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MAR 15 - 21 2018 / ISSUE 511 • WEEKLY
LABOUR
DISTRESS PLUS!
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS STILL AT RISK DESPITE REFORMS
BEYOND THE LIMIT
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CASUAL MAN
40
SKIN RULES
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EDITOR’S
NOTE
Welcome to Y Magazine – your top guide to the best of Oman every week.
Burjeel is celebrating month of March as Women’s Month.
Fast forward
M
uscat is a city built on the dreams of hundreds of thousands of its inhabitants. At least, that’s what the general consensus is. But to those who look at the beautiful yet subdued skyline in Muscat and think about how the progress has been, we say: it’s time to look beyond the obvious; it’s time to talk about the stories of the blue-collar workers – particularly the labourers – who work together to help build the infrastructure of our beautiful nation. The perils of labourers are often left untold. Many are at the mercy of their sponsors or their project managers and forced to endure long working hours – all for a wage that is below industry standards. So, we’re trying to break the anomalies here. This week, our team spoke to labourers (of various nationalities) across the capital to find out their part of the story. Tears were shed during our interviews, and some – as our team points out – are too sensitive to be published. Nevertheless, we have narrowed down some of the candidates who talk of the struggles they deal with on a daily basis. Work, as they say, is the least of their worries. Several labourers are left to work without wages, visas and annual vacations. One of our interviewees said he hadn’t met his wife and child since 2014, before breaking down into tears. But, a wind of change is blowing across the country. And the Oman Society of Contractors is leading the way as it comes to the aid of these workers. The society is close to launching its new classification system that will get rid of ‘hidden trade’ and other illegal activities. Read about this and more in our cover story this week. In other news, we tried the Volvo XC60 out for size, the Venus Restaurant and also headed for the beautiful Bimmah beach. Happy reading!
editor@y-oman.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi SENIOR ONLINE EDITOR Nishad Padiyarath ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst
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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. MAR 15 - 21 / ISSUE 511
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contents
MARCH 15 - 21 2018
Your Oman
This Week
08 Voice Of Oman Sonia Ambrosio 10 News Oman to ‘switch off’ to mark Earth Hour 12 News New mall to create 4,000 jobs in Oman
18 Up, up and away Stay tuned for the official opening of the new Muscat International Airport terminal
Features 20
The plight of labourers We investigate the untold stories of blue-collar construction workers in Oman.
24
Start... Camera... Action A seven-minute film made by media persons in Oman has won high praise from viewers and scooped four awards.
19 Movies Game Night receives positive response in Oman
19
10
20 Food and Drink 44 Food Feature From the outside
Cars and Adventures 32 Destination Bimmah beach
46 Taste Test Venus Restaurant
Health and Beauty
34 First Drive Volvo XC60 38 Y-Fi Eco-friendly gadgets
38 Fashion Casual wear for men 41 Health Improve your heart health
44
40
38 NEXT ISSUE... FEATURES / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / BEAUTY / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FASHION / FIRST DRIVE
ED THE NEWEST FM H C N U LA FT SO IA S SABCO MED ARKLE TO YOUR DAY SP D D A TO K EE W RADIO LAST FREQUENCY 100.9 E TH TO IN E N TU AND PARTIES. ST GOING AT IT BE E TH F O ST BE E TH TO PICK UP
T
he wait is finally over, folks! Virgin Radio has officially got the show on the road – or in this case – begun transmission in the Sultanate. A simple turn on the FM receiver in your car, home or office now to the frequency 100.9 will enable you to listen to the best of the best going at it. The radio station – which is a part of Sabco Media – went live to the public at 6pm on Thursday, March 8, and several listeners who had tuned in to the station moments before the soft launch were enthralled to hear music following minutes of bupkis. Virgin Radio comes to Oman with the motto of grabbing the millennial ethos. Part of the renowned global Virgin Radio network, the station aims to capture the youth and young at heart and offer an outstanding listener experience to all. The station will overcome all fringes and deliver the listeners the latest hits and interactive talk shows like you’ve never seen in Oman. Weekday mornings (Sunday to Thursday) will definitely gain more colour with ‘Chad in the morning’, which will be presented by presenters Chad and Maya. The show will focus on the latest entertainment and local
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news, celebrity interviews and, of course, music. The show will begin at 6am and proceed until 10am. This will be followed by ‘The 100-and-9Minute Music Marathon’, which intends to keep the listeners busy with a long block of non-stop music. From then on (from 12pm to 4pm), the station will be taken over by Athul – or A2L, as he calls himself – who will, as he says, “make your day go faster”. The young presenter will take you through oodles of gossip, entertainment news, competitions and music. Huda will then come on (from 4pm – 8pm) to connect with music fans with the latest and greatest hits of today. You’ll definitely be looking forward to her show on your drive back home after work. Fridays will come alive with the ‘Best of Breakfast’ (from 11am to 2pm) with Chad and Maya. The show will recap the “best of the best” from the Chad in the Morning talk show. One of the Middle East’s most revered presenters, Kris Fade, will then take over (from 9pm to 12am on Fridays) with his ‘Middle East Hot 30 with Kris Fade’. He will be counting down the latest hits from around the
world. The programming will then advance to the ‘Friday/Saturday Night Party Live’ from 5pm onwards – and just in time for all the parties around the country to kick-start. The show will add fuel to the coolest parties with its array of funky music, competitions, prizes and even shoutouts. “I am excited to inform you that we have launched Virgin Radio Oman 100.9. We have been on air from 6pm on Thursday, March 8. This now forms part of our Sabco Media portfolio, a cross-platform of media channels in radio, outdoor, print, and digital,” said Eihab Abutaha, the CEO of Sabco Media. “Our on-air team is using proven methodologies to create an engaging experience, with the right ecosystem to enable communities to invest in their brands on our platforms. Much intensive work is being done to clearly differentiate us from the competition. “Virgin Radio Oman is the result of years of hard work and dedication by key people within the organisation who helped make this opportunity a reality,” he added. Virgin Radio Oman is already live across Oman, and programming is set to begin on Sunday, March 18. ■
THE VOICE OF OMAN JUST A FEW WEEKS SINCE SIFAHSTOCK 2018, AND SONIA AMBROSIO IS ITCHING FOR THE NEXT EDITION OF THE OMANI VERSION OF WOODSTOCK WHERE PEOPLE CAN HAVE FUN, RESPONSIBLY
correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: There has been a 10 per cent drop in the number of admission requests to Indian schools in Oman. What do you think is the reason? GAUTAM GHOSH DASTIDAR
T
aking on a topic as broad as entertainment involves some soul-searching. There are those shows sponsored, and moneymaking. But I will tackle the events organised purely on a volunteer basis where camaraderie and collaboration are the drive to provide fun. The sound of rock-and-roll in an open desert, or against the ocean as a backdrop, is the perfect setting to tease visitors. Music, peace, love, and happiness are the motto of the atmosphere. I must say, it is now just a few weeks since Sifahstock 2018, and I am itching for the next event. For years this non-profit, informal popular music fair that resembles the ‘spirit of the Sixties’ has attracted enthusiasts to the Wahiba Sands, the plains of Jebel Akhdar and, more recently, to the beaches in Sifah. From Jebelstock to Sandstock the myriad of labels is just a hint on of the amazing volunteer work that puts Oman on the international map where people have fun – responsibly. It is a tiny scale reminder of the Woodstock music and art fair from the 60s. Here is just music! Amateur bands made up of music lovers — who during the week are workers as any of us — roll the sleeves up to offer a show in which music and enjoyment can go all day till late in the evening — for free! The music festival brings together families and friends who get involved with organising signposts, first aid, and overseeing that safety rules are in place. Logistical details are carefully considered. Without creating chaos to communities, the festival works as a postcard to the world, showing Oman as a nice place to visit. As a family-orientated event, it doesn’t matter if one is 8 or 80-years-old, the atmosphere is proper for all ages.
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Indeed it’s true but, despite all this, the 20th school in Saham is coming into existence in a month! The reason behind the fall in the number of admission requests to Indian schools in Oman can then be anything but the schools or their scholastic stockpile or infrastructural package. In most cases the reason is parental – either professional or medical or, in a few cases, even conjugal. There can’t be any doubt that the Indian job market is a hot cake at the moment. A couple of years ago India did not only surpass Britain to become world’s sixth largest economy by nominal GDP, thanks to the political stability, but also became the third largest by purchasing power parity. According to the International Monetary Fund, India’s growth is expected to rebound to 7.2 per cent in the 2017-18 fiscal year and 7.7 per cent in 201819. Secondly, nearly 25 per cent of all hospital deaths in Oman are from cardiovascular diseases and a further 13.4 per cent are cancer related. A steady increase in the number of lifestyle diseases is being recorded. On the other hand, there is no sign of recovery in the medical scenario although facilities are mushrooming. Thirdly, familial bonding is often being replaced by the financial one though money can never be sweeter than the happiness of being together. Fewer expatriates are therefore bringing their family along and the number of children entering Oman from India has consequently gone down.
MOHAN ANANDAN
The drop in admission seekers reflects
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the current economic condition. The stress on Omanisation and the visa freeze have contributed to it. Besides, the inflation and the disparity in wages between private and public sectors have forced several families to return to India, all of which resulted in a drop in new admissions.
CHAKRABORTY PINKY
Fewer new Indian expatriate families than before are coming here, and several families have chosen to relocate to their home states. No wonder then there is a drop in demand for Indian school admission.
SRADHA IYER
Indian school admissions are deeply disturbed by the economic crisis due to the oil price plunge and the twoyear ban on expatriates for re-entry for employment. Many oil-based companies have suffered a 50 per cent loss in business, some are not paying wages regularly to their employees and some others have closed down or are closing down. Many Indian expatriate families are in the grip of uncertainty about their future here. Because of the intense Omanisation drive, the Indian community does not foresee a long-term existence here and wants to send their families back to India at the earliest. Higher education is very costly in Oman and with fewer choices Indians find it wiser to send back their family. Interestingly, despite the drop in applications, the Indian schools in the capital area are not able to accommodate all. The number of applicants last year stood at 5,300, and this year the figure could be 4,500 or less. Even in the interior, like Muladha, Rustaq and Sohar, the school strength has decreased drastically. The sending back of illegal
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migrants, however, has not affected the school population since most them were not having their families here, but the visa freeze has. Added to all this is the new shocks, such as the need to renew driving licences every two years for expats, hinting at a shorter shelf life for the expatriate workforce in the Sultanate. Even Pakistani and Bangladeshi schools are finding huge dips in new admissions and the number of students obtaining TCs to return to their own countries is growing. The ban on bringing one’s family in the first six months of employment also acts as a hurdle. The Indian schools in the capital area have two shifts, but with the changed reality the school authorities may now feel that most students could be accommodated in the morning shift itself.
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MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT
The significant drop in the number of admission requests to Indian schools in Oman is good news for the parents who otherwise used to have sleepless nights around this time in the last few years. The reason for the drop is very simple. Due to uncertainty in the job market many expatriates have sent their families back home and those who have just arrived, not confident of their job stability, avoid bringing in their families for the time being. This is a temporary phase, and it will vanish once the job market has stablised.
NAZEER M. THAHA
The fall in the number of students this year could be due to various reasons, including the financial crisis, restrictions on bringing in the family in the first six months as well as the present job/visa challenges.
New Debate: The authorities have announced that singles living in residential areas have three days to register with Muscat Municipality or face eviction. What do you think of the move?
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PHOTO: Anup Bhatt
MAR 15 - 21 / ISSUE 511
09
YOUR
OMAN
OMAN TO ‘SWITCH-OFF’ TO MARK
EARTH HOUR
F
or the eighth consecutive year, Oman will join 130 countries to celebrate Earth Hour 2018 by switching off nonessential lights for an hour on March 24. Programme Director Suad Al Harthi said on Monday that the Royal Opera House Muscat and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque would switch off lights on March 24 from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. The Environment Society of Oman (ESO) has called upon companies to take part in the international initiative. The global theme this year is #Connect2Earth which focuses on raising awareness about global biodiversity and its importance to ecosystems. In line with the global theme, this year’s event will focus on the
OMANI ARRESTED FOR ROBBERY
AND ASSAULT IN OMAN
Arabian Sea Humpback whales and, in collaboration with Xcape Muscat, the ESO will hold a scavenger hunt with environmental clues and information at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bousher. The scavenger hunt held during the public event will challenge participants to solve riddles using clues and information about Humpback whales, to find the hidden treasure. Other forms of entertainment will include live music performances, colouring activities for children, food stalls and, finally, an environmental documentary during lights out to conclude the night. Starting as a symbolic lights out event in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour is now the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment, inspiring millions of people to take action for our planet and nature.
THREE INJURED
IN HOUSE FIRE
T
hree people were injured in a fire that started in a house in Sohar, announced the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA). However, the fire was brought under control before it could cause any major injuries. According to a statement put out by PACDA, “The firefighter
A
n Omani citizen has been arrested on charges of robbery and assault in Al Buraimi, the Royal Oman Police has announced. The man assaulted a civil servant and stole records of transactions from the Directorate General of Housing, the
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ROP said. “Al Buraimi police have arrested an Omani citizen accused of stealing records of transactions from the Directorate General of Housing in the province of Buraimi, after he assaulted one of the staff members and escaped to an unknown destination.”
team of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Centre in Sohar in cooperation with citizens, were able to extinguish a fire that started in a house in Sih al Bariri in the Wilayat of Sohar. Three people were injured as a result of inhaling smoke. They were taken care on-site, in PACDA’s ambulance.”
YOUR
OMAN
THREE COMPANIES FINED FOR CONSUMER LAW VIOLATIONS
T
he courts of first instance in Izki and Bahla have sentenced three commercial establishments for violating the Consumer Protection Law. The first sentence was against an agency that supplied domestic help in Bahla. After the maid refused to work in the complainant’s house, the agency did not return the amount of money paid to the institution by the employer. The court convicted the agency of non-compliance with the agreement and imposed a fine of RO100. In the second case, the court fined a private enterprise RO250 for failure to execute properly a contract to install windows, doors and kitchen furniture. After installation, the complainant noticed that the work had not been done properly. In the third case, a company in Izki was fined RO100 for refusal to compensate the owner of a house, with whom it had entered into a water insulation contract, when leakage had been detected on the ceiling.
NEW MALL TO CREATE
4,000 JOBS IN OMAN W
ith an investment of RO15.2 million, My City Centre Sur is expected to create more than 4,000 direct and indirect job opportunities in the surrounding area. Ghaith Shocair, Chief Executive Officer for Shopping Malls, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, told Y: “We are committed to delivering an unrivalled retail experience to emerging communities in Oman, and the opening of My City Centre Sur achieves a major milestone in our
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investment strategy for the Sultanate. “As a company focused on the needs of the communities we serve, My City Centre Sur enables Majid Al Futtaim to increase the convenience and choice in retail, dining and entertainment for Oman’s residents and tourists. In addition, we are fostering economic growth and diversification, enhancing job creation, and delivering on our vision to create great moments for everyone, everyday.” Located on Sur’s main commercial road, My City Centre Sur is a highly accessible new landmark in one of Oman’s fastest-growing coastal cities. My City Centre Sur includes a Carrefour hypermarket and Magic Planet family entertainment centre alongside a considered mix of leading brands in fashion, jewellery, and cosmetics, including Centrepoint, Max Fashion, Pure Gold, Kryolan, and the Body Shop. The mall offers dining options such as Mersal, Razmazaan, Gloria Jeans Café, and a range of food court choices, as well as services including a money exchange, telecommunications providers, and pharmacies.
30 YEARS OF SUCCESS
GALLERY
VOLTAMP OMAN CELEBRATED 30 YEARS OF SUCCESSFULLY ENERGISING OMAN, IN AN EVENT HELD LAST WEEK, AT THE OMAN BALLROOM, IN THE SHERATON OMAN HOTEL.
MAR 15 - 21 / ISSUE 511
013
YOUR
THE NEW FLAGSHIP
OMAN
HONDA AND OMASCO HAVE COME TOGETHER TO LAUNCH THEIR ALL-NEW FLAGSHIP SEDAN - THE HONDA ACCORD. THE CAR WAS LAUNCHED IN AN EXCLUSIVE EVENT AT THE WALK IN AL MOUJ MUSCAT. OMANI GOALKEEPER FAIZ AL RUSHAIDI WAS PROCLAIMED AS THE AMBASSADOR OF THE BRAND IN OMAN.
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GALLERY
NEWS
FEST MINISTRY TO SHIFT FOCUS MUTTRAH CAPTURES OMANI SPIRIT ON JOBS FOR GRADUATES
T
he Muttrah Tourism and Heritage Festival has commenced at Al Medina Theatre in Al Qurm National Park under the patronage of Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Manthri, Chairman of the State Council. The festival focuses on heritage, tourism, entertainment and cultural aspects of the country and aims at reviving the history of the wilayat of Muttrah
T
he next three months will be crucial for unemployed Omanis with specialised degrees as the Ministry of Manpower has reaffirmed that it will focus on providing job opportunities to jobseekers holding college diploma and those with a specialised certificates from universities. This implementation comes as part of the decision of the Council of Ministers on providing 25,000 job opportunities to Omanis. The ministry said the government was going ahead with provision of job opportunities in all governorates of the Sultanate according to the plan set for employment of jobseekers. The first stage of the plan will end in May. Salim bin Nasir Al Hadhrami, Director General of Planning and Development at the Ministry of Manpower, said the percentage achieved in response to the decision of the Council of Ministers on provision of
through a diversity of events. The festival, opened on March 14, will continue till March 28. The Omani Royal Navy vessel Shabab Oman will participate actively throughout the days of the festival, wherein a programme has been put in place since its arrival at Sultan Qaboos Port, in addition to recreational and social activities hosted by Riyam Park in the wilayat of Muttrah.
job opportunities to jobseekers stood at 54 per cent as of February, wherein 13,500 jobseekers had been employed by private sector establishments and companies.
CINEPOLIS SET TO OPEN 14-SCREENS IN MUSCAT
C
inépolis has announced its entry into Oman with a multiplex theatre in the Oman Avenues Mall in Muscat. The 14-screen auditorium and 1,474-seat multiplex — including luxury, Marco xe and junior concepts — is projected to open in late 2018. Cinepolis is the world’s fourth largest movie theatre circuit, operating 647 cinema complexes, 5,313 screens and over 1.1 million seats across 14 countries worldwide. Ashish Shukla, CEO of Cinepolis, GCC, told the Y magazine that there would be 10 traditional screens and four luxury screens for movie lovers in Muscat. “This is our first in GCC and we are happy to associate with the Oman Avenues Mall. We assure that movie watching in Oman shall be enhanced with the opening of our cinema,” he said.
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015
YOUR
YOUNG TALENTS
OMAN
GALA NIGHT
SPECIAL OLYMPICS OMAN HOSTED ITS ANNUAL GATHERING TO CELEBRATE THE SUCCESSES OF 2017.
SOHAR ALUMINIUM RECOGNISED THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MORE THAN 600 OF ITS EMPLOYEES AT ITS ANNUAL MUMTAZ CLUB GALA.
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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 over 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 Al Nahda Resort & Spa, Barka. For more information, contact: 9884 0456 or sssymiddleeast@gmail.com
THIS
MAR 16-17
MARCH
08-28
WEEK
WHAT TO DO.
M
C
A
R
WEEKEND SOUQ
The “Weekend Souq” is exclusively coming to Oman as part of the Act MuscatExtreme Sailing Series from the creators of SouqesSabt. Join the action – which will include artisanal ventures, healthy eats and Omani delicacies and crafts – at the Al Mouj Golf . There will be activities designed exclusively for kids too. The greatest part is that you will get a chance to cheer Team Oman Air as they start the sailing action against the rest of the fleet. The souk will open to the public at 12pm on both days and will run until 5pm. You can purchase your tickets from extremesailingseries.com
WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.
H
READY… STEADY… TAKE OFF
The new Muscat International Airport terminal will open its doors to the public next week. The momentous occasion will add another feather to the country’s cap of achievements. The airport is expected to be at the forefront of tourism development in the Sultanate and aims at becoming one of the top 20 airports in the world. And judging by what people are saying, it will be climbing the rankings too. All passengers flying to and fro Oman (from destinations outside the GCC) on the day can experience the new airport. Stay tuned for more reports.
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MAR
20
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
Cast: Patrick Fabian, Amir El-Masry and Ayman Samman
Release date: March 15
Cast: Charlotte Vega, Eugene Simon, David Bradley, Bill Miller and Moe Dunford
Cast: Biju Menon, Soubin Shahir, Neeraj Madhav, Sunny Wayne, Anjali and Salim Kumar
Cast: Jesse Plemons, Rachel McAdams and Jason Bateman
The Arabian Warrior
The Lodgers
Rosapoo
Game Night Bateman and McAdams star as Max and Annie whose weekly couples game night gets kicked up a notch when Max’s charismatic brother Brooks (Chandler) arranges a murder mystery party, complete with fake thugs and faux federal agents. So, when Brooks gets kidnapped, it’s all part of the game, right? But as the six uber-competitive gamers set out to solve the case and win, they begin to discover that neither this game — nor Brooks — are what they seem to be. Over the course of one chaotic night, the friends find themselves increasingly in over their heads as each twist leads to another unexpected turn. With no
released, this movie will become the first ever American-Saudi film and Amir ElMasry’s debut film.
rules, no points, and no idea who all the players are, this could turn out to be the most fun they’ve ever had... or game over.
‘The Arabian Warrior’ revolves around an Arabian guy who is studying in the United States and his ultimate goal is to become a football player. His father strongly opposes this desire, resulting in a strong clash between them. When
A realistic movie narrated in a light way set in the 2001-2017 time frame. After suffering a loss in his duty-free shop, Shajahan finds it difficult to sustain his business. To make ends meet, he decides to take up odd jobs while his friend Neeraj, a cable operator, aspires to make it big as a director and strikes the idea of making an adult film. What happens next forms the crux of the movie.
1920, rural Ireland. Anglo Irish twins Rachel and Edward share a strange existence in their crumbling family estate. Each night, the property becomes the domain of a sinister presence (The Lodgers), which enforces three rules upon the twins: they must be in bed by midnight; they may not permit an outsider past the threshold; if one attempts to escape, the life of the other is placed in jeopardy. When troubled war veteran Sean returns to the nearby village, he is immediately drawn to the mysterious Rachel, who in turn begins to break the rules set out by The Lodgers. The consequences pull Rachel into a deadly confrontation with her brother — and with the curse that haunts them.
Release Date: March 15
Release Date: March 15
!
N WI
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Who is the director of Game Night?
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MAR 15 - 21 / ISSUE 511
019
and no
They work 12 hours a day and seven days a week in hazardous conditions, but companies hold back their wages for as long as half an year. That’s inhuman, but a new classification system could offer them relief, write Alvin Thomas and Hasan al Lawati
hen you think of the Sultanate, the sights that come to mind are those of beautiful mountains peaking over the horizon, walking past the vapours of oud in the historic Muttrah souk, taking a stroll on the beach with your loved ones or going wadi bashing with your mates on a break. It’s all very appealing; cinematic, even. But gloss over the obvious and into the other side of things, and you’ll find yourself staring into the lives of many individuals whose stories are often untold and, unsurprisingly, are nothing short of heartbreaking. Such is the case of Dineshan* (name changed to protect identity) who we caught staring through the windows of one of the leading gyms in the Muscat region in awe during the wee hours of a Saturday. “It’s funny to see that people are here to lose weight and build muscle. We do that on a daily basis: we lift weights to build houses,” he laughs in Malayalam when we catch hold of him for a quick chat. Dineshan, a labourer with a local construction company here, came to Oman in 2012 with the hope of turning around his family’s fortunes. After falling into debt in 2010, the young Indian hailing from Kerala was forced to quit his job as a carpenter and move to the Sultanate. Hired by a local agent after he paid them Rs80,000 (RO474) as a labourer, the then 25-year-old flew into Oman with the dream of ‘saving his family’. “The grass is always greener on the other side,” he chants, before adding, “I was able to clear off our debt in about two years after coming here.” “I sent every Riyal I got, save for RO10 per month, from my salary of RO135. I wouldn’t even buy a shawarma or Pepsi when I was hungry. Instead, I would cook the food with about 12 others. This only cost me about RO3 per month. “I also haven’t bought anything for myself in the last eight years. Everything is for my parents, wife and son. This is what motivates me to 020
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work hard and earn the money, but at the expense of seeing them.” Dineshan doesn’t own a smartphone. Instead, he relies on his friends when he has to call his family back home.
Passport confiscated
After a five-minute conversation, however, Dineshan cries: “I would like to go back home. It doesn’t have to be forever. I haven’t gone home since 2014. I miss Sanju (his wife). Dineshan – whose voice is barely clear now – then reveals that his passport has been confiscated by his public relations officer and his leave requests have been rejected. “In my contract, I can leave for a 30-day break after two years of service, but that is not the case in the company. All engineers and others can take leave, but why can’t we?” he asks, as we console him. We then ask him if his company has paid him his dues, to which he exclaims: “No.” “Five months’ salary is pending since 2015. But that’s the case with everyone. We first headed to the management after two months of not getting the salary, who told us that even they hadn’t received their salaries as our clients hadn’t paid the company. “We waited for another three months before we started getting paid. But we’re yet to receive five months’ payment,” he adds, before walking away in despair. While Dineshan – and 70 of his fellow colleagues – remain silent about their ordeals, it begs us to ask how the non-payment of salaries has affected the lives of their families who depend on these poor workers. This motivated us to dig deeper into the lives of these expatriate labourers who bear the brunt of the struggle in order to keep the progress ticking.
Why they hold back wages
Talking about the reason for the non-payment of workers, Shashwar al
Balushi, the head of Tanfeedh labour market lab and the chief executive officer of the Oman Society of Contractors, reveals: “One of the main reasons for this (salary delays) is the economic downturn. Several companies have had payment issues and even some companies with accounts with the government have not been settled. “This has affected the third-party workforce (labourers, contractors, etc.). Many companies are also completing projects and handing them over to the clients. And the lack of future projects mean that they have to filter down their workforce or make compromises, like cutting salaries. “But we expect things to take a turn for the better,” adds Shashwar.
Ministry inspections
Speaking to the Y magazine about the salary struggles of these labourers, Salim bin Said al Badi, director general of labour welfare at the Ministry of Manpower, says the ministry has deployed a specialised team to conduct field checks on private sector companies to make sure they follow the Labour Law. “The ministry’s policy and goal is to regulate the labour market and enhance relationship between employers and employees.” Quoting the Labour Law, Al Badi adds: “Delaying any payment for more than extra seven days is illegal, and the ministry fines the violator. When it comes to holidays, every worker is entitled to an annual leave with full salary (for no less than 30 days). “However, a company is allowed to make a worker work extra hours if the job requires so, only if they do not exceed 12 hours a day, while paying him/ her 25 per cent more than the basic salary for morning overtime, and 50 per cent more for night, or to compensate him/her with a leave equal to the extra working hours. The law applies only if the employee is ready to work overtime and accepts the offered wage. “Employer should grant an employee a two-linked-day holiday per week after five working days. It is allowed in some occupations, based on the minister’s decision, to collect and keep the two-day weekend for a maximum of eight weeks if both parties agree to it.” Al Badi stresses the ministry has intensified inspections of companies. “The e-portal introduced by the ministry has facilitated everybody to file a
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complaint over Labour Law violations. If a company does not comply with the law and does not correct its violations, the file gets transferred to the Public Prosecution.” Twenty cases were referred to the Public Prosecution in 2017, Al Badi said.
No respect
In Oman, there are over 2,100,249 expats currently (as of March 11, 2018), of which more than 1.8 million are employed by private or public firms. Expats from Bangladesh are still on top at 690,381 and is followed by Indians at 685,938. While the numbers of labourers aren’t mentioned, it is safe to believe that the labour workforce largely comprises Asian expats, says Jamal al Balushi, an Omani national who has long been offering aid to expatriate labourers who work in his up and coming neighborhood in Al Khoud. “Very little help is given to these poor labourers. Even their own fellow nationals don’t treat them with respect. I have seen a lot of people ignoring them and even walking right over them in places where these poor people rest. “That is disrespect – and that attitude must change. We tend to forget that if these people don’t do their jobs, we are the ones that will be at a loss. “What’s more saddening is that their bosses sometimes hold back payments. They forget that their employees who sweat blood literally to get the work done cannot eat or send back money to their families on time because of that. “Once I had asked an Egyptian construction company owner who had taken up a project in my area why he hadn’t paid his staff. His reply was that the later he paid them, the more money they would have at the end of the month,” exclaims the 60-yearold, who is flabbergasted while narrating the incident. “How much money can these guys save if their salaries are RO100?” he asks, as he shakes his head in disbelief. A small light in an otherwise dark time for our friend Dineshan is his project manager (who wishes to remain unnamed) who has been providing him and a handful of others with food and covering their basic expenses. Albeit, it must be stated that even he remains unpaid till date.
12 hours of work a day
But the concerns raised by other labourers don’t just end with delayed payments. A great majority of labourers we spoke to highlighted concerns ranging from long working hours – with some alleging over 12 hours of work in a day, short breaks and no days off. Zulfiqur Rahman, a Bangladeshi labourer currently working on a residential complex, complains about how the company forces them to work for eight hours on a stretch. “We rarely get breaks,” says the labourer. “We don’t have rights and are treated like garbage. It’s getting hot here and we are tired by noon. All we have is time to eat our lunch and in 10 minutes we have to be back to the camp. “By then our bodies ache. We’re currently in the process of laying the foundation and there’s no time for us to waste. But because we’re a small team, we have no option but to work long hours. “We even work on our day off (Friday) and Saturday is already a working day for us,” he exclaims. “We don’t know what to do and we don’t know who to talk to. We’re at the mercy of our project manager – who would make us work 24 hours if he could. He has no heart and respect for anybody,” he tells us, before rushing back to work, citing that he will fall in trouble if his boss finds out that he is talking to the media.
Dangerous work sites
Walking around the construction site, which is blatantly open with no locks on the gates or warnings, we notice several violations with regards to the health and safety of the workers. Numerous workers are seen lying in the shade underneath a cement mixer and concrete mixer. Also, those moving around the camp are seen to be bereft of hard helmets and boots. The state of the workers lying on the floor with hard hats covering their faces to prevent direct exposure to the sun are distressing – and it prompted us to reach out to the project manager to ask if the labourers can be provided with a covered and air conditioned shelter for resting.
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Delaying any payment for more than extra seven days is illegal, and the ministry fines the violator. When it comes to holidays, every worker is entitled to an annual leave with full salary
without a valid visa was futile out of fear of the media, but a simple stroll across the Ruwi area will show you the strength and prevalence of the unlicensed labour community in Oman. Just last week, news that the Ministry of Manpower had arrested and deported 138 expat workers and laborers in Al Buraimi governorate, broke waves. Late last year (August 2017), more than 99 labourers were deported from Oman for working illegally – and it’s only a matter of time before such stories hit the news again. To all those afraid of approaching the legal authorities, PM Jabir urges that they take some step to avoid legal consequences. “If someone cannot approach the Ministry of Manpower directly, then they can head to the mission department in their respective embassies. For instance, the Indian Embassy has a ‘Community Welfare Wing’ and the Bangladeshi Embassy has a ‘Labour Wing’ that will actively work with the Ministry of Manpower to sort out the issue. “I’ve been doing my best to tell the people to approach these channels and avoid taking other steps (strike, continuing to work illegally, etc.).”
Ray of hope
He immediately retaliated by asking us to leave the premises, while telling us that we were breaking the law by entering the camp. He then closed the gate shut. To get to grips with what can be done in such scenarios wherein the labourers are deprived of basic facilities, we talked to a social worker of over 25 years in Oman, PM Jabir. He says: “Some of these issues that you raise have been a concern over the last two decades of my existence here in Oman. But what I have found is that over time, the Ministry of Manpower has become the go-to organisation for such cases. “It breaks my heart when I see the people suffering, but a lot of them need to know that there is a governing body (Ministry of Manpower) that will take care of their requirements. Clean facilities with drinking water, proper sanitation and air conditioning are mandatory at all construction camps.”
Deportation fears
Another trepidation that has been haunting these migrant labourers is the chance of getting deported from Oman: The reason being the nonrenewal of visas. All our efforts to connect with labourers who were offering services
But things will be taking a turn for the better, Shashwar tells Y. “We have proposed a new classification method that will bring things in line with the law. “We at the Oman Society of Contractors have come up with a new classification system that will change the way the companies comply with the Omani laws. And one of the things we will focus on is the provision of workforce housing for the safety and well-being of the labourers. “We are in the final stages of this project – and we are developing the website now. The Ministry of Manpower will soon issue the decree and it will help us classify companies and manage hidden trade within this sector. “The construction sector is divided into two segments: The mediumlevel companies and large-level companies.” He discloses that most companies in the latter segment are compliant with Omani laws. These companies include those contracting with large government and private organisations. “It is the smaller and medium-level companies – those that are involved in smaller projects like the construction of buildings and villas – that default the law. Most of the times, these companies are registered to an Omani and is run by an expat. “So, what we see is an expat taking advantage of his expat workforce. And 99 per cent of the times we see a company breaking the law, it is with a company that belongs to this segment. Despite that, Shashwar believes that the future is bright. “Our new classification system will make sure that steps are taken against companies that break the law. Our idea is simple: you must classify as a genuine company by following the basic parameters that is set by the Ministry of Manpower. “Else, they will inevitably be brought before the law.” ■
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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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D E M M A seven-minute film made by media persons in Oman has won high praise from viewers and scooped four awards. The best director and the best actor tell Hasan al Lawati how they plotted the coup
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n days were media’s ethics and objectivity are being questioned every single day, a group of Oman-based journalists took a stand and made a short movie to address an unpopular opinion. ‘Dear News Editor’, a seven-minute movie which was shot in Souq Muttrah and its adjacent areas won four awards at the recent Bahrain Film Festival, including Best Film and Best Actor. Directed by Anirban Ray and starred by senior journalist Kabeer Yousuf, the award-winning production discusses a controversial story of media propaganda, terrorism and Islamophobia. The movie, which was shot over three days only, started with American author Mark Twain’s famous quote: “If you don’t read the newspaper, you’re uninformed. If you read the newspaper, you’re misinformed.” The story takes place in imaginary land of ‘North Arabia’, where a single father, known for his kindness and truthfulness, sends his only son Bilal to London to complete his higher education. The story starts
A I D S L U G O M
● 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 shaping when the English capital sees a horrific terror attack which in Oman left tenswhich dead will andbe held in the autumn many injured. of this year All fingers then point to a “Muslim college student”, and Bilal’s●father The Academy lives in fear League and – a youth isolation after he fails to communicate with his son. football league Few day later, innocent, falsely accused Bilal calls his dad, reassuring ● Adventure him that Racing he is safe–and an obstacle that course is coming back soon to his hometown. racing with mud races and various other The whole story is then sent to an editor of an English daily, who challenging refuses tomultidiscipline publish it, citing events “good news is not news.” ● Tough Mudder – a global obstacle race The budget movie was highly praised by the viewers. Anirban series Ray said which thatwill “working commence with later like- in 2018. minded people who are passionate about films” spared him the cost “except for the occasional shawarma breaks, there was no cost at all.” The agency will also associate itself with The seasoned director has events in sports such as golf, table tennis, made more than 25 movies in his last seven years in the Sultanate. cricket, desert marathon, desert dune Inspired by Russian directors, pioneers of movie editing, Arinban race, used etc.different footage of London to create the movie, which stood out from 24 other entries in the regional award ceremony. Asked why the renowned, historic souq of Muttrah was chosen as the film location, Kabeer yosuf said there is no place like the Souq to “reflect the traditional and modern face of Oman,” “The movie sheds light on how societies can come out of this thinking pattern of Islam. The entire concept is to show that not every Bilal is a villain,” he explained. “However,” Kabeer says “of course there are villain Bilals, but there are villains of all religions, but you never hear a terrorist of other religion, the term is only used against Muslims.” “A knife attack in a college is terrorism, the term means taking something to an extreme level,” Kabeer added. While Kabeer was very keen on addressing the issue of responsible journalism, Arinban on the other hand was skeptical about it at first. “We later decided to do it when I observed how western and some Asian media, falsely victimize a person. And when they come to know that the story is not true, they do not apologize, and the character’s image and hard work gets damaged,” he said. “I was emotionally attached to this movie because Kabeer’s acting very convincing,” he said. The cast announced that they are working on a new movie called ‘Azan’, which will be on a religious imam and his rock star son. ■
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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MHD coaxed car lovers into the Smart Cones Challenge and made them push the beasts to the limit. Even proud owners had to admit their ignorance of the awesome capabilities of their own cars! Alvin Thomas joins the happy crowd
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is palms were sweaty, knees weak, arms heavy but the determination in his eyes suggested he was calm and ready. There’s good reason for his exhilaration: Akshay, an engineer based in Oman, was vying in a challenge to take top spot in a race that could land him in the United Kingdom and alongside classic cars such as the Jaguar E-Type, Land Rover Defender and so on at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and hundreds of people had taken up the challenge. Dubbed the Jaguar Art of Performance Tour, the event was held over the weekend (March 2-3) at the Oman Automobile Association (OAA). One the face of it, Akshay seemed like he had no chance to beat his competitors. On any normal day he drives a Japanese SUV and has no history in racing. But, when the light went green, he kicked into overdrive in the 280hp Jaguar XE R-Sport that he was given the keys to. What happened next was amazing: The youngster attacked the cones with no haste, clipping none and maintaining an accuracy rate of 97 per cent. And in one minute and 16 seconds (1:16:00) he completed the course – thereby taking the top spot. He confessed he had never driven a Jaguar before – but that’s the
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beauty of it. Anybody with a valid driving licence could have had a go in the sedan around a specially designed track laid out for the Smart Cones Challenge dictated by GPS coordinates sent via a satellite. Now if that isn’t considered James Bond-worthy technology, then we don’t know what is. If Akshay manages to hold his place on the podium, he will be flown to Abu Dhabi for a competition and finally to the UK. “I’m extremely happy to be on top of the leader board,” said the elated engineer. “I drive a regular SUV on a day-to-day basis and this is a dream come true for me. These cars are real beasts and I cannot help but say that I am incredibly lucky. Thank you Jaguar and Land Rover, and thank you Mohsin Haider Darwish (MHD) for organising this wonderful event.” It was the general consensus throughout the day. And it’s not just the Smart Cones Challenge that was garnering attention and electrifying the atmosphere. There was something for everybody: Kids were given small cars to sit on a ride while the elders were treated to the real deal. And yes, there was food too… lots and lots of it. Cars from Jaguar such as the F-Pace, XF R-Sport and the XE R-Sport galore, nobody was seen wasting any time to queue up for a chance to get behind the wheel.
But it’s not just Jaguar that was taking the spotlight. Visitors were also allowed to take control of Land Rover’s latest offering – the Range Rover Velar. Draped in candy red and grey, the cars stood out from the lot, and people weren’t shy of clicking selfies with their dream machines to share on their social media pages. The challenge was simple: drive the Velar as slow as possible. The aim was to finish the course in two minutes – or as close to the time as possible. The challenge, which included you – the driver – to reverse onto a small ramp, took place in a neatly laid-out course. Also drawing crowds were the XF and the F-Pace duo that were pushed to their limits on a slalom course. The course, which was laid out with cones forced drivers to manoeuvre the vehicles in the safest and quickest way possible. The noise of tyres begging for mercy and the engine hitting the red line translated very well to the overall aura of the event. And if you thought that it was all, then you’re wrong. Land Rover had something up its sleeve too – and it had the crowds in tears (literally). Organised in the lovely off-road course at the OAA as part of the Land Rover Experience Tour, visitors were driven around challenging off-road terrain in the Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Sport SVR. The course included everything from a 35-degree gradient torque test to axle test. Some of the challenges were so daunting that the passengers had their eyes shut. Still, with experienced drivers Mohammed and Talal taking control of the drive, everybody was safe. “Safety is our priority,” says Talal, driving a Land Rover Discovery over a ramp. “People don’t know how capable these SUVs are – and we are here to show them their limit. We even had existing customers of the SUV come to me and tell me that they didn’t know the capabilities of their own cars. “That’s the beauty of Land Rover and Jaguar. These are cars designed to be the best – and so we’re confident that they will take your breath away once you’re in it.” ■
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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
M
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 Issue 509 of the magazine 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 the 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 card from Issue 509 of the magazine. ● 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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BIMMAH BEACH STROLL INTO THE BEACH LEAVING YOUR EARPHONES IN THE CAR, PITCH CAMP ATOP THE ROCKS, SWITCH YOURSELF OFF ALL SURROUNDING NOISES AND JUST LISTEN TO THE SWEET NOTHINGS THE WAVES WHISPER TO THE ROCKS. SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI ENJOYS A DREAM DAWN, SPOILED THOUGH BY THE HEAPS OF RUBBISH STREWN ALL AROUND 032
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headed to the edge of land to click a few pictures. The beach of Bimmah is quite unorthodox compared to others in the city. Visitors essentially camp atop mountainous rocks which end with a sharp drop into the sea. It’s not dangerous, but it’s best to keep a safe distance at all times. Following the photo shoot, I proceeded to my camp to relax for a while. There’s nothing more peaceful than a secluded beach to spend time and think about other worldly things. And just as I did that, I toned down all other noise – from nearby cars zooming past and so on – to just the sea greeting the rocks with a loud splash. It’s the nature’s way of detoxing you without the need for earphones. Trust me: if you’re ever feeling low, just head to a beach and sit there observing the tidal waves. It will calm your nerves and provide you with much needed relief from well the world.
HOW TO GET THERE
TRAVEL GUIDE
T
he beauty of a country starts with its people. As a matter of fact, it is indeed the people who make a country a nation; sort of like a family making a house a home. That’s one of the primary reasons why Oman has long been known as a nation that welcomes visitors with arms wide open. Of course, that’s not all, though. The success of this country is the topography – a gift that has been bestowed upon us from above. And it’s a union of these two features that makes Oman what it is. Albeit, of late, I’ve been seeing that we – the people of Oman – have been letting ourselves down. And I have a story to narrate. It all began when I headed for a trip to Bimmah. Famed worldwide for its sinkhole, it’s a haven for tourists. Due to its importance in the region, the municipality frequently cleans the surroundings to keep everything spotless and tidy. But what is ignored is Bimmah beach, which is only a few metres away. Upon reaching the beach, I stepped on what could only be described as waste food from happy campers from the previous days. It was disgusting, to say the least. This was the trend all through the beach. A huge portion of the beach was littered with waste. Plastics, food, glass and cans galore, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone mistook this area for a dumpyard. Nevertheless, all negativity aside, I quickly found a spot far from the waste and pitched camp there. The sun was just starting to rise, so I quickly grabbed my camera, manoeuvred through the waste and
From Muscat, take the Route 17 that will take you through Quriyat and Dibab. Follow the road and aim for the Bimmah Sinkhole. From there, it’s only a matter of your choosing your spot to set the tent. The drive will take you about an hour and 30 minutes.
Coordinates: 22°58’51.5”N, 59°09’20.2”E
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CARS ADVENTURES
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V O LV O X C 6 0
Unpredictably handsome on the outside and incredibly homely on the inside, the 2018 edition is implacably competent. Alvin Thomas enjoys the Swedish luxury and largesse wrapped in indubitable safety
aring and sporty designs, unimaginably futuristic technologies and safety features to match; who thought that Volvo – of all car companies – would be the one to redefine the car market with its prowess and dexterity? Its vehicles, starting with the XC90 SUV all the way to the contemporarily styled S90, break the style barrier with ease. Nevertheless, four years since the release of its remodelled XC90, the folk are back at it – and this time it’s with an SUV in a smaller guise. And joy of joys, the vehicle in question here – the XC60 – is peppered with clues that it’s nothing short of the XC90 that it shares space with. Often touted as a stepping stone to the larger sibling, the XC60 has always been something of an underdog. And going up against the likes of German and Japanese vehicles that has over time gained in size and market share didn’t aid its cause either. But for 2018, the XC60 dons a rather outlandish
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approach – entering the market with a little more than just substance. It has finally got style too. Volvo keeps the XC60’s fascia in line with the XC90’s for the greater good, albeit with a few nips and tucks. For instance, the ‘Thor’ LED daytime running lights now integrate into the front grille. All styling elements, including the faux air-intakes, are inconspicuous and a bit discreet, however, it’s predictably handsome. The side profile is what gives away the SUV’s dimensions. Still, it rides tall and provides decent approach and departure angles, but the 19-inch alloy rims mask that to add to the sporty appeal. The tail lamps on the D-pillar are inspired from those found on the XC90, but are seemingly sharper and streamlined to match the proportions. The posterior is rounded off with dual exhausts. Anyone who has been in an XC90 will find the XC60’s interior to be like home. It’s all very contemporary; it’s all very IKEA. Not much has changed – and that’s a great thing. Everything from the knob-type engine start/stop and the seats, all the way to the 9.2-inch touchscreen and the 12.3-inch digital driver’s display remains similar to the latter. The touchscreen is slick (it’s faster than before courtesy software upgrades) and intuitive; it controls functions ranging from your climate control, infotainment, and even your driver aids. Navigation and Google Search seem to be pre-loaded as standard, too. Meanwhile, the digital driver’s display keeps it simple with a speedometer and tachometer, and a central portion that can be altered to display anything from maps to your music playlist. It’s all very nifty. Moving on, the XC60 comes with heated and
ventillated seats that are also 10-way electronically adjustable. While this gives you the liberty to adjust your seats according to your preferences, I did find the seats to provide adequate lumbar, thigh and side support regardless of the setting you choose. Rear passengers are treated with adequate space, too. It compares itself with
Destination
P o s t c a r d s Fr o m
Y- F i
Gaming
CARS
Volvo XC60 Specifications: Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder Transmission: eight-speed automatic Horsepower: 254hp Torque: 350Nm Top speed: 230kph All-wheel drive Panoramic sunroof 9.2-inch infotainment screen Drive mode selector Leather upholstery Lane-keeping assist Radar-guided cruise control
WHILE STILL MAINTAINING THE REPUTATION OF WHAT THIS SWEDISH CARMAKER HAS ALWAYS BEEN KNOWN FOR: GRACEFUL AND SAFE VEHICLES WITH AN EDGE FOR INNOVATION vehicles such as the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC, but the XC60 is broader inside, thereby translating to better room inside. Also, there’s adequate head room and leg room for rear passengers. My tester – the XC60 T5 Inscription – came fitted with a large panoramic sunroof. It’s easily one of the bigger ones I have tested in a long time, although, given the tall roofline, you’ll have to stand on the centre console (which is not advisable) to experience the wind (and bees) in your face. Star gazers, on the other hand, will love it. Boot space is pegged at 505 litres, which is the industry average. While it isn’t worth writing home about, it still has a short lip, making it easy to load cargo with ease. Moreover, 60/40 split seats and a pass through (in the rear seats) are also
a part of the package, if you require more cargo space. On paper, the XC60 is still an entry-level premium SUV, so there are still hard plastics along the centre-console and the glovebox cover, but these are on a par with its German rivals. The XC60 carries over its 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine for the T5 powertrain that produces 254hp and 350Nm of torque. While the numbers aren’t as blistering as, say, the turbocharged-supercharged powertrains from that of its larger sibling, it still has game. Naught to 100kph
is achieved in about seven seconds – and without any tyre squealing or drama. The all-wheel drive drivetrain is capable and helps the 245/45 Michelin tyres to grip to the surface at all times. Cornering is relatively flat, with only a hint of body roll creeping in when taking corners past the 60kph mark. Take it past those speeds and you’ll also deal with understeer creeping in from the front end trying to push out of the corner. The suspension is tuned efficiently to provide a great balance between handling and comfort, though I suspect the air suspension (which is an optional extra) will up the game further. Also admirable is how the engineers have doled out noise emanating from the wind and tyres despite making use of single-glazed glass. Outward visibility is excellent, owing to a thin A-pillar. The XC60 stays true to itself in driving dynamics. It doesn’t oversell itself as a sporty SUV – and, on most fronts, it isn’t. But, the ‘Dynamic’ mode ensures that the steering firms up and the gearbox and throttle are at their sharpest, while the ‘Normal’ and ‘Economy’ modes tone it down to its most comfortable setting. This is what sets the XC60 apart from its general competition. It comes packing features – like City Safety (that steers the car into lane and away from cars on the highway) and semi-autonomous driving (optional) – that don’t even graze the options list of numerous entry-level luxury SUVs, while still maintaining the reputation of what this Swedish car-maker has always been known for: Graceful and safe vehicles with an edge for innovation.
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CARS ADVENTURES MAGICAL RETREAT
With its ancient temples, royal palaces and peaking mountains, Nepal has much to offer to the discerning tourist. Head to this magical country to experience it all.
1. Meditate at the Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath 2. Explore the Chitwan National Park 3. Go sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley 4. Indulge in Nepalese cuisine 5. Take photos of the famous Pashupatinath Temple  
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POSTCARDS FROM
Alvin Thomas recommends
NEPAL T
here are several places in south Asia that fit the bill as tourist destinations. Sitting atop my list is Nepal, right alongside India and Bhutan. My last trip to Nepal was in 2015. But every so often, a place as placid as that requires a revisit - you know - to rekindle the beautiful memories that were scripted during the stay there. I’ve had to dig into the depths of my archives for this Postcard, but I’ll tell you what: Just thinking about the place brings a smile to my face. The experience begins when you fly into the nation. Call me crazy, but everybody you see and interact with wears a smile on their face. No, really! I found myself doubting whether I was playing the lead actor in a desi version of the famous movie, ‘Truman Show’. But fret not, because Nepal, much like Oman, welcomes tourists with open arms. Visitors, as one local put it, “is a gift from God”. And boy, they really do take care of their tourists. This further ties in with the country’s tagline: ‘Once is not enough.’ Nepal is a travelling nirvana, with visitors presented with options of trekking, meditating, soul-searching and exploring. It really does bring in the best of Europe while still providing you with Asian hospitality. Most travellers opt to begin their trip by trekking up the mountains. Well, after all, it is the home of Mt Everest (it shares the landform with Tibet). Trekking is hard work due to the harsh climatic conditions. Nepal reportedly has five different climates depending on the altitude. Still, daredevils scale the mountains daily; it’s Nepal’s greatest source of income. Speaking of which, have you tried out Momos? The south-Asian dumplings are marketed all around the world, including Europe, and has taken the world by storm. Also common in the area the dal bhat (lentil soup) and several other curries sans spice. Dramatic landscapes and succulent food aside, Nepal is known for its striking Hindu and Buddhist temples. These are always packed with pilgrims travelling from as far as Europe and the US. Of late, tourists following the infamous ‘Hippie Trail’ have been stopping over at Kathmandu - the capital of Nepal - before heading into India.
C H IT W A
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My favourite place
Camping in the foothills of the mountain evoked memories of desert nights in camps in Oman and the UAE. But, because the Nepalese are friendly, you can simply camp on a beaten track and cook the food of your choice. The nights can get extremely chilly though, and there’s no other way to survive than cozy up with a blanket. Oh, and yes, the experience can be outright scary if you’re camping alone. Do lay off from the horror movies if you’re planning on camping.
Highlights
Topographically, Nepal is rich with several options for tourists. The Nepal-India border, for instance, is a great spot to start your trip. It’ll also ease you in with the existing climatic conditions at the time. Once you’re in the city, however, things are fairly normal, and you can try heading to the Pashupatinath Temple or Boudhanath for meditation. The Buddhist stupa of the latter dominates the skyline; it is one of the largest stupas in the world.
Lowlights The hospitality of the people of a country can dictate your experience as a traveller. The people of Nepal definitely make your trip, but the rude tourists who visit the country can break it. Also, the traffic and polluted air can corrupt the serenity of the real Nepal. Souvenirs Get Thanka paintings or singing bowls for your friends and family. These are cheap to buy and you can always haggle over the price with sellers. Getting there You can fly to Kathmandu with Oman Air for about RO93. Else, you can also drive up to the Indo-Nepal border (from India) and enter the country. Where to stay Nepal offers lodging or hotel options to tourists. However, if you’re trying to experience the country, head straight to the foothills of Mt Everest and camp there. Keep in mind that it will be frigid there.
STEAM ED AN D F R IE MOMO D S P IC SERV EY E D W IT H CHU AND C TNEY URD
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-FI THE TECH IN YOU KINDLE THE FIRE All right, so we’re not completely sold on the idea of an e-reader. We’d rather a book any day of the week. But let’s face it: Books aren’t going to be around for much longer. So, in view of that, we’re picking the new Amazon Kindle to be our e-reader of choice. Sure, it’s small, light and lacking in features but that, we strongly feel, is what is required from the Kindle. This new version is also 11 per cent thinner and 16 per cent lighter than the previous model – but it still packs the essentials. For instance, you get 4GB in-built storage for all your needs and battery life is pegged at four weeks. The reader comes in black and white, and includes Bluetooth audio so you can listen to an audio version of the on-screen text through headphones or a speaker. This is yours for RO29.9 from amazon.com
Destination
Cars
Gaming
Y-FI
GO GREEN
Walk by to trigger the lights and enjoy VR in an easy way or go e-reading with the all-new thinner, lighter Kindle. Alvin Thomas sheds light on some of the greenest gadgets you can lay your hands on LIGHTS OUT Not many people know this, but simply leaving the lights in your house running can add up to your monthly electricity bill substantially – especially if you’re still using old fluorescent tube lights and tungsten bulbs. Avoid this by installing the Philips Hue Smart Motion Sensor in your home. The device can control your lights via WiFi and, more importantly, can detect motion to switch the lights on and off, depending on the activity. Keep in mind that you’d require the Phillips Hue Lights in order to make use of its features. The battery-powered device can also be controlled by voice with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit or the Google Assistant. Buy this from amazon.com for RO15.3
VIRTUAL REALITY Most VR viewers are traditionally large, bulky and made from cheap plastics. But Google has been working to turn things around with their Google Cardboard project. Not only are these devices ecofriendly, they’re also light, compact and easy on your face during long VR movie or gaming marathons. The devices can be purchased in different shapes, sizes and designs to suit your personality. But what’s important is that they all come with high quality and adjustable lenses. Get yours from vr.google. com for about RO5.7
SUNNY SIDE UP
EDITOR’S PICK
CHARGING YOUR PHONE HAS NEVER BEEN THIS EASY. YOU DON’T HAVE TO SCURRY AROUND THE OFFICE, AIRPORT (OR WHEREVER YOU ARE) LOOKING FOR A SOCKET TO PLUG IN YOUR CHARGER TO TOP UP YOUR SMARTPHONE ANYMORE – AND ALL THANKS TO THE ANKER POWERPORT SOLAR LITE. THE DEVICE, AS ITS NAME SUGGESTS, PACKS AN ARRAY OF SOLAR PANELS TO PROVIDE ABOUT 15 WATTS OF POWER. IT WILL ALSO SUPPORT FAST CHARGING FOR TWO DEVICES AT A TIME IF PLACED UNDER DIRECT SUNLIGHT. THE PANELS COMPRISE INDUSTRIAL-STRENGTH POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE (PET) SEWN INTO A RUGGED POLYESTER CANVAS. BUY THIS FOR RO20
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Metal Gear Survive
Info Box Developer:
KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT
Publisher: KONAMI
Series:
METAL GEAR
Engine:
FOX ENGINE
Platform:
PS4, XBOX ONE, MICROSOFT WINDOWS
Genre:
ACTION-ADVENTURE, SURVIVAL
Too many flaws, starting from a thin, petty plot to a slow, dreary gameplay, have spoiled this boring survival broth. Alvin Thomas on why you should stay away from an uninspiring alternative universe experience
A
ll right. So, where do I start: The gameplay? The storyline? The mechanics? Irrespective of how I approach this, I have a low opinion of the new game – Metal Gear Survive. While there’s nothing noteworthy about the new game (it’s definitely not fit for a review) in the series, it’s still a game that exists in the ilk that has long defined firstperson action games. But the fact that the game completely deviates from the synergy that has long been associated with the long-loved franchise distresses me. Metal Gear Survive has many, many flaws that catapult it far away from its core concept of tactical warfare, and that make it a strenuous game to play. It’s not hard to grasp where it all went awry. It reeks of a patch-up act post the untimely and
controversial departure of Hideo Kojami – the mastermind behind Metal Gear games of old – from Konami. While the concept of zombies has been toyed with by Metal Gear in previous years, this time around the game completely shifts its focus onto survival and adventure than warfare. Simply put, it’s a pointless sci-fi search and rescue mission. The storyline is just as gimmicky, too (duh!). Set in a period following the attack on Mother Base from the previous Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, a wormhole into a parallel world appears, sucking the base – which consists of Snake’s Militaires Sans Frontieres and the attacking XOF forces – into it, thereby leaving a sizeable chunk of the base in jeopardy. It’s uncanny, I tell you. Yes, there’s a certain sense of satisfaction you get when you gather wood, rags, food and other essentials when you – the protagonist – is sent out to find the base, but it’s undeniably reminiscent of the super-hit game ‘Don’t
Starve’– saving for the maturity in the gameplay, perhaps. Nevertheless, hours of drab and the gameplay ensues. The final product is tiring and uninspired, and the narration – which (thankfully) does incorporate the pseudoscience and oddball politics that the franchise is known for – still seems forceful. Also, I’m not sure if it’s just me, but the alternative universe looks a lot like the environments featured in previous Metal Gear titles. It’s best to stay away from this game. So, my advice to you is to save yourself a few Riyals and buy The Outpatient or… well… the Don’t Starve game on PS4. JULY MAR0315- -0921 // ISSUE ISSUE 327 511
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HEALTH& BEAUTY
CASUAL MAN
We definitely are in a transition period to summer. The 12 o’clock sun does hit us, but the pleasant evening breeze makes it all better. But how do you dress up in such weather? How about this breezy and relaxed ensemble from Bourbon?
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Health
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FASHION
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aran K e tin hris C , t ry tree esto s o h h g s e hi rmy h a t e o t H end e look. ram h g g hi th the to get n Insta m Fro s you tine o is help w Chr o Foll
T t Ge
Okay, can we take a moment to appreciate the boldness of this baseball cap from NewLook? The triangular pattern with daring makes it so edgy that it will definitely elevate your fashion game
Comfy and stylish… is this your fashion motto? Then this pair of shorts is the one for you. Super comfortable and at the same time super stylish, the sweatshirt shorts from H&M can be paired with anything. Grab it today for RO5
If you are looking for a fashion ensemble that is relaxed and brings out the weekend vibes, then this polo shirt from H&M is the one for you. Shop it for RO5
Who said jewellery is only for women? In fact, we think the aesthetic of men’s jewellery is far better than women’s. On that note, we are in love with this unique metal chain bracelet from ZARA that can be styled anyway. Pick it up for RO9
Bring out the ‘swag boy’ in you with a pair cool, white trainers. We have lately been seeing this trend spread especially in Muscat. Get it from H&M for RO13
Who said jewellery is only for women? In fact, we think the aesthetic of men’s jewellery is far better than women’s. On that note, we are in love with this unique metal chain bracelet from ZARA that can be styled anyway. Pick it up for RO9
Are you having one of those ‘no-effort’ days? Just don’t want to grab the right jacket for the right trousers? Then how about this striped polo from M&Co? It is chic at the minimal effort. Buy it now for RO9.5
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HEALTH& BEAUTY
Health
BEAUTY
Fashion
Home
Family
Skin
RULES
Growing old gracefully is a matter of spotless skin and beautiful eyes. Gayathri Das gives you the tips to stay young
T
he twenties are the age where you are involved in pampering your skin most. Your skin at old age depends on the care given at this age. Grow beautiful as you grow old and age gracefully by following a few rules. Sunscreen The main damage creator of skin is the sun rays. Protect your skin from these rays to avoid problems to your skin after you cross your 20s. Make sure you apply sunscreen whenever you step out in the sun and reapply them every four hours. Choose a sunscreen that suits your skin, depending on your skin type. Make sure to apply sunscreen on areas which you think is covered too. Don’t forget to protect your lips too with an SPF balm. Let it breathe Give your skin a breathing space. Look your best with all the makeup you adore, but make sure you go makeup-free at least once or twice a week. Your skin too breathes. So, leave it free to breathe and allow it to repair and heal by itself. Don’t experiment There are a lot of new products coming into the market day by day which make you tempted to try them and look gorgeous. Make sure you find a product that suits your skin and hair and stick to it. Trying out new products all the time will put your skin at risk to reactions. Do not make frequent changes to your products. Makeup free It is tempting to go to bed after a long day or a party. That is the most dangerous thing you can do to ruin your skin. Make sure to remove all your makeup at night as your skin too needs an eighthour sleep to refresh. Mind your eyes Signs of ageing are first seen around your eyes. Start using an under-eye cream from your late twenties to avoid those puffy eyes and dark circles around your eyes. It’s the most sensitive area on your face so be mild with those beautiful eyes and the area around them.
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Beauty
Fashion
HEALTH
Home
Family
KEEP ON
THE MOVE
Engaging in physical activity is one of the best ways to bring down your heart attack risk. And there are many, easy options to do it
W
hen news of the death of famed Indian actress Sridevi broke, Asians across the world were in shock. It wasn’t just about the untimely death of the actress that caused ripples but the initial prognosis that sent shivers down everyone’s spine. Initial reports stated that the actress had suffered a “severe” cardiac arrest – and that she had died in the span of a few minutes. Of course, the autopsy – which revealed that she had drowned to death – went on to refute all such rumours. Still, the period of uncertainty when the whole world was made to believe that she had suffered a cardiac arrest shed light on the long forsaken concept of heart health. What’s worrying is that a growing number of residents of Oman, both Omanis and expats, are under threat from this instant killer, as is shown by a ballooning number of heart-related diseases reported in hospitals. However, there are many ways for you to lower your risk for heart disease, and one of the most important is by becoming physically active. Self-help can definitely be a great start to aid in keeping your heart healthy. National guidelines recommend at least 2 hours, 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week for adults, like brisk walking where your blood gets pumping and you are a little breathless. If you find yourself short of time, you can incorporate physical activity in small chunks, such as three 10-minute intervals per day, and still achieve some heart health benefits.
How moving more helps
When done regularly, physical activity can give your entire body – not just your heart – a boost. Getting your heart rate up and breaking a sweat can: ● Strengthen heart muscles ● Improve blood flow
● Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels ● Help control weight
Ways to become more active every day
In addition to working toward at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, it's important to avoid being sedentary, when possible. You can do that by making choices that build activity in your day. Some examples include: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Taking the stairs Printing at the printer farthest from your desk at work. Getting off the bus one stop early Parking in the farthest space from the door Walking around while you are on the phone or having walking meetings Being active with your children, including playing outdoors Planning a vacation that includes physical activities Playing basketball or taking a yoga class with friends instead of meeting up for drinks or a meal Putting on some music and dancing
Check with your doctor
Certain physical activities are safe for most people. However, if you have a chronic health condition such as heart disease, arthritis or diabetes, talk with your doctor about the type and amount of physical activity that is right for your health. Incorporating regular physical activity into your life can help your health in many ways, but it can be especially helpful for your heart. Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute MAR 15 - 21 / ISSUE 511
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FOOD DRINK
Trend
New Restaurant
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A FRESH TWIST
Watermelon sales will shoot up in the coming weeks as we approach the summer season. But don’t just throw away the rind. Use our handy tips to put the skin to good use. 044
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FROM THE
Watermelon Rind Pickles
Outside
§ 1 allspice berry § 1/2 cup cider vinegar § 4 peppercorns § 4 whole cloves § 1/2 tsp pickling spice § 1 long slice of fresh ginger root § 1/4 tsp celery seeds
Watermelon is a favourite summer fruit and its rind is both edible and nutritious. Three delicious, refreshing ways you could put the rind too to good use
W
atermelon rinds make for more than just attractive containers for serving cold dishes and beverages. It can also be used in creative, edible ways and is good for your heart. Watermelon, both the flesh and the rind, is a good source of a compound called citrulline, an amino acid that raises levels of arginine in the blood which in turn helps maintain blood flow, healthy blood vessels and heart health. Whether you’re eating for good health or good taste (or both), you can use the rind to make pickles and relishes, grate into salads and slaws, toss into stir-fry and add to smoothies and juice. These three preparation methods can help you put that rind to good use: Pickled: Watermelon rind is similar to a cucumber, which is why it’s no surprise that pickled watermelon rind is a popular option. Juiced: Most people know you can enjoy juice from red flesh of the melon, but you can juice the rind, too. Just like the watermelon flesh, the rind is loaded with water and nutrients. Stir-Fried: When it’s cut up, watermelon rind is just like a vegetable, which means it can be tossed in a pan and stir-fried right alongside broccoli and carrots. Look for more creative ways to use your watermelon rind at watermelon.org. Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board
Ingredients: § 4 cups water § 1 tbsp coarse salt § 2 cups peeled watermelon rind, cut into 1-1/2-by-2-inch pieces (leave thin layer of pink) § 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Method: § In a large pot over a medium-high heat, bring the water and salt to a boil. Add the rind pieces and boil until tender, for about 5 minutes. Strain. Transfer the rinds to a large metal bowl. § In a saucepan, combine the watermelon rind, sugar, berries, vinegar, peppercorns, cloves, pickling spice, ginger root and celery seeds. Bring to a boil over a medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 15 minutes until slightly reduced. Pour over the watermelon rinds in a bowl. Place a plate over the top to keep the rinds submerged in the liquid. § Cover and refrigerate for a day. Transfer to a glass jar and keep sealed in a refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Watermelon Rind Stir-Fry Ingredients: § 2 tsp sesame oil § 2 cups watermelon rind, julienned (white part only, from about 1/2 of seedless watermelon) § 1 cup julienned carrots § 1/2 cup chives, cut into 3-inch pieces § 1 tbsp honey § 1 tbsp soy sauce § 1 tbsp fish sauce § 1 clove garlic, minced § 1 piece (about 1 inch) ginger, minced § 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn § 1/4 cup cilantro leaves § 1/4 cup mint leaves § crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Method: § In a wok over a high heat, heat the sesame oil. Add the watermelon rind and carrots and fry, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. Let sit over a high heat for one additional minute without stirring. Add
the chives and stir to combine. § In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic and ginger. Pour the sauce over the watermelon rind and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds to one minute, until fragrant. § Transfer to a serving dish. Add the basil, cilantro and mint, tossing to combine. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired, and serve.
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FOOD DRINK
Tr e n d
New Restaurant
REVIEWS
Info Box
VENUS RESTAURANT
Al Khuwair, Muscat, Oman Opening Hours: 11:30am - 3:30pm 6:30pm - 11:30pm Contact: 2448 1881 Dinner for four: RO12.8
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VENUS RESTAURANT
Verdict : 8/10 SERVICE 8/10 FOOD 7/10 AMBIENCE Delicious Mangalorean food and top-class service Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals
TASTEFULLY GARNISHED AND DELECTABLY MARINATED, THE PANEER TIKKA WAS SIMPLY SCRUMPTIOUS AND THE SAMBAR HAD HIM AT HELLO. ALVIN THOMAS EMBARKS ON A LATE NIGHT MANGALOREAN GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE
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ould you ever fancy a supper in Venus? No, no! I’m not talking about the planet Venus (duh!) but rather the Venus Restaurant in Al Khuwair. Pun aside, the restaurant – which is renowned all over the Middle East through its chains – was my place of choice this week for a (late) family dinner. We walked into the restaurant at 10pm – an hour or so before they close for the night. But, surprisingly, the waiters welcomed us with a smile and showed us to our seats. The interior had definitely been upgraded since my last trip there five years ago. Today, it looks more like a library than a restaurant as it is grappling with other eateries in the vicinity to stand out. The menu, on the other hand, seems to have shrunken down in size. No longer can you get sizzlers and select south Indian food items. Still, the Mangalore-based (an Indian city) restaurant is now focusing on its local cuisines. We decided to start supper with a plate of paneer tikka and chicken lollypop (which ironically isn’t Mangalorean), before delving into a vegetarian thali (an Indian food platter). The paneer tikka was stupendous, despite edging towards the spicy side. Garnished with
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MAR 15 - 21 / ISSUE 511
THE STANDOUT DISHES, IN MY OPINION, WERE THE POTATO MASALA, THE OKRA CURRY AND THE SAMBAR. TO PUT THINGS INTO PERSPECTIVE, THE LAST HAD ME AT HELLO: IT ONLY TOOK ME ONE SIP TO COMPLETELY FALL IN LOVE WITH THE SAMBAR
Mild on the spices, the Mangalorean sambar has long been my favourite – and the chef at Venus definitely captured it all. The potato and the okra curries were also succulent and ready to be wrapped in a chapatti (Indian flatbread) roll and gorged on. Speaking of which, the chapatti, despite the slight addition of ghee, was light on the stomach. Those who don’t care about the additional calories can opt for a plate of golden puris (an unleavened deep-fried bread) to add to the overall experience. We wrapped up our supper with a bowl of kesari (an Indian sweet made from semolina). The dessert was dripping in ghee, which can often mean that it’s freshly prepared and seasoned, but it can spell trouble for someone who is on a diet. I stayed away from it, so I had to take the word of my parents, who declared it delectable. It’s funny how a mere refresh and revamp can change the face of a business, altogether. It’s not easy for a restaurant to completely ditch its old menu for a newer one, but the folks at Venus seem to have aced it – and for that very reason, I declare it one of the best Indian restaurants for those on a budget.
grilled onions, sliced onions and capsicum, and marinated in a special chilly-based sauce, the paneer was simply scrumptious. The paneer was fresh (Hallelujah!) and the accompanying sides Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see were done well. reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com The chicken lollypop was great too, but it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. The add-on sauce, however, was kick-you-in-the-face spicy. Our thali, which arrived next, stood out with a variety of flavours. There were nine dishes in total (if you count the curd and salad too) – and each had us going for more. Thankfully, refills are free and you can ask for it as many times as you want. The standout dishes, in my opinion, were the potato masala, the okra curry and the sambar. To put things into perspective, the last had me at hello: it only took me one sip to completely fall in love with the sambar.
ROBERTO ALAGNA AND ALEKASNDRA Kurzak 25th March - 7:30 PM
Celebrated tenor, Roberto Alagna as he returns to Muscat for one night in concert with his wife, the internationally acclaimed Polish soprano, Aleksandra Kurzak, who made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 2004. The pair have been lauded by critics as enacting “a love that flourishes and sings… a real treat for both eyes and ears”.
RUSSIAN NATIONAL ORCHESTRA
Conducted by Pier Carlo Orizio with the participation of violinist Sergej Krylov
4th & 5th April - 7:30 PM
Russian National Orchestra featuring the astoundingly virtuosic Russian violinist, Sergej Krylov. ROHM audiences will hear beautiful, breath-taking music by Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saëns, Rimsky-Korsakov and Ravel. Described as "a living symbol of the best in Russian art".