looking ahead Women in Oman now enjoy the benefits of the great march the Sultanate has made in many fields. The new opportunities and exposures have brought in a welcome change in the mindset of people who some years ago would have found it hard to accept the new realities of social life. Families are ready to let their daughters go in for the careers they love, fathers encourage their daughters to pursue their dreams that would have been frowned upon some years ago, men are open to the idea of their women playing their parts in all areas of life, and society is open to the new challenges. Still, there are areas where women look forward to more openness but, at the moment, they are keen on making the most of the available opportunities. ■ MAR 08 - 14 / ISSUE 510

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E S A H P W E N S T R O P S OF

hen it comes to sporting heroes in the country, not many are as exalted as Oman’s national team goalkeeper Faiz al Rushaidi. “What does football mean to you?” we asked Faiz (who is now dubbed the “Superman”) in an interview following Oman’s Gulf Cup win, early this year. His answer was direct: “It is my life and I have been striving to become the best to raise the name of our country to the top.” This just goes on to show the passion and fervour Faiz – and every other Omani sportsman and woman – has for sports. So, there’s little reason to doubt that the launch of Oman’s first and premier sports agency – Sabco Sports – will raise the bar and, subsequently, ‘redefine the face of sports’ in the country. Soft launched at a highly exclusive event at the Laval Restaurant this week, Sabco Sports – with their highly specialised and motivated team – came forward to reveal the brand motto and schedule of events. “Sport is more than just playing,” said Nic Cartwright, the managing director of Sabco Sports. “It’s about experiencing the sport and building yourself and the country. Sport has and always will be something that builds teams and strengthen communities. “Football is widely accepted as a sport in Oman – and it is amazing to know that there is about 60 per cent of interest locally in the sport,” he added, before making a startling revelation: Sabco Sports will be signing a deal with Faiz al Rushaidi this week. This was followed by the introduction of Sabco 6’s professional league in Oman. The league will span over two seasons a year with six weeks of matches a season, and will feature six players per team and 12 teams per night. “The aim of Sabco 6’s is to introduce and establish contact with the Omani youth,” the managing director said. All Sabco Sports events will be broadcast live online, too. But don’t for a second think that Sabco Sports are going to incorporate red-tape on their events. They’re already up and running, as was proved when they kicked off the National Obstacle Series on the day. Abbreviated quite simply as NOS, it already the largest inflatable obstacle series in the Middle East. Ten events will be held every year and 1,000 participants are expected per event. Duncan D’Ewes, the chief business officer of the company, said: “Sabco Sports’ aim is not just incorporating professional sports. We aim to make a community impact by giving more players a chance to take part in competition sports. “Our next goal is to get the people active and moving. As you know, diabetes is on the rise in Oman and more people are suffering from heart diseases. Just getting out of the homes and moving will help change that.” Apart from these two events (Sabco 6’s and NOS), Sabco Sports will also organise:

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ew n a h t i w s and h g n i of n i e o c j a s f i e s t h r t o e fin e d e r Sabco Sp he o t t s n r o e s t t s r g o n p u e wave of yo an. Alvin Thomas r m sports in O ey have set to score h t s l a o g w ne

● The Oman International Cup – a multi-team international youth football tournament which will be held in the winter of 2018 ● The Regional Cup – a talent hunt to find the best youth football team and talents in Oman which will be held in the autumn of this year ● The Academy League – a youth football league ● Adventure Racing – an obstacle course racing with mud races and various other challenging multidiscipline events ● Tough Mudder – a global obstacle race series which will commence later in 2018. The agency will also associate itself with events in sports such as golf, table tennis, cricket, desert marathon, desert dune race, etc.

Talking about the response from the venture, Nic emphasised: “The number of people coming and contacting us is fantastic. As part of the activities we are conducting, we went to schools around Oman and, to our surprise, several schools reverted that they needed opportunities such as these – and that they were grateful for this agency.” In a short chat, Kunal Singh, the head of sales at the company, remarked: “Sabco Sports are leading the way with innovation. Such an agency definitely fits the love the people have for sports here in the country. At the same time, we also need to tap all the potential here. Sports need to be a greater part of school – and by doing that we will nurture the young talents into growing up to become great stars for this beautiful country.” ■

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AMAZING ANGLES AFTER SPENDING A DECADE IN JAPAN, ABEER ABDUL RAOOF AISHA FRAMED THE BEAUTY OF HER MOMENTS THERE. ALVIN THOMAS GETS A GLIMPSE OF ‘THE TRUE ESSENCE OF JAPAN’

famous photographer once said: “Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.” The concept that arises from these wise words holds true till date – and has since created a flux of images that are now redefining the way we look at things that exist around us. This was also the case last week (February 26) when renowned Omani photographer Abeer Abdul Raoof Aisha displayed her photographs to the public at the Sabco Centre. Mesmerised audience aside, her works were garnering excellent response, with several even clicking photos to show their friends and families. After all, it’s not every day that you get to see photographic works displayed to the public in a mall. The exhibition, titled ‘From Japan: Beauty of the Moment’, focused on the different shades of Japan – a country that Aisha said she loves. But her love for the nation started well before she started snapping images. Following her move to Japan with her husband, Aisha started learning photography at the Temple University in Tokyo. And it goes to show: Nothing about the lady and her works are ordinary; all pictures have a story to tell and stem out of love for documenting and showcasing her works to the world. “I love Japan so much that I want to showcase these photos to give the people an idea on how it is to live and enjoy in the country. “I’ve been there for 10 years, and I know everything about Japan now,” she laughed, before adding that the exhibition

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A proud Abeer Abdul Raoof Aisha poses with her prized photographs.

only showcased a quarter of the photos (of Japan) she had taken. “I have another 83 photos and many more smaller images,” she remarked. One of Aisha’s standout photos that caught my eye was of go-karts powering through the busy streets of Tokyo. Apart from that, the visitors also enjoyed pictures of Japanese men fishing in a pond, trees shedding leaves in autumn, and of a fish (whose breed I cannot quite distinguish) near to the surface of a pond. The dynamic ranges of Aisha’s work is displayed in the exhibition is splendid and had me – and several others at the expo – in awe.

During our conversation, Aisha remained very animated – smiling and laughing through each question with ease. “Honestly, to be a photographer is not just to carry a camera and take a photo. Anyone can do that, but it is all about the moment. “I feel that there is a calling that takes me to places in Japan. For instance, when I went to the forest in Kyoto, it was on an instinct that I had to take pictures of the place. Nothing is choreographed in the photos. “This is also the case when I’m in the city. When I see a dog on the street, I will take a photo. In short, real photography receives soul when you are attracted by an occurrence at a moment. Unsurprisingly, Aisha has also held an exhibition in Japan, showcasing the beauty of Oman. “My aim was to narrate a comparison of Oman and Japan through pictures,” she told me. “Oman and Japan has shared tremendous diplomatic relations. So, it’s only right to introduce each other’s cultures to the respective people. There are a lot of similarities between Oman and Japan. Hospitality, she said, is one of the main features of the residents of both countries. “I don’t see any difference in the people at all… sometimes it feels just like home,” she added.

Hideaki Yamamoto, the Deputy Head of Mission and Counsellor, chimed in: “There’s a lot of passion in Aisha’s works and it definitely captures the true essence of Japanese culture. “It’s a great time and location to introduce Japan to the people of Oman. And she’s taken different angles of Japan – nature, people, cities, cultures and things,” he added. If you thought Aisha’s works are only received well in Oman, think again; her works were lauded greatly and also earned honorable mentions in the years following 2013 at the prestigious International Photographic Salon of Japan competition organised by the All-Japan Association of Photographic Societies and the Asahi Shibun. Carrying her prized Canon camera, Aisha vowed that she would continue her passion to document everything memorable she sees in the months to come. ■ MAR 08 - 14 / ISSUE 510

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COMPETITION

d r o w e h t s ’ m Mu

Hey kids! Here’s a dream chance for you to put a big, proud smile on your mother’s face that’s going to stay there for a long time. Be free, get creative and win it — Oman’s Best Mum tiara — for her

others are the lifeline of the family – there’s no denying that, and it is high time we gave the mums the credit they deserved. Y magazine has teamed up with PUCK to show the mums of Oman just how much they are loved by their children in a special competition to coincide with Mother’s Day in the GCC, which is celebrated on March 21. This is the fourth edition of the competition – and following trend, this event is only going to be bigger and better than last year.

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Love you mum

In 2017, we saw our boxes inundated with hundreds of entries as children across the capital poured out their feelings, proving why their mum was the best in the world. It’s not just the title of Oman’s Best Mum that is up for grabs. Thanks to PUCK, there will be several valuable prizes for the top three entries. And if this isn’t motivation enough to show your love, then we don’t know what is – just think of the treats you could buy your mum as a thank you to all that she does for you. “The first real human interaction a child has once they are born is with the mother. It’s a bond that is strong and beyond what words can convey. But, every now and then, we must try and express our love to our beloved mothers. So, here’s a competition that will do just that,” says Nishad Padiyarath, the editor of Y magazine. To enter, you’ll need to be 16 or under. Just pick up the special card, which was slotted in last week’s issue of the Y magazine [Issue 509], and fill it with a heartfelt message for your mum. Remember, our judges will be selecting the winners based on content and display, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Last year we received poems, drawings, touching words and simple displays of gratitude, so getting creative is a must if you want to take home the top spot. So, what are you waiting for? Grab the card from last week’s magazine and complete your entry with creative drawings, words and pictures. Good luck!

AND FINALLY: ● The top three entries will also be framed and given back to the participants for them to present to their mothers as a keepsake. ● The competition starts on March 1 and you can collect the specially designed cards from last week’s magazine [Issue 509]. ● Winners will be awarded prizes with their mum at a special ceremony, in March.

COMPETITION RULES: ● The competition is open to children aged 16 and under. ● Cards must be decorated and written by children only. Entries will be disqualified if there is evidence of parental involvement. ● Children of employees of SABCO Media or associated companies are excluded from taking part. ● The editor’s decision is final. ● Winners will be notified by email or telephone. ● Winners and their mums must be able to attend the prize ceremony in Muscat on a date to be confirmed.

DROPBOX LOCATIONS ● SPAR MBD ● SPAR Darsait ● SPAR Waves (Al Maha Petrol Pump)

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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

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Adventures

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS AND ADVENTURES

OH, GIULIA!

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce is quick, nimble and spacious. But gloss over all that and you’ll be left with the most captivating sedan you can currently buy. –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

Harat Safala

After going round an intriguing maze of rooms, squeeze yourself into the narrow hallway and soon you will be on the terrace staring at the sun. Shaquel al Balushi relives the castle-top experience 032

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a maze, and today many people get lost within the four walls. In an attempt to explore the deep corners, I bravely embarked on a mission to find something interesting. But a few moments later, I realised that I was simply going around different rooms. So I spotted a thin entrance hallway and squeezed in. It’s not something I would advise to a claustrophobic person (which I ironically am), but the result you receive is staggering. The thin hallway led to a large room which resembled a gathering room of sorts. Then, I headed straight to the terrace to catch some fresh air. And that’s when it hit me: I was standing atop a castle. I’m sure a commoner like me would never have been able to do that, but I guess times change. It was also there that I sunk into deep thought. The sounds of the birds chirping away and the smell of fresh water and plants sent me into another dimension altogether, and I could say that I was detoxed by the time I got out of the castle. Harat Safala should be a must-visit location for all adventure seekers visiting Oman. But make sure you trek up to the castle, as the experience of getting there on foot makes up the charm of the area. Ten out of ten in my books.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

he beauty of Oman knows no bounds: It’s often touted as the “hidden gem of the Middle East”. I’m amazed to see numerous people – mostly from Europe and the Americas — visiting our country to get a whiff of the warmth of our ever-welcoming nation. But one concern that many raise is the proximity of places for sightseeing. Oman is a large country – and that means it takes hours to reach a tourist spot. And after four years of work at Y, I can only agree to that statement. However, my adventure this week began only an hour after I started from my new house in Seeb – and quite unexpectedly. Keen readers of Y will remember that I headed to the Bait Al Ghasham Museum to catch a glimpse of Oman’s past last week. Oddly, on my way back, a short (a few minutes long) drive later, I stumbled upon another gigantic structure – a castle of sorts – on the side of the road. I quickly deduced it to be a castle from Oman’s early days and parked my pickup to begin exploring the area on foot. A short trek later, I reached the foot of the castle. Harat Safala is amazing in its own rights. The castle has been known to be constructed like

Take the Muscat Expressway and when you reach Route 13, take the exit to Nakhal Road. When you reach Nakhal, you will have to go off-road, but the GPS co-ordinates below should ensure that you find the castle easily.

GPS coordinates: N23°27’26.6” E57°48’28.2” MAR 08 - 14 / ISSUE 510

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

A L FA R O M E O G I U L I A V E L O C E

All that you adore in a German sedan is pleasingly put together and promisingly wrapped in an Italian shell. That in short is the Veloce. Alvin Thomas romances with the new Giulia

enowned motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson once in an episode of Top Gear (a car show) said: “You can’t be a true petrolhead until you’ve owned an Alfa Romeo.” After that, the whole clan of car enthusiasts from around the world took it as their own to promote and take pride in cars from the renowned Italian brand. But, here’s the catch: No one really bought any. Anyone with the slightest hint of knowledge about cars knew that Alfa Romeos of old – despite its charm – would almost inevitably rust into a pile of its own metal and conk out more times per week than a “branded grade-one” mechanical watch made by a Chinese watchmaker would. Albeit, that was always the charm Alfas came with: Owning one is like a school project you adore being a part of. It’s a car you will have to work on and bond with if you’re looking to drive it. Of course, things have changed drastically – and for the better – since the early days, courtesy the coming together of the FCA association.

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And in 2015, Alfa Romeo stunned everybody – including us Alfistis (self-proclaimed Alfa Romeo lovers) – when it decided to resurrect the ‘Giulia’ nameplate after shelving it for over five decades – and no less, in a (Quadrifoglio) sedan form factor to rival the likes of the BMW M3 and the MercedesBenz C63 AMG. Even better, with its wide tracks, flared arches and bumpers, and low-slung stance, the Giulia Quadrifoglio blew away its competition… literally! Not only did it outdo German designers, but it also beat the engineers on their home turf – on the notorious Nurburgring racetrack. Had they got things right this time around? Well, to find out, I decided to buy the car; except I couldn’t (in 2015). Alfa Romeo decided to delay the launch of the car to late 2015. Then 2016. And then 2017, before it was finally launched (by when I had already lost interest in buying it). But the final product was no less enticing. So, there’s no denying that I was a bit enthusiastic about getting behind the wheel of the new Veloce – the Quadrifoglio’s smaller sibling. Even in its toned-down form, the Giulia looks fanbleeding-tastic. Agreed, the Veloce, which sits bang in the middle of the Quadrifoglio‘QV’ super-sedan and the lowerspec ‘Super’, looks a lot like the range topper. But, at a third of the cost, it’s lighter on the wallet and cheaper to run (supposedly). It’s quite hard to describe the looks of the Giulia without adjectives. But, the words ‘It’s a work of art’ is what springs to mind when I look at it. The headlights, for instance, are sharper close to the Alfa Romeo signature grille and broader to the other end. Meanwhile, the gaping air intakes on the

bumper and the aluminium-accented grille round off the fascia. Ironically, the designers focused so hard on the looks that there’s no dedicated spot for the number plate but to the left side of the car above the air intake vents. The sides are no less sculpted. Even the side mirrors are designed to cut through air with ease and finesse. The graphite black (smoked) 20-inch alloys added to the effect, though, there’s a 21-inch option that will get you the same wheels that you’d normally find on the QV. Rounding off the looks in the rear are the wedge-shaped tail lamps,

Destination

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

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce Specifications: Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder Transmission: eight-speed ‘ZF’ automatic Horsepower: 280hp Torque: 400Nm Top speed: 250 (limited) All-wheel drive Panoramic sunroof 8.8-inch infotainment screen ‘d-n-a’ drive mode selector Leather upholstery HID headlamps Radar-guided cruise control

THE GIULIA OFFERS COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF SPACE UPFRONT, WITH BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER RECEIVING EXCELLENT HEAD ROOM TOO a diffuser (!) and dual exhausts. Now that I’ve established that the Giulia looks dropdead gorgeous, I’ll move on to the new interior. This is, by a mile, the best interior ever fitted to an Alfa Romeo. Granted, the Germans probably do a better job screwing things together, but the engineers have done a darn good job with the Alfa too. The steering is large, chunky and functional. It isn’t overloaded with buttons like that in a Ferrari, but the engine ‘Start/Stop’ button does reside on the wheel. There’s also an easy-to-use 8.8-inch screen on the dashboard for your infotainment and navigation needs. The instrument cluster is retro Alfa Romeo with Italian words printed on it. But there’s a 7-inch wide screen in the middle to display vehicle information. The features list on my car also included extras such as lane-departure warning, automatic emergency brakes and a fantastic radar-guided cruise control system. Much of the interior is appointed in plush (dual-tone) leather; even the lower portions of the cabin where your knees may

graze. There’s also a whiff of real wood on the panel that houses the gear selector. Oddly, the placement of the volume knob and rotary dial to control the infotainment screen are reminiscent to that of an Audi. The Giulia offers copious amounts of space upfront, with both the driver and passenger receiving excellent head room too. Moreover, the seats are well bolstered and provide excellent support while taking corners. The rear seats offer decent head and leg room to those over six feet tall, and the boot is pegged at about 480-litres, which is equivalent to that of its competitors. Underneath the sculpted hood lies a 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder engine with a high-pressure turbo that aids in pumping out 280hp and 400Nm of torque. The engine is further mated to an eight-speed ‘ZF’ automatic gearbox for good measure. For most parts of the drive, I found the gear to be potent and clever, sticking to the right gears when necessary. But, it’s only when you shift the ‘d-n-a’ knob to ‘d’

(dynamic mode) that the gearbox comes alive. Then, the transmission holds gears, the throttle response sharpens and the brakes feel like they kick in a bit harder. I’ve never driven another vehicle that transforms as much as this – including BMWs – when you switch driving modes. Sadly, however, you cannot switch the traction and stability controls off. This inhibits any fun you can have with the car on a race track, which is a shame as the chassis is incredibly well-tuned and ready to be pushed. The quick-ratio steering is unlike any I’ve tested on a sedan. The electrical steering offers no feedback while driving and is light, but it is undeniably quick to make alterations to the steering angle. I presume a three-degree turn will ensure you about 50-80 per cent steering lock. While this can come across as a blessing on the track, you’ll have to get used to it while driving. It’s still something I’d cherish during my day-to-day commute; I’d feel like a racecar driver daily. What’s un-race-car-like is the brakes. The brake-by-wire system can result in the brakes acting a bit sticky while driving at low speeds, although you can easily deal with as you bond with your car. Despite the shortcomings, I cannot help but say that the Giulia Veloce is still a great car: It has got everything that you would require from a sedan – dare I say: a German sedan. And it is all then packaged in a gorgeous Italian shell. If that isn’t the makings of the ideal car, then I don’t know what is. The Veloce aptly sits in between the faster and the less-endowed siblings, but it is in no way lesser than a German sedan at this price point. And that’s high praise for a car that’s only entering its first generation. Well played, Alfa Romeo. Well played.

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035

CARS ADVENTURES TIMELESS SPLENDOUR

Sail across the archetypal canals in Venice in a traditional Gondola to complete your experience of the beautiful, yet relatively down to earth city.

1. Head to the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute for meditation 2. Take the elevator to the top of the Campanile 3. Shop at the Rialto Market 4. Learn the art of glass-blowing on Murano Island 5. Sail across the Grand Canal in a Vaporetto

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Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Alvin Thomas recommends

VENICE, ITALY

’ve featured numerous places, from Amsterdam to Alappuzha, as the Venice of their respective countries. It’s a title certain cities have earned over the years for standing out as striking locations that fete tourists. Albeit, I had never been to Venice. So, it wasn’t exactly surprising that I jumped on the opportunity to visit Venice - the real Venice - in Italy after my trip to Turin late last year. My only concern was that I was on a tight budget and had to flow my resources judiciously. But that was all right (not!), as Venice is only one of the most expensive places to dine in Europe. Nevertheless, I soon came to be a lone warrior on a fact-finding mission to find out how to live in Venice for under 250 Euros (approximately RO120). Let’s not bog down on the specifics, though, as Venice is truly one of those places that pampers you from head to toe - whether you’re stashed with cash or not. Situated in the northeast of Italy, Venice is formed across a group of 118 small islands. But fret not, for all islands are linked by canals and bridges - of which there are 400 in total. Walking across the city is like taking a trip down memory lane, although it’s not as retro as, say, Turin. Still, you’ll stumble upon numerous historical monuments, like the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, brick-laden canals, tunnels and roads (best of luck if you’re driving a sports car), Piazza San Marco and the Museum of Music. What’s better is that the people are amicable and easy to interact with, and - if you plan your trip right - you can also partake in some of the local festivals. Oh, and don’t forget: Venice is famous for its light gelato - which is a substitute for traditional ice cream. The city is a great place to try out authentic Italian cuisine. Head to the Bacaro Quebrado restaurant, and the owner, an enthusiastic Italian, will make sure you leave with a smile on your face. And that, dear readers, is what Venice is all about.

B A S IL IC

A SAN TA MA DELLA R IA SALUT E

RKET R IA L T O M A

My favourite place It’s hard to pinpoint a place that stood out from the rest – so I won’t be naming one. But if you’re looking for a mesmerising experience, start your trip at the tallest building in Venice – Campanile. The 99m-tall building will give you a view of Venice like nothing else. It will also give you an idea about the places you want to visit, thereby making your trip easier and economical. If you’ve saved up for the trip, you can also take a trip down the grand canal in a Vaporetto (sea-ferry) or a gondola (boats). Keep in mind that the latter is expensive. Highlights

Venice may be overrun by tourists but the overall atmosphere still stays. Despite the crowds, it’s one of the best places for a vacation. There’s no denying that Venice is still one of the most exotic locations on the planet. Some of the world’s most prized movies – like Casino Royale, Moonraker, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and The Italian Job – have all featured the city. Tourists from Oman will find Venice frigid: Summer temperatures hover around the 20°C mark while winter temperatures can be as low as -1°C.

Lowlights

It’s an expensive city and the local businesses certainly know how to extract every single Euro from your wallet.

Souvenirs The several tales from your experience will be the perfect souvenir for your friends and families. If that’s not enough, you can buy Murano glass, jewellery or traditional Venetian masks. Getting there You can take an Oman Air flight to Venice. But it will set you back about RO525… for a one way

ticket (!) Alternatively, you can fly to Bologna and take a train – which will set you back RO3 – to Venice.

MURA

N O IS L AND

GLASS

Where to stay There are several casual lodges in Venice that will cost you about RO10 per night. Hotel Giovannina is a decent hotel that will only charge you RO6 per night.

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037

-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS 2018 The Mobile World Congress 2018, the biggest mobile phone industry trade show in the world, concluded in Barcelona. Alvin Thomas takes a closer look at some of the top innovations that stole the show

HOMEPOD THE NINTH DIMENSION Time flies. In tech terms that means it’s time to reveal a new smartphone and rake in more profits. And in true fashion, Samsung has revealed its new Galaxy S9 and S9+ smartphones to the world. There’s not much to set it apart when compared to its predecessor – but it has us bowled over with its almost bezel-less design and 5.8inch and 6.2-inch edge-to-edge screens, respectively. The S9 comes packing a great 12MP camera while the S9+ takes a more far-reaching approach with two 12MP cameras in the back. Both devices will feature fingerprint and Iris scanners, Exynos 9810 octa-core processors and 4GB or 6GB RAMs. We expect this to give the iPhone X a run for its money. Preorder yours for RO322 and onwards from all leading electronic stores

When Apple releases a new product, we can be certain that it will garner great response. Rest assured, we’re going to purchase these products too. But Apple’s new HomePod hardware personal assistant falls into the category of a niche market that has already been taken over by the Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Released at the Mobile World Congress this week, the device will come packing seven tweeters for a superior acoustic experience and an A8 chipset for all your processing needs. Buy this from apple.com/shop for RO135

DREAM ON When the Nokia brand was reimagined early last year, we had nothing but little faith in the brand’s second coming to the smartphone industry. However, this week, they surprised us with the Nokia 8 Sirocco – a phone that is ready to hustle with the heavyweights from Apple and Samsung. The device dons a 5.50inch curved pOLED display that is reminiscent to the Samsung’s S8 and S9 devices. It will also pack a Snapdragon 835 processor, 6GB RAM, dual cameras and a breathtaking 128gigs of onboard storage. We haven’t seen the device in person but we’re a bit concerned about the build quality of the device from the released photos. The device will hit the market later this month

TOUR DE FORCE

EDITOR’S PICK

THE HUAWEI MATE 10 LITE IS IMPECCABLE IN EVERY SENSE: IT HAS A GIANT 5.9-INCH DISPLAY, MAKING IT THE INDUSTRY'S FIRST FULL-SCREEN PRODUCT IN THIS PRICE RANGE. IT HAS AN 83 PER CENT SCREENTO-BODY RATIO, WHICH IS 10 PER CENT MORE THAN THE TRADITIONAL 5.5-INCH DISPLAY (73 PER CENT SCREEN-TO-BODY RATIO) SEEN ON OTHER DEVICES. IN ADDITION TO THAT, TRADITIONAL “GIANT” DISPLAY PHONES USUALLY MAKE USE OF FHD DISPLAYS – WHICH RESULTS IN THE PICTURE ON THE SCREEN TO BECOME UNCLEAR BECAUSE THE RESOLUTION REMAINS THE SAME DESPITE A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN SCREEN SIZE. IN CONTRAST, THE HUAWEI MATE 10 LITE HAS A FULL HD AND FULLVIEW (2160X1080) DISPLAY WITH HIGH PPI (PIXELS PER INCH); SO IT IS MUCH CLEARER. BUY THIS FROM ALL LEADING ELECTRONIC STORES FOR RO119.9

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Great Western Trail Board Game

Info Box Year: 2016

Designer:

ALEXANDER PFISTER

Artist:

ANDREAS RESCH

Publisher:

EGGERTSPIELE

Drive your herds of cattle across the Great Plains to Kansas and sell them, and go back and start again. So simple but very challenging, as Hasan al Lawati finds out after four attempts and tons of decisions

oard-game culture is evolving around the world as more geeks are being drawn into the 21st centuryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new variety of games. From the simple, family-friendly Monopoly and Risk, board-games made a comeback in 1995 with Catan, which marked the beginning of a new era of lengthy, heavy, strategic games. Today we are reviewing one of the finest 2016 games, Great Western Trail. The theme and feel of the game takes you back to America in the 19th century wherein you play as a rancher who takes a train to herd his cattle from Texas to Kansas City. Sounds simple? It is not. The game is highly strategic and requires top business management skills. In an estimated (75-150 min) of game playing hours, two to four players will take turns to either buy cows, hire workers, move along the trail, build outlets in strategic locations on the trail or stop at Kansas to load your shipment of cattle. You can earn victory points

depending on the number of your cattle, workers, having loads of cash, placing expensive tiles (buildings), or achieving personal objectives. The player who collects the biggest number of victory points wins the game. I played the game four times so far and I still can't decide my strategy as this game is really hard to master. The guidebook, however, is neatly done and explains the game's mechanics using tons of visuals. Great Western Trail, while it is made for two-to-four players, is best played with three or four, as it will get very boring with two ranchers on a massive board. The game contains 120 cards (cattle and objectives) so you might want to purchase some card sleeves as every cattle card is crucial to the game. The game is a great mix of hand management, deck building, and tile placement. I would not suggest this game, despite its reasonable price of $70, to new comers in the world of board-game, as it is as complicated as Scythe. The game comes with one expansion 'Great Western Trail: Rails to the North' which I cannot judge as I haven't JULY MAR 0308 - - 0914 / ISSUE 327 510

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

FASHION

PLUS SIZE POSH

A red tunic top, skinny jeans, bright scarf and chunky earrings —that’s quite close to being dressed to kill!

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T t Ge

k o o L e h

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

s i Da r h t a Gay , t e stre

Go for this plus size red tunic top this month. The longsleeved tunic is in jersey crepe with a V-neck and a rounded hem. The polyester mix comes in various colours to choose from. Carry it off with all your grace and comfort. Grab yours from H&M for RO10.9

Complete your look with these chunky loops. The bronze coloured loops are trendy and catchy. The 100 percent metal loops make you stand out in a crowd. Add them into your collection by just spending RO2.5. So hurry up to H&M

Accessorise your tunic top and jeans with these patterned weaves. It comes in various colours like red, black, dark blue and in floral prints. It can be used as a hairband too. This 100 percent polyester scarf is a must-have to try out different looks. Available at H&M for RO 4.5

Pair up your tunic top with this pair of five-pocket denim jeans. It stretches out and helps in holding and shaping your tummy, thighs and back. Look slimmer with the shaping skinny jeans which have a regular waist and skinny legs. The cottonpolyester mix gives you more comfort and confidence than your regular jeans would. Buy it from H&M for RO 25.9

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041

HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

BEAUTY

Fashion

FLAUNT YOUR

Home

Family

SKIN

GLOWING

Avoid the flaky skin issues this winter and flaunt your glowing skin with this homemade banana face pack, writes Gayathri Das.

ake a half-peeled banana and cut it into small pieces and blend. Add 1 teaspoon of milk powder or 2 or 3 teaspoons of raw milk to the banana paste. Add 1 teaspoon of curd and 1 teaspoon honey to the above. Mix these ingredients well and apply this on a clean face with a brush or cotton. Keep it for 30 minutes and wash it off with cold water. This banana face pack controls dryness and works as a wonderful anti-ageing option and even controls acne. The potassium content in banana hydrates the skin making it soft and light. The lactic acid in the milk powder lightens and smoothens the skin. The alpha hydroxy acid removes the dead cell from the skin. Yogurt helps tighten skin pores. The antioxidants in honey helps repair the damaged skin.

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Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

Home

Family

AMAZING

ALMONDS Make room for them on you snack shelf â&#x20AC;&#x201D; just a handful of these super nutritious nuts could stimulate your brain and help reduce weight, writes Gayathri Das

lmonds are rich in protein, vitamin, magnesium fibre and essential amino acids. They also provide calcium, phosphorus, iron and healthy fats. Though a super food, you shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make the mistake of overeating them as they are calorie and fat rich. Almonds improve your memory and thinking skills if taken on a regular basis. They are a major source of zinc which protects the brain cells from free radicals. Almonds increase oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alertness and help in the protein metabolism process which is necessary for the repair of the brain cells.

Lose weight

The high fibre and protein in almonds help you feel full and thus reduce your unnecessary cravings for junk food. The vitamin B complex and zinc in almonds help control sugar cravings. According to research, people who had 1.5 ounce of almonds a day for weeks did not have any significant weight gain. It is the best munch during any diet programme.

Healthy birthing

Pregnant women should make sure to add almonds to their diet as they reduce the chance of birth defects. The high amount of folic acid in almonds helps healthy growth of cells and tissue formation. It also strengthens bones. A good massage with almond oil on babies helps strengthen their bones.

Yes, you read it right. Almonds help you shed that extra pounds.

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043

FOOD DRINK

Trend

New Restaurant

FLAVOUR-PACKED

Celebrate St Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day with a hot and flavoursome bowl of stew. The traditional dish mixes vegetables with meat and is a healthy alternative to a pot roast.

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Reviews

STEW

Good American Irish Stew The theme of the month is Irish, so get the root vegetables and beef to whip up a traditional stew and enjoy a truly cultural meal

inch pieces § 2 medium parsnips, cut into large chunks (optional) § 3 cups low-fat, reduced-sodium beef broth § 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks § 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary § 1 leek, coarsely chopped § 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

t Patrick’s Day – an Irish fest – may not be big in Oman but if you’re looking to capture the festive mood at home, you can set the tone right with hearty foods and a lively atmosphere. These two simple tips can help you put together the perfect party to revel in all things green – and, of course, tasty: Decorate with purpose. Everyone knows that green is the colour of the day, but go one step further by incorporating it into different items. Banners and streamers work fine, but setting out green candles or even adorning your light fixtures with green bulbs can help you take an extra step forward. Eat festively. Turn your party’s food and drinks into true Irish dining with some delicious recipes like this American Irish Stew, which includes beef, onion, carrots and potatoes for a tasty cultural meal to fill all your hungry guests. For more hosting tips and the perfectly themed recipes for any occasion, visit culinary.net.

Courtesy American Institute for Cancer Research Servings: 6 § 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil § 450g beef, top round, cut into 3/4-inch pieces § 3 cloves garlic, minced § salt, to taste § pepper, to taste § 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped § 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 3/4-

Method: § In a large pot over a medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the beef and garlic. Cook, gently stirring until the meat is evenly browned. Season with the salt and pepper. § Add the onion, carrots and parsnips. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer about 75 minutes, or until the meat is tender. § Stir in the potatoes and simmer for another 30 minutes. Add the rosemary and leeks. Continue to simmer, uncovered, until the potatoes are tender. To avoid the potatoes falling apart, do not overcook. § Serve hot and garnish with parsley, if desired. Nutritional information per serving: 370 calories, 8g total fat (2g saturated fat), 43g carbohydrate, 32g protein, 6g dietary fiber, 427mg sodium. Source: Culinary.net

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FOOD DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

ge d u B

Info Box

ZAHLAWI RESTAURANT

Al Khuwair Landmark: Sadaf restaurant, City Seasons hotel Opening Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week Meal for two: RO9.8

ZAHLAWI RESTAURANT

Verdict : 10/10 SERVICE 8/10 FOOD 6/10 AMBIENCE Do not forget to order tea! Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

THE HUMMUS AND MUTABBAL AND FAHITA CHICKEN SERVED WITH VEGETABLES DEFINED THE NIGHT. AFTER WASHING THEM DOWN WITH SPECIAL TEA OFFERED FREE, HASAN AL LAWATI HAS NO GROUSE ABOUT FOOD BUT IS A BIT CHEESED OFF WITH THE WOOD

e stumbled upon the 10-day-old small eatery just behind the City Seasons hotel in Al Khuwair, an area that keeps proving that it can welcome an enormous number of coffee shops and restaurants, during one of my weekly restaurant hunts. The moment we arrived we were overwhelmed by the hospitality of the waiter who explained that the restaurant’s name ‘Zahlawi’ comes from a Lebanese village called ‘Zahla’ where, according to him, people are known for their generosity and outstanding cooking skills. We ordered hummus for starters, and they served us three free mini bowls of spiced hummus and mutabbal as well. It was easily one of the best hummus I have had in Oman, and tasted similar to the famous semsom signature hummus. For the main course, I ordered a weird, uncommon meal of chicken and halloumi. Less than average, but mixing the halloumi cheese with chicken and getting it served in a clay pot was so

THE PRICES, SURPRISINGLY, WERE AWFULLY CHEAP, BUT THAT WAS THEIR TEMPORARY MENU, SO I DO NOT KNOW IF THEY WILL HIKE THE PRICES ONCE THEY START RECEIVING MORE CONSUMERS

Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com

intriguing. My friend, on the waiter’s recommendation, ordered a plate of fahita chicken, served with vegetables. The guy finished off the meal in minutes. “Ten out of ten,” he said. He then ordered grape leaves which tasted equally good. Despite coming an hour before midnight, the 046

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waiter invited us to a free “special” tea. As we were enjoying the outdoor view of people slowly walking back to their homes after finishing their night shifts, we had the — and I take full responsibility for this statement — the best milkless tea in my life. Sugary, yellowish, tasty and light. That sweet gesture by the waiter made our experience complete. The prices, surprisingly, were awfully cheap, but that was their temporary menu, so I do not know if they will hike the prices once they start receiving more consumers. If I had to complain about something, it would be the tables size (smaller than a Monopoly board). It was so small that they had to bring another one for the bread and appetisers. The restaurant’s manager explained to us that the establishment was still under soft opening and they would be open 24/7 by next week.

The all new Baqati. As smart as you. Meet the postpaid plan that suits your lifestyle. Small RO 9

Medium RO 19

8 data GB

16data GB

24data GB

National minutes

International discount

number

numbers

2 data GB 250

C.R. No: 1640747

5% 1 Preferred

650

10% 2 Preferred

Large RO 29

1150 20% 3 Preferred

XLarge RO 39

1850 30% 4 Preferred

Amazing happens together.