Y Magazine #556, February 7, 2019 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

‘400 Years of Passion’

OPERA THROUGH THE AGES AT ROHM Enter & win!

‘Y’ WE ARE SOULMATES

News: EXPAT VISA BAN 10 EXTENDED AGAIN

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

DESTINATION: Wakan Village TASTE TEST: Dose Café

The Future

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

FEB 07 - 13 2019 / ISSUE 556 • WEEKLY

OF MONEY?

PLUS!

AS CRYPTOCURRENCIES BECOME INCREASINGLY VIABLE INVESTMENTS GLOBALLY, WE EXPLORE THEIR TENTATIVE FOOTHOLD HERE IN THE SULTANATE – ONE THAT’S GAINING MORE TRACTION AS E-COMMERCE MEETS THE MILLENNIAL TIDE

YUMMY OMAN: MUSCAT’S BEST SHAWARMAS 01 NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

FIRST DRIVE: THE ALL-NEW LEXUS UX 200 F SPORT

COFFEE WITH Y MEETS RADHIKA HAMLAI

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE…

s cash really king anymore? We’ve counted our pennies, saved them for a rainy day and, now, we’re trading them in for Bitcoin. If the 21st century has taught us anything – it’s that the world is becoming more digital by the day. As standard modes of currency vie to remain relevant against new forms of digital currency known as ‘cryptocurrencies’, more enterprises worldwide are adopting Bitcoin and other such platforms as modes of payment. Far from the perception of being akin to ‘Monopoly money’, these forms of tender are anything but fake – and they’re making inroads in the Sultanate. In this week’s cover feature we head into the online realm of digital currency to uncover its prospects in Oman. Flip to Page 18 to read on. Also in this issue, we take you on a cultural journey through the ages back to the heyday of opera at the Royal Opera House Muscat’s interactive exhibition ‘Opera – 400 Years of Passion’ on now in partnership with the Victoria & Albert Museum London. We sit down with ROHM Director General, Umberto Fanni, to learn more about its cultural significance. Finally, it’s still not too late to enter our ‘Y’ We Are Soulmates competition as we seek out the top ten contenders for best husband and wife couple this Valentine’s Day! So, if you think you’ve got what it takes, flip to Page 28 for more details! Until next week, happy reading!

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

PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi

ADMIN MANAGER Yousef Al Harrassi

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

REPORTER Hassan Al Lawati ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

@ytabloid /ytabloid

MANAGER – DIGITAL MEDIA SALES Umair Mehmood

/ytabloid ymagazine

www.y-oman.com /ymagazine

Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing & Advertising LLC / Y is a SABCO Media product.

Acting General Manager Salim Al Amri We’d love to hear your news and views. For editorial enquiries, please info@y-oman.com email Want to read Y on the go? Scan our digital issue here: Download any QR reader from iTunes or Google Play to read Y on the go

Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

contents FEB 07 - 13

Your Oman

2019

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman Fares Ghandour 10 News Expat visa ban extended again 12 News Shura election nominations underway

16 17

Street eats The Grand Millennium Muscat’s Street Food Festival brings global flavours to the table this Thursday, February 14.

34 First Drive Lexus UX 200 F Sport 38 Y-Fi Camping tech

The future of money? Could cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin eventually surpass traditional forms of legal tender? We explore their evolution in the Sultanate’s booming world of digital trade.

Curtain call Explore opera through the ages on its journey to the Sultanate, with ROHM’s ‘Opera – 400 Years of Passion’.

Movies 28 ‘Y’ We Are Soulmates Y’s annual Valentine’s Liam Neeson stars as Day celebration is back, a father out for and we’re on the search revenge against the for the Sultanate’s top mobsters who couple! murdered his son in the chilling thriller ‘ Cold Pursuit’.

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination Wakan Village

Features

Health and Beauty

Food and Drink

40 Fashion Lacy looks

44 Yummy Oman Muscat’s top shawarma spots

42 Beauty Lashing out

46 Taste Test Dose Café

BIG

30%-70% OFF 96024428, 99533930

Handmade RugsComputer Rugs Antique Persian Rugs Oriental Rugs

Qurum, beside KFC +968 24566857, +968 24566853 citycarpetoman@gmail.com, citycarpetoman, citycarpetoman

Presents

Lovebird

WIN big s prizes!

Entries close: 11th Feb

“Y” WE ARE SOULMATES

SO UL MA TE S’ E ’R WE ‘Y ow sh iz qu e liv e at tim ul e th th Te st yo ur co mp at ib ili t y wi

Answer a series of questions about your spouse to win prizes at Centara Hotel on Valentine’s Day. Get a chance to become a live contestant by telling us why you’re well matched at editor@y-oman.com Associate Sponsors

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

The story of Celine Celine Dion is getting her own biopic. The Canadian songstress will have her life-story hitting the big-screen in ‘The Power Of Love’, slated for release in 2020. The movie will document her modest upbringing in Québec, Canada to her rise to stardom as a teenager. The movie will feature her relationship with her manager and late husband René Angélil, and will include her smash hits like ‘My Heart Will Go On’ and ‘All By Myself’. Filming is slated to begin in France in March and will run for eight weeks. Sorry about tatt, Ariana! After the release of her charttopper ‘Seven Rings’ which is currently in the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 list, Ariana Grande got a tattoo inked on her palm in celebration of the single. The Japanese kanji symbols were meant to spell out ‘Seven Rings’, but fans were quick to point out that they actually spell out ‘shichirin’ which means ‘barbecue grill’. Since the snafu, Ariana’s since deleted the picture of her new tatt off Instagram, responding to fans who called out the misspelling by saying: “Indeed I left out the rest of the Japanese characters which should have gone in between, it hurt like crazy but still looks tight. I wouldn’t have lasted one more symbol, but this spot also peels a ton and won’t last so if I miss it – enough, I’ll suffer through the whole thing again!’ ‘Shallow’ at the Oscars

Set to take place on February 25, the 91st Academy Awards are inching 06

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

ever closer – and, while there may be no host announced as of yet, what we have learned is that Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper will be performing their Oscarnominated smash hit ‘Shallow’ from ‘A Star Is Born’. It won’t be the first time the duo will perform the song live, as they recently did an impromptu rendition during a recent performance in Las Vegas at Gaga’s ‘Enigma’ show. We still don’t know if Kendrick Lamar and SZA will be performing their Oscar-nominated track ‘All The Stars’. It’ll be surprises all round it for this year’s telecast! A virtual Marshmello How freakycool is this? Just this last Saturday, DJ Marshmello performed a virtual in-game ‘concert’ inside the online game ‘Fortnite’. The virtual set, which was the first of its kind, included his hit singles ‘Alone’, ‘Gassed Up’, ‘Colors’, ‘Happier’, and a bunch of other tracks off his latest album. The ‘concert’ took place in Fortnite’s Pleasant Park, with Marshmello Tweeting: “We made history today, the firstever live, virtual concert inside of Fortnite with millions of people in attendance. So insane! Thank you everyone who made this possible.” Batman returns! Warner Brothers studios have announced the release of the next rendition of the ‘Batman’ series, which will hit screens worldwide on June 25, 2021. Matt Reeves, who directed ‘Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes’ and ‘Cloverfield’ is set to direct and write the upcoming movie, simply called ‘The Batman’. What we can tell you is that Ben Affleck, who donned the mask as the Caped Crusader in 2016’s ‘Batman vs. Superman: Dawn Of Justice’ will not be returning in the lead role in this latest instalment, as the movie will focus on telling the story of a young Bruce Wayne.

Fifth Harmony’s Ally Brooke goes solo Ally Brooke has débuted her first official single and video as a solo artist. ‘Low Key’ features Tyga and is a mid-tempo R&B track. Ally says she’s been in the studio for months trying to find the right song to release as her official solo single and when she heard this one it just ‘felt like her’. Sigrid drops new début track Sigrid is back with another new track. ‘Don’t Feel Like Crying’ is the latest single to drop from her forthcoming début album ‘Sucker Punch’ which will be out on March 8. The album will also include previously released songs such as “Strangers” and ‘Dynamite’. ‘I Don’t Feel Like Crying’ is about coming to terms with a break-up but trying your best not to let it get to you. Dua Lipa’s soundtrack single Dua Lipa is teasing our ears with a new track that’s all about being strong and defiant. ‘Swan Song’ is off the soundtrack for the new action film ‘Alita: Battle Angel’. Dua is currently working on her new album which she’s meant to release sometime this year – so stay tuned! 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

FARES GHANDOUR, A PORTFOLIO MANAGER AND PARTNER WITH WAMDA CAPITAL – AN INVESTMENT FIRM BASED IN THE GCC, ASSESSES CRYPTOCURRENCIES

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: As more enterprises worldwide adopt Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as modes of payment, is it time for local businesses in Oman to begin accepting the digital currency – and if yes, what policies should govern its use? MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

cryptocurrencies is that they operate through the block chain, managed without transitional banks unlike the smart card network. Countries like the USA, Russia, the UK, Venezuela, and China are the nations who are the bulk traders of cryptocurrency. In the initial stages, ambiguity in operation existed but as the block chain management developed the clarity increased with the world-wide acceptance of the currency. Oman, as it is technologically ahead of other countries of the third world, can very well cash MUTHUMARI PANDIAN on Bitcoins and cryptocurrencies. As Bitcoin flows The Bitcoin community placed a lot of faith from one wallet to the other, transaction charges in the cryptocurrency. The usage of Bitcoin has can be minimised and also the exchange value increased. It has seen massive growth. Apart from Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, EOS, fluctuations on the trading front are eliminated since this cryptocurrency does not travel through central NEO, many more e- currencies are available. bank channels. Oman has been shining in all developmental On a serious analysis at the economic areas so this is the right moment to catch level, adoption of cryptocurrency cannot be the international market and adopt the recommended as the mode of settlement to our cryptocurrency system because many global importers at Oman since we don’t have a centralised companies have started adopting the Bitcoin & authority to control the cryptocurrency, and only Wallet method. Cryptocurrency is designed to be free from any block chain management can be done to practically government manipulation and control – and this check the flow of currency from one end to the other. process is very simple. It collects lower fees than As we don’t involve the central Bank of Oman or credit and debit card services. Wallet services convert cryptocurrency into cash. It’s like a real- any other country’s central bank there is no central authority to get a grip on this. time bank balance so it’s very easy to handle. World-wide there is no uniform rule or legal Therefore, small businesses can benefit by backing for the use of digital currency and the legal accepting cryptocurrency so that our local framework of a country would govern the use of it in businesses can reach the global market and sell that particular country. The law may state whether our products globally. And it’s an international currency, so we can use it in any country directly. or not traders can use Bitcoin and to what extent, which is just not enough to control the whole usage of the cryptos. Also, money laundering issues are a BRINDA KALYANI serious issue. Around 46 countries have adopted Once we have a central authority to control, the digital currency the Bitcoin, report, and to take care of the digital accountability and transactions there are settled of the cryptocurrency movement we in Oman within the world-wide network. The best part of

I doubt that any single digital currency would be internationally accepted. And even if it were to be accepted, it would take a long time to be adopted and would be available only to those in a closed circle in much the same way as token currencies are issued in various pubs. It is too early to discuss this subject.

ryptocurrencies have been around since 2008 and their popularity has only increased as time has gone by – but I firmly believe that the technology behind cryptocurrencies is still not mature enough to handle scalability (growth of the currency), or if it is there it’s at the expense of security, or scalability at the expense of speed. That’s the kind of triangle that exists between these three elements. Technology hasn’t been developed to a point where it can be used for consumer usage cases and at this point it’s just at the protocol layer level. And before it comes into being with a proper framework, it’s difficult to predict how it could affect real world scenarios. Blockchain has the power to disrupt lower lying fruit such as intermediating banks, the financial industry, astro-accounts, and any middleman that sits in a transaction. This is why regulators will play a major role in the way cryptocurrencies are treated in this part of the world. Currently, no regulations are placed on this digital currency and that’s what deters many from investing in it. Moreover, it’s incredibly difficult to buy them as their market value fluctuates from point to point and not many know of reliable wallets that can keep their private keys secure. This is where the regulator needs to step in. It must allow exchanges to operate and confront a reality where currency is digital, encrypted and decentralised – and that’s the only way these cryptocurrencies can in any way be made useful to today’s economy without causing any disruption. *For more insights on blockchain, flip to page 20

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

WRITE TO US AND YOU COULD WIN

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

ebHotel /GoldenTulipSe eb @GoldenTulipSe

SEND US YOUR letters, photos, news and views to info@y-oman.com / /ytabloid. The winning correspondent will receive a voucher for dinner at the Golden Tulip.

Vouchers must be collected from Y’s Seeb office in person. Only one winner per week; editor’s decision is final. For other terms and conditions, see the Golden Tulip voucher.

SCAN THESE QR CODES &

can start dealing with the settlement of transactions using the Bitcoin. Till then, it would be wise to be a watcher than a taker.

WWW.Y-OMAN.COM

degree of anonymity whereby a Bitcoin address acts as a unique identifier and requires no name registration for the Bitcoin address and wallet. This DR. TAMANNA DALWAI encourages its popularity for illegal Many prominent businesses around the activities. In 2018, hackers stole US$1.7 world such as Microsoft, Cheapair.com, billion of cryptocurrencies from Dish Network, Newegg accept Bitcoin investors. Regulators such as Securities payments. It is important to understand and Exchange Commission in the US the functioning and differentiation offered remain concerned regarding the security by cryptocurrency. Blockchain technology and investor protection. was devised for Bitcoin digital currency and Oman is treading water safely and to this thereby works as a decentralised bank. This effect Central Bank of Oman has warned eliminates the need of banks for exchanging the public on the use of cryptocurrency as Bitcoins. Blockchain is publicly visible and there are no adequate regulations. argued to be transparent and incorruptible As advanced countries have yet to find as transactions can be viewed at any Bitcoin safety measures and regulations that curb address. criminal activities related to cryptocurrency, Recent research suggests that while, it is safer for businesses in Oman not to prominently advanced and legally deal with them. acceptable in some countries around the Standardised regulations should run world, Bitcoin is an enabler of digital across borders for Bitcoins, to be free from criminal enterprise. Bitcoin offers a high potential scams and criminal activity.

New Debate:

/YTABLOID

@YTABLOID

CHRISTY FERNANDEZ was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine at Shell Select in Azaiba.

Are art-centric events important in fostering a culture of creative expression among youth in the Sultanate, or could more be done on a national level to foster and provide a platform for Omani artistic talent? Tell us your thoughts.

THIS IS YOUR SPOT!

Share your view with us and you could be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

Send it to: info@y-oman.com

THROUGH YOUR EYES

/YMAGAZINE

Just send us your picture with Y Magazine or pose with our photographer and we will publish it on this page

SHARE YOUR PHOTO WITH Y TO BE FEATURED IN OUR NEW READER SECTION Y reader KSK Rohana captures a snapshot of rugged coastal beauty near the Shangri-La Bar Al Jissah Resort & Spa

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

PHOTO: KSK Rohana

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

NEWS NEW PICK-UP, DROP-OFF

SYSTEM AT AIRPORT

ropping off and picking up passengers at the departure and arrival gates of Muscat International Airport, to start from February 10. According to a Tweet issued by Oman Airports Twitter account on Saturday: “Upon entering the said lanes, drivers will need to take a ticket, and at the exit, the duration spent by the vehicle will be identified. If it is more than ten minutes then certain fees will be applicable”.

SQU IS TOP OF THE

EXPAT VISA BAN

CLASS IN SULTANATE

ultan Qaboos University (SQU) can take its place among the best universities in the world, according to the webometrics index, known globally as the Spanish Ranking. SQU has been ranked 1,353rd globally, 13th among the Arab universities, and first among Omani universities, the Muscat Daily newspaper reported. SQU is followed by the University of Nizwa at 3,507th in the world, 102nd in the Arab world, and second in Oman. Sohar University has been ranked 4,692nd globally, 172nd at the Arab level, and third in Oman, followed by the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) which is ranked 4,955th globally, 187th among the Arab universities, and fourth among Omani universities. In the sub-indices of the ranking that address the quality of education and research activities in about 25,000 universities and institutes worldwide, SQU scored 642 points in the openness index, 967 points in the presence index, 3,474 points in the overall impact index, and 1,162 points in the index of excellence. The webometrics index is the world’s largest university assessment system covering more than 20,000 universities. The index is based on scientific research and technical files and is periodically updated every six months in January and July. The ranking of the best universities in publishing academic research on the Internet includes standards for the publishing site itself and covers 20 per cent of the size of the site and 15 per cent for technical files and search output, 15 per cent (for Google scientists), and 50 per cent for links and impact size.

010

FEB 06 - 13 / ISSUE 556

EXTENDED AGAIN

he Ministry of Manpower (MoM) has extended the ban on the issuing of fresh visas for workers in 87 professions in the private sector for another six months. The decision (No 73/2019) was taken by HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Abdullah al Bakri, Minister of Manpower, on January 31. The Ministry had first issued the decision in January 2018 and

later extended it by another six months in June last year. The rule states that the “decision temporarily prohibits hiring of expatriate manpower in private sector establishments for six months. This decision will not apply to establishments owned by full-time employers for their administration, registered with Riyada, and insured by the Public Authority for Social Insurance”.

CELEBRATING INNOVATION

GALLERY

NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN’S FIFTH ‘INNOVATION IN SME’ AWARDS RECOGNISED SOME OF THE SULTANATE’S BRIGHTEST AND MOST PROMISING STARTUPS.

FEB 06 - 13 / ISSUE 556

011

YOUR

OMAN

MEN MAKE UP 99% OF OMAN’S DRUG PATIENTS, SAYS STUDY

en under 30 make up 99 per cent of patients in rehab for drug abuse in the Sultanate a study has confirmed. The study was carried out by researchers from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and the Ministry of Health. Its aim was to develop a profile of the type of Omani prone to substance abuse, and

reach out to those who seek treatment. Dr. Nabila al Wahaibi, the study’s principal author, said cannabis and alcohol were the first substances likely to be consumed by most patients. She said: “Peer influences on the initiation of substance use were significant. “Most patients had a history of polysubstance use, including intravenous substance use.” The study has been published in the Public Library of Science.

he Ministry of Interior is receiving electronic nomination applications for Majlis Ash’shura elections until February 21, 2019. The last date to withdraw the nomination is August 22, 2019. Eligible citizens who wish to run for the elections of the ninth term of Majlis Ash’shura and meet the conditions of candidacy as per Article 34 of Shura Council membership election law, should submit their applications on the website elections.om along with all the required documents. Any applications that are not submitted after the deadline or not sent via the website will be rejected.

SWISS JOIN OMAN IN SEARCH

FOR METEORITES

team from the Public Authority for Mining (PAM) has joined forces with Switzerland’s Natural History Museum and University of Bern to search for Omani meteorites. Their mission started in January and will continue into the middle of this month, the Oman Observer newspaper reported. The Omani-Swiss project was set up to examine Oman’s unique meteorite accumulation while increasing awareness for natural heritage. Some of the questions to be addressed are the weathering of meteorites related to their terrestrial age, the abundance of meteorite types, and the abundance of meteorites on different surfaces. A total of 352 pieces of meteorites were found in 2017, weighing about 53kg, bringing the total of meteorites discovered in Oman to 6,558 with a total weight of 4,775kg, according to the Public Authority for Mining (PAM).

012

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

MUSICAL MOMENTS

GALLERY

EMERGING MUSICIANS SHOWCASE THEIR TALENT AT THE KEMPINSKI HOTEL MUSCATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW CONCERTINI SERIES

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

013

YOUR

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

OMAN

THE LATEST STARTUP GRIND EVENT AT KNOWLEDGE OASIS MUSCAT BROUGHT THE NATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S YOUNG BUSINESS LEADERS TOGETHER

014

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

GALLERY

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

015

The Grand Millennium Muscat’s Street Food Festival at Taybat Restaurant & Terrace is back with a bang. Bigger, bolder, and tastier than ever, every Thursday evening from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., guests can indulge in culinary trip around the world – street food-style that feature open-air grills, live cooking stations and more. Don’t miss the hand-rolled sushi and fire-kissed tandoori grills! With 8 global cuisines to choose from, come hungry and be spoiled for choice. Price is RO17 for adults, and RO8.5 for children ages six to 12. To book your table call (+968) 2234-2352.

Opera legend Placido Domingo is wielding the baton in a production of ‘La Traviata’ at the Royal Opera House Muscat. Domingo will conduct the orchestra on February 10, on the production’s final night at the ROHM. This version is performed by the Orchestra and Chorus of Teatro Massimo di Palermo, and has been staged by Marta Domingo in a dazzlingly updated version of her 1920s Art Deco version. With its unforgettable arias and the profoundly moving love story of Violetta and Alfredo, ‘La Traviata’ is the world’s most frequently performed opera, and not to be missed. For tickets, log on to the ROHM website at www. rohmuscat.org.om, or call 2440-3332.

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

F E B R U A R Y

A LEGENDARY PERFORMANCE

WEEK

FEB 08 - 14

It’s a case of Viva Espana at two of Muscat’s top hotels this week! The best of Spain is being showcased at the ShangriLa Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa and Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa. Events include a passionate flamenco performance from one of Spain’s finest exponents of the art, Spanish buffet feasts, and some of the best tapas you’re likely to find outside of the Mediterranean. To top it off, celebrity Chef Montse Estruch will bring her extraordinary culinary creations to the kitchens of the Sultanah restaurant between February 9-13. For details, and to book, call (+968) 2477-6565.

FEB 7

THIS

FLAVOURS OF SPAIN

ST R E E T E ATS

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

FEB

016

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

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

VS. Cast: Connor Swindells, Nicholas Pinnock, Ruth Sheen

The Lego Movie 2

Cold Pursuit

Cast: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett

Cast: Liam Neeson, Emmy Rossum, Julia Jones Nels Coxman (Neeson) has an important job in his town. As the principal snowplough driver, his work enables other people to get to theirs. But when his son is killed accidentally, Nels is bent on revenge and springs into action. In his sights are two gangs of drug dealing mobsters who don’t take kindly to this pillar of the community asking questions. Meantime, the town’s leading detective (Rossum) is not slow on the

The Prodigy Cast: Taylor Schilling, Brittany Allen, Colm Feore

uptake and can sense there’s going to be trouble ahead if she doesn’t find Nels’ son’s killer before his distraught father does. It’s a brave Hollywood director who thinks he can adapt or improve on Nordic Noir. But this remake of the Norwegian thriller ‘In Order of Disappearance’ doesn’t make a bad stab at recreating the requisite melancholy and menace. And Neeson just commands the screen, as always.

Sarah (Schilling) is the mother of gifted boy Miles, who is streets ahead of his classroom peers. But the price of being highly intelligent is sometimes displaying some slightly eccentric qualities. When Miles starts behaving very strangely indeed, there might be something of the night about him. Despite roping in a child psychologist, she is facing some trying times as a mother before she can get him back on the straight and narrow. This weird-child might-be-possessed premise for a film has been done so often, we practically know it off by heart. The most famous examples are ‘The Exorcist’ and ‘The Sixth Sense’, which were exceptional. Therefore, anything on the same theme has a lot to live up to. Whether this is it remains to be seen (quite literally). No preview has been available, alas.

In rap, troubled teenager Adam (Swindells) finds a vehicle for his pent-up aggression and unchannelled artistry, which makes him a firm favourite with fans. But Adam has issues after 12 years in care homes. His quest to find his biological mother is one that will be his biggest battle yet: confronting the past. The slogan for this movie is ‘Rap is a Battle. Life is a Fight’. Rappers are not renowned for their maturity, but it really is a stretch to believe the actor playing the protagonist is 17. Still, rap fans might enjoy it, and the gritty portrayal of Southend (a faded English seaside near London) is pretty accurate.

The legend of Lego shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. In this sequel, our Lego friends live in the appropriately name Apocalypseburg, which comes with a half-buried Statue of Liberty (a nod to ‘Planet of the Apes’, surely?). No amount of brightly-coloured bricks can cheer up this lot. Only Emmet (Pratt) is still chipper and has built a house for him and Lucy (Banks). But the inevitable villain shows up, in the guise of General Mayhem (Stephanie Beatriz) who captures all his friends and ships them off to the Solar System. Emmet has no choice but to organise a mission to rescue everyone he loves. On the way, he meets Galaxy-defending archaeologist Rex Dangervest (also Pratt) who turns out to be a future version of himself. Yes, it’s a bit samey but with this amount of cute and colourful action; what’s not to like?

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

‘Cold Pursuit’s Emmy Rossum stars in which Golden Globe-nominated TV series? LAST WEEK’S WINNER Georgina Benison

WIN FREE MOVIE TICKETS! Read our movie section and answer the question to stand a chance to win two tickets to watch movies of your choice! Send your answers to info@y-oman. com, along with your contact information. Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions, see voucher.

Experience more VOX Cinemas magic! Discover

Now open near you at VOX Cinemas, Muscat Grand Mall Book your tickets at voxcinemas.com or the VOX app FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

017

he currency of the future is here – or is it really? Whether you hail the digitised marvel that is cryptocurrency as a benchmark for modern-day transactions or a vehicle for online criminals, there’s a mystique surrounding digital currency that is taking the world by storm. You could now use it to buy things online, go shopping, buy cars, and even open your own cryptocurrency wallets to store your money as you would in a bank – all with no fee, and unregulated by financial bodies with no tax restrictions. In short, what this currency offers in value – such as letting the user hold their currency unfettered by a bank – is also what makes this a dicey proposition in today’s market. As per a study conducted by Cambridge University in 2017, cryptocurrencies have moved on from becoming a mere fad among tech enthusiasts and into a multi-billion dollar industry with more than 5.9 million unique users. However, due to their encrypted nature, the frequency of investments and the location of users cannot be determined. What’s more surprising is that the Sultanate

018

FEB 06 - 13 / ISSUE 556

– despite its rather silent stance on this new digital currency – is currently in the spotlight among cryptocurrency users, collectors and miners from around the globe due to one recent incident from January 28 this year: a robbery that left an Omani man BTC3,000 bitcoins (a form of cryptocurrency) out of pocket. In layman’s terms, that translates to a whooping RO600,000 in physical currency – all gone in a robbery that took away the user’s virtual key and all his assets, in what is now being touted as the greatest bitcoin robbery ever to have taken place in the Middle East. The absence of his key to his bitcoin wallet would have rendered him helpless thereby leaving him with no means to access it. Details about this case remain under wraps. Our sources at the Royal Oman Police (ROP) refuse to acknowledge the event but after some digging, we found out that the Muscat man had been physically robbed last month by three men. But there’s a very good reason for the ROP’s obliviousness on this case: they’re completely powerless, as the Central Bank of Oman fails to recognise cryptocurrencies as a mode of payment in Oman.

How to Buy Cryptocurrency Disclaimer: In no way is Y endorsing the use or purchase of cryptocurrencies. Investing in cryptocurrencies comes with its own risks. Please consult a financial planner before investing. The process of buying and selling cryptocurrency has been made a lot simpler over the past few months. There are five important factors that you must think about before buying cryptocurrency:  Location To find out how and where you can buy cryptocurrency, it is important for you check your country’s regulations.  Payment Method The most common and accepted payment methods to buy cryptocurrency include: credit card, bank transfer or even cash. Different websites accept different payment methods, so you’ll need to choose a website that accepts the payment method you want to use.  Type of Cryptocurrency Not all cryptocurrencies are available for purchase on every website. You will have to find a website that sells the cryptocurrency that you want to buy.  Cost of Fees Each website has different fees. Some are cheap, some are not so cheap. Make sure you know how much the fees cost before setting up an account on any website. You don’t want to waste your time verifying yourself and then find out the fees are too high.  How much you can afford As with any investment, you should never invest more than you can afford. Consult a financial adviser first. Source: bitdegree.org

AUG FEB 06 15 –- 1321 / ISSUE 556 282

019

Our source, an official at the ROP says: “This era of bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies, and blockchain puts these online investors at risk as there are no laws governing them. So, even if the man was robbed physically, the forces can only go by evidence presented of other stolen items. “If this same amount was had in Omani Riyals, adequate measures would have been put in place where the money would be tracked and the banks would be alerted to be on the lookout for the offenders should they receive a match on the serial numbers of the notes. “In the case of bitcoin, however, the ROP cannot take a stand since we’re not involved and this country doesn’t identify them as official modes of transaction.” This is further asserted by Oman’s banking regulatory authority and central bank, the Central Bank of Oman (CBO)’s, stance on the matter. Earlier in 2018 in a nationwide warning, the bank had shed light on investments in cryptocurrencies, asking the public to refrain from partaking in these activities. While the act isn’t illegal in Oman nor the digital currency banned, the CBO revealed that there are no “authorities, policies or guidelines to regulate such investments in the country”. A vague warning indeed, but it has left one Omani man RO600,000 out of pocket. A part of this apparent indifference to the plight of the victim, however, stems from the fact that cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin are heavily encrypted and the names of its users are rarely revealed. To understand more about the future of cryptocurrencies in the country, we get in touch with Ahmed al Barwani, the head of one among a few ‘blockchain’ forums in Oman. The 32-year-old Omani investor says: “So, before we jump into what cryptocurrencies are, let’s talk a bit about blockchain itself. It’s the product of Satoshi Nakamoto, whom we believe is from Japan. However, this theory is disputed as it is believed to be a group of people who invented this ingenious form of currency. “Either way, blockchain is simply described as digital information or blocks that are linked online using cryptography. This allows the information you’ve brought to be distributed but not copied illegally. “It’s a relatively safe mode of investing your money as the encryption on some of the top digital currencies can be quite tight-knit. “Some people call the first cryptocurrency, bitcoin, ‘digital gold’; and we agree. I won’t reveal my assets in bitcoin but I assure you that this is the first time I made the right investment. I jumped on the bandwagon in 2008 just a few weeks after the introduction of bitcoin and I’ve never looked back.” Unlike the thousands (according to Ahmed) that invest in this technology from Oman today, Ahmed bought his bitcoins during his time at school in the Netherlands – a country that had begun transactions using the digital currency from as early as 2010. “I had about BTC200 by the very first year and it was only worth about RO400 or RO450 when I bought it. However, today I deal with much more,” he says. And he has every right to, as a simple conversion of his assets to Omani Riyals reveals that he will be worth RO262,911 today (according to the exchange rate at the time of going to press). Ahmed knows his net worth in bitcoins but soon reveals that it’s at least a decade away from any form of use in Oman. He says: “A couple of things one must know before jumping into cryptocurrencies is that it’s too late to jump into it but it’s also at the infancy stage right now and there’s no better time to try it out. It’s funny how that works out. “So, why it makes less sense for someone in Oman to try their hand at it is because not only does bitcoin cost so much but it also poses no use whatsoever to people trying to purchase something here. “In the Netherlands, you can simply go to a café, have your favourite coffee and then pay in BTC – that’s just not possible in Oman… at least so far. “Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin have become too mainstream and its value has shot up 2,000 fold. So, even a few RO1,000s would earn you less than a bitcoin or two. Therefore, I do not stand for trading these currencies but am holding onto them for use. “The days of investing are over unless you’re well-off. But if you were, why

020

FEB 06 - 13 / ISSUE 556

would you need to invest in this fluctuating piece of currency? “And today, I see no use for it in the Sultanate unless you begin buying products from outside. Even then, you’re questioning the legitimacy of the purchase and whether you’re actually receiving products from a genuine store as market leaders such as Amazon and eBay still deal with real currencies.” This is a topic that’s further explained to us by Zaran*, an information and technology entrepreneur who is planning on the first bitcoin-led company in the Sultanate. “As Ahmed said, legitimacy is the greatest factor you must take care with cryptocurrencies, and it’s not just about buying products from online stores; this can mean you need to bear the risks of buying the currency itself. “There are plenty of fake wallets (digital banks where you can store digital coins) out there that can take your money and offer you nothing and little to no assistance once you’ve been ripped off. “But even greater are the security threats posed by cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, litecoin, and ethereum. These are slowly but steadily being made use of by criminals for transactions. “So, if you were to head into the web or the dark web to see what this is being used for, you’ll see how it is used in buying and smuggling arms, drugs, slaves, and conducting some other immoral activities. “It’s a dark, dark place and cryptocurrencies, mostly bitcoin, is what’s used to fuel all of this. One example I can give you is of Silk Road, an online black market – almost like a dark eBay – that was run by Ross William Ulbricht from 2011 onwards until his arrest in 2015. “This was a marketplace for everything from drugs to guns, and even identity cards stolen from deceased people in the US. It was a bad place to be in and no one knew who was paying for these services.” Zaran believes that this must have been perfect for criminal activities before revealing how he plans to start a similar platform but for selling or auctioning household goods. A quick research confirms Zaran’s words, as we learn that cryptocurrencies have become the paperless and untraceable currency that harbours within a deep sense of evil that can rarely, if ever, be tracked should the time arise. As shocking as that sounds, several individuals have still been arrested based on years of tracking by several international law enforcement agencies. Nonetheless, Zaran still believes in his new venture. “There’s little to no support from the CBO with regards to cryptocurrencies so I’m relying on my own money (Omani Riyals) to set up the framework and then slowly rely on funds to come in from bitcoin. “It’s a broken model and I’m currently spending several thousands of Riyals here to set up something new that only a small group of people will understand. But, I still think that cryptocurrencies are the future of transactions in Oman. “After setting up the framework, I’ll be attending blockchain conferences to promote my business. There are already a few cafes and shops that discreetly opt for bitcoin payments on their services but this would be a first of its kind in the Sultanate.” As optimistic as that sounds, several finance experts are still wary of its uses in the GCC, and claim it is a potential disrupter of the growing economy

in countries such as Oman and Bahrain. Fares Ghandour, partner and portfolio manager at Wamda Capital – a leading investment company in the Middle East region – is one among those who believes in the potential doom cryptocurrencies could spell on the economy of Oman. When asked about how it will disrupt the GCC, he answers: “I believe that the technology behind cryptocurrencies is still not mature enough to handle scalability (growth of the currency) or if it is there it’s at the expense of security, or scalability at the expense of speed. “That’s the kind of triangle that exists between these three elements. Technology hasn’t been developed to a point where it can be used for consumer usage cases and at this point it’s just at the protocol layer level. “And before it comes into place with a proper framework, it’s difficult to predict how it could affect real world scenarios. “But that said, in terms of the promises that blockchain offers, naturally it will affect the lower lying fruit such as intermediating banks, financial industry, astro-accounts, and any middleman that sits in a transaction will be disrupted. “Thankfully, even today, I can say that the global adoption hasn’t started yet so there wouldn’t be much to worry about at this stage. However, having seen how it affects the market in different ways, with respect to safety and reliability of these currencies, I think we need to raise our concerns judiciously.” All is not lost for cryptocurrencies, though, as Fares believes that it can still be made an official mode of payment if certain cautionary steps are undertaken. “Over the next couple of years, you

are going to see two things work in parallel: developers are going to have to work on the scalability of their protocols and the speed of their transactions and security before you get to a scale that is meaningful and equitable with some of the world’s largest and fastest protocols. “Another factor I believe is that regulators are going to start to significantly sway one way or the other, and I think it’s going to be them moving towards a point where cryptocurrencies are a little more regulated. “How that would work is primarily tackling the on-ramp off-ramp, which would be buying into or selling into cryptocurrencies vis-a-vis fiat currencies. What that means is that it’s very difficult for people to buy cryptocurrencies using their fiat currencies. “So, for that you have to go to an exchange and get it KYC approved. Then there’s the problem of not knowing how secure the wallet is or the exchange is, and people worry about protecting their private keys, so I think the regulator needs to make those processes easier. “It must allow exchanges to operate and confront a reality where currency is digital, encrypted, and decentralised – and that’s the only way these cryptocurrencies can in any way be made useful to today’s economy without causing any disruptions. “But the signs are all there: we are indeed moving towards a world where cryptocurrencies will evolve into primary modes of payment, and it’s only a matter of time. And Oman, as the rest of the GCC, will also be a part of that.” ■

What is a Cryptocurrency Wallet? A cryptocurrency wallet is where you store your cryptocurrencies after you have bought them. You can compare a cryptocurrency wallet with your bank account. In the same way that you store traditional currencies (USD, JPY, EUR etc.) in your bank account, you will store your cryptocurrencies in your crypto wallet. There are lots of of easy-to-use and safe options to choose from. It is important that you choose a highly-secure wallet, because if your cryptocurrency gets stolen from your wallet, you can never get it back. There are three types of wallets:  Online wallets: The quickest to set up (but also the least safe)  Software wallets: An app you download (safer than an online wallet)  Hardware wallets: A portable device you plug into your computer via USB (the safest option) The wallet you need will depend on which cryptocurrency you want to buy. If you buy Bitcoin, for example, you’ll need a wallet that can store Bitcoin. If you buy Litecoin, you’ll need a wallet that can store Litecoin. Source: bitdegree.org

* Name changed to protect identity

FEB 06 - 13 / ISSUE 556

021

THE VOICE

OF ART

One artist is using her unique talent to portray her own take on life and how to make sense of it. ‘Coffee with Y’ sits down with Radhika Hamlai to learn more

ho are we and where do we belong? Questions such as these form the crux of our existence but can become all-consuming. While many resort to soul-searching, one woman is using her art as a repository for rumination. Radhika Hamlai, who hails from Ahmedabad, India and is now Omani, is displaying her works in an exhibition called ‘Human, Form, and Colour’. It is to be held at the National Museum in Muttrah – and she will use it to showcase her own take on life. Her Abstract Expressionist works reflect both a creative mind and an uninhibited approach to her art. She says: “This [art] comes as a form of self-expression. My pieces are all related to human connections but I wouldn’t go as far as saying that it only connects with me. “I’d say that it connects with my whole surroundings and the people around me.” Blasts of colour and calming hues pervade the room as we study the five neatly displayed forms of art. While many of these form the staple behind her artworks, there’s one unique factor that

022

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

sets this exhibition apart from others she has displayed in Oman (around 40) before: her work is presented on woven rugs and textiles. Stitched to perfection and adapted from her own paintings, there’s an aura of surrealism; and one work, titled ‘Reincarnation’, is already gaining traction on social media. However, the artist says adapting her works to textiles isn’t new to her. She says: “My father came from a textile industry in Ahmedabad (in India) – the ‘city of handlooms’. So, I always had a fascination for textiles. Even the clothes I wear are done in cotton, and everything is becoming more organic. “But, this love for fabrics was hidden in me for a while until I began taking it up in 2011 when I was working with a friend on ceramics. At the venue we toured, we’d come across artisans who were creating pieces of rugs – and I was intrigued. “I thought of giving it a shot and soon found myself converting a few select art pieces into hand-woven textile rugs. This was entirely done by the weavers but it’s a process I had to work with them entirely. “Honestly, it took me back to my roots and all the work is done in Ahmedabad.” Characterised by chaotic brush-strokes and

an impression of spontaneity, Radhika’s works strike a chord with visitors. However, her output is anything but spontaneous, and each work takes anywhere between four to six months to complete. Any piece starts with her conceptualising a topic in her head and sketching it out on a piece of paper. “I feel that art has become a part of me. Whenever I travel, I try to connect with the surroundings and once I am back I write it down. Whatever you see around you is an inspiration,” she says. “After preparing a sketch, I paint it on a canvas with acrylic and tempera, which is a very slow process but is known to be quite traditional and effective in replicating colours. “Moreover, it helps me keep in touch with the conventional side of things.”

‘Reincarnation’ took her two years to complete but that’s only the start of the process, because coming after that is the weaving process. The weaving itself is done using ancient tools such as the shuttle and bobbin, which are then worked with using needles of different sizes. “Everything you see here is done conventionally by these master weavers who have decades of experience. But even then, it takes time as at every point you risk matching the painting and keeping the colours in check. “Each loom can change the colour greatly so after every point you must put the thread behind, tie a knot, and start with another loom.” Colours interlayered between each other give ‘Reincarnation’ a very bold footprint. As Radkhika reveals, each colour has its own meaning. “The red for instance in the circle shows the

blood in your system but it’s not depicting blood per se. The green, for instance, in the two sides of your brain but here it can be related to sky and land too. The silver colour is the circle of life. “‘Reincarnation’ follows the life of a human being. It goes behind the basis of life formation – how two humans come together and become three. And that’s how the world started. “I believe that reincarnation is something that happens between two humans or two souls. It is something related to our personal self. We are born every day and we die every day. “For example, when you sleep you are losing yourself but are still connected with your dreams. That process is very difficult to happen but it does. Then there are days when you are connected or disconnected with yourself. “It is like a circle that goes back and forth.” ■

Radhika’s exhibition is open to the public until 22 February at the National Museum Oman and interested visitors can buy her works. FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

023

9& 1 0 2

% 0 RE 4 O F E O KB T O P BO U E V SA EB

F 20

ERS

OFF

E SIV U L EXC

TEL

O TO

N MA

OM UST

THE ECLECTIC LAB OF

PRESENTED BY

28 MARCH

OMAN CONVENTION & EXH

Tickets ONLY & E

www.Tix

For more info call:

Physical Ticket Box O in Oman Av ORGANIZED BY

HOSTED BY OFFICIAL SPONSOR

MEDIA PARTNERS

F INFINITE CREATIVITY

H 6 APRIL

HIBITION CENTRE - MUSCAT

EXCLUSIVELY on

Box.com

: +968 9099 9646

Office Omantel Store venues Mall

TV PARTNER

TICKETING PARTNER

Curtain Call

Opera has persisted across centuries and continents as one of the most enduring art forms of all time. Team Y heads to the Royal Opera House Muscat to explore its journey to the Sultanate

utting through the sound-booth silence in this velvety hall where time stands still, the strains of a lilting libretto ring through our ears. To an observer, we’re a group of people pacing in thoughtful circumnavigation; headphones on as though at a silent disco. But really, we’re chasing the vibrato of an aria back through time to the cobbles of Venice’s Piazza San Marco, examining playbills from the height of London’s operatic renaissance, and admiring the sheet music, opera glasses, and imperial robes worn by the art-form’s elite aficionados of the day. We’re in the heart of the Royal Opera House Muscat’s ‘Opera – 400 Years of Passion’ exhibition but we we’re also world’s away. Opened on January 17, 2019, the exhibit is a uniquely interactive collaborative opus in partnership with London’s iconic Victoria & Albert Museum. The Muscat display marks the collection’s first stop on its tour outside the UK. The story told through its six rooms takes visitors on a musical journey dating back 400 years to the early 17th century and opera’s Venetian roots, through to its spread to London, Vienna, Milan, Paris, and finally Muscat – where the Royal Opera House Muscat opened in 2011 under the patronage of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. With more than 200 objects amassed from across Europe, ‘400 Years of Passion’ heralds the story of opera through a comprehensive array of artefacts and memorabilia that runs the gamut from costumes and marble busts to oil paintings and glass and chinaware.

026

FEB 06 - 13 / ISSUE 556

We sat down with Umberto Fanni, Director General of the Royal Opera House Muscat to learn more about the exhibition and why fostering renewed appreciation for the art-form among younger generations of audiences is on his radar.

Q A

Y: Tell us about the conceptualisation of the ‘400 Years of Passion’ exhibition and the role of the Victoria & Albert Museum. UF: Opera combines music, drama, design, and the voice into one spectacular art form. It captures all the passion and emotion of being human. This ground-breaking exhibition conceived and organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (V&A) tells the story of opera through six premières in six great international cities across four centuries. It reveals how operas are inextricably entwined with the social, historical, and cultural landscape of the cities in which they are created. The exhibition opened to critical acclaim at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in September 2017 and is now going on tour with Muscat as the first destination outside London. The Royal Opera House Muscat worked with the V&A closely to customise the content of the exhibition to specifically appeal to audiences in Oman and to highlight the role of ROHM in the continuing spread of this very special art form. The arrival of ‘Opera – 400 Years of Passion’ was timed to coincide with the grand opening of ROHM’s new House of Musical Arts. And so, with this exhibition in Oman, one of the

world’s best-loved art forms is given the honour it deserves after touching many millions of hearts over the past 400 years.

Q A

Y: Walk us through the journey visitors will experience as they go through the exhibition. UF: As I remarked in a speech introducing the exhibition, “If you are not already passionate about opera, you will be by the time you finish touring the exhibition!” It’s a richly immersive and theatrical experience that fills the senses. We can guarantee you’ll have never seen anything like it before. As the tour begins, you are given Sennheiser headphones playing atmospheric music that take you straight into the world of opera. In each room, the music in your ears changes automatically and the dark walls wrap you in the

thousands of followers that the Royal Opera House Muscat attracts on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Y: Through its work, and exhibitions such as ‘400 Years’, how does the Royal Opera House Muscat strive to foster a greater cultural understanding of the importance of the arts within Omani society? UF: While initiatives such as some of those I mentioned earlier, as well as the special ‘400 Year of Passion’ exhibition, offer engaging and educational insights into the performing arts. Programmes such as the annual Military Music Concert, which attracts huge audiences and creates tremendous enthusiasm, serves to bring the Royal Opera House ‘home to the people’ in celebration of their own culture. This ‘spills’ over to a wider interest in the arts in general. The advent of ROHM’s communityoriented House of Musical Arts represents a great leap forward in bringing the arts to the people and vice versa. And, importantly, the House of Musical Arts will encourage communication and interaction in which, on a personal level, people share their interests and learn from each other – another incredible achievement for building cultural bridges between Oman and the world.

intimacy of the exhibits as if you are on stage with the opera stars. Phrases boldly written in white with an upward slant on the black walls casually evoke the sentiments of a famous opera at its premiere in six cities: Venice, London, Vienna, Milan, Paris, and Muscat. The life and times of these six cities are staged, each in a room of its own, with cultural artefacts from the era. The artefacts on display range from costumes and accessories to set designs and engravings, historical photographs, sheet music, marble busts, and other objects from the collections of the V&A, and other European lenders, as well as from ROHM. The texts appearing with the artefacts in each room are rich in information and cultural significance. Of particular historical interest are exhibits such as the original evening bodice worn in the mid-19th century by Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. Visitors will also be delighted to find an original Venetian harpsichord, one of the oldest still in existence and made in the year 1531, nearly 500 years ago. The tour culminates in the present era in Muscat with displays representing Puccini’s ‘Turandot’, ROHM’s grand inaugural opera which premiered in October 2011. It is not only the exhibition which will be of great interest to visitors, but also the building in which it is held – and that is the brand-new Royal Opera: House of Musical Arts. All who come will be thrilled to walk from the Opera Galleria to the House of Musical Arts (ROHMA) through the fabulous cocoon-like pedestrian bridge that spans Al Kharjiyah Street and experience some of ROHMA’s wonderful spaces such as the Performance Foyer and its sparkling new marble Maidan elegantly framed by a colonnade.

Q A

Y: What are some of the most notable items and artefacts ROHM has amassed for the display? UF: Among the most stunning pieces in the Muscat room are three of the costumes designed by Franco Zeffirelli for the staging of ROHM’s inaugural opera, ‘Turandot’ in 2011. These are: ● The magnificent imperial robe and impressive headdress rendered in dazzling gold against black silk worn by the Emperor of China; ● The elaborately embroidered, multi-coloured costume of one of the Emperor’s ministers with its jewelled headdress and ornate belt; and the silk robes in celestial blue worn by Princess Turandot, an ensemble that is crowned with a gracefully adorned headdress and finished with fine necklaces of pearl and jade. ● The three costumes appear together on realistic mannequins displayed against a magnificent stage set of burnished gold.

Y: In what ways is the ‘400 Years of Passion’ exhibition designed to bring the operatic art form to a wider audience in the Sultanate – and a younger one too? UF: This exhibition is one of the many ways in which the Royal Opera House succeeds in building the diverse audience base, which is a hallmark of the institution. Even in its first weeks, we are seeing predominately local audiences attending the exhibition. ROHM’s various Education and Outreach programmes, such as the lunch time music series in the Opera Galleria and the ‘Coffee and Dates’ series featuring outstanding personalities, have become increasingly popular with people of all ages. At the same time there are many programmes for children and young adults, such as workshops in the schools led by famous musicians. Students are invited to special matinées and to participate directly in interactive operas designed especially for them, as well as to appear as extras in some of ROHM’s large-scale operatic productions. The Royal Opera House Muscat takes pride in presenting a diverse range of productions which draw patrons, both local and international, of various nationalities representing many different cultures and social backgrounds. ROHM audiences are remarkably balanced and are typically composed of people of different ages, including young people, equally spanning both genders. With a filled seat capacity of about 93% or more, which is unusually high in today’s world of opera, ROHM has wide appeal and it is now considered one of the top ten opera houses in the world. That this appeal includes a good proportion of young people is documented by the ever-growing tens of

The ‘Opera – 400 Years of Passion’ exhibition runs until March 14 at the Royal Opera House Muscat, and is open daily from 8:30 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. FEB 06 - 13 / ISSUE 556

027

Presents In association with

e h t n o s i Y â&#x20AC;&#x201C; s e l p u o c d l e l h a c t a m y l Calling t c e f r e p t s o m e h t r n o a f m t O u o n i k o m o l a e t e f i w d n a d n a husb

028

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

each other. alentine’s Day If you think you know your husband or is just around th corner and love w e ife w el l, is in the air, whi this is yo ur chance to show ch Y Magazine’s ev them in the mos romantic of way er-popular ‘Y’ W means that t s– competition is ba e prizes. “We’re th and win some suitably dreamy ck – bigger and Are Soulmates rilled to have th bette Are you and your e op bring you one of partner more in r for 2019. If you’ve still go the Valentine’s se portunity to lo ve th an ever? t the spark, then an ason’s most hotly tic ipated even we want to hear you as the call fo from says Feroz Kha ts in the spirit of love and roman r contestants be gins. ce n, Director of Sa It doesn’t matte les and Marketin ,” r SABCO Media g for . have been marri whether you’ve just got together ed for 20 years; or “It’s always exci thing is ting to see how that you’ve got th the most important well w know our spouse e right recipe fo s an d there are alway e think we r love and along the all the ingredient s some surprise way – all s for a long life your husband or in good fun. If you think you an s together. w d best couple, and ife could be our top contender Presented by M for then be sure to en itsubishi petition to find ou ter our comMotors, and in a t.” ssoc with the Centara iation M For a chance to Hotel, we’ve got uscat become one of a total of 10 contestants our RO750 worth of in the live fina prizes up l C at en th ta e ra Muscat Hot for grabs. el on February 14 , si m p ly tell us in 50 Couples will have words or fewer a who your soul chance to test th mate is and w eir comhy. Send yo ur answer to ed patibility in fron itor@y-oman. t of an co m by Monday, Fe audience at the bruary 11. ultimate live quiz show. We’ll choose the Entry is open no w and and invite 10 co best answers we’ll be whittlin up g dow part of our exci les to be our pairs to 10 fin n tin g final alist to find out who’ll answer a s series if they reof questions abou t ally are soultheir spouses to mat es. Good prove how luck! well they know

Spo n s or’s Co rner

e sat down with Anthony E. Wright, General Manager of the Centara Muscat Hotel, the ‘Y’ We Are Soulmates’ Associate Sponsor, to learn more about their involvement and community outreach initiatives.

Y: Tell us a bit about the Centara Muscat Hotel brand and what sets it apart from its industry peers? AEW: Centara Hotels & Resorts is dedicated to providing exceptional service in unique and sophisticated environments. As a Thai hospitality management and holding company it places a strong emphasis on providing Thai-influenced hospitality and its inimitably warm and gracious service style across all of its brands, whilst embracing, and maintaining a sense of place in the local environment of each property and resort. Centara Muscat Hotel is the first and only Thai chain in Oman where you can immerse into the colourful Arabian

culture and the convenience and modernity of a smart corporate hub. The new downtown of Muscat, the hotel is located between a five to 15-minute drive from the Muscat International Airport, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre. Y: Why is it important for the Centara Muscat Hotel to be a valued partner and sponsor for the 2019 ‘Y’ We Are Soulmates event? AEW: The world is constantly evolving and perhaps it’s a cliché to say that the only permanent thing in the world is change. Being a valued partner and sponsor for this event pulls us back to why we’re all doing what we are doing, and it’s for our loved ones. We all have our own soulmates, loves of our lives, and partners in crime – and so slowing down from our very busy schedule to recognise them in such a fun and endearing event is quite appropriate, to say the least. Y: In what ways is the Centara Muscat Hotel committed to cultivating its ties with the community in Muscat through events such as ‘Y’ We Are Soulmates? AEW: Centara Muscat Hotel is quite committed to cultivating ties with the community and we have been active in doing so from the time we opened the hotel. There was a time when we hosted orphans for a dinner in the hotel and we are planning an

activity with the children again sometime soon. Participating in events such as ‘Y’ We Are Soulmates is pretty much related to that recognition that your spouse or partner deserves. It’s all rooted back to the family, one cannot express outwards if it doesn’t exist in your core. As the General Manager of Centara Muscat Hotel and working with various nationalities and communities, I make the point that it starts from me onto my team and their respective associates. Y: What are you most looking forward to at this year’s event from a sponsor’s point of view? AEW: We are on our second year of operation and being the venue of the event will be a treat. While this is the first time we’re hosting the event that is now in its sixth series, we’re simply looking forward to having fun with the couples and enjoying the moment of rediscovering their respective spouses. It surely will bring a lot of good memories. Y: Can you share with us any prizes that are up for grabs to our ‘Y’ We Are Soulmates winners and/or runners-up from the Centara Muscat Hotel? AEW: The winner receives a weekend stay in our Business Superior Suite with buffet breakfast at Tiptara, and the runner-up gets a 150-minute ‘Siamese Journey’ couples’ package in the Spa Cenvaree at the Centara Muscat Hotel.

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

029

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

• KIMS Oman Hospital • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Bakery • Shell Petrol Station Al Falaj/Rex Road • Al Falaj Hotel • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Golden Oryx Restaurant • Kamat Restaurant • Toshiba Showroom Ghala • National Mineral Water Ghubra • 1947 Restaurant • Al Hayat International Hospital • Al Maya Hypermarket • Bank of Beirut • Costa Coffee • Crêpe Café • GMC Showroom • LuLu Hypermarket • Moka & More • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Park Inn • Porsche Showroom • Al Raffah Hospital • Stationery Hut • The Chedi Muscat Al Hail • Burger King • Caledonian College of Engineering • Markaz Al Bahja Mall • McDonald’s • Omantel • Starcare Hospital Al Khoudh • Al Fair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Pizza Hut Al Khuwair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Bait Al Reem Mall • Caffè Vergnano • Centrepoint (Splash) • Diplomatic Club • Grand Hyatt Muscat • Harley-Davidson Showroom • HSBC • KFC • SPAR • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading

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

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

Muscat-3 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • Waljat College of Applied Sciences Ruwi • Apollo Medical Centre • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Mega Store – Swarovski Showroom • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • Oman Trading Establishment • Saravana Bhavan Sarooj • Al Fair • Al Masa Mall • City Cinema • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell Petrol Station • VLCC Wellness Sawadi • Al Sawadi Beach Resort Seeb • Golden Tulip Hotel • McDonald’s Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Caribou Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Centre • The Indus Restaurant • InterContinental Hotel Muscat • Jawharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks • VLCC Wellness Sifah • Sifawy Boutique Hotel SQU • Diplomatic Club • College of

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

TOO LATE? DON’T WORRY. GET Y INSTANTLY ONLINE USING YOUR MOBILE DEVICES & PC

Visit www.y-oman.com/current-issue/ No downloading required FOLLOW US ON:

@ytabloid

/ytabloid

www.y-oman.com

/ytabloid

ymagazine

/ymagazine

CARS ADVENTURES

Ad v e n t u r e s

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

LEXUS RE-DUX

Power meets luxury as we slip behind the wheel of the allnew Lexus UX 200 F Sport in this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Drive

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

031

CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

D E ST I N AT I O N C a r s

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

Y- F i

Destination

Wakan Village SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI TREADS CAREFULLY WHEN PASSING ON INSIDER TIPS ABOUT ONE OF THE SULTANATEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOST SCENIC SPOTS 032

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

Gaming

very so often, we are told to be careful what we wish for in case the reality fails to measure up to the fantasy. This can be the case for tourists visiting Oman. Years of dreaming about taking a journey packed with trips to wadis and beaches can be shattered by one simple, adverse experience. This is why I make sure to show anyone visiting the Sultanate around the Wakan village. It’s a sure-shot locale that never fails to evoke a feeling of patriotism, owing to its century-old roots and heritage. And I have never returned with my relatives or friends feeling deflated after a camping trip to the Wakan Village. This was probably why I went to the heart of this ancient village last week during a visit to the outskirts with my cousin and friend (Hitman). Wakan village is just two hours-or-less drive away from Muscat. It’s a straightforward hop for the most part; one that will take you through the cultural hub of Oman, Nakhal. Perhaps it would be wise to blend your Wakan trip with a quick nip to the Nakhal Fort, too. Once you’ve reached the foothills, though, it’s time for you to ditch your vehicle and proceed on foot. Be prepared to take on the environment, for nothing comes easy at Wakan. Sure, you’ve seen the stunning photos of Wakan from the top of Jebel Akhdar, which showcases the pristine lands of Wakan untouched by outside forces. But you’ll have to scale several tens of metres up the mountain to reach the spot for that textbook Wakan photo – the mountains in the background and the village standing out from amid the scenery.

I find myself going at least twice or three times a year. With two companions joining me this time around, I made sure we went right up to the top – even if it meant coping with our our poor stamina as we made our way to the top, one step at a time. Once there, however, you’re in for a treat. Everything from the air to the view is beyond one’s wildest imaginations. Just the thought of how man could scale mountains with rocks and build a whole village is beyond me. And while I could have simply approached the inhabitants of the village for the full story, I demurred and left it for another day. The less you know about Wakan village, the better you can experience it as its mystic aura is truly enchanting. From the people of the land that will wave and smile as you pass them by to the sheer simplicity of the mud and rock houses up on the mountain, there’s much you can experience about Oman from this region. Wakan is also reckoned to be the hometown of figs in the country, with several farmers harvesting hundreds of kilos of the fruit in the months leading up to summer. In fact, the figs are so popular in India, Pakistan and even parts of Europe that you now have tourists going there simply on the pretext of packing some to take home. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that Wakan village has turned into the top attraction in the country; with several tourists trekking up the mountains to check out this ancient village. That said, I hope that all of this attention won’t hamper the rustic feel of this locale that gives it its signature aura.

TRAVEL GUIDE

HOW TO GET THERE Take Route 1 towards Barka and exit at the turn off for Route 13. Pass through Nakhal, and the turn for Wakan will be on your right approximately 13km down the road. Once you get close to Wakan you will need a 4×4 because the path is treacherously steep with sharp curves.

GPS Location of Wakan: N23° 8’ 22.455”; E57° 44’ 7.08”

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

033

FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

he automotive sphere is a volatile one. As it stands today, the SUV market is an ever-expanding one piercing the veins of an otherwise overcast market. A notion of scampering about in a tall-bodied SUV may have put several buyers off in the past but there’s a certain brio to driving around in a car that offers you more bang for your buck. And the Lexus UX joins a clan of vehicles following suit, but stands out for numerous reasons. The main one is its ability to find fresher pastures by being one of the few value-for-money premium prospects you can lay your hands on in Oman. It’s a wonderful proposition that’s only affirmed by how well-crafted the overall package is. This SUV is a sibling – albeit a smaller one – to the NX that we tested a while ago. However, the new entrant may seem a step too far for Lexus

034

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

L E XU S UX 2 0 0 F S P O R T

Team Y takes to the road in an SUV that cuts a dash around town and makes its presence felt on the freeway as they are pushing as many as five SUVs at this current point. But it doesn’t take long to see how the UX blends in with an almost boyish charm with its youthful fascia if rather subdued profile in dimensions. This means you’re greeted with the signature angular headlamps complete with LEDs and daytime running lights, three-dimensional spindle grille, and chisels on the bumper that would give sports car designers a run for their money. Surprisingly, those vents hidden within the crevices assist heat dissipation from the discs (in lower variants). Our F Sport tester, however, excluded them, which meant that in this case they were solely for decoration. That said, what it loses in functionality, it gains in styling. The 18-inch alloys, the swanky blue paint tone that changes colours depending on the angle of the sunlight, and the blacked-out vents complement the fascia. Its side profile is unique too, with character lines that run from the arches to the C-pillar and an extra one that runs across the doors and into the rear wheel arches. Much can be said about the rear, which is completed by a light bar running across the length of the car and which forms a single piece of sculpted lamp to add to the persona. Hop inside and you’ll realise that everything is in tandem with any other Lexus product. Except in our F Sport variant, we also received the mechanical instrument cluster which, upon switching (digital) pages, also moved aside to make space for menu options. It’s a truly phenomenal gimmick that has been picked up from the iconic LFA hypercar that we like

to ogle. You’ll be greeted by an array of gizmos upon entry. The main one is the large 10.2-inch infotainment screen that’s controlled by the traditional touchpad. The latter has come a long way since its early days and makes it easy to access menus while on the move. Surfaces you’d normally touch are all finished in leatherette while the seats are crafted in high-quality leather – both depending on the variant. Tick the options boxes and you’ll even receive sports bucket seats that hug you tightly and offer just the perfect amount of lumbar support and side bolstering. The overall theme within the car reeks of sportiness even if the product sits in another league altogether. Therefore, you also get a thick-rimmed steering wheel, paddle shifters and an

D e s t i n at i o n

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

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

LEXUS UX 200 F SPORT Specifications: • Engine: 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder • Transmission: Direct-Shift Continuously Variable Transmission • Power: 168hp • Torque: 205Nms Front-wheel drive Heads-up display 18-inch alloy wheels 10.2-inch infotainment screen Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist Pre-Collision System 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system Traction and stability controls Parking sensors Reverse camera 8 airbags Steering-mounted controls Blind spot monitoring system

Active Sound Control (ASC) feature that plays a prerecorded hum to enhance the feel from within. On the safety front, you’ll get pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist with steering inputs and a slew of airbags too. We also took a shine to the head-up display that took care of most information (speed, navigation, gear mode, etc). There’s enough space to transport four full sized adults and a smaller passenger in the middle of the rear seat. Head and leg room are plentiful but the rear can get a bit cramped, especially if the front seats are pushed back. Still, it’s not something we’d worry about too much since there’s plenty to keep you cozy. Even boot space is pegged at 615 litres, which is up there with the best in its class. Speaking of class-leading, the UX 200 F Sport packs the same engine that you’ll get in any other UX variant – a 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder engine – that’s just about as fuel-efficient as anything else you’ll get on the market currently. The 168hp and 205Nms of torque ratings won’t win it any awards but there’s plenty of grunt to keep the SUV

in contention with scenarios on the road. Acceleration is brisk with the throttle and the Direct-Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (DCVT) responding quick enough to haul the vehicle towards high speeds on the highway. It’s also a rev-happy motor that can eke every ounce of power and torque across the band. The CVT has the rubber-band effect that we’ve become used to over the years but makes up for it with paddle shifters that can alter ratios while accelerating to unsettle and perhaps even curb the effect. It’s still one of the quietest and smoothest units we’ve tested in a long time. The ride is absolutely sublime with very little vibration and almost no noise entering the cabin at highway speeds. If you couple that with the superb handling dynamics that are down to the adaptive suspension and wellweighted steering, you have yourself a well-mannered sports crossover.

THE 168HP AND 205NMS OF TORQUE RATINGS WON’T WIN IT ANY AWARDS BUT THERE’S PLENTY OF GRUNT TO KEEP THE SUV IN CONTENTION WITH SCENARIOS ON THE ROAD It sits stable in corners (if a bit understeer-y at times) and even manages to offer a bit of liftoff action when pushed beyond its limits. It won’t help but put a wide smile on your face, as a result. Maybe that’s what makes the UX the special crossover that it is. Given the market and the price point it competes in, we’re a tad surprised by how much driver involvement you receive from this newbie. It’s by no means a flagship in the lineup – and it doesn’t try to force its way into becoming one either. That sets the UX 200 F Sport apart from its competitors; its understated character, which by no means is a mark of incompetence. In fact, this may be our favourite crossover of the year already – and 2019 has only just started. Ay caramba!

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

035

CARS ADVENTURES

BEAUTIFUL BRUSSELS

Belgium’s capital is one of Europe’s most classy – and fun – cities.

1. Visit the amazing Atomium for panoramic views over the city. 2. Gaze in wonder at the Gothic splendour of Brussels Cathedral. 3. Ogle at the surrealist works on show at the Rene Magritte Museum. 4. See Europe’s cities in miniature with a wander around Mini Europe. 5. Relax and enjoy the verdant pleasures of the Parc de Bruxelles.

036

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

Destination

Cars

Y- F i

G a m i n g POSTCARDS FROM

David Hughes recommends

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM D

espite being its country’s capital, Brussels is often given a body swerve by tourists who prefer to plump for the medieval splendours of Bruges or Ghent. And its status as the HQ of the European Union (EU) has given it a lessthan-inspiring image, perhaps, of burghers and bureaucracy. But don’t let this put you off. Brussels is a (French-speaking) European capital city that is bustling with joie de vivre. It can also boast a surfeit of stunning architecture, delicious food and drink, vibrant street life, and majestic museums and art galleries. Belgium is a little under the radar compared to its more famous neighbours like France or Germany. However, the approachability of its people (it’s a great place to practise your French) and their open-minded and occasionally quirky outlook on life is endearing. If you go on to explore the country — Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, or Ostend (a seaside town) — the inescapable charm of this small-but-perfectly-formed nation is sure to rub off on you. Brussels is not a huge European capital (its population is 1.2 million), which makes sightseeing very straightforward. As you’d expect in the EU HQ, public transport here is excellent; with bus, metro, and tram almost at your beck and call. Of course, let’s not forget chocolate. Here you’ll find the world’s best. You can drink it, eat it, watch it being made and, of course, buy it. Then there are the waffles, and chips (slathered in mayonnaise), spicy shortbread, and custard flans. There’s no better place than here to indulge, imbibe, and exceed your usual calorie intake. You’ll have earned it after taking in the myriad sightseeing options of this delightful city.

BRUSS

ELS C ATHE

DRAL

My favourite place As I’m a huge Jacque Brel fan, it has to be the Fondation Jacques Brel. Brel was one of the 20

th century’s greatest singer-songwriters, and a leading exponent of the Chanson Francaise genre. A songwriter and musician; his moody and introspective songs were enormously influential as was his delivery of them. This museum showcases his life and work, with memorabilia and films of many of his stirring performances.

Highlights The historical and cultural heart of Brussels is undeniably La Grand-Place. It boasts an array of architectural gems that can’t fail to impress and, was voted the world’s most beautiful square in 2010, ahead of Moscow’s Red Square. The venerable Town Hall is the Gothic masterpiece that presides over it all. Built in medieval times, it has a 96m high tower adorned with a statue of the archangel Michael. You can take a guided tour round the building where the sheer number of chandeliers is illuminating, in every sense of the word. The Maison de Roi, another building of the medieval era, was renovated in Victorian times. Today it houses the Museum of the City of Brussels, were you can ogle tapestries and clothing. Outside and near the square, you will see versions of Brussels’ mascot, the Mannekin Pis – statue of a little boy doing something he shouldn’t (the clue is in the name). The cobblestoned square is where the city’s merchants of yesteryear would have lived, traded, and socialised. Nowadays, it’s the base for tourists working at enjoying themselves, and the most likely basis to start their sightseeing.

S IU M A N D IT T H E A T OM M R FO G E OM E T R IC

Lowlights None. Souvenirs For some vintage retail therapy, head to the Galerie Royales Saint Hubert. It’s still the place to be seen buying something as well as actually doing it. It’s a glazed shopping arcade that was built in the 19th century and offers an estimable array of delights to savour whether shopping or simply taking a breather. Here, you can find cafes, designer boutiques, jewellery stores, and the most impressive, and irresistible chocolateries in the world. Let’s not forget the world-famous lace so be sure to take a few doilies home for your Mum or Gran.

Getting there Oman Air, Etihad, Emirates, and Lufthansa all operate flights to Brussels, with one stop on the way. The flight takes about ten-and-a-half hours.

Where to stay All the world’s top hotel chains have a presence here, and some can be found in some wonderfully

ornate 19th century buildings. With cavernous lobbies resplendent with marble flooring and lit by shimmering chandeliers, these establishments look fit enough to serve Sarah Bernhardt or Oscar Wilde (and probably did). Check out options on Expedia, Kayak, Hotels.com, Booking.com, and Trivago.

MINI EU ROPE T HEME PARK

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

037

-FI

THE TECH IN YOU FRESH BREW

Camping can be a fun way to beat stress but, let’s face it, those hours of trekking and adventure can merit a caffeine fix. Therefore, the Wacaco Minipresso NS is a godsend – it gives you your daily (or hourly!) dose without having to hook it onto a power port. There’s also none of that mysterious compressed air pump action going on here; it’s all done by hand. There’s a semi-automatic piston that you can control to eke out your kind of brew anytime you like. To make life easier, you’ll also get a scoop and a built-in espresso cup. Get it from amazon.com for RO19.2.

D e s t i n at i o n

Cars

Gaming

INTO THE WILD

Y- F I

The Y Geek Squad takes to the great outdoors with gadgets that help you rough it with gusto

STAY AWAY Mosquitoes, stay away! With dengue cases at an all-time high in Oman, it’s ever-so-risky to go camping and not expect to get bitten. But all is not lost, as the Thermacell MR150 Mosquito Repeller, which looks suspiciously like a walkie-talkie, can keep those unwanted guests away. It uses relatively old technology in the blue paper-based and scent-free cards that come with it but redeems itself by extending the range to four or five metres. It does so by scattering fumes across all angles and not just in one direction. You can buy this from amazon.com for RO7.7.

TUNE IN No outdoor adventure is complete without your favourite tunes blaring as you set up your grill. Not only will this ward off unwanted attention from the intrigued faunae but will also help you set the mood for the night ahead. Fitting the bill is the Big Turtle Shell Bluetooth speaker. Aside from looking like a sculpted rock, it will stream music in all conceivable directions to create a 360-degree listening experience at 110db. It’s also IPX-5 water resistant and comes with 16 hours of battery life. Then there’s the built-in charging port that lets you charge all your gadgets obviating separate power banks. It’s all yours for RO65.4 from amazon.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

CHARGE UP

038

THIS ONE’S NOT FOR THE AVERAGE JOES OR THE CASUAL CAMPERS, FOR THE GOAL ZERO YETI 1250 SOLAR GENERATOR PACKS ENOUGH JUICE TO GET YOU THROUGH A MONTH OR SO OUT IN THE WILD. IT MAKES USE OF SOLAR PANELS AS OPPOSED TO POWERFUL KEROSENE MOTORS THAT SPEW OUT FUMES THICK ENOUGH TO HAVE YOU SUFFOCATE – EVEN IN THE OPEN. THE RESULTS ARE STAGGERING AS YOU’LL RECEIVE MORE THAN 400+ HOURS OF CHARGE FOR A 12V LIGHT, 100+ RECHARGES FOR YOUR SMARTPHONE, 20+ RECHARGES OF YOUR LAPTOP, AND ABOUT 12 HOURS OF SCREEN TIME FOR A TELEVISION PER CYCLE. YOU’LL BE REQUIRED TO BUY THE GOAL ZERO UNISEX NOMAD 100 SOLAR PANEL ALONG WITH IT, WHICH PUSHES THE OVERALL PRICE TO ABOUT RO1,484. YOU CAN BUY THIS FROM AMAZON.CO.UK. JULY FEB 0703- -1309/ /ISSUE ISSUE556 327

Swordcrafters

Info Box

Developer: ADAM’S APPLE GAMES Genre: FANTASY/ABSTRACT STRATEGY Platforms: BOARD GAME

The Y Geek Squad finds itself up for a game to get the family together again

amilies are known for crossing swords from time to time. That can range from light ribaldry over TV remote selections to some more serious fallings out. So for the typical family, we at Y think we’ve found the perfect game. Thanks to its strong table presence and 3D building concept, Swordcrafters emerged on Kickstarter as one of the most anticipated family games in 2018. Put simply, it’s a tile selection and placement board game where each player builds a 3D tableau in the shape of a sword, and the player with the best and longest sword wins the game. Each game generally runs between 2030 minutes and can accommodate one to five players.

grouping of sword tiles. The ‘slice’ can be vertical or horizontal. ● After all players finish the slicing phase, the first player selects a group of tiles. The rest follows in order. ● The player who picks the ‘forge tile’ will be the first to cut and select in the next round. ● Following the selection phase, all players slot all their tiles into the hilt. ● When all sword tiles are gone, your blade is compared for length, quality, and magic. Quality, for example, is matching gems on one side of the four-sided sword. The player with the highest victory points wins the game.

The game can also be played solo but who wants to do that with a game this good? With this in mind we put Swordcrafters to the test alongside our hard-to-please siblings. Placing our flashy, colourful tiles across the table we started off beaming – but, as we began to forge our ‘swords’ things got a bit messy. The cardboard pieces are too stiff for How to play? children to assemble their swords – and ● Randomly pick 11 gem tiles (for 1-3 we found our younger players were asking players) or 15 gem tiles (for 4-5 players) for help throughout all of the six rounds. and place them on the table in a grid. And, while we have no complaints ● Add the ‘forge tile’ to the grid. about the sword-crafting concept, we’re ● The first player makes a cut into one afraid that the lifespan of its components

will be short due to the constant wear and tear from the slotting. Despite this, if you’re interested in the game and learning how to shape basic handicrafts, you might want to buy Swordcrafters Expanded Edition which includes the base game, along with three new modules – Sword Mastery, Sword Relics, and Sword Tips, which can be played individually, or combined for a more unique experience. It’s also worth noting that this edition is more advanced than the basic one – and might be too challenging for kids under the age of 13. The Y Geek Squad can safely claim that Swordcrafters deserves a space on your game shelf – assuming you have one! ■

JULY FEB 03 07 -- 09 13 / ISSUE 556 327

039

HEALTH& BEAUTY

LACE IT UP

When you want to ditch the regular denim and tee to dress up like youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the fashion runway, then lace is the way to go. We love this simple, singlecoloured lace frill dress from Littlewoods.

040

FEB 07 11 - - 1713//ISSUE ISSUE407 556

Health

Beauty

FASHION

k o o L he

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

T t e G

We know it’s not shorts season in Muscat but why not buy some now rather than later? White lace gives denim shorts a fabulously fashionable edge. Buy them from Superdry for RO20.

The combination of dark-blue satin and black lace gives a deeper and elegant appeal to this fish-cut dress. It’s perfect for a date or just an outing with friends. We think you should grab it now. Buy it from Lipsy at RO43.

This is such a fun dress to wear! With ruffles and frills, this maxi is 2019’s take on a colonial outfit. Add a mini-lace umbrella to the ensemble and complete the picture. Buy it now from Lipsy at RO47.

Notch up your workwear with this cute white lace top from ZARA. Cotton-rich, it’s perfect for Muscat mornings! Buy it for RO20.

Though we are all in for metallic earrings, these crocheted and beaded earrings from Oliver Bonas are motivating us to wear them with… Yes, you can wear them with everything. Buy them for RO11.

Feathers for frills? Yes, please. We intend to grab a pair of these black strappy feather sandals from ZARA. Hope you do too. Buy them for RO30.

While you are shopping for an ensemble of lace, why not grab this charming hairclip from Lipsy? Pretty and practical, we think it’s a must-buy! It costs RO11.

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

041

HEALTH& BEAUTY

From Russian extensions to the mascara brand you’ll be coveting all year, here are our top beauty picks to keep your peepers popping

Health

BEAUTY

f the eyes are the windows to the soul then our lashes are the perfect pair of curtains. Or so the saying goes. Thick or thin, real or fake; without a doubt our eyelashes are two of our most feature-framing assets. So, whether you’re a tube addict who loves to layer on that extra coat of mascara or prefer to fake it till you make with a pair of feathery falsies, here are some of our fave products and trends to try. Great lengths Take the wand-work out of your morning makeup routine and skip the mascara in favour of some eye-opening extensions that will amplify your gaze. If you’re thinking of jumping on the celebrity bandwagon and going down the Russian route for your falsies, here are some tips before donning these ‘mink’ lashes. Essentially, the Russian lash extension craze is all about maximising what you’ve already got, with 100 per cent synthetic, ultra-soft lashes that can be attached up to six per natural lash for a full, voluminous effect that’s super-feminine. The best part? They last up to eight weeks. But, as they need to be applied by an experienced esthetician, they’ll set you back RO163. Products we love: If you want a similar look without the shocker of a price-tag, Ardell Professionals Magnetic Double Strip Lashes, Demi Wispies will give you that same wide-eyed fringe at a fraction of the cost. Price: RO3.3. (Photo credit: Instagram/@lash_perfect) Tinted love Want that freshly-coated appearance minus the clumps? Consider going for a lash-tint. One of the most low-maintenance, no-makeup ways to make your eyelashes appear darker and fuller, it’s a process that involves brushing a semi-permanent dye directly onto your lashes, with results that last for around a month. While many different kinds of dyes can be used by your esthetician, vegetable-based ones seem to be some of the least harsh. If you want to head to the salon for a pro application, expect to 042

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

Fashion

Home

Family

shell out around RO15.3. Products we love: If you want to go the at-home route, pick up Godefroy 28-Day Non-Toxic Mascara, which comes with a skin-protecting lash shield, and a tiny brush to ensure you get an even coat. Price: RO7.2. (Photo credit: www.marieclaire.co.uk) Perfect peepers This season it’s all about the bold and the beautiful. Keep the focus on your eyes, and the rest of your makeup routine simple with a skyscraping mascara and winged liner that’s nothing less than smouldering. Products we love: When it comes to eye-catching drama it’s all about the volume. Turn it up with a tube of It’s So BIG Volumizing Mascara by Elizabeth Motts (RO5.1) and finish it off with a swipe of liquid onyx with NYX Vinyl Liquid Liner (RO2.6). Take it all off Mistakes happen – and sometimes you’ve just got to stamp them out and start from scratch. Maybe you’ve glued your falsies on wonky, or you’re a chronic plucker who’s rattled loose a few errant lashes. Removing them seamlessly is key to minimising any damage to your natural lashes, or tears to your eyelid’s sensitive skin. Thankfully, there are loads of products on the market to help you do just that although having your extensions removed by a professional is always the safest bet. Products we love: Lash Perfect Easy Lift Gel Remover is your skin saviour. Apply this delicate gel to your lash-line and let it work its magic so you can carefully and effectively remove your extensions, at home. Price: RO5. (Photo credit: www.stylecraze.com)

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

GET A GRIP

Home

Family

Arthritis is not just a condition that affects the elderly. Here, Team Y takes a look at the symptoms to watch out for, and what to do about them

t was the Hollywood legend Bette Davis who once remarked that “old age isn’t for sissies”. Yes, as well as ‘senior moments’, slower movement, deafness, and short-sightedness, our joints are likely to take a fair old battering too. Our ability to reach for things and grip objects suffers as our joints swell up, causing us pain and stiffness, lack of mobility, and not inconsiderable frustration as a result. And this doesn’t just affect people over 65. It can strike at any age, and an extensive campaign to that end has just been launched in the UK by Arthritis Research UK. It can also be a major issue in the workplace, with up to one-in-four people having to give up work early or take early retirement. It’s also believed to account for 20 per cent of doctor’s surgery appointments. But arthritis is a broad umbrella term that covers around 200 conditions, with by far the most common being osteoarthritis, which is caused by ‘wear and tear’ over time. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in your joints gradually breaks down. Cartilage is the tissue that lets your joints move without friction. You might feel pain and stiffness in the back, neck, knees, hips, legs, or fingers, and there is no cure. When you can’t feel or move the joint like you used to or have a grating sensation when you use it, then there’s a fair chance you are suffering from the condition. It’s not just caused by old age. The reasons for it occurring include obesity, family traits, sports injuries, and certain types of jobs. Dr. Samina Azam MD, of the Lee Physician Group in Fort Myers, Florida, USA; says osteoarthritis tends to come in three stages. She says: “The first stage is usually that all of a sudden you’ll have a sharp pain and then

the second stage will be more of a constant pain, which will affect your daily activities. The third stage is a constant dull, aching pain. Doctors say there are things people can do to ease their pain and stop the condition from getting worse. Dr. Azam adds: “Having a healthy weight always helps. If you notice that you’re hurting a little bit and if you know you’re not active, then start doing your exercises.” But if it gets to a point when the pain becomes too much, joint replacement therapy, steroid injections, or surgery are some of the options open to you. Your doctor can advise on these. Meantime, here are some options to discuss with him/her. Hot and cold treatments Having a long, hot shower or bath in the morning can help ease stiffness. Use a hot compress for 15 minutes. To reduce swelling, use an ice pack for 15 minutes. Alternatively, use a hot water bottle and fill it with ice water. Therapy A physiotherapist can devise a program to help you exercise the muscles around the joint to help reduce the pain and increase your mobility. Swimming is a good one to go for. Weight-loss Carrying too much weight puts strain on your joints so it makes sense to try and do more exercise and eat healthily. Medication These can range from over-the-counter paracetamol and Ibuprofen, to prescription painkillers such as the non-steroidal inflammatory drugs Naproxen and Diclofenac. Team Y says: “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: Medical News Today, Healthline, NHS UK, The Mayo Clinic, Lee Health) FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

043

Trend

YUMMY

New Restaurant

Reviews

STREET EATS

Did your favourite Muscat shawarma shop make our list? Here, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re bringing our appetites.

044

FEB 06 - 13 / ISSUE 556

Any way you wrap it, the humble shawarma is an icon in the annals of Middle East street food, with myriad regional varieties vying for top spot in the bellies of the masses. Here are some of our favourite spots in Muscat to grab a mighty wrap of your own

reece has its juicy gyros; Turkey, its iconic doner kebab; Canada, it’s spicy-sweet donair. Any way you carve, slice or slather it, the formula for some of the world’s best street food always boils down to the same set of criteria: it must be fast and simple, it must be flavourful, and you’ve got to be able to eat it on the go. And if there’s one ultimate contender at the tasty top, it’s the humble, hand-held shawarma – a rite of passage to the cuisine of a region as vast as it is diverse. The options (and regional rivalries!) are endless when it comes to what constitutes the perfect shawarma. Maybe you’re a lover of the Egyptian version slathered in tahini; or the Lebanese variety topped with fresh tabbouleh, extra garlic mayo and a handful of fries. While preference is down to a matter of taste, the basic shawarma is – at its most elemental – thinly-sliced shavings of succulent chicken, lamb or beef cooked on a vertical rotisserie, smeared with fresh and/or pickled veg, and topped with a fingerlicking, chin-dribbling sauce – usually tahini, garlic mayo or the more fiery garlic paste. Its construction is about as simple as it gets yet its flavour profile is one that exudes surprising complexity. Foodies are a fiercely vocal lot. Get wind of a good shawarma joint and you won’t stop hearing about it. Know of a bad shawarma spot and, chances are, you won’t stop hearing about it either. Thankfully, Yummy Oman is here to bring you only the best. Would you agree?

Turkish Corner

(Photo credits: TripAdvisor)

Location: Al Dhayafa St., Al Ghubra North, beside the Indian School Muscat Timings: 9:00 a.m. till 2:00 a.m., daily Contact: (+968) 9972-7599 This shawarma stalwart sprang from humble beginnings to reign supreme on Muscat’s foodie scene. It’s not-so secret secret? Simple, flavoursome fare that’s as cheap as chips. Expect line-ups on the weekend for takeaway and table service as the masses come flooding in for helpings of their roasted chicken and shawarma plates and their falafel. Portions are generous, as are the sides of hummus, baba ghanoush and fattoush; and it’s wee-hours closing time makes it a perfect stop on the way home after a night on the town. Must-try: While chicken – roasted, grilled or shawarma-style – is their most-popular menu item. It’s the fluffy-soft, chewy pitta-style bread that makes the whole experience. Made in-house, it’s the perfect vehicle to sop up all those succulent shawarma juices or daub and dip with a fresh bowl of moutabel. Trust us; you won’t be able to get enough of it.

This round-the-clock rotisserie has been carving up some of Al Khuwair’s best shawarmas at pocket-friendly prices for the past ten years. With ample outdoor seating it’s the perfect spot for grab-andgo goodness – and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a meal for two that runs into more than RO10. And while their shawarmas are the stuff of legend, their shish tawook and mixed grill platters are also stellar, while their lamb chops fall off the bone. Must-try: The hummus shawarma plate and Turkish kebab are comfort foods at their finest. Or, amp it up if you’re feeling like a kick to the palate with a portion of their Sikander Donor shawarma.

Photo credits: www.andyinoman.wordpress.com

MUSCAT’S TOP SHAWARMA SPOTS

Location: Al Khuwair, opposite the Radisson Blu Timings: Open 24 hours daily Contact: (+968) 2448-0900

Al Hawas Location: Madinat Qaboos, next to the Al Maha petrol station Timings: 6:00 a.m. till 2:00 a.m., daily Contact: (+968) 2469-9029 A consistent crowd-pleaser among the capital’s foodie faithful, and known for its spicy brand of shawarma, Al Hawas is a family-run establishment that’s been around since 1983. With time on its side, and countless shawarmas served, it still remains one of Muscat’s top contenders for your rials when it comes to cheap and cheerful fare, served fresh. Service is fast and simple, like any good street food locale should be as you can simply drive in, park, and eat. The chicken served in their shawarmas is perfectly-marinated and grilled to a light golden char. Slathered with lashings of their secret house-made spicy sauce and you’re in hand-held heaven. Must-try: No matter what you order, you’ve got to ask for it spicy. And for the vegetarians among you, their Spicy Falafel Shawarma is absolutely top-drawer!

Garlic Mayonnaise Some might argue that a shawarma is only as good as its star condiment – and this simple, zestyzingy garlic mayo ties those flavours all together. Serves: 6 Ingredients: § 6 Tbsp mayonnaise § 2 large garlic cloves, pressed § 1 tsp fresh lemon juice § 1 tsp, plus 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Method: § Whisk mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice and 1 teaspoon oil in small bowl to blend. § Season with salt and pepper. § Garlic mayonnaise can be made six hours ahead. Cover and chill. (Source: www.epicurious.com)

FEB 06 - 13 / ISSUE 556

045

(Photo credit: Selective images courtesy of TripAdvisor)

Wrap battle:

Istanboly

FOOD DRINK

Trend

an R d i

DOSE CAFÉ

Info Box

DOSE CAFÉ

The Walk, Al Mouj Muscat Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. till 12:00 a.m., daily Contact: @dosecafe_om (Facebook) Dinner for two: RO16.7 Verdict : 5/10 SERVICE 5/10 FOOD 7/10 AMBIENCE Coffeehouse fare with a focus on creative blends and indulgent pastries Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

style takeaway box and each bagel on a small wooden chopping board. When we complain, the barista brings an even larger wooden tray and places both smaller wooden trays on top of it. Wondering if we’ve stepped into the Twilight Zone, we grab both bagels and put them onto a single small board along with the pastries. We then elbow our way through the crowd and grab our drinks. Finally seated, we tuck in. The Caramel Explosion is a sickeningly-sweet syrupy mess with no discernible taste of coffee whatsoever. Soggy cake chunks float amidst its milky depths like sad pieces of leftover breakfast cereal. We feel nauseous after a few sips. The oversized bagel buns give an illusion of substance but what lies beneath is a thin layer of cream cheese with a few measly strands of red what to order. onion topped with wilted lettuce…well, we could This is incredibly time-consuming – and makes little sense in an in-and-out coffee shop, as it holds have achieved that at home after a little foraging in the fridge. up the line with each customer taking their time Even the flavour of the Nutella brownie is lost to peruse. As it’s midday (and hot) we opt for two amid an overload of crystallised sugar. Only the iced lattés – as Dose is known for their signature Kinder cookie – a richly-spiced item reminiscent pour-over bevvies. Then, spying something more of a Snickerdoodle topped with pieces of enticing, we cancel the lattés and opt for one chocolate saves the day. of the signature Caramel Explosion cold coffee Unable to get over the figure on our bill, we scan creations. Adding to that, we ask for two bagels it once again, only to discover that we have been with smoked salmon and cream cheese. charged for the two iced lattés we cancelled. When The barista who takes our order seems harried I flag this, we’re told they’re waiting for us at the as they’re clearly understaffed for the amount of service pass. Still craving our as-yet elusive caffeine foot traffic on this day. There are just two staff fix, we take them in lieu of a refund. The milk-tomembers behind the counter preparing orders and cashing-out customers, plus one other person coffee ratio is way out of balance, and we end up turfing them on our walk home, still half-full. frantically clearing tables. Brusquely, the barista Illogical service, poor quality, and overblown tells us that the sandwich option isn’t available and can we please go and select one from the cold case. prices have made for a sub-par experience. Leaving the line-up – and keeping those customers But, sometimes, that’s just the way the cookie crumbles. ■ waiting behind us, we hurriedly grab one of the three sandwich varieties so as not to keep others Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see waiting, and settle on the only bagel option reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com available – cream cheese and onion. The barista takes them from us to heat up in the panini press, and we round out our order with one of their Nutella brownies and a Kinder cookie. We almost send one back after the barista rattles off our bill – RO16.7. Sticker-shock doesn’t even describe our incredulousness. Grabbing a recently-vacated table we wait for our order. After it comes, we’re taken aback once more; this time at the over-packaging. All the items could have easily fitted on one plate. Yet they put the brownie and the cookie in a cardboard pizza-

THIS CONCEPT COFFEE SHOP NOW BREWING AT AL MOUJ LEAVES US WITH A BITTER AFTERTASTE

offee culture in the Arab world is pretty much sacrosanct. It’s little wonder that coffee shops pop up left, right and centre offering a constant slew of innovative concepts marketed towards keeping us caffeinated – at least, in theory. Finding ourselves at The Walk in Al Mouj, we resolve to get our morning fix at the newlyopened Dose Café, a Kuwaiti import. Decked out in industrial minimalist décor, steel cutouts and fixtures are offset by a muted colour palette that’s freshened up by rich wood-beam chairs and planter-boxes that provide a ‘living’ accent wall of artificial foliage. Chemistry ephemera adorns the space in the form of wall stencils of chemical equations and formulae, vibrant tube-lighting in the shape of all manner of beakers and Bunsen burners, and elaborate chemistry-set drip-distillers. It’s all a bit lab-coat geek with hipster undertones, and we see why Muscat coffee-lovers are keen to check it out. There’s a line-up when we arrive, as the Al Mouj Saturday market is still in full swing. It’s a full-house on the outdoor terrace and ditto for the inside seating space. Orders are taken and prepared at a central, circular counter hub, and there’s a cold case with grab-and-go items next to the entrance. Joining the queue, we look for a chalkboard menu or item signage so we can see what to order, as some eye-catching concoctions float by us. Eventually we wonder what the hold-up is. After ten minutes, it’s our turn at the till and it’s only then we discover that there are two iPad menus for customers to scan through and decide

046

FEB 07 - 13 / ISSUE 556

N e w R e s t a u r a n t REVIEWS