Y Magazine #554, January 24, 2019

Living history ARCHAEOLOGY IN OMAN Through the lens

STALLIONS OF ARABIA

News: SEVEN NEW FLIGHTS FOR 10 OMAN-INDIA ROUTE

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

DESTINATION: Jebel Shams TASTE TEST: Healthy Kitchen YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

JAN 24 - 30 2019 / ISSUE 554 • WEEKLY

HOME SWEET

HOME?

PLUS!

ARE ROGUE REALTORS IN THE SULTANATE GETTING AWAY WITH THE PERFECT CRIME? WITH CASES ON THE RISE OF FRAUDULENT TRANSACTIONS LEAVING TENANTS FLEECED OF THEIR RENT AND DEPOSITS, Y INVESTIGATES THE LONG ROAD TO JUSTICE THAT MANY VICTIMS FACE

YUMMY OMAN: MUSCAT’S TOP FOODIE FINDS 01 NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

44

Y GEEK SQUAD: GAMES VS. MOVIES

39

POSTCARD: SEVILLE, SPAIN

36

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE…

P

icture the scenario. You’ve just uprooted your life to relocate to Muscat and start that dream job. You’ve got your visa sorted, your licence issued, and a spacious poolside apartment rented. Now imagine on the 10th of the month your landlord calls you asking why your first month’s rent and deposit are nearly two weeks’ late.

It’s the first time you’ve spoken over the phone because, previously, you’d been dealing with a friendly estate agent representative who got your rental agreement signed on the dotted line and was happy to take your payment in cash or via overseas transfer on behalf of the property-owner while you got your local bank account set up.

The only problem? That money never made it into the hands of your landlord.

Oman’s property market is governed by tight-knit laws that prevent fraudsters. But as more residents are coming forward and revealing the perils in facing property agents and landlords – some of whom are now in debt or in longstanding lawsuits – it’s becoming clear that there are loopholes to fix and plenty of awareness to be created. This week, we take a look at how several are exploiting Oman’s ageing laws on property ownership, leases and renting, and how one can protect oneself from falling prey to these scammers.

Also in this issue, we’re hitting new heights at Jebel Shams in our Destination pages, taking you on a photographic journey into the culture of Arabian horseracing in our features section, and rounding up our top food finds for 2019 over in 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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JAN 24 - 30 / ISSUE 554

03

contents JAN 24 - 30

Your Oman

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman

Jagruti Naravani 10 News

His Majesty issues

seven Royal Decrees 12

2019

News Indian cruise liner launches service to Muscat

10

18

Dine in the dark Let your taste buds guide you at the Grand Millennium Muscat’s Bahriyat Restaurant on January 30.

34 First Drive

Global bestsellers 38 Y-Fi

Beauty boosters

39

20

The ‘perfect crime’ More cases of rogue agents swindling unwitting tenants out of their rent and deposits are cropping up across the Sultanate.

Y asks: ‘Is there justice to be served for those left high and dry?’

26

Living history We’re stepping into the past to take you inside Oman’s top five archaeological sites

19 Movies 28

The tale of King

Arthur gets a

modern-day

reboot in ‘The Kid

Who Would Be King’,

starring Patrick Stewart

Stallions of Arabia It’s equestrian grace at its finest at the Royal Horse Club’s 9th annual race.

19

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Jebel Shams

Features

Health and Beauty 40 Fashion

Neutral territory 42 Beauty

Battle of the

concealers

Food and Drink 44 Yummy Oman

Five Muscat foodie

finds you have to try!

46 Taste Test

Healthy Kitchen

40

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 we’ From ate hits of the week, gossip, to your ultim from the pulse of the music your superstar dose Radio Oman 100.9 FM world, with Virgin

Ariana songstealer?

Ariana Grande has just released her latest single ‘7 Rings’ off her upcoming fifth studio album ‘Thank U, Next’, a track that samples the song ‘My Favourite Things’ from the classic musical ‘The Sound of Music’. Now, 26-year-old American rapper Princess Nokia has accused Ariana Grande of stealing her 2017 song called ‘Mine’. On Twitter she posted a video of herself listening to Ariana’s latest single along with the Tweet: ‘Does that sound familiar to you? That sounds really familiar to me.’ Princess Nokia’s ‘Mine’, is off her debut solo album called ‘1992 Deluxe’, which came out in 2017. Ariana was also accused of ripping off Soulja Boy Tell’em’s ‘Pretty Boy Swag’, which was released in 2010 on the same track. And the plot thickens…

Family feud Rihanna is suing her father for using her Fenty beauty label brand name for his own business. According to the star, she says that her Dad is profiting from the brand’s reputation, claiming that, he and his business partner have falsely presented themselves as her representatives to make millions off his daughter. Allegedly, he started a talent company called Fenty Entertainment (despite the fact she trademarked the name ‘Fenty’) and tried to book her for 15 shows in Latin America in December 2017 for US$15 million – all without her authorisation. She has since sent cease-and-desist letters to her father, all of which he’s allegedly ignored.

So, Chris Pratt got engaged…

Superhero and funnyman Chris Pratt has just announced his

engagement to Katherine Schwarzenegger, daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger, after seven months of dating.

On Instagram, the ‘Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ star 06

JAN 17 - 23 / ISSUE 553

posted a video of himself and Katherine with the caption: ‘Sweet Katherine, so happy you said yes! I’m thrilled to be marrying you”. Chris Pratt and his ex-wife Anna Faris announced their separation back in August 2017 and finalised their divorce in October 2018.

Fyre fraud Two documentaries about rapper Ja Rule and business partner Billy McFarland’s infamous Fyre Festival – the festival that never happened, have just hit the airwaves on Netflix, and streaming service Hulu.

The docs chronicle the rise, fall, and fraud surrounding the doomed music festival that was meant to be held over two weekends in April and May 2017 on the Bahamanian island of Grand Exuma. In a recent Tweet-storm Ja Rule has clapped back in response to the two releases saying: “I love how people watch a documentary and think they have all the answers. I had an amazing vision to create a festival like no other and I would never scam or fraud anyone. What sense does that make?’ Festival co-organiser and Ja Rule’s business partner Billy McFarland has been sentenced to six years in prison.

Hostess with the most-est The 61st Grammy Awards are right around the corner, coming up on February 10 and 11, and it has officially been announced that Alicia Keys, who gave us hits like ‘Fallin’ and ‘No One’ will host the 2019 ceremony. She let her fans know the news via a ten-minute-long YouTube video that shows the moment she found she had the gig, captioning the video with: “There’s so much in store and I can’t for y’all to see it all come to life”.

Ariana’s ‘7 Rings’ drops

Over the last few weeks, Ariana Grande has been teasing us with her new single ‘7 Rings’ and this past Friday she finally dropped the track. The song is all about her spending habits and how retail therapy is her new addiction. Grande says the track was inspired by a rough day she had in New York City where her friends took her to Tiffany’s and she ended up buying them all rings. So, she decided to write a song about it! This is the second single Ariana’s released off her upcoming new album ‘Thank U, Next’.

5 Seconds of Summer sing about heartbreak Australian band 5 Seconds of Summer are back with another single off their album ‘Youngblood’. ‘Lie To Me’ is the third single off the album, and it’s about a relationship that just ended – and, in case you missed it, they’ve also remixed the song with Julia Michaels.

Maren Morris is back!

The country singer that everyone now knows thanks to her smash hit with Zedd ‘The Middle’ is back with a new single.

‘Girl’ is described as a laid-back indie-rock and soulful pop track. Morris says the song is all about talking to her inner critic who says she’s not good enough. The track is off her forthcoming second album which will be released later this year.

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

THE VOICE OF OMAN

JAGRUTI NARAVANI, A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL IN OMAN TALKS ABOUT THE LEGALITIES AND IMPORTANCE OF OPTING FOR THE SERVICES OF REGISTERED REAL ESTATE AGENTS AS OPPOSED TO STREET BROKERS

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: More rogue property agents are fleecing tenants in Oman of rent and deposits, leaving them high and dry. What steps should the authorities be taking to ensure greater oversight and regulation to protect consumers?

LYNN WOLFENDEN-CLAYTON

O

n a priority, it’s important to head to companies and professionals who are registered with the government as licensed real estate agents.

Else, there’s always the obvious risk of falling face first into a scam.

Yes, there’s a substantial price difference between a legal third-party company and a street broker but that all amounts to you having a peace of mind when you’re going into renting, leasing, or buying a property in the GCC. When it comes to a professional overseeing activities pertaining to the client – whether you’re a landlord or a tenant – all the tasks, starting from preparing the paperwork to handling cases bounced cheques, will be taken care of.

This means it becomes our goal to provide all parties involved in an agreement with a smooth experience – and the extra commission only ensures that you’re always in safe hands.

Throughout my course of work here in Oman, I haven’t dealt with anyone who had been scammed by a street broker. But the fact of the matter is that there are several out there who are willing to offer you properties for a tad less.

But, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. This brings me to the case of one GCC-expat who was promised by a street agent a plot in the center of Muscat for RO50,000 but instead received a place in the outskirts worth no more than RO5,000.

It’s these types of scams that really put people off from investing in the property market. But when done right, it can be one of the best investments you’ll ever make.

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Although I live in Oman, I am a multi-property landlord and former housing advisor in the UK. There are many laws that landlords and other housing providers have to follow including (but not limited to) comprehensive tenancy agreements; regular safety checks, and placing the tenant’s security deposit into a governmentbacked ‘Deposit Protection Scheme’. Once in the scheme, the deposit is protected and neither the landlord nor the tenant can access the money unless both parties agree. The schemes, of which there are three in the UK, also provide a mediation service when there is a dispute over the release of the money. Should a landlord or letting agent fail to protect a tenant’s deposit, then they can be prosecuted and also sued by the tenant for up to three times the value of the deposit.

MUTHUMARI PANDIAN

Everyone’s comfort zone is their dwelling place. Some property agents are ruining this and giving more stress to tenants.

First, they are forcing them to pay six months’ rent in advance. But most of the tenants don’t have that so they start seeking loans. And some of them have to issue post-dated cheques for 12 months to rent an apartment.

Second, if the tenants want to move from one flat to another in any unavoidable situation or family crisis, they can’t vacate the flat easily because they are completely trapped by the postdated cheques (even in the case of a change of school or job transfer). The tenant has no option.

Either he should give up the idea of moving or he

WRITE TO US AND YOU COULD WIN

should pay five months’ rent as a penalty to vacate the house (before the completion of one year).

Some of these cases are happening here and on the other hand, the landlord-tenant relationship in Oman is governed and regulated by ‘The Tenancy Law’. Its main focus is to limit rent increases (rent control). According to this law, landlords are not allowed to increase the rent in the first three years, thereafter rent increases may not exceed 7 per cent per annum. And it also protects the tenants against eviction.

Agreement between the parties can be signed for an agreed duration that could be yearly, half yearly or quarterly but more work needs to be done to protect the rights of all concerned.

FAHD SIDDIQUI

Their is no decree for real estate agents in Oman, and no regulation to monitor their activities but currently there are more than 3,500 Agencies in Oman, out of which maybe only one per cent are registered. We urge the government to look into this matter and to assist in monitoring those working without a licence or who are not accredited with a recognised real estate company. You will not find this in Dubai as all agents are registered under a company.

SUNIL JOHN MARTIN

Taking of 3 to 6 months’ rent in advance or a security deposit should be banned by the authorities.

Only monthly rents should be paid. In these difficult economic times, the property agents should bring down the rent since today supply exceeds demand.

They should only take a one-time fixed service charge in buildings managed by them from the

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landlord and not the tenant.

DR. TAMANNA DALWAI

It is unfortunate when ‘Home Sweet Home’ leads to sleepless nights and a hole in the pocket. Rogue property agents are a cause of concern in most countries especially when there are loopholes in the regulations. To offer the best possible service and peace of mind not only to the tenants but also the landlords the following proposed solutions can be considered: Firstly, to offer protection to tenants and landlords from rogue property agents, every resident card should be linked with official details associated with an individual. This also fulfils the objective of becoming a smart economy that Oman is committed to becoming. For example, every resident of Oman should provide proof of their residence address, which can be supported with a tenancy/rent agreement. The landlord of this property

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should also be recorded in the system.

Similarly, those that rent out properties should compulsorily disclose all of their properties and linked to the owner’s resident card number. The landlord should also disclose the agents contracted to deal with the properties. This data should be available to Royal Oman Policy, the Public Authority for Consumer Protection and Muscat Municipality.

Thereby, a tenant and landlord can be offered adequate protection from any rogue activities. Additionally, this should be also extended to individuals who stay in shared accommodation.

Secondly, Muscat Municipality should provide a qualification criterion for landlords and agents before being allowed to rent out properties. This will minimise and eliminate any flouting of regulations.

Lastly, penalties for engaging in rogue activities related to renting our properties should be defined and communicated through social media to the community.

New Debate: As government prevention efforts intensify to curb the recent outbreak of Dengue fever in the Seeb area, we want to know if such prevention awareness campaigns are enough to help stop its spread and, if not, what more could be done?

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SHARE YOUR PHOTO WITH Y TO BE FEATURED IN OUR NEW READER SECTION Y reader KSK Rohana captures the imposing majesty of the iconic horse gate at the foothills of the mountains in Wadi Kabir with her Canon 800D.

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JAN 24 - 30 / ISSUE 554

09

NEWS

HIS MAJESTY ISSUES

SEVEN ROYAL DECREES

H

is Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has issued seven Royal Decrees as follows: The first Royal Decree, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, approves ratifying the Sultanate’s joining of the Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems in Ships (AFS Convention) in 2001.

The second decree ratifies an agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania on economic cooperation.

The third decree ratifies the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation for Income Tax signed by the Sultanate of Oman and Sri Lanka.

The fourth decree ratifies the agreement between the Government of the Sultanate and the Government of Romania on mutual waiving of visas for holders of Diplomatic, Special, and Service passports.

The fifth Royal Decree approves the waiver of company of 75 per cent of its rights and liabilities in the oil concession agreement signed on November 11, 2017 for block No. 52 to Qatar International Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Company.

The sixth decree relates to the issuance of a first-class licence to Wide Broadband Company to operate and maintain broadband infrastructure and provide broadband services.

The seventh decree appoints Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al Ameri as Oman’s ambassador to the Republic of the Gambia, the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Guinea, and the Republic of Cabo Verdi.

SMES EYE ELECTRIC VEHICLE MARKET

T

he electric vehicle market is an opportunity for Oman’s small and medium-sized businesses, says the head of the Public Authority for SME Development (Riyada), the Oman Daily Observer reports.

Dr. Ahmed Mohsin al Ghassani, CEO, said the authority was working with the Omani government and public sector stakeholders in unlocking opportunities for SMEs in the lead-up to the roll-out of Electric Vehicles in the Sultanate.

“SMEs in Oman have many opportunities for investment in the eMobility space,” said Dr. Al Ghassani.

“As Electric Vehicles need charging stations, we see the potential for some SMEs to specialise in the construction of charging stations.

“Another promising area relates to the maintenance, upgrade, and repair of electric batteries, for example.

“Likewise, the maintenance of electric cars will require investment in suitably designed garages (that are different from conventional auto garages). These garages will require people with specialist knowledge and skills to operate.”

Dr. Al Ghassani was speaking at the eMobility Forum, a daylong event that drew key figures from public and private sector organisations eager to kickstart a viable EV market in Oman.

The forum was organised

by Global EVRT, a UK-based organisation that seeks to accelerate the adoption of Electric Vehicles.

Riyada, a key sponsor of the event, will seek to tap expertise from abroad to help in the training of Omani SMEs in the EV market, added Dr. Al Ghassani.

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SEVEN NEW FLIGHTS FOR OMAN-INDIA ROUTE

G

oAir, the Indian budget airline, will operate seven flights a week to Kannur International Airport in Kerala from Muscat International Airport.

The service will start on February 1, 2019, Oman’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation has

confirmed.

The low-cost international carrier is based in Mumbai and is owned by the conglomerate Wadia Group.

In October 2017, GoAir was the fifth largest airline in India, with an 8.4 per cent passenger market share.

A NEW MODEL

GALLERY

GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE COMPANY CELEBRATED THE LAUNCH OF THE ALL-NEW MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS DURING A RECENT UNVEILING AT ITS AZAIBA SHOWROOM.

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011

YOUR

OMAN

PAY TO PARK AT SALUT FORT

T

he Diwan of Royal Court has introduced vehicle entry fees to the Salut Archaeological Site in the wilayat of Bahla, the Times of Oman newspaper reported.

This is the first time that an entry fee to the site has been introduced.

This comes as per Ministerial Decision 1/2019. The fees should be paid in cash at the time

FIRST INDIAN CRUISE LINER LAUNCHED

A

n Indian business group has launched the country’s first cruise liner, Muscat Daily reports.

Jalesh Cruises will be sailing to Muscat and other GCC states as part of its winter schedule in December this year.

Subhash Chandra-owned Essel Group’s cruise business, Zen Cruises, announced that its cruise line, Jalesh Cruises, will begin its first voyage on April 17 from Mumbai as its home port.

Jalesh Cruises will offer onshore destinations and excursions across Indian port cities including Chennai, Kochi, Mormugoa, Mumbai, Vizag and international locations including Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Colombo, Penang, and Singapore onboard its

vessel Karnika.

The multi-destination cruise line will offer entertainment shows, adventure activities and authentic cuisines packed with international hospitality on the high sea, the company said.

Starting in December, Karnika will start eight day/ seven night trips, beginning in Mumbai while ending in Dubai.

After leaving Mumbai, it will be at high seas for two days and

985 PRECIOUS STONES

CHECKED IN 2018

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of entry.

They are as follows: • RO2 for 4WD and small vehicles • RO2 for small-sized buses • RO50 for medium-sized buses • RO100 for large-sized buses The site of Salut Fort and its surrounding area are considered among the most important archeological sites in Oman.

then stop in Muscat before heading for Dubai. The first Karnika can accommodate 2,000 passengers and the ratio of passengers to crew is 3:1.

Speaking at the launch in Mumbai, Jurgen Bailom, president and CEO, Zen Cruises, said: “Zen Cruises is pioneering cruise holidays for Indian passengers in both domestic and international waters. Jalesh Cruises will offer a wholesome experience to cruisers.”

A

total of 985 precious stones were inspected by metrology officials in 2018, Oman News Agency reports The gems, which included diamonds, polished and raw precious stones were inspected at a ministry laboratory, the Director General of Metrology confirmed.

The total number was slightly above the previous year, 2017, which had gathered 979 precious stones.

These were collected from Omanis, residents, and precious stone importers, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI).

MoCI has urged those buying precious stones to ask for the certification card as stipulated under Article 7 of the Royal Decree 109/2000.

They should also ensure that the sale invoice includes all details.

A NEW IDENTITY

GALLERY

AHLIBANK UNVEILED THE RE-BRANDING OF ITS ‘MYHASSAD’ SAVINGS ACCOUNT AS THE NEWLY TRANSFORMED ‘WAFRA’ AT A RECENTLY HELD CEREMONY.

JAN 24 - 30 / ISSUE 554

013

YOUR

GOING THE DISTANCE

OMAN

HUNDREDS TURNED OUT TO TAKE PART IN THE ANNUAL AL MOUJ MUSCAT MARATHON HELD THIS PAST WEEKEND.

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GALLERY

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015

YOUR

ALL FIRED UP

OMAN

KEMPINSKI MUSCAT’S THE KITCHEN RESTAURANT WAS COOKIN’ WITH FIRE AT THE RECENT LAUNCH OF ITS NEW ‘GRILL SOCIETY’ NIGHT.

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GALLERY

Photography by: Shaquel al Balushi Location: Oasis by the Sea Style: Architecture Sea meets structure in a quiet corner of Shatti Al Qurum’s popular waterfront promenade.

JAN 24 - 30 / ISSUE 554

017

Muscat diners are in for a very special treat this weekend. Michelin-starred celebrity chef Angelo Sabatelli is bringing his titanic skills to the kitchens of one of Muscat’s top hotels. The Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is welcoming Chef Sabatelli to its Italian restaurant Capri Court on January 24 for three nights only. Diners are invited to join Chef Sabatelli on an extraordinary culinary journey at Capri Court, which can be found on the seafront of Al Bandar hotel.

Chef Angelo Sabatelli’s sumptuous à la carte menu is on for just three days so make sure you don’t miss him and his fabulous food. To book a table call (+968) 2477-6565, or email fbreservation.slmu@shangri-la.com.

JAN 24-26

WEEK

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

J A N U A R Y

ONGOING

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JAN

30

For an evening where your palate does the guessing, Bahriyat Restaurant at the Grand Millennium Muscat presents its second ‘Dining In The Dark’ event. Guests are handed blindfolds and guided to their table in complete darkness, to challenge their tastebuds with the ultimate taste test. This brand-new sensory dining experience at Bahriyat will be the first of its kind in Oman. Guests will enjoy a live MC throughout the evening, and a violinist will be performing soothing background music. Diners will be offered their own notepad to scribble down their guesses against each dish.

The menu is strictly top-secret but dietary requirements are wellnoted ahead of the dinner. The rest remains a mystery; only your first bite will give you an insight into the dish that lies before you.

The dinner runs from 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m., and costs RO24 per person. This includes dinner, drinks, apron, blindfold, and notepad.

For more information or to make a booking, call (+968) 2234-2222.

Opera is one of the world’s oldest art forms and, some would argue, it’s the purest and most demanding of them all. The House of Musical Arts has been opened as part of the Royal Opera House Muscat, and its first exhibition is Opera, 400 Years of Passion, which has been organised by the V&A Museum in London. It tells the story of opera through its early origins in 16th century Venice to its status today; including its establishment in Oman in 2011 when His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said founded the Royal Opera House Muscat.More than 200 objects have been amassed in Oman from across Europe to celebrate the story.Many of the pieces have been taken out of Europe for the first time in hundreds of years. The exhibits include oil paintings, marble busts, costumes, textiles, glass, and chinaware.This unmissable event runs until March 14 and is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (excluding Fridays and public holidays). For more information visit www.rohmuscat.org.om.

A CELEBRATION OF MUSIC

THIS

DINE IN THE DARK

A MICHELIN STAR MEAL

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

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

Vice Cast: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell

The Kid Who Would Be King

Mary, Queen of Scots Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Gemma Chan In the 16th century, England and Scotland are not united and as separate nations, aren’t exactly friendly neighbours.

And both are ruled by two formidable and striking young women in a man’s world.

But Mary (Ronan) also has a strong (and legitimate) claim to the English throne. And Elizabeth I (Robbie), is not about to give it up anytime soon despite her own questionable claim to it.

Close Cast: Noomi Rapace, Sophie Nelisse, Eoin Mackin

It’s handbags at dawn, to say the least. If you don’t know the story, we won’t spoil it for you but both ladies are now entombed in London’s Westminster Abbey.

This is a huge part of AngloScottish history and for it to be treated so sloppily is disappointing, and frankly, disrespectful.

Clue: political correctness (PC) does not translate well to 16th century history, and that’s why this film is a resounding dud.

Counter-terrorism expert and bodyguard-forhire Sam Carlson (Rapace) turns out to be the woman for the job when spoilt young heiress Zoe Tanner (Nelisse) needs protecting.

But the two are worlds apart in age, experience, and background, and their business relationship turns a tad on the frosty side.

When a violent kidnap attempt forces them to go on the run, they’re going to have to get on if they intend to survive.

Sam is no simple, straightforward hard-case, but a complex woman who happens to be faster and smarter than the bad guys after her and her charge.

The ‘bodyguard’ scenario has been done to death, but Rapace’s magnetic screen presence saves this from sinking into a predictable stereotype.

It’s a great, no-frills action thriller with no silly car chases, empty-headed dialogue, or characters you just can’t take seriously.

Dick Cheney (Bale) has been around Washington a long time and knows how to work the system.

As US Vice-President, he redefines the role of being No.2 to President George W. Bush and makes his presence felt in all aspects of government policy.

Unfortunately, that includes declaring war on Iraq, and the ramifications of that foreign policy blunder are still all around us today.

Bale nails it as Cheney, and there’s terrific support from Steve Carell as Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Sam Rockwell’s barnstorming turn as Dubya. We’re unsure whether this is a riproaring satire or a very real ripping apart of one of the worst US administrations ever. Still, Ivanka Trump walked out of this half-way through so that should tell you something.

Either way, it’s enthralling and proves once again that life is drama, and drama is life.

!

Cast: Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Rebecca Ferguson, Patrick Stewart

Alex (Serkis) is just a British schoolboy on the cusp of his teens with all the angst and anxiety that brings.

When he stumbles upon the ancient sword of the mythical Excalibur, he suddenly has a whole lot of power at his fingertips.

It’s all a bit much to take in, but then he and his mates find out there’s a medieval villain called Morgana (Ferguson) who’s bent on world destruction.

It means computer games will have to take a backseat for this junior band of brothers, who find themselves with a hefty weight on their shoulders: the future of the planet.

It’s Hollywood’s latest take on the legend of King Arthur and, mercifully, it treats younger movie-goers with intelligence.

There are enough deft touches peppered with humour to keep the parents involved, too.

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

‘Vice’ star Christian Bale also took a turn donning the cape of which iconic superhero?

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> The

‘perfect crime’

Finding somewhere to live is stressful enough. But Oman’s property market is under attack from rogue agents fleecing clients out of their hard-earned cash. Team Y reports on how the rental sector can be a calamity for both tenants and landlords, and what we can do to fight back

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The excitement of moving into your dream home is one of life’s great pleasures.

But, how would you feel if the decision you made – to throw thousands of Riyals into a home – did nothing but feed the greed of a property scammer?

This story is one of woe, and an experience that hundreds have experienced. It’s also one that Andrew*, a 43-year-old British-expat and engineer in the Sultanate, recounts bitterly.

He says: “It all began in 2015 when my wife and I decided to buy a house at one of the leading semi-government owned residential properties in the

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country.

“We narrowed down a few listings but then the oil crisis hit that year. So, we had to throw our savings back to the UK and lease out a villa in the area for five years.”

Andrew then put down a RO6,500 as a deposit for the two-storey villa and agreed to pay RO1,750 per month for rent – all via an electronic transfer to an “unregistered and unlicenced” British-expat estate agent operating from Oman.

Not knowing the risks involved when dealing with illegally operating estate agents and trusting his instincts with a “fellow Briton”, Andrew poured the couple’s savings into the house. Soon, the family moved from their company apartment in Qurum to their spanking-new villa in Seeb.

“Everything was truly great for the first two months. The kids had settled in and even moved schools to begin their new life.”

But then disaster struck.

The practice of real estate brokerage profession without a licence from the competent authority is a crime punishable by imprisonment for six months and a fine of RO3,000

“The landlord called me up one day while I was at work and asked me where the deposit and the two months’ rent were,” Andrew exclaims.

“That’s when I realised that my lettings agent had taken all the money and kept it. This meant that I either had to pay everything to the landlord again – which I couldn’t do due to financial constraints – or leave the villa.

“To my surprise, however, all my pleas to stay there for a month to sort out the issue with the Royal Oman Police (ROP) were not heeded.

“In fact, I had the ROP at my door the very next day asking my family to move out and I headed to the police station.

“Considering how big the threat was, I sent my wife and two kids over to her friend’s, and left with the ROP. I was held there for two hours before my company bailed me out, and also had to implore the landlord to cancel our agreement.”

Adding to his woes though was that the landlord kept Andrew’s belongings – from his television to the children’s cots – until he paid the two months’ rent. It

have their money returned.

The number of cases are continuing to grow, as we analyse the property market of Oman.

Despite strict laws, the market still faces sharp criticism from foreign investors on the lax implementation of laws.

A simple glance at local buying, renting, and leasing groups across Facebook shows the extent to which the problem has arisen.

One local Facebook page – which asked not be named due to an ongoing feud with a landlord for fraud – contains several cases of victims posting their ordeals online so that residents can read and protect themselves.

Sadly, only a handful of tenants have won cases against the wrongdoers.

And there’s more than just one rogue agent at large, says Abdul Aziz al Balushi, a top real estate lawyer for 15 years.

The lawyer adds a surprising statistic to the mix: “seven out of 10 times it’s the tenant that’s the victim. And often it’s an expat”.

He says: “The reasons for this statistic are fairly simple. Omanis aren’t afraid to take the landlord or the estate agent to court while expats may not have the resources, support or the time to do the same.“Moreover, expats that do take the wrongdoers to the law must usually run in and out of the court houses often.

And not knowing Arabic can

took him a week to settle his dues and move back to the company’s apartment.

“My next mission was to sue the estate agent,” he tells us. “But, it’s something that just seems impossible. She disappeared off the face of Oman once she had someone hand me the keys to the house.

“She has since blocked my phone number and is only accessible via email – but she has stopped responding to those as well,” he adds.

It has now been four years since he opened the case against the scammer and her Omani partner.

Andrew isn’t alone. His ordeal has been suffered by several other victims of the same estate agent – some of whom are as homeless as he is – who are obliged to chase the crooks through the courts and JAN 24 - 30 / ISSUE 554

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Silence is the loophole to this law. And it´s the reason this practice goes hidden for a long time cause a substantial problem while dealing with paperwork in the initial stages.

“This is why a case can last anywhere between six months and 12 months, but larger clients have cases that last for years. I’m legally bound from talking about them but there have been cases in which landlords have taken deposits from future tenants while the construction of the building was going on and the final project was scrapped due to mismanagement of funds.”

It is because of illicit activities such as this that the Oman government, in conjunction with the Ministry of Housing, has come up with the law ruling that every estate agent in the country must be registered with the authorities and have an ‘estate agent licence’ to practise their profession.

Failing this, the agent will be slapped with fines of up to RO3,000 and jail time of up to six years.

Y contacted the Ministry of Housing but had not received a response at the time Y went to press.

But according to the Public Prosecution, “the act is criminal under the provisions of Article 19 of the law, which regulates the work of brokers in real estate, and addresses both citizens and residents”.

It also adds: “The practice of real estate brokerage profession without a licence from the competent authority is a crime punishable by imprisonment for six months and a fine of RO3,000”.

It’s a tight-knit law on its own – but it’s one that’s not being practised, says Subramanian, an expat who fell victim to an “unregistered” Asian estate agent while looking to rent a flat in Madinat Qaboos.

The IT professional from India lost RO1,800 and an additional RO1,600 in rent over the span of four months, last year, for his one-bedroom flat in the heart of the city.

To add insult to injury, he too was asked to pay his dues and leave the building when his agent refused to acknowledge dealing with him to the landlord, despite signed documents.

The excuse given by the agent during a phone conversation went thus: “I’ve never dealt with him and haven’t taken any money from him”.

Not only did this mean that Subramanian was forced to move house, it also meant that he was residing in a flat without any rental agreement or acknowledgments.

He says: “The tables turned on me very quickly. From living in luxury in my own flat to downright broke (penniless) and homeless – that was a new low for me. And to be fair, it’s my fault that I didn’t check whether the man was licensed or not.

“It was a moment of brain fade and it won’t happen again. I know it’s a little late to say it out loud, but yes, it was truly my mistake.”

Unlike Andrew, however, Subramanian hired a lawyer to represent him in court. The ruling went in his favour, and as of mid-2018, his money has been returned and the estate agent has been put behind bars.

In fact, the estate agent was nabbed by ROP officers at the airport as he was trying to leave the country to fly to Dubai.

However, not everyone is so lucky.

Considering the sensitivity of the case, the ROP refuses to comment on the matter too, but our reliable source – an official from the Public

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Prosecution – agrees to share some instances of disputes between landlords and tenants.

“Believe it or not: verbal fights between landlords and tenants are very prominent in Oman with either party often filing complaints against each other.

We’ve been seeing this since the start of our careers here and the trend continues even today.

While the fights between the two can be for many reasons, we find that most of it comes down to rogue property agents causing a rift between the two parties. These people are very crafty: all they do is speak over the phone and send paperwork without even having to meet these potential tenants.

“It’s the perfect crime, if you ask me.

“There are even several websites that look legitimate and operate with fake licences but they fail to meet you in person and often lash out at you when you pester to meet them.

“And once all the paperwork is done and the tenant has moved in, they then extort the money and put you in trouble with the landlord – that’s why both parties enter court.

“Plenty of landlords now

accept the situation and take the hit by allowing the tenant to stay without a deposit, or help them fight the case – though that’s up to the individual.

“But, I do know that there are many, many unreported cases that get washed under as well because the amounts are under the RO1,000 mark.

The official believes that it is the upper-middle-class that is frequently targeted.

“These [wealthy professionals] people don’t have time to chase down an agent for a few thousand Riyals. So, some simply spend more money from their pockets and keep quiet about it.”

It’s a thought echoed by Abdul Aziz al Balushi as well: “Silence is the loophole to this law. And it’s the reason this practice goes hidden for a long time.

“This is the right time for people to come forward and use platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to publicly name agents that are known to partake in such acts.

“This way, the government can crack down on these rogue estate agents but also educate more people about staying away from these people.”

The lawyer asserts that the key to facing this problem is for residents and government to stand together to fight scammers.

After hearing about Andrew’s situation he says: “It is situations like this that breaks my heart. A family’s entire life savings has gone to a rogue estate agent.

“And somehow, somewhere in Oman, she continues to stay while cheating more people and extorting more money from the innocent.”

Everything is not lost, though. As per our source at the Public Prosecution, the infamous British expat estate agent, along with several other scammers and their accomplices, are now under surveillance. In the case of the former, the woman’s assets have been frozen.

We try contacting her for a formal comment through one of her unsatisfied clients but she blatantly refuses to speak, much less give us time for an interview.

The official says: “We cannot reveal any more details on this as it will hamper the investigation. But yes, everything from their (the woman and her Omani accomplice) websites to their foreign assets and companies are now being watched.

“It’s only a matter of time before we take the necessary action.”

As vague as that sounds, several victims – including landlords – are pursuing cases legally against the fraudulent estate agent and are now

These wealthy professionals people don´t have time to chase down an agent for a few thousand Riyals. So, some simply spend more money from their pockets and keep quiet about it.

>

‘How I fought back and survived the scam’

Jason Walker, a British expat in Oman, paid a RO1,000 deposit for a flat in Seeb. But his agent – the woman mentioned in the main article – scammed him, leaving him in a legal tussle with their (virtually) non-existent firm. Surprisingly, he won. Here’s his story: I came to Oman in 2017 for work so decided to rent a house in an exclusive gated community in Seeb. I had stumbled upon a very well-crafted website showing photos of the properties.

I opted for a one-bedroom flat using the woman as my estate agent.

I transferred RO1,000 from my bank account in the UK to her company and then dropped off four cheques for my rent to a coffee outlet in Madinat Qaboos.

Paperwork done (all without even seeing the agent), I began living in my new home. Three-and-a-half months later, however, I was approached by the landlord asking for the rent and the deposit.

Shocked, I immediately chased her up but got no response.

So, I headed to the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP). I was told to head to the court to file a case and cancel the cheques so that they couldn’t be used.

Thus began my year-long run-in with the law. It started at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry where I tried obtaining the CR Number from. While that didn’t work out, I then headed to the court looking after local domestic relations.

There, they invited me and the estate agent to come together and work towards returning my deposit. However, not only did they not show up, she also lied to the court over a call stating that she didn’t know me.

I had all the necessary documents to prove otherwise so was then instructed to head to court.

It was only there that I could put pressure on this woman and her sponsor. I even obtained their CR Number through a friend and could finally sue the firm for stealing money from me on the pretext of a security deposit request Many months passed, and even though the case was proceeding with the culprits called three times to court, there was no contact from the company or its associates at any point.

So, the court finally ruled in favour of me, and asked me to publish a public letter in an Arabic newspaper reaching out to the company one final time. This didn’t work either.

The next step was freezing all the company accounts. For this, I had to send one final letter to the postal address – which was fake as per the company’s records – requesting him to return my money.

This happened later in 2018, and that was when the ruling came to freeze all the sponsor’s and his accomplice’s assets.

Two long months later, I was informed that my money had been returned to the court in full.

Sadly, the culprits are still out there. So, please be careful when you’re dealing with any estate agent.

JAN 24 - 30 / ISSUE 554

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Money doesn´t come easy.

We put blood, sweat and tears to make a month´s salary and here we have a woman who misuses her credentials to exploit others

Only make electronic or post-dated cheque payments to estate agents and make sure that your landlord is aware of this. This way, you can trace or cancel your payments should you 9 smell a rat.

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Real estate lawyer Abdul Aziz al Balushi advises Y

readers:

Use renowned estate agents or reputable real estate firms – and beware of fake certifications and licences.

Ensure estate agents are a part of 2 a registered company with a CR (Commercial Registration) Number and check whether it’s legitimate, with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

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Don’t be afraid to call up the Ministry of Housing to check whether your agent really has their licences.

Avoid agents that prefer keeping their business over emails and telephone calls as opposed to face-to-face.

Do not drop off important documents at public spots. We’ve receiving numerous complaints stating that agents are operating out of coffee outlets and not offices.

Take your time on a property. Nine times out of 10, when an estate agent tells you that there are other offers on the table, they’re lying to get you to make a move on with signing the papers for the property.

If your agent abuses you verbally, call the ROP. There’s no shame in reporting wrongdoers to the police. In fact, that could also stop their illicit

JAN 24 - 30 / ISSUE 554

Keep copies of all correspondence with a paper trail – the more evidence you have on you, the better.

feeling hopeful.

Ajay Kotaria, an Indian engineer working with a government firm in Oman is one of them. He says: “I’ve been behind (name of scammer removed) for two years now. I’ve practically familiarised the entire court room and the people know me very well.

“But, mere sympathy isn’t enough. I’m owed RO1,200 by my estate agent and she hasn’t paid up yet. Maybe she’ll come to her senses or grow a heart someday.

“Money doesn’t come easy. We put blood, sweat and tears to make a month’s salary and here we have a woman who misuses her credentials to exploit others.

“It’s a heartless act – and it must stop immediately.”■ *Names changed to protect identity

JAN 24 - 30 / ISSUE 554

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Team Y lists the Top 5 Archaeological Spots in Oman to cross off your cultural bucket list

iving

history

A

mong all the attributes that make Oman a truly special country in the Middle East, there’s one aspect that’s often overlooked: its importance in the formation of what we know as the lands of Arabia.

The undulating terrain, friendly people, and its strategic location to the Eastern hemisphere have all made a contribution.

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Wadi al Ayn Tombs

has stood the test of time, and each tomb measures in at 5 metres across – a truly remarkable feat given how old they are.

These tombs themselves haven’t been disturbed, and locals say that the spirits of the dead watch over the lands surrounding the area.

This is also probably why not many people visit. No one wants to stumble into 5,000-year-old spirits, do they?

Photo credit: Getty Images

With tombs dating back to the third millennium BC, the now-deserted area of Wadi al Ayn was known to have housed residents from the Bat settlement.

What is truly mystifying is that the tombs – of which there are 21 – are lined up in a straight line and can be found on top of a high rocky cliff.

The limestone construction

And not many know that the Sultanate has played an integral part in several historical events, which are still commemorated around the country.

Take a tour of these lands with us this week, as we head back in time to uncover some of the settlements that have left lasting impressions on the country we call home. ■

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Al Balid City

Don’t head into this city expecting to wander around shopping malls.

The Al Balid City, in the Governorate of Dhofar, is one of the first locations in the Middle East to have adapted to the Iron Age, 4,000 years ago.

This made it a notorious

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port that drew pirates and looters as it grew to prominence in the region.

This city was also part of the Frankincense Trail and spans more than 64-hectares today.

The ruins can be witnessed by passers-by although all the iron utensils and other goods have been shipped off to museums around the country.

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Ras al Hadd

Who would have thought that Oman would share its history with ancient India and the Harappan Civilisation (also known as the Indus Valley Civilisation)?

Not only does this change the way we think about the relations between the two countries but also ¬– after the discovery of pottery fragments, stone stoves, tools, necklaces and jewellery dating back to 5,000 year ago – we also know that Oman was an active port during the time, acting as a mediator between India and the Western world.

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Hasat Bin Salt

Arguably, one of Oman’s best-kept secrets, Hasat Bin Salt features inscriptions and writings on rocks that date back more than 5,000 years.

It classifies itself as prehistoric art although many people decipher the inscriptions differently depending on the area.

The rock is reminiscent of the Rosetta Stone that can be found in Egypt.

Visiting the area is as simple as taking a 200kmlong drive to Al Hamra in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah.

Just wrapping your head around the sheer age of the murals will take some getting used to.

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Al Khoud

Would you believe us if we told you that there could be dinosaur bones buried under your home in Muscat?

Probably not. But, bear in mind that Muscat – Al Khoud to be specific – has provided paleontologists with several remains of the reptiles that once trudged across the lands.

In 2015, researchers found some hadrosaurian “duck-billed” dinosaur fossils in Al Khoud. These reptiles were known to have lived in the region some 70 million years ago, along with vertebrates.

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Stalli ons of Arabia

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NOVJAN2224- -2830/ ISSUE / ISSUE545554

Capturing the beauty, grace and power of these steeds of the desert, Jithesh Ramachandran trains his lens on the Royal Horse Club’s 9th annual Horse Race in this photo essay special

IT’S IMPRESSIVE HOW MUCH OMAN HAS BOUNCED BACK OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS. BUT, THE CUTBACK IN THE DEFICIT ALONE WON’T CREATE MUCH OF A SAFE SPACE FOR INDUSTRIES TO GROW – AND MUCH OF IT HAS TO DO WITH ECONOMICS

T

he pure white stallion is as iconic an image of Arabia as the undulating sand dunes themselves. A symbol of desert life for more than 3,500 years, these majestic animals were bred and raised by the Bedouin tribes of the region, into the breeds we recognise today – symbols of cultural history now intertwined with wealth, with some purebreds carrying price-tags in the millions of rials.

For spectators in attendance at the Royal Horse Racing Club’s 9th annual Horse Race held on January 2 at the Al Rahba Racecourse in the wilayat of Barka, it was these elite specimens of horsepower that took part in a nail-biting eight rounds of racing. Marking the start of Oman’s equestrian season, six rounds were allocated for pure-bred Arabian horses, and two to thoroughbreds. Kicking off in Barka, races throughout the season will take place as far as Nizwa and Dhofar as Omanis gather in cultural solidarity to celebrate the Sultanate’s love for horses and the long-standing Omani tradition of equestrianism.

Here, Jithesh Ramachandran captures their majesty.

NOV JAN 22 24 - 3028 / ISSUE 545 554

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

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Adventures

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS AND ADVENTURES

DESOLATE BEAUTY

A windswept tree at Jebel Shams, sculpted over time by the countless gales to whistle through the mountain passes, stands in shock.

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&

CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

D E S T I N AT I O N C a r s

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

Y- F i

Gaming

Destination

JEBEL SHAMS

AT THE PEAK OF OMAN’S HIGHEST POINT, ASHLEE STARRATT FINDS SOLACE AMONG NATURE ON THE EDGE OF THE ABYSS 032

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resort sites that dot its ridges, you’re more likely to see Omani families camping out Bedouinstyle along its plateaux and foothills.

Nearly 250km from Muscat, getting there is about a three to four-hour drive; with the last hour all uphill for the ascent. While Jebel Akhdar may be steeper going up, summiting Jebel Shams is an exercise in patience.

It means precision-driving and off-roading it for some 15km at one stage along some seriously hectic hairpins without a guard-rail in sight. It is vital you ascend with an experienced driver who understands the finesse of the gearbox.

Heading towards Jebel Shams from Muscat you’ll transit through the city of Nizwa, and then through Bahla you will pass directly by the haunted Bahla Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Centre – until you reach the town of Al Hamra at the foothills of the mountains.

Looking back, with hindsight, it was incredibly risky to attempt the ascent after dark although many vehicles do. Our small Honda Accord strained to make it up some of the steeper gradients as the land fell away into darkness behind us.

Mercifully, we only stalled once, nearly doing a backslide down the embankment towards the lip of the precipice as the car was simply too rearheavy to make it up the incline.

Hearts in our mouths, we jumped out the back to lighten the load and the sedan was able to regain traction as the tires scrambled to grip the sandy gravel.

You know you’re near the top of the summit when the rocky off-road gives way to paved asphalt once again – a symbol of man’s indomitable perseverance towards accessibility at such great heights – and small camping resorts begin to dot the last 5km of track up the mountain.

Bestriding them all is the Jebel Shams resort. It’s an isolated retreat that boasts standalone rooms, majlisstyle Arabic sleeper tents, and basic campsite spaces on which to pitch your tent.

With a swimming pool, a small tennis court and children’s playground, it’s an enclave of tranquility atop the peak’s already beautiful isolation.

After having a late dinner at the resort’s homely restaurant, we headed to our majlis-

style tents to turn in. Complete with two beds, a TV, dining table, space heater, and attached washroom and shower facilities; it’s more glamping that camping.

And, with picnic tables and a fire-pit on our doorstep, it was the perfect spot to bundle up and watch the galaxies shining brightly in a ceiling of ink-blot ebony, so close at this elevation it seemed as though we could reach up and touch the roof of the Earth.

Retiring for the night we wanted to be up at sunrise, which at the highest point in the country, we’d get to see before the rest of the Sultanate.

Be prepared to dress in layers and bundle up at night here – as Oman’s mountain ranges are already 10 to 15 degrees cooler than down below and on this night in mid-January it was a brisk 2 degrees Celsius.

As morning came, we got a breathtaking lay of the land: moonscapes of rock and scrub bushes giving way to a sight-line of eye-level blue sky and sprawling canyons and valleys meandering off into the distance, as far as we could see.

Even at this altitude there’s no shortage of wildlife to be found here. Aside from the shaggy long-haired goats who call Jebel Shams their playground, it’s a haven for soaring birds of prey, reptiles and scorpions – and even an elusive Arabian leopard or two.

Trekking trails abound at the summit and from the Jebel Shams Resort it’s about 3km to the mountain’s infamous ‘Balcony Route’. This is a winding trail along the lip of thGrand Canyon of Oman – and the sheer drops into the valley of Wadi Ghul are as breathtaking as they are goosebump-inducing.

A two-hour trek will bring you through an abandoned stone settlement and to the iconic ‘balcony’ – an abutment of rock that juts out over the expanse of nothingness and makes for a toe-curling moment before the grandeur of nature – and the ultimate selfie.

Selective photography by Saviour Peter

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

T

he change in altitude as you begin the long, rocky climb into the clouds of Jebel Shams is palpable.

Your ears pop, the air becomes thin, your breath quickens, and vertigo sets in as you peek over the sheer un-barriered drop.

My first time to Oman’s highest peak (and the third tallest in the Middle East), Jebel Shams, is both communion with nature at its most remote and your own sense of place in it.

We, perhaps foolishly, started our trek just before sundown on a Thursday, aiming to summit at Jebel Sham Resort around 9pm.

Our aim was to rise early to see the sun rise over the towering ridges and dizzying canyons of the surrounding peaks.

Jebel Shams is part of the Sultanate’s Hajar mountain range, which pushes upwards in tectonic grandeur and extends from the Musandam Peninsula 440km down to Ras alHadd in Ash Sharqiyah.

And, at just over 3,000 metres above sea level, Jebel Shams stands sentinel as the cordillera’s pinnacle peak.

At such a height, you’d be forgiven for thinking the only way to summit is in a 4X4 – and, while there are plenty of suicidal Land Cruisers careening down its treacherous hairpin curves, you can also make it up slow and steady in a sedan.

While Jebel Shams, or ‘The Mountain of Sun’, may be the tallest in the Hajar range, it is its more well-known luxury-resort-laden neighbour Jebel Akhdar on which most of the spotlight focuses.

In a way, this makes Jebel Shams more unique in its remoteness and, while there are a handful of outlying

From the Seeb area, take the Clock Tower roundabout near City Centre Muscat and take the exit towards Nizwa along Route 15. Keep on the highway passing through Nizwa and onwards towards Bahla, following the signs for Al Hamra. Once you reach

Al Hamra follow the signs for Jebel Shams and begin your ascent up the mountain.

Coordinates: 23.2376° N, 57.2649° E

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CARS ADVENTURES

Team Y revs up the Top 5 best-selling cars of all time

I

t’s funny how what was created as a simple prototype back in 1885 has formed the backbone of what we now call the ‘automobile’.

Its inception was inevitable, with us requiring modes of transport that didn’t involve one’s foot.

As confusing as that sounds, we have become everreliant on the product, with it forming the crux of our transport system in Oman, and across the world.

Karl Benz, the man credited with creating the first practical, modern automobile, would have had no idea that the trend he set in motion would turn into a worldwide phenomenon and an industry peaking at nearly US$ 1.8 trillion.

This week, we look at some of the cars that redefined history and defied odds to sell in huge numbers, and set the base for countries to evolve into economic powerhouses. These are the bestselling cars the world has ever seen – and can still buy.

Toyota Corolla Number of cars sold: 44.1 million There’s no surprise here:

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soon after, with the latter taking over the jobs of – well – camels and horses. Cars were sold in huge numbers and we’re yet to see a car take on the Corolla head- on. Many have tried but none have succeeded.

Ford F-Series Number of cars sold: 40 million This one stands as a stark surprise. The F-Series, a car built for the Americans to drive in the USA, has taken over the second spot in sales. Truth be told, the F-Series has always been a sales success, taking on the mantle of everything from a workhorse truck to an ambulance and even a fire engine. Of

the Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car of all time. Taking on the American auto industry by storm after its inception in 1966, it was also Japan’s answer to the USA’s dwindling post-war economy ([cough] Vietnam [cough]) and a strong statement to adamant automakers who believed in nothing less than a V8 motor under the hood. The results were staggering, peaking at six figures in car sales since it began exporting the product to the USA. The reliability ratings and low cost for parts meant it subsequently entered the Australian and GCC markets

course, here in Oman, they’re simply known to take up double parking spots at malls or as mere light off-roaders in the mountains. But even so, sales have never been higher. In fact, it has remained the topselling truck for over four decades. A 20-Century marvel that continues to rake up records even in

Destination

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

contributed more to modern motoring in Europe than most. Originally, introduced as a replacement for the Beetle in 1974, the car took on – and broke – sales records in Europe. In fact, it was touted a “revolutionary moment” in the German car industry by experts who predicted that the Golf would go on to become the car that would put the German car industry on the map. Today, much of the sales in Oman are pegged to its pricier and faster version, the Golf GTi and the Golf R.

Lada Riva Number of cars sold: (Approximately) 20 million Let’s be truly honest: the Lada Riva should have gone out of production two decades ago yet it continues to be manufactured and sold in various markets; predominantly in Egypt and Russia. We’re not sure

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

what made the nameplate a household success – it wasn’t even reliable or particularly good-looking.

Nevertheless, the low cost of production and purchase meant it had a working demand and supply model to its name. The car still has a cult following in Russia, and has also become the butt of jokes, with plenty being blown up or drifted into ponds and lakes by the youth for a few cheap laughs.

Honda Civic Number of cars sold: 18 million If you ignore dicey tuners (also known as “ricers”) who pump up their Civics with turbochargers and fiery decals, you’re left with one of the finest cars ever made. There’s no doubt that Honda can make a great car; their motorsport history is the perfect testament to that. Yet, it lies in the shadow of the Toyota

Corolla solely because it entered the market six years late – in 1972. But, the reliability of its engine, coupled with the practicality of its exterior means it’s still an icon in the industry.

2019, the F-Series shows that reliability and a downto-earth approach to motoring can go a long way.

For everyone else, there’s the F-150 Raptor that can strip down sports cars to bits in the straights.

Volkswagen Golf Number of cars sold: 30 million Forget the Dieselgate scandal, because Volkswagen has

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CARS ADVENTURES STUNNING SEVILLE

The Andalusian capital treats tourists to a city with a passion for life and an impressive historical legacy.

1. Check out the dance moves at the Museo del Baile Flamenco.

2. Delve into the history of bullfighting at the Real Maestranza.

3. Take selfies at, and stroll around the magnificent Metropol Parasol.

4. Appreciate the art treasures of the Museo de Bellas Artes.

5. Browse the medieval tomes at the Biblioteca Colombina.

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Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Kevin McIndoe recommends

SEVILLE, SPAIN I

t’s the unwise tourism or local government boss that turns down a film shoot.

Who would pass on the huge PR boost of having images of your town immortalised on screen?

Well, the burghers of Seville (who said yes) are clearly more switched on than those in Cardiff, in Wales, (who said no [to James Bond, no less]).

When fans of ‘Game of Thrones’ are finished with the eighth and final season (due in April), they can tend their post-box set torpor by visiting the Spanish city where much of season five was filmed.

And the ‘GoT’ connection hasn’t exactly hindered its international profile, either. Seville was named last year as the ‘Best City To Travel To’ by travel book publishers Lonely Planet despite it being the hottest city in Europe, weather-wise.

It’s the fourth largest city in Spain for around 700,000 lucky people who reside in a pulsating metropolis that serves those who believe life is for living.

You can see it in the teeming tapas bars; the dynamic displays of flamenco; the arresting array of architecture; the magnificent museums; the splendid city squares; and even by ogling (and slurping on) the best oranges in the world. You’ll never be satisfied with budget marmalade on your breakfast toast ever again.

Getting around on foot is easy as the narrow winding lanes, the lack of parking and one-way streets make driving a no-no. But as you’d expect in a major European city, public transport is excellent; with buses, trams, and a Metro system all easily accessible.

This is a place that has seen a fair bit of historical tumult; from the Moorish era to Castilian rule, to the Spanish Inquisition, Christopher Columbus, and the Spanish Civil War. That means a treasure trove for the culture vulture, architecture acolyte, and history buff.

But let’s not forget the foodie who, in this - the tapas capital of the world - can imbibe all manner of Iberian charcuterie, fried fish (e.g tiny shrimp fritters, calamari), carillada (cheek of beef) and torrijas (a blend of English bread pudding and French toast soaked in honey and milk, sprinkled with cinnamon).

Seville just radiates what the Spanish tourist board calls ‘passion for life’, and it’s a sensation that’s prevalent, palpable, and omnipresent.

My favourite place The Old Town. Strolling through the warren of cobbled lanes that comprise the Santa Cruz area is just a delight. Here you can really get a handle on what medieval living might have been like. There’s the magnificent Catedral de Sevilla – from which you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the Giralda bell-tower, and view Columbus’ final resting place – there’s also the majestic 16th century Casa de Pilatos, built in a mixture of Renaissance and Mudejar styles, and hard to top as an example of an Andulusian palace.

THE PL AZ

A ESP ANA

ALCAZAR THE REAL

Highlights ‘Game of Thrones’ geeks are bound to head straight to the city’s fortified palace, the Real Alcazar. Originally

built as a Moorish fort, it’s a labyrinth – but one worthy of getting lost in. Blessed with impressive courtyards, verdant gardens, and baronial reception rooms, this is how a castle should be, so it’s no wonder ‘GoT’ got filmed here. Then, of course, there are the resplendent orange groves and the fragrant Ladies’ Garden, which is festooned with fountains that can do a fair shimmy or two. Spain likes its municipal squares to be expansive and imposing, so the Plaza de Espana must be the prototype. It’s 50,000 metres square, and a canal runs through it, topped off by ornately balustraded footbridges. It’s clear that Spanish town planners of yesteryear didn’t do things by halves; a coruscating and clear fountain presides over this plaza, which can be found within the glorious green space of the Parque de Maria Luisa.

Lowlights Watch out for pickpockets.

Souvenirs Go for some hand-painted fans, shawls, orange-blossom perfume, or hand-made ceramics that have been lovingly

created, shaped, and fired in enormous kilns in the city’s Monastery of the Cartuja. There are numerous souvenir shops around, but the ones nearest major points of interest will, naturally, hike up the prices a bit.

Getting there KLM and Lufthansa offer flights from Dubai to Seville but with one or two stopovers, it makes the flight time very long (and tedious) indeed. Instead, take a non-stop, eight-hour flight with Emirates from Dubai to Madrid.

Take a train from Madrid to Seville – it takes around three hours and 15 minutes and is a regular service.

Where to stay For such a stunning and vibrant city, hotel prices here are quite reasonable. If you prefer an area that’s a

bit funky and arty, head for Alameda. For a district that deviates slightly off the beaten track, try Alfalfa and enjoy its eclectic array of shops and funky eateries. Fashionistas should stay in the Centro to prevent too long a trudge back to your hotel with your myriad purchases from the Calle Sierpes shopping district. For hotel selections, check online options on Trivago, Expedia, Kayak, and Booking.com.

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Y-FI

FACE TIME (NO, NOT THAT ONE) The Y Geek Squad tries out devices designed to deliver some verve to your visage

THE TECH IN YOU

PERSONAL BEAUTICIAN Alright, it isn’t a personal beautician but it’s the closest you will get to having one without shelling out a hefty salary to a professional. The device, named Temptu, makes airbrushing a tad easier. It does so by spraying a thin and even layer of foundation on to your face to give it the perfect contouring effect. Not only does this take away the need for brushes, it eliminates contact with germs that tend to lurk in makeup kits. More importantly, it will save you a heap of money with its stingy and rather efficient use of foundation. Buy this device from harpersbazaar.com for RO80.

SELF-CARE

ANTI-AGEING Age is just a number. But there’s no denying that the belief – how the wrinkles on one’s face tell your life story to the world – can come across as true. Still, if you’re battling to keep in touch with your youth, give the Foreo Luna a try. This device, despite its weird looks and shape, can work miracles in cleansing your face and revitalising your skin. Aside from that, it reverberates T-Sonic pulsations to help exfoliate your face and keep your skin looking radiant. Then there’s the soft silicone brush that gently removes dead skin cells, makeup residue, and clogged pores. All of this is comes in a colourful package, with a twoyear warranty. Get yours from amazon.co.uk for RO83.2.

LIGHT THERAPY

THE DRX SPECTRALITE FACEWARE PRO LOOKS LIKE A DEVICE STRAIGHT OUT OF A MARVEL MOVIE; LIKE SOMETHING A DIABOLICAL VILLAIN SUCH AS THE GREEN GOBLIN WOULD WEAR. BUT THERE’S NOTHING VILE ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY USED IN THIS INNOVATIVE FULL-FACE MODEL WEARABLE DEVICE. WITHIN THE MASK LIES AN ARRAY OF 100 RED LED LIGHTS THAT ARE PROGRAMMED TO STIMULATE THE NATURAL PRODUCTION OF COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN TO REDUCE WRINKLES, SUN SPOTS, SUN DAMAGE AND REDNESS, AND AN ADDITIONAL 62 BLUE LEDS TO DESTROY ACNE ONCE AND FOR ALL. TWO WEEKS IS ALL IT’LL TAKE TO SHOW VISIBLE IMPROVEMENTS BUT IT COMES AT A COST; RO213 TO BE SPECIFIC. BUY IT FROM CULTBEAUTY.CO.UK.

EDITOR’S PICK 038

A toothbrush that has the finesse to make a fashion statement: that’s what the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean is all about.

Pretence aside, the device does look stunning; at least in the gold-and-white finish it comes as standard. Of course, it does what a regular toothbrush can do – and takes it one step ahead.

The electric motor and the AdaptiveClean brush head combo helps remove up to 10-times more plaque than a regular toothbrush. It also comes with deep cleaning, which offers an extended threeminute brush time to help get rid of even the most concealed germs. At RO138 it’s expensive. Get it from amazon.com.

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Box Office Blockbusters ‘Silent Hill’ movie kept a lot of the highlights with a few too many remnants from the gaming series. While this led to a deep and engaging storyline, the critics were unimpressed with the flow of the movie. At least the graphics and the voice acting were better than in the digital game.

our favourite action-adventure puzzleplatform game. As if ruining – and then shelving – Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell series wasn’t enough. The ‘Sands of Time’ follows the largely solo fight of an unnamed prince against strange creatures – and it’s a splendid way to spend 40-odd hours of your time.

MOVIE: 7/10 Finally, a movie that honours its game!

Yes, the plotline was a bit thick and the casting choices were off (Jake Gyllenhaal for the prince? What were you thinking Mike Newell [director])? But, none of that stood in the way of a swashbuckling and adventurous flick that focuses on the sole purpose of entertaining.

The Y Geek Squad takes a look at the games that were too good for Hollywood to ignore while rating their celluloid counterparts

W

hen you merge a crafty plotline with an intuitive gaming engine to create a masterpiece of a title, it’s clear that the resulting game will be adapted into a movie. The results have been mixed: some went bust despite high production values and stellar casts while others went on to create box office history.

This week, we look at our greatest hits, and a handful of show reels that we’d rather forget... forever.

SILENT HILL GAME: 8/10 A psychological thriller at its finest, ‘Silent Hill’ – the game – took the horror genre and spun it so far ahead it left its rivals in the dust. Set in the rural confines of Silent Hill, the first game revolves around Harry Mason, who is searching for his adopted daughter. The game is so intricate that you can have numerous endings – and is still considered one of the finest games of the late 20th Century.

MOVIE: 4/10 A direct adaptation of the game, the

RESIDENT EVIL GAME: 10/10 ‘Resident Evil’, a game widely known to us here in the Middle East as ‘Bio Hazard’, first made waves in 1996. Set in the infamous Raccoon City, the survival horror game pits you – one of the protagonists, Jill or Chris – against zombies and other wild unearthly monsters. As wacky as the plotline sounds, it was a true revelation back in 1996 during its release. The game still has a cult status in the gaming community.

MOVIE: 2/10 There are plenty of ‘Resident Evil’ movies out there but it’s the 2002 release – the first in the series – that we’re focusing on today. The movie is loosely based on the game and even steals some of the camera angles from it. As expected, the plot revolves around the lead, Alice, who – along with her team – is tasked with containing a viral outbreak that creates zombies. The result is a cheesy, low-rate production if a bit of a raunchy movie fit for posters in teenagers’ bedrooms. We passed on it – we swear.

DOOM GAME: 10/10 Our favourite actionadventure shooter of all time, Doom must be in the hearts of every 90s kid. With 3D graphics that eke every bit of performance out of our DOS-powered systems, the developers of Doom – id Software – came through to introduce us to the world of true PC gaming. It also welcomed the infamous ‘Doomguy’ into the gaming arena. Simply put, this is the alpha; the beginning of post-apocalyptic shooting games.

MOVIE: 1/10 We’ll never forgive Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for this. While you may recollect him from… well… practically every action movie from this era, he’ll always be the guy who ruined Doom for us all. Bad acting, bad scripting, and appalling shots plagued the movie, leaving little to no aspect for enthusiasts of the game to remember. Even Johnson later agreed that it was a cautionary tale of “what not to do” – even though he still nonchalantly carries on ripping apart action series’; the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise being one of them.

PRINCE OF PERSIA: SANDS OF TIME GAME: 8/10 Whatever happened to the ‘Prince of Persia’ series, we wonder. With the last of its games releasing back in 2013 we have yet to hear some news from developers Ubisoft about a new version of JULY JAN 03 24 - 30 09 / ISSUE 554 327

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

NEUTRAL TERRITORY

Who says masculine can’t be feminine, and vice versa? As the lines between menswear and womenswear continue to intersect, here we pick some of our favourite gender-fluid looks, like this edgy ensemble from Zara.

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

T t Ge

k o o L e h

, reet t s gh e hi look h t d to get the n e to gh e hi s you h t lp From Y he m Tea

Add a splash of colour to your outfit with a unisex carry-all. We’ve got our eye on this cross-body camera bag with extra-wide from Calvin Klein. Own it for RO42 from ASOS.

You can’t go wrong with a classic button-down that flatters all body types and is as versatile as they come. Pair it with a set of crisp white cigarettepants for a more feminine silhouette or slip it into neutral with some slouchy denim. Save up for this Farmer Shirt from TooGood for RO293.3.

Sportive is the new avant-garde when it comes to evocative neutrals and this phosphorescentlime cottonjersey cropped hoodie from Acne Studios will have you looking equally fresh both in the club, or on your morning coffee run. Buy it from Selfridge’s for RO129.8.

With its sleek lines and straight-edge side-panels, this sleeveless shift from MANGO keeps your silhouette in neutral territory while its daffodil shade adds a touch of femme. Grab it for RO23.

Amp up the edge factor to your ensemble with a pair of stark-black mesh mule heels that add a sharp line to anchor those pair of parachute cargos. Trust us, it’s a combination that actually works. Snap up this pair from Zara for RO19.1.

See the world in fresh shades of perspective with a pair of achromatic sunnies.

We love the slightly retro vibe of these round-framed taupe pair from Gentle Monster. Don them for RO93.9 from Selfridge’s.

We love the sleek lines of these camelcoloured cargos from Zara.

Dress them up with an oversized blazer or down with a pair of chunky, thick-soled sneakers.

Either way, you’re going places. Snag them for RO19.1.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

BEAUTY

Fashion

Home

② Tarte’s Shape Tape This is a legendary concealer, a favourite for almost every makeup lover. Remastered with newer shades, Tarte’s new Shape Tape has yet again become the talk of the town so we had to try it. It’s safe to say Shape Tape is seriously shaping up alongside other brands.

The formula is perfect and it blends beautifully with every skin type. Easy to carry in your purse, this non-crease concealer comes in a plastic transparent bottle with a thick wand that is perfect for application – whether you are dotting or streaking.

Clash of the

Concealers As this must-have makeup accessory becomes more multi-purpose, choosing which one to use has become harder than ever. Christine Karan casts her eye on the contenders

L

et’s agree, we can’t live without concealers any more. But now with several brands coming out with concealers with multiple use, which brand do you stay loyal to? Which concealer suits you? And ultimately, which one is the best? Thus, starts the clash of the concealers.

① Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer No-one can forget the grand introduction of Fenty Beauty in 2017. Since then, the brand has become a favourite for many.

However, the brand had a few misses that were learning curves for our beloved singer and Fenty beauty CEO, Rihanna. Fenty has yet again made a bang in the beauty world by introducing its 40-shade range of concealers. So, we had to check them out ourselves.

We were not big fans of the foundation but we went to inspect the concealer with an open mind. First off, the 40-shade range blew us away. When we tried it on, two elements stood out: the concealer was super-creamy and it blended like a dream. Whether you use your fingers or a beauty blender or Fenty’s concealer brush, the concealer is easy to work with and offers full coverage with minimal product.

It comes in a typical Fenty Beauty translucent bottle with a thin wand as the applicator.

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③ Huda Beauty’s Overachiever concealer Every beauty lover has at least one Huda Kattan creation in their beauty kit. Ever since the Huda Beauty range hit the stores her products have been consistent and a hit among fans. Her Overachiever concealer took the beauty world by storm when it first hit the market and today has its own loyal customers. Packed in a tube with an easy eye applicator, the Overachiever concealer is full coverage and it is the concealer if you are set out partying. ④ Too Faced’s Born This Way Concealer Remastered, bigger and fuller; the Too Faced Born This Way Concealer came back with a bang this June.

This multi-use concealer can be used for shaping the face to retouch as well as highlight. With an angled wand, this concealer is perfect for getting into the corners of the eye and for re-touching red spots. Filled in a translucent glass bottle, this elegant beauty product adds ‘pretty’ to the beauty vanity.

With each concealer having its own character and benefit, we, just like you, are torn between which one to choose.

But then again, the beauty industry is not about sticking to one but to trying different options. Happy shopping!

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

Home

Family

CHALLENGING

BEHAVIOUR

Understanding why your child may be behaving badly is one of the minefields all parents face. But when it happens continually, could there be a problem there that may require medical help? Martina Mason reports on how to spot the signs, and what to do about them

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arenting in today’s world is a whole new ball game from the one my parents enjoyed (or endured).

But one of the bugbears our own parents have, and are not slow to share with us, is how what they see as their grandchild’s bad behaviour is now being spun as some kind of ‘syndrome’.

For instance, it’s not behaving badly now; it’s called ‘hyperactivity’. It’s not being cheeky; it’s ‘creative expression’. And, their favourite, it’s not a tantrum but Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The problem is how do we tell the difference? There’s nothing more irritating for a mother than to be informed by a playgroup leader that your little one has been hurling plastic bricks at his or her peers and perhaps there might be an issue.

Your effectiveness as a mother has taken a hit, and you’re being told this by a 22-year-old single woman who think she’s a child psychologist.

Take a deep breath, smile sweetly, and go and check it out. What matters is your child’s health and well-being, right?

Healthline, a US-based provider of health information, has defined ADHD as a mental health disorder that can cause above-average levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour.

Both children and adults can suffer from the condition, but one in ten children aged between five and 17 in the United States are diagnosed with it. Before making an appointment to see your doctor, make a note of some of the behaviour patterns your child might be showing.

These can include being unable to sit still, talking and making noises continually and being constantly on the move.

Sounds like a day in the life of any parent of a toddler, I hear you mutter.

But actually, if this kind of behaviour continues for more than six months, you should look into it. If your doctor thinks there’s a problem, he may refer your child to a behavioural therapist or paediatrician.

According to the US-based National Institute of Mental Health, the signs to look for in your child include: difficulty paying attention, being overly

fidgety, refusing to wait their turn when playing with other children, and being prone to outbursts. But the Institute stresses in its literature: “These behaviours can be normal in toddlers.

They would only be concerning if they’re extreme when compared to those of similarly-aged children”.

There is no cure for ADHD, but medication and lifestyle changes can help your children manage the condition better and lessen the chances of it inhibiting their future success.

And as a parent, here’s how to do your bit: Acceptance Your child’s brain is wired slightly differently from those of other children.

Therefore, while your child can still learn what acceptable behaviour is and what isn’t, it’s going to take some management on your part and a commitment to understanding their needs.

Management You have to set boundaries and ensure your child knows what they are.

That’s going to take a lot of patience, empathy, and love. Set up a program for punishing bad behaviour and rewarding for good. When your child acts up, address it calmly but decisively.

Flexibility Your child might have some pent-up aggression and energy, so try to ignore the displays that are simply loud but not destructive. You shouldn’t discourage their quirks simply because they’re unusual. However, abusive or disruptive behaviour is never acceptable, in public or private.

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of a medical expert if you have any questions regarding a health issue.

(Sources: Health Line, The Mayo Clinic, National Institute of Mental Health)

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Reviews

YUMMY TOP EATS

Off to a hungry start for 2019? Here are our five top picks of palate-pleasing places in Muscat you shouldn’t miss a meal at!

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Muscat

FOODIE FINDS From hole-in-the-wall hotspots to restaurant newcomers and upscale faves, we’ve rounded up our appetites to introduce you to some truly tasty contenders on Muscat’s foodie scene that will have you queuing up for a table (or a takeaway!)

Thai Corner Cheap and cheerful, it does what is says on the tin. It’s no wonder this Qurum staple is as popular as it is – and good things come in small packages at this tiny restaurant. But don’t worry if the tables are full as they also do a super-quick takeaway. Serving up a hearty taste of authentic Thai, you’ll find a dinner menu with a la carte options to satisfy even the most hardcore Thai food lover, prepared in a homely style. The unbeatable price-point just adds to the flavour.

Must-try: Their sharing-style Tom Yum Mor Fhai – a steaming hot-pot of rich tamarind broth plump with prawns and redolent of lemongrass, and their Beef Massaman Curry served over jasmine rice – fiery, sweet and filling!

Location: Near Mars Hypermarket, Al Qurum Timings: 11:00 a.m.-3:50 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., daily Contact: (+968) 9898-2257

@THCornerRestaurant (Facebook)

The Eggspress Café Let’s be honest – who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner? Now Muscat foodies can get their sunny-side-up fix round-the-clock at this new restaurant now cracking, frying, scrambling and poaching in the Ghubra area.

Billing itself as the capital’s first café dedicated to eggs, here you’ll find more than just your bog-standard Eggs Benny. Offering up eggs in every guise; from breakfast ‘pizza’ to a classically hearty full-English. Any way you crack ‘em, we’re lovin’ it.

Must-try: A fragrant fry-up of their Indian specialty – the Rajas Spicy Fried Egg atop an aromatic bed of fiery-tossed onions, tomatoes, veggies and rice.

Location: Behind Aster Al Raffah Hospital, Al Ghubra Timings: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., daily Contact: theeggspresscafe@gmail.com

@theeggspresscafe (Facebook)

Privé Gastro Lounge The perfect spot for that Thursday night happy-hour or weekend dinner and show with friends, Privé Gastro Lounge at Al Qurum Resort ticks all the boxes. This upscale eatery offers fantastic beach views – perfect for sundowners – live music and DJ and open mic nights, VIP tables, and a menu that boasts solid international cuisine and molecular gastronomy and beverage experiences. And, if you fancy a midday break with a view – they’ve got a stellar lunch service that will have you contemplating whether or not you really have to go back to the office.

Totally lush.

Must-try: Their unbeatable business lunch.

More-ish mains such as Red Thai Prawn Curry and Chili CheeseCrusted Cobbler, washed down with the likes of a sumptuous slice of Strawberry Cheesecake – all for just RO6 plus tax.

Location: Al Qurum Resort, beachside next to Jawarat Al Shatti Mall Timings: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m., daily Contact: (+968) 2495-3890 info@priveoman.com @priveexperience (Instagram, Twitter & Facebook)

Roboto Restaurant This doyen of futuristic dining may just leave you scratching your head in disbelief because, yes, you’re reading this right – it’s Muscat’s first restaurant staffed by robots. While we’re not sure how well this newly-opened outlet will fare in the long run for those craving the table-side manner of human contact – it’s definitely worth a trip to check out the novelty of it all! And with an international menu offering Thai, Indian, Middle Eastern, and European fare; come for the food, stay for the technological touch.

Must-try: Their Mini-Slider Burgers with chips are a hit that goes down easy with the fast-food faithful, and they do a pretty decent Spag Bol too.

Location: Al Khuwair Timings: 12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., daily Contact: (+968) 9695-5666

www.robotorestaurant.theempiresoft.com

@robot_restaurant (Instagram, Twitter & Facebook)

Lino’s Coffee Oman Forego your cuppa joe at the city’s plentiful big-box chains and seek out this lovely Italian original, brewing up bevvies to keep the Qurum area caffeinated on the regular.

In addition to some powerful percolating, it also serves up a truly Italian-inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner menu so you can sup while you sip. Think piping-hot pies, towering sandwiches, oozy cheesy pastas, and sinfully decadent desserts. The staff are also incredibly friendly and helpful, and the service prompt.

Tutto bene, we say!

Must-try: Their death-by-chocolate Mud Pie is pretty much the be-all and end-all of desserts, while their thin-crust prawn pizza is simply ooeygooey yum!

Location: Sayh Al Maleh, Badr Al Qurum Building, Qurum Timings: 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., daily Contact: linoscoffeeoman@gmail.com @linoscoffeeoman (Facebook) @LinosCoffeeOman (Twitter) @linosoman (Instagram) JAN 24 - 30 / ISSUE 554

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Next to Dragon Gift Center, Azaiba Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Contact: (+968) 9466-5555 Dinner for two: RO13.75

HEALTHY KITCHEN TEAM Y MAKES A RETURN VISIT TO AN EATERY OFFERING HEARTY, WHOLESOME FARE THAT CAN’T BE CONFINED TO CALORIE-COUNTERS

W

e had a moment of déjà vu as we entered the Healthy Kitchen restaurant in Azaiba.

It can’t have been more than two years ago since we first headed there for a quick dine-and-dash – and, on that occasion, it hadn’t really cut the mustard.

But two years is a long time, and it was time to give the restaurant another shot. This time, with new dishes being listed on the four-page menu.

On the face of it, not much has changed: the décor is still the same, with a section of comfy cushion seating on one side and a few colourful tables and metal chairs on the other.

It’s all very tasteful, and is only broken in contrast by the black Whey protein bottles lined up on a partition to show that you’re among healthy eaters and gym-goers.

Still, the ambience is decent. Rounding off the lively atmosphere was the aged but still peppy 2016’s pop hits playing in the background.

The waiter handed us two menu cards – one for the dishes and other for the drinks – and a tablet PC showing us professionally-shot images of the food. The tablet is an afterthought but we enjoyed sifting through the three menus.

Each of the dishes comes with calorie ratings and all the ingredients listed. We chose the broccoli soup and a banana smoothie for starters, and plates of pesto pasta with avocado, red sauce penne pasta, and a capriola chicken burger.

The soup and the smoothie were the first to arrive. Dressed heavily in broccoli and with a healthy dose of low-fat soul-soothing cream, the soup was a delight to behold; offering just the right bout of zest and consistency.

Unlike what we’d imagined, it didn’t taste

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unusual by any means; even if it looked like melted pistachio ice cream. At 145 calories and 11 grammes of carbohydrates, it was also a cheat-free way to enjoy starters.

The banana smoothie was delectable too. It wasn’t worth writing home about but still packed in a great deal of flavour while keeping the calories, carbs and fats to a minimum.

Next up were the pastas. Finished in thick pesto sauce and fortified with low-fat cream, sunflower seeds, avocadoes and a dash of pepper, the pasta was a true masterpiece. We downed it even without considering how it hit the four digits in calories, for the end result was a lip-smacking dish that packed just the right measures of ingredients.

This was also the case with the red sauce penne.

Garnished with freshly-boiled chicken and a light sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, the pasta can be pinned as a guilt-free homage to even the best from Italy.

We particularly enjoyed the sizeable chicken portions, which added to the palate of the whole dish.

Verdict : 9/10 SERVICE 7.5/10 FOOD 6.5/10 AMBIENCE Wholesome fare that proves healthy food needn’t be bland and boring.

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

Sure, it does pack quite a punch in the calorie department but a portion will only set you back a few grammes of carbohydrates that should be burned down as soon as you hit the gym.

Last to arrive was the burger. Sitting on a woodgrain plate and accompanied by sweet potatoes and low-fat Healthy Kitchen sauce, the burger was the icing on the cake (metaphorically, of course).

Looks, as they say, can be deceptive. And in this case, the bland-looking burger – built around slices of wholegrain bun – was backed by a strong punch of flavours arising from the iceberg lettuce, capriola sauce and the melted low-fat cheddar cheese on the grilled chicken patty.

Another true winner, and we downed every morsel. And at about 290 calories, it was also the ideal definition of a cheat meal – a welcome dose of food considering rival shacks overload their burgers with heavy mayonnaise and sauces.

We decided to wash it all down with a plate of low-fat, sugar-free pistachio cheesecake. As oxymoronic as that sounds, the result – as was the theme of the night – was truly delightful. We even ended up fighting for the last slice like a bunch of siblings fighting over candy.

The soft cheese portion – as calorie-deprived as it was – was the real deal with consistency leaning towards the softer side. The flavours weren’t as strong as we expected either, but the dosage of sweetness from the soft centre and the crumbly base made way for a very satisfying end to our night.

It’s funny how much can change over two years.

From an outlet serving basic dishes to one that has mastered the art of serving sumptuous dishes, the Healthy Kitchen has come a long way.

This also goes to show how healthy food doesn’t have to be bland. Case and point. ■ Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com