Y issue 516 web, April 19, 2018

IPL Fever

SPECIAL FEATURE ON INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE

Ferocious Ferrari

EXPLORING THE NEW GTC4 LUSSO T

News: BATINAH EXPRESSWAY TO 11 OPEN NEXT MONTH

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

DESTINATION: Al Awabi TASTE TEST: Park Burger YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

APR 19 - 25 2018 / ISSUE 516 • WEEKLY

INCLUDE PLUS!

CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES NEED INTEGRATION, NOT EXCLUSION

BRAVING THE CAVE

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NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

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SCENT OF SUMMER

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FRUITY PUDDING

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EDITOR’S

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

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

BATINAH EXPRESSWAY Batinah Expressway will be completely opened to public on May 7, the Ministry of Transport and Communications announced this week. This will considerably reduce the travelling time from Muscat to Dubai.

GOING DOWN

VIOLATIONS A total of 27 violation notices were slapped against expat vendors and more than 3,000 kg of foodstuff including tobacco was destroyed by Muscat Municipality during March and April.

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

Fast forward

M

ohammed Al Abri, aged nine, was diagnosed with severe autism at 19 months old.

When it was time to send him to school, his father Khalid opted for mainstream education. Mohammed attended a large school in Muscat for two years, but Khalid felt that he was lost in the system. He decided to give his son a better education and ultimately a better chance in life.

For the past few years Mohammed has attended a private school with just 19 children.

Khalid says it has changed his life. Although he has a learning disability and sensory processing disorder, he is no longer classed as severely autistic, but mildly autistic. Much of his progress, according to Khalid, is down to the education he has received at the mainstream school.

The first World Report on Disability, produced jointly by the WHO and the World Bank in 2011, estimated that number of children (0–14 years) living with disabilities range between 93 million and 150 million across the world.

The education of children with special needs has changed dramatically in the past decade, especially here in Oman. At present, those with special educational needs can attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools, or they can be integrated into mainstream classes. But most parents are reluctant to send their kids to mainstream schools due to insecurity.

While the Omani government has done much for children with disabilities, society need to do more. Haunted by the startled eyes of people or labelled “different”, many children with disabilities in Oman are seen as a burden, and their own families, in many cases, give up on them.

In our cover story this week, we feature the struggles of these kids with disabilities. It’s time we stood up and fought for their cause because they are also one among us.

Happy reading!

THIS WEEK… This week, we headed to the remote village in Al Awabi, tried out a burger joint in Qurum and flew to India for a short trip.

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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 19 - 25 / ISSUE 516

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contents

APRIL 19 - 25 2018

Your Oman 08 Voice Of Oman

Nishad Padiyarath 10

News Oman patents low- cost renewable energy device

12

News Ministry refutes fuel station tampering reports

10 Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Al Awabi 34 First Drive

Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T 38 Y-Fi

Gadgets on the go

39

This Week 18 This Week More than 100

companies are taking

part in Comex 2018 ,

that will showcase the

latest developments

and solutions in the

world of information technology 19 Movies

Backstabbing for

beginners hits

Oman’s theatres this week

19 Health and Beauty 38 Fashion

Summer collections 43 Health

Super foods for kids

Features 20

They aren’t different Let us shed our indifference to include and integrate the disabled children in Oman

28

IPL 2018: Game Changer The IPL 2018 kicked- off in style in India and we bring you the latest updates, facts and highlights this week

20 Food and Drink 44 Food Feature

Fruity without fuss 46 Taste Test

Park Burger

44

40

NEXT ISSUE...

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

MY HERO FEATURES THE UNSUNG HEROES OF OMAN

Watch only on www.y-oman.com

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Gone are the days you had to just hit the bed and rem ain there until the pain had subsided. There are better ways to avoi d or deal with back pain now, Dr Tariq Amin Sheikh tells Hasan al Lawati

t costs a huge amount of they are adjusting the workstation money to employees and to the height of the user.” businesses. People spend a Sitting in front of a good part of their salary on taking for a long time withoucomputer t taking treatment for it and companies breaks at regular intervals is suffer heavy financial losses from another reason. This causes neck working days lost due to frequent pain which leads to back ache. days off taken by staff suffering Another common cause is disk. from it.

Disk rupture mostly occurs when The villain of the piece is our an individual does an activity back, the pain is one that most of that he/she is not used to, like the us experience at some point of sudden lifting of weight. our lives and the problem is that “Our bodies are not used to the cases are on the increase in high-speed vehicles and sudden Oman. jerks cause what we call whiplash Age and excess weight are that affects our bones, bending two major risk factors, but there the spine and leading to uneven are others, such as poor posture shoulder that cause the pain.” and slouching, which we could Some get such pains from birth. avoid if we bother to pay a little The ones born with bent spines attention to our wrong habits. have Scoliosis.

Spending a long time in front of Old-age problems are most your workstation is one of them. common among ladies as their Another is an unsuitable seating bones get weak and collapse, position at work or home or in the causing compression fractures car. The bottom line is: don’t ever without any injury. put your back under unnecessary Another reason for back pain is stress, sitting or standing. cancer, especially for people over Gone are the days when doctors the age of 50. Many cancer s affect would advise people to hit the bed the backbone. and remain there until the pain “Even kids suffer from what had subsided. Better, effective we call ‘bagpack disease’. The options are available now. way they carry their bags, on This week we are sipping coffee one shoulder, is wrong. If a bag with an expert in the field who is strapped on one side it causes has seen it all during his long pain on other side,” the doctor medical career. Meet Dr Tariq cautions.

Amin Sheikh, senior consultant Smart phones too are orthopaedic surgeon at KKT responsible for back ache. The Oman, to learn more about how neck bends when using the phone we could save our back. causing what is commonly known There are many causes for as text message disease. back pain but the commonest is So, how do they go about poor or wrong posture “which is treating back pain at KKT? often termed as ‘mechanical back “We diagnose a patient in pain’”, says Dr Tariq Amin. a process that starts inside the It is extremely important to have Patient Management Advoc ate your workstation installed at a (PMA) room. There, he/she sits comfortable level. That, according with the doctor for 60 minutes to to the doctor, is one easy way we undergo a comprehensive test. We could address the issue. “The ask about the pain status, world is changing. More and more pain hours, the level of the peek pain on a people are spending their days scale from 0 to 10.” sitting at workstations. In Europe, They also check the

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‘’employment scale”: some mechanical jobs can hurt the spine. “We ask the patients about their tobacco and caffeine intake, the shoes they wear and then we go over the psychological stresses.

Then comes the general consultation phase, where they decide if a patient is treatable at KKT or not. “We do not treat cancer patient, patients who develop weakness in their limbs or have issues with urine control. We ask them to undergo surgery.”

If the patient is eligible for treatment, he/she is taken to the x-ray room and then to the Report of Finding phase (RoF). “Here, we identify the problem and let them know.”

A patient is treated over a number of sessions, depending on the severity of the issue, age, smoking, drugs intake and, most importantly, whether they have been operated upon or not.

The KKT treatment platform uses sound waves to relieve pain by shifting and restoring the back, shoulders, pelvis and, generally, the entire body while enhancing the health of the spinal discs, ligaments and muscles.

With almost two decades, and millions of dollars in research and development, KKT has become a viable, long-term alternative to many surgical procedures and prolonged use of pain medications.

“KKT International has safely provided over 500,000 treatments and has grown into a medical technology company focused on the development of medical devices, information technologies, and clinical protocols for the treatment of chronic pain in the back and neck as well as joint pain.”

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THE VOICE OF OMAN IT’S UP TO AIRLINES TO SERVE OR NOT TO SERVE ALCOHOL ONBOARD, BUT THEY MUST ENSURE THE PEACE AND PRIVACY OF OTHER PASSENGERS, SAYS NISHAD PADIYARATH, BITTER ABOUT A ‘SCREAMING’ EXPERIENCE

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: Oman will need more than 13,000 doctors by 2040, according to official statistics. What do you think is the ideal solution? motivated to pursue a medical education.

PEREIRA F SAVIO

The task doesn’t seem impossible, keeping in mind the more than 20-year time frame. There are already several good Omani practising doctors in large hospitals who do exemplary work. The focus should now be on extending their services to private and smaller hospitals and steadily increase the number of private clinics and hospitals, keeping the goal of 2040 in mind.

MOHAN ANANDAN

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’m starting to wonder why airlines serve alcohol onboard at all.

Early this week I was returning to Muscat from a short holiday in India, and I had an unpleasant flying experience.

A drunk man was dragged off the plane “shouting and screaming” when he wouldn’t take his seat.

Another passenger sitting behind me was dancing and disturbing fellow passengers.

This is a common scene I witness on flights coming from the Indian subcontinent and I wonder whether it’s a good idea for people to be served alcohol when they’re stuck in a metal tube.

Most people know that it’s a bad idea to bring their own alcohol onboard.

But do you need the airline to serve you alcohol? Or would you rather they didn’t, given the admittedly small risk that some passengers who get served could drink too much and lose their cool — causing you to take much longer to reach your destination, and possibly misconnect in the process?

While some may argue that they are paying “too much” for tickets and expect these complimentary drinks onboard to be offered to them at their seats, it also questions your civility.

There’s no specific limit on how much you can drink on a flight. Cabin crew have the right to refuse to serve alcohol to any passenger but is that enough?

It’s up to these airlines to take a call on serving alcohol but they should seriously need to take care of the privacy of other passengers too.

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This presupposes an increase in population, both expatriates and nationals, as well as an increase in the segment of population that needs medical attention. Illness arising from sedentary lifestyle, stresses and reliance on junk food, etc. is bound to increase. This calls for more health centres, specialised hospitals and private clinics.

Health education is of paramount importance to making the younger generation aware of the complexities of modern life. The situation offers opportunities for Omanis to prove their mettle as doctors and health service providers.

Fresh graduates need to seize the opportunity by acquiring the required skills and expertise to tackle the health challenges.

ALI SAIF AL RAHBI

Health is wealth. Doctors, as well as experienced nurses, are needed in Oman to render the best quality healthcare services to both Omanis and expatriates, now and even after 2040. Parents must encourage their children to pursue a medical career in order to meet the shortage of doctors. Those who have finished their medical degrees must get the needed clinical skills and experience in hospitals within the Sultanate and other countries. Medical schools should conduct frequent awareness campaigns and school visits so that Omani high school students are

WRITE TO US AND YOU COULD WIN

SUJITH KS

Doctors profession is need more patience and skills and it is not a job has to do within time frame. Doctor has to be serve to society at any time. Nowadays, lot of nationals coming to engineering profession, but very less coming to medical field. I spoke to one of my national friends, he is capable to take any project in engineering, that means nationals capable for everything. Now, authority has to be created awareness and environment in medical field (docter profession) also then lot of national people itself will cover certain percentage in 2040. From other countries lot of doctors coming to oman and they have to pass necessary exams then they can continue their profession here also. That has to prolong as itself.

ZAHID SAEED

The 13,000 target is possible if the right steps are taken. Students need to be made aware of the opportunities in the medical profession and how a medical career would help them lead a good life, at the same time helping thousands of people fight back to life. The number of well-qualified and experienced Omani doctors is rising, and that is a good sign.

SUNIL JOHN MARTIN

It would be good to start at the grass-roots level.

Encourage Omani school students to take up medical study. Noted Omani doctors could be invited to schools to give talks on the profession so that the students get an idea and importance of the profession at an early stage, as well as about the need of the nation and the opportunities waiting for them to serve the community. If 500800 Omani doctors join the mainstream each year, the target of 13,000 looks quite possible.

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Sultan Qaboos University and Hospital and other government hospitals are making good effort to train young aspiring medical students. But that wouldn’t be enough to meet the requirements because fresh graduates take time to master the skills and gain confidence. The ideal solution is to welcome a good number of expatriates to fill the space. Welcoming experienced doctors from different parts of the world would help provide fresh Omani medical graduates the opportunities to learn from them.

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SANKAR NARAYANA P R

Oman envisions a giant leap in the medical sector in 22 years.

More medical, nursing and pharmacy colleges as well as training institutes must be in place to confidently march towards the target.

The population of Oman is expected to rise to 8 million, which means healthcare need to be given fresh thoughts to meet the challenges. Envisaging the medical requirements 2040, there is an additional outlay of RO759 million. Focus should be on the younger generation, and they need to be made aware of the challenges the country faces and the opportunities they have to serve the people and the nation.

Hiring expatriate medical practitioners is costly, still the Sultanate requires Indian, Egyptian and Sudanian support in the sector, maybe as teachers in the colleges.

New Debate: Muscat Municipality is considering asking hypermarkets and other shops to provide paper bags to customers in place of plastic ones, in addition to turning in plastic bags for a nominal recycling fee. What are your thoughts?

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APR 19 - 25 / ISSUE 516

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NEWS

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OMAN PATENTS LOW-COST

RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVICE

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man’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has patented a device that uses water molecules to produce energy, providing a low-cost and accessible source of renewable energy.

Duha bin Jamal Al Barwani, patent holder of the new invention, said: “The device was invented to provide an economical and clean method of producing energy using common resources.”

“I learnt to register patents with the ministry through social media. But I did not have

enough information about the various procedures, so I went directly to the authorities and learnt a lot about the importance of protecting my ideas,” he said, adding that patenting an invention or new product protected the economic interests of its owners in the market, helping guarantee a larger return on investment.

Beyond financial success, however, Al Barwani’s main motivation was his desire to contribute to Oman’s growth and development. “I was obsessed with the idea of being a partner in contributing to the growth of the Sultanate’s economy,” he said.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is continuing its efforts to boost Oman’s strong business environment by helping entrepreneurs and inventors maximise the benefits they receive for their products and inventions.

As part of this effort, it disseminates information about intellectual property rights by organising lectures and workshops. It also encourages scientific and research institutions to submit innovative ideas and projects and facilitate the transfer of technology to the industry.

UAE TO GRANT ENTRY VISA TO ALL TRANSIT PASSENGERS

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ransit passengers passing through Dubai or Abu Dhabi in the UAE will soon be able leave the airport and explore the country on a transit visa, officials have announced.

This comes after the UAE cabinet gave the green light to grant entry visas to transit passengers — across all UAE airports — for those who wish to visit the country’s landmarks and tourist attractions, according to WAM, the official news agency of the United Arab Emirates.

“The cabinet approved the formation of a working group to propose a new general policy for transit visas in the UAE to promote the tourism sector and enhance local economy, as well to grant transit passengers the opportunity to explore UAE’s world-renowned attractions.

With 70 per cent of all passengers passing through UAE’s airports in 2017 being transit passengers, the new policy will list visa fees, mechanisms for increasing the number of stop-over visitors, as well as ways to promote the country’s tourism attractions.”

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BATINAH EXPRESSWAY

TO OPEN IN MAY

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riving to Dubai or to Sohar from Muscat will get a lot easier, as the Minis-try of Transport and Communications (MOTC) has announced that the en-tire stretch of Batinah Expressway will be opened for motorists on May 7, 2018.

Al Batinah Expressway has been divided into six packages with a total length of 265 km, stretching from Halban to Khatmat Malaha in the

Wila-yat of Shinas. The road has four lanes on each direction with fourmetre islands in between.

The road is one of the strategic projects implemented by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

Package 1 starts from Al Filaij roundabout in the Wilayat of Barka and ends in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq.

Package 2 spans the distance between the Rustaq to Suwaiq with a total length of 42 km.

INNOVATION

The 46-km long Package 3 stretches from Suwaiq to Saham, where the fourth package starts and stretches to the Wilayat of Sohar with a total length of 50 km.

Package 5 starts at the Wilayat of Sohar and ends in the Wilayat of Liwa with a total length of 41 km.

The 45-km Package 6 starts from the Wilayat of Liwa and ends at Khatmat Malaha.

GLASSPOINT SOLAR OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED THE GLASSPOINT INNOVATION SPUR. IT IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM PEOPLE LOOKING TO TRANSFORM THEIR INVENTIONS INTO BUSINESSES.

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mani-designed app ‘Anawen’ has made it to the final of the AIM Startup 2018, an initiative by the UAE’s Ministry of

Economy.

Anawen is an innovative solution to address logistics problems in the Arab countries, done through sophisticated technologies for owners of companies.

The app’s developing team consist of four main partners: Faris Al Juma, Al

Harith Al Juma, Hamood Al Essai and Saif Al Essai.

“The goal is to provide logistics solutions that are accessible by large companies and all small and medium enterprises at nominal costs. It’s user-friendly and accessible easily to companies,” said Faris.

“Our mission is to develop and sustain various technological services by providing applications which will fasten the delivery processes and ensure the end consumer’s

satisfaction,” he added.

He explained that in the Middle East, “especially in the Gulf, people face the issue of being unable to describe their location in a fast and easy way. We usually must describe it repeatedly every time we purchase an item and sometimes we’ll have to describe it to the seller and then again to the driver which is not efficient either to the company or to the customer as time spent is wasted rather than spent on something productive.”

With Anawen, you can register with a phone number and use it as an ID to your locations wherein you’ll be able to pinpoint your exact location through a map and choose other locations you wish to deliver to.

“When a person goes to a company that is partnered with Anawen he should only provide them with his phone number and tell him if he wants it delivered to his house or office, etc. Your phone number is your address,” Faris added.

“Through GPS technology we can associate the customer’s phone number with his GPS coordinates. Rather than writing unclear directions or not a standardised address through the country, a person can easily write his phone number and the business will know his address,” he added.

Partnered with over 30 companies and currently in the testing phase with Hadaya, an e-commerce platform selling gifts and chocolates, AIM Startup is an initiative by the UAE’S ministry of Economy that aims at being a link between promising startups and business investors as well as business partners from acrss the globe.

OMANI COUPLE DIES IN GEORGIA MINISTRY REFUTES FUEL STATION TAMPERING REPORTS

T

he Ministry of Commerce and Industry has denied reports that fuel stations in Oman have tampered cars’ air pressure while filling up vehicles with fuel.

The Ministry said in a statement posted on its official Twitter account that the pictures that have been circulated on social media were previously published in the Ministry’s account about regular visits conducted by the ministry’s inspectors.

A

newly-wed Omani couple from the Wadi Al Aa’la village in the wilayat of Bahla have died in their sleep in Tbilisi, Georgia, the Omani Embassy in Ankara announced.

According to one of the couple’s relatives, Salim Al Hinai, the duo were in their 20s and died on Thursday due to suffocation from a gas leak after they had forgotten to turn off a heater before falling asleep.

The initial probe led by the Georgian authorities revealed that the couple had suffocated due to gas that leaked from the heater. The bride and groom belonged to the Al Hinai tribe.

A relative of the couple said: “The couple passed away on the night they reached Georgia. It’s a big loss. The incident has shocked the whole village.”

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INIMITABLE LENS

GALLERY

FROM THE UNDISTURBED MORNING WALKS ON MUTTRAH CORNICHE TO THE HUSTLE, TOURISTPACKED SOUQ, MOHAMMED AL RAISI AND SALAH AL BALUSHI ARE DOCUMENTING THE EVERYDAY LIFE OF MUSCAT, LITERALLY. PROJECT MCT365 AIMS AT SHARING A PICTURE FROM THE OMANI CAPITAL ONCE A DAY.

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FOCUS ON HEALTH

OMAN

ABEER MEDICAL GROUP RECENTLY LAUNCHED ITS FIRST HOSPITAL IN OMAN. ABEER HOSPITAL LOCATED IN RUWI IS A MULTISPECIALTY MODERN MEDICAL FACILITY.

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GALLERY

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ne-bedroom apartments are on sale in Jebel Sifah, with the developers fixing the starting price at RO49,000.

Payment can be made in eight instalments over two years. All nationalities will be offered residency upon delivery, according to sources.

Jebel Sifah has become one of Oman’s leading getaway destinations for Omani and expat communities, thanks to its world-class facilities.

Located on the outskirts of Muscat, Jebel Sifah boasts freehold real estate projects, a nine-hole golf course with stunning views and the popular hotspot with its breath-taking infinity pool.

One of the highlight is the 84-berth marina, with floating pontoons and wall berthing, diesel and petrol, 115 dry berths, 24/7 security and metered service pillars.

RO60 MILLION DESALINATION PLANT COMING UP IN OMAN

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n RO60 million seawater desalination, to be constructed in Salalah, is expected to be operational by 2020 according to authorities.

Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP), a member of Nama Group, was to sign agreements for the construction of the Salalah Water Desalination Plant with the investment group of ACWA Power Saudi Arabia, Veolia Middle East and Dhofar International Development and Investment Holding Company at a total cost of RO60 million.

The plant will be built on the Ashur Plains in the wilayat of Mirbat in Dhofar Governorate with a production capacity of 113,650 cubic metres per day (equivalent to 25 million gallons).

The plant is expected to operate commercially by 2020.

Under the terms of the agreement, OPWP will have the right to purchase desalinated water produced from the plant during the concession period set for 20 years.

The project includes the design, construction, ownership, operation and maintenance of a highly efficient drinking water desalination plant using reverse osmosis technology.

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

Today’s inspiration: I maybe a twin, but I am one of a kind.

Photo: Shaquel Al Balushi APR 19 - 25 / ISSUE 516

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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE Held from 23-28 April 2018 at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, COMEX will usher in an era of economic growth by tracking the progress of ICT in transforming companies & industries. As ICT applications are being realised across several sectors in Oman, COMEX will showcase technological developments across industries related to Manufacturing, Energy & Utilities, Transport, Healthcare, Building & Infrastructure, Retail, Finance, Education, Open Industry and Oil & Gas.

APRIL 23

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WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

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Royal Opera House Muscat will host Grammy-winning jazz singer Dianne Reeves on April 26, 2018 at 7:30 PM. Dianne Reeves has been one of the world’s top jazz singers since the late 1980’s. A superior interpreter of lyrics and a skilled scat singer, she has been hailed by The New York Times as “the most admired jazz diva since Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday”. Dianne Reeves has become known the world over as a living legend, winning five Grammys for Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Female, the latest of which was in 2015 for Beautiful Life, an innovative and spectacular fusion of rhythm and blues, latin and pop elements within the framework of contemporary twenty-first century jazz.

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LIVING JAZZ LEGEND

WEEK

WHAT TO DO.

APR 27

DIANNE REEVES CONCERT

THIS

A participation and spectator event, National Obstacle Series to be held at PDO Golf Club on April 27 is one of a unique event being organised in Oman and the whole region. State-of-the-art branded obstacles have been custom-made and imported to bring you National Obstacle Series; a race designed to challenge competitors, entertain spectators, and reward everyone with a fun-filled day out. Whether you’re taking part or just watching, bring your friends and family out to enjoy the amazing National Obstacle Series festival at some of the Sultanate’s most beautiful venues. The participation fee for children is (6-13 years) is OMR 7.500 and adult (14 Years and Over) is OMR 20.000. Time: 16:00 to 21:30. Separate races will be held for the following age groups: Kids- 6-13 years, teens – age (14-17 years) and adults 18 plus.

NATIONAL OBSTACLE SERIES

COMEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK

APR

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MOVIES MOVIES FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES, GO TO: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.com Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641

confined to a mental institution after she is pursued by a stalker. The film was shot entirely on the iPhone 7 Plus. Unsane had its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival known as Berlinale on February 21, 2018.

Backstabbing for Beginners Cast: Theo James, Ben Kingsley and Jacqueline Bisset Backstabbing for Beginners is a political thriller film directed and co-written by Per Fly, and based on the memoirs of Michael Soussan, with the same name. It follows the real-life corruption scandal in the UN Oil-for-Food Programme, and stars Theo James and Ben Kingsley. The film follows Michael (James) a young

UN worker working at the Oil-for-Food Programme, as he uncovers a major corruption scandal, possibly involving his own boss (Kingsley).

Oman Release: April 19, 2018

Unsane

Cast: Nicolas Cage and Robin Tunney

Cast: Claire Foy, Joshua Leonard, Jay Pharoah, Juno Temple, Aimee Mullins

Oman Release: April 19, 2018

Sawyer Valentini relocates from Boston to Pennsylvania to escape from the man who’s been stalking her for the last two years. While consulting with a therapist, Valentini unwittingly signs in for a voluntary 24-hour commitment to the Highland Creek Behavioral Center. Her stay at the facility soon gets extended when doctors and nurses begin to question her sanity. Sawyer now believes that one of the staffers is her stalker -- and she’ll do whatever it takes to stay alive and fight her way out. Unsane is a 2018 American psychological horror-thriller film shot, edited, and directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Jonathan Bernstein and James Greer. The film stars Claire Foy, Joshua Leonard, Jay Pharoah, Juno Temple, Aimee Mullins, and Amy Irving, and follows a woman

Oman Release: April 19, 2018

Masha and The Bear

Parole Cast: Mammootty, Miya George, Iniya, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Siddique, Pallavi

Looking Glass

A couple, Ray and Maggie purchase a motel in the hopes of starting a new life. But Ray begins to notice strange goings-on and starts to piece together a bizarre murder associated with the motel.

A psycho thriller which follows a couple that buys an old motel in the desert looking for a new beginning, but what seemed at first as an escape is soon a thrilling ride through a mysterious world when Ray discovers a two-way mirror and witnesses a horrifying murder. In a twisted game of cat and mouse, Ray must race to save his wife and himself from a gruesome secret connected to the motel and the strange people who visit there.

Oman Release: April 19, 2018

The paths of two siblings collide, when on the run from the cops after a drug bust.

Amir a 19 year old peddler from Mumbai finds solitude in his past, meanwhile his estranged sister Tara, who in a bid to protect her brother lands up in jail. This catastrophic incident turns serendipitous for them, whose entire lives have been clouded by despair as unexpectedly the light shines on them from Beyond the Clouds! The film highlights the many facets of India intertwined with celebration of love and family!

Parole inspired by true events is the story of a prisoner Alex played by Mammootty, who is much loved by his inmates and police officers, gets parole after spending eight years in jail. He is a comrade, an active communist leader and model family man who ends up in prison and how he tries to mend his severed relationships within the ticking parole-time form the plot.

Oman Release: April 19, 2018

Cast: Angelica Keamy and Boris Kutnevich

Once upon a time, a little girl named Masha, befriends a Bear, a former circus performer who now enjoys a nice quiet life. Masha finds herself in all kinds of adventures that cause havoc in the Bear?s otherwise peaceful and uneventful existence.

We meet many other characters along the way: there are the curious Squirrels, the always hungry Wolves, the cunning Hare, the Hedgehogs, the mysterious Female Bear, even the Panda and the Tiger and many others. Their friendship reflects the relationship of a child and an adult who tries to explain the world to a young and growing mind.

Oman Release: April 19, 2018

Beyond the Clouds Cast: Tannishtha Chatterjee, Ishaan Khattar, Malavika Mohanan, Goutam Ghose and Sharada

!

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Who is the director of Parole?

LAST WEEK’S WINNER Anumol Ravindran

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

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

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We are

all the same

PEOPLE STARE AT THEM, FAMILIES GIVE UP ON THEM AND SOCIETY LOOKS DOWN ON THEM. HASAN AL LAWATI FINDS OUT HOW AND WHY WE SHOULD HELP CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES INTERACT AND INTEGRATE WITH SOCIETY 020

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Ahmed from Barka had not seen the inside of a school until two years ago. Born with Down syndrome, the 12-year-old spent his time cooped up at home. His parents and brothers could hardly communicate with him.

But today, he is a student of grade four in a mainstream school.

Ahmed is among many children in Oman who have got a chance to study in a mainstream school as part of increased awareness among parents, thanks to the efforts of the government, dedicated associations and committed schools in spreading the message of integration.

Ahmed and many others have been lucky but there might be many others who have still not seen the walls of a school. There is so much we need to do for the benefit of children with disabilities that makes them an integral part of society and schools.

The first World Report on Disability, produced jointly by the WHO and the World Bank in 2011, estimated that the number of children (0–14 years) living with disabilities ranges between 93 million and 150 million across the world.

The type of disabilities in children includes autism, Down syndrome, multiple disabilities, hearing impairment and developmental delay. Integration is vital for children with these disabilities, especially in schools,

to help them participate in different areas of social activity.

According to the Global Partnership for Education, a global fund dedicated to education: “Denying children with disabilities their right to education has a lifelong impact on learning, achievement and employment opportunities, hence hindering their potential economic, social and human development.

“To ensure that all children enjoy their basic human rights without discrimination, disability inclusion should be mainstreamed in all policies and plans. This applies to education systems, which need to promote inclusion by ensuring the presence, participation and achievement of all children, including children with disabilities.”

Says a parent of a child with Down syndrome: “While the Omani government has done much for children with disabilities, we must do more as a society.

Haunted by the startled eyes of people, labelled “different” and, in some cases, unseen, many children with disabilities in Oman are seen as a burden, and their own families, in many cases, give up on them.”

He adds: “These children find it hard to lead a normal life. But when given a chance, children with disabilities are more than capable of overcoming barriers. There are many reasons to provide opportunities for students with disabilities to learn and interact

These children find it hard to lead a normal life. But when given a chance, children with disabilities are more than capable of overcoming barriers

with their peers without disabilities. Integrating students can be beneficial for children as well as for their parents and families. If mainstream schools find it difficult to include extreme cases of disability we need more schools that dedicate to their needs and cause.”

Al Injaz Private School is one such school which has a section for the special needs at Al Ansab. Understanding the growing need for special education services in the country, the school caters for the students whose academic and developmental needs cannot be met through mainstream education.

Special educators along with on-campus speech, occupational and physiotherapists work in close co-operation with the parents to ensure overall development of these children.

The children are partially integrated with mainstream students to develop them socially and functionally.

Amitha Sharma, Director of Al Injaz Private School, explains that educational ethos across the globe today is that of inclusion.

“It’s overwhelming to see the life of children with disability and that of their parents improve dramatically when they get suitable support from schools. As a society we must not see the disability before the child, instead we need to focus on the potential and abilities of children with disabilities,” says Sharma.

Know if your child is autistic

According to Dr Samar Badawi, children’s medicine specialist at Al Masarra Hospital, autistic children do not suffer from any mental issues. “They are usually average or above average,” she explains.

Badawi says autistic kids cannot socialise or express their needs. “They cannot even call their mum and dad. They only cry to express any need for food, unlike other babies who make gestures, talk and make eye contact.”

The faster we detect an abnormality in a child’s growth, the better the chances of taking proper action. “Some symptoms only appear after 1.5 years, and when a mother senses any drawback in his/her growth she must check it out with a specialist,” she advises, adding that a majority of children can be diagnosed as early as a few days after birth.

Mothers can spot the changes if they see a child behaving differently from his/her siblings, like not crying or following the mother when she leaves the room, avoiding playing with other kids, spending time alone and avoiding looking at his/her mom.

No child should be kept without being checked if he/she doesn’t speak by the age of two.

“We also need to compare a child’s growth with that of other kids and accept people’s observations,” she advised, adding that early intervention can help the child.

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Helping hands While there are many mainstream schools that are integrating children with disabilities in Oman, various associations here are rendering yeoman service

Al Aman Rehabilitation Centre

Functioning under the Ministry of Social Development, Al Aman Rehabilitation Centre provides services to children with physical, mental and partial disabilities. The centre prepares them for integration in educational, training and rehabilitation institutions according to their abilities and skills.

The Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disability

The Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disability provides a comprehensive programme for intervention with children with disabilities from the date of birth till the age of nine to help their integration at formal schools and meet their daily needs.

The association seeks to alleviate the burden of the disability on disabled children and their families.

The association is the only one of its kind in the Sultanate which provides services from the date of birth. The association provides an integrated service for early intervention for children with special needs that enables them to register in regular schools, whenever possible, or improve the conditions of their disabilities to enable them to live a better life.

The objective of the association is to build the capacities of workers and volunteers to enable them to contribute to providing services needed for children with disabilities.

It aims at maintaining coordination with public and private organisations to plan the necessary services for children with

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disabilities; acting as a reference point for information to help conduct studies and research about children with disabilities; as well as providing staff members and volunteers with training to enable them to provide the appropriate services.

The Oman Autism Society

The Oman Autism Society is a charitable organisation based in Muscat, established on February 10, 2014, by Ministerial Decree No. 29/2014.

It deals with autism spectrum disorder (autism) related issues and helps raise awareness and understanding of autism in Omani society. Its mission is to raise awareness in the community, training the parents, volunteers and support groups who take care of children with autism.

The Oman Autism Society also provides support for the centres that give services to these children.

The Speciality Centre for Autism

The centre aims at providing services to encourage a better understanding of autism and offering specialist services for people with autism and those who care for them. Among the services and facilities it provides are: ● A safe place and therapeutic environment for the rehabilitation of autistic children, including proper staffed accommodation, with all-day camera surveillance. ● Detailed explanation of information about autism to those who take care of autistic children. ● Diagnosis and evaluation of the child according to the latest standards under the supervision of qualified staff and autism disorder specialists. ● Guidance to the family of the autistic child on how to deal with the disorder. ● All therapeutic means to the autistic child, including occupational therapy, speech treatment, behavioural therapy, psychotherapy and academic qualification.

“In our social integration programme, we mix the children in sports and art classes, and the morning assembly too. Many autistic children are fantastic artists and in fact other kids try to copy their work. The school yard is entirely decorated by plants grown by the children themselves,” says the director who is proud of her students’ achievements.

“Many of these children are gifted in different ways,” says Sharma adding: “We had an autistic kid who had a photographic memory and we encouraged his parents to take him outside Oman so he could better hone his skills.”

The school does an evaluation test for the students that includes questions on their growth since birth. “We have a special curriculum for them and we chose it according to a child’s abilities,” Sharma adds.

“I have been living in Oman for more than 30 years. I have seen that the country has made a lot of progress to include children with disabilities into the mainstream. Though it might sometimes require 15 times of repeated lessons to teach a child with disability, they do understand in the end. When children with disabilities are schooled with children without disabilities they acquire age-appropriate social skills by watching their classmates or schoolmates without disabilities.

Integrated settings provide a lot of benefits for children with disabilities: they become more independent and obtain developmentally advanced skills, make friendships and start getting a positive self-image,” she says.

Every mainstream school that takes the decision to integrate children with disabilities needs the support of parents who have normal children.

“Not all parents are happy with the integration programme. Some parents refuse to have their kids in the same classroom with children with disabilities. Often it is the children who are accommodative of the children with disabilities,” Sharma says.

The director of the school explains that the significance of involving children with disabilities cannot be overstressed. Preconception can be

It’s overwhelming to see the life of children with disability and that of their parents improve dramatically when they get suitable support from schools successfully reduced through interaction and activities that bring together children with and without disabilities.

According to the World Report on Disability, “Ensuring that children with disabilities receive good quality education in an inclusive environment should be a priority of all countries.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognises the right of all children with disabilities both to be included in the general education systems and to receive the individual support they require.

Systemic change to remove barriers and provide reasonable accommodation and support services is required to ensure that children with disabilities are not excluded from mainstream educational opportunities.” *Anjali, a parent of child with autism, says: “To get your child included in a regular classroom is a dream come true for parents like me. We want our children to be accepted by society and to have an opportunity to have social interaction.

Inclusion in classrooms helped my child with special needs a chance at leading a normal life. I think more and more schools should start having more integration policy.” ■ *Names have been changed to protect privacy

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BRAVING THE

CAVE Charged with adrenaline, a bunch of guys tiptoed into a mystery cave and came out, two hours later, amazed. Hasan al Lawati gets a glimpse of the spooky sights and scary tales

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A

group of Omani adventurers got together and set out on an unearthly journey recently, and emerged from their two-hour mystery-filled exploration with goose bumps and incredible stories to recount to their friends.

Their object of curiosity was Amir Cave.

Making their way inside the 600-metre-deep cave, the team came across many “strange creations” but it was the screaming skull that sent shivers down their spines. It was a rock formation that resembled a screaming skull but when you get to see it all of a sudden by the flickering torchlight it’s really frightening.

An eerie silence prevailed there, and except for the bats and the lizards that came alive by torchlight it was emptiness spread all over.

Billed as the horror cave, Amir Cave in Nizwa is a must-visit destination for the ones who seek thrill, and an Omani team is promoting the place for adventure tourism.

Nestled in Al Sojra village, between the mighty rocks of Jabal Akhdar in Al Dakhiliyah governorate, the cave is just 18km from Muscat International Airport but the drive could take around two and a half hours.

Adnan Balushi, spokesperson of the Fussha tourism promotion team, said they chose to document the cave in order to promote it as the most frightful cave in the Sultanate.

The team of 14 members was formed after an ‘Athar’ contest organised by Oman Oil Marketing Company under the supervision of a local volunteer group.

Al Balushi said Al Sojra — the village where the cave is located — was named after a local tree ‘Sojar’ which had become extinct.

The village lies 15km from

Jabal Akhdar province and can be reached by car following a sandy road and then by foot to cross a hanging wooden-bridge built by locals to cross the wadi and reach the neighbourhoods.

Al Sojra is blessed with Omani walnuts, figs, olives, grapes, apricots and different types of pomegranates, according to Al Balushi.

He pointed out that Amir Cave, dating back thousands of years, had remained unknown for a long time.

“The cave was inhabited by one of the ancestors of the village not long ago, and it was named after him as there are remains inside the cave that indicated that it was used as a home,” according to Al Balushi.

However, he said more details about him were unavailable.

What makes the cave unique are the calcareous deposits formed by erosion which got formed into terrifying shapes.

“There are many narrow places and gaps in the cave and it’s tough to make it to the end of the cave.

It is good to get assistance from the villagers or tour guides when exploring the cave,” Al Balushi advised.

The cave is surrounded by stone houses built more than 500 years ago and are still being used.

“There is an easy and safe access to the cave and families can enter and discover its wonders without risk. It takes around to two hours to tour the entire cave,” he said. ■

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Brought to you by

REAL GAME CHANGER OVERALL, THE IPL HAS BEEN A GREAT ADDITION TO INDIA’S LANDSCAPE AND HAS HERALDED THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA; IT DESERVES OUR RESPECT

T

cket, others say it’s just a big carnival, an insult to the sport. There’s just too much cricket these days they say.

The purists lament that the IPL is killing test cricket.

Then there are allegations (and some evidence too) of corruption.

But the truth is that the IPL is wildly popular and has endured. It has become stronger and is today an established brand.

Like anything else, it’s had its share of ups and downs, but thankfully it seems to be here to stay.

Overall, the IPL has been a great addition to India’s landscape and has heralded the dawn of a new era; it deserves our respect. Here are a few things we must give it credit for. ❶ It has put Indian sports leagues on the world map. Though it features only eight teams and runs for less than two months, it has a high profile and brings in a lot of money. It’s by far the largest cricket league but it’s also steadily catching up with the biggies of other sports in North America and

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Europe in sheer numbers. ➋ It generates economic opportunities for a lot of people across the spectrum. Many players, who would otherwise struggle to make a living, get paid quite handsomely. There is excellent business for travel and hospitality providers, media, marketing, management, and allied services while the league is on. ➌ Talent from around the world comes to Indian shores to showcase their skills. India becomes a destination, the aspiration for a whole generation of budding cricketers across the world. It also gives Indian cricketers a chance to rub shoulders with the best in the business. Win-win again! ➍ It’s opened the doors for other sports leagues. We now we see leagues mushrooming for kabaddi, football, badminton etc. The trail blazed by the IPL gave some comfort to investors in these other leagues. This might just be the birth of a real sporting culture in India.

Brought to you by

DHONI’S BACK IN FOCUS

IPL HIGHLIGHTS WHY TEAMS LIKE CHASING IN IPL?

I

t took a week - a total of 11 full, 20-over matches - for a team batting first to win in IPL 2018.

And both of them lost the toss and were put in. Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming was asked to explain this and he said “When you’re chasing, you get certainty in an uncertain game and so you can manage your risks and you saw MS manage risk almost to perfection today. It was just a couple of good yorkers from Mohit Sharma that denied the win.

“So the way the game is going, the certainty around managing risk and the ability of players to hit and chase down 15, 16, 18 runs an over is probably one of the key factors now. But there’s also dew and there’s no deterioration, so the pitch doesn’t get slower, it often gets better. So just from a strategic point of view, if you know how many you have to get and how hard you have to go, then you’re probably getting an advantage.”

A last-ball six off MS Dhoni’s bat usually means one thing — a victory for his team.

Despite argumentations that his finishing powers have been on the wane, Dhoni’s approach has not wavered a bit. Be it calculated assaults, pacing the innings or running hard between wickets, Dhoni is a control freak when it comes to seeing a side over the finish line. Something similar was on display in the match against Kings XI Punjab on Sunday but the end result wasn’t one that materialised in Chennai Super Kings’ victory.

Dhoni’s predisposition towards taking the game as close as possible before leading his team through to ultimate glory is something that has earned him the reputation as being one of the best finishers of the game. While he has struggled a bit in the recent past when it came to completion of the job, Dhoni’s value to the team has seldom been in question, notwithstanding debates that he’s now 36 and is no longer the batsman that he was during his prime.

However, the opposition remained on their toes despite being in the driver’s seat, was testimony to the Dhoni effect, which didn’t quite yield the desired result this time but came as another addition to CSK’s spunk. A last-ball six didn’t make any difference to the eventual result but it did point to a statement of sorts from the CSK skipper that his team, while lacking a home advantage in the days to come and struggling with their personnel, did not lack the fight.

Predict the winners from the matches played in India from April 19 to April 23 to win a SIM with 2GB data pack worth RO 5 from Friendi Mobile.

Email us your predictions to editor@y-oman.com. *Names of the winners will be announced on May 31st.

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COMPETITION

. … e r a s r e n n i w d the

An

Children poured out their love for their mums and the judges were overwhelmed by the bond and emotion in the moving messages. Mum’s the word and world for them Thank you mum for being there. I love you more than words can say. You are my heart and that is where you will stay,” says the prize-winning card made by Falak Fathma, showing just how much she cares for her mother.

Falak and several other children enthusiastically participated in a special competition organised by the Y magazine in collaboration with PUCK to commemorate Mother’s Day in the GCC, which was celebrated on March 21.

The fourth edition of the competition witnessed hundreds of submissions from children across the capital who conveyed their eternal affection for their mothers.

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Children used their creativity and imagination to express their everlasting love for their mother.

Nishad Padiyarath, editor of the Y magazine, said: “We are delighted with the response, overwhelming quality response, we have received. It was truly difficult for the judges to pick the best three from the multiple entries. The children through their love-filled cards proved what Rudyard Kipling once famously said, ‘God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.’

I was particularly touched by a card made by Matvey Spencer for his mother who is battling cancer. Each of the card spoke of an emotional bond between mother and child. From funny ones to truly moving messages, they made exclusive cards for their mums, with exceptional ideas and designs. They are sure to make their mum’s heart melt.”

He added: “I would like to congratulate the top three winners Falak Fathma, Sri Lakshmi and Israt. Hats off to all those who participated, their work was commendable too.”

Children up to 16 years were eligible for the contest. They had to pick up special cards inserted in the Y magazine and fill it with a heartfelt message of love for their mothers.

WINNERS:

● First prize winner: Falak Fathma Age: 11

● Second prize winner: Sri Lakshmi Age: 12

● Third prize winner:

ention M l a i c Spe

Ishrat Age 14

● Special Mention: Matvey Spencer Age: 10

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

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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

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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 AND ADVENTURES

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

FEROCIOUS FERRARI

Quite raucous and super fast, the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T is truly a handsome monster. – 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

AL AWABI SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI VENTURES OUT INTO THE BUSY WILAYAT IN SOUTH AL BATINAH TO SPEND A TYPICAL MORNING WITH THE VILLAGERS. ENJOY A GLIMPSE OF THE RUSTIC ROUTINE 032

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an old, abandoned public phone booth silently announced the changing times; and expatriates working in coffee shops made us think for a moment that we were cruising along a road in the capital.

There was so much to see in the town than just the mainstream tourism landmarks.

My friend who accompanied me on the tour of the village was feeling a bit uneasy to step out and explore the place —he was wearing shorts and, obviously, he was

TRAVEL GUIDE

W

e have taken you to pristine beaches and picturesque wadis in Oman but this week we are going to give you a look into a typical village and how its inhabitants go about their life.

We arrived in the village in the early morning on Thursday before normal travellers, mostly Omanis who rushed back to their hometowns to spend a well-earned weekend break with family, hit the road.

Al Awabi is approximately 150km from Muscat, 16km from Rustaq and 36km from Nakhal.

The place looked busy and lively. We sensed positive vibes the moment we passed by the schools. Students were just getting off the buses and walking into their classes, and we could feel a spring in their step. Freshness of a new day, spiced up by the thought about the approaching weekend, was surely at work.

We snaked through the neighbourhoods, clicking images of lush-green farms and eager people who watched us curiously.

Quite away from the city, but we could feel traces of modern life at Al Awabi. A brand new Cadillac parked in front of an old, traditional house was a redoubtable reminder of the modern times;

uncomfortable to walk in shorts in residential areas.

Apart from taking pictures of the villagers who were happy to pose for group selfies with my weird-looking friend, I did not want to miss the opportunity to observe other living things.

Butterflies swarmed across, birds kept chirping and farm animals were busy grazing. It looked like a beautiful picture on the canvas of your imagination of idyllic village life.

Perhaps it’s what tourists who get busy with landmarks often miss: the people and other forms of life.

HOW TO GET THERE Al Awabi is approximately 150km from Muscat, 16km from Rustaq and 36km from Nakhal.

Coordinates: 23.305477; 57.531536

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

Y

ou’ve seen it here before, and we’ve tested the car plenty too. So, why did we take the keys to Ferrari’s most practical car again? Well, the answer is simple: Ferrari say that they’ve created a different type of monster with the GTC4Lusso T, and we couldn’t wait to find out.

The core concept of the car remains: You still get the same shooting-brake design four-seater hatchback as before, but with a completely different engine under the hood – as is denoted by the “T” in the car’s nametag. Underneath that large bonnet lies a turbocharged V8 as opposed to the traditional V12 that it packs in the regular variant.

I wouldn’t be wrong in saying that the car may just have become a lot more practical than it already was – given that the slashed cylinders will bring in the much-needed fuel efficiency and reduced engine noise. Engine differences aside, however, you wouldn’t know you’re looking at a V12- or V8powered GTC4Lusso unless the driver points it out to you.

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FERRARI GTC4LUSSO T

Quite raucous and super fast, or as gentle as you like. Alvin Thomas on why Ferrari’s all-new handsome monster is the most-fun four-seat hatchback you could take out for a spin The boffins have kept the rest. Up front, you’re treated to Ferrari’s signature headlamps; the ones that debuted with the Ferrari FF (the GTC4Lusso’s predecessor). But, for the current model year, the headlamps sport more flattering angles.

The GTC4Lusso is also a long car: its wheelbase measures in at about 2990mm. But the Italians have managed to hide the length very well with sharp contours and subtle lines. Albeit, the smaller engine translates to a lighter car. But more on that in a bit.

Things continue to be elaborate on the inside.

There’s a plethora of gizmos and buttons to figure out once you’re inside the car but it grows on you.

For instance, I continue to maintain that Ferrari’s complicated-looking steering wheel – which dons everything from the engine START/STOP button all the way to the indicators, the lights and the wiper functions – is simple to use while driving.

In order to keep the car close to its competitors (i.e. Bentley Continental GT and Maserati GranTurismo for the most part), Ferrari has upped the quality of the interiors. The fit and finish inside is sublime, and the colour tones complement the overall spirit of the vehicle. Contrasting handstitched leather galore, the inside of the car is a nice place to be in. The seats – all four of them – are soft and cushy, and also offer the perfect amount of bolstering for when the going gets spirited.

You get Ferrari’s 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit on the dashboard with an additional 9-inch touchscreen “scream-o-meter” for the passenger. Both are easy to use and provide adequate information. However, the larger unit takes the cake with its dual-screen (or split-screen) view, which allows for multiple pages on the screen.

The latter screen displays speeds, revolutions,

G-force as well as infotainment controls.

The circular A/C vents in my specced-out tester were finished in aluminium and knurled in to replicate a jet engine, while the diffuser in the middle rose like the flaps on an aircraft’s wing when summoned. Also commendable were the carbonfibre accents on the steering wheel and the lower parts of the dashboard.

Space inside is decent, with adequate head and leg room for the front passengers. Rear seat passengers, however, will have to make do with the space available after the driver has set their seat in the driving position. Meanwhile, the sloping roofline will also come as a hindrance to anyone who is over six feet tall. But the general airiness of the cabin is beyond what you could ever imagine – especially from an

Destination

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

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

FERRARI GTC4 LUSSO T Specifications: Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch ‘F1’ Horsepower: 601hp Torque: 760Nm Top speed: 320kph Rear-wheel drive Electronic differential Carbon-ceramic brakes Suspension lifter Scuderia Ferrari shields Passenger display Dual-view infotainment screen Front parking camera 51cm forged diamond rims Rosso Corsa paintjob Adaptive headlights F1-DCT Gearbox F1-Trac, ESP

WHETHER IT’S SIMPLY CRUISING DOWN THE SULTAN QABOOS HIGHWAY OR TAKING HARD CORNERS AT THE YAS MARINA RACETRACK, THE GTC4LUSSO T STANDS OUT AS A STELLAR PROPOSITION FOR THE OPULENT Italian supercar.

Boot space is respectable, thanks to the hatchback profile of the car, but a stepped area within pinches the luggage space. It is created to accommodate the rear suspension and the fuel tank.

Underneath the hood lies a smaller engine – a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 to be specific. The derived engine (undeniably from the 488GTB) is potent and pumps out 601 horses (hp) and 760Nms of torque. This is then mated to a quick-witted and snappy seven-speed dualclutch ‘F1’ gearbox.

The result is a car that can propel itself from 0 to 100kph in a mere 3.5 seconds and keep going until it hits the redline at 320kph. Despite being turbocharged, the engine revs freely to about 7,000rpm or maybe even more. The exhaust note when you tip the throttle lightly is mellow, but once the gasses start flowing quick, it opens up to a more throaty roar – just like what you’d see on the 488GTB. The exhaust note may not be as soulful as, say, the V12powered GTC4Lusso, but it is still emphatic enough to win attention from passersby. And in the red colour tone (Rosso Corsa) that my car was finished, that’s exactly what I

received too.

While all of this translates into a lot of fun, the most impressive part of the car is the fact that all of the power is put down on the rear wheels, as opposed to its more powerful variant which contains a complicated fourwheel-drive system that prevents the car from much drama.

Think of the GTC4Lusso T as the fun-loving sibling in a family that primarily consists of well-mannered and serious members.

In layman’s terms, what this means is that the GTC4Lusso T is more than capable of pulling out some oversteer action. You’d be surprised by how sprightly the car is, especially when you take sharp corners. Whatever speed you’re taking the corner in, you’ll be treated to some form of cinematic action.

I learnt the hard (or shall I say fun) way when I lightly stepped on the throttle midway through a roundabout.

The turbocharger kicks in ferociously and maximum torque is delivered at the 3,000rpm mark, but the power

delivery is linear when compared with some of its other European competitors.

That, coupled with the quick-shifting gearbox, means you’re always within the reach of the optimum amount of torque for some quick manoeuvres – which, believe it or not, makes it perfect for some track driving.

Flicking through the Manettino dial lets you shift between comfort, sport and ESC-off modes.Switching the latter off will bring in Ferrari’s thirdgeneration of Side Slip Control into the picture. In simple terms, it can make most average drivers look like a hero while belting the car on the track.

The steering wheel is a new electric setup which gets rid of the existing hydraulic one you find on its bigger sibling. But the steering ratio is quick and the weight is dependent on the speed you’re travelling at. Moreover, the rear-wheel steering helps shrink the car’s length on the twisty roads.

The brakes are strong – very, very strong – and the pedal offers great feedback during hard braking. Also, we didn’t come across any fade when taking on the perpetual bends of the Yiti road.

Whether it’s simply cruising down the Sultan Qaboos Highway or taking hard corners at the Yas Marina racetrack, the GTC4Lusso T stands out as a stellar proposition for the opulent. And for once, it’s not just about the brand name or value: The GTC4Lusso T is a statement; a statement that you’re someone who has undeniably risen to the side that, without a doubt, is much, much greener.

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CARS ADVENTURES STUNNING KODAGU

Kodagu is a paradise for bird-watchers and accounts for nearly 25 per cent of the avian population of Karnataka

1. Take a walk inside coffee estates 2. Visit Dubare Elephant Camp 3. Eat local food 4. Buy fresh black pepper 5. Trek to Tadiandamol

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Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Shreya Raj recommends

KODAGU, INDIA

L

ooking for a holiday destination with a topography carpeted in green and covered by thin white mist for most parts of the year? Then there is no better place than Kodagu, also known as Coorg district, in the south Indian state of Karnataka.

Coffee estates, paddy fields, pepper vines and cardamom bushes offer visitors rich and diverse holidaying experience. Along with the natural airconditioned weather, Kodagu is about warm and hospitable local people, unique tradition and culture, delectable cuisine and colourful festivals.

Kodagu, where the River Cauvery originates, has something for every traveller. If you are looking to relax, there are innumerable homestays, hotels and resorts where you enjoy the tranquil weather. If you are into adventure, you can go on hikes and trekking in forest trails along Talakaveri, Brahmagiri and Pushpagiri wildlife sanctuaries. Then there is Tadiandamol peak which is the highest mountain in Kodagu with an elevation of 1,748 metres. Kodagu is a paradise for bird-watchers and accounts for nearly 25 per cent of the avian population of Karnataka.

The place is rich in wildlife. While you can interact with elephants at the government-run Elephant Training Camp in Dubare, the safari at Nagarahole National Park, one of India’s finest, will keep you engrossed providing the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Madikeri, the hilly capital of the Kodagu, has remnants of its past like Madikeri Fort, Raja Seat and Abbey Falls. While the Madikeri Fort offers panoramic views of the town from its walls, the view of the sunset is astonishing from Raja Seat which frequented by the former rulers of Kodagu.

After walking for a while amid stocky coffee trees and tall trees, you are welcomed by the Abbey Falls with a dramatic appearance as the water cascades down into limpid pools. Among the architectural treasure that Kodagu boasts is the Omkareshwara temple built by king Lingaraja in 1820. Built in Indo-Saracenic style, it has an impressive central dome and four minarets.

Other places of interest in Kodagu include Bhagamandala, Talakaveri, Chelavara Falls, Iruppu Falls, Nisargadhama and Mandalpatti.

Kodagu is known for lip-smacking cuisine which is mostly non-vegetarian with a fine underpinning of rice. Some dishes are cooked with Kanchampuli, a local vinegar along with dry spices which are roasted before grinding them for the soulful aroma. Dishes like Otti, Paputtu and Nooputtu are prepared from rice.

Not to forget a range of homemade beverages made from betel leaves, ginger, pineapple, passion fruit, rice, grapes, gooseberries and banana.

DUBAR

E ELEP HAN

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M OL T R E K

My favourite place Raja Seat is the place to enjoy glorious sunsets. I like to sit in one of those concrete benches munching peanuts and enjoying a breathtaking view of meandering hills, green valleys and paddy fields. It is the most satisfying experience ever.

Highlights

If you are the adventure kind, there are a lot of options like trekking and rafting waiting for you. If you want to do nothing and just laze around, head to one of the many cosy resorts dotting the place. Kodagu has options galore for individuals, couples and families.

Lowlights Avoid public holidays because popular tourist spots will be buzzing with crowds from nearby places like Mysuru and Bengaluru.

Souvenirs Instead of normal souvernirs pick up freshly ground coffee powder, organic honey, fresh from the estate black pepper, cardamom and other locally grown spices.

Getting there Take Oman Air or Air India flights from Muscat to Bengaluru (RO150) on all days. From Bengaluru airport a cab to Kodagu will take around five hours to reach.

ABBEY

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Where to stay Homestays and budget hotels are affordable with a tariff of around RO20 per day. Luxury fivestar resorts are priced around RO80 and above per day.

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

GADGETS ON THE GO

Summer is here, and many of you may be packing up to spend some time in cooler climes.

Here are some gadgets that could make your holiday a breeze.

GET CHARGED UP This magical, super handy charger allows you to charge up to four USB devices from one single socket. If you need to charge your phone or a laptop in airports or hotels, this light AllreLi USB Charger, compact gadget will save you the worry. It also comes with clip-on adapters that allow you to use it in 150 countries.

Buy it from Amazon for RO7.7.

POCKET WASH Your time is precious, especially when travelling, so why waste it by going to the laundry to wash your dirty clothes? To all hardcore backpackers, this pocketsized invention is your new best friend on the go. Scrubba Wash Bag is a modern take on the old-fashioned washboard: hundreds of internal Scrubba nodules efficiently clean clothes in minutes. Buy it from Amazon for RO15.

COFFEE LOVE

EDITOR’S PICK

Coffeeholics face a hard time to get their favourite drink while camping.

This kickstarter-funded project allows you to have fresh coffee anywhere!

Sablier Portable Drip Coffee Maker is portable and spares you from wasting paper cups and time as the brewing process takes just a few minutes. Buy it from thegadgetflow.com for RO17.

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POPPING FRESH

SLEEK AND STYLISH, THIS ASOBU PB55-9333 WATER BOTTLE WITH A BUILT-IN PILL ORGANISER COULD STORE 590ML OF THE DRINK OF YOUR CHOICE AND HAS SEPARATE COMPARTMENTS TO KEEP PILLS FOR EACH DAY OF THE WEEK. THOUGH THE CONCEPT IS PRETTY SIMPLE AND STRAIGHT FORWARD, THIS BOTTLE COMES HANDY FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED TO TAKE MEDICINE EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY GO ON HOLIDAY. AVAILABLE IN MULTIPLE COLOURS, YOU COULD BUY IT FROM AMAZON FOR RO4.5.

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This War of Mine

Info Box

Number of players: 1-6

Playing time:

45-180 MINUTES

Age: +18

Designed by:

MICHAŁ ORACZ, JAKUB WIŚNIEWSKI

A dark but thoughtful game that will leave you shaken beyond belief by the horrible realities of real-life wars.

Hasan al Lawati in survival mode, day and night

N

o matter how great your day has been, this game will put you down. This War of Mine is so depressing that it makes you think about every life decision you have made.

Yes, it is a game, but it also serves as a reminder of how inhumane wars are.

In this tabletop adaptation of the award-winning video game that pictures the drama of civilians trapped in a war-torn city, you play as a group of survivors who try to escape the brutal war while struggling to find leftovers of food.

Throughout the game you will follow a well-written narrative that will require taking decisions, some of which might end up in gruesome consequences.

The game is played over multiple phases.

During day time you will take shelter

in a damaged house where you remove rubbles to search for items, build beds and mini workshops and make tools to reinforce the security of the shelter.

You would also need to keep the place warm so you can survive the unforgiving winter.

During night, you will try to guard your shelter by allocating some survivors to gather resources, risking their lives outside the shelter.

The brave ones might encounter bandits and raiders who will try to steal whatever food you are left with and, in some cases, kill you.

Discovering locations is perhaps the coolest part of the game, as the events depend on a deck of cards. The more cards you draw the more noise you make, attracting unwanted attention.

In these locations, you get to meet different people, each with a unique background story. Your actions will decide what happens next.

There is one mission in the game: survive until the cessation of war.

The board game offers a multiplayer experience for up to six players, as well as a solo option.

The game has deservedly won six awards in 2017: ● 2017 Golden Geek Most Innovative Board Game Nominee ● 2017 Golden Geek Best Thematic Board Game Nominee ● 2017 Golden Geek Best Solo Board Game Nominee ● 2017 Golden Geek Best Cooperative Game Nominee ● 2017 Cardboard Republic Immersionist Laurel Winner ● 2017 Cardboard Republic Immersionist Laurel Nominee

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

SUMMER IS HERE!

FASHION

Summer is here! Muscat temperatures are rising and it’s time to dress up to beat the heat. If you are planning to replenish your wardrobe with summer outfits, we are here to help out. Begin with a dress like this from M&Co.

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k o o L e h

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

T t Ge

This dress is for those who want a mix and match of flowers and pastels colours.

Cute, elegant and chic, this is perfect to wear for shopping with friends or for a fun summer brunch. Buy it from H&M for RO21.

We always prefer white dress during summer whether it’s morning or evening.

With simple floral designs on casual linen, we are ready to make this yours. Are you?

Shop this from H&M for RO79… a bit on the high but the quality and texture is worth it.

Just as important as your dress are your sunglasses.

Choose a pair that suits your face and at the same time is fashionable. We love this chunky sunglass from New Look, available for RO4.3.

Keep away your closed shoes and let your feet breathe this summer season. Opt for a simple yet flashy pair of flipflops from F&F for only RO3.

One of the most important items that you should stock up for summer, along with your vogue dresses, is a good sunscreen. Clarins UV Plus Anti- Pollution day sunscreen will keep you protected from effluence in the city. Buy it for RO24.

If you are planning to keep the florals and patterns out of your wardrobe for summer, why not opt for this simple lemon yellow dress — a perfect summer dress?

Shop it from Miss Selfridge for RO12.5.

If you are a part of the unicorn band, then you will love this dress from ZARA. Colourful and filled with varied patterns, it could be yours for RO70.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

BEAUTY

Scent of

Fashion

Home

Family

SUMMER

As you put away the jacket and bring out the sun dresses, it’s time to spread a whiff of fresh smell

S

ummer is already here and we are sure you have already planned your summer fashion and beauty routines. But have you given a thought about a good summer perfume? Yes, summer season is known for perspiration more than normal, and so you need an aroma that covers up the smell of sweat and keep you always fresh. Here are three perfumes that we recommend for this summer.

1. Gucci Bloom:

Just as the same suggests, Gucci Bloom is filled with floral essence that instantly spreads fresh flowery aroma around covering up body odour.

A short spray will instantly transport you to a thriving garden of flowers. This is a perfect perfume for those who love the fragrances of light flowers and natural blends. Bloom is also Gucci’s Creative Director Alessandro Michele’s first perfume for the house.

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2. Valentino: Donna Hair Mist:

Were you thinking perfumes are only for the skin? Well Valentino says no. The Donna Hair Mist from the house of Valentino is an instant freshener for hair. It protects and conditions hair giving an instant shine and of course a smooth scent all over. Filled with rose essence and a liberal blend of bergamot and iris pallida, the fragrance spreads around whenever you wave your hair, making heads turn.

3. Kenzo World: If you are looking for

something that you can spritz for all summer, then Kenzo World is your go-to. This light, yet bold perfume is a combination of peony, jasmine and radiant Ambroxan crystal that spells pure freedom.

Easy to snug it in your purse, this perfume can be carried anywhere and spritzed anywhere, anytime.

So, what is your choice of perfume this summer? A complete white flower fragrance from Gucci or a combination of peony and jasmine from Kenzo? Or saying yes to the hair mist from Valentino. Whatever it may be, happy fragrant summer.

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

Home

Family

SUPER FOODS FOR CHILDREN Most of them are easily available, you need only a few minutes to prepare some of them, and they are a powerhouse of all things essential for your children’s health and growth. Gayathri Das picks 10 super foods kids

M

ake sure your child has a healthy breakfast. This will help them perform well throughout the day. Most kids rush to school just drinking a glass of milk, but this alone will not help them get the right nutrition. Try feeding them a few almonds, egg, vegetable sandwich or anything easy yet healthy for their breakfast.

Make sure you give your children the correct portion for their stage. Don’t overfeed them which will gradually make them overeat.

The top super foods for a child’s brain development are: 1. Whole grain: This gives your child’s brain the energy needed for proper working and better motor coordination as the glucose level is optimum. Go for whole grain bread or cookies.

2. Berries: Berries and strawberries are high in antioxidants and help in cognitive skills. They are good for improving memory power and vitamin C helps in their immune system. Add these to a desert or their oatmeal.

3. Yoghurt: This is a good source of protein, fat and vitamin B. The fat present in yoghurt is necessary for brain health. You can serve

yoghurt along with rice or use flavoured yoghurt as a dessert.

4. Fish: It contains omega3 and vitamin D and prevents memory loss and protects the cognitive ability. If your child is reluctant to eat fish, try fish oil or supplements.

5. Nut butters: Nut butters are good for overall growth. Peanut butter, cashew and almond butter are rich in fat. You can use them on toast.

6. Greens: Greens are rich in vitamins and folic acid. It promotes the growth of new brain cells. You can make chips out of greens or make salads or sandwiches for your little ones.

to maintain the arteries of the brain and helps in better memory tasks and map skills.

8. Water: Water is always ignored for children.

School-going children drink very little water and this affects their brain functioning. When children get dehydrated they become irritable and lethargic and won’t be able to listen or memorise.

9. Apples and plums: These are good for children when they are sluggish.

Add them to preparations your kids like and make sure you give them organic fruit.

10. Broccoli and cauliflower: These vegetables help in the effective communication of the brain with rest of the body parts. You can use this in salads or other preparations. ■ 7. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is rich in fibre and protein and helps APR 19 - 25 / ISSUE 516

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FOOD DRINK

Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

FRUITY PUDDING

Pudding is ideal for kids who are otherwise reluctant to eat fruit: they will gorge on the pudding, which is nothing but fruit 044

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FRUITY without

FUSS Getting your kids to eat fruit regularly is a tough task, but here is a simple trick that will make them gorge on fruit.

Gayathri Das whips up a wholesome fruity pudding for the whole family

A

common pudding from the Philippines, glass fruit pudding is delicious and perfect for the summer. Healthy for all, the pudding is made combining fruits of your choice. It’s ideal for kids who are otherwise reluctant to eat fruit: they will gorge on the pudding, which is nothing but fruit, without any fuss. The various benefits of the fruits in the puddings are: Strawberry Filled with antioxidants, strawberries help to maintain normal blood pressure and regulate the proper functioning of the nervous system. They also help improve your eye health, boost the immune system, prevent heart diseases and reduce cholesterol and help maintain healthy skin.

Glass Fruit Pudding Ingredients: § 2 tbsp China grass § Half cup sugar § 1 litre water § 2 drops of pineapple essence § Fruits of your choice, like strawberry, grapes, kiwi, dragon fruit, pomegranate, etc. § Food colour (optional) Method: § Boil the China grass in the water on a pan and add the sugar as it begins to boil. Make sure that the China grass is constantly stirred to avoid lumps. § Add the pineapple essence to the syrup for

flavour. Once the consistency and the watery form begin to change, keep it aside to cool. § In a glass add two drops of red colour and add three tablespoon syrup and put a layer of the fruits. Again, layer the fruits and pour more syrup. Keep it aside to set.

China grass generally sets even without refrigerating. § Once it’s slightly set, pour the syrup mixed with the colour on top. § Refrigerate it for an hour to set. § Your glass fruit pudding is ready to serve.

Scoop it out of the bowl and place it on a flat plate to enjoy the beauty of the pudding.

Kiwi Rich in flavonoids, they help in pregnancy and promote the absorption of iron in the body. An excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin K, kiwis have a good amount of potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous.

Pomegranate Rich in fibre, protein, vitamin C, vitamin B9 and potassium, they help prevent blood clots. Studies say pomegranate if taken daily prevents the risk of arthritis.

This wonder fruit helps in digestion and improves memory, as well giving the glow you love for your skin.

Dragon fruit Known for anti-ageing properties, they are packed with flavonoids, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, protein and fibre, making them a super fruit.

Along with the above fruits, you could add fruits of your choice in the pudding and make it healthy and extra delicious for your loved ones.

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FOOD DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

t

ge d u B

Info Box

PARK BURGER

132, Way No 667 Al Qurum Commercial Complex, Qurum Opening Hours: 1pm to 12am Contact: 98967183 Dinner for three: RO19.5 Verdict : 9/10 SERVICE 8/10 FOOD 9/10 AMBIENCE Speciality joint for gourmet burger lovers. Good food and superior service.

PARK BURGER

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

DELECTABLE FOOD AND PLEASING PORTIONS PAIRED WITH DELIGHTFUL SERVICE AND SPACIOUS INTERIOR. TEAM Y SATISFIES CRAVING FOR GOURMET BURGERS, BUT THE DRINKS AND THE INCONVENIENT BASKET LEAVE A BAD TASTE

W

e walked into the restaurant on a weekend for dinner, and we were promptly greeted and led to our table by a friendly waitress.

The décor of the restaurant is simple and unpretentious, while the seating is relaxed and comfortable. Unlike many of the new generation restaurants which cram tables to fit in more diners, Park Burger is spacious with a lot of breathing space.

The restaurant prides itself on crafting the best burger using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients, including the locally made buns.

The menu which isn’t vast includes burgers, fries, appetisers, salads and drinks. There are plenty of add-ons you can use to customise your burger, including patties, guacamole, several kinds of cheese and eggs.

The casual restaurant chain from Colorado in the United States opened its first outlet in Muscat at Al Qurum Commercial Complex in the latter half of 2017.

We ordered grilled chicken club, buffalo chicken sliders, Park burger, the works, mint cucumber lemonade, freshly squeezed lemonade and strawberry lemonade. The food arrived quickly in batches.

PARK BURGER IS A DECENT EATERY FOR BURGER LOVERS IN MUSCAT. THE PORTIONS ARE GENEROUS WITH COMPETITIVE PRICES

Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com Grilled chicken club comprising chicken, Swiss cheese, guacamole and ranch was fresh and flavourful. With creative toppings and combinations, the burger was good-sized and juicy.

Buffalo chicken sliders were three mini burgers served in smaller buns. It came with crispy chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch, blue cheese, lettuce and tomato. The burger was well seasoned, quite good and filling.

Park Burger which included grilled chicken, cheddar cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato was equally good.

The work was a basket of fries with ranch, bacon, cheese sauce and green onions. The fries were crispy and nice but too much topping of cheese sauce was a dampener. The drinks were

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inconsistent. While the freshly squeezed lemonade was perfect, the strawberry lemonade was overly sweetened and mint cucumber lemonade was sour. We had to ask for sugar syrup to balance the flavour.

The burgers served in paper-lined wire baskets were inconvenient to eat. If the objective is presentation, paper-lined wire baskets are perfect, but from a diner’s perspective it is highly uncomfortable to manage the burger.

Overall, Park Burger is a decent eatery for burger lovers in Muscat. The portions are generous with competitive prices. For three burgers, one fries and three drinks we paid RO19.5.

Restaurant staff were extremely friendly and honest (when we asked for firecracker shrimp the waitress informed they had run out of shrimp).

The food arrived in a jiffy. We finished our dinner under 45 minutes. The great quality of buns used for burgers need a mention. It was soft, fluffy and perfect for burgers.

If burgers are your quintessential comfort food, head to Park Burger.

w o L Low t l a S Fat

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

Celebrating the everyday chef