Y Issue 546 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

Nature’s canvas

WE MEET OMAN’S FIRST AND ONLY WHEAT ARTIST My Muscat A PHOTOGRAPHIC TRIBUTE TO THE CAPITAL’S ICONIC CORNERS

News: BAN ON EXPAT EMPLOYMENT 10 VISAS EXTENDED

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DESTINATION: Al Amerat Dam TASTE TEST: Angelina Paris YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

NOV 29 - DEC 05 2018 / ISSUE 546 • WEEKLY

PLUS!

THE RISE OF ‘PROFESSIONAL’ OR ‘FAKE’ BEGGARS SOLICITING FUNDS FROM AN UNSUSPECTING PUBLIC IS INCREASING IN OMAN. Y INVESTIGATES THE ADVERSE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THIS ALARMING TREND, WHAT’S BEING DONE TO CURB IT, AND HOW IT’S UNDERMINING THE REAL URGENCY OF AN AT-RISK POPULATION WHO ARE TRULY IN NEED

YUMMY OMAN: THE LOWDOWN ON LOW-GLYCEMIC 01 NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

POSTCARD: SCOTLAND’S ISLE OF BUTE

Y GEEK SQUAD: A TRIBUTE TO MARVEL’S STAN LEE

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE…

ow many times have we avoided eye contact with someone begging for money or pretended we didn’t hear them as they asked if we could spare some change for food? Maybe you’ve been in the driver’s seat of your car stuffing fast-food receipts in your wallet when you’ve been startled by a soft tapping on your window. Turning to look, you see an individual in need making hand-to-mouth gestures, or unbuttoning their collar to show a wound in need of costly medical care. These are the faces of the Sultanate’s most vulnerable population who, for many reasons, find themselves with nowhere left to turn. And, with the proliferation of a new sub-set of so-called ‘professional’ beggars undermining the very real life-ordeath urgency of those truly in need, it’s a population that continues to be become further at risk. In this week’s cover story, we explore the machinations behind the disturbing trend of ‘professional’ begging on the streets of Oman; those who are not jobless or homeless yet appear to be and who fleece the pockets of good Samaritans. They do this in a bid to capitalise on the generosity of strangers to make a quick buck. How can we identify these fraudsters? What steps are being taken at government level to address the issue – and the underlying conditions that do lead to true instances of indigence in the Sultanate? Also, in this issue, we introduce you to the ingenious creations of one Omanbased artist whose portraitures in wheat – yes, wheat! – are catching the eye of the nation’s art aficionados while earning him international accolades. Plus, we hit the road in five of the year’s top hybrid models as First Drive takes you behind the wheel of some truly mean (and green!) machines; we remember comicbook icon Stan Lee in this week’s Game Review with a Marvel tribute that will leave you misty-eyed; and we bring you the lowdown on going low-glycemic over on Page 44 with Yummy Oman. Until next week, happy reading!

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi ADMIN MANAGER Yousef Al Harrassi ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

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Team Y PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan MANAGER – DIGITAL MEDIA SALES Umair Mehmood

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contents

Preying on poverty With more cases of fraudulent or ‘professional’ begging being reported in the Sultanate, Y investigates such incidences to determine their root cause, what’s being done to curb the practice, and the practical challenges of exposing such fraudsters that pose as those truly in need.

26 19 Movies Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne star as a childless couple who foster three children in the feel-good flick, ‘Instant Family’. 28

Talent ingrained We get up close with the unique works of Oman-based artist Montajab Anis Mahfod, whose material of choice – wheat, is as close to nature as it gets.

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Your Oman

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman Gemma Harrison 10 News MoM extends ban on expat employment visas 12

News Ministry denies poisonous jellyfish speculation.

10 Cars and Adventures 32 Destination Al Amerat Dam 34 First Drive Top 5 fastest hybrid cars 38 Y-Fi Gaming accessories

Features

At the Opera The Royal Opera House Muscat brings to life Johann Strauss’s iconic comedy of errors ‘Eine Nacht in Verdig’ this Thursday and Friday, November 29-30.

Health and Beauty 40 Fashion Fashion: Men’s accessories 42 Beauty Ginger Renewal at Zanta Spa

My Muscat Exploring the beauty of Muscat through new perspectives and reimagined angles in a photo essay tribute

Food and Drink 44

Yummy Oman Cutting out sugar and the benefits of a low-glycemic diet

46 Taste Test Angelina Paris

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

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

The Weeknd back with Bella? So we all know how Bella Hadid and The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) got back together in 2016 and broke up after two years of dating, with The Weeknd going on to date singer Selena Gomez. Then, in April of this year, the two reunited and now we hear that The Weeknd is thinking of proposing to Bella. The couple recently spent the weekend in the UAE for the 2018 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and sources are saying a proposal is most definitely on the horizon. Watch this space! ‘Screen’ stars of hip-hop

Just a few weeks ago we reported how Rihanna was hinting at some new music coming out. Well, attendees at Donald Glover’s (formerly Childish Gambino) Pharos Festival concert in New Zealand got a surprise when a sneak peek of his super-secret upcoming film project with Rihanna was shown. The movie is called ‘Guava Island’ and was shot in Cuba. Rihanna plays Glover’s girlfriend in the film, with director Hiro Muraj – the mastermind behind Childish Gambino’s ‘This Is America’ music video, at the helm. Derulo cast in ‘Cats’

Singer Jason Derulo follows Taylor Swift and Idris Elba in joining the cast of the film of the Andrew Lloyd-Webber/TS Eliot musical ‘Cats’. This will be Derulo’s acting début, as the ‘Ugly’ and ‘Tiptoe’ singer will play a feline named Rum Tum Tigger who has been described 06

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as a rebellious sort. Derulo took to his Instagram account to reveal the news. The movie will also star acting legend Ian McKellen, US talk show host James Corden and singer Jennifer Hudson. ‘Lion King’ reboot

If you haven’t seen the teaser trailer that has been making the viral rounds on social media over the weekend – you might want to scurry over to YouTube. Racking up 224 million global views in the first 24 hours of its release online, it has broken the record as the most-viewed Disney trailer début ever, second only to the 2017 trailer for ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, which drew in 238 million views in the first day of its release. The remake of the 1994 animated ‘Lion King’ classic opens on July 19, 2019 and will boast a cast including Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino) as Simba, Beyoncé as Nala, Seth Rogen as Pumba and James Earl Jones as Mufasa, with Jon Favreau in the director’s chair. Paris splits Hotel heiress, socialite, DJ and reality TV star Paris Hilton broke up with her fiancé Chris Zylka a few weeks ago. The two had been dating since 2015 when they reconnected eight years after they had first met. According to sources, their relationship progressed really quickly, but Paris realised he wasn’t right for her. Chris proposed to Paris back in January during a ski trip and they were engaged for 10 months. Paris recently pushed back their November 11 wedding date due to a hectic work schedule, with news breaking soon after about the split. This is the third time that Paris has called off an engagement.

Kelly Rowland returns after five-year break Kelly Rowland is back with a new song called ‘Kelly’. She’s best known for being part of Destiny’s Child and solo songs like ‘When Love Takes Over’. ‘Kelly’ is her first song in five years as her last album ‘Talk A Good Game’ was released back in 2013. Rudimental team up with Rita Ora Rudimental are gearing up for the release of their new album ‘Toast to Our Differences’ with a new track. ‘Summer Love’ is the fourth single off the new album and features Rita Ora! The album will also include songs like ‘These Days’ featuring Jess Glynn and Macklemore, as well as ‘Let Me Live’ featuring Anne Marie. ‘Toast to Our Differences’ is slated for a 2019 release. Mumford and Sons release new album Mumford and Sons are best known for songs like ‘I Will Wait’ and ‘Little Lion Man’. Now, they’re officially back with a new album titled ‘Delta’ which has reached No.1 on the US Billboard 200 album charts – making it their third number one album. ‘Delta’ was released on November 16. 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.

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THE VOICE OF OMAN IDENTIFYING SO-CALLED ‘PROFESSIONAL’ BEGGARS FROM THOSE WHO’VE TRULY FALLEN ON HARD TIMES IS BECOMING MORE DIFFICULT – BUT IT’S A DISTINCTION WE’D DO WELL TO MAKE BEFORE PAINTING ALL THOSE IN NEED WITH THE SAME BRUSH SAYS GEMMA HARRISON.

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: More ‘professional beggars’ who aren’t homeless are turning up on the streets of the Sultanate, scamming unsuspecting residents out of hundreds of riyals. How we identify these fraudsters from those truly in need is becoming more obscure. What can be done to curb this alarming trend? RASU JOHN

ny country in the world that wishes to consider itself civilised recognises that a roof over one’s head is a right not a privilege. Unfortunately, in my own country of the UK, the number of homeless people has rocketed by 170% since 2010, and a UN envoy recently rebuked the British government for failing to do enough to tackle poverty, of which homelessness and begging on the street is obviously an integral part. In any country, and Oman is no exception, people often confuse rogue beggars on the streets with those generally in need. But telling the difference can be difficult. In these straitened times, anyone may be just two or three pay cheques away from losing their job and thereby, their home. With so many people in Oman not being paid on time (a problem the government has taken steps to tackle), the prospect has become a grim reality for many. That, compounded with businesses being hampered by the global crunch means workers are more in danger of becoming homeless than ever before. The problem is that many of the people on Oman’s streets illegally begging for money may well fall into that category. We simply do not know, and cannot know, how many beggars are there because they have lost their jobs or if they are simply wastrels trying to fleece the rest of us. There is no easy way of telling who is simply trying to swindle riyals out of passers-by, and who is genuinely in need. What we must not do is dehumanise beggars on the street and immediately dismiss anyone with their hand out as being automatically undeserving of our support, or respect. If you do you see a person begging in the street, don’t give them money but offer to buy them some food. Alternatively, ask if you can do anything to help. You will soon tell by their response or expression whether they are genuine or not. If they threaten you in any way, then report them to the Social Development hotline that the government has set up to halt the practice of aggressive begging. What do we feel when we see someone begging for money? Do we feel uncomfortable? If we do, it’s because we find their circumstances upsetting or unnecessary. Simply giving them money (whether the person is genuine or not) absolves us of our discomfort if only momentarily. It’s not the way to solve this. What we can do instead is to start pressing for services that support them; finding them a place to stay and steering them back into work and society. Earlier this month, we all celebrated National Day. We consider ourselves lucky to live in a country that values diversity, equality, and tolerance. So, let’s continue to adhere to that ethos in full, and pledge to find out why some of us are being forced to beg and what we can to do to help the genuine cases.

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Professional beggars see pleading for cash as a lucrative way of making money. Many years ago, I read a book called ‘The Beggar’s Handbook’ by M. T. Pockets. As said in this book we will never be able to distinguish a professional beggar because they blend in as someone you feel is like you. This creates more empathy than most people would have for a typical homeless person. Begging is illegal and those caught engaging in such an act should be imprisoned with the needy among them being handed over to a charitable organisation who should help them. Instead of just expecting the authorities to curb this menace, we too should take the necessary steps to discourage this degrading practice, which is nothing but a stain on society.

DIVYA HARIDAS

Begging has been a widespread social matter all over the world. It has been happening in Oman also. Honest people who want to help the real beggars are

confused because of the “professional beggars”. As per the words of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), “Whoever continues to beg people for their property in order to accumulate more property, surely asks for a piece of fire”. Firstly, the concerned policy-makers and government officials of the Sultanate should enforce the best anti-begging plan, and arrest and impose fines on the perpetrators. Secondly, Oman is an Islamic country so shouldn’t government officials look to the latter Hadith for direction before arresting beggars? Moreover, the Ministry of Social Development is working hard to eliminate begging in the Sultanate. Sometimes, children are forced to beg directly by their parents or indirectly by the friends, relatives and other groups. In such a situation, they are also accountable. Thirdly, to make our mind over this issue, the Ministry of Oman has an anti-begging team that works with other agencies and social organisations. In 2017, it managed to catch around 1200 beggars in various areas of the country. Finally, the Ministry also embarked on more than 2000 antibegging campaigns across the Sultanate in 2017.

New Debate: Tourism in Oman has hit an alltime high with nearly 3mn tourists visiting in 2017. As Salalah and Musandam record staggering increases in tourists this year, numbers are expected to grow as much as 5 per cent. What do you think has caused this flux in tourism in Oman? Share your view with us and you could be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

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YOUR

OMAN

NEW VET’S HOSPITAL PLANNED FOR DHOFAR

veterinary hospital is being planned for Dhofar by The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MoAF). The ministry has called on private investors to help fund the project, which would be the first of its kind in the Sultanate. It wants the hospital to tackle the spread of disease, maintain public health and carry out surgical procedures. The hospital would also have laboratories to diagnose various conditions. “The hospital will be supervised and regulated by the competent authority at the ministry,” the MoAF said. The private sector will manage and operate the hospital. The deadline for submission of applications is January 11, 2019. Applications must be submitted to the ministry building in Al Khuwair.

OMAN EYES CHINA FOR VISAS EXTENDED JOINT EDUCATION PROJECT BAN ON EXPAT EMPLOYMENT

O E

ducation Minister Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Sarmi hosted his Chinese counterpart in his office on Sunday to discuss future joint initiatives between the two nations. The Chinese guests were briefed on the higher education sector in the Sultanate and on possible areas of cooperation between the Sultanate and China in the field, which is represented in student exchange and scholarships between the two countries. There are also several programs available for learning Chinese language in a number of higher education institutions in Oman. Cai Jianing, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Science and Technology in China, highlighted the 14th anniversary of Omani-Chinese diplomatic relations, and shared his desire to enhance a rapport between the two nations in science and technology.

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man’s Ministry of Manpower has extended the ban on issuing employment visas to expat workers across some fields, as the government actively pursues its policy of Omanisation. The professions targeted include purchase and sales representatives. This means that companies in these fields will no longer be able to get new permits to employ people for these jobs. The move from the ministry is the latest addition to the freeze on expat visas, which was first issued across 87 professions at the end of January 2018, and then extended for another six months last July. According to the ministry decision number 487/2018, “Permits for non-Omani manpower will cease to be released for the next six months for the following professions:

Sales Representative/Promoter, Purchase Representative. Permits for the replacement of existing employees will continue to be released. “This law will apply to all private establishments, replacing the earlier decision. Finally, this law will apply starting from November 30.” Saif Al Badi, head of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Al Dhairah Governorate headquarters, said he hoped the visa ban would be temporarily lifted so as to help developing businesses in the country. “We were hoping the visa ban for these jobs would be halted or opened for a temporary period but the decision is exactly the opposite and that will not attract entrepreneurs to start businesses in these sectors,” he told the Times of Oman newspaper.

www.mazayagrand.com

YOUR

OMAN

MWASALAT INTRODUCES APP TO HELP TRACK BUS ROUTES

man’s National Transport Company, Mwasalat, is to bring in bus cards and an app to help passengers

track buses. The app will also help customers book and pay fares while providing information about the company’s offers and promotions. A Mwasalat spokesman said: “The application is expected to be launched next year. The aim is to help passengers receive real-time information about any bus in order to reduce the waiting period. The application will also allow passengers to pay through it instead of the cache.” In addition to the application, “the company is also planning to offer smart cards, which will allow the customer to pre-charge them monthly and pay fees through them electronically on the bus,” the official added.

MINISTRY DENIES POISONOUS

JELLYFISH SPECULATION

he Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MoAF) has denied rumours of poisonous jellyfish. A spokesman said: “On social media there are images of a purple jellyfish alongside claims that it is very dangerous. Experts at the Centre of Marine Sciences say that this form of jellyfish is called the crown jellyfish and is harmless to humans.”

OMAN ECONOMY ON THE UP, SAYS TOP OFFICIAL

man’s economy rallied strongly in the first half of this year, according to officials in charge of planning. Economic indicators show the recovery of the Omani economy in the first half of 2018, as gross domestic product at current prices reached about RO15 billion reflecting a growth rate of 15 per cent. The figures were confirmed by Talal bin Sulaiman al Rahbi, Deputy Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Planning (SCP). Mr al Rahbi said the growth was fuelled by oil activity, which had grown by 37 per cent. The positive performance of natural gas production, up by 98 per cent, was also a factor as well as

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the contribution of non-oil activities that depend on it. Non-oil activities at current prices showed a positive growth of 5 per cent, reaching RO9.9 billion compared to RO9.4 billion over the same period last year. He said that Oman was seeing faster growth in the tourism sector (up 21 per cent), the manufacturing sector (14 per cent), the mining sector (7.5 per cent), farm and fisheries (3 per cent), transport, storage and communications (3.7 per cent). He added that it was expected that the gross domestic product at current prices by the end of 2018 would reach RO30.1 billion, with a growth rate of (13.3 per cent), according to the Omani macroeconomic model.

NATIONAL PRIDE

GALLERY

FLYLEAF OMAN CELEBRATED THE 48TH OMAN NATIONAL DAY WITH THE RELEASE OF ‘THE GLORIOUS NOVEMBER’

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TEAMWORK

OMAN

HUNDREDS OF PARTICIPANTS TURNED OUT TO TEST THEIR ENDURANCE AT THE FIRST TOUGH MUDDER RACE HELD OVER THE WEEKEND AT TELAL AL QURM AND ORGANIZED BY SABCO SPORTS

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GALLERY

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YOUR

STAR SONGSTRESS

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FILIPINA SUPERSTAR SARAH GERONIMO PERFORMS IN MUSCAT ON HER ‘THIS I5 ME’ TOUR

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GALLERY

CROWNE JEWEL

GALLERY

LOCAL MEDIA WERE INVITED TO TOUR THE NEWLYRENOVATED CROWNE PLAZA MUSCAT WHICH RECENTLY REOPENED AFTER A SUMMER OF RENOVATIONS

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The Made In Qatar exhibition is being held at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre for the ninth year in a row. With up to 500 exhibitors displaying the best of Qatar’s enterprise and innovation, the event is open from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For further information and details, check out the centre’s website.

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6-8 The power of the BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has come to Oman with a workshop for wannabes at the Rock Bottom Café, Qurum. The first Cuban dance workshop will be held over three nights at the venue, directed by Ramses Sariol. Learn the principles and structure of Cuban social dance and enjoy a 30% discount on all food and beverages during the workshop. There may be a few places left so contact 9987-1303 for details.

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

DEC

The Royal Opera House Muscat is staging Johann Strauss’s brilliant comedy of errors ‘Eine Nacht in Verdig’. Performed by Opera de Lyon, the operetta is set in 18th Century Venice. As the Duke of Urbino sets his sights on Barbara, her senator husband knows what the duke is up to but can’t afford to offend him. Meanwhile, a cook, a barber, and a chambermaid are all caught up in the farce. The first act is 65 minutes, as is the second. There’s an intermission of 25 minutes and curtain up is at 7:00 p.m. For details and to book tickets, contact ROHM on 2440-3332.

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A NIGHT AT THE OPERA

THIS NOV

CUBAN DANCE

NEIGHBOURING TIES

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

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NOV

29 & 30

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

Beautiful Boy Cast: Steve Carell, Timothy Chalamet, Maura Tierney

Instant Family

Guardians

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Rose Byrne, Isabela Monar Pete (Wahlberg) and Ellie (Byrne) are a young, childless couple in their late 30s who decide to bite the bullet and foster three children. But it doesn’t just happen overnight. They undergo a painstaking process of application to learn about orphaned children and a bit more about themselves. Happily, they are undeterred. Wahlberg is the real meat-andpotatoes kind of a guy who wants to be a ‘football dad’. Ellie is the

Green Book Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini

modern woman who just wants to give someone a good life. Both leads are great and bounce off each other with as much finesse as any male-female big-screen partnership over the past 20 years. This is a feel-good family movie with plenty of laughter, tears, a little poignancy, and perhaps with a point to make. Anyone who doesn’t like it doesn’t like life. There, we’ve said it.

When classical musician Don Shirley’s agent books him on a tour of the American South in the 1960s, Don knows it’s not going to be easy. As a black musician, he can’t even stay in the hotels he’s performing in and has to bunk down in make-shift motels out of town. However, his driver Tony Lip (Mortensen) is a man who has known hard times, and can handle himself, and anyone else. With wise-cracking, say-it-like-it-is Tony in his corner, Don’s tour is going to go better. This is both a road movie and a buddy movie, with both men learning lots about what makes the other tick. And their sharp vignettes of wit carry a little caustic comment as to how things were in America then. See and enjoy this gem.

rehab, realises he’s powerless to stop him. Despite some confusing use of flashbacks, this is a powerhouse drama that examines the social menace that can affect the most unlikely of victims. The two leads are grippingly watchable, and some scenes just crackle off the screen. We wouldn’t be surprised if a few Oscar nods came this one’s way, particularly for Carell.

Cast: Anton Pampushnyy, Sanjar Madi, Sebastien Sisak

David Sheff (Carell) is starting to realise that he can’t help his son Nic (Chalamet) anymore. Nic appears to have everything going for him but can’t kick his destructive drug habit. Based on a true story, the film explores the feelings of both men from their respective points of view. Despite a good start in life, Nic seems on an irrevocable path to self-destruction. David, having paid for counselling and

During the the ‘good’-old Cold War, when Western secret service agents wore tailored suits and wrestled with Soviet hitwomen with formidable footwear, Patriot was formed with a super-hero squad of the best from several Soviet republics. For years, its heroes have had to hide themselves away, but now it’s time for them to dust themselves down and do the business. It’s a refreshing change to see Russians as the good guys in a film, for once; and they don’t take about half-an-hour to get down to some serious, rip-roaring action, either. Some critics have dissed this as a Russian rip-off of the superhero genre but at Y, we say that mighty heroes are not confined to being the property of one (very large, Western) nation. Great fun. Dubbed in English, with Arabic subtitles.

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THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

‘Beautiful Boy’s Steve Carell starred on which hit TV series for eight years? LAST WEEK’S WINNER Ajay Hari

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 29 - DEC 05 / ISSUE 546

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Oman is being hit with a social menace. Both well-meaning citizens and tourists alike face being duped into giving money to fraudsters posing as beggars. As the government cracks down on the practice, Team Y reports on the scam that is fleecing the public

ike vultures eyeing their prey, these men and women gather around places of worship such as mosques, churches, and temples to touch the hearts of believers to make a quick buck. It is these people who lie behind the root cause of Oman’s begging problem – and according to some experts, they don’t even have to break a sweat to earn money, the amount of which can exceed the daily wages of a medium- to high-level manager here in the Sultanate. There are reportedly 2,000 beggars currently behind bars awaiting deportation back to their home countries but anywhere between 3,000 and 5,000 are still pulling the wool over people’s eyes in the Sultanate. To test this theory, we head to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque on a busy day – Friday – after afternoon prayers. While the grounds are heavily monitored by security guards, there are sections in the parking lots that are often unpatrolled. And that is where the scam takes place. It doesn’t take us longer than five minutes to stumble upon our first one. Backed up to the end of the parking lot, the Pakistani expat’s eyes must have lit up seeing us get out of a green-plate Audi SUV (our test-drive car from last week). He immediately comes towards us. Wearing an exposed bloodied bandage on his shoulder, he begins by asking us if we speak English or Hindi. “English,” we mumble, with the question of whether or not he is indeed a needy victim still preying on our minds – and he begins explaining (in rather excellent English) about how he was mistreated by his local employer and had to run away from him. He even presents us with a laminated card that reads in Arabic. However, that’s the first sign that means a red flag. The card, which is seemingly issued by one of the top private hospitals in the country, has no stamp of authorisation. Otherwise, no one would think twice before opening their wallet. His torn and bloodied shirt, worn-out sandals, and his stained trousers all emanate a sense of desperation – we even find ourselves in two minds over whether or not to pay up.

After about 10 minutes of what we like to think is a stern interrogation, we pay him RO5 – which clearly didn’t impress him. He asks us if we can shell out another RO5. We decline, knowing full well that if we’ve been scammed, we have just lost our money. We then proceed onwards to the left wing – the most secluded section of the parking lot – hoping for another encounter. Myssa Said al Hinai This time around, we’re approached by two well-built men, dressed smartly, with one wearing a watch and what looks like designer shoes – but there is a difference this time: I recognise one from a few times we’d caught him begging near one of the churches in the country. We’d paid him both times, too. So even before he begins talking to us, we start by asking him: “Where were you for such a long time (?) We haven’t met since 2016.” Taken aback, he answers: “Sorry sir, we just moved here recently and were cheated by our sponsor. If you’re a God- fearing person, please help us. Anything you give us now, you will get back 10 times with our blessings.” We don’t ‘buy’ this, and assert that we paid him back in 2016, twice. He sternly shakes his head and raises his voice: “See, brother. We’re in desperate need of money and it is people like you who are blessed that can help us earn enough for us to fly back home to Pakistan.” This was his reason the last time around, too. We immediately flag this and take our phone out to threaten him that we are going to call the Ministry of Social Development (MOSD)’s hotline at 1100. But he becomes aggressive: “Leave us alone if you don’t want to help us. If you’re not Godfearing people, then at least let us eat and drink from the little that we earn daily.” Fearing that we shall end up in an altercation, or worse, in a fight; we retreat, keeping in mind a Royal Oman Police (ROP) official’s warning to us that beggars are now carrying knives on them.

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The official who wished to remain unnamed also told us during our conversation from last week that, “The begging problem is getting outof-hand now – and a lot of people are taking advantage of this situation. “What’s more concerning is that it is expats who are conducting such malpractices – and they don’t really need the money. They’re financially stable but have found resort in begging because it is easy money. But, we are working constantly with the MoSD to rectify this.” Based on the ROP official, nearly 1,200 beggars had been arrested in Oman in 2017 alone, and nearly 2,000 from this year are still awaiting deportation. Statistics show that out of those arrested in 2017, only 225 beggars were Omanis (152 males, 73 females), while the rest 927 were expats (569 males, 331 females). Unsurprisingly, most of those arrested were apprehended during the Holy Month of Ramadan; the month people are considered to be most generous. The ROP official then said: “We’ve had confessions of beggars earning – well, not exactly earning but cheating people – up to RO60 to RO150 per day. And at the very least, that amounts to RO1,800 – which is more than what people in most managerial positions earn. It’s something very upsetting to hear that someone can extract so much more money from people who earn less just because of their religious duties. “The hotspots for beggars are usually outside religious buildings, malls, parks, schools – especially after tuition hours when the children flock around shops to buy snacks, and sometimes also residential buildings with no security guard. “But of late we’re also hearing reports that some building security guards have tie-ups with these beggars, wherein they give them a portion of what they make. It’s the perfect transaction, isn’t it (?)” 022

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“Beggars usually operate in groups and create zones around themselves where they can operate exclusively. There’s also a person who will keep a lookout on these people so as to keep things in check, especially if someone gets too agitated or starts calling the police.” The official also alerted us about an elaborate scam in Muscat in which a few expat men from Sharjah – all driving an SUV with a woman and a child in it – stop by innocent bystanders and ask for money to head back to the UAE. “We’re working on stopping this and would like assistance from victims if they recognise the numbers. Also, do not show aggression as they could be armed with weapons – it’s always best to remain on the safe side. “In such instances, always tell them that you cannot pay them politely, and note their licence plate number. We can then blacklist them from entry into the Sultanate, and at the same time, also catch them at the Oman-UAE border.” Acknowledging the issue, the MoSD had earlier issued a statement to the public stating that anyone encountering beggars on the street must report them to the ministry by calling the anti-begging hotline at 1100. The statement further read: “On a daily basis, we see an increase in the number of people begging, especially amongst non-Omanis. “Such practices are a detriment to Omani society and have other negative impacts. Omani legislation criminalises begging and legal penalties will be imposed on those who do so. Begging is an indictable offence.” “Giving charity to beggars is an encouragement. [We] kindly request you to advise them that their actions are against the law or report them, because this is everybody’s responsibility. Sharing this message will contribute to reduce begging

problems.” However, as per the ROP official, alerting the beggar about his misdoings should be done politely and without them feeling that you’re calling the authorities. Also, never instigate a physical altercation with them unnecessarily, as that could put you in jail, unless you were trying to protect yourself in the first place. He’s right. Earlier this year [May 30th], the MoSD issued a report to the Times of Oman newspaper stating that several of their officials had been attacked with knives, especially in the Wilayat of Seeb. Currently, any Omani, if found begging in public or in private spaces, and caught in the act, will be punished with imprisonment of not less than one month and not exceeding one year, and a fine of not less than RO50 and not more than RO100, as per the Omani Law. If the Omani beggar repeats the crime, they will receive anywhere between six months and two years of imprisonment. The laws are different for expats. If the beggar is caught in the act, apart from being fined, they will also be deported from the country.

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But none of this has put the plug on the current begging situation in the country – with more people taking up the illegal act and exploiting more residents, daily. As the ROP official stated, it has now become incredibly difficult to catch them as residents – out of pity – won’t alert us about them. Moreover, some are scared to call the police in the fear of being attacked. To understand more, we speak to a few residents at the Seeb Souq and the Ghala belt – both areas teeming with beggars, with some even operating near prominent hospitals with fake hospital notes. We can clarify this with Dr. Nadir Hameed al Raisi, a physician with a leading private hospital (due to lack of approvals, we cannot publish the name of the organisation) in the region. He says: “Doctors may issue notes to those who are undergoing severe illnesses but not specifically one that allows the patients to beg for money. “We usually don’t support the cause, and we’d like to advise everyone to stay away from aiding such malpractices. In most scenarios where the patient must be treated immediately, out of pity we (the doctors) may send messages to people who pledge money to those in need. “But, we will never allow someone terminally ill to be out on the streets – it’s simply illogical, and if anyone has done that with a logo of our hospital, it must be a fake. Moreover, there are several non-profit organisations and individuals who work towards helping the legitimate patients. So, it’s best for you as a civilian to not encourage such acts.” To understand more on this, we speak to Rashid al Mamary, a social worker who procures funds for the treatment of both Omani and expat patients in the country. He echoes the doctor’s statements but then goes on to shed light on a much more important topic: children begging on the streets. “While it is normal to see adults begging in areas such as Muscat and Seeb, in the interior regions, we’re now coming across children begging. And these kids make quite a lot of money for their parents because tourists and other travellers sympathise with them. “It’s such big an issue now that the children are taken away from the parents and are kept in the child care centres, where the child will be

given counselling, and an in-depth study will be made as to why they began begging on the streets in the first place. “By the parent allowing or forcing their children to do this, not only are they all breaking the law but also putting the child at risk on the streets. If they fall into the wrong hands, they could even be kidnapped – and even if the parent is keeping watch from a distance, it’ll only take the perpetrators a few seconds to take a child into their car and drive away.” Children begging on the streets are predominantly locals or Yemenis – those who crossed the borders with their families in search of a better life. But, irrespective of that, the parents of children who are caught begging will be subjected to the law, with some in extreme circumstances being charged with child abuse. Rashid then exposes another type of child abuse: mothers drugging their children as their husbands drive around in cars begging for money. “In 2015, we had come across several families – mostly in threes – driving about the streets of Muscat and begging for money. Among several that were busted, we had learnt that they would

drug their kids, who were mostly between the ages of one and nine, with sleeping tablets so that they wouldn’t cry or make a commotion that would perhaps cause any form of suspicion in the residents. “This is a serious concern and will definitely result in the imprisonment of these parents. They need to keep in mind that while administering these medicines back-to-back, the child could overdose and perhaps even die. “The ROP is on the constant lookout for such cases, and the child will immediately be taken to the protection services – there’s no way such parents should be allowed to keep possession of their children; at least until they learn the seriousness of the act they committed.” The ministry is taking every possible step to curb the begging issue and embarked on more than 2,000 anti-begging campaigns across the nation last year. All our efforts to connect with the 024

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MoSD are in vain as we receive no response to our queries at the time of publishing. But while it is clear the ministry is taking every possible step to eradicate this issue, as per our source at the ROP, it is us, the public, that needs to step up. He tells us: “Most people fail to report such instances to the ministry out of pity or out of lack of interest or of pity. But, it’s our duty to report such cases – because at the end of the day, the chances are that they’re earning more than you and I per day by simply using their words to gain sympathy. “Not only is this against our religious beliefs but also something that we believe is punishable – if these people [the beggars] don’t realise that now and change their ways, it may just end up being too late for them because begging without the need for it is as good as robbery and extortion.” NOV 29 - DEC 05 / ISSUE 456

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ART INGRAINED MODERN ART NEED NOT BE ESOTERIC OR OUTLANDISH, AND ONE SYRIAN-BORN ARTIST LIKES TO GO AGAINST THE GRAIN – BY USING IT. TEAM Y MEETS HIM

hen it comes to art, the sky’s the limit, and one Damascus-born artist now working in Oman likes to adopt a rather down-to-earth approach to his work… quite literally. Art made from wheat. It’s a concept unheard of in the GCC –but Montajab Anis Mahfod is the only such artist in the Middle East and one of the few who has presented to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. A consultant and civil engineer working in Oman, and an avid bookworm, the artist discovered wheat art just five years ago after reading about it. Montajab says: “My heart lies in art. I feel that I’ve always had a connection with it in the way I admire it and how I try to analyse the meanings behind it. “My evenings after work and weekends are taken up by wheat art.” Undertaken only by a handful or artists worldwide, wheat art is timeconsuming with very little margin for error. While one art piece can take up to two months to craft, obtaining the right colour of wheat can take up to three years (!) Montajab says: “Wheat is known to be golden in colour but wheat art is a bit more complex: it requires shadows, shades, and the perfect cuts. “The stalks are the portion that I use to create the works. Wheat itself has very unique properties such as flexibility, durability, and an ability to maintain its colour for extended periods of time. “This wheat then has to be cut and rolled into flat sheets so that I can begin the process of creating the portraits. “I found out that by setting wheat outside in the sun for anytime between one and three years you can turn the colour from any shade of brown to dark brown. “I found that I could achieve different shades by boiling wheat with walnut,

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walnut leaves, Hormuz seeds (an Arabic plant), and Henna (a dye). “Everything that is done on the wheat is natural – and by doing so, it will always maintain its colour and keep shining.” To achieve this, he uses the best quality of wheat, which means travelling to Syria to handpick wheat from local farms and fly it back to the Sultanate. He then starts off the crafting process. “Wheat art is an almost three-dimensional form of art. But it all begins with me painting a sketch as an outline on a black paper. Then I move into slowly cutting parts of the wheat to match the correct shades of the portions, and sticking them on with glue,” he says. “This is done piece-by-piece, and after each segment is done, I must take a small knife – which I call my best friend – and slowly cut into the wheat to attain the right orientation, shades, and shadows. “Once the sticking process of one segment is done, it must be kept loaded for 24 hours so that the portion will stand the test of time. “There’s also no room for error in wheat art. Because the colours are limited even the most minor of mistakes can be detected. So, if any error is made at any stage then I need to start the process for that segment from the beginning. It’s not like paint: you cannot cover it up with a base coat.” Two months of crafted and sculpting later, Montajab can look back at his masterpiece. However, it won’t last long – as most of it will either be gifted or bought by his fans.

There are no Instagram or Twitter profiles to promote his art; it’s just word of mouth – and it has already spread beyond his home in Nizwa. Today, Montajab’s art ranges from portraits of His Majesty to celebrities in the Arab world and even landscape. The most prominent common feature is the intricate addition of shadows and depth. “Everything from the face to the small wrinkles of the face, and the muscles in the arms must be replicated, just like you would in a real painting. And that’s what gives this art its edge. It’s using a natural – and rather monocoloured plant such as wheat – to make the art come alive.” Art organisations in Syria and Oman have already heralded Montajab as an expert in wheat art in the Middle East region. And he has taken a special interest in portraying His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, crafting more than five portraits out of the “love and respect” he has found in Oman. “The appreciation I have received from the people has been fantastic and morally uplifting. “The satisfaction you receive when crafting a work of art is one that beats all else.” ■

You can contact Montajab for art enquiries at 9714-5013 NOV 29 - DEC 05 / ISSUE 546

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Muscat

Oman is a country blessed with a wealth of natural beauty and the warmth and hospitality of its people. With eleven governorates in which to explore the diversity of its landscapes, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no shortage of places to discover. Sometimes, the most beautiful surprises are found closest to home, as Shaquel al Balushi and Saviour Peter discover through their lenses in this photo tribute

Tides of history On a hidden beach in the heart of Qurum, the Sultanateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seafaring traditions live on as local fishermen ply their trade, taking a chance on the tides and their bounty. Photography by: Shaquel al Balushi

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The Muttrah mile

Easily one of the most-visited locales in Muscat, buses clog the main artery of the Muttrah Corniche by the dozen, dropping off day-tripping tourists from nearby resorts. Amid the bustle of commerce in its streets and souqs, we find snippets of solitude that reveal angles of beauty far from the madding crowd. Photography by: Saviour Peter

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GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS… Capital Region Azaiba • Amara Dermatology Clinic • Audi Showroom • Bentley Showroom • Costa Coffee • Al Fair • Jaguar Showroom • Jeep Showroom • Al Maha Petrol Station • Mazda Showroom • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi Showroom • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Peugeot Showroom • Range Rover Showroom • Sayarti Auto Care • Shell Select • Skoda Showroom • The Sultan Center • Volkswagen Showroom • Volvo Showroom • Yamaha Showroom Bawshar • College of Banking and Financial Studies • Dolphin Village • Modern College of Business and Science • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital (Emergency and Outpatients) • Oman Medical College CBD • Al Maya Hypermarket • Alizz Islamic Bank • Bahwan Travel Agencies • Bank Sohar • Copper Chimney Restaurant • Costa Coffee • HSBC • Lama Polyclinic • NBO • Oman Arab Bank • Standard Chartered Bank • Woodlands Restaurant Darsait • Indian Social Club • SPAR

• KIMS Oman Hospital • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Bakery • Shell Petrol Station Al Falaj/Rex Road • Al Falaj Hotel • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Golden Oryx Restaurant • Kamat Restaurant • Toshiba Showroom Ghala • National Mineral Water Ghubra • Al Hayat International Hospital • Al Maya Hypermarket • Bank of Beirut • Costa Coffee • Crêpe Café • GMC Showroom • LuLu Hypermarket • Moka & More • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Park Inn • Porsche Showroom • Al Raffah Hospital • Stationery Hut • The Chedi Muscat Al Hail • Burger King • Caledonian College of Engineering • Markaz Al Bahja Mall • McDonald’s • Omantel • Starcare Hospital Al Khoudh • Al Fair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Pizza Hut Al Khuwair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Bait Al Reem Mall • Caffè Vergnano • Centrepoint (Splash) • Diplomatic Club • Grand Hyatt Muscat • Harley-Davidson Showroom • HSBC • KFC • SPAR • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Landmark Group

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

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

Muscat-4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • Waljat College of Applied Sciences Ruwi • Apollo Medical Centre • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Mega Store – Swarovski Showroom • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • Oman Trading Establishment • Saravana Bhavan Sarooj • Al Fair • Al Masa Mall • City Cinema • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell Petrol Station • VLCC Wellness Sawadi • Al Sawadi Beach Resort Seeb • Golden Tulip Hotel • McDonald’s Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Caribou Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Centre • The Indus Restaurant • InterContinental Hotel Muscat • Jawharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks • VLCC Wellness Sifah • Sifawy Boutique Hotel SQU • Diplomatic Club • College of Economics and Political Science

• Students Banking Area • Reception/ Canteen Wadi Kabir • Al Maya Hypermarket • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Pharmacy • National Hospitality Institute • Pizza Hut • Shell Petrol Station Wattayah • Ahli Bank • Best Cars • BLS International Services • Chevrolet/GM showroom • Ford Showroom • Hatat House • Honda Showroom • Hyundai Showroom • Kia Showroom • Lexus Showroom • National Travel & Tourism • Passage To India Restaurant • Shell Petrol Station • Subaru Showroom • Suzuki Showroom • Toyota Showroom Al Mouj Muscat • Almouj Golf • Costa Coffee • Oman Sail • Shakespeare & Co. • Al Mouj Muscat Head Office Other Regions Barka • Al Nahda Spa and Resort • LuLu Hypermarket Nizwa • University of Nizwa Sohar • Centrepoint (Splash) • Crowne Plaza • National Gift Markets • Ooredoo • Pizza Hut • Safeer Mall • Sohar Beach Hotel • Sohar Port and Freezone • Sohar University

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Adventures

Cars

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Gaming

CARS AND ADVENTURES

RUGGED BEAUTY

The stark terrain of Al Amerat Dam beckons adventurers looking for some off-road excitement close to the city

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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

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Destination

AL AMERAT DAM Shaquel al Balushi finds an isolated water source, the stark beauty of which lies hidden in sight amid its natural surroundings 032

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make for the perfect night under the stars – especially when timed correctly to coincide with the full moon as we did on our recent excursion. With few people venturing to its shores, the Al Amerat Dam is truly a hidden treasure just outside the confines of the city – a blissful oasis where you can let your thoughts soar or contemplate the reflections of its limpid pools as the sky meets the water’s edge.

As scrub brush near the water’s edge gives way to the moonscape rock of the surrounding mountain foothills, we keep our eyes peeled for the unmistakeable sound of bleating from the rag-tag gangs of wayward goats that roam the wadi. We spot a group of three, languidly grazing their way around the edge of the dam; red shaggy coats and curved horns stark in the shade-less midmorning sun. While great to snap pics of – we don’t recommend trying to approach them or get close. While most of the goats who call the dam area home belong to nearby farms or homesteads, they’re by no means domesticated – and a well-placed kick in the shins with an errant hoof could just be the unwanted message you didn’t need to ruin your day. Keeping the animals at a safe distance, we wander along the edge

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

ometimes it pays to go off the beaten track – and, in this case, we didn’t have to venture far to discover a unique locale where nature meets the water’s edge. Al Amerat Dam, a natural reservoir for rainwater runoff from the area’s surrounding wadis, is a gem of a hidden find. It melds the best of its natural splendour with the convenience of being relatively close to the city. A short drive from Muscat into the mountains behind Bausher, along the highway towards Sur, will bring you to Al Amerat. We headed out early to make the most of the cool morning. However, the area is also good for camping as well, since the dam is located in an open wadi. Making for an ideal day-trip, the hilly terrain surrounding the placid waters of the dam is a great spot to lace up your hiking boots for a trek.

of the dam, the water lapping gently at the shore. While not officially supervised with signs to keep out, its tranquil waters aren’t a place you’d want to dip your toes in for a swim – with muddy pockets creating sinkholes that can easily drag you down deeper than you’d care to go. Rather, it’s an ideal spot to grab your supplies and set up a makeshift barbecue near the water’s edge. For intrepid campers, the expansive views of sky and mountain ridge

Al Amerat is located just behind Bausher mountain on the way to Sur. Head along the Muscat Expressway past Bausher and continue along until you see the signs for Al Amerat. Keep following the road to Amerat Heights and make a right at the junction ahead of the Shell Petrol Station. Use the GPS coordinates below to make your way off-road towards the wadi that houses the dam.

GPS Coordinates: 23°31’50.2”N 58°28’42.6”E NOV 29 - DEC 05 / ISSUE 546

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TO P 5 FA S T E S T H Y B R I D C A R S

FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

Team Y finds the future of hybrid motoring so appealing we’re spoilt for choice with these five truly magnificent specimens

ybrids are boring – that’s the consensus. However, the technology has remained something of an enigma, with many manufacturers aiming to maintain a relatively low carbon footprint, while a handful of others look to break speed records. But, with brands such as Ferrari, Porsche, and McLaren jumping onto the bandwagon, it’s safe to say that the future of hybrid motoring is bright… and fast. This week, we take a look at the top five hybrid cars that keep intact the thrill factor, while throwing shade at its fossil-fuel munching rivals.

LaFerrari is the epitome of modern-day motoring, bringing together the best of both worlds: speed and efficiency. Don’t be fooled by the term ‘efficiency’. Here, it means utilising the available power and torque – all 950hp and 900Nms of it – without any wastage. How it achieves this is by mating what is essentially a dinosaur of a 6.3-litre V12 engine

Lexus LC 500h Unlike the Ferrari, Lexus’ LC 500h isn’t designed to break records at the Nurburgring. But, it’s fast. Very fast. Essentially classifying itself as a super-GT coupe, the LC500h is quite the looker – outdoing most of its rivals from Europe and Asia. In the hybrid form factor, the LC merges a 3.5-litre V6 engine with a ‘Multistage Hybrid Drive’ system to produce a respectable 354 horses and 348Nms of torque. This should help propel the car to 100kph in a mere 4.7 seconds, which makes it nippier than its 5.0-litre V8 sibling. That’s not all, either: the interior is crafted to the highest standards, and we must say, the LC is quite relaxing on long journeys.

Ferrari LaFerrari This is the future of supercars – the Ferrari

with a mild-hybrid HY-KERS system – which is essentially a 161hp electric motor that provides bursts of power when required. The results, as expected are staggering, with the LaFerrari topping off as the fastest roadlegal Ferrari ever made. The folk at Lamborghini and Pagani, as cool as they are, can only look at Ferrari in awe.

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Specifications: Engine: 6.3-litre V12 + HY-KERS Electric motor Power: 950hp Torque: 900Nms Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic

Destination

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CARS

it’s originally based on. Instead, it goes about town doing its job of being efficient, saving petrol, and reducing the brand’s carbon footprint (about time!). However, when the going gets tough, the GTE will step in to hit some serious speeds. With its combined output power figure of 201hp, the hatchback should hit the 100kph mark in about 7.6 seconds. That’s not too shabby for a car that’ll do 70kms per litre of fuel. If you dig around deep enough, you should be able to buy one here. Otherwise, your best bet would be to import one in left hand drive. Specifications: Engine and motor: 1.4-litre turbo in-line four-cylinder + electric motor Power: 201hp Torque: 350Nms Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic treatments, the new 4 E-Hybrid couples a 2.9-litre V6 with an electric motor producing 462hp, but well over 700Nms of torque. The results are staggering, with performance levels rivalling that of the V8 ‘4S’ variant. Couple that with the fact that the Porsche will handle and accelerate like a sports car and you’re left with the bargain of the decade. Oh, bear in mind that if you’re willing to stretch your wallet, there’s a range-topping 690hp hybrid variant too.

Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid

Specifications: Engine and motor: 2.9-litre turbo V6 + electric motor Power: 462hp Torque: 700Nms Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Volkswagen Golf GTE

Specifications: Engine and motor: 3.5-litre V6 + Atkinson cycle motor Power: 354hp Torque: 348Nms Transmission: Four-speed automatic + CVT Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid A four-door saloon with a liftgate, the Porsche Panamera is anything but conventional. While regular variants do enjoy a great deal of the petrol and diesel

This one’s a bit tricky to rate since it isn’t officially sold here in Oman – yet a few of them have trickled down to the roads via the import market. What makes the GTE special is the fact that it doesn’t pretend to imitate the iconic Golf GTi that

There’s something oddly satisfying about driving around in a two-and-a-half tonne SUV knowing full well that you’re pulling better mileage figures than a sedan from Europe, Asia, or America. But, it’s not just the XC90’s fuel consumption figures that are impressive; the SUV rides around town with 400 horses crammed into the hood, and also has an electric system for when you’re driving around within the city. This means the XC90 Plug-In Hybrid not only fits the bill as a sporty SUV (not in a million years did we think we’d say that) but also as a fuel-sipping, environmentally-friendly Swedish car. While none of what we say means that the SUV is track-ready, it does perform really well on highways and can pull away effortlessly in traffic. Also, Volvo’s air suspension makes for a very comfortable ride, which should dial down any road imperfections while cruising around town at high speeds. Specifications: Engine and motor: 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged in-line four-cylinder + electric motor Power: 400hp Torque: 472Nms Transmission: Eightspeed automatic

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CARS ADVENTURES

ABSOLUTE BUTE

This scenic Scottish isle is just a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw away from the mainland

1. Let your thoughts soar at Ettrick Bay. 2. Marvel at Mount Stuart House. 3. Step back in time at Rothesay Castle. 4. Go seal-spotting at Scalpsie Bay. 5. Walk part of the West Highland Way.

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POSTCARDS FROM

Kevin McIndoe recommends

THE ISLE OF BUTE, SCOTLAND S

cottish seaside resorts went out of fashion a good 40 years ago or more, as the prospect of foreign holiday packages became a more inviting prospect for people. But when top fashion designer Stella McCartney chose to have her wedding here in 2003, this beautiful little island saw the type of ‘A’-list celebrity influx that any awards show would die for. After McCartney had sewn up that level of publicity, tourism bosses and municipal leaders pledged to do up Rothesay, the island’s main town; and it looks better now than it has in years. In the 1980s, I used to sail there with my father, a mad-keen yachtsman, and we pulled up alongside other boats in the sturdy but not-very-navigable harbour. At low tide, you had to have a head for heights for the almost perpendicular harbour ladder, in those days. Now, a slick, sleek marina is an easy option for sailors who fancy a pontoon to pull up next to for the night or just to re-fuel. If you don’t have a boat, then take a ferry (details below) or the legendary paddle steamer The Waverley. Scotland has nearly 800 islands, which are divided into Shetland, Orkney, the Outer Hebrides and the Inner Hebrides (of which this is one). Bute is just 24km long and 8km wide but Oscar-winning film director Lord (Richard) Attenborough liked its north-east corner so much he had a holiday home here. The isle is just 33 miles from Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, so it’s a popular weekend jaunt for those who can enjoy some of the best scenery in Europe.

H IS T O R IC M O U NT STUAR T HOUS E

My favourite place The west coast of the isle offers an outstanding stretch of golden sand at Ettrick Bay (as well as a great tearoom, which is almost like a diner on the beach!) on which you can stroll, jog, run, play ball games or simply let your thoughts soar as you gaze out to sea. Also, on the west coast is Scalpsie Bay, a secluded inlet from which you can see seals from the rocks to the north of the bay, and enjoy panoramic views of another wonderful island, Arran. Highlights A short bus-ride down the coast from Rothesay will bring you to the magnificent Mount Stuart House.

It’s a rust-coloured, neo-Gothic masterpiece of a manor, built in the 19th century by the third Marquess of Bute. The Marquess was certainly ahead of his time. He ensured his home was the first in the world to have an indoor-heated swimming pool, and the first in Scotland to have electric light, central heating, a telephone system, and an indoor lift – all of which are still in use today by the seventh Marquess of Bute. Its lavish interior is festooned with fabulous art, paintings, and tapestries amid ornate oak staircases so well-polished you can practically see your face in them. The house has its own chapel (used by McCartney) and boasts so many stained-glass windows you might think you’re in a cathedral. If its charms don’t impress the kids, let them run wild in the 300 acres of gardens and woodlands that stretch along the coast. History buffs will enjoy Rothesay Castle, a 13th-century edifice of which there is still enough left to evoke an era when Scotland was constantly at war with England. Bute Museum is also a gem, offering visitors a treasure trove of artefacts and exhibits right from the Stone Age and Viking eras to World War II. As a town, Rothesay suffers slightly from the gone-to-seed-a-bit feel of a faded seaside town. But strolling along the Esplanade recalls the glory years of that era in a way that can’t fail to fascinate, and the manicured lawns, Victorian bandstand, and flowers of the well-kept Winter Gardens are a delight. There are many cafés and takeaways to enjoy the traditional fish and chips (some of the best in the UK) followed by ice cream. And Rothesay’s pristine Victorian public conveniences (by the ferry terminal) have been dubbed a ‘national treasure’.

S AT R GARDEN T H E W IN T E E L T S CA R OT H E S A Y

Lowlights None. But this is Scotland so weather-wise you can experience ‘four seasons in one day’, as the saying goes. Also, beware of the menace of midges (a tiny fly-like insect), from June onwards. Stock up on repellent, which is easy to buy. Souvenirs There are at least three good gift shops where you can choose from a charming selection of ceramics, art, scented candles, and sweets. Getting there There are plenty of hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses. But why not try one of the glamping pods at Ettrick Bay? These are wooden cabins with all mod-cons for those who want to get back to nature but don’t fancy camping.

Where to stay From Muscat, fly to Dubai. Then, take an Emirates flight to Glasgow (a regular, direct service). From Glasgow, it takes two hours to get the train down to Wemyss Bay and catch the ferry to Rothesay, on Bute. Check the ferry service Caledonian MacBrayne online for details.

A GLAM PING PO D AT ETT RICK B AY

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

GAMING ACCESSORIES These add-on accoutrements will make your favourite pastime a powerful all-round experience. The Y Geek Squad tries them out

RACING WHEEL

CRYSTAL CLEAR

Another Logitech masterpiece, this G29 Racing Wheel is the stuff dreams of 12-year-old gamers are made of. Not only does it imitate a real racing wheel from a rally car, it’s also as precise. We’re not exaggerating either – the set comes with a steering wheel with mounted controls; an accelerator, brake, and clutch pedal; and a six-speed stick shifter. The steering itself has dual motors and has force feedback to imitate road surfaces or to train you to take on some of the world’s trickiest racetracks. Pair this with GranTurismo or Forza and you’re in for a treat. At RO98 it’s a tad expensive but well worth your money. Buy it from amazon.com.

If you had told us a decade ago that BenQ would be setting the trend for the best gaming monitors, we’d have held onto our first edition monitor; imagine how much collectors would pay for one of those. That said, this BenQ EX3501R has a lot going for it. For starters, the 35-inch widescreen curved display comes with HDR and a refresh rate of 100Hz, which should help reproduce sharp colours and at very fast speeds. That’s not all, either: you get an RGB rating of 100 per cent and at a resolution of 3440x 1440. BenQ bills the monitor as a ‘video enjoyment monitor’ – and we believe them. It’s all your from benq.com for RO350.

MULTITASKER Just when you thought you’d seen it all, computer gurus Logitech have come out with their G13 Gameboard – a cross between a keyboard, mouse and a game controller. The durable device, which should stand all the rigour of fuming gamers, comes with re-mappable controls, a touchpad, joystick and a bunch of other controls that’ll help you game more efficiently. The natural shape of the device will reduce fatigue, especially during those long gaming marathons. All that and it will only set you back RO48. Get it from amazon.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

GAME ANYWHERE

038

WE ALL KNOW THE FRUSTRATION: LEAVING BEHIND YOUR GAMING CONSOLE WHEN YOU’RE TRAVELLING. ENTER THE GAEMS VANGUARD PERSONAL GAMING ENVIRONMENT – A STORAGE BAG THAT LETS YOU PLAY YOUR PRIZED GAMES ON YOUR GAMING CONSOLE (XBOX 360, XBOX ONE, PS4 OR EVEN THE PS3). IT ACHIEVES THIS WITH THE 19-INCH 720P SCREEN AND JUST ENOUGH REAL ESTATE THAT ALLOWS YOUR DEVICE TO COOL DOWN EFFICIENTLY. ALL YOU’LL THEN REQUIRE IS A POWER PORT AND A SAFE SPACE TO SIT AND GAME IN. JUST IMAGINE HOW MUCH EASIER IT WOULD BE FOR FAMILIES ON VACATIONS; THERE’LL BE NO MORE COMMOTION OF ANGRY TEENS WHO’D MUCH RATHER ENGROSS THEMSELVES IN A DUEL OF FIFA. GET YOURS FROM AMAZON.COM FOR RO134. JULY NOV 2903 -- DEC 09 /05ISSUE / ISSUE 327 546

Remembering Stan Lee

The Y Geek Squad pays tribute to the genius whose superhero legends will ensure his legacy lives on for future generations

t’s hard to believe he’s gone. In our hearts, Stan Lee will always remain the creator of one of the world’s best entertainment houses – Marvel Worldwide Inc. As we recall all his greatest works and movie cameos that helped touch our souls, we choose some of the greatest titles that helped establish Marvel as an adept gaming franchise.

SPIDER-MAN

Year: 2000 We can’t help but tear up writing about this. This is the game that started it all, and undoubtedly, the genesis. Based on the actionadventure comic; the Spider-Man game, which was released in 2000, introduced villains such as Doctor Octavius, Venom, Mysterio, and the like. The physics engine was derived from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater game but the gameplay was still deemed advanced for its time. It also packed about 20-odd hours of gaming, which was unheard of. This meant gamers had to invest in multiple memory cards to resume gaming from a saved checkpoint. That said, the game’s greatest features were its humorous punchlines and Stan Lee’s narration – both unique traits that ended with the Spider-Man 2 game in 2002.

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE

Year: 2009 The X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie flopped so hard at the box-office that we wondered if there’d ever be another Wolverine movie. But, to our surprise, Stan Lee had sanctioned a game to resurrect the movie – and it worked. Not only did the game incorporate the best of

the Wolverine movie – the gore, the blood, and the violence – it did so with such great passion. Nothing beats a Friday night than shredding your enemies into bits. The character was built around Hugh Jackman, and the immersive gaming experience of the game was aided by the supreme graphical interface.

THE PUNISHER

Year: 2005 A little-known character in the Marvel universe, The Punisher, first made his game appearance in 2005 – but much like the Wolverine game, it also took violence and gore to the next level. This meant it was only adopted by those over 18 and above. But even so, it held its own in sales and in reception by reviewers. We’re not sure how much of a hand Stan Lee had in the development of this game but it is believed that the Punisher’s appearance in the Spider-Man comics was based on recommendation by the veteran comic book writer himself. Either way, it’s another one for the vault.

LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES Year: 2013 An unlikely association that shouldn’t work but the Lego Marvel Super heroes – which, as its name suggests, is a combination of Lego and Marvel characters – somehow pulls the crowds with its whimsical gameplay. The availability of a large roster of characters – one of which was Stan Lee himself – made this a great game to indulge in. Moreover, Marvel’s signature storyline was packed with wit and humour and made this one of the greatest games of the year.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

FASHION

ACCESS ALL AREAS

Guys no longer ignore the appeal of accessories. If you’re stumped over what to get your menfolk this coming festive season, there are myriad options to choose from, such as this corduroy ‘trapper’s hat from Next. It will keep him warm and feeling cool when out in the wadis this winter.

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T t Ge

k o o L e h

, reet e look t s th gh e hi to get h t d to s you n e igh on help h e th rris From ma Ha Gem

OK, a jumper isn’t really an accessory. But if you want something you can just throw on and forget about and wear with anything then it is. This rollneck is 100% Merino wool and comes in four other colours. Buy it from H&M for RO20.99.

These gloves in 100% leather can be functional – keeping his hands warm, sporty (as in driving gloves), or simply debonair when donned with his favourite overcoat. They cost RO15.99 from H&M.

Silver’s a lot less blingy than gold, will match any shirt your man owns and won’t detract from a razor-sharp cuff-line or a funky watch. Therefore, these silver-tone diamante square cufflinks are a snip, at RO6, from Next.

Why skimp on style when you want to keep your head warm? This black hat in felted fabric bears a smart band and a brim of 6cm. Movie star Taron Egerton has taken to wearing one so this could be the one for my son. It costs RO7.99 from H&M.

It doesn’t just keep up his trousers but when matched with the colour of his shoes it will hold his look together. So, choose brown or black with classic, understated metallic buckles like this one from Next at RO12.

It’s still sunny in winter, and a classic pair of sunglasses will suit any face shape. This pair is 90% metal,10% plastic with a charcoal tint to make him look suave, not sinister. Buy them from Next for RO8.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

BEAUTY

Fashion

Home

Family

A tranquil

ESCAPE Zanta Spa in the Grand Millennium Muscat offers up an indulgent sanctuary from the everyday. Team Y heads over for some much-needed R&R

hen life hands you lemons, head to the spa. Okay, maybe that’s not exactly how the adage goes but what we do know is that after a particularly stressful day or hectic week we all deserve a little ‘me time’. So what better way to get pampered than to indulge in an afternoon at the spa? Therefore, it’s with relaxation in mind that we find ourselves, for the first time, at the Grand Millennium Muscat’s zenlike Zanta Spa for two-and-a-half-hours of bliss in the form of their Ginger Renewal treatment. Split into male and female wings, with an adjoining couples’ treatment room in the middle, its décor is cool, earthen and grotto-like with wood, marble and stone elements rooting its aesthetic in nature while decorative touches such as carved stone urns are a nod to the influence of the Orient. After being escorted to their locker area and dressing room we take a quick peek around the facilities. A fully-stocked ladies’ gym opens up off the foyer area, while at the back of the space the wet-room boasts a large whirlpool Jacuzzi, sauna and steam-rooms for pre- and post-treatment relaxation. After a quick change we nip out to the relaxation room to await our therapist. More meditation chamber than room, its cavernous walls stretch up to the ceiling while undulating chaise longues allow you to recline in style while sipping on a fresh cup of herbal tea. The treatment room is equally serene – dimly-lit with stone-work floor and walls that add extra sound-proofing to maximise repose. The Ginger Renewal treatment is one of Zanta Spa’s signature specialties and involves the use of ginger essence in the oils and scrubs used for a revitalising and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. The 150-minutelong treatment is done in three parts beginning with a full-body scrub, 042

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followed by a head-to-toe body massage, and a customised facial. The scrub is lush and invigorating, and our therapist who hails from Bali uses traditional techniques to exfoliate the skin in long strokes. The ginger essence from the scrub fills the air with its scent, and a quick shower afterwards to remove any residue leaves our skin baby soft and glowing. The relaxation body massage that follows is equally heavenly, as refreshing ginger oils are used to moisturise the skin and evoke a tranquil state of mind. Before the treatment we’re asked if there are any areas of concentration we’d like the therapist to focus on. Our neck, shoulders, and lower back are given extra attention and pressure (too much sitting at a desk on deadline can have a cumulative effect on the muscles!). To wrap up what’s been thus far a sheer blissful experience, is a facial treatment tailored to our skin type. It begins with a gentle jasmine cleanser to remove makeup and impurities, followed by a serum to calm our combination dry/oily skin. After a quick steam session to open the pores, the therapist easily extracts those pesky blackheads and blemishes. This is followed by another quick cleanse to reduce any redness, and then a blissful cranio-facial massage using – you guessed it – ginger essential oils to further reduce puffiness and inflammation. After the massage our therapist applies a Kerstin Florian Rehydrating Algae Gel Mask for an extra injection of moisture, finishing up with an SPF eye-cream and lip moisturiser. Afterwards, we bask in the post-treatment glow, knowing we can put a fresh face forward for the rest of the day ahead. If you’re looking for a tranquil escape in the heart of the city, Zanta Spa ticks all the boxes when it comes to a sense of rejuvenation paired with quality of facilities and service.

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

Home

Family

IN THE AIR

As the festive season for expats approaches, Martina Mason finds out what causes a fear of flying, and how family members can conquer it and join their loved ones for Christmas

his Christmas, we’re changing tack in our house. Instead of flying home to the UK for the festivities, my parents will be joining us in Muscat. I’m looking forward to my Mum’s expertise in the kitchen: she’ll check that the turkey isn’t dry, that my roast potatoes are crispy on the outside and melt-in-the-mouth fluffy on the inside. She’ll also ensure I don’t pour too much sherry over the Christmas pudding when we set it alight to make wishes, thus heading off a health-and-safety hazard. My biggest challenge is going to be how to get her here in the first place. Mum, now 72, hasn’t flown for a few years now. A particularly turbulent short-haul flight that my parents took to Europe three years ago unsettled her considerably. Fear of flying is a well-known phobia. Stars such as Jennifer Aniston have suffered from it (although Emirates paid her US$5m [RO1.92m] to advertise their airline in 2015 so I’m assuming she’s recovered), as have fellow actors Billy Bob Thornton and Whoopi Goldberg. I’m unsure if Mum really does have aerophobia but I’ve found out as much as I can about it and tried every diplomatic trick in the book to cajole her into getting on that plane. I even offered to put her and Dad in business class, until my husband hit the roof. According to the British charity Anxiety UK, fear of flying or aerophobia is an excessive worry about air travel that can affect one in ten people, or more.

Anxiety and panic attacks are the most common traits but the phobia can affect two types of people: those who feel they will lose control of their emotions and embarrass themselves and those around them; and those whose fear is associated with turbulence, bad weather or a fault with the aeroplane. The fears might not necessarily be related to aviation but could be as a result of stress incurred by personal problems. Mum’s difficulties start when the monitors start showing the safety procedures, and when flight attendants start jabbing their fingers at the emergency exits. She said: “I start to hyperventilate, I get butterflies in the stomach, my mouth feels dry, and I feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety.” After placating her, I explained that statistically (according to aviation experts), the chances of a plane crash are one for every 1.2million flights, with the odds of dying, one in 11 million. The chances of dying in a car accident are one in 5,000. “Well, they would say that, wouldn’t they?” was Mum’s tart response. OK, so that didn’t work. Next I recommended some tips I had found out about, and which are listed below. Eventually, Mum’s doctor referred her to a counsellor, with whom she talked out her fears and anxieties under a program of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). Her counsellor has helped her to identify what causes her anxiety, how it builds up, continues, and incurs her panic and, more importantly, how to deal with it. So now it’s a case of fingers crossed for Christmas. Mum is now looking forward to strolling on Qurum Beach on Boxing Day, and Dad will roll his eyes and say, “Yes, dear”, as usual. Here at Y, we hope you have, as an old Air Canada slogan once boasted, “Flights so good, you won’t want to get off!” And to help you do just that, here are some coping strategies, as recommended by the British clinical psychologist Professor Robert Bor: ❶ Keep yourself distracted. Keep watching the entertainment monitor, and keep the headphones on. ❷ Try some breathing exercises: take slow, deep breaths in the mouth so your belly expands, then breathe slowly out through the nose. ❸ Learn how the aeroplane works. Find out how it takes off and flies, how air traffic control keeps planes apart, and what happens during turbulence. ■ (Sources: China Daily, Anxiety UK, BBC, Professor Robert Bor)

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Trend

YUMMY

SUGAR STRESS?

Sugar can be one of the most difficult dietary habits to break due to the drug-like effect it has on the brainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reward centre.

044

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New Restaurant

Reviews

Foods that turn to sugar in the body

Sweet retreat

A prolific sweet tooth can cause you more harm than tucking into another slice of cake is worth, and cutting out sugar is no cakewalk either. Yummy Oman gives you the lowdown on going low-glycemic

ou’ve just sat down in front of the TV – work’s finished, dinner’s done, and the washing-up can wait. You’re 15 minutes into the latest episode of your favourite series, sleeve of cookies or bag of crisps within arm’s reach. Before you’ve hit the first commercial break half the bag’s gone and the crumbs on your hands and lips the only proof they were ever there. “How’d that happen?” you might think or “I didn’t even realise what I was doing”. Case in point, the effect of sugar on body and brain. Since humans discovered its pleasurable source and ability to stimulate the deepest rewards centres of our brain, we haven’t been able to get enough of the stuff – figuring out ways to use it, refine it, find new sources of it; how to fake it, how to bake it, how to manipulate it – all the while as our bodies try to figure out how to process the overload. As the sedentary lifestyle and prodigious diet of our 21st century jolts our pancreases into overdrive, so too do rates of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome

(abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol/lipids). Foods high in sugar (glucose) trigger reward responses in the brain and invoke greater sensations of hunger as compared to low-glycaemic alternatives. This in turn produces high blood sugar which drives an addictive response in the brain which can lead to further over-eating. And, much like drug addiction, over time greater amounts of glucose are needed to generate the same pleasure response in our brain’s reward centre. On top of that, high-glycemic foods are also generally associated with high fat and/or salt content. To make it simple, all foods fall along the spectrum of a glycemic index – meaning how much glucose (or sugar) they contain. To reduce the harmful effects of high-blood sugar in those with diabetes or pre-diabetes, following a low-glycemic diet is key. If you think you might be at-risk of falling into one of these categories, reducing your intake of dietary sugar and going low-glycemic may be worth considering. Here’s what you should know.

§ Starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, peas etc.) § Grains – especially those that contain added or refined sugars (white bread, bagels, baked goods, pasta, rice). § Fruits. Though containing natural carbohydrates, they still cause a spike in glucose. These include certain fresh fruits, canned and/or frozen. Bananas for example rank as one of the highest sugarconverting fruits on the glycaemic index. § Dairy products that are flavoured or contain added sweeteners (chocolate milk, fruit-flavoured yogurts). § Sweeteners (found in soft drinks, jams, syrups etc).

Low-glycemic swaps Try these easy trade-offs to help kick-start your journey towards low-glycemic eating. Trade: § White bread for wholemeal or rye § Potatoes for lentils or pumpkin § White rice for brown or wild rice § Instant noodles for soba or buckwheat varieties § Soft drinks or energy drinks for water or 100% fruit juice (50ml) § Full-fat ice-cream for low-fat yogurt or custard § Potato chips/pretzels for dry-roasted chickpeas or vegetables and hummus § Cookies for dried fruit and nut mix § Sugar or corn-syrup sweeteners for pure floral honey or maple syrup (Source: www.gisymbol.com)

Chickpea curry with pumpkin and baby spinach This savoury crowdpleaser is light on sweetness and lush on spice. Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: § 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil § 1 medium onion, finely chopped § 2 cloves garlic, crushed  § 1 teaspoon chili powder  § 1 teaspoon ground coriander  § 2 teaspoons ground cumin  § 500g (17½ oz) plain tomato pasta sauce  § 1½ cups cooked chickpeas (garbanzos)  § 320g (11 oz) peeled pumpkin (butternut squash), chopped into small pieces  § pinch of salt, optional  § 120g (4 oz) baby spinach leaves  § 2 teaspoons freshly chopped coriander (cilantro) Method: § Heat oil in a large saucepan and sauté onion for about 5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 2. Mix in chili powder, coriander, cumin, tomato pasta sauce, and ½ cup of water. Stir well. 3. Add chickpeas and pumpkin pieces and bring to boil. Adjust flavour with extra salt, if desired. 4. Reduce heat and simmer for around 15 minutes or until pumpkin is tender. 5. Stir through baby spinach leaves until they start to wilt, followed by coriander, and serve immediately.

(Source: www.gisymbol.com)

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FOOD DRINK

Tr e n d

REVIEWS

Info Box

nge

ANGELINA PARIS

-R Mid

New Restaurant

Three branches: Al Mouj, Sabco Centre, Muscat Grand Mall, Muscat Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. to midnight Contact: (+968) 2428-8317 Dinner for two: RO27.3 Verdict : 9/10 SERVICE 9/10 FOOD 10/10 AMBIENCE Exquisite mélange of French and Arabic cuisine, presented to perfection and delectable in every way.

ANGELINA PARIS

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

TEAM Y SAMPLES FARE FROM THE WORLD’S MOST CULINARY NATION IN AN EATERY FOR WHICH NOTHING LESS THAN FORMIDABLE WILL DO

aving served much of Europe for more than 115 years, Angelina Paris proudly sits as one of the oldest tea houses in the world. It even advertises that publicly; proclaiming (in French) ‘Established in 1903’. Having entered Oman sometime in 2016 with three branches – in the Sabco Centre in Wattayah, Al Mouj, and the Muscat Grand Mall – it seems that its bosses have left nothing to chance. When you walk through the door – in this case, of Al Mouj – the décor is splendid and radiates a slice of La Belle Epoque. From the shaded chandeliers to the mock-Chippendale chairs and marble tables, Angelina Paris is certainly chic. Seated by a very courteous waiter, we were immediately approached by the head chef herself, Soly. She suggested we try out her new menu. Being a hungry bunch, we asked her to draw up the theme for the night. Around 10 minutes or so later, our starters arrived: a Labneh Tartine, Roquefort Salad, Shrimp with Carrot Puree, Scallops with Avocado Tartare, Lobster with Ratatouille, Broccoli cream soup, Grilled Halloumi, and Salmon and Avocado Tartare. We dug in while intermittently poking into each other’s. That said, each of the plates had its own strengths but the fresh Lobster with Ratatouille was in a league of its own. The light undertone of the zucchini and the accompanying veggies of the ratatouille gave the Omani Lobster its flavour. This was quickly followed up by the Labneh Tartine – a wonderful spectacle of French cuisine blended with a Middle-Eastern zing.

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down a winner, proclaiming each with its own merits. By now we were reeling but continued with the sea food bits of the main course. There were no surprises there – each dish being cooked to the ANGELINA PARIS’ NEW MENU OFFERS highest standards – and without any compromises. Standing out was the fatty chunk of salmon in GREATER PORTIONS THAN BEFORE AT MORE AFFORDABLE PRICES. BUT, the royal fillet. The flavours from the fats created a delectable dish with melt-in-the-mouth fish, a side WHERE IT STANDS OUT IS IN THE OVERALL CONSISTENCY AND HARD of baby veggies (carrots, zucchini, and tomatoes), and a thick cream dressing. The freshness of the WORK PUT INTO EACH DISH fish was evident as we sunk our teeth into the thick fillet – this is a must-try for anyone heading here. The chicken fillet, stuffed with turkey meat and cheese was, according to our friend, the “best stuffed chicken he’d ever had in Oman”. Even though we were replete, the chef then suggested we try out the new pudding menu – which is something Angelina is well-known for in France. Waiting for us was a Crème Brulee, a chocolate The Labneh – a very generous creamy soft cheese portion – certainly added an aura unlike lava cake, a tropical date shake, and an affogato anything we’d tried earlier, mingling the French’s mocktail. The star of the night was also the fascination for fresh bread with the tang of a hardest pudding to prepare – the Crème Brulee. seasoned Arabic cheese. With just the right amount of consistency, clear One of our friends also noted that the Broccoli from when we sunk the pudding spoon into the cream soup had a “nice hint of creaminess, and crust; the flawless texture of the rich custard base was rightly seasoned with a dash of the green and the hardened caramelised sugar was a rare plant (broccoli)”. treat. Next up was the Salmon and Avocado Tartare – Angelina Paris’ new menu offers greater entailing a sizeable portion of grilled salmon and portions than before at more affordable creamy avocado spread. We thoroughly enjoyed prices. But, where it stands out is in the overall it – the soft and flavoursome salmon slice was top- consistency and hard work put into each dish. notch, with its crispy skin done to perfection, and This was definitely an eye-opener after all the the underlying avocado cream, which we thought disappointment we’d had before. Well done, wouldn’t tie in with the dish, was a revelation. Angelina Paris. Well done. As we headed into our main course, our expectations were high. Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see And boy, were we in for a treat. Arriving on reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com piping-hot plates were the signature dishes – the lamb chops, lamb shank, stuffed chicken, beef fillet, sea bass fillet, salmon royal fillet, and sea food risotto. As heavy as it seemed, the six of us were ready for the challenge that lay ahead. First to go down were the two lamb dishes and the beef fillet – all three garnished with fresh veggies and grilled amply to keep the juices locked in within the meat, but not at the expense of a crispy outside, which just invited us to delve into it. We couldn’t narrow

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