Y Magazine #514, April 5, 2018

Face to Face

MEET OMAN’S PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER KHALED AL AZEM Setting the pace EXPLORING JAGUAR’S NEW SUV

News: OMANI WOMAN TO ATTEMPT 16 NORTH POLE EXPEDITION

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DESTINATION: Ruins of Al Musalla TASTE TEST: Biriyani King YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

APR 05 - 11 2018 / ISSUE 514 • WEEKLY

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ALARMING GROWTH IN NUMBER OF UNDERWEIGHT, STUNTED, THIN KIDS

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Campaign Period: 19th February 2018 (Monday) – 21th April 2018 (Saturday). Benefits are applicable for all purchases except Government Organizations & Ministries. ## Cash Gift: “Assured Cash Gift” is applicable on 2016 YM, 2017 YM & 2018 YM Toyota models, excluding Diesel grades of Fortuner, Prado, Hilux, LC P/Up, LC Wgn & Hiace. The amount varies between model, model variants, model year and manufacturing year. “Cash gift in lieu of benefits” Cash Gift is given in Lieu of the Service, Insurance only as applicable for respective models. In case customer chooses Service or Insurance (as applicable), he/ she will not be eligible for “Cash gift in lieu of benefits” offer. Cash Gift can also be used as part of down payment. For exact details please contact your nearest Toyota showroom. ** Comprehensive 1 year Insurance (Oman only) on 2016 YM Avalon, 2017 YM Prado (excluding Diesel grades). 2017 YM & 2018 YM: Yaris HB, Yaris Sedan, Corolla, Camry 2.5, Prius, RAV4, Fortuner (excluding Diesel grades) & FJ Cruiser. On 2018 YM Camry 3.5. Insurance benefit under the campaign would be given upto the extent applicable for Private vehicles only. Additional premium as per Insurance norms will have to be paid by the RAC / Taxi / Driving School Company. ^^3 Years / 30,000 Kms Service (whichever is earlier) covering 3 services at 10,000 kms service interval for Petrol models based on normal operating conditions on 2017 & 2018 YM models of FJ Cruiser. 5 Years / 50,000 Kms Service (whichever is earlier) covering 5 services at 10,000 kms service interval based on normal operating conditions on 2017 YM & 2018 YM LC Wagon (LC200) 4.6L & 5.7L. Vehicles may include dealer installed non-Toyota items. For further details & to ascertain availability of stocks, please visit your nearest Toyota showroom. Pictures and colours shown above are for illustrative purposes only.

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EDITOR’S

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

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

SOLAR-POWERED AC BUS STOPS Mwasalat and Al Maha Petroleum have signed a five-year agreement valued at RO125,000 to build a solar energy powered air-conditioned bus stop across the Sultanate.

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

Fast forward W

GOING DOWN

GENDER BIASED PAY GAP IN SCHOOLS The salaries of over 1,800 teachers in Indian Schools will go up as the Indian School Board has announced a revised pay package for its teachers.

hat is malnutrition? The common consensus is that it is caused by starvation arising out of poverty – at least in children under the age of five. While that remains true in many parts of the world, Oman’s story is considerably different.

Here, malnutrition in children arises due to many factors. And in the recently issued National Nutrition Survey 2017 – a joint effort by Unicef Oman and the Ministry of Health – it’s pointed out that there is a significant number of children who are classified as underweight, stunted and wasting.

These are serious issues – and it’s great to see that we are now taking steps to eradicate them. But it’s only when you get to the bottom of the problem you realise that nutrition for children begins at home.

To get to the bottom of the issue, we spoke to doctors, nutritionists and even Unicef Oman. And all chime in that it is the parents and relatives (of the child) that need to be educated about healthy eating.

Eating – as they say – is more than just the act of swallowing food. The child must be able to absorb that and, for that, he or she must be compatible with the dish. And if we fix that alone, a great number of children in Oman will be back to health.

In other news this week, award-winning photographer Khaled al Azem opens up about his portraits, migrant singers are brought into the spotlight and we try out the Jaguar E-Pace… before its launch in Oman!

Happy reading!

THIS WEEK… This week, we headed to the ruins of Al Musalla, tried out a local Indian restaurant in Azaiba and visited the mall for a spot of retail therapy.

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APR 05 - 11 / ISSUE 514

03

contents

APRIL 05 - 11 2018

Your Oman

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman

Hasan al Lawati 10 News

Omanis big at Muscat

International Film Festival 12

News Indian School board announces new salary structure for teachers

18

NOS #BOSS Are you ready for NOS? The first National Obstacle Series will kick off this weekend.

20

Not Kidding New report sheds light on underweight, stunted and wasted children of Oman. We investigate the concerns raised.

24 Face to Face Award-winning Syrian-

born photographer,

Khaled al Azem, shares

his story and prized pictures.

19 Movies

Hurricane Heist hits

Oman’s theatres this week

19

10

20 Food and Drink

Cars and Adventures

44 Food Feature

Cool down with a mocktail

32 Destination

Ruins of Al Musalla

46 Taste Test

Biriyani King

34 First Drive

Jaguar E-Pace

39

Features

38 Y-Fi

Home entertainment

Health and Beauty 38 Fashion

Suit up 43 Home

Decor with a difference

44

40 NEXT ISSUE...

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

If you love stepping out in sty le, mind your inches, and no t really the weight, says the lady wh o has helped celebrities get ba ck in shape. Alvin Thomas meets the master nutritionist to ge t to the bottom of the eating line

W

earing a smile on say that despite this recluse from the her face and dressed you come back from a ‘inner voice’, all is not lost. like a million dollars, cras h diet, you’ll bounce “In the modern day, we do advise Dr Mary Ann – the right back – and now peo ple to help them along, becaus corporate director of marketing and you’ll put double the they’ve got into a bit of trouble (wite development of Al Nahda Resorts h weight that you had nut ritio n).

It doe s, however, lie with and Hotels – walks into the Markaz put on.” each person,” she laughs.

Al Bahja mall in Seeb like she own She then explains s We then stee r our conversation it. But then again, in many ways her principles when she into a recently revealed report which is one of the several driving forces teaching someone talk ed abo ut how 59.8 per cent of behind the development of the mal about healthy eating. women in Oman are considered too – and that’s probably why she’ l “No two persons can s ove rwe ight or obese. well known across all the staff on have the same diet.

“Well, obesity is one thing and the property.

Eac h diet should be being over-weight is another thin Approaching our interview g. It based on the elements dep ends on the person’s frame, the location, Dr Mary Ann greets me that you’re born with: bone structure and so on. I do not a warm manner as she takes it upoin Ear th, fire, air, water and n real ly give too much of weightage to herself to make everyone – includin ether, and your blood group g bein g ove rwe ight – it just makes the Y’s camera crew – who were present and pulse reading. person so sensitive and tensed. at the arena for the interview feel “That’s what’s quite prevalent in “They then get on their weighing comfortable.

Ind ia with Ayurveda. This is also the scal e and say: ‘Gracious me, I’m so “You all look lovely today,” she case in countries such as China and man y kilo s ove rweight’. And then says in a pleasant tone, winning Tibet. So, it’s all under one umbre the poor things go on a diet and lla over us almost immediately. A few – and that’s where we actually give nearly starve themselves to death; minutes later, we start our intervie a blueprint for lifetime. We’re not because they get ill,” she tells, givi – but it’s not about what you thin w ng restricting you but rather giving you k. me the look afte r she learns that Dr Mary Ann is a master of healthier eating options. even I too am on a diet. nutrition – and has helped hundre “And on the bottom line, when ds, “This is not a really good move. if not more, of celebrities and you look at a plate of food on the So, making a person think that high-profile individuals get back in table, you must walk to the table they ’re ove rwe ight …I don’t think shape. Since her arrival in Oman, say: ‘I want that’ (healthier foods).and that’s a very wise idea.” the nutritionist has incorporated But she then focuses on the reality: If your body requires a particular talents at the Al Nahda Resort & her nutrition, your body and mind will “A person should feel comfortable Spa, which has already grown on get attracted to that food; that’s the in their own clothes (figuratively). become Oman’s – and the Middleto elem ent your body requires,” Tha t’s when they know they’re the East’s – first and only wellness reso she exclaims. rt. perfect size and not when som But to understand the doctor’s eone This form of teaching and points out their weight. role in the resort, we begin with treatment is what Dr Mary Ann “I’m not a wei ght-measuring lover; incorporate the obvious question: “What is s in the properties she I’m an inches-measuring lover,” nutrition?” looks after. But, approaching her she laug hs.

“In che s make you feel “Nutrition is everyone’s forte and isn’t an arduous ordeal: She is alw beautiful, handsome and good. And ays not just mine; it’s just that everyo ope n to enquiries and provides that’s what the bottom line is. hasn’t realised what nutrition is,”ne peo ple with free classes on “What happens when a person she explains. their health. cras h diet s is that they end up bein “It’s just knowing what is good “It’s important to me that the ill, and mentally and emotionally g and bad for you. And people hav knowledge I have is shared with the e dest roye d.

And whe n you finally stopped using their intelligence whe people around me. And it doesn’t the little voice in your head says: n come out of it after reaching your mat ter if they don’t come to the magical weight number that you ‘Don’t eat’ or ‘eat’. And you tend reso rt or my office; I’m only a to hav e been told to reach, then you ignore the former. That’s where it phone call away, and I’m willing all look at you rsel f and realise that you goes wrong; we’ve stopped tuning to help anyone who wants some That’s what nutrition is all about in. don’t feel good or look your age. form of direction in nutrition. and You’ll also be tired, irritable it’s what it has to be.” and less focused on work and not able Have you got a unique story to tell or do to She then goes on to concentrate on things. you know someone who has?

“Above all, once Contact us to have coffe Y and be featured in Y

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e with

THE VOICE OF OMAN IS THE EARTH ROUND? HASAN AL LAWATI TRIES TO FIGURE OUT THE TRUTH AFTER YOUTUBE-HOPPING AND DECIDES — FLAT OUT — TO KEEP THE DOOR OPEN TO UNPOPULAR OPINION, TOO

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: Passengers who park their cars in the long-term parking area will now have to pay more than double the old rate at the new Muscat International Airport. What are your thoughts?

SUJITH KS

L

ast week, during an aimless YouTube-surfing session, I dived deep into the world of conspiracy theory videos.

I stumbled upon an interview with a Brazilian scientist who asked very basic questions to debunk the widely believed roundEarth story.

Thanks to my embarrassingly shallow understanding of science, I failed to see any flaw in his speculations.

But the man successfully made me question the very basic belief that we were taught at a very early stage of life.

I know. It sounds stupid, and I am not here to prove anything. But the idea of doubting the principles that formed the foundation of our belief system was just scary and amusing at the same time.

Nothing is utterly wrong (except in maths). And nothing is blocking our minds from seeking the truth and accepting the 1 per cent chance of mistake which, I believe, is an acknowledgement of insecurity.

Even — possibly — the most agreed upon reality, ‘our planet is roundshaped’, has deniers. A whole organised society was formed more than 60 years ago to prove otherwise.

Moral of the story: Why not keep a small part our brain doors open to unpopular opinion? How harmful can this be? Prophets, scientists, philosophers and many others who made history started their journeys with unpopular opinion that cost some of them their lives.

Over to Japanese author Aki Shimizu: “Every lie contains truth, and every truth contains a lie.”

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A lot of money has been spent on the development of the airport, so it’s natural for the authorities to seek ways to get the money back. People who feel that the parking fee is very high could keep their vehicles in the minimumtime slots. My friend’s wife and kids flew back into Muscat last week and he picked them up without paying a single baisa on parking. Here’s how he did it. He checked the flight schedule to confirm the flight was on time and kept in touch with his wife at regular intervals as she landed, parking his car somewhere close to the airport. As his wife completed the procedures and walked out of the gate, he parked the vehicle in the short-stay parking area (where we can park up to 10 minutes for free) and waited for her. Within the stipulated 10 minutes they were riding back to their flat, sharing vocation stories. Of course people who need to stay for long hours in the parking lot should pay the new charges.

NISHA SEBASTIAN

I wholeheartedly welcome the fee increase: cost is always associated with quality. But the point to be considered is that if the revised changes are logical or not.

Sorry to say that the authorities concerned didn’t do their homework before finalsing the new pricing strategy. The fee charged for the first 48 hours could have been much reasonable to encourage people to park their cars in the airport during their short trips. A large number of people travel to Salalah and GCC countries on short trips and it could have been convenient for them to park their cars at the airport had the fee been reasonable. But now it is much cheaper for these travellers to use the taxi service or

WRITE TO US AND YOU COULD WIN

the newly introduced Mawsalat bus service. Hefty long-term (more than three days) parking charges are justified as the high fee will discourage people from parking their cars at the airport during their long trips. This will free up the parking slots. It was very difficult at the old airport to get long-term parking slots as people abused the low-cost facility.

GAUTAM GHOSH DASTIDAR

While deciding on the parking tariff at the new airport the think tank had to consider three important points: the present fiscal condition of car owners; the traffic congestion in a very hard-pressed port of entry like Muscat; and the environmental issues. The first half an hour of parking costs the same as before, 500 baisas, but otherwise you need to have someone accompanying you to the airport to take the vehicle back home. If you don’t have anyone to do that, or someone who offers a free lift to the airport, you need to hire a cab. To engage an AC taxi you need RO1, with 200 baisas for every kilometer. I would prefer a Mwasalat bus which is more comfortable and safer than other options.

There is a service from Ruwi or Mabelah to the airport every half an hour. You pay just 500 baisas, and wi-fi is free!

JANKI RISHIT HEMANI

The new long-term parking rates are ridiculous and are unlikely to help generate much income for the Oman Airports Management Company. What’s the point of constructing a huge parking lot which cannot be used by residents due to out-of-reach pricing? The new rates will benefit taxis.

MARLON CUREG

It was a very proud moment in the aviation history of Oman when the new, world-class Muscat airport started operating last March 20. The positive and

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

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good sides of the story are being celebrated on social media and everyone is in awe...but then they announced the new parking fees, and everything was ruined. There are countries where hotels near the airports offer a service called Park n Fly wherein their guests could leave their cars in the hotel’s Park n Fly area and use the service provided by the hotel to reach the airport. Hope to see something like that here.

@YTABLOID

/YMAGAZINE

SHANE MIRAFUENTES was spotted with her favourite Y Magazine in Muscat

HARISH BALA

People should be willing to pay more for the better infrastructure available at the new airport, but the charges should be reasonable enough also. If the fee is very high it won’t encourage the usage of the facility and we could soon see empty parking lots.

MOHAN ANANDAN

It is certainly on the higher side. Even the short-stay parking charges have been hiked considerably. This would discourage people from using the authorised parking slots as you can already see vehicles lining up on the roadways leading to the new airport for temporary parking. Further, there would be more congestion at the terminals, particularly at the arrival terminal, as people prefer to skip the paid parking slots and go for the 10 minutes wallet parking. Ideally, the rates need to be revisited to make them more pocket-friendly so that more people are benefited in the long run.

New Debate: The insurance sector must have 75% Omanisation by the end of 2019, according to a decision issued by Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser al Bakri, Minister of Manpower. What are your thoughts?

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

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

Send it to: info@y-oman.com

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Y Magazine reader Hasmath captures this scenery from the location Jebel Akhtar using his Canon D1100 camera.

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

PHOTO: Hasmath

APR 05 - 11 / ISSUE 514

09

YOUR

OMAN

NEWS OMANISATION IN INSURANCE

SECTOR MUST REACH 70

PER CENT: MINISTRY

O

manisation in the insurance sector must reach 70 per cent by the end of this year, according to the Ministry of Manpower.

The ministry has issued a decision specifying the percentage of nationals in private sector establishments in the insurance sector.

Decision No. 113/2018 determines the percentage of national manpower for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020.

The result points out that by 2020, Omanisation in the insurance sector at all

hierarchal levels will be over 50 per cent.

The Ministry of Manpower also said, “Omanisation in the private sector has increased to 12.1 per cent.” The rate increased from 11.4 percent in 2015.

The highest Omanisation rate is in financial and insurance activity, with 80.4 per cent.

In terms of professions in the private sector, clerical professions saw the highest rate of Omanisation at 95.5 per cent.

More than 80 per cent of the jobs in Oman are occupied by expatriates, according to a study.

According to statistics released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), 1,825,603 million jobs are occupied by expatriates, and Omanis only occupy 429,806 jobs in both government and private sectors.

While 1,787,979 expats work in the private sector, 37,624 were employed in the government sector at the end of 2016.

While 83.8 per cent Omanis, however, work in the government sector, totaling 195,937, 233,869 Omanis work in the private sector.

The statistics showed that the total number of workers increased from 1,682,574 million in 2012 up to 2,255,409 million by the end of 2016, which means that 572,835 more jobs were created in these five years.

The government sector created 39,235 jobs compared to 533,600 jobs in the private sector between 2012 and 2016.

The largest number of expatriates work in the construction sector, which constitutes 35 per cent of total expats, followed by the wholesale and retail sector.

OMANIS BIG AT MUSCAT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

F

ilms by Omanis and those based on the Sultanate won several awards at the Muscat International Film Festival (MIFF) awards ceremony on Saturday.

Among them was “The Neroz Omani” directed

by Hussain Al Balushi, which won the Bronze Khanjar under the “Story of Oman” category.

In the “Story of Oman” short films category, Rukaya Al Bahri’s direction “Gift to the sky” bagged the Golden Khanjar. Under the same category, the Silver Khanjar was won by Bashayer Al Mashaykhi for his short film “Overlap”. Abdulaziz Al Habsi won the Bronze Khanjar for his

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film “False”.

Besides, the best short film award was won by Mohamed Al Harthy’s “Asya”. Other movies on Oman, albeit made by non-Omani nationals, also bagged prizes.

“The recipient of the Golden Khanjar was “The Immigrant Falcon Adham” by Robin Pena, while the Silver Khanjar was won by Frederick Klodch’s “Sons of Sinbad”.

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APR 05 - 11 / ISSUE 514

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YOUR

OMAN

T

INDIAN SCHOOL BOARD ANNOUNCES NEW

SALARY STRUCTURE FOR TEACHERS

he Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman has announced regularising the staff salary by doing away with gender discrimination and initiating revised pay package for teachers. Nearly 1,800 teachers who are employed in 20 Indian schools across the sultanate will be beneficiaries of this move.

According to a press release, women constitute more than 80 per cent of the workforce in Indian schools. According to the new pay structure, they will be paid the same salary as that of men closing the pay gap. The revised salary introduced by the board will also attract best resources in the profession.

“Teachers should be duly recognised for building our future. It is in their hands every child is being prepared for life. They donate hours of their time outside classroom for lesson preparation, grading and giving feedback on assignments and meeting students and parents. However, pay for teachers falls behind that of other professionals,” said the board.

The Indian school board implemented a comprehensive Human Resource Manual for all Indian schools in Oman in June 2017. This was done with a view to standardising procedures, in continuation of that exercise. The Finance Committee of the board undertook the task of designing a structure for salary grades which will be applicable to all Indian schools in the sultanate. The board has given a four-year period, starting from April to individual schools to migrate completely to the new structure.

“It’s a welcome initiative and thanks to the board for recognising the merit of this noble profession,” said a senior teacher. “We’re so happy that

TWO ARRESTED FOR

ASSAULTING EXPAT WOMAN

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gender discrimination is removed from the salary structure,” said a woman teacher who has been working in the system for several years. Uniformity of remuneration emphasises the board’s commitment to equality, standardisation and fairness to teachers employed in all Indian schools irrespective of locations.

The revised pay package structured in different grades ensures progressive growth. Based on applicable revision in responsibilities or work performance the staff will be promoted to the next grade. Inflation factor is also built into the annual increments. In conformity with the national labour law requirements, the allowances address required payments like housing, transport, utilities and telephone, in addition to medical insurance and annual air fare to home town.

T

wo people were arrested for assaulting an African woman in Al Seeb after posing as police officers, Royal Oman Police (ROP) said on Sunday.

An ROP official said, “Al Seeb police station arrested two suspects who assaulted an African woman and stole her mobile phone and money, after posing as police officers in Wadi Al Lwami.”

According to the source, “The victim was standing by the side of the road when a private vehicle stopped next to her. The driver told her that they were policemen and forced her to get into the vehicle on the pretext of bringing her to the Seeb police station.

“The suspects then changed course and went to the Wadi Al Lwami area. They beat her and robbed and left her on the side of the road. She was wounded and was taken to the hospital.”

An investigation led to the arrest of the suspects, police added.

PIZZA MAKING

GALLERY

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT OF THE OMANISPANISH FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION CELEBRATED THE PIZZA WORKSHOP HELD AT THE LA FATTORIA DELLA PIZZA IN KARGEEN. CHEF FABIO BARCA, ITALIAN PIZZAIOLO, ORIGINALLY FROM NAPLES, LED THE WORKSHOP.

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FORMING TIES

OMAN

THE OMANI-ITALIAN FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION HELD ITS ANNUAL EVENT, LAST WEEK, AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL. IN HIS OPENING SPEECH, HE TALAL AL RAHBI, DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL TO THE SUPREME COUNCIL FOR PLANNING SAID THAT 2017 WAS NOT AN EASY YEAR TO BUSINESSES IN OMAN. HE ASSURED THAT THIS YEAR WILL BE A SOLID YEAR AND THAT “WE ARE EXPECTING NO LESS THAN 3 PER CENT GROWTH AND TO HOPEFULLY KEEP INFLATION RATE AT 1 PER CENT”.

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GALLERY

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OMAN

MUNICIPALITY WARNS AGAINST DAMAGING PUBLIC PROPERTY to the country.

A number of negative phenomena related to roads and lighting have been noticed, including tampering with lighting lamps, installing illegal speed bumps, and damaging streets.

T

he Muscat Municipality has warned the public against damaging public property – and has gone on to reveal the top three issues it faces while maintaining public roads and spaces in the governorate.

In a recent report, the authority revealed that they are dealing with vandalised street lights, illegally installed speed bumps, and damage to public roads on a regular basis – all of which are in violation of the municipality’s rules and regulations, and also results in added expenditure

Light tampering Vandals who tamper with public lighting systems by removing their security panels are putting the public in harm. This can lead to electrocution.

Article 2 of the Muscat Municipality’s Local Ordinance No. 32/97, stipulates that “people are prohibited from doing any damage to municipal facilities, equipment and supplies, whether by tampering, cracking, sabotage, etc. and in particular: irrigation systems and water connections, toilet supplies and connections, electricity meters, water and telephones, chairs, umbrellas, games and lighting, parks, squares, public squares, streets, address boards, and anything else belonging to the municipality.”

Speed bumps Illegally installed speed bumps is becoming a common occurrence. These breakers can lack the optimal technical standards, or they are installed without any planning and without any warning sign boards and markings.

“The request for a speed-breaker can be

OMANI WOMAN TO ATTEMPT

NORTH POLE EXPEDITION

O

man is in the spotlight for all the right reasons again, as Anisa al Raissi, 34, from Muscat will depart next week to begin a 10-day expedition on the shifting pack ice of the Arctic Ocean, to attempt to ski roughly 100km over the treacherous terrain to reach the Geographic North Pole – or as it is called: “The top of the world”.

If successful she will become the first Omani to ski to the North Pole.

Anisa will make the trek as part of the Women’s Euro-Arabian North Pole Expedition 2018, led by British Polar

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Explorer Felicity Aston MBE. As well as reaching the Geographic North Pole, the aim of the expedition is to promote greater intercultural understanding between Europe and the Middle East as well as to inspire others to achieve their ambitions.

Anisa told the media: “Challenging young people and having them push and test their limits has been my mantra over the last 4 years working with Outward Bound Oman – this expedition is a chance for me to practice what I preach and I hope be able to inspire the youth by my actions and overcoming the hardships I know I will certainly face.”

Yes, it is great to be able to be the first Omani to ski to the geographic north pole, and I will be very proud to hold the Omani flag at the top of the world – but this never has been about me, or being the first. This is about empowering young men and women to face the adversities life throws at them, and in fact actively seeking out challenges which will help us grow as individuals.

submitted by an individual or a group to a local authority such as the Directorate General of Muscat Municipality, the Wali’s Office or the ROP’s traffic engineering department,” Muscat Municipality said in its statement. Muscat Municipality has said that if its officials find such speed humps at any place, it will remove them and can impose a fine up to RO500 on violators.

Digging public roads Several companies are known to be offering illegal services – that can damage public roads by ignoring the municipality’s specifications.

This can pose serious dangers to drivers and vehicles, and could additionally result in water accumulating in exposed areas.

Article 16 of Decision No. 212/2017 states that fines of up to RO2,500 can be levied for any excavation work or earthmoving machinery work that is not approved by the municipality.

Having said that, it would not have been possible for me to do this without the support I have been getting from everyone – be it random strangers; who have nothing but kind words to motivate me, the participants I go on courses with; whose admiration pushes me on, be it my friends and family (at home and Outward Bound); who have been nothing but supportive and the pillars that keep me up, and most importantly, the team at Omantel; who I am proud to say are my national sponsors and have believed in this expedition from the get-go,” said Al Raissi.

RESCUE AUTHORITY PLUGS HAZARDOUS

GAS LEAK IN MUSCAT GOVERNORATE

T

he Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance successfully managed to control an Ammonia gas leak in the Rusail Industrial

Zone.

Official sources stated that quantities of ammonia had leaked at a gas company’s facility in the industrial area.

“The leak was controlled by the fire, rescue and ambulance teams of the Civil Defense and Ambulance Department in Muscat Governorate,” PACDA announced.

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

Today’s inspiration: Walk towards the good in life and one day you will arrive. - Atticus

Photo: Shaquel Al Balushi APR 05 - 11 / ISSUE 514

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Indian Social Club (ISC) will hold its four-day book fest from April 11. The exhibition and sale of books is being held in partnership with the Indian embassy. The fest seeks to celebrate 70 years of Indian independence.

There will be a variety of books in several languages on display. As part of the celebration of 70 years of independence, the book fest will have dedicated sections for 12 different languages, including Hindi, English, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Urdu and Arabic.

THAI EXHIBITION

BOOK FEST

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

Bringing authentic Thai products and services right MAY to your doorstep, the third Thai Trade Exhibition 01 Oman will be held at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre from May 1 to 5. The exhibition, which will target both traders and general visitors, will feature over 100 exhibitors from Thailand offering a variety of exciting Thai products and services at great bargains. Visitors can expect quality products in beauty, spa and wellness; fashion and accessories, lifestyle and home products, authentic Thai food and beverages as well as services ranging from construction and franchises to medical services and hospitals.

APRIL 11

NOS CHALLENGE

THIS

WEEK

WHAT TO DO.

A

I

P

R

WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

L

Are you ready for NOS? The first National Obstacle Series, organised by Sabco Sports, will kick off next week. The series will push contestants through some challenging yet fun inflatable obstacle courses. Oh, and it’s the only such series in the Middle East, so you might want to register for this. To get your heart pumping, the team has designed a 3km race for adults and a 1km race for kids in the world’s largest inflatable obstacles placed at strategic points at Al Mouj Golf (which is the venue, by the way). The race will commence at 5pm for kids and 7pm for adults but make sure you arrive an hour before the event to get your timing chips. Buy tickets for the event from nationalobstacleseries.com for RO7.5 and RO20, for children and adults, respectively.

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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

A Quiet Place Cast: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski and Noah Jupe

Hurricane Heist

Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Ekaterina Samsonov and Alessandro Nivola

A traumatised veteran, unafraid of violence, tracks down missing girls for a living.

When a job spins out of control, Joe’s nightmares overtake him as a conspiracy is uncovered leading to what may be his death trip or his awakening.

Release date: April 5

Cast: Toby Kebbell, Maggie Grace and Ryan Kwanten Under the threat of a hurricane, opportunistic criminals infiltrate a US Mint facility to steal $600 million for the ultimate heist. When the hurricane blows up into a lethal category 5 storm and their well-made plans go awry, they find themselves needing a vault code known only by one treasury agent (Maggie Grace), a need that turns murderous. But the treasury agent has picked up an unlikely ally, a meteorologist (Toby Kebbell) terrified of hurricanes but determined to save

You Were Never Really Here

Acts of Violence

his estranged brother kidnapped by the thieves. He uses his knowledge of the storm as a weapon to win in this non-stop action thriller ride charged with adrenaline throughout.

In the modern horror thriller, A Quiet Place, a family of four must navigate their lives in silence after mysterious creatures that hunt by sound threaten their survival. If they hear you, they hunt you. The movie has received 100 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes – and should create waves in Oman.

Release date: April 5

Cast: Bruce Willis, Cole Hauser and Shawn Ashmore

When his fiancee is kidnapped by human traffickers, Roman (Ashton Holmes) and his ex-military brothers set out to track her down and save her before it is too late.

Along the way, Roman teams up with Avery (Bruce Willis), a cop investigating human trafficking and fighting the corrupted bureaucracy that has harmful intentions.

Release date: April 5

I Kill Giants Cast: Zoe Saldana, Madison Wolfe and Imogen Poots

Barbara (Madison Wolfe) escapes the realities of life by retreating into a fantasy world to fight evil giants. With help from a new friend and a school counsellor (Zoe Saldana), Barbara soon learns to face her fears and battle the giants that pose a threat to her. The movie is brought to you by the writers of Big Hero 6 and the producers of Harry Potter.

Release date: April 5

!

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

Who directed the film Hurricane Heist?

LAST WEEK’S WINNER Reji Mathew

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

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

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NOT KIDDING There’s a disturbing rise in malnutrition among kids in Oman and parents’ ignorance, not starvation, is a major cause. Alvin Thomas checks out the alarming health reports with experts

F

amous Canadian author Earle Gray once wrote: “Most of the seven billion people in this world suffer from malnutrition. Half do not have enough to eat and the rest of us have too much.” These are strong words that expose the irony that continues to exist in our world today.

And while most of us here today have the power to decide what we put in our mouths each day, it’s time to shed light on those that don’t – and it was a recent report published by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Unicef Oman that highlighted this topic that is prevalent right under our own noses in Oman.

But, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) not all cases of malnutrition can be as drastic as the inability to source nutrients from food – and thankfully, it is not the case in Oman.

In short, WHO classifies malnutrition as the deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients. However, the term malnutrition covers two very broad groups of conditions.

Easily put, the first group is ‘undernutrition’. This includes stunting – low height for age, wasting – low weight for height, underweight – low weight for age, and micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies – a lack of important vitamins and minerals.

The second group is overweight, obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases – such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.

Albeit, the summary that was released to the public last week by Unicef Oman and the MoH – National Nutrition Survey 2017 – silently made matters clear to the public.

As per the report, 11.2 per cent of children in Oman under the age of five (5) are classified as underweight.

A child is considered underweight when the weight-for-age is approximately 2kg below standard at age one, 3kg below standard for ages two and three, and 4kg below standard for ages four and five.

It must also be noted that the numbers in Oman have been rising over the last decade (as per the CIA World Factbook). For instance, in 2009, it was noted that 8.6 per cent of children were underweight.

The numbers then increased to 9.7 per cent in 2014.

But malnutrition affects people (including adults) in every country.

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An estimated 41 million of the children under the age of 5 years are overweight or obese, while some 159 million are stunted and 50 million are wasted.

Ignorance of the parents

To get to terms with the subject, we contact Dr Mary Ann, a nutritionist and well-being specialist who has been helping several clients in Oman to get back to health. She tells us: “There are several reasons why a child could go underweight. But I don’t think that it is starvation that is leading these kids into this stage. His Majesty takes great care of his subjects and that shows how all people in the country have access to food and necessities when compared with countries around the Middle East.

“You see, a child can lose weight based on their genetics, dietary habits and so on. But from my time here in Oman, I feel that it is the ignorance of the parents and other family members that leads to this situation.

“Children are always growing and every single morsel is considered a building block in the child’s development. The mother’s milk, for instance, is very important for the child. But again, there are cases where I see that it is overdone.

“The child needs the right quantity of micro-nutrients to grow healthily. A child must be given semi-liquid (mushy) foods when they are three months old. Just a teaspoon of that is necessary to provide

Every child is different – and their bodies differ. The optimal weight of the child cannot be determined by just looking at the child. Some kids are tall, short and some are stout.The concern is when you observe that your child’s weight percentile is declining on a regular basis. And as a parent, you’re the best judge for that

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Children who fall ill regularly are constantly under medication, or have hormonal or digestive problems can find themselves absorbing lesser nutrients than many kids in their age

that are physical and emotional.

“If you notice that your child’s clothes are loose, or he or she isn’t growing out of their clothes, then it’s time to visit the doctor.

Schedule an appointment with a paediatrician. Another sign is when you begin to see the child’s ribs. It’s a tell-tale sign that your child is underweight,” he adds.

But a consensus – throughout our meetings with doctors – regarding this topic teaches us that inadequate food intake is the root cause of underweight kids.

“Let’s face it: Children can be picky when it comes to food. And sometimes the parents just must put their foot down and facilitate healthy eating.

“But if you see that the child’s body still doesn’t respond to it, then it could be because of other medical issues. For example, children who fall ill regularly are constantly under medication, or have hormonal or digestive problems can find themselves absorbing lesser nutrients than many kids in their age.”

The doctor then goes on to tell that it is also a growing matter of concern in prematurely born children: “A child who has been born prematurely tend to be underweight because their growth can be a bit gradual.”

Stunting and wasting

the child with the vitamins required for growth.

“And by the time the child reaches the six months’ mark, they should be reamed off the mother’s milk.”

The National Nutrition Survey 2017 also distinctly points out that early initiation of breastfeeding is reasonably good, but other indicators of infant and child feeding are suboptimal.

However, before you deduce your child underweight, it’s best to consult your local paediatrician or nutritionist.

Parents are the best judge

Pediatrician Dr Qais (name changed for legal purposes) with a leading private hospital in Oman says: “Every child is different – and their bodies differ. The optimal weight of the child cannot be determined by just looking at the child.

“Some kids are tall, short and some are stout.The concern is when you observe that your child’s weight percentile is declining on a regular basis. And as a parent, you’re the best judge for that.

“You must keep track of every change in the child – including those

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While the collaborative report focuses on underweight kids in Oman, it also sheds light on the vital evils such as stunting and wasting among children in the same age group.

As per the report, a staggering 11.4 per cent and 9.3 per cent of children in Oman suffer from stunting and wasting.

WHO defined stunting as the impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. Children are defined as stunted if their height-for-age is more than two standard deviations below the WHO Child Growth Standards median.

On the contrary, wasting or thinness is the condition wherein the child suffers from a low weight-for-height ratio. It indicates a recent and severe process of weight loss, which is often associated with acute starvation and/or severe disease.

The report also emphasised other nutritional indicators, such as anaemia, iron deficiency, iron deficiency anaemia, sickle cell trait, vitamin A deficiency, and vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency.

All the aforementioned conditions can result in the child dropping weight and/or slow growth and development.

The results of children under the age of 5 suffering from various conditions in Oman goes as follows: 1) Anaemia: 23.8 per cent 2) Iron deficiency (6 – 59 months): 10.2 per cent 3) Iron deficiency anaemia (6 – 59 months): 1.6 per cent 4) Sickle cell trait: 5.3 per cent 5) Vitamin A deficiency (6 – 59 months): 9.5 per cent 6) Vitamin D deficiency (6 – 59 months): 10.6 per cent 7) Vitamin D insufficiency (6 – 59 months): 53.8 per cent

Concern over anaemia

Anaemia has also been in the news as a growing worry in the Sultanate, especially among children.

Internet health website WebMd describes anaemia as the condition that develops when one’s blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin.

Haemoglobin is a main part of red blood cells and binds oxygen. If one has too few or abnormal red blood cells, or if the haemoglobin is abnormal or low, the cells in one’s body will not get enough oxygen.

Dr Qais explains: “While anaemia can be caused due to various factors, it may not directly result in weight loss. However, weight loss in general can lead to a child to anaemia. But what it can do is make the child look pale or ashy. This can also result in irritability, weakness and tiredness.

“However, as a paediatrician, I make sure to alert the parent that an anaemic child can be prone to jaundice. Meanwhile, acute anaemia can cause shortness of breath and even swollen hands and feet. If you notice any of these conditions in your kids, take them to a doctor. ■

Three meals and two snacks are a must

Dr Asif Gani, regional director of Burjeel Hospital and Medical Centers, suggests some simple steps parents must ensure so their little ones grow up in a healthy way

Dr. Asif Gani, the regional director of Burjeel Hospital and Medical Centers

As was stated in the National Nutritional Survey 2017, 11.2 per cent of children in Oman under the age of five are underweight. Why are the numbers so high and can you comment on this issue?

Children are generally found to be underweight in developing countries.

This should not be the case in Oman. We need to assess the reasons for a high percentage of children found to be underweight. There could be issues with nutrition or absorption, deficiency of iron, vitamin or minerals; child feeding habits or maternal health; post-delivery training and education of new mothers. We also need to have the previous statistics to understand whether the problem has a rising trend.

What are the parameters used to assess the nutrition status in children?

There are various parameters to understand the nutritional imbalance in children. Apart from weight, the other parameters are height and Body Mass Index (BMI). Weight is the most easiest to measure.

The weight-for-age is assessed and if it is less than -2 Standard Deviation of the Standard Median, the child is underweight. Similarly, if a child is +2 Standard Deviation of the Standard Medium, the child is overweight.

Height is another parameter used to assess the nutritional status. If the height of the child for the age is below -2 Standard Deviation of the Standard Median, then the child is stunted.

How to raise a child’s BMI? ■ Make sure your child is eating three

meals and at least two snacks per day.

Keep high-calorie but unhealthy foods, like rich desserts or French fries, to a minimum.

■ Add avocado to salads and sandwiches or turn it into guacamole.

■ Snack on a handful of nuts, a wedge of natural cheese or some trail mix.

■ Top bread with seasoned, mashed avocado or nut butter or dip it in olive oil.

■ Make shakes and smoothies with fruit, 100 percent juice and yoghurt or milk.

■ Add dry milk powder to foods like mashed potatoes, cream soup and shakes to boost calories, protein and calcium.

■ Use milk in place of water in oatmeal, soups and sides.

■ Encourage plenty of active outdoor play to stimulate the appetite. Swimming, in particular, makes people extra hungry.

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Fa c e t o

FACE Shifting focus from landscape to portrait was his moment of truth as he zoomed in on the faces to discover the agonies and ecstasies of life. Alvin Thomas meets Syrian photographer Khaled al Azem to learn how things click into place

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T

hey say photography is the only language that is understood anywhere in the world. And keeping that belief close to his heart is Syrianborn expatriate Khaled al Azem. While there is a string of photographers who would lobby to fight for top spot in the international scene, this man is doing it all – but from behind the lens of his camera; quietly.

And Khaled’s passion for photography stemmed to life only five years ago, which was when he started clicking images of landscape, flora and fauna.

“I started by clicking images of small things like the landscape and so on,” he says, with a smile. “After that, I felt that it was not my forte – and I felt I wanted to do something new in Oman; something no one had done before.

“So, I just started planning on focusing on portrait photographs. I am doing portraits of faces – and that’s something really rare and unique. I haven’t seen many other photographers in Oman trying this style of photography either.

His efforts paid off too when his photographs – not one but two – were placed in Nikon’s Portraiture Competition – the 100 powerful portraits in 2017.

“There were almost 4,000 entries and they chose only 100 – and I’m proud that they featured my works,” he says in a humble tone.

But he then goes on to tell me that one of his portraits also went on to win the ‘People’s Choice Award’ in the Middle East.

“The awards mean a lot to me because this is the first time I have won an award in something I love. The photos that won all had a story to it.

“When some people saw the pictures, they said that I was just clicking pictures of faces. But in my books, faces mean a lot: If you want to know somebody, you will get to know about the person from

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/khaled_al_azem the interactions and expressions you have with the face.

“If you take a look at my photos, you will see that most of it are of ageing people. Each line from the wrinkles means a lot of things: Life experience, hard life, age, maturity and so on,” he explains.

Khaled has since joined several photography clubs to widen his reach; the prestigious Ibri Photography Club being one among them. He laughs: “All of the members are Omani and I’m the only expatriate. But they see and treat me like an Omani and a brother – and that’s why I love Oman.”

To showcase his work – most of which have an Omani element to it – Khaled has applied to be a part of the Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique, which is a famous photography club with over one million individual photographers.

“I don’t have a plan as photography is my hobby. I do not earn any money from my photographs either, but I hope that one day the people will see me as somebody who is worthy to stand alongside the famous Lee Jeffriesor, or even call me the Lee Jeffries of Oman.”

He then goes on to tell me about his humble roots in photography. “When I had just began, I started clicking photos with a Nikon 3200, which is the smallest one in the range. Then I slowly switched to the Nikon D7200 – a professional camera setup.

“But in a few months, I hope to purchase a full-frame one, preferably a Nikon D750.

“Using a camera is like going to school.

You cannot simply upgrade yourself to a full-frame camera on top without having the experience to use it. If you just take the camera, you must be able to work with the manual mode – and there are a lot of parameters you must keep in mind.

“That’s important – and should also be in the mind of anyone looking to get into photography. Start small but aim big,” he advises, before we conclude our short and fruitful interview. ■ APR 05 - 11 / ISSUE 514

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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.

To show the mums of Oman just how much they are loved by their children, Y magazine has teamed up with PUCK, to reveal our annual Mother’s Day competition.

This is the fourth edition of the competition – and following trend, this event is only going to be bigger and better than last year.

In 2017, we saw our boxes inundated with hundreds of entries as children across

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Love you mum

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

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Adventures

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS AND ADVENTURES

EYE CANDY

The baby cub in Jaguar’s lineup of cars is quite practical and power-packed. And with those sharp lines and stylish curves, it’ll win favour over the eyes too. – P34

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

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

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

Y- F i

Gaming

Destination

RUINS OF AL MUSALLA NO MAP IS GOING TO LEAD YOU TO THESE RELICS OF A RICH PAST AND, EVEN IF YOU STUMBLE UPON THE RUINS, NO SIGNBOARDS WILL HELP YOU EXPLORE THEM. SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI LANDS IN AN UNKNOWN PLACE AND IS AWE-STRUCK BY THE UNSUNG HEROES

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hours before the roads came to life. That was probably why I was able to catch a glimpse of the ruins of Musalla from the window of my truck.

We headed there without much haste. The ruins may be at least a hundred years old, or more.

There was no signage to notify visitors about the importance of the place.

Well, I don’t suppose the government or even the people of the village

would have thought of setting up signboards to guide visitors in such a remote location.

What fascinated me most about the place was the determination of the people living there. No, I didn’t meet anyone in person during my short visit but the extensive farms adjacent to the ruins were a testament to the hard work put in by the people there.

A farmer will tell you that this isn’t an easy task – and it’s even harder to cultivate crops when there isn’t a sophisticated system to channel water for irrigation. Somehow, they’ve pioneered it all!

While walking around clicking photos I ran into an old pickup truck from Japan. It was as beaten up as it could be and even the brand logo had been taken away from the hood and grille.

Just the idea of man and machine coming together to create a whole (almost) civilisation away from normal cities is just hair-raising. I salute all those people who have worked hard for the betterment of this country – but I hold a special place in my heart for those that have done it in silence.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

T

he history of the Sultanate lies in the bowels of areas surrounding Muscat. While our precious city holds enough secrets – and historical importance – of its own, I realise that there are several other spots which deem high value in the history of our existence in this country.

And my adventure took me to one such location this week: Al Musalla. The area is relatively unknown and isn’t marked on the map, due to which most people around wouldn’t really know of the place.

Even me – despite my extensive knowledge of the region – only stumbled upon this place when I was out scouring for new locations with my friend in the road that led to Nizwa.

The drive took us about two hours, and we had reached the location a good three

From Muscat, head to Seeb on the rely on your GPS to find you the Sultan Qaboos highway. Slip into location. the road leading towards Bidbid and stay on course. Once you reach GPS location : Al Mudaybi, look for an Oman Oil 22°24’40.1”N petrol pump and take the left.Then 58°01’42.2”E

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

V

J A G U A R E - PA C E

Really, fairly the cub: small, cute and without a hint of beastliness. But the shared genes — quite royal — come to roar the moment you dare to cuddle it. Alvin Thomas prowls around with the new-born Leaping Cat

ery few SUVs make bold statements in the automotive industry. Even fewer do so when it’s merely a sizeddown iteration of a larger flagship vehicle. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at the long and tired lineup of German SUVs out there (save for Mercedes-Benz perhaps).

However great these vehicles may be, it’s always the same SUV whittled down to mimic the performance and styling of its older and (almost always) larger sibling.

And upon first glance, I cannot deny that I thought the E-Pace would fit the bill too. It’s almost like someone force-fed a Jaguar F-Pace into a printer and marked the settings down to 60 per cent, thus creating the smaller, if still handsome, E-Pace. While this has given birth to Jaguar’s first-ever compact SUV, I’ve grown to think that this may be dissimilar to the ilk of cars that I’ve been talking about. Heck, it’s very, very different.

Yes, the outline of the car is similar to that of the F-Pace. It dons similar sleek headlamps as its sibling,

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but gains a bit more thickness and less contouring to respect the proportions. Else, everything from the large oval grille, all the way to the gaping air intakes and thin LED foglamps, is carried over.

The side profile is comparable too, but the F-Pace – courtesy its length – pulls a sleeker profile. The E-Pace, on the other hand, is almost there, but its short rear overhangs mean that the sloping roofline is cut short. Still, it’s incredibly sporty looking, even with the smaller 19-inch alloys that my tester came in. The E-Pace is also shorter than its counterpart for that added bit of sportiness.

The rear, meanwhile, keeps a clean look. The kink on the tail lamps has been done away with and in place comes a signature LED strip that imitates Jaguar’s signature tail lamp hook. Furthermore, you will get dual exhausts and a faux grille to complement the SUV’s edgy styling.

The interior is where things start taking a slight turn away from the norm. For instance, you’ll find that the E-Pace takes inspiration from the growling F-Type sportscar. Everything is where you’d expect things to be but with an integrated handle for the co-passenger to hold on to.

It also comes as standard with the brilliant and easy-to-use 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment screen.

It’s simple to use and is quick to touch responses.

Higher variants of the vehicle can be specced with Jaguar’s 12.3-inch TFT screen on the instrument cluster too. Ironically, I’ve only tested the latter system in the Land Rover products, but it should retain all functions and options.

Gone is the rotary knob from the usual Jaguar and Land Rover products and in comes a large and easyto-use traditional shift-by-wire stick.

The E-Pace is well equipped, even in stock form,

and the fit and finish inside is impeccable. The leatherette-wrapped seats for instance are softer than what you’d find in larger SUVs, and most portions of the cabin that you’d normally touch are also padded, save for lower panels which are (as is the case with most cars) made of hard plastics.

Space is available in plentiful – which is surprising given the shrunken-down dimensions of the car. I was astonished that the rear seat passengers were treated with plenty of room even after I had set the front seats to my position.

More vertically gifted passengers (sixfooters and above) may, however, have trouble with knee room. Mind you, the E-Pace is still at par with its competitors like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. A part of that could be due to the fact that the

Destination

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

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

JAGUAR E-PACE Specifications: Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder Transmission: nine-speed automatic Horsepower: 247hp Torque: 365Nm Top speed: 230kph All-wheel drive LED headlamps 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment screen 19-inch alloys Drive mode selector Leatherette upholstery Meridian sound system

THE CAR IS A CAMRY. IT’S STILL THE SAME CAR THAT YOU PROBABLY RODE IN AS A YOUNGSTER AND GREW UP WITH. IT HAS A SOUL – AND THAT’S SOMETHING YOU JUST CANNOT PUT A PRICE ON E-Pace borrows its chassis from the Land Rover Evoque.

While this does away with Jaguar’s usual fondness for aluminium, the final product is still fairly light at 1.8 tons.

All of this also translates to a big boot that is pegged at 577 litres – which is more than the X1 I talked about earlier. The loading area is a nice and wide square with a less than significant lip – a handy feature if you’re trying to load heavy items.

My P250 AWD variant of the E-Pace was powered

by Jaguar’s 2.0-litre four-pot banger with a highpressure turbocharger. The result is a peppy SUV with stellar power and torque figures. It pumps out 247hp and 365Nm of torque at 5,500rpm and 1,200 rpm, respectively.

The power and torque band is spaced out evenly, but you’ll still feel the ‘Gs’ when the torque kicks in. There’s enough steam up until about 4,500rpm, after which it’s best to switch

up a gear.

Speaking of which, the nine-speed automatic transmission on the SUV is potent and quick-witted. At no point did it act clueless – and I particularly admired that it kicked down with no lag when asked to. This, coupled with the brilliant all-wheel-drive setup, meant that I was able to hit the 100kph mark in a sharp 7 seconds (validated using an accurate GPS-based speedometer).

The electric-assisted power steering system is responsive and translates a decent amount of feedback to the driver.

The steering, however, is sharp – almost as sharp as what I had tested in the sporty X1. It switches direction with ease and holds the line without much tyre squealing drama. Oh, and yes, the steering system can also vibrate or pull you back into the road if it detects you swaying from the white lines on the road.

The ride is compliant, though, I suspect the lowprofile tyres on the higher variants may alter the experience. My tester, with the 235/55mm Good Year Eagle F1 tyres that were wrapped around 19-inch

alloys, offered sublime road comfort. It did well in sharp corners too, sticking to the road with efficacy.

Body roll is kept to a minimum, and the all-wheel drive system is well-tuned to dole out any under- or oversteer. But the chassis is eager to push out midway through corners.

As is the case with Jaguars, you get a drive mode selector to play with. In this case, it’s (literally) fun to play with as the selector’s a lever that you’d normally find on a flight cockpit.

‘Dynamic’ mode is best suited for… well… spirited driving. The steering firms up, and the throttle and gearbox response is tested to its limits in the mode. This makes it incredibly fun to drive. Dare I say: I was able to have more fun in the E-Pace than in the X1 and the GLA. While that’s high praise for the Britishborn SUV, I also found the engine to be fairly economical. For instance, I was able to keep the vehicle running on a quarter tank of gas for two whole days, while covering about 200kms.

Everything about the E-Pace screams luxury SUV for those on a budget.

Albeit, its greatness comes from the fact that it maintains – up to a great extent – the dynamics and characteristics of a Jaguar XE sedan while offering those in need for a bit more versatility with additional space and off-road capabilities.

And that’s the very reason that this SUV has a lot going for it; be it in styling, performance or practicality.

Plainly put, this is the vehicle Jaguar should be focusing on – and it will undeniably be bettered in the coming years. But then again, it has gone great lengths to showcase Jaguar’s prowess in SUV-making. And for that very reason, this has already risen to become the best small luxury SUV to have come from the United Kingdom.

That’s a statement I stand by.

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CARS ADVENTURES MYSTICAL ALASKA

The waterfall inside the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska, is truly a spectacle.

But then again, most of Alaska is nothing short of angelic.

Visit the American state to experience some of the world’s best-kept secrets.

1. Visit the Kenai Fjords National Park.

2. Try your hand at trekking in the Denali mountains.

3. Take a trip with your loved ones to the Mount Roberts Tramway.

4. Kids can learn about science and arts at the Anchorage Museum.

5. Explore the 19th Century Dolly’s House Museum Gift Shop.

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Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Alvin Thomas recommends

ALASKA, USA A

h, Alaska! There’s a lot to love about this wonderful US state - even if it’s in the far north and away from all notable cities in the country. But there’s one reason why Alaska stands out among the states in the region: It’s tremendously mysterious.

My trip there was one with haste and with a friend who had garnered just enough valour to explore Alaska’s secrets with me. Yes, we’re hardly the epitome of men (despite what our beards might insinuate).

It was in May last year that we headed to the city of Fairbanks in Alaska.

It’s an expensive place for tourists, so we decided to make use of the camping equipment we had purchased from the local mart. But after a long chat (on serial killers and missing persons) with the ‘man with the mean-looking mustache’ we decided against it. He went on to call the state “the land of missing people”.

So, our next trip was to a skylight treehouse which was just a few kilometers away. Now, however, we can only look back at our days there and smile. And yes, we did make it back alive.

The history of Alaska may be peppered with eerie stories but the tale of how the state came into existence is actually astonishing. In 1867, the United States purchased Alaske from the Russian Empire for $7.2million, following which it was admitted as the 49th state in the country.

Since the 20th Century, however, it has turned into something of a tourist spot. Yes, the stories are hair-raising, but there’s no denying the thrill that it brings along. I’d gladly visit Alaska again, and that time, I’ll probably camp in a tent too.

The state is famous for its crystal-clear fjords, serene peaks with virgin snow, and above all, days that never end. Daylight can be as long as 19hours in certain months, and for someone hailing from Oman that’s exasperating.

But if you’re ever in the state, make sure you head to the suburbs. The people there are friendly. Of course, make use of your instincts when judging people; don’t simply jump into someone’s pickup truck if you don’t trust the person. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Still, the nicer people will show you around Alaska for free - and also tell you about the stories surrounding the place.

Did you know that Alaska is home to several werewolves, Big Foots, ghouls and, as per my travel guide, aliens too? I can only chuckle about it now because, believe it or not, I did not want to sell my soul to a ghost or, even worse, an alien.

JUNEA U, ALA SKA W C R U IS ATERF E S H IP RONT A DOCK ND AS SE MOUNT EN FRO ROBER M THE TS TRA MWAY

R E A C H IN G K WHALE B HUMPBAC AL PARK D S N A T IO N K E N A I FJ OR ALASKA

My favourite place

Despite the initial chills, my time in the treehouse was splendid. We thoroughly enjoyed the freakishly cold nights mixed with the spooky stories. Anyone seeking to explore the wild should head to Alaska, period.

Highlights

The state of Alaska is situated to the northwest of the US – and is one of the coldest places in the US that you can live in. The importance of the place came to light when oil and gas reserves were discovered in the area, however, the energy reserves have largely depleted since. Nevertheless, tourism is slowly gaining traction – and the cold temperatures coupled with the snow is turning it into a hub for sporting activities.

Lowlights Contrary to what I’ve written so far, Alaska is a relatively safer state than some of its neighbours. However, those travelling from Oman will find the weather unforgiving. Oh, and do try staying clear of the terrifying stories lingering around.

Souvenirs Alaska is famous for its wide variety of fusion chocolates and salmon. If you’re up for the challenge, try the spicy chilly chocolates too.

Getting there

It’s hard to find direct flights to Alaska. Instead, opt for a flight on Emirates to Seattle, and then hop on board an Alaska Airlines flight to Fairbanks International Airport.

MEND ENHAL L GLA V IE W P C IE R O IN T W IT H F IR EWEED BLOOM IN

Where to stay Without a doubt, you should head to one of

the several campsites in the state. The Tongass National Forest is a perfect spot for groups heading out to the wilderness for some adventure.

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-FI

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

HOME AND EQUIPPED

On a hot summer day when you choose to stay at home it’s fun to snuggle into the sofa and watch a movie, listen to music or catch up with your favourite TV show.

Alvin Thomas tunes in to gadgets that could amp up the at-home mood

THE TECH IN YOU LIFE’S GOOD

It’s important to have the right peripherals when you plan to binge watch your favourite television series or movies.

And a good television will only enhance your experience further; a laptop screen (sometimes) just won’t cut it. In view of that, check out the all-new LG OLED C7 television which comes in 55-inch and 65-inch iterations. The OLED panel offers flexible brightness and light control without sacrificing the dynamic range of the display. The result is a brilliant display that is contrast-heavy but still natural.

Apart from that, it also boasts an ultra-thin bezel and thickness, SMART TV with webOS 3.0, and 4K streaming capabilities. It is available at LuLu Electronics for RO655

LIVE IN STYLE

CHEAP AND CHEERFUL As televisions advance in technology, so do their prices. But the Samsung UE32K5600 is in the news for all good reasons. The 32-inch LCD (with Edge LED) television will offer you all the bells and whistles that you’d expect. For instance, it comes with a Game Mode to adapt to gamers with consoles, a Tizen-based SMART TV platform, (Full HD) 1080p resolution and three HDMI ports.

It may not be as sharp as, say, a full-LED TV, but it does offer excellent black-level response and an incredibly effective dynamic contrast system to make darker scenes more natural. Buy this from all leading electronic stores for RO147

CAST IT

LET’S FACE IT: THE NEED FOR TRADITIONAL SATELLITE OR CABLE TV IS AT AN ALL-TIME LOW WITH THE INCEPTION OF HIGH-SPEED INTERNET. AND AS OMAN IS SLOWLY ADOPTING FIBRE OPTIC NETWORKS, IT ONLY MAKES SENSE TO USE THE INTERNET TO STREAM YOUR FAVOURITE TELEVISION CHANNELS, MOVIES AND SERIES. THAT’S WHERE THE GOOGLE CHROMECAST COMES IN: IT’S A COMPACT DONGLE THAT GRANTS YOU ACCESS TO THE INTERNET. YOU CAN ALSO DOWNLOAD APPLICATIONS (NETFLIX, HULU, AMAZON PRIME, ETC.) FOR YOUR VIEWING NEEDS. THE DEVICE IS LIGHTNING QUICK – AND IT PAIRS WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE. YOUR SMARTPHONE WILL ALSO TURN INTO AN INTERACTIVE REMOTE CONTROL. THERE ARE 1080P AND 4K RESOLUTION VARIANTS OF THE DEVICE, SO CHOOSE WISELY. IT’S EASY TO SET UP TOO: YOU PLUG IT INTO YOUR TV’S HDMI PORT AND PLAY. BUY THIS FROM LULU ELECTRONICS FOR RO19

EDITOR’S PICK 038

The perfect home theatre set-up requires an equally great home entertainment system. And as has been the norm for decades, it’s Bose with its Lifestyle 650 that steals the show. It’s the best 5.1 system from the stables – and is perfect for viewing movies, listening to music or just playing games in a large house. The Omni Jewel satellite speakers are the smallest speakers from Bose but create 360-degree sound for maximum effect and a thorough listening experience. All of this is then finished with a stunning premium glass and brushed anodised aluminium shell.

Buy it for RO1,540 from amazon.com

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Game changers

They put the kids in command of thrills that they aren’t legally entitled to and push the limits of what adults could legally do on the road. Alvin Thomas picks his best two driving games of all time SEGA RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP (1995) People from the 80s or 90s will vividly remember this game – even those who don’t know a thing about racing or cars. The iconic game once formed a great part of a child’s time at a mall, as most would simply rush to the arcade centre to slot in a few coins and play the game… of course, that’s assuming their parents let them to.

In any case, the arcade game came with choppy graphics, a horrendously unrealistic physics engine, cheesy 90s Euro (trash) music and commentary, and an environment to match.

But Sega caught hold of us where it mattered: the gameplay and experience. The turbocharged cars, for instance, sounded like they were ready to rumble on the roads outside, and you even got a gearstick (and a clutch in some instances) to mimic your favourite rally drivers. Whether it really shifted the gears or not, I don’t know, but it did make you feel like a real sports car driver.

And if that wasn’t the dream of every 90s kid, then I don’t know what was.

when released in 2005 – toned down its pro-Fast and Furious tuner culture and made way for a unique open world gaming experience.

Yes, you could still pimp out your ride with 21-inch chrome rims and affix turbos the size of foxes to your engines, but the core of the game – racing – remained. This meant that you could head out into the open world and find your way through the career mode, as opposed to simply taking part in set races (like in NFS Underground).

Its storyline was catchy, and there’s no way you could forget Izzy – one of the antagonists who was repeatedly featured throughout the game.

The NFS franchise has come a long way since the Most Wanted but, in my books, this is aces. And for that very reason, I continue to play this game.

NEED FOR SPEED: MOST WANTED (2005) Call it what you want, but in my opinion, the Need for Speed: Most Wanted car racing game was a turning point in the franchise’s long history. The game – JULY APR0305- -0911 / ISSUE 327 514

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

FASHION

SHARP STYLE

Poster boy Nick Jonas is multitalented: From singing to dancing and even acting, he can do it all – and of late, we have been impressed by his fashion too. This week we are taking notes from him on how to look fashionably sharp

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k o o L e h

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

T t Ge If a jacket does not fit you right, then it’s not for you. A well-fitted jacket will inevitably level up your fashion quotient. So pick up the right one like this blazer from Topman

Handkerchief has always been associated with a gentleman’s accessory. It has now gone from boring to fashionable, and the trend is still on. So buy a super cool, yet elegant handkerchief like this one from River Island for RO7.5 and guess what?

It comes with a tie!

Black shoes are timeless classic and everyone’s favourite. It can be matched with any suit, whether you decided to dress up or dress down.

So if you don’t have a good pair of black shoes, then you need to shop this elegant pair from ZARA for RO33

Just as your well-fitted blazer, make sure your trousers go well with you and your attitude. Keep it fashionable, keep it matching and keep it sharp like this pair of burgundy trousers from NewLook

Going for a formal look?

Then nothing can beat a formal shirt that would complement a welltailored suit. If you are looking to shop a bespoke shirt, then look no further — just pick up this simple black stretch shirt from H&M. Available for RO16

A suit is an ensemble that you can dress up or dress down. A simple black tee with any coloured suit will exude a perfect casual vibe and yet look trendy. Pick up this cotton black tee from H&M for RO5

A man’s wardrobe is never complete without a good watch. If you are looking for a watch that will bring together your entire look, then you should shop this simple, elegant black strap watch from Topman, available for RO16

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

BEAUTY

Fashion

Home

Family

Screen

YOURSELF One thing you must have in the makeup bag in summer is sunscreen. And if you are confused about the options and ingredients, here are three products you could pick up without second thoughts

M

uscat is officially entering summer season. The days are getting longer and hotter. It’s time to bring out the cotton tee-shirts, summer dresses, shirts and sunglasses. But, most importantly, it’s time to start protecting yourself with sunscreen. Here are three sunscreen lotions that you can invest in this summer season:

1. Clarins: UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Day Screen Multi-Protection SPF 50 For those who want to splurge a little on skin care, this is the product you need to shop. This ultra light weight moisturiser is developed to protect the skin from pollution in urban living. This sunscreen protects the skin from UV rays, free radicals and general pollution, keeping the skin young and even toned. It contains SPF 50 2. Neutrogena: Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen The biggest advantage of this sunscreen is that it is super lightweight

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and does not allow any breakout. It is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it the best companion for the beaches. It contains SPF 55 3. Kheils: Activated Sun Protector 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Kheils is known for its wide variety of skin-care products and one of its best-selling products is sunscreen. This mineral sunscreen is non-greasy, does not block your pores and prevents sunburn. This sunscreen is also water resistant, making it perfect for the beach days out. It contains SPF 50.

As you are preparing for the summer, make sure you protect your family and yourself from the sun. Apart from regular moisturizing, make sure you keep yourself hydrated and intake healthy food. The skin is an important part of our body and it is very important we protect it.

Beauty

HOME

Fashion

Family

Health

F Decor with a difference

unctionally essential and not-so-necessary items arranged in an aesthetic way amid the right colours could create an ambience that will put a spring in your step when you arrive home after a hectic day in the office or elsewhere.

Learn more about the latest trends.

Sofa Curved sofas are trending in urban lifestyle. It is an add-on to the usual L-shaped seating arrangement and is perfect for curved spaces. Suitable for a rectangular room, it looks beautiful viewed from any angle.

Luxury mixed with the right colour, comfort and utility — that’s the new trend in home décor, writes Gayathri Das

Minimal space When you are decorating minimal space, monochrome themes are the best. You need not stick to black and white tones — give your home the warmth it requires by adding a splash of colours.

Colour Looks like ultraviolet is the colour of the year. Being used in linen, upholstery fabrics and drapery, it gives a trendy look if you combine it with suitable colours.

Plants With increasing pollution, air-purifying plants at home are essential, say experts. Use decorative pots to add beauty to your home.

Metallic accents Use of metals in artwork, furniture, lightings has always been setting the trends. In combination with wood, glass or marble, metals add to the dynamism. They give a refreshing look to your home when combined with suitable colours of the furniture and the walls.

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FOOD DRINK

Trend

New Restaurant

COOL DOWN

Reviews

Don’t let the heat petrify you into staying indoors.

Instead, opt for mocktails that will cool you down and also provide you with the much needed energy for performing tasks.

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MOCKTAIL

Mojo

Mango Mule

Delicious and flavoursome, a mocktail is not just another glass of drink that helps you keep hydrated — it is a wonderful sip of health. A couple of summer shakes from Gayathi Das

A

lot of people believe that unhealthy foods are the ones that tantalise your taste buds more than the healthy ones. This is a myth. Need proof ? Sip a glass of mocktail — it’s delicious, keeps you hydrated and you are gulping down a lot of nutrients and antioxidants.

Mocktails are low in calorie. Unlike fizzy drinks and canned juices which are loaded with sugar, mocktails are made using fresh fruit juices and soda. Some fruits like pomegranate and blueberries used in mocktails help reduce blood sugar levels.

Mocktails keep you hydrated. So, it’s the best drink for this summer. It helps prevent fatigue and headaches.

Mix fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, lime and berry to revitalise you. The citrus elements in mocktails help in keeping your skin healthy and glowing.

Mocktails with ingredients like ginger and lime can help you ward off digestion problems and prevent acidity and colic pains due to indigestion. Adding a little apple cider vinegar to your mocktail helps flush out toxins from your body.

So, this summer ditch your colas and experience the goodness of mocktails.

With mocktails on hand, you don’t need to worry about what to serve your guest as a welcome drink for your brunch, lunch or dinner party. Here are a couple of delicious, hydrating, non-alcoholic drinks to refresh you and your guests.

Ingredients: § 4-5 slices cucumber § 1 oz honey § 1.5 oz mango puree § 1.5 oz fresh lime juice § 1.5 oz ginger extract § Ice Method: § Mix the cucumber and honey in a mocktail shaker.

Add the mango puree and lime juice and cover it, and shake well with ice. Strain it into your mocktail mug and top it up with the ginger extract and stir well.

The 2C Mint Lime Cooler As the name suggests, this mocktail is a unique combination of the 2Cs — coconut and cucumber —along with lime and mint. It has all the ingredients to boost your energy.

Ingredients: § 4 cups coconut water § 2 cucumbers thinly sliced § ½ cup lime juice § 1/4 cup sugar (optional) § 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves Method: § Mix the coconut water, cucumbers, lime juice, sugar and mint leaves. Strain and refrigerate it for 1 to 2 hours.

Serve it chilled.

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Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

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ge d u B

Info Box

BIRIYANI KING

Opposite NBO HQ, Al Sahwa Towers, Azaiba, Muscat Opening Hours: 11:30am - 12:15am Contact: 9761 2657 Supper for four: RO19.2 Verdict : 6.5/10 SERVICE 6/10 FOOD 5/10 AMBIENCE Great biriyanis but not much else. Service is decent too.

BIRIYANI KING

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

YOU WALK INTO AN ICE-CREAM PARLOUR ON A HOT DAY AND THEY SAY IT’S OVER AND ALL THEY ARE LEFT WITH IS SOME GREEN CHILLIES. YOU MUST WALK OUT. ALVIN THOMAS DIDN’T, AND THE REST WAS A CHILLI-SMELLY-GREASY AFFAIR THAT WRECKED HIS EASTER SUPPER

T

here were several reasons why I considered visiting the Biriyani King restaurant for a late Easter supper this week. Firstly, I’ve been a regular at the restaurant ever since its launch; and secondly, they are pioneers of biriyani (as is advertised in the name) compared with other restaurants in the vicinity.

Hidden in the intersection of Al Sahwa Towers in Azaiba, the Biriyani King has been long-known for its wide range of biriyanis – but at a nominal cost compared with other restaurants of this class.

The insides of the restaurant are fit for families, but the furniture has aged over time, leaving some of the chairs with broken ornaments. Still, we quickly took a spot in the family room wherein we were detached from the rest of the bachelor crowd.

The waiter quickly handed us four worn-down menus, from which we immediately chose four different types of biriyanis. However, because of the odd time that we had walked in, they had run out of the Indian dish.

Nevertheless, we then crossed our fingers and asked for a plate of paneer tikka, chicken tikka and chicken lollipop.

The starters arrived in about 10 minutes. But to our dismay, the starters were the spiciest we had ever eaten. Heck, the dishes – and even the accompanying chutney – were so spicy that we had to gulp down several bottles of water to keep calm.

Keep in mind: Hyderabadi dishes are known to

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APR 05 - 11 / ISSUE 514

if a bit too heavy on the oil. We found it hard to digest without making quite a mess of our plates.

Separating the sizeable mutton chunks from the oily gravy was quite an ardous task.

This was also the case with the rajma curry: It was unlike any rajma curry I had eaten in the STICK WITH THE BIRIYANIS OR MAKE SURE past. The dish even came with an unusual gravy.

YOU LOOK AROUND THE VICINITY FOR So, was it good? Well, not exactly. The latter was HEALTHIER DINING ALTERNATIVES. THE undeniably shared from another dish and that, NAME REALLY DOES STAND TRUE THEN coupled with the chilies, only made it harder to gobble down.

The noodles were the saving grace of the night.

Prepared in an Indo-Chinese style, the noodles were soft and the seasoning was perfect. It also came with a generous portion of fried egg and chicken to add to the zest. Most restaurants in the area are known to skimp on the chicken cubes in their noodles, but that was not the case this time.

Lastly – and to calm down our taste buds – we asked for two plates of gulab jamun. The dessert arrived hot – but we deduced it to be microwaved.

It was also a tad soggy as it must have sat in the be extremely spicy. syrup for a long time.

On the upside, the paneer tikka tasted fresh Overall, we found our supper at the Biriyani and tasty after I scraped off a large portion of the King to be a rather patchy affair; the starters were seasoning from the sides. The softness and size of unbearably spicy and the main course oily. So, the the tikka was impressive too, and each portion was message is clear: Stick with the biriyanis or make served with grilled capsicum and onions. sure you look around the vicinity for healthier The chicken tikka, meanwhile, seemed to dining alternatives. The name really does stand contain quite a lot of oil. Tikkas are known to be true then. oil-free, but I believe the chef makes use of oil as a condiment to season the dish to the benefit of Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see its flavour. reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com For main course, we ordered a plate of chicken and egg noodles, a mutton gosht (a curry based on mutton), a rajma curry (kindey beans curry) and a plate of white rice. To our surprise, the dishes came in hard and fast.

But there was no respite from the spice. The chef had chucked in several chunks of chilies to raise the heat level.

To douse our tongues, we had to order a plate of curd and glasses of watermelon juice.

Nevertheless, the mutton gosht was flavoursome,