Y Magazine #515, April 12, 2018

The Unsung Heroes

MUSICAL SHOW BY MIGRANT WORKERS

Tempting Terrain

EXPLORING GMC’S ALLNEW SUV

News: SEASON OF ROSES BEGINS AT 10 JABAL AKDHAR

CATCH THE LATEST UPDATES ONLY ON WWW.Y-OMAN.COM

DESTINATION: Wadi Al Asaami TASTE TEST: Lokanta Restaurant YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

APR 12 - 18 2018 / ISSUE 515 • WEEKLY

PACK UP! PLUS!

COOL CHOICES AND INCREDIBLE PACKAGES TO BEAT THE HEAT

CANDID SHOTS

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NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

24

IPL SPECIAL

28

LUNCH BOX

44

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

IBRI-YANQUL ROAD OPENS A 17-km stretch of the second phase of the Ibri-Yanqul road was opened on this week. A total of OMR42,154,831, for 34 km of the road, was spent on the second phase of the Ibri-Yanqul dual carriageway.

GOING DOWN

OMAN NEEDS MORE DOCTORS Oman will need an additional 13,000 doctors to meet the staff requirement in the healthcare system by 2040, said a report from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

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

Fast forward

S

ummer seems to have finally arrived in Oman in all its glory. Summer is all about unwinding and relaxing, and with schools closed, this is ideal time to take a break and spend fruitful time with your kids and loved ones.

A majority of Omanis and expatriates are heading for diverse destinations to beat the summer heat or simply take a break. If bookings the tour and travel operators are witnessing are anything to go by, families in Oman will soon pack their bags to escape the heat and enjoy holidays.

On vacation, families are in intimate contact. They share new experiences, strengthen bonds and make lifetime memories.

This week, we feature some of the best summer holiday packages for you. The packages available are abundant and attractive, and they cater to the different needs of the interested traveller. From theme-based to chalk-your-own trip, travel agencies are putting their best foot forward to lure vacationers.

Happy reading!

THIS WEEK… This week, we headed for a quick trip to India, enjoyed a ‘fruitful’ summer sojourn at Wadi Al Asaami and tried out a Turkish restaurant in Qurum.

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

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EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi SENIOR ONLINE EDITOR Nishad Padiyarath ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER/REPORTER Hasan Al Lawati

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APR 12 - 18 / ISSUE 515

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contents

APRIL 12 - 18 2018

Your Oman

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman

Sonia Ambrosio 10 News

Season of roses begins

at Jabal Akhdar 12 News

Over 2,000 cars

recalled in Oman

18 This Week The Little Cook competiton for kids

will begin in Muscat

this weekend.

20

Summer rush Y Magazine browses through the incredibly array of holiday choices.

28

IPL 2018: Glitz & Glory The IPL 2018 kicked- off in style in India and we bring you the latest updates, facts and highlights, starting this week.

19 Movies

Rampage hits

Oman’s theatres this week

19

10

20 Food and Drink 44 Food Feature

Lunchbox for kids

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Wadi Al Asaami 34 First Drive

GMC Terrain

39

Features

38 Y-Fi

Silly gadgets

46 Taste Test Lokanta

Health and Beauty 38 Fashion

Mix & Match 43 Health

Water way to go!

44

40 NEXT ISSUE...

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MY HERO FEATURES THE UNSUNG HEROES OF OMAN

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at helps him h t e n li ip c is , it’s police d ion for painting. Alvin y a d y b r e k ss Ban h up his pa Oman’ to decipher the s u r b o t e f find tim ‘Da Vinci o e h t s t ni Lisa’ e a e m m ‘O s a e h m t o Th mile on e of mind. a peaceful statto the shadows, intriguing s motivated

really “Attention also very “My mother first critic. It was d details were capture a an y ‘D es m e lin as th w as d me me an it was to eing hailed untry is that polished important as ost beautiful her commentsthat I am today. m Vinci’ of a co vement for e th one of into the artist on was received orld has ever quite an achie r of fact, si ortraits the w p as p te y at m m e, ck a ls la s E . an artist. A s much else that criticism and . seen,” he says ntion to detail with a lot of te mily at fa is e th th is I doubt there’pride and honour It om fr of interest , everyone wants ed Shaker to can rival the ng to the artist. that has allow ks internationally. man O n “I ri b or ill an w w that it octor or exhibit his 14, he represented awards can you to be a d laughs.

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I se an that ts of When mpilation e rest of the cl several portrai tant to know that s: “It’s just a co apart from tharters, it’s how gh y or u p la im so n al d ve it is ts an what m ast – gi Well, for st es himself and of my thoughJust like my art, this at the very le – as is h n e ga h or rsue the man ntings. brain thinks. ring down of my all odds to pu life to 200 pai en I get time,” he fights against d passion. Keep in h w will be a pou artist. t n “I pai you’ve en h w d his dream an aker isn’t just an ar h emotions as anthe second me. “It’s e lls h th te S at at t if th r sh d ke an min long “I’m just in far from established b just finished a comes to me as artist; he’s an chapter, so I’mbe honest. But but this ed k, n an tu b e ar s d too. completion tog. And to do this his success is stinct. My han But the key to utine he follows an in what my eyes and brain it’s progressin d to be able to ro o e. d ic m ti to at n em ve st gi sy e the perly, I nee en at th is: Shaker grew comprehend why my paintings prot some time to think and p on a daily basis passion for art so al ge is is h . ts “T ok up fulfilling h aging his time n my though I would I don’t just lo are different. lines; I observe and dow hatever I do, . There’s while still man “W recreate d y. y. an gl el erfect in iv ct rd u e, co d ic pro like it to be p g or exhibiting the pol s move ac haker’s in d as an h w y er m th n fa “My ain ting S oint givi ere was a cert Anyone doubever, must see his no p f-hearted project. In all and hence thiscipline at home al ow h h a y, it do justice to a original amount of d ally think that is ness, I want tothe people’s e Omani Montially ir th fa of g n ti n ai p and I person e the person I am thoughts and dition is essen be Lisa. The renfamous Mona Lisa, my e. So, the book will only it to what made m in the deep tone m e ed ti h th is n on fi t e ed ys av gh as Ih today,” he sa grown accustomed b t with an Omani twist, ri released afterandards, following bu st ns. t io os ss re tm that I’ve now p u e ex e th to the t down to th will release it his work wen I , h to. ed to ic as h ed le w n re ar le en I Wh ia platforms, “That’s how important and public.” l on social medhis stance in ’s at ra h vi w e is it or ri g ” p in y. at gl in ev el rd ry to tell or do y co ac thereb ere. h got a unique sto s? Contact us u ry yo st e u manage time -year-old artist av d H in the creative a year to complete you know someone who ha featured in Y The now 36 first lifted his ith Y and be e “It took me lely because I h at th e to have coffee w ail: editor@y-oman.com tells m – and g, so n ve ti fi n of ai m p e in E e. at ag as in e th w Magaz brush at th ishes of his family this when I wanted to do against the w for his mother. members, save

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THE VOICE OF OMAN FANS FLOCK TO THEM AND CAMERAS FLASH INCESSANTLY WHEN CELEBRITIES TURN UP. SONIA AMBROSIO RELIVES THE MOMENTS WHEN ‘MUSCATWOOD’ ROLLED OUT THE RED CARPET

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: The insurance sector must have 75 per cent Omanisation by the end of 2019, according to the Ministry of Manpower’s decision. What are your thoughts?

GAUTAM GHOSH DASTIDAR

F

or a few seconds, I had a taste of the red carpet lined up with photographers and their glowing flashes. The glamour of the evening showed me how media attention can develop big egos.

Then, I realised: celebrities, actors, athletes, and musicians build their reputations on more than talent.

They all craft for themselves a mediate persona. After all, image is a commodity. And a friendly media allows superstars to present a constructed version of themselves.

That was my stardom experience at the closing ceremony of the 10th.

Muscat International Film Festival.

For the first time, I met fresh-faced filmmakers from Oman. In all smiles, I was in Muscatwood – an allusion to Hollywood and Bollywood.

The icing was to chat, even if briefly, to the famous Omani actress Fakhirya Khamis. There were so many questions to ask her about cinema culture and industry, but c’mon that was an evening of glitz, glamour, awards, and egos. I had to bite my tongue and refrain from my deep-seated journalistic mind.

Throughout the ceremony, photographers, journalists, and cameramen were busy clicking on anything that moved. Little girls trying to get the autographs of their idols, while proud parents tiptoed to have a photo of their darlings with Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala.

The gala event made it vital for selfies. Like bees on flowers, everybody wanted to snap with their idols, including me! It was a great show of uniqueness, with everyone highly aware and receptive of the cameras.

The curtains are down for now, but the hopes of local producers are bound to flourish and improve until the next festival when constellations once again will descend on Muscat. In order to capitalise, one has to invest and this is a sector that deserves attention.

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Oman requires economic diversification to create more employment opportunities for its citizens. The insurance premium growth in Oman is likely to be driven largely by the introduction of mandatory health insurance.

Apart from that, macro factors like population growth, infrastructure developments and revival of business activity will aid growth across the nation. Economic diversification efforts have intensified in the GCC to build a sustainable economy in view of the low oil price environment. This is boosting construction activities across sectors, with the total active projects estimated at $2.4 trillion. Completion of such projects is likely to create a large base of insurable assets, thus providing underwriting opportunities to insurance firms. Due to this vast change, many jobs are being created so, in the long run, 75 per cent Omanisation will not affect the skilled expatriate workforce in the insurance sector.

RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE

Insurance is a financial product sold by insurance companies to safeguard a person and his property against the risk of loss, damage or theft. Omanisation in the insurance sector will help boost the sales of insurance policies as most Omanis are more comfortable in dealing with their compatriots than expatriates. However, a few well-experienced expatriates need to be retained to provide training for new employees.

BRINDA KALYANI

The excuse given by the Indian schools to raise fees is “infrastructure development”. A revision of the salary of the teachers was never on the agenda. The pay scale was fixed long

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ago and is nowhere matching the existing economic conditions. The schools lack qualified teachers.

Definitely we need infrastructure development but equal importance is to be given to having qualified teachers.

MOHAN ANANDAN

The decision turns out to be the natural corollary of government efforts to provide more jobs to the citizens. After the financial sector, the insurance sector offers greater scope for maximum Omanisation efforts. The success of the financial sector in achieving the Omanisation target of above 90 per cent meant that, given the right direction, opportunity and training, the new target sets for the insurance sector would prove to be achievable and highly successful. However, to begin with, this ratio could be scattered to various categories in the management, such as personnel on the field and staff engaged in marketing, middle management and top management, giving more thrust on Omanisation for positions below top management for smooth transition.

SUJITH KS

Lots of Omani youngsters are graduating every year and they need to find jobs in their own country. Creation of more jobs for the citizens is vital for the next phase of development of the Sultanate. However, before taking such steps, please give necessary training to the citizens. Job in the insurance sector requires a lot of patience and skills.

NASSER AL HARTHY

Those who are worried about the new target set for the insurance sector need to be reminded about the Omansation percentage in the banking sector, which is over 90 per cent. And we have been enjoying the best service provided by the citizens in the banks for

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years now. So, to all the doubting Thomas I would like to say: Omanisation will work — just give us the opportunity to serve our nation and help ourselves.

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SANISH SHASHIDHARAN was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine in Muscat

SULEIMAN AL BALUSHI

We understand the concern being felt by the expatriate community when the authorities come out with revised targets of Omnaisation in different sectors, but they need to realise that it’s our right to find suitable work in our own country. Time has come where more than 50 percent of jobs in any given sector are handled by Omanis.

RANJAN TILAKARATNE

I think most of the sectors could have 90 per cent Omanisation, and from that point of view the 75 per cent target set for the insurance sector poses no problem that cannot be addressed in a few months. What you need is just 10 per cent toplevel skill in many sectors, and the local guys could fill in the roles in the remaining 90 per cent efficiently. Of course they will take a few months to settle in their jobs, and once that happens it’s going to be an easy routine.

SUNITA RAO

The insurance sector is one area where the locals can effortlessly step into and do the job well, compared with some other demanding professions. There are many more such sectors where the Omanisation percentage could be raised without affecting the quality of work or the functioning of the companies in those sectors. Concerns will be continually expressed about such ambitious targets, and there will be some initial glitches but things will fall into place in due course of time.

New Debate: Oman will need more than 13,000 doctors by 2040, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information. What do you think is the ideal solution for this?

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YOUR

OMAN

T

OMAN WINS SUBSIDY CASE OVER

EXPORTS TO CANADA

he Sultanate, represented by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has won a subsidy case filed against its polyethylene terephthalate (PET) exports to Canada. This is an addition to the previous achievements made by the ministry against its other exports in a number of other countries.

The Canadian Border Agency had filed a complaint about the subsidy provided by Oman for the PET products by OCTAL. The outcomes of the yearlong investigation pointed out that there is no specific subsidy provided to the said company.

The favourable decision is attributed to the efforts made by the ministry, the relevant company, the cooperation with other organisations involved in the investigation as they all joined hands in

preparing legal and technical defence, as well as providing all the necessary documents to win the case. The efforts resulted in excluding Omani exports from preventive measures.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry represented by Anti-Dumping Department continues its efforts to protect the various Omani exports against unfair practices.

SEASON OF ROSES BEGINS SUSPENSION OF CMA ENDORSES 1-YEAR

GLOBAL AUDIT MAJOR

T

he Grievances Committee of Oman’s Capital Market Authority (CMA) has endorsed a decision to suspend a major international auditing company for one year.

The CMA took the decision after determining that the company was carrying out accounting work for some companies listed on the Muscat Securities Market.

“The company violated the provisions of Articles 112 and 113 of the Commercial Companies Law, the provisions of Article (5) of the Capital Market Law and the provisions of Article (282) of the Executive Regulations of the Capital Market Law,” according to a statement from the CMA. “These practices are not in line with international accounting standards, which resulted in a negative impact on some of the parties involved in the securities,” the statement added.

The decision includes suspending the accounting firm’s office from accepting new contracts from companies controlled by the CMA for one year from the date of its issuance.

However, it has been allowed to carry out its tasks until the annual general assembly meeting for contracted companies, prior to this decision.

The CMA has affirmed the necessity of complying with the applicable laws and regulations to ensure the achievement of the desired objectives and to ensure the performance of its functions, in accordance with applicable laws.

AT JABAL AKHDAR

T

he season of roses has begun on Jabal Akhdar, also known as the green mountain, where buds are blooming to be flowers. With this, the arrival of tourists has also increased significantly which is more than the same period last year. The occupancy rates in hotels since the beginning of March was between 80 per cent and 100 per cent. This is an indication that worldwide promotions campaigns, particularly in the GCC and European countries, have been successful. The rose harvesting season begins in April and continues until the middle of May.

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SOUND WAVES

GALLERY

SHANGRI-LA BARR AL JISSAH CONCLUDED ITS ‘UNPLUGGED ON THE BEACH SERIES’ ON APRIL 7. FRENCH MUSICIAN LAURENT DAY THRILLED THE AUDIENCE WITH A LIVE PERFORMANCE. UNPLUGGED ON THE BEACH IS A LAID BACK LIVE MUSICAL EXPERIENCE WHERE HOTEL GUESTS AND RESIDENTS OF MUSCAT ARE INVITED TO KICK BACK ON THE SAND AND CHILL OUT TO THE ACOUSTIC SOUNDS OF TALENTED MUSICIANS.

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INDIANOIL ACQUIRES STAKE

OMAN

I

ndia’s state-owned oil and gas company Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IndianOil) has acquired a 17 per cent stake in Oman’s Mukhaizna oilfield at a valuation of $329 million, according to a statement from Shell Overseas Holdings Limited.

The statement issued by Shell read that it “announced the completion of the sale of Shell Exploration and Production Oman Limited (SEPOL), which holds a 17 per cent participating interest in the Mukhaizna Production Sharing Agreement in Oman, to IOCL Singapore

IN MUKHAIZNA OILFIELD

PTE Ltd. (ISPL), a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IndianOil).” The effective date of the transaction is January 1, 2017, the statement added.

With this transaction, Indian Oil’s stake in Mukhaizna will be 17 per cent, with the remaining 83 per cent owned

by Occidental Mukhaizna LLC (45 per cent), Oman Oil Company S.A.O.C (20 per cent), Liwa Energy Limited (15 per cent), Total E&P Oman (2 per cent) and Partex (Oman) Corporation (1 per cent), and Occidental Mukhaizna LLC being the operator of the field.

OVER 2,000 CARS RECALLED IN OMAN

A

total of 2,213 vehicles of 2008-2013 models have been recalled by the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) in March, in cooperation with various car agencies in the Sultanate.

Indian Ambassador to Oman Indra Mani Pandey said cooperation between Oman and India in oil and gas sector was growing. He added: “This step will further enhance cooperation between the two countries in the oil and gas sector. This key development has come in the wake of the successful visit of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to Oman during February 11-12, 2018, and is a reflection of India’s commitment to taking its strategic partnership with Oman to a new level.”

Shell Oman Country Chair Chris Breeze said in a statement: “We are pleased to assist the entry of IndianOil, an integrated energy company with activities in oil, gas, petrochemicals and one of India’s largest companies, into the upstream sector in Oman. Shell remains fully committed to Oman’s energy future and is actively seeking to make further investments in the country.”

The news was confirmed by India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan on Twitter.

He said the development was the result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Oman.

“In a major boost to India’s energy security, @IndianOilcl has acquired 17% stake in the Mukhaizna oil field, Oman, from Shell. This development is a follow-up to Hon. PM Shri @narendramodi’s visit to Oman and will enhance bilateral energy cooperation between India & Oman,” Pradhan tweeted.

The minister added that the field would provide a sizeable amount of crude oil to India. “The equity oil asset will feed Indian refineries with an additional 1 million metric tons (MMT) of crude oil,” he added.

It was the second time in the recent past that India has acquired stake in an oilfield in the region. “The second major acquisition of an oil asset in the Gulf after Indian consortium acquired 10 per cent stake in UAE’s lower Zakum field,” Pradhan said.

MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES SEIZE SEVERAL

WAREHOUSES IN OMAN

M

uscat Municipality has confiscated a number of warehouses in Ghala for functioning without licence, authorities have announced.

According to officials, the warehouses were seized during their regular field visits.

In a statement online Muscat Municipality said: “As part of its field visit in Gala, the Municipal Inspection Department in the wilayat of Bausher seized a number of unlicensed warehouses that were carrying out commercial activities, including the display of goods that were not part of the shop permit. This is contrary to the local order that is used to regulate markets. Legal proceedings are underway.”

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FLASH MOB WITH A MESSAGE

GALLERY

A GROUP OF PASSIONATE DANCERS UNDER THE TUTELAGE OF ALLAN ABDULA ENTERTAINED DANCE LOVERS IN MUSCAT LAST WEEK WITH THE MUCH POPULAR SHOW ‘RUEDA DEL CASINO’. THE SALSA DANCE EMERGED IN 1956 HAS BECOME A POPULAR DANCE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.

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YOUR

SPINE-HEALTH

OMAN

KKT ORTHOPEDIC SPINE CENTER OPENED ITS FIRST CLINIC IN OMAN. THE CLINIC WILL BE PROVIDING THE MOST ADVANCED MAINSTREAM TREATMENT IN THE SULTANATE.

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NOS CHALLENGE

GALLERY

THE NOS CHALLENGE TOOK PLACE ON APRIL 6 AT AL MOUJ MUSCAT WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF HUNDREDS OF RESIDENTS. THE EVENT WAS ORGANISED BY SABCO SPORTS.

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YOUR

JOB TRAINING

OMAN

OVER 25 COMPANIES CAME TO THE OMAN AMERICAN BUSINESS CENTER’S SPECIAL TOUR OF MAHARAT ACADEMY ON APRIL 4TH 2018.

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Photo: Shaquel Al Balushi

Today’s inspiration: If you want to be reminded of the love of the Lord, just watch the sunrise.

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

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE GHEDEX, the Global Higher Education Exhibition, has enjoyed continuous success while establishing itself as an excellent platform for promoting accredited courses and enrolling students from across Oman. Annually, GHEDEX attracts over 25,000 attendees, including students, parents and academics. Patronised by the Ministry of Higher Education and organised by OITE, GHEDEX will take place from April 16 to 18 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over the years, GHEDEX has received support from more than12 international education bodies and participation from over 200 universities from 25 higher education destinations covering Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Cyprus, Finland, France, Egypt, Germany, Ireland, India, Jordan, Korea, Lithuania, Malta, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Poland, the Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Turkey, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

The Little Cook Contest is designed to create an opportunity for children to learn about the importance of reducing waste, eating healthy foods and to prepare healthy snacks and meals. The cooking competition mainly aims at discovering children’s cooking skills.

The event will be held at Al Mouj Muscat on April 13 from 4pm to 8pm.

APRIL 16

WEEK

WHAT TO DO.

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R

WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

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The Royal Opera House Muscat is set to present the AO Show on April 19 (7:30pm) and April 21 (4pm), which is a Vietnamese culture show using bamboo cirque, acrobatic acts and theatrical visual drama. Imaginative and charming with currents of gentle humour, the AO Show performed by Lune Productions enacts the graceful beauty for which Vietnam is known in portraits that capture the richness of Vietnamese culture, past and present.

Depicting Vietnam’s transition from village to city culture, the dramatisation finds harmony in chaos, as peaceful village life is affectionately contrasted with the happening noise and racing discordance of urbanisation. Amid evocative sets, the show is rendered in a beautiful blend of genres with dance, acrobatics, bamboo cirque, theatre, and live Vietnamese music.

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AO SHOW: ORIGINAL VIETNAMESE PERFORMANCE

BY LUNE PRODUCTIONS

THIS

APR 13

LITTLE COOK COMPETITION

GLOBAL HIGHER EDUCATION EXHIBITION

APR

19

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

grave danger. Both characters are subject to different kinds of isolation as they pine for each other; their determination to reconnect becomes as much an existential journey as a love story.

Oman Release: April 12, 2018

Rampage

Orayiram Kinakkalal

Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Jake Lacy and Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Cast: Biju Menon. Roshan Mathew, Shajohn, Nirmal Palazhi and Sharu Varghese

Global icon Dwayne Johnson starts in the action adventure “Rampage,” directed by Brad Peyton. Johnson stars as primatologist Davis Okoye, a man who keeps people at a distance but shares an unshakable bond with George, the extraordinarily intelligent, incredibly rare albino silverback gorilla who has been in his care since he rescued the young orphan from poachers. But a rogue genetic experiment gone awry mutates this gentle ape into a raging creature of enormous size. To make matters worse, it’s soon discovered there are other similarly altered animals. As these newly created alpha predators tear across North America, destroying everything in their path, Okoye teams with discredited geneticist Kate Caldwell (Naomie Harris) to secure an antidote, fighting his way through an ever-changing battlefield, not only to halt a global catastrophe but to save the fearsome creature that was

Orayiram Kinakkalal is based on the dreams of a set of people and the shortcuts they take in life to fulfill it.

While setting out to India to accomplish his dream business of a hotel chain, Sreeram, a UK return, goes broke, only to be followed by a series of impulsive actions which include borrowing money from a loan shark Lal Prasad. He then meets Jaison, Sherin, Shajahan and Venu who embark on a plan together. A comedy thriller the movie explores the daredevil adventure of Sreeram to compensate for the damages done by his previous adventures with a lot of situational humour.

once his friend. “Rampage” also stars Oscar nominee Naomie Harris (“Moonlight”), Malin Akerman (TV’s “Billions”), Jake Lacy (TV’s “Girls”), Joe Manganiello (TV’s “True Blood”), and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (TV’s “The Walking Dead”); as well as P.J. Byrne (“The Wolf of Wall Street”), Marley Shelton (TV’s “Rise”), Breanne Hill (TV’s “Frontier”), Jack Quaid (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”), Matt Gerald (TV’s “Daredevil”), Jason Liles (“Death Note”), Demetrius Grosse (TV’s “The Brave”), and Will Yun Lee (TV’s “Hawaii Five-O”).

Oman Release: April 12, 2018

Submergence Cast: James McAvoy, Alicia Vikander and Celyn Jones

James (James McAvoy) is a British agent under the cover of a water engineer, while Danny (Alicia Vikander) is a bio-mathematician working on a deep-sea diving project to explore the origin of life on our planet. On a chance encounter in a remote resort in Normandy where they both prepare for their respective missions,

Oman Release: April 12, 2018

Cast: Varun Dhawan, Gitanjali Rao and Banita Sandhu

Dan (Varun Dhawan) is living the life of any carefree 21-year-old, revolving around a bunch of friends and fellow hotel interns who feed off each other’s everyday moments, their ups and downs. Shiuli (Banita Sandhu) is one such intern at the same hotel, who at times is at a receiving end of Dan’s audaciousness. Life goes on until a sudden turn of events smashes Dan and Shiuli’s lives together, into a bond that’s unlike any 21-year olds. The emotional connection between them goes through a metamorphosis that brings out a form of love that’s unlike any other eventually leading to an internal awakening. October is not a Love Story, but rather a story about love.

Oman Release: April 12, 2018

The Elephant King Cast: Saeed Sheikhzadeh, Hossein Erfani and Nasser Tahmasb

On one of the islands of Eritrea, the head of the savage wildlife hunters is seeking to enter the land of Ivory “the elephant home” and hunt the huge animals for sale to the king. Elephants were celebrating the birth of the king’s son, Shadphant, whose birth was a disappointment. Because his obesity was a source of many problems. However, the attack on the island would make him closer to everyone’s heart.

Oman Release: April 12, 2018

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N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

they fall rapidly, and unexpectedly, into each other’s arms and a deliriously wild love affair develops, even though their jobs are destined to separate them. Danny sets off on a perilous quest to dive to the bottom of the ocean. James’s assignment takes him to Somalia, where he is sucked into a geopolitical vortex that puts him in

October

Who directed the film Hurricane Heist?

LAST WEEK’S WINNER Prathibha S

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.

APR 12 - 18 / ISSUE 515

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GET SET,

GO!

M

ohammed Al Amri, an accountant in a private firm in Muscat, has confirmed his vacation— a family trip to Switzerland to beat the heat this summer.

“Summer is a time when we as a family like to travel and relax. Soon after celebrating Eid al Fitr we will set off to the stunning country that’s overflowing with abundant natural beauty, culture and of course fantastic weather,” Mohammed says.

Mohammed is not alone. Several other Omanis and expatriates are heading for diverse destinations to beat the summer heat or simply take a break.

If bookings tour and travel operators are witnessing are anything to go by, families in Oman will soon pack their bags to escape the heat and enjoy holidays.

Arun Aravind, retail sales and operation, Fahad Express, says: “There’s certain positivity in the market as far as summer vacations bookings are concerned this season. With the summer around the corner and many schools announcing the dates for their summer break, families in Oman are busy planning vacations.

We are constantly getting several enquiries.”

F O C US ON FAMI L Y The packages available are abundant, attractive and cater to the different needs of the interested traveller. From theme-based to chalkyour-own trip, travel agencies are putting their best foot forward to lure vacationers.

A majority of all leisure travel out of Oman

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is family travel since it is a time to bond for families. The vacations are planned around the interest of families.

“Most of the packages are custom-made to meet the demands of the family. While some want a cool and green destination, others want a health rejuvenation holiday, and still others prefer theme parks as the cities they are located in will have activities for all members of the family,” says another travel agent.

F OOT BAL L F RE N Z Y An interesting twist to the vacation plans this time is the 2018 FIFA World Cup scheduled to take place in Russia from June 14 to July 15.

Travel Point LLC, Oman’s largest travel and hospitality company, has been appointed as the authorised sales sub-agent of Dadabhai Travel, the exclusive sales agent of match hospitality for the sale of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Official Hospitality Programme.

Travel Point will provide football fans and corporations across the Sultanate with exclusive access to distinctive hospitality packages for one of the most exciting sporting events in the world.

Russia, being one of the most breath-taking countries in the world, will offer visa on arrival to all guests who own an official ticket-inclusive hospitality package.

Sunil Prabhakar, CEO, Travel Point LLC, has said recently: “We are very excited to offer tailor-made hospitality packages for FIFA 2018.

We are delighted about the fantastic offers that we have been able to put together for high net worth individuals (HNIs) and corporates. The luxury experience of these packages is truly one of a kind and one with a lasting impact.”

The IPL is on in India, Russia is ready to set the FIFA World Cup 2018 rolling and in between cricket and football are cooler choices and crazy deals. Hasan Al Lawati browses through the summer holiday packages

While some have booked, many football fans have shown a keen interest on booking this package.

COO L C HOI C E S While both Omanis and expatriates continue to prefer south-east Asian countries like Thailand and Malaysia, there are vacationers heading for cooler climes.

Sumesh Mani, holiday supervisor at Fahad Express travel agency, says: “Georgia is a popular destination with a lot of Omanis and expatriates.

I guess that is because from the coast to the mountains, Georgia has something unique to offer. The weather, the place and affordability make it a popular choice among vacationers.”

The travel industry is affected by any developments that occur around the world. Given that there have been no major incidents reported in the recent past, travel agents are seeing a lot of advance booking.

Rahul Nair, a manager of a travel agency says: “The holiday travel is seeing an uphill trend because it is a relatively safe time to travel.”

EX PATR IATE S ’ CONC ER N For expatriates, vacation may mean a visit to their home country.

However, with the growth in the number of attractive tour packages floated by travel agencies here, many prefer to combine their home trips with one of the tour packages.

“Expatriates prefer combining vacations plans with their going-home trips. After their visit to their home state in India, they take up a weeklong vacation to either Sri Lanka or somewhere in Europe,” says a travel agent.

Many expatriates complain that tickets to their home destinations like Chennai, Bangalore and Kochi are far too expensive during the summer season.

“It is simply not affordable and unfairly expensive,” says Mini Nair who is looking to book a ticket to Kochi in the second week of June.

HO L Y MONT H O F F ERS Keeping in view of the Holy Month of Ramadan, travel agents also have very attractive Umrah and Shiraz (Iran) packages as well.

Fahad Abdullah who has booked an Umrah package says: “Travel agents provide the best services to the pilgrims and make their pilgrimage a remarkable experience.”

There is a new trend among vacationers: instead of going through travel agents many book hotels and tours online.

“Some still contact travel agencies for airline tickets, but otherwise, they prefer to book online,” Sumesh said.

“A majority of bookings are made around the Eid Al Fitr holidays.

With the air fares getting pricier, it is a good time to start planning your destination,” advises Sumesh.

Travel agents are surely luring vacation planners to exotic and exiting destinations at reasonable prices. The grand tour of Europe, Kenyan safari, and the mystical East, you name it and travel agencies have a package for you. However, it is important to read the offer carefully, say seasoned vacationers.

“It is critical to pay attention to every detail before confirming your holiday. Ask all the questions before you book. It is better to ask now than to regret later,” says Sana Al Balushi who has travelled on many tour packages.

C HEC KL IS T F OR TR AVE L L ERS ● If you are a vacation regular, browsing for the hottest holiday deals and jetting off to the destination is probably a regular summer ritual for you. However, if you are a first-time traveller, remember to prepare a checklist. ● It is very important to check if your passport is due to expire soon.

Some countries reject visa requests if your passport is set to expire within three to six months of your ticketed date of return. ● Apply for your visa well in advance. Make your bookings early: fares and hotels get sold out fast during the summer. Book your attraction passes prior to travel as there are many special offers and discounts that you would not get at the attraction. ● It is wise to keep multiple photocopies of important travel documents.

Pack one copy and leave the other with a friend back home to be faxed or emailed to you in case of an emergency. This will help when unexpected problems arise due to theft or loss. ● It will also help if you record the debit and credit cards numbers.

Before your trip, contact your bank to ensure your credit card’s foreign transactions validity and debit card’s daily withdrawal limit.

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TOP DE S TINATION S F OR OM ANIS

● Georgia

Omanis normally look for cool places, their priority is weather and greenery, according to Sumesh. That is why Georgia, a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia, is the latest travel trend in Oman. The temperatures during summers in Georgia ranges from 20 to 30 degree Celsius, which is still considered cool for GCC residents who dare +45 degrees Celsius temperatures in June and July. It is advisable to book early as most hotels and resorts are generally packed with tourists.

● Bosnia and Herzegovina

Famous for East-meets-West atmosphere, and known for its human warmth, Bosnia has recently made it to the bucket list of many international tourists. With a mild temperature of 17 degree Celsius during June, Bosnia is now the second most sought-after hotspot for Omanis.

● Turkey

Known for its delicious food and eastern-influenced culture, Turkey has been one of the top choices for Arabs in the 21st century despite the recent political tensions.

● Azerbaijan

In 2016, the Azerbaijan government announced a single-entry visa for 30 days for Omani citizens under the visa-on-arrival facility at all its international airports. Since then, many families have been flocking to the ‘Land of Fire and the Pearl of the Caucasus’.

● Switzerland

With its picture-postcard views, Switzerland has always been on top of the destinations list not only for Oman but the entire world.

PAC KAG E S GALORE

● It is advisable to visit a doctor for a general check-up. If you use prescription drugs, carry enough to cover your trip, along with a copy of your prescription. ● Getting travel insurance can minimise the financial risks of a vacation. ● Travel light, pack a spare set of clothes in your hand luggage and don’t carry valuables. ● Meet the locals, try the local food, experience the authenticity of the destination

F OOT BAL L PAC KAG E S Travel Point, being the official sales subagent of the FIFA World Cup 2018, has special offers for football fans.

■ Single Match Package (group stage) for three nights at RO1,150, including flights, accommodation, transfers, Match Hospitality Package with match pass and city tour ■ Single Match Package (opening match) for four nights at RO1,390, including visa, flights, accommodation, transfers, Match Hospitality Package with match pass ■ Quarter-finals Package for three nights at RO1,495, including flights, accommodation, transfers, city tour, Match Hospitality Package with match pass ■ First semi-final in Moscow + final in Moscow for RO7,700, including flights, accommodation, transfers, city tour, Match Hospitality Package with match passes ■ Final match for RO2,700 for three nights, including visa to Russia, flights, accommodation, transfers, Match Hospitality Package with match pass.

DIS COVER OM AN Oman is an extraordinary destination filled with incredible attractions and cities. Muscat is by far the most popular destination in Oman, but it only encompasses a small part of what makes Oman stunning.

Besides, it is a misconception that Oman is not a summer destination.

To the tourists visiting Oman for the first time or the domestic tourist wanting to explore Oman, Alan Abdullah from Elice Travel and Tourism offers a perfect four-day tour of the Sultanate.

This package includes a night in Muscat, one night in the mountains, another in the desert and, finally, a night in Sur. The city tour of Muscat will include a visit to Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Al Alam Palace, Muttrah Souq and Corniche, the National Museum, Bait Al Zubair and the Royal Opera House Muscat. Other attractions in the Omani capital include snorkelling, dolphin watching and golfing. Hotel prices in Muscat will depend on the category.

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S UMMER B RE AK ■ Travel Point is offering ‘Europe for All’ at RO710 for seven nights and the places include Switzerland, France, Germany and Belgium (offer valid from June 17 to August 20) ■ Baku for RO360 for five nights in Gabbala and Baku (offer valid from June 14 to August 10) ■ Georgia for RO320 for five nights in Batumi and Tbilisi (from June 15 to June 21)

C R I C KE T: S P EC IAL O F F ER F OR IP L FAN S ■ Eliminator match for RO118 in Kolkata on May 24 ■ Qualifier 2 for RO144 in Bengaluru on May 25 ■ Final match for RO120 in Mumbai on May 27 ■ Packages include flights, one-night stay, breakfast, match tickets, return airport transfers, return transfers from the hotel to stadium

Oman is famous for its marvellous mountains, and any trip to the Sultanate is not complete without visiting one of its two most popular attractions, Jabal Akhdar and Jabal Shams, where the weather is still cooler during summer. Visitors can indulge in trekking, caving, star gazing, cycling, yoga and camping.

Alan says an increasing number of tourists are looking for wellness facilities like spas, adding that all five-star hotels and resorts in Oman provide such facilities.

In Sur, he suggests visitors can indulge in desert crossing, camel riding, dune bashing, visiting locals, enjoying Wadi bani Khalid and turtle watching.

Alan says a majority of Oman visitors are from Germany.

However, he points out that northern European countries like Denmark, Finland and Sweden are starting to notice Oman as an attractive vacation spot.

UM R AH PAC KAG E Travel Point has a Ramadan Umrah group departure package for RO570 for five nights (from May 14 to May 19). It also has Ramadan Umrah packages during the first 19 days for RO147 on a quad-sharing basis in three-star and RO218 on quad-sharing in four-star hotels.

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THE LADY

AND THE LENS

O

mani photographer Eman Ali, based in London, is an internationally known photographer who has been training her lens on unique subjects.

Eman, who has been capturing a wide variety of topics and themes, draws inspiration from having lived as a woman in the Gulf. Omani artists should speak up about the realities of their chosen career, including the struggles, she tells Y. “This will help the government, private corporations and wealthy individuals gain a better understanding of what this profession means and how they can take dedicated steps in the support and development of an artist’s career.”

Excerpts from the interview:

Your work clearly addresses controversial topics in the Middle East. Why did you choose to highlight such issues?

My work draws inspiration from my personal experience growing up as a woman in the Gulf.

We live in a society where keeping up appearances means that people are often hesitant to talk about contentious subjects and that’s because there is a general reserve within Arab culture to raise matters considered taboo. However, this was not the case centuries ago. We only have to look to the past to see that writers and poets were very progressive in their thinking. We find ourselves living at a time where the blending of conservative cultural values into religion has become so unquestionably ingrained in us that they eventually shape our perspective of life and how we must behave. My intention behind my work is to question these cultural complexities and to seek a shift in collective thought in order to not only explore its manifestations in contemporary Arab society but also to create a new narrative and representation of the Arab identity.

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Ready to provoke a thought and open to evolve, Eman Ali loves to make bold conversation with her candid camera. Hasan Shaban goes behind the lens to get the big picture

and artist residencies.

It is time Oman started implementing the infrastructure that would offer support to Omani artists and playing an active role in promoting the performing, visual and literary arts in Oman.

Tell us more about your work ‘Her Holeyness’

Tell us more about your gallery ‘Corridors of Power’

This project is really about my own personal, emotional response to the new infrastructural developments in Muscat.

I love Oman because it is so untouched compared to the other Gulf countries.

To me it really represents this Arabian paradise with its simple yet stunning landscape. I am deeply in love with my home so when these grand architectural buildings started to appear in Muscat I didn’t quite know how to make sense of them. On a superficial level, I appreciated their beauty, however I wanted to look further and think about how architecture, in this case, is not only used to assert power and stability but also to signify change to come. Composed like a still from a film, it was important for me to place myself in these photographs because conceptually it is about my relationship to these spaces as an Omani woman and how my body inhabits and navigates its way through the unfamiliar.

Through the poetics of space I wanted to create my own meaning and expression and the more I inhabited these physical spaces the more I felt that, although they exist in the realm of reality, they somehow seemed simulated. I wanted to convey this feeling of the artificial through the intensity of colour in my photographs and the highly reflective surface of the paper in which I chose to print on to further enhance the sense that these public spaces

were somehow illusory.

You received a top award recently. How do you feel about that? Being an Omani, has your work ever recognised at a local level?

No, and this is a very good example of the lack of support I am getting as an Omani artist. There is so much that is not known about the reality of being a full-time artist and I want to create more transparency around this. I feel so honoured to win the Woman of the Year Award in the category of Arts and I have my friends and family to thank for it. What is really important for me is to use the spotlight as an opportunity to raise awareness about artists’ needs in Oman. In order for us to create a better understanding of what constitutes being an artist beyond the end product of a finished artwork, we must voice the realities of this chosen career path, which includes the struggles.

If Omani artists can come together and speak openly about this I believe it will help the government, private corporations and wealthy individuals gain a better understanding of what this profession means and how they can take dedicated steps in the support and development of an artist’s career. This includes, but is not limited to, acting as patrons and providing funding opportunities for projects, studio space, exhibitions, materials, workshops

In this project I focus on beauty products and how they appeal to the fantasy of changing one’s body. I use this fact to build a picture of the female body as a set of surfaces to be maintained, manipulated and represented. I choose to work with a vivid colour palette in order to reproduce the standard of colour advertising to accentuate its artificiality. In Arab societies, I consider there to be strong religious and consumerist ideologies that act as influencing factors in the idolising of female purity. This creates a lens in which the marketing of beauty products can be viewed as an extension of religion and a purveyor of, in some sense, ultimate values. Innocence, purity and the desire for wholeness.

Have you faced any criticism for highlighting “sensitive issues”?

When you put something out in the world you will provoke a reaction, positive or negative. You must be open to the possibility of criticism but always have conviction in what you do. These are opportunities to engage in conversation so take from it what you will and leave the rest behind. ■

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Un sung

HEROES HUNDREDS OF MIGRANT WORKERS AUDITIONED IN A MUSIC CONTEST AND 20 OF THEM WENT ONSTAGE TO BELT OUT EVER-GREEN MELODIES. DIL KI AWAZ ORGANISERS SHARE WITH Y HOW THE LABOURERS’ LOVE FOR MUSIC STUNNED THE CROWD

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A

t some point of our lives, most of us may have dreamed of going onstage and singing our favourite songs to a packed house that, at the end of the rendition, received it with a standing ovation.

When it comes to music, there is no class difference. The line defining and dividing the classes and the masses thins out and everyone is on the same wavelength.

In the month of January such a dream came true for hundreds of migrant workers in Oman. They got an opportunity to express their talent, they were presented with a platform to showcase their skills and they were greeted with rounds of applause by an appreciative gathering. And, in the end, the best of them walked back to their camps, with applause ringing in their ears and awards, cash and kind, firmly in their hands, thanks to Dil ki Awaz.

The first edition of Dil ki Awaz (voice of heart), a musical talent hunt, visited labour camps in Oman to audition 192 participants.

“Over a period of two months starting January 15 we had over 700 workers participating in the contest through the three phases of selection leading to the grand finale of Dil ki Awaaz in Muscat,” said Ashwin Gedam, Vice President of Global Marketing, Xpress Money.

Supported by Xpress Money’s CSR platform, H.O.P.E., the competition reached out to 45 labour camps connecting with 90,000 people over the last two months.

The grand finale was conducted in the presence of Indian Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, HE Murad Ali Hooti from Majlis Al Shuraa, Sudhesh Giriyan, COO of Xpress Money, and other dignitaries.

Excerpts from an interview with Ashwin Gedam:

How many workers participated in the contest?

During the first round wherein we invited voice samples over WhatsApp from potential candidates, we received 743 entries, from which we shortlisted 192 who then went on to participate in individual contests conducted at the labour camps. The second phase lasted for 40 days with 38 rounds of audition that ended on March 10. Judges assigned by Xpress Money shortlisted 20 finalists from the labour camp round who then took part in the grand finale on March 23.”

What were the most popular songs among the contestants?

The finalists were from four nationalities – India, Bangladesh, Oman and Pakistan who predominantly sung Hindi (Bolllywood songs) though there were a few songs sung

in regional languages as well. For instance, the first runner-up was from Kerala who sung the popular Tamil song ‘Kanne Kalaimane’. Across the selection process, particularly in the first and second phases of selection, contestants sung Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali songs. Old Bollywood songs seemed to be the favourite of most of the contestants. Most of the songs chosen by the contestants were the ones sung by Kishore Kumar, Kumar Sanu and Mohammed Rafi.

What happened to the winners? Did they get to perform later to a different audience?

We are confident that the winners as well as participants of Dil ki Awaaz will pursue their musical enthusiasm further and the recognition of their talent will embolden them to take part in public performances. Dil Ki Awaaz was a new experience for them in testing their mettle. It was indeed amazing to meet so many migrant workers who are such talented singers, hidden gems indeed! It was also a first-of-itskind platform given to migrant workers in Oman.

We intend to invite the winners and maybe the other participants as well to perform at certain large-scale events hosted by Xpress Money, not only in Oman but in other GCC countries as well. .

Were workers from Muscat only or all governorates?

Dil Ki Awaaz was conducted in labour camps all across Oman, including Salalah and Ibri. We wanted this platform to reach as many people as possible and, therefore, left no stone unturned to reach migrants even in the remotest of places in Oman.

What were the gifts?

The winner of Dil ki Awaaz grand finale took home a cash prize of RO1,000. The first runner-up won RO750 and second runner-up RO500. All the other 17 finalists were given RO50 each, apart from certificates and mementos. ■ APR 12 - 19 / ISSUE 515

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Brought to you by

BRAVO, DWAYNE THE OPENING MATCHES HINT AT NIGHTS OF NOSTALGIA IN STORE FOR THE FANS, WITH THE HEROES LOOKING TO PUSH THE BOUNDARY AND THE ZEROES TRYING TO STAY ALIVE. PRASAD PANICKER GETS INTO THE MOOD OF THE MASSES

K

L Rahul is 26, Sunil Narine is 29, Dwayne Bravo is 34 and Yuvraj Singh is 36. They are, in that order, three heroes and a former hero who insists a couple of IPL seasons are still left in him.

Rahul has just hit the fastest IPL half century in Kings XI Punjab’s first match of the new season, Narine started off from where he left off against Royal Challengers Bangalore last year, with a game-changing half century off 17 balls, and Bravo displayed age-defying attitude to plot a match-winning 30-ball 68.

Rahul’s pyrotechnics at the top raises the pulse of the Indian crowd who are excited over the prospect of the young Indian turning the tables on heroes who have grown old, like Chris Gayle, whose 30-ball 2013 season century is the fastest in the IPL. Gayle, unsold for most part of the auction, was lucky to be picked by Kings XI Punjab. Team director Virender Sehwag is confident that Yuvraj and Gayle are still good enough to win games for the team. His logic is simple: the duo’s good shows in just about two or three matches will be a good return on the team’s investment on them. He may be right from the way they look at it: both the ageing heroes were taken in at the base price. Still, few Indians, or West Indians, might say Rs2 crore is peanuts. There’s just one Ravi Shastri out there.

A couple of days before the match Yuvraj Singh was trying to tell us that he still had two or three IPL seasons left in him. Looking at how he struggled against Delhi Daredevils to score 12 off 22 balls, we doubt if he would last beyond a couple of matches of the current season.

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Perhaps Yuvraj should try to bat like Narine. After helping KKR to get comfortably past a seemingly tough target of 177 against RCB, the West Indian hinted at the source of his energy: he doesn’t bother about getting out the first ball. Narine doesn’t see himself as an opener but when the chance is thrust upon him he walks out to the middle with a don’t care attitude. Yuvraj’s best bet to survive till the end of at least this IPL is discovering a Narinelike approach.

When it comes to the right attitude, here’s a role model.

Walking in when CSK were five down for 75, with the asking rate getting close to 12 runs an over, Bravo played an incredible innings. What makes his batting, or bowling, special is the way it happens. It doesn’t “just happen naturally” but he makes it happen, with hours of plan and practice in the net.

Bravo, Dwayne, we love that kind of attitude, commitment and confidence.

Brought to you by

DID YOU KNOW? The Indian Premier League, regarded as the world’s most awaited and prestigious Twenty20 tournament, kicked-off on April 7 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

In the 10 editions of IPL that have been played, the viewers have been entertained to the fullest. There has been plenty of drama in and outside the playing field. Each season had something unusual incidence that created more buzz about the tournament.

Four tons by Virat Kohli in a single season, hat-tricks by several bowlers, unbelievable catches, exciting super overs, and much more has been witnessed by millions of viewers across the globe.

IPL has a dedicated fan following, but still, there are numerous exciting facts and happenings that we are unaware of.

Be prepared in the upcoming editions of Y Magazine to get bewildered at some lesser-known facts about the cash-rich Indian Premier League:

IPL HIGHLIGHTS D

WILLEY IPL BOUND AS SUPER KINGS COME CALLING

avid Willey is poised to become the 12th England player to receive a call up to the IPL. Yorkshire have received the paperwork from the ECB, who act as the initial broker between the IPL and the counties, and are bracing themselves for the inevitable.

The England all-rounder left a pre-season friendly in Leicester on Monday to finalise terms with Chennai Super Kings.

The English counties are now largely resigned to losing their best one-day players in the IPL auction, but

aggravation is growing that further players are being called up as like-for-like reinforcements the moment that injuries begin to bite.

Yorkshire are feeling more frustrated than most, seemingly losing not just Liam Plunkett - a replacement for Kagiso Rabada at Delhi Daredevils - but now Willey within a week of the new season starting.

Chennai also confirmed their interest, after losing India allrounder Kedar Jadhav to injury. They have room on their overseas roster having not yet replaced New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner.

Amazing Zak Former Indian pacer, Zaheer Khan is, amazingly, the only player to be the part of the very first game and the 500th game of the IPL. In the very first season of the IPL, Zaheer was the part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore team who were up against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Although Zaheer ended on the losing side, it was McCullum who made the opening match memorable by scoring first ever t20 hundred.

Zaheer also featured in the 500th game of the IPL. It was the 8th season of the IPL and the match between the Delhi Daredevils and the Rajasthan Royals.

Zaheer was then the part of the Delhi team.

It is interesting to note that ‘Zak’ ended on the losing side in this game as well.

Grab a copy of the IPL 2018 calendar with today’s Y Magazine and predict the winners from the matches played in India from April 12 to April 16 to win a SIM with 2GB data pack worth RO 5 from Friendi Mobile. Email us your predictions to editor@y-oman.com.

APR 12 - 18 / ISSUE 515

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

Dermatology Clinic • Audi Showroom • Bentley Showroom • Costa Coffee • Al Fair • Jaguar Showroom • Jeep Showroom • Al Maha Petrol Station • Mazda Showroom • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi Showroom • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Peugeot Showroom • Range Rover Showroom • Sayarti Auto Care • Shell Select • Skoda Showroom • The Sultan Center • Volkswagen Showroom • Volvo Showroom • Yamaha Showroom Bawshar • College of Banking

and Financial Studies • Dolphin Village • Modern College

of Business and Science • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital

(Emergency and Outpatients) • Oman Medical College CBD • Al Maya Hypermarket • Alizz Islamic Bank • Bahwan Travel Agencies • Bank Sohar • Copper Chimney Restaurant • Costa Coffee • HSBC • Lama Polyclinic • NBO • Oman Arab Bank • Standard

Chartered Bank • Woodlands Restaurant Darsait • Indian Social Club • SPAR

• KIMS Oman Hospital • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Bakery • Shell Petrol Station

Al Falaj/Rex Road • Al Falaj Hotel • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Golden Oryx Restaurant • Kamat Restaurant • Toshiba Showroom Ghala • National Mineral Water Ghubra • Al Hayat International Hospital • Al Maya Hypermarket • Bank of Beirut • Costa Coffee • Crêpe Café • GMC Showroom • LuLu Hypermarket • Moka & More • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Park Inn • Porsche Showroom • Al Raffah Hospital • Stationery Hut • The Chedi Muscat Al Hail • Burger King • Caledonian College

of Engineering • Markaz Al Bahja Mall • McDonald’s • Omantel • Starcare Hospital Al Khoudh • Al Fair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Pizza Hut Al Khuwair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Bait Al Reem Mall • Caffè Vergnano • Centrepoint (Splash) • Diplomatic Club • Grand Hyatt Muscat • Harley-Davidson Showroom • HSBC • KFC • SPAR • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Landmark Group

• McDonald’s • Muscat Bakery • Oman Bowling Center • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Oman United Insurance • Omran • Pizza Hut • Radisson Blu • Shell Petrol Station • TGI Friday’s • The Great Kabab Factory • The Tikka Place • Zahara Travel • Zakher Mall Mabela • Gulf College Oman Mawalah • Chili’s Restaurant • Costa Coffee • Al Makan Café • Starbucks • Tim Hortons • VLCC Wellness MBD • Bank Dhofar • Centrepoint (Splash) • SPAR • NBO • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Pizza Muscat • Shell Petrol Station MGM • Caribou Coffee • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • Just Falafel • Ooredoo • Paul • Tim Hortons Al Mina • Bait Al Baranda • Bait Al Zubair MSQ • Al Fair • Arab Open University • British Council • Costa Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • Hana’s Slimming &

Skincare Centre • Kargeen Caffe • KFC • MacKenzies Café

& Deli • Mood Café • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Papa John’s Pizza • Pizza Hut

• Saharz Beauty Salon • Starbucks Al Murtafa’a • Bank Muscat • KFC • Muscat Hills Golf &

Country Club Muscat International Airport • Caribou Coffee • Majan Lounge • Plaza Premium Lounge Mussanah • Millennium Resort Muttrah • Shell Petrol Station Qantab • Al Bustan Palace • Marina Bandar Al Rowdha • Oman Dive Center • Shangri-La Qurum • Al Araimi Complex • Balance Health & Fitness • Bank Nizwa • BMW showroom • Burger King • Chili’s Restaurant • Crowne Plaza • Finland Eye Center • Fun Zone • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • The Jungle Restaurant • Left Bank • McDonald’s • Mercedes-Benz Showroom • Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant • Nandos • Nissan Showroom • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Qurum Commercial Complex • Ras Al Hamra Club • SABCO Centre • Second Cup • Starbucks • The Sultan Center • Tche Tche Café Rusayl • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-1 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-2 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-3 • Knowledge Oasis

Muscat-4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • Waljat College of

Applied Sciences Ruwi • Apollo Medical Centre • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Mega

Store – Swarovski Showroom • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • Oman Trading Establishment • Saravana Bhavan Sarooj • Al Fair • Al Masa Mall • City Cinema • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell Petrol Station • VLCC Wellness Sawadi • Al Sawadi Beach Resort Seeb • Golden Tulip Hotel • McDonald’s Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Caribou Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Centre • The Indus Restaurant • InterContinental

Hotel Muscat • Jawharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks • VLCC Wellness Sifah • Sifawy Boutique Hotel SQU • Diplomatic Club • College of

Economics and

Political Science

• Students Banking Area • Reception/ Canteen Wadi Kabir • Al Maya Hypermarket • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Pharmacy • National Hospitality Institute • Pizza Hut • Shell Petrol Station Wattayah • Ahli Bank • Best Cars • BLS International Services • Chevrolet/GM showroom • Ford Showroom • Hatat House • Honda Showroom • Hyundai Showroom • Kia Showroom • Lexus Showroom • National Travel & Tourism • Passage To India Restaurant • Shell Petrol Station • Subaru Showroom • Suzuki Showroom • Toyota Showroom Al Mouj Muscat • Almouj Golf • Costa Coffee • Oman Sail • Shakespeare & Co. • Al Mouj Muscat

Head Office Other Regions Barka • Al Nahda Spa and Resort • LuLu Hypermarket Nizwa • University of Nizwa Sohar • Centrepoint (Splash) • Crowne Plaza • National Gift Markets • Ooredoo • Pizza Hut • Safeer Mall • Sohar Beach Hotel • Sohar Port and Freezone • Sohar University

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Adventures

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS AND ADVENTURES

TERRIFIC TERRAIN

The smallest GMC offering is generous on size and gorgeous on attitude –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

WADI AL ASAAMI

What might greet you in the remote wadi is the buzz of the bees but that’s perhaps blissful company for a solitary visitor. Shaquel al Balushi enjoys a ‘fruitful’ summer sojourn 032

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TRAVEL GUIDE

HOW TO GET THERE

I

f it’s not the perfect time to head to the mountains, it’s probably the best time to set out to the wadis. This is a thought that keeps us Omanis outdoors. An optimistic one, especially as we enter the peak of the summer season.

In line with that very thought I headed to the Batinah region this week in search of a place to relax in – and it didn’t take me very long (as is almost the case over time) to stumble upon a location to scout for this week.

Marked on a well-placed blue board, Al Asaami lies en route to Nakhl on the Nakhl-Al Awabi road (on Route 13). It was the first time

I had seen it, so I didn’t hesitate much before stepping on the brakes and heading into the wadi.

Once in – and as a solitary explorer this time – I quickly parked my car and decided to venture into what can only be described as the wilderness. Almost immediately, I realised why Wadi Al Asaami was uninhabited at the time I was there: The bees.

Mind you, it’s still not as bad as, say, as those that buzz around the Wadi Dayqah Dam. Nevertheless, having bees around is always a hindrance, especially when you’re lugging heavy camera gear around.

Powering on, I quickly saw that the flora was getting thicker,

From Muscat, take the Muscat Expressway and exit onto Route 13. Once there, it’s a straight drive towards Hibra and Nakhl. Once you pass Nakhl, keep following the road towards Al Awabi, and look for the signboard that reads ‘Wadi al Asaami’.

Coordinates: N23°19’16.748’’; E57°36’19.533’’

which meant I was in for a treat.

The smell of the fresh plants overpowered my initial face-off with the bees, while the subsequent hint of water complemented the plants.

I deduced that the area serves as a wadi passage during the rainy season (if there exists any such thing) – so it would be advisable if you stayed away from the locale post rains.

Due to the rising temperature, I quickly clicked a few photos of the whereabouts and decided to retreat. But that’s when I caught a glimpse of something rather special: a nubuk fruit. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact name of the fruit in English, but I presume the image will aid the purpose.

This also gave me the motivation to explore the area further. I trekked further into the wadi to find more signs of flora and fauna. Anyone looking for adventure would find it best to head there, although you’d want to keep supplies such as water and energy bars on you at all times.

My trip to Wadi al Asaami was a fruitful one (literally) – and I would be heading there again post the rains and after the subsequent wadi has subsided. So, stay tuned for that.

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

V

GMC TERRAIN SLE

Smart acceleration, sound handling, smooth on the road and good looks, the smallest GMC offering is generous on size and gorgeous on attitude, Chris Fisher finds

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.

The smallest of GMC’s SUVs are still those that command respect and admiration on the roads – and that’s what makes the brand stand out among other vehicles of their class from various other brands.

There seems to be only one way with the American SUV-maker: It’s supersize me or nothing.

And keeping in line with that motto is the all-new Terrain. And yes, this is undoubtedly the brand’s smallest offering in the lineup.

So, when I got my hands to the keys to the Terrain,

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I was nothing short of surprised by the sheer size of this machine. And avid readers of Y will know how much I appreciate large and sizeable vehicles.

That’s a tick for curb appeal (yes, I’m using that term for an SUV) then. The Terrain’s doing well so far.

Moving on, the design of the Terrain is one that will invoke some comment from passersby. It isn’t as flamboyant as, say, the larger Acadia or the Yukon, but the design is tasteful.

The headlamps are quirky and almost shaped like a wedge. There’s no exact way to really describe its shape rather than to point at it when you’re showing the car off. Still, it comes with projector Xenon lamps and daytime running LED lights. I also admired the character line that extends all the way from the lights to the bumper.

Owing to its sheer size, the side profile is rather bulky, but there’s a kink on the window sill that complements the shape of the car. The posterior is inspired by the fascia, as is seen with the wedgeshaped tail lamps.

On the upside, no one is going to walk up to you and tell you that your car looks similar to their cheaper SUV – it’s definitely a distinctive designlanguage that translates into smiles in my book.

Much of this quirkiness is carried over to the interior too. Everything, from the thick-rimmed steering wheel to the a/c vents, is inspired from the exterior design. Still, the buttons and knobs are all where they’re supposed to be. As is the norm with cars of today, the boffins from GMC also chuck in buttons on the steering wheel.

Thankfully, there isn’t any touch-wizardry going on inside to control your a/c temperatures and music volume. There are knobs to take care of such

rudimentary functions; just like how it should be.

They do chuck in a large 8-inch-wide touchscreen for good cause though. And as is the case with most of GM’s infotainment screens, the one on the Terrain is slick and easy-to-use too.

Setting up the Bluetooth took a mere 20 seconds – it’s the fastest I’ve ever tested on a car till date.

The inside of the GMC is a nice place to be – and I definitely took a shying towards the faux wood elements and the fabric seats that were fitted to my tester. Let’s face it: Leather- and leatherette-wrapped seats may look posh, but there’s nothing classy about a hot seat cooking you in the summer.

Destination

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

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

GMC TERRAIN SLE Specifications: Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder Transmission: nine-speed automatic Horsepower: 252hp Torque: 352Nm Top speed: 200kph All-wheel drive 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system 18-inch alloy wheels Rear-view camera HID headlamps Engine START/STOP system Front and rear parking sensors • Six or (optional) sevenspeaker audio system

THE SUSPENSION, COUPLED WITH THE HIGH-PROFILE TYRES, MAKES THE RIDE VERY COMPLIANT ON THE HIGHWAYS. AND BECAUSE THE TERRAIN IS AN ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SUV, IT CAN ALSO TAKE SMALL DUNES WITH EASE Space inside the cabin is commendable, and five people can ride in the car at all times in absolute comfort. The space upfront is ample for full-size adults; this is also the case in the back.

Boot space is on a par with its rivals but you can fold the second-row seats away to make room for large bags.

Now let’s move on to the most unique part of the car: The powertrain. Powering the Terrain is a small 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder pot-banger pumping out 252hp and 352Nm

of torque.

I was definitely a bit taken aback and skeptical when I heard that the beast was only powered by a small engine – but not for long. The moment I put my foot down, I realised that the turbo made a world of difference in the performance of the car.

The potent engine – coupled with the nine-speed automatic transmission – was brisk enough to hit the 100kph mark in only 8 seconds. Of course, it will do the run faster when the temperature is optimal.

I found the nine-speed gearbox to be smooth and slick when cruising.

The gear ratios are short, which makes the Terrain the perfect city cruiser.

I was astonished by the fuel economy readouts – it was superb.

The best part about the Terrain is its road-response: it’s very smooth.

The suspension, coupled with the high-profile tyres, makes the ride very compliant on the highways. And because the Terrain is an all-wheel drive SUV, it can also take small dunes with ease.

It’s not a full-blown off-roader like the Yukon, but I did take it on some soft sand to get to know the capabilities of the vehicle. At no point did it bog down and it took on the sand like a champion.

A part of that could be due to the large tyres that are wrapped around 18-inch alloys and the clever all-wheeldrive system.

I’ve always loved GMC products.

It’s one of those companies that stays true to its forte and tries to keep its DNA authentic. That’s what makes it a formidable opponent to the big guns from Japan and Europe.

And while this may not seem like a direct competitor to some prolific names in the market, the Terrain doesn’t just impress in size and design but, for the first time, in performance and fuel-efficiency too.

If that isn’t the bargain of the century, then I don’t know what is.

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CARS ADVENTURES THE DREAM CITY

Situated in the north central portion of Idaho, Lewiston is one of the less-populated cities in the state. This city is a dream for anyone looking to trek up the mountains and more

1. Trek across the Hells Canyon 2. Visit the Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum for History and Culture 3. Go for a picnic at the Beachview Park 4. Sail across the river in the Hells Canyon 5. Try your hand at shooting targets at the Jack O’Connor Center

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Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Alvin Thomas recommends

LEWISTON, IDAHO, USA

S

itting pretty on top of the list of the best states to visit in the USA is Idaho - a state that is, in all honesty, best described with the photos and the smiles of the several thousands of tourists who visit the region for sightseeing every month.

And following up on my Alaskan adventure from last year, I made sure I stopped by for a weekend at Lewiston, one of the cooler cities in the state. Situated in the north central portion of Idaho, Lewiston is one of the less-populated cities in the state.

But don’t let the numbers define the quality of the city, because Lewiston is a dream for anyone looking to trek up the mountains and more.

Our point of interest was the Hells Canyon which, while bugging the inner grammar police inside me, posed quite a challenge. We had made up our minds to camp in the foothills before carrying forward our adventure in the deepest canyon in the US. The canyon, which was just starting to bloom with flowers and colours, offers campers and backpackers with chances to explore the river too. We opted out of the $80 boat ride, but did trek across the length of the river before camping for the night.

Ironically, the first thought that came to my mind was how much the canyon reminded me of the Jebel Shams mountains and the underlying wadis. However, the temperatures during my trip were bordering on 0-C. Coming back into the city, we then headed to the Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum for History and Culture. While it isn’t the most sophisticated museum in the whereabouts, it does hold some of thecity’s darkest and most sought-after secrets.

R A IL R

OAD BR ID G E T HAT CA OVER A N BE R R IV E R A IS E D IN L E W IS T O N

C E C OU N T Y NEZ PER & MUSEUM L S OC IE T Y H IS T OR IC A TURE Y AND CUL FO R H IS T OR

My favourite place

Without a doubt, the Hells Canyon is a must-visit place for every tourist. The place is perfect for camping with your friends. The whereabouts are similar to that of Jebel Shams too – but you experience it from down below as opposed to all the way up in the clouds (figuratively, of course).

Highlights

The 157-year-old city comes with its own rustic vibes. Its residents are warm and welcoming – albeit they don’t indulge in tourist affairs too much. So, you’d (literally) have to approach them for help and tips. The city’s climate is odd; the temperatures can shift depending on the cloud covers and humidity levels. The winters aren’t as cold as what you’d expect from a high-altitude region in the norther hemisphere, which makes it the perfect spot for tourists from this side of the pond.

Lowlights If anything, there’s not enough to do in Lewiston. But anyone looking for more action can head to other parts of Idaho. There’s a Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve for avid adventurists.

Souvenirs Lewiston doesn’t have much to its name in line of souvenirs, but those looking to buy gifts for loved ones can purchase hand-made accessories and so on from the End of the Road Boutique.

Getting there From Oman, you can take a flight to anywhere in the US. Following that, you can take a connection flight from the city to Idaho for a nominal cost.

SNAKE

R IV E R

CANYO

N

Where to stay Simple: Try your hand at camping. The temperatures are bearable for most parts of the year.

However, those who want to stay within four walls can opt for the 2- and 3-star hotels in the city.

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

SMART TO SILLY

How far should we push the bar of innovation? Alvin Thomas stumbles upon devices billed as smart but really stupid on closer look. Here’re some of the world’s most useless gadgets!

HUSH HUSH Yes, we get it: You don’t want to listen to our conversations with our mates. However, there’s only so much we can do to keep our voice down… Or is there another way? Apparently, there is. The device, Hushme, is a personal acoustic device that is designed to keep your voice away from your pesky and irritable colleagues. All you have to do is wear it around your face and talk into it – your colleague won’t even realise you’re there. Of course, apart from when they see you wearing a large plastic band around your face. Aside from muffling your voice, it will also come with a preset option that will alter the sounds of the people around you. These include sounds of monkeys, squirrels, minions and so on. So, now, your colleagues can really hate your guts. Buy it from Indiegogo.com for RO72.7.

SMART EVERYTHING

CUDDLE BUDDY

Just when you thought you had seen it all, something new pops up to blow your brains out. The Nokia Hair Coach is a Bluetooth brush that claims to be the world’s first smart brush. It comes with multiple sensors, transducers and microphones to measure the quality of your hair. Furthermore, the device will then give you tips on how you can comb your hair. And what’s even more surprising is that it’s a collaborative effort between the manufacturers and reputed cosmetic companies Kerastase and L’Oreal. Buy this useless gadget from dealshabibi.com for RO41.9

Let’s face it, we’re always losing track of where we set our remote controls. In such a scenario, a couple of strategically placed universal remotes can do you a world of good. However, a Remote Control Pillow is stretching it a bit too far, right?

In any case, the device, or shall we say, pillow, can control everything from your television, a/c, home entertainment system and so on with just the push of a button. But, it will not take a scientist to figure out the pitfall of a remotecontrol pillow: One hug of the pillow will land you in another TV channel. Purchase this contraption from amazon.com for RO10.8.

THE PERFECT VACUUM

EDITOR’S PICK

HOW AMAZING WOULD IT BE IF YOU COULD CLEAN YOUR HOUSE WITHOUT MOVING A FINGER? WELL, THE BOFFINS FROM DENSO HAVE COME UP WITH THE VACUUM SHOES WHICH DO EXACTLY WHAT THE NAME SUGGESTS: CLEAN THE AREAS YOU WALK ON. WHILE THE IDEA STANDS OUT AS CREATIVE, WE CAN’T HELP BUT WONDER WHO WOULD WANT TO ORDER A SHOE THAT CONSTANTLY COLLECTS DUST – AND MORE – WHILE WALKING. THE POWER FOR THE DEVICE COMES FROM A PEDAL AND GEAR ARRANGEMENT – AND IT WON A PRIZE AT THE CES LAST YEAR. BUY THESE DREADFUL-LOOKING AND UNTASTEFUL SHOES FROM DENSO.COM

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Best multiplayer games of 2018

When you are bored with the focused experience single player games offer and in the mood for more fun and unpredictability, welcome to the world of multiplayers. Alvin Thomas picks the best three of the year COUNTER STRIKE: GLOBAL OFFENSIVE There are several reasons why CS: GO shouldn’t work: Its HalfLife underpinnings are uninspiring and the origin of how it came to life is not too far from underwhelming. But, somehow it manages to tick all the right boxes that an online multiplayer game should.

The graphics and the game physics have been improved heavily from previous iterations of the game too. All of this only makes CS: GO one of the most discernible games of 2018. And do not forget – we were skeptical about Counter Strike: Source when it was launched in 2004, but it ended up being the most-played online multiplayer game of its time.

This one is – and will be – no different then. Fingers crossed.

of running around tanks and choppers that are stationed for official duty while on guard to protect your base is captivating.

Keep in mind that the expertise levels of the players are advanced – and, more often than not, you’ll find yourself doubting your skills with the joystick or keyboard. Nevertheless, the time you can spend exploring is undoubtedly unmatchable when compared with other games of this class.

UNREAL TOURNAMENT

ARMA 3 Call of Duty and Battlefield are considered iconic games of its time but to experience life on the battlefield (well, from behind the screen of your computer) you must play Arma 3. The idea

Aah! Unreal Tournament is back. I still remember getting hold of my first copy of the game in 2000, when I was running a basic PC running on Windows 97. What’s amazing is that – like its name suggests – the game features unreal elements, like players falling out of the sky and collecting super-weapons to destroy your opponents; and you still get those elements.

The overall look and feel of the game has progressed over time – and that has further strengthened the ilk of gamers who have been playing the game for over a decade. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were to be voted as one of the most revolutionary titles of its time. Oh, and yes, the game is here to stay.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

MIX & MATCH FOR MEN

From tee-shirts to trousers to shoes, there’s a rich collection of menswear at cool prices at H & M. Go for these latest trends and make your fashion statement, writes Gayathri Das

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

T t Ge

k o o L e h

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

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

This dark blue and white striped shirt is a cotton weave and adds style when worn on your white tee-shirt.

It is regular fit and has gently shaped waist for comfort, adding style with a chest pocket and yoke at the back and a rounded hem. Grab this for only RO6.990.

The 100 per cent cotton jersey is the perfect mix and match for any outfit. With sewnin turn-ups on the sleeves and a round neck, it is slightly longer at the back and comes in various colours like white, yellow, black and brown. Own this for only RO4.990

This multistrand bracelet with imitation leather cords and a magnetic metal fastener is the perfect accessory to add to any casual ensemble. Available for RO4.5

Protect your eyes this summer with these tinted UV-protective lens sunglasses. Available for RO4.5

The cotton canvas shoes come with contrasting colour seams, a padded edge, lacings at the front and a loop at the back. They have cotton canvas linings and insoles and rubber soles and come in black and burgundy colours. Combine this pair of shoes with any outfit to add style.

Own a pair for only RO10.990.

These stylish skinny trousers come in various colours such as black, white, burgundy, dark grey, dark blue and beige.

The fivepocket trouser comes with a regular waist and a zip fly.

Available for RO10.990.

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Health

BEAUTY

Fashion

Home

Family

YOUR HANDS

SAY IT WITH

HEALTH& BEAUTY

Hands reveal a lot about you —perhaps as much as your face does. Try out these handy tips from Gayathri Das to make the best impression, hands down

F

irst impression is always the best impression, and hands are second only to your face in helping you make that all-important first positive impact, with a warm handshake or a friendly wave. The first look at one’s hands gives us an impression of how clean and tidy and good they are in self-maintenance. Keep your hands beautiful throughout the year by following these simple tips.

Scrub

Shiny hands

Make a mixture with 1 tablespoon gram flour, 1 tablespoon fresh cream and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Apply this well all over your hands and leave it for 10 minutes. This gives a shine to your hands.

Make this homemade scrub for your hands using olive oil and sugar. Take 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon olive oil and mix well. Apply this to your hands and massage and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes and wash out with lukewarm water. This softens your hands.

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Protection

Mix 1 tablespoon glycerine, 1 tablespoon rosewater and 2 tablespoon lemon juice. Apply this on your hands and leave it overnight.

Do this regularly and see your hands turning beautiful day by day.

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

Home

Family

S

WATER

WAY TO GO!

Water helps quench thirst, detox body, digest food, absorb nutrients, fight disease...it’s the elixir of life, plain and simple. Don’t put your glass down...ever

taying hydrated helps to keep your body functioning at its best but now that summer is upon us it is all the more important that you make it the drink of your choice.

A general guideline suggests that we drink eight glasses of water a day. There are debates over this two-litre rule, but even if you don’t drink as much, you need to take in a reasonable amount of water to keep your system running like a welloiled machine.

Curiously, some of us still find it difficult to sip water, perhaps they are either ignorant of the importance of water or not bothered about it at all...until they are woken up to reality in the form of illness triggered as a direct result of insufficient intake of water.

You could of course source it from fluids such as tea and foods but nothing else is quite as good as drinking a few glasses of plain water.

Take a look at some of the health benefits of consuming enough quantity of water every day: ● Importance of drinking water in summer increases manifold owing to the fact that a lot of water and electrolytes get depleted through sweating. That is why chronic fatigue is linked to longstanding dehydration. ● Water improves the immune system. Those who consume plenty of water are at a lower risk of falling ill. Water can enhance energy levels and hydrate your body more fully. It helps relieve and prevent headaches and migraines which are commonly caused by dehydration. ● It stabilises body fluids.

Water helps perform important functions such as protecting organs and tissues, regulating the body temperature and transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells. It fundamentally keeps the body functioning like a smooth-running machine. ● Water nourishes the skin, keeps it fresh, soft, radiant and looking healthy. Water treats the skin and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. ● Water helps manage calories as it is a natural appetite suppressant.

While drinking water may not be a weight-loss strategy by itself, taking it in place of sweetened beverages helps you keep off byproducts of fat. ● Studies have found a link between students bringing water into an exam room and better grades, suggesting water promotes clearer thinking. ■ APR 12 - 18 / ISSUE 515

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FOOD DRINK

Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

LUNCH BOX

‘What do I put in my child’s lunch box?’ is an eternal dilemma for every parent. There are lots of food choices, but here are some healthy ones.

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LUNCH THAT ticks all

THE BOXES Easy, efficient ideas that take the stress out of packing the lunchbox for your children

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ending healthy lunch boxes to school matters. Ask any teacher or parent, and they will confirm that children who lack proper nutrition have trouble focusing on studies.

It is important to keep offering healthy lunch box choices for your child in a variety of ways. One of the best ways to get your children to eat what you pack is to get them involved in the selection of what you send with them. Always remember that food should be simple, ready to eat and appetising after several hours of storage in the lunch box. It is also important to remember which food your child is allergic to.

There are lots of food choices available for lunch boxes, but here are some healthy choices:

Oats banana crispy Ingredients: § 2 cup rolled oats § 3 banana (small, over-ripe) § 2 tbsp dark brown sugar (optional) § 2 tsp vanilla extract § 1 tsp ground cinnamon § 2 tbsp vegetable oil Method: § Heat an oven to 180°C and line an oven tray with a baking paper. § Mix all ingredients together and allow to sit for 15 minutes. § Drop tablespoons of mixture onto the lined baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch. § Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Store in an airtight container.

The crispy will keep fresh for three days outside but longer in the fridge.

Fruits and vegetables Fruits and vegetables rich in carbohydrates give your child energy rapidly. Additionally, they are also a significant source of vitamin, mineral and dietary fibre intake, making them an important part of a healthy lunch box. Try vegetable sticks with dip or a small container with mixed vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, capsicum and cucumber.

Milk products Milk foods and their substitutes provide protein, calcium and vitamins for healthy bones. Several foods in this food group can be eased into a lunch box. A small drink of milk frozen overnight, fruit yoghurts and other similar products can be sent if packed appropriately.

Breads Include a variety of bread, especially if children begin to hate plain sandwiches. Try bread rolls, pita bread, flat bread, bagels, fruit loaf, buns, scones, muffins, crispbreads, rice cakes or corn thins.

Muffins and cakes Try making your own muffins and cakes by adding healthy ingredients such as carrots and banana.

Foods to avoid The foods to be kept far away from your child’s lunch box are products that has high sugar content; foods that encompass saturated or trans fats; processed foods; foods or drinks that have no nutritional value and foods that contain a lot of artificial ingredients.

Savoury muffins Ingredients: § 2 cups (300g) self-raising flour § 3/4 cup (55g) grated tasty cheese § 1 capsicum, de-ribbed and diced § 1/4 cup mushrooms, finely chopped § 150g butter, melted § 1 cup (250ml) milk § 1 egg, lightly beaten § 1 tbsp parsley, chopped Method: § Preheat an oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Line a 12-cup muffin tray with muffin-sized patty pans. § In a bowl, place the flour, cheese, capsicum and mushrooms. § In a jug, combine the egg, milk and butter. § Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. § Pour into patty pans and bake for 15-20 minutes.

APR 12 - 18 / ISSUE 515

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Info Box LOKANTA

Qurum, near Arjan Towell Building Nearby landmarks: Qurum Park, Yum Yum restaurant Contact: 2200 9598 Lunch for two: RO20

LOKANTA

Verdict : 7/10 SERVICE 7/10 FOOD 7/10 AMBIENCE Know what to order! It’s either a 10/10 or a zero.

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

WALKING INTO A TUKISH RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH AND CHOOSING FISH AND CHIPS FOR MAIN COURSE IS LIKE ORDERING ROAST CHICKEN AT A PUREVEG PLACE, FINDS HASAN SHABAN, STILL IN LOVE WITH THE PERFECT LOAF

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.

Muscat is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines from around the world, and Turkish dishes hold a special spot in the taste buds of connoisseurs of delicious food. So for this week we paid a visit to Lokanta, a modern Turkish restaurant in Qurum rooted in tradition.

A very welcoming staff received us at the entrance and showed us to our table. We took more than five minutes to place our order as the menu was rich with options.

We ordered for appetisers a cold mezza which consisted of hummus, olives, Muhammara and Baba Ganug. I also asked for a bowl of yoghurt and cucumbers.

The taste was okay, nothing special about the

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APR 12 - 18 / ISSUE 515

THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR LATE LUNCH WAS THE FRESH JUICES. I HAD RED SEA, A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED MIXTURE OF POMEGRANATE AND PINEAPPLE

quality apart from the freshly baked bread. The bread alone is a reasonable excuse to come back to this place.

It was not my first time at Lokanta, I have been fond of the place for some time.

For main course, I made a beginner’s mistake by ordering fish and chips. Not a Turkish speciality, and they proved that. My friend ordered a chicken-vegetable dish with rice on side and a plate of hot appetisers.

The plate has four pieces of different fatayirs, one stuffed with beef, another with chicken, the third had cheese on top and I can’t remember the forth as my friend swallowed it before I had a chance to click a picture.

The highlight of our late lunch was the fresh juices. I had Red Sea, a highly recommended mixture of pomegranate and pineapple.

The waitress offered us complimentary Turkish tea and we left the place with happy bellies!

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

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