Y Magazine #544, November 15, 2018

A sweet epidemic WHY IS DIABETES STILL ON THE RISE IN THE SULTANATE? Y Portrait

By A Nation INSIDE THE SULTANATE’S BIGGEST PATRIOTIC TRIBUTE!

News: ROP ISSUE WARNING OVER 12 ONLINE FRAUD

CATCH THE LATEST 48 UPDATES ONLY ON WWW.Y-OMAN.COM

DESTINATION: Wadi Hoqain TASTE TEST: Yoko Sizzlers YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

NOV 15 - 21 2018 / ISSUE 544 • WEEKLY

TRIBUTE TO A NATION

PLUS!

ON THE CUSP OF THE 48TH OMAN NATIONAL DAY WE BRING YOU A GLIMPSE OF THE SULTANATE THROUGH THE EYES AND WORDS OF THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE UP ITS HEART. LOOKING BACK ON THE JOURNEY OF OUR NATION, WE TAKE STOCK OF HOW FAR WE’VE COME AND THE DISTANCE YET TO GO IN REACHING OUR COUNTRY’S LONG-TERM VISION THAT WILL SUSTAIN THE NEXT GENERATION.

FASHION: NATIONALNOVEMBER COLOURS 01 24 / ISSUE 258

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FIRST DRIVE: TOP 5 SUV DYNAMOS

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YUMMY OMAN: THE BEST TRADITIONAL OMANI DISHES

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EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE…

F

or however long you’ve called the Sultanate home – one year or an entire lifetime, there’s one thing we all have in common. Something has drawn us and kept us, by birth or by choice, in Oman. As we stand on the cusp of the 48th Oman National Day this Sunday, November 18, we’re reminded of the impact this country has had on our lives and livelihoods as we stand together to face the future and grow with our nation.

In honour of all we have faced and all that is to come in our shared journey as Omanis, we here at Y are proud to present to you our National Day issue – a patriotic tribute to the country we all call home.

In our pages this week, we’re bringing you a very special cover feature as we hit the streets to bring you the faces of Oman – people in the Sultanate who have a message for our nation, paying tribute in their own words. We’ve also rounded up your definitive guide to the 48th Oman National Day schedule of events so you don’t miss a single step of the parade or crack of the fireworks.

Plus, in our fashion pages we introduce you to one local photographer whose unique portrayal of traditional Omani dress is the inspiration for this week’s couture spread – while over in Yummy Oman we’re tucking into a cultural culinary experience of some of the best Omani cuisine the Sultanate has to offer. So flip to our back-of-the-book section to check out these and more.

Finally, we’re thrilled to announce that the fifth annual Y Portrait By A Nation competition kicked off in the interiors of Sur, Soha, Nizwa, and Salalah over the weekend, with record numbers of children turning out in their hundreds to paint their patriotism in support of the 48th Oman National Day. We couldn’t be more proud of the creative talent of our nation’s youth, and look forward to the second half of the event happening November 16-17 in the capital. Flip to page 28 for a full recap and interviews with our valued sponsors.

Until next week, happy reading!

Team Y EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi

COVER FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY Fai Faisal Al Balushi

ADMIN MANAGER Yousef Al Harrassi

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi

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NOV 15 - 21 / ISSUE 544

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contents NOV 15 - 21

Your Oman 08 Voice Of Oman

His Excellency

Mohammed al Kindi 10 News

GCC rail link network

well underway 12 News

ROP issue warning over

online fraud

10 Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Wadi Hoqain 34 First Drive

Top 5 SUV dynamos 38 Y-Fi

Devices, by design

2018

This Week 18 Grand Opening

Treat yourself to a

taste of Italy as the

World Week of Italian

Cuisine kicks off at the

Shangri-La Bar Al

Jissah Resort & Spa’s

Capri Court restaurant.

20 Why this land is your land In honour of the 48th Oman National Day on Sunday, November 18 we put out a call to the nation to tell us what the Sultanate means to them, and we’re proud to bring you the voices and faces of the people of Oman in tribute – plus your complete guide to National Day events!

26 A sweet epidemic Oman has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the GCC, and with November 14 19 Movies marking World Diabetes

Newt Scamander and Day we’re shining

his wizarding gang the spotlight on the

are back to track prevalence of the disease

down the evil Gellert in the Sultanate – and

Grindelwald in what’s being done to curb

‘Fantastic Beasts: its rise..

The Crimes of Grindelwald’.

28 Y Portrait By A Nation The fifth annual Y Portrait By A Nation kicked off in the Sultanate’s interiors this weekend and we’ve got the full recap – plus we meet the sponsors and judges who have helped make the 2018 event the biggest and best yet.

19

Health and Beauty 40 Fashion

National colours

Food and Drink

42 Beauty

K-beauty basics

44 Flavours of Oman Enjoy a taste of tradition this National Day

39

Features

46 Taste Test

Yoko Sizzlers

40

NEXT ISSUE...

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

44

brity ch and the latest celeve got at w to ts tis ar e th e’ From e hits of the week, w gossip to your ultimat from the pulse of the music your superstar dose Radio Oman 100.9 FM world, with Virgin

More new music from Drake?

Since his ‘Scorpion’ album dropped back in June, rapper Drake’s been on his ‘Aubrey and The Three Amigos’ tour – but he’s already making plans for new music! After a recent show in Canada he revealed to fans that he’ll be releasing material once the tour ends, saying: “Six shows left, I guess most people would go on a vacation, or I don’t know what they do...but I’ll tell you what I’m gonna do. Because I keep having nights like this that remind me why I love my job so much, I promise you that as soon as this tour is over—and maybe I’ll take, like, a little break—I’m getting right to work on a new album, so we can be right here and have a new party.”

Wiz Khalifa’s off the market We all know the prolific Wiz Khalifa from songs like ‘Black and Yellow’ and ‘See You Again’. Now, after his split with Amber Rose and the decision to continue co-parenting their son Sebastian, rumours have been flying that Wiz and Canadian model Winnie Harlow are now an item.

After hinting at their relationship on his Instagram page but never making a public appearance together, the two were finally spotted on the pink carpet at the recent Victoria’s Secret fashion show in New York City looking all lovey-dovey. Don’t be too heartbroken, ladies…

‘Indiana Jones’ revival?

It has been 10 years since we joined the adventures of Indiana Jones in the ‘Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’, released back in 2008. Leading man Harrison Ford is no stranger to the fantasy/sci-fi world, donning the mantles of both Indy, and Han Solo in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise. And with a fifth ‘Indiana Jones’ film now in the works, there have been murmurings that ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’s Starlord Chris Pratt may join the cast as Indy’s son – a role previously played by Shia LaBeouf in 2008. When asked about the rumours, Harrison played coy, saying: “I think it’s him, 06

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or me.’ Hmmm…how should we interpret that one Mr Ford? I guess we’ll just have to wait until the film hits theatres in 2021.

‘Breaking Bad’ on the big-screen

Unquestionably one of television’s most critically- acclaimed series, AMC’s ‘Breaking Bad’ ran for five nail-biting seasons before ending in 2013. Now, series creator Vince Gilligan has announced that Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul may be reprising the roles of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman for a bigscreen spin-off of the hit show in the form of a two-hour movie. Whether it will hit theatres, or be made-for-TV, is unknown – and we don’t know just yet if it will be a prequel, a follow-up film, or a spin-off like ‘Better Call Saul’. Either way…we’re pumped!

Rihanna drops a teaser Rihanna has been dangling the promise of a new album in front of fans like a carrot for a while now. She had teased them with a follow-up release to her most recent album ‘ANTI”, then told fans in April that ‘R9’ was coming out. Since then, all she’s been doing is talking about this reggaeinspired release and, understandably, her fans have been on her case about it since then. And while the superstar has been busy promoting her Fenty Beauty line and other business endeavours, we’re led to believe that her new music is coming out sooner than we thought! Over the weekend, Rihanna uploaded a silent video to her Insta-Story of herself dancing around in a studio and fans believe she’s actually listening to a new track off her ninth upcoming album.

We’ll just have to wait and see – but Rihanna, we won’t wait forever!

Imagine Dragons release fourth single Multi-platinum, Grammy Awardwinning band Imagine Dragons have released ‘Bad Liar’, the fourth single off their new album ‘Origins’, which dropped on November 9’. Lead vocalist Dan Reynolds says the new album is about seeking new ground, but also appreciating your roots. Most songs on it confront heartbreak and loss as well as spending much of the last year on the road.

Backstreet’s back!

Our favourite boyband of the 90s is back on the charts with ‘Chances’ – the lead single off their new album ‘DNA’. They’ve also announced they’ll be starting a world tour in 2019, kicking off on May 11 in Lisbon, Portugal; with ‘DNA’ slated for release on January 25.

Little Mix release ‘Told You So’ Little Mix are on a roll right now. They’ve just released ‘Woman Like Me’ and ‘Joan of Arc’ and, now, they’re already out with another new song! ‘Told You So’ is about comforting a friend after a hard break-up and being there for them. Little Mix say that this is the song off their new album ‘LM5’ that defines them because it’s about true friendship and looking out for each other.

Be sure to keep it locked to Virgin Radio Oman 100.9 FM, and don’t miss your Tea Time with Maya Noise, daily on Chad in the Morning.

THE VOICE OF OMAN

HIS EXCELLENCY MOHAMMED SULEIMAN AL KINDI, MEMBER OF THE MAJLIS AL SHURA AND REPRESENTATIVE OF THE NAKHAL REGION, TALKS ABOUT THE 48TH NATIONAL DAY AND WHY HE BELIEVES OMAN HAS BECOME THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: On the occasion of the 48th Oman National Day, just how far have we come as a nation towards meeting the pillars of Oman Vision 2020 and Future Vision 2040? Is the Sultanate on the right track towards achieving its long-term goals?

If not, why not?

SUJITH SANKAR

F

irst and foremost, I’d like to extend heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, and all the people living in Oman, on 48 years of peace and prosperity. As you can see today, this nation has come a long way since the time His Majesty took to the throne in 1970.

Developments ranging from sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, and many more have been made since to create the nation that we see today. Just take the new airports in Muscat and Duqm, or the new port in Duqm; for instance. These have been created with the future in mind.

And while I could continue talking about all this for days, I’d like to put into perspective something more important: the unified progress that has been made possible by His Majesty.

This has led to us being placed 47th in a table of the most competitive nations on Earth.

Today, Oman lies in the Middle East as one of the safest and most diplomatic countries, and that can be attributed to His Majesty’s vision to make this country the most welcoming place on Earth.

The implications are many.

This has now led to Omanis being welcomed and respected by people all around the globe. We’re now accepted as brothers by all GCC countries, and our longstanding ties with Europe mean we’re free to enter their lands without any concerns too.

And if the vision of one man has led to so much development in such a short time – in both socioeconomic and political ways – then it’s now up to us to take it forward.

I draw inspiration from His Majesty’s commitment to the nation.

His attitude to strive forward, irrespective of the difficulty of the job in hand, makes us admire him even further.

The results speak for themselves.

This is the greatest country in the world.

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Yes. Oman is on the right track towards achieving its long-term goals. The main goal of Vision 2020 is to achieve the status of a sustainable and diversified economy, which Oman already has covered. Not only is this apparent in the economic field but also in education and health, all of which have made Oman an important country in the Middle East. Women’s empowerment has also progressed at a fast pace. Now women can demonstrate their suitability for jobs alongside their male counterparts. Despite all the progress, Oman has retained many of its traditional values.

Our youth are achieving a very high standard of education from within Oman. Oman is God’s own country. Surely, Oman Vision 2040 will undoubtedly be achieved.

DR. TAMANNA DALWAI

I have lived all my life in Oman and have been witness to the phenomenal

achievements made towards Vision 2020. The best way to rate Oman’s progress would be to view its performance in competition with other countries.

For example, as per the United Nations Government survey 2018, Oman was ranked 63 out of 193 countries. It scored 70 percent in the Human Capital Index, which is a good indicator of its progress towards its objective of development of human resources. Recently, Oman was ranked the best tourist destination among the Arab countries and was positioned 29th at the global level for the Global Food Security Index, which reflects on its objective of economic diversification. All the evidence suggests the country has made measured progress in all areas vis-a-vis its plans under the wise and outstanding leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. With its commitment to Sustainable Goals Development Agenda 2030 and upcoming Vision 2040, the country is set to thrive at international level because it not only promises but also delivers on those promises.

New Debate: More ‘professional beggars’ who aren’t homeless are turning up on the streets of the Sultanate, scamming unsuspecting residents out of hundreds of rials. How we identify these fraudsters from those truly in need is becoming more obscure.

What can be done to curb this alarming trend?

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YOUR

OMAN

MINISTRY ANNOUNCES NATIONAL DAY HOLIDAYS

H

olidays for National Day and the Prophet’s (PBUH) birthday have been announced by the Ministry of Manpower.

According to officials, holidays have been declared from Tuesday, November 20 to Thursday, November 22. Work will resume on Sunday, November 25.

A statement from Oman’s State News Agency said: “On the occasion of the Prophet’s (PBUH) birthday and the glorious 48th National Day, and as per the Royal Orders of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, the official holiday for these two occasions will be from Tuesday, November 20 to Thursday, November 22. Work will resume on Sunday, November 25.”

GCC RAIL LINK NETWORK WELL UNDERWAY

A statement from the Ministry of Manpower confirmed the holidays for the private sector: “Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Bakri, Minister of Manpower issued a decision stating that the holiday for the Prophet’s birthday and the 48th Glorious National Day for private sector companies and establishments will be on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, November 20, 21, 22.”

The decision also allows employers and employees to agree on work arrangements to compensate for the holiday should the need arise.

Employees whose weekly day off coincides with the holiday must be compensated, according to the ministry.

MUSCAT AIRPORT NUMBERS UP BY NEARLY 10%

T

he 2,200 km-long railway network that will link the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations from Muscat to Kuwait City is well underway, the GCC Secretary-General has said.

“The ambitious project will have a far-reaching impact on socio-economic development in the Gulf region,” Abdul Lateef Al Zayani said at the GCC Days forum, held in Kuwait.

The GCC Railway is aimed at being an integrated rail network, serving as an alternative to air and sea travel for both passengers and freight in the region.

According to Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the rail network will link all six Gulf states.

A ministry spokesman said: “With an overall aim of unifying the region and enhancing people’s connectivity and freight movement, the project is also expected to contribute significantly to the region’s economic growth, development and prosperity; in diversifying the transport supply, reducing overall transportation costs, and providing an efficient, environmentallysound and cost-effective transport alternative.”

MUSCAT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RELAUNCHES

M

uscat International Airport was officially re-opened

by His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmood al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, as part of the Sultanate’s 48th National Day celebrations, on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters after opening the airport, HH Sayyid Fahd described it as “one of the most important achievements” in the Sultanate.

The relaunch of the airport, in addition to ports and roads, are all “projects that bring in more investments to the Sultanate”, HH

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Sayyid Fahd added.

Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications said the airport had become a “potential economic, tourist, and investment entity” for the country.

He said: “This project has become a pride and a landmark among the prestigious projects that the Sultanate has witnessed in the 48 years of the Blessed Renaissance.”

During the ceremony, a technical presentation entitled ‘Oman Gate of the World’ was made.

– Oman News Agency.

T

he total number of passengers at Muscat International Airport grew by 9.8 per cent to 11,419,791 million in the first nine months of 2018, compared to the same period last year.

In addition, the total number of flights at Muscat International Airport rose by 5.4 per cent to 89,045 flights during the JanuarySeptember period of 2018, from 84,454 flights for the same period last year, according to figures released by the National Centre of Statistics and Information (NCSI).

The number of international flights at Muscat International Airport rose by 6.9 per cent to

80,246 flights during the JanuarySeptember period of 2018, up from 75,076 flights for the same period last year.

Moreover, the total number of international passengers at Muscat International Airport during the January-September period of this year was 10,510,374 million passengers, which included the arrivals of 5,233,907 million passengers, the departures of 5,260719 million and transit passengers totalling 15,748.

Domestic flights at the airport fell by 6.2 per cent to 8,799 flights in the first nine months of 2018, against 9,378 flights for the same period of last year.

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ROP ISSUE WARNING OVER ONLINE FRAUD

T

he Royal Oman Police (ROP) has warned citizens and residents of the dangers of online and telephone money fraud.

The warning comes as the Directorate General of Criminal Investigations arrested 10 people in related cases.

The ROP said the accused ten people had allegedly sent telephone messages to victims on the pretext that they were calling a bank and that their credit cards would be blocked if they did not open a link in the email.

The police have urged people to ignore all social media messages and calls claiming to be a communications company, a bank or a famous person requesting personal data or PIN, of claiming that you have won a prize in kind or cash among others.

GREEN LIGHT FOR AL KHUWAIR NATURE RESERVE

T

he Al Khuwair Nature Reserve is due to be developed as part of the government’s commitment to eco-tourism.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between The Diwan of Royal Court (represented by the Office for Conservation of the Environment) and the Al Madina Real Estate Company.

The nature reserve will be established as an environmental, recreational and educational destination for both Oman residents and tourists.

The MoU was signed at a press conference at the Grand Millennium Muscat, in the presence of representatives from both parties.

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YOUR

DECKED OUT

OMAN

IT WAS THE ULTIMATE DJ SCRATCHOFF AS MUSCAT’S FIRST TURN-TABLE EVENT BROUGHT DOWN THE HOUSE LAST THURSDAY NIGHT AT RUMBA LATTINA!

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A NEW VIEW

GALLERY

NIKON’S FIRST FULLFRAME, MIRRORLESS CAMERAS Z7 AND Z6 LAUNCHED IN OMAN AT A RECENT UNVEILING HELD AT THE SUNDUS ROTANA.

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Photography by: Fai Faisal Al Balushi Location: Al Amerat Style: Portrait The boundless energy and enthusiasm of Oman’s next generation is reflected in the exuberant smile of a young girl in her vibrant hues of traditional dress and the colours of our flag raised high in honour of the 48th Oman National Day. 016

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The Royal Opera House Muscat has seen some truly great artists grace its stage, and this Saturday, November 17, it’s the turn of Mayada Al Henawi.

Praised as ‘The Singer of a Generation’, the Syrian Al Henawi has collaborated with top composers, such as the popular musician, Baligh Hamdi. In a concert celebrating the best of classical Arab songs, she will perform some of her best work including Kan Ya Makan, Ana Ba’ch’ak and others. She will be joined by Egyptian singer Riham Abdel Hakim whose beautiful voice has also spellbound audiences. Curtain up, 7:00 p.m.

Contact the ROHM Box Office at 2440-3332 for details.

NOV

17

A TASTE OF ITALY

ARAB CLASSICS

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE NOV

19

The Shangri-La Bar Al Jissah Resort & Spa kicks of a World Week of Italian Cuisine at their Capri Court restaurant with a special menu inspired by the flavours and ingredients of Puglia, Italy created by the resort’s Italian Chef Mirco Zompo. Running until November 24, guests can enjoy an authentic taste of southern Italy’s iconic cuisine from 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily, while enjoying a live performance by the five-piece Italian band Mezzotono on Monday, November 19 to celebrate the launch of the week-long culinary event. For bookings and reservations call 2447-6565, or email fbreservation.slmu@shangri-la.com.

MY BEAUTIFUL OMAN

THIS

WEEK

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

N O V E M B E R Celebrate Oman National Day by getting truly creative. SPAR Oman invites young talents from across the capital to join them on Friday, November 16 to participate in the ‘My Beautiful Oman’ – Art & Craft Challenge happening at Liwan Mall, Ghubra. With two age categories – 5-8 years-old (Sit & Draw Competition), and 9-12 years-old (Craft Challenge), participants will need to bring their own craft and colouring materials with A3 size art paper and boards provided at the venue. All children will have one hour to complete their drawings which will be presented to the judges from SPAR Oman.

Event takes place from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and registration can be done online. Visit SPAR Oman on Facebook or Instagram for details on how to enter.

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NOV

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MOVIES MOVIES FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES, GO TO: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.com Star Cinema: Tel +968 2479-1641

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Ezra Miller, Jude Law

Dog Days

I Can Still See You

Cast: Nina Dobrev, Eva Longoria, Tone Bell In this heart-warming comedy, the lives of four very different people in Los Angeles start to unravel, as their loveable companions cross paths (quite literally) with their canine counterparts.

There’s the energetic dog that delights in driving his owners crazy as they prepare to welcome a baby into the family; an abandoned puppy taken in by a barista, an elderly man

Galveston Cast: Ben Foster, Jeffrey Grover, Elle Fanning

with an overweight pug, and a TV presenter with a dog as doleful as she is following a relationship split.

The stories are easy to follow, and charming and insightful without laying on the mawkishness with a trowel. The characters are warm, likeable, and most definitely, human.

It’s a rom-com with not too much bite and is charming for all that. And dog owners will love it.

When New Orleans hitman Roy Cady (Foster) finds out that he has cancer, he realises he has some unfinished business before the inevitable happens.

Unfortunately, his mobster boss has his own ideas about when Roy will be checking out, and he’s not big on sentimentality either.

After being sent out to knock off a crime lord (who isn’t there) Roy stumbles upon 19-year-old Rocky (Fanning) who’s being held hostage in his home.

While Rocky’s career choices don’t impress Roy, the pair set off on a road trip to Galveston that turns into a voyage of discovery for both of them.

This is a noir-ish drama for adults i.e. those who want superlative acting in a gritty, heart-breaking crime drama that concentrates on the emotions not the action.

One of the best films of the year.

Before Newt can step up to the plate, he’s on a travel ban after having been accused of wrecking New York City. And if that weren’t enough, his current crush Tina is in Paris, and privy to Grindelwald’s ghastly goings-on.

Love and loyalty are tested, and the dark forces of wizardry certainly conjure up plenty of wonder in this.

Cast: Bella Thorne, Richard Harmon, Dermot Mulroney

This is the second outing for JK Rowling’s magical saga – which is probably going to put a few more pounds in her colossal coffers.

In this, Albus Dumbledore (Law) ropes in his former student Newt Scamander (Redmayne) to track down his nemesis Credence (Miller) who has gone missing.

But he’s also on a mission to track down the dastardly wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) and thwart his plans to destroy the harmony between the human and magical worlds.

!

After a global catastrophe, the world is now haunted by millions of (mostly benign) ghosts.

When Roni (Thorne) gets a threatening message from beyond the grave, she’s thrown into a world where the lines between the living and the dead become very thin indeed.

After joining forces with her wellmeaning but sinister-sounding classmate Kirk (Harmon), she has to do battle with a killer whose existence she can’t quite fathom.

At Y, we aren’t sure whether this is a scifi, horror, rom-com or thriller. Maybe it’s all four. So, perhaps it ticks all the boxes for a not-too-taxing choice for your movie night.

Roni’s black wig is a bit comical, though; very Wednesday Addams, or even based on Fenella Fielding’s movie-stealing role as a Gothic vamp in British horror comedy classic Carry On Screaming.

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

Which other fantasy franchise is ‘Fantastic Beasts’ actor Johnny Depp known for?

LAST WEEK’S WINNER Jeena Jones

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.

Experience more VOX Cinemas magic! Discover

Now open near you at VOX Cinemas, Muscat Grand Mall Book your tickets at voxcinemas.com or the VOX app NOV 15 - 21 / ISSUE 544

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WHY THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND

As we prepare to celebrate the 48th Oman National Day, Team Y talks to some people proud to call Oman home, and finds out why our country continues to capture our hearts and minds while punching above its weight on the world stage

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T

here’s a bond that holds Oman together in harmony, a bond that strives to form great ties between its neighbouring countries, a bond that makes the Sultanate of Oman the greatest country for people from all other countries to reside in: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said – the beloved ruler of this nation.

It’s the promise to uphold peace, unity, and prosperity among every civilian that endures in Oman, and it marks its 48th year of existence on November 18. And the promise that was made on that very day in 1970 stands true even today.

And, as time ticks by, it only becomes clearer why His Majesty is indeed the driving force of this glorious nation, according to a man who has also seen plenty.

Oman’s best days are what we’re currently witnessing under the “careful rule of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said”, says 91-year-old Mohammed al Numani, a former civil servant since His Majesty’s ascension to the throne until his retirement in 1992.

Mohammed picks up a framed scroll that imprints His Majesty’s speech from the 4th National Day in 1974. It reads: “On this immortal landmark day, four years ago, a new sun shone in our beloved land to light the flame of the national spirit and zeal of our citizens, who plunged into building this renaissance and to regain the glories of the ancient past by asserting that it is not the time factor that counts, but the achievements themselves on the path of civilised progress, the all-out development of the country, the extent of the role it can play in international affairs, and the effect of such events on the course of its progress”.

The bedridden Mohammed then musters just enough strength to say: “Bism’illah ir Rahman ir Rahim – I would like to wish His Majesty a long

Devika and Hari Krishnan, Expat entrepreneurs

S

ince the day we arrived here in the Sultanate in 1993, all we’ve experienced is the nation’s love and compassion for everyone.

Oman’s greatest achievement lies in the fact that people of all ages, cultures, and religion live together without any squabbles.

We know that this level of tolerance is rare – but it inevitably comes from His Majesty and the culture of the Omani people. This is probably what makes this the greatest country in the Middle East.

We’ve seen Oman go through its transitional phases – from the time Wadi Kabir was merely a village to the modern city that it is now. And even then, all its jewels – the Sheraton Hotel and the iconic Star Cinema building – still remain, showing how important heritage is to the people of the country.

That said, the greatest blessings we have received have been in the form of education, healthcare, and the safety of women – all factors that have been developed since His Majesty’s ascension to the throne.

Not only has this helped Oman develop into a powerhouse in the Middle East, it has allowed it to compete directly with its neighbours, from which it has already taken a great share of tourism and entertainment.

and peaceful life. May he continue taking care of us – his sons and daughters – in great health and keeping up the greatest accordance with our brethren.”

His affection and determination for His Majesty is a testament to the love of everyone else residing in the country – both Omanis and expats alike. And as we enter the delightful National Day week, there’s no shortage of greetings pouring in from all around the country.

We speak to a few people to share their message and shed light on their lives in Oman.

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Tariq Hilal al Barwani, the founder and chairman of the board of directors of Knowledge Oman – the leading platform in the Sultanate’s move towards a Digital and Knowledge-based society

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n behalf of the Knowledge Oman (KO) family, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our visionary leader – His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said – on the occasion of the 48th National Day of Oman.

It’s a day of the year that brings eternal meaning to our beautiful and peaceful country under the wise leadership of His Majesty.

Oman is progressing and the future is bright – Insha’Allah!

The progression is evident in our field, too.

The word ‘Digital’ is no longer a gibberish one in the Sultanate as it used to be decades ago.

Today, even a toddler would know how to swift pages on a tablet at home. What’s the reason for that? Clearly the progress that Oman has made over the years to ensure that technology is a part of everything in life – be it in business, government services or even education – thanks to the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said.

What this means is that today, the United Nations e-Government Survey ranks Oman 63rd out of the 193-member state countries (worldwide), 6th among the Arab countries, 2nd in the online services index, and 1st in the Global Cyber Security Index of the top 10-member states.

Oman has clearly improved its ranking and position in the digital arena over the past few years and is indeed all geared to welcome the best out of the future – for the citizens, business and the government.

Projects that include but are not limited to infrastructure, training, policies and procedures, and industry-led development initiatives are constantly being developed and released to support the various initiatives in the country.

These include SAS centres for entrepreneurship (for the Information and Communications Technology industry), mobile applications development and virtual reality (education and opportunities) to government data centers, and cloud services to host and support the hungry data generated from information across various services offered in the country.

The government has and is laying out the necessary infrastructure for the nation. Businesses are constantly introducing projects via collaborating with the international technology service providers for the benefit of the society; and the citizens are selecting, consuming and benefiting from the offers digitally. The proof is in the pudding: Oman has progressed and the future will be brighter, Insha’Allah.

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Gautam Ghosh Dastidar, a former journalist and French teacher in a school in Oman

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he Sultanate is on the right track towards achieving its long-term goals.

One must understand what the land and her progeny mean by ‘goals’. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said defines that at the ‘Conference on Oman’s EconomyVision 2020’ in June 1995: “Development must not stop at the achievement of material wealth and a diversified economy. It must go beyond that to contribute to the formation of the citizen who is capable of taking part in the process of progress and comprehensive development”.

I will be on cloud nine to share and cheer the 48th National Day celebration.

As I was once airborne to Muscat amid the National Day holidays and this time is going to be the 18th National Day in Oman for me!

Like everyone else, I have benefited greatly from the development the Sultanate has achieved, and not only materialistically. One must hold in high regard the role Oman has been and is always playing as a mediator between warmongering sides and acting as a messenger of peace amid this warring world of ours.

The Royal Directives of HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said stipulate that the future vision ‘Oman 2040’ will be thoroughly developed and precisely formulated in light of wide community consensus and the participation of all social segments of the society in order to fully realise economic and social realities, objectively foreseeing the future, and effectively guiding planning in the upcoming two decades.

If our civilisation will at all be able to see the light of the 22nd century, the highest credit will go to Oman and its visionary leader His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said!

T Ali al Barwani, the former CEO of the Oman Road Safety Association and the Strategic Development Planner of Oman LNG

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he growth this nation has seen under the governance of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said cannot be expressed with simple words – the progress has been exponential and the successes abundant.

All of this has led to this nation being reborn. Oman may have a long history that it is proud of but I’ll tell you this: we’re equally proud of our present and where we’re headed towards in the future.

The promises that were made were – and still are being – fulfilled. The results speak for themselves. Today, Oman is developing at a fast pace when compared with several other countries in the Middle East.

No shortcuts have been taken and all

feel blessed and privileged to be in the Sultanate of Oman when the nation is under the dynamic and able leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, and the ruler is gearing up to celebrate 48 years of ascension to the throne.

It has been an amazing experience for my wife and I to witness very closely from 1998 how the country that started a glorious era of better life for citizens back in 1970 has transformed Dr Rao Suddapalli, way itself in various fields. The results have a medical advisor and been astounding. an intellectual property The ‘Basic Statutes of the State’ rights attorney of November 1996 that guaranteed rights to citizens, and modernisation programmes that formed the basic edifice for the tremendous and incredible growth gave further impetus for a modern Oman; competing with other developing nations at a global level.

It all started with stabilising the country in the early years in terms of national security by restructuring armed forces followed by the police. This gradually extended to a thrust of developing citizenship, which saw vast development in the fields of education, health, basic infrastructure, training, social development and culture.

Since 1996, there was no looking back, as women’s empowerment garnered major attention – followed by people’s participation that includes voting rights for women, with elected parliamentary institutions and state executives working in cohesion to see that the Vision-2020 of His Majesty is realised fully.

Lastly, Oman’s adherence to international treaties and laws, especially those surrounding human trafficking, makes it stand in high esteem. Given a chance, we will not think twice to make this our abode for the rest of our lives, for it is the paradise with a prosperous present and a promising future.

Long live His Majesty!

the planning has been done sustainably.

Take for instance, the roads. All roads that run across the country are specified to the highest standards to safeguard all commuters. This is the level of dedication that sets this nation apart from others.

While the 48th National Day stands as an achievement for Oman – it’s not just one for the Omanis but also for the expats with whom we reside together in peace to make this our home.

And it is this level of love and understanding within our country that we radiate to the rest of the globe. So, we’re known to be amicable people with a very diplomatic framework and mindset towards foreign policies.

The respect we receive outside as citizens of this country will make you realise how blessed you are to be a part of Oman.

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eing born and raised in Oman, I have seen it all happen here.

I’ve been living here for more than 30 years and the progress are been outstanding.

Oman has obviously become a vital player in the globe and I hope this continues at the same pace for Haris Aslam, the years to come. a leader in the Personally, I have enjoyed Sultanate’s digital every bit of my life in Oman – transformation process and in the field of technology, the advancements and the vision aligned with the innovations have helped grow the country grow further.

Exactly four years ago, I became a part of the digital revolution here in Oman. The way e-commerce industry has shaped itself here is brilliant – even though it was a tough ride for the first couple of years.

Over the next five years in my domain of digital transformation I am foreseeing more efforts by both the government and private sector.

There is a lot happening in logistics, FinTech (financial technology), blockchain, and various other digital transformation initiatives.

I can also see a strong collaborations between digital firms based in Europe and North America with local Omani companies.

And yes, it’s very important to mention here that there are several talented Omanis in this sector, and the young Omani millennials between the ages of 24 and 25 have so much to contribute to companies, especially those in the digital space.

Needless to say, they are excelling rapidly.

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Y’S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS

National Day Parade

It’s like being there – but not quite. While the 48th National Day Parade When: November 18 that will be presided over by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said and other dignitaries will take place on November 18, the event can only be attended by a select few. So, your next best bet would be to turn your television screens to Oman TV, which will broadcast the action live. You can catch the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF), the Royal Guard of Oman (RGO), the Sultan’s Special Force (SSF) and the Royal Oman Police (ROP) take part in the military parade, too.

You wouldn’t want to miss this one – it only happens once every year: on the National Day of Oman. These fireworks will paint the nation’s patriotism in innumerable colours to light up the night skies, and aims to imbue a sense of oneness among all living together in harmony in the Sultanate.

Sky Paintings When: November 18 Time: TBC Location: Al Amerat and Al Khoudh

Fun Day Out When: November 17 Time: 3:30 pm to 6pm.

Location: Madinat al Ilam Park

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The youth form much of the nation’s populace – and it’s now up to them to make the National Day a grand triumph. Children all over the country are called upon to celebrate the occasion at the Madinat al Ilam Park, where fun competitions in dance, music, skits, and arts and crafts will be held. Bookworms can also enjoy a spot of reading or storytelling at the venue – think of this as a one-stop shop for families, this National Day weekend.

Season of Unity

When: November 17 and 18 Time: All day long Location: The highways City Seasons will be packed with Hotel Muscat enthusiastic residents and so will the malls and parks. But, there’s still hope for those who want to sit down for a peaceful meal with their loved ones – the Seasons restaurant at the City Seasons Hotel Muscat.

They’ll do you one better, too: you’ll receive an instant 48 per cent discount on your bill on those days. For table reservations call: 24394825 / 24394863 or drop an email at events.muscat@ cityseasonshotels.com

SPECIAL: NATIONAL DAY BOOK LAUNCH SHOWCASES OMAN AS A TOURIST DESTINATION

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seemingly never-ending shoreline, belts of mountains that run from North to South, and caves that rewrite the course of human history aside, Oman will now steal the baton for tourism in the GCC from its brothers in the wake of another new feature exclusive to the Sultanate: wetlands.

In the new book titled, ‘Barr Al Hikman: Shorebird Paradise in Oman’, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs and Shell Development Oman have come together to endorse the biodiversity of Oman’s Al Wusta Wetlands – a home to several kinds of rare water bird species and a staggering 300,000 kinds of other birds.

During the book’s launch, Chris Breeze, Shell’s Oman Country Chairman, said: “Having visited Barr Al Hikman, I am delighted that Shell has been able to collaborate on this book and that we can celebrate Oman’s 48th National Day with this publication. The Sultanate enjoys a wonderfully diverse landscape and is home to many different water bird species.

Further, this book is a vital piece of research and will ultimately contribute to sustainable development and promote Oman as a tourist destination.”

If this book won’t catch the attention of the nature-mongers and passing tourists, then we don’t know what will.

Y’S GUIDE TO DECORATING YOUR CAR… LEGALLY It’s good news for commuters! The Royal Oman Police (ROP) will allow you to decorate your car for a limited time.

Remember Paul Walker’s Toyota Supra sports car, complete with fiery decals and a sharp orange paintjob, from the iconic ‘Fast and Furious’ movie franchise that you always wanted? Well, forget about it – because all that will leave you with is a hefty fine.

While the ROP will allow you to alter the look of your car, there are a few tips to follow to stay within the law: 1) The stickers and paintings on the car must be relevant to the National Day – duh!

2) These decorative stickers must not block the line of vision of the driver. If you can’t see the road from your windshield, stay away from the roads. We don’t want you to end up on YouTube (or worse, in hospital) for ploughing your car into a tree.

3) Don’t create a kit car out of your trusty sedan – the ROP must be able to identify the colour and look of your car. Besides, adding more stickers or re-painting your car in Ferrari red won’t make you go any faster.

4) Avoid fabric-based decorations, unless of course, you want to start a bonfire with your car.

5) Do not modify your number plate. There’s no plausible way to explain to the ROP why the ‘9’ in your number plate looks like a ‘3’.

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A SWEET EPIDEMIC Diabetes has become the deadliest of diseases, and one that many sufferers don’t even know they have. Team Y lifts the lid on the potentially lethal illness that can threaten our lives and cast a shadow on our lifestyles

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iabetes is slowly but insidiously becoming one of the greatest threats to mankind.

It’s quite simply a disease that threatens to uproot the healthcare industry by evolving into a “21st Century catastrophe”.

And the numbers don’t lie. As of 2017, a staggering 425 million people were suffering from the disease, which was ranked as the seventh greatest killer by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The WHO describes this potentially deadly disease as a chronic, metabolic illness that is characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar).

It occurs when the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, which in turn results in abnormal

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metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood.

If left untreated, this could lead to serious complications to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves, or worse, death.

Current statistics show no need for the residents of Oman to worry – but those numbers only tell you half the story, says Dr Amina Mohammed al Barwani, an endocrinologist with a private hospital.

Dr al Barwani says: “The stark reality is that while the numbers of deaths are predominantly in developing countries in South East Asia and the Western Pacific, the Middle East is catching up – and Oman is pacing itself just as quickly.”

She’s right, too. For instance, currently, the International Diabetic Federation (IDF) states that there are more than 39 million people in the Middle East region suffering from the illness. But, the numbers are expected to rise to a worrying 67 million by the

year 2045.

The concerns only increase further when we realise that Oman currently has 367,700 diabetic patients (nearly 10.7 per cent of the society) registered and receiving treatment from private and government hospitals governed by the Oman Diabetes Association (ODA) and that the figures will increase by nearly “120 per cent” over the next 12 years.

Yesterday was marked as ‘World Diabetes Day’, while this month is observed in full as one to create awareness about the illness.

And fulfilling her role during the month, Dr al Barwani says: “To understand why these numbers are increasing, we first need to understand the types of diabetes.

“There are two types that are very prevalent in Oman – Type 1 and Type 2 – with the second type nearing accounting for nearly 80 per cent of all diabetes cases in the country,” she adds.

According to the IDF, Type 1 diabetes or ‘juvenile-onset diabetes’ is usually caused by an auto-immune reaction wherein the body’s defence system attacks the cells that produce insulin.

The disease may affect people of any age, but usually develops in children or young adults. People with this form of diabetes need injections of insulin every day to control

the levels of glucose in their blood.

If people with type 1 diabetes do not have access to insulin, it could result in their death.

Type 2 diabetes or ‘adult-onset diabetes’ accounts for most diabetes cases. It’s associated often, but not always, with obesity, which itself can cause insulin resistance and lead to high blood glucose levels.

The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can occur at any age – but it can remain undetected for many years and the diagnosis is often made when a complication appears or a routine blood or urine glucose test is done.

People with type 2 diabetes can often initially manage their condition through exercise and diet. However, over time most people will require oral drugs and/or insulin, the IDF adds.

But just them the doctor goes on to add another type of diabetes – a third kind: gestational diabetes.

She explains: “It is normally found in pregnant women when they’re diagnosed with high glucose levels.

“I had experienced this myself but it completely disappeared postpregnancy. But, what women must keep in mind is that this can put you and your child at risk of contracting Type 2 diabetes later in life – so you must keep your lifestyle and your food habits healthy.”

But Dr al Barwani says that even though the Type 1 and gestational diabetes comes naturally based in one’s body, there are ways by which one can reduce the risk of contracting Type 2 diabetes.

Here, she offers some tips for potential or actual sufferers:

2) Change your lifestyle

This is arguably the hardest task one can ask a diabetic patient to do – so I make sure that I tell every unfit patient who comes here for an examination to change their food habits (switch from fatty foods that are high in saturated and trans fats), alter their sleep patterns, and also to exercise frequently. This can definitely reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes.

3) Weight management

This is no joke! Fat stored in your body needs to be burned away. And the excess fat that you see around the abdomen region of your body can increase your body’s resistance to insulin – the hormone that’s vital to curb diabetes.

4) Avoid processed foods

We spoke about altering your food habits, but that includes saying no to takeaway foods that are high in salt and saturated fats. These meals are designed to last long on a shelf and nothing more.

5) Stop smoking and drinking alcohol

Every now and then we see videos pop up on Facebook of the benefits of drinking liquor for reducing your diabetes risk. However, in reality, I have not come across a single study that states this. Don’t fall for cheap marketing techniques as these products are bad for your health when consumed without moderation.

Dr al Barwani concludes: “One only realises the inconvenience caused by diabetes once you have been diagnosed with it. It changes your life 1) Assess the risk forever and things that you could once No one’s exempt from any illness and do won’t be possible anymore. So, my diabetes isn’t an exception. If anything, humble request to anyone reading you’re at a higher risk of contracting this would be to get yourself tested the disease by not acknowledging it. immediately, and then proceed for So, take a periodical exam with your follow-ups regularly. endocrinologist every six to eight Prevention is definitely better than months or so if you feel that your cure.” lifestyle has been altered.

Risk factors that can lead to diabetes: • • • • • • •

Family history Lack of exercise Unhealthy eating Overweight Increasing age (type 2) High blood pressure (type 2) Ethnicity (type 2)

Is there a treatment for diabetes?

There’s no cure for diabetes, so treatment aims to keep blood glucose levels as normal as possible and control symptoms.

Diabetes Type 1: Treatment includes insulin injections or using an insulin pump. It can be managed well.

Diabetes Type 2: Make lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and weight loss, but medication will eventually be needed.

Key facts

• The number of people with diabetes has risen from 108 million in 1980 to 425 million in 2017.

• The global prevalence of diabetes among adults over 18 years of age has risen from 4.7% in 1980 to 8.5% in 2014.

• Diabetes prevalence has been rising more rapidly in middle- and lowincome countries.

• Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.

• In 2016, an estimated 1.6 million deaths were directly caused by diabetes. Another 2.2 million deaths were attributable to high blood glucose in 2012.

• Healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use are ways to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

• Diabetes can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with diet, physical activity, medication and regular screening and treatment for complications.

Source: World Health Organisation

Symptoms: • • • • • •

Frequent urination Weight loss Lack of energy Excessive thirst Increased hunger Lack of interest and concentration • Blurred vision • Slow-healing wounds

• Frequent infections

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As the Sultanate gets ready to celebrate the 48th Oman National Day, registration is now open for the fifth annual Y Portrait By A Nation. This week, we meet the sponsors and judges who are gearing up to make the 2018 event the biggest and best yet

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s the Sultanate gets ready to celebrate the 48th Oman National Day, the fifth annual Y Portrait By A Nation kicked off this past weekend throughout the interiors with record numbers of children taking part. We bring you a full recap and meet the sponsors and judges who are gearing up to make the 2018 event the biggest and best yet.

In honour of the 48th Oman National Day on November 18, Y’s Portrait By A Nation (PBAN) returns for its fifth annual competition presented by Ahlibank, powered by Gloria Jean’s Coffees, in association with Shell Oman, Muscat Grand Mall, Sandan Properties, Chiko Koffy, and Shapoorji Pallonji, and with the support of Phoenix Power Company (SAOG), Crowne Plaza Sohar, Hilton Salalah Resort, Nizwa Grand Mall, and City Centre Sur. Once again, young artists from schools across the Sultanate will come together to create a unique piece of art as a lasting tribute to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Festivities got into full swing as the competition took place across the interiors in Sur, Sohar, Nizwa, and Salalah on November 9 and 10 with an incredible turnout as families and their children came out in the hundreds to mark the occasion by painting their patriotism in recognition of His Majesty.

Speaking at the event in Sur at My City Centre Sur Mall, Khalid Hameed, Senior Training Engineer with PBAN support partner Phoenix Power Company (SAOG), expressed his enthusiasm for the creativity of Oman’s next generation: “We’re incredibly proud to be a part of Y’s Portrait By A Nation, which aims to showcase the patriotism of children for His Majesty. And we’re even happier

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to see it take part in Sur – an area that usually doesn’t witness events of such grandeur.

“This must be the largest event of its kind that has taken place in this city and, as you can see on the faces of these children, they’re very excited to see this take place.

I’m sure that there will be several standout performers within these age categories – and on behalf of Phoenix Oman, I’d like to wish them all great success.”

Armed with canvases and an imaginative arsenal of paint and craft supplies, children and youth brought the ultimate showcase of creativity to the competition – with one young participant in Sohar even using coffee to craft her painting, while another young girl in Salalah brought a hair-dryer to melt her crayons into a colourful palette on her canvas.

Speaking on behalf of presenting sponsor Ahlibank, personal banker Abdullah Mahmood al Balushi came out to witness the on-ground competition in Sur and its outpouring of national pride.

“We don’t have words to express our feelings about the 48th Oman National Day,” he said. “[It] forms the most important part of our culture and our heritage – and there’s no better way to do it than to paint a portrait of His Majesty. As we can see, the kids – both Omanis and expats – are thoroughly enjoying themselves, with a few even taking creativity to the next level with special colours and glitters.

At the end of the day, what matters is how many children have taken time out of their weekend to come here to My City Centre Sur to take part in the Y Portrait

By A Nation competition. We’d like to see more events like this one in the future and Sur will be prepared for it.”

The next leg of the competition will take place in the capital at Muscat Grand Mall on November 16 and 17.

In focus

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his week we’re introducing readers to some of our sponsors and partners that make PBAN possible. We sat down with PBAN, powered by sponsor Gloria Jean’s Coffees Oman’s Managing Director, Leena Al Bastaki, to learn more about how events like PBAN help foster stronger community ties – and how coffee and art intersect.

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: Tell us about a little bit about the Gloria Jean’s Coffees Oman brand. We stop by every morning for our daily dose!

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AB: Gloria Jean’s Coffees is an Australian coffee chain that has more than 1,000 outlets worldwide. Launched in Oman in 2012 and within just six years, it has grown significantly to 11 stores. This growth is due to the guests who love the brand and our vision to be the most loved and respected coffee company in Oman and the world. At Gloria Jean’s Coffees, we are committed to delivering the ultimate coffee experience by building a unified family that consistently serves the highest quality coffee and provides outstanding personalised service in a vibrant store atmosphere.

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: Seeing the amount of creative expression among youth at events such as PBAN, why is it important for Gloria Jean’s Coffees Oman to be a valued partner and sponsor?

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AB: We’re a company with a social conscience globally and locally. We’re committed to supporting a great initiative such as PBAN to share our love of this great nation.

PBAN is a unique platform that engages the society together in sharing our love of our beautiful country Oman and our beloved leader His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

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: Any words of encouragement for this year’s batch of participants?

AB: Be proud. Love and respect each other!

: How is Gloria Jean’s Coffees Oman committed to cultivating ties with the community here in Muscat? Let’s face it, there’s nothing more communal than coffee!

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AB: With heart; a Gloria Jean’s Coffees Foundation was created out of our desire to give something back to the community. We are passionate to give back to society and will continue to be. Globally, we help disadvantaged children and contribute to alleviating poverty. Locally, we have been supporting several causes, one of which is OCA – Dar Al Hanan specifically. It’s a fullyequipped home made for children to be taken care of. Every Ramadan we sell Gloria Jean’s Coffees key chains in order to gift the children

About Y Portrait By A Nation

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at Eid. We simply believe that small actions equal big differences.

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: On a national level, would you say that Oman is doing enough to support a platform for its next generation of artists – or can it be doing more?

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AB: Yes there’s always room for more.

The sky’s the limit! Oman’s beauty and diversity makes it a haven for artists. The diversity, nature and the people of Oman are all inspirations for any artist. PBAN is a great platform and we encourage other organisations to follow this path and educate the world about beautiful Oman.

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: As our ‘Powered By’ sponsor, what excites you most about this year’s event?

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AB: Having the highest record of participants!

: How do art and coffee intersect at Gloria Jean’s Coffees Oman?

(We love the barista art in our morning mug!)

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AB: Coffee is art! It starts from the way it is passionately made, then the creative art done with lattes, through serving it and lastly sipping the coffee you love. The intersection is shown as well in all our stores.

Each store has a vibrant atmosphere with beautiful art wall frames and posters.

families, will be invited to be awarded commendation certificates and prizes.

The event will be followed by dinner.

ne of the biggest events of the year in Oman, Y’s Portrait By A Nation saw an impressive 2,200 entries received from children ages 5-17 Special coverage in Y Magazine years-old from Muscat, Nizwa, Sohar, and Salalah last year.

After the competition, there will be special coverage in Y which will Children will receive a different-sized canvas and a different portrait of feature the works of the young artists along with their interviews.

His Majesty, across three age categories of competition: Sale of paintings 5-9 years – Canvas size 20cm x 30cm After the awards presentation, paintings of all the finalists will be put 10-13 years – Canvas size 30cm x 40cm on display for public purchase at a minimum price-tag of RO25, with all 14-17 years – Canvas size 40cm x 50cm proceeds going directly to the artist.

Forty-eight finalists will be selected from participants – 16 in each category, with three winners chosen among them from each age category, for a chance to win prizes worth a total of RO2,550. Each winner will win a prize worth RO500 in each age category, while runners-up will win prizes valued at RO250 in each age category, and there will be RO100 for third place in each age category.

Championing the patriotic heart of the nation through the artistic expression of the young generation, Y’s Portrait By A Nation will be featured across all of SABCO Media’s platforms, including Y Magazine, Koooora Wa Bas Magazine, Merge 104.8, Al Wisal, and Virgin Radio Oman 100.9 FM. On-ground Competition Muscat: November 16 & 17, Muscat Grand Mall.

Judging panel The Y Portrait By A Nation judging panel will include sponsors, eminent local artists, and representatives of Team Y. The panel will select 16 winners from each age group for a total of 48 finalists.

Awards Function Conducted in a 5-star venue, the sponsors will interact with the 48 finalists from the three age categories. The finalists, along with their

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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

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(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 A COOL RETREAT

Families gather in the cool waters of Wadi Hoqain on an unseasonably hot weekend afternoon.

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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

Wadi Hoqain

Shaquel al Balushi’s lens clicks into overdrive when rewarded with the abundant assets of Oman’s ‘waterfall village’ 032

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Gaming

– mostly because of the temperate weather conditions brought in by the tall mountains that keep away much of the rays of the sun, and partly due to the fertile soils in the area.

This means there are thousands of date palm trees that are harvested annually during the season.

There’s not much more to see than this – especially just post the rains. However, while on my way back from the sides of the wadi, I was approached by an old Omani man who insisted that I stop by his home for a cup of kahwa (Omani coffee).

My polite resistance was no match for his persistence and I finally followed him. He immediately poured me a glass of fresh and piping hot coffee from a container and asked me if I’d liked it.

I nodded, pleased by the sharp aroma and the acidic but smooth nature and consistency of the coffee. It was one of the best kahwas I’ve ever had outside of Muscat.

A few minutes later – after duly thanking the truly courteous man – I returned back to base camp, where I had spent a few more hours drenched from chest to toe in water.

Ever since we were little, we’ve always been taught in school about the awe-inspiring cascades of the Angel, Niagara Falls, and the Tugela Falls, but I’ll tell you this, Wadi Hoqain has a charm of its own – and it has much to do with three key characteristics: one, the spurting waters of the falls; two, its everwelcoming residents; and three, its proximity to the city, which makes it the perfect spot for HOW TO GET THERE a quick weekend getaway.

TRAVEL GUIDE

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he anticipation of taking your first breath in an area you’ve never been to beats everything else that stands in the way. Just the thought of standing by the side of one’s car and experiencing the piquant scents of air that emanate from the unknown lands around will whet anyone’s interest.

So, when I got the opportunity to scout the sands of Wadi Hoqain this week, I grabbed it. And boy, was I in for a pleasant surprise.

Wadi Hoqain has long been known to be the waterfall village of Oman – harbouring life around a year-long cascade; something that’s uncommon in this (arid) part of the world. Yet, its far-reaching fame brings tourists from around the world.

The drive to the area is a fairly easy one – probably made possible to aid the tourists that visit the lands every day. But, cocooned safely in the heart of the northern Al Hajar mountains, the village of Hoqain and its underlying wadi have slowly turned this locale into a must-visit town for anyone visiting the country.

Our journey from the heart of Muscat to the wadi took us only an hour and 30 minutes – nowhere close to the three and four hours that it usually takes us on our Destination trips outside the capital. But, once we were near, it didn’t take us long to realise when we’d reached our point of interest.

The sounds of the fresh water gushing through the walls of the wadi and of smooth wadi stones brushing against each other became clearer as we got close to the cascades.

Setting our car to a safe corner of the wadi, we proceeded towards the heart of the fall.

It’s not what we would call giant, but the combination of the size and its flowrate makes for a very dense cascade that would pose its own charm to swimmers.

The slippery rocks on either side don’t do explorers much help either.

But, none of that will matter because all you’ll want to do when you’re face-to-face with the wadi is change into suitable attire and jump into the waters – which is exactly what we did.

The waters were cool but not so much that we were left quivering. Even so, the satisfying feeling of fresh water hitting my body sent me into a state of pure glory – it was unlike anything I’d experienced before.

All I could think of then was to bring the Bluetooth boom box from my truck and indulge in a bit of Pink Floyd and Daft Punk. Slow psychedelic rock, cool waters, and friends to enjoy your time with: I couldn’t think of anything even remotely better than that at the time.

A few hours in, I decided to leave the waters and head on a solo excursion to click some photos of the lands around.

Much of the village of Hoqain is sheltered by trees

From Muscat, enter the Expressway and proceed until you reach the exit towards Rustaq. From there on, you must stick to Route 11. At the first roundabout, take a right. Set you sights on the village of Daris – after which, you should be able to see sign boards that lead towards Wadi Hoqain. Keep Google Maps at bay should you require a quick assistance, but the people in the villages around are helpful and will direct you towards the waterfalls.

GPS location of the Al Amerat wildlife reserve: 23°32’48.2”N 57°20’29.6”E

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

TO P 5 S U V D Y N A M O S

We at Y are savvy about the surge-factor of modern SUVs. With these, we remind you that buying solid doesn’t mean stinting on speed

Lamborghini Urus Specifications: • Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 • Power: 650hp • Torque: 850Nms • 0-100kph: 3.6 seconds

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he laws of physics had to be bent to accommodate the Lamborghini Urus. At least that’s how it feels taking the helm of the 2.2-ton blunderbuss. Aside from the silly name and the equally silly – and a bit eye-watering – RO90,000 price tag, Lamborghini’s first attempt at an SUV since the original LM002 three decades ago has resulted in them creating one of the fastest out there to date. Not only can it smoke a Porsche

911 Carrera or a Jaguar F-Type in a drag race, it can do the same while carrying four of your best mates in relatively decent comfort. Power is sourced from a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that can put down 650 horses and 850Nms of torque to all four wheels through an eightspeed automatic tranny. In true Lamborghini (or shall we say Audi) fashion, the Urus too will come packing a bunch of gizmos, the main one of which is a rear-wheel steering system to help reduce the footprint of the SUV that will help it – well, let’s say manoeuvre – around corners easily. It’s an all-rounder of sorts and an instant icon only bogged down by Audi-esque elements in the interior.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV Specifications: • Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 • Power: 503hp • Torque: 600Nms • 0-100kph: 3.8 seconds

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his one is the embodiment of a true sleeper – a car that has high performance and a humble exterior. Don’t get us wrong, we think Alfa’s signature grille and badge sit pretty on the Stelvio but what we’re more interested in is the Ferrari-honed 2.9-litre ‘twinturbocharged’ V6 jewel that lies underneath the long and wide vented hood. The results speak for themselves: a staggering 503hp and 600Nms of torque are diverted through an eight-speed automatic transmission to an all-wheel drive

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system that’s rear biased. This means the Stelvio will eat up virtually all sports cars from Asia or America (except for the Nissan GTR and a Dodge Challenger Hellcat, perhaps) on a racetrack and will only fall short of the German legends – mostly those that carry the ‘AMG’, ‘M’, and ‘RS’ prefixes.

Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG Coupe Specifications: • Engine: 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 • Power: 585hp • Torque: 760Nms • 0-100kph: 4.2 seconds

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e’re not particularly fond of the egg-shaped styling of the GLE63 AMG Coupe but it sure goes like it’s on fire – at least while it’s in a straight line. In its most

Destination

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

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

extravagant form, the SUV will come with 585hp and an earth-shattering 760Nms of torque to propel it from a standstill to 100kph in 4.2 seconds. These are more than just impressive numbers for a city cruiser. The GLE63 AMG’s machine gun soundtrack, coupled with the performance, will inevitably lead to a bunch of envious onlookers querying why you’d rather turn fossil fuels into noise and speed than do something for the planet. Of course, you won’t be listening as you blast past them – and they’ll most certainly not catch up with you, either.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo Specifications: • Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 • Power: 550hp • Torque: 770Nms • 0-100kph: 4.1 seconds

T

he Porsche Cayenne must be the most stereotyped SUV of all time – donning the ‘soccer mom car’ image here in Oman.

Though, you won’t be smiling when you catch this zooming past you at full blast. At its peak, the 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 motor will pump out 550hp and 770Nms of torque, for an estimated naught to 100kph run time of 4.1 seconds. This is aided by a brilliant ‘PDK’ gearbox and an equally stellar chassis that can give supercars a run for their money. The 2019 Cayenne Turbo also wins our hearts for aesthetics, evolving from being one of the most hated designs anyone had ever seen in an SUV when it went on sale in 2002.

Tesla Model X

I

Specifications • Motor: 100kWh • Power: 605hp • Torque: 1074Nms • 0-100kph: 3.1 seconds

likely pulverise the internal organs of the six other passengers that you can cram within the car, you can keep things real and simply brag about how the SUV comes with gullwing doors, autonomous driving, and the fact that it leaves a relatively smaller carbon footprint than those of its competitors.

t pains us to put an electric vehicle alongside this clan of gas-guzzling monstrosities – but, hey, times have changed. The Tesla Model X, if specced correctly and at the right temperature conditions, could outrun each of the SUVs we’ve mentioned here in this roundup. At the crux of the vehicle lies a 100kWh motor that buzzes out 605 ponies and an unbelievable 1074Nms of torque. To put this into perspective – the Model X produces more torque than a Lamborghini Aventador or a Ferrari 488 GTB; both supercars that are built for the road and track. Where the former trumps all other SUVs and some supercars is in acceleration – hitting the 100kph mark in a mere 3.1 seconds. While the G-force would most

Here are some other SUVs that missed the list by a whisker: Range Rover Sport SVR: 575hp and 680Nms of torque Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk: 707hp and a 0-100kph time of 3.8 seconds BMW X5M: 567hp and 750Nms of torque

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CARS ADVENTURES ROOM WITH A VIEW

With a fresh new facelift and that same breathtaking view, the Crowne Plaza Muscat continues to top the list of our staycation faves!

1. Watch the sun set on the terrace of Shiraz Restaurant 2. Indulge in a massage at the Cliff Club wellness centre 3. Go jet-skiing from the hotel’s private beach 4. Play a round of tennis on their five-star courts 5. Grab lunch with a view at The Edge

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Destination

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Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Team Y recommends

A STAYCATION AT THE CROWNE PLAZA MUSCAT

O

ne of the city’s most iconic beachfront addresses, the five-star Crowne Plaza Muscat, hugging the cliffside in the heart of Qurum, has long remained a stalwart on Muscat’s hospitality scene. With 200 rooms, a spectacular recent renovation saw the remodelling of a lobby/foyer, an elegant outdoor terrace, two lush new infinity pools, and the launch of a cliffside eatery aptly named ‘The Edge’, you’d be hard-pressed to find a weekend vacancy after its recent re-opening.

It’s late on a sunny Thursday afternoon when we arrive and as we check in we’re struck by the elegance of its new lobby and tea lounge - first impressions, after all, being everything.

Awash in light tones and adorned with splashes of colour from the artwork, sculptures, and encased jewellery displays that dot the foyer; the refurb has focused on maximising as much natural light to brighten the space as possible. And, as rays of golden light illuminate the glass bank windows leading out to the hotel’s newly-reconstructed outdoor terrace, there’s a sense of the exquisite as the natural beauty of the locale is ever-present from all THE EL EGANT vantage points.

C R E S T A O M E P R IM O URANT After a quick check-in (and an upgrade to a sea-view room), we head upstairs to drop our bags before grabbing a pre-dinner drink on the terrace at Duke’s - the hotel’s time-honoured watering hole. While the room is quite cozy and compact, it’s well-appointed with all amenities. We especially love the little touches such as the Elemis scented pillow spray to help you relax into sleep, lush Ecokind toiletries, and the hotel’s active participation in the IHG Green Engage sustainability programme, which aims to gauge the impact of a property’s environmental footprint.

After pausing to drink in the sunset view from our window of the beachfront Muscat coastline and imposing mountain ridges standing sentinel in the background, we head downstairs to beat the sundowner crowd clamouring for a table at Duke’s. It is traditional dark-wood British pub-cum-US sports-bar on the inside - but since the hotel’s outdoor renovations, the place to be is, without a doubt, on one of the al fresco banquette tables.

Grabbing one of the last available spots, we put our feet up, unwind and watch the fiery yolk of the sun sink lower into the Gulf of Oman. As we sip our drinks, and nibble on some crispy prawns tossed in a zingy sauce off the appetiser menu, there’s no place we’d rather be.

My favourite place Feet up, poolside, at any of the hotel’s two gorgeous new infinity pools. Open from 7:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m., they offer maximum relaxation with unparalleled cliffside views of the beach, mountains, and shoreline – plus the property’s lush gardens and tennis courts.

Sip a refreshing mocktail from your sun-lounger and take in the ambience of the Friday brunch crowd as the DJ plays the most mellow set you’ve ever heard. Or, make the trek down the cliffside to the hotel’s private beach and feel the sand between your toes as you indulge in an afternoon of watersports.

And, if you’re feeling peckish by the pool, you can order refreshments and nibbles direct to your sun-lounger from the adjacent The Edge restaurant. Bring your shades and a good book – sheer bliss!

V IE W FR OM A SUNSET Y P OO L T H E IN FI N IT

Highlights

Dinner with a view at Come Primo, the property’s premier Italian fine-dining restaurant. With incredible vistas out over the water, sea meets sky at this romantic terrace venue – and the cuisine? ‘Tutto bene’, we say! Not a table in the house is empty as we dine, and with the weather finally cooperating, there is a gorgeous evening breeze to carry us along all three courses.

We start with two portions of the Cream of Pimento Soup with Red Mullet – a rich red pepper broth overlaying a meltin-your-mouth fillet of mullet and topped with sweetly-sautéed cuttlefish and a side of garlic toast. It’s a winner of a dish that sets the tone for the rest of the evening’s meal.

With the restaurant having a veal promotion this November, I opt for the Slow-Cooked Veal Belly atop a bed of pureéd pumpkin, butter-tossed grilled mushrooms and veggies. Silky and slick, it’s drizzled in a fragrant veal jus that brings a complexity and depth of flavour to the dish that’s utterly more-ish. My companion orders the Roasted Rack of Lamb with a pistachio crust, smoked eggplant purée, and confit tomatoes. Perfectly pink, it’s fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavour. We top off what has been a standout dinner with two orders of creamy, espresso-soaked tiramisu to round off the evening.

How to get there Located in the heart of Muscat’s Qurum city centre area, the hotel is just a short drive from prime attractions such as the Royal Opera House Muscat, the Grand Mosque, and the Qurum City Centre Mall, and is a 20-minute drive from the Muscat International Airport. Fronting on a stretch of beach that runs for several kilometres down the coastline it’s also a great location for leisurely walks for those who prefer to be outdoors and in nature. For more information call (+968) 2466-0660, or visit www.ihg.com/crowneplaza.

THE NE WLY-R GRAND ENOVATED LOBBY

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

DEVICES, BY DESIGN The Y Geek Squad tries out some of the latest gadgets that go that extra mile for creative types

PRO TECH

PERFECT PALETTE Have you ever looked at your mouse and muttered to yourself: “Boy, how I wish this came with more buttons”? If so, we suppose your frustrations (and prayers) have been heard – and voila, here’s the Palette. While it looks like something a kid would probably play with, these bricks with buttons, wheels, and sliders come with connectors that will enable you to create a complex work keyboard dedicated to a few tasks. This means, you can now assign pre-determined duties to these – which can be used for your tasks (e.g. adjusting the contrast on a photo or splicing videos) ¬– without the need for dragging a mouse. Gimmick? Yes. But those who use the device can boast positive results.

Get your starter kit for RO77 from store.palettegear.com

GESTURE CONTROL We won’t lie. We’re a bit frustrated and flummoxed by the fact that our RO1,200 MacBook won’t come with a functional touchscreen monitor. But, it seems we’re not alone – and that has resulted in the birth of this gadget, the Leap Motion Controller. Not only does it turn your regular Apple (or even Windows) laptop or desktop into a touchscreen unit, but also gives it a functional screen with gesture controls.

So, you can even swipe, slide, and do what you like without having to touch the glass. The small device makes use of the ‘Leap Motion’ software to track your movements and comes with an impressive 150-degrees field of view. Buy yours from amazon.com for RO28.8

MOBILE STUDIO

EDITOR’S PICK 038

If you’re looking for a powerful laptop with supporting specifications for designing then look no further, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 is the gizmo for you. But if you ¬think of Microsoft as a sub-par operating system to work on, you’re better off with this all-metal monstrosity – the Apple MacBook Pro. It packs a lot of heat underneath the aluminium chassis, core of which is a 2.6Ghz six-core 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and a Radeon Pro 560X graphic card.

The results truly speak for themselves – the new 15-inch MacBook Pro is by far the quickest portable Mac for designers and video editors to work on. Also, it has a cool touch bar on the top that substitutes 14 buttons and adds an adaptive screen to display all necessary hotkeys, which we truly adore.

Our only concern would be the RO1,200 price tag, from Apple store.

SIMPLE, SLEEK, AND ABOVE ALL ELSE, FUNCTIONAL: THIS WACOM MOBILESTUDIO PRO IS EVERY DESIGNER, VIDEO EDITOR OR ARCHITECT’S DREAM PACKED INTO A SMALL PLASTIC BODY SHELL. THE DEVICE COMES PACKING AN INTEL I7 PROCESSOR, 16GB RAM, A STUNNING 16-INCH WIDE 4K DISPLAY AND A 3-DIMENSIONAL CAMERA TO SCAN OBJECTS. TO SUM UP THE WHOLE PACKAGE, WACOM’S IN-HOUSE PRO PEN 2 WILL HELP YOU PEN DOWN ALL YOUR DESIGNS AND THOUGHTS IN GREAT DETAIL. THERE’S NOTHING ELSE OUT THERE WITH SUCH PRECISION AND PORTABILITY, SO IT COMES AT A PRICE – A VERY HEFTY PRICE: RO970 TO BE PRECISE. BUY IT FROM WACOM.COM JULY NOV 1503- -2109/ /ISSUE ISSUE544 327

Top 5 November Game Releases RIDE 3

Platform: t’s all about PS4, XBOX ONE, superbikes MICROSOFT WINDOWS in Ride 3.

Back with their third instalment in the series, the makers – Milestone S.r.l. – are touting this as their greatest build so far although we’re keeping our expectations in check for this one. We’ve taken a long enough dig at the pre-release (developer) version of the game and absolutely loved it. It’s not without its flaws, though.

For instance, the handling dynamics are a bit unnatural – more so than its previous edition – but the makers are promising to fix that. Also, think about this: you’ll receive a total of 230 motorbikes – all completed in great detail and accurately designed down to the bolt – to ride around in.

I The Y Geek Squad steals a march on the pre-Festive Season rush by putting this lot through their paces THE QUIET MAN

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e’re in a gaming landscape that focuses heavily on meticulously fusing video and audio. Therefore, having an action-adventure title like ‘The Quiet Man’, which can shut down the one component that completes a game – its sound – should instil more confidence in developer Square Enix’s gaming franchise.

While the crux of the game revolves around you – a deaf protagonist taking on the underworld – the storyline is drab and overly Hollywood-ised, and the physics engine that envelops the game delivers repetitive sequences that are no more worthy of an Oscar than the 2018 flick, Meg. That said, its gorgeous cinematic sequences and character detailing makes this a great one-time game to kill time as you wait for our next pick… Hitman 2.

Info Box

Platform: PS4, MICROSOFT WINDOWS

20 hours of sheer fun. The story crafted around the game is embarrassingly silly – as has always been the case – but the game pits you against a very crafty computer engine that only gives you seconds, sometimes less, to make your move. Still, Agent 47’s willingness to dress up in character, followed by some ultrarealistic milieus to spy around in makes this a must-have for every gamer.

ARTIFACT

DÉRACINÉ

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othing about Déraciné is conventional. While this harks back to the classical HITMAN 2 realms of mystical-horror gaming his title that we’ve missed for so long, you’re requires Info Box not faced with walking through no Platform: shadowed halls solving puzzles introduction.

PS4, XBOX ONE, It still sits while hoping against all things holy MICROSOFT WINDOWS in our books not to run into a white-faced killer as one of ghoul. Instead, you are the spirit – the greatest stealth-based actionadventure games of all time – much or in this case, a fairy. There’s not like its protagonist Agent 47. Now back much in the way of cheap spooks on console for round two, the game promises more refined controls, efficient but your goal is to float around to fix (and more silent) takedowns, better the past and create a more safer and environments, and above all, about 15 to happier present (we wish we had this in our lives). The game begins with mundane missions but slowly progresses into something truly mystical. It’s another Unreal Engine masterpiece Info Box except that Platform: this time, it’s PS4 on VR.

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Info Box

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Info Box

t’s a card Platform: MICROSOFT game by WINDOWS, MACOS, heart but one LINUX, ANDROID, IOS that’s outdone by a smoothas-silk engine and a graphical interface to support the cause. It is based on the hit online multiplayer game, Dota 2, so gamers familiar with the Dota universe will find it easy to settle in. This is not the case for others, though: the complex rules system and the character strengths and weaknesses will be a rocky ride for some. But once you’re past the initial phase, it’s expected to offer several hundreds of hours of gaming fun. Just bear in mind that it’s a one-on-one game – and that there are thousands of players in Japan and the US who have dedicated their lives – and we wish we were exaggerating when we say this – to playing Dota.

Don’t get your hopes up too high.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

NATIONAL COLOURS

Artist and photographer Yamin Al Balushi celebrates the beauty of Omani traditional dress with a colourful fashion tribute that highlights the rich heritage of our culture this Oman National Day.

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

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k o o L e h

, reet t s gh . e hi e look h t o h t t t -end you ge h g i h lps From Y he m When your outfit’s electric, strike Tea

When you’re not afraid to pull out all the stops when it comes to colour – go bright or go home we say! We especially love a little neon lippy, and this version from Maybelline’s ColorSensational Vivids Lip Color line in Fuchsia Flash will have you puckering up.

Price: RO2.3.

a balance with your look by going for a toned-down nail colour to tie it all together. We love this shade from OPI’s Infinite Shine collection in Steel Waters Run Deep. Paint it pretty for RO4.61.

Look ethereal in bold patterns that are a cause for celebration no matter what your style – and don’t be afraid to rock it!

We’re obsessed with this Arabesque-style peasant dress from Zulily and you will be too. Buy it for RO8.

Make a statement with footwear that does the talking, and these slingback pointed flats by Vince Camuto say it all.

It also helps that they dress up as easily as they dress down. Grab them from Macy’s for RO36.86.

Glam your look with a well-placed accessory or statement piece. We love this bold yet delicate gold and diamond bracelet from Kalyan Jewellers. Make it yours for RO179.5.

Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend has never worn their weight in gold. Anchor any outfit with this traditional pair of chandeliers from Malabar Gold & Diamonds. Own them for RO181.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

BEAUTY

Fashion

Home

Family

One such practice – the Korean skincare routine – also known as ‘K-beauty’, is gaining traction with fans and fashionistas from Hollywood to Bollywood. If you don’t have time to follow its intense 10-step programme (for both day and night!) here’s how to get the same results in half the steps.

Step 1: Cleanse with water There’s nothing better than H20 to purify your skin and wash away excess build-up from makeup or natural skin oils. It also keeps your pores hydrated, which helps give skin that coveted ‘dewy’ appearance.

Step 2: Top up with toner So, you’ve just splashed your face with a good dose of water. Keep your skin hydrated and avoid dryness by using a gentle toner to even out your skin’s pH balance. It also helps stave off build-up throughout the day from the other facial products in your daily routine.

We love: L’Occitane Immortelle Essential Water Step 3: Apply serum If there’s a skin-fix you’re looking for, there’s probably a serum designed to address it.

From dark circles, to redness, to wrinkles; these concentrated solutions offer a power-punch of ingredients to tackle even the toughest problem areas.

We love: Botanics Hydration Burst with Clary Sage Light Serum

As the Korean skincare routine takes the West by storm – with Hollywood A-listers swearing by its 10-step regime – Team Y brings you a simplified version that will have you glowing both inside and out

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leopatra may have bathed in milk, and Marie Antoinette had her powders of white, but it’s the seemingly-porcelain agelessness of Asian skincare routines that have stood the test of time. Now the rest of us are finally catching on to what women in countries such as Japan and Korea do every day.

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Step 4: Daub on that eye cream The skin around our eyes is some of the thinnest and most sensitive on our face. It’s also most prone to wrinkles and crow’s feet, undereye swelling, and dark circles. Regular daily use of an eye cream helps keep skin hydrated and supple.

We love: Mizon Cosmetics Snail Repair Eye Cream Step 5: Moisturise with SPF Sun damage can be insidious – and our faces bear the burden of UV damage most dearly. By using a moisturiser containing SPF not only will it keep your skin hydrated, but you’re also protected from those damaging rays.

We love: Aqua Capsule Sun Control Gel SPF 35/PA++

Beauty

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UNDER ORDERS

When does enthusiasm for cleaning/ checking/ sorting become unhealthy?

Gemma Harrison reports on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and finds out how you can deal with the condition

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ost women like to run a tight ship around the home, and I’m no different.

That’s not just me being glib, and I haven’t conducted a poll. It’s just that being a wife, mother, and working woman has taught me not to over-stress about things.

I’ll forgive my daughter for doing her own version of the Dulux-colour chart in crayons on my living room wall, and I’ll mostly overlook my husband and sons failing to put the lavatory seat down when they’re done (less so if they miss!).

But despite that (or perhaps because of it), I often clean the bathroom at least twice a day.

That’s not Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD); that’s just hygienic, isn’t it?

So when does an over-zealous habit become OCD? And how do we tell the difference?

The British National Health Service (NHS) website defines symptoms of OCD as being formed from: Obsession – an unwanted and unpleasant thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters your mind causing feelings of anxiety, disgust, or unease.

Compulsion – a repetitive behaviour that you feel you need to carry out to temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings brought on by the obsessive thought.

According to the NHS, any number of factors can cause the condition, including family history, brain chemistry, life events, or personality traits.

A lot of the time, OCD is a condition that is much-maligned, misunderstood, and often dismissed as a ‘joke’. Therefore, people who suspect they suffer from it are afraid to speak up about it.

What about the man who can’t leave his house without checking every tap and power point has been turned off? Or the husband who must, must, must have his tools in his garden shed organised with military-like precision?

Sound like anyone you know? But it’s a real problem, and one that’s estimated to affect between one and three per cent of adults.

Many people are unsure of whether or not they actually have a problem and if so, how to tackle it.

Psychologist Sulata Shenoy, director of Turning Point Centre for Psychological Assessment and Therapies in Bangalore, India suggests making a mental note of one’s habits and canvassing opinion from your relatives or friends.

Dr. Shenoy says: “It’s helpful to quantify and qualify these obsessions and compulsions because very often, these get overlooked or neglected as usual.

“For instance, one might think, ‘there’s a lot of robberies going around so I have to get up at least three times in the night to check’.

“So either one can justify these irrational thoughts or actions or one can seek some help or ask people around to see if these actions really are extreme or dysfunctional.

“These are two things to consider: firstly, whether it’s recurring and secondly, whether it’s difficult to control – either at the level of thought or action.

“If both these are present, then certainly you would have to consider a diagnosis of OCD. Very often it’s not only the patient but also members of their family who are in denial.”

“The next step would logically be therapy or treatment because this will mean an end to the intense suffering that OCD can cause.”

Dr. Shenoy recommends consulting a professional, such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist for treatment.

This could mean undergoing a technique known as cognitive therapy, in which patients identify unrealistic thoughts and then alter how these thoughts are generated.

For instance, someone with a fear of germs might be asked to touch a range of dirty items without washing his hands while keeping a record of how often illness follows his action. Eventually, he will realise that it’s not the dirty objects that are making him sick.

In more extreme cases, a psychiatrist may prescribe medication to boost the levels of serotonin (a chemical nerve that helps to regulate moods and behaviour) in the brain.

So next time you’re jiggling the front door for the 10th time to ensure that, yes, it’s actually locked – then it’s time to get a little help.

Sources: NHS UK, Medical News Today, Turning Point Centre

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Trend

New Restaurant A TASTE OF TRADITION

YUMMY

Oman’s rich cultural legacy extends to the plate in a culinary heritage that honours preparation passed down through each new generation.

of Flavours Oman In honour of National Day, we’re celebrating local delicacies with Omani dishes that speak to the indelible connection between culture and cuisine

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Reviews

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f there’s one thing the Arab world is known for, it’s hospitality. Visit any Omani home and your cup will always be full and your plate never empty.

The world over, across countries and cultures, the offering of food has always been a way to show caring, respect, and love – be it guest or family.

And diverse cultures mean equally diverse cuisine, with culinary traditions developed over the centuries with flavour, essence, and ingredients retaining the vibrancy of the heritage from which they came.

Travel the MENA region and across the Levant and you’ll find cuisines that are distinctively unique yet share an intrinsic common ancestry. You may find dishes that share a name, but differ completely in flavour, spice and preparation. Take the iconic dish of the GCC – majboos, or kabsa as it’s also known. Its closest relative could be considered the biryani, as its morsels of marinated meat or chicken, tossed with a paste of fragrant spices through mounds of basmati rice, share delicious similarities.

But when it comes to flavour – that’s where the similarities end. And don’t mistake Qatari machboos for Omani majboos, for example, as both are unique to the regions from which they come. It’s this singularity that makes Omani cuisine enduringly recognisable, with flavour profiles crafted over centuries that reflect the diverse cultural influences that have shaped our nation.

Here are just a few of our favourite quintessential Omani dishes that will have you going back for seconds… and thirds!

Shuwa If there’s one dish that makes it onto every Omani table during special occasions, it’s shuwa. Arabic for ‘grilled meat’, it’s a dish that’s often made for Eid – as it’s not easy to prepare! Lamb or mutton is basted in a marinade of Omani spice paste, wrapped in palm leaves and placed in an underground sand oven to slow-cook. And when we say ‘slow-cook’ we mean it – as it usually takes two days to reach fall-off-the-bone roasted perfection. This traditional method of preparation is why shuwa is some of the tenderest, most flavoursome meat that will ever pass your lips. Just think of all those spices working their way into the roast, giving it a succulent, juicy seasoning that pairs perfectly with a freshly-baked portion of Omani bread, or helping of saffron-scented basmati rice.

Mashuai With its rich history as a sea-faring nation (and alleged birthplace of the infamous Sindbad!), Omani waters offer up a bounty of some of the Gulf ’s most exquisite seafood. Visit any five-star restaurant anywhere in the GCC and we can guarantee you Omani lobster will be on the menu. From plump Gulf prawns and oysters to more than 1,000 species of fish that call the Gulf of Oman home, seafood plays a pivotal role in the culinary history of the Sultanate.

One of the most popular fish dishes you’ll find at any

local seafood stand in Oman is mashuai. Filleted portions of kingfish are basted in Omani spices (think cardamom, pepper, ginger, garlic, and nutmeg), then grilled over an open flame and served with a puckery lemon sauce. This is one fish-fry you don’t want to miss!

Halwa We’d be remiss if we didn’t end with something sweet. While most foodie faithful in Oman will have tried this sticky-sweet dessert at least once – most likely as part of a celebration such as a birthday or special occasion like Eid – for newcomers halwa is a thick, custard-like preparation of honey, sugar, eggs, Omani spices, nuts, and rosewater to give it its distinctive flavour. Traditionally served with a piping-hot cup of kahwa and dates (just to up the sugar factor even more!), it’s a communal dish that’s meant to be shared family-style.

Omani Mutton Kabouli This hearty comfort food essential is a staple on every Omani dinner table.

Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 40 mins Serves: 4 Ingredients: § 750g mutton, with bones § 3 cups of water § 1 large cinnamon stick § ¾ tsp cardamom § ½ tsp cloves § 1 tsp black peppercorns § 2 large onions, sliced § ⅓ cup (80ml) water § 3 Tbsp ghee § 3 garlic cloves, crushed § 2 Tbsp raisins § 1 tin (400g) chickpeas, drained § A generous pinch of saffron strands § ⅓ cup (80ml) rosewater § 2 chicken stock cubes § 2 cups basmati rice, washed and drained § Salt to taste FOR OMANI SPICE PASTE: § 2 cloves garlic § ¾ Tbsp cumin seeds § ¾ Tbsp coriander seeds § ¾ Tbsp cardamom § ¾ tsp paprika powder § ¾ tsp red chili powder § ½ tsp turmeric § 2 Tbsp vinegar Method: § Combine ingredients for Omani spice paste and grind into a coarse mixture.

Set aside. § Place the mutton, along with the other whole spices, into a pressure cooker. Add a pinch of salt. Cook on a high flame until the whistle blows once then switch off. Allow the Top 3 Omani Restaurants Fancy a taste of traditional cuisine on a night out? Here are three authentic options serving up some of the best!

Bin Ateeq for Omani Food This hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Al Khuwair is no-frills, all-flavour. Try their version of harees, a traditional dish made with shredded chicken in a glutinous wheat emulsion.

Location: Al Khuwair St. Timings: Open 24 hours Contact: (+968) 2447-8225

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steam pressure to escape fully before opening.

Drain the mutton into a large bowl.

Sieve the remaining stock into another bowl and discard the whole spices. You should retain around 4 cups of stock.

In a frying pan, add the ⅓ cups of water along with the onion and cook till the onion starts wilting and the water evaporates.

Add in 2 Tbsp of ghee and sauté the onion till it turns golden brown.

Add the garlic, raisins, chickpeas, saffron, rosewater, and 1 Tbsp from the ground paste and cook for another couple of minutes. Set aside.

In a large pot add the stock, along with the remaining 1 Tbsp of ghee, the remaining spice paste, the stock cubes, and rice. Bring it to a boil while stirring occasionally.

Once it boils, reduce the flame to minimum and keep the lid closed until the rice is half-cooked. Add in the mutton and mix well. Cook till the rice is completely fluffy and the stock is absorbed.

Serve the rice topped with the chickpea and onion mixture or, gently fold it through.

(Source: www.thebigsweettooth.com)

Omar Al Khayyam Restaurant This eatery’s original branch in Ruwi has been serving up homestyle Omani dishes since 1973. They also offer a multicuisine menu with a variety of palate-pleasing options.

Location: Near Ruwi Roundabout Timings: Sat-Thurs: 11:00 a.m. till 3:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m. till midnight; Friday: 1:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m. till midnight Contact: (+968) 2470-3035 / 2470-7082

Bait Al Luban Let the scent of its namesake frankincense draw you into this elegant culinary abode where homemade meets hospitality, Omani-style. You won’t be disappointed.

Location: Al Mina St., Muttrah Corniche Timings: 12 noon to 11pm daily Contact: (+968) 2471-1842/ 9457-9457 reservations@baitalluban.com www.baitalluban.com

www.omaralkhayyamgroup.com

NOV 15 - 21 / ISSUE 544

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FOOD DRINK

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REVIEWS

Info Box

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New Restaurant

YOKO SIZZLERS

Fourth floor, Oman Avenues Mall, Baushar, Muscat Opening hours: 12 noon – 11:00 p.m.

Contact: (+968) 9288-4322 Dinner for two: RO25.99 Verdict : 5.5/10 SERVICE 6.5/10 FOOD 8.5/10 AMBIENCE

A mall-based Indian eatery that aims to master the craft of sizzlers but fails to be consistent with its signature dishes.

A case of quantity over quality.

YOKO SIZZLERS

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

TEAM Y FINDS AN EATERY FALLING SHORT OF EASTERN PROMISE WHILE FAILING TO DELIVER ENOUGH ON THE DESSERT OPTIONS FRONT

Y

oko must be the most abused Japanese word of all time. Yoko-this and Yoko-that – its presence is ubiquitous: from movies to music (a certain Beatle’s wife), and now even with restaurants.

While the word translates as ‘side’, it comes with half a dozen other meanings. Yet, we just couldn’t fathom whether or not a restaurant named Yoko Sizzlers was a desperate attempt by it to hark back to its Japanese roots.

A quick dig into the chain’s history revealed its HQ to be in India. As it stands today, Yoko Sizzlers is a Mumbai-based eatery that operates mostly in the sub-continent and the GCC. But maybe a touch of India was what Japanese cuisine has always lacked, we presumed, as we sauntered into the hushed outlet in the desolate top floor of the Oman Avenues Mall.

A dour waiter showed us to our seats. He handed us two menus but quickly departed without even offering us a bottle of water or explaining the rather complex menu.

Moments later, however, we were joined by another waiter – a cheerful one this time. He suggested we opt for a Cream of Valencia soup and a Chicken Bruschetta to kick things off, before moving towards a Pepper Steak with Mushroom, a Mutton Satellite and – thanks to a buy-two-get -one free offer – a Sizzling Chicken with Garlic Sauce and Mushroom.

The soup and bruschetta arrived first – and we clocked instantly that it had missed the mark, offering little flavour whatsoever. While the consistency and presentation of the soup – which was garnished well with cream, broccoli, and boiled chicken slices – was impressive, we found clunks of powder on our soup spoon, suggesting it had probably been used

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SOGGY CHUNKS OF CABBAGE, CARROTS, AND RAW SERVINGS OF GREEN PEAS SUGGESTED THE SIDES HAD PROBABLY COME FROM FROZEN OR HAD BEEN SITTING IN THE REFRIGERATOR FOR TOO LONG.

in the preparation process.

On the presentation front, the bruschetta scored highly but lacked condiments and the requisite garlic piquancy. That said, the bread was freshlybaked, and the portions of mozzarella relish scored some points back.

Our sizzlers arrived next – and surprisingly, all at one go – leaving us with about five minutes to gobble down each one before the metal pot mellowed down. Still, the sight of three smoking sizzlers emanating a thick aromatic smoke was a sight to behold.

From the lot, the chicken sizzler with garlic sauce was the star turn, offering just the right smack with its mild garlic sauce and the tender chicken pieces that split with a simple poke with the fork.

The accompanying veggies, however, were a letdown. Soggy chunks of cabbage, carrots and raw servings of green peas suggested the sides had probably come from frozen or had been sitting in the refrigerator for too long.

This was also the case with the other two dishes.

Next in line was the Mutton Satellite, which was essentially chunks of Aussie mutton cubes marinated with pepper and Indian spices. They were finally brought alive on the grill, before being topped off with (disappointing) slices of square cheddar cheese.

The result was a spicy chunk of melt-in-themouth mutton, the zest of which was toned down

by the cheddar.

That said, stay clear of the beef steak. The thin and dry slices of well-done (despite our request for medium-rare) steak were unforgiveable – even if they did come as part of an offer. Not only did they lack flavour but the stingy portion of mushroom sauce accompanied by the soggy veggies also made for a rather displeasing finish.

We went to order pudding – and our waiter suggested we try the sizzling chocolate brownie, due to the lack of other selections on the menu.

Only later did he reveal that the other options were being kept aside due to a lack of customer interest.

After asking for a bowl of Oreo Bell and a sizzling brownie, both the puddings arrived in less than five minutes but – to our astonishment – it was the Oreo Bell that stood out. Complete with fresh slices of strawberries, grapes, cranberries, apples, and topped off with Oreo chunks and vanilla ice cream, the dish piqued our taste buds with just the perfect amount of sweet and dry elements.

It was actually one of the better puddings we’ve had in a while. The searing chocolate brownie topped off in a thick layer of Hershey’s chocolate syrup and vanilla ice cream made way for another delightful bite – negating our earlier experience of the sub-par beef sizzler.

There’s not much going for Yoko Sizzlers on the main course front except the sizzlers – and even those turned out to be a mixed bag in our case.

This eatery could be one of the top IndoJapanese restaurants in the country – but not yet, by a long chalk. It should refine its dishes and turn around its menu to please its primary audience: Indians, Pakistanis, and Omanis.

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

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