Y Magazine #526, July 5, 2018 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

Swing Into Summer

OUR GUIDE TO OMAN’S BEST BEAT-THE-HEAT ACTIVITIES ON NOW! Oman World Cup Festival

HOW THE PLAYING FIELD HAS LEVELED HEADING INTO THE ROUND OF 16

CATCH THE LATEST UPDATES ONLY ON

News: OMANI ARRESTED OVER 10 SHOOTING

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DESTINATION: Rimal Abyadh TASTE TEST: Wagamama YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

JUL 05 - 11 2018 / ISSUE 526 • WEEKLY

Putting on THE BRAKES

PLUS!

Y INVESTIGATES THE MENTALITY BEHIND THE RISKY BEHAVIOURS THAT CONTINUE AT THE WHEEL ON OUR NATION’S ROADS

POSTCARDS FROM TOKYO

NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

FIRST DRIVE: CRUISING

IN AN MG RX5

YUMMY OMAN: TOP 5 BEST SHAWARMA SPOTS

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE…

Discover a more beautiful you at Burjeel.

ife can change in the blink of an eye – in the time it takes to glance down at our phone, in fact. This was the sobering reality for one of our Y interview subjects whose life was forever altered after a motor vehicle accident left him paralyzed and a part of his vision gone. More deaths by distraction are quickly becoming an all-too-common statistic on the highways of Oman, a preventable trend we zero in on in this week’s road-safety cover story on page 20 as Y investigates the mentality behind distracted driving and how it can be reversed. Also in this issue the heat is on as summer arrives in the Sultanate in full swing and we’re bringing you our roundup of top things to do to make the most of it while beating the heat. Plus, flip over to page 26 as we continue to keep track of the highs, the lows, and the mustn’t-miss highlights from the 2018 FIFA World Cup – and have there ever been some shocking upsets this week! As we move into the Round of 16, it’s anyone’s tournament. Be sure to head out to the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre to catch . every second of the action at the Oman World Cup Festival presented by Ooredoo, on now. Finally, because we all love a good Top 5 list, we tasked our Yummy Oman foodies with the extremely difficult job of sampling the city’s vast dearth of shawarma shops to suss out the top five best. Our criteria? Well, meat-to-garlic-mayo ratio most definitely played a deciding factor – but that’s about all we can tell you here. You’ll have to flip to page 44 to find out which ones made the cut.

Department of Cosmetology and Dermatology At Burjeel Medical Centre, we aim to help our guests . beauty by using the most-moderntechniques. enhance their Our expert panel of specialists strives to offer comprehensive care for all dermatological conditions . and sets the standard for all cosmetic-related procedures. Come and be transformed to your best self at Burjeel Medical Centre. Services: Removal of Benign Cutaneous Growths (Skin Tags, Warts) Mole Removal Cyst Removal Fillers for Lip & Cheek Augmentation, Nasolabial Folds & Undereyes Botox Injections for Crows Feet, Forehead Lines, Frown Lines, Slimming of Face.

Until next week, happy reading!

editor@y-oman.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi

burjeel medical centre, call: 2208 5252 po box 1465, al azaiba, muscat, sultanate of oman e-mail: info@bmcoman.com/ www.bmcoman.com Our other medical facility - burjeel hospital, Al khuwair- 24399777

MOH NO107/2018

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. JUL 05 - 11 / ISSUE 526

contents JULY 05 - 11

Your Oman 08 Voice Of Oman Jason Felix Noronha 10 News Omani arrested for shooting 12 News 251 companies violate midday break rule in Oman

This Week 18 National Youth Forum kicks off in Dhofar Participants gather to explore the role of youth in achieving the Oman Vision 2040 under the theme of the‘Future of Oman’ 19

2018

Movies Fans of The Conjuring will be on the edge of their seats as horror spinoff The Nun opens in theatres across Oman

Health and Beauty

34 First Drive MG RX5 38 Y-Fi Power-packed laptops

20 Death by distraction Building a road-map towards an accident-free Oman 24 Oman World Cup Festival It’s been a week of upsets in Russia heading into the Round of 16 26

Coffee with Y We sit down with German filmmaker Nadja Frenz as she brings her documentary production, Women in Islam, to Oman

26 Food and Drink 44

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination Rimal Abyadh

Features

40 Fashion Glam your look 42 Beauty Why skincare for men matters

Yummy Oman: Top 5 Shawarma Spots Did your favourite place make our list?

46 Taste Test Wagamama

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

HOW HAVE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS FARED IN WORLD CUPS SINCE 2002? Y examines if there really is such a thing as the ‘Curse of the Champions’

France Year: 2002

After a World Cup triumph in 1998 on home soil, France came into the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan as favourites. However, after a 1-0 defeat to Senegal, and a draw and loss to Uruguay and Denmark, respectively, they ended their tour on an all-time low.

Brazil Year: 2006

A Brazilian team studded with stars such as Kaka, Robinho, Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho went crashing out of the quarter-final against France, in Germany. It was Thierry Henry, who scored the winning goal, thereby crushing the defending champions’ dreams of another World Cup win. France eventually reached the finals, but lost to Italy.

Italy Year: 2010

Italy’s hard-fought 2006 World Cup win was overshadowed when the team crashed out of contention in the group stages. Italy opened with a 1-1 draw against Paraguay, before drawing with minnows New Zealand, and losing 3-2 to Slovakia. Eventually, Spain went on to clinch the cup.

Spain Year: 2014

An overconfident Spanish team – packed with stars from La Liga – was demolished five goals to one by the Netherlands. Ironically, this was a rematch of the 2010 final between the two countries. Spain never really recovered from the shock, and they went on to lose 2-0 to Chile. Their win against Australia wasn’t enough to salvage them from an upsetting group stage exit. Germany went on to win the cup that year.

Germany Year: 2018

Germany began their 2018 World Cup journey with a loss against Mexico but bounced back with a late goal against Sweden. However, a crushing 2-0 defeat against South Korea ensured that the defending champions wouldn’t progress to the Round of 16 and, instead, would finish at the bottom of the group.

THE VOICE OF OMAN

IT’S OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE THE NATION’S ROADS SAFER FOR ALL DRIVERS SAYS JASON FELIX NORONHA. THE INDIAN EXPAT AND 15YEAR RESIDENT OF THE SULTANATE SHARES WITH US HIS EXPERIENCES OF COMMUTING ON THE HIGHWAYS OF OMAN

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: A lot of expats adopt pets during their stay in Oman. However, these animals are then abandoned when they have to leave the country. How can we address this alarming trend? MOHAN ANANDAN

man is admired globally as one of the top five countries globally when it comes to road infrastructure according to the World Road Quality Index 2017 – a ranking that has since dropped to number 14 for 2018. There is another side to the story that’s often less spoken of – that our nation holds an ignominious record for having the worst road safety among GCC countries. Poor driving sense, coupled with equally erratic drivers, have pushed Oman’s global road safety rankings down the ladder. And back in 2017, Oman was ranked 10th from the bottom in the Global Status Report on Road Safety by the World Health Organization. All of this probably translates into the Sultanate being a dangerous country to drive in. As per my observations, the cause of accidents is mostly poor driving, speeding, and disregard for basic traffic laws and fellow drivers. Just take a look at the number of people killed because of their ignorance behind the wheel. We frequently read about fatalities in the media – and the causes could have been avoided at all costs. Now, we must take our time to commend the efforts of the Royal Oman Police (ROP) to address this issue. We’ve been moving towards the goal of having safer roads by implementing stricter regulations and taking stringent actions on wrongdoers. These amendments support the government’s plan. Reintroducing road safety into the lives of people, however, might be difficult. In order to make the Sultanate’s roads safer, residents must work with the authorities to properly implement and follow these rules. We all need to take a collective stand and take responsibility to make this vision of a safer Oman a reality, we owe it to our community. After all, to us expats, this is our home-away-fromhome. Drive safe and stay safe!

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It’s unfortunate that the number of pets abandoned by their owners is increasing in Oman. Part of the reason could be attributed to owners leaving the country for good owing to sudden loss of employment. One solution is to make it mandatory for pet shops to accept the pets when the owners leave the country. Another way is to create a rehabilitation centre for abandoned pets by NGOs or the concerned Ministry handling the welfare portfolio, where owners can leave their pets when they’re unable to take them back with them for whatever reason – including high financial burdens.

CHAKRABORTY PINKY

Expats leaving Oman are dumping family pets in the street, and the knock-on effect for organizations like Omani Paws is financially drastic. Comprised entirely of volunteers, rescuers take it upon themselves to shoulder the costs of providing care and medical attention for abandoned animals, but are currently saddled with debt upwards of OMR5,000, with the organization owing that much to the Al Qurm Veterinary Clinic alone, in addition to smaller debts elsewhere.

URSULA MILNER

Open an animal shelter where expats can adopt from and where they can leave unwanted pets. Ensure pets are spayed and neutered and taken care of medically.

SIMMI KUMARI

WRITE TO US AND YOU COULD WIN

A lot of expats adopt pets during their stay in Oman. They take care and they love their pets a lot. But when they leave the country, they face difficulty. Often, they try to find someone to take care of them, but most of the time they have no choice but to leave them behind – so that in their helplessness they abandon their pets. However, awareness is developing among pet-owners and the general public. I would quote a recent incident involving a stray dog being taken care of by my neighbour. He adopted the animal, picked up by his son from the street where our house is located, although he already has a dog. When we asked, he said it’s our duty to take care of animals and if he leaves the poor dog will die. A lack of food for days had made the dog lean and thin, so they gave it food, milk, and water. They’re nicely taking care of the animal, but we have to care for them like our family members. Before leaving, they’ll hand him over to a caring family who can take care of him or leave the animal at a pet-care shop or shelter.

PREETI CHACKO

We can address this alarming trend of abandoning pets by participating in – or starting, a fundraiser. Volunteer at a farm animal sanctuary, adopt a shelter pet, foster abandoned animals, care for feral cats and, most importantly, report animal neglect and abuse to your local law enforcement, animal control, or humane organization.

RAHUL MEHTA

Most people here in Oman adopt pets without

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realizing what will happen to these poor animals after they leave the country. I know of a friend who adopted a dog recently and is now looking for people to help as they are preparing to go for summer holidays to India. If you adopt an animal, make sure you’re ready to commit and ask yourself what your situation will be in five to ten years. Many owners abandon their pets due to relocation, financial concerns, a new job etc. You should understand that adopting a pet is a long-term responsibility. Pet-shop owners should inform people who come to the shop to adopt these animals so that they realize the seriousness. Some of the veterinary clinics in Oman also charge exorbitant fees towards taking care of these pets. This should be stopped.

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HARRY AND HEBA were spotted with their favourite Y Magazine in Muscat

MOHAMMED KABEER

Keeping a pet isn’t quite a personal decision – at least, not in this part of the world. Most of the landlords here don’t allow tenants to adopt a pet as they can be an issue for others staying in nearby flats, so adopting isn’t an easy option for people residing in Oman. But despite all these factors, some of them adopt pets anyway and then abandon them later when they relocate to other places. This is a sheer cruelty done to the animal itself.

New Debate: Road accidents, injuries, and death rates have all dropped, according to the latest data by the National Centre for Statistics and Information. Are drivers in Oman finally heeding the road safety message? What do you think? Share your view with us and you could be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

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PHOTO: Allen Thomas

THROUGH YOUR EYES

THIS IS YOUR SPOT!

Y Magazine reader Allen Thomas captured this photo of an abandoned shed at the Jebel Shams with his Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge.

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

JUL 05 - 11 / ISSUE 526

NEWS

lanning a trip to Casablanca this summer? Oman Air has launched its new route to the Moroccan city this Sunday, July 1. The airline’s Boeing 797-900 Dreamliner will operate the new service, flying from Muscat four times per week to the Mohammed V International Airport. With an expected flight time of 8 hours and 50 minutes, WY171 will depart Muscat every

Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1:20 a.m., arriving in Casablanca at 7:10 a.m. The flight will return from Casablanca four times a week at 8:20 p.m. on those same days, arriving in Muscat International Airport at 7:15 p.m.. According to sources at Oman Air, the national airline is also expected to launch a new service to Moscow and relaunch its Maldives route this October.

THREE ARRESTED FOR

ILLEGAL HUNTING

unting Arabian gazelles is a criminal offence in Oman and can land you in jail. Three people were arrested on Monday for illegally hunting and transporting the animals in the wilayat of Mudhaibi, the Royal Oman Police reported. According to a statement posted online, the ROP informed that the Wildlife Protection Units arrested three people for illegally hunting the gazelles in Mudhaibi. “The accused were using their vehicles, weapons, and binoculars for hunting purposes,” the statement added. The case has been referred to Public Prosecution for further investigation and trial.

OMANI ARRESTED OVER SHOOTING

he Royal Oman Police (ROP) arrested a citizen for opening fire behind a group of people who were performing prayer on Monday. The ROP shared a video clip on social media of the incident and confirmed the arrest of the suspect after completing legal formalities. In the video, the Omani can be seen walking towards the group while they are praying and scaring them by shooting into the air. “Such incidents are uncalled for and strict action will be taken against those taking part in such activities,” added the ROP in a statement issued on Tuesday.

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251 COMPANIES VIOLATED THE MIDDAY BREAK IN OMAN

he Ministry of Manpower has intensified inspections on private sector establishments in the country and found 251 companies violating the midday break rule during the month of June in Oman. According to data released on Monday, the Ministry confirmed that it visited 1,003 companies and found 215 of them violating the rule. “752 companies abided by the rule while 215 of them were found violating it,” said the statement from Manpower. The rule bans companies from allowing its employees to work at outdoor sites between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. during summer. Companies in violation can be penalized with fines ranging from RO100 to RO500, or a jail term of not more than one month, or both. 780 companies reportedly violated the rule last year.

1.46 MILLION CARS ON OMAN ROADS

here were 1.46 million registered cars on Omani roads by the end of May 2018, according to a survey conducted by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). However, the number of people buying new cars in the country has gone down, the survey goes on to report. “The new vehicle registrations in the Sultanate stood by 26,311 during the first five months of 2018, down by 15.8 per cent from 31,263 new registrations for the same period of the previous year,” said NCSI in a statement. Interestingly, most of the categories, including private vehicles, commercial vehicles, and taxis, also witnessed a fall in new registrations during January-May 2018. The total vehicle registrations in 2017 touched 78,205, which included 58,596 private cars.

THREE HELD FOR SELLING EXPIRED TIRES IN OMAN

elling expired tires in the Sultanate is on the rise as three people were arrested and fined a total of RO5,400 in Nizwa, the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) reported on Tuesday. Two of the accused were held for selling tires that were beyond the expiry date and were fined RO2,000 each. The second person was convicted of hiring an illegal worker and was fined RO1,000. “PACP will penalize those violating the norms, and we call upon citizens and residents not to buy such tires,” said the consumer protection body in a statement issued online. According to the law, the dealer or merchants should provide a minimum one-year warranty period from the date of sale of tires in new and used cars. JUL 05 - 11 / ISSUE 526

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YOUR

THE KEY TO WIN IT

OMAN

IT TOOK 33 TRIES TO UNLOCK THE BOX THAT HELD THE KEY TO THE VIRGIN RADIO OMAN MINI COOPER, BUT IN THE END, IT WAS TAREQ (NUMBER 34) WHO GOT TO DRIVE BACK HOME IN HIS BRAND NEW CAR. SEVERAL PARTICIPANTS AND ONLOOKERS ALSO RECEIVED GIFT BAGS.

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GALLERY

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YOUR

WORLD CUP FEST

OMAN

LIVE THE THRILL OF WATCHING YOUR FAVOURITE WORLD CUP TEAMS BATTLE FOR GLORY ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD AT THE OMAN WORLD CUP FESTIVAL, WHICH IS HELD AT THE OMAN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE.

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GALLERY

Selected photos: Hussain al Lawaty JUL 05 - 11 / ISSUE 526

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YOUR

OMAN

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GALLERY

Beauty is power; a smile is its sword. - John Ray Photography by: Adil al Balushi Model: Zahra Designer: Laila al Awadhi Designer: Maidaa al Balushi

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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

For those young learners keen to take part in some extra classroom credit this summer, enrolment for the Modern College of Business and Science’s (MCBS) English Summer School program is now underway with classes running from July 8 to August 23. MCBS has been preparing children for the new roles that lie ahead as part of their path towards career development, and its English Summer School program continues to be a trusted resource for both parents and students based on its international educational standards and best practices. For more information, or to register, call 2458-3510 or 2458-3525.

This July 22-24, the 3rd Youth Forum is slated to be held in Dhofar under the theme of the ‘Future of Oman’. Organized by the National Youth Commission (NYC), in partnership with the Office 2040 and the Supreme Council for Planning, the focus of this year’s forum will be on strategies and roles of youth in achieving the Oman Vision 2040. Participants will be collaborating in groups to present their winning projects and initiatives on this theme, with workshops and training sessions delivered by specialized professionals across the following fields: renewable energy, the fourth industrial revolution, and future cultures and values.

JULY

THIS

WEEK J

WHAT TO DO. WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

Looking for a way to stay cool and keep active this summer? Head to the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) and face off on the largest indoor football pitch in the Sultanate with you and your friends. Book a 90-minute session on the Astroturf pitch for just RO50 inclusive of two large football nets. And afterwards be sure to head next door to the Ballroom at OCEC and catch the matches live on seven of the biggest screens in Oman at the Oman World Cup Festival! Tickets are on-sale at the door, or at Virgin Megastore – Seeb City Centre and Oasis by the Sea, or online at http:// www.theagency.co.om/sae-worldcup/.

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JULY

PLAY IN OMAN’S LARGEST INDOOR FOOTBALL PITCH

NATIONAL YOUTH FORUM IN DHOFAR

MCBS ENGLISH SUMMER SCHOOL

JULY

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

Ant-Man & The Wasp Cast: Micheal Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Micheal Pena, Paul Rudd

The Nun Cast: Bonnie Aarons, Taissa Farmiga, Charlotte Hope, Demián Bichir A priest with a haunted past and a novice sister about to undertake her final vows to the convent are sent by the Vatican to investigate the death of a young nun in Romania. What they stumble upon is an evil force so malicious which takes the form of one of their own.

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

Oman release: July 5

The First Purge Cast: Lex Scott Davis, Marisa Tomei, Y’Lan Noel

In an effort to reduce crime rates, a sociologist and a sinister political party called the New Founding Fathers of

America perform an experiment designed to let people vent their aggression in an isolated community. But when their test subjects take the opportunity to throw outrageous parties instead of participating in violent crime, the New Founding Fathers take matters into their own hands to get the results they want. Oman release: July 5

Set between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, Scott Lang, now under house arrest after the events of Civil War, tries to balance his home life as a father with his responsibilities as Ant-Man. When Hope van Dyne and Hank Pym present him with a new mission to bring to light secrets from their past, Lang teams up with Van Dyne as the new Wasp. Oman release: July 5

Cast: Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Fran Drescher, Mel Brooks

Sometimes, even vampiric hoteliers need a holiday and, as Dracula heads off with the family on a luxury Monster Cruise Ship adventure awaits. Onboard, sparks fly between Drac and the ship’s Captain Ericka. As Dracula’s daughter Mavis tries to keep the two apart, little do they know that Ericka is a descendant of Abraham Van Helsing, Dracula’s ancient nemesis. Oman release: July 5

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Who is the director of Ant-Man & The Wasp? LAST WEEK’S WINNER Mohammad Shagir

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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DISTRACTION Every life lost in a road accident is preventable. And while the Sultanate is on the fast-track when it comes to addressing issues of road safety, fatalities are still occurring at an alarming rate. Y’s Alvin Thomas speaks to safety experts and gets personal with a survivor to trace the route towards an accident-free Oman

hen death knocks it does so unannounced. Jerome* was only 19 when the car crash that nearly took his life happened on a day like any other, as most accidents always do. His first wreck, while nearly fatal, marked him indelibly – becoming what would be his greatest life lesson. For without it, he says, he probably wouldn’t be alive today. While grim, his story began when his parents gifted him a car for his 18th birthday – a humble sedan. The Indian expat would use it to commute from his home in Wadi Kabir to college in Seeb on weekdays. The 55km journey would take him upwards of 45 minutes so, he says, he would use that time to catch up with his mates on social media – wheel in one hand, mobile in the other. “I don’t like wasting time, and I thought that driving was consuming too much of it,” he says. “So I would text my friends, watch short Vines (short videos), make calls and – in some cases – also study while driving.”. These vagaries of distraction are all too common among youth on the roads in Oman today says one Royal Oman Police (ROP) traffic officer (who wishes to remain anonymous), and mobile phone use while driving is extremely common among young drivers and office commuters. “We see people lose their lives and take completely innocent lives due to such acts of carelessness.”

A brush with death

Jerome confesses that he thought he was “invincible”. After all, he was driving “daily without any incidents.” His luck and overconfidence ran out on the night of September 24, 2016 as, along the Sultan Qaboos Highway, he came face-to-face in a close brush with death that he describes was “a life-changing lesson.” “After completing a class project, I was 020

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on my way back home. I was on the phone with my friend – and I remember that I was discussing movie matters. “Soon, the car in front of us in the fast lane hit the brakes, and I was too late to respond. All I can remember is that I clipped the corner of the car. “When I opened my eyes next, I was at the hospital. But not just any hospital. I’d been flown to India. Both my legs were paralyzed, and the pillar from the car had gored into my

When I opened my eyes next, I was at the hospital. But not just any hospital. I’d been flown to India. Both my legs were paralyzed, and the pillar from the car had gored into my eye eye,” he recalls. Jerome says that after spending 16 days in intensive care and another three months in rehabilitation – which included physiotherapy – he came back to Oman. But he was a changed man… left a paraplegic and without his left eye. Today, he is just one among several residents in Oman that are still recovering from the repercussions of bad choices they made while behind the wheel. He calls

himself one of the “lucky few who can wake up to see the dawn of day” – and has since also become a safe driving advocate.

Reckless behaviour: A case study

To come to terms with the prevalency of violations and infractions encountered on Omani roads, Team Y took a long drive from our offices in Seeb to the Al Amerat Heights on Friday [June 29] – and counted road violations during peak traffic hours. Our ride-along observer could report more than 88 violations over the course of the 50km journey. Sitting atop the list, with 49 violations, was texting and driving. This was followed by 20 counts of switching lanes without indication; six cases of tailgating – of which we were a victim; six cases of over-speeding; five cases of driving without the use of a seatbelt; and two cases of children buckled to the front seats without the use of a child-seat. Child-seats were made mandatory in cars with children under the age of four, in March of this year, and the Omani Penal Code even states that a person who puts a child below the age of seven in a dangerous situation would be jailed for a minimum period of three months. In truth, these are the types of drivers that the ROP are targeting in a concerted effort to make the Sultanate’s roads safer. And things are – at least on paper – looking to shape up. For instance, the roads in Oman saw a 39.8 per cent drop in accidents, up to the beginning of last month [June 2018], when compared with the same period from last year. The report released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) also reveals that there’s been 797 registered accidents recorded across the Sultanate, when compared with the 1,323 registered during the same period in 2017. These resulted in 43 deaths and 273 injuries, compared to 52 deaths and 251

injuries, last year. In an exclusive interview with Y, Ali al Barwani, the Chief Executive Officer of the Oman Road Safety Association (ORSA) says: “The numbers of accidents in Oman have dropped – and we’re very happy to hear that. But, we will not be satisfied and cannot rest until this country is completely accident-free. “That’s ORSA’s goal, and we’re in conjunction with the ROP to improve our efforts in making the roads a safer place for commuters,” he adds. “All accidents are a matter of concern to us – be it a youngster or an adult. But when the United Nations had laid down the guidelines on its efforts to reduce road fatalities, it focused on people of the age groups of 15 to 35. “Behaviour and road manners are of great concern when driving. Maturity and discipline come with age – and that’s something you attain as you age, or learn from experience,” he states.

Tighter laws to come

Sadly, Jerome and many others had to learn about this the hard way. But things are starting to look up as the ROP have implemented newer – and stricter – laws governing commuters on the roads. Among them is a new, temporary driving license that will oversee and rate new drivers before a permanent driving license is handed over. This means that new drivers will be now be issued a temporary driving license for a period of one year. These licenses will also be subjected to a new points system, which will keep track of whether the driver is capable enough behind the wheel. Those issued with 10 ‘black’ points on their temporary driving license will be sent back to the driving school to take more lessons. Ali tells us: “I think this is a brilliant move. This law will allow the ROP to make sure that those driving are 100 per cent fit to take control of the wheel. “And that’s not all, the duration of the temporary license is enough for the authorities to keep track of any road violations or mistakes that may be committed. This will make way for better JUL 05 - 11 / ISSUE 526

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There’s a lot of people who take driving for granted. And sometimes it can result in the loss of innocent lives

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drivers in the future,” he adds. Statistically, young men are more likely to be involved in, or cause, traffic accidents. The ROP figures reveal that, on average, young Omanis ages 16 to 25 make up about 20 per cent of the population, but account for more than 31 per cent of road crash-related fatalities and 37 per cent of crash-related injuries. The ROP were proven right when, in January, one person died, and two others were left hospitalised after they were involved in an accident caused due to drifting dangerously on the road. The freak accident was caught on-camera – and the car that was drifting was seen to have lost control before crashing into another vehicle. Talking about the incident is Mohammed Saleh, a 22-year-old Omani engineer, who found himself fascinated by the art of drifting when he was only 18! He says: “I can understand that a lot of young Omani men who are frustrated in their jobs, relationships, and other matters can take it out in their cars on the road. This then becomes a form of entertainment for many onlookers – and the young men take it into their hands to become the stars of the moment. “This is almost always the reason for accidents caused by drifting,” he says. “I was among these men, too. However, my friends took matters into their hands and enrolled me with the Oman Automobile Association (OAA), where I could drift safely,” he adds, before going on to advise youngsters about the importance of keeping the act on the drifting course at the OAA.

Education begins at home

Speaking to Y, Ali describes the importance of how parents must understand and regulate their children’s actions. He says: “It’s not fair to tell parents or control them in a manner as to which they shouldn’t be allowed to buy cars for their children. “But it’s a fact that most youngsters rely on their parents’ money to get their cars. So, it’s the duty of the parent to make sure that the child acts responsibly on the road. The ROP and other authorities can only do so much to make the roads safer. “At the end of the day, it’s up to the drivers to do their part. It’s extremely upsetting to see many young lives ending due to one mistake on the road,” he adds. “Life is precious – and that’s what these kids must be taught. If a mistake you committed ends the life of one or more other people, can you live with the guilt?” The ROP is on overdrive on their crackdown on violators. Our source at the ROP tells us: “There’s a lot of people who take driving for granted. And sometimes it can result in the loss of innocent lives. “As we all know, there are speed cameras fitted in every possible segment of the road. But in areas that are inaccessible by cameras, we’ve also started fitting mobile cameras. It’s been incredibly effective in catching speeding violators. “The introduction of average-speed cameras can also reduce cases

of people increasing their speed in between cameras,” the source adds. Ali concurs with the ROP’s adoption of newer technologies. “Technology has advanced to a great extent and the ROP is making use of it in every possible way to keep us safe on the roads. And we can expect to see smarter and more fool-proof systems fitted on the roads soon,” he says. “But no amount of technology can beat the human mind. So, it’s up to us to make this happen. We’re all striving for a country free from fatalities arising from road accidents.” In their efforts to reach out to the masses, ORSA has teamed up with several local and international companies in Oman, and the ROP, to host road safety awareness activities. He states: “We understand that a lot of people will be travelling to Salalah for the Khareef Festival in August. So, we’ll be hosting a road safety awareness campaign in the city for a period of 10 days.” Over the course of Khareef season, more than 500,000 people are expected to visit the region in Dhofar, and ORSA’s initiative to reach out to the masses should pave way for more families to be educated on the concepts of road safety. The organization will also be introducing a ‘child-seat campaign’ during the festival to educate young families on the importance of buckling down their children to a protective seat while commuting. Meanwhile, Jerome, who is now settling into his new job in Oman can only make things right by educating young drivers on the importance of “safe and defensive driving”. “I’ve accepted myself now,” he says “Though, I wish I could see through both my eyes. I want to be normal again. I wish I could undo what I have done.” * Name changed to protect identity

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et’s get the obvious out of the way – summers in the Sultanate are scorchers! The wilayat of Quriyat recently recorded the highest night-time temperature just last month, clocking in at an historic 42.6 degrees Celsius last month. If hibernating indoors is as far as your July/August plans go – let us shake things up a bit to show you how summers in the Sultanate can actually kind of rock! Here’s our ultimate warmweather roundup of cool retreats and summer activities to escape the heat! ■

Crazy for Khareef The annual Khareef season has just kicked-off in Salalah and is the perfect weekend escape from the heat and humidity of Muscat. Considered one of the coolest places in the country during the hot summer months, temperatures here can linger at a steady 27 degrees Celsius, while the rest of the Sultanate swelters. Be sure to check out the lush greenery of Wadi Darbat – which is a haven for mountain-spring lovers. With its verdant blanket of green, natural springs and grotto caves it’s a restorative retreat for the whole family.

Beat the

with the

activi

With July officially upon us, you that you don’t have to A/C from now until O up our top things to do make the most of

Life’s a beach Tucked within the busy commercial hub of Duqm is a hidden gem. From silky sands, to beaches that stretch miles, it’s a spot that’s gained popularity as a go-to spot for some of the best seafood in the Sultanate, and some of the best fishing spots to go along with it. Khaluf Beach, 450kms south of Muscat is another sandy stunner – and a beautiful location for campers. Just be sure you make the trek in a 4x4 vehicle to avoid getting stuck in the desert dunes. Or, if you’d rather venture closer to home, then you’ve also got some beautiful beaches right in Muscat in the Qurum, Azaiba, and Seeb areas to explore and spend some quality time soaking up that Vitamin Sea!

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Make a splash! Blessed with long stretches of pristine coastline and refreshing wadis, Oman is the ideal place for adventure-seekers and watersports-lovers. And what’s more refreshing than a dip in the pool – or even in those wadis that are safe for swimming. Wadi Bani Khalid in the Sharqiyah region has a massive natural pool and is an ideal spot for a splash as its emeraldcoloured waters offer up a refreshing respite from the heat.

Cool offers When you’ve had your fill of the great outdoors, head to some of Oman’s top hotels for a weekend getaway or five-star staycation in the lap of luxury. If you are planning to head out of the city and up to Jabal Akhdar, then its Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is offering a 15 per cent discount on your hotel stay, and another 10 per cent on dining and spa treatments. A one-night stay at this stunning resort starts at RO110.

Climb every mountain Jabal Akdhar or the ‘Green Mountain’, is situated in a unique location 2,000 metres (6,560 feet) above sea level and is usually about 15 degrees cooler than Muscat in the summer. With its rugged terrain full of natural beauty, hiking trails, and nail-biting off-road excursions, there’s equal adventure to be found for the casual hiker or hard-core thrill-seeker. With mid-summer temperatures in the mountains falling to as low as 20 degrees, head out of the city and beat the heat up where the air is rare.

e heat

ese top

ities!

s, the Y team is here to show be stuck inside under the October! We’ve rounded o in Oman to help you Summer 2018!

Summer of knowledge School’s out for the summer and as the temperatures soar, there are still more than a few options to get your kids to participate in heaps of activities happening in and around Muscat. Yes, we’re talking about summer camps! And the SOHAR Port and Freezone has an especially cool one for starters, kicking off their annual Summer School Programme offering Grade 11 students career counselling training as they head into their final year of secondary school. With interactive workshops aimed at preparing them for college and university entrance, students can also sign up to take intensive English language training programs such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to boost their proficiency. Running until July 19, for information or to sign up visit www.soharportandfreezone.com. JUL 05 - 11 / ISSUE 526

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PRESENTS

WITH MOST OF THE HEAVY-HITTERS OUT OF THE WORLD CUP RUN, IT’S ANYONE’S GUESS WHO’LL PROGRESS INTO THE QUARTERFINALS! WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE TOP WINNERS AND LOSERS OF LAST WEEK AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, WHO COULD TAKE THE CUP

History in the making Messi exits the World Cup. Hours later, so does Ronaldo,” screamed the headline in The New York Times, rounding off the highlights from last week’s 2018 FIFA World Cup matches. It takes a lot more than a Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to win a World Cup title. At least, that’s what the world witnessed in the course of six short hours as, in what has to be a dark day – a Black Saturday of sorts – for football fans across the globe, both Argentina and Portugal were sent crashing out of the race for the golden cup. Fans, can argue that Argentina’s game against France was a cliff-hanger, with seven goals scored in total – some even worthy of a FIFA 2018 highlight reel of best goals scored at this year’s World Cup. But there can only be one winner…and one loser. If anything, the two shocking losses, and Spain’s exit late this Sunday [July 1] only throws the doors wide open for up-and-coming teams such as Russia and… well… the young English team. Though banking on the English team could be considered a tall ask, says Mohsin al Balushi, an Omani resident wearing the English team jersey, during our interaction at the Oman

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World Cup Festival: “England’s playing great now, and they’re producing good goals – but their loss to Belgium showed a weak spot in the team. “They need to tighten up their defense a bit, as I noticed they were playing loose against the Belgians. But that could also be due to the overconfidence of the team after their Panama win,” he added. Football expert and Koooora Wa Bas editor, Fahad al Tamimi, says: “This reminds me of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, when all the big teams went head-to-head and left only Brazil and Germany in the finals. “This gives smaller teams a hope for the cup but, this time around, Uruguay and Brazil are the favourites. As a matter of fact, this is Uruguay’s last attempt at the World Cup, as their star players Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani are due for retirement. “So, they’ll give it their all. Brazil are expected to qualify for the semis and the finals, but they’ll have a hard time dealing with the smaller teams that can show their resilience in their defense and midfield,” he adds. “It’ll be like the Germans unable to penetrate the defense of their opponents.”

Crash of the titans Speaking of which – World Cup title-holder Germany went floundering out of the competition to a resistant South Korean team. German fans were left dejected, but the loss only asserted a lesser known fact about FIFA World Cups: This is the fifth time a defending champion has failed to advance out of the group stage. The first nation to be eliminated in this manner was Brazil, back in 1966. However, four of the last five World Cup champions have been cursed with a similar fate (France in 2002, Italy in 2010, and Spain in 2014). The loss also broke Germany’s streak of 16 consecutive knockout stage appearances. “This loss is embarrassing,” said Joudeh, a Lebanese expat – and a supporter of Germany, at the Oman World Cup Festival.

“There’s no justifying the performance of the players. Based on their form, they should’ve played better, but they didn’t even stand a chance against South Korea. And when the team that’s ranked first in FIFA loses to a team that is ranked above 50 [57, as per the FIFA], we deserve to know what went wrong,” he added, before walking away, shaking his head. While Joudeh vented his frustration, several others – mostly supporters of France and Russia – were seen to be in awe, after the respective games at the Oman World Cup Festival. You too can join the action live and interact with fans at the largest screening of the World Cup games at the Oman World Cup Festival presented by Ooredoo, on now at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC). The matches are screened in English and Arabic, and you can catch them on seven of the largest screens in the country that present viewers with a 360-degree experience. Tickets are on-sale online at tickets.virginmegastore.me or on-site at the OCEC and at Virgin Megastore – Seeb City Centre and Oasis by the Sea. For more details, visit www.theagency.co.om/sae-worldcup.

Per match ● RO 2 for the first and second round ● RO 3 for the third round ● RO 5 for the semi-finals ● RO 5 for the final match

It’s not too late to grab a full-access pass to the World Cup matches for RO50.

Who scored the first goal for Brazil in the 51st minute of their July 2nd match against Mexico? ● Stand a chance to win a JBL GO Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker.

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What is

ISLAMIC

FEMINISM? Y SITS DOWN WITH DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER NADJA FRENZ FROM VINCENT TV HAMBURG TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UPCOMING DOCUMENTARY WOMAN IN ISLAM, AND HOW OMAN CAME TO BE THE ONLY GCC COUNTRY TO BE FEATURED IN THE GROUNDBREAKING PRODUCTION

adja Frenz wants to start a conversation. The German producer and filmmaker has been traversing the globe, interviewing women across the Muslim world in a trail-blazing new documentary, Women in Islam. This June her travels brought her to Muscat, highlighting the voices of women in the Sultanate in a quest to unravel answers to the questions surrounding female identity and Islamic feminism that’s taken to her to Tunisia, Morocco, France, Germany, and Indonesia. What is Islamic feminism – and what is the crux of its awakening? This is the question Women in Islam seeks to answer. Produced by Frenz and commissioned for French-German station Vincent TV for network television and cinema, the documentary turns its focus to Oman to represent the Arabian Peninsula. “I chose Oman because I noticed that something here is different,” says Frenz. “Women and men should be equal, and I once heard something that drew a stark picture in my mind. The saying goes that we are all birds – we have the right wing and the left wing, the male and the female. If they’re not balanced, then the bird can’t fly.” In Oman, Frenz goes on to explain that this equality is most evident in the public sphere with female employees making up 41 per cent of the government sector and 47 per cent in the civil service sector – more or less half. While estimates at universities in the Sultanate put the average student body at 60 to 70

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per cent female. The production’s mission statement is a call to action: “When people in European countries think about Islam as a concept, they often think of the oppression of women. But there are a variety of women who fight this simplistic idea shoulder-to-shoulder, claiming IN ORDER TO instead the Quran propagates an CHANGE SOMETHING image of equality. These Islamic IN SOCIETY, THE feminists are Muslim scholars, ONLY WAY TO DO IT professors of Gender Studies or THROUGH DEMOCRATIC Islamic Studies, bloggers, and STRUCTURES IS TO activists, and they can be found all AFFECT AND IMPACT over the world – predominantly in SOCIAL AND POLITICAL Europe, North Africa, Malaysia, PARTICIPATION and the United States.” “In Germany we have had Muslim immigrants coming from 60 years ago from Turkey,” Frenz says. While in France she explains that the majority of Muslim immigration stemmed from its colonized countries of North Africa – Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria. “In both societies in Europe they are the minorities, and I thought they could be a great sample population to delve into – to speak with women from each country and ask them how they live, how they would consider themselves, and how much Islam influences them as a cultural movement and lifestyle.” The goal of Islamic feminism as Frenz describes is to address pervasive views in the West of Islam that are associated with misogyny and develop arguments to counteract such misconceptions. Like any other global religion, Islam may be interpreted and lived in different ways, making the practice of Islamic feminism as much a political one as it is theological – targeting movements of reform in civil society. One such recent example is the recent achievement of women being allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia. It’s an international movement that’s ever-growing, led by inspiring female Muslim artists, educators, and activists. It’s Frenz’s hope to give further voice to these leading figures in the movement through the platform of the Women in Islam documentary which seeks answers to the questions of: What exactly is Islamic feminism? How does western Islamic feminism differ from its counterparts in North Africa and Asia? How is the fight for women’s rights compatible with religion? And which historical figures of Islam do modern Islamic feminists refer and relate to? “In order to change something in society, the only way to do it through democratic structures is to affect and impact social and political participation,” explains Frenz. “I noticed in Oman the role and influence of women is different here than in other Gulf countries – so that is why I chose it. And I want to involve two or three different women from the Sultanate and show how they live – their daily routines, what they want from society, what is good for them, where they think they’re equal. But also, what are their issues? What would they want to change for the future?” Frenz cites examples of paternalistic societal structures that still hold sway – from inheritance laws that favour male family members, to female representation in political and social participation in Oman. “If you look at the structures of middle-class management [in the country] you have 21 per cent female representation – although we can also say that even in Germany in regard to female CEOs it’s also not so good,” states Frenz. “At the State Council Oman you have just 17 per cent female representation, and at the Majlis Shura…just one per cent.” Most importantly, she emphasizes that these disparities are a result of civil society structures – not religious ones. “In my point of view, these are things that could be solved,” she concludes. “Oman is a young country and not every country has the same pace. It’s also a country with a lot of tradition. I’m looking for someone who is interested in these issues and who is looking for solutions towards them.” ■ Are you an Omani female over the age of 18 interested in offering your views on Islamic feminism and are willing to participate as an interviewee for the Women in Islam documentary? Email hamburg@ vincent-tv.com for more information. JUL 05 - 11 / ISSUE 526

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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 • 1947 Restaurant • 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 • Jotun Paints • 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 ADVENTURES

THE CHINESE

The Chinese-built MG RX5 SUV has a lot going for it: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s striking, capable off-road, has a spacious cabin, and emanates class. What more could someone ask for? -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

Destination

Rimal Abyadh THIS HIDDEN WADI IS AN OFF-ROADER’S PARADISE, AND AN ADRENALINE JUNKIE’S BEST-KEPT SECRET. Y’S SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI TAKES US THERE 032

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Gaming

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

imal Abyadh is a wadi that is often spoken of in hushed tones – at least of late, due to its prominence among four-wheeling thrill-seekers. Known to be one of the top spots in the Middle East for those searching for the thrill of gazing up at the sky with nothing but the rocks under their wheels, the area is mostly – if not solely – inhabited by those visiting from parts of Oman and neighbouring countries for off-roading activities. It’s with this mindset that I took off from Muscat towards the moonscape of Rimal Abyadh. As always, I began my journey in the wee hours of the morning. The scene was idyllic as the sun began its slow rise, its orange rays breaking through the underlying fog. Joining me on the trip were two expert off-roaders and navigators who were eager to give Rimal Abyadh a go in my largely unmodified, yet capable pickup truck. After a smooth initial leg on the Expressway, once we took the turn towards Wadi Abyadh – an area we had featured before in January 2017 – that we came to terms with the harsh terrain and the difficulty of our adventure. A few kilometres of unpaved roads later, we stumbled upon the infamous Rimal Abyadh. Peppered with sharp stones and tall rocks, it’s a nightmare to forge. Even those with experience will find it hard to traverse the rocks and avoid the steep climbs. Albeit, with two decades of experience under our belts, we delved right in… and into what could only be defined as a crater hole. We were stuck!

The hot sand meant that our spinning tires found no grip, and the scene was getting grimmer by the minute. The longer we remained there, the less our chance of escaping. So, I quickly found some wood and twigs that I could use to dig the wheels out of the sand – and after an hour or so, we freed ourselves. Luckily, we also found a way to navigate through the crater and soon found our way out. We camped for the afternoon and discussed the errors in our judgment – as there were definitely more than a few. This was also when I grabbed my camera to click some photos. Upon doing so, I noticed that the area was littered with cans, plastics, and paper. It’s a pity to see that the area – due to its popularity – has also attracted litterbugs. I collected as many bottles and cans as I could find for disposing, but there’s still quite a lot of work to be done to restore the wadi to its original state. As the clock struck 4:00 p.m., we packed up our makeshift afternoon camp and began our long journey back. Rimal Abhyad is definitely not for the faint-hearted or the inexperienced. And, while here’s not much to see, if you’re all for extreme off-roading, then this is the place for you. Just make sure you pick up after yourselves on your adventures, and don’t leave your mess behind.

From Muscat, take the Sultan Qaboos Highway and head towards Murayjat. Keep an eye out for the New Noor Barka Shopping Center and proceed to cut left from there. Head straight until you reach Wadi Abhyad and make use of the coordinates (below) to reach your destination.

GPS location: 23°31’49.7”N; 57°39’33.8”E

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

MG RX5

The Chinese-built MG impresses as an all-round contender in the line-up of 2018 SUV’s to be marched out this year. Y’s Alvin Thomas gets behind the wheel for a quick spin

hen you think of British bornand-bred MG (short for ‘Morris Garages’), it’s hard not to gawk over their creations – the MGB GT or the Magnette Airline coupe immediately come to mind. The former drop-top has even been ranked as one of the most iconic cars to ever be built. It’s little wonder some of the world’s most revered stars such as Elvis Presley and Bill Wyman (former bass guitarist for The Rolling Stones) would frequently ride around in their MGs with pride – and their arm on the sill. Fast-forward to 2018 and the scene is markedly different. Today, MG’s lineup of cars primarily consists of budget sedans and SUVs – and it’s all built in China. But, there’s still a whiff of Britain in these cars – at least that was the case in my tester this week: The MG RX5. Sitting atop the range as a five-seater SUV, the RX5 fits the bill as a worthy product. And here’s why: For starters, it’s distinctive – despite a generic front-end. Sharp LED-

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laden headlamps and daytime running lights aside, there are cuts and prominent character lines that accentuate the RX5’s stance. This carries over to the posterior too, as the LED tail-lamps are neatly integrated into the tailgate and rounded off by dual chrome-tipped exhausts. Everything – from each individual panel to the rims – sits snug without any panel gaps. In short, the RX5 is built impeccably to the top standards. Settle into

Destination

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

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

MG RX5 Specifications: • Engine: 2.0-litre in-line fourcylinder turbocharged • Transmission: Seven-speed auto-manual • Power: 221hp • Torque: 350Nms All-wheel-drive Reverse camera Cruise control Leatherette seating and upholstery Parking sensors 10.4-inch screen with navigation Panoramic sunroof 18-inch alloy wheels Locking differential Hill Descent Control Apple CarPlay Auto hold assist

IT’S ASTOUNDING HOW FAR MG – AND MANY OTHER CHINESE CARMAKERS – HAVE COME IN SUCH A SHORT TIME. AND AT THE RATE THEY’RE GOING, WE MAY SOON BE LOOKING AT A MARKET DOMINATED BY THE CHINESE the interior and you’ll find the RX5 is far from what you’d expect in a vehicle of its class. Everything you see and touch is comprised of soft plastics, while the doors are finished in neatly-padded surfaces. The seats too are finished in high-quality leatherette, and are cushy. It does lack lumbar support and side bolstering – though it’s a small price to pay, really. Still, with features such as real stitching on the seats and dashboard, you really can’t complain. On the technology front, the RX5 comes with a responsive and easy-tooperate 10.4-inch-wide touchscreen unit. It’s

not the most sophisticated head unit in the market but it does its job well, and also provides users with turn-byturn navigation. The audio system is great but you’ll find yourself tweaking the equalizer a bit to acquire the tone you want. The cabin design is somewhat inspired, but takes a clean-cut approach featuring large and neatly-labeled buttons. Full disclosure: the MG’s interior puts the pricier Korean and Japanese competitors to shame. Cabin room is up there with the best, with a plethora of leg- and head-room for both front and rear seat passengers. Meanwhile, boot space is at par with its rivals and, of course, you can fold the seats flat if you’re looking to lug furniture or long items around. Underneath the hood lies a 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine producing a stout 221hp and 350Nms of torque. The latter kicks in from about 2,000rpm, which makes way for admirable acceleration. As is the case with most turbocharged vehicles, there’s a sizeable amount of turbo lag. That, coupled with

an economy-minded six-speed automanual transmission, means there’s an initial jolt in the cabin when you put your foot down. The gearbox is also a tad slow to shift down sometimes and slipping the transmission into manual doesn’t change much either – except when you’re climbing up steep hills. Out on the highway is where the RX5 belongs. Power delivery is smooth and the vehicle settles into its speed with ease. Overtaking is an easy affair; however, you’d have to meddle with the throttle a bit to eke the right gear out. Still, ride compliance is top notch and the 235/50 tires wrapped around the 18-inch alloys soak up the bumps with ease. This can also be said when offroading, as the high-profile tires, along with the independent suspension offer a very smooth ride. Not much can be said about the RX5’s off-road performance, but it can do soft sand and rocky terrain without busting into a sweat. There’s also a centerlocking differential that can come to aid if need be. The steering is sensitive – a little too much at times – but lacks feedback. Nevertheless, it’s light at low speeds, which makes it a breeze to maneuver in city traffic. Body roll is controlled well, and the RX5 corners nicely. I found myself pushing the SUV into corners at speeds of up to 60kph. There’s a lot to like about the MG RX5. Sure, it’s no blue-blooded sportscar that’s ready to take on baddies in an English soap (I’m thinking Midsomer Murders), but it can definitely find a place in your day-to-day commute. It’s astounding how far MG – and many other Chinese car-makers – have come in such a short time. And at the rate they’re going, we may soon be looking at a market dominated by the Chinese. As for the RX5 – it’s as good as a mid-size SUV can get. Surely, things are only going uphill from here.

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CARS ADVENTURES JAPAN IN A BOWL

The tide of tradition meets the futuristic tsunami of modern Tokyo as Nishad Padiyarath gets lost amid neon alleyways of one of the world’s largest metropolises.

1. Visit the old street of Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku. 2. Take a boat tour on the Sumida River from Asakusa to Odaiba. 3. Explore the karaoke parlours and colourful nightlife of the Roppongi district. 4. Find a restaurant that serves ‘fugu’, or puffer-fish, served by a specially trained and licensed chef. 5. Head to Harajuku on a Sunday morning to catch the cosplayers in full attire.

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Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Nishad Padiyarath recommends

TOKYO F

or years Japan had long been on my mind. “It’s easy to get lost in Tokyo,” were the words ringing in my ears, spoken by a friend as I prepared to visit the Land of the Rising Sun. With a population of 127 million, Japan is one of the most densely populated nations on the planet - and Tokyo is its beating neon heart. And to explore its side-streets and cityscapes teeming with life is best done with Waze open and sense of adventure at the ready. Here neon skylines stand sentinel over ancient temples, modern memoirs written among the testaments of the past. Down every alley-way and neighbourhood sidestreet are crammed shops dedicated to the practical, the weird, the wonderful, jammed chock-a-block next to manga shops, Pachinko parlours, and izakayas and food stalls wafting their mouthwatering inner aromas out across the cobbles. Here you are in the Kingdom of Karoake. The Land of Anime. And to embrace it fully you must give yourself over to it completely. Tokyo is a full-body experience. But balanced among its hyper-futuristic urban interface, are sanctuaries of zen. Todoroki Ravine Park is one of these places and shouldn’t be missed, with its bamboo groves, stone carvings, and old bridges. With its rich Bhuddist and Shinto tradition, Japan is awash in temples both ancient and new - Tokyo is no exception. Among its most popular is Meiji Shrine. Built in 1920 and dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, it’s a space adjacent to Harajuku that combines traditional religious architecture with the Japanese love for nature. The more adventurous can venture further afield to Mount Takao outside the city limits, but still within the greater metropolitan Tokyo area and just a 50-minute train ride from the Shinjuku city cenre. The Sensoji Temple in the city historic Asakusa district is another must-see. Walk inside its temple grounds and enter a thriving marketplace filled with street vendors selling everything from food and snacks, to souvenirs. Then, move further away from the crowds (hard to do in Tokyo...) and hit up the Hiroo neighbourhood near the bustling Shibuya and Ebisu areas. This up-and-coming place is a great spot for foodies to stretch their taste-buds and explore Japanese food with a myriad of restaurants, stalls, and the likes serving up the best of Japan in a bowl. Slake your hunger and stoke your appetite for sumo instead with a visit to the city’s Ryogoku area (not far from Asakusa) where the famed wrestlers live and practice their ancient art. Some of their training complexes, or ‘heyas’, are open for the public and visitors can take in a practice session up-close. And finally, no trip to the most futuristic city on the planet would be complete without a nod to technology. The world’s biggest Virtual Reality entertainment complex can be found in the Shinjuku area where gamers can take in activities featuring the likes of Dragon Ball Z, Ghost in the Shell, and Mario Kart.

ROPPO

N G I D IS T R IC

E R -F IS FU G U / P U FF

My favourite place Drink in the majestic and unspoiled atmosphere of the Yanaka district in central Tokyo. Shop and eat like a local here while exploring every corner of this charming neighbourhood. Highlights

Wake up at the crack of dawn and head to the Tsukiji Fish Market – the largest in the world to catch the clamour and crowds at the day-break tuna auctions where the fish sells for tens of thousands of dollars.

Lowlights Expect to get lost and expect to be overwhelmed. Language barriers are also an issue in Japan…even while most people speak some level of English, most are shy to use it with tourists if they don’t feel they can converse fluently. Bring a phrase-book or have a good translation app downloaded and at the ready. Souvenirs Japan is a nation that’s maintained its rich cultural heritage in the face of adversity and conflict – and many of the souvenirs reflect this. Pick up a ‘Tsuko-tegata’ (wooden passports) which represent an ancient custom in Japan. They’re cheap to buy at most souvenir stalls or markets, and you can always haggle over the price. Getting there

Oman Air doesn’t operate direct flights to Japan. But you can fly from Muscat to Kuala Lumpur and take a connecting flight to Narita International Airport starting from RO281.

Where to stay While hotels in Tokyo offer every imaginable mod-con, if

you’re looking for a more traditional experience head outside the city and stay at a hot-springs ‘onsen’, or camp in the foothills of Mount Fuji and make the trek up to catch the sunrise.

BOAT T OUR ON THE S R IV E R U M ID A FROM ASAKU SA TO O D A IB A

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

PC POWER In the market for a shiny new laptop? Choosing a new make and model can leave you overwhelmed with options. Thankfully, there’s the Y Geek Squad to the rescue…

THE PRO The Huawei MateBook X Pro is our number one value-for-money top pick. While the brand hasn’t been long in the market making laptops, it knocks it out of the park with the MateBook X Pro. With a stunning screen, this powerhouse comes packed with cutting-edge components that allow it to perform brilliantly, and a battery life that’s heads and tails above the competition. Buy it from Amazon for RO460.

ON THE EDGE

IN POWER

EDITOR’S PICK

With the Surface Book 2, Microsoft has created one of the most powerful 2-in-1 laptops in the world. From handling your day-to-day tasks, to light gaming and even video editing (with a dedicated graphics card), the Surface Book 2 functions as either a laptop, or as a powerful Windows 10 tablet. Upping its geek quotient is the fact that it comes with a 7th generation Intel Dual Core i5 Processor and 256 GB of storage. With an excellent battery life, the Surface Book 2 comes in a 15-inch large screen and 13.5-inch small screen options. Snag it from Amazon for RO525.

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Touted as ‘the world's smallest 13-inch laptop’, the Dell XPS 13 continues to grace the top of the charts for best laptops for three years running. Their all-new model is slimmer and more powerful, with a speedy performance and 12-hour battery life. Packing an 8th-generation Intel Core i5, or i7 CPU and a bezel-less ‘Infinity Edge’ display, take home one of these, and expect your pocketbook to take home a dent as well. Available on Amazon for RO672.

THE GAMER

THE ASUS ROG ZEPHYRUS IS ARGUABLY THE BEST GAMING LAPTOP CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET. WITH EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE, IT’S BOTH EXTREMELY POWERFUL AND AMAZINGLY THIN AND LIGHT. WITH A POWERFUL CORE I7 CPU AND GTX 1080 GRAPHICS CARD, THE LAPTOP IS STRONG ENOUGH TO HOLD UP TO YEARS OF INTENSE GAME-PLAY FOR ALL YOU GEEKS OUT THERE. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A 15-INCH GAMING LAPTOP, THEN THIS IS THE BEST BUY FROM AMAZON FOR RO995.

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July’s top 5 blockbuster games

Y Geek Squad’s resident gamer Alvin Thomas takes an in-depth look at some of the best new titles coming to a console near you!

from that, Sega also adds a new four-player competitive multiplayer and stage remix modes that should keep you occupied.

RED FACTION: GUERRILLA RE-MARSTERED EDITION The good old days of exploring Mars is back… and this time, it’s on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Originally released back in 2009 (thus the wordplay ‘Re-Mars-tered’), the new game can be enjoyed in 4K resolution! The third-person shooter will feature a largely unchanged storyline: It’s up to you to liberate the colonies on Mars from the oppressive government by destroying their outposts in each sector. The plot may sound a tad generic, but the gameplay is nothing short of high-octane. Platform: PS4 and Xbox One

OCOPATH TRAVELER This turn-based, roleplaying game has no reason to be on our list – but with its classic 2D game design that hearkens back to the Final Fantasy games – Ocopath Traveler brings the element of nostalgia back into gaming. Of course, things are a bit more sophisticated now: You get striking visual effects with 2D sprite animation and polygonal 3D backgrounds, and modern effects like motion blur. You also get to choose between eight playable characters – each with their own unique abilities. Platform: Nintendo Switch

SONIC MANIA PLUS Our favourite supersonic hedgehog, Sonic, is making a comeback – and this time, you can enjoy the experience on all leading gaming consoles. ‘Plus’ stands for the two additional characters in the title: Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel – both of whom we absolutely adore. Apart

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch

NO MAN’S SKY It seems the trend is all about remastered games. No Man’s Sky – which was released in 2016 – will now make its way into consoles, albeit, with four new updates, including a live multiplayer version and additions on the space exploration front. The game will revolve around four segments: exploration, survival, combat, and trading. Players are also free to perform within the entirety of the 18 quintillion planets (!) that are a part of the open universe. Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC

THE BANNER SAGA 3 Strategy game meets art: That’s what The Banner Saga 3 is all about. Those familiar with the series will know of the intricate, yet captivating, storyline. But, for those of you simpletons (like me) who don’t know, the game revolves around a band of humans and mythical beings taking turns to sustain their race from extinction. The third installation of the game will also mark the end of the long-running series, so make sure to grab your copy while you can. Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS JULY JUL 0305 - - 0911 / ISSUE 526 327

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

GLAM YOUR LOOK

Kick the high-street style up a notch with a trendy off-the-shoulder dress and matching accessories that bring some extra bling to an informal evening party look.

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

k o o L e h

e azin g a M m t, Y stagra e e r t In gh s Y on i h e w to th k. Follo d n o e igh t the lo h e e th og From s you t help

T t Ge

loid ytab

Keep your mains muted, and instead accessorize with pops of colour. Whether you’re rockin’ an up-do, or letting your tresses fly free, these striking geometric earrings with orange accents will help keep everything in balance. Snag them for RO6.990 from H&M.

This off-theshoulder dress in a flirtatious floral print is the perfect summer segue from day-to-night. Cinch it with a superskinny belt in a metallic or pastel shade to complete the look. Grab it for only RO4.990 from H&M.

This stylish pair of sunnies draws inspiration from the quintessential aviators and adds a hard-core edge to your ensemble. Pick up your pair for RO4.990 from H&M.

A girl can never go wrong with a classic pair of courts. Dress up a pair of skinny jeans, or vamp up that weekend cocktail dress they’re a versatile accessory that will go the distance with your wardrobe. Snag them for RO10.990 from H&M.

Black denim makes a comeback this season as the shade usually reserved for Fall/Winter raises its rebel head for Summer. But if colour has to be in your palette, this super-comfy stretch denim, also comes in classic blue denim and a breezy white. Own it for RO6.990 from H&M.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

BEAUTY

Fashion

Home

Family

FELLAS,

LOVE THE

SKIN YOU’RE IN! Your skin has to last you a lifetime and finding the right treatment for it is vital. While many products on the market cater to women – it’s equally important that men also make regular skincare part of their routine. So, guys, follow our tips that will keep you glowing

kincare is a vital part of any beauty regimen – but when it comes to men, they’re been known to keep things simple. Although, that’s starting to change as more men begin the pursuit in earnest towards healthier, younger-looking skin.

But before you begin treatments, it’s best to understand your skin type: ● Sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use. ● Normal skin is clear and not sensitive. ● Dry skin is flaky, itchy, or rough. ● Oily skin is shiny and greasy. ● Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others. Understanding your skin type will help you learn how to best take care of it by selecting skincare products that are right for you. To help men develop healthy skin care routines, dermatologists recommend the following tips: ❶ Consider product labels and ingredients: The skincare products you choose will depend on your skin type. If you have acne-prone skin, 042

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look for cleansers and moisturizers that say ‘oil-free’ or ‘non-comedogenic’, as these won’t clog your pores. If you have sensitive skin, use mild, ‘fragrancefree’ products, as those containing scents can leave skin feeling irritated and dry. However, beware of products labeled ‘unscented’, as many of these contain masking fragrances that can still irritate your skin. ❷ Wash your face daily and after exercise: Since regular bar soap often contains harsh ingredients that can be drying to the skin, wash your face with a mild facial cleanser and lukewarm – not hot – water. ❸ Watch your shaving technique: For some men, multi-blade razors can work too well or shave too closely to your skin. If you often experience razor bumps, razor burns, or ingrown hairs, use a single- or double-blade razor instead and do not stretch your skin taut while shaving. Before you shave, wet your skin and hair to soften it. Use a moisturizing shaving cream and shave in the direction of hair growth. Rinse after each swipe of the razor, and change your blade after five to seven shaves to minimize irritation. ❹ Moisturize daily: Moisturizers work by trapping water in your skin, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and make your skin look brighter and younger. For the best results, apply to your face and body immediately after bathing, showering, or shaving while the skin is still damp. ❺ Wear sunscreen whenever outdoors: To help prevent sun damage that can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer, before going outdoors apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin, including your scalp, ears, neck, and lips. For best protection use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Every man’s skin is different, and there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to skincare. If you aren’t sure what skin type you have, or if have questions about how to take care of your skin, see a dermatologist. Source: American Academy of Dermatology

Beauty

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HEALTH

Home

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TIPS FOR

A WINNING SMILE Oral health and hygiene is just as important a factor to your bodily health as any other. Keep cavities at bay and give your dentist a break, by following these simple steps for healthy teeth and gums

e've all been there – that shameful moment when your dentist asks how often you floss, and you most likely reply, “Not often enough,” while he or she clucks disapprovingly, shaking their head. Turns out they know what they're talking about. In Oman, nearly 85 per cent of children between the ages of six and eight suffer from tooth decay, according to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Health (MoH). However, the number of cases of patients with gum diseases are also on the rise. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the main threats to dental health, but maintaining a healthy mouth goes beyond the benefits of a bright smile. Gum disease is a chronic, inflammatory condition, and recent studies suggest that it, along with tooth decay, may be associated with an increased risk of other inflammatory conditions, including heart attack and stroke if left untreated. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. describes common warning signs of gum disease, including bad breath, gums that are red, swollen, bleeding, or tender; pain when chewing; loose or sensitive teeth; receding gums; change in bite; and change in the fit of partial dentures. Additional factors that increase the risk of gum disease include smoking, diabetes, stress, and poor oral hygiene. That said, most people can improve their dental hygiene and reduce their risk for developing gum disease by following a few simple steps: ● Brush. It may seem like a no-brainer – but brush your teeth twice daily

with a fluoride toothpaste. Pick a toothbrush style that fits your mouth and feels comfortable, and you’ll be more likely to use it. If your teeth are sensitive, or you want them to be whiter, look around; there's a toothpaste for that. ● Floss. Floss your teeth once a day. Dental floss is available in a variety of widths and thicknesses, although some people prefer disposable flossers, which are often easier for children to use. ● Rinse. Oral rinses play an important role in our dental health routine. Gum disease is caused by bacteria, but an oral rinse formulated with bacteria-targeting ingredients can help keep gum disease at bay. ● Try herbal breath fresheners. Chew on fresh parsley or mint leaves, or rub your teeth with orange peel to help fight tartar build-up. Alternatively, you can also gargle with an apple cider solution. You can create the solution by combining 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water. ● Switch to xylitol gum. Bacteria love the sugar alcohol in xylitol, but bacteria can’t break it down, and they eventually starve to death. So, chewing gum with xylitol can reduce gum disease and tooth decay, while also promoting saliva production. ● Oil-pulling. This is an Ayurvedic technique that’s been known to aid in oral hygiene. To try it at home, you’ll need 1 Tablespoon of sesame or coconut oil. All you need to do is gently gargle the liquid in your mouth for about 10 minutes. Both sesame and coconut oil have antibacterial properties that can keep your teeth and gums at the right pH levels. You’ll also notice that oil-pulling naturally whitens your teeth. Source: NewsUSA JUL 05 - 11 / ISSUE 526

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Trend

YUMMY

ARABIC DELIGHTS

Street food has its own charm - and sitting atop the ilk is the shawarma. The Arabs can be proud of their humble yet delicious creation.

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New Restaurant

Reviews

Muscat’s Top BEST SHAWARMA SPOTS

Team Y heads out on an adventure to seek and find the best shawarma eateries in the capital

Al Hawas Location: Al Khuwair

he shawarma is every Omani residents’ birth-right! Unlike many countries around the world, the shawarma isn’t just considered simple nosh in the Sultanate. Here, the smell emanating from the humble restaurants and cafeterias that serve these wraps signals the onset of dusk. There’s something strangely satisfying about watching the meat sizzle and pop, spit-roasting slowly and evenly over the fire, before the chef sharpens his knives to take nice, shallow digs into the neatlycooked, crusty portions. If the image of that wasn’t enough to get your taste-buds humming, he then grabs a handful of freshly-cut meat, lays it neatly on a slice of Arabic bread (pita), smears a generous serving of garlic mayonnaise or hummus (or both!), and garnishes it with just the right amount of lettuce and potato fries. That done, all that stands between you and dinner is a tightly-wrapped foil. Hungry yet? Then let’s not keep you hanging. Here’s where you can try out a piping-hot serving of shawarma from five of our favourite spots around town.

Turkish Corner for Turkish Foods Location: Adjacent to Indian School Al Ghubra Ignore the blatantly generic restaurant name, because what lies inside is sheer nirvana for those looking for shawarma connoisseurs. The size of the rotisserie is a true testament to the popularity of this restaurant in Al Ghubra – and the chefs don’t disappoint! The shawarmas are sizeable and will only set you back 300 baisas. However, if you’re looking to step it up a notch, try ordering their chicken sarookh (translated as ‘rocket’). Owing to its size, it’s been dubbed the ‘Burj Khalifa’ by loyal customers.

Located deep in the heart of Al Khuwair, not many would expect Al Hawas to be featured on this list; yet here it finds itself. Strictly speaking, this restaurant doesn’t serve Arabic shawarmas. Instead, it does the perfect rendition of an Indo-Arab shawarma. All of the ingredients are topped off with a dash of chilies, which add to the flavour of the dish.

Al Hilal Location: Al Khoud (near Seeb Souq) Thinking of stopping for a food break while at the souq? If so, Al Hilal is the place for you… if you can find a spot to sit, that is. The eatery is famous among school- and college-goers, but the wait is worth it – as the first bite offers up a succulent hit of meat that complements the delectableness of the dish.

Al Fairoz Location: Al Khoud North

If there’s anything quite like a fusion of the best shawarmas, Al Fairoz would definitely take the… This restaurant has been caught well… cake? (We in what seems to be an identity were tempted to crisis. It’s had its name changed say ‘shawarma’). Al three times in the last decade Fairoz’s versions start or so. However, what they do off as they normally would in a Turkish eatery (with know is how to make a good meat, hummus, garlic paste, lettuce, and fries), but shawarma – and they do it extremely well! are then wrapped in Lebanese bread and grilled till The Lebanese-style shawarma is a bit distinctive the crust turns golden brown. though and can come across as a tad dry to some. If anything, this sorts out the longstanding But a dip in the side of yoghurt-based garlic mayonnaise should resolve that and have you asking question: ‘Where does the shawarma originate from?’ for seconds... and thirds.

Al Zaher Coffee Shop Location: Azaiba

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FOOD DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

Info Box

WAGAMAMA

Near Qurum Complex Opening hours: 4 ‫ ‏‬:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. (Daily) Contact: 2 ‫ ‏‬456 1010 Dinner for three: RO24.3

rke -Ma

Mid

Verdict : 8/10 SERVICE 7/10 FOOD 8/10 AMBIENCE Asian restaurant serving a selection of cuisines from Japan and Thailand.

WAGAMAMA

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

IN A MARKET WHERE CHAIN RESTAURANTS CAN BE HIT-OR-MISS, WAGAMAMA SEEMS TO HAVE CARVED OUT A NICHE FOR ITSELF. WHAT IT LACKS IN AUTHENTICITY IT MAKES UP FOR IN CONSISTENCY, AS NISHAD PADIYARATH DISCOVERS

ecause sometimes in life it’s okay to succumb to our cravings, as the heart wants what the stomach wants – and tonight, mine was craving a fix from Wagamama. This popular U.K. import with the name that rolls off your tonight (Japanese for ‘naughty child’ incidentally) opened its first outlet in Al Qurum in December of last year, bringing its signature ramen bowls and famous katsu curry to Muscat foodies. Heading into the restaurant on a Sunday night for the dinner-time rush we were happily greeted by the wait-staff who led us to our table. The interior décor hits the brief of the franchise, while the seating area is relaxed and comfortable – bucking the current trend of Muscat eateries that try to pack in tables to fit in more diners. Wagamama is spacious with a lot of breathing space. For first-time visitors, the menu is vast and can be quite confusing – a pit-fall of the larger chains who try to cater across a variety of what end up (most of the time) being rather generic tastes. Wagamama however, edges out its big-box competitors by delivering on consistency with its

WITH MORE HITS AND A FEW MISSES, WAGAMAMA GENERALLY TICKS THE BOXES WHEN IT COMES TO CONSISTENTLY FLAVOURFUL FARE THAT YOU DON’T ALWAYS GET WITH A FRANCHISE CHAIN

Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com offerings. From the long list of menu items, our eyes settle upon the Girata Steamed Buns as starter along with the Firecracker Prawns, and for our mains the Thai Green Kare with chicken, and that icon of Wagamama’s worldwide – the Katsu Chicken Curry. The buns arrived piping hot and plump with chicken, coriander, and mayonnaise – filling and moreish. The Firecracker Prawns are a fiery mix of mangetout, red and green peppers, onions, and hot red chillies, served with a side of steamed rice, sesame seeds, shichimi and fresh greens. Packing a punch on the heat scale without skimping out on

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flavour, it lived up to its name. However, we can’t say the same about the Thai Gree Kare. Prepared with coconut milk, Thai green curry paste, and lemon and basil leaf, the thickness and flavour of the coconut milk overwhelmed the palate – masking what was already a lacklustre curry paste. In this case, we feel Wagamama would do well to stick to the Japanese cuisine it carries out with gusto. As for the main contender, the Katsu Chicken Curry, it came coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, and smothered in an aromatic Japanese curry sauce served with sticky rice and a side salad with a gingery soy-miso dressing. To wash it all down we ordered their ‘Super Green’ juice. A mixture of apple, mint, and lime we should have sent it back as it was overly-sweetened. With more hits and a few misses, Wagamama generally ticks the boxes when it comes to consistently flavourful fare that you don’t always get with a franchise chain. We’ll definitely be back to give it another go, chopsticks at the ready.

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